Disclaimer: Don't own them
Chapter 9
Alex watched Lex as he moved around the kitchen making their dinner. The younger man had been there for two days and had already helped him so much. He felt a lot healthier than he had since getting out of the hospital and Lex was even helping him learn to use his prosthesis. Even though they hadn't talked about it again he knew the offer to go to Africa was still on the table and he was so tempted to accept and leave the war behind. But then who would keep Mulder alive? Even though the other man hated him he had to keep him alive and safe for the sake of mankind. Then again Mulder could have died out in the wilderness for all he knew. He hadn't been in contact with anyone since waking in the hospital which would get him in a lot of trouble but he needed time to deal with his injury.
Alex accepted the plate as Lex handed it over and the two ate together quietly. Alex still found it amazing how easy he felt around Lex no matter what they were doing. And his nightmares had all but disappeared since they had started sharing a bed. Could he honestly give that up? There was just something about Lex that made him feel safe and wanted, not for any skills or knowledge but for just being himself. But would Lex stay if he ever learnt the full truth of Alex's past and what he did? But it wasn't like Lex was an innocent himself, he was a fighter, it was in the way he moved and the shadows in his eye.
Alex started as soft lips touched his and blinked at Lex who grinned at him.
"Your dinner's getting cold." The younger man told him. Alex smiled and went back to eating though his mind was now on the feel of Lex's lips against his own. He swallowed and watched Lex as covertly as he could. What did he see in him to do something like that?
"Stop thinking about it and eat. You need to regain the weight you've lost before you get sick."
"I'm not that thin." He shot back but went back to eating.
"You're a lot thinner than you were last time I saw you. So soon out of hospital you really can't afford to get sick or risk an infection." Alex nodded; he could tell Lex was really worried about him. When they were done Lex collected the plates and quickly washed them up before they moved away from the table to go through the normal evening routine of exercises designed to help Alex learn to fully use his new arm. Though for once his mind wasn't on what they were doing but on the brief kiss Lex had given him. He knew that if Lex hadn't been called to London that morning things had been moving in a rather interesting direction and since he had arrived Lex had been affectionate and supportive but was that all there was to it? Or did Lex feel something deeper for him.
Xander could see Alex wasn't focusing on his exercises and he had a pretty good idea what he was thinking about since it had been on his mind a bit. If only Giles hadn't called that morning and interrupted them. He'd been moving really slowly since coming to Russia, he didn't want to spook Alex and he knew that going through such a traumatic experience was having a large affect on him, losing his eye had affected him in a similar way after all. Alex had needed someone to lean on and let take control for a bit and so that was what he had done. But Alex was starting to get his feet back under him now so he was free to show a bit more intuitive in wooing him. As they finished the last set he leant forward and gently kissed Alex again, smiling as the older man responded after a few seconds. He moved closer and wrapped one arm around Alex's waist loosely, not wanting him to feel trapped in any way. He pulled back slightly and smiled at the dazed look on Alex's face.
"Alright?" he asked and Alex nodded.
"Good." They kissed again.
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Alex followed Lex through the airport, sticking close as the younger man confidently strode towards the ticketing counter. He didn't know how but when he'd mentioned he had no passport to leave the country with Lex had produced one from his bag that he had someone filled with the information Alex had given him plus a picture. He only hoped the forgery was good enough to get them through security and out of the country. He stayed by Lex's side as they reached the desk and his friend produced two British Airlines tickets whiling smiling at the woman behind the counter. He could only watch in awe as Lex confidently flirted with her and their passports were barely glanced at. He remembered seeing this before, when he had first seen Lex up on side. Lex took their papers back and they headed for the security checkpoint, medical papers easing the way through for Alex and his prosthesis since it had some metal. They made their way to their departure gate and sank down into the chairs there.
"You okay?" Lex asked softly and he nodded. Part of him was still having trouble believing he was actually following Lex back to England but he knew that he did need to see a specialist about his arm, maybe even get a better prosthesis. He was jarred out of his thoughts as Lex's hand brushed against his and a warm smile was flashed his way. For once he was going to believe things would be okay.
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Alex fought the urge to bolt as the man behind the customs desk stared at his passport. There was no way Lex could flirt him into not paying attention and he had no contacts in London who could or would help him out if he was arrested for using a forged passport. He heard Lex's annoyed huff of breath before the younger man pulled out some papers and handed them over. The customs official's eyes widened and he hurriedly handed everything back, waving them on. Lex gripped his arm lightly and steered them through the crowds to the baggage claim.
"How?" Alex whispered. Alex gave his arm a comforting squeeze before letting go.
"Later. Come on there should be a cab waiting for us." Alex followed in confusion. Who was Lex that he could get through like that? Some of his initial wariness towards the younger man returned in an instant. Lex obviously had the money to travel and leave quickly so just what did he do for work? Alex doubted he had kept stripping even though there was good money in the work if you were any good and Lex had been good. He hesitated at the cab and Lex stared at him calmly before holding a hand.
"You've trusted me this far, what does a bit farther hurt." Alex stared at his hand for a few seconds and then took it.
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Alex wandered around the small apartment while Lex made dinner. Part of him wondered if he should worry about the authorities showing up to arrest him or if Lex was going to poison him but he hardly needed to bring him to London to do that. He desperately wanted to trust the younger man, to trust someone finally but there were so many questions. He mentally went over what he knew about Lex and it wasn't a lot. Lex was in his early twenties, knew how to strip and fight, had access to enough money to travel overseas fairly regularly, by his accent was from the west cost of America, knew first aid and how to cook, could speak at least two languages and obviously had some government connections. Those pieces just didn't want to fit together in any meaningful way.
"Guess it's time we talked huh?" Lex asked from the doorway.
TBC...
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