If Only…

by Sundancer

Alex Krycek watched his superior get into the car.  He had been up all night, thinking of what he had done 'for his country'.  His nerves were on edge from the events of the day before, no sleep, too much caffeine and, if he was honest with himself, a sense of betrayal.  He waited until the door shut and asked, "Skinner's expecting my report on the Duane Barry incident.  What do I tell him?"

The thin man with the hard eyes said shortly, "The truth."

Alex glanced at him, confused.  "What do you mean?"

The man sighed.  "Confirm Mulder's version of events.  You've earned his trust, the object now is to preserve it," he explained patiently.

"For how much longer?"  Krycek questioned him.

The man paused, then answered, "Until this assignment is completed."

Krycek refused to let the matter drop.  "If Mulder's such a threat, why not eliminate him?"

A quick glance from the man at his side and a terse, "That's not policy."

Alex stared at the man, astonished.  "It's not?  After what you had me do?"

His employer and patron continued to smoke his cigarette and calmly replied, "Kill Mulder and you risk turning one man's religion into a crusade."

The younger man took a deep breath and asked the question that had kept him up all night.  "What about Scully?"

Sideways look and a terse, "We've taken care of that."

Again, Krycek refused to let go.  "How?"  Pushing his luck, knowing he dreaded the answer.

"We tell you only what you need what to know," ending the discussion and getting out of the car.

"I think I have a right to know," Alex stated angrily.

The older man stared at him coldly.  "You have no rights," he reminded Alex, "only orders to be carried out.  If you have a problem with that we'll make other arrangements."  He shut the car door and left Alex to his thoughts.  Alex stared after the man.  He thought back to the decisions he had made that had changed his life.  'If only…', he thought to himself.  Lost in thought, he saw a pretty red-headed woman laughing up into his eyes.  He thought back to the FBI Academy and what might have been…

FBI Academy, Quantico VA
1991
Sunday afternoon, early Spring

Dana stared at the page of Cyrillic characters.  "I am never going to survive this class", she thought for the umpteenth time.  She thought back to the argument with her father over the past weekend.  She knew that her choice of the FBI as a career had upset her parents.  They had hoped she would complete medical school, finish her residency at a good hospital and settle into a teaching or research position.  "And marry some nice, stuffy 'stable' doctor with prospects of Chief of Staff in his future.", she groused to herself.  She was tired of being their good, normal, steady and dependable daughter.  They expected that Missy would be wild and go off on tangents chasing butterflies.  But not Dana.  Not good, normal, stable Dana.

It had all come to a head that weekend.  There had been a loud (very loud) argument with her father; after which, she had slammed the door on her way out and driven well over the speed limit back to Quantico.  Determined to throw herself into her studies and show them she was independent, she came smack up against the fact that the Russian language course (required for graduation from the Academy) was going to do her in.

Dana came back from her daydreaming when the door to her room opened.  Her roommate, Stacy, came in, saw Dana studying on a beautiful Sunday afternoon and stopped short.

"Oh.  Dana.  I…I thought you weren't coming back from your parents' place until later this evening," Stacy began hesitantly.  Having heard Dana's end of several long distance phone calls from Captain Scully, she knew that since Dana was here and not home that the weekend had not been a success.

"No, I just thought I would come back early…..  so as not to be tired tomorrow," Dana replied.  She closed the Russian grammar book, looked at Stacy and started to cry.  Stacy came across the room and hugged her roommate.  "Come on, sweetie.  Tell Aunt Stacy all about it.  Did you have another 'discussion' with your father about the FBI?"

Dana sniffled into Stacy's shoulder and pulled back.  "I hate it when I lose control like that.  I really hate that I let them get to me.  I am an adult and am capable of making my own choices.  They still treat me like I am the 'baby of the family' and not old enough to know what I want.  I am going to finish this course and join the FBI."  She started to grin, "Of course, that kind of assumes I am going to survive Russian.  Why is it that I can ace firearms training, hand-to-hand combat and investigative methods and not have a clue when it comes to a language course?"

Stacy grinned back at her.  "Firearms: your dad taught you to hunt when you were what?  Eight, nine years old?  Hand-to-hand combat is easy.  Didn't you grow up with two older brothers?  And investigative methods is just the basic scientific method principles applied to a crime scene.  The language courses, however, take feeling , understanding….and, if necessary," she said as she handed her friend a Kleenex, "a tutor."

Dana wiped her eyes, blew her nose and looked at Stacy.  "Who do you know that can tutor me fast enough to pass Russian?  Preferably with at least a 'B' average.  And what is it going to cost me?"

Stacy looked at her and grinned.  "Dana Katherine Scully!  What makes you think I know someone who can tutor you?  And get a 'B', huh?"  She giggled.  "I don't know anybody off the top of my head, but I am sure we can find you a cheap date…I mean tutor".  She laughed at the look of consternation on Dana's face.  "Don't worry, girl.  Passing Russian with a respectable grade isn't going to cost you your virtue."

Dana grinned back at her.  "Damn.  And I had such high hopes…"

Alex Krycek slammed shut the forensic textbook.  His roommate, Brian Pendrell, looked up at the sudden noise.

"Let me guess…forensics got you frustrated again, Alex?", he asked as Krycek began to pace around the room.

"I am never going to pass that damn forensics course…not in a million years.  Science was never my thing, Bri."  Alex looked out at the warm spring afternoon.  "I'm going to take my bike out for awhile.  It's too nice an day to stay inside studying.  Besides, maybe I'll get hit by a truck and either suddenly understand medical terms or croak."

Pendrell laughed at the look on his friend's face.  "It's not necessarily an either or proposition, Alex.  Are you sure you want to tempt fate and get caught with that bike of yours?  I seem to remember them saying something about leaving the grounds without permission….", Brian's voice trailed off as Alex opened the dorm room door.

"Funny, I must have missed that part.  For one thing, if I don't take a break, I'm going to go nuts.  For another, I am going to follow a principle learned in my mis-spent youth: 'it ain't illegal if you don't get caught'.  And I don't intend to get caught", Alex grinned at Brian as he shut the door.  Pendrell was a good kid and an okay roommate, but Alex was getting fed up with being a "good boy".

Right now, Alexander Krycek, known as "Sacha" to his family, needed the release of riding his motorcycle: fast, dangerous and…  free.  There were so many conflicting allegiances in his background that it was becoming hard to remember who and what he really was.  Alex intended to make it through the Academy, do what he needed to do to advance within the FBI (and within the shadow group he was beginning to think of as his second family) and prove he could make something of himself.  Something other than the black sheep of his conservative Russian family.  Other than the rebel/wild child he had been all through high school and college.  He still remembered the reports to his father: "Alexander excels in his studies.  He is, however, willful and lacks necessary self discipline."  The discipline had then been applied (in liberal amounts) by his father.

///He thought back several years.  To when the man his father referred to as "my greatest friend" (and whom Alex privately thought of as 'that smoking s.o.b.') had begun to discuss plans for Alex's future with his parents.  Of course, the future plans included employment within the Consortium.  ('My lousy grades in science must have really screwed some of their planning', Alex thought to himself with a grin.) It was always understood that Alex would complete school and university and then matters concerning his future would be finalized.  Alex recalled the conversation with the Smoker following his college graduation.

"We have made…arrangements for you to enter the FBI Academy," the man began.

Alex looked at him coldly.  "What if I had already made plans for myself?"  he asked.

Cold eyes stared back at him fixedly.  "Change them."  He continued to stare at Alex until the younger man lowered his eyes.  The Smoker then put his hand on Krycek's shoulder.  "Alex.  You will make your parents very proud of you.  Your father, rest his soul, saw your potential when you were very young.  You are bright, ambitious, and able to think on your feet."  He paused and added, " And totally without a conscience when necessary.  I admire that in you."

Alex looked back at him.  ('You have no idea what I'm like, you sonofabitch.  But as long as you think you are getting your own way and I'm your good little trained dog, we'll see how it goes'.) "Thank you, sir," he looked at the other man.  "I don't express myself well sometimes but I am grateful for your interest and help in my education and career plans."  ///

Alex loped down the dormitory stairs, exited the building and headed for the front gate.  "Thank God the Marine Base is next door.  If I can catch the bus from there, I can get to my place in plenty of time for a long ride", he thought to himself.  As he set off across the compound area, he reached into his jacket pocket, retrieved cigarettes and lighter and lit one.  He puffed once and then took a deep breath of the fresh spring air.  "Damn, I wish….", he began, then stopped himself.  Wishes weren't reality and if there was one thing Alex had learned in his life, it was that nine times out of ten, in a showdown between wishes and reality, wishes got their ass kicked by reality.  Alex had become a firm believer in reality.

Wednesday evening

Dana came out of the bathroom to find Stacy sitting cross-legged on the bed, grinning.

"Oh, goody," Stacy began.  "You're here."

Dana looked at her.  "Of course I'm here.  Who did you think was in the shower?  Mel Gibson?"

Stacy grinned back at her.  "Nah, too short.  I'm more a Harrison Ford type of gal…Give me the strong, silent, intellectual type…with, of course, a world-class rear view.  You still interested in getting some help with your Russian?"  she asked innocently.

Dana finished towel drying her hair and threw the towel in the clothes hamper.  "Don't be silly.  Of course I am.  You come up with a likely candidate?  One who knows Russian and can save my ass, as opposed to being after it", she grinned back at Stacy.  They both knew that the FBI was still the territory of the "Boy's Club" and female students (as well as agents) put up with the inevitable double standard.  Sometimes the younger guys were worse than the older agents and instructors.  "I want to get a good grade…", she began.

Stacy bounced back on the bed.  "…as opposed to get laid?"  , she questioned.  "Don't worry.  I think I've found you the perfect tutor.  His parents are Russian immigrants, he speaks it fluently and he needs some help in forensics.  It should be a perfect deal for both of you."  Stacy did not add that this 'perfect' tutor was, according to his roommate, the closet bad boy of the Academy.  Dana needed a tutor, not a date.

With mid-terms in four weeks, Dana couldn't afford to get picky.  Sitting back up, she looked at Stacy.  "What, I mean, who have you got in mind?', she asked.

"His name is Alex Krycek.  His roommate is my lab partner.  Remember Brian Pendrell?  Cute, kind of huggy-bear type?  He says Alex is going under with forensics and is ready to give up…Sounds like a deal made in heaven to me.  He also told me that Alex is kind of cute…if you like tall, dark hair, hazel-green eyes and muscles….", she trailed off.  "Anyway, if you're interested, Brian and I can set up for you two to meet us for lunch tomorrow.  Yes?"

Dana finished getting ready for bed as she thought it over.  She had never had a tutor in any of her classes.  She really wasn't that interested in what he looked like.  She couldn't afford to get involved with anyone yet.  Even though she talked tough, Dana Katherine Scully was the good girl her mother thought she was.  She thought to herself that Stacy would faint if Dana ever told her that she was still a virgin.  'That Catholic school training still works, I guess', she grinned.  Sure, she had had some experience.  But something had always stopped her from taking a relationship to that final step.  Not that there had been that many 'relationships'.  There had been her high school sweetheart and then Matt in college.  During her first year in med school, she finally decided that she should take a look at her priorities.  She determined to focus on getting her MD; then work on her personal life.

'What personal life?', she thought to herself.  As she turned out the light, she looked at Stacy.  "Sure.  What have I got to lose?"

Next day

During the early morning lab, Stacy told Brian to set up with his roommate to meet the three of them for lunch.  Brian looked closely at Stacy.  "Are you really sure this is a good idea?," he asked her.  "I've told you that Alex is smart, ambitious and probably going to be a great agent.  But he is a little bit on the wild side.  I've talked with Dana a little bit.  She seems very quiet and naive.  I don't think…"

Stacy interrupted impatiently.  "Just trust me on this one, Bri.  Alex Krycek is exactly the tutor that Dana needs.  She is so focused that sometimes I think she is going to crack up if she gets an 'average' grade.  Maybe Krycek can teach her to lighten up a little while leading her through the intricacies of Slavic languages.  Besides, what have either one of them got to lose?  It's not like we're setting them up on a date for God's sake.  Don't be such a worrier", she grinned as she left the lab room.

When Stacy ran into Dana between classes, she arranged to meet up in the cafeteria at 12:15.  Dana agreed and hurried off to her class on Legal Issues in Law Enforcement.

Dana looked up at the clock on the way out of the classroom.  "Damn", she thought angrily.  "Why is it that class is always late when I need to be somewhere on time ?"  She knew she had an obsession with being punctual.  It was important to her to be able to control her time and space.  She hated being late to appointments and feeling rushed and embarrassed.  She stopped off in the restroom; took a quick look at her hair and makeup and decided that she looked okay, although she looked a little mussed ('damn humidity.  Even in the spring it makes my hair frizz and my nose shiny!', she thought as she hurriedly ran a comb through her short red hair).

Growing up with a tall, slender, older sister who attracted boys to her bouncy personality like bees to pollen, Dana really had no idea how lovely she was.  The boys never seemed to notice "little Dana": short, pudgy, with untamed hair, braces and freckles.  She was good enough to play ball with, but not cute enough to ask out.  (She remembered the older boys coming to the house to talk to Missy: 'Hey, kiddo, is your good-looking big sister home?') Time had changed all that however.  Although she was still shorter than her sister, she was as slender, resulting in almost perfect proportions.  With healthy, glowing skin, hazel-blue eyes and an easy smile (when she let herself relax), she didn't realize that, while older men looked at her with (often undisguised) lust, the boys of her college and med school days had felt somehow inadequate and afraid to approach her.

Dana rushed down the corridor and around the corner.  Looking at her watch and not where she was going, she ran almost full tilt into the man headed to the cafeteria from the other direction.  It did not help that he had not been concentrating on where he was headed and was also in a hurry.  Strong arms grabbed her biceps and prevented her from falling.  Dana's purse flew in one direction and her books in the other.  She tossed her head back, flipping the hair out of her eyes and looked up into vivid green eyes with the longest lashes she had ever seen.

She sucked in a breath, and snapped, "Why don't you look where you're going?  We're lucky one of us wasn't hurt."

She immediately started to pull away, looking down for her purse and books.  The hands on her arms gripped her tighter, forcing her to look back up at the man holding her.  All of a sudden, Stacy's description flashed through her brain: tall, green eyes,…muscles.  'Oh God!  You wouldn't do this to me, would you?', she thought, feeling her face begin to burn with embarrassment.  She took a deep breath, looked the man straight in the eyes and asked, "Is your name Alex Krycek, by any chance?", praying for a negative response.

Alex looked down at the flustered woman he was holding.  "Let me guess…Dana Scully?  Are you okay?  Did I hurt you?," he trailed off as she wriggled out of his grasp.  He bent to help her pick up her purse and books and then grabbed his scattered books.  He stood back up and took a deep breath.  "Sorry.  I wasn't watching where I was going and I was late and…", he paused, "and I'm babbling."

Dana, still conscious of her heightened color, gathered her thoughts and looked at him.  Her comments of the night before came back to haunt her.  'Great…just what I need.  First I nearly run him over, then he apologizes to me…'.  She grinned at him, "No problem.  I wasn't looking either.  Law ran late and I was hurrying to meet you, Stacy and Brian.  Do you have time to grab something?"  She stopped cold, realizing what she had said.  She felt her face turn red as she stammered, "…to eat, I mean?"  ('real cool, Dana-girl.  Try to get a grip on yourself.  He's going to think you are an idiot!')

Alex noticed her blush and stammer and looked into the cafeteria, spotting Stacy and Brian.  He gave Dana a second to collect herself and smiled at her.  "Sure, I'm always hungry."  At the startled look on her face, he thought about what he had said and felt the tips of his ears redden.  'What the hell is up with that?', he thought.  'I haven't blushed, particularly at a pretty woman, since I was twelve years old.  Alex: it has definitely been too long since you got laid'.

After a quick trip through the cafeteria line (salad and Root Beer for Dana; a double cheeseburger, fries and chocolate shake for Alex), they joined Stacy and Brian at the table.  The two of them looked up as Dana and Alex approached with their trays.  "We see you two already…introduced yourselves", Stacy grinned.

"Don't feel too bad, Dana.  From what I understand, 'Hurricane Alex' here has been known to inflict real damage when he gets in a rush," Brian laughed and gathered up his laptop and books.  "I gotta run.  I need to go for a run this afternoon and try to improve my time on the 'long course'".  He grimaced and took in the looks of sympathy from the other three.  The dreaded 'long course' was every trainees worst nightmare.  A two/three/five mile course, it was loaded with obstacles (trees to climb, streams to wade through, fences to get through, over or under) and had specific time limits for each course.  Trainees were required to meet or beat these limits prior to graduation.

Alex looked at his roommate.  "Go to it, Bri.  Imagine you're a field agent chasing a suspect through the bayous.  With an alligator bent on having your ass for dinner," he laughed as Brian grinned.  "That should improve your time…if not your style going over the obstacles."

Stacy laughed and gathered her things.  "Well, it's been fun, but, I have to go study.  I have a hot date with my federal regs manual."  So saying she joined Brian and they walked out of the cafeteria and around the corner.  Once there, they stopped and looked at each other.  "Well," Stacy looked at Brian, "we got them together.  Now the rest of it is up to them.  Did you see them look at each other?"

Brian peeked back around the corner and turned to Stacy.  "Yeah.  But I still feel like I just introduced the lion's next meal to him and handed him the salt.  I just hope you're right and Dana can handle Alex.  I told you, he is getting jumpier and jumpier.  I've known Alex since college.  He hasn't ever behaved himself for this long."

Stacy smiled at Brian's worried look.  "So you said.  That's what I'm counting on.  Dana needs someone to make her laugh, loosen up that tight control she keeps herself under.  Do you realize she hasn't gone out with anyone the whole time we have been at the Academy?  Not once."  Stacy shook her head.  "That girl needs to relax or she's never going to make it through.  Besides, what's the worst that can happen?"  She asked as they went their separate ways.

Dana and Alex finished lunch and worked out a study schedule which suited both of them.  Dana was adamant that the best plan was for several weeks of intense study.  Alex, although he was not nearly as eager regarding class work as she was, agreed.  After all, there were worse things that spending his spare time with a cute little redhead.  Maybe this wasn't such a bad idea after all.

Two weeks later

"Dana, do you realize it is Saturday afternoon?"  Alex asked.  He looked at the redhead.  "I really don't want to spend Saturday night studying, do you?"  He put on his best hang-dog look.  "You are doing really well with the Russian grammar; I am beginning to understand anatomy", he leered at her and raised his eyebrows, "in the best way possible," he finished, "so can't we take an evening off?"

Dana looked across the library table at her tutor.  "What's up, Alex?  Hot date?"  She asked sarcastically.  They had taken to studying in the library because of the interruptions from phone calls.  From the remarks by Brian and others, it was apparent that women found Alex very attractive.  And attentive.  And available.  Slowly coloring under the look that Alex was giving her, Dana began to understand the attraction.  "All right," she finally said.  "Quit looking like I just told you to take your puppy to the pound.  After all, we're not joined at the hip."

Alex looked at her with a gleam in his eye.  Over the past two weeks of intense study time together, Alex had had plenty of time to observe Dana Scully.  He had heard from Brian and others how focused and obsessive she could be about her studies.  She seemed determined to surpass the previous best scores achieved by previous agent-trainees.  He had become aware that this wasn't from arrogance, but from a need to excel.  He had picked up enough to know that she was out to prove something to herself and to her family.  Alex could understand the motivation, even admire it.  He just had no intention of being that devoted to excelling in the Academy.  Getting through to graduation and an FBI agent's badge was a means to an end for Alex; not an end in itself.

"Dana, it's not just me that needs to get out and cut loose.  What are you going to do this weekend?  More studying?"  he asked, already knowing the answer.

Dana looked a little sheepish.  "Well, I thought I would keep at it.  Just for a while.  I will take a break tomorrow.  Maybe go for a bike ride around Quantico.  Get out; get some fresh air.  You know….", she trailed off, looking up and finding Alex watching her.  'Sometimes,' she thought, 'he looks like a cat.  Like the leopards in the zoo.  Watching the tourists like their next meal.'

"Well, I, on the other hand am going into town for the evening.  Find some action.  Do something not related to studying, classes, physical training or anything serious," Alex concluded.  He stood up and stretched, arching his back to get the kinks out.  Dana watched him prepare to leave.  He did move like a leopard; sleek, sinuous, every muscle moving in synch.  He put his hands together, stretched his arms over his head and leaned backwards, stretching and twisting from side to side.  Alex did not have the heavy muscles of some tall men; but he was built well.  He projected an aura of controlled power.  Dana found herself wondering what it would feel like to be held by that power.  She shook her head.  'You gotta get out more, girl.  That or start taking cold showers.  A lot of cold showers.' She smiled at Alex.  "Have a good time.  And, Alex, try not to get caught at …whatever."

Alex laughed and his eyes sparkled.  "Dana, I learned a long time ago: If I wasn't going to be good, I better get good at being careful.  Don't study too hard."  He grabbed his books and headed for the door.  "See you, kiddo."

Dana's head snapped up as he left.  'Kiddo?' Memories of being Missy's "little sister Dana" flooded unbidden into her mind.  Suddenly, she was tired of being good enough to study with, good enough to go to the range, or the obstacle course with, but not get asked out.  It suddenly occurred to her that it had been months (since she started at the Academy, in fact) since she had gone out with anyone.  Or even gone out looking.  Dana sat at the library table staring at the wall for several minutes.  She gave a long sigh and decided that she needed some air.  'Maybe I'll take a break for awhile and hit it later', she decided.

She got back to the dorm room around 5:00 p.m..  Stacy was looking through the closet as she came in.  "You're back early.  I thought you were going to really hit the books this weekend.  Get a head start on mid-terms…", Stacy trailed off when she looked at Dana's face.  "Hon, what happened?  Tell Stacy all about it.  Did you and Alex have a …  problem?"

Dana looked at her.  "Why would you think we would have a problem?  Actually, he thought we ought to give it a rest for the evening and I decided maybe he was right.  Do you realize that I haven't done anything with my weekends since we started here except study?  And go see my parents?  Once?"  Her voice got higher and higher as she got wound up.  "I suddenly decided I was tired of studying.  I just want to do something…, I don't know…, fun, I guess.  I think I'm beginning to forget how", she finished sadly.

Stacy looked at her roommate.  "Boy, do I have just the prescription for you, Doctor Scully."  She pulled Dana over to their closet.  "Pick out something sexy.  We're going out with Becky and Liz and go dancing."

"Who are we going dancing with?"  Dana asked.

"I told you.  Becky and Liz."

Dana stared at Stacy.  "Stace, I may have forgotten how to have fun, but I haven't forgotten everything.  Don't take this wrong, but neither Becky nor Liz is exactly my type."

Stacy started laughing.  "Don't be silly.  We are going to hit a couple of the places in Alexandria.  Trust me, girl, we will find you a guy who is your type.  Speaking of which, just what type would that be?"  she asked as she went back to trying to pick out 'something sexy' for Dana.

"I don't know.  At this point, vertical and breathing.  And under a hundred.  With all his own teeth and body parts.  Other than that, I'm not in the mood to be real picky.  Oh," she added, "and it would be nice if he was a good dancer."  If Dana had a hidden vice (besides chocolate), it was that she loved to dance.  The music seemed to touch her and carry her away.  She couldn't sing to save her soul, but she could dance.

She stared at the contents of her closet.  Thinking back to Krycek's goodbye, she reached in and pulled out a dress hidden at the very back.  It was short, black, sexy and everything a 'good little girl' wasn't.  Spaghetti straps, a bodice that enhanced her full, natural curves and a hemline that ended somewhere between her knees and good sense.  Dana had bought it some time ago, but never had the nerve to wear it.  Deciding that tonight she was going to give in to her baser impulses, Dana tossed the dress onto the bed and headed for the shower.

Stacy took one look at Dana's dress and her eyes grew larger.  "Wow!  All right, what have you done with the real Dana Scully?"  She joked.  "When you decide to let go, you let go."

Dana looked back at her.  "I just decided it is time to show everybody I'm not Missy's little sister anymore."

Stacy watched Dana retreat into the bathroom and close the door.  She took another look at Dana's dress.  'Oh, you're out to show somebody something, girlfriend', she muttered to herself.  'I just hope you don't get more than you bargained for.' She resolved to keep an eye on her roommate that evening.  It appeared that Dana was in a mood to go looking for trouble.

Later that evening

Dana walked into 'Raffles' with her three friends.  The four women had been to two other local dance clubs and were having a great time.  They were all friends and knew that if one of them wanted to stay later, the others would understand.  So far, although the men they danced with were nice, no one quite started the sparks flying for any of them.

Stacy had kept a protective eye on Dana for most of the evening.  The petite redhead had gone all out for tonight.  Her had had been fluff-dried around her face in soft curls that moved with the light.  Her makeup emphasized her blue eyes and porcelain complexion.  Her lips were bright red.  And that dress…..  Male eyes watched appreciatively as Dana Scully walked by.  The dress showed off her curves and her legs while still leaving a lot to the imagination.  And Stacy could tell, even if Dana was oblivious to the reactions of the men they had met, that most of the men had very vivid imaginations.  So far, though, Dana hadn't seemed all that interested in anyone.  She had danced a few times, but mostly, she just watched.  Stacy noted that Dana had, however, had probably drank a little more alcohol than Stacy knew she was used to.  She was not tipsy, but the two or three drinks she'd consumed had probably lowered her inhibitions.   'Raffles' was packed.  The dance floor and the bar were wall to wall with couples.  Over the driving beat of 'Aerosmith', Stacy leaned towards Dana.  "See anybody…I mean, anything you like?", she yelled.

Dana suddenly froze, causing Stacy to stop short.  Stacy looked at Dana's face then, turned to follow her eyes towards the bar.  She saw Krycek leaning there: just raising his glass towards his mouth.  He was smiling down at a pretty blonde who was obviously trying to get very friendly.  The blonde had one arm around his waist and the other reaching up to stroke his neck.  Stacy tried to get Dana's attention.  "Well, well.  I guess we found out what he's up to this weekend."

Dana said nothing, she just kept watching, moving slowly towards the bar area, just out of Krycek's line of sight.  She drank in the sight of him: the black half-boots, the dark form-fitting jeans that hugged his legs like they were glued on.  Her eyes moved up over his calves and thighs, noting the lines of muscles moving as he fidgeted standing next to the good-looking blonde.  'What a surprise.  He's into blondes.' She kept watching, seeing the black leather jacket, the muscle shirt that clung to his body like a second skin, revealing everything and nothing.  Dana shivered.  'Breathe', she told herself.  'Just keep breathing and walking.  And watching.  Damn!  He looks good.'

Alex lifted his gaze to the room at large.  Movement at the corner of his vision made him turn towards Dana and her companions.  He had been laughing at something the woman at his side had said.  Suddenly, the laughter died in his throat as he caught sight of the woman walking slowly towards him.  'Good God, I've died and gone to heaven.' Then he looked closer at the vision in sexy black.  'It can't be,' he said to himself.  'Dana's cute, but…'.  His green eyes heated as he looked at the softly curling copper hair, glowing blue eyes and creamy skin highlighted by…that dress.  He wanted to taste those shoulders and slowly tease both of them by inching those tiny straps down her arms, revealing what appeared to be perfect breasts.

His gaze traveled lower, to the curve of her hips and those legs, clad in what he suspected were lace topped stockings, not pantyhose.  This vision in front of him wouldn't wear something so mundane as pantyhose.  Her high-heeled strap sandals made her legs go on forever.  And what appealing legs they were.  He felt his blood leave his head on a one-way journey south as he imagined carefully removing those stockings and making his way - slowly - back up those legs.  His groin tightened as his imagination saw those same legs wrapped around his waist.  'Whoa, boy.' He came back to himself with a start.  'This isn't some one-night stand pick-up you're lusting after here.  It's Dana.  Your study partner.  Cute girl; but all business, no play.  Remember?', he attempted to sidetrack his libido.  'And your point?', his libido answered.

Meanwhile, Dana watched Alex staring at her.  She could feel the heat in his eyes wash over her in waves.  She focused on remembering to breathe and not melt into a puddle right there in the middle of the room.  Hummingbirds had set up shop in her chest; she felt her heart pounding and her stomach flutter with the rush of adrenaline.  As his eyes raked over her ('Taking inventory, Alex?'), she felt her skin flush with color.  She slowly smiled at him and waited for him to make his move.

His eyes remained locked with hers.  Both of them were oblivious to the people around them.  He reached behind him and set his drink down on the bar.  He didn't even glance at the blonde by his side as he uncoiled himself and stood up.  He could feel the tightness in his groin as he began to move.  He slowly crossed the distance between them as the music began again.

"Would you like to dance?", he asked softly as he took her hand.

"That depends.  How good are you?", she asked in return.

Alex pulled her close, inhaling the scent of Opium and Dana Scully.  As his arms encircled her, he whispered in her ear, "Darling Dana, you have no idea."

Something's coming in the air tonight
Hold on.
I can feel it coming in the air tonight
Hold on.

Dana snuggled closer to Alex.  She could feel the heat radiating off him, aware that the dance floor was not so crowded that he had to hold her so tightly.  He cradled her hand in his and held it against his chest.  She could see his nipples through his shirt, beginning to harden in arousal.  As his fingers gently stroked her palm, it occurred to her that, if she moved her fingers just a little to the right…  At the same time, she felt his other hand skimming over the small of her back in feather-light circles.  Dana concentrated on breathing .  She inhaled deeply and took in the smell of vanilla/musk and aroused male.  'Maybe there is something to that stuff about pheromones, after all', she hazily thought.  'If you could package and sell this, women would kill for it.'

Alex continued his slow seduction.  He couldn't believe he had spent the last two weeks up close and personal with the woman in his arms and had not noticed her considerable charms.  The skin of her lower back felt like silk.  When she tilted her head back to look up at him, his imagination flared.  He had an image of her riding him, tilting her head back in passion as his hands caressed her breasts.  'Get a grip on it, boy', he told himself, feeling his groin tighten at the thoughts that raced through his mind.  'You keep this up and the only thing that's going to happen tonight is getting your ass beat…  by your study partner.'

Alex nuzzled the copper curls.  "How am I doing?", he whispered in her ear.  "Does my dancing meet your standards?"  His voice was hoarse.  His tongue reached out to moisten his lips and, ('ogod!  I swear it was an accident!') gently licked the lobe of Dana's ear.  She gasped and he felt the shiver that went through her.  "Sorry", he quickly whispered, filing her reaction away for future reference.

Dana caught her breath, unable to believe the intense reaction of her body to Krycek's tongue gently touching her ear.  She pulled back just a bit so she could look up at him.  Forest green eyes dilated so far as to look black in this light.  Face that could tempt a statue to sin.  "Not a problem, Alex.  And", she continued, smiling softly, "your dancing more than meets the minimum qualifications."

They continued to dance.  Feeling the pulse of the music.  Moving against in other in point-counterpoint, joining and parting.  Each lost in private fantasies.  Dana's arm slowly snaked up his chest to clasp her hands behind his neck.  She carded her fingers through the hair at the nape of his neck.  'So soft.', she thought letting her eyes drift closed and hearing the blood pounding in her ears.  She felt his hand stroke down the curve of her arm, then past her breast and move to join his other arm behind her.  She didn't think it was possible for him to pull her closer, until he did.  Joined from neck to ankles, she felt him move her so that his thigh nudged between her legs.  Her lips were pressed against his throat.  She could feel the heat; feel his pulse pounding faster and faster.  Her hips began to rotate gently against his.  She felt his erection pressing against her.

Alex hissed and bent his head to whisper in her ear, "Dana…", he began and faltered.  His voice was failing him.  He gulped in a breath and tried again.  "If you keep doing that…," he muttered just as the music stopped.  Dana started to pull away from him.

With space between their bodies, Alex found his voice.  "Would you like to get something to drink?"  he asked.  Dana grinned up at him.  "Can't we keep dancing, just one more?", she asked.

As the music started again - fast, with a strong bass beat - Alex reached for her.  "Whatever you want, as long as you want.  It's yours."

Several dances later, Dana looked around for Stacy and her other companions.  She spotted them over at a table near the dance floor.  She and Krycek decided to take a break from dancing and went to join her friends.  As they neared the table, Alex asked her what she wanted to drink and left to head for the bar.  As Dana sat down, Stacy leaned over and asked, "Are you having a good time?"

Dana grinned at her.  "What is that?  A trick question?  Yes, Mom, I am having a good time."

About that time, Becky and Liz went back to the dance floor, leaving Stacy and Dana a chance to talk before Alex got back to the table.  "So, you gonna ride back to the dorms with us?  Or do you have…ahem…  alternate transportation?"

Stacy watched Dana watch Krycek weaving his way between the dancers.  "I don't know yet," she sighed.  "He hasn't said anything…I don't even know if he has alternate transportation available," she trailed off as Stacy started laughing.

"Dana Katherine Scully, the man hasn't let you out of his arms since you walked in here over", she glanced pointedly at her wristwatch, " over two hours ago.  And from the look on his face, I don't think there's much blood supply getting to his brain to carry on a conversation."  She grinned at her roommate.  "And as for alternate transportation, I have it on good authority that he keeps his motorcycle garaged at his apartment here in Arlington."  She stopped speaking just as Alex reached the table with two drinks: beer for him and a vodka tonic for Dana.

"You know, vodka is much better ice cold," he said as he took a sip of his beer.  He had heard most of Stacy's last sentence and had guessed the direction of the conversation.  Getting Dana alone had (obviously) been on his mind for much of the last two hours.  He felt a hand on his shoulder.  Looking up, he saw his roommate looking down at him.  "Where did you come from, Bri?"

Pendrell smiled, " I would have thought your father would have told you about the birds and the bees a long time ago, Alex", he began, then started to…giggle.  He dropped into the chair beside Stacy and looked at her solemnly.  " Stacy, did I ever tell you that you have beautiful…eyes," he finished.

Stacy gently set Brian's glass on the table.  "Sweetie, you have had way too much of whatever it is that you have been having.  How did you get here?"

Alex saw the evening going downhill fast.  It looked like plans to be alone with Dana Scully were going to have to take second place to getting an obviously drunk Pendrell back to the Academy…on his bike, probably.  He wondered if prayer would have any effect.  'If that doesn't work, I may move on to clicking my heels together and wishing for Kansas'.

At that point, Becky and Liz came back over to their table, laughing with their partners.  "Stacy, Dana, um…could you two possibly take a cab back to the dorm?  Bill and Jason are stationed at Newport Beach and we offered them a ride", Becky began.

Brian focused on the conversation again, having been lost in the appreciation of Stacy's eyes.  "I have my car, but I don't think I can squeeze all four of us in," he began, looking at Stacy, Dana and Alex.  He dug into his pocket.  "See…the keys", he finished triumphantly waving them in front of Stacy.  She grabbed them and told him "Brian, you are not driving anybody.  I'll drive.  But you're right.  It's going to be a tight fit in the little car of yours.  Particularly if…," she broke off and looked sternly at him, "Did you ever put the back seat in after we moved that bookcase you bought last weekend?"

Brian thought about her question and his face fell.  "Um…I …kind of …forgot.  I suppose we can't all just crowd into the front?"

Alex looked at Stacy and Dana.  He chuckled and asked Stacy, "Can you get him back to the dorm by yourself?  I've got my bike outside and promise I'll get Dana home in one piece."

At this point, Becky and Liz assumed that the other four would work out the transportation arrangements and left.  Dana, having sat quietly through the conversation and watching Stacy and Krycek decide matters thought it was time to speak up.  "Stacy, are you comfortable with this?  We will follow you," Alex looked up at that comment, "and help get Brian up to his room."  Stacy, having seen the look on Alex's face at Dana's comment, figured that agreeing was easiest.  She sincerely doubted, however, that Alex and Dana would be following her back to the dorms.

Between them, they managed to get Brian out to his car and seatbelted in.  When Stacy drove off, Alex steered Dana to where his bike was parked.  He handed her the helmet.  "Hate to cover up that pretty hair, but…," he broke off, seeing the look on her face.  "What?"  he asked quietly.  Dana looked at him.  She had ridden motorcycles before…just not in a very short dress with practically no back and high heeled sandals.  She looked a little flustered.  "Alex, I..," she took a deep breath.  "The helmet is a nice idea, but I am either going to freeze or flash…or both," she finished, grinning.

Alex looked down at her.  It was a warm evening, but no way was she dressed for a night ride.  He shrugged out of his leather jacket and put her arms in the sleeves.  When he had pushed them up and strapped the helmet on for her, he helped her climb on behind him.  Dana's last thought as they pulled into traffic was that she had to be out of her mind.

Alex gunned the bike and felt Dana tighten her arms around his chest.  As they went faster, she snuggled closer to him.  He got on the Beltway and headed towards Quantico.  As he sped up, he could feel the woman behind him squeeze closer.  It occurred to him that he had no intention of heading back to the Academy tonight.  At least, not before he had some time with Dana Scully to himself.

He realized that taking Dana to his place was a risk, even though it had been provided for him by his parents.  After his father died, Alex's mother had moved to Florida with his older sister and her husband.  The Smoker provided his spending money and the motorcycle.  Although he swept the place every time he was there, he was fairly certain the condo was wired for sound and videotape.  He weighed the risks against the advantages and decided it was worth it.  The man might control what he did but, so far, life had been fairly unrestricted.

Dana realized that Alex had not taken the freeway on-ramp for the Academy.  If anything, the bike sped up.  Stacy's information about Alex having an apartment in the area came back to her.  She realized she was not worried about Stacy, or Brian, or not getting back to Quantico tonight.  "Well, I wanted a break from all that studying…'.  She wasn't sure how far she wanted this night to go, but right now, she just wanted to be with Alex.

The bike slowed and pulled into a condo high-rise building in Crystal City.  As they stopped and garaged the motorcycle, it occurred to Dana that Krycek either had more money and background than he let on or this was (probably) his parent's home.  He took the helmet from her and helped her off the bike.  "I thought maybe Stacy could handle Brian on her own and that you could come up for a cup of coffee before we go back to Quantico.  Usually, I garage the bike here and take a bus back, but I could run you back to the dorms and then bring the bike back here before I go back…What?"  he asked as she started to giggle.

"It's just," she paused to get her breath.  "Alex, do you always talk fast and not breathe when you are nervous?"

He looked a little sheepish.  "I confess.  I'm busted."  His eyes softened.  "Funny.  That was the one way Mama said she could always tell when I was trying to pull a fast one or was embarrassed about something.  Guess I need to watch that."

Dana smiled at him.  "Do your parents live here?"

"No.  My father died during my first year in college.  I keep the condo lease here, even though I've been at the university and am at the Academy now most of the time.  There's no place to garage the bike at Quantico," he finished as he steered her toward the elevator.

Dana noticed that, although he had revealed some information about his father, he hadn't mentioned his mother or any other family.  She had noticed that Alex was very reluctant to share much personal information with the other agent-trainees.  She had also noticed how his face had closed up at the mention of his father.  As they rode up in the elevator, Alex kept his arm loosely around her, but did not do anything else.  They were both quiet.  When the elevator stopped, Alex ushered her out the doors and down the hallway towards his apartment.

Dana noticed that there were only four doors in the hallway.  It occurred to her that they were obviously on the top floor of the high-rise.  Alex was removing his keys as they moved to the door marked P25-4.  He looked down at her and smiled.  "Please forgive the mess.  I haven't been home very long at a stretch lately."  He opened the door and ushered her in, closing and locking the door after them.  He reached out and turned the dimmer switch on the wall.  The entryway was instantly lit by two candelabra sconces on soft eggshell-colored walls.

Dana walked slowly ahead of Alex into the living room.  She had never considered what Alex's background was.  She looked curiously around the room.  As Alex went towards the kitchen, he called back to her, "Would you like a glass of wine?  Coffee?"  She smiled at him, "Whatever…you decide."  She continued exploring, trying to match the home with the man.  She had expected leather, glass and chrome, with tile floors and area rugs.  With maybe movie posters posing as fine art on what she thought of as 'Rental White' walls and magazines scattered around to act as literature.

What she saw was soft ivory wall-to-wall carpeting.  There was an area rug of sorts - what looked like an Aubusson was centered in front of the white brick fireplace.  Instead of leather, the sofa was upholstered in a watered silk moiré in shades of teal and soft green.  The other chairs in the room were covered in the same material; a Queen Anne chair with a reading table and floor lamp beside it to one side and two smaller swivel rockers set on the other side.  The glass in the coffee table and matching end tables was not framed by chrome, but by intricately carved walnut.  Behind the sofa, which faced the fireplace, was what Dana vaguely recognized as a Duncan Pfife sofa table (circa 1750).  The cream-colored walls were decorated with tasteful prints, watercolors and oils of seascapes and various landscapes; there were walnut glass-fronted bookshelves along one wall.  Dana took the time to look at the shelves.  Interspersed among mystery and war novels were books on history, Shakespeare, Dostoyevski (in Russian, she presumed as the characters on the front were in Cyrillic) and archeology.

There was a large oil painting of a winter lake scene in pinks, muted lavenders and vibrant blue over the walnut fireplace mantle.  On the mantle itself was an antique mantle clock and a collection of Venetian glass pieces.  Dana looked closer at the lower left-hand corner of the painting.  In bright red, along the lower corner, was delicately printed 'Alex 1988'.  It appeared Alex spent his spare time on more things that just riding a motorcycle or chasing women.

She crossed the room to the sliding glass doors and looked out at the balcony.  It was large and there was a wrought iron table with two comfortable looking chairs.  As well as a profusion of plants in containers.  The drapes were of the same watered silk pattern as the furniture.

Alex came quietly out of the kitchen and watched Dana explore the room, wondering what she was thinking.  He had never brought anyone from the Academy here; not even Brian, who had become like a brother.  He had found that it was easier if no one knew his background, or made their own assumptions.  Dana turned from the balcony when she felt his eyes on her.

"It's beautiful, Alex.  How can you stand to spend weekends in the dorms when you have this to come home to?", she asked as she accepted the glass of Chardonay he handed to her .

"I told you: I do get out weekends.  I just don't bring anybody here.  And…um…I don't know quite how to put this, but…um…could you not …"

Dana grinned, "Could I not tell anybody that 'poor Alex' lives in a penthouse condo decorated with impeccable taste and a view to die for?"  She took in the blush that colored his face.  "Having money is nothing to be ashamed of, Alex.  But, no, your secret is safe with me."

"It's just that people…some people…react differently when they know.  Or think they know.  It's just easier if I let them make their own assumptions."

"Don't worry.  I have no plans to treat you any differently", she reached up and touched his face gently, "I get the feeling that treating you differently was a lot more painful than you let on."

Alex turned his head and gently kissed her palm, folding her fingers over the place he had kissed.  "No, I learned to consider the source and keep my mouth shut."  He moved over to the entertainment center and sorted through the CDs.  When he turned back to her, soft music filled the room.  He moved toward her, took the wine glass from her hand and set it down.  As he took her in his arms, he asked, "Do you feel up to some more dancing?  This time I don't have to share you with a crowd."

Dana relaxed in his embrace.  She felt the butterflies in her chest again and decided that, wherever the night went, she wanted this.  She stretched her arms up to encircle his neck.  As her eyes drifted closed, she practically purred, "You were right.  Relaxing this evening was a good idea."

Alex smiled down at the woman in his arms.  His lips gently brushed her forehead.

('The problem,' he thought to himself, 'is that dancing with you is making certain parts of me very tense; not relaxed.')

He leaned down to whisper in her ear.  "Have I told you that you are beautiful?  And that I must be blind and stupid not to have noticed before?"  He gently blew in her ear and began to nibble delicately on the lobe.

Dana tilted her head to give him better access.  "Mmmm…Alex…"

"What, sweetheart?"  he whispered as his lips nibbled lower on her neck.

She pulled back in his arms a fraction, breaking contact with him.  He looked down at her, his green eyes larger and darker than she had ever seen them.  His hands moved up to frame her face and tilt it up to meet her eyes with his.  "Sweetheart, do you want me to stop?  I promise…I won't do anything you don't want…"

Dana put her fingers over his lips.  His tongue slipped out to lap at her fingers.  She took a deep breath and said quietly, "No, I don't want you to stop.  I just…", she looked away from him, "I'm very bad at this kind of thing.  It's been a…very long time since anyone…".  She stopped speaking and looked back up at him through her lashes.  He thought her eyes looked like blue fire.  Her fingers traced his lips and moved back to clasp behind his neck.

Alex smiled down at her as he tilted her face back up toward his.  "Dana…", he began as he lowered his lips toward hers.  "Just one kiss…that's all," he whispered just before he kissed her.

('Soft…his lips are so soft.  I would never have imagined Alex Krycek as gentle,' flashed through her mind.)

Alex realized that one kiss was not going to do it.  The gentle kiss that he had started to give her began to deepen and catch both of them on fire.  As one hand tangled in her hair to hold her lips to his, his other moved to the small of her back to press her tightly to him.  Meanwhile, her hands carded through the soft hair at the back of his skull and then began to scratch at the muscles of his shoulders.  The tip of Alex's tongue traced Dana's lips, as though asking permission to enter.  Dana opened her lips and Alex deepened the kiss; his tongue tracing the slick enamel of her teeth and moving to tangle with hers.

As the need for oxygen forced them apart, Dana leaned her head back against Alex's hand, giving him access to her throat and neck.  While she panted for breath, he placed butterfly kisses on her face and started to nibble at her jawline.  Dana felt like she was floating; her body warm and fluid.  'If I was a cat, I'd be purring about now,' she hazily thought.  Alex paused in his exploration of her throat and pulled back to look at her face.  "So much for my willpower," he muttered, grinning at her.  His eyes glittered and his breath was ragged.  "Maybe we better just sit, listen to the music and talk for awhile.  Then I'll get us back to Quantico," he suggested, taking her hand and leading her to the couch.  When they were seated, he put his arm around her shoulders and hugged her close.  As Dana snuggled next to him, he reached over to hand her her wine glass.  "Um…sorry I got carried away there.  It's just that…".

Dana giggled softly and interrupted him.  "Alex, would you please not apologize?  If I hadn't been enjoying it, I would have said something.  Trust me."  She took a sip of her wine and looked up at him through her lashes.  "Funny.  You never struck me as the type to be so…hesitant about things."

Alex laughed and took the wine glass from her hand.  As he turned back to her, he tilted her chin up.  "Hesitant isn't the problem.  I was worried about pushing too far, too fast.  You forget, I've seen you in hand-to-hand classes."  He lowered his lips to hers and softly kissed her.  "Besides, if you enjoyed that, you're gonna love this…".  Dana's arm snaked around his waist as he pulled her to him.  (("Damn!  If Kissing was an Olympic sport, Alex would have a full case of medals!'))

Alex felt her melt into him as he pulled her closer.  His lips barely brushing hers, he asked, "Where was I?  Oh yeah, if I recall I was right about here…."  as his lips trailed down her throat to her shoulders.  He nibbled at her shoulders and recalled his earlier fantasy.  His hands eased the straps of her dress down as he continued nibbling and placing gently sucking kisses on her shoulders.  Dana moved further onto his lap to give him better access.  In a move his unarmed combat instructors would have been proud of, he easily laid them both back on the sofa.  As his hips pressed down against her, Dana mirrored his motions with her own.

//One of us has got to get some control of this…Alex, buddy, get a grip on yourself//

//Mmmm…Oh God!  I have got to slow this down….at the very least//

Alex pulled his head up just as Dana opened her eyes.  "Sweetheart…if you don't want this…you need to tell me.  Now."  His body continued to move gently against her.  "I would never push you into anything…but, I need to know whether you want me to stop.  God knows I don't want to.  But I will."

Dana's mind whirled.  She knew what Alex was asking and she knew what her answer should be.  She should tell him to stop, get up and get back to the dorm at warp speed.  She realized the choice was hers: if she told him to stop, he would; if she didn't…looking up at his face, she reached up to pull his mouth down to hers.  "Don't stop…please, Alex…".

Alex lowered himself, taking most of his weight on his forearms.  His mouth fastened onto hers, his tongue asking permission to enter.  As the kiss deepened, he felt her melting into him.  Giving her a last gentle kiss, he pulled back again.  Dana whimpered as he sat back up, pulling her up to him.

"Shh…sweetheart," he began as he nuzzled her neck.  He stood up and picked her up in his arms.  Dana put her arms around his neck and looked questioningly at him.  "It suddenly occurred to me that I do have a bed…and that it's a hell of a lot more comfy than this sofa."

Dana giggled as he placed feathery kisses on her jawline and throat.  She buried her face in his neck and sighed deeply.

Alex entered his bedroom and set Dana on her feet.  He pulled the comforter off the bed and turned back the sheet.  As he turned to her she came into his arms.  He began kissing her again and eased the straps of her dress off her shoulders, kissing and nibbling as he exposed more of her.  Dana wasn't passive.  Her hands pulled at his shirt and lifted it over his shoulders.  Suddenly, Alex stopped and looked at her.  Her dress had fluttered to the floor, leaving her in black lace bikini panties, and thigh high black stockings.  Dana froze as he just stood there, staring.

//Oh God…how did I get into this.  Look at his face: so much for thinking I could measure up to…//

Alex, meanwhile, was frozen.

//She's …beautiful…perfect…Thank you God…whatever I did to deserve this…//

Dana blushed furiously and began to turn around.  Alex reached out, taking her in his arms.  "Dana, what is it, love?  Don't turn away from me…please".  He tilted her face up to him.  "What?  What's wrong?"

Dana began to push him away.  "I'm sorry….I guess you were expecting….I…I'll get dressed…"

"What the hell are you talking about?  You're gorgeous…perfect…," His hand cupped her breast, his thumb rubbing over the nipple, bringing it to life.  "See…I think you like me," he grinned.  As he held her close, she felt his erection against her thighs.  Dana looked up at him through her lashes.  "It's just that you..um..just looked at me like you were…um…disappointed.  I know I'm on the tiny side.  God knows I've tried everything known…"

Alex laughed out loud.  "Woman, you are perfectly proportioned.  See?," he asked, turning her around and taking a breast in each hand, using thumbs and fingers to gently roll and pull the nipples into hardened nubs.  "They are just the right size."  He kissed and nibbled the back of her neck, nudging her towards the bed.  Alex turned her in his arms, lifted her up and set her in the middle of the bed.  "Dana.  Look at me.  You are one of the most beautiful women I have ever seen and I am most assuredly not disappointed at this moment.  I'm wondering how I got lucky enough to get you here."

Dana smiled and relaxed.  "Alex.  Why do you have more clothes on than I do?"

Without missing a beat, the redhead cat-walked on all fours to the side of the bed and reached for his belt.  Alex's only thoughts at the moment were to concentrate and keep from coming in his pants.  As her small hands undid the buttons on his jeans, one by one, she began kissing and licking his chest, working her way down and focusing on his nipples and the red-gold trail of fine hair tracing the center of his chest and leading down to his groin.  Her head moved lower as she pushed his jeans down ; Alex's head fell back and he moaned out loud.  "Dana, you're killing me…Stop…oh…uh…stop, sweetheart."

Dana looked up, eyes wide in innocence.  "Are you okay?'

Alex narrowed his eyes and looked at her.  "Not if you keep that up.  Don't give me the big-eyes-who-me?-look.  Stop that or this will be over before it starts."  He pushed his jeans the rest of the way off and threw them across the room.  Dana looked at her soon-to-be lover, standing before her wearing nothing but emerald green bikini briefs.  ('They match his eyes', she thought distractedly)

Alex worked out.  Religiously.  He wasn't beefy, but he was built.  She thought again how much like a tiger he looked: power and grace and beauty.  He pulled her up to her knees and kissed her passionately, pushing her backwards onto the bed.  His hands cupped her face as his tongue parted her lips and explored her mouth; relearning just-familiar territory.  Keeping one hand tangled in the back of her head to hold her mouth to his, his other hand began to stroke down her shoulder and over her breasts.  His knee nudged between her legs and rolled her further from her side onto her back.  Then both hands continued to stroke and pet her.

//Much as I want to, I am not gonna screw this up by pushing her too fast.  I want her so bad, I'm not gonna last very long when I get there anyway.//

Alex's lips began to follow the trail his hands had blazed.  As he nuzzled her breasts and began to paint spirals around her nipples he murmured, "Your skin tastes sweet…and it feels like hot silk…"

Dana's mind tried to process these comments.  All she could do in reply was moan in the back of her throat.  "Mmmm…oh, God….yes, Alex…"  As his lips closed around one nipple and he began to suck, she thought to herself, 'It feels so good…I need to do something to make him feel this good, not just lay here melting into the bed.' She didn't realize she had spoken out loud until Alex gently bit her nipple and released it.  He raised his head and caught her eyes as she raised her head in surprise.  "Don't worry, baby.  What I'm doing is making me feel good."  He kissed the spot between her breasts.  "Just relax and enjoy…This time is just for you.  Okay?"

Dana's head dropped back onto the pillow.  "I have no intention of debating you on that point.  Oh God…don't stop," she gasped as he began suckling on the other nipple, using his teeth to bite down, while using his fingers to pinch and twist the other one, causing the woman beneath him to writhe, bringing her hands up to clench in his hair.  Krycek bit on the nipple while flicking it with his tongue.  When he pulled his head back again, he grinned.  "I think you liked that…yes?"  With that he nibbled and nuzzled down her abdomen, stopping to bite around her bellybutton.

As his fingers began to tease the lace around the top of her panties, warning bells began to go off in Dana's passion-fogged mind.  Just as she opened her mouth to say something, Krycek pulled back onto his heels, kneeling between her legs.  He lifted her left leg, placing her ankle on his shoulder and began to slowly roll down her stocking, his hands tracing feather-light patterns on her skin.  When it was off, he kissed and licked his way back up her leg, stopping to place sucking kisses behind her knee.  When he reached her inner thighs, he sighed softly and placed that leg down.  As he repeated this performance on her other leg, Dana found she had lost track completely of whatever objection she had been going to raise.

//Oh, my….it never occurred to me that I could feel this good…//

When Alex worked his way back up to her thighs, he leaned over her and kissed her passionately again.  Levering himself up onto his arms, he brushed the hair back from her face.  "Sweetheart, I want to do something for you.  Can I move you just a little?  Please?"  he asked quietly, rolling himself from between her legs and angling her legs to the side of the bed.  When the only response from Dana was a cross between a whimper and a moan, he knelt and began to ease her panties off.

//That answers that question: redhead all the way!!//

//What is he…??  Oh…oh…ohgodohgod….//

Feeling her begin to tense up as she understood his intentions, Krycek eased her knees apart and placed her legs over his shoulders.  "Shhh…sweetheart…just relax…  you're going to feel sooooo goood….."  Then he lowered his mouth to where his fingers were parting her soft, pink lips.  He flicked his tongue around her clitoris and then broadened the strokes down her length and back up past her entrance, flicking his tongue again at the top of his stroke.  As he repeated this, Dana felt her insides begin to quiver and melt, at the same time she felt as though a spring inside her was tensing, being wound tighter and tighter.  Alex drew his head back a fraction and sucked his finger into his mouth, wetting it completely.  As he went back to teasing her clit, he inserted the finger into her and pushed in, rotating his finger.  Dana again writhed on the bed, her thighs clenching.

"She is so wet and tight…damn…this feels so good.  Think cold thoughts boy or you're never gonna last.//

As his finger worked in and out, Alex concentrated his attention on her hardening nub.  He began to suck rhythmically, not too hard, not too soft, in time with his finger's motions.  Dana began to make little mewling sounds in time to his strokes.  She could feel herself tightening inside faster and faster.  Alex listened to her voice get higher and louder.  When she began to writhe and buck, he increased the speed of his stroke and bit down on the nub of flesh.

The tiny woman in his bed convulsed and let out a scream.  She could see fireworks behind her closed eyes and it felt like she was flying.

When she opened her eyes, Alex was laying beside her, gently brushing the hair from her eyes.  "Hey, gorgeous…welcome back."  He leaned over to kiss her tenderly.

Her mouth opened and closed .  "Oh god…I passed out?"  Dana finally managed to ask.

"Yup…Did wonders for my ego.  Good thing there aren't any neighbors.  Did you know you're a screamer, little one?"

Dana giggled.  "Not until now.  Oh my.  That's never happened before."  It suddenly didn't seem like the time to mention that 'before' had never included ending up in bed naked with a man, either.  She put her arms around her lover's neck.  "What can I do for you to thank you?"

Alex chuckled, beginning to nuzzle her again.  "Well, if you're back among the living, I can think of one or two things we could do."

As Alex began making love to her again, Dana found she was more relaxed than before.  'Gee what a surprise…' Dana let her hands roam down his body.  Her lips followed, stopping to tease his flat, male nipples into the same level of hardness as hers.  Her hands pushed at his briefs, easing them over his erection.

Krycek laid back and watched her expression.  Her eyes were round and her mouth made a little 'O' shape.  Dana raised her eyes to his.  He smiled down at her.  "Don't stop now.  You're just getting to the good part."  Dana looked down at his cock, her small hands tracing up and down it's length.  It occurred to her that there might be a …slight problem in the very near future.  Unfortunately, if the timing before would have been bad, now seemed to be worse.  Alex sensed her unease.  He pulled her back up into his arms and let his hands massage her back.  "Baby, I know I'm probably larger than you thought.  And you are a tiny lady.  We'll just take it slow and easy.  You'll see.  I promised I wouldn't hurt you and I meant it.  Just relax and let me do the work this time."

"You did the work the last time," Dana reminded him with a quick kiss to the tip of his nose.

Alex laughed out loud.  "Yeah.  And look how that turned out!  Just relax, sweetheart.  We'll take our time.  We have all the time in the world."  Alex again began tracing her earlobe with the tip of his tongue, pausing to suck on the lobe.  His lips and tongue moved down her neck as she tilted her head to give him better access.  He sucked on the pulse point at the base of her neck, drawing the blood up and making a mark.  The thought raced across his mind that it must be the primitive, territorial instinct in males to mark their mate.  ('Stay away!  Mine!  Taken!')

Dana was panting as he returned to her breasts, lavishing attention on each one, bringing the nipples to hard points and making Dana's breath come in gasps.  As she began to moan and twist beside him, Alex nudged her onto her back and fitted himself between her thighs.  He paused and reached over to open the drawer of the bedside table, bringing back a small, foil packet.  Dana opened her eyes to watch him.  His eyes were enormous, dark pupils nearly blocking out gleaming emerald.  As he struggled to get the condom open, his face took on a look of concentration, eyes narrowing and brow furrowing.  She realized his fingers were shaking, with need and nervousness.  Smiling, she reached up between them and took the condom from him, tearing it open with her teeth.

Alex, meanwhile, realized that it wouldn't take much to push him over the edge.  Watching the woman beneath him open the condom and prepare to smooth it down over his hard shaft took more patience than he had at that point.  "Dana…honey…let me.  I'm so close.  Your touch is sooo nice, but, just…let me."  Dana drew her hands back immediately, watching as he finished rolling on the condom.  He leaned back down and kissed her, teasing her mouth open and thrusting his tongue inside to tangle with hers.  His hands raised her legs to his hips and, bracing himself with one hand, he guided his cock into her with the other.  As the head of his shaft entered her, Dana felt herself stretching.

Krycek continued to kiss her, swallowing her moans and whimpers.  He pushed further in, feeling her tighten around him like a fist.  (Ohgod..this feels soooo good…She's so tight and hot and tight) He was consumed by feeling.  He stroked backwards and in again, realizing that he needed to give her time to adjust to his size, trying to be careful.  He rocked back and forth, each time easing a little further into her.  "Relax, baby.  We're almost there.  You feel so good."  Alex abandoned himself to the feel of being inside the beautiful woman in his bed.  Feeling a slight resistance, he pushed forward, corkscrewing his hips as he did.  Alex continued to stroke in and out of her, his mind catching fire as he realized he was fully inside her.  He began to move faster, hearing Dana whimper beneath him.  Dana gasped suddenly, feeling the small tearing sensation.  Alex suddenly realized that something was different.

//Wait a minute.  That felt like…She can't be a…//

His body, on sensory overload, began to thrust faster and harder.  He felt his orgasm approaching like a tornado.  "Jesus.  Dana.  Ohgodohgod.  So good, baby" Dana arched up as he slammed deep into her.  She could feel her own climax building.  She clutched at Alex, hands leaving scratches on his back, her insides melting.

Alex's mind blanked out as he thrust once.  Twice.  Three times.  And the top of his head exploded.  He raised up on his elbows, careful not to collapse on the woman beneath him.  His sweat-soaked forehead rested on her shoulder for a moment as he caught his breath.  Dana began to move and he levered himself up and off her, collapsing beside her on the bed.  As she began to move gingerly away from him, suddenly conscious of the trickle of fluid ('oh shit, am I bleeding??') on the inside of her thigh and the small, sharp pain inside, Alex reached out to her.  He gently reached between her legs, pulling back fingers showing a small smear of bright red.

He wiped his fingers on a Kleenex on the nightstand.  He rolled towards her and tilted her chin up to look in her eyes.  Dana was blushing furiously.  She slowly opened her eyes, looking at the man next to her.

"Dana, was there something you wanted to tell me?  Or maybe, should have given me a hint about?  If I had known you were---"

Dana's eyes snapped fully open.  She jerked her head back, anger beginning to glow.  "Right.  I should have hung out a sign: Thirty-Year-Old-Virgin Hands-Off.  So to speak."  She felt her earlier satiation vanish.  "I didn't expect things to go this far.  I thought---"

Krycek interrupted, leaning up on one elbow, "Excuse me?  How could you not expect where this was going?  Particularly when we ended up with no clothes on--in my bed--with you putting a condom on me?!  Dammit, woman!  If you had said something, I wouldn't have--"

Dana flared up again.  "Oh, thank you so much, Alex.  Just what I need to hear: 'gee honey, if I'd known you were cherry, I wouldn't have done it!'" She began to roll away from him, intending to get up and get out of there.

Alex grabbed her arm and drug her back into his embrace.  "Sweetheart, calm down.  That's not what I meant at all."  He hugged her close, even though she continued to wiggle and try to push back from him.  "I just meant that I would have been more careful.  I could never hurt you," he kissed her forehead, then her eyes.  "I wanted everything to be perfect for you.  Then, I let myself lose control.  That's not supposed to happen."

Dana leaned back in his arms, looking up at him through her lashes.  "I just thought--if you knew--you probably wouldn't want to be the one who--"

Nearly choking on his laughter, Alex hugged her closer.  "Honey, you are so wrong.  If you thought you gave my ego a boost earlier, well, knowing that I'm the first man you've ever let, well, some other time, I'll explain a few things about men and virgins.  Okay?  Right now," he finished, "I just want to get you cleaned up and bring you back to bed so I can spend the night with you in my arms."  He kissed her deeply, until he heard her moan in the back of her throat.  "Is that okay with you?", he asked, seemingly as an afterthought.

End Part One
Continued in Part Two.

Like what you've read?  Send feedback

Main Page