05/15/00
Playing in the Attic III- But Not Forgotten
by Araxdelan (krycekluvsmulder@hotmail.com)
Disclaimer- They belong to Chris Carter, but, as you all know, he doesn't
deserve them.
Rated- PG-13
Series- Part of the Playing in the Attic series. Previous parts are available
at http://araxdelan.tripod.com. Basically, Mulder finds out that his
childhood friend and first love, Skippy, and Alex Krycek are the same person.
Soon after he and Krycek manage to come to an understanding about their past,
and possibly their future.
Summary- Things take an unexpected turn.
Notes- Dedicated to the wonderful Karen-Leigh, whose unexpected feedback 
inspired me to continue this series. Beta by Lone Gungirl.


_________________________________

	It's been a year since I last spoke to Alex "Skippy" Krycek. When we
parted, it was on good terms. I was under the impression that he'd contact
me again.

	Which is why I'm so sure he's dead.

	If he was alive I'm sure he'd get a hold of me somehow. To tell me
that he was all right.

	After not hearing for him for a month, I was worried. Two and three I
was scared, and after four months I was terrified but hopeful. Around the
ninth month I gave up what little hope I had left.

	I had thought that the things between us were resolved. That I'd have
a chance to be with my first love. But just as my long dead dreams seemed
within my grasp, they were destroyed. Destroyed by the same men that have
been ruining my life from the moment it started.

	The same men who fucked with Alex's life, and then took it from him.

	So now is the time for revenge.

	I'm parked in front of a building. I expected it to be someplace dark
and dank, a scumhole. But it's a well-lit and well kept older building. Of
course. How could I have been so stupid as to think that he would live in
unsavory conditions? He's too important for that.

	I exit my car and walk up to the building. I smile politely at the
doorman, and he lets me through without question. I wonder if it was my "I'm
supposed to be here" attitude, or my expensive suit. Maybe both. Either way,
I'm in.

	The elevator ride up to the sixth floor is quick, and before I know
it I'm in front of his door. Before I can change my mind, I knock on his
door. Within moments he answers it.

	His eyes widen a bit when he sees me, and the ever present cigarette
drops from his fingers. Before he can close the door I push him through it,
and kick it shut behind me. I hear it slam in the background as I pull my
gun.

	I point my weapon at him and stamp out the cigarette on the
smoldering carpet. Once I'm satisfied that there's no danger of fire, I
speak.

	"I hope your proud of yourself."

	It seems that his earlier shock has melted away, and been replaced
with annoyance. "What have you come to rant about this time, Mr. Mulder?
Have you heard that I've been kicking puppies?"

	His indifference to the fact that I'm pointing a gun at him is
beginning to anger me, and I edge up on him. "No. No ranting this time. I've
had enough of you and your games. This time I'm here to kill you."

	He raises his eyebrows and smirks at me. "Oh, really? Whatever for?"

	His sarcastic tone of mock curiosity is the last straw, and I jab the
gun into his chest. I push him backwards, into a chair. Once he's sitting I
place the gun against his forehead.

	"You've played with too many people's lives. We're just pawns to you.
Playthings that can be easily disposed of. But no more. You took one too many
people away from me, and now you're going to pay."

	"Mr. Mulder I've never doubted that you're a sane man, despite
reports to the contrary. But this little visit is well on it's way to making
me re-consider my opinion of you. We have not terminated anyone associated
with you."

	"Stop fucking with me."

	"Listen closely. We have not killed any of your acquaintances. We
were not even aware that any had perished. Is it too unlikely to consider
that they may have died of *natural* causes?"

	His words make me take a mental step back. Help me calm my anger and
to focus. But I'm still unconvinced of his sincerity. A man with a gun
pointed to his head will say anything in order to live.

	"I know he didn't die naturally. And even if you didn't pull the
trigger, you're responsible for his death *and* his miserable life."

	"Just to appease my curiosity, who are we talking about?"

	"Alex Krycek."

	"*Alex Krycek*! You're pointing a gun at my head because of *Alex
Krycek*?! I was under the impression that you two had a lot of unresolved
issues that... stifled any friendship between you."

	"Well I remembered some things that changed all that."

	He smiles evilly at me. "Well, ever remembering new things from your
childhood, aren't you? And since when does a childhood friendship cancel out
such things as murder? Because, if I remember correctly, you were quite fond
of me when I brought you ice cream and candy as a child..."

	I backhand him, and he shuts his mouth. "It was more than that!" I
hiss. "He was brought into the life he lived. He had no choice. And as for
the murder of my father, *someone* convinced him that it was all for my own
good."

	"Oh, but it was..."

	"Shut up!"

	"Mr. Mulder, if you're so angry at the way Alex's life turned out,
you can blame his father. He's the one that brought Alex into the family
business. But, so sad for you, the man died years ago of a heart-attack. You
won't be able to get your revenge."

	I release the safety on my gun. "He was the one that brought Alex
into the business, but you're the one that took his life. I know it!"

	"Mr. Mulder, while the rest of the group and I have had certain
problems with Alex, we were unable to deal with him because he went missing.
I have no idea where Alex has been for the last year. It's as if he's
disappeared off the face of the planet."

	And the inner conflict grows. The time-frame is right, but I still
don't know if he's lying to me. Unfortunately, the doubt is enough to stop
me. I can't kill him unless I'm sure.

	I take a step back, and lower my weapon to my side.

	"If you're not lying, I'll eventually find Alex. He'll come back."

	He smiles smugly at me, taking a pack of cigarettes off the end table
at his side. "What makes you so sure of that?"

	I watch him shake one loose, and bring it to his lips. "It's none of
your business how I know. I do know, and I want assurance that Alex won't be
hurt when he returns."

	He lights up, and mumbles his response around the cigarette. "I can't
give you that insurance."

	I bring the gun up level with his eyes. "You will."

	He stares coolly at me for a moment, drawing smoke into his lungs. He
exhales a cloud of it, and says, "You're really interested in Alex's well
being, aren't you?"

	I roll my eyes, and wave the gun at him.

	He seems to consider it for a moment, and then nods. "We haven't
agreed with Alex's actions in the past. But, then again, we don't agree with
yours. I'll see to it that Alex receives protection as well."

	I had hoped I could force him into doing so, but his quick
acquiescence has surprised me. While I don't want to look a gift horse in the
mouth, I must ask, "Why?"

	"Because your continued contentment is important to us all. As your
actions tonight have demonstrated, you aren't as easily dealt with when
angry."

	That statement makes me see red, and I count to ten while trying to
calm down. I want to say so much to this bastard, want to know why he 
doesn't fear that an alliance between Alex and me. But it would be unwise
to open discussion on such matters.

	Instead I say, "See that Alex is safe, or there'll be hell to pay."

	"I understand. It shall be done."

	With that, I turn, and walk out the door.

____________________________________

	My meeting with Spender the Elder has left so many questions in my
mind. The biggest of which is, "Where's Alex?"

	And all though it seems that I won't be getting answers anytime soon,
the meeting has cheered me some. It's given me back some of the hope I lost.

	Alex may still be dead. I don't know. But now I'm going to start
searching again. Because he may still be alive.

	It's all I have to cling to.


The
End

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