TITLE: Nocturne in Black and Gold - Part 1 
NAME: frogdoggie 
E-MAIL: frogdoggie@hotmail.com
CATEGORY: SRH
RATING: NC-17, and I mean it. This story contains SEXUAL 
SITUATIONS AND LANGUAGE. It's not quite as graphic as 
some of my stories - a little more romantic and sweet - but 
nevertheless erotic. So, if you don't like graphic stuff - STOP 
NOW! Forewarned is forearmed.
SUMMARY: Walter Skinner finally meets the right woman, 
Kimberly Cook, and takes a second trip down the aisle. But as 
in anything there are issues. But never fear, there is a very 
happy ending. 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.
TIMESPAN/SPOILER WARNING.: Set after my three Skinner 
"music" stories. See my web site at: 
http://www.squidge.org/3wstop to read those. This is a direct 
sequel to "Fortissimo into Crescendo", the fourth part in what is 
now a series. So you may want to read the other stories first.
Some brief references to Pusher and Piper Maru.
KEYWORDS: story romance Mulder Scully Skinner Kimberly 
Kim NC-17
DISCLAIMER: Walter Skinner, Kimberly Cook, Fox Mulder, 
Dana Scully as well as all other incidental X-Files characters 
mentioned 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. 
Nocturne in Black and Gold 
by frogdoggie 
The Present - a Thursday in June... 
"I thought you had to study this weekend?" Walter said, smiling 
into the phone, "don't you have that exam on Monday?" 
"That's next Monday. Lord, I thought I told you that, Walter. I've 
just got too much on my mind I guess. No, I don't need to study 
this weekend." 
"Oh, I'm sorry, Kim. I know. I'm just giving you the business. Of 
course I'd love to come to dinner at your place. I think it would 
be great." 
"Well, that's ok - you never know though - I could have 
forgotten. I've just got so much going on right now. Would you 
like lasagna Saturday? I make a mean lasagna." 
"The meaner the better," Skinner replied with good humor. 
Walter S. Skinner nodded his head and kept smiling to himself. 
He was terribly proud of Kim. She had gone back to school to 
study law and had quit the Bureau just after he was admitted for 
treatment at Holy Respite Psychiatric Center last year. He 
missed her efficiency as his Executive Assistant but he 
certainly valued her as a companion a hell of a lot more. And he 
was ecstatic that she was at last realizing her life long dream to 
become a lawyer and public defender. 
He still marveled at the way events had turned out for the better 
for them both. After his torture and breakdown at the hands of 
Marita Covarrubias and Alex Krycek and his hospitalization, 
Walter Skinner had thought he would never find anyone to 
share his life with again. 
Kimberly Cook, his executive assistant at the Bureau, at the 
time, had begun to visit him every week at the hospital. At first, 
during the six months of his recuperation, he had withdrawn into 
himself and remained uncommunicative and sullenly 
uncooperative until treatment brought him around. Kim visited 
him even during the period where he did little except sit and 
stare out the window. When he regained his ability to relate to 
people he began to relate to her in a big way. Over the six 
months in the hospital he had become very fond of her and 
looked forward to her visits with pleasure. 
Eventually he started to admit to himself that maybe, just 
maybe he was falling in love with her. It was something he 
could hardly imagine because he had been so recently 
wounded emotionally. His feelings on love and romance went 
way beyond the old adage *once bitten, twice shy*. But 
nevertheless he had feelings for her. Deep feelings he never 
expected to experience again. 
It was also hard to believe he could love Kim because he had 
known her for 5 years and in all that time he hadn't thought of 
her as anything else other then an intelligent, efficient and loyal 
employee. 
It only became apparent to him later as he got to know her that 
Kimberly Cook had been in love with him for years but never 
said a thing. He could kick himself now for being so 
unobservant as not to have noticed something that significant 
going on under his nose. 
So, upon his release from the hospital he had asked Kim to stop 
calling him sir (which she had persisted in doing even though by 
that point she wasn't working for him any longer), and start 
calling him Walter. She had offered to drive him home to his 
apartment when she found out he planned to just take a cab. 
They had stopped for coffee on the way to his place. Their 
relationship had progressed from there. In the ensuing months 
Walter had begun to care for her deeply and now he knew he 
loved her as well. It was almost like love at first sight. A concept 
he had never believed in but had to admit must be possible and 
might be an explanation for why he went head over heels for 
her.  
"All right, it's a date then. Can you bring some wine? Any good 
red will do," Kimberly asked. 
"My plans exactly. What time would you like me to come 
over?" 
"Oh, why don't you make it 4. You can help me throw the meal 
together." 
"Hey, that would be excellent!" Skinner enthused. 
"I thought you'd like that, knowing your way around a kitchen 
like you do," Kimberly commented with a laugh. 
"Just call me..."  
"Julia Childe?"  
"Oh, that would be a picture wouldn't it..." Skinner started to 
chuckle. 
"Well, you do look good in an apron." 
"Yeah, but I can't do the accent." 
"Walter?" 
"Yeah, babe?" 
"I love you." 
"I love you too. I'll see you at 4 on Saturday then." 
"All right, bye."  
Skinner hung up the phone. He meant every word. He loved 
her with all his heart and soul. In fact, he had plans for the 
weekend to show her just how much he did love her. He 
thought about the ring waiting in the safe back in his apartment 
in Crystal City. Walter Skinner was ready to make a second 
plunge into matrimony. He was preparing to ask Kimberly Cook 
to marry him on Saturday. 
He was as nervous as hell but he knew it was the right decision. 
He hoped to hell she'd say yes. He thought she would. If she did 
he'd be the happiest man alive. If she didn't he'd move on with a 
heavy heart but he'd cope as best he could. 
Skinner picked up the phone and dialed his executive 
assistant's extension. 
"Angela?" 
"Yes, sir?" 
"You can send in Agents Mulder and Scully now." 
"Yes, sir." 
xXx 
Saturday was a beautiful June day. One of the first nice days 
they'd had that month. There had been a lot of rain for June. 
Skinner took his red, '61 Chevy Corvette convertible out for a 
spin on the highway before taking the exit that would send him 
to Kimberly's apartment. 
He'd been there before, of course. He still remembered the first 
time. It had started out a little awkwardly but ended up just fine. 
xXx 
The previous June.... 
"Just a minute!" Kimberly Cook called as she checked her hair 
in the mirror. God she was so nervous. This was the first time 
she was having Walter to her apartment. Sure, it was just for 
coffee before they went to a movie, but she just wanted 
everything to be perfect. 
She shoved her hair around on her head and groaned. "God, I 
look like hell," she grated. If she hadn't spent all night studying 
she'd might look less like The Wicked Witch of the West and 
more like herself. 
"I'll be right there!" she called out again as she headed to the 
door. 
It was still hard to think of him as Walter, Kimberly thought. 
After all, she had worked for him for 5 years and in all that time 
had never admitted or allowed him to see her feelings for him. 
He had been Walter S. Skinner, Assistant Director, her Boss, 
one of the most hard-nosed, tight-assed tough but fair, A.D.'s at 
the Bureau. Now that she was seeing him socially she found out 
a lot of his rep was a mask put on in order for him to function in 
that environment. Outside the office, and under that gruff 
exterior was a tremendously kind, caring and thoughtful human 
being. She knew she loved him even more now. And she was 
sure more every day that he loved her too. 
As she dashed for the door she tripped over Clarence, one of 
her two tabbies, "Out of the way, cat," she laughed. He scooted 
off into the apartment towards her bedroom. Clarence was 
skittish around company. Darrow on the other hand was waiting 
right by the door, doglike, in his willingness to act as greeter. 
Kimberly hoped Walter liked cats. She hadn't even thought to 
ask, she realized suddenly, with chagrin. "Well, too late now," 
she thought as she moved to open the door.
Walter Skinner stood outside Kimberly Cook's apartment door, 
a dozen red roses in his hand. They were tea roses - small and 
delicate. He preferred them to the big ostentatious and thorned 
roses that most people bought to impress. These were elegant 
and understated and he thought suited Kim to a tee. They'd look 
beautiful against her strawberry blonde hair and alabaster skin. 
He smiled nervously to himself. 
This was the first time he would be inside her home. Get a grip 
he thought. Walter, you're 46 years old. You were wounded in 
the war, gut shot by an assassin, married and divorced not to 
mention nearly beaten to death by a Czech madman - how can 
this be making you nervous? 
It was making him nervous because one - he *was* 46 years 
old and Kim was only 30 - 16 years his junior and he went 
between feeling like an old man, an older brother (or in really 
bad moments of doubt - her Daddy), and feeling like a 
lovestruck teenager. And two - he didn't know how to handle the 
feeling. Also he was woefully out of practice on this courting 
thing. God all mighty. 
The phrase fat, bald and over forty leapt into his mind. Well, at 
least the fat part was inaccurate. He prided himself in staying in 
shape, dressing well and presenting a good picture to the world. 
He had to in his job. But the bald and over forty bit made him 
wonder how in the hell Kim ever saw anything in him at all. 
The long and the short of it was - he was out of control 
emotionally - damn - he was in love with her - he had to admit it. 
No denying it any longer. If love at first sight was in the cards he 
had dealt himself a Royal Flush here. But, he didn't know if he 
should celebrate the feeling or quake in his shoes. He felt like 
he was 16 years old again on his first date, and scared shitless. 
God help him. 
As he heard Kimberly on the other side of the door he decided 
to take a piece of advice that Fox Mulder had given him long 
ago. He began to repeat it like a mantra, "Go with the flow. Go 
with the flow." He squared his shoulders and set himself to 
breathing more regularly. He sincerely hoped he didn't have too 
constipated a look on his face. Jesus he felt like he was going to 
die. 
"Hi," he managed to croak out as the door swung open. 
"Hi...Oh, those are beautiful," Kimberly said as she spotted the 
flowers Skinner had in a death grip. 
"Uh, yes, do you have a vase?" he asked quickly. He was 
afraid he was in danger of crushing the delicate buds in his 
hamfisted, kung fu like, petrified grip. 
"Yes! Come on in and let me go get one," Kimberly replied with 
a gentle smile, "God he looks fabulous," she thought as he 
followed her inside. Skinner had opted for a black t-shirt, jeans, 
sports jacket, and yellow Timberland work boots, rather then the 
trademark designer suit he usually wore on their evenings out 
together. She loved him in a suit but she had to admit he looked 
fantastic in jeans as well. 
As he stepped inside behind her he stepped smack on Darrow's 
tail. The cat let out a mewling yelp and took a swipe at Walter's 
leg. He jumped back slightly.  
"Oh, God, Darrow!" Kimberly dithered, "I'm so sorry, he's 
always underfoot...did he scratch you?" She was mortified. 
"Hey, that's ok. I'm the one who should be apologizing to him. 
These are steel tipped," he answered displaying one of the work 
boots. I wear them around the garage when I'm working on the 
Chevy. There was no way he could have hurt me. I just hope I 
didn't hurt him." 
Walter and his ex-wife had owned a cat. Dogs were out with 
their lifestyle but they'd wanted a pet. So a friend had given 
them Jimi Hendrix. Jimi had been a huge neutered black Tom 
Cat and Walter had been unable to resist giving him the name. 
When Jimi had finally died of old age Skinner had cried like a 
baby. 
Walter bent down and made a little comforting noise at the cat, 
"Come here boy, I didn't mean to tread on your honor like that." 
Kimberly was smiling. Darrow looked at Skinner a bit 
distrustfully but then he sidled over and humped up his back to 
be petted. Skinner ran his hand over the cats back and then 
gently picked him up. He stroked his head and the tabby 
purred. 
"No hard feelings I guess," he smiled over at Kimberly. She felt 
her heart swell with emotion. Well, she knew it was love for sure 
now - he liked her cats - she laughed to herself. 
"Why don't you two go in the living room and get further 
acquainted. I'll find that vase," she replied quietly. 
"Ok, that would be great." 
"Would you like your coffee now, Walter?" 
"Yes thanks, Kim."  
xXx 
The Present...  
Skinner smiled at the memory. That afternoon had gone 
fantastically. Easy conversation. The cat on his lap. Coffee. The 
other cat finally deigned to make an appearance and vied for 
his attention a bit making both he and Kimberly laugh. His 
nerves had disappeared. They'd left and taken in a matinee. He 
would have liked to take her to dinner afterwards but the job 
was calling him that night. He had paperwork. She had more 
than understood. She was studying like a demon herself. He'd 
driven her home in the Chevy, the top down, her hair blowing in 
the wind. She'd looked beautiful. At her door he had kissed her 
for the first time. He'd felt like a kid again. It was bloody 
marvelous.  
He touched the lump in his sports coat pocket. The ring was 
secure. There was no going back now. He straightened his 
glasses and hefted the dozen roses in one hand and the bottle 
of wine in the other. He rang Kimberly's apartment door bell, 
fumbling with the flowers a bit to do so.  
"Hey, babe," he said kissing her cheek when she opened the 
door. Her eyes grew slightly large when she saw the flowers. 
Then they grew soft. 
"You remembered."  
"Yes, ma'am....He kissed her gently on the lips." She pulled 
back rather breathless.  
"Well, I'd better get a vase again," she replied softly. She knew 
she was blushing. It amazed her that he remembered that first 
time he'd been to her apartment. The first time he had kissed 
her. It touched her deeply. She reached forward and took the 
roses and the bottle of wine, "I'd better put this in the fridge too," 
she added. 
Skinner watched her walk down the hallway into the apartment. 
She looked exquisite in her jeans and t-shirt he thought. She 
had a bearing like a dancer really and she was in shape. He had 
never noticed this about her when she worked for him. She had 
been sitting down so much of the time. But the first time he had 
watched her walk down her apartment hallway he thought to 
himself - she just floats, she's so graceful. 
Clarence and Darrow both twined around his feet. He knelt 
down and addressed them both, "Look you guys, can you take 
a powder, just for tonight? I've got business with your mistress 
here - and it's going to be hard enough to conduct without fuzzy 
butts interrupting me. How about it? There's smoked salmon in 
the deal if you guys scram." 
As if on some silent signal both cats sauntered off down the t-
shaped hallway towards Kimberly's bedroom. A room Skinner 
had never seen but knew was there nonetheless. 
Walter Skinner and Kimberly Cook had never slept together. It 
didn't bother him at all. For some reason he didn't need sex to 
tell him he loved this woman. He just enjoyed being around her, 
their conversation, the tenderness. Oh, they'd held hands, 
kissed, necked a little. But he didn't feel the urgent need to try to 
bed her. She aroused him - no question. But there wasn't that 
animal lust that he had experienced with Dana Scully and 
Marita. He felt protective of Kimberly - more tender towards 
her. Maybe it was because she seemed...younger. But he 
thought it was more likely that he adored and respected her, 
knew he really loved her, and wanted to spend the rest of his 
life with her. 
He'd known he had some problems in that area, however. After 
what had happened between him and Dana Scully and then 
Marita his therapy had made him realize that he was often using 
sex as a substitute for real intimacy with women. Men were a 
different matter. Well, one man, John Rand in Vietnam. He'd 
loved John as much as he'd loved Sharon, his ex-wife. But 
John was dead and that was a closed book now as far as he 
was concerned. 
No, there had been no pressure now that he understood this 
fact about himself and his female partners, to have sex with 
Kim. So, he had never been in her bedroom, or even spent the 
night in her apartment or she at his apartment in Crystal City 
either. 
He also knew he had to open up and talk about his feelings 
once in a while for crying out loud. That's why his marriage to 
Sharon had failed in the long run. That and the sex thing again 
as well. He'd pretty much been the *wham bam, thank you 
ma'am type* back then. Thank God he'd at least gotten over 
that in the years since his divorce. At least now he knew he 
could at least be a halfway decent lover. He knew when the 
time was right he and Kimberly would find all that out together, 
find pleasure together. He could wait. 
He intended to lay it all out on the table for Kimberly tonight. He 
wanted to tell her he had found his true soulmate and it was her. 
And he wanted to ask her if she would do him the honor of 
becoming his wife. He just hoped he could get through it all 
without losing his nerve or making a fool out of himself. But that 
was a stupid fear really - Kimberly was the most understanding 
person he knew, outside of maybe Dana Scully - but he 
wouldn't go there now - no way. 
He stood back up and headed towards the kitchen to help her 
prepare dinner. 
xXx 
Later... 
"Mean lasagna was an understatement," Skinner said over the 
soapy lasagna pan. He was indeed wearing an apron, the one 
that he had worn to help fix the meal was now tied around his 
hips again. He dunked the pan back down into the sink and 
scrubbed it some more. 
"Well, thank you sir, that's the third time you've said it so I know 
is must be true," Kim laughed slightly from her spot where she 
stood cleaning off the dining room table. 
Skinner knew he was repeating himself a bit. He was starting to 
get nervous. He rinsed the pan and held it up to make sure it 
was clean as he tried to still his thoughts. 
"You can just put that in the drainer, Walter," Kim advised him 
as she came back into the kitchen. Skinner did as instructed. 
"Why don't you go in the living room and get comfortable. I'll fix 
some coffee. Would you like some brownies? I made some 
yesterday." Skinner smiled. Kimberly was a serious chocoholic. 
"Coffee would be fine. And yeah, I have sort of a sweet tooth 
tonight - a brownie, or two, or three..." he chuckled. 
"Ok, coming right up, now scoot," she laughed swatting him on 
the ass. He dodged and she just missed him. They laughed 
again. 
"Don't be too long fussing on my account - you need to relax 
too. You haven't exactly had a stress free week, Ms. Cook," he 
mock frowned in imitation of the old Walter Skinner she had 
seen so often behind a desk in the J. Edgar Hoover building. 
"Yes, sir," she smirked grinning at him. 
He exited the kitchen and headed into the living room. His 
sports coat was on the back of the couch. He went to it, 
retrieved the box with the ring and shoved it into his jeans 
pocket. He hoped the lump wasn't too obvious. Who was he 
kidding he thought with chagrin. His dick was semi erect. Damn 
it. Well, it would hide the diamond that was for sure he smiled 
ruefully. He sat down on the couch and waited for Kimberly to 
come out with the coffee and brownies. He was readjusting 
things when she came back with a tray. Normally he would 
have stood but right at the moment that wouldn't have been a 
real good idea. She saved him the trouble. 
"Don't you dare get up - I've got this just fine," she scolded 
seeing him shift in his seat. He smiled with relief as she placed 
the try before them. She sat down next to him on the couch. 
"Let me pour the coffee," he said quietly, "Take a load off, 
Kim." 
Kimberly sighed contentedly and kicked her slippers off - she 
pulled her legs up under her on the couch and turned to face 
Walter as he began to pour the coffee. He took his black and 
she liked cream and sugar. She noticed his hand shook slightly 
as he poured the cream into her cup. 
"So, how is Mulder?" she asked carefully. 
Fox Mulder and Dana Scully had been on a particularly difficult 
X-File in Wisconsin. Mulder had been injured in the line of duty - 
knifed by some crazed worshipper of Satan. Scully had saved 
his life in the field but it had shaken them both badly. Their 
relationship didn't intrude on the job but in a situation like that 
Skinner couldn't see how it wouldn't intrude. They were lovers 
for God's sake and cared for each other beyond words. 
To their credit, especially Scully's, they had kept their cool and 
their professionalism under the circumstances. Mulder had 
survived the ordeal. Of course Scully was a doctor so she knew 
emergency first aid. They both knew they had to stay calm and 
emotionally detached. If they hadn't Mulder might have bled to 
death. It wasn't until he was safely in a hospital bed that Scully 
had showed her true feelings and then that had been alone with 
Walter Skinner in the meditation/chapel. Skinner had held her 
as she cried almost unending tears. His were arms of comfort 
by this time - not arms of a lover. That was long past for them. 
But he felt a friendship and respect for her, and Mulder too for 
that matter. He was there for support. Mulder's near death had 
upset him deeply as well. So they had clung to each other in the 
chapel and both had cried their tears together until they were 
spent. 
"He's champing at the bit to get out of the hospital. Scully's 
about to spank him I think," he replied, handing Kimberly her 
coffee. 
Kimberly laughed, "Well, Fox Mulder just might like that idea." 
Walter raised an eyebrow, "You might have a point there, lady." 
They both laughed easily. Skinner took a sip of his coffee and 
swallowed it with relish. Kim made an excellent cup of coffee. 
She had her coffee specially blended and ground. It was always 
magnificent. He secretly thought that just maybe it was 
something she did for him because she knew he liked his 
coffee so much. He loved her even more for it. 
Kim knew about Mulder and Scully. Dana Scully had become 
her friend as well as Skinner's in the intervening months. Walter 
hadn't told her about his having sex twice with Scully. That 
would come though, especially if she accepted his proposal. He 
could tell her then. He didn't want to withhold anything then. 
After all he had all ready told her all the details about Marita. 
Scully was just a more sensitive subject. 
But, he had thought it advisable to tell Kim about his agent's 
involvement. It would avoid really awkward incidents. He had of 
course asked Mulder and Scully's permission first and been 
given their blessing. By the time he'd asked he'd all ready 
admitted to them both that he thought Kimberly just might be the 
real thing. It was a simple step for them to give him their 
permission to bring Kim into their confidence as well. 
"But, really Mulder's doing fine. He'll be released at the end of 
the week. I'm making the stubborn bastard take a two week 
medical leave of absence anyway, though. I made it an order. I 
think he can stomach the two weeks. Longer he'd rebel, but two 
weeks he'll accept." 
"Dana will help enforce that I'm sure." 
"Oh, I have no doubt about that." Walter grinned a bit over that 
thought. He noticed Kimberly had a pensive face suddenly. He 
studied her a moment.  
"What's wrong, Kim?" 
"Oh, nothing really." 
"Nothing? Sounds like Dana Scully - *I'm fine, sir*. I don't buy 
that from one of my agents, Kim. I don't want to buy it from 
you. Come on, what is it." Skinner put his coffee cup down on 
the tray. 
Kim sighed and put down her cup as well, "It's just that - well 
sometimes I'm glad you aren't a field agent. I know you'd rather 
not be behind a desk. But...well I'd hate to think if 
something...God, you've all ready been wounded by that 
bastard Luis Cardinal. I don't know what I'd do if..."
She stopped realizing the implications of her words. Skinner 
looked into her face. There it was, everything he was looking for 
and everything he felt in return. He reached forward and gently 
gathered her into his arms. He placed her head against the side 
of his face. Kimberly was almost as tall as he was so there was 
no tucking her head under his chin. He easily rubbed her hair 
and face against his rough cheek. It was a wonderful sensation. 
He felt his cock jump but he ignored it and instead concentrated 
on what Kimberly had just said. She leaned against him. 
"Kim, I know. As much as I miss the field work I...I know how it 
would hurt you...if...hell. What I'm trying to say is don't worry. 
I'm trying to be as careful as I can. And besides - you know 
pencil pushing can be dangerous too. I haven't forgotten that 
size 7 high heel print on my cheek you know." He hoped the 
little joke would improve her mood. But he figured if it didn't 
what he was going to do next just might do the trick.  
Kimberly did laugh. He could feel her smile and the gentle 
tickling of her laughter against his side, "Holly was so 
embarrassed about that Walter. She couldn't even look in your 
direction for months after that incident with Modell." 
"Well, she wasn't to blame. But she really packed a wallop." 
She continued to giggle a bit. Skinner pulled her away from his 
chest and looked into her eyes. He pulled her to him and they 
began to kiss. The kiss started out gently and then grew more 
eager. Both their lips parted almost simultaneously and then 
their tongues began to dance together. 
Kimberly tasted coffee and Walter's unique masculine flavor. 
Skinner tasted pure ambrosia and he was in heaven. 
They broke the kiss. Both were very breathless. Walter pressed 
his legs together to mask his arousal. And then he felt the ring. 
He pushed Kimberly slightly away from him, holding her hands 
tenderly and lightly down between them. 
"Kimberly..." he began. 
"Yes?" she replied looking at him carefully. 
"Uh, look. You know I'm not the most demonstrative man. I 
mean I think I've gotten better at it. I'm just not...well I'm not like 
Mulder or that type of guy. I'm not great with words and feelings 
sometimes. I just don't have the gift for gab, babe. Never had it, 
never will I think." 
"You used to be that way when I worked for you Walter. But, I 
don't think you're like that at all now. I think...I think you're doing 
just fine letting me know how you feel. And you've been more 
the man of action anyway haven't you?" she suggested smiling 
into his eyes. 
He smiled a bit too, "You flatter me, Kim. Really. But this, this 
kind of thing is difficult for me to do," he replied taking a large 
swallow. 
"What kind of thing?" 
He let go of her hands and reached into his pocket. He brought 
out the box with the ring. "Ok," he thought. "This is it, make it or 
break it time." He made a small noise in his throat. "Don't 
panic!" he admonished himself. Then he thought, "Hell, I'd better 
do this up right." He got up from the couch seat and got down 
on his knees. 
By this point Kimberly was staring at him, eyes brimming with 
tears. She looked like a beautiful, delicate, doe trapped in a 
car's headlights for a second. Skinner hoped she wasn't going 
to bolt and die under the tires. 
"Asking the woman I love to marry me. Would you do me the 
honor of becoming my wife, Kimberly Cook? Would you spend 
the rest of your life with me?" he asked finally. He didn't know 
what else to say so he opened the box and proffered it carefully 
in her direction. He held his breath. 
"Oh my God," she whispered taking the box, "It's beautiful." She 
bit her lip and looked up at him from under her eyelashes. They 
were wet with tears. A stray tear fell down her face. Skinner felt 
his eyes beginning to mist up as well. He struggled for control. 
"Will you put it on, Walter?" Kimberly asked with a loving smile. 
She looked up into his face then. His answer was there. He let 
his breath out in a rush and a huge smile leapt instantly to his 
mouth. He took the ring out of the box and then with shaking 
hands, placed it on her finger.  
He got up off his knees and sat next to her. Once again they 
were kissing. This time it was hot and searching with the 
emotion of the moment. Both of them were moaning a little. 
Kimberly ran her hands down his chest. He cupped her face 
and deepened the kiss. He began to run his hand down onto her 
breast and his cock got completely hard as he tweaked her 
nipple through her t-shirt and bra. 
Kimberly's breath was coming in small gasps. Skinner 
considered distantly that this might be it - their first time together 
as lovers. He knew it was possible. If she wanted him he was 
hers. He tried to remember if he still had a condom in his wallet. 
He moved over her body eagerly, aggressively, and suddenly 
Kimberly was pushing him away. He stopped immediately, 
pulling back to study her face. 
"What's wrong?" he asked with concern. She seemed upset, 
afraid almost. He stroked her cheek. 
"Oh, Walter - I love you." 
"I love you more then I can ever tell you, honey. But what's 
wrong? I...don't you...uh..." he was suddenly at a loss for words. 
Don't you what? Want to fuck? jumped unbidden into the 
forefront of his mind. He cursed himself for the crudeness of 
the question. He didn't want their first time to be about fucking. 
He wanted it to be about making love.  
He wracked his mind to think of everything that Sharon used to 
say was wrong when she didn't want sex. None of them 
seemed like Kimberly at all. None of them but one and he knew 
he was blushing as he asked the question. His hard on withered. 
It seemed as if his blood supply rushed from his dick up into his 
face. 
"Is it the wrong time of the month?" 
Kimberly looked at him and she blushed scarlet, "NO! Oh I'm 
sorry. Good Lord, I can't be embarrassed about that I guess. I 
mean you've been married before for crying out loud. And I'll 
have to fact that kind of thing now that...Oh, I feel so idiotic! 
Please forgive me." 
Skinner looked at her in bewilderment and confusion. "What 
had gone wrong. What did I do?" he asked himself. 
"Was I too fast? I mean, I'm sorry - I just thought. I'm sorry..." he 
mumbled. Fuck. Maybe he had moved too quickly. Maybe he 
had been too eager. Too aggressive. Shit. He was big and 
strong. Hard. No bragging it was just fact. Maybe he had 
frightened her. He felt like he was dying inside.  
Kimberly saw the emotions flowing across his face. She felt 
even more contrite. She had to clear this up right away so as 
not to hurt him any further. 
"Did I frighten you?" he asked finally, softly, miserably. 
"God, no, Walter. I could never be frightened by you. Really. 
No, it's not you - it's me." 
Skinner stared at her as her mouth worked. Finally she blurted it 
out, "Walter, I'm a virgin." 
Skinner knew his mouth dropped open. He pulled it shut as fast 
as he could, "A...a virgin? You're kidding?" he asked in disbelief. 
He looked carefully into her face, "I'm sorry, no, you're not 
kidding are you?" he added.  
"I wish I were," she answered lowering her eyes. 
He took her chin and lifted it up, "Kim, that's nothing to be 
ashamed of. Hell, that took guts, morals, shit - self restraint for 
God's sake. I think it's admirable. Not something to feel self-
conscious or foolish about."  
"Well, I...Oh hell I feel completely foolish. I mean I want you for 
God sake. Why not, I keep asking myself." 
"I can't answer that for you Kim. Maybe if you talk it through 
with me you can try to explain to both of us." 
"I can try," she replied. Skinner took her hand and let her talk. 
He could listen. He was very good at it. 
"When I came to work for you I was 25 years old, Walter. I 
didn't have anyone really. You know my parents are dead. And 
I've told you how I was raised by my Baptist minister uncle and 
aunt. My early life was...well things were difficult. I didn't 
receive the right messages about sex. The right education. I had 
to make up for that all on my own as I got older. It...it's been 
very hard for me. I know how things go - I'm not uneducated or 
naive, Walter. But, I have no real practical knowledge, I mean 
hands on experience so to speak - and a hell of a lot of 
baggage. I just want you to understand that if you can."  
"I don't think I have the right to criticize you for any issues or 
baggage Kimberly. I mean who stuck with me while I was in the 
hospital practically drooling and staring into space because a 
woman I'd balled had betrayed me and her other lover raped 
and tortured me? I don't think I have to complain about issues." 
Kimberly smiled and patted his knee, "Walter, I appreciate your 
honesty. I always have. That's why I'm telling you all this now. 
I...my greatest dream was that you would ask me to marry you. 
But now this whole thing...well..." 
"Kim I seem to remember something about a boyfriend when 
you first started working at the Bureau. I remember an incident - 
didn't the jerk call you at work? I recall you were upset. Was 
there something that dick did to...to make you frightened as 
well." 
"Well, I did have the one boyfriend but we broke up. And yes, 
he was a jerk. He called me once at work and I just wigged out. 
We never slept together. He...he hit me one night and I told him 
to take a damn hike in no uncertain terms." 
Skinner squeezed her hand. She was one gutsy woman he 
thought. As brave as all get out, "Go on, Honey." 
"Well I broke up with him just before I went to work for the 
Bureau. And you know what - and I know this sounds silly too - 
but I fell like a ton of bricks for you right during the job interview. 
I mean bad Walter. I'm surprised I got the damn job. I mean I 
acted like a complete ditz. A real blonde. A moron. God, you 
were married then, Walter. I saw the ring," she shook her head 
and smiled at her own discomfort. 
"Love a first sight?" Walter chuckled gently, "Babe, you don't 
know what that just did for my ego." 
"I thought it was ridiculous at the time - I mean, God, love at first 
sight - how trite, how corny. And a married man yet! Good 
move, Kimberly." 
"I think it was...wonderful," Skinner replied quietly, "Uh, I don't 
think it's corny at all." "How could I," he thought. He pretty much 
fell for her the same way. 
He still could not imagine how he had missed her feelings. But 
he hadn't expected to see anything like them directed at him. 
And as she had so astutely mentioned - he was also married for 
part of the 5 years Kim had worked for him. In fact, he'd been 
trying and failing to salvage his 17 year marriage. After the 
divorce he'd immersed himself in his work in order to forget. So, 
Kimberly Cook became a mere blip on his radar. A nice 
woman, good employee, review her and give her the raise she 
so justly deserved, and that was all. Now he felt a twinge of guilt 
to think he had never seen her as a real person. A woman. Well, 
he intended to make up for all that now. In spades. 
"Well, it wasn't so wonderful if it got me to this point and now the 
thought of making love with you...scares the living hell out of 
me." 
"Kimberly...have, have you ever had counseling for your fears. I 
mean hell, you know I don't see any shame in counseling. How 
could I?" Skinner asked gently.  
"Yes, I have had counseling. I've made a lot of progress. But I 
just...Oh look - just let's forget this for a while. I...I think I need 
to..." 
"Kim, it's ok. Listen. Some women want to wait to make love 
with the right man until after marriage anyway. If you had told 
me that I would have respected that decision as well. The fact 
that you're afraid because you're a virgin and had a lack of real 
sex education is nothing to be ashamed of and I can respect 
your feelings there too. It's not your fault someone let you down 
when you were younger." 
"I know that, Walter. I...I just don't want to hurt you. To make 
you think I don't love you because I can't...not yet." 
"Oh God," Skinner breathed out. He took her in his arms again 
and she settled against him. 
"I never want you to think you've hurt me because you don't 
want sex. I mean I know some of the stuff I told you about 
Marita must have made you think...well I don't think that was a 
very attractive picture of my wants and needs either. Shit. I 
imagine that didn't help us here." 
"Kimberly pulled back and looked at him seriously, "Walter I 
know what went on with you and Marita was...wasn't your fault 
either. Don't worry about that. None of that scared me at all. I've 
been with you long enough now to know what you're really like. 
What that bitch did to you was the greatest mistake of her life if 
I ever catch up with her." 
Skinner raised an eyebrow and grinned as well. Kimberly Cook 
as Emma Peel. Yeah, he could see it. She'd kick Marita 
Covarrubias' ass if she had a chance. He got serious again 
however. 
"Look, I'll tell you what - let's, let's just give this some time. I 
mean we can handle the wedding thing any way you'd like - put 
it off as long as you want. And I won't pressure you about any 
of this. One thing my therapy did Kim was let me know where 
my hang-ups are now. I can appreciate intimacy a hell of a lot 
more now anyway. I'd...I like just what we're doing here 
together as much as I'd liked it if we had gone into your 
bedroom and had sex. So, why don't we just take all this as it 
comes. I need to take you home to *Momma* first anyway 
babe. You haven't even met my family - and boy are you in for 
a trip there," he laughed, "I hope you'll still want me at all, after 
you meet Esther and my sister Sylvia and her brood." 
Kimberly laughed her musical laugh. She grabbed him around 
the shoulders and kissed him on the top of his head. His glasses 
were knocked a bit askew and he laughed as well. 
"You're a gem, Walter - really. I just love you so much. I 
appreciate everything you've said. I know we can work this out. 
And really when it comes right down to it - I do want to wait until 
after the wedding for that last step. Intercourse is a big step for 
me, Walter. I'm not a total conservative prude - I mean it's not 
religious with me - I just always thought I didn't...you know want 
to give it away to just anyone. I wanted my first time to be with 
the man I really loved - the one who had made the commitment 
to marry me. And after that first job interview with you - well I 
knew you were the one I loved. I hoped beyond hope that...I'm 
sorry - I wished your marriage *would* fail because then I might 
have a chance. I felt terribly guilty about that too. Awful. But, I 
can't lie and say I didn't think it. So, now I just think I need time 
to get over this stupid nervousness and of course, I still would 
like to wait until we're married. And once again, I hope you'll 
understand." 
Walter Skinner understood. And he also knew that even if she 
was scared shitless on their wedding night it wouldn't matter. He 
was going to give her all the time she needed and be gentle and 
patient with her when she was ready to make love with him - 
whenever that might be. He patted her knee in return. 
"Kimberly - anticipation is half the pleasure. I know everything 
will be fine. And I think exploring each other on our wedding 
night sounds like the best idea I've heard in a long time. Hell...it'll 
be just marvelous." 
They both laughed then with the thoughts of things to come. 
Skinner reached over and grabbed a brownie, chomping on it 
with gusto. 
"Jesus, this is good, Kim. You'd better get one before I clean 
that plate," he mumbled, his mouth full. 
"No problem. You know how I feel about chocolate," she 
giggled grabbing for her own bakery with a wide grin. 
xXx 
Mid-August... 
Walter Skinner was in early. August was turning out to be one 
pisser of a month - busy at the FBI. Also, Mother Nature wasn't 
cooperating. It was hot and humid in DC. Grotesque really 
because you started to sweat like a pig the minute you left the 
confines of any air conditioning. He hated this type of weather. 
It was a nationwide problem really. Probably why things were 
hopping at the J. Edgar Hoover building. Crime was always up 
when it was this hot. The temperature set *him* on edge. He 
figured at his age he just couldn't tolerate the heat as well 
anymore. He sighed as he walked past his executive assistant's 
vacant desk. Angela wasn't in yet. Well, who would expect her 
to be. It was 6 AM for God's sake. 
He unlocked the door to his office and stepped inside. The air 
wasn't on yet. It was stifling. He cursed, and turning on his heel 
went in search of a cup of coffee. He left the door open so that 
the room could clear out a bit. 
No coffee of course. Well, no big deal. He started to get the 
makings together. He really couldn't stay grumpy or angry. 
Couldn't when he thought of Kimberly. Things were going so 
well with them now that she had accepted his proposal of 
marriage. He was almost floating on air he admitted with humor. 
Walter Skinner, romantic swain. It was a hell of a funny picture 
really. He still remembered Mulder's reaction when he had told 
him about his upcoming plans back in June. 
"I'd wondered why you look so much less constipated, sir. I'm 
glad to hear it wasn't reliance on Ex-Lax. No, seriously - Hey, 
congratulations, Walter! That's just great. God, wait till I tell 
Scully." 
Dana Scully had come up to his office on the pretext of a 
conference request and hugged him until he thought he was 
going to stop breathing. 
"Have you set a date yet, Walter." 
"No not yet...we need to work out some stuff with my family 
and her family as well...uh but soon." 
"Well, I'll tell Kim if she needs any help, to just call me," Scully 
had replied, "I'll be there for you both," she added. 
Kimberly had all ready told Walter she wanted Dana Scully to 
be her maid of honor.  
He had taken a couple of vacation days. He and Kimberly 
arranged to get away and go down to Ambler, Pennsylvania so 
that she could meet his family. It had been a trip. But he could 
laugh about it now. 
Kimberly had been nervous but not overly so. Walter had told 
her everything he could to prepare her for Esther. His kid sister 
Sylvia was no problem really although Walter had warned her 
about Roger, her fireman husband, and the three wild Indian 
sons they had between them. Roger could be a loud-mouthed 
asshole sometimes. Skinner tolerated him because he was a 
saint with his sister. But he could be a pain in the neck. 
Esther Skinner was another story all together. Walter Skinner 
came from wealth. It wasn't a state of affairs he talked about 
much. He never threw it around. He hated anything that 
smacked of the ostentatious really. The obvious accouterments 
that money, even old money brought. Except for dressing well 
and buying the Chevy Corvette to restore, he kept his financial 
status in the background. 
Esther came from money and when she married his Father at 
the age of 18 she married into it as well for all intents and 
purposes. Walter's father, even at the age of 21, was well on his 
way to making his personal fortune. He was rich as hell by 40. 
And dead at 55 from the strain. He'd left the estate to Esther of 
course. And she'd been more then capable of managing the 
empire. She loved business, in fact, and had a real knack for it. 
Trucking was the linchpin of their wealth. Skinner Transport was 
still going strong today and had branched out into all sorts of 
other businesses. 
But, there had been problems. Esther had been pregnant with 
Walter Skinner before marriage. Marriage and sex she was 
ready for. A baby - no. She had been an ambivalent Mother to 
say the least. There had always been that distance, a formality 
between Walter and Esther. Walter had been raised by nannies 
early on as well. At one point, he wasn't even sure who his 
Mother really was. At some points today he still wasn't positive. 
But to be fair - Esther had done better as he got older. She 
could talk to him then and really, she did love him in her own 
fashion. She had been proud when he had enlisted even if it had 
come after a particularly difficult adolescence. If he hadn't 
enlisted he might have been in juvenile detention. She had 
nursed him after he returned stateside with his Nam war 
wounds. 
When he had entered the FBI Academy she had been bursting 
with pride. Her first choice was for him to enter into the family 
business with her. But when he opted for Quantico all those 
thoughts disappeared. Walter being in federal law enforcement 
seemed to suit her to a tee. 
His marriage to Sharon and his settling down calmed a lot of her 
fears regarding his stability as well. She had always had trouble 
seeing past her early failures with him and his juvenile 
rowdiness. Sharon was going to be good for him. When the 
marriage dissolved she had been profoundly upset. So, Walter's 
relationship with his Mother had become strained again. His 
comparatively recent hospitalization had really made things 
difficult. 
As he and Kimberly had driven down to Ambler he had hoped 
the prospect of a new, more successful marriage would heal 
the rift between him and Esther. He was vastly relieved when it 
did. 
xXx 
Past tense...a drive back from PA 
"I'm glad we didn't bring the Corvette," Walter told his passenger 
as the Pennsylvania scenery flew by the Oldsmobile Intrigue's 
window, "we really need the air conditioner." 
"No kidding it's hotter then The Devil's armpit out there isn't it?" 
Kimberly asked rhetorically. 
Skinner guffawed, "The Devil's armpit..." 
Kimberly chuckled, "One of my uncle's expressions." 
"Have you called them yet?" 
"They're still on retreat - until tomorrow. I can reach then at 
home then." 
"Oh yeah, sorry I forgot." 
Kimberly lapsed into silence again. Walter glanced over at her. 
He hoped nothing was wrong. She looked so...pensive. 
"Is anything wrong, Kim." 
She looked over at him, "Wrong. God, no, Walter. Everything is 
just so right - I can't believe it. I mean, I'm so happy." 
He smiled, "Hell, yes. I can hardly believe the way you wowed 
Esther. But I guess it didn't surprise me. After all - you're 
studying to be a lawyer - you better be able to handle a difficult 
case." He had a smirk on his face. 
Kimberly caught the smirk and poked him in the ribs, "You 
shouldn't talk about your Mother that way Walter. Esther's a 
wonderful woman. We got along famously." 
"In a pigs eye she's wonderful. She's worse then my friggin' drill 
Sergeant was in the corps for God's sake. The fact that you got 
along was only testament to the fact that she's capable of 
admiring someone who gives her as good as she dishes out." 
"Well, there was that..." Kimberly giggled. 
"Yeah, I think the corker was when you convinced her to use 
that Door County Wine at dinner. My Mother thinks she's God's 
gift to the wine connoisseur world. You really floored her with 
suggesting a wine that was so well received." 
"I couldn't in good conscience as a rather passable cook..." 
"Gourmet cook..."  
"All right...gourmet cook...I couldn't let her serve that wine she 
originally wanted to serve. I mean Good Lord - that was a 
terrible year. And I just happened to know that that little Door 
County Winery really made a lovely, delicate wine. So...viola - a 
hit," he waved her hand airily. Walter caught it in mid air and 
kissed her palm. He dropped it quickly to concentrate on 
traffic. 
Kimberly smiled again at him. Love filled her eyes. She really 
was on cloud nine and the fact that things had gone well with his 
family had brought a great deal of peace to her mind. She 
wasn't as certain how things were going to go with Uncle 
Joseph and Aunt Estelle. But for now she was optimistic and on 
top of the world. 
"But you know Walter, I don't think the wine was all that made 
her think maybe I was an acceptable match for her son." 
"What do you mean?" he smiled, glancing at her again. She was 
really smirking, and then she started to laugh. 
"What?" he laughed back. He was having trouble driving so he 
pulled off at the rest stop that loomed up ahead. He found a 
spot in the crowded parking lot in an end space, and left the 
engine running so they could still get the air. 
"What?" he asked again. Kimberly was more under control. 
"Thank you for stopping Walter, I really need to use the ladies 
room now..." she teased putting off her answer further. 
Skinner groaned, "Woman, you test me..." 
"All right, I'll tell you. I can get through it now and not choke I 
think," she replied her eyes dancing. 
"Spill it..." he added facing her. 
"Well, you remember that first night when Esther made such a 
elaborate show of telling about your old room there at the house 
and how it was all ready for you - the bed all made?" 
"Yeah I thought, Crap just what I needed to see, black light acid 
rock posters and my old lava lamp. Not to mention the fucking 
English hunt scene bed sheets - Christ I hated those things." 
Kim started to laugh again, but she got herself under control in 
order to finish the story, "Well at least she had redecorated..." 
"Your point, Ms Cook?" 
"Well what I didn't tell you was that right before she came out to 
tell everyone that story - you know when she and I were in the 
kitchen...she asked me if you and I wanted the bed in the guest 
room - I mean together."
"She what?" Skinner's mouth dropped open. Screw Esther. She 
always played those PC games. Piss up a rope. 
"Now, don't get mad - I knew the question for what it was - it 
was a test. I mean come on Walter, I'm naive in some respects 
but in others...I knew what she was thinking. She was thinking I 
was some gold digger sleeping with her Walter - his ex-
executive assistant who - who knows, might have even been 
responsible for the break up of his previous marriage and now 
was sniffing around the family fortune. I mean I think she was 
fishing to find out if I was a whore for the money. Not good 
enough for her son at the very least." 
"I'll strangle her..." 
"I said don't get angry, damn it." 
"Kim, Christ on a crutch - how could she do that to you. To even 
imply...Her little Walter is going to kick her PC ass..." 
"Walter, honey, you may be a 46 year old ex-Marine and 
Assistant Director at the FBI but to Esther you're still her little 
Walter. She loves you big man. I saw it in her eyes. She was 
*hinting* at all those issues because she doesn't want to see you 
get hurt again. Really, deep down she was standing guard for 
you - that became apparent really quickly dear. She cares and 
she cares deeply." 
Skinner frowned slightly, "She *never* thought of me as her 
little Walter, Kim. At least I never thought..." he let his voice trail 
off. Maybe he *had* missed something critical here regarding 
his Mother. Something really important. 
He touched Kimberly's face and ran his hand over her cheek 
with a tender touch. 
"What did you say to her, babe? I mean..." 
"I told her I loved you but you had never even touched me that 
way. I told her I had my personal convictions regarding sex 
before marriage and you respected them and had been a 
complete gentleman. I also told her that if she doubted me she 
should ask you whether it was true - to feel free to do so." 
"I bet that shut her up." 
"Actually she gave me a hug, Walter and told me she thought I 
was a woman of importance. HA! Sort of a play on the title of 
that Oscar Wilde play." 
"Oh yeah, that sounds like Esther - the literary guild maven." 
"Well, at any rate. I think that whole conversation went a long 
way towards setting her mind at ease as to my intentions. I can't 
blame her for any of her suspicions really. I mean don't take this 
wrong, Mr. A.D. - but a lot of younger women chase older 
eligible divorced men for the money. Fact of life - especially in 
your Mother's venue. So I don't think you can criticize her for 
being cautious." 
"You're right of course. Ok, point taken. You know something..." 
Skinner replied looking into her eyes. 
"What?" 
"You're an angel."  
"Oh..." 
Kimberly couldn't say anything else because Walter was kissing 
her then. For a moment both of them forgot the world. They 
forgot about Esther, the trip, the car, the rest stop...they forgot 
about it all. Everything but the heat of their passion. It was lucky 
the air conditioning was on after all. 
There was a tapping on the car window. Walter released 
Kimberly and spun around, all senses on the alert. His hand 
went instantly to the Glock in the holster on his hip. 
"Walter!" Kimberly exclaimed quickly. 
"Fuck," Skinner said under his breath, "God damned rent a 
cop." He took his hand off the Glock. 
The rest stop security guard, a college age kid with carefully 
styled hair, stood tapping on the glass with his walkie talkie. 
Skinner tabbed the button that rolled the window down 
automatically and frowned up at him.  
"May I help you?" he asked. 
"Is everything all right here, miss? the rent a cop asked fixing 
Kimberly with his eyes. He seemed to ignore Skinner but Walter 
could tell in reality the kid was perceptive enough to be giving 
him some attention. The kid was unarmed though. Skinner 
could have dropped him with one shot. Stupid and careless he 
cursed inwardly. Someone should hang his employers by the 
balls. 
"Son, what's the problem?" Skinner asked patiently. 
"Everything's fine, uh, Kevin..." Kimberly added stretching to 
catch the name on his little lapel tag. 
"Well, miss, uh, sir..." he began stepping back slightly. He had 
gotten a close look at Walter Skinner now and he was just a little 
bit aware of what he might be in for if the man in the car 
decided to cause trouble. 
"I was just concerned that, well that you were in trouble, ma'am. 
I mean do you realize what that looks like..." he gestured 
towards them. He obviously had mistaken their kiss in the car 
for something more sinister. Walter couldn't fault him for it. It 
was his job to walk the lot looking for trouble like that as well as 
other infractions. But he shouldn't have confronted them 
directly. He should have called for back up or the highway 
patrol officer who must have belonged to the official vehicle he 
now noticed was parked off to the side of the building. He had 
risked getting his clock cleaned, or worse my knocking on the 
window. Besides - it was damned annoying. 
Without even giving the usual warning of - *I'm only reaching for 
my ID* - he stuck his hand in his inner jacket pocket and pulled 
out his FBI credentials.  
"Do you realize what *this* looks like, son?" he asked quietly 
displaying the badge and ID card. 
The kid's eye popped wide, "Is that real?" he blurted out before 
he thought better of it. 
"Boy - if it isn't real you're in big trouble..." Skinner growled. He 
fanned back his jacket to display the Glock, "it's real, Kevin. 
Call your supervisor, or the highway patrol officer on that thing 
and let's verify it if you've got any doubts," he added more 
gently gesturing towards the walkie talkie Kevin had clenched in 
his hand. 
"Kevin, it's ok really. This *is* Assistant Director, Walter Skinner. 
I'm Kimberly Cook, his fiancee. We're heading back to DC and 
we really wanted a Coke or something. It's as hot as hell out 
here even with the AC." 
Skinner watched the exchange between Kim and the kid. The 
kid was frying in the heat. He must have been walking his beat 
out there with no hat or sunglasses for a while. His face was 
red, most likely sunburned. Skinner cursed whoever ran the 
security there again. He could see Kevin's mental wheels 
spinning. He hoped he wasn't going to have to sit through an 
annoying waste of time conversation with the boys supervisor. 
He'd probably ream the guy a new asshole if he did. Kevin 
finally spoke. 
"I'm sorry, Ms. Cook, Mr. Skinner. It's just that well...you can't 
be too careful here. We get a lot of molesters and other perverts 
trolling for trouble. I just wanted to make sure things were all 
right here. One again, my apologies. Enjoy your Cokes..." he 
added smiling weakly. He backed off and then turned to leave 
them alone. Skinner could just hear him mumble something 
under his breath. Kimberly heard it too. 
"Jesus. Fiancee? He looks old enough to be her fucking 
father..." 
Walter Skinner's face froze. His jaw clenched in anger. He 
mechanically reached down and hit the button that would raise 
the window. He wanted to put his hand through the glass. He 
took several deep breaths to calm himself.  
"Walter, it...it's all right," Kimberly said quietly. 
Skinner placed his hands in his lap and looked sideways over at 
her, "All right? Maybe it isn't all right, Kim. I mean, hell. That kid 
obviously thought I was some older asshole...some 
pervert...well you know what he thought."  
"Walter, so what..." 
"So what? Kim, maybe I do look like your Father. I mean I am 
16 years older then you. I look older then 46 I think. I mean 
shit..I..." 
"Walter, we have to get this out in the open right away if this is a 
problem for you. I've never mentioned our age difference. It 
makes no difference to me whatsoever. It doesn't make any 
difference to our friends - people like Dana and Fox, your 
Mother and Sister are obviously comfortable with it. Why should 
it matter to anyone else?" 
He didn't answer. She touched his shoulder, "If you think I don't 
find you attractive or...or desirable for some reason because 
you think you look old or...God, Walter please don't think that. I 
think you're incredibly handsome and desirable. I...is it 
because...because I won't make love with you? Do you still 
think that..." 
Skinner fixed her with his eyes, "Kimberly it has nothing to do 
with you at all - it's me. I'm not sure I'm right for you given the 
fact that I'm so much older. I've been thinking about this for a 
while. There are some issues we haven't talked about 
here...Like how old will I be in 10 years - what happens when...I 
mean if...well I know you said you've thought about kids. I mean 
- I'm almost 50, lady - we'd better think how old I'll be when the 
kids are graduating high school - if I'm still around at all." 
"Walter..."
"What I'm trying to say is maybe you should find someone 
younger...someone who can give you a family if that's what you 
want and be around to see them grow up. Someone who likes 
the same kind of music, the same movies, the...someone who 
doesn't look like a Daddy Mac pervert groping you in a parked 
car..." he finished miserably looking out through the windshield. 
There he had said it. All of it had been on his mind for a while. 
His Mother's comments and questions to Kim coupled with the 
rent a cops assumptions had brought it all to a head. It was all 
honest fear, it embarrassed him to admit he felt that way, and it 
hurt. 
"There's only one problem with everything you said, Walter," 
Kimberly replied with vehemence. 
"What?" Skinner asked snapping his head to look, the strength 
in her voice capturing his attention immediately. 
"I don't want someone else - I want you. Don't ever forget it. I 
love you and no one else. I wouldn't have agreed to marry you 
if I didn't love you. After all, I do want to lose my virginity one of 
these days you know," she smiled at him, her brown eyes 
misting over. 
Skinner looked deeply into her eyes though her tears. He knew 
that was it. No more doubts. His fears were groundless. They 
would face any obstacle, take whatever life brought them and 
deal with it. No more sweating the little things. The big scheme 
of things was them as a couple and the rest be damned. He 
took a deep breath. He was tearing up as well and he didn't 
want to cry in front of her again. Besides the mucus really 
screwed up his sinuses in this kind of weather, he thought 
wryly. 
Kimberly smiled and touched his hand. She had seen the tears 
in his eyes. She pulled her hand back and snuffling wiped her 
eyes. Walter reached over and using his thumb helped her wipe 
each eye in turn. 
"I'm not going to kiss you again, Ms. Cook because with my 
luck there's another Kevin lurking in the next aisle. Do..do you 
want that Coke now, though - I'm buying," he said struggling to 
keep his voice steady. 
"I'd love that Coke, Walter. But I'm buying. That should give 
Kevin something to think about if *he's* lurking about..." she 
laughed. 
xXx 
Present - the coffee machine perks. 
Skinner poured some coffee from the half full pot and placed it 
back under the spout. The coffee began to drip out again. He 
carefully hefted the FBI logo mug and headed towards his 
original destination. Skinner had come in early to catch up on 
paper work but first he had some other business. Business in 
the basement. Business with Agent Fox Mulder. 
He'd had an idea Mulder would be in early because of the 
Fenner case. He was right. He stood in the door of the 
basement office watching Mulder read a file for a couple of 
minutes. He nodded a little. The guy was so engrossed he had 
no idea Skinner was standing there. Skinner cleared his throat. 
Mulder looked up over his glasses and grinned slightly at his 
boss. 
"What's up Daddy Warbucks?" he asked. 
"Shit, Mulder let's try to keep a semblance of decorum here, 
shall we?" Skinner frowned. Then he couldn't keep a straight 
face. He grinned. 
"Sorry for the...politically incorrect greeting, sir. Come on in and 
sit down," Mulder chuckled, "What can I do for you?" 
Skinner advanced with his coffee mug and placed it down on 
the edge of Mulder's desk. He pulled a nearby chair over and 
straddled it, facing Mulder.  
"I have a favor to ask, Mulder. If you say No, I'll understand - 
but I'd like to ask nevertheless." 
Mulder stared at him pleasantly, "Shoot..." 
"Well Kimberly and I have set the date for the wedding." 
"Oh...that...that's great Walter. When?" 
"October 31st."  
"Sir, that's Halloween. I thought Kim said her uncle was a 
Baptist Minister, that date..." 
"I'm aware of the date, Mulder. And yes, he is a Baptist Minister. 
He's also not coming to the wedding," Skinner replied quietly. 
His face grew serious and sad. 
"Oh?" Mulder replied, eyebrows raised. 
"Yes, neither is her aunt for that matter. There was a...a little 
disagreement over my marrying Kimberly it seems." 
"What the hell?" Mulder said with surprise in his voice. 
"Yes, as fantastic as it may seem, Mulder, Kimberly's Uncle 
and Aunt didn't see me as worthy to marry their niece," Skinner 
sighed with a heavy dose of self-depreciating irony in his voice. 
Mulder picked up on the sarcasm and dejection but fended it off 
with a joke to try to lighten Skinner's mood. 
"So, Baptists join the growing list of citizens who don't trust the 
FBI anymore? Or did they believe all those rumors about J. 
Edgar Hoover wearing a dress?"  
Skinner did smile a little. But he grew serious again quickly. 
"Mulder, I'm afraid the fact that I'm not Baptist - that I'm not 
religious at all actually, disturbed them." 
"Oh, that's unfortunate," Mulder winced a bit. 
"And also there was the age issue." 
"The age issue?"  
"They felt I was too old for her. You know - she wants a family, 
eventually Mulder. They just thought I was too old to be around 
later to help her raise the kids - whatever. Just not young 
enough to be a good husband, I guess." 
Mulder pursed his lips and reaching up took off his glasses. He 
set them down on his desk and rubbed the bridge of his nose. 
"Can I be honest, sir." 
"Mulder, I don't expect anything less," Skinner replied.
"When Scully and I finally admitted our feelings to each other, I, 
and to some degree Scully, had a lot of fear over issues. I mean 
age wasn't one of them - there isn't much of an age difference 
between us. But - well shit - you know the baggage I was 
bringing - am still bringing into *our* relationship." 
Skinner chuckled a little, "Granted, Mulder. But it's not as if 
Dana Scully didn't know what she was getting into." 
"Well, I don't think Kimberly Cook is unaware either, sir. I mean 
she did work for you for 5 years and in the time since you've 
been together I think she knows exactly what she wants and 
what she's getting. She's a very perceptive woman." 
Skinner looked down at the floor and cleared his throat. 
"I love her Mulder." 
"My point, exactly Walter. And she loves you. Isn't that all that 
matters? The rest of that shit will work itself out. What her tight-
assed aunt and uncle think is really immaterial. Their loss, 
Walter." 
Skinner looked up into Mulder' face. It was really amazing how 
far he had come in valuing Mulder as a friend. Five years ago 
he would never have believed this conversation would be 
possible. Of course they still kept the professionalism intact, but 
they tried to make a personal connection as well and Skinner 
was very grateful for it. 
"I appreciate you saying that Mulder. I just feel sorry for Kim too 
- it's pretty much broken all ties with the only family she has 
left..." 
"Sir, you're her family now - and from what you said earlier I 
think your Mother is going to be a good Mother-in-law instead of 
a bitch on wheels. So, Kim can take some solace in that - 
right?" 
"Shit, Esther shocked the hell out of me," Skinner laughed, 
"She's totally into planning the wedding. Kim's very excited 
about receiving all the help. Yeah, Esther's really rising to the 
occasion." 
Skinner still marveled about his Mother. That he had been just a 
trifle wrong regarding Esther's emotional growth and the depth 
of her feelings for her only son was an understatement. Well, 
that's what happens when two people are so much alike, so 
bullheaded, he thought. There's bound to be a communication 
breakdown. He was just sorry this one lasted almost his entire 
life. 
Mulder watched Skinner's reverie for a moment and then he 
cleared his throat."  
"So why Halloween, Walter? It sounds like fun, but..." 
"Well, that was sort of Kim's idea. Believe it or not even with the 
Baptist upbringing that was always her favorite holiday. She 
likes the fall and...I don't know - just the whole pumpkin carving, 
costuming thing. It did sound like fun too, so hell - I went along 
with idea." 
"Kimberly's sort of rebel, isn't she Walter? I mean she didn't 
stick with that strict Baptist upbringing did she?" 
<She didn't stick with it but it stuck with her,> Skinner 
considered distantly. Their unfortunate views on sex had 
marked Kimberly and for a split second Skinner hated Kim's 
uncle and aunt's living guts. But he dismissed the feeling as 
unproductive and pointless now anyway. Kim would be fine. 
He'd help her to be fine and yes, she was a rebel and he 
wouldn't have her be any other way. She really wasn't too 
uncomfortable when it came to losing her uncle and aunt's 
dubious support. There hadn't been a lot of love lost between 
any of them since they had more or less considered raising 
Kimberly a burden anyway. 
"Yeah, she's a rebel all right, Mulder. She's going to have to be 
a little rebellious and tough to be a public defender. Plus - hell I 
like her that way anyway," he smiled a little again. 
Mulder nodded and smiled back, "So, are you costuming for the 
wedding? It seems to me I have an old Zorro outfit 
somewhere..." 
"Shit no. I did draw the line at that. But...and please don't give 
me trouble about this one - she did pick out an orange 
cumberbun for my tux. I'm going to look like I've got a fucking 
pumpkin hugging me," Skinner replied.  
Mulder could tell that despite his words Walter Skinner was 
loving every minute of it. Since his therapy but especially since 
meeting Kim, the A.D. had become much more calm and 
willing to unbend a lot more from his previous tense, by the 
book, uptight bearing. Mulder was glad because it made his life 
a hell of a lot more easy. But he was also glad to see Skinner 
enjoying himself as well. There was one thing to say about the 
age difference between Skinner and his wife to be - it was 
starting to make him feel younger now and that was a good 
thing.  
"I can imagine that whole idea really stuck it to her aunt and 
uncle too," Mulder laughed. 
"They're shitting bricks, Mulder...and you know what...Kimberly 
could care less," Skinner smiled. 
"So, congratulations, Walter...I really mean it." Mulder finally 
said. He picked his glasses back up and looked at Skinner. He 
had to get back to work but he didn't want to just dismiss the 
A.D. out of hand.  
Skinner sensed he needed to let Mulder get back to work. He 
had to as well. But he did have the one final bit of business. 
"Thanks. But Mulder I do still need to ask you for that favor." 
"Oh, sure, anything - what is it?" 
"I'd like it very much if you'd be my best man," Skinner replied 
quietly. 
"Oh, hey, uh..." Mulder didn't know what to say for a moment. 
He was extremely touched.  
"If it's a problem..." Skinner began. 
"Problem? Hell no - I'd be honored to do it, Walter. Shit - I'd love 
to wear one of those orange cumberbuns." 
Skinner barked a laugh then, "Oh you'll be wearing one, Mulder 
- no doubt about it. And thanks, I...I really mean..." 
"It's ok, don't mention it...now get the hell out of here, I gotta 
read this file and make some notes for my report before my 
hard nosed Boss reams me a new butt hole..." 
Skinner reached for his coffee mug and smiling widely got up 
and left the basement office, his step light and his shoulders 
straight. 
xXx 
A night in late-August... 
Kimberly Cook took the plate of fresh veggies and several little 
sandwiches out of the fridge and unwrapped them carefully. 
She had made them earlier in the day and she hoped the wrap 
wasn't going to stick to the bread. She wanted Dana Scully to 
have a choice of light fare for dinner. With the heat the way it 
was she just had an idea Dana wouldn't want anything heavy. 
Kim didn't either. She had some beer and lemonade too so that 
they could stay cool. She smiled despite her nervousness. She 
would enjoy seeing Dana. 
Scully had become one of her closest friends since she quit the 
Bureau. They had become acquaintances just before Walter 
had his encounter with Marita and almost been killed. Kimberly 
had taken Dana into her confidence regarding her feelings for 
Skinner and she and Scully's friendship had grown since that 
moment.
Of course, she knew about Scully and Mulder. She thought it 
was wonderful that they were together but understood the need 
for discretion there. No sense in tempting fate or the powers 
that loomed over them to cause trouble. She was just beginning 
to be aware of those powers. Walter had been gradually 
explaining to her about the X-Files, Mulder and Scully and the 
evil forces that threatened them all. She knew he was worried 
for her in that regard. But she was forewarned now. She was 
going into law so that would help her to understand further the 
intricacies of what might be hidden behind the scenes. It would 
also make her a valuable asset as an ally. She felt good about 
that idea. 
She had even begun to take a gun safety course. Walter had 
bought her a compact Smith and Wesson automatic. He'd given 
it to her almost in embarrassment - a strange pre-wedding gift 
he had said - but she figured it was damned necessary under 
the circumstances. She was becoming quite a good shot. No, 
she figured she was doing everything she could to face 
whatever lay ahead. Everything including talking to Dana Scully 
about Walter Skinner tonight. 
Walter had told her earlier that week about his having sex with 
Dana. At first she had been a bit shocked because really - and 
this was funny - the main reason was, she didn't see Dana 
Scully as his type at all. When she had said it the tension in the 
air was eliminated almost immediately. Both of them had 
laughed a bit over the comment and Walter had much less 
trouble explaining what had happened in those two encounters. 
She was glad some of the tension disappeared because up to 
that point Walter had scared her to death. He had been so 
nervous she thought he was going to tell her he was ill or 
something and that thought had terrified her.  
No, she was able to handle the Dana Scully situation. Of course 
it bothered her - she wished Walter hadn't been with Dana, but 
under the circumstances she understood why he had done what 
he did. His words *it hadn't been about making love but just 
about fucking* pretty much summed up her take on the 
situation as well. She would never be angry at Dana for what 
happened either. Both she and Walter had just been at very 
vulnerable points in their lives and their liaison resulted from that 
vulnerability. The same idea underpinned what had happened 
between Walter and Marita Covarrubias. Kimberly's jaw 
tightened whenever she thought of that bitch. She did her best 
to drive her out of her mind.  
No, she was going to talk to Dana tonight and let her know that 
there could never be any hard feelings. She was still her friend 
and they should just forgive and forget and get on with their 
lives. 
Dana would have ample proof of these sentiments. Kimberly 
was going to ask her to be her maid of honor. She was also 
going to ask her to baby-sit for Clarence and Darrow while she 
and Walter were on their honeymoon she mused with an inward 
giggle. That should really tell Dana she trusted her. Not just 
anyone was allowed to take care of her two cats. So, Dana 
would realize that they were on good terms. And that was good 
because she had a few other things she wanted to ask her, a 
few personal things. Being on good terms was going to make 
asking those questions a hell of a lot more easy. 
Kimberly was just putting the sandwiches and veggies down on 
the coffee table in the living room when the doorbell played the 
strains of *Beethoven's Fifth*. She hated chimes - her doorbell 
had a wide selection. In October she planned to program it for 
*The Wedding March*. Corny she knew, but corny could be fun 
and she thought Fox Mulder especially would get a kick out of 
it. 
"Coming," she called heading for the door. Darrow was all ready 
in position as official cat ambassador and Clarence was paused 
in the hall a look of *should I stay or should I go* written across 
his furry face. 
She looked through the privacy hole to see Dana waving up into 
it outside and then she unbolted the several locks she had on 
the door. She pulled the door open. 
"Dana, is it ever good to see you," she smiled. Scully looked 
somewhat wan, but with the look of obvious pleasure in seeing 
her that Kimberly was displaying she brightened up. 
"Kim, you know I was just about to say the same thing," Scully 
replied with a world weary smile. 
Both women laughed easily then and embraced, hugging each 
other warmly. Kim always got a bit of a laugh over their height 
difference. When they hugged the top of Scully's head came up 
to Kim's larynx. 
"Come on in, Dana. I've got some sandwiches. I hope you're at 
least a little hungry." 
"Oh, I'm sure I can manage something you've made, Kim." 
"Would you like something to drink as well - beer?" Kimberly 
asked as she walked down the hallway. Scully followed her, the 
two cats trailing in her wake. Now that Clarence knew company 
was familiar he joined Darrow in anticipation of food mooching. 
"Beer? Now you're talking," Dana chuckled. 
"Go on in the living room and help yourself to the food. I'll be 
right in with the beers," Kimberly called from the kitchen. 
xXx 
Later... 
"Kim I really appreciate you feeling this way about it. God, I...I 
was so nervous. I didn't know what you'd think. I thought you'd 
hate me. And My God - I could hardly believe when you asked 
me to be maid of honor. I am so flattered I can't even tell you!" 
"Oh, Dana I could never hate you over anything as easily 
explained as what happened between you and Walter. Besides, 
it was really before you had any knowledge of how I felt about 
him at all. Even if you're having sex with him had been...well if 
you two had intended to stay lovers at that point...Oh hell - you 
know what I mean. And as for the maid of honor idea - I can't 
imagine anyone I would want to ask but you." 
"Yes, I understand. But I still hope you'll accept my apologies. 
I'm just so embarrassed over the whole incident." 
"Well, if it will make you feel better I'll accept them. But I also 
want to tell you I don't think it's necessary and I appreciate the 
fact that you're still such a wonderful friend to both Walter and 
me - that both you and Fox are such good friends." 
"Oh, you're welcome Kim. That goes without saying." Dana 
Scully replied looking down at her hands. She was a bit 
uncomfortable with Kim's honest emotion. Even though Dana 
had come a long way in accepting emotionalism in most 
matters she still had a certain formality around people that 
reared it's head on occasion. She fought against it however. 
She didn't want it to get in the way of her friendship with 
Kimberly Cook. 
"Do you want another beer, Dana?" 
"I'd love another beer, Kimberly. After the week I've had - oh 
yeah. Another beer would be just what this Doctor ordered I 
think. But don't get up, I'll go. I know the way. Can I get you one 
too?" Scully replied smiling. 
"Great, yes, please." Kimberly answered, "The Geffner case?" 
she asked. Scully rose from the couch, and stood there for a 
moment. She looked suddenly very tired again. 
"Well, it was a VCS case - Mulder's turn at bat really. Profiling 
another serial killer. I went down to Athens, Georgia for the 
autopsy on the last victim. Mulder got back yesterday. It was 
nice for Walter to go to the gym with him by the way. I think - I 
know he really needed the company and the basketball will help 
him unwind." 
"Walter couldn't wait to go, really Dana. He knows what that 
case was like for Fox."  
"Oh, hell those cases are...well it's pretty hard on him. I hate 
those damn VCS consults. I understand why Walter has to send 
him on them but..."  
"I understand Dana," Kimberly replied. She had seen Walter 
agonize over assigning Mulder to the Geffner case. He knew it 
would be bad and he knew what the consults did to Mulder. But 
to be frank, Mulder had been the best shot the FBI had in 
bringing the killer to justice quickly. Walter would assign the best 
resource regardless whether it was human, or equipment and 
eat the consequences. It was part of his job and Mulder's for 
that matter and if it was difficult, well that's what happened 
when you signed on for J. Edgar's tour of duty. 
"I understand too, Kim. I know Walter did it because Mulder 
would get his man very quickly - but..." 
"But it's hell on him, and you missed him too didn't you, Dana?" 
"Yes. God! I knew this...I knew when we finally became 
involved there were going to be moments like this but it's still 
hard. Lord Kim - I really appreciate being able to talk to you 
about these things. I guess it's lucky you are marrying Walter," 
she sighed, smiling a bit again, "We'll really be able to hold each 
others hands from here on out." 
"I'd like that Dana." 
"Me too, Kim. But, hey - let's not talk about the J.O.B. for 
heaven's sake - let me get those beers!" 
Scully headed into the kitchen. Clarence followed her. Both cats 
had fallen asleep in one of the overstuffed chairs in the living 
room but the prospect of kitchen patrol got Clarence up and at 
'em again. Darrow was too lazy. He merely opened one eye 
and then shut it again. 
Kimberly heard Scully talking to Clarence. "Off the table, 
Clarence!" she scolded.  
"Thank you, Dana!" Kimberly laughed. 
"Welcome." 
She had all ready asked Scully to cat sit. She now knew she 
would be the ideal choice. At least when she was around the 
little moochers would stay off the counters and the tables. 
Scully came back out carrying two Bud Lites. She sat back 
down and handed Kim one. The cap was all ready off so Kim 
took a pull and then sat the bottle down on the coffee table. 
Scully did the same. 
"Kim, I know there was more on your mind then discussing my 
lamentable affair with your husband to be, the maid of honor 
request, and the cat sitter position. You've got that little crease in 
your forehead. I think the Cooks and the Scullys must have 
been related somewhere along the line. Mulder tells me I get the 
Scully wrinkle in the same spot when I'm worried about 
something." 
Kimberly blushed scarlet. Well, it served her right. Dana Scully 
was a crack agent after all. She had half thought about not 
bringing up her last subject. It had been such a pleasant evening 
so far. 
"What, Kim?" Scully asked amusement warring with concern in 
her voice. She had noticed Kim's obvious flush. 
Kimberly picked up her beer and took another healthy swig. 
She put it back down.  
"I'm blushing like hell aren't I?" she chuckled slightly feeling her 
face. 
"Tomato time, Kim. Yes. I thought I blushed badly - but I think 
you've got me beat to hell and back." 
"Oh God." 
"Ok, Kim - take a deep breath and let's hear it. Remember this 
is Dana sitting here. You can fire at will and I'm not going to 
care." 
"I don't even know where to begin." 
"At the..." 
"Right...at the beginning." 
"Well that would be my aunt and uncle. The beginning I mean. I 
blame them I guess." 
"For, what Kim?"  
"Oh Dana - damn it - I'm a virgin. I'm 30 years old and I've 
never...I'm getting married in two months and I've never been 
with a man and I'm scared shitless," Kimberly groaned. 
"You're a virgin?" Dana asked. She struggled to keep the shock 
out of her voice. 
"Don't try NOT to sound shocked Dana. It is damn shocking. I 
was raised to think sex was dirty by my tight-assed Baptist 
minister uncle and his wife. I have since found out that they 
resented raising me anyway. The piss poor sex education was 
just one of many things they foisted on me as an expedient 
means to make me behave when I got older. When I was young 
it was the strap. But that's all old news now. I've had therapy for 
this problem. I thought I was comfortable with it. But Lord 
now..." 
"You're frightened of Walter?" 
"I'm frightened of having sex with Walter. Oh Dana. I've always 
felt that when the right man came along and you know - after 
we were married - made that commitment - then I would feel 
secure enough, at peace, and that intercourse - well that things 
would be just right, be more easy, less scary, but..." Kim knew 
she was babbling and she hated herself for it. 
"Kim, you need to talk to your counselor right away - I mean 
before the wedding. Hon...you..." 
"I've talked this all out with her Dana. She's volunteered to be 
there for me if I need her but Jesus I don't want to be calling her 
from the honeymoon suite... How humiliating." 
"Well, then what do you want me to do? I'll help in any way I 
can. But really, Mulder would be better at this than I am. He is a 
psychologist after all and..." Dana Scully stopped talking. She 
realized suddenly that the analytical approach had been the 
wrong choice to make in this situation. Kim was starting to tear 
up. Scully kicked herself mentally. Of course she realized too 
late that Kim wanted a friend, a woman friend to talk too - not 
an FBI agent or scientist - and God All Mighty not Mulder. How 
more unobservant could she possibly be? It also began to sink 
in that she wanted to speak to her in particular. After all Dana 
Scully was in a unique position to tell her just what her man was 
like in bed in graphic detail. Scully winced inwardly over that 
prospect. She spoke quickly to salvage the situation. 
"Oh, Kim, Honey, I'm sorry, come here..." she stretched her 
arms out to the other woman and Kim slid across the couch and 
into her embrace. Scully hugged her for a minute and then let 
her go. 
"Can I get you some Kleenex?" she asked. 
"No. That's Ok. I'll be all right. I'm sorry." 
"Don't be sorry. I'm the one who should be sorry. I'm as thick as 
a brick sometimes Kim. Just ignore my Doctor Scully persona. 
It comes out around Mulder so much I guess I fall into it 
naturally when I don't need it. Just...let's just see if we can get 
rid of some of this fear. Why don't you...well what questions do 
you...I mean... are you afraid of pregnancy or..." 
"No, Walter and I have discussed children. I think we may try in 
a year or so - when I'm closer to getting my degree. But even 
with the age difference I'm not in any rush. And one of the first 
things I did after he proposed was go on the pill so the 
pregnancy thing isn't a issue at all. No, that's not what..." her 
voice faded away. 
"Then what?"
"I guess you can imagine why I want to talk to you, right?" Kim 
asked quietly. 
"Because I've been with him before?" 
"Well, yes." 
Scully pursed her lips slightly. That had been what she was 
afraid Kim was going to say. She took a deep breath. This was 
very awkward. She wasn't sure how to react or how to answer.
"Kim - this is pretty awkward for me - you must realize that."
"Do you think it's easy for me?" she asked her eyes downcast. 
"God, no. Point taken." Scully sighed. "Ok look - uh - I'll do the 
best I can. But I have to ask you Kim - Haven't you even - I 
mean rented any porn tapes or anything. Lord you wouldn't 
have had to even rent any. Between Mulder and Melvin Frohike 
you could have had access to a collection that would rival 
"Blockbuster Video, if the chain carried porno."  
Kimberly laughed, "I've watched a few tapes but really Dana 
those are so idiotic I think. I mean you have either the artsy 
fartsy erotic ones where everyone is obviously faking it, or the 
hard core fuck tapes where I swear to God they must be using 
stunt cocks because no one could possibly be that big." 
Scully fixed her with a blank stare for a moment, "Oh oh," she 
thought. "Well, maybe it was really my size difference with 
Walter. Mother Mary, I hope so. But we are going to have to 
address that size issue won't we? Oh my," Scully thought in 
chagrin. 
Kimberly noticed her reverie, "What?" she asked a bit 
nervously. 
"Huh? Oh, nothing I was just thinking about one of Mulder's 
more outlandish tapes - Listen I can tell you one thing right off 
the bat - if you're worried whether Walter's...whether he isn't 
gentle or something - forget it. He's a gentleman. Just because 
we got carried away that second time. It...well I was more then 
a willing participant in that encounter," Scully felt her own face 
redden, "It wasn't like I didn't want to go along for the ride so to 
speak. But that first time, Kim - I mean really he was so 
considerate...and tender." 
"I know Dana. He did explain all that to me." 
"Well, then you must know that he's also a very good lover. I'm 
not going to bandy about words here - he's a great fuck - all 
right. I think, well, Kim really I think at one point he thought he 
was in love with me a little bit maybe? I have to think that 
because he...he...God, he was just good - ok? Take my word 
for it." 
Kim laughed hard, "Well, let's not mince words!" 
"Well..." 
"No seriously...that helps more then you could know. I just hope 
I don't disappoint him." 
"Kim, he's in love with you - I mean crazy in love. You should 
hear the way he talks about you." 
"I know how much he loves me Dana." 
"All right. So, I don't think he's going to be disappointed. I'm 
taking it for granted that you've all ready talked about this with 
him. I mean uh - you must have." 
"Right." 
"Well, then if Walter Skinner knows you're afraid, Kim you don't 
have anything to worry about - take my word for it. He's going 
to be thinking of nothing but your feelings on the wedding night. 
I know he won't hurt you. He's a good man." 
"Oh I know that Dana. God, I love him so much." 
"I know it, sweetheart. But listen, I want to ask you something 
else and don't take offense all right?" Scully replied. 
"OK." 
"I can understand you wanting to wait for your wedding night 
to...to have intercourse. I mean - that's laudable. But you know 
there are things you can do just short of penetration to...well to 
experiment. A little exploration of each other before the wedding 
night might not be a bad idea, honey. If it wouldn't interfere with 
your values you might want to consider asking Walter to..." 
"You mean neck?"  
"Mutual masturbation was more what I had in mind." Scully 
answered honestly. 
"Oh. Uh, well I can think about it," Kim replied quietly. It wasn't a 
totally unreasonable idea. She didn't necessarily think it would 
interfere with her ideas about that special wedding night. And 
she really was curious. Besides, Kim all ready new about self 
pleasure. She did masturbate. In fact she had fantasized about 
Walter Skinner when she did. She would give it some serious 
thought. If the moment presented itself she'd see how things 
went. 
Dana Scully watched Kimberly's face as she mulled over what 
she had said. She smiled. She could see the wheels turning for 
sure. Maybe Walter and Kimberly would find out more about 
themselves before they were actually in bed on the wedding 
night. She thought it was a good idea under the circumstances. 
She nodded and cleared her throat. 
"Now, what else is bothering you?" she asked. 
"Oh really I guess I'm just worried I'll be inept or you know - I 
won't please him. But you've sort of addressed that..." she let 
her voice trail off again. 
"And..." 
"Does it hurt?" she asked in a very soft voice, "I mean the first 
time. I've heard every version of the scenario you can imagine. 
I have the clinical facts from my therapist Dana and loads of 
book knowledge. I know what's going to happen. I'm not that 
ignorant. It's just...this is so paranoid - but I just get the feeling 
everyone is trying to gloss it over. Like - "Oh Kim it will be just 
beautiful...God, my aunt told me it hurt like hell and she..." 
"Kim, look. I'm not going to lie to you - it may hurt. I...well, my 
first time wasn't too bad - I think I more then knew what to 
expect and the man I was with was older and he knew what he 
was doing. I think you're going to be in the same situation with 
Walter. It's just different for everyone, Kim. Uh, if it hurts tell 
him. He's not going to just...well...he'll stop. Don't worry about 
it." 
"I feel like such a fool Dana." 
"Don't. I don't think you can blame yourself for the miserable job 
your uncle and aunt did in educating you in the facts of life, 
Kim. You just have to be as prepared as you can be now with 
the knowledge you need and go with the flow. You and Walter 
are in love. You should consider your wedding night to be...it 
should be an opportunity to find out everything about each 
others bodies Kim. You can really have fun I would think. Just 
keep the communication lines open with Walter and I think 
everything will be fine." 
"God, I hope so, Dana. But I think you're right. And I'm not going 
to watch any more of those stupid porn tapes either. That was 
my girlfriend Stacey's idea. She and her husband use them in 
the bedroom. I thought they were boring really - plotless, and 
well like I said - no one could possibly be..." 
"Kim - uh I think we do need to discuss one other thing, Honey. 
But first - Could I have another beer?" 
xXx 
In the local gym near Fox Mulder's apartment... 
"I believe that's 21, Agent Mulder," Walter Skinner said grinning 
down at Fox Mulder. The younger man lay flat on the gym floor 
groaning theatrically with an arm placed over his face. 
"Get your Glock and put me out of my misery, Walter. I'll never 
live this down. And how could you take advantage of me like 
this anyway - I'm barely healed from that knife wound." 
Skinner bounced the basketball a couple of times next to 
Mulder's head, "Cut the crap, Mulder. You're the one that 
challenged me. *Come on old man, I bet you can't take me*. 
Christ. Suppose I just let you get even instead? Wanna go 
again." 
"Fuck no. I know when to quit. I'm not going to let it get around 
that you beat me at 21 twice in one night." 
"Ok. Fine by me. Want to go for a beer?" 
"Beer? Yeah. I really have to drown my sorrows you sadist. 
Let's hit the showers."  
Skinner laughed his gruff deep laugh, and Mulder got up off the 
gym floor laughing as well. 
They headed for the door to the locker room and showers. 
"What was that shit Kim's uncle and aunt said about you being 
too old for her?" Mulder asked giving Skinner his lopsided grin. 
"Hey, you didn't spot me any of those points did you Agent 
Mulder?" 
"What - and get assigned to another VCS..." Mulder stopped 
short when he saw Skinner's face cloud over. Skinner stopped 
dead in his tracks and fixed Mulder with a tight frown and totally 
unreadable eyes. 
"Oh, hey, I'm really sorry. That was...shit..." 
Skinner sighed and bounced the basketball once again. It 
seemed to focus his thoughts for him. He tucked it back under 
his arm and spoke. 
"No listen...Fox. I know the Geffner case sucked. Shit - who the 
hell goes around killing six year olds for crying out loud. Sick 
perverts that's who. I...I assigned you because..." 
"I know. I was the best man for the job," Mulder sighed, "Listen, 
I understand that logically, sir. It's just...emotionally." 
"Ok, Point taken. Listen. You have some time coming - 
why...why don't you take Scully and just get away for a week or 
so. Take a break." 
"Walter - are you telling me to take a vacation?"
"Uh, hell. Do I have to make it a fucking order Mulder?" 
Mulder smiled, "Walter, I think under these circumstances I'm 
not going to give you any argument. It was hard on Scully too. 
She's going to appreciate the time off as well. Thanks, sir." 
"No problem - besides - you more then earned it. It was a damn 
fine piece of work, Mulder. Damn fine," Skinner smiled slightly. 
They hit the showers.  
xXx 
Later - a bar down the street... 
"You're kidding?"  
"No." 
"Shit..." 
"Yeah, well it's giving me fits Mulder I mean - God damn, I..." 
"You've never been with a virgin before?" 
Walter Skinner looked down at the empty glasses surrounding 
them both He studied his full glass of beer. The bar was pretty 
much deserted and they were seated at a secluded booth and 
he was devoutly glad. He could feel his ears reddening. The 
subject had come up completely unexpectedly and now he 
wished he had never opened his mouth. 
"Mulder, if you breath a word of this to anyone..." 
"Oh come on, Walter...I mean what's to worry here? Just say 
the words "the alley in back of Casey's bar"..." 
"Oh, yeah." 
"No shit, boss. If anyone needs to live something down...and 
besides you know I hold a confidence." 
"All right, I'll concede that for sure, Mulder. No. I've never been 
with a virgin. All the women I have been with were all ready 
sexually active. Even the girl I lost my virginity to had slept with 
someone else. I found that out later but I suspected it at the time 
anyway. I mean fuck - I'm as nervous as hell." 
"Well...Uh, I don't know what to say." 
"You don't have to say anything Mulder. Jesus." 
"Do you want me to tell you what..." 
"No, I know the biology for Christ sake." 
"No I mean what it was like for me." 
"Like?" 
"With a virgin."  
Mulder looked down at his beer as well. He hefted the glass and 
took a swig. When he put the glass down he looked back into 
Skinner's strained face. 
"I don't mind talking about it if that's what's worrying you 
Walter." 
Skinner stared back at the agent for a moment. He was 
weighing the embarrassment quotient versus the need to know. 
But really all he had to do was think of Kimberly and he made 
up his mind. 
"Yeah, I...I guess I would like to hear what you have to say." 
"This was after I was all ready working in VCS. You didn't know 
me back then, Walter. Shit, I'm glad you didn't really. I was..." 
"More of a prick then you are now..." Skinner deadpanned. 
Mulder guffawed loudly. When he caught his breath he 
continued. 
"Bingo - with emphasis on the prick part. I was a real 
cocksmen, Walter. And arrogant in terms of knowing how good 
I was with the profiling. A real asshole combination. But mostly I 
just wanted to get laid as often as possible. I enjoyed putting 
notches on my gun - oh yeah. Until I met Sarah."
"The virgin?" 
"Yeah. I didn't know she was a virgin until we were in bed 
together. God knows why she even went with me. She told me 
afterwards that she was tired of being...well she was 43 years 
old and..." 
"Mulder this is one of your bullshit stories isn't it?" 
"Honest to God, Walter. No, it's not a lie. Seriously. I met this 
woman on a case. She was a material witness. We went out 
after the case was closed. Walter she was an ex-nun. I mean 
she'd just quit the church. She'd never been with a man. She 
also didn't look 43. You know - that contemplative life and all." 
"Christ, Mulder..." 
"Exactly..." 
Skinner picked up his beer, put it too his lips and drank. He 
swallowed hard. 
"No, Mulder I mean I can hardly believe this..." 
"It's true but if you don't..." 
"OK, fine. I believe you - go on." 
"OK, well this was DC of course. We went out for about a 
month and then I took her up to Chilmark one weekend to our 
summer house. My folks weren't using it and well, it always 
made a great impression on my women. So anyway I took her 
up there in order to ball her." 
"And you're in bed and find out she's cherry?" 
"Big time. She told me the reason she came up there with me 
was because...well because she sensed deep down I was a 
decent, kind, caring man who had been hurt very deeply. She 
said she knew I was very gentle really and...Shit Walter it was 
like she knew everything about me. We just sat naked on the 
bed for hours and finally I poured out everything to her. I ended 
up crying in her arms Walter. It was cleansing. It also made a 
big change in my life. I...found a different direction that night, I 
think. Ultimately it lead me to the X-Files. But in any event when 
we did make love it was a totally different experience then it 
would have been if we hadn't shared all our fears and desires." 
"So..." 
"So...the biggest thing I can tell you is to let Kim take the lead. I 
mean I just went completely passive and let Sarah do whatever 
she was comfortable with at first. I made it all about her needs 
and desires. And you know - that was a total turn on for me. 
She was very sensuous. She just didn't know it and she needed 
to find her way that was all. 
I mean sure she was afraid but we overcame that by just...well I 
went slow and made sure I didn't hurt her. If she said anything 
hurt I'd stop. And I won't lie - yeah - I hurt her a little. I mean 
Kim's going to tear. You might as well face up to it. Just take it 
slow and make sure she knows to tell you if she's having a 
problem." 
"Yeah, well - that makes sense." 
"Look, Walter. I made the whole thing as safe and comfortable 
as I could for Sarah. I think women need that atmosphere in 
order to attain sexual satisfaction anyway. They like to be on 
familiar or just safe feeling turf so to speak. And hell - they like 
foreplay - some more then others but you can't stint on it. 
Kimberly will appreciate it and so will you, believe me." 
Skinner sighed again, "Ok, I think I get the picture. Most of that 
is logical and I guess I pretty much knew it all anyway. But it's 
great to get the validation, the second opinion. I really 
appreciate it." 
Mulder took a sip of his beer, "Walter, I'm sure everything is 
going to be fine. Just make sure she feels safe and I know you'll 
make her feel loved. I think it'll work out." 
"Yeah, I think you're right Mulder. Thanks," Skinner nodded. He 
was mulling over everything Fox Mulder had said. A safe 
comfortable place? He was beginning to formulate a different 
plan for the honeymoon that he thought just might fit that bill to a 
tee. He smiled at the thought and looked over at Mulder, "Want 
another beer?" 
"No, I think I'm good to go. So, are you up to my couch again, 
Walter?" 
"Shit no. But I guess I'd better take you up on it. I don't want to 
drive. Besides you'll want the company with Scully doing the 
sleepover thing at Kim's right?" 
"Oh yeah, we can have our own little slumber party. I'll tell you 
the story about the hook - it'll scare the hell out of you." 
"Ok, but only if you let me tell you about Mary Worth..." 
"You know about Mary Worth?" 
"Hell, yeah. I got scared shitless over that story when I was a 
kid." 
Both men laughed in good humored camaraderie as they pulled 
money out of their wallets to settle the bill. 
Skinner was glad Mulder's apartment was within walking 
distance of both the bar and the gym. His car would be all right 
outside Mulder's place. He could crash on his couch and leave 
on Saturday morning in time to get the ball rolling on his change 
in plans for the honeymoon. The trip to Tahiti was going to be a 
surprise anyway. He might be able to get a refund on the 
tickets. But it didn't matter. The idea he had now was much 
more worthwhile anyway. 
"Smart move, Assistant Director Skinner. Now if you'll just 
watch my back..." Mulder grinned as he got up unsteadily. 
"As long as I don't have to watch your ass..." 
Mulder laughed as the two men headed to the door, "I'll bear 
that in mind when I drag my hung over butt to the can in the 
morning." 
"Bare? Please. Yeah - thank God for small favors," Skinner 
quipped. 
CONTINUED IN PART 2