A Childlike Fear	
by PEJA
Fandom: Xfiles
Series: Innocence reborn
Rating: PG
Pairing: Krycek/
Summary: Alex wants to go back

Skinner hustled his prize out of Spender's office and onto the elevator without meeting anyone. Not that this came as any surprise. Spender kept his inner sanctum beyond secure.

Alex, however did balk at the elevator, eyeing it with open suspicion. "What's worng, son?' Skinner asked as his charge hesitated entering the small space.

"I'm not supposed to."

Skinner reached out, stopping the doors from sliding sht while they where on the outside. "Not supposed to?"

Alex nodded vigerously. "Mr Spender says never leave my suite." 

Skinner nodded, unerstandng what the boy didn't say as well as what he had. "You weren't allowed outside?"

"Mr Spender says I'm safe here." Alex said simply. "Mr Spender says I ca't get hurt as long as I stay inthe rooms here."

Grimacing, Skinner nodded. "Spender gave you permission to come with me, remember?"

Alex titled his head slightly, slanting a glance at Skinner. "I..." He sighed, smiling nervously. "Okay, if Mr spender says its okay."

Walter hustled the young man inside quickly, before his quick mind could find new reason to protest.

As the elevator doors slid closed, Skinner gifted  Alex with a reassuring smile. A smile that died on a heartbeat as he recognized the unadultrated fear on young Krycek's pallid face. 

"Hey, boy," he said gently. "What's wrong?"

Tears rushing into his eyes, Alex ducked his head and mumbled a barely understandable, "S'okay."

"Come on, Alex, you wouldn't be this upset if everything was okay." Walter offered his new found ward what he hoped was a fatherly smile. "Tell me what's troubling you, son."

Alex ducked his head, tracing an invisible line with the toe of his shoe. "Please, sir, I wanna go back." The words came in a rushed whisper. 

"What?" Walter asked shaking his head as if to clear his ears. "No, Alex.  No, I can't allow that."

"Kay," Alex nodded jerkily, a childish sob breaking the air between them. "I just....I ...Please sir, Mr Spender takes care of me. Makes sure I eat. I need...."

"Spender seemed to be doing a hell of a job of taking care of you, boy." Skinner said heavily. 

Alex raised his tear streaked face. "I was bad." he sobbed. "I'm bad a lot, ya know.  I deserved..."

"No, Alex." Skinner interrupted. "No one deserves that kind of treatment. Spender could easily have killed you, boy.  I can't allow him t have a chance like that again."