It was Rachel's rotation to assist in the infirmary.  She didn't mind
too much, as Scully was easy to talk to.  This time was hard,
however, as several people had contracted a strange flu-like illness
that put them close to comas for a few days.  One older gentleman
that she had been caring for was now awake, and was chatting as she
straightened and restocked the cabinets in his room.

"That boy is nice to you, you should dance with him."

"I haven't decided if I want to yet, Mr. Lomonov."

"Why not?  It's been a couple months now, and he keeps asking.  He is
nice to an old man.  He takes the time to speak with me in the old
tongue.  And he talks a lot about you.  He likes you.  He calls you
Anya."  She stopped and looked over at him, confused.

"Why would he do that?  My name is Rachel."  The old man on the bed
laughed and coughed a little.

"He says your name is Rachel Ann.  In Russia, all names have sweet
versions, thing you call your family and friends.  Ann would be
Anya.  My name is Arkady, my wife always called me Arkasha.  She was
my beautiful Ekaterine, my Katya."  He squinted at her, then
grinned.  "You could surprise him, you know.  Call him Lyosha when
you dance with him."

She looked lost.  "Lyosha?"  He nodded and fell back against the
pillow.

"Da.  Lysoha, it is sweet for Alexei.  He is Alexei."  She smiled.

"We'll see, Mr. Lomonov.  You rest now."

"You come back later, little Anya.  I teach whatever Russian you need
for him."



"One afternoon is all I ask, a picnic by the lake.  I promise nothing
will happen, we won't even go too far from the resort."

Rachel was hesitant.  "I don't know… I was supposed to help Langly
with some of the security systems for a few hours before dinner." 

Frohike piped up from behind the counter where he was stirring the
eggs.  "Oh go on, Rae.  Have some fun for a change, I can help Langly
with his wiring.  God knows he'll burn us all down if he doesn't have
help."  He then looked at Krycek and glared.  "Of course, anything
does happen, and you're a dead man.  I hope you know that."

"If anything happens, you won't have to wait that long.  I'll guard
her with my life."

Just then, Langly passed through the room.  "What's up?"

Byers broke in before Rachel could get out of the picnic
idea.  "Krycek is taking Rachel out for the afternoon.  Finally,
someone will make her get out in the sun."

"Cool, a picnic.  Hey, maybe I'll go see if Beth wants to go on one. 
Which way you guys headed, so we don't bump into you?"

Byers' mouth tightened at Langly's ignorance.  The pain lanced
through Rachel's eyes, gone in a flash to everyone but Byers. 
Krycek's voice was a little clipped.  "We're headed down by the
lake.  There's some nice trees to sit under on the opposite side of
the resort.  You could go that way."

Still oblivious, Langly nodded and grabbed a jacket.  "Be back later,
guys!"

Krycek took her arm as they said goodbye to the others.  After they
left the cabin, he stopped and turned her to face him.  "I don't care
what you think of him, that was thoughtless and cruel.  And I forbid
you to think about it."

Her eyebrow rose in surprise and indignation.  "Excuse me?"

He smiled.  "You are going to have fun this afternoon.  You are going
to go on a picnic and enjoy the food, the company, and the scenery. 
We will talk of everything but the people we know.  What school we
went to, what we wanted to be when we grew up, our favorite colors,
our dog's name, whatever.  And you are not going to think about any
blondes, any aliens, any camps, or any security wiring.  You and I
are just going to have a good time."

She saw it as a challenge and lifted her chin in reply.  "Fine.  I
can do that.  Nice to meet you, Alexei Krycek.  My name is Rachel
MacGregor."

He looked surprised when she said his Russian name, then grinned
widely.  "Pleased to meet you, Miss MacGregor.  I hope you will enjoy
the picnic."

"I'll give it my best, Mr. Krycek."

Byers looked out the window at the two linked arm in arm.  He knew
that such devoted attention would eventually win Rachel over.  It was
just a question of time, and if Krycek was serious.  Maybe they'd get
through this with everyone ending up happy.


A few well-placed jokes had actually gotten small smiles from her. 
She seemed much more relaxed on the walk back, but Krycek suddenly
tried to steer her off to the right.  She planted her feet and
refused to budge.  "What is it?"  She turned to look in the direction
he'd attempted to avoid, and her heart stopped.

Langly and Beth were leaning against the side of the cabin, and they
were tightly entwined in a kiss.  Someone across the way yelled "Oh,
get a room!"  Langly broke the kiss and looked over, smiling.  He
yelled back, "Don't worry, we will!"  he then seemed to notice Rachel
and looked right at her.  Before he could say anything, she smiled
sadly and turned away.  Her feet led her over to Krycek.  He took her
hand and squeezed it lightly in support.

"I was hoping you wouldn't see.  I'm sorry."  She just shrugged and
continued to her cabin.  They stopped at the foot of the steps.

"Thank you.  I did have a nice afternoon."  He smiled and raised her
hand to his lips with his good hand.  His mouth was warm on the back
of her hand.

"As did I, Miss MacGregor.  Until later."