Title:  Hey Scully

Author:  S.A. Spooky

E-Mail:  saspooky@hotmail.com

Summary:  Agent Scully dives further into the alien 
conspiracy while looking for her missing partner and 
discovers an unlikely ally.  In her search, she uncovers 
the truth about her pregnancy and is forced into hiding 
across the country.  Special Agent Steven Koskie used with 
permission from O&M



HEY SCULLY
By S.A. Spooky

Scully watched Assistant Director Skinner's back disappear 
through the door of her hospital room.  She opened her 
mouth to call him back - she didn't want to be left alone - 
but changed her mind and blew out a heavy sigh instead.

She was too proud to ask for help.  After all, she was the 
Undefeatable Dana Scully!  She was fine.  She was always 
fine.  She was always so damn fine that she wanted to 
scream!

When Skinner had patted her hand a moment ago and asked if 
she would be okay, what did she reply with?

I'm fine.

Well, she wasn't fine.  Tears came to her eyes as she 
thought of Mulder and she rested her hands on her belly.  
The wonder of it all swirled through her mind for the 
hundredth time in the last ten minutes and the unfairness 
of Mulder being taken away burned her heart one more time.

She blinked back the tears.  'I will not grieve for him 
like he is gone.'  She whispered aloud to feel the 
conviction.  'He didn't doubt me for a moment while I was 
away and I will not doubt him now.'

However, for him to be taken like this, just when they both 
found the courage to find footing in their relationship was 
too much for her to take.  Their ridiculous pride, their 
fear of feelings, finally shoved aside.  What a wonderful 
time it had been, however brief.  Years of one coming to 
the other, the other not ready.  From a tentative kiss 
shared seven years ago, through drifting apart, then 
finally coming together, only to lose it all now.  She 
thought back to the first time she saw Mulder, as his own 
person and not the spooky agent everyone talked about...

Relieved beyond belief that they were only mosquito bites, 
Scully had thrown herself at Mulder and leaned against him.  
She let herself be comforted for a few moments, finding 
herself surprised by the feelings that had been sneaking up 
on her.  She didn't know him, didn't trust him and sure as 
hell didn't believe any of the wild ideas he flung her way.

She stilled her mind and there it was.

Attraction.

The wall went up.  She looked down and gathered her robe 
around her when he asked if she was okay.  Of course, she 
was fine.  She immediately shut him out then berated 
herself for being weak in the first place.  She sat down 
and took some time to gather her wits.

Mulder gave her some space, but when he noticed a tear 
slide down her cheek, he knelt in front of her.

'Are you okay?'  He tried to see in her face, but her hair 
obscured it.

'I'm fine.'

He brushed the hair away so he could look in her eyes.  'I 
don't think so, Scully.'

She met his gaze.  'I don't know what I was thinking, 
Mulder.'  My God, were his eyes always this green?  'Being 
scared by some mosquito bites, how stupid.  This whole case 
has...I don't know.  This whole case has been difficult.  
Maybe I'm just a little afraid of things I can't explain.'

Mulder gave her a grin.  'Welcome to my world.'

Scully didn't return the smile.  She didn't understand his 
mindless devotion to this dead-end assignment, his refusal 
to see any kind of logic, turning instead to fairy-tales 
and folklore.  And somewhere, in one fleeting moment, she 
suddenly throws all her science out the window and believes 
that some bumps on her back are the work of something 
extraterrestrial.

She searched his eyes, thinking of something, anything, to 
say and break this awkward silence.  Ah, his beautiful 
eyes.  There was a lot going on in those eyes.  She saw a 
brilliant intelligence; she saw wisdom beyond his years, 
and she saw desperation.  Pain.  Longing.

She saw that Spooky Mulder wasn't so spooky.  He was just 
hurt.  He was alone.  He was haunted.  Behind the myth that 
was the cunning Spooky Mulder was just a man who was 
searching like the rest of us.  Scully felt an attachment 
to Mulder she could never explain.

She leaned forward and gingerly pressed her lips against 
his.

Scully was jolted out of her memory by a knock at the door.  
She sat up and wiped at her eyes.

'Yes?'

Frohike peered around the door, light reflecting off his 
glasses.  'Just saw Skinner leave, thought I'd check up on 
you.'

Scully smiled at him.  'Come on in.'

He wandered over to stand beside the bed, looking 
uncomfortable.  'I uh, heard about Mulder.  Being taken.  
Disappearing, whatever.'

Scully looked down at her hands on her belly again and 
nodded.

There was silence for a moment, and then Frohike shook his 
head.  'Sucks.'

Despite herself, Scully let out a small snort of laughter.  
Leave it to Frohike to sum up an entire situation in one 
small word.  She gave a slight nod of her head.  'It does 
suck.  As a matter of fact, it sucks big time.'  Tears came 
to her eyes again and she cleared her throat.

Frohike switched his balance from one side to the other.  
'But you're okay?  There's nothing wrong?  Nothing...coming 
back?'

'No cancer.'  She smiled up at him again.  'I'm fine.'

'Scully, you weren't fainting for no reason.  What did they 
find?'

She hesitated, thinking.  Did she really want everyone to 
know?  She herself couldn't explain it.  Was she ready to 
answer all the questions?  She was alone, and frightened, 
and missed Mulder terribly.  She couldn't look into the 
face of reality if her reality was a life without Mulder.  
A single mother forever reminded of her soul mate in the 
small face that would smile up at her.  She was scared out 
of her mind for herself, her child and for him.  She was in 
pain over the fact that he may be in pain.  She wanted and 
needed support.

Tears fell from her eyes as she let the fear envelop her 
body, her heart, and her soul.

'I'm not sure I want everyone to know...'  Her voice 
trailed off.

'I won't tell.'  He said softly, convinced that her 
horrible cancer had come back and she was being the brave 
one yet again.  'I won't even talk if you don't want.  I'll 
just listen.'

She looked at her odd, little friend.  A couple of moments 
went by before she found the courage to whisper.

'I'm pregnant.'

Frohike stared back at her, his face going through 
disbelief, shock, and confusion.  He shook his head.

Scully nodded at him.  'I'm pregnant.'

'But you-' Frohike shook his head again.

'I know.'

'You can't.'

She smiled through her tears.  'I know.'

He shook his head one more time.  Then he smiled.  He began 
to laugh before something settled over his features and he 
looked at her again.

'Does he know?'

Scully looked down again.  'I just found out.'

Frohike slowly put a hand over hers.  'He'll be so crazy 
about this.'

She entwined her fingers with his.

'He won't shut up about it.'  He said.  'He'll drive us 
nuts.'

'I never got to tell him.'  Scully said.  'I just found 
out.  I just found out...'  She trailed off, beginning to 
cry, unable to continue.

Frohike leaned over and put his arms around her.  'It's 
okay.  We'll find him, Scully.  If he doesn't find us 
first.'

She buried her face in his chest, hiding from the world.  
She didn't notice Byers and Langly standing solemn at the 
door.  'I couldn't tell him.'

'It's okay.  It will all be fine.'  Frohike shut his own 
eyes against the tears.

***

The kiss lasted for a few moments before Mulder broke it 
off.

'Scully-'

She immediately stood up.  'I'm sorry-'

'No, no, no.'  He stood up with her.  'I-'

Scully turned and headed for the door, face burning with 
embarrassment.  Mulder put a hand on her shoulder to stop 
her.

'We've both had a long day.  You've had a hard time since 
we've been here.'  He turned her around.  She couldn't look 
up at him.  She was feeling the rejection.

'It's just that...'  He cupped her chin to make her look up 
at him.  'I don't want to screw anything up.'

Scully searched his eyes, she didn't understand what he was 
saying, and slowly nodded.

Mulder, on the other hand, wanted to say so much more.  
That he'd never met anyone like her before.  That he was in 
awe of her intelligence, her beauty.  That he'd instantly 
felt attracted to her because she didn't take any of his 
bravado.

Mulder slid his hands down her arms.  'You know, I've been 
waiting for you to explain your rewriting of Einstein to 
me.'

She smiled up at him.  'Break out the snacks I saw you 
stash in your bag and have a seat.  I could go on about 
this all night.'

They had talked for hours, joking and laughing like they'd 
been friends forever.  The topics ranged from college, to 
childhood, to irritating family members.  When the 
conversation turned to work and their current assignment on 
the X-Files, the atmosphere turned somber.  Mulder felt she 
should be included in on his whole experience when his 
sister was taken.  He wanted her to know why he took on 
such an unpopular assignment to begin with.  Scully thought 
it sounded like a science fiction comic book.

Government conspiracies, tests, aliens...

But she could see that Mulder believed in the scenario one 
hundred percent.  She thought she could glimpse into his 
soul and see his pain and anger of the abduction of his 
sister.  She felt that maybe his guilt had created a need 
to try to solve things that were unsolvable.

'Dana?'

Scully broke out of her memory to see her Mom standing at 
the door.  She started to sit up.  'Mom?  How did you know-
'

'Walter called me.'  She said, hurrying to Scully's bedside 
and gently easing her back down.  'He said it was important 
for me to be here.'

'Damn, Skinner.'  Scully's face let out a small smile.  
'I'm sure he means well but I know you've been a worried 
mess since his phone call.'

'I've been a little concerned.'  Margaret looked down and 
took one of Scully's hands.  'I thought maybe...'

'No, Mom.'  Scully shook her head.  'The cancer didn't come 
back.  This is a bit more complicated.  At least I could 
explain remission.'

Margaret searched her daughter's face.  'You've been 
crying, I can tell.  What is it sweetheart?'

Scully bit her lip and looked away.  She didn't want to 
start the tears all over again.  She felt empty, dried out.  
'It's like the most wonderful gift during my worst 
nightmare.  I want to be happy, but I can't.  I feel full 
of joy, but feel empty at the same time.  And why should I 
be happy if he's not here with me, enjoying this too?'

Margaret was silent for a moment, trying to make sense of 
what her daughter was saying.  'Honey, is this about Fox?'

'Mom.'  Scully's voice was barely above a whisper.  
'Mulder's been taken.'

Margaret's face flashed some fear.  'What do you mean, 
taken?'

'Skinner said that there was a light...That Mulder walked 
into the light and he was...That there was...A UFO and 
it...'

Scully cringed at how this all sounded.  Like she was a 
believer.  The very thought made her cringe.  Thankfully, 
her Mother finished it for her.

'And the flying saucer took him away.'

'Yes, Mom.  But it sounds so crazy.'

'Well.'  Maggie gripped her daughter's hand tighter.  'If 
Walter believes it, then so do I.'

Scully looked away.  'I know.  Skinner's always been as 
cynical about this as I have.'

They were silent for a moment before Margaret spoke up 
again.  'But why are you here, in the hospital?  What has 
happened?'

Scully didn't look at her.  'Mom, I don't really know how 
to tell you this, except for coming right out and saying 
it.'

Maggie's face grew pale.  'What is it, sweetheart?'

'Mom.'  Scully gathered courage, then turned to face.  
'I'm...'

Margaret searched her daughter's face.  'What, Dana?  You 
can tell me.'

'I'm pregnant.'

Astonishment flooded her Mother's face.  She didn't say 
anything.

'Yes, Mom.'  Scully smiled a little.  'I'm pregnant.'

After a few moments, Margaret smiled back.  'Are you sure?'

Scully nodded, tears coming to her eyes again.  'I've had 
them run every test.  I'm sure.'

Her Mom hugged her tightly.  'Sweetheart, I'm so happy for 
you!'

Scully closed her eyes against her tears.  'Oh Mom...'

Margaret pulled away and looked at her.  'Does Fox know?'

Sculled snorted laughter through her crying.  'What would 
make you think its Mulder's?

Maggie smiled at her.  'Because I know my daughter, and I 
know Fox.'

At this, Scully broke into tears all over again.  'Mom, I'm 
so scared...'

Margaret held her daughter while she cried.  'I know you're 
frightened, Dana.  But try to remember that you have lots 
of people that care about you.  And I will be with you 
every step of the way.'

'I just don't understand it, Mom.'  Scully said through her 
tears.  'I wasn't supposed to be able to conceive.'

'Well, maybe the tests were wrong, sweetheart.'

'Not just that, Mom.'  Scully said, pulling away.  'I've 
been on hormone therapy on top of everything else.  There's 
no way I that should be able to get pregnant.'

Maggie stared at her.  'What are you trying to say, Dana?'

'I don't know, Mom.'  Scully said, wiping at her eyes.  'I 
don't know anything anymore.'

Margaret sighed and sat down in a chair.  'What do the 
doctor's say?'

'They are even more clueless then I am.'

Margaret smiled.  'Well, I'm sure they weren't able to 
rewrite Einstein.'

Scully looked back at her and the two exchanged a smile 
before Margaret spoke up again.

'Can I ask you something, Dana?'

Scully eyed her wearily.  'I'm not sure...'

'I know how much you and Fox care about each other.'

'Oh, Mother.'  Scully closed her eyes.

'I just want to see you happy and it seems like ever since 
he came into your life that everything is going wrong.'

'You don't think I've thought about that?'  Scully said 
softly.  'I have, a lot.  I don't blame Mulder.  I was 
assigned to the X-Files.  Believe me, Mulder didn't want 
anyone working with him.'

'I just wonder, sweetheart.'

'And I used to as well, Mom.'  She said, facing her Mom.  
'But Mulder is the most brilliant person I've ever known.  
He is the most passionate person I've ever met.  At first 
he may have seemed selfish and careless and withdrawn, as I 
remember telling you.  But that was because no one would 
actually see him.  They would hear the stories and walk 
away.  But he isn't like that at all.  He care's about me 
because I SAW him.  I KNOW him.  He's my best friend, the 
only person to whom I can say half of the crazy things I 
think.  He would give anything, ANYTHING, to keep me safe.'  
Her voice faded as she realized that Mulder had done just 
that.

Scully took a deep breath to calm down.  Her voice had been 
increasing in volume.  'Mom, I don't think you understand 
all that Mulder has done for me.  He followed me up to 
Antarctica, crawling through ice to find me.  He found the 
cure for my cancer.  He never gave up on finding me while I 
was abducted.  Mulder will always protect me.  He is all I 
have.'

Margaret smiled and pushed hair out of Scully's face.  'Not 
anymore.'

Scully glanced down at her stomach before smiling back at 
her Mom.  'No, I guess not.'

Someone barged through her door without knocking, catching 
both women off guard.

'What the hell happened now?'

Scully looked at her older brother.  'Nice to see you too, 
Bill.'

'Where is he?'  Her brother asked, coming around to the 
other side of the bed.  'He's usually skulking around here, 
looking like the wounded animal.'

Scully held a hand up at him.  'Wait a minute-'

'No, you wait.'  He pointed a finger at her.  'You wait.  
I've been quiet long enough about this.'

'Really?'  Scully looked up at him incredulously.  'When 
was this?  I've always thought you quite vocal about your 
feelings for Mulder.'

'He has brought nothing but heartache to this family.  You 
run around, living in his insane, little world and you 
willingly follow for more.'

'I don't think you know what you're talking about right 
now, Bill.'  Scully said softly.  'I think you should be 
careful.'

'You're telling me to be careful?  You put your life in 
danger every day because of your association with him!  He 
is selfish and insane and cares nothing about anyone.  If 
it weren't for him, you never would have been ill.  If it 
weren't for him, you would still be able to have children.  
If it weren't for him, Melissa would still be alive.'

Margaret stood up.  'Bill, that's enough!'

There was total silence in the room.  Bill stood, staring 
at his Mother defiantly.  Margaret glared back, daring him 
with her eyes to say something else.  And Scully sat there, 
hands resting on her stomach, tears filling her eyes once 
again at the thought that Melissa would never know her 
baby.

'Agent Scully.'

All three looked over to see Skinner standing in the 
doorway.

'Sir.  How long have you been standing there?'

Skinner came all the way in the room and held the door 
open.  'Long enough to know that visiting hours are over 
and you should be getting some rest.'

Bill stared at Skinner for moment, seeming a bit 
embarrassed, then reached down to briefly take Scully's 
hand.  She looked up at him in surprise, meeting his eyes, 
and he turned and walked out.

Skinner closed the door behind him, giving a small shake of 
his head.

'Please excuse my son, Walter.'  Margaret said, smiling a 
bit.  'He's been that way ever since my husband died.'

'Just since then, Mom?'  Scully didn't look up.

'Okay, worse since then.'  Margaret picked up her purse.

'You don't have to leave, Mrs.  Scully.'  Skinner said.  'I 
just didn't want a confrontation in here.'

'Oh, that's okay.  I need to let Dana rest anyway.  I'll be 
by later sweetheart.'  She leaned down and kissed Scully 
and the forward and put her hand on Skinner's arm as she 
walked by.  'Thank you, Walter, for calling me.'

'That's quite okay.'  Skinner said.  'I'll keep in touch.'

Scully marveled at how respectful and pleasant Skinner was 
around her Mom before huffing in exasperation.  'What a 
pompous ass.'

'Agent Scully, do you always insult your superior's?'

'I was talking about Bill.'

'I know that Agent Scully.  I was taking a stab at humor.'

They both stared at each other with stony expressions, each 
trying to bluff the other out, then burst into laughter.

***

Scully sat in the car, debating whether or not to go back 
into the hospital to look for Mulder.  Seeing Harold 
Spuller's ghost in the review mirror certainly didn't give 
her any of the comfort that she thought she'd find in the 
solitude of her car.  She had needed to get away from 
Mulder, needed to repair the gap in the wall between them 
that had started to crack during the last couple of days.

'I know what you're afraid of.'  He'd said.  'I'm afraid of 
the same thing.'

Scully closed her eyes again as the memory relived itself.  
Such a small statement and yet it had moved her beyond 
words.  She wanted to reach out to him in her fear.  Needed 
support from her closest friend.  Yet, her pride stood in 
the way.

A knock on her window caused her to jump and a breathy sigh 
escaped her.  She didn't want to turn and see any other 
ghosts.  Her Father, perhaps, come to get her a little 
early.

It was Mulder.  He was leaning over to look at her through 
the window.  His green eyes were awash in concern.

Scully rolled down the window.  'Mulder?'

'You okay, Scully?'

She swallowed before nodding.  'I'm fine.  What are you 
doing out here?'

He leaned his arms against the window and squatted down.  
He opened his mouth to speak, then smiled.  'You want the 
Mulder answer or you want the truth?'

'Mulder, I thought truth was your middle name.'

'Bartholomew, actually.'  He said with a straight face.  
'You look a little pale, Scully.  What's wrong.'

'You didn't answer my question.'

'An unexplainable psychic flash told me that you were out 
here all alone being swarmed over by Hawaiian elves called 
Menehune.'

She smiled in spite of herself.  'I'm assuming that's the 
Mulder answer.'

'Ah, Scully,' He grinned, 'Please don't tell me you don't 
believe in the Menehune?'

'No, Mulder.  I don't believe you're psychic.'

'I beg to differ.'  He said, giving a slight imperious 
raise of his head.

'Please don't beg, Mulder.'  She said, unable to help a 
big, stupid flirtatious smile.  'It really doesn't look 
good on you.'

'Why Dana Scully.'  Mulder looked astonished.  'If I didn't 
know you better, I'd say you were smiling right now.'

'If it bothers you,' she said, feeling vulnerable, 'I can 
put a stop to it.'

'Now I'd say you were blushing.'  He chided.

'Stop it, Mulder.'

'It's almost of if you were acting like, like normal.'

'Mulder!'

'There she is.'  He sighed heavily.  'Hey Scully.'

There was silence for a moment before she spoke up again.  
'Well if you wouldn't pick on me all the time...'

'I do not pick on you.'  He leaned back a little, holding 
onto the door.  'I play.'

'You do not play.'

'I do too.'

'You pick.'  She said.  'You pick all the time.'

'I do not PICK.'

She turned and looked at him.  'My little feet reaching the 
pedals Mulder?'

He winced.  'Ouch.  That must have stuck for you to be 
bringing it up now.'

'You pick.'

They were quiet again and the silence stretched out.

'I was playing.'  He said again.

'Mulder, why are you out here?'  She looked him in the eye.  
'You're so good at dancing around things.'

He seemed confused for a moment.  'I don't believe you've 
ever seen me dance, Scully-'

'MULDER!'

He trailed off into laughter.

'Why Fox Mulder,' she mimicked, 'if I didn't know you 
better I'd say you were laughing.'

He laughed harder.

She stared at him, then smiled.  'There's something you 
don't see everyday.'

'I'm sorry.'  He said through his giggle.

'No, no.  I like it.'

'Really?'  He ran his hands through his hair.  'I always 
thought my laugh sounded like a horse.'

'Oh I don't know, Mulder.'  She looked at the windshield.  
'You seem more like a horses ass to me.'

He burst into laughter again.

'Well, maybe you do sound a little like a horse.'  She 
said.

'Now you're picking on me.'

'I'm PLAYING.'  She stressed.

'How rude.'

'Oh what a hypocrite!'  She screeched.

He started laughing harder, this time she joined him.

'Now that,' he pointed at her, trying to talk through his 
fit, 'was a girly screech.'

'Your point?'  She glared at him.

'Agent Scully doesn't screech like a girl?'  He raised an 
eyebrow at her.

'Agent Mulder doesn't usually laugh at my jokes.'  She 
returned his gaze.

'You never make any!'  It was his turn to raise his voice 
playfully.

'Whatever.'

'Ah,' Mulder pouted a little.  'Scully's giving up.'

'What?'

'Whatever.'  He imitated her.  'That's the give-up.'

'It is not.'  She said.  'It's indifference.'

'If telling yourself that makes you feel better-'

'"Whatever" means that I'm done with you now.  That it's 
not worth my time.'

He stood up.  'You're just angry that I won.'

'You did not.'  She leaned out the window to look up at 
him.

'Think I did.'

'You thought wrong.'

He held up a hand at her.  'Whatever.'

She burst into laughter.  He smiled and put his hands in 
his pockets, watching her laugh.  She looked back up at 
him, smiling.

'I think my work here is done.'  Mulder said.

'You came out here to cheer me up?'

'Did it work?'

She smiled again.  'Yes, I think it did.'

'Then that's why I came out here.'  He said.

She paused.  'Is that the Mulder answer?'

He looked down at the ground and kicked a rock.  'Kinda.'

'The innocent boy act comes into play.'  She mocked him.  
'Is there something wrong Mulder?'

He shrugged.  'I just didn't like the way we left things 
earlier, you know?'  He looked up at her.  'I didn't like 
the way you left.'

'Did you think I was angry with you?'

'No.'  He shook his head, looking at the ground again.  'I 
just felt like, I don't know...Unresolved.'

'Unresolved.'

'I could have said more.'  He glanced at her quickly before 
looking away.  'I didn't want you thinking I didn't, care.'

There was a beat of silence before she spoke up.  'Mulder, 
I know you care.  You've been very supportive about my 
cancer.'

'It's not just that, Scully.'  He said softly.

'Then what is it, Mulder?'  She suddenly couldn't look at 
him anymore.  She felt on the verge of tears and didn't 
know why.

Mulder didn't answer, and when she looked back at him, he 
was still, staring down at his shoes.

'Mulder?'  She asked.  'What is it?'

He shook his head, but still didn't answer.

She sighed and got out of the car.  She closed the door and 
leaned against it, crossing her arms.  'We can stand here 
all night, if you'd like.  I know you came out here for a 
reason.'

'To cheer you up.'  He said, not averting his gaze from the 
ground.

Scully studied him.  'I thought that was the Mulder answer.  
Why can't you talk to me?'

A moment of silence stretched out.  Scully was just about 
to get back in the car when Mulder did something that 
caught her quite off guard.  He suddenly clucked like a 
chicken.

'Mulder?'  She took a closer look at him, only to hear him 
cluck again.  She stepped up to him and gazed into his 
face.  'Mulder, why are you clucking?'

'I'm searching my soul.'  He suddenly looked up at her.  
'Let's get some dinner, Scully.'

'Dinner, Mulder-'

'Oh come on, come on.'  He took her hands and pushed her 
towards the car.  'I'm buying.'

She regarded him skeptically.  'You're buying?'

'Yes,' He said, opening her car door for her.  'I'll even 
let you drive.'

'And we're not going to that horrible place that brings 
their coffee in those big Styrofoam cups?'

'No, let's go to that Thai place over by Fourth.'

'Thai Racha, Mulder.'  She smiled over at him.  'That's my 
favorite.'

'Agent Scully.'

Scully jerked awake in the car to find them in front of her 
apartment building.  She suddenly remembered where she was.  
Skinner was driving her home from the hospital.

'We're here.'  He said, getting out to open her door.

Scully didn't want to leave the wonderful memory she was 
sifting through.  She wanted to relive the entire evening 
she was just remembering.  She closed her eyes for a few 
moments more until Skinner opened her door and held his 
hand towards her.

'Thank you, Sir.'

He walked her up to the door.  'Will you be alright?'

'I'll be fine.'  Scully nodded.  'I'm just going to sift 
through my mail and make something to eat.'

'Why don't you let me take care of dinner, Agent Scully.'

Scully smiled, she really didn't want to be left alone.  
'Are you sure?'

'To be quite honest with you, I'm not in the mood to go do 
piles of paperwork.  I'll go pick something up, what do you 
feel like?'

Scully smiled to herself before looking up at him.  'I'd 
really love some Thai food.'

***

'Are you sure there's no meat in this?'  Scully asked, 
digging through her Phad Thai.

'I asked for vegetarian Phad Thai, three stars.'  Skinner 
said.  'Since when do you not eat meat, Agent?'

'Since I'm pregnant, Sir.'  She dug her chopsticks into the 
noodles.  'There's a lot of hormones and antibiotics in 
meat.'

'There's organic meat that's hormone-free.'  Skinner said.  
'My wife wouldn't eat anything else.'

'I doubt Thai Racha uses it.'  Scully replied, stuffing 
noodles into her mouth.  She rolled her eyes.  'I looooove 
Phad Thai.'

'So, you had all the tests run?  Everything's fine so far?'

She nodded, chewing.  'Everything seems normal.  What's 
wrong?'

Skinner's whole head was bright red; he had stopped chewing 
and was staring over at her.  Suddenly, he reached for his 
tea, nearly knocking over her water.  'Holy shit!'  He 
exclaimed, draining his glass.  

Scully began to giggle and rushed to her refrigerator to 
get him a beer.  'It's the only thing that works.'  She 
laughed, opening it for him.

He took some huge swallows.  'My mouth is on fire, my God!'

She sat back down.  'How hot did you get it?'

Skinner took another drink.  'Five stars.'

Scully set her chopsticks down.  'A little brave tonight?'

He smiled at her.  'A little macho tonight, couldn't have 
you eat something more manly then mine.'

'The first time Mulder had Thai food, he did the same 
thing.  He nearly choked to death on his food.  All the 
waiters were gathered around the table...'  She began to 
laugh.  'Everyone was handing him all their drinks, he 
couldn't get them down fast enough.'

Skinner was laughing too.  'I think I remember that night.'

She pointed her chopsticks at him, her eyes wide.  'You 
were there that night, I completely forgot.'

'Yes, you told me about it later that night, when we ran 
into each other at-'

'That Japanese bar.'  She finished with him, both of them 
laughing.

***

'So, are you okay now, Mulder?'  Scully smiled up into his 
face.

'I am never taking you out again.'  Mulder replied.  'Every 
time we go out to dinner, you try to kill me.'

She slapped his arm playfully.  'I do not!'

'What about that time we were working that case in Seattle?  
You had to go to that Cajun place.'

'The Ragin' Cajun.'  She said innocently.  'What about it?'

'The Jambalaya's great, Mulder!'  He mocked her.  'Not 
spicy at all!'

'It wasn't!'

He turned towards her.  'I had blister's in my mouth!'

She started to laugh.  'No you didn't, big baby.'

They were taking a walk after dinner.  Mulder felt he 
needed the cool air after his spicy meal.

'Hey Scully.  You wanna get a beer?'

She shrugged.  'Sure, sounds good.'  Scully was glad the 
evening, which had started out so horribly, was turning out 
so nice.  They hadn't done this sort of thing in a long 
time.

He took her hand.  'I know a great little dive just up the 
street and I'm not really ready to go home just yet.'

'A dive?'  Scully smiled.  'You must be moving up in the 
world.'

Mulder dropped her hand and held his up at her.  
'Whatever.'

The dive turned out to be a Japanese Karaoke bar.  They 
took a table in the back of the smoky, dark room and leaned 
in close to hear each other over the horrible screeching of 
the singers.

'I don't know, Mulder.'  Scully said.  'I've never had sake 
before.

'You, Scully?'  He was pouring their drinks from a small 
carafe.  'Miss Educated?  Miss Cultured?  Miss Traveled The 
World Three Times Over?'

'Okay, Mulder.'

'Miss I'll Eat Anything Passed My Way?'

'You're picking again.'

He handed her a glass and clicked his against hers.  
'Cheers.'

'Cheers.'  She watched him take it as a shot, then did the 
same.

'Yeah!'  Mulder said loudly, slamming his glass down.

'Oh yeah.'  She said a little less enthusiastic, grimacing.

'How is it?'  He asked her.

'Strong.'  Scully replied.

'Then let's have another!'  He refilled their glasses.

A few carafes and couple of beers later, they were giggling 
at everything.

'I never knew you were in Japan, Mulder!'

'Only for a month.'  He said.  'I followed someone there.'

'Someone you thought was involved in your sister's 
kidnapping?'

Mulder burst into laughter.  'No silly.  Always thinking 
work.'  He reached out and touched the end of her nose.  'I 
followed a girl.'

'A girl?'

'Well don't seem so surprised, Scully.'  He took another 
swallow of beer.  'She was a student at Oxford.  Japanese.'  
He leaned in and whispered.  'Her father didn't like me so 
she cut it off.'

'Oh.'  She said, unsure what to say to his uncharacteristic 
revealing of his past.  She suddenly decided that she 
wanted more behind the mysterious man and smiled at him.  
'So what else don't I know about you, Mulder?'

'I think it's your turn, Scully.'  He said, leaning in and 
smiling.  'Truth or dare.'

'What?'  She grinned back at him.  'Truth or dare?'

'Come on!'  He smiled.

'No.'  She looked away, laughing.  'I am not going to play 
truth or dare with you.'

'Oh come on!'  He sank back in his chair.  'What's wrong?  
Chicken?'

Scully shook her head, smiling.

'I'll start clucking again.'  He warned.

'Truth.'

'Are you a virgin?'

'Mulder!'  She looked at him wide-eyed.

'What?  It's not National Security.'  He appeared to think 
for a moment, then laughed.  'Well, I don't know, maybe it 
is...'

'No, I'm not.'  She glared at him.  'Happy now?'

They sat in silence, listening to someone wrap up 'The Way 
We Were.'

'Your turn, Mulder.  Truth or dare.'

'Dare.'

Scully seemed surprised.  'Dare?'

'Of course.'  He took another swallow.  'I ain't no fool.'

'We'll just see about that.'  An evil grin spread across 
her face.  'I dare you to go sing.'

'Sing?'  He looked at the stage.  'Up there?'

'Where else?'  She asked.  'Let's see you do it.'

He was silent for a moment, contemplating, and had another 
swallow of beer.

She leaned across the table.  'I double dog dare you.'

He stared back at her for a moment, then put his beer down.  
'Oh no you didn't.'  He said, standing up.

Scully stared, open-mouthed, as Mulder took the stage.  Was 
he really going to do this?  Her quiet, low-key partner, 
singing?

Mulder stood on the stage and entered his selection into 
the machine.

Right Said Fred soon started playing with 'I'm Too Sexy'.

Scully couldn't laugh, couldn't talk, she merely sat there, 
staring at her partner.

He was dancing around the stage like a fool, singing.

'...I'm too sexy for your party, too sexy for your party, 
no way I'm disco dancing...'

At this, Mulder did a pathetic, drunken imitation of John 
Travolta in 'Saturday Night Fever'.

Scully began laughing so hard, she had to clutch her 
stomach and bend over.  She was laughing so hard no sound 
came out.  Was this really Mulder?  He was so funny; he was 
so cute, so sexy.  He was so...  Drunk.

She burst into laughter all over again as Mulder began 
walking the 'Catwalk', modeling his lovely suit.

'Agent Scully?'

She looked up in the middle of her laughter to see Skinner.  
He was staring between her and all the empty beverages on 
their table.

'Yes, Sir.'  She said, tears running freely down her face 
from laughing at her idiotic partner.

'Agent Scully, what on earth are you doing?'  Skinner 
caught sight of Mulder, prancing around the stage, and he 
held up a hand.  'Nevermind, I don't want to know.'

'Come here often, Sir?'  Scully flashed Skinner a smile.

'No, I saw your car and just wanted to check in.  Thought 
maybe you might be on a case.'  He looked back up at Mulder 
and shook his head, nearly cracking a smile.  'Hard night?'

'Hard liquor.'  Scully patted the chair next to her.  'Have 
a seat.  Want some sake?'

'Thank you, no.'  Skinner signaled the waitress and pointed 
at Scully's beer, ordering another round.  'If I started in 
on the sake, Mulder and I'd both be up there, singing 
'Ebony and Ivory'.'

Scully laughed again, nearly spitting out beer in the 
process.

'Why, Assistant Director!'  Mulder exclaimed, making his 
way to the table.  'What an unexpected pleasure!'

'Nice gig you got there, Agent Mulder, thank you Miss.'  
Skinner tipped the waitress as she put the beers on the 
table.  'Planning on taking that one on the road?'

Mulder plopped down in his chair.  'And leave this 
luxurious life?'

'I'll drink to that!'  Scully said, holding up her beer.

'I've noticed you'll drink to anything, Scully.'  Mulder 
said.

She turned her face to one side and held up a hand.  
'Whatever.'

Skinner snorted some laughter.  'You are off duty, right 
agents?'

'God, Sir, I really hope so.'  Scully said.  'My boss can 
be a real-'

'Alright, Agent Scully.'  Skinner interrupted, raising his 
beer as well.  'I've heard that rumor too.'

Mulder followed suit and the three knocked the bottles 
together.

***

'God, what a hangover I had.'  Scully said.  'I swore I'd 
never go anywhere with Mulder again.'

'I'm surprised we all managed to make it in the next day.  
We didn't get home until three in the morning.'  Skinner 
smiled, his eyes lost in the memory.  'Then we had that 
meeting the next day.  I cannot imagine what the three of 
us looked like.'

'I nearly fell asleep.'  Scully said.

'Mulder did!'  Skinner burst into laughter.  'I kept 
kicking him under the table.'

She nodded, joining in.  'So did I!'

They both laughed harder; Skinner took off his glasses and 
polished them.  'I still have no idea what that meeting was 
about.  I don't think the three of us together said more 
than ten words.'

They were quiet for a moment, and then Scully burst into 
laughter again.  'It was about our expenses.'

'Oh God.'  Skinner said.  'Then I'm glad I don't remember.'

It took a couple of moments to quiet down.  They both fell 
into silence, thinking about Mulder.

'Damn, Dana.'  Skinner said, not looking at her.  'I'm 
sorry.'

'Sorry for what, Sir?'

'For losing him.'  He said softly.  'It just happened so 
fast.  He was there, then he was gone.  I went to protect 
him, but I still lost him.  I don't know how.'

'Don't.'  Scully reached across the table and put her hand 
on his.  'We will find him.  I know we will.'

'I just can't believe the timing.'  Skinner shook his head.

Scully smiled wryly.  'I agree with you on that point.'  
She released his hand and sank back into the chair.  'I 
just don't know where to start.'

'I'll make some calls tomorrow.'  He nodded.  'Poke 
around.'

'I guess I can pay a visit to the Lone Gunman.'

'The three stooges?'  Skinner smiled before there was a 
soft knock at the door.

Skinner motioned for her to stay where she was, and went to 
the door, pulling out his gun.  'Who is it?'

'Alex Krycek.'

Scully stood up.  'What the hell is he doing here?'

Skinner opened the door, but didn't put the gun away.

Krycek gave Skinner a nod and looked over at Scully.  'I 
need to talk to you.'

This was the person they thought killed Mulder's father.  
This was who they believed was responsible for Melissa's 
death.  This was who they believed had been plotting 
against them from the beginning.  Could she really invite 
this man into her home?

All things were coming down to this moment?  Everything 
she'd done until now had led her here?  What was she 
supposed to do?  There were two answers, one right and one 
wrong.  But which was which?

She studied Krycek.  His eyes were red and raw, his 
expression desperate.  He had never looked as human as he 
did now.

'Have a seat.'  She gestured at the empty chair across from 
her.

Krycek hesitated in the doorway, staring back at her; an 
odd look covered his face.

Scully returned his gaze, wondering about the confused 
expression Krycek was wearing.  She suddenly had the 
feeling that something was happening, something important.  
Something was changing.  Something had just spun something 
off in another direction.

Something.

She didn't know what had just happened.  She couldn't put 
her finger on it.  She felt odd, detached from herself.  
She suddenly knew that something had changed.  Something 
had happened.

Something important.

Skinner cleared his throat.  'If you're waiting for an 
invitation, Krycek.  I think you just got it.'

Krycek blinked, breaking the staring contest between them.  
He stepped into the room and Skinner closed the door behind 
him.

Scully sat down at the table and eyed him as he crossed the 
room.  'What can I do for you?'

'This is all wrong.'  Krycek shook his head and pulled out 
the chair.  'This is all terribly wrong.'

'Which part?'  Skinner asked, moving to stand behind 
Scully.  With Scully's pale face under the bright light of 
the lamp, and Skinner standing in the shadows behind her, 
he looked like an avenging angel.

'All of it.'  Krycek said.  'Mulder being taken, you being 
pregnant, Cassandra Spender...'

'How did you know?'  Scully looked stricken.  'I've hardly 
known for-'

'How do you think you got pregnant in the first place?'

Scully was silent; she sat staring horrified across the 
table at him.  Krycek watched dawning realization spread 
across her face.  She slowly began to shake her head.

Skinner put a hand on her shoulder.  'What are you talking 
about, Krycek?'

'Haven't you figured it out, yet?'  Krycek looked from one 
of them to the other.  'Mulder's been talking for years, 
neither of you ever bothered to listen?'

'Mulder has said a lot of things.'  Skinner said.  'When 
you put everything together, it makes no sense.'

'It makes perfect sense.'  Krycek said softly, a small 
smile of disbelief on his face.  'Don't you see?  This has 
all been orchestrated perfectly, from the beginning.  The 
grand scheme, the master plan and we all have our parts to 
play.  We're all pawns in their universal game of chess.'

'Are you suggesting that I was assigned to the X-Files as a 
part of this master plan?'  Scully swallowed a rising lump 
in her throat.  'That I was set-up?  That my course of life 
has been carefully laid out for me?'

'That's exactly what I'm suggesting.'  Krycek said softly.  
'Your life, mine,' he looked up at Skinner, 'even yours.'

The Assistant Director scowled.  'What?'

'I don't believe you.'  Scully whispered.

'Why would I lie?'

'I don't know, Krycek.  Why would you lie?'  Scully raised 
her voice.  'Why have you been lying all these years?  Why 
have you been playing both sides?'  She was almost shouting 
now.  'What is it you do back there in the shadows that you 
find so important to kill for?'

Skinner put his hands on both her shoulders.  'Easy.'

'How can you say that, Sir?'  Scully turned around to look 
up at him.  'This man has plotted against us for years.'

'And arguing about all that now isn't going to change 
anything.'  Skinner said.  'We need our own plan.'

'And you would trust him, now, Sir?'  Scully said quietly.  
'Because you really trust him?  Or because he has the Nano 
Palm Pilot?'

Skinner stared down at her and Krycek glared up at Skinner.

'Mulder told me he could read everyone's thoughts while he 
was ill.'  Scully whispered.  'I thought he was 
experiencing hallucinations, but by the look on your faces, 
I guess he was right.'

There was silence all the way around the room.  It 
stretched out for several minutes.  Finally, Krycek cleared 
his throat.

'I will give you the controller back, it means nothing 
anymore.'  He was avoiding their eyes.  'We can have the 
Nanotechnology removed, but we'd have to stage something.  
I don't want them knowing I've been in contact with you.'

'This change of heart is suspicious.'  Skinner said.  'The 
last time you came to us for help, Agent Mulder 
disappeared.

'I have been just as misled as everyone else has, if not 
more.  I have sacrificed others and myself for a cause that 
never existed.'  He looked up at the two of them, across 
the table.  'I see no reason for you trust me now.  But 
events are taking place.  The men in charge are deluded.  
Everything is spiraling out of control.  Something must be 
done.'

'This is all very noble of you, Alex Krycek.'  Scully said.  
'You're throwing regrets around and expect us to roll over 
for you.  But you've given me nothing.  No reason to trust 
you.  No reason to believe you.  How do I know that I'm not 
the pawn in your master plan.'

Krycek sighed.  'You've never recognized me.  There were 
times when I thought you had.'

A feeling of dread settled over Scully.  'What are you 
talking about?'

'You said you were recruited out of medical school.'  He 
replied.

She was silent for a beat.  'I was.'

'You remember Edward Logan?'

Scully's eyes flicked back and forth as she reached back to 
so many years ago.  'Edward, blonde hair, blue eyes, we 
went out with a couple of other students for beer 
sometimes...'  She suddenly looked up at him, her face even 
paler than usual.  'Oh my God.'  Her eyes were wide, her 
mouth slightly open.  'He was you.'

'From the beginning, Agent Scully.'  He smiled sadly at 
her.  'They've been living our lives from the beginning.'

'From the beginning.'  Scully repeated.

'They put me in medical school to recruit a scientist.'  
Krycek said, rubbing his hand over his eyes.  'Someone who 
was logical, rational, brilliant-'

'Stop it.'  Scully whispered.

'You were the smartest in the class.'  He went on.  'You 
were never afraid to argue your point, with anyone.  
Remember that time some of us went to that seminar on 
Quantum Physics?'

Scully nodded.  'I remember.'

'You grilled the lecturer, what was his name?'  Krycek 
asked.  'Dr.  Adams?  Dr.  Arlen?'

'Avery.'  She whispered.

'Yeah.'  He smiled.  'Avery.  Totally rude man.  
Condescending as all hell.'

Quiet once again engulfed the room.  You could hear the 
ticking of the clock on the kitchen wall.  Scully stood up 
and rested her hand on the back of a chair.

'So you've been using me from the beginning?'

'No.'  He looked her full in the eyes.  'Not me.'

'You picked me out.'

'I picked the smartest.'  He stood up to face her.  'I 
picked out the person who was able to bring Fox Mulder 
down.'

'Bring him down?  Scully exclaimed.

'Mulder had been guided towards the X-Files.'  Krycek 
walked around the room.  'His father had hoped that when 
he'd find what was out there, he'd want to help the cause.  
But Mulder didn't.  He only wanted to expose them.  And 
that couldn't happen.'

Skinner held up a hand in question.  'Mulder was led to the 
X-Files then brought down because he chose to believe in 
them?'

'Think on it, Assistant Director.'  Krycek said, turning to 
face them.  'Millions of people, learning of the existence 
of alien life?  Alien life far more intelligent than ours?  
Alien life whose sole purpose is to wipe us off the planet, 
to use our bodies to populate the earth with monsters?'

'There'd be mass hysteria.'  Skinner said softly.

'At best.'  Scully answered.

'Mulder wanted to expose all that.'  Krycek said.  'He made 
it quite clear when he was given the choice.'

Both Skinner and Scully rapidly glanced back at him.  'What 
choice?'  They asked in unison.

'That's the reason you were assigned to the X-Files, Agent 
Scully.'  Krycek smiled again.  'Mulder never told you 
that?'

'Told me what?'  She whispered.

'He was approached.  He was offered a deal.'  Krycek sat on 
her couch and casually crossed one leg over the other.  'He 
was offered a choice, to work alongside us.  He didn't take 
it.  He wanted to expose us instead.  He given the choice 
to join or fight against us.'  Krycek shrugged.  'He chose 
to fight.'

'And so I was assigned as his partner to bring him down.'  
Scully closed her eyes.  'I thought I was assigned to the 
X-Files because of my scientific expertise.'  She said.  
'Because of my mind.'

'You were assigned because of your mind.'  Krycek replied.  
'You were brought on to debunk the X-files.'

Skinner came around to stand on the other side of Krycek.  
'Mulder knew he was being assigned a partner to discredit 
his work?'

'He knew he was being assigned a partner.  He didn't know 
who it was going to be, or why.  Although I'm sure he 
suspected.'  Krycek smiled.  'Mulder was always the 
smartest guy around.'

'Do you know where Agent Mulder is?'  Skinner asked softly.

'All I know is he's with his father.'  Krycek replied.

'His father?'  Scully whispered.

'His father is dead.'  Skinner said harshly.

'You must be referring to Bill Mulder.'  Krycek said.  
'That is not Mulders father.'

'What?'  Skinner and Scully both exclaimed.

'Bill Mulder was the most influential mind in the group and 
therefore the most expendable.  He did what he needed to 
do.  He took in some of the experiments, the children of 
the experiments, and claimed them as his own.'

'You are suggesting that Bill and Tina Mulder aren't 
Mulder's parents?'  Skinner asked as Scully sat down 
heavily in the chair again.

'Bill and Tina Mulder were both unable to have children.'  
Krycek sighed, shaking his head.  'The result of a test 
gone horribly wrong.'

'If this is true,' Scully said, 'then who are his parents?'

'The Spenders.'  Krycek replied.

It seemed as if time stood still in Scully's kitchen.  
Skinner looked over at her, his usual stoic expression 
actually showing great disbelief.  Scully could only stand 
there, swallowing repeatedly as she tried not to be knocked 
down by the overwhelming information.

'Cassandra Spender.'  She said softly.

'Yes.'  Krycek confirmed.

'And Cancer Man?'  Skinner asked.

Krycek nodded.  'Yes.'

Now it was Skinner's turn to pull out a chair and slowly 
sit down.  'I guess it make's sense.'  He said.  'Mulder 
should have been dead a dozen times over by now.  A father 
cannot kill his own son.'

'What about Jeffrey Spender?'  Scully asked.  'It was 
rumored that he was killed by the group.'

'He's not dead.'  Krycek said.  'He's working with the 
others now.'

Scully put her hands over her face and leaned back in her 
chair.  'What am I supposed to believe about anything.  
It's all lies.'

'It hasn't been lies, Agent Scully.'  Krycek shook his 
head.  'It's just been a matter of letting you guess.  You 
go off in one direction and form your own truth's and those 
truth's are usually only a fraction of what's really going 
on.'

'Like I said before,' Skinner jumped in, 'when you put it 
all together it makes no sense.  I could use another beer.'  
He stood up and glanced down at Scully.  'Do you mind?'

'Not at all.'  She paused, looking over at Krycek.  'Beer?'

He softly laughed in response.  'Yes, thank you.  Seems 
strange to be sitting at your kitchen table, having a beer 
with the Assistant Director.'

'Not as strange as it seems to me.'  She replied, not 
smiling.  'I'd join you if I could.'

'Can I get you anything?'  Skinner returned with the beers 
and handed one to Krycek.  'Water or something?'

'I'm fine, thank you.'  She turned her attention back to 
the mysterious figure in front of her.  'What role do you 
play, Alex Krycek?'  Scully asked.  'How is it that you're 
so informed.'

'I've always been informed.  I was brought up knowing 
exactly what I was.'  He said softly.  'In some ways I 
think it was a lot better than believing the lie.  Mulder, 
Samantha, Jeffrey, they were given a semblance of real life 
to go by.  I never was.  I know I was conceived in a lab, 
genetically altered.  I know I wasn't a child conceived for 
the sake of love, or a family or anything else.  I was 
created purely for the sake of trying to save the human 
race.'  He took a deep swallow of his beer and stared back 
at their blank faces.

'Can you maybe start at the beginning of this?'  Scully 
asked.

'That would take forever.'  He said back to her.

Skinner huffed in exasperation.  'Then give us the cliff 
notes.'

***

The three of them sat around the table for an hour or so, 
conversing back and forth, drinking beer and breaking out 
the leftover Thai food.  Skinner and Krycek were hungry, 
but Scully had no appetite after trying to digest what she 
was hearing.

'Let me simplify this.'  Skinner said, pointing chop sticks 
at Krycek.  'When the aliens first made their intention of 
colonization clear, the Syndicate began genetically 
altering humans to withstand the virus.'

'The virus being how the aliens will spread.'  Krycek said.

'Mulder, Jeffrey, Samantha and you, were the first wave of 
children to be experimented on.'

'We couldn't withstand the virus.'  Krycek elaborated.  'We 
merely had some extraterrestrial characteristics, and each 
of ours was different.'

'And now not only has science grew by leaps and bounds, but 
there is a lot more known about the aliens and the virus.'  
Skinner said.

Krycek nodded as pieces of a vegetarian spring roll fell in 
his lap.  'Yes.'

'Forgive me,' Skinner said, 'My medical and genetic 
background are a bit lacking.'

'It's quite simple.'  Scully spoke up for the first time in 
awhile.  'Since the first wave of children already have the 
alien genetics, their offspring's are easier to genetically 
alter.'

'Mulder is an alien-human hybrid.'  Krycek reiterated.  
'This makes it very simple to engineer his children's DNA, 
since they already contain alien genetics.'

Scully sat quietly at the table, not hearing the other two 
bantering back and forth.  Then they did this, then they 
did that and because of that they did this.  She couldn't 
care right now.  She was too busy dealing with the fact 
that Mulder was totally not who she, or he for that matter, 
thought he was.

'An alien-human hybrid.'  She whispered aloud, causing both 
men to turn her way.

'Agent Scully?'  Skinner asked.

She was unresponsive to them, lost in her own head.  'This 
is insane.'

Skinner looked at her carefully.  'To which part are you 
referring, Agent Scully?'

'The part where children are being created solely for the 
purpose of avoiding human extinction brought on by little 
green men.'  She said bitterly.

'Well, that would about sum it up.'  Krycek smiled.

'How can you find this amusing?'  Scully asked harshly.

He raised his eyes to meet hers.  'Because this is what 
I've been living with all my life, Agent Scully.  This has 
been my reality since I was old enough to remember.  While 
you and your friends were playing hopscotch and making 
lemonade stands out in the front yard, I was strapped to 
machines.  I was wondering how come other girls and boys 
got to go to school while I went to a laboratory.  I didn't 
know what a mom or dad was until I realized that I didn't 
have one.'  Krycek stopped for a moment and looked away.  
'So yes, I am able to find humor wherever I can.  This is 
all I have known.'

Scully didn't look at him.  She couldn't.  She didn't know 
what to say.  She wanted to hate him, but felt like 
apologizing at the same time.  She didn't have a chance to 
say anything before there was a knock at the door.

Skinner pulled his gun out again and went to the door.  
'Who is it?'

'It's Byers.'

Skinner looked back at Scully and she whispered back at 
him.  'The three stooges.'

He opened the door to reveal The Lone Gunmen.

The three walked into her house, Frohike in the lead, 
asking Scully how she was feeling.  He stopped short when 
he saw Krycek, causing Langly to run into him and Byers to 
run into Langly.

'What's the punk ass doing here?'  Frohike asked in his 
delicate manner.

'Relax, Frohike.'  Scully said.  'He's been catching us up 
on the big secrets.'

'Brewski's!'  Langly exclaimed.  'Flow me a Heinie?'

'Have at it.'  Scully said, waving in the direction of the 
refrigerator.

'I'm impressed.'  Krycek said.  'I didn't know that about 
you.'

'What?'  Scully asked.

'That you were a boardhead.'

'I went to Berkeley for my undergrad.'  Scully said.  
'Spent a lot of time with the surfers in Santa Cruz.'

'Sharky.'  Krycek smiled.

'Woofy.'  Scully replied.

They smiled at each other in spite of themselves.

'Where'd you pick it up?'  Scully asked, suddenly irritated 
at the quick connection they'd shared.

Krycek smiled and adapted the accent.  'Newport Beach, 
California.'

'That must have been where you got the blonde hair from.'  
Scully said.  'I've never seen so many beautiful people in 
my life.'

'I went to UC Irvine for my undergrad studies.'  Krycek 
said.  'It was quite different from living on the East 
Coast.'

Scully suddenly noticed the other four staring at them, all 
with beers in hand, looking intrigued at their exchange.

'What?'  She asked, looking innocent.

'Scully, I never knew you were a California Girl.'  Frohike 
said.

She smiled back at him.  'I wasn't really.  I just went to 
school there.  Spent most of my weekends at the boardwalk 
in Santa Cruz.'

'Most of my time in California was spent in the Inland 
Empire.'  Langly said.  'I went to UCR for two years.  But 
I tried to make it out to Hollywood and down to Orange 
County as much as I could.'

'UCR?'  Scully and Skinner both asked.

'University of California in Riverside.'  Krycek answered.  
'A very frightening place.'

'The punk scene out in the Inland Empire is popping right 
now.'  Langly said.

'That's not all that's popping over there.'  Krycek said.  
'There are more meth labs than people.  They call 
Interstate 5 through California 'The Crank Highway'.'

'Is anyone going to tell me what is going on?'  Byers 
asked.  'Or am I the only one here that finds it odd that 
Krycek, Scully and the Assistant Director of the FBI are 
all hovering around the table, having a few beers.'

'I'm not having any beer.'  Scully said.  'I've been 
sticking to water.'

'God, that is so Mulder.'  Frohike said.

'What is?'  Scully asked.

'To take away from a serious question with a joke.'  He 
answered.

'I have had enough seriousness for one night.'  Scully 
said.  'It's nearly time to get back up in the morning and 
I've been dealing with serious crap all night.'  She looked 
over at the three Lone Gunmen.  'What are you doing here 
this late, anyway?'

***

Scully finally had the place to herself.  Skinner had 
brought her home from the hospital and ate dinner with her, 
the Lone Gunmen had come by to make sure she was okay and 
Krycek came by to...

She wasn't sure why Krycek had come by.

He wanted her to know what was going on and why; he wanted 
her help, her trust.  He had painted a story of himself 
that was tragic, heart wrenching, unforgivable.  He was the 
child of Armageddon, one in a wave of the last hope.  He 
had told her and Skinner that he shared the same father as 
Mulder, the same father of Samantha and Jeffrey.  That 
would make him Mulder's brother.  After the awkwardness of 
him being there had worn off he had been funny, charming, 
believable.

She wasn't sure if she bought it or not.

Scully sighed and made the nightly rounds of locking up the 
apartment.  Skinner and Krycek had cleaned the place up and 
that visual was enough to make her laugh softly again.  
Skinner had told her to rest the next day, that he would be 
back later on that afternoon.  Krycek had assured her that 
he would check some resources and be by as well.

She climbed into bed and sank down under the covers.  Her 
mind drifted back to the night they had been at the 
Japanese Bar and what had happened when Mulder had shared 
her taxi home.

***

The three of them piled in a cab together after closing the 
bar down.  Mulder took advantage of the close quarters and 
flung an arm around Scully.  She was smashed against his 
side and he didn't mind it one bit.

'Sir?'  Mulder asked, an innocent look covering his face.  
'Does this mean we can all take a personal day tomorrow?'

'No, Agent Mulder.  You cannot take a personal day 
tomorrow, we have a very early meeting to attend.'

Mulder winced.  'And what time does the torture begin?'

'Seven am.'  Scully said.  'Don't you read your Email?'

'We have Email?'  Mulder asked.

Skinner flashed him a look as Scully drunkenly looked at 
her watch.  'We have about 3 hours to sleep.'

'Hell with that.'  Mulder said.  'I'll just stay up all 
night.'

'I always feel better pulling an all-niter as opposed to 
grabbing two or three hours.'  Skinner said, revealing a 
human side.

'Really, Sir?  I didn't think you needed sleep.'

'Whatever.'  Skinner said seriously, trying not to crack a 
grin.

Mulder and Scully burst into laughter, winning a small 
smile from their superior.

'This is my stop.'  Skinner said.  'Mulder, you are picking 
me up in the morning since I had to leave my car?'

'I'll be there right after I pick up Scully.'

'Six thirty.'  Skinner shut the cab door.

Mulder nodded.  'Quarter to seven.'

The door was automatically opened again.  'Six thirty, 
Agent Mulder.'

'Damn.'  Mulder shut the door himself.

Mulder and Scully sat in silence for a few minutes.  She 
finally patted his knee.

'Thanks, Mulder.'  She said, unable to look at him.

'For what?'  He looked out his window.

'For cheering me up.'  She laughed.  'I haven't had this 
much fun in a long time.  I really needed it.'

'Needed to get drunk?'

'I'm not drunk.'  She said.

'You're drunk.'

'I am not.'  She slapped his arm.

'Okay, you're not drunk.'

She tilted her head up.  'Thank you.'

'You're trashed.'

'I'm a bit inebriated.'  She compromised.

'Smashed.'

'You're picking again.'

'Sorry.'  He smiled, but still didn't look at her.  'You're 
welcome.  I needed tonight too.'

'Why's that?'  Scully asked.  'You can get drunk at home 
while you watch your Oscar-winning movie collection.'

'Now who's picking?'  He turned and looked at her wide-
eyed, making her laugh.

Silence settled over them again.  Mulder reached over and 
covered her hand with his own.

'You know I care, Scully.'

She looked over at him, but he was still gazing out the 
window.  'Yes, Mulder.  I know you care.'

A few moments passed before he had the nerve to turn and 
look at her.  'You're the only person I trust.  The only 
person I can talk to.  You're my best friend, Scully.  And 
when I cannot talk to you about my fears, I can't talk to 
anyone.'

Scully searched his eyes.  They were flashing pain.  How 
had such a wonderful night turned somber again?

'Mulder.'  She put her other hand on top of his, turning 
towards him.  'You can always talk to me, about anything.'

He shook his head, looking down at their entwined hands.

'Yes, you can.'  She put her head down, trying to see into 
his face.  'I'm always here for you.'

'That's what I'm afraid of.'  He whispered.  'I'm afraid 
you're not always going to be here.'

Scully didn't say anything back.  She looked down at their 
hands now, her lips pressed firmly together.

'I know it's selfish of me to think this way.'  Mulder 
said.  'Here you are battling a horrible disease and all I 
can think is how scared I am of...'

His voice trailed off.

'You can say it.'  Scully said softly.

Mulder shook his head.

'Of me dying?'  She asked.

'Of losing you.'  He corrected.  'I don't think I could.'

Scully stared at him for a moment, eyes brimming with 
tears, before taking a breath.  She was going to be strong, 
she was going to be rational, she was going to be Scully.  
'It's not something you really have any choice in, Mulder.  
You'd get through it.'

'I don't think I could.'  He said again.

Scully tried to think of something to say.  A million 
things ran through her mind and they all sounded trite.  
She looked over at Mulder to see him staring back at her, 
his eyes teary.  He reached out and brushed an errant 
strand of hair off her forehead.

'I don't think I'd want to.'

'Mulder...'  Was all she could strangle out of her throat.

'Hey, Scully.'  He let his hand fall from her face onto her 
shoulder.  The look in his eyes, he had let his guard down 
and his emotions were showing through.  She could only 
stare back at him as he cupped her cheek with his other 
hand.  Mulder slowly leaned towards her, his intentions 
clear.  'Have I ever told you how beautiful you are?'

'Mulder...'  She whispered again, trying to stop this, but 
not sure how.  Not sure if she wanted to.

He kissed her tenderly and her mind went blank.  She was 
lost in emotions.  How long had she thought about this?  
How long had she wondered if this was the road they would 
eventually travel down?  Why now, after all this time?  She 
was fighting cancer, she had just come off a terrifying 
case, and she was drunk.

'Mulder, wait.'  She broke the contact.

He stared back at her, hurt and disappointment shining in 
his eyes.  'I'm sorry.'

'No, Mulder.'  She said.  'It's not like that-'

'We're here, miss.'  The cab driver said.  The taxi came to 
a halt in front of her apartment.

Scully sat for a moment, berating herself for not handling 
this as well as she could have.  'Mulder-'

'I had a lot of fun tonight, Scully.'  He said, looking 
straight ahead.

She slowly got out of the car and hesitated.  She regretted 
that the night had ended awkwardly, after all the fun 
they'd had.  After how much closer they'd gotten.  She 
wanted to repair the damage, but didn't know how.  She bent 
back down to look at him.  'I had a lot of fun too, Mulder.  
Thanks for taking me.'

'Thanks for going.'  He glanced her way.  The wall between 
them was definitely back up.

***

The sunshine peeked through the blinds and landed on 
Scully's face, waking her.  She had dreamed the same dream 
over and over throughout the night.  The wonderful evening 
her and Mulder had, leading up to the kiss in the taxi, 
then the whole relationship slamming on it's breaks.

Again.

When she opened her door the next morning, he had greeted 
her like he always did.  Everything was back to normal.

The ride to Skinner's had been silent.  In some ways she 
took the blame.  He had reached out and she had slapped him 
down.  She knew Mulder was sensitive, she knew he didn't 
reach out to people.  Why couldn't she have been more 
receptive?

Skinner, sensing something was odd, had babbled all the way 
to the FBI Headquarters.  It couldn't have been any more 
obvious, if you thought about it.  The night before they 
had seemed like best friends and today they were cold and 
distant.

Scully spent the ride into work chewing on her lip.  He was 
the one who had rejected her to begin with!  He had 
expressed doubts at the beginning, why couldn't she?  She 
guessed it was the fact that they were five years into the 
friendship by then and had been through five dozen times 
more.  Scully had responded to Mulder just as indifferently 
as he had responded to her and they had gone off to their 
meeting, never mentioning the previous night again.

Scully sighed, looking into her refrigerator.  It was very 
bleak.  Now that she wasn't eating meat, there didn't seem 
to be anything in the kitchen that she could fix for 
herself.  She was going to have to do something about this.  
Maybe some minestrone soup...  Made with beef broth.  
Damnit.

'Scully?'

There was a knocking at her door and she recognized 
Krycek's voice.  She frowned, thinking that he wasn't 
supposed to be here until the afternoon.  She realized, 
startled, that is was the afternoon.  Had she slept all 
morning?

'Krycek.'  She greeted, letting him pass through the door.

'Have you slept all day?'  Krycek eyed her wardrobe.

'It appears so.'  She said.  'Any news?'

'It looks like I may have a lead.  I'm supposed to call my 
contact back in an hour.'  Krycek looked around her 
apartment.  'Seems different in here today.'

'How so?'  Scully opened her pantry and frowned at the 
contents.

'Lighter, more revealing.'  He looked over at her, nearly 
smiling at her somber look.  'What are you doing?'

'Wishing I had something to eat.'  Scully shut the pantry 
and leaned her forehead against it.  'I'm starving.'

'Nothing in there looked good?'  He asked.

'I've given up meat.'  Scully said, opening her eyes and 
rolling them towards him.

Krycek nodded at her.  'Hormones and antibiotics.'  He 
picked up a picture she had on her mantle and stared at it.

She and Mulder had been at the FBI Christmas party a couple 
of years ago.  They were trying to look serious, but they 
both had grins tugging at their lips.  She remembered the 
horrible joke they had shared about the Section Chief, whom 
had his picture taken just before them.  That's what was 
causing the struggle not to laugh.

'If you want to get dressed,' Krycek said, placing the 
picture where he picked it up from, 'I'll buy us some 
lunch.  I know a great vegetarian cafe around the corner.'

'Vegetarian cafe?'  She asked, staring at him.

'I'm vegan.'  He replied, then smiled at her startled look.  
'Don't look so surprised, Agent Scully.  Hell, I'm all for 
animal rights.  It's the people I can't stand.'

***

The walk to the cafe was silent.

Scully spent all of it wondering what the hell she was 
doing.  She had never liked Krycek, never trusted Krycek, 
had always put a lot of blame on Krycek.  She had grown to 
hate and despise the man.  Now here she is, going to lunch 
with him?  What if this was all a part of some scheme to 
get to her?

'I'm not going to hurt you.'  Krycek's voice suddenly 
interrupted her thoughts.

'What?'  She squinted up at him in the sun.

He stopped and turned towards her.  'This isn't part of any 
plan.  You can trust me.'

Scully stared back at him, trying to recall the last thirty 
seconds of their walk.  Had she been thinking out loud?  
'What makes you think I don't trust you already?'

'Because you never have.'  He walked over to the cafe and 
held the door open for her.

She hesitantly walked inside.  'Thank you.'

'You're welcome.'  He held his hand out, gesturing for her 
to pick a table.  They sat at a table in the back in front 
of a corner waterfall.  The inside was made up like a rain 
forest.  Krycek ordered for both of them because Scully had 
insisted that she knew nothing about vegetarian food and 
wouldn't know where to begin.  They tried to indulge in 
mindless chatter until the waitress brought over drinks and 
an appetizer.

'Now.'  Scully said, smearing some pita bread with a tofu-
olive dip.  'You skillfully avoided my question.  What 
makes you think I've never trusted you.'

Krycek laughed.  'Because I wouldn't trust me either.'

Scully shot him a look.  'Very good at avoiding questions, 
I see.'

'It's strange.'  Krycek said, his eyes drifting off.  'I've 
lived my whole life believing something so strongly.  These 
beliefs shaped the person I became and molded me into 
someone I always thought I was.  Then the other day, I find 
out I have siblings, I have parents.  I mean, I knew the 
science behind where I came from.  But discovering the 
identities of the people that are made of the same flesh 
and blood that I am.'  He shook his head.  'I can't believe 
I'm telling you this.'

'Me neither.'  Scully said, head resting on her hand.

'I've never talked about myself.'  Krycek shrugged.  'I 
never knew why I should.  It never seemed important.  
Everything was about,' Krycek held up his hand and made 
quotations in the air.  'The Cause'.'

'What a horrible way to grow up.'  Scully said.  'I can't 
imagine missing out on my childhood.'

'Yeah.'  Krycek said softly.  'But in a way I don't blame 
them.  I believe that they did what they thought they had 
to do.'

'Experimenting on people, abducting them from their 
families, causing illnesses.'  Scully shook her head.  
'Creating children whose only reason for being alive is 
what, to save the world?'

'Sounds noble.'  Krycek joked.

'It's inexcusable.'  Scully said.  'Not to mention a lot of 
pressure on the kids.  If I was told I had to save the 
world, I'd go hide in a corner.'

He looked up at her to see if she was serious.  She wasn't.  
He began to laugh as the waitress arrived with his 
portabello mushroom burger and her veggie wrap.

Scully's eyes widened as she looked at his plate.  'That 
smells so good.'

He smiled.  'I knew you were going to do that.'  He divided 
the burger and set one half on her plate.

'Oh, I couldn't possibly.'  She held up a hand.

'Don't worry,' Krycek said, grabbing one of her wraps.  
'I'm taking half of yours too.'

Scully was suddenly reminded of Mulder.  He had done just 
that in a Mexican restaurant they frequented.  Threw a slab 
of carne asada on her plate then stole half of her chicken 
mole enchilada.

'Mulder is very valuable to both sides.'  Krycek said, 
staring at her somberly.  'No one will hurt him.  He'll be 
okay.'

She raised her eyes to his.  'You always seem to know what 
I'm thinking.'

He shrugged before speaking in a no-nonsense voice.  'I'm 
not stupid, Agent Scully.'

She smiled a little.  'That's one opinion.'

Krycek just shook his head and took a bite of his burger.  
'You should eat that before it gets cold and tastes like 
rubber.'

Scully raved about the food and Krycek talked about his 
time in Newport Beach.  He was in the middle of talking 
about a harrowing ride around the Balboa Fun Zone in a two-
seater bike when he noticed Scully wasn't hearing anything 
he was saying.  She was staring back at him, an odd 
expression on her face.

He stopped talking and waited for her to speak.

'I can't believe you're Mulder's brother.'  She said 
softly.

'It came as quite a shock to me too.'  Krycek smiled sadly.  
'I didn't think it was going to change the way I felt about 
him, but it did.'

'Hmmm.'  She put her elbows on the table and rested her 
head in her hands.  'How so?'

'I'm not sure, really.'  He leaned back in his chair and 
wiped his mouth with a napkin.  'I can't explain it.  I've 
never had a sense of family.  I've always been alone.  I 
was never given love; I was given lectures, lessons, and 
education.  I didn't sit around the tree at Christmas and 
open presents.  I never knew I was lonely until later.'  
Krycek smiled.  'Sorry.  I'm straying.'

'No, no.'  Scully said.  'Go on.'

'When I first found out that Mulder was my brother, I 
didn't think of it that way.  I thought of is as,' Krycek 
adopted a monotone, nasally voice, 'someone who was created 
from the same gene pool as I was.  It took some time for 
the reality of it to sink in.  That he was my brother, that 
he was family.'  He looked up at her, smiling.  'I've never 
had a family before.  It's scary but nice at the same 
time.'

'I can't imagine.'  Scully said.  'I can't imagine how it 
feels to suddenly have a brother.'  She sat for a moment 
then spoke again softly.  'I cannot imagine how Mulder is 
going to feel when he learns all this.'

'I'm sure he'll still not like me very much.'  Krycek said.

Scully smiled at him, really hating the fact that she 
didn't hate him just then.  'I cannot imagine never knowing 
any of my family, as vile as some of them are.'  Her 
thoughts drifted to her family members who were in her 
life, and those who had moved on.

'Scully.'  Krycek leaned in close to the table.

She sensed his serious mood and leaned close too.  'What?'  
She whispered.

Krycek's eyes locked on hers.  'I didn't kill your sister.'

Scully stared back at him, her eyes brimming with tears 
before she pushed them away.

'I was there, but I didn't kill her.'

Scully couldn't look at him.  She looked across the 
restaurant, down at her plate, over at the waitress, 
anywhere.  She couldn't look at him.

'I was sent there to make sure you were assassinated.  But 
I didn't know.'  He said.  'I didn't know.'

Scully felt herself start to tremble.  She felt trapped; 
she didn't know what to do.

'If you only knew what I've been told, what I've been 
taught.'  Krycek's voice seemed a bit shaky.

She gathered strength and looked up at him.  His eyes were 
boring into hers.  They were full of sadness, regrets, and 
compassion.

'I know now that I've been on the wrong side.'

Scully tried once more to hate him.  But if what he said 
was true, she couldn't.  A tear fell from her lashes and 
she quickly lowered her face.

Krycek reached over and covered her hand with his own.  
'I'm sorry.'

She immediately drew her hand away and stood up, heading 
for the restroom.  She went into a stall and closed the 
door behind her to lean against it.  Her hand covered her 
mouth and she closed her eyes.

Mulder, she thought to herself, this is too much.  She sank 
down in the corner of the stall and buried her face in her 
arms.  Mulder, I can't do this without you.  Her body began 
shaking as the sobs wracked her body.

***

Scully took some time to compose herself, splashing cold 
water on her face and looking at herself in the mirror.  
She felt weak for getting so upset, but the thought of 
Melissa's death was something she hadn't conquered just 
yet.  Hearing Krycek speak of it, 'I was there, but I 
didn't kill her', flooded her mind with images.  It had 
been too much on top of what was already a 'too much' week.

Someone came into the bathroom, invading Scully's private 
space.  Scully returned the friendly smile and headed out.  
Krycek was waiting for her right outside the restroom.  He 
opened his mouth, to apologize she assumed, but she held up 
a hand, cutting him off.

'Don't.'  She said flatly, walking past him.  'I don't know 
how much regret I can take from you.'

Krycek followed her outside, a smirk planted on his face.  
'Oh there you are, Scully.  I haven't seen you since last 
night.'

She stopped and turned to face him, standing on the 
sidewalk.  'What the hell is that supposed to mean?'

'Nothing, I'm sorry.'  He shook his head.  'My fine-tuned, 
hard, sarcastic edge is going to be difficult to tame.  I 
developed it quite young and have been using it to survive 
ever since.'

'Must run in the family.'  She mumbled.  'Mulder can't stay 
serious for more than three minutes at a time before he 
goes into overload and has to do something stupid.'

A beeping at his side interrupted Krycek's laugh.

Scully eyed him suspiciously.  'You're beeping.'

'Relax.'  He pulled his phone out and showed it to her.  'I 
had the alarm set to remind me.'

'Remind you what?'

'Pregnancy cause memory loss?'  Krycek asked, tapping her 
lightly on the head with the phone.  'I need to call my 
contact back.'

And to Scully's surprise, he dialed the number, apparently 
staying right in front of her.

He began to spew short, Russian sentences.  Halfway through 
the conversation his eyes locked with hers.  She raised her 
eyebrows in question and he gave her a small, lopsided 
grin.

'Well?'  Scully asked as soon as Krycek took the phone away 
from his ear.

'Spender's been spotted.'  He said as they resumed their 
walk towards her apartment.

'Cancer Man?'  She asked.  'Where?'

'Seattle.  Security cameras recorded him and a woman in 
SeaTac Airport.'

They both dialed numbers on their phones and began walker 
faster.

Scully called Skinner and the Lone Gunmen, arranging for 
them to meet.  Krycek made several calls, each one seeming 
to be in a different language.

People got out of their way and stared as they walked past.  
Scully and Krycek both had a demanding presence.  
Especially when angry or emotionally charged somehow.  No 
matter the size of the crowd, they were easily spotted.

Across the street, a camera lens slid out of a window.

***

Krycek knocked on the door to the Lone Gunmen's building 
and looked down at Scully.  'This is one place I never 
thought I'd visit.'

'I thought the same thing.'  She replied in a low voice.  
'They kinda grow on you after awhile.'

'Who goes there?'

'It's me Langly.'  Scully said.  'Open the door.'

'What's the password?'

Scully sighed.  'The password is 'Langly's going to get a 
swift, kick in the ass if he doesn't open the goddamn 
door'.'

Krycek smiled down at Scully as they heard several locks 
being disengaged.  'Such influence you have.'

'Whatever.'  She made a face at him as the door was opened 
and Krycek followed her inside.

'Whoa!'  Krycek exclaimed, taking in all the equipment.  
'What's all this shit?'

Frohike popped up from behind a table.  'What's it to you, 
punk ass?'

'Easy big guy.'  Krycek put his hand up in surrender.  'I 
come in peace.'

'We've managed to clear the image up quite a bit.'  Byers 
said, adjusting knobs.  'The image of him is almost 
perfect.'

Scully walked over to stand between Krycek and Byers, her 
arms crossed.  'No sign of Skinner?'

'He called just before you showed up.'  Frohike said, 
smiling.  'He was lost.'

'You gotta love those FBI people.'  Krycek said.  'So 
perceptive.'

'So observant.'  Langly agreed.

'Always paying attention.'  Frohike chimed in.

'That's enough.'  Scully said threateningly.  The three 
quieted down like little kids.

The image on the screen suddenly snapped into view.  Byers 
reached down and hit a couple switches.  'Okay, here we 
go.'

Scully and Krycek leaned closer to the monitor.  It was 
obviously an airport.  People were scurrying by, pulling 
luggage, airline personnel were sliding by slowly in two's 
and three's.  The image suddenly zoomed in as Byers pointed 
at the screen while controlling the picture.  'There he 
is.'

It was Cancer Man.  He put his hand on the back of the 
woman next to him, causing her to turn towards the camera.

'Oh my God.'  Scully whispered, looking up at Krycek.  'Is 
that Samantha?'

Frohike frowned.  'You know her?'

Krycek nodded, straightening up.  'It's my sister.'

***

'What are you going to do?'  Skinner asked, turning away 
from the screen.  He had shown up just after them, 
irritated and embarrassed at his lack of navigational 
expertise.

'I'm going to go out there.'  Krycek said.  'I'm sure he 
knows where Mulder is and I have to get to my sister.  I 
doubt she has any idea that Mulder's been abducted.  I'm 
sure my father is hiding everything from her.'

Skinner crossed his arms and leaned against the table.  'Do 
you need me to do anything?'

'Get me a car through the Bureau.  No one would expect me 
to be in cahoots with the FBI.  I want to remain 
anonymous.'  Krycek smiled.  'If I'm going to disappear, 
I'm going to do a good job.'

'What about us?'  Langly asked.

Skinner and Scully exchanged a glance.  'What have you been 
doing?'  He asked.

The three Lone Gunmen glanced among themselves before all 
three launched into various explanations.

'We've been monitoring all phone calls from the FBI...'

'Pirating all the security tapes...'

'Hacking into the databases...'

Skinner held up a hand, nodding.  'Just keep doing what 
you've been doing.'  He looked over at Krycek.  'I can get 
you a car now, if you want to come with me.'

Krycek smiled down at Scully.  'I guess I'll be going then.  
I'll call you when I learn something more.'

'Wait a minute.'  Scully said, putting a hand on his arm.  
'I'm going with you.'

Skinner and the Lone Gunman immediately objected in various 
ways.

'I think I can take care of myself.'  Scully said, raising 
her voice.  'I don't have to remind any of you-'

Krycek was shaking his head as she launched into her 
tirade.  'You're not coming with me.'

She eyed him, anger sparking in her eyes.  'Why the hell 
not?'

'Your baby is very important.  They will stop at nothing to 
get their hands on it.  It's better if you stay here, 
protected.'

Scully hesitated, thinking on what he'd said.  While it 
made some sense, it didn't entirely dissuade her from 
needing to help.  'Then you can protect me, Mr.  Big, Bad, 
Hit Man, Tough-Guy.  I'm going.'

Krycek stepped closer and looked down at her, speaking 
softly.  'I really don't think it's a good idea, Dana.'

Scully blinked at the use of her first name.  Except for 
her Mom and brothers, a couple of close friends, no one had 
used her name in so long.  'I'm going, and that's all there 
is to it.'

Krycek stared down at her for a moment, then shrugged.  He 
turned to face the other four.  'You all heard me say it, 
this isn't a good idea.'

***

Mulder poured her another glass of wine.  They had been 
plowing through his music collection, not to mention his 
supply of alcohol, for hours.  It had been a few days since 
they'd seen each other.  She had gone to Maine on a short 
vacation and come back to realize that she had missed 
Mulder almost as much as he'd missed her.  While she had 
taken over his place on an X-File she'd stumbled across, he 
hadn't done anything other than litter the ceiling with 
pencils.

Scully picked up another album.  'Super Tramp?'  She 
exclaimed.

'Well, now, Scully, don't be so hard on yourself.'  Mulder 
began before he was clipped in the head by a flying pillow.  
'Oh, come on!  That was funny!'

'Could we have kipper's for breakfast...'  Scully broke 
out.

'Mummy dear, mummy dear.'  Mulder joined her and they both 
continued on.  'They gotta have 'em in Texas, 'cause 
everyone's a millionaire...'

'Dana.'

The voice interrupted her dream and Scully opened her eyes, 
the cramp in her neck making her cringe.  'Where are we?'  
She asked groggily.'

'We're almost there.'  Krycek said.  'I didn't want you to 
miss the view, it's really cool.'

'You know Seattle?'  She asked, putting her seat in the 
upright position.

'Yeah.  When I would leave Russia to hide for awhile, this 
is where I'd always go.'

'What did you do in Russia?'  Scully rolled down her window 
to get some fresh air.

'Another conversation for another time.'  Krycek said, 
nodding his head at the view ahead of him.  'Check it out.'

Scully looked ahead of her.  'What is that?  Not the 
ocean.'

'Lake Washington.'  Krycek answered.  'I came across 520 
instead of I-90 because it's so much nicer.  This is the 
longest floating bridge in the world.'

Scully smiled.  The view was really impressive.  The water 
spread out to either side of the bridge and the city loomed 
in the distance.  She smiled at him.  'I never saw much of 
Seattle.  We were only in the city for two days.'

'I booked our rooms at the Westin.'  Krycek said.  'You'll 
get plenty of Seattle.'

***

Scully stared at her suitcase sitting on the bed and 
sighed.  She didn't feel like unpacking.  Her back hurt 
from the long drive across the country.  They had driven 
straight through and took turns sleeping, although Krycek 
never seemed to sleep, and it still took forever.

They had talked a lot.  Krycek had been very open about his 
past and didn't seem to mind that she was guarded with her 
own answers.  She was surprised at some of things they had 
in common.  Music, for instance.  They both had a very 
broad range of musical interests.  The Doors, Pink Floyd, 
Depeche Mode, Red Hot Chile Peppers.  Krycek seemed very 
surprised at that one.  But she liked all music.  Opera, 
classical, jazz.  Even some country she had admitted 
reluctantly.

What's wrong with country, he'd asked, surprising her this 
time.

Scully smiled to herself.  She had to admit that she liked 
Krycek.  He was highly intelligent and had a great sense of 
humor.  He was blatantly open, almost honest to a fault.  
He had grown up horribly; he never had a family, no one to 
show him right or wrong.

She found herself hoping that Mulder gave him a chance.

After all, Mulder needed family almost as badly as Krycek 
did.

Although it's still really hard for me to let my guard 
down, she thought.

Scully went into Krycek's room through the door that joined 
their rooms.  His own bags were still sitting on his bed 
and he was standing at the window, staring out at Seattle.

'You look as drained as I feel.'  She said, walking over to 
stand next to him.

'And maybe worse then that.'  Krycek replied, not looking 
at her.

'Feeling sorry for yourself again?'  She nudged his side.

He smiled to himself, seeming a million miles away.  'You 
always seem to know what I'm thinking.'

'I'm not stupid, Agent Krycek.'  She said in a no-nonsense 
voice.

He opened his mouth, then began to laugh.  'I'm not even 
going to say it.'

She turned away from the window and leaned against it so 
she could look at him.  'What are we going to do first?'

'I should check in and feed them a story so they don't get 
all crazy on me.  I'm sure they have some news about Mulder 
or Spender.'  Krycek looked at his watch.  'It's too early 
to call back there now.'

'I feel like we should be doing something.'  Scully said 
softly.  'But I'm not sure what.'

'We can't do anything yet.'  He replied, putting his hand 
in a pocket.  'We need something to go off first.  They're 
obviously not at SeaTac anymore.  Why don't you go get some 
rest, I'll wake you when we get some news.'

'What're you going to do?'  She asked.

Krycek smiled at her.  'Wallow in my mire.'

They were both silent for a minute then Scully looked at 
him.  'Screw that.  I'm starving.  Let's get something to 
eat.'

Krycek grabbed his jacket off the bed.  'Where do you want 
to go?'

'This is your gig.'  Scully passed through the door as he 
held it open for her.  'Surprise me.'

***

Mulder struggled to open his eyes.

'Fox.'

The voice seemed a million miles away.  He blinked over and 
over.

'Fox.  You need to keep breathing.'

Mulder was finally able to focus on an object in the room.  
It was a woman.  He could see the back of her blonde head.  
He struggled to speak, but couldn't get any words out.

'Take a deep breath.'  Her voice was familiar.  'You need 
to keep breathing.'

Mulder pulled a breath into his lungs.  His whole body felt 
bruised and he began to cough, which caused greater pain.  
He stopped and only took shallow breaths when he had to.

'Just keep breathing, Fox.'  She approached his bed, a long 
needle in her hand.  'You've had a long ordeal, but it will 
be better soon.'

Mulder's eyes widened as her face came into view and she 
administered the shot.  He opened his mouth to speak again, 
but the world faded in a blurry, black haze.

***

'You did not.'  Scully laughed.

Krycek nodded, laughing with her.  'I did.  I was acting so 
cool, running down to the canal, and slipped right into the 
water.  It was so filthy.  It was so disgusting.  Needless 
to say, I didn't impress the young Italian girl.  It was 
the most embarrassing moment of my life.'

'If I ever go to Venice, I will try to remember the stairs 
are covered in algae.'

'I'm surprised you've never been overseas.'  He said, 
digging into the vegetarian jambalaya.

'Surprised?'

'Since your Dad was in the Navy.'  He said.  'I'm surprised 
you weren't relocated all over the place.'

'We were.  But it was all over the country.'  She chewed a 
little, looking around.  'But never to the Pacific 
Northwest.  It's very beautiful here.  Where'd you say we 
were?'

'Pioneer Square.'  Krycek said.  'This place is insane on 
Friday and Saturday nights.  Too bad you're pregnant 
otherwise we could really do it up.'

'What's different?'

'There's nine or ten clubs.  You pay one price, get your 
hand stamped and go club hopping.'  Krycek's eyes lit up.  
'It's insane, but a lot of fun.  Things get kinda crazy 
around one or two in the morning.'

Scully was frozen, staring out the window.  'Alex.'  She 
whispered.

He barely had time to notice that she used his first name 
for the first time he could ever remember before he noticed 
her face drained of it's color.  Krycek followed her gaze 
to the entrance of the restaurant.

Sure enough, there was the old man, walking into the New 
Orleans Cafe, Samantha trailing behind him.

They didn't have time to do much of anything before Cancer 
Man appeared at their table.  'Well, well, Agent Scully.'  
He said, taking a cigarette out of his pack.  'I never 
expected to find you having dinner with this son.'

'Where's Mulder?'  She asked.

'I'm afraid I have no idea of Mulder's exact location.'  He 
said, lighting his Morley and gesturing at the chair next 
to her.  'May I?'

Scully didn't bother answering as he sat down.  She didn't 
notice that Krycek had stood up to greet Samantha until the 
two were engaged in a hug.

'How are you?'  Krycek asked her.

Samantha nodded and sat down in the chair he offered.  
Krycek came around the table to sit next to Scully.  A 
minute of silence passed.  Scully was staring at Samantha, 
not believing that she was siting two feet from the person 
that began Mulder's never-ending quest.

'Well, here we are.'  Spender said.

'You said if I helped you stage your death that all this 
would end.'  Krycek said.  'Now Mulder is missing and Dana 
is pregnant.  That was never part of the plan.'

'Dana?'  Cancer Man said, taking a drag off his cigarette.  
'I take it you two have become close.'

'Cut the crap.'  Scully said to him.  'Where's Mulder?'

'So sensitive.'  He replied.

'We've come a long way.'  Krycek said.  'She's worried 
about Mulder and quite frankly, so am I.  This wasn't 
supposed to happen.'

'I'm sorry to be the one to inform you that Mulder is with 
Marita.'  Spender said.

Both Scully and Krycek stared back at him.

'Marita?'  Krycek asked.

'Mulder has been working with her.'  Spender said.  'Trying 
to restore a New World order to save the human race.'

'I don't believe you.'  Scully whispered.

'Neither do I.'  Krycek agreed.

'It's true.'  Samantha said softly.  'I saw the pictures 
myself.'

Krycek's eyes flicked between the two of them.  'What 
pictures?'

'Jeffrey has been tailing Miss Covarrubias for some time.'  
Spender said.  'He has pictures of Mulder, Marita and other 
members of the group.'

'Doing what?'  Krycek asked.

'Talking.'  Spender replied.  'Just talking.'

'That's why we came out here.'  Samantha said.  'There's 
people we need to meet with to fight this.'

'Fight what?'  Scully asked.  'I'm not sure I follow.'

'Marita has been working with the alien rebels.'  Krycek 
said.  'The rebels perform tests on people to see how 
easily they can be infected with the virus.  After the 
tests are complete, the test subjects are incinerated.'

Scully was silent, horrified.  'What?'  She finally 
whispered.

Cancer Man stubbed his cigarette out in an ashtray.  'They 
don't want to leave any trace of their work behind for the 
group to get their hands on.  So they burn them to make 
sure nothing remains.  '

Scully's thought's involuntarily drifted back to the night 
Cassandra Spender had disappeared, when the faceless rebels 
had set everyone on fire.  She suddenly felt ill.  Krycek 
immediately noticed and reached over to put his hand on 
hers.

'You see why we've tried to keep this away from the 
public?'  He asked.

She looked at him, her eyes sad, and he tried to smile when 
he continued.  'There's nothing we can do yet, so why let 
the world worry their last days away.'

Scully sat in silence, stunned.  Could Mulder really be 
working with Marita?  Could she even consider what Spender 
was saying?  Could she believe that this was really 
Samantha?  Could she really trust Krycek?

That last thought dropped in her mind and stayed there.  
Whether or not she wanted it to happen, Krycek had become a 
friend in all of this.  But could she, should she, let her 
guard down?  She thought not.  True, he had been kind and 
supportive to her, he had bared his feelings, and he had 
revealed what had been going on with him and everything 
else.

But he was still Krycek.

'You're saying that Mulder knows that these people are 
being killed?'  Scully asked softly.

'I do not know what Mulder knows.'  Spender said.  'All I 
know is that he is with Miss Covarrubias and the rest of 
the group.'

'So he could be there as a prisoner?'

'Agent Scully,' Spender leaned towards her, 'I do not doubt 
anything anymore.  My life has shown me a lot of 
unbelievable things.  But I do know Mulder.'  He took 
another Morley out and lit up.  'If Mulder is involved in 
this, it is because he believes it is the right thing to 
do.'

Silence went around the table again.  Scully remembered 
that Samantha was sitting across from her and again 
marveled at the fact that Mulder's sister was two feet 
away.

'And what part do you play in all this?'  Scully asked.

'I am trying to protect mankind.'  Samantha said.  'I 
believe that this cause should be kept quiet and we should 
be working in secret.  Why should we burden the public with 
what is going on when it will be over so quickly if we do 
not succeed?  They are better off living the rest of their 
lives in blissful ignorance.'

'I see you are having a hard time believing that Fox could 
be involved in something so sinister.'  Spender said.  'If 
you could think of it from his point of view, he has always 
wanted to expose the truth.  He always believed that the 
world should be informed of any conspiracy.  This is where 
we've disagreed.'

***

Mulder felt a cool hand on his face and the soft voice 
spiraled down to the bottom of the black hole he was lying 
in.

'Fox.'

He tried to open his eyes and they fluttered open a couple 
of times.

'Fox.'

Mulder gave up on trying to open his eyes and licked his 
lips instead.

'Don't try to talk, Fox.'  The voice said.  'Just keep 
breathing.'

'Scully?'  He managed to squeak out.

'Just relax, Fox.'

Mulder licked his lips again.  'Where...Am I?'

'You're in the hospital.'  The voice was beginning to sound 
familiar again.  'You need to relax and concentrate on 
breathing.'

Mulder blinked his eyes several times before managing to 
keep them open.  Shapes began to form in his blurry vision.  
The light above...The tiles in the ceiling...The sprinkler 
system...He rolled his eyes to his left and stared as he 
saw the blonde woman that he had seen before.

Mulder swallowed again, trying to clear his throat and 
whispered.

'Diana?'

***

Scully thoughts swirled around in her mind.  Too much, her 
mind kept saying.  Too much, don't get overwhelmed.  She 
took a deep breath and forced the clutter from her 
thoughts.  Focused on the discussion at hand.  She looked 
at Cancer Man.

'You used me to get to that information you needed and now 
you want me to trust you?'

'I didn't ask for your trust, Agent Scully.'  He replied.  
'You asked me where Fox was and I told you what I thought.  
We're just talking.'

Scully stared back at him for a moment, silently and 
reluctantly admitting to herself that he was right.  She 
wouldn't allow herself to feel the confusion that pressed 
down on her head.  She knew it was coming, her unavoidable 
meltdown of information, but she wasn't allowing herself 
the luxury just now.  That was for another time, all alone, 
in a warm shower, with the door locked.

'Are you okay?'  Krycek asked her.

She hadn't realized her hand was touching her forehead and 
her eyes were closed.  'I'm fine.'

'Maybe you should get some rest.'  He said.  'It's been a 
long trip.'

'I don't believe Mulder would lie to me.'  Scully said.  'I 
don't believe that he could be involved in something like 
that.'  Her voice was close to breaking and she hated 
herself for it.  'Mulder is a good person.'

'Mulder isn't on the wrong side, Agent Scully.'  Spender 
said, blowing out smoke.  'He is just on the side that he 
believes in.  Our goal, after all, is one in the same.  We 
just have different ways of getting to it.'

'I don't believe Fox would lie to you either.  He has never 
been the deceitful type.'  Samantha gently broke in.  'But 
I do think that he would keep things from you if he thought 
he would be protecting you.'

'You don't even know him.'  Scully snapped at her, 
immediately sorry for doing it.  She normally didn't lose 
her carefully constructed cool.

'I beg your pardon.'  Samantha said, completely indifferent 
to Scully's bite of anger.  'I do know Fox.  He is my 
brother and I spent the first part of my life with him.  
Even though we were brought up believing in two different 
things, I still know who he is.'

Scully was tired, confused and pregnant and her patience 
was reaching his end.  'You knew him when he was twelve!'  
She exclaimed.

'Let's not get into this right now.'  Krycek interrupted.  
'No good will come from arguing.'  He looked at his father.  
'We came here to find you hoping for an answer on Mulder's 
whereabouts.  But I guess you are in the dark on that as 
well.'

'We can put out our own inquiries.'  Cancer Man said.  'But 
who's to say that Fox wants to be found.'

'There's one thing that I don't understand.'  Scully said.

Krycek smiled.  'Just one?'

'I never had any connection to any of this while I was 
growing up.'  She looked at Krycek.  'You and Mulder, all 
of you were involved because of your parents, because of 
the project.'  She shook her head.  'Where did I come 
from?'

'I picked you out of medical school.'  Krycek answered.

'But since then.'  She went on.  'Everything that has 
happened to me, it is too coincidental.  Almost like...'

'Someone close to you was working against you?'  Cancer Man 
finished.

Scully didn't answer and moved on to another topic that had 
been bothering her.  'I'm assuming it was you who made sure 
I was able to conceive a child?'

'The child was conceived before it was implanted in you.'  
Spender said.  'I do not know when or where this happened.'

'And you had no part in it?'  She asked, recalling the 
morning she had awakened in his cabin with no recollection 
of the previous evening.

'I am not part of the group trying to create the new human 
evolution.'  Spender smiled.  'That is the campaign of 
Marita Covarrubias.'

'Then what are you doing?'  Scully asked, frustrated that 
no clear answers were available.

'We're creating the vaccine.'

'Creating a vaccine?'  Scully repeated.  'In order to do 
that, wouldn't experimentation be needed?  Not to mention 
you don't easily stumble across alien DNA?'

'Perhaps you'd like to see how we do it?'  Spender offered, 
blowing out smoke.  'Someone with your expertise would be 
welcomed into our project.'

'I'm not a geneticist.'  Scully replied before recoiling in 
horror.  What the hell was she thinking?  'And I'm really 
not interested in having any part of your project.'

'Rather hard to be a fence-sitter when presented with both 
sides.'  Spender said.  'One does usually tend to lean in 
some sort of direction.'

'I have not been presented with any sides.'  Scully replied 
harshly, rather irritated with the fact that she was 
already leaning away from the faceless rebels.  Which, if 
what Spender were saying was true, would be Mulder's side.  
'You haven't answered any of my questions with any clarity 
nor have you shown me any proof to substantiate anything 
you are claiming.  For all I know you have Mulder locked in 
a cage, draining him of whatever alien traits you need to 
make your vaccine work!'

Krycek frowned, obviously bothered that Scully was getting 
so upset, but Spender wasn't phased and turned towards 
Samantha.  'Show them the pictures, will you dear?'

Scully didn't say anything as Samantha reached into her 
purse and brought out some pictures.  She put them on the 
table and slid them towards Krycek and Scully, who leaned 
over the table to get a closer look.

Spender smiled.  'I'm sure your rational mind will find an 
excuse for what you see.'

The first picture was an office.  Mulder was sitting in a 
chair, leaning forward, hands dangling between his legs.  
He was looking up at Marita who was leaning against a desk, 
arms folded, staring down at him.

'This doesn't prove anything.'  Scully said softly, 
cringing inwardly at the sadness on Mulder's face.  'He 
doesn't look all that thrilled to be there.'

Krycek suddenly looked up at Scully as she glanced down at 
the next picture.

There were people seated around a table, someone up in 
front mapping on a graph of the world.  Mulder was looking 
up the map, chin resting in his hand.  Marita was sitting 
on his left and there were two other men seated at the 
table as well.  One looked familiar but Scully couldn't 
concentrate on that as she was staring at the blonde woman 
on Mulder's right.  Scully couldn't move, couldn't speak.  
For a moment, she couldn't even breathe.  It was Diana 
Fowley.

'Dana.'  Krycek said softly.  'This still means nothing.'

Scully put a hand over her mouth, her brain moving too 
fast.  Diana was dead.  She had looked at the autopsy 
report herself.  Diana was dead; Mulder wouldn't be hanging 
around with Diana and not tell her.  Diana was dead, she 
had been found dead.  She was dead.  Mulder wouldn't lie to 
her.  Mulder wouldn't lie.  He had saved her life too many 
times to count.  He had always been there for her.  He had 
followed her up to the Arctic to find her.

The thought suddenly slammed home exceptionally hard and 
her rational mind started to view things in a different 
way.

How had Mulder managed to find her up there?  He said that 
English man who was so high up in the Syndicate had given 
him her location.  That he'd been approached by this man 
and been offered her cure and her location.

That suddenly seemed a bit coincidental.

'Dana.'  Krycek's soft voice interrupted her thoughts.  
'Maybe we should leave so you can get some rest.'

Scully suddenly shoved the pictures back at Samantha, 
knocking everything on the table over in the process.

Tears welled up in her eyes.  Mulder couldn't have lied to 
her.  He couldn't have lied.  He couldn't.

Get a grip, Dana.  Her rational mind tried to surface once 
more.  Get a grip.  She knew Krycek was eyeing her with 
concern.  She ignored him.

'There is one other matter.'  Cancer Man said, lighting 
another cigarette.  'One that I've been reluctant to bring 
up.'

'Dear God.'  Scully said softly.  'Do you ever quit?'

Spender eyed her.  'I only bring this up because it 
involves my son.'

Krycek looked over at him, searching his eyes.

Samantha leaned over and spoke softly.  'I thought we had 
decided against this.'

'That was before I found out about Fox.'  Spender said.  'I 
could always count on him before to do the right thing.  
But he seems to have been...Misled by those others.'  He 
reached down into the briefcase and pulled out some charts.  
'This is your DNA,' he looked at Scully.  'And this is 
Alex's DNA.'

Krycek suddenly sat back in his chair, as if to remove 
himself from the conversation.  Scully looked at his face 
to see him eyeing Cancer Man with disbelief.  She felt fear 
in the pit of her stomach.

'We have a very valuable source.'  Spender said.  'I don't 
know who it is that acts as our double agent, and I don't 
care.  This person is usually able to provide us with 
everything we need.'

Scully swallowed the lump that had lately seemed to be 
visiting her throat quite often.  'Our DNA, that should be 
easily enough to obtain.'

Spender pulled out another chart and laid it on the table 
in between the two.  'This is the DNA of your unborn 
child.'

Krycek suddenly stood up, knocking over his chair in the 
process, and hastily walked out of the restaurant.

Scully looked after him, then back at Spender.  She 
couldn't look at the charts and once again, she was unable 
to speak.

'If you compare the DNA charts of the two of you to the 
chart of the child, you'll see, the child has both.'

Scully managed to drag her eyes down to the charts.  She 
eyed all three before looking up at Spender.  'How?'  She 
whispered, desperately trying to push the tears back into 
her eyes.

'I don't know.'  Cancer Man replied.  'But I do believe you 
should go away where they cannot find you.'

'I can't.'  Scully said softly.

'Alex has the highest IQ of the four children.'  Spender 
said.  'He has shown more alien characteristics than the 
other three combined.  For his child to be in existence 
combined with your tendency to combat the alien virus-'

'How would I have any anti-agent in my body to fight this?'  
She sputtered out, swiping at her eyes.

'Mulder injected you with the vaccine in those horrid ice 
caves.'  Spender said.  'It altered your physiology.  You 
will survive any attempt of the alien invasion because of 
it.'

Scully tried to keep a sane, rational mind about all this.  
She searched for any sense of comfort in anything she'd 
been told and found none.  She extended her search to the 
man sitting in front of her.  'Do you really think Mulder 
is doing wrong in all this?'

'As I've said before, Agent Scully.'  Spender said.  'I 
believe that Fox believes he's doing the right thing.  I 
don't know if he's there because he's being forced, or 
because he chose to deceive everyone around him.  All I 
know is he's there.'

'I've always believed him to be the father of my child.'  
Scully whispered.

'You mustn't think of it that way.'  Spender said.  'The 
child was created for the future.  In a lab.  With 
genetics.  The child was created with science.  The child 
was created specifically to ensure the survival of the 
human race.  The child is the hope for the future.'

It was some time before the dinner broke up and Scully 
wandered outside to find Krycek sitting on a bench out 
front.

'Are they gone?'  He asked before she could say anything.  
His face was in his hand.

'Yes.'  She replied.  'They went back to the 'cottage by 
the lake' they asked me to tell you.'

'I had nothing to do with this.'  He said, not moving.

'I believe you.'  Scully sat on the bench next to him.

'All my life, whenever my mind wandered far enough away to 
dream of having a family, I never wanted my kid to end up 
like me.'

Scully looked at the horse-drawn carriage as it pranced by.  
'I don't quite see it that way.'

Krycek leaned back on the bench and took his hand away from 
his face.  'How is it not?'  He asked.  'The child is being 
bred specifically for scientific reasons.  The offspring of 
two people who know nothing of its origin?  How is that not 
like me?'

'Because the child will have a mother that loves it.'  
Scully replied.  'And hopefully the father will feel the 
same way.'  Was she really saying this?  Was this really 
happening?  Was she really excepting the fact that Krycek 
was the father of her child?

This was insane.

Krycek didn't say anything and they both sat in silence for 
a few moments.

'I'm sorry it wasn't Fox's.'  Krycek said.

'Let's not be concerned with that just now.'  Scully said, 
her voice much sturdier than she had dared to hope.  'I 
wasn't supposed to have children and I desperately wanted 
to be a mother.  Yours or Mulder's, either way this baby is 
a miracle.'

Krycek finally looked over at her.  She ignored him again.  
Scully was trying to deal with the fact that she was 
carrying Krycek's baby and not Mulder's.  It was not an 
easy thing to swallow.

Krycek looked down at the ground.  'What do you think we 
should do?'

'I don't know.'  Scully couldn't look at him yet.  'If us 
going into hiding would create a safer environment for the 
baby, maybe we should.  I could always leave word for 
Mulder on how to find me.'

'We don't have to go into hiding together.'  Krycek said.

'No,' Scully replied, 'but it would be better that way.'  
She looked over at him.  'That is, assuming you want to be 
around.'

Krycek didn't respond.  He sat there with his head in his 
hand.

So this is it.  Scully thought to herself.  This man will 
be part of my future if he wants to, Alex Krycek, 
supposedly the father of my child.  I'm supposed to accept 
this?

Scully was suddenly confused as to why she already seemed 
to be accepting it.  Either she was far more rational than 
she thought, or she was in denial.

Krycek was lost.  She could see it.  She was definitely 
handling this better than he was.  She forced herself to 
put a hand on his leg.  'It would help if I knew what you 
were thinking.'

Krycek shook his head.  When he responded, his voice was 
hoarse.  'I don't know how to deal with this.'  He said.  
'I don't know what I'm supposed to feel.'

'You're not supposed to feel anyway.'  She said.  'However 
you feel is how you're supposed to feel.'

Krycek looked up at her.  She was amazed; there were tears 
in his eyes.  She didn't think his body had been capable of 
producing them.

'Can we go back to the hotel?'  He asked.  'I can't sit out 
here like this anymore.'

***

They were back in their rooms.  Krycek was sitting in the 
chair by the window, leg up on the table.

'I'm sorry.'  He said.

'Sorry for what?'  Scully asked.

He sighed.  'I don't know.'

'It doesn't make this any easier when you're so damn lost.'  
Scully said.

'Hey, you've had time to adjust to the fact that you're 
having a baby.'  Krycek said.  'I've only had about an 
hour.'

'You're right.'  Scully said.  'I'm sorry.'

Krycek leaned back and threw his other leg on the table, 
letting his head fall back on the chair.  'I'm thinking we 
should try to find Fox.'

'Maybe.'  Scully said, sitting on the bed.

Krycek looked at her suspiciously.  'Come on, you don't 
believe all that shit my father said, do you?'

Scully shrugged.  'I don't know.  I'm more worried about my 
baby right now than anything else.'

'Well.'  Krycek said.  'Tell me what you want to do and 
I'll do it.'

There was a knocking at the door and Scully walked over to 
answer it.

'Wait.'  Krycek said, standing up.

She stopped and turned back towards him.  He was already 
walking to her side.

'Who could that be?'  He whispered.

'I don't know.'  She said, looking through the peephole.  
'I don't see anyone-'

'Look out!'  Krycek suddenly shoved her aside.  She fell to 
the ground, a huge boom echoing through the room.

Scully lay on the floor and heard footsteps growing fainter 
as they sounded down the hall.  She took her hands away 
from her ears and looked back at the door.

Krycek was lying on the floor, a puddle of blood collecting 
around him.

'Alex?'  She asked, crawling to his side.

'Don't let me go to...The hospital.'  He said through 
ragged breaths.

Her eyes flooded with tears and she applied pressure to the 
wound as a strange feeling enveloped her.  'You need a 
doctor.'  She said, realizing that the strange feeling was 
trust.  He had just saved her life.

'You are a doctor.'  He sputtered.  'Please don't...let 
me...go to...the hospital.'

'Alex, you need more than what I can do.'  She said.  
Someone burst through the door, a bellboy.

'Call 911.'  She hissed at him before turning her attention 
back to Krycek.  'You're going to be okay.'

'I can't go to the hospital.'  He whispered.

The paramedics arrived after mere minutes.  They gathered 
Krycek up on a gurney and began to wheel him out of the 
room.  He gripped at one of Scully's hands.

'Please don't let them take me.'

Scully blinked as confused tears fell down her face.  
'Alex, I'm going to be right next to you.'

He only shook his head at her.  'Please don't leave me.  I 
can't go.'

'I'm not leaving you.'  She said, wondering again how had 
known that someone was going to be shooting through the 
door.

They rode down the elevator in silence; Scully refused to 
let go of his hand.  They rushed through the lobby and 
towards the freight loading and unloading zone.  He 
suddenly gripped at her hand again.

'Oh my God.'  He whispered.  'They're going to take me.'

'Alex, I'm right here.'  She said.  'No one's taking you 
anywhere without me.'

'Be careful, Dana.'  He said.

The paramedics loaded him into the ambulance and one of 
them turned towards her.

'Sorry, Ma'am.'  He said.  'You cannot come with him.'

'Of course I can.'  Scully replied.  'I'm his doctor.'

The paramedic looked at her.  She barely had time to 
realize that he looked familiar before she was hit in the 
back of the head.  She gripped at Krycek's hand, trying to 
focus on something to keep her awake.  She barely had the 
time to hear him say her name before everything went black.

***

'Mulder, you don't remember anything?'  Scully asked him, 
sitting in her apartment.

He shook his head, not looking at her.

She shook her head.  'I wish you could remember something 
about where you've been.  It might explain who decided to 
conduct neurosurgery on you.  Plus how you can be psychic 
one minute, then have it turned off the next.'

Mulder shrugged at her.  'Bother's the hell outta me too.'

Scully patted his hand.  'I guess you're okay and that's 
all that matters.'

'Yeah, I feel okay.'  He looked up at her, smiling.  'Hey, 
Scully.  You got any of that Godiva I gave you for your 
birthday?'

She smiled at him.  'Why do we drink whenever we're 
together?'

'Oh, I don't know.'  He said, grabbing her hand.  'Maybe I 
like it when you loosen up.  Or maybe it gives me the 
courage I need to tell you how important you are to me.'

Mulder tangled his hand in her hair and brought her face 
closer to give her a quick kiss.

'Agent Scully?'

She blinked her eyes at the authoritative voice.

'There you are.'

She focused on Skinner.  He was standing above her, 
smiling.  'How are you feeling?'

Scully touched her head.  'Where am I?'

'You're in the hospital, but you're okay.'  Skinner said.  
'You were found in the garage of the Westin.  Do you 
remember what happened?'

Scully thought back.  The Westin?  The hotel?  The last 
time she'd been at a Westin was in Los Angeles.  No, in 
Seattle.  Downtown Seattle.  Krycek and her had come out to 
find Mulder.

'Alex.'  She said, sitting up.

Skinner gently eased her back down.  'Easy, Agent.'  He 
said softly.

'Where's Alex?'  She asked.

Skinner looked at her, a strange expression on his face.  
'If you're referring to Krycek, we've found no trace of him 
other than what was left in the hotel.'

'He was shot.'  Scully said.  'He saved my life...'

'Agent Scully.'  Skinner said.  'It's improbable that he 
survived with how much blood he lost.'

Scully's eyes welled up in tears.  Again.  She hated the 
water that seemed to be a permanent fixture behind her eyes 
these days.

'There was no evidence?'  She asked.

'On Agent Mulder?'

'On Alex.'  She responded softly.

'No.'  Skinner replied.  'There was no sign of where he 
went or who could have taken him.  All we found was his 
blood.'

Scully squeezed her eyes shut.  'I promised I'd stay with 
him.'  She said softly.

'You never know about Krycek, Agent.'  Skinner said, 
tilting his head to the side to look at her.  'He could be 
just fine.  He is a slippery son of a-'

'I didn't find anything much about Agent Mulder, Sir.'  
Scully lied to Skinner, but wasn't quite sure why.  'Only 
that he is probably alive.'

'What makes you think that?'

'Krycek showed me some pictures, Sir.'  Scully said, not 
able to look at him.  'It showed Mulder alive with Marita 
Covarrubias.'

Skinner frowned.  'Doing what?'

'Talking.'  She said.  'Just talking.'

She wanted Skinner to leave.  She felt uncomfortable with 
him there and didn't know why, which made her feel worse.  
She assumed that a lot of it was due to the fact that she 
didn't want to expose her new loyalty to Krycek.  She 
didn't think anyone would understand right now and didn't 
want to complicate things.

'Where were they talking?'

'I don't know.'  She replied.  'Krycek was very, reluctant, 
as far as giving information away, I mean.'

'He probably knows where Agent Mulder is.'  Skinner said.

'I don't know, Sir.'  Scully said.  'He seemed just as 
confused.'

***

Mulder sat in the chair, his hands dangling between his 
legs, his head down.  He tried to speak, couldn't, and 
cleared his throat again.  It was still sore from the 
oxygen tube.

'How long have I been here?'  He asked softly.

Marita came around the desk to lean against it.  'Only for 
a couple of days.  We thought it was safest for you to come 
here, after being abducted.'

'Why?'  He looked up at her.

'We needed to make sure you weren't infected.'  Marita 
replied in her sophisticated voice.  'We needed to monitor 
your vital signs.'

'Does Scully know where I'm at?'

'No, no.'  Marita said.  'This has been kept in the 
strictest of confidence.'

Mulder shook his head, staring down at the ground.  'She 
must be worried sick.  I have to let her know I'm okay.'

'Agent Scully is fine.'  Marita said.  'Right now we need 
to worry about you, and where you're going to go from 
here.'

'What do you mean, 'where I'm going to go'?'  He glanced 
back up at her.  'I'm going back to my apartment, to the 
FBI, to the X-Files and to Scully.'

Marita leaned down and put a hand on his arm.  'Things may 
not be so simple, Agent Mulder.'

He resisted the urge to move away from here.  'How so?'

'There are things you need to be aware of.  Things that 
will change the way you look at everything.'

***

Skinner drove Scully back to the Westin.  She was extremely 
reluctant to stay in the same hotel, but wanted to know 
that Krycek could find her if he needed to.  She requested 
two different rooms, one for her and one for Skinner, and 
then she thought better of it and requested two more for 
when the three freaks showed up.  The last thing she did 
was leave a note for Krycek at the front desk.

Skinner preceded Scully into her room.  He flicked on the 
light and looked around.  'You sure you want to stay here, 
Agent Scully?'

'I'm not leaving.'  She said, walking past him to sit down 
in one of the chairs by the window.  'I wish you'd quit 
trying to talk me out of it.'

'I just don't see what staying here is going to 
accomplish.'  He said, sitting across from her.  'It seems 
to me that all our resources are back in D.C.'

'Sir, I know you don't understand it.'  Scully said.  'But 
I need to be here.  There's, other contacts I have that are 
here in town.'

An annoyed look spread across Skinner's face as he realized 
that she had been hiding things from him.  'Other 
contacts.'

'Yes.'

'Like who?'

Scully paused, then looked at him.  'Krycek and I met with 
Cancer Man and Mulder's sister last night.'

Skinner let that settle in for a moment.  'When were 
planning on telling me this?'

'I don't know.'  Scully said softly.  'I learned some 
things that were very difficult for me.  I didn't plan on 
sharing them yet.'

'You want to share them now?'  He looked at her sternly.

'Spender said that Mulder is working with Marita 
Covarrubias.  They are trying to create and alien-human 
hybrid that will contain the genetics needed to create a 
vaccine against colonization.  He said that they were sided 
with those faceless rebels you keep hearing about.'

'I don't think I believe that.'

'Neither did we, Sir.'  She paused.  'But then they showed 
us pictures.  Of Mulder and Marita and of Mulder and 
others.  Other men gathered around a table, plotting, doing 
something.  And Diana was with them.'

'Diana Fowley?'  Skinner was shocked.

Scully nodded.  'Yes.  That's why, whether I want to or 
not, I find myself believing that Mulder is with these 
people.  I know that he would have tried to contact one of 
us by now.  I mean, why would he be hiding with Diana if 
there were something he doesn't want us to know?'

***

'I don't believe it.'  Byers said.

Scully had repeated the story again when the Lone Gunmen 
showed up at the hotel later that morning.  Of course, she 
left out the part about her baby having Krycek's DNA.  She 
didn't quite feel like letting that little secret out of 
the bag yet.

'Mulder wouldn't side with those freaks.'  Frohike said in 
his delicate manner.

'I don't mean that he's siding with anyone.'  Scully said.  
'Just that he's there now, and hasn't tried to contact us.'  
She looked around at everyone.  'That doesn't seem strange 
to anyone else?'

'Maybe he's unable to contact us.'  Skinner said quietly.

'Maybe he is.'  She agreed.

Langly cleared his throat and she looked up at him.  He was 
even paler than usual.  'I just realized something.'

'What?'  She asked when he was silent.

'Your ova.'  He said, looking over at Byers.

'My what?'  Scully looked between the three of them.

Now Byers had the perfect definition of disbelief on his 
face.  'Oh my God.'  He said.

'Now wait.'  Frohike said.  'That means nothing.'

'What?'  Scully demanded.  'What the hell are you talking 
about?'

'Mulder had asked us to store something for him.  He had 
stumbled into a laboratory, while you were in the hospital, 
fighting your cancer.'  Byers began to explain and Langly 
picked up for him.

'He told us it was your ova, we needed to know in order to 
store it correctly.  He didn't want us to tell you.  He 
said he'd tell you himself when he was ready.'

Scully's mouth was agape, her eyes were wide.  'He stumbled 
across my ova?'

'Our lab was broken into a couple of months ago.'  Frohike 
said.  'That was one of the things that we could never 
find.'

Scully stood up, her hand over her mouth; she turned in a 
slow circle.  When she looked back at them, her face was 
livid.

'And none of you ever thought you should tell me this?'  
She raised her voice.

'Mulder said he was going to tell you.'  Frohike sputtered.  
'We didn't feel it was our place.'

'Your PLACE?'  She yelled.  'Mulder finds my ova and you 
don't think it's your PLACE to tell me?'

'I guess that explains the mystery of how they managed to 
conceive a child from you.'  Skinner said softly.

Scully sat down on the bed and buried her face in her 
hands.

Skinner approached Scully and put a hand on her shoulder.  
She was shaking.  He assumed that she was crying but when 
she looked up, he saw that she was furious.

'Why the hell didn't anyone tell me about this?'  She 
demanded, standing up.  'The man suddenly finds my ova and 
this seems normal to everyone?'

'We were with him when he broke into the lab.'  Langly 
said.  'We were there when he found it.  It didn't seem 
suspicious.'

'Scully,' Skinner said softly, 'this still doesn't mean 
he's in cahoots with the enemy.'

'Sir,' she said looking up at him, 'I don't even know who 
the enemy is anymore.'

'I just don't believe that Mulder would do this.'  Frohike 
said.

'Alex said the same thing.'  Scully gave a small shake of 
her head.

'Screw Krycek.'  Frohike said.  'He wouldn't know the truth 
if it bit him on the ass.'

Scully whirled on him.  'Can we please leave Alex alone for 
one minute?'

Everyone was taken aback by her sudden defense of Krycek.

Skinner stepped towards the door.  'Maybe we should all let 
Scully get some rest.'

The three filed out the door and Skinner closed it behind 
them.

'You want to tell me what's really going on now?'

'What do you mean?'  Scully didn't look at him.

'Your sudden loyalty to Krycek.'  Skinner said.  'A man you 
wanted dead for a long, long time.'

Scully didn't say anything.  She wiped at her eyes.

'Now you don't want to leave Seattle.'  Skinner continued.  
'When we both know the search for Mulder isn't even on the 
pacific coast.'

'And how would you feel, Sir?'  Scully asked.

Skinner didn't answer; he waited for her to go on.

'Mulder always came to my rescue.  Always managed to find 
me.  Even up on top of the world, he manages to find me in 
the middle of a maze in a spacecraft that's buried deep 
under ice.  Manages to have the vaccine.  He said a man who 
was high up in the syndicate approached him with all this.  
Does this sound real to you?'

Skinner still didn't say anything.

'I'm shown pictures of him conspiring with Diana Fowley, 
who should be dead.  He's been missing for a week and he 
hasn't called anyone, but is sitting around a table in a 
meeting with someone who should be dead?  I just find out 
that he had my ova, my ova for God's sake, after I 
mysteriously become pregnant.'  She turned to face him.  
'What would you think?'

'I don't know what I'd think.'  Skinner said softly.

She walked over to the bed and sat down.  'I've been told I 
should go into hiding.'

'Cancer Man?'  He asked.

Scully nodded.  'Apparently my baby is the savior of the 
human race.'

'What're you going to do?'  He asked gently.

She shook her head.  'I have no idea.'

***

A month had gone by.  Scully had decided to go back to 
Washington D.C.  after staying in Seattle for a week and 
coming up with nothing.  There were things she needed to 
take care of back home, and no threats had been made on her 
life or the life of her baby.

Upon her arrival back home, she had found a cryptic message 
from Mulder on her answering machine:

'Uh, Scully it's me.  I just wanted to let you know that 
I'm okay.  I will be back as soon as I can and then I'll 
tell you everything.  You won't believe what I'm learning.  
Anyway, I'm fine and I'll be home.'

Well, that was three weeks ago and Scully wasn't impressed.  
At first she had cried, then she had gotten angry.  Now, 
she was detached from it.  The whole ova thing had thrown 
her over the edge.  She was very angry with Mulder.

Skinner and the Lone Gunmen dropped by everyday.  They 
brought her vegetarian food and kept her company.  She was 
reluctant to return to her work on the X-Files and Skinner 
knew it.  She didn't want to bring any unnecessary risks to 
the baby.

This evening, she was enjoying a rather wonderful 
portabello mushroom burger from the vegetarian cafe around 
the corner that Krycek had introduced to her.  It was her 
new favorite dish and Skinner brought it to her all the 
time.

'Are you getting hooked yet?'  Scully asked him, mouth full 
of food.

'You shouldn't talk with your mouth full, Agent Scully.'  
Skinner said, speaking with his own mouth full of a veggie 
burger.  'It's really very disgusting.'

Scully laughed, thanking God for putting Skinner in her 
life.  He had kept her sane while her search for Mulder and 
Krycek had come to a grinding halt.  She finally gave up on 
both of them and instead concentrated on herself and the 
baby.

'Resistance is futile.'  Scully said to him.

'Oh hush.'  Skinner said.  'You're winning.  I cannot 
remember the last time I actually ate some meat.'

Scully smiled at him.  'Give yourself to the dark side.'

'I will never go vegan.'  Skinner said, throwing a French 
fry at her.  'That's just mere insanity.'

Scully laughed and he joined her.  'It's not as bad as you 
think.'

Skinner was glad she was smiling and laughing.  There were 
a couple of scary weeks that she didn't do either.  He 
didn't know what had happened with Alex Krycek, but he knew 
that Scully had not quite been the same since their trip to 
Seattle.

Scully suddenly quite chewing and looked at Skinner.  The 
look on her face scared the hell out of him.

'Scully, what's wrong?'  He asked.

She just sat there, staring at him, her face blank.  He 
concluded that she was choking.

'Are you choking?'  He asked her, rising from his seat.

She shook her head, as there was a knock on the door.

Skinner moved to the door and took his gun out.  'Who's 
there?'

A voice came back to them.  'Alex Krycek.'

Skinner opened the door and Krycek all but fell in.  Scully 
had rushed past him and caught Krycek.  She guided him to 
the couch.

'Alex.'  She said softly.  'Are you okay?'

'I'm fine.'  He whispered.  'Just tired.  Been a long 
trip.'

She let him fall on the couch and he caught both of her 
hands with his own.  Something about that seemed strange to 
her but she pushed the thought away.

'Are you okay?'  He asked her, gripping her hands tightly.

'I'm fine.'  She answered.  'What the hell happened to 
you?'

'The baby's okay?'  He asked, his eyes closing.

'Fine, we're both fine.'  She said, feeling his hands slip 
from hers.

His hands, that still didn't fit right.

His hands.

She suddenly gasped and stood up.  Skinner was immediately 
right behind her.

'What's wrong?'  He demanded.

'His hands.'  Scully said in a strained voice.

Skinner took in her face, drained of color, and steadied 
her as she swayed.  'What about his hands?'

'His HANDS.'  She said, sitting on the couch next to Krycek 
and grabbing his left hand.  'His arm.  Oh my God, his 
arm.'

Skinner leaned over Krycek so quickly he nearly knocked 
Scully down.  'Holy shit!'

She traced a fingernail across Krycek's left palm and his 
fingers twitched.  'Oh my god.'

'How is this possible?'  Skinner asked softly.

'It isn't.'  She said, pulling Krycek's sleeve up to 
examine his arm.  There was the faintest hint of a scar 
towards the top, but it looked like even that would heal.  
She began to cry and didn't know why.  'Oh my god, this 
isn't possible.'

'Scully?'  Skinner asked she stood up and walked over to 
sit down at the table.  'Why are you crying?'

She shook her head.  'I have no idea.  It must be the 
hormones.'  She suddenly laughed and looked over at Krycek.  
'I can't believe someone just put his arm back on.'

Skinner said down across from her.  'That's unbelievable.'

'To think that this kind of technology might be available 
to us.'  Scully wiped her eyes.  'Imagine the 
possibilities.'

Skinner looked at Scully for a moment.  'Scully, how did 
you know?'

'Know what?'

'About thirty seconds before Krycek knocked, you suddenly 
stopped eating and just stared at me.  You look like you'd 
seen a ghost.  Did you know he was coming here?'

Scully didn't answer him and he leaned forward.  'You can 
tell me, Scully.'

'I heard him.'  She said softly.

Skinner looked at her strangely.  'You heard him walking up 
the hall?'

'No.'  She said softly.  'I heard him in my head.'

Skinner leaned back in his chair and stared at her.  'In 
your head?'

'I shouldn't have said anything.'  She said softly.

'No, no.'  Skinner held up a hand.  'Just trying to 
understand.  Are you saying you can read minds?'

Scully shook her head.  'It wasn't like that.'

'How was it?'  He waited for her to continue.

'It was like, he was in my head.'  She struggled for the 
right words.  'Not his voice.  Just...I don't know...A 
feeling that he was there.  I knew it was Alex.  It was so 
obviously his presence.'  She covered her face.  'I sound 
like all those people I used to think were crazy.'

'What do you think this means?'

'I don't know.'  She smiled.  'It really scared me.'

'Do you think it's the same thing that happened to Mulder?'

Scully thought for a moment before shaking her head.  'I 
don't think so, no.'

'Well I'm a little concerned, Scully.'  Skinner said.  
'Mulder ignored it and we all saw what happened to him.  I 
don't want to have to visit you in the padded room.'

Scully looked at Krycek's sleeping form.  'I think it's 
him.'

'Krycek?'

'Cancer Man told me that Alex had more alien in him then 
the other three children put together.  That he was the 
perfect hybrid, with the exception of the anti-agent of 
course.'

'So you think he has a way of communicating 
telepathically?'

'It's my best guess.'  Scully smiled.

***

Mulder set the phone back in the cradle as Diana walked in.  
She stopped and gave him a look, her eyebrows raised.

He grinned sheepishly at her.  'I had to let her know I was 
okay.'

'You didn't tell her where you are, did you?'

'I don't even know where I'm at.'  He said, sitting down at 
the table.  'Besides, she wasn't there so I left a 
message.'

She sat down next to him.  'What did you say?'

'I sang 'Bingo' and clapped all the way up to the G.'  He 
said, not looking at her.

She sighed.  'Translation: It's none of my business.'

Mulder smiled.  'Still sharp as a tack.'

They were interrupted as Marita walked in with two other 
men.

***

'I feel better about your guess than other people's facts.'  
Skinner said.

Scully grinned at him.  'Flattery, my dear Assistant 
Director, will get you everywhere.'

Krycek suddenly jumped up off the couch, startling the both 
of them.  'Get away from the door, get away from the door.'  
He said, pounding on the door immediately following.

Skinner and Scully both stood up, moving further into the 
kitchen, Skinner getting in front of her.  They both 
watched Krycek.

He held up his hands, walking to the door.  'I'm sorry.  
It's the three musketeers.  All I knew was someone was 
running up the hall and really needed to be here.'

He opened the door and they rushed inside, breathing 
heavily.  They all looked at Krycek and he smiled.  'Hi 
boys, nice to see you too.'

'Oh hell.'  Frohike rolled his eyes.  'Don't you ever die?'

Krycek pointed at Frohike.  'You were running?'

Frohike threw a finger up in the air.  'Hop on this and 
rotate.'

'Always knew I liked you for some reason.'  Krycek clapped 
him on the shoulder as he walked by.

Scully moved into the room.  'To what do I owe this honor?'

Byers held up a piece of paper in triumph.  'We know where 
Mulder is.'

Scully snatched it out of his hand.  The address was in New 
York.

***

Marita sat down on the other side of Mulder.  'We 
appreciate you staying here for our meeting.'

Mulder shrugged.  'The least I can do after you guys found 
me.'

'You're very important, Fox.'  Diana said.  'You would help 
the project immensely by working with us.'
'We were working with Spender for so long, it really set us 
back when we found out he had his own agenda.'  Marita 
joined in.

Diana nodded.  'He took all of our research with him.'

'It's like starting from scratch.'

The new voice belonged to a man who had just walked in.  He 
stood at the front of the room, in front of a map of the 
world.

Mulder sat through the next hour, stunned and speechless.

To finally understand everything that was going on.  To 
finally understand what the aliens were after and what was 
being done to prevent it.  The history behind Spender was 
hideous.  Trying to create alien-human hybrids only to 
destroy them when they were found out their DNA was 
unusable.  He understood now what was being done with 
Scully.  Why her ova was taken, why she got cancer and why 
she was put into remission.  He finally felt whole to be 
included.

To finally be on the right side.

***

Mulder stood up as the others were filing out of the room 
and looked over at Diana.

'So what do you think?'  She asked him.

'Beats the hell out of sitting in the basement of the FBI, 
running around in circles.'  He said, sitting on the edge 
of the table.

'You love the X-Files.'  She said, stuffing papers in her 
briefcase.

'I do.'  He said.  'But I was always working to expose the 
conspiracy, to find my sister...'  He shook his head.  'I 
can do a lot more here.'

'We'd love to have you.'  She said.  'We need someone now 
that Spender and his irritating son have gone their own 
way.'

Mulder stopped and looked at her.  'Jeffrey?'

Diana looked at him, frowning, causing her wrinkles to be 
even more apparent.  'There's a lot you don't know, Fox.'

'Well, we'll have to fix that then, wont we.'  He said.  'I 
have to go see Scully, let her know what's been going on.'  
He smiled, imagining her reaction to everything he'd found.  
'She'll be thrilled about all this.'

Diana laid a hand on his arm, stopping him.  She looked at 
him, well-practiced sympathy on her face.  'That's 
something else I need to talk to you about.'

***

Scully looked at Byers.  'How did you get this?'

'It took us awhile but we finally managed to trace the 
number he called you from when he left that message.'

'It took you three weeks!'

Langly shrugged in embarrassment.  'That was my fault, you 
see-'

Scully didn't give him a chance to continue.  'Did you guys 
find out anything about what this is?'

'It's a private residence.'  Byers said.  'Owned by a 
Samuel Adams.'

'Samuel Adams?'  Krycek asked from his spot on the couch, 
his hand on his face.  'That's definitely got to be a 
front.  Might as well of named the kid Bud Weiser.'

Frohike snorted laughter in spite of himself.

'We did have an associate of ours from that area go scope 
it out.'  Byers said, handing her some pictures.  'She took 
this, so we know Mulder's still alive.'

The picture showed Mulder, Diana and Marita walking out the 
door, into the street.

She wordlessly handed the picture to Skinner.  He stared at 
it for a moment then held it out to Krycek.  He just smiled 
at Skinner and shook his head.  'Don't need it.'

'It's obvious that Mulder's life isn't in danger.'  Scully 
said after a lengthy silence.

'Not that we know of, anyway.'  Skinner said.  'Why don't 
we get someone from the New York office to set up 
surveillance there?'

'Good idea.'  Byers said.  'That way we can get a better 
idea of what's going on without blowing anything.'

'Remember that case he was on?'  Skinner asked Scully.  
'When he went undercover for the CIA and couldn't say 
anything?  He may be involved in something like that 
again.'

'Or he's just protecting you.'  Krycek said, his eyes 
closed.

'Okay.'  Scully said.  'Let's give it some time.'  She 
looked up at the Lone Gunmen.  'But find out everything you 
can.'

'Alright.'  Byers said.  'I'll call my contact as soon as 
we get back to the dungeon.'

'Tell her I said hi.'  Scully smiled.

Byers blushed and smiled back.  'I will.'

'We'll check in tomorrow.'  Frohike pointed at Krycek.  'I 
don't want to have to break out my Kung Fu on your ass.'

Krycek pointed back.  'I fear the day.'

'I ain't messing around.'  Frohike retorted.

Krycek smiled.  'I believe you.'

'Goodnight, Frohike.'  Scully said.

The three hurried out the door.  Skinner began to clear off 
the table 'Well, I destroyed my veggie burger, but you 
still have half of your mushroom thing left.'

'Can't eat them after they get cold.'  She said.  'Tastes 
like rubber.'

Krycek raised his eyebrows at Skinner.  'Veggie burger?'

'Don't start with me, Alex.'  Came the stern reply.

Krycek let his head fall on the back of the couch and 
closed his eyes.  'Whatever.'

Skinner and Scully smiled at each other in silence.

'You don't have to do that.'  She said as he put their 
glasses in the sink.  'I'm going to get it in the morning.'

Skinner glanced over at Krycek and spoke softly.  'You 
going to be okay?'

She leaned closer to him and smiled.  'I went across the 
country with the man, I think I can handle it.'

'Alright.'  He said, walking to the door.  'I'll call you 
in the morning.'

'Oh hell.  I almost forgot.'  Krycek stood up and walked to 
Skinner.  He reached in the inside pocket of his jacket and 
pulled out the Nano controller that had plagued Skinner.  
He held it out to him.  'I believe this belongs to you.'

Skinner's throat immediately locked up and he gingerly took 
the controller.  He tried to think of something to say and 
found nothing.

Krycek gave a slight shake of his head.  'You don't have to 
say anything.  It's me that should be apologizing.  And I'm 
sorry.'

Skinner nodded, looking back at him, then turned and walked 
out.

Krycek stood at the door after Skinner had closed it behind 
him.  'Nice to know that nothing has changed.'

'What do you mean?'  Scully asked.

'None of those people trust me.'  He said.  'Skinner's in 
the middle, but those other three, they can't stand me.  
Especially the little guy, he's quite protective of you.'

'Do you blame them?'  She asked, sitting down with a glass 
of water.

'No.'  He was still staring at the door Skinner had 
vacated.  'Do you want to ask me?  Or would you rather I 
just answer.'

'I think you just did.'  She said softly.

Krycek stood there in silence, he didn't know what to say.  
He opened the door.  'We can talk more tomorrow.  I just 
wanted to make sure you were okay.'

'What is it like?'  Scully asked.

Krycek slowly closed the door.  He paused, his hand on the 
doorknob.  'I don't know because it's always been there.'

'Do you hear people's voices or is it more like feelings?'

'It's always different.'  He said.  'Sometimes I can hear 
it in my head just like someone said it out loud.  Other 
times like when I was asleep earlier, all I feel is the 
emotion.  Sometimes I don't feel anything at all.'

'Do you know why it would be different?'  She invited him 
to sit down by pulling out a chair at the table.

'No.'  He said.  'It could depend on the person.  Or it 
could be me.'  Krycek crossed the room to sit down.  'I 
hated my abilities for a long time so I refused to use 
them.  Maybe I just haven't developed them yet.'

'Were you trying to let me know when you were coming here?'

'Yes.'  He said.  'I didn't want to scare you.'

Scully laughed.  'So you tried to send me telepathic 
thoughts?'

'I don't know.'  Krycek smiled in return.  'It seemed 
reasonable at the time.'

'It must be amazing.'  She said.

He looked at her for a moment.  'You wanna see?'

Scully's lips parted in surprise.  'What?'

'I can show you.'

'How would you do that?'  Scully whispered.

'I don't know.'  Krycek replied.  'I just know I can.'

Scully stared back at him, scared but too fascinated to 
turn him down.  'Show me.'

Krycek leaned closer to her, never breaking eye contact.  
'You sure?'

She nodded.  'I'm sure.'

He looked her in the eyes, reaching over, and put his hands 
on top of hers.

Scully's mind was immediately flooded with feelings.  It 
seemed she was re-living Krycek's life.  From the time he 
was a child, such horrible times, how could anyone endure 
this and remain sane?  Such utter despair, such loneliness.  
How lost can one person be-

The images stopped.

Scully gathered herself, looking at Krycek in silence.  He 
had taken his hands off of hers and was staring at her.  He 
seemed concerned.

'I had no idea it would affect you like that.'  He said.  
'I'm sorry.'

She managed to find her voice.  'Affect me like what?'

'You were crying.'  Was all he said.

***

Mulder looked at Fowley.  'What about Scully?'

She sat back down.  'Maybe you should sit down, Fox.'

'Just tell me!'  He snapped.

'I'm not quite sure how.'  She said, playing the concerned 
role well.  'I guess I'll just come out and say it.'

Mulder leaned towards her.  'Then say it.'

'It appears that Agent Scully has been working with Spender 
and Krycek all along.'

Mulder stared back at her for a moment, then laughed in her 
face.  'That's the most ridiculous thing I've ever heard.'

'I'm afraid it's the truth.'

'What the hell would even make you think that?'  He said, 
his voice trailing off as she placed a picture on the table 
in front of him.

It was Krycek and Scully, walking down the street together, 
both of them on cell phones.

He pointed at the picture.  'She probably went to him for 
help.'

'And this one?'  She set another one on top of the first.

Krycek and Scully were sitting on a bench in front of 
restaurant.

'And this one?'

Krycek and Scully sitting at a table with Cancer Man and...

His sister?

Mulder slowly sat down in his chair.

Diana put her hand on Mulder's arm.  'I know this must be 
hard for you.'

He didn't say anything back and she gave his arm a squeeze.

'I know you really cared about her.'

'I still care.'  Mulder said, looking at her.  'There is a 
rational explanation for this.  There has to be.'

'There's more.'  Diana said quietly.

'Go on.'  He said softly.

'She's pregnant.'

Mulder stared back her.  'That's impossible.'

'Impossible why?'  Diana looked at him meaningfully.

'She told me that she was...'  Mulder drifted off, 
realizing what she was implying.  That Scully had lied 
about being barren.  He shook his head.  'I will not 
believe that.'

'It's true.'  Diana said.  'Alex Krycek is the father.'

Mulder laughed.  'Krycek?!?!'

'They've been in it together from the beginning.'  Diana 
said.

'I don't believe it.'  Mulder said, smiling.  'You've been 
greatly misinformed.'

'I don't think so.'  Diana said.  'All the proof you need 
is right there in front of you.  Where do you think she was 
when she took off with Spender?'

Mulder stared back at her, doubt gnawing at the back of his 
mind.

'They were planning your abduction.'

Mulder shook his head.  'Scully is not involved with those 
people, she's not pregnant and she is certainly not 
sleeping with Alex Krycek.'

'Why don't you go and ask her if she's pregnant.'  Diana 
asked.

'Oh, I intend to.'  Mulder said.

***

'Are you okay?'  Krycek asked her.

Scully nodded, a little confused.  'I'm fine.'

He smiled at her.  'You wouldn't lie to me now, would you?'

She stared back at him for a moment, then understood what 
he was talking about.  'Oh hell.  That's not fair.'

Krycek laughed, running his hands through his hair.  Scully 
looked at his left arm again.

'Unbelievable.'  She said.

'It's pretty remarkable.'  He looked at his hand and flexed 
his fingers a couple of times.

'How?'

'They grafted my DNA and grew me a new one.'  Krycek smiled 
again at the astonishment she had in her mind while her 
face remained perfectly calm.  'They can do it with 
anything.'

Scully shook her head, smiling in disbelief.  'If I hadn't 
seen it with my own eyes, I wouldn't believe it.'

'Just think of everything we could do.'  He said.  'Blind 
people could see, deaf people could hear, paralyzed people 
could walk.'

'Is this what you guys do?'  Scully asked.  'This is your 
project?'

Krycek shook his head.  'Just a bonus of what we're trying 
to do with the vaccine.  Since we have the DNA and the 
world's most brilliant minds, we might as well experiment 
on everything.'

My God, Scully thought.  How wonderful would it be to have 
that kind of medical technology in mainstream medicine?  
How I would love to go there and see it for myself.  To see 
the science and understand the procedures...

Krycek smiled at her, his voice entering her thoughts while 
his lips never moved.  I can take you there.

'You really need to quit eavesdropping.'  Scully said.

'I can't help it.'  Krycek said, shrugging.  'You feel 
things very strongly and it kind of slams right against my 
head.'

'How horrible.'  Scully said, mock concern on her face.

He laughed.  'It is if you're trying to ignore it!'

'I can't imagine having that ability and choosing to ignore 
it.'

'Oh come on, Dana.'  He said.  'There's thoughts that all 
of us have that we'd never want anyone to hear.  I'm just 
respecting people's privacy.'

'Oh yeah, I'm sure that's what you're doing.'  She giggled 
at him.

'You know, everyone has these abilities.  They're just 
usually turned off in people.'

Scully nodded.  'I remember thinking something like that 
before, with Gibson Praise.'

'If you could turn yours on, would you?'

'I don't know.'  She thought for a minute.  'It would seem 
against evolution to me.  Against the natural course of 
things.'

'Who's to say what is the natural course of things?'

Scully shrugged and smiled, shaking her head.  'I don't 
know.'

Silence passed for a few minutes, each thinking their 
thoughts.

Krycek finally looked up at her.  'I should be going.  I'm 
very, very tired.'  He stretched.  'Too much excitement for 
my first night back.'

'Home?'

He shook his head.  'No, I can't go home.  I'll probably 
find a hotel to hide in.'

'Why don't you stay here, on the couch.'  Scully offered.  
'I'd feel better if you weren't running around at this 
hour.'

Krycek shrugged.  'If you don't mind.'

'No.'  Scully smiled sheepishly.  'I'd feel safer with 
someone else around anyway.'

***

The phone woke Scully out of the best sleep she'd had in a 
long time.

'Scully.'

'Good morning, Agent.'  Skinner's voice cheerfully greeted 
her.  'Or should I say good afternoon?'

'Hello, Sir.'  She was a little less enthusiastic.

'You up for some breakfast?'  He asked.  'We can get you an 
eggbeater omelet.'

'That is a real egg product, Sir.'  She said, sitting up in 
bed.  'I'm trying to be vegan.  But I'm sure we can find 
something to eat, if you don't mind Alex going.'

'He's already there?'

Scully hesitated.  'Well, Sir, he never really left.'

After hanging up the phone on her aggravated superior who 
was on his way over, Scully walked out of her bedroom.

Krycek was already awake.  He was sitting at her corner 
desk, working on her laptop.  She smiled at him.  He had 
headphones on, plugged into the laptop, and he was sitting 
in the chair, grooving away.  She wondered what the hell he 
was listening to.  No sooner had the thought entered her 
mind than her head was suddenly filled with music.  Krycek 
turned and smiled at her.

'Good morning.'

'What on earth is that horrible racket you're listening 
to?'

He laughed.  'Static X.'

'Static X?'

''I'm With Stupid'.'  Krycek grinned.  'Gotta love Napster.  
You can find all kinds of music.'

'Skinner's on his way over to pick us up for breakfast.'  
Scully walked over to stand next to him.  'You hungry?'

He smiled up at her.  'You must have read my mind.'

Scully playfully slapped the back of his head.

***

Mulder let himself into Scully's apartment.  He wondered 
where she was.  He stood in the living room and inhaled.  
Her apartment smelled like her.  He didn't realize how much 
he missed her until then.

Mulder had been thinking about everything Diana had said.  
While it made a small amount of sense, he still didn't 
believe it.  He'd stayed with the group for a week or so, 
until all the meetings were over.  Then he decided it was 
time to meet with Scully.

He heard voices in the hall.  Skinner was laughing.  Good, 
Mulder thought, he could surprise them both at the same 
time.

The door opened and Scully walked in, laughing.  She looked 
radiant and she was so beautiful.  She looked happy.

He gave her a large smile; he couldn't believe how good it 
was to see her.  She hadn't noticed him yet because she was 
looking at someone behind her.

Mulder's smile faltered as Krycek followed her in.

Scully saw Mulder and froze.  Her eyes flew open wide.

Mulder looked from Scully, to Krycek, to Skinner.  The 
three of them, together, laughing.  What the hell was going 
on?

All he could think was that Diana was right.

Diana was right.

Oh yes, he thought to himself, who is the idiot now?

The room spun around him and he leaned against the top of 
the couch.

Scully took a step towards Mulder and he held up a hand.

'Stop.'  He said, trying to clear his mind of the 
dizziness.

'Mulder-'

'Don't.'  He said.  'Don't even try.'

Skinner stepped up next to Scully.  'Agent Mulder, are you 
okay?'

'Oh yeah.'  Mulder said, straightening up.  'I'm fine.  
After all, how often do I find the two people closest to me 
having high tea with my nemesis?'

'Its not how it looks, Mulder.'  Scully said.  'Alex can 
explain-'

'ALEX?'  Mulder asked, stressing the name.  'ALEX is going 
to explain what to me?  What insane notion is in your head, 
making you believe I care the tiniest bit and anything that 
ALEX says to me?'

'Mulder, just let us talk for a minute.'  Skinner said.

'I don't believe this.'  Mulder said softly, staring down 
at Scully.

Krycek was leaning against the kitchen table, his face a 
mask of emotions.  'Let me explain, Fox.'

Mulder whipped his head towards Krycek, his face stunned.  
'What did you call me?'

'I'm sorry.'  Krycek said softly.  'Mulder.  Let me-'

'Can I ask you a question?'  Mulder turned to Scully, as if 
Krycek wasn't even there.  'I haven't bought this one yet 
so maybe you can clarify for me?'

'Anything.'  She said.

'Are you pregnant?'

Scully didn't answer, she couldn't.  She didn't know what 
to say, a thousand words ran through her mind and they all 
sounded bad.

'I don't believe this.'  Mulder said again.

She held up her hands.  'Let me explain.'

'I don't believe this!'  Mulder said louder.

Krycek stood next to Scully.  'It's just science, Mulder.  
It's not what you think.'

Mulder stared at him, hate visible in his face.  'How the 
hell would you have any idea of what I think?'

'You've been told I'm the father.'  Krycek said, pity on 
his face.  'You think Dana and I are lovers and have been 
against you from the beginning.'

'Let me explain.'  Scully put a hand on Mulder's arm.  He 
jerked it away, looking down at her.

'Is he the father?'

'It's not that simple.'

'It is that simple.'  Mulder raised his voice.  'Either he 
is the father or he isn't, now which is it?'

'He is.'  Scully said, lips trembling.  'But it's not what 
you think.'

Mulder's face was a stone, his voice thick and shaky.  
'I've been gone for weeks and come back to find you 
pregnant by the enemy.  This man has killed my father, your 
sister and has been behind all the unspeakable things that 
have happened to us.  And he's the father of your baby?  If 
it's not what I'm thinking, then what is it?'

A thousand thoughts ran through Scully's mind.  She wanted 
him to calm down.  She wanted to tell him everything, and 
find out what part he was playing.  She couldn't rattle off 
the whole conspiracy.

'He's my friend.'  She sputtered stupidly.

Mulder's eyes narrowed at her, his face livid.

'You just sleep with all your friends, don't you.'

Scully stared back at Mulder, the shock clear on her face.  
Did he just say that?  How could he say that?  She never, 
in a million years, thought Mulder would be capable of 
saying something intentionally to hurt her.  Her heart felt 
like he took it out and stomped on it.  How could he not 
trust her right now?

Krycek sensed Scully's pain and softly touched her arm, 
trying to lend any little support he could.

'Maybe you should leave, Mulder.'  Scully said softly, 
throwing up the wall.  'It's obvious you can't talk to me 
right now.'

Mulder took a deep breath, calming himself from any further 
verbal assaults.

'You can come back when you're ready to talk about this.'  
She said.

Mulder sneered.  'Just let me know when Daddy won't be 
around.'

'Oh Mulder.'  Skinner said, disapproval clear on his face.  
'You have no idea what's been going on here.'

'With all due respect, Sir.'  Mulder looked Skinner in the 
eye.  'I don't give a shit about anything you have to say.'

'Just go, Mulder.'  Scully said.  'You obviously cannot 
talk about this right now.'

He began to walk out, then stopped in front of Krycek, 
leaning over so that his face was inches away.  'You're 
going down.'

Krycek stared back sadly.  'Don't worry, Agent Mulder.  
This will all be over soon.'

'Damn right.'  Mulder growled.  'With you six feet under.'

Before anyone could realize what was about to happen, 
Krycek suddenly ducked as Mulder's arm swung heavily in his 
direction.

'Mulder!'  Scully shouted.

Krycek moved too fast, out of the way, and turned towards 
Mulder.  Skinner moved towards Mulder but Krycek threw up 
an arm, stopping him.  'Wait.'  He whispered.

The TV turned on, the lights turned on, the radio turned 
on.  'Otherside' by the Red Hot Chile Peppers blared out of 
the speakers.  Krycek locked eyes with Mulder.

'...How long...How long...Will I slide...Separate my 
side...'

Mulder looked back at Krycek, seeming unable to move.  
'What are you doing?'  He whispered.

Krycek stared intently at him as the music droned on.

'...I heard your voice through a photograph...I thought it 
up and brought up the past...Once you know, you can never 
go back...I gotta take it on the otherside...'

Scully's eyes were wide, her mouth trying to form words.  
She could feel the electricity emanating from Krycek.

'Alex.'  She whispered.

'...Centuries are what it meant to me...A cemetery where I 
marry the sea...Stranger things could never change my 
mind...I gotta take it on the otherside...'

Mulder made a small sound, almost a cry.  Tears were on his 
cheeks.

Skinner's face was confused, full of fear.  'Scully?'

'Oh my god.'  Mulder said softly.

Krycek suddenly stepped back and Mulder let out a deep 
breath, falling to the ground.

'...How long...How long...Will I slide...Separate my 
side...'

Scully stood still for a moment, not understanding what had 
happened, then went to Mulder's side.  He shook his head at 
her and spoke, his voice scratchy.  'Give me a minute.'

'...I don't...I don't believe its bad...Slit my 
throat...It's all I ever...'

Scully looked up at Krycek.  'What did you do?'  She asked 
softly.

'I showed him the truth.'

Krycek leaned against the couch, casually crossing his 
arms.  Skinner lowered himself slowly into a chair.

'Someone want to tell me what the hell all that was about?'  
Skinner asked.

No one answered at first.  Scully began to help Mulder up 
but he resisted.  'Just leave me here.'

She stood up and slowly walked over to Krycek.  They stared 
at each other in silence.  He broke it first.

'He'll be okay now.'

She nodded, not breaking eye contact and he sighed.  'I 
think I should go.'

Before she could say anything, he nodded, brushing hair 
behind her ear.  'I'm sure.'

'Alex-'

'It's okay, Dana.'  He said, holding her arms.  'We'll talk 
tomorrow.'

Scully stared back at him, then nodded.  He turned to 
Skinner.  'Let's grab a beer.'

Skinner slowly nodded.  'I think I need more than that 
right now.'

'Tell you the truth, so do I.'  Krycek answered.

They walked to the door, Skinner not knowing what to say.  
Krycek offered a hand and after a second of hesitation, 
Mulder took it.  Krycek pulled him up and stared at him for 
a moment.  He gave Scully a small smile before closing the 
door behind him.

Scully looked up at Mulder to see him staring after Krycek.

She didn't know what to say.  They seemed very 
uncomfortable with each other.  She knew Alex had told him 
something.

'What did he tell you when he left?'  She asked softly.

Mulder didn't look at her when he answered.  'He told me 
that I don't deserve you.'

Scully looked away.  'Where've you been, Mulder?'

'It's a long story.'  He replied, walking into the kitchen.

'I've got time.'  Scully sat down at the kitchen table.

'What the hell are you doing hanging around with Krycek?'  
Mulder asked, pointing towards the door.

'It's a long story.'  She said, completely serious.

'I've got time.'  He answered, sitting down across from her 
and meeting her gaze.

'Want to tell me about my ova?'  She asked.

Mulder was caught off guard.  He didn't answer.

'Oh.'  Scully said.  'I see.  You don't want to talk about 
that.'

'I was never sure how to tell you.'  He said.

'How can you not tell me about something like that, 
Mulder?'

He shrugged.  'I never found the right time or place.'

'How about the night you were in my bed?'  She was not 
happy with him and he knew it.

He looked away and she leaned towards him.

'Where have you been, Mulder?'

He sighed and leaned in towards her as well.  'You wouldn't 
believe what I've learned.'

'Tell me.'

'You first.'  He nodded at her.

'Where you with Marita and Diana?'  Scully asked.

Mulder nodded.  'How did you know?'

'The Lone Gunmen have pictures of you.'  Scully said.  
'They brought them over last night.'

'Diana told me that you and Krycek have been against me 
from the beginning.'  Mulder said softly.  'They told me 
you were pregnant.  I show up to find Krycek here and you 
tell me it's true.  What am I supposed to think?'

'You were with Diana Fowley, Mulder.  They told me you 
found my ova, a small detail you had never mentioned to me.  
What am I supposed to think?'

'You going to tell me what's going on with Krycek?'

Scully leaned back in her seat, a little too casual for the 
seriousness of the conversation.  'What do you want to 
know?'

'What the hell is up with him?'  Mulder asked.  'How did he 
put those images in my mind?'

'Didn't he show you?'

'I only saw how you guys were with Cancer Man and my sister 
during dinner in Seattle.'  Mulder said, folding his hands 
and looking down at them.  'He showed me when you found out 
about your pregnancy.'

Scully was silent for a moment.  'And nothing else?'

'No.'  Mulder shook his head.  'Why?'

Scully sighed and closed her eyes.  'Damn you, Alex.'

'What's going on, Scully?'

'There's so much, I don't know where to start.'  She 
thought for a moment.  'Let me just say that there were 
experiments on children.  They were trying to make an 
alien-human hybrid to withstand the virus.  Alex was one of 
those children.'

Mulder sat for a minute, thinking.  'I always thought he 
didn't look quite human.'

'Mulder.'  Scully gave him a look.  He almost grinned back 
and she continued.  'Needless to say, he has all these 
abilities.  He can read minds and project thoughts and...'  
Her voice trailed off and she shook her head before 
continuing on.  'I don't know what all he can do.  He 
showed me some of his childhood one time, and it was just 
like I was there.  And I don't know if you noticed his left 
arm.'

Mulder's eyes grew wide.  'I knew there was something odd 
about him.  How did that happen?'

She shook her head.  'I'm not sure.  He's offered to show 
me everything.'

Mulder looked at her sadly, not speaking.  She caught his 
look.

'What?'

'I guess you guys are pretty close.'  He leaned back in his 
chair.  'A lot closer than I believed you were.'

'He's my friend.'  Scully said softly.

'Your friend.'  Mulder repeated.

'Yes.'  She said, not backing down from his intensive 
stare.  'There are things you should know about him.  
Things that I have no right to tell you.  Things you need 
to hear.'

'What things?'

'Not my place.'  Scully said.

'I don't know if I can handle you and Krycek being bosom 
buddies.'  Mulder said, shaking his head.  'And he's the 
father of the child you're carrying.  How am I supposed to 
deal with that.'

'It's not like I asked for it, Mulder.'  Scully said 
irritably.  'How do you think I feel?'

'I don't know, why don't you tell me?'

She looked away from him.  'It's been very hard.  But I 
won't lie; it's been very wonderful at the same time.  I 
never thought I'd be able to have children, and here I am 
pregnant.'

'But it's Krycek's.'  Mulder raised his voice and she 
raised hers as well.

'I'm pregnant!'  She said.  'Pregnant, Mulder.  Do you have 
any idea what that means to me?  Yes, it is his.  But what 
can I do?  He isn't the antichrist like we've always 
thought he was.  He has been nothing but helpful.  He saved 
my life.  He pushed me out of the way of a gun shot and 
took the hit himself in our hotel in Seattle...'

Her voice trailed off as she realized she was getting 
emotional and rather defensive.

'You were shot at?'  Mulder asked softly.

'Yes.  In Seattle.  After we met with your...with Cancer 
Man.'

'My what?'

'Nothing, Mulder.'  Scully almost kicked herself.  'We were 
talking in my room.  There was a knock at the door and Alex 
pushed me out of the way.  He got shot.  He was taken.  He 
disappeared and he showed up again last night.'

'How convenient.'  Mulder said.

'It was you he originally wanted to find, Mulder.'  She 
said softly.  'He has lots of things to tell you.'

'Why don't you just tell me, okay Scully?'  He said in 
disgust.  'I don't think I'll be calling on Krycek anytime 
soon.'

'Mulder, I think you'll have to get over the whole Krycek 
thing.'  Scully said softly.  'He is the father of my child 
and he'll probably be a part of our life.'

'I don't know if I can handle that, Scully.'

She looked at him in disbelief.  'Are you asking me to 
choose?'

'No, that's not what I'm saying.'  He said, then looked at 
her.  'Why?  What would you choose?'

'He would never ask me to make that choice.'  She said.

Mulder stood up quickly.  'How do you know that?'  He 
asked, his voice loud.  'How are you the expert on Alex 
Krycek?  I've only been gone for a few weeks!'

'We've spent a lot of time together.'  She said.  'We drove 
out to Seattle together.  I've felt his feelings.  He's 
showed me his mind.  Besides, I'm not saying I do know him 
that well.  I just know him.  I don't know what I'm talking 
about.'  She put her hands in her head.  'I have to say 
Mulder.  This isn't the reunion I was expecting.'

'Me neither, Scully.'  He said quietly.

'Everything seems different.'  She said.

Mulder gave her a small smile and sat back down.  'I think 
everything is.'

Scully stood up and walked over to him.  She sat down on 
his lap and put her head on his shoulder.  'I've missed 
you, Mulder.'

He hugged her back.  'I've missed you too, Scully.'

She planted a kiss on his head.  'What are we supposed to 
do now?'

He closed his eyes.  'I don't know.'

'Mulder.'

'Hmm?'  Mulder asked.

'I think you should talk to Alex.'

Mulder sighed.  'Scully...'

She put her hands in his hair.  'Really, Mulder.  There's a 
lot you need to hear and I think it will explain everything 
for you.  It's important to me.  I don't want to lose you 
because of some quibble you've had with Alex for all these 
years.'

'Scully.'  He looked at her, a half grin on his face.  
'You've had the same quibble with Krycek.'

'We've talked.'  She said, almost pouting, blinking big 
blue eyes.

Mulder smiled at her.  'Are you trying to look cute?'

'No.'  She said seriously.  'Why, do I?'

He laughed and looked away, nodding.  'Yes, you do.'

They hugged tighter and she leaned her head against his.  
'So what happened with Diana?'

'It was amazing, Scully.'  He said softly.  'They showed me 
how they were trying to create a vaccine against the virus.  
They showed how there's a race of rebels they're working 
with against the aliens.'

Scully pulled back to look at him.  'Mulder, those rebels 
are killing innocent humans whose DNA has been experimented 
on.  When their DNA isn't good enough to withstand the 
virus, the rebels burn them.'

'Who told you that?'

Scully looked at him.  'Alex.'

'Krycek is full of shit, Scully.'  Mulder said.  'He really 
took you in, didn't he.'

She sighed and stood up.  'Spender told us that Marita was 
working with the rebels to create alien-human hybrids to 
withstand the virus.  That he was with the group who is 
trying to create the vaccine.  That's how Alex got his arm 
back.  Because they've been experimenting with DNA for 
fifty years.'

'And you believed him?'  Mulder asked, smiling at her like 
she had been foolish.

'I believed Alex.'  Scully corrected.  'I never know what 
to think of Spender.  But I knew that Alex was telling the 
truth.'

Mulder looked at her closely.  'How do you know?'

'I just do.'

'How could you just believe him so easily?'

Scully shrugged.  'I don't know.  I guess you had to be 
there.'

Mulder smiled.  'Well if what you're saying is true, I was 
there.'

'It was really weird, Mulder.'  She said.  'Alex reacted to 
everything Spender said about ten seconds before it came 
out of his mouth.  And he knew when the gunshot was coming.  
Last night he was sound asleep on my couch and scared me 
and Skinner to death because he jumped up and ran to the 
door when the Lone Gunmen were coming up the hall.'

Mulder stared at her, silent.

'What?'  She asked.

'You been partying since I've been gone?'

'No!'  She exclaimed.

'Damn, Krycek crashed on the couch...Skinner and you at the 
table...The three freaks coming over.'  Mulder nodded.  
'You've been having some ragers.'

'Oh whatever, Mulder.  I'm trying to be serious.'

'If I decided to talk to Krycek, I wouldn't even know how 
to get in touch with him.'

Scully suddenly smiled at him.  'I do.'

'You have his number?'

'I don't need his number.'  She said.

Mulder seemed confused.  'I don't quite follow.'

'He can hear me.'  Scully said.

'He can hear you by what?  Just...Thinking about him?'

'Yes.'

'How do you do that?'  Mulder whispered.

'I don't know.'  She thought for a moment, a slow, gradual 
smile spreading on her face.  'I just know that I can.'

The phone immediately rang and she turned to Mulder.  He 
was amazed by her brilliant smile.

'There he is.'

Mulder looked at her, doubt in his eyes.  He picked up the 
phone, but didn't speak.  He just listened.  His eyes 
darted towards Scully.

'Yes, she's fine.  I hear you want to talk.'

He hung up the phone.

Scully raised her eyebrows at him.  'He's on his way?'

Mulder nodded.  'You psychic now?'

'No.'  She shook her head.  'But I knew he would come.'

'And how did you know that, Miss Scully?'

'Because I told him that he needed to come over.'

Mulder's smile faded.  He really didn't like the closeness 
that Krycek and Scully seemed to share.  'Does he always 
come running when you call?'

'I don't know, Mulder.  I've never called on him before.'  
Scully smiled playfully.  'You jealous?'

'You hungry?'  Mulder ignored her question.  Mostly because 
it was true.  'I was thinking of getting a nice, greasy 
burger from Spike's on the corner.  I've been dying for one 
for months and I'm sure we have a few minutes before Mr.  
Personality gets here.  Want anything?'

'I've already had lunch.'  She said.  'Besides, I don't eat 
meat.'

Mulder's head whipped around at her.  'Since when?'

'Since I found out I was pregnant.'

'Okay, then.'  Mulder was really confused now.  He called 
in the order on his cell phone and was about to take off 
when Scully stood up.  'He's here.'  She walked to the 
door; Mulder staring after her, jealous again at the 
connection they seemed to share.  Scully tilted her head to 
the side.  'They're both here.  Him and Skinner.'

Scully opened the door and smiled at Skinner as he nearly 
stumbled in.  'What happened to you, Sir?'  She asked, 
smiling.

'Too much Tequila.'  Skinner answered, stumbling over to 
sit down on the couch.

Krycek followed him in, a smirk planted on his face.

'What did you do to him?'  Scully playfully scolded.

Krycek smiled back at her.  'He really wanted to not be 
sober anymore.'

Mulder bristled at the familiarity in which they looked at 
each other with.

'I'm going to go pick up my food.'  He said under his 
breath.

'I'll go with you.'  Krycek offered.

'Good.'  Mulder growled.  At least then the bastard 
wouldn't be hanging behind with Scully.

Krycek smiled at the back of Mulder's head before glancing 
over at Scully.  'We'll be back.'

She grinned back at him and held out a hand, trying to tell 
him to be nice to Mulder.  'Have fun.'

He brushed her hand on his way out with his own.  'I'm 
always nice.'

***

'So.'  Krycek said, falling into step besides Mulder.  'You 
thought we should talk.'

'Scully thinks we should talk.'  Mulder growled, looking 
straight ahead.  'I could really care less about anything 
you have to say.'

Krycek nodded.  'I know, and I don't blame you.'

Mulder stopped to face him.  'Don't play the good guy game 
with me, Krycek.  I can see right through it.'

'Then obviously you don't see anything at all, Agent 
Mulder.'  Krycek stared right back.  'I was misinformed, I 
was led astray.  I did things, horrible things, because 
that's all I was taught to do.'

'Uh huh.'  Mulder nodded, not breaking eye contact with his 
enemy.  'And you developed morals when?'

'As soon as I learned that you had been abducted and Dana 
was pregnant.'  He said seriously.  'I thought the child 
was yours.'

Mulder finally looked away, thinking of Scully pregnant, 
and Krycek smiled.

'I never had any idea that it was mine.'

'Don't you read minds, Krycek?'

'Sometimes.  I can't do it all the time.  Not yet'

Mulder nodded his head at Krycek's arm.  'Nifty trick.'

'I thought so.'

Mulder smiled to himself.  He'd insulted Krycek and it had 
blown right past him.  He couldn't be this naive.

'Oh, but sometimes I am, Agent Mulder.'  Krycek butted into 
his thoughts.  'I never really participated in the 'human 
race'.  I was always part of another agenda.  Society 
confuses me.  I haven't quite figured out why sometimes 
people say things when they actually mean something else.'

'You've been pretty good at lying so far.'

'But I haven't.'  Krycek said.  'I've always approached you 
with the truth.  When I was assigned to the X-Files, I was 
just told that I'd be working with you to find out what was 
going on.  I had no idea of the whole picture.  I never 
knew what kind of person I was.'

Mulder hesitated, then began walking again.  Did he really 
want to get into this?  'So what kind of person are you, 
Krycek?'

'I don't know.'  Krycek said.  'What makes a person a 
person and me, what I am?  I don't know the difference.'

'You wanna start from the beginning?'  Mulder asked.

Krycek smiled.  'You might be sorry you asked that.'

'Go on.'  Mulder nodded.

'Back in the day, when all this crap started, the Syndicate 
was contacted by aliens and told of their intention to 
colonize earth.  So they began experimenting.  Trying to 
make alien-human hybrids to withstand the virus that was 
going to be the means of infecting the planet.  You with 
me?'

Mulder nodded.

'There were children, bred, for this reason, from one pool 
of genes.  I believe you know four of them.'

Mulders eyes tracked back and forth.  He was trying to 
think.

'You were the oldest, then Jeffrey, then Samantha, then 
me.'

Mulder couldn't look at Krycek.  He didn't want to believe 
it, but something was knocking on the back of his brain.

'They were able to incorporate more of the alien DNA as 
time went on.'  Krycek said.  'Which is why I have so many 
traits where you only have a few.'

Mulder needed to sit down.  He didn't believe this.  His 
parents couldn't be involved in this.  They couldn't be 
Krycek's parents...

'They're not.'  Krycek went on.  'The Spenders are our 
parents.'

Mulder practically fell onto a bench.  This made no sense, 
but yet, it did.

'Bill and Tina took in the two of you to raise as their 
own.  Bill always disagreed with what the Syndicate was 
doing.  Cassandra took Jeffrey.  The group was my family.  
They are the people who raised me.  I'm supposed to end all 
this.'

Mulder's eyes welled up in tears and he pushed them away.  
He was not about to cry in front of Krycek.

His enemy.

His nemesis.

His brother?

'I don't believe you.'  Mulder spat out.

'I can show you.'  Krycek said.  'If you really want.'

Mulder didn't say anything back.  Krycek smiled sadly.

'It's just an offer.  I wouldn't want to relive it.  Even 
though I do, every time I think about it.'

'You're saying I have alien in me?'  Mulder asked softly.

'Yes.'  Krycek's lips spread in a lopsided grin.  'Spooky 
Mulder.  Where do you think you got the sixth sense from?'

'Sixth sense?'  Mulder whispered.

'They way you just kinda know, where to go?'  Krycek said.  
'The reason everyone calls you Spooky?  You go in the 
strangest directions, no one else would think of, and it's 
right.  Spooky.  Not so spooky, just alien.'

Mulder couldn't take much more of this just now.  'When did 
you learn this?  If it's true?'

'Just after you disappeared.'  Krycek said.  'At the risk 
of setting off the maudlin alarm, once I found out you were 
my brother, I had to find you.  Things weren't supposed to 
be like this.'

'And how are things supposed to be?'  Mulder was angry 
again, not liking having to hear the truth from someone 
he's always hated.

'It was supposed to end.'  Krycek said.  'Spender was 
supposed to make a deal, in exchange for me staging his 
death for Marita and Diana.  They are so corrupted, so 
wrong.  They will bring the death of the human race.'

'Funny.'  Mulder smiled without humor.  'I was told the 
same thing of you and Cancer Man.'

'No, Agent Mulder.'  Krycek said.  'You're on the wrong 
side if you believe those two hags.  Think about it, would 
Dana really be on the wrong side?'

'I think you could easily mislead Scully with your weird, 
alien powers.'

'Come on, Fox.'  Krycek said.  'I don't want to do this 
anymore.  We've been at odds for long enough.  Why do you 
think I haven't been able to kill you with all these 
chances I've had.  Why haven't you killed me yet?  You've 
had just as many opportunities.  We've always known 
somewhere inside.  We're brothers.'

'Just because we share the same genealogy does not mean you 
are my brother.'  Mulder glared at him.  'You will never be 
my brother.'

Krycek stared at him sadly, then shook his head.  'I wish 
you would see things the way I do.'

'Well you could grab me and force images into my head 
again.'

'No.'  Krycek said.  'I will not force you to be my 
family.'

Mulder stood up and walked back in the direction of 
Scully's apartment.  Krycek followed along slowly.  He 
didn't want to get close enough to where Fox's thoughts 
were invading his mind.  He didn't have control of his 
abilities yet.  He really needed to work on that.

Mulder barged into Scully's apartment to find Skinner 
having a beer at the kitchen table.  Scully looked up at 
him, surprised.

'He can kiss my ass.'  Mulder said, pointing out the door 
as he sat down and took a swig of Skinner's beer.

'Hey!'  Skinner objected.  'Getcher own!'

Scully grabbed a beer from the refrigerator and set it in 
front of Mulder.  'What happened?'

'He told me lies, Scully.'  Mulder popped the top off.  'I 
will never believe I'm related to such filth.'

'I saw it, Mulder.'  Scully said.

'Of course you did.'  Mulder said loudly.  'It's what he 
wanted you to see.'

'No, Mulder.'

'How do you know that, Scully?'

She shook her head.  'I just know.'

Mulder frowned and pulled a swallow off the beer and she 
looked imploringly at him.

'Why can't you believe me?'

'How can you believe him?'  Mulder corrected her.

Krycek came in through the door and looked at Scully 
apologetically.  'I figured I should take Skinner home.'

'Back to the bar.'  Skinner toasted Krycek with his beer.  
'That's what I'm talking about.'

Scully covered her face with her hands, hiding a smile and 
her frustration.

'Oh great.'  Mulder said.  'Krycek even has Skinner wrapped 
around his finger.'

'Get over yourself, Mulder.'  Krycek said.  'As much as you 
want everyone's life to revolve around you, it doesn't.'

Mulder looked up at Krycek.  'Excuse me?'

'I've tried talking to you and it doesn't work.  I've shown 
you my feelings, and you don't believe me.  I have nothing 
else to do Mulder.  You obviously have some issue that you 
refuse to let go of.'

Mulder stood up and got in Krycek's face.  'You are the 
only issue I have.'

Scully got in between them.  'Hold on, guys.'  She said, in 
a warning voice.

Krycek smiled at him, practically sneering.  'You don't 
want to start with me, Mulder.  I have no quarrel with you 
anymore.'

'What are you going to do?'  Mulder asked.  'Beam me up?'

'How easy it must be for you to mock me.'  Krycek said.  
'You've been hiding in your 'real life' for a long, long 
time.  You haven't lived with what I've lived with.'

'Boo hoo.'  Mulder said.

'That's enough.'  Scully snapped.  'Both of you stop.'

Krycek immediately looked away and went to sit down across 
from Skinner.  'You sure you really need that?'  Krycek 
asked, pulling the beer towards him.  'You look like you're 
about done.'

Skinner grabbed the beer back.  'Hey, I don't get tore up 
that often.'

'Tore up?'  Krycek laughed at him.  'Where'd you get that?'

'My secretary.'  He answered.

Scully had come up to stand behind Krycek.  She rested her 
hands on his shoulders.  'You okay, Sir?'  She asked.  'You 
want to lie down for awhile?'

Skinner waved the offer away.  'Nah.'  He said.  'I'm 
enjoying their company.'  He motioned towards Krycek and 
Mulder.

'Oh Jesus.'  Krycek said.  'He's doing that thing again.'

'I know.'  Scully fought a giggle.

Mulder stared at the two of them, feeling left out again.  
'What's he doing?'

Scully looked sideways at Mulder.  'His eyes are kinda 
crossed.  Come over here and look.  He was doing that the 
first night Alex showed up when I came home from the 
hospital.'

Mulder stood next to Krycek and Scully.  He had to admit 
the Assistant Director's eyes were looking kinda weird.  He 
stifled a giggle.

'Walter.'  Krycek said, trying not to laugh.  'I really 
think you need to lie down.'

'Nonsense!'  Skinner said, banging his beer on the table.

Mulder pressed his lips tightly together.  The last time 
he'd seen Skinner like this was when they'd been at that 
Japanese bar.  And he'd been pretty screwed up himself.  
'Come on, Sir.'  Mulder said, trying not to laugh.  'Maybe 
you should lie down.'

'Lie down?'  Skinner asked, trying to drain his beer.  He 
missed his mouth and it spilt down his shirt.  'It's only 
four in the afternoon!'

Krycek suddenly threw his head back and burst out laughing.

'Sir.'  Scully said, trying not to catch Krycek's laughter.  
'You're body isn't used to Tequila at this hour of the day.  
You need to sleep it off.'  She looked at Krycek.  'How 
many shots did he have?'

'I don't know.'  He said between laughs.  'Five or six.'

Scully stared at him, open-mouthed.  'You were only gone 
for about half an hour.'

Krycek shrugged.  'He was out of control.'

Mulder had to laugh at that one.  'Out of control?'

'He was rather upset at how I had controlled you to stand 
there.'  Krycek said.  'He really needed to get drunk.'

Mulder tried not to laugh but couldn't help it.  'Well 
shit, it didn't even happen to him.  Imagine how drunk I 
want to get.'

Krycek smiled.  'I have a bottle of Two Fingers in my car.'

Mulder smiled back in spite of himself.  'Please tell me 
that's a brand of tequila and that you don't actually have 
two fingers stuffed in a bottle of Cuervo.'

'Yes, Mulder.'  Krycek said sternly.  'It is a brand of 
Tequila.'

'Tequila?'  Skinner said loudly.  'Let's have another 
shot!'

'No, Sir.'  Scully said.  'I believe you're cut off.'

'Oh damn.'  Skinner said, looking at his bottle of beer.

Krycek stood up from the table and went over to the 
Assistant Director.  'Come on, Walter.'  He said, putting a 
hand on his arm.  'Let's get you some rest.'  Krycek looked 
up at Scully, his eyebrows raised.

'Yes.'  She said.  'He'll be more comfortable in there.'

Krycek moved Skinner towards Scully's bedroom.  He mumbled 
incoherently.

Scully smiled and looked at the two of them, disappearing 
through her bedroom door, before smiling at Mulder.

'I've been dealing with this ever since you took off.'  She 
said.

'What was that?'  Mulder asked.  'Did he just ask you if 
Skinner could lie down in your bed?'

'Yes.'  She answered.  'Why?'

Mulder shrugged, turning around and walking towards the 
window in her living room.  'I just cannot believe that he 
can communicate with you, telepathically.'

'It's not just me, Mulder.'  She said, walking over to 
stand next to him.  'He can do that with anyone.  He's 
quite amazing.  You should give him a chance.'

'It seems like a trick at the carnival.'  Mulder said 
softly.

'Maybe that's just the way you have to think about it, 
Mulder.'  Scully said softly.  'I couldn't believe it when 
it happened to me either.  It was very frightening.  Then I 
learned to accept it as one of his gifts.'

'Gifts.'  Mulder sneered.  'I cannot even think of him as 
human.'

'I don't really know that I am human.'  Krycek said.

Scully turned towards him.  'I don't think that's how he 
meant it, Alex.'

'That's exactly how he meant it.'  Krycek said.  'Don't 
forget, I can feel the thoughts of others.  Sometimes 
whether I like it or not.'

'Alex.'  Scully started as Mulder looked on.

'No, no.'  Krycek held up a hand.  'I completely 
understand.  I'll talk to you tomorrow, Dana.'  He looked 
at Mulder.  'I hope you give this some thought, Mulder.  I 
don't want to be on the wrong side anymore and I really 
hope you don't either.'

'Alex.'  Scully said again.

'You know me, Dana.'  Krycek said, touching her hand.  
'I'll be fine.'

With that he was out the door.  Scully stared after Krycek 
and Mulder stared at Scully.

'I can't believe you, Scully.'  Mulder said.

'I can't believe you, Mulder.'  She said back.

Mulder looked at her, not understanding.  'What?'

'He is your brother.'  Scully stressed.  'He has come to 
you and you have knocked him down.

'You blame me for that?'  Mulder asked in disbelief.

'Yes, I do.'  She shot back.  'I forgave him.  Why can't 
you?'

Mulder put his hands over his face.  'Oh my God, Scully.  
What did he do to you?'

'Oh come on, Mulder.'  She said.  'You're fighting a battle 
that should have been over years ago.  This is the new 
news.  This is what's happening now.'

'I cannot believe what's happening now.'  Mulder said, 
staring at her.  'You sticking up for Krycek, it's beyond 
comprehension.'

'It's you I don't understand, Mulder.'  She said.  'Mr.  
Open-minded.  Mr.  Take-The-Road-Less-Traveled.  Alex bared 
himself to you and got pushed away.'

'He is a murderer!'  Mulder exclaimed.

'He was made to be a murderer.'

'Doesn't matter how he got there, Scully.'  He replied 
softly.  'He's there and that's all that counts.  He is a 
lying, manipulative murderer.'

'He is your brother.'  She said.

'He will never be my brother.'  Mulder said again.  'Or my 
friend, or my ally.'

'Well he is mine.'  Scully said.  'So where does that leave 
us.'

Mulder turned away from her.  He couldn't believe this.  
After weeks of being gone, he comes back to find her allied 
with his enemy.  He still didn't understand, he still 
didn't know what to do about it.

'I don't know.'  He said softly.

Scully yawned.  'How can I possibly be tired.'  She said.  
'I slept so late today.'

'You've had a lot going on, I imagine.'  Mulder said.  'I 
should really get to my own apartment, check up on 
everything.'

'You want me to go with you?'  Scully asked after a short 
silence.

Mulder shrugged.  'That's up to you.'

'No.  It's up to you.'  Scully smiled.

There was a knock at the door.

'Good god.'  Scully said in exasperation.  'What is it 
now?'

The Lone Gunmen stood there.  Frohike's eyes were wide 
behind his glasses.  'Mulder's been spotted in town...'

His voice trailed off as Scully opened the door wider to 
reveal Mulder.

'Mulder!'  All three shouted and rushed in, gathering 
around him with a thousand questions.

'We ran into the punk ass out front.'  Frohike said.

'I assume you're speaking of Alex?'  Scully said, looking 
over her shoulder as she sat on the couch.

'Yeah.'  Langly said.  'He seemed real upset about 
something.'

Scully sighed and gave Mulder 'the look'.

He shrugged back.  'I cannot take anything he says at face 
value.'

Frohike put a hand on his shoulder.  'I'm with ya brother.'

Mulder rolled his eyes at Scully.

She smiled back at him.  'Whose side are you on now, 
Mulder?'

'We did manage to confiscate this out of the Naval 
Intelligence database.'  Byers held out a CD to Scully.

'What is this?'  She asked, moving over to her computer.

'See for yourself.'  Langly said.  'It's pretty crazy.'

Scully inserted the CD into her computer, thoughts of 
Krycek dancing in the chair to that hideous music only a 
few hours ago drifting through her brain.

'Something funny, Scully?'  Mulder asked.

She didn't look back at him.  'Nothing you'd find amusing.'

An image popped up on the screen.  It was the Earth.  Red 
spots were highlighting various seaside cities.

'Qu'est-ce que c'est?'  Scully asked, French suddenly 
spewing from her mouth.  She clapped a hand over it.

'What the fuck?'  Frohike asked.

'I didn't know you spoke French, Scully.'  Mulder said.

'I don't.'  She whispered.

Byers looked strangely at Scully.  'If you don't speak 
French, then what just came out of your mouth?'

'French.'  Langly and Frohike said together.

Scully looked dumbfounded.  'I...I went to say it in 
English, and that just came out.'

'Weird.'  Frohike said.

Langly nodded.  'Maximum weird.'

Mulder grinned.  'Spooky.'

Scully's eyes lit up.  'Alex.'  She got up and ran towards 
the door.

'Krycek?'  The Lone Gunmen asked in unison.

Mulder shook his head, closing his eyes.  'I hate that son 
of a bitch.'

'He'll know why I did that.'  Scully said, opening the 
front door.

'Scully, it could be anything.'  Mulder said, turning 
towards her.  'Something you've heard on TV and forgot, 
something you heard growing up, something stuck back in 
your subconscious mind.  Something probably happened and 
triggered it, causing you to say it.'

'Or,' Scully said, pointing at Mulder, 'maybe Alex has 
accidentally turned something on in my head, some alien 
part of my DNA strand.  Maybe him using his telepathy so 
much has triggered a strand to activate.'

'Oh come on, Scully.'  Mulder said, irritated.  'Think 
Occam's Razor.  There has to be a simple explanation.  Not 
this alien genetics mumbo jumbo.'

The Lone Gunmen stared at the two of them, mouths hanging 
open.  Frohike held up his hands and sat down on the couch.  
'Okay, I can die now.'

'What?'  Byers asked.

Frohike shook his head and picked up the half beer Mulder 
had left on the coffee table.  'Because now I've seen 
everything.'

The door slammed behind Scully as she ran down the hall.

'Alien genetics mumbo jumbo?'  Byers repeated.

'Don't make any sudden movements.'  Langly said softly.

Mulder looked at him.  'What?'

'He may be the shape-shifter.'  Langly whispered before he 
was smacked upside the head by a pillow that Frohike heaved 
at him.

'This is not Star Trek you hippie-looking freak!'

'You never know.'  Langly put out his hands.  'All this 
weird crap always follows them around.  He could be that 
big alien everyone keeps talking about.'

'Lord Ken-Boat?'  Byers asked.

Mulder looked at Byers in astonishment for a moment.

Frohike threw another pillow at Langly.  'What-EVER Miss 
Clairol.'

Mulder had had enough of the three of them and ran out the 
door after Scully.  He ran down the street, not wanting her 
to catch up with Krycek.  He had seen enough of Krycek in 
one day to last a billion lifetimes and didn't want to hear 
anymore sob stories.

***

Scully jogged up the street until she saw Krycek walking 
back towards her.  He beamed a huge smile her way.

'You rang?'

'I spoke French.'  She said in between breaths.

'You spoke French?'  Krycek smiled at her.  'And you needed 
to tell me about it?'

'I don't know French.'  She said, slapping his arm.  'I 
thought you read minds.'

'I can't always know what is going on, I've told you, Dana.  
Sometimes I just get feelings.  Like the one I got just 
now.  The feeling that you needed to talk to me.'

'I meant to say something.  I said it in English, and it 
came out in French.'

Krycek looked at her oddly.  'That's weird.'

'Maximum weird.'  Scully smiled.

He grinned back.  'California lingo.'

'The three stooges are at my place.'

'Oh.'  Krycek nodded.  'That's right.  Skinner still 
asleep?'

'Oh my god!'  Scully laughed.  'I don't know, I forgot 
about him.'

Krycek's face became serious.  'Here he comes.  I should 
just go.'

'Mulder?'  Scully asked.

'He hates me.'  Krycek said, smiling.  'Really, really 
hates me.'

Scully looked behind her just as Mulder turned the corner.  
'He'll get over it.'

'I don't think so.'  Krycek shook his head.  'He doesn't 
like...  He thinks we're very close.'

Scully looked confused.  'Close to what?'

'No, no.'  Krycek smiled.  'He thinks we're close, you and 
I.  Close.'

'Oh.'  Scully looked away before meeting his gaze.  'We 
kinda are.'

'We are.'  He said, looking down at her.  'But not as close 
as he thinks.'

'Oh.'  She said again.

Mulder caught up to them.  He stood next to Scully, not 
liking how they she could stand so close to Krycek.  
Immature, sure, but he still didn't like it.

'Agent Mulder.'  Krycek greeted.  'Nice to see you again.'

'Don't start, Krycek.'  Mulder said.

'You needed me, Dana?'  Krycek said, picking the words just 
right.  He was tired of this never-ending competition 
Mulder felt the need to participate in.  He didn't need to 
claim her.  She was his friend.

'I don't know why I would suddenly speak French.'  She 
looked up at Mulder, unsure of whether she was irritated or 
happy that he decided to show up.  'How is it for you?'

'I have a photographic memory, so I know a lot of 
languages.'  Krycek said.  'But I do remember a time in 
Africa when I was young.  I had never been taught Swahili, 
but we came across a tribe, and when I tried to speak, it 
just flowed out.  It was the craziest thing I've ever 
seen.'

Mulder suddenly had an image of Cancer Man, so proud of his 
son.

'Sorry.'  Krycek looked at Mulder.  'I didn't mean for that 
to slide your way.'

Mulder felt the compassion and pride that had come from 
Spender with the memory.  He didn't know what to say.

Scully had no idea of the emotion that passed between 
Krycek and Mulder.  'Is there anyway you could have 
activated anything in me with all the telepathy you've been 
using?'

'I don't know.'  Krycek answered.  'I've never heard of 
that one before, but I wouldn't rule it out.  I don't know 
everything.'

'Oh, you have a fault?'  Mulder asked, taking Scully's 
hand, hoping that signal would ring clear for Krycek.  'And 
here I thought you were perfect.'

'I'm not trying to steal your girl, Agent Mulder.'  Krycek 
said, totally fed up with the game.  'I'm just trying to 
help her.  I've never really cared about anyone before, but 
I care about her.  I've never had a real friend before, but 
I have her.  And I'm not going to lose her, or back down to 
you because you think you have some claim to her.  She's my 
friend, and that's all.'

Scully allowed her hand to stay in Mulder's grasp, but was 
surprised that he was acting like a jealous teenager.  
Maybe she hadn't made her relationship with Krycek clear 
enough to Mulder.  But why should she have to, she suddenly 
thought.  She shouldn't have to walk on eggshells for 
anyone, especially Mulder.  He trusted her, he understood 
her.  Didn't he?

'I don't know, Dana.'  Krycek said.  'I think you really 
need to alleviate whatever issue is hanging around him 
before he throws anymore of his macho shit around.'

Krycek turned and walked away for the third time that day.  
Leaving Scully still confused, still empty, and still 
totally pissed at Mulder.

'Mulder!'  Scully jerked her hand out of his and looked up 
at him.  'What is wrong with you?'

'Oh I don't know.'  Mulder said sarcastically.  'Maybe the 
fact that ever since I got back you're running after 
Krycek.'

Scully narrowed her eyes at him.  'Don't you think that if 
there was anything going on between me and Alex that I 
would have the courtesy to tell you?'

Mulder wasn't sure what to say.  He knew Scully was 
brilliant and was probably weaving a web to capture him in.

'No, Mulder.'  She said, shaking her head.  'I'm not trying 
to deceive you.  I just don't understand why you won't 
trust me!'

'Scully.'  Mulder whispered.

Scully was furious.  'Don't play coy with me, Mulder.'

'You just read my mind.'  He said softly.

Scully was angered and didn't realize what he'd just said.  
'I think I deserve a little more respect then what you've 
given me since you've been back.'

Mulder decided on a test.  Maybe if you'd been glad to see 
me instead of hovering around Krycek...  He thought to 
himself.

'You didn't give me the chance!'  Scully said loudly.  'You 
automatically assumed that Alex and I-'

Mulder suddenly grabbed her in a hug.  'Oh my god, Scully, 
do you know what you just did?'

Scully shook her head against his shoulder.  'What are you 
doing, Mulder?'

He pulled back to look at her.  'You just read my mind.'  
He smiled.  'Twice!'

Scully looked into Mulder's eyes, confused.  'I what?'

'You read my mind!'

'I didn't.'

'Yes, you did!'  Mulder laughed.  'What happened to you 
while I was gone?'

'I don't know.'  She whispered.  'I don't know.'

Mulder stared at her.  Can you hear me, Scully?  Come on, 
can you hear me?

Tears filled Scully's eyes.  'I can hear you.'  She said 
softly.

'Oh my god.'  Mulder said.  'What happened to you?'

Scully shook her head.  'I don't know.  Alex must have done 
something.'

Mulder laughed again, hugging her, spinning her around in 
his arms.  'This is amazing, Scully.'

Scully hugged him back, frightened with what was happening 
to her.  She was ready to cry, ready to scream, she was 
suddenly terrified.  The only answer she had was to find 
Alex.  He could explain everything to her.  He had all the 
answers.

Mulder put her down and looked into her eyes.  'What's 
wrong, Scully?'

She kept her hands on his shoulders, but didn't look at 
him.  'I don't know what I'm supposed to think of this.'

Can you still hear me, Scully?

'Stop it, Mulder.'

They held hands as they walked back to her apartment.

Scully felt different and new.  She tried not to hear the 
thoughts of passerby's on the street, but they invaded her 
mind.

...Damn, I never get home before six...

...Maybe we should have Chinese for dinner...

...My wife is going to be pissed...

She closed her eyes and pressed her face into Mulder's 
side.  This was going to drive her insane.  How the hell 
did Alex deal with it?

Mulder wrapped both arms around her as they walked, looking 
down at her face.  Scully's eyes were tightly shut, her 
face almost a grimace.

'You okay, Scully?'

She nodded in response and lied.  'I'm fine.'

Damn, Mulder thought.  How long did she think he was going 
to buy into that line?

'Until I tell you different, Mulder.'

His eyes widened in surprise.  This was really going to 
suck.

'I can't feel it on everyone.'  She said.  'I can't even 
feel it on you all the time.'  She winced at the dozen 
voices in her head.  'I don't know how to deal with this.'

'Shhh.'  He said soothingly.  'It'll be okay.'

How was he promising that?  He wondered.  Damned if he was 
going to call Krycek about this, that lying sack of-

'La, la, la, la, la.'  Scully said.  'I can't hear you.'

Mulder burst into laughter as they reached her apartment.

She opened the door to find the Lone Gunmen and Skinner 
sitting around her kitchen table, drinking beer.

'This is becoming a familiar picture.'  She mumbled.

Skinner's thought was the first to reach her.  Damn, Scully 
looks like hell.

Her head whipped around at him as Frohike's voice chimed in 
her head.  Guess she never found the little punk ass.

What time was I supposed to meet up with the Magik crew?  
Langly mused.

'Oh I cannot deal with this.'  Scully said, turning towards 
Mulder.  'Please take me to your place.'

'Why don't you guys take off for now?'  Mulder said.  'I 
think she needs to lie down.'

She looks like she doesn't feel well.  Skinner thought.  
Wonder what happened?

Scully began to laugh.  She couldn't control it.

Okay then, Byers thought, I always expected Mulder to be 
the one having the mental breakdown, but I guess Scully 
beat him to it.

This only caused her to laugh harder.

'She gonna be okay?'  Langly asked, stopping in front of 
Mulder.

'I think she needs to get some sleep.'  Mulder said, unsure 
of how to answer.

And I thought I had too much to drink.  Skinner passed by 
on his way out.  Maybe her and Krycek hit that bottle of 
tequila he has in his car.

Scully was doubled over from laughing, tears streaming down 
her face.

Mulder shut the door.  'What are you laughing at?'

'Oh.'  Scully held her stomach.  'Oh, that hurts.'

'Sit down.'  Mulder guided her to the couch.  My beautiful 
little partner has finally gone over the deep end.  Who 
ever saw it coming?

'I can't stand this, Mulder.'  Scully said.  'Hearing 
everyone's thoughts like this, it's too much.'

'What do you want to do about it?'

She shrugged.  'I don't know.'

Mulder sat down next to her, staring at her.  He was too 
serious.  She tried to read his mind.  The only time she 
wanted to, she couldn't.  What a bunch of shit.

'What is it, Mulder?'

He gave a slow shake of his head, not believing the words 
were going to come out of his mouth.  'Do you want me to 
get Krycek?'

Scully shook her head.  'Just give me a minute.  She closed 
her eyes and let her head fall back on the couch.  Her eyes 
fluttered beneath her lids, her face changing expressions 
every now and then.

Mulder watched her in silence.  Scully, wandering around 
reading people's thoughts with alien DNA.  The very thought 
went against everything he felt in his heart.  That Scully 
should be given this miracle after he was the one who'd 
sought after it for so long.

Life never quite turns out the way you think it will.

Scully opened her eyes and looked around.

Mulder let a few moments pass before he spoke.  'Feel 
better?'

She nodded.  'A little.'

He waited for her to elaborate.  When she didn't, he 
continued.  'Did you, did you...Talk, to Krycek?'

Scully smiled.  'Not really.  I tried to, but it wouldn't 
work.  He just made me feel better.'

'How?'  He asked, feeling helpless at the thought that 
Krycek could help her when he couldn't.

'I can't explain it.'  She said.  'He sent a peaceful 
feeling.'

'I don't get it.'

'Just that, Mulder.'  She looked at him.  'He soothed my 
mind.'

'Well.'  Mulder began to get up.  'I can't compete with 
that.'

'Stay with me?'  She asked.

Mulder looked down at her, mock concern on his face.  'What 
about my fish?'

'I fed them earlier.'  Scully gave him a severe look.  
'When we all went out for lunch, I stopped by and checked 
on everything.  Alex rifled through your underwear drawer, 
Skinner perused your special video tape collection.'

'At least you didn't find my secret closet with all of my 
gimp gear.'

'Oh, that.'  Scully met his serious gaze with a perfected 
dry sense of humor.  'I brought that home for me.'

***

Scully had tried to sleep.  She found no comfort.  They had 
fallen asleep on the couch, talking through an evening of 
mindless television.  Even when she had persuaded Mulder to 
follow her to bed and he had thrown an arm around her; she 
couldn't quiet her mind.

Too much had happened.  Too much had changed.  Even though 
she loved Mulder, she didn't feel quite at peace with their 
relationship like she had before he left.  And even then 
she had had her doubts.  She smiled to herself, thinking of 
the good old days.  Even though they weren't completely 
ideal, she and Mulder had lived some good times.

'And how important is that?'  Scully said, leaning into the 
hand he wrapped in her hair.

'Almost like breakfast.'  Mulder said, leaning closer to 
her.  'The most important meal of the day.'

She smiled at him.  'So you're trying to woo me, are you?  
Because calling me breakfast, I know that's a big step for 
you.'

Mulder laughed, hovering above her face.  'Scully, you're 
my breakfast, sunny-side up.'

'That's just fine.  As long as I'm not scrambled.'

She got tired of the distance between them and closed it.

'Why Miss Scully.'  Mulder mouthed against her lips.  'If I 
didn't know any better, I'd say you just kissed me.'

'Whatever.'  She said back, wrapping her arms around his 
neck.

He practically sat on the table to get closer to her.  'Ah, 
the give up.'

'Mulder, shut up and kiss me.'

Knocking at the door nudged Scully from the memory carrying 
on in her head.  She sighed and went to answer the door.

'Who is it?'  She asked softly.

'Your cigarette smoking friend, Agent Scully.'

She reached out with her mind, hoping to find a trace of 
something.  She couldn't, but she smelled the Morley.

'What are you doing here?'  She asked as he came through 
the door.

'Your life and that of your unborn child is in danger.  
Oh...'  He said, looking at his cigarette before stubbing 
it out in her sink.  'Excuse me.'

'How am I in danger?'

'Mulder's alliance with Fowley and Marita has led them to 
you.  My source revealed this to Samantha.  You need to 
leave, go into hiding, like I suggested at the beginning.'

Alarm was raging through Scully's mind.  She suddenly felt 
Alex reach out to her, probably concerned.  She didn't know 
how to respond, but tried to convey that she was fine.

'I need to call Skinner.'  She said, reaching for the phone 
and dialing his cell number.  She asked him when he could 
be over.

'How about right now?'  Was his reply.

Mulder appeared in the doorway as she put the phone down.  
He was yawning and scratching his head.

'What's going on, Scully?'

'Fox.'  Spender greeted.  'Nice to see you again.'

Mulder stared back at him as if he were seeing things.

Cancer Man smiled before glancing at Scully.  'I'm afraid 
he's not as happy to see me as you were.'

'Skinner is on his way over.  Spender thinks my life is in 
danger.  That they want my child.  He thinks I should go 
into hiding.'  Scully walked up to stand by Mulder as she 
turned back to speak to Spender.  'I'm not sure what to 
do.'

There was a knocking at the door and Spender moved so 
Scully could answer it.  'We'll figure something out, Agent 
Scully.'

Alex was at the door.  'You okay?'

Scully nodded, laughing at him.  'You got here awfully 
fast.'

'I was right around the corner.'  He grinned.  'Portabello 
mushroom burger.'

'Where's mine.'  She asked.  She was closing the door when 
someone banged it open.  It was Skinner.  He held out a 
container to her.

'It's right here.'

Mulder had enough of the touching reunion and fell into a 
chair.

Skinner crossed his arms as he eyed Spender.  'Now what's 
this all about?'

Cancer Man patted his pockets, felt his cigarettes, then 
left them alone.  'Agent Scully needs to be protected.'

'Whatever she needs.'  Skinner nodded.  'I have an agent 
right now that needs reassignment.'

Krycek moved over to stand next to Scully as she spoke up.  
'Which Agent is that?'

'Agent Koskie.'

Krycek frowned.  'Steven Koskie?'

'Yeah.'  Skinner answered.  'You know him?'

'We were in the academy together.'  Krycek glanced down at 
Scully before returning his gaze to Skinner.  'Koskie is an 
ass.  I don't want him anywhere near Dana.'

'You don't want him anywhere near Dana.'  Mulder shook his 
head.  'I can't believe I just heard that.'

'An ass?'  Skinner frowned.  'How so.'

'Not just an ass.  A sarcastic, show-off cowboy.'  Krycek 
said.  'He cannot stay serious for more than ten seconds.  
Besides, I get weird feelings from him.  I don't want him 
near her.'

'Well, it's not really your call now, is it Krycek?'  
Mulder finally piped up.  'I think it's up to Skinner and 
Scully.  So if they think Koskie's the guy, then Koskie it 
is.'

'Wait a minute.'  Scully said, looking at Alex.  'What kind 
of feelings do you get from him?'

Mulder let his forehead fall on the table with a loud 
thump.

Krycek looked down at Scully.  'You know how you can't 
really get any clear thoughts but you just feel, I don't 
know.  Odd.'

Scully nodded and put her hand to her head.  'Yeah.  Like 
your hair stands on end.  Just like something's not right.'

Mulder shook his head, still on the table.

'That's the sense I've always gotten from him.'  Krycek 
said.  'Nothing really bad, just strange.'  He looked up at 
Skinner.  'Maybe he's not bad, but he's still an ass.'

Skinner shrugged.  'It's up to you, Scully.'

'I don't know.'  She looked at her partner.  'What do you 
think Mulder?'

'Oh, I'm sorry, do my ears deceive me?'  Mulder's voice was 
muffled from being face down on the table.  'Did someone 
just ask for MY opinion?'

'The defeated warrior.'  Krycek smiled.  'The prodigal 
son.'

Mulder raised his head to give Krycek a dirty look.  'You 
want some?'

'Please, Agent Mulder.'  Krycek gave a small laugh.  'We're 
not in high school anymore and we are talking about Dana's 
safety here.  I'd think you would want what is best for 
her.'

All heads swiveled in Mulder's direction.  He felt under 
attack.

'I have stood by this woman's side from the beginning.'  
Mulder stood up.  'I don't feel like I have to prove 
anything to anyone here.  Especially to the two ugly men 
who have been against us from the beginning.'

'Oh blah, blah, blah.'  Krycek made a face.  'I'm so tired 
of your-'

'Alex?'  Scully interrupted neatly.  'Let's not start this.  
Let's just think of what is best.  It's your child too.'  
She looked at Mulder.  'And I do want your opinion.  I just 
don't want the arguing.  It's not helping anything.'

'Well if you think I'm going to agree that you take off 
under the care of him,' Mulder nodded his head towards 
Spender; 'I don't know what to tell you.'

'So you think I should stay here under Agent Koskie's 
protection?'

Mulder nodded.  'I think it makes the most sense.'

'Okay.'  Scully said after a moment.  'Then that's what 
we'll do.'  She quickly turned and looked at Krycek.  'For 
now.'

Krycek stared back at her.  Mulder sensed a conversation 
between them and sighed heavily.  He fell back down in the 
chair and looking up at the ceiling.

'Okay.'  Krycek nodded.  'If that's what you want.  But I'm 
not letting you out of my sight.'

Just beautiful.  Mulder thought, shaking his head.

***

Skinner and Krycek had gone to collect Agent Koskie while 
Spender stayed behind.  He sat down at the table across 
from Mulder.

'Well, Fox.'  He said, pulling a cigarette out but not 
lighting it.  'I do believe we're due some conversation.'

'I have nothing to say to you.'  Mulder glared at Spender.

'Maybe I have something to say to you.'  He raised an 
eyebrow at him.

Mulder didn't back down.  'Maybe I don't care.'

Scully made her way towards the bedroom.  'I'm going to 
grab a quick shower before they get back with Koskie.'

Spender and Mulder were left to stare at each other over 
the table.

'I'm afraid you've been misled, Fox.'

'And how did you reach this mind-altering conclusion?'

'You know, I've done some things I'm not proud of.'  
Spender said, lighting his cigarette.  'Now that Miss 
Scully is gone, I feel it is permissible to indulge.'

Mulder rolled his eyes.  'What do you want to say, old 
man?'

'As Alex may or may not have told you-'

Mulder was irritated and didn't let him finish.  'Krycek 
told me that we are experiments in alien genetics.'

'Yes, that you are an alien-human hybrid, that is correct.'

'I believe Krycek has told me the whole story.'  Mulder 
leaned back in the chair.

'So then you know why Alex and Agent Scully were chosen to 
be the parents of this child?'

Mulder hesitated.  'No, they didn't tell me that.  I know 
that Krycek is supposedly the perfect alien-human hybrid.'

'And Scully has the perfect genetic make-up to resist the 
virus.  Thanks to the vaccine you injected her with.  The 
two of them are very important to the human race.  They are 
very important in every way.  I have no doubts that Alex 
can care for himself.'  Spender smiled.  'And I don't know 
if you have noticed, but Alex has become very protective of 
Agent Scully.  Which is perfect, she needs all the 
protection she can get, considering what is at stake.  With 
their DNA, the child is the next step in human evolution.'

Mulder sat for a long moment; Spender kept quiet and let 
him mull over everything that had been said.  He looked up 
and nodded at Spender's cigarette.  'You want to give me 
one of those?'

***

Scully stepped into the living room, drying her hair with a 
towel, and abruptly stopped.  Mulder and Spender were 
sitting at her kitchen table, smoking together.

'Mulder, what are you doing?'

'Oh come on, Scully.'  Mulder tilted his head at her.  
'Don't look at me like that.  I haven't had one in months 
and before that it was years.'

She walked by and threw the towel at his head while heading 
into the kitchen.  'Just don't think you'll be kissing me 
anytime soon.'

'What?'  Mulder asked defensively.  'You can give up meat, 
but I can't have a cigarette?  Who really wants to kiss 
lips that have been munching on tofu and veggie round?'

For the first time in their seven-year history, Scully 
flashed a not-too-flattering-finger in his direction.

'Scully!'  Mulder admonished, a huge smile spreading across 
his face.

'I guess I'll be heading out.'  Spender said, taking a 
heavy drag off his cigarette.  'I don't want to contaminate 
my grandchild.'  He smiled in Scully's direction.  'I'll be 
in touch.'

Scully didn't know how to answer that one so she said 
nothing as Spender left.

'Don't tell me you've been smoking since we were assigned 
to that Morley case, Mulder.'

'No, no.'  He corrected.  'I used to smoke years and years 
ago.  I still get the craving every now and then.'

'I never knew you smoked, Mulder.'  She looked at him over 
her shoulder.  'When was this?'

'When I was married.'  He said before he realized what was 
coming out of his mouth.

Scully dropped the glass of water she'd been drinking.

There was a long silence in Scully's kitchen.

'What do you mean, married?'  She asked softly.

Mulder couldn't say anything back.  He couldn't believe 
that just spilled out of his mouth.

Oh yes, who is the idiot now?

'Well, it did, Mulder.'  Scully said.  'So why don't you 
start explaining right now?'

'It was a long time ago.'  Mulder said.  'I was young and-'

'Stupid?'  Scully said loudly.  'That's what you're 
thinking?  Young and STUPID?'

'Well, I was.'  Mulder said softly.

She turned to face him.  Her eyes were livid.  'Who was it, 
Mulder?'

'Scully-'

'WHO WAS IT?'

'Scully, it doesn't matter anymore.'

'Oh my god.'  She said softly.  'Diana?'

Mulder was fumbling; there wasn't much he could say.  
'Ancient history.'

'Why didn't you tell me?'  Scully asked.

'I didn't see a reason at the time-'

'Why didn't you tell me?'  She yelled.

He was defeated.  He couldn't find a way out.  He didn't 
know what to say.

'How could you not tell me that, Mulder?'  Tears stood in 
her eyes.  'We've known each other for years.'

'Scully-'

'Years, Mulder!'

'I didn't want to lose you.'

'Well you just did.'  She marched to her front door and 
opened it for him.  'Now get out.'

Mulder didn't move, he couldn't.  His whole life was 
crashing down around him.

'GET OUT!'

Gathering the small molecule of pride he had left, Mulder 
walked out the door.  The slam behind him echoed in his 
ears for a long time.

***

'Agent Koskie, meet Dana Scully.'

Scully stuck her hand out to shake Koskie's.  'Nice to meet 
you.'

Koskie smiled.  'Pleasure's all mine.  I've heard so much 
about you.'

Smooth.  Scully thought.  She caught Krycek's frown from 
across the room.  'I hope it wasn't all bad.'  She managed 
to joke.

'Oh, nothing of the sort.'  Koskie said back, a huge Ken-
Doll smile covering his face.  'Only good.'

'Well then.'  Skinner said, rubbing his hands together.  
'You know the drill, Agent Koskie?'

'Yessir!'  Koskie replied.  'Surveillance from outside and 
report any mysterious actions directly and immediately to 
you.'

Whatever.  Kiss Ass.  The thought invaded both Scully and 
Krycek's mind and they smiled at each other.

Skinner gave Scully a nod and walked out her front door.  
Koskie stood around for a moment, uncertain on what to do.

'Can I get you something to drink?  To eat?'  Scully 
offered.  'For your long night out front?'

'Uh, I'm not sure.'  He said.  'Maybe a sandwich for later 
on?'

'I don't eat meat.'  Scully said.  'But if you'd like me to 
bring you some soup...'

'No, that's okay.'  Koskie said, walking out the door.  
'I'm sure I'll be fine.'

Scully shut the door behind him and turned towards Krycek.  
'Why do I always get that reaction about food?'

'Get used to it, Dana.'  Krycek smiled and walked into her 
kitchen.  'We are in the minority.'

Scully sat down in the same chair Mulder had occupied an 
hour earlier.

'What is it, Dana?'  Krycek asked.  'Fox again?'

'Did you know he was married?'  She asked.

'To the ancient hag, Diana?'

Scully laughed in spite of herself.  'I guess you could use 
that to describe her.'

Krycek nodded.  'I knew.  But he was young and stupid.  
What's the big deal?'

Scully flashed a huge smile in his direction.  'You're such 
an asshole.'

'How rude!'  Krycek smiled back.  'And I was only defending 
my brother!'

'Oh I'm sure that's what you were doing.'

'Well it was a long time ago.'  Krycek said, holding out a 
glass.  'It was way before you ever came into the picture.'

'Thank you.'  She accepted the tea.  'I just don't know why 
he never would have told me.  I think that's a little 
important.'

'That he was married or that he was married to Broomhilda?'

'Both.'  Scully laughed.  'Bad enough that he was married 
and never told me.  But what am I supposed to think?  He 
could have told me about her, especially when she came back 
to the states.  Not to mention that he was with her when he 
disappeared.  Not to mention I have no idea what side she's 
on, she is as shady as you used to be.'

Krycek raised an eyebrow.  'Shady?'

'You are.  Well you were.  She's the same way, I never know 
who to trust around here.'

Krycek put a hand over his eyes.  'Please don't tell me I 
am comparable to Diana Fowley.'

'You played both sides like she did.'  Scully took a sip of 
tea.

'As long as you don't tell me I'm that ugly.'

Scully laughed, spraying tea all over him.

Krycek looked down at his shirt.  'Charming.'

She started to get up, laughing.  'I'm sorry...'

'It's okay.'  He stood up, laughing with her.  'No, no.  
Sit down, I'll get it.

Krycek mopped himself off, standing in the kitchen.  He 
didn't notice that she was staring at him until a wave a 
sadness entered his mind.

'What's wrong?'

Scully paused, taking a deep breath.  'You really think I'm 
being too hard on him.'

'Dana.'  Krycek threw the towel into the sink.  'I can't 
tell you what to think.  But I understand it from his point 
of view.  It was a long time ago.'

She rested her head in her hands.  'He wasn't very 
receptive to any argument I've made since he's been back.  
He's been difficult to talk to and he doesn't think that 
his hiding things from me is wrong.'

'Finding me here was probably a huge shock.  I'm sure he 
feels betrayed.  Not only that, but how must it look.  
You're suddenly pregnant after telling him that you can't 
conceive.'  Krycek smiled.  'Not to mention who the father 
is.  I'm surprised he didn't shoot me.'

Scully put her hands out.  She was frustrated and angry and 
needed to vent.  'He didn't give me a chance to explain!'

Krycek took one of her hands.  'I know, you're preaching to 
the choir.  All I'm saying is I can understand that he'd be 
upset.'

She knew she was pouting like a little girl.  She was 
backed into a corner with Mulder and didn't like it.  No 
matter what she said to him, or vice versa, they weren't 
listening to each other.

Krycek kneeled down next her, feeling her confusion.  
'Maybe you should talk to him again.  Now you're both 
probably a little calmer and ready to listen to each 
other.'

Scully didn't look at him.

'You want me to call him?'

She considered, then shook her head.  'I'll talk to him 
tomorrow.  That will give us time to calm down.'  She 
looked over at him.  'How did you become so wonderful?'

Krycek shrugged.  'I was engineered that way.'

'Whatever.'  She laughed.

He laughed and stood up.  'I'm going to head out.  You 
should go to bed, get some rest.'

'Okay, Mom.'

He hesitated, eyeing her closely.  'Something else?'

Scully sighed, looking up at him.  She grinned sheepishly.

Krycek nodded.  'I'll stay.'

'Thank you.'

'Don't thank me.'  He said.  'Mr.  Cheesy Koskie gave me 
the creeps too.'

***

Agent Koskie sat in his car, staring up at the window.  How 
did he ever wind up with this stupid assignment?  Everyone 
knew about Mulder and Scully.  How many times they should 
have died, how much trouble they kept getting in, how many 
times they've been in trouble with the FBI.  He certainly 
didn't want to get involved with any of it.

He knew how the FBI could turn on you in an instant, 
regardless of the service and dedication you've given them.  
How did the saying go?  You fall in love with the FBI, but 
the FBI doesn't fall in love with you.  Something like 
that.

And what the hell was Alex Krycek doing here?  When he'd 
disappeared from the FBI and life in general, rumors went 
flying.  He was working with Russia, with China, with 
France, with every country with nuclear capabilities.  That 
he'd been murdered by the CIA.  That he was working with 
England as a double agent.  Working against Fox Mulder and 
the FBI.  Now here he is, paling around with Dana Scully.

The whole thing gave him a headache.  He wanted to stay as 
clear of the X-Files as he could.  He'd just watch the 
place and keep his mouth shut.

His passenger door opened and someone sat heavily in the 
car next to him.

'That's the way to keep your eyes open.'

Koskie turned to see Fox Mulder pointing a gun in his face.

'Agent Mulder.'  Koskie stuttered.  'What is this about?'

'You're going to do something for me.'

***

Scully couldn't sleep.  She'd been tossing and turning, 
huffing and puffing.  She finally got up and walked out 
into the living room.

Krycek was standing at the window, looking outside.

'Can't sleep?'  She asked, standing next to him.

He shook his head, frowning.  'Feel that?'

Scully thought for a moment and shook her head.

'Your mind is busy, you're trying too hard.'  Krycek said 
softly.  'Take a deep breath.  Picture exhaling through 
your forehead, empty your mind.'

She smiled.  'Okay, Master Yoda.'

He smiled at the ribbing.  'Just trying to help.'

'I know, I know.'  She tried to be serious.  'I'll try.'

Krycek looked at her, trying not to laugh.  'Do or do not, 
there is no try.'

Scully burst into laughter.  'You're not helping.'

Krycek suddenly looked over his shoulder, his expression 
alert.

'What?'  She whispered.

'How did he get by without me knowing?'  He walked towards 
the door, then stopped halfway there.

'Who?'

'Koskie.'  He tilted his head to the side.  'But it's 
weird.  Like there's someone with him, but I can't tell 
who.'

There was a knock at the door.  Scully walked up to 
Krycek's side.  He put a hand on her arm.  'Something's 
wrong.'

'Agent Scully?'  Koskie called out softly.  'Someone was 
running into the building, I wanted to make sure you're 
okay.'

She went to the door and Krycek's voice stopped her.  
'Dana, wait.'

She looked through the peephole.  Koskie stared back at 
her.  She turned to Krycek questioningly and he shrugged.

'I know its Koskie.'  He said.  'But he's scared.'

The door was suddenly kicked in, knocking her backwards.  
She fell on the floor and Krycek was beside her in an 
instant.

They both looked up to see Koskie.  'I'm sorry.'  He said.

A loud bang went off.  They both looked up as Koskie fell 
forward on his face, revealing Mulder.  He was standing 
behind him, smoking gun in hand.

Scully stared at Mulder.  She didn't know how to put this 
together.  She didn't know what to say.

Mulder stepped into the room, looking down at Koskie lying 
on floor, blood spreading out around him.

Krycek pulled Scully up, keeping a hand around her arm.

'Mulder, what are you doing?'  She asked softly.  Maybe 
he'd gone over the edge.  Maybe all this business with 
Krycek had finally pushed him too far and he really 
believed she'd been plotting against him this whole time.

'Scully, I need you to come with me.'  Mulder said, not 
looking at her.

'Don't you think we need to report this to the police, 
Mulder?'  She was speaking softly, trying to reason with 
him.

Krycek took a step back, pulling her with him.

Mulder suddenly looked up and raised the gun at them.  
'Maybe you didn't hear me.'

Scully glanced at Krycek; she felt genuine fear coming from 
him.  Fear for her, and fear for the baby.  She caught a 
thought he threw at her.

That's not Fox.

Scully licked her lips as they backed up another step.  
Mulder advanced towards them.  She spoke soothingly as 
Krycek gently pulled her back and stepped in front of her.  
'But Mulder, if a crime's been committed, we need to call 
the police.'

Krycek put his hands up, indicating compliance, as Mulder 
got within three of feet of him.  'Agent Koskie obviously 
did something wrong which led you to defend yourself.'  He 
backed up another step to be close to Scully and hoped that 
she heard what he was trying to say.

Scully reached into his back pocket and gently removed the 
tube-like weapon, hearing the hiss as the thin blade came 
out.

Do you trust me, Dana?

In the space of one second, Scully made a decision that 
would forever change her life.

I trust you, Alex.

Krycek suddenly pushed Scully away and dropped as Mulder 
fired.  He swept his leg around, knocking Mulder's feet out 
from under him.  'Now, Dana, now!'

Scully hesitated.  What if this was Mulder?  She couldn't 
very well just plunge it into the back of his neck.

Krycek looked up at her and that instant was all Mulder 
needed to toss him across the room.  Krycek crashed into 
the coffee table and it splintered in pieces.  He got to 
his feet in half a second, shaking his head to clear it.  
It was too late.  Mulder had an arm around Dana's neck and 
the gun to her head.

Krycek stared in horror as Mulder's face melted into that 
of the alien bounty hunter.  He didn't care who it was, as 
long as it wasn't the bounty hunter.  The same thought kept 
running through his mind.  What am I going to do?  What am 
I going to do?  He had no idea how to get out of this one.  
He knew there was nothing he could do, physically or 
mentally, to handle this situation.

It wouldn't be so bad if he hadn't been given three amazing 
gifts in recent time.

A friend.

A baby.

And the worst of all, a set of morals.

'Please.'  Krycek said softly, resorting to pleading.  
'Take me instead.'

'Patience, my friend.'  The bounty hunter said.  'We'll 
need you soon enough.'

Krycek locked eyes with Scully.  He could feel her resolve 
drowning in fear.  Part of it was probably because she 
could feel his desperation.

What do you want me to do?  He asked silently.

Let me go.

Krycek disagreed.

Let me go.  The thought came again.  You can find me.

He stared at her, helpless.  There was no way he could 
watch her walk out that door.

There's nothing else to do, Alex.  She thought.  Let me go 
and find me later.

Krycek turned his gaze to the bounty hunter.  He was 
furious.  His eyes burned holes into the head of the alien 
bounty hunter.  In return, the bounty hunter pointed the 
gun at Krycek.  Scully's voice desperately invaded his 
head.

I'll be fine, Alex, I'll be fine.

Scully yelled in protest as a shot from the gun was fired.  
The bounty hunter slowly fell to the floor, clutching at 
the weapon that was lodged in the back of his neck.  Mulder 
stood behind him, his face awash in concern.

'Are you okay, Scully?'

'I'm fine.'  She said shakily as she looked towards Krycek.

He fell to his knees, holding a hand over his side.  'How 
many times can this happen to me?'

'Alex.'  She rushed to him and bent down as blood seeped 
through his shirt.

'It just scraped me.'  He said, looking up at her and 
stopping her hand from lifting his shirt.  'Are you okay?'

She nodded.  'I'm fine.  I'm not the one who got shot.'

'Dana, I'm fine.'  He walked on his knees over to the 
downed agent.  'Koskie's still alive.'

Scully bent down and checked him as Mulder came to her 
side.  'You're right, he is.'  She began to apply pressure 
to the wound.  Krycek put a hand on her shoulder.

'Let me.'

She looked at him and moved away wordlessly.  Krycek put a 
hand over his wound.  Mulder bent down next to him and 
watched in silence.

'He'll be okay.'  Krycek said, leaning back and lifting up 
his own shirt to examine his side.

Mulder sat in awe as Koskie's eyes fluttered open.

'Where...What happened?'  Koskie asked, eyes focusing on 
Scully.

She couldn't answer; she yanked up his shirt to look at his 
chest.  It was completely healed over.

Mulder was speechless.  Sure he had heard Krycek's 
thoughts, had some images planted in his mind.  This 
was...extraordinary.  He stared at Krycek with a new 
curiosity, a new respect, and a new fear.

'How?'  He whispered.

Krycek smiled at him modestly.  He was suddenly very tired.  
'I don't know.'

Scully helped Koskie sit up.  At the sight of Mulder, he 
recoiled.

'Easy.'  Krycek placed a hand on Koskie's shoulder.  'Easy, 
my friend.  It's not the same guy.'

Koskie looked down at himself, lifted up his bloody shirt.  
'I thought I was hit.  I was so sure I was hit.'  He looked 
up at the three of them.  'What happened?'

'It's my blood.'  Krycek said.  'It got on you when I 
dragged you into the apartment.  That other guy, he just 
hit you, knocked you out.'

Scully looked at Krycek's pale face.  'Alex, we really need 
to clean that up.'

'I just want to make sure Koskie's okay.'  Krycek said.  
'Then you can do your doctor thing.'

Mulder helped Koskie up.  'Why don't you take the rest of 
the night off.  I'll relieve you.'

'But the Assistant Director said-'

'I'll call Skinner.'  Mulder said.  'You should get some 
rest.  You've had a hard night.'

'If...If you're sure, Sir.'  Koskie said, letting Mulder 
lead him to the door.

'We're sure.'  Mulder said, closing the door.  'We'll see 
you tomorrow.'

'You think he's okay to drive, Mulder?'  Scully asked.

'He's fine.'  Krycek said.  'He's a little confused, but 
he's fine.'

Mulder turned to find the two of them standing next to each 
other.  Scully appeared to be supporting Krycek, one arm 
around his shoulders, the other around his stomach.  Mulder 
swallowed and tried to ignore the immediate bitter taste of 
jealousy.

'Scully, you should probably check him out out.  He looks 
like he's in pain.'

Scully nodded and led Krycek into the bathroom.  He could 
now see why she was so enthralled with Krycek.  Hell, give 
him a day or two in Krycek's company and he'd probably be 
swooning over the man.

***

Scully bent down to look at Krycek's wound.

'It's not as fine as you said it was, Alex.'  She said 
sternly.

'I'll live.'  Krycek was grinding his teeth together.  
'Pour some alcohol over it and slap on a band aid.'

Scully giggled.  'Is that your medical opinion, Dr.  
Logan?'

Krycek laughed as well.  'Never thought I'd hear that name 
again.'

'We did some stupid things in medical school.'  Scully was 
shaking her head.  'Remember that time we all went down to 
the cape?'

Krycek's eyes lit up.  'I forgot about that.'  They were 
silent, both remembering the overnight jaunt down to the 
beach.  Krycek looked up at her, smiling.  'If I remember 
correctly through all that Bacardi, you puked on me.'

Scully blushed.  'I did not.'

'Bacardi Coke's.  That's what we were drinking.'  Krycek 
laughed.  'You were swearing up and down that you were 
going to get the damn Bacardi bat tattooed on your ankle.'

'If I remember correctly.'  Scully said teasingly.  'You 
tried to kiss me.'

'I was drunk.'  He waved a hand at her, then grinned.  'And 
desperate.'

Scully poured the alcohol over his wound, causing him to 
hiss with pain.

Mulder was standing outside the slightly open bathroom 
door.  He heard them talking, heard them reliving all their 
medical school moments.  When the hell did they go to 
medical school together?  He had only come over here to 
speak to Krycek, maybe make some kind of amends.  His mind 
raced, hearing all their memories, maybe they had been 
together and against him from the beginning.

***

'Do you enjoy inflicting that kind of pain?'  Krycek asked 
through clenched teeth.

'Sorry.'  Scully smiled.  'I was desperate to clean your 
wound.'

'Oh jeez.'  He replied.  'You can dish it out, but you 
can't take it.'  Krycek's head jerked towards the door.  
'Agent Mulder, come on in.'

The door slowly swung open.  Mulder stepped in, looking 
both angry and confused.

'What's up, Mulder?'  Scully greeted as she put a bandage 
on Krycek's side.  Her fingers brushed his ribs and he 
jerked.

'I'm sorry, did that hurt?'

Krycek grinned.  'It tickled.'

'So.'  Mulder said, crossing his arms.  'You guys went to 
medical school together?'

They looked at each other.  'How did you know that, 
Mulder?'  Scully asked.

Mulder leaned against the wall.  'I was coming up to the 
door and heard him say something about it.'

Krycek stood up and looked at his side in the mirror.  'I 
was sent into medical school to find the most brilliant 
scientist, the most intelligent student.  Dana was it.'

'Have you asked him about your new mind-reading abilities, 
Scully?'

'What?'  Krycek asked, turning towards her.

'It's true.'  She nodded.  'I can hear things now.  People 
on the street walking by, any one of you guys, but it's not 
always there.'

Krycek sat on the counter and gave her a small grin.  'When 
did this start?'

'Right after we had been on the street, just after I spoke 
French.'

'Shit.'  Krycek said, looking in between her and Mulder.  
'Maybe I did turn something on.'

Mulder's face suddenly twisted.  He had put it together 
himself.

Krycek had noticed the shift in his feelings.  'Something 
wrong, Agent Mulder?'

'It's so blatantly obvious.'  Mulder replied, looking down 
at Scully.

'It is?'  She asked.

'Oh hell.'  Krycek had picked up the thought from Mulder.  
'I can't believe I didn't think of that.'

'What?'  She looked between the two of them.  'The reason I 
suddenly developed alien traits?'

'The baby.'  Krycek said.

Scully stared back at him.  'What?'

'You're carrying his child.'  Mulder said softly, unable to 
believe he'd managed to force the words out.  He gestured 
at Krycek.  'Mr.  Half Alien.  The child has his genes, his 
DNA, his alienism, whatever you want to call it.  It's 
probably having an affect on you.'

'Just the way that the vaccine had a physiological affect 
on you.'  Krycek smiled.  'The baby is probably causing its 
own little bit of altering.'

Scully's hand automatically went to her stomach, as if 
speaking of the baby reminded her that he or she was still 
there.  She smiled and shyly glanced up at Krycek.

He grinned back.

Mulder nearly screamed.

'It's obvious we can't stay here.'  Scully said out of 
nowhere.  'What are we going to do?  The aliens, whatever, 
know we're here.'

'Maybe you should go into hiding like Spender said.'  
Krycek turned and looked at her.  'It's probably the safest 
choice you have.'

'I don't want Spender knowing where I am.'  Scully said, 
looking at Mulder.  'I still don't trust him.'

Mulder returned her gaze, his eyes lingering on her face.  
'What do you want to do?'

She didn't trust Cancer Man, but she trusted Krycek.  
Scully turned towards him.  'Do you know anywhere I can 
hide?'

'Of course.'  He smiled at her.  'I can hide you anywhere.  
Where do you want to go?  We can't put you in this corner 
of the country, of course.  There are all sorts of bad 
pieces of the evil puzzle hanging around the Northeast.'

Scully thought of the kind of life-style that she would 
love to be living.  What was the complete opposite of where 
she was now?  When was the happiest and most peaceful she'd 
ever felt.  An idea formed in her mind and she smiled at 
Krycek, using the old, surfer lingo.  'Witchy.'

Krycek grinned back.  'Pure Salem.'

***

'Newport Beach?'  Mulder asked.  'Scully, why on earth 
would you go all the way to California?'

'It's far away, Mulder.'  She was throwing clothes into a 
suitcase.  'And I remember how much I loved hanging out in 
Santa Cruz.'

'But it's so far away.'  Mulder protested.

She walked over to him and put her arms around his waist.  
'You can come visit whenever you want.  Since you're 
refusing to go.'

'Scully.'  He hugged her in return.  'I can't just take off 
and disappear.'

'Why not?'  She shrugged.  'I am.'

'I've got work to do.'

She released him and went back to packing.  'The X-Files 
can wait, Mulder.'

'That's not exactly what I'm talking about.'

Scully stopped packing and turned to face him.  'Please 
tell me you're not.'

He shrugged.  'I have to.  It's what I believe.'

'Running back to your ex-wife.'  Scully laughed without 
humor.  'That's just beautiful.'

'I'm not running back to Diana, Scully.'  Mulder came over 
to stand next to her.  'I believe in what they're fighting 
for.'

'You believe wrongly, Mulder.'  She resumed throwing things 
into her suitcase.  'Those people are wrong.'

'Well, I believe Spender and his idiot son are wrong.'  
Mulder said.

'How can you say that, Mulder?'  She asked, looking up in 
his face, a hand on her hip.  'You saw what Alex did 
tonight.'

'That doesn't mean Spender is in the right.  Or that Krycek 
hasn't been misled, again.'

'I'm going across the country, Mulder.  I don't know when 
I'll be back.  Why can't you come with me and leave all 
this behind for now.  I'm going to be having a baby.  Don't 
you want to be there?  Don't you want to be with me?'

'Of course I do, Scully.'  Mulder touched her face.  'But 
there's things here I need to do.  Maybe I'll come out when 
I'm finished...'

She had already turned away from him to continue her 
packing.  'It's the same damn thing, Mulder.  It's always 
you continually working on a quest that will destroy you 
and everyone you care about.  You've lost your sister, your 
father, and your mother.  Now you're going to watch me just 
walk away because you have to continue doing what you do 
best.  Running after the enemy.  You don't even know who 
the enemy is.'  Scully zipped up her bad and shouldered it.  
She looked up at him.  'I hope you find some sort of peace 
soon, Mulder.  I really hope you find some kind of 
resolution.'

'I wish you could understand, Scully.'

'Me too.'  She stepped close.  'You going to kiss me 
goodbye, Mulder?  Or just stand there, looking stupid?'

Mulder smiled back, wrapping his arms around her.  He 
leaned down and gave her a small kiss.  'I'll be in touch, 
Scully.  I'll be out soon.'

'I hope so.'  She whispered before kissing him deeply.  She 
pulled back and looked at him sadly, tears in her eyes.  'I 
hope you find whatever it is you think you need.'  Scully 
turned and walked out of her bedroom, he followed her.

Krycek was in his usual posture, leaning against the front 
door, arms crossed.  Mulder grinned at his casual manner in 
spite of himself and approached him, albeit a little 
cautiously.

'Scully's trusting you to take care of her, so I will too.'

Krycek seemed surprised.  'I appreciate that.'

Mulder was thinking of something to say to him, anything, 
but he could only ramble on in his head for the perfect 
phrase.  Please don't let anything happen to her.  Please 
take care of her.  Please keep her safe.

I will.  Krycek's voice was like he had spoken aloud.  
Mulder looked into his eyes and saw nothing but honesty.  
I'll take care of her, Fox.  I promise.

Mulder nodded and held out his hand towards Krycek.  After 
a slight hesitation, he took it.

Krycek shook Mulder's hand, hoping that Fox would someday 
accept him.  He wanted friends, he wanted family.  He was 
tired of running through life alone.  He picked up two bags 
that Scully had brought by the door.

Mulder picked up two more and looked at him.  'You'd think 
she was going on a cruise around the world.'  He joked, 
trying to make light of the fact that Scully was about to 
temporarily walk out of his life.  'What the hell does she 
have in here?'

Scully appeared, dragging two more with her.  'Some 
clothes, some pictures, some momentos.  Things I don't 
really want to leave.'

She took a look around the apartment, then shut the door.  
This had been her home for eight years and she wasn't sure 
when she'd be back, if ever.  Krycek caught her mood and 
smiled down at her.

'It will all be fine.'

Scully nodded, not trusting herself to speak.  It felt like 
a part of her life was ending.

They loaded the bags into her car.  They were going to dump 
it off at the Lone Gunmen's and take a car that they had 
'acquired' for her.

Krycek shut the trunk and looked at Mulder.  'Hope you can 
make it out soon.'

Mulder nodded, wanting to say so much.  I can't stand you, 
take care of Scully, how the hell did you end up the father 
of her child, and a dozen other things ran through his 
mind.  He saw the look in Krycek's eyes and knew that he'd 
heard every one of them.

'I look forward to coming out.'  Was all he said.

Krycek nodded and got in the car to allow them to say 
goodbye.

Scully approached Mulder and he took her in his arms.  They 
didn't say anything.  They stayed in the embrace and gave 
each other a kiss before breaking away.

'I'll miss you.'  Mulder said softly.

Scully shut her eyes tight against some tears that were 
trying to find their way out.  'I'll miss you too.'

'Take care of yourself, Scully.'  Mulder said, looking down 
at her and touching her face.  'Watch out for that freak.'

She smiled and ran her hands through his hair.  Was she 
really going to just walk away from him?  'I can handle 
that freak.  He's pretty harmless.  It's your freaks I'm 
worried about.'

Mulder shrugged.  'They're pretty harmless too.'

They stood in each other's arms in silence for a moment 
before Scully kissed him on the forehead and moved out of 
his embrace.

'I'll get in touch with you in a couple of days.'  She 
said, walking to the car, not looking back at him.

'I'll be out soon.'  He promised.

Scully shut her door and they drove away.  Mulder stood 
where he was on the sidewalk for a long time.

***

Mulder unlocked his apartment door and trudged inside.  
Scully was gone, off on an adventure with her new best 
friend.  Mulder sighed and dropped his keys on the table.  
His whole life was backwards.  It made no sense.  Marita, 
Diana and I on one side while Spender, Krycek and Scully 
are on the other.

Mulder grabbed a beer out of the refrigerator and collapsed 
on the couch, propping his feet up on the coffee table.  He 
knew he was going to have to process this whole Krycek 
thing.  He just didn't want to do it anytime soon.

Krycek just reached over and healed Koskie.  Like it was 
nothing.  He could read minds, feel feelings, project 
thoughts.  Mulder shook his head and drank some beer.  
There was no way he could compete with that.

And Spender, his father?  That was a whole other issue he 
was trying to ignore.  His parents, not his parents?  
Krycek and Jeffrey related to him and Samantha?  The very 
thought made him shudder.  And where was Samantha?  He'd 
seen in her that picture of them in Seattle.  She can show 
up to talk to Scully, but not to him?

A knocking at the door interrupted his thoughts.  Sighing, 
he took another drink of beer.

'Sorry,' he called out; 'the amazing Krycek is currently 
performing his wondrous illusions on the road.'

'Mulder, you idiot!'

He grinned in spite of his horrible feelings.  It was 
Frohike.

The second the door opened, Frohike began to babble, 
staring up at him angrily.

'Are you out of your fucking mind?'  Frohike demanded.  
'How could you let her go alone with that punk ass?  How 
could you trust that little rat-looking freak?'

'Whoa, whoa, whoa.'  Mulder held up his hands and allowed 
Frohike to pass through.  'Scully is a big girl, she can 
take care of herself.'

'The woman you love, your best friend, is traveling across 
the country with the evil weasel and you do nothing?'  
Frohike turned away, throwing his hands up in the air.  
'Not only is he a two-sided, cancer man-son, but he has his 
eye on Scully.  I can tell.'

'Good.'  Mulder said softly.  'Then he won't let anything 
happen to her.'

Frohike stared at him in disbelief for a moment, then 
reached up and slapped Mulder across the face.  'Wake up, 
Mulder!  What the hell's the matter with you?'

Mulder stared down at Frohike in disbelief.  He couldn't 
believe this.  Did that really just happen?  Did he just 
get slapped?  By Frohike?

'Scully needs you!'  Frohike said.  'Didn't you know she's 
having your baby?'

'Oh.'  It all made sense.  Mulder looked at him.  'You 
don't know.'

'Know what?'

Mulder got another beer and handed it to Frohike.  He 
leaned down and spoke softly.  'It's not mine.'

Frohike was speechless.  He stared back at Mulder in 
disbelief.  'What are you talking about?'

Mulder took a seat on the coffee table and motioned Frohike 
to have a seat.  'Just that, it's not mine.'

Frohike looked at him oddly.  'Then whose is it?'

Mulder simply stared back at him and took a drink of beer.

Realization dawned on Frohike's face.  He slowly shook his 
head.  Mulder grinned lopsidedly at how big and round 
Frohike's eyes were and nodded back at him.

Frohike sat down on the couch and drank half his beer.  He 
shook his head again.  'Punk ass.'

Mulder laughed.  'I hate to say it, but Krycek's an amazing 
guy.'

Frohike looked at Mulder, narrowing his eyes.  'Huh?'

'You can't tell anyone.'  Mulder swiveled around on the 
coffee table to face him.

'I won't.'

'I'm serious, Frohike.'  Mulder pointed at him.  'I'll bust 
your ass.'

'Okay, whatever.  Just tell me.'

'Well.'  Mulder took a breath.  'Apparently he's half 
alien.'

Frohike nodded.  'That doesn't surprise me.'

'It doesn't?'  Mulder was surprised.  'Why not?'

'He looks like he's half alien.'

Mulder looked at his friend and laughed.  'There's a little 
bit more than that.'

'Worse than half alien?'

'Worse to me.'  Mulder said.  'He's my brother.'

Frohike stared at him in disbelief again and Mulder nodded 
back at him.

Frohike drank the rest of his beer.

***

It was halfway through the Krycek bashing and several beers 
later.  I can't believe it.'  Frohike said.  'How long has 
this been going on?'

Mulder shook his head.  'I have two theories.  One, they're 
telling me the truth and the child was conceived and 
planted in Scully just like they said.  Or two, that 
they've been together and plotting against me all along.'

Frohike shook his head.  'Nah, I don't buy that from 
Scully.  The punk ass yes, Scully no.'

Mulder and Frohike suddenly locked eyes.  'Oh my god.'  
Frohike said.  'What if he's been using her all along?  To 
get what he wants.  To create this child.'

Someone else knocked at the door.

'Come in!'  Mulder yelled, irritated that his apartment was 
suddenly so popular.

Skinner strode in and glared down at the two of them and 
all the empty beer bottles.  'You want to tell me what the 
hell is going on, Agent Mulder?'

Mulder looked up at him through a blurred haze.  'Why Sir, 
whatever do you mean?'

'Agent Koskie is at home.  Scully is not at her apartment.  
You're sitting here getting drunk.  That is what I mean.'

'Oh damn.'  Mulder said, looking at Frohike.  'Did I forget 
to call the boss?'

Frohike waved a hand at him and reached over for his beer.

'Where is Agent Scully?'  Skinner asked, his tone implying 
that he wasn't in the mood.

'She left with Krycek.'  Mulder said.  'Koskie had been 
shot by the alien, but Krycek healed him so I sent Koskie 
home and Krycek and Scully decided to go to the beach.'

Skinner stared at Mulder, his tongue lodged in the side of 
his cheek, then he nodded.  'Does the number 86 mean 
anything to you?'  He reached over and took Mulder's beer 
from him.

Mulder looked forlornly at his empty hands.  'Why are 
people always saying that to me?'

Skinner pointed at Frohike.  'You staying or going?'

'I don't know.'  Frohike looked over at Mulder.  'Should I 
stay or should I go now?'

Mulder burst into laughter.  'Ladies and Gentlemen, The 
Clash!'

'Come on, you've got to let me know.'  Frohike was far too 
drunk for his own good and his singing wasn't much better.  
'Should I stay or should I go?'

Skinner closed his eyes and took the empty beer bottles 
into the kitchen, trying really hard to ignore the 
inebriated people in the other room.

***

It was getting light outside and Mulder and Frohike 
continued to pound down the beer.  Skinner gave up and just 
sat with them, nursing one of his own.  He shook his head 
as they went into another rousing game of 'Who Can Remember 
The Most Horrible 70's Song'.

'We had joy, we had fun, we had season's in the sun...'  
Frohike crooned.

Mulder made a face and pointed at him.  'Winner!'

Skinner laughed at the display of idiocy in front of him.

There was another knock at the door.

Mulder and Frohike both sang out.  'You keep on knocking 
but you can't come in!'

'Wrong decade guys.'  Skinner opened the door to Diana 
Fowley's smiling face.

'Assistant Director.  How nice to see you again.'

'You look well for being dead.'  He said back.

She crossed into the room and smiled at Frohike.  'Melvin.'

'Diana.'  He replied sourly.

'Fox, are you drunk?'  She stood in front of him.

Mulder held his fingers an inch apart.  'Just a little 
bit.'

Diana shook her head and glared at him.  'Did you forget, 
we have a meeting in an hour?'

Frohike drunkenly looked up at her.  'What kind of 
meeting?'

'The very important kind.'  She said.  'I need him at his 
best.  How long has he been drinking?'

Skinner and Frohike burst into laughter and she gave them a 
dirty look.

'Come on, Melvin.'  Skinner said, smiling.  'I'll take you 
home.'

'Don't call me that.'

'Okay, Melvin.'

'Don't you start chrome-dome.'  Frohike said, closing the 
door.  'I'll wax your head.'

The door shut behind them, leaving an angry Diana frowning 
down at Mulder.

'Fox, I'm very disappointed in you.'  Diana said, hands on 
her hips.

Mulder didn't say anything back.  She looked like an angry 
mother hen, clucking at him.  He bit back laughter.

'You knew how important this was and here you are, drunk 
out of your mind!'  She took notice of his red face.  'And 
just what are you laughing at?'

Mulder burst into giggles.

'I don't see what's funny.'  She went on.  'After all who 
knows where'd you be now if we hadn't found you when we 
did-'

'Pick-A-Little, Talk-A-Little, Pick-A-Little, Talk-A-
Little.'  Mulder began to sing.  'Cheep, cheep, cheep, talk 
a lot, pick a little more.'

Diana looked at him like he was out of his mind.  'I don't 
like being ridiculed, Fox.  You owe me-'

'I owe you nothing.'  Mulder said.  'You're lucky I'm here 
at all.'

Diana leaned forward, into his face.  'No, you're lucky to 
be here at all.'  She hissed, her breath smelling of Scope.  
'If I hadn't told them to pick you up when they did, you'd 
be locked up somewhere with half your mind gone.'

'You've never been clear on how I was found.'  Mulder said, 
leaning closer to her.  'Why don't you enlighten me on that 
little factoid?'

'Why don't we talk about Dana Scully?'  She whispered.  
'You think I don't know that her and Krycek have taken off 
together?  Who do you think is telling the truth now?'

Mulder suddenly stood up and Diana jumped back, scared.  
'Don't start with that, Diana.'  He said in a low, menacing 
voice.  'You don't even want to think about Scully.  I have 
people on my side.'

'And I have people on mine.'  Diana's eyes narrowed like a 
reptile's.  'Don't screw with me, Fox.'

Mulder walked to the door and opened it.  'I think you can 
go now.'

She passed through the door, then turned to face him, 
smiling again.  'Can I expect you there in an hour?'

'Oh, don't worry, I'll be there.'

She leaned towards him.  'Kiss goodbye?'

Mulder slammed the door in her face.

***

'Where are we?'  Scully opened her eyes and looked out the 
window at the ocean.

'Still on the PCH.  Malibu.'  Krycek answered.  'And my 
eyes are nearly crossed from staring at the road.'

'Let's stop, then.'  Scully stretched in her seat and took 
another glance out the window.  'I forgot how beautiful the 
California coast is.'

Krycek smiled.  'Roll down your window and take a deep 
breath.'

Scully did and smiled.  'Oh my god, I've missed the beach.'

'I'm starving.'  Krycek said.  'I was planning on stopping 
at Gladstone's.  You mind?'

'Is there food?'  She smiled at him.

'Agent Scully.'  Krycek looked astonished.  'Don't tell me 
a chic surfer chick like you has never heard of 
Gladstone's.'

'Hold on now.'  Scully thought for a moment.  'It's in 
Malibu?'

'It's right on the PCH where Sunset Blvd stops at the 
Pacific.'

'Would you believe I've never really seen Los Angeles?'  
Scully asked.

'Never even been down the Strip?'

She shook her head.  'Can't say that I have.'

'You've got some sights to see, Agent Scully.'

She smiled and looked back out the window.  'I'm sure we 
have the time.'

Krycek looked over at her, feeling a change in her mood, 
but didn't say anything.

Scully thought about Mulder for the millionth time that 
trip.  Why didn't he come with them?  How could he just let 
her go?  Didn't he care?  Mulder had known her for years 
and had let her drive across the country all alone with 
some man who'd until recently, been their greatest enemy.  
What the hell was the matter with him?

She looked over at Krycek, feeling the concern ooze out of 
him.  She put a hand over his, which was resting on the 
shifter.  'I'm sorry.'

'For what?  Having feelings?'  He looked straight ahead.  
'Don't worry about it.  Enjoy the ocean.  It's a far cry 
from Virginia.'

'It's beautiful.'  Scully inhaled the ocean air again.  It 
reminded her of when she was younger; it reminded her of 
being free.  'So, what do you want to see, where do you 
want to go?'

'You tell me, Agent Scully.'  Krycek said, looking over at 
her.  'You're the tourist.'

'Let's check out Malibu.'  She said, smiling.

***

Scully had never been to Newport Beach before so Krycek 
took her down the main drag.  Santa Cruz was one thing, but 
Newport was a whole other story.  Every other car had a 
surfboard sticking out of the trunk, out of the window or 
strapped to the roof.  Every other car was a Ferrari, a 
Jag, a Lamborghini, a Porsche.  Every kind of music 
imaginable was blasting from all the cars, the shops, the 
cafes and the various condos and beach houses lining the 
street.  Scully smiled at a group of beachheads that had 
turned to whistle at her.

'You're a hit.'  Krycek smiled.

'I do not condone such exploitation of women.'  She said, 
trying to look annoyed.  'This is not the Fifties.'

'Oh you loved it.'

'I did not!'

'You lie!'

'I don't!'

'All those years in those professional suits you wore...'  
Krycek looked over at her.  'You can't wait to get in a 
bikini and have all the guys ogling over you.'

'Oh that will look lovely when I'm nine months along.'

They were both silent for a moment.

'Yikes.'  Scully began to laugh.  'Did you just get the 
same visual I did?'

He threw his head back and laughed in response.

'How rude!'  She said, laughing with him.

'There's nothing wrong with a pregnant woman's body.'  
Krycek said.  'It's actually quite beautiful if you think 
about it.'

'Yeah, swollen ankle's, stretch marks, a huge stomach-'

They drove by a group of women, one incredibly pregnant in 
her two-piece bathing suit.

'See?'  Krycek asked.

'Whatever.'

The ride on the ferry across to Balboa Island was very 
short, but fun.  They passed people in two-seater pedal 
boats and kayaks, yachts and sailboats.  Everyone waved to 
each other.

'Gonna have to score a convertible.'  Krycek said.  'We 
look like tourists.'

They drove along The 1 for awhile before pulling up in 
front of a small cottage.

'Is this it?'  Scully asked, getting out and shutting the 
door.

'Home Sweet Home.'  He answered.

'It's beautiful.'  She said, walking along the cobble-
stoned path to the front door.  'How do you know about it?'

Krycek looked at her strangely.  'It's mine.'

The inside was even more impressive.  What didn't show from 
the front was that the house continued down a cliff two 
more stories.  The top floor was the living area, with the 
kitchen, dining room and living room, the second floor down 
consisted of three bedrooms and the bottom floor was 
entirely dedicated to entertaining.

'No one knows where I have my houses.'  Krycek said, 
leaning against the pool table and watching her inspect the 
rec room.  'They're the few secrets I have kept.'

Scully opened some French doors and stepped out onto a 
massive deck overlooking the ocean.  This was insane, this 
was too much.  She smiled to herself.

This was perfect.

***

Scully had been on the phone with Mulder for an hour.  It 
was the first time they'd actually spoken since she'd left, 
over a month ago.  They'd been communicating through the 
Lone Gunmen; she wouldn't call his apartment for the fear 
that his phone was being tapped.  So she called her three 
freaky friends, giving and receiving messages and trying to 
work out a time to talk.  It was nice to speak to him, be 
he seemed preoccupied and was very vague on when he'd come 
out to visit.  He promised he'd be out by the beginning of 
fall and they agreed to speak in a week, at the same time.

She wandered out to the deck to find Krycek leaning against 
the deck railing, basking in the glow of the small, adobe 
fireplace.

'Whatcha doin'?'  She asked, handing him some tea.

'That dog is out there again.'  He said, looking down at 
the beach.

'Ashley, the girl next door, was talking about it.'  She 
wrapped her hands around the mug of tea to absorb its 
warmth.  'I guess it's a stray.'

'He's sad.'  Krycek said.  'He wasn't always a stray.'

'I never thought about the fact that you could probably 
sense animals feeling's too.'

'Why do you think I'm vegan?'  He smiled at her.  'Give it 
a try.'

Scully reached out with her senses, but got nothing.  She 
had long ago reached the conclusion that she could never 
have as much control over her abilities as Krycek did.

'Now you're just giving up.'  He said softly.

'Eavesdropping again?'

'How many times do I have to tell you?'  He said.

'I know, I feel things very strongly.'

'And you say you're not psychic.'  He set his mug down on 
the railing.  'I'm going to check out the dog.'

'This I have to see.'  Scully said, following him.

They walked down the staircase to the beach, following the 
surf.  They got within twenty feet of the dog and it 
started to growl.

'It doesn't sound very friendly.'  Scully said, nervous by 
the menacing sounds coming from it's throat.  She stopped, 
but Krycek continued forward.  'Alex.'  She warned.  'Be 
careful.'

He closed the distance by half and squatted down, staring 
at the dog.  It was a Rottweiler, very large and very vocal 
about its feelings.

The dog began to whimper, then suddenly ran to Krycek.  For 
a moment, Scully was afraid that it was charging him to 
tear his throat out, but the dog was wagging it's tail.

Krycek was scratching the dog's neck, speaking softly.

'Ciao, il mio amico.'  He said.  'Non siete piu soli.'

Although Scully didn't know what language he was speaking, 
the words translated in her head.  'Hello, my friend.  
You're no longer alone.'

Amazing, she thought to herself.

'Rottweiller's are traced back to the Roman's.'  Krycek 
said, petting the dog.  'So I have to speak to him in 
Italian.'

***

The Lone Gunmen were passing through on the way down to San 
Diego.  Scully was surprised at how happy she was to be 
meeting them.  She and Krycek were sitting at the window in 
Del Taco in the Balboa fun zone, munching on bean burritos 
and drinking iced tea.  A radio somewhere was blasting out 
Marilyn Manson.

'...There's not much left to love...Too tired today to 
hate...I feel the empty, I feel the minute of decay...'

Krycek smiled.  'I can sense the benevolent Frohike.'

Scully giggled, looking at the window.  'Me too, but I 
don't see them anywhere.'

'...I'm on my way down now...I'd like to take you with 
me...I'm on my way down...'

Krycek sang along softly, looking out the window.

'...The minute that it's born...It begins to die...I'd love 
to just give in...I'd love to live this lie...'

Scully smiled.  'I see them.'

Krycek turned in his seat, but she put a hand on his arm.  
'Hold on, I want to see if they recognize us.'

The three walked in and surveyed the inside of the 
restaurant.  They moved over to a booth and sat down.

Scully and Krycek smiled at each other.  If they'd been 
able to fool the three stooges at a quick glance, they were 
certainly able to fool strangers.  She stood up and walked 
over to their table.

'Hey, Sugar.'  She drawled in a southern accent.  'Wanna 
date?'

The three turned to see Scully smiling radiantly.  Her 
hair, which had grown out quite a bit, was blonde.  She was 
wearing a totally un-Scully pink sundress and she was 
wearing sandals and a silver anklet.  It was also very 
obvious that she was pregnant.

Frohike gasped and scooted over so she could sit down.  
'You look...My god, you look...'

'Beautiful?'  Krycek finished, standing next to her and 
leaning against the booth.

'Wish I could say the same for you.'  Frohike smiled at 
Krycek in spite of himself.  'You look like a surfer punk 
ass.'

'I resemble that remark.'  Krycek replied, running a hand 
through his shaggy hair.  When they first arrived in 
Newport, he had bleached his short hair.  Now that it was 
grown out, the tips stayed blonde while the rest was dark.

'It's so good to see you guys!'  Scully reached over with 
both her hands and put one on Byers's and one on Langly's.

'Damn girl, you're tan.'  Langly smiled.

Scully giggled girlishly.  Life at the beach had been good 
to her.

Langly looked up at Krycek.  'Any crazy white caps out 
there?'

'It's all good.'  Krycek replied.  'I got an extra board.  
We can do the wedge.'

'Come on back to the house.'  Scully said.  'You can meet 
Stout.'

'Stout?'  All three of them asked.

'Our Rot.'  She answered, beaming.

'Rot?'  Byer's asked, looking odd in shorts and a T-shirt.

'Rottweiller.'  Krycek answered.

'Why Stout?'  Langly looked between the two of them, still 
not really recognizing them.

'Alex named him that.'  Scully looked up at Krycek and he 
smiled back at her.

'Stout?'  Frohike repeated.

'Yes.'  Krycek said.  'Because he's thick, dark and 
strong.'

Frohike rolled his eyes and laughed.  'Oh, whatever.'

***

Mulder sat across from Diana in the meeting, trying his 
best to ignore her.  He knew that the Lone Gunmen were out 
visiting Scully and he was disappointed that he hadn't been 
able to go as well.  In a couple of weeks, he promised 
himself like he had been every couple of weeks.  He 
wondered what she looked liked pregnant.  How far along was 
she now?  Five months?  Six months?  He shook his head 
slightly to himself.  She had sounded wonderful the last 
time he'd talked to her.  She went on and on about the dog.  
What was its name?

'Fox.'  Diana's foul voice interrupted his thoughts.  He 
looked up to see that all the heads in the room were 
swiveled towards him.  'Care to join us?'

'Sorry.'  Mulder mumbled, shuffling through his papers.

***

'Fox.'

Mulder winced and stopped in the hallway, sighing and 
closing his eyes.  Damn, he thought he'd be able to get 
away.

'Yes, your highness.'  He said, turning to face her and 
pretending that is was indeed Princess Leia and not his ex-
wife looking back at him.

'Would you like to tell me what's going on?'  Diana asked.

Mulder resumed walking.  'And what are you talking about?'

'Your mental vacation.'  She said, trying to keep up with 
him.  'The fact that every time someone say's something to 
you it seems to require a great effort on your part to join 
the land of the living.'

He ignored her and kept walking.

'Fox.'  When he still didn't answer, she grabbed his arm.  
'Fox!'

'Oh I'm sorry, Diana.'  He said, mock apology on his face.  
'Were you saying something?'

Her nails dug painfully into his arm, but he didn't jerk 
away.  'You might want to keep me on your side, Fox.  I can 
be quite ugly when I want to.'

Mulder's lips twitched in a smile.  'And that must be all 
the time.'

Diana's eyes widened, her mouth dropped.  Mulder stepped 
closer to her.  'Just because we believe in the same cause 
doesn't mean that I have to like you, talk to you or look 
at you.  My only interest here is and always has been for 
the truth, for the world, for peace.  It has nothing to do 
with you.'

'But Fox.'  She said, her face falling.

'Your hurt doesn't work on me anymore, Diana.'  He said.  
'I'm not as young and naive as I used to be and I'm not 
taking your shit this time around.'

Mulder walked out of the building, shaking his head.  He 
let out a deep breath and turned to run right into Skinner.

'Sir?'  Mulder was taken aback to see his superior in the 
Big Apple.

'Agent Mulder?'  Skinner was just as surprised.  'What are 
you doing up here?'

'I was just asking myself that same question.'  Mulder 
said.

'Want to talk about it over dinner?'  Skinner said.  'I 
know where we can get a really good veggie burger.'

'Oh no.'  Mulder said, looking dismayed.  'Not you too.'

***

Scully walked into the house, laden with bags from Pea in a 
Pod.  She was getting big and none of her clothes would fit 
anymore.

'Alex?'  She called, tossing her keys down on the haltry.

She didn't get an answer, but sensed that he was in the 
house.  As she got closer to the stairs, she heard the 
piano playing downstairs.

She frowned, moving down to the third level.  Who the hell 
was here?

Stout ran up to her as she reached the double doors leading 
into the rec room.  She leaned down to pat the dog on the 
head and looked over to see Alex at the piano.  She watched 
him, shocked.  She had no idea he knew how to play.

The music filled the room and Scully recognized the 
familiar tune from when Melissa was taking lessons.  Fur 
Elise.

She leaned against the door, staring at him, a strange 
feeling creeping through her.

She used to love to watch and listen to Melissa play the 
piano.  To see Alex Krycek, Mr.  Big, Bad, Hit-Man, Tough-
Guy, play so beautifully was very strange.  She shouldn't 
be surprised.  There was a lot about him that she didn't 
know.  A small smile crept on her face and slowly walked 
towards him, crossing her arms.  The sounds emanating from 
the piano filled the room.  She stood behind him, watching 
his hands move across the keyboard.  When she rested her 
hands on his shoulders, he jumped and quit playing, 
snapping his head around to look at her.

'I'm sorry.'  She said.  'I figured you knew I was in 
here.'

He leaned his head back and smiled at her.  'No, I had no 
idea.  Music gets me like that sometimes.'

'It does?'

He nodded and patted the empty space on the seat next to 
him.

'Alex, if I sit down, I'll break the bench.'

'No, you won't.'  He laughed at her.  'I weigh more than 
you do.'

She settled next to him and he reached out his hands 
towards hers.

'I'll teach you the C scale.'

She smiled, holding out her hands.  'I know nothing about 
music.'

'That's okay.'  Krycek put his hands over hers and 
positioned them on the keys.  'I'll teach you.'

He taught her the basic scale from middle C and she smiled 
as she played it, pausing to remember to curl her thumb 
under on her right hand, and to crossover with her left.

He grinned at her.  'You're a natural.'

She smiled up into his face.  'How long do you think until 
I can play like you?'

'Not that long, I'm sure, since I'm not that good.'  He 
smiled as his fingers moved over the piano again.  She 
watched his hands pluck out the sounds of Fur Elise.  She 
put her chin in her hand and stared at his profile, a smile 
on her face growing larger and larger.

'What?'  He asked shyly, his fingers moving quickly over 
the keyboard.

'It's just...I don't know.'  She said softly, watching his 
fingers pick up speed.  'I'm always impressed with people 
who understand music.'

'It's not hard when you can feel it.'  He replied, running 
through the main break of the song again.

'You can feel music?'

'Yeah.'  He replied.  'Sometimes it really bothers me.'

'Can you show me?'  She asked softly, watching his fingers 
dance around the piano.

He looked over at her and continued playing.  He smiled 
when she did.

'You're such a showoff.'  She said, meeting his eyes.

'I'm not showing off.'  He didn't break the eye contact 
with her and continued on with the song.  'I'm just 
playing.'

'You love to play.'  She said.  'I can tell.'

'Yeah.'  He replied, giving her a sad smile.  'When they 
took my arm, it sucked because I couldn't play.  Not to 
mention my balance was totally screwed so I couldn't surf.'

She smiled again.  'Show me how you feel music.'

He quit playing and the stereo turned on.

She grinned at him.  'You're going to need to teach me that 
trick.'

'No trick.'  Krycek shook his head and grinned.  'Quantum 
mechanics.'

'Whatever.'  She said.

A song began to play on the radio and he grinned.  
'Perfect.'

'...Beyond the horizon of the place we lived when we were 
young...In a world of magnets and miracles...'

'Perfect?'  She asked.

He nodded.  'This songs gets me.'

'...Our thoughts strayed constantly and without 
boundary...The ringing of the division bell had begun...'

'Why does this song get you?'

'Because it's so perfectly constructed.'  He answered, 
standing up.

'...There was a ragged band that followed in our 
footsteps...Running before time took our dreams 
away...Leaving the myriad small creatures trying to tie us 
to the ground...To a life consumed by slow decay...'

Krycek held a hand out.  She took it and they walked out 
onto the deck.

'You ready?'  He asked.

She nodded.  He took both of her hands and stared down at 
her.

Scully took a deep breath as feelings washed over her.  The 
music became part of her.  She didn't think she'd ever felt 
anything so beautiful.  The song seemed to travel through 
her bones; the melody caressed her brain.

'...Looking beyond the embers of bridges glowing behind 
us...To a glimpse of how green it was on the other 
side...Steps taken forwards then sleepwalking back 
again...Dragged by the force of some inner tide...'

She felt tears come to her eyes.  He let go and looked down 
in her face.

'You okay?'

Scully took a deep breath, staring up into his eyes, and 
nodded.

He smiled.  'Are you sure?'

She continued to stare at him and nodded again.

'...Encumbered forever...By desire and ambition...There's a 
hunger still unsatisfied...'

'I'm gonna take some waves.  You mind?'

Scully shook her head and he smiled at her again.  'You 
sure you're okay?  You don't feel okay.'

She managed a small smile and nodded again.  He moved past 
her, into the house.

'...Our weary eyes still stray to the horizon...Go down 
this road we've been so many times...'

She stayed out on the deck, overwhelmed with what had just 
happened.  Not just with the music, but with herself.  She 
always tried so hard to ignore this when it snuck up on her 
from time to time.  She knew there was a logical 
explanation.  She knew it wasn't real.

'...The grass was greener...'

Krycek came out onto the deck in a wetsuit and looked at 
her.  'You sure you're okay?'

'...The light was brighter...'

She nodded, turning to face him and he grinned at her.  
'You sure?'

'...The taste was sweeter...'

She nodded again, staring back at him.

'...The nights, of wonder...'

'Dana, you look live you've seen a ghost.'  He touched her 
face.  'You sure you're okay?'

'...With friends surrounding...'

'I'm fine.'  She replied stonily, marveling at the fact 
that he'd never reached out to her like that before.

'...The darkest glowing...'

'You lie.'  He smiled at her before picking up his 
surfboard and moving down the staircase.  'But since you're 
reluctant to tell me what's wrong, I'll leave you alone.'

'...The water flowing...'

She turned to watch him go, pressing her lips together.

'...The airless river...'

This is bad, she thought to herself, watching him walk 
towards the surf.  This is so very, very bad.

'...Forever and ever...'

***

'How do you eat that?'  Mulder asked Skinner, before biting 
into his juicy cheeseburger.

'That's funny.'  Skinner said, raising his own veggie 
burger.  'I think the same thing of that dead piece of cow 
you're about to chew on.'

'Food chain.'  Mulder replied.

Skinner grinned.  'I'll let Agent Scully argue with you 
over that one.  I'm not as qualified.'

'You spoken with her recently?'  Mulder asked.

Skinner nodded.  'Last week, she called me at the Lone 
Gunmen's place.  She sounded good.'

'I think she's doing well.'  Mulder said softly.  'I'm glad 
she's happy.'

'Planning on visiting her soon?'

'Yes.'  Mulder said.  'And no.'

Skinner raised his eyebrows at him questioningly.

'I would love to see her.'  Mulder explained.  'But I don't 
know how much I can take of Krycek.'

'Agent Mulder.'  Skinner put down his crumbling veggie 
burger.  'You should really take some time and go visit 
her.  Krycek be damned.  And you never know.'  Skinner 
shrugged.  'You might like him if you give him half a 
chance.'

Mulder nodded.  'I know.  I just can't bring myself to do 
it yet.  I know about Krycek's amazing abilities.  It 
doesn't take away my feeling of disgust for him.  
Especially since...'

Mulder's voice trailed off and Skinner picked his burger 
back up.  'Especially since he and Scully seem so close?'

'Damn.'  Mulder said.  'Is it really that obvious to 
everyone else that they've become so attached?  I thought 
it was only me.'

'No, Agent Mulder.'  Skinner said.  'I think it's a 
connection they have.  They can read each other's minds.'

'How do you know that?'

'She told me.'  Skinner remembered the night Krycek had 
stumbled into her apartment.  'It was the weirdest thing.  
We were sitting there, eating, and all of a sudden this 
look came over her face.  I thought she was choking, but 
she was actually just sensing Krycek's presence.'

'She didn't tell me about that.'  Mulder said.

Skinner nodded.  'She felt him coming up to the apartment.  
She knew he was coming.  Actually, it was frightening when 
she was talking about it.'

Mulder thought for a moment.  'Damn, I better go out and 
see her.'

***

'Mulder, it's been months.'  Scully said sharply into his 
ear.  'It's Halloween now.  Are you ever going to come out 
before the baby's born?'

'I'm sorry, Scully.'  Mulder sighed.  He felt so guilty, 
but why couldn't she understand that what he was doing was 
important?

'I'm tired of hearing you say you're sorry.'  Scully said.  
'I've heard it over and over again.'  She paused.  'If 
there's someone else I wish you'd just tell me.'

'Scully, there is no one else.'  Mulder said, rising off 
the couch in defense.

She remained silent.  He couldn't see it, but he could 
picture her expression.  Her lips pouted out a little, her 
eyebrows knitted together.

'Can't you understand what I'm trying to do here, Scully?'  
He asked softly.

'You've never quite told me what you're doing, Mulder.'  
She said.  'So how would I understand it?'

'I'll explain it all when I visit.'

'And when is that going to be?'  Her voice was still 
irritated, sharp, not giving him one bit of leeway.

I guess I can't blame her, he thought.  It has been a long 
time.

'Soon.'  Mulder said.  'I promise.'

Scully slammed the phone down without saying goodbye.  She 
couldn't help it.  She was so hurt, so upset.  Thoughts 
were racing through her mind.  Why do I even bother to call 
him anymore?  Why doesn't he want to see me?  What could he 
possibly be doing that's important enough for him to throw 
me away?  Or maybe I was never all that important to him in 
the first place.

She pushed that last thought away.  She knew it wasn't 
true.  She and Mulder shared a very special relationship.  
At least they had, she thought to herself.  Everything was 
so different now; their relationship was going through a 
transformation.  It might be better, might be worse, but it 
will never be the same again.

Scully shook her head, deciding that she wasn't going to 
worry about it for the rest of the night, again.  She did 
the same thing every Sunday and she was tired of yearning 
for Mulder.  If he wouldn't even make the effort to see her 
for one lousy weekend...

Stop it, Dana.  She told herself.  Just stop it.

Scully walked down to the lower level and pushed the door 
open.  Krycek was lounged in a chair, in front of the 
fireplace.  One hand absently petting Stout and a book in 
the other.  She stood and watched the peaceful sight for a 
few moments until she noticed the stereo was on KROQ and 
'Bathwater' by No Doubt was beating through the room:

'...I know I'm diving into my own destruction...'

Scully walked over towards the two of them as Krycek looked 
over and Stout ran to meet her.  She began to sing along 
with the lyrics...

'...So why do we choose, the boys that are naughty...I 
don't fit in, so why do you want me...I know I can't tame 
you, but I just keep trying...'

Krycek stood up and smiled at her as he spun her around, 
singing along.

'...Cause I love to wash in your old bathwater...You make 
me feel like you couldn't love another...I can't help 
it...You're my kinda man...'

Scully laughed as Stout began to bark at them, her mind 
temporarily forgetting about Mulder.

'It's Halloween, Dana.'  Krycek said, smiling down at her.  
'We need to head over to the Fun Zone, see the freaks, ride 
the Ferris wheel, grab dinner at Ruby's.'

'As long as we're back in time to watch 'Night of the 
Living Dead'.'  She replied.  'I never miss it.'

'It'll be freezing out on the pier.'  He said.  'You better 
wear a jacket.'

She smiled up at him as she walked out of the rec room.  
'Yes, Mother.'

They kept the top off of the jeep and listened to Marilyn 
Manson as they looked for a place to park.

'...We're on a bullet and we're headed straight into 
God...Even he'd like to end it too...'

'Well that's just beautiful, Alex.'  Scully said, glancing 
at his profile.

'It's Halloween.'  He replied, grinning as he maneuvered 
the jeep into a space.  'When else can I indulge in Marilyn 
Manson without you throwing holy water at me.'

'...Cause we got no future...And we wanna be just like 
you...We wanna be just like you...'

'Oh please.'  She replied, rolling her eyes.  'I like 
Marilyn Manson.'

He laughed and stared at her in disbelief.  'You cringe if 
I even so much as look at the jewel case for Anti-Christ 
Superstar.'

'The title alone should tell you something.'

'...And we know that nothing's true...I saw a priest kill a 
cop on the TV...And we know that there are heroes too...'

'I've been thinking.'  He said casually, watching all the 
people in costumes saunter down Balboa.

Scully smiled.  'I never like that way that sounds.'

Krycek got out of the car and shut the door.  'I think I 
should get the Anti-Christ Superstar symbol tattooed on my 
forehead.'

'Do you want our child to think you're Satan?'

'If the child even believes in Satan.'  He said, reaching 
for her hand as she opened the door.  'And that brings up 
another interesting discussion.'

'I don't think I'm quite ready to talk about what religion 
the child should be.'  She replied, letting him help her 
out.

He laughed.  'We're going to have to talk about it 
someday.'

Scully stood still.  A small smile crept up on her face and 
she gave a small shake of her head.

Krycek looked into her face.  'What's wrong?'

'Oh my God.'  She said, laughing a little.

'Dana?'

She looked up at him.  Her eyes were twinkling.  'We're 
having a kid.'

'Last I heard.'  He grinned back.

'And I don't mean kid as in a baby goat.'

Krycek burst into laughter.  'You're starting to sound like 
me.'

'I'm talking in only around three months, Alex.'  They 
began to walk towards the pier, out towards Ruby's.  'Three 
months and I'll be a mom.'

He put his hands in his pockets and looked down at her.  
'You nervous?'

'I don't think so.'  She shook her head.  'Are you?'

'Hell yeah.'  He replied.  'Nervous as all hell.  I don't 
want the poor thing to be like me.'

Scully stopped as they reached the pier and faced him.  
'What do you mean, like you?'

'Jaded, tarnished, burned out, screwed up.'  He smiled.  
'Feel free to stop me anytime.  Naïve, misled, the bad 
seed-'

'I don't think you're any of those things.'  She replied.  
'Maybe misled.  Okay, maybe jaded.'

Krycek laughed and she went on.  'But you're definitely not 
the bad seed.'

'I'm glad you don't think I'm Rosemary's Baby.'

'We still haven't decided on any names.'  Scully said as 
they began to walk towards the end of the pier.

'If it's a girl, Winifred.'

She smiled.  'And if it's a boy.'

'Wilferd.'

'On second thoughts, Alex.'  Scully shook her head.  'Maybe 
you are the bad seed.'

The closer they got to Ruby's, the louder they could hear 
'Dragula' by Rob Zombie blaring at them.

'...Dig through the ditches and burn through the 
witches...I slam in the back of my...Dragula...'

Krycek moved his head and sang along.

'...Dead I am the rat...Feast upon the cat...Tender is the 
fur...Dying as you purr...'

'I'm warning you, Alex.'  Scully smiled at him.  'If you 
break out with the Ricky Martin impersonation again, I'm 
outta here.'

'Dana, Dana, Dana...'  Krycek shook his head.  'You'll 
stifle the child's sense of freedom with all the restraints 
you put on its father.  Look here, it's relatively warm, 
the moon is bright, the ocean breeze is blowing, the surf 
is crashing and it's Halloween.  If one cannot be footloose 
and fancy free under such conditions, when, I ask, can 
one?'

She snuck a shy glance his way.  'There's a big difference 
between fancy free and just plain idiotic.'

'There you go again with the name calling.'

'You know, Alex.'  She looked up at him.  'I think you are 
Ricky Martin.'

'Hey now, the name calling I can deal with but now you're 
just blatantly going for the jugular.'

She laughed as they drew close to Ruby's, her hand slipped 
easily into his.

***

It had to have been very early in the morning.  One, two, 
maybe even three o'clock.  Scully could feel Krycek's 
unease through her sleep.  It had invaded her dreams.

She wandered out onto the deck to see him sitting in a 
patio chair.  His face was cold and harsh.  It reminded her 
of the old Krycek; it brought back bad memories.  She 
stared at him for a moment.  An old Who song was playing on 
the radio.

'...No one knows what it's like...To be the bad man...To be 
the sad man...Behind blue eyes...'

She walked over to stand a few feet away and stared down at 
him.  He didn't notice.

'...No one knows what it's like...To be hated...To be 
faded...To telling only lies...'

She stood to the side, marveling at the fact that he was so 
lost in the past.  He hadn't noticed her yet, sixth sense 
or not.  He was simply staring straight ahead.  The only 
feeling she caught from him was despair.  Maybe a little 
anger mixed in for good measure.

'...But my dreams...They aren't as empty...As my conscience 
seems to be...'

She knelt down next to him.  She really didn't like the 
look on his face, the look of Krycek.  How he had been so 
evil and manipulating and done a one-eighty on himself 
completely baffled her mind.

'...No one knows what it's like to feel these 
feelings...Like I do...'

She put a hand on his arm.  'Are you wallowing in your mire 
again?'

He shook his head, remaining silent.

'...But my dreams...They aren't as empty...As my conscience 
seems to be...'

'And here I thought you were flawless.'  She said.  'But I 
guess even the laid-back, mellow, Taoist surfer has a 
momentary lapse of reason every now and again.'

His face relaxed in a smile as he looked over at her.

'Oh there you are, Alex.'  She returned his grin.  'I was 
wondering where you went.'

'Sorry.'  He said.  'I was just thinking.'

'That's hazardous to your health.'  She replied, walking 
over to sit down next to him.  'Especially at two in the 
morning, staring out over the ocean.  Do I even want to 
know what thoughts are rolling around in your head?'

'Probably not.'  He said, then grinned ironically when the 
next song began to play.

'...Cut my life into pieces...This is my last resort...'

'Fitting.'  He said, listening to Papa Roach's 'Last 
Resort'.  'What are we going to do after the baby's born?'  
He asked, looking away.  'We can't just live together until 
the child is eighteen and goes off to college.'

Scully was silent, mulling it over.  It was something she 
herself had questioned a time or two.  She looked over at 
him, shock on her face.  'How expensive is college going to 
be by then?  Damn, Alex, I'm impressed.  You're really 
thinking ahead.'

He met her gaze, a serious expression on his face.  She 
hadn't realized how upset he really was.

'Alex, the baby isn't due for another few months.  We're 
here and we're fine.'  She said.  'Let's not worry about a 
year from now.  Let's just take things as they come.  We 
will make it work.  Who is it that's always telling me to 
live in the present because tomorrow may never come?'

'Damn my sensibility.'  He replied, shaking his head.  
'Comes back to bite me on the ass.'

Scully stared at him for a minute.  'That's not what you're 
really worried about, is it?'

'Yes, I have been thinking about that.'

'But that's not all.'

He grinned.  'And you say you're not psychic.'

'Oh no.'  She said.  'Don't give me your little grin.  
You're not going to charm your way out of this one.  Spill 
the beans, come one.'

He was silent for a moment, listening to the song.

'...Cause I'm losing my sight...Losing my mind...Wish 
somebody would tell me I'm fine...'

'I'm just wallowing in my mire.'  He said.

'Let's hear it.'  She insisted.

He sighed.  'I'm just afraid.  That's all.'

'You're afraid of what?'  She asked, music in the 
background.

'...Nothing's all right...Nothing is fine...'

He didn't look at her.  'I've done some horrible things in 
my life.  I owe.  I'm going to have to pay for it.  Simple 
fact of life.  You get back what you put out.  So I'm going 
to owe.  And I'm going to owe big.  And I'm afraid I'm not 
going to be around to see my child.  To see him or her grow 
up.  I can't just decide to change and expect it to be that 
easy.'  He laughed and looked over at her.  'Because it's 
been pretty easy so far.'

'Maybe it is this easy, Alex.'  She said softly.  'Maybe 
the good things are pay back for what you've already had to 
endure.'

'Maybe.'  He said.

Scully knew he didn't believe it.  She didn't know what to 
say.

'...Cause I'm losing my sight...Losing my mind...Wish 
somebody would tell me I'm fine...'

'Alex.'  She put a hand over his.  'You're fine.'

'I'm sorry.'  Krycek said, putting his free hand over his 
face.  'You're right.  No one should be out here reflecting 
on their past hideousness and the possible repercussions of 
those actions in the middle of the night under a full 
moon.'

'...Can't go on...Living this way...Nothing's 
all...right...'

The song cut off inside the house, leaving the two of them 
sitting in sudden silence.

***

The following night, it was Scully's turn to be restless.  
She couldn't sleep so she wandered out to the deck.  It was 
freezing and almost midnight but she didn't care.  She 
built a quick fire in the little adobe fireplace and sank 
into a chair, covering up with a blanket.  She was worried 
sick about Mulder.  What was he doing all the way across 
the country?  He was so distant, he never called.  When she 
happened to catch him at the Lone Gunmen's place, their 
conversation seemed forced.

There were still people down on the beach.  She could hear 
the radio all the way up here.  Even though it probably 
wasn't that loud, she knew her mind could hear it better 
than her ears.  It was that weird song about Iron Maiden.

'...Her name is Noel...I have a dream about her...She rings 
my bell...I got gym class in half an hour...'

She sensed Krycek's presence before he spoke.  'You want to 
talk about it?'

Scully shook her head and he walked past her to look out 
over the beach.  'You want to be alone?'

She shook her head again, knowing that the gesture was 
unneeded.  He could sense her answer anyway.

They stood in silence and listened to the music.

'...But she doesn't know who I am...And she doesn't give a 
damn about me...'

'I don't know what he's thinking.'  Scully suddenly blurted 
out.

'I'm sure Fox is doing what he thinks he needs to do.'  
Krycek said, not looking back at her.

'He hasn't been out here.'  She said.  'Why won't he even 
come out here?'

'He thinks that what he's doing is very important.'

'More important then me?'  Scully asked, biting back tears.

'He thinks he's saving the world.'  Krycek said.  'What can 
possibly be more important than that?'

Scully fell silent.  Here she was, complaining about a man 
who couldn't, who wouldn't, commit to her.  Why was she 
still hanging onto him?  He obviously didn't love her.  
Even if he did, was this the kind of relationship she 
really wanted?

'...Cause I'm just a teenage dirtbag, baby...Yeah, I'm just 
a teenage dirtbag baby...Listen to Iron Maiden baby...With 
me...'

She looked up at Krycek as he stood there, looking over the 
Pacific Ocean.  He was always ready to talk to her about 
anything she felt.  He was always ready to support her, 
listen to whatever gripe she had.  Why couldn't Mulder be 
like that?  After all, they had an eight-year history.  
Alex and her had only been friends for a few months but 
they already felt like best friends.  He kept nothing from 
her while Mulder hid everything.  Scully knew that Alex 
cared about her, and she cared about him.  He had brought 
her a gift the other day.  A ring of Celtic lace she had 
seen and adored.

She had been out on the deck, in her usual chair, trying to 
write in a journal.  This was a habit she'd been religious 
about all her life, but the ritual had fallen to the side 
during the last few years of her life.  Krycek had casually 
crashed into the chair next to hers.

'Hey.'  He greeted.

'Hey.'  She finished scribbling a sentence before closing 
the book and looking at him.  'You were out awhile.  What 
have you been up to?'

'Takin' care of business.'  He grinned at her.  'Workin' 
overtime.'

'You look like the cat that got the mouse, Alex.'  She 
couldn't help but smile at the boyish grin on his face.  
'Why do I get the feeling you're up to something.'

'Because I am.'

'You are?'

'Got somethin' for you.'

'Chocolate?'  She asked hopefully.

'No.'

'French fries?'

'No.'

'Food at all?'

'Nope.'

She stuck her bottom lip out.  'Not even a pickle?'

'Not even close.'

'It's not something I can eat?'

He looked over at her.  'You can't be hungry again.'

'I'm eating for two.'  She said defensively.

'Seems like three or four.'

'Whatever!'  She shoved at him and laughed.

'Now you can forget it.'  Krycek said.  'I'll just have to 
wear it myself.  Although I don't think it's quite meant 
for a man to wear.'

'You brought me maternity clothes?'

'You really think I'm dumb enough to try guessing your 
size?'  Krycek asked, holding out his hand.  'That's 
suicide.  '

I'm not striking a pose here, Dana.  Gimme your hand, I'm 
not going to bite you.'

'With you, Alex, one can never be sure.'

He dropped the ring into her outstretched hand and she 
gasped.

'I can't take this.'

'The first present I ever give anyone and it's rejected 
right off the bat.  How rude.  What kind of pattern am I 
supposed to develop off of this response?'

'It's not that I don't like it-'

'Next time you see something you want, I'll just be 
proactive and break it right in front of you.'

Scully slid the band on the ring finger of her right hand 
and admired it.

'I can see if I brought you home one karat diamond earrings 
or something that you could refuse, but come on, it's white 
gold, how expensive can it be?'

'I'm not stupid, Alex.  If you brought home diamond 
earrings, I would justify keeping them.'

'Oh great, so now the ring's not good enough.'

She laughed before glancing up at him.  'I don't know what 
to say.'

'You don't have to say anything.'

'Yes, I do-'

'No really.'  He grinned.  'I can read your mind, you don't 
have to say anything.'

Scully burst into laughter.  'You're such an asshole.'

He gasped.  'I'm so glad our poor child isn't around to 
hear the way you're talking to its father.'

'The poor child would probably agree with me.'  She said, 
giving him a look.

'I'm hurt.  I'm shocked and amazed.  I even brought gifts 
and still got kicked to the curb.'

The phone rang and he pushed himself off the railing.

'Yeah, you mind getting that for me?'  Scully asked, taking 
a drink of her tea.

'You know, I don't need this abuse.'

'Whatever.'  She said, throwing a look in his direction.  
'Punk.'

'Loser.'  He disappeared into the house.

'Freak.'  She called after him.

'Crackhead.'  He yelled back.

Scully smiled and shook her head.  He appeared a minute 
later, holding the phone to his chest to cover the 
mouthpiece.

'Don't faint.'

She looked up at him.  'What?  Why?'

He held the phone out towards her and whispered.  'It's 
Fox.'

Her eyes grew wide in surprise and she took the phone from 
him, the ring flashing on her hand.

'Like the ring.'  He said.  'Must've cost a fortune.  
Where'd you get it?'

Scully smiled to herself, reliving the memory.  Alex was 
always doing things to cheer her up.

She must be insane; she must be out of her mind.  What the 
hell was she thinking?  The answer was simple.  She was 
still in love with Mulder.  And she missed him terribly.

Scully got out of her chair and walked towards Krycek.

'...Man I feel like mold...It's prom night and I am 
lonely...Low and behold...She's walking over to me...'

Krycek sensed her walking up to him and turned to look at 
her.  She got within two feet of him and stopped, staring 
up at him.

'...This must be fake...My lip starts to shake...How does 
she know who I am...And why does she give a damn about 
me...'

Scully searched his eyes and he let her.  He didn't look 
away.  He returned her gaze.

'...I've got two tickets to Iron Maiden, baby...Come with 
me Friday, don't say maybe...I'm just a teenage dirtbag 
baby, like you...'

Scully slowly let her head fall on his chest.  Krycek 
wrapped his arms around her and held her until she was 
tired enough to go back to bed.

***

Mulder sat on his couch, searching though charts and 
picking at some leftover Kung Pao chicken, when the Lone 
Gunmen came knocking.

Langly held up a twelve-pack of MGD.  'We come in peace.'

Mulder smiled and waved them in.  'What's going on, guys?'

'We haven't heard from you in forever and a day.'  Byers 
said.  'We were worried.'

'About me?'  Mulder said, accepting a beer Frohike handed 
him.

'It's not like you to hibernate.'  He replied.

'Sorry, guys.'  Mulder sighed and ran a hand through his 
hair.  'I've just been really busy.'

'So we noticed.'  Frohike twisted off the cap of his Miller 
and threw it into the trashcan.  'Scully called us earlier 
tonight.'

'How is she?'  Mulder didn't look at them.

'She mentioned you still hadn't been out to visit her.'  
Langly said.

'Like I said, I've been busy.'

'Too busy for Scully?'  Frohike asked.

'I've been busy.'  Mulder repeated.

'We've been out there three times, Mulder.'  Byers said, 
sitting down at the opposite end of the couch.  'You 
haven't been at all, what's going on?'

'Nothing.'

Frohike leaned closer towards Mulder.  'It's Diana, isn't 
it?'

'No!'  Mulder said, looking horrified.

The three were silent and Mulder leaned back on the couch.  
The silence stretched out and he finally spoke.

'How is she?'

He was greeted by three different responses.

'She looks great.'

'She seems really happy.'

'She just loves that dog of hers.'

Mulder looked back at the three of them.  'And what's the 
dogs name?'

'Stout.'  They all answered.

'Stout.'  He smiled.  'What did you guys do while you were 
there?'

'Alex and I surf a lot.'  Langly said.

'He's teaching me German.'  Byers said.  'I learn more and 
more every time we go out there.'

'Scully taught me how to cook all kinds of vegan crap.'  
Frohike grimaced.  'I love the way it tastes, but I can't 
stand to think about all those ingredients.'

'They make some kick-ass chili though.'  Langly said.

'Definitely.'  Byers said.

'Oh yeah,' Frohike said, 'Their chili rocks.'

Mulder nodded to himself at the idea of the happy 
homemakers.  'Sounds perfect.'

'You should really go out there, Mulder.'  Byers said.  
'You don't want to wait too long.'

Byers nodded.  'Alex isn't what you think.'

'He's actually pretty cool.'  Frohike said.  'And you know 
how hard that is for me to say.'

Mulder sat and contemplated for a moment.

Frohike leaned towards him and spoke softly.  'You really 
need to see Scully.  Maggie's been out there quite a lot.  
She's thinking of moving out that way.'

'Maggie?'  Mulder asked.  'Scully's Mom?'

The three nodded somberly.

'She wants to be close to the baby.'  Byers said.

'And she really likes Alex.'  Langly said.

'Well that's just beautiful.'  Mulder said, realizing that 
the thought of Scully staying out in California for an 
extended period of time had never entered his mind.  What 
were they planning on doing after the baby was born?  He 
was getting irritated and wished again that Krycek would 
somehow manage to have an accident while surfing and get 
washed out to sea.

Frohike leaned down towards him.  'You need to get out 
there, Mulder.'

'I can't right now.'

Frohike walked to the television and popped a tape into the 
VCR.  'I didn't want to have to do this.'

Mulder took a drink of his beer, eyeing his friend 
curiously.  'What the hell are you doing?'

'Waking you up.'  Frohike stepped back as an image popped 
up.  'This was the last time we were out there, for Labor 
Day.'

'You guys went to decorate the kid's room?'  Mulder asked 
in surprise before being distracted by a song blasting on 
the television.

'...Judy jumped in front of a subway train...And Eddie got 
slit in the jugular vein...Eddie I miss you more than all 
the others...This song is for you my brother...'

The view spun dizzily as the camera was settled in one 
place.  Scully's face came into view and Mulder's breath 
caught in his throat.  He didn't think he'd ever seen her 
as radiant.  She was shining; she was glowing and grinning 
into the camera.  Her hair was blonde and growing out.

'Frohike, you've had that camera in our faces all weekend.'

'You want your kid to have plenty of memories, don't you?'

'...Those are people who died...They were all my 
friends...And they died...'

'I haven't heard this song in years.'  Langly's voice 
popped up out of view.

'It's flashback weekend.'  Krycek's voice could be heard.  
'KROQ does this every Labor Day.'

They were on a deck and the ocean could be seen just below.  
Byers and Bill were hovering around a barbecue; Maggie and 
Langly were both sitting in some patio chairs.  There were 
a few people Mulder didn't recognize milling around.

'I Touch Myself' by the Divinyls came on after The Jim 
Carroll Band and Scully's eyes lit up.  'I used to love 
this song.'

'I used to hate it.'  Maggie laughed.  'You and Missy 
played it the whole weekend you were both visiting.'

'That was ten years ago.'  Scully laughed.  'This song is 
so damn happy.  Brings back good memories.  I talked with 
Missy about joining the Bureau that weekend.'

Mulder found himself smiling at the television.  Scully 
looked so happy.  He didn't think he'd ever so her so 
unrestrained, so free.  She sang along with the lyrics, 
moving her head playfully to the beat.

'...I love myself...I want you to love me...When I feel 
down...I want you above me...'

She reached out and pulled someone next to her.  Krycek 
came into view.  He was tan and his hair was longer.  He 
had a silly grin on his face and a beer in his hand.

Mulder's smile vanished in disgust.

'Dance with me.'  Scully said, smiling.

'You're nuts.'  He replied.  'You know I don't dance.'

He was rewarded with jeers and remarks.

Langly threw a beer cap at him.  'What was the Ricky Martin 
impersonation earlier.'

Krycek grinned.  'I don't know what you're talking about.'

Scully went to grab his hands and bumped him as he was 
taking a drink of his beer.  The bottle clinked against his 
teeth and he put a hand over his mouth, laughing.

'I'm sorry.'  She laughed with him and put a hand on his 
arm.  She took his hand and twirled under his arm a couple 
of times, smiling up into his face.

Krycek looked into the camera, a look of bewilderment on 
his face.  'And she's the sober one.'

Not to be deterred, she took the bottle out of his hand and 
set it down.  She grabbed his other hand and began to dance 
while singing.

'...You're the one who makes me come running...You're the 
sun who makes me shine...When you're around, I'm always 
laughing...I wanna make you mine...'

Krycek rolled his eyes as a stupid grin spread across his 
face before looking back at her.  'You really wanna get me 
started?  Don't make me go Pulp Fiction on your ass.'

She smiled in response and walked in a circle around him 
while he stood there.  She looked up into his face, 
playfully singing to him.

'...I close my eyes and see you before me...Think I would 
die if you were to ignore me...If you could see just how 
much I adore you...I'd get down on my knees, I'd do 
anything for you...'

Mulder stared at the television, his mouth hanging open in 
astonishment.

Who the hell was this?  And what did she do with Scully?

Staring at the image of Scully singing to Krycek while 
dancing around was something his brain couldn't quite 
grasp.  The fact that they were on a deck at a beach house, 
surrounded by the Lone Gunmen and Scully's family made it 
even weirder.

Krycek, his evil nemesis, his supposed brother, with hair 
that was half bleached, tan and drinking a beer, spinning 
his partner, best friend, and lover around with a silly 
grin on his face...

Mulder was beginning to believe that he'd followed Alice 
down the rabbit hole.

The fact that Alex Krycek might not be the big, bad villain 
was the worst part.

Maybe not.

The fact that Scully appeared happier than he'd ever seen, 
that was probably the worst part.

Krycek spun her around, grabbed both of her hands to pull 
her close then pushed her back out again.  They both 
laughed; Scully grinned happily back at him.  She had never 
acted like that with Mulder.

That was definitely the worst part.

'...I search myself...I want you to find me...I forget 
myself...I want you to remind me...'

Mulder stared in disbelief as Krycek pulled Scully back 
towards him.  She missed his hand and instead crashed into 
him, her hands on his chest.  They both laughed hard and 
continued to dance.  They were both singing.

'...I don't want...Anybody else...When I think about 
you...I touch myself...'

Mulder looked back, between the Lone Gunmen.  'When are you 
guys going back out there?'

'They just invited us out for Thanksgiving.'  Byers said.

'Book me a ticket with yours.'  Mulder said.

Frohike grimaced.  'They'll probably cook Tofurkey or some 
damn thing.'

***

'Alex?'

'What's wrong?'

Scully stood in the doorway of Krycek's bedroom.  She was 
reluctant to answer.

'What's wrong, Dana?'

'I can't go back to sleep.'  She said softly.  'I had a 
horrible dream.'

'You wanna tell me about it?'  He sat up in his bed, 
leaning back against the headboard, and patted next to him, 
inviting her to sit down.

'Spender was there, and Mulder was there.'  Scully replied, 
easing down on the bed.  'They were working together.  They 
were trying to take the baby.  Someone shot you.'

'We both know that Mulder would never try to hurt you or 
the baby.'  Krycek said.  'And he completely despises 
Spender.'

'I know.'  She replied, her voice a bit shaky.  'But it 
seemed so real.'

'Hey.'  He looked into her face.  Tears were in her eyes.  
'Dana, it was just a nightmare.'

She sniffed.  'I know.  But it seemed so real, Alex.  It 
was so real.'

'Maybe you're just scared.  There's a lot going on.'  He 
brushed hair behind her ear.  'Besides, you know I'd never 
let anything happen to you or the baby.'

She met his eyes and he grinned.  'Big, Bad, Hit-Man Tough-
Guy like me hanging around?  And you're scared?'

Scully tried to give him a dirty look, but couldn't manage.  
She grinned in response.  'You're such an arrogant asshole, 
Alex.'

'Triple A, that'd be me.'

She laughed.  'A cubed.'

They were silent for a few moments before he broke it.

'You wanna get up and talk, pull another all-nighter?  I 
can make tea.'

'You're so domestic.'  She smiled.

'Nah, it's actually pretty simple.  There's this little 
thing called a tea bag.  And when you put it in hot water, 
voila, instant tea.'

'Get out.'  She replied in mock disbelief.

'I know.'  He said, widening his eyes back at her.  'I was 
shocked and amazed.'

'And here we'd been putting those big jars out in the sun, 
confused as to why the water never turned brown.'

'Imagine how foolish I felt when the water instantly 
changed color.  I'm glad you weren't there.'

Scully shook her head.  'Oh, I would have been devastated.'

He nudged her with his shoulder.  'Feeling better?'

'I am.'

They were silent again.

'You know, Dana.'  Krycek said, staring down at her.  'This 
will be over soon.  Some sort of life will work itself out 
for you.  And Mulder will eventually pull his head out of 
his ass.'

Scully stared in his eyes for a couple of heartbeats, then 
nodded.

'You want some of that miracle tea?'

'No.'  She shook her head.  'Can I just sit in here for 
awhile?'

'Of course.'  He grinned lopsidedly.  'Ten bucks every 
fifteen minutes.'

'Oh please.'  She rolled her eyes.  'You're not worth that 
much.'

'Whatever!'  He exclaimed, pointing towards the door.

'Ten bucks for two hours.'  She replied.  'I should at 
least get the discount.'

'Every half hour.'

'Hour.'

'Deal.'  He grinned at her.

She laughed in his face.  'Just a gigolo.'

'I'll start singing.'

'Please don't.'

'Ten bucks an hour doesn't cover the cost of David Lee Roth 
impersonations anyway.'

'Okay.'  Scully said.  'But can I at least get a Mickey 
Mouse or a Felix the Cat?'

Krycek grinned evilly.  'I can do a Bullwinkle and pull 
something out of my hat.'

'Pig.'

'Babe is extra.'  He said.  'But I'll do a mean Porky Pig 
for free.'

She laughed and leaned her head on his shoulder.

***

Scully woke up, confused.  She was curled up on her side, 
her hands tucked under her chin.  This wasn't her bed.  She 
looked around and remembered.  She had come into Alex's 
room and they must have fallen asleep.  She was huddled 
under some blankets, wrapped up like tamale.  Alex was on 
top of the covers, out cold.

She stared at his sleeping profile.  Aside from the five 
minutes when he'd collapsed on her couch months ago, she'd 
never seen him sleep.

The memory of her first meeting with Krycek fell into her 
thoughts.  She had been doing an autopsy for Mulder.  He 
had been working on a case with Krycek.

'Spleen or pancreas?'

Scully had looked over at Mulder's entrance.  'Stomach.  I 
was just about to start on it.'

Her eyes took in the man that followed behind Mulder.  He 
was squeaky clean and looked just like the kind of company 
man that Mulder despised.

'This is Alex Krycek.'  Mulder said, trying not to smirk at 
the look on Scully's face.  'We're uh, working the case 
together.'

'Nice to meet you.'  She'd replied indifferently.

Krycek smiled.  'You too.'

She walked by him, ignoring the hand he'd extended towards 
her.

Staring at his sleeping form, Scully couldn't decide 
whether she wanted to laugh, or feel guilty.

What a weird life this was turning into.

Scully suddenly thought back on when she had wandered down 
to Mulder's office in the basement and found Krycek and 
Marita, hanging out with Mulder and Skinner.  Just before 
Mulder had been abducted and sent her life spiraling in 
this weird direction.

She had hated Krycek then.

Back then her life had been directionless.  She had been so 
damn wrapped up in Mulder and the X-Files.  She'd had no 
life of her own, no hope of ever having a family.  Krycek 
had been a big mystery back then.  A huge puzzle she'd had 
no intention of putting together.

How different would her life have been now if she hadn't 
let him into her apartment?

He had been calm.  He had been peaceful.  He had been 
logical and patient.

She had never expected that and another memory invaded her 
mind.

'Brewski's!'  Langly exclaimed.  'Flow me a Heinie?'

'Have at it.'  Scully said, waving in the direction of the 
refrigerator.

'I'm impressed.'  Krycek said.  'I didn't know that about 
you.'

'What?'  Scully asked.

'That you were a boardhead.'

'I went to Berkeley for my undergrad.'  Scully said.  
'Spent a lot of time with the surfers in Santa Cruz.'

'Sharky.'  Krycek smiled.

'Woofy.'  Scully replied.

They smiled at each other in spite of themselves.

The momentary connection they'd shared had at first amused 
her, then irritated her.  She didn't want to think that he 
was human somehow.  The fact that Krycek had been a child 
at one time, had been a teenager, and had crossed from 
seventeen to eighteen like everyone else, seemed wrong.

He had taken her out for vegetarian food.  He had saved her 
life in Seattle.  He had tried to talk to Mulder.

She had never expected that either.

He had a love for music.  He was very spiritual.  He loved 
to dance.

She had never in a million years expected any of that.

Scully smiled at Krycek as he slept.  She almost believed 
he'd become her best friend.  But that's what Mulder was 
for.

The thought of Mulder erased any happy feelings she'd been 
reliving.  He'd watched her drive away with Alex Krycek.  
He hadn't been out to visit.  He never seemed like he 
wanted to talk.

It was Thanksgiving.

Everyone was coming out, her family, the Lone Gunmen, but 
where was Mulder?

Damn him.  She thought.  Damn his everlasting obsession 
with the X-Files and the truth and his sister.  How does he 
expect to move on with his life if he won't let go of the 
past?

Tears slipped out from under her eyes.  She moved closer to 
Krycek, needing comfort, and laid her head on his shoulder.  
She could feel his heartbeat when she rested a hand on his 
chest, splaying her fingers.

She closed her eyes.  She had almost fallen back asleep 
when she felt him cover her hand with his own.  She looked 
up to see him staring at her.  He gave her a small smile.

'Sleep better?'

She nodded at him.

'I asked you if you wanted to go to sleep.'  He said 
softly.  'And you took over my bed.'

'I'm sorry.'  She whispered.

'Don't be.'  He said.  'I'm glad you were able to get some 
rest.'

'That's right.'  She replied.  'We have a busy morning to 
contend with.'

Krycek smiled larger.  'Happy Thanksgiving.'

She smiled in return.  'Happy Thanksgiving, Alex.'

They were silent again, staring at each other.

The phone rang and Scully jumped, taking her hand off of 
his chest.  'That's my Mom.'

Krycek grinned as she got out of bed.  'And you say you're 
not psychic.'

***

They had been in the kitchen all morning.  He had insisted 
on playing the Beatles.  She was surprised at how many 
songs she hadn't heard, and how many songs she liked that 
she'd never known they sang.

'...Hey Jude...Don't make it bad...Take a sad song...And 
make it better...'

The preparation for the Thanksgiving feast was a heavy 
task.  Since it was going to be a vegan meal, they were 
trying to be as creative as possible.  The main course was 
individual pumpkins stuffed with an apple-chestnut 
stuffing.  They were cleaning out pumpkins.  Scully had 
taken off her Celtic ring and shoved it under the counter, 
into the corner, to keep it safe.

They had wanted a couple of people over for Thanksgiving 
and it was turning into a full-blown brouhaha.  It started 
with her Mom, then they invited the three freaks, then Bill 
said he had some time off too so he was bringing the whole 
family.  The house really wasn't that big but Bill insisted 
on staying at a hotel while the Lone Gunmen were just going 
to hang out in the rec room like always.  If it gets too 
crowded, Frohike had said, Langly has a friend in Rancho 
Cucamonga.

'That's too far away.'  Scully had said.

That's because she doesn't know we're bringing Mulder.  
Frohike thought to himself, thankful that he was across the 
country so Scully couldn't reach out and 'probe his brain' 
as Mulder called it.

'You're not very neat in the kitchen.'  Scully said, 
cutting open another pumpkin.

'Cook first, clean later.'  Krycek said, scooping out seeds 
and innards.

'Clean as you cook, then you wont have to do it later.'  
She said, sticking her hand in the mush.  'And it won't 
look like this.'

'Relax, Special Agent Scully.'  He plopped another gob onto 
the counter.  'Life is not the same as the rest of the 
orderly world when you live within five miles of the 
beach.'

'Hey!'  She exclaimed as he headed towards the trashcan 
with two handfuls of pumpkinseeds.  'I'm going to bake 
those!  Keep them out.'

Krycek turned back towards her, grinning mischievously.  He 
picked all the seeds out of his hands, and was left holding 
the goo.  He flicked his eyes up at her.

Scully slowly looked over at him, shaking her head.  'Don't 
you dare.'

'What?'  He asked innocently.

She smiled, trying to be serious.  'I know what you're 
thinking.'

He took a step towards her and she took a step back.  'How 
could you possibly know what I'm thinking?'

'Alex.'  She warned, trying to be stern.  It wasn't working 
and she knew it.  Oh well, she thought, reaching into her 
pumpkin, the kitchen is already hopeless.

Krycek took another step towards her and was rewarded with 
a nice splat of pumpkin right in his face.

'Dana!'  He acted surprised.  'What on earth would posses 
you to do such a thing?'  He threw his own handful and it 
landed with a resounding 'smack' on her forehead.

They stared at each other in a standoff for a moment, then 
reached for more ammunition.  They spent half a minute 
engaged in the grisly pumpkin scene, laughing hysterically 
when Krycek slipped in some innards and fell on his ass.

'You okay?'  She asked.  She walked over to him, hands 
still full of pumpkin, tears streaming down her face from 
laughing so hard.

'I'm fine.'  He said reaching up for the hand she was 
holding out, thinking she was helping him up.  Instead, she 
smeared his face with what was in her hands.

'Oh, sure.  Cheat.'  Krycek grabbed her hands, laughing and 
spitting out pumpkinseeds.

'No!  No!'  She protested, laughing.

Krycek grew still.  He turned his head and looked beyond 
her, into the living room.

The three stooges and Mulder were staring at them, having 
just witnessed the whole scene, 'Hey Jude' playing 
throughout the house.

Krycek looked back at Scully.  He could tell by the way 
that she returned his stare that she knew Mulder was there.  
She could feel him in the room.  He grinned at her and 
released her hands as she turned around.

Mulder stared at her.  He couldn't believe this was Scully.  
This giggling, longhaired, blonde covered in pumpkin mush, 
pregnant Scully.  Her hair wasn't really all that long yet, 
but it was well on its way.  She was wearing a sundress 
that was so unlike her.  And she was so pregnant.

She smiled at him through the disbelief on her face.  
'Mulder.'

He couldn't quite smile back at her.  He still couldn't 
believe it.  He swallowed and managed a lopsided grin.

'Hey Scully.'

She slowly walked over and stood in front of him, smiling 
up into his face.  'You're here.'

Mulder nodded.  'Better late then never.'

After a few moments, she shook her head.  'I can't believe 
you're here.'

'Surprise.'  He grinned.

She laughed.  'I'd hug you if I weren't covered in slime.'

Mulder reached for her and gently pulled her against him.  
'I think it'll wash off.'

Scully closed her eyes and hugged him back, aware of the 
awkward feeling floating in the room.

'Feels weird with another person between us.'  Mulder said.

Scully's eyes flicked open, immediately thinking he was 
referring to Alex.  Already, she thought.

'How far along are you now?'  He asked, looking down at 
her.

'Oh.'  Scully put her hands on her belly, realizing he had 
been talking about the baby being between them.  'Seven and 
a half months.'

Mulder whistled and wiped some pumpkin off her cheek.  'Bet 
you can't wait for the kid to come home.'

'I'm enjoying this.'  Scully smiled sweetly at him.  'Being 
pregnant's fun.  Except for the mood swings that Alex has 
to deal with.'

She turned to look over her shoulder at him, Mulder eye's 
searching him out as well.  This man, who was supposedly 
his brother, who was supposedly the father of Scully's 
baby.  This man who he felt certain was trying to take her 
away.  Regardless of how involved Krycek may or may not be 
in any international conspiracy, he was Mulder's enemy in 
new and exciting ways.

Krycek was still sitting on the floor, covered in pumpkin.  
He looked young to Mulder.  Young like when he'd shown up 
in the Bureau as his partner, forcing his way into the X-
Files and inadvertently, into the rest of their lives.

Mulder fought back a sliver of animosity that threatened to 
shoot out of his mouth.  Yes, he looked young.  Young and 
electric and very alive.  Mulder didn't know where Krycek 
got his charisma from and he didn't care.  All he knew was 
that when they had walked into the room, Krycek and Scully 
could have been mistaken for highschool sweethearts.

Sensing all the hostility, Krycek attempted to smile up at 
Mulder.  'It's not all that bad.  The food cravings are 
worse than her mood swings.'  His attention was diverted to 
the Lone Gunmen.  They were all gathered around Stout, 
lavishing attention on the dog, who was licking pumpkin off 
the floor.

'Oh, you guys, don't let him eat that.'  Krycek tried to 
get up and slipped again.  Frohike went over and pulled him 
up.  The second Krycek was on his feet, he dropped pumpkin 
all over Frohike's head.

'Punk ass!'  Frohike scooped his own ammo off the counter 
and flung it in his direction.

'You throw like a girl.'  Krycek said, smiling, then 
ducking as more orange sailed over his shoulder.

Scully looked up to see Mulder eyeing Krycek.  She smiled.  
'He never had a childhood so he's making up for it now.'

'Yeah.'  Mulder said softly.  'It looks like he's happy.'

They sat down, holding hands and watching the war wage 
between Krycek and the Lone Gunmen.

'Deal with this often?'  Mulder asked, leaning back to 
avoid orange goo.

'Only when Alex's friends come over to play.'  She said as 
Krycek walked over to them.

'Why don't you go ahead and get ready, Dana.'  He said, 
offering a hand to her.  'I'll clean this mess up.'

'That's not fair.'  She said, taking his hand so he could 
help her up.  'I made the mess too.'

'Yeah, but what do you think they're for?'  Krycek had 
nodded over his shoulder at the Lone Gunmen.  'We sure as 
hell didn't invite them for their company.'

Scully grabbed Krycek's face and squished it like a fish.  
'You are so terrible.'

Krycek smiled while his face was still crushed in her 
hands.  'I was engineered that way.'

'Whatever.'  Scully turned and walked to her room to take a 
quick shower.

Mulder had watched their exchange, annoyed, jealous.  He 
didn't like Krycek taking her hand, and he sure as hell 
didn't like her touching his face.  Once she had gone, 
Mulder and Krycek stared at each other in silence for a 
moment.

Frohike sensed the rivalry and punched Krycek in the arm.  
'We're gonna go down to the rec room, make some 
margarita's.  Want one?'

Krycek shook his head.  'No, but you can bring me up a 
Pacifico when you get a chance.'

'Mulder?'  Frohike asked.  'Margarita?'

'Nah.  I'll have a beer too.'

They stared at each other as Frohike walked away, then 
Mulder turned and walked to open the French doors.

'Nice view you got here.'  He said, looking out over the 
ocean.

Krycek began to clean up the pumpkin disaster.  'Thanks.'

'Scully seems happy here.'  Mulder said.

'I think she is.'  He responded.

Mulder turned to face him.  'You in love with her?'

Krycek stopped wiping off the counters and stared at the 
tiles.  'Don't beat around the bush, do you?'

'I've flown across the country.'  Mulder said.  'I don't 
have time to play games.'

Krycek looked Mulder in the eye.  'It doesn't matter how I 
feel about Dana.  She is in love with you.'

'Kinda hard to tell when you two are falling all over each 
other-'

'You have no idea what kind of relationship Dana and I 
have.'  Krycek said.  'She is going through a very 
important time in her life.  She needs anyone who will give 
her support.  Just because I choose to be here for her and 
my child does not mean that I'm running around behind your 
back trying to steal her away.'

Mulder didn't say anything and Krycek took advantage of his 
silence.

'Where have you been, Agent Mulder?  What is important 
enough that you give up a woman like Dana?'

'I'm not giving her up.'  Mulder said softly.

'But you are.  The more time you keep away, the more she 
doesn't need you.  The more you ignore her, the more she 
questions your relationship.  This is the most important 
time in her life and you are missing it.'  Krycek looked 
away and resumed his cleaning.  'And you are losing her.'

'What would I be losing her to?'  Mulder asked.

Krycek huffed in exasperation, looking up at him.  'How can 
you be so smart and so stupid at the same time?'

'I notice you never answered my question.'  Mulder said.

'Which one is that?'

Mulder sneered.  'Don't you read minds.'

'Am I in love with Dana?'

Mulder nodded and Krycek smiled at him.  'That is number 
one, none of your business, and number two, doesn't mean a 
damn thing in the grand scheme of things.'

Mulder stared back at him and Krycek could feel the hate 
seeping from him.

'I'm trying to help you, Fox.'  Krycek said softly.  'And 
it's not that easy when all you do is think of me as your 
arch enemy.'

'I don't need your help.'

'With Dana?  Yes, you do.'  Krycek said.  'She trusts me, 
she listens to me, she can feel me.  You are just a mystery 
to her.'  Krycek leaned close to Mulder, across the tile 
counter.  'Believe me, I'm not particularly fond of you 
being in her life because you treat her like shit.  But she 
loves you, she cares about you.  She believes that you can 
make her happy and all I want for Dana is happiness.  And 
since I can't give it to her, then maybe you should.'

Mulder stared back at Krycek, surprise evident on his face.  
He opened his mouth and was interrupted by Langly.

'Here you go.'  Langly held the beers out to the both of 
them, not noticing the stare-down competition brewing 
between them.

Krycek looked over at Langly before taking a big swallow of 
his beer.  'Wanna do the wedge?'

'But its afternoon.'  Langly looked down at his watch.  
'The best waves are out in the morning.'

'I just really need to get out of here.'  Krycek said, 
walking away from Mulder.

'Running away, Krycek?'  Mulder asked.

'Don't talk to me about running away, Fox.'  Krycek turned 
and pointed a finger at him.  'Don't ever talk to me about 
running away.  The next time you want to talk about running 
away, have a conversation with the man in the mirror.  He's 
the one that does the running away.'

Mulder didn't respond.  He wanted nothing more than to pull 
out his gun and shook Krycek in the head.

'I'm giving you every opportunity you've ever wanted, Fox.'  
Krycek didn't look back at him as he turned away.  'If you 
don't take it now, then I will later.'

We clear on this?  Krycek's voice invaded Mulder's mind.

Mulder shook his head, not liking the feeling of Krycek 
kicking around in his head.

Crystal, Mulder thought back.

Krycek resumed his walking and marched out of the room.

***

Scully stepped out on the balcony of her room to watch 
Krycek surf the waves.  She could sense his anguish all the 
way up here.  That was unusual.  She knew he usually went 
down there to leave her alone, but today she could still 
feel his pain.  What the hell was the matter with him now?  
Mulder, she thought.  What did Mulder say to him?

She went to her bedroom door and opened it, calling out 
into the hall.  'Mulder, can you come here please?'

She changed out of her bathrobe and threw on the black 
dress she was wearing for dinner.  She sat down and began 
to brush through her wet hair.

Mulder appeared in her doorway a minute later.

She noted the way he looked around the room.  'Of course 
Alex and I have separate bedrooms.'

Mulder shrugged.  'I was just looking.'

'You were looking for evidence of our affair.'  She said 
sternly.

'And how would you know that, Miss Scully?'  Mulder joked.

Scully sighed at Mulder's attempt of being charming.  'I've 
been working on my abilities and I can see right through 
your jealous tirades.  Mulder, when are you going to trust 
me and the things I tell you?'

'I'm sorry, Scully.'  Mulder sat down on her bed.  'It's 
just hard for me to see you and Krycek together and so, so, 
happy.'  He scrunched up his face.

Scully sat down next to him.  'You're going to have to 
trust me.  He is the father of my child, Mulder.  And 
whether or not you believe it, he is a wonderful man.  You 
would like him if you gave him half a chance.'

'How about a quarter.'  Mulder said grudgingly.

'Come on, Mulder.'  Scully tilted her head at him.  'For 
me?'

He stared back at her; not able to stand the pouting look 
he was giving her.  'I'll try.  For you.'

She smiled brilliantly gave him a quick kiss on the lips.  
'Thank you.'

***

Mulder stood in the living room, not quite able to absorb 
all the warm hellos that Krycek was getting from the Scully 
family.  Maggie hugging him and tousling his hair was bad 
enough, but the double-handed handshake that Bill gave 
Krycek was a total blow to Mulder.

'Oh, hey.'  And a nod of the head was all Mulder got from 
Bill.

Maggie at least gave him a hug and talked to him for all of 
five or ten minutes.

Mulder watched Krycek play the dutiful son-in-law, grinding 
his teeth away to nothing.

Krycek smiled and joked and laughed and the whole thing 
made Mulder want to puke.  When Krycek picked up little 
Matthew and swung him around the room, Mulder considered 
shooting himself in the head.

The worst thing about all of this was that Mulder couldn't 
see a bit of false feelings from Krycek.  He really 
believed that Krycek was as corny as he seemed.

Death by plunging over the balcony suddenly seemed an even 
better idea.

***

Mulder stood out on the deck, looking down at the surf.  If 
I do it just right, he thought, I could probably land right 
on top of that pointy rock.

'But what a mess we'd have to clean up.'  Krycek said, 
leaning in the doorway, a beer in each hand.

'I really wish you'd quit doing that.'  Mulder shook his 
head.

'Sometimes I wish I could.'

Mulder didn't look at Krycek as he came over to stand next 
to him and held out a beer.  'Trying to get me drunk?'

Krycek smiled.  'I'm quite sure you don't need my help for 
that.'

Mulder didn't say anything and they both stood in silence, 
watching the people down on the beach.  A surfer wiped out 
down below.  He was knocked down by a wave and his 
surfboard landed on top of him.

'Oooh!'  They both exclaimed.

'Got biffed.'  Krycek said, making sure that the poor guy 
was okay.  The surfer trudged out of the water, people on 
the beach applauding and whistling at him.  He took a bow.

Mulder smiled to himself.  'Never did make the beach scene 
much.'

'Not growing up in New England.'  Krycek said.  'The 
beaches over there aren't like the beaches over here.  
Especially in Southern California.  There are lots of 
surfing communities.  They only place better is North Shore 
on Oahu and Australia of course.'

Mulder hated the fact that he was curious about Krycek.  
'You spend time over there?'

Krycek sighed in response.  'Spent time everywhere.  But 
this is my home.  It's the only place I planted myself for 
awhile.'

'You grew up here?'  Mulder was surprised, for some reason 
he thought of Krycek slumming it between Washington DC and 
the Soviet Union.

'I came here when I was sixteen and left when I was twenty.  
I went to UC Irvine for two years just because I wanted to 
stay here.  I love the atmosphere and the whole surf 
culture.  Even though the feeling of the surfer's here is 
not as spiritual as over in Hawaii.'

Next he's going tell me he's Buddhist.  Mulder thought.

'I actually consider myself Taoist.'  Krycek said, taking a 
drink of his beer.

Mulder put his head down, laughing softly to himself.

'Sorry.'  Krycek said.  'It's a habit.  I haven't quite 
figured out how to control it yet.'

'Where'd you go after you left here?'

'I got my BA from UCLA.'

Mulder winced.  'I was never fond of Los Angeles.'

'That's a whole other lifestyle.'  Krycek said.  'There's 
some freaks up there.  I promised Dana that I'd show her 
the whole LA thing because she said she's never really been 
there either.'

Mulder recalled the disastrous trip they'd taken to 
Hollywood when that horrible movie had been made about one 
of their cases.

'Yeah, I caught that.'  Krycek said.  'Great flick.'

Mulder stared over at him, deciding if he was being made 
fun of.  Krycek flicked his eyes sideways at him and Mulder 
made a face.

'Screw you.'

Krycek laughed and Mulder smiled.

'Never thought you'd be such a smartass.'  Mulder said.

'Defense mechanism.'  Krycek said and Mulder nodded.

'I have that installed myself.'

They heard a burst of laughter from upstairs.  Frohike's 
voice was loud as he told a joke.

Mulder shook his head.  'This is weirder than any case I've 
worked.'

'Being here?'

'Not exactly.'  He said.  'The Lone Gunmen and Scully's 
family together for the holiday's.'

Krycek stared at him, waiting for him to continue.  'You 
can say it.'

'And you.'  Mulder didn't look at him.  'Scully's family 
seems to like you.'

Krycek shook his head.  'I don't think Bill like's anyone.'

Mulder snickered.  'I've always got that impression myself.  
But at least he's nice to you.'

'He's only nice to me because my name's not Fox Mulder.'  
Krycek shook his head.  'He's got some serious issues with 
you he needs to deal with.'

'No, no.'  Mulder said.  'I can understand his view on me.  
I come into Scully's life and all she gets is trouble.  She 
almost gets killed, she disappears, she can't have 
children.'  He stopped, thinking.  'Okay, back then she 
couldn't.'

'Not to mention six months have gone by and you never came 
out to see her until now.'

Mulder nodded at Krycek.  'Gee, thanks.'

'Anytime.'  Krycek smiled and brought the beer to his lips.  
'Who care's what he thinks anyway?  Dana is the only person 
you need to worry about.'

'It'd still be nice if I could spend time with her family 
without feeling like I have the spotlight shining on me.'

'Well.'  Krycek turned away from the beach and leaned his 
back against the railing.  'If you really want me to, I can 
put my feet up at the dinner table and chew with my mouth 
open.'

'That'd be a nice start, but can you use three foul words 
in each sentence, maybe give Bill the finger every fifteen 
minutes.'

Krycek nodded.  'I could even try to work in an 
unflattering bodily function every now and then.'

'You'd really do that for me?'  Mulder smiled at him.

Krycek nodded, winking and pointing at him.  'Gotcha back, 
bro.'

Mulder laughed hard, looking at the enemy standing next to 
him.  He was really confused by the fact that no matter how 
much he still hated him, Krycek was cool.

'You should laugh more often.'  Krycek said.  'This really 
cool thing happens to your face.'

Mulder tried not to smile, irritated with the fact that he 
didn't hate Krycek just then.  'What happens?'

'You smile.'  Krycek said.

'Screw you.'  Mulder laughed.

'It's bizarre, the corners of your mouth turn up and 
everything.'

Mulder laughed again.  'Whatever.'

'Look, all those wrinkles from your sour face just kinda 
fade away...'

Mulder looked at him, his beer halfway up to his mouth.  
'Are you going to stop?'

Krycek looked out over the ocean and took a drink of his 
beer.  'You know Mulder, you should have fun more often.  
You spend so much time working, running around chasing the 
bad guys, which may or may not be the bad guys, and you 
miss out on what's most important.'

Mulder shrugged.  'Depends on what you think is important.  
I think exposing heinous crimes against an innocent, 
American society is pretty important.'

'But you're alienating everyone while you do it.  You're 
missing your life.  You're missing yourself.'

Mulder shook his head.  'I believe that what I'm looking 
for will explain what I've been missing.'

Krycek looked at him closely.  'I believe that what you're 
missing is in that house, upstairs.  You're life is right 
in front of your eyes and you ignore it.  You're going to 
suddenly find yourself old and all alone and still chasing 
conspiracies.'

Mulder remained silent and Krycek turned to face him.  'You 
know who you remind me of?  Running around, never having 
time for anyone or anything else.  Mindlessly dedicated on 
working for a cause that really has no meaning to anyone.  
You know who you'll turn into if you're not careful?'

Mulder stared back at Krycek, trying not to appear too 
concerned with what he was saying.  'Who's that?'

'Our father.'

'I'm nothing like Spender.'  Mulder managed to say, hoping 
that Krycek couldn't sense how much his words had terrified 
him.

'I merely stated an opinion of mine.'  Krycek said, his 
eyes searching the horizon.  'I merely stated that you 
remind me of him and if you're not careful, you'll turn 
into him.  Personally, I think you're afraid that Spender's 
future is your own.  I think you fear that your path has 
already been laid out for you, which would explain why 
you're so damn committed on letting Dana slip away.'

Mulder didn't say anything.

Krycek smiled and took a drink of his beer before meeting 
Mulder's eyes.  'Of course, like I said, that's just my 
opinion and it doesn't really matter.  I mean, who the hell 
am I?'

Mulder looked away from Krycek and took his own swallow of 
beer.  He was irritated again due to an emerging pattern 
that was becoming blatantly apparent.

Krycek was right.

***

Scully knew something was up.  She had no idea what had 
happened when Mulder and Krycek had disappeared for an 
hour, but something was definitely different when they came 
back.  She could sense that Mulder still didn't like 
Krycek, and that he was still jealous of the friendship 
that her and Alex had, but he definitely seemed more at 
ease.

Krycek was a different story.  He was ignoring any bad 
feelings coming from Mulder and seemed happy, at peace.  
She knew he liked having everyone here.  Over Labor Day 
weekend they had invited everyone over for the weekend.  He 
had confided in her during a rare, quiet moment of the 
barbecue that he finally felt like he was part of a family.  
Scully had put a hand over his and smiled, not needing to 
say anything.

They were continuing the preparation of their vegan feast.  
Bill and Byers were indulging in cigars out on the deck 
while Langly and Frohike were down on the sand, 
entertaining Stout.  They were throwing a ball out into the 
water for the happy dog to retrieve and drinking Corona.  
Krycek, Scully and Maggie were finishing up in the kitchen 
and Mulder desperately tried to stay involved but the 
familiarity between the three of them was unsettling.

'I don't know if I'm doing this right, Alex.'  Maggie said.

'Mash them with the handle.'  Krycek said to her, putting 
his hands over hers.  'Like that.'

Scully smiled while dicing apples.  'Didn't realize that I 
lived with a gourmet chef, did you Mom?'

'I'm no expert.'  Krycek replied modestly.  'I just had to 
learn to cook if I wanted to be vegan.'

'Thank God for that.'  Maggie said.  'Otherwise Dana would 
eat nothing but pasta.'

Mulder watched this exchange with a dumbfounded look on his 
face.  Krycek and Scully chumming around was hard enough 
for him to deal with.  But watching his enemy put his hands 
over Scully's Mom's in such a casual gesture really 
surprised him.

'...I close my eyes when it gets too sad...I think thoughts 
that I know are bad...Close my eyes and I count to 
ten...Hope it's over when I open them...'

'It's our song!'  Scully exclaimed, reaching over to grab 
the remote and crank it louder.

'We have a rule in this house.'  Krycek said in response to 
the bewildered look on Mulder's face.  'We shut up and sing 
along to certain songs until they're over.  This is one of 
them.'

Scully smiled.  'You're breaking that rule right now, 
Alex.'

'So are you.'  He grinned back and they both began to sing 
along with the lyrics.

'...Hope my Mom and I hope my Dad will figure out why they 
get so mad...I hear them scream, I hear them fight...They 
say bad words that make me wanna cry...'

'Why this song?'  Maggie asked.

'Mom!'  Scully exclaimed.  'You're breaking the rule!'

'This song reminds us to be careful.'  Krycek said.  'To 
listen to our kid, to be certain we pay attention to 
everything.'

Mulder took a deep breath.  Our kid.  The words had been 
tossed out so casually, as he guessed it had become to 
everyone.

Everyone but him.

'...Promises mean everything when you're little...And the 
world's so big...I just don't understand how you can smile 
with all those tears in your eyes...When you tell me 
everything is wonderful now...'

Scully smiled at Mulder.  'We don't want our kid to turn 
out like the poor guy depicted in this song.'

Our kid.

The words jumped right up in his face laughing at him, 
poking fun at him and the weirdness that had become his 
life.

'...Go to my room and I close my eyes...I make believe that 
I have a new life...I don't believe you when you 
say...Everything will be wonderful someday...'

I hear ya, kid, Mulder thought to himself.  He looked out 
the French doors, out over the ocean, out far, far away, 
where he believed a life waited for him somewhere.  Scully 
seemed to be making a new life for herself right here.  She 
didn't understand how reluctant he was to be here, hanging 
around with Krycek while the two of them picked out baby 
names together.  She didn't understand that he had no idea 
what the hell was going to happen when the baby was born.  
What were they planning on doing then?

She was somehow under the impression that everything was 
going to be fine.  She believed that they could all get 
through this.  She believed that everything would be 
wonderful someday...

Mulder didn't understand how it would work.  He didn't 
understand what she expected him to do.

Most of all, he didn't understand how the hell Alex Krycek 
had zeroed in on his life.

'...I just don't understand how you can smile with all 
those in your eyes...And tell me everything is wonderful 
now...'

Actually, he didn't understand anything right now.

Scully and Krycek were singing along with the music, 
continuing to cook, completely oblivious to any inner 
struggle he seemed to be having just then.

Thank God.

He already felt foolish enough with everything that was 
going on.  The last thing he needed was for Scully to get 
irritated again.  Or worse yet, for Mr.  Wonderful to sense 
a weakness.

'...I don't wanna hear you say that I will understand 
someday...No...No...'

Mulder began believing that the lyrics weren't those of a 
child of divorce.  He began to believe they were his own.

'...I don't wanna meet your friend...And I don't wanna 
start to over again...I just want my life to be the 
same...Just like it used to be...'

Yeah, Mulder thought.  That's exactly right.  I don't want 
to meet Alex Krycek, I don't want to restructure my life 
and start over and I do want things to be the way they were 
before the evil bastard shoved his way in.

'...I hate everything...Everyone and everything...Please 
don't tell me everything is wonderful now...'

My thought's exactly, Mulder thought to himself, smiling 
bitterly at the lyrics.

'Fox.'

He looked up to see Krycek staring at him, a mixture of 
humor and pity in his eyes.

'What?'  Mulder barked back, a little harsh.

Krycek smiled easily through the hostility thrown his way 
and Scully interceded.

'Dinner's ready, Mulder.'  She said softly.  'You want to 
go let everyone know?'

'Why don't I do that.'  Krycek said, purposely leaving 
Mulder and Scully alone and easing the tension in the 
kitchen.

Mulder wasn't sure whether he was thankful or if he hated 
Krycek even more for being the one mature enough to give 
in.

Oh yes, he thought, who is the idiot now?

***

Rather than being pompous towards Mulder, as expected, Bill 
chose to ignore him.

Scully felt Mulder shaking next to her at the dinner table.  
She glanced over at him and saw he was trying not to laugh.  
She looked across the table at Krycek and saw a smirk 
planted on his face.  What the hell?  She caught a visual 
the two were sharing, something that involved her brother 
and the mashed potatoes sitting in front of Mulder.

That's enough.  She thought at the both of them.  She was 
secretly pleased at their banter, but didn't want a food 
fight at the table.

Mulder covered his mouth with his napkin and coughed, 
trying to mask his laughter.  Langly and Bill were engaged 
in a conversation about computers at the other end of the 
table, but their odd behavior would be noticed soon enough.

Now Krycek's face was turning red as he tried not to laugh 
at Mulder's thought of showing Bill how he really felt by 
standing up and bending over.  Their laughter was 
contagious but she struggled not to get sucked into their 
playtime.  Krycek was about to respond with an image of his 
own when Scully kicked him under the table.

'OW!'  He said loudly, causing everyone to turn their way.  
'Oh, I really need some more of that Cole slaw.'  Krycek 
reached over and piled more on his plate, trying to cover 
up his outburst.  'Yes, I just love this Cole slaw.'

It was Scully's turn to try not to laugh but Mulder was 
losing his battle and sliding lower and lower in his seat, 
holding his stomach.

'What did you put in this Cole slaw, Dana?'  Krycek was 
egging her on and she knew it.  'Because I just can't get 
enough.'  He stared at her, smiling, head tilted to the 
side.  All she heard in her head was how she did have to 
sleep sometime, and there was a lot of coleslaw that would 
be sharing her bed.

Scully tried to meet his gaze, tried to bluff him out.  But 
he just sat there, smiling at her, reminding her that she 
would be swimming with cabbage later on.  She finally put 
her head in her hands and burst into giggles.  Mulder let 
out his own laughter, leaning against her.

Everyone at the table was staring at them and Krycek heard 
a thought in Bill's mind.  I guess we should have had a 
kid's table after all.

An image popped into his mind.  The three of them banished 
to the far corner, sitting at a table too small for them, 
throwing food and making faces at each other.  Krycek 
finally started to laugh and let his head fall on the 
table.  That made Scully laugh harder, causing Mulder to 
laugh harder.

'Freaks.'  Frohike said, turning back to his plate of food.

***

Maggie and Krycek insisted on cleaning up after dinner 
while everyone else moved downstairs.

Byers and Bill stood by the fireplace, smoking cigars and 
talking.  Frohike played with little Matthew and Langly was 
keeping the blender going.  After speaking with everyone in 
the room for awhile, Mulder and Scully walked out onto the 
deck, holding hands.

'Seems odd to drink margarita's on Thanksgiving.'  Mulder 
said, taking a sip of one.

'So Cal.'  Scully replied, smiling.

'Oh no, you're starting to sound just like him.'

She laughed.  'Like who?'

'Mr.  Personality.'  Mulder said.  'Krycek.'

'No.'  Scully shook her head.  'Everyone here talks like 
that.'

He looked out over the ocean.  'I can see why you're happy 
here.'

'I love it here.'  She smiled up at him.  'Except I miss 
you sometimes.'

Mulder looked at her in disbelief.  'Sometimes?'

'You've been gone a long time, Mulder.'

'No, Scully.'  He corrected.  'You've been gone a long 
time.'

'Whichever.'  It was her turn to look out over the surf.  
'I don't want to argue.'

'I'm not arguing.'  He argued.  'I was just saying...'

A minute passed before Scully turned towards him, her eyes 
twinkling as she smiled.  'What was dinner about, anyway?  
The two of you were acting like little boys.'

Mulder smiled in spite of himself, remembering their 
conversation on this same deck a couple of hours earlier.  
'We were just being stupid.  Relieving the tension.'

'By mocking my brother?'  Scully smiled.  'I guess he's not 
a very popular guy.'

'He's just a little...'

'A little what, Mulder?'

'Cranky.'  He replied.

The radio suddenly came on in the rec room, 'Roller 
Coaster' by the Red Hot Chile Peppers playing on KROQ.  
Scully shook her head.  'Oh, no.'

'What?'  Mulder asked.

'Alex is going to be happy when he hears that on the 
radio.'

Mulder frowned.  'That racket?'

Scully rolled her eyes up at him.  'He loves the Chile 
Peppers.'

As if on cue, Krycek spun into the room, accepting the 
margarita Langly offered as he danced by.

'...One, two, one, two, three...I got a ticket so ride with 
me...'

Scully just smiled as Mulder stared at Krycek, mouth 
slightly open.  If he had been told a year ago that he'd be 
in a beachfront house, drinking margaritas on Thanksgiving 
while Krycek danced around like an idiot, Mulder would have 
checked himself into a mental institution.

'Oh there he goes.'  Langly said, laughing.

'As long as he doesn't break into the Ricky Martin 
impersonation again.'  Frohike said.  'I haven't been the 
same since.'

Everyone in the room laughed as they all remembered the 
Labor Day weekend party, Krycek shaking his hips as he 
twirled around the room to 'Livin' La Vida Loca', making 
fun of the Pop star.

Mulder shook his head and looked down at Scully.  'I've 
missed a lot.'

She nodded, not looking at him.  'Yes, you have.'

Krycek came out onto the balcony.

'...Your love is like a roller coaster, baby, baby, I wanna 
ride...'

'Down, Alex, down.'  Scully laughed.

He stood next to Mulder, leaning against the railing.  'How 
do you like Newport Beach, Agent Mulder?'

'The entertainment factor is quite high.'  Mulder replied 
dryly.

'Are you referring to the beach action, or are you mocking 
my exuberant performance.'

Mulder nodded.  'I'm mocking you.'

'Enjoy yourself.'  Krycek took a sip of his margarita.

'I'm going to talk to Mom.'  Scully said, eyeing the two of 
them.  'Behave yourselves.'

'Always.'  They both replied then looked at each other.

Scully gave them both a dirty look before walking back into 
the house.

'That was quite a show.'  Mulder said.  'Your 
extravaganza.'

'I know, you think I'm an idiot.'  Krycek shrugged.  'I've 
been serious for way too long, Fox.  I need to act like an 
idiot from time to time and life is too short to worry 
about what everyone thinks.'

'I've been told you didn't have a childhood.'  Mulder said.  
'That's usually when you sow your wild oats.'

'And yet most people look back on their younger years as 
the best times of their life.'  Krycek said.  'Why stop 
it.'

'Everyone has to grow up sometime.'  Mulder replied.

'Why?'  Krycek asked.

'It's just what you do.'  Mulder said.  'You grow up.'

'Who's to say what's grown up and what isn't?'

'Let's take your child, for instance.'  Mulder said.  'You 
have to set an example for your kid.'

'What kind of example?'  Krycek responded.  'I don't want 
my kid thinking he or she has to act one way or another.  I 
don't want it to think that he or she has to quit enjoying 
life just so they'll conform to society.'

'But don't you want it to be accepted?'

'I, of all people, know what's it like to be told how to 
think and act and feel.'  Krycek said, looking at the view 
of the water below.  'I would never burden my child with 
that.'

Mulder stared at Krycek, trying to understand this man who 
had won the approval of everyone he knew.

'Good luck, Agent Mulder.'  Krycek said.  'I don't 
understand myself.'

They were interrupted by a commotion inside.  Krycek and 
Mulder popped their heads inside to see everyone gathered 
around Scully.

'What's wrong?'  Mulder asked, immediately concerned.

Krycek smiled and moved over to Scully.  'The baby's moving 
again.'

She reached out to Krycek's hand and held it on her 
stomach.  They grinned at each other.

'Mulder.'  She said, holding her hand out as Krycek moved 
out of the way.  'Come here.'

It was the most amazing thing Mulder had ever felt, the 
baby moving.  He glanced up at Scully, a smile huge on his 
face.  She looked at him, her eyes shining.  'Isn't it 
wonderful?'  She whispered.

Mulder nodded, completely overwhelmed with an array of 
emotions.  Happiness, humility, jealousy.

A strange look suddenly came over her face.  She turned and 
looked at Krycek, a question in her eyes.

He was looking around the room, confused.  Mulder looked 
between the two of them.  Krycek shook his head.

You feel that?  He thought at her.  I feel someone.

It was Scully's turn to look around the room.  No.  She 
shook her head.  What is it, Alex?

Krycek shook his head.  I guess nothing.

'Alex?'  Maggie asked.  'Play for me?'

Krycek smiled.  'Play?'

'The piano.'

'Yeah, Alex.'  Scully said, grinning, egging him on.  'Play 
for us.'

'You know how to play the piano?'  Langly asked, raising 
his eyebrows.

Krycek grinned back at him.  'Just a little.'

'A lot more than a little.'  Scully smiled.  'Come on, 
Alex.'

Mulder stared between the two of them, uneasy again with 
their banter.  He should be over it by now, but it was 
hard.  They seemed to share a connection that he and Scully 
never had.

Krycek met her grin, then sighed and sat down at the piano.  
'Any requests?'

Langly went over to stand by the piano.  'Let's hear 
Mozart's Piano Sonata No.  15 in C Major.'

'You know music?'  Krycek asked, resting his fingers on the 
keyboard.

Langly smiled at him.  'I know Mozart.'

Krycek grinned and began to pluck out the notes.  His hands 
moved swiftly over the keyboard.  Mulder was surprised; he 
never would have guessed that he'd be sitting here, 
watching Alex Krycek bang Mozart out of the piano.  He 
never guessed that he'd be envious of anything Alex Krycek 
could do.  But it seemed that's how it went these days.  
Mulder looked over at Scully.  She was grinning and caught 
his eye.  Mulder smiled back at her.

Langly seemed surprised.  He smiled over at Scully and she 
grinned larger in return.  Mulder silently seethed.  This 
was going to drive him nuts.  Watching Krycek's hands 
quickly compromise the keyboard, he quickly realized again 
that there was no way in hell he could compete with the 
man.

The music abruptly stopped and Krycek turned and met 
Mulder's eyes.  In return, Mulder stared back, surprised at 
the honesty with which Krycek had looked at him as his 
voice entered his head.

I'm not competing, you idiot.

'And it was just getting good.'  Langly said.

'Sorry.'  Alex grinned at him.  'Got a little sidetracked.'

Scully glanced over at Mulder from her post next to the 
piano.  He tried to give her a smile, but knew that she 
could see right through it.  Krycek lightly rested a hand 
on her arm as he stood up.  They shared a quick glance and 
Mulder knew that a few words had passed between them.  
Scully walked over towards the couch and Krycek flicked the 
switch on the sound system.

The stereo spun around on random, selecting 'King of the 
Road' by Roger Miller.

Krycek smiled over at Maggie, he knew this was one of her 
favorite songs.

Mulder helped Scully sit down on the couch, settling in 
next to her.  He watched in silence as Krycek took Maggie's 
hand and began to do the Two-Step or the Do-Si-Do or some 
damn country-dance with her.

'...Third box car, midnight train...Destination: Bangor, 
Maine...Old worn-out suit and shoes...I don't pay no union 
dues...'

Scully was smiling at her mom.  She loved the way Alex 
interacted with her.  He was just like a kid sometimes.  
Scully knew that being a military wife had been a hard way 
to live and then the death of her Father had left her Mom 
alone.  She was glad that her Mom's spirit seemed lighter 
these days, especially when she came out to Newport.

The baby kicked again and Krycek turned to look at her, 
confusion still on his face.

You don't feel that?  He asked her silently again.

'The baby just kicked again.'  Scully replied aloud, 
putting Mulder's hand over it.

Krycek shook his head.  'No.  That's not what...'  He 
trailed off in silence.  His eyes grew wide and he 
whispered.  'Dana.'

Scully felt a huge wave of emotion from Krycek.  She 
shivered as the song droned on.

'...I know every engineer on every train...All of their 
children...And all of their names...'

Krycek walked over to kneel in front of her.  He looked at 
her stomach with wonder, then back up at her.  He placed a 
hand over hers, his eyes were teary.  She took in a deep 
breath, her mind overwhelmed.

A tiny mind reached back to her, a mind with no clear 
thought on what was happening.

It was the baby.

Scully began to laugh and cry at the same time.

'Dana, honey, what's wrong?'  Maggie asked as she came to 
sit on the couch next to her.

Scully shook her head.  'I'm just happy, Mom.  It must be 
the hormones.'  She really wanted to share this amazing 
experience with everyone in the room, but didn't quite know 
how to explain it.  Oh by the way, Mom, Alex is half-alien 
and can sense everyone's feelings.  Here, want to try?  'I 
think I'm going to take a walk on the beach.'

Krycek got to his feet and helped her up.  She looked at 
him as she went out to the balcony.  Krycek gave Mulder the 
same look to follow and they walked down the staircase to 
the beach.

The three of them looked at each other, standing in the 
full moon.

'You going to tell me what that was all about?'  Mulder 
asked.

'Dana wants you to feel this.'  Krycek said to Mulder.  
'Give me your hand.'

'Why?'  Mulder asked, looking back at him mistrustfully.

'Oh come on, Mulder.'  Krycek said.  'It's easier for me to 
do this when I'm touching you.  Otherwise it's hard to 
channel and I end up turning everything on and off.'

Mulder reluctantly held out his hand to Krycek.  The 
instant they touched, his mind was filled with an 
overwhelming feeling of confusion.  Confusion, innocence 
and love.  His lip trembled.

'Is that...'  He whispered.  'Is that the baby?'

'Yes.'  Krycek answered, breaking the contact.

Mulder didn't know what to say.  He rarely did these days.  
Every time he thought he had a handle on something, Krycek, 
Scully or Diana pulled out something else to knock him over 
with.

'I don't know what to say.'  Mulder said.

'I just wanted you to feel it.'  Scully said to him, laying 
a hand on his arm.  'It was the most beautiful thing I've 
ever felt.'

'It was.'  Mulder said.  His mind was suddenly in turmoil.  
Part of him wanted to stay here and live out this weird 
existence they had, the other half was ready to go home and 
fight the good fight.

'That's not anywhere close to the good fight, Agent 
Mulder.'  Krycek said.

'Then what is?'  Mulder asked back, angry that his feelings 
seeped out so clearly.

From the room above, 'Bell Bottom Blues' by Eric Clapton 
began to play.  The song blended with the crash of the 
waves.

'I don't know how to tell you that you are on the wrong 
side.'  Krycek said.  'It's just something I feel.  It's 
not right.'

Mulder looked at Krycek.  'And I should just trust your 
alien instincts and come out here to be a beach bum?'

Krycek shook his head, looking down at the sand.  'That's 
not what I said.'

'You come across with this condescending attitude-'

'Mulder, That isn't what I meant to do.'

'Then what are you meaning to do?'

'Stop it.'  Krycek said, looking at him.  'Just stop it, 
okay.  I'm just trying to help.'

'I don't want your help, Krycek.'  Mulder said softly.  'I 
never have, I never will.'

Krycek looked out over the surf, letting out a deep breath, 
listening to the music from upstairs.

'...Bell bottom blues, you make me cry...I don't wanna lose 
this feeling...If I could choose, a place to die...It would 
be your arms...'

Krycek looked down at Scully.  'I guess I'll be joining the 
others upstairs.'  He said, smiling at her.

She smiled back at him before her eyes suddenly widened.  
Krycek took a step away from her, his face shocked, scared.  
They stared at each other for a moment and Mulder could 
sense the turmoil between them.

'...Do you wanna see me crawl across the floor to you...Do 
you wanna hear me beg you to take me back...'

Scully's face filled with confusion.  The pain shone 
through her eyes.

'...I don't wanna play that way...Give me one more day 
please...'

It seemed as if they were the only two people in the 
universe, the connection they had just then was that 
strong.

'...I don't wanna play that way...In your heart, I wanna 
stay...'

Mulder stared as tears filled Krycek's eyes.

'...It's all wrong...But it's all right...The way that you 
treat me baby...'

Krycek abruptly turned and walked away, the look on his 
face concerning even Mulder.

Scully stared after Krycek until he got into the house, 
then she dropped her face into her hands.

Mulder wanted to put an arm around her, to put a hand on 
her arm, to do anything to offer some comfort, but he 
couldn't.  He was rooted to the spot he stood in.  He had 
never witnessed anything like what he'd just seen.  Even he 
could feel the connection between them that time.  It was 
almost material.

'Scully.'  He stammered out.

She didn't respond at first, she just stood there, head in 
hands.

Mulder reached out and touched her shoulder.  'Scully?'

She let her hands fall onto her legs and turned around to 
face the ocean before placing her hands over her mouth.  
She wanted to speak, to talk to him, but she couldn't.  She 
had no idea what to say.

'Scully.'  He said a little louder.  'What was that?'

She took her hands away from her face, running them through 
her hair.  Her face was white.

'You want me to leave you alone?'  He asked softly.

To his surprise, Scully burst into tears.

Mulder went to her and put an arm around her shoulders.  
She turned and leaned into him, grabbing his shirt with her 
hands.

'Scully, what happened?'

She shook her head against his chest.  He could feel her 
tears soaking through his shirt.

'It's nothing, Mulder.'  She said, trying not to cry.  
'It's between me and Alex.'

Mulder tensed up.  'Something he did?'

'No.'  She whispered.  'Something I did.'

Mulder stayed outside with Scully for a good hour before 
she decided she could go back inside.  He didn't know what 
had happened between them, he wasn't sure he wanted to.  
Scully was not easily rattled and it was shocking to see 
the tough-guy Krycek turn into a quivering mess.

He held her hand as they returned into the rec room.  The 
Lone Gunmen and Stout were scattered around the room, 
basking in front of the fire.  Everyone else had gone to 
bed.

'Where's Alex?'  Scully asked casually.

Frohike looked over at them.  'I thought he was with you.'

'He never came back inside?'  She asked.

The three looked amongst themselves, shaking their heads.

Scully reached out her mind, trying to sense Krycek.  She 
didn't get anything.  He was far enough away where she 
couldn't feel him.

'Damn you, Alex.'  She whispered.

***

Mulder woke up earlier than usual.  It was barely starting 
to get light outside.  He tossed and turned, trying to go 
back to sleep, but couldn't.  Sighing, he threw the covers 
off and stumbled out to the kitchen.  Maggie was already 
up, sipping coffee.

'Morning, Fox.'  She smiled brightly at him.

Mulder smiled back and poured himself a cup of coffee.  
'And how are you today, Mrs.  Scully?'

'Wonderful.'  She said.  'I always sleep so well here.'

'I fell asleep pretty fast, which is odd for me.'  He 
replied, scratching through his hair.  'But I woke up way 
too early.'

'That's because it's eight o'clock in the morning back on 
the east coast.'

Mulder snickered and nodded.  'And I'm supposed to be the 
deductive one.'

She smiled back at him.  'Going to try to surf with Alex 
today?'

Mulder shook his head, making a face.  'I have no grace.'

'Oh, I don't believe that.'  She said.  'You should try it.  
He's up and out there before sunrise, every morning.'

Mulder paused, his mug halfway to his lips.  'He's up 
already?'

'Oh yes.'  Maggie replied.  'He starts the coffee then runs 
out the door.'

Mulder eyed the open French doors.  'Scully up yet?'

'You just missed her.  She went down to the beach a minute 
before you walked in.'

He hesitated, then couldn't resist and got up to walk out 
onto the deck.  'Excuse me.'

Mulder went to the railing and looked over.  He spied 
Scully walking on the beach, towards the surf, and turned 
his gaze to the ocean.  Krycek was out there, 'thrashing 
the waves' as Langly called it.  After a moment, Mulder 
walked down to the lower deck.

***

Scully stood on the beach, waiting for Krycek to come out 
of the water.  After putting it off as long as he could, he 
gave up and walked out of the surf.

She watched him approach her, carrying his surfboard under 
an arm.  He was dripping with salt water and wearing a wet 
suit.  She realized that she couldn't look him in the eye 
when he got close to her.

'Good morning.'  He said, then waited for her to continue.

'Where did you go last night?'  She asked, looking past him 
at the ocean.

'For a walk.'

Another minute of silence passed.

'Alex...'  She began.

'It's okay, Dana.'  Krycek replied.

'No, it's not.'  She finally looked him in the eyes.  'It 
was wrong, what I did, said, whatever.'

'How can it be wrong, it's the way you feel.'  He looked 
down at the sand between them.  'It's okay, I understand.'

'I don't know what to say.'  She said, trying really hard 
not to revert into Agent Scully mode.  The one where she 
was calm and in complete control.  Alex had ended that Dana 
Scully and shown her a new one and she didn't want to let 
it go.

'I've been thinking.'  Krycek said casually.

She could sense what he was going to say before it came out 
of his mouth.  'No, Alex.'

'I could stay close.'  He said.  'I don't need to move far 
away.'

Scully searched his face.  'There's no reason for you to 
leave, Alex.  It is your house.'

'I don't want to come between you and Mulder.'

'You won't.'

Krycek laughed.  'I already have.  He will never forgive me 
and where does that leave you?'

'Why don't you let me worry about Mulder?'

'I've already got you in a heap of shit, Dana.'  He said 
softly.  'Let me get you out of a little.  Mulder will come 
and see you more if I'm not around.'

'Look here, Mr.  In Touch With Everyone's Feelings.  Can 
you feel this?'  Scully reached out and took one of his 
hands and stared him in the face.

Krycek's eyes flicked back and forth between hers.  'Yes.'

'I don't want you to go.'  She said again.

He stared back at her, then shook his head and looked away.  
'I won't watch your relationship with Fox be destroyed 
because of me.'  He let go of her hand as he walked past 
her.

'Alex.'  She called to him, but he kept walking, not 
looking back.

Mulder withdrew from the railing of the deck, into the 
house as Krycek got closer.

He backed into the room and got busy lighting a fire as 
Krycek came up the staircase.  He was confused about what 
he'd just heard and wasn't sure what to say to either of 
them about it.

Krycek walked into the rec room, dripping water all over 
the floor.  He didn't care.  Mulder looked up as Krycek 
searched the room for him.  Their eyes locked and Mulder 
couldn't look away.  He'd never seen eyes with so much 
emotion.

'You win.'  Krycek said, and walked out of the room.

Mulder hesitated for a moment, then followed him up the 
stairs.

'What do you mean, I win.'

'I'm leaving.'  Krycek said, walking into his room and 
standing his surfboard up in the corner.  'You win.'

Mulder paused, not sure whether he felt happy or guilty.  
'Why are you leaving?'

'You heard.'  Krycek replied.

Mulder winced inwardly, he should have known that Krycek 
would sense him on the deck.  'I heard a little, I still 
don't know what the hell's going on.'

'I guess it doesn't matter.'

Mulder looked up at the ceiling, letting out a breath.  
Didn't he want this to happen?  Didn't he want Krycek as 
far away from Scully as possible?  Hadn't he wished every 
death imaginable on his nemesis?
'I can't let you leave.'  He said.

'You don't have much choice.'

'If you leave.'  Mulder said.  'She'll never forgive me for 
chasing you away.'

'You're not chasing me away.'  Krycek turned and looked him 
in the eye, his hands on his hips.  'I'm leaving because in 
the end, she will never forgive herself.'

Mulder was confused.  'What the hell are you talking 
about?'

'It doesn't matter.'  Krycek turned his back on Mulder to 
look out the window.  'All I want is for her to be happy.  
If I leave, she'll have you.'

'She has me now.'  Mulder said.

'Mulder, you live all the way across the country.  You 
haven't called; you haven't been out to visit until now.  
It's been six months.  Six months, Mulder.  You don't think 
she hasn't questioned your relationship?'

'I did what I thought was right.'

'And I'm doing the same.'  Krycek pulled a suitcase off the 
top of his closet.

Mulder watched him throw things into his bag.  'I thought 
Scully was the only person you've ever really cared about?  
I thought you wouldn't lose her because of me.'

Krycek didn't look at him.  'Things have changed.'

'Things have changed because of last night?'  Mulder asked.  
'What happened out there?'

'That's between me and Dana.'

'I don't know, Krycek, but it sounds like it's got a lot to 
do with me.'

Krycek suddenly looked up at him again.  'I just want her 
to be happy.'

Mulder sighed, hating to say it.  'It seems like she's 
happy here with you.'

'I am.'

They both turned to see Scully standing in the doorway.

Krycek stared back at her, his thoughts finding their way 
into her head.

You don't want to do this, Dana.

Do what, Alex?  Tell the truth?

'This isn't going to work anymore.'  He said aloud.  'Not 
after last night.'

'Well, we really can't pretend it didn't happen.'  She 
said.

'Yes, we can.'  Krycek replied.

'How can you say that?'  Scully seemed a little angry.

'Because that was one moment.'  He said, pointing out the 
window towards the beach.  'One moment compared to what?'  
He glanced over at Mulder.  'Eight years?'

Mulder looked between the two of them.  'What are you 
talking about.'  He stammered.  'What are you talking 
about, eight years?'

Krycek and Scully engaged in the stare-down competition 
again.  Mulder didn't know what to make of this because 
since he'd come back, they'd seemed so close.  He didn't 
think they knew how to be angry with each other, but right 
now they appeared fairly miffed.

'Let's hash this out, right here and now.'  Scully said 
angrily.  'Since this is about the three of us.'

'You're prepared to talk about this?'  Krycek asked.  
'Think about what you're about to do.'

Mulder held his hands up, for once not wanting to be in the 
middle of this.  He could feel the heat in the room and 
wanted no part of their feud.  'I can leave, if you'd 
rather discuss this alone.'

'No, stay.'  Krycek said, not breaking eye contact with 
Scully.  'I'm sure you're going to want to hear what I'm 
about to say.'

'Don't do this, Alex.'  Scully warned.

He smiled before continuing.  'Last night Dana sensed that 
I was in love with her.  Now she's trying to protect me.'

'That's not what happened.'  Scully snapped at him.

'It's exactly what happened.'  Krycek replied.  'She sensed 
my feelings, then told me that she could never feel the 
same way because she is in love with you.'

'Why are you doing this?'  Scully raised her voice.

'I only want you to be happy.'  He replied sadly.

'That's not what happened.'  She repeated.

Krycek stared at her for a moment, then continued.  'It is 
obviously too hard for me to stay here because you will 
always feel uncomfortable with what I've said and I will 
always know that I can't have you.'

'That's not what happened.'  She said again.

Krycek laughed in disbelief.  'What are you doing?'

Scully closed her eyes and lowered her head.

'You want to tell him your side, go ahead.'  Krycek resumed 
his packing.  'Or I can just leave like I was planning and 
we can all forget about this little altercation.'

'Alex.'  Scully said softly.  'Don't do this.  We can work 
it out, it will be okay.'

Krycek smiled, shaking his head and trying to ignore the 
tears forcing their way into his eyes.  'That's a nice 
thought and all, Dana.  But I think it's impossible at this 
point.'

'You know I'm telling the truth.'  She said softly.  'You 
know what I'm talking about.'

'I know what you said was deluded.'  He replied.

Scully stared back a moment, hurt.  'That's not true.'

Krycek quit packing and looked at her.  'You're telling me 
what's true?'  He asked.  'I can feel almost everything you 
say.'

'Then you should already know.'

'No.'  He gave a small smile.  'To quote REO Speedwagon, 'I 
don't believe it.  Not for a minute'.'

'We need to talk this through.'

Krycek held up his hands.  'What is there to talk through?'

She couldn't look back at him; the three of them stood in 
silence.

'Away' by The Bolshoi started to play over KROQ's flashback 
weekend.

'...We're in love, let's be together...Happy times or heavy 
weather...Mother say's "today's a special day, so let's not 
fight okay"...'

Mulder once again wished to escape the heavy emotions in 
the room.  They obviously didn't feel like sharing and he 
was getting irritated.  'If no one is going to include me 
in this, I'll be upstairs.'

Krycek and Scully completely ignored him, lost in their 
battle of who is the most stubborn.  Mulder couldn't leave 
the room without uprooting Scully because she was still 
standing in the doorway.

'Think about it, Dana.'  Krycek said, saying the next 
sentence slow.  'Think about what you're saying.'

'Why don't you let me worry about what I'm saying?'  She 
asked, angry all over again.  'I can make my own decisions, 
thank you.  I know what all this means to my relationship 
with Mulder.'

'What?'  Mulder asked, finally willing to get involved.

Krycek ignored him.  'I don't want you to regret this 
later.  And we both know you will.'

'Alex, again I say it: Let me worry about that part.'  
Scully shook her head.  'I'm not a child.'

'Scully, what are you talking about?'  Mulder asked.  
'What's going on?'

'Mulder.'  Scully said softly.  She didn't break her 
staring contest with Krycek.  'I think I need to speak to 
Alex alone.'

For a moment, Mulder wasn't sure that he had heard her 
correctly.  The implication of those words was way more 
than he was prepared to handle.  Those words spoke volumes 
to Mulder.  There was a part of her life that he wasn't 
included in anymore.  Something in her relationship with 
Krycek was important enough to send him out of the room.

Mulder had the uneasy feeling that she was slipping away.  
He had the feeling that it was too late.

Damn you, Krycek.  Mulder thought.  You were right.

'Maybe you should wait, Agent Mulder.'  Krycek interrupted 
his thoughts as the song played on:

'...Innocence and lies don't make a perfect match...Leave 
your door unlatched...I know, what can be untrue...'

'I'll be gone soon.'  Krycek said again, eyeing Scully.

'You would do this to me?'  She asked angrily.  'After all 
we've been through?'

'I'm saving your relationship with the most important 
person in your life.'  Krycek said, smiling bitterly.  
'With a lot of sacrifice on my part.  I wish you'd let me 
leave with as little pain as possible.'

'If anyone's going to leave,' Scully's face was harsh, 'it 
will be me.'

Krycek threw more clothes into the suitcase with disgust.  
'Where would you go?  Back to DC?'

'That's a good idea.'  She snapped.  'I have been a little 
homesick.'

Krycek looked at her and uncharacteristically raised his 
voice.  'Don't be stupid!'

'I MUST be stupid!'  Scully raised her voice to match.  
'Look at the mess I'm in!'

'What?'  Krycek asked in disbelief, narrowing his eyes at 
her.  'The mess you're IN?'

'Nothing wrong with your hearing.'  She replied, her eyes 
on fire.

Krycek straightened up, putting his hands on his hips.  He 
spoke softly.  'I seem to remember getting you OUT of the 
mess you were in.'

'You got me out alright!'  Scully held out her arms, 
gesturing around her.  'Out here, across the country, away 
from everyone who cares about me.  I'm all alone-'

Krycek's face grew still.  'You don't think I care?'

'You don't know what caring is!'  She shouted.  'You have 
no emotions, you never know what you're feeling!  You're 
not even human!'

Scully snapped her mouth shut.  She couldn't believe she'd 
just said that.

Krycek stared back at her, speechless.  Stunned.  His eyes 
were wounded.  His face was full of hurt.

The silence in the room was thick.  Mulder himself was 
shocked at Scully's words.  He put his hands over his face, 
wishing he could start this trip all over again and choose 
a different storyline.

Scully was ashamed with herself.  She managed to return the 
devastated gaze Krycek was staring at her with, but 
couldn't form any words.  He had hurt her by wanting to 
leave, so she had hurt him back.

Krycek closed his mouth, swallowed, and looked down at the 
heap of clothes in his suitcase.  'I'll be gone soon.'  He 
said softly.

Scully put a hand over her mouth, then took it away.  She 
shook her head and whispered.  'Alex-'

'Leave me alone.'  He said in the same low voice, not 
looking at her.

'Alex-'

'Leave me alone.'  He avoided her eyes and cleared his 
throat.  'Just leave me alone.'

Scully bit her bottom lip as tears came to her eyes.  
Mulder put a hand on her arm.

'...Oh yeah, she had a baby...It was painful...It was worth 
it...And all the time...They stuck the knife in...Pulled it 
up and twisted it around...Away...'

Scully suddenly clutched her stomach and double over in 
pain.

Before Mulder could even process the thought of reaching 
out to Scully, Krycek was over his bed and by her side.

'Dana?'  He asked, concern awash on his face.

Her eyes met his.  They were terrified.  'Something's 
wrong.'

'Call 911.'  Krycek said, attempting to put his arms around 
her.  Mulder didn't move and Krycek turned to look at him, 
raising his voice.  'Call 911!'

Mulder ran out into the hall, looking up at Langly and 
Frohike, who had appeared at the top of the stairs.  'Call 
911!  Call an ambulance!'

The two stared at him for a moment, then ran into each 
other, trying to get to the phone.  Mulder turned and ran 
back down the hall to see Krycek supporting Scully, walking 
down the hall.

'Something's wrong.'  She said again, her face twisted in 
agony.

Krycek picked her up and carried her up the stairs.

Maggie was suddenly at their side.  'What's wrong, Alex?'

Krycek didn't answer, he couldn't.  He carried her into the 
living room and laid her down on the couch.  Byers was 
instantly at his side.  'Anything I can do?'

Krycek turned to look at him; his eyes wide and glossed 
over.  'Did someone call an ambulance?'

'I called 911.'  Langly said, stepping over to them.

Krycek put a hand on Scully's forehead.  'It's going to be 
okay, Dana.  I promise.'

Mulder watched as his eyes darted around the room.  He got 
the feeling that Krycek was trying to figure out what was 
wrong with Scully.  He vaguely wondered why he couldn't 
just heal her, like he had healed Koskie.  He watched 
Krycek slip farther and farther away.  He watched Krycek 
put his other hand over his mouth, his face ashen.  He 
wouldn't be any good if he simply passed out.  He would be 
no help to Scully if he suddenly fainted away.  Scully 
needed him, needed them both.

Mulder reached a hand out towards Krycek.  'Calm down.  
Relax.'

Krycek stared back at Mulder, his face growing paler and 
paler by the second.

Mulder suddenly slapped him hard across the face.  'Snap 
out of it, Krycek.'

How odd, Mulder thought as he heard the approaching sirens.  
I'm usually the one that flips out when something's wrong 
with Scully.  Go figure I should be the one holding them 
all together today.

Langly opened he front door as the paramedics came charging 
through.  They knocked Krycek and Mulder out of the way and 
began to assess Scully.  The two of them huddled next to 
Maggie, who was fairly calm, considering the circumstance.  
It was Krycek who looked as if he was going to lose it.

The paramedics transferred Scully onto a gurney and began 
to wheel her out of the house.  Krycek suddenly woke up out 
of his stupor.  'What's going on?'

'Are you her husband?'

'I'm the father.'  Krycek stammered.  'I'm going with her.'

'You're her boyfriend?'

'Yes.'  He said, climbing into the back of the ambulance.

Mulder opened his mouth to object.  Really, shouldn't he be 
the one riding with Scully in the ambulance?  Shouldn't he 
be the boyfriend?  Shouldn't he be the father of the baby?  
Mulder bit back any argument that had bubbled up.  This was 
certainly not the time to start squabbling again.  Not with 
Scully's family and the Lone Gunmen standing around while 
his partner was on her way to the hospital.

But damn, he really hated Krycek.

Mulder ran up to driver of the ambulance, feeling very 
strong deja vu.  'Where are you taking her?'

'Hoag Medical Center.'  He replied, closing the door.

Mulder watched as the ambulance drove off, not noticing 
everyone piling into the rented Suburban until Byers 
started it up.

***

Mulder leaned against the wall across from the chair Krycek 
was sitting in.  He just stared at his old enemy, wondering 
what had really happened the night before.  Krycek sat 
there, still in his wetsuit, hands over his mouth, and eyes 
closed.  Mulder knew that he was probably feeling 
everything that Scully was.

Krycek had thrown quite a fit when they wouldn't let him go 
into the OR with her.

'What do you mean?'  He had asked, his eyes glowing.  'I'm 
going in there!'

'We're sorry, Sir.'  A nurse had said, pushing him back.  
'We don't allow anyone in the OR during surgical 
procedures.'

'That's my child.'  Krycek had said, Mulder and Langly each 
putting a hand on one of his arms.  'I have to be in 
there.'

Great, Mulder thought.  Now he's going to cause all the 
lightbulbs in here to burst, all the electrical equipment 
will go haywire.  Oh yes, it's going to be a pleasant 
evening.

After entrusting Krycek to Maggie's watchful eye, Mulder 
had gone to call Skinner.

'I'll be on the next flight out.'  His superior had said.

It was hours later and there was no word yet.  Krycek 
looked like he was about to lie down and die.  Mulder was 
beginning to get a little squirrelly himself.  He couldn't 
do anything but stare at Krycek and wish that he could 
absorb whatever it was that he was feeling.

Krycek's eyes suddenly opened and he stared straight ahead.  
He started to breathe quicker; his eyes darted around the 
room.

Mulder pushed himself towards him, off his post on the 
wall.

Krycek suddenly jerked his head back, causing everyone in 
the room to stare at him.

'Alex?'  Maggie asked, putting an arm around him.

'Oh my god.'  Krycek said when he finally slouched forward.  
'Get me in there.'

'Alex, honey, what's wrong?'  Maggie asked again.

Mulder couldn't move.  He had a horrible idea of what was 
going on.

Krycek stood up.  'I need to get in there.'  He suddenly 
jerked his head back again, nearly stumbling to the ground.

Mulder grabbed his arm and when Krycek fell forward he 
caught him.  Krycek's eyes bore into him.  Mulder had never 
seen someone so terrified in his life.

Bill and Maggie had risen off their chairs, but didn't come 
any closer.

'Get me in there, Fox.'  Krycek's eyes started to leak 
tears.  'Get me in there.  I can stop it.'

Mulder suddenly knew, without a doubt, what was happening.  
Scully was losing her battle and Krycek was asking to get 
in there to save her.  He must be feeling the 
defibrillators.  He grabbed Krycek's arm and began leading 
him towards the door that Scully had disappeared into.  
Krycek jerked again.

'Help me!'  Mulder yelled at the Lone Gunmen.  Langly 
stepped forward and helped Mulder guide Krycek towards the 
door.

A nurse tried to intercept them on the way in.  Krycek 
stared at her and she was pushed backwards, out of the way.  
Krycek began to cry.  'Get me in there, oh my god, please 
get me in there.'

They burst through the double doors.  Mulder was fighting 
the rising panic in his chest, his throat, his ears.  He 
and Langly were dragging Krycek down the halls looking into 
the rooms on their way by.

There was a scream from up the hall.  Krycek suddenly quit 
moving and put his hands on the sides of his face.  His 
nose began to pour blood and his face scrunched up with 
pain.  He lowered his head as a small hissing sound escaped 
through his grinding teeth.

Mulder and Langly had stopped and were staring at him, in 
awe over the sight of the man.

'Oh no...'  Krycek whispered.  His eyes briefly met 
Mulder's as he sagged forward and passed out.

Mulder stared in disbelief as his limp body fell to the 
floor; a team of doctor's rushed past them.

Mulder watched the group of people run down the hall, his 
mind in turmoil.  What was going on?  Where was Scully?  
And what had happened to Krycek?  He turned his head to see 
that Langly was already rushing back with medical personnel 
to tend to Krycek.

Mulder turned and followed the team around a corner, where 
they charged into a room.  He saw Scully, saw she was 
unconscious, and saw the monitor flatlining.  His heart 
felt as if a piece of it was sliding away, like the side of 
a cliff.

'What's happening?'  Mulder asked softly.

A nurse quickly looked up at him.  'Sir, you need to 
leave.'

'What's happening here?'  He asked louder.

She walked towards him, placing a hand on his chest.  'You 
can't be in here, Sir.  You need to remove yourself from 
this ward.

Mulder looked over her head at the chaos surrounding Scully 
while she remained serene and unmoving in the center.  He 
resisted the little push that the nurse gave him.  'What's 
wrong with her?'

Two orderlies grabbed Mulder from behind and moved him down 
the hall.  Mulder made a futile attempt to resist, but he 
couldn't do much damage.  He was stunned at the sight of 
Scully, lying helpless on the table.

'What happened?'  He whispered.

Krycek was already gone, he noticed.  Who knew what the 
hell was wrong with him?  Who really cared, Mulder thought.  
All he could think about was Scully.

Maggie was standing at the desk, speaking to the nurse on 
duty there.  Bill was next to her with his arm around her 
shoulders.  'When can I find out what's happening with my 
daughter?'

The nurse was used to dealing with upset parents, spouses, 
whatever.  'Mrs.  Scully, as soon as we are given any 
information, we will let you know.'

Mulder walked over to Maggie.  His mind was overwhelmed, 
not just from Scully, but from everything.  He was in 
overload and about to breakdown.  He reached Scully's mom 
and stared down at her, his eyes showing everything that 
was in his mind.

'What is it, Fox?'  She said softly, putting her hands on 
his shoulders.

Mulder leaned down to accept the embrace, putting his head 
on her shoulder.

'Agent Mulder.'

Mulder looked up at the somber voice that interrupted his 
moment of comfort.

Cancer Man was standing next to him.

'What are you doing here?'  Mulder asked, not kind, but not 
rude.

'I had a message, from Alex.  Apparently there's been some 
trouble?'

Mulder's mind spun around again, he thought back to the 
house, the wait here.  He'd never seen Krycek use the 
phone.

'I'm sorry.'  Maggie said.  'Who are you?'

Cancer Man smiled.  'I'm Alex's father.'

'Mrs.  Scully?'  A doctor was walking towards them.

'Yes?'  Maggie asked.

'Good afternoon, I'm Dr.  Marshall.'

'How is Dana?'

'Well, as you know, Dana had a lot of problems with this 
pregnancy.'

'What problems?'  Maggie asked, flustered.  'Dana never had 
any problems.'

'Maybe none that she told you about, Mrs.  Scully.'  The 
doctor said soothingly.  'I'm very sorry, but Dana didn't 
survive the surgery.'

The silence in the room was deafening.

Maggie stared back at the doctor, her face one of disbelief 
as Bill sat down in a chair.  Mulder stayed where he was, 
his mind was completely blank.  Not one thought was in his 
head.

'Excuse me?'  Bill asked.  'Did you say she didn't 
survive?'

'I'm afraid so.'  The doctor nodded.

'What about the baby?'  The voice came from Cancer Man.

'The baby is fine.'  The doctor replied.  'He is in an 
incubator, there are some tests we're running, but he is 
perfectly healthy.'

'He?'  Mulder asked.  'It's a boy?'

The doctor nodded.  'Yes.'

No one said anything for a long time.  The lone gunmen 
stood in the corner, looking forlorn and wishing they were 
somewhere else.  Maggie sat down in a chair next to Bill 
and the two of them were crying, turning to each other for 
support.

'I want to see her.'  Mulder said.

The doctor shook his head.  'I'm sorry, Sir, that's imposs-
'

'I want to see her!'  Mulder yelled.

'Fox-' Maggie reached an arm out towards him as the doctor 
continued on.

'You can't go back there-'

Mulder brushed past the doctor.  When he hit the double 
doors, two orderlies intercepted him.  Mulder plowed 
through them and ran in the direction of the room Scully 
had been in.  He burst through that door and came to an 
immediate halt.

People in biohazard suits were everywhere.  Two of them 
were zipping a body bag over Scully's face.  Others had 
radiation readers in the room; one was spraying a powdery, 
white mist everywhere.

Mulder took a step towards Scully.  The orderlies he 
previously knocked down grabbed him.

'Scully!'  He yelled, hoping she would simply wake up.

He was dragged back to the waiting room, through everyone 
standing there and deposited into a chair.

One of the orderlies pointed at him.  'One more time and 
we're calling the cops.'

Bill shook his head at Mulder, trying to speak through his 
crying.  'You always find a way to make everything worse.'

Mulder wished the tears would come to him so easily.  All 
he felt was a huge swelling in his chest.

What am I going to do now, he asked himself.  What am I 
going to do?

The doctor held a hand out to Maggie and placed it on her 
shoulder.  'Again, I'm very sorry.'  Then he turned and 
walked away.

'I'm very sorry, Fox.'  Cancer Man said to Mulder.  'But 
where is Alex?'

Mulder stared back at this man, his supposed father.  'He 
was hurt, or something.'  He managed to say.  He looked and 
sounded drugged.  'They took him somewhere.'

'Over here.'  Langly said, eyeing Spender with great 
distaste.  He was probably afraid that Spender was going to 
turn into a serpent and bite his head off.  'They took him 
down there.'

'Thank you.'  Spender said politely, turning to Scully's 
mom.  'My deepest apologies, but I need to go see about my 
son.'

Maggie nodded, her face streaked with tears.

'I'll go with you.'  Mulder said, wishing he would feel 
something, anything, other than this white fuzz clouding 
his brain.

***

Mulder stood leaning against the wall, needing the support 
it gave him.  The doctor's had no clue as to what had 
happened to Krycek.  He was fine now, just unresponsive.  
He was breathing and resting well, he just wouldn't wake 
up.  Spender watched Krycek for awhile, then turned to look 
at Mulder.

'I do believe he'll be okay.'

Good for him.  Mulder thought sourly.  Scully is gone and 
I'm standing in a room with Cancer Man and his alien son, 
Krycek.

Life never quite turns out the way you think it will.

'The pressure of Agent Scully's thoughts was probably more 
than he could handle.'

Mulder recalled how Krycek had put his hands on the side of 
his head as his nose began to bleed.  'You're saying that 
Scully's feelings were too strong for him.'

'Yes, in a manner of speaking.'  Spender said.  'His brain, 
his ears, everything, it was too much for him.  Agent 
Scully's thoughts were probably very strong and his mind 
went into overload.'

Tears came to Mulder's eyes and he pushed them away.  'How 
long will he be out like this?'

Spender shrugged.  'Could be hours, could be days.  I 
really don't know.  His body needs to heal itself.  Alex is 
very strong.  He'll be fine.'

Mulder stared down at Krycek, wondering who was luckier.  
Krycek for not knowing yet that Scully was dead?

Or himself, for not being Krycek when Scully was dying.

***

Mulder stumbled back into the house on the beach.  The Lone 
Gunmen had come looking for him and said that they were 
going to take shifts staying with Alex because they didn't 
want him to wake up alone.  They wanted to be there when he 
found out about Scully.

Mulder didn't fight back the resentment this time.  He let 
it ooze into in, through him.

Everyone was so worried about Krycek.  They were so worried 
over how badly he was going to take the news.  What about 
Mulder?  Didn't they know how deeply he had cared for 
Scully?  Didn't they know that he would probably be 
affected most of all?

Probably not.

He had been careful.  He had been guarded.  He had been 
silent.  He had been afraid.

He hadn't worn his heart on his sleeve.  Unlike the half-
alien enemy lying in a hospital bed.

Krycek had been blatantly obvious.  Only a fool wouldn't be 
able to see how much he cared about her.  No matter how 
many times Krycek told him that he and Scully were 'just 
friends', Mulder would never believe it.  Maybe on Scully's 
side they were 'just friends', sure, he believed that.  But 
that was the only reason they were 'just friends', because 
she loved Mulder, not Krycek.

And Mulder had been a little uncertain about that lately.

He thought of Scully, dancing around Krycek and singing.  
He thought of them flinging pumpkin innards at each other.  
He thought of the way they had stared at each other on the 
beach.

No, he doubted that he would ever believe they were 'just 
friends'.  He didn't believe it now.

He doubted that anyone did.

Damn, he really hated Krycek.

Frohike and Langly took the first watch and Mulder got out 
of the hospital as soon as his body would allow him to walk 
again.

Maggie and Bill seemed to be doing okay, all things 
considered.  Mulder and Byers walked into the house in time 
to hear Maggie's strained voice.

'Charlie, honey?  It's Mom.'

Mulder closed his eyes as he made his way past and ran down 
to the rec room.  He grabbed the first bottle his hand hit 
under the bar and walked out onto the deck.  The surf was 
crashing, the moon was bright and the night was warm.  He 
opened the bottle of Dewer's and took as big of a swallow 
as the burning would allow.  Mulder coughed as the some 
scotch ran out of his mouth and onto his shirt.  He wiped 
it off his face with his arm and made his way down to the 
beach.

There were bonfire's scattered all over the beach but the 
stretch in front of the house was fairly isolated in a 
cove.  Faint music drifted over to him from someone's 
radio.

'...I won't pay, I won't pay, no way...Na, na...Why don't 
you get a job...'

Mulder sat down on the sand and took another drink of the 
liquor, hoping it was going to knock him out soon.

'...I guess all his money, well it isn't enough, to keep 
her bill collector's at bay...I guess all his money, well 
it isn't enough 'cause that girl's got expensive tastes...'

Mulder laid down in the sand, the bottle of Dewer's in his 
right hand, and covered his face with his left arm.  After 
a few moments, he began to cry.

***

'Agent Mulder.'

He blinked at the voice.

'Mulder.'  The commanding voice said again.

Where the hell was he?  His mind was all clouded, and his 
head hurt like hell.  He looked around a little, and his 
gaze landed on a pair of sneakers.  His eyes wandered up 
the person's jeans to see Skinner's face.

Mulder was confused.  What the hell was all the crashing?  
He squinted as a new pain enveloped his head.  'Sir?'

Skinner squatted down next to him.  'You okay?'

Mulder slowly sat up and as he did, the ocean came into 
view.  His hand clinked against the empty bottle of scotch 
and everything came flooding back to him.  The hospital, 
Krycek, Scully.  The baby.

He closed his eyes, resting his knees on his elbows, and 
put his face in his hands.

Skinner sat in the sand next to him.  'What happened, Agent 
Mulder?'

'Didn't they tell you?'

Skinner nodded.  'Yes.  I had a conversation with Byers up 
there.  He said there were problems.  He said she didn't 
survive.'

Mulder nodded.

Skinner hesitated.  'He said there was something wrong with 
Alex?'

'Krycek could feel what Scully was feeling.  He collapsed.'

'He's still in the hospital?'

Mulder took his hands away from his face and looked along 
the shoreline.  'Last I heard.'

'I don't want to imply anything, Agent Mulder.'  Skinner 
looked away.  'But do you really believe she's dead?'

Mulder looked over at him, trying to read his face in the 
moonlight.  'Why would you say that?'

Skinner shrugged.  'Just something that keeps eating at me.  
When this entire mess first started, Alex had said that 
Scully and the baby were very important.  That she wouldn't 
be safe.  And Scully had said that she was warned by Cancer 
Man that she needed to go into hiding, that her physiology 
was changed, that she carried an anti-agent.'

Mulder stared back at him.  'Of what?'

'The virus.'

'I saw her.'  Mulder said after a moment of thinking.  'I 
saw the monitor flatlining.  I saw them put her into a body 
bag.  I had barged in, they were surprised.'

Skinner didn't reply.  He frowned and looked out over the 
ocean.  They were silent for a minute before Mulder spoke 
again.  'I wouldn't even know who to go to.  Who would know 
if she were alive other than those who are holding her?'

Skinner stared back at Mulder.  'Alex.'

***

Skinner and Mulder sat in Krycek's room, waiting and 
watching.  They had been sitting in silence for awhile.

'She was all I had.'  Mulder said softly.

Skinner took his glasses off and polished them with his 
shirt, trying to distract himself from his own teary eyes.  
'That's not true, Mulder.  You have your work, your cause, 
you have friends.'

'That means nothing anymore.'  Mulder shook his head.

'I know you and Agent Scully were close.'  Skinner said, 
eyes still misting over.  'But she would want you to grieve 
and move on.  She wouldn't want you to lose sight of 
yourself and your mission.'

Mulder opened his mouth, then lowered his head.

'This is all very new.'  Skinner put a hand on his 
forehead, trying to clear his own grieving mind.  'You will 
need time, we both will.'

***

Krycek's eyes fluttered.  He was trying to wake up.  He 
felt people in the room.

He felt someone approach his side and lean down.

'I think he's waking up.'

He knew that voice.  It was Skinner.

Krycek opened his eyes and tried to focus on his old 
superior.  He was tired and damn his head hurt.  What had 
happened?

'Where...'  Krycek's voice croaked into silence.  He licked 
his lips, swallowed, tried again.  'Where am I?'

Skinner spoke softly to him.  'You're in the hospital, 
Alex.  But you're fine.  You're just resting.'

Krycek closed his eyes again and suddenly felt hate 
directed at him.  That could only be Mulder, he thought.  
No one hates me that much.

Why was he in the hospital?  What was he resting from?

Krycek's eyes suddenly popped open.

'Dana?'  He asked as thoughts came flooding back to him.  
He had felt her trying to hang on, trying to reach him, 
asking for help.  For her, for the baby.

Krycek automatically reached out, trying to sense her.  
There was nothing.

Tears filled his eyes; he had tried to get to her.  He had 
tried.  He was weak, he couldn't hold on.  The pain in his 
head had been too much, and that shock ripping through his 
body...

'Where is she?'  He asked, reaching out and grabbing 
Skinner's arm.

'Alex.'  Skinner said, his eyes full of sorrow.

He didn't need to say anything.  Krycek read it all in his 
eyes.

Mulder stared at Krycek, arms crossed, anger flowing 
through him.  'You can't feel her?'

Krycek reached out again.  Searching.  There was nothing.

Tears fell down his cheeks as he shook his head.

Another thought popped into his head and he looked at 
Skinner.  'The baby?'

'He's fine.'  Skinner nodded.  'We have plenty of 
protection on him.'

'Him?'  Krycek reached out, felt a tiny mind touch his 
back.  He almost smiled, but couldn't quite get it on his 
face through the mud in his bloodstream.  He closed his 
eyes, trying not to pass out.  He couldn't imagine feeling 
like this much longer.  He had never felt pain like this in 
his life.

Mulder saw the look of compassion and concern Skinner 
directed at Krycek.

He suppressed the urge to scream.

'How do you stand it?'  Krycek suddenly asked.

Skinner frowned at him.  'What?'

'This pain.'  Krycek said.  'I've never felt this kind of 
pain.  This kind of loss before.'

'You've never cared before.'  Mulder said harshly.

Krycek turned his head to the side, away from him.

'It never goes away.'  Mulder said, unable to show him an 
ounce of compassion.  'It fades a little, but it never goes 
away.  Trust me, I'm an expert.  It's how I felt when my 
Dad was murdered.  It's how Scully felt when her sister was 
killed.'

'Mulder.'  Skinner said sadly.

'How strange, Krycek.  I seem to recall you were 
responsible for both of those 'losses'.'  Mulder pushed 
himself off of the wall, reaching for the door and opening 
it.  'I guess what they say is true.  People get what they 
deserve.'

Skinner sighed and looked back down at Krycek.

His eyes were closed; he wasn't paying attention.  He was 
reaching out, trying to find something, anything.  He still 
felt nothing.

The word suddenly had a new meaning to him.

Nothing.

***

The next evening, everyone was gathered in the kitchen.

Krycek, Frohike, Langly, Maggie and Skinner were all 
sitting at the table in the breakfast nook.  They were 
talking, visiting, trying to joke around, trying to make 
plans for Scully's funeral.

Mulder stood off to the side, leaning against the wall that 
joined the breakfast area and the kitchen.  He didn't 
belong at the table.  He felt removed from these people.  
He felt alone.

Krycek had said that Dana would be horrified if they were 
just sitting around, pouting and sulking.

Too bad that Krycek didn't take his own words to heart, 
Mulder thought to himself.  He could see right through the 
bravado that Krycek was surrounding himself with.  He knew 
that the younger man was lost and confused and afraid.  He 
knew that Krycek was terrified and barely hanging on.

They had been informed by the hospital that CDC, the Center 
of Disease Control, had been ordered to cremate Scully's 
body due to the fact that she had been exposed to a 'virus 
of unknown origin'.

Maggie had automatically been upset because she wanted 
Scully to have a traditional Catholic service.  Krycek 
gently informed her that Scully wanted to be cremated, and 
spread out in the sea, like her father.  She didn't want a 
wake; she wanted a party.  She wanted her life to be 
celebrated.

Mulder stared out the window, irritated that he didn't know 
this small tidbit about his best friend.  His mind drifted 
as everyone sat around, making plans.  He really wanted no 
part of it.  He didn't know what to do now.  He was alone.  
Well, that wasn't true.  His sister was apparently still 
alive.  He could search for her.

Again.

Krycek looked over at him from his seat at the breakfast 
table.  In response, Mulder looked away.

He knew that Krycek was taking this badly.  Probably even 
worse then he himself was, which made no sense to Mulder 
considering Krycek had a child to give him a new reason to 
live.  Mulder still had nothing.  Feelings were new to 
Krycek.  Mulder had to give him that.  He watched Krycek 
collect some cups and mugs from the table everyone was 
huddled around.  He walked into the kitchen and went to put 
them into the sink.  He hadn't so much as glanced in 
Mulder's direction as he brushed past.

The tension between the two of them had become unbearable.  
Mulder was certain that everyone around could feel it.  It 
had been tolerable when it was just Mulder who had the 
problem.  But now Krycek had a new hostility towards him 
and sometimes just the way that the younger man looked at 
him filled Mulder with unease,

He wasn't sure where Krycek had picked up the new chip he 
carried on his shoulder.

It could be because he continually reached out to Mulder 
and was pushed away.  It could be because of the argument 
that had happened the morning before.  It could be because 
everything had been just fine in Krycek's world until 
Mulder showed up for Thanksgiving.  It could be because he 
was so pissed off that Scully was dead and needed someone 
to take it out on.  It could be because he knew exactly 
just how much Mulder despised him and decided to quit 
trying.  It could be because Scully had loved Mulder and 
not him.

It could be all of those things.

Now Mulder was faced with a new dilemma.  What to do for 
the rest of his life.  With Scully gone, he'd never have to 
see Krycek again.  But what about the baby?  Was he going 
to go through his life not knowing Scully's son?  Was he 
going to go through his life never seeing Scully's mom 
again?

He didn't think that Scully would like that very much.  Let 
alone himself.

Krycek would be spending a lot of time with Maggie and the 
rest of Scully's family.  Not to mention the fact that the 
Lone Gunmen and Skinner had also become close with Krycek.  
He was sure that somewhere, sometime, somehow, no matter 
how hard he tried to avoid it, he would probably run into 
Krycek sooner or later.

Mulder sighed and looked back out the doors, over the 
ocean.  His mind drifted until he heard Maggie's voice.  It 
was somewhat urgent.

'Alex?'

Mulder looked over to see Krycek staring down at the corner 
of the sink.  His face was ghostly white, his eyes were 
wide and they filled with tears.  Mulder didn't think he 
was breathing.

'Alex.'  Skinner repeated his name after Maggie.

'What's wrong?'  Frohike asked, walking towards the 
kitchen.

Krycek suddenly took a step away from the sink, still 
staring down at something unseen to Mulder.  He was 
shaking.  Between the expression on his face and his 
unresponsiveness, Krycek suddenly seemed like a child.  He 
looked lost and alone.  He looked terrified.

Damned if Mulder didn't feel sorry for him.

'Krycek.'  Mulder took a step towards him and gently took a 
hold of his arm.  'Krycek, look at me.'

He did.  But Mulder didn't think he was seeing anything.

'Damn.'  Frohike followed Krycek's gaze.  'It's her ring.'

Silence traveled around the room.  Mulder stared back at 
Krycek, genuinely worried, beginning to wonder if he had 
finally snapped and ventured over into the land of the 
catatonic.  When tears slid down Krycek's cheeks, Mulder 
had almost wanted to hug him.

Almost.

Maggie came over to put an arm around Krycek.  'Come on 
Alex.  Let's take a walk.'

Mulder watched her guide him out the French doors and onto 
the deck.  Langly followed them out.

'Shit.'  Skinner said.  'I'm not sure he's going to make it 
through this.'

Mulder was shaken.  The vacant look in Krycek's eyes had 
been frightening.  He had never thought about how badly 
Krycek would be affected by Scully's death.  He didn't 
think he cared.

He didn't care, he reminded himself.

'Should I put it somewhere?'  Frohike's voice interrupted.

'He'll need to deal with it later.'  Mulder replied softly.  
'Leave it there.'

The service was at sunset the following Saturday night.  It 
had taken that long to get Scully's ashes from the 
government.  They stood on the beach and played 'On The 
Turning Away' by Pink Floyd while her ashes were spread.  
Apparently, Scully had loved that song.

Another small detail Mulder never knew.

'Because she wanted to make the world a better place.'  
Krycek told him the night before the funeral.

Mulder had drifted down to the beach, trying to escape the 
gathering crowd in the house.  People had been arriving 
from out of town all day and would unavoidably drop by the 
house to see Maggie and Bill.  Skinner and the Lone Gunmen 
had taken off to get more food and drinks.  Mulder hadn't 
seen Krycek for a couple of hours, and figured that he'd 
gone back to the hospital to visit with the baby.

Skinner had told him that Krycek would just sit for hours 
and hold his son, who hadn't been named yet.  He had said 
that he was afraid Krycek was going to crack.  He had said 
that maybe Mulder should stick around Newport Beach for 
awhile.

Mulder knew what his superior was trying to do.

Skinner probably figured that the two of them could help 
each other through this.  He probably figured that it would 
be better for Mulder back here, with Krycek and the baby.  
Not back in DC, working on the X-Files, chasing little grey 
men and being angry at the injustice of it all.

Mulder hadn't been to the hospital yet.  He wasn't sure he 
could handle seeing Scully's baby yet.  Skinner had told 
him that the baby had Krycek's dark hair and Scully's 
brilliant blue eyes.

Mulder walked down the stairs to the beach and stood in the 
moonlight for a moment, breathing in the salty air.  A 
crowd of people sat around a bonfire, music from an oldie's 
station playing on their portable stereo.  He began to walk 
south on the beach and noticed someone sitting alone in the 
sand, up towards the cliff, nearly hidden in the shadows.  
The person was hard to see due to the fact that they were 
clad in black.  Black pants, a black sweater, black 
boots...

It was Krycek.

'...I see tress of green...Red roses too...I see them 
bloom...For me and you...And I think to myself...What a 
wonderful world...'

Shit, Mulder sighed as he drew closer.  I don't need this 
right now.

Krycek had his face buried in his arms, which were resting 
on top of his legs.  There was a bottle of tequila in his 
right hand, which rested on his left knee.  The image 
permanently burned itself into Mulder's mind.  He didn't 
think he'd ever seen the perfect picture of dejection 
before.

He stopped five feet away and stared down at his supposed 
brother.

'...The colors of the rainbow...So pretty in the sky...Are 
also on the faces of people going by...I see friends 
shaking hands...Saying how do you do...They're really 
saying...I love you...'

Mulder had no idea how long he stood there in silence, 
trying not to feel any sympathy towards Alex Krycek.  It 
was hard not to.  Seeing Krycek sitting like that, legs 
pulled up to his chest, his arms crossed over his knees, 
head buried in his arms, tequila bottle in hand...

Krycek seemed very young to him again.

'...And I think to myself...What a wonderful world...'

'God, I hate this fucking song.'

Krycek's voice was muffled against his arms.

Mulder looked down at him, at the back of his head.  It was 
odd to see Krycek so helpless.  'I figured someone with 
your outlook on life would enjoy the lyrics.'

'I used to like it.'  Krycek replied, not raising his head 
from his arms.  'I just now decided to despise it.'

Mulder spoke mechanically, not wanting to feel anything 
towards the man.  'Why is that?'

Krycek raised his head to look at the ocean, wiping at his 
eyes with his sleeve.  'This sudden malignancy towards life 
that's stolen into my brain, where did it come from?  I 
can't possibly imagine.'

Mulder couldn't bear to look at him, but he couldn't look 
away.

Krycek's eyes were red and swollen, tears were gathered 
beneath them.  He had the stricken look of someone who'd 
lost their life.  The air around him reeked of discontent, 
of disenchantment.  Even his body language depicted someone 
who had given up on life.

'I can't give up, Fox.'  Krycek said, his voice thick and 
hoarse.  'I have a son to think about.'

'I didn't think you'd given up.'  Mulder replied softly.  ' 
You just look like hell.'

Krycek linked his fingers around the bottle of tequila and 
rested his chin against his hands.  'I never imagined that 
anything could be so painful.'

Mulder didn't know how to respond.  What the hell was he 
supposed to say to that?  Bummer?  He didn't know how to 
approach this.  He never in a million years imagined that 
he'd be standing in front of a grieving Alex Krycek.  He 
never thought he'd view the evil man as a lost, hopeless 
soul.

Krycek took a drink from the bottle then wiped his mouth on 
his sleeve.  He coughed, then sniffed.

Mulder suddenly felt like an old man.  He'd been chasing 
after things his whole life.  Chasing after one thing or 
another.  He'd chased Scully out to the California coast.

And now here he was, watching his arch enemy collapse under 
the emotional strain of Scully's death.

Life never quite works out the way you think it will...

Mulder sat down in the sand next to Krycek and took the 
offered bottle of tequila.

''On the Turning Away', huh?'  Mulder asked, taking a swig 
of the Cuervo.

'She loved that song.'  Krycek replied.  'Because she 
wanted to make the world a better place.'

Mulder held the bottle back towards him and kept his eyes 
on the dark sea.  'Is that what it's about?'

Krycek nodded and took another swallow from the bottle.  
'It talks about how most people just stand by and watch the 
world go to hell.  How everyone ignores the suffering.  But 
at the end, it's resolute.  No more turning away from the 
weak and the wary.  No more turning away from the cold 
distant sun.  Just a world that we all must share.  It's 
not enough just to stand and stare.  Is it only a dream 
that there'll be no more turning away?  It's about hope.'

Mulder looked over at Krycek.  It still wasn't easy to look 
at the heartbroken man.  Krycek wore his emotions the way 
people were tailored suits, draped over their bodies, 
perfectly fitted.  'I've never really paid much attention 
to Pink Floyd.'

'Pink Floyd has kept me sane all my life.'  Krycek replied.  
'I've always felt that they have had as much of an 
influence on me as anyone or anything else.  Dana always 
told me that my outlook on life was a momentary lapse of 
reason-'

Krycek's voice suddenly caught and he couldn't say 
anything.

Mulder watched Krycek struggle with his emotions.  Empathy 
somehow invaded his heart.  Krycek had never cared about 
anyone, so he'd never lost anyone.  Imagine being all grown 
up and suddenly having to learn how to feel.  How must that 
be?

Damnit, Mulder thought, unable to tear his eyes away from 
the desolate man sitting next to him.  I don't want to have 
to care.  Why can't I just be angry and hate him, like I 
always have?

I don't want to care.

I don't want to like him.

Krycek swallowed a couple of times.  He closed his eyes and 
hung his head.

A lopsided grin managed to worm its way across Mulder's 
lips as he watched Krycek wrestle with his feelings.  He 
knew it was wrong, but couldn't stop it.  The words were 
out before he could stop them.

'You really had it bad, didn't you?'

Krycek looked over at Mulder, the motion causing tears to 
slip down his cheeks.  A dozen emotions played across his 
face.  Disbelief won out.  When he spoke, his voice was 
soft, husky.

'That's all you care about, isn't it Fox?'  Krycek gave a 
small shake of his head.  'Your pride, your ego.  You just 
really want to know that I didn't steal her away.'

Mulder didn't respond.

A noise that was a cross between a laugh and a sob escaped 
Krycek as he looked out over the ocean.  'You just want to 
make sure that I didn't have something that you wanted.'

'Krycek-'

'Don't worry, Fox.'  Krycek glared at him with open 
hostility.  'Dana was yours until the end.'

Mulder shook his head, irritated with himself for purposely 
hurting Krycek.  'I just meant it must be hard on you.'

'Don't lie to me, Mulder.'  Krycek snapped harshly.  'Don't 
forget, and I'm quoting you on this, that I'm 'not human'.  
I can read your mind.'

'We're both upset.'  Mulder said softly.  'We've both lost 
someone very-'

'Why are you here?'  Krycek interrupted him.

Mulder looked at him.  He distantly wondered why he was so 
uneasy with Krycek displaying hostility towards him since.  
Krycek had been overly amiable since they had discovered 
they were born of the same gene pool.  'You know why.'  
Mulder said softly.  'I came to see Scully.  If you're 
asking me why I'm still here, that's a pretty stupid 
question.  Did you really think I wouldn't stay for her 
funeral?'

'No.  That's now what I mean.'  Krycek shook his head.  
'Why are you here, right here, right now?'

'I was walking by.'  Mulder replied.  'I saw you here.'

'And came over to gloat, to pry, to intrude your hostility 
on me.'

'I didn't do any of those things-'

''You really had it bad, didn't you?''  Krycek threw his 
own words back at him.  'Why would you say something like 
that to me?  Only to hurt me.'

'Didn't you?'  Mulder raised his voice.

'What does it matter?'  Krycek asked imploringly.  'What 
good does it do to argue over this?  Who cares?  It's over, 
Fox.'

'I never got to tell Scully how I felt.'  Mulder said 
softly.  'She never knew what she meant to me, especially 
after these past few months.  It bothers me that she might 
not have known how I felt.  How much she meant to me.'

'What the hell does that have to do with anything we're 
talking about?'  Krycek buried his face in his hands.  He 
stayed that way for quite some time.  The only sound was 
the crashing of the surf.

'I'm sorry.'  He finally said softly.

Mulder picked up the bottle of tequila off the sand and 
took a heavy drink.  'For which part?'

'I tried to get to her.'  Krycek said.  'I tried to save 
her.'

Mulder froze.

'I couldn't hold on.'  Krycek's voice was muffled through 
his hands.  'I couldn't get there fast enough.'

Mulder began to shake.

'I tried to hold on.'

Mulder couldn't form a coherent sentence.

Krycek looked at him, tears in his eyes.  His face was full 
of anguish.

'Dana knew how you felt.  She loved you.'

Mulder stared back at him, unable to say anything.

More tears fell down Krycek's cheeks when he spoke again.  
'That's the reason I was trying to leave.  I knew you 
wouldn't be much good if I was still around.  You hate me 
so much.  You hate me so much that it blinds you.  That's 
why I was trying to leave.  So you would be here for Dana 
and she would be happy.'

Mulder looked away; he couldn't bear to look at Krycek's 
agonized face while listening to this guilty apology.  He 
couldn't stand to hear Krycek say 'you hate me so much that 
it blinds you'.  He knew Krycek would feel guilty about her 
death for a long time.  Probably for the rest of his life.

Krycek hung his head again; his lower lip trembled.  'I 
don't know how to do this.  I don't know how to deal with 
this.  I don't know how to feel.'

Mulder thought of Scully, dancing around Krycek and 
singing.

He thought of them flinging pumpkin innards at each other.

He thought of the way they had stared at each other on the 
beach.

He didn't feel sorry for Krycek anymore.

Not one damn bit.

'You'll get over it.'  Mulder said stonily as he stood up.

Krycek let his head fall onto his arms again.

Mulder abruptly turned and walked away, somehow knowing 
that he had just tore out Krycek's heart then stomped on 
it.

***

'...On the turning away...From the pale and 
downtrodden...And the words they say which we won't 
understand...Don't accept that what's happening...Is just a 
case of others suffering...Or you'll find that you're 
joining in...The turning away...'

Krycek was despondent.  The expression on his face was 
horrible to look at.  He looked incapable of any feelings 
at all.  He just stood there, looking quite drowsy in his 
sorrow, as they listened to Scully's favorite song.

'...It's a sin that somehow...Light is changing to 
shadow...And it's casting its shroud over all we have 
known...All the while how the ranks have grown...Driven on 
by a heart of stone...We could find that we're all 
alone...In the dream of the brown...'

Mulder stared at Krycek.  He didn't know why.  He felt that 
Krycek had known Scully better than he had.  That he'd 
somehow managed to break through that damn wall she'd built 
around herself.  He wondered why hadn't been able to do it 
himself.  He wondered what the hell was so special about 
Alex Krycek.

'On the wings of the night...As the daytime is 
slurring...Where the speechless unite in a silent 
accord...Using words you will find as strange...Mesmerized 
as they light the flame...Feel the new wind of change...On 
the wings of the night...'

Mulder had been incapable of tears.  He wasn't sure if he 
was just holding together that well, or if he was 
completely lost in denial and would lose it later on.  He 
was beginning to believe that he was focusing on his anger 
and hatred of Krycek to avoid dealing with Scully's death.

'...No more turning away...From the weak and the weary...No 
more turning away from the cold distant sun...Just a world 
that we all must share...It's not enough just to stand and 
stare...Is it only a dream that there'll be no more turning 
away...'

Mulder hadn't listened to the song.  He'd been too wrapped 
up in Krycek.  He figured he'd have to go buy the damn CD 
now to pay Scully his proper respects.

The 'party' at the house afterwards was nothing short of a 
circus.  There were too many people there to make for a 
somber evening.  Too many people that hadn't seen each 
other in years.  Mulder did find it relieving that Maggie 
introduced him to Charlie and the rest of the family as 
'Dana's friend' and not just 'Dana's partner'.

He was still irritated by this whole thing.  Everything 
irritated him these days.

Throughout the night, Krycek kept disappearing out onto the 
deck.  Mulder wasn't sure if he needed to get away from all 
the feelings in the room, or if he just needed to grieve.

Mulder didn't care.  He never followed him.

The only thought that kept him going was that once this 
evening was over, he would never, ever, have to set eyes on 
Alex Krycek again.

He didn't say goodbye to Krycek when the cab driver taking 
him to John Wayne Airport knocked at the front door.

***

Mulder walked up to Maggie's front door and hesitated.  He 
didn't know if he could really do this.  He hadn't seen 
these people in years.  This was the third Christmas since 
Scully had died.  He had declined invitation after 
invitation to a party, a holiday, dinner whenever Scully's 
Mom passed through town.  He was always busy.

He made sure of it.

He took a deep breath and knocked on the door.  Bill 
answered and stared at him for a moment, a little shocked.

'Agent Mulder.'  He greeted, opening the door to allow 
Mulder to pass through.

'Hello, Bill.'  He said, glancing up at the older man.  
'How are you?'

'Just fine.'  He said softly.  'Mom will be thrilled that 
you finally made it up.'

Mulder stood still for a moment, hearing all the chatting 
and laughing from the other room.  Tchaikovsky's 'The 
Sleeping Beauty Waltz' played softly.  He couldn't seem to 
get his feet moving in that direction.

A boy of about two scampered into the room.  He stopped 
three feet away from Mulder and stared up at him.

'Fox.'  The little boy smiled.

Mulder stared down at him, at his brilliant blue eyes, 
which contrasted amazingly with his dark brown hair.

Krycek appeared behind him, staring at Mulder in surprise.  
'I didn't expect to see you here.'

Mulder raised his eyes to meet Krycek's.  He couldn't 
speak.  All the past horror's of over two years ago came 
crashing back.  He had a sudden image of Krycek.  It was 
the same picture that always entered his head whenever he 
thought of him.

Krycek clad in black, nearly invisible in the shadows.  A 
huddled black ball sitting on a beach.  A lost teenager, 
getting drunk after losing his first love.  A new Dad, 
wondering how he was going to raise a son all on his own 
when he couldn't even deal with his own feelings.

Someone who'd never been heartbroken before.

Krycek looked the same physically, minus the bleached hair, 
and his eyes were a hundred years older.

'I didn't expect to come.'  Mulder said softly.

The two stared at each other for a few moments.  Bill 
cleared his throat and left the room, obviously not wanting 
to be in the middle of the bad emotions between the two.  
He didn't know much.  Only that Krycek was the father of 
Dana's baby and that Mulder was pissed off about it.

Krycek smiled, putting a hand on top of his son's head.  'I 
see you've met Cade.'

Mulder managed to smile down at the little boy.  'Yes, in a 
way.'

Cade smiled shyly up at Mulder for a moment, then took off 
in the direction of the noise.

Another lengthy silence followed.  Krycek was content to 
wait for Mulder to speak.

'Cade?'

Krycek smiled.  'Dana wanted to name him Christopher Cade.  
But he informed me not too long ago that he preferred Cade 
to Christopher because there's already enough kids named 
Chris.'

Mulder couldn't help a small smile.  'What does Cade mean?'

'Its Gaelic for 'pure'.'  Krycek said softly.

'He's beautiful.'  Mulder said softly, not knowing what 
else to say.

Krycek nodded.  'He looks like his Mother.'

'He looks like both of you.'  Mulder said, amazed at how 
easy the words came out.

'Fox!'

Maggie's surprised gasp was music to his ears.  She 
embraced him warmly.  'I'm so glad you decided to come.'

Mulder smiled against her head, surprised that he felt very 
much at home.  'So am I.'

Christmas there was wonderful for Mulder.  It felt so good 
to be back among people he knew again.

He was totally captivated by Cade.  The little boy was 
staring at everyone, analyzing.  Mulder assumed
Cade not only had the alien powers, but Krycek and Scully's 
high IQ's on top of that.

He had even managed to like Krycek.  They had been at ease 
with each other, joking and laughing.

Mulder was actually disappointed when the night grew late 
and the festivities were drawing to a close.

Maggie embraced Mulder tightly, admonishing him for staying 
away for so long.  'Are you sure you don't want to stay the 
night, Fox?'

Mulder nodded, not sure at all.  'I should get back.'

'Why don't you stay, Fox?'  Krycek asked.  'I've got a 
proposition for you.'

Mulder looked at Krycek.  That temptation was too great to 
resist.

***

After putting Cade to sleep, Krycek and Mulder settled in 
some chairs outside on the patio.  It was freezing, snow 
covering the ground.  Neither of them cared.

Krycek handed Mulder an Irish Coffee to keep warm.

'You and I always seem to be drinking.'  Mulder said as he 
took a sip.

'It's the only way I can stand you.'  Krycek replied.

Mulder looked at him, trying to figure out if he was 
kidding and Krycek flicked his eyes sideways at him.

'Screw you.'  Mulder said.

Krycek laughed and Mulder took another sip.

'So?'  He asked.  'You have a proposition for me?'

'Cade and I are heading back to Seattle for New Year's.'  
Krycek said.  'The Space Needle has a big fireworks show.  
Cade is going to love it.  After the New Year, we're going 
to head over to Leavenworth.'

'What's that?'  Mulder asked.

'A little Bavarian town.  They have horsedrawn sleighs and 
German shops, it's great.'

'It sounds great.'  Mulder said, shivering in spite of the 
warm drink.  'But why are you telling me about it?'

Krycek didn't look at him.  He raised his mug to his lips.  
'I think you should come with us.'

Mulder looked sideways at him.  He was shocked.  Why would 
Krycek want him along for anything?  He'd always been 
terrible to him.  Except when they were making fun of Bill 
at dinner that one time.

Krycek laughed.  'I still think about that every time I sit 
down to a big dinner.'

Mulder grinned too.  'Damn, we were acting like little 
kids.'

'Come with us, Fox.'  Krycek said.  'It'll be fun.  For you 
and for Cade.  I'll even break down and say I'd like it 
too.'

Mulder looked at Krycek, wondering if he should still try 
to hate him.  It made his life easier when he had someone 
to blame everything on.

Krycek smiled at him.  'I really want Cade to know the 
people that knew his Mom.  Dana loved you, so I'm sure 
you're not all that bad.'

Mulder stared back at him, his eyes growing watery at the 
statement Krycek just made.  He made no attempt to hide his 
tears.  He knew if he could mourn in front of anyone, it 
was Krycek because he would understand.  He had loved her 
too.

For reason's he'd never know, Mulder agreed to go.

***

Mulder stood on the deck of the floating house, looking 
over at the dark water in Lake Washington.

He had to grudgingly admit that the past week had been fun.

Krycek knew Seattle like the back of his hand and had 
showed Mulder all the sights.  They had taken Cade to the 
Seattle Aquarium, where both the little boy and Mulder had 
been fascinated by the underwater dome.  Krycek had stood 
off to the side and watched the two of them stare above 
their heads, pointing out sea creatures to each other.

Mulder had caught Krycek's gaze and grinned foolishly in 
spite of himself as the latter held a video camera to his 
face.

'I'm forgetting what you look like behind that thing.'

Krycek smiled.  'Why do I get the distinct feeling that 
you're not complaining?'

They had made the rounds of downtown Seattle.  Mulder 
particularly loved how everything was done up for the 
holidays.  Krycek took Cade on the Carousel while Mulder 
caught everything on tape this time.

Gameworks had just been ugly anyway you look at it.  Mulder 
and Krycek indulged a bit too much in the virtual shooting 
games.

They took the ferry over to Victoria and tooled around 
Buchart gardens, which were beautifully lit for the 
holidays.

The night before New Years, Mulder and Krycek had sat in 
the living room and drank Scotch.  They were both sitting 
on the floor.  Mulder sat with his back to the fire, and 
Krycek sat across from him, leaning against the couch.  
They were both a little drunk when Krycek pulled out the 
camera.

'Oh shit, Krycek.'  Mulder whined drunkenly.  'Not that 
damn thing again.'

'Such a foul mouth when you drink.'  Krycek replied.  'Tell 
me a story about Dana.  Something for Cade.  So he can 
watch it when he gets older.'

'About Scully?'  Mulder asked softly.

'Yeah.  Tell me your favorite memory.  And please bare in 
mind that it's for her son.'

Mulder laughed and took a heavy drink of the Glen Livit, 
looking off to the side in thought.  He suddenly grinned.

'Okay.  When we were in Los Angeles for the premiere of 
that horrid movie, we had an extra day.  And we went to an 
amusement park, north of LA.  It was a Six Flag's...'

'Magic Mountain.'  Krycek smiled behind the camera.

'That's the one.'  Mulder pointed at him and continued.  
'There's this ride.  It's actually pretty stupid.  You 
stand in this circular room, and it starts to go round and 
round...'

'Spin Out.'  Krycek laughed.  'The bottom drops out beneath 
you.'

'Yeah!'  Mulder exclaimed.  'And the 
centri...Centralogical...'

'Centrilical force.'

'Whatever.'  Mulder waved a hand at him.  'That motion 
makes you stick to the walls.  There were these two 
teenagers that turned themselves upside down.  And Scully 
tried to do it too, but she got stuck halfway.'

Krycek began to laugh, catching the visual from Mulder.

'So she...'  Mulder began to laugh along with him.  'So she 
is stuck sideways, and I guess she started to get sick.  So 
she was yelling for them to stop the ride.  She tried to 
put her hands up, but couldn't.  Whenever she tried to hold 
up a hand, it just smacked against the person next to her.'

'If I was next to her,' Krycek said, 'I'd be afraid that 
she would throw up.'

Mulder laughed harder.  'Well, they stopped the damn thing, 
and she slid to the floor.  Everyone else managed to get to 
their feet, but she just kinda fell.  We couldn't get out 
of there fast enough.  Needless to say, Scully threw up 
outside, and seeing her puke made me puke...'

They both laughed for a few minutes.

'So, that's my favorite memory of Scully.'  Mulder said.  
'She wasn't in control for once and she didn't handle it 
very well.  It was almost a vindication'

'She did like to have a handle on things.'  Krycek said 
softly.

Mulder nodded.  'That, she did.'

They shared a comfortable silence.

'Your turn.'  Mulder said, taking the camera from Krycek.

'What?'

'You heard me, Krycek.'  Mulder said, putting the camera up 
to his face and settling back on the floor in front of the 
fire.  'What's your favorite memory of Scully.'

'Fox, I can tell Cade these stories anytime-'

'I had to do it, and now you do too.'

Krycek blew out a breath.  The flames danced across his 
face as he looked off to the side.  'I'm not sure I want-'

'Oh, shut up and tell me.'  Mulder said.  'Even I'm curious 
to know.  And I was there for the pumpkin scenario, so 
let's just skip that one.'

'It was when she told me to have a seat.'  Krycek said 
softly, not looking at him.

'Huh?'

'The night after you'd been abducted.'  Krycek's eyes were 
staring into the fire, far away.  'I went to her apartment.  
I had wanted to warn her about the baby.  I knew it was 
important.  I knew what they had created the baby for.  I 
knew it was to save mankind.  I had assumed it was yours.'

He drifted off, lost in the memory.

'Go on.'  Mulder said softly.

'I went to Dana's apartment to warn her.  Skinner was 
there.  He answered the door.  I could feel how much Dana 
hated me.  Her disgust towards me was like needles piercing 
my skin.  She was terrified of me.  She thought I had been 
responsible for your abduction.  But there was something in 
my eyes.  Something in my eyes that she could see.  She was 
scared, and she was hurt, and she couldn't stand the sight 
of me.  But somehow, she saw past all that and found the 
good.  Something in my eyes.  Something.'

A beat of silence passed before Krycek smiled sadly to 
himself.  'Skinner answered the door.  I said I needed to 
talk to her.  And she told me to have a seat.'  He smiled 
up at Mulder, inadvertently into the camera.  'I truly 
believe, that with those words, she saved my life.'

Mulder kept the camera on Krycek's face.  'How so?'

Krycek shook his head, thinking.  His eyes wandered the 
room as he thought about the question.  'Once I had found 
out what had been going on behind my back, I didn't know 
who I was anymore.  It seemed that the person I was, that 
all I'd been doing, that everything I'd been taught to 
believe, it was all a lie.  I had nothing.  I was lost.  
Her words were like an acceptance.  Someone was willing to 
listen to me.  Someone finally took the time.  Dana was the 
first person to ever know who I was; she was the first 
person to love me for who I was.  She was the first person 
who knew everything about me and still accepted me.  She 
was my first true friend.  She was my best friend.'

They were silent and Krycek laughed, his eyes were teary.  
'Now that I've babbled on and on...'

Mulder set the camera down and looked at his supposed 
brother.  'Scully was one hell of a person.'

'She was.'

'Krycek?'

'Fox.'

'Can I ask you a question?'

'Of course.'

'What happened the night before Cade was born?'

'It was Thanksgiving.'  Krycek said.  'We had a pumpkin 
fight, lot's of visitor's, a huge dinner, the baby had been 
kicking...'

'That's not what I meant.'  Mulder said.

Krycek didn't look at him.  'I know.'

A few minutes of silence passed and Mulder had decided to 
approach the subject differently.  'Did you love her?'  He 
bluntly asked.

'Of course I loved her.'  Krycek responded.  'She was the 
mother of my child, she was my best friend.'

'That's not what I meant.'  Mulder said, looking sternly at 
him.

Krycek had smiled and taken a swallow of his scotch.  'I 
know.'

Mulder took the hint.  The two of them had chattered on 
about trivial things.  Krycek had wanted to know more about 
weird cases that Mulder had worked on while Mulder had 
wanted to know more about the Syndicate and Krycek's past 
adventures.

The Space Needle had been interesting, to say the least.  
The fog had rolled in five minutes before the show, then 
rolled out five minutes after it had stopped.  Krycek had 
laughed.  Apparently, it did that every year.  All they 
could see were the flashes and colors of the pyrotechnics.

Not only did Mulder disagree on Cade being up so late, but 
it was freezing cold as well.

'Oh please.'  Krycek said, smiling, hoisting Cade onto his 
shoulders.  'Cade tells me what he needs.'

Mulder felt stupid after that, realizing that Cade was more 
in control of his own life than Mulder was in control of 
his.

'I don't know.'  Mulder said, staring over at the water.  
'This is pretty damn scary.'

Krycek laughed.  'Scary?  Fox, you've seen things that I 
haven't even seen.  You really expect me to believe that 
you're afraid of the Puget Sound?'

Mulder turned to look at Krycek, eyes a little wide.  'The 
largest squid in the world live in the Puget Sound!  How do 
you know a giant tentacle isn't going to reach out of the 
water and pull your floating house down?'

'Fox, those squid are under the Narrows bridge, down in 
Tacoma.'  Krycek grinned lopsidedly at him.  'That's pretty 
far away.'

'They swim.'

Krycek had begun to laugh, taking a drink of water.

Mulder indulged in his Guinness.  'How can you drink water 
at this time of morning?'

'I don't need to be dehydrated.'  Krycek said, looking at 
his watch.  'It's three thirty in the morning.  Cade will 
be awake in a few hours.'

Mulder winced.  'These hours you keep.  When do you ever 
sleep?'

'I don't need much sleep.  I never really have.'  Krycek 
took another drink of water.  He suddenly began to choke.

Mulder looked over at him, concerned.  'Are you all right?'

Krycek's face had turned white, water spewed out of his 
mouth and nose.  If it didn't scare Mulder when it 
happened, it would have been funny.

Krycek gasped for air.  His eyes were terrified.

'You okay?  Mulder asked again.

Krycek dropped his glass of water and it shattered on the 
deck.  He put his hands on his face, swooning.

Mulder guided him to a chair.  'What's wrong?'

Krycek stared out across Lake Washington for a moment, out 
at the University, before Mulder noticed tears dripping 
down his face.

'Krycek?'  He asked softly.  'What's wrong?'

Krycek reached over and put a hand on Mulder's arm.

His head was suddenly flooding with feelings.  It had been 
years; it had been so long.  Mulder knew what he was 
feeling.  This was amazing, this was insane.  This couldn't 
be real.  Mulder could feel her reaching out to Krycek, 
then to him.

Mulder began to cry and spoke softly.

'Hey Scully.'

'Daddy?'

Krycek whipped his head towards Cade, his mind suddenly 
clearing of Dana.  He quickly passed a hand over his mouth.  
'Yeah, son?'

'Where's Mommy?'

Mulder and Krycek both stared back at him.  Mulder didn't 
know what to say and would have given Krycek everything he 
had if he could have come up with something.

'I can hear her.'  Cade said.

Krycek hugged his son, tears falling down his cheeks all 
over again.

This little scene was way more than Mulder could handle.  
He felt like an intruder.

Krycek suddenly looked up at Mulder.  'Can you get into the 
base?'

'What base?'

'The base you're working out of.'

Mulder stared back at Krycek.  'Why do you ask?'

Krycek stood up to face him, holding Cade.  'That's where 
she is.'

'It couldn't be.'  Mulder said.  'I work there all the 
time, I would have known.'

'Have you had sudden leaps in your progress of mapping out 
the vaccine?'

Mulder thought about it, slowly nodded.

Krycek's face was twisted in agony.  'They've been using 
Dana.'

***

Krycek carried Cade up to the front door.  Maggie opened it 
before he could knock.

He held his son for a few moments, then passed him over to 
Scully's mom.

'What is this important business, Alex?'

Krycek smoothed his hand over Cade's sleeping head.  
'Nothing you'd be too interested in.  Just some old stuff I 
have to deal with.'

Maggie looked over Krycek's shoulder to see Mulder sitting 
in the driver's seat of the car.  He waved at her.  The two 
of them together, she thought.  This couldn't be good.

'You will be careful, wont you, Alex?'

Krycek smiled at her and suddenly hugged both of them.  
'Thank you.'

Maggie hugged him back with the arm that wasn't holding 
Cade.  'For what?'

'Just for everything.'  He closed his eyes.  'I never had a 
family before.'

Maggie pulled back to look him in the eyes.  'You always 
will be part of our family.'

Krycek smiled back at her.  He gave Cade a kiss on the 
cheek, then turned and walked away.

***

They pulled up in front of the warehouse.  Krycek looked at 
it, his eyes scanning every nook and cranny.

'She's in there.'  Was all he said, getting out of the car 
and approaching the door.

Mulder followed close behind.  Krycek opened the door and 
stepped inside, looking more and more like the Krycek he 
remembered.  Sneaky and plotting.

They came into a large empty room.  It had a staircase on 
the far end of the wall; the middle was filled with medical 
equipment, a table, and instruments.  There was a one-way 
mirror on the right wall.

Mulder stayed back by the door to cover their retreat.  
Krycek walked to the middle of the room, eyeing everything, 
his face growing angrier and angrier.  Finally, he turned 
to the mirror and stared at it.

Pieces of glass flew everywhere.  Mulder turned his head 
and covered his face before seeing Diana and Cancer Man in 
the room along with a few other unrecognizable people the 
mirror was protecting.

'My own father.'  Krycek said lowly.  If looks could kill, 
Mulder mused, everyone in the building would be dead by 
now.

'I merely contributed to your creation.'  Spender said.

'Give her to me.'  Krycek said.

Diana stepped over the rubble, into the room.  'I'm afraid 
we can't do that.'

'Give her to me.'  Krycek said again in a low, menacing 
voice, pointing at the ground by his side.

Some of the lights exploded, covering the room in a shower 
of sparks.

'Oh Alex.'  Diana said, stepping in front of him.  'Do you 
really think your tricks can frighten us?'

Mulder stared at Diana, not able to understand what was 
going on.  Even though he couldn't stand the sight of his 
Ex-wife, even though he knew that she was greedy and 
manipulative, he had believed in the cause they'd both been 
working towards.

What the hell was going on?  Why was Spender here?

He couldn't believe that he'd been fooled and betrayed.

He refused to believe that he'd been fooled and betrayed.

'We have already taken everything we can from Dana Scully.'  
Spender said, stepping over to stand next to Diana.  'We 
have the anti-agent.  Now we need the alien DNA to perfect 
the vaccine.  In other words, Alex, we need you.'

Krycek stared back at them.  Other people stepped into the 
room.  The bounty hunter appeared, moving down the stairs.  
Krycek looked around, accessing the situation.

He suddenly jerked his head up towards the staircase, his 
eyes alert.

Running footsteps sounded on the stairs and Krycek moved 
towards the sound.  Mulder watched as Scully appeared into 
view, moving down the staircase, two people behind her 
holding her by the arms.  She looked haggard.  Like she 
could blow over in the wind, dark circles under her eyes.  
Her hair was grown out one length and halfway down her 
back.

Mulder wanted to reach out to her, to go to her.  
Everything was happening so fast.  His mind was still 
spiraling out of control.  He kept a clear enough head to 
remember that he was covering their exit.

Krycek stared up at Scully.  'Let her go.'

Diana moved to stand in front of him.  'What are you 
prepared to offer, Alex?'

Krycek and Scully stared at each other.  'Let her go and 
I'll stay.'

Scully's face was terrified; she gave a small shake of her 
head.  Krycek only stared back at her, swallowing a lump in 
his throat.  'You need me.  I'll stay.'

'Fair enough.'  Spender said, moving away.  'The Rebels 
will be pleased.'

Scully was released.  She ran full-speed down the stairs, 
skipping the last two steps and launching herself at 
Krycek.  Her caught her and held her as she sobbed against 
his neck.

Thoughts flowed through Krycek.  Her torture, her 
loneliness.  All the tests they had run, all the pain they 
had inflicted.  Krycek turned towards Diana, she had been 
the cause.  She was behind all of it.  He could see it in 
all of Scully's memories, her scheming face behind 
everything.  A rage unlike any Krycek had ever known filled 
him.  He had never been as angry as he was now.  He had 
never hated anyone as he hated her now.

He turned towards Diana and approached her, his arm around 
Scully as she hung onto him; both her arms were around his 
waist, letting him support her.

Krycek held out a hand out and pointed a Glock in between 
Diana's eyes, the gun shaking in her face.

'You take two years away from this woman?  Away from her 
child?'  Krycek asked in a low, shaky voice.  'And you give 
her two years of pain in return?'

'You can't shoot me, Alex.'  Diana said.  'There's pure 
oxygen in this room.'

Krycek's eyes flicked around the room as he took everything 
in.  He dropped the gun on the floor.

Diana's face smiled at him, snake-like.  He reached his 
right hand out and a scalpel from a nearby table flew into 
it.  Before anyone could realize what was happening, Krycek 
reached out with the scalpel and slit Diana's throat.

Mulder's eyes grew wide at the sight of Diana falling to 
the floor, blood spewing out of her neck.

Krycek watched her die in disgust, not saying a word.  
Scully hung onto to him.  She really wanted to get out of 
this prison which had been her home for over two years.

'Jesus.'  Mulder said softly, looking at Krycek.

Spender stepped over the twitching Diana, looking into 
Krycek's face.  'You are going to keep your side of the 
bargain now, aren't you?'

Scully shook her head.  'Alex...'

Krycek only nodded in response.  He knew it was the only 
way they'd let Dana out.  In spite of all his 'weird, alien 
powers', he knew that they'd all be killed instantly if he 
didn't comply.

Dana, he thought.  You have to go now.

Scully shook her head, her eyes haunted after all she'd 
seen.  I can't leave you here.

You have to go, Dana.  Just turn around and walk away.

Scully shook her head again, tears falling down her face.  
She couldn't let him stay here and be a part of all this, 
she couldn't.

'Fox.'  Krycek said out loud, not breaking eye contact with 
Scully.

'No, Alex.'  She said again.

'I owe big time, Dana.'  Krycek said.  'I have to stay.'

Before she could protest again, Krycek turned her towards 
Mulder and set her in his arms.

'Just turn around and walk away.'  He said again.

Scully bit her lip, tightly holding onto his hands.  'I 
can't leave you here.'

Krycek searched Mulder's eyes.  Please take care of them 
for me.

I will.  Mulder looked Krycek in the eyes.  I promise.

Scully knew it was unavoidable.  She was going.  He was 
staying.  The thought wouldn't compute.

She couldn't let him stay there.

'Fox.  You're going to have to take her out of here.'  
Krycek said, staring down at Scully.  'She won't leave 
without me.'

Mulder put his arms tighter around her, ready to carry her 
out if he needed to.

Scully and Krycek locked eyes again.  He tightened his 
hands in hers, giving them a last squeeze.

Dana, just turn around and walk away.  That's all you need 
to do.

Scully shook her head again.

Krycek yanked his hands out of hers and backed away to 
stand next to Spender.

Scully burst into tears the second Krycek's hands cleared 
of hers.  Even though she could still feel his thoughts, it 
was like a piece of her was gone.  Mulder's arms were 
around her, but she couldn't bring herself to turn around 
and walk away.

There was no way she could leave him there.

Mulder stared at Krycek, really wishing that there were 
some way to end this differently.  He knew that Krycek was 
trying to be strong, but even Mulder didn't need to have 
psychic powers to see in Krycek's face that he was 
terrified.  That he was doing this for Cade and Scully.  
That it had to be one or the other and Krycek had made that 
choice for all of them.

Please go, Fox.  Krycek's thought burned into him.  Get her 
out of here.

Mulder turned and began to walk away.  Scully cried, 
holding onto him.  Mulder wished there was something he 
could do, but he knew there was nothing.  He had no power 
to help this in any way.  The only thing he could do was 
take Scully out of here, take her home to Cade.

'I can't leave him here.'  Scully said, her voice shaking 
through her tears.

'I know, Scully.'  He replied, powerless to do anything.

She began to cry harder.  'I can't leave him here.'

'I know, Scully.'  Mulder kicked open the door and they 
both squinted in the bright sunshine.  'I know.'

Mulder put her into the car and ran around to the other 
side.

Scully was sobbing, feeling Krycek's anguish at losing her 
and Cade.  She felt that he knew in his heart that he would 
never see either of them again.

Mulder started the car and pulled out of the parking lot.  
'Lucy in the Sky With Diamonds' was playing on the stereo.

'...Follow her down to a bridge by a fountain...Where 
rocking horse people eat marshmallow pies...'

Scully gasped, her eyes were wide.  Krycek was gone.  Her 
eyes flicked back and forth, she searched for him.  But 
just like that, he was gone.

***

The next summer...

Mulder brought Scully a glass of iced tea.  They were 
sitting on the bottom deck of the beach house.  She smiled 
her thanks at him as he sat down in the chair next to her.

They both watched Cade, building some crazy sandcastle.

'I can't believe how big he's getting.'  Mulder observed.  
'Every time I come out, he's doubled in size.'

Scully smiled.  'It's amazing.'

Mulder came out to visit Scully every chance he got, which 
wasn't as often as she'd like.  At least it's better than 
the last time, she sighed.  She didn't blame him for not 
being there with her, she knew he thought he was doing the 
right thing, trying to fight Spender.  Wherever he was.

Things were different between them.

A lot had happened while she was away.  People had moved on 
with their lives.  Back when she had been pregnant, it had 
seemed that Mulder would never be able to forgive her for 
having Krycek's child, that they were always going to have 
problems.

Now she saw how much he loved Cade.  She saw that he had 
even managed to half bury the hatchet he'd had for Krycek.  
Mulder seemed happy and at ease with himself and with her.  
With Cade and with Krycek.  She knew that Mulder had loved 
her, that maybe he still did.  She made sure that he knew 
how much she cared about him.

But things were still different.

Mulder knew that Scully missed Krycek terribly.  Hell, he 
himself did.  He had just started to get to know the man.  
Had just started to get over the past.  Had just started 
kicking the idea around in his head that maybe it'd be nice 
to have a brother.

Mulder had always wondered what had happened between Krycek 
and Scully the night before Cade was born.  He didn't know.  
He figured he never would.  Mulder knew that Scully had 
loved him, that maybe she still did.  He made sure that she 
knew that he cared about her.

But things were still different.

Later on that evening, Mulder was preparing some veggie 
burgers on the grill; Scully and Cade were sitting together 
on a bench, visiting without saying a word.

'Mommy?'

'Hmmm?'

Cade had looked up at her with his beautiful blue eyes.

'Sometimes I hear Daddy.'

Scully smiled at him sadly.  'I know, sweetheart.  
Sometimes I do too.'

Cade had left it at that, seeming to understand without 
needing to hear a word.

After 'Uncle Fox' had put Cade to bed, he and Scully had 
sat in the full moon, having a glass of wine.

'You've never told me.'  Mulder said.  'Krycek talks to 
you?'

'No.'  Scully shook her head.  ' Alex would never torture 
us like that.  I think that sometimes when he thinks about 
us, that's what we're feeling.'

Mulder sighed, putting a hand over hers.  She immediately 
interlaced her fingers with his, enjoying the support he 
gave her.

'Tell me about my brother.'

Scully smiled over at him.  Mulder had never called Alex 
that before.  'He loves music.'

'Yeah?'  Mulder returned her smile.  'What's his favorite 
group?'

'Pink Floyd.'  Scully said.  'He said that he'd always 
thought they were singing to him.  That all their songs 
mirrored his feelings.'

Pink Floyd, Mulder thought to himself.  I remember that.  
They kept him sane.

Krycek, sitting in a huddled black ball on the beach 
getting drunk.

He shook his head to clear it before Scully could pick the 
image out of his head.  She didn't need to know any of 
that.  It would just upset her.

He took a sip of his wine.  'What's his favorite song?'

'Imagine.'

Mulder looked surprised.  'John Lennon?'

'Yes.'  She nodded.  'Alex may have seemed evil and mean 
and harsh, but underneath, he wanted nothing but peace on 
earth.'  Scully smiled, remembering all the times Alex had 
told her he was bitter he'd missed the sixties.  'He was 
just a big hippie.'

Mulder was silent for a moment.  'I've missed a lot, 
haven't I?'

'Yes.'  She said softly.  'You have.'

They didn't speak for a very long time.  Scully suddenly 
took a deep breath.  When Mulder looked over at her 
questioningly, she smiled and set her other hand on top of 
his.  'See what I mean?'  She asked softly.

Mulder felt Krycek, thinking about Cade, Scully, and him.  
He smiled at the odd feeling that his brother was reaching 
out to him.  He tried to reach back, to let him know that 
all was okay, that all was finally forgiven.  That he 
hadn't been forgotten.

That he was his brother.

Mulder spoke aloud softly to put more effort behind it.

'Hey Alex.'

The End