Life from the Ashes Book 2 - Hope and Faith
Chapter 24
Family Troublesby Jo B.
purplefox@usfamily.net***
Foxfire Glenn Estate
Tuesday, November 9
6:30 p.m."Hey, Mulder, you can call off the search we found Shinji," MacIver said into the cell-phone.
"Rory, where are you? Is Shinji okay? Can I talk to him?" Mulder rambled quickly.
"Mulder, we're at Walter's cabin. Shinji hasn't regained consciousness, yet. I'm worried . . . it's been over been over five hours since we rescued him . . . those bastards really hurt him badly," MacIver's voice was taut with suppressed anger and grief, he gripped the phone painfully tight.
Mulder tried to console the older man. "Shinji will be all right, he just needs time to recover. Call me back when he regains consciousness. I think you'd better conserve the phone's batteries."
"Okay, Mulder. Tell Walter that we're truly sorry about our behavior, and we'll start searching for a new place as soon as Shinji is better," MacIver murmured sadly, disconnecting and switching off the phone before Mulder could respond.
"Rory? Damn!" Mulder muttered, hearing the dial tone.
"Fox, what's wrong?" Skinner asked, stepping into the kitchen, carrying Hope. The baby was dressed in her sleeper and was sucking on a pacifier; her tiny head rested on her father's broad shoulder.
"Rory just called. Walter, they think that you're going to kick them out, that's not true is it? They have enough to worry about without being afraid of losing their home, besides they're family and I don't want them to leave," Mulder appealed.
"Fox, I'm not going to kick them out. I wouldn't do that to Shinji, no matter how pigheaded those two can be," Skinner replied. "And I definitely wouldn't do it without yours and Alex's consent," he assured Mulder firmly.
Mulder sighed. "I'm sorry, Walter, I should have realized that you wouldn't do that without first discussing it with us."
"It's okay, Fox. I'm going to read to Hope then put her to bed. Would you like to join us?" Skinner asked.
"Sure. Where's Alex?" Mulder asked, pouring himself a mug of hot chocolate milk from the saucepan he had on the stove. "Do you want some?" He plopped a marshmallow into the mug.
"I'd love some, Fox," Skinner replied, watching Mulder fill a second mug. "Alex is working on the computer in the library, he's trying to get his and Rory's business records organized. When I last looked in on him, he was cursing up a storm." Skinner's eyes sparkled with delight. "Brother dear didn't know he'd end up doing all of the paperwork when he went into partnership with Rory," the larger man chuckled softly, taking the mug from Mulder. "Thanks."
"Rory tried to help with the paperwork, but Alex didn't like the way he organizes things. Your brother is as tedious as you are about having everything in it's proper place, it must be an inherited trait," Mulder replied, following Skinner back to their bedroom. "Where's Faith?"
"Hans and Frohike are taking care of her for Alex," Skinner informed him as he placed the steaming mug of chocolate down on the coffee table in front of the fireplace. He picked up the storybook and sat on the loveseat positioning the baby so she could see the pictures. Mulder sat next to them and Hope grinned up at him, her pacifier falling out of her mouth. He could see the new teeth that had pushed through her gums over the past two weeks.
"Daaba," she babbled and slapped the open book with her hands.
"Daaba, daaba, do," Mulder replied, snickering. "Do you want both of us to read to you, precious?"
"Gee da," she squealed, pleased with the attention.
"You're our precious little girl, aren't you, angel?" Skinner murmured, kissing the top of his daughter's head and hugging her little body closer to his. "Fox, I love you both so much."
"I love you, too." Mulder smiled, glancing down at the book, groaning. "The Fox and The Hound . . . do you purposely go looking for storybooks that have a Fox in it?"
"Yes, Hope and Faith both love it when they hear your name in the story," Skinner teased; leaning back, he started to read.
***
Upstairs on the other end of the mansion Hans Schatz sat cross-legged on the bed, hugging the little baby in his arms. "Mulder's so lucky," Schatz sighed.
"Why is that, Hans?" Frohike asked, coming out of the bathroom dressed in a black and white striped bathrobe and slippers.
"He has two beautiful daughters. Don't you want to have children some day, Melvin?" Schatz asked. Faith was sucking on a plastic rattle, not paying any attention to the two men.
"I've never given it much thought," Frohike said weakly, anxiety started to form a tight knot in his belly as he sat next to his lover on the bed. "Hans, you know that we can't have children together, don't you? Only sorcerers can have babies with immortals."
Schatz smiled softly over at Frohike, reaching out he rested his hand on the older man's thigh. "Shinji thinks that it might be possible with the new organ, but he's not positive. I thought that we could try and see if it would work," he replied timidly.
"Hans, you'd be willing to go through a pregnancy to have a child with me?" Frohike asked in total amazement.
"If that's the only way for us to have children, then yes, I would. Melvin, I love you and I want more than anything in the world to have a family with you," Schatz stated firmly, looking up at his lover through thick lashes. "You don't have to say yes now, think it over first, please." The young immortal chewed nervously on his lower lip -- he couldn't explain his uncontrollable urge to have a child.
Frohike was totally taken aback, he needed to talk to someone about this . . . a child . . . he didn't know if he was father material. First he wanted to find out how dangerous it would be for an immortal to go through a pregnancy. Sighing. Who was he kidding? There wasn't a chance that Hans could become pregnant by him. "Hans, I'll think about it, but what if we find out that we can't have a child together . . . would you still love me?" he asked with hesitation.
"Melvin, that wouldn't make a difference . . . we'll find another way to have a family. I'm not going to stop loving you," he replied tenderly. "C'mon, Faith needs a diaper change . . . I'll teach you how to do it." He smiled, sliding off the bed and scooping up the diaper bag, he headed into the bathroom.
***
Skinner's Cabin
Tuesday, November 9
11:30 p.m.Takeda kicked out at the two men holding him down, screaming at the top of his lungs; he thrashed around crying out desperately for his lovers. One of the men left him then the pitch-blackness of the room was suddenly illuminated by lantern light. Sawada set the lantern on the dresser then climbed back into bed.
MacIver was gently holding Takeda down. "Ssh, Shin, love, you're safe," he murmured soothingly.
Sawada brushed the hair off the young immortal's sweaty forehead. "Shin, those men are dead, they can't hurt you any longer."
Takeda stared up in shock at his lovers, he wasn't sure if he was dreaming. Why were they both in bed with him? His Rory and Kazuo would never be in the same bed together. Maybe they were morphs. "Who are you? Please, don't hurt me," he cried, shrinking away from their touch.
"Shin, what's wrong? Don't you recognize us?" MacIver asked, worried about his lover's mental state.
Takeda didn't answer. He closed his eyes trembling and whimpering feebly.
Sawada reached into his lover's mind and reading his thoughts. If it weren't for the absolute terror Shinji was experiencing, the reason why he doubted their identities would have been funny. "Shin, it really is us . . . we're in Walter's cabin, we got snowed in. There was only one bed and we both wanted to be with you," the major attempted to convince his lover.
MacIver quickly understood the problem. "Shin, love, it's a huge bed . . . you can't seriously believe either of us would leave you alone after we rescued you, do you?" the Scotsman reasoned, gently taking his lover's hand. "Shin, look at us, please."
Takeda slowly opened his eyes and studied to two men who claimed to be his lovers. Rory? Kazuo?" he whispered, his voice rough from screaming.
"Yeah, love," MacIver murmured, smiling softly down at him.
Takeda threw his arms around both men crying. "Oh god, I . . . I thought I'd never see you again," he sobbed bitterly.
Sawada and MacIver hugged him tightly, kissing the side of his face.
"Ssh, Shin, we're never going to let anyone touch you ever again," Sawada soothed as they lowered him back to the mattress, kissing away his tears.
"We're both going to protect you and we promise that we'll not fight with each other. Isn't that right, Kazuo?" MacIver said.
"That right, Rory." Sawada smiled softly at Takeda. "Shin, because of our love for you, Rory and I will learn to get along with each other. I give you my word on that."
"Shin, love, how are you feeling? Can you manage to drink some broth?" MacIver asked, brushing the hair from the younger man's eyes.
"I'm tired and sore . . . just want to sleep," Takeda whispered, closing his eyes, he drifted tiredly off to sleep.
"Can you get the light, Major?" MacIver asked, wrapping his body protectively around Takeda's left side.
"Sure," Sawada stared briefly at the lantern and the flame extinguished itself. He curled around Takeda's right side, his arm brushed against MacIver's.
"Kazuo?" the Scotsman murmured, listening to Shinji's gentle breathing.
"What, Rory?"
"We're going to have to start thinking about where we're going to live after we get off this blasted mountain."
"I was thinking about that, it's not going to be easy to find a place that is secure enough for Shinji. We really blew it big time," Sawada sighed. "Do you think we can convince Walter to give us a second chance?"
"Maybe if we both grovel at his feet it might work. But, I think our best chance would be to convince Mulder and Alex to intervene on our behalf," MacIver mused.
"Rory, don't you think that Alex will still be mad at us for getting Mulder killed?"
"Yeah, but he likes Shinji . . . Alex will do it for him." MacIver caressed Shinji's arm then stared over thoughtfully at Sawada.
"'Night, Major."
"'Night, Rory."
***
Georgetown
Professor Leo Bartok's residence
Wednesday, November 10
7:30 a.m."'Morning, John. I made tea," Professor Leo Bartok said, kissing his lover softly.
John Byers smiled at him. "Leo, Rory sent us a pound of coffee last week. You don't suppose we could have that in the morning?"
"If you could figure out how to disguise its smell. If not, we'll have every neighbor on this floor pounding on our door," Bartok grinned.
"We'll just reinforce the door," Byers replied. "If we're not going to use it, do you mind if I take it to the Lone Gunmen headquarters? We don't have any neighbors to worry about."
"No, be my guest," the dapper man replied. "John, has there been any word about Shinji, yet?" Bartok asked, he already knew the answer from reading his lover's mind, but he didn't want Byers to find out that he was a clairvoyant.
"Sorry, Leo, I forgot to tell you that Melvin called last night while you were out. Rory and Kazuo rescued Shinji, but this snowstorm has them stranded up in the mountains in Walter Skinner's cabin."
"That's really good news that they found him," Bartok replied. He would have to call the smoker with this news -- maybe he could barter the location of the Japanese immortal in exchange for his family's freedom.
"Penny for your thoughts?" Byers asked, startling his lover back to the present.
Bartok smiled at him. "I was just thinking about Melvin and Hans, who'd have ever guessed that those two would get together. Maybe we could have them over for dinner some evening," the professor suggested.
"Sure, but make that the three of them, Melvin would never take Hans anywhere without a sorcerer accompanying them, and for some reason he prefers it to be Gabriel Hunter," Byers told him.
Bartok frowned, Hunter was an extremely competent sorcerer and he didn't want to be in the same room with the man for any length of time. He knew that Hunter would eventually pierce his cover. "Sorry, John, there is something about that FBI sorcerer that makes my skin crawl. I don't think I could sit through a whole evening with him."
"S'kay, maybe I could convince Frohike to bring one of the other sorcerers if it would makes you happy," Byers replied, hugging his lover.
"Yes, it would." Bartok smiled.
***
Foxfire Glenn Estate
Wednesday, November 10
7:00 a.m.Mulder surveyed the wintry landscape as he jogged around the running path that Tony had plowed the night before using the snowplow attachment to his truck. He was glad he had mentioned to Tony that he wanted to jog this morning. He hadn't been jogging since Shinji's abduction. The jogging path had been a present from Skinner; it circled the inside fence of the estate, the path was paved, a car length in width, and eight miles long. It was separate from the dirt and stone walking paths that laced throughout the estate.
There were patches of ice on the path, Tony had sanded it after he plowed, but he didn't quite get all of the slippery spots. It slowed Mulder down, and instead of making it around the path in his normal time, it took him nearly that to make it to the halfway point. The air was crisp and exhilarating, he always found peace when he was alone running -- it freed his mind from day-to-day problems.
*FOX!*
Skinner's telepathic bellow stopped him in his tracks. Breathing heavily, he glanced around before responding to his lover. *Walter, what?*
*Are fucking you crazy? Or are you just trying to give me a heart-attack?*
*What are you talking about?* Mulder asked as he started jogging again.
*I don't want you running by yourself -- it isn't safe.*
*Walter, it's perfectly safe . . . the only reason those men got on the estate was because Rory and Kazuo weren't paying attention. No one would be able to get in here with you, Alex, Gabriel, Tony, and Frohike here.*
*It's not worth the risk, Fox.*
*I think it is, and it's my decision to make. You cannot deny me this, Walter, I won't let you,* Mulder snapped.
*Fox, I'm not asking you to give up jogging, only to take one of us with you when you go. Please, Fox, do this for me,* Skinner begged after hearing the anger in Mulder's voice.
*No. I need this time to be by myself. You have no right to ask me to give it up. Besides, I'm suppose to be in charge while we're on the estate, and I'm ordering you to mind your own business,* Mulder growled.
*That was not what Doctor Vettelman meant, Fox, and you know it. I refuse to jeopardize your safety, we need to discuss this and come to some agreement," Skinner growled back.
Before Mulder could respond, he saw Krycek jogging toward him. There was only three more miles to go, swallowing his anger. "Alex, what are you doing here?" he asked civilly as his lover pulled up beside him, and turned to run with him.
"Walter's right, Fox. It's not safe. Those men had to have been watching the estate for a while to sneak in when they did, and none of us even detected their presence beforehand. We should have, unless they were using some new device that concealed their presence from us," Krycek said, keeping in step with the agent.
Mulder glared angrily at him; there was no way he was going to lose this argument. "And your point is what?"
Krycek gaped at him, closing his mouth he glared back. "I thought that was fucking obvious, Fox," he snapped.
"No, it's not fucking obvious. Alex, if you and Walter are so concerned about the estate's security then I suggest you fix it, and stop trying to limit my freedom!"
Sighing, "Fox, we will work at fixing the security, but until we do couldn't you just allow one of us to go jogging with you?"
"No."
"Please."
"No."
"Okay, fine."
"Fine?" Mulder stared over at him, he couldn't believe Krycek was giving up so easily.
"Yes, Fox, fine. This path belongs to everyone on the estate, and if we feel like jogging on it we will," he smirked. He knew that he had just won their argument, Mulder might not allow them to run with him, but that wouldn't stop them from following him.
"Bastard."
"Sticks and stones, lover," Krycek quipped happily.
Mulder slowed, allowing Krycek to get a few feet in front of him, bending, he scooped up a handful of snow. He caught Krycek by surprise as he nailed him in the back of the head with a snowball.
"Shit." Krycek quickly armed himself, and they fought all the way back to the mansion. The jogging argument was all but forgotten.
Krycek finally tackled Mulder into a snowdrift, but the agent deftly rolled over trapping the other man below him.
"Say uncle, and I'll let you up," Mulder teased breathlessly, smirking down at him. Both men's hats and clothes were encrusted with snow.
"Uncle," Krycek giggled. "Fox, I'd fuck you, but I think my unit's frozen," he complained, wiggling his hips that were trapped under Mulder's thighs and butt.
Mulder felt his lover's erection pressing against his ass. "It feels hard as ice, but I doubt that it's frozen," he quipped, stooping, he captured Krycek's lips in a deep, hot kiss before easing off and helping the younger man to his feet.
"Mm, that thawed my lips, but the rest of my body is still frozen. If I catch a cold, it's your fault, and you can nurse me back to health," Krycek griped as they made their way through the snow to the door off the kitchen.
"If you catch a cold, I'll feed you chicken soup until you're all better, babe." Mulder promised, opening the door.
"STOP! Do not take another step," Skinner growled at the two snow-encrusted men dripping onto the kitchen floor. "Strip, hang your coats in the mud room and throw everything else into this plastic bag."
"It's your fault, Fox," Krycek complained pulling off his mittens and hat and depositing them in the bag. In the mud room, he placed his boots he on the mat and hung his coat on a hook above it.
Mulder followed suit until both men were standing in wet long johns, but they were no longer dripping.
Faith looked up from her highchair, seeing her two daddies she giggled with delight.
"You think we're funny-looking, cutie?" Krycek asked, with his wet, hair sticking up at different angles.
"Daddadadda!" she squealed.
Skinner smiled. "Smart kid. Go and take a hot shower, I'll have breakfast ready when you get back," he ordered. "And, Fox, we are going to discuss your jogging like civilized people when you return." He knew about Krycek's plan to just follow Mulder, but he wanted to reach a compromise that Mulder would agree to.
***
Skinner's Cabin
Wednesday, November 10
8:00 a.m.He couldn't move; there was a heavy weight holding him down. He stared up into the distorted face of a large n'thral; its hot, rancid breath puffed out into his face. The n'thrals thick, wet tongue came out and licked his face, he tried to turn his head, but it's massive hand grabbed his chin holding him immobile while it's tongue invaded his mouth, gagging him. The n'thral moved up until he was staring at the large creature's nipples, he felt his legs being pulled apart by two other men who positioned his body below the n'thral's cock. He tried to kick and wiggle out from below the huge body, but he was held too firmly. He shouldn't have looked at it, he had never seen anything that big. He closed his eyes against the tearing pain that ripped through his body as it entered him.
Screaming, Takeda jerked awake. Disoriented, he twisted away from the men holding him, making it as far as the edge of the bed where he dry-heaved over the edge, gagging and trying to get air into his lungs.
"Shin, it was a dream . . . there's no one here," MacIver soothed.
"Rory, they hurt me . . . it was almost as bad as the consortium doctors," he cried. "At least they didn't kill me, like those bastards did." Takeda remembered the mortality testing that the doctors performed on him and three other immortals, eventually killing two of them.
Sawada met MacIver's eyes; Takeda had never spoken to him about what had happened to him when he was held captive by the consortium.
MacIver shook his head. *Don't ask him, I'll tell you later,* he told the major telepathically.
*Rory, I need to know what they did to him. Promise me that you'll tell me everything?* Sawada pleaded silently.
*I promise . . . you should know.*
"Rory, I feel so dirty . . . I want to take a shower," Shinji said with a weak, tired voice.
"Shin, this place doesn't have a bathroom . . . I don't think it was meant to be used in the winter," MacIver sighed.
The Japanese major stood. "There's a large washbasin in the kitchen, I'll fill it with hot water for you. You can take a sponge bath then," he replied, pulling on his clothes, he quickly climbed down the ladder to the parlor.
MacIver had brought up the canvas duffel bags -- one had Takeda's clothes, including a coat and boots. The Scotsman pulled out the anti-pheromone drug from his bag. "Shinji, I need to give you your shot," he informed the young man, filling the syringe.
The immortal held out his arm, making a fist to expose one of his veins. He watched quietly as his lover stuck the needle into the vein and plunged down the handle. Takeda noticed for the first time that he was wearing sweat pants; he fingered the material.
MacIver noticed him. "I packed your jeans and your favorite sweater, we'll bring your clothes downstairs, you can get dressed after you've bathed. Then I'll fix you something to eat."
Takeda pulled on his sneakers and sweatshirt then followed MacIver down the ladder into the parlor. He looked around the small cabin, he couldn't see out the windows because the wooden shutters were still closed, protecting the glass.
"I'll go out later and open them up so we can see outside," MacIver told him as he guided him into the kitchen.
Sawada was coming in from outside with another bucket of water, he poured it into the washbasin.
"No indoor plumbing, no electricity, no heat, remind me to talk to Walter about modernizing his cabin," Takeda muttered. "Where's the toilet?"
"Ah, outside in the back yard."
"Great. Kazuo, why don't you just use your powers to fill the sink?" Takeda asked.
"We want to conserve our powers in case we need them."
"What do you mean? I thought you killed those men," he asked anxiously, fear creeping into his voice.
"We did, Shin. But, we're stranded up here; we don't know when we'll be able to get back to the estate. If there is any danger, we want to be prepared, and that means limiting the use of our powers," Sawada replied.
MacIver had put a couple more logs in the fireplace; they had taken turns getting up last night to keep the fire going. "Mulder packed some supplies for us, but he didn't know we'd be stuck out in the wilderness. It's mainly snacks for the car, including some instant soup," he held up a small coffeepot meant to be used for heating water that plugged into the cigarette lighter. "There is jerky and Mulder sent along a large bag of sunflower seeds."
Takeda face lit up. "Mulder must have been sure you'd fine me," he said, knowing his lovers didn't like sunflower seeds.
"Shin, we're sorry that we got you into this mess. If we hadn't been arguing those men would have never abducted you. Please, forgive us."
"Rory, you and Kazuo were suppose to protect me . . . you're sorcerers, I might as well have fallen in love with a clairvoyant or a human for all the good you've done me, at least I wouldn't be suffering from withdrawal pains," he grumbled, lashing out at them.
"Shin, it won't happen again . . . I promise. You can trust us to put your well-being and safety ahead of our own."
"What would Walter say if he knew that because the two of you were arguing those men were able to sneak onto the estate?"
"He already knows. Mulder rushed out after those men grabbed you and got shot up pretty good. We're pretty sure that Walter is going to kick us off the estate, but don't worry, Shin, we'll find somewhere else to live."
Takeda's face fell, and he started to shake. "Rory, I'm not leaving my home . . . I did nothing wrong . . . I won't leave my family," he cried, tears running down his cheeks.
Sawada came in with the last bucket of water. "What's wrong?" he asked, coming over, he attempted to put his arms around his lover.
"Don't touch me," Takeda shrieked, backing away from him, shaking; he hugged himself around his ribs.
MacIver walked cautiously over to him. "Shin, do you want to call Mulder? He wanted to talk to you when you woke up," he said, holding out the cell-phone to the distraught young man, hoping that talking to Mulder would calm him down.
"Yeah, I want to talk to him," he whispered sadly. Taking the phone, he went into the parlor and sat on the sofa, dialing the number waiting anxiously for it to be answered.
"Skinner."
"Walter, it's Shinji, can I please speak to Mulder," his voice quivered. He was unable to keep the distress from it.
"Shin, we were all worried about you. Are you all right?" Skinner asked softly.
"Walter, please, don't kick us out . . . I don't want to leave our home, please," he sobbed, breaking down in tears.
"Shin, I'm not kicking anyone out . . . I would never do that to you. I don't trust those bone-headed lovers of yours to protect you adequately. Hang on, I'll get Fox for you," Skinner called out telepathically and Mulder picked up the extension in the bedroom.
"Shin! Thank god they found you. Rory, Kazuo, and Frohike searched non-stop since you were abducted. We had the state police and FBI all out looking for you. I'm sorry that I couldn't get to you in time," Mulder sighed.
"Rory said you got shot for me, Mulder, thank you," he sniffed.
"Shin, are you okay?"
"No. I want to come home, Mulder, I'm so afraid here. I want to be home with you and the others, please, come and get me," he pleaded clutching the phone.
"Shin, the snowstorm has shut down all the mountain roads. It's still blowing and drifting where you are, it will be almost a week before the plows can get up in that part of the state," Mulder informed him gently, he had called the plowing services to find out when the mountain roads would be open again. That area of the Virginia was a low priority, the plowing supervisor had even laughed at him. "I even tried to arrange for a helicopter, but there is no where for them to safely land in that area. Shin, if there was anyway for me to get to you, I would be there in a second. I'm sorry."
"I know you would, Mulder. I'm sorry for being such a crybaby," Takeda sighed.
"Shin, don't apologize, you have every right to be upset. We love you and want you back with us." Mulder wanted to be there to hug and comfort his friend -- he knew what Takeda was going through. "Shin, don't push Rory and Kazuo away. I know you probably don't want to be touched by them, but remember, they love you and are probably feeling pretty awful right now, too."
"Mulder, I'll try, give my love to everyone there and kiss the munchkins for me," Takeda murmured softly.
"I will, Shin," Mulder said, waiting for the dial tone before hanging up himself.
Sawada cleared his throat. "Shin, the water is heated in the sink and there's soap and clean towels on the counter if you want to wash up now."
"Yeah, thanks, Kazuo. I'm sorry I jumped when you tried to touch me, but I don't want to have sex . . . could you help me wash my back," he blushed, realizing how lame he sounded.
"Shin, Rory and I won't touch you sexually until you're ready, we just want to comfort you . . . you don't have to be afraid of us," the major replied tenderly.
Takeda looked sadly at both men. He nervously removed his sweatshirt and pants, kicking off his sneakers at the same time. He started by washing his hair, leaning over the sink, he allowed his lover to pour water over his head to rinse the soap out.
MacIver stood back not wanting to crowd his lover, allowing Sawada to help him bathe. He filled an old kettle with water and had it on the wood stove heating. He also found several packets of instant oatmeal mix in the box that Mulder had packed along with plastic bowls and spoons. He glanced over at Takeda there were no longer any bruises showing on his ivory skin. It was going to be hell trying not to touch him in the small confines of the cabin.
***
Foxfire Glenn Estate
Wednesday, November 10
10:00 a.m."Fox, you're being totally unreasonable!" Skinner growled with frustration.
"Why? Because I won't allow you to place any more restrictions on my freedom? Damnit, Walter, this place was supposed to be a safe haven for me. What fucking good is it if I'm not allowed to go outside on my own property alone?" Mulder snapped angrily.
Krycek sat silently watching their argument. He already knew it was pointless, but he had to give Skinner points for trying.
"Fox, I'm not asking you to give up your freedom permanently, only until we are sure that the grounds are secure," Skinner reasoned.
"Walter, you know damn well that you can never guarantee that the grounds will be a hundred percent safe." Mulder stood nose to nose with Skinner, refusing to back down. "And another thing, I'm not giving up jogging, if you try to stop me then we *are* through," he threatened loudly.
Skinner mouth went dry -- Mulder had never threatened to leave him before over something so minor. "Is jogging that important to you, Fox? Is it more important to you than us?" he asked, sinking into a chair his legs too wobbly to hold him.
Mulder knelt beside the chair and took Skinner's hand in his. "Walter, it's not jogging we're talking about here. We're talking about my freedom . . . my life. You've never been able to understand what it's been like for me. Please, try to understand *now* why something you consider insignificant, is so important to me," he begged. Bringing Skinner's hand up to rest on his cheek, he stared into his lover's sad brown eyes.
"Fox, I can't lose you . . . I love you too much. If this is so important to you then I won't stop you," he replied weakly.
Mulder sighed, resting his forehead on the larger man's chest. He had just won their argument, but for some reason he felt like he had loss.
***
Foxfire Glenn Estate
Wednesday, November 10
2:10 p.m."Justin, wake up." Joseph Shadow Hawk gently shook his lover -- it was unlike the Texan to sleep this late.
"Tired, goway," Blaise mumbled.
"It's after two o'clock in the afternoon. Are you feeling okay?" Hawk asked. Sitting on the bed, he felt his lover's forehead. Finding it hot, he became worried, immortals didn't get sick.
"Justin, I'm going to find a thermometer. I'll be right back," he stood and hurried out of the room.
Gabriel Hunter returned with him a few minutes later, the older man had a small medical kit with him. He set it on the nightstand; pulling out a thermometer it was the type that fit in the ear. Hunter shook Blaise awake again. "Justin, I'm going to take your temperature just lay still." He brushed the red hair away from the immortal's ear and inserted the thermometer, then pushed the button, and pulled it out.
Hawk climbed on the bed and sat next to his lover who had fallen asleep again. "Gabriel, what do you think is wrong with him?"
"I don't know, Joe. Maybe we should get Doctor Pendrell out here," Hunter replied, checking the thermometer, it read 102 causing him to be instantly concerned.
"We're still snowed in. The plows haven't been out this far yet. Gabriel, what are we going to do?" He nervously ran his hand through his lover's thick red hair.
"Don't worry, Joe, I'll go and talk to Walter. He'll find a way to get the doctor out here." He quickly left the room.
Hunter rushed downstairs, finding Skinner in the kitchen with Frohike. The two men were arguing amicably over the amount of garlic that should be used in the tomato sauce that Skinner was making for dinner this evening.
"Walter, there is something wrong with Justin, he is running a high temperature, he needs a doctor," Hunter stated anxiously, interrupting the men's argument.
"What? He's an immortal, they don't get sick," Skinner replied, confusion and worry showing on his face.
"Walter, that's what concerns me, he shouldn't be sick."
Frohike had been listening to the conversation when he suddenly had one of his visions. "Ah, guys."
Skinner and Hunter went on talking not paying any attention to him. "I'll have Doctor Pendrell flown out by helicopter," Skinner replied.
"Hey, guys!" Frohike said, louder.
"Melvin, we're in the middle of something right now," the A.D. admonished, reaching for the telephone.
Frohike threw his hands up in the air, frustrated. Okay, if they didn't want to know what's wrong with Justin, he wasn't about tell them. So what if he's pregnant. He left the kitchen in a huff.
"What is wrong with Melvin?" Hunter asked as Frohike stomped nosily out of the kitchen.
"Hmm, I don't know," Skinner muttered, dialing the doctor. He arranged to have him flown out to the estate.
***
When Doctor Pendrell arrived. Frohike cornered him before he could go into Blaise's room. "Doc, I need to tell you something . . . it's very important . . . it involves Justin."
"What is it, Melvin?"
"Justin isn't sick, he's pregnant," Frohike said.
Pendrell stared at him in shock. "Melvin, not that I don't believe you, but I think I'll verify that for myself."
"S'kay, Doc, I didn't expect you to just take my word for it," Frohike stated. He turned and headed back downstairs to the kitchen.
When he entered it Hunter and Skinner were talking softly to each other. Skinner turned toward him. "Melvin, I'm sorry that I snapped at you earlier, was there something you wanted to tell me?"
"No, not really, it was only that Justin isn't sick, he's pregnant," he ho-hummed, picked up a magazine and leafed through it.
"Pregnant? How?" Skinner asked, shocked.
"Oh, are you interested now?" Frohike looked up from the magazine.
"Melvin, spill it," Hunter growled.
"It seems that immortals can have children together after all," the little man replied with a hint a mirth in his voice, then he frowned, if immortals could have children this way he wondered if Hans and he had a chance. His stomach clenched at the thought of his beautiful lover's belly swollen with their baby, it was not a sight he wanted to see.
Krycek, Mulder, and Schatz came stomping in through the backdoor carrying the babies who were dressed in heavy one-piece snowsuits.
"Hi, Melvin, did you miss me?" Schatz asked, slipping off his boots and hanging his coat on the hook in the mud room.
"Always, gorgeous," Frohike murmured, strolling over he gave his lover a quick kiss.
"The babies didn't find the snow very exciting," Schatz informed him as he took Hope from Krycek.
"Too cold for them I bet?" Frohike said, taking Faith from Mulder so the other man could remove his coat, too.
"Yeah, they were not amused." Mulder noticed Skinner -- his lover seemed slightly ruffled. "What's going on?" he asked.
Krycek stood beside him. "Yeah, what? And why is there a helicopter here?" he asked.
"We're having a bit of excitement this afternoon," Frohike replied.
"Excitement. Nothing bad I hope?" Mulder responded, thinking that they had had enough excitement in the last week -- what else could happen?
"Could be bad or good . . . I suppose it depends on how you look at it," Frohike said, making sure he had their undivided attention. "Justin's pregnant," he announced. He couldn't help the snicker that escaped at Mulder's and Krycek's stunned expressions.
"Melvin, that is good news. Is Justin happy?" Schatz questioned.
Frohike winced at his lover's excitement. "Justin and Joe don't know yet. Doctor Pendrell is upstairs with them now. Somehow I don't think Justin is going to be too happy with the news," the little man replied.
"God, I wouldn't be," Mulder stated, shuddering, he sat heavily at the kitchen counter.
"Why? Melvin and I are going to try to have a baby that way. Aren't we, Melvin?" Schatz smiled sweetly at the older man.
"Ah, I guess," Frohike croaked out, cradling the Faith in his arms.
Krycek sauntered over, smirking. "Melvena, Melanie, Melissa, Melodie, Meryl, Mildred . . . the possibilities are endless," he replied, enjoying in the smaller man's distress.
*Alex, put a sock in it!* Frohike hissed telepathically, not wanting Schatz to overhear and know that the subject was bothering him. However, Schatz wasn't paying the slightest bit of attention, the younger man was removing Hope's snowsuit.
Frohike needed advice badly, while passing Faith to Mulder he leaned forward and whispered in his friend's ear. "Mulder, can I talk to you?"
Mulder saw the anxiety in the little man's eyes. "Alex, take your daughter," he said, handing Faith to him. "C'mon, Frohike, we can talk in my office."
When they reached Mulder's office, the agent immediately went over to his fish tank and sprinkled fish flakes on the surface. "Anytime you're ready, go ahead," he said, sitting on his sofa.
"Mulder, I don't want the responsibility for a child . . . it's not that I don't like kids, but they require a lot of attention," Frohike stammered, pacing around the office. "A baby would interfere with my swinging lifestyle."
Mulder watched his friend wringing his hands nervously together. "Frohike, Hans is trying to put his life back together. He lost his whole family, and now he wants to start a new family, it's perfectly understandable."
"Mulder, the thought of Hans' beautiful body pregnant is somewhat nauseating. Why would he want to go through that?" Frohike asked.
Mulder shifted uncomfortably. "Melvin, I'm going to tell you something that I haven't mentioned to anyone else. I've gone through three cycles now -- the same number as Hans. During each cycle the compulsion to have a child has become more intense, it's like my body has been programmed with the express desire to bear a child. I'm worried that eventually my body's needs might outweigh my personal revulsion over becoming pregnant."
"You think that's why Hans wants to have this child?"
"I think that Hans is feeling the same compulsion that I am, and if you can't give him what he asks for, he will find it somewhere else," Mulder warned.
"Hans told me that it didn't matter, he'd always love me," Frohike argued.
"Now it doesn't matter, but in time it might. Trust me on this, Frohike. The compulsion could become so great that he might take on a second lover to meet his needs," Mulder stated more harshly than he should have. The argument he had with Skinner earlier was still weighing heavily on his mind.
"What about the child? Is that any reason to bring a baby into this world?" the little man questioned.
"Hans will love the child unconditionally that's reason enough. Besides, you've seen how he is with my daughters. But, is not wanting to share him any reason to deny him a child?"
"You think that's the reason why I don't want this child?"
"I think that's one of the reasons. Frohike, it's really up to you . . . I'm just telling you the facts as I see them."
"Mulder, you haven't been much help. Now I have even more to worry about it."
"Frohike, I've given you more to think about. At least you have until December 6 to reach a decision," Mulder replied.
"Why December 6?"
"That's when our next cycle peaks."
"Damn."
***
Doctor Kyle Pendrell placed the blood and urine samples into his medical bag, he wondered if the urine would have reacted to a home pregnancy kit.
"Justin, your cycle peaked on Sunday, did you have sexual contact with your lover at all that day?" Pendrell asked.
Blaise stared tiredly up at the doctor. He felt completely drained and was having a hard time staying awake. "Yeah, why?"
"You didn't by chance have sex through your new orifice did you?" Pendrell asked.
Blushing. "We were curious, it's not like I could get pregnant or anything, we're both immortals," Blaise admitted, yawning.
Hawk looked decidedly uncomfortable about the direction of the doctor's questions. "Doctor, it isn't possible for us to get each other pregnant . . . is it?"
"Joe, your new organ is still a mystery to us, we don't know all of the possibilities. There is a good chance that Justin is pregnant, I won't know for sure until I get the blood tests back. However, I think you should know that Melvin believes that Justin is pregnant." Doctor Pendrell looked down at his patient, who had fallen back to sleep again and didn't hear their conversation.
"Shit, Melvin knows? I suppose the whole family knows?" Hawk looked suddenly ill. "Doctor, what about me? We had sex a week ago through my . . . you know." He waved his hand over his belly, blushing.
"We don't know for sure he's pregnant, but if he is, it probably has to do with your cycle. Justin just lucked out by having sex during its peak."
"Doctor, why is he so tired and hot?"
"I don't know, yet. I'll be out again after I get back the results from the tests." Pendrell left the room and headed downstairs. The helicopter was standing by to take him back to the center.
When Pendrell stepped into kitchen, Skinner, Mulder, and Krycek cornered him.
"Is he really pregnant?" Skinner asked.
"I won't know for sure until I get the samples tested, but his body does seem to be going through some internal changes. This is all new to me . . . Justin should be placed in the Center so we can monitor his condition as it progresses," Pendrell advised them.
Mulder spoke up immediately. "No. He stays here. We'll hire a live-in nurse to take care of him. Kyle, can you provide us with a list of eligible candidates?"
Pendrell knew better than to argue. "Sure, Mulder. I'll bring it with me when I come back out. I better be taking off," he said, pulling on his coat, he headed toward the front door to the helicopter.
"Fox, do you think it's necessary to bring a stranger into our home? We can take turns caring for Justin," Skinner informed him a bit piqued.
"Walter, for gods sake, he's pregnant! We need a professional, someone with a medical background who can be there twenty-four hours a day for him. We don't know if there are going to be any side effects."
Skinner sighed. "Okay, fine. We'll need a place to put the nurse, I'll open the west wing and start repairing and cleaning those rooms. Might as well have the whole wing cleaned, this place is turning into a hotel. Do you need anything else done?" he asked. He was still a bit sore over losing the jogging argument with his lover this morning.
"Finish dinner first, then you can draw my bath and give me a pedicure," Mulder replied straight-faced.
"Brat."
Mulder walked up to Skinner and wrapped his arms around the larger man's trim waist. "Don't be angry, Walter, you know that it's the right thing to do. Why don't you just put the nurse in the empty bedroom next to Justin and Joe?"
"I wanted to save that room for the newest additions to our family, Kazuo's and Shinji's daughter and now Justin's and Joe's daughter. It's a larger bedroom than Hope and Faith's bedrooms, it should be large enough for both their girls," Skinner replied sincerely, hugging Mulder.
"You big softy . . . love you," Mulder murmured, kissing the larger man.
"Fox, will you allow Alex and me to approve your choice of a nurse?" Skinner asked warily.
"Why? Are you worried that I'll hire some tall, dark, and handsome stud?" Mulder snickered.
Krycek rolled his eyes. "Some people just can't handle power. Walter, do you think we can convince Doctor Vettelman to reconsider his decision of putting Fox in charge around here?"
"Not a chance. The doctor likes him better than us," Skinner grumbled, good-naturally.
"Jealous," Mulder quipped.
"Brat."
***
Deep Space
Friday, November 12
Ricardo Montoya lay in a deep, dreamless sleep. A pale, elegant hand rested gently on his flat stomach. The majestic Seraphim Overlord looked lovingly down at the sleeping face of his human. "You are the most beautiful creature I've ever mated with . . . I wonder if your brothers on earth are as beautiful?" he whispered softly.
He gently rubbed the slumbering immortal's belly. "Our child is growing inside of you . . . will it share our beauty?" he wondered.
He smiled softly. "My brothers are anxious to meet you, we shall arrive at my planet within two weeks, by then you should be through the first stage of your pregnancy, and be awake enough to meet them." The Seraphim bent down and delicately kissed the immortal's lips.
***
Skinner's Cabin
Saturday, November 13
11:40 a.m.MacIver trudged through the deep snow, his legs felt heavy as he struggled to raise his feet. They had been at the cabin for three days and were in need of food. He was hoping to catch a rabbit or maybe a wild turkey when he noticed Jason Duffy stalking toward him.
"Rory, it is good to see you again," Duffy bellowed, stopping next to him, he stared down at the small man.
"Duffy, my friend, we've been expecting you to stop out at the cabin, where have you been?" the Scotsman asked, craning his neck to stare up at the giant.
"Hunting. Animals are easier to track after a fresh snowfall," Duffy informed him.
"That's why I'm out today, we needed meat. One can only live on pretzels and granola bars for so long," MacIver replied.
"Rory, I killed a large buck two days ago, you are welcomed to some of the meat, I can also supply you with some vegetables that I put up this fall."
"That is really neighborly of you, Duffy, if you're sure that you can spare it." MacIver was relieved; he hadn't wanted to spend too much time away from his lover.
"I'm sure. If you'd like to follow me, I'll show you to my cave." The large man turned and headed off through the woods. MacIver struggled to keep up with him, they didn't travel too far before the n'thral stopped in front of several boulders and waited for him to catch up. The Scotsman followed the giant behind the boulders then behind some bushes and into the opening in the rocks.
They walked through a short, dark tunnel. Duffy stopped at the end, in front of a pitch-black opening; he reached down picking up a lantern. The space was lit up by the warm glow of the lantern, revealing an empty cavern.
"Through here," Duffy growled deeply. He led the smaller man across the cavern and through another tunnel that lead down a hill to a door.
Opening it, they stepped into a warm cavern. "I had trouble with bears moving in while I was out, the door also helps to keep the heat in," Duffy said, explaining the door.
MacIver looked around, there was another tunnel at the far end of the large cavern and vapor rose off a warm pool that took up a fourth of the space. The ceiling was fifty feet over their heads where he noticed additional tunnels way up in the rocky cliffs. There was a fire burning in a fire pit built in the center of the stone floor. MacIver watched as the smoke rose and was sucked out through the tunnels near the ceilings.
There was a large workbench up against one wall and a bed built into a recess in the wall. MacIver followed Duffy across the space and into the other tunnel, it went upward and the air started to become cold, then it opened into a smaller cave that contained stacks of baskets and grates. The deer carcass was hanging on a hook from the ceiling. MacIver shivered; it was only a few degrees above freezing in the room.
"This is my larder, it remains cool and dry down here in the summer and cold in the winter, it's perfect for storing meat for several weeks at a time," Duffy replied. He picked up a canvas sack, moving over to the crates, he filled it with half a dozen potatoes, onions, carrots, beets, and apples. He then pulled a roll of plump sausages off a hook. "I make my own sausages, these are venison." Duffy then wrapped them in a paper bag and stuffed it in the sack with the vegetables. He handed MacIver the sack, then grabbed a knife off the butcher-block table. He expertly carved a rump-roast off the carcass, wrapped it, he passed it to the Scotsman. "This should be enough to get you through a couple of days, I'll drop some more off at the cabin if you're still there in three days."
"Thank you, Duffy. I really appreciate your help," MacIver drawled following the n'thral out.
"It is the least I could do. How is your immortal doing?"
"As well as could be expected, it will be a while before he recovers. I should be getting back. I'll see you, Duffy. Thanks again."
"You're welcome, Rory."
MacIver hefted the heavy bag over his back and trudged back through the snow to the cabin. His thoughts rested as always on Shinji. His young lover was still shrinking away from any physical contact with them during the day, but at night he'd cling to them out of fear. He felt so helpless; he didn't know how to comfort Shinji.
***
Justice Department
Monday, November 15
11:12 a.m."I want total immunity from prosecution and a full presidential pardon in exchange for the information I have on the consortium and their recent activities," Jeffrey Spender stated, he was not going to settle for anything less.
"I don't think I can promise you a presidential pardon. The public won't go for it," the Assistant Attorney General Allan Howard replied.
"Then I have nothing to tell you," Spender growled.
"You should have thought about that before you turned yourself in. We can reduce the charges against you and you'll only get ten to fifty years instead of the death penalty," Howard stated brusquely.
"Sir, if you want the location of Sung Lee of Korea and Luis Marquez of Spain then I suggest that you provide me with everything that I've asked for," Spender said, meeting the other man's eyes challengingly.
"You know where the consortium is holding those two immortals?" Howard asked with great interest.
"Yes, and I know a hell of a lot more than just that, but it's up to you whether or not I tell you. Oh, and don't bother trying to get a clairvoyant to read me because I'm probably a better clairvoyant than anyone you have working for you," Spender snarled with contempt. His latent clairvoyant talents had come as a surprise to him, but he was able to keep them a secret from his father.
Howard glared at him, knowing that finding the abducted immortals was a top priority to the government. "We'll keep you in protected custody until I can get authorization to grant your requests."
"I have one other request."
"What is it?" Howard sighed, irritated.
"I want to be placed under protective custody by the FBI, more specifically by my half-brother Fox Mulder," Spender said, tenting his fingers in front of him.
"Half-brother? What do you take me for? Is this some fucking consortium plot to get to Agent Mulder?" the attorney snapped.
"Call Agent Mulder and ask him if he has a half-brother named Jeffrey Spender," Spender challenged.
Glaring angrily, Howard picked up his telephone and dialed the FBI. "This is Alan Howard at the Justice Department. I'd like the extension for Special Agent Fox Mulder."
***