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Alex waited for Mulder to make the decision. After a moment, the older man looked at him and said, "How about my place?"

"I'll follow you." Mulder seemed to think that was enough conversation. Without another word, he turned and headed for his car. Alex jumped into his own vehicle quickly and waited for the older man to pull away from the curb. Mulder didn't seem to take any trouble to keep the car following him in sight during the trip. Alex managed to keep up, but he found himself wondering if Mulder was already regretting the impulsive invitation. The two of them met at the door to Mulder's apartment building. Mulder looked at him oddly.

"Is there a problem?"

Mulder shrugged. "I guess I didn't think you'd really show up."

Is this insecurity or were you hoping I'd change my mind? Alex wondered.. "Hey, I never refuse the offer of anything free from the government," he teased. As usual, Mulder didn't seem to get the humor.

"What makes you think it's free? Everything has a price, Krycek."

"How about Alex?" the younger man suggested. "Just for tonight, we could pretend we're just normal people."

"Alex." Mulder unlocked the door to his apartment and stood aside to let his unexpected guest enter. "You pay for everything. It's just a matter of deciding if what you want is worth the price."

"Maybe we'd better discuss the price before we go any farther," Alex said wryly. "I haven't been to the bank in a couple of days, it would be a shame if I didn't have enough cash to cover the occasion."

Mulder frowned. "That's not what I meant and you know it." He led the way to the small living room, dropping his keys and jacket over the desk chair. Alex followed his example, then turned to face the other man. Moonlight streamed through the open curtains and Alex worried casually about the possibility of surveillance.

This is going to be a barrel of fun, I can tell already, Alex thought tiredly. "And I'm not some dumb kid and you know it. Unless you're saying you have a hidden agenda, I'd suggest we get on with what we came here for." He stopped abruptly. Whatever heat had flared between them earlier had almost disappeared. He moved over to Mulder and smiled.. "Forget it. We're both stressed from work." Put up, or shut up, Mulder.

Mulder hesitated, then nodded. Alex leaned in for a kiss. The sexual attraction between them blazed to life again. Alex pressed closer, wrapping his arms around Mulder's hips. They kissed again, tongues tangling and probing each other's mouths hungrily. Alex pulled at Mulder's t-shirt and both their shirts seemed to melt away. Quickly they were both naked to the waist, hands and mouths exploring the exposed skin eagerly.

Alex backed off a few inches, breathing heavily. "So, how do you want to do this?"

Is Mulder ready and willing to take the lead?

Or, does Alex have to do everything himself?