Life from the Ashes Book 2 - Hope and Faith
Chapter 16
Hurt and Comfortby Jo B.
purplefox@usfamily.net***
Foxfire Glenn Estate
Saturday, June 5
4:50 a.m."Walter, I thought you had better control over your temper than this," Krycek said. Shaking his head, he looked around the shattered remains of his brother's study.
Skinner snarled, tossing him the folder and watched with satisfaction when the younger man's face darkened with rage as he read the Senate Committee's recommendations. "Those bastards!" Krycek closed his eyes, regaining control over his temper. "Fox carried this information inside of him for three days?"
The A.D. brushed the glass and plaster off his leather desk chair before sitting. "Alex, we need to present a united front when we talk to him. Somehow, we have to get it through that thick head of his that he is not alone in this," Skinner fumed.
"He was only trying to protect us," the younger man murmured sadly.
"That's the whole damn problem! He would allow them to take him away from us in order to protect us! He still doesn't understand what that would do to us," Skinner grumbled.
"Fox was thinking about our daughters, too, Walter. He doesn't want anything to happen to them." Krycek uncovered a chair from the rubble, it was missing a leg, he concentrated briefly and the chair became whole. He carried it carefully over to where Skinner was sitting, walking cautiously to avoid stepping on any glass or sharp objects with his bare feet.
Skinner watched as he sat, his sweat pants were riding seductively low on his hips. "The last thing I want is to leave our daughters fatherless," the older man sighed.
"Walter, I suggest that we drive over to Senator Mooney's house and hang the asshole up by his feet from a nearest tree, then slowly flay the skin off his body . . . " A sharp stiletto appear in Krycek's hand as he spoke.
"Alex, no matter how attractive that thought is, there's a better way," Skinner grinned, feeling a surge of confidence for the first time in weeks.
"What?"
"This country is still under partial martial law and the FBI is the top law enforcement agency. After my recent promotion, I'm the third highest in the chain of command," he stated, looking extremely pleased.
"Walter, what's your point?"
"The FBI has authority over all other agencies, including the military. They can't take Fox away from us and put him under another agency's protection."
Krycek grinned as the implication of what Skinner was saying sunk in. "Very sneaky, so the Senate can order Fox placed into protective custody, but it's the FBI who determines who handles his protection. That's a good solution for the short term, but it doesn't resolve his rights being taken away or the threat of locking him in that facility they're building."
"It will provide us time to work something out . . . I will never allow them to get their hands on Fox!" Skinner looked around at his ruined study. Sighing, he closed his eyes and concentrated . . . blue energy flowed around him and throughout the room. Soon all signs of destruction vanished as the study was returned to its former state of meticulous neatness.
"So how do you want to handle our reticent lover?" Krycek asked, putting his bare feet up on the clean desk.
Skinner smiled at him slyly and started explaining his plan.
***
Takeda sat next to Mulder on the sofa, putting his arm around the taller man's waist. "Walter will think of something, Mulder. He would never allow anyone to touch you."
Mulder leaned against him trying to control the sobs that threatened to break free again. "That's the problem, Shin. I don't want Walter or Alex to place themselves in danger because of me. They need to take care of our daughters. Who would protect them if anything happened to us?" Mulder rubbed Hope's back as he looked down at her small head resting against his chest.
Major Sawada watched the two men intently; he had never witnessed such tenderness and concern. There was so much love and passion in this household. It saddened him to think that some outside force was attempting to take it all away. His heart went out to Agent Mulder and his plight, he wished there were something that he could do to help. He watched silently as MacIver sat on the other side of Mulder.
"Mulder, Walter and Alex won't be fighting this alone. I intend to be by their sides at all times. We'll make those rangy bastards pay big time if they try to take you away from us!" MacIver drawled, placing a comforting hand on the agent's thigh.
Mulder smiled weakly. "Thanks, Rory, but I don't want anyone placing their lives in danger to protect me."
"Mulder, Love, I will protect you whether you want it or not."
Takeda smiled affectionately over Mulder's shoulder at his Scottish lover. "Mulder, we love you like family. You can't expect us to sit back and allow someone to take you away from us."
"Yeah, Mulder, there's no way anyone is getting on this estate without a fight!" Tony stated; taking Faith away from Kimberly, he held her safely in his arms.
Skinner's voice interrupted them. "Fox, we'd like to speak with you now," he requested softly, waiting by the door.
Doctor Carter stepped forward, taking Hope from Mulder as the agent stood up nervously and walked over to his lover. Skinner stepped aside allowing the agent to proceed him down the hallway and into his study.
Mulder glanced around in amazement at the immaculately cleaned study. Krycek was leaning up against Skinner's desk. The younger man had gotten dressed since he last saw him. He wore black jeans, a pullover, and hiking boots. Skinner was also fully clothed. It made Mulder feel exposed, dressed only in a short terrycloth robe with nothing on underneath.
"Fox, sit down," Skinner ordered. He was standing in front of a small wooden chair with a cloth-covered seat that was positioned in the center of the room.
Mulder did as ordered. He pulled the fabric of his robe together as he sat, trying to cover his bare legs. Skinner stood next to the chair and placed his hand on the agent's shoulder.
Krycek stood and walked slowly around the chair; kneeling in front of it, he took Mulder's hands in his. "Fox, do you love us?" he asked tenderly.
"Alex, you know I do."
"Then why did you want to hurt us so badly?"
"I don't understand what you mean . . . I would never harm either of you." Mulder looked into Krycek's sad green eyes.
"Keeping this from us for three days was more painful than you can imagine, it showed your lack of trust in us," Skinner replied, dropping the folder in Mulder's lap. "Why can't you understand that your pain and sorrow is ours, too?"
"I'm sorry, I didn't mean to hurt you by not telling you both right away." Mulder lowered his eyes and chewed on his lower lip.
Krycek ran his hands under Mulder's robe and caressed up his thighs. "Don't keep secrets, Fox. You need to tell us when something is bothering you," Krycek murmured softly, kissing him on the lips.
"We cannot protect you otherwise," Skinner whispered, replacing Krycek's mouth with his.
Mulder blinked back tears as Skinner ended the kiss. "Walter, Alex, please, there's no way of preventing them from taking me. If you try you'll only end up getting yourselves killed," he sighed. A tear slipped free and rolled down his cheek.
"Fox, we have a plan that may work, but I need to make some phone calls to get the proper approvals." Skinner smiled reassuringly.
"What plan, Walter?"
"Having the FBI take over the protection for the immortals in the United States," Skinner soothed.
Mulder looked up at him and blinked. Slowly, a smile lit up his beautiful face. "Damn, why didn't I think of that?" He felt as if a weight had been lifted off his shoulders.
"Fox, that's why it's so important that you come to us." Skinner smiled, kneeling beside his chair, they shared a three-way hug. "We haven't resolved the problem of them trying to take your rights away, but this will give us more time."
"Walter, Alex, thank you."
"Fox, go back to bed. It's still early and I think you could use a few more hours of sleep. Don't worry about the babies Walter and I will take care of them," Krycek advised.
After Mulder had left, Skinner and Krycek went out to tell the other residents what their plan was. Most of their friends were relieved; except MacIver, he wanted to get revenge on the Senator.
"C'mon, lads, let me at least carve the Senator a new belly button," MacIver pleaded.
"Rory, no! I know your heart is in the right place, but I'd rather not resort to violence at this point," Skinner admonished. "Please, everyone, I apologize for waking you up, now why don't you all go back to bed," he murmured retrieving Hope from Doctor Carter. Tony handed Faith to Alex and they all filed out of the room.
Skinner and Krycek sat in the family room after everyone had left. They cradled their daughters in their arms. "I think you should have let Rory loose on the Senator. The man's a professional, there's no way they'd trace it back to us," Krycek stated.
"Alex, it's our job to maintain the law! Not break it. However, if I ever have the unfortunate pleasure of running into that fucking Senator at some function, he will definitely end up on his ass with a few teeth missing," Skinner growled.
Skinner looked over at Krycek who had been silent for several minutes. "What's wrong? What are you thinking about?"
"The Fourth of July barbecue and party we're having . . . I'm thinking of inviting Senator Mooney," he grinned.
"Ha-ha, very funny, Alex." Skinner looked at his watch. "I think I'll go and wake up the Director. I want to get this situation resolved as quickly as possible, would you mind watching Hope for awhile?"
"Walter, I'll always be willing to watch the mouse for you and Fox."
"Thanks, Alex." Skinner gently placed the baby in Krycek's free arm, then leaned down and tenderly kissed his baby brother on the lips.
***
St. Petersburg
The Winter Palace
Saturday, June 5
8:00 a.m.Marat Fyodorov stood before the Tsar's throne. Nikolai Slava had remodeled Peter the Great's throne room to meet his own modern needs. The large wall before the throne was a covered with monitors that the Tsar controlled from his throne. Tsar Nikolai could control all the parts of his government that were out of reach of his telepathy. Built into the throne were a telephone and a computer.
"Fyodorov, I want more information on these men that threaten moi Fox! This Senator Mooney and his cronies, I want to know their weaknesses," Slava hissed, while rereading the report he had been given three days before from his clairvoyant spies at the Russian embassy in Washington D.C.
"Of course, moi Tsar. Is there anything else you require?" the mousy little man asked. He rung hands together nervously, looking up at the extremely handsome man on the throne.
"Yes, I need a present to send for moi Fox's daughter's birth . . . something beautiful and expensive . . . check the museum." The Tsar looked thoughtful for a few seconds. "Have the Americans made any progress in tracking down the alien that tried to kill her?"
"No, moi Tsar, it seems to have eluded them."
Slava snarled, "The sooner we get Fox and his daughters here under my protection the better. Fyodorov, are you positive I shouldn't just snatch them?"
"Yes. Moi Tsar, you need to win your lover's trust. He will return to you willingly when the time is right." the clairvoyant smiled reassuringly.
"Very well, Fyodorov, you are dismissed." The Tsar flipped on his monitors to view his subjects, but his mind was on his Fox. He pulled out the photo of his lover that he always carried over his heart on the inside pocket of his tailored suit coat. "Soon, moi love, we will be as one, together forever," he murmured longingly.
***
Foxfire Glenn Estate
Saturday, June 5
8:50 a.m.Skinner looked around at their guests -- everyone had finished eating. Takeda was going to show Sawada the lake and the rest of the mansion. MacIver was sullen, he didn't like Takeda spending time with the major, but he had promised his lover that he would not interfere.
"C'mon, Rory, why don't we spend the morning fishing," Doctor Carter suggested, seeing the anger in the older man's eyes.
"Sure, Jonathan, that's a splendid idea," he murmured without his usual enthusiasm.
Skinner sat at the counter feeding Faith. He watched his brother move around the kitchen. Krycek had changed into shorts and a tank top and the A.D. was admiring the younger man's toned body.
Krycek turned and looked at him. "With the additional guests moving in on Wednesday, we're going to run out of guest bedrooms. So I was thinking, why don't I move down into the master bedroom with you and Fox?" He waited for Skinner to come up with some sort of an excuse why he shouldn't, but the older man surprised him.
"That's an excellent idea, Alex, it will definitely benefit both of us." Skinner smiled warmly.
"Good. I'll fix Fox his breakfast, then you can give him the news from your chat with the Director," Krycek replied, smiling. He poured some batter into the crepe pan.
Twenty minutes later, Krycek carried the tray laden with food into the master bedroom.
Skinner had carried the babies into their nursery five minutes earlier. He stood briefly in the doorway watching his brother carry the tray to the bed.
"C'mon, beautiful, it's time to get up," Krycek purred softly into his lover's ear.
Mulder woke to the wonderful smell of coffee, cinnamon, and apples. He smiled lazily up at Krycek. Then he noticed Skinner as the older man propped the pillows up behind him and kissed him lightly. "We figured you could do with some pampering this morning," he murmured sweetly.
"Where are the babies?"
"In the nursery sleeping, so we have to be quiet," Krycek whispered, placing the breakfast tray across Mulder's lap.
Mulder smiled contentedly. Krycek had made apple filled crepes sprinkled lightly with powdered sugar and three strips of bacon. He picked up the fork and dug in while his two lovers watched, pleased. Skinner opened the French doors and the sound of birds singing filled the room.
"It's going to be a beautiful day. Why don't we all take a walk down by the lake with the babies, later?" Krycek suggested, sitting cross-legged on the bed.
"Sounds good to me, I could use the fresh air and exercise," Mulder answered, munching on a piece of bacon.
Skinner sat on the other side of the bed. "I'm making a Prime Rib for dinner tonight. I thought we'd eat in the formal dining room. We'll need to put in the extra leafs in the table to accommodate all of our guests," Skinner informed him.
Mulder sipped his coffee, feeling truly happy for the first time in days. "Do we have a booster seat for Matthew?"
"We have a highchair, I figured we'd put Bill on one end of the table and the highchair next to him. That way there will be enough room for everyone at the table . . . with Jonathan staying the weekend, and Frohike coming that makes sixteen," Skinner replied.
"How's everybody doing?" Mulder asked nervously. He was embarrassed by his display of emotions earlier that morning.
"They're doing fine, Fox. It showed us what really good friends we have. We'll have to keep an eye on Rory though, I'm afraid he might pay our not so favorite Senator a visit," Krycek answered.
"I'm afraid you're right, he would do something like that," Mulder stated. Finishing the last of the meal, he put his napkin down and Krycek took the tray away setting it on the small table. The agent leaned back against the pillows, closing his eyes.
After several minutes had passed, Skinner walked over to the bed and stared down at Mulder.
"Fox, we're going to have two new houseguests, the FBI is bringing them to the estate on Wednesday," Skinner murmured.
"Who, Walter?"
"This country's other two immortals, Justin Cody Blaise and Joseph Shadow Hawk," he replied softly.
"Oh. When did all of this happen?" Mulder asked, smiling softly. He closed his eyes, again, feeling safe and protected; the weight of the last three days had been removed from his shoulder.
"While you were sleeping I called the Director and explained the situation. He was more than willing to help, it seems he has a grudge against Senator Mooney." Skinner smiled wickedly down at his lover.
Mulder's eyes flew open when Skinner snatched the blankets off him revealing his beautiful nude body. The older man grabbed his lover's ankles and pulled him down so he was lying flat on his back. Mulder laughed happily as the older man's fully clothed body covered his, pressing him down into the soft mattress. The agent reached up; removing his lover's glasses, he set them on the nightstand. Skinner captured his mouth in a deep luxurious kiss, he rubbed his jean-covered erection against his lover's exposed cock. Mulder moaned into the older man's mouth; holding onto Skinner's shoulders, he pushed his hips against the rough fabric.
Skinner rolled them on their sides. Reaching down, he unzipped his jeans, releasing his straining erection. Mulder felt the warmth of Krycek's naked body press up against his back, then the firm pressure against his anus as the younger man pushed lubricant into him gently stretching his opening, preparing him.
In the meantime, the older man had stripped off his jeans and took Mulder's cock into his mouth swirling his tongue around the velvet head. He turned repositioning his body so Mulder could return the favor. The agent lapped up the pre-cum leaking from the larger man's cock, nudging the small opening with his tongue. He took more of his lover's cock into his mouth, sucking hard before pulling out and scrapping his teeth along his length. He felt the large vein throbbing against his tongue. Skinner copied him move for move.
Mulder moaned, shifting his leg up so it was positioned on Skinner's shoulder, exposing more of himself to Krycek's exploring lips. The feel of the younger man's tongue pressing into his anus was driving him wild. Mulder couldn't hold back, he took all of the older man's cock into his mouth deep-throating him.
Skinner's body spasmed over being so firmly held down his lover's tight throat. He pulled out then slammed back in.
Mulder relaxed his throat muscles as the A.D. slammed forcefully into his mouth. Skinner was too far gone to remember to return the favor on his lover's cock. The older man closed eyes as he thrust in and out of the delicious wet heat. Skinner nestled his cheek against Mulder's thigh, moaning softly.
Mulder would have cried out if he could have when Krycek pushed into him and started slowly fucking him. The younger man angled up with each thrust, bumping his prostate sending shivers of pleasure throughout his body. Forgotten by his lovers, his cock was straining painfully against his belly.
Skinner thrust one more time into Mulder's hot mouth and came hard pumping his seed down the younger man's throat. Mulder swallowed fast, trying to keep up with the flow, but the milky semen leaked out the corners of his mouth and down his chin. As his orgasm came to an end, his penis softened and slipped out of Mulder's mouth. The agent panted heavily, gasping for air. Krycek kissed the side of Mulder's throat, holding still with his cock buried deeply inside his lover's gorgeous ass waiting for Mulder to recover before he resumed fucking him.
Skinner rested his head on Mulder's lower thigh, the agent's other leg was on his shoulder giving him a perfect view of his brother's cock as he started thrusting in and out of their lover's tight hole. He breathed in deeply, luxuriating in the delicious scent of Mulder, he felt himself becoming painfully erect again. Skinner turned his head slightly and sucked his beautiful lover's balls into his mouth feeling them pull up and harden.
The taste of Skinner's come and the feel of Krycek's relentless thrusting was driving Mulder mad with arousal. When the A.D.'s mouth claimed his balls, it was his undoing. He exploded, screaming as he orgasmed, his semen hitting his chest. His rectal muscles clenched and milked the younger man's cock until Krycek spurted his hot release into Mulder's body.
All three men slumped exhausted onto the bed. Skinner pulled himself around so he could gently kiss Mulder's sex swollen lips. He tasted himself on the other man's lips, he licked his lover's face free of come. Krycek hugged Mulder from behind. Skinner gazed lovingly at his brother and they shared a deep kiss with Mulder lying peacefully between them. The agent smiled up at them, happy that they had finally overcome their inhibitions with each other.
The older man's erection pressed into Mulder's hip, he reached down and stroked it. "Would you like to take care of this?" Mulder asked huskily. Lying seductively on his back, he spread his legs invitingly.
"Mm, definitely, babe," Skinner breathed. He climbed between his legs and caressed Mulder's thighs and ass. The agent raised his legs up onto the larger man's shoulders, spreading himself open for his lover's caresses.
Skinner slid his thumbs down the younger man's cleft to his anus, pushing them into the agent's well-lubed and stretched hole. Mulder gasped as Skinner pulled him open and inserted his large cock between his thick thumbs. Without removing his thumbs, Skinner pushed in. The agent's brief cry of pain was muffled when Krycek's mouth clamped over his.
When Skinner was halfway buried in his lover's beautiful body, he pulled his thumbs free. Chuckling deeply as Mulder pushed back wantonly, trying to take more of his large cock into that gorgeous ass.
Krycek ran his hands over Mulder's smooth skin, twisting his nipples as he ravished his mouth. His hand trailed lower until he was caressing the flat planes just above the agent's groin. He felt a vibration under his hand; pressing down, he realized it was Skinner's cock. The younger man could just feel the movement of the larger man's penis as it plowed deeply inside their lover's bowels. "I can feel him inside you, Fox," he whispered teasingly into the agent's ear.
"Oh, God," Mulder moaned; thrusting up, he opened himself wider to the older man. He relished the feel of the large cock filling him -- owning him.
Skinner thrust harder and faster into his lover, wanting Mulder to feel this for the rest of this day. He wanted Mulder to know how much he loved and needed him. "Fox, I love you!" he cried out as he came hard, slumping down on top of his lover. He slowly recovered and pulled out of the younger man's body. Skinner sank down between Mulder and Krycek pulling both men into an affectionate hug. He never wanted to lose this -- their love felt so right.
Mulder rested his head on Skinner's broad shoulder and wrapped his arm around the larger man's chest. Krycek curled up on the other side of Skinner's body, sighing contentedly.
"God! That was unbelievable!" Mulder exclaimed.
"Fox, for you to say something was unbelievable that really makes it remarkable," Skinner joked.
Mulder smiled and relaxed into the older man's arms, he listened to his lover's breathing and heartbeats. The agent became concerned by what he didn't hear. "Do you hear that?" he asked worriedly.
"No, I don't hear anything," Skinner replied.
"Me neither," Krycek piped in.
"After all the noise we just made, Hope should be crying for attention." Mulder quickly pulled away.
The other two men panicked and they all rushed into the nursery looking into the crib. Staring back up at them were two pairs of emerald green eyes, both infants were wide awake. Hope smiled happily at the three men peering down at her. Faith looked around not quite focusing, her lower lip quivered and she started crying.
Mulder picked her up. "She needs a diaper change," he murmured, relieved that was the only problem and set about the task.
"Hope seems to like her company," Skinner replied, picking up his daughter.
Krycek started laughing.
"What?" Skinner looked at him puzzled.
"Us! Look at us! We're naked, hot, and smelling from just having mind-blowing sex, and we're taking care of our infant daughters . . . god, I love my life," he smiled delightedly.
Skinner grinned, looking around. "We're not your typical Norman Rockwell family . . . are we?"
"Who is anymore?" Mulder smiled. "We all could use a bath before our hike to the lake. What do you say, Faith, do you want to try another bath?" he murmured softly, hugging her tenderly against his bare chest.
***
Senator Mooney's Estate
Saturday, June 5
2:00 p.m.A paunchy, middle-aged Senator angrily slammed down the receiver. "That sneaky, mutant freak!" he bellowed.
"What's wrong, Milford?" The Senator's benefactor looked up at him, the man was sipping a cup of tea.
"Reverend Xsavior, your holiness, that devil's spawned mutant has interfered with God's divine plan for saving this planet from the sinners that are infesting it," Milford Mooney huffed angrily.
"Be more specific, Milford!" the dignified man admonished.
"Assistant Director Walter Sergei Skinner!" the Senator snarled. "He has seized control over God's chosen ones! In a week, we would have had Fox Mulder safely away from his corrupting, foul touch! But now he has taken control of the other angels!"
"Milford, it is only temporary. Once the facility is built, Satan's spawn will no longer have control over any of them. They will be sent to do God's work by repopulating this world with the Lord's daughters."
"Your holiness, could you please enlighten me? I still don't comprehend why God allows his chosen to be soiled by committing the most unholy of sins?" the man asked, sweating, his toupee shifted slightly. It deeply disturbed the Senator that the only way a healthy female baby could be conceived was by God's beautiful angels having sex with those foul mutants.
"God's ways are not always clear to us, Milford, it is not our place to question him."
***
Foxfire Glenn Estate
Saturday, June 5
2:30 p.m.Major Sawada luxuriated by the outdoor pool, wearing his swimming trunks. He watched hungrily as Takeda dove into the cool, clear water. He had dreamt about the younger man last night, it distressed him that he longed to taste Takeda's lips.
The major was feeling even more aroused after accidentally hearing Mulder, Skinner, and Krycek making love this morning. He was walking outside with Takeda this morning and passed by the men's bedroom, their moans of passion could be heard from the open French doors.
The Scotsman glared at him from the other side of the pool, but the major paid him no mind. He was intent on watching the beautiful younger man, he didn't even notice as Doctor Carter sat next to him.
"It's hard not to want them, isn't it?" the doctor said.
"Pardon me, Doctor. What do you mean?" The handsome, young major reluctantly pulled his eyes away.
"When I first came out here to give Hope a checkup, Mulder was present. I had never felt more aroused before in my entire life. I asked Skinner if he could have Mulder leave the room . . . he refused, telling me to get a grip on myself if I wanted to remain Hope's pediatrician."
"I take it you did?" Sawada asked, looking at the young doctor seriously. "How do you control your desire for them?"
"Lots and lots of cold showers. It will become easier when you get to know them better, but the desire never goes away," he sighed, watching Shinji step back on to the diving board.
***
Foxfire Glenn Estate
Saturday, June 5
5:30 p.m.Mulder steered Frohike up to his office. He was dreading the private conversation he was going to have with his dearest friend.
This was the first time the older man had been in Mulder's new office. "It suits you, Mulder," he said, looking around at all of the familiar furniture. He strolled up to the small fish tank looking in at the small variety of brightly colored fish.
"Alex salvaged most of my old apartment furniture . . . this office was a wedding gift from him," Mulder smiled.
"Alex doesn't seem like the sentimental type," Frohike murmured, sitting on the black, leather sofa. "Mulder, I'm sorry . . . I didn't realize the emotional stress you were under when I pulled that kissing booth joke on you. If I'd known about the Senate Procreation Committee's latest report, I never would have made that suggestion. Please, Mulder, accept my apology," the smaller man groveled.
"Fro, there's nothing to forgive. I never should have allowed that bastard Mooney to get under my skin the way he did. You were right, I have been too sensitive lately . . . it's just that I've felt so totally helpless." Mulder sat next to him placing his head in his hands. "I've never been happier in my life . . . it would kill me to lose all of this," he murmured.
"Mulder, you're not going to lose anything. Walter came up with the perfect solution. I heard it totally pissed off Senator Mooney." The older man placed his hand on Mulder's.
Mulder gasped when he noticed the tattoo on his friend's right hand. It was the mark to indicate that the man was a clairvoyant.
"I was caught off guard . . . " Frohike sighed. "It wasn't that bad."
"I thought the ACLU had stopped the government from branding its citizens!" Mulder exclaimed, surprised.
"Mulder, don't be so naïve," the older man sighed.
"Do you want me to make it disappear?" Mulder asked smugly.
"You can do that?"
"Yes. I'll do it after dinner if you want me to?"
"No. That's okay, they'd only tattoo me again." Frohike looked solemnly at his friend.
"Frohike, there's one thing that is bothering me," Mulder replied, looking at him.
"What, Mulder?"
"Why you didn't know about the Senate's Procreation Committee's latest report?"
"I . . . I've been distracted this week," Frohike said blushing. "You see, um . . . Byers has gotten himself a boyfriend and I was ah . . . "
"Spying on them. Frohike, have you no decency?"
"Nope. C'mon, Mulder, I'm dying to see your new daughter. Walter says she looks like you."
"She does a little, but she has Alex's ears and nose," he replied and opened the secret panel.
The secret passageway surprised Frohike. "Cool, does this lead to the bat cave?" he joked, staring down the pitch, black staircase.
"Some place much better, mine and Walter's bedroom." Mulder flipped on the light switch and allowed Frohike to proceed him down the staircase. He showed the little man the release switch that opened the secret panel.
"Hi, Alex," Mulder smiled at the younger man sitting in the middle of the king-sized bed reading a paperback novel. Both infants lay sleeping next to him.
"Fox, have you two resolved your differences?" he asked, smiling back at his lover.
Frohike walked over to the bed, staring down at the two sleeping babies. "Can I hold her?"
"Sure, Melvin." Krycek gently picked up the sleeping infant and handed her to the older man. Frohike sat on the bed cradling her in his arms. Faith woke up and stared at him, yawned, and fell back to sleep.
"Hey, she didn't cry!" he exclaimed. "Hope cries every time I try to hold her." The older man's face lit up happily.
"Fox, we're going to have to teach Faith to be more weary of strange men," Krycek smirked.
"Hey, I'm not strange!" Frohike huffed, holding the infant lovingly.
"Gentlemen," Skinner said, strolling into the room.
"Hey, Walter. Look, she likes me." The infant enraptured the small man.
"It looks that way, Melvin." The A.D. smiled. "I finished making dessert and was just about to start dinner. Melvin, can you give me a hand?"
"Sure, Walter," he replied. Handing the baby to Mulder, he followed Skinner out of the room.
***
Major Kazuo Sawada buttoned the last gold button on his dress uniform; he wanted to look his best for dinner this evening. He was trying to impress Shinji Takeda. The major found himself lusting after the younger man, he thought somberly how his feelings had done a 180 degree turn since he first met the younger man over twenty-four hours ago earlier.
There was a knock on his door, he walked over and opened it. "Alex, is there something I can do for you?" He looked at the handsome man dressed in black dress slacks, a polo shirt, and loafers. Krycek was carrying his daughter in his arms.
"Our guests have arrived; if you're ready, I thought I'd introduce you to them," he replied innocently.
Sawada couldn't help reaching out to gently caress the infant's cheek. "I'd like that, thank you, Alex."
"Would you like to hold her?" the triple agent asked.
"Yes, please." The major took the infant into his arms smiling softly at her, she was so small and delicate.
Krycek opened the door for them, smiling deviously behind the young major's back. He was going to win that bet with Mulder, and he already knew when and where they would get married.
Takeda was sitting in the living room talking to Dana Scully. He glanced up as Sawada entered carrying Faith. His heart leapt to his throat at the look of tenderness in the young major's brown eyes as he held the infant.
Krycek noticed the look of warmth in Takeda's eyes. He hadn't counted on the younger man being aroused by the major carrying the infant. Damn, he had wanted Sawada to know how good it could be to have a baby with an immortal. He should demand that the Japanese government compensate him for his efforts. After all, he was doing more to bring these two men together than they were, even if it was for strictly selfish reasons.
Mulder stood up and took the baby from Sawada, guiding the young major into the room. He smirked briefly at Krycek, he was well aware of what his lover was trying to pull. "Major Kazuo Sawada, I'd like you to meet Special Agent Dana Scully and her brothers Bill and Charlie.
"It's a pleasure to meet you Agent Scully, Bill, Charlie." The major bowed politely to each of them. Scully smiled up at him. She was holding Hope in her arms, the infant was playing with the gold cross that hung around her neck.
"It's a pleasure to meet you, too. Shinji was telling us some interesting things about your background." She smiled, prying the infant's tiny fingers free from her cross.
"Such as?" the major asked, sitting down across from Scully.
"That you're part of your country's elite strike force against terrorists, and that you've personally eliminated several possible nuclear missile threats to Japan from China and North Korea," she stated simply.
Sawada stared thoughtfully at Takeda; his missions weren't suppose to be part of common knowledge, he wondered how the younger man had acquired his information. Before he could reply, the young doctor stepped into the room.
Scully stared up at him, drowning in the handsome doctor's kind, brown eyes. Her heart beat faster as she studied his handsome features: cocoa brown skin, high cheekbones, and elegant hands. He had on a stylish, light gray suit and burgundy tie. The doctor stared at her with similar appreciation.
Mulder smiled, he had never seen his ex-partner stare at another man this way. "Scully, this is Doctor Jonathan Carter, he's Hope and Faith's pediatrician."
The young doctor stepped forward. "It's truly a pleasure to meet you, Doctor Scully. Mulder has told me so much about you that I feel like I already know you." He smiled, placing his hand on hers where she held the infant. Hope look up at him, smiled and excitedly kicked her feet.
"You're a pediatrician?" she asked with interest.
"Yes," he replied, taking the baby into his arms. "It was really a privilege that Mulder, Walter, and Alex hired me to be their daughters' pediatrician." Hope grabbed his finger pulling it toward her mouth. "No you don't, little one. Mulder, I think your munchkin could use a pacifier."
Mulder handed Faith to Krycek and went to retrieve Hope from the doctor. "I didn't want to get her started on sucking a pacifier," he complained.
"It's either that or she's going to start sucking her thumb. Believe me, Mulder, a pacifier will be a lot easier on her teeth," Carter advised.
"Damn, I suppose you're right," Mulder sighed, looking at Krycek. "Okay, Alex, does Walter have any pacifiers in that pile of baby things he's been buying?"
"Fox, sweetheart, Walter has purchased every single baby product on the market. Hope can have her choice of pacifiers, he has at least a dozen," Krycek chuckled. He held Faith gently cradled in one arm and wrapped the other around Mulder's waist and guided him down the hallway.
Takeda stood and went over to Sawada. "Kazuo, Walter wanted me to take you down to the wine cellar so you can select an appropriate wine to serve with dinner. He said you were a connoisseur of fine wines," Takeda murmured, looking at him admiringly. He took the major's arm and led him out of the living room.
"I do have an appreciation for it," Sawada stated, allowing the younger man to lead him.
MacIver was talking with Bill and Charlie when he overheard his lover's conversation and noticed the way Shinji had looked at the major, it made him extremely jealous. Six more days and the major would be out of here, one way, or another. Pulling himself together, he plastered a fake smile on his handsome face. "Would you and Bill be interested in a game of darts, Charlie?"
"Sure, Rory," the eldest Scully replied and all three men headed for the upstairs game room, leaving Jonathan and Dana alone in the living room.
"May I call you Dana?" the doctor asked, sitting down next to her on the sofa.
"Yes, if I'm allowed to call you Jonathan," she flirted. "It must be satisfying work being a pediatrician and taking care of children."
"Yes, although this past year and a half has been extremely hard. All of the older children are still suffering emotional traumas from losing their mothers and sisters," he murmured sadly. "I spend Mondays and Tuesdays at the orphanages, there are so many little boys that have been left parentless. The government is making great progress lately on finding them adoptive families, now that the dust has settled. Dana, I hear that you are going to be adopting Scott Boutotte."
"Yes, I feel it's the least I can do . . . his father and I had become really close friends. Scott's the same age as my nephew Trevor, he's Charlie's youngest son."
"I met the boys in the kitchen, they were talking to Walter. Trevor and Randy seemed to be staying pretty close to Scott . . . I found it touching. The toddler . . . Matthew, he's Bill's son?" The doctor knew all about the Scullys from Mulder.
"Yes, I probably should go and retrieve him from the boys," she replied, standing and straightening her cocktail dress.
"I'll go with you," he offered, holding out his arm to her.
***
Krycek unearthed several wrapped pacifiers from the pile, tossing them on the washing machine. Mulder selected one and removed it from its packaging, then stepped up to the laundry tub and rinsed it under hot water. He offered it to the baby and she sucked on it greedily.
"You are getting really easy to please, Hope," he murmured, kissing the top of her head.
"Fox, give me something to suck on and I'll be pleased, too," Krycek leered.
Mulder kissed him softly. "You're so sexy, I'll keep that offer in mind for tonight. C'mon, Walter wants us to set the dining room table."
***
Sawada appraised the selection of wine on the racks, he settled on a Per Sempre 1994 Cabernet Sauvignon. "This will be perfect with the prime rib. Shinji, we'll need at least four bottles," he stated. Turning around, he looked for the younger man. He startled at the seductive look the young immortal was giving him. Takeda was incredibly sexy in his tight, black leather pants and a silk shirt.
"Kazuo, do you think you could teach me about wine?" Takeda asked; walking into his personal space, he brushed up against the major.
The sorcerer nearly dropped the bottle of wine as he felt an electrical charge of lust race through his body, he couldn't stop himself as he clumsily grabbed the younger man and kissed him passionately. He savored the delicious taste of Shinji's lips and mouth. Only the need for oxygen made him break the kiss.
"I take it that was a yes?" Takeda replied breathlessly; licking his kiss-swollen lips, he stepped back. He took the bottle of wine from the startled major's hand, turning, he walked out of the wine cellar. The young immortal stopped at the door and smiled briefly at the stunned Japanese officer before heading for the elevator.
After the elevator doors closed Takeda sagged against the wall, he hadn't predicted the lust he would feel for the major when he kissed him. He had just wanted to mess with the older man's head. Takeda realized that he had a serious problem, he was starting to fall in love with the conservative officer.
The major leaned against the wine rack attempting to recover his breath, he was grateful that the cellar was so chilly. He spent the next ten minutes getting his composure back. The major grabbed three more bottles of the wine and headed out of the cellar.
Frohike leered at Sawada when he stepped into the kitchen. "Nice moves, Major. I thought for sure that you would have dropped the wine bottle you were holding. Don't worry, I won't tell Rory," he grinned, sipping a beer.
Sawada blushed. He didn't know how the little man had known that he had kissed Shinji. The major was mortified by the fact that Dana Scully, Jonathan, Kimberly, and Tony had over heard him. He noticed the doctor was trying to stifle a laugh.
"Melvin, mind your own business!" the A.D. snapped. "Sorry, Kazuo. Frohike is a clairvoyant and he has a problem with sticking his nose in other people's business," Skinner apologized, taking the wine from the major. "Per Sempre 1994, excellent choice," he smiled.
He handed the bottles to Frohike. "Melvin, would you mind filling the wineglasses in the dining room?"
"Will do, Walter," he replied, snagging the wine bottles and leaving the room.
Frohike walked into the dining room, finding Mulder and Krycek in the room. "Hey, guys, Walter threw me out of the kitchen," he complained. Opening a bottle of wine, he filled half the wineglasses, then opened the another bottle, and finished filling the rest of the glasses.
"What did you do now?" Mulder looked up from the floor, he was placing Faith in a bassinet next to Hope's bassinet.
Frohike opened the other two bottles of wine and place one at each end of the table. "I was teasing your Japanese major, he's been kissing a certain immortal in the wine cellar."
"Yes!" Krycek exclaimed. "I think that means I win, Fox!"
"Not so fast, lover. Frohike, exactly what happened?" Mulder asked.
"Shinji has that man wrapped around his little finger. You should have seen him! First he invaded the major's personal space then very subtly rubbed up against him. BAM! That was all it took," Frohike snickered with delight.
"Fox, that doesn't prove that Shinji is in love with him. I think he was just messing with Kazuo's head," Krycek grumbled while lighting the candles. He startled as platters of steaming food appeared on the table. "Damn, Walter's good!"
Their guests started arriving in the dining room and Krycek showed them to their assigned seats. Bill scooped Matthew up, placing him in the highchair.
Krycek watched Mulder tuck Hope into her bassinet in the corner of the dining room. He hoped both babies would sleep through dinner.
Skinner walked up to Mulder, wrapping his arms around his lover's waist, he stared down lovingly at the two sleeping infants. "They're so beautiful, just like their father," he murmured, kissing the agent on his cheek.
Mulder smiled, breathing deeply. "Mm, the food smells delicious," he said, looking over at the dining room table.
Mulder sat at the head of the table with Skinner on his right hand side and Krycek to his left. He glanced around the table at their friends. Krycek had seated Doctor Carter next to Scully and next to her was Scott, Trevor, Randy, and Frohike. Bill was at the foot of the table with Tony, Kim, Charlie, Rory, Shinji, Kazuo, and Krycek.
Mulder looked at Charlie. "Charlie, would you do us the honor?" he requested.
Charles Scully smiled at him. "I'd love too, Mulder. If you would all please bow your heads for a moment of thanks," he stated, then proceeded to say grace. After he had finished, they passed the large platters of food around.
"Walter, this is truly delicious," Scully said, savoring the garlic-roasted potatoes.
"Thank you, Dana. Melvin's hard work is finally paying off." He grinned, pleased with his efforts and that everyone was enjoying the meal.
"I'd say they are! Melvin Frohike, the new age miracle worker," Krycek joked. "Now if only he could do something with Rory."
"There is only so much I can do, some people just aren't teachable," Frohike sighed.
"Hey, I resent that. Haven't I mastered salads and grilling?" MacIver drawled.
"Of course you have, dear," Takeda patted his thigh lovingly. "What about you, Kazuo, do you know how to cook?"
The major bristled with pride. "One of my uncles is a chief, he taught me how to cook."
"Mm, is there anything you don't know how to do?" Takeda flirted shamelessly, rubbing his thigh up against Sawada's.
"I could think of one," MacIver muttered angrily under his breath.
Takeda kicked him under the table to shut him up. "Rory, can you pass me the bread?"
"There are a lot of things I've never tried, but I find myself looking forward to learning them," the major smiled, satisfied by the curse that escaped the Scotsman's mouth.
Mulder set his napkin down; standing, he walked over to Takeda. "Shin, can I have a word with you, please?"
The young immortal looked at him with confusion. "Sure, Mulder." He followed the older man out of the room.
"Shin, I really didn't want to get involved in your love life, but I think it would be better if you didn't flirt with the major in front of Rory."
"Why?" he seemed a bit mystified.
"Shinji . . . I don't want to have two jealous sorcerers fighting in the mansion!"
"Mulder, Rory promised me that he was going to control his temper around Kazuo."
"I doubt Rory thought you'd be hitting on the man right in front of him."
Takeda sighed, "Sorry, Mulder, it's just that I feel so in charge of my life for once."
Mulder smiled softly, "I know exactly how you feel, but it won't do you any good if they end up killing each other."
"Okay, I'll promise to show some restraint, but they're both so hot and sexy," he smiled.
"Shall we go back?" Mulder grinned, heading for the door.
"Yes, but I want to ask your advice later," the young man stated, following him.
Everyone stared at them when they returned. Skinner smiled softly at Mulder. "I kept your food warm for you, babe," he murmured.
"Thanks, Walter."
Conversation resumed quietly. "I saw on the news that the n'thrals have formed a political party," Bill said. "They want to run their own candidates for office."
"That's not good. N'thrals make up 25 percent of the damn population. In some districts they account for more than half the population, they're bound to get quite a few seats in congress," Krycek huffed.
"They've taken over some towns in the southwest. The town residents evacuated once the n'thrals started moving in. I'm constantly worried about my boys going anywhere alone," Charlie grumbled.
Krycek placed his hand over Mulder's on the table, he knew his lover had an intense fear of n'thrals. The agent looked up meeting his eyes. "I'm fine, Alex," he replied.
"Are you sure, Fox?"
"Yes, as long as there isn't one on the estate or working for the FBI, I'll be fine," he grinned weakly.
"Well, if the n'thrals have their way they'll force the government to remove the recent hiring bans on them that restrict them from law enforcement. I hear they're working with the ACLU," Tony replied.
Skinner noticed Mulder stiffen uncomfortably and decided to interrupt the conversation. He looked around at everyone's empty plates and concentrated, the dishes vanished reappearing in the dishwasher. Ice cream dishes with homemade peanut brittle ice cream appeared before each person.
The Scullys sat stunned. They weren't used to being around sorcerers and definitely not one with Skinner's abilities. Sawada was equally taken back, he had never encountered a sorcerer that could perform this feat before. He wondered if the A.D. could teach it to him.
"Show off," Mulder chuckled, picking up a spoon and digging in.
They finished eating and retired to the living room. Mulder carried Faith, he sat next to Scott on the sofa. "Would you like to hold her, Scott?"
"Yes, can I?" Scott asked, looking at the tiny infant.
"Sure you can," Mulder murmured, gently placing Faith in the young teenager's arms.
"She's so tiny," the boy whispered.
"If it weren't for your father's bravery she would have died," the agent told him.
"When I'm older I want to be an FBI agent just like dad," Scott replied, never taking his eyes off the baby.
"I'm sure you'll make an excellent agent, Scott," Skinner replied, sitting on the other side of him.
The rest of the evening past quickly. The Scullys excused themselves early. They wanted to be rested for Agent Boutotte's funeral the next day.
***
Foxfire Glenn Estate
Sunday, June 6
4:30 p.m.Mulder fell back exhausted onto the bed. His tie was undone, and he had dropped his suit coat carelessly on the floor. "God, I hate funerals," he sighed.
Skinner and Krycek came back into the room after putting the babies in the crib. The older man picked up Mulder's suit coat, while the younger man knelt and removed the agent's shoes.
"We've been to so many funerals in the last year and a half, you'd think it would get easier," Skinner murmured. Walking through the bathroom and into the closet, he hung Mulder's suit coat on a hanger. Smiling mischievously, he watched with satisfaction as the matching suit pants appeared on the hanger. He heard Mulder cry out, startled.
"I can get undressed without your hocus-pocus," his lover complained. He was dressed only in a linen shirt, tie, and black boxers, he was still lying on his back.
Krycek sat next to him, leaning over, he kissed Mulder's lips while his hands removed the agent's tie and unbuttoned his shirt. "Sure you can, Fox."
"Alex, please, I'm not in the mood," he sighed.
"Sweetheart, I know you're tired. We just buried a good friend . . . I want you to relax. I'm only trying to make you more comfortable," Krycek murmured. Unbuttoning the cuffs on Mulder's shirt, he eased it off his lover. He smiled up at Skinner. The older man had changed into jeans and a T-shirt.
"Go change, Alex. I'll take care of him," Skinner said, sitting on the bed.
"Really, I don't need taking care of," Mulder grumbled, watching Krycek go into their bathroom. "Where's Alex going?"
"To change," Skinner replied.
"His clothes are up in our bedroom, not down here." The agent looked perplexed.
"Fox, Alex and I moved all of his stuff down here this morning. We're going to have another sorcerer moving in here to help protect the two new immortals. I talked with Alex and we decided his bedroom would be the best location for Special Agent Gabriel Hunter," Skinner informed him.
"Hunter's moving here?" Mulder looked pleasantly surprised.
"Yes. Fox, I know you have a history with him," Skinner said, resting his hand on Mulder's belly.
"Walter, you know I've never had a male lover before you. Hunter was the first agent I was partnered with. I learned a lot from him in that short month. Then he was injured in that explosion," Mulder sighed.
"Fox, I wasn't trying to imply that you were romantically involved with him. It's just that you've stayed close friends with him for over ten years. I know you went to basketball games and football games with him. I'm rather surprised you never had him over to the house," Skinner murmured, lying back on the bed next to Mulder.
"Hunter's been staying in Hawaii for the past year helping his brother. He only returned three weeks ago." Mulder looked briefly sad. "I wanted to call and invite him over, but I've been embarrassed about my mutation. I know it's stupid, after all, he's blind and won't be able to see me," Mulder hastened.
"It's not stupid, Fox. He an old friend, you've known him longer than Frohike. Hunter's changed, too. He's not the same man you've known for all these years. He's a sorcerer now, and from what I've heard, one of immense powers." Skinner turned on his side and pulled Mulder into his arms.
"Walter, I know he is. I've still tried to keep in touch with him . . . it's been tough, though." Mulder closed his eyes and rested his head on Skinner's shoulder. "So, does this mean Alex is going to be sleeping with us?" Mulder murmured softly.
"It seemed only logical. We both hate sleeping without you; this way we don't have to." Skinner kissed the top of Mulder's head.
"Good . . . I don't have to feel guilty anymore." Mulder yawned.
Skinner smiled, listening to his lover's even breathing. He pulled Mulder closer. The A.D. was worried; he had met Special Agent Hunter for the first time last week when he was put in charge of the newly formed Department of Sorcerers and Clairvoyants. It concerned him that they would be having this relative stranger living under the same roof with them.
***