Life from the Ashes Book 4 - Yours, Mine, & Ours
by Jo B.
purplefox@usfamily.netRating: NC-17
Keywords: M/Sk/K SLASH
Disclaimer: The X-Files characters Fox Mulder, Dana Scully, Alex Krycek, Walter Skinner, Jeffrey Spender, CSM, the Lone Gunmen, Kimberly Cook, Senator Matheson, Bill Scully, the morph etc. are the property Chris Carter, 1013 productions and Fox Broadcasting. All other characters in the series are mine.
Summary: This is an Alternative Universe Story. It takes place after an alien virus has killed off most of the world's females and caused mutations in forty-five percent of the remaining males.
Authors Notes: This is the fourth book in my AU series "Life from the Ashes - Yours, Mine, and Ours." You might want to read the prequel and the first three books of the series to understand this one.
I would like to thank my beta-readers Nicole, Laurie, Tarlan, Dawn, Cerulean Blue, Kiyoko, Michael, Bee Lan, and Susan for all their hard work and patience in editing this story and plot suggestions. Special thanks to Demi-X for her suggestion for Alex's dream.
Feedback is always welcome. Any constructive suggestions are appreciated.
WARNING! This story contains explicit Sex/Romance between two or more men. Turn back now, if the subject matter offends you.
Okay to Archive: please ask first.
***
Chapter 4
Pageant
Martha's Vineyard
Thursday, December 11
7:30 p.m.Mulder covered his ears to block out the baby Seraph's shrieks as the nurse tried again to force-feed her. Mulder kept silently chanting over and over, "I can't look at it. I won't look at it." The crying quieted back to whimpers when the nurse gave up and placed her back inside the incubator.
"She's not keeping it down," Nurse Tom Olson said, looking pleadingly at Mulder.
Mulder ignored him; he didn't want to hear anything involving that little demon.
Olson sighed, shaking his head as he left the room.
Mulder was waiting for Walter and Alex to get back. They were releasing him and their babies from the hospital within the hour. He covered his ears again as the baby Seraph's whimpers turned into shrieks.
Mulder gritted his teeth. He was becoming agitated. Why wasn't that nurse coming back? How could he just have left him alone with the babies? As the shrieks grew louder, he couldn't stand it any longer and climbed out of bed and pulled on his robe. He was still extremely stiff and sore plus his nipples were leaking brought on by the baby's hungry wails. He slowly shuffled over to the incubators and stopped next to the one with the Seraph baby. As he looked inside his heart stopped. She was lying on her stomach and her face was turned toward Mulder. The baby was beautiful! She looked human except for the tiny wings. Her face was beet red and scrunched up from crying. What had he expected -- some fanged monster? He opened the incubator and lifted the infant out. She stopped crying almost immediately as he cradled her against his chest.
"You're hungry, aren't you . . . Angélique?" he cooed, carrying her over to the rocking chair and sitting. He opened his robe and pinched his leaking nipple and placed it to her lips. Mulder watched in wonder as her tiny tongue darted out tasting the fluid then she latched onto his nipple. Her eyes peered up attentively at him as she fed. Mulder suddenly felt like such an asshole for the way he had behaved toward her. She was an innocent and not responsible for what Xowolfe had done to him. His stomach cramped from the pressure of her suckling and his nipple throbbed in pain.
Skinner and Krycek came into the room with two custom baby strollers large enough for all four infants. They stopped in their tracks as they spotted Mulder nursing the baby Seraph. They had purposely gone back to their apartment together to discuss what to do about the Seraph and had come to a reluctant agreement that they would place the child with foster parents.
Skinner crossed the room in three strides and knelt beside the rocker. "Hey. How are you doing?" He gently stroked the baby's cheek as she nursed.
"I'm still feeling like hell, my nipples hurt."
"The nurse said it will be painful at first." Skinner's cock hardened as he watched the baby suckle on his lover's nipple. He was dying for a taste of Fox, his nipple looked like a ripe bud.
"Walter, get that look out of your eye," Mulder warned, eyeing him nervously. He placed his pinky between the corner of the baby's mouth and his nipple and to break the suction then shifted her to the other nipple.
"Yeah, well you look sexy as hell."
"Prince Fox, are you ready to go home?" Doctor Pendrell asked as he stepped into the room; he smiled as he noticed Mulder feeding of the Seraph.
"Yes, Kyle." Mulder was glad to be getting out. He wanted to go home and soak in their large tub; then curl up underneath the covers in the center of their bed and sleep for the next month. He sighed forlornly as he looked down at his daughter hungrily nursing, realizing that he wouldn't be able to do that...not with four hungry mouths to feed. How was he going to manage?
Doctor Pendrell pulled the stool over and sat next to Mulder. "Good. I want you to rest and take it easy for the next week. No heavy lifting and absolutely no going into work. You should drink plenty of fluids while you are nursing, and stay away from alcohol and avoid drinking too much caffeine."
"Ahh, Doctor, couldn't I have an occasional glass of beer or wine?" Mulder whined.
"If it is a special occasion you can, but no more than one. Remember, what you drink and eat will affect your milk."
Mulder blushed. He wasn't use to the idea that he was lactating. Even with the baby hungrily suckling and making cooing sounds as she fed, the whole thing was still surreal to him.
"Okay, Kyle. I'm not much of a drinker anyway, but I am dying for at least one beer." Mulder said, lifting Angélique against his shoulder and gently rubbing her back just between her two wings.
"Also, no bottle feeding for two weeks, the babies need to get used to you so they don't experience nipple confusion."
"Two weeks, Doctor?" Mulder moaned. "When will I be able to sleep?"
Pendrell smiled sympathetically.
"Can we take Fox and the babies home now, Doctor?" Skinner asked.
"Yes. But first, I want to advise you against having anal sex with Prince Fox for at least three days and no sex through his navel for at least a month. The babies all had bowel movements except Angélique. I will stop by your apartment later to check on her."
"Doctor, what about Fox's withdrawal symptoms. Since he's not supposed to take that anti-pheromone drug while nursing, his withdrawal symptoms will start in about forty-eight hours," Skinner said.
"Sorry, I forgot about that. You can have anal sex as soon as he shows the first symptoms of withdrawal, just be very gentle with him. Remember he is still in a lot of pain."
Krycek transferred the babies into the carriage and went to get the baby Seraph from Mulder. Angélique started crying the moment he took her from Mulder's arms.
Mulder rose from the rocker, holding his belly against the stabbing pain. "Here, Alex, give her back to me. She's still upset from earlier and needs to be reassured that I'm not going to ignore her again." He wanted to get dressed, but he couldn't see how with the baby in his arms, and he wasn't about to put her down. The robe he was wearing was floor length and heavy, he guessed he'd wear it home. It was nighttime so most of the palace workers should be off with their families, and besides they weren't going through any of the public areas of the palace.
Nurse Olson came in with a wheelchair and smiled at Mulder. "I'm going to be going home with you, Prince Fox, until you and your husbands are comfortable handling the babies on your own," he said.
"Thanks, Tom," Mulder said relieved, as he sat in the wheelchair. He hadn't been looking forward to the three of them having to handle the four infants alone. With Olson helping out, he wouldn't have that problem right away, and he had been very nervous about the way Walter had been looking at him. The last thing he wanted right now was sex; he hoped Walter had paid attention to what their doctor had said about that.
***
White Mountain, Alaska.
Thursday, December 11
10:00 p.m.The fire roared and crackled in the fireplace, casting a warm glow around the stone and concrete study. Havock was dressed in heavy clothing, but he couldn't seem to get warm. The fortress was cold and drafty at most times, but it was even worse in the winter. The cold didn't seem to affect the Batman. Havock held out his wineglass as CGB Spender filled it.
Spender was ecstatic with the news that his son had given birth to quadruplets, and he wanted to celebrate. He now had thirteen grandchildren. He realized that he had been lax as a grandfather. He'd never even sent any of his grandchildren a present. The smoker wanted to make up for it. He needed to think of the perfect gift for the new babies.
"It is remarkable news that one of his babies is a male immortal," Havock said, sipping his champagne.
"Yes it is. The baby is Alex Krycek's son. I haven't seen Krycek since before he became an immortal. He was a good-looking young man then and I would imagine that he'd have turned into a beautiful immortal. Of course, not as beautiful as my son," the smoker added.
Havock leaned back in the chair looking into the flames leaping in the fireplace. "No, I don't think anyone can be as beautiful as your son," he replied with total sincerity. He couldn't get Mulder off his mind. Since seeing him at the courthouse, the sheer beauty of the man was burnt forever in Havock's memory.
"How do you feel about children, Havock?"
Havock hated kids. "I'm not too fond of them, Mr. Spender." He knew that it was impossible to directly lie to the Batman. Havock might be able to conceal most of his thoughts from the creature, but his mind was open to scrutiny when he was answering questions.
CGB Spender perched himself in front of the fire, picking up a poker he stirred around the embers. "It doesn't matter. Like any stallion you're only purpose is to sire children, it is my son's walk of life to raise and nurture them."
Havock sighed, somewhat relieved. "How many children are you talking about?"
"I expect that you and my son will have dozens of children together." Spender looked at him critically. "I don't plan for you to be Fox's only husband. In time, I will select other sorcerers to marry and mate with my son. I might even allow him to keep Alex Krycek. Just think of how valuable their offspring will be especially if they can produce more immortal boys."
"I can see the value of more male immortals, but what about the female immortals?"
"Recent tests show that female immortals lack several genes that the male immortals have. The doctors don't believe that they will be truly immortal or if they will even be able to reproduce," Spender replied, sitting back in his chair.
"Don't you think that is premature? How do we know that they won't gain what the male immortals have at puberty? If this new baby boy immortal shows the same genes as the adult immortals then maybe I can see your argument."
"We shall see what the tests on the new baby boy show," the smoker said, standing. "I'm hornier than hell, I think I will head down to my kennels and fuck until my dick is raw."
Havock watched the deranged creature leave. He was making plans for his escape and getting his hands on Fox Mulder at the same time. If only he could figure out a way to kill the bat creature.
***
The Crystal Village
Thursday, December 11
10:20 p.m.Andy Nelson drank a mug of hot chocolate milk as he sat watching CNN. They had on going coverage of Mulder's delivery. One of Andy's favorite scenes showed AD Skinner after the birth of his twins meeting with the press. Skinner looked more handsome than ever and was brimming over with pride. He promised the press that they'd get to see the babies when they were introduced to the public on Sunday, during a party to celebrate their birth. Now that Mulder had the children the Batman's plan for getting his son and grandchildren could proceed. Andy felt a small tinge of guilt that he'd be separating Skinner from his son and daughters, but maybe he could convince the Batman to leave them with the A.D. Why should Skinner suffer just because Mulder was a selfish slut who needed to be punished? His attention was drawn back to the television set as the reporter talked about the pre-immortal infant. Nelson frowned when a still photograph of Alex Krycek was shown on the set. He needed to do something about the other slut, too. Why someone of Skinner's upstanding character would choose to have such a pair for lovers was beyond Nelson. It had to be that they used their immortal wiles to entrap him. Andy was sure that Skinner would come to his senses once both men were out of his life.
***
Crystal Palace
Thursday, December 11
11:30 p.m.Krycek was furious. "I want the person's head who leaked the news about my son being an immortal!"
Mulder's head was pounding. He was in the process of nursing his and Walter's twins and Alex's shouting was distressing them. They kept letting go of his nipple, whimpering and squirming in his arms. "Alex, calm down. Can't we deal with this tomorrow?"
"No! Dammit, Fox! Someone leaked the news about our baby."
Walter didn't miss the look of pain and exhaustion on Mulder's face. He grabbed Alex by the arm and dragged him out of the nursery. "Alex, enough! This can and will wait until after Fox recovers! It has only been twenty-four hours since he gave birth to our children! Give him a fucking break, okay?"
Krycek turned around and hit the wall with his fist. "Dammit, Walter. I didn't mean to take it out on Fox. I'm just so pissed! We were able to keep the news about River being an immortal a secret, why couldn't we do the same with my other son?"
"Alex, too many people were in the hospital while Fox was giving birth. A very good clairvoyant could have easily found out about your son. You can't hold the hospital staff responsible."
"Walter!" Mulder cried out tiredly.
Skinner turned at the sound of Mulder's voice and reentered the nursery. "Yes, Fox?"
"Would you mind burping your son?"
"Sure, Fox," Skinner said, taking the infant into his arms.
"Give me Kaylie, Fox," Alex said, taking the other little infant from Mulder's arms. "Why don't you go to bed, we can take care of them."
"Thanks." Mulder sighed. "I have to get up and attend to them in another two hours." He tiredly stood and headed back to their bedroom. He stopped briefly to look in the cribs at Angélique and his and Alex's son. Angélique had fallen into a contented sleep after her last feeding, and the little boy looked so much like Alex that it made Mulder's eyes tear up from happiness. He knew what he wanted to name the boy, but Alex wouldn't go for it.
Mulder stumbled over to the bed and crawled under the covers. For the first time in months he was able to sleep on his stomach. He was still sore and his nipples hurt, but the luxury of sleeping this way more than made up for the pain. It was wonderful to be able to sleep in his favorite position. Now all that he needed was to have Walter's or Alex's body underneath his and he would be in heaven.
Alex placed Kaylie in the crib and looked over at Walter who was placing his son in the crib next to hers. "Have you decided on a name for him yet?"
"I have it narrowed down to four names: Wyatt, Reagen, Dylan, and Viktor. Now all I have to do is get Fox to agree on one," Walter said.
"Good luck. He wanted to name our son Sasha."
"What's wrong with Sasha? The baby does look like you."
"I don't want my son named after me. I want him to be his own person, not a reflection of me."
"So, do you have a name in mind?"
"Several: Hunter, Ryan, Nathan, and Misha. Like you, I need Fox to agree on one." They walked out of the nursery and over to the bed. Mulder was soundly asleep on the end nearest to the nursery.
"Poor guy. This has been a tough twenty-four hours for him, it's a shame he can't sleep uninterrupted for the next twenty-four to recover," Skinner said.
"Yeah, and we won't be able to help him feed the babies for two weeks considering what Doctor Pendrell said about the babies getting nipple confusion," Krycek said, climbing into bed next to Mulder and wrapping his arms around his lover's body.
"Alex, it shouldn't be too bad once our nannies are able to help," Skinner said, looking down at the bed. "How come you get to sleep next to Fox?"
"You snooze you lose, Wally."
"I'll be quicker next time," Skinner grumbled as he climbed into bed and spooned behind Alex. "Night, Brat," he sighed.
***
Mulder's eyes popped open. He was hot and his nipples were leaking, soaking the sheets beneath his bare chest. He realized the reason for his waking up as the cries of a baby echoed out of the nursery. He carefully extricated himself from beneath Alex's body and stumbled out of bed, staggering tiredly across the room to the nursery. He glanced at the clock and noted that it had been only an hour and a half since he had gone to bed. Mulder turned the nursery's lights on low then he walked in, and looked at his babies. Alex's son was awake and crying, while the other three babies were soundly asleep.
His weariness vanished as he reached into the crib and picked up his infant son. "It's okay, Sasha, daddy's here," Mulder said, sitting down in a recliner he proficiently positioned his son at his nipple. Sasha stopped crying as he latched onto his father's nipple. Mulder winced at his nipple's soreness, then his stomach muscles contracted as Sasha started to suckle. Mulder gently caressed the baby's cheek with the back of his finger. "Your diaper is wet isn't it, Sasha?" Mulder could see into his bedroom from where he sat and to the bed where his lovers slept. Alex had rolled over and was sleeping curled up against Walter's chest. Angélique started crying in her crib. Mulder struggled to rise, trying not to disturb his son's nursing.
"Don't get up, Prince Fox, I'll bring her to you," Nurse Olson said, stepping into the nursery through the door that led into the hallway. Olson was a clairvoyant and he knew that Mulder was up and in need of assistance.
"Thanks, Tom." Mulder smiled gratefully at him.
The nurse scooped the Seraph out of her crib and carried her to Mulder. The baby stopped crying as she was placed in her daddy's arms. Then Olson positioned her so Mulder could nurse both babies at once.
"I'm surprised you're up," Mulder said.
"I'm here to help you, Prince Fox..."
"Please call me Mulder. I hate being call Prince Fox," Mulder said.
"I don't think that would be advisable," Tom replied nervously, glancing through the open doorway and over to the bed.
"How about only when we're alone?" Mulder coaxed gently.
Nurse Olson smiled at him. "Okay, Mulder." He knelt next to the recliner and adjusted it so Mulder was more comfortable. "I'm going to get you some juice from the kitchen, would you like anything else?"
"I am rather hungry, so if it isn't too much trouble how about a bowl of oatmeal?"
"It's no trouble. I'll be right back." Olson left the door to the nursery open as he headed to the kitchen.
Mulder was left to his thoughts as he waited for the nurse to return. Both babies would suckle for a bit, then fall asleep, and each time Mulder moved they would wake up enough to continue nursing. He hoped they'd finish before Walter's two woke up and demanded to be fed.
"Daddy, can I come in and see the babies?" River stood in the doorway hugging his rag doll rabbit. His dog Rex standing at his side.
Mulder smiled at him. "Sure, River, but lock Rex inside your bedroom first."
"C'mon, Rex," River said excitedly, leading the dog back to his room. "Stay here, Rex. I'm going to see my new brothers and sisters." River shut the bedroom door and ran back to the nursery.
"How come you're up," Mulder asked as River squeezed on the chair with him and the two babies.
"I'm too excited to sleep. Are you making milk like a cow?" River asked, watching as the babies suckled.
"Sorta," Mulder chuckled, smiling up at Nurse Olson as he came into the bedroom carrying a tray.
"I made the little guy some oatmeal, too," Olson said, setting the tray down.
"Really for me?" River asked happily, sliding off the chair and running over to the small table. "How did you know I was here?"
"I'm a clairvoyant," the nurse said, setting one of the bowls on the table and pouring some milk into it. He then handed River a spoon.
"I'm going to be an immortal when I'm older," River said, sitting at the small table.
Mulder gasped, looking over at River in surprise. They had been very careful not to tell anyone that River was a pre-immortal, and especially not River. "River, do you want to tell me how you reached that conclusion?" he asked.
"King Walter said that I'm not going to be a sorcerer, clairvoyant, n'thral, or a ghoul," River said. Then he spooned some oatmeal into his mouth as Nurse Olson pulled a chair up next to Mulder and the babies. Olson placed a glass of juice and a bowl of oatmeal on the small end table beside the recliner.
"Would you like me to feed you, Mulder?" the nurse asked.
Mulder looked hungrily at the bowl of steaming cereal; it smelled of brown sugar and cinnamon. He hated the idea of being fed. However, he couldn't do it himself while holding the babies. "Yes. Thanks, Tom." Mulder looked back over at River. "What makes you think that you won't stay human?" he asked, then opened his mouth as Olson spooned some cereal in.
"Because I want to be like you and Daddy Alex when I grow up," River said.
Mulder relaxed when he realized that River didn't actually know for sure that he was going to be an immortal. "Just because you want to be that doesn't necessarily mean that you will."
"Yeah, but I want to be reealllly badly. I even asked Santa Claus if he could make me an immortal."
"We'll see, River, finish your oatmeal." Mulder would not lie to the boy. "Tom, could you take Sasha? He's done eating."
"Sure, Mulder." Olson set the bowl of oatmeal aside and paused for a second, he looked Mulder in the eye and said quietly. "River's secret is safe with me."
"Thanks, Tom." Mulder wasn't sure how much he could trust Olson, but the man seemed only interested in helping him. "Sasha needs his diaper changed," Mulder said.
The nurse gently lifted the infant from Mulder's arm. He placed Sasha over his shoulder and rubbed his back until the infant emitted a burp.
Mulder repositioned Angélique more comfortably in his arms. With one hand free he was able to drink the juice that Olson had left for him on the end table. It was five more minutes before his daughter was finished. He laid her on his lap and gently rubbed her back, burping her. Mulder held her for a few more minutes until she fell back to sleep.
River had finished eating and had resumed his seat on the recliner with Mulder and the baby. "Her wings are so soft. Did the evil sorcerer, who gave Uncle Jeff wings, do the same to Angel?"
"No, her father has wings," Mulder said simply.
River looked at him puzzled. "My other daddies don't have wings."
"Her father isn't Walter or Alex." Mulder stood and carried her to the changing table where he put a fresh diaper on her before placing her back in her crib. He leaned down and kissed her tenderly on the forehead.
"Who's her daddy?"
"When you are older I will tell you. Now I think it is time you went back to bed." Mulder knelt and hugged River. "Would you like me to tuck you in?"
"Yes, very much, Daddy," River said, hugging him back. "I like that your tummy is smaller."
"I like it too, I can see my...toes again. Okay, come on," Mulder stood and took River's hand and led the boy next door to his bedroom. Rex was jumping around excitedly when they opened the door. "Do you need to use the bathroom?"
"No." River ran to his bed and climbed in. Rex jumped up on the bed and laid next to him.
"Rex, off the bed," Mulder said, pointing to the floor and the dog meekly jumped off the bed and laid down on the rug.
"Daddy, can you play with me tomorrow?"
"River, I'm not going to feel up to playing for a couple of days. But I promise you as soon as I have enough energy we can go outside and build a snow fort." Mulder smiled, and bent down to kiss him goodnight.
"I'd like that. Goodnight, Daddy." River hugged his rabbit and closed his eyes.
"Goodnight, River." Mulder quietly left the room and reentered the nursery.
"Are you ready for the other two?" Nurse Olson asked. He was holding Walter's son in his arms.
"Might as well," Mulder said, shaking his head sadly while looking at the clock. "I'm going to have to feed Sasha and Angélique again in less than two hours."
"Why don't you go back to bed and I'll show you how to feed the babies while you rest? If you should fall asleep I'll make sure they're all right and put them to bed when they are done," Olson suggested.
Mulder doubted that he'd be able to sleep while nursing a baby. It just hurt too much. "Okay, I'll try." He stood and walked back into his bedroom and climbed into bed, scooting back until his back was touching Alex's body.
"Put your arm up around the pillow." Tom placed the baby on his side and lined his mouth up to Mulder's nipple.
Mulder's hand came around to hold the baby in place as he started to nurse. He got the biggest kick out of looking at his and Walter's little boy who bore an incredible resemblance to Walter, even more so than his other son resembled Alex. "Sergei, you're a demanding little guy just like your Daddy Walter," Mulder murmured.
As the baby nursed, Mulder's eyes drifted shut and soon he was softly snoring. Skinner came awake and laid there listening to the suckling noise. Rolling over he noticed Nurse Olson sitting on a chair beside the bed holding a baby. He lifted himself up and out of Alex's arms then leaned over the younger man's body until he could see his son suckling at Mulder's nipple. "How long has he been feeding?"
"Not long, Your Majesty, only five minutes," Olson said. "Your daughter still needs to be fed. She is being very patient, but I fear that won't last."
Skinner rubbed at his eyes then climbed out of bed. "If you want to go back to bed, Nurse Olson, I can take care of the babies," he offered, holding out his arms for his daughter.
Olson was a little hesitant as he handed the baby over to her father; he wasn't sure how wide awake Skinner was. "I'm here to assist until you are all adjusted...are you sure you don't want to get some more sleep?"
"Go to bed, Olson. I promise you that I won't fall asleep and drop the baby or let Fox roll over on the baby in his sleep."
"Okay," Olson murmured as he stood. "He's already nursed Sasha and Angélique. Sergei might need his diaper changed before being placed back in his crib. It is important that you roll Prince Fox on to his other side when he nurses Kaylie, we don't want one nipple to start producing more milk than the other."
"Sergei?" Skinner asked.
"It's what Prince Fox calls the boy."
"Goodnight, Nurse Olson," Skinner said briskly, looking down at his sleeping lover and infant son. When he was a kid, he used to be teased relentlessly by the other kids when they found out his middle name. They'd call him Sir Gay and want to know where his boyfriend Sir Lancelot was. He didn't want his son to go through what he did, but then it was a different world now and that sort of teasing wouldn't be relevant any longer. If Fox wanted to call their son Sergei, who was he to object? Deep down Skinner was actually flattered that Fox named their son after him.
Skinner sat in the chair beside the bed with his daughter cuddled to his chest, watching his son nurse. "Sergei Mulder-Skinner."
***
Crystal Palace
Saturday, December 13
4:30 p.m."Rory, the o-only wa-w-way Fox is going to go along with this b-be-beau...contest is if we give all the money to c-charity," Krycek said loudly, taking another swallow of vodka. It was delicious. He had been really good during Fox's final months of pregnancy, not drinking a single drop of alcohol. Now he felt like he was making up for lost time as he reached for the bottle again that was chilling in a bucket of ice. Alex had lost track of how many glasses of vodka he had downed.
Ari rolled his eyes. "Just tell Mulder all the money is going to charity minus a small set up fee for organizing and publicizing the event."
Krycek chuckled, feeling really good. "Yeah, right! Fox...won't b-buy that BS!"
MacIver was amused as he watched Krycek's drunken movements. "You could always use your powers and place a small suggestion in his mind, that doing the pageant will help hundreds of orphans. It wouldn't even be a lie...the proceeds will easily help hundreds of orphans."
"R-rowy, Walter...kill me..." Krycek was starting to feel very sleepy as he climbed shakily to his feet. "I-I should..." he paused, forgetting what he was going to say. "...help Fox wif b-babies."
"Alex, I think maybe you'd better stay here and sleep it off," MacIver replied.
"I...fine..." Alex said, collapsing back on the sofa, he couldn't figure out how the floor had moved.
"Of course you are, lad." MacIver touched Alex's forehead and Alex's eyes closed as he fell into a drunken sleep, slumping back against the cushions.
MacIver removed Alex's shoes and lifted his feet up on the sofa, positioning the younger man's body until he was lying comfortably on his side.
Ari walked over and looked down at him. "I always thought Russians could handle their vodka better than that."
"Alex usually can, but he's been under a lot of stress with the birth of his son, then having the whole world finding out that the boy is a pre-immortal," MacIver said, covering Alex with a blanket. "I should have cut him off about three glasses earlier, but I figured he needed to unwind."
"So what are we going to do about this beauty pageant? Mulder and Shinji are the only holdouts," Ari said.
"I'm still working on Shinji. He'll do it if I change Duncan's diapers for a year. I'm trying to get it whittled down to two months," MacIver replied.
"Then Mulder is the only holdout. We need him in the contest. He has the greatest name recognition out of any of us. Not to mention he is positively glowing since giving birth, I've never seen anyone more beautiful," Ari sighed.
"Yeah, the lad has gotten more beautiful if that's possible, but then so have all the other immortals after giving birth. Come on, Ari, let's allow Alex to sleep it off while we hash out the final details of the pageant," MacIver said, walking toward the door.
***
Crystal Palace
Saturday, December 13
5:00 p.m.Mulder stood in front of the mirror and admired his body. All the wrinkles and sags from giving birth were gone and his stomach was once more firm and flat. Even his nipples were pert and rosy and no longer red and sore; he was getting used to constantly nursing his babies. He smiled staring down at his penis; he was going to fuck his beautiful Alex as soon as Alex got back from his meeting with MacIver. Mulder hadn't been able to touch his penis for almost two months let alone fuck with it.
He walked over to the bathtub and turned off the water then stepped into the bathtub, sinking up to his neck in the scented water.
"Daddy, can I play in the bathtub with you?" River asked, walking up the final steps, carrying his plastic boat. As usual, Rex was right behind him. The little boy had on his swimsuit.
"Sure, River. I thought you were playing with Sammy?"
"Sammy's daddies were going down to the village to look at their new cottage. I really don't want Sammy to move. He's my best friend," River said sadly, stepping down into the bathtub. He sat on the highest bench. The water was up to his neck if he stood in the middle of the bathtub.
"You'll still get to see him quite a lot, and when you start school this fall he will be in your class."
"It's not the same as having him living with us," River pouted as he floated his boat in front of him. "Are you feeling good enough to build that snow fort with me yet?"
"Yes, we can build one together on Monday. Tomorrow we have a big party planned for your new brothers and sisters."
"I like parties."
***
Shinji stood silently staring at his lover with his arms crossed over his chest. He watched with satisfaction as Rory squirmed.
"Okay, you win, Shin. I'll change Duncan's diapers for a year if you do the beauty pageant," MacIver said throwing his hands up in the air in defeat.
"Eighteen months, Rory. One year was my first offer that you rejected. My new offer is that you change his diapers for eighteen months and you don't use your sorcerer powers to do so," Shinji said with absolute satisfaction.
"Shin..." MacIver whined. "Okay, eighteen months." He pulled Shinji into his arms and kissed him. "You are a cruel man, Shin, that is what I love about you."
***
Alex was staring straight down at the highly polished marble floor, seeing his reflection staring back up at him. It occurred to him that he was nude. Where the hell was he? The next thing he became aware of was the murmurs from the audience. He slowly lifted his head and looked out over the crowd that packed the theater. He was bathed in bright spotlights from overhead and television cameras were set up around the stage. Alex discovered he wasn't alone on the stage, behind him were seven other immortals. All of them were naked and posed with an air of dignity and pride. They seemed perfectly comfortable standing in front of the audience without a stitch of clothing on, like it was the most natural thing in the world. Behind them were full-length mirrors that allowed the live audience to see every delicious inch of their bodies.
Arty's electronic voice boomed out through the speakers. "The Russian beauty standing before you is Prince Alexei Krycek. He is thirty-six, six feet one inch. Prince Alexei has the most stunning green eyes framed by sinfully lush lashes. Have you ever seen more beautiful sable hair? Prince Alexei was born in St. Petersburg on November 21, 1964. You can see for yourself that he is one of the more endowed immortals. His cock when erect is an impressive nine inches, which you all will get to see during the ejaculation part of the competition. Turn around, Sweetie, show the viewers what a lovely ass you have."
Alex discovered that he didn't have control over his movements and pivoted around until his back was to the audience. He listened to the appreciative applause and wolf whistles.
"Just look at those firm shapely buns. Now what man wouldn't want to sink his sausage between them?" Arty gushed.
Alex's face burned with embarrassment. He was going to kill MacIver. He couldn't understand why that Scottish bastard changed from tuxedos to bare ass-naked for the opening introductions. And what the hell did that blasted computer mean ejaculation part of the competition? That wasn't in the program they agreed upon! They were supposed to have a talent and swimsuit competition. Moreover, why in hell had MacIver hired Arty to MC the contest?
"Okay, Sweetie, just sashay over there with the other beauties."
Alex did as instructed and was mortified to find himself actually sashaying, instead of walking normally. When he turned back to the audience his face was a lovely shade of red, which turned even redder as he noticed the royal box with Walter and their children pointing and waving at him. What was wrong with Walter bringing their daughters and son see this perverted spectacle? He had to be dreaming! That was all there was too it. This was a dream, but it didn't feel like a dream; the lights felt warm on his flesh and the colors seemed so vivid.
"Our next contestant is Prince Fox William Mulder who has just recovered from giving birth to four beautiful babies."
The audience gave Mulder a standing ovation as he walked out on stage. Alex watched his lover smile happily not showing any signs of being embarrassed about his nudity in front of the live audience and the television cameras. Mulder waved and blew a kiss to Walter and their children who were jumping up and down excitedly at seeing their Daddy Fox.
"Prince Fox is thirty-nine years old, he was born October 13, 1961. He has beautiful hazel eyes that change colors depending on his mood and what he is wearing. His hair is a mixture of various shades of brown, like his eyes, it changes colors depending on the lighting. The prince has a sleek muscular body, perfect for lovemaking. Check out his penis gentlemen. At ten erect inches, it is the largest among the immortals. Wouldn't you like to get your lips around that plum-sized head?"
Alex stood open-mouthed. He couldn't believe Fox hadn't stormed off the stage. Instead, his lover seemed to be enjoying the admiration and appreciative applause from the men in the audience. He glanced back up at the royal box, expecting to see a little outrage on Walter's face, but Walter only had a look of absolute pride. Why was Walter allowing their children to witness this sex laden spectacle? Hope and Faith might be too young to understand what Arty was saying; but River certainly would understand a lot of what was being said. Alex didn't want his son to see them treated like pieces of meat -- it was degrading. Why had he agreed to do this pageant?
Alex had missed the rest of Arty's obscene introduction as Fox walked over and stood next to him.
Mulder whispered to him. "I think that went rather well. Don't you?"
"Fox, are you serious?" Alex hissed.
Mulder maintained a sweet smile as he whispered back without moving his lips. "Yes. This is fun, Alex, thanks for talking me into doing it."
Alex shook his head, this was definitely a dream and he had to wake up soon.
After the final contestants were introduced, they each had to walk down the runway before heading backstage. Alex tried to keep his eyes focused straight ahead as he walked down the ramp and out into the audience. He didn't want to look at the men who were making obscene comments to him. If he had any control over his body he would launch himself at the bastards and rip their throats out. However, he wasn't even able to flee the stage let alone tell those jerks to fuck off. When he finally got backstage Fox ran over and hugged him.
"Come on, we have to get you ready. I'm first up in the talent competition," Mulder said, dragging Alex over to a dressing table.
"Get me ready for what?" Alex asked with trepidation.
"Silly, don't pretend you don't remember after all the hours we spent practicing." Mulder kissed Alex at the same time he started to jerk him off. His hand moved lovingly up and down Alex's penis.
Alex started pushing into Mulder's hand as he melted into the kiss, forgetting where they were.
When Alex was as hard as a rock and his cock was pointing straight up, Mulder quickly fastened a cock ring around it then leather bindings around his lover's balls.
"FOX! WHAT THE HELL ARE YOU DOING?" Krycek stared down at him in shock.
Mulder's bottom lip started to quiver. "You said you'd help me with my talent contest. Alex, it's the least you can do seeing that I'm up around the clock feeding your son!"
Krycek hated it when Mulder pouted and laid the guilt trip on him. "Okay, what do I have to do?"
"You're on, Prince Fox," Arty's voice rang out through the speakers, not giving Mulder time to explain.
Mulder got up and kissed him. "Thank you, Alex." Mulder then pulled on a black leather thong and arranged the string between his cheeks and adjusted the cup so his cock and balls were comfortably nestled within. He grabbed Alex's hand as his lover was reaching for a thong to put on. "You don't need that," Mulder said, dragging Alex across the dressing room and onto the stage.
As before, Alex found that he had no control over his body and was forced to follow his lover. On stage, the audience hooted and howled. Alex looked up toward the royal box and was relieved to see that their children were no longer present.
Mulder followed his lover's eyes. "It's a shame they couldn't be here to watch me perform, but you know what a stickler Walter is for putting the kids to bed on time."
"Fox, what are you going to do?" Alex asked with trepidation as Mulder positioned him on the center of the stage then walked over to a small table.
He pulled six objects off the table and held them up. "Silly, you know, ring toss."
Alex looked down at his cock pointing straight up then over at Mulder holding several colorful plastic rings. "Fox. I don't remember agreeing to this," he squeaked.
Mulder frowned. "Yes, you did. You said you'd do anything if I agreed to do this beauty contest. And this was the anything that I asked you to do. We've been practicing for two weeks. Why are you pretending not to remember?"
While Mulder and Krycek were squabbling, Arty was announcing that Mulder was going to be demonstrating his ring throwing abilities, much to the amusement of the crowd as they guessed the intended target.
Mulder walked thirty feet from Alex then looped the rings around his wrist as he pulled a blindfold on over his eyes. Standing blindfolded and facing Alex, Mulder took a deep breath. "Hold perfectly still, Alex."
Krycek couldn't move a muscle even if he wanted to. Fox was going to pay for this! He didn't care if he did agree to it. His eyes-widened as a ring came flying toward him then dropped over his bound cock. The audience applauded. Krycek stared down in horror at the bright orange ring just as a neon green one joined it. His face reddened over the hoots and whistles coming from the crowd. Time seemed to run in slow motion as the rings kept flying toward him until he had no more room on his penis.
Mulder removed his blindfold after he tossed the last ring. He smiled brightly when he saw that he didn't miss once. Then he turned and bowed to the cheering crowd. Mulder walked over and kissed Alex's stunned lips and retrieved the rings. "You were very good. I can't wait to help you demonstrate your talent for the contest." Mulder grabbed Alex's hand and led him off the stage.
Alex was almost afraid to ask. "What talent?"
Mulder only rolled his eyes in annoyance as he removed the leather bindings and cock ring from his lover. "Never mind, let's just watch the others, maybe your memory will return. Besides, you're last." He looked at Alex lecherously. "Like the saying goes they always save the best for last."
Mulder and Alex stood in the wings with the other immortals watching as each of them performed. Alex felt self-conscious -- everyone had thongs on except him, he was still buck-naked. Two of the immortals performed highly erotic dance routines; six demonstrated their ability to suck cock, one the ability to take a dozen anal beads up his ass, two were fisted by their lovers, and another used a vibrator and jerked off at the same time. Krycek's mouth hung open as all of the talents seemed to involve something sexual, he hoped his talent was something simple...but it couldn't be if Mulder had to help him. Okay, Mulder's talent wasn't strictly sexual, no that wasn't correct; he had noticed several men in the audience jerking off as his lover tossed the rings onto his dick.
"Is he ready?" Skinner asked, walking over to the two men, his bare feet slapping on the marble. He had a crown perched lopsided on his head and was dressed in a navy blue robe with the royal crest on it.
Alex stared at the crown opened mouth. Walter would never wear a crown; this was definitely a dream.
"He's pretending that he doesn't remember what his talent is," Mulder grumbled.
"It's probably only nerves. I'm sure he'll be fine during the contest," Skinner said.
The last immortal finished and it was Alex's turn. Krycek watched as Skinner removed his robe revealing that he was naked underneath and his cock was erect and dripping. Mulder peeled off his thong and tossed it on the dressing table.
"Come on, Alex, this was your idea. I really don't know how I let you talk me into these things," Skinner grumbled.
"What was my idea? I'm not going to give one of you a blow job while the other one fucks me am I?" Krycek asked nervously.
"That wouldn't be much of a talent, Alex," Mulder said, shaking his head. "We're both going to fuck you at the same time."
"WHAT!" Krycek squeaked.
Skinner rolled his eyes and growled, "Stop pretending you don't know what we're talking about, we've been practicing for nearly a week. Your asshole is so loose I could fit my whole arm up you. Now let's get this over with! This was your perverted idea after all!"
"My idea?"
Skinner and Mulder had to drag Alex out on to the stage, where a velvet covered lounge was set up in the center of the marble floor. Mulder laid on his back on the lounge and started to stroke his cock, he was horny as hell so it took no time at all for it to become hard as granite. Skinner was already hard and dripping after watching all of the immortals demonstrating their assorted talents. He was more than ready to fuck Alex in front of the whole world.
"Sit on Fox's cock, Alex. Just like we practiced it," Skinner said, kissing and licking the side of Alex's throat. "You know how much you loved having both of us in you at the same time."
Krycek tried desperately to wake up...this was only a dream. It had to be a dream. He moaned and his cock swelled as Skinner continued to kiss him then started to lubricate his anus. Krycek felt removed from his body as he watched from overhead as Skinner stretched him. The crowd of onlookers dimmed until they were bathed only in the bright glow of a spotlight. Then Skinner guided him over to Mulder. Krycek looked down at his lover's beautiful face as he straddled his hips. He reached back and grasped Mulder's cock, placing it against his opening then he bore down until the cockhead popped inside. Skinner had been right, he was nicely stretched and hardly felt even the slightest burn or any discomfort from the initial entry.
"Okay, Alex, lean forward until you are kissing Fox," Skinner advised. In this position, Skinner would be doing most of the work. He admired Alex's stuffed anus as the young man bent forward on the lounge and started kissing Fox. Skinner straddled the lounge behind Alex and positioned his cock above where Mulder's penetrated Alex's anus. Then he strained against the tight opening, pushing down on Fox's cock until the head of his cock slowly pushed inside beside it.
Krycek gasped against Mulder's lips at the painful burn.
"Relax, Alex," Mulder moaned. The pressure of Skinner's cock against his felt wonderful. "Just think about how good it is going to feel."
"God, that's easy for you to say," Krycek groaned, biting down on his lip to keep a scream inside.
Skinner waited until his lover's sphincter muscles relaxed before pushing further inside, his inward push forced more of Mulder's cock up Alex's rectum. Skinner used his hands to help guide both cocks into his lover.
The initial burn had disappeared and a pleasant feeling of fullness replaced it. Krycek had never felt more packed as his anus contracted around the two cocks penetrating him, causing both Mulder and Skinner to moan.
"Jeez, Alex, you feel so fucking hot..." Mulder moaned, pulling Alex's head down until he was passionately kissing his lover, while Skinner started to move in and out of Alex's body. The friction of their two cocks rubbing together in such a tight space was too much for Mulder, and he came explosively after only a couple of minutes. His come slicked the inside of Alex's rectum making it easier for Skinner to thrust in and out.
Skinner felt the dampness of Mulder's release and as his lover's cock shrunk it made it easier for him to fuck Alex harder and faster. He wished he could see Alex's face. Skinner always loved the look of uncontrolled passion on his lover's otherwise controlled features.
Krycek was really feeling good. The pressure against his prostate and the throbbing of the two cocks that total filled him felt unbelievably good. Shivers of pleasure coursed up and down his spine, even his toes and the tip of his nose tingled. If he had done this before he could see why he'd want to do it more often. His cock and balls were squeezed tightly between his and Mulder's stomachs. His balls crept up as he felt his orgasm building and as Skinner pushed back inside forcing Mulder's cock forward and deeper until he was stuffed beyond belief, he came screaming and briefly lost consciousness.
As Krycek's anal muscles contracted and clenched around Skinner's and Mulder's cocks, Skinner could no longer hold back and he came too, nearly blacking out by the force of his orgasm. His body slumped against Krycek's sweat covered back. The lights in the theater came back on and the audience stood on their feet cheering the incredible performance the three men had put on.
"Guys, can you get off me?" Mulder complained about the dead weight of both his lovers on top of him.
Skinner slowly pulled back then withdrew his cock from Alex's stretched anus. Mulder's cock slipped out followed by a stream of come that ran down Alex's thighs. Every muscle in Alex's body was trembling as Skinner helped him back to his feet.
"Well, Alex, I think you just nailed the talent contest, literally," Skinner quipped.
Mulder got up pouting. "Yeah, so much for blind-folded ring tossing."
"Let's give his Majesty and his lovers a hand for such a simply marvelous demonstration of their talents," Arty's gushed. "There will be a thirty-minute intermission while the ejaculation part of the contest is set up. Feel free to go out to the lobby for complementary champagne and hors d'oeuvres provided for your enjoyment by your hosts MacIver, Krycek, and Summers Import/Export Corporation."
The three men walked off stage and Mulder grabbed Alex's hand, leading him over to the showers. "We need to get cleaned up. It wouldn't look good to have semen covering our bodies during the ejaculation part of the competition."
Krycek felt lethargic as Mulder washed him from head to toe.
MacIver walked up to the shower. He had been watching the contest from his private box with Kazuo, and Kazuo's relatives. "Alex, that was a magnificent performance. The video sales from that alone will make us a pile of money."
"Rory, I'm going to kill you as soon as I have enough energy," Krycek growled.
"Why? What have I done?" MacIver looked at him and Mulder puzzled.
"You changed the program from the clean one we agreed on to a pornographic one!" Krycek snapped.
"Lad, I have no idea what you are talking about. You're the one who came up with the program and all of the ideas." MacIver looked over to Mulder for help. "He hasn't been hitting the vodka again, has he?"
"No, Rory, he just seems to be experiencing memory loss. I think it is tied to stage fright. His mind just can't handle appearing in front of all these people, so it has shut down..."
"Fox, I do not have stage fright! This is a dream. I just need to wake up from it."
"Whatever, Alex," Mulder said, rolling his eyes.
Shinji came strolling over and wrapped his arms around MacIver's waist. "Congratulations, Alex. You sure made the rest of us look like no talent fools."
Krycek heaved a sigh. "That wasn't a talent contest it was a fuck fest."
"Whatever, Alex," Shinji said, rolling his eyes.
Krycek turned and wrapped his arms around Mulder's body as his lover turned off the shower. "I want to wake up, please, let me wake up."
"C'mon, Alex, let's dry our hair," Mulder said, pulling him out of the shower and over to the makeup table.
Ari was at the next table over. "Well, that was a nice talent, Alex, but you two might have ruined your chances of winning the ejaculation contest." The tall Australian said combing his thick red hair.
"Fox, what does this ejaculation contest involve?" Alex asked.
"You're going to love this. We stand behind a line; then an electronic wand is inserted into our anus to force us to ejaculate. When we come the distance of how far our semen shoots is marked and the one who shoots the furthest wins. Sounds fun doesn't it?" Mulder smiled.
"Fox, Ari is right we can't possible win this one after coming so soon. Maybe we should just sit this one out," Alex said nervously. Maybe if he could get Fox to agree he wouldn't have to do this.
"Ari is just trying to psych us out. You're last again so that should give you plenty of time to recover. Unfortunately I'm second, but at least one of us might win," Mulder said cheerfully.
"I will wake up now. Dammit wake the fuck up!" Krycek growled, pinching his arm. This was the worse nightmare that he'd had in a long time.
***
Mulder stood next to the sofa staring down at Alex who was snoring loudly in a drunken slumber. "Rory, why did you let him drink so much?"
"I'm not the lad's keeper, Mulder."
"Rory, I was looking forward to making love to Alex this afternoon," Mulder whined.
"Sorry, Mulder. Hey, as long as you're here I have some videos and photos I want to show you. We can check on Alex in a half hour." MacIver was determined to convince Mulder to go along with the beauty contest. He had a ton of video footage taken of orphans from around the world. Mulder had a weakness for children, so he was positive he could appeal to Mulder's heart.
"Okay, Rory, but I need to get back upstairs in an hour," Mulder said, following Rory out of the room.
"It won't take longer than a half hour."
Rory turned on the lights in his office. Mulder was impressed with the room; it resembled a room from some Scottish castle. Rory flipped a switch and the bookcases parted revealing a floor to ceiling high-definition television monitor. "Sit down, Mulder." MacIver flipped on the DVD player and a documentary appeared on the monitor. It was narrated by MacIver and showed different locations from around the world. The cameraman walked through impoverished neighborhoods and into the orphanages, which were in the worst conditions imaginable. The young boys were filthy and some were covered with open sores. Their little bellies were swollen from being undernourished.
Mulder's eyes filled with tears as he watched, and listened to MacIver's voice talking about how many little boys died each day from starvation and disease.
MacIver almost felt guilty using this to sway Mulder to do the beauty pageant. But he couldn't think of any other way to convince him.
"Okay, Rory. I'll do it...as long as all the money goes to helping these children," Mulder said, swabbing at his eyes.
"All but the expenses for setting up and running the pageant," MacIver replied, handing him a clipboard with a contract clipped to it. "Sign here, Mulder."
Mulder didn't bother reading the contract, he just scrawled his signature on the bottom.
***
Krycek looked down at the polished marble floor in front of him. It had lines drawn on it marking off distances. Scattered along the lines at varying distances were red Xs with the initials of an immortal by each. He was the final contestant and had to beat the distance Ari's semen had shot. Mulder was in a distant fourth place.
A hush had fallen over the theater as all the men leaned forward in their seats.
Skinner held Krycek's cock, aiming it slightly up, while Frohike who had been appointed the keeper of the wand parted Krycek's buttocks and gently inserted the wand up his rectum. "Just tell me when you're ready, Alex. It will take you less than a minute to come once I turn the wand on."
Krycek glanced over and saw his reflection in the mirror. He was horrified to see Frohike dressed in a court jesters outfit standing behind him, holding the handle of the wand that was up his ass. Krycek needed to get this over with. "Okay, I'm ready." The wand vibrated, sending electronic impulses against his prostate, making his balls creep up and his cock lengthen and thicken. "Please, please, I don't want to win," he silently chanted.
The audience held a collective breath as the white milky come spurted out of the head of Alex's cock. They watched the stream arch up then come down splattering on the marble floor, it was followed by two more spurts of come. Alex looked on in dread as his second stream of semen hit the floor a mere inch in front of Ari's X.
"Nice shooting, Tex," Frohike quipped, removing the wand.
"Congratulations, Alex. I am so proud of you," Skinner said, hugging his lover.
Arty's voice rang out of the speakers. "We have a winner folks. Prince Alexei Krycek at ten feet three inches." The audience stood and applauded. "Okay, if you'll please take your seats we will proceed to the final stage of the contest. Then we will ask our panel of judges to name Mr. Immortal 2001."
Alex tiredly walked off the stage and was met by Fox who hugged and congratulated him. "Come on, we have to join the others in the sound proof room."
"Why?"
"The contest hinges on a single question that will be asked to each of us. It is worth seventy-five percent of the total points. Anyone can win if they answer the question to the satisfaction of the judges," Mulder said.
"If none of the other contests mattered why didn't we just proceed to this question?" Krycek grumbled, although he was somewhat relieved that he didn't have the pageant locked up.
"What fun would that be?" Mulder asked as they joined the others in the crowded room. They found a seat in the corner and sat watching the clock. Every five minutes the door would open and another immortal would be called until there were only three of them left.
The door opened again. "Prince Fox, you're up."
Mulder walked out on stage and over to the microphone that was set up at the center of the stage. He smiled at the other immortals who were poised on either side of the stage.
"Prince Fox, what is your favorite color?" Arty's voice asked through the loud speakers.
"Green."
He smiled down at the five judges.
"That will be all you can join the others," Arty said.
One minute later Hans walked out on stage.
"Mr. Schatz, what is your favorite color?"
Hans looked up at the speakers. "Purple."
"Thank you, Mr. Schatz, you may join the others."
Alex finally came nervously out on stage. He was determined to blow this question.
"Prince Alex, what is your favorite color?"
"What? What sort of lame question is that?" he grumbled, looking up at the speakers.
"Sweetie, please just answer the question."
"Okay, black." Alex glanced down at the judges.
One of the men, who bore a striking resemblance to Minnesota's former Governor, smiled up at him and gave him the thumbs up. The man was dressed all in black with dark sunglasses. Then Alex realized with a sinking feeling, that all of the judges were men in black and wearing dark sunglasses.
"Prince Alex, you may join the others."
The bald-headed man in black stood. "Arty, we've made our decision. We've selected Prince Alexei Krycek as Mr. Immortal 2001."
The other immortals all hugged Alex as glitter floated down from the ceiling. Skinner came out from backstage and placed a tiara on Alex's head while MacIver attached a velvet robe around his neck. Krycek knees shook as he searched for a way to flee. "No, take it off, Walter! Get that fucking tiara off my head! I don't want to be Mr. Immortal. NO! STOP!"
"Alex, wake up! It's only a dream."
Mulder's voice dragged Alex back to consciousness. Alex peered up at Mulder uncertainly then sighed with relief as he realized Mulder was fully clothed. "God, I just had the worst nightmare," he said. His mouth was dry and his head was throbbing. Alex hadn't had a headache since becoming an immortal, he must have really drank too much.
"Yeah, I thought as much. What did you mean when you shouted: Get that fucking tiara off my head?" Mulder asked, lovingly caressing the side of Alex's face with his hand, removing any pain Alex had from his hangover.
"It was terrible, Fox. I dreamt that I won Rory's immortal beauty contest. I never felt more degraded or humiliated in my life. I'm glad that you didn't allow me to talk you into doing it," Alex said, sitting up he wrapped his arms around Mulder's body, seeking the comfort that only Mulder could give him.
Mulder kissed the top of Krycek's head and hugged him tightly. "Alex, while you were sleeping I signed a contract with Rory to do that beauty contest. He said that all the money except operating expenses would be used to help the orphans around the world. I couldn't turn him down not after seeing those videos of all those helpless children," Mulder said.
Krycek pulled away. "Fox, are you nuts? You signed a contract with Rory without letting our lawyers look it over first? Only thirty percent of the proceeds are going to help those orphans!"
"Why would I be suspicious? You and Rory are business partners. Alex, you have been trying to talk me into doing the beauty contest for the past few weeks," Mulder grumbled. "I will have the Gunmen get an account of all the money being spent to set up this contest. I will hold Rory to what he verbally told me. After all, I do have the King's ear, and he will back me up."
"Fox, I don't think we should be doing this contest. I don't want to stand on stage like a piece of fucking meat! What type of example would we be setting for River or our other children?"
Mulder shrugged his shoulders. "That sometimes you have to do something you truly despise if it helps to better the lives of those less fortunate."
"Fox, I refuse to do it."
"Do what?" Rory asked, entering his entertainment room.
"The beauty contest. Cancel it, Rory, we're not doing it," Krycek said, glaring angrily at his business partner.
"I'm doing it, Alex. Those orphans need the money for food, medicine, and shelter," Mulder said stubbornly. He really didn't want to do it, but he couldn't get the images of all those undernourished children living in filthy conditions out of his head.
"No. We can raise money some other way than prancing around like fucking bimbos!"
"Okay, Alex, what do you have in mind?" Mulder asked.
"I don't know...give me some time to think of something." Krycek stood and pulled Mulder to his feet. "Let's go home."
MacIver had remained quiet while the two men argued. "Alex, you can't back out of the contest now. We have a lot of the company's assets tied up in it. We'll lose a bundle if the contest doesn't take place."
"Rory, I don't give a rat's ass about the money. Fox and I are not doing the contest and that is final! If you still want to go ahead with the other contestants fine...just leave us out of it," Alex said, following Mulder to the door.
MacIver didn't see how he could do the contest with his best contestants dropping out. "Mulder, think of those poor, helpless orphans. They need the money! YOU'VE SIGNED A CONTRACT!" MacIver shouted out after them. Mulder paused and Alex grabbed his hand and pulled him toward the stairs.
"Forget it, Fox. Let's just worry about the party tomorrow. We'll discuss this Monday."
"He's right, Alex, I did sign a contract to do the pageant. I can't just break it..."
"Yes, you can. People break contracts all the time." Krycek pulled open the door at the top of the stairs.
"Alex, my word is the one thing that I won't compromise," Mulder said as they walked down the hallway toward their bedroom.
"What's going on, Fox?" Skinner asked.
Mulder jumped, he didn't realize that Skinner had strolled up behind them.
"I gave Rory my word that I'd do that beauty contest. I even signed a contract. Alex wants me to break both," Mulder replied.
"You don't have to break either," Skinner said as they entered their bedroom.
Two babies were crying and Nurse Olson and Sean were trying to sooth them. They looked up with relief at Mulder.
Krycek was beside himself. "Walter, what do you mean he doesn't have to break either? He is not doing the pageant!"
"I couldn't agree more, Alex. You and Fox won't be able to do the contest even if you wanted to." Skinner followed Mulder into the nursery where his lover peeled off his shirt and took a seat in the recliner.
"What do you mean, Walter?" Mulder asked as he took Sergei and Angélique from the nurse and nanny.
"Alex's business is holding the contest, so legally and ethically you both would have to be disqualified for conflict of interest reasons. The same goes for Ari and Shinji, too," Skinner said.
Mulder smiled up at him relieved. "Conflict of interest? Good call, Walter, that makes me feel a whole lot better. Now all we need is a plan to help those orphans."
"We will find a way, Fox," Alex promised, relieved that Walter came through for them.
***
chapter 4 - Pageant