Title: Mnemosyne, Chapter 10, Part 3 of 5

Author: Kendall

Website: www.geocities.com/kendallxf/index.html

Fandom: X-Files

Rating: NC-17

Pairing: S/M/K.

Archive: All requests are welcomed

Date: July 15, 2002

Category: AU

Spoilers: None specifically

Warnings: Contains scenes of m/m sex and discipline. 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: An unexpected visitor brings back long buried memories for Walter.

Mnemosyne (Goddess of Memories)

"Get a move on Alexei or you are going to be late," Walter said as he pulled the covers off Krycek’s body.

"Just five more minutes please," Alex mumbled into the pillow he was trying to burrow under.

"You said that five minutes ago," Walter said and slapped the upturned bottom.

"OW!" Alex yelled in shock, "What the hell?"

"Alex you have to get to school or did you forget?" Walter said patiently, smiling at the outraged in the beautiful face.

Alex’s eyes opened wide and he turned to look at the alarm clock, "Shit! Walter why the hell didn’t you wake me?" With that he sprung out of the bed and ran past the amused older man straight to the bathroom.

"Alex up yet?" Fox asked as he entered the bedroom the three men shared.

"Yes. Finally."

"Well I don’t know what you are complaining about. It was your fault he went to sleep so late," Fox said as he crawled back into bed trying to balance a cup of coffee and a muffin, one in each hand.

Walter looked at his lover with a self-satisfied smile on his face. He was rather proud that he had been able to keep up with the two younger men. Alex had declared that their love-making had been so hot it had melted his bones and that he would never move again. Fox on the other hand had been so energized he had gone to his office and put out two full chapters of his new novel. "Well, I don’t like to brag but…"

"Yeah right," Fox said with a snort.

The door to the bathroom opened and a still wet and very naked Alex ran out. "What the hell am I going to wear? Where are my car keys? Have you seen the lesson plan?"

"Alex calm down," Walter said and put a restraining hand on the young man. "Take a breath. You still have twenty minutes before you have to leave for school."

Taking a deep breath as ordered Alex said, "Okay. Okay."

"Alex why are you so nervous?" Fox asked, "It’s not as if you don’t know these kids. It’s the same class you taught back in September right."

"Yeah…but it’s been a while since I have seen them," Alex said as he began dressing with the clothes Walter was patiently handing him, "What if they don’t remember me and they are afraid of me?"

"Why would they not remember you?" Walter asked confused. "They loved you. You made a great impression on them and on the school. Otherwise they wouldn’t have called you to substitute."

"I guess," Alex said still unsure, "It’s just that I don’t remember much about when I was six so I didn’t think the kids would remember."

"Well for them it’s only been a little over a month so I think their memories are intact," Fox said with a slight smile. He wished he could find out more about Alex’s childhood and somehow erase all the bad memories and replace them with happy ones.

"Walter what are you up to today?" Alex asked and he grabbed the cup of coffee out of Fox’s hand and smiled at the growl he received for his actions.

"Same-o same-o," Walter said grabbing the cup out of Alex’s hand and chuckling at the Russian’s pout, "Meetings all day and then I have to go to Quantico to teach a class."

"Wow…I feel kind of left out here," Fox said grinning, "Two scholars in the house and me a lowly writer."

"Well not all of us can have brains Fox," Alex said, "Someone has to be the lovable airhead."

Fox lunged to grab Alex but the younger man was quicker and Fox’s hand caught air, "You are a brat Krycek."

"But you love me anyway," Alex said from behind the safety of Walter’s broad back. "What are you going to do today Foxlet?"

"I guess as an airhead I should just sit on the couch all day watching soaps and doing my nails while eating chocolate but I think I will try to prove you wrong and finish the other chapter I started last night."

"Okay boys as much as I would love to stay and continue this conversation we need to get a move on," Walter said as he turned Alex around and patting him on the bottom send him towards the door.

Fox watched as both his lovers left the room and closed the door behind them. He frowned as he realized they hadn’t properly said their goodbyes. He opened his mouth to yell out a complaint when the door flew open and both men rushed in and ran to the bed. Fox let out a definitely girlish scream when he was thrown back on the bed and was smothered with kisses.

"You thought we forgot to say goodbye didn’t you?" Walter asked with a mischievous glint in his big brown eyes.

"Who me?" Fox said innocently as a big goofy grin spread on his face. "After what you both went through a few days ago the thought never entered my mind," he added, referring to the punishment he had doled out when they had forgotten his birthday the previous week.

"Believe me you made an impression on us about forgetting," Alex said with a smirk as he rubbed his butt in remembrance.

"Okay Big Guy, Little Guy, you better get going," Fox said grinning happily, "I’ll have dinner set for when my two working men get home."

"Fox, I thought you loved us," Walter said with a mock pout, "Why are you threatening us with food poisoning?"

"Har har," Fox said slapping him none too gently on the head, "Get moving funny men."

"Bye Middle-sized Guy," Alex said and kissed Mulder on the nose.

"Middle-sized Guy?" Fox asked with surprise.

"Sure, if Walter is Big Guy and I am Little Guy, then you must be Middle-sized Guy," Alex said smugly.

"Argh," Fox screeched as he pulled a pillow over his face. "I’m living with Abbott and Costello."

"We better go Alex," Walter said smiling.

Walter was still smiling hours later as he sat at his desk reviewing a stack of manuals in preparation for the class he was teaching later that afternoon. He loved the early morning shenanigans almost as much as he enjoyed early morning sex…almost.

The buzzing of his intercom brought him out of his reverie, "Yes Kim?"

"Sir I have a gentleman here to see you…he doesn’t have an appointment," Kim said, her voice conveying her thoughts on unscheduled requests.

"What is it in regards to?"

"It’s a matter of personal nature sir. The gentleman’s name is Fred Klaus."

Skinner felt as if an invisible hand gripped his gut and squeezed viciously. His vision blurred for a moment and it took him a full fifteen seconds to realize that Kim was still talking to him, "What?"

"Sir? Are you alright sir?"

"Yes Kim…please have the gentleman wait a few moments while I finish up some things. I will see him in ten."

"Yes sir," Kim said but her voice still held a hint of concern even through the intercom.

Walter stood up slowly and made his way to his en-suite bathroom. He splashed some water on his face and tried to get his hands to stop shaking. ‘Damn it Walter get a hold of yourself,’ he chastised himself mentally, ‘It can’t be the same guy and you know it.’

Taking a deep breath he walked back to the desk and sat down. Pushing the intercom button he tried to keep his voice calm as he said, "Kim please show the gentleman in."

A moment later the door to the office opened and Kim stepped aside to allow a man to enter. She glanced at her boss and grew immediately concerned when she saw him struggle to maintain his composure. He had paled visibly when his eyes fell on Mr. Klaus and Kim feared that she was letting in someone that meant him harm.

"Thank you Kim," Walter said his voice slightly hoarse. "Please let my one o’clock know I’ll be a little late."

"Sir…" Kim said but the look he gave her told her not to pursue the issue, "Yes sir."

"Thank you," he said giving her a tight smile. Finally turning to the man that had silently waited for the interchange between boss and assistant to finish, Walter said, "Mr. Klaus…how can I help you?"

Fred Klaus extended his hand and smiled, "Mr. Skinner it’s a pleasure to meet you. I apologize for just dropping in unexpectedly but the meeting I was attending in town was postponed and I found myself with some extra time and I just had to come and meet you. I won’t take up to much of your time."

Walter shook Klaus’ hand and pointing to the couch he said, "Please sit down. Can I have Kim get you anything? Coffee perhaps?"

"No thank you," Klaus declined as he took the offered seat.

"So how can I help you?" Walter said trying to keep his voice pleasant as his stomach twisted in knots. The man sitting across from him was a ghost. His years on the X-files had convinced him of that possibility and he was not denying it now.

"Mr. Skinner, my mother recently found some letters my father, Frederick Klaus Sr. had sent her from Vietnam. Among the letters were some photographs and your name was on one of the pictures."

"I thought I recognized the name," Walter said with what he hoped was a pleasant smile, "You are Fred’s son. You look just like your father."

"I was only two when he…when he was killed," the younger man said, "But I have seen pictures of him at various ages and yes I do believe I look just like him. It is a comfort to my mother. She never remarried. They had been married five years before I was born and when he died…she was devastated."

"Understandably so."

"We live in Ohio and I am here on business," Klaus explained, "I was planning on going to the Vietnam Memorial later this afternoon after the meetings but as I said they were cancelled and I found myself with some extra time and felt I should at least make an attempt to meet you."

"I’m sorry I can’t give you more time," Walter said apologetically, "But I do have a full schedule…"

"Oh I fully understand," Fred said with an easy smile, "I just wanted to come and meet you so I could tell Mom that I met one of the men from Dad’s unit. I’ve done some research and I know that you were the only survivor of the ambush where my father was killed. I know it sounds kind of dumb but I just wanted to make that connection…you know? To someone who was there when he…when he died."

"I understand," Walter said growing more uncomfortable with every passing second, "Your father was a… a good man. You should be proud of him. He…he died trying to save the life of one of the men when we were hit."

"Thank you Mr. Skinner," Frederick Klaus Jr. said smiling widely, "It means a lot to me to hear you say that. Dad always thought you were special."

Taken aback by the words just spoken Walter said, "I’m sorry? I don’t…I don’t understand?"

"Dad wrote long letters home to Mom," Klaus explained quickly when he saw the confused look on Walter’s face. "He talked about all the guys in his unit, but he mentioned you several times. When the whole conspiracy thing came out and you were all over the news mother knew you were the same Walter Skinner dad wrote her about. He thought you were special Mr. Skinner…I’m sorry he didn’t live long enough to know how special you really turned out to be. You saved the world."

"I didn’t do it alone Mr. Klaus," Walter said quickly, used to waiving aside compliments when they had to do with the taking down of the Consortium and the invasion plans. Anything else he was about to add was interrupted by the buzzing of the intercom…a sound he was never happier to hear. "Excuse me. Yes Kim?"

"Sir you will need to leave in an hour for Quantico. Do you want me to cancel your one o’clock all together?"

Glancing at his watch he was surprised to see that almost half an hour had gone by since Klaus’ arrival.

"Mr. Skinner, I’ve taken enough of your time," Klaus said standing up, "I really appreciate you taking the time to see me. It’ll mean a lot to my mother…as it has to me."

Walter took the offered hand and shook it, "It was my pleasure Mr. Klaus. Again, I’m sorry I wasn’t able to give you more time."

"Think nothing of it," Fred Klaus said, "I’ll get going now. If you are ever in Cleveland please look us up," he said as he handed Skinner a business card. "I’ve written my home address and phone number on the back."

"You…you are a Pediatrician," Walter said reading the card, "I’m sure your father would have been proud to know you turned out so well."

"Thank you Mr. Skinner," Fred said with sincerity, "Thank you very much."

Walter walked him to the door and watched as he left the office. "Agent Barrett come in," he said to the young woman sitting waiting for him, "Sorry to have kept you waiting."

Kim watched silently as Skinner followed the agent back into his office and closed the door behind them. Something was off but she could not tell what it was.

"Mulder."

"It’s me."

"Hey Scully," Fox said with a smile, "Where are you?"

"I’m working from home today," his ex-partner explained, "Walter was teaching a class today and all mine were cancelled so I decided to work here and spend the day with the boys."

"Good for you," Mulder said, "Why didn’t you call me earlier. We could have hanged."

"Hanged? Mulder you are getting younger instead of older," Dana said with a laugh, "But I did call for a reason."

"What’s that?"

"Are you on the cordless?"

"Yeah."

"Good. Go to the front window and you will see something stranger than any X-files we ever solved."

"What? What the heck are you talking about?"

"Just do it."

"All right," Mulder said as he did as requested. Pulling aside the curtains from the front window he almost chocked with surprise at the sight before him, "Oh my God! What is he doing?"

"I’m not sure but he had six when he went by my house. Between here and your place I think there are two so he should have four left."

"Yup. There are four following him," Mulder said as he moved to the front door. "I’ll call you back and let you know what is going on. Thanks for calling Scully…I wouldn’t have missed this for the world."

Mulder stepped out on the front step and watched as Alex crossed the street followed by four little kids, two boys and two girls, walking behind him like little ducks following their mother. He watched as his lover safely delivered one of the boys and his twin sister to the house at the corner and them moved two doors up to deliver the second boy. Once again crossing the street to their side Alex stopped next door and made his final delivery.

"Hey Foxlet," Alex said with a big grin as he walked up the driveway. "What are you doing?"

"I could ask you the same thing?" Fox said with a chuckle before pulling his younger lover into a quick hug and kiss before following him into the house.

"Oh I lent my car to Mrs. Potts," the Russian explained, referring to the assistant principal, "So I took the bus with the kids. Did you know there are twelve kids from my class within three blocks of here?"

"You don’t say," Mulder said handing him a soda, "But why were you delivering them?"

"I felt like talking a walk from the first stop and they all wanted to join me so I told the driver I would take them home. It was kind of fun actually."

"Well you sure gave Scully something to remember," Fox said and gave a surprised Krycek a big hug.

"What is this for…not that I mind," Alex said settling into the embrace.

"Just because I think you are terrific and I love you very much."

"Fox," was all Alex managed to say as he blushed a deep shade of red. It still left him speechless when either of his lovers spoke so tenderly to him when they were not having sex. "Damn, now you made me all…uhm…self-conscious."

Grinning widely Mulder said, "You are so damn adorable when you blush Little Rat…or should I call you Little Duck now?"

"Little Duck? Uh?"

"Well if you had seen how precious you looked walking down the street with a flock of little kids following you…"

"Fox, you can’t call me Little Duck…I forbid it," Alex said with a growl, "I’ll tell Walter."

"Ooooh I’m shaking here," Fox said with wide eyes, "Wait till I tell him…"

"Don’t you dare."

"Maybe he’ll call you Daffy."

"I’m warning you Fox."

"Or maybe Donald? No you are definitely more of a Daffy…you have the whole black thing going on. Donald was white."

"Fox William Mulder," Alex said before plundering Fox’s lips with a heated kiss, the one sure fire way of getting his lover to stop talking.

The kiss lasted a full minute and when the pair pulled apart they were looking at each other with nothing but deep affection and arousal…that is until Fox said, "Quack!" and took off running up the stairs.

"FOX!" Alex shouted and adjusted his aroused package in his pants then took off right after him.

"So what do you think Big Guy is he a Daffy or a Donald?"

"Uh? What?" Walter said looking up from where he had been staring at the potatoes on his plate, "I’m sorry Fox what were you saying?"

"Are you alright Walter?" Mulder asked with concern, "You seem a bit…uhm…distracted. You feeling all right?"

Nodding slowly the older man said, "Yeah…just a bit of a headache."

"Why don’t you go lay down and I’ll bring you some aspirin or something," Alex said and glanced worriedly at Fox who shrugged his shoulders.

"Yeah Walter why don’t you. Alex and I can clean up here and then join you in bed."

"Fellas I…I don’t think I’m up to doing much tonight…"

"Walter just because we are going to bed doesn’t mean we are planning on ravaging your body," Fox said with mock irritation, "We just want to cuddle with you and take care of you and make sure you are all right."

"Now be a good boy and go to bed," Alex said with a slight smile. He didn’t like they way Walter was looking and he was concerned for the older man’s health. "I’ll be right up with the aspirin and some warm milk to help you sleep."

"You are sounding like a mother hen Alex," Walter said with a growl, "I don’t need pampering."

"That’s really up to us isn’t," Fox said quickly, noting the hurt expression on Alex’s face at Walter’s words. "Now get yourself upstairs and into bed and we’ll be right up."

When Walter finally conceded defeat and left the dining room Alex looked at Fox and said, "What do you think is wrong with him? He doesn’t look too good. He was fine this morning."

"I know Alex," Fox said as he stood to clear the table, "Maybe it’s just a headache as he said. Let’s wait till morning and see how he is. He might just need a day off."

"I hope that’s all it is," Alex said. "I…I don’t like it when either of you is not feeling well…it…uhm…"

"It what Alex," Fox said with apprehension, "What does it do to you?"

"It scares me Fox," the younger man said plainly, "It scares me to think that I might loose either of you."

Setting the dishes he was holding down Mulder drew the Russian into a comforting embrace, "Don’t worry Alex, we’ll be around for a long time. Walter will be fine."

"Promise?"

"I promise."

"Walter! Walter damn it wake up. Walter!"

"Let me go…don’t touch me let me go," Walter screamed as he fought to get away from his captor.

"Walter! It’s Fox…you are home…Walter you are safe…Walter please open your eyes and look at me." When his words had no effect on the struggling man Fox slapped him sharply across the face.

"Fox! Why’d you do that for?" Alex who had been staring at the scene before him with alarm glared at his lover, "Why did you hit him?"

"I don’t…have time to explain it to you…right now," Fox said as he tried to remain in position sitting on top of Walter’s thrashing legs. "Help me out here…talk to him."

"Walter," Alex said leaning close to the older man’s ear, "Walter it’s Alex…please wake up…please…you are scaring me Walter. Please wake up."

"That’s good Alex, keep it up," Fox said encouragingly as he noted that Walter’s struggles were slowing. He was therefore unprepared when he was thrown back off the bigger man and landed on the floor by the bed, "What the hell!"

"Are you all right Fox," Alex asked, "Why won’t he wake up Fox?"

"I’m not sure Alex," Fox said standing up, "He is in a nightmare so deep that he can’t get out. We need to shock him out of it."

"How? What do we do?"

"I can only think of one thing," Fox said and grabbing hold of Walter’s large bicep pulled him towards the side of the bed and when Walter’s backside was accessible delivered three quick but sharp blows.

"OWW!" Walter yelled as his eyes snapped wide open and he looked around him in confusion, "What the fuck do you think you are doing? Why’d you hit me?"

Relieved at having woken his lover from the nightmare that had gripped him Fox said, "Man Walter it’s good to see you awake."

Rolling to a sitting position Skinner looked around the room and noting the worried faces of his lovers asked, "What? What do you mean? What happened?"

"You were having a really bad nightmare Walter," Alex said softly, "You were yelling and screaming and thrashing around. We couldn’t wake you."

"So you hit me?"

"It was the only thing I could think off to do Walter," Fox said apologetically, "What were you dreaming about? ‘Cos whatever it was it was pretty bad. Was it ‘Nam?"

Walter took a deep breath trying to get his bearings. He thought or a moment and shuddered involuntarily as memories of his dream came rushing back. Looking up at Fox he lied and said, "No…I don’t remember what it was all about. I think…I think I was being chased by something."

"What was it? A ten-tentacled Reticulan?" Alex said seriously.

Looking at him with surprise Fox said, "A what? What the hell are you talking about?"

"Nothing. I just was wondering what could be bad enough to cause such a reaction from Walter," Alex said with a shrug. "Are you feeling better Big Guy?"

"Yeah…I think I just need to splash some water on my face and use the bathroom. I’ll be right back," Skinner said and left the bed to head for the bathroom.

"He’s lying," Fox said when the door closed behind the older man.

"What! Why do you say that?"

"I’m not sure," Fox said shaking his head, "I’m not sure but I think he is hiding something."

"So how do we get him to tell us what it is?"

"Let’s give him a chance to come clean and tell us what is worrying him," Fox said as he climbed back into bed.

"And if he doesn’t?"

"Then I guess we’ll have to have a talk with him," Fox said settling in, "He’ll talk whether he likes it or not."

Alex looked at him and nodded, "Okay Fox. I’ll go along with whatever you think is best. I just hope he is okay."

Fox wrapped his arms his lover and hugged him, "Me too Alex…me too."

"Have you talked to Walter today?" Alex asked as he leaned on the counter watching Fox come very close to chopping off a finger as he cut vegetables for what Alex guessed was their dinner.

"No. Kim called and said that he told her to call and tell us he would be late and not to wait for him."

"He told Kim to call? He’s never done that before…no matter how busy he is he always calls."

"I know," Fox said, "We’ll talk to him tonight. Dinner will be about ready in about forty minutes."

"Uhm…what do you want to do to pass the time?" Alex said licking his lower lip seductively.

"I was going to suggest you take a bath," Fox said nipping at that moist lower lip, "You smell a little ripe."

Alex pushed him away none to gently and pouted, "Hey! That isn’t very nice. It’s not my fault the kids decided to free the frogs from the terrarium and we had to run around to catch them, which made Danni throw up all over me when Lester jumped on her and…"

"Why would Lester jump on Danni?"

"Because that’s what frogs do," Alex said with a ‘duh’ look on his face as if he could not believe Fox would ask such a dumb question.

"Oh," Fox said trying very hard not to smile, "Go on."

"When I got that cleaned up it was time for lunch and they had fish which Jett is allergic to and no body told me so he…"

"Let me guess…threw up on you?"

"Well yeah," Alex said and then smiled, "I guess I do smell pretty ripe. How about joining me in the shower? I could use someone to wash my back."

"Just your back?" Fox said and pulled Alex into a hug and grabbed his ass and squeezed.

"If you are good I’ll let you wash me all over," Alex said and rubbed his crotch against Fox’s.

"Okay Daffy I’ll race you," Fox said and laughed at Alex’s outraged growl before taking off at a run.

"Man that’s the second time he does that to me," Alex said once again taking a moment to adjust himself before taking off after his mischievous lover.

"Didn’t you get enough in the shower?" Alex said as Fox tipped him over backwards into the bed.

"I can never get enough of you," Fox said as he slid his still wet body on top of Alex’s equally wet body. "You are so…uhm…sexy when you are wet and naked…I wish I could keep you like this all the time."

Alex chuckled as Fox’s lips tickled a particular spot under his chin, "I don’t think the parents at the school would appreciate me…oh Gods!...yes right…right there."

"What…were you…saying?" Fox said as he continued to rain tiny kisses all along Alex’s jaw line before moving down his throat.

"Was I talking?" Alex said in a dazed stupor as Fox continued to nibble hungrily on the Russian’s collarbone.

"Too much," Fox said breathlessly, "You talk too much."

"Sorry," Alex said writhing under the weight of the older man.

Fox licked at a small pool of water that had gathered on Alex’s taut stomach. He couldn’t help the smile that formed on his lips as his actions elicited a combination moan/giggle from his lover. "Like that? Alex?"

"Uhm?"

"I asked if you liked that?"

"Told me not too talk too much."

"Oh…I forgot, you are always so obedient," Fox said and slid further down the slick body. Using his knees he wiggled between Alex’s legs until he was comfortably situated. "Let’s see what a good boy you can be shall we?"

Alex raised his head slightly and tried to focus lust filled eyes on Mulder and asked, "What? What are you going to do?"

"I want you to keep perfectly still and let me have my way with you," Fox said with a wicked grin.

"I can’t move? Fox…I don’t think I can…"

"You will…for me."

Swallowing hard, Alex managed a little, nervous nod, "Okay," he said with a definite squeak to his voice.

Fox’s grin grew as if he had just been handed the keys to the candy store. Without warning he flipped Alex onto his belly and then slipped a pillow beneath the slender hips. When Alex moaned in expectation and wiggled his butt Fox rewarded his with a sharp slap to the previously unmarked flesh.

"Owwww!"

"Told you to keep still," Fox admonished and then proceeded to gently kiss the red handprint. Once his mouth was in the general vicinity he began to tease his lover’s ass by darting his tongue in and out of Alex’s crack. He didn’t have the heart to tease for too long and neither was he inclined to wait too long since his erection was demanding attention and he couldn’t wait to slide into Alex’s tight hole.

Alex was doing his best to keep still but Fox’s tongue play was driving him insane. He shut his eyes tightly trying to maintain his concentration and almost swallowed his tongue when he felt Fox part his cheeks and tickle his puckered entrance.

"So sweet," Fox whispered and blew softly on the moistened skin. "Okay…okay…I know I’m being mean now," he added when he heard the deep throated groan of pleasure from the younger man. "I’ll just play a minute more then I’ll stop."

True to his word Fox spend the next sixty seconds rimming Alex’s ass and he didn’t stop until he was satisfied that he had driven his lover to the edge. He came up on his knees and positioned himself at the entrance. He took a moment to slather lubricant on his already weeping cock and with his slicked hand he slipped two fingers in to quickly stretch Alex’s rectum. No words were necessary as he pushed past the ring of muscle and began to slowly fuck his lover. Long, slow thrusts, each aimed at hitting the Russian’s prostate and making him scream with pleasure.

Alex completely forgot his vow of immobility and pushed back to match each of Fox’s thrusts, while at the same time squeezing his internal muscles. His trapped erection rubbed insistently against the silk sheets on the bed and he knew he wouldn’t last before exploding all over them.

It didn’t take long for both men to reach their climax and both shouted as their poured their essence, one into the other and the other onto the bed.

Fox slumped forward and his body covered Alex’s. His head fell right next to the younger man’s and he noticed Alex’s shoulder’s shaking, "You okay baby?"

It was when Alex spoke that Fox noticed that the shaking of the shoulders was due to laughter and not distress, "I’m more than okay. I was…was just thinking…"

"That’s what I smelled," Fox said with a lazy, sleepy grin.

"Ass," Alex said poking him with his elbow, "I was just thinking I need another bath."

"This could become a vicious cycle," Fox said kissing him on the back of the head, "We take a bath, we make love and have to take a bath. We could go on forever."

"Forever…" Alex said dreamily, "I like the sound of that."

"Sir? I’m leaving," Kim informed her boss as she poked her head into his office. Noting that the lights were dimmed and that he was not at his customary seat she ventured further. She was surprised to find him laying on the couch, an arm thrown over his eyes. "Sir are you alright?" she asked with concern.

"Yes Kim, thank you," Walter replied, his voice hoarse, "Just a bad headache. I’ve taken something for it but wanted to rest before I headed home. I drove in to work myself today."

"I’d be happy to take you home Sir," Kim said worriedly, "Your car will be safe here."

Walter removed his arm and sat up slowly. Looking up at his assistant he managed a weak smile, "Thanks Kim but I’ll be fine. I’ll see you tomorrow."

"If you are sure Sir," she said and nodded. Even in the low light she noted his bloodshot eyes and pallid features. There was something terribly wrong and she couldn’t tell what it was. She would call Fox and Alex as soon as she got home. "Goodnight. I hope you feel better."

When she was gone Walter sighed deeply and lay back down. He knew that he was not fooling her and that if he didn’t do something soon both Fox and Alex would be on his case to talk about what was bothering him, but how could he tell them what was going when he himself didn’t know. For the last two days he hadn’t been able to think of anything but his meeting with Frederick Klaus. That meeting had surfaced memories he had long repressed, memories he didn’t want to have.

The memory was so clear that Walter almost sat up at attention when he heard the sharp command in his mind’s eye. He looked down at his hands and was surprised to see them trembling. Running them over his face to clear his mind, he found he was sweating.

Frederick Klaus Sr. was invading his mind. The man that along with the Vietnam War had taken his innocence had come back to haunt his present. He had been a victim to the man once and he swore that he was not going to be again.

It was nearly eleven by the time Walter made it home. He was hoping against hope that the boys would be asleep and he wouldn’t have to face them just yet. He knew they were worried but he wasn’t ready to reveal what was bothering him. He didn’t know if he would ever be.

"Hey handsome," Fox said softly as he came down the stairs to greet him. "We were worried. You didn’t call."

"Oh…sorry Fox," Walter said absentmindedly, "Must have left my phone at the office."

"Kim called," Mulder said, "She told us you weren’t feeling well. We called the office but you didn’t answer."

"I went down to the gym to work some of the tension off," Walter said as he shrugged off his coat and dropped it carelessly on the chair. "Sorry, I didn’t call. Where’s Alex?"

"Right here," Krycek said as he came down the stairs. He glanced at Fox and saw the concern in the hazel eyes. "Come to bed Walter, we’ll make you feel better."

Walter climbed the stairs, Fox following him up and Alex leading the way. He allowed the younger men to divest him of his clothing and gently tuck him into bed. He sighed deeply as each of his lovers snuggled on either side of him, placing him in the middle position. Although Alex was it’s usual occupant they understood that when one of them was in need of comfort, the spot was reserved for the cuddle-cure as they had come to refer to the special time they spend just holding each other. No words were necessary, just the warmth of bodies and the beating of hearts, gave the needed consolation.

Walter closed his eyes and concentrated all his willpower in pushing the flood of memories out of his mind. He took a deep breath and hugging the young men closer to him, he tried to replace the dark, painful memories of his time under Santa Klaus, with the joy his heart felt at having found the two men in his arms.

Fox noticed the tenseness in the older man, and he also noticed the effort Walter was making in trying to hide it. Mulder glanced over Skinner’s chest and saw the worried look on Alex’s green eyes. He tried to smile at him reassuringly. They would talk to Walter in the morning and get to the bottom of what was bothering him, even if he didn’t want to talk about it.