R2-Eli_Anne-p4

Greyhound Bus Station
October 19, 1999
3:00 p.m.

Alfred Rogers sat with his newspaper in his hand, not seeing any of the words. He had hidden his camera back in his pocket, but he couldn't get the image of the beautiful young cop out of his mind. There was something about that face that he couldn't quite put his finger on. He wanted to get a closer look, even try to talk to him. These policeman were obviously trying to bust johns, but if he didn't try to buy sex he should be able to talk to the "teenager" without being arrested. His mind made up, Rogers walked quickly to the back of the terminal.

Mulder shifted uncomfortably as he leaned against the wall of the bus station; the tight shorts were really riding up on him. He sighed as he adjusted them again. What did I do to deserve this? he thought. *crackle* "Stop that! You don't look convincing at all!"

Mulder jumped a little as Fiorelli's voice came through his earpiece, hidden behind headphones and a Walkman.

"You're not wearing these fucking shorts," he mumbled quietly, knowing the mike hidden in the headphones would pick it up.

*crackle* "No one will approach you if you don't look natural. Watch Scully - she knows what to do."

Mulder turned to look at his partner - ex-partner - where she stood a little apart from a group of teenagers. She did seem to blend in nicely with them.

When she saw him looking at her, she sauntered casually over to him.

"Hey, good-looking! Can I bum a smoke?"

"Jeez, Scully. What are you doing?" he said, exasperated.

"You're not doing a very good undercover job here, Mulder. You stick out like a sore thumb. If we've got to do this, at least do it right so it can be over with fast! I hate being here more than you do, believe me!"

"I seriously doubt that, Red!"

"Don't call me that!"

"Why not? I can call you anything I want. Besides, what runaway goes by their real name anyway? I think it fits!"

"OK, if that's the way we're going to play it. Let's see, what can I call you? I know - rat-lover!"

Mulder stood up, bristling with anger.

"How dare you!"

"Hey, you called me Red. I'm just calling it like I see it, babe." She turned to return to her original position, but was stopped short when Mulder grabbed her fur jacket.

"Don't you EVER call Alex a rat, Scully! I love him and he loves me and we're very happy! He treats me better than you ever did," he said in disgust as he pushed her away.

"He treats you better? HE does? I've taken care of your sorry ass for 7 years, backing you up on each foolhardy mission, traveling thousands of miles, losing my sister, my father, almost my own life! What an ungrateful asshole you are!"

"So, you do blame me for all that! I knew it! I knew you."

Before he could continue, both agents jumped as their partners hushed them through their earpieces.

*crackle* "Continue your little spat later, Mulder. Looks like we got some action."

He turned to look at the other teenagers hanging out at the terminal.

Several rather burly men were talking to them. Scully moved a few feet away from him and sat on some boxes, looking very uninterested. Mulder stayed where he was. The anger he felt was still there burning at his insides. He couldn't stop it.

*crackle* "That's great Mulder! You look like the proverbial sullen teenager."

"Stuff it, Fiorelli! Let's just get this over with."

Rogers had been watching the young cop for a half-hour, marveling at the beauty. He was laughing because the partner was repeatedly admonishing him to lose himself in the part, something the man just didn't want to do. Rogers was thankful for the little radio that Cain's technical people had made for him - he could listen to all broadcast transmissions, and he was enjoying the interchange between the cops immensely. The little redheaded cop was not having the same problems; of course, men find it harder to play the victim. As cute as the redhead was, Rogers would have bet all his money that the cop named Mulder would be the one to lure the worst element. He wanted to talk to him badly. He noticed the men approaching the teenagers - he could read men well, and these were simply a few guys looking for a quick lay - nothing out of the ordinary. Rogers decided to make his move.

Mulder stiffened a little when he saw the older man approach him. He conspicuously avoided eye contact, looking around nervously. He felt like running away from this whole scenario.

"Hello, young man. My name is Al."

"Hey," Mulder mumbled, taking a quick look. He found himself looking at a distinguished looking person, maybe in his mid-40s, handsome in a rugged sort of way. He certainly wasn't giving out any "I run a teen prostitute ring" vibes, but Mulder felt very nervous anyway.

"What is your name?"

"Uh.uh."

*crackle* "Keep your cool, Mulder. You look like you're going to jump out of your skin!"

"Bill!" Mulder spat out, startled by Fiorelli's comment. "My name is. Bill."

"Bill, you look kind of lost. Is there anyone I can call who could help you?"

"No, no. I'm, you know, on my own."

"Aren't you a little young to be on your own? Let me call your parents."

"What are you, a cop? Leave me alone." Great, thought Mulder. That's the way to entice them into asking for sex, you fool.

"I'm just trying to help. I don't like to see kids getting into trouble."

"OK, buddy, just move along," Mulder said, dropping the façade. "I'm not a teenager, I'm a cop. It's obvious you're not some pervert looking to score, so you're free to go. Got it?"

Rogers was surprised at the quick transformation in Mulder; there was more to this young cop than meets the eye. And speaking of eyes - those two hazel orbs staring at his own were beautiful. He might be young, but he was tough.

"I'm sorry, officer. I try to help runaways when I can. I work at a shelter here in the city and this is a common hang-out for new runaways."

"I know, thanks. Please move along."

"Yes, sir." Rogers could barely restrain his laughter as he went back into the terminal briefly, only to return to his hiding place where he could watch Mulder. This was definitely someone worth watching. And worth researching - he had filed away the references to Scully and someone named Alex - obviously a lover - to look into later.

*crackle* "That was real smooth, Mulder. Next time just hang your badge around your neck."

"Cool it. I could tell right away he wasn't a john, and if he is hanging around then no one else will come by."

Mulder leaned back against the wall. He was fervently hoping this would be over soon. He wanted to get back to Alex and snuggle for the rest of the day - and maybe a little more! He started daydreaming about what he was going to do to Alex when he got back home. He started feeling flushed, and even a little horny.

*crackle* "That's it, Mulder. You finally look the part!"

"Thanks," he replied sarcastically. He was finding it hard to concentrate; the image of Alex's face was burned into his brain. He could feel those strong hands running over his body.

"Oh, Alex," he moaned softly, unable to stop himself. He hoped Fiorelli didn't hear that!

Mulder was fighting to control his raging libido when he was startled by a large white van screeching to a halt in the alley. Before he or Fiorelli had a chance to react, several masked men came boiling out of the van. They grabbed Mulder and two other male teenagers, threw them into the back of the van, then sped off. Fiorelli, Scully, and Scully's partner went charging out into the street and watched helplessly as the van sped away.

"Well, that's a subtle approach," yelled Scully in frustration. Despite their rift, she had no desire to see her partner hurt. Fiorelli was talking to their backup, hoping some of them could keep up with the van. Neither of them noticed the car skidding out into the street and racing after the van.

October 19, 1999
4:30 p.m.

Mulder slowly regained consciousness; he vaguely remembered being thrown into a van and hitting his head hard against a seat, or box, or something.

"So, the little cutie is finally coming around?" One of the kidnappers grabbed his arm to lift and throw him back against the van wall next to the other two boys. They seemed unharmed but looked very scared. Mulder fought down the sudden bout of nausea that hit him - he had to keep his cool.

Another kidnapper was sitting on a bench facing the kids. He had a large machine gun in his hand that he fondled, leering at his charges. The first kidnapper and a third were sitting on another bench, their backs to the front of the van.

"Well, boys, you're embarking on a great new adventure. I hope you enjoy it!" said Machine Gun Man. "Ross, can we get a little taste before we turn these lovelies over?"

"No - the goods can't be damaged when we turn them over."

"What are you going to do with us?" said Mulder, still trying to act the part of a teenager. Admittedly, the slight tremble in his voice wasn't completely an act.

"If you talk, boy, we'll have to gag you." Machine Gun Man pointed his gun directly at Mulder's face.

"Put that down, Leo. They're already scared enough," said the third kidnapper, Ross.

"OK, Ross. I was just having a little fun with him."

Mulder looked at each man thoughtfully, wondering at his chances of taking them down without getting the teens hurt. Only Leo held a gun that he could see.

Mulder was trying to remember the fighting techniques Alex had been teaching him. One night they had been watching TV in a post-coital haze; Mulder loved the WB network, especially Buffy the Vampire Slayer and Angel. Buffy was dispatching demons in her usual manner.

"I wish I could do that," he said, watching her spin kicks and punching with envy.

"I can teach you if you want, babe," Alex replied.

"Really? No way!"

"Yes I can. Watch!" Alex had gotten up off the couch and started imitating Buffy's moves exactly.

"Wow!" Mulder said, admiring Alex's taut body. "Yes, please teach me!"

Alex started his training program the next day. For the three months they had been together, if they weren't fucking they were usually fighting!

Mulder felt that he could take the three of them if they were in an open area and not in a moving vehicle. He was going to bide his time and play the part until better circumstances arose. At least in the tiny little outfit he had on he would have a freedom of movement he didn't normally have in his FBI clothes. He started calming himself using the breathing and meditation exercises Alex had also taught him. Being the lover of a dangerous and efficient assassin had its advantages!

Alfred Rogers drove quietly after the van. He had done some tricky maneuvering in the car he had stolen to catch up, but once he did he merely paced the vehicle. He wasn't going to rescue the young cop, but he would inform the local authorities of the van's ultimate destination so they could do the rescue. Rogers wanted to see how Mulder handled himself in this crisis situation with two civilians at risk. This was turning into quite an interesting visit to the States!

Once Mulder had calmed himself down, he looked at the two teens next to him. One boy was short and blond, wearing ratty jeans and a T-shirt. He was very cute and looked very innocent. The other teen was a sullen looking boy with dark hair and very white skin. He was in full Goth regalia, but looked more frightened than frightening. Mulder was concerned about their safety. The two boys were looking at him expectantly; they might not know he was a federal agent, but they could sense he was different, that things might turn out ok after all. Mulder smiled reassuringly at them, then returned to his calming exercises. Alex would be proud of him. Alex. Maybe he should have let Alex tag along after all. Alex would never have let this scum get their hands on him. No! He was a trained agent, he could handle this himself. He'd show everybody he might look like a kid but he was nothing to mess with.

Hoover Building
October 19, 1999
7:00 PM

"Can someone please tell me we have leads!" yelled A. D. Flanagan. "How did they manage to snatch two kids and an agent of mine right out from under our noses! We had 10 men there!"

"No, sir, we have no leads. It happened so fast we didn't have time to react. We had no idea it was such a blatant snatch and run; we figured they would be less conspicuous in their approach." Fiorelli avoided making contact with the A. D. He kept kicking himself for letting Mulder get taken.

Mulder and his state of arousal had distracted him; he had heard Mulder say "Oh, Alex" in such a sexual voice.

"Sir! The police in Harrisburg PA got an anonymous call giving us the location of the van; Fiorelli, it was a great idea to notify all local law enforcement in the neighboring states," Scully said, storming into the conference room, her partner John Stevens again following her.

"How do we know this is legit?"

"It must have been someone who had seen the whole thing; he described the scene at the bus station with dead-on accuracy. He said he followed the van and waited for it to stop so he could give the police an exact location. He didn't want to leave his name."

"Let's get going. That's a couple hours away."

Harrisburg, PA
October 19, 1999
10:00 PM

Mulder looked around the basement he was in; there were 10 teens with him, mostly boys, all of them looking very scared. They were huddled together trying to comfort each other. There were no guards with them; they were all posted outside the door. He had noticed 2 other men, making a total of 6 kidnappers. Mulder felt confident that he could take them on. Leo was still the only one who seemed to carry a gun. Alex would kill him if he knew Mulder was going to take on 6 guys; Mulder smiled to himself thinking about his lover's protectiveness. He would never admit it, but sometimes he liked the idea that Alex was so protective. Whatever was going to happen, he had to make sure these guys took him first.

Rogers slowly stalked up to the house where the kidnappers held Mulder and the teens. These guys were so overconfident because they had been dealing with teens that they could easily intimidate. He couldn't wait to see what kind of tricks the young cop had up his sleeve. He had called the local police a while ago; they hadn't believed him at first, but finally agreed to look into it then make a move if they felt it appropriate. Rogers carefully lifted his head so he could see and hear into the large living room. The kidnappers were huddled in a conference.

"Ross, we've got to get more. The head office isn't going to like us only turning over 10 kids - 25 would probably be a better number."

"Leo, shut up. If was looking out of the van as we left, and saw some cops come running out into the street. It's obvious they were staking out that place. We need to dump the merchandise and close up shop. We need to relocate."

"Ross, why don't we interrogate the three kids we got today? Maybe they know something about the cops that could help us."

"Why would the cops tell the kids? They would never be able to act natural."

"I think Leo's right. We should talk to at least one of them," said John, another of the men.

"Fine. Bring up the tall brunette; I'd like a better look at him anyway."

"Come on, Leo, let's go get him."

Rogers watched as two kidnappers went to fetch Mulder. He heard distant sirens; finally, he thought. The police must have gotten confirmation of the attempted stakeout.

Mulder watched as two of the kidnappers, Leo and one of the housesitters, slowly descended the stairs. They were looking around cautiously. Mulder decided to make them pay attention to him. He got up and ran over to the one without the gun and grabbed his jacket. He put on his best frightened look.

"Please mister, don't hurt us. Please let us go! I'll do anything, just don't kill me!" Mulder broke down in sobs.

"You're just the one we're looking for. Come on!" John said, grabbing Mulder's arm.

"No! Please don't kill me!"

"We're not going to kill you, kid. We just want to talk."

Mulder kept trying to pull away from John's grasp, but Leo grabbed his other arm and started dragging him back up the stairs. The other kids looked on in terror.

"Please don't kill me!"

"Shut up! We're not going to kill you!"

"You're not?"

"No! Now shut up!"

"OK," Mulder said timidly. I guess they bought it, he thought in triumph.

And Scully thinks I can't do undercover work!

"Stand here," Leo said as he pushed Mulder to the end of the coffee table.

Mulder stood looking at the men, carefully assessing each one. Leo still appeared to be the only one with a gun. This should be easy! Mulder clenched his arms around his chest and started shifting back and forth, trying to look very young and vulnerable.

"Puh..Puh.please don't kill me. I'll do anything you want!"

"Shut up, kid!" Leo yelled.

"Leo, be quiet. Young man, what's your name?" the one called Ross said kindly.

"My name is.Bill, sir," Mulder replied.

"Bill, did any cops talk to you today behind the bus station? Any one looking for any information?"

"No, sir, I don't think so. A man from a runaway shelter came by, but they're always trying to get us to go there. I hate that shelter! You're not.you're not going to make me go back home, are you?"

"No one is going to make you go to a shelter or home. You and the other boys and girls are going to go on a little trip with us. Would you like that?"

"I guess so," Mulder mumbled, looking down at his feet. "What's the catch?"

"He's a sly one Ross!" Leo said excitedly. He was leering openly at the tall teen; he wanted to grab that thick hair and fuck him unconscious. Several years in jail for statutory rape had done nothing to quell his desire for teenage boys.

"Leo, keep your mouth shut. Bill, there isn't any catch."

Mulder decided go into a defiant mode. "No catch! I may be a kid but I'm not stupid! You're not giving away free trips - what do you want from me? From us?"

"Watch your mouth, boy," said Ross. "You better show respect for your elders!"

Mulder was about to smart off another reply when they all heard the sound of rapidly approaching sirens.

"Fuck! The cops! We've been made! Leo, John, cover the back of the house; Marc, you and the others cover the front. I'll bring this kid back downstairs." Ross jumped up to grab Mulder. Before he could move any closer, Mulder flattened him with a spin kick. He started using every move he could remember on these guys. All the kidnappers joined the fray at once.

Rogers marveled at Mulder's grace and speed as he fought the kidnappers. He was pretty good at taking a punch, too. Rogers flattened himself against the house as he saw the police come storming up the driveway. He noticed FBI agents intermixed with the cops. Wait a minute! The cops who had been with Mulder were here too, in FBI gear! Was Mulder really a fed? Rogers peeked back through the window one more time to see Mulder had dispatched four of the kidnappers with his fancy fighting. Rogers couldn't risk being caught so he regretfully moved away from the house into the shrubbery around the property. He wanted to see how this ended.

Mulder stood, panting heavily, staring at the two men left standing. His chest ached painfully - he probably had a few broken ribs, not to mention he'd be black and blue from head to toe by morning. Leo had lost his machine gun some time during the fracas - he stood shoulder to shoulder with Ross, facing the battered Mulder.

"Give up, kid, you can't beat us both. You can barely stand. I have to say, though, you fight well!" Ross said.

"Thanks! My lover taught me."

"Aren't you a little young to have a lover, kid?"

Mulder bristled. "Stop calling me kid, asshole. Why don't you give yourselves up and let me and the other kids go? The police will have surrounded the house by now - you can't get away!"

"You talk big for a kid!"

"That's probably because I'm not a kid at all - I'm an FBI agent!" Mulder crowed inwardly at the dismayed looks on the two men's faces. He had really pulled it off!

"THIS HOUSE IS SURROUNDED. COME OUT WITH YOUR HANDS UP!" trumpeted a megaphone from outside.

"Fuck, Ross, what are we going to do?" Leo said frantically, looking around at his fallen comrades.

"I'll tell you what we're going to do! We're going to go out there with a hostage. The fibbie!"

"And how are you going to manage that?" taunted Mulder. He sobered quickly when he saw Ross brandish the machine gun. The man aimed the gun high and fired a round of bullets into the wall. Mulder quickly put his hands up.

"That's better. Leo, tie his hands and gag him." Leo moved quickly to comply, tightening the ropes around Mulder's wrists so tight he cut off the circulation to his hands. Mulder began to protest but was muffled by the gag. Leo dragged Mulder over to the door, waiting for Ross to give more directions.

Mulder struggled against Leo until Ross conked him in the head with the butt of the machine gun. He staggered, but didn't pass out at the pain. Ross began yelling out the window.

"We're coming out! We have a hostage - an FBI agent! We'll kill him unless you let us get to our car and get away!"

After a few minutes the megaphone sounded again. "DEAL! COME ON OUT!"

"OK, Leo, keep a tight hold on Bill here - he's our insurance. Don't let them intimidate you."

"Sure, Ross. Whatever you say!" Even in his half-daze Mulder could feel Leo's trembling. The man was not confident at all.

Rogers watched from a short distance away through his binoculars. The two remaining kidnappers were slowly coming down the porch steps, half-dragging Mulder with them. He was dressed only in the tight shorts - he had lost his shirt sometime during the fight. The cops had formed a semi-circle around the van, leaving a lot of room. The other federal agents were huddled in a circle, talking excitedly among themselves. Rogers shifted his attention back to Mulder - he wasn't in good shape at the moment. The one called Leo was practically carrying him.

Suddenly, Mulder fell to the ground. Before the kidnappers could react, he twirled on his back like a dancer, scissoring his legs. He caught Leo by surprise, wrapping his legs around Leo's knees and tripping him into Ross. Ross stumbled, almost recovering, but Mulder placed a solid kick into his backside. The machine gun went flying out of his hands. A moment later, the cops rushed over to grab the two men, handcuffing them and dragging them away.

Rogers was amused when he saw the little redhead rush to Mulder's aid. He was on his side trying to sit up; she quickly cut his hands free. She was pushing at his shoulders, trying to get him to lie down. The two other cops - agents - that Rogers had seen were trying to help her restrain Mulder.

"Mulder, lie down! You're badly hurt, I need to examine you," Scully said, frantically pushing him down.

"Scully, the teens! In the basement! Got to get them!" wheezed Mulder. The pain from his injuries had come over him in a sudden rush now that the danger was over.

"It's ok, Mulder, some of the policemen are getting them now," Fiorelli said as he helped restrain Mulder until the paramedics could come and look at him. "That was a pretty slick move, Ace. Where did you learn to fight like that?"

Mulder grinned despite his pain, looking at Scully. "Oh, a little rat taught me."

"Mulder," Scully said with mock menace. The real fear she had felt for Mulder had made her prejudices seem so petty. She could have lost her best friend! "Mulder," she said seriously, "I'm sorry for everything I've said to you. I didn't mean it. Well, I DID mean it, but it's not anything to risk losing your friendship over. Your friendship means the world to me."

"I feel the same way," Mulder replied in a whisper. He couldn't seem to get enough air in his lungs. "You're my best friend, Scully. But I can't give up Alex ever."

"It's OK. Don't talk anymore," she said as the paramedics came to take care of him.

"Call Alex, please Scully?" Mulder said quickly before the paramedic could get the oxygen mask on.

"I will." Scully watched as her partner was taken care of by the paramedics, loaded on a stretcher and taken away.

Rogers shimmied down the tree and made his way back to the car he had stolen. He was still awed at what Mulder had done - the young man was amazing. He had to obtain this one for Cain - he had to.

Harrisburg General Hospital
October 20, 1999
2:00 am

Mulder felt someone take his hand. He was feeling mighty good - he must be on the strong drugs! He lazily opened his eyes and peered into the very worried face of his beloved.

"Alesh," he slurred.

"Hush, baby, don't talk. I'm here now, I'll take care of you." Krycek settled into the chair he had pulled alongside Mulder's bed. He held Mulder's hand in both of his and looked at the battered face of his lover.

"You've been very busy I hear. Scully called me to tell me where you were.

It seems you two have made up."

"Yesh."

"The doctor said you have several cracked ribs, an untold number of contusions and abrasions, and a concussion. How did you manage that? Don't answer," he said quickly as Mulder opened his mouth to speak.

"Stuff you taught me.the fightin'."

"You mean the Buffy fighting?" Alex smiled when he used Mulder's pet name for his style of fighting. He was thankful that Mulder had stuck to it and had really developed a knack for the method. It seemed his pupil had learned well.

"Yesh."

"That's great, baby. Now go to sleep - you need your rest. I have a little surprise for you when you get home."

"Kay." Mulder said as he drifted off to sleep feeling warm and safe and comfortable knowing Alex was there.

Scully paused a moment at the door when she saw Krycek was there. He was holding Mulder's hand and watching him as he slept.

"How's he doing?" she whispered as she went to the other side of his bed.

"He woke up a few minutes ago. He'll be fine. Thanks for calling me Scully.

I know how you feel about me."

"Don't thank me, thank Mulder. He told me to call you. We might have made up, but I still highly disapprove of his choice of lovers. If you hurt so much as one hair on his head I'll personally track you down and skin you alive!"

Krycek tried to suppress a laugh as this slip of a girl stood protectively over her partner, threatening him like a little kitten.

"Sure, whatever you say Scully."

"Don't patronize me Krycek!"

"I'm not, Scully. It's just that."

"What's going on here? It's 2 am and my patient needs his sleep." A stout, strong nurse came into the room.

"Young lady, why aren't you at home! This is a school night and I'm sure your parents are worried sick about you. Your little friend here will be OK and back in school in no time."

"Nurse, I."

"I've heard enough from you, miss! Now you go home at once or I will report you to security and they'll call your parents!"

"Yes, ma'am," Scully said quickly and scurried out of the room.

"And as for you." the nurse said as she turned to the laughing Krycek. "I don't know who you are but I want you to leave this boy alone. You look like you're up to no good. This young man needs his sleep and I won't have any ruffians like you disturbing him."

Krycek had stopped laughing when the nurse came over to him.

"Wait a minute! How old are you? You're not a teenager - get out at once! I'm going to call security if you continue to harass my patient! What is this world coming to, where teens aren't safe from anybody anymore."

Krycek began to protest but was cut off when the nurse grabbed his left ear firmly and dragged him out of the hospital room.

"You must be his older brother - and you look like a troublemaker. Get out of my hospital at once. Do you understand?"

Krycek shifted nervously in front of her, feeling guilty.

"Yes, ma'am, I'll leave."

His face darkened when he saw Scully down the hall laughing at him. He started running toward her, pretending he was going to grab her. She choked out a little squeal and bolted down the stairs to the cafeteria where the other agents were holed up for the night.

"Young man!" Krycek jumped when he heard the nurse yell at him.

"Sorry!" he replied. He would return in the morning when the she-devil wasn't around.

When the nurse was satisfied that her charge would be undisturbed, she went in to check on him. She looked down at the boy and felt a very motherly affection for him - he seemed so young and vulnerable to be attacked so cruelly by ruffians. She tucked his blankets securely around him and gently fluffed the pillows around his head. She leaned over and planted a kiss on his forehead before exiting the room.

Mulder's Apartment
November 6, 1999
7:00 PM

Mulder watched as Krycek finished clearing the dishes from the table. He was ensconced comfortably on the sofa, his stomach full from the big dinner they had just eaten. Krycek had been an excellent caretaker. Mulder was glad, however, that he could go back to work tomorrow.

"Anything else you need, babe?" Krycek asked.

"Just you, stud," Mulder replied in a low, sexy voice.

"I think that can be arranged," Krycek laughed as he knelt by the sofa, gently kissing Mulder's lips.

"Ummm, that's good. I need some more." Mulder smiled as he looked at his lover. He had been very happy over the past two weeks. He has spent plenty of time with Alex, Scully and he were getting along again, and he was even getting her to see Alex the way he did. Life was definitely looking up!

"Hey, wait a minute!" Mulder said suddenly, sitting up. "You said in the hospital you had a surprise for me. Where is it?"

"I'm the surprise, babe," Krycek replied, moving to sit on the sofa next to Mulder.

"No, silly, the one you promised me. What is it? What is it? " Mulder was acting like a little kid on his birthday.

Krycek went to the desk and pulled an envelope out of the bottom drawer. He handed it to Mulder as he sat back on the sofa.

Mulder opened the envelope and quickly scanned the contents - two round trip tickets to Bermuda, free passes for water skiing, para-sailing, and other beach sports, and a suite at the all-inclusive five start resort Pirate's Glen. The resort brochure was touting all the amenities, one of which was a nude beach.

"And we're going during 'gay month', too, so we can be as free and open as we want." Krycek smiled at Mulder's enthusiasm.

"I love it! When are we going?"

"It's at the beginning of December, for two weeks. Just you, me, the sun, and hours of wonderful love making under the stars!"

Mulder threw his arms around Krycek's neck. "Thank you! This is the best present ever! I rarely go on vacation!"

"I know, and you deserve it."

"I think we better start practicing now," said Mulder as he pulled Krycek close to him.

Rogers sat back in his chair in the vacant apartment next to Mulder's, removing the headphones. Once those two started at it they would fuck like rabbits for hours, so it was useless to listen anymore. He had bugged Mulder's apartment before he had gotten back from Pennsylvania; he had learned a lot over the past two weeks. The most intriguing was this age regression thing. If he understood it correctly, and all his research into Mulder's past proved it to be true, Mulder was in actuality 38 years old and had somehow been regressed physically to 21. Cain was right again! This man could be the special one Cain had been looking for all his life. The best news he could have heard tonight was the trip to Bermuda. Men were much easier to snatch when they weren't inside U.S. borders. All he and his men would have to do was wait for the pair to be on a beach, knock out the boyfriend, snatch Mulder, and whisk him away before any one was the wiser.

This boyfriend, about whom Rogers could find nothing, didn't seem much of a threat. He'd mope for a few days then find some other cupcake to warm his bed. Cain would reward him beyond his wildest dreams for this beauty!

Despite Alex's expert ministrations, Mulder felt a chill run down his spine. Alex, responding to Mulder's trembling, quickly moved his mouth back to Mulder's, chasing away the fears that had resurfaced. The fear subsided as quickly as it had come.

Rogers put in a call to his people. "Stanley, Rogers. We need to set up a plan for an acquisition in Bermuda. Yes, the Pirate's Glen. No, just one." Rogers scribbled down information as he and Stanley completed the plan. He hung up, satisfied that all contingencies had been covered. He briefly checked the headphones although he could hear Mulder's passionate cries through he walls of the apartment. He grinned as he listened to the two men make love. Enjoy it my dear Mulder, he thought, Alex will soon be out of your life forever.

Next!