Way Off the Map

by Peach

Title: Way Off the Map
Author: Peach
Email address: Peach1250@sbcglobal.net
Fandom: X-Files
Pairings: Skinner/Krycek
Warnings: This story contains explicit m/m sexual relationship. Rating: NC17
Date: 06/24/02
Archive: Ask I might
Website: http://us.geocities.com/peach1250/index.html Disclaimer: The characters of Skinner, Krycek, Scully, Mulder, Doggett and the X-Files belong to Chris Carter, 1013 Productions and the Fox Network. Farscape and its character are the property of Henson Productions. No copyright infringement is intended no money is being made. Summary: Love is sometimes found in the Uncharted Territories. NOTES: Thanks to Josan as always. This is definitely way AU since I'm now dealing with two TV series. Rather than give long descriptions of the Farscape characters I thought I'd give you a link to go take a look. http://www.scifi.com/freezone/farscape/

I woke with my head pounding in a dark, foul-smelling chamber. The last thing I remembered was the light from above. Like the one the night Mulder was taken. I didn't want to move, but my muscles were cramped and I needed to stop the pain. I nudged something and heard a low moan.

"Who's there?"

"Fuck!"

I knew that voice. Had heard it over phone lines, in stairwells, in my own fucking car.

"Krycek, I thought I'd killed you."

"You killed a clone. I was wondering whom they threw in here. Looks like even in space we're stuck with each other."

"How long have I been here?"

"Gosh, Skinner, civility? Don't you want to strangle me?"

"Not now, maybe later."

"I'll hold my breath."

"Cut the crap and give me some information, will you?"

"All right. I don't know how long you've been here. It's dark most of the time, and we're both naked so no watches to tell time. They've fed me four times since they dumped you in here. So probably four days."

I felt something touch my ankle and reached down, taking the bottle he was offering me.

"I warn you, Skinner, it doesn't taste too good, but it's all they give us to drink."

"Thanks."

I knew he hadn't needed to offer. I drank from the bottle, the taste brackish, the temperature warm. But it wet my parched throat. I closed it and passed it back to him.

"You have any idea why they took me? Or you, for that matter?"

"Maybe they think they can manipulate Mulder and Scully by taking you. Me? I've been here since the night you killed my clone. I think they like my DNA. They told me the baby is a combo of you, Mulder and me. They used my X they said."

His snort of laughter had a hint of hysteria in it. Of course if I had been on a ship for a year, I'd probably be close to insane by now. I wondered if he was baiting me with what he had said, but decided he had no reason, here in this place, to lie to me. Especially since we'd probably never see Earth again.

"Mulder and Scully won't be coming out of hiding for me. Even if Mulder did call me beautiful."

"I always knew he had the hots for you. But then, who could blame him?"

"Fuck you."

"I thought you'd never ask."

I could hear the smirk in his voice. Damn, I wished for light enough to see him. And a knife to verify that it was a human I was locked up with. As if they read my mind, the light came on and I was blinded by it. I squinted to see one of the bounty hunters at the door. He placed a box on the floor, then backed out of the opening that sealed behind him with no visible seams of any kind.

"They won't leave the light on long, Skinner, so if you want to see what you're eating you'd best hurry. I'm surprised they turned it on. They must have wanted to check that we hadn't killed each other."

He was on his feet and moving toward the box as he spoke. I followed him slowly, my legs protesting being used after such a long time idle.

The "food" was some sort of gruel that looked as gray as the aliens and had all the flavor of cardboard. But I put my share in my gut anyway. When I finished, Alex showed me where the facilities were. Then he walked to the far side of our cell and settled down with his back to me as I used them. Not that it would have bothered me much for him to watch, but the courtesy surprised me.

He was right about the light: it wasn't on much longer. But during the time that it was, I took in his longer hair and beard, and decided he had probably been telling the truth about being here for a year. I marveled that he still sounded sane. That he could still summon up a joke and be as sarcastic as I remembered.

All in all, I decided if I had to be on an alien ship, I could have worse company. We had a lot of history. True, it was mostly bad, but it was history, and that produces a kinship, like it or not. I settled on the far side of the cell and leaned back against the wall.

"Skinner, tell me what's been happening on Earth since I've been gone."

"Want just the highlights and we can discuss details later?"

"Whatever. You have no idea how good it is to hear another human speak. First, tell me, how long have I been here?"

"It's been a year since I killed the clone. Scully had a boy. Jeffery Spender showed up again. They put Mulder through a kangaroo trial and Kersh actually helped Doggett and me get him out. Mulder and Scully have gone underground and I don't know where Doggett and Reyes are. I hadn't heard from them when I was picked up."

"What about our child?"

"You don't expect me to buy that shit do you?"

"Doesn't matter. I'm going to sleep."

"Krycek?"

Silence. "Krycek, damnit answer me!"

"Fuck off, Skinner."

I heard movement then quiet sounds that led me to believe he was weeping. Of everything I ever knew or thought of the man, tears were the last things I expected. I crawled toward the sounds and when I reached him, he struck out at me.

"Alex, it's just us here in the dark. We'll probably never see another human. Take the comfort I'm offering. It'll bring me comfort, too."

He allowed me to pull him close then, and I held him while he wept like a lost child. When the crying tapered off, he drifted into sleep. I held him, my fingers combing through his matted hair. I wanted to hold him because I had heard that type of near hysteria before.

Late at night, in a jungle far away, I had heard a man sob that way. No one held him. No one offered comfort. And the next day his eyes held madness. It turned out to be the last day of his life. I had wondered for years if he might have made it through the day if someone had only reached out to him the night before. I swore then that I would never let anyone suffer like that again if I could offer help.

Strange how I had dehumanized him. I suppose I wouldn't have been able to shoot him otherwise. But here in the dark, on an alien vessel, he became human to me again and I forgave him.

The next months we spent talking about everything. I told him my past and he told me his. My anger spiked at how the child had been twisted to make the man. And he made wistful comments about my childhood stories. I found myself dredging up every memory possible to tell to him. He seemed to enjoy the stories about my pets the most.

And sometimes he would let me hold him when one or the other of us was feeling hopeless. Just hold him. I think they may have been putting some drug in the food that killed our libidos because I never once thought about sex while in that ship. And I don't think Alex did either.

When the day came that they opened the door and, instead of bringing food, they herded us out like cattle, I saw panic in his eyes. I'm sure I had the same panic in mine. We were given our clothes and told to dress. They even gave me back my glasses and watch. Neither of us was given our weapons back, of course.

They put us in a small ship and strapped us down. The trip down to the planet was rough. My body was not prepared for the G-Forces, and I'm sure Alex had a difficult time as well. If either of us had thought we might be back on Earth that notion was quickly put to rest.

The odors alone would have told me that. But the double moons in the sky put the cap on it. We were taken through a marketplace. The moons' light was almost as bright as our days, so we got a good look at all the different species doing business.

George Lucas would have loved it.

We reached a destination and were pushed into a holding pen. The conversation between the bounty hunters, who had brought us, and the alien, who seemed to be in charge, was short. Then the bounty hunters left. The new alien spoke to us and we just looked at him.

"Alex, do you think he thinks we understand what he's saying?"

"He certainly seems to think we should. Guess Kirk didn't tell him we don't speak the lingo."

"Kirk?"

I was looking at Alex so I didn't know that the alien had reached through the bars, but I certainly felt the stab of the needle. Swinging around, I saw the alien reaching in his pocket for another needle. Without thinking, I shoved Alex behind me. Whatever he had given me, I wanted to protect Alex if I could. He began speaking again and suddenly I could understand.

"...translator microbes. No need to fear. They will allow you to understand other species. I have no desire to harm you. Please, tell Alex that it is safe."

"Why should I believe you? Fuck! I understood what you said."

"Walter, what's going on?"

"He said the injection contains translator microbes. And I understood him so I guess that you should let him give you the shot. I don't feel any different. But I can understand what is being said. The two blue guys over there are haggling over the price for something called fellip nectar."

"Fellip nectar? What the fuck is fellip nectar?"

"Tell him it's a drink and I'll get you both a bottle as soon as he has his injection."

"Alex, he says we can have a bottle as soon as you take your injection."

Alex moved around me then and held out his arm. The injection was quickly given, and I watched his face as the gibberish began to make sense for him.

"Damn, Walter, do you know how great this would be on Earth? No more language barriers."

I watched as the alien walked away from us and returned with two bottles that he handed through the bars to us. The bottles were cold, with condensation just beginning to run down the sides. I pulled out the stopper and took a tentative taste.

"It's good. Tastes like beer."

That was all the encouragement Alex needed. He pulled the stopper with his teeth and took a healthy swig.

"Not just beer, Walter, one of the good imported kinds. Well, this is an improvement over being locked in a dark, stinking compartment on that ship."

The alien did what I took to be his version of a smile and wandered away. He was back soon with a couple of plates that he handed through the bars to us. He stood staring at us as we sat to eat. I reached to steady Alex's plate for him since the aliens hadn't given him back his arm. He smiled at me and I realized that even with BO and matted hair he was still beautiful.

What the fuck was wrong with me? This man had killed me. Well, to be fair, I had killed him as well, or thought I had.

"Did you lose your arm in battle, Alex?" the alien suddenly asked.

"No."

"You don't wish to talk about it?"

"Not while I'm trying to eat."

"Your species has a weak stomach?" the alien addressed this to me.

"Losing a limb is very traumatic for humans. It was done to him for no good reason."

"Ah, an enemy did it to hurt your Alex."

"My Alex?"

"The one who brought you to me said you were a set. That I was to sell you together. That one would not survive without the other. Is this not so?"

I never hesitated and didn't look to Alex to try and see his opinion on the matter.

"Yes, it is so. I just did not think it would matter to them if we died."

"Oh no, they wish you to continue. They said they might need to buy you back someday. That you have a child that might need you. Eat your food. I will see about getting some bedding for you. The last merchandise I had here did not require sleep but I was told you do."

When he was out of sight, I turned to look at Alex. He was wearing that smirk I hadn't seen in a long time.

"So, does this make you my Walter?"

"Piss off!"

His laugh rang out and I found my lips twitching as I fought to look stern. I turned my attention to the food we had been given, trying to ignore the occasional giggle from the man sitting next to me.

Alex Krycek giggling. Never thought I'd see the day.

The food was an odd combination of flavors. One of the servings reminded me too much of what I thought dirty gym socks would taste like if eaten, so I left it. But I have to say, the rest of it was an improvement over the ship's fare. And it was nice to have a full belly again.

When the alien returned with the bedding, we handed him the plates. He noticed that we had not eaten the one item.

"Grolack not to your liking?"

"Tastes like shit." Alex snickered.

"You eat dren? What a strange species."

"Alex doesn't mean we eat it. That is an Earth expression for things we do not like to eat. Could we get water to bathe?"

"There is water there by the shed. It will give you shelter for the night. It gets quite cold after the moons set. I will be setting the perimeter controls now. If you try to leave the enclosure, you will be killed."

I watched as he did something to the wristwatch looking thing on his arm and the fencing started to glow an iridescent blue. I reached out toward it and felt the air crackle around my hand. Alex yanked back on my arm.

"I'd prefer it if my Walter didn't get himself killed. Let's go see if we can clean up a little."

"You check out the water and I'll make our bed."

He nodded and went to the side where the alien had indicated we could find water while I went into the shed. It was small, so we would have no choice but to sleep close together. Considering the comments about the cold, and the fact that we had been sleeping together naked for some time, I made a single bed. A blanket for underneath and one for cover. The gold-tone material felt like silk and I didn't think it could possibly keep us warm.

When I went back out, Alex had stripped down and was attempting to get his fingers through his matted hair as he held his head under the running water. I stripped hurriedly to the waist and moved forward to offer my help.

"Here, let me try that for you."

"I can manage."

"I know you can under most circumstances, but you haven't had use of a comb in some time, Alex. You look like a Rasta."

I noticed then that he had found a soft creamy substance near the water supply and had been trying to work up a lather with that. I scooped some into my hands and began to massage it into his hair. I took my time and managed to get a good bit of the tangles out of his hair. He moaned with appreciation as I reached his scalp and gave it a good scrubbing.

"That's one of the worse things about losing an arm. Not being able to wash your hair easily. It's funny the things you don't realize you need two hands for."

"I don't mind doing it for you. After all, you are my Alex."

He flashed me a grin then that made me dizzy. I pushed him toward the water to rinse in order to cover my reaction. He had been using his tee for a wash cloth, and we cleaned hurriedly since the wind was picking up.

When we entered the shed, he made no comment about the single pallet: he just finished stripping and crawled under the blanket and over toward the wall. As soon as I settled on my side, facing the door with my back to him, he rolled over and wrapped his arm around me.

"Nite, my Walter."

I started to tell him to fuck off or something equally rude. Then it hit me how possessive he sounded saying that. And I realized I liked it.

"Sleep well, Alex."

He was soon making the little noises I had learned meant he was asleep. It took me much longer to find rest.

++++++++++++++++

I woke from a beautiful dream of being loved by a big surly man named Walter Skinner. Imagine my surprise when I realized I was snuggled on his shoulder, his arms wrapped around me, a leg thrown over me.

An even bigger surprise was that I was hard against him. Guess that proved that the Grays had been putting something in our food to kill the sex drive. Not wanting to be beaten to death, I pulled back far enough so my dick wasn't touching him, but not so far as to leave his arms or wake him.

I studied his face, something I hadn't been able to do on the ship since we had been in darkness so much of the time. In sleep he looks younger despite the lack of hair on that mostly bald head. His face smoothes out and his burdens are not visible. He's not a handsome man but he has a beauty just the same. I decided I actually sort of liked the beard. His strength shows through when he's awake and that is something I need in a lover.

Yes, I said lover. I've fucked women: why not? Fucking is an easy way to manipulate both males and females. But for a lover, I need a man. And I want a strong one who will make me feel safe.

I could feel safe with Skinner. The comfort he had offered me in the ship probably saved my sanity. The day before, he had placed himself between me and what he perceived as danger. That had given me a warm feeling. And then again, when he had agreed that we were a set, I had felt as if I belonged.

I was so intent on my study of him that I hadn't noticed the changes indicating he was awake.

"Stop staring at me. And stop thinking so hard, disturbs my alpha waves."

"You sound like Mulder."

The brown eyes opened to look at me and he smiled. So I smiled back. I mean, we were on a planet again...much better than a ship. We had each other for company, knew that they planned for us to stay together, and my sex drive was back. That last was the best thing about the morning. I mean I'd thought that maybe they had done something permanent and I'd never get it back.

"Really? Well, is that a gun under the covers or are you happy to see me?"

I couldn't stop myself, I snorted a laugh. But then I pulled it together because I knew he didn't want me and was giving me an easy way out of the situation. Telling me that he wasn't going to hit me.

"Just proves your theory that they were drugging us. I wonder why? Don't you? I mean, was it to keep us more controlled or maybe human sexuality freaks them out."

"Control would be my guess. We should get dressed and outside. Maybe that alien will give us breakfast. It'd be nice to have more than one meal a day again."

I nodded and pulled away from him. He sat up and pitched me my jeans from where they were lying on his side of our bed. Funny how I was thinking in terms of "our" suddenly. But we had been together for months and he had treated me decently.

Hell, he'd treated me damn good, considering.

We dressed and stepped outside to face our first day on another planet. The air was full of the even stranger smells than the night before. I could tell the stuff we had both left on our plate was cooking somewhere near-by.

The light from the red sun gave everything a strange aspect. But we could still see the glow of the fence. I watched Walter's face as he checked out the marketplace getting ready for the new day. For a man who had scoffed at aliens in the past, he was sure taking all this calmly.

"This is real, isn't it, Alex? I mean, we are really on another planet. It's not some wild dream caused by Consortium drugs or something, is it?"

"If it is, then we're both their guinea pigs. Unless you want to believe this is some sort of weird afterlife."

We spent the next hour watching the "people" in the area. And Walter's comments...Well, once I would have sworn he had no sense of the ridiculous. And now, with our new translator microbes, we could understand what was happening around us.

We had been sitting casually when Walter surged to his feet and ran toward the fence. I was hot on his tail, afraid he had lost it somehow and was going to run into the fence, but he stopped short. And stared.

I turned to look down the lane, trying to figure out what he was looking at.

"Walter, what do you see?"

"I thought I saw...but it couldn't be. He's dead. Or at least, they declared him dead."

"I'm dead, too, remember? Who do you think you saw?"

"There! Doesn't that look like John Crichton?"

"Who?"

"The astronaut who went up in a craft he and a friend designed. Don't you remember? It was several years ago and there was some sort of problem and his ship disappeared."

"Sorry, Walter, I don't remember. Maybe I was out of the country."

I looked to where he had pointed and saw a man who looked human and so did the woman at his side. They were a handsome couple, and it was obvious they were a couple. One way to find out if he was right. So I whistled, a "Hey Rube" kind of whistle, and followed it with a yell.

"Crichton, John Crichton!"

His head turned and Walter gasped. I waved toward him and let out another whistle. He immediately began jogging toward me. The woman followed and two aliens followed behind them. They all stopped outside the fence, and we stared at each other for a moment before he spoke.

"How do you know my name?"

"We're from Earth. I'm Walter Skinner and this is Alex Krycek. You are John Crichton? The astronaut."

"Yes, I am. How did you get here?"

I studied Crichton's companions as he and Walter talked. The big guy with the tentacles looked like he could take on just about anyone. The two women, although both slender, nevertheless had an aura of strength about them. They were both beautiful, although the one I would learn was named Chiana had very strange coloring.

I tuned back in just as Walter finished his story to Crichton.

"We've got to get you guys out of here. Aeryn, what does the notice say?"

He pointed toward an area of our fence and Aeryn moved so she could see it.

"'Two slaves from an unknown planet. To be sold as a set only, they are mates and can not be separated.' Then it lists the price."

Walter had turned his "AD-don't-you-dare-say-a-word" face on them as she read the line about us being mates. And Crichton had smiled. I resisted the urge to laugh, not wanting to feel the back of Walter's hand. I didn't see any reason for him to be angry that aliens thought we were mates. Plus I figured that Crichton would see him for the alpha male he was and discount the information, no matter what he might think about me.

"The aliens who brought us here told them that." Walter explained.

"Hey, man, you're in the Uncharted Territories now. You ain't seen nothing yet. Spielberg was way off. Let's find the merchant and get you guys out of there."

The big guy spoke up then. "John, how can you be sure they aren't a trick? Maybe they have been rehearsed to fool you."

I got angry then that anyone would doubt Walter. I mean, the man screams veracity.

"We aren't here to trick anyone. I might lie to you, but Walter wouldn't. He worked for the FBI. We were taken from our planet. The planet Crichton is from. We'll answer any questions he wants to ask. Hell, ask the guy who's selling us. He'll tell you he had to give us translator microbes yesterday. Wouldn't anyone from you so-called Uncharted Territories already have those? Fuck!"

I heard a giggle from the grayish girl. "Sounds like a mate to me."

Walter was looking at me with a strange expression that I couldn't read. Then the face I think of as his AD mask dropped into place.

"Pip, be quiet. D'Argo, there are things that the Peacekeepers wouldn't know about faking. He's wearing a wristwatch. The Peacekeepers have never seen one of those to make a copy. We can check them once we reach the ship to be sure they are human."

John's voice held the kind of reasonable tone that I felt he had cultivated to deal with the big guy. Then Pip broke in again.

"If either of you are wearing Calvins, you better keep them close or Aeryn will steal them."

"Shut up, Chiana. Besides, John has been getting along fine without his."

I couldn't resist grinning at the girl as I replied. "She won't be able to steal any from me, I go commando at all times. Never know when you'll want to get naked in a hurry."

"Alex!"

His tone held a warning and I smirked at him. I know how that irritates him. But Chiana and I were on the same wavelength. She grinned at me; one hustler recognizes another. I knew right then that I was going to get along with her.

Before any further discussion could take place, another alien zoomed up on a small chair-like thing.

"What is going on? Why are you standing around the slave pens when we have supplies to purchase."

"Sparky, these slaves are from my home planet. We're going to take them with us."

"Frell, just what we need, more humans on board. Isn't one of you enough? Why should we spend our currency to buy them? Just come back tonight and break them out."

"Shut up, Rygel. You know we want to keep a low profile."

I decided right then that telling people to shut up must be one of Aeryn's main forms of communication. The little guy ignored her tone and flew closer to take a good look at us.

"Let me do the bargaining. With such obviously inferior merchandise, the price is much too high."

I kept my mouth shut that time, not because of Walter's warning glance, but because I had seen the merchant come up behind them and I didn't want to do anything to mess up the deal.

"My slaves are the finest in the Territories. You won't find others such as these. They come from a planet far away. Place called Erp. But they are a set and must stay together. Also, I must know where they are going. The former owners said they might want to buy them back someday."

I watched as Rygel went off with the merchant while the rest, except for Crichton, went to get supplies. I kept an eye on Rygel as he haggled with the merchant, only listening with half an ear to the conversation between Crichton and Skinner. Skinner was giving him a history lesson of all that had happened since he had left Earth.

Rygel exchanged something with the merchant, then came gliding back toward our holding pen. Crichton took one look at him and they exchanged some silent communication. The merchant joined us and turned off the fence.

"These are your new owners. I have all the information in case your former owners come back to look for you. Safe voyage to you all."

"Rygel, find the others and we'll meet at the transport. You two, come with me."

He led us through the marketplace, back the way we had traveled the night before. The transport he took us aboard was not very big but it was our ticket away from there, and that is all either of us cared about. It didn't take long for the others to join us.

The trip up to their ship was much smoother than the one we had experienced with the bounty hunters. When we were close to their ship, Crichton had us move forward to see it through the viewport.

"That's Moya. She's a living being."

Another area lit up and we were looking at another alien.

"That's Pilot. Pilot, we have new shipmates. I know they'll want to clean up and we'll need quarters for them. Would you have the DRD's get two rooms ready, please?"

"We've been sharing quarters for some time now. We can still do that. We don't want to put anyone out."

"You won't be. Look at the size of her. We're still quite a ways from her."

Walter and I turned and looked out the port. Damn! That thing was big! I figured Walter would be glad to have a room to himself again, but personally I knew I was going to feel lonely.

I had spent a year with just the aliens for company and then he had entered that space. They had run tests on me periodically and took my DNA, but other than that I was alone.

He had been a lifeline to me and, gradually, as the days turned into months, we had formed a bond of sorts, and now I was looking at that being lost. Now that he was with decent people again, he'd put me out of his life.

I would go back to sleeping alone. The idea was abhorrent to me. It didn't matter that a good portion of my life had been that way...what mattered was that I had learned how wonderful it felt to sleep in someone's arms, to pretend to be loved.

And now I would be alone again.

++++++++++++++++++

I looked at the size of the ship Crichton was taking us to and knew I'd have no excuse to sleep next to Alex anymore. I remember how I had been so sure that Mulder was crazy. Then I had seen him taken only to be returned. And later to be taken myself and end up locked in a small compartment on a ship with a man who had been my enemy.

A man I now realized I had come to care for.

In the last months I had discovered so much about him. Discovered that I liked the feel of him in my arms. That morning when we woke and he was lying there hard against me, I hoped for just a moment that he wanted me. But why would he want an old bald enemy?

I had seen the looks that passed between him and Chiana, and the way he had scoped out Crichton. He would be only too happy to have a place to himself so he could seduce one if not both of them.

I stepped back and watched and listened as Alex asked Crichton all sorts of questions about Moya. Alex, who had known about the aliens for years and seen many of their plots, would definitely have a better grasp of the science behind it than I would.

As we got nearer to the ship I began to realize just how big it was. No, there'd be no excuse to share quarters on a ship that big with a crew this small. I could feel my mask settling into place as I watched the animated discussion between Crichton and Alex. The easy way Alex reached out and touched Crichton's arm. The easy acceptance of being touched.

Chiana sidled up to me and whispered in my ear.

"So, John seems to be getting along well with Alex. I guess he's the brains and you're the brawn."

"Alex has believed in aliens longer than I have. His mind runs toward the scientific more than mine does."

"Oh, yeah? Doesn't look like science on his mind to me."

I turned and gave her my best AD glare. She just giggled at me. Seeing D'Argo send a similar look toward her, I decided she didn't respond to my glare because she was used to his. The transport came to rest inside the ship and we filed out.

John offered to show Alex his quarters while D'Argo led me to mine. We went down opposite corridors and Alex never looked my way. As we walked, D'Argo rumbled at me.

"Don't pay too much attention to Chiana. She's good at pushing people's buttons, as John says. She's a good person to have at your back."

"I'll keep that in mind. I hope you have a place we can get really cleaned up. We washed the best we could last night but I'd really like to shave. Wish I had some clean clothes, too."

"There are plenty of things left by the Peacekeepers. I'll see what I can find for you. Here are your quarters."

I watched as he waved his hand over a panel and the doorway opened. The room was sparsely furnished but I wouldn't need much. He then directed me to a bathroom, gave me soap, shampoo, towels and showed me how to adjust the shower.

"I'll go see about a change of clothes and get you a razor."

And I was left alone. I stood under the shower for a long time just enjoying the feeling of having clean water flow over my body. I wondered if Alex was bathing in another part of the ship, and how he was coping with his hair.

I found myself growing hard as I remembered the night before and helping him wash. God! How was I going to be able to stand seeing him with someone else?

I took myself in hand and stroked as I remembered the feel of his body pressed against me. I moaned his name as I shot against the wall in front of me. Thank god D'Argo didn't come back until I was out of there and drying my body.

"Here are some clothes I think ought to fit you and a razor."

"Thank you, D'Argo. It feels good to be clean again. After I shave, do you think I could get some food?"

"Of course. I'll wait and show you where the galley is."

He leaned against the wall but didn't try to make conversation as I shaved. Probably a good thing he didn't since my mind was still trying to deal with the fact that I just jerked off to a fantasy of Alex Krycek. I pulled on the clothes he had brought me and realized I was now dressed much as Crichton was.

I followed D'Argo, making note of turns and levels so I could find my way back. We reached the galley only to find Alex and Crichton sitting at a table. Alex had an empty plate in front of him and the two were having an animated discussion, leaning close, almost touching.

I could tell he hadn't showered yet but Crichton didn't seem to care. I tore my eyes away from them only to see Chiana looking at me with a twinkle in her eyes. Fuck! I had been away from people too long, I was letting too much show.

D'Argo showed me where to get food and we took plates to the table and sat down. I deliberately sat next to Alex as close as possible without touching.

He turned and flashed me a smile. "You shaved. I sort of liked the beard. And going with the totally bald look too, I see."

Then he went back to his conversation. I turned my attention to my food to hide the jealousy I felt. I ate in silence, listening with half an ear to their conversation. I had brought Crichton up to date on historical happenings and now Alex was giving him more technical info on computers and such.

I assumed Alex was no more anxious than I to tell him about the alien's plot to destroy our world. After all, if he could have gotten home I figured he would have before this. So no need to burden him with that yet. And to be honest, I think Alex and I needed some time to decompress from the months in that alien ship.

I had just finished eating when Alex seemed to come to the end of his conversation.

"I should go shower. You said you could get me some clothes?"

"No problem, Alex. There's plenty of stuff left from the Peacekeepers. I'll show you where to get cleaned up."

I jumped in then. "I can show him while you locate clothes for him. Besides, he'll need some help with his hair."

Alex turned to me. "Walter, I don't want to put you out. Maybe John can get me a comb? Once I have the tangles out, I can manage."

John? They were on a first name basis already? Shit, he'd only been calling me Walter for a few weeks. I sputtered out the first logical excuse I could come up with. I wasn't about to give John any excuse to touch my Alex. Yeah, I was acting as territorial as a schoolboy with his first crush.

"Alex, it's still so matted. Going to sleep with it wet last night made it worse. I'll help you."

"All right, Walter."

I watched as Crichton spoke to the air, which was going to take some getting used to.

"Pilot, please have one of the DRD's take a comb to the washroom near Mr. Skinner's quarters. It should be there by the time you get there. I'll go find some clothes."

"Thanks, John. Come on, Walter. I want to get out of these clothes and get really clean."

I was glad I had paid attention to the twists and turns, the ship was so big it would be easy to get lost. I led him into the washroom and saw one of the little robots waiting with a comb clutched in its grippers. I reached for it and when my fingers closed on it the gripper opened.

"Sit down, Alex, it'll make it easier for me to do this."

Neither of us spoke after that. I had no idea what I could say that wouldn't give me away so I kept quiet. Later he would tell me he had feared saying anything that might send me out of the room. I worked slowly, taking my time, both to prolong the time I could spend touching him and to make sure I didn't hurt him. I was working the last tangle out when I heard Crichton's voice.

"I found several things that I think will fit you. Pip suggested the green shirts because of your eyes. We're going back down to the planet to get more supplies so just rest or whatever until we get back. If you need anything, let Pilot know."

"Thanks, John. For everything."

Alex's voice held warmth that hit me wrong and I yanked on the last tangle.

"Ouch!"

"Sorry."

I looked up to see Crichton watching us with a twinkle in his eyes. He grinned at me and I knew that if he wanted Alex I wouldn't stand a chance.

"Well, I'll let you get on with it. We'll probably be gone about four arns...sorry, an arn is roughly an hour. See you when we get back."

Crichton left and I finished working out the last tangle.

"You know, Alex, the longer hair looks much better than that short look you had before you went to Russia with Mulder."

"It's too hard to deal with, especially now. I thought I'd see if someone can cut it for me later."

"I'd be glad to help you with it if you want to keep it longer. I don't mind combing it and washing it for you."

I held my breath as I waited for him to answer.

++++++++++++++++

I couldn't believe my ears. He was offering to help take care of my hair. Fuck! I'd let it grow down to the floor if it meant him touching me. God! How pathetic was that? But I didn't care. I'd take whatever I could get.

"Well, if you don't mind. I used to wear it long before I had to play agent. It would be nice to wear it the way I like again. I always felt that my hair was one of my better features."

"Then that's settled. I'll start the shower while you get undressed."

He moved over to the shower and turned it on adjusting the temperature.

"How hot do you like it, Alex?"

I reached past him into the stream.

"Not quite that hot."

He adjusted it again and I nodded and stepped under the spray. He left me to enjoy the water until I reached for the soap. Suddenly he was standing behind me, naked.

"D'Argo said that one is the shampoo. Here give it to me and I'll do your hair."

I handed the container over my shoulder to him and he poured a generous portion into his palm. I stuck my head under the water and then tilted it back toward him.

He spent far more time than needed to do the job. Now that the tangles were gone, getting to my scalp was easy. He gave it a good massage and I moaned louder than I had the night before. Why is it that it feels so good to have someone else wash your hair for you?

He stepped back and pushed me toward the water to rinse. I felt a pang of loss until he reached past me and grabbed the soap. As soon as my hair was rinsed, he started to lather my back. His strong hands working the knots out of my muscles.

"We should ask if they had any fitness facilities. You need to fatten up and I need to get working out again."

"I don't think they have any reports for you to read, Walter."

His hand landed on my ass and I jumped. I twisted to look at him and he grinned at me. For a brief moment, I wondered if he liked to play those types of games but shoved that out of my head. I had to keep reminding myself that he didn't want me, never would, and I should just take what was offered and be glad he no longer hated me.

"Don't get sassy, boy."

"Don't call me boy, old man."

He growled then grabbed at me but I was slick from the soap, and his hands were as well, so I slipped from his grasp like a greased pig. I dodged to the left and ran. He chased me laughing so I allowed him to catch me. He wrestled me to the floor and growled again. The vibrations were sending a warm feeling to the pit of my stomach.

"This old man can kick your butt, boy. Don't you forget that."

His grin took all the threat out of the words so I gave him back my sassiest grin.

"Yes, Sir. I'll remember that, Sir. Whatever you say, Sir."

"Asshole!"

"Sir, yes, Sir."

His hand slapped at my hip before he pulled away. Getting to his feet, he held out his hand to me to help me back up. He rinsed the soap off then moved so I could finish washing. I shut off the shower and turned to find him dressed and holding out a towel for me.

It feels almost as good to have someone dry your back as it does for them to wash your hair. I had spent the last few years letting the air dry my back. With someone else I might have felt that it was as act of pity, but he was so matter of fact about it that I just felt cared for.

"Do you want a shave? I'd be glad to do it for you if you trust me." He said as he gave me a rueful smile.

That would be one more way to have him touch me every day. As for did I trust him? Why shouldn't I by that point? So I settled on the stool again.

"I never liked myself with a beard. One question, have you ever shaved someone else before?"

"That's one of the deep dark secrets of my past that I never told you. Yes, I have but I'm not spilling who or when."

"Ah, Walter. I've told you all my secrets."

"But I need to have some mystery. What are we going to talk about when we're old and gray if I tell you everything now."

It was worth letting him tease me for the smile it brought to his face. Maybe this rescue wasn't going to be as bad for me as I thought.

I watched in the mirror as he first cut my beard down to a more normal shaving length. I choked back a snicker as he lathered my face, his tongue peeking from the corner of his mouth. Made me wonder how he looked when he was fixing a sink or any of the other household chores I was sure he was competent at doing.

He shaved me quickly and efficiently, that tongue peeking now and then as he worked. Then he opened a small container and pulled out this white worm.

"I know this looks really weird, but this is how they clean their teeth."

"What!?"

"D'Argo showed it to me. It's called a dentic. You just put it in your mouth and it eats all the bacteria and leftover food particles from your teeth. Feels really weird but my teeth haven't felt this clean in ages."

"Walter, cut the crap."

"Alex, it isn't crap. Ok, watch."

He put the thing in his mouth and closed his lips over it. I watched as it moved through his mouth, and then pushed between his lips.

"He obviously couldn't find as much this time. Now give it a shot. It'll make your mouth feel clean. Oh, and D'Argo says never to swallow them. Although, I don't know why anyone would want to."

I allowed him to place the thing in my mouth and held still as it moved. It was the creepiest thing that had happened to me since we'd gotten there. But when it pushed out, he was right; my teeth felt clean and I tasted a mint flavor.

I soon found myself in the uniform of the ship. Black leather pants and a tee. Chiana had been right that the green was good for me. I admired the way it darkened my eyes as Walter combed my hair for me once more.

"Want to go explore the ship? D'Argo said any time I get turned around to call out to Pilot and he'll give me directions."

By that point I was getting tired of hearing D'Argo's name, so I decided to bring up John and see if he reacted to that. It had finally dawned on me that he had been awfully quick to offer his help with my hair. And I had remembered the yank on my hair when I had said thank you to John earlier.

"John told me if I got lost to have Pilot tell him where I was and he would come and get me."

"What? Doesn't he think you are bright enough to follow directions?"

"It's not that, Walter. I think he just wants to make things easy for us. He and I had a really good discussion while you were getting cleaned up earlier. We found out we have a lot in common."

Then I added the frosting to the cake. "I must have been out of the country when he was lost. I know I would have remembered a gorgeous face like that on the front of the newspapers. He's prettier than Mulder ever was. And did you notice how blue his eyes are? I've always loved blue eyes."

Oh, yeah! That hit some kind of nerve. The AD mask was back.

++++++++++++++++++++

I could feel my mask go up. He did think Crichton was attractive. My only hope was for Crichton to be straight and paired off with Aeryn, as he appeared to be. Although, even that might not be enough against the Krycek charm.

Another of my secrets was that I had seen Alex in action one night. I'd been in a bar when he had sailed in. It had taken all of two minutes to single out the best looking couple in the place and leave with them a few minutes later. From the fondling as they had left the bar I also had no doubt that he had bedded them both before the night was over. I remember wondering if they even knew what hit them.

Much later I found out that the female was Marita, never did find out who the man was.

"Let's go take a look around, Alex. I'd like to get familiar with the place if we are going to be here for a while."

"I think that's probably a given. After all, Rygel owns us now."

"Wonder how they all got together?"

"Guess we'll find out."

We spent some time wandering around the ship. Only once did we need to ask Pilot the way. We were sitting in the galley when Pilot's announcement came.

"Prepare for starburst."

"What is starburst?"

"How should I know? You're the one who had the long, technical talk with Crichton."

"It wasn't that technical."

That was all he got out before we were thrown off our stools. We ended in an untidy heap in the corner with Alex on the bottom. A position I'd love to have him in if we were naked, but not bruised and battered from being thrown across the room. I pulled myself off him just as Crichton ran into the room.

"You guys ok?"

He ran over and reached down to Alex before I could get all the way to my feet. I growled. I watched as two heads turned my way just as a giggle that I was coming to dislike, came from the doorway. Fuck! I needed to cover that quickly.

"I'm too old to be bouncing off bulkheads. Does that happen often and just what the hell is starburst?"

"Starburst is Moya way of exiting an area in a hurry. We ran into some Peacekeepers."

I looked pointedly at where Crichton was still gripping Alex's arm, and he let go.

"Alex, are you all right? I didn't hurt you too much, did I?"

"Little bruised, that's all. You ok?"

"I'll be fine. Crichton, I'd like to know what's going on."

Alex sat at one of the tables: Crichton sat on one side; Chiana on the other. So, having few other choices, I sat across from them.

Over the next hour Crichton explained why Moya starbursts at the first sign of Peacekeepers. During the conversation I managed not to growl as Chiana rubbed continuously against Alex, making her desires all too plain. And Crichton was in his personal space a lot as well.

When Crichton finished his explanation, I made a flimsy excuse and went to my quarters. I needed time to get my emotions under control.

++++++++++++++

I watched Walter leave the galley and tried to ignore Chiana's hand as it rubbed over my thigh. I had seen the disapproval in his eyes as John told us that Moya had been a prison transport. But there was something more going on. He had refused to look at me as the conversation had progressed. I had spoken to him directly several times and he had answered the air not me.

"Alex, is he all right?" John sounded concerned.

"I'm not sure. Walter and I have known each other for years but...he has lots of reasons to hate me, good reasons. He never expected to find himself stuck in a strange universe with me."

"Oh, I think it's more than that, Alex." Chiana purred at me.

"Chi, don't start." John's tone was warning.

"Come on, Crichton. He growled at you and didn't you see the glare he threw at me when I put my hand on Alex's arm? I'm never wrong about these things."

"What things?" I felt like I was seriously being left out of the loop.

"Chiana thinks that you and Skinner..."

"John, cut to the chase. You and Skinner want to frell each other's brains out."

"Frell?"

John gave me a sardonic grin. "Fuck."

Chiana giggled as my mouth dropped open. I'd been away from humans too long if I'd let myself be read that easily. But I knew she was wrong about Walter.

"Walter's straight. He was married. He's a former Marine."

"I don't know what a Marine is, but he wants you. He didn't like me touching you. And didn't you hear him growl when John helped you up?"

"That didn't have anything to do with me. He was just irritated about the whole starburst thing. I'm telling you, he doesn't want me. He'd beat the crap out of me if I even suggested it."

"Chi has pretty good instincts about these things, Alex. But you know him, we don't, so maybe her radar is faulty this time."

"Don't you mean gaydar?"

"You're in the Uncharted Territories now. Things are different here than on Earth. The biggest taboo out here is mating with another species. Most don't care whom you recreate with, just whom you have offspring with. Unless you are a Peacekeeper, but neither of you have that problem."

I looked at him for a long minute before putting their crazy idea out of my head.

"I'm a little tired. I think I'll check on Walter then turn in."

"Sleep well. I'll see you in the morning."

I made my way through the ship to where Walter had shown me he would be sleeping. When I got to his quarters, I didn't bother to go in. He was deep in conversation with D'Argo. I turned before they saw me and went to the quarters John had given me.

Sleep was a long time coming.

+++++++++++++

I was trying to get my thoughts under control when D'Argo showed up at my door. I think he had come to make his own determination as to what kind of man I was. During the course of the conversation, I realized that he was very protective of Crichton. The feelings he had for the man were brotherly, that much was easy to see.

When he left hours later, I sought my lonely bed. Before I slept, I asked Pilot to let me know when Alex got up in the morning.

I woke the next morning reaching for the warm body I was used to sleeping next to. It took me a minute before I realized I was in a bed on a different kind of ship.

"Mr. Skinner."

"Pilot, please call me Walter."

"Walter, you asked me to notify you when Alex was up."

"Yes, Pilot. Where is he?"

"I'm afraid I was very busy and did not realize he was up until he was in the shower."

"Thank you, Pilot."

I pulled on the pants I had worn the day before and headed toward the shower. I stopped in the doorway as I saw Alex trying to wash his hair. I pushed off the pants and moved hurriedly to him.

"That's my job, remember? Why didn't you come wake me?"

"I didn't want to disturb you. I think I can manage."

"I don't mind at all, Alex. It doesn't take that long and I know you like having it really clean. We're a set. You're my Alex. I should be looking out for you."

He flashed that million-dollar smile at me and I felt it down to my toes. Then he turned, tilting his head back for me. I slipped my fingers into the silk of his hair and gave his head a good scrub. His shave went much too fast and I realized he was anticipating my moves.

Over the next couple of weeks, we fell into a pattern. Pilot woke me at Alex's first stirring in the morning and, most days, I was in the shower room before him. He always greeted me with a shy smile and it finally dawned on me that he hadn't expected me to continue helping him.

I watched, burning with jealousy, every time he became engrossed in long conversations with Crichton. And Chiana wagged her tail at him on every possible occasion. And he looked, he looked a lot. I wondered why he was hesitating with either of them. Crichton was with Aeryn but I couldn't see that stopping Alex. And as for Chiana - she seemed to be a free agent.

We had finally had that long talk with Crichton concerning the aliens who had brought us to the Uncharted Territories and learned more of his situation. The three of us had come to the conclusion that it was up to the believers on Earth to take care of our home planet. At least until, or if, John worked out the wormhole information, and he was no longer being pursued by different aliens who might cause even more problems for our home.

Alex seemed to take this in stride. He told me privately that he had no one he would really miss on Earth and here he could have a fresh start. I worried about Mulder, Scully, Doggett and Reyes but knew it was out of my hands. I guess a small part of me was pleased because, on Earth, Alex and I would not have had even the small relationship we had here.

We had reached a commerce planet where Crichton said we could restock some fluid that Moya needed. He asked at breakfast if Alex wanted to go down with them for a look around. I answered for us.

"We'd both like to go. Since we really didn't get to see much of the last planet we were on. I figure the more we learn about the Territories the better."

I went to my quarters to change and, when I reached the transport, Chiana was practically sitting in Alex's lap.

++++++++++++++++++++++++

Over the last couple of weeks, I had paid attention to his behavior and I was beginning to think Chiana might be on to something. I still wouldn't let myself believe he wanted me. I just chalked it up to the fact that we had been alone for so long and I was his only tie to his past life.

Chiana and I were the first on the transport and she made sure she was beside me. I watched him frown as he came on board to find us sitting together. Crichton had him sit next to him as Aeryn flew us down. Before we got off, John gave us both some currency in case we wanted to purchase anything.

When we got to the planet the marketplace was crowded and Chiana managed to pull me away from the others. She pulled me through the area until she found a bar.

"Come on, Alex. I'll buy you a drink."

"We had fellip nectar on the last planet. I liked that."

"Well, you'll like this even better." She smiled at the biped who came to take our order. "We'll have two raslaks."

"Want any food?"

"No, just the raslak."

The first one went down smooth as silk and I called for a refill. I even used some of the currency John had given me to pay for it. By the fourth drink I realized that I was becoming quite drunk but didn't really care. It had been years since I had been able to let down my guard and it felt good to be out with someone who didn't want anything - except my body and she had made her desires known about that - from me.

Chiana had begun to dance with some of the patrons of the bar and I sat watching and getting plastered. I was enjoying the way she moved as she danced. But funny thing was I didn't want her. All my wet dreams starred Walter. I was jerking off every morning before going to shower just so I wouldn't get hard while he was touching me.

I guess I should have been expecting it but my mind was on Walter. Actually on my dick and how I wished Walter wanted me. I was daydreaming in my cup and didn't see the problem until Chiana screamed.

"Get the frell off me!"

I looked up to see two men trying to pull her out the door. I was on my feet but unfortunately my coordination wasn't too good due to the amount of raslak in my body. That and my drunken body seemed to think I still had two arms.

I got to the door as they pulled the still struggling Chiana into an alley. Now, John had given us a comm to wear but I was too drunk to remember how to use the thing so I charged after them into the alley. She was kicking at the men as they tried to take her further down the alley, but most of her wild kicks missed. The few that landed didn't seem to have much effect.

I yelled at them. "Let her go! She's with me!"

They turned to look at me; one laughed and said something the microbes couldn't handle except for the last word - cripple.

At that point, I saw red.

Running forward, I launched myself at the one closest to me. We went down in a pile. I began to show him all the dirty tricks I had learned before and after I lost my arm. One thing about being trained via the punishment method is that, no matter the circumstances, the training takes over.

Me attacking him gave Chiana a chance to reach her comm and I heard her yelling for John and the others. I hadn't counted on the two being so close that the one holding Chiana would abandon her to help kick the shit out of me. Chiana was kicking and screaming at them. Her screams were a combination of curses and name calling mixed with directions for John to find us.

By the time Walter reached the end of the alley, I was unconscious and they were doing their best to see that I never woke up again.

++++++++++++++++

Crichton, Aeryn and I reached the alley to see Chiana kicking and screaming as the two men methodically kicked at Alex as he lay senseless in the mud of the alley floor. I ignored John, Aeryn and Chiana and headed toward the men.

Later, they would tell me I let out what can only be described as a war cry. I remember grabbing the first man I could reach and throwing him bodily against the wall. He made a wet thudding noise as he slid down the wall, leaving a trail of blood, to lie like a bundle of laundry on the pavement.

The second man turned toward me with some sort of weapon in his hand. I felt the energy as the pulse pistol blast went past me to hit him. He went down and I turned my attention to Alex. Going down on my knees beside him.

My Alex, bloody and unconscious. I moved my hands over him slowly, making sure no bones were protruding and that the blood flowing wasn't from an artery. Then I felt his head, finding the bump that was rapidly growing.

"Skinner, we need to get out of here. Can you carry him? I'll help if you need me to."

"I can get him. He's still so thin from being on the ship."

I knew that with the adrenaline flowing through my system, I could have carried him even if he had been his normal weight. When I had him in my arms, they formed a cordon around us. Aeryn leading the way and Crichton bringing up the rear. The look on Aeryn's face combined with her weapon held at the ready cleared a path for us. In the transport, I placed him gently on the deck and sat beside him.

On the way back to Moya in the transport, Chiana told us what had happened. Aeryn gave her a tonguelashing that would have made my DI proud. I watched over Alex, mentally ordering him to regain consciousness soon. Then switching to silently pleading for him to wake.

Once on board, we determined that Alex was concussed, and treated the cuts and scrapes. He was dreadfully bruised but since he had curled in on himself, his ribs were all right. We took him to his quarters so if he woke, he might have an idea of where he was.

For the next three days, I sat by his bed. Keeping watch. Managing to get fluids down him the way I had watched my mother do with an orphaned puppy when I was small. Even unconscious the human body will seek moisture. So I would lift him to rest against my body as I dripped the water mixed with nutrients onto his lips and when his mouth opened I'd let it flow slightly faster.

I felt as if I could make him better by sheer will power. Chiana, in her guilt, brought me food. She offered to sit with him while I slept but I refused.

On the third day, they all tried to get me to go rest; again I refused. Finally, late in the evening, D'Argo showed up again.

"Walter, you must go rest. I will stay with Alex and watch over him for you until morning."

"No, D'Argo. I won't leave him. I want to be here when he wakes."

"Do not make me tongue you."

I looked up at him sure my microbes had misread that.

"Go away, D'Argo. He's my responsibility, not yours."

I felt the sting on the back of my neck and turned in time to see the longest tongue I'd ever seen retract into his mouth. When I woke, I was in my own bed. To say I was pissed would be a gross understatement. Guess the microbes had read his words just fine.

++++++++++++++++++++

I woke on the ship with the worse headache of my life. There were two Chianas sitting by my bed.

"Alex, do you know where you are?"

I tried to focus in on something but it made the pain worse. I closed my eyes and moaned.

"I hope I'm on Moya."

"You are. Do you want something to drink? John said not to try and give you anything but a little water when you woke. We don't want to take a chance on your getting sick."

"Where's Walter? Is he angry at me?"

"No. You should have seen him when they got to the alley. He's as strong as D'Argo. He picked up one of those guys and threw him against the wall like he was a child's doll. He wouldn't leave your side until D'Argo forced him to go take a nap."

She slipped a hand under my head and lifted me enough to hold the glass against my mouth. I drank to wet my mouth. I didn't want to puke any more than they wanted me to.

"How long?"

"Have you been out? Today was the fourth day."

"How did D'Argo get Walter to go nap?"

"He tongued him."

"Really? I didn't think D'Argo was Walter's type."

"He's not. It doesn't mean what it sounds like. Chiana, will you go and bring some broth. Oh, and tell D'Argo he doesn't want to be near me right now. He and I will discuss his making decisions for me in the near future."

Walter's AD voice was firmly in place. I peeked out from under my eyelids and there were two of him as well. So I gave up for the time being.

I heard the doorway close and Chiana's footsteps moving away.

"Alex, how are you feeling?"

"Like the Wicked Witch of the East. Did you see that house?"

I felt his hand brush lightly over my head and winced as even his light touch brought pain.

"Sorry. At least it's only robin's egg size now instead of goose's egg. Vision blurry?"

"Two of everything. And the light makes the pain worse."

"Pilot, can we dim the light in here?"

"Yes, Walter. Alex, I've let the others know you are awake. They said to call if you need anything."

"Thank you, Pilot. Walter will take care of anything I need. At least, I think he will. I don't think he'll spank me until I'm well."

"Spank you, Alex? My microbes describe that as a disciplinary action used on naughty children."

"On Earth, it is sometimes used on naughty adults as well, Pilot. However, I will not be spanking Alex. Not this time."

I peeked out again to see if he was serious and the expression on his face made me believe he might be. I closed my eyes and listened as he moved around the room. I heard the water running in the small basin. The cloth he placed on my head was cool and felt good. I felt the bed shift as he sat next to me. Then he stroked my arm to let me know he was there.

"When you stop seeing double, we'll get you in the shower. I kept you as clean as I could but it's not easy in this situation."

"I'm sorry, Walter."

"You don't need to apologize; just don't let it happen again. What possessed you and Chiana to get that drunk on a strange planet?"

"Shit, Walter, you know how little of my life has been mine. In hindsight, I can see it was stupid but..."

"But Chiana is fun to party with and you missed out on all that."

"Yeah, something like that."

"Alex, seriously, don't do anything like that again. I don't want to lose you."

The pain in his voice was worse than any beating I had ever been given. I realized then that he cared about me. I felt a tear roll down my face and hoped he wouldn't notice. But he did. A thumb wiped it away gently and then he went back to stroking my arm.

After a few minutes he took the cloth and walked away. I heard water running again then he was pulling the covers back and bathing me gently.

I had never felt so cared for. I hid my smile as he covered me hastily as the door opened and Chiana's voice spoke.

"Here's the broth. John says are you sure it's a good idea? Might make him puke."

"He's been four days with no food. He needs some calories. As long as he doesn't move around much, and I feed him slowly, he should be fine."

"Well, all right. But don't blame me if he pukes."

"Alex, I'm going to lift you and then sit behind you. I don't want to prop your sore head against the wall."

I felt his strong hands raise me then he was sliding in behind me. It felt good to be resting against his chest. One arm wrapped securely around me as the other brought the cup of broth to my lips.

"Little sips, Alex."

"Yes, Sir."

"Don't get sassy, boy."

I grinned as I heard Chiana laugh.

"Told you, Alex."

"Told him what, Chiana?"

Walter's voice sounded annoyed. Chiana ignored the question.

"I'll bring some juice back later. That is, if he keeps that down."

Then the door closed again. I relaxed against the warmth of his body and sipped the broth as instructed. When the cup was empty, he set it down and then both arms were holding me. I slipped back into sleep feeling safe as never before in my life.

++++++++++++++++

I held him as he slept. Part of me worried about what I had said to him. But the other part was telling me it was time to take a risk. He could have died. And I would have been left with the knowledge that I hadn't even tried. That I hadn't found out how he felt. Far better to know than to wonder.

He was still sleeping when John came to check on him. John smiled when he saw me holding him.

"I brought some juice. Would you like me to sit with him so you can get cleaned up and eat?"

"I can do that when we're sure he's going to be all right."

"He's going to be fine. But you look like shit. D'Argo's enforced nap wasn't long enough to make up for three days with no sleep. Skinner, let us help you. We know you see him as your responsibility but that doesn't mean you have to do it all."

"It's not just responsibility, Crichton. I care a great deal about him."

"Then don't you think you should tell him? The universe is a dangerous place. It could be you next time."

"I know, but..."

"But, you're the kind of man who has trouble discussing his feelings. And maybe you think they won't be returned. Skinner, you have seen more in the last year than most humans will ever see. And you may never see Earth again. Take the chance. Have the happiness you can. No one here is going to judge the two of you. You have no job or reputation to worry about out here."

I nodded but didn't answer. He squeezed my shoulder, then turned to leave. When he reached the door, he turned back to look at me.

"If you won't leave him, at least try and sleep while he is sleeping. I'll come back to check on you in a few arns."

I shifted a little, getting more settled. I was still worrying at how to tell Alex my feelings when sleep took me. I woke as he was trying to slip out of my arms.

"What are you doing?"

"I need to piss, Walter, and I don't think you are the golden shower type."

"Didn't anyone ever tell you the uptight, repressed types are the most likely to be kinky?"

The look on his face was priceless. I tried not to giggle. I held on to him as he got to his feet then I got up as well to follow him to the toilet. He looked up at me with an irritated expression.

"You going to hold it for me?"

"If you like."

I reached and closed my hand over him. He let out a low moan and his dick started to harden. He slapped my hand away.

"Stop that. I can hold my own dick while I piss."

"I'm sure you can, Alex. But I'll just stay right here in case you get dizzy."

I stepped back, smiling, and waited while he took care of business. I held his arm as we walked back to the bed.

"I'm ok, Walter."

"Not dizzy? No double vision?"

"Neither. My head still hurts but nothing like before. Could I get some food?"

"We'll start with the juice Crichton brought. Pilot, would you let the others know Alex is awake and feeling better? And I'd appreciate it if someone would bring some food. I don't want him moving around much yet."

I got him settled on the bed, propped up on the pillows. He frowned slightly at me.

"What's wrong, Alex?"

"These pillows aren't as supportive as you are."

"Sorry, but they'll have to do for now. I need to eat. Nurses need sustenance, too."

We soon had a room full of people and two trays of food. I dug in while keeping an eye on him to make sure he wasn't overdoing.

"Alex, you look much better. I never did get to thank you for the rescue."

"Some rescue. I end up losing almost four days and the others had to save us both."

"Well, yeah, but you tried and if they hadn't ganged up on you, I think you could have taken them."

John spoke then. "Why didn't you comm us before you waded in like that?"

"I forgot I was even wearing it at first, then I couldn't remember how it worked. Then they pissed me off."

I decided to join the conversation. "How'd they do that?"

"They called me a cripple. I'm not a cripple."

"Of course you aren't."

I looked at Aeryn, surprised at her saying that to him. But I certainly understood him running headlong into it after that.

They all expressed how pleased they were that he was feeling better and then left us alone. I finished my food and then took his tray.

"Walter, will you sleep here with me tonight? Hold me like you did on the Gray's ship. I don't want to be alone."

"You don't have to be alone. I'm not going anywhere."

I undressed and slipped under the covers with him. He was soon settled against me, his head on my shoulder where it seemed to fit as if made for that spot.

++++++++++++++++++++

I didn't sleep for a long time, lying there in his arms. Not too surprising since I had spent most of the last four days out of it. He went to sleep fairly quickly and I was glad. He had dark circles under his eyes and I knew he needed to rest.

I went back over the events of the last few hours in my mind. Waking in his arms had been wonderful. Realizing I could see clearly again was good as well. Then my bladder had demanded my attention. I had tried to get up without waking him. Should have known that wouldn't work.

I felt the blush rise as I remembered the way he had grabbed my dick and the way I had reacted. And that statement about being kinky, I wondered if that was a joke or if he was trying to tell me something.

Well, one thing was sure. I had almost died and I wasn't going to let much more time go by without finding the truth. Once I was clean and he was rested, I intended to find out if Chiana's theory was correct. Once I had made that decision, I slept.

I woke slowly, feeling safe and warm. A big hand was rubbing over my back in gentle circles. The other hand covering mine where it lay on his chest. I turned my head to look at him and he smiled at me.

"Morning, sleepyhead. How do you feel?"

"Good, no pain. A little hungry."

"Well, then, let's see about going to eat with the others then we'll get a shower."

"Sounds like a good plan."

We reached the galley and it was empty.

"Pilot, where are all the others?"

"It's the normal sleep cycle, Alex. Do you need me to wake them?"

"No, Pilot. Did we sleep that long?"

"You have been sleeping for over twelve arms. The others did not want you disturbed as they felt you both needed the rest."

Walter had been busy getting food and he set the trays on the table. We ate in silence then headed for the shower. I took my place on the stool and waited as he combed the tangles from my hair then he shaved me carefully.

"I'll get in the shower while you shave, then you can wash my hair."

"No, I want you to wait. We don't know that the dizziness won't return. Better for me to be there in case."

"Ok, Walter."

I sat and waited while he shaved. Watching as he made sure his face was smooth. When he was finished, he turned to look at me.

"Alex, I think it would be better if I wash then you come over. That way I can do your hair then stay with you while you wash just to be safe."

I considered arguing with him but then thought better of it. He was only concerned for me. He wasn't trying to treat me like an invalid.

"Whatever you say."

I tried to keep my eyes off him as he washed but finally gave up and admired the view. He had exercised while we were still on the Gray's ship and, since coming here, he had been working out with both Aeryn and D'Argo. His desire to keep his body fit worked just as well at keeping his body attractive. When he soaped his cock and balls, I turned my eyes away. It was just way too much for my horny body to deal with.

++++++++++++++++++

I watched as he turned away from me. I had made sure to give him a good view of the equipment as I washed it. I saw him shift on the stool and dared to hope my display had caused a little tension there. I didn't think he would be ready for sex yet but no harm in starting to let him think about it.

When I rinsed, I called out to him.

"Alex, I'm ready to do your hair."

"Yeah, be there in just a minute."

He turned his back on me as he stripped. And I knew it was to give him another minute to compose himself. I turned so I wasn't looking his way and waited for him to join me. I ignored the fact that he was at half-mast as I soaped his hair. I gave it a good wash then nudged him slightly to let him know he should rinse.

I took the soap and lathered his back as I had been doing for weeks but I didn't stop at his waist. I squeezed his butt cheeks slightly as I lathered them as well.

"Spread you legs for me, Alex."

"Walter, I don't think..."

"I do. Trust me."

My cock twitched as he let out a little sigh and opened his legs for me. I couldn't stop the grin that spread over my face. I slipped my soapy hand between his cheeks, letting my finger tease his hole gently. I was rewarded with another moan and his hips pushing back toward me.

"Feel good?"

The reply was a whispered, "Yes."

So I rubbed a little harder over the small opening. Looking over his shoulder, I saw that he was at full attention now. I moved my hand lower and cupped his balls, squeezing them the way I like my own squeezed.

"God!"

I moved in and took his earlobe between my teeth to nip at it. At the same time, I reached both arms around him and pulled him back against me so he could feel the effect the situation was having on me. His head turned and he looked at me. His eyes were dark and fit the description of "bedroom eyes" perfectly.

"Guess Chiana was right."

"Right about what?"

"She said we wanted to frell each other's brains out."

"That's not all I want, Alex."

"It's not?"

"No. I want much more than that from you."

"You do?"

I bit my cheek so I wouldn't laugh as he stuttered at me. "Yes, but not today. Today, we're just gonna release a little of the tension we're both having."

Reaching down, I pulled his cheeks apart just enough to slot my dick between them. I didn't intend to penetrate him for the first time in the shower. I was so hot from having him in my arms, knowing he wanted me as much as I wanted him that it wasn't going to take a lot to get me off.

I slid my hands back around and wrapped one around his cock; the other I used to roll his balls in the sac. His head dropped back to rest on my shoulder, turned toward me.

"Walter, would you kiss me? Please."

"Every day for as long as you'll have me."

I covered his mouth with mine and he opened for me. I resisted the desire to ravage him with my tongue and kept it soft, and then pulled back, encouraging him to give me his tongue. His slipped into my mouth to explore me as I had him. We stopped for air only out of necessity.

I looked at him hanging there, trusting me to keep him upright. His lips were swollen slightly from our kiss, his eyes closed, face flushed. A little shudder ran through his body.

"Alex, look at me."

"This is probably just a dream. I'm still lying unconscious in my quarters." But his eyes fluttered open and he smiled at me.

"It's not a dream. Have your dreams ever felt this good?" I stroked him as I rubbed my cock between his cheeks.

He moaned, his eyes closed and his hand came up to circle my neck.

"You weren't this big in my dreams."

"Is that a problem?"

"Oh, no. Not at all. I like big."

His hand left my neck and he reached between us, rubbing my cock head where it was peeking up from between his cheeks. His thumb found the slit and he rubbed the pre-come down as his fingers swirled around the head. It was my turn to moan.

++++++++++++++++++++++

I rubbed Walter's cock as I had lots of men before but I never felt so pleased with the response. His moan was rich and full, even deeper than his voice. I wanted him inside me so badly. But somehow I didn't think he was going to go for that. I wondered if the Uncharted Territories had condoms. I didn't think he would want to fuck me without one.

I squeezed his cockhead with the amount of pressure I liked on my own; his head turned and he latched onto my throat. His hand tightened and he stroked me in a rhythm to match his movements behind me. His cock slid up and down my opening and, at the top of each movement, I gave him a little squeeze.

His mouth let go of my neck and he hissed in my ear.

"I'm close, Alex. I want you to come with me. Will you do that for me?"

"I'll try."

His hands worked me harder and I was soon screaming as I shot against the wall. I felt his come flowing against my fingers and squeezed him one more time. His hands crossed over my chest and he held me, raining soft kisses on my neck and along my jaw and finally kissing me again.

"Thank you, Alex. I'm sure that wasn't quite what your dreams were like but we'll get to them. I promise."

I noticed his eyes were almost black and knew, without being told, that mine were dark green. I twisted in his arms and threw mine around him. I kissed him as deeply as possible, wanting to imprint him with me.

"Let's get finished here, Alex. Then you can relax in my bed while I go get your things from the other room."

"I'm moving in with you?"

"Unless you don't want to. But I hope you do."

"But if I move into your quarters John and the others will..."

"Will what, Alex?"

"They'll know we're sleeping together."

"And you see this as a problem?"

"No. I'm just surprised you don't."

"I almost lost you, Alex. It made me do a lot of thinking. John and the others couldn't care less if we sleep together. John pointed out to me that no one here will judge us."

He got us rinsed just as the water was cooling off. I let him wrap me in a towel and tow me to his room. He got me settled in his bed, then he dressed and kissed me quickly.

"Take a nap if you can. I won't be long."

I watched as he strutted out of the room, wondering if all alpha males strut after a conquest. At that point, I still believed that was all I was. I mean I didn't think I would even have his friendship once we were on Moya but he kept being kind to me so I had accepted that. But now I was back to wondering how long this would last.

I figured if we ever did get back to Earth he would drop me flat. Probably kill me if I told his precious Mulder and Scully that we had slept together, forget about telling them we fucked. Although, we hadn't really fucked yet. Couldn't even really call it a hand job.

But it had felt so good. He had been tender and caring. Nothing like my usual encounters. And the man sure knows how to kiss.

I replayed our time since I woke and remembered the comment about kinks. I wondered what he meant by that. Not that it mattered a great deal. I could do just about anything, and would, to be with him.

He was back before I had even sorted through all the events of the day. Not that I was surprised since I had very little for him to pack. He put my things away carefully and then stripped again. He crawled into bed and pulled me onto his shoulder.

"Try to sleep some more, Alex. You need rest to get well."

"Walter?"

"Hmm?"

"What kinds of kinks?"

He chuckled into my hair. "I don't think I want to tell you yet. I think I want to make you fall in love with me first. That'll make it harder for you to say no."

"Love?"

"Yes, Alex. That's one of the things I want from you, one of many. Now sleep. Pilot, when the others wake please let them know that Alex is here with me and we don't want to be disturbed."

"Yes, Walter, I will tell them. Have a good rest."

I was drifting off when it occurred to me to wonder why he would want me to love him, unless maybe he was falling in love with me. That couldn't be the reason, could it?

++++++++++++++++++++++

I woke from a wonderful dream only to find my bed empty. I sat up and looked around and he wasn't in the room.

"Pilot, where is Alex?"

"He's with Crichton in the maintenance bay, Walter."

"Thank you, Pilot."

I knew I was frowning. He shouldn't be up wandering around so soon. But that wasn't the only reason for the frown. He was with Crichton.

I knew he had enjoyed what we had done last night but that didn't mean he wouldn't still want Crichton or Chiana.

I'm basically a monogamous type man. I was faithful to Sharon until I knew it was over. And I didn't do a lot of fucking around even then. I just prefer a relationship. I like getting to know a partner. Their likes and dislikes. I like teaching them to like the things I like.

Fuck! Maybe I had scared him with the idea of me being kinky. He'd had some pretty nasty shit done to him in the past. He didn't even know that I knew that.

Spender had liked to brag.

But I'm nothing like Spender. I wouldn't ever make him do anything he didn't want to. And my kinks wouldn't leave scars on his body.

I threw the covers off and staggered over to the sink. I felt better once I had splashed cold water over my face and used the toilet. I dressed, then went in search of my lover. Because my lover is what he was going to be. Once I make up my mind, I put all I have into it.

I found him laughing at something Crichton had said as he handed him a tool from the bench.

"Alex, you should have woken me. And you shouldn't be up and around yet."

I covered the space between us and slipped my arm around him. Cupping his face, I laid one of my best lip locks on him. When I came up for air, he hung there, eyes closed, lips parted as he panted softly. I rubbed my thumb over his lips and he latched onto it sucking it gently.

Then the eyes opened, he let go of my thumb, and looked to see if Crichton had seen us. Crichton had seen all right, and he was grinning.

"Is this the point where I tell you two to 'get a room'?"

"We have a room, thank you, Crichton. But Alex left me alone in it."

"Walter, I'm sorry. I..."

"We'll talk about it later. Have you eaten?"

"No, not yet."

"Well, then, come along. You need to eat; you are much too thin."

I took his hand and led him toward the galley. He was quiet as I got our food. When I sat next to him, he spoke.

"Listen, Walter, I'm sorry if I made you angry. I woke up and I needed some space. I needed to think a little."

"I'm not angry, Alex. I'm just concerned that you don't overdo. I want you healthy. Besides, I like waking up with you in my arms."

He grinned at me then and rubbed against my side, his hand moving up my thigh to find my awakening cock.

"I think I'm going to like it even more now than I did before we got better acquainted."

"Stop that!"

He made a pouting face at me then purred. "Would you have said stop if I had stayed in bed and done this?"

"Why don't you try it in the morning and find out? Now eat."

"You're no fun."

"After you eat and we shower, I'll show you a good time. Boy Scout's honor."

He grinned at me and dug into his food. I was pleased to see he had a good appetite. He really did need to gain a little weight. After we ate, I got him in the shower and washed him with none of the play of the last time. I wanted him back in our bed. I wanted to be inside him.

"Alex, will you go to our room and wait for me? I need to do something and then I'll be there."

His eyes asked but then he turned and headed to our room.

"Pilot, where is Aeryn?"

"She is working out, Walter, do you wish to speak to her?"

"Yes, but face to face. Thank you."

Of the people on the ship, I had found that I had much more in common with Aeryn and D'Argo than the others. After all, the three of us had military backgrounds. We all knew and appreciated weapons. And we had been teaching each other hand to hand tricks from our home worlds.

Of the two, I felt more comfortable asking her for what I needed than him. She was wearing the gloves and pounding away on the combat form when I entered the room.

"Aeryn."

She turned and smiled at me.

"Hello, Walter. How is Alex? Pilot says you moved him in with you."

"That's the best way to keep an eye on him. He's feeling much better."

"Good. Do you want to work out?"

"Actually, I came to ask you for help?"

"Of course. What do you need?"

"Alex and I are going to - how is it Crichton put it - recreate. I need some oil or lotion to facilitate the process."

I was proud of myself, I wasn't blushing. She smiled at me and I knew she was pleased for us.

"I have some stuff in my quarters that was Zhaan's. It should work. Come on, I'll get it for you."

I followed her back to her quarters and she gave me a couple of small, beautifully shaped, colored bottles.

"I think this one smells the best, but this one will probably last longest."

"Thank you, Aeryn."

She gave me a grin. "Better make sure Pilot knows you are recreating or he might think you need help."

"Is that a joke?"

For an answer she turned toward the panel that I knew was Pilot's comm. "Pilot, Walter and Alex will be recreating so ignore any noise coming from their quarters."

"Yes, Aeryn. I will turn off my comm there. Walter, please use the one in the corridor to let me know when you want normal comms restored."

Now I was blushing. I don't know why I expected that anything on a living ship with a Pilot who controlled communication panels in ever room would be private. Aeryn was grinning at me and I realized she had a wicked streak.

"Thank you, Ms. Sun. I'll be going now."

Her laugh followed me down the corridor.

Alex was sitting on the edge of the bed, fidgeting. I smiled at him from the doorway. Before the day was over, I intended to make him mine. I was going to make him come so hard he'd never want to stray. Conceit? Not really. Determination that's all.

"Alex, you ok?"

"Yeah, sure. Why wouldn't I be?"

"No reason, you just look a little nervous."

"Aren't you?"

"A little."

I held up the bottles for him to see.

"What's that?"

"Oil. Aeryn says the one in the blue bottle smells the best."

"Oil? Oh!"

"What's the matter, Alex? Tell me."

"No condoms?"

"Do we need them? I'm clean."

"You would take my word?"

"Yes."

"No, we don't need them. I knew better than to take chances with their property."

I frowned at the word property. I intended to make Alex mine but I would never let him think I considered him property. I quickly smiled so he wouldn't think I was angry at him.

"I'm glad. I've always hated those things. But I'm even happier that you stayed safe."

I walked across the room and put the bottles down on the table by the bed. Sitting next to him, I pulled him close for a kiss. I took my time, wanting him to relax. I lay back on the bed and pulled him to lie on top of me. That gave me my hands access to his back and ass.

I let him control our kisses as I caressed his naked body. I could feel his hard-on pressing against mine and he began to move against me. It was a good thing I was still dressed or I would have lost it. Finally, I rolled him over so I was on top and pulled back to look at his smoky eyes.

"Be right back."

"What?"

"I need to get undressed, Alex. I don't want to come in these leather pants."

I stripped off my shirt hurriedly as he watched. His eyes showing his hunger. His tongue peeked out to wet his lips and I stopped dead.

"Hurry, Walter." It was almost a whine so I finished undressing quickly.

I crawled to kneel between his legs and pushed them wide. He watched me, his lower lip caught between his teeth. He looked so damn sexy like that. I let out a low growl and he smiled.

His thighs were so tempting that I had to taste. I took a bit of flesh into my mouth and sucked until I was sure I had marked him. His body jerked under me and he moaned. I worked my way toward his cock, leaving a trail of marks. The way I was marking him, there would be no way they would be mistaken for anything other than what they were.

His cock was twitching where it rested against his stomach. His whispered, "Please" almost worked, but not quite. I nuzzled my chin against his balls, smiling when he groaned.

"Walter, touch me."

"I am, Alex."

"Bastard!"

"What do you want, Alex?"

"Touch my cock, Walter."

"Like the last time?"

"Yes."

"I don't think so."

"What!?"

I made no answer. Shifting position, I took the purple crown into my mouth. Slowly, I circled the head then rubbed the tip of my tongue in the slit, getting my first taste of his pre-come. His hips bucked as he tried to push deeper into my mouth. His hand caressing my head.

Gripping his hips, I held him still.

"Easy, Alex. Our first time to really make love isn't going to be over so quickly. We'll do hard and fast, but not today. Today, you are going to let me take my time. I'm going to give you what no one else ever has. I'm going to make you forget that anyone else ever touched you. And when you think you can't stand it one more minute, I'm going to drive deep into your body and claim you."

He lay there staring at me like the debauched angel in Barbarella. Except my angel could see me. His hand reached for me and I allowed him to pull me up for a kiss. When I pulled back, he looked at me with such love. I knew he might take a long time to say the words, but I could wait.

++++++++++++++

I knew the minute he read my eyes. Knew I'd never be able to hide from him again. I dropped my hand from his neck and waited for him to claim me. Waited to see just how Walter wanted to make love to me. His words alone had made this different from anything else in my life.

He kissed his way back down the center of my chest and when he reached my dick, he circled it as he had before. But this time, after he tongued the slit, he sucked gently on the head. Suddenly I felt his nose rubbing against my groin as he took my entire length into his throat. He made a humming sound around me and I shivered.

I don't know how long that went on but he seemed to sense when it was getting too intense for me. He pulled off me and blew air across my wet cock. I wilted slightly and heard his growled, "Good boy." And for the first time in my life, I didn't mind being called boy.

His hand pushed my legs up and he held them as he sucked one of my balls into his mouth. He rolled his tongue around it and my toes curled. That one was released and the other given similar attention. Then his talented tongue was bathing the area directly behind my balls. Not only did my toes curl but my legs tried to grab him in a death grip.

He chuckled softly.

"Like that, do you?"

Before I could articulate an answer, he sucked at the skin there and I wailed. There is no other way to describe the noise I made. A tiny part of my brain wondered if Pilot would think I was in distress and send the others to check on us. But then he sucked a little harder and I forgot there was anyone in the universe except the two of us.

When his tongue moved farther back and rubbed over my hole, I screamed like a girl. He seemed to like that because he did it again. I scrabbled for his head but, of course, there was no hair to grab and pull him away.

"Walter! Please! Have mercy."

"Mercy? I don't think so."

His tongue didn't just rub that time, it slipped inside me. No one had ever done that to me before. It was so incredibly intimate - that he would enter me that way. I whimpered and tightened, trying to keep that delicious feeling as long as possible. He seemed quite willing to indulge me, fucking me with his tongue.

But once more, he seemed to know I was close and, damn him! He pulled away. I looked at him kneeling there as he massaged my legs tenderly. A little smile on his face and I wondered how he had known my legs were beginning to ache.

I sighed as the aches disappeared. Then he settled between my legs and began to work on my nipples. My nipples would be sore for days afterward but it was worth every twinge. I caressed his head as he moved back and forth, from one to the other. Biting and sucking as I squirmed under him.

When he moved up to kiss me again, his hands slipping through my hair, strong fingers massaged my scalp as the kisses went on and on. I was growing frantic with my need to feel him inside me but before I could voice it, he was kneeling again and reaching for the oil.

I watched as he coated himself. Pulled my legs up high for him. He pushed inside me slowly, giving me time to adjust. Then he just lay there and kissed me for eons more.

I twisted and squirmed under him, trying to get him moving, but he just kept on with his torture. Without warning, he reared up, pulling out almost all the way; he slammed into me, rocking the bed.

He roared, "Mine."

And I came more explosively than I would have ever thought possible. He pumped into me hard and fast and soon I felt the warmth as he shot high inside me. He managed to get one of my legs over his body and then spooned around me, still deep inside.

His lips brushed my neck as he whispered in my ear. "You are mine now."

"Yes, yours," I agreed before I was out as though a switch had been thrown.

+++++++++++++++

I woke still buried inside him. I nuzzled into his neck and breathed deep, memorizing his scent. My Alex. The aftermath of the best sex I'd ever had making me lethargic. But I knew that wouldn't last long. The thing about sex and me is the more I get, the more I want. Especially when I'm learning my partner's body.

I held him close, running my hands over him. He stirred slightly and mumbled something.

"What?"

"I'm trying to sleep."

"Go ahead. I'll just play quietly."

"I could probably do that if I wasn't the toy being played with."

"And such a pretty new toy, at that."

"Neither pretty or new."

I gripped his head and turned him to look at me. "You're beautiful to me, Alex. As for new - it's vastly overrated. But you are new as my lover."

"Lover? Is that really how you think of me?"

"Yes."

I tightened my arms around him and moved enough to let him know I was getting hard again.

"I like the idea of being your lover."

"I'm glad to hear that."

I smiled as one of his legs lifted to rest over my hip. I began to slip into and out of his body, savoring the feel of his muscles trying to keep me inside. Going slowly to let the feeling built. I kissed along his jaw line, nipping lightly.

Moving one hand down to his cock, I worked it, bringing him erect. His breathing was speeding up. He wrenched away from me and pushed me onto my back. I laughed with delight when he straddled me and dropped down to take me deep inside again.

"My turn." He growled.

"Your turn." I agreed.

He placed his hand on my chest and began to ride. When I reached for his cock, he slapped my hand away.

"No, want to make it last."

But he softened the tone by bending down to kiss me. So I fisted my hands in the sheets to remind me to keep them off him. I watched as he rode me. His body began to glow with the fine sheen of sweat covering him. His head was back, eyes closed, teeth worrying at his lip again.

I stayed still for as long as I could stand to, then I began to thrust up into him, trying for even deeper penetration. Not that it was a possibility; his angle meant that every inch was entering him with each downward movement of his body.

He opened his beautiful eyes to look at me. The little smile sending a frisson of delight through me.

"Come for me, Walter."

I grabbed his hips and pushed up as he pushed down. I pumped my come deep inside him, happy to be filling my lover and not a condom. He bent down to kiss me again and I wrapped my arms around him. We lay there, me still inside him, his lips moving over my face kissing my eyelids, my nose returning to my mouth.

I could feel him still hard between us. But waited to see what else "my turn" entailed.

++++++++++++

I lay on his chest kissing him, enjoying the feel of him. He was still hard inside me. I was pleased that he wasn't the type to go soft right away. The way I woke told me he liked staying inside his lover. I really liked the idea that he wouldn't jump up and run off as soon as he shot his load in me. I wanted that kind of intimacy with him.

His hands were moving in easy circles on my back as he allowed me to continue with my kisses. I had been surprised at the easy way he had handed control over to me. I wanted so badly to ask if I could top him but I didn't think I could handle hearing him say no at that point.

I still felt as though I would wake up on the Grays' ship and find this all to be a dream ala Dallas. I had never dared to hope that a good man like Walter would want me. But the proof that he did was lodged firmly in my ass. And there was a lot of proof.

I continued to kiss him, ignoring the fact that my cock was rock hard between us, marveling at the fact that he wasn't taking control or issuing orders. Was this part of what he meant when he said I was his lover? I was kissing along his collarbone when he spoke again.

"Alex, this isn't a complaint, but are you planning on coming again? I mean I'm thoroughly enjoying making out but I don't want you to get blue balls."

I pulled up to look at him. Resting my arm across his chest, I nudged his chin with mine, he raised his head and I kissed the spot just above his Adam's apple. I added a little wiggle of my hips and he sighed. I could feel his hair rubbing against the sensitive head of my cock.

"I want to come again. I just never got to take my time this way before. I really like making out."

"So do I and I plan on indulging in it often. But you could come and we could make out until we're both ready again."

I wiggled and tightened my ass around him.

"Feels to me like you are ready."

"Let's get something clear right now, Alex. I want my partner to have as much fun as I do. Our bed will never be a place where I get off and you get used."

I felt the sting and knew tears were threatening. He pulled me down into a kiss, one hand in my hair, the other squeezing my ass. His mouth moved along my jaw to suck at my earlobe.

"Would you like to come inside me, Alex?"

I stopped breathing. He pulled my head back and looked at me.

"Alex? Did you hear me?"

"I don't think...you didn't...Walter, did you just ask if I want to come in you?"

His smile was dazzling.

"What's the matter? Did you think the big alpha male wouldn't let you fuck him?"

"Walter, until yesterday, I didn't think you would consider sex with a man, period. Certainly didn't think you would want to with me. So, no, I didn't think the big alpha male would take it up the ass."

"Well, actually, you're the first one I've ever made the offer to."

"What?"

++++++++++++

The shock on his face was priceless. Not too surprising in light of what he had just told me. But I was telling him the truth. My encounters with men had been me topping. I had never bottomed.

Alex was different. I intended to spend the rest of my life with him. I wanted us both to have something together very different than we'd had before with others. Bottoming to him would be one way to show him I was very serious about this.

"Are you sure? I mean it's a big step for a man who has - ah...been straight - to take."

"Not such a big step when you feel the way I do about the man you are taking that step with."

"Just how do you feel about that man?" His voice was soft and his eyes were focused on my non-existent hairline.

"To paraphrase an old song, Alex. I think I love you and it scares the shit out of me."

His sharp gasp was loud as his eyes tracked to mine. I kept my gaze steady as he searched me for the truth. Then he kissed me and I felt his love flowing into me through the connection.

I was so glad I had taken the chance on saying it first.

When he let go of my mouth, he smiled that megawatt smile. "I'd very much like to come inside my lover. It'll be a first for us both."

"So, how do you want to do this, Alex?"

"I want to see you. I want to watch your eyes as you come with me inside you."

"I was hoping you would say that, because I want to watch yours."

He pulled up off me; I re-positioned, opening my legs wide for him and he moved between them. I reached for the oil and poured some into his hand so he could coat himself. Then I relaxed back as his slick fingers slide over and then pressed against my hole.

I tried to remember how my doctor had taught me to relax for my annual exam. It must have worked because his finger slipped in with very little discomfort.

"Doing ok, Walter?"

"Don't worry, Alex. I'll let you know if I'm not."

"Walter, I..."

"What is it, Alex?"

"I'm not quite sure how to do this. I don't have two arms to balance with. I want to be able to kiss you."

I raised my legs high to drape over his shoulders.

"I'll help balance you. Lean on me, as much as you need to."

++++++++++++++++++++++

Why is it that those words 'lean on me' sounded so good? When Walter makes up his mind, he gives it all he's got.

I used his legs for balance, guided my cock to his hole.

"Ready?"

"Do it, Alex."

His eyes were warm and welcoming. I pushed forward, entering him slowly. He had been careful with me and I wanted to be equally careful with him. When I bottomed out, I let one of his legs slide off my shoulder so I could lean down to kiss him. I love the way he kisses. I don't think I'll ever get enough of those.

When I pulled back, he grinned at me then flexed his muscles around me.

"Fuck!"

"Like that, do you?"

"Don't do that again. I don't want to come too soon."

"Doesn't matter if you do, Alex. This isn't the only time you'll get to do this."

I would have fallen in love with him right then if I hadn't done it months before. Truth is, I think I'd fallen in love with him the first time he held me. He'd said he was scared; well, that made two of us.

I kissed him again, trying to put my love in the kiss. His eyes had darkened when I pulled away. I reached to pull his leg back up over my shoulder.

I began to pump into his body. Nothing before now could equal how good it felt. Knowing it was the first time for him, that he was giving me this. Me, rat bastard, Alex Krycek, was fucking - no, making love - to Walter Sergei Skinner.

His hands were busy. Fingers reaching to toy with my sore nipples, caressing my chest, rubbing along my arm. His voice flowing over me as he offered encouragement. Words I never expected to hear him say.

"So good, Alex. I love you inside me," moaned then followed by a growled, "Harder! Fuck me. Harder!"

Then he tightened down on me again. I whimpered as I tried to give him even more of me. I rammed into him as hard as I could and he yelled, "YES!" and his come was shooting against me. His ass contracted even harder than before and I groaned as I came inside him.

He dropped his legs while supporting me with his hands and eased me down to his chest. Both arms wrapped around me as he whispered, "Mine."

"Yours." I agreed.

We woke later, glued together, and, both of us stark naked, he hauled me down the corridor to shower. He seemed totally unconcerned that we might be seen. After we were bathed and dressed, we went to find food.

For once, everyone was in eating together. Rygel was the first to speak.

"Guess they need fuel before they go back to frelling."

Walter grinned at him, "Alex is still much too thin. He needs to eat regularly."

Chiana patted the seat next to her. Walter nudged me to indicate I should sit as he went to get trays for us.

Chiana whispered. "Told you so." As she flicked her fingers against the mark Walter had left on my throat in the shower.

"Walter, will you be too tired to work out with me later?" D'Argo rumbled from his end of the table.

"Of course not, D'Argo. I need to stay in shape. Even more so now."

Walter's proprietary look my way made me blush. Chiana giggled and John threw me a smile.

D'Argo stood to leave. "I'll see you in an arn."

"I'll be there."

"Aeryn, will you be joining us?"

"No, I promised John I'd help him work on his module."

Rygel sailed out the door behind him and Aeryn and John soon followed. Chiana hung around asking leading questions that I tried to avoid answering. Finally, Walter spoke.

"Chiana, just come right out and ask what you want to know, and then he can answer you or tell you it's none of your business."

I looked at him in surprise. I was beginning to realize that the FBI persona had been left far behind. Walter is nothing like I had perceived him to be all those years. I wondered how he would take it if I answered her questions. I was about to find out.

Chiana grinned at him, then turned to look at me.

"So, who frells who?"

"I think we're going to be dividing that up."

"Definitely." Walter rumbled from his seat on my other side.

"Is he any good?"

"Are you asking Walter or me?"

"You."

"Walter's very good."

"Thank you, Alex. So are you." This time I could hear the smile in his voice.

I reached over, squeezed his leg and his hand dropped to cover mine.

Chiana leaned closer, "Is he as big as John."

I felt Walter tense beside me. I turned to look at him as I answered so he could read my eyes.

"I have no idea, Chiana. I've never seen John's. Walter is all I want."

His eyes softened as he read the truth in mine. His hand tightened on mine for a moment then I turned to see Chiana watching us.

"About time for you to go meet D'Argo, isn't it, Walter?"

"Pilot, where is D'Argo?"

"He's on his way to the work out room, Walter."

"Thank you, Pilot. Please let him know I'm on my way."

He leaned over and gave me a quick kiss. "See you later."

I watched as he walked out of the room humming. He'd never struck me as the humming type. I could get used to this.

+++++++++++++++++++++

I headed along the corridor toward our room, limping. D'Argo had tripped during one of our exercises and we had ended up in a heap. My ankle had taken a bad twist. I wanted to get in bed and prop it up. I was almost to the room when Alex came running down the corridor.

"Walter, Pilot said you were injured. Why didn't you wait for me to come help you?"

"It's no big deal, Alex. Just twisted my ankle. I just need to elevate it before it swells any more."

"Here, let me help you."

He was at my side working his way under my arm. I almost snapped at him but then thought better of that. We were a couple now and that's what couples do, they take care of each other. I knew I could make it fine on my own but he would feel better if he helped me.

I pushed my pants down before I sat on the bed. I knew I'd be more comfortable without them. Alex immediately knelt to help me get them off. He took one look at my ankle and gasped. I had to admit it was purpling up quite nicely.

"Walter, that's not just a twisted ankle. It's at least sprained. Pilot."

"Yes, Alex."

Do you have an X-ray machine on board?"

"Alex, I do not know the reference. I will need to ask John."

I lay back waiting for Alex to take care of things, smiling at the determined look on his face. Then Crichton's voice came from the speaker.

"Alex, why are you asking Pilot about X-rays?"

"Walter's hurt his ankle. It looks pretty bad and I'm concerned it may be broken."

"Alex, it's just a sprain. I've had broken bones and I know how that feels."

"We're coming down, Alex."

"Crichton, I'm fine. I just need some ice and to elevated it."

Alex was already pushing pillows under the leg as I held it up for him.

"We'll bring you some ice."

Then Chiana's voice came on. "I'm near the galley, I'll being ice."

Alex was draping the covers over me to hide my naked body when they all converged on our room. I smiled a little, remembering how quickly I had covered him to keep Chiana from seeing his equipment a few days earlier.

John came straight to the bed and examined my ankle carefully.

"Alex, I don't think it's any more than a bad sprain. If he stays off it the rest of the day and keeps it iced, the swelling should go down."

"Walter, you should have told me it was injured. I would have helped you get back here."

"You couldn't see that he was limping? What did you do to him anyway?"

D'Argo looked perplexed at Alex's attack on him. So I felt I had to intervene. I kind of liked Alex being so aggressive about me. I just didn't want him to attack D'Argo.

"Alex, it was an accident. D'Argo didn't hurt me on purpose. He fell and I got tangled up with him and went down."

"Well, he still should have helped you back to our room."

"I didn't think it was this bad until I had been on it a while."

Aeryn entered the room then with a plant in her hand. She brought it to the bed.

"Walter, chew on one of the leaves now and again when the pain comes back. It will also help the swelling."

"What is it, Aeryn?"

She got that look of loss as she answered me.

"Zhaan grew these. She gave me one for my headaches. They work really well."

I pulled one of the leaves from the plant and chewed it as instructed. Between that and the ice, I was soon feeling better. Alex fussed over me the rest of the day and I allowed myself to be pampered. I even let him convince me to stay there while he got us food. That night, when he came to bed, he stayed on the far side.

"Alex, why are you way over there?"

"I don't want to bump your leg."

"Then help me move to the other side of the bed. I want you next to me. If I can't fall asleep with my dick inside you, I at least want your head on my shoulder."

"Planning on falling asleep like that a lot?" he asked me as he got up and moved around to help me scoot over in the bed.

"Oh, at least two or three times a week."

"The honeymoon's over."

"What makes you think that?"

"Two or three times a week." He settled next to me; I wrapped my arm around him, smiling as his head was positioned on my shoulder.

"Not over by a long shot. I just figured you might like to fall asleep that way sometimes as well. And, now and then, there'll be nights like this, when one of us isn't in any condition to make love."

He raised up and kissed me.

"What was that for?"

"Calling it love making."

"I may say fuck when it's happening but it's still love making as far as I'm concerned."

"No one ever made love to me before."

"Then I guess you are way overdue. We should get some sleep before Aeryn's medicine wear off."

"Pilot, dim the lights please."

The light went down to the low level we had compromised on for sleeping. Alex hates total darkness and since the Gray's ship I wasn't as fond of it as I once was.

"Of course, Alex. Goodnight, sleep well."

The light went down and I nuzzled into his hair. I was almost out when he spoke.

"Walter, when are you going to tell me about your kinks?"

If not for the tone of his voice, I would have laughed.

"Alex, you don't need to worry. I will never ask you to do anything you're uncomfortable with. Unless we both like it and want to do it, it's not going to happen."

"I understand that. I just need to know what you like."

"Actually, they are pretty tame compared to some people I know. I call you 'boy' for more than one reason."

"Want to be my 'Daddy'?"

"Sometimes. But if that bothers you, we won't do it."

"It depends on what kind of Daddy."

"In the past, I've spanked my boys when they were bad. Mostly with my hand. Although I did have one lover who wanted more. He bought the paddle so I used it. He never wanted to be fucked after he was paddled, he wanted to suck me off."

"Being spanked with your hand would work. What else does Daddy do?"

"When you are really bad, then Daddy would have to punish you more severely."

"How?"

"Really bad boys get punished by being fucked with my big cock."

"I'm a pretty bad boy."

"I've noticed that."

The conversation was having a decided effect on us both. I could feel him getting hard against me. My cock was starting to tent the cover.

"How bad was what I did on the commerce planet?"

"The getting drunk would have gotten you spanked. The fighting, now that would have gotten you both. But I couldn't very well punish you when you had been so badly hurt."

"What will Daddy give me when I'm a good boy?"

"You mean like today, when you took such good care of me?"

"Yes."

"When you are really good, Daddy will let you chose what you want for a reward."

"What kind of things can I chose from?"

"Pretty much anything you want. Breakfast in bed. A night out, although that one would be hard to accomplish out here. A new toy, maybe."

"Daddy is pretty good at sucking cock. Would he do that if I asked?"

"Only pretty good?"

"You didn't make me come that way so I don't know how good you actually are."

"Ah, I see. Guess you need a complete demonstration so you can determine if that is a reward you would like."

I could feel his grin against my shoulder.

"It's always good to know all you can about your options."

"Get up."

"What?"

"Come up here and straddle me. I'll give you a demonstration."

"Walter, I didn't mean..."

"Boy, move before you make Daddy angry."

"Yes, Sir."

There was just enough light for me to see his smile as he looked up at me through those lashes. Then he was kneeling over me. I gripped his ass and pulled him closer. He gasped as I sucked him into my mouth. My boy was about to get his first lesson in what happens when you tease Daddy.

Sucking cock is something anyone can do. But I was never happy to be in the same category as "anyone". Once I had decided to do it, I had also decided to be the best. So I had practiced. Often. And my sweet little Alex was about to find out that his Daddy had learned his lessons well.

It didn't take long for him to be whining and pleading. I squeezed and kneaded his ass as I sucked hard on his cock. I rubbed against his hole, pushing just the tip of my finger in and he whined.

"Walter, oh god, please."

I pulled back off him while pulling my finger out.

"What did you call me?"

He looked down at me, his eyes deliciously fuck drunk and puzzled.

"Huh?"

"What did you call me, boy?"

"Oh shit! Please, don't stop now." He had just surpassed Mulder in the whining department.

"Boy!"

"Oh god, oh no, please. I'm sorry. Don't stop. I didn't mean to, please!"

"I'm waiting, boy"

"Daddy, please!"

"Good boy."

He made a happy little moan as I pulled his cock back into my mouth, pushed my finger back inside, going deep enough to find his prostate. I deep-throated him and added in the little hum that I know vibrates nicely in the right places. He wailed loudly as he began to shoot.

I swallowed and when he finished, I let him slip from my mouth as his rubbery legs gave up trying to hold him. He dropped across me at an angle, panting and starring at me. I wished for more light to see him better but his next words told me what I needed to know.

"I think Daddy should teach classes. That's the best reward I ever got for anything. Does Daddy want me to take care of him?"

His hand had reached back and he squeezed the evidence of my reaction to our little game.

"Does my boy have a suggestion for how he will take care of Daddy's little problem?"

He snorted a laugh, "Daddy's problem is not little. I'd be glad to take care of Daddy the way he took care of me, but I don't think I'm as good at it."

"Well, then, you'll just have to practice a lot until you get as good."

"Think I'll make it to Carnegie Hall?"

"Boy, Daddy is the only one who will benefit from your practice. Now get busy."

"Yes, Sir."

He slithered down my body, kissing as he went. I soon forgot my swollen ankle and pretty much my own name. I'm not sure I want him to get any better - don't think I could survive.

++++++++++++

Walter and I settled into a routine. We woke, had great morning sex, showered, played around in the shower, ate breakfast, and then spent some time doing our share to help maintain Moya. Lunch, afternoon delight, then time spent working out or learning new skills necessary for living in the Uncharted Territories. Evenings, I was learning just how wonderful sex is when you love the person you are doing it with.

Walter often spent hours making love to me. He would bring me to the edge then back off. Most nights, by the time he let us come, my climax would be so intense I would pass out. The first time scared him but after that, I would come around to find him cleaning me or I'd already be clean and tucked under the covers in his arms.

I told him one day that had I known it would be like this, I would have seduced him when I was working for him. He got this little frown on his face before he told me that he wished with all his heart that I had or that he had. That was when he confessed he had been as angry with himself for wanting me as he had been about me being a plant.

We both wondered how different our lives would have been if that had happened. Walter was sure that I would have confessed to him. That he could have helped me. But I know I would not have appreciated his love then the way I did after being hurt so much.

I just felt so incredibly lucky to have his love. Looking back, I know that is why we survived all the trials of our lives together. No matter how bad things looked, we had each other to hold on to.

We had made what we all thought would be a routine supply stop when the next problem occurred. Walter and I were off looking around in the marketplace when it happened.

He had realized that my ear was pierced and decided he wanted to buy me an earring. I had no problem with that since I would have worn a dog collar if he had given it to me. He had just purchased a beautiful one with a green stone that looked like an emerald. As he finished putting it in my ear, the comms came alive.

"Hey, gang, we have company. Head back to the transport, now!"

John's voice was low but conveyed the urgency of the situation. Unfortunately, we were on the far side of the market and it was packed with people. Walter didn't seem to be ruffled. He grabbed my hand and started moving with purpose. I found myself wondering if all marines were so take-charge.

He was making good progress when John's voice came again.

"Alex, Walter, where are you?"

"We're on our way, Crichton. We're still a good distance from the ship."

"How long?"

"I'm not sure, the crowd is so thick. Go! Come back for us later. We'll be fine. We have currency and each other. We can stay planet-side for a vacation."

The unspoken message was they don't know us, get clear, return when you can.

"We'll be back when we can. Be careful."

Walter turned to grin at me. "Guess we'd better find a place to stay."

"Yeah, guess we'd better."

"Do you always allow your slut to talk to you in public?"

The voice was loud and all conversation around us ceased. We turned to see who had spoken to find a large man standing at the counter near by. Next to him was a boy who looked to be no more than fifteen although we would later learn that he was much older, and that his physical appearance had been adjusted to please his master.

Walter, being the ever-observant survivor of back stabbing Washington, picked up the clues and answered accordingly. By now, I had learned to let him lead in most things. I'd come to the conclusion that Nam had honed his instincts to the point that he could walk into almost situation and be top dog. Guarding Mulder's back had been the only reason he had walked softly in Washington.

"He's new and still learning. But he is quite pleasing in other ways."

I studied the two men, looking for the clues Walter had put together so quickly. The boy was wearing an earring much like mine except it had a blue stone. His hair was long but, unlike mine which was braided to hang down my back, his was flowing over his shoulders. The man with him was a definite alpha, Dom type.

"If he's new, then he should be wearing a plain earring, not one with a stone."

"He wears what I tell him to wear. I prefer him adorned."

The man's eyes narrowed and he looked at Walter, no doubt assessing if he could take him. Walter's weapons were in plain sight. And I knew he was deadly with any of them. Plus he had perfected the pantak jab that Aeryn had taught him and other techniques that D'Argo had shown him. As for me, I had acquired a trick or two of my own from Chiana.

Suddenly the man relaxed and laughed. "Let me buy you a drink."

"I need to find us a place to stay. But thank you for the offer."

"You can get a room down the street. Plus they have the best raslak in the Territories. I'll show you the way."

"Thank you, that's very kind."

He started down the street and Walter followed with him. His boy and I trailed behind. Now that I had been alerted I noticed that most of the young males were wearing earrings of either precious metal or like the one I now wore that held the stone. I decided to pump the boy if possible for information.

We reached a huge building that must have been thirty stories and entered the lobby. The three of us stood to one side as Walter got us a room. The clerk looked me over and asked if Walter required separate quarters for his slut but did not seem to care one way or the other. Then Walter was handed an ident chip to use for services in the hotel.

The man then led us to the side of the lobby where there was a restaurant. The boy pulled on me as I started to follow Walter. Instead, he led me to an area away from the main floor but where Walter and his master could see us.

"Does your Master let you talk in public all the time? Do you sit with him in public?"

"Like he said, I'm still learning. I don't know all the rules; maybe you could tell me?"

"You're off-worlders, aren't you? That explains why your Master hasn't had you altered."

"Altered?"

"Your appearance. Most Masters want their boys to look young. And he should have the Healers give you a new arm when the other work is done."

I stomped down on the idea that I could have two arms again. The idea of being able to wrap two arms around Walter was so tempting. But I wasn't sure if Healers in the Territories could do anything for a human.

Before I could answer, a server came to the table and we were given cold bottles of fellip nectar. I looked up to see Walter's eyes twinkling at me. Since my one run in with raslak, I had avoided it.

Walter teased me that I was just afraid of getting spanked. Of course, there had been a few things over the last six months that had gotten me spanked. And, more than once, Daddy had found it necessary to give me the more severe punishment.

"So how old are you?" I asked my new friend.

"I'm eighty cycles. And you?"

"I'm forty cycles. How long have you been with your Master?"

"Sixty-five cycles. On our planet, bonding is for life. My Master is one hundred fifty cycles. He bonded much later in life than most do."

"Bonded? So you're not just his sex toy."

The look on his face had me backpedaling in a hurry.

"I'm sorry. It's just on our planet most men do not bond and so their boys are often just for sex. I can see that is not the way it is with you."

He looked over at Walter and then back at me. "I think your Master will bond with you. He looks at you as if he loves you. And the earring is costly. Masters usually do not purchase stones for a boy they don't intend to bond with."

I looked across at Walter to see him nodding at something the man was saying. Guess maybe the earring was a little like an engagement ring. I still had twinges of doubt now and then. Mostly when John worked through some equation or other for wormholes. I wasn't sure I wanted to go back to Earth. I still worried that he wouldn't want me there. But mostly I gloried in the love he showed me every day.

"I hope he will because I love him."

We were interrupted once more when food was brought. As we ate, I managed to get a lot of information from h