Title: Hygieia, Chapter 13, Part 3 of 3

Author: Kendall

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

Fandom: X-Files

Rating: NC-17

Pairing: S/M/K.

Archive: All requests are welcomed

Date: December 29, 2003

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, Doggett, and the X-File all belong to Chris Carter, 1013 Productions, and the Fox Network.

Series: Greek Gods

Summary: And Walter makes three.

Note: This is dedicated to my wonderful Beta, Ursula. Thank you for always coming through.

Note2: Two additional guest appearances.

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Hygieia (Goddess of Health)

"Money can’t buy me love, can’t buy me love, can’t buy me love, yeah," Gabriel sang, as he wiggled his behind.

"Glad to hear that," Sawyer said, as he entered the kitchen.

Gabriel whirled around in surprise, and blushed at having been caught, "How long have you been standing there."

"Long enough to know that you can sing better in the shower than out of it," Sawyer said, as he walked up to his lover, and wrapped his arms around Gabriel’s waist.

"Hey!" the former priest said in mock indignation, as he slapped Sawyer’s chest.

Giving him a quick peck on the lips, Sawyer quickly added, "You do have many other wonderful talents outside the shower though."

Slightly placated, Gabriel said, "And what would those be?"

"Too many to count, but I have a small sample," Sawyer said, as he pushed his tongue between Gabriel’s parted lips, and drew him into a deep kiss.

Gabriel reacted automatically, and deepened the kiss further as he put his hand on the back of his lover’s head, and pushed their mouths closer together.

They were so into the kissing, and the groping that followed, that neither heard the footsteps announcing the arrival of someone else, actually two someones.

The only thing that managed to bring them out of their blissful unawareness was the not too subtle exclamations of, "Eeeewww, gross," and, "Get a room, will ya."

Looking over Sawyer’s shoulder, Gabriel spied the two miscreants, and frowned as he said, "Aren’t you two evil brats supposed to be in bed. I thought you were going to spend the day there, and it is only eleven."

"We were hungry," Alex said, as he picked up a slice of bacon from a plate on the table.

"Yeah, hungry," Fox said, as he also took food off the plate.

"I was about to bring something up to you," Gabriel said, as he reluctantly released Sawyer, and slapped Alex’s hand as it was reaching for another slice of bacon. "That is for us, you shouldn’t be eating salty, greasy food."

"I’m tired of eating that bland mush you are trying to pass off as food," Fox said, and yelped when his hand was also slapped.

"Yeah, and then who complains all day that his throat hurts," Gabriel said, with little sympathy. "Get up to bed, and I’ll be up in a little while."

"But Walter still sleeping," Alex said, "We didn’t want to wake him. He was exhausted."

"He really needs to rest," Sawyer said, "He is working too hard."

"That’s what we tried to tell him," Fox said, "But he won’t listen. At least it is only one more week, and then he is done."

"Not that he is going to get any rest then either," Alex said, with a mischievous smile.

"You two are terrible," Sawyer said shaking his head. "Alex, stop scratching."

"I can’t help it," Alex said, gritting his teeth in frustration.

"Fox, why don’t you, and Alex go to the den, and you can put another coat of Calamine lotion on him," Gabriel suggested, "I’ll be right in, and bring you both shakes."

"Shakes?" Fox said, perking up considerably, "We can have shakes?"

"Sure," Sawyer said, "It will be soothing to your throat."

"Can mine be chocolate?" Alex asked, trying to sound nonchalant, but failing miserably. Everyone, who knew him, knew of his weakness for anything chocolate.

"Sure," Gabriel said, smiling, "Now, get going you two."

When both Fox and Alex left the room, Sawyer chuckled as he shook his head.

"What?" Gabriel asked, smiling at his lover’s bemused expression.

"Well, I was just thinking, that taking care of those two is good preparation for when we have kids."

"K…k…kids?" Gabriel stuttered, taken totally by surprised. "We…we’ve never…"

"You are not opposed to the idea of adopting, are you," Sawyer asked with concern, "I’m sorry, I just assumed that…"

"No, you just caught me by surprise," Gabriel said quickly, trying to reassure his lover. "I mean, we are just ready to get a house together, and to be honest…I never thought about having children. Firstly because I used to be a priest, and secondly as a gay man…well…"

"But that all has changed," Sawyer reminded him, "It is perfectly acceptable for same sex couples to adopt. You like children, don’t you?"

"Of course I do," Gabriel said, "And nothing would make me happier than to have them with you, but can we just take it one day at a time, I mean…we don’t even know if we can live together full time. Maybe I have annoying habits that…"

"Habits such as leaving the cap off the toothpaste, or habits like always believing that you don’t deserve happiness," Sawyer said, his voice taking a hard edge.

"I’m sorry, Sawyer," Gabriel said, his eyes downcast, "I know it makes you mad."

"I’m not mad," Sawyer said, "I just wish you will finally figure out that this is for real. Now, how about you get those milkshakes for the guys, and then we can get going."

"Okay," Gabriel said, quietly, "I love you."

"You are such a little slut," Fox said, smiling at look on Alex’s face.

"Can’t you guys wait until…oh…sorry I thought you were…" Gabriel said, as he approached the couch.

Fox, and Alex looked up from their seats, and grinned. By the look on Gabriel’s face, they figured he had thought Fox had been jerking Alex off, when what he had been doing was rubbing the Calamine lotion over Alex’s stomach, teasing him by slipping his hand slowly over Alex’s nipples.

"You have such a dirty mind," Fox said, "Oooh, give me," he added, reaching out for one of the milkshakes Gabriel held in his hands.

"Thanks," Alex said, as he sat up, and accepted his own shake. Taking a sip, he closed his eyes, and savored the feeling of the smooth drink going down his throat. "Uhmmm, good."

"Okay guys, Sawyer, and I are ready to go. You have both our cell phones if you need anything."

"Walter is here, and anyway we are not children you know," Alex said, with a smirk.

"Could have fooled me," Gabriel said.

"Hey, guys," Walter said, as he joined them.

"What the hell are you wearing?" Fox said, as he sat up, and looked at Walter.

"Aaah, let me explain," Walter said, looking down at the angry faces of both his lovers, "I…you see…it’s like this."

"Why are you in a suit," Alex asked, frowning. "It’s Saturday, and you are supposed to be taking the weekend off. You promised."

"I know I did, but…"

"I didn’t hear the phone," Fox, ever the intuitive one, said, "That means that you called in."

"Yes, I forgot that…"

"You lied," Alex said, hurt and anger battling for top position on the emotional scale. "You said we’d spend the weekend together."

"I know I did, but hear me out," Walter begged, before either of his lovers could interrupt him again. "I forgot that I asked Kim to come in to put some last minute files together for Carl. It’ll be a couple of hours max."

"I guess we can call the realtor, and ask her to meet us later," Sawyer, who had joined them during the explanation, said.

"No, you guys go ahead," Fox said angrily, "No use you having to change your plans, just because Walter has decided to be an ass."

"Now Fox, I said…" Walter began, just to be interrupted by Alex, as the younger man jumped to his feet.

"We don’t care what you said, Walter," Alex said, nearly shouting, "I can’t believe you are doing this," he added as he left the room in a huff, and headed for the stairs.

Walter’s eyes followed him as he left, and then when he turned to face Fox, his face fell. He hadn’t seen Fox this angry in a long time. He knew he had disappointed both of the younger men, but in his mind, he had a good reason to. "I…I can call someone to come over."

"We are not children, Walter," Fox said, "You can go on, all three of you. I am feeling better, and I can look after Alex, if anything comes up."

"Are you sure, Fox," Sawyer asked.

"Yes," Fox said, "As a matter of fact, I think I am going to check on him now," he added as he stood, and left the room, much in the same manner, as Alex has a few moments earlier.

"I blew it, didn’t I," Walter said, looking at the other two men.

"That’s an understatement," Gabriel said, shaking his head.

"Walter, you have been working too hard, do you really need to go in?" Sawyer asked, his medical side coming to the forefront. He did not like the way the older man looked, and he did not think it was all due to the guilt he had to be feeling, for upsetting the boys.

"Do you think I want to leave them when they are sick," Walter snapped, and immediately apologized, "I’m sorry, guys. I just miscalculated the amount of work I had to get through. If I work today, then I’ll be almost all caught up."

"Well, I guess the sooner you leave, the earlier you’ll get back," Gabriel said, "We need to get going ourselves, if we are going to make the meeting with the realtor. You sure Fox, and Alex, are well enough to be on their own."

"I’ll let Dana know that they are on their own, and she can call in to check on them, until I get back," Walter said.

The three men headed for the garage, with Walter giving one last look towards where he knew his lovers were. He sighed deeply, and promised that part of his day would be spent thinking how to make it up to them.

"Alex, come on, it’s okay," Fox said, trying to soothe his angry lover. He too was angry, but he knew one of them had to keep their cool.

"No, Fox, it’s not okay," Alex said, as he paced from one side of the room to the other, "He lied to us."

"He did," Fox agreed, "And as soon either of us gets our strength back, we’ll take strips off his ass for it, but right now there is not much we can do."

"But Fox, how could he," Alex said, plopping down on the bed next to Fox. "I’m so mad right now, I could…"

"Ravage me?" Fox asked, and was rewarded by a chortle of amusement from Alex.

"That, I could do without any provocation, but you know we can’t," Alex said, "Unless you want to chance getting a pox blister on you dick. Hey, what’s so funny?"

"Just remembering the look on your face last night when you found…" Fox said, almost choking on his laughter.

Smirking, Alex said, "Yeah, very funny. Thanks Fox."

"For what?" Fox asked, slightly confused.

"For making me laugh, and not letting me get into the dark place. I wasn’t sure how I was going to handle that," Alex said, softly.

"You don’t have to worry, Alex," Fox said, pushing errant strands of sable hair off Alex’s forehead. "We’ll never let get you there anymore."

"Well, you won't, but Walter has to be here to stop me," Alex said, pouting.

Before Fox could say anything further, the doorbell rang. Both men looked at each other in confusion, neither knowing whom it could be.

A minute later Fox opened the front door, and was surprised to find Ursula, and Yvonne standing there. "Hi ladies. What’s up?"

"We were wondering if you boys had a few minutes to spare for us today," Ursula said.

"Did Walter send you," Alex asked, his voice not at all welcoming.

"Alex!" Fox said, sharply. "Sorry ladies, we just had a little family argument this morning. Won’t you come in?"

"Thank you," Yvonne said, "Are you sure we aren’t interrupting? We can come back later."

"No, that’s fine," Fox said, "Can we get you anything?" After both the women declined the offer, the foursome took a seat in the comfortable den. "So, what can we do for you?"

"Well," Yvonne began, "After we left here yesterday, we started discussing the book we want to write together…"

"You were serious about that?" Alex asked, as he snuggled close to Fox.

"Sure," Ursula said, "Even if we can’t get it published, we will still have a lot of fun writing it."

"So, how can we help?" Fox asked. He was glad they two women had come, as they provided another distraction for Alex, so the younger man would not dwell on how hurt he was feeling.

"As you kind of figured out yesterday, we want the book to be about a gay relationship, and then we thought that a gay pairing is not really as unusual as a gay threesome," Ursula explained.

"We wanted to get some background information…" Yvonne began, but was cut off by Alex.

"You want to know what positions we like best," Alex said, his green eyes dancing with mischief.

"Alexei!" Fox said in surprise, and swatted the head that was leaning on his shoulder, "Behave."

"We can get to positions later," Yvonne said, not missing a beat, "What we really wanted to know was more about the relationship between the three of you."

"You three are very well known, and we will protect your privacy. We will come up with background stories, for each of you that have nothing to do with your true lives," Ursula hastened to assure them, "But where we need help is understanding what attracts you to each other, other than of course the obvious physical attraction."

"What do you think, Lexi?" Fox asked his lover, "Think we can help the ladies out?"

"Sure thing," Alex said, as he snuggled closer to Fox, their hands intertwined.

"Okay, here we go," Yvonne said, taking out a yellow pad, "Fox, what attracts you Alex?"

"You said other than the obvious," Fox said, looking down at Alex, who was looking up at him with a smile, "He is one of the strongest people I know. He has endured horrible adversity, and he has prevailed, and that makes him extremely sexy to me."

The women looked at each other, and smiled as Alex blushed, and ducked his head.

"Yeah, he was a rat bastard," Fox continued, "But he is our rat bastard, and I would not change a thing about him…well except the fact that he is likes to hog the blankets."

"Do not," Alex said, trying to pout, but not succeeding, as a smile of pleasure at Fox’s words escaped his lips.

"Alex, what about you? What attracts you to Fox?" Yvonne asked.

Alex sat up, and turned to face Fox, a strange look on his face.

"Alex? What is it?" Fox asked gently.

"There…there are just no words," Alex said, his voice so soft, Fox had to almost lean in to hear him. "I could…give you the pat answers. How he is a hero, how he risked so much for humanity, and lost so much, yet he is still a loving, and caring man, but that is not it."

"So what is it?" Fox said, after Alex paused.

"Your heart," Alex said, "Your heart, which is so big that it can forgive all the things I did to you."

"Come here," Fox said, his voice husky, as he put his hand on the back of Alex’s neck, and pulled him forward, until their foreheads touched. They stayed like that for a full five minutes, before Fox remembered they had an audience. "Sorry ladies," he said, blushing.

"No, that’s perfect," Ursula said beaming, "Just perfect."

Alex buried his face in the crook of Fox’s neck, which made the older man smile. "You wouldn’t know by looking at him, but my boy is a bit shy," he said to the women, and then yelped when Alex nipped at his neck, "Hey, stop that, you are going to give the ladies the wrong impression."

"What impression would that be, Fox?" Ursula asked.

"That we can’t keep our hands off each other," Fox said, and tickled Alex’s side, until the younger man sat up, and leaned against him again.

"But that is what makes a great romance story," Yvonne said, "When the two characters are truly, and deeply in love."

"In this case there are three," Ursula said, "So how about if we explore that? What do attracts you both to Walter?"

Alex frowned, and said, "At this particular moment, not much."

"Alex," Fox said, warningly. Turning to the two women he explained, "We had a small family argument earlier. We are both kind of angry with Mister Skinner at the moment."

"Oh, I’m sorry to hear that," Ursula said, meaning it, "I hope it is nothing serious."

"No, not at all," Fox said, "He just went to work, when he should have been here, resting, and with us."

"We can come back later to finish this up, if you’d rather," Yvonne offered.

"No, actually that is what attracts me to Walter," Fox said, and noting the look of confusion on the other three faces explained. "Walter has the most integrity of any man I know. If it is within his power he will do the right thing. When faced with conflicting choices, he will weigh each one, and make the right choice, even when it doesn’t seem so."

Alex, looked up at Fox, and nodded, as he understood the meaning of Fox’s words, "Like going to work, instead of staying with us. He has a duty to turnover his position to Carl, and he wanted to do it to the best of his ability, even if…"

"Even if it means working Saturday," Fox said, nodding.

"Alex," Yvonne said, "Is Walter’s integrity what attracts him to you, as well?"

"Partly," Alex said, "But what really attracts me…is that incredibly sexy bald head."

He said it so seriously, that it took a moment for the other three to react, but when he grinned impishly, they broke out in chuckles.

"Yeah, the bald head is a definite turn on," Fox said, nodding his head, "And he has a chest…oh God that chest, it goes on forever, and a tiny, tapered waist…"

"And don’t forget the arms," Alex said, dreamily as he pictured those same arms wrapped around him.

"Legs aren’t too shabby either," Fox said, the same unfocused look on his face. "Oh sorry, you said you didn’t want physical…"

"That’s quite all right, you go right on describing…" Yvonne said, until she felt Ursula’s sharp elbow hit her side. Turning to look at her friend, she said, "What? Don’t tell me you weren’t getting all hot with that description. I happen to know you find Walter very sexy yourself."

Before Ursula could say anything, Alex said, "Sorry, but he is taken."

Ursula put her hands up, and said, "A girl can dream, can’t she? Seriously, guys, this has been a lot of help. We have some great stuff to start off with."

"We’ve taken up enough of your time," Yvonne said, standing up, "And you both look like you could use some sleep."

"This has actually been fun," Fox said, "Drop by anytime."

"We will," Ursula said, "We still have to interview Walter, and ask him what attracts him about you two."

"It’s our angelic demeanor," Alex deadpanned, as the foursome stood, and headed to the front door. "Why are they laughing, Fox? Fox? Why are you laughing?"

"Stop that!"

"I thought you liked to snuggle?"

"You are not snuggling, you are trying to rub yourself against me."

"What’s the difference?"

"The difference is that when we snuggle, we both get something out of it, but when you rub against me, you are just trying to scratch your chicken pox."

"Oh. Will it help if I bat my eyelashes?"

"Will it help if I bat your butt?"

"No."

"Then you got your answer."

"It’s almost five, where is he?" Alex said, looking out the window. As it was the middle of winter, the days were shorter, and it was already fairly dark.

"When he called at three, he said they were almost done," Fox said, sitting in front of the fire. He was wrapped in a large fleece blanket. He was starting to feel chilled again, and was not going to chance a relapse. He didn’t want to worry Alex, but he was concerned that Walter had not called again.

"There’s a car coming," Alex said suddenly, "It’s Sawyer’s…but Gabriel is driving…I think."

A couple of minutes later the front door opened, and Gabriel entered.

"Hi," Alex said, welcoming his brother, "Where is Sawyer? Did you guys find a place?"

"Sawyer…uhm…had to stay in the city," Gabriel said, somewhat hesitantly, which immediately raised Alex’s trouble radar.

"What’s the matter? Did something happen?" Alex asked, as he followed Gabriel towards the couch, where Fox sat.

"Sit down, Alex," Gabriel said, as he took a seat across from Fox. "Guys, something happened a short time ago…"

"Did…did something happen to Sawyer?" Alex asked.

"Sawyer and I…when we finished with the realtor, decided that we would stop by the Hoover, and see if Walter was ready to leave."

"For God’s sake Gabriel, spit it out," Alex said, jumping to his feet.

"Alex, sit," Fox said, calmly, as he put a hand on Alex’s arm. "Go on, Gabriel."

"When we got there," Gabriel continued, "There was an ambulance arriving at the same time, and…and they were there for…Walter."

"What! What happened? Is he all right?" Alex said, nearly shouting, "Where did they take him?"

"All I know is that he collapsed right before we got there," Gabriel explained, "Kim Cooke, and John Doggett came down with the gurney, and met us outside. Kim said that Walter just collapsed. One minute he was talking to her, and the next he clutched his chest, and fell. She called for help, and then got John."

"We have to get to the hospital," Fox said, jumping to his feet. He was trying to stay calm for Alex’s sake, but he was having a hard time.

"Sawyer went to the hospital with him, and told me to come home, and stay with you," Gabriel said, bracing himself for the argument he knew he was going to get.

"Stay with us! You’ve got to be kidding?" Alex said, looking at his twin is disbelief, "We are not staying here, with Walter in the hospital. Come of Fox…"

"You guys can’t go out," Gabriel said, following them up the stairs, "Fox, you are not over the cold you have, and it could develop into pneumonia, and Alex you could still be contagious. You can’t get into the hospital."

"Watch me," Alex said, tears threatening to fall.

"Guys, you wont do any good there until you know more," Gabriel pleaded, "Sawyer will call as soon as he knows something. Please stay here until he calls, please. You guys getting more sick will not help Walter."

"Alex…maybe…" Fox began to say, but was cut off by an adamant Alex.

"No! I…I…I have to make sure," Alex said, his voice quivering.

"We will," Fox said, wrapping his arms around his now trembling lover. "Gabriel is right, we better wait until we hear from Sawyer. Okay?"

Alex, didn’t answer, but simply nodded against Fox’s shoulder.

"I’ll go downstairs, and call Walter’s folks, let them know what happened," Gabriel said. "You guys promise that you will stay here?"

Without releasing his hold on Alex, Fox turned to face Gabriel, and said, "Yes, we promise…and could you maybe start dinner? We haven’t eaten since lunch…and it might be a long night."

"Sure thing," Gabriel said, "Guys, I know he is going to be all right. You have to have faith, you have to believe that."

Fox, continued to rub calming circles on Alex’s back as he said, "I’m pretty good at that…believing that is. Thanks, Gabriel."

Waiting a moment, until he was sure Gabriel was downstairs, and out of earshot, Fox released Alex, and said, "Get dressed."

"What? You just said…"Alex said confused, but beginning to follow Fox’s instructions

"You don’t really think that I am going to let Walter be alone at the hospital," Fox said, pulling up a pair of jeans over his pajama bottoms. "Dress warm."

"How are we going to get out of the house," Alex said, as he put on a heavy sweater.

"We’ll sneak out when Gabriel goes into the kitchen," Fox said, "Hurry up, we don’t have much time."

"Guys, Sarah and Walter will be here in the morning," Gabriel said, as he opened the door to the bedroom.

He was surprised to find it empty, so he moved towards the bathroom. "Guys? Great, they are gone. Damn it."

Picking up the phone from the bedside table, he dialed Sawyer’s number. "Hey, it’s me…how is Walter? Yes, okay, I understand…listen…they are gone…yes I told them…but…but…no…yes…it wasn’t my fault…just be on the lookout for them…okay…okay bye…I love you"

Gabriel hung up the phone, and sighed, "When I get my hands around the scrawny little necks…I swear…"

"He looks awful," Alex whispered, as he stood at the edge of the bed.

"It’s the lighting," Fox said, swallowing hard, "Hospital lighting always makes you look like you are…half dead."

"What are you doing here? How did you get in?" a female voice asked, startling them.

"We…we are his partners," Fox tried to explain, "We were told he was brought in with a heart attack…"

"That still doesn’t explain how you made it up here unescorted," the woman, who was obviously a doctor, asked. "I will need to see some ID, or will have to call security."

"No need for that Robyn," Sawyer’s said, as he joined them, "They are who they say they are, and I have been expecting them…although I expected them a bit earlier."

"Sawyer, how is he?" Alex asked, his eyes returning to look at the sleeping figure of his lover.

"Why don’t you ask Doctor Brice," Sawyer said, gesturing towards the woman standing next to him, "She is the cardiologist on staff, and treated Walter when he was brought in. Robyn, these are Fox Mulder, and Alex Krycek, they are Walter’s partners."

"Nice to meet you," Robyn said, shaking Fox’s hand.

"How is he?" Alex asked again, "He…he looks so sick."

"We ran several tests," Robyn said, as she approached the bed, "We will know in a couple of hours if it was a heart attack, or something else. We had to sedate him for the tests, so he will sleep for a few more hours."

"You guys should be at home," Sawyer said, "Gabriel is not happy with the two of you."

"We couldn’t stay at home," Fox said, as he moved to join Alex, "You really didn’t think we would, did you?"

"No, I guess if I were in your shoes, I would have done the same thing," Sawyer admitted, "But I am not getting over bronchitis, or have the chicken pox."

"The chicken pox!" Robyn exclaimed, "Which one…oh I see it now. Mister Krycek, you really shouldn’t be here, specially if you are still contagious. It could be dangerous to other patients in this ward."

"I’m not leaving," Alex said, gritting his teeth, "We didn’t go into any other rooms, and don’t plan to, so I am not leaving."

"Sawyer," Robyn said, "Please try to reason with them. I have to go down, and check on the tests, and on a couple of other patients. I’ll be back shortly."

"Guys, she is right, the CICU is not set up, for long term visitors," Sawyer said, "Once they move him down to a regular room…"

"I guess you didn’t hear me the first two times," Alex said, his voice low, and menacing, "I. Am. Not. Leaving. Him."

"Okay, okay," Sawyer said, "I’ll get a couple of chairs brought in, but you have to promise, specially you Alex, not to go wandering around. Some of the patients in this floor could die, if they become infected with your chicken pox."

"I’m sorry, Sawyer," Alex said sincerely, "I didn’t think about that, but…"

"I understand," Sawyer said, "I’ll be back."

When they were alone with Walter, Fox said, "The doctor didn’t seem overly concerned, Alex. She would have said something if she thought there was a chance that Walter…that he might…"

"He can’t die, Fox, he just can’t," Alex said, his voice quivering involuntarily. "I don’t know what I would do."

"He is not going to die," Fox said, as he wrapped his arms around Alex’s shoulders, and hugged him, "We won't let him."

"All tests came back negative for cardiac irregularities," Robyn said, looking at the chart.

"So, I didn’t have a heart attack?" Walter asked. He was propped up with pillows, and was looking much better than how he had the previous night. "Sure as hell felt like it."

"What you had Mister Skinner, was a severe case of indigestion, brought on by poor eating habits, and what I understand, a hectic, and pressure filled schedule."

"You scared the shit out of us…for…for indigestion?" Fox asked in disbelief.

"It felt like my chest was going to burst open," Walter murmured, sliding further down the bed, pulling the covers higher up towards his chin. He was mortified that he had caused so much trouble over a simple, if painful case of indigestion.

"A case as severe as yours would have felt that way," Robyn said, trying not to smile at the red-faced man, "And it actually it was a good thing."

"A good thing? How?" Alex asked, his hand on Walter’s shoulder.

"When we did the angiography, we discovered a slight blocking of two of the arteries on the left ventricle. We were able to remove the build up, and prevent a true heart attack later. You will be going home with a diet, and exercise plan that should help prevent the build up from occurring again."

"And we will make sure he sticks to that plan to the letter. Right, Walter?" Fox said, looking at his older lover with a frown.

"I’ll send in the nurse with the discharge papers, and to take out the catheter, and IV lines," Doctor Brice said, and left the three men alone.

"Are you in pain, Walter?" Fox asked when he noticed Walter’s eyes were shut tight.

"No," Walter said, not opening his eyes. "I’m just getting ready."

"Ready?" Alex asked, confused. "For what?"

"For all the yelling I know you are both are about to do," Walter said, pulling the covers all the way over his head.

Fox, looked at Alex, and both smiled at each other. They knew Walter well deserved to be yelled at, but they were so happy that it had not been anything serious they couldn’t bring themselves to yell at him…at least not until he was home, and well rested.

"We aren’t going to yell at you, Walter," Alex said, sweetly.

Walter pulled the covers off his head, and said, "You are not? But…"

"No, we will let your Mom and Dad do that," Fox said, smiling.

"Mom and Dad," Walter said, swallowing visibly, "You called them."

"Gabriel did," Fox said, "What do you think? Everyone thought you had a heart attack. You scared us, Walter."

"I’m sorry," Walter said, looking up at his lovers, "I know I did. Scared me too, you know, and I know what heart attacks feel like. Before you start feeling all guilty, Alex, I didn’t mean anything by it, okay."

"Okay," Alex said, nodding slightly. "I’m glad you are okay, Walter, but when you are well enough we are going to have a very serious conversation."

"I know I deserve it," Walter said, "But you two are in deep trouble too."

"Us? Why?" Fox asked confused.

"You left the house when it was eight degrees out," Walter said, "You Fox, have been coughing non-stop for the last hour, and you Alex, don’t look too good either. I think Gabriel is going to have a couple of things to say to both of you."

"Mister Skinner, I have your discharge papers," the nurse said as she entered the room, "Oh, I’m sorry, I didn’t realize you had company."

"That’s all right," Walter said, "They are my partners."

"Well then, I guess you won’t mind if they stay while I take care of getting all these wires we have on you," she said, with a warm smile. "My name is Suzanne, and I’ll try to be as gentle as possible. You ready?"

"I guess so," Walter said, as she took his arm, and disconnected the IV.

"Now, this next bit may be a little embarrassing, but it’ll be over quickly," Suzanne said, as she pulled down the covers, and reached for the catheter.

Walter looked up at the ceiling, trying to disconnect himself from the embarrassing situation, but he caught sight of both Fox, and Alex staring intently at his crotch. The look on their faces alerted him that there was something not quite right. He glanced down, and his eyes grew wide, as he exclaimed, "WHAT THE HELL!"

Suzanne, whose hand was inches from Walter’s penis, jumped back in surprise, "What? I haven’t touched you yet."

"What happened to…to…" Walter said, his eyes never leaving his crotch.

"Walter," Fox said, "They…they shaved you."

"Wow" was all that Alex managed to say.

Suzanne couldn’t help but chuckle at the expression on the three men’s faces, and explained, "Standard procedure for an angiography. The catheter had to be inserted in your groin, so we had to shave you."

"Looks cool, Walter," Alex said, turning his head from side to side, as if trying to get the best angle.

Walter threw his arm over his eyes, and said, "Kill me now, just put me out of my misery."

"All done," Suzanne said, patting him on the arm, "You can get dressed now, but you have to move carefully. You might be a little dizzy. I’ll be back in a few minutes with a wheelchair to get you discharged, and instructions on how to take care of the incision site."

"Thank you," Walter said, still with his arm draped his eyes.

"Walter, she is gone, you can put your arm down now," Fox said.

"I’m never putting my arm down again. I am never going to be able to look at you two in the eye," Walter said, as he pulled the sheet over his head with his free hand.

"Why? Is not as if we haven’t seen you naked before," Alex said, as he started to pull out Walter’s clothes from a bag that Sawyer had dropped off earlier.

"Yeah, but you haven’t seen me ‘this’ naked," Walter said. "I look like a twelve year old, for pete’s sake."

"I think we should keep you this way," Fox said, and looked up at Alex. "I think it’s…cute."

"WHAT!" Walter shouted, as he flipped the covers back, "Not funny!" he added, as he caught the wide smiles on both Alex, and Fox’s faces. "Help me get dressed, and out of here. Cute…I’ll give you cute."

"Sure thing, Wally," Fox said, and jumped back, as Walter’s hand swatted at him, "What? Wally is a good name for a twelve year old, don’t you think Alex?"

"I wouldn’t get him too mad, Fox," Alex said, helping Walter sit up, "He is not going to be this weak for long."

"Oh, yeah," Fox said, as he began helping Walter get dressed. Kissing the top of the bald head, he said, "I’m glad you are all right, Walter, pubes or no pubes."

Walter couldn’t help but smile, "I love you too, both of you. Let’s get this show on the road. I want to get home, and into bed."

"No hanky panky though," Alex said sadly, "Rest, and relaxation, doctor’s orders."

"Same for you," Walter said, "Sawyer said that Fox’s cold probably will get worse, and Alex, your chicken pox is still not cleared up."

"So we are just going to be stuck in bed, and not have any fun at all," Alex said, "That sucks."

"Actually we can’t even do that," Fox said grinning, "Come on, let’s get this Big Little Guy home."

"How are you, honey?" Walter Skinner Sr. asked his wife as she came into the den, and took a seat next to him on the couch.

"They are finally asleep…I think," Sarah Skinner said, smiling as she received a quick peck on the cheek.

The elder Skinners had arrived the same day that Walter had been discharged from the hospital, and had been at their son’s home, when Sawyer had brought Walter, Fox, and Alex home. For the past three days Sarah had been playing mother hen to her three boys, and had loved every minute of it, or at least she had for the first two. Today had been a little more difficult, as all three men were suffering from a severe case of bedroom fever.

"You know, I don’t remember Walter ever being so sneaky," Sarah said, "I caught him out of bed three times today, and I received the most unbelievable excuses. I would have expected it from Fox, even from Alex, but Walter…it was a surprise."

Walter Sr. chuckled, and shook his head, "Those two certainly have an influence over our boy, and it’s not always for the good, but I do like the way Walter has relaxed more."

"Yes, me too," Sarah agreed, "They are getting bored staying in bed. I don’t think I can keep them there one more day, but at least Alex’s spots have dried up, and he is now shedding the scabs."

"How is Fox’s cough?"

"Better, but I have to tell you I was worried that first day," Sarah said, frowning at the memory of Fox’s hundred-and-three degree fever, and the chills that had wracked his body. She had stayed with him in the guest bedroom, sponging him down all night until the fever had broken. "He’ll have the cough for a few more days, but he is on the mend, and causing trouble."

"What has he done now?" Walter Sr. asked with a sigh.

"He keeps egging the other two on," Sarah said, smiling. "I guess it has been a rough couple of days…"

"You mean they haven’t gotten any, and are horny?" Walter Sr. said, grinning widely.

"Walter Samuel Skinner!" Sarah said in shock, but after a moment giggled, and said, "Yes, that is exactly what I mean."

"Well, if they are doing better, I guess they’ll take care of that soon enough," her husband said, "And that means that they are well enough to take their punishment."

"Oh Walter, do you have to," Sarah said, "They’ve been so sick."

"That is why I waited until they are better, honey," Walter Sr. said, patting her hand, "But all three know that they have it coming, and I don’t aim to disappoint them."

"When will you do it?" she asked.

"I think tomorrow is soon enough," her husband replied, "I will talk to them, and see how they want to handle it. It will be their choice."

"Good," Sarah said, and leaned in to kiss him, when they were interrupted by a shout from upstairs.

"Mooooom, Walter got out of bed again," Fox’s voice said, followed by a giggle, and a loud thump.

"Don’t get up, sweetheart, I’ll handle this," Walter Sr. said, chuckling.

"You are going to get it now, boys, Dad is coming up," Sarah called out, and couldn’t help but laugh at the sounds of panicked scrambling coming from upstairs.

"What are you thinking about, Walter?" Alex asked, as he snuggled closer to his lover.

"Just not looking forward to today," Walter said, running his hand over Alex’s soft hair.

"I know what you mean," Alex said, with a heavy sigh, "Our butts are all in trouble."

"I don’t know why I’m in trouble," Fox spoke up from the other side of Alex. "I’ve been a perfect angel."

Walter snorted, there was no other word for the strange sound that he produced, and Alex almost choked trying to bite back the laugh that threatened to explode.

"Perfect angel, my ass," Walter said, "You are in as much trouble as we are."

"Yeah, I know," Fox said, also sighing, "But I can dream, can’t I."

"When do you think…I mean…when is Dad going to…" Alex said, haltingly. He felt very comfortable referring to Walter Sr., as ‘Dad’, but still did not look forward to being punished by the older man.

"I’m not sure," Walter said, "He said sometime today."

Alex, slipped his hand under the covers as he said, "So what should we do till then…any ideas?"

Walter grunted slightly, as he felt Alex’s hand wrap around his penis, "Uhm…I can think of a couple. Are you sure you are up to it?"

"Gods yes," Alex said, "I’ve been up to it for quite a while. You?"

"Ditto," Walter said, "Fox?"

"Yes…but I am not sure it is legal," Fox said, sitting up.

"Uh?" Alex asked, arching his brow.

"Well, you had a kid’s disease, and Walter is smooth as a twelve year old," Fox explained, his voice serious, "I could be accused of corrupting the young."

Walter and Alex looked at each other, and in silent agreement jumped on top of Fox, and began tickling him.

"I’ll show you smooth as a twelve year old," Walter said, concentrating his attack on Fox’s ribs, while Alex worked on the armpit closest to him.

"I…I…I…give…" Fox managed to gasp between coughing, and laughing.

"Okay," Walter said, falling back on his side of the bed, "So, we are going to get some action, or just talk about it?"

"I’ve been told I am a man of few words," Alex said, as he grabbed Walter’s semi-erect penis, and began fondling it, pulling it between his nimble fingers until he felt it harden. "Lay back, and relax, let me do all the work."

Walter didn’t argue, and settled back on the pillows, "Fox, why don’t you take care of Alex…aaah…geez… I missed…that," he managed to say as Alex swallowed him whole, and began to enthusiastically lick and suck his erection.

Grinning at the sight, Fox said, "It would be my pleasure." He moved around the bed so he positioned himself behind Alex. He had already pulled the lube from the bedside table, and squeezed some on his palms, rubbing them together to warm it up. He took hold of his shaft, and brought himself to hardness. "You ready, baby?" he asked Alex, who, as he was otherwise occupied, simply thrust his naked rear towards Fox. "I guess that means yes," Fox said laughing, as he pushed one lubed finger into Alex’s tight hole. One finger became two, and then three, as Fox began to slowly loosen Alex’s muscles. It had been several days since they had had sex, and he didn’t want to hurt his lover in any way. All the preparation was worth it, as he easily slid into the warmth, and began to thrust rhythmically into Alex.

Alex was still busily slurping away at Walter's dripping erection. He would alternate between licking the shaft itself, and the soft skin, finding the smooth, hair-free base an interesting new sensation. Following doctor’s instructions, Walter had been shaved once more to ensure that he would not scratch the incision as his pubic hair returned,

"That…that tickles, Alex," Walter gasped, as Alex’s tongue lapped at his groin. "If…if…you keep that up, I’m not going to last…much long…longer…ooooh…ooh Gods…"

Alex, pulled back, and said, "Okay…okay…hold on…don’t come yet…I want to come…in you…when Fox comes…in me…is…is…that all right?"

"Yeah…yeah…" Walter gasped, as he willingly slid further down the bed, and spread his legs wider, lifting his hips to allow Alex better access.

"Fox…Fox…I’m going to move now," Alex said, trying to maintain the connection to his other lover, as he pulled back slightly, so he could get his shaft at Walter’s entrance. He balanced himself on his knees, with Fox’s body pressed against his back, as he took the tube of lube that Fox had used, and quickly prepared Walter. A couple of minutes of stretching, and Alex leaned forward, and pushed past the tight ring of muscles, grinning at the look of ecstasy on Walter’s face. "Ready, my love?"

"Uh huh," was all the older man managed to say, as he bit his lower lip.

Alex smiled. He loved when Walter became fuck-stupid. "You can move again, Foxlet."

"About…damn…time…" Fox gasped, "I didn’t think…I could stay hard much…longer."

Alex, didn’t say anything further as he began sliding in, and out of Walter, while feeling Fox doing the same into him. The room was silent but for the sound of the three men loving and being loved.

That was until Fox sneezed so hard that he literally exploded inside Alex, who in turn exploded inside Walter, collapsing on top of him, which surprised Walter into coming violently as his erection was trapped between his body and Alex’s.

All three men were so surprised by the turn of events that no one reacted for thirty-seconds, until Fox started to giggle, causing Alex to start chuckling, which started Walter laughing.

"Bless you," Walter said, between gasps.

"Thanks," Fox said.

"Fox, there better not be snot on my back," Alex said.

"Not be snot?" Fox said, starting to giggle again. "Not be snot?"

"Fox, it’s not that funny," Walter said, and regretted it the moment he realized what he had said.

"Snot that funny," Fox gasped.

"Oh good God," Alex said, and bucked his hips back, "Fox, it tickles my ass when you do that. Don’t giggle."

"Sorry," Fox said, trying to regain some control, "Let me pull out."

"Good idea," Walter said, "You are both getting a bit heavy."

As soon as Fox rolled off him, Alex did the same off Walter, leaving the older man in the middle.

"Well, that was interesting," Walter said.

"It certainly was," Fox said, "It was fun too."

"You didn’t have a loon giggling on top of you," Alex said, with a pout, as he scratched his butt, "Man, that is a weird sensation."

A knock on the door, followed by Sarah Skinner’s voice, interrupted them from any further conversation.

"Boys, breakfast will be ready in fifteen minutes," Sarah said, through the closed door. "If you are done playing, I would suggest a shower before you come down."

"Yes, ma’am," was all Walter managed to say before he put the pillow over his head to hide his flaming red face.

"Oh Gods, I forgot they were here," Alex said, "Do you think they heard?"

"Pretty good bet," Fox said, rolling off the bed, and starting for the bathroom. Looking over his shoulder he said, "Fifteen minutes, one shower…wanna continue playing?"

"As it seems that you are feeling much better, I think it is time we took care of some pending business," Walter Skinner Sr. said as he paced in front of the couch on which his son and his lovers sat.

"This isn’t really necessary, Dad," Walter said, "We all know what we did wrong and…"

"Nice try, son," the elder Skinner said smiling, "But you know that is not the way we do things in this family."

Despite what was to come, Walter grinned, "I know, Sir. Just had to try."

Walter Sr. took a seat in front of the three men, and said, "Your mother has gone to see Gabriel, and Sawyer’s new place, and to help them buy some of the things they need, so we have several hours…"

"Hours?" Fox said, his eyes wide, "It’s going to take hours for you…to…you know…punish us?"

Walter Sr. laughed at the look of horror on all three faces, "It might. You’ve done enough to warrant it. As I see it all three of you are guilty of both lying and putting your lives in danger…"

"How did Alex, and I put our lives in…oh yeah right, we left the house when we were sick," Fox said, "I’m sorry I interrupted."

"So now you know about Alex, and Fox," Walter Sr. said, "What about you, Walter, how did you put your life in danger?"

"I didn’t take care of myself," Walter said, "I put myself under a lot of stress, and didn’t eat right."

"What about the lying?" his father asked.

"I told Fox and Alex that I would be staying in on Saturday, when I knew I had work to do, and would probably go in," Walter said, and looking at his two lovers added, "I’m sorry, guys."

"Alex, what about you?" Walter Sr. asked.

"I’m sorry too," Alex said, "I lied to Gabriel when we told him we would stay home…"

"I told him that," Fox interrupted, "Alex didn’t say anything. I’m the one that should be punished for that, not him."

"Sin of omission," Alex said, shaking his head, "I didn’t say anything different. I still lied."

"Very good, Alex," Walter Sr. said, praising him for his honesty, "So what do you think would be a suitable punishment for lying."

"I hope it is not anything to do with soap," Fox said, sticking out his tongue in distaste.

"Funny you should mention that," Walter Sr. said, standing up, "I have three brand new bars of soap with your names on it. Follow me."

The three younger men, resigned to their fate followed him into the kitchen. There, he handed each a bar of soap, and said, "Go stand at your corners with the soap in your mouth. Fifteen minutes."

As they were walking out of the kitchen, Fox turned, and looking at the bar of soap in his hand said, "This one isn’t mine, Dad, it says ‘Dove’, not Fox."

"Fox, I don’t think you are taking seriously enough," Walter Sr. said, frowning, "I think, one hundred lines of ‘I should not make jokes when I am being punished’, should do it."

Fox, sighed deeply, and said, "Yes Sir. I’m sorry, Sir." He quickly left before he could get into further trouble.

When he was gone, Walter Sr. shook his head, and smiled, "My bar says ‘Dove’, not Fox. That boy, God love him."

"Okay boys, go to the kitchen, and rinse," Walter Sr. said, and watched as the three men made a mad dash for the kitchen. He waited until all three had had a chance to rinse twice, and then told them to stop. "That’s enough…a little aftertaste won’t hurt you. Now, for the next part…Fox, Walter, take a seat at the table, Alex, wait for me in the den, please."

Walter and Fox, watched Alex leave, and then turned to look at the senior Skinner, who was placing two writing pads on the kitchen table.

"Walter, I want you write me a five thousand word essay on what you could have done differently, so you wouldn’t have ended up in the hospital, as well as what you think your death would have done to your family, include nieces and nephews, please."

Walter, looked at his father, and his eyes filled with unshed tears. He understood what his father was asking of him, and he was not looking forward to exploring the emotions this particular assignment was sure to bring to the surface. "Yes, sir," he finally managed to say, as he took a seat at the table.

"You will have until tomorrow to finish it," his father said, and turning to Fox added, "You can start on your hundred lines first and then I want a thousand words on what lying does to a friendship."

"Yes, Sir," Fox said, speaking past the lump in his throat.

"I’ll be back when I’m done with Alex," Walter Sr. said, as he headed towards the den, "And no talking."

When he walked into the den, he was pleased to see Alex standing by the couch, and not sitting.

"You ready, son?" he asked, and when Alex gave him a brief nod, said, "Okay, over my knee."

"A…a…spanking?" Alex said, "I…I thought I would get a strapping…at least."

"No, a hand spanking, that’s all," Walter said, "You disobeyed out of concern for Walter, and you didn’t right out lie to Gabriel, so you get a spanking. Come on." Alex went to his knees after dropping his sweatpants. The senior Skinner helped him get settled over his knees, and then pulled down Alex’s boxers, baring his bottom for punishment. "It may be only a hand spanking, but it will be painful none the less."

"I sort of expected that, Sir," Alex said, looking over his shoulder, "I’m ready."

The older man nodded, and brought his hand down sharply on the exposed buttocks. He was always surprised at Alex’s high threshold of pain, and he knew that the spanking would be a long one, before the younger man broke down.

It was nearly thirty spanks before he heard the first sign of distress, and over forty when he first heard the first cry of pain. Alex’s bottom was a bright pink now, and would be a deep shade of red soon, if the spanking continued much longer. After he reached the fiftieth, and could feel Alex’s body shaking with suppressed sobs, he stopped. "That’s it, we are done." He waited a minute, giving the young man on his lap a chance to collect himself, and then helped him to his knees. "You took that very well, I am very proud of you."

"Thank…thank you, Dad," Alex said, his face streaked with tears, "I’m sorry."

Standing up, and pulling Alex to his feet, Walter Sr. said, "I know you are, son." He wrapped his arms around the younger man, and rubbed gentle circles on his back, as Alex finally gave up and cried openly against his shoulder. "Come on. There is just one more thing to take care off." He waited until Alex had re-dressed himself, and both headed for the kitchen. "Take a seat."

"A…a…seat," Alex asked, swallowing hard, "I…I…don’t think…"

"Take a seat," Walter repeated, "I want you to write a thousand word essay on what could have happened if you had infected anyone at the hospital with your chicken pox. When you are done with that, punishment will be over, and everything will be forgiven."

"Okay, Sir," Alex said, and gingerly took a seat, wincing visibly as his bottom came in contact with the chair.

"Fox, your turn," the elder Skinner said, "How are you coming on your writing assignment?"

"I have about twenty five more lines and then the essay, Sir," Fox said, as he stood.

"Good…you should experience the pleasure of writing while sitting on a heated backside," Walter said, "Follow me."

When they were in the den, he said, "I gave Alex a hand spanking. You, I find a little more culpable, as you lied to Gabriel, so you will get a paddling."

"That’s…fair, sir," Fox said, "How…do you want me."

"Over my lap," Walter Sr. said taking a seat on the couch. He waited until Fox shed his sweats, and then helped him as he had helped Alex earlier. Once he had the younger man settled, he grabbed the paddle, and was about to strike the first blow when Fox spoke.

"Be…before you start, I’d like to say, that…that I am sorry I was flip before," Fox said, looking up over his shoulder.

"Thank you for the apology, Fox," the older man said, and ruffled Fox’s hair, "I do appreciate it."

"I…I’m ready, Dad," Fox said, and buried his face in the couch’s cushions. He knew he was much more vocal than Alex, and he didn’t want to embarrass himself by screaming too loudly.

Walter Sr. brought the paddle down, and the previously unblemished bottom. He didn’t stop to admire the perfect, red imprint the paddle left in its wake, before he let it land again. Knowing that the paddle inflicted much more pain than the hand alone, he kept a mental count of how many spanks landed. Fox had managed to keep almost quiet, only whimpering into the cushion, until the fifth spank, but by the sixth he let out a yelp of pain. By the tenth spank, Fox was crying loudly, no longer caring who heard him. By the fifteenth, his body was struggling to jump off Walter Sr. lap, and when the twentieth spank landed, his body slumped, and he lay crying brokenly, unaware that the spanking had ended.

Walter Sr. gave him a few minutes to recover, and then slowly brought him to his feet. Noting that Fox seemed unable to catch his breath, due to his uncontrolled sobbing, the elder Skinner pulled him into his arms, and began to talk soothingly to him, trying to calm him. "It’s all over, son, you took that well. Calm down Fox…breathe…breathe…that’s it, take it nice, and slow. Good boy…I am very proud of you…you are doing great…that’s it…calm down."

After a full five minutes, Fox managed to get himself under control, and pulled away from the embrace. "I…I’m sorry…"

"I know," Walter said nodding, "I know you are, and it will be over soon. You just have to finish writing…"

Fox his head, and said, "No…no please…I can’t sit down…not yet…please, Dad…please."

"Okay, okay, calm down," Walter said, relenting. "Go to the kitchen, and pick a corner. Ten minutes, no longer, then you sit down, and finish your assignment."

"Yes, Sir, thank you, Sir," Fox said, and pulled up his sweats half way up, so he could walk unimpaired.

"Fox, when you get there, keep the pants down," Walter Sr. said, "And send in Walter."

"Yes, Dad," Fox said, with a brief nod.

Thirty seconds later, the younger Skinner joined his father.

"How is the writing coming, son?"

"It’s hard, Dad," Walter admitted, "I don’t do well talking…or writing about my feelings."

"Then I chose your punishment well," his father said, with a small smile, "Now for the next part. I take your health very seriously, and putting yourself in danger as you did, I find reprehensible. I have had a couple of days to calm down enough, so that when I punish you I don’t do any serious damage. I am going to strap you, Walter. I am sorry, but I feel what you did deserves it."

Walter blanched at his father’s words, but nodded slowly, before he said, "Yes, Sir. I do, and I am so sorry. I know you don’t take pleasure in this."

"No. I do not," the senior Skinner said, "Drop your pants, and bend over the couch."

When Walter did as he was instructed, his father took a position behind him, and picked up the strap that he had placed on the table next to the couch. "Fifteen, Walter," was all he said before he brought down the leather strap on his son’s exposed backside.

In the kitchen, Fox glanced over his shoulder at Alex, who looked at him, but did not say a word, just looking extremely sad. Fox turned his face back to the wall, tears streaming down his face.

The sound of leather striking flesh resounded throughout the otherwise quiet den. Fifteen strikes later, Walter Sr. threw the strap aside, and pulled his son to his feet, wrapping his strong arms around him. "Son, do you know what it would have done…to me and to your mother…if this…if this had been…"

Returning the hug just as forcibly Walter gasped between sobs, "I…I…I…sorry Dad, I’m so…sorry."

"I know…I know, shush now, it’s all right," his father said, rubbing the back of his head gently. "I love you, son."

"I love…you too, Sir," Walter said, straightening. Wiping the tears away with the back of his hand, he gave his father a weak smile, and said, "I…I guess there is a chair with my name on it. I still have…more of…my essay to finish."

Smiling tenderly at his grown son, Walter Skinner Sr. said, "Good boy."

"How are the boys," Sarah Skinner asked, as she was met by her husband at the door.

"They are in the kitchen finishing up their assignments," her husband said, helping her with two of the grocery bags she was attempting to carry. "What’s all this?"

"I bought some things for dinner," Sarah said, "Ribs, mashed potatoes, corn on the cob…"

"And let me guess, chocolate cake for dessert?" Walter said, chuckling.

"How’d you know?"

"You just described Walter’s favorite foods, and I figured chocolate cake for Alex," Walter said, "What about Fox."

"His favorite ice-tea, and three bags of sunflower seeds for after dinner," Sarah said, "How did it go?"

Loosing his smile, Walter said, "It was the hardest thing I’ve had to do in a long time, Sarah."

"I know, honey," Sarah said, stroking his face, "But it is over now and they are better for it."

The older couple walked into the kitchen, and smiled at the three men who were industriously working on their writing assignments.

"Hi, Mom," Walter said, looking up, and smiling at his mother.

"Hi, Mom," Alex, and Fox said almost at the same time.

"How are Gabriel, and Sawyer," Alex added, "Did you like their new place?"

"It’s small, but very cozy, and near the hospital which is what they wanted," Sarah said, kissing the top of Walter’s head as she moved towards the sink. "They are having their first dinner there tonight. They told me to tell you that they hope that you’ll be able to come by tomorrow to see the place."

"I think they should be finish by then," Walter Sr. said.

"Oh…Gabriel also told me to tell you that the couch has really soft cushions on it," Sarah said, and laughed as the three men blushed furiously.

"Moooom," Walter said.

"Waaalter," Sarah said, mocking him, "Now, how about you boys going upstairs, and getting ready for dinner. It should be ready in about an half an hour."

"Go on boys," Walter Sr. said, "You can finish tomorrow."

The three younger men smiled, and stood to leave. When they were almost out of the kitchen, Sarah called out, "Oh, and boys if you are thinking of ‘playing’ some more, I can delay dinner."

Three simultaneous, ‘Moooooooom’, had the older couple laughing.