Life from the Ashes Book 2 - Hope and Faith
Chapter 20A
Second Chancesby Jo B.
purplefox@usfamily.net***
Foxfire Glenn Estate
Monday, September 6
8:50 p.m.Han Schatz was curled up against the corner of the leather sofa watching television while Mulder worked on his computer. "Mulder, can I ask you a question?"
"If you can wait a few minutes I'll be done with my report then we can talk," Mulder mumbled.
Schatz returned his attention to the television set. He enjoyed American TV shows. In Argentina, his family had a satellite dish that received all of the American channels. The much-publicized new season had begun; there hadn't been any new shows made in two years. It seemed rather dark that they had remade "Friends" without Rachel, Monica, and Phoebe. Seeing Joey sleeping with Ross just didn't seem right -- now Chandler he could picture.
Several of the networks were using transvestites in roles calling for women. But most of the new programs were simply geared at helping men understand the changes in the New World. Maury had replaced Oprah as the number one talk show host.
"Okay, Hans, what do you want to know?" Mulder asked, sitting on the sofa next to the younger man, holding out his hand for the bag of sunflower seeds.
Schatz passed the bag and flipped off the television. "Why do you allow yourself to be treated like a piece of property by Alex and Walter? I don't understand why you would even want a sorcerer for a lover. You know, they can make you do anything they want without you even realizing it."
"Hans, my lovers and I have an equal relationship, they treat me with respect . . . not like a piece property." Mulder's voice didn't convey much conviction; he hadn't felt equal to them in a long time. "I'm in love with Walter and Alex is that so hard to understand?" he replied with more conviction -- at least he knew that was still true.
"I think they cast a spell on you, and you don't even know it," the younger man interjected, taking some seeds from the bag on Mulder's lap.
"That must be a pretty powerful spell then," Mulder smiled softly, hearing Skinner telepathically request to be allowed into his office his smile widened. He looked up as the older man entered his office carrying a tray of food.
"Fox, how's the profile coming?" He set the tray on the coffee table in front of his lover.
"I finished it a couple of minutes ago. Mm, I didn't know Gabriel knew how to prepare German cuisine," Mulder commented, grinning knowingly over at Schatz. He picked up a fork and cut into the wiener schnitzel then he sampled the potato dumplings.
"That's a relief, Alex was afraid you'd be up all night working on it," Skinner replied, looking around the office. He sat down next to Mulder, watching him eat for a few minutes. "Fox, are you coming downstairs soon? We really need to talk," Skinner asked, looking over at Schatz, he didn't want the younger man to hear their personal problems.
"Walter, I'm coming downstairs to talk, but I'm not promising that I'll sleep there tonight," Mulder replied, picking up the stein of beer on the tray and taking a large gulp. "God, I'm thirsty."
Schatz watched the two men intently; he didn't know what Mulder saw in the bald man. Skinner made him feel uncomfortable and he thought it would be better if he left. "Mulder, I'm going back to my room, goodnight," he murmured, standing he headed for the door.
"G'night, Hans," Mulder mumbled, with a mouth full of food.
After he had left, Skinner turned to Mulder. "Fox, I think our young guest has a crush on you."
"Hans? No, he's just lonely and frightened. He needs a shoulder to lean on," Mulder replied.
"Does it have to be yours?" Skinner complained.
"For now, yes, it does. I'm hoping that Gabriel will take him under his wings eventually . . . he's been trying hard enough, but so far Hans isn't responding to his advances." Mulder finished eating, picking up the beer, he leaned back against the sofa.
"I wasn't aware that Gabriel was interested in Hans. It would help a lot if Hans would go to him for guidance and protection instead of you. You know Hans is never going to lose his fear of us as long as he has you to cling to, don't you? Fox, he's using you like a security blanket, I'm surprised he hasn't asked you to sleep with him," Skinner grumbled.
"Walter, he's been sexually abused! The last thing he'd want right now is to sleep in the same bed with another man." Mulder drained the rest of his beer, looking longingly at the empty stein. "Walter, I could use another," he coaxed, smiling as the stein was refilled to the brim. He ran his hand over the leather cushion, smiling softly. "I used to fantasize about you at night while lying on this sofa. Back then, you were my security blanket."
"Tell me about your fantasies, Fox." Skinner leaned back and draped an arm around Mulder's shoulders. He reached for the stein and took a sip.
"You would come through my front door, standing in the shadows studying me for several minutes as I lay watching you -- waiting. Not saying a word, you'd slowly strip out of your clothes, slowly revealing that finely chiseled body of yours. You'd walk over to where I lay and pull me roughly into your arms, letting me feel the evidence of your desire for me rubbing against my hip." Mulder leaned against Skinner as he talked, taking a large swig of beer, he passed the stein to his lover. "Then your mouth would claim mine, shooting a bolt of lightening straight to my groin. Mm, you tasted like fine aged scotch and kissing you would making me tipsy with desire." Mulder kissed under his lover's jaw, feeling the day's growth of beard against his lips.
"God, then what, Fox?" Skinner leaned into Mulder lips and the beer stein vanished from his hand as he wrapped his arms around the agent's lean body. His growing arousal was straining uncomfortably against his chinos.
"Mm, then the phone would ring waking me from my fantasy and I'd be off on another secret rendezvous with my informant," Mulder chuckled, pulling away. He grinned mischievously at the older man.
"You're a bastard, you know that?" Skinner grumbled, pulling Mulder back against him, he claimed his mouth in one long and passionate kiss.
Mulder suddenly became nervous and tried to pull free. "I think we should go down and have that talk now."
Skinner tightened his hold, his kiss becoming bruising as he tore forcefully at Mulder's clothing.
"Walter, STOP!" Mulder shouted, struggling. He gut punched Skinner, knocking the air from his lungs and quickly jumped off the sofa backing away toward the door. Mulder watched nervously as Skinner's glazed over eyes regained their focus and a puzzle frown appeared on his handsome face.
"Fox, how did you get over there?" Skinner asked mystified, rubbing his sore stomach. The last thing he remembered was kissing Mulder.
"You don't know? Walter, I think we need to have that talk now." Mulder walked cautiously over to his lover, helping him to his feet and steered him toward the secret passageway.
"Okay, Fox, it's your party," Skinner grumbled.
The two men made their way down the narrow staircase and into their bedroom. Krycek sat rocking Faith in the nursery, reading to her. For once, Hope was soundly asleep in her crib, sucking on the pacifier in her mouth.
"Hey, are you finished with the profile?" Krycek whispered.
Mulder took Faith from the younger man's arms, hugging her and sniffing the wonderful baby scent. She peered at him tiredly, yawned, and closed her eyes. "Yeah, it's all done." Mulder kissed the top of the baby's head, placing her next to Hope in the crib. "They're both getting so big, we really should set up another crib in here," he replied softly.
"There's not enough room," Skinner stated, looking around the small crowded nursery.
"We could move the rocker, cradle, and changing table into our bedroom then it would fit." Mulder stepped out of the nursery and went to sit in front of the fireplace. Krycek had built a fire earlier; the temperature was dropping to the low sixties this evening. Mulder looked at the small pile of wood beside the fireplace. "We're going to need a few cords of wood before winter," he casually informed them.
"We know, Fox. Walter and I are renting a truck to drive up to his cabin at the end of the month to cut some dead-fall," Krycek replied, sitting next to him on the love-seat, Skinner took the wingback chair across from them.
"We'll rearrange the nursery tomorrow," Skinner replied.
Mulder gazed sadly into the fire, he was running out of small talk and he didn't know how to broach his fears or how to make his lovers understand why he was worried about sharing a bed with them.
"Fox, we're sorry. We never considered how this was affecting you," Krycek murmured, placing a comforting hand on Mulder's arm. "Tell us what it will take for you to come back to us?"
Mulder took a deep breath, looking from Alex's emerald green to Walter's sable brown eyes. "I want a promise from both of you. I want you to promise me that you'll never touch me here, or even think about having sex with me there," Mulder replied, touching his belly.
"Fox, how can we promise that? We might accidentally touch your stomach area while we're making love," Skinner griped. He enjoyed every inch of Mulder's body and didn't like being restricted from touching any part of him.
"Walter, that's not what I meant. I don't want you to touch my bellybutton, now that shouldn't be too difficult to avoid! God, how can I trust you? This whole thing is like one big joke to you!" Mulder complained. Standing abruptly, he walked over to the French doors and stared out into the darkness.
"Fox, we don't find anything funny about your situation," Krycek assured him.
"Yeah right, then what was that *crack* about it being that time of the month?" Mulder snapped.
"Sorry, Fox, I was an insensitive jerk . . . I really didn't mean it. We give you our word that we won't touch your bellybutton. Don't we, Walter?" Krycek glared over at Skinner.
"Yes, of course. Fox, we would never do anything you don't want us to do, you can trust us," Skinner told him irritated at his lover's apparent lack of trust in them.
"I used to believe that, but lately in the heat of passion you both seem to forget about my needs! It's been happening more often lately," Mulder informed them, watching their reflections through the window and seeing the look of incomprehension clearly etched on their faces.
Skinner walked up behind him and placed his hands on Mulder's shoulders. "Fox, we've always put your pleasure before our own! How could you think such a thing?" Skinner asked a tinge of hurt in his voice.
"Easily, Walter, during the past three weeks I've felt more like an object being used for your sexual gratification than as your lover. Twice I hadn't even gotten off and neither of you even noticed!" Mulder turned around to face Skinner and Krycek -- his words had clearly been a slap to both their faces.
"God, Fox, if we've been treating you this way why didn't you tell us? You must know we'd never knowingly treat you like that," Krycek exclaimed.
"I should have mentioned it, but I've been feeling so weird this past month . . . everything seemed dreamlike . . . distant. Maybe your strange behavior was caused by my body's changes . . . it did affect you strongly during and after my examination, Alex," Mulder replied.
Skinner paced around the room deep in thought -- he finally stopped, reaching a decision. "Fox, I think we should see Doctor Harris tomorrow, if you're causing our recent behavior we need to do something about it." He pulled Mulder into an embrace, hugging him tightly against his chest. "God, I love you so much . . . I can't stand to think that I've unconsciously hurt you. Until we can get a handle on our behavior, maybe it is better that you continue to sleep up in your office," he said with great difficulty, he was growing uncontrollably aroused by the closeness of Mulder's body, it was making him lose control.
Mulder felt waves of desire wash through him from Skinner's passionate embrace. His belly and groin were pressed tightly against the older man's body. There was a warm pleasant feeling spreading out from his navel, throughout his stomach area and down to his groin. "Oh, god, let go! Fuck, I have to get out of here!" He pushed Skinner roughly away and dashed up the secret staircase to his office. He closed the panel behind him, then slipped to the floor with his back against it shaking uncontrollably.
Skinner closed his eyes; he was trembling with desire and painfully hard. He now realized what Mulder was talking about, it was all that he could do not to rush after him and take his pleasures from that gorgeous body. Images of him selfishly using Mulder's body over the past few weeks flooded back to him. He walked shakily over to the bed and collapsed on it. "Damnit, Alex, what the hell have we done?"
"Walter, I think you're right, we need to see Doctor Harris . . . maybe he needs to strengthen Mulder's anti-pheromone shots. I'm going to take a cold shower," Krycek replied hastily, walking stiffly to the bathroom.
***
D.C. General Hospital
Tuesday, September 8
7:50 a.m.Skinner was grateful that Doctor Harris had agreed to see them so early, because Mulder had started to feel withdrawal pains and he hated to see him suffering. They had already gone over the whole situation from the night before with the doctor. He glanced over at Mulder, who was sitting on the far side of the room away from him and Krycek, MacIver was sitting with him. Mulder had asked MacIver to drive him here because he did not feel comfortable being in the close confines of the SUV with Skinner and Krycek.
"Walter, Alex, it is imperative for Mulder's safety that you do not have sex with him alone -- the situation needs to be controlled. I've wanted to run tests on his withdrawal symptoms for some time now. Something happens between an immortal and sorcerer that involves more than just exchanging bodily fluids. If we could find out what that is, it might be possible to make a drug to control future withdrawal symptoms. These tests can also determine why his recent changes are affecting you and Alex so strongly. Have you noticed if they're affecting anyone else at the estate?" Harris asked.
"Doctor, I drove Mulder here and I've not experienced anything more than the usual arousal from being close to him," MacIver inform him.
Mulder took a deep breath closing his eyes to control the pain that was lancing through his body. "Doctor, what exactly would these tests entail?" he asked through tightly clenched teeth.
"I would like to have one of your lovers have sex with you while you're both wired to various equipment to monitor your bodies' reactions. My lab technicians will record your lovemaking with heat sensitive scanners . . . we're aware that sorcerers put out an energy field, we'd like to see if that's involved during your love making," Harris replied.
"I'm not having sex in front of strangers! No way, no how! There has to be another way," Mulder snapped. He was agitated by the fact that he was also too afraid to have sex with Skinner or Krycek alone. Mulder sensed that if they lost control they'd try to have sex with him through his new orifice, it seemed to be the main-focus behind their most recent problems. Mulder considered briefly riding out the withdrawal symptoms like Schatz had, but there was too much work on the Amaranthine case to do, and it would be just his luck to wake up afterwards and find that he had been confined to the government facility.
"They're trained specialists . . . Mulder, you need someone there to protect you in case your lover loses control," the doctor advised.
Mulder turned to MacIver, looking pleadingly at him. "Rory, would you do it, please? I'd feel comfortable with you there. I don't want to have strangers watching," he begged. He couldn't keep his body from shaking.
"Mulder, of course, I'd do anything for you," MacIver assured him.
"Thanks," Mulder sighed.
Krycek was itching to comfort Mulder, but knew that would not be wise. "Doc, when will the tests be ready?"
"It should take 4 hours to have the lab set up, I'll hook up the electrodes and operate the scanner myself if that is okay with you, Mulder?" Harris asked, leaning back in his chair watching Mulder closely.
"Doctor, let's just get this over with, please," Mulder replied, near tears.
"Okay, Mulder, I'll have my assistant show you to a waiting area while I make arrangements for the lab." Harris picked up his telephone and called in his assistant. "Frank, show Agent Mulder and Mr. MacIver to the green room."
"Fox, it will be okay," Skinner said soothingly as Mulder walked to the door, he was leaning heavily on MacIver for support.
After they had left, Krycek turned to Doctor Harris. "I'll do it, Doc," he stated firmly.
"No, Alex, I'll do it," Skinner replied sharply.
"Walter, you do realize that although it will only be Rory and myself in the room your sexual coupling is going to be filmed at every angle?" Harris asked.
"Fuck the cameras! This is Fox we're talking about, I'd do it live on national television if it would make him better!" Skinner grumbled.
"Okay fine, Walter, we'll cut cards. Doc, would you?" Krycek asked.
Doctor Harris pulled out a deck of cards from his bottom desk drawer and laid them on the desk in front of the two men. Krycek reached first cutting the deck he turned over a Queen of hearts, he sighed relieved. The A.D. glared, he desperately wanted to be the one to comfort and protect Mulder, cutting the deck turning over a King of clubs.
"Damn!" Krycek exclaimed.
Four hours later Harris showed Skinner to the lab. Mulder was already there, sitting on the examination table dressed only in a thin hospital robe. MacIver was talking softly to him, brushing his sweat soaked bangs out of his pain filled eyes.
"Fox, how are you feeling," Skinner asked, coming over to him, but stopping suddenly when he felt himself becoming uncontrollably aroused.
MacIver noticed the bulge forming in the larger man's pants and the lustful look on his face, and he quickly erected a protective shield around Mulder's body. The shield blocked in the scent Mulder was giving off.
Skinner sighed, recovering. "Thanks, Rory, I . . . I wouldn't have been able to control myself. Please, make sure I don't hurt Fox," he appealed to the Scotsman.
"Don't worry, Walter. Mulder is my number one concern . . . I'll kick your butt if you try to hurt him in any way," he replied.
"Sam, let's get this over with," Skinner stated, shrugging off his clothing and draping them over a chair as Harris helped MacIver with Mulder.
"Mulder, I'm going to take the robe off . . . I need to attach these electrodes to your forehead and chest," Doctor Harris spoke slowly making sure Mulder understood him through the painful haze he was in. Mulder held MacIver's hand tightly as the doctor attached the electrodes. "Okay, Mulder, I need you to lie down on the examination table," he murmured soothingly.
"Doc, you go get Walter ready I'll help Mulder," MacIver ordered, he didn't want Mulder to be exposed for longer than was necessary.
MacIver assisted Mulder in lying down on the heavily padded examination table -- it was slightly smaller than a twin size bed. He watched as the doctor hooked the electrodes to Skinner, while he kept the shield around Mulder's body. He'd only seen the A.D. nude a couple of times before, but never this close. The man was massive, MacIver hoped he wouldn't have to physically restrain him.
Mulder groaned, trembling as another pain laced through his body. He was lying half on his side with one leg bent up and the other straight. He wanted to make it easy for Walter to have anal intercourse with him, getting it over with quickly. He also didn't want to take a chance of him touching his belly.
"Rory, I'm going to flip on all of the monitoring equipment then I want you to remove the shield you have around Mulder's body," Harris stated, walking around the room flipping switches.
Skinner got into position by the table, he was blushing bright red with embarrassment, and starting to have second thoughts. Maybe he should have let Alex do this; his half-brother didn't seem to have any hang-ups or modesty involving sex.
"Walter . . . it . . . it's going to be okay . . . please, just hurry and get it over with," Mulder begged, staring back at him through tear filled eyes.
"Fox, I love you . . . never forget that," he murmured softly.
Doctor Harris looked over at MacIver. "Okay, Rory, you can lower the shield. Walter, here's the lubricant . . . are you okay?"
"Yeah, Sam, this is really embarrassing . . . " he grumbled, stopping as a wave of arousal slammed into him. His eyes glazed over and all rational thought flew from his brain. He quickly climbed onto the table, dropping the lubricant on the floor he mounted his lover dry.
Mulder cried out in pain as Skinner forced his way into his body, he felt like he was being ripped in two. His lover didn't stop to allow his body time to adjust to his size -- he just kept on pushing forward against his resisting muscles. Mulder thought he would pass out from the pain, but to his relief he didn't, he wanted to remain conscious.
"Fuck, Walter, you're hurting him, stop!" MacIver shouted, but was powerless to do anything as the larger man sank to the root in his lover's body. "Damnit, Doc! Next time . . . I think you had better plan this more thoroughly!" the Scotsman growled.
Skinner breathed in deeply, enjoying the feel of the warm, pliant body under his. Mulder's skin was smooth as satin, he licked behind his lover's ear, nipping the lobe. "God, you're such a fucking beautiful bitch, you're mine, all mine," he growled in a voice deeper than normal. His hand snaked to Mulder's belly and he quickly inserted a finger into his lover's navel, feeling the tightness of the new orifice as it clenched his finger. "Your cunts are so wonderfully tight, babe, they feel so good squeezing me . . . you're so fucking hot inside."
Mulder was outraged and shocked by Skinner's words, but the fat finger probing into him was sending sharp waves of pleasure flowing through him. He couldn't help the instant arousal that lanced throughout his pain-filled body, and he arched back against the larger man who was penetrating him front and back. "God, Walter, please don't do this to me," he begged through the haze of pain and pleasure.
"Why? You know you love it, bitch, this is your purpose . . . to pleasure your man," he growled deeply as he started thrusting harder into Mulder's body.
Mulder shuddered -- the voice wasn't Walter's, it sounded like some demented demon. He prayed that this would end quickly, his ass felt like it was on fire and he wondered if his body had been injured. He felt a second finger enter his navel, and additional waves of pleasure washed over him, he slowly started to lose himself to the sensations as he felt Skinner's body stiffen and hot fluid shoot into his bowels.
Skinner bit down on Mulder's shoulder as his passion flowed out of him. However, it soon occurred to him that he was still painfully hard inside his lover's body even after shooting endless amounts of semen inside of him. He quickly realized what was wrong.
"Wrong end," Skinner snarled. Pulling out, he flipped Mulder roughly over onto his back and straddled his body. Positioning his cock against the younger man's bellybutton, he started to push in when he felt a sharp pain against his side and he went flying off the table.
MacIver kicked Skinner off the table and he quickly put up another protective shield around Mulder's body. The agent curled onto his side in a fetal position and broke down in tears, shaking and quivering. MacIver covered his body with a blanket. "Doctor, would you help Walter get dressed and get him out of here, please. I'll take care of Mulder, I don't think he's hurt too badly. It's going to be all right, Mulder, I won't let anyone hurt you again," he soothed.
Skinner was on the floor, appearing dazed and confused. Harris helped him to his feet, handing him his briefs and pants. Skinner started to dress in a haze, looking constantly over at Mulder with puzzled expression on his face. "Sam, did I? I can't remember . . . " he asked baffled. He did not know why his side hurt and his hip felt bruised.
"Walter, what's the last thing you remember?" Harris asked softly, handing his friend his socks and shoes.
"I was standing next to the table feeling embarrassed about having sex with Fox in front of you," he replied.
Harris stood next to Skinner and before he could pull on his shirt, he said, "Let me check your ribs, Walter; you took a pretty good blow to them." After feeling along Skinner's sides, he said, "It appears that nothing is broken, but they will be sore for a couple of days."
"How did I bruise my ribs, Sam?" Skinner asked, pulling on his shirt, he became aware of Mulder's quiet sobs in the background. "Sam, what did I do? Is Fox all right?"
"You had sex with your lover and slightly lost control. Rory was able to interfere before you had time to hurt Mulder," Harris replied, meeting MacIver's angry, brown eyes. "C'mon, Walter, let's leave Rory to help Mulder -- the change has made him highly emotional," Harris replied. He did not want Walter to know how badly he had hurt his lover.
Skinner walked out of the examination room fastening his belt. "Sam, that was extremely embarrassing. Couldn't we have done this back at the mansion?" he grumbled.
Krycek looked up from pacing the hallway. "Hey, I volunteered! We didn't have to cut cards if you felt uncomfortable about doing it." The younger man didn't know what had transpired inside the examination room. MacIver had put up a barrier around the room protecting Mulder's privacy from any sorcerer or clairvoyant that might try to pry. Krycek reached up and touched a small, red circle on Skinner's temple. "So, how many electrodes did he attach to you?"
"Alex, stick it!" Skinner growled. It was bad enough that he had to have sex with his lover in front of MacIver and Harris. But to be hooked up to equipment that monitored his heart rate, blood pressure, brainwaves, and various other bodily responses, while heat sensitive scanners record every angle of their coupling was far beyond humiliating, and to make matter worse he couldn't remember anything that had happened.
Doctor Harris looked on. "The equipment is here . . . besides this test wasn't just to determine why Mulder's pheromones are affecting you so strongly. We also wanted to know why sexual contact with a sorcerer is needed to stop the immortal's withdrawal symptoms. Life would be so much easier for Mulder and the others if we could develop a drug to control their withdrawal symptoms," Harris replied.
"Okay, Sam, I'll defer to your superior wisdom. How much longer until Mulder is ready to go?" Skinner asked, sitting on the chair outside the examination room.
"I want to keep him here until the new drug is ready to test," Harris replied softly. After what he just witnessed he feared for Mulder's safety at the mansion.
"Sam, that is not acceptable. Fox is coming home with us . . . I'm not leaving him here!" Skinner snarled.
"Walter, you lost it in there! If it weren't for Rory, you could have injured Mulder. I think it would be better if he remains here. I'll have a new drug to test on him on Friday, hopefully, it will control your behavior."
"Sam, what about you and your assistants . . . do you expect me to believe that you'll be able to control yourselves around him?" Skinner barked.
"Walter, I don't have time to argue now! Go with Alex and get yourselves a cup of coffee! Don't come back here for at least a half-hour. We will discuss it then, I need to see to Mulder," Harris huffed, going back into the examination room.
"C'mon, Walter, let's go . . . you can tell me why the Doc seemed so pissed," Krycek murmured, looking questioningly at his older brother.
"God, Alex, I don't know . . . I really can't remember what happened in there," Skinner muttered.
Mulder had his face buried against MacIver's chest -- the older man was hugging him and trying to soothe him. Mulder felt the throbbing in his belly as his body tried to calm down from the sexual stimulation it had received. He also felt Skinner's semen leaking out of his body onto the white cloth of the examination table. His lover's harsh words kept racing through his mind. //bitch, cunt//
"Mulder, I would like to examine you to make sure that there was no tearing. I also need to take some samples to test," Harris murmured softly.
"Sure, Doc, just give me a second," Mulder sniffed, willing himself back under control. "Thanks, Rory." He pulled away and laid back down on the table.
"Would you like me to wait outside, Mulder?" MacIver asked.
"No. Please, Rory, stay with me . . . I have no one else right now." Mulder blushed at how needy his voice sounded.
"Mulder, we've been through a lot together . . . I'll always be there for you . . . we're family now," MacIver said.
Doctor Harris checked Mulder over thoroughly and was relieved that he didn't receive any serious damage from Skinner's assault on him only some minor tearing. "Mulder, Walter doesn't remember anything that has happened in here. He would be devastated if he knew how close he came to seriously hurting you," Harris stated gently as he inserted a tube into Mulder's navel to collect a sample.
Mulder closed his eyes against the pressure. "Doctor, I don't want Walter to know, he has enough on his mind right now . . . can we keep this just between us?"
"Sure, Mulder, if that's what you want."
MacIver glared at the doctor, he was well aware of the fact that Doctor Harris wanted to protect Skinner . . . even if it was at Mulder's expense.
"Okay, Mulder, all done you can get dressed now," Harris replied.
Five minutes later there was a knock on the door; Skinner and Krycek walked in. Mulder was just lacing up his dress shoes, sitting as far away from the examination table as he could get. MacIver walked over to him, putting up another protective shield around his body.
"Walter, this newest pheromone his body is producing seems only to be affecting you and Alex. I really think it would be best if Mulder remains here for the time being."
Krycek strolled over to them, swaying as the smell of the recent sexual activity attacked his senses. "Doctor Harris, we're not leaving Fox here!" he snarled between clenched teeth.
"What's going on, Alex?" Mulder asked, walking hesitantly over to them. MacIver kept the shield around his body firmly in place.
"The doc wants to keep you here until Friday, he's worried about us being around you right now," Krycek informed him.
"Doctor Harris, there's nothing to worry about . . . I've been sleeping in my office, and anyway it's not like they can do me any permanent damage," Mulder replied, trembling slightly. He hated hospitals and was not about to be stuck in one.
"Mulder, it's just that I've never seen Walter lose control before . . . it worries me," Harris replied. "However, if you think you can avoid close contact with them you should be okay. I want you here back here on Friday. Until then . . . I do not want you leaving the mansion," Doctor Harris ordered.
"But, Doc, you said yourself that I am only affecting Walter and Alex. I really need to go to work!" Mulder griped. "I'm in the middle of an important case!"
"You can telecommute for now, Mulder, it should only be for a few days," Doctor Harris replied, walking with them to the elevator. "Now remember . . . no touching, no kissing, absolutely no close contact of any type!" he admonished.
"Yes, Doctor Harris," the three men replied.
MacIver glanced at them with concern, making sure that he was between Mulder and Skinner and Krycek, and that Mulder was as far away from them as possible in the elevator.
***
Foxfire Glenn Estate
Tuesday, September 8
3:50 p.m."Come in," Mulder muttered sullenly while sitting on the sofa in his home office.
"Hi, Fox," Hunter replied softly, sitting next to Mulder on the leather sofa. "Rory told me what happened . . . do you want to talk about it?"
"Remind me to talk to Rory about blabbering about my personal problems," Mulder grumbled.
"Fox, Rory is worried about you and he knows that we're close friends. He thought you'd be more willing to talk to me than anyone else," Hunter murmured.
Mulder got up and started pacing angrily around his office. "God, Gabriel, look at me! I can't go anywhere alone without the fear of being attacked, now I'm not even safe in my own home! Walter and Alex were my shield against the outside world . . . DAMNIT I DON"T WANT TO BE AFRAID OF THEM!" Mulder sank dejectedly onto the sofa with tears streaming down his face. "I love them too much. Why do these things keep happening to me?" he blurted out.
Hunter pulled Mulder into his arms and Mulder wrapped his arms around the older man and buried his face against Hunter's shoulder.
"You don't have to be afraid of Walter and Alex, I'll be there to protect you. Besides, Doctor Harris will invent a new drug that will control the effect you're having on them. After all, he invented that anti-pheromone, shot didn't he?" Hunter rubbed Mulder's back soothingly. "How many years have I known you? In all that time you've always landed back on your feet. Shit, I've seen you get through tougher situations than this alone . . . but, Fox, you're not alone now, we'll get through this together -- as a family."
"Gabriel, thanks . . . I'm glad you're here, and tell Rory thanks, too. Sometimes I've forget about all that I have gained these past months," Mulder sighed. "I'm not alone anymore."
***
Foxfire Glenn Estate
Wednesday, September 8
3:00 p.m.Mulder guzzled the bottle of water; he was feeling extremely hot and parched. He set the empty bottle on the floor next to several others that he had drank early. There was a tightness in his gut, and he prayed that he wasn't going to get another erection; he'd already had to jerk off twice this afternoon. He didn't know what was wrong with him now. He picked up the report that he had been working on, and settled back on the sofa to read what he had written.
"Hey, Mulder, turn on CNN," Takeda shouted, barging into his office, followed closely by Schatz, Blaise, and Hawk.
Mulder glanced up at them from his report, startled. "What is it?" he asked, reaching for the remote, he flipped on the television.
The sounds of angry protestors filled the air seconds before the picture appeared on the tube. It showed hundreds of protestors outside of the United States Capital carrying signs demanding that Senator Mooney and ten other Congressmen and Senators involved in the Amaranthine scandal step down. Some even called for their arrests.
A group of reporters had Senator Matheson corned on the steps of the capital building. "Gentlemen, please, it is too early for us to pass judgment; the evidence is all still circumstantial," Matheson replied.
"There's a rumor about photographs that directly link Senator Mooney and others to the Amaranthines. That sounds like more than circumstantial, wouldn't you agree Senator Matheson?" a reporter questioned.
"The alleged photographs are in the hands of the FBI's crime lab. If they are authenticated as real, then yes, I will agree that it is extremely damning," Matheson replied softly, keeping the elation he felt from showing on his face.
"Senator, can you substantiate reports that the new facility to house our country's immortals was discovered to be staffed primarily by Amaranthine cultists?" another reporter asked, dogging the Senator down the steps and through the angry mob of protestors.
"As you gentlemen know, I fought strongly against taking the civil rights away from this country's immortals and the proposed inhuman treatment of them! If the reports are true that a group of murdering extremists could gain access to them, then I conclude that this is indeed a dark day in this nation's history. I will propose a new vote to return the liberties to our immortals once these usurpers and traitors have been removed from the United States Congress," the Senator stated loudly with conviction. His security guards cleared a path for him to make it to his limousine.
The crowd took up the chant down with the Amaranthines traitors.
Mulder turned the volume down, sinking back against the cushions of the sofa -- a smile lit up his face. "The vote that took away our rights was close -- we only needed seven votes opposed and we'd be free right now."
Joseph Shadow Hawk looked up at Mulder, smiling, he was sitting on the floor next to the coffee table. "Yeah, and with ten of those bastards eliminated for the next vote we're bound to regain our freedoms," he replied happily.
His lover, Justin Cody Blaise, was sitting on the floor next to him and didn't look as convinced. "Don't get your hopes up, Joe. We don't know what the new members taking their place will vote. I, for one, will believe it, when I see it," Blaise groused.
"Lighten up, Justin. This is the best news we've had since you and Joe arrived here," Takeda snapped.
"I don't see why you care, Shinji. It's not as if your freedom is in jeopardy," Blaise shot back.
"I care because you're my friends and as close to a real family that I have," Takeda replied softly.
"Yes, he's right, we're brothers," Schatz informed them.
"That's a nice thought, Hans, and families stick together," Hawk replied. "I have no real family members left. Before the alien attack I had one sister and three nieces, my parents had died years ago."
"There's no one left for me either, Joe. I had three sisters and my mom," Takeda murmured sadly. "What about you, Hans?"
"I only had sisters, too. My dad and uncles survived the alien attack, but they died protecting me afterwards," he replied huskily.
"That's strange, I had four sisters and nine nieces, no brothers, nephews or children from past relationships. I wonder if that is significant?" Blaise asked.
"Not unless you have the urge to take my head," Mulder quipped.
"There can be only one!" Hawk exclaimed, laughing.
Blaise snorted. "Seriously, we've heard all about your family, Mulder, but do you have any information on the other immortals?" he asked, intrigued.
"I know Cory Greene, the British immortal, only had a sister, too. He never had any children, although, he had been married twice. I've never checked on any of the others," Mulder replied, suddenly curious about others of his kind. "I'll call my contact in the UN, he's compiled data on all of the known immortals."
"Thanks, Mulder, I'd appreciate it," the Texan drawled, looking forward to a new project to occupy his time.
"Justin, what are you and Joe going to do once you regain your freedoms?" Takeda asked.
"If it's okay with Mulder and his partners, we'd prefer to continue living here. This is the safest I've felt since becoming an immortal," Blaise replied softly.
"Justin, you and Joe are family now, I'd be honored if you continue living here," Mulder said without hesitation.
"Me, too, Mulder?" Schatz asked nervously, still unsure about his future in this household.
Mulder reached over and pulled Schatz into a brotherly hug. "You, too, bro, forever."
"Thanks."
"Hey, I put up the basketball hoop this morning. Do you want to go down and play a game?" Blaise asked.
Mulder stared down at the report he'd been working on, reaching a decision. "Sure, Justin, it's been too long since I played," Mulder replied, standing and stretching.
"Mulder, let's make it interesting, Joe and me, against you, Shinji, and Hans. The losers cooks dinner during Rory's week to cook," the Texan replied with confidence.
"In other words, it's a win, win situation," Mulder quipped.
"Yeah, the losers will be doing this family a great service," Takeda snickered.
Mulder noticed Schatz's puzzled expression. "Hans, if you ever tried to eat anything Rory cooked you'd understand," he informed him.
Mulder looked them over carefully, Blaise was two inches taller and thirty pounds heavier than he was and all of it muscle. Hawk and Schatz were his size and Takeda was seven inches shorter, but extremely athletic and agile. He knew that the two Americans knew how to play b-ball, but Takeda and Schatz? Still, three against two were pretty good odds. "Okay, Justin, you have yourself a game."
***
Hoover Building
Wednesday, September 8
3:30 p.m.Jack Sullivan strolled briskly into Mulder and Krycek's office knowing he'd find Krycek there; Mulder was still telecommuting from home. "Hey, Alex, I've got some good news and some bad news, which do you prefer first?"
"Jack, always give me the good news first," Krycek leaned tiredly back in his chair.
"Good, all of the photographs are authentic. We have those bastards by the balls," he grinned wickedly.
"Jack, has anyone ever told you that you look and sound exactly like De Niro?" Krycek quipped.
"Yeah, lots of people. Now on to the bad news . . . we were able to trace the package. Courier records show that it was picked up at the Russian embassy, in addition, there was one distinct thumb and index finger print on one of the photos. Interpol's database showed it belongs to one Tsar Nikolai Slava."
"Oh fuck! Is there anyway we can hide that information?" Krycek groaned. It bothered him that Mulder might feel even the slightest bit of gratitude toward Slava.
"Sorry, Alex, we need to keep this above board even if it turns Slava into a fucking hero."
"That's okay, Jack. I want nothing more than to regain Fox's freedom, even if it makes Slava out to be one of the good guys," he replied without conviction.
Sullivan headed for the door, shouting over his shoulder. "I'm going to drop off the latest report to A.D. Skinner, he could use it to get the press off his back. They've been barking at his door all day, it should give them something to gnaw on."
Krycek picked up the telephone and called Skinner. "Walter, Jack's dropping off the latest report. After you take care of the press, let's stop at Lev's and pick up some takeout. I think we have something to celebrate, for once. I'll call Gabriel and tell him not to cook anything."
***
Foxfire Glenn Estate
Wednesday, September 8
5:30 p.m.MacIver and Hunter had set up lawn chairs next to the improvised basketball court. The hoop and pole had been installed next to the detached garage/workshop and the blacktop in front of the garage was the court. Blaise had taken the time to paint the free-throw line and centerline with white paint earlier that morning. Both men were enjoying watching the intense game between the immortals.
Hawk had proven to be the best basketball player with Mulder a close second. Blaise used his larger size to guard and block Takeda and Schatz, who had turned out to be more than passable players. With a little practice the two young men could become as good as Mulder. Mulder's team was up by six points and two points away from winning the tie breaking fifth game of 21. All five men had discarded their T-shirts after the second game and were dripping with sweat.
"This is the life," MacIver drawled, taking a swig of ale. He admired the immortals' beauty and grace. "Do you know how much money men would pay to sit here and watch them?"
"A lot. Why? Are you thinking of selling tickets?" Hunter joked.
"No, lad, I'm just counting my blessings," the Scotsman replied, smiling. "C'mon, Shin, you're all clear! Yeah, that's the way, love!" he shouted as Takeda sank the final basket ending the game.
The young Japanese immortal smiled affectionately at him. "Hey, old man, next time it's the five of us against you, Gabriel, Walter, Alex, and Tony. We'll kick your butts," he replied confidently.
Mulder, Schatz, Blaise, and Hawk all sank exhaustedly onto the grass next to the court and watched with amusement as Takeda baited his lover.
"Cocky little thing, aren't you?" MacIver chuckled.
"Damn straight! However, we need to come up with a better bet this time. Not that I'm complaining about being spared your cooking for a week, Rory," Takeda replied happily, straddling the older man's lap he planted a wet kiss on his lips.
"So, what do you and your teammates want to bet?" the Scotsman asked, aroused. Stroking his hands down the younger man's back to his butt, he pulled Takeda further up on his lap until he was straddling his groin.
"We'll have to talk it over and get back to you." Takeda leaned forward to continue kissing him, they were interrupted by Skinner's SUV pulling up.
Mulder stood up and retrieved his T-shirt, slipping it on over his sweat soaked body. He walked over to the truck and smiled at Krycek who was sitting in the backseat between the two infant seats. Mulder reached in to unfasten Faith from her car seat, but before he could, his wrists were grabbed, and Krycek pulled him into a bruising kiss that nearly caused him to fall on the baby. "Damnit, Alex, let go!" Mulder felt instant dread when he looked into Krycek's eyes, they were full of lust and completely devoid of any comprehension of what he was doing. He turned to Skinner for help and met the same lust-filled stare. Krycek ripped the T-shirt from his body and the older man lunged over the seat for him.
Mulder was scared to death that the babies would be injured if he tried to fight his lovers off in the close confines of the SUV. "Please, stop! The babies!"
"Shit!" Hunter swore and raced over to save Mulder from being raped by his own lovers, everyone else was leaping up to help. Hunter pulled Mulder free from Krycek's vise-like hold, throwing him to the ground away from the truck. MacIver dumped Takeda off his lap as he rushed over to assist Hunter; he quickly put up a protective barrier around the agent. The barrier sealed in Mulder's scent, breaking the spell it had over Skinner and Krycek.
Kimberly climbed shakily out of the front passenger seat. "Kim, take Fox over to your cottage," Hunter ordered, keeping a close eye on Skinner and Krycek -- the two men appeared dazed.
"No, I need to get my daughters," Mulder blurted out. He heard the two babies crying loudly from the truck.
"Fox, go with Kimberly! Joe and Justin will bring the babies to you," Hunter ordered sharply.
Kimberly helped Mulder to his feet, the shield expanding to cover both of their bodies as they made their way shakily toward the cottage. Schatz rushed after them, glaring back briefly in anger at the two men that had caused Mulder harm. His eyes caught Hunter's. Schatz felt appreciative toward this handsome man who had gone up against two powerful sorcerers to protect his brother. He turned and continued to follow Kimberly and Mulder to the cottage.
Both babies were shrieking loudly as Hawk and Blaise went to retrieve them from the truck. Faith had a small bruise on the side of her face, a testament to the mindless lust her father had become a victim of. Hawk placed a tender hand over the bruise, which required very little energy to heal. "Ssh, cutie, I'm going to take you to see your daddy Fox. That's what you want isn't it?" he soothed, hugging the crying baby against his bare chest as he headed toward the cottage. Blaise trailed behind him carrying Hope and the babies' diaper bag, she was distressed and shrieking, too. By then, Skinner and Krycek seemed to be recovering from their stupor.
"Oh god! Fox!" Krycek cried out, looking around for him. "Gabriel, where is he?" he noticed Blaise and Hawk with the babies on the path to the cottage and attempted to follow them.
"He's safe. Now I suggest that we go into the mansion and leave him be," Hunter replied softly, blocking the path to the cottage. Tony had rushed out to join Hunter in case he needed help.
"Gabriel, where are Hope and Faith? They're okay, aren't they?" Skinner asked nervously, deeply embarrassed by the gap in his memory. The last thing he remember was having an uncontrollable urge to make love to Mulder, but he couldn't remember anything else that happened after that. Skinner scanned the area for his daughter and niece, he relaxed when he found them safely entering the cottage under Hawk's and Blaise's care.
"They're fine, Walter, although Faith did receive a minor injury in the scuffle," Hunter informed him sharply.
"Faith . . . what happened to her?" Krycek asked, anxiety and guilt bringing tears to his eyes.
"She had a bruised cheek. Don't worry, Alex, Joe healed it. Now let's go into the mansion," Hunter repeated.
Takeda watched them intently. "God, Rory, is my body's changes going to cause you to go berserk, too?"
"Don't worry, love, Doctor Harris will have a new treatment before you're far enough along for it to affect me," MacIver replied, draping an arm over Takeda's shoulders, they followed the other men into the mansion.
Mulder paced around the living room in the cottage. "Damn, I was an idiot . . . what was I thinking? I'm sweaty and smelly . . . I should have known to stay away from them. It's not their fault, damn, damn, damn!" Mulder looked up as Hawk and Blaise strolled into the room. Faith was crying pitifully against Hawk's chest. Hope had quieted down when they entered the cottage and she heard Mulder's voice.
"Oh, Faith, come to daddy," Mulder soothed, setting aside his self-blame to comfort his daughter. He cuddled the baby against his bare chest, murmuring softly to her. Faith settled down immediately looking at him with angry, puffy, hazel eyes. "Yeah, your daddy was an idiot, sorry, cutie."
"Mulder, I'll show you to the bathroom so you can take a shower. Would you like to sleep here tonight?" Kimberly asked, concerned, showing him to the upstairs bathroom.
"No. I should be fine once I shower. Kim, it was my fault, Doctor Harris warned me to be careful. I should have taken him more seriously," he sighed. He tried to hand the baby to her, but Faith started crying immediately. "Maybe, I should wait until Faith settles down."
"I've made a fresh pitcher of ice tea, why don't we go back downstairs to the kitchen," Kimberly replied.
"Sounds good. Where are your munchkins, Kim?" Mulder asked, glancing around the upstairs.
"They're both taking a nap. Tony's been able to get them on a pretty good schedule, they've even started sleeping through the night now," She informed him as they entered the cozy kitchen, pulling out the pitcher from the refrigerator.
The other three immortals were in the kitchen, sitting at the small breakfast table, they wanted to be there for Mulder. Hope was laughing gleefully at the three men, who were all trying to keep her amused. "Hey, Mulder, that was a fast shower . . . ah, I don't know how to tell you this, but you still smell," Blaise chuckled.
"Stick it, Justin," Mulder replied, giving him the finger. He sat at the table. "Faith is still pretty upset, we must have really scared her." He accepted the glass of ice tea from Kimberly who then poured tea for the others, too.
Hawk held his tongue; he didn't think that it would be a good idea to tell Mulder that Faith had been injured during the scuffle. Since the agent was already blaming himself for his lovers' attack.
Back at the mansion, Krycek was pacing the kitchen while Skinner was on the telephone to Doctor Harris. The other men sat around watching them.
"Sam, it was awful . . . we didn't even know what we were doing. Do you have anything that you can give him, yet?" Skinner pleaded.
"Walter, I don't have anything, yet. However, I did make an interesting discovery. I checked the samples we took from Mulder on Friday against the ones taken yesterday. It appears his body is putting off higher dosages pheromones and there is an added buildup of chemicals in his new organ over the last week. If I were to make an educated guess, I'd say that he is going through a cycle that is reaching its peak." Harris took a deep breath and then continued. "Walter, the new pheromones are definitely keyed only to yours and Alex's DNA patterns. What I believe is happening is that Mulder's body is letting your bodies know that he is ripe for fertilization. Similar to a female animal when she's in heat," Harris informed him.
"Damn," Skinner sat heavily on the kitchen stool. "Then you've determined that this organ is for reproduction?" he asked.
"Yes. Although, we still haven't determined how it works, it's clearly a reproductive organ," the doctor stated.
"Sam, can you do me a favor? Whatever you do don't use 'the bitch in heat' analogy in front of Fox. This cycle, how long is it suppose to last?" Skinner met Krycek's anguished eyes aware that he was following along telepathically.
"I have no idea, Walter. I'm going to have to run more tests and collect samples from all the immortals at the mansion every other day to establish a time-frame. This is all still mostly speculative on my part," Harris sighed. "I think it's important that you avoid all contact with Mulder until the new drug is tested Friday."
"Okay, Sam," Skinner murmured, disconnecting the call. "Shit! We can't even see Mulder long enough to apologize to him!"
"You can tell him telepathically," MacIver replied.
"Yeah, but it's not the same," he sighed. "Tony, we stopped at Lev's for takeout, would you mind taking it back to the cottage with you? We picked up some of Fox's favorite dishes," Skinner told him sadly. "We were planning on celebrating, we have a real chance at winning Fox's, Justin's, and Joe's civil rights back."
"Sure, Walter, I'll take it right over to him," Tony replied.
Mulder shifted uncomfortably on the vinyl covered kitchen chair. He felt weird sitting here in Kimberly's kitchen with only his shorts on. His skin was sticking to the vinyl and to make matters worse, Faith's diaper had leaked staining his shorts. Oh well, at least she was finally calming down. "Kim, my munchkin needs a diaper change, can you show me where I can change her?" Mulder asked, picking up the baby's diaper bag.
"Sure, Mulder." Kim snickered when he stood up, noticing the yellow stain on his light gray shorts. "She's not the only one that needs a change."
Blaise lifted Hope off his lap and quickly checked her diaper; it appeared to be firmly fastened. "You're not going to leak on your Uncle Justin? Are you, precious?" he murmured, hugging her.
"Don't worry, Justin, from here it looks like Alex changed Hope's diaper. My educated guess is that Walter was the last person to change Faith. I think he worries about the munchkins' comfort and that's why he never fastens the diapers too firmly," Mulder replied, grinning. "What's weird is that he is never holding the babies when their diapers leak, it's usually Alex or me," he chuckled, following Kimberly to the downstairs bathroom.
"I think you have yourself a new X-File, Mulder. An Assistant Director of the FBI that can accurately predict when babies are about to soil their diapers," Kimberly quipped. She took out a box of wet wipes then spread out a plush towel. The sound of her babies crying upstairs pulled her away. "I'm going to check on my girls, Mulder, call if you need anything."
"Thanks, Kim," Mulder replied, placing the diaper bag on the toilet seat, he pulled a clean diaper out and set it aside.
*Fox.* Krycek telepathically contacted him.
*Alex, how are you feeling?* Mulder asked. Lying Faith down on the towel.
*I feel like a total jerk. Fox, please forgive me,* he begged.
*Alex, it wasn't your fault. I was the idiot; it was solely my fault. I should have realized what an effect I'd have on you and Walter,* Mulder replied, pealing off Faith's diaper.
*Fox, it wasn't your fault! You didn't attack us . . . we attacked you!* he replied hotly.
Mulder ignored his outburst. *Yuck, you should see the mess your daughter made, Alex. She had something to eat other than formula today, didn't she?* Mulder wiped the thick, smelly, mustard colored poop from her bottom. Faith squealed happily, the faces her daddy was making amused her. Kicking her little feet she smeared some of the mess onto the towel. "Hold still, squirt."
Krycek saw her through Mulder's eyes, he couldn't help the grin that lit up his face. *Yeah, we started her on pureed peaches today.* He was relieved that his daughter seemed perfectly fine, after today's incident. *How's she doing, Fox?*
*She's fine, Alex. Although our cutie wouldn't let me put her down, so I haven't been able to take a shower, yet.* He finished cleaning her up with another wet wipe. *But, as soon as I take a shower, I'll be coming back to the mansion, then we can have a long talk.*
*Fox, you can't come back to the mansion just yet.*
*What do you mean? We should be fine once I wash the sweat and smell from my body.*
*Walter talked to Doctor Harris. Our reactions weren't only due to you being sweaty and smelly. He thinks you're going through a cycle and that you are nearing its peak, once the cycle is over it should be safe. However, he doesn't know how long it will last or when the peak is. He wants you to stay with Kim and Tony until Friday, by then, he'll have a new drug ready to test.*
Mulder finished diapering his daughter, picking her up and hugging her against his chest, he sat down on the tub. *Cycle? So what does he think . . . that I'm in heat or something?* Mulder grumbled, agitated.
*Fox, please, don't get yourself all worked up, there's still a lot we don't know,* Skinner replied, stepping into their conversation. *We were lucky today that our friends were able to intervene and no one was hurt. Who knows what might have happened to you if we hadn't taken this situation seriously and seen Doctor Harris on Tuesday.*
Mulder sighed, tears filling his eyes. *Yeah, I'd probably be pregnant with one or both of your children.* He shuddered at that horrifying image.
*Fox, we'd still love you, especially if you were carrying our babies,* Skinner soothed.
*Walter, I don't find that at all reassuring. Let me make myself perfectly clear . . . I AM NOT GOING TO GET PREGNANT! Any future children we have together will be procreated the old fashion way in test tubes and growth cylinders.* Mulder glanced up as Schatz entered the bathroom, carrying some clothing.
"Mulder, I'll take care of Faith so you can take a shower. Tony says dinner should be on the table in about ten minutes," Schatz murmured softly placing the T-shirt, boxers, socks, and sweatpants on the counter.
"Thanks, Hans. Be good, cutie," Mulder replied, passing Faith to Schatz. He held his breath hoping that she wouldn't put up a fuss, letting it out when she seemed content to have the young immortal holding her.
Schatz grinned at him, hugging the baby as he left the bathroom.
Mulder untied his running shoes and stripped out of his soiled shorts and boxers. He turned on the shower, waiting for the water to heat up.
*You know, Fox. Your outward appearance shows no real indication that you have changed at all,* Skinner replied, watching Mulder lovingly through the agent's eyes in reflection from the mirror and shower door.
Mulder glanced down at his body, running a hand over his belly. *It's enough that I feel differently inside,* he replied, stepping into the shower. *Well, at least it confirms what I've suspected those fucking Grays meant to use immortals for.* He soaped up, washing the sweat and oils from his body. *We're nothing but fucking breeders!*
*Fox, you don't know that for sure,* Krycek replied.
*Damn, if I don't!* Mulder snapped. *It's the only way that it makes sense.* He leaned tiredly against the tiled wall, he felt emotionally devastated.
Krycek felt his heart leap to his throat. He wanted to be there with Mulder to comfort him. *Fox, even if it were true . . . they lost the war. You're our lover, not some breeder.*
Mulder sighed, rinsing the soap from his body. *It scares me so much . . . I think that's what the morph was doing on the estate . . . he wanted to abduct me and return me to the grays. Fuck, I don't even have the luxury of being able to kill myself!*
*Fox, don't worry! If they come back, we'll kick their Gray butts,* Skinner growled. *We'll always be there for you.*
*Thanks, Walter, Alex. God, what I wouldn't give to be there with you right now.*
*Soon, lover,* Krycek murmured.
***
Senator Mooney's Estate
Wednesday, September 8
7:30 p.m.
Xsavior 's angry voice resounded around the room from the speakerphone. "Milford, that wasn't a very wise move you made, sending a hit man to kill me."
"I don't know what you're talking about, Reverend," Mooney stammered.
"The man was very informative before he died," the reverend purred menacingly over the telephone line.
"Damn you, Xsavior, you've ruined me! I have protestors and reporters outside of my home! They're talking about having me expelled from the Senate because of you!" Senator Mooney shouted angrily.
"You have more to worry about than your pathetic career, Milford," the reverend threatened.
"You don't scare me, Xsavior. You wouldn't dare show your face in D.C.! You're a wanted man and it's only a matter of time before you're captured and put away for the rest of your life!" Mooney barked, slamming off the speaker. There was only one thing left for him to do, he'd resign from the Senate with dignity and not be thrown out like some common criminal.
***
Foxfire Glenn Estate
Friday, September 10
7:00 a.m."Good morning, Mulder," Tony greeted as the agent walked into the kitchen.
"Yeah, I suppose," Mulder grumbled, sinking onto one of the kitchen chairs. He watched Tony as he fed both his daughters simultaneously. The babies were in their bassinets on the kitchen table and Tony had a bottle in each hand.
"Do you need any help?"
"No. Why don't you go pour yourself a cup of coffee? There's a fresh pan of cinnamon rolls on the stove, help yourself."
"Thanks, Tony." Mulder cut two rolls out of the pan and grabbed a bowl of frosting next to it. He juggled all three items carrying them back to the small table, setting the steaming cup of coffee down first.
"It's nice to see that your appetite is back," Tony grinned.
"You know I can't resist your cinnamon rolls," Mulder replied, spreading a generous amount of frosting on both rolls.
Kimberly walked into the kitchen. "Yeah, me too, Mulder, that's why I moved in with him, for his cinnamon rolls and homemade pastas," she smiled. She was pristinely dressed in a taupe business suit. "So, today's the big day?"
"Yeah, I really would like to return home today. Walter has assigned a FBI sorcerer and clairvoyant to accompany me and Hans to the hospital for our appointments today," Mulder replied, sipping his coffee.
"I hope your appointment goes well, Mulder. Not that I haven't enjoyed your company, but the A.D. has been in a sour mood all week. If it weren't for the charges filed yesterday against those four senators and six congressmen in the Amaranthine's case, he'd be completely unbearable," Kim replied.
Mulder smiled, looking up as Schatz knocked on the kitchen door. Kimberly opened it, letting him in. He was dressed in blue jeans and a T-shirt, similarly to how Mulder was dressed except only he was wearing a white T-shirt, instead of red. He carried the newspaper under his arm.
"Hi, Kim," he sheepishly murmured to her. "Gabriel asked me to drop off the newspaper."
"Thanks, Hans. How are you?" Kim asked.
"I'm okay." He grinned then walked over and sat next to Mulder at the kitchen table, placing the newspaper in front of him.
"Have you had breakfast, yet?" she inquired, pouring herself a mug of coffee. "Would you like some?" She held up the coffeepot.
"Yes, please," he replied, to her offer. "Tony told me yesterday that he was making cinnamon rolls this morning and to come over."
Tony smiled at him. "They're in the pan on the stove. Help yourself, Hans, the dishes are in the first cabinet."
"Thanks, Tony." Out of all of the sorcerers on the estate, Schatz felt the most comfortable around Tony. He thought it was because the older man was living with a woman. There was absolutely no indication that Tony was attracted to him at all.
Mulder picked up the newspaper and read the headline 'Senator Milford Mooney Resigns In Disgrace!' his heart skipped a beat. He had been worried that the expulsion hearings would drag on for weeks. Although there was no longer a threat that they'd be sent to the new living facility, he wanted to get his freedom back and it wouldn't happen until all of the accused had been removed from office and a whole new vote was taken. Mulder had talked to Senator Matheson by telephone yesterday and was happy to hear that the Senator already had convinced 16 Senators that had initially sided with Mooney to change their votes. There were more than enough votes to overturn the original vote.
"I think this calls for a party," Mulder smiled, showing Kimberly and Tony the headline. "If Doctor Harris' new treatment works, how about we celebrate tomorrow? I'll stop at the grocery store on the way home and pick up enough food for a real feast," he exclaimed happily. Making plans in his head to call and invite his friends and Skinner's relatives, he decided he could use Frohike's help with some of the dishes. He looked over at Schatz; the young man was staring at him with a funny look on his face. "What, Hans?"
"We're stopping at a real grocery store? Are you sure that's a good idea? What about all of the people that will be there?" he asked nervously.
"Don't worry, Hans. We'll have Agents Sullivan, Johnson, and Austin with us. Lars Johnson is a sorcerer and Jared Austin is a clairvoyant, they'll be more than enough protection for us," Mulder assured him. "I'm inviting some friends to the party tomorrow and I want to warn you up front about Frohike, he's a pervert, but he's perfectly harmless." Mulder held out his arms and Tony placed Grace Mari into them, he gently held the tiny, two-month-old baby.
"I don't know if I'll feel comfortable around too many people, Mulder," Schatz replied, trembling slightly.
"It will be okay, Hans. If you're nervous just stay close to me," Mulder reassured him.
"Okay, Mulder."
A horn honked from outside and Kimberly quickly grabbed her purse and kissed Tony and her daughters. "I'll see you tonight," she replied, heading out the door.
*Walter, Alex, have a nice day,* Mulder telepathically communicated. *And don't tire yourselves out! Hopefully we'll have a very long evening together tonight!*
*You too, Fox, we have a week to make up for,* Skinner replied, smiling warmly at Kimberly as she climbed in the front passenger seat.
*Fox, love you,* Krycek shouted as the SUV sped down the driveway.
*You, too,* Mulder grinned. *See both of you at the hospital at ten o'clock, don't be late!*
*Don't worry, lover, we have a lot riding on Sam's new drug, we'll be on time!* Skinner replied gruffly.
***