Run Through The Jungle

[ursula4x]

Dedicated to Lorelei and Linda and shaking myself out of writer's block.


Run Through the Jungle

Vietnam was far in the past, shoved in a box of old nightmares with the monster under the bed and the troll that his big brother swore really lived under the shaky bridge that crossed the creek that bordered their old family home. Most days, Walter never even let sudden movements startle him into ducking away, hand reaching for his service pistol. Most days, he was the man behind the desk, whom agents thought knew nothing of the daily struggle to stay alive, to solve cases under fire.

Most days. Most nights, Walter worried more about budgets than bullets.

It was all right except when it rained in spring. When the wind whipped through the trees with a howl and sudden squalls dumped buckets of water.

The warm rain made Walter's skin crawl, too many memories despite his struggle to pretend his younger self was another man. Someone who Walter did not admit to envying. He had been young and wild. That man had died.

Waking in that body bag, Walter told himself that he had been given a second chance for a reason. Besides, he had lost more than his youthful belief in his invulnerability. He had lost someone he loved for the first time. It had seemed like a punishment for what they had together. That was reason enough to rush into a marriage, to wall away that part of his life and hope it would eventually wither and die.

The rain called Walter's beast back. It reminded him of who he had been. He never willingly walked in the rain. His need for a decent cup of coffee had lured him out despite the warning of a strong breeze and dark clouds. Kim had many talents, but making good coffee was not one of them. The over priced coffee in the cafeteria wasn't much better and Kim had been hurt when she caught him buying some. Walter used the excuse of needing a walk to clear his head to visit the coffee shop several times a week, enough to earn a free cup every couple of weeks. If Kim didn't believe him, she was willing to pretend she did and that suited him. Kim was a friend, a loyal ally who made his days easier. He would never complain about something she couldn't help and no matter how good the beans were, Kim always put too little or too much coffee.

Drinking the rest of the coffee with no respect for its price, Walter broke into a sprint. He had left his overcoat at the office and this was an expensive suit.

Walter ducked into the garage, colliding with a long, lean figure, also running from the rain.

Despite the warmth, the man with whom Walter was entangled was shivering. No wonder. He wore nothing but a thin dress shirt and his suit pants were sodden. Walter set Agent Krycek on his feet although it felt pretty good to have him in his arms.

"What happened to you?" Walter asked. "Mulder push you in the swimming pool again?"

"That was an accident," Krycek squeaked.

"Accidents happened pretty often with you two," Walter remarked.

Krycek shrugged, droplets falling from his soaked shirt.

"What kept you out in the rain without your coat?" Walter asked.

"Mulder and I...he's pissed at me so he took off when I was picking up a newspaper to show him an article."

"Very mature," Walter said. "You need a ride home?"

"Yeah," Krycek said, ducking his head. More droplets trailed down his forehead, dripped from his thick eyelashes.

Walter handed Krycek a handkerchief and said, "Dry your face with this."

The young agent's face grew pink, but he obediently mopped the moisture from his face, mussing his hair as he ran it over his carefully combed locks.

Walter felt heat start in his groin and spread through his body. He couldn't force it away, discipline it. He could hear the rain, hear it against the metal door. It brought him back, rain and wind hitting and rattling the metal roof of his Quonset hut, beneath him in the heat, his lover, his friend. He had been a different person then, free, alive, able to act on his feelings.

The sound of the rain was like hot blood racing through Walter's veins. "I'll drive you home, Agent Krycek."

Krycek lived not far from Mulder, but the difference of a few blocks turned quaint old fashioned into rundown and on the edge of dangerous. Walter watched Krycek push buttons, looking increasingly frustrated as he found that none of his neighbors would come down to open the front door. Finally, Walter said, "Krycek, come back. Let's see if Mulder is home."

Of course, Mulder was not nor was he answering his cell phone.

"Can I drop you at a friend's?" Walter asked.

Krycek squirmed a little. He mumbled something so quiet and garbled that Walter didn't understand it all. He said, "Agent?"

"I don't know anyone here," Krycek admitted. "Other than Mulder."

No wonder Krycek allowed Mulder to walk all over him. His arrogant partner was the closest thing the boy had to a human relationship.

"I'm taking you home until Mulder gets back and I am talking to your partner."

"Sir, don't," Krycek said. "You don't understand. Mulder and I are fine. It was a joke, leaving me."

"Not a very good joke," Walter said. "I have some stew to warm up and some good fresh bread. Put some meat on your bones."

"Thank you, Sir," Krycek said. "I hate being all this trouble."

"No trouble," Walter said. "Gives me something to take my mind off the rain."

"You don't like the rain?" Krycek said.

"It brings back memories," Walter said.

Rain, heat, fear, the belief that each day, any moment could be the last...Walter had lived like that for two years.

When Alan had been alive, it had been wonderful as well as terrible. Walter could still see his lover in his mind. Could see the green eyes so like Krycek's. He could taste Alan's kisses, feel the smooth skin over hard muscle. He had loved Alan as he should have loved Sharon.

Krycek brought Walter back to the present. "Your wife won't mind you bringing me home unexpectedly?"

"We're separated," Walter admitted. "Too many long nights at the office. Marriage doesn't always work for us, for agents. We're married to our jobs, our partners."

The last part of the sentence made Krycek's face grow very red.

Oh, so it was that way. Great, Walter thought. Now he understood more of what was going on. Mulder had problems with trust. The closer you came to him, the more he pushed you away. Scully had experienced that. Walter had as well to some degree.

"Anyway, it won't be a problem," Walter said. "I'll appreciate the company."

OooOooO

Clad in one of Walter's robes, Krycek looked even younger. He had taken a shower at Walter's invitation. After Krycek had emerged, wrapped in the folds of Walter's terry cloth robe, Walter had put Krycek's briefs, tee shirt, and dress shirt in the wash. The trousers were damp, but cheap as they were, they still needed to be dry-cleaned. No use ruining the young agent's wardrobe.

A glass of wine in his hand, Krycek sat on the couch. Walter turned on the gas fire. He would have preferred a real fireplace, but he hadn't had much time to search when Sharon told him she couldn't stand one more night in their home with him. This place had been available and was convenient to the FBI building.

Walter turned up the burner. He didn't like to microwave the stew he made and froze for quick meals. He would take out a package when he left to thaw in the refrigerator then warm it on the stove. It took a little longer but the warmed stew filled his apartment with its pleasant, homey odor, making the sterile surroundings less lonely.

Pouring himself a glass of wine, Walter settled next to Krycek with the remote to the TV. He flipped through the channels, finding there were no games on, not even on the sports channel, which featured some obscure South American soccer teams playing as if they had just learned the game. Damn cable. It provided a hundred more ways to bore yourself.

Walter refilled Krycek's glass, saying, "My grandmother was Italian. She said red wine was good for the blood."

"It's good," Krycek said. "That part is right."

"My youngest aunt sent it to me," Walter said. "She has a small vineyard in Napa. She claims her wine is as good as any from Italy or France."

"I'm no expert but she may be right," Krycek said. He leaned back, Walter's robe falling open. He quickly closed the folds, but not before Walter had an eyeful of his body. Krycek had beautiful legs, a beautiful cock, nestled in shining curls.

Trying not to follow where his mind was leading him, Walter had another glass of wine. It wasn't the best idea, but he wasn't in the mood for making sensible choices.

Krycek followed Walter into the kitchen. "Smells so good."

"Thanks," Walter said. "I think it's ready."

Both of them had more wine with dinner. They didn't talk much over the food, but Walter was well aware of way Krycek was looking at him, shining eyes never leaving his face. There was heat in the room, hot as a jungle.

OooOooO

Walter didn't make the first move. He had that much restraint. Krycek was suddenly sprawled over him, robe open, legs straddling him, tongue in his mouth. Walter knew better. It was a fellow agent, someone under his command, not to mention that Krycek was definitely another male, very male by the press of his hard cock against Walter's stomach as they kissed.

"Are you sure you want this?" Walter asked, his breathing ragged.

"I want you," Krycek said. "I want you in me. I want you every way possible."

"Then I'm going to have you," Walter replied, making a valiant effort to carry Krycek wrapped around him to his bed. A few years ago he might have accomplished it, but Krycek wasn't a lightweight. He was more solid than he looked. His legs slid down and he caught himself, smothering a wonderfully free and lively laugh against Walter's chest.

"Maybe we should both walk to your bed," Krycek said.

"Maybe," Walter said.

Moments later, Walter stood by the bed, pulling his clothing off hastily to Krycek's appreciative eyes. His hand was shaking when he reached for the condoms he kept in the dresser drawer from habit. The lube he actually used since he moved here, his fist his only relief.

"You are beautiful, Walter," Krycek said.

"Right," Walter said, looking at the long, lean lovely body sprawled in his bed.

"You are," Krycek...Alex said. His eyes seemed to burn over Walter's body.

Moaning, Walter tossed his briefs onto the heap of clothing on the floor, toeing off his socks before he knelt over Alex on the bed.

Wordlessly, their mouths met, a kiss so deep and long that Walter was dizzy when it ended. His hands briefly explored the beautiful body that was beneath his before he slid down to kneel between his legs. He took Alex's cock in his mouth, the taste of his pre come sending him back decades. Walter took Alex's erection deep, tongue counting the ridges of flesh, teasing the vein throbbing beneath the silken skin.

Alex gripped the sheets, head tossing, further tousling his formerly smooth hair. Walter divided his attention into remembering just how to do this well and watching the result of his efforts.

"Wait," Alex said. "Come on. Do me."

Letting Alex's cock slide from his mouth, Walter grinned as Alex turned over, wiggling his ass in invitation. Walter hadn't done this in ages. He had slipped up a few times when he and Sharon were on the outs, but he was never the kind of person who found one night stands easy. His encounters with paid company left him miserable after the brief relief.

Alex's back was beautiful. His ass was dimpled. Walter couldn't help kissing the hollow at the base of Alex's spine and then quickly nibbling the lush peachy skin of his ass. Alex turned his face to the side, letting Walter to see his profile, the sheen of sweat on his sex blushed cheeks. His mouth was open as he took deep breaths.

Alex wasn't a virgin, far from it. He opened easily to Walter's touch. He was ready quickly, turning over and wrapping his strong legs around Walter's shoulders.

"Don't hold back with me," Alex said with a smile. "I like it hard."

"I don't play games," Walter said. He guided himself into the tight opening, trembling with the effort to hold back. He had to hold still for a moment. It had been too long, not only since he had done this with another man, but since he had anything more than his own hand. He thrust inside when he was sure he could do it without losing it all.

Alex was so beautiful, his hand moving to Walter's thrusts, eyes dreaming, pink lips parted to moan. To moan Walter's name. A part of Walter exulted at the sound, but most of him was consumed with pleasure. His partner was there, silken skin, hard muscle, sweat slick flesh sliding against him, but this was simple. This was not about the layers of personality and experience that made them FBI agents. This was a connection deeper than their humanity. They rutted with each other, mated, lost in the symphony of sensation.

Walter felt the surge of ecstasy before he came. This one molten moment perfect pleasure than he was rolling to his side, taking Alex with him. Alex chuckled.

"Something funny?" Walter asked.

"No, just happy," Alex said. "You were perfect. This was perfect. I should have got caught in the rain long ago."

"No regrets?" Walter asked, tracing Alex's lips with a delicate touch. They were unbelievably soft lips.

A momentary darkness made Walter regret asking, but Alex said, "No, none. You don't have to worry about anything. This was for you and me. If you decide it never happened, I'll never ask for more."

"You'll never ask or you want it to end here?" Walter asked.

"No, I don't want it to end, but I thought...it could be complicated."

"I can handle complications," Walter said. "You mean because of who we are or do you mean because of Mulder?"

"You don't have to be concerned about Mulder," Alex said. "No, there are...there are things I don't know if I should tell you. Not now anyway. Not here."

"When you're ready," Walter said.

Alex closed his eyes, sprawled on his back. He was a mess, come glistening on his belly, but didn't seem to care. Walter spent a few moments enjoying the sight before he forced himself to get up to get a washcloth and dispose of the condom.

The face in the bathroom mirror didn't seem like his own. Walter saw that the shadows and strain had vanished. He saw the man he had been, before he had forced himself into the skin of the assistant director, before ambition led him from the field, before he had let his love for Sharon make him ignore the path of his real desires.

Walter had choices, choices which led him away from the man in his bed, from his suspicions that the man with the amused blue eyes that smoked in his office knew more about Agent Krycek than he should. He could take Alex's suggestion and pretend it never happened. His career didn't leave room for indiscretion.

Walter watched a feral smile cross his mouth. Fuck indiscretion. He wasn't happy with the choices he had made so far, all the right choices for a career in the FBI.

There were things about Alex Walter suspected. He had been told to give the Cole case to him and to Mulder. So it wasn't just Mulder he had to contend with. It was the man who smoked in Walter's office.

That made it better. Walter wanted Alex and that he would be taking something from the man who so often had robbed Walter of his dignity made it all the better.

Walter walked back in the bedroom and sat on the bed to wash Alex clean.

The rain was still coming down, but Walter no longer feared what it would bring.

Too many years had been spent running from the jungle. Walter wasn't afraid of it anymore. The lion had found his mate. He would fight and not run from this point forward.

The end