Life from the Ashes Book 2 - Hope and Faith
Chapter 22
Halloweenby Jo B.
purplefox@usfamily.net***
Foxfire Glenn Estate
Thursday, October 14
6:00 a.m.Melvin Frohike's voice bellowed loudly over the sound of the water spray; he was singing Meatloaf's 'I Would Do Anything For Love'. The shower door opened and in stepped Hans Schatz, smiling beautifully as he bent down and captured the shorter man's lips in a hot kiss, instantly quieting the singing.
"G'morning, Melvin. I really enjoyed last night, thank you," he murmured. Pouring some shower gel into his hand, he started washing the older man's body, running his fingers through Frohike's chest hair as he built up a foamy lather.
"My pleasure, Gorgeous," Frohike purred, wrapping his arms around the slim waist, his hands stroked Schatz's firm round buttocks. His fingers delved into the crease and brushed against the younger man's anus.
"It was *my* pleasure that I'm thanking you for, Melvin," Schatz replied, while soaping down the older man's arms and feeling the slight bulge of muscles under his fingertips. He had been pleasantly surprised to discover that underneath his lover's baggy clothing was a fit body and that the man was hung like a horse.
"Hans, what would you like for breakfast this morning?" Frohike asked, rubbing against his lover's tall, lean body.
"Besides you?" Schatz grinned. "Melvin, you don't have to make me breakfast," he replied, kissing the top of the shorter man's head.
"Gorgeous, I want to make you breakfast, lunch, and dinner. Of course, you can snack on me in between meals," Frohike growled, pinching Schatz on the ass then he reached for the younger man's cock and started to lovingly stroke it.
"God, Melvin," Schatz pushed into Frohike's hand. He snaked his own hand down and grasped the older man's erection. Steam fogged the door and mirrors as the two men lost themselves in passion, their cries of pleasure filled the air.
In the bedroom next to door, Hawk rolled over into Blaise's arms burrowing deeper underneath the covers. "Jesus, they're going at it again. Are we that loud when we make love?" Hawk grumbled tiredly, thinking about how exhausted he was going to be in class today.
"Hmm, sometimes," Blaise soothed, rubbing his lover's back. "You could look on the bright side, Frohike happens to be an excellent cook. If he keeps seeing Hans, we'll all benefit."
"Justin, I feel sorry for Gabriel . . . I know he's in love with Hans. It doesn't seem fair to him," Hawk murmured against his lover's chest.
"Life isn't always fair. It's Hans' decision who he wants to be with and I can't really say I blame him for choosing Frohike," Blaise replied thoughtfully.
Hawk pulled away and looked down at his lover. "You find Frohike attractive?"
"Looks aren't everything, he's . . . safe, intelligent, funny, and has a good heart. Don't forget Hans was forced into sexual servitude to a n'thral, then raped by several sorcerers, someone like Frohike gives him a sense of equality and comfort. He doesn't have to worry about his virtue with Frohike."
Hawk chuckled, "Somehow I don't see virtue and Frohike in the same sentence. You should have heard some of the lines he used to hit on me during the Fourth of July barbecue." He rested his head against his lover's chest. "Justin, since when have you become so wise?"
"Hey, I've watched all the episodes of Kung Fu and Kung Fu: The Legend Continues, something was bound to rub off." Blaise snickered. "What do you say if we try to drown out their noise with some of our own?" he murmured, caressing Hawk's buttocks.
"Mm, I say, let's go for it, lover," Hawk purred, sealing his lips to Blaise's.
Down the hall and around the corner from their suite, Sawada looked lovingly down at the young man sleeping soundly in his arms. Smiling softly, he wiggled the toes on his left foot, it felt good to finally have the cast off. He hoped that Shinji wouldn't be sleeping too long after healing him. He kissed the top of the younger man's head, his hand rested on Shinji's belly then curiosity got the better of him and he gently probed his lover's navel. His finger slipped inside, he noted how tightly it was gripped and how hot and slick the interior felt. Moaning with desire, he quickly pulled his finger free, bringing it to his mouth he tentatively tasted it then enthusiastically licked the sweet and salty moisture from it.
Downstairs at the far end of the mansion, Skinner finished knotting his tie. It had been a tense night. Although Mulder still shared their bed, he refused any physical contact and slept above the covers wearing his sweats. He moved out of Mulder's way as the younger man leaned past him, reaching for his razor.
Krycek strolled into the bathroom. He was fully dressed and holding Faith who was wearing only a diaper and a T-shirt.
"Do either of you know where Faith's denim romper is?"
"Laundry," Mulder murmured, spreading shaving cream on his face. "You can put the pink cotton bunny romper on her."
"Fox, she likes the denim romper better. The other one is just too sickeningly cute," Krycek explained.
"You like the denim romper better, she could care less," Mulder replied.
"Actually, Faith likes the knit romper with the applique bear on it," Skinner stated brusquely, taking his niece from Krycek. "C'mon, cutie, Uncle Walter will dress you."
The three men finally strolled into the kitchen carrying their daughters, dressed, and ready for work. Schatz was seated at the counter, chuckling at Frohike, who was flipping pancakes into the air.
Skinner gave them a tentative look, he hadn't been aware that Frohike had spent the night. The look of complete bliss on the shorter man's face was a sight to behold -- he had never seen his friend so happy.
"Hey, Guys, would you care for some of my lighter-than-air buttermilk pancakes?" Frohike asked, grinning from ear-to-ear.
Mulder sat next to Hans, positioning Hope on his lap so she could see above the counter. "Yes, I'd love a stack. So, did the two of you have a nice evening?"
"Mulder, really, that's a little personal," Frohike interjected, setting the first plate of pancakes in front of Schatz, he leaned over and kissed his lover softly. "Is that enough or would you like more, gorgeous?"
"That's plenty, Melvin," the young immortal murmured sweetly.
"I want to make sure you have enough," Frohike purred.
"Believe me, Melvin, I'm *completely* satisfied," Schatz flirted, losing himself in Frohike's brown eyes that were magnified by the thick lenses of his glasses. The two men became oblivious to the others in the room.
Skinner glanced at his watch. "Melvin, we don't have all morning. If you wouldn't mind, either make the pancakes or surrender your spatula," he grumbled.
"Mm? Oh, sorry, Walter," the little man replied. Snapping out of his trance, he turned back to the stove.
Hunter stepped into the kitchen, looking like he hadn't slept at all. He walked over and poured himself a large mug of coffee, breathing in its rich aroma.
Schatz smiled at him. "Good morning, Gabriel. Are we still going to the shopping mall today?"
Hunter forced a smile. "Sure, Hans, if you still want to."
"Yes, I do. Do you mind if Melvin comes, too?"
"No, I don't mind," he ground out with effort.
"Hey, Gabriel, how many?" Frohike asked, placing a large stack of pancakes between Mulder and Skinner.
"None. I'm not hungry, Melvin," he grumbled, leaving the kitchen.
Mulder noticed Hunter's pain. He decided to eat before he went to talk to him, that way Hunter would have time to get himself together.
Krycek deposited two bowls of barley cereal on the counter for the babies. He fastened a bib around Faith's neck, she was sitting on Skinner's lap; he then handed the larger man the cereal and spoon. He took Hope from Mulder and buckled her into the highchair and started feeding her the other bowl of cereal as Mulder dug into the pancakes.
MacIver came strolling into the room dressed in a suit and tie. He made a quick beeline for the coffeepot, stopping when he noticed Frohike. "You still here?"
"Yes. You sound surprised?"
"Nope, not at all. Frohike, my money was on you all the way," he drawled, leaning up against the counter. "I'll take a large stack," he added, smirking.
"Coming right up," the little man said happily.
Skinner glanced up as MacIver sat next to him. The Scotsman tucked a napkin under his chin to protect his suit and tie.
"Rory, is there a reason you're all dressed up?" Skinner asked.
"I'm meeting a Colombian business associate at the docks," MacIver stated.
"Columbia, South America?" the A.D. asked, wondering what the shifty Scotsman was up to.
"Don't worry, Walter, this is on the up-and-up. I've gone into the import/export business and Gomez is delivering my first shipment of goods from South America."
"Rory, all trade coming in from South and Central America has been stopped due to the war down there. How and what was your business associate able to smuggle out of there?" Skinner asked. The other men became extremely interested in their conversation.
"My associate happens to be a fellow sorcerer, he's been striking deals with the different warring factions. Gomez offers his services as a sorcerer in trade for different commodities. You wouldn't believe how much n'thral warlords would pay for a good sorcerer. Anyway Gomez has smuggled out the first and hopefully not the last shipment of pure Colombian coffee beans," MacIver replied cheerfully.
"Wow! Coffee, Rory, that's worth a small fortune," Krycek stated in awe.
"I'll say, its costing us $150 dollars a pound," Skinner replied. Coffee was the one extravagance that his lovers and he agreed to keep buying for as long as it was available.
"Did you see that story on Dateline about the scavengers that go from town to town, searching deserted homes and businesses for coffee beans?" Frohike stated, setting a plate of pancakes in front of the Scotsman.
"Yep. With the money I'm going to be making, Shin and I will be able to contribute financially to the household." The smaller man beamed.
"What are you trading this associate of yours for the coffee beans?" Skinner asked, worried that MacIver might get in over his head. The last thing he wanted was Colombian Guerillas coming to the U.S. looking for payment.
"Guns, ammunition, and medicine," MacIver replied nonchalantly.
"Rory, are you out of your mind? You're sitting here telling me, an Assistant Director of the FBI, that you're going into the arms business?" Skinner snapped. "You know that's illegal here! Only the U.S. government is sanctioned to sell firearms to foreign countries," he growled angrily.
"I never said anything about trading firearms from here. It just so happens that I have associates in Europe arranging the firearm shipment for me. See, Walter, everything is perfectly legal," he grinned. He left out that the guns and ammunition were first smuggled out of the U.S. by him to his associates in Europe.
Skinner huffed, shaking his head. "You're walking a fine line, Rory. Just promise me that you won't make a name for yourself as an international arms dealer. I would really hate to try to explain that to my superiors."
"Walter, think of me as an ambassador of goodwill, attempting to open up free trade routes throughout a desperate world. We have it really good here compared to most parts of the world . . . I'm only trying to help my fellow man."
Krycek snickered at the look of disgust on his half-brother's face. However, he knew a good deal when he heard one, and he wanted in on this one. He walked over to MacIver, draping an arm around the older man's shoulders. "So, Rory, I have contacts in Russia, East Asia, and Africa . . . maybe we can talk about forming a partnership?"
"Alex, my lad, I would love to . . . it's always good to keep the business in the family," the Scotsman drawled happily, digging into the stack of pancakes that Frohike had placed in front of him.
Mulder noticed how Krycek's face lit up, he knew his lover had been feeling an emptiness in his life -- his adventurous soul needed something like this to feel free. He only hoped that Krycek didn't get himself into any dangerous situations, but he realized that would be too much to wish for.
Skinner looked at both men in disgust. "Oh great, it was bad enough that he's going into the smuggling business, but do you have to, too?" he growled at his brother.
"Hey, it's for humanitarian reasons," Krycek grinned smugly.
"Guys, I'm going to be with Gabriel if you need me," Mulder said, interrupting their discussion. He left the kitchen going up to Hunter's room. He knocked on the door before entering.
"Gabriel, do you want to talk about it?"
The older man stood in front of the window staring wistfully out, his blonde hair glowed in the sunlight. "Fox, it doesn't matter. I should have known that I wouldn't have a chance with him. Hans is happy with Melvin and that's what really matters. He deserves to be happy, he's had too much misery in his young life," Hunter replied, setting down the mug of coffee he was drinking.
"What about you? Gabriel, don't you deserve to be happy, too?"
"Fox, what's the point? Hans has made his choice and as much as I hate to admit it, Melvin was a good choice. At least Hans is no longer afraid of me and I think he may even consider me a friend, maybe someday we'll have more than that, but right now he really needs to be with Melvin." Hunter smiled softly. "Fox, don't worry about me, I'll be fine."
"Gabriel, I do worry, you've always been there for me," Mulder replied sadly.
"I'm happy living here, Fox. I've become very close friends with everyone here . . . I love you and your daughters and it's a privilege being able to see them as they grow up. I couldn't ask for anything more." He smiled gently, hugging Mulder.
Mulder returned the hug. "Thanks, Gabriel, I don't know how you always manage to make me feel better even when I came up here to try to cheer you up. I better get going to work, but remember, if you ever need to talk, I'm available" Mulder replied as he left the room.
***
Foxfire Glenn Estate
Thursday, October 14
6:00 p.m.Skinner closed the door to his home office and went immediately over to his liquor cabinet and poured himself a stiff scotch. He needed to unwind after spending most of the day in meetings. He had talked once during the day to Krycek to find out if there had been any physical evidence discovered at the sight where Mulder was taken after his abduction from the Hoover Building yesterday. Alex had informed him that the only evidence that showed anyone had even been there was the depression in the grass -- otherwise there was zip.
He set the scotch on his desk and pulled the videotape from its drawer. He couldn't imagine what could be on the tape that caused Doctor Pendrell to be concerned for Fox's safety. After all, Doctor Harris had told him that he had lost control temporarily, but that Fox had not been injured.
Skinner inserted the tape into the VCR and flipped on the television set. He watched in absolute horror as he raped Mulder. He cringed at the names he had called him showing no consideration at all for his lover's well-being. Skinner's hand shook, and the glass of scotch slipped from his fingers. Tears flowed freely down his cheeks, pulling off his glasses, he buried his face in his hands.
"God, Fox. How could you even stand to look at me?" He moaned, weeping miserably.
Mulder glanced over at Frohike and Schatz. The two lovers were curled up together on the sofa in the family room watching television. He was putting the babies in their playpen in the family room so he could watch them from the kitchen as he prepared dinner. Mulder was just walking into the kitchen when heard Skinner's grief-stricken cry in his head. He immediately ran toward his lover's office, barging in through the door. Mulder noticed his lover's bent-over form on a chair in front of his television. He knelt at Skinner's feet, avoiding the spilt drink, and touched the older man's hands tentatively.
"Walter, what's wrong?"
"Fox, I've hurt you so much . . . you must really hate me. Why . . . why didn't you tell me about what happened at the hospital?" he cried into his hands.
Mulder's heart broke when he noticed the television showing Skinner being led out of the examination room by Doctor Harris. "Walter, that wasn't you . . . that's why I didn't tell you. I know that you would never have done or said those things to me," he soothed, pulling the larger man into his arms. "Ssh, it's all right, I love you." He felt the wetness of tears soaking through his shirt.
Skinner pulled away, shaking. "Fox, it might happen again . . . I can't control myself around you. Maybe it would be better if I left," he commented sadly.
"Walter, I won't let you go." The agent's hands smoothed over Skinner's thighs as he stared up into the larger man's red, puffy eyes. "I hate to admit it, but I think we might need outside help in dealing with our problems."
"Fox, are you suggesting that we see a counselor?"
"Yes," he sighed, looking down at where his hands rested on Skinner's thighs. Not looking up, he poured out his concerns to his lover. "I have to admit, Walter, that I have thought about it in the past. There were times that you and Alex treated me as less than an equal -- lots, and lots, of times." He swallowed, raising his eyes to meet Skinner's.
"If you thought we should seek professional help, why haven't you mentioned it until now?" Skinner's fingers brushed through Mulder's hair.
"It's me . . . I have a problem exposing my innermost thoughts to some stranger; there are too many past demons in my life that I would just prefer remain undisturbed." Mulder leaned forward and rested his head against Skinner's chest.
"Fox, Doctor Pendrell gave me a business card for a psychotherapist at the same time he gave me that videotape. I'll have a background check run on him and if he checks out, I'll call and schedule an appointment for us. Of course, only if you're okay with it?"
"Sure, Walter, go ahead, but you get to tell Alex about it," Mulder replied. Raising his head, he gently kissed Skinner's lips. "Do you want to help me with dinner?"
Skinner knew Mulder was holding out the olive branch to him, it was his subtle way of saying all was forgiven. "I'd love to, Fox. Thank you." The larger man pulled his lover into a tight embrace.
Mulder returned the hug, relishing the feel of Skinner's strong arms around his body. "Walter, we will get through this together. I love you and Alex too much to give up on us." He ended the hug, standing he pulled his lover from his chair.
***
"You bastard! I can't believe you did that to Fox, Walter. What the *hell* were you thinking?" Krycek growled angrily turning off the VCR.
"I wasn't thinking, Alex, that was the problem. I have no memory of assaulting him. I would never intentional harm Fox, you must know that by now," Skinner confessed.
"Why did you show me this?"
"Fox and I discussed our recent problems and we decided that we need professional help."
"You're going to see a shrink?" Krycek asked flabbergasted.
"We're going to see a psychotherapist, we want you to come, too."
"Walter, there is nothing wrong with my relationship with Fox. I don't see any reason for me to go to some shrink."
"Alex, we're all involved in this relationship and we need you to be part of the sessions. Besides Fox seems to think we've both been treating him as less than equal."
"Fuck, I don't like this, but if it helps Fox, I'll go," Krycek sighed.
***
Skinner couldn't sleep; instead he sat watching his lovers as they slept. They were curled around each other with their heads resting together on the same pillow. They both were so beautiful, he felt his stomach knot at how close he had come to ruining everything he had with them.
Mulder stirred and gave a cat-like stretched, then rolled over and reached out blindly for Skinner -- his hand found the older man's leg. He opened his eyes squinting against the glare coming from a small reading lamp as he looked up at Skinner.
"Hi," Mulder murmured sleepily. "Can't sleep?"
"Too much on my mind," Skinner whispered softly.
Mulder glanced over at the clock on the nightstand -- 3:00 a.m., sighing he sat up next to Skinner with his back against the headboard. "Do you want to talk about it?"
"Fox, go back to sleep. We can talk in the morning."
"No. That's part of our problem, Walter, we need to be more open with each other. We've all been guilty of keeping things to ourselves that we should have talked about openly. Tell me what's wrong?" Mulder placed his hand on Skinner's shoulder, forcing the other man to look at him.
"I promised the State Department that we would attend a formal party at the Russian embassy on Halloween evening . . . that Cossack bastard is going to be there. I'm sorry, Fox, I should have consulted you and Alex first," He sighed, gazing into Mulder's bright hazel eyes.
"No. It's okay. I trust your judgment. The State Department must have given you a really good argument for you to have agreed . . . I know how much you hate Slava," Mulder replied. He knew that his lover's high-level position in the FBI would require them to make some sacrifices and it would be wrong for him to blame Walter for doing his duty.
"So you're not angry?"
"Nope. Disappointed that we're going to miss our own party here with our friends, but maybe we can sneak out early."
"I thought you would have been upset about having to see Slava again," Skinner replied, lacing his fingers through Mulder's.
"I can't say that I'm thrilled, but I don't really hate him any longer. After all, he saved Faith's and Alex's lives," Mulder replied thoughtfully.
"So, what are you saying that it cancels out him kidnaping and raping you?"
"I just think that he's changed . . . he's not the same man that kidnaped and raped me."
"I don't agree with you. I'll apologize to you ahead of time, because I'm not going to let you out of my sight at the party. I don't trust that bastard," Skinner grumbled.
"Hey, I don't trust him either. If it wasn't for Alex telling me that he was in Russia during my birthday, he would have been my prime suspect as my abductor." Mulder clenched Skinner's hand as he rested his head on the larger man's shoulder.
"You have a list of suspects?"
"A very short list. How many men are able to change their appearance? Sorcerers can do it through mind-control, but there are very few that are powerful enough to change their recorded image on videotape. Even you couldn't tell the difference between yourself and the man I walked out of the Hoover building with on that tape. I thought it could have been Eddie Van Blundht, but he was in Chicago at the time. Walter, I'm scared to death that it might have been a morph." Mulder visibly shuddered.
Skinner wrapped his arms around his lover's lean body, hugging him tightly against his chest. "Jesus, Fox, it never occurred to me that it could be a morph. But, if it were . . . why did he let you go?"
Krycek was awoken by their voices and heard what Skinner had said. "Morph? Guys, what's going on?" he murmured tiredly. Moving over, he rested his head on Mulder's thigh, his arm going over his lover's legs.
"Fox, thinks it might have been a morph disguised as me that abducted him."
"I doubt it. If it were a morph, he never would have let you go, Fox. Besides he would be taking a great risk coming into the Hoover Building, our clairvoyants and sorcerers are all trained to detect their presence. There is no way he could have walked in without being detected. No, it has to be a sorcerer, only we can get through the FBI's security," Krycek replied, his hand caressing Mulder's thigh, he turned his face and nuzzled his nose against the other man's groin, breathing in the delicious musky scent.
Mulder's fingers feathered through Krycek's thick black hair. "Yeah, you're right, Alex. I should have thought of that . . . a sorcerer would be the only logical choice." He yawned tiredly.
Skinner leaned over and kissed the side of Mulder's mouth. "C'mon, let's try to get back to sleep."
***
FBI Hoover Building
Thursday, October 19
NoonFrohike leafed through a magazine as he waited impatiently outside of Walter Skinner's office. Skinner had been surprised when he had called and asked to see him for lunch. The A.D. said he was too busy and couldn't afford the time to go out to lunch today. After Frohike pleaded with him, telling him it was a matter of life and death, he had compromised and agreed to lunch in the FBI cafeteria.
"Okay, Melvin, I'm ready," Skinner said, coming out of his office. He couldn't understand what could be so important that it couldn't wait until after work. After all, Frohike seemed to always be at the estate lately.
"Thanks for seeing me, Walter." The little man had put on suit and tie for the occasion.
They made their way down to the cafeteria and went quickly through the food line then found a small table in the corner. Skinner looked the smaller man over, there was something different about him; he looked younger. "Melvin, are those new glasses?"
"Yeah, they're designer frames from Italy," he mumbled softly, embarrassed.
"Your hair it's . . . " Skinner couldn't think of the words.
"Okay, it's highlighted . . . I had a facial and got my nails manicured," Frohike replied hotly. Sighing. "Sorry, Walter, I didn't mean to snap at you. It's just that I've never done anything so . . . vain . . . I feel totally foolish. But, I don't want to lose him . . . I'm afraid he'll open his eyes one-day and realize what a big mistake he's made. How could someone like that want an old toad like me?" Frohike pushed the food around on his plate.
"Melvin, I didn't mean to offend you. You really do look good, but I doubt that it makes a difference to Hans what you do to yourself. Now are we here to discuss your love life or is there something else you wanted to talk about?" Skinner asked.
"I had a vision a couple of hours ago, it involved Shinji . . . he appeared to be lying unconscious on a mattress while a bunch of men sexually assaulted him . . . the men all appeared to be Chinese. I don't know when this will take place, but I figured it would be better if you warned Rory and Kazuo. I don't think they take me too seriously, but they will listen to you." Frohike ran a hand nervously through his hair.
"Are you sure?"
"Yes, totally. He will be abducted unless Rory and Kazuo can protect him. Walter, I don't want to have another vision of Shinji being used that way. Please, tell them . . . if they can prevent it my visions should stop," he pleaded.
"Don't worry, Melvin. I'll have a talk with them when I get home tonight. I'll also warn Gabriel, Tony, and Alex, no one will get near Shinji with all of us protecting him."
***
Sawada shifted uncomfortably on the leather chair, he waited nervously as Skinner poured him and MacIver a drink. The last time they were both called into to the larger man's study was to be dressed down for fighting in the mansion. He hoped Skinner wasn't angry with them again -- as far as he knew they'd both been behaving themselves.
"Thank you," Sawada replied as Skinner handed him a drink.
Skinner sat in front of the fireplace he had three wing back chairs arranged in a semi-circle with his chair positioned between MacIver and Sawada. "You both know that Melvin Frohike is a very talented clairvoyant and that at times he has visions of future events. To date, almost of his previous visions have come true. I'm mentioning this so that you don't take what I have to tell you lightly." Skinner looked closely at the two men who had become very alert.
"Melvin had a vision today involving Shinji and he came over to the Hoover Building to tell me about it. He was worried that neither of you would take him seriously. In his vision, he saw Shinji being sexually assaulted be a gang of Chinese men, he said that Shinji appeared to be unconscious during the assault," Skinner informed them.
"Walter, did Melvin mention when this is suppose to take place?" MacIver asked nervously.
"No, there was no indication when this will happen," Skinner replied.
The Scotsman temper flared over his fear for his lover. "This is your fault, Major! Who did you piss off in China?" MacIver growled.
"How do we know that this isn't your fault? You're the one going into the smuggling business, it's probably someone that you made angry," Sawada snapped back.
"CAN IT! It doesn't matter whose fault it is! All that matters is Shinji's safety, we don't know when this is going to happen, so we cannot let our guard down. He needs to be protected by everyone here," Skinner barked.
"Sorry, Walter. I will not allow my disdain for MacIver to interfere with Shinji's safety," Sawada stated.
MacIver glared at Sawada. "Shinji's safety is my only concern, Walter. I'm willing to bury the hatchet with the major, for now," he grumbled.
Skinner had a hard time believing the sincerity of the two men's statements. He hoped that Takeda's safety would come before the personal animosity they felt for each other.
***
Dr. Paul S. Vettelman, Psychotherapist Office
Thursday, October 21
1:30 p.m.The doctor studied the three men as they entered his office; he didn't even need to use his clairvoyant abilities to read them. He noticed right away that the large, bald man had an air of authority about him. He was very domineering toward the immortal, it was apparent by the way he kept his hand on the immortal's arm, stood within his personal space, and looked at him very possessively. The doctor met the eyes of the young man with dark hair, and reevaluated his first impression; this man was equally as menacing as the bald man was.
"Doctor Vettelman, I'm Walter Skinner and this is my brother Alex Krycek and our life partner Fox Mulder. Thank you for agreeing to take us on as your patients." They all shook hands with the doctor.
"It's a pleasure to meet you, Mr. Skinner, Mr. Krycek, and of course the famous Special Agent Fox Mulder. Please, come in and have a seat," he said, guiding them over to four chairs arranged in a circle.
Mulder sat across from Doctor Vettelman with Skinner on his right and Krycek on his left.
The doctor was an older man in his late fifties, bald with a goatee, and thick glasses. He pulled out a tape recorder, turned it on, he placed it on the small table next to his chair. "Why don't we start with each of you explaining why you have found it necessary to seek my help? Fox, you may go first."
"Doctor, it is Mulder . . . no one calls me Fox except Walter and Alex. We're here because we've been having difficulties in our relationship, and we're unable to resolve these difficulties ourselves."
Skinner spoke up after Mulder had finished. "It's a lot worse than Fox makes it sound. Doctor, I've always had a tight rein on my emotions, but lately I'm unable to control myself around him. I just get so jealous and protective where he is concerned. I'm afraid that I'll really hurt him one of these days, then he'll hate me because of it," he confessed.
Krycek met the doctor's eyes. "Ditto, what Walter says goes for me, too."
"Walter, Alex, you're brothers and you're both Mulder's lovers, tell me about that?"
Krycek didn't want the doctor to know about how he had tricked Skinner and stolen Mulder from him, his behavior back then embarrassed him. "Walter and I have known each other for years, but only found out we were half-brothers last December. We've had our differences, but we've been able to resolve them. Doctor, I love and respect Walter, and we both love Fox."
"So, everything is sunshine and roses?" the doctor asked. He read instantly the equality and respect between the two brothers, but it didn't seem to carry over to their lover.
Krycek squirmed under the doctor's scrutiny. "With Walter and my relationship, yes, it is."
"Doctor, our relationship isn't the issue here, it's our relationship with Fox," Skinner interjected.
"Yes, I agree that your relationship with Mulder is more important, but I think yours and Alex's relationship needs to be explored," Vettelman stated. "You said that you just found out you were brothers last December, please explain."
Skinner sighed. "When I was six my father informed my sister and me that our mother had been killed in a car accident. We didn't get to attend her funeral and shortly after that we emigrated to the U.S. It wasn't until this past December that I found out that my mother didn't die, she had left us to marry Alex's father. It was Alex's father that arranged the emigration papers for us to the U.S., he wanted us as far away from our mother as possible."
"Walter, tell me how your mother's death affected you as a boy?"
"There's not much to tell, Doctor, she died and we moved on with our lives," Skinner stated gruffly.
As a clairvoyant Vettelman knew from reading his patient's emotions that he had never come to grips with his mother's supposed death -- it was still affecting him. "Walter, you never had closure, there was no funeral, you never really accepted your mother's death. I think part of the reason why you're overly protective of Mulder is because you're afraid he'll vanish from your life, too."
"Doctor, with all due respect, that was almost 40 years ago, and I can assure you that it is not affecting me today," Skinner growled.
"I say that it is one of the reasons you need to be in control. Back then, you had no control and you lost your mother," the doctor spoke calmly. "Tell me about your relationship with Mulder, when did you first meet?"
"I became Fox's direct supervisor seven years ago. I had heard a lot about him before then, but I didn't meet him until then." Skinner replied.
"When did you realize you had romantic feelings for him?"
"Since the first time he walked into my office. Don't get me wrong, Doctor, we maintained a professional relationship until after the virus. Afterward, I could no longer stand by and watch him destroy himself . . . he needed me as much as I wanted him. Fox has always undervalued his self-worth. For as long as I've known him, he'd take foolish chances with no regard for his own safety. He didn't give a second thought about how his death would affect those of us that cared about him," Skinner's voice tightened angrily as he recalled how many times Mulder had been injured or ran off on his own.
Mulder stiffened his chair. Skinner had never mentioned any of this to him. "Walter, I never tried to kill myself! I did what I had to . . . there was no other way for me to get at the truth," Mulder grumbled.
"HA! What about your birthday last year, Fox? Do you have any idea what it was like for me to walk into your apartment and find you like that?" Skinner growled.
"Tha . . . that was a mistake . . . I didn't know what else to do! I . . . I really don't want to talk about that now," Mulder stammered, looking down at his hands that were clenched tightly in his lap.
The doctor studied the two men, pursing his lips thoughtfully. "Walter, I'm interested in how you and Alex are interacting with Mulder," Vettelman replied. "Do you think that he needs to be protected not only from outside threats, but also from himself? I sense that you and Alex, don't view Mulder as being self-sufficient."
"Oh please, that is total BS! I never viewed Fox as being anything less than my equal!" Skinner growled, standing.
"That's not true, Walter," Krycek replied softly.
"What?" Skinner snapped.
"Think about it, physically Fox isn't our equal as it pertains to our powers. He's totally dependent on us for his protection and physical needs, and we've used that dependence against him. I'm not suggesting that we've been doing it consciously, but we have been doing it," Krycek argued.
Skinner sank back in his chair as he realized the truth behind his brother's words. Frowning. "'I don't think it's something that happens very often, I can only think a few times."
"You're not the same men you used to be, you're sorcerers, and immortals don't possess your supernatural powers, you need to accept this and work from there. I would like you each to keep a journal, start by writing down all the incidents that you can remember where you didn't treat Mulder equally and any new incidents that happen. Mulder, I want you to do the same thing." Doctor Vettelman glanced down at his watch. "Gentlemen, that's the end of our first session. Think about what we've discussed today and we'll take it from there on Monday."
***
Eastern Europe
Saturday, October 23
1:00 p.m.The room was dark and cigarette smoke hung heavy in the air as five men met around a small conference table. The youngest of the men stared in morbid fascination at the report in front of him. "This new orifice and organ that the immortals have developed, has it been determined if it really is a reproductive organ?" Jeffery Spender asked.
"We're conducting tests on the two immortals that are at our facility in the Bahamas. They only developed the organ a week ago," the second elder replied. "We require more immortals for testing has there been any progress in abducting any of the others?"
"No, sir. After the morph abducted the Brazilian immortal all of the remaining immortals are now too tightly guarded," the cigarette smoking man replied, passing a folder down to the elder. "We have been able to get some good surveillance photos of the immortals at Foxfire Glenn Estate, along with photos of my son and granddaughters."
Spender frowned as he watched the elder open the folder; his father had not shared its contents with him. He was curious about his half-brother and nieces. "Father, are you suggesting we use these surveillance photos to figure out a way to abduct the immortals at the estate?"
"Yes, but I want it understood that Fox and my granddaughters are not to be used in any experiments, and I get to select the sorcerer that will be my son's new lover," he snarled. He looked challengingly at the other men around the table, making sure there were no objections to his demands.
"Do you have a plan?" the second elder asked.
"Not yet. I have a man that is able to get inside the estate, but so far he's found no flaws in their security. But, it's only a matter of time, they will relax their guard and when they do we will strike," the CSM answered.
Spender grabbed the folder as it was passed back, he scanned through the photographs stopping on one that showed Mulder sitting cross-legged on the floor with both babies on his lap. All three had large smiles on their faces. He felt a wave of jealousy and anxiety. He had really messed up his life; if he could go back in time things would be different. He closed the folder, putting it into his briefcase as a plan started to form in his mind -- he couldn't change the past, but he could change the future.
***
Deep Space
Sunday, October 24
1:00 p.m.Ricardo Montoya was curled up asleep on the soft bed that was recessed into the floor. The bed was lined with Jell-O like material that molded to his body, it was dry to the touch and admitted a warm heat, making blankets unnecessary. A soft golden light lit the room while a constant musical sound soothed his mind and spirit. The room was circular, only about ten feet in diameter. The bed was situated in the center and along the walls was built in panels, seats, and two doorways. The room had been designed to provide total comfort for the Brazilian immortal.
Montoya rolled over onto his back, his naked body glistened with light perspiration, he moaned softly in his sleep. A tall sensual being entered the room followed closely by two shorter gray aliens. The tall alien was completely different in appearance from the grays; he was closer in appearance to the human. He might have been mistaken for human -- his flowing violet hair and deep purple eyes could have been explained as hair-dyes and contact lenses, but the six foot wings that adorned his back were impossible to pass off. He stared down lustfully at the sleeping human.
"He is ripe for my seed, prepare him, and bring him to my quarters," he instructed the two grays.
"Yes, lord," the grays replied, bowing obediently to the Seraphim Overlord. They watched as he moved gracefully out of the room then turned back to the human immortal.
***
Foxfire Glenn Estate
Saturday, October 30
5:30 a.m.Mulder awoke to the babies crying. He climbed over Krycek . . . his lover had his head buried under the covers. The agent shivered, the room was chilly so he quickly pulled on his sweat pants then padded barefooted into the nursery. Both babies were sitting up in their cribs; they stopped crying when they saw their father. Mulder noticed the difference in temperature between the nursery and their bedroom; the nursery was at least ten degrees warmer. Skinner had installed a separate heater in the babies' room.
"What's a matter, munchkins?" he murmured as he checked their diapers, finding them dry. "I bet you're lonely and hungry? Would you like to play with your daddies while I go and get you each a bottle?" Mulder picked Hope up and carried her into the bedroom, placing her in the center of the king-sized bed. Skinner had rolled over on his side and smiled up at Mulder as he laid their daughter down.
"Morning, angel, how's daddy's precious little girl," Skinner murmured, pulling the baby into a gentle hug, he kissed the top of her head. Hope got a good grip on her father's thick chest hair and tugged on it. "Ouch! Angel, daddy happens to like his chest hair and would appreciate it if you didn't try to pull it out," he admonished softly while unhooking her fingers, there were several strands of hair still in her clenched hand that she had managed to yank out.
Mulder deposited Faith on the center of the bed next to Hope. "Watch them, Walter, while I get their bottles." Mulder left the room and returned six minutes later with two bottles, he climbed over Krycek who had awoken and was playing with Faith. Krycek took the bottle from Mulder and cradled their daughter against his chest as he fed her. Hope was lying on her back playing with her toes she grinned up at her daddy as he held the bottle to her.
Mulder leaned against the headboard and watched quietly for several minutes. He finally broke the silence. "The tattooing supplies that Kazuo emailed his brother for arrived yesterday from Japan. Do you really think it's necessary? If a sorcerer abducts me, he would use mind-control to make me compliant to his wishes and it wouldn't matter if he didn't have the tattoo."
"We're doing if mainly for your peace of mind, Fox. We don't want you to have any doubts about our identity. Also, don't forget about the morphs," Skinner replied.
"You're both willing to go through the pain for me?" Mulder asked amazed.
"Fox, you know we'd do anything for you." Krycek smiled up at him.
"Thanks, guys," Mulder murmured. "If you could watch the babies, I'll go start breakfast." He climbed back out of bed; pulling on his robe he left the bedroom.
"Fox is right, the tattoo won't offer any protection against a sorcerer," Krycek replied.
"No, but it's still worth getting if it eases his mind," Skinner stated.
***
6 hours later
Mulder watched enthusiastically as Sawada laid out the tattooing equipment his uncle had sent him from Japan. They decided to get it done in their bedroom.
"Who's first?" Sawada asked, looking at Skinner and Krycek.
"Him," they replied simultaneously.
Mulder snickered. "Alex, it was your idea you go first."
Krycek smiled weakly. "Okay, I'll go first," he grumbled.
Sawada was studying the different designs the two men had picked, looking up at Krycek. "Where do you want the tattoo?"
Krycek removed his robe and pointed to a small patch of skin next to his groin. "Here."
Sawada swallowed, he didn't expect to be tattooing such a private part of his friend's body. "Are you sure? Wouldn't you rather have it on your arm?"
"No. We wanted an area that no one would see except us," Krycek replied, lying down on the lounge chair they had brought into the bedroom from the living room.
Sawada noted for the first time that Krycek's groin area was hairless and for some reason that made him blush even more.
Krycek read his thoughts instantly. "It was a small sacrifice because making love is a lot more fun without having to pull pubic hair out of your teeth. Trust me on this, Kazuo, you should try it," he smirked, loving the other man's embarrassment.
"I'll take your word for it, Alex," he replied, taking a towel, he covered Krycek's penis and his groin area that wasn't going to be tattooed.
The two babies were playing on a blanket on the other side of the bedroom when Hope decided to see what was going on at the other end of the room. She crawled over to the men, seeing Skinner she made a beeline for his feet, and he scooped her up into his arms. Faith didn't like being abandoned, but was still too young to crawl so she started crying. Mulder rushed over and picked her up, bringing her with him to watch Krycek get tattooed.
"Cutie, look, daddy Alex is getting a picture of a bird." Mulder quipped. The baby made some babbling noises. "No, Dear, I don't know what possessed your daddy to get that picture."
"It's an angel, Fox, and you know it," Krycek huffed.
"Okay, if you say so," Mulder smirked.
"Walter is getting an angel, too," Krycek informed him.
"I know, Walter showed me the picture. I'm only teasing you, Alex." Mulder leaned down and kissed his lover softly on the lips, he lowered Faith so Alex could kiss her, too.
"Do me a favor, Fox."
"What, lover?"
"I would like some privacy, can you take the girls into the family room, please?"
"Okay. Kazuo, if Alex gives you a hard time just call me." Mulder walked over to Skinner. "Walter, can you bring our munchkin into the family room with me, they're getting too big for me to safely carry both of them at once."
"Sure, Fox."
***
Russian Embassy
Sunday, October 31
8:00 p.m.A hush fell over the large reception hall at the Russian Embassy as Mulder and his lovers entered the room. All three men were dressed in tailored, black tuxedos that fit their bodies like a glove. Mulder glanced around nervously; Slava had a large force of n'thrals stationed around the room standing guard. He had not forgotten the Cossack's preference for n'thrals in his personal security force.
Tsar Nikolai Slava smiled brightly when he noticed Mulder enter the room. Breaking with protocol, he left the receiving line and headed directly over toward the man that held his heart prisoner. "Fox, my love, I'm so happy you were able to make it," he greeted loudly. He embraced Mulder in a bear hug, kissing him soundly to the anger of Skinner and Krycek, but before either man could respond, Slava had stepped back.
Mulder licked his lips that tingled from the force of the Tsar's kiss; his senses were filled with the heady smell of the other man. He fought down the stirring of arousal that he felt over the Cossack's closeness reaching back he grasped Skinner's hand for reassurance. He didn't know why the man was affecting him like this.
Slava smiled over the effect he was having on Mulder, he turned his attention to the other two men. "Mr. Skinner, Alexei, it's a pleasure to see you both again," he greeted, but his smile didn't quite reach his eyes as he stared down his nose at them.
"Tsar, let's get one thing straight . . . we're here at the request of our government. I intend to be civil as long as you don't try to touch Fox, again," Skinner hissed through clenched teeth.
"What are you afraid of, Mr. Skinner? After all, Fox has chosen you and Alexei . . . are you afraid he'll realize that he made a mistake?" Slava challenged.
"That's right . . . Fox did choose us, and you better not forget it. He belongs to us so keep your damn hands off," Krycek snapped.
"Temper, temper, Alexei, I have no plans on stealing Fox from you, I just wanted to see him again. Fyodorov, show our guests into the main ballroom and see that they are treated to our finest wine and caviar," Slava advised his lead clairvoyant who appeared beside him.
Mulder gasped, the little man bore a remarkable resemblance to Frohike. At Slava's questioning look, he explained. "Sorry, it's just that he looks exactly like one of my closest friends," he replied weakly. Skinner's arm wrapping around his waist bolstered his flagging confidence -- he didn't know why he felt so off-balanced around Slava.
Mulder didn't realize that Slava had been the one who abducted him and was now physically bonded to him. They were both lucky that his cycle was two weeks away from peaking, or Slava would not be able to control his sexual urges.
"God, perish the thought, I can't imagine there being two of them," Slava laughed loudly.
Marat Fyodorov blushed deeply over the attention, he couldn't imagine what it would be like to be close friends with the beautiful immortal, and he felt a pang of jealousy toward his double. "Please, gentlemen, this way."
They followed the shorter man into the main ballroom and he immediately flagged over the waiters with the wine and appetizers. Other guests started making their way over to the three men, greeting them. Most of the guests wore black silk masks along with their tuxedos. Skinner had refused to even consider wearing one. There was an orchestra playing an Andrew Lloyd Webber show tune. Nikolai Slava hadn't invited just anyone to his party; he took the time to invite men that would be able to distract Skinner and Krycek. Krycek's former associates at United Nations were there as were the Director of the FBI and other Assistant Directors.
Slava kept his distance from Mulder, he watched, as the agent became bored with his lovers' conversations. The other two men were having a good time, laughing and joking with friends, and drinking the special wine the Tsar had provided. Unaware to anyone at the party, the wine had been altered to contain four times the amount of alcohol normally found in wine. Slava needed to make the two sorcerers drunk in order to use mind-control on them.
After two hours had passed Slava deemed it was time and he clouded Krycek's and Skinner's minds into believing that Mulder was still standing quietly by their side. They didn't notice Mulder as his eyes glazed over, and he walked away from them and entered a room off the main ballroom followed closely by Slava. There were two other men in the room. Mulder stood frozen in the center of the room as the Cossack closed the door behind them.
"Moi Fox, I want nothing more than to take you back to Russia with me, but the time is not right," Slava murmured, embracing Mulder from behind, kissing the side of his cheek. His hand unzipped the agent's pants, reaching in he pulled out his limp penis. Slava then tenderly stroked it, feeling it swelling and lengthen in his hand. Mulder leaned back into his arms, rubbing his body sensually against the larger man as arousal flooded his senses.
Slava sucked in his breath; he couldn't give into the arousal he was feeling for the young man in his arms. If he did, it would spoil everything. "I need you to do something for me, Fox. I want you to come for me, it will be a gift of your love for me," he purred softly. Nodding to one of the other men who came over with a jar, the Tsar positioned Mulder's cock so it would shoot into it. He stroked more firmly on the agent's cock until Mulder's body stiffened in his arms and his semen spurted into the jar.
Slava continued to hold Mulder against his chest as his orgasm poured out of his body. After it was over, the man sealed the jar containing Mulder's semen.
Slava looked sternly at the man. "Doctor, my plane is standing by to fly you back to Russia. I expect good news from you by the time I return there in two days. If you fail me in this, your head will adorn the front gate of winter palace, beside the other traitors of the empire. Leave now," he growled.
The two men bowed respectfully and quickly left. The doctor knew he had only seventy-two hours before the immortal's sperm died.
"Moi Fox, it breaks my heart to have to return you to your lovers," Slava murmured sadly, tucking Mulder's penis back into his pants, he rearranged the agent's clothing so there was no sign of their recent activity. He lived for the day that Mulder would be fully aware during their loving making. The Cossack slipped a small gilded box into the inside pocket of Mulder's tuxedo.
Mulder's next conscious thought was how bored he was as he stood beside his lovers, he wasn't aware that he had even left their sides. He glanced at his watch then noticed that all of the guests at the party were obviously drunk including Skinner and Krycek. He had refrained from drinking any more than one glass of wine. "Walter, Alex, I think we should be going now," Mulder said, removing the car keys from Skinner's pocket.
"Wwe've jusgotgotten here," Krycek slurred, swaying on his feet.
"Yah, we n nnotrredy," Skinner agreed drunkenly.
Mulder felt a sharp pinch on his ass. "Ouch! Damn it! Keep your filthy hands to yourself!" He spun around glaring that the man who pinched him and stared right into the face of a very drunk Director of the FBI.
"C'mon, bbabbaby, letsyouanme cut thethe rug," the Director slurred, swaying to the music from the live orchestra. Mulder quickly placed Skinner's body between himself and the Director.
Slava walked over to them. "Fox, is there a problem?"
"No . . . no problem, we just need to be leaving now." Mulder answered self-consciously, he looked from Slava to his two lovers, wondering how he was going to get them to leave without causing a scene.
"Your *friends* seem to have drank a bit too much. Allow me to help you get them out to your car, Fox," Slava murmured.
Mulder didn't see anything else he could do. "Okay, thanks."
Mulder wrapped an arm around Skinner's waist to steady him as he guided him to the door. Skinner was singing off-key with the orchestra that was playing 'The Music of the Night,' Mulder rolled his eyes in disgust. His lover was usually a very good singer. Slava tried to help Krycek, but the younger man took a swing at him and lost his balance, he would have ended up on his ass if Slava hadn't caught him. The Tsar swung him effortlessly over his shoulder, carrying him out of the embassy. Krycek swore up a storm on the way out. He calmed down when the large Cossack deposited him into the backseat of the SUV and that was only because he had passed out. Mulder had managed to get Skinner buckled into the passenger seat.
"Sorry, they're usually able to handle their liquor better than this," Mulder apologized, going around to the driver's side.
"Fox, are you sure you'll be able to handle them all right? I can assign some men to help you if you wish?" Slava ask, concerned. He stood back and didn't attempt to touch Mulder.
"No, I'll be okay. I have friends that will be able to help me once I get home." Mulder started the SUV, looking one last time at Slava before driving away.
Slava quickly got into his limo and had his driver follow the SUV, but not close enough for Mulder to see its headlights. He wanted to make sure that his lover made it home safely.
He had his driver pull over as Mulder's vehicle safely entered the gates of Foxfire Glenn Estate. The Tsar looked on wistfully. "Moi Fox, soon we will be forever tied together by blood."
***