Life from the Ashes Book 2 - Hope and Faith
Chapter 14
Happy Birthdayby Jo B.
purplefox@usfamily.net***
Scullys' Ranch
Canada
Tuesday, May 17
10:00 a.m.Dana sat in the family room looking at the photos taken at Mulder's wedding, there were several of her holding the baby. She could still remember the infant's scent of baby oil, powder, and formula. It made her more determined than ever to talk to Skinner about getting permission to use her own ova so she could have a child. Skinner had the clout required to intercede with various bureaucrats that she didn't.
She no longer cared if it was a girl, she'd be happy with a boy. There was only the question of the father. She couldn't ask Mulder, she didn't want to risk shattering their fragile peace.
"Hi, Dana, I found a real estate agent to list the ranch for us," Charlie said, sitting next to her.
"Are you or Bill going to fly to D.C. to start house hunting?"
"There's no need . . . Mom and Dad's house in Baltimore is available . . . and we still hold the title on it. Plus, it's close enough to D.C. that we can be there for you if you need us."
"Thanks, Charlie." She reached over and squeezed his hand.
***
Foxfire Glenn Estate
Tuesday, May 17
11:30 a.m.Skinner and Mulder had returned from their walk by the lake an hour ago. They were in the kitchen preparing food for the barbecue this evening. The A.D. finished filling the last pie crust with apples and was in the process of lacing the dough strips over the top. He wiped his hand over his face leaving a white streak of flour.
Mulder sat on the other side of the counter drinking a cup of coffee and supervising him. "Walter, don't forget to sprinkle the cinnamon and sugar on top before you put it in the oven, and do the same for the leftover dough."
"Fox, . . . you don't have to keep pointing things out . . . wait until I actually forget something before reminding me," he huffed.
"Sorry, babe," the agent smiled and reached up to wipe the flour from Skinner's face.
"Hey, Mulder, do you want to taste the dressing for the potato salad before I pour it on?" Shinji asked with a pleased expression on his beautiful face. He walked over to the counter with the bowl of dressing.
"Sure, Shin," Mulder replied, dipping his finger in and licking the dressing from it. "Perfect. Are you sure you've never cooked before?"
"No, but it does help to have a photographic memory. I've already memorized part of Alex's 'Joys of Cooking' cookbook," the young Japanese immortal stated proudly.
"How are you doing, Rory?" Mulder inquired, glancing over at the Scotsman.
"I'm doing stupendously . . . this cooking business is easier than I thought it would be," the Scotsman drawled. He was filling a watermelon basket that he had carved and hollowed out with honeydew, cantaloupe, pineapple, grapes, kiwi, and watermelon.
"Rory, just wait until you actually have to use the stove," Mulder smirked. He walked over to the refrigerator, took out the leftover ham from Sunday's dinner, and placed it on the counter. Then he pulled out two types of bread, rye and pumpernickel, putting them on the lazy Susan on the round breakfast table. Out of the refrigerator he got mustard, horseradish, butter, and mayonnaise, and placed them on the table, too.
"Do you need any help, Fox?" Skinner offered after placing the pies in the oven.
"Yeah, do you want to carve the ham while I cut up the tomato and shred the lettuce?" Mulder started rifling through the refrigerator. "Did you remember to pick up some Swiss cheese on Saturday?" he asked.
"Yes, here." Skinner reached past him and behind a carton of milk pulling out a packet of pre-sliced Swiss cheese.
"Thanks."
Takeda placed the cellophane-covered bowl of potato salad into the refrigerator then went to help MacIver finish the fruit salad. When done, the older man carried it delicately over to the refrigerator.
"Blast! Mulder, there's no damn room in this refrigerator for my masterpiece," the Scottish sorcerer complained.
"I made room for it in the refrigerator in the butler's pantry," Mulder replied, setting the sliced tomato and shredded lettuce on the table.
"What did you do with the beer and ale that was in that fridge?" MacIver asked anxiously.
"I moved some of it up to the refrigerator in the game room. Don't worry, Rory, there's still plenty of beer left down here." Mulder grinned. Grabbing a bottle of ice tea, he sat at the table just as Skinner set the platter of ham down.
"Thank god," MacIver replied, walking out of the kitchen and into the pantry, he returned seconds later with an ale. "Nothing goes better with ham sandwiches than a good ale," he drawled as he sat next to Takeda and grabbed a couple of slices of pumpernickel.
Tony walked through the back door; smiling, he grabbed an ice tea then sat at the table to make a sandwich. "Walter, I picked up some more supplies at the hobby store in town for the doll houses," he said, smearing mustard onto a slice of rye.
"Did you pick up the electrical kits for them?" Skinner asked, sipping a beer.
"Yes, I also picked up some mock stained-glass supplies for Alex."
"Aren't you three getting a little bit carried away?" Mulder asked.
His lovers had started building dollhouses for their daughters a month ago and each of the houses had become more, and more elaborate as each man tried to out do the other. Tony had started building one last week after Shinji had agreed to allow them to adopt his daughters. He was building a French cottage house similar to the one Kim and he lived in. Skinner was building a large country farmhouse and Krycek a three-level Victorian.
"Nope. Fox, you should come out and help, it's fun and fulfilling work creating something beautiful," Skinner replied.
"I wouldn't know what to do . . . I'd probably screw it up," the agent sighed.
"Nonsense, I'll teach you," Skinner soothed. "Say, Tony, did Alex mention what he was going to do with the mock stained-glass?" Skinner inquired.
"He said if you should ask, not to tell you," Tony snickered.
"Do you think there will be any of the stained-glass paint left?" the A.D. asked sheepishly.
"Walter, there's enough there to paint a hundred dollhouse windows. Are you thinking of painting one for Hope's house?"
"I thought I'd ask Langly. If I'm going to out do my brother, I need someone who can paint. I just have to decide on a pattern. Are you sure you won't give me a clue about what Alex is painting?"
"I think you'd be better off asking Langly . . . Alex already talked him into painting it for him," Tony laughed. He never met two men so set on outdoing each other.
They finished the remainder of their lunch in companionable silence.
Mulder put the leftover ham back in the refrigerator. He would have Frohike show them how to make soup with it tomorrow. He smiled when he thought of how annoyed Skinner was going to be when he found out he hired Frohike to teach him how to cook.
Hope started shrieking loudly from the family room and Mulder rushed to pick her up. "It's okay, princess, daddy has you," he murmured, softly holding and swaying her.
When she didn't stop crying, Skinner came hurrying in. "What's wrong with her?"
"I don't know, maybe we should call Doctor Carter," he replied as the baby continued to shriek loudly. Mulder gently rubbed her belly, feeling how hard and tight her tummy was. "Tell him her stomach feels hard and tight, and there's a slight rumble I can feel under my hand."
Mulder held her close and sat in a rocking chair, rubbing her back as she cried. Skinner knelt down next to them, lovingly brushing her cheek with his finger. She gazed at him through red puffy eyes as he pulled out a handkerchief and wiped the tears and mucus from her face. Hope turned her small face into her father's shoulder, crying hysterically, clutching his shirt with her small fingers.
"Fox, I'll go call the pediatrician," he said and hurriedly stood up, racing for the telephone.
Mulder held and rocked the baby as she continued crying, at times shrieking in pain. He was relieved when Skinner came back a few minutes later, carrying a small bottle and a dropper.
"The doctor says she must have gas, he told me to give her Mylicon. Luckily, I had purchased some after reading that baby book." The older man filled the dropper with the recommended dosage. "Fox, can you turn her around, I need to try to get her to swallow this."
Mulder positioned the screaming baby on his lap and watched as Skinner squirted the liquid into her mouth, blowing gently on her face. She stopped crying and swallowed half, but the other half dribbled out. "I'll give her a little bit more," Skinner sighed, refilling the dropper.
It took a while before the baby started to quiet down.
"Where did you learn that blowing on a baby's face will get her to swallow?" Mulder asked, while repositioning the baby on his lap.
"I remembered my sister doing that to one of my nieces when I was visiting one summer. It's strange what you'll remember when you need to," Skinner replied sadly.
"Do you want me to relieve you?" the older man asked standing up.
Mulder knew Skinner was looking forward to spending an hour after lunch working in his study. "No, I'll be fine with her for a while, but would you bring me an ice tea and the remote for the TV?"
Skinner came back a few minutes later handing him a glass of ice tea with a slice of lemon in it. "Here you are, Fox, call if you want me to take over for you," he said softly, kissing both of them.
***
Foxfire Glenn Estate
Tuesday, May 17
7:30 p.m.Mulder smiled over at Skinner, the older man was holding their little daughter, softly humming to her. The agent looked back at the ribs barbecuing on the grill, he brushed some more barbecue sauce on them and closed the lid looking around at all of their guests.
They had four tables set up on the lower patio. Tony, Kim, Shinji, Rory, Skinner, and Frohike sat at one. Skinner's two cousins Anton and Andrei sat with Alex, Byers, Langly, and Uncle Kostya at another. Yori, Lev, Father Joseph, and Timmy and Shane, two of the boys Yori and Lev wanted to adopt, sat at the third table. The final table was used for the buffet with the large fruit filled watermelon as a centerpiece.
Frohike excused himself and walked over to help Mulder. "How's it going?"
"Almost ready . . . can you bring over the plates? I'll put ribs on each plate and you can hand them out. They can serve themselves at the buffet table."
Frohike retrieved the stack of plates, setting them on the table by the large gas grill. Mulder used a knife to divide the racks of ribs into equal servings.
"Leave Skinner's, I'll fix his plate for him," Mulder said, looking affectionately over at his older lover who was holding their daughter nestled in his strong arms. Hope seemed to have quieted down and appeared to be sleeping.
Their guests started getting up and serving themselves at the buffet table. Yori assisted the two little boys, while Mulder heaped Skinner's plate full and placed it in front of him.
"Walter, try putting her in the bassinet . . . I think she'll sleep for a while."
"Thanks, Fox," he replied, gently placing the infant in the bassinet by his feet. He held his breath, letting it out only when she continued sleeping. The older man picked up a fork and started eating hungrily.
Mulder went back and filled his own plate and sat between Father Joseph and Lev.
"So, Mulder, how's being married to my bossy cousin working out?" Lev asked between bites.
"He's not that bossy, Lev, he just needs to feel in control. We've reached an understanding at just how much control is allowed," Mulder grinned, putting down his fork when the baby started shrieking loudly. "Excuse me," he said, getting up.
Skinner was already scooping up the infant, trying to soothe her.
"Walter, let me have the munchkin, you continue eating. I'll take her for a walk, maybe she'll quiet down." Mulder reached for the infant.
"Fox, that's not necessary, I can walk with her, go back to your meal," Skinner groused.
"Walter, please, I insist . . . you've been watching her the whole afternoon," Mulder murmured, taking the crying baby into his arms.
"Okay, I'll let you have her only until I'm finished eating, then I'm taking her back," he grumbled, watching as Mulder walked off with her.
Mulder walked away from the patio and down a garden path that led toward the woods. The sun was just beginning to set; the sky was a brilliant red. There was supposed to be a thunderstorm later this evening. He held Hope snugly in his arms and used a small amount of his healing powers to relieve her discomfort; he didn't want to cause himself to fall asleep by expending too much energy.
A pair of inhuman eyes followed Mulder's progress; the morph got excited as the one he was ordered to capture got closer, carrying the female infant he'd been ordered to kill. The morph sank back into the dense foliage waiting to strike, but he didn't expect the intoxicating scent of the immortal to be so arousing. He blew his own cover when he became uncontrollably sexually aroused, causing him to drop his shield as he became erect and hard with desire.
All four sorcerers and the two clairvoyants stopped eating and jumped out of their chairs, startling the others on the patio. Krycek was first up and raced toward Mulder's location with Skinner close on his heals, MacIver and Tony were only a few steps behind followed by Yori and Frohike.
The morph felt the four enraged sorcerers racing toward his concealed location and took off in the opposite direction, placing a new shield around himself as he ran.
"FOX!" Krycek cried, reaching him first. It had been less than a minute since they felt the morph's presence.
Mulder stared at them baffled. "What is it?"
"Tony, stay with Fox," Skinner ordered as Krycek, MacIver, and he raced into the foliage searching for the menacing alien presence they had all felt. The presence was still there but was fading fast as the morph quickly out distanced them.
The morph had a means of escape parked just outside the fence, which he quickly scaled. He jumped into the truck and raced off. He cursed his own foolishness, he knew how vital it was for him to remain undetected. Now the sorcerers were aware of his presence and could easily detect him in the future.
He cursed the careless Grays who engineered the virus; the sorcerer mutation had not been planned, it was an unexpected mistake brought on by some genetic makeup in the human's body. There were only supposed to be the Neanderthals, Ghouls, and a handful of Immortals. The Grays were even surprised at how many human males didn't mutate. On other planets the virus had mutated the whole population, leaving it ripe for their rule. On his planet only 15 percent of the population didn't mutate.
These sorcerers were a formidable enemy with powers far beyond what he was capable of, and he hadn't foreseen the arousal he would feel for the immortal.
The morph glanced through the rearview mirror as his truck raced down the deserted highway. He grinned. The Grays were furious when they found out about the female child conceived between their immortal and this new race of sorcerers.
The immortals had been meant for the mysterious alien overlord of the planet. They were to be used for breeding and procreating a new hybrid race. Eventually, the Neanderthals and ghouls would die out and the new race would take over the planet. Just like they were doing on his planet -- he was one.
The Grays did not have a foothold on this world like they did on his planet. His world was not as fortunate as the earth. There were still some of his people raging a useless resistance. He didn't know what they hoped to accomplish, they had no way to repopulate their race. He turned his thoughts back to Mulder, what would sex be like with the human immortal? Would he be able to breed with him like the overlord?
The humans were using an artificial way of producing offspring that his planet did not have; even if they had, the Grays would have destroyed the technology. He had been working with the Consortium, behind the backs of the Grays, to get his people the technology. Now it was useless, the Consortium was being hunted; he had nothing left but to follow the orders of the Grays if he ever wanted to return to his home world.
***
"He got away. Damn!" Skinner swore, returning to Mulder's side. Hope was screeching at the top of her lungs and Mulder was holding her protectively against his chest -- she had sensed his fear and anxiety.
"Who, Walter? What the hell's going on?" His eyes darted around nervously.
"There was an alien here . . . we all felt its presence. Fox, he wanted you," Skinner murmured sadly, hugging his lover and daughter.
"Shit! Walter, please, tell me that he was here to kill me and he wasn't sexually . . . " his voice trailed off at the confirming look on his lover's face. Mulder sighed, feeling physically ill.
Krycek came up to them, putting away his cell-phone. "The state police are going to put up roadblocks, I don't know what good it will do. We have no description of the alien or his mode of transportation." The young man wrapped his arms around his lover and his brother. "I'm sorry, Fox. After everything that has happened, we should have been more alert."
"Alex, please lay off the guilt trip . . . we all thought the aliens were gone, how were you to know to watch out for them?" Mulder groused, leaning his head against Krycek's, he was beginning to shake. This was all he needed after everything else . . . to be abducted by aliens, that would be the icing on the cake. "Walter, could you take Hope . . . I'm a bit too shaky to hold her."
"Sure, Fox," Skinner soothed, taking the crying infant.
Mulder leaned against Krycek, seeking comfort and security. "Let's return to the party, everybody's probably wondering where we've gone," he said, thankful when Krycek put his arm securely around his waist.
"Mulder, are you going to be all right?" Yori asked as they made their way back.
"I've been better . . . don't worry . . . I'll be fine." He was visibly trembling.
Yori and Frohike exchanged concerned looks as they trekked back to the patio. Once back, Skinner explained what had happened, minimizing it so he didn't scare the two little boys.
"Fox, let's go inside, I'll run you a hot, relaxing bath. Walter can take care of our guests and the mouse for a while," Krycek soothed.
"No, I don't want to leave Hope out here . . . I don't want her out of my sight. Besides, you don't need to treat me like I'm fragile, I can take care of myself!" Mulder admonished.
"I know you can, Fox, please, just humor me. And, don't worry about Hope, she's not in any danger, that thing wanted you not her. However, if it will ease your mind . . . we'll bring her in with us, she can sleep in the crib in our room tonight." He hugged Mulder and kissed him hard.
"Okay, Alex, if it will make you happy . . . I'll let you baby me, but only for one night," Mulder sighed, returning the embrace.
Krycek walked over and whispered to Skinner; letting him know where they were going, he took the crying baby from him.
Skinner put on a strong front for the benefit of their guests, but he really wanted to be inside to comfort his lover. He managed to salvage what was left of the party, being the perfect host. The guests settled into a nervous banter, speculating about how the alien managed to get onto the estate without being detected.
Upstairs, Mulder relieved Krycek of the crying infant. He placed her on her belly in the center of their king-sized bed and gently rubbed her back and she started to quiet down. The younger man went into the bathroom to start the bath.
Returning to the bedroom, Krycek asked, "How is she?"
"Sleeping. Hand me the blanket from the crib, she'll be okay on the bed." Mulder gently turned the baby onto her back and tucked the blanket around her. He glanced over at the French doors leading out onto their private veranda, his instincts told him to guard her closely; he didn't believe his lover's claim that she was safe. "On second thought, I don't want her out of my sight," he said. Picking the infant up he placed her in the small bassinet and carried her into the bathroom with him.
Placing the bassinet on the floor near the bathtub, Mulder walked into the closet and shrugged out of his clothing. He threw the soiled garments into the hamper. Krycek came up behind him, wrapping his arms around the agent's firm body.
"Fox, mind if I join you in the tub?" he asked softly.
"No, as long as we keep it down . . . I don't want to disturb the munchkin." He paused, considering how strange his life had become. "God, I'm a father," he groaned.
"Get used to it, lover, in three weeks there will be two babies in the household." Krycek shrugged out of his clothes and joined Mulder in the bathroom, he glanced warmly down at the sleeping infant. "How old does she have to be before we have to stop walking around naked in front of her?"
"I don't plan on hiding my body from her or Faith. I want our daughters to grow up in a loving and caring family, no shame, no guilt, and no embarrassment. We are not going to stop showing open affection for each other in front of them." Mulder stepped into the large bathtub waiting for Krycek to climb in beside him. He embraced him and kissed him deeply. "Of course, we aren't going to have sex in front of them," he quipped, sitting down in the warm, fragrant water.
"That's a relief, you had me worried there for a moment," Krycek teased, turning he laid back and relaxed against Mulder's chest.
"Mm, this is nice," the agent murmured, enfolding Krycek's warm body in his arms.
Krycek turned and captured Mulder's lips with his. Exploring the warm haven of his lover's mouth, he started to get aroused. Then the baby started bawling, interrupting them.
Mulder snickered against Krycek's mouth. "Looks like we're going to have to go without sex this bath, sorry. The water isn't hot . . ., can you snag the bassinet? Hope needs a bath, too."
Krycek leaned over and grabbed the bassinet, pulling it up against the bathtub. He pealed the clothes from the infant; lifting her up, he gently laid her on Mulder's chest. She stopped crying immediately as she was immersed up to her neck in the warm water. She nestled against her father's chest, cooing happily.
"Alex, get the baby wash," Mulder requested, rubbing the baby's back. He smiled as the bottle appeared in the younger man's hand, along with a soft washcloth.
"Mouse, don't get too used to this," Krycek grumbled, running a soft, soapy cloth over the baby's back and butt.
Mulder turned her around so Krycek could wash her front. "Don't listen to your Uncle Alex, princess, he's just being grouchy."
Hope smiled up at her uncle, kicking her feet excitedly. Krycek's heart melted under her adoring gaze. "Okay, you win, mouse," he murmured. Leaning down, he kissed her nose.
***
Two Weeks Later
Viva Tower
Thursday, June 3
10:00 a.m.Phil Boutotte and his fourteen-year-old son helped Dana Scully and her brothers move the last of her furniture into the apartment.
"Thanks, Phil. It's convenient that you're working security this evening at the clinic and were available to help me move in today," Dana said, smiling sweetly at the handsome agent.
"No problem, Dana. It's going to be good to have you back at the Bureau. Do you know when you're going to start?" he asked, leaning against the counter watching her unpack a box of dishes.
"Monday . . . I'm really looking forward to going back to work. I've been reassigned to the X-Files. However, it won't be the same working there now that Mulder's working for the VCU." She stacked the plates on the counter, looking sad for a moment.
"It would have been different even if Mulder was there, it has over forty agents working in it now," he murmured.
Phil's son came into the kitchen with Charlie's two boys. "Dad, I'm going to show Trevor and Randy the game room and pool area," Scott informed his father as the three teenagers headed toward the door.
"Don't be gone too long, remember we're taking Dana and her family out to lunch."
"Don't worry, Dad, we'll be back in an hour," the boy replied as he closed the door to the apartment.
***
Hoover Building
Thursday, June 3
5:40 p.m.Skinner thought he'd never get done with the mountain of paperwork that had piled up during his month of paternity leave. It's been two days since he had been back at work and he finally hit the bottom of the pile.
Mulder had been overjoyed to get back; although, it was only for a week. Faith was scheduled to be born June 9 and his lover would be forced to take another month off. Skinner grinned at that, another month where Mulder was safely tucked away at home. He felt a twinge of guilt at wanting his lover home and safe, he knew how much Mulder wanted to return to work.
He glanced at his watch, he was running late. He was supposed to meet Mulder and Krycek down at the daycare to pick up Hope twenty minutes ago. He stood, grabbed his suit coat pulling it on as he made his way to the door. He jerked it open and startled Mulder who was in the process of knocking.
"Sorry . . . I'm ready to leave. Kim are you ready?" Skinner asked, glancing at his assistant as she pulled her purse from the bottom desk drawer.
"Yes, sir," she smiled, putting the purse strap over her shoulder.
Krycek stood by the outer door holding the infant. She was dressed in a lightweight sun dress and bonnet. He held the door open for Kimberly to step through, followed by Mulder. Skinner stopped in front of him, holding his arms out for his baby.
"How's she doing?" he asked, taking her and looking at her alert face.
"Yori said she's tolerating the attention she's been receiving at the daycare." Krycek informed him, following Skinner down the hallway toward the elevator.
"Walter, we need to stop at the dry cleaners, then at your cousin's restaurant. I ordered some Russian takeout for dinner tonight," Mulder said, holding the elevator door open for Skinner and Krycek.
"I hope you ordered extra; I'm starving, I worked through lunch," Skinner licked his lips, stepping into the back of the elevator.
"We can order more when we get there, but you know your cousin, he probably already added some new entree he wants to test out on us." Mulder glanced over at Krycek with a knowing gleam in his eyes.
"Do you need anything Kim? We could stop at the store on our way home," Skinner asked, stepping out of the elevator in the parking garage, looking around at all the empty spaces.
"No, Walter, Mulder placed an order for me with Lev." Kimberly smiled at Mulder as he opened the car door for her. Krycek walked around to the other side and climbed in, he took Hope from Skinner and fastened her in the infant seat. Skinner started the truck, pulling out of the lot.
Thirty minutes later, after stopping at the dry cleaners, he pulled his truck into the full parking lot of his cousin's restaurant. "That's strange, I wouldn't have thought they'd be this busy, so early on a Thursday." He parked in the ten minute parking space the restaurant provided for its takeout customers.
"Walter, you know most people have taken the whole Memorial Day week off," Mulder stated, opening his door and climbing out.
'Yeah, you're right. We're down to a skeleton crew at the bureau this week." Skinner waited for Krycek to pass Hope to him, but Mulder stepped forward and took her away from him.
"I'll take her." He grinned. "This way your relatives won't be able to hug and kiss me."
They held back allowing Skinner to enter the restaurant first.
"SURPRISE!" Rang out in the packed restaurant as Skinner stood in the doorway shocked. There was a large banner reading 'Happy 47th Birthday Walter Skinner!'
He blushed, bright red, turning back to his lover and brother. "I'll get even with both of you for this," he snarled under his breath.
"It was his idea," they said in unison pointing at the other.
His cousins rushed over hugging and kissing him. Anton turned toward Mulder and kissed the baby then planted a big wet one on his cousin's husband's lips. Lev, Yori, and Andrei followed suit. Mulder backed away when some of his fellow agents attempted to kiss him, too.
Krycek wrapped his arms around Mulder's slim waist. "Well, I guess the baby didn't offer much protection, maybe you should hide behind me or Walter next time," he snickered.
"Hey, Mulder, we're having a carnival to raise money for the orphanage. Why don't you volunteer to man the kissing booth, we'd make a killing," Frohike leered.
"Yeah, think of the poor children," Langly agreed, straight faced.
"Mulder, it is a very good idea, we would make lots of money. The building needs repairing and several of the children need operations," Yori added seriously, not picking up on the fun the gunmen were having at Mulder's expense.
Father Joseph was listening to their conversation and saw the profit potential of having the beautiful immortal manning a kissing booth. "Mr. Mulder, think of the orphans, we could easily charge $25.00 a kiss."
Mulder shot a glare over at Frohike who was doubled over laughing hysterically. He turned to the priest. "Father Joseph, it wouldn't be safe for me to be at your carnival; otherwise, I'd love to do anything to help the orphans."
"Don't worry, Mulder. Vinny, Phil, Ron, and myself will provide security for you," Jack Sullivan smiled innocently at him.
Skinner who was looking for a way to get even with his lover added, "No need, Agent Sullivan. Mr. MacIver, Agent Krycek, and myself will provide the security for Agent Mulder," he smiled at their stunned expressions.
"WHAT?" Mulder squeaked.
"It's for charity, Fox. Of course we'll have rules, no n'thrals, no French kissing, and no longer than say 30 seconds," Skinner added.
"Ah, couldn't we charge extra for French kissing?" MacIver smirked, walking up with Takeda who kicked him in the shin to shut him up. He didn't appreciate seeing a fellow immortal being ganged up on. "Ouch! What was that for, Shinji?"
"If you don't want to sleep on the sofa tonight, I suggest you mind your own business!" Shinji snapped.
Mulder smiled at him. "Thanks, Shin, I might be sleeping on the sofa in my home office for the next few nights."
"Hey, I didn't do anything!" Krycek blurted out.
"Yeah, that's the whole point." Mulder glared at him. Pulling away, he stormed across the room to sit at a small table with Hope.
"Oops, I think we've bruised his ego . . . I better go apologize," Skinner sighed, walking over to his angry lover. He knelt down next to him. "Fox, I'm sorry, I was only trying to get back at you for this party. Sometimes I forget how hard your mutation has been for you, my behavior really was immature . . . please, forgive me?"
"Okay, Walter, since it's your birthday and you did have every right to try to get even with me, I'll over look it this time as long as you try to enjoy yourself tonight. I knew how much you were going to hate having a surprise party. I swear, I did try to talk your cousins out of it, but you know how impossible that is."
"I'll try, Fox." He leaned over and kissed his lover. "So, which one of them suggested it?" Skinner asked, looking menacingly over at his Russian cousins.
"Lev . . . I think he's still ticked at you over Yori," Mulder informed him as Frohike and Langly came strolling up.
"Mulder, we want to apologize for the group. We were only trying to have some innocent fun at your expense . . . I guess we just got carried away," Langly said.
"Yeah, Mulder, we've forgotten how sensitive and delicate you've been lately," Frohike fumed, hurt that his best friend couldn't take a joke.
"Fuck off, Frohike, you'd never understand."
"You're right, I don't. Maybe later you can explain it to me," the little man snapped. "But, I don't want to ruin Walter's party, so let's give it a rest for now."
"Okay, we'll save it for later," Mulder sighed. He met Krycek's eyes from across the room; his heart was torn by the deep hurt he saw in their emerald depths. "Walter, can you take Hope for a while?"
Skinner took the baby and glanced around the crowded restaurant, everyone was joking, drinking, and having a good time, with the possible exception of them. He decided to make an effort to enjoy himself and strolled over toward a large table to join Kimberly and Tony.
"Happy birthday, sir!" Agent Andrew Nelson exclaimed waylaying him.
"Ah, thank you, Agent Nelson." Skinner looked at the young man blocking his way and tried to be cordial. "Are you having a nice time, Agent?"
"Yes, thank you, sir," he beamed up at him. "Your daughter is almost twice the size as she was the I last time I saw her. She's extremely pretty; you must be very proud of her."
"Yes . . . I am. Although, it's been pointed out that she resembles Agent Mulder's other lover," Skinner replied solemnly, smirking inwardly, because only a few close friends knew that Alex Krycek was his half brother. He enjoyed the shocked expression on the young lab technician's face as he glanced from the baby across the room to Krycek and Mulder.
"Oh, sir, I'm so sorry. You are truly a saint to raise another man's child," the agent gushed.
"Agent Nelson, she is my daughter . . . you're not suggesting that she isn't?"
"But . . . you just said . . . no . . . I'm not, forgive me, sir," he sputtered, confused.
"Enjoy the party, Agent," Skinner said. Stepping pass him, he walked over and sat with Tony and Kimberly.
"So, have you and Mulder made up?" Kimberly asked, happily taking the baby.
"Yes, it was a really stupid thing for me to do to him," Skinner sighed, glancing over at Mulder to see him and Krycek sharing a deep, passionate kiss. All the other guests were also watching them getting turned on. "Damn, I wish Fox would show some common sense."
Across the room, the two lovers broke off the kiss. Krycek murmured into Mulder's ear. "I don't think we should continue this here, it looks like the natives are getting restless."
"Then you forgive me for overreacting?"
"Fox, there really is nothing for me to forgive. You were right to be pissed off at me . . . I should have said something in your defense," he replied, not meeting Mulder's eyes.
Mulder sensed there was a deeper problem here. "Alex, what's wrong? You've been withdrawn lately . . . is it something I've done?"
"No, Fox, it's me. I ran into an old acquaintance from the UN last week. We both handled undercover assignments together; he's still working as a spy. He thought that I had become soft . . . that I was too domesticated." Krycek shuffled his feet nervously.
"What's the real problem? That this man has that opinion of you, or that you think it of yourself?" Mulder took Krycek's hand and led him to a quiet corner.
"Fox, I don't know. I don't want to think of myself as becoming soft or weak, but after that alien nearly attacked you in our own backyard . . . " Krycek sighed.
"Ha, tell me about it." Mulder shook his head in amusement. "You have no idea how it really feels to be defenseless and dependent on others," he sighed. "Alex, don't you like the life you have with me? Do you want to go back and work as a spy for the UN?"
"Fox, I love my life with you . . . I'm really looking forward to next week . . . when our daughter's born. It's just that I feel like I'm becoming soft . . . I'm losing the hard survival edge I've honed over the years."
"We could install some boxing equipment in the gym, maybe an outdoor obstacle course and a shooting range. It would help both of us keep in better shape. Besides, I could use the target practice now that I'm not able to make it to the FBI shooting range on a normal basis," Mulder suggested.
"That would help . . . a lot," he grinned, hugging the agent. "Thanks for understanding, Fox."
Mulder snickered, "The next fight Walter, you, or me have we could resolve it in the gym."
"Fox, I don't think that's a very good idea . . . Walter out weighs us by at least forty pounds and it's all muscle. We'd only end up adding to his ego and having him think he's our lord and master," Krycek snorted.
"Oh, that brings up a real problem. Walter's been getting pretty tight with the money ever since I mentioned wanting more children. Plus, he spent a small fortune installing additional security devices around the estate after that incident with the alien. I don't dare say anything; if I did, he'd insist I get involved with paying the bills."
"I know what you mean, Fox. I don't mind helping with the investments, but I draw the line at bill paying. So how do you suggest we get him to open up his wallet without getting roped into paying the bills with him?"
Mulder glanced over at Skinner as a nasty idea came to him. "Let's join Lord Walter," Mulder grinned wickedly.
Skinner looked up at them as they approached. He was contentedly sipping on a cold beer and munching on caviar. Mulder snatched the cracker out of the older man's hand and ate it, then grabbed and guzzled his beer.
"Fox, you can get your own beer and food, you don't have to steal mine," Skinner complained.
"That's okay, I like stealing your food," he replied and rubbed Skinner's firm stomach. "Besides, you're starting to get flabby."
"Fox! I'm in tiptop shape . . . there's not an ounce of flab on me," he grumbled.
"Walter, it's all right, I sort of like your love handles. They give me something to hold onto when we . . ." Mulder noticed Kimberly sitting at the table holding Hope. "Oops, never mind," he grinned sweetly.
"You've never held onto me there," he barked, exasperated.
"Walter, if a little flab bothers you so much, we could install some additional equipment in our gym." He walked around the table and sat next to Tony and Frohike.
"Yeah, Walter, I could help you work the flab off with the right equipment," Krycek offered with a serious expression, trying desperately not to laugh as he squeezed in between Skinner and Kimberly.
"I am not flabby!"
Frohike glanced up from his over-flowing plate. "You really should exercise more, a man of your years should be more careful and avoid adding those extra pounds. Of course, some of us just have the right metabolisms and can eat whatever we want without gaining weight." He added, while stuffing his face.
"Oh great, that's all I need is exercise and diet advise from you." Skinner glanced over at his lover who had a satisfied grin on his face. "Brat! Wait till we get home, Fox, I'll show you just how fit this old man is!"
"Oh god, Walter, can I get that in writing?" Mulder snickered merrily.
Krycek stood up. "C'mon, Fox, let's go through the buffet line. Walter, would you like us to bring you back anything?" he asked sweetly.
Skinner glared at him. "Yeah, have the bar send me over a double Scotch."
Mulder frowned and walked over; leaning down, he kissed the older man thoroughly. "Don't get drunk . . . I'm looking forward to you showing me what great shape you're in."
An hour later Krycek escorted Mulder to the washroom; they stopped in the doorway. Skinner was in the room admiring his image in the mirror, he held his suit coat open and turned sideways, studying his physique -- he startled when he saw them.
"Not that I believe that I'm out of shape, but we can look into getting some more equipment for the gym. Is there anything else you think we need?" the A.D. asked gruffly.
Mulder walked over and hugged him, kissing his lips. "Alex and I will make a list and get back to you." The agent grinned, satisfied. "And, Walter, you are in perfect shape," he replied. Stepping over to the urinal, he unzipped his pants.
"I know . . . I wasn't fooled for an instant by the routine the two of you put on," the older man stated. Coming up behind him, he waited as his lover emptied his bladder.
Krycek stood at the other urinal. "I don't know, Walter, from the shade of red you turned I believe we had you hook, line, and sinker," he smirked, zipping up his pants and going to the sink to wash his hands.
"I think it's time to open the presents," Mulder replied quickly as he attempted to stop any further discussion on the subject, he joined Krycek at the sink.
"I hope you both were tasteful in buying me presents -- something an A.D. can open in front of a room full of agents." Skinner gazed sternly at the two younger men.
"Walter, I really think you should be more concerned about what Frohike and your cousin Lev bought you," Mulder smirked, walking out of the restroom.
They walked over and sat at the guest-of-honor table that was piled high with tastefully wrapped presents. The other guests started gathering around the table to watch. Skinner reached for the first gift -- it was from the agents in violent crimes. He shook the box and it made a clanging sound. Unwrapping it, he opened the lid and pulled out two sets of fur-lined handcuffs.
Skinner groaned and handed the box to Mulder, the agent lifted one of the handcuffs out of the box. "Walter, not even in your wildest fantasies," he quipped, dropping it disdainfully back in the box.
"Fox, my fantasies about you don't usually involve restraints, they're more along the line of chocolate sauce and strawberries," he quipped back, picking up another box.
He looked at the card, it was from his lover and he shot Mulder a warning look before opening the package. Skinner closed the lid quickly before anyone else could see what it contained.
"Hey, Walter, let the rest of us see!" Frohike exclaimed, although, he already knew what was in the box from scanning Skinner's thoughts.
"It's too personal . . . I'm positive Fox meant to give me this at home and just grabbed the wrong package. Isn't that right, Fox?" Skinner glared over at his lover.
"Oh, did I bring that package? I thought I grabbed the one with the silk, dress shirt." He chuckled, then leaned over and whispered in Skinner's ear. "You are going to wear them for me, aren't you?" He breathed huskily.
"Yes, Fox," Skinner replied, softly kissing him.
Skinner reached for another package -- it was from his cousin Lev and Yori. It felt like a book, he ripped the paper off, 'Equality in the Bedroom by Dr. Marvin Night'. He groaned.
Krycek snickered, taking the book from Skinner and flipping through it. The A.D. grabbed another present, looking with contempt at the remaining pile. He frowned; this one was from Frohike and it was very heavy. Visions of bondage equipment sprang into Skinner's mind as he cautiously opened the box and revealed a tasteful selection of cookbooks by Lee Bailey.
"Thank you, Melvin, this was very thoughtful of you," he replied sincerely, glancing through one of the books.
Skinner had been piqued at first when he found out that Mulder had hired the little man to teach him how to cook. But after two weeks of cooking lessons, the A.D. was happy with his lover's selection. Frohike was a very good teacher; he made learning to cook actually fun and enjoyable.
Mulder, Byers, and Langly all looked at the little man with surprised expressions. The agent reached over and passed another present over to his lover. It was from MacIver and Takeda, he peeled off the paper to reveal a cellophane-wrapped basket. The ribbon attaching the cellophane had several brightly colored cock rings dangling from it. Through the plastic, he could see tubes of flavored lubricants, a large butt plug, and scented massage oils. He blushed. "I'll open this at home, ah . . . thanks."
Before he could open another present, his cell-phone rang. "Excuse me, gentlemen," he said, pulling out the phone. "Skinner," he barked.
"Walter, there's been an attack at the Procreation Center. One agent is dead and Agents Mulder and Krycek's daughter has been injured," the Director informed him evenly.
"Sir, what happened? Do you have any details?" Everyone in the restaurant quieted at the tone of shock and anxiety in the A.D.'s voice.
"Only that it was a morph; Agent Boutotte was able to drive him off, but not before the morph had critically damaged the growth cylinder containing Mulder and Krycek's daughter . . . Agent Boutotte was killed in the attack."
"Is she . . . " his voice caught.
"The doctors are removing her from the cylinder, they don't know how much damage was done, but she was still alive at the time I received the call. I think you should get Agents Mulder and Krycek to the Procreation Center immediately."
Krycek recovered from his shock and jumped out of his chair, he had been telepathically following his brother's conversation with the Director. He grabbed Mulder's hand and pulled him quickly to his feet. "C'mon, we need to get to the Center . . . I'll explain in the truck," he murmured, close to tears.
Skinner watched them race out of the restaurant, he hurriedly wrapped up his call with the Director as his mind was planning his next course of action. He knew he couldn't take Hope to the Procreation Center. He didn't want to chance exposing her to any contaminants left behind by the morph. She needed to be protected, MacIver and Tony would be more than able to guard her -- still he hated to leave her.
Krycek climbed into driver's seat. Starting the truck, he squealed out of the parking lot.
Mulder looked over at him. "What happened, Alex? Is our baby okay?"
"Fox, a morph broke into the center and tried to kill her. The doctors are removing her from the growth cylinder -- that's all I know. We'll find out more when we get there . . . DAMN!" He angrily pounded the steering wheel as he sped through a red light.
***