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Disclaimers: about how none of the X-Files characters in this story belong to me because they all belong to Ten Thirteen Productions. No one has offered me any money for writing about them and I wouldn't accept it if they did.

Apolgies: to the owners of the Twilight Zone franchise, the makers of From Here to Eternity, and everyone else, just in case. Also to Alicia, who did her usual marvelous job of beta reading and will be gnashing her teeth when she sees that I have, as usual, stubbornly insisted on leaving some things in, even if they aren't good, just because I liked them.

Author: annezo @ fastmail . fm

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BLUE SKY

"Damn, it's hot," Alex complained.

Mulder watched him wipe his forehead and replace the drab, sweat-soaked straw hat. Alex had insisted on buying one for each of them as soon as they'd arrived in town a couple of hours ago and the cheap straw had immediately starting wilting in the heat and humidity Mulder fished the ice cube out of his mouth and rubbed it over his neck. As it melted, a few refreshing trickles of icy water rolled down his back. "It will probably improve after the storm breaks," he offered hopefully. Alex's mood was deteriorating rapidly in the hot, close air.

"By the time it does, there won't be anything left of me," Alex grumbled. He made a face and threw the wadded paper napkin onto the table.

"We could have gone back to the waterfall. It's probably a lot cooler there."

"Yeah, well, I try to make it a habit never to repeat myself." Alex drained his glass and stood up. "Come on. There must be at least one store in this miserable place that has a functioning air conditioner."

Mulder didn't move. "Even if there is, we can't just camp out in there all day," he pointed out.

"Trust me." Alex started off down the sidewalk. "As long as we're spending money, they won't care how long we stand there."

Mulder dragged himself to his feet reluctantly, thinking of the perfectly adequate air conditioner in his bungalow. In spite of the threatening storm, Alex had refused to spend the day in either the hotel or one of their rooms. He had roamed around Mulder's room restlessly, picking over the clothes lying on a chair and shuffling through Mulder's selection of magazines and books, seemingly less interested in the contents than in just being constantly on the move, until Mulder was about to climb the walls watching him.

Alex had suggested that they spend the day exploring the line-up of touristy gift shops in the small town. "You can't go back without taking Scully a gift to thank her for going to all this trouble for you," he said maliciously. Alex's feverish energy had disappeared at almost the same instant the blazing heat from the cracked sidewalk had hit them when they stepped off the bus.

From the way his companion lingered in the comparative coolness of the stores, Mulder figured it wouldn't be long before he'd give in and let the two of them return to the resort. In the meantime, he'd picked up a few trinkets guaranteed to annoy most of the people he knew and he was grateful that Alex had thought of the idea. He wasn't sure how he was going to get the oversized purple sombrero on the plane, but the moment he'd saw it, he'd realized it was the perfect gift for Scully. The brim was at least three feet across and the petite redhead would need a compass and a guide rope to find her way out from under it.

"She's going to hate you," Alex told him.

Mulder had grinned. "Serves her right." Scully wouldn't know whether to be grateful for the thought, or to kill him because she knew full well that he'd deliberately picked out the brightest, most obnoxious gift he could find.

For the Lone Gunmen, he'd chosen hurricane globes, the South American version of a 'snow globe.' The cylindrical glass tubes featured painted beach or jungle locations. When you shook them, a tiny hurricane formed in the water and wreaked imaginary devastation on the scene.

All he needed now was an appropriate gift for Skinner, to revenge himself on his boss for siding with Scully and forcing Mulder into the unwanted vacation. The fact that the trip had taken an unexpected turn for the better didn't make any difference. He wouldn't be able to tell them about it anyhow.

Mulder's conscience whispered to him, telling him that it would take more than a few offensive gifts to deflect questions about his tropical vacation. At the very least, Scully would demand to know how he'd spent his time and unless he had a good story prepared, she'd dig until she discovered the truth.

"Are you coming?" Alex interrupted his thoughts impatiently. "Keep your shirt on," Mulder said. "What's the rush?"

"I just feel a little conspicuous, standing here in the middle of the street waiting for you to finish your nap."

"Here." Alex automatically caught the small object that Mulder flipped toward him. "There's a peso," Mulder told him. "Call me when you find your sense of humor."

Alex gave him a dirty look. "Come on." He headed into another shop and Mulder followed him patiently. The air was noticeably cooler inside and Mulder could almost see the tension dropping away from his companion.

"Why did you come to a tropical island if you don't like tropical weather?" he asked logically.

Alex glanced at him, then returned to flipping through the postcard display. "Try to remember this next year," he advised. "Show a little consideration and get Scully to send you to Canada or something."

Next year. Something inside Mulder tried to come alive at the thought, but he ignored it. "Actually, I was thinking of the Riviera."

Alex smiled, his face lighting up. "Monte Carlo? Now you're talking!"

"I don't . . . ." Mulder started apologetically.

"I know," Alex interrupted. "You don't gamble." He shook his head. "You know, you need to develop a few bad habits, Mulder. It's no wonder you work 20 hours a day. It's not like you have anything else to do." He tossed Mulder a brightly colored box. "How about this for Skinner?"

Mulder glanced at the gaudy lettering and shook his head, dropping the carton back onto the shelf. "Somehow I don't see Skinner as the type."

"What do you mean?" Alex picked up the box and studied it. "Strip and Twist," he read. "A progressive game of exercise and fun." He grinned. "Think about it," he urged. "Picture Skinner . . . ."

"No," Mulder said firmly. "I do not want to go there."

"I'll bet he looks pretty good under those suits," Alex coaxed wickedly. "He might surprise you."

"Are you encouraging me to make a pass at my boss?"

"Not really." Alex replaced the box and they moved on down the aisle. "Just kind of checking."

"Checking." Mulder frowned at him. "Checking what?"

"Just sort of . . . testing the waters," Alex said casually. Mulder stopped and thought about the idea seriously. "Do you really think Skinner would . . . ."

"No," Alex said quickly. "I don't."

"Then why did you bring it up?"

"It was a joke," Alex snapped. "You weren't supposed to fall in love with the idea."

"Too late. I think I already did," Mulder told him. Alex's jaw tightened and he started to turn away. "Whatever."

Mulder grabbed his arm. "You want to know what I like best about it?"

"Not really," Alex said sullenly. Mulder tugged Alex closer, trapping him against the back wall. "I'll bet you're dying to know," he teased in a low voice.

Alex glanced over his shoulder at the deserted shop. "Not particularly," he denied.

"Sure you are," Mulder told him. He twisted his hand in the soft tee shirt, pulling the fabric away from Alex's neck. "Go ahead," he invited. "Ask me."

"No," Alex said stubbornly. A bead of sweat rolled down his neck and pooled in the hollow at the base of his throat.

Mulder licked off the moisture, then traced its trail back up the length of Alex's neck, feeling the muscles shift as he swallowed nervously. "Mulder, this is kind of . . . ."

Mulder kissed him. Alex tasted like oranges and papayas, the legacy of the cold fruit drinks they had ordered at the small café. "Have you thought about it?"

Alex cleared his throat. "What would it be, exactly?"

Mulder worked his hand under the hem of Alex's faded cut-offs, feeling the heat radiating from the damp skin. "You know," he whispered insistently. "Skinner."

"Ahhh . . . shit." Alex sighed and closed his eyes as Mulder managed to slide his fingers a few inches higher on his thigh. "No, I haven't."

"I think you're lying," Mulder told him thoughtfully. He shoved Alex against the wall and kissed him savagely. "I'll bet you think about him."

Alex didn't say a word, just glared at him with flinty green eyes.

"You know I'm right." Mulder challenged.

"Why don't you just come out and admit that you're determined to fuck this up, no matter what it takes?" Alex hissed. The accusation took Mulder by surprise for a moment.

Alex slid away from him and waited, arms crossed. Mulder wanted to deny it, but he couldn't be sure it wasn't true. Alex seemed to understand. "If you're done trying to pick a fight," he said tiredly, "Let's get this over with."

"Yeah." Mulder stared around the store aimlessly. Now what? A garish display by the far wall caught his eye. "Look." He nodded and Alex looked across the room. They grinned at each other, leaving the unwanted tension behind, and headed for the display.

"Perfect," Alex said with satisfaction. "One-hundred percent silk," he read.

"Hand-painted, too," Mulder noticed. He snickered. "You think he'll like it?"

"What man wouldn't want a hand-painted silk tie?" Alex regarded the vulgar display with amusement. "Which one?"

Mulder hovered indecisively between two choices. "What do you think?"

Alex looked thoughtful. "Well, the lime green has a certain jejune charm," he said with a smirk, "but I think the orange will go better with his eyes."

Mulder nodded. "And you can't go wrong with the design," he pointed out. "What rising government executive wouldn't appreciate one of these?"

"They'll certainly remember him." Alex's gaze lingered on the well-developed blonde, posed against a background of sun and sand. "At least, they'll remember the tie."

Mulder carried his choice to the register. "I think he'll be deeply touched that I thought of him, don't you?"

"I think you'd better hope that sewage monster doesn't come back or you're going to be patrolling sewers for the next six months." Alex seemed to find the idea funny, but then he wasn't the one who had been hip deep in the stuff.

"Flukeman," Mulder corrected. "Anyhow, it's dead."

"For your sake, I certainly hope so." They stepped out onto the burning sidewalk.

"What next?" Alex looked hopeful. "Lunch?"

Mulder checked his watch. "Too early," he objected. "Let's look around some more."

"For a guy who didn't want to do this, you're having too much fun," Alex complained. "Who else do you need to buy for?"

"I think I'll send my mom a postcard."

"There were postcards in the last place."

"She wouldn't like any of those." Mulder stopped by a revolving stand outside the next store. "I want one that shows the hotel."

Alex crowded into the tiny patch of shade. "She won't care what the hotel looks like. Send her one of the beach."

"That's just water," Mulder objected. "How about one of the whole island."

"Whatever. Just buy it." Mulder ignored Alex's impatient sigh, looking through the postcards carefully. He finally found one that didn't say, 'wish you were here,' or any of the other vacation sentiments he found so irritating, and paid for it while Alex leaned against the window and glared out at the sun.

"We could go back to the hotel," Mulder told him. "Or go swimming."

"Or we could go find a nice cool bar and drink margaritas all afternoon." Alex wiped his forehead with his arm and dried it on his tee shirt, leaving a streak of moisture on the cloth.

"I thought you didn't like to repeat yourself," Mulder reminded him.

"Last time I drank beer."

A familiar voice broke into the conversation. "Mulder!" Raoul dashed across the street, looking delighted. "How are you, my friend?"

"We're fine." Mulder wondered what the young man wanted this time. "We're just . . . ." his voice trailed off and he waved the plastic bag by way of explanation.

"I see you are." Raoul looked even more pleased. "Finally, my friend, you are a real tourist!" He seemed to think this was a goal that Mulder had been striving for. "You drink in the bars and you go shopping! Just like an American."

That's depressing, Mulder decided. Apparently this was how the islanders identified his countrymen. They shopped and drank. A hell of a legacy from the so-called leaders of the free world.

"What do you do now?"

"We're going to lunch," Alex interrupted firmly. "And we're going to be late."

"I know where you can have a very good lunch," the young man coaxed. "It is at the restaurant of my other friend. Come with me and I will introduce you to him."

"We already have plans," Alex said loudly. Raoul slid up next to Mulder and smiled at him invitingly. "Perhaps you would like to see my friend's restaurant with me?"

"I don't think so," Mulder said hastily. He didn't know why, but it was obvious that Raoul got on Alex's nerves and his companion's mood was already bad enough. "We do have plans."

"Adios." Alex dismissed Raoul in a voice that didn't leave room for argument and grabbed Mulder's arm, his fingers tight enough to bruise as he steered them away from the persistent young man. "You know, when I got here, one thing I didn't anticipate was having to compete with some street trash you'd picked up," he said coldly.

If he's trash, what does that make you? Mulder hoped the storm would break soon. A faint rumble in the distance seemed to promise that some relief from the overwhelming heat was approaching. "If I let you eat, will you calm down?"

"I'm calm," Alex said tightly. "Okay, you're calm," Mulder agreed. "If I buy you a drink, will you lighten up?" Alex glared at him, then sighed and looked away. "Sorry."

"Whatever." Mulder steered him into the restaurant. "Here you are. Air conditioning. Food Booze. All the necessities of life, right?"

"It's a start." Alex raised his head and inhaled deeply. "I smell cheeseburgers," he said cheerfully. "Do you suppose they make French fries here?"

"If they don't, I'll go back and make you some myself," Mulder promised. He steered Alex toward a table and waved to the waitress. "Two beers," he said quickly. "Cold. Cheeseburgers. French fries. Hot. Got it?"

"Right," the young woman said cheerfully. "Beer. Cheeseburgers. Fries."

"Perfect," Mulder said gratefully. The beers appeared almost immediately and Mulder sipped his while he watched Alex pour the creamy liquid down his throat.

"More," Alex demanded. Mulder waved to the waitress and motioned to Alex's glass, and she brought a refill quickly.

"Take your time," he advised his companion. "We're not going anywhere for a while."

"You'd better believe it," Alex said firmly. "I'm here until this place closes, or they throw me out, whichever comes first."

Mulder didn't look forward to sitting in the restaurant for hours while Alex drank himself back into a good mood, but he decided not to offer any objections until Alex had eaten and started to relax. The food arrived before Alex worked his way through the second beer. Mulder was hungrier than he had expected and the two men ate in silence.

The combination of cold beer and hot cheeseburgers made a noticeable change in Alex's mood. "Ahhh . . . ." He leaned back and smiled happily. "Another beer, and I may just survive."

Mulder signaled the waitress and ordered two more drinks. "That's a relief. I wasn't sure what the procedure was for getting a dead body back into the United States."

Alex shrugged. "Just pretend you didn't know me," he suggested.

"Sounds like your kind of solution to a problem." Mulder leaned back and let the waitress clear the table. "I'm the conscientious type."

Alex grinned. "Forget it, Mulder." He took a long swallow of the fresh beer. "I'm in too good a mood to fight right now."

Mulder laughed at his companion's smug face. "I'll have to remember the effect cheeseburgers have on you."

After sitting and talking in the cool, quiet air of the bar for a couple of hours, Mulder decided to go back to the hotel. "I think we've pretty much exhausted the entertainment potential of this place," he said over Alex's objections. "Anyhow, I want to get a swim in today."

"I was just getting comfortable," Alex grumbled. He reached for the check but Mulder slid it out from under his hand. Alex shrugged and wandered over to look out the window while Mulder went to pay the check.

Waiting for his change, Mulder heard the restaurant door open. He glanced over his shoulder casually and was dismayed to recognized Raoul's slender form standing just inside the door. Mulder turned away quickly, not daring to look at Alex. Presumably, his lover was in a better mood and there wasn't any immediate danger of bloodshed.

A moment later, Raoul's unmistakable laugh rang out across the almost deserted room. Risking a glance in the long mirror over the bar, Mulder was stunned to see Raoul wave to Alex with a happy smile. Even more surprisingly, Alex smiled back, and the two of them met at a table near the door, talking with every sign of pleasure. Mulder watched the look of intent interest on Alex's face, an expression that slowly gave way to amusement, then pleasure. An animated conversation followed.

Mulder stopped to thank the waitress mechanically, dropping a generous tip on the table. Raoul laughed again and this time Alex's smooth chuckle rang out at the same time. A slow, unfamiliar burning sensation spread through Mulder's chest. Raoul glanced over and noticed Mulder's stare. He gave Mulder a provocative, sulky look, then turned back to Alex, leaning toward him and saying something urgently. Alex looked amused, his eyes dancing as he gave the young man a brilliant smile. He didn't seem to notice Mulder watching. Raoul put his hand on Alex's arm and leaned against him, talking rapidly. Mulder watched the apparent flirtation, feeling what he knew was an irrational hostility washing through him.

What the hell is he doing? He walked over to the two men, giving Raoul a cold look. "Are you coming with me?" he asked Alex flatly.

"Of course." Alex straightened up and gave his young companion another smile. "Take it easy."

"Good-bye, my friend," Raoul told him. "Perhaps we will meet again later?"

"You never know." Alex followed Mulder out onto the street and down to the hotel bus stop, talking cheerfully. "You know, he's not such a bad kid. He was telling me some stuff about the area. Did you know there's a place to rent snorkeling equipment about ten miles from here?"

"No." As usual, the hotel bus was idling by the curb. The two men climbed on board and the driver made an abrupt u-turn and headed the vehicle back toward the resort.

"There is. Apparently you can rent a boat, too. There's a lot of little islands scattered around here and the snorkeling is supposed to be great. He was telling me about this coral reef off of one of them that sounded pretty cool."

"Really?" Mulder stared out the window, trying to subdue the anger he still felt when he remembered Alex's warm response to Raoul's too-obvious flirtation.

"Absolutely. We should go over and take a look." Alex looked at him expectantly.

"I suppose it's some other friend of his who runs the boat dock," Mulder said sarcastically. He gave Alex a dark look. "And he can get us a good deal on the boat, right?"

Alex grinned. "Well, as a matter of fact . . . ." He seemed to notice Mulder's lack of enthusiasm. "I thought it was an idea, anyhow."

"The two of you seem to have covered a lot of territory in five minutes." Mulder couldn't seem to keep himself from probing, any more than he was able to control his unexpected, and unwanted distrust.

"I thought you'd appreciate it if I made the effort," Alex said coolly. "What's wrong?"

"Nothing." Mulder put on his sunglasses and stared out the window sullenly. Nothing was wrong. There wasn't any reason Alex couldn't talk to Raoul or anyone else. Mulder couldn't explain, he didn't even understand his own hostility.

Alex lapsed into silence and they completed the rest of the trip without speaking. Mulder was off the bus as soon as it stopped and heading down the graveled path toward his bungalow.

Alex followed quietly, but the moment the door closed behind them, he grabbed Mulder's arm and swung him around. "What the hell is going on?"

Mulder jerked away and dropped the cheap plastic bags onto the bed. "Not a damned thing."

"Right." Alex glared at him. "Which is exactly why you've been acting like I've got the plague ever since we got on the bus, right?"

"I didn't feel like talking. Sue me." Mulder retrieved his swimsuit from the bathroom and started to strip out of his clothes. "I'm going to take a swim."

"No, you're not." Alex stood in front of him challengingly. "You're going to tell me what the hell is happening in that neurotic head of yours."

"Nothing." Mulder threw his shirt into the corner, then leaned against the table, his head hanging between his arms. "This entire thing is a mistake."

"What?"

"You heard me." Mulder refused to meet his eyes. "It has to stop. Now."

"Why?" Alex sounded shocked. Mulder could swear the smooth voice shook slightly, but he refused to look around. A casual vacation fling with Alex Krycek was insanity, but not as crazy as the jealousy that had wracked him when he had seen Alex presumably responding to another man's flirtation. "It's a mistake," he repeated. "And we both know it."

"I don't know it," Alex said furiously. "What is going on with you?"

"I don't know," Mulder said violently. "Maybe it's you." He glared at Alex. "I should have known better than to get involved with a cheap piece of shit like you in the first place."

Alex looked stunned, then his face went dark with anger. His arm came up, fist clenched, and he stepped forward.

Mulder grabbed Alex's arm and slammed his face against the wall, his arm twisted painfully behind his back. He leaned against the younger man heavily, hearing Alex gasp. "Don't do that. Don't ever do that," Mulder hissed

"I think you broke my arm," Alex said breathlessly. He sounded too calm all of a sudden.

Mulder froze, sanity returning with a cold rush. He let go of Alex and stepped back, shocked by his own sudden violence.

Alex turned around, rubbing his arm. His angry glare was mixed with a fleeting look of pain

What the hell am I doing? Mulder felt a rush of hot guilt. He reached for Alex quickly. "Listen. I'm sorry."

Alex shook him off, stepping back. "I'm going to go drop my stuff in my own room." He pulled a couple of things out of the bags on the bed and disappeared through the door.

Jesus. Mulder dropped onto the bed, holding his head in his hands. Where did that come from? There was a sour taste in his mouth, the memory of Alex's grunt of pain when his head hit the wall echoing in his ears. He didn't know how he was going to explain to Alex what had happened when he didn't understand it himself.

Somehow, I was just a little jealous, didn't quite seem to cover it. There had to be some way to explain it.

Something that wouldn't involve the guilt that had been building in Mulder day after day as found himself becoming involved with a man he had no reason to trust. With a man who had a warrant out for his arrest, Suspicion Of Murder, based on a report signed with Mulder's name.

Mulder refused to think about the trouble he could be in. If Alex was still working for that black-lunged bastard. If his nameless enemy had international connections that were the reason Alex had been headed out on a 'job' the day he'd seen Mulder at the airport.

Just this once, just for these few days, Mulder wanted to pretend that Washington D.C. didn't exist. That he wasn't working for the Bureau. That there wasn't anything going on except what was happening on the surface. He knew that was what Alex was doing. Alex's careful avoidance of any topics not directly connected with the island, the way he ignored Mulder's occasional references to their history together. That's what Mulder wanted. Just these few days.

After a while, he realized that Alex wasn't planning to come back. Mulder pulled himself together. He'd think of something. The important thing was to go over there now and try.

He stood outside Alex's bungalow, knocking lightly, then harder. "Alex?" Nothing. Mulder knocked again, waiting impatiently for the other man to answer. "Alex? Are you in there?" He shifted uneasily. "Come on, Alex." He waited a long time, listening closely.

There was no sound from inside the small building. Mulder hesitated, then returned to his own room. There weren't that many places to go at the hotel. Alex should be back soon. He thumbed through the magazines he'd brought with him, but couldn't find anything of interest. Finally, he picked up a book and threw himself into a chair. He pretended to read, alert for any sound from outside.

An hour later he gave up, unable to remember a single word he'd been reading. He headed over to Alex's bungalow again and beat on the door. "Alex! Open up!"

The door stayed stubbornly closed. He looked around. There was no one in sight. Mulder fished in his pocket and pulled out a small pocketknife. Keeping one eye on the path, he slid a thin blade into the lock and worked it around. In a few seconds, the lock yielded.

"Alex?" He stepped in and looked around. The room looked deserted but the suntan lotion Alex had bought that day was thrown on the table and his clothes still hung in the closet. Mulder closed the closet door, feeling a spark of relief. He didn't leave. He let himself back out of the room, making certain the lock caught behind him.

A decorative pool near the two buildings offered a shady bench. Mulder dropped onto the wood surface, staring down at his hands. The heat was stifling but the storm clouds were definitely moving in.

Mulder waited, checking his watch every few minutes.

Finally, he stood up and returned to his own room in disgust. Fuck him. He changed into his swimsuit and grabbed a towel, heading for the beach. Mulder plunged into the water and swam furiously.

The rising waves being pushed ahead of the storm battered him and he struggled to keep from being thrown against the sandy beach. One heavier wave broke over him and he caught a mouthful of water, sinking to the bottom and choking. Fortunately, the water was shallow enough that he was able to stagger to his feet.

Mulder stumbled onto the beach and dropped onto his towel. Idiot, he cursed himself. He coughed, clearing his throat of the last drops of salty water. That's the way. Drown yourself. That will solve everything. He sat on the beach in the sun for several minutes, letting his mind go blank in the searing heat. Eventually, he dragged himself to his feet and went back to his room where a long, cool shower revived him. He pulled on a pair of shorts and a tee shirt and headed next door. This time he didn't even pretend to knock. He just jimmied the lock and let himself in.

Where the hell is he? He paced around the room for a few minutes, then picked up the remote control. He could wait. He turned on the set and flipped through the channels, settling on an old movie. It had been filmed in English, then dubbed into Spanish. This version had English subtitles. Mulder leaned back and started practicing his lip reading. A low rumble from outside the room announced the approach of the storm. The room flashed brilliantly as lightning forked across the sky. A few seconds later, the storm broke over the island, rain pouring from the sky with a shocking suddenness.

Mulder peered out of the window. No sign of Alex. No sign of anything. Visibility on the other side of the glass was about four feet. He settled back into his chair and watched the rest of the movie.

When it ended, he paced over to the window. He could be waiting at my place, Mulder realized. He glanced out the window again but the storm didn't seem to be lessening. He decided to brave the downpour and make a dash for his own room. Mulder grabbed the door handle, took a deep breath, and started to plunge out into the cool rain.

Alex appeared out of the storm and stumbled to a surprised halt outside the door. He looked half-drowned, his hair plastered to his head and his clothes to his body.

Mulder grabbed him and pulled him into the bungalow and into his arms. "Where the hell have you been?"

Alex shivered. "Jesus. It's cold in here." His skin did feel icy. Mulder shoved him into the bathroom and turned on the shower. With Alex's clumsy assistance, he got him out of his clothes and under the warm water, then he stripped off his own clothes and climbed in next to his lover.

Alex locked his arms around himself, huddling into the warm spray. "I don't need any help."

"Yes, you do." Mulder slid in behind him and wrapped his arms around Alex's waist. "You're freezing."

"I'll be fine." Alex tried to pull away.

Mulder kissed his neck. "I think one major shithead is all this relationship can really handle," he said quietly.

"I wasn't doing anything," Alex said defensively.

"I know you weren't." Mulder coaxed Alex around to face him. Alex relaxed gradually, sliding his arms around Mulder's neck. Mulder hugged the chilled body. "I'm an asshole sometimes, okay?"

"I know you are." Alex's voice was muffled against his neck. "But it isn't okay, Mulder. Don't say shit like that to me."

"I'm sorry," Mulder told him inadequately. "I guess I just went a little crazy. How's your arm?"

"My arm is fine." Alex looked at him. "Are you ready to talk about it?"

Mulder poured some shampoo into his hand and began soaping the black hair carefully. "I don't know." He sighed. "I told you. I. . . went a little nuts. It won't happen again."

Alex let Mulder tip his head back under the warm water. "Tell me it wasn't because I was talking with your little friend."

Mulder sluiced the water back from Alex's forehead carefully, watching the suds pour down toward the drain. He picked up the soap and started washing Alex's shoulders. "I don't know," he lied.

Alex looked at him. "I wouldn't have figured you for the possessive type."

"Neither would I," Mulder admitted.

Alex dropped his head to Mulder's shoulder and he gradually relaxed as Mulder's hands played over his body. Mulder turned off the shower and pulled Alex out, wrapping him in a large towel. He dried both of them thoroughly, then led Alex to the bed. The room felt cold after the warmth of the shower. He pulled the blankets up over both of them. "Where did you go?"

"Just for a walk." Alex shivered. "I couldn't get back before the storm broke and I couldn't find any shelter."

Mulder curled up next to him, kissing Alex's neck and shoulder. "You were pissed off."

"Yeah." Alex looked away. "All of a sudden you're calling me names and trying to break my arm. It was kind of a surprise."

"To both of us," Mulder admitted. Alex cleared his throat. "So?"

"So, I'm an asshole." Mulder sighed. "It's just . . . ." He struggled for words. "We only have a few more days."

"I know." Alex frowned slightly. "It's not like I was going to run off with him, you know."

"Yeah, I know. It was just . . . ." Mulder didn't know how to explain.

Alex touched his cheek. "I think I understand." They slid into each other's arms and laid quietly for a while.

Outside the bungalow, the fury of the storm eased off and the downpour became a light drizzle. Mulder wriggled one arm free. "We should eat." He grabbed the phone, punched in the number for room service, and ordered a substantial meal and two bottles of wine.

"Planning to get me drunk and take advantage of me?" Alex smiled at him tiredly.

"Something like that." Mulder kissed him lightly. "Feeling better?"

"I'm going to sleep well tonight, that's for sure." Alex yawned, then smiled apologetically. "Sorry."

Mulder held him gently, feeling Alex relaxing in his arms. The room was quiet and warm. He felt himself beginning to drift off. Before either of them quite managed to fall asleep, a knock at the door disturbed them.

Alex rolled away and staggered to his feet. "I'm going to get dressed." He grabbed some dry clothes and headed for the bathroom.

Mulder pulled on his pants and opened the door. The waiter from the hotel rolled in the cart, waited for Mulder to sign the bill, then left quietly.

The two men settled onto the couch, piling their plates on their laps. Mulder pried the cork out of one bottle of wine. "Drink this." He poured a glass and handed it to Alex.

Alex took a swallow, looking pleasantly surprised. "You know, a couple of glasses of this and I'm going to be out like a light."

"As long as you don't fall off the couch," Mulder watched him for a moment, then turned to his own dinner.

Alex looked at him oddly. "I didn't have an accident, Mulder. I just got wet."

"Eat," Mulder said stubbornly. His initial relief at seeing Alex again had rapidly been followed by a surge of guilt as he saw at the drenched, unhappy face. A dull surprise had replaced the smile Alex had been wearing for most of the past few days. After some food, and a decent night's sleep, Mulder intended to do what he could to make up for his behavior.

"Where were you?" He asked the question again, almost gently this time.

Alex shrugged. "I started back as soon as the rain set in, but it took a while." He shook his head. "When it rains here, it really rains. I was beginning to wonder about hurricanes." He managed to finish most of his meal before he gave in to the exhaustion overwhelming him.

Mulder collected the plates and piled them onto the cart, shoving the entire mess outside the door. He put the unopened bottle of wine on the table, wondering uncomfortably if Alex would prefer him to leave. He cleared his throat. "You need anything?"

Alex shook his head, yawning. "Just some sleep." He peeled out of his jeans and threw them over a chair carelessly, then flipped the deadbolt on the door and headed toward the bed. "You don't mind?"

"What?" Mulder looked at him blankly. "You mean having an early night? No." He stripped out of his clothes and piled them onto a different chair. "We could probably both use the sleep." He slid into the bed, waiting until Alex finished his habitual round of checking the locks on the windows.

Alex climbed in next to him and flipped off the lights. Pale moonlight streamed in through the skylight overhead. "Much as I'd like to ravish your willing body . . . ." he started. The rest of the sentence was swallowed up in a yawn.

"I said 'sleep'," Mulder said with mock-sternness. He pulled Alex against his chest, waiting until the younger man's head came to rest against his shoulder. He brushed back the hair from the broad forehead and kissed his lover gently. "Good night."

Alex murmured something softly and Mulder could feel the body next to his relaxing into heavy sleep.

He lay there, staring up at the moonlit sky. He'd come very close to destroying whatever it was he and Alex were creating between them. What he couldn't decide was whether or not he'd done the right thing by salvaging it. Some part of him was crazy. That's the only thing he was sure of any more.

Alex stirred in his sleep and Mulder looked down at the dark head pillowed on his shoulder. He explored the curve of Alex's jaw, feeling the faint stubble of beard overlaying the smooth skin. There was a faint aroma of shampoo from the black hair, and a thicker, fruity scent of the red wine from the parted lips. Mulder traced the lax mouth with one finger and Alex's head turned to press a kiss against his hand.

Mulder stopped, but Alex didn't open his eyes. When the soft touch disappeared, he relaxed back into sleep instantly.

Does he know it's me? Even when he's asleep? Mulder stared up at the sky. How did he learn to sleep like that? So trusting. A single phone call and the police would pick Alex up in the morning. Another call to Washington and extradition papers for one Alex Krycek would start working their way through the bureaucracy. Eventually Alex would be returned to the States to face charges regarding the kidnapping of a Federal employee, and the disappearance of a tram operator who might or might not have been murdered.

Mulder pressed his cheek against the dark hair and closed his eyes.

Eventually, he slept

* * * *

Mulder drifted out of sleep slowly, aware that something was wrong but unable to identify it. He reached for the warm body beside his and felt a wave of alarm as he realized he was alone in the bed. His habitual morning grogginess disappeared in an instant and he stumbled out of the bed, fighting his way out of the blankets and staring around the room blankly. Alex?

A muffled clunk and the faint noise of the shower running came from the small bathroom.

Mulder's panic drained away and he sagged back onto the bed in relief. He stretched out against the blankets and closed his eyes, but sleep was long gone. Eventually he decided it was time for his morning run. He pulled on a pair of faded sweats and a light tee shirt and let himself out of the bungalow.

By the time he got back, Alex should be finished with his shower and the bathroom would be free. Mulder stepped outside, raising his head and inhaling deeply, relishing the air's clean texture. It was a welcome change from the close, sticky weather of the day before. He struck off down the path leading to the beach, knowing that the sandy stretch in front of the hotel would be almost deserted at this time.

As he ran, Mulder tried not to dwell on his problems. He let the cool, early morning air flow in and out of his lungs rhythmically as he ran, his eyes focused on the horizon in front of him. By the time he turned around and headed back for the bungalow, he was wide awake and he had achieved a fragile peace with himself about the man who would be waiting for him at the end of the run.

Alex was inspecting his ruined clothes regretfully as Mulder let himself back into the bungalow. He gave the Mulder an absent smile and held up the wrinkled shirt. "Think I can get away with wearing this one more day?"

"It's too far gone to wash your car with," Mulder advised. "If it were mine, I'd bury it."

"Easy for you to say," Alex grumbled. "I don't have much else with me."

Mulder leaned in and stole a quick kiss. "Want to go shopping again?"

"No." Alex dropped the shirt regretfully in the waste can and started pulling on his jeans. "I'll go next door and get something else."

Mulder headed for the bathroom, hearing the door close behind Alex. He took a quick shower and dressed, suddenly aware that he was starving. He locked the door behind him and headed over to where Alex was waiting beside the small decorative pool surrounded by lush bushes. He was seated on a bench beside the water, rippling the water with small rocks.

Mulder wondered what his lover was thinking about so seriously. "Something wrong?" he asked carefully.

Alex looked up and smiled, looking ten years younger all of a sudden. "Just wondering if you were going to feed me any time this morning." He stood up and joined Mulder on the path and they headed for the small breakfast café in the main hotel building

* * * *

"So." Mulder leaned back and grinned at his companion, watching Alex mop up the last of his eggs with a piece of toast. "What's on the schedule for today?"

"You tell me." Alex waited for the waitress to refill his coffee cup and took a drink. "Anything you want to do?"

"I was thinking about that snorkeling thing," Mulder admitted. "Really?" Alex's face lit up. "We could rent a sailboat," he said enthusiastically. "Spend the whole day."

"Sounds like a plan." Mulder was relieved. He'd half-wondered if the idea would remind Alex of their fight the day before, but Alex seemed ready to forget about it.

The hotel front desk arranged for a taxi to pick the two men up and drive them to the boat dock. Once there, they examined the selection of boats available. Mulder had to talk fast to convince Alex that they didn't need a 28-foot cruiser just to sail around the island. Alex finally agreed, reluctantly, to accept the substitution of a trim 15-footer. With some difficulty, they managed to convince the dock owner that they were capable of handling the craft without assistance. They paid the rental fee and the damage deposit, and arranged for the snorkeling equipment. Then they picked up the substantial picnic lunch they had ordered from the small restaurant attached to the dock, and boarded the boat.

Mulder watched Alex as they set sail and started making their way around the island, wondering how much experience the other man had sailing. After a few minutes, he realized that Alex was watching him just as closely. "I think we've both done this before," he suggested. "

I think you're right." Alex smiled and sat back, obviously enjoying the fresh breeze. After a few moments, he pulled off his shirt and moved over to soak up some sunshine.

Mulder eyed his companion critically. Alex was starting to acquire a bronze coat of tan from the last few days in the sun, losing that pale, tired look he had worn when he arrived.

"You look good," he said abruptly.

Alex cracked one eye open and grinned at him. "So do you. Want to put in to shore?"

Mulder laughed. "That's not what I meant."

Alex slipped out of his jeans and stretched out precariously on a beach towel. "Wake me up if you change your mind." He closed his eyes with every appearance of a man about to take a nap.

"Get your lazy ass over here and steer the boat," Mulder ordered. He'd grabbed his swimsuit but hadn't thought to wear it under his clothes.

Alex grumbled, but picked his way through the gear littering the well of the boat to take charge of the tiller. Mulder slipped under the boom and changed into his suit. As he pulled off his clothes, he heard soft applause from his audience. "Get a little rhythm into that act and you can open for anyone in Vegas," Alex teased. He had settled himself on the cooler in the well of the boat and was watching the older man with frank enjoyment.

Mulder pulled on his suit quickly, oddly self-conscious under his lover's admiring gaze. "The Bureau frowns on moonlighting," he said without thinking.

Alex winced, then grinned when he saw Mulder's stricken expression. "Relax," he said calmly. "It doesn't matter."

Mulder stuffed his clothes away and stood up to look around. They were sailing far enough out to avoid any unexpected reefs but close enough to avoid the heavier ocean waves. "I seem to have a knack for saying the wrong thing, don't I?" he said.

Alex shrugged. "If you're done," he said pointedly. "I think you were in charge of this half of the trip?"

Mulder ducked under the boom again and took over the tiller and Alex resumed his place sunbathing on the deck. He stretched lazily in the brilliant sunshine.

Mulder watched him, unaware of the small smile curving his mouth as his eyes traced the contours of his lover's body. As he watched, Alex reached for a bottle and began rubbing the suntan lotion into his arms. When Alex squirted a handful of the liquid onto his chest and started smoothing it onto his shoulders and neck, Mulder's mouth went dry.

He watched in silent fascination as the bronzed hands spread the creamy liquid over the chest, rubbing it into the skin well before moving down to cover the stomach and the waist. Alex sat up and covered his legs generously, then tossed the bottle aside and lay back down.

Mulder sighed with regret and turned his attention to the boat's course along the coast. They sailed along peacefully for a while, watching as the scattered houses gradually thinned and disappeared. When they hadn't seen any signs of habitation for half an hour, Mulder started looking for a likely cove to drop anchor in. The dock owner had been very helpful, pulling out a map and pointing out a few landmarks they could watch for. Mulder hadn't been out in a boat like this since he was very young and the choppy, cold waters of the Atlantic were nothing like the sun-drenched ocean he was on now.

Alex rolled over onto his stomach. "You want to do it this time?" He held up the bottle of suntan lotion and grinned wickedly over his shoulder at Mulder.

Yes. "Someone has to sail the boat," Mulder said. He kept his eyes resolutely away from the inviting picture Alex made.

"The last time I checked, boats came with anchors," Alex reminded him. "I need some help over here, Mulder."

"You can't just drop anchor when you're under way," Mulder said stubbornly. "We'll be there pretty soon." He wanted nothing more than to accept the invitation, but something held him back.

Alex made his way over to where Mulder was sitting and knelt between his legs, elbows resting casually on his thighs. "We're in the middle of an ocean," he pointed out. He handed Mulder the bottle of suntan lotion. "If you get carried away, I promise not to scream."

Mulder gave in, grabbing a convenient length of rope and lashing the tiller to keep them on course. He opened the bottle of lotion, warmed by the sun's rays, and squirted a generous amount into his hand. Since Alex showed no signs of moving, he leaned forward and wrapped his arms around him, smoothing the creamy liquid along his back.

Alex's arms slithered around his waist and Mulder was pulled forward until he was perched on the edge of the shallow well in the center of the boat. He felt Alex's mouth slide along his shoulder and up his neck, probing until it found the sensitive area behind his ear.

Mulder arched his neck, then leaned into the pressure, feeling the sharp pleasure as Alex nibbled the soft spot. Mulder pulled the younger man close, trapping the dark head in the curve of his neck and letting his hands wander over the smooth back encouragingly.

"You're going to leave a mark," he said dreamily. He wanted that, wanted to feel it, to see it and remember this moment.

Alex bit his throat, tugging at the hot skin. His mouth seemed to pull Mulder from his seat and onto his knees across Alex's thighs. Alex's arms tightened around his waist as he pushed up against Mulder's weight. Mulder could feel the hardness pressing between his legs and he rubbed against it, listening to Alex's soft moans with pleasure

The boat rocked under them and Mulder moved with it, rubbing himself lazily across Alex's lap. Alex's teeth closed over one tight nipple and bit sharply. Mulder sighed and arched his back, feeling the sensation ripple through his body. Alex circled the tiny nub with his tongue, then started chewing on the sensitive flesh again until Mulder's hands were buried in his hair and he was moaning breathlessly.

Alex pressed a kiss into the hollow of Mulder's throat, then licked the skin along his shoulder. His mouth slid back down and touched the other tight point, brushing it with a gentle kiss that made Mulder shudder with longing. Alex teased the nub with flicks of his tongue.

Alex was hard and ready between his legs; Mulder could feel him straining to thrust himself against the warmth of Mulder's body. He bent down and captured Alex's mouth with his own, easing his's hips up until he could slide the snug swimsuit down toward Alex's knees and press himself against the bare flesh. Alex's back was sweaty under his hands and everywhere he touched seemed to release the sweet coconut fragrance of the suntan lotion.

"Oh, yeah . . . ." Alex nipped Mulder's shoulder lightly, rubbing his face against Mulder's skin as his erection scraped across the fabric of Mulder's suit. Alex's neck tasted of saltwater and honey, an impossible combination that made Mulder's head spin.

He drank in the heady aroma of his lover's body, the tang of arousal distinct under the smell of seaweed and ocean that permeated the air. Mulder stretched his arms down, feeling the slight dip before Alex's waist swelled into the curve of his hips. Alex moaned and shifted his weight, lifting so that Mulder's fingers could brush against the firm, pale skin. Mulder pinched one full cheek, then rubbed his fingers against the damp cleft. Alex kissed him again, his arms tight around Mulder's waist

Mulder squirmed against his lover's erection, caught between their bodies, and felt the hardness throb against his own. Alex's hands fumbled with Mulder's swimsuit, then slid inside the tight fabric to clutch his ass, squeezing as he thrust himself against Mulder.

Overhead, the sail swung to one side and the full glare of the tropical sun flowed over them. Mulder eased Alex to his side, then onto his back, letting the younger man stretch his cramped legs.

Alex sighed gratefully, but his hands never left Mulder, tugging the thin suit down past the older man's erection before their bodies came together again. The two men plunged against each other in the brilliant sunshine, the distant cries of gulls and the surf washing against the nearby shore drowned out by the sounds of their harsh breathing and the liquid sound of their sweat-soaked bodies moving together.

Alex murmured something roughly and his hands tightened around Mulder's hips. Mulder tightened his grip on Alex, feeling the shocks of pleasure pouring through the younger man's body. Sun and passion fused in Mulder's head, the dazzling heat pouring off of their bodies turning to liquid fire that melted back into him, then sank down and erupted where Alex's cock rubbed against his own. He drove his hips against his lover's and cried out as his orgasm shook through him. He collapsed against Alex, sliding to one side until just his head and one leg were pillowed against Alex's body.

They lay there unmoving while the fierce heat of the tropical sun dried their bodies.

Mulder felt Alex stir, then press a kiss against his forehead lazily. "Unless we want to spend the rest of this vacation with ice packs in our laps, we'd better get out of this sun."

Mulder nodded and sat up carefully, pushing the boom out of the way and looking around curiously. The shore beside them curved into a deep cove, lined with pale sand that sloped into lush, green forest. He nudged his companion. "What do you think?"

Alex looked around and nodded. "Looks good." He yawned. "I vote we take a nap, then eat lunch."

Mulder unlashed the tiller and steered the small boat toward shore. "How about a swim first?" he suggested.

Alex perched on his towel and watched the boat slide gracefully into the small cove. "Too energetic."

"If you think I'm carrying you to shore, think again," Mulder told him. Alex grinned, then got ready and, at Mulder's nod, dropped the anchor.

The boat swung for a moment, then stilled. The two men furled the sail quickly. Mulder slipped overboard into chest-deep water. Alex handed him their backpacks and the beach towels and he waded toward shore, listening with amusement to the other man's curses as Alex levered the cooler onto the deck, then slid into the water and took the heavy box onto his shoulder.

Mulder carried the backpacks and towels across the narrow beach and dropped them in the shade. He met Alex at the edge of the water and together they hauled the cooler over the soft sand and up to the picnic site. "Ready for a swim yet?"

"Actually, it sounds like a good idea," Alex admitted.

Mulder peeled out of his shoes and headed toward the water eagerly. Warm as the water was, it had felt cool and refreshing on his overheated skin. They swam lazily for a while, leaving the snorkeling gear untouched on the boat. Mulder swam a couple of slow laps across the small cove before following Alex toward shore. Safely under the sheltering trees, Mulder shook out his beach towel and stretched out gratefully to rest. An arm's length away, Alex followed his example and they dozed in the shade for a while.

A raucous squawking jerked Mulder awake. Not far away, two gulls squabbled over some tidbit on the beach, squaring off and flapping their wings threateningly at each other. Farther down the beach, another group of birds watched curiously as the drama played itself out. Lunch time at the OK Corral, he thought with amusement. On the other hand, he realized that lunch sounded like a very good idea.

Alex woke up as Mulder was unpacking the cooler. "Hey," he said sleepily. Mulder handed him a cold bottle of fruit juice, which Alex drank thirstily while Mulder sorted out the various packages of food they had ordered.

They ate, enjoying the fresh air. Hot as it had seemed when they were on the water, the air was cool compared to the storm-laden atmosphere of the day before. The gulls circled hopefully, reluctant to brave the sheltering tree branches but obviously aware that there was food to be had.

"Toss it out and let them clean up the mess," Alex suggested.

Mulder started to repack the remains of their lunch. "Not a chance," he said positively. "One scrap and there'll be a hundred of them out there."

"Really?" Alex looked interested.

Mulder looked at him thoughtfully. "In . . . a place on the coast where we used to stay," he said carefully. "Tourists used to feed them all of the time. The birds got so tame they'd fly down and try to take food out of your hand." He closed the cooler and fastened the catch. "They finally had to post signs after a couple of kids got bitten."

Alex shrugged. "I don't think the remains of a cold chicken sandwich or two are going to incite a riot, but you're the expert." He climbed to his feet. "How about a walk?"

They walked along the forest's edge, staying in sight of the cove at first, then wandering deeper under the trees where the air was cooler. It was rough going even just a few feet from the beach. The third time he stumbled over a tangle of undergrowth, Mulder was ready to call it quits.

He dragged his feet free of the encircling vine carefully. "How about we get our money's worth out of that snorkeling equipment," he suggested hopefully.

Alex watched him, shaking his head. "What's the matter, Mulder? No Boy Scout troop in your home town?"

"Very funny." Mulder rubbed a scratch on his leg ruefully. "Don't think I haven't noticed the way you've been hanging back, letting me try to find a path through this mess."

"I was just admiring the view," Alex said wickedly. Mulder felt himself flush and he turned away quickly. A moment later, Alex's arms slid around his waist and his resisting body was turned to face Alex.

"You know, you're not a half-bad looking guy," Alex teased gently. "Especially with that cute little blush."

"Fuck you." Mulder tried to keep from returning the infectious smile.

"Uh uh," Alex denied. He brushed a kiss across Mulder's lips. "It's my turn." He pulled away and headed for the beach before Mulder could answer. "Let's finish this trip out in the open, what do you say?"

Once they were clear of the undergrowth, the trip back to their picnic site was a quick one. They picked up the cooler and waded out into the water, loading it back onto the boat, then digging out the equipment they had rented. The cove was a perfect site for snorkeling. A high coral reef enclosed most of the bay, and a variety of weird and exotic fish were making their homes in the warm water. The time passed quickly as the two men explored the cove, watching schools of fish dart away in front of them and unearthing shells and driftwood from the sandy bottom.

Finally Alex called a halt. "I'm beginning to feel like one of those fish," He looked at his water-wrinkled fingers. "I'm beginning to look like them, too."

"I guess we've had enough," Mulder said regretfully. He checked the sky. "We need to be heading back, anyhow." They swam over to the boat and tossed their gear into the boat. "Why don't you go get the rest of our stuff and I'll straighten this out," Mulder told Alex absently. He frowned at the mess in the well, his New England upbringing offended by the touristy clutter.

He worked quickly and by the time Alex was back with their clothes and the beach towels, everything was neatly stowed away. They raised the anchor and unfurled the sail, and Mulder tacked them out of the cove and into the open water. "Feel like sailing her for a while?" He kept his eyes on the horizon as he made the offer.

"I think you're having too much fun," Alex said comfortably. "I wouldn't want to come between a man and his boat, after all."

Mulder glanced over to where Alex was soaking up the late-afternoon rays of sunshine and smiled. "You're a lazy shit, aren't you?"

"I'm a man who knows how to relax," Alex denied. "It's a skill you should cultivate."

"The boat won't sail itself," Mulder told him. He adjusted the sail slightly. "If we both relax, we'll drift out to sea."

"Sounds peaceful, don't you think?" Alex grinned at him happily. Mulder pretended to consider the idea. "There's only one sandwich left."

"We can wrestle for it," Alex suggested. "What about after that?" Alex rolled his eyes. "After that, we let the future take care of itself, Mulder. You know, it's possible to plan a thing to death."

"So to speak," Mulder said. "Since ours is likely to be the first deaths on the agenda." Alex laughed suddenly, his eyes alight with amusement. "Forget it. I think a fair division of labor has already been achieved. You steer the boat and I'll navigate by the stars." He closed his eyes, still chuckling. "Wake me up when you see stars." Mulder tightened his grip on the rope and pulled the tiller over suddenly. The sail filled with wind and the small boat leapt ahead. Alex yelped and scrambled for a handhold as his side of the boat dipped and water splashed over the side.

"What the hell are you doing?" He mopped his face with a dry corner of his towel and glared at Mulder.

Mulder looked at him expressionlessly. "Sailing the boat."

Alex looked at him and then climbed down into the well and made his way to where Mulder was sitting. He braced his arms on either side of Mulder's hips and stared into the older man's eyes. "You dump me overboard and you'll be sleeping alone tonight," he threatened quietly.

Mulder smiled. "I don't think so."

Alex's eyes narrowed suspiciously, then he grinned. "Oh, you don't?"

"No." Mulder looked into the laughing green eyes, inches from his own. "I figure the odds are pretty much against it, anyhow."

"Oh?" Alex's face dared him to go on. "What are you going to do? Use some of that fancy education to talk me into it?"

Mulder shook his head, hooking one leg behind Alex's hips. "Actually, I thought I'd use some of that expensive Academy training to knock you down and tie you up first.

"Really?" The younger man's eyes sparkled. "You know," he leaned closer. "That might just be worth it."

Mulder grabbed Alex's head and shoved it hard into his lap, ignoring the muffle yelp of surprise. The wind had shifted and the boom swung around wildly, going limp, then filling with air as the small boat surged forward again. Mulder grabbed the rope, letting Alex ease himself back onto his heels. "Was it something I said?" Alex looked confused.

"It's a boat." Mulder watched to make certain the wind was steady. "You almost lost the top of your head."

Alex glared at the innocent sail. "I don't remember that happening this afternoon."

"The wind was steady this afternoon," Mulder reminded him. He frowned. "How long has it been since you've been out?"

Alex crawled back over to his beach towel. "This conversation is hazardous to my health," he said. "We'll pick it up later."

"Alex," Mulder insisted. "Have you ever been sailing before?"

Alex sighed. "You mean, like, actually sailing or just on the boat?"

"You're kidding."

"No, I'm not," Alex said shortly. He glared at Mulder. "Not everyone grows up next to an ocean, you know, Mulder." He shrugged. "Besides, I could tell you knew what you were doing."

"Right." Mulder let the conversation drop, shaking his head silently. Because Alex was paying attention to the way he was handling the boat, Mulder had assumed the other man knew what should be done. Fortunately for both of them, the small craft only needed one experienced hand at the tiller.

Alex stretched out comfortably on deck and Mulder tacked carefully to take advantage of the wind as they finished the trip back. He didn't try to duck his companion again, but a certain amount of spray made its way onto the deck and by the time they sailed back up to the dock, both men were thoroughly soaked.

Alex returned the empty cooler while Mulder recovered his damage deposit and called for a cab to take them back to the hotel. At Alex's suggestion, they crowded into the restaurant's tiny bathroom and squirmed out of their wet suits and into some dry clothes.

"Hey, watch those elbows." Alex tried to step back and bumped his head on an exposed pipe.

"Watch your own," Mulder countered. He pulled on his shirt, then leaned against the wall to brace himself as he pulled on his shorts. He stepped on Alex's foot as he straightened up. "Sorry."

"No problem." Alex winced. "I was only using the bottom." Mulder held the wet towels and suits while Alex struggled into his own clothes.

They stuffed everything they weren't wearing into a plastic bag Alex had coaxed from the restaurant owner.

Prying open the rickety door, they emerged into the sunset. They chose a place on the deserted docks where they could watch the sun setting over the ocean. The salt water drying on Mulder's skin itched, the gulls were raucous overhead, and the smell of gasoline permeated the air from the dilapidated gas pump nearby. Mulder leaned against a convenient post and let the lingering pleasure of the day wash through him. Occasionally he glanced over at Alex's face, enjoying his unusual tranquility.

"You okay?" Mulder wasn't sure what to say, but he suddenly wanted some sign that Alex's remote, peaceful expression was an echo of Mulder's own content.

"Sure." Alex gave him a quick smile, then inched over to lean against the same post. Their shoulders rubbed comfortably, the contact reassuring. Eventually, their ride pulled up and they waved to the friendly dock owner and climbed into the cab, relaxing into the overstuffed seats gratefully. 

Mulder leaned back and closed his eyes. "Let's get room service tonight," he suggested. "I can't face that bus again tonight."

"Sounds perfect." The seat shifted as Alex stretched; then Mulder felt a warm hand on his leg. "I think I've had enough partying to last me for a while."

"After the other night?" Mulder laughed. "That was crazy." Alex chuckled. "That conga line," he said reminiscently. "It was like something out of the Twilight Zone," Mulder told him. "Or Hotel California. You know. You can check out, but you can never leave."

"It wasn't quite that bad."

"Speak for yourself." Mulder slid his hand over Alex's. "I'll bet the guy behind you didn't have two left feet and about a case too much beer before he decided he knew how to dance."

"As I recall, you were the guy behind me."

Mulder could hear the smile in the quiet voice. "Case closed," he said.

A few minutes later, the cab pulled up outside the hotel. Mulder gathered up their bags while Alex paid the fare; then the two men headed across the courtyard toward the row of bungalows. Their shoulders brushed as they made their way down the narrow path and the now-familiar sensation gave Mulder a warm, comfortable feeling he didn't want to explore too closely.

"Isn't that your little friend?" Alex's voice had a slight edge.

Mulder glanced down the path and saw a slender figure closing the door to his bungalow and disappearing into the darkness. My friend? Even if he hadn't had something else on his mind, he wouldn't have argued the subject. Yesterday's fight was better forgotten.

"Sure. I told him I'd be there as soon as I got you out of the way." Mulder shook his head. "He must have gotten tired of waiting."

Alex gave him a dirty look and Mulder laughed.

"Let's not go there again, okay?" He pulled Alex into the shadows and gave him a quick kiss, waiting until an answering smile lit up Alex's face. "Come on." He pulled Alex down the path. "Let's see what's up."

Alex hung back a step, still half-suspicious. "Are you sure?"

Mulder knew what he meant, but he shrugged the suggestion off. "Probably someone dropping off clean towels," he suggested. He opened the door, pushing Alex in ahead of him.

The small room was lit with a profusion of candles and there was a heavy scent of tropical flowers in the air. An elaborate dinner was set out on the low coffee table.

Alex had frozen a couple of steps into the room. He didn't seem to know what to say, but that wasn't important.

Mulder smiled to himself. If he'd acted like a major asshole the night before, he was making up for it now.

Alex gave him an odd look but he didn't ask any obvious questions. "Are we dressing for dinner?"

"I think showers are in order." Mulder tossed his bag in the corner and handed Alex's to him. "Don't be long."

Alex gave him a long, warm kiss. "You did this?"

Mulder smiled. "You have a problem with it?"

Alex smiled tentatively, then turned toward the door. "I'll be right back." He sounded slightly dazed and Mulder pushed him toward the door encouragingly.

As soon as he was alone, Mulder stripped out of his clothes and jumped in the shower, washing off the salt and sea spray. He had to shampoo twice to get the salt out of his hair, and he took the time for a quick shave.

By the time he made it back to the living room, tucking in his shirt hastily, Alex was already there. He stood in the middle of the floor, one hand brushing a flower in one of the bouquets that were scattered around the room.

"That was quick." Mulder walked over and cupped his hand around his lover's neck. "Are you sure you washed behind your ears?" He leaned forward and nuzzled the soft skin behind one ear, tasting a faint trace of soap. Alex's cheek was smooth, proving that he'd taken time to shave as well. "I kind of miss that rough, he-man feel," he said lightly.

"Tomorrow morning, I'll be reminding you that you that you said that," Alex said absently. He looked at Mulder, his eyes puzzled. "Did I miss something?"

"Couldn't sleep last night," Mulder said casually. "So I took myself off to the public library and checked out a book on romance." He kissed Alex gently. "How am I doing?"

"Jesus, Mulder." Alex pulled Mulder close and hugged him. "Anything worth doing is worth overdoing, right?"

"Too much?" Mulder asked anxiously

"No." Alex kissed him, hard. "Not at all." He laughed.

Mulder felt a wave of warmth. He hadn't expected Alex to be quite so overwhelmed by the gesture, but the happiness on his face was more than enough repayment. "We'd better eat, if we're going to," he said finally.

"Yeah." Alex kissed him again and pulled away. They stripped the couch of pillows and piled them on the floor around the low coffee table, reaching across each other to fill their plates, eating in companionable silence for a while.

Mulder poured each of them a glass of wine and set the bottle down on the table. "I forgot the music," he said apologetically.

"What?"

"Mood music," Mulder explained. "I forgot to ask for it." He took a drink of his wine. "I can hum if you want. But I should warn you I've lost several close friends that way."

Alex leaned back against the couch and laughed, a clear sound of joy that drew an answering smile from Mulder. "You're incredible, Mulder," he said finally.

"I'll take that as a compliment," Mulder told him. He moved the bottle out of the way. "Come here."

Alex leaned over and Mulder kissed him gently, smiling into the green eyes. Alex laughed and shook his head. "This is such a cliché!"

"I know," Mulder said with a grin. He touched Alex's face lightly. "Is it what you wanted?"

Alex's eyes went soft and he brushed his lips across the backs of Mulder's fingers. "Yes," he admitted. "It is."

"Good." Mulder poured each of them another glass of wine. They finished the meal and Mulder emptied the second bottle of wine into their glasses.

Alex leaned back against the couch and laughed. "Does this plan have a stage two?"

His eyes sparkled in the soft light and Mulder suspected they were both a little drunk, although he didn't feel like it. He just felt comfortable, with a pleasant glow from watching his companion's infectious smile.

"Just the obvious," he said lazily.

Alex smiled at him. "Want to take turns?"

"That sounds like a lot of work," Mulder objected.

"Let's go do it on the beach," Alex suggested.

"Not even in your dreams." Mulder shook his head and emptied his wine glass. "Why not?"

"Does the word sandpaper mean anything to you?" Mulder eyed the empty wine bottles regretfully, then crawled around to lean against his lover.

"Ouch." Alex looked regretful. "I always thought it would be kind of hot."

"Popular fantasy," Mulder dismissed. "The From Here to Eternity thing, right? How about the bathtub?"

"That's not quite the same thing, is it?" Alex took another drink of his wine, then let Mulder empty the glass.

"How about the rug beside the bathtub?" Mulder offered. "It's sand-colored. You can squint and use your imagination."

"Outside," Alex said stubbornly. "It's my fantasy, right?"

"Right." Mulder climbed to his feet and helped Alex up. "

Just a second." Alex fished around in the bureau and came up with the unopened bottle of wine from the night before. "Let's take this with us."

"You want me to bring the glasses?" Mulder watched doubtfully as Alex struggled with the corkscrew.

"Nope." Alex pulled the cork free triumphantly. "We'll drink from the bottle."

They wandered out into the moonlight and headed toward the beach. From the hotel they could hear the faint sounds of a band. By this time, most of the guests would be gathered on the pavilion and the beach would be deserted. They stopped by the shore and pulled off their shoes.

Taking turns drinking from the newly opened bottle of wine, the two of them waded down the beach, letting the warm water splash around their feet and ankles, until they reached a small area, protected from the hotel's view by a pile of rocks. By unspoken agreement, they chose a spot back against the rocks and stretched out in the soft sand, finishing the bottle. Alex's hand brushed against Mulder's leg, then rested warmly against his chest.

Mulder stared at the unending vault of stars overhead, listening to the splash of the waves against the shore. He couldn't see the lights of the resort. Once again, the two men were in a private world, separate from the laughing, dancing mass of humanity at the other end of the beach.

Mulder slid his arm under Alex's shoulders and pulled his head to rest against his chest. The now-familiar weight felt like it belonged there, the dark hair tickling his chin as Mulder rubbed his cheek against it gently. Alex tipped the bottle against Mulder's lips and let the last swallow of wine drain into his mouth. Mulder savored the rich fruity taste, sharing the flavor with a slow kiss. Alex's skin still felt heated with the warmth of the sun under Mulder's hand as he pulled Alex close to him.

"How about a swim?" Alex said finally.

"We just ate," Mulder said automatically. Still, the idea of a swim in the warm water was appealing.

"We won't go out far. Come on." Alex struggled to his feet and began pulling off his clothes.

Mulder thought for a moment, then stood up and stripped. "Want to race to those rocks?"

"No," Alex said definitely. He tested the water with one foot, then waded out happily. "I just want to swim."

Mulder followed him, watching the pale strip of skin around Alex's hips disappear under the night-dark waters. He slid into the ocean and began swimming slowly toward the landmark farther out in the cove.

Alex found a foothold and the two of them climbed over the stone until they found a flat surface on the seaward side of the barricade. They stretched out again, looking at the sky, shoulders pressed together as the seawater ran down their skin and puddled beneath them.

Mulder rubbed his hand against Alex's hip, feeling the heat that rose at his touch.

Alex rolled onto his side and stretched his arm across Mulder's chest. "How about here?"

Looking into eyes darkened to black in the moonlight, Mulder couldn't think of anything he wanted more. "Yeah." He tugged on Alex's hand, pulling the younger man closer. Alex curled up against his side, his hand playing lazily across Mulder's body. The night air stroked across both of them and Mulder felt himself shiver. "Cold?"

Alex moved closer. "No."

Mulder rolled to face the other man and cupped Alex's face. Alex pressed against him and kissed him, his hand rubbing Mulder's back, pulling their bodies close together.

Mulder sighed and smiled, his hand moving between them to stroke his lover gently. "Hey, stranger," he teased in a husky whisper. "You want to fool around?"

"Yeah." Alex's voice was a soft purr.

The younger man tasted of salt and seawater again, his mouth flavored with the sweet, rich wine they had been drinking. Mulder stroked Alex's shoulders and back, their mouths fastened together until the lack of oxygen drove them apart.

Alex began working his way down Mulder's body, his fingers rubbing the damp skin gently. Mulder luxuriated in the feel of Alex's mouth on his chest, nibbling and licking the skin, moving slowly toward the aching flesh between his legs. Teasing hands approached his straining erection, stroking gently through the tightly curled hair at the base and over his flesh. As the soft lips brushed against him, Mulder felt the tip of Alex's tongue probing the tiny opening

Tangling both hands in Alex's dark hair, Mulder rubbed the head of his erection against the wet mouth. Alex lapped at him until Mulder thought he would lose his mind before the warmth closed around him. Finally, he felt himself being sucked into Alex's mouth as his lover's hand slid toward the base of his cock.

Mulder reached for the naked body next to his, cupping one hand around the soft mounds at the base of Alex's erection and nuzzling the shaft gently. Alex moaned, pushing against the exploring fingers.

Mulder pulled Alex's hips to his mouth and let his lips slide along the soft skin, sucking gently as he reached the crown. Pausing at the tip, Mulder licked sensuously at the moisture gathered there, enjoying the taste and the shiver of reaction in Alex's body. An answering lick traced across his own body and Mulder shuddered, hearing Alex's soft laugh.

The wetness moved down and centered itself between his legs, sliding carefully around and across the orbs at the base of his erection. A pause, and Mulder obediently repeated the caress on the body next to his, suckling the vulnerable flesh and rubbing his tongue across the hot skin.

They played that way for long minutes, one of them offering a touch or a kiss and feeling the sensation repeated in his own body. Alex nuzzled the ticklish well of Mulder's navel, arms wrapped around the older man's waist to keep him from pulling away. Mulder repeated the gesture, probing mercilessly, then sliding a hand down between Alex's thighs and stroking the tender crease that divided hip from thigh, letting his fingers trail back to explore the sheltered furrow.

The silence was punctuated by the night-gentle surf lapping against the rocks and the beach, and by the two men's moans and soft whispers.

Mulder propped himself on one elbow and bent his head to take his lover's erection, abandoning the game for the pleasure of feeling Alex's slow loss of control as the steady pressure pulled him toward oblivion. Alex's lips worked against him hungrily, hands grabbing Mulder's hips and thighs as the younger man's leisurely caresses were replaced by urgent kisses and suckling. Mulder slid his hand between Alex's again, stroking the sensitive skin, letting his fingers close gently around the hot sac. Arching his back, Alex cried out and came against the pressure of Mulder's hands and mouth.

A slow, sensuous interval followed with Alex's hands still stroking the length of Mulder's erection slowly, keeping his body on the verge of exploding while the younger man regained his breath. Alex nuzzled the slick skin, swirling his tongue around the tip, the letting it slip between his lips for a few breathless seconds.

"More," Mulder demanded, shaking with the need to bury himself in that hot, wet mouth. He could feel his own pleasure overtaking him as Alex's coaxing fingers began to erode his control. His entire body concentrated on the sensations flooding through him.

One final movement and the exquisite pressure building inside of Mulder erupted. His cry mingled with the sharp squawks of the gulls on the beach, then died away into the noise of the waves. There was an endless time of pleasure and fulfillment as the sensations ebbed.

Mulder felt tired. Sleepy. Sated. He nuzzled Alex's hip and then turned himself carefully to stretch out against his lover's side.

Alex wrapped his arms around Mulder's shoulders and pressed a lazy kiss against his head.

"Mulder." Alex's voice was tentative in the darkness.

"Shhhh," Mulder said soothingly. He cupped his lover's cheek gently, feeling the sweat drying on the warm skin.

"Leave it alone." He felt Alex's slight nod.

Whatever Alex had been going to say, explanations, excuses, apologies, it wasn't important. Not here, and not now.

 Later, Mulder told himself. Later would be time enough to deal with the aftermath of what had happened before. The consequences of what was happening between them on the island. There had to be a way to reconcile the two men he knew as Alex Krycek, and Mulder was going to find it.

But not now.

Later.

****

The End