The Rat, The Mouse, The Fox...

"The rat, the mouse, the fox, the rabbit watch the roots; the lion, the tyger, the horse, the elephant watch the fruits." - William Blake 1757-1827

“What are you reading?” Walter asked as he entered the study. Alex was sitting at the desk studying a file.

“One of Mulder’s old x-files,” Alex replied.

“Which one? And for that matter, what are you doing with one of Mulder’s files?”

“It’s a file on William Blake and I have lots of Mulder’s files,” Alex said nonchalantly. “You know, I’m convinced that Mulder has a screw loose somewhere.”

“That goes without saying,” Walter quipped. “And don’t change the subject. How did you get your hands on FBI files? They’re supposed to be locked up in an archive somewhere.”

Alex didn’t bother with an explanation, he let his glare say it all.

“All right, I concede. They haven’t made a safe or a vault that can stop Alex Krycek but I still don’t understand why you have Mulder’s files.” Walter was beginning to sound frustrated and exasperated.

“I don’t have all his files, just the ones that pertain to me.”

“When have you used the alias William Blake?”

“I haven’t. I flagged all of his files that have the word 'rat.’ This one recently popped up. It’s been de-classified, Walter, so don’t get your knickers in a bunch,” Alex teased.

Walter scratched his head. So far their conversation wasn’t making any sense and he didn’t think it would any time soon.

“Alex,” Walter began as he sat on the loveseat. “Please start from the beginning.”

“Which beginning? Why I flagged the files? How I got them? Who is William Blake?” Alex smiled innocently at Walter, letting his dimples show. Walter wanted to strangle his lover.

“Let’s start with this particular file. What is it about this one that has your cute little pixie nose twitching?” Walter could give as good as he got. Alex hated hearing about his ‘cute’ nose and ‘elfin’ ears.

“I think Mulder once had an obsession with me.”

“Ya think? So what’s so special about this file?”

“This quote.” Alex showed Walter the quote written in Mulder’s distinctive scribble. “Mulder had been convinced that William Blake was an alien. He couldn’t believe any human could think up such things. As if,” Alex added with a grumble.

“Alex, would you answer a question for me?”

“Sure, Walter.” Alex’s deep green eyes sparkled.

“Be honest with me, Alex. You and Mulder, do you have regrets?”

“Regrets?”

“Yes, that you and he never...”

“You mean, that we never got together? Knocked boots? Did the nasty? Horizontal mambo? I have no regrets. He was a fickle fox back then. For a long time he didn’t know what he wanted, or whom. But I think he’s with the right person now. Don’t you?”

“Yes, I believe he and Scully are made for each other. But that doesn’t mean you and I...” Walter was feeling a bit insecure. Mulder was closer in age to Alex, definitely more good looking and had all his hair.

“Walter.” Alex got up from his chair to sit next to Walter. “Mulder and I have never done anything more than tease and beat the shit out of each other. Whereas you and I have killed each other at least once. We are infinitely more compatible.”

“Alex, I have no idea which is more confusing, that rat quote or what you just said.” Alex smiled coyly then kissed his big old bear. The kiss led to some serious tongue battle.

“What I’m trying to say, is that I am very glad I let the Fox get away,” Alex murmured against Walter’s lips. “Why don’t we take this someplace more comfortable?” Alex purred as he stood up and extended his hand.

"When a pine needle falls in the forest, the eagle sees it; the deer hears it, and the bear smells it," Walter quoted as he took Alex’s hand then led him to their bedroom.

-end-

[Author's Note: Walter quoted an old First Nations saying.]
 

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