Life from the Ashes Book 2 - Hope and Faith
Chapter 3
Hopeby Jo B.
purplefox@usfamily.net***
Hoover Building
Washington D.C.
Monday, January 18
9:20 a.m.
"Good morning, sir." Kimberly smiled up at Skinner.
"Agents! Don't you have work to do?" Skinner barked at the men who had followed her. They quickly departed, leaving the A.D. alone with his secretary.
Skinner held his door open looking expectantly at Kimberly. "I think we should talk, don't you?"
She rose from her desk and walked past the A.D. into his office and sat on the sofa. Skinner closed the door and stood staring down at her, he didn't know what to say.
"Congratulations, sir. I've heard that you and Agent Mulder are going to have a baby," she replied happily.
Skinner sat next to her on the sofa, turning sideways to face her. "Thank you, Kimberly. It really is good to see you again . . . but how? I thought you had died. I've been placing flowers on your grave."
"I'm sorry about that, sir. My boyfriend thought I should go into hiding. After most the women had died and the government started rounding up the few survivors, Tony faked my death and has been hiding me ever since. However, now that the government has allowed all the women to return to their families, I decided it was a good time to come out of hiding." Kim looked nervously at him.
"You're an abductee?"
"Yes . . . I've often thought about talking to agent Mulder about my abduction experiences. However, I decided it would be better if I kept it to myself."
"It's good to have you back, Kimberly," Skinner said, hugging her briefly.
"It's good to be back, sir," she murmured, returning his hug.
***
Viva Towers
Monday, January 18
9:30 a.m.Krycek sat on the sofa gently massaging his lover's back. Mulder was soundly asleep with his head resting on the younger man's lap. The agent had cured Krycek of his withdrawal symptoms a couple of hours ago and had instantly fallen into an exhausted sleep.
"Here you go, Alexei." Yori handed him a cup of coffee.
"Thanks, Yori. So, fill me in, what's been going on in my absence?" Alex sipped the coffee with one hand while his other combed through Mulder's silky hair.
"Mulder and Skinner's baby is going to be a female. Walter is trying to arrange for her protection this morning."
"Really, how is that possible? Has a cure for the virus been discovered?"
"No cure has been found. That smug doctor thinks it has to do with Mulder's mutation."
Krycek glanced down at his lover's sleeping face with concern. He knew the danger to Mulder's freedom if it came out that his genetic makeup was responsible for a surviving female.
"Don't worry, Walter is working on a way to protect Mulder, too."
Mulder shifted in his lap, nestling his face in closer to the younger man's groin. Krycek felt himself hardening with arousal and hoped Fox wasn't going to be sleeping too much longer. He felt guilty over the fight they had after he woke up and Mulder refused to get him any heroin.
Afterwards, Mulder had cured his withdrawal symptoms, but he still had a powerful craving for the drug.
Dana Scully walked into the apartment; she had spent the night at Agent Boutotte's sleeping in his guestroom. "Alex, how are you feeling?"
"I'm fine, Dana, thanks to Fox."
"You mean Mulder really does have the ability to heal?" She asked excitedly, looking down affectionately at her sleeping partner. He was lying on his side with his arms wrapped around Krycek's waist and his face buried in the younger man's crotch. Mulder had on a full-length forest green robe, which was partially open, displaying one of his long legs.
"Yeah, he really does," Krycek answered.
"How long has he been asleep?"
"Two hours, he should be waking up soon . . . I hope," Krycek hissed, feeling Mulder nestling closer, he was becoming unbearably hard.
"Dana, can I get you a cup of coffee?" Yori asked.
"Yes, if it isn't too much trouble." Scully sat in a chair across from Alex, smiling softly at his obvious discomfort.
"I'm going to the procreation clinic with Phil after he gets home from work," Scully stated. She was starting to think of the baby girl as hers. After all, they had used her ova in Hope's conception.
Krycek looked at her with concern, after reading her thoughts. He knew it had been her suggestion that Mulder used her ovum. Walter wasn't going to appreciate her interference even now that they seemed to have made peace.
"Dana, how do you feel knowing that Fox and Walter's baby shares some of your genes? Are you going to be able to let her go when you return to your brothers and nephews in Canada?" He already knew by the tone of her voice that she had changed her mind, but wanted to get it out in the open.
"I don't know, Alex. I wanted Mulder to use my ovum, I thought that I'd be able to separate myself from the baby. I even promised Skinner that it was their baby, and I would relinquish all my paternal rights. However, I didn't know at the time it was going to be a girl," Scully murmured sadly.
"Dana, you can't do this to Walter, having this child is one of the most important things in his life." Krycek knew exactly how Walter would feel. He, also, wanted a child with Fox, and he wouldn't want any outside interference in their lives.
"I'm her mother . . . she's going to need me in her life."
"Maybe you can work something out with Walter. He might listen if he thought it was in the best interest of his daughter," Krycek murmured, not for one minute believing what he just said.
"But she's my daughter, too. I should get a say in her life."
Mulder stirred then slowly turned his head, looking up into Krycek's beautiful concerned face. "Have I been out long?" he murmured softly.
"No, only about two an a half hours. Dana, if you'll excuse us." Krycek eased Mulder off his lap and stood up. Pulling the agent to his feet, he dragged him toward the guestroom.
Scully watched them leave with mild amusement and a little jealousy. She had finally gotten use to seeing Mulder romantically involved with a man, but she was unable to control the little pangs of jealousy over seeing him with anyone.
Krycek slammed the bedroom door behind them. He pushed Mulder up against the wall, kissing him passionately as his fingers fumbled to undress the agent.
"I take it you missed me?" Mulder murmured into Krycek's mouth.
"Oh yeah . . . I'm going to fuck you senseless to prove how much."
"Mm, promise?" Mulder locked his arms around Krycek's neck, bringing their lips back together. He opened his mouth to allow the younger man's tongue to enter and sucked on it, rubbing their groins together.
Krycek succeeded in undoing Mulder's robe, pushing it off his shoulders and letting it drop to the floor. He could barely get his hands between their closely pressed bodies. Mulder chuckled into his mouth, knowing he was driving the younger man insane.
Krycek broke away and stepped back far enough so he could tear the clothing off his own body. Mulder leaned against the wall watching him, licking his lush lips.
"Alex, I know you blame me for Slava's men abducting you. I want to make it up to you . . . tell me what I can do to gain your forgiveness."
Krycek dropped the last item of clothing on the floor and looked up at Mulder. He heard the sadness in his lover's voice. He felt guilty about this morning -- in his desperate need for a fix, he had blamed his lover for being responsible for his abduction.
"Fox, you weren't responsible . . . I didn't mean what I said earlier . . . I was out of my head." He walked up to the agent and hugged him tightly. "I had absolutely no right to say those things to you. It's me that needs your forgiveness . . . I'm so sorry, Fox." Krycek wept against the agent's shoulder, knowing what an ass he had been to hurt his lover that way. Mulder always took the blame for everything, regardless of whether he deserved it or not -- most times he didn't.
"Alex, it's okay . . . I . . . damn . . . " Mulder pulled back and kissed the younger man hard, tasting the salty tears that had leaked down onto his lips. He didn't let up until Alex was clinging to him and returning the kiss. They finally broke apart breathlessly and stumbled over to the bed.
"Alex, you mentioned something about fucking me senseless."
"Oh . . . right." Krycek concentrated on the lube in the upstairs bedroom -- he snickered, thinking of the look that would be on Scully's pretty face when it went floating by. He didn't feel the normal tingle associated with using his powers, looking down he realized he still wearing the metal power-dampening cuff.
"Alex, what?" Mulder looked up at him lacing his fingers around the younger man's neck. "What's wrong?"
"Nothing." Krycek pulled back and spit into his hand using that to lubricate his lover and then himself. He positioned Mulder's shins on his shoulders and slowly eased his cock into the agent's tight anus.
Mulder pushed up forcing Krycek's cock all the way in, a shiver of pleasure shot through his body as the bulbous tip hit his prostate. "Oh, God!" He tightened his ankles around the younger man's neck.
Krycek wrapped his arms around Mulder's legs, waiting for the trembling of the older man's body to die down. He felt the throbbing and contracting muscles around his cock holding him in place deep inside that tight, hot tunnel. He closed his eyes relishing the feel of being within this beautiful body.
Krycek looked down at Mulder through half-lidded eyes his thick, long lashes masking the look of pure lust he shot at the agent. Mulder met his stare and let the love he felt for the younger man show through his bright hazel eyes. "God, Fox, I love you so much."
"Alex . . . prove it. Make me feel it," Mulder begged, wiggling his hips and getting the desired moan from Krycek.
Krycek started moving in and out of Mulder's body, slowly at first, then picking up speed. Mulder pushed back matching each thrust. The younger man reached down and grabbed the agent's hard pulsating cock and started to jerk him off with each hard inward thrust. Mulder kept urging him to go harder and faster. A blinding flash of color flared in front of Krycek's eyes as his orgasm hit unexpectedly soon and hard. He must have lost consciousness, for when he came back to himself, he was lying across his lover's body and Mulder's still hard cock was pressed between them. "Christ . . . "
When he regained his breath Krycek withdrew his soft organ and slithered down Mulder's body, he took the agent's thick cock into his mouth. He slowly ran his tongue around the moist head, licking off the pre-cum glistening on the tip. He stroked a finger down its length feeling the hard surface and the large vein, taking it into his mouth he explored the surface with his tongue. He raked his teeth over him and relaxed his throat muscles, taking Mulder in all the way. He felt the throbbing organ deep in his throat and the agent's hands on his head, holding him in place.
"Oh, Christ . . . I can't . . . I'm going to . . . " Mulder felt himself explode into the younger man's mouth and Krycek quickly swallowed, loving the taste of his lover's come. He reluctantly allowed the agent's soft cock to slip from between his lips.
"So, was it good for you, lover?" Krycek murmured huskily as he crawled up, pulling the agent's languished body into his arms.
"Oh, damn, Alex . . . you're always good for me." Mulder kissed him softly on the lips then rested his head on the younger man's shoulder.
"Fox?"
"Hmm?"
"Congratulations, Yori mentioned you're going to have a baby girl." Alex felt Mulder's body stiffen. "You're not happy about it?"
"Alex . . . it scares me to death. I could have handled having a baby boy . . . but a baby girl . . . I . . . she . . . " Mulder hated to admit that even after twenty-five years, he was still traumatized over losing his little sister -- even though it wasn't his fault. The mere thought of another little girl being in his care . . . frightened the hell out of him.
"Fox, Walter will be there with you and so will I . . . you won't be raising her by yourself," Krycek soothed.
"Thanks, Alex. I know my fear is unreasonable . . . but I can't help it," Mulder sighed, snuggling closer into the younger man's comforting embrace.
"Fox?"
"Yeah, Alex, what?"
"Do you happen to have your lock-picking tools here? I could use help getting this damn ankle cuff off."
Mulder looked down at Krycek's ankle he hadn't noticed the cuff until now. "Yeah, I do, but don't tell Walter I still have them, he never approved of my breaking into different government properties. Don't worry, I'll have that thing off you in no time. Its one of those power-dampening devices the consortium invented isn't it?"
"Thanks. Yeah, it is, that's why I couldn't free myself."
***
Embassy Condominiums
Monday, January 18
4:30 p.m.
Doctor Kyle Pendrell took special care with his appearance today, turning around to view himself from all angles in the full-length mirror. He had just turned thirty-three, but still looked like he was in his early twenties. The young doctor adjusted his tie under his suit coat, wanting to look his best -- this was going to be the first time he would meet Fox Mulder.
He had had a secret crush on the agent ever since seeing his beautiful face on television. Kyle ran a comb through his thick, wavy, red hair one last time before heading out of his bathroom. Frohike was waiting for him in the living room. The Russian arrived at the clinic at 1:00 p.m. he was with Doctors Harris and Jackson, leaving the little man to baby sit him.
"I'm ready, Frohike, let's go," Kyle said, getting his heavy coat from the closet.
"You know, Kyle, I'm Mulder's best friend. If you're nice to me . . . I could put in a good word for you," Frohike leered.
"Frohike, do I look stupid to you?"
"No, just naïve . . . so I take it that's a no?"
"That's definitely a no, but do you think you could still put in a good word for me?" he inquired as they headed out the door.
"Kyle, I hate to tell you this . . . but Mulder is way out of your league. Besides, he's already living with two lovers and I think they wouldn't be too happy if you so much as looked at him." They stepped on the elevator heading down to the parking garage.
Frohike wanted to be at the clinic before nightfall; he didn't want to chance meeting up with any ghouls. The military was going to release the anti-ghoul virus in D.C. later tonight, so it shouldn't be much longer before there was nightlife in the city, again.
"Doc, I hope they stocked the vending machines. If I'm going to spend another night at the clinic . . . I don't want to do it again without any food," the little man grumbled.
"Sorry, Frohike, I should have told you to bring something yesterday. The machines usually run out of food by Sunday, but we shouldn't have to worry tonight, they're kept stocked during the week."
"That's okay, kid, it wasn't your fault." Frohike climbed into the passenger side of the doctor's Mercedes. Kyle started the engine and pulled out into the busy rush hour traffic.
When they turned on the block in front of the clinic they were surprised to see all of the news vans parked in front -- scores of reporters waited around on the sidewalk.
"Well, I guess you won't be needing me anymore, doc."
"They know about Hope?" Kyle felt his heart leap into his throat.
"I would say that is a very big yes," the little man answered.
Kyle parked in his reserved parking space, and he and Frohike pushed their way through the reporters, attempting to get in the side entrance. Two FBI agents guarding the door requested to see their identifications. The agent checked it against the list of names of people allowed in. "Okay, Dr. Pendrell and . . . Mr. Frohike, you're on the list you may go in."
"How long have the reporters been here?" Kyle asked the agent.
"Two hours, didn't you see the news? The baby is the top story on all of the major networks," Agent Sullivan informed him. "But, don't worry, they'll all clear out of here in a half-hour, even reporters won't chance being out after dark."
They entered the building and walked down the hallway, coming upon an anxious Assistant Director of the FBI, talking on his cell-phone. "Alex, are you sure you're feeling well enough to bring Fox here? No . . . I'd rather you keep him away until all of the reporters have left . . . yeah . . . those are my thoughts exactly. See you in an hour. Oh, Alex, call me when you pull up in front. Okay . . . bye."
"Hi, Walter, how's Mulder and Alex doing?"
"They're fine, Melvin."
"Walter Skinner, this is Doctor Kyle Pendrell."
"It's a pleasure to finally meet you, sir. Dr. Harris has talked about you a lot," the young doctor said, while shaking the A.D.'s hand. Skinner thought there was something familiar about the young man. "Well, I better get down to the lab." The doctor made his way down the hallway and entered the lab where Hope was.
"Walter, how did the reporters find out about Hope?" Frohike asked, interrupting his thoughts.
Skinner turned and faced his small friend. "It was during my securing her safety. One of my contacts suggested the best way to protect her would be out in the open."
"You told them?" Frohike gasped.
"Don't worry, Frohike. No one is going to touch her. I've taken all of the appropriate measures -- she'll be safe," the A.D. stated with confidence.
"I hope you are right. What about Mulder?" Frohike asked, then felt a chill race up his spine from the look of uncertainty in Skinner's eyes.
"Fox will have to go in for some tests, it was part of the deal for keeping Hope safe. Of course, Alex or I will accompany him to any of the tests. Fox won't be locked up like the women were at Northridge," Skinner stated, but he felt uncomfortable, he didn't like having to use Fox in the deal for their daughter's safety.
"You haven't told him yet, have you, Walter?"
"No . . . I plan to when we get home tonight."
Dana Scully and Agent Phil Boutotte came around the corner. They had just finished getting the tour of the facility from Dr. Louis Jackson.
"Thank you, Lou. I found this all very fascinating," Scully said, shaking his hand.
"You're welcome, Dana. Come back anytime, it was a pleasure meeting you." Dr. Jackson left them standing next to Walter Skinner as he rushed off, his shift was over and he wanted to get home before dark.
"Sir, I'm going to take Dana back to Viva Towers before it gets dark," Boutotte informed the A.D.
"Walter, I need to talk to you in private when you get back tonight," Scully informed him. "I'll be over at Phil's, can you call me when you get home?"
"Sure, Dana, what's it about?"
"My daughter," she replied simply. "Phil, we better get going." Scully walked down the hallway toward the exit and Boutotte glanced back at the A.D. before following her.
Skinner was too shocked to reply he stood with his mouth agape watching her leave.
***
"She promised . . . that bitch! I can't believe she's doing this to me. Goddamnit! How could I've been so fucking stupid?" Frohike sat in the coffee lounge watching an extremely angry A.D. rant and rave, his shouting could be heard throughout the clinic.
Mulder and Krycek hurried into the room. Krycek had done as Skinner requested and tried to contact him when he pulled up in front of the center. However, his older brother was so enraged, he hadn't heard him.
"Walter, what's wrong?" Mulder asked with genuine concern.
"That . . . that fucking ex-partner of yours, she wants to take my daughter from me. Fox, she wants our baby girl."
"Walter, I can't believe that Scully would do anything like that. Maybe, you misunderstood her. What exactly did she say?"
"She said . . . she needed to talk to me about *HER* daughter! Not my daughter, but *HER* daughter," Skinner hissed. He never should have allowed Fox to talk him into using that woman's ovum -- he knew how selfish and self-righteous she could be.
"Walter, I'm sure she only wants to be part of Hope's life. Is there anything wrong with that? Hope is going to need the guidance of a woman in her life." Mulder felt it made perfect sense for Scully to handle the mother part for their daughter. The agent knew he had made a mistake when he saw look of furious anger that crossed his lover's face, his warm brown eyes turned cold -- chilling him to the bone.
"You would like that, wouldn't you, Fox? You never wanted to have this child! It would be an easy way out to allow that woman to take her from me. You never really loved me . . . did you? You were just using me for sex and protection . . . you really want to be with Scully . . . don't you!" Skinner snarled loudly, getting right in his lover's face.
Mulder was outraged that his lover would say those things to him so he smacked Skinner hard across the face. The room fell into a shocked silence. Skinner stood frozen in place with the red impression of Mulder's handprint burning on his cheek.
"Don't you ever . . . *fucking* ever say that to me again, Walter Sergei Skinner! Don't you *fucking* ever question my love for you! I love you so much it hurts! I have never loved Scully . . . how can you even think that?" Mulder's eyes misted over and his bottom lip quivered.
Skinner reached out and wrapped him in a tight embrace. "Oh, Fox, I'm sorry, please forgive me. I'm just so scared of losing Hope . . . I wasn't thinking clearly." Skinner sobbed holding him tight.
"Walter, I forgive you. I'll talk to Scully and try to convince her not to interfere in our daughter's life . . . if that is what you want?" Mulder rested his forehead on Skinner's shoulder, wrapping his arms around the larger man's waist.
"Yes, that's what I want, Fox. I want us to be a family you, me, Hope, . . . and Alex." Skinner stared over at Krycek who was leaning up against the closed door to the break room. The younger man smiled warmly at him for accepting him as part of their family.
"You know, Walter . . . Scully never listens to me. I don't know how much good it will do for me to talk to her."
"Fox, as long as I know that you're on my side in regards to our daughter . . . I really don't give a damn if Scully listens to you." Skinner kissed him.
Mulder pulled back and touched the angry red mark he had caused on his lover's cheek. "Sorry, Walter. I never should have hit you." The agent placed his hand over the mark. Skinner felt a tingle on his cheek, when Mulder removed his hand the mark was gone.
"Fox, you know that is really going to come in handy when Hope falls down and scrapes her knees. It's much more affective than kissing it better," Krycek quipped, happy to see tranquility restored in their lives.
"Yeah, Fox, Alex is right. We know who our little girl is going to be running to whenever she's injured," Skinner replied happily, although he was still deathly afraid of Scully taking Hope from him or insisting on being a major part of her life.
"C'mon, I want to see our daughter," Mulder requested.
"There's not much to see, yet," Skinner told him.
"I don't care . . . show me her anyway . . . Walter, please."
"Okay. Just don't be disappointed." Skinner took his hand and led them out of the room, down the hallway to a locked security door. He used the key that Sam Harris had given him to unlock the door. He put his hand on Mulder's back guiding him into the room.
Dr. Kyle Pendrell stood in front of the tall cylinder, wearing headphones and swaying to the music as he was recording the readings from the many monitors on the tank, he turned to face them when they entered, catching his breath at the sight of Fox Mulder.
He quickly removed the headphones. "Agent Mulder, I'm Doctor Kyle Pendrell." He held out his hand for the agent to shake. Mulder was shocked seeing him; he looked exactly like Danny Pendrell. Mulder looked him in the eyes and shook his hand, enjoying the look of euphoria that lit up the handsome young doctor's face.
"Doctor Pendrell, you wouldn't be any relation to Daniel Pendrell?" Mulder asked hesitantly.
"Danny was my twin brother . . . did you know him? He worked for the FBI before he was killed," Kyle said sadly, the loss of his twin still hurt him deeply.
"Yeah, Danny was a great agent and technician . . . he helped me on several cases."
"I'm happy to hear that . . . Danny was always dedicated to his work."
"Doctor Pendrell, how is the baby doing?" Mulder asked.
"Please call me Kyle. Hope is doing amazingly well, if you look closely, you can just make her out." Pendrell pointed to a small speck floating in to center of the tank, there was a small thin filament leading from the speck up to the top of the tank.
Mulder smiled as he made out the small blob like speck. "How long before she starts looking like a fetus?"
"Several weeks, yet. In two months she should be the size of your hand." The doctor explained, leaning in close until they were both standing head-to-head gazing into the tank.
Skinner and Krycek both cleared their throats behind them, noticing the way Mulder had looked at the doctor. They didn't like the thoughts going through the doctor's head either. Mulder glanced back at the stern looks he was receiving from both men.
"Thank you for your time, Kyle. I wish I could stay longer. I still have several questions. However, the natives are starting to get restless . . . I think I'd better take them home."
Kyle looked back, noticing the two other men for the first time. If looks could kill -- Frohike was right, it might not be wise to flirt with Mulder -- when they were around. "Agent Mulder, maybe you can come back some other time, I'd be happy to answer all of your questions."
"I'd like that, Kyle. Shall we go, gentlemen?" Mulder grabbed each of his lover's arms and dragged them toward the door.
When they were out in the hallway Skinner turned to Krycek. "Do you think we could make that doctor disappear?"
"Maybe we could take him for a long drive in the country."
"Be nice, guys . . . I happened to like him," Mulder advised them.
"That's the problem, Fox," Krycek grumbled.
"Hey, Kyle didn't talk down to me like Harris does."
"Kyle . . . was blatantly hitting on you," Skinner complained. "At least Sam is the consummate professional he doesn't hit on his patients."
"I'm not Kyle's patient, Walter. I can't believe both of you are jealous of him?"
"Hey, guys, wait up!" Frohike shouted, dashing down the hallway toward them. They stopped at the front entrance waiting for the little man.
"Can I catch a lift home from you guys? There's really no need for me to stay here now that word is out about Hope."
"Sure, Melvin. And thanks for watching out for my daughter's safety the last few days," Skinner told him.
"Anytime, Walter."
Krycek drove them to the barred up Lone Gunman headquarters. Skinner saw the little man safely to the door, waiting until Frohike locked and bolted the door behind him before returning to the car.
"Walter, are you going to call Dana when we get home?" Krycek asked.
"No, I think I'll wait until tomorrow . . . I don't want to deal with her until I can get control over my temper. Alex, is it wrong of me not to want to share my daughter with her?" He glanced over at his younger brother, then into the backseat where Mulder sat quietly listening to their conversation.
"No, I agree with you. She's your daughter, and Scully did promise you that she'd relinquish all of her parental rights. You shouldn't have to deal with her interference, she's not a part of our family."
Mulder held his tongue; he still felt it would be all right to have Scully in their lives. Nevertheless, he didn't want to hurt his lover's feelings, knowing how much this child meant to him.
When they arrived back at Viva Towers it was just after 8:00 p.m., the apartment was dark. Yori was still with Doctor Harris he was going to be moving into his new apartment tomorrow. Krycek had promised to help the Russian move while Mulder and Skinner were at work.
"Is anyone hungry? I thought I'd whip us up something to eat," Mulder asked, heading into the kitchen and turning on the lights.
There were steaks in the freezer. He pulled out three Texas T-bones, placing them on the counter. He opened the refrigerator and took out a container of sliced mushrooms and went into the pantry for a sweet onion and three large potatoes. Walter walked in and pulled a bottle of Merlot from his wine rack and grabbed three wineglasses.
Mulder washed the potatoes with a stiff brush then put them into the microwave. He then proceeded to cut up the onion into thick strips. Taking out a sauté pan, he put in a little butter and some olive oil, after it was heated, he threw in the mushrooms and onions sautéed them. They would be used on top of their steaks.
Krycek walked into the kitchen. After checking to see what Mulder was cooking, he went into the refrigerator and pulled out a head of lettuce, carrots, and a couple of tomatoes. He started throwing together a salad for them, making a vinaigrette dressing for it.
Skinner poured them each a glass of wine, handing Krycek a glass as he placed the salad on the dining room table. Skinner had set the table; they walked back into the kitchen to watch Mulder grill the steaks.
Mulder accepted the glass of wine from Skinner, sipping it as he waited for the potatoes to be done before he started the steaks grilling. He used the tongs to take the hot baked potatoes out of the microwave, putting one each of the three plates he had on the counter.
"Fox, shouldn't the steaks be unfrozen before you grill them?" Skinner asked as Mulder placed the still mostly frozen steaks on the hot stovetop grill.
"No, actually they grill better if they're still frozen -- it seals in the juices."
Alex got the butter and sour cream out of the refrigerator for the potatoes and took it out to the table. There was an unspoken symmetry in their movements, each taking on the responsibility for the other's comfort. Mulder watched the way his lovers moved around one another; there was a relaxation between them that wasn't there before.
They sat to eat. Skinner sat silently contemplating his life, he knew what he wanted was forever out of his reach. He decided to make the best of the current situation. "So, Alex, have you thought about what you're planning on doing now that you're back in the U.S.?"
"I thought I might try to get a job in the FBI again -- hopefully as Fox's partner. Although, I was mainly there as a spy the first time, I did pass all the courses at Quantico." Krycek speared a piece of meat with his fork, popping it in his mouth.
Mulder looked at him with interest. "Alex, I didn't know you were thinking about rejoining. If it's only for my sake . . . don't . . . I can take care of myself."
"No . . . it's not, Fox. I liked working there . . . if they will rehire me, I'd like to start where I left off."
"I think it is an excellent idea. Fox, it would put my mind at ease, knowing that Alex was in the field with you," Skinner replied. "Alex, I'll talk to the Director . . . I think we can work something out."
"Thanks, Walter."
"Fox . . . I was able to secure our daughter's freedom. She'll remain with us. When she's older she'll have to go in for some tests, but will never have to stay overnight, she'll only be there a few hours at a time." Skinner looked at his lover; he wasn't sure how he was going to react to what he had to tell him next.
Mulder read the look in his lover's warm, brown eyes, he knew Skinner had some bad news that he was nervous about conveying. "I take it that I'm going to have to go in for tests, too?" he asked hoping to break the ice that had left the older man hesitating.
"Yeah, it was the only bargain the government would accept. They did promise that it wouldn't be for more than a few days at a time, and either Alex or myself will be allowed to be with you at all times," Skinner sighed. "I'm sorry, Fox. It was the best I could do."
"Walter, I've been expecting it . . . I'm only happy that I won't be locked up at Northridge. I can tolerate a few days at a time, especially if you or Alex are with me."
"Are you sure, Fox? I hated being forced into compromising your freedom even if it is only for a few days."
"Walter, I'm sure. The most important thing is that Hope will remain free, you made the right choice . . . don't beat yourself up over it."
"Fox is right . . . the government allowing my niece her freedom is a big victory. Walter, we'll be there to watch out for Fox. Did they say when the tests are to begin or how many times a year?" Krycek asked.
"They're going to wait until after Hope is born, they require a tissue and blood sample from her. They already are testing the samples Dr. Harris took from Fox and myself."
They finished the rest of the meal in silence each lost in their own thoughts. When they finished, Skinner and Krycek collected the dishes, while Mulder went to veg out in front of the television. The agent made a brief trip into the kitchen to get a beer, pausing in the doorway to watch his lovers having a silent conversation. They stopped abruptly when they saw him and twin guilty looks crossed their faces.
"Don't worry, I won't ask . . . I'm curious, but I won't pry." Mulder grabbed his beer and left the kitchen.
*How about we start searching this weekend, Alex. I'll get Frohike to keep Fox busy.*
*Sounds like a plan to me.*
They each grabbed a beer on the way out of the kitchen and joined Mulder on the sofa. After about an hour of watching television Mulder stood up and stretched, he reached a hand out for Skinner. "C'mon, Walter, I still feel guilty about hitting you, and I want to make it up to you," he grinned.
"Oh, really, what do you have in mind?"
"I thought I'd run a hot bath for you then give you a massage afterwards."
"Are you planning on joining me in the bathtub?"
"Oh yeah," Mulder answered as they made their way upstairs.
Krycek sat there staring after them, wondering if this was what Fox had in mind about sharing. He had him last night, and Walter gets him this night, or if it would be just who the agent felt like sleeping with. Krycek sighed and turned off the television he headed off to bed.
He was feeling miserable, he was starting to have cravings for heroin. Krycek as no longer suffering any withdrawal pains, but he wanted that feeling the drug gave him. He shrugged out of his clothing and climbed into bed, wondering if he'd be able to control his cravings.
***
Mulder ran the soapy sponge over the A.D.'s broad, hairy chest as he sat straddling the older man's legs. Their groins were pressed together, and Skinner felt Mulder's firm ass resting on his thighs. The bald man lazily stroked both his hands down the agent's back, feeling the curve of his spine and the smooth globes of his buttocks. Skinner curved both hands into his lover's cleft and trailed his fingers down to the tight puckered opening.
"You know you're driving me crazy, don't you, Fox?" he stated as he played with his lover's opening, nudging his two index fingers in.
"Fuck! Look who's talking!" Mulder gasped. Bending forward, he claimed Skinner's mouth, licking and nibbling his lips. He latched onto to the older man's mouth, exploring him with his tongue, tracing over his teeth before delving in deeper. He purred excitedly into his lover's hot mouth as the older man pushed his fingers in deeper, stretching him.
Mulder traced his fingers over Skinner's head and around his ears, never ending the kiss. Water splashed onto the floor when the older man's fingers raked across the younger man's prostate, causing him to buck and break the kiss.
"Oh, god!" Mulder cried out, arching back he reached his hand down between their bodies and grabbed his lover's stiff erection, stroking Skinner until he was moaning and painfully hard.
"Fox, I need . . . I need to be in you now!" He growled, wiggling beneath Mulder.
Mulder scooted up, spilling more water out of the tub. Skinner grabbed the agent's slick hips and helped lower him down onto his thick cock. Mulder gasped as the large mushroom shaped head pushed into him, feeling as it travel deeper and deeper into his body until he sat flush up against the older man's heavy sacs.
Mulder leaned his head forward resting it on the larger man's shoulder for a minute, then raised it to seek his lover's lips for another deep kiss. He had a warm contented feeling in the pit of his stomach when the A.D.'s hands stroked his back and caressed his ass.
"Our neighbors are going to start complaining about all of the water that's leaking through the floor," Mulder groused, leaning back he raised himself up, then sinking back down hard onto Skinner's erection sloshing more water out of the tub.
"Let them complain, we can always move. Besides, it's Tom Colton's apartment below ours," Skinner sighed. Feeling himself sheathed in Mulder's hot body.
"No, actually, it's our guest bathroom and laundry below us," Mulder smirked at his lover. Raising up and sinking back down on his cock.
"Fox, just shut up and fuck me," Skinner growled, grabbing the agent's slim hips, helping him to slide up and down on his cock.
"Walter . . . I'd . . . really . . . love . . . to . . . fuck . . . you!" Mulder groaned as Skinner shifted underneath him, pushing his large organ against his prostate.
"Fox . . . " Skinner groaned as the agent's muscle clenched down on his cock. He felt Mulder's orgasm shoot out of him spurting over his stomach and chest. The muscles tightened around his cock, causing him to go over the edge, spilling his seed into his lover's writhing body.
Mulder slumped against his chest; it took them each several minutes to recover. "Fox, I want you to make love to me. I would love to feel your cock inside my body," Skinner confessed reluctantly with fear and trepidation. Deep down he was still finding it hard to give up that type of control to his lover.
"Walter, are you sure? Have you ever had anyone make love to you that way before?"
"If you're asking has anyone ever fucked me before, the answer is no. I've always been on top, but with you . . . I want us to be equals in our relationship," he replied trying to sound like he meant it, he really wanted to have Mulder as he equal.
"You're a virgin? I would never have guessed," Mulder laughed.
Skinner reached around and pinched him hard on the butt.
"Ouch!"
"Don't joke . . . us virgins are very sensitive. We expect to be treated with the utmost respect," Skinner quipped.
Okay, I promise to respect you in the morning. Don't worry, Walter, you're in good hands . . . I've had two of the best teachers." Mulder smiled seductively leaning back on Skinner thighs.
"C'mon, get your ass off me, let's go rinse off in the shower. Then you can give me that massage you promised . . . and I expect it to be a total body massage."
***
The pleasant odor of sandalwood hung in the air as Mulder poured a little more of the fragrant oil on Skinner's legs. He massaged and kneaded the older man's shins, working his way up each muscular leg. Skinner lay on his stomach sighing contentedly as the skilled fingers worked all of the tension from his body. His shoulders, arms, and chest had already met the younger man's skillful ministrations.
Skinner felt his lover work his way up to his thighs. Mulder pushed his legs further apart, stroking his thumbs up into the cleft. The agent poured a generous amount of the oil down his crack and over his firm buttocks, massaging the oil in, he then tentatively slipped one finger in the older man's tight anus. He pulled it back out and reached up grabbing a pillow from the top of the bed.
"Walter, raise your hips." When Skinner complied, he slipped the pillow under his stomach then knelt back down between his lover's thighs and lovingly proceeded to stretch him. Skinner pushed back against the agent's long, slender fingers, moaning in appreciation.
Mulder removed his fingers, replacing them with the head of his large cock and gently eased his way into the older man's incredibly tight body. The A.D. gasped at the initial pain of being penetrated, but it turned to quickly pleasure as his lover's cock eased its way deep inside of him, nudging against his prostate.
Mulder rested, allowing the older man's muscles to relax around him before he pulled out slightly and pushed back in. He was determined to make Walter feel as much pleasure from this experience as he did. He reached under his lover's body and griped the larger man's cock in his hand, stroking it in time with his thrusts.
"Christ, Fox . . . that feels so fucking good," Skinner groaned. Each time Mulder pulled out then pushed back in, he intentionally brushed against his lover's prostate gland, angling his thrust to make sure he didn't miss it. Skinner cried out, and Mulder knew that he had scored a direct hit on his lover's gland.
Skinner literally saw stars as he shot his come over Mulder's stroking hand, his muscles tightening around the agent's cock, bringing him off as well. Mulder pulled out and crawled up to his lover who had turned over on his back. The agent collapsed in his arms, lying across the larger man's chest.
The A.D. wrapped his strong arms around his lover's lithe body, cradling him in his embrace. He nestled his chin on the agent's shoulder and put his nose against the side of Mulder's head breathing in the clean scent of his freshly washed hair.
"Walter, thanks . . . that was incredible."
"You're telling me? Fox, I love you . . . I'm so sorry for what I said to you earlier."
"Walter, I love you, too. There's no need to apologize. I should have considered your feelings. It wasn't right for me not to have." Mulder ran his hand through the sticky come on Skinner's belly.
***
Across town, Frohike sat on ratty, old recliner with rusty orange plaid fabric. He was in front of a television set that was off and there was a sated smile on his scruffy face. Langly walked up behind him, staring down at the little man, who had his pants undone and his hand resting inside the fabric, with was an obvious wet spot staining the front of the pants.
"Didn't you tell me that you promised Skinner you weren't going to spy on them anymore!" Langly huffed with a look of disgust on his face, knowing exactly what the little man had been up to.
"I can't help myself . . . this is better than phone sex. I think I'm addicted," Frohike shrugged his shoulders, smirking up at him.
"Well, you better not let Skinner catch you at it," Langly sternly advised on his way out of the room.
***
Viva Tower
Tuesday, January, 19th
5:00 a.m.Mulder pried Skinner's arms from around his waist, he wanted to sneak out and talk to Scully while his lover was still sleeping. He didn't want the older man with him when he did; he couldn't handle another confrontation like last night.
He gently eased away from the sleeping man's body. Quietly walking over to their dresser, he took out a pair of socks and boxer shorts then crept to the closet, grabbing his suit, tie, and a shirt before hurrying into the bathroom to change. He brushed his teeth, shaved, and used a washcloth to clean the dried semen from his body, forgoing the shower for fear that it would wake his lover up.
He came out of the bathroom, checking to make sure Skinner was still asleep. He picked up his shoes and headed for the door.
"Tell Scully we're not going to share our daughter with her. Hope is ours," Skinner grumbled huskily from the bed.
"How long have you been up?"
"Since you left my arms, you know I hate sleeping without you."
Mulder walked back over to the bed; leaning down he kissed Skinner on the cheek. "Sorry, I thought it better that I talked to Scully alone. I should be back in time for breakfast then you can drive us to work."
"Promise?" Skinner sat up and pushed off the covers. "I'll make your favorite breakfast . . . so don't be long."
"I won't be . . . thanks, Walter."
Mulder stepped out of the apartment and walked next door, knocking on the door. Agent Boutotte opened it immediately, already dressed for work. "Good morning, Mulder," the older man replied cheerfully.
"Morning, Phil, can I talk to Scully?"
"Dana's still sleeping."
"I need to talk to her . . . do you mind if I wake her up?" Mulder had no idea why he was asking Agent Boutotte for permission to wake Scully, but it seemed like the appropriate thing to do.
"Mulder, she didn't get to bed until very late. She was expecting the A.D. to call her."
"Phil, it was probably a good thing that he didn't, I've never seen him so angry before. I think it would be better if they stayed out of one another's way until I can find a solution they both can live with."
"Do you think that's possible? They are both extremely strong willed people."
"Mulder, why are you here?" Scully asked, standing in the doorway to the living room. She was wearing a robe over her pajamas, and her hair was still tousled from sleep.
"Scully, I wanted to talk to you about Hope."
"Mulder, I wanted to talk to Skinner last night . . . why didn't he call?"
"Scully, do you have any idea what Hope means to him? How many years he's wanted to have a child?"
"Mulder, what about me? I've wanted to have a child, too. How can you expect me to give her up?"
"Why did you want us to use your ova if you weren't willing to give the child up? Dana, you knew it would be Skinner's and my baby."
"Mulder, I'm sorry . . . I thought it would be so easy to let go, but when I found out that it was a girl. Damn, Hope's my daughter . . . she's going to need me in her life!" Scully sank angrily onto the sofa. Mulder knelt down on the floor in front of her, taking her hands in his.
"Scully, I would like you to be a part of Hope's life, but I can't go against Skinner's wishes. He would never agree to have you overly involved. Can't we work out a compromise?"
"Like what, Mulder?"
"Maybe, I can convince to him to allow Hope to visit you during the summer."
"Not good enough, Mulder. Genetically I'm Hope's mother . . . I can and will sue for joint custody."
"Scully, please, don't do that to him." Mulder was near tears, realizing he wasn't going to be able to sway his ex-partner. He didn't want to lose her again, but he would stand by Skinner.
"Sorry, Mulder, he leaves me no choice."
"Scully, why do you want to talk to Walter? Do you expect him to step back and let you take our baby? What do you think he'll do? Issue you an invitation to move in with us and help raise her? It's not going to happen. Hope is ours and we're going to raise her. You've obviously made your decision. There's no point in continuing this conversation you don't want to discuss anything or come to a compromise, you want us to comply to your demands," Mulder complained angrily, his heart breaking.
Defeated, Mulder left and headed back to his apartment next door. Phil Boutotte closed the door after him.
"Damnit! I've lost him again! Why can't Mulder understand how much I need to be a part of my baby girl's life?" Scully was lost between anger and grief.
"Dana, Mulder does understand, but you can't expect him to choose sides between you and Walter Skinner. It's unfair to put him in that position." He sat next to her on the sofa.
She turned to him and buried her face against his chest, sobbing over her most recent loss.
***
When Mulder opened the door, he smelled the aroma of bacon frying coming from the kitchen. Skinner stood by the counter grating a potato into pancake batter in a large bowl. He was freshly showered and dressed in his suit pants and shirt. His suit coat and tie were draped over one of the tall, counter stools.
Mulder stared sadly at his lover; walking up behind him the agent wrapped his arm around the larger man's waist and rested his head on his broad shoulder.
"It's okay, Fox, I really didn't expect her to listen to you. We'll get through this . . . I'm only grateful that you're standing by me."
"Walter, I'll always stand by you . . . don't ever doubt that. I'm only sad that I've lost her again, sometime life really sucks."
"C'mon, sit down and have yourself a cup of coffee. I'll have breakfast ready in a few minutes."
"Thanks, Walter."
***