When the Past Visits

by Methos

Joshua Rafe tiredly made his way up the flight of stairs to his second floor apartment. He'd had one hell of a day. Not only had he ended up having to chase a suspect on foot halfway across downtown Cascade before tackling him, he had to listen to the man scream police brutality the entire time he was booking him. Now he just wanted a long, hot shower, a quick meal and a cold beer. Little did he know that wasn't waiting for him behind the door he unlocked.

Relocking the deadbolt, Rafe hung his keys on a hook on the back of the door, then settled his coat over them. Reaching to switch on the room light, a voice he never thought he'd hear again, froze him.

"Don't turn on the light, Joshua."

Rafe slowly turned around to find the owner of the voice sitting on his sofa. "Alex?" he asked, his voice barely above a whisper.

"So, you do remember me." Alex Krycek stood up, moving to stand in front of the startled man.

"How could I forget you?" Rafe declared, decade-old memories washing over him.

"How, indeed," Krycek sighed, running his fingertips slowly across the other man's face.

Even after so many years Rafe still found himself unable to resist the sensuality of the man before him. He leaned into the caress, inviting and receiving more.

Krycek wrapped his hand around the back of Rafe's head, pulling him forward. The rogue FBI agent pressed his lips against the smaller man's and began a slow, thorough plunder of the willing mouth.

Rafe just stood, letting Krycek control the situation until he began to pull away from the kiss. Then the detective wrapped his arms around his former lover, pulling him tightly to him. It was then that Rafe noticed something different about the man. Realization hit him - Alex was missing his left arm.

"My God, Alex, what happened?" Rafe's tone was a mixture of concern and sympathy.

Krycek turned away, going back to slump down on the sofa again. "It's a long story . . . one that I'm too tired to tell."

Rafe followed him across the room. He turned on the reading lamp beside the sofa before kneeling down at Krycek's feet. The soft white light illuminated the fatigue on the bigger man's face. The detective's trained mind screamed that this was a man he should be afraid of, a man who seemed involved in something far from legal. But his heart was reminding him that Alex Krycek had been his first love. It didn't matter that it had been more than ten years since they had last seen each other. His heart won the internal battle.

Rafe looked up into the haggard but handsome face. A face he suddenly realized he missed terribly. "I have no idea what's wrong, Alex, but I'll help you if I can."

"You're the last person in the world I'd want involved in the shit I'm neck-deep in," Krycek swore. He reached out, lightly stroking back Rafe's sun-streaked hair, then trailed his hand down the side of the man's face. "I just need one night I can sleep through without worrying if I'll wake up in the morning."

Closing his eyes, Rafe again leaned into the light touch that felt so right. Just then a deep rumble sounded from Alex's stomach. "Sound's like you could use a good meal, too."

Krycek smiled, erasing some of the weariness from his face. "There's nothing in your fridge."

"Sorry, I've been pulling double shifts, no time to shop. But I know the number of a great Chinese place that delivers."

Alex nodded.

Rafe stood up and walked to the phone that hung on the wall of his small kitchen. His cop's mind told him he should report his intruder to someone, even if that was a call to Henri Brown, his partner. He hit the third number on his speed deal and waited for an answer.

"Tommy Kim's" a woman's voice said sweetly.

"No chicken," Krycek called at the same time.

"Delivery order please," Rafe said into the receiver.

"Our deliveries are really backed up right now. There's at least a ninety minute wait."

"That'll be fine."

"Phone number please," she asked.

"567-3000."

After a few moments she continued, "That's 523 Saint Ann Street, apartment 221?"

"Yes."

"What can we get for you tonight, Mr. Rafe?"

"Hot and Sour soup, two orders. Fried dumplings. Buddhist delight. Shrimp lo mein. And Moo shi beef."

"Don't forget the crab ragoon," Krycek called again.

"And Crab Ragoon," Rafe finished the order he knew was enough to feed a small army - Kim's believed in large portions.

"That'll be $45, and it should be there in at least ninety minutes, hopefully no later."

"Thank you."

Hanging up the phone, Rafe moved back to sit down beside Krycek. For the first time he noticed his old friend smelled pretty rank. "It'll be about a hour and an half before the food gets here. Want to grab a shower before then?"

Krycek smiled at Rafe's polite way of saying he stunk. "Yeah, I could really use one, but I think you noticed that."

Rafe felt his cheeks heat with embarrassment. "Can I help you?"

"No."

Rafe winched at the hoarse tone of the answer.

"Sorry," Krycek apologize. "I just can't stand pity."

"I wasn't offering pity, Alex." Rafe stood up and moved back to kitchen.

Krycek followed him. "I should know you wouldn't. I'm just on edge." He gripped Rafe's shoulder and turned him around. "I could use help with one thing."

"What?"

"Clean clothes," Krycek grinned. "I'm beginning to think these are growing on my skin."

Rafe looked Krycek up and down. The man had lost a lot of weight since the last time he'd seen him, he could probably fit into Rafe's clothes now, but Krycek was still several inches taller. "I've got some sweats you can wear until I get what you're wearing washed," he offered.

"Thank you." Krycek stroked Rafe's face once more. He couldn't seem to stop himself from touching the man he hadn't seen for so long. Or maybe he just wanted solid proof that Rafe was really there. Or, maybe it was just the fact that he'd always enjoyed touching Rafe.

"Bathroom's through here." Rafe pointed as he walked ahead of his guest. "If you do need anything, just yell." He stopped at the bathroom, reaching inside to flip on the light. He then moved aside so Krycek could enter.

"Mind if I leave the door open?" the agent asked.

Rafe turned back, more than a little surprised by Krycek's question. "Not if you need it to be open."

"Thanks, I've got a problem with closed in places," Krycek confessed as he started to shrug out of his leather coat.

"I'll get you those clean clothes."

Stepping into his bedroom, Rafe headed straight for his bureau. Pulling open one of the top drawers, he retrieved a pair of boxer shorts.

"Can you put these some place safe?"

Rafe quickly turned to find Krycek standing in the doorway. His jacket hung over his arm and in his hand was a shoulder holster.

"Maybe put it where you put your own," Krycek added, taking a few steps toward Rafe.

Silence and a questioning look were the only responses Rafe offered.

"I felt your weapon when I kissed you," Krycek said, answering the unasked question about how he knew Rafe was armed. "You're a cop, aren't you?" he asked, his voice carrying a cold edge to it. He knew the answer, but he hoped he was wrong.

"Yes, Alex, I am."

"Damn," Krycek swore, turning and stalking out of the room, trying to pull his weapon back on while holding the leather jacket.

"Alex, don't!" Rafe bolted to catch up with the man. He grabbed the other man's arm and placed himself between Krycek and the front door. "You're safe here, from whatever you've done. I won't ask what it is."

His shoulders slumping in defeat, Krycek couldn't look Rafe in the eyes as he said, "Even if it means you're harboring a murderer?"

Rafe felt like he had been hit in the stomach by Krycek's confession. He knew a person could change a lot in ten years, but he couldn't believe what he was hearing. He knew this man's soul, and he knew there was no way Alex could kill without a good reason. He knew would be risking everything he had by ignoring what Krycek was saying, but there was nothing else he could do.

"Sometimes cops have to break the rules," he said. Then, without waiting for a reply, Rafe took Krycek's coat and helped him pull the shoulder holster back off. "Go take your shower."

Krycek reached out to stop Rafe as he moved back toward the bedroom. "I never would've come here if I'd known you were a cop." He brushed his fingers through the close-cropped hair above Rafe's ear. "But I'm glad I did." He lowed his head and pressed a fleeting kiss to Rafe's lips.

A smile tugged at the detective's lips as he returned to his bedroom. He hung Krycek's gun over one of the hooks behind his closet door and covered it with the leather jacket. Then hung his own suit coat over the back of a nearby chair so he could pull off his own gun. As he hung the holster on another hook, he felt someone move up behind him.

"Alex?" he asked without turning around.

"I-" Krycek cleared his throat as though suddenly nervous. "I figured I was being a fool to pass up the opportunity to have someone scrub my back."

Rafe smiled to himself before turning around. "You won't mind me helping with these too, hmm?" He reached out to rest his hand on the buttons to Krycek's dark colored shirt.

"Only if you let me repay the kindness."

Before Rafe could answer he found his shirt unbuttoned to the waist. "How . . . How'd you do that?" he stammered, amazed.

"I've learned to cope quite well one-handed."

There was look in Krycek's eyes that Rafe couldn't quit place, something between anger and hurt. "If only you hadn't had to learn." He gently pressed his hands against Krycek's chest. He only hoped he wasn't making Alex think he was feeling sorry for him.

"Was just unlucky," Krycek said with a shrug of his shoulders. "Knew I must've used up all my good luck when I found you." He pulled Rafe into another kiss. At that moment he couldn't care less if he got a shower or not. He just wanted Rafe. Running his hand down to the man's ass he pulled him tightly against his groin.

Rafe needed no farther urging to know what Krycek wanted. He pulled back just far enough to begin stripping away Alex's clothes. The kiss never stopped as they moved backwards toward the bed.

Krycek was forced to sit down on the bed when it hit the back of his knees.

Rafe toed his shoes off, then knelt to yank Krycek's boots from his feet. After the shoes, he pulled off the man's jeans, which were already down around his ankles. He wiggled out of his own trousers, then reached to pull off the black t-shirt Krycek still wore.

Krycek grabbed Rafe's hand, saying, "Wait." As much as he wanted Rafe, he was leery about his old lover seeing what was left of his amputated arm. He hadn't been intimate with anyone since it had happened . . . well, at least not with anyone who really mattered to him.

Sensing the problem, Rafe cautiously ran a hand across Krycek's shoulder to the stump. "It's okay. We'll leave it on if you want."

"No, I need to feel you. It's just . . . It's not a pretty sight," Alex warned, reaching down to tug at the hem of the shirt.

"Let me." Rafe slowly peeled the dark cloth over Krycek's head.

"Oh, Alex," he sighed as he tossed the shirt away.

Krycek heard no pity in the exclamation, only a fiery anger that he'd thought only he could feel for the men who had maimed him. The look in Rafe's eyes at that moment fueled Krycek's love for him. He knew if he named the ones who had cut his arm off, Rafe would kill them with his bare hands.

"How could someone do this to you?" Rafe was no expert when it came to amputations, but from the massive scarring around the stump he knew it couldn't have done by a trained physician.

"They thought they were saving my life at the time," Krycek said as he self-conscientiously tried to hide the stump with his hand.

Rafe took Krycek's hand and pulled it away from the missing arm. First he kissed the palm, running his tongue across it, and up each finger. Then, holding the hand between both of his, he leaned up to seize Krycek's mouth with his own.

Without another word, both men rolled back onto the bed.

Seemingly unfazed by Krycek's lack of recent hygiene, Rafe kissed down the man's chest. He stopped to suckle at one nipple until it rose into a hard nub, then he moved to give the other small bud the same treatment.

"Ohhh . . . gawd . . . more," Krycek moaned, running his fingers through Rafe's hair, mussing the perfectly combed locks.

Gently using his teeth, Rafe playfully pulled at the nipple he sucked on, then moved from the hardened nub to slowly spread open-mouthed kisses down Krycek's lean body. Reaching the agent's navel, Rafe circled it several times with his wet tongue before drilling down into the hollow.

"Josh!" Krycek hissed, arching his back.

Rafe grinned. Alex still had the same reaction to having his navel kissed. Continuing on, he kissed a trail down to the root of Krycek's erection, and across his balls.

Krycek spread his legs, giving his lover better access.

Rafe crawled between the powerful thighs, and with one hand stroking Krycek's cock, he rolled his heavy scrotum in the other hand before sucking it into his mouth.

His head thrown back in pleasure, Krycek rose and lowered his hips in time to Rafe's hand movements. Then, suddenly, the cop stopped his ministerations and moved off the bed.

"What-What's wrong," Krycek panted, watching Rafe.

"Nothing," the detective replied, pulling open the drawer in his bedside table. He held up a wrapped condom and a tube of KY. "Just needed some help," he smiled as he climbed back between Krycek's legs.

"Joshua, you don't-" the bigger man began.

"I don't do anything I don't want to do," Rafe said as he ripped open the little foil pouch. "You should remember that about me," he reminded, slipping the latex sleeve down Krycek's weeping cock.

"Oh, I remember," Alex moaned, his green eyes sliding shut at the pleasure of having Rafe's long-fingered hand coax his erection into an even harder state as he coated it generously with the lubricating jelly.

"Alex," Rafe demanded as he straddled Krycek's hips, "watch me."

Krycek's breath caught in his throat. Rafe was even more beautiful than he remembered. The held breath escaped in a groan of pure pleasure when the detective's body engulfed his aching cock in one smooth stroke.

Rafe sat motionless, his head thrown back, his lips slightly parted. It had been too long since it had felt this good. Leaning forward, he rested his hands on Krycek's chest, thwacking each nipple. Lowering himself even farther, his mouth begged to be kissed.

Green eyes held blue-hazel ones as their lips met. Krycek reached up, grabbing the back of Rafe's head and forcing their lips even tighter. Tongues battled for dominance of the hot cavern their joined mouths created, but neither won. They pulled from the deep kiss to focus their attention on more pressing matters.

Using only his leg muscles, Rafe rose and lowered himself on the pulsing rod that impaled him. Easily falling into the rhythm Rafe set, Krycek drove himself in as deeply as he could on each of the man's downward strokes.

Rafe started to wrap his hand around his own neglected erection, only to have Krycek bat it away. "Mine," the agent hissed gripping the cock in a vice-like hold.

"Allllex," Rafe groan. "Oh, God, don't want it to stop."

The thrusting and stroking worked itself into at sweaty frenzy as both men lost the battle to make their joining last. A deep primal growl accompanied Rafe's release. His hot come splattered across Alex's belly and chest.

Krycek continued to milk the last of detective's release as he drove himself once again into the tight tunnel of Rafe's ass. Fingers of electricity began to crawl up his back as his balls tightened to his body and he came.

Rafe collapsed on top of Krycek's heaving chest, before rolling to his side. He found himself pressed against Alex's left side, his head lying on the remains of his arm. Afraid this might distress Krycek, he began to move away.

"Don't," the FBI agent begged.

Rafe relaxed, gently stroking his cheek against the rough, scarred flesh. He lay like that for several long minutes, letting his body recover. At last he levered himself up and looked down at Krycek, who hadn't moved or said a word. He smiled when he found the other man asleep.

As cautiously as he could, Rafe moved to sit on the side of the bed, never taking his gaze from the sleeping man. Watching Krycek now reminded him of their first time together.

Freshman English, and neither noticed the wet floor sign until it was too late. Helping each other up from the marble floor, it had happened . . . love at first sight. Neither young man knew what the professor had said that day. They had been too busy checking each other out, and trying to do it so the other didn't know what he was doing.

That night Krycek fell asleep in Rafe's arms after they had fumbled their way through their first time. For four years they were inseparable. But graduation always brought changes, and it was no different for them. Alex had visions of saving the world and accepted an offer to join the FBI. Rafe only had visions of seeing the world, so he spent the next two years moving from one odd job to another while traveling through most of the free world.

A chance meeting between the two of them during the last year of wanderlust for Rafe was the last time they had seen each other . . . until tonight.

Rafe stood and walked to the closet. Taking down a spare blanket, he tenderly spread it over Krycek's naked body. He blinked back the tears that began to well in his eyes as he stroked the hair back from Alex's forehead. Even after so many years apart, all the feelings and emotions were still alive. He loved Alex Krycek, no matter what.

The call of nature finally forced Rafe from his vigil over the sleeping man. Quietly he moved to the bathroom to relieve himself. Reckoning that Alex would sleep until the food arrived, Rafe decided to take a quick shower.

After drying off, Rafe tied his robe closed and went back to the bedroom to pick up his and Krycek's dirty clothes, stuffing them into a laundry bag. That done, he moved to the closet for a clean pair of jeans. As he reached for the jeans he stopped. Instead, he took down a small lockbox from the shelf above the clothes rod. He worked the combination lock open and lifted the lid. He pulled out a small leather wallet from under his passport. Opening the wallet, he looked down at the much younger faces of himself and Alex.

"You've already showered," Krycek pouted over Rafe's left shoulder.

"Jesus, Alex!" Rafe swore. "I thought you were asleep."

"You kept them?" Krycek asked in a quiet voice. He reached for the old photos Rafe held.

"They were all I had left of us," Rafe stated, looking up into Krycek's face.

Alex licked suddenly dry lips. "I burned mine, so they wouldn't know about you."

Rafe didn't know actually what to say, so he made an offer instead. "You can take one of these now, if you want."

Krycek shook his head as he laid the photos back in the box. "No, you keep them safe for me." He ran the back of his knuckles against Rafe's jaw. "I think I'll grab that shower now."

"I'll still wash your back, if you want," Rafe called.

Krycek stopped. Turning around he let a smile play across his face as Rafe dropped his robe on the floor. "I'd like that."

Letting Rafe lead the way, Krycek followed him into the bathroom. Popping open the Art Nouveau-etched glass shower door, Rafe stepped into the old over-sized tub. After Krycek got in, Rafe started to close the door, but stopped.

"It's okay," Krycek said, pulling the door shut. "You're with me."

Rafe adjusted the hot and cold water to a perfect mix before turning the knob and sending the shower on. He turned around in the spray to find Krycek holding the bar of soap, still wet from his earlier shower.

"Who gets their back washed first?" Krycek asked with a wiggle of his eyebrows.

"Well, since I'm already clean, how about I do you?"

A mischievous grin spread across Krycek's face. "That's exactly what I hoped you'd say."

He turned the soap over and over in his hand, lathering it heavily. "But I think you need a little help with your scrub brush." He tossed the soap to Rafe, then took hold of the man's flaccid cock.

Rafe groaned as the big hand stroked his cock back to life. Leaning his head back, the water spilled over his face, washing his long bangs down into his eyes. Krycek was sending him soaring, just like he had in the past.

Alex bent over, licking at the water that ran down Rafe's chest. His tongue traveled upward until it found a wanting partner in Rafe's mouth. They pulled apart to just stand, looking into each other's eyes.

Krycek kissed the tip of Rafe's nose, turning to offer more than just his back to be washed. Bracing his arm against the rose and black-tiled wall, he spread his feet and leaned forward.

Rafe dropped the soap he still held into its holder, then began to run his hands up and down Krycek's back. Emotions threatened to choke him as he took note of all the other scars the man wore. He wanted to ask, "What the hell did the FBI put you through?" but he knew that if Alex wanted him to know, he would tell him . . . in time.

Glancing over his shoulder at the various bottles and tubes in his shower caddy, Rafe spotted what he sought. He turned to pull down a bottle of bath oil. It wouldn't make The Advocate's top ten list of lubes, but he wasn't about to leave the shower for something better. And even though his responsible mind told him he should use a condom, he ignored that, too.

Rafe pressed closer to Krycek, running his lips along the man's skin from shoulder to ear. "You're beautiful," he whispered.

"To a blind man, maybe," Krycek scoffed.

"Then I must have no eyes." With that Rafe pushed a well-oiled finger past Krycek's sphincter.

Alex pushed back against the intruder in a silent plea for more. Rafe obliged, adding a second, and then a third finger in the tight opening. After working his way in and out several times, he pulled his fingers from Krycek's body. He added more oil to his hand and slicked his erection. Gripping the agent's hip with one hand, he used the other to guide his cock to its mark.

"Josh . . . u . . . a," Krycek moaned as he was slowly filled with Rafe's hardness.

The detective was calculating with his movements. Each withdrawal was slow and easy, while each thrust was hard and demanding.

Soon his and Krycek's moans drowned out all other sounds. Rafe wrapped both his arms around Krycek, one around the man's waist to anchor himself, the other snaking down to take hold of Alex's ridged cock. He jerked the pulsing member in time to his short, spearing rhythm.

"More, oh gawd, Josh, more," Krycek pleaded.

Wanting to satisfy, Rafe slammed his cock harder into Krycek's ass. Their balls swung and slapped together as he pumped his hips even faster.

Rafe rammed in one last time, then went still. His whole body convulsed and he released himself deep into Krycek.

Riding out the feeling of his body turning itself inside out, Rafe somehow continued jacking the cock in his hand. He felt Alex's ass muscles contract as his hot cum spilled over his hand.

Rafe's arms dropped to his sides and he leaned against Krycek's back. Shivers ran though each man, and it wasn't just orgasmic aftershocks. It seemed all of the hot water had run out.

"Guess we better clean up and get out of here before we're both frozen prunes," Rafe laughed, pulling himself away from Krycek.

"Don't think my legs will move just yet," Krycek complained as he turned, only to slump back against the tile wall. He slid down to rest against the wide ledge of the tub.

"Let me do the hard work then," Rafe suggested, soap and washcloth in hand.

Turning the cold water tap off, the shower spray warmed to tolerable. With the now well-soaped cloth, Rafe bathed Krycek, who smiled contentedly at the attention.

Pushing open the glass door, Rafe ordered, "Out and dry off." With Krycek out, the cop finished his own shower, then shut the water completely off.

Alex was waiting with a towel when Rafe stepped out of the tub. He wrapped the towel around his waist and grabbed another to dry his hair. "I'll get you some clothes now," he said, walking toward the door.

"Right with you."

Krycek followed the detective back to the bedroom. He sat down on the edge of the bed, watching Rafe pull on a pair of boxers, then throw another pair his way.

"You know, come to think of it," Rafe called back over his shoulder from the closet where he was pulling on a pair of very faded jeans. "I do have a pair of jeans that might fit you," he offered, going back through his closet. "I bought these as the right length, but they're actually too long."

He turned to toss a pair of khaki-colored denim to Krycek. A small smile tugged at Rafe's lips. Alex was curled on the bed, asleep again. He stepped over to the sleeping man and pulled the blanket over him. A gentle touch to the man's dark hair, then he went about finishing dressing.

Opening the antique armoire, Rafe took out a heather-green cable knit sweater. It was one of his favorites when he was off duty. Holding it, he looked over at Krycek as a memory hit him. That was the reason he'd bought the sweater in the first place. It had made him think of Alex. He laid the sweater alongside the khaki jeans on the foot of the bed before taking out a soft blue velour pullover for himself. Now dressed, Rafe sat down in the chair across the room to watch Krycek sleep.

The ring of the doorbell brought Rafe from the doze he had unexpectedly fell into. He scrambled to his feet, hoping to get to the front door before a second ring could wake Krycek. The chime rang again though, just as he turned the lock.

"It's $45, sir," said the young man, holding a large cardboard box.

"Could you put it on the table?" Rafe asked, indicating where with a nod of his head. "I've got to get my wallet."

The delivery boy did as he was asked, dropping the box on the nearest table, the coffee table, then waited with the bill.

Rafe hurried back toward the bedroom. He pulled up short when a still naked Krycek stepped out of the room, his 9mm held at the ready.

"It's just the Chinese delivery," Rafe quickly assured him. Alex looked like he was still going after him - with the weapon. "Alex, it's okay," he tried again, this time gently pushing the naked man back into the bedroom. "He's delivered here before, I recognize him."

Krycek relaxed. "Sorry"

"It's okay," Rafe declared, grabbing his wallet from the top of the bureau. "Get dressed while I pay him."

Rafe hurried back to the living room. Opening his wallet he discovered he only had three twenties. He handed all of them to the boy, who started to dig for change.

"Just keep the change," Rafe instructed, wanting to get him out of the apartment.

"Thanks, mister," he said as the front door was shut in his face.

"Smells great," Krycek observed, coming into the room.

Looks great, Rafe silently observed as he quickly looked Alex up and down. The jeans hugged him like a second skin, and the sweater made his green eyes even greener. "Hey," he said around a dry throat, "why don't you go ahead and get started while I run your clothes to the laundry next door. Won't take me more than five minutes."

"Can't promise you there'll be any food left when you get back," Krycek jested already pulling cartons from the box.

Rafe laughed as he picked up the laundry bag he'd placed by the front door earlier and pulled on his coat. Knowing what Alex would dive into first, he left with a warning as he went out the door, "There better be some of the crab ragoons left."

Rafe paused for a moment before entering the launderette, studying the reflection in the plate glass front. There, across the street from his apartment building was a dark sedan with two men inside. He moved into the shop, but turned back to continue watching the car. Something about seeing it made all the hairs on the back of his neck stand on end.

The shrill ring of his cell phone, caused Rafe to jump. Pulling it from the inside coat pocket he answered, "Rafe."

"Hey, partner," Henri Brown's jovial voice called. "I'm over at The Pit with the guys and we were wondering where you were."

Shit! He had totally forgotten that he'd agreed to join Brown and the other Major Crimes detectives at the new barbecue place that night. "Sorry, H," he said, still watching the two men in the car, they were obviously watching his apartment building. "An old friend showed up unexpectedly for the night."

"Bring 'em along. The more the merrier," Brown laughed.

"Just can't, H," Rafe said, trying to keep his tone light. "It's complicated."

"Those are the dangerous ones, bro. Don't let her husband catch you," Henri joked.

Rafe faked a return laugh. He started to end the conversation, then had an idea. "Actually, the husband is a problem."

"How, so?" Brown's voice now carried a note of concern.

He hated lying to his partner, but he didn't know what else to do to help Krycek. "See, she just went through this really messy divorce and she thinks the jerk is stalking her. I think she might be right, cause there's two guys watching my place right now."

"What you need from me, partner?" Brown asked without hesitation.

"Can you pick them up and put 'em in a holding cell until she leaves town tomorrow?"

"As long as you know it's your ass that Simon's going to chew out when they start yelling."

"I'll serve it to him on a silver platter," Rafe promised.

"I'll be over there in less than ten minutes," Brown promised.

"For godsake don't come alone." Damn, Rafe swore to himself as he heard the near panic in his voice.

"Rafeman, whatcha not telling me?" Brown was really worried now for his partner.

"Just be careful," Rafe warned, almost sorry he'd even started this. "He's a real bastard and plays dirty. So, these guys might very well be armed."

"Ellison'll be right beside me," Brown reassured Rafe. "We'll make sure the SOBs don't hurt your friend."

For a moment Rafe was taken aback by Brown's use of "friend," but decided not to push it. "Thanks H. I owe you a big one."

"Yes, you do," Brown confirmed. "I just hope he's worth it."

"He-He?" Rafe stammered.

"You're a terrible liar, bro," Henri informed his partner. "You didn't really think I'd buy the 'damsel in distress' story, did you?" Brown continued, not waiting for an answer. "But don't worry, we'll take care of the would be party crashers. See you tomorrow." He closed the connection.

Stuffing the phone back into his pocket, Rafe thanked whoever made great partners like Henri Brown . . . and friends like the other Major Crimes detectives. Then he went back to the business of the laundry. He left the bag and instructions with the counter help, asking that they have it done as soon as possible and delivered.

"That was a long five minutes," Krycek commented around a mouth of Lo Main.

"Ended up having to stand in line," Rafe lied.

Krycek dropped the chopsticks he was eating with and stood to meet Rafe as he walked to the dining table. "What's happening, Josh? You never were a good liar."

Unable to look Krycek in the eyes, Rafe stared at his feet. "There are two men parked in front of the complex."

"What?" Krycek grabbed Rafe's chin and forced up his head.

Rafe pulled away from the grip. "There's a black sedan on the street, two men inside."

"Sonofabitch," Krycek swore, storming across the room. "How the hell did the bastards find me?"

"Alex, it's okay," Rafe said, trying to soothe the panicking man. "I've got friends taking care of them."

"You fool!" Krycek spat, grabbing Rafe by his shirtfront and slamming him against the wall. "You have no idea what they're walking into."

Rafe's own self-defense training kicked in. Using the advantage of two hands he grabbed hold of Krycek's wrist and side stepped, breaking the man's hold on him. Twisting the limb behind the agent, he shoved him, face first, into the wall.

"Cascade PD has faced things most police departments can't even imagine. We can handle ourselves."

Slowly releasing his hold on Krycek, Rafe stood ready to defend himself, if necessary, but Alex stayed against the wall, taking several deep breaths before turning around.

"Maybe you can, but I can't take the risk. I've got to get away from here." He started to pass Rafe, but a hand on his chest stopped him. "Let me go, Joshua," he all but begged. "I should've known better than to come here. To chance bringing those bastards to your doorstep." Again he made to leave.

"No." Rafe stood his ground. "We can hold them without booking them for twenty-four hours. And besides, they can't know which apartment you're in because you can't see this one from the street."

"They could be here because they found out about our past," Krycek suggested.

Ignoring the idea, Rafe continued, "This is the safest place you can be for now."

Krycek shook his head, unable to accept that. "No. I won't take a chance on what they'd do to you if they broke in here."

"Let me take the chance then," Rafe pleaded.

"No."

Before Rafe could counter that refusal his cellphone began to ring. He was torn between answering it and continuing with Alex. Knowing it could be Brown, he pulled the phone from his coat. "Rafe."

"Two bad guys taken care of," Brown's voice rang in his ear. "You know they claim to be FBI. Even had badges."

"They probably are FBI," Rafe confirmed as he watched Krycek walk back toward the bedroom. "But you're locking them up, right?"

"No problem. You know how Jim feels about Feds. He was more than happy to take 'em downtown. Blair even had some great ideas on how to fill out the paperwork."

"Thanks, H." Rafe turned around just in time to see Krycek slip out of the front door. "Damn. Sorry, H, I've got to go." He didn't wait for a reply, just dropped the phone and ran.

"Alex, stop, please!" Rafe called to keep Krycek from slipping out the complex rear exit.

Against his better judgement, Krycek stopped and waited. "I've already put you and your friends in danger," he told Rafe when the detective joined him.

"Danger I can handle." The cop swore aloud, then added under his breath, "Losing you again so soon, I can't."

"What?" Krycek asked not understanding the last of what Rafe said.

"Give yourself a few more hours to rest. You're safe for now. That was my partner on the phone. They've got the two guys in custody."

Krycek shook his head and tried to open the security gate.

Desperate, Rafe reached up, gently cupping Krycek's face between his hands. You trusted me enough to come here in the first place. Can't you trust me for the rest of the night? Give us another few hours." He leaned up, sealing the request with a kiss.

Krycek wrapped his arm around Rafe's waist, crushing him to him. Locking his arms around the taller man's neck, Rafe deepened the kiss.

At last Krycek pulled away he muttered, "This is crazy. You could've just signed your death warrant."

"I resigned myself to the fact that any day could be my last when I joined the force," Rafe stated with pride.

"But this won't be some noble death in the line of duty," Krycek pointed out coldly.

Not about to let Alex lessen his life, Rafe replied, "There's nothing more noble than laying down your life for someone you love."

Shaking his head, Krycek closed his eyes and looked prepared to repute the statement. But he took a deep breath, then looked down into Rafe's eyes. For the last several years all Alex Krycek had known was lies, betrayals and hatred. Now, searching the challenging blue eyes before him he saw only truth, trust and something so rare he never thought he'd see it again . . . love. How could he refuse this man anything?

"Think the food's still hot?" he finally asked.

Rafe held his hand out. "I've got a microwave if it isn't." Krycek couldn't stop the smile that tugged at the corner of his lips as he accepted Rafe's hand.

In the pre-dawn of the next morning Krycek stood, watching Rafe peacefully sleeping in the bed they'd slept in, tangled in each other's arms. Rafe had been right, persuading him to stay. He felt better than he had in ages. But he knew it wasn't just the decent food and almost solid eight hours of sleep he'd gotten that had rejuvenated him. It was the hope Rafe had put back into his withering soul.

He reached down to ever so gently stroke Rafe's hair from his forehead. Krycek wanted to kiss him awake and make love to him one last time, but he couldn't chance Rafe convincing him to stay any longer. With a melancholy sigh, he turned to walk away, but not before making a solemn vow that some way, somehow, somewhere in the future he and Rafe would be together.

The rogue FBI agent stopped in the recesses of the security gate to study the silver-gray colored sedan that was parked across the street from the apartment complex he exited. Just enough light from the street lamps showed Krycek that there were two black males inside. Cautiously moving closer, he sighed and reholster his 9mm. He recognized them both from photos Rafe had in his apartment.

Silently, expertly, Krycek slipped around the car, opening the backdoor and slipping inside before Brown and Taggert could react.

"Who the hell-?" Both men started.

"Did Joshua know you were out here all night?" Alex asked casually, sitting back in the seat.

Brown and Taggert looked at each other, then back at Krycek. So this was the man Rafe was protecting.

Brown knew there was something vaguely familiar about him, then he remembered. "You're Alex, aren't you?" he asked, suddenly understanding why Rafe had gone to all the trouble he had.

"How-?" Krycek started to ask, then stopped.

Taggert looked at Brown, waiting for an explanation along with Krycek.

"Rafe told me all about you once." Brown glanced at the apartment building, then back to Krycek. "He's all right, isn't he?"

"Sleeping like a baby when I left him."

Brown's normally happy-go-lucky appearance turned deadly serious. He didn't know what this Krycek was into, and he didn't want to know. He just didn't want it putting his partner, his best friend, in any danger. "Any heavy shit falls on Rafe because of this, and those suits you're trying to stay away from now won't be anything compared to Henri Brown after your sorry ass."

"I can believe that," Krycek said, reaching to open the car door.

"And you should also believe I'd never let anyone hurt Joshua." He climbed out of the car, but looked back in before slamming the door. "Just you do the same." And with that he was gone, neither man in the car seeing which way he went.

As much as he wanted to believe Krycek wouldn't hurt Rafe, Brown had to know for himself that his partner was all right. "I'm going to check on Rafe," he announced to Taggert, opening his door.

"And I'm right behind you," the older man said, climbing from the passenger side of the car. "I want someone to explain to me what just happened.

Rafe reached over to turn off the buzzing of the alarm clock only to discover that it was the doorbell that had woken him. He started to crawl out of the bed, then remembered Krycek.

"Alex?" he called, reaching to pull on the jeans he dropped by the bed.

The adrenaline began pumping. Alex didn't seem to be there, and someone was pounding on his front door. Rafe grabbed his service revolver from the closet before heading for the door. Just as he stepped into the living room his front door swung open.

"Freeze!" he yelled, dropping into a shooting stance.

"Whoa, partner," Brown called, coming around the door with his hands up, the spare keys to Rafe's apartment dangling from the left one. "It's just me and Joel."

"H?" Rafe relaxed, then tense again, not understanding why his partner would be letting himself into his apartment. "What're you doing here?"

"Just came in to make sure you were okay?" Brown said as he shut the door behind Taggert.

"We were a little worried after meeting your friend," Taggert added.

"Alex? You've seen Alex?" Rafe grabbed Brown by his shoulders. "Where is he? He's all right?"

"Calm down, Rafeman." Brown clasped his hands around Rafe's arms. "He found us out front."

"You staked out my place all night?" Rafe release his partner and began to pace.

"We wanted to make sure you didn't have any unwanted visitors," Joel explained.

"What did he say?" Rafe asked in a voice creaked with emotions.

"Nothing really?" Henri confessed. "Just wanted to make sure I didn't let anything happen to you."

"That's all he said?" Despair radiated from Rafe. While pacing he had been searching for a note from Krycek, but he found nothing. He stopped and slumped down on the sofa.

"That was it." Brown sat down next to the partner he knew was hurting.

Rafe suddenly straightened, looking across the room to the dining table. Something was lying on it. Jumping up, he all but ran to the table. There lay something that spoke volumes to him - a chopstick, broken into the shape of a heart. He didn't even try to stop the tears that rolled down his cheeks. A gentle hand touched his back.

"You okay?" Taggert asked tenderly.

Rafe turned back to face his friends, a smile out shining the tears. "Better than." He slapped Joel on the shoulder. "How about I get dressed and take you two for breakfast at Gilly's?" "Now that's an idea!" Brown agreed, more than relieved to see his partner getting back to himself.

"That place has the best Belgian waffles I've ever had," Taggert added.

Brown caught Rafe's arm as he started to pass. "You are okay, bro?"

Rafe glanced down at the crudely shaped heart in his hand, then smiled at Brown. "Yeah, really, I am."

The three detectives didn't see the man who watched them from the shadows. They didn't notice the bittersweet smile that softened his face as they climbed into the sedan and drove away. He turned up the collar of his battered leather jacket as a light rain began to fall. Soon it would turn into a heavy downpour, washing away all traces of Alex Krycek from Cascade. . . .

END