Life from the Ashes Book 2 - Hope and Faith
Chapter 13
Hot Spring Daysby Jo B.
purplefox@usfamily.net***
Scully's Ranch
Canada
Sunday, May 15
5:00 p.m.Dana Scully set the large platter of fried chicken on the table next to the steaming bowls of mashed potatoes, gravy, and green beans, then walked back into the kitchen for the cornbread and honey butter. She was dressed in faded blue jeans and a white T-shirt, with her short hair pulled back in a ponytail.
She walked to the back door and called out, "Boys, dinner's ready!"
A few seconds later Charlie, Bill, Randy, and Trevor came stomping in from outside. They had been working in the yard feeding their assortment of farm animals and cleaning out the chicken coop.
"Take your shoes off . . . I don't want mud tracked through my kitchen!" Scully admonished as she placed Matthew in a booster chair at the dining room table and fastened a bib around his neck. She prepared his small plate of food by cutting up a chicken breast into bite sized pieces for him.
"C'mon, boys, let's wash up before we sit down . . . we don't want to upset your Aunt Dana," Charlie whispered to his two sons. They had been walking on pins, and needles around her since they returned from Mulder's wedding. They all left their muddy shoes out on the service porch and hurried into the bathroom to wash up.
Dana was already eating by the time they returned and sat quietly at the table. "Looks really good, Aunt Dana," Trevor murmured.
"Thanks, Trevor," she said, smiling softly at him.
"Yeah, Dana, everything looks delicious," Charlie chimed in, kicking Bill under the table.
"Yeah, Sis, looks great," Bill piped up.
She gave them a sad smile and reached over to clean the mash potatoes off Matthew's face. "I talked to Phil Boutotte today. He says there's a condominium available at Viva Towers." She looked up from cleaning the toddler.
"Dana, what are you saying?" Bill gave her a stunned look, setting his silverware down.
"That I'm thinking about going back to the U.S. and to my job at the FBI." Her look challenged him to object.
"Dana, it's not safe for you to be living on your own! Do you seriously believe that the FBI will give you back your old job?" Bill asked harshly.
"Billy, I talked to the Director at Mulder's wedding; he guaranteed me my old job back if I wanted it," she argued. "There is only one slight problem . . . I'd have to report directly to Walter Skinner, and I won't be working with Mulder."
Bill barked out a harsh laugh. "Walter Skinner is not going to like that any more than you do, sis." Bill got up and went over to the refrigerator, pulling out a gallon jug of homemade wine. "Would either of you care for a glass?"
"Sure, Bill, why don't you leave the jug on the table," Charlie said, accepting a glass of wine from Bill and passing it to Dana.
"Dana, it's your life and you have every right to live it as you see fit. However, if you move back to D.C. then Bill, the boys, and I are going to be moving with you," Charlie stated plainly, sipping his glass of wine as Bill sat next to him. "Whether you want to acknowledge it or not, you need our protection and we Scullys stick together."
"Charlie, you and the boys are building a new life here . . . I don't want you to feel obligated to follow me. It's my life and my dream. I can take care of myself!"
"Dana, you're part of our life . . . don't shut us out!" Bill snapped.
"Okay, fine, whatever! I already told Phil to put a deposit on the condo for me. If you really want to move back, you'll have to find somewhere else to live . . . the condo only has two bedrooms."
"So that's it? You were going to move back without discussing it with us first!" Bill hissed angrily.
"Bill . . . I'm a doctor and a trained FBI agent! I want to go back to that life!" She waved her hand around to encompass the room. "This isn't me . . . "
"Bill, Dana, stop it! We'll discuss this after dinner. What would mom and dad say if they saw us fighting like this?" Charlie interrupted, putting an immediate end to his siblings' bickering.
***
Washington D.C.
Lawyer's Office
Monday, May 16
2:40 p.m.Skinner glanced over at Mulder; the fear he saw in his lover's eyes was heartbreaking. They had been here almost four hours and spent half the time reviewing the transcripts from the Senate Procreation Committee's closed door sessions. Their attorney, Hans Meyer, had procured the documents under the newly revised freedom of information act.
"Mr. Meyer, we have to leave," Mulder said nervously looking at his watch. "Can we get copies of these documents made and sent to our home?"
"Of course, Mr. Mulder, I'll have a copy sent by courier tomorrow."
Skinner stood, holding out his hand. "Thank you for your time, Mr. Meyer." The A.D. shook the old attorney's hand and turned to his lover, who was rising tiredly from his chair. Skinner wanted to comfort him, but Mulder was avoiding contact with him since their fight Friday. Instead, he walked to the door and held it open for the younger man to pass through and followed him to the elevator.
"Fox, it will be okay . . . I won't allow anyone to lay their hands on you."
"It's not just anyone, Walter, it's our own government. You read those transcripts . . . they weren't even referring to me as a person . . . but as an object. If it weren't for Matheson . . . " Mulder voice caught.
The chime sounded and elevator doors opened. Stepping inside, Skinner pushed the lobby button as Mulder moved to the corner and stood with his arms wrapped around his body, trembling slightly.
"Fox," he toned softly, then went over and wrapped his arms around his lover's lanky body; the agent tensed. "I gave a lot of thought about us and how I've been treating you. I haven't been showing you the respect you deserve . . . instead, I've treated you like a child and not as my equal partner. After everything you've suffered through and lost . . . you have every right to be angry with me. I'm sorry . . . please accept my apology?"
Mulder relaxed in his arms; sighing, he rested his head on the older man's broad shoulder. "It took you long enough to figure it out . . . yes . . . I'll accept your apology. As long as you promise to treat me like an equal." He turned his head and kissed Skinner softly on the lips just as the elevator dropped them in the lobby.
"I promise, Fox."
They made their way out to the truck that was parked around the corner. Mulder climbed in and pulled out his cell-phone. "I promised Alex I'd call him," he said, dialing the number.
"Krycek."
"Hey, lover. How's your day going?" Mulder purred.
"Better, now that you've called . . . I was getting worried. How was your meeting with the attorney?"
"Poor to dismal," he sighed.
"What's wrong?" Krycek asked concerned.
"I'll tell you when you get home. Would you please stop and pick up three pizzas for dinner? I'm not feeling up to cooking tonight."
"Sure, Fox. I'll see you in a few hours."
Skinner pulled the truck on to the highway that headed to their country estate. Reaching over, he claimed Mulder's hand holding it tenderly in his lap.
Mulder smiled at him and wished they weren't sitting in bucket seats with a gear stick separating them. "I've missed you, Walter." The agent squeezed his lover's hand affectionately. "Hopefully our munchkin will be taking a nap when we get home."
"I hope she's wide awake, maybe she'll sleep longer tonight. It will be nice once she starts sleeping through the whole night." Skinner glanced thoughtfully over at his lover then back to the road. "Fox?"
"Hmm?"
"You are planning on sleeping in our bed tonight . . . aren't you?" he asked hesitantly.
"Yeah, I was planning to," Mulder toned softly.
"Good."
***
Foxfire Glenn Estate
Monday, May 16
4:00 p.m.Skinner pulled his truck into the garage and found Tony working in the wood shop. "Hey, Tony, how's it going?" He looked around with interest at the pieces of furniture scattered on newspapers throughout the large room. The window was open; the smells of paint thinner hung heavy in the air.
"Fine, Walter. I'm restoring some antique furniture that Kim and I picked up for the girls' room." He smiled.
Mulder walked up behind him admiring the light oak missionary style furniture. "It's great."
"Kim has excellent taste . . . I've often wondered what she saw in me," Tony grinned.
"Well, she's worked for Walter for ten years . . ." Mulder yelped as his ass was swatted.
"Fox, don't say it," Skinner chuckled.
"Hey . . . I thought we agreed you weren't going to treat me like a child!" The agent admonished with a gleam of amusement in his eyes.
"I'm not . . . that was a love tap . . . besides I would never spank our munchkin." he stated, pulling the agent into his arms and kissing him. "Let's go see our baby, Yori probably could use the relief by now."
"In a sec. Tony, why don't you and Kim come over to dinner tomorrow night . . . I plan on barbecuing ribs on the grill out back. I'm also going to bake a couple of deep dish apple pies tomorrow."
"Sounds good, Mulder, would you like us to bring anything?"
"Well, now that you mention it . . . if it isn't too much trouble, could Kim make her three bean casserole?"
"That's no trouble at all . . . Kim taught me the recipe, so if she isn't up to cooking, I'll make it myself," Tony grinned.
"Good, see you then," Mulder said as he followed Skinner out of the workroom.
"So, I hope this means you're planning on continuing my cooking lessons," the A.D. teased affectionately, putting an arm around Mulder's waist.
"Yeah, cooking and baking . . . but your real cooking instructor is starting on Wednesday. Tomorrow's dinner will be the last meal I prepare for at least a month," Mulder smirked. "For the next month it's going to be you, Rory, and Shinji."
"God . . . I hope you hired a decent cooking instructor," Skinner grumbled.
"Only the best . . . after all, Alex and I are going to have to eat what you guys cook."
They walked into the mansion, listening to the pleasant silence. There was a splash out back, and Skinner walked to the French doors leading out on to the upper patio. He saw Shinji pulling himself out of the water, and getting on the diving board, and performing a perfect swan dive. Rory was lying on his stomach on a lounge chair sunning in the late afternoon sun. In the shade under the eaves of the pool house, Yori sat holding Hope tenderly in his massive arms.
Mulder looked out over his shoulder, smiling. "Yori does have a way with our munchkin."
"Yes . . . he does. I think babies are able to sense when someone is pure of heart . . . I wish I had that ability," Skinner murmured. He leaned over and kissed Mulder on the cheek. "Shall we change our clothes and join them?"
"Might as well enjoy my freedom while I still have it," Mulder murmured, leaning against Skinner and grasping his hand.
"No one is going to touch you . . . I give you my word on that." He pulled Mulder against his chest and rested his chin on the agent's shoulder while he ran his hands over his lover's chest and stomach. "I've been practicing with Alex, Rory, and Tony. It will take the whole fucking U.S. army to get you away from us."
"Walter, I wish I shared your optimism, but the other side has Sorcerers, too. Besides, I'd rather turn myself over to them, than chance any of you getting hurt on my account," he sighed.
Skinner angrily spun him around to face him, clutching his lover's upper arms in a steel grip. "Fox, I will never allow you to turn yourself over to those fucking bastards! I don't care if you never speak to me again because of it! Your safety and welfare is all that matters to me!" he hissed into to agent's startled face. "DAMMIT! Can't you see what losing you would do to me?!"
"What if you got killed protecting me . . . how do you think I'd feel?"
"Fox, I know how you'd feel . . . but that won't stop me from protecting you. We're a family, and families fight and protect each other." Skinner wrapped his strong arms around him kissing his cheek. "We have time, the injunction our lawyer put together should prevent them from doing anything for at least two months."
"Okay, Walter, you win," Mulder whispered softly. "Let's get our swimsuits on." He walked into the bathroom and opened the walk in closet, shrugging out of his suit.
He turned and looked at Skinner with a mischievous grin on his face as they changed into their swimsuits. "Maybe we could get Alex to watch Hope for us tonight while we go for a midnight swim . . . without the swimsuits."
"You sound like you have more in mind than just swimming," he replied hopefully.
"Oh yeah, I do, I thought we'd christen the swimming pool," he murmured. Wrapping his arms around the larger man's trim waist, he licked his tongue along Skinner's lips.
"That sounds wonderful . . . if Alex doesn't mind watching Hope for us." He kissed him back.
"Alex enjoys watching the munchkin, he says its good practice." Mulder backed away and retrieved two beach towels from the bottom of the linen cabinet.
"Well, I wouldn't want to deprive my dear brother," Skinner replied, taking one of the towels from Mulder. "At least he knows what a joy it will be to have a child of his own. Did I tell you Hope smiled for me while I was bathing her?"
"No, you didn't. That seems rather early . . . are you sure it was a smile?" Mulder asked as they headed for the elevator.
"Yes, Fox, I know a smile when I see one," he grinned. "She hasn't smiled for you or Alex, yet?" Skinner inquired, feeling privileged.
"Nope . . . I would like to see you make her smile." Mulder grinned as they stepped off the elevator and headed toward the backyard.
"You don't believe me?"
"No, I don't. I think what you mistook for a smile was gas."
"Damn, you're sounding like Scully . . . is it so impossible to believe that she smiled?"
"Walter, she's only two and a half weeks old . . . I think it's virtually impossible," Mulder replied smugly as they made their way across the patio toward the outdoor pool.
"Do you want to place a small wager on it?" Skinner asked, holding the gate open for Mulder to pass through.
Stopping, he asked, "What type of wager?"
"The loser gives the winner a full body massage and serves him breakfast in bed for the next week." Skinner stated, waiting patiently for Mulder's answer while watching the other three men in the pool area.
"Okay, fine, you have yourself a deal . . . and, Walter, I expect one of the breakfasts you'll be making me to be potato pancakes. Oh, don't forget the freshly squeezed orange juice, and the fresh-cut flowers on the tray," Mulder smirked.
Skinner walked over to Yori and looked down lovingly at his daughter who was wide awake drooling and kicking her little feet. "Yori, hand me my little angel, please."
Skinner cradled her softly in his arms and strolled back over to Mulder who was spreading the beach towels over two lounge chairs. The agent looked up smiling. "Any time you're ready, Walter."
Skinner lowered his mouth and kissed her nose making a smacking sound. The baby, much to Mulder surprise, smiled delightedly, it was definitely a smile on her face as she gazed rapturously at Skinner.
"Now, let's see, tomorrow morning . . . I think . . . I'd like waffles, a soft boiled egg, and bacon," the A.D. smirked, kissing the top of his daughter's head.
Mulder grinned. He walked up to them. Throwing his arms around Skinner, he leaned down to kiss Hope on the forehead, then his lover on the lips. "It was worth losing the bet to see her smile for you! It really is a thrilling thing . . . don't forget to record it in her baby book." He stepped away and walked to the edge of the pool, testing the water with his foot.
Shinji swam over to him, looking up. "Hey, Mulder. Beautiful day isn't it?"
"Yeah, it is," he replied, diving in. He surfaced and swam back over to Shinji. "So, have you made arrangements for our houseguest, yet?"
"Major Sawada had to return to Japan, he'll be coming back to stay with us for the week of June 12th . . . at least, that's what my government told me." He frowned. "I think there is a problem that they're not telling me."
"Like what?" Mulder asked, watching as Skinner dragged his lounge chair into the shade next to Yori, then sat with Hope cradled protectively against his bare chest.
"It just seems odd that they are so anxious for me to start producing female babies with this man, but it will be at least a month before I meet him."
"You're right, it is strange . . . I'll have the boys check into it for you. If something is fishy, Frohike should be able to sniff it out." Mulder looked over at MacIver who was soundly asleep with the late afternoon sun beating down on him. "Maybe you should wake Rory . . . it looks like he's getting a sunburn."
"Thanks, Mulder," Shinji stated, climbing out of the pool, walking over to his lover. "Hey, Rory, wake up." He noticed the red shoulders and legs.
"Hmm. Oh . . . Shin, what time is it?" MacIver mumbled.
"Time to get you inside," he replied, touching the Scotsman's shoulder lightly.
"Fuck! That hurts . . . I guess I've been out a little too long," he said. Looking over his shoulder, he pulled himself off the lounge chair being careful not to bump his sunburned limbs.
"I suppose you expect me to heal you?" Shinji asked, crossing his arms over his chest.
"Well, that would be awfully kind of you, love," MacIver murmured, kissing him on the cheek.
"What do I get in return?"
"Ah . . . bribery . . . that's what I love about you, Shin, you're a man after my own heart." The Scotsman grinned, grabbing the immortal's hand and leading him toward the house. "Let's negotiate in our bedroom."
Mulder chuckled, watching them, he had never met two people more perfectly matched. He glanced over at Yori, who was getting up from his chair. "Yori, thanks for watching Hope, again." He swam to the side of the pool, looking up at the large Russian. "How are you and Lev doing?"
"Great, Mulder, I've never been more happier. Lev and I have been doing volunteer work at one of the orphanages three nights a week. Now that I'm living with him, we've been talking about adopting some of the boys." He beamed enthusiastically.
"You'd make a great father, Yori. Just how many boys were you thinking of?"
"I would like to adopt all of them . . . it breaks my heart to see them growing up in an orphanage. However, we do not have the means to support and take care of that many. So, I thought we'd start off by adopting seven, we have enough room in Lev's house for that many."
Mulder whistled. "Do have any of the boys picked out yet?"
"Yes, there are five boys who are brothers . . . I wanted to keep them together. The youngest is three, and the oldest is fourteen. Then there are Timmy and Shane . . . Father Joseph has been worried about them, neither one has spoken since coming to the orphanage."
"Yori, it sounds like you have your work cut out for you. I'd like to meet your new family once you get them settled in."
"They would be thrilled to meet you, Mulder. You're a hero to most of the boys . . . you should visit the orphanage when you have time, it would make the boys' day. Well, I had better get going . . . Walter, Mulder, call me if you need anything," he said, heading toward the gate.
"Thanks, Yori, have a safe drive back," Skinner replied, leaning back in the lounge chair feeding Hope a bottle of formula.
"That's awfully nice of Yori and Lev. Did you know Frohike, Byers, and Langly are also doing volunteer work at the orphanage?" Mulder asked, climbing out of the pool and lying down on his belly on a lounge chair in the sun.
"No, I wasn't aware of that. I've heard that several of the agents at bureau were adopting boys. I think they felt it was safe now that they can test the boys for the Ghoul strain of the virus before adopting them." Skinner shifted the baby, looking lovingly down at her small face. "Hey, Fox, come over here . . . have you ever seen her doing this before?"
Mulder stood up and walked over. Looking down at the baby, she was sucking the bottle in the corner of her mouth with one eye squinted shut. The other eye was watching her father's face. "No, that's another first . . . she must like the view. She doesn't want to take her eye off you . . . I can't say that I blame her," Mulder whispered.
The agent walked back to his chair. Lying down, he fell asleep within seconds. What seemed like only minutes later, Skinner was shaking him awake.
"C'mon, Fox, wake up. I don't want you getting sunburn . . . I have plans for that gorgeous body of yours tonight."
Mulder squinted through one eye staring up at him. Skinner laughed. The expression was identical to the one their daughter had made earlier. "God, you're so adorable, let's get you and the baby back inside the house. Alex should be home any second with the pizzas."
"Great, I'm starving . . . I'll remember your promise for later," Mulder said. Standing up, he took the baby from Skinner. "She feels like she needs a diaper change."
"I'll do it when we get back in the house," Skinner replied, putting his arm around the agent's bare waist as they walked toward the house.
"It still amazes me that this little baby is a part of both of us," Mulder murmured as the elevator deposited them on the first floor. "I wouldn't mind having more children with you in the future."
Skinner blinked, shocked, then smiled mistily at him. "Thanks, Fox, I've always dreamed of having a large family. Maybe we could try for a boy next time."
"Sure, Walter, I could see a little Wally junior running around this place," the agent smirked.
"We're not naming our son Wally," he quipped, taking Hope from Mulder. He placed her on the changing table and gently removed the soiled diaper. The younger man leaned against the wall watching him.
"You're starting to become quite the expert diaper changer, Walter," Mulder smirked. "It will come in handy when Alex and I are out of town on a case and you have to change Faith's diapers, too."
"I don't look forward to your out of town cases, but I will definitely enjoy taking care of my niece while you're gone," Skinner murmured, fastening on a new diaper.
*Hey! Mulder! Walter! I'm home!* Krycek's telepathic shout startled both men.
"Good, the pizzas are here, let's continue our discussion in the kitchen," Mulder suggested, tossing Skinner a T-shirt to put on over his swim trunks. He did likewise, then waited for the older man to pick up the baby and follow him out of the room.
Krycek was setting paper plates and napkins out on the long kitchen counter as MacIver opened the pizza boxes. "Shinji's sleeping, so I'm going to set a few slices aside for him," the Scotsman drawled, taking a paper plate and a slice out of each box.
Mulder noticed the lack of a sunburn on MacIver's arms and legs, and put two, and two together. "So, Rory, how much did it cost you?" he snickered, sitting down at the counter and taking a slice of pizza.
"Dinner, a movie, and dancing," he sighed. "Which brings up a small favor I would like to ask Walter and Alex." MacIver added, while wrapping aluminum foil over the plate and putting it in the refrigerator.
"What's that, Rory?" Krycek asked, sitting down next to Mulder. Skinner walked into the kitchen after putting Hope down for a nap in the bassinet in the family room.
"I can handle taking Shin to dinner okay by myself, but the movie and especially dancing might be a problem. I'm afraid I won't be able to adequately protect him, so I was wondering if you and Walter would come along to provide added security for him?" MacIver asked, walking around the counter and sitting down at the end.
Mulder sadly watched his two lovers, he didn't like the idea of being left at home, but he accepted the fact that Shinji needed their protection.
"We wouldn't dream of leaving Shinji under protected, let me call Yori and arrange for him to watch Hope. I'll ask Tony and Kim if they want to go; we can make a whole evening of it." Skinner grinned, grabbing a slice of sausage pizza.
Mulder looked at him expectantly. "Walter, you're taking me, too?"
"Fox, I've been dying to take you out on the town . . . I would never dream of leaving you at home," he soothed.
"Are you sure that you'd be able to protect Kim and Shinji? You know how crazy those nightclubs get," Mulder asked.
Krycek spoke up. "No problem, Walter and I can easily protect all of you. Fox, you have nothing to worry about," he replied smugly.
Mulder gave him a weak smile; it didn't do his ego any good being so dependent on his lovers. "I hope so, since I'm planning on wearing my black leather pants and silk shirt."
"I thought you hated those pants?"
"Alex, not the leather pants Rory gave me . . . I wouldn't be caught dead in those again. The pair Frohike gave me as a wedding gift." Mulder snickered at the stunned looks on his lovers' faces.
"Melvin gave you leather pants for our wedding gift? How come I haven't seen them?" Skinner asked, picking up a bottle of beer that appeared from thin air in front of him, and passing it to Mulder.
"Thanks," the agent replied, opening the bottle. "It was during the bachelor party the gunmen threw for me . . . Byers gave me a matching leather tie."
"Bachelor party?" Skinner was even more baffled.
"Yeah, they came over and surprised me. It was the day you went to the bureau for the quarterly budget meeting with the director."
"Oh. How come you didn't mention it before?"
"You weren't in a good mood when you got home. Afterwards, it sort of slipped my mind." Mulder picked a shrimp out of his slice of pizza and popped it into his mouth.
"What did Langly give you?" the older man grumbled, he didn't like it when Mulder kept things from him.
"A tie tack."
"A tie tack? I wouldn't have thought Langly would have known what a tie tack was." Skinner reached for another slice of pizza.
Krycek laughed. "Oh, so that's where you got that ball and chain tie tack."
Mulder grinned over at him. "Yeah. Did you see Faith's room? Langly finished painting it yesterday."
"I did. He did a remarkable job. I picked up some lead crystal snowflakes to hang from the ceiling. I'll show them to you after we're finished eating," Krycek said, reaching for the last slice of pineapple and shrimp pizza.
"Did you find out when the bed will be delivered?" Mulder asked. They had picked out the most exquisite sleigh bed from an online catalog.
"They said Wednesday afternoon." Krycek turned to Skinner. "Walter, would you or Rory be around on Wednesday to take delivery?" he asked. He felt Mulder stiffen next to him, but he didn't want his lover around the deliverymen, a lot of whom were n'thrals.
"I'll be happy to show the deliverymen where to put the bed, Alex," MacIver answered.
Skinner sensed Mulder's darkening mood and quickly changed the subject. "Alex, Fox and I were wondering if you'd watch Hope for us tonight?"
The young man looked over at his brother. "Sure, I'll look after the mouse for you. So, you two have finally made up?"
"We're planning on making up tonight." Mulder smirked, caressing Skinner's leg. "Isn't that right?"
"Yeah, the whole night." Skinner grabbed Mulder's hand squeezing it affectionately.
Krycek wanted to find out about their visit to the lawyer's office, but he sensed it was a sore subject and he didn't want to spoil their evening. Instead, he rose, walked into the family room, and looked down at his niece. "Has she been fed, yet?"
"It's been at least two hours, you might want to hold off, she'll let you know when she's hungry," Skinner advised him.
"Okay, I'm taking her upstairs to my room, you two have a nice evening," Krycek said, scooping the sleeping infant up gently in his arms. He carried her upstairs, laying her in the small crib that Mulder and he had set up in their room. They had to remove the small breakfast table to make room for it.
He smiled tenderly down at her peacefully sleeping face. He walked into the bathroom to change out of his work clothes, hanging the suit up in the walk-in closet. He pulled on shorts and a T-shirt. Walking barefooted back into his bedroom, he propped a pillow up against the headboard and laid down on his bed, turning on the television. Just as he got comfortable, the baby started whimpering. He got up and went over to the crib.
The minute she saw Krycek's face peering down at her, she stopped whimpering and looked up at him and smiled. "Mouse, you want to watch some TV with me?" he asked. Picking her up, he walked over to the bed and sat. He arranged her comfortably in his arms so she could see the television and leaned back against the headboard. The television didn't hold her interest; instead, she became more interested in the watch on her uncle's wrist, batting at it with her little hands.
***
Skinner and Mulder helped MacIver clean the kitchen before they headed down to the wine cellar. The A.D. wanted to select a bottle of wine for their evening together. Mulder loved the cellar -- it was large, gloomy, and dusty. There were rows of wine racks and the walls and floor were heavy stone. The room was chilly; the previous owner had installed a climate control in the room. Mulder had discovered a secret door behind one of the wine racks that led into an underground tunnel that exited in the basement of Kimberly and Tony's cottage.
"What are you in the mood for? Merlot, Bordeaux, Pinot Noir . . . " the A.D. asked, walking down a row of wine bottles.
"You're the connoisseur, Walter, you choose."
"Okay, the Gewurztraminer it will be," he replied, pulling a bottle from the wine rack.
Mulder ran his hand along the back wine rack with the secret entrance into the tunnel, he hadn't told Skinner about it. He briefly considered telling him, but it was a secret only he knew. The agent figured it was only a matter of time before Tony discovered the secret door in his basement that opened to the tunnel that joined their two houses.
He startled when he felt Skinner's hand on his shoulder; he looked up with a weak grin. "Sorry, Walter, I was thinking."
"What about?"
"Nothing important . . . I would like to go upstairs to see Alex for a second, he was going to show me the crystal snowflakes he bought for Faith's room," he murmured, leaning back against the larger man's sturdy body.
Skinner teleported the wine-bottle from his hand onto the small table by the outdoor pool, so he could wrap both arms around Mulder's body. "Three more weeks and your second daughter will be here . . . are you looking forward to Faith's birth?"
"Yes, but I'm not looking forward to another month away from work." Mulder placed his hands over Skinner's where it was caressing over his chest and stomach. "I meant what I said earlier about wanting more children . . . although . . . I'm worried about losing more of my independence."
"Fox, I promise to take a more active role in looking after our child . . . I know I haven't been upholding our agreement. I'm sorry." Skinner rested his chin on Mulder's shoulder, his free hand roamed down between the agent's thighs, he caressed up his inner thigh to the agent's groin. "Forgive me?"
"Walter, we're both new to this parenting business . . . just be more attentive from now on, after all, she's both of our responsibility." Mulder pushed into Skinner's stroking hand.
"I plan to be very attentive . . . but not only to our daughter," he murmured, kissing the side of Mulder's neck.
"Oh god, Walter . . . STOP!"
"What?" Skinner gasped, startled as the agent pulled out of his arms.
"This," Mulder snickered, sweeping his leg behind Skinner's and throwing him off his feet. The older man landed on his butt on the hard stone floor and his lover quickly settled on top of him. Mulder pushed him back and claimed his mouth in a hard possessive kiss. "I want to fuck you," he voiced huskily.
Skinner's cock twitched at Mulder's request and the weight of his young lover straddled across his hips. "God, Fox . . . I want you to . . . please . . . hurry up." The older man squirmed beneath him, staring up into lust-filled hazel eyes.
Mulder chuckled. "I intend to go really slow . . . I want to thoroughly enjoy your body, but I suggest we take this outside by the pool. This stone floor is anything but enjoyable."
Skinner smiled up at him; he hadn't even noticed the rough stone floor digging into his back and butt; the sweet pleasure of Mulder's hot body sitting on top of his was too much. "I thought you wanted to see Alex before we headed out to the pool," Skinner murmured.
"Alex will have to wait until tomorrow . . . I have a more pressing engagement right now." He stood up and helped Skinner to his feet, watching with amusement as the older man rubbed his sore buttocks. "I'll kiss those and make them feel better later," the agent grinned wickedly.
"Much later . . . I don't want you falling asleep on me until well after midnight."
***
St. Petersburg
The Winter Palace
Monday, May 16
7:20 p.m.The sound of thunder and glass shattering could be heard throughout the large elegant palace. Nikolai Slava had wasted no time claiming it for his home; the Winter Palace gave his self-proclaimed title of Tsar added weight. He closed down the Palace to tourists who had been almost non-existent anyway since the failed alien invasion. He moved his new capital to St. Petersburg.
Captain Mikhin shuddered as another thunderous boom sounded rattling the walls and windows. The large crystal chandelier that hung over the sweeping staircase swung back and forth, precariously close to falling.
Marat Fyodorov, the Tsar's lead Clairvoyant, stood next to him and turned angrily to face the large n'thral. "From now on, you come to me first with news for the Tsar! Especially if it concerns Fox Mulder!" he snarled. He was a short trollish looking man with thick glasses that magnified his eyes.
Standing behind Fryodorov were Georgii Kim, Leonid Apostol, Ivan Dynkin, and Bogdan Sidorov. They were the other clairvoyants in Slava's employment. Marat turned to them, "Let us return to our chambers, the Tsar will want our predictions once his rage has ended."
"Marat, what has the Tsar so angry," Apostol asked, looking nervously up the steps toward Slava's throne room.
"The Tsar found out his lover has married another man. We better have some good advice ready when he calls us," Fryodorov informed them.
"But, Marat, we have already seen the Tsar and his lover together in the near future . . . how could he have married another man?" Sidorov exclaimed.
"We've only seen one possibility for the future. Bogdan, the future isn't set in stone, it is our duty to shape it. We must provide our Tsar with the best path to follow toward obtaining his goals." They entered a large chamber, in the center was a round concrete reflection pool. They gathered around it and held out their hands until the tips of their fingers touched forming an unbroken circle around the pool.
A soft chant rose from the men and soon the water in the reflection pool shimmered and scattered images flashed across its surface. Fryodorov was the only one present that could divine the meaning from the fragmented images shown to them. They were so deeply entranced that they didn't hear the door open.
"Fryodorov!" Slava bellowed.
"Moi Tsar," the short, older man stammered, bowing his head before his ruler. The other Clairvoyants supplicated themselves, falling to their knees and bowing their heads down before the Tsar.
"Why weren't you able to see moi Fox marrying this American sorcerer?" the large Cossack growled.
"Moi Tsar, it was for the simple fact that it does not interfere with yours and Fox Mulder's future together. As long as you follow the course I've laid down for you, he will come back to you, willingly." The older man murmured.
Slava smiled thinly, "Then we shall keep to the course that you have set for me, Fryodorov, but I expect results. If Fox has not returned to me by February, your head will decorate the palace gate."
"He will as long as you do as I advised . . . you must collect his sperm on Halloween evening. After your daughters are conceived, he will return to you. When they are born it will bind him to you -- forever. He'll stay with you out of love for them." Fryodorov took off his glasses and nervously cleaned them on his robe.
Nikolai Slava glanced around the room with unshielded disdain; he did not like these small, weak men. It angered him that he needed them, was dependent on them for the power he now held over Russia. He strolled to the door without another word, leaving it open in his wake.
***
Foxfire Glenn Estate
Thursday, June 3
8:50 p.m.Mulder cried out as his lover's rectal muscles milked the last of the come from his body. It was almost too painfully tight around his cock, he slumped exhausted on top of his lover's broad back. Breathing in the scent of sandalwood from the massage he had given Skinner earlier, he kissed the back of his lover's neck, sighing softly. Mulder gently lifted off and out of the heavily breathing body below his.
"Oh . . . god . . . Fox . . . " Skinner breathed, fully sated and exhausted, turning on his side on the lounge cushions that were spread out on the concrete patio by the pool. Mulder sunk down beside him, Skinner wrapped his arms around his lanky body and held him close. They soon fell into a sweet, contented sleep with Mulder's face buried in the crook of the older man's neck.
Skinner came slowly awake, looking up at the nighttime star speckled sky. He looked over toward the mansion and saw the faint glow of fireflies, he tried to follow the on and off glowing bugs with his eyes. He remembered catching them as a boy with his sister and being paid a nickel for every hundred bugs caught.
Mulder moaned softly in his sleep. Skinner looked down at his distressed face. He was deep in the throes of a nightmare. After the day they had with the lawyer, it didn't surprise the older man.
"Fox, wake up." He shook his lover gently. Mulder slowly opened his eyes looking blearily up at him.
"Walter?" he mumbled. "Wh . . . what time is it?"
"Time for that midnight swim, if you're up to it?" the A.D. smiled. Brushing the bangs off Mulder's forehead, he leaned down and kissed his lush mouth.
"I'm always up for it . . . but I think I'm stuck to the cushions . . . we're going to have to hose these suckers off," he snickered, peeling himself up from the sticky, vinyl, lounge cushion.
Mulder walked to the side of the swimming pool, testing the water with his foot. Lights around the inside of pool softly illuminated his beautiful naked body. He stilled, closed his eyes and breathed in the nighttime air. "Mm, you can really smell the lilac bushes from here." He opened his eyes to find Skinner staring quizzically at him. "What's wrong?"
"I . . . you looked totally at peace for a moment . . . I want to see you like that more often, Fox," Skinner whispered softly. "I really hate the pain and fear you've been feeling lately."
Mulder smiled at him then looked around their property, seeing a fading glow way off in the distance by the marsh. "We should spend more time outdoors . . . I would like to checkout the marsh some evening and see if there's really foxfire there."
Skinner walked up behind him and wrapped his strong arms around his lanky, naked body. Pressing their bodies deliciously close together. "We can always take the camping gear and spend a weekend down by the lake, fishing and exploring the marsh. I have an extra large sleeping bag, we could snuggle really close . . . "
"Walter."
"Yes."
"Let's go swimming," Mulder replied, pulling them suddenly over the edge and into the cool water with a splash. Skinner came up sputtering. Clearing his eyes, he dived toward Mulder, but his lover was the better swimmer and easily avoided him, laughing. Luckily for Skinner, he was able to corner the younger man and grabbed him before he could dive past him.
Mulder peeled with laughter as the older man's arms wrapped around him shoving him against the side of the pool. "You think that was funny, do you?" Skinner smirked. Reaching down, he captured Mulder's cock in his hand and slowly and lovingly pumped it.
"No fair," Mulder groaned. Wrapping his legs around the A.D.'s waist, he felt the larger man's hard cock brush against his ass.
"All's fair in love," Skinner murmured huskily. Capturing the agent's mouth in a deep kiss, pushing his tongue into the warm delicious wetness. His hand dropped down to his cock and he positioned it against Mulder anus. Pushing, the mushroom shaped head popped through the tight ring of muscles. He continued pushing forward until he was in as far as their present position would allow. The agent gasped into Skinner's mouth and wiggled his hips to take as much of the A.D.'s cock into his body as possible -- his legs wrapped tighter around the older man's waist.
Skinner deepened the kiss as his hand snaked between their tightly embraced bodies to claim his lover's cock; again, he rubbed thumb over the crown of Mulder's penis pressing against the small slit. The agent's body writhed, he pushed forward into the A.D.'s stroking hand. Moaning into Skinner mouth, he gasped as the large man's cock pulled slightly out the then pushed forcefully back in.
Skinner rotated his hips, wanting to go deeper, but was hindered by their present position. He pulled out and ended the kiss. "Lean against the side of the pool," he instructed huskily, unwrapping Mulder's legs from his waist. The agent quickly complied, bending over and spreading his legs making himself more attainable. Skinner remounted him in one swift thrust and tightened his arms around his young lover's body.
The older man pulled out then pushed back in; Mulder squirmed as water from the pool was forced into his rectum with each upward thrust. Skinner gripped his lover's cock and started pumping it in time with his thrusts into that tight, silky passage.
Mulder clung onto the side of the pool quickly losing control, pushing back against Skinner's large cock he cried out each time it stroked over his prostate gland. The next time was too much as his orgasm rocked through his body, he spurted his milky come into the pool and felt the hot gush of liquid filling his bowls as his lover also fell over the abyss.
Skinner clung tightly to his trembling body keeping him standing as his legs threatened to give out on him. They both were breathing heavily from the exertion. "I think it's time for bed, do you think you can make it back to the house?" he asked, pulling out of his lover's languished body.
"Yeah, just give me a second," Mulder said, turning in his arms to kiss him tenderly. "Thanks."
They climbed out of the pool and toweled off, picking up their clothing. Mulder went to grab the empty wine bottle and glasses.
"Fox, leave it. I'll pick it up tomorrow when I clean the pool area."
They made their way back to the mansion, up the concrete steps to the upper patio, and entered their bedroom through the French doors. They dropped their clothing on the nearest chair then collapsed into the softness of their bed, wrapped in each other's arms.
Mulder woke early the next morning, peering around the lightening bedroom. They hadn't even bothered to get under the bedcovers last night. He remembered his bet with Skinner from yesterday and quietly eased out of the larger man's arms.
The agent pulled on his robe then headed for the kitchen where he took the waffle iron form the cabinet. Ten minutes later, he had the batter mixed, an egg boiling, and bacon frying on the stove. He placed the large serving tray on the counter, setting silverware and a napkin on it.
Mulder then poured the batter on the waffle iron and closed the lid. He went to the stove and turned the bacon and scooped the egg out of the water, placing it in an egg holder on the tray.
Tony walked into the kitchen from the back door, carrying a bouquet of freshly cut flowers. "Kim sent me over, we're out of eggs, mind if I borrow some?" he asked. Taking a vase out of the cabinet, he filled it with tap water and started arranging the flowers in it.
"No, help yourself to as many as you need," Mulder replied, removing the waffles from the griddle he placed them on a plate. He hurriedly removed the bacon from the heat, placing three slices on Skinner's plate.
Tony placed the flowers on the breakfast table. Opening the refrigerator, he got out four eggs. "Thanks, Mulder, see you later," he said cheerfully, leaving the kitchen.
Mulder stared over at the flowers. He quickly got a bud vase out of the cabinet, pulled three tulips and a sprig of babies breath out, transferring them in the other vase, placing it on the tray. Lastly, he poured a cup of coffee and a glass of orange juice. He picked up the tray and started to head back to their bedroom when he ran into Krycek carrying the whimpering baby.
"G'mornin," Krycek mumbled tiredly. He was wearing only white silk boxers and his hair was mussed up from sleep. Hope was wearing only a diaper and had an impatient look on her face. Seeing them both together, Mulder was amused by how much the baby looked like Krycek.
"Good morning, Alex," he said smiling. Letting them pass, he watched as Krycek removed a bottle from the refrigerator.
"You can bring the munchkin back to Skinner's bedroom," Mulder told him. Heading down the hallway, he entered the bedroom to find Skinner sitting up in bed with the pillows propped up behind his back. The older man smiled lovingly at him as he placed the tray across his lap.
"Ah, six more mornings of breakfast in bed . . . a man could get spoiled," Skinner smirked, picking up the coffee cup.
Krycek came into the bedroom and sunk into a wingback chair by the fireplace. Hope was contentedly drinking her bottle. "So, Fox, what bet did you lose to my dear brother?" he asked glancing at the food-laden tray.
"Walter made Hope smile . . . and I didn't think he could," Mulder replied, sitting down on the bed watching his lover eat.
"Oh, you mean like this?" Krycek removed the bottle then lowered his face to the baby's belly kissing it, again the baby smiled up at him, but stopped when her uncle offered her the bottle. Krycek looked smugly up at Mulder.
Mulder sighed, "I'm going to finish making breakfast, would you like waffles, Alex?"
"Sure, Lover, call me when it's ready. I'm going to keep Walter company while he eats," Krycek replied, watching Mulder leave the room. After the agent was out of earshot, Krycek turned back to his brother.
"Okay, Walter, what happened at the lawyer's office yesterday?"
The older man sighed, "It was worse than we suspected . . . they already had a schedule drawn up, when and where Fox would have sex with these other sorcerers. They also had a list of men that would be adopting Mulder's daughters; not surprisingly, all of the Senators were on that list."
"Those bastards! No wonder Fox was so upset yesterday," Krycek stood and paced the room with his niece, who started crying after his loud outburst. "Ssh, sorry princess," he soothed. "Walter, what are we going to do?" whispering.
"We'll fight it in court first, if that doesn't work, we'll have to find another place to live," Skinner chewed thoughtfully on a piece of bacon.
"You do realize that if we lose, we'd have to fight our way out of the country. They will never allow Fox to leave with us."
"Then we'll fight . . . because they're not getting their hands on Fox," Skinner replied hotly. "Alex, we have at least two months to explore our options, I suggest we use that time productively."
Krycek quietly paced deep in thought while the older man finished his breakfast. A short time later, Mulder returned. "Alex, your breakfast is on the table, here, give me the baby. You're running late -- you have to be to work by 8:30."
"That's what I get for agreeing to buy a house in the country," Krycek grumbled, handing the baby to Mulder he left the room.
MacIver and Takeda were at the kitchen counter eating and chatting as he sat in front of his breakfast. He didn't have much of an appetite after talking to Skinner, he picked at his food, only managing to eat part of a waffle before pushing the plate away.
"If you're not going to finish that, lad, mind if I?" the Scotsman drawled.
"No . . . go ahead. I have to go and get ready for work." Krycek slid the plate down the counter to MacIver.
***
Mulder turned to Skinner. "Alex seemed upset. You told him about our visit to the attorney's office yesterday, didn't you?" He sat on the bed and placed the baby on her belly and gently rubbed her back.
"Yes, he needed to know what we were up against." Skinner climbed out of bed and walked naked into the bathroom, turning on the shower.
Mulder picked up the baby after she burped and followed him. "I know Alex needs to know . . . I just wanted to wait until he got home tonight. I didn't want this distracting him, he's part of the assault team that's going to raid that slavery ring in Baltimore today."
"Sorry, Fox, I didn't realize the raid was scheduled for today," Skinner murmured, stepping into the shower.
"That's okay, not much we can do about it now," Mulder sighed, walking over to where they had the small bathing table. "Okay, princess, let's get you bathed and dressed." Mulder cradled her in one arm while filling the basin with warm water.
Skinner finished his shower and toweled off, walking into the closet he dressed in shorts, a T-shirt, and sandals.
He watched from the doorway as his lover bathed their child before walking over to him. "Fox, here, let me finish washing her, you go and grab a shower and get dressed. Did you have breakfast yet?"
"Thanks, Walter. No, I've been too busy . . . I'll grab something later." He slipped off his robe, hanging it the back of the bathroom door next to Skinner's then he stepped into the shower.
Skinner finished washing the baby, then gently wrapped her in a towel and carried her into the nursery. He dressed her in a one-piece sun-suit complete with bonnet. "When your daddy Fox is ready, we're going to take you for a buggy ride down by the lake. Would you like that, angel?" he murmured.
Krycek stepped into the room. "I'm on my way to work. Do you want me to pick up dinner in town, again, on my way home tonight?"
"No . . . Fox is barbecuing ribs for dinner." Skinner looked at him thoughtfully. "Alex, be careful today, don't allow our conversation earlier to distract you."
"Don't worry, Bro, I have absolutely no intention of getting myself killed . . . not while Fox needs me," he sighed and walked out the door.
***