Title: Artemis, Chapter 5

Author: Kendall

Fandom: X-Files

Rating: NC-17

Pairing: S/M/K.

Archive: All requests are welcomed

Date: July 7^th, 2001

Category: AU

Spoilers: None specifically

Warnings: Contains scenes of m/m sex. If this offends you please *LEAVE NOW*

Disclaimer: Skinner, Mulder, Krycek, Scully and Doggett and the X-File all belong to Chris Carter, 1013 Productions and the Fox Network.

Series: Greek Gods

Summary: Fox and Walter are keeping secrets from Alex.

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Artemis (Goddess of Animals)

"Mulder it’s me. It’s here."

"Great. Oh this is going to be so great. I can’t wait till Thursday," Fox Mulder exclaimed excitedly. "Scully thanks for everything…I really appreciate it."

Dana Scully chuckled and said, "Well when you and Walter get together and start making puppy dog eyes at me how can I resist. I’ll have everything ready for six-thirty as we agreed. This is probably the strangest way of throwing a surprise birthday party I’ve ever heard off."

"Walter calls it the backwards surprise," Fox said laughing, "The guest of honor will be there before the guests arrive. It was the only way we could think off of getting him to your place without arising suspicion on his part."

"You sure he is going to be alright with this?" Scully asked, "I mean, a surprise party might not be the best thing to do with someone like Krycek."

"He has had to get used to a lot of new things since he started living with Walter and me so what’s one more," Fox said trying to sound more confident than he felt. Walter and he had debated whether or not Alex would be ready to accept a party for his birthday or not. After careful consideration they had opted to at least try. The worst that could go wrong was that Alex would kill them on the spot. "I’ll let Walter know that the present arrived. We’ll see you on Thursday. Thanks again Scully."

"You are welcome Mulder," Scully said before hanging up the phone.

Alex watched Fox and Walter suspiciously as the three men sat down to dinner, "Okay what the hell is going on? Do I have something on my teeth or do I have an unsightly rash on my face?"

"What are you talking about Alex?" Walter asked in confusion.

"The two of you have been staring at me since I came home," Alex said, "What is it?"

"Can’t we look at you without something being wrong?" Fox asked innocently. "You are just so purrrrty."

"No! You are making me nervous."

"Fox you might as well tell him," Walter said shaking his head in defeat.

"What!" Fox said taken by complete surprise. Walter could not be serious about letting Alex know about the party with only three days to go. "You…you want me to…"

"Okay if you won’t I guess I will," Walter said with a dramatic sigh, "Alex…I didn’t want to get your hopes up but I have assigned two agents who work with John to do nothing but research the whereabouts of your brothers. We don’t have any idea how long it will take or if they will be in any way successful but we will find something out." He glanced at Fox and smiled when he saw the younger man relax and at the same time give him a mock glare for having fooled him.

Alex’s eyes lit up at the news and he grinned widely, "Thank you Walter. That’s really more than I hoped for. You are sure you will not have problems with the Director? I mean assigning Bureau resources to find my brothers might not be the best use of agent’s time."

"You leave that up to me Taz," Walter said as he put his hand over Alex, "Besides anything to do with the Consortium and their experiments is important to the Bureau. Finding your brothers is part of that."

Now that he knew the reason for Walter and Fox’s strange behavior Alex began to enjoy his dinner.

Soon the three men were finished and between them had the kitchen cleaned in no time.

"So what do you guys want to do?" Fox said with a mischievous grin.

"I thought Alex and I would go for a walk around the park, there is still plenty of light and then when we get back he and I could play a couple of games of chess," Walter said seriously as he watched Fox’s face fall comically. "Why? What did you have in mind Foxling?"

Fox crossed his arms over his chest and pouted, "Never mind…I have suddenly developed a huge headache. One that I think will last about…oh I don’t know…a week…maybe longer."

Alex came up to Fox from behind and hugged him, laying his chin on Fox’s shoulder, "Oh come on Fox don’t be like that…you know Walter was just kidding you."

Fox glared at Walter and said, "Yeah…he is just full of surprises this evening…aren’t you Big Guy?"

Walter smiled and kissed Mulder’s pouty lower lip and then his nose. "Come on Foxling don’t be mad at me. Let’s go take that walk together and then we can do whatever you had in mind."

"Alright but let’s make it a short walk," Fox said finally conceding.

"I’m all for that," Alex said and the trio left the house.

The Falls Church community where Walter and Fox had purchased the house the three men lived in was a high class neighborhood, where there were only two homes per block. All the houses were huge and were surrounded by large yards in all four directions. It had been designed for maximum security and catered to those people who were looking for not only luxury but privacy as well. Each house was separated from the others by large fences to keep nosy neighbors away.

As they walked to the private park that was reserved for the members of the community the three men noticed the ‘SOLD’ signed in the house up the street in the opposite side. They had already met most of their other neighbors and everyone had seemed friendly enough and no one had made any comments about three men living together. Walter guessed it had something to do with the fact that most everyone in the United States if not the world could recognize him, Fox and Alex without much trouble. Their faces had been and continued to be plastered over the news. Walter hoped these new neighbors would not be any different that the rest of the families they had met so far.

It was still light enough when they got to the park that they were not the only ones there. Several parents were still out with their young children watching them ride their bikes or roller-blade around the bike trail. Some people where out for their evening jog and still some others were out walking their dogs. Everyone that saw them waved in greeting.

"Alex!" a woman’s voice carried across the park towards them and an instant later Eve Kirkpatrick approached them, "Walter, Fox, how are you this lovely evening?"

"We are fine Eve," Walter said pleasantly, "How about yourself?"

Eve Kirkpatrick was fifty-three and didn’t care who knew it, especially since she only looked forty at the most. She had an easy laugh and a great sense of humor. She also adored dogs and that is why she had four of them wrapped around her ankles all wagging their tails at the three new arrivals. "Oh going crazy as usual with these demons but that is my lot in life as their slave."

Alex was fond of Eve’s dogs and had even taken them for their walks before when she had twisted her ankle and hadn’t been able to. He secretly wished for a dog of his own but couldn’t bring himself to ask Walter and Fox to let him have one, especially since they already had given him so much. "Where is the Monster?" Alex asked referring to Eve’s Rottweiler.

Giving an annoyed looked Eve said, "That rascal ran off again. I’m taking the boys home and then come back to look for him. He doesn’t get very far…just likes to explore."

"I’ll go take a quick look," Alex said and took off running before anyone could say anything, "I know his favorite hiding places," he yelled over his shoulder.

Eve chuckled and said, "That boy is full of energy. And he sure loves dogs. You should see him with the boys, they love him and it is clear he loves to be around them."

Fox and Walter looked at each other and their eyes widened as an idea dawned on them, "Eve what are you doing Thursday night?" Walter asked grinning.

"You smell like wet dog," Fox said wrinkling his nose as they returned home an hour later.

"How was I supposed to know Monster was going to jump in the lake," Alex groused as he slipped out of his wet jeans and jacket.

"You better go take a hot shower before you catch a cold," Walter said as he pulled the wet t-shirt off his lover, "Lift your leg…now the other one…good boy," he added as he helped Alex step out of his boxers.

"We’ll be there shortly to join you."

Alex eyes twinkled with delight at the words, "Hurry," he said as he walked up the stairs wiggling his bottom seductively.

"Get going Scamp," Walter said laughing as he placed a well-aimed swat on the aforementioned derriere.

When they were sure Alex was out of ear shot Fox said, "Walter are you sure?"

"Yes I’m sure."

Fox grin could have lit up the darkest night, "Great! This is going to be soooooo coooool."

"Speaking of cool we better not wait too long or Alex will hog all the hot water." Walter said and ran up the stairs closely followed by Fox.

"Lower…lower…lo…oooooo….oh my dear mother of Gooooooooood," Alex moaned as he arched his back and threw his head back in ecstasy. Walter stood behind him, his large cock pressing impatiently against Alex’s opening. The cause for Alex’s moaning however didn’t come from the anticipation of having Walter penetrate him but from having Fox’s luscious lips locked around his own tumescent penis. Fox was on his knees facing him licking and sucking as if his life depended on it. To make everything even more interesting they were making love in the shower, and the warm water was cascading over their bodies.

The first time they had tried it they had ended up in the bathroom floor, giggling like a bunch of idiots. The shower was big enough to accommodate them but only if they were showering like normal people, but it was not built with enough room for three men to assume positions that were traditionally meant to be kept in a flat, dry surface. With time they had learned what worked and what didn’t and now the shower was used as much for having sex than for actually showering.

"You ready baby?" Walter purred in Alex’s ear. At the younger man’s nod, Walter pushed Alex forward until Alex reached out and braced himself against the far wall of the shower. It was not an easy position to hold with one hand but he was able to stay upright with Fox’s help. Mulder would grab Alex’s hips as he continued to suck him and anchor him while Walter rode him.

They would all take turns being in the middle of the equation, and tonight they had decided it was Alex’s turn. Alex had been surprised since it was Fox who had initiated the session earlier but was not about to complain. They were all fair men and no one went too long without being satisfied.

"Fox…I’m…I’m…almost there," Alex groaned as Walter pounded into him again.

"Hold on Alex," Walter said huskily behind him, "I’m…not quite there yet."

"By all means Walter…I’ll…I’ll wait," Alex said grinning over his shoulder. "How…you doing Fox?"

"Humohkay," Fox said around Alex’s cock. "Nohwoieyabutme."

"What the hell did he say?" Walter asked amused.

"He said ‘I’m okay, don’t worry about me,’" Alex said, "Didn’t you know I’m a great Suck to English translator?"

This was too much for Walter who began laughing so hard he couldn’t hold his orgasm any longer, "Here I come."

Alex’s body shook as he felt Walter’s orgasm rip through him and he felt the warm seed fill him. It was a split second later that his release came and Fox was there to take his seed in return. When Walter was spent he leaned forward onto Alex’s back and braced himself on the shower wall so the younger man would not have to keep all the weight on him. Walter kissed the back of Alex’s head as he said, "You are so gorgeous. I love you so much."

Alex twisted his head back a bit to reach for a kiss. His actions had the negative effect of pushing his body forward and accidentally knocking Fox, who was still on his knees against the hard surface of the shower.

"Owwww," Fox exclaimed as his head came in contact with the tile.

Alex looked down, immediately contrite, "Oh Fox, I’m so sorry. Are you alright?"

"I’ll live," Fox said rubbing the back of his head gingerly, "I might need a lot of cuddling and kissing."

Walter laughed and stepped out of the shower. He quickly slipped into his robe and held Alex’s for him to step into. When Alex was out of the shower, Walter leaned over and helped the pouting Fox to his feet. The bigger man pulled Mulder into his embrace and rubbed his back comfortingly, "There, there my little Foxling you are okay. It was a good thing you hit your head, you probably did more damage to the wall than the wall did to you."

"Very funny Walter," Fox said, his pout becoming even more pronounced. "I think my headache is coming back."

"Oh is it now," Walter said as he scooped up Fox of his feet and held him like a baby. "We’ll just have to do something about that."

"Walter put me down," Fox screeched as Walter began to tickle him. "Sto-oop, Walter please…please…"

"You still have a headache Banshee?"

"No…no…sir…all better," Fox said in between gasps of laughter.

"I thought so," Walter said amused. "Let’s get to bed. Tomorrow is a workday after all."

"Awww can we play some more," Alex whined as he helped Fox into his robe.

Walter looked at him with surprise, "You are ready to go again Alex. I don’t know if I’ll survive the year with the two of you. You guys are insatiable."

"Who was talking about sex Walter, you dirty minded guy," Alex said in mock shock, "I thought we play a couple of games of chess. The winner gets to suck off the Foxman here. He didn’t get to much play action in the shower."

"Oooh, I’m all for that," Fox said clapping his hands like a kid about to open a present at Christmas.

"Very well," Walter conceded, "I hope your lips can handle it Krycek, ‘cause I am going to beat the pants off of you."

"No problem Skinner," Alex said as he flung his robe open, "I ain’t wearing any pants. Hah!" and with that he ran out of the bathroom and down the stairs.

"Who would have thought Alex ‘The Ratbastard’ Krycek, would have such a sense of humor," Fox said grinning. "We better go join him before he starts the party without us."

"Yes Scully…yes…yes I’ll tell them. No I don’t think Walter would have a problem…okay I’ll let them know and if there is anything they need to ask you they’ll call. Okay bye…bye Scully."

"What did Scully want?" Fox said as he came into the study.

"She wanted to invite you, me and Walter over for dinner on Thursday. At six-thirty."

"Any special reason?" Fox asked trying to sound nonchalant.

"She said that she and John are taking the boys up to see John’s parents in New York for the weekend and she wants the three of us to go to the house to discuss some of the details for the wedding and the christening."

‘Way to go Scully, who would have thought you could be so devious,’ Mulder thought to himself. To Alex he said, "Oh okay, I don’t have a problem with it, and I don’t think Walt will either."

"That’s what I told Da…Scully," Alex said.

"Alex, you delivered the woman’s babies, I think she would not mind you calling her Dana."

"You call her Scully," Alex countered as he blushed slightly.

"Force of habit," Fox said shrugging his shoulders, "I sometimes call you Krycek and Walter Sir, and you both call me Mulder sometimes. Why don’t we go surprise Walter and invite him to lunch. I called Kim and she said if we get there quick we can steal him away for an hour."

Alex’s face broke into a huge grin, "I love surprises."

"You do?" Fox said surprised himself.

"Yeah…as long as I am not the one being surprised," Alex said as he walked out the room.

Fox sighed and rolled his eyes and muttered to himself, "I hope he doesn’t hate them too much."

"Walter a Buzz Chatham called. Wanted to know if the package had arrived," Alex said as Walter came home. "I told him I didn’t know what he was referring to but that I would tell you."

Walter smiled and breathed a sigh of relief that Buzz hadn’t spilled the beans about the present he and Fox had purchased, "Oh…Buzz is an old friend of my father’s. He was sending me some information on his youngest son who wants to join the Bureau. I promised to look over the papers he was sending."

"Oh, okay," Alex said shrugging his shoulders and turning back to the computer screen.

"How…was your day?" Walter asked, placing a kiss on the top of Alex’s head.

"Same shit different day," Alex replied, "These disks are becoming too easy to decode and no new info that I can tell."

"Young man have you been reading the files again?" Walter asked suddenly serious. "I thought we had an agreement that you would not do that again."

Alex’s eyes widened and he swallowed hard, "Sorry…I didn’t mean to, it’s just kind of hard not to."

"Maybe a good spanking will jog your memory," Walter said frowning. Alex sighed, stood and began unzipping his jeans. Walter’s hand stopped him, "Hey Alex I was just kidding. I’m not going to spank you over this. I know you can’t help but be curious. It was what you did for a long time, gather information. I understand. You alright Taz?" Walter added with concern at the tearful look Alex was giving him.

Sniffling Alex said, "Yeah…sorry Walter…I don’t know what came over me. I…I just really hate to…to make you be disappointed in me. I’m trying really hard to change…to make you proud. You and Fox."

Walter pulled him in a fierce hug and rubbed his back gently, "You make us proud every day Alex, don’t ever doubt that. You are so strong and so willing to change your old ways…that is enough for us. We love you just the way you are. Let’s go see how Fox is doing with dinner."

"You just want to check to make sure he doesn’t burn the house down or make something that will give us indigestion," Alex said chuckling as he gave Walter one last one-armed hug.

"Tell him that and I will deny everything," Walter said and smacked Alex in the butt.

"Fox if you don’t calm down, he’ll know something is up," Walter admonished Mulder as the pair was getting ready to head over to the Scully-Doggett residence.

"I’m just soooo excited," Fox said pulling his light-gray Dockers on. "How can you stay so calm?"

"Practice Grasshopper, practice," Walter said in his best Kung-Fu Master imitation, "It is six fifteen. We better get going or we will be late."

"What’s the big hurry," Alex said as he came into the room. He was wearing dark blue Dockers with the same color turtleneck sweater.

"Aren’t you going to be too hot with that on Alex?" Fox asked as he slipped on a short-sleeved dark-gray Polo. "Dana might have set up a bar-b-que?"

"Then I’ll eat inside," Alex said shrugging, "You know I don’t like to wear short-sleeves unless I’m with you guys alone."

"Let Alex wear what he wants Fox," Walter said, "We better get a move on. It is not polite to be late to an invitation."

"It’s about time you got here," Dana Scully said as she opened the door to let the three men in.

"We are only two and a half minutes late," Alex said looking at his watch. He let Dana take his leather jacket and followed Fox and Walter into the living room. The doors leading to the patio were open and he could see two tables had been set up with several chairs around them. John Doggett was busy working on getting the grill started. "Scully you have enough food out there to feed fifty."

Dana looked at Walter and Fox with a glint in her eye and said, "Oh not fifty, just maybe fifteen. I invited my mother and the Gunmen to join us."

"The Gunmen?" Alex asked turning around to face her, "Why? Are they in the wedding too?"

"Uhm…yes…they are going to be ushers," Dana said quickly. It was not a lie at all since she and John had agreed that the men should be invited. "I also asked Kim Cook and Monica Reyes to come. They are going to be bridesmaids."

"Oh okay," Alex said simply.

"Anything we can help with Dana?" Walter asked, pleased that Alex didn’t seem to suspect anything.

"Sure, why don’t you and Alex go see if John needs any help with the grill…you know those New York boys aren’t too outdoorsy, and Fox if you wouldn’t mind helping me with the drinks."

"Sounds good," Fox said and followed her to the kitchen as Alex and Walter went to join Doggett.

"Scully you are just too much. I don’t know how to thank you…I know you still don’t feel one hundred percent okay with Alex."

"Mulder, I’m making the man a god-father to one of my son’s how much more acceptance can you ask for?"

"I know…I know, but I want to thank you anyway."

"If you want to thank me, fill the trashcan with ice and put the beer and sodas in. We have about fifteen minutes before everyone starts arriving."

"What about the presents," Fox said, "How are we going keep Alex from seeing them?"

"Don’t worry your pretty little head Mulder," Scully said laughing, "I had the Gunmen pick them up from everyone throughout the week. They are all in the garage with your present. Everyone knows what’s going on and what to do. Relax…Alex will love it."

The doorbell rang, interrupting them. "I hope he loves it ‘cause it is too late to back out now. I’ll get the door."

By seven-fifteen everyone had arrived and they were mingling around the house and the backyard. Alex still suspected nothing and was deep in conversation with Byers when a new arrival came in. He was surprised to see Eve Kirkpatrick walk in. She smiled at him and said hello to the rest of the group and then went back inside, followed by both Fox and Walter. Byers began to talk again and pulled Alex’s attention back to him.

A moment later Maggie Scully made her way to the two men and said, "Alex…Dana is busy getting things ready for the dinner, would you mind helping me with the boys? She would like them to be down here while we eat."

"Sure Mrs. Scully," Alex said surprised. Although his relationship with Dana’s mother had improved in the last six weeks since the babies' birth he was still surprised when she talked to him civilly. He followed her up the stairs and into the nursery.

Downstairs everyone went into hyper-drive. The smaller presents were brought from the garage and placed on a rolling table in the kitchen, out of sight. The Gunmen got busy hanging a computer-generated banner that said "Happy Birthday Alex" across the top of the patio double doors. Furniture was moved around to make room for everyone. John, Monica and Kim worked on setting up the food and making sure it was well covered until it was time to eat. Dana brought out four bottles of champagne and Walter helped with the glasses. Finally everything was set and Fox was sent upstairs to get Alex.

"Hey you guys what’s taking so long," Mulder said breathlessly as he almost ran into the nursery, "They are dying to see the little men."

"Why are you so flushed Fox?" Alex asked raising his eyebrow in question.

"Oh nothing, just took the stairs too quickly I guess," Fox said smiling, "Here let me take this little devil," he added taking the baby out of Alex’s arms. Fox was afraid that if Alex had the baby when he went downstairs he might just drop him out of sheer shock.

"I’ll take Will," Maggie said picking up her newly diapered grandson. "Let’s go gentlemen."

Alex led the way, followed by Fox and Maggie brought up the rear. Alex had just turned the corner at the bottom of the stairs when he came to a complete and sudden halt, causing Fox to almost run into him.

"HAPPY BIRTHDAY ALEX!" everyone shouted at once.

"Wha…what’s this?" Alex said his mouth suddenly dry.

Fox came up behind him and said, "Happy Birthday sweetie."

Walter rushed to Alex’s side when he saw the complete look of bewilderment and panic in his face, "Hey Alex it’s okay…take a deep breath, relax," he said as he hugged him tightly.

"But…but…but…" was all the younger man was able to stammer out. "It’s not…"

"We know it is tomorrow but we thought this would be more of a surprise," Fox said as Scully took Jack from his arms. "So was it? A surprise I mean," he said as he wrapped his arms around Alex’s waist from behind. All that Alex could do was nod dumbly. "Good then I am glad."

"Come sit down and we can get something to eat," Walter said leading him to the couch. The next forty minutes were spent enjoying the food and drinks and good conversation. Alex was still a little shocked and kept darting his eyes around the room as if he still could not believe they had all done that just for him.

Maggie Scully kept filling up his plate and murmuring about him being too skinny. Dana and John took advantage of the gathering to discuss the upcoming wedding and christening and the last of the details were ironed out. Frohike kept everyone in stitches with his jokes and Langly even played the guitar for their entertainment.

"Okay everyone," Walter said standing up, "Since we are all stuffed to the gills here, I propose we have Alex open the presents now then we can have the cake and champagne."

"The…there are presents?" Alex said in complete and undeniable shock. "For…for me?"

"Of course silly," Fox said wrapping his arms around Alex’s shoulder, "What would a birthday party be without presents." He turned Alex’s body to face the kitchen and smiled when he saw the younger man’s eyes widen with amazement at the table being rolled in.

Everyone took seats around the room, either on chairs or on the floor and watched as Walter handed Alex his first present, "This is from Maggie," he said looking at the tag.

Alex took the box and smiled shyly at Dana’s mother before trying to open the box one-handed. When he finally was able to break the tape he flipped the lid and pulled out a gorgeous hunter-green knit sweater. "Oh," was all he could manage to say.

"I know it is a little warm to wear right now but you never know when you will be driving in the open road and get chilly," Maggie said with a small smile playing on her lips.

"Thank…thank you, it’s magnificent," Alex said still not taking his eyes off the sweater.

Walter handed him another box and said, "From Kim and Monica."

"We didn’t know what to get you so we decided to go in a gift together. Fox and the D.D gave us the idea." Alex opened the large box and his eyebrows shot up in surprise as he pulled out a pair of leather pants and gloves. "They said you’d look hot with that and your leather jacket." Kim added grinning at the sudden and deep blush that covered Krycek’s face.

"Waaalter," Alex said completely embarrassed, "How could you?"

"Hey don’t look at me," Walter said putting his hands up for protection, "It was Fox’s idea."

Before Alex could say a word, Frohike came to Mulder’s rescue by handing Alex a huge and heavy box. "This is from us guys. We hope you like it." As he spoke he lifted the top of the box to reveal a shiny new black laptop, "We supped-it up and it is state of the art. Fox said that you and Skinner share the desktop in your study and that you might be going back to school so we thought this might come in handy."

Not only was Alex surprised by the gift so where Fox and Walter. "This is great guys," Fox said delighted, "But it must have cost you a bundle."

"Fox is right Melvin," Walter said in agreement, "This looks like a really expensive computer."

"It wasn’t much," Langly said, "We have several computers laying around the office. We just refitted this one and cleaned it up. No worries."

"I don’t know what to say," Alex said running his hand lightly over the top of the computer, "This…this is incredible. I…I…I never expected…I mean this is great you guys…not only the computer but everything."

"We aren’t done yet," Dana said as she handed him another box, "This is from John, the boys and I."

This time it was a pair of black leather boots and a set of pads for elbows and knees and a shiny black helmet with his name in gold lettering in the back . Alex looked at them with confusion, "These are… great…but…I…I don’t know…"

"We just thought that when you go roller-blading you should have proper protection," John said his blue eyes twinkling.

"If I tried to roller-blade with all this stuff on I would not be able to move," Alex said laughing, "Thanks though, all this is really great. Where are you going Walter?" he added as Skinner left his side and moved towards the kitchen.

"Oh I’m just going to get some more ice for the drinks," Walter said with a little smile. "I’ll be right back. I think it’s Eve’s turn for her present."

Eve’s eyes sparkled with mischief as she handed Alex a long, thin box. "Fox and Walter didn’t let me know it was your birthday until just Monday so I didn’t have much time to go get you something fancy but I think you are going to like this."

"Thank you," Alex said, "You shouldn’t have…any of you. This is just too much."

"Open the damn box Alex," Fox said excitedly.

When Alex managed to open the box he pulled out a bright red dog collar and leash. He held it up for everyone to see and then looked back at Eve with even more confusion than when he had received Dana’s gift. "Eve what does…"

"Huhhh Eve you kinky thing you, how’d you know we were into those games," Fox said slyly and then added, "Owwww! What did you hit me for?"

"Fox you are going to give everyone the wrong idea," Alex said blushing vividly. Turning back to the group that was by now laughing heartily he added, "Uhm…we don’t do…what I mean is…"

"Oh come on Alex, I was just kidding," Fox said kissing him in the cheek. "Do you like them?"

"Yes…of course but…I don’t understand."

"The collar and leash is not really for you Alex, although sometimes I think you need them," Walter said as he came back in the room. "It’s for him." Walter was holding an armful of Rottweiler puppy. The fat, little puppy dog was wriggling excitedly and trying desperately to lick Walter’s face.

Alex’s eyes almost popped out of his face and his mouth dropped open at the sight of the puppy. His eyes moved from the dog to Walter’s smiling face then to Fox’s face and back again to the dog. His expression did not change as Walter gently placed the puppy in his arms and the animal began to wildly lick Alex’s face. Alex still had not uttered a word and simply hugged the little dog to him, letting the tongue wet his face. Alex closed his eyes tightly and took a deep breath to calm himself.

"Do you like him Alex?" Walter asked softly as he sat next to Krycek, "Eve told us how much you like taking care of her dogs and Fox and I thought that now that we have such a big yard you’d like a dog of your own."

"He is beautiful Eve," Fox said, "Thank you for finding him so quickly."

"Well when you told me you wanted Alex to have a dog I knew the Rotti was for him," Eve said smiling, "He loves Monster so I thought it was the best choice. Monster’s Dame and Sire are this one’s parents too."

"Thank you," Alex said his voice cracking distinctively. He ducked his head to hide his emotions but was not very successful.

"It’s alright Alex," Walter said hugging him tightly and kissing the top of his head, "We are all your family and friends, it’s alright to be happy."

"I…I just don’t know what to say…I never expected this," Alex said burrowing his head in Walter’s shoulder.

"To be honest the puppy was an after thought," Fox said, "We would have never known you wanted a dog if Eve hadn’t said anything. Walter and I had already ordered your present."

"What! You mean there is more?" Alex said in disbelief. "I can’t believe this."

"Well we figured you were due several birthday presents you didn’t get over the years so you were entitled to a few," Walter said taking the puppy. "Eve do you mind holding…Alex you are going to have to come up with name soon."

"You’ll need to give it a few days to see what his personality is," Eve said taking the dog from Walter, "Then you can give him a name that suits him."

"I guess that makes sense," Walter said then added, "Everyone come outside for a moment please." The group followed Skinner out of the house until they were standing in the driveway. "John if you please."

Doggett had the garage door opener in his hand and pressed the button. The garage door open slowly to reveal Walter’s and Fox’s original gift to Alex. Dana and John had moved their cars so only the present was displayed in all its glory in the middle of the garage.

A brand new, sparkling chrome and leather Harley Davidson motorcycle stood in the middle of the garage with a giant green ribbon wrapped on the handlebars.

Alex’s mouth dropped open again and he walked towards the bike very slowly. He ran his hand over the leather seat. His eyes filled with tears and he looked up at his two lovers in complete shock.

"It’s a specially designed bike Alex," Fox said quickly, "Walter’s father has a friend who makes them. They have the brake and the gas both on the right hand side. You’ll be able to ride it with no problem once you get used to it."

As Fox spoke Alex looked at the right side of the handlebar to confirm the change in setup. He had never in his wildest dreams expected any of what had happened to him that day. "It’s beautiful," was all he managed to say before his face went completely blank and he ran back into the house through the kitchen door leaving the rest of the group to stare in confusion.

Walter looked at everyone apologetically and said, "I’m sorry everybody I think this was just a little to overwhelming for him. Let me and Fox go talk to him and we’ll meet you in the living room for the cake and champagne. Fox let’s go."

"Come everyone let’s go get everything ready for when they come back down," Maggie Scully said herding the group back inside through the front door. Doggett closed the garage door and followed.

Fox and Walter followed the sounds of someone being violently sick in the upstairs bathroom. Walter knocked on the door and said, "Alex can we come in?"

After a few moments of awkward silence they heard, "It’s…it’s open."

When the two men entered the bathroom it was to find Alex sitting on the floor, his back to the wall next to the toilet. He was pale and had his arm wrapped around his upraised knees with his forehead resting on them.

"You okay Taz?" Walter asked gently as he sat on the closed toilet and ran his hand over Alex’s short dark hair. Fox took a seat next to the shaking younger man and put his arm around Alex’s shoulder. "What’s the matter Alex? You can tell us. Come on look at us."

Alex shook his head and refuse to lift his head, "I’m sorry. I…I…I’ll be okay."

Fox chuckled as he gripped him tighter, "You have a funny way of showing it. You just threw up a perfectly good meal."

"I…I’m sorry I am such a mess," Alex mumbled, "I…I…I just never…dreamed…never thought that any… any …one would…do…do this for me."

"You might as well get used to it Alex. You are loved and cared for. We will always cherish you and the day you were born," Walter said and turned to run the warm water in the sink. Taking a hand towel from the rack he dipped it in the water. "Let me wipe your face sweetheart and then let’s all get downstairs to the rest of our friends." Walter lifted Alex face and then quickly ran the damp cloth over it.

"How…how…how can I face…them like this," Alex said, "I feel like a fool."

"Why? Because you are happy?" Fox said, "They are thrilled you liked their presents. They couldn’t be happier about your reaction. Trust me."

"You sure?" Alex said looking at him earnestly and then up at Walter, "They won’t laugh at me?"

"If anyone laughs you leave them to me," Maggie Scully said as she came to the door, "Come on you three we don’t want all the candles to melt on the cake."

Walter helped Fox and Alex to their feet. Alex drank some water to get rid of the bad taste in his mouth and then blew his nose. He stood still as Maggie ran a comb over his unruly hair and smiled when she gave him a quick peck on the cheek. "Thank you Mrs. Scully," Alex said.

"You are welcome son," she said and left the room to be followed by the three startled men.

They had eaten cake, drunk champagne, played with the puppy and test-driven the motorcycle, or at least Walter drove it with Alex and Fox taking turns ridding in the back. Walter wouldn’t let either one handle the bike on their own until they were properly able to handle it.

It was shortly after eleven thirty when they said their good-byes and thanks to the group. Walter pushed the Harley home and Alex held the leash of the puppy, who spent the time exploring his surroundings with excitement.

"I am beat," Walter said after they put the bike in the garage and headed up the stairs.

"What are we going to do with him?" Fox asked as the puppy followed them.

"He is not sleeping in the bed with us," Walter said with finality.

Alex bent down at the level of the pup and held the little dog’s face and turned it towards Walter. In a little voice he said, "Oh please Daddy Walter, can I sleep with you just for tonight. Pruuuuuty please, I’m just an itty-bitty baby."

Walter looked at Fox who was trying desperately not too laugh by holding his hands over his mouth and then back at Alex and the dog. "He sleeps at the foot of the bed. We will discuss other arrangements tomorrow."

"Yippee," Alex said and scooped up the dog and ran up the stairs. When he was standing next to Walter he gave the older man a sweet kiss on the lips, "Thanks Walter. I promise I will take really good care of him."

"That includes poop scooping right?" Fox asked from the top of the stairs, "I don’t do poop scooping."

Alex stuck out his tongue at him and walked past him into the bedroom. Setting the puppy down on the floor he said as sternly as possible, "Now you stay here. We’ll get you something to sleep on tomorrow."

"Something like this," Walter said walking in with a puppy bed.

Alex looked at it with surprised, "Where the hell was that?"

"In the guest bedroom," Fox said bringing in a large comforter. "You know Alex for a former spy your investigative skills really suck."

"Haven’t you heard I given up investigating. I just suck now," Alex said smirking and helped his lovers make the puppy bed. While they were busy doing than none of them notice the puppy jumping into their bed. When they turned around the pup had curled up in the middle of the bed and fallen fast asleep.

"Oh no, he is not starting that now," Walter said and moved to pick up the dog when Fox stopped him.

"Uhm…Walter that can wait," Fox said, "Look at the time."

Walter glanced at the clock on the nightstand and saw the read out display , ‘12:03 am’, "What?"

"It is officially Friday June 22, 2001," Fox said solemnly, "TODAY, is Alex’s birthday and you know what that means."

Alex was looking between them with confusion and missed the mischievous wink Fox gave Walter.

Sudden realization dawned and Walter slapped his forehead, "How could I have forgotten the most important present of a birthday. It must be all the champagne and cake."

"What are you guys talking about?" Alex asked in confusion, "You have given me more presents than I would have ever thought possible what else do I need."

"Well Alex part of belonging to a family is family traditions," Fox said grinning, "In my family and I would guess in Walter’s too, it was traditional that when it was someone’s birthday they would get a birthday spanking. Right Walter?"

"Oh most certainly Fox," Walter said trying to look serious but having a hard time when he looked at Alex’s outraged face.

"You guys can’t be serious," Alex said but the look on his lover’s face told him differently, "Oh come on fellas, no…no come on please." He began backing away from the two approaching men but the closet door behind him stopped him. He looked at the grinning faces and then finally sighed in resignation to his fate, "Oh alright. What do I have to do?"

"You have to do nothing, we do all the work," Fox said and guided him to the bed. "Take your clothes off and go over my lap." Fox waited until Alex had accomplished the task, with Walter’s help and then said, "Comfy?"

"Oh yeah, who wouldn’t be," Alex said sarcastically and then added, "OUCH! What was that for?"

"That was for being cheeky," Fox said patting the upturned bottom on his lap, "It doesn’t count towards your forty."

"FORTY!" Alex exclaimed as he almost stood up, just to be pushed back down by Fox.

"Yes forty," Fox said calmly, "I give you twenty and then Walter gives you twenty. You were born in ’62 so that makes you thirty-nine today…"

"And one to grow on," Walter added helpfully.

"Sure. Fine. Whatever, let’s just get this over with," Alex said, "Blood is rushing to my head."

"Don’t worry Taz, the blood will be rushing to your butt in just a minute," Fox said and brought his hand down sharply. He continued to rain slaps on the quickly reddening bottom until he reached twenty. "A very nice shade of red, what do you think Walter?"

"Just lovely," Walter said, "Now it is my turn."

Alex was breathing raggedly but was not in any pain or serious discomfort. Fox’s spanks had been more playful than painful so he was not worried as he draped himself over Walter’s strong knees. The first spank quickly dispelled any notion that Walter was going to take it easy, "WHAT the HELL was THAT!"

"Oh that," Walter said innocently, "That was just another birthday present." He handed the paddle to Fox who showed it to Alex who groaned in disbelief, "We even had it inscribed for you."

Fox turned the paddle over and read, "See right here. ‘To Taz, we love you in our home, our hearts, our bed and over our knees. Love Banshee and Snickerdoodle. Ain’t it great."

Even in his current position Alex could not help but feel touched by the sentiment and nodded, "Yeah it’s great. I love you guys."

"We love you too," Walter said and took the paddle back. He resumed the spanking, counting out the smacks. He had reached nine when Alex began to groan and moan loudly. The noise woke the puppy who jumped off the bed and rushed to Alex, whose face was just above floor level. The puppy lost no time in licking his master’s face and began howling at Alex’s cries as Walter continued.

"And one to grow on," Walter said and delivered the last spank. He threw the paddle on the bed and helped Alex to his feet. Hugging him hard. Fox joined them in the hug.

The puppy began to jump up and down trying to get in on the action. Fox looked down and laughed as he said, "Walter whenever we need to punish Alex I think we need to make sure the puppy stays outside.

I can’t tell who was crying louder him or Alex."

Alex sniffled as he said, "I…I didn’t cry."

"Yeah right, your eyes just sprung leaks," Fox said chuckling, "Happy Birthday Alex."

"Happy Birthday Alexei Nikolai Krycek," Walter said kissing him on the side of the head.

"That’s one time when using both your names doesn’t mean you are in trouble," Fox said.

"Don’t worry, I promise never to get in trouble again," Alex said solemnly, "Not with that paddle around."

The room was filled with laughter as the trio fell on the bed in hysteric at the mere idea that Alex would ever be no trouble.

The buzz of his intercom startled the Deputy Director. He hadn’t been expecting interruptions and was surprised to hear Kim’s voice. "What is it Kim?" Skinner asked somewhat gruffly.

"Sir I have your father…" she began but was quickly cut-off.

"Please tell him I will call him back as soon as possible. I need to finish reviewing this files the Director gave me."

"Sorry Sir but your father is not on the phone. He is here."

Walter thought he was going to pass out as lights exploded in front of his eyes. His mouth went dry and he could actually hear his own heartbeat. He recovered quickly and managed to stammer, "He…he is here? Please show him in." The door to his office opened a second later and Kim held the door opened for the distinguished older gentleman standing behind her. Walter Skinner Sr. was smartly dressed in a suit and tie, and would have passed to anyone who saw him as just another businessman. No one would have thought that just earlier that day he had gotten up at the break of dawn to feed the livestock at his farm. The elder Skinner was seventy-one but didn’t look it as he strode into the office and extended his hand towards his startled son.

"Hello Walter," Skinner Sr. said, "It’s so good to see you son."

Walter smiled weakly, still too surprised by his father’s arrival to do anything else. "It’s…it’s great to see you too Sir. Thank you Kim that’ll be all…oh could you…"

"Don’t worry Sir…I will let your next appointment know you will be delayed," Kim saying giving him a smile and closing the door behind her.

"I’m sorry if my being here has disrupted your schedule son," Skinner Sr. said apologetically. "I would have called before coming over but I decided that what I had to do was too important for you to try to get out of it if you knew I was coming."

Walter paled slightly and then frowned in confusion, "I’m sorry Sir…I don’t understand."

"May I sit down?" Skinner Sr. asked pointing to the couch in the office. When Walter nodded they both took a seat. "Your mother was very upset after your conversation on Sunday son." Walter was a dutiful son and called his parents every Sunday.

Walter suddenly understood the reason for his father’s impromptu visit. Looking sheepishly at his hands all he managed to say was, "I’m sorry Sir…I didn’t mean to upset Mom."

"Junior look at me," Walter Sr. said gently. He could tell his son was struggling with something big and didn’t want to pressure him. "What is so terrible that you could not be truthful to your mother and tell us why you don’t want to come home for the holiday."

Walter colored and looked down again just to have his father clear his throat and remind him to look up, "I…I…it’s not that I don’t want to come home…it’s just that I’ve been…"

"If you say you’ve been too busy I will forget that you are nearly fifty-years old and that you are at work and I will tan your behind for you."

Walter’s eyes flew open in disbelief at his father’s words but didn’t treat them lightly. Walter knew his father was serious about disciplining him, being of the belief that you are never too old to learn and pay for your mistakes. "I’m sorry Dad…it’s just that…I have something to tell you and I just don’t know how to do it. I hate to have you be disappointed in me."

Walter Skinner Sr.’s voice was soft as he chuckled, "Junior…there is nothing in this world that you could do that would ever make your mother or I disappointed in you. We both know you have had to make some difficult choices in the past regarding your work. We know about the Consortium and your dealings with them. But we also know all the good you have done for humanity. We are very proud of you son. And so are your brothers and sister."

Walter’s eyes filled with tears at his father’s words. Walter knew that his father valued honesty above all else so he made the decision to just tell him what was going on. Taking a deep breath he said, "Dad…the reason I have not been home as often as I should have been this past five months is that not only have I been busy with the fall of the Consortium and my new job…but…but there are personal reasons as well."

"There is someone in your life that you are afraid to tell your mother and I about?" Skinner Sr. asked with surprise, "Don’t you think we would be thrilled that you have found someone that makes you happy?"

"That…that is the problem Sir…" Walter said slowly, "It…it…it’s not just someone…it’s someones," he said stressing the plural.

"Oh…my…I see," Skinner Sr. said taken aback, "Well that is unusual to say the least. And do these someones know about each other? Do the women in your life accept it or don’t they know what is going on."

Walter could not meet his father’s eyes as he whispered his response, "They…they are alright with it…but they…they aren’t women…"

This last was said so faintly that his father had to strain to hear the words, "I’m sorry Walter but I didn’t hear you. Son please look at me and tell me what is bothering you. I hate to see you like this."

Walter lifted his eyes to meet his father’s again and he said in a sob, "I…I said that they are alright with it and that they are not women."

Walter Skinner Sr. was left speechless by his son’s announcement. It took the older man nearly three minutes to compose himself enough to respond. When he did speak, it was with the same gentle and loving tone as before, "Walter, I can understand how figuring out how to break such news to us would have caused you distress. I can’t say that I am exactly happy with the thought of my son being in a relationship with not one but two men, but it is not as if we didn’t know you were attracted to both men and women. You have to live your life as you see fit. You aren’t hurting or disappointing your mother or I by being happy. We love you no matter what and no matter who you fall in love with. As long as you can honestly say that these men make you happy then we are happy."

"They do Dad…they really do."

"Good…so you won’t mind if I invite myself over tonight. I really don’t want to drive back home and I would like to talk to your mother and put her mind at ease. She was imagining all sorts of horrible reasons why you didn’t want to come home. Although I can’t honestly say she will not be surprised by the truth."

"I’ll call Fox and Alex and let them know you are coming," Walter said wiping the tears off his face.

"Fox Mulder and Alex Krycek?" Walter Sr. said in surprise, "Well…well no one can say you don’t like a challenge. From what I gather about those two they should be quite a hand full."

Walter laughed for the first time in what seemed like days to him, "You don’t know the half of it Dad."

"Then I am looking forward to meeting them. Is there somewhere I can call your mother and maybe get a bite to eat while I wait for you?"

"Hold on," Walter Jr. said and called Kim to join them, "Kim would you be able to set up my Father up with an outside line and show him to the cafeteria. He is going to wait while I finish my appointments."

"But Sir you have no other appointments for the rest of the afternoon," Kimberly said calmly.

"But…but I don’t understand Kim, my agenda was filled?"

"Oh…I had a rash of cancellations. It seems most people who just ‘had’ to see you found out that they could wait a little longer," she said with a smile.

Walter grinned widely and said, "Thank you Kim, I don’t know what I’d do without you."

Walter Sr. smiled in appreciation and said, "This one is worth her weight in gold Junior. Better take good care of her."

"Junior?" Kim said grinning.

The Deputy Director colored brightly and groaned, "Geez Dad, I have an image to maintain here."

"Sorry son," Walter Sr. said none too apologetically.

"Yeah, I can tell how sorry you are," Walter said chuckling, "Okay, give me ten minutes to wrap something up and I’ll be ready to go."

"Don’t you think you better call your partners and let them know I’m coming?"

"I think I would rather surprise them," Walter said wickedly.

"If you value your life Sir, I think I better give them a call," Kim said, "I know if it were me and my partner was bringing Dad home for the first time I would like a heads up."

"Oh alright," Walter said in reluctant agreement. "Please call them while I finish up."

"Why are you hiding in here?" Walter asked as he entered the kitchen.

"I’m not hiding," Alex said defensively. "I just came to get some more ice."

Walter looked at him with doubt and walked up to his young lover. Alex was hunched over the kitchen table, a half empty glass of vodka in his hand. Walter took a seat across the table from Krycek and said, "Alex…you know he doesn’t bite." When Alex look at him in confusion he added, "My Dad…he is a really good man and he wants to get to know you and Fox. You are making it hard by hiding in the kitchen."

"I told you I am not hiding," Alex said curtly.

"Well the freezer is all the way on the other side of the kitchen and as far as I know ice-trays don’t fly."

Alex smirked at him and shrugged his shoulders. "Okay so I am a little uncomfortable with your father being here, but come on Walter you didn’t give us any warning."

"I didn’t have any warning Alex. But he is here and he wants to get to know the men in my life and you are one of those if you remember."

"I’m just not good with the whole ‘meet the parents’ deal. I never expected to."

"I can understand how you would figure you were safe with Fox’s folks being gone, but you must have thought that at some point you would be meeting my family."

"Yeah…I just didn’t think it would be today."

"Am I interrupting something," Walter Sr. asked as he came into the kitchen. "I think poor Fox is just about out of conversation topics…"

"That would be a first," Walter Jr. said chuckling. Looking at Alex who had retreated into himself at the arrival of the elder Skinner, Walter said, "Alex…you want to join us in the living room. We can talk about plans to visit my family…I think you would like the farm and my Mom would just love to fuss over you."

Alex gave him a small smile, stood and nodded again before heading into the living room to join Fox.

When he was out of earshot Walter Jr. said, "Sorry Dad…Alex is just not used to trusting people right away. He’s had a really hard life and its taking time for him to…well…fit in."

"No need to apologize. Some of the things you have told me about him and what he had had to do in the past read like a science fiction novel. I do have to tell you I don’t like that bit about the… what did you call them…nani…nonacid…"

"Nanocytes. I already explained why he did it and that I have forgiven him for it. I hope you understand."

"I guess I will with time son. We better go join your young men."

"Thanks Dad," Walter Jr. said pulling his father into a tight hug, "Thanks for understanding how important they are to me…and for talking to Mom about it."

"Oh you don’t get off that easy Junior," Walter Sr. said, "You still have to apologize to her about being less than truthful. And if you do it again Junior, we still have the woodshed in the back of the house and you and I might just be paying it a visit."

"Ssssh Dad," Walter said worriedly, "I don’t want Fox and Alex to hear about that."

"Oh I’m planning to give them a full tour of the farm when they get there. If they are going to be part of the family they have to know what to expect if they misbehave."

Walter blushed and dipped his head, "Uhm…we kind of…take care of behavioral problems in the same way."

"Glad to hear it son…glad to hear it. I always believed that discipline should not stop when you reach eighteen and you think you are all grown up."

Fox’s voice from the living room interrupted Walter Jr.’s reply and he said, "We better go and get you better acquainted with the guys…they are good men…both of them."

"Could they be any less to have you in their lives son," the elder Skinner said and was pleased by the smile on his son’s face.

"Are we there yet?"

"We just entered Pennsylvania, we have about an hour and a half to go, Fox. And please stop asking every ten minutes."

"Why didn’t you go to the bathroom at the last rest stop?"

"’Cause I didn’t have to pee then," Alex said rolling his eyes.

"Are we there yet?"

"ARRRRGH."

"Wooof."

"Are we…"

"Yes! We are here." Walter said pulling the SUV into the driveway of a large house. He parked and got out, rushing into the open arms of his mother, a tiny woman who he easily swept off her feet in a hug.

Fox looked at Alex, who had been sitting in the back seat, "You ready Taz?"

"Fox…I don’t think…I mean what if they don’t like me? Walter…I don’t want him to have to choose."

"Why would he have to choose Alex," Fox said confused, "If the family doesn’t like us we won’t stop him from seeing them and he will not stop being with us."

"Us? I was talking about me Fox…who wouldn’t want you?"

"You guys are you going to camp out in the car all day?" Walter said pulling the door open. Seeing the serious look on both his lovers' faces he asked, "What’s going on fellas?"

"Alex is just being his doomy and gloomy self," Fox said, "Don’t worry Alex, I’ll be your bodyguard against the big and mean Mother Skinner."

"Alex…you okay?" Walter asked gently. "I don’t want to push…but Mom really is looking forward to meeting you two. If it gets to be too much you can always hide in my old room."

Alex sighed deeply and said, "I wish you both stop saying that I’m hiding. I don’t hide from anything."

"Oh yeah Mr. Tough Guy," Fox said smiling, "Who was it that ran screaming to the bathroom when he saw that spider last week."

"I happen to hate spiders," Alex said airily. Growing serious again he said, "Walter…you sure about this?"

"I’ve never been more sure of anything," Walter said, "I know they’ll love you as much as I do."

"’Kay," Alex said and got out of the car. Murphy rushed out behind him and ran straight for Mrs. Skinner, who kneeled down and was nearly knocked over by the power of the not so little puppy. Alex rushed to pull the dog off the older woman and began to apologize, "I’m sorry…Murphy get down… Murphy heel. Now! I’m sorry ma’am."

"Don’t worry about it son," Sarah Skinner said straightening up and smiling up at Alex. "I have five kids and this family has had all kinds of pets over the years, including sixteen dogs and countless cats. I’m glad to finally meet you."

Alex hesitantly took the offered hand and was surprised by the strength in the grip, "Nice to meet you too Mrs. Skinner."

"Please call me Sarah," she said smiling at him warmly. "And you must be Fox," she added as Mulder walked up to them. "I am so glad my husband was able to convince you to join us for the holidays."

"Thank you for having us, Mrs. Skinner," Fox said.

"It's our pleasure. I wanted to enjoy having my baby home and getting to know his partners better."

Fox snickered, "I never thought of Walter as a baby."

Walter blushed when his mother said, "I’ll be pulling out lots and lots of photo albums this week. My kids are my hobby and I have pictures of all sorts of moments in their lives."

"Embarrassing moments too?" Fox asked with a wicked grin at Walter’s groan.

"How about Walter running after the chickens in his birthday suit," Sarah said and laughed at Walter’s shocked expression and Fox’s laugh. Even Alex chuckled.

"Maybe it’s you that needs protecting from your Mom," Alex said smiling as they entered the house.

"Are you sure your brothers will be okay with me sleeping here?"

"Of course silly," Walter said hugging him. He could feel the tension in the younger man’s shoulders ease away after a moment, "James, Ben and Caleb have not slept in this room for ages. Mom and Dad keep it this way for when the grandkids come to visit. My brothers and Carolyn all live within an hour of here. You are not putting anyone out."

"Hey you guys you have to come and look at this pig, it’s the biggest damn thing I’ve ever seen," Fox said excitedly as he rushed into the room. True to his nature he had gone exploring as soon as he had dumped his bags in his room. Walter Sr. had taken him out to the barn and pointed out some of the livestock.

"You must mean Miss Piggy," Walter said chuckling, "My niece named her when she was little and now she weighs six hundred pounds…the pig not my niece."

"I’ll tell her you said that," Walter Sr. said as he joined them. "I hope you all brought comfortable clothing. I’m planning on showing you city boys how what life on the farm is really like."

"Who you calling city boy Pops?" Walter said with a mock growl.

"I’m calling you city boy Junior," his father said good-naturedly as he slapped him none too gently on his jeans clad behind, "Now get downstairs and help your mother, I want to have a word with Fox and Alex."

Walter looked at his father with surprise but saw nothing but love in the older man’s eyes so he smiled reassuringly at his lovers and ran downstairs.

When he was alone with the younger men he beckoned them to sit on the beds and he took a seat on the desk chair. "I just wanted to have a chance to talk to the both of you without Walter around. I know how uncomfortable you both must be feeling just about now. It is not easy meeting the family of the person you love for the first time and it is even harder in the situation you are in. My wife and I are what you young people would call ‘old-fashioned’, but only when it comes to certain things. We value honesty, hard work, love, family and God above all else. When any of our kids failed to meet those values they were disciplined and still are to this day held to those standards and to that discipline. I hope my words do not shock you, because I expect that while under my roof you will live by our rules and behave accordingly or you can expect the same discipline that any of our boy’s would receive. Do you understand?"

Fox and Alex looked at each other for a moment and then Fox said, "I think so Sir. We will do our best to live by your values…after all they are not at all different from our own…"

"But?" the elder Skinner asked when Fox hesitated.

"But," Alex continued, "You said you were ‘old-fashioned’, those were your words. How can you be okay with your son’s relationship with us? Especially with me? Even after all I did."

"Alex," Walter Sr. said giving the younger man a kind smile, "I can see as plain as day how happy you both make my son. You may not see it but his eyes sparkle in a way that they haven’t in years every time he talks about you or every time you walk into a room. You are making a family…the three of you and my wife and I could not be happier. Yes, I do admit we were rather shocked at the whole idea but as I said we value love and family. You might have some honesty issues to still work out amongst yourselves, I can tell all three of you still aren’t completely open about your true feelings but that will come with time. As far as hard work, I’m sure that Walter would not have fallen in love with lazy slobs."

"Well Fox is not very neat," Alex grinning. He was beginning to warm up to Walter’s father and could tell that it would not take long to feel affection for his mother as well.

Walter Sr. chuckled as Fox stuck his tongue out and said, "Well I better leave you to unpack and get comfortable. The boys and Carrie will be here soon and I want to help Sarah get everything ready. Come down when you are settled," with that he left the two younger men alone.

"He’s a pretty cool guy for an older man don’t you think?" Fox asked when the elder Skinner left the room.

"They seem nice, both of them. I just hope they are not disappointed."

"Disappointed? In you? Is that what you mean Alex?" Fox asked and when Krycek didn’t answer he said, "Alex we need to work on your self-esteem issues my friend. Trust me, no one will ever be disappointed after having met you. You are worth knowing." With that he pulled Alex into a hug and kissed him sweetly.

"Fox!" Alex said pulling back in surprise, "What if they walk in?"

Fox laughed at the look of panic in Alex’s face, "Relax Taz, remember Mr. And Mrs. Skinner do have five children. They must have kissed at some point in their lives."

"Very funny Fox, very funny." Alex said punching lightly in the stomach.

"What’s the matter with your arm Mister?" the four-year old boy sitting next to Alex asked, his eyes wide with little boy wonderment.

"Davy!" Carolyn Skinner-Bradford said embarrassed by her son’s question. "I’m sorry Alex…I’m…"

"It’s alright ma’am no harm done," Alex said and looked down at the child, "I had an accident."

"Does it hurt?"

"Once in a while it hurts…when the weather gets too cold."

"That happens to my Dad’s knee too," eleven-year old Kyle Skinner said from across the table.

"That’s enough talking from the peanut gallery," Walter Skinner Sr. said smiling at his grandkids. "Finish up and then go out and play and let the adults talk for a while longer."

"Can Uncle Alex come and play too?" nine-year old Annie, Davy’s older sister said looking dreamily at Alex.

Walter Jr. could not help but smile at the obvious beginning of a crush his niece was experiencing towards Alex and the nervous shifting of his lover at the words ‘Uncle Alex’. When the troops, as he lovingly called his family, had arrived Walter had taken a protective stance in front of Alex and Fox just in case any of his siblings said or did anything that would distress the younger men. He should not have been surprised that no one, including the sisters and brother in-laws greeted his lovers with anything less than complete Skinner hospitality. He was sure his Mother and Father had a lot to do with it, since they had had four days to get them used to the idea of their older brother in a relationship with two men.

The first to arrive was his youngest brother Caleb, forty, Carolyn’s twin, and his wife Natalie. Cal was a Veterinary surgeon and Nat his partner in a very lucrative practice. They had three kids, ten-year old Christopher and six-year old twins, Henry and Harrison.

James and his bunch arrived creating a flurry of welcomes and hugs, as if they had not seen each other in years instead of just weeks. James forty-seven, a high school principal and part-time college professor and his wife Beth, a homemaker and former teacher had five kids. Rebecca, or Becks as she was known, was sixteen and was making love-sick eyes at Fox who smiled at her indulgently. Kyle was eleven, Nicholas eight, Sarah seven and the baby of the family was three year old Katherine, or KittyKat.

Alex and Fox had been introduced to the children as ‘Uncle Walter’s best friends’ and told they could call them Uncle Fox and Uncle Alex. Fox had grinned at the shock on the green eyes of his younger lover at that bit of information. The older Skinners were treating both of them as if there was nothing out of the ordinary at meeting the two male lovers of their older brother. Alex was not sure what to make of it. He was not sure if they were just being polite but he was beginning to get the idea that there was not a false bone in any body within Walter’s family. They all seemed to be genuinely welcoming him and Fox.

Benjamin Skinner and his wife Olivia arrived shortly after six, apologizing to everyone. They were glad to hear that Carolyn, as usual was late. Ben forty-four, was the Harrisburg Chief of Police and his wife of only three years was a pediatrician. They had an eight-year old boy, Oliver, from Olivia’s first marriage and were expecting a child of their own in less than a month.

When Carolyn Skinner-Bradford had made her entrance, Alex was taken aback by how different she was from the rest of the family. All the other Skinners he had met so far, including Walter were serious and laid back but not dull. Carolyn was lively and everyone knew when she was in the room. She was a part-time drama teacher at her brother’s high school and a full time mother to fifteen-year old John Walter, JW to the family, thirteen-year old Cassandra, nine-year old Annie, and four-year old David. Everyone laughed at Fox’s and Alex’s reaction to finding out that John Bradford Sr. was a Vice President of Sales for Hershey Chocolates and could supply them with their favorite treat any time they wanted.

Carolyn had walked right up to Fox and hugged him and then turned and did the same to a startled Alex who was surprised by the strength of the hug just as he had been surprised by Sarah’s hand-shake. It seemed the Skinner women were as strong as the men. "Oh Walter you devil you," Carrie had said giving her brother a hug and a kiss, "The women of the world hate you right now."

"What are you taking about?" Walter said frowning in confusion.

"They are gorgeous," she said referring to the suddenly blushing Alex and Fox, "Women all over would kill to get their hands on those two and you are hogging them."

"Carolyn!" Sarah admonished her daughter but could not help but smile when Walter picked up his sister and hugged her.

After all the introductions were completed the family sat down to dinner. They had set tables outside to accommodate everyone and the kids were seated at the same table with the adults. It was a warm summer evening and everyone was relaxed and in high spirits. When the children were finished eating they were sent to play and Becks took charge of the littlest Skinners.

"So Alex, Walter tells me you are interested in teaching," Jim Skinner said as the adults were left alone.

"Uhm…yes…I thought maybe I give it a try," Alex said quietly, stealing a quick glance at Walter who was sitting all the way at the other end of the table.

"If you want to see what it is like just let me know and I can have you observe some classes, either at the high school or at the college. I can even set you up as a TA, that’s a teacher’s assistant, for a couple of weeks during the summer school. That way you can see if it is really something you want to do."

Alex was surprised by the offer and said, "I wouldn’t want to have you go through any trouble."

"It’s no trouble at all," the older man said. "Just let me know and I’ll set it up."

"Thank you," Alex said giving him a small smile.

"Fox darling, Junior tells me you are writing a book all about your experiences in the X-files," Carolyn said excitedly, "That sounds marvelous. When do you think you will be done?"

"About a month or so the first draft will be complete and the editor will get his hands on it. Then after that I’m not sure how long before it gets to print."

"I expect an autographed copy," Walter’s sister said, "I’ll be the envy of the PTA when they learn I have a famous author in the family."

Walter’s grin could have lit up the room. He had been apprehensive at the welcome his lovers would receive from the family but so far it had been even better than he could have hoped or wished for. The look on Fox’s face at Carolyn’s words spoke volumes at how pleased the younger man was.

"Dad how is Lily doing," Cal asked changing the subject.

"Lily is one of our mares who is about to drop her foal," Sarah explained.

"She is due any day but after the hard time she had the last time you need to keep a close eye on her."

"Will do," his son promised, "Either of you city boys ever see a mare give birth? If she drops in the next couple of days you might just get a treat. It is pretty spectacular."

"Alex delivered Dana Scully’s twins," Walter said proudly. He didn’t have to explain who Scully was as his family had often heard him talk about her. "Delivered them right at home."

Everyone turned to look at Alex, making him squirm in his seat under the scrutiny. He wasn’t used to all this attention and was beginning to feel a little panicked. Suddenly he felt a hand on his arm and turned to see Sarah Skinner at his side. She was smiling fondly at him as she said, "You are a very brave man, Alex. Having had twins myself I know it could not have been easy for you to help Dana all by yourself. I at least was in a nice comfortable hospital. Tell us about it."

Alex could not help but relax as he looked into her kind brown eyes. Now he knew where Walter had gotten his beautiful eyes from. He told everyone how everything had happened, trying to downplay his part, but Fox and Walter would not let him.

"I’ll keep you in mind when my time comes Alex," Olivia Skinner said patting her stomach. "I can’t wait for this little girl to make her appearance. I feel like I’ve been pregnant forever."

"That’s what Scully said towards the end too," Fox said laughing.

"Well ladies and gentlemen I think we need to call it a night," Walter Sr. standing up. "It is nearly nine and we have church tomorrow."

Alex and Fox were surprised how quickly the Skinner children gathered their offspring and said their good-byes. Sarah and Walter Sr. took their son up on the offer to close up the house and went upstairs to bed but not before Sarah gave each of the men a kiss good night and Walter Sr. each a hug.

"Come with me," Walter said after they had made sure the house was secured.

"Where are we going Walter?" Fox said as he followed his lover out of the house and towards the barn.

"Since you both refuse to sleep in with me while we are in my parent’s house I had to come up with an alternative."

"Walter we can’t," Alex whispered as he figured out what his lover planned.

"Why not Taz?" Fox said as they entered the barn. "Don’t you want to make love with us?"

"You know I do Fox…its just that…I don’t want to do anything to get Walter’s folks upset."

"Believe me Alex," Walter said, "My parents will not be upset. I promise. Please trust me. Come up to the loft and let me show you how much I missed not holding and kissing you all day."

"I did kind of miss your arms around me too," Alex said grinning. "Are you sure Walter?"

"Oh yeah," Walter said pulling him into a kiss that threatened to suck out his tonsils.

Fox in the mean time climbed the ladder to the loft and looked down on the pair below. "Hey guys don’t you want get comfy up here with me?"

Walter broke the kiss and looked up at the smiling Mulder, "We’ll be right up."

When Alex and Walter joined him Fox asked, "So Junior did you bring many conquests up to the loft when you were young and randy?"

"Who says I’m not still young and randy Brat?" Walter said toppling Fox on top of the hay. He began kissing passionately and only stopped when Fox began squirming under him, "What’s the matter Banshee?"

"Sorry Walter but this is a little uncomfortable," Mulder said pulling hay from behind his back.

"Wait," Walter said and pulled out a couple large blankets and covered the hay with them. "Better?"

"Yes," Fox said smiling delightedly. "Now you are just wearing way to many clothes. The both of you."

The trio quickly discarded their clothing and snuggled together on top of the blankets. "Walter," Alex said softly.

"Yes baby?" Walter said as he trailed kisses down the long neck.

"Walter…thank you."

"For what sweetheart?" Walter asked pulling back slightly to look down at the man beneath him. "I haven’t done anything yet."

"You’ve done more than you know," Alex whispered faintly, "You’ve given me a family."

"Yes thank you Walter," Fox said from Alex’s other side.

"Why don’t you show me with actions instead of words how grateful you are," Walter said grinning and wiggling his eyebrows suggestively.

"I want you in me so bad it hurts," Alex said.

"I can’t have you in pain my love," Walter said and pushed him gently onto his back and Alex automatically spread his legs to make access easier. "Fox, check my pant’s pocket for the lube." When Mulder handed him the requested items Walter lost no time in preparing Alex and himself. He had been dying to hold his lovers all day and could hardly wait to enter Alex’s, but wanted it to be pleasurable and not painful so he had to breath deeply to calm himself.

"What…what about Fox?" Alex said gritting his teeth as Walter slid into him.

"Don’t worry about me," Mulder said grinning, "I get hot just looking at you two. Do you know how totally magnificent you look now? I can wait my turn…no problem."

Walter began to pump in and out of Alex in agonizingly slow thrusts which changed direction every single time. This kept Alex guessing when the next time his prostrate would be reached and make him scream in ecstasy. "Gods Walter…you are killing me here…don’t go so slow."

"Who’s in charge here?" Walter said grinning at the squirming man beneath him, "I like it slow."

"I’ll do…aaahhhh…I’ll do anything you want…just don…don’t go so fucking slow…it’s driving me crazy."

"Okay…but you asked for it," Walter said as if he was reluctant to comply but secretly happy to go faster. He knew that Alex enjoyed it slow once in a while but would rather go hard and fast if he hadn’t had release for a while. After a few minutes of intense love making Walter exclaimed, "I’m ready…Alex…I’m…"

"Go for…aaaaaaaaaaahhhh," Alex could not finish his sentence as Walter’s orgasm rippled through him. A moment later he felt the weight of his lover fall on him as Walter laid spent. Both were breathing hard and it took them a couple of minutes to come back to their senses.

"That was wonderful…as always," Walter said as he rolled off Alex, his chest heaving as he tried to catch his breath. "Gods I love you."

"I love you too Big Guy," Alex said smiling at the older man. Turning to look at Fox, who was smiling at them he added, "And I love you too Fox…let me show you how much."

Fox knew instinctively what Alex had in mind when he caught sight of Alex’s impressive erection. Fox rolled over onto his stomach, his preferred receiving position, and pushed up on his hands and knees.

Alex positioned himself behind him and quickly lubed the waiting hole. Fox groaned as he felt the thickness of Alex’s cock expand his tight opening. "Oh…that…that…feels so fucking incredible."

"Let me help too," Walter said positioning himself so his mouth could wrap around Fox’s cock. He began to suck, much like a newborn calf would on her mother’s teat. He ran his tongue up and down the shaft in slow, swirling strokes that he knew would drive his lover to distraction.

Fox’s senses were on overload from the twin attack. He didn’t know whether to buck forward onto Walter’s delicious mouth or backwards onto Alex’s pulsating shaft. He finally decided for the best of both worlds and let Alex’s thrusts push him into Walter’s mouth. It didn’t take long before he screamed his release, quickly to be followed by Alex’s own cries of liberation.

Before Fox could fall on top of him, Walter pulled out from under him and rolled to one side as Alex pulled out. "That…that was in-fucking-credible…" Fox managed as he tried to get his breathing under control.

The three men lay on the blankets trying to regain their composure. Walter reached over to the side and pulled out a bucket of water and a large cloth, "Let’s get cleaned up before we get straw stuck to us."

Fox began to giggle uncontrollably and when both his lovers looked at him he hastened to explain, "Walter must have been a Boy Scout. Always prepared."

Both Alex and Walter joined him in the laughter as Walter began to wipe the semen off their bodies. "Let’s stay here a while longer, just in case we want another go around."

"Sounds like a plan," Alex said snuggling into the blanket Walter was draping over their bodies. He turned so Fox was spooned behind him, Fox’s lanky legs draped possessively over his sturdier ones.

"Walter?" Fox asked sleepily.

"Uhm?"

"Tell us a bedtime story."

"What?" Walter asked surprised as he looked over Alex to where was Fox looking back at him with a big smile on his face. Deciding to humor his lover he asked, "Very well, what would you like to hear?"

"A pirate story," Alex piped up, "You can be the captain and Fox and I can be your love slaves."

"Been thinking about that fantasy long Rat?" Fox asked kissing the back of Alex's neck. "Sounds good but actually I was thinking of something else. Tells us about the last time you got spanked."

Walter was so surprised by the request he sat up and stared open-mouthed at Fox. Alex's eyes widened but then he smiled and said, "I like that idea. So?"

Walter frowned, "So? So what? I'm not telling you anything. Besides, why the sudden interest?"

"Well, your Dad told us to behave ourselves because we were now part of the family and that got me wondering when the last time he disciplined you was," Fox said, "Please Walter," he added and put out his lip in a little pout.

Rolling his eyes and sighing deeply and knowing full well the boys would not let the matter drop he said, "Fine, seeing that if don't tell you something I'll never get a good night's rest."

"So how old were you?" Fox asked excitedly as he pulled Alex closer.

"It was after I got back from 'Nam. I was a little messed up and a little cocky."

"You are still cocky but there isn't anything little about it," Alex said and reached out to fondle Walter's balls.

"Do you want to hear the story or do you want to play?"

"Story please," Alex said grinning.

"As I was saying, I came back really messed up. I snapped at anyone and everyone. If you think I'm surly now you should have seen me then."

"I can't see your folks letting you get away with that," Fox said.

"They did…but only for a while. I was still recovering from my wounds…still on a lot of meds. They made me moody and it just kept getting worse and worse. It all came to a head one night that…" at that point Walter stopped and swallowed hard, as if a bad memory had just returned.

"You okay Walter?" Fox asked with concern, "I'm sorry…I didn't mean to bring back bad memories."

"No I'm okay," Walter assured him, "One night, about three month since my return, I told my folks I was going out with my friends. My Dad said that I needed my rest to get better and that I couldn't go out. I yelled at him that I was twenty…nearly twenty-one and that he had no right to tell me what to do."

"I bet that went over like a lead balloon," Alex said.

"Yeah. But it gets worse. I was so high on meds I shoved him and he…fell. My Mom rushed to help him and the other kids were all yelling and Carolyn was crying. I freaked out and I ran."

"Was your Dad alright? Where did you go?" Fox asked, holding his breath in anticipation.

"I took off running through the woods back of the house. I don't know how long I ran but by the time I stopped I had a hard time catching my breath. I think everything just hit me all at once. What had happened in Vietnam, the constant pain…both physical and mental, everything, but having hit my Dad was unforgivable. I wanted to die that moment."

"What did your Dad do?" Alex asked his voice husky.

"He found me in the clearing a couple of hours later. He didn't say a thing…he just knelt down next to me and wrapped his arms around me and held me while I cried my heart out. I don't think I have ever cried that hard since. Dad just held on like if he were trying to pull me out of quicksand. When I calmed down enough I tried to apologize but he just told me to hush and that we would deal with it in the morning. He took me home, Mom put me to bed and even kissed me good night."

"They forgave you? Just like that?" Alex asked astonished.

"Didn't you ask for a story about my last spanking from my folks? Well I'm telling you but if you two keep interrupting I'm gonna stop."

"Sorry," Alex said and blew him a kiss.

"The next morning my folks sat me down and set the new rules. Until I was taken off the meds I would be grounded. I had to stay at home and if I wanted to go into town I would have to go with at least two of the kids with me. I had a ton of chores to do every day to build my strength back up.

And since I know you are so curious, I got punished in other more embarrassing ways as well. After our initial talk my Dad took me to the woodshed and strapped me. The last time I had been in that position I had been sixteen and had taken the car without permission. Now I was bent over two stacked bales of hay, pants around my ankles and butt bare. Dad lit into me with all his strength and he must had landed about a hundred licks…or so it felt. When it was over he hugged me, helped me pull my pants back up and took me back to the house where I had to apologize to the other kids. Of course they all knew had just happened and they were still mad at me for hurting Dad so they were not overly sympathetic…not that I blame them."

"How long did the grounding last Walter? Fox asked.

"Three weeks…and they were the longest three weeks of my life. Every morning Dad will come into my room…thank God I had a room to myself by then, and he would put me over his knee and spank me. Just to remind me to behave myself that day. Then he would do it again at the end of the night as a reminder that I had done wrong. Mom made me write lines…I think I rewrote 'Gone with the Wind' with all the lines I did. And I had to take a nap every afternoon and go to bed early. But as bad as all that was, it helped me get through a bad time. For every brief, if painful spanking there were a lot of hugs, kisses and forgiveness. I felt so loved that I knew everything would be alright."

"Your folks are special Walter," Alex said, smiling up to his lover, "I'm glad I came and met them."

"And they are glad to have met you Taz," Walter said and laid down besides his lovers again, "It's late guys, but I think my folks are still up so why don't we just stay here a little while longer and then we can sneak back in. Besides I think I have more go around in me tonight."

"Oh I think I can manage another round of hot monkey sex in a little while," Fox said with a yawn, "Just give me a minute."

Alex didn't say anything but snuggled between his lovers and sighed contently.

Before they knew it they were fast asleep.

Fox sat up bolt upright, his eyes still tightly closed against the light streaming in. He reached over the still sleeping Alex and hit the off button on the alarm clock. When the alarm clock yelled back Fox’s eyes flew open, "Walter? What the hell?"

Walter Skinner was sitting up rubbing his bruised nose while glaring at his lover, "What the fuck did you hit me for Fox?"

"Uhm…sorry Walter…I just heard the alarm go off…" Fox said disoriented.

"Whatutalkinbout," Alex mumbled sleepily as he too sat up.

"Fox that wasn’t an alarm clock you ninny," Walter said gruffly, "It was our rooster."

"You rooster…oh…oh I forgot where we were," Fox said looking around, "What time is it?"

"Oh shit…oh fucking holy shit…we are still in the barn," Walter said jumping to his feet and scrambling to gather his discarded clothing, "Guys…get up…we fell asleep in the barn. My folks are up already."

Both Fox’s and Alex’s eyes widened at that and they both got to their feet as well and got dressed as quickly as they could in their panicked state.

"What are we going to tell you parents Walter?" Fox said as they rushed down the ladder and ran across the courtyard towards the backdoor.

Walter didn’t have a chance to come up with a plan as they barreled into the kitchen. "Morning boys," Walter Sr. said pleasantly as he sipped his coffee, "I see you got up early to do the chores." He was trying to keep from smiling at the obvious discomfort of the three vividly blushing men.

"Oh boys I was looking for you," Sarah said coming into the kitchen, "Breakfast will be ready in a few minutes. I made waffles, eggs and breakfast potatoes. Sit down and I’ll get your plates."

"Uhm…Sarah, they were up early to do some chores and they need to take a bath," Walter Sr. said rescuing the trio who were looking like they wanted the earth to open up and swallow them whole.

"We’ll be right back down Mom," Walter said giving her a quick peck on the cheek, "Thanks Dad."

Alex and Fox gave the older couple embarrassed smiles as they rushed after Walter.

"What was that all about Walter?" Sarah asked her husband who was now grinning and shaking his head.

When he explained what was going on she could not help but join in his laughter.

They had gone to church with the rest of the family and had sat in the family pews. Alex had shifted restlessly for the first few minutes until he felt Sarah’s hand on his thigh. He looked down at her hand and then slowly his gaze moved upwards until he was looking into her kind brown eyes. She smiled sweetly at him and a warm feeling began to grow in the middle of his chest. He sat almost rock still for the rest of the one-hour sermon and Sarah’s hand only left his thigh when they stood to pray or sing.

Walter and Fox had been watching Alex surreptitiously and when they looked at each other they were not surprised by the huge grin they each sported. Walter puffed his chest and bounced lightly on the balls of his feet. His voice carried louder than anyone else’s as they sang the hymns. His voice was so sweet and melodic that both Alex and Fox stared at him in amazement. Walter was a man full of surprises.

On Monday there was an urgent message from Kim for Walter. "Guys it looks like I am going to be tied up for the rest of the day with the Director on a conference call. I’m sorry but it is kind of urgent."

"Don’t worry son, I’ll keep them busy," Walter Sr. said as he joined them in the study. "They’ll help me with the chores."

Walter Jr. smiled at his father and said, "Go easy on them Dad, they don’t have your stamina."

Alex and Fox looked at each other and then at Walter and they growled simultaneously. "I better get them out of here before they gang up on you Walter," the elder Skinner said herding the younger men out and leading towards the barn.

"For a small farm you sure have a lot of different animals Walt," Fox said as they entered the barn.

"With five kids we were spending a lot of money on milk so we got the cows and the chickens for both the eggs and meat. Then the kids wanted to ride so we got the horses, although we used them for plowing in the early days. A friend from an adjoining farm lost it to bankruptcy and we helped him out by buying his pigs. The ducks and geese started off at pets, and so did the goat and the rabbits"

"How can we help?" Alex asked.

"Why don’t I show you how to milk the cows Alex and you Fox can help me by mucking out the stables. We’ll get the horses from the pasture later."

Alex was smiling at Fox who was scrunching up his nose at the thought of cleaning up the stalls, "I’d love to help you sir," Alex said sweetly and earned a glare from his lover.

"Is there something wrong Fox?"

"No sir…there is nothing wrong."

"We have a rule in the family. If you get stuck with the muck you get double the luck…with dessert. I think Sarah mentioned something about double fudge chocolate cake."

Now it was Fox’s turn to smile triumphantly, "I looooooooove chocolate cake. It’s my favorite dessert."

"Oh just one word of warning to both of you," Walter said, "My neighbor asked me to keep his bull for him. He is having some work done on his barn and he needed a place to keep him. When we go to the pasture later let me handle things. I don’t want anyone getting hurt."

"Yes sir," both the younger men nodded in agreement.

"So cow-boy," Fox said emphasizing both words separately, "How’s the milking going?"

"I’m getting the hang of it," Alex said looking up from his seat besides the cow, "Actually I am getting some very helpful hand techniques that you and Walter might appreciate later…if you know what I mean."

Fox’s eyes darkened with lust as the hidden meaning of Alex’s words hit home, "Don’t tease Alex or I’ll take you right here right now."

"Oh yeah, I’m sure Walter’s Dad would love to see the two of us rolling around on the barn floor like a couple of randy teenagers."

"Yeah…I guess that would be kind of shocking."

"You done with the mucking Foxling?" Alex asked smirking at his less than clean lover.

Fox looked down at the dirty boots and jeans and said, "Almost…but at least I get double the dessert."

Alex stuck out his tongue and said, "I know if I bat my lashes at Sarah, she’ll give me a second piece."

"You brat!" Fox said laughing good-naturedly and slapping the top of Alex’s head. This action caused the cow to react and it shifted it’s weight towards Alex, toppling him off the little milking stool he had been sitting on and spilling some of the milk before Fox caught the tipping bucket.

"Damn it Fox," Alex grumbled as he came to his feet and wiped his clothes.

"I didn’t do it on purpose," Fox grumbled right back. "You okay?"

"Yeah. Let me get back to this, I still have to milk four more cows and then I have to gather the eggs and feed the chickens…what’s so funny?"

"You are…Farmer Krycek," Fox said grinning and kissed him on the tip of the nose.

Alex scrunched up his pretty little nose and said, "At least I don’t smell like the barn."

Fox put his nose up in the air and walked away, "At least I don’t smell like the barn," he mimicked.

"Thank you for bringing the eggs in Alex," Sarah Skinner said as she took the basket from him. "Did you have any problems?"

"Well…they were not too cooperative at first, they kept pecking me," Alex admitted.

"So what you’d do?" Walter asked as he came to the kitchen to refill his juice glass. "And where is Fox?"

"I glared at them…it’s good to know at least I can still make chickens scared," Alex said shrugging his shoulders, "Fox is outside getting cleaned up…your Dad wouldn’t let him come in. He was too dirty."

"How dirty could he get mucking out the stables?" Walter asked surprised.

"I guess it’s different if you don’t fall in," Alex said trying desperately not to laugh but failing.

Walter’s next words were interrupted by a shout from the courtyard. He, Alex and Sarah rushed out and stopped short at the sight before them. Fox was flat on his back, pushing away at a very persistent goat that was head-butting him.

"Get…get off, you dumb animal…get off," Fox yelled as he held his arms up to fend off the attacks.

"Fox what did you do to Norman to piss him off," Walter said rushing to help his lover, "And what happened to your pants?" Walter managed to pull the goat off Fox and handed over to his father who had come out of the barn to see what the commotion was about.

"I took them off because they were filthy. I bent down to pick up the hose and all off a sudden I was on the ground. He rammed me right on the b…" Fox began to explain and then realized that Sarah was standing a foot away and that he was half dressed. He colored brightly and tried to pull down the hem of his shirt over his boxers. "Excuse me," he mumbled and ran inside amidst the laughter of the others.

"Alex…Alex wake up."

"Uhm…what’s the matter? Walter? What’s going on," Alex mumbled as he sat up and rubbed his eyes.

"Don’t tell me you want to have sex now?"

Walter smiled at his sleepy lover, "I want nothing more than to ravish you but this is something else. Dad wanted to know if you and Fox wanted to see the foal being born. Ben is here already and she looks pretty close to delivering. Although for you it might be kind of a let down after delivering the twins."

"No…I want to see it," Alex said getting out of bed and putting on the robe Walter held open for him.

Fox met them in the hallway and yawned. He limped visibly as they made their way down the stairs.

"Fox are you really in a lot of pain?" Walter asked putting his arm on Fox’s shoulder.

Fox glared at him and said, "Your damn goat is evil Walter."

"Poor baby," Walter said kissing him on the side of the head, "When we are back home I’ll kiss it better."

"Promise?"

"Scout’s honor. Hey Benji how is it going?" The AD asked his brother as the trio entered the barn.

"You know I hate when you call me that."

"And your point would be little brother," Walter asked stressing the word little.

Looking at Alex and Fox, Ben Skinner said, "I pity you guys. Walter is merciless with his teasing."

"You don’t have to tell us that," Fox said smiling, "He does it to us all the time. But we hold our own."

"So what’s the update on Lily," Walter asked trying to change the subject.

"The foal is properly positioned but one of her legs is turned back and it could be a problem. Both legs need to be facing the same way to make delivery easy. I’m going to try to pull the hoof around first. I’m going to need your help Walter."

"Sure bro," Walter said and stepped into the paddock where Lily was pacing back and forth, in obvious discomfort. She kept pounding the ground with her front hoofs and throwing her head back. Walter took hold of the mouthpiece and began to rub the long nose soothingly as Ben took a position behind the mare.

"Fox and Alex why don’t you go stand behind the gate and look in. This is too small as space to fit all of us and Lily will start moving around soon. We wouldn’t want anyone’s foot to be broken if she steps on you."

"Sure thing Mr. Skinner," Fox said and climbed on the back of the gate with Alex besides him. From were they sat they had a good view of everything that was going on in the stable. Both of the younger men winced when Ben began to insert his arm into Lily’s birth canal. Fox shuddered and said,

"Geez Ben, I’m sure glad you are not my proctologist." Ben’s arm was into the mare all the way past his elbow. This brought a laugh from the rest of the group.

After a few minutes of struggling to turn the foal around Ben was sweating profusely from the effort. "Its no good, I can’t get a good hold on it. I can’t even slip the rope to pull it around."

"What happens if you can’t turn the leg around," Alex asked with concern.

"I will have to cut into Lily…give her a cesarean and get the foal out that way. There is no other choice. With a leg facing the wrong way, the foal will not fit through the birth canal and Lily is in too much pain to hold on for much longer. If she lays down it will suffocate the foal and kill it, we could also loose Lily."

"My arm is more slender than yours Ben…maybe I can do it?" Fox offered. "Are you missing it by a lot?"

Ben was looking thoughtful as he considered the option, "No not really, just by a hair’s breadth. It might work. You sure you don’t mind Fox."

"No way…I’d love to. Maybe it’ll get me out of mucking the stables from now on." Everyone laughed again as Mulder took his position next to Ben and listened to the vet’s instruction. Slowly he inserted his arm in the horse’s behind and made a face of disgust, "Juck, it’s all slimy in here."

"You said you wanted to help," Ben reminded him, "Now feel around for the top of the leg and work your way down. You should feel the knee, a big knobby thing. You feel it…good…now keep moving your hand down the shin and try to feel for the hoof. Try to slip the rope around it and then we can pull."

Fox strained against the rump of the skittish mare as he reached further in to grab the backwards leg. "I…I…I think I feel it…almost…almost…I think I…yes! The rope is around the hoof," Fox cried excitedly.

"Great," Ben said smiling. "Pull your arm out…slowly, you don’t want Lily to clamp down on it. I’ll do the pulling, it’s kind of tricky." Fox did as requested and Ben began the careful process of pulling on the rope with just the right amount of pull to get the job done but not to hurt the mare. "Okay…I think, its done."

"All Lil has to do now is push," Walter Sr. said as he helped his son clean up.

Instinctively the little mare began to strain against the contractions and the four men stood in silent amazement as first two tiny hoofs and then two slender front legs appeared soon to be followed by the long, slick snout of the little foal.

"He’s a beauty Dad," Ben commented as the colt fully emerged and took its tentative and very wobbly first steps under the watchful eye of his mother.

"Wow that was such a awesome experience," Fox said beaming.

"I’m just glad that I didn’t have to use a rope with Scully," Alex said with a wicked grin.

"You are such a brat Alexei," Fox said punching him on the arm, then he yawned, "Man I’m beat."

"It is three in the morning," Walter Sr. said, "Why don’t you all get to bed. Ben and I can wrap up here. It won’t take long."

"Thanks for letting us join in the experience Dad," Walter said giving his father a hug and a kiss on each cheek Russian style.

"Yes thank you sir," both Alex and Fox said almost simultaneously, "It was great."

"Just part of farm life gentlemen," the senior Skinner said, "But now go get some rest the lot of you."

They didn’t have to be told twice and soon were back in the hallway outside their bedrooms. "Good night…I mean morning guys. Let’s get some sleep and later I’ll take you on a picnic by the river." He gave each of his lovers a tender but passionate kiss.

"Sounds like a plan," Fox said yawning, "Let’s make it a late afternoon picnic though."

They had awakened around ten and after helping the elder Skinner with the chores they headed out to the river with a giant picnic basket Sarah had prepared for them as a surprise. Walter and Fox carried the large basket between them and Alex held Murphy on a long leash. The puppy was excitedly sniffing around each tree and rock. He had been given free reign of the house and ran around with the Skinner’s German Shepherd Clyde, but out here in the open Walter Sr. had recommended he stay on the leash until he was more obedient.

"Were are we going Walter?" Fox asked.

"Its not too far, just over that little hill. There is a huge tree right besides the bank of the river and it’s a perfect spot for our picnic. We are still well within our land so there is no chance of anyone wandering by and interrupting us."

"By the look in your eyes I don’t think you are worried that they be interrupting our meal," Fox said grinning. "Are you planning any other activities we weren’t aware off Junior."

Walter’s eyes twinkled with mischief as he answered, "Yes…I thought we go fishing. I brought my pole."

Fox and Alex both groaned at the corny word-play but were nevertheless exited at the prospect of sex with their big, gorgeous lover.

Fox laid sprawled in all his glory half on the blanket and half on Walter who lay on his back, arms folded behind his neck. Alex was on the other side of Walter, stretched out and using Walter’s stomach as a pillow. They had just finished a bout of sex that would be remembered by them for a long time. It was their first outdoor lovemaking and all three had been so uninhibited by the prospect of making love in the open that it had somehow heightened the pleasure of each of their orgasms.

Walter had first taken Alex, who lying on his back, wrapped his legs around the older man and pulled him in deeper with every thrust. Alex moaned with pleasure as Walter slid in and out of him. Light flashed behind his eyes and he could have sworn that he lost consciousness at one point. Fox busied himself by stealing kisses from both his lovers when he could get the right angle. When Walter pulled out of the Alex, Fox jumped into action and took care of the younger man’s waving erection. Alex didn’t have a chance to recover from Walter’s onslaught when he felt Fox’s lips wrap around his cock. The warmth of Mulder’s mouth coupled with his expert licking technique brought Alex to climax with a shout that made even Murphy’s ears stand up in surprise. After his orgasm had subsided enough to allow him to regain some if not all of his senses, Alex reached down to Fox’s ears and with one hand pulled him up towards him. Ignoring the slight protests from Mulder, Alex opened his mouth in invitation and Mulder dipped down to kiss him hungrily, sharing the essence of Alex with him.

Fox, who more often than not preferred to be a bottom, turned aggressively to the side and noticing Walter, lying besides them still trying to regain his breath, jumped the older man. Walter had squealed in surprise but when he saw the lust filled eyes of his lover, flipped over onto his stomach. Fox took the lube Alex handed him and hastily prepared Walter’s anus for his cock. He slid his long, slender penis into Walter’s waiting hole and began the slow, rhythmic thrusting. He came almost as loudly as Alex and when he pulled out, dramatically fell back onto the grass. They had laid quietly for a few moments before Walter had suggested they wash off in the river.

They had all put on shorts and had eaten the spread that Sarah had prepared. She had even surprised them with a huge chocolate cake for dessert and a large thermos of milk. Walter made sure both his picky lovers eat the fried chicken and potato salad before allowing them to attack the cake.

Sated, both for sex and food, the three men fell into an easy slumber only to be awakened by Murphy’s loud but distant barking. Alex sat up quickly and looked around for his pup, only to see the branch he had tied the Rottweiler to broken at the bottom of the tree.

"Guys, Murphy is loose in the pasture," Alex shouted as he came to his feet and rushed towards the barking sounds.

"Alex wait," Walter yelled as he scrambled to his feet and ran after the younger man, with Fox on his heels. "Alex wait…the bull is in the upper pasture…Alex…damn it wait."

Alex was not paying attention to Walter’s words as he concentrated on reaching the puppy, which continued to bark furiously. Krycek froze on his tracks as he came to a large fenced in area in the middle of the huge pasture. Murphy was jumping around excitedly, barking at what he thought would be a new friend, except that the huge bull was staring at the puppy as it was an annoying fly. The bull lowered his head and stomped his front hoof. A clear sign of danger.

"Murphy…come here boy…Murph…heel! NOW!" Alex yelled frantically as he climbed the fence. "Walter let go," Alex screamed as Walter’s arm came around his waist and pulled him back. Alex’s arm swung back and landed a glancing blow on Skinner’s chin. Walter was startled into loosening his grip and Alex took his chance to slip between to of the slabs of the fence.

"ALEX! Be careful, GOD DAMN IT! GET BACK HERE!" Fox yelled as he grabbed Walter to prevent him from following their lover.

Alex moved slowly towards Murphy and called out to the puppy as quietly as he could, "Murphy…here boy, come on Murphy." When the puppy began to move in his direction he continued, "That’s a boy… good boy."

When the Rottweiler was within reach Alex leaned forward and grabbed the collar, pulling the dog into his arms. Lifting the heavy dog, he began to back away slowly, keeping an eye on the bull that had yet to make a move. When he felt he was safe enough he turned towards Fox and Walter who were worriedly watching.

Suddenly both men began to wave their arms and shout at him. "Alex RUN! HURRY! IT’S COMING STRAIGHT AT YOU!"

Alex didn’t bother to look back but began to run as fast as he could, but Murphy’s weight and the fact that the pup was wriggling made it hard to keep from stumbling. When he was just a couple of feet from the fence he dropped Murphy, pushing him forward. Alex landed on his stomach and instinctively wrapped one arm around the top of his head, as Fox and Walter continued to yell for him to stay still. A moment later he felt a searing pain in his ankle and heard more than felt the sounds of the bull’s hoofs inches from his head, followed by a loud crash. Alex lifted his head just in time to see Fox and Walter jumping to either side of the runaway animal.

Walter was the first to regain his footing and rushed to the prone man, "Alex…Alex are you alright?"

Alex allowed the older man to pull him up into a fierce embrace as he shook with a delayed rush of adrenaline. "Ye…yes…yes Walter. I’m…I’m so sorry."

"Hush…hush it’s okay," Walter said hugging him tightly.

"Are you alright?" Fox asked as he kneeled next to his lovers. He held Murphy by the collar and for once the puppy stood still, somehow understanding the severity of the situation.

"Yes," Alex said quietly, his voice thick with emotion.

"Alex what were you thinking running in there like that?" Walter said anger now replacing concern. He held Alex at arms length and shook his slightly, "You could have been killed."

"I'm sorry Walter," Alex said his voice full of shame.

"We better get back home and let Dad know what happened. We need to get that bull back. Can you stand?"

Alex, who was looking like he wanted to burst out crying but trying valiantly not to nodded, but when he put his foot on the ground he let out a yelp of pain. "Owww. Oh gods that hurt."

"Not as much as your backside is going to hurt when we get you home," Walter growled.

"Walter now is not the time," Fox said gently. He was as upset as Walter was but knew Alex was in no shape to discuss punishment.

"You are right Fox," Walter agreed reluctantly but still landed two hard swats on Alex's behind.

Alex bit his lower lip to stop from crying out, knowing full well that he deserved it and whatever else Walter had in mind.

"Come on," Walter said and scooped him up. "Quiet down. Stop squirming or I’ll drop you."

"Put me down Walter," Alex demanded but to no avail as the large man began walking back towards the house with Fox close behind. "Please put me down."

"Or what? You going to hit me again," Walter said gruffly.

Alex hid his face against Walter’s strong neck, "I’m sorry Walter," he whispered, his voice full of regret. "I’m so sorry. I was just so worried about Murphy I didn’t think."

"Well you’ll better think fast on how you are going to explain all this to my Dad."

Alex’s head shot up from it’s place on Walter’s neck to look at him in near panic, "I…can’t…Walter please don’t make me…I can’t. You tell him please…you punish me…please, please I can’t face your folks."

"They are going to find out as soon as we get home Alex," Fox said as he walked besides them, "And we have to tell them about the bull. It’ll go better if you tell the truth."

Alex looked miserably at Fox and then at Walter before burying his face back onto Walter’s neck. He knew he had blown any chance of gaining the elder Skinner’s respect and would probably be banned from ever coming to visit them with Walter and Fox. It was just one more sign that he could not co-exist with normal, every day people.

The rest of the trip back to the farmhouse was completed in silence.

"Thanks for your help Tom and I am sorry for all the trouble Fred," Walter Skinner Sr. was saying to the two men in front of him as he shook their hands. "We’ll get the fence repaired and put him back tomorrow morning."

"No problem Walt," Fred Wilson the bull’s owner said smiling at his long time friend, "I’m just glad no one was hurt. See you at the picnic tomorrow afternoon."

When the men had departed Walter Sr. turned to Fox who was sitting on a kitchen stool watching him. Sarah and Walter were upstairs caring for Alex’s twisted ankle after having verified it was not broken.

"Sir…I’m really sorry about what happened…and I know Alex feels awful about it too," Fox said quietly, "We will of course pay for any repairs that need to be done and…"

"Forget it Fox, it’s just a couple of slabs of wood and a little paint. It’ll take a couple of hours at the most. The bull didn’t do any more damage than that. It was a good thing I had one of my cows out in the pasture. She kept him busy for a while until we caught him."

Fox wanted to know what the older man had planned to do to Alex but was interrupted by Walter Jr.’s arrival. "How did it go Walter?"

"He’ll be fine. I left Mom upstairs fussing over him," Skinner said and sat down. Rubbing his face with his hand he said, "Man how a day can go from one extreme to the other. This morning we deliver a foal and this afternoon Alex almost gets run over by a bull. I’m really sorry Dad."

"Will the both of you stop apologizing. There was no major harm done. I’m just thankful that no one was seriously hurt. Although I am sure you will be having a heart to heart talk with your young man about the dangers of running into a bull enclosure…no matter what the reason."

"It’ll be more a hand to butt discussion," Fox blurted out and suddenly realized what he had said and slapped his hand over his mouth and his eyes widened. Both Walter Jr. and Sr. looked at him in surprise and then burst out laughing.

"What’s so funny?" Sarah asked as she joined them.

"Nothing Mom. How’s Alex?"

"I left him sleeping but I don’t think it will be a peaceful sleep," Sarah Skinner said a little sadly, "That boy is carrying around more guilt than is healthy for any one soul to bear. I am worried about him."

"If he is not better by tomorrow I’ll have a talk with him Mom. Alex takes things to heart and is not very good about showing his emotions. Fox and I will check on him before we go to bed."

The group sat down to an early supper and when they were done Fox and Walter returned to the river to retrieve their clothing and the picnic basket. When they returned the checked on their injured lover but Alex was fast asleep and they didn’t want to disturb him. They said their good nights to the Walter’s parents and went to bed.

"Aren’t ya hungry Mister Uncle Alex?" Davy Bradford asked as he squirmed into a sitting position next to Alex on the bench the older man was sitting on. Alex’ foot was propped on a stool and he had a T.V. tray next to him with a plate laden with all kinds of great food and a large glass of lemonade. The 4^th of July picnic was in full swing and all sorts of friends and neighbors were joining the Skinner family in the celebration. Of course all the Skinner children and their offspring were there and that is how Alex found himself in the company of four year old Davy.

"No Davy I’m not. And you can just call me Alex."

"Oh no…my mommy told me I should call people in the family Uncle or if they are strangers they are Mister and since you are a stranger and in the family then you are Mister Uncle."

Alex couldn’t really argue with the logic of a four-year-old so he decided to try a different tactic. "Don’t you want to play with all the other kids instead of sitting here with me?"

"Nah…they all pick on me cause I am little," Davy said shrugging his shoulders and taking a bite off the large ear of corn in his little hands, "Someday I’m gonna be big like my Uncle Walter and kick their butt."

Alex couldn’t help but laugh at the sheer determination in the little guy’s face at the statement.

"David are you bothering Alex?" Walter Skinner Sr. said as he came up to join them.

Alex grew immediately serious and averted eyes. He hadn’t been able to face either the elder Skinner or his wife all day, even opting to stay in his room through breakfast and lunch. It was only with Walter and Fox’s insistence that he join them for the picnic that he had agreed to leave the safety of his room. His lovers hadn’t left his side all afternoon until he finally threatened to leave if they didn’t go join the rest of the family and leave him alone for a while.

"Davy will you give me and Alex a minute to talk alone?" Walter Sr. asked and watched as the child ran off to join the others. "Alex did I all of a sudden get an unsightly growth on my face?" he asked seriously.

Alex’s eyes snapped up and he looked at the older man in confusion, "I’m…I’m sorry?"

"Well you have not looked me in the eye since yesterday. I had to assume that maybe I grew a horn or a hairy wart or something. Care to tell me what I have done to make it impossible for you to look at me."

Instinctively Alex looked down at his hands and bit his lip, "Its nothing you did sir. I…I’m just very ashamed. I put everyone in danger yesterday. I did exactly what you told me not to."

Walt took a seat next to Alex and crossed his arms in front of his large chest, "Alex you were just concerned for Murphy. When I told you and Fox to be careful of the bull I was not expecting what happened to take place. I just wanted to make sure you wouldn’t try to do some crazy stunt or dare each other to do something dangerous."

"I still can’t help but feel guilty about what happened."

"What do you think we should do about that?"

"Do about it? I don’t understand."

"Did I ever tell you my wife is a very insightful woman Alex? Well she is. Incredibly so. Most people look at her and just see a kind grandmotherly type. Well let me tell you she read me the riot act this morning. My ears are still buzzing."

"What did she yell at you about sir?" Alex was genuinely curious. Sarah Skinner just didn’t appear to be the kind of woman that would yell at her husband.

"Well she told me that a man’s word is the most valuable thing he has and if he broke his word he was no better than a cheater and a liar…"

"She meant me didn’t she," Alex said staring at his hands again, "I’m the cheater and liar."

Walter Sr. looked at him in mock anger and said, "Geez boy will you stop taking the blame of the world on your shoulders. She wasn’t talking about you. She just wanted to make the point that I had made you and Fox a promise and I broke it. I told you when you arrived that if you broke a rule you should expect punishment as you are now part of this family. By failing to punish you Sarah believes I am giving you the impression that you are not part of this family. And Alex…you are. You and Fox both. I don’t think I have seen Walter as happy as he is with you two. He adores you and I can tell that the feeling is mutual. So I want to apologize to you for going back on my word and to ask you if you feel you should be punished. I won’t do it if you don’t think you deserve it."

Alex had been staring at his hands intently the whole time the older man had been speaking. He was so overcome by a mixture of emotions he didn’t know how to respond. On one hand he was more than a little apprehensive at receiving any kind of punishment from the man. He was sure he would die of embarrassment. On the other hand however, getting punished would really mean that he was part of the family. That he was being treated just as Walter or any of his brothers would have been if they had done something stupid like run into the bull enclosure. He knew in that instant that he wanted nothing more in his life than to feel normal, to feel like part of a true extended family. He also knew the older man was waiting for an answer so he took a deep breath to steady his nerves and said, "I…I think I need to be punished sir?"

Walter Sr. laughed and said, "That’s more of a question than a statement Alex but I agree with you. The fireworks are going to start in about half-an-hour so I think we should get this over with now so we can enjoy them with the rest of the family."

Alex nodded hesitantly and said, "What is the ‘this’ exactly sir?"

"Well this was a pretty serious offence Alex. You could have been badly hurt and so could have Fox or Walter. Putting your life in danger usually earns you a strapping, so what do you say you and I make our way down to the woodshed and take care of business. The sooner it is over the better you will feel and then you can join Fox and Walter in the celebration." The older man stood and helped Alex to his feet.

"I’m sorry I’m so much trouble sir."

"Nothing I wouldn’t do for any of my boys Alex," Walter Sr. helping him towards the shed. A few moments later they entered the shed and Walt turned on the light. "Come lets get you settled first and then we can start."

"Don't hurry on my behalf," Alex said trying to postpone the inevitable. "Uhm…Sir do I have to? I mean should I…"

Sensing the young man's embarrassment Walter Sr. said kindly, "Your jeans and boxers didn't do anything wrong, so there is no reason to punish them. Do you need help taking them down?"

Shaking his head Alex said, "No Sir." He turned his back on the older man and undid his button and zipper and pushed the jeans down along with his boxers. He hoped the blush on his face was not spreading to any part of his body. He leaned over the blanket that had been spread over the two bales of hay and he could not help but remember Walter's story from a couple of days before.

"Alex…what is this strapping for?"

"I…I did something stupid…I'm stupid…and I put…everyone in danger…"

"You are not stupid son…and it wasn't a stupid thing to do…rash yes…stupid no," the elder Skinner said and put his hand on Alex's shoulder reassuringly. "I'll do this quick…you don't have to count. It'll be over before you know it." With that he stepped back a couple of feet so he could get the strap at the proper angle and let his arm swing down.

Alex who only had the belt or his lover's hands impact on his behind could not help the groan of pain that escaped his lips. The searing pain on his bottom was excruciating and it was only the first stroke of the strap. Lick after lick fell and he lost count at the sixth and was crying openly by the eighth.

"Alex…son, it's over," Walter Sr. said after letting the younger man cry for a few moments. "Come on Alex let me help you up." He got Alex back on his feet and gently pulled the boxers and jeans up, careful of the tender backside. "There you are…all done…all forgiven now. Here use this"

Alex took the offered handkerchief and wiped his eyes, "I…I'm sorry sir…"

"Nothing to be sorry for now Alex," Walter Sr. said smiling kindly.

"Thank you Mr. Skinner," Alex said taking a deep breath to get his sobs under control, "We better get going before Fox and Walter start wondering were I am."

"We aren't done yet Alex."

"Sir? What…oh…of course…this was pretty bad, I guess…" Alex said his hand going for the button of his jeans again.

"No Alex," Walter Sr. said putting a hand out to stop him, "I meant that we haven't gotten to the most important part of punishment." To Alex's complete and utter shock the elder Skinner pulled him into a bone-crushing hug. "You were very brave Alex. It takes a strong man to put himself through to what you just did."

"Thank…thank you Sir," Alex said settling into the hug. It felt wonderful and once again he felt a twinge of jealousy for the great childhood Walter had had.

"Alex, I just strapped you backside like I would have done only for a child of mine, I think we can drop the formalities. No more Mr. Skinner or Sir. Okay?"

Pulling out of the hug Alex nodded and gave him a small smile, "Okay. Walt then?"

"I was actually hoping for Dad but if you don't feel comfortable yet, I'd understand."

Alex was so stunned he stood open-mouthed staring at the older man. It was a full minute before he could form a coherent sentence. "You've only known me for a few days…how can you tell you want me in your family…no one ever…"

"Alex it doesn't take a genius to see how much you love my son and how much he loves you. You are a member of this family now. You'll just have to get used to everything that it entails…both good and bad."

Alex smiled for the first time since the bull incident and said, "There is nothing bad about being in this family."

"Then what do you say we join them," Walter Sr. said and putting a arm across Alex's shoulders led the younger man out the door.

"Where is Alex, Fox?"

"I don’t know. The last time I saw him he was talking to your Dad. Maybe he needed a bathroom break."

"Boys, don’t worry about Alex," Sarah Skinner said having overheard them, "Alex is having a discussion in the woodshed with my husband."

Walter stared at his mother open mouthed. He knew exactly what type of discussions took place in the woodshed. "Oh poor Alex."

"What do you mean poor Alex," Fox asked confused. Walter leaned over and whispered in his ear and Fox’s eyes widened in surprise. "Oh my God. Are you sure? You aren’t kidding?"

"My Dad would never kid about something that serious Fox."

"What should we do? I mean, do we tell him we know or do we just ignore it? What?"

"I think we take our cues from Alex. This is going to be difficult enough for him without us bugging him with a lot of questions. Lets see how he handles it."

"I know if it was me I would want the earth to open up and swallow me," Fox said shuddering, "I hope I never get your Dad mad at me. He intimidates the hell out of me."

"And I don’t?"

Fox looked at him and grinned, "You are just one big teddy bear. Hey here they come."

Walter Sr. was helping Alex hobble along back to his seat. The older man had a firm grip around the younger man’s waist and Alex had his right arm thrown over Walt Sr.’s shoulder for support. Alex winced visibly when he took his seat but he was giving the elder Skinner what seemed to be a grateful smile.

"Hey...uhm…Alex you alright?" Fox asked as he and Walter walked up to the pair.

Alex’s eyes were red and puffy and his nose a little runny but he smiled as he said, "I’m alright."

"Boys I will leave you to talk to Alex, I need to get down to the fireworks to make sure everything is set. You’ll have a great view from here."

"Thanks Dad," Walter said and took a seat on one side of Alex.

"Yes…thank you…Dad," Alex said tentatively as if trying out the word for the first time and savoring it.

Fox and Walter both looked at him in surprise and were surprised as well when Walter Sr. smiled warmly at their lover. "You called him Dad. What gives?" Fox asked as soon as Walt Sr. had walked away.

"He said that if he could strap my butt like he did his sons I earned the right to call him that. Do you mind Walter?"

Walter’s smiled brightly, "No at all. I think it’s great you and my Dad are getting along so well, even if it was under such…uhm…painful circumstances."

"Did it hurt a lot? Was it really embarrassing? Did you cry?" Fox asked.

"Yes, yes and did I ever. In that order. But I feel a lot better than I did before. I feel…cleansed. Man Walter, no wonder you turned out the way you did. You probably only did anything wrong once and never again."

"I was pretty headstrong," Walter said smiling ruefully, "I used to test my Dad a lot. So did my brothers. But that strap of my Dad's sure left an impression."

"Did…did he do it on the bare?" Fox asked morbidly curious.

Alex couldn't help but chuckle at the look on Mulder's face, "Yeah. He had me drop my jeans and my boxers. Then I had to bend over two bales of hay and tell him why I was getting strapped. I guess that is where you learned it from Walter."

"I learned a lot from my old man," Walter said and looked over to where the older Skinner and his wife were sitting. He smiled at the sight of his father with his arm around his mother and the look of love between them made a lump rise in his throat. "I learned a lot and I think I will keep learning for a long, long time. How about you Alex…how do you feel about one of my Dad's lessons?"

"I thought I would not be able to face him after it was over. I was so embarrassed. I think I would rather face Spender on a bad day than disappoint your Dad. But when it was over he…he did what you guys do. He gave me a hug and told me it was all forgiven. That's when he told me I could call him Dad if I felt comfortable doing it. You really don't mind Walter."

"Not at all. You don't know what a relief it is to finally have our relationship out in the open and know that my folks accept you both."

At that moment the first of fireworks burst in the evening sky and lit it like it was morning. The three men stared at the sky in awe as the fireworks cascaded in a myriad of colors towards the ground.

"This has been an awesome day," Alex said softly as he looked into the brightly-lit sky.

Walter looked at him and was touched by the look of wonderment in the former assassin's face. Alex looked like a kid at Christmas, his eyes wide and his lips open slightly with a tiny smile tugging at the corners. Walter caught Fox also looking at Alex and smiling. Alex was right, it had been an awesome day.

The rest of the stay had gone without incident and the trio had enjoyed getting to know Walter’s old haunts and meeting some of his childhood friends. Now it was Sunday and after returning from church the men packed the SUV for the return trip home.

"Thanks for everything Mom, Dad. I’m sorry it took me so long to tell you what was going on. I should have known you would not judge me."

"Remember that the next time you plan on keeping us away," Walter Sr. said and kissed him on both cheeks. Turning to Alex he said, "And you young man better behave yourself and stop feeling guilty about everything. Enjoy your life, you deserve happiness."

"Yes…Dad," Alex said giving him a shy smile and ducking his head sheepishly.

Fox walked up to the elder Skinner and stepped into the embrace. "I had a great time Sir. Thank you for everything. You and your wife made me feel very welcome."

Walter Sr. pushed Fox to arm’s length and looked at him questioningly, "Something wrong Fox?"

"No Sir…there is nothing wrong," Fox replied genuinely confused.

"So why so serious. You made it a point of calling me Sir and my wife Ma’am since you got here. I thought by now you could feel comfortable enough for Walt and Sarah if not Mom and Dad."

"But…but you said…I thought that I…I had to…" Fox said biting his lip and looking at Walter for help.

"What is it Fox?" his lover asked gently. "What did you think?"

"I think Fox believes that he has to get in trouble and punished before you will allow him to call you Dad," Alex supplied as an explanation.

"Is that right Fox? I’m sorry I didn’t make it clear that you should feel free to call me Dad if you wanted. You are part of this family, just as much as Alex and Walter are. Isn’t that right Sarah?"

"Of course Walter," Sarah said and hugged Fox who was now smiling, "You two are as welcome here as Walter is. This is your home."

The ride home was filled with laughter and stories of the many adventures and misadventures they had experienced at the farm.