Memories of the Heart

Alex Krycek, ex-triple agent and assassin extraordinaire was currently in the kitchen making lunch. His partner and lover, the former AD Skinner of the FBI decided to clean out the hall closet. Walter dragged a heavy box into the living room, where he was about to lift it onto the coffee table. Walter had given most of his adult life to his country, first in Viet Nam, then to law enforcement and then the FBI. All he got in return were a lot of heavy, dusty boxes. No, that wasn't completely true. He got Alex Krycek. The younger man was currently slicing up tomatoes for their sandwiches with surgical precision.

"What's in that one?" Alex looked up as Walter was about to lift the box.

"I'm not sure. The 'cleaning crew' came into my office and poof, I was packed. And don't let the gate hit you in the ass as you leave."

"Kim must have had a fit."

"Big time. She was my assistant for a long time; I relied on her. She was pissed that she wasn't allowed to help."

"So, I repeat; what's in it?" Walter heaved the box onto the table, sat down with a huff then gingerly lifted the dusty lid.

"Hey, so that's where it's been hiding."

"What?"

"My desk nameplate."

"You should put that on your desk in your office."

"No, I'm not that man anymore."

"On the bookshelf then." Walter nodded.

Walter took out a large manila envelope. It was sealed but with no indications of its contents. He ripped open the envelope. Some pens and paperclips spilled out then an old pack of Morley's in an evidence bag slid out. Walter's world suddenly became dark.

*****

"Mr. Skinner, Mr. Skinner? I'm Dr. Sully. Try to open your eyes for me."

"Scully?"

"No, Mr. Skinner, Robin Sully, your cardiologist."

"Did I have a heart...?" Walter's mouth felt like cotton and he was groggy.

"Stay calm. You didn't have a heart attack. Your heart is as strong as a bull. You're in remarkable shape, inside and out. We're keeping you over night for observations. You can go home tomorrow after we complete some tests. Now, there's a gentleman outside who has been flirting with all of my staff and attempting to bribe his way in here. To save us all a lot of embarrassment, I'm going to let him visit for ten minutes and only ten minutes. You need some rest."

"Okay."

"Your health care proxy indicates that he is your proxy, so I'll inform him about our findings after your visit."

"Thank you."

"You're very welcome. Now rest." The doctor went to the door to let Alex in. "I'll be in my office. When you're done with your visit, have the nurse direct you. I'll tell you all I know. Ten minutes, Mr. Spender, only ten minutes. And don't bother batting your lashes at me or glaring. It won't work." The doctor left with a flurry of her starched lab coat.

"Skinner, you scared the shit out of me. One minute we're talking, the next thing I knew, you were passed out and sliding onto the floor." Alex admonished the older man who was looking a little pale.

"Skinner? What happened to Walter?"

"I left him at home."

"Alex..."

"You listen to me, old man," Krycek moved in close to growl in Skinner's ear. "You will get better because I'm taking you home tomorrow as soon as the doc gives me the okay. Or, or else! And it's Krycek."

"Krycek, are you threatening me?" Skinner attempted his own growl but found he was getting very sleepy. The strain and the drugs were taking their toll.

"Been there, done that. I plan on holding those nasty chickens of yours for ransom. For every day past tomorrow that you're in this hospital, a chicken will be sacrificed," Krycek stated coldly.

"Alex."

"Krycek. Now sleep. I'm going to speak with that pretty doctor of yours." Krycek leaned down to place a chaste kiss on his lover's lip. "Sleep. Get better. That's an order."

"Yes sir," Skinner mumbled then fell asleep. Alex watched him for a few moments then went out to find the doctor.

*****

"He's fine. It wasn't a heart attack. All his tests came back negative. We'll monitor him during the night then do a cardiac catheterization in the morning. You should be able to take him home in the afternoon."

"What happened to him?"

"I think he experienced a vasovagal episode. He fainted. His heart is very strong and he's in great shape."

"For a man his age?"

"For a man at any age. You both are. Was he lifting anything or making a sudden movement?"

"Both."

"Then I suspect that's what triggered it. It may never happen again. But we should track it. He may need medication in the future. I'll send him home on a halter monitor. You can return it here the day after tomorrow." Alex nodded as he made a few notes on his PDA.

"Who's your primary doctor? I'll send him a copy of the reports."

"We have a doctor in town, Dr. Martins."

"Richard Martins?"

"Yes, you know him?"

"He's a colleague and also my uncle. He inspired me into going into medicine. I'll give him a call."

"Thank you. Can I spend some more time with him? I really..." The doctor held up her hand.

"Go, but I want him to sleep. You can stay for a while then I want you to go home to get some rest, take a shower and eat something. He'll need your strength tomorrow. Some of the tests can be tiring. I'll clear it with the nurses. And no more flirting."

The doctor smiled at Alex and was rewarded by one of his. Alex just about skipped out of her office.

*****

"Alex, stop hovering. The doctor said everything is fine."

"I'm allowed to hover. That's my job."

"Besides threatening the orderly with dismemberment when he didn't relinquish my wheelchair quick enough for you. You really have to work on your people skills."

"Walter, I don't need any people skills out here."

"Oh, so now it's Walter again," Walter stated with a slight twinge of sarcasm.

"Shut up. You're supposed to be relaxing. Doctor's orders. Dinner will be ready in an hour."

"It smells divine. What are we having?"

"Chicken Kiev."

"Chick...Alex? Alex?! KRYCEK!!!"

-end-

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