Disclaimers in Part One.
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.
End Part Five.
Continued in Part Six.
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