TITLE: Tripartite
NAME: frogdoggie
E-MAIL: frogdoggie@hotmail.com
CATEGORY: SRA
RATING: NC-17. M/SK. This story contains SLASH. VERY 
GRAPHIC CONSENSUAL SEX BETWEEN MEN. So, if you 
don't like that type of thing - STOP NOW! Forewarned is 
forearmed. Proceed with caution.
SUMMARY: Mulder, Skinner and Scully try to heal their 
relationship issues. A dance between three very complex 
characters. The action in "Tripartite" takes place shortly after 
the events in "Embarrass du Choix" This story is the fourth 
installment in a series. Obviously you may want to read my 
previous stories, "Baton Rouge", "Discordia Concors" and 
"Embarrass du Choix" to understand this narrative. Those 
stories can be found on my web site at: 
http://www.squidge.org/3wstop.
FEEDBACK - YES PLEASE, AND THANK YOU SIR, CAN I 
HAVE ANOTHER? Comments, suggestions and healthy 
debate are always welcome. Flames? I use them to roast 
weenies, hamburgers and Italian sausages on the grill. Since 
Crash is sending me some of her flames - oh boy, it'll be a 
bonfire!
TIMESPAN/SPOILER WARNING.: I think however since the 
new season is upon us, this story takes place early on in it. Well, 
it's almost in an AU - frogdoggie's slash AU I guess. Once 
again, I do deal with events from the film, last season and some 
of early this season, but bear in mind the nature of the 
relationships in this story I had to mess with the mytharc - we're 
in the zone here folks.
KEYWORDS: story angst slash Skinner Mulder Scully NC-17
DISCLAIMER: Fox Mulder, Walter Skinner, Dana Scully, 
Margaret Scully, Jana Cassidy, Jeffrey Spender, the LGM and 
all other X-Files characters belong to Chris Carter, Ten-Thirteen 
Productions and 20th Century FOX Broadcasting. No copyright 
infringement is intended and no profit is being made from their 
use.
Author's note: I have departed somewhat from the Mulder first 
person narrative in this story. I thought it was time I gave Mr. 
Skinner and Ms. Scully their own voices. Hope this works for 
you. It works better for them.
Tripartite by frogdoggie
tripartite 1: divided into or composed of three parts 2: having 
three corresponding parts or copies 3: made between or 
involving three parties (a tripartite treaty) 
- Merriam Webster's Collegiate Dictionary
 
"I love thee with a Beauty-broken heart 
And worship thee, be whatever thou art." 
- from Marion Warner Wildman's "A Hill Prayer"
xXx
/Shit....It hurts, it hurts..../
"Hmmm...ohhhh. Nu...nu...NO!"
"It's all right, buddy. Hang on, I won't touch you again. You're 
gonna be ok. Crap..."
"Easy f'you ta say..."
"Just lie still. Hey! I have another agent down over here! Hey...."
xXx
A vacant Townhouse somewhere in Georgetown 
Washington DC 
November 5. 10 PM
"Burton! What in the Holy Hell happened here?"
"Damn it, sir! I'm still trying to find out all the details."
"Well, can you at least tell me what the devil you thought you 
were doing using Agent Mulder after I expressly refused to...
"I didn't *use* him...he volunteered to help out Agent Gallago 
with the profile."
"Volunteered?"
"Exactly. Evidently Mulder thought there was some kind of 
damn Spooky angle and..."
"Cut the Spooky shit, Jack. You mean he thought the perp had 
something to do with an X-File?"
"Bingo. So he threw in his two cents on the bloody profile and 
then went on the stake-out."
"Shit..."
"Yeah, deep shit. This asshole perp, besides being a serial rapist 
who was escalating to mutilating his victims, was also running 
drugs for a Colombian cartel. He was mixed up in the DEA drug 
bust."
"Wonderful. How bad a shoot out?"
"Bad. DC PD, DEA, FBI. We've got a lot of dead perps. Agents 
down. It's a mess, Walter."
"Where are Agents Mulder and Gallago?"
"That's what I'm trying to find out."
"Sir! Sir, where's Agent Mulder?"
"Agent Scully. Uh, we're trying to find out."
"Sir, what went down here?"
"Did Mulder call you, Scully?"
"Yes, he said something about an X-File, about the...about a 
connection with Fresno and..."
"A DEA drug bust went bad. Mulder was in on it with Gallago 
from VCS."
"What? VCS? But I thought..."
"I know. Where the hell did Burton go? Damn it!"
"Sir, uh, easy. He's over there...."
"Jack!"
"Walter, over here, I found Gallago. Agent Gallago what 
happened here?"
"The perp was involved with this drug deal sir. Things went 
bad...I...I don't know what happened to the perp and..."
"It's ok, take a deep breath, Miguel. Hey, you...EMT!"
"Where's Agent Mulder, Miguel?"
"He's being taken to George Washington UMC, Dana."
"Was he wounded?"
"Yes, sir, uh, AD Skinner, gunshot wound."
"Oh my God, Miguel, where?"
"Stomach, Dana."
"Jesus..."
"I hope it isn't serious, Dana. He was still talking and lucid. 
He...he saved my life I guess. Took a bullet for me, really. 
Shit...."
"You don't look well yourself, Agent. Let these EMTs treat you." 
"Yes, sir. It's just a graze, sir."
"Sir, I'm going to the hospital."
"All right, Agent Scully, uh, that's a good idea. I'll...I'll be along 
directly to assess Agent Mulder's condition."
"Yes, sir. Don't worry. I'll see that..."
"Scully, just go."
"Walter?"
"Yes, Jack?"
"You ok?"
"What? Oh, yes. Fine. Let's go see if we can find out what 
happened to the perp."
xXx
A Chapel 
George Washington University Medical Center 
Washington, DC
"...I'm not asking for this for myself, Lord. I'm asking this for 
him, all right? But, no bargains. If it doesn't work out I know it's 
your plan. I don't imagine it will be easy. I know he doesn't 
believe. But I know also that you're forgiving...and will forgive 
his non-belief. You don't ignore non-believers. You didn't ignore 
me, after all. I have faith now. I have hopes he will gain faith in 
you too. I have faith that you will hear me and grant my prayer. 
So, please help him. Heal him this time...I'll...I'll do what I can to 
keep him out of trouble from now on. I'll keep him safe if I can, 
so I don't have to ask you for help with him again. It's just that 
he's so..so bullheaded. Yeah, but I know you know that too. 
Listen, I know it's a lot to ask. After all, you already answered 
my first prayer - that...that I'd know it when he really loved me. I 
am so grateful to have his love. I never thought...well you know 
that too. So, thank you. Thank you for it all, and I will try to 
serve you as best I can. Amen."
"Sir, I'm sorry. What are you doing here?"
"What do you usually do in a chapel, Agent Scully? I was 
praying." 
"Oh, I'm so sorry to..."
"What are you doing here? Did you see the doctors again?"
"Yes, I did. Uh, I had much the same thing in mind, sir."
"Oh. So you don't think his chances are..."
"I think he's going to make it, sir. He is showing signs of 
improvement. The doctors are optimistic. So, I'm here to...offer 
thanks."
"Yes, thank God. He woke up for me for a minute but I thought 
he looked bad. He started fighting the tube..."
"He did look pretty bad. And, yes, he hates to be intubated. The 
nurses said you managed to get him calmed down though."
"Finally. He's one stubborn son of a....well, you know."
"Indeed I do."
"You're Catholic, right, Scully?"
"Yes, sir. Mulder said you were Unitarian."
"Yes."
"I see."
"Right. Uh, look - I'd be honored if you'd join me Scully. Quite 
frankly I think Mulder can use all the help he can get right now." 
"Yes sir."
"Good."
"Can I ask you a question, sir?"
"Yes."
"Well, forgive me for saying so, but I never pictured you as 
religious..."
"Or gay, either right? Listen, don't do that thing where you won't 
look at me, all right? We're not on the job here. We're in front of 
God here, Scully. And yes, I am religious. I'm down on my 
knees religious right now praying for Fox's soul. So, do me a 
favor and look me in the eyes. At least have that much respect 
for me."
"Walter I..."
"I'm...I'm sorry, Scully. That was harsh, and unfair."
"It's all right. We're both under a lot of tension I..."
"Forget it Scully..."
"Well...You must realize I'm just not very comfortable with you 
or Mulder right now. The other night was...well it was a shock 
for me. I don't know what to think right now. I have to give 
myself some time to decide what to do, to know if I can ever 
handle the relationships at all, I guess."
"It's something we all have to work through, Scully. I'm not 
going to deny that idea."
"Exactly. But...I can't argue with your faith. I would never 
criticize you're wanting to pray for Fox."
"I appreciate that Scully. But after this, after we go to ICU and 
see him again, I think we need to talk. Will you discuss this with 
me, Scully? Can I buy you a cup of coffee and..."
"Walter, I'm...I'm not quite ready to talk about this with either of 
you yet. I...still need time. But soon. I promise."
"I'll hold you to that promise. I only have Mulder's well being at 
heart, Scully. I'm serious about....about how much I care for 
him." 
"You really do love him, don't you?"
"Yes. I do."
"All right. I can...I see. All right...let's plan on a conversation 
sometime soon then. Uh, I really can't turn you down if you're 
buying the coffee anyway.
"Now you're talking."
"I will call you, Walter."
"Fine, Scully. I know you will. Now where were we?"
"Will you join me, Walter?"
"What? Oh...of course."
"Our father..."
"Our father..."
"who art in heaven..."
"who art in heaven..."
xXx
A beach front house in Crossroads, Maine. 
December 23. 6 AM
I've been watching the sun come up. You know it's quite 
beautiful up here, even in December. I enjoy watching the sun 
rise, reflected in the ocean, on a cold, clear dawn.
On a day like today I could almost say - Mulder you are one 
lucky bucky. A lucky dog, indeed. I am lucky, lucky to be alive I 
guess. I guess.
I can pull up my sweatshirt and see the angry scar. Gee, pretty 
soon my guts going to look a heck of a lot like Walter's 
washboard. One war is as good as another for accumulating 
scar tissue it seems. 
This bullet had a strange, and as it turned out, providential 
trajectory. It kind of skimmed, like a flat rock on a lake, across 
my lowest rib and entered my abdomen in a ricochet. So, it 
missed most of my vital organs, only cracking the rib a little. 
The bullet lodged in my back.
I suppose it would have exited my body except - ok, you're not 
going to believe this - it got stopped by my cell phone somehow. 
The bullet was just under my skin kind of above my waist and 
resting against my phone. Scratch one cell phone. Hello more 
damn paperwork on top of the burgeoning health insurance 
forms. Poor Walter. But someone was looking out for me. 
Maybe it was Walter's Unitarian version of God. Or maybe 
Scully's Catholic Mother Mary. Whatever. 
But in the end, I have to admit if it was God, he does indeed 
work in mysterious ways. Like, a heaven to earth cell phone 
connection with Russia. Or maybe Czechoslovakia. Yeah. 
While I was lying in the hallway in that Georgetown townhouse, 
bullet wound making me want to lose consciousness, someone 
shot the perp in the head. The perp had the drop on me too. He 
was standing right in front of me when his brains were blown 
out. I can still hear that voice from the shadows. 
xXx
"Sweet dreams, asshole."
"Alex?"
"Yeah, it's me, Mulder."
"What....how did you...."
"Nevermind. I don't have time. You'll be ok I think. Here, take 
this. Press it tight against the wound. Back here."
"Shit, that hurts like hell."
"I know..."
"You hurt me in more ways than one, you fucking..."
"I just saved your life, Fox. Shut up and lie still. I have to go. 
Give my regards to the FBI."
"Fuck you."
"Don't you wish. But I'm sure Walter will more than oblige."
"What are you talking about?"
"Oh come on - don't play coy. I still have my sources. Don't 
worry about it, though. Your little secret 's safe with me. But tell 
me, is he good? I mean, does he make you scream?"
"Like an air raid siren, you shithead. And he can keep it up all 
night too - which is more than you...."
"Now, now. You'll make me sorry I saved your life."
"Well, you asked jerkwad."
"So I did."
"Why don't you ask me if he loves me, Alex? Why don't you 
ask me if he holds me in his arms at night when I have the 
nightmares? Why don't you ask me if I told him I love him?"
"Shut up, Fox. Save your strength. I don't really care."
"Pull the other one, Alex."
"Don't tempt me, little one."
"Then just...just leave me alone."
"All right, Fox. And, take care, comrade. Really. I do have 
some...good memories of our time together after all. I wish you 
and Walter...whatever you deserve. Some happiness I suppose. 
While it lasts. Oh, and say hello to that red headed bitch too. For 
what it's worth, I still think she has great tits."
"Go to hhhell."
"Been there for years, baby. Now go to sleep. You're almost out 
anyway. See you in your dreams, lover."
xXx
I passed out before he was gone. I still don't know what the devil 
he was doing there. I had thought there was a connection 
between the perp and the Consortium. Alex's presence may 
have indicated I was right. He may have been sent there by the 
resistance to take him out. If there is a real resistance, and if 
Alex is in it. I'm not sure. The dead Englishman, Kurtzweil, 
Alex...the implications of their words and actions still form new 
questions even as they seem to answer others. So, I keep 
looking. I'll get to the bottom of those questions. Or die trying.
I suppose I should have thanked Alex. I might have if I hadn't 
passed out before he walked away. Too late now. If I ever see 
him again I might consider it. Before I shoot *him* in the head.
At any rate - I've been on a medical leave of absence since I 
got out of the hospital on December 15th. I'll be off until January 
2nd. Happy New Year, Mulder. But I want to get back. Working 
is going to keep me together. At least I hope to hell it will. But 
seeing Scully again, having to work with her...or face not 
working with her maybe. Well, it's not going to be easy. Who am 
I kidding? I'm not sure what's going to happen, it hurts and it's 
driving me the rest of the way to crazy! Damn! I have to get 
these thoughts out of my head. Good luck, Mulder. Good 
fucking luck.
Let's continue please! I would have been out sooner if I hadn't 
developed a raging sinus infection. Trust me to catch some 
damn germ floating around in that hospital. Thanksgiving was 
pretty miserable. Walter stopped in, of course, and we ate our 
hospital rubber turkey together, bless his beautiful butt. He was 
going down to Ambler, Pennsylvania to be with his family on 
Friday. But he made it for the actual holiday with me. It was a 
risk, I know. I guess he passed it off as employee morale duty 
or something. He visited the other two wounded agents who still 
hadn't been sprung yet too. So it didn't look too bad for him to 
eat dinner with me under those circumstances. 
Hey, did you think my mother came down from Connecticut? 
Guess again. Teena called to wish me a happy Thanksgiving - 
on Friday. But, she never joined me over the holiday. She was 
down here when I was first in the hospital however, to her 
credit. My aunt Marion, her sister, drove her down. I guess my 
mother spent the holiday with them in Connecticut. Fine by me. 
Rubber chicken and Walter were a hell of a lot better than 
making convoluted small talk with my benighted mother. God, 
no kidding.
Scully was a no show too. Well, she did call from Maggie's 
house. I talked to Maggie too. She was sweet. She has such 
high hopes for Dana and me. I can imagine the atmosphere 
might have been a little...thick at her mother's house. I hope our 
relationship issues didn't intrude too much on the festivities. But 
knowing Scully, she tried to keep it low key. If she said anything 
to her mother she probably admitted to a minor lover's spat. 
She told her my mother was coming down for the holiday and 
we wanted to be alone to remember my father. Right. 
Whatever.
I could hear the crowd at Maggie's house over the phone. Big 
family get together. Charles was there. Bill and his family came 
from San Diego. Ugh. It almost made me glad I was in the 
hospital bed. I talked with Scully for a half hour. She sounded 
good - but not...well it wasn't the same. I can still hear the 
tension. We haven't talked about anything yet. She's been to 
see me in the hospital more than once and it's all small talk. 
She's kept up with the case load. Gallago had been assigned to 
her after he was released from his medical leave. Burton over 
in VCS must have had a guilty conscience. But she's been very 
busy. Who am I kidding? She's avoiding the issue. Walter said 
he tried to approach her to discuss us and she's still putting him 
off. God, I hope he can get her into some kind of dialogue. I just 
don't know what else to do. The balls in her court now. I...I can 
hardly bare to...hardly bare it.
God, Scully! I miss you so much. I don't know what I'll do if 
you're gone for good. I feel so adrift. I'm trying desperately not 
to sink further into depression but it is so damn hard. The pain in 
my heart and soul burns like the heat of this dawning sun. But 
the pit of my stomach is cold like the winter beach - and my 
blood runs dry like the sand stretching to the sea. There's no 
sense in my pressuring her, though. I told Walter not to pressure 
her either. Walter hovering over her might do more harm than 
good in the long run. So I'm waiting. We're all waiting. And 
wondering and... this is practically killing me.
If it wasn't for Walter...I don't know what I'd do. He's 
been...wonderful. A pain in the butt but his heart's in the right 
place. He insisted, non too lightly, that I take this medical leave. 
I fought him over it at first but then, when the prospect of 
returning to work and facing Scully reared it's head I decided 
maybe a couple of weeks off wouldn't be a bad idea. I know 
this goes against the grain, against my usual obsessive, 
compulsive, focused behavior. Against business as usual. But 
you know what? This isn't business as usual. It feels like part of 
my life - the Scully part - is going out of business - rapidly. 
Suddenly I wanted to crawl into a hole and lick my wounds. You 
might even say crawl away, wounded, to die. Maybe that idea 
was in the back of my mind even earlier. Ask yourself what I 
was doing volunteering to help Gallago with that profile and then 
going on that stake-out.
At any rate, Walter got this house for me. I mean asked one of 
his buddies to loan it to him for a while. One of his old Club 219 
war buddies. Walter used to come up to Crossroads years ago 
with Sharon. He knows the area. His buddy had this small 
house on the beach. I think Walter told him he'd help him roof it 
next summer in trade for borrowing it. Maybe I'll come up and 
help too.
Everyone thinks I'm spending the holiday with my mother - well 
everyone but Scully and Teena. Scully knows where I am. 
Teena thinks I'm with Scully. Marion and her family are going to 
Teena's house for Christmas. Don't you love this time of year? 
Deck the halls with broken families. What a load of crap. I 
guess I'd be less bitter if Teena wasn't getting a rep for being the 
devoted mother without even trying here. Oh screw it. I have to 
stop going there. It's only making it worse.
At any rate, I'm in Maine. I asked my doctor to refer me to a 
discreet colleague in the area before I'd agree to come up here. 
When that was accomplished, Walter followed me up to 
Crossroads and tucked me in here. It was damn fantastic for 
him to try to help me. Well what do I expect? We love each 
other. We really do. And I've missed him almost beyond words.
I just wish...I wish Scully was here. Here so we could talk. 
Damn it. I mean for crying out loud, it's Christmas eve 
tomorrow. I wanted to spend Christmas with both of them. 
Decorate a tree. Roast a turkey. Open gifts. I had some idea 
we'd maybe get together at Walter's place or...ah shit. A stupid, 
idiotic fantasy I guess. Well, at least half of my little dream will 
come true. I should be thankful for my big bed buddy. He is the 
center of my world right now. My point of stability. My shield 
and my anchor. I need to focus on that. 
Walter's coming up this afternoon. I...I haven't seen him in two 
weeks. He had to go to a conference in New York right after he 
left me up here. He didn't want to leave me alone. But he had 
no choice. I mean what could he say? Sorry, my lover is half 
out of his head. I don't want to leave him alone because he's 
losing it over the fact that his other lover refuses to discuss 
problems with our three way relationship and...well you get the 
picture.
I had to swear on a stack of Bibles and my Captain Midnight 
Decoder Ring that I'd sleep, think happy thoughts, eat right, 
exercise in moderation, take my meds...I agreed just to get him 
to shut up and relax. The big mother hen. Or maybe I should 
say father rooster. I'm going to start calling him Foghorn 
Leghorn if he isn't careful. I still can't believe he's going to spend 
Christmas up here with me. I don't know what the hell he told 
his family. He just said, "Don't worry about it. It's not a problem," 
in that gruff rumble that makes me melt.
He's bringing Christmas dinner - the big softy. He's got it into his 
head to roast that turkey - with all the trimmings. We're probably 
going to end up gorging ourselves. We'll be sick as dogs 
afterwards - but who the heck cares. I'm just looking forward to 
helping him with the meal so much.
I told him I'd get the tree. I did. It's sitting on the back porch right 
now. I hope he appreciates the fact I practically herniated 
myself getting it up there. Oh, I'm not serious. It's a great tree. I 
can hardly wait to decorate it with him.
I just wish Scully...Oh damn! I have to shake off some of this 
self pity before Walter gets here. This is going to be Walter's 
first Christmas with me for God's sake. I want to make it as 
special as possible. Besides, if I don't cut the melancholia, he'll 
nag me about it until I'm whining and he's growling. No way 
Jose do I want that to happen. So, I'm heading out for some of 
that exercise in moderation. A walk down to the village as soon 
as the stores open. Yeah. The walk will clear my head, I hope. 
Besides, I need to pick up the gift I'm giving Walter. The special 
gift for my extra special Main Man. That's the ticket.
xXx
It snowed a little on the way back so I made some hot chocolate 
when I got in the house. It was a nice walk. I ran into that 
Australian woman again - the one who walks that wall eyed 
French bull dog. God, that dog looks like Walter. I told her that 
the first time I saw it, and I thought she'd split she laughed so 
hard. She remembers Walter and Sharon from when they used 
to visit Crossroads. After the damn mutt pissed on my leg I told 
her it must be psychically linked with Skinner, since he's my 
hard nosed boss. She laughed at that image as well. Mrs. 
Abernathy. Nice older woman. Reminds me of Julia Child. 
Makes a mean cup of chamomile tea.
Well, it's almost noon. Walter'll be here any minute. He called 
from a rest stop on the freeway. I put on a pot of coffee.
I've been listening to some CDs on the small entertainment 
system the Club 219 guy has in his living room. The Nixons are 
on right now. I've been listening to that song *Baton Rouge*. 
Brings back some happy memories despite the fact the song's 
bent. Hey, I think I hear a car pulling in the driveway. CD player 
off, sneakers on.
Oh yeah, it's him. He's pulling in next to my Olds Intrigue. No 
Crown Vic Interceptor today - he must have rented the Ford 
Explorer. God, it's bright candy apple red. Talk about sticking 
out like a sore thumb! He's nuts! But, it suits the season. Walter 
has his own sense of humor you see. It's subtle and corny too 
sometimes - but it's there. This is his way of saying Merry 
Christmas, I bet. I love it. I notice immediately that he has his 
arms full of Giant shopping bags again. I head for the door and 
throw it open in order to give him a hand. Oh brother is he ever 
a sight for sore eyes - all three of mine. He looks so good. Since 
it's turned off cold he's dressed for it. He's got on that big down 
Eddie Bauer winter coat he wears, the black one...and faded 
jeans. I almost laugh because he's wearing a hat - one of those 
black pullover things. I've never seen him in a hat. He 
looks...military - but strikingly handsome. I suppose he has 
matching gloves. Yup - I see them just peeking out of his 
pocket. 
"Hey," he smiles somewhat shyly, hefting the bags up higher.
"Hey, yourself. Let me help you with those," I smile wide and 
walk forward to help him with the bags.
"Great. Watch the one that clinks. It has the wine in it."
"Ok," I take both bags carefully, "Why don't you go back to 
Rudolph there and get the rest of the supplies."
"Rudolph?"
"The red-nosed Ford, dear," I answer with a smirk.
Walter barks a laugh, "I thought you might like it. Got me in the 
Christmas spirit for sure when I saw it on the lot."
"Yeah, it's great. Merry Christmas, Walter."
"Merry Christmas, Fox," he replies quietly. We stand and stare 
at each other for a moment. I swallow hard.
"Well, get the rest of the stuff and come on in, I have coffee 
ready," I finally find my voice.
"There you go," he smiles warmly and turns back towards the 
Explorer.
I'm standing in the kitchen when I hear the front door shut. I can 
hear Walter put the bags down for a minute. Then the door 
opens again. He must be going back for his luggage. The front 
door opens and then shuts again. A closet door opens and 
closes a moment later. He must have removed his coat. His 
sauntering step is soon heading my way. He comes in with two 
more bags. I've put the first two on the small kitchen table so I 
can pour a couple of mugs of coffee. I turn as he puts the other 
two Giant bags down to join their compatriots. He crosses to me 
and without hesitation, takes me in his arms, and draws me 
close.
"I missed you, babe," he rumbles into my hair.
"Missed me, missed me, now you gotta kiss me," I chuckle 
warmly. He pushes me back slightly and captures my mouth, 
kissing me until my legs are rubber and I feel like I don't have 
any air left in my lungs.
When he pulls back a bit and nuzzles my ear I whisper, "I am so 
glad you're here."
"I guess so, you shaved for me," he grins wolfishly, running his 
thumb along my jaw line, "I like the haircut too," he chuckles 
back, ruffling his hand through my close cropped hair.
I run a hand over his bald scalp and down his face. I touch his 
lips with my finger tips.
"You look good too, sweetheart," I growl in my best Bogie 
imitation. He laughs again. His breath buzzes against my 
fingers. I take him in from head to toe then, devouring him with 
my eyes. I revel in the heavy off white Fisherman's weave 
sweater where it fits over his muscular chest and powerful 
biceps. I stare at the faded denim hugging his trim waist, well 
developed thighs and tight ass. His masculine work boots 
complete the picture. The perfect picture of the man I love. I 
move forward and we go for another liplock. Oh Lord, he tastes 
so good.
This time when we break the kiss we're breathless. He turns 
away and adjusts his glasses a little.
"You warm enough now or do you still want some coffee?" I ask 
taking in his red ears. He still gets embarrassed about the 
strength of his emotions. I still find that refreshing - and a really 
big turn on. He gives me a raised eyebrow.
"Truth?"
"You'd like the coffee."
"Yeah...for now. I have some news you'll wanna hear anyway."
His wicked grin makes my skin feel like electricity is arcing all 
over it. Well, I can wait. The promise of that grin will be fulfilled 
later. I'm sure. Oh yeah. I can be very patient. No problem.
"News?" I'm intrigued of course despite my raging libido.
"Yeah. Let me get my luggage upstairs and then I'll fill you in." 
I grab the coffee and head for the living room. He goes for his 
suitcase where it sits in front of the coat closet and heads 
upstairs. He's back directly and we both enter the living room 
together. The living room is decorated in early Maine I guess 
you'd call it. Sort of - Martha Stewart meets Red/Green maybe. 
Anyway it's not bad. Hard wood floors. White washed walls with 
lots of photographs and prints. The Maine coast, covered 
bridges, area landmarks. The club 219 guy is a decent 
photographer. One wall has a window which partly overlooks 
the sea. There's a window seat under it. I have the curtains 
closed right now against the chill. There's a hooked rug on the 
floor to cushion the wood. A butcher block coffee table and end 
tables. Big lamps on both end tables which I've turned on. 
Overstuffed chairs. A small liquor cabinet. Knick nacks. Mostly 
pottery of all kinds. The Club 219 guy's lover is a potter. It's all 
hand thrown. It's a nice sized room. The couch is big, sort of 
early American but a little more plush. There's a patchwork quilt 
folded over the back. One wall features a fireplace with an 
elegant mantle. The grill and irons picture a hunt 
scene...hounds, horses. The room focuses on that fireplace.
Walter glances at the hearth and back at me with mute 
understanding.
"You want me to start a fire?" he offers as amiably as he can. 
He knows I still get nervous around flames. I can sit in front of a 
fire place without too much trouble now. But starting the fire is 
still beyond me. So, the logs and newspaper tinder stacked 
neatly next to the friendly fire place have gone untouched, and 
the hearth is cold.
"Sure. I'd like that," I smile back. He puts his coffee cup down 
on the coffee table and moves to open the fire place grill. He 
picks up a couple of logs from the stack. As he's placing the 
logs inside the fireplace, I sit down on the couch.
"So, what gives, Walter. Give me the lowdown," I ask, taking a 
sip of my coffee.
"Well first of all, the rumor is going around that Jana Cassidy is 
looking to leave the bureau."
"No shit."
"Yeah. It floored me too. I mean I thought she was career. But 
evidently the scuttlebutt is that she's leaving to go into the 
private sector."
"Maybe you're spurning her broke her wizened heart after all, 
Walter."
He laughs as he puts some newspapers under and around the 
logs, "Somehow I don't think that has anything to do with her 
possible decision."
"Well, has she denied she's leaving?"
"She hasn't said anything one way or the other. The rumor 
came from Richard Johnson, Michaud's replacement in Dallas. 
He was at the New York conference and mentioned he'd heard 
she was looking into some big security firm in Las Angeles. 
How he knew that in Dallas..." 
Walter shrugs and falls silent as he looks around for some 
matches.
"Good. I wouldn't mind if she moved an entire coast away."
"Ditto," he growls striking a big kitchen match from the box he 
finds on the mantle. He touches the newspaper and it ignites. 
He adjusts the flew, lights a few more matches and distributes 
them around the stack of logs. Finally he steps back as the logs 
begin to really burn. He rubs his arms and turns back to get his 
coffee.
"Feels good," he grunts.
"Come on over here," I smile and pat the couch. He walks back 
towards me, picking up his coffee.
He joins me and leans into the cushions in the corner of the 
couch. I move close and he puts his arm around me. I snuggle 
into his shoulder.
"How's the stomach?" he asks nodding towards where he 
knows the scar lies beneath my LL Bean sweater.
"Itches like hell."
"So, it's healing."
"Yeah, I haven't had any trouble."
"Taking your antibiotics?"
"Of course, Dr. Skinner."
"Hey, I don't want to have to nurse you through a relapse of the 
damn sinus infection, Fox. My idea of a pleasant Christmas 
doesn't involve watching your nose run."
"No chance. I've been a good boy," I laugh.
"I should hope so."
"So, was Jana's exodus the only gossip?" Instantly, the idea that 
I want to ask him about Scully flashes into my mind. I grimace 
inwardly and kick it back - shoving it deep. I can't do that to us 
right now. It's just to...to raw. I succeed in making the errant 
musing disappear as Walter replies.
"Pretty much. But you'll be happy to know I talked to Spender. 
And by the way - he had one hell of a bruise on his forehead," 
he shakes his head ruefully.
"Oh yeah?"
"Yeah, lucky you have a hard head," he teases, giving my head 
a tap.
"One of my many charms. So you had this conversation with 
him..." 
"Yes," he answers with a sigh, stroking my arm.
"And..."
"I ended up apologizing to him."
"Well, I guess that wasn't a bad move."
"Right. I mean he really wasn't responsible for that whole 
Virginia fiasco. So, I was out of line when I chewed him out 
there." 
"But that guy still smells to me Walter. And I don't mean smells 
like teen spirit."
"Like what?"
"Never mind - it's a song by Nirvana. But you know what I 
mean." 
"You mean he smells like fucking Morley smoke?"
"Exactly."
Walter sighs, "You could be right, I'm afraid. I guess maybe I 
should see what I can dig up in that area."
"I had the same idea. I've put out some feelers. The Lone 
Gunmen will help. I can call in some other favors."
"I guess I can call in some favors too. Maybe even up on the hill 
if I play my cards right," Walter shifts slightly.
"I should talk to Senator Matheson..."
"Mulder?"
"Yes."
"Would you mind if we discuss this later...I'd like to...I guess I'd 
just like to sit here and hold you for a while."
Oh God. You know he never ceases to amaze me. And where 
the heck is my brain? This is Christmas. He's on vacation. Just 
keep talking about work and my problems why don't I? Geez.
"Sure, I'm sorry big man. I didn't mean to talk shop."
"Don't sweat it. I'm just in vacation mode. I don't go there often 
but when I do..."
"You par-tay..."
"Well I wouldn't go that far...but I would like to sit here and relax 
with my lover, if that's acceptable to him."
"I think he would find it more than acceptable."
"Good. Now, ditch that coffee cup and shift your ass in here," 
he growls and I laugh and move my arm towards the coffee 
table.
I put my coffee cup down and so does he. He leans back into 
the corner of the couch and I lie down in front of him so that he 
can hold me against his chest and I can press near his entire 
side. I drape one leg over his and lay my head under his chin.
"How's this?" I ask, nuzzling his chest.
"Perfect, babe," he answers with a little grunt of contentment. 
We lie still for several moments. He strokes my hair. I stroke his 
stomach.
"I was so worried about you," he whispers at last.
"I'm sorry."
"Don't be. It's my way. I worry. You'll get used to it."
"I kind of like it, actually."
His gruff chuckle trembles right through me.
"Could have fooled me."
It's my turn to chuckle. I kiss his neck.
"I don't think I fool you at all most of the time."
"You'd do well not to forget it too, agent."
We lie like that for a long time, Walter's warm, hard body driving 
my depression away with each breath he takes. It isn't 
completely gone but it's buried deep enough that it's easier not 
to notice it. I notice it even less as his hard arms circle me 
gently and we shift to lie face to face. We began to touch and 
caress each other in a leisurely, unhurried manner. It's 
wonderfully enjoyable to just feel each other's bodies. It's 
marvelous being back together again after being so long apart. 
Walter begins to work my sweater off and I help him to pull it 
over my head. I toss it on the floor as he rubs my nipples 
through my t-shirt.
Walter kisses me again. I surrender myself to him as his mouth 
and hands roam over my face and neck. He presses closer.
"Uhhhh..." I moan into his ear as he sucks on my neck.
"Fox..." he groans, "Hey, I should...I should have been more 
careful...I'm sorry," he looks down where he's pressing lightly 
against my stomach.
I giggle before I can stop myself. The contrite look on his face 
tickles me, "Walter, come on - I'm not moaning in pain. I want 
you, you big stud. You're making me crazy here."
He shakes his head ruefully and replies, "In that case, I'll accept 
the flattery."
"You'd better, Mr. Skinner. You're really turning me on."
"Are you sure?"
"If you're turning me on?" I raise an eyebrow and press the 
bulge in my pants against his thigh."
"Nuts!"
"Oh, yeah, let's discuss my nu.."
"Cancel that. Forget it right now. I know I left myself wide open 
again. Jesus, you make me sex stupid, Mulder."
"And you love it too."
"Yeah, I do," he rumbles his laughter.
Both of us are starting to lose it. He's shaking with suppressed 
mirth. I'm giggling. Shit, I hate that giggle. But I've been doing it 
all my life. The first time Scully heard it she almost dropped her 
drawers. Come to think of it she did. The sudden unbidden 
thought of Dana quells my humor. I swallow to squash it. Walter 
interprets my struggling as an attempt to speak again, thank 
God. I haven't let any of my anguish show on my face.
He calms again as well, and his face grows serious. He touches 
my stomach with tenderness. I smile gently into his concerned 
face.
"What I meant was...you're not...too sore, your stomach to 
tender yet to..."
"I'm fine, really Walter. I want to make love. It's been too long. 
Let's go upstairs."
"You'd better be fine or the phrase, "Not tonight Honey, I have a 
headache is gonna take on a whole new meaning."
I touch his cheek and smile wider, "I wouldn't bullshit you, 
Walter. Never. Really. I know what it would do to you if you 
thought you hurt me. I'm fine. Come on."
"All right, lover," he purrs like a great big cat as we get up. 
I step over my sweater where it lies on the floor.
"Don't forget your sweater," he purrs again.
"All right, Felix."
He swats my butt as I retrieve the turtleneck, "That's Mr. Unger 
to you, Oscar."
I stand up, grin, and take his hand.
The upstairs in the house consists of a small study, master 
bathroom and a huge master suite. There's a smaller guest 
bedroom downstairs but this bedroom was clearly made for fun. 
I've been sleeping up here because there's a big screen TV in 
one corner. My ideal bedroom - yes sir. And of course - the 
King sized bed is something to see. It's all light wood with huge 
posts and a canopy for crying out loud. The thing is piled high 
with a huge winter comforter and tons of pillows. Walter told me 
the Club 219 guy and his lover come up here mostly in summer 
and fall. They don't use the house as much in winter. But they 
were here just before I came to town. They made the bed up for 
us before they left. Yeah, Dennis and Phil really are nice guys. I 
bet they have some interesting times up here. You bettcha. It's 
a bed made for partying I'd say. Partying hearty.
I lead Walter into the bedroom and toss my sweater into a 
nearby overstuffed chair. I turn around to face him. He takes 
me in his arms again, kissing and laving my neck.
He whispers in my ear, "Let me undress you."
I nod, weak in the knees, and he starts to slowly pull every 
piece of my clothing off until I'm standing nude before him.
"You are so beautiful," he tells me.
"Your turn." I reply quietly. He gathers my clothes up first and 
places them over the back of the same chair my sweater is 
lying in. My shoes and socks go underneath the chair.
I'm smirking like an idiot. But, he's such a queen sometimes, 
such a neat freak. Then he pins my eyes and starts to disrobe. 
One item at a time, even more slowly. He only breaks eye 
contact long enough to put his glasses on the night stand and 
take each item of clothing over to the chair where my clothes 
lie. By the time he's down to his boxer briefs, I'm panting. He 
comes back to stand in front of me, that really wicked grin on 
his face again.
"You are such a cock teaser..." I hiss, as my cock twitches in 
response.
"Yeah, and you love that too, don't you?" he growls, looking 
directly into my face.
"Oh yeah."
He breaks eye contact with me for a moment and looks down 
as he strokes the bulge in his briefs for me. Damn he's 
practically torturing me here. But I love it. He looks back up and 
I lick my lips as he takes off his briefs. His heavy erection 
springs free. He tosses the briefs onto the chair.
I can't resist any longer. I walk forward and stand close to him, 
running my hands up and down his arms.
"You're beautiful," I breathe seductively, echoing his sentiments. 
"Come on..." he chuckles in self-depreciation.
"And a show off," I purr reaching down to caress his balls.
"Show off?" Yeah, and I'm not done..." he replies in a low voice 
and then he sinks to his knees. My hands fly off him for a 
second and then clutch convulsively on his shoulders. Christ. 
His mouth is on me before I have a chance to blink.
"Oh God," I gasp. He takes me in, slowly. My hips buck 
forward, forcing him to deep throat me. Oh Lord, it's just been 
too long. But Walter has gotten a lot better at giving head. My 
quick thrust doesn't phase him and I can feel his throat relaxing 
to take my length. He brings his large hands around and grips 
my ass and his mouth is doing things to me I can hardly believe 
possible. I thrust into him, hard. I know I'm going to come fast. 
I'm too excited to last long.
"Walter!" I cry out his name as my climax hits me. I feel like 
someone shocked my ass the surge is so powerful, so stunning. 
All my muscles are jumping and I come in a rush. My semen 
pours down Walter's throat but he's managing to swallow it 
down as I lose myself in the sensations. My body jerks against 
his head and he grips my hips to steady me.
When I come back to myself he's licking me clean.
"I have to sit down," I gasp.
"I bet," he smiles up at me. I grin and he helps me back to the 
bed. He pulls the quilt back. We lie down next to each other on 
the sheets. I kiss him deeply and taste myself on his tongue.
"That was so good," I breathe into his ear.
"It was good for me too. I like to get you off. It's a turn on." 
"What about you now?" I ask, smiling and stroking his straining 
erection.
"You can blow me. I'd like it."
"Oh. Ok, sure. But I thought..."
"You want me inside?"
"Well, yeah."
"Hey, Uh...I'm still not so sure that's a good idea."
"Walter, really, I'm fine. I was wounded in the stomach, not the 
ass, for crying out loud."
"Yeah, but you still have trouble bringing your knees up - I saw 
you flinch when you got on the couch."
"Look, don't worry about it. If it hurts we can slow down or stop."
"Well..."
"Please, lover. I...I need to feel you in me. And I know you want 
it."
"Yeah, I want it. But my pleasure isn't worth the expense of your 
pain."
"I promise if I even feel a twinge, I'll holler."
He smiles tersely, "You're gonna holler anyway."
"Oh, now listen to you Mr. *S for Stud* Skinner."
"Ok, monster boy. I get your point."
"You always do...in the end..."
"Always? guess again, agent," he's shaking his head and 
starting to laugh once more. I pull him close and kiss him again, 
deeply. He groans when I break the contact. He runs one large 
hand down the side of my face.
"Ok, I'll agree about the *in the end* bit," he chuckles.
"All right, that's my man. Besides, you don't want to miss a 
chance to ream me, do you? I mean you haven't been able to 
do it in your office for..."
He snorts a laugh and pats my cheek, "One of these days, 
Mulder...you'll be surprised what I'll do to you in my office."
"Oh shit - I've had that fantasy big guy. Let me tell you."
"Oh yeah, I don't doubt it, you friggin' pervert," he grunts in 
amusement as he moves over to the night stand, "Dennis 
said...oh yeah, hear we go."
He pulls out a tube of Astroglide, "Dennis said they left us well 
supplied."
"I really will have to send those two guys a thank you note."
"Yeah, me too," Walter nods as he uncaps the tube and starts to 
slick up his fingers.
"Walter?"
"Yeah?"
"Can you. Can we do this kind of spooned together? I mean can 
you hold me? I'd like that."
"Behind you?"
"Yeah."
"Sure. That might be more easy on your gut anyway," he smiles 
warmly. I lie down with my back to him. I feel his slick, warm 
fingers at my anus. He pushes one and then two fingers inside 
very carefully.
"Is this ok?"
"Oh yeah."
He gently works the two fingers in and out and then in deep.
"Have you been doing this yourself?" he whispers against my 
neck as he stretches me.
"I did it when...when I beat off a couple of times in the last week 
or so. I didn't want to be totally virgin for you."
He chuckles, "Yeah, well it worked, you're not."
The third finger goes in, and I moan with the contact as he 
brushes my prostate.
"Feel good, lover?" he murmurs as he starts to finger fuck me. 
"Oh God, yes," I gasp, pressing into his hand.
He moves forward and I bring my knees up a little so he can 
press against me from the back. I'm not having any pain with 
my legs only pulled up slightly. He reaches round and begins to 
play with my nipples, stroking and tweaking each in turn until 
I'm groaning. Then he shifts his hand down and toys with the tip 
of my cock, teasing it, stroking the glans and the crown to 
arouse me further.
"Walter."
"What?" he asks, breathing hard.
"Don't worry about me, lover. I can take care of myself. 
Just...put it in."
He kisses my back tenderly and I hear him slick his cock up. 
He drapes one muscular leg over my hip and positions himself 
for entry. I breath in as he presses into me.
"Christ that's good," I moan as I feel his thick, hardness inching 
into my body.
"Oh yes. Oh yeah," he groans back. When he's in up to his nuts 
he pulls me closer and circles my waist with his arms.
"Can you hold me for a minute?" I whisper breathlessly.
"Just..." he pants.
I whimper. This is the best. I feel so full. So protected. More 
grounded for one wonderful minute as Walter lies still behind me 
- his heavy, aroused breath playing warmly against my neck.
"I'm sorry," he groans hard, his control gone as he moves 
against me.
"It's all right, it's feels so good. I love you. Do it. Just do it," Tears 
spring into my eyes and the words come tumbling out. I'm 
thankful he can't see my face as he thrusts against me in long, 
smooth pumps.
"Oh baby, I love you too," he croons. Then he's reduced to 
groaning and grunting again as he drives faster. It's been a while 
for him too. He's thrusting hard towards his own orgasmic 
oblivion. 
I reach down and fist myself as he works into me again and 
again. He's hitting my prostate with almost every stroke and I'm 
gone just as fast again, shooting semen all over my hand and 
the sheets. I can feel my muscles clamping down on him. I'm 
making some kind of guttural animal noise of pleasure.
"Oh God," he gasps and I feel him stiffen behind me. His 
orgasm comes fast and makes him convulse violently against 
me. I feel the rush of semen, warm and deep inside. He must 
have been celibate for most of the time since I was wounded - 
he shot really hard. Some of it backflows out of me as his now 
spastic thrusts start to weaken. 
"Oh babe, Oh babe," he moans, trying to catch his breath. I pull 
off him, still shaking myself, because I really want to see his 
face and hold him as we both tremble. I shift over and take him 
into my embrace, pulling his head to my neck. He's very damp. 
I smooth away the sweat.
"S'good. S'ok," I murmur as he comes back to himself. He 
kisses me on the throat.
I can feel sleep almost overtaking me. I know I'm still a bit weak 
and tired from the gunshot wound and surgery to remove the 
bullet. Not to mention the fever from the sinus infection. I 
snuggle down, close to Walter and mumble into his chest.
"I'm gonna crash, lover. Little nap. Sorry. An hour, ok? Wake 
me in an hour."
"No problem, bud. You earned the rest. Sweet dreams," he 
kisses my hair. Just before I fall asleep I feel him cleaning me 
off with a warm washcloth. Then he pulls the comforter up 
around my neck and I drift off.
xXx
I wake up and stare, bleary eyed at the clock. As soon as I do, 
my eyes fly wide. 5 o'clock!? I told Walter an hour for God's 
sake. I'm miffed for only a couple of frowning seconds. Ok. I 
must have needed the rest. Walter would have been the first to 
realize it of course. My father rooster. I usually don't sleep 
soundly at all without a TV on though, or a gender unspecified 
bed buddy.
But maybe besides being tired the other reason I slept soundly 
is the muffled sound of rock music I can hear coming from the 
floor below. The bedroom door is closed but I can just make out 
Jimi Hendricks' scalding guitar licks. Uh huh. Walter is 
satisfying his secret 60s rock fix down there. Ooh, I want to see 
this. I get up. Pull a clean pair of boxers out of the dresser 
drawer I'm using and move quietly towards the door. I open it 
and creep down the short hallway to the top of the stairs. I'm 
smirking now. Walter is singing down there. I can hear his gruff 
rendition of *Voodoo Chile* quite well.
You know, the AD has a pretty good singing voice. I've heard 
him in the shower a couple of times. My rock star warbling 
stinks to be frank. Although I wouldn't admit it. But Walter can 
belt it out passably - as long as the song is some 60s or 70s 
band's anthem. Vietnam bands. He doesn't have much of a 
clue when it comes to bands from the 80s and 90s - oh, except 
maybe for ZZTop. He can growl through "La Grange" pretty 
damn well.
He's doing a good job with Jimi right now. I know he has a soft 
spot for Hendrix. I wish I could get him to listen to "Rob Zombie" 
more. But somehow even though he has a great rumbling, 
gravely bass voice I don't see him working his way through 
"Dragula" or "Spookshow Baby" - even on Halloween. I place a 
careful foot on the stairs and head down to sneak a pick at Mr. 
Microphone.
Walter is sitting on the couch, singing and kind of bobbing a 
little. I think he's tapping his foot. The last step creaks. Shit. He 
hits the volume button and it lowers to a softer version of 
Hendrix's sizzling sound.
"So, welcome back to the land of the living," he nods.
"I think I like your version of Christmas Carols, Walter. Hell of a 
lot better than "Deck the Halls."
He shuts off the CD player with a chuckle.
"Don't stop the music, big man. I was enjoying the serenade."
He laughs. "Oh yeah, right."
"No really. You have a knack for Hendrix, Walter. Seriously."
I can see his ears redden a little. He's embarrassed but I can 
also tell from his body language that he's flattered by the 
compliment.
"Well, whatever. I had a lot of practice I guess - in Nam..." he 
lets his voice trail off and a brief shadow passes across his 
face. He shakes it off quickly however.
"So, you hungry?"
"I guess so, it's 5 o'clock."
"You needed the sleep," he stands up and smoothes his jeans 
down. 
I smile and hold my hands up in surrender to let him know I'm 
not going to press the issue by any means.
"No argument. I am starving though. What did you have in 
mind?" 
"Your call. If you want to go out, I'm up for it. If not - we can 
stay in. We'll flip to see who cooks. You did buy groceries?" he 
cocks an eyebrow up.
I raise mine back, "Where do you think the coffee came from, 
Juan Valdez?"
"Ok," he smirks raising his hands up in turn. "So, in or out?" he 
asks again.
"Go out together? Do you think that's advisable?" I ask.
Walter stops to consider.
"Does anyone know who you are and where you're staying?" he 
asks. 
"Only Mrs. Abernathy from town. She said she remembers you 
and Sharon. I told her I was renting out the house. I mentioned 
you were my boss...she walks this little dog that looks..."
"Susanna Abernathy has a dog now?"
"French bulldog."
"I'll flip you to see who cooks."
"What?"
"Mrs. Abernathy is the town gossip, Mulder. She makes the 
rounds, every day and digs up all the dirt. She's nice but a real 
busy body. I think we should keep a low profile under the 
circumstances. You can go into town if we need supplies. But 
I'd probably better stay up here."
"Oh shit. I'm sorry Walter. I had no idea. She invited me for tea 
one afternoon. I didn't tell her very much. And I talked 
about...about Scully a little. I didn't mention she was my partner 
though. I told her she was my girlfriend."
"Well, it's probably ok. But let's not take any chances all right?"
"All right. Uh, I need a shower. You want to flip now or wait until 
I get dressed and come back down?"
Walter sighs a bit. I can tell he's disgusted with having to take 
precautions. But we really can't risk any suspicions about our 
relationship. Crap. I hate this too. I smile gamely however to try 
to lift both our spirits as he works his hand into his jeans pocket 
and pulls out a quarter.
"Heads or Tails?" he replies.
xXx
"Hang on," I yell as the door bell rings. I won the toss. We're 
having Chinese delivered from The Golden Dragon restaurant 
in Crossroads. Well, I wasn't too enthused about cooking. 
Besides that, Walter rejected my suggestion of beans and 
franks. Walter's in the downstairs half bathroom as the delivery 
arrives.
I open the door and greet the delivery person. I'm kind of 
surprised to see a young Asian woman with a pierced nose.
"Hi," I smile.
"Hi," she smiles back exhaling a cloud of breath into the cold 
night air, "Mr. Mulder?"
"That's right."
"Ok. Moo shu pork. Orange Beef. Quart of Pork fried rice and 
quart of white rice. 26.95." she recites, proffering the bag.
"You got it," I nod. I take the bag and place it inside on the floor 
next to the door.
I reach into my back pocket and retrieve my wallet taking out 
some bills.
"Keep the change, uh..." I fumble, replacing my wallet.
"Wendy."
"Thanks Wendy."
"Thank you, Mr. Mulder. Have a nice night," she smiles and 
turns to go. Just before she gets off the porch however, she 
turns back. "Oh sorry, forgot these," she reaches into her coat 
pocket and hands me several fortune cookies, "I didn't want 
them to get crushed in the bag."
"Great," I smile.
"Night," she finishes leaving the porch. She walks quickly 
towards her car where it waits out front.
"Night," I reply and shut the door behind her. I take the bag and 
carry it into the kitchen. Since there's no dining room in this 
house I guess the wooden kitchen table will be where we'll have 
Christmas dinner as well. I notice it takes a leaf. I suppose if we 
had company... I squash the idle thought as Walter comes into 
the room. 
"Smells great," Walter comments.
"Yeah. Grab a plate and dig in."
Later...
Walter and I are sitting at the kitchen table, plates in front of us. 
I'm toying with the remainder of my orange beef and rice - both 
kinds. During the meal my mind started to wander to thoughts 
of Scully and all the Chinese take-out we've shared over the 
years. The deep sadness that overtakes me with the thoughts 
destroy my appetite before I can take another bite.
Walter is staring at me. He quietly puts his chopsticks down on 
the edge of his empty plate. He'd scarfed down all his portion of 
Moo Shu Pork and white rice.
"What's wrong, Mulder?"
I look up from my plate and before I can hide it I know he sees 
the depression in my eyes staring mutely back at him.
He sighs, "Look, Mulder, she'll...she's going to deal with this in 
her own time. She told me she would and Scully isn't the type of 
woman to go back on her word. You have to be patient."
"Walter, I just don't know. I'm afraid she may be gone for good." 
"Fox, if she is, you'll just have to deal with it. I really meant it 
when I said I'd be here for you. Let me help, ok? Just...let me 
in."
"I know, Walter. I'm sorry. But it's hard, you know. You're going 
to have to be patient with me too, I guess. I'm going to be more 
of a basket case then usual until I hear from her one way or the 
other," I try to smile put it comes off as a wane little twitch.
"Fox, believe me, I have a lot of patience concerning you."
I chuckle a little at the gruff, but loving tone in his voice. 
"Yeah, I know. We've had a lot of water go under the bridge 
haven't we Walter?"
"A torrent. And we'll probably see more. But I think we can keep 
each other afloat. If we let ourselves."
"Right," I breathe out, nodding. I look back down at my plate. 
Walter finally breaks the silence that hangs heavy between us, 
"Hey, you didn't open your fortune cookie."
"Oh, yeah. Which one?"
"Pick one."
"Ok." There are three of them. I reach out and pick the one 
closest to me, opening it's cellophane package. Walter takes 
one and pulls off the cellophane as well. He opens his and pulls 
out the fortune, reading it. He barks a quick laugh.
"Well so much for this one," he laughs tossing it to me.
The cookie's little slip of paper says, *Your brilliant smile and 
pleasing personality win you many friends.*
"Oh shit," I chortle.
"No kidding," he grins in self depreciation, "What about yours?" 
he asks raising his eyebrows and popping half the now vacant 
cookie into his mouth.
I crack open my cookie and pry out the little message. When I 
read it I shake my head and purse my lips.
"What?" Walter frowns.
"Here," I reply in a quiet voice.
Walter takes the message and reads it aloud, "One person's 
loss may be another's gain? What the fuck does that mean?"
"Well, what have you gained Walter?"
The color drains out of Walter's face in one second and then red 
climbs up it from somewhere down inside the forest green 
cashmere sweater he's now wearing. He struggles for control. It 
takes a mighty effort but when he speaks, the rage coupled with 
despair are contained just below the surface.
"Bullshit," he hisses, between clenched teeth. "Are you trying to 
say I'm...I'm glad Scully..."
I feel tears moistening my eyes. My God. How could I 
ever...what a total clueless turd I am. I feel like going upstairs, 
getting my Smith and Wesson and blowing my brains out.
"Oh Christ, look Walter, I'm sorry," my voice quavers in reply. 
"I...that was way out of line. Forgive me, please. I'm just in a 
really shitty mood here. Forget I even said it. I'm such a 
jackass." 
For a few moments Walter stares at me. His face goes back to 
normal and his shoulders relax. He takes a deep breath. Finally, 
he waves his hand in the air in dismissal. Then he tears the tiny 
piece of paper up into even more minute pieces, "I've forgotten 
it already," he replies with conviction.
"Thanks," I sigh and look down again, profound relief flooding 
my body. "Look, I'm...I'm pretty full. Why don't you go out and 
stoke up the fire? I'll clean up in here."
"All right," he nods gently, getting up from the table. I rise as well 
and we stand in front of each other for a minute.
You want a drink?" he asks. "I brought some brandy up with the 
wine."
"Sure, just a little though. I don't want to pass out on you." 
"This is top shelf brandy, Mulder. You only swirl a little around in 
the snifter." he chuckles in order to lighten the mood further. 
"Ah, snifters. Now I can get into one of those," I grin back.
He touches the end of my nose smiling wryly, "I wonder why?"
A shiver runs up my spine as he moves back, turns and exits 
for the living room.
We end up sitting side by side in front of the fire, brandy snifters 
in hand, and stocking clad feet propped up on the coffee table. 
We sniff and sip in companionable silence. The brandy and the 
fire warm my bones, blood, muscles, and flesh - but I'm still a 
bit restless. Walter's eyelids look heavy. The big meal and 
booze are making him sleepy. I jab his side a little.
"Hmph?" he grunts, his eyes opening wide.
"Let's take a walk, Walter. I need to stretch."
"Mulder, it's freezing outside."
"Yeah, but there's no wind. If we keep moving it should be ok." 
"Where are we going to walk?"
"I thought the beach..."
He looks at me skeptically.
"Oh come on, big man. The stars are fantastic out here. 
Where's your sense of adventure...your romance?"
"All right. All right. Get your shoes and coat," he gives in, 
smiling, as he takes the brandy snifter from my hand. He puts 
both almost empty glasses down on the coffee table and follows 
me to the coat closet in the hall.
xXx
"Mulder, that hat is too much," Walter drawls as we walk up the 
beach keeping pace with each other, "It's almost so bright it's 
making it hard to see the stars."
I'm wearing the flaming red thinsulate stocking cap that Teena 
gave me in a fit of generosity a couple of Christmas' ago. It's 
great for jogging. Keeps my head insulated mighty fine. I laugh.
"Almost as bright at that tomato on wheels you drove up here." 
He laughs in return. I take his hand a little shyly. Sure it's dark 
and there isn't anyone else out on the beach. But we are in 
public. I'm almost afraid he'll pull away. To my relief and 
pleasure he doesn't pull back, but instead winds his gloved hand 
more firmly around mine.
"You should have worn gloves, Fox," he whispers as we walk 
on. 
"My hands are fine," I smile over at him. My other hand is in the 
pocket of my LL Bean foul weather coat. I'm as warm as toast. 
Warmer as I feel Walter's hand squeeze mine. We walk behind 
a particularly large outcrop of tumbled and weathered rocks. 
Our view of the house side of the land is totally blocked. I pull 
on Walter's hand.
"Hold up, lover," I whisper in return.
He stops and I draw him back against me into the shelter of the 
rocks.
"Look up," I point and he turns slightly and gazes into the sky, 
into the myriad of bright stars that shine down on us through the 
clear, cold night air.
"You're right, they are fantastic," he rumbles against me. I draw 
his chin back down and around and kiss him, devouring his 
mouth. He moans a bit when we break contact. We smile into 
each others eyes. I have a sudden wicked idea.
"Did Scully ever tell you what I like to do at the beach? I mean 
what I'm almost compelled to do when I see the tide coming 
in?"
"No," he answers suddenly suspicious.
"Body surf," I answer in a rush, and pushing him back slightly, I 
run like hell for the pounding winter surf.
"Are you motherfucking crazy?" Walter yelps, turning instantly 
to give chase, "come back here you asshole. Damn it! Mulder! 
Fox!"
I'm fast, but Walter is no slouch in the running department. I can 
hear him barreling close after me like a freight train.
"Just wait till I get my hands on you!" he hisses behind me. I turn 
on a dime well short of the surf and Walter, his head long rush 
propelling him, slams into me knocking us onto the sand in a 
tangle of arms and legs.
"You'll do what with your hands?" I laugh breathlessly as he pins 
me down.
"I should smack you silly, you crazy idiot," he mock growls. The 
surf pounds in my ears and picks up the back beat of his gruff 
voice. 
"Oh, just smack me Mr. Lancaster. From Here to Eternity."
"You and your movie references," he groans, his voice rough 
with passion as he lunges forward to capture my mouth. We're 
sucking on each other's lips until our mouths finally spring open 
and our tongues meet frantically to taste each other. We grind 
our hips together, lost in lust for several heated minutes. This is 
nuts. Someone could see us. But apparently both of us are sex 
stupid right now. Who the hell cares. God! Half the fun is the 
danger. It's a rush. Walter breaks the kiss and hisses into my 
ear."
"Let's get the hell out of here."
"Back to the house?"
"Back to the house so you can fuck me senseless."
"Yeah. Give me a hand up," I nod and he does.
xXx
"Christ!" Walter cries out as I drive into him again and again. I'm 
looking down into his face, his legs over my shoulders and my 
hand on his swollen cock. There's hardly another sight in the 
world more exquisite then this magnificent man in the throes of 
passion. He has his head thrown back and his mouth open as 
he gasps for breath. His arms grip two of the headboard slats 
and his ass thrusts up to meet my hips. His eye lids flutter open 
for a moment, and I can see his eyes are practically rolling back 
in his head. When he shuts his lids again he moans in ecstasy. 
Jesus it's all too fucking phenomenal.
When we got back to the house both of us stripped naked 
downstairs in the hallway so we wouldn't track sand all over the 
hardwood floors. The walk back in the cold had served to make 
us lose our growing erections. But I didn't think it would be long 
before we were sporting wood again. Walter went for the stairs 
double time.
"Walter, uh, use the can," I advised.
"Way ahead of you," he nodded heading for the upstairs 
bathroom. 
Practicality sometimes rears it's head even in the heat of 
passion. It's better to be running on empty in all departments. 
Taking my own advise I headed for the downstairs half bath.
Upstairs, in the bedroom I waited for Walter. When he came in, 
I practically threw him on the bed. He was growling and urging 
me to fuck him in no uncertain terms and language that was 
raw even for an ex-Marine. God, it made me so hot I thought I 
was going to explode. But I took my time prepping him. Passion 
should not equal pain even when both parties want to fuck each 
other through the floor.
I got a pillow under his hips and my fingers in his ass as fast as I 
could. I stretched him slowly though, putting in four fingers 
finally because I knew I was going to go at him hard and fast 
once I got in. But the slow, gentle pressure of my fingers was 
obviously making him insane.
"Do me, come on. Get it up my ass," he growled, thrusting his 
hips up against my hand as my fingers disappeared even 
farther into him. 
"I'm gonna fuck you good, lover," I hissed in reply, pulling my 
hand back.
"I wanna feel your cock all the way up to my tonsils," he 
groaned. 
Now I was obliging him, rolling my hips forward in smooth, hard 
pumps, hitting his prostate with every other stroke or so. It's 
driving him wild. Right through the ceiling. Walter bears down on 
me, pushing me out as I drive in. The sensation is incredible. 
Both of us are bathed in sweat.
"Give it to me. Harder, you prick!" he cries out. I've got all I can 
do to stay with him. Lucky for him I wasn't lying about my gut 
being in good shape Otherwise I'd be lying here ruptured all to 
hell. But this is some fine fabulous ride. I bite my lip, whining as I 
pummel his ass.
"Fuck, fffuck," he groans, moving his hips sensuously. His balls 
are rubbing against me and I'm gasping as I can feel the tensing 
and swollen cum heaviness we're both experiencing.
"Oh yeah, baby. Move for me. Come on, move that nice tight 
ass." 
He swallows hard and bears down on my cock until I cry out, 
almost losing my grip on his pulsing hard on. He's nearly there. 
He's going to lose himself totally for me with one or two more 
yanks of my fist and thrusts of my hips. I've never seen him this 
far into it. His entire body has started to shake and a red flush 
spreads over his face and neck.
"Come on baby, come for me. Let it go, lover. Oh God, you 
look so hot," I urge him on. His body grows suddenly taunt 
under me and I know that we've hit another home run. Oh 
mother have we.
"Fffox," he cries out as he comes, semen spurting over his belly 
in pearly white threads. He arches up, his hands convulsing on 
the bed posts. No silent scream this time - he roars in pure 
animal power. His inner muscles clench my cock tight and my 
entire body seems caught between trying to implode and 
explode.
"Uhhhhh!" I scream out, throwing myself forward into him all the 
way up to my balls as they start to empty their load. I'm 
completely and utterly fuck blind. I can hear Walter's grunted, 
breathless "God!" and his strong hands on my hands where they 
hold his legs against my shoulders. After that I'm unaware of 
most of the world around me. All I can see is white light and all I 
can feel are spasms rocking my whole frame as my hips 
continue to thrust forward under their own volition. But I can 
hear Walter. He's still crying out in a guttural moan.
"Do it, do it, do it," he rants, and our erotic duet seems to last 
forever until finally I collapse sideways and he follows me over, 
laughing and gasping, his legs falling around my waist.
"Man, talk about a reaming..." Walter rumbles, smiling and 
nuzzling my ear.
"No kidding, big guy. Hell, that was fucking fantastic."
He chuckles at my teasing imitation of him. His face goes 
suddenly soft however and he runs his hands down to caress 
where we're still connected to each other.
"I love you," he murmurs against my hair.
"I kiss his cheek tenderly, "I love you too, Walter."
Our breathing is becoming more regular.
"Are you ok, though?" I ask, my brow furrowing. We were going 
at it really hard, after all. God were we ever. I'm going to be 
sore tomorrow and I wasn't even on the receiving end.
"Seem to be," he grunts.
I gently pull out and help Walter to disengage his legs from 
around my waist. He rolls onto his side away from me so I can 
take a look at him. He's ok. No tearing and no blood. I guess 
Walter's stomach and back bone aren't the only parts of his 
body that are made of cast iron.
"Everything ok?" he asks glancing back.
"Yup, but we'd better shower before bed. And change the 
sheets, I look down ruefully."
"Good idea. Last man in the shower has to make up the bed 
again." 
Later on, the fresh sheets I had to put on the bed lying against 
our satiated bodies, Walter and I snuggle and talk some more. 
It's late and I know sleep is going to overtake us soon. But I love 
these post coital moments with him a lot. He has his head on 
my chest, and I'm stroking his scalp and neck. The fringe of his 
hair is still a little damp from the shower.
"So, tomorrow is Christmas Eve," I murmur.
"We need to put up the tree," he replies sleepily.
"I'm really looking forward to that."
"Me too."
"Walter, what the heck are we going to decorate it with?" I ask 
in sudden chagrin. I didn't buy or bring any ornaments. What a 
ridiculous oversight!
"No problem. Your ever well organized AD has three boxes full 
of ornaments in the back of Rudolph out there. I was leaving 
them as a surprise but I don't want you to spend a restless night 
worrying about a naked tree."
"I guess that's why they pay ADs the big bucks," I kiss his scalp. 
"You got it."
"Walter?"
"Yeah."
"I really am sorry for what I said earlier."
He shifts up my body and looks into my face.
"About what? I'm afraid I've forgotten," he replies archly.
I chuckle, "Ok, lover. Point taken."
"Fox."
"Yes."
"Go to sleep."
"Ok, Walter. Sweet dreams."
xXx
"NO! NO! Alex you fucker, let her go! Let her...Sculleeee!"
"Mulder, wake up! Fox, come on."
"Sculleee!"
"Fox, I'm here. It's Walter."
"Wwwhat? Walter?"
"Yeah, you were having a nightmare. You ok, babe?" Walter 
asks as I open my eyes and stare blearily into his.
"Uh, Jesus."
"Hang on man. Let me hold you." Walter whispers, gathering 
me close. I'm still shaking. The nightmare is receding but I can 
just remember some of it. Krycek, Scully, lights, Starlight 
Mountain. God. Another abduction scenario to join the many I 
already dream about. Wonderful.
"I'm sorry," I mumble against his chest.
"Hey, it's ok. I've been there. You've been lucky enough not to 
have seen one of my Nam nightmares yet," he murmurs 
against my hair. 
"What was I yelling?" I ask quietly.
"You were screaming for Scully. And something about Alex. I 
assumed you meant Alex Krycek."
"I was dreaming about Scully's abduction."
"I pretty much assumed that too. You want a glass of water or 
something?"
"Water would be great, yeah, thanks," I reply, swallowing hard. 
Walter pulls back and reaches for his glasses where they lie on 
the night stand. He puts them on and then clicks on the night 
stand lamp. 
"Be right back," he whispers, caressing my shoulder. He gets up 
and heads into the master bathroom.
I lie back and put an arm over my eyes. God. I'm embarrassed 
and depressed over having a nightmare in front of Walter. I 
haven't had one when I've been with him since Baton Rouge. 
Yelling for Scully while I'm in bed with Walter is one thing. But 
Alex! Damn it. His parting words to me after I was shot certainly 
proved to be prophetic didn't they? It figures. I just can't escape 
that fuck rag. But you know for a very short time we were 
simpatico. And yeah, my condemnation notwithstanding - he 
was a fantastic lover. But shit, I have to stop thinking about him. 
Otherwise the rat bastard will be slinking into my dreams every 
night.
Walter comes back in with a glass of water and a couple of 
Tylenol 
"Here take these too - just in case your stomach's gonna bother 
you later."
"Ok, thanks," I take the pills and water.
"You want to talk about the dream some more?" he asks 
quietly. 
I down the pills and water, putting the glass on the night stand. 
"Not really. I'd like to try to get back to sleep."
He looks down slightly and frowns.
"What?" I ask looking up into his downturned face.
"Nothing. It's ok. Go back to sleep," he takes off his glasses and 
sets them on the night stand again. The light goes off.
"All right, I'll talk about it. What do you want me to say?" I can't 
keep the annoyance out of my voice. His next words make me 
want to crawl in a hole and die.
"I want you to say you love and trust me enough to tell me 
about Alex Krycek."
Crap.
"Oh, Walter..." I move to touch his cheek.
He moves his head away slightly and looks seriously into my 
face. 
"I mean, it Fox. You've talked in your sleep a couple of times. 
I've never...I haven't mentioned it because I've respected your 
request about not discussing your former...lovers, but..."
"Oh."
"Yeah. Your nocturnal ramblings haven't left much to the 
imagination."
I sit up and prop myself back against the headboard. So does 
Walter. We stare off into space for a few moments. I sigh and 
break the silence once I have my thoughts in order.
"Ok. You're right. We were lovers. Very briefly. His betrayal 
was so painful to me I can barely talk about him today - except 
obviously when my subconscious has free rein," I smile weakly. 
"I hope you realize I feel nothing for him any longer, Walter. I 
mean nothing but burning hatred. I'd like to see him dead most 
of the time. I know that sounds...well it doesn't sound very sane, 
or big of me but... 
"Mulder, I don't blame you. After what he did to you and Scully 
too for that matter I can understand why you'd hate him. But 
look. I can't say I'm enthused to hear you were fucking Alex 
Krycek."
"Walter, it's over. Come on, that psychotic prick is out of the 
picture..."
"Except when he wants to make an appearance during drug 
busts in Georgetown."
I shrug, "That was his choice. I didn't ask for his help. You can't 
be jealous of him? I'm not lying to you."
"I realize that Fox. I'm not trying to say I'm jealous. Nothing like 
that at all. I was just concerned that...well...that he was trying to 
make contact with you - to come back into your life in order to 
hurt you again in some way. I needed to know for sure if you'd 
had a relationship with him so I could gauge just how much of a 
threat he might be to you."
I rub his arm with affection, "I appreciate that, Walter. But, for 
some reason I don't think Alex has revenge on his mind. He has 
his own agenda but...I don't know really. I need to find out. In 
time I will. Maybe we can find out together."
He nods quietly and takes my hand. He pins my eyes.
"If he ever tries to come after you...I'll kill him myself," he 
whispers.
"Well, you'll probably have to get in line. I think Scully has a 
bullet with his name on it too."
"Shit, I bet," he replies grimly.
"Listen, Walter. I...want to tell you that...I...God, I love you so 
much."
"Come here," he replies, taking me into his arms.
We sink down together and he winds himself around me, 
holding me close. I start to choke up. Tears run down my 
cheeks.
"I'm sorry. Shit. I hate blubbering like this in front of you. Christ. 
You have to think I'm some kind of weenie assed..."
"Shhhh," he soothes, his hands running over my back, "it's all 
right. Let it out. There's no shame in crying. I should learn to do 
it more often. Shit. Maybe I can't though. I did so much of it in 
the MASH unit in Nam, and in the VA hospital that...well, never 
mind. Just rest, babe. Go to sleep. I'll hold you here until you 
drop off if you want."
I nod into his chest and as he rocks me gently, I fall asleep. 
xXx
December 24, Christmas Eve 
Crossroads, Maine
Morning light filters in through my closed eyelids. I struggle 
through the stickiness to open them. When I finally succeed I 
see Walter, propped up on one elbow, staring at me.
"Morning," he says a little embarrassed.
"What time is it?" I ask glancing at the clock. I can't quite see it 
because Walter is blocking my view.
"7."
I smile and shift over to lie flat, "Do you usually make a habit of 
watching me sleep."
He reaches forward and brushes my close cropped hair.
"Sometimes. Does it bother you?"
"No way. If you can stomach the view, why should I complain," 
I chuckle, rolling my tongue inside my mouth. Ugh. I need some 
Scope big time.
"Speaking of stomachs - how is yours doing this morning?"
"A little stiff. But no regrets, believe me," I grin at him. He smiles 
back and touches my face.
"Last night was the best," he replies quietly.
"For me too, lover," I take his hand and kiss his fingers.
"Listen, I need to work out this morning. Do you want to go for a 
run - or is your stomach too sore?"
"I think a run might help. I'm really not sore - just tight. If we take 
it easy I should be fine."
"Ok, I can join you if you'd like. I guess we can use the beach 
front. It's early enough."
"I'd like, big guy. Let's go."
After our run we come back and Walter does some 
calisthenics. I spot for him. I can't believe how many sit-ups this 
guy does. The cross over push-ups are hard to watch too. God! 
Well he's in great shape for his age. At this rate, he'll stay that 
way. No pain no gain I guess. It's a kick to watch him work 
those glorious muscles. To see him sweat.
We shower, and in a fit of Christmas eve neatness shave as 
well. Both of us throw on our older jeans and sweatshirts 
though. We need to move the tree inside and I know it's going to 
be a bit of a messy job. Needles and sap of course. But 
breakfast calls first.
"How hungry are you?" Walter asks, his head in the fridge.
"I've got some bagels and cream cheese in there. Melon too 
because I know you like it. That should be fine."
"You want the bagels toasted?"
"Yeah, that would be good."
"Ok," he replies as he starts to pull the food out of the fridge. 
I'm making the coffee as he continues to prepare the bagels 
and cream cheese. As he slices up the melon I glance out the 
small kitchen window over the sink.
"Hey, it's snowing!"
"Oh yeah?" he turns to look, his brow furrowing.
The flakes are just starting to come down. They're light and 
fluffy. Really picturesque.
"Looks like we may have a white Christmas," I smile into his 
face. He looks concerned for a moment but then smiles back 
and turns to continue cutting the fruit.
"Yeah, a little snow would be nice," he replies.
I shrug off his momentary look of concern. Maybe he was 
worried about a blizzard making it hard to drive back after the 
holiday. But this type of snow won't amount to much. So, I 
guess he realized that too.
"You want some milk?" he asks, as he pours himself a glass.
"Sure."
We eat our meal in companionable silence for a while. Walter 
toys with the remaining fortune cookie I didn't toss out last night.
"You gonna open this?" he asks speculatively.
"Uh, no," I grimace.
"Shit, sorry," he nods, putting the cellophane wrapped cookie 
next to the salt and pepper shakers.
"S'ok," I don't want to think about those blasted fortunes again. 
Walter realizes it and changes the subject.
"Mulder?"
"Yeah."
"Did your family eat the meal on Christmas eve or Christmas 
day?" 
"Day. Why?"
He smiles, "Just curious. I thought we'd stick with your tradition. 
But my family ate it on the day too. So, that works out fine."
"Yeah, we can do the tree today and rest up so we can gorge 
tomorrow."
He laughs, "No kidding. You should see how much stuff to eat I 
brought up here. I hope we don't fall asleep afterwards."
"Well, I thought of that one - I bought some video tapes just in 
case."
"What kind?" Walter arches an eyebrow.
"No, not that kind. I left *Daryl does Dallas* at home. I've got 
some taste, Walter."
"Ok. So, what did you bring?"
"Frohike loaned me a bunch of his Avengers tapes - you know 
Mrs. Peel, we're needed?"
"Oh, well those aren't too bad."
"And...Byers loaned me Dr. No and Goldfinger."
"All right. Now you're talking."
"Thought you might like a little Sean Connery."
"The only decent 007."
"Well, I might argue for George Lazenby."
"Not with me," he mock growls."
"Hey, at least I didn't say Roger Moore."
He laughs and so do I.
Well, are you ready to tackle the tree?" He asks after the 
laughter subsides.
"Let's do it big man."
Tackle ends up to be a good description. The damn spruce 
seems to have a life of it's own. We make an attempt to drag it 
in from the back porch and end up cursing. Walter decides to 
bring in the boxes of decorations first so we could set up the 
stand.
All the decorations are neatly wrapped, but not in new store 
packages. They're wrapped like they've been stored in 
someone's attic. I raise an eyebrow as Walter starts to dig 
around in one of the boxes.
"Where did you get these ornaments? When you said you had 
decorations I assumed you bought new..."
"These are my mother's ornaments," he replies avoiding my 
eyes. 
"You swiped your mother's ornaments?"
"I didn't *swipe* them. I asked her if I could borrow them. I told 
her I was going to throw caution to the wind and put up a tree 
this year."
"Well isn't she going to miss them?"
"No. She's spending the holiday at my sister's house with her 
husband and the grandkids. She's not having her own tree."
"Oh."
Something in his demeanor makes me think he isn't telling me 
something. He's fussing with several ornaments, paying 
inordinate attention to their wrapping. His jaw muscle jumps a 
little and he hasn't been looking at me.
"Walter, what else did you say to your mother when you got the 
ornaments?"
He sighs and looks at me at last.
"I told her I was seeing someone for Christmas."
"Walter..."
He sets the ornament he's unwrapping carefully on the coffee 
table and sits down next to it .
"Yeah, I came out to her. It didn't go over too well."
"Oh shit."
"Don't worry, I didn't tell her I was with you. I...I just said I was 
seeing a man and I would bring him home to meet 
her...eventually. Look, she...we ended the conversation on a 
fairly good note. After all...she did give me the ornaments."
"Right," I nod, "and when were you going to tell me this?"
"I know. I should have said something earlier. I was working up 
to it, I guess," he answers with a terse grimace. He's upset. Of 
course this is a difficult situation for him. It's still very hard for 
him to discuss his sexuality. Years of hiding have made it that 
way. I hope he feels like he can talk to me now though. I want 
to help him. If he needs my support I can do the best I can to 
lend an ear. Maybe...maybe even something further if I can get 
up the guts to help him with his family.
"Look, Walter...if I can help..."
He's silent, looking down for a second. I resume my silent 
contemplation of him. He looks back up with a nod.
"Ok. But look - uh...I really don't want to talk about this today if 
you don't mind. It's going to crush the mood big time. Can you 
understand that, Fox?" he asks quietly.
His deep brown eyes are sad but determined. I can respect his 
wishes for now. But eventually we'll have to talk about this 
issue. I know his mother will probably be discrete. But I had no 
idea he was going to reveal anything to her. I suppose he was 
tired of hiding. I guess he just got sick of not saying anything to 
anyone. And you hate to lie to your family. Ask me about that 
idea. I'm an expert there. Crap.
"It's no problem. But we have to talk about it later, seriously. 
Whenever you're ready, though Walter. And uh, I guess I can 
go home with you to meet mama whenever you're comfortable 
doing that too," I grin a little.
"Thanks, babe. I know we need to talk further. We'll do it." he 
sighs with relief and we continue to dig through the boxes of 
ornaments.
Walter finally finds what he's really been looking for in the 
boxes. The tree skirt. I laugh at that one. My family just used a 
sheet. Walter has this elaborate crocheted blanket made to look 
like snowflakes to drape around the tree stand.
"No cracks, asshole, my mother made this thing," he barks as 
he sets it aside.
"It's lovely, really," I smirk as he glares at me.
Once we have the stand set up and the tree skirt waiting we 
traipse out and look at the tree again. We can tell by looking at 
the end that it's going to be difficult getting it into the stand. It 
always seems like the end of the tree is uneven or there are too 
many branches. Luckily, Walter finds a saw in the shed out in 
back of the house and we're able to trim off the excess wood 
and branches. After the pruning we wrestle the tree into the 
living room. It fits ok in front of the window seat but what a job 
getting it into the damn stand. We still have to turn it and finesse 
the recalcitrant pine into place.
Finally the tree is bolted in and ready for its snowflake skirt. 
Walter fills the stand with water and some kind of tree 
preservative he bought. At last he places the blanket carefully 
around the bottom and then we stand back to admire the effect.
"It does look decorative," I offer amiably, "your mother's pretty 
talented with the uh..."
"Crocheting. Yeah, she went through her afghan stage about 5 
years ago. She's gravitated to needlepoint now."
"Does it seem like it's turned to the full side?"
"Maybe a half turn."
"Thought so."
Once the trees best side is pointed into the room we dive into 
the boxes full of decorations.
"Are these those blinking lights?" I ask unraveling the first string 
of multi-colored bulbs.
"Some of each, I think. There should be some fresh 
replacement bulbs in there too. In case some are burned out."
"Got 'em" I smile, pulling the packages out of the box.
In short order the lights are stretched out on the floor and tested, 
burned out bulbs replaced and then we string them on the tree. 
Walter connects all the strands up and plugs the final string into 
the wall. They come on with a flourish and after a few seconds 
the flashing ones start to do their thing.
"Very festive!" I nod with pleasure.
"Not bad," Walter rumbles and we head back to the boxes for 
more ornaments.
The tree is absolutely beautiful once the decorations are 
festooning it. Walter even brought some of those icicle things 
which we toss over the branches in artful imitation of real frozen 
water. The only thing that remains is something to grace the top.
"What about the finishing touch?" I ask quizzically.
Walter is standing, contemplating our handiwork critically, with 
his best AD face and his hands on his hips.
"Oh, right. Hang on," he nods going back to the boxes of 
ornaments. He brings out a separate, rectangular box and 
carries it carefully over, putting it down on the coffee table. He 
opens it and peels back the cotton and paper inside.
"This is very old," is all he says. I walk over to look down into the 
box. Inside is probably one of the most exquisitely detailed 
angel ornaments I've ever seen. Most of Walter's mother's other 
decorations have been in a Victorian motif. The angel is no 
exception. The face is breathtaking. Like Rossetti's painting of 
*Beata Beatrix.*"
"God, Walter. That's gorgeous. It looks like a Rossetti painting." 
It looks like Scully I think instantly. Same porcelain skin, red 
hair, lovely red lips and clear blue eyes. My eyes mist up. I fight 
back the tears."
"It might be. I know it's in the Pre-Raphaelite style. It's been in 
the family for years, Mulder."
"Your mother must have taken the news better than you 
thought," I reply in a whisper.
He ducks his head a little and then gruffly asks, "Can you get 
that straight backed chair so I can put her on top of the tree?"
"Sure," I reply with relief. I use the activity to banish the idea that 
the dream angel resembles the woman of my dreams.
I steady the chair as he puts the angel on the top most tip of the 
tree. It fits perfectly and securely in place on the branch. I can 
tell Walter is bursting with pride over sharing this marvelous 
decoration with me. I'm really flabbergasted and honored that 
his mother even deigned to let him bring it with him at all. When 
we do go down to Pennsylvania to meet Esther I'll have to be on 
my best behavior for sure.
The entire job finally done, Walter climbs down, and I put the 
chair back in the corner.
"I think this calls for a brandy," he offers with a brief grin. 
"There you go," I nod still admiring the tree.
He goes into the kitchen to retrieve the two snifters from the 
drainer where he left them to dry after washing them earlier. He 
fills them at the liquor cabinet and brings them over to me, 
handing me one.
"A toast," I say, clinking the glass carefully against his.
"To?"
"To many more Christmas eves together, Walter. Many more 
just like this one."
"To more Christmas eves," Walter agrees.
xXx
"How's this, Fox?"
"Good. Yeah. Great."
"It is tight back here," Walter nods in affirmation as he runs his 
hands down lightly over the exit wound scar in my back.
I'm lying on my stomach, in my briefs, upstairs in the King sized 
bed and Walter is massaging my back muscles very carefully. 
After we started to sip our brandy downstairs I flinched a little 
sitting down on the couch. He touched my shoulders and I 
guess I did seem very tense. The angel must still have been on 
my mind. Walter growled at me then.
"Upstairs agent," he ordered and I wasn't about to disagree.
Now, his large warm hands knead muscles I realize are still stiff 
from stress and lack of use. I really do need to get out and run 
more now and God knows I have to stop angsting over Scully. 
But I think it is going to be a gradual picking up of the pace and 
as for Scully - ok, ok, I won't go there. Not right now. This feels 
too great. The stay in the hospital and enforced inactivity took a 
lot out of me. And let's face it - I'm not getting any younger 
either.
"Oh man, that really feels good," I tell him as he moves on up to 
my lats.
Just as he's working up to my shoulders a cell phone rings.
"That's yours," I grunt as he pushes a little harder.
"Yeah, getting a phone with a higher pitched tone was the 
smartest thing you've done in a while," he chuckles.
I smack his knee as he gets up, walks across the room and 
takes his cell off the dresser.
"Skinner," he barks into it.
His face softens just slightly.
"Oh, yes, hello. Uh, can you hang on?" he asks into the phone. 
He mutes it and turns back to me.
"Uh, this is my ex-wife."
"Sharon?" I ask dumbly. Walter smiles a little at my confused 
look. I shrug.
"Yeah. She usually calls on the holidays."
I move to get up, "You'll want some privacy then..."
"Hey, it's ok, I can take it downstairs. Cover up and stay warm. 
I'll be back in a few minutes."
"All right," I smile, rolling over and pulling the sheets and 
comforter up around my neck. I lie on my back staring up at the 
ceiling, musing idly.
I find it rather nice that Walter's wife has remained on friendly 
terms with him. He was right when he said she was a good 
friend. The divorce was acrimonious at first. Feelings were hurt. 
There was the incident with the prostitute. Walter's sorry last 
ditch effort to assert his masculinity as he puts it. Sharon was 
injured in the car accident. But afterwards they mended things. 
Now, she makes the attempt to stay in touch, and so does he. I 
saw him call her once as well, on her birthday.
It must have been hard on both Walter and Sharon during their 
marriage. Walter realizing he was gay but trying at first not to 
admit it, to make his wife happy. Then, Walter finally admitting 
the obvious to himself, Sharon's confusion as the sexual side of 
their marriage took a nose dive. The thought jars me suddenly 
as a picture of Scully and my fight in the hotel suite jumps 
instantly into my mind. Oh shit. Here I go again! But...
Damn it! I know I need to apologize to her. What Walter and I 
did that night in the hotel was monumentally insensitive. I mean 
her walking in on us must have been some sight and I know it 
upset her terribly. I was insensitive too. I mean I tried to turn the 
whole mistake back on her and that wasn't right either. It's too 
bad it's taken me this long to admit it. Shit. The damage is done 
and now I don't know if we can repair it. God, I hope we can.
That night though I know what set me off. Made my blood boil 
and feel like it was going to explode out my ears. It was the look 
of disgust on her face. I just lost it. I didn't stop to understand 
that yeah, she could have been disgusted by what she saw. I 
mean just because Walter and I were expressing our love for 
each other I can't expect her to...just because I love Walter 
and...
God! Why is this bothering me so much? I mean what...Oh hell! 
What if? What if all these years I've been afraid to admit I'd 
really just...just rather be with a man. I've always considered 
myself bisexual. I never thought about who I would eventually 
settle down with permanently. I mean what if it's Walter? What if 
what I feel for him is more profound, more deep, truer than 
what I feel for Scully. I...I can hardly fathom it. Scully and I 
have been through so much together.
I love her, don't I? I mean I know I feel a deep, spiritual bond 
with Scully, a deep friendship. And the sex is fantastic. Fulfilling 
for both of us. At least I think it's great. Shit - if she hasn't been 
honest with me there then we're in big trouble. I know I've 
enjoyed it. She's so sensual in bed. She's told me I've given her 
pleasure. Maybe that's true too. But maybe the sex with Walter 
is more...intense and fulfilling? God. I know it's mind blowing. I 
just don't know what to think here.
What if I'm making a big mistake with Scully? What if our 
relationship really is changing because after all these years 
we're both starting to realize we've been mistaking a bond of 
friendship for something else? Maybe just staying close friends 
and not hopping in the sack would have been a better idea. But 
the physical attraction was...Oh brother this is one deep 
problem. A whole can of worms. Oh yeah.
Lord! Maybe the reason Scully's so upset is become deep down 
she knows I'd rather be with Walter and...damn it! I really do 
have to talk to her. After the holidays I'm going to force the 
issue. I have too. This is too much to let hang for much longer. 
I'll give her a little more time but if she doesn't confront the 
problem head on by the time I get back to work I'll take the bull 
by the horns. And I'm going to apologize to her. Big time. I need 
to take responsibility for offending her that night. All three of us 
have got to sit down and hash this all out. Just as that thought 
crosses my mind, I hear Walter's tread on the stairs. Shit. I have 
to get this stuff out of my head. It's no good agonizing over the 
relationship when all three parties involved aren't even in the 
same state. I take my arm away from where I've rested it over 
my face, and roll over to watch Walter enter the room. I 
compose myself.
"So, how is Sharon?"
"Oh, she's fine. She's going to Aspen."
"Skiing?"
"Right. Her and the new husband," he replies distractedly. Then 
he focuses on me again with a little smile, "Where were we?"
"Shoulders," I answer, smiling back.
He walks closer, stops to put the cell phone back down on the 
dresser, and then moves towards me again. I roll back onto my 
stomach, and kick the covers aside. He climbs up onto the bed. 
He straddles my thighs and starts to use some leverage to lean 
into the massage.
"Is this too hard?"
"No. Feels good."
He continues to knead my muscles in silence. I shut my eyes 
and let his strong hands work their magic.
"Roll over," he whispers at last. I'm pretty much putty in his 
hands by this point. He sits next to me and chuckles as I have 
trouble getting onto my back.
"Don't laugh. You've turned me into mush," I grunt.
"Good," he nods, laying his hands on my right calf. He starts 
over again with the slow kneading. As he works his way from 
my calf up to my thigh he looks into my eyes. I lick my lips.
"I'm gonna have some trouble here, big man," I advise as I feel 
warmth suffuse my groin. My cock starts to stiffen.
"Yeah, well...think of something else. I'd like to finish the 
massage."
"How about Jana Cassidy?"
"There you go. Just imagine it's her grabbing your thigh. If it has 
the same effect on you as it did on me, you're gonna wilt like a 
dead rose."
I laugh as he works his way over to my other calf and then up to 
my left thigh. Thinking of Jana *Black Widow* Cassidy seems 
to work too because my cock goes flaccid by the time Walter is 
straddling my thighs again and reaching my pecs.
Finally he finishes with the front of my body. He gets off my 
thighs and sits next to me.
"Pull the covers up, Mulder. You don't want to let your muscles 
get chilled now."
I do as instructed and he lies fully clothed next to me. He tucks 
the comforter up under my chin.
"Stop fussing, dear."
"Put a cork in it," he growls.
"I won't even go there," I giggle and he chuckles in return. I 
wiggle a little under the sheets enjoying the attention as he 
fusses with the covers a bit more. My whole body does feel 
loose, relaxed, really warm and comfortable.
"How's that feel," Walter asks.
I shut my eyes and stretch a little.
"Sublime. You have a real talent there, Mr. Skinner. A very deft 
touch."
"Thank you, Mr. Mulder," he replies.
"Are you hungry?" I ask opening my eyes again.
"Yeah. You want to warm up the leftover Chinese?"
"I suppose we could."
"But?"
"Walter, let's go into town. I think it will be ok."
"No."
"Oh come on, cut me some slack. I have to...ok...I have to get 
Scully a Christmas gift, all right. I didn't buy her anything 
because I wasn't sure...well you know. But I'm going to err on 
the side of optimism here."
"So you want to shop?"
"Right. I have a couple of things in mind for her."
He runs his hand over his scalp and shakes his head in 
bemusement. 
"Ok, Look. If you're so hot to get out of the house and shop I 
can drive us over to Derry. It's not too far. There are plenty of 
restaurants and an outlet mall."
"Ooh, bargains. Do they have a book store?"
"Not in the outlet mall but I think there's a Barnes and Noble 
nearby."
"All right. Then we're in business."
He smiles a little again and then moves to get off the bed. I 
watch his muscles ripple under the sweatshirt he's wearing. I 
swallow hard again and beat back the unbridled lust that floods 
my body like a hot rip tide. I better cool down fast or we'll never 
make it downstairs to the Ford.
"I'd better change out of these," he stands up and sweeps his 
body with one hand.
"Yeah, you've got pine sap on your crotch," I laugh.
"Trust you to notice anything that's in proximity to my dick." 
"Your dick is hard to miss."
"Let's not use the words hard and dick in the same sentence 
here monster boy, or town is the last place I'll be driving you."
I smirk back at him, "I love it when you make dirty innuendoes, 
honey bunny."
"What was that mister?" he barks as he heads to the closet.
"Nothing sir. I didn't say a thing. Can you toss me my clean 
jeans, please?"
xXx
It's dark by the time we head back from Derry. Nice town. Very 
quaint. My shopping trip was totally successful. I wanted to get 
Scully a new pair of ear rings to make up for a pair she lost on 
one of our recent cases. I found the perfect pair of replacement 
ear rings. Gold. Something for the office...well maybe...uh let's 
just say they're detailed but...different. But I also found a 
delicate crystal and gold pair shaped like flowers. Orchids. I 
thought they looked very exotic and lush. Not the thing she can 
wear to the office but they'll look nice after hours. Dressy. I also 
got her a copy of Anne Rice's latest *The Vampire Armand*. I 
know she hasn't read it. I hope to hell she hasn't bought it yet. 
But we have an unspoken agreement - if there's an Anne Rice 
at Christmas I buy it for her. Stephen King, I buy it for Margaret 
Scully. So, there you go.
Walter and I flipped to see who would drive the Explorer back. 
He's looking out the window, fairly content to be riding shotgun 
as I drive. I grin. He really loves his cars, even when they're 
rentals. The SUV handles very well, hugs the road and we 
travel in quiet contemplation as it eats up the miles.
We arrive back at the house at around 8 PM. Since we ended 
up eating a fresh seafood lunch in Derry neither one of us is 
really too hungry. I park the Ford and carry my packages up to 
the front porch, Walter trailing behind me.
"What are you going to wrap Scully's gifts in Mulder?" he asks 
as I unlock the front door.
"Aluminum foil."
"You cheap bastard," he barks a laugh.
"Hey, It's a Mulder tradition. I wrap all my gifts in aluminum foil."
He's still chuckling as I swing the door open and we go in.
"Ok, whatever you say, guy," he shakes his head as he takes 
his coat off and puts it in the closet. I follow suit, setting the bag 
with Scully's gifts down on the closet floor.
"I gotta take a bathroom break," Walter nods towards the 
downstairs can.
"All right. I'll go in and plug in the tree."
"Great," he smiles, "I'll start the fire when I get in there," he 
adds, heading back into the house. After I plug the tree in I go 
upstairs to the master bathroom. As I'm emptying my own 
bladder I remember my gift for Walter. I hurry to get done, zip 
up and go to my suitcase to grab the box. I rush back 
downstairs and place it carefully under the tree. Then I flop 
down on the couch and try to look as nonchalant as possible as 
I hear Walter coming back into the living room.
"You want coffee?" he asks.
"Nah, too close to bed. How about some more of that brandy?"
"Sure."
"Sit down, I'll get it," I volunteer making sure I steer him so he 
can see under the tree. He raises an eyebrow as I take his arms 
and shift him onto the couch. The aluminum foil wrapped 
package comes directly into his eyesight as I turn to go for the 
brandy and snifters.
I can hear him clear his throat slightly and then I can hear him 
shift forward to look at the gift. I almost laugh aloud. I mean who 
the heck does he think it's for? I hear him get up, retrieve it and 
sit back down. When I turn with the two snifters filled with 
brandy he's just staring down at the box.
"Mulder tradition?" he asks quietly fingering the aluminum foil. 
"Exactly. Open it," I reply putting the glasses down on the 
coffee table.
"Fox..."
"Open it, lover," I whisper. He doesn't look up but instead opens 
the box carefully, placing the Reynolds product down on the 
coffee table like it's gold and not tawdry aluminum. He lifts the 
lid and peers inside. He takes out the gift and places the box 
down on the coffee table. He sits unmoving.
"It's uh, a necklace," I stammer, I can see the color coming up 
on his ears.
"I see that. Fox...you...you shouldn't have..." he stops and holds 
the necklace up in one large hand.
"I figured you could wear something like that under your t-shirt 
and it wouldn't show," I add as he shakes his head.
"This is...too much," he starts to object but then grows silent 
again as he admires the jewelry.
I stare at the necklace as the tree lights glint off it. I found it 
when I first got up here in a little jewelry shop on the main street 
of Crossroads. It's a gold medallion on a gold chain. Not too 
large but masculine looking. There's a cross engraved on one 
side of the medallion. I wanted to give something to Walter to let 
him know I respect his faith and that he means so much to me 
I'd never criticize his beliefs again. I know how much Scully 
values her cross. I thought it fitting that Walter have one to value 
as well.
He turns it over in his fingers. His face softens.
"It's engraved on the back," I answer his raised eyebrow. For 
the first time ever I see Walter Skinner's lower lip tremble. He's 
barely holding back his emotion. I feel the tears forming in the 
back of my throat.
"I can tell it's Gaelic. What does it say?" he asks, his voice gruff 
with his own unshed tears.
"It's ancient Gaelic as a matter-of-fact. It says *Gaol, Dilseachd, 
Cairdeas*. Translated that means, *Love, Loyalty, Friendship*. 
Would you like me to put the necklace on for you?" I add 
hopefully.
"Yes," he husks, swallowing hard.
He stands up.
"Turn around."
I can see the tears leaking a bit now. He's crying but trying to 
cover it. I won't let on that I see it. I know he hates breaking 
down in front of me as much as I do in front of him. I place the 
necklace over his head and fasten the clasp in back. He turns 
so I can see how it looks lying against the forest green of his 
cashmere sweater. I touch the gold medallion and his hand 
comes up to cover mine. He looks down and a single tear hits 
my knuckles.
"Thank you," he says simply. I bend forward and kiss his 
forehead. Both of us clear our throats.
"We'd better have that brandy."
"I should start the fire," he gestures towards the hearth with his 
head.
"Oh yeah. Uh...I need to use the can." I lie. I'm going to lose it 
completely and I've decided to go upstairs and get sloppy.
Walter just nods as I make a quick exit.
xXx
Later on after both of us have gotten ourselves under control 
again, we sit together in front of the couch and sip our brandy in 
silence just enjoying each other's company. It had stopped 
snowing during the day but now it's snowing again and we can 
still view the flakes through the window if we look past the tree. 
The snow is illuminated in one of the outside night time house 
lights.
I notice Walter fingering the necklace several times. I smile. I 
can tell he's pleased with it. I was worried he'd think it was too 
risky to wear it. But it will be under his shirt and next to his heart. 
And it doesn't have any initials or names on it. I'm sneaking 
another peak at him and he notices me looking and grins a little. 
"I bet you think I didn't get you anything." he rumbles.
It's my turn to raise my eyebrows. Truthfully the thought never 
occurred to me. I figured his trip up here and offer to cook the 
meal was going to be his gift to me. It was more then enough, 
God knows. This has been wonderful.
"I thought you were the gift, Walter," I smile gently at him and 
I'm secretly delighted to see him blush. He hardly ever does it 
outside the bedroom and it's a treat to see.
"You know what I mean," he growls.
I smirk and he gets up and puts his brandy snifter down.
"Well, it just so happens I did get you a gift," he replies self 
consciously, "be right back."
I sit there in amazement as he goes upstairs. He returns shortly 
with two boxes, obviously expertly gift wrapped by the stores. 
He joins me again on the couch and places the two boxes in 
front of me. 
"Two?"
"Well one's kind of a gag gift. Open the long one first."
"Walter this is a tie box. I can tell."
He's grinning.
I open it carefully. I wouldn't put it past him if something popped 
up in my face. He has that kind of cornball sense of humor. But 
the box cover comes off without incident and then I am really 
laughing.
"Oh shit." I chortle lifting out the tie. It's silk and embroidered 
very artfully with a whole bunch of those Rolling Stones logos. 
You know the one with the huge lips and the titanic tongue. 
Walter is trying to hold in his laughter, and finally he can't any 
longer.
"You asshole," I bray helplessly.
"You know it," he shakes with humor, "Read the back. 
Manufacturers label."
I turn it over and then bellow some more. He does as well. The 
label says *Aural Ties, Inc. A Division of Fox Apparel*.
"Aural?"
"Close enough, Fox," he chokes, trying to regain his breath.
I shake my head, "I'm afraid to look in the other one."
"Oh, that ones safe. Much more respectable," he hastens to 
assure me, grinning. I put the tie and it's box and wrapping 
paper down on the coffee table.
"I take it I shouldn't where this one to the office?" I grin.
"Not unless you want your AD to boot you in the butt."
"It's a classic tie, Walter, just classic. Thanks."
"I thought it was you," he agrees, "you're welcome. Now open 
the other gift."
I look into his face. He looks younger suddenly. Eager, and 
boyish. I smile into his glasses and pick up the other box. I start 
to shake it.
"Just open it."
I take off the wrapping and sit it next to the other box on the 
coffee table. I manage to get the box open and then I look up 
into his somber brown eyes.
"You're not serious."
"Deadly. You can wear that in the office. I like it when you're on 
time for my meetings, agent."
"Walter...this is a Rolex..." I reply taking the watch out of the 
box.
"So..."
"I...this is expensive."
"And you're not worth it?"
"I didn't say that."
"But you're implying it," he replies quietly shifting closer to me.
"Turn it over," he breathes into my ear. Shivers run through me 
as I turn the watch over in my hands. There's a date engraved 
on the back and that's all.
"Oh man," I run a finger over the numerals.
"You recognize the date?"
"This was our first time together...in Baton Rouge," I whisper. 
He kisses my cheek gently and I feel the buzz of his words 
against my flesh.
"Don't ever think that night wasn't worth everything in the world 
to me. Never think you're not worth everything, anything in the 
world to me," he whispers.
I put the watch down carefully on the table and fall into his 
arms.
xXx
We almost break our necks on the stairs because we're trying 
to rip the clothes off each other. By the time we get up to the 
bed, the only stitch of clothing still on is Walter's new medallion. 
I'm hard, but Walter isn't quite there yet. Almost pitching 
backwards down the steps was a bit of a sex suppressant I 
guess. But we're laughing about it anyway, hands everywhere, 
lips following.
Walter's holding my head and our mouths are crushed together, 
I can hardly breath as I push him down onto the comforter. He 
sits down hard and releases my mouth. I sink to my knees 
instantly and start to lick at his thighs.
"Oh Jesus," he moans as I bring my tongue up under his cock 
and lap along the vein that pulses there.
"I knew I bought the right fuckin' tie," he laughs as his hips thrust 
up.
I smile wickedly and start to work over his balls and then the 
head of his cock. He rocks back onto his arms and braces 
himself, sighing and then grunting in pleasure.
"Babe, you do that so well," he moans as I let my tongue move 
around the glans and then tickle the crown again and again.
I look up at him. His head's back and his eyes are shut tight. He 
cries out as I take him in from tip to base. I'm deep throating 
him right back to my tonsils.
"Dear God!" he moans and then he starts to buck into my face. 
He works himself for only a short time though until he's really 
hard and then he touches my head and pushes me gently back.
"Hold it. I need this. I wanna fuck you," he breathes raggedly. 
"I was hoping that might be the case," I smile up at him. "And 
you know how I want it?" I purr, climbing up to lie next to him as 
he lies flat.
"How?" he looks at me under hooded eyes.
"On top."
"Oh yeah, baby. You're gonna love it," he grins wide. Both of us 
shift up onto the bed and start to caress and touch each other. 
We murmur our love and then rougher words. Things that we 
know will excite and arouse us.
I know I'm going to need some more foreplay before I try this 
one. I also know I want to bring myself off for Walter before I 
ride his cock. I need to be really relaxed and loose and if I come 
first it will help. Besides Walter did himself for me the last time 
when he was on top. It was an incredible show and I think he'll 
appreciate me returning the favor.
After we suck, lick and rub ourselves together for a blissfully 
nice amount of time, Walter reaches over to the night stand and 
grabs the Astroglide. I take it from him before he can remove 
the cap and lay it down on the bed next to his leg. Then I run my 
hand down the length of my cock. I look at him with a really 
wicked grin. He gets my drift and lies back with his hands 
behind his head eyeing me in anticipation. I bend down and kiss 
his straining erection. God I can't believe how swollen he is 
tonight. Talk about Monster Boy. Holy smoke.
"I want to jerk myself off for you lover," I croon. "I want you to 
see just what you make me do when you're not here. When I'm 
so hot and horny I can't keep my hands off my cock."
He licks his lips slightly, "Show me, baby," he growls. I move so 
that I'm kneeling next to his chest. After all, he doesn't have his 
specs on.
"Got the picture, main man?" I drawl as I start to tease my glans 
and crown. I work round and round with my fingertips, 
squeezing and stroking, rubbing one finger pad into the slit in the 
end to moisten my fingers with the pre-cum that's starting to 
drip out. I roll the pre-cum up over the glans and repeat the 
whole series of motions. My breath really starts to pick up.
"Up close and personal," Walter replies as his breath quickens 
too.
I shut my eyes and start to fist myself in earnest.
"Oh good, good, good," I repeat like a mantra as the pressure in 
my groin builds and builds. I can usually bring myself off quickly 
if I need to. And I want to come fast tonight.
"Oh babe, you're good all right," Walter moans. Before I can 
reply he grabs for me.
"Whoa," I yelp as he pulls me forward. I end up straddling his 
chest and he takes my cock in his mouth.
"Oh shit!" I cry out as he takes the head of my cock between 
his lips. His firm suction finishes the job. I come, shooting my 
wad down his throat with a hoarse shout. He swallows and then 
licks me clean, laving my balls for good measure. I feel him 
reach back to slap me on the ass.
"I couldn't resist," he laughs.
"Well, I have to admit it was a very pleasant surprise."
"No kidding," he replies, "You want me to prep you now?" he 
adds picking up the lube.
"Oh yeah," I grin. We go about the preparations. I kneel on my 
hands and knees, my ass towards him at first so he can work 
his fingers in to stretch me. I was right about jerking off. It really 
helped to relax my muscles. He has no trouble getting me 
ready. As soon as I feel open enough I turn around and help him 
slick up his cock. Finally I shift to straddling him just in back of 
his erection. 
"If you wanna change your mind, I'll understand," he whispers 
as I lick my lips.
"No way," I reply.
"Take a deep breath, babe," he advises as I shift up and lower 
myself onto his cock.
Oh God. I'm taking a deep breath all right. Walter takes my 
hands and helps to steady me. I can feel him lying as still as he 
can even though his breath is shuddering.
"Easy, baby," he groans and I gasp a little. The pain almost 
eclipses the pleasure for a moment but then I feel the inner ring 
of muscle give way and with a moan of joy I lower myself down 
to rest against his lap. I've had my eyes shut in concentration. 
Now I open them and look down into Walter's face. The look of 
love and lust that I see there makes my cock start to stiffen 
again and my heart overflows with passion for my lover.
"You look wonderful," he whispers, moving his hands to my 
hips, resting them lightly there.
"Damn, this feels good," I whisper in return.
"I knew you'd like it," he grins though bared teeth. If you want to 
enjoy it for a little while I can hold back," he hisses.
"Jesus, man, you never cease to amaze me," I nod, giving 
myself a moment to feel his hard, thick flesh filling me. I tilt my 
head back and breathe in and out several times focusing on the 
erotic little spasms issuing up from the center of my body. I can 
feel my neck muscles tensing.
"God, you should see your face," Walter whispers, amazement 
and tenderness filling his voice.
I look down on him and smile dreamily, "I love you," I whisper 
running my hands over his stomach. Having him in me is an 
unbelievably exquisite sensation. An errant thought plays across 
my mind and it thrills me even though I know it should disturb 
me profoundly. As much as I enjoy sex with Scully this is 
something she can never do for me. Fill me this way, fuck me, 
possess me and make me feel like I'm possessing her in return 
all at the same time.
"I wanna make love to you, Walter," I whisper, stroking his 
stomach again, "Make love to me back." I bring one hand up to 
brush the medallion around his neck.
He caresses my hip, "Go slow," he breathes out and I raise up 
just enough to gain some space and then sit back down slowly. 
Oh fuck, fuck, it's infuckingcredible. Again and again I lift up 
and sink down. Walter is crooning to me with each rise of my 
hips. Moving up just slightly to meet me. Teasing me. Stroking 
up to hit my prostate. I'm writhing in ecstasy, almost beyond 
coherent thought and certainly beyond coherent speech. I've 
been reduced to whining and grunting in monosyllables. For 
once Walter is the more articulate.
"Oh lover, that's so good. You look so fine. Easy though. Just 
slide down easy. I can keep this up all night. You wanna come. 
Come on. I'll do you. Just enjoy the ride, baby."
I'm vaguely aware that he's taking my cock in one hand and still 
guiding my hips with the other. As he starts to pump me I do 
find my voice for a second, whining in entreaty.
"Walter! Please make me cum! I'm dyin'" I gurgle as another 
wave of pressure and heat builds up in my body and pools in 
my groin.
"You're gonna cum, Fox. I can feel it in your balls. Feel that. 
Tight and big. So good. So hard. Come on. Do it. Come on."
His voice hypnotizes me. I climb up and up and finally the whole 
world goes bright. The air roars. I'm stone deaf, but I know I'm 
screaming. I can feel Walter thrashing under me and somehow 
I know his orgasm is coming on the heels of mine. When sound 
comes back I can hear us both crying out. Walters guttural, 
"Fuck!" practically breaks the sound barrier. I'm making some 
kind of yowl that I don't even associate with my own larynx. Our 
bodies are convulsing almost in unison. Both of us are bathed in 
sweat. Finally we fall sideways again and I slide off Walter and 
lie there totally spent. He rolls onto his back again, breathing 
hard and still speechless. Finally when he does speak it's a 
laugh.
"Buckle your seat belt next time baby, I could barely hold on 
there at the end."
I guffaw and then choke, coughing to regain air.
"Fuck you!" I gasp, giggling.
He laughs harder and then grasps me close, kissing me and 
nuzzling my neck. When I can breath almost normally he rolls 
me over to take a look at my target area.
"Oh hell," he rumbles, sudden concern in his voice.
"Damage?" I ask. Yeah, something stings a little.
"You're a little red here."
"Bad?"
"I don't think so," he runs a finger gently over my anus.
"Does it hurt right here?"
"It doesn't feel too bad."
He pulls his finger back, and I roll over to see him frowning. He 
shows me his finger. There's a smear of blood on it.
"You're torn a little," he says dismally.
"Hey, it's ok. It doesn't hurt much at all. Really. This is going to 
happen sometimes. We...I should have been more careful." I 
don't want him to feel guilty. It was marvelous making love with 
him tonight. I don't want his memory of it to be colored by the 
idea that he tore me.
"Ok, but...uh, we'd better lay off this form of lovin' for a few 
days."
"That's fine. I want to remember how great this was for a while 
anyway," I reply, moving close to kiss him. I can tell he's upset 
at the thought he hurt me. I stroke his face and then he 
responds to the kiss, tasting me gently.
"It was phenomenal," I assure him when we break apart. He 
smiles and I can tell he's going to be all right with it. I whisper in 
his ear to bring it on home, "You fucked my brains out my ears, 
Walter. I can't even tell you how good it felt to ride your rock 
hard cock." 
"Christ!" he barks a quick laugh. "Ok, shut up. You've proved 
your point." His ears are red again but I can tell he's going to 
puff up. Hey, every guy likes to hear their lover tell them they 
gave them the ride of their life. Even great big tough as nails 
ADs like Walter S. Skinner.
"Oh, I think I'm the one who got the point," I purr seductively, 
licking at his chin. I end up at his mouth and we kiss again. He 
pulls me close and deepens the kiss until we're both sucking 
and slavering all over each other. Finally we break apart and 
he's grinning.
"You are one quirky bastard, but I love you."
"Yup. Same here. Let's go clean up," I reply smiling into his 
crinkling eyes.
"Right. I think there's some Bacitracin in the medicine cabinet. 
You can use that on the tear."
"Good idea. Come on, I'll wash your back," I smile and we get 
up and go into the master bathroom.
xXx
December 25, Christmas Day 
Crossroads, Maine
I hear the sound of a parade. Very low, and distant as I struggle 
up out of a warm, cushioned sleep. What the heck? Where's the 
parade? I carefully lift one eyelid to see Walter propped up on a 
bunch of pillows against the headboard, the TV remote in his 
hand. He senses my movement and glances at me.
"Merry Christmas," he smiles, bending down to kiss the top of 
my head. I shift my eye over to see that the big screen TV on.
"What are you watching?" I ask covering my head up again.
"Just channel checking. I thought I might find some Christmas 
music."
"Well, what the heck is that?" I poke my nose out and stare at 
the TV again.
"The Muppet Christmas Parade."
"Oh Lord," I groan, covering my head back up. Walter laughs 
and I hear the TV shut off.
I feel him lift the covers and dive under them. He kisses my ass 
and I laugh.
"How's the butt?" he asks, bringing his head back out and 
flinging the covers back with a flourish.
"Cold!" I yelp.
We both laugh as he falls on me, warming me with his radiant 
man furnace.
"This better?"
"Oh yeah. And my ass is fine, big man. But I gotta take a piss." 
He chuckles, "Yeah, me too. We have to get up anyway. I need 
to get that bird in the oven if we're going to eat before midnight." 
"I'm starving now."
"Mulder you're a bottomless pit. Don't eat too much now. You'll 
never have room for the turkey and all the trimmings."
"All right, all right, Mr. Galloping Gourmet. Are we going for a 
run to burn off some calories before we chow down?"
"We have time for a quick one I think. Get you ass in gear and 
lets go."
"Yes, sir, Mr. AD, sir."
After the run and a shower, we ate some melon for breakfast. 
Over coffee, Walter's starts cleaning the turkey. It's a Butterball 
Junior. Walter thinks it's a good size for two men. He's got so 
much other food I'd say it's more than enough. But what the 
heck. Holidays are for feasting. While he's up to his wrist in the 
turkey I'm emptying something called *Brownberry Stuffing - 
Original Flavor* in a bowl. It looks like a bunch of stale croutons 
but it smells of onion and sage. Pretty tasty smell at least.
"Now what?" I ask.
"I have to boil the giblets and then we'll use the water from those 
to moisten the stuffing. Later if you want, you can cut up the 
giblets and add them to the stuffing."
I wrinkle my nose as he pulls the giblet bag out of the bird.
"Looks like one of Scully's autopsies."
"Oh thanks, I really needed to know that factoid," he grouches. 
"Sorry," I smirk.
"So, fill a pot up with water and put it on the burner," he gestures 
with his head, "Oh, and get a couple of eggs out of the fridge."
I do as instructed. I can boil water with the best of them. I set 
the eggs in a smaller bowl and stand back to watch the pot.
Walter brings the giblets over once they're out of the bag and 
dumps them in the water.
"Keep an eye on it. When they're done take the giblets out and 
set them aside to cool. Then let the water cool a little and pour it 
over the stuffing."
"Oh, I get it, I mix it around until it's gushy."
"Well, not sopping. Add the water gradually. If it isn't enough 
water, add a little warm water from the tap. And put in one egg 
and then let me see what the consistency of the mixture looks 
like."
"Righto, Chef Tell."
I did that stuffing up proud, I'll tell you. I've never in my life 
made a turkey and Walter's preparations were endlessly 
fascinating to me. He was fairly patient with showing me how 
everything worked. Scully couldn't have done better stitching up 
the turkey's butt end just before it was ready to go in the oven.
Once the bird was in, we took a break.
"Want a glass of egg nog?" he asks.
"Sure. But what about the rest of this food?"
"Mulder, didn't you ever hang around when your mother was 
cooking Christmas dinner?"
"No, I was always watching TV or goofing around with..." I 
almost said Sam. It was right on the tip of my tongue. Shit. My 
heart gives a lurch in my chest. I change thought midstream 
though, squashing the pain down deep,"...my Christmas gifts."
"Well lucky for us I used to hang around in the kitchen with my 
mother. Sharon gave me endless tips too. She was a good 
cook."
"So what about the rest of the food then?"
"You start fixing stuff when the turkey is closer to being done." 
"Ah ha."
"Right. So how about that egg nog?"
"Sounds good to me. And can I help make the turnips? I'm good 
at cutting stuff up. It's my assigned task when Scully and I..." I 
let my voice trail off.
Walter puts his hand on my shoulder, "Look, I know you miss 
her. She's going to come around."
I nod.
"And if you promise not to make me call 911, I'll let you cut up 
the turnips."
"You've got a deal," I smile and he moves to the fridge to get the 
egg nog.
Later...
"Hand me the baster."
"The what?"
"That thing with the bulb on the end."
"Oh."
I hand the implement to Walter and he pulls a bunch of turkey 
juice up in it and then squirts it all over the bird. He places the 
cover back on the roaster and shoves the whole works back in 
the oven.
"OK. That's the first basting. It's got a while to go. Let's go back 
in the living room," Walter suggests.
"Do you want to watch a tape?"
"Sure, how about Dr. No?"
"Great."
When we get back into the living room Walter asks, "What time 
is it, Mulder?"
I glance at my new Rolex and smile back up at him.
"Noon. And Walter, I still don't know how I can alibi buying this 
thing on my salary."
"If anyone asks, tell them your mother bought it for you," he 
chuckles.
I look at it again and raise a speculative eyebrow. You know, 
that's not a bad idea. Just as I look up and through the window 
in back of the Christmas tree I spot a car coming up the snow 
covered road.
"Walter, someone's coming up the entrance road," I turn and 
look at him, my brow furrowing.
"Really?" he asks. He doesn't seem surprised at all. I frown.
"Yeah, they're on the driveway and stopping in front of the 
house."
I cross out of the living room and Walter starts to follow.
"No, stay there. I'll take a look through the peep hole and see 
who it is before I open the door."
"Ok, fine," he shrugs and stays back slightly as I move to the 
front door. Before I can get to the peep hole the door bell rings. 
I quietly peer through the peep hole. /OH MY GOD!/
"Merry Christmas, Fox," Walter says quietly.
I turn to him, and reply, incredulity mixed with raw panic in my 
voice.
"I thought the Magi were the only ones who brought three gifts, 
Walter."
xXx
"Merry Christmas, Mulder," Dana Scully smiles up at me from 
the open doorway. Her warm, breathe, smelling faintly of 
peppermint, wafts up out of the hood of her parka.
For one brief insane moment I hallucinate that the angel has 
come down from the top of the Christmas tree and landed on 
the front porch. Scully looks so beautiful her, pale skin glowing 
and tinged red from the cold, her red lips even more red and her 
eyes, those blue eyes...
I just stand there. I don't know what comes over me unless you 
can call it complete paralysis. Emotional lock-up. I feel like a 
rabbit trapped in car headlights. I stare at Scully, and stare, and 
stare and...
Several critical thoughts fly through my mind. First, Walter has 
lied to me all weekend. Well, lied through omission, although if 
Sharon's phone call was Scully confirming her itinerary then he 
lied to me outright. That idea hurts me more than I ever thought 
it could. Second, what was this weekend between us if Walter 
arranged to have Scully come up here? Was this his farewell 
fuck weekend? I mean all the little kindness', the consideration 
and attending to my every need, the tie, the Rolex. Does he 
expect me to make nice with Scully and dump him? Or does he 
plan to get out of the way in some kind of altruistic bullshit 
gesture...Oh hell.
My brain is freezing. I can barely entertain the third thought - 
that Walter has persuaded Scully to make nice and that then all 
three of us will...no way - I don't see that in her face at all. She's 
staring back at me, concern written in her eyes. Why can't I say 
something!
Because now that's she's here, I'm on overload. I'm trying to 
say, I'm sorry, come in, we need to talk desperately about our 
lives together, my sexuality, about whether I've made the 
biggest mistake in my life and hurt you - AGAIN, or I've hurt 
Walter or...or...I can't get any of it out. I feel like I'm going to 
choke and I know instantly that I have to get out of here. If only 
for a few minutes. I need fresh air. I need to clear my head. I 
need to run.
"Mulder?" Walter asks, concern in his deep voice.
"Um," I whisper, "Forgive me. I...I need to get out of here," I step 
to the side and Scully comes into the hallway. I move to the 
closet door and start grabbing my winter clothing, spastically, 
dropping my hat on the floor.
"Mulder, what the hell..." Walter starts to growl.
I vaguely sense Scully holding up her hand to silence and warn 
him off as I pull on my winter coat and walk past them both.
"I...I just need some air," I let out a shuddering breathe.
Both Walter and Scully stand there mutely as I walk past them 
and out the door.
xXx
"Damn it!"
"Sir, it's all right..."
"Oh come on, it's not all right - he's being a bastard...a..." 
"Really, it will be ok."
"Ok? OK? Why are you always making excuses for him 
Scully? This is reprehensible behav..."
"And why won't you ever cut him some slack, sir? You never 
stop to think..."
"Cut him some slack? If I did he'd get himself into all sorts of 
trouble going off half cocked..."
"Oh please - AD Skinner to the rescue, that's just fine. I get so 
sick of hearing..."
"Fine!? I get so sick of hearing you say fine I could just pu..." 
"Sir?"
"...puke and furthermore..."
"Sir..."
"if you think..."
"SIR!"
"What?"
"To risk coining a phrase - Can we just all get along here please! 
I...I don't want to fight with you. I'm really not in the mood. I 
don't think you are either."
"Fine, Scully."
"Oh please..."
"Sorry."
"Ok, so am I. Now, can we start over?"
"All right, good idea. Uh..."
"Mulder has done this before, truly. It's a coping mechanism. 
Just let him go. He'll be back fairly soon."
"Yeah, well he's not the only one who cuts out when..."
"So I heard..."
"All right. I'm sorry Scully. God, I'm sorry for a lot of things now. 
But this takes the cake. I never expected him to just walk out. 
Shit."
"Well, Mulder's middle name is impulsive, sir."
"No kidding. And uh, look, I'm sorry I barked at you."
"Well, Mulder has a way of pressing all our buttons. So, I'll take 
that into consideration."
"Thank you. Oh hell, where are my manners? Can I take your 
coat? That is if you want to stay. I wouldn't blame you if you got 
back in your car and left."
"No, it's all right. I'll stay. Thanks."
"I'll just put your coat in the closet if you'd like to go in the 
kitchen. There's coffee in there. Uh, I'm still buying."
"I can use it. It's getting cold out."
"Yeah, I hope to hell Mulder doesn't stay out there long."
"Oh, I don't think he will. Like I said - this is pretty typical 
behavior. He just needs to compose himself."
A short time later...
"Coffee ok? I have egg nog."
"No, I'm fine."
"Oh really?"
"I'm fine with the coffee...sir."
"Look, Scully, can you manage to call me Walter. I don't think 
the sir thing holds water after...well after that night in the hotel. 
And I really have to apologize for my actions that evening I..."
"Walter, can we...listen...that whole hotel business embarrasses 
the hell out of me, ok? I could hardly talk about it with Mulder. I 
don't think I can talk about it with you at all."
"Oh. Well, uh, can you at least accept my sincere apologies. I 
was terribly insensitive to your feelings."
"Yes, it was insensitive. It did hurt me...very much. I can accept 
your apology with the understanding that you at least will have a 
little more restraint and...and some damn respect for me next 
time." 
"Point taken. I don't have a problem with that."
"Good because if you did I *would* be walking out of here. And 
don't think I won't take this issue up with Mulder later."
"All right. I think that's a good idea. Oh, can you excuse me a 
second? I need to baste the turkey?"
"What?"
"I'm making Christmas dinner."
"You're making a turkey?"
"You find that amusing Agent Scully?"
"Well..."
"Yeah, all right, I'll admit it doesn't fit in with my surly persona - 
but hey, I'm a passable cook."
"I'd say so, that looks delicious. Smells delicious too."
"The whole meal's going to be good - providing I can juggle 
preparing all this other food since Mulder saw fit to bug out on 
me." 
"Oh, well...uh...I can help."
"You cook Agent Scully?"
"Does a bear...."
"Ok, sorry. I just wanted to see that eyebrow."
"Sir! Are you flirting with me?"
"That'd be the day."
"Walter?"
"Yes."
"What's this doing..."
"We had Chinese last night. That was the extra fortune cookie. 
Open it if you'd like."
"Oh for God's sake."
"What does it say?"
"You will attend a party where strange customs prevail."
"You're shitting me?"
"No, see for yourself."
"Crap, that's as bad as the one I got."
"Which said?"
"Your brilliant smile and pleasing personality win you many 
friends."
"Uh huh."
"Right."
"Listen, Walter?"
"Yes?"
"Do you mind if I test that fortune by asking you a personal 
question?"
"I'm willing to give it a shot, Scully."
"Well....when did you know that... when did you decide you 
were gay?"
"I don't mind Scully. I guess the Marines really made me admit I 
was attracted to men. I fell in love with a buddy in my unit. I 
mean head over heels. But I never said a word to him. You just 
didn't let on anything like that in those days. Being a 
homosexual was not the way to win friends and influence 
people in the Marines."
"What happened to your friend?"
"He was killed with the rest of the unit."
"I'm so sorry."
"Well the fact that I never told him I was attracted to him ate at 
me afterwards. It ate at me so much I shoved all those feelings 
deep down as far as I could. Later, when I met Sharon I married 
her because by that time I'd told myself I could go straight if I 
found the right woman. Unfortunately, that wasn't the case."
"I see."
"Well, you probably see part of it. But I need to tell you I was 
never unfaithful to Sharon. I wouldn't have done that to her. We 
were...we were very good friends before things went wrong. I 
respected her too much to cheat on her with anyone. Well, until 
that business with the prostitute, but at that point we were 
separated." 
"So, you never saw other men?"
"I know. Corny. But yeah, I guess I'm monogamous. And I'm 
not going to lie to you - I...I rather prefer that the...that the 
person...well...I'd prefer it if Mulder were monogamous too."
"Meaning monogamous with you?"
"Yes. Scully this is difficult for me, can you understand that?" 
"Oh, more than you can know, believe me."
"Yeah, I guess so."
"But, go ahead Walter. I'm listening."
"All right. Scully I love him. I'd prefer to not have to share him. I 
mean I'm not above jealousy for God's sake. I'm only human. I 
don't think it's a very laudable trait and I'm fighting it like hell. 
But I can't deny I've felt it."
"You don't have the corner on the green eye-monster market, 
I'm afraid."
"I got that impression, yes."
"What I have trouble understanding is how Mulder can even 
keep the two relationships separate. I mean we can't. How the 
heck can he compartmentalize all this and still..."
"Well Fox Mulder isn't like most people. I mean when have 
either of us seen him be totally conventional about most 
things?"
"Not very often."
"Right. So, I...I suppose neither of us can expect him to be 
conventional about...well about his sexuality or what he needs in 
the way of....of love, or support or relationships. Besides - I think 
he walks a narrow line between...well between being nuts and 
being sane anyway. And he's so fucking conflicted, guilt ridden 
and unhappy so much of the..."
"Your point being?"
"My point being - that if being with you, Scully, is going to make 
him happy, keep him on an even keel, centered and doing what 
he needs to do on this damn quest of his then I guess I'm willing 
to compromise in any way shape or form to accommodate 
him."
"Because you love him?"
"Damn straight."
"You know Mulder's seen other men?"
"I know it."
"What makes you think he won't see others while he's with 
you?" 
"Because he told me he wouldn't and he *is* an honorable man. 
I believe him."
"Well, for what it's worth I think you're right there. I know he 
hasn't seen any other women since we've been together."
"I know he hasn't either. He...he worships the ground you walk 
on, Scully. He's been dying inside the whole time I've been up 
here. I've done everything I could to keep his mind off it. But, 
he's going crazy thinking you're never going to come back to 
him."
"Walter, I...I guess Mulder and I need to have that discussion." 
"I guess you do. Can I ask you something straightforward 
Scully?" 
"Shoot."
"I know I make you nervous - always have I guess because of 
the job. That's a given. I mean this has to be an extra added 
issue for you, doesn't it?"
"Very much so, Walter. I mean quite frankly I have the biggest 
problem relating to you as anything other than my superior. The 
fact that you are...well that you're Mulder's lover makes this a 
whole new ball game. I mean the fact that we're both involved 
with him...God, I don't even know how to relate to you at all 
anymore."
"Can I make a suggestion?"
"Please do because I'm fresh out of ideas."
"If you try to keep our association on the job strictly professional 
- so will I. Business as usual - I'll try to do the same."
"That's not that easy."
"Well can you try?"
"Can you?"
"What makes you ask? Don't you think I'm able to..."
"Well, you're voice says one thing right now, and your 
face...well your jaw muscles have a way of jumping when..."
"Scully?"
"Yes?"
"I'm just a little tense here. Give me a break. You can trust me. I 
thought we were past that matter."
"Sir?"
"Oh come on, you know what I mean Scully."
"All right. Maybe trust is in the back of my mind. I...you've given 
me more reasons to trust you than distrust you now. I guess 
that's obvious - after, well hell, after seeing you and Mulder 
together I guess it's not much of an issue."
"Exactly. So can't you believe I can be fair to you both at work? 
Can you just give it a shot and I'll..."
"I can try."
"All right. And outside the office if...well if we should be in a 
situation where we're together for some reason - like this - and 
your comfortable treating me as a friend or well, as a support 
network - I'd be willing to give that a try too."
"You're trying to say you'd allow...allow this to go on. Allow 
Mulder to continue to be involved with both of us and that you'd 
accept me as some kind of third wheel in this arrangement?"
"Not a third wheel Scully - an equal partner. A member of a 
*tripartite treaty* if you will."
"Because it makes Fox Mulder happy?"
"Is that such a bad thing?"
"Walter, I have to give this some serious thought."
"Well you do love him don't you?"
"I...yes. I love him."
"Then don't you think you can talk it over with him and maybe 
iron it out?"
"I need to talk to him. Whether we iron it out is going to be partly 
his problem. He's going to have to be willing to discuss this 
rationally. And he's going to have to listen to my concerns. And 
also - just because I love him doesn't mean I think staying with 
him is the best solution."
"I understand that aspect of the situation Scully. I feel the same 
way. As much as it would...it would hurt - if he decided to leave 
me for you...I'd let him go."
"You would?"
"In a heart beat."
"Well then I hope he's willing to discuss the situation with me for 
sure now."
"I think he's ready to do that. He's pretty desperate."
"I can still hardly believe any of this is happening Walter."
"Yeah, well if somebody told me a year ago that I'd come out of 
the closet because the man I loved finally..."
"Are you trying to say you've loved Mulder...
"I guess I'd been attracted to him for a long time Scully. Since 
practically the first day he walked into my office. I mean I lusted 
for him that long ago. In time I knew I loved him too. But at first 
- man I had it bad for...shit. Well, you know how he looks and..."
"Oh yeah, he's got that..."
"mouth..."
"God, yes..."
"At any rate, I never dreamed that the man of my dreams would 
want me too - love me back for that matter. When we went to 
Baton Rouge on that case..."
"Walter, are you trying to tell me Mulder was...Mulder was the 
first man for you?"
"Exactly."
"Get out. You're kidding? You're not kidding."
"Do I look like I'm kidding?"
"Uh...no."
"Yeah, well, he was the first, ok and...What's with the eyebrow 
again?"
"I'm sorry it's just that...well you're not a bad looking man...shit 
who am I kidding now - you're built like a statue Walter. Are you 
trying to tell me no one snapped you up until Mulder..."
"Agent Scully. Did anyone ever tell you you're as full of bullshit 
as your partner?"
"My partner. On a regular basis."
"Why am I not surprised?"
"But seriously, you're in great shape and..."
"Come, on, Scully even I get embarrassed..."
"Ok, look. I respect you, Walter. The fact that you're gay isn't a 
factor in anything here. I don't have a problem with that idea. I 
can try to...try to relate to you off the job as best I can. Maybe 
we can be, well let's say maybe we can be closer if you're 
patient. I'll give it a shot. As for the rest - this arrangement - with 
you, me and Mulder I...well I'll talk to Mulder as soon as he gets 
his butt back here. I can't guarantee it's going to fly but I can at 
least discuss things with him."
"That's all I ask. All I can expect and it's more than fair. You 
have to do what's best for yourself too after all. What you're the 
most comfortable doing. What seems the most honest for your 
situation."
"I'd like you to do the same thing Walter. I think if we stay 
honest with each other here that will help in the long run too."
"Agreed. And I'll start that trend by saying - you're a hell of a 
woman, Scully. I mean it."
"And I'll continue it by saying - thank you - and...yeah, you're a 
hell of a man, Walter.
"Shit, this mutual admiration society thing could get old, couldn't 
it?"
"Yes, you'll have to remember to growl at us once in a while." 
"There you go."
"And how's this for a little more egotism...just to balance things 
out...I'm a hell of a cook too. You want to see how good?"
"Ha! Can I take notes?"
xXx
I walked for a long time. Longer than I should have probably but 
I lost track of time despite having Walter's gift on my wrist.
Finally my feet pointed back towards the house. At least I think 
they did. It had gotten quite cold on the beach and the snow had 
picked up. I was having a little trouble feeling my feet and hands 
too for that matter.
As I'm nearing the house I can hear yelling. What the hell? It's 
Scully and Walter, flashlights swinging.
"Mulder!" Scully is calling in alarm, "Thank God, we've been 
looking all over for you."
"You monumental idiot, it's freezing out here!" Walter's long legs 
bring him up to my side before Scully can reach me. Walter 
takes hold of my shoulders and I realize I have been stumbling. 
I guess I am cold.
"Jesus, Mulder!" Scully exclaims as she draws up on my other 
side. 
"I'm not cold."
"Bull shit, Mulder. You could have frostbite. Come on, we have 
to get you in the house." Scully scolds, alarm tingeing her voice 
even though she's trying to bluster instead. Walter won't even 
speak and I can tell from the look on his face that if he did he'd 
rip my head off.
When they do get me up to the house and inside the pain starts 
to hit my extremities. I groan a little. They sit me down at the 
kitchen table. The pain starts to abate just enough to let me sniff 
the air. God, the smells are marvelous. My stomach growls, but 
I let out a terrific sneeze.
"Oh wonderful. Mulder if you get a relapse of that friggin' sinus 
infection I'm gonna break your neck."
"Thank you Walter. I'm sure that will keep my mind off my 
nose." 
Scully is frantically examining my hands, chaffing them 
between hers.
"Ow!"
"Shut up. I'm glad it hurts. It means you probably don't have 
frostbite. Take your shoes off."
Crap. Doctor Scully rides again, "My feet are fine."
"Take your fucking shoes off, agent, or I'll take them off for 
you," Walter growls.
I raise an eyebrow at him and when he moves towards me I 
bend in haste to remove the shoes. Shit. I am dizzy. My 
sinuses...
"Damn it..."
"Walter, catch him..."
"That's it buddy, you're going up to bed right now."
"Mulder, for crying out loud..."
"I'm all right, Scully. I think my sinuses are just..."
"Scully, help me get him up."
My sinuses really are pounding now that the warm air has hit 
them. My head feels raw and my equilibrium is off a little. 
Walter lifts me up on one side and Scully inserts herself under 
the opposite arm. I lurch up and then almost fall again.
"Oh, sorry..."
"S'ok. One foot at a time," Walter encourages me. Somehow 
we make it upstairs. Walter deposits me on the bed and then 
turns to Scully. 
"Look, can you handle this from here - I mean you are the 
doctor after all. Someone has to check on the food. I might as 
well play cook. It's lucky we didn't burn the house down 
already."
"Sure, that's a good idea, Walter," Scully answers. I look from 
one of them to the other, open mouthed as they discuss me like 
I'm not there.
"Hey, remember me, the patient, Mr. and Ms. Well-Organized 
1998?" I gripe.
"Shut up, Mulder," they both bark in unison.
"Pardon me," I hiss and then I turn my back on them both and 
curl up on the comforter.
I hear Walter leaving the room and his voice joined with Scully's 
in the hallway for a moment.
"I think he's just still weak from the wound and the sinus 
infection. Has he been getting mild exercise..."
"Sort of..."
"Oh hell. I'm glad I said something about restraint. Look, has he 
been running again too?"
"Yeah."
"Well he's going to need to rest for a couple of days. He's 
exhausted - and walking all that way in the cold was really 
stupid." 
"I think he's gotten that message."
"Right. Ok, well...I guess you'd better get downstairs."
"Maybe I should plan on bringing some food up here."
"Not a bad idea. I'm going to try to get him into a warm bath. 
When he's done and tucked in we can eat."
"Ok, I'll check back."
I hear Walter's tread on the stairwell and Scully comes back in 
the room. She shuts the door.
"Mulder, get your feet off that comforter, you're getting it wet." 
I roll over obediently and try to sit up.
"Here let me help you," she says quietly, coming over to grab 
my arm.
"Thanks. I...I appreciate it," I manage to sniffle, "Oh shit..." my 
nose chooses that moment to drip a huge string of snot. Scully 
starts to chuckle.
"Here, can you sit up for a second, I'll get you some Kleenex." 
"God, I'm so sorry," I answer meekly. How disgusting. This is 
embarrassing. On top of everything else my body betrays me - 
again. 
She laughs harder, "Mulder - a little mucus is not going to put 
me off my feed - I mean remember what I do for a living? I'm 
just happy you're not wiping it on your sleeve."
I chuckle a little then too as she goes into the master bathroom. 
She returns quickly with the Kleenex. When she hands it to me I 
take it but clasp her hand tight around the tissue and pin her 
eyes.
"Scully, I'm so sorry - about...about everything. Please...we...we 
need to talk."
"Yes, Mulder, we do. But, first I want to get you in the tub." 
"Can you sit in there and talk to me then?" I ask, wiping my 
nose. 
"Yeah, I guess I can."
"Ok. Can you wash my back?" I ask with a slight smirk. I toss 
the used Kleenex towards the trash can. Perfect three pointer. 
Well I'm a hell of a lot less dizzy that's for sure.
"Don't press your luck, bubba."
I smile a little wider.
"Did you bring a robe?"
"Yeah. It's in the closet."
She goes over and gets it from the hanger.
"OK, Now take off your clothes and put this on. I'll go draw the 
bath for you."
"Yes ma'am," I nod as she goes back in the master bathroom. 
As I start to work my sweater up over my head I hear the bath 
water running.
A bit later...
"I could sing *Rubber Ducky* but I'll spare you."
"Thank you, Mulder."
"Scully?"
"Yes?"
"Your...Maggie isn't alone is she?"
"No, my mother and I were going to fly to San Diego to be with 
Bill and his family. She did. I didn't."
"But..."
"She'll handle Bill, Mulder. She...she understands what's going 
on - I mean between you and me - well as much as I could tell 
her. She thinks we had a fight.."
"So, can we talk about it then? I'll flip you to see who goes 
first..."
"Mulder this is serious," Scully interrupts from her seat on the 
closed toilet.
I slap the water with one hand, showering a plume of liquid all 
over the wall.
"God damn it I know that, Dana. I'm aware of how serious this is 
for crying out loud."
Her face starts to close off.
"I'm sorry, I'm sorry..." I babble, "Look I...I don't know what the 
hell is wrong with me. I know I've hurt you terribly, especially 
that night in the hotel. I want to apologize for that night. Walter 
and I should have kept our hands off each other. God, that was 
so insensitive."
"I'd have to agree with you there. And you turned the whole 
incident back at me, Mulder - like it was my fault the two of you 
were fucking like dogs in heat."
"Yeah I know that now. I didn't realize it at the time though. I 
guess that's a typical guy thing - not to admit a mistake. I don't 
know. But I was so angry with the expression on your face. The 
disgust..."
"Well, it wasn't exactly disgust - it was more like - well I was 
mortally embarrassed to see the two of you together. I mean 
come on - it was a shock. I've never seen two men having sex."
"Making love..."
"Whatever. Mulder I'm warning you - cut me some slack."
"Sorry. I know what you mean. Go on."
"I have never seen two men...making love. Not even in one of 
your videos. So it shocked the hell out me. Fine. I'm a bit of a 
prude, I guess. But I'm not comfortable watching other people 
have sex anyway, much less two men. It's a private thing, 
regardless of the partner's genders."
"I can respect that idea. I won't disagree with your viewpoint." 
"Well good. But Mulder, I was also instantly angry that you didn't 
consider I might check on you if I heard noises coming from 
your bedroom. You put me in the position of walking in on a 
private act like that. When it comes right down to it, that wasn't 
fair to any of us. I mean reverse the situation. Walter would 
have probably been mortified too if he'd walked in on us."
"You have a point there," I nod. Yeah Walter would have shit for 
sure - he's modest when it comes to Scully. I get that idea big 
time. I look up into her eyes and she has a calm, non-hostile 
look on her face. I'm grateful for that fact, at least.
"Scully, I couldn't agree with you more on everything you've 
said. That's why I want to say I'm sorry and ask you, if you can, 
to forgive me for that night."
She shifts forward and says, "Mulder, you missed a spot on 
your back." I quietly hand her the washcloth and soap and she 
lathers it up. The soap goes in the soap dish hanging on the side 
of the tub. Her hands carefully begin to swab at the middle of 
my back with the washcloth.
"Does this mean you're going to forgive me?"
"It means I'm considering it."
I close my eyes. She's touching me, but her touch is cautious. 
More like a nurse than a lover. I sigh.
"Scully?"
"Yeah?"
"You're not going to sleep with me again are you?"
"Did I say that?" she takes her hand away and I open my eyes 
and look into hers.
"But you're thinking about it aren't you?"
"Aren't you?"
I keep looking at her, deep down into her blue eyes. She puts 
the washcloth back in the water.
"You're considering staying with Walter aren't you?" she asks 
quietly.
You know, there's a reason I love Scully. She's perceptive and 
knows me so well despite all the arguments, decisiveness and 
hurt feelings. She never loses sight of my inner heart no matter 
how difficult it may be to stomach, or how much I make an ass 
out of myself.
"Scully, I don't know. So much has been running through my 
mind since I've been up here. I just..."
"Fox, he really loves you."
I wince, "I know that Scully. I love him too. I love you. I...I guess 
I just don't love myself." The words are out before I even mean 
to say them. I wince again. Scully reaches forward and moves 
a tiny strand of close cropped hair off my forehead.
"I liked it better longer," she whispers.
I shift up and take her face in my hand, kissing her gently. She 
breaks away carefully.
"Mulder, I love you too. But, there's nothing I can do to help you 
there. You're going to have to learn to love yourself. No one can 
help you do it."
"Scully I shouldn't have said that - it sounded so self-centered." 
She raises an eyebrow.
"Ok, ok, yeah, well, I guess it slipped out and I know you're right 
about the learning to love myself bit. But I do love you both. 
Granted, I have been questioning my sexuality since Walter's 
been here. I mean whether maybe I'd just rather be with a man. 
There are things I'm experiencing with him...and I just don't 
mean the sex...I mean the feeling that..."
"Mulder, you've never really had a stable male influence in your 
life you know. I mean, come on, you're the psychologist. You 
should understand part of Walter's allure for you."
"Well he's one hell of a daddy Scully."
"You know what I mean."
"Yeah I do. So you think I'm calling you mommy? Lady, that's a 
disturbing thought too."
"Mulder. How the hell should I know? You tell me. You're the 
psychologist."
I know she's going to bring up the bit about getting help again. I 
don't want to hear it even though a voice in the back of my 
mind is screaming for me to listen to her. I just can't go there. I 
don't care how much I'm unable to love myself or think she's 
mommy and Walter's daddy. I can't deal with another doctor 
right now. I need to try to figure this out on my own.
"All right. I can agree the two of you are surrogate parents 
sometimes. But, it goes a hell of lot deeper than that, Dana. I 
can't deny I love both of you and right now I can't deny I'm 
attracted to both of you sexually. I mean take a look down if 
you don't think so." I started to get hard the minute she started 
to wash my back.
"So..."
"So, what can we do about it?"
She does grin a little.
"I don't mean my dick. I do have some restraint, Scully," I 
bluster in half-hearted annoyance. Then I grin in spite of it, 
because she's trying to hide a wider second grin.
"All right I'm perpendicularly challenged here. I trying to get my 
mind off it. And come on. I mean I really do want to hear your 
viewpoint. I'd appreciate the advice."
"Mulder, I'd really like to be able to give you sound advice. But, I 
don't know if I can handle this three way relationship deal. I can 
see the parental unit factor, Mulder. The sexuality isn't totally 
freaking me out. I don't have any innate prejudice against gays 
or bisexuals. I guess I can understand you being attracted to us 
both. I know Walter loves you and I know I love you. But I do 
have reservations about any of us being able to share and share 
alike in the long term. I mean I just don't know. I have no 
experience with this type of thing - no clue..."
"Well it's new ground for me too - and Walter..."
"I don't want any of us to get hurt - least of all Walter Skinner. 
Mulder, no matter how much of a friend he becomes to me or if 
he stays your lover, he's still our boss and all the implications of 
that position can't be denied either. You know there are more 
hindrances in this thing to make it fail then there are to make it 
succeed - if you just consider the bureau and nothing else."
"And since when has that made a difference to me Scully? Or 
to you for that matter?"
"Well, it might make a difference to Skinner."
"Are you trying to say you think Walter will be the weak link?" 
"Mulder, I have no idea. I'm just saying I think he has the most 
to lose if the shit hits the fan. And I guess I don't want to see that 
happen."
"I guess I should feel good about you're saying that."
"Why?"
"Because it's a step in the right direction. It means you like him 
a little more," I smile.
"I think he's a pretty patient man," she replies archly.
"Ok, I deserved that. So, do you still want to take some time 
away from me?" I ask tentatively. It's going to kill me if she 
does but I can understand it now if she still needs to do it. She 
did say she loves me. If she wants to just stay friends instead of 
lovers I...well I'll just have to try to deal with it. But Lord this is 
going to hurt. I just hope...
"Mulder if I did - you're not going to throw that sanity thing at me 
again are you?"
"That really pisses you off, doesn't it?"
"What do you think?"
"Look, Scully. Would it help if I said - if I said I'd consider getting 
help if I thought I was really going to lose it?" Ok, so I'm willing 
to bend a little. I guess I am really willing to do anything to keep 
her. Even face the idea that seeing another psychologist makes 
me sick to my stomach.
"Yes, it would."
"Ok, then I'll agree."
She studies me carefully for a second.
"Ok," she nods. I can tell she believes me. I sigh in relief.
"So, will you or won't you..."
"Stay?"
"Yeah."
"Mulder, I think we need to get a couple more things straight." 
"What?"
"Well first I can't sleep with you right away. I...I can't just get 
back to it that fast. But yeah, I can't deny I love you and hell - 
you're a fantastic lover. I can't deny my wants and needs there 
either. So, I don't want to stop being your lover. You're just 
going to have to be patient with me there."
"As long as you need, Dana. I...I won't put any pressure on you. 
I love being with you, in bed or not. And you're wonderful both 
ways. Really."
She smiles slightly and looks down at her hands where they rub 
her jeans a little. Then she looks up, stills her fingers, and 
continues more seriously.
"And secondly. There is no way in hell I'm going to see you and 
Walter Skinner doing the wild thing again - I mean it. When I am 
in the vicinity the two of you will either have some manners - or 
buy me a fucking pair of ear plugs. And don't do it when you've 
been wounded or hit on the head for God's sake. I don't want a 
peep show when I come running in to check on you. If that's 
going to happen then Nurse Skinner can take care of you the 
next time - alone."
"I just nod and smile, nod and smile. I agree with it all and she's 
so cute anyway I can't disagree now.
"And last but not least - that goes for us too - I won't subject 
Walter to walking in on us while we're playing ride 'em cowboy 
either."
"I guess that precludes my menage a trois fantasies."
"Don't think I don't know you've had them, Fox Mulder. You 
don't even want to go there. But if you can just give me some 
time and just not act like a total insensitive a-hole about 
this...this arrangement - I'll give it a shot. Do you understand?"
"Yes, Dr. Scully. I hear and obey."
"God, I wish I had a tape recorder."
I laugh.
"I wouldn't laugh, Mulder. Because I'm deadly serious. If any 
one of us fucks with the other - and I don't mean in bed - I bail. 
Got it."
"Yes, ma'am." I assure her equally as seriously. Oh yeah, I 
know when she means business.
"Good, ok," she nods.
I grin a little and she can't help grinning back.
"Are we going to bring Walter into the loop on this, Lois Lane? 
It's only fair."
"Yes, of course Dick. Bruce Wayne has to be in on the action. 
You're pruning up anyway. I'll go down and tell Batman that 
we're almost ready to eat."
"Wrong comic."
"You look better in green tights."
"Quick - to the Bat Cave, Batgirl."
"That's Bat Woman to you...Mr. Grayson."
xXx
"More wine, Scully?"
"Uh, sure....thank you...as soon as I...well...I need to visit the 
ladies room."
"Oh, all right. No problem."
Walter, Scully and moi are all ensconced on and around the 
king-sized bed, plates of food lying empty on the dresser. I've 
got the covers pulled up to my neck, per Scully's insistence so I 
kept warm before, during, and now after stuffing myself full of 
holiday fare.
We definitely let Walter into the loop. The look on his face was 
priceless. It made my heart feel good to see him happy, 
relieved and content. *Peace on Earth and Good Will* indeed. 
He smiled a real smile and then insisted we both take a seat so 
he could act as host. The food and wine started to flow and by 
the time the meal was done all three of us were feeling mighty 
fine. Oh yes sirree.
Now Walter was going back over to the improvised ice bucket 
courtesy of Rubbermaid to get some of the excellent white wine 
he had chosen to go with the turkey. We'd already polished off 
two bottles and he was cracking our third. As Scully enters the 
master bathroom, wobbling a bit under the influence of the 
wine, I watch Walter deftly open the second bottle. Then a 
thought rips through my head. Oh my God I forgot Scully's gifts!
"Walter," I hiss in chagrin.
"What?" he cocks an eyebrow as he looks at me.
"I forgot Scully's gifts."
"Oh shit."
"They're downstairs."
"Where?"
"Still in the front coat closet."
"Ok. I'll go. You run interference if she comes out before I'm 
back."
"What do I tell her?"
"Hell, I'm an old fuck. Tell her my prostate won't let me hold my 
booze. I had to use the downstairs can."
I start to gurgle my laughter as he sets the wine bottle down and 
quickly exits. Lucky he can hold his liquor. He can take the 
stairs and not fall on his face.
Damn it, I didn't have a chance to wrap Scully's presents. Oh 
well, she'll have to make do without even the Mulder traditional 
wrapping. I chew on my lip as I hear Walter downstairs at the 
coat closet door.
He just manages to get back upstairs with the bag and bring it to 
the bed when we hear the toilet flush and the sink start to run. I 
try to hide the bag under the covers, on the side away from 
Scully. Walter was sitting in an overstuffed chair he'd pulled up 
next to the bed during the meal and Scully was sitting next to 
me, against the head board. Walter rushes back to the wine 
bottle and proceeds to fill Scully's glass just as she comes out of 
the bathroom.
"Here you go Scully," he stops her progress to the bed, just long 
enough for me to get the gift bag completely hidden.
"Great," she smiles at him, taking the glass. She walks over and 
climbs back up onto the covers, next to me.
Walter comes back over also and refills both my glass and his 
from the bottle. Then he hands me my glass and sits down on 
the edge of the bed with his glass in hand.
All of us take a sip.
"This is excellent wine," Scully nods at Walter.
"Thanks. I've always enjoyed it," Walter replies amiably.
"Yeah it's really classic. I can even taste it through my stopped 
up nose," I grin, teasing him.
"You wouldn't know a classic wine from Ripple, you bum," 
Walter laughs, teasing back.
"Oh and you're such an expert, you damn Queen."
"That's Sir Queen to you, monster boy."
I start to laugh.
Scully is barely suppressing her laughter as Walter and I spar, 
mugging in imitation of each other.
"Didn't your mother ever tell you if you did that your face would 
get stuck?" Walter jibes.
"God forbid I end up with a surly man puss like yours."
"See Scully, no class. No taste whatsoever."
"Oh, I don't know. I have some class. And I have lots of taste. I 
mean look at what I have here if you want the proof."
My words successfully draw Scully's attention away from 
Walter and to my hand as I pull the bag of gifts out from under 
the covers.
She's staring and then none of us quite know what to say next. 
So, I settle on the simple expression. The one that comes 
readily and obviously to mind.
"Merry Christmas, Scully."
"Oh..." she whispers momentarily stunned. She does recover 
quickly however and places her wine glass down on the night 
stand.
"Mulder...you shouldn't have, you know."
I just shrug and grin.
She takes the bag gingerly, "Thank you Mulder," she adds 
gently touching my shoulder. Her hand shakes a little but she 
gets herself admirably under control again, and pulls the bag 
into her lap. She opens the bag and pulls out the book first.
"Oh good," she exclaims with a pleased smile.
"So, you haven't read it then?"
"Nope. I knew you'd remember."
"*Bag of Bones* is in the mail to your mother."
"I knew you'd remember that too," she replies quietly.
"There's more," I add.
"Oh?" she raises an eyebrow.
"Yup."
Walter sits back quietly, letting us enjoy the moment, sipping his 
wine and grinning a little. He looks sort of like Father Christmas. 
I've always kind of wondered what he'd look with a beard. Nah - 
I like that chiseled chin too much.
"Oh Mulder, for heaven's sake. Are these supposed to replace 
the one's I lost in Wisconsin?"
I come back from my momentary reverie to see Scully holding 
up the gold ear rings. I chuckle.
"Mes oui."
"Yeah, what the heck are those anyway? He wouldn't let me 
see them in the store."
Scully proffers said ear baubles towards Walter. He gives me 
an exasperated look.
"You said she'd be able to wear these in the office."
"Well, what's wrong with little cows? I thought they were cute. I 
mean look at the detail - you can tell they're Holsteins."
Walter peers at the gold ear rings very closely.
"You're blind. These are Guernseys."
"What? Son of a bitch, I've been defrauded! I knew I should 
have flashed my ID. That sales clerk assured me they were 
Holsteins."
"You should have let me flash my ID, Mulder. After all, who's 
the boss around here?" Walter rumbles, giving Scully back the 
ear rings with a flourish, "the clerk wouldn't have dared cross an 
AD - unlike some smart ass agents under him dare to do," he 
teases, getting in on the act.
"Well...we'll show him tomorrow. We have to go down there and 
tell that miscreant he's committed a federal crime - cheated a 
federal officer - two - no three federal officers. We'll put the fear 
of God in him and..."
By this time Scully is helpless with laughter. Walter is laughing 
too, and spills wine on his sweater.
"Oh damn!" he yelps, "I gotta get this off. I'll be back in a 
minute," he adds, getting up to go in the master bathroom. We 
hear the water running and he's mumbling, cursing himself out a 
little. Scully and I look at each other and smile wide.
"He's ok, Mulder, you know," she nods, rather tipsy.
"Yeah, he grows on you. Are you going to dig for the last gift?" 
"There's a third?"
"Good things come in threes."
"Except three on a match."
"Oh please - let's not go there."
She chuckles and sticks her hand back in the bag.
"I'm not going to come up with something hanging off my finger 
am I?" she winces.
"Scully!" I huff.
"All right, I'll give you the benefit of the doubt."
I snuggle closer to her and she pulls out the last small jewelry 
box and opens it. Her face goes instantly soft. I smile.
"Do you like them?"
"They're beautiful," she whispers taking one of the orchid ear 
rings out and holding it up into the light. The tiny crystal flashes 
and glints, reflected in her brilliant blue eyes.
"You're beautiful," I reply quietly.
She smiles a little and I bend forward and place a chaste kiss on 
her forehead.
"Thank you Mulder," she strokes my shoulder.
Walter clears his throat, "Uh, I thought I'd just clear away the 
plates..."
Scully and I move apart a little, and I smile up at Walter.
"Hey, we didn't watch any of those videos. You guys want to 
watch some tapes?"
Scully looks at me with suspicion.
"Not you too!? I own other types of tapes you know."
"Well with your track record can you blame me?" Scully 
crosses her arms and glares.
"Well for your information Ms. Doubting Tomasina - I brought 
The Avengers..."
"Confess you borrowed them..." Walter chuckles. I give him a 
withering look and he barks a quick laugh.
"Ah, ha!" Scully exclaims, wagging a finger at me, "I knew it." 
"Well, if that's the way you're going to be...I just won't tell you I 
have Dr. No and Goldfinger too."
"Sean Connery? Ooh, now your talking!" Scully enthuses.
"You like Sean Connery?" Walter chimes in from the area of the 
dresser where he's picking up the dinner plates.
"He's the only 007 in my opinion. "
"Bond, James Bond," Walter replies, doing a dead on imitation 
of the man himself.
"Oh for God sakes - you're both Connery fans?"
"What's not to like?" Walter asks.
"Right. He's a suave secret agent and..." Scully begins.
"and he has a great car..." Walter adds.
"and a luscious accent..."
"he keeps himself in shape..."
"oh, he certainly does..."
I'm just staring at this impromptu tribute to Mr. Connery in 
amazement.
"Well he's...I don't know - he's just not my type," I reply archly.
Scully and Walter stare at me in amused disbelief, and then 
Scully turns to Walter.
"You were right, Walter - he doesn't have any taste at all."
"Hey!" I laugh and goose her. She flinches and tries to tickle me 
back. Walter bows out, picking the other two plates up as Scully 
and I wrestle a little on the bed. Finally I give up, because 
Scully's tickling is fast and accurate and I don't want Walter to 
find out just how ticklish I really am. Finally we break it off.
"So, I take it we're watching..." I manage to breathe out.
Scully looks at Walter deferring to him to make the choice.
"Dr. No, then Goldfinger."
Scully smiles.
"Ok, we'll rack up Dr. No as soon as you get back, Walter."
"Let me give you a hand with those dishes," Scully volunteers. 
To her credit she manages to get across the room without 
tottering too much from the wine.
Later...
"You know, Walter - this film has the best of both worlds..."
"Yeah, you've got that right," Walter grins taking another sip of 
his wine.
We already watched Dr. No with amusing running commentary 
a la MST3K from me, and nagging at me to shut up from Scully 
and Walter. Now, we're watching Goldfinger and Connery and 
the Golden Girl to be, Shirley Eaton, are on the large screen TV.
"Mulder?"
"What?"
"I didn't know she snored," Walter whispers glancing over me at 
Scully.
We're all lined up now against the headboard so we had the best 
view of the TV. All of us changed into our jammies in an 
unspoken agreement to get as comfortable and relaxed as 
possible. I get the impression that we're all trying our hardest, 
with a little help from the wine, to make a connection. The 
beginning of a deeper friendship. A good-natured camaraderie 
that will last past this holiday and into the hard days ahead. I've 
never seen Walter unwind and unbend quite as much as he has 
over the last few hours. He's trying really hard to relate to Scully 
as a woman - a human being - and not just one of his agents 
who still happens to be slightly afraid of him.
Scully is making a valiant effort to accept Walter on those terms 
too. You know I have an idea that part of the reason he was 
making her nervous, besides the boss and the *J.O.B.* thing 
was the fact that well...he is a man. I think maybe she thought 
he was going to support some kind of share and share a like - 
with Dana Scully as the unlucky monkey in the middle. But 
after talking to him I think she's got things straight - she realizes 
that Walter is anything but straight. He has absolutely no interest 
in monkey business. Unless it's spanking the monkey - mine. 
And now it's droll, but a tad annoying I have to admit, to watch 
her talk to him like...well probably like she'd talk to another 
woman about me. They're ganging up on me a little. I can sense 
it. But what the hell. If a little behind my back - *isn't he a 
mensche sometimes* Mulder bashing will keep this thing going, 
I can live with it.
I'm just glad she's talking to him at all. When we brought Walter 
into the fold here, they explained their earlier tete a tete as well. 
I'm glad they had that dialogue. Big time. I have to say it doesn't 
surprise me. Great minds think alike and those two together are 
going to be one hell of a team if we can make this work. I have 
hope now that we will.
For my part I'm trying to just go with the flow. No pressure. No 
assumptions. No expectations. No bullshit on my part. God that 
will be hard. But like I said - what the hell. Whatever it's going to 
take to get this to fly - I'm the guy.
So, here we are, seated in front of the big screen TV, in a semi-
darkened room since right now the cathode ray tube is the only 
light illuminating us. Three little Feds all in a row and I think we 
all feel more at peace on this earth then we have in a very long 
time.
Walter and I sip wine since there's still quite a bit left. Scully held 
up fairly well but the wine and large meal finally got to her and 
she's sleeping, curled up and snoring gently against my side. I 
answer his whispered question and we continue to talk in an 
undertone.
"Only when she's had a little too much to drink," I reply fondly 
and stroke her hair carefully.
"She's...she's a little different then I expected..." Walter 
whispers.
"What do you mean?"
"Oh, I don't know - more earthy...less..."
"The Ice Queen."
"Yeah, I guess. I knew that wasn't a fair view of her - that rep - 
but..."
"Well she has it at the bureau for a reason, Walter. It's 
protection. I mean you have to relate to that, Mr. Surly AD-
Man." 
"Oh yeah."
"She's got a lot to offer Walter."
"I'm beginning to see that, Mulder," he replies quietly, finishing 
his wine.
"Look, I'd better go downstairs and crash. I'm losing it myself 
here."
"Downstairs? There's plenty of room in the bed."
"Uh uh."
"Oh come on. Just curl up next to me. We're adults. And hell, 
we're drunk enough you know we'll be sawing wood as soon as 
our heads hit the pillow."
"Well it's your funeral, babe. You're the one lying next to the foot 
that may kick your ass."
"I'll take my chances. Now go to sleep, schweetheart," I quietly 
Bogie snarl at him.
"All right, all right," he grumbles, taking off his glasses and 
putting them on the night stand next to him along with his wine 
glass. He takes the remote that's lying there too and turns off all 
the electronics. The room is plunged into darkness. Walter pulls 
the covers back and slides under next to me. I feel him brush 
his lips gently against my forehead.
"Night, Fox."
"Sweet Dreams, Walter."
Sometime during the night I hear Scully stir. She struggles to sit 
up next to me. I open one eye carefully and stare up at her 
through my eyelashes. She looks bewildered and disorientated 
for a moment, brushing her hair back behind her ears. As her 
eyes adjust, so do mine and I can see her peer over past me at 
Walter's form. Walter's snoring sounds like a 747 flight out of 
Dulles International.
"Shit," she hisses.
I'm instantly alert but stay still. Oh God, she's angry because 
we're three in a bed. Christ I've screwed the pooch again here. 
When will I ever learn? Stupid Mulder. Stupid, stupid, stupid.
But then I hear her chuckle a little and my thoughts and breath 
stop at once. She reaches over my body and pushes Walter's 
shoulder. When he doesn't respond she pushes a little harder.
"Hmm. Wwwhat?" Walter asks sleepily.
"Roll over Walter, you're snoring like a buzz saw."
"Umph. Sorry," he mumbles but he does as requested, rolling so 
that his butt rests against mine. I let my breath out in a relieved 
sigh. Scully gets carefully out of bed and goes into the master 
bathroom, shutting the door. Later I hear the toilet flush and she 
comes out and crawls under the covers and snuggles up next to 
me. I fall asleep with the sensation of her gentle breath playing 
against my chest.
I know during the night I dreamt of them, of us, all of us 
together. Well it has been my waking fantasy after all. So, the 
erotic images came to me even more easily as I slept. Give me 
a break. At least it wasn't a fucking nightmare starring a certain 
Czech stud muffin and murderer.
As I rise into wakefulness I can still almost feel the dream. 
Sense not so much Walter's hard, hot, slick sex thrusting into 
me or Scully's soft, hot, slick folds as I thrust into her, but rather 
the protective, comforting glow of love that envelops me as we 
enter each other and are entered by each other. It's as if they 
melt into me - completely - and I into them. We are truly one, 
and the joy in that feeling is something my mind can't even 
bend around. There are no words. I wake up feeling mellow and 
serene. I stretch with an almost post coital warmth suffusing my 
body. I'm just thanking the powers that banish hangovers when I 
notice the bed's...empty.
What the...shit...
My momentary panic that both Scully and Walter have decided 
to ditch *me* for a change is distracted by a muffled thud. The 
first thud is soon followed by another. I whip my head around to 
look at the windows on the other side of the room. I can just 
make out something hitting the pane behind the still drawn 
gauze curtains. My brow furrows and I swing my legs out over 
the edge of the bed and traipse over to draw the curtains aside. 
Just as I do so, a snowball splats the pane, right between my 
eyes.
As the snow slides down the glass I glare down at the kids I 
expect to see in the yard and instead spy Dana *Calamity Jane* 
Scully, all kitted up in her parka, boots and gloves, cocking her 
arm to lob another missile my way. I should have known. She 
has a dead on aim. To my benefit and endless thanks.
Walter is standing next to her in his military issue pullover hat 
and the black down coat and matching gloves, looking up and 
laughing like hell. Then he says something to her and she drops 
the snowball because obviously he's alerted her that the target 
is aware there will be incoming.
I pull the curtains wide and put my hands on my hips in mock 
indignation. Scully waves her hands and then points off to the 
side. I start to laugh. They've built a snowman under the 
window. It snowed a lot during the night so they had plenty of 
snow to use. The thing is big so I know Walter must have put 
the head on. It's as tall as he is, if not taller. Frosty's dressed up 
in someone's old jeans jacket and a stocking cap they must 
have gotten from the coat closet downstairs. It looks like Scully 
made the face - old Frosty has lipstick lines for a mouth. I clap 
in appreciation and they both take a bow on either side of their 
joint creation.
Then Scully is looking at Walter very pointedly and saying 
something to him. He's suddenly scowling and shaking his head 
*NO* but I can tell he's finding it hard not to agree. Finally she 
walks over and pushes Walter on the arm.
He shrugs and I can just make out his next words by reading his 
lips, "All right, you asked for it."
My mouth drops open because he's getting down on the ground 
and...oh for God's sake I thought I was the only man around 
that Scully could ever talk into doing...snow angels. I start to 
bellow laughter as Walter S. Skinner, tight assed Assistant 
Director for the FBI waves his arms and legs around in the 
snow making a perfectly, and expertly executed snow angel 
like he's been doing it all his life. Scully is clapping and laughing 
as well.
Walter gets up finally, his back covered in snow, and Scully 
helps him to brush it off. He looks up at the window and gives 
me the finger. I laugh harder. Then he points at me and at the 
snow angel. OK, I get the message. He wants revenge. I'm 
going to have to grovel in the snow at his feet or I'll never hear 
the end of it.
I nod my head *Yes* and hold up 5 fingers to they'll know I want 
to at least take a piss before I hit the cold. But before I can turn 
from the window and go to the can, Scully waves for my 
attention. Walter steps back slightly closer to the house, so he's 
out of my sight. All I can see in that moment is Scully, alone 
against the snow. She looks so lovely, so...I stare transfixed as 
she lies down in the fresh snow and begins to make her snow 
angel for me. I stare because in that moment my mind is drawn 
again to that beautiful Rossetti angel on the tree downstairs and 
how much it's exquisite and delicate design mirrors the angelic 
and precious woman moving in the snow below me. Tears 
come into my eyes and my breath catches in my throat at the 
image. I smile and put my right palm flat against the window.
I mouth the words, "I love you," to her. Walter comes back into 
my field of vision, looks at her in wonder and then looks back 
up at me. I know he realizes immediately what I'm thinking 
because in that instant he's seen the resemblance too.
I look deeply into his somber brown eyes, and mouth the 
identical words, "I love you," and then, "I love you both." He 
nods and smiles gently in understanding, and so does Scully as 
she sits up in the snow.
I turn from the window. "Merry Christmas, Mulder," I whisper 
aloud. "For once...Merry Christmas," I add in thanks. I smile 
wide as I prepare to join them. 
THE END OF THE WHOLE STORY