Life from the Ashes Book 3 - SBS
Chapter 9
The Victoryby Jo B.
purplefox@usfamily.net***
London
Monday, March 6
1:00 p.m.The severe pain caught Mulder completely by surprise as he crumpled to the hardwood floor in agony. He had been so worried about reaching his lovers since awakening from his self-imposed sedation that he didn't even notice the first minor withdrawal pains when they started earlier. It didn't even occur to him that it had been over five days since he had last had sex.
The other four men in the room all rushed to his side. They had no idea what had just happened to him. One minute Mulder was frantically talking on the telephone to someone in America, the next, he was on the floor writhing in pain.
"What's wrong with him?" Ambassador Redding asked.
"Mulder, what's wrong?" Izumi asked, kneeling next to Mulder and placing his hand on the suffering man's forehead. "He's burning up! Quick, Pyetr, carry him into the bedroom."
"Oh my," Marat Fyodorov muttered when he suddenly realized what the problem was.
"What is it, Marat?" Yermolov growled as he scooped Mulder's trembling body up in his arms. The agent wrapped his arms around the major's neck and clenched his teeth against the pain.
"You're going to have to fuck him, Pyetr," Fyodorov stated bluntly.
"WHAT!" Pyetr gasped, almost dropping Mulder as he followed Izumi and the Ambassador down the hallway.
"NO!" Mulder hissed.
Fyodorov went on ignoring both men. "Mulder's going through sexual withdrawal and only a sorcerer can relieve his pain by having anal intercourse with him," the little man informed them.
"That is preposterous!" Izumi growled while pulling down the blankets on the bed and watching Yermolov gently set Mulder down.
"No. He's right, I've heard that it's common in immortals who have sorcerer lovers," Redding said.
Mulder took in a deep painful breath and said slowly, "I don't want to have sex with anyone other than Walter and Alex." He stopped, closing his eyes briefly against the pain, "Pyetr, promise me, that no matter how bad I get you won't touch me."
"You have my word, Mulder," Yermolov said.
"Mulder, you mean Marat is telling the truth?" Izumi asked still not believing that could possibly be the problem.
Mulder gave a weak, depressed chuckle, "Yeah, fucking unbelievable isn't it? Masa, I'm going to have to take some more sedatives to get through this," he hissed through clenched teeth.
Izumi quickly filled a glass with water and handed him two tablets. "How long will this last, Mulder? Another three days?"
"No, three weeks," Mulder sighed, tears of frustration and despair coming to his eyes. For all he knew Walter and Alex were dead or dying and he couldn't do a thing to help them. He thought briefly about allowing Pyetr to fuck him, but he couldn't betray his lovers any further. He deserved this pain; it was retribution for his sins and past betrayals.
"Mulder, who were you talking to in America?" Yermolov asked, sitting at the foot of the bed. They still hadn't been able to get through to Washington D.C. or anywhere on the East Coast by telephone.
"Agent Moe Bocks in the Minneapolis field office. He's going to drive to Foxfire Glenn Estate and find out if Walter and Alex are all right." Mulder lay back on the bed, and ran a hand over his face. "He said that the invaders are blocking all communications on the East and West Coasts. However, the middle of the country is wide open, that's how I was able to get through to him." An excited smile crossed Mulder's face for a brief second. "Pyetr, someone in the Chicago office of the CDC has discovered a cure for SBS . . . Bocks is going to get his hands on it and take it with him," Mulder said hurriedly as the sedative started to work.
"Then maybe there is still a chance for your country, Mulder," Yermolov murmured, studying Mulder's face as the agent slowly drifted into a drug-induced sleep. Even in sleep the pain was still clearly etched across the beautiful face as he shifted uneasily, moaning softly.
***
Two Days Later
Foxfire Glenn Estate
Wednesday, March 8
3:00 p.m.Agent Moe Bocks and his partner walked carefully through the debris scattered throughout the mansion. The place had been ransacked and vandalized. There didn't seem to be an inch untouched, even the walls had holes through them. The floors were littered with empty wine and beer bottles.
"Talk about a major party," Bocks quipped, kicking an empty Budweiser bottle across the room.
His partner gave him a disapproving look. "There doesn't seem to be anyone here, Moe," Agent Skip Anderson said.
"Skip, I think the invaders must have gotten to A.D. Skinner and Agent Krycek. Poor Agent Mulder, he is not going to be very happy," Bocks sighed, toeing a shattered vase with his shoe.
"We don't know that, Moe, they might have escaped," Anderson replied, righting a stool in the kitchen. He glanced sadly around at the broken windows and the bullet holes in the walls. It looked as if a major battle had happened inside the mansion.
Bocks bent down and picked up a baby's pacifier. "You think? Maybe we can make it to the Hoover Building they might know something about what happened here."
"That sounds like a plan to me, Moe. If we don't get ourselves killed in the process."
The two agents walked outside and looked in the direction of D.C., even at this distance they could see the smoke from the burning buildings.
"Skip, at least we will be able to find out what is happening in D.C.," Bocks said. Climbing into the driver's seat of his Caravan, and the two men reluctantly headed for D.C.
***
Cardoso's Fortress
Wednesday, March 8
4:00 p.m.An exhausted Hans Schatz sat at Cardoso's feet visibly trembling with fear. The n'thral had tied the leash that was attached to the collar around Schatz's throat to the arm of the sturdy oak chair he was sitting on. As he ran his fingers absently through the Immortal's thick, blond-hair, he listened to his general.
"Hector, we need to shore up our defenses. The coalition is not going to take our deserting them during battle lightly and they may send their forces to attack our country," General Juan Perez stated. He no longer had confidence in Cardoso's ability to rule. The n'thral was proving to be more and more unstable and a liability to their country. If it wasn't for the fact that Hector Cardoso was his cousin, he would never have supported him for this long. It was only the General's powers as a sorcerer that kept his cousin in power this long. The General's eyes lingered on the exotic figure of Schatz, frowning at the condition the immortal was in. He had heard about Cardoso's attempt to kill the female child the young man was carrying. Perez couldn't allow this to go on much longer, for the sake of his country, and for the sake of the unborn child.
"Juan, the coalition is too preoccupied with attacking the Americans to give us a second thought. They will collect their immortals and their slaves then go home victorious, we have nothing to worry about," Cardoso replied.
"I still think we should be prepared just in case, Hector. It couldn't hurt," the General replied.
"Very well, Juan, if it will make you happy go ahead and strengthen our defenses," Cardoso said as he opened his pants and tugged out his hard cock. He unfastened the leash from his chair and yanked Hans to his feet. "Sit on it, Doll," he ordered.
General Perez glared angrily at his cousin. This had to stop! He couldn't stand back and allow this abuse to continue much longer. He would organize an opposition force to overthrow the giant. He had to be careful; Cardoso still had many sorcerers and clairvoyants that supported him. Perez's face flushed red as he watched his cousin rape the pretty immortal in front of him. He quickly turned and fled the room.
***
Washington D.C.
Wednesday, March 8
6:00 p.m.Moe Bocks and his partner hid behind some trash containers as they surveyed the ruins of the FBI Hoover Building. The building had been reduced to rubble by fire and explosions. Around them half the city was destroyed or on fire.
"What now, Moe?" Anderson asked loudly over the sound of explosions and gunfire.
"I say we make like birds and get the flock out of here," Bocks quipped in his best Mel Gibson impersonation. He fingered the vials of SBS cure in his pocket. They wouldn't be able to help anyone here. Maybe they could find some sorcerers outside of the East Coast to give it to.
The two men made their way cautiously back to their vehicle. Bocks dreaded the call he would have to make to Mulder. He had called back after their first telephone call had been disconnected and discovered that Mulder was not in any physical condition to talk to him. He had spoken to a Mr. Izumi, and Bocks secretly hoped that he'd be able to relay the news to that man instead of Mulder.
He glanced back one final time at their burning capital before climbing back into his van.
***
London
Thursday, March 9
11:00 a.m."Of course I'll pass on the information to Mulder, Mr. Bocks," Izumi said sadly.
"How is Agent Mulder doing?" Bocks asked, concerned.
"The sedatives seem to be helping him to control some of the withdrawal pains, but he is still hurting a lot," Izumi sighed.
"Tell Agent Mulder that I'm sorry that he is not feeling well, and that I'll continue to try on my end to find his family," Bocks said.
"Thank you, Mr. Bocks. Mulder will be happy to hear that you are still looking," Izumi said.
"I'll call you if I hear anything. Goodbye," Bocks said.
Izumi hung up the receiver then headed into Mulder's bedroom to tell him the bad news. Major Yermolov was sitting on Mulder's bed holding the agent upright while he held a mug of broth to Mulder's lips.
Mulder's eyes were dazed and his hands were trembling where they rested over Yermolov's as he tentatively sipped the hot broth.
Izumi took a deep breath; he didn't know how to break the news to Mulder, so he decided to go with the direct approach. "Mulder, I just had a call from Agent Bocks. He went to your home and said the place was deserted. He also said that it looked like there had been fighting inside the mansion, but he and his partner didn't find any bodies," Izumi said.
Mulder's mind was so muddled from pain and drugs that all he heard was *fighting* and *bodies*. "No," he whimpered, tears flowing freely. He was so out of it that he'd completely forgotten about the family's backup plan to go to the cave to wait out the war. All Mulder could think about was that he deserted his family when they needed him most, and now they were dead because of him.
Izumi didn't realize that Mulder had misunderstood him. "Ssh, Mulder, it's going to be all right. Mr. Bocks will keep looking for them," Izumi said, pulling the distraught man into his arms.
"My fault, my fault," Mulder murmured over and over sadly, as the older man rocked him gently until he fell into an exhausted sleep.
"Masa, do you think that they're alive?" Yermolov asked, as he helped the Japanese man lay Mulder's sleeping body back down on the bed.
"I don't know, Pyetr. I want to believe they are for Mulder's sake, but it doesn't seem very likely from what Agent Bocks described," Izumi replied.
"Alexei is one of my best friends. When Mulder is better we'll go to America and help him look for his family," Yermolov said, determined.
***
Duffy's Cave
Saturday, March 11
NoonJustin Blaise and Joseph Shadow Hawk knelt in front of the open fire pit preparing lunch, while Kimberly and Tony did the laundry. MacIver had left earlier to go hunting for fresh meat, although they had enough dried and canned foods to last them a couple of months. The Greek sorcerer had gone with him, saying he wanted to scout out the area for any potential threats.
Krycek, Takeda, and Sawada were watching the babies. They had to watch them carefully; there were too many hazards in the cave.
Krycek was particularly concerned about the steaming mineral pool that took up almost half of the cavern. It was fed by an underground spring. Hope had just started walking and had already attempted to explore the pool. There was also the open fire in the center of the cavern, not to mention the sharp crystals and small stones that were scattered around the cavern floor.
Faith had been staying close to Alex since he had arrived at the cave a week ago. When Faith did play, she would constantly glance over at him to make sure he was still there. She was sitting on Takeda's lap as the younger man read to her in Japanese.
Hope waddled over to Krycek carrying a pink, rubber ball. She set it on his lap, patting it, she said, "Ball."
"Would you like to play catch, mouse?" Krycek asked.
"Ball," Hope repeated.
"Here, hold out your hands and Uncle Alex will throw it to you." Krycek turned the baby's hands palms up then dropped the ball into them. "YEA! You caught it, now throw it back to me."
Hope looked puzzled for a moment then beamed happily over her uncle's excitement. She handed the ball back to him, and he repeated the process of turning her hands then dropping the ball into them. Cheering each time she didn't drop it. Hope soon caught on to how this game was supposed to be played.
Faith watched her sister and father play. Hope stood a couple of steps away from him and he would toss the ball a few inches for her to catch. Then Hope would walk back over to Alex and drop it in his lap. Faith was determined to get into the game; it looked a lot more fun than rolling the ball back and forth on the floor like they usually played with it, and it seemed to make her daddy happy. Faith's little brain processed her sister's movements, it seemed to require standing and walking like the grownups.
Faith climbed off Shinji's lap. Using her adopted uncle's legs for balance, she attempted to walk, but immediately fell on her padded bottom. She crawled back over to him and tried again and again.
Takeda watched amused and called over to Krycek who was too involved with Hope to notice what his daughter was doing. Faith was with Takeda, so he hadn't been concerned about her getting into mischief. "Hey, Alex, I think your cutie is trying to walk."
Krycek glanced over at them just as Faith took four steps before losing her balance and landing on her butt. Her pouty lower lip stuck out and her long chestnut bangs were in her eyes as she turned around and crawled back to Takeda, pulling herself up again. Krycek's heart skipped a beat. Faith's expression reminded him so much of Fox that he felt his heart would break at missing him so much.
Sawada grinned at the little girl's efforts. "It looks like she's determined to succeed. You're going to have your hands full, Alex, with both of them walking," he chuckled, missing the other man's cloudy expression.
"Yeah, I suppose I will," Krycek sighed. Hope brought his attention back to their game when she started slapping the ball.
"Fow ball, fow ball," she chanted.
"Okay, mouse, but are you sure you're not tired yet?" he asked, dropping the ball back into her hands.
"Yea," she squealed happily, dropping it back in his lap.
He smiled. "Okay, mouse. We'll continue to play." He kept glancing over at Faith watching her progress. It amazed him that after thirty minutes she still hadn't given up. She was so like Fox.
"Hey, lunch is ready," Blaise announced.
"C'mon, mouse, let's eat," Krycek said, scooping Hope and the ball up in his arms.
Faith looked at them and started bawling her eyes out; she didn't get the chance to play with them.
Krycek strolled quickly over to her, handing Hope to Takeda. He scooped Faith into his arms. "It's okay, cutie, you'll learn to walk eventually."
Faith stopped crying after about twenty minutes of her daddy walking her around the cave hugging and soothing her. She looked at him with sad, puffy eyes. "Fow ball, daddee."
"Oh, so that's why you're mad? Because I stopped playing ball with your sister?" he asked, sitting with her by the fire. Hawk handed him a bowl of stew with a freshly baked piece of corn bread.
"Play ball me, daddee," she complained.
"Okay, cutie, we'll play catch after we eat lunch," Krycek was amazed at how smart his daughter was for her age. He wondered if he should have her tested. Maybe he should enroll her into an accelerated learning program for child geniuses. Fox did mention that he was talking by nine months, too. Fox … his thoughts were always returning to his missing lover. He kept telling himself they would get Fox back as soon as the war was over.
***
Washington D.C.
Wednesday, March 15
2:00 p.m.
Walter Skinner sat stoically as the paramedic taped up his cracked ribs. He had been too tired to watch where he was going, and didn't see the bricks and concrete falling until it was too late. Luckily Agent Jones had been nearby and quickly used his powers to prevent the full weight of the wall from landing on Skinner.
Skinner had been leading his team of sorcerers for almost two weeks without a rest. His only comfort was the knowledge that Alex was protecting his daughter and niece, and that if anything happened to him they were safe.
They had finally had some relief as newly revived sorcerers had arrived from the Midwest, and the battle was finally turning in their favor. It was only a matter of time now before they pushed the invaders into the ocean.
***
Warship off the Coast
Wednesday, March 15
7:00 p.m."I'm going to call a retreat," King Gullbrand stated.
"It is too soon, Gullbrand! We can still capture more slaves and we haven't located the immortals yet," Pharaoh Menes growled.
"Dammit, Menes, the Americans have the cure for SBS! If we stay here much longer, they will be strong enough to destroy us! We need to get out of here before that happens." The King picked up his radio to call the other leaders.
"Are we at least going to retrieve Hans Schatz from Cardoso?" Menes hissed.
"Yes. I'm looking forward to flaying that big ape alive," Gullbrand replied.
"Stand in line, I want him first," Menes said, happy that they were at least in agreement on something.
"We're going to have to stick together; the Americans are going to want revenge for what we've done to their country," the King said, flipping on the short wave transceiver.
"Yes, I agree. Together we are too formidable for them to attack, but separate we wouldn't stand a chance. I'd hate to lose the lovely slaves we've acquired," Menes replied as he watched Gullbrand contact Warlord Havock ordering an immediate retreat.
***
Washington D.C.
Wednesday, March 16
8:00 p.m.Cheers and shouts of happiness could be heard throughout D.C., the enemy was gone and their city was finally safe. Revelers partied openly in the streets. Skinner glanced around at the men hugging and kissing, he didn't know where they all came from; there seemed to be a lot more than were here defending D.C. He made his way across the mall and over to where the Director stood on the steps of the Capital. He had set up temporary headquarters in the building. The Capital had not been damaged during the attack unlike the rest of the city; it had been heavily defended.
"Sir, if there is nothing else that I'm needed for I would like to return to my family," Skinner said.
The Director beamed at him. "Walter, you and your team did a remarkable job. We might have lost the city if it wasn't for you and your leadership. There will be medals and commendations coming your way from the President and Congress."
"I appreciate that, sir, but I really would like to go to my family. It's been two weeks since I've seen them," Skinner replied tiredly.
"By all means, Walter. I'm going to be holding a meeting of top-level bureau personnel to discuss relocating the FBI headquarters on Friday. I expect you to be there, but until then take as much time as you need with your family," the Director said.
"Thank you, sir," Skinner replied and headed toward the pickup truck he borrowed from one of his agents.
He couldn't wait to see his family again. He still felt so guilty about leaving Hope so soon after being reunited with her.
***
London
Wednesday, March 16
9:00 p.m.Izumi sat next to Mulder's bedside holding a small tray of food. The agent was in extreme pain and the sedatives were no longer holding it at bay. Since Bocks had called a week ago and he had reluctantly passed on the information to Mulder, the young man seemed to have given up the will to go on living. Izumi was afraid that if Mulder could he would take his own life.
"Mulder, I want you to try to eat some soup," Izumi said.
"Don't wanna," Mulder slurred, pulling weakly at the restraints around his wrists that kept him from injuring himself whenever his body seized up due to pain.
"Mulder, you have to eat something," Izumi replied.
"No, please, just leave me." Mulder turned his face away from the older Japanese man.
"If you don't eat then we're going to have to feed you intravenously."
"Can't eat . . . my fault . . . should never have left," Mulder mumbled as tears of grief ran down his cheeks. His physical agony had taken a backseat to his broken heart.
Izumi set the tray down and scooted his chair closer to the bed. He brushed his fingers soothingly through the younger man's hair and murmured gently, "It's not your fault, Fox. Mr. Bocks said there was no one at your home -- that doesn't mean that they're dead."
"Masa, they're dead. I know they are," he replied weakly. He wanted to ask Izumi to douse the bed in gasoline and light it on fire, but he knew the older man would never oblige him. He'd just have to wait until he was well enough and do it himself.
"You don't know that, Fox," Izumi said, then quickly leapt out of his chair to hold Mulder firmly as a painful spasm wracked the young man's body. Izumi sighed sadly, after the spasms had stopped Mulder had lost consciousness again. He had never seen anyone in so much pain both physically and mentally. When Mulder was lucid, it was an extreme effort for him to even talk. He couldn't imagine how Mulder would be able to endure another two weeks of this pain.
He glanced around the room at the flowers and cards. They were from British well wishers who had found out about Mulder's presence and physical condition at the American Embassy. The Prime Minister had ordered a twenty-four hour guard around the perimeter of the Embassy to protect Mulder from any attempts to abduct him by Slava or some other foreign agent.
The Russian government had demanded the return of Mulder immediately upon finding out he was in England. Izumi thought sadly, that if Mulder's American lovers were indeed dead then returning to Slava would be in Mulder's best interest. Izumi tucked the blankets around Mulder's body, and picked up the untouched tray to carry it back to the kitchen.
***
Duffy's Cave
Wednesday, March 16
MidnightSkinner made his way slowly through the darkened forest, his boots sinking into the mud along the way slowing his progress. He was heading toward the cave and his family. He breathed in the sweet, crisp, nighttime air, gazing up contentedly at the star splattered sky. It was a welcome change from the smoked filled D.C. sky. It was going to take years to rebuild their city.
He grinned as an owl flew overhead its shape highlighted by the brightly glowing moon. Skinner came upon Alex who was standing at the entrance to the cave waiting for him.
Krycek rushed over to meet Walter and hugged him affectionately. He pulled away at the sudden gasp of pain that escaped the larger man's lips. Krycek looked questioningly into Walter's pain filled, brown eyes, before running a gentle hand up his waist feeling the bandages under his shirt. "Broken ribs?"
"Yes, and an odd assortment of bumps and bruises over the rest of my body," Skinner replied, hugging Alex back. "They're finally gone, Alex, we can go home now," he said happily, kissing him affectionately on the lips.
Krycek returned the kiss enthusiastically careful not to jar the larger man's ribs. "I know, Walter, the cell-phones are working again."
"Yeah? I should have known that. How long have they been working?"
"Around three hours." Krycek scrunched up his nose as he got a good whiff of Walter, but he didn't back away. "Walter, you're really ripe, when was the last time you bathed?" For the first time, Krycek noticed how filthy Walter's clothes were, he was covered in soot and grime the smoke from the fires had permeated the fabric.
"The last time was the sponge bath Tristan gave me before I was cured," Skinner said, following Krycek into the cave.
"I have some extra clothes of yours in the cave and we'll fill a tub with water from the pool in the cavern," Krycek said then looked at him sadly. He hated to throw a damper on Walter's good mood. "Dana called a couple of hours ago. She can't locate Jonathan. She thought he was with her brothers in St. Louis, but she found out that he had decided to stay behind to help out at the hospital."
Skinner stopped in his tracks, his temper flaring. "Damn! Those bastards! They've abducted medical personnel throughout D.C. and it's possible that Jonathan was among them. We're going to have a real fight on our hands trying to get those men back," he growled as he stepped into the large chamber.
"Ssh." Krycek nodded to the huddled forms lying on the ground wrapped in sleeping bags. "Sit down, and I'll heat you up some soup," he whispered softly.
Skinner's eyes met MacIver's. The Scotsman was sitting in front of the fire pit. MacIver nodded his greeting, remaining quiet; he did not want to wake the babies or the others. Skinner silently crept over to the two cribs that they had moved out here from the mansion. He brushed the hair away from Hope's sleeping face, watching as she unconsciously sucked on her pacifier. Faith was sharing the crib with her, and he met a set of quizzical hazel eyes peering up at him. Faith held out her arms wanting to be picked up, which Skinner did instantly. He hugged her small body to him and breathed in her soothing baby scent. He frowned when he realized that he was getting her dirty. Oh well, he'd give her a bath, too. He carried the baby over to the fire pit, sitting on a chair next to MacIver he watched as Krycek stirred a saucepan full of soup over the flames.
"We can head back in the morning, Walter. I think we should make plans now for getting Fox away from Slava. It's not going to be easy, that Cossack will be expecting us to try something," Krycek said in a low voice as he poured the tomato soup into a mug.
Skinner held Faith on his lap with one hand and took the steaming mug from Krycek with the other. The baby rested her head against Skinner's chest as she played with the buttons on his shirt.
"You still have contacts in Russia, Alex. We can work through them to get back into the country," Skinner said.
Before Krycek could respond, the loud chirping of his cell-phone made all three men jump. "Shit! Sorry, I forgot to turn the ringer down," he replied sheepishly. He quickly glanced around at the sleeping forms of their friends as he answered it gruffly, "Krycek."
"Agent Krycek. Thank God, I've finally got through to you! I've been trying for over a week. When I heard the news reports of the enemy's retreat, I thought to myself that the telephones might be working out there now. My partner and I tried looking for you and Assistant Director Skinner at your estate, but the place was deserted. By the way, the place was a wreck, you're going to be quite busy with repairs . . . "
Krycek interrupted the man's ramblings. "Who is this?"
"Oh, sorry, this is Special Agent Moe Bocks from the Minneapolis field office, I'm an acquaintance of Agent Mulder's. He asked me to try to get a hold of you and Assistant Director Skinner. You wouldn't happen to know where the Assistant Director is . . . "
Krycek interrupted again, standing up anxiously. "Bocks, you've heard from Fox? When? Where is he? How is he?" he shouted.
Skinner watched intently as his half-brother paced back and forth, and he telepathically listened into Krycek's telephone conversation. The other members of the family were awakened from their sleep by Krycek's shouting.
"Ah, he called me from London on March 6. Agent Mulder is not in too good of condition. I've been talking mainly to a Mr. Izumi, he said that Agent Mulder was suffering from withdrawal. You know I would never have pegged Mulder for a drug addict. He seemed . . . "
"Is Fox still in London now?" Krycek asked.
"Yes, he'll be really glad to hear that you are okay. I have the telephone number where he can be reached," Bocks offered.
Blaise and Hawk strolled tiredly up to the fire and greeted Skinner.
"Hi, Walter, you smell bad, but it's nice to have you back anyway. So, what's going on?" Blaise asked, nodding toward Krycek.
Skinner beamed up at him. "Fox is in London! We won't have to rescue him from Slava."
"Wow, that is good news! Now that the war is over, we can all go back home!" Hawk replied excitedly, then tempered it when he realized that not all of them would be going back home. "Umm, Walter, have you heard anything from Gabriel or Melvin?" he asked.
"I talked to Gabriel two days ago. They had been trying to hire a plane or a ship to take them to Argentina, but they weren't having any luck in D.C. so they were heading down the coast to Miami. They hoped to hire a boat to take them over to Cuba then from there charter a plane to Argentina," Skinner replied, all the while keeping an ear on Alex's conversation.
Krycek disconnected from his call with Bocks and punched in the numbers the agent had given him. He counted thirty rings before someone finally picked it up.
"Major Pyetr Yermolov speaking," said the tired voice on the other end.
"Pyetr, it's Alex," Krycek said in a surprised voice.
"Alexei? Where are you?" Yermolov asked, coming instantly wide-awake. He glanced over at the clock; it was barely after six o'clock in the morning.
"I'm in America. Pyetr, how's Fox? Can I talk to him?" Krycek walked back over to Skinner and sat next to him.
"Alex, he's not doing too good. He's in extreme pain. Mulder really needs you here as soon as possible," Yermolov replied, carrying the cordless telephone across the hallway into Mulder's bedroom. He looked sadly at the unconscious figure on the bed. Mulder appeared gaunt and fragile. "Alex, I'd really prefer not to wake Mulder, he's in less pain when he's asleep. I'll call you back when he's awake."
"Pyetr, Walter and I will be flying out immediately. Can you tell me where you are in London?" Krycek asked.
"We're at the American Embassy. Alex, please hurry," Yermolov said.
Krycek disconnected and quickly punched in the telephone number for the airport, he was going to charter a private jet to take them to England.
"We'll watch the girls for you and Alex, Walter," Blaise offered.
Krycek frowned, turning off the cell-phone when no one answered on the other end. "That won't be necessary, Justin. We'll be taking them with us," he informed the Texan.
"Alex, I think it might be better to leave the babies here," Skinner said.
"No. Fox will want to see them. Besides, I don't feel comfortable leaving them behind. Walter, they need us," Krycek replied softly, picking up his daughter off Skinner's lap, he hugged her against his chest. Faith giggled over the attention her father was showing her.
Skinner studied the two of them. Faith was beaming happily at having her daddy's complete attention, and Alex's face was lit up as he held her. Alex hadn't let either of the babies out of his sight since he had gotten here over a week ago. Maybe it was still to soon to be separated from them. Skinner had to admit that he felt sad and hollow during the week that he had been separated from his daughter. "Yeah, you're probably right, we'll take them with us."
"Good," Krycek smiled. "Walter, I couldn't reach anyone at the main airport, it must still be closed. Do you think you could use your influence to get someone in the Air Force to fly us over to England?"
"It might be a problem this soon after the war," Skinner said, frowning. "Alex, why don't you start packing up what we'll need for the trip and I'll make some calls." Skinner made a couple of mental notes to take flying lessons in the future and to call the Director about not being able to make Friday's meeting.
Two hours later Skinner turned off the cell-phone. "Alex, c'mon, I got us of flight to London." Skinner rose and went over to grab one of the bags Krycek had back and his daughter who was sitting up sleepily in the crib. "Hey, sleepy head, Daddy is going to take you and your sister to see Daddy Fox," he cooed softly as he scooped her into his strong arms.
Skinner had taken the time between telephone calls to strip out of his filthy outfit and bathe. At one point Blaise and Hawk had attended to his wounds, he was now dressed in clean jeans and a sweater.
Krycek was holding Faith and his bag and the two men headed out of the cave back into the night.
***
Cuba
Thursday, March 17
5:00 a.m.Frohike looked around the small fishing boat in disgust. "Gabriel, couldn't you do any better? This piece of crap is going to sink before it ever reaches Argentina!" He held his nose at the fishy smell.
"We can't afford anything better than this," Hunter grumbled, the boat had cost them most of the money they had on them, and they were going to have to sail it themselves. Melvin was right, it was a piece of crap, he wished that they had thought to hit the A.D. up for a loan.
"Besides, Melvin, you were with me when I tried to hire a boat, you saw how frightened those people were when we mentioned Argentina! They didn't want to risk going anywhere near Cardoso or his country," Hunter sighed.
"Yes, and that bastard has Hans," Frohike said as a shiver raced up his spine and his mouth went dry. He could just imagine what that monster was doing to his lover. He recalled how frightened Hans had been whenever he'd awakened from a nightmare about Cardoso.
"C'mon, we better get started," Hunter replied, freeing the boat from its moorings.
Frohike took the helm and powered up the boat, a large plume of black smoke poured out of the back. "I hope you can use your powers to hold this old tub together, Gabriel," he choked out over the thick diesel fumes.
"Don't worry, Melvin, we're get there. Nothing is going to keep me from killing that damn n'thral," Hunter said while he headed up to the bow to watch for underwater hazards as Frohike guided the boat out of the unfamiliar harbor.
Frohike was grateful to have Gabriel with him. He knew that he'd never have a chance of rescuing Hans without him.
***
London
Thursday, March 17
6:00 p.m.Mulder moaned, he was teetering on the line between sleep and consciousness, his pajamas felt like sandpaper against his sensitive skin. He heard voices nearby, but they were too muffled to make out what they were saying. His head was throbbing. A hand came to rest on his forehead; then he felt the restraints being unfastened. He tried to force his eyes open, but it was as if they were glued shut. When the blankets were pulled down and his pajamas and shorts removed, he thought it was Izumi preparing him for a sponge bath. That was until he was rolled on his side, and the mattress sank as a nude body pressed behind him. He felt the press of a large penis against his butt and he panicked.
Skinner held Fox's body firmly as the younger man started to thrash weakly. He whispered soothingly to his lover hoping that would calm him, but it had no effect. He heard a hiccuped sob and felt the trembles race across Fox's body.
"Walter, get on with it," Krycek growled. He was bending one of Mulder's legs up toward his chest to expose fully their lover's pink opening.
Skinner pushed a lubed finger into Mulder's anus just as a painful spasm shook Mulder's body and all his muscles clenched up. Skinner groaned as the tight muscles painfully gripped his finger. "Alex, I don't think I'll be able to get him loose enough."
"Just do it, Walter. Fox is in too much pain, he'll continue to suffer severely until you fuck him."
"I don't like hurting him, Alex," Skinner growled, positioning the large bulbous head of his cock against the incredibly small hole. He strained against it forcefully until it finally gave and the head popped inside.
Mulder was in a panic. He was being raped and was unable to defend himself. He felt at least two pairs of hands on his body then a large blunt object intruded between his butt cheeks, forcing its way painfully into his body. Mulder wanted to cry out, but he had lost his voice from screaming for the past week. Tears of rage and humiliation slipped down his cheeks. He felt the press of lips against his face then the dampness of a tongue licking his tears away and he heard the first clear voice he had heard in days, whispering softly into his ear.
"Fox, we're here now. Ssh, don't cry, baby, everything is going to be okay," Krycek murmured.
Thank God, it was Alex, that meant he wasn't being raped. Mulder's muddled mind finally processed the scent of the man penetrating him and the feel of the large hands caressing his body. Walter. Mulder relax as best as he could, his lovers were both alive and here with him. Despite the pain, he was extremely elated, if only he could tell them that.
"You just did, Fox," Skinner purred, kissing the side of Mulder's mouth.
Mulder attempted to smile, but he still couldn't open his eyes or get his limbs to move.
"Relax, babe, you'll feel better in a moment," Skinner grunted. Thrusting in one final time, he expelled into his lover's tight body.
Mulder felt instant relief throughout his whole body, it felt like he was floating, the pain was quickly vanishing. Sighing softly, he fell into an exhausted, painless sleep with Walter's arms wrapped protectively around him.
Skinner stayed attached for several minutes, listening to Mulder's gentle breathing and feeling his steady heartbeat against his chest.
"We have to protect him better, Walter. We can't ever allow this to happen to him again," Krycek said earnestly.
"He's not going to like what you have planned, Alex. Fox is too proud to allow us to protect him twenty-four hours a day or restrict his freedom that much," Skinner replied, easing out of Mulder's body he cursed softly at the amount of blood on his penis. He had been afraid that he had injured his lover.
Krycek frowned at the blood, and at his brother's concern. "Walter, don't worry, Fox will be healed by the time he wakes up again. I'll get a washcloth to clean you and Fox up," he said, trying to calm the guilt Walter was feeling. He held out his hand and a damp washcloth appeared in it, he started to wash the blood and semen from his two lovers. "Walter, in time Fox will realize that the new restrictions are because we love him, he'll understand why he can't continue to work for the FBI."
Skinner had given up trying to talk some sense into Krycek. His half-brother was determined that Mulder needed to be watched by one of them twenty-four hours a day, and never be allowed to leave the mansion unless both of them were present. "Alex, let's hold off forcing Fox to quit the FBI. It is going to be at least a couple of weeks before the Bureau can reorganize after the war. Maybe we can use that time to convince Fox that it would be more practical for him and you to work out of his home office."
Krycek ran the soft washcloth between Mulder's butt cheeks, paying special attention to cleaning his lover's thighs and balls. His eyes wandered back up to Mulder's face, studying its beautiful symmetry. He loved Fox too damn much -- seeing him suffering had broken his heart. "Maybe, Walter, I just don't want to lose him ever again, and I refuse to ever allow Fox to jeopardize his safety on some foolish quest."
Skinner climbed out of bed and pulled back on his clothing as he listened to Krycek. He half agreed with the younger man. It scared Skinner when Mulder would undervalue his self worth, and put them ahead of his own safety and wellbeing. "We'll talk to him together when we get home, Alex. Maybe Fox will understand and accept the new restrictions."
Krycek smiled, pleased that for once Skinner was agreeing with him. "Do you want to get the babies? I think they would like to see Fox," he said, rearranging Mulder's limbs into a more comfortable position then pulling the covers back over his nude body.
"Yes. I didn't like leaving them in strange hands. Although, Mr. Izumi seemed pleasant enough," Skinner replied, heading for the door.
***
Foxfire Glenn Estate
Thursday, March 17
7:00 p.m.Shinji Takeda sat on the floor of his laboratory too depressed to move. All of his research and computer files were destroyed. Luckily, he had backups on some of them, but not all, he hoped he could recreate them with his eidetic memory. He had spent weeks getting the lab organized with all of the equipment and chemicals he needed. Now it was in a shambles. Even the framed photograph he had of his daughter Ayako was gone; someone must have taken it as a souvenir.
"Shin, come upstairs. We will help you clean and repair your lab later. Justin has made dinner for us," Major Sawada said softly, kneeling beside his lover.
"God, I feel so violated. I know this isn't nearly as bad as when I was kidnapped. But, this is my home and I should feel safe here!" Takeda cried.
"Shin, you're safe here. The men who did this will not be back. We were at war . . . this happens during war," Sawada said, pulling the smaller man to his feet and hugging him affectionately. "You can start again, lover. Don't forget we have all the time in the world."
"I know, Kazuo, it just makes me so mad. They didn't have to break my equipment. It was all so pointless. How can our daughters grow up in a world this out of control?" he complained, following his lover out of the room.
"Shin, we'll just have to work harder to build a world that they can live in. After all, we have . . . "
"I know, all the time in the world," Takeda completed grinning, looping his arm around Sawada's waist. He slowed as they passed the wine cellar. "Walter is going to be pissed when he sees that they've taken all of his wine," he said.
"Yes, but at least they didn't break any bottles," Sawada quipped.
***
Cardoso's Fortress
Friday, March 18
1:00 p.m.Hector Cardoso was livid as he strained uselessly at the irons binding his wrists and ankles. "Damn you, Juan! We're cousins! Is this any way to treat family?"
"Hector, I can no longer stand by and allow you to destroy Argentina. I will see that your death is painless, that is the least I can do for you," General Perez said solemnly.
"Fuck you, Judas! I demand to die as warrior! That is the *least* you can do! You fucking coward!" Cardoso bellowed the power of his voice shaking the wrought iron candelabras and rattling the windows.
Perez snarled angrily, "Very well, Hector, since you enjoy your death matches so much, I'll humor you and allow you to die in the arena. You can fight in hand-to-hand combat with that nine foot giant you've been training. If you are still alive afterwards then I will fight you myself!"
"Ha! Jason is hardly a match for me, but I'll look forward to tearing you apart with my bare hands after I kill him! Now what have you done with my lover?" Cardoso asked.
"Hans is being well taken care of. Right now, he is being given a needed bath, while my personal chef prepares him a nutritious meal. Unlike you, Hector, I consider the female child he is carrying to be vital to the future of our country," Perez snarled.
"Ha! You just want to fuck Hans yourself. Then when that bitch of his is old enough you want to fuck her, too!"
General Perez face reddened with rage, he nodded to the guards. "Take this piece of scum away. I want him ready for the arena tomorrow morning. Don't let anything happen to him or there will be hell to pay," Perez growled.
***
London
Friday, March 18
3:00 a.m.Mulder awoke to the warm press of bodies on each side of him, and the gentle sound of snoring coming from his lovers. Alex's head was resting on top of his chest while the younger man's hand was lodged between his thighs just touching his scrotum. Mulder shivered at the arousing contact, he leaned down and breathed in the sweet scent from the younger man's freshly showered hair. His movement stirred Walter who was sleeping with his head tucked between Mulder's shoulder and neck. His large hand was splayed across Mulder's belly and his leg was thrown over his lover's.
"Fox, you awake?" Skinner mumbled, in so doing, he caused Krycek to stir from his light slumber.
"Yeah, finally," Mulder replied huskily, close to tears. He turned slightly and kissed the top of Skinner's baldhead. "God, I thought you both were dead. I didn't want to live without you."
Krycek peered up at him through thick, feathery, raven lashes. "Fox, you never should have left us or the babies in the first place," he scolded.
Mulder frowned, meeting Alex's accusing jade eyes. He knew Alex was right. He had no one but himself to blame for his present circumstances. "I'm sorry, Alex, I thought that I was doing the right thing. Now I can see that I was wrong."
"We'll need more than a simple apology if we're ever going to be able to trust you again, Fox," Krycek growled. He had pulled himself up so he was staring dominantly down at Mulder.
Skinner had moved slightly over to allow him room, he wished Alex would have waited longer before confronting Fox.
"Alex, please, I'm sorry. I'll do anything to prove to you just how sorry I am. Please, don't be angry with me. Don't hate me," Mulder whimpered, his stomach fluttered nervously. He was scared to death of losing his lovers because of his affair with Slava. He knew they must be disgusted and repulsed by him, knowing that he'd allowed another man to use his body like a common whore. God, he would do anything to fix what he had broken.
This was the hardest thing Krycek had ever done in his life. Staring down into his beautiful Fox's guilt-ridden face, he wanted so much to comfort him and tell him it would be all right -- that he forgave him. However, he had to hold firm if he was to protect Fox in the future. "Fox, you betrayed us in the arms of another man. That is not something easily forgiven or excused," Krycek growled. His next words were aimed directly at his lover's fragile heart. "You abandoned your daughters! What sort of father are you?"
Mulder couldn't stop the flood of tears that Alex's words brought to his eyes. It was true, he was a bad father, he hadn't even thought of his daughters since awaking in Alex's and Walter's arms. He felt like he was going to be physically ill. He swallowed hard, before choking out anxiously, "Are they okay?"
Krycek sighed, cutting him a little slack. "They're sleeping on the other side of the room, Fox."
"You brought them with you?" Mulder regretted his words the moment they slipped past his lips.
"Of course we did! We weren't about to leave them behind, they've been through too much trauma already," Krycek snarled. "Did you even stop to think what losing all three of us would do to them?"
His hard body pressed Mulder's down into the mattress. Mulder visibly flinched as if he was afraid Krycek was going to hit him.
"Alex, that's enough," Skinner said finally interrupting as he gazed into two anguished pools of hazel. "Fox, Alex and I never want to go through this again. So he … we came up with some new rules that we want you to follow to prove to us that you are still committed to us and our children. This won't be indefinitely only until we know that we can trust you again."
*Walter, we didn't agree to this being only temporary!* Krycek told him telepathically.
*I didn't agree to treating Fox this way indefinitely! I'm only going to do this until I'm sure Fox is still faithful to us,* Skinner argued.
Mulder was unaware of their silent communication. "Walter, I'll do anything you and Alex want. I love you both and our daughters so much it hurts," he sighed, he would do anything, this was all his fault.
Skinner really hated doing this to Fox. The young man had already been through so much. He looked into Krycek's eyes wanting to back down.
*Do it, Walter,* Krycek silently told him.
Skinner sighed, "Very well, Fox, until we can trust you again, one of us is going to be with you twenty-four hours a day. This includes when you go jogging . . . "
Krycek cut in, "You won't even be allowed to take a crap alone, and forget about working in your office alone. Until the J. Edgar Hoover Building is rebuilt that will be our office. You should thank Walter, he's convinced me to allow you to continue working, if I had my way you'd never be allowed to leave the estate!"
Mulder stared at him speechless, he was expecting some restrictions or punishment, but nothing this severe. "Don't do this to me, Alex. I need some freedom . . . "
"Fox, you had too much freedom and look where it's gotten us! You had the freedom to run off to Slava like some cheap whore, selling your body to him for a cure he never had and never intended to have. You had the freedom to desert your daughters, they could have been killed for all you cared!" Throughout his tirade Krycek was getting more, and more, aroused as he pressed his body into Mulder's.
Mulder was no longer on the anti-pheromone drug; the small supply that he had stashed away had run out two days ago. The smell coming off his hot, sweaty body as he wiggled beneath Alex was driving his lovers into a sexual frenzy. Only Alex's anger had prevented him from attacking Fox earlier. Now Alex could no longer hold back. The sweet feel of the slick, fiery flesh beneath his finally undid him, and he dove in to capture Fox's mouth in a deep possessive kiss, grinding his rock hard cock into his lover's hip.
Skinner was in no better shape. After Krycek lost it, he fell on Mulder too, nipping and licking his salty-sweet flesh.
Krycek wasn't done with his chastisement though. "You're an immortal, Fox, we need to start treating you like one," he growled into Mulder's mouth.
Mulder turned his face away from Krycek's in protest. "Alex, stop! Don't!" he said fearfully.
Skinner glanced up from licking Mulder's nipple. "Ssh, Fox, we aren't going to hurt you. We just want to make love to you," he soothed.
"You're an immortal, Fox. Your body is designed for sex! So lay back and enjoy it," Krycek growled, nipping Mulder on the tip of his nose.
"No! Stop! We're not done talking yet! Alex, I haven't changed that much. Please, don't treat me this way or," he moaned. Walter had reached his cock and was licking it like a Popsicle on a hot summer day.
"Or you'll what? Leave me?" Krycek growled into Mulder's ear and worried his earlobe between his teeth. "Did that fucking Cossack bastard make you come, Fox? Did you enjoy it when he fucked you?"
Mulder was having a difficult time focusing on their conversation. It took him several minutes to pull his thoughts together. The weight of his lovers' bodies and their exploring hands and mouths was overloading his brain. "No, I . . .I'd never leave you, Alex. I . . . I hate Slava. How can you even think that I have any feelings for the man?"
"You're avoiding the question, lover. However, I'll take that as a yes that you did come and you did enjoy being fucked by him. So you see, Fox, that is why I want to protect you. Not only from predators like Slava, but from yourself as well," Krycek didn't stop his sexual assault on Fox's body.
Mulder closed his eyes and stifled a moan. "Alex, why can't you understand how difficult my life already is? Why do you insist on making it harder for me? Try putting yourself in my shoes," he pleaded.
Krycek had moved down to Mulder's nipples and was sucking and nipping them. "I'm making your life less difficult, Fox. You won't have to worry your pretty little head about anything. Walter and I will do everything for you . . . you should be thanking us," he said staring lustfully up at Mulder's flushed face.
Mulder thrashed his head from side-to-side groaning as Skinner took his cock down his throat. "Oh God. D … don't ever expect me to thank you for taking my freedom away from me, Alex," he gasped.
"You talk too much, Fox. Let's put that lovely mouth of yours to a better use," Krycek said straddling Mulder's body he pressed the head of his cock against those full, rosy lips.
Mulder glared at him, but was unable to resist opening his mouth to accept his infuriating lover's cock. He didn't know why Alex was treating him this way. He always had a more equal relationship with Alex than he had with Walter. Something had to have happened while he was gone. Maybe if he could find out what, he would be able to placate his lover. Mulder ran his tongue around the thick head of Alex's cock and frowned; Alex didn't taste the same. Mulder took a deep breath, Alex even smelled slightly different. Maybe his lover had changed his diet, which could account for the difference.
Skinner massaged his lover's belly and his finger probed the younger man's navel then delved inside as he swallowed Fox's cock back down his throat. It was an effort with Fox being so large. He wanted to taste Fox's delicious come; it had been too long. His mouth watered at the thought of it as the incredible taste of pre-cum drove him insane, he sucked even harder, kneading Mulder's sacks at the same time, while his finger thrust in and out of his navel. He chuckled with satisfaction as Fox pushed into his mouth. The dual stimulation was all that was needed to cause Fox to explode into his mouth. Skinner greedily savored every delicious creamy drop, before letting the softening organ slip from his mouth. He nuzzled his face against the side of Fox's groin, breathing in deeply. His own cock was rigid and dripping steadily as he made a tube of lube appear in his hand and started to diligently prepare his lover. The younger man's body was no longer clenched up from pain, making it easy to stretch him.
It took a few minutes for Mulder to come back to himself after his orgasm. He had just started to suck and deep throat Alex's cock when he felt Walter's cock penetrate him. He raised his long legs over the larger man's shoulders opening himself further to Walter.
Skinner read Fox's silent signal to penetrate him deeper and harder, and he pushed into that tight heat. It felt so good around his cock. Mulder was made to be fucked; he had the perfect body for it, all lean taut muscles, long limbs, and a magnificent, round firm ass. He squeezed the wonderful globes with his hands as he pushed back into that beautiful body. Alex was right, they had to protect Fox better. He never wanted to lose this beautiful man again.
Krycek gazed joyfully at Fox's face as he thrust his cock down his throat. Fox had his eyes closed and a look of pure pleasure lit up his face. For now, their disagreement was forgotten, as they were lost in giving each other pleasure. Fox's hands were caressing his buttocks and Krycek felt a finger slip between his cheeks and probe at his anus. It slipped into him searching and finding his prostate.
Mulder's finger pushed on Alex's small nub of pleasure as he sucked harder on the younger man's cock; he tightened his anal muscles bearing down Skinner cock. God, it felt so good. It only took a couple of hard strokes to take Alex over the edge and Walter soon followed him.
After Mulder had finished licking the last traces of come from Alex's cock, he gazed at him sleepily. "Alex, did you change your diet? You taste and smell differently."
Thinking Krycek frowned. "No. I'm eating the same foods as always."
"It's probably nothing," Mulder said, climbing over Skinner, he eased his feet to the cold hardwood floor and walked across the room to look at his daughters. He smiled happily. Although Alex and Walter were mad at him, at least he was back with them and his baby girls. He picked up Hope and cuddled her against his chest. She opened her eyes and peered sleepily at him, smiling when she heard her daddy's gentle voice. "Princess, I've missed you so much," he purred.
Faith awoke at the sound of his voice and stood up in the crib, bouncing excitedly up and down trying to get his attention. Mulder smiled at her shifting Hope onto one hip, he scooped his cutie into his other arm, hugging them both tightly against his body. He would put up with any restrictions that his lovers placed on him for the sake of his daughters. He never should have abandoned them as he did.
"Daddee Fox, wove babee," Faith prattled.
Mulder felt a hand caress up his spine. He glanced over his shoulder and met Alex's beautiful sated face. The younger man was drop-dead gorgeous. He glanced back at the bed where Walter was spread out on his side watching him with love and affection in his warm, chocolate eyes. How could he have ever left them? His lovers and daughters meant more to him than anything he'd ever had before in his life. Hindsight made him regret his decision to go to Slava; he never did have the cure it was developed by the CDC. What a mess he made of everything. "I'll do whatever you and Walter want. You're right, Alex, I can't be trusted to make a rational decision when the lives of the people I love are at stake. I've always fu …messed up."
"You won't be sorry, Fox, you just need to accept your limitations … let us take care of you." Krycek kissed the side of his lover's mouth then wrapped his arms around Mulder and the babies. "Fox, I love you too much to ever chance losing you again," he said gently.
"I love you too, Alex," Mulder murmured, leaning back in his embrace. "Can I ask you a question?"
"Hmm, what?"
"Where did you get the crib from?"
"Remember that love seat that was sitting here? Well it is now a crib. C'mon, our munchkins aren't going to be able to sleep, let's take them back to bed with us." Krycek reached over and took Hope from Mulder. "Would you like to sleep in the big bed, mouse?"
Skinner watched Fox carefully; there was a deep sadness in his hazel eyes. It was so unlike Fox to lay back and take the restrictions that they were forcing on him. He wished they hadn't sprung them on him so soon when all Fox needed was their love and comforting. It couldn't have been easy for him to leave them or the babies. Skinner wanted to talk to Fox about what happened between him and Slava. He only hoped his headstrong lover would tell him what happened.
***