Life from the Ashes Book 2 - Hope and Faith
Chapter 15
Houseguestby Jo B.
purplefox@usfamily.net***
Procreation Center
Washington, D.C.
Thursday, June 3
8:40 p.m.The streets were blocked off around the clinic as Krycek steered Skinner's truck pass another checkpoint. The manhunt for the morph had spread citywide and into the surrounding suburbs. The officer waved them through with a sympathetic look in his eyes after he recognized Agent Mulder.
"She's going to be all right, Alex. You know I can heal her when we get there . . . don't worry." Mulder rested his hand on his lover's thigh.
"You can't heal her if she's already dead," he said with tears running down his cheeks as they squealed to a stop. They were still several blocks from the center, but they couldn't get any closer because squad cars and military vehicles surrounded the place. A helicopter roared by overhead as they jumped out of the truck. Krycek raced after Mulder toward the center, passing agents, police detectives, and military personnel working frantically.
Once inside, Doctor Jackson met them in the hallway outside of the surgery. "Thank god, you're here! Doctor Pendrell and Doctor Harris are in surgery with her. Please take a seat, I'll let them know you've arrived."
"Doctor, wait. How is she?" Krycek asked frantically.
"I'll have to let Doctor Pendrell explain her condition to you, Agent Krycek," he replied sadly, stepping into the surgery and closing the door.
Several long stressed filled minutes passed before the door opened and Sam Harris stepped out. "Mulder, we need you . . . we can do nothing to save her life," he admitted, leading them into the small operating room.
Harris had spent the last several minutes arguing with his colleagues who had been unaware of the immortal's healing skills. It was decided early on to keep the immortals' healing ability a secret so it wouldn't add to the burden they already carried. The two younger doctors watched doubtfully as Mulder walked into the room.
Krycek and Mulder gasped upon seeing their infant daughter. Her tiny nude body was lying submersed in ice water; there was a red rash and scarring completely covering her face and body. Her eyes were swollen shut and there was a plastic bubble covering her head feeding her oxygen.
Mulder rushed over to her, looking with anguish at Doctors Jackson and Pendrell who stepped out of his way. "Alex, I'm going to need you," he replied hastily, looking at his shocked lover.
Krycek recovered and rushed over to his side. "What do you need, Fox?" he asked.
"A chair for one thing and for you to take the baby from me when I lose consciousness," he replied. He took a deep breath and gathered the energy that was in the air around him, then he picked up Faith's ice cold body. Mulder felt an immediate charge of electricity course through him upon touching her. He sat in the wheelchair that appeared from thin air behind him and concentrated on her. Feeling her weak heart beat, he started healing her from the inside out.
The doctors gathered around them, awed by the golden glow that formed around both bodies. Krycek knelt beside Mulder's chair placing one hand on the agent's thigh and the other on his daughter. He felt the energy tingle under his hands and stared with fascination as the scars and rash started disappearing from the infant's body.
Krycek's cell-phone chirped, interrupting his focus. He answered it, annoyed. "Krycek!"
He smiled sadly at the sound of Skinner's concerned voice. "Alex, how is she?"
"Walter, Fox is healing her now . . . she should be fine," he sniffed, watching as more scars vanished from the infant's body. "He, on the other hand, will probably sleep for days."
"Thank god! I'm sending Agents Sullivan and Pipino to drive you back to the estate. And, Alex, I'm anxious to meet my niece," he replied huskily, disconnecting the call.
Krycek smiled at the deep emotions he heard in his surly brother's voice. Skinner had a warm side that he didn't allow too many people to see. The younger man felt privileged to have made it pass the older man's shields.
It seemed as if time moved in slow motion around them. As the infant in his lover's arms healed, becoming serenely beautiful, all outward signs of injury vanished. The glow faded. Krycek eased Faith out of Mulder's arms as his lover slowly lost consciousness.
Doctor Harris rushed to the agent's side, keeping him from falling out of the wheelchair and did a quick examination of him.
"Agent Krycek, if you would place the infant on the examination table, I'll give her a complete checkup," Pendrell ordered as he snapped on a clean pair of plastic gloves.
The infant was crying loudly as the young doctor poked and probed her. Krycek looked on anxiously, keeping one hand on his daughter at all times, not wanting to sever contact with her.
"She's seems to be in perfect health, her lungs sound clear and her heartbeat is normal. As a precaution we'll want to keep her for observation for the next twenty-four hours." Pendrell wrapped her in a blanket and handed the crying infant back to her father.
"No, she's leaving with us," Krycek stated firmly. The look of menace in his emerald eyes had the young doctor backing down.
Doctor Jackson left the room, returning a few minutes later with a bottle of formula that he handed to Krycek. "Would you like to feed your daughter, Agent Krycek?"
Krycek beamed with happiness, accepting the bottle from the doctor. He cradled the infant lovingly in his arms and moved over to where Mulder sat slumped in the wheelchair, sleeping. The younger man knelt beside the wheelchair, smiling softly at his lover's serene face. "You did it, Fox, thank you," he murmured; leaning over, he kissed Mulder softly on the lips.
He sat on the floor and fed his daughter the bottle, watching joyously as her little mouth clamped onto the nipple and sucked it greedily.
"Verochika, this is one birthday, that we'll never forget," he murmured.
Doctor Pendrell brought another chair for him to sit on while they waited for their lift home.
***
Danko's Continental Restaurant
Washington, D.C.
Thursday, June 3
9:00 p.m.Skinner decided that for his daughter's safety he could not leave her, even in the care of Tony and Rory, to go to the center. He had explained to the party guests what had transpired at the center, including the unfortunate death of Agent Boutotte. He was meeting Agent Underwood at Viva Tower. The A.D. was going to have to break the news to Scott Boutotte. Ronald Underwood had volunteered to stay with the boy until arrangements could be made for his care. This was the hardest part of the Skinner's job, made even harder by the fact that he was breaking the news of an agent's death to a mere child.
He rode over to Viva Tower with Tony and Kimberly; the couple had installed two infant car seats in their van for their future daughters. Skinner placed Hope in one of the car seats and squeezed in the back next to her. He had not let her out of his sight since receiving the call from the Director. The A.D. had decided against allowing anyone else to take care of her, even for a few minutes.
If he ever laid eyes on that morph the EPA would have to use bulldozers to clean-up all of the toxic green blood that would be spread over a mile from its exploding body. Maybe he'd form an airtight bubble around the alien before blowing it up and save the taxpayers some money.
"Walter, I would definitely go with the airtight bubble, but instead of blowing it up, I recommend a slow fire," Tony suggested, glancing back at him through the rearview mirror.
"A slow fire . . . good suggestion, Tony," Skinner grinned evilly.
They met Ronald Underwood in the lobby. Kimberly carried the baby as they rode the elevator up to Skinner's former floor, Agent Boutotte had been his next door neighbor. The A.D. had gotten to know Scott fairly well over the months they lived next to each other.
Skinner rapped softly on the door and was surprised when Dana Scully answered it. She was just as surprised. "Sir?"
"Scully, what are you doing here? Where's Scott?"
"I live down the hall, now. I'm here making dinner for Scott while his father is working at the Cente . . . has something happened to Phil?" she gasped, reading the sad expressions on everyone's faces.
"He's dead, Scully. Is Scott here?" Skinner sighed.
"He's in his room listening to music . . . I'll get him," her voice caught.
Kimberly and Tony elected to wait out in the hallway with the baby as Skinner and Underwood stepped into the apartment. Scully came back a few minutes later with Scott.
"Mr. Skinner, it's about dad, isn't it?" the teen blurted out, he was near tears.
"Scott, your father gave his life in the line of duty tonight. He is a hero and will be always remembered as such," Skinner murmured softly.
"Did . . . did he die protecting the baby girls?" Scott stammered with tears running down his cheeks.
"Yes . . . they're all alive tonight because of his bravery. I'm truly sorry for your loss, Scott. Agent Underwood has offered to stay with you until your relatives can be contacted."
"I don't need a babysitter, sir. Agent Scully can check in on me," the teenager protested.
"I'm sorry, Scott, but you're too young to be left by yourself. It's either Agent Underwood or a group home until your relatives are contacted," Skinner interjected sadly.
"Some choice. Okay, I'll choose Ron, but he sleeps on the couch . . . not in my dad's bedroom," he sobbed. Turning, he ran back to his bedroom, slamming the door.
"Sir, what happened at the Center? Are the female babies really okay?" Scully asked, hiding the grief she felt.
"It was a morph. Agent Boutotte died of the retrovirus . . . they couldn't get to him in time. Faith was exposed when the glass on her growth cylinder was broken . . . but the fluids leaked out slowly and the doctors were able to get to her in time. However, she was in critical condition . . . Fox healed her when he arrived at the clinic. Takeda's two daughters were not affected -- the seal on their cylinders remained intact."
"How's Mulder doing?" Scully knew how much this child meant to him. The thought that he nearly lost her would be devastating to her former partner.
"Fox is currently suffering from the side-effects of the healing, but I'm hopeful that when he wakes up and realizes that Faith is alive and healthy, he'll be happy," Skinner replied doubtfully, knowing how much his lover borrowed guilt. "Speaking of which, I have to get home to him and Alex . . . I'll see you at work on Monday, Agent Scully," he hastened, quickly leaving the apartment.
***
Foxfire Glenn Estate
Thursday, June 3
11:40 p.m.Skinner carried Hope upstairs to his brother's bedroom. He entered quietly. "Hi. Hope wanted to meet her new sister and cousin," he murmured softly, smiling at his younger brother, who sat cross-legged on the bed feeding Faith a bottle.
Krycek was wearing only white cotton briefs. Mulder lay buried underneath the covers sleeping soundly.
"That's so weird to think that they're both sisters and cousins," Krycek wondered, smiling back at his brother.
Skinner walked around the bed and sat next to him. "She's beautiful, Alex."
The younger man beamed proudly. "She is, isn't she? I think she looks like Fox. She's been so well behaved," he replied. Setting the bottle aside, he turned her on her stomach to burp her, rubbing her back softly.
Skinner gently laid Hope on the bed, she was wide awake, kicking her feet, and trying to roll over. "Keep trying, angel, you'll figure it out," he teased.
Skinner watched Krycek clean up the small amount of formula the infant burped up. The older man held out his hands for his niece and Krycek placed her in them, he watched contentedly as Skinner cooed and fussed over her.
"Alex, how did we get so lucky?" He smiled as the infant clutched his finger.
"What do you mean?" The younger man reached for Hope, helping her roll over on her stomach. The baby cooed happily, lifting her head for the first time on her own.
"Two beautiful daughters, a gorgeous, intelligent lover, a lot of close friends, and a beautiful home."
"Do you think it was luck? It seemed like a lot of hard work to me," Krycek said, recalling all the circumstances that led them to this point in their lives.
"We're lucky we didn't kill each other and that Fox stayed with us after everything that happened."
"Okay, maybe we were lucky." Krycek took Faith back from Skinner; she had fallen asleep. He carried her over to the crib and placed her inside. "There's enough room in the crib for Hope if you'd like to sleep up here tonight, Walter."
The older man smiled. "Yeah, I'd like that. I really wanted to be with you and Fox at the Center this evening . . . you can't begin to know how worried I was." He lifted Hope off the bed and placed her next to Faith in the crib. She turned her head and stared at her sleeping sister curiously. "Be good, she's smaller than you, angel. Alex, are you sure it's a good idea to have them in the same crib together?"
"Yes." He paused considering. "Are Hope's nails clipped?" he asked. Looking down at her, he checked her fingernails and toenails, satisfied. There was enough room between them and neither baby could roll over yet.
Skinner walked over to a chair and stripped out of his suit, neatly draping it over the chair. He left on his white cotton briefs and climbed in on the right side of the bed, shifting Mulder's sleeping body toward the center.
Krycek shut off the lights and climbed in on the opposite side. Turning on his side, he draped an arm across the agent's waist, brushing up against Skinner's arm that was also draped across their lover's middle. He snuggled in closer, throwing a leg over Mulder's. "You know, Fox is going to wake up hot and sweaty with both of our bodies wrapped around him."
"Well then we'll just have to give him a shower to cool him off," Skinner sighed contentedly. He listened to his daughter's cooing coming from the crib and fell to sleep with her happy sounds in his ears.
***
Mulder opened his eyes aware of a heavy body wrapped around his right side. There was a soft light coming from the opposite side of the room, he raised his head and saw Krycek sitting in a rocker feeding Hope. He eased himself out from under Skinner's heavy frame and climbed out of bed.
Krycek smiled at him as he walked over to look in the crib and stared down at his new daughter's peacefully sleeping face. "I was worried there for a second," he replied huskily. Going over to Krycek, he leaned down and kissed him.
"She's perfect, Fox. Doctor Pendrell gave her a complete physical after you healed her. He couldn't find anything wrong with her. Doctor Carter is stopping by today to have a look at her, too." He put the bottle down and turned Hope over his shoulder to burp her. "I thought you would have slept longer after healing her."
"I think because of her small size I didn't use too much energy," he murmured tiredly.
Skinner stirred in bed and looked blurry-eyed over at his lover's nude body. "Fox, you're awake. Are you feeling okay?"
"Yeah, fine, Walter. I'm just a little light headed and still tired." He yawned, climbed back into bed and snuggled into the older man's arms. He rested his head on Skinner's chest and the older man combed his fingers through Mulder's silky hair.
"Walter, how did Scott take the news?" Mulder asked. He had been shocked when Krycek told him of Agent Boutotte's death, he knew Skinner would have to deliver the news to his son.
"As well as could be expected," Skinner sighed. "Scully was at his apartment when we arrived. I wasn't aware they were seeing each other."
"Yeah, Phil and Scott went to Canada for a week to visit them at their ranch. Phil is the one who encouraged her to get her job back in the FBI and found her the apartment at Viva Tower." Mulder glanced up at Skinner. "I think Phil was in love with her, but I don't know how Dana felt about him."
"Damn, I didn't know," the older man blurted out.
"Would it have made a difference if you had?"
"Yes, I would have broken the news to her more tactfully."
"Scully prefers the direct approach . . . she doesn't like being coddled. I'll call her today and see how she's doing. Do you mind if I invite her and her family over for dinner Saturday?"
"No, Fox, whatever you want is fine by me. Would you like me to cook? Melvin is suppose to come over . . . I still have two weeks left of cooking lessons." He looked up as Krycek climbed back into bed.
Mulder smiled against Skinner's chest. "You're getting really good, that would be nice of you. Do you think you could make something out of one of the new cookbooks Frohike gave you?" Mulder hinted.
"Why? Is there something wrong with the Gilligan's Island Cookbook he's been teaching me to cook from?" Skinner smirked.
Krycek moaned. "Yes, we've already been forced to eat every single goddamn coconut cream pie recipe in that blasted book."
One of the babies started crying from the crib.
"My turn," Mulder murmured. He eased off Skinner's body and climbed out of bed.
The agent looked down at Hope, she was smiling up at him and next to her Faith was crying. He felt her diaper first, before determining that she was hungry. He scooped her up in his arms, looking over at the two men closely watching him.
"Walter, please, get me a bottle," he ordered. Holding out his hand, he smiled when a heated bottle appeared in it. Mulder climbed over Krycek and back into the center of the bed. He sat up against the headboard with the small infant cradled possessively in his arms, feeding her the bottle.
Skinner climbed out of bed and retrieved Hope; she had started crying when she was left all alone. He climbed back into bed with her, and she smiled brightly at him.
Krycek yawned, scooted under the covers, and fell to sleep. Mulder looked down affectionately at him, then glanced over at Skinner who was lying on his back with the baby playing on his chest. He wondered how he'd ever gotten so lucky. A sad shadow passed briefly over his eyes as his thoughts touched on another subject.
***
Foxfire Glenn Estate
Friday, June 4th
7:10 a.m."What's wrong, Shin?" MacIver asked, gently rubbing the younger man's back and holding him close.
"They could have been killed, Rory. Why would anyone want to kill them? Am I making a mistake agreeing to have more daughters? What if their lives are endangered, too?" he sobbed sadly, burying his face against the older man's shoulder.
MacIver felt the wetness of tears on his skin. "Shin, you're doing the right thing! I didn't think so before, but I do now. Don't you see? The aliens are afraid of your daughters . . . that's a good thing, not bad," he soothed, kissing the top of his young lover's head.
"But, is it right to bring them into a world where their lives will be in constant danger?"
"Yes! Now that the world knows the threat exists, it will take steps to protect them. Shin, they're this planet's future, nothing will be allowed to happen to them."
"God, I hope you're right," Takeda murmured sadly. Turning on his back, he stared up at the ceiling.
MacIver bent over him, kissing him tenderly. "I'm always right, you should know that by now. C'mon, love, let's go and have breakfast. If we're lucky, Mulder's cooking."
"What happened to the two weeks of cooking lessons we both had?" Takeda asked, climbing out of bed.
"That's only for emergencies, love. You know, if there's no one else around to cook then we have to," he smiled.
"Rory, I don't think that's how it's suppose to work. Besides, I enjoy cooking." Takeda pulled on a pair of cutoffs and a T-shirt.
"Good, then you can cook me up some eggs and bacon." The Scotsman smiled, holding the door open for him.
The young immortal pushed him up against the doorframe and wrapped his arms around MacIver's neck, kissing him hard and possessively. "I'd love to cook for you, old man. After all, I need to keep up your strength," he purred, fondling his lover through his pants.
"Then you better feed me often, love, because you're insatiable," MacIver drawled happily.
They entered the kitchen to the smell of bacon frying. Skinner sat at the counter sipping a cup of coffee; his suit coat was draped over the back of the chair. Mulder was dressed in soft sweatpants and a T-shirt. He stood at the range, making breakfast for the older man.
Takeda smiled at Krycek, the triple agent sat at the breakfast table with two bassinets in front of him. He was feeding the newest member of the family.
Mulder turned to them after placing a plate brimming with food in front of the A.D. "Good morning, Rory, Shin. I'm making omelets, sit down and I'll make you each one," he smiled happily.
"Thank you, Mulder, you are a saint," MacIver grinned and sat next to Skinner.
"Do you need any help?" Takeda asked, leaning up against the counter.
"Sure, can you put more bread in the toaster." Mulder poured more eggs into the omelet pan.
"Mulder, you seem to be in an awfully good mood," the Scotsman stated, somewhat surprised, considering the near tragedy of last night.
"Why shouldn't I be? I have two healthy and beautiful daughters and two handsome, caring men whom I love with all of my heart. My life couldn't be better." The joy he felt was visible on his face.
Skinner glanced affectionately up at him. Mulder never looked more beautiful than when he smiled. The A.D. was grateful that his young lover wasn't feeling angst over almost losing Faith. He hated having to leave him to go into work and was seriously considering retiring from the bureau. However, he knew Mulder would never quit his job and he'd be left at home worrying about him and Krycek. Besides, the new department and his promotion held promise as a possible way of protecting his family.
The A.D. finished eating and stood up. "I'm off to work . . . do you want me to pick up anything for you on my way home tonight, Fox?" he asked. Coming up behind the agent, he wrapped his arms around his waist and kissed his cheek.
"Yes, we're out of KY and we need more diapers . . . lots of diapers," he murmured, leaning back against Skinner's broad chest.
"We have a whole basket full of lubricant that Rory and Shin gave me," he quipped, kissing Mulder softly then grabbing his suit coat. He paused, then kissed the two infants and Krycek goodbye. The younger man looked up at him, pleasantly surprised. "Take care of them, Alex," he said brusquely as he headed out of the room.
***
Japanese Embassy
Friday, June 4th
10:20 a.m.Major Kazuo Sawada paced nervously around the office, he had reluctantly agreed to return to the US to meet the young immortal that his government wanted him to have sex with. He had angrily left the country after being informed for the first time what his government expected from him.
He had never had sex with another man before -- the whole notion didn't appeal to him. He would rather remain celibate.
However, his government had appealed to his patriotism to get him to return, but he only agreed to meet Shinji Takeda and spend a week in the young man's company. He had no plans on having sex with him.
Sawada glanced up at the clock, waiting for the ambassador to finish his telephone call. The elderly man was on the line with Assistant Director Walter Skinner of the FBI.
The ambassador hung up. "It has all been arranged, Major Sawada. A.D. Skinner is sending a car for you and he's called his estate to inform them of your arrival." The ambassador stared at him sternly. "I expect a report from you daily. And, Major, keep in mind that this assignment is critical to the survival of our country."
"Yes, sir." The major stood straight meeting the man's eye, bowing curtly, he left the office to wait for his ride.
***
Krycek hung up the telephone, looking out the window into the backyard at MacIver and Takeda. The two men were relaxing by the pool. This was really going to ruin the Scotsman's day.
"What is it, Alex?" Mulder asked, walking into the family room and placing Hope in her bassinet. They had Faith's bassinet set up next to it where she was already soundly sleeping.
"Shinji's countryman, the mysterious Major Kazuo Sawada, is arriving a week early and will be here within an hour," Krycek informed him, picking up Hope. She had started whimpering the minute Mulder had set her down.
"Oh, Rory isn't going to like that," Mulder stated, heading into the kitchen.
"What guestroom do you want to put him in?"
"I think the one at the top of the main staircase; it's less isolated than the others, and it has a beautiful view of the backyard off the veranda." Mulder started pulling out the fixings for lunch, looking up, he asked, "Are you planning on informing Rory and Shinji that he's coming?"
"No, I think I'll wait until he gets here, then take him out to the pool area and introduce them. From what Frohike found out about the Major, it sounds like the man could use a bit of an eye opener, and seeing Shinji in that thong swimsuit should open them really fast," he snickered.
"I think it's nice the man had enough morals to be outraged that his government had expected him to have sex with a stranger." Mulder started peeling the hard-boiled eggs.
"I wonder why they didn't tell the man up front what was expected of him, instead of waiting until after Shinji had chosen him?"
"They probably arrogantly assumed he'd jump at the opportunity or be the good little soldier and follow orders." Mulder reached over and caressed the baby's cheek, she cooed happily at the attention. "She's starting to stay awake longer and she likes to be held when she's up. We probably should get one of those things to strap her to our chest . . . it would be nice to have our hands free."
"We have two, it's called a Snugli. It's in the pile of baby things Walter keeps bringing home. You're right, Fox, the mouse does like being held when she's up. I'll go and dig it out and see if she'll be content in it."
Krycek left, coming back into the room five minutes later wearing the baby against his chest. She was quiet and happy to be so close to him. "It works, Fox. Look, no hands!" Krycek joked, turning around.
Mulder smiled, stepping up to him he placed a hand on the baby's back. "You're both so cute." He looked deeply into the younger man's emerald eyes. "Alex, I want to make love to you so badly. How about after we get the major settled in, we feed and put our munchkins down for a nap, then I'll kiss and suck every part of your body?"
"Mm, Fox, I love your plan . . . Faith will probably be no problem, she seems to be sleeping constantly. Hope on the other hand, will most likely refuse to take a nap. Do you think the major is good with kids?" He kissed his lover softly.
"Forget it, I wouldn't even trust Rory with Hope. If she doesn't want to take a nap, we'll just have to wait until Walter gets home from work. Besides, I'm grilling steaks outside this evening, that should put him in a good mood to watch the munchkins."
"Fox, you know he'd watch them anyway. You should have seen him last night . . . he was so happy to see Faith that his smile could have lit up downtown DC." Krycek smiled, sitting at the counter, he looked down at Hope's peacefully sleeping face snuggled against his chest.
Mulder grinned, scooping egg salad onto a slice of bread then topping it with lettuce. "Yeah, Walter really is a pushover. Our one month wedding anniversary is Wednesday . . . I want to do something special for him. Would you mind babysitting?"
"No, I wouldn't mind. It seemed like Hope slept better with Faith in the same crib next to her." Krycek watched as Mulder placed the platter of sandwiches on a tray and got a pitcher of ice tea from the refrigerator. He placed it and plastic cups on the tray, too.
"Alex, can you zap this out to the pool area? I'm going to collect Faith and join Shin and Rory by the pool. Would you mind waiting for Major Sawada?"
Krycek teleported the tray out to the pool area. It appeared on the small round table. "Fox, go ahead and join them, but don't tell them he's coming, I want it to be a surprise," he smirked slyly.
Mulder kissed him. "Be nice," he ordered, snagging a hooded bassinet to put Faith in for their trip outside. He also grabbed a bag with diapers, wet-wipes, and baby powder. He pulled out a bottle from the refrigerator and warmed it under the faucet for her.
Krycek admired his lanky body as he moved to collect all the items needed for an afternoon out by the pool. Mulder was wearing a tank top and cutoff shorts with his black Speedos on underneath them.
Mulder arrived at the pool and gently placed Faith's bassinet in the shade, he joined MacIver and Takeda at the table to eat. "Mulder, love, you really know how to spoil us," the older man drawled, munching on a sandwich.
"Rory, better enjoy it while you can . . . in a month I'll be back at work," he smirked.
"That's okay, Shin has promised to feed me," he smirked back.
"Yes, Rory, but there's a price to my feeding you," the young man leered seductively at him.
"A price I'm more than happy to pay, love." He caressed down the young man's near naked body. Stopping suddenly, a dark look crossed over his handsome features as he detected the car at the front gate telepathically. "Blast, he's a week early!"
"Who? Rory, who's early?" Takeda asked, grabbing another sandwich.
"That military *whore* you selected! That's who!" MacIver growled. Losing his appetite, he tossed the sandwich down on the plate.
"Rory, it's *you* I love. I'm not interested in this man, but I promised my government. So, please, try to be civil to him . . . it's only for a week." Takeda knelt beside MacIver's chair, looking up at him pleadingly.
The older man sighed. Leaning down, he kissed Takeda softly. "I cannot deny you anything, Shin. I'll attempt to be civil for your sake . . . I only pray that this week ends fast."
As the black sedan pulled up in front of the mansion, Sawada stared out the window of the car in awe. He didn't realize that the American A.D. owned such a large estate. He wondered briefly how much money Assistant Directors made. The major climbed out of the car and waited for the driver to hand him the suitcases from the trunk. He smoothed and straightened his navy blue dress uniform.
The front door to the mansion opened and a handsome man, around the major's own age, stepped out. He had an infant strapped to his chest in a sling-like contraption and was dressed simply in shorts and a T-shirt. "Major Sawada, I'm Alex Krycek," he said, holding out his hand.
The major shook it and bowed politely. "It's a pleasure to meet you, Mr. Krycek."
"It's Alex. Come in, I'll show you to your room," he replied, taking one of the major's bags and showing him into the mansion. Krycek guided him up the main staircase and stopped at the first door, it opened into a large guest bedroom. Placing the suitcase on the bed, Krycek showed him around the room. "The room overlooks the backyard and has a private veranda and bath," he replied opening the door to the bathroom.
Sawada glanced in the room, then walked over and stared out the French doors. The veranda had a small table and two chairs on it, he looked out over the large backyard. He noticed the men by the pool, but he was too far away to get a good look at them. Well, at least he was going to get a nice vacation out of this stay, if nothing else.
"Alex, how many people live on this estate?"
"Nine, counting the two babies."
"Are any of the people sorcerers, clairvoyants, or n'thrals? My government informed me about A.D. Skinner, but I can sense that you, too, are a sorcerer."
"N'thrals are not allowed on the estate. The estate's caretaker is a sorcerer. Shinji Takeda's lover, Rory MacIver is also a sorcerer."
Sawada gave him a surprised look. "Shinji Takeda has a lover?" he asked surprised.
"Yes, I'm surprised your government didn't inform you." Krycek gave him a puzzled look. "Has your government mentioned that Fox Mulder lives on the estate?"
"Yes, I'm aware of the fact that Special Agent Fox Mulder is married to Assistant Director Walter Skinner, and that they have a daughter together. Is that her?" Sawada asked, trying to get a better look at the infant.
"Yes, this is Hope Skinner-Mulder." The baby started cooing softly and Krycek rubbed her back, smiling down at her.
"I don't understand how two men could be attracted to each other . . . let alone get married. After all, the virus didn't change our sexual orientation," he commented abruptly.
"Major Sawada, have you ever met an immortal?" Krycek inquired, knowingly. He was a little put off by the man's opinions.
"No, I haven't, and you may call me, Kazuo. Alex, what is your position in this household?" He thought the young man must be a servant, possibly a nanny.
"I'm part owner of this estate and Fox Mulder's fiancée."
"I thought he was married to A.D. Skinner?"
"He is." Krycek was looking down at Hope's wide-awake face and didn't see the outraged expression on the major's handsome face. "Kazuo, do you want to change into something more comfortable before I take you out to the pool to meet Shinji?"
"No, I don't plan on staying outside long," he stated, heading for the door. The sooner he got this visit over with, the better. He wonder if A.D. Skinner knew what was going on under his roof . . . fiancée indeed.
Krycek showed the major into the kitchen, where he grabbed a bottle for Hope, then took Sawada down in the elevator. The major admired the spacious rooms with the high ceilings. Krycek gave him a quick tour of the lower level. The indoor pool, exercise room, and wine cellar impressed him. The young major considered himself a connoisseur of fine wines.
They finally made it across the yard to the pool area. Takeda was swimming and climbed out of the pool when he saw them. His lean, toned body glistened in the sunlight. Sawada froze. He was shocked by the instant arousal he felt for the beautiful young immortal. He had never seen anyone more beautiful in his life. The major became further aroused when another exotic creature stood up. This tall leggy beauty had a cute infant in his arms. The pale ivory flesh of the baby contrasted sharply against the tanned chest of the immortal.
Krycek grinned smugly as he introduced Sawada. "Major Kazuo Sawada this is Shinji Takeda, my fiancée Fox Mulder, and our daughter Faith. The man you see sulking on the other side of the pool is Rory MacIver." Krycek draped his arm possessively around Mulder's waist.
Mulder gave Krycek a raised eyebrow look. *Fiancée?*
The triple agent grinned at him fondly. *Yeah . . . do you have a problem with it?* he asked silently.
*No, as long as we elope.* Smiling, he leaned over and softly kissed Krycek on the lips.
The major shifted uncomfortably, feeling lust course through his body at their public display of affection.
Mulder turned and studied the major. The man looked extremely uncomfortable. However, he cut a handsome figure in his stylishly navy blue uniform, standing tall and proud -- only the growing bulge in his pants ruined the straight cut of his uniform.
Sawada was blushing under the two immortals' appraising looks.
"Major Sawada, it's a pleasure to meet you." Shinji held out his hand, the major's handshake felt cold and clammy -- nerves. The younger man took pleasure in the handsome, older man's discomfort.
Mulder noticed the major's unease and took instant pity on the man. "Major Sawada, would you like to go inside and freshen up? You must still be tired from your trip."
"Yes, thank you, Agent Mulder," he replied gratefully. Turning, he quickly made his way back to the mansion, frowning angrily as the Scotsman's comments reached his ears.
"You really picked a winner, love," MacIver drawled loudly. "Looks like he can get it up okay, but I doubt that he'd know what to do with it," he snickered.
"Shut up, Rory," Takeda grumbled.
The young major made it back up to his room, sighing with relief as he closed the door. He allowed his posture to relax. What had come over him? Agent Mulder was right, he was tired from his flight. It was affecting his perception. He needed a shower and a nap before he could face them again.
Sawada shrugged out of his jacket; searching around for the closet, he located it through the large bathroom. He hung up his jacket and stripped out of the rest of his clothing. Then, he took the time to put away the rest of his clothing in the walk-in-closet. The major glanced around the opulent bathroom; it had white marble floor and walls, gold fixtures, three skylights in the high ceiling, a whirlpool bath and a separate shower. It was a far cry from the military quarters he was assigned to.
He turned on the shower and stepped in, letting his hand snake down to his painfully hard cock. Sawada jerked off, closing his eyes, his thoughts turned back to Shinji. The way the young man looked with water glistening off his perfect body. Dark, chocolate brown eyes with tiny flecks of gold under thick, black eyelashes. Sensuous lips, high cheekbones, and a long graceful neck made for . . . The force of his orgasm surprised him; he came hard, spurting against the shower wall. The major blushed, realizing where his thoughts had wandered.
Finishing his shower, he toweled off and pulled on a pair of cotton briefs, and then strolled back into the bedroom. He shut the curtains and walked over to the bed. Lying on top of the covers, he closed his eyes and allowed sleep to claim him.
***
Mulder bundled Faith back into the bassinet and pulled on his shirt. "Doctor Carter is going to be here in a half hour, I'm taking Faith back inside."
"I'll come with you." Krycek was holding Hope in his arms, feeding her a bottle. He stood up and followed Mulder back to the mansion.
"Alex, that wasn't very nice bringing Major Sawada outside to the pool. The poor man . . . I thought he was about to explode in his pants," Mulder whispered softly, there was a slight hint of smile on his lips.
"Rory would have loved it. I wonder how long before our Scottish friend loses his temper and kills the major?"
"Shinji would never allow it. Did you notice he seemed to be a bit smitten with Kazuo? You don't suppose he could fall in love with him?" Mulder carried the baby into the bathroom, setting the bassinet on the counter, he filled the small baby bath with warm water.
"My money would be on Kazuo falling in love with Shinji," Krycek replied.
Mulder removed Faith's diaper and lifted her from the bassinet, setting her gently in the warm water. She startled and her little face scrunched up as she started crying. "It's okay munchkin, a little water's not going to hurt you," he soothed softly.
Glancing up at Krycek, he asked, "What do you want to bet, Alex?"
"The winner picks the time and place we get married," Krycek smiled, placing Hope in the empty bassinet, the infant had fallen asleep.
"And also, who we invite," Mulder added, liking the idea, not that he thought Krycek would try to out do his brother, but he couldn't be too careful.
Mulder finished bathing Faith; Krycek stepped forward taking her from him. She stopped crying when he placed her on a soft towel. "See, cutie, that wasn't so bad," he purred as he dried her. He rubbed baby oil into her delicate skin. "She's really beautiful, Fox," he stated. Picking her up and cuddling her against his chest, he breathed in her fresh baby scent.
"So are you, Alex," Mulder smiled warmly at him.
The buzzer sounded from the front gate and for the briefest second Krycek's eyes grew distant. "It's Doctor Carter . . . I've opened the gates for him. Why don't we lay our princesses on the bed?" he suggested, carrying Faith into Mulder and Skinner's bedroom.
Mulder picked up the bassinet and followed him into the bedroom. Hope woke up as he lifted her out of it. She grinned toothlessly up at him. Mulder leaned down, kissing her nose as he placed her next to Faith in the center of the bed.
"I'm really looking forward to Christmas this year, they should both be crawling, it's going to be perfect," Mulder sighed, remembering his few happy family memories were of Christmas. His dad never beat him around the holiday. But, then Sam disappeared and they didn't celebrate it any longer, or celebrate anything for that matter, not even birthdays.
How many years had it been since he had last received a Christmas present or sat in front of a Christmas tree? Twenty-five or was it twenty-six years. Of course, Scully and her mom had given him a gift every year they were partnered. Then there was the present Alex gave him this past Christmas and of course the pile Walter had waiting for him when they got home from Russia. However, he hadn't had a Christmas tree, this year would be different. His daughters would never grow up feeling unwanted and unloved, he'd see to that.
Krycek embraced him lovingly, pulling Mulder away from his pensive reflections. "Fox, we'll have the most beautiful Christmas tree this year. I'll cut it down myself," he promised.
"I'll help you . . . we'll make a family day out of it," he grinned, kissing Krycek passionately. He kept the pain he was feeling buried deeply inside. The rap on the door interrupted them.
"Mulder, Alex," the young pediatrician greeted them as he stepped into the room. He walked up to the bed, gazing down at the newest member of the family. "So, this is Faith. She looks like you, Mulder," he stated; sitting down he picked up the infant.
"Jonathan, there's only a slight resemblance. She has Krycek's nose and ears." Mulder replied, sitting next to the young doctor.
"She has your facial bone structure," the doctor replied jovially. He reached into his bag, pulling out a stethoscope he listened to the infant's heart. "Has she been eating okay?"
"Yes, but we have to wake her . . . she doesn't always cry to be fed."
The infant remained completely quiet as the doctor examined her. She only whimpered once, when he used a thermometer to take her temperature. "It looks like she has Walter's stoic personality," the doctor quipped.
Krycek chuckled, "So, Jonathan, who's personality do you think Hope has?"
The doctor looked at the other infant on the bed. The baby was cooing happily, kicking her feet and drooling. "Yours, Alex," he replied without even having to think about it.
Krycek was a bit taken aback, he thought the doctor would have said Mulder. "Why do you think that?"
"Alex, it's really too early to tell what their personalities are going to be like. I was only guessing." Carter handed Faith to Mulder. "She's in perfect health, Mulder."
"Thanks, Jonathan. Can you stay for dinner?" The agent cuddled the infant. He didn't care if the baby looked like him or had his personality. He didn't understand why it mattered to Krycek and Skinner so much.
"I'd love to. You are my last appointment of the day." The doctor's dark brown eyes sparkled with delight. "I really could use a swim," he hinted.
"Jonathan, our guestroom is always available for you. If you can stay for breakfast tomorrow morning, Alex is making crepes." Mulder smiled at the tall, handsome black doctor.
"Thanks, Mulder, I'll do that," the man smiled. "What are you making for dinner?"
"Barbecued steaks, baked potatoes, and green beans."
"Anything for dessert?"
"Coconut cream pie," Mulder replied, grimacing.
"Mm, sounds great. I'll get my bag from the car and take it up to my room. How's Hope been doing?" he inquired, standing up.
"She still gets gas pains almost everyday at around the same time, like clockwork. I've been able to relieve her pain almost immediately, though." Mulder smiled down at the baby. "I really hope she gets over it soon. I would hate to go out of town on a case knowing that she's at home suffering."
"Don't worry, Mulder, she'll get better soon. This condition never lasts more than one or two months," Carter replied.
"It could last six more weeks?!"
The doctor smiled gently. "The joys of parenthood," he chuckled, walking out of the room.
Mulder sighed, looking at the two infants in the middle of the large bed. Hope yawned, closing her eyes, falling asleep next to her already sleeping sister. He smiled, looked over at Krycek, then motioned with his head over to the plush rug in front of the fireplace and started peeling off his clothing. The two men learned quickly to take advantage of any opportunity for sex when the baby was asleep. Hope never seemed to sleep more than two or three hours at a time, often waking at the slightest noise.
Krycek caught on and quietly shrugged out of his clothing. The younger man walked quietly over to Mulder, smoothing his hands down the agent's long back. He cupped and kneaded his lover's firm buttocks, bringing their groins together.
Mulder kissed him passionately, lacing his fingers through Krycek's hair, groaning his desire into the younger man's mouth. Krycek hooked a leg behind Mulder's and swept him off his feet, lowering him down onto the thick rug; lying on top of the agent, he humped against his hip. His weeping cock smeared pre-cum over Mulder's tanned skin. They fell into long minutes of deep kissing and heavy petting, rubbing sensuously against each other's body.
The older man finally ended the kiss, breathing heavily. He hugged Krycek's body closer to his, wrapping his legs over the top of his. Relishing the closeness, the feel of flesh against flesh -- cock against cock. "Mm, I love you so much, Alex," he murmured contentedly.
"I love you, too, Fox." Krycek looked down into Mulder's bright, hazel eyes and kissed the agent's forehead, eyelids, nose, and lips. His fingers pinched his lover's nipples and Mulder arched up into the touch.
"Alex, please . . . fuck me slow, hard, and deep. I want to feel it for the rest of the afternoon and evening," he breathed huskily and nipped the side of Krycek's throat. The younger man growled deep in his throat. Plunging down to reclaim Mulder's mouth, he forced his tongue pass the hard ridges of teeth and into the moist interior. He rolled them on their side, breaking the kiss to climb behind Mulder. The sorcerer rested against the immortal's back, his cock nestled between firm buttocks. He bit and sucked the side of his lover's throat as his hand teased the agent's nipples.
Mulder raised one leg toward his chest giving his lover better access to his ass. He writhed with lust, trembling under Krycek's assault. The younger man pulled a tube of lubricant out of thin air; he flipped open the cap, squeezing some down Mulder's ass and into his anus. He rubbed his cock up and down the older man's cleft, coating it with lubricant. Krycek then pushed a finger into Mulder's body. "God, you are so tight . . . how long?"
"You . . . yesterday morning . . . " Mulder gasped, pushing back as Krycek pushed another finger into him.
"Thirty-two hours . . . no wonder you're tight," he murmured contentedly. It wasn't often that his immortal lover went without sex long enough for his body to heal, making him a virgin again. He scissored his fingers in and out; angling them up, he brushed the his lover's prostate. Mulder moaned, burying his head in the rug trying to muffle his cries. Krycek pulled his fingers free and positioned his cock, easing his way pass the resistant muscles. He noticed a shadow out of the corner of his eye; turning his head slightly, he saw Skinner in the doorway watching them.
Skinner quietly shut the bedroom door, turning to watch his brother as he pushed his cock all the way into their lover's body. He glanced briefly over at the two sleeping infants on the bed; grinning, he slowly shrugged out of his suit coat. Unclipping the gun from his belt, he carried it into the walk-in closet placing it inside of the lock box. He hung up his suit coat and toed his shoes off, stripping out of the rest of his clothing.
He returned naked to the bedroom, watching Alex's round, firm ass as it pumped up and down pounding his cock into Mulder's perfect body. The slapping sound of flesh against flesh resounded in the room and the agent's muffled moans of passion drove the A.D. to full arousal. He stroked his painfully hard cock, it was throbbing with desire. Mulder hadn't noticed his presence, he was too deeply in the throes of passion. Both bodies stiffened as they came simultaneous the younger man collapsed on Mulder's sweat dampened back.
Panting, Krycek eased out and rolled off to the side, allowing his brother access to their lover's body. Mulder lay lethargic not realizing Skinner was there until his large frame draped over him and he thrust hard into his languishing body. Mulder startled at the sudden and unexpected invasion. He unconsciously tried to move away, but the larger man wrapped a muscular arm around his waist holding him pressed firmly against his back. Skinner mouth licked and nipped the agent's shoulder already marked by Krycek. "Mine," he breathed huskily.
Skinner was totally enraptured at being sheathed inside his lover's hot body. His cock throbbed and his balls hung heavy, it had been over two days since they last had sex. He remained still, relishing the sensations. The older man could feel the quick beating of his lover's heart against his chest. The beating slowed as the agent relaxed against him, the shock at being taken so unexpectedly wearing off, turning instead to pleasure.
Krycek lay beside Mulder and captured his mouth in a long passionate kiss as his hand snaked down and stroked the immortal's swelling cock.
Skinner eased out part way, then corkscrewed back in, slamming his balls against the agent's tight ass. Mulder screamed into Krycek's mouth as his older lover bumped against his prostate, sending intense jolts pleasure soaring throughout his body. Mulder's nails dug into the older man's arm, where he had it wrapped around his waist. Skinner started thrusting in and out of his body, setting a steady rhythm. The A.D. reached for Krycek's cock and started jerking him off as well, the younger man pushed up into that firm grip, while his hand matched Skinner stroke for stroke on Mulder's cock.
Mulder's orgasm surged out of him, and his milky white semen hit his chest and neck, he felt blackness surround him as he briefly lost consciousness. Skinner forced his cock in harder and deeper against the tightening muscles clenching it. He wasn't ready to end this yet! He wanted it to go on, and on as he bent down and licked the semen from the side of Mulder's throat. He slammed in harder, holding Mulder's slumping body up while he thrust into him. Skinner's other hand was stroking Krycek's cock, the younger man moaned softly and climaxed, his semen joined Mulder's on the agent's tanned chest.
Krycek curled up against Mulder's body, feeling the force at which Skinner was drilling into him. Mulder was definitely going to feel this the rest of the evening. The A.D. stiffened, he pushed in as far as he could get and came hard, filling his lover with his passion. The agent moaned softly as the hot fluid pumped into his bowels, then he groaned at the dead weight across his back as Skinner collapsed on top of him.
They lay in a tangle of arms and legs. No one wanted to move. Unfortunately one of the babies started crying, forcing them to slowly separate. The A.D. eased off and out of Mulder, he stood looking affectionately down at his lover and half-brother.
Mulder rolled onto his back refusing to get up. "Walter, its Hope, go take care of your daughter and let me die in peace."
Skinner smiled, reaching for the younger man's hand he pulled him to his feet. Mulder sagged against him exhausted and Skinner rubbed his back tightly hugging and kissing him. "Fox, you and Alex go take a shower, I'll see to the babies," he murmured, slipping on a robe. He went to the bed and scooped Hope up into his arms. She stopped crying. "How's daddy's angel today?" he purred.
Mulder helped Krycek to his feet, and they stumbled into the bathroom. The agent started laughing as they stepped into the shower. "Next time, warn me when Walter's in the room, he could have given me a heart attack," he quipped.
"Sorry, Fox, you should have seen the look on your face," Krycek snickered.
Mulder moaned as the water pounded his abused body. "Looks like I'll be eating standing up tonight."
"You won't even feel it in a few hours, enjoy it while you can." Krycek ran a soapy washcloth over Mulder's chest and groin; kneeling, he soaped and cleaned the semen from his lover's thighs and ass.
Mulder closed his eyes, soundly enjoying the pampering. He opened them when Krycek wrapped him in a tight embrace, kissing him lovingly. "C'mon, let's go relieve Walter . . . I think I can hear Faith crying."
They quickly toweled off and dressed, stepping back in the bedroom. Skinner was holding Faith feeding her a bottle, and Hope was crying, feeling neglected. Mulder picked up Hope, hugging her, and she slowly quieted down.
"Walter, why are you home so early?" Mulder inquired, sitting down on the bed next to him.
"I wanted to be here for you and Alex," he sighed. "Agent Boutotte's funeral is going to be Sunday. Scully has asked for custody of Scott, he has no relatives, poor kid."
"Yeah, I know. I talked to Scully on the phone this morning. She told me about seeking custody of him. It will be tough raising a teenager." Mulder played with Hope. "She's bringing him to dinner tomorrow night. I thought it would be good for him to meet Faith and see who his father gave his life protecting," he murmured sadly.
"That's a good idea, Fox," Krycek replied gently, taking Faith from Skinner.
Mulder handed Hope to the older man. "Walter, I'm going up to work in my office for an hour before starting dinner, would you mind watching Hope?"
"No, you go ahead."
They watched as Mulder used the secret passageway to go up to his office. Skinner turned to Krycek. "Alex, can you watch both of them while I grab a quick shower?"
"Sure, Walter, go ahead."
Mulder stepped into his office and shut the secret panel. He leaned up against it and burst into tears. He had held in his grief, not wanting to cause his lovers any distress. Mulder wanted the remaining time he had with them to be happy, not filled with sadness and grief. At times, he had even started to convince himself that he had a happy future with them.
He walked over to his leather sofa and sank down, wincing as his sore backside made contact with its surface. Picking up the folder from the coffee table, he opened it and reread paragraphs he had already memorized. The lawyer had sent it over two days ago. He had wanted to show it to Skinner yesterday, after his party. The Senate Procreation Committee was making more demands; after that alien attempted to abduct him two weeks ago, they felt he should be more closely protected. They wanted to place him into protective custody because he was vital to national security. The Committee even approved the building of a state-of-the-art facility to house him and the two other American immortals. Much to his disgust, it would have a procreation facility and a secure area where they were expected to have sex with American sorcerers.
He read the statements from different members on the committee for and against. The vote had been extremely close with Senator Matheson leading the opposition. He called the facility a glorified prison/cat house and was outraged that his colleagues had the nerve to suggest locking up American citizens in it. Senator Stone stated it went against everything this country stood for. But, Senator Mooney's side won the debate, stressing that the aliens had wanted the immortals for the mere fact that they were the means to this planet's survival, and as such, they must be protected at all costs.
Mulder found out from the report, that witnesses had described a morph as the abductor of a Brazilian immortal. Two people died of the retrovirus in that abduction. The other two American immortals were already under heavy guard. It was only Skinner and the FBI that prevented them from locking him away, too. However, it was only a matter of time -- the legal documents were already being filed on the grounds of national security. He knew that would guarantee the end of his freedom. Tears fell freely down his cheeks at the thought of losing his lovers and daughters.
He didn't know how much longer he could keep up his front by pretending everything was all right. He allowed Krycek to read his thoughts about Christmas earlier; deep down, he still had hope that he'd be with them.
He closed the folder and sat at his computer wiping the tears away from his eyes. He checked his email -- a new one from Byers and the older one from Nikolai Slava. Mulder couldn't bring himself to delete it, although it was clearly a love letter. Slava had found out about the American government's threat, and had offered him asylum. The letter was laced throughout with Slava's romantic declarations of his love for Mulder.
Mulder weighed the options over in his mind, Slava or forced imprisonment and being raped by hundreds of American sorcerers. He sighed, realizing he could never go to Slava because it would be a betrayal of the two men he loved with all of his heart. He would never do that to Skinner or Krycek, being forcefully locked away was one thing, but going willingly into the arms of another man was another.
He typed a reply to Byers' email; his friend had started his first male/male relationship and wanted his advice. This was the fourth man in a month that had sought out his love advice. Byers didn't mention who his male companion was, but wanted some answers to some pretty basic questions. Mulder responded as best as he could, then attached an URL to a page specializing in advice for men having their first sexual experience with another man. He closed down the computer and left the room, taking the folder with him.
Mulder knew his eyes were still puffy from crying, and he wanted to get to the nearest bathroom to conceal that fact. He bumped into Major Kazuo Sawada coming out of the guestroom.
"Agent Mulder . . . how are you?" he stammered, as he felt the stirring of arousal.
"Fine, Major Sawada, and please it's just Mulder."
The major noticed that the agent had been crying recently, being courteous, he didn't mention it. "Please call me Kazuo. I thought I would introduce myself to A.D. Skinner, I sense that he is home."
"Yes he is. You can probably find him in the kitchen," Mulder replied, knowing Skinner should be marinating the steaks.
"Thank you, Mulder," Sawada walked hastily down the main staircase.
Mulder quickly made a beeline for the nearest bathroom. Closing the door, he took out a washcloth and soaked it in cold water. He cleaned his face and laid it over his eyes. Being an immortal helped to quickly hide the fact he had been crying; when he removed the washcloth his eyes were no longer pink.
He picked up the folder and walked down the back staircase and into Skinner's study. Mulder placed the folder on the A.D.'s desk, knowing his lover would see it in the morning. He didn't want to ruin his weekend, but he couldn't keep this from him any longer. Leaving the office, he headed for the kitchen.
Doctor Carter and Major Sawada sat at the counter talking to Skinner, they both were sipping wine and discussing its bouquet. Mulder walked up to his lover, smiled brightly and kissed Skinner passionately. The major was a bit taken aback, not so much by this open display of affection, but by how happy Mulder appeared. When only fifteen minutes ago he was clearly distraught?
"How are you feeling, Fox," Skinner grinned, kissing the agent back and massaging his butt.
"Still pleasantly sore, but more than ready for round two after dinner. Walter, don't forget your promise of showing me what great shape you're in," Mulder smiled sweetly.
Takeda and MacIver walked into the room, they were dressed similarly in shorts, tank tops, sneakers, and baseball caps.
"Did you have a nice nap, Major?" MacIver drawled sarcastically.
"Very," Sawada replied softly. He stared longingly at Takeda. He had had a very erotic dream involving the young man. The young major studied Takeda's face; his full lips and smile reminded Sawada of his fiancée she had been killed by the alien virus. He blushed when he realized he had been staring, mesmerized by him.
Takeda smiled broadly, thrilled by the older man's admiring stare. "Good, now that you're rested I would like to show you around the estate. That is, if you would like me to?" he coaxed, leaning up against the counter seductively.
Major Sawada swallowed, nodded his head, not trusting himself to speak. Setting his wineglass down, he stood up, meticulously straightening his polo shirt and cotton slacks.
MacIver glared at Takeda. "Shin, honey, what do you want us to show the major first?"
Krycek stepped into the room, listening with amusement. He was carrying a bassinet under each arm and gently set them on the breakfast table. "Rory, it's your turn to help with dinner," Krycek replied, wanting the major to have time alone with Shinji.
"I thought Mulder was cooking tonight?" the Scotsman whined.
"Nope, Fox needs a break! He's already prepared two meals today," the triple agent admonished harshly with a predatory look in his eyes, stopping further complaints.
Mulder looked at Krycek questioningly; it wasn't often that the younger man asserted his authority around the mansion, but when he did, he made Skinner seem tame. There was an underlying menace to Krycek that came out at these rare moments, making Mulder recall his lover's dangerous past.
Sawada looked at the man in a whole new light, now here was someone to be dealt with cautiously. He'd seen that look before in the eyes of trained killers. Krycek's motives surprised him, it was obvious that besides his concern for Mulder, he was also helping Takeda by stopping the Scotsman from interfering with them.
Takeda didn't seem to notice the tension in the room as he walked over and kissed MacIver softly. "I like my steak medium-rare, lover," he grinned. Taking Sawada's hand, he led him out of the room.
"Shinji, are they always like that?" the major inquired, following the younger man outside where the late afternoon sun blazed down on them.
"Like what?" Takeda asked, adjusting his baseball cap to shield his eyes.
The major put on a pair of mirrored sunglasses to conceal his eyes from the younger man walking next to him. "Protective of Mulder and you," he replied.
"Yes, we've become a very close knit family. Walter, Alex, and Rory would never allow anything or anyone to hurt us," he smiled. Walking under an arbor, he sat on the bench, the major sat next to him, but not too close. "I've never felt safer in my whole life than I do being here."
"Do you know anything about Alex's past?" Sawada inquired.
"No. Why?"
"No reason, he just fascinates me." The Major was becoming aroused being this close to the immortal. He didn't want to give into his desires because the thought of having a sexual relationship with another male deeply disturbed him. They sat silently for several minutes with Sawada becoming increasingly aroused. "I think we should head back now," he replied hastily, standing on shaky legs.
Takeda smirked, knowing the affect he was having on the stoic major. He intentionally brushed up against him on their way back, staying in the other man's personal space. It excited him to have someone trying to resist the desire they felt for him -- it had never happened to him before. He thought about going without the anti-pheromone shot to see how much control the Japanese officer really had.
MacIver seemed in good humor upon their return. The disagreement he had with Krycek didn't seem to be bothering the Scotsman, since the two men were joking and talking amicably.
Sawada took in the other people on the patio; to his surprise, there was a female present. "Kazuo, I'd like you to meet our neighbors, Kimberly and Tony, and our pediatrician Doctor Jonathan Carter," Skinner said, introducing them.
He shook their hands politely, concealing his surprise. His government really left out a lot of information regarding this estate and its residents. He took a seat at the table between the A.D. and the doctor. Sawada didn't want to sit in empty chair between Kim and Mulder, he allowed Shinji to have it. His nerves were already frayed. He was going to need another long shower before going to bed tonight.
The evening passed pleasantly, everyone was in a good mood and the meal was delicious. Krycek assisted MacIver with the barbecue, while Mulder and Skinner took care of the infants. The two fathers took them inside four times to feed them or change their diapers. Sawada was amazed at the gentleness the large man showed for the babies.
Sawada felt instant jealousy as MacIver hugged and kissed Shinji, the two lovers said goodnight to everyone and headed inside. Tony and Kim left immediately after them and the major said goodnight, heading up to his room. His mind was deeply troubled over the feelings he was developing for the young Immortal.
***
Mulder startled awake to a loud crashing sound, then the baby woke up crying frantically. Skinner was no longer in bed. He glanced at the clock while climbing out of bed it was only four o'clock in the morning. The agent quickly pulled on a robe covering his nude body. He rushed to pick up the shrieking infant as another loud crash filled the mansion. He cradled her fearfully against his chest, not knowing what the noises were.
Mulder cautiously opened the door and made his way silently down the hallway, holding the baby protectively. He met Krycek as the younger man came stealthily down the main staircase carrying Faith, she was crying at the top of her lungs, too. Major Sawada and Doctor Carter followed close behind.
Another loud crash sounded, it came from Skinner's study. The four men met MacIver and Takeda at the door. The air was pulsating with electricity and they could hear the A.D. cursing at the top of his lungs.
Mulder knew instantly what was wrong, he licked his lips nervously. "I guess he read the report," he murmured sadly.
"Fox, what report? What's going on?" Krycek asked.
Mulder sighed, stepped away from the door and headed for the family room. The other men followed him and waited to be informed why Skinner was angrily destroying his study.
Mulder sat on the sofa with Hope nestled against his chest, his lover sat next to him holding Faith. The protection of their fathers' arms calmed and quieted the two infants. Krycek stared at him waiting, but the agent sat quietly with a faraway look in his eyes.
Tony and Kimberly appeared in the room, they had heard the commotion from their cottage. Everyone turned to face Skinner as he walked into the room and crossed quickly over to Mulder.
Skinner sat next to Mulder and pulled him into his arms kissing him. He cupped Mulder's face between his hands and stared deep into their sad hazel depths. "I will kill anyone who tries to take you from me!" he stated bluntly.
Mulder shifted the baby into a more comfortable position between them. "Walter, our daughters come first, please, don't jeopardize their chance for happiness. They can't lose both of us . . . you and Alex can raise them without me."
"Walter, what is he talking about? Damnit! What's going on?" Krycek snapped angrily.
"That fucking bastard Senator Mooney is trying to by-pass the law by claiming that Fox is vital to our national security, he's using that to take Fox away from us," Skinner growled.
The other people in the room were shocked by Skinner's words.
"Fox, how long have you known about this?" Krycek asked, staring at his lover.
Mulder glanced down, refusing to meet his eyes. "Since Wednesday."
"Three days! You've kept this to yourself for three days!" Krycek snarled. "Fox, why?"
"Alex, I'm sorry. I didn't want to spoil Walter's birthday party on Thursday. Then Faith was almost killed. I couldn't tell you afterwards, you were so happy that she was alive and safe."
"So, you suffered silently with this hanging over your head!" Skinner grabbed Mulder's chin forcing his head up so he could look into the younger man's eyes. "Damnit, Fox, next time you get one of these reports I expect to you to show it to Alex and me, immediately! No, better yet, I'm calling Hans Werner, all future reports are to be sent directly to my attention!"
Mulder was too startled to protest, he had never seen Skinner or Krycek so angry at him before.
"Kim, will you please watch Faith. I need to talk to Alex alone," Skinner requested softly. Kimberly stepped forward and took the infant from Krycek.
Mulder watched dejectedly as his two lovers left the room without him. He felt the hot trail of tears make their way down his cheeks; embarrassed, he turned away from the other people in the room as he broke down sobbing, cuddling his daughter close to his heart.
***