Disclaimers in Part One.
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.'
End Part Four
Continued in Part Five.
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