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, Bee Lan, Susan, and Helen for all their hard work and patience in editing this story and plot suggestions.
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 8
A Matter of Time
Krycek waddled down the long, dark corridor on his way to the kitchen. The rough, uneven stone floor was cold and hard against the tender soles of his bare feet. Feet he could no longer see because his large belly was in the way, and his feet and ankles were so swollen that his shoes would no longer fit. He now had a first hand understanding of what the term barefoot and pregnant really meant. He placed a hand on top of his belly as he continued his journey. The corridor seemed to go on and on. Just as he thought he was getting closer to the kitchen, it seemed to expand and he had to continue walking.His stomach growled hungrily. He'd been having strange cravings since becoming pregnant with the Batman's brood. Krycek licked his lips in anticipation as he finally made it into the kitchen. He couldn't remember walking through kitchen doorway. He was just suddenly there and starving. He made a beeline for the refrigerator. He pulled out a couple of Tupperware containers and a bottle of blood. He knew it was human blood, because that was what the label said. He poured himself a tall glass and set it and the bottle on the table, then opened the containers. One contained grub worms and the other grasshoppers. Krycek was appalled, but couldn't stop himself from digging his fingers into the wiggling mass of worms and bringing them to his lips, sucking each worm off his fingers. He found he enjoyed the way they tickled his tongue as he swallowed them alive. Next, he reached for a grasshopper and plucked its legs and wings off before popping the remaining succulent morsel into his mouth and chewing it contentedly. He followed that with a sip of the burgundy beverage. Krycek remained standing as he ate. He knew if he sat, he wouldn't be able to get back up without assistance.
The smoker strolled into the kitchen, puffing on a cigarette. He looked admiringly at his mate stuffing his face at the kitchen table. "How's my precious little preggy-kins doing?" he asked, bending down and kissing the top of Krycek's head, while his clawed hand lovingly caressed the immortal's swollen belly.
"I'mfime," Alex mumbled with a full mouth. He swallowed and reached for the bottle. "Batty, we're almost out of blood. Why don't you be a dear and go fill another bottle for me," Krycek said, pouring the rest of the bottle into his glass and handing the empty to Spender. *Batty!* Why was he talking affectionately to Spender?
"Anything for you, my pet."
Suddenly Krycek moaned, "Oh. Oooh...Oooooh..."
"What's wrong?" Spender asked anxiously.
"I think our babies have decided that they want out, Batty."
"Okay! Don't panic!" The smoker rushed to the kitchen door and shouted, "Fyodorov! Havock! Get your worthless butts in here!"
Krycek in the meantime continued to eat and drink as the contractions grew stronger.
"What are you doing?" Spender bellowed!
"Mmuwhaf?" Krycek said, his mouth stuffed with grasshoppers.
Spender swept his hand across the table and knocked the Tupperware containers and glass to the floor. "You're in labor, goddammit! Do you want our babies to fall out and land on the floor?" He scooped Krycek off his feet and laid him on his back on the kitchen table.
"You called us, Master?" Fyodorov asked, as he rushed into the kitchen with Havock. They were both dressed in white nurses' uniforms.
"Yes. Tie my mate's arms and legs to the table legs. I don't want our babies injured while my mate thrashes around in pain." The smoker, in the meantime, had removed the maternity robe Krycek was wearing.
Krycek lifted his head and looked down at his large belly. It was squirming like the bowl of worms he had been eating out of moments before. Suddenly, a small face protruded from his flesh and then another and another.
"Oh look, honeybunch. It's our babies!" the smoker cooed happily.
Krycek frowned. Something was wrong. "Hey, shouldn't they be in pouches?" he asked, puzzled. Suddenly, sharp pain racked his body as one of the babies clawed its way out of his navel. "UGH!" Krycek pulled on the ropes holding his arms down. His eyes widened in shock at his baby's hideous appearance. It looked like a miniature CGB Spender...a bat baby. The thing looked at him and hissed, then crawled up his body to latch onto his nipple. Its sharp teeth drew both blood and milk from him. "Oh God! It hurts, it hurts, it hurts!" Krycek screamed, as three more bat babies were born. They scurried across his chest, fighting for a turn at his nipples.
The Batman was jumping up and down clapping his hands. "Oh, they're so adorable, Alexkins."
Suddenly, Krycek was no longer tied down to the kitchen table. He was standing in the cold, dark corridor holding a net. His babies were flying away from him and he had to catch them. It was their bedtime, but they didn't want to go to sleep. "Get back here at once! Pride, Envy, Sloth, Greed! Stop!" he shouted, as he chased after them. He didn't see the staircase until it was too late, and he stumbled down it. Falling and falling and falling...
Alex sat bolt upright in bed screaming. The bed and room were momentarily spinning. He leaned over the bed and dry heaved, spitting up a little bile. Grasshoppers! He shuddered. As he settled back against the mattress, he reached under the covers and touched his navel. To his relief, he still hadn't gone through the change yet. God, it was only a dream!
The smoker walked into the bedroom and glared at him. "So, you're finally back among the living!" he growled, walking up the bed. "Dammit, Alex! You have to stop killing yourself! It's beginning to piss me off!" he snapped angrily.
Krycek received a great deal of satisfaction from pissing the smoker off. He watched with disgust as Spender stripped out of his clothes. His impressive erection leaped free. It was swollen with need from being denied its desire for so long.
"By the way, my sweet, my last two human dogs died because you were unable to perform your spousal duties! Their deaths are on your head!" He pulled down the bedcovers and exposed Alex's nude body, pale and breathtakingly beautiful against the black silken sheets.
Krycek shivered as the chilly air brushed over his flesh. He had met the two abused humans the smoker mentioned. They would have more than welcomed death over their present existence. Krycek wasn't sure how much time had passed since he had poured kerosene over his head and lit himself on fire. He hoped longer than a couple of days. He'd noticed the more drastic his death was, the longer he took to heal. When he'd stabbed himself through the heart with the steak knife, that had only taken a little over a day to heal. Krycek didn't even attempt to fight as CGB Spender climbed onto the oversized bed and roughly spread his legs wide as he knelt between them.
"How long?" Krycek finally asked.
"Five days." The smoker pushed a lubed finger into him. "Alex, if you ever attempt to kill yourself again, I will tie you down to this bed until after our first batch of children are born!"
"Whatever," Krycek muttered, turning his face to the side so he wouldn't have to watch the creature taking him. Five days was the longest. If he could get his hands on more kerosene... His thoughts were shattered as the hideous creature took him.
***
"Are you ready, yet?" Havock asked impatiently.
Fyodorov was wrapping the baby in an extra layer of protective clothing. He had just fed and changed the baby's diaper. He placed food and formula for little Duncan in the duffel bag. "We're ready," he said.
"Are you sure you want to take it? It will only slow us down!" Havock asked. He wasn't too sure about the wisdom of taking the baby with them. He would have ordered Fyodorov to leave it, but something deep down inside him was telling him that the baby could come in very handy. Not knowing which voice to listen to was causing him untold agitation.
"I won't leave him here!" Fyodorov growled, as they made their way down the stairs to the subterranean pond. If the baby didn't go, then neither would he.
"We don't have time to argue about it!" Havock snapped. "It's now or never!"
They had discovered that whenever the Batman was having sex with Krycek, he wasn't able to focus on anything except the immortal. They had the length of time the smoker would be fucking Krycek to get through the underground tunnels. Spender would have a difficult time detecting their presence once they were on the other side of the barrier. Havock led them to the side tunnel in which he had discovered a small hole concealed in the shadows. It was sheer luck that he had stumbled upon it. He had been further amazed that the hole led to another tunnel -- a tunnel that ran underneath the barrier and came out in a cave several miles away. Havock could have escaped at that time, but he had been waiting for the smoker to bring Mulder to him.
Fyodorov hugged the baby, crooning softly to him in Russian. Duncan babbled and smiled at the little man as they made their way down the dark, cold tunnel. The only light was from the flashlight Havock carried.
"Okay! I'll go through first then you pass the brat to me!" Havock said. Getting down on his knees he started crawling through the narrow hole. He came out in a wider tunnel than the one they'd been in. Turning back toward the hole, he stretched his arms out and took the baby from Fyodorov. He stood with the baby in his arms and stared down in disgust at the small, trusting face. "I hope you are worth the trouble, brat."
***
Crystal Palace
Monday, January 29th
8:20 a.m.Mulder carried a tray with hot tea and biscuits into Shinji, who was sitting in his bedroom wrapped in a blanket staring sadly out the window. Shinji smiled gently as his friend set the tray down. It had been over a month since his baby had been kidnapped. He and Mulder had talked, and although he didn't hold Mulder responsible for his son's abduction, Mulder still took the complete blame for it upon himself. What made matters worse was the Batman's offer to exchange Duncan for Mulder. Mulder was more than willing to exchange himself, but Shinji and Walter wouldn't hear of it.
Mulder handed Shinji a cup of tea, then sat next to him.
"How are your children doing, Mulder?" the younger man asked.
Mulder yawned tiredly. "Sorry," he said covering his mouth. "Sergei has finally slept five straight hours without waking up, demanding to be fed. His brother and sisters have been sleeping six hours between feedings for the past week. Faith and Hope keep asking for Alex. I've been worried that they might forget him. River is sleeping back in his own bedroom most of the time, but he still sneaks into bed with Walter and me when he's scared."
Shinji sipped his tea. "Little Sergei does have a healthy appetite, doesn't he? Duncan was always very fussy. I had a hard time getting him to nurse. I think he takes after Rory...I was half-tempted to drink a couple of bottles of ale before trying to nurse him," he said, smiling sadly, remembering. Then he wiped at a tear in his eye. "My milk has dried up..."
"Shin, I'm sorry..."
"Don't be. Duncan will just have to get used to drinking formula when we get him back." He took a sip of tea, his hand shaky. "I heard from Rory yesterday. He says that Slava and Lord Oda have moved their troops north of his position. He had a run in with Lord Oda a couple of days ago..."
"Yeah, I know. Walter told me." Mulder wrung his hands nervously in his lap. "Shinji, if you promise not to tell Walter, I'll let you in on a secret," he said quietly.
Shinji wasn't sure he should make any promises not to tell Walter whatever Mulder wanted to tell him. "What, Mulder?"
"Promise me first."
"Mulder..." Shinji said, exasperated.
"Promise."
"Okay. I promise that I won't tell Walter." His curiosity outweighed his better judgment.
Mulder pursed his lips thoughtfully. "Or anyone else."
Shinji glared at him. "Or anyone else. Now tell me what you're up to?"
"I've started mixing formula with my milk in the babies' bottles. I'm hoping to get my babies used to drinking only formula within the next couple of weeks," Mulder said.
"Mulder! You shouldn't be doing that!" Shinji said aghast. "Our milk is a thousand times more nutritious!"
Mulder ignored him. "Once they're used to the formula, I'm going after Alex and Duncan on my own."
"Mulder, we have our best sorcerers trying to rescue them. You can't expect to do any better than them."
"Shin, they've been trying for over a month now! I won't stand by any longer while Alex is being raped and victimized. I need to do something!" Mulder growled, leaping to his feet and pacing around the room.
"Getting yourself captured isn't going to help the situation any!" Shinji scolded.
"I won't get captured." Mulder sighed. "Before I became an immortal, I was quite skilled at breaking into places. With my new powers, I'll be able to walk right into the fortress and out with Alex and Duncan right under that smoking bastard's nose."
"Why do you think you'll be successful when Ari wasn't? He wasn't even able to get within half a mile of the barrier before having to turn back," Shinji argued.
"I'm not easily frightened, Shinji."
"Mulder, please think about the consequences of what you're considering. Think about Walter and your children first. How would River handle losing you, too? Walter isn't going to take you ditching him too kindly."
"He's not going to lose me. I'll be back with Alex and Duncan in a couple of days."
"Mulder, I wish you would reconsider."
"No. Alex needs me. As soon as the babies have adjusted to drinking the formula, I'm leaving."
"Take Walter with you then!" Shinji pleaded.
"I can't tell him. If I did he'd stop me..."
"Mulder, Walter would have gone after Alex himself, but he's been stuck here taking care of you. It isn't fair to him! What about your withdrawal pains?"
"Shin, he'll never agree to my plan. He's too protective of me where CGB Spender is concerned. I'm the only one with any chance of getting past the barrier and into the fortress undetected. As for my withdrawal pains, I plan on taking an anti-pheromone shot before I leave."
"Mulder, then take Kazuo..."
"No. I'm not putting anyone else's life in danger."
Shinji was exasperated! He didn't know what else he could say to talk Mulder out of going. He never should have given Mulder his word not to tell anyone what Mulder had told him.
***
White Mountain
Monday, January 29th
10:20 a.m.Krycek regained consciousness and noted the dim light coming in through the window. It barely lightened the room. He hated Alaska for its long winter nights when the sun hung just below the horizon, giving the day at best only a few hours of murky dimness. He slowly pulled himself off the slumbering Batman's cock, which was still imbedded in his backside after a long, relentless session of sex. Krycek assumed the perverted creature was making up for lost time. Five hours of being forced nearly left him lame, as he limped to the bathroom to relieve himself. He would have loved a nice long soak in a hot bath, but Spender had removed the bathtub after he'd used it to drown himself. That death didn't last very long at all. It was hardly worth the effort. Krycek turned the shower on as hot as he could stand it and stepped under the spray.
He closed his eyes and let the hot spray wash over his face, neck, and shoulders. So far, killing himself by fire had lasted the longest. He doubted that he'd get another chance to do that again. Now if he could only figure out a way to decapitate himself. Alex was sure he'd get at least two weeks rest. He turned his back to the spray and looked around the bare bathroom. It had absolutely nothing he could use to harm himself. Krycek sighed. He couldn't even leave the bedroom any longer. The smoker had made the doorway leading out into the corridor vanish, sealing them both inside until the cancer-sucking bastard awoke.
"God, Walter, Fox, why have you forgotten me?" he murmured sadly. It hurt, not hearing any word from them. Deep down, he knew that his lovers were doing everything in their power to rescue him. Fox would have come if it weren't for their babies. He was sure of that. But where was Walter?
***
They approached the exit to the tunnel cautiously. Both men were freezing. The temperature in the tunnel was almost as cold as the frigid surface temperature. Havock needed Fyodorov's clairvoyant abilities to help shield them from the smoker as they made their way across Alaska and into Canada. Only the former American air force base was left in Alaska, as most of the lifelong residents had fled south, far away from the menacing presence of the Batman. If they could make it to the base, he would be able to steal an airplane and fly them as far away from Alaska as possible.
The closer they came to the exit, the stronger Havock's powers became. It had been months since the Australian sorcerer had his powers. The first thing he used them for was to scan the area outside the cave. His eyes widened in surprise and a wicked grin graced his handsome face at what he had discovered. "Marat, my friend, you've been carrying little Duncan for hours! Your arms must be tired. Let me carry him for the next few hours."
Fyodorov's arms were getting tired, so he smiled tiredly. "Thanks, Beiran, I could use the help." The little man opened his coat, where he had the baby bundled protectively against his warm skin.
Havock took the baby from the little Russian and smiled down at Duncan's cute face. This baby was his ticket to riches. Cradling the baby in one arm, he pulled out a knife with his other hand.
Fyodorov adjusted the duffel bag on his shoulder and then turned back to make sure Duncan was okay. The Australian moved so quickly that Fyodorov never saw the knife. He was puzzled at first, looking down at the pearl knife handle sticking out of his chest. Havock gave the knife one upward twist and the little man fell to the ground, dead. The last thought Fyodorov had was to hope that Duncan made it back to his parents unharmed.
Havock stared down at the body for a moment. He could easily have stopped Fyodorov's heart with his re-emerged powers, but that might have alerted the Batman to their whereabouts. He couldn't take that risk. Not when he was less than an hour away from certain freedom. "Well, brat! Shall we go find that bastard of a father of yours?" he asked as he opened his coat and shirt, placing the baby protectively against his warm chest. He then bent and retrieved the duffel bag from Fyodorov's body.
Snow had fallen since they had been down in the tunnels. Havock carefully made his way across the pristine landscape. He judged by the murky dimness that it must be noon. It was hard to tell. Night would be falling shortly. It took him a little under an hour to reach his destination. Suddenly, he found himself surrounded by a few dozen powerful sorcerers.
"Lad, I hope you have a very good reason for being here!" MacIver growled, as he stepped forward. He hadn't been able to read the stranger's mind. It wasn't until he was close enough that he saw who it was that his men had captured. "YOU! What are you doing here! You mangy, good for nothing, piece of DUNG!"
"I was looking for you as a matter of fact, MacIver," Havock replied softly.
"Why? What are you up to?" MacIver hissed. He had had nothing but unpleasant dealings with the Australian in the past.
"I just escaped from the fortress. That bat creature has been holding me captive for over four, torture-filled months!"
MacIver's eyes narrowed. "If that were true, why would you be looking for me, instead of trying to get as far from here as possible?"
"I didn't escape alone," Havock said, opening his coat.
Duncan yawned and turned his little face to look out at all the men gathering around him.
"Duncan! My beautiful son!" MacIver shouted and rushed forward to take his child from Havock. "Oh, my darling little boy," he purred, raining kisses over his son's tiny face. Duncan looked at him and giggled. "I'm in your debt, Havock," MacIver said teary-eyed.
"I'm a changed man, MacIver. Spending over four months in the presence of pure evil has made me see the error of my ways." He smiled charmingly. "God must be looking down on me today. I had no idea that you'd be out here, MacIver. It's saved me a long walk back to civilization with your son. I packed enough diapers and formula for the baby to last a week." Havock passed the duffel bag over to one of the other sorcerers who stood watching in amazement. "Now if you'll excuse me, I have a long walk ahead of me."
"Walk? Why would you need to walk? Just tell me where you're going and I'll see that you are flown there promptly." MacIver was so overcome by happiness, he wasn't thinking too clearly.
"Rory!" Gabriel Hunter said, as he appeared suddenly in the middle of all the men.
"Gabriel! Look! My little Duncan is safe!"
"Rory, why don't you take him home to Shinji at once? I'll take over for you here," Gabriel said, smiling gently, while his eyes fixed Havock with a look of distrust.
"Good idea! Havock, would you like to fly out with Duncan and me? You can be my personal guest at the Crystal Palace!"
Gabriel interrupted, "Rory, I think it would be better if he stayed here for a little bit."
"MacIver, thank you for the offer, but I doubt that King Walter would be too happy with my presence at his palace. I did have an unfortunate hand in raping his brother. An act that I have come to regret deeply," Havock said, looking remorseful.
"Our King is a fair man. If he sees that you have mended your ways, I'm sure he'll show you leniency!" MacIver cuddled Duncan, breathing in his delicious baby scent.
Havock knew he had a likely ally in the Scotsman. He just needed to cement MacIver's support. "MacIver, I have no doubt that King Walter is a fair and just man. However, it wasn't just any man I raped. It was his brother. Even the fairest man would have a problem maintaining his objectivity in the face of that. I don't think I want to chance spending the rest of my life in jail when I could be going forth and helping my fellow man."
Gabriel rolled his eyes. "Rory, I need Mr. Havock to show us how he got out of the fortress and through the barrier."
Havock could tell that Gabriel wasn't buying his story. He needed to convince the blond sorcerer if he was to be successful. "We escaped through a tunnel that runs underneath the barrier. Unfortunately, the Batman will have discovered the tunnel by now. His servant had followed us and I was forced to kill him. The tunnel would be too dangerous now. And believe me, you wouldn't want to be trapped on the other side of the barrier with the Batman. He employs some method to steal your powers, leaving you helpless and at his mercy," he shuddered.
"I would still like to see this tunnel," Gabriel said, just as the Batman alighted on a nearby tree.
Spender had been listening to the last few minutes of their conversation. "So, Aussie! You have escaped and killed my faithful servant. I should have given you more credit for being shrewd and ruthless."
Gabriel turned and faced the Batman angrily. "You finally show your hideous face, Spender! Prepare to die!"
The Batman threw his head back and laughed. "You are a formidable opponent, Mr. Hunter! But if you don't kill me with your first blow, then I will kill little Duncan. His blood will be on your hands! Now you will allow me to have my say. Afterwards, I will depart peacefully."
Gabriel paled. He looked over at Rory, who was holding his son even more protectively in his arms. Gabriel wasn't sure he could kill the Batman with his first blow. He couldn't chance the Batman killing Duncan. It wasn't worth the risk. "Have your say, then leave!"
Spender smiled. "A wise decision, Mr. Hunter." He turned back to face Havock. "I can easily take you back with me and these men could do nothing to prevent it. However, I will allow you your temporary freedom. Just keep it in mind that I can take back you anytime I choose." With that said, the Batman took flight and vanished into the hazy sky.
Hunter glared after him, then turned to Havock. "There is a warrant out for your immediate arrest, Mr. Havock. It looks like you'll be going to the Crystal Palace after all."
"I'll go any place as long as it's well away from here!" Havock knew what was behind Spender letting him go. He also knew that if he wasn't successful in impregnating Mulder that Spender would take him back to the fortress, where his head would be mounted next to Spender's other enemies.
"My men will escort you back, Mr. Havock," Gabriel said, dismissing him as three sorcerers stepped forward and led Havock away.
MacIver had been watching the exchange quietly. "Gabriel, thank you for not putting Duncan's life at risk. I'm not sure I could have protected him from the Batman."
"I would never place a child's life at risk. Now get your butt back to Shinji."
***
Crystal Palace
Monday, January 29th
5:00 p.m.Shinji stared anxiously up at the approaching helicopter, his hand tightly clenched within Kazuo's. Mulder, Skinner, and their friends all waited with them as MacIver's helicopter circled the landing pad. They held their collective breaths as the helicopter descended to the ground. Shinji couldn't keep the tears of joy from his eyes as his husband and son climbed out of the helicopter. "My baby!" he wept. Letting go of Kazuo's hand, he went and hugged Rory, then took Duncan into his arms.
"Ba-ba-ba-ba!" Duncan bounced and babbled excitedly, recognizing his father instantly.
Shinji kissed his temple and breathed in his scent. "Rory, he looks so healthy. I was afraid that he wouldn't be well-cared for," Shinji said, cuddling his son to his chest tears streaming down his cheeks.
"Beiran Havock had a large hand in taking care of Duncan. If it weren't for him, our little Duncan would still be inside the fortress," MacIver said.
"Havock?" Mulder asked, his eyes widening.
Skinner put an arm around Mulder's waist. "Shh, babe, it's all right. He's been flown to the north side of the island to our prison facility. We'll have him transferred to another prison on the mainland after the trial."
MacIver spoke up, "Walter, he's not the same man he once was. He's mended his ways. I hope you take that into consideration."
"Rory, he brutally raped Alex and was responsible for several serial murders in the eighties!" Skinner growled.
"People can change, Walter! Look at me! I was a ruthless mercenary and a smuggler before I fell head over heels in love with Shin!" MacIver stated vehemently.
"You were never a murderer, Rory."
"Alex and you were..."
Skinner glared at the smaller man. "I only murdered Bill Mulder to protect Fox!" he snapped. He hated talking about that brief period in his life, when he had been blackmailed into working for the consortium. However, he never regretted killing Bill Mulder.
River tugged on Mulder's pant leg. "Daddy, who's Bill Mulder? Why did Daddy Walter kill him? Did he try to hurt you?" he asked. He had been standing between Skinner and Mulder.
Mulder knelt down and scooped River up in his arms. "I'll tell you later, champ." River rested his head on Mulder's shoulder as his dad walked over to Shinji. He squeezed by their mutual friends who surrounded the Japanese immortal. "I'm happy for you, Shin."
Shinji smiled sadly. "Thanks, Mulder. I'm sorry that Alex wasn't rescued, too." Their conversation from this morning was weighing heavily on his conscience. He hated knowing that his friend would soon be placing his life in danger. Shinji adjusted Duncan in his arms. His little boy kept trying to get at his nipple, and here he had been sure Duncan would have forgotten him. The baby started crying, not happy being denied. "Sorry, Duncan. No more milk. Your daddy has gone dry."
"Maybe we should take him inside and get him a bottle," Kazuo suggested, as Duncan's crying grew louder.
"I think we should," Shinji said, rocking his son. He interrupted MacIver, who was still arguing with Skinner. "Rory, we're going back to our apartment. Are you coming?"
"I'll be up in a moment, Shin." MacIver turned back to continue his discussion with Skinner.
"Look, Rory! I'm willing to take into account Havock's good deed of taking care of Duncan these past five weeks and rescuing him. If he has truly reformed his ways, then I'll be willing to give him a lighter sentence," Skinner said. His attention wavered as he watched Mulder carry River back toward the palace.
"That's all I'm asking, Walter. Now I'd better get back to my family..."
"I better get back to mine, too?" Skinner said, turning and heading back toward the palace. These past five weeks had been impossible for him. He was desperate to have a more active hand in rescuing Alex. Although he had been in constant contact with Gabriel, MacIver, and General Kline several times a day over the past weeks, it wasn't enough. He wanted to be there himself!
***
White Mountain
Monday, January 29th
5:30 p.m.Krycek was happy for the first time since being abducted. He no longer had to worry about Duncan. The smoker had informed him that the baby was now safely back home with Rory and Shinji. Spender said that he had freed the child to show Alex that he wasn't such a bad guy. Alex hadn't believed him at first, until the Batman showed him a brief news clip of Rory getting off a helicopter with Duncan.
Krycek sat quietly as the cook placed a heaping plate of food in front of him. All of the meat had been cut into bite-sized pieces. The smoker only trusted him with a spoon. His eyes scanned the room as he absently ate and listened to the smoker drone on about sending Fyodorov and Havock out on a diplomatic mission. His eyes lighted on a bell cord. It was long enough for his purpose... The cord suddenly vanished.
"Alex, you're not hanging yourself. You can get that notion out of your pretty little head."
Krycek pursed his lips and went back to eating, keeping his head down and his attention on his meal.
Spender smiled at the pretty, bowed head. He knew Alex was avoiding looking at him. How he longed for those green-jeweled eyes to look upon him with love and admiration, instead of hate and disgust. "I have a surprise for you, my dear," he said, taking a long drag on his cigarette. He went on as Alex continued to ignore him. "I have the nursery ready for our children. I think we should shoot for six babies for your first pregnancy. What do you think, dear?" He smiled as Alex visibly trembled, his attention diverted briefly from his meal. "After all, Fox had four babies and you are built more sturdily than he. I think you could easily handle six."
Krycek's mind was screaming as he calmly finished his vegetables and picked up the wine glass. He wouldn't allow the smoker to see his distress.
Spender watched the beautiful face for a reaction as Krycek calmly sipped his wine. "Alex, I bet you're the type that would become quite plump while pregnant. I'll have to make sure to monitor your diet. We wouldn't want you gaining more weight than is necessary."
Krycek finished his wine and glanced over at Spender. "May I have some more wine?"
"Yes you may, dear. But first, it's time for our nightly inspection. Remove your clothes."
Krycek sighed, pushed back his chair and stood. It was pointless to resist. The few times he had, had only gotten him further punished and humiliated. He pulled the soft angora sweater over his head and folded it over the back of the chair, stepping out of his penny loafers -- shoes he normally wouldn't have been caught dead in! He then unzipped his wool pants and shimmied out of them, folding them on top of his sweater. He left on his thong as he walked over to the smoker's chair.
Spender looked at him in admiration. "You're so beautiful, Alex." His hands caressed Krycek's hips and up his sides, then back down. He reached around to squeeze the beauty's taut buttocks. He lowered his head to Krycek's belly and used his tongue to probe his navel. Spender pulled his head away in disgust. "I bet you would have changed by now, if you hadn't slowed the change down by killing yourself!"
Krycek ignored the smoker's rant and stared over at the wall with the severed human heads mounted on plaques. He admired the sharp sword hanging above the heads. It might be possible...
"STOP THAT!" the smoker growled. Pulling Alex over his knee suddenly, he started spanking the beautiful immortal's ivory buttocks. "You're not going to decapitate yourself!" SWAT-SWAT-SWAT! "Is that clear?" SWAT-SWAT-SWAT-SWAT!
Krycek closed his eyes and bit his lower lip to keep from crying out.
"IS...THAT...CLEAR!" Spender growled, delivering several more hard blows to Krycek's now flaming red buttocks.
"YES!"
Spender stopped spanking him. "Good. I hope you finally learned your lesson!"
"Yes."
"You can have another glass of wine, then we shall retire down to the subterranean pond. I think we both could use a nice soak in its warm mineral waters."
***
Crystal Palace
Monday, January 29th
6:20 p.m.Havock sat on the bed in his cell looking humbly up at Skinner who stood glaring down at him. The Australian sorcerer wore a power control cuff around his ankle, which eliminated his ability to use his sorcerer powers. Neither man was aware that Mulder stood invisible in the corner of the cell. Skinner could have discovered him if he used his powers to search the cell, but he had no reason to do so.
"I want to know everything you can tell me about how my brother is being treated by CGB Spender!" Skinner growled.
"The batman is in love with Krycek and can't keep his hands off him," Havock said shrugging his shoulders.
"I want to know everything!"
"I don't think you're going to like it, Your Majesty."
"Tell me!"
"He rapes Krycek several times a day. It has gotten so bad that your brother has taken to killing himself, just for the brief rest death would bring him."
Mulder gasped and quickly covered his mouth, he thought sure that the two men might have heard him, but they continued talking.
"How?" Skinner asked quietly. His heart aching with sorrow.
"The first time he leapt out of the fortress upper window. Next he drowned himself. After that he drove a knife through his heart. The last time he set himself on fire..." Havock grinned. "Krycek has been really driving the Batman crazy...I think your brother gets a sense of victory from that."
"Thank you, Mr. Havock. If you can answer a few more question for me, I will take your cooperation into consideration when sentencing you," Skinner said.
Mulder couldn't take anymore and fled the cell. He was now more determined than ever to rescue Alex.
***
Skinner office
Thirty-minutes laterMacIver rushed into Skinner's office. His clothes were disheveled as if he had hurriedly put them on upon receiving Skinner's telepathic message to meet him in the throne room at once.
"Have a seat, Rory. Can I get you a drink?" Skinner asked.
"A whiskey would be ideal," MacIver said, taking a seat in front of the fireplace.
Skinner poured them each a stiff drink, then took the chair across from MacIver. "I want to ask a favor of you, Rory. This is really hard for me, but I see no other way and you're the only one I trust."
MacIver sipped his drink and waited for Skinner to continue. He could tell that the larger man was agitated.
"I want you to take care of Fox for me, so I can join our forces at White Mountain."
"Take care of, as in have sex with?"
"Yes."
"Have you discussed this with Mulder yet?"
"No. But, I'm sure he'll agree. Fox wants Alex back as much as I do. He knows that I stand the best chance of rescuing him." Skinner hoped that his lover would agree. He couldn't picture Fox not agreeing, since it was for Alex. His only problem would be if Fox wanted to come with him, but since he was still nursing their children, Skinner had a good excuse not to take him.
"Okay, if Fox agrees. I also want to discuss it with Shinji and Kazuo," MacIver said.
"Rory, can I ask you a personal question?"
"What?" MacIver asked, as he got up to pour himself another drink. He had abstained from alcohol all the while he was at White Mountain.
"Are you and Kazuo lovers?"
MacIver gave a throaty laugh. "God, no! Having sex with Kazuo would be like fucking my own brother..." He blushed suddenly, realizing he had just put his foot in his mouth. "Uh...no offense, Walter."
Skinner chuckled. "None taken. I know that my relationship with Alex is far from conventional." He held out his glass as MacIver poured a little more whisky into it.
"Walter, why don't you take Mulder with you to White Mountain?" MacIver asked, sitting back down.
"He's still nursing our babies."
"I'm sure Hans, Justin, and the other immortals would step in to help nurse them. Mulder might be able to help you break through the barrier," MacIver suggested.
"No. We tried breaking through the barrier with Ari. I doubt Fox would have any more luck. I think it's best that he remains here."
"I think you're underestimating Mulder..."
"Rory, I know my lover like the back of my hand! If I thought there was a chance that Fox could get us inside the barrier, I'd take him with me!"
"What would it hurt to try?"
Skinner sighed. "I don't want him anywhere near that smoking bastard. Rory, I can't lose Fox, too."
"Well, it is your choice, Walter." MacIver drained the rest of his drink. "Now, if you'll excuse me, I haven't had sex in five weeks and I'm hornier than a bitch in heat."
Skinner watched Rory depart and glanced at the clock. His and Fox's love life had been nonexistent since Alex was kidnapped. They only took time to fuck when Fox's withdrawal pains started. The act had no romance associated with it. That would stop tonight. He wanted to make love to Fox before he departed for White Mountain.
***
Crystal Palace
Monday, January 29th
8:20 p.m.Skinner sat up against the headboard of River's bed, reading a story to his son.
"Daddy?" River interrupted.
"Yes, son?"
"I'm happy that baby Duncan is home."
"Me, too."
"I'm happy that Uncle Rory is home. Is he going to stay or go back for Daddy Alex?"
"Uncle Rory is going to stay. I'm going with Uncle Kazuo to help rescue Daddy Alex."
River smiled. He knew if anyone would be able to bring his missing Daddy home it was Daddy Walter.
"Hi guys," Mulder said as he walked into the bedroom. Rex lifted his head from the rug and barked. Mulder bent and scratched behind the dog's ears, then smiled up at Walter. His lover looked so cute in his undershirt and flannel pajama bottoms that he just wanted to cuddle with him. "How's story time going?"
"Daddy Walter's reading me Harry Potter and the Sorcerer's Stone." River smiled. "Did you know that Daddy Walter and Uncle Kazuo are going to fight the Batman and rescue Daddy Alex?" he asked suddenly.
Mulder's eyebrow rose questioningly. "No, I didn't know that, River." He looked into his lover's nervous brown eyes for confirmation.
"Fox, I was going to tell you as soon as I finished putting River to bed. With Rory back..." Skinner stopped when his lover's face became grim.
River could tell his Daddy Fox was upset. "Don't worry. Daddy Walter is a much more powerful a sorcerer than the Batman."
"River, if you're through with Daddy Walter, I'd like to talk to him back in our bedroom," Mulder said through clenched teeth. He turned and stormed out the bedroom door, barely keeping his temper in check.
River looked up at Skinner and whispered, "Oh my, you're in big trouble. He didn't even kiss me goodnight."
"I think you might be right." Skinner climbed off the bed and tucked River under the covers. He gave him a kiss goodnight. "I need you to do me a favor, son."
"What, Daddy?"
"If you need to come into our bedroom tonight, please knock first," Skinner said and ruffled River's hair lovingly.
"Okay."
Skinner took a deep breath and walked out to meet his fate.
"How could you?" were the first words out of Mulder's mouth when Skinner walked into their bedroom.
"Fox, Alex needs me! I didn't think you'd mind. You've always put Alex's needs ahead of your own," Skinner said.
Mulder glared at him. "You're not going to have anymore luck than Rory, Gabriel, and General Kline have had! In the meantime, you expect me to stay here and be fucked every other day by Rory! Isn't that right, Walter?"
"Fox, Rory's serviced you in the past...I trust him not to touch you beyond having anal intercourse with you..."
"Gee, thanks so fucking much, Walter! Your love for me holds no bounds!" he snarled sarcastically.
"Fox, don't be this way. I love you more than I've ever loved anyone in my life and you know that! I love Alex too, and he needs me more right now. Even if I can't break through the barrier, at the very least I'm hoping to get close enough to communicate with him telepathically. He needs to know that we haven't given up!" Skinner rallied.
Mulder looked sadly down at the floor as tears pooled in his eyes. "Okay, fine. Go."
"Okay? Fox, you're giving in this quickly?"
Mulder shrugged his shoulders and sat down on the bed. "You're right, Walter. Alex does come first, and if you're able to telepathically communicate with him to tell him that we love him and are doing everything we can to free him, then I can tolerate being fucked by another man," he said remorsefully. Besides, Mulder thought guiltily, what right did he have to be angry? Alex was in this situation because of him. He had been planning to ditch Walter for the very same purpose as Walter was leaving him. At least with his lover out of the way, he could speed up weaning his babies off his milk more quickly.
Skinner let out a relieved breath. He'd been sure he'd eventually convince Fox that this was the best course, but he had thought it would take a lot longer. He sat on the bed next to Fox and put his arm around his waist, pulling Fox closer. "I would like to make love to you before I leave. We haven't made love since Alex was taken from us. I would like to have at least the memory to tide me over until I can return to you with Alex."
Mulder turned and melted Skinner's arms, hugging him tightly. "Walter, please promise me that you'll be careful? The smoker is insane...I don't want him to get his hands on you."
"I'll be careful. Why don't you get ready for bed?"
Mulder sighed. "Yeah. We might not see each other again for a while." He rose and walked into his walk-in closet to remove his clothes and toss them into the laundry hamper.
Skinner locked the bedroom door, then closed the French doors leading into the nursery. All babies were sleeping quietly. He removed his glasses and placed them on the nightstand. Then he stripped out of his undershirt and pajama bottoms. Skinner pulled back the covers on the bed and fluffed the pillows. He chuckled suddenly, looking at the pillow in his hand. They had become like an old married couple.
Mulder gave him an inquisitive glance as he walked out of the closet naked and headed for the steps to their bathroom. "What," he asked, at his lover's chuckles.
"Us. Remember when we didn't have to worry about kids interrupting us, or the state of our clothes after we'd ripped them off each other? We have a routine that we go through each evening before bed now. You always strip in the closet then head to the bathroom. You'll brush your teeth first, then you'll clean yourself out and afterwards you'll take a shower and shave your pubic areas..."
"Walter, you know I don't always give myself an enema before we have sex..."
"But you're planning to tonight because we aren't just having sex, we're making love. Am I right?"
Mulder hated to admit that Walter was right. He had been planning to clean himself inside and out. "Okay, so you're right. But, I see nothing wrong with having a routine. It only means we're comfortable around each other and there's nothing wrong with that."
"I never said there was. Fox, I find our daily routines reassuring and comforting."
Mulder's eyes grazed appreciatively over Walter's muscular body and rested briefly on the large organ resting between his lover's strong thighs. "I find a lot of things in our lives comforting," he said, and started back up the steps. "I'll be down in a bit."
Skinner's cock twitched as his eyes traveled lustfully up Mulder's long legs to his firm ass. Licking his lips he asked huskily, "Would you like me to give you a hand with your enema?" He was positive Mulder would say no. He always had in the past.
"Sure."
Skinner was momentarily stunned. It took several seconds for his legs to unfreeze, so he could hurry after Mulder. His cock thickened as he watched Mulder at the sink brushing his teeth. Their eyes met in the mirror. Mulder spat and rinsed. "I don't know why you're always wanting to give me an enema. Enemas are so gross."
Skinner chuckled, hugging Mulder from behind and kissing the side of his lover's throat. "I don't find anything about you gross, Fox." He spun Mulder around to face him and covered his full lips with his own, hungrily drinking in his lover's minty taste.
Mulder's arms went around Skinner's neck as he lost himself in the kiss. He moaned as his lover's fingers clutched and kneaded his buttocks. Their groins rubbed together back and forth, up and down, in an erotic dance of need. Mulder broke the kiss first and took Skinner's hand.
"Come on! You wanted to give me an enema. We might as will get it over with." Mulder led him into a small room off the main bathroom. It had several hoses with nozzles attached along the wall, two benches, an overhead shower and a large hole in the middle of the floor covered by a wide meshed grate. Mulder selected a hose then and dipped his finger into the lubricant and greased its nozzle, handing it back to Walter. "I think you know what to do from here," he said, putting one foot up on the bench and bending over.
Skinner placed one hand on the small of his lover's back, then placed the nozzle against his anus and slowly pushed it in until it was firmly seated. "How much of the solution do you usually use?"
"Turn it on and I'll tell you when to turn it off," Mulder said. He was surprised that he wasn't more embarrassed, like he'd been in the past.
Skinner opened the valve and watched as the liquid traveled down the clear tubing and into his lover. "You don't have set amount?"
"No." Mulder wasn't about to admit that he had really begun to enjoy the sensation of water filling him and at times would use more than was recommended. "I usually just use enough until I start feeling uncomfortable," he said, then looked under his arm at Walter's passion-filled face and chuckled. "Would you like me to give you an enema next, Walter?"
"Uhh, maybe some other time."
Mulder smirked. "I'll hold you to that." A glassy look came over his eyes and he said, "Okay, turn it off."
"Do I leave the nozzle in?"
"No take it out and hang it back on the wall."
"Shouldn't I wash it off first?"
"Walter, we have servants who do that for us."
"Since when have you gone upper-crust on me?" Skinner teased.
Mulder glared at him angrily. "Since I'm not a fucking sorcerer and I can't just wave my hand and have it all magically done! I have seven kids for crying out loud! I need some fucking help!" Mulder gritted his teeth against the sudden cramping.
"Hey, I was only joking. Of course, you should have all the help you can get."
"It w-wasn't funny, Walter."
"I know. I'm sorry." Skinner rubbed Mulder's back as his lover trembled from both anger and discomfort.
Mulder rested his head on Skinner's broad shoulder. His bowels were cramping painfully. He had five more minutes before he could relieve himself. They stood there quietly for several minutes. Mulder finally pulled away.
"Walter, would you mind leaving? I need to..." he glanced over at hole in the middle of the room then back at Skinner.
"Okay, Fox, but you have nothing to be embarrassed about. I'll go and heat up the shower for us."
Skinner kicked himself as he walked out of the room and crossed the bathroom to the shower. He should have known better than to tease Fox about domestic issues. Skinner himself was overtaxed being King, but Fox was stuck with four infants, two toddlers, and an inquisitive five-year-old to deal with during the day. Even with their nannies to help him, Fox was still the center of their children's universe -- a universe his lover wasn't accustomed to -- and sometimes Skinner wondered if he even wanted it.
Mulder finished rinsing himself off. He hadn't meant to snap at Walter over something so petty. He was just so stressed out lately from wanting to go to Alex, but not being able to because of the babies. Then finding out that Walter was going to White Mountain while he was still stuck here seemed really unjust. To make matters worse, he was afraid for Walter's life. Mulder wouldn't put it past CGB Spender to try to kill his lover. He didn't know what he'd do if that happened. He gazed lovingly at Walter's powerful physique as his lover turned to face him. Their eyes met and Mulder tried to convey all the love he felt for Walter in that one look, as he slowly made his way across the bathroom. He stepped into the shower, shoved Walter against the tiled wall and kissed him hard. "Walter, I haven't told you how much I love you lately. I do -- more than I can ever convey in words. It scares me that you'll be placing yourself in danger. Please, promise me that you won't go beyond the barrier and into the fortress? The smoking-bastard is going to try and trick you..."
"Fox, give me a little credit. I'm aware of what happens to a sorcerer's powers on the other side of the barrier. I plan to wait him out. He'll have to leave his fortress sometime and when he does, I will kill him! Then it will be safe to go in after Alex." Skinner pulled him close. The water cascaded down their bodies. "You have nothing to worry about. I'm not about to do anything reckless when I have you to come back to."
Mulder was relieved. If anyone was going to be reckless it would be himself. Skinner's hands had traveled down to his ass and were lovingly caressing his buttocks. "Walter, let's get clean. I want to make love in our bed for once."
Skinner chuckled, his finger teasing the opening to his lover's body. "We do have a tendency to let ourselves flow with the moment. Okay, the bed it is," he murmured, pulling his finger away and picking up a washcloth.
They spent long minutes washing each other and sharing tender kisses. By the time they were done, both men were more aroused than they'd been in weeks. Skinner didn't even bother drying as he bent down and hefted his lover's wet naked body over his shoulder and carried him down the steps.
Mulder squeaked as he found himself upside down, looking at Walter's gorgeous ass. Then he was dumped in the middle of their bed and his larger lover climbed on top of him, smothering his face with wet, sloppy kisses. Mulder couldn't help chuckling as Walter's tongue and lips covered every inch of his face before settling on his lips in a long passion-filled kiss. He laced his fingers around Walter's neck, pulling him closer.
Skinner let out a moan as his senses were filled with his lover's scent and taste. Mulder's pheromones still affected him as strongly as they had the first time his lover had changed into an immortal.
"What are you thinking about, Walter?" Mulder asked, his hands caressing up and down Skinner's broad back.
"Doctor Wells..."
"I haven't thought about him in months! Why would you think of him now of all times?"
"I was remembering the first time I saw you after you changed into an immortal. Remember I had to strong-arm that doctor out of the room after he tried to kiss you? He wasn't able to resist you because of your pheromones."
"Yeah, I remember. Those were some of the most difficult weeks of my life...I was so alone...so isolated," Mulder said sadly.
"I still regret that time, Fox. I wish I hadn't been such a selfish ass when you needed me."
"We all have regrets. I regret wallowing in self-pity instead of forcing you to tell me what was wrong." He looked into Walter's warm earth-hued eyes, as his hands trailed lovingly over his lover's large biceps. "Let's forget the past. I love you, Walter Sergei Skinner, and if you don't fuck me so hard that I'll be able feel it for the entire time that you're gone I'll..."
Skinner silenced him with another kiss as he shifted his body until he was kneeling between Mulder's parted thighs. He slowly worked his way down Mulder's body, stopping to feast at his nipples.
Mulder cried out at the sensation of his lover's lips suckling him, his cock growing even harder. "Oh God, if you don't stop I'm going to come!"
Skinner grinned as he tugged playfully on the nipple with his teeth. He sucked harder, swallowing the sweet fluid as Mulder arched off the bed and came, spilling his seed between their bodies. Skinner smiled up at him, before moving down to Mulder's navel, where he continued his oral assault.
Mulder was panting hard as his lover's tongue invaded his bellybutton. The sensitivity of the orifice had him erect again in seconds. His fingers dug into Skinner's shoulders, as his lover mercilessly brought him to a second orgasm in a matter of minutes.
"You're becoming quite sticky. Would you like me to take care of it for you?" Skinner asked, as he started to lick the creamy come from Mulder's belly. His tongue traveled over Mulder's cleanly shaved groin.
"Oooh..." Mulder moaned, as Walter's licked along the length of his flaccid cock, rousing new life from it. "I can't..."
"You can and you are," Skinner chuckled, as he lapped around the cockhead of his lover's rapidly reawakening organ. His fingers cradled his lover's sacs, as he slowly took more and more of his length into his mouth.
Mulder's eyes closed and his fingers clutched the blankets as his cock swelled inside his lover's mouth. He smiled as he thrust his hips up. He couldn't imagine anyone being more oral than his precious Walter. The magic his lover's mouth was able to work on his senses was amazing. "Oooh, God!" Mulder moaned.
Skinner sucked harder, massaging Mulder's balls, until his lover was shooting his release down his throat. He lapped it all up greedily, enjoying the rich flavor.
Mulder sagged lifelessly to the mattress. Seconds later when he felt Walter's cock enter him, he was too boneless at first to respond. As his lover picked up momentum, his hips pushed back automatically, meeting Walter thrust for thrust. Then Walter's hands wrapped around his cock and started pumping it, forcing it to become hard once more. Mulder's legs wrapped tighter around his lover's waist as he was slammed into harder and harder, faster and faster. It was too much, as his orgasm took him for the fourth time, his anal muscles clamping down on Walter's cock.
Skinner held back for as long as he could, but the feel of Mulder's internal muscles bearing down on his sensitive organ was more than he could stand, and he shot his release deep into his lover's bowels.
Both men sagged tiredly in each others arms, still joined. It was several moments before they realized the pounding they heard was the door and not their hearts.
Skinner pulled out of Mulder then climbed out of bed and pulled his flannel pajama bottoms back on as he stumbled to the bedroom door.
River stood there looking frightened clutching his rag doll rabbit to his chest. "I knocked."
*Fox?* Skinner sighed telepathically.
*Just get rid of the wet spots, Walter, and let him in,* Mulder replied tiredly.
Skinner used his powers to eliminate any sign of their activity from the bed.
River scurried around Skinner and ran to the bed, climbing into Mulder's arms.
Mulder pulled him under the covers and cuddled him reassuringly. "Did you have a bad dream?"
"Yes. I dreamt that the Batman took you from me, too," River murmured his eyes filling with tears.
"I'll always be here for you, River," Mulder said. "I'm stronger than the Batman."
Skinner wrapped his arms around Mulder and River. "Fox," he warned.
"I am stronger, Walter," Mulder said quietly.
Skinner sighed. "Fine. If that is what you need to believe."
***
Crystal Palace
Sunday, February 7th
4:20 p.m.Jeffrey cuddled Angélique against his chest as he fed her the bottle. She looked up at him trustingly. He glanced over at Mulder, as his half-brother placed Sergei in the bassinet, then picked up Hunter out of the other.
"Thank you for giving me a hand, Jeff. With Walter gone, you're the only other person that she'll allow to hold her."
"No problem, Mulder. I don't mind helping you with the babies, and considering that Ian will be sleeping for two more weeks, it gives me something to do along with some practice for when our child is born." Jeffrey sat on a stool his wings fanned out behind it. "By the way, it was nice of you to send all of your nannies on a paid week to New York City," Spender said.
"They deserved some time off." Mulder wanted them out of the way while he got his babies accustomed to drinking formula. "So, are you excited about the prospect of becoming a father?" Mulder sat down in the rocking chair and placed the nipple of the bottle to Hunter's lips.
"Very!" Jeff said, watching Mulder closely. "Don't you still nurse the babies?"
"I'm trying to get them used to the bottle so I can go back to work," Mulder said, only slightly lying, as he watched his son suckling on the bottle. The whole bottle was filled with formula only. He would wait one more week to make sure they were fine before he left to rescue Alex. If anything happened to any of their babies, Walter and Alex would never forgive him. His main worry was River. Their son had been sleeping with him every night since Walter left. River didn't feel he needed to put on a brave front for Mulder as he had for Skinner. Mulder knew he'd have to sit down and have a long talk with River before he left.
"I don't know why you want to continue working? You have everything, Mulder. A beautiful home, family, two men who love you..."
"Jeff, I'll admit that I love my children more than I thought possible, but I also need time away from them. I want to go back to work..."
"I would think that your children would come first?"
"They do come first." Mulder sighed. "Jeff, I don't see why I have to explain myself to you."
"Children need one of their parents available at all times. Mulder, my mom wasn't around much. I hardly knew my father..."
"Jeff, we're not like your or my family were. My children will never lack for love. People who love them fill this place. Like you. You'll be here for them if something should happen to me?"
"You know I will, Mulder. Besides, you're my only blood relative."
"No I'm not, Jeff."
"Our father doesn't count, Mulder."
"I wasn't thinking about him." Mulder smiled down at Hunter. His green eyes framed by thick sable lashes were watching his face intently. The look was so like his beloved Alex's. "Jeff, all of my children are related to you by blood. Even Angélique."
***
White Mountain
Sunday, February 7th
1:20 p.m.Krycek had been feeling exhausted for the past week. More so than usual, as he dragged his sore and abused body into the bathroom, hoping that a cold shower would help. The smoker's loud snores seemed louder here than in the bedroom, as they echoed off the tiled walls. He stepped under the spray and shivered as cold water cascaded down his body. Picking up the bar of soap he cleaned the semen from his flesh. He paused over his belly as a strange sensation washed over him. Krycek dropped the soap in horror and tentatively probed his navel with his finger. It sank into his body and was tightly clenched by the muscles of his new orifice. A rush of pleasure coursed through him.
***
End of chapter 8 - A Matter of Time