Title: "Trust, Love, and Happiness, too." 1/14
By: Nikita

Series: X-Files
Pairing: M/K

This is a sequel to my first series: "What We Need Now is Trust." Available at Down in the Basement, Slashing Mulder, or at my own website: http://www.koukla.net/nikita_slash

Spoilers: Up to season 7.

Disclaimer: I do NOT own the X-Files or any characters, plot lines, etc. They belong to Chris Carter, Fox, and the wonderful actors themselves. This is an unauthorized story for entertainment purposes only. I'm but a poor humble grad student struggling to make ends meet. Writing this stuff and keeping a website actually costs me money. But I do it as a labor of love.

Warnings: Slash. M/M relationship, sex, language. Schmoop, angst, plot, all the good stuff. Mpreg., aliens, AU etc. etc.

Feedback: Yes, please! nik_cleo@h...

Authors note: Yes, I know I love wordy titles... This is the sequel of my first Trust series. It continues almost 5 years after we last saw our happy little family...

^ Still means telepathic communication

'' still means internal thoughts

XXX

Once a month he would feel it.

It was odd. A rippling sensation at his belly, different from the birth. But similar, too. It was a morphing. His body would feel...aroused and then he would feel the sensation and as he watched, he saw a small opening morph on his belly. It lasted a few moments and then would slowly close until his belly was smooth once more.

It only happened once a month. And it scared him every time. He could actually begin to feel a certain heat...a change in his body's chemistry for about a week before it would happen. The first time it had happened was roughly a year after Kat's birth. He'd been alone when the morphing had occurred, after that he'd been carefully keeping it secret. Now, when he felt it happen he'd excuse himself to the bathroom and lock it. Waiting for it to pass.

He knew he shouldn't keep it secret. He hated secrets. But this...this was far too scary to even contemplate. He had a terrible hunch as to what it was and the LAST thing he wanted was for anyone else to know. So he kept it hidden.

XXX

North Carolina Woods
October 3, 2004
Sunday 12:05 p.m.

"Kat, Alex! Lunchtime!" Mulder called out to his two favorite people in the world: his daughter and his lover...his spouse. He set out the tuna salad he'd made along with some fruit and potato chips. No one would accuse Mulder of being pretentious, but with two men and a small child, gourmet food just didn't fit in. That suited Mulder just fine. He'd lived on pretzels and pizza for years.

Alex came in, slightly grubby, carrying a slightly grubbier little girl in his arms. Kat was nearly 4 years old, sweet, often shy, but very bright for her age. She had dark brown hair like Alex, but her eyes were Mulder's hazel. Thankfully, she also had Alex's nose, or Mulder would have had to apologize to her as a teenager. She was a very pretty child. Alex's family adored her. He and Alex took frequent trips to St. Louis, every Christmas and summer. Mulder made sure she got to see all the tourist traps and learn every scrap of arcane trivia. She soaked it up like a sponge.

All three of them sat down for lunch, talking about what they'd done that morning and what they wanted to do later. Mulder was mostly quiet, listening with a half an ear, rubbing his stomach absently more than once.

Alex watched this and made a mental note to talk to his lover later. The fact that Mulder didn't even notice that thought made him worry more.

"...and I want a kitten, too. Can I get a kitten, Daddy? Daddy?" Mulder jerked as Alex kicked him under the table.

"Huh? Oh, yeah, sure Kat. Are you finished eating?" Kat beamed excitedly. "Yes, can we go now, daddy?"

"Go where?" Mulder looked helplessly at his lover. Alex grinned evilly, "Yeah, Daddy Fox, let's go now."

"Alex..." he warned. "Go where, Kat?"

"To the Jacobson's...they have kittens. You said I could have one."

"I did? When did..." He gave up. "Okay, we'll go later. Let me talk to them first." Kat jumped down from her chair and ran to her room to get ready for her kitten.

Alex stood up and helped him clean up. "You spoil her rotten, Fox."

Mulder flashed him an irritated look, but let it go. "A kitten is better than a puppy or a pony. Maybe it'll catch some of the mice out in the shed." Alex scraped their plates and washed them. He watched Mulder absently rub his stomach once more and then head to the bedroom.

He finished up in the kitchen and peeked in their room. Mulder was putting on his running shoes. "What's up?"

"Huh? Oh, I thought I'd just run over to the Jacobson's and ask them about the kittens." Mulder jerked on the laces, tying his shoes up with a little more force than Alex thought necessary.

"We do have a marvelous invention called the telephone, you know."

"I need the exercise. I'll be right back." He slid the stiletto in his pants pocket and patted it for Alex to see and then slid past his lover on the way to the door.

Alex stopped him before he could escape. "Fox? Something's bother you."

Mulder grinned nervously and ran a hand through his hair. "No. Not really. I'll tell you later, okay?" He slipped out the door without waiting for an answer.

"Papa?!" Kat called.

"Coming." He turned away from the front door, shaking his head.

XXX

Mulder jogged all the way to the Jacobson's, a couple of miles away. Alex hated it when he went out alone to run, but for Mulder it was absolutely necessary. He needed a little freedom, a little space sometimes. He mostly stayed in or around the house, and that was fine with him. He loved their home. But sometimes...he needed to run and have time to think to himself. Alex understood. He had his own need. But he worried about Mulder alone in the woods. So Mulder was extra careful and always armed.

As he jogged, he tried to focus only on his rhythm, the trees, the ground, and his destination. Unfortunately, his mind was determined to focus on the weird feeling that was back once more. He hated it. It made him feel even more like a freak. He sometimes managed to forget his hybrid status. After the birth, his body had returned to mostly normal. No real morphing incidents, no freakishly fast healing. He'd cut himself shaving this morning, and it was still there. His hand went up to check. 'Yep, still there. Just like a regular human.' Nice as advanced healing was, being normal was nicer. No stares if he scratched his arm.

So now, the only weird hybrid thing about him was this 'feeling.' And the morphing. He checked his belly again. Not yet. He'd feel it come soon, though. That was what was throwing him off today. He had a feeling it'd be tonight and he was nervous about shutting himself up in the bathroom again. Alex was getting suspicious.

Reaching the Jacobson's gate he slowed. Tracy Jacobson was a nice portly woman with three kids of her own. Kat often played with them since they were the only nearby children close to her age. Her husband, Chris, was not so nice. He had strong bible-thumping upbringing that dictated he let Mulder and Alex know just how sinful and damned they were every time he saw them. Alex couldn't stand the man and may have seriously contemplated Chris's 'disappearance' except for Mulder's disproval and the man's own family that depended on him.

Mulder, glad that Chris was in town at the time, was pleased to hear that they had indeed offered Katarina a kitten. Tracy pointed out the litter of kittens climbing around in the box near their porch. He turned back towards home, promising to come back later with Kat to pick one out.

On the way back he felt a nervous prickling down his spine. He'd long since learned to listen to that sensation, slipping his hand in his pocket, he pulled out the stiletto and ran faster. He glanced to his left, looking into the trees and ran right into a hunter that had stepped into his path.

Bouncing off its chest, he would have fallen, but the bounty hunter gripped him painfully. ^You smell good, hybrid. Nearly ready...^ His hand snaked down to Mulder's belly.

Nauseated, Mulder hid the stiletto behind him. He bided his time, letting the hunter pull him closer, its nose sniffing at his neck and hair.

"What is your people's fascination with my smell? I just took a shower this morning." He lifted his head defiantly, gripping the handle tighter.

^Silence. You will come with me.^ The hunter turned slightly, pulling Mulder along with one hand gripping Mulder's left arm. Mulder whipped up the weapon and slammed it into its neck. Jerking the stiletto free he called out, ^Alex! Watch Kat! They're back!^ he watched the morph dissolve into the leaves. He kicked some more leaves over the green stain and searching the woods around him with his eyes, he set off for the house once more.

^Fox! Are you okay?! I've got Kat. ^

^I'm fine. Stay there, I'm coming...^

He bounded up the porch steps and Alex met him at the front door, pulling him inside. Slamming the door behind them, Alex bolted it and set the security alarm. Kat looked frightened, she sat holding her bear tightly, eyes huge as she stared up at her two fathers.

"Daddy?"

"I'm fine, honey. It's okay." Mulder scooped his little girl up and sat down with her in his lap on the sofa. Alex paced, grumbling in terse, guttural Russian.

^Alex, heel. You're scaring the child. And stop muttering in Russian, I can't understand you.^

Alex glared at him. ^Good. You don't want to know what I'm saying! Stupid man, going out in the woods by yourself...^ that was all that Mulder understood, the muttering turning back into Russian once more.

Mulder sighed and rocked Kat gently. She was ready for a nap and soon nodded off.

Setting her down, he pulled a cover over her and crossed the room to his agitated lover.

^Relax, please? It's okay. We just need to be careful. I won't run alone anymore-^

^Damn right. What if he'd taken you?^ Alex grabbed Fox and squeezed the breath out of him.

"Oof. Let me get some air." But he smiled and rubbed Alex's back. He had been scared, too. But even more scared at what the hunter had said to him. He worried his lip at this thought.

His thinking was so loud and unguarded that Alex stepped back. ^What did he say? Lisa, tell me! What's going on?^

^It's nothing. I don't know... Can we talk about this later, Kat's upset.^

Alex didn't relent. ^Kat is sleeping. Tell. Me. What's. Wrong.^

Mulder sighed and pointed to the dining room. They closed the door most of the way and sat on the chairs. Mulder looked down at his lap, fingers twisting and clenching. Alex forced himself to calm down a little.

^Come on, tell me, Lisa. No secrets, remember?^ Fox nodded, remembering their promise at the beginning of their relationship, no lying and no hiding important things, honesty came first.

"I'm sorry, I didn't tell you because... I didn't want to admit... I wasn't even sure..." Mulder threw his hands up, not knowing how to start. Alex blew an impatient breath out his pursed lips. "Fox, the longer you hem and haw the more I'm panicking, just spit it out all ready."

Mulder jerked his hands out of Alex's grasp angrily. "I'm turning into some sort of fucking hermaphrodite! Okay?! That blunt enough for you?!" His voice was a harsh whisper, trying not to wake Kat.

Alex leaned back in his chair, a wrinkle above his nose expressed his disbelief. "Huh?" he asked intelligently.

Mulder sighed, his shoulders slumping. "I'm a freak. Okay? My...I'm feeling strange once a month, a warm...I don't know... feeling. It's...arousing and my- my belly is morphing again." Mulder said all of this to his hands, not looking up for fear of seeing disgust on his lover's face.

Alex was silent, trying to wrap his mind around the idea. Mulder gritted his teeth and continued. "I didn't want to- I know it's disgusting... I'M disgusting..."

Alex snapped out of it, "NO, Fox. You aren't. It's...it's going to take some getting used to...but... tell me everything. What did the bounty hunter say to upset you?" he pulled Mulder's hands out of their death grip and rubbed them with his own. Mulder shuddered, eyes closing.

"He said- he said 'You smell good, hybrid.' " Mulder clenched his hands, Alex flinched but didn't let go, "... 'Nearly ready...'" Mulder choked out.

Alex squeezed his hands. "And you think it means-"

"It means I'm in heat or something!" Mulder rasped, he turned his face away in shame. "He was saying..." Alex stood pulling Mulder up with him.

"Shh... You don't know that... Come on, let's go lie down..." Fox resisted, trying to stay in the chair, his face turned to the side.

"Lisa." ^Lisa. Come on, let's get into bed and lay down for a while. We need to rest, you're tired. Come on...^

Mulder opened his eyes, they shone with tears, he looked up searchingly into his lover's eyes. ^Aren't you disgusted? 'I' am... I'm-^

^Stop it! I love you and I'm NOT disgusted at all. Scared, maybe...scared the hunters will be back, but I'm NOT disgusted. Now come on...^ He finally succeeded in pulling Mulder up. Fox stood uncertainly in front of him. He pulled his lover in for a reassuring kiss and rubbed his back. ^It's going to be okay... You'll see. I love you. ^

They started towards the stairs. "Wait! Kat..." Fox started to the couch. Alex stopped him, "I'll get her, how about you go run us a bath? I'll tuck her in and join you. She's tired, she needs a nap."

Fox nodded shakily and started up the stairs. Alex watched him for a moment and then turned to his daughter sleeping peacefully on the couch. He picked her up and putting his nose to her hair, breathed in deeply. Sweet, warm...his only child. He loved her more than he ever thought possible.

A half formed, exhilarated thought ran through his head for just a split second. 'Maybe not the only one possible??' He shoved the thought aside. Mulder needed reassurance right now and the thought of getting pregnant again was NOT soothing to Fox right now. Besides would it even be possible? They didn't know anything about this development. Last time, the rebels had had to impregnate Fox. This...this might be a new development, or some harmless byproduct. They'd worry about it later.

He carried Kat into her room and tucked her in. She barely noticed, snuggling into her pillow and falling back into the kind of deep restful sleep only the truly innocent can enjoy.

Walking into the bathroom he observed his lover half naked, stroking his belly absently. Pulling off his shirt as he approached he met Fox's gaze in the mirror before them. "Are you feeling...weird?" Mulder shook his head. "No...not yet, but... I can tell it'll be soon..."

Alex swallowed and nodded, not sure what to make of that. "You'll tell me...?" Alex asked hesitantly.

Fox nodded, eyes darting to meet his eyes and quickly focus on another point. "Yeah..." Alex nodded with more confidence, "good. You don't have to go through this alone, Fox. I want to help you. How long have you had this-?" he gestured vaguely.

Mulder turned back to face him, holding out an apologetic hand, "About a year after Kat was born. It was so strange..." Alex nodded, trying not to let the hurt show in his eyes. "And you never once thought to tell me?" He tried, but failed in keeping his question neutral.

Fox winced, "I DID. I hated keeping it secret, but..." Alex shrugged the explanation away. "It's okay. I know now. Let's get in, okay?" Alex turned the bath taps off. They had installed a large whirlpool tub a couple of years ago. A luxury they both had agreed on. Alex climbed in and held a hand out. Mulder hesitantly accepted it and climbed in. They sat next to one another for a moment before Alex pulled him into his arms. Fox sighed and wrapped Alex's arms around him, holding on tightly.

"I'm sorry, Alex. I should have told you. I won't let it happen again." His voice broke as he clutched Alex's arms.

Alex planted a kiss on the top of his head. "It's okay..."

They spent the rest of the bath quiet, each wrapped up in their own thoughts as well as each other.

XXX

They stayed in the tub longer than they had meant to. The water cooled off and they finally climbed out of the tub together. Drying off, they heard Kat bouncing around on her bed. Mulder dressed slowly while Alex threw on some clothes and went to check on her. She was rejuvenated from her nap and didn't seem to remember her earlier fear. She babbled about her kitten and when they could go get one.

Alex made her calm down by saying they had to eat dinner first and then they'd go over together. He put a pot of water to boil while he made spaghetti sauce. Mulder trudged down the stairs, his eyes a little bloodshot. They made dinner quietly while Kat played with her dolls at the table.

After Mulder dropped the pasta into the pot he turned slightly and was surprised by Alex pulling him into his arms.

^It's okay, Lisa... We'll be fine. Try not to look like you're going to a funeral, hmm?^ He chucked Fox's chin. Mulder gave him a watery smile and hugged him back fiercely. He then sat down with Kat.

Alex usually did the actual cooking. Mulder could make some simple dishes, but his attempts at Italian were terrible. Alex hummed while he spiced the sauce, listening to Kat grill Fox on what kind of cat she could get. Mulder listed all the kittens that were left for adoption. His memory was incredible, there were seven kittens left and he'd only seen them for a moment, but he faithfully listed each kitten and described their colors and dispositions. Kat seemed partial to the fluffy brownish tabby Mulder described.

They ate dinner happily, Mulder put aside his nervousness for Katerina and they talked about the kittens, of course. Kat was so excited that kittens were the only topic she was interested in. They discussed names.

Kat suggested Fluffy, Spot, and Princess. Mulder suggested Spock, Picard, and Enterprise. Alex wrinkled his nose at Mulder's sense of humor. ^I'm serious, babe. I've always wanted a cat named Spock...^

Kat didn't like any of Mulder's names, Alex suggested Kisa.

"Kisa?" Mulder and Kat asked. Alex shrugged, "It means kitten, I thought it was suiting." Kat like it. "Kisa! Kisa! Can we go now, papa?"

They cleaned their plates and hopped in the truck, not risking a walk. Kat happily picked out her squirming kitten. Mulder helped her to the truck while Alex hung back.

He asked Tracy if she'd heard anything odd in the forest lately. She shook her head and Alex said he'd just wondered and thanked her for the kitten. He could see Chris Jacobson's silhouette behind the screen door, but chose to ignore it.

XXX

Later that night he and Fox climbed into bed, exhausted. They lay in the bed, close but not touching. Just as he was drifting to sleep he felt Fox nudge him. "Alex?" Fox gasped.

Immediately alert, Alex snapped the light on. "Fox?" His lover had his hands on his belly, and looked at Alex with wary eyes.

"Is it...?"

Mulder nodded, and hesitated, but finally raised his shirt. Alex's eyes dropped to gaze at the slight rippling of the skin. It was in the same spot that had morphed before during the birth. A small slit appeared, no blood, just a fold of skin in appearance.

Alex raised a finger and brushed against it gently. Mulder groaned, his head falling back. "Oh, god... Alex!" Mulder grabbed his hand before Alex could touch him again.

Mulder's eyes were blue-green and slightly dilated. Alex looked back at him questioningly. Fox's expression was caught halfway between lust and fear. Alex eased Mulder's fingers off his wrist and, never leaving his eyes, Alex touched the slit again. Fox's eyes squeezed shut and he moaned louder. Alex rubbed harder, but didn't try to penetrate. Mulder shifted closer and rubbed his erection again Alex's hip.

One hand stayed on the slit, but Alex's other hand met Mulder's eager erection and stroked. Mulder's eyes flew open, his pupils large, swallowing the color of his eyes. Fox's hand joined him at his slit, pushing Alex's hand to rub harder, his other hand sought and found Alex's answering hardness. They rubbed and stroked harder and harder, Alex sought Fox's lips with his own. They kissed passionately, breaking only for short gasps of breath. They erupted together, muffling their cries in each other's necks, trying not to make too much noise.

They lay panting facing one another, Alex kissed his lover again and they both looked down, the slit slowly disappeared, appearing to melt back into smooth skin once more.

Mulder continued to pant, his heart slowly recovering from what was quite possibly the best orgasm of his life. "You know...maybe it's not so bad..." he gasped, he and Alex glanced at one another, it started out as a breathless chuckle, but soon they were giggling hysterically, trying to muffle one another with their hands and lips. They struggled to stop and catch their breath, finally falling asleep once more.

XXX

Part Two, Chapter One

North Carolina woods
October 4, 2004
Monday 10:00 a.m.

Mulder was cleaning up the breakfast plates. Alex watched him over Kat's head; he had her in his lap and she held the book they were reading from. Kat was smart enough to read most of it on her own, so he just listened until she needed help. He was distracted, though.

As they'd fallen asleep last night, Alex had felt optimistic about the incident and what had happened. Mulder had been so secretive, so afraid of the morphing that Alex hadn't been sure what would happen. If it would cause them more pain or grief. If Mulder would let him be with him during it...or if he'd lock him out once more...

Instead it had turned into a wonderful, pleasurable experience. The physical and then emotional release had been freeing. Giggling with his lover like giddy teenagers had given them both the release of tension that had been building all day...actually for many months. He'd noticed the odd behavior of Mulder's for quite a while, but Mulder had refused to talk about it. Now, he'd hoped that that was behind them and they'd be able to talk...move on...

They'd woken up this morning in a tangle of limbs. More close and carefree than they had been in a long while. Alex had smiled, knowing it was probably a goofy grin, and kissed Mulder, morning breath or no. Mulder had responded, at first. Alex had raised his hand between them and caressed Fox's arm, stroking softly and then trailing down his side and then to his stomach where he had stroked him the night before. He'd meant it only as a warm reminder of pleasure... a gentle touch, nothing more.

Mulder had jerked back as if burned and clutched his stomach protectively with both hands, gasping and moving as if he'd been punched. He'd scrambled out of bed as Alex had stuttered an automatic apology; Fox had gone to the bathroom and slammed it shut.

Which of course had woken Kat. Kat had called out for him and he'd quickly thrown on sweatpants before his daughter could barge in the room, since Mulder had unlocked it to get out. Kat had tottered in sleepily clutching her blanket, which trailed behind her. Kisa had been chasing the end of it playfully. He'd scooped up daughter and feline and carried them back to her room to help her get dressed and then headed down to the kitchen to start breakfast. Mulder had loped down halfway through, avoiding Alex's gaze and his mental apology.

^Fox? I'm sorry... I don't know what I did, but - ^

^Don't. It's fine. I'M the one who's sorry. I overreacted. Just forget about it, okay? Want some juice? ^ And that had been it. No further discussion. They'd eaten breakfast with Kat chattering about her kitten nonstop.

Kat stopped reading and tilted her head back to look at her father's chin.

"Papa? What's this word?"

XXX

Mulder dumped the dishes in the sink to soak. It was Alex's turn to wash them. He glanced outside. The sky was gray, but no sign of rain, yet. He turned and headed to their bedroom. He was pulling on his running shoes when Alex appeared at the door.

^Mulder...^

"What?" he snapped, not wanting to be inside his own head. Alex's look changed from hesitant reprimand to a flash of anger.

^You know DAMN well what. You promised not to run outside alone again... you promised yesterday. Are you already going to take it back?! It isn't safe...^

Mulder wanted to yell, but didn't want to disturb Kat. ^It's NEVER safe. Never. I'm locked up in a house in the middle of nowhere minding my own business and it isn't safe. My own fucking body isn't safe... I need to get out and get some fresh air! You of all people should understand that need! ^

Alex closed his eyes and breathed deeply. ^ I do. I DO. Why can't we all go for a walk together, then? I just don't want you out there all alone. Can't you understand that? I could use a walk myself. Now that you mention it... now I REALLY need a walk. Can't we come? ^ Alex knew he was begging, but he was desperate. Mulder couldn't go out alone. And now...now his own claustrophobia was itching at him, the walls too close together... He had to get out of the house no matter what. He could barely make himself wait for Mulder to finally nod and give in.

^All right. You're right. I'm sorry. Wanna go for a walk? ^ He smiled crookedly, offering his apology.

Alex nodded briskly. "Let's go." He pulled Fox into a tight hug and then bounded down the stairs calling to Kat. Mulder watched him go. 'I shouldn't have mentioned his claustrophobia. How cruel can I be?' He also felt bad for pushing Alex away. His family meant everything to him. Still, he had this terrible desire to just get away from them... take off on his own...just for a little while.

Mulder closed his eyes, he struggled to get his wild emotions under control and push the hostile, defensive feelings away and focus on taking a walk with Kat and Alex. He'd only taken a moment, but he heard them outside already calling for him.

"Daddy!! Daddy, come ON!!"

"Fox! Coming?!"

He looked out the window, down to the backyard. Kat was jumping up and down and Alex was holding her hand. They had their jackets on, Kat's was purple, her favorite color. Alex wore a denim jacket. He looked sexy and just a little rugged, the front of his new plaid shirt peeking out under it. Mulder smiled affectionately and waved. "Coming!!" He turned away and grabbed his jacket. His mood had improved already.

XXX

It was a pleasant walk. After the first ten minutes or so. At first Alex walked briskly, his face turned to the sky as he breathed deeply. Mulder had been a little keyed up still, but as they'd crossed into the tree line he'd felt more relaxed and he'd grabbed Alex's hand, squeezing it reassuringly. His lover had glanced at him, green eyes and long lashes, and his hand had been squeezed back in answer.

They'd followed as Kat ambled on ahead of them. Grabbing twigs and leaves she just HAD to take back for Kisa. She found some poison ivy and Fox had grabbed her hand 'just' before she touched it. He showed her how to count the leaves and to always be careful if she didn't know if it was or wasn't poison ivy or oak. She'd nodded in awe then studied the plant most curiously. Mulder watched her and wondered if she'd eventually try touching it just to test the theory of its effects. She was such a little scientist sometimes. Probably her Aunt Dana's influence. Not just the scientific interest, but also the lack of belief in Mulder's assertions.

They finally returned to the house and hungrily started a quick lunch. They were running low on supplies so Alex made a list and they went to town for groceries and other errands.

XXX

North Carolina woods
October 12 2004
Tuesday 2:15 p.m.

Mulder was washing dishes when he heard it. "Daddeeee!" His daughter shrieked. He dropped the dish in his hands; it shattered on the floor, and ran into the living room, his hands covered in suds. Kat was crouched by the door. He dropped to his knees behind her and put his hands on her shoulders, peering over her head he saw Kisa batting at...something.

He looked closely; it was a small dark brown mouse. Kisa was pouncing and batting at the rodent, but not sure what to do with it when she caught it so she'd let go and then pounce on it again. The little animal ran in panicked circles as the larger feline played with it.

"Daddy! Stop it! Help!" Kat was watching tearfully at the disturbing display of Mother Nature's food chain.

Fox nimbly caught the mouse before Kisa could bat it again. Holding it by the tail he transferred it to his other cupped hand. Kat smiled gratefully up at him, wiping a tear from her eye. He felt his heart swell. 'It's nice to be a hero.' He thought wryly. He held it to out to her for her to see it was okay. She tentatively petted it with her finger; she smiled again.

"Can I keep him, daddy?" She looked up hopefully. Mulder frowned slightly; he wasn't thrilled with the idea of a mouse as a pet. She was looking at him with her big hazel eyes fringed with long lashes. Alex's lashes. He caved.

"Okay. You know...he reminds me of someone..." Mulder held him up closer and looked at the little creature. The mouse's head perked up and his little nose twitched in the air. Mulder laughed, "I know! He reminds me of Papa Alex!" He chuckled to himself and Kat chortled with glee.

"How about we name him Sasha?" Kat scrunched up her face and then beamed, "Yeah! Come on Sasha..." She reached for the mouse.

"Wait a sec. We're going to have to make him a little cage or something. They hunted around the house, finally coming up with a make shift little home for the mouse. A shoebox with many air holes.

XXX

Kisa, of course, found the mouse's temporary home to be extremely entertaining. They had to put it up on a bookshelf high enough away from the kitten to prevent any unfortunate mishaps. Kat went back to coloring in her book and Mulder went back to the dishes. Finishing, he started working on his computer.

Alex finally came in an hour later. He was stopped by his daughter running up and grabbing his knees. "Papa! We caught a mouse!"

Alex smiled down at her. "You did? What did you do with it?" He set down his tools. Kat pointed to the bookshelf excitedly. Alex frowned at Mulder, but dutifully went to admire the rodent as she opened the lid.

^Fox? Why are we keeping a rodent on the book case??^

^She wanted him. Kisa was playing with it and going to kill it, but Kat wanted me to rescue him. We've named him...^

"Daddy and I named him Sasha!" Kat crowed.

Alex looked back at his lover with baleful eyes. "Oh?"

Fox smothered a smile. "He reminded me of someone...his little nose twitching, his cute little furry rat face..." Alex glared.

Kat jumped up and down. "We named him after you!" She ran off to get her picture she'd drawn of Sasha.

Alex sat down next to Fox on the couch. "Thanks, Mulder...thanks a lot."

"Ohhh, come on, Alex. You've got to admit it's cute...just like you. Fox tweaked his nose playfully. Alex mock-glared at him, but then kissed him. Kat bounced back in with her picture.

The next day they drove to town and bought a proper habitat for the mouse, complete with little wood chips, food, and wheel. The mouse seemed pretty intelligent. It performed wonderful acrobatic feats much to Kat's delight. It also managed to escape within an hour of moving into its new home.

Alex caught him before Kisa found out and returned him to the cage, firmly shutting the lid. 'Maybe he is a little like me.' He smirked. Sasha looked up at him, nose twitching in agreement. XXX

The next day was Fox's birthday so Alex made beef stroganoff from scratch with chocolate cake for dessert. They sat around, stuffed and happy as they all sat on the couch together to watch a video. Mulder's head rested on Alex's shoulder, Kat sat upside down next to them. She kept twitching and turning and changing positions, but her favorite position was with her back on the seat cushion, legs up on the couch back, her little stocking feat in the air. Alex had shaken his head at it the first few times, but now it was a common sight.

Since it was Mulder's birthday it was Mulder's choice of video. They watched Star Trek II: The Wrath of Khan, his favorite sci fi movie. Kat found it interesting enough, Alex tolerated it as it was one of the better Star Trek movies and Fox was happy to loudly proclaim his favorite lines.

As the movie ended sadly, poor Spock dead and gone (for the moment...) Mulder sighed contently.

"So... now 'The Search for Spock?'" Fox asked hopefully.

Alex groaned.

XXX

During the last 5 years, the two alien races had been through much upheaval. After the loss of the only known successful hybrid (Hybrid 1013 a.k.a. Fox Mulder) the colonists became concerned with possible mutiny from their morph servants, the bounty hunters.

The successive failures in recapturing the hybrid led to attempts by the colonists to recreate their success in other hybrid experiments. The hybrids initially created failed if changed during adulthood. 1013's progressive change during and after childhood was proven as the only successful way to breed compatible and fertile hybrids.

Which led to new experiments with children. The experiments showed evidence of future success, but would require some time to produce results. As the morph race was running out of time, the hybrids were needed quicker than the normal maturation period required, the colonists attempted to accelerate growth. It failed.

The colonists continued to experiment with mixed to poor results; the hunters grew restless and doubtful at the colonists' chance to duplicate their success and began to consider working with their own scientists once more. The rebel scientists were the ones to complete 1013's experiment. Perhaps it was THEIR work that had produced the desired results... perhaps the morph race would fare better on their own attempts...

But not all hunters agreed; some remained loyal to the colonist cause. But many...many began to work in secret. The rebels were contacted and were shocked to discover that Hybrid 1013 had survived and escaped their ship. The rebel scientist that had freed it was arrested and executed for working against his people.

Two rebel ships were sent to retrieve the hybrid. It was still uncertain whether they would be ordered to execute the hybrid as impure or to continue experiments with it in the attempt to save their race through hybridization. Their government was divided on the issue and the hybrid's fate would be decided by whichever sect was currently in power when found.

Thus, both races and all of their subdivisions were all working in secret against one another. They differed in methods, ideals, and each sought to undermine the other. There was only one commonality amongst them.

All concerned were sure of one thing: Hybrid 1013 must be captured at all costs...

XXX

North Carolina woods
October 31 2004
11:23 p.m.

Alex climbed into bed, tiredly. Kat was finally asleep, tummy ache eased by some Tums and ginger ale. She and Mulder had finished off a large tub of candy that evening. Unfortunately for Alex, the candy hadn't given Mulder a tummy ache...it had given him a sugar high. One that he still wasn't over yet.

Fox entered the room, stripping off his sweater jeans and his black socks with glow-in-the-dark pumpkins on them. Alex lay on his back, one arm thrown over his eyes, hoping Fox would take pity on him and just climb in bed and turn out the light. No such luck. Mulder flopped onto the bed with a bounce and playfully lifted Alex's arm and peeked at him.

"Aleexx? You aren't going to sleep already, are you??" Mulder stroked his hand down Alex's stomach and down one thigh. Two green eyes stared up balefully at his giddy lover. Apparently sugar was an aphrodisiac for Mulder. Alex moved his arm up and pulled Mulder's head down for a kiss. His lover began to respond with interest just as Alex broke it off and said, "'Night." Alex rolled over; his back to Mulder and shut his eyes.

Fox sulked; pulling on sweats and huffily turned out the light. Alex turned over and pulled Fox into an embrace and nuzzled his nose into Mulder's neck, falling asleep shortly after. Fox lay in the dark unable to sleep just yet. He stared at the ceiling while he counted sheep. He was just drifting off when he heard the door open and Kat patter into the room. She held her blanket in one hand and Kisa in another. Kisa looked pissed at being held so sloppily.

"What's wrong, 'punkin?' Mulder whispered. Kat's big eyes looked pleadingly into his, "There's ghosts outside, daddy. Can I sleep in here?" Mulder sighed; he shouldn't have let her watch poltergeist on TV with him. He nodded and pulled back the covers. He was suddenly glad they'd put on p.j.'s since it was cold tonight. Alex grunted when he nudged him, but didn't waken. He shoved and Alex muttered, gibberish or Russian, Mulder wasn't sure. He then rolled away, giving Kat room to crawl into bed. Kat relaxed her hold on Kisa and the kitten skittered to the foot of the bed and licked herself clean from the undignified embrace.

Kat snuggled close to Fox and he patted her back reassuringly. He could hear her scared thoughts rushing around inside her head. She'd heard something outside and looked out the window and seen strange shapes. She KNEW they were ghosts and monsters coming to eat her up. Mulder stroked her hair and sent a warm reassuring feeling to her mind. She closed her eyes and her thoughts grew less scared until she fell asleep, deadweight in his arms. Mulder remained awake the rest of the night.

XXX

There was a loud thwack and a sudden burst of light woke Mulder up from sound sleep. He jerked up in bed, opening his eyes only to quickly squeeze them shut, hand clutched over them.

"Ugh! What's the matter with you?!" Mulder groaned.

Alex smiled evilly, his hand still on the cord for the blinds. He dropped it and walked over to his grumpy lover. "Good morning, Mary Sunshine!" He singsonged into Fox's ear. "Oh, I'm sorry...I mean, Mulder Sunshine. Up and at 'em, lover!!" He poked Fox's arm.

Mulder jerked his arm away and kept his other hand on his eyes. "Go away!!"

Alex huffed and bounced on the bed. "Come on! You were wanting my attention last night...well, you've got it now."

Mulder risked his eyes for the reward in glaring balefully at his over chipper lover. "THAT was last night. This is the crack of dawn. GO A-WAY!" He threw his arm over his face and tried to recapture his earlier rest.

Alex cleared his throat.

Nothing.

Alex harrumphed again. Mulder jerked his arm down again and glared at him. "What?!"

"Nothing. Just that is NOT the crack of dawn. It's noon. Just thought you'd like to join the land of the living..."

Mulder looked at him for a moment then scrambled to look at the clock: 12:03. He groaned and dropped his head back on his pillow. Alex took pity on him and lowered the blinds halfway. He came back and sat next to Mulder on the bed. "Rough night?" He rubbed Fox's arm apologetically.

"You could say that. I couldn't sleep and Kat came in scared of monsters outside. I stayed up a long time. Mostly because I couldn't sleep and also I wanted to make sure she didn't have any nightmares." Mulder yawned and finally tried to get out of bed without tripping on the covers.

"I was going to ask you why she was in our bed this morning. She didn't say. I made her French toast and she seemed okay." Mulder nodded absently before he closed the bathroom door.

Mulder joined them at the table for lunch. Kat seemed fine. She chattered about her pets and dolls. She asked to play at the Jacobsons' and Alex said he'd drive her over. Fox shook his head when asked to come so Alex reminded him to set the alarm and be careful.

The two left shortly after and Mulder sighed at having the house to himself for the moment. He grabbed another cup of coffee and headed to his computer to check his e-mail. He felt as if he was being watched. He decided to be safe and checked the house, security system and then looked out the windows. Nothing. Returning to his computer he couldn't shake the feeling.

Alex returned moments later and Fox met him at the door. "Hey, Lisa. You okay?" Mulder nodded and held out the pin. Alex accepted and pricked a finger tip. "See? Still me." Fox hugged him. Their little ritual gave them both a peace of mind. Alex's finger still held the drop of blood so Fox grabbed his hand and sucked the finger into his mouth. Alex's eyes darkened and his breath sped up. They hopped up the stairs as fast as possible with their hands clutching one another.

Afterwards, they lay in post-coital daze, Alex's hands trailing over Mulder's stomach languidly. Fox had a small smile on his face and he hated to have to disturb it, but it had been almost a month and they STILL hadn't talked about 'it.'

Mulder frowned slightly, his glow diminishing rapidly. He sighed and then rolled to his side, facing Alex with his head propped up on his arm. "Okay...let's talk, then."

It was always somehow easier and more frustrating to live with a telepath. "Lisa, you know we have to. We've avoided this long enough..."

Mulder rolled his eyes, but nodded. "I know, I know...I just don't want to think about it."

Alex nodded sympathetically, his hand reaching out to trace Fox's shoulder. They stayed quiet, looking into one another's eyes for a long moment. Alex leaned forward and kissed him again. "It will be coming up again soon, won't it?"

Mulder nodded, "Yes, that's partly why I've had trouble sleeping, I guess... I feel a little jumpy, nervous..."

Alex dropped his hand down to Mulder's. "There's no reason to be, Fox. What we did last time. Didn't you like it?" Mulder blushed slightly and studied the quilt. "Yes... but-"

"But?"

"But, you didn't...you weren't disgusted, where you? I mean it's..."

Alex squeezed the hand he held. "No, not at all. Actually...it was pretty erotic...different. I liked it. And maybe...when you're ready..." Mulder looked up shocked.

"You mean...? No! What if I DID get pregnant?!" Mulder pulled his hand away and sat up on the bed.

Alex sat up, too. "Okay! Okay, I'm sorry. I DID say when and I also mean IF. We don't have to do anything you don't want to do. But, maybe someday...you may want to?" Alex looked into Fox's eyes hopefully.

Fox looked confused, "You mean...you want to have another baby? You'd...you'd want to get me pregnant?" He was whispering, his voice slightly choked. Alex knew he was on incredibly shaky ground, but honesty was too important between them. He took a deep breath.

"Honestly? Yes. I love Katerina so much...I never thought I'd have kids...hell, I never thought I'd live to have one at all, much less raise her with someone I love...with you. And...well, maybe I'm greedy, but I want her to have a brother or sister. Maybe more than one. My family wasn't always happy, but my brother and sisters and I stuck together, we had each other... I love them. I want that for Kat, too. And I want another child to love and raise with you."

He held out his hand to Fox, his eyes wet and his hand was shaking slightly. Mulder's eyes were wet; too, he looked down at Alex's hand. He finally grabbed the offered hand and clutched it tightly.

"Fox? What do YOU want?" Alex asked. Mulder shook his head.

"I don't know. I don't know...I...my family...well YOU know. And my sister...I was pretty much an only child I guess... I was four when she was born and twelve when she was taken. The years in between...I can't remember much of them. The tests...I guess they messed my memory up pretty badly. What I DO remember...I remember typical older brother stuff. You know, she was always in my stuff, I remember her tagging along whenever I went out...I remember baby- sitting..." his voice was choked, Alex squeezed his hand, "...but I DO remember I loved her...more than anything, really. Mom and Dad...they were so distant...always, we were together... You're right; I guess siblings ARE important. But...Alex...I don't know if I can..." He was crying now, tears streaking down his cheeks. Alex shushed him and pulled him into a fierce hug.

When Mulder finally quieted down Alex leaned back, still holding his shoulders.

"Lisa...listen, like I said...when and if you are ready or want to...we'll decide then. Okay? For now, though...we can still be together when your...'cycle' comes, right?" Fox gave a choked laugh, "Yeah...it WAS pretty good, huh?" He wiped his tears roughly with the back of his hand. Alex repeated his gesture, but much more gently, wiping the tears with his thumbs. He reached over and got a tissue for Mulder's nose and put his hand on Fox's knee and squeezed. "Yes...it was." He smiled at Mulder reassuringly and was rewarded with a genuine smile from his lover.

It would be okay... It would.

Chapter Two

Scully shoved a lock of hair out of her face in irritation and turned back to her paperwork. God, her work was boring. Ever since Mulder's abduction she'd missed the excitement of working on the X- Files with him. Not that she'd realized it at the time. She'd bitched and complained about looking for vampires, ghosts, and whatever else Mulder would dig up. But now...now she realized just how good she'd had it. If she could go back and do it over again she would enjoy the cases more. Now...now she was stuck autopsying the most boring cases imaginable. Sure, she was good at her job...and sure her job was important and worthwhile...it helped capture and prosecute criminals. But...it was boring and tedious and she found herself missing Mulder's off beat humor and his odd theories.

She missed her friend terribly. Her brief visits with Mulder and his family just wasn't enough sometimes. She sighed as she considered the people in her life now. Her family was okay, but her mom had decided to move in with her brother's family in California. Leaving her alone on the East Coast. Work was no better. Dogget was boring. Reyes was odd, but not nearly as interesting or charismatic as Mulder. And Skinner...Skinner seemed to be in a permanent bad mood the last 5 years. He had always been by the book, often surly, but he had always been fair and tried to look out for his agents, particularly Mulder and Scully.

Now? Now he didn't seem to care anything. He was harsh, quick to reprimand and seemed to live in his office even more than before. There was plenty of gossip around the bullpen. The latest rumor was that he really WAS living in his office. Some said he slept on his sofa. Others said they saw a spare suit hanging in his private bathroom and that there was a toothbrush on the sink. No one saw him working out at the FBI gym anymore. His skin was taking on a permanent pasty gray tone and he had rings under his eyes most of the time. Scully was worried, but she couldn't seem to get through to him, he avoided her like the plague.

Scully threw her pen down on her desk and pushed back with a sigh. Things just weren't the same...

XXX

Skinner pushed back from his desk with a weary sigh. He glanced out the window. The sun was setting, lending a purple hue to the sky. He stretched, hearing his joints pop. He was stiff all over; he'd been sitting too long in one position over his desk. He frowned at the work before him. He was doing pointless paperwork that he usually would have avoided, but he'd decided to do for some reason. He glanced at the sofa. Too many nights spent on it. It would look bad to stay here again tonight. He had a feeling that he was gaining a bad reputation. Fuck it, what did he care? He didn't. But maybe he'd go home anyway. His suit was getting ripe and he wanted a drink...badly.

He grabbed his briefcase and stuffed his work in it. Something to do at home. He turned out his light and walked down the hall to the elevators. The janitor waved goodbye to him, he ignored it, stabbing the elevator button with more force than necessary. When it arrived he reached for the Lobby button, but for some reason he hit the basement button. He closed his eyes, 'why am I doing this to myself?' he wondered, but he couldn't resist. He walked quietly to the X-Files office, opening the door, it was unlocked, but no one inside. He flicked on the light. Empty, quiet. Doggett and Reyes saw no pressing need to stay after hours. Why should they? It was just a job to them. A usually distasteful one at that. Mulder's poster and articles were all gone from the walls. The room was less cluttered, more boring...more businesslike. He turned and shut the door with a bang. He headed home to a nice Scotch and another long night with his paperwork.

XXX

North Carolina woods
November 5th 2004
Friday 10:34 p.m.

Kat was fast asleep in her room, Kisa was curled up beside her, purring. Alex smiled and tucked her in. She was 'so' beautiful. His beautiful daughter. She was definitely going to be a heartbreaker someday. She had long dark brown hair, long lashes and Mulder's hazel eyes. They changed color depending on what color she wore or what mood she was in. He was going to be beating the boys off their porch with a stick.

'No, with my Glock.' He made a mental note to make sure he had extra ammunition when she was a teenager. He kissed her on the forehead and pushed back a lock of hair from her face. Beautiful.

He shut the door behind him all but a crack, so Kisa could get in and out. He moved down the hall to his bedroom. Mulder was already in bed, waiting. Tonight was the night. Alex felt a small thrill go through him, he was feeling pretty excited already. His cock stirred at the sight of Mulder stretched out, naked under the covers. He closed and locked the door behind him, unbuttoning his shirt as he walked over to the bed.

Mulder's eyes had been closed; they opened at the sound of the door and his green-gold eyes raked over his body hungrily. He stretched like a cat, arching his back. Alex licked his lips and his hands went to the waistband of his pants.

"No, let me do that." Mulder stood up, the covers falling from his body as he padded around the bed and pushed up against him. He kissed Alex slowly...deeply, as his fingers trailed down his chest to his waist. Alex shivered, his lips parting wider to deepen the kiss. Mulder stepped back, his fingers nimbly unbuttoning the pants as he watched his lover. Alex's cupid bow lips were pink and swollen from the kiss. His dark green eyes were open half-mast as he stared hungrily back at him. Mulder hummed appreciatively, leaning in again to nuzzle his neck.

Alex groaned in response and breathed in deeply. Fox smelled...warm, slightly musky. Very arousing. He breathed deeper; the smell was almost intoxicating. His hands reached behind Mulder's back, pulling his lover closer as he buried his nose in the back of Mulder's neck.

Mulder stiffened slightly, Alex was snuffling at his neck much like the hunters did. Alex continued to press his nose to his neck. ^Alex? What are you up to?^ he tried to keep the thought playful, but his insides were beginning to clench. His lover didn't seem to notice.

^Mmmmm, you smell sooo good, Lisa... mmmmm....^ Mulder felt a nervous twinge, he pushed lightly against his lover's chest, Alex's hold tightened. Mulder panicked, pushing harder. Alex's hands gripped his shoulders painfully; Mulder's breathing became hitched gasps, tears running down his face. "No! Don't!" he shoved hard just as Alex released him, sending the younger man tumbling to the floor. Mulder stood before him shaking, then took a step back and sat down hard on the foot of the bed. Alex's eyes were wide with shock. "Fox?"

Mulder raised his hands to cover his face. Alex pushed up to his knees before his lover and held out a hand tentatively. "Fox? What's wrong? Did I do something to hurt you?" he gently brushed a hand to his lover's shoulder and quickly jerked it back when Fox flinched. Mulder took a deep breath and dropped his hands.

"No. I'm sorry, I just... you were...sniffing me and then you wouldn't let go." He looked embarrassed. Alex was torn between frustrated irritation and genuine regret. "Well...I'm sorry, Lisa. I didn't mean to upset you...you just smell so good and you felt so good in my arms. I didn't realize you were unhappy. I'm sorry." He reached again and this time Fox let him touch him.

Mulder shook his head and grabbed his hand. "No. I'M sorry. I overreacted. It just reminded me of...of the hunters, that's all." He took a shaky breath. "Let's forget it, okay?" he tugged on Alex's hands, urging him to join him on the bed. Alex was slow, trying not to startle him. He hadn't meant to remind Mulder of those bastards. Now he felt only regret. Why HAD he been so insistent in holding Mulder close to smell him? He forced the issue out of his mind and went back to slowly stroking Mulder's back as they held each other close. Fox slowly relaxed in his embrace and they returned to their love making once more.

Alex was slow and gentle, but he couldn't help appreciating the smell Mulder seemed to be exuding. He had noticed it somewhat last month, but this time it was more noticeable, stronger. He resisted nuzzling his lover's neck, but couldn't help breathing it in deeply as he stroked his lover's back. Mulder began to moan, softly at first, but then more insistent, Alex leaned back and saw that his lover's belly was rippling again, the slit appearing again. He touched it lightly, Fox groaned into the pillow, stifling the sound as he grabbed Alex's wrist and pressed his hand harder against the opening.

XXX

"Alex! Kat! Breakfast!" Mulder flipped another pancake on the griddle. He was getting better at it. The first time he'd made pancakes Alex had decided to 'help' him, meaning he took the batter and spatula and shooed him away. This time he'd gotten up extra early and practiced. The first batch of pancakes was sitting in the trash, this batch seemed edible.

Alex bounded down the stairs, Kat on his shoulders. They swept into the kitchen and Alex kissed him on the cheek and then bent so Kat could kiss Fox, too. Alex then deposited her on a chair and sat down. Mulder proudly presented his pancakes. "Ta da!" They weren't perfect, but they smelled good. They dug in; Alex was sure to praise the attempt. "These are very good, Lisa."

"Thanks. Did you figure out what they are?" Last time Alex had made pancakes he'd made Mickey Mouse ones for Kat. And then for Fox, too, after he'd asked for Marvin the Martian, but settled for Mickey.

Alex frowned at his pancake. It looked normal...round, "Uhhh..." he looked imploringly at Kat who happily munched on her syrupy pancake, ignoring her father's plight. Turning back to Fox he shrugged helplessly. "I give up."

"Flying saucers!" Mulder grinned as he shoved a forkful in his mouth. Alex shook his head ruefully.

XXX

North Carolina woods
November 14 2004
Sunday 3:44 p.m.

"Are you sure you can handle that many, Mulder?"

"We did the first time. It'll be less hectic this time. Are you saying you don't want to come? I'll understand if you want to be with your family..."

"No, no! I want to come. I just...Mulder, I'm not sure if Skinner will want to come. He's...he's been...I don't know. Aloof. Unhappy."

Mulder frowned, this was the 5th anniversary of the 'birth,' he'd wanted to have everyone over for the holidays again. The years before had been busy. Scully joined them one Thanksgiving, the gunmen visited at strange times during the year, rarely on a holiday. This year he wanted them all down together.

"Well...maybe he's feeling down, but that just means he needs a holiday away from work all the more. I'll call him, okay? You just clear your schedule as much as you can."

Scully smiled, he was determined to pull this off. Family life definitely agreed with Mulder. Before his abduction he'd avoided holidays whenever possible. Now, he wanted to celebrate. Maybe this 'was' a good idea.

"okay, good luck, Mulder. I've gotta go." They hung up. Mulder sighed, how does one convince a surly Skinner to come to dinner? 'Sounds like a Dr. Seuss title...'

Kat wondered in with a Dr. Seuss book. 'Definitely need to shield your thoughts, Mulder.' He'd been stressed out lately and his thoughts leaking easily to Alex and Kat. He took a swig of his luke warm coffee and focused on his mental barriers. He dialed Skinner's home phone number.

Ring, ring, ring... Nothing. He could be out, it WAS the weekend. But somehow...Mulder doubted it. He called Skinner's office number.

Ring, ring, "A.D. Skinner."

"A.D. Skinner, what are you doing at the office on a Sunday?" Mulder smiled faintly, remembering all the times HE had been in the office on Sundays. He heard a sigh and then, "Mulder? What do you want?" then Skinner's breath quickened as he apparently was hit with a thought, "Are you okay?! Is there something wrong?!" Mulder struggled to get a word in.

"Skinner! I'm fine! Everything's fine. I was just calling for personal reasons." Skinner breathed a sigh of relief and there was a pause. "...What personal reasons?" It must have been the connection, Skinner's voice sounded odd.

"Well, it IS getting close to the holidays and I was wondering if you would join us for Thanksgiving and then later for Christmas and stay for New Year's. As long as you could. It's been five years...Kat's birthday is coming up..." Mulder trailed off, he was getting a bad vibe even across the phone.

Silence.

"Why?"

"Why?...What do you mean why?" Mulder was flabbergasted. "We want you to come. Scully and the Lone Gunmen are coming. I invited Dr. Reddy, but he's spending it with his family. He sent a card and gift for Kat, though. We're going to send his family a gift and some pictures of Kat. Don't you want to come?" Mulder felt like he was begging.

"I'm not...I don't think I can make it. I'll be sure to send Kat a gift, though." Mulder could sense him about to hang up.

"Stop! Just stop it, Walter Skinner. What is the matter with you? We want you to come. Surely you can get at least one of the holidays off...you could use a break."

On the other side of the phone call Skinner squeezed his eyes shut. 'Shit, even Mulder's heard about me...I DO need a vacation. But this isn't a relaxing idea...' Still, he DID want to see Kat. He hadn't seen her since she was a baby. And Mulder...well, he wanted to see him, too...

"Skinner? Sir, please... Just try, okay?"

Skinner sighed heavily, "I'll see what I can do, Mulder. No promises..." he hung up.

Mulder dropped the phone after switching it off. He sighed and rubbed his forehead. This wasn't going as easy as he'd hoped...

He grabbed his coffee mug and headed to the sink. Alex was outside gathering wood. Kat sat on the couch with her book and kitten. He checked on the stew he was making...'mmm...smells good.' He cleaned up the debris from making it. Saving the carrot and celery ends, he went up to Kat's room to give Sasha a treat. Entering he noticed the cage was empty. "Oh, shit!" He got down on his hands and knees, checking under her bed and in and around her toy box. Nothing. 'shit shit shit!' Mulder knew she'd be heartbroken if they couldn't find him. He stood up and brushed off his knees, sad. Sasha really was a Houdini, he couldn't see how the mouse got out. For all he knew, Kisa might have finally eaten him.

He walked through the house, eyes alert for any signs of Sasha, when Alex came in later they sat Kat down and broke the news. She was predictably upset. Going around the house calling for him like he'd come running out to her. Alex and Fox eyed the kitten suspiciously, but Kisa played around as usual, unconcerned.

XXX

November 18 2004
2:45 p.m.

Kat was upset and in need of some distraction so Mulder was watching her favorite video with her in his lap. Kisa curled up next to them on the couch, purring contentedly. Alex decided to haul some more wood in since they were having guests over soon. When the video was over Kat ran to get a toy. He picked up their popcorn bowls and straightened up. He wasn't particularly fussy himself, but Alex liked a clean house.

As Fox heard Alex coming back to the door, he let his lover in, holding the pin out as usual. Alex took it from him and pricked his finger and Mulder kissed it better. Kat was playing in the dining room quietly. Mulder turned away from Alex and headed into the kitchen.

"Want some hot cocoa? It's pretty chilly outside." Alex didn't answer, but he put his hand on Fox's shoulder to stop him.

"What's wrong, babe?" Mulder turned back and looked at him curiously. Alex cocked his head. "Nothing..." but as he said it he blinked and black oil swirled in his eyes.

Mulder jerked back "Alex!"

Krycek's hold on his arm was unbearably strong, Mulder frantically dug at the fingers gripping his shoulder with inhuman strength. "Kat! Run! Go for the Jacobsons'!

Alex's other arm shot out and Fox found himself held immobile in a death grip. "Kat!" He had yet to hear his daughter run away. He continued to struggle as he turned his head towards the dining room, Kat stood there shocked, her hands clutching her doll.

"Daddy!!" Kat watched them fearfully. The alien in Alex's body turned to face their daughter. Mulder suddenly felt a surge of anger and an intense fear for his daughter; he wrenched his shoulders from the Oilean's grip and shoved hard. The body fell to the floor for only a moment before it scrambled back to its feet. Mulder didn't notice, however, as he was grabbing Kat and running out the door.

Not knowing of a better place to go, he raced for the Jacobson's. At the very least he had to get Kat out of the way. He'd have to leave her there and lead the Oilean away from his daughter. He clutched Katerina tight in his arms. She was crying and holding on to him. "Papa! Papa!" Fox didn't know how he could explain anything. He just ran faster.

Arriving at his neighbors' house he pounded on the door. Tracy opened it, but her husband Chris was right behind her, shoving her out of the way.

"What do you want?!" Chris's face was livid at being interrupted from his game and cold beer.

Fox turned, hearing the approach of his lover's possessed body. He turned back frantically, "Please! Take Kat! He's trying to hurt us!" Mulder was gasping.

Tracy reached forward, but Chris shoved her aside once more. "No! Don't let them in! Let the faggots fight it out outside!" he tried to slam the door, but Tracy wrenched it open to take Kat out of Fox's arms.

"Get in!" she cried. Fox gratefully let his daughter go and shook his head, grabbing the doorknob himself to shut it. He turned back and ran away, the oilean following him.

He raced through the forest, hearing the crashing behind him as the possessed body chased him. His heart was pounding, and his mind was panicked. What had happened? Somewhere in the woods Alex had been possessed by the black oil. How? Were there others out here? Was Kat okay with the Jacobsons? Alex. He had told Mulder the horror of the oil. It's cold icy hold over his body. His mind crying out, but no one could help him. He nearly stopped at that thought.

^Alex?!^ ^Alex!!^

Nothing, then...faintly, ^Fox!^

^Alex! I'm here! Help me! Tell me how to help you!^ he ducked under a low limb and kept running, his breathing becoming strained. He hadn't had the chance to run in a while. He wasn't in his top form.

^Fox...I don't...I can't stop it! God, run!^

Mulder tripped on a root and caught himself, but before he could get back up and run he felt an arm clamp down on his shoulder once more.

The Oilean didn't speak, it just jerked him to his feet and began to walk him back towards the house.

^Fox!^

He tried to break free and the Oilean twisted his arm painfully. He cried out and stopped struggling. If he tried it again it would break his arm. He tried to contact his lover again.

^Alex! Where is it taking us? Can you read it's thoughts? I can't...^

^Not really. It has plans for you inside the house. That's all I know.^

^How did it get you?^ Fox struggled to stay on his feet as the oilean marched him faster.

^I came across a deer hunter, or at least I thought so. He came up and there was a bright flash as the oil leaped out and into me...^

They had arrived back at the house. The oilean thrust him in a chair and turned to face the kitchen. A bounty hunter stepped out of the shadows. Mulder's felt the panic turn to icy dread.

The hunter stalked up to him, his face showing a glimmer of amusement across it's hard features. Mulder flinched as it came close.

It leaned down and sniffed him, ^Not yet, hybrid...but soon enough.^ The oilean stepped in front of the hybrid and 'spoke' for the first time.

^This is not the time or place for such behavior. We must wait for the ship. Once on board we will continue experimentation and you will be given the chance to impregnate him when we are ready. Not before.^

The bounty hunter seemed ready to argue, Mulder couldn't see what had exactly, but the hunter's face flashed in fear and it suddenly morphed: sealing its orifices as the rebels did.

The oilean finally backed down, stepping behind Mulder once more. The hunter didn't react right away, but finally morphed back to its preferred form. The hunter nodded submissively and backed away, returning with rope.

Both Oilean and Hunter jerked Mulder to his feet. Alex cried out to him in his head, but Mulder was too despondent to answer. Alex couldn't help him now...

They tied Mulder to the headboard and left him there. Fox tugged on the ropes until the skin tore and bled. He banged his head back on the bed and cried.

XXX

The police received a call from Tracy Jacobson, wife of Chris Jacobson who owned a small homestead in the nearby woods.

Tracy Jacobson reported a domestic abuse at the Krycek home. Apparently the domestic partner, Fox Wm. Mulder, left his daughter, Katerina Krycek at the Jacobson's home while fleeing his lover (Alex Krycek) from the scene.

Tracy Jacobson stated that F. Mulder claimed his lover was trying to hurt them and needed to leave Katerina with them for fear of her safety. She tried to get Mr. Mulder to come inside, but he refused, running further into the woods as she saw Mr. Krycek pursue him. There was no reported weapon seen, but Tracy Jacobson said that Mr. Krycek seemed a dangerous man and she feared for Mr. Mulder's safety. Chris Jacobson noted that the two were "faggoty queens" and most likely playing some sex game out in the woods. He felt that they should both be arrested, but was uncertain of the proper charge.

Also noted was a possible charge of child endangerment if the first charge is proven true. The child is reported to be adopted and may be taken from the home and placed in Foster care until the matter can be resolved.

Deputy Williams and Deputy Collins were ordered to report to the scene.

XXX

Skinner slammed down the phone. He read the report that was faxed to him from the police department in North Carolina. He'd left strict instructions there to contact him if any trouble was reported near the Krycek home.

His teeth ground at reading the report. He grabbed the phone to call Scully.

He knew Alex Krycek was no good... Mulder may lose his daughter over this. If Mulder was even still alive.

Chapter Two Continued.

Scully threw her luggage into the trunk of the rental car. She slammed the trunk closed quickly and hopped into the passenger seat. Skinner took off before her door was completely shut. She stifled an angry protest, knowing it would only make the tension between her and Skinner worse.

Skinner drove like a mad man. Racing ten to twenty miles above the limit. She gritted her teeth and kept quiet. This was unusual behavior of a man that was always so strict and law abiding. But she couldn't fault his impatience. Mulder had not been seen in 48 hours. Two policemen had gone to check the woods were the two men had last been seen in and then checked the Krycek house. They had reported nothing unusual, saying the house seemed empty and there was no sign of a break in or struggle. They found a door unlocked in the back and had stated they would check out the interior and then report back.

The two officers were not heard from again.

They were planning to send reinforcements immediately, but Skinner had warned against it. He was taking over the investigation and ordered them to wait until he got there. Which was why they were in such a hurry.

Skinner seemed torn between two theories: the bounty hunters were back or Krycek had shown his true colors and had possibly killed Mulder and two policemen.

The car screeched to a halt and she put her hand to the dashboard in reflex. Skinner was halfway out the door before she recovered enough to unfasten her seatbelt.

Skinner strode through the office. The local sheriff filled them in on recent developments. Namely: none.

Scully scanned the area around her. Through the glass of a nearby door she could see Katerina was sitting in another office with a cookie and milk on the desk before her. She was staring at the desk sadly, unmoving. Scully left Skinner's side and went to the little girl's side.

"Kat, honey, it's your Aunt Dana. Are you okay?" She squatted down next to Kat's chair and patted her back. Kat didn't look up, shrugging her shoulders.

"Kat? Tell me what's wrong?"

Kat finally looked up, her eyes filled with tears. "Daddy's hurt. And Papa..."

Scully tried to stay calm and gentle. "Can you tell me what happened, sweetie?"

A potbellied man in a brown police uniform entered the office in time to hear Scully's question. His balding head and dull gray eyes did nothing to improve his appearance. In loud booming voice he proclaimed, "One of her faggot fathers went after the other. End of story."

Scully stood up and was ready to lash out when Kat sprang off her chair. "My papa didn't hurt Daddy! It was the black stuff!"

Scully turned back to the little girl. "What black stuff, honey?" Kat glared at the man for a minute and turned to her Aunt. "Papa came in from chopping and his eyes were black."

"Chopping?"

"Wood. He chopped wood."

Scully picked Kat up and sat her on the desk. "Then what? He came in and what was wrong with his eyes?"

"They were black. Not at first, but he grabbed Daddy and his eyes went black."

"You saw all this?"

"Yes, I was playing, but I wanted to ask Papa Alex for another mouse. But then I saw his eyes... Daddy yelled for me to run, but I was scared." Kat trembled.

Scully put her arm around her. "What happened then?"

"Daddy Fox got mad when...when the oil man looked at me and he SHOVED him down and grabbed me an' ran all the way to the Jaco'son's." Kat was crying again.

Scully turned to the fat cop with her hand on her hip. "Did anyone ask Kat what happened?" The cop glared back at her. "Lady the kid's too young. She's describing the Tin Man. Oil man." he sneered. Scully decided to ignore him and looked over his shoulder and waved to get Skinner's attention. He glanced up and nodding, he strode into the office.

"What's going on?" he rumbled.

"No one bothered to listen to listen to Kat. She saw what happened. She says that Alex went out to chop wood and when he came back his eyes were black and he grabbed Mulder. She called him the Oil man. Sound familiar?"

Skinner glanced down at the little girl, she looked back up frightened, but curious.

"Anything else?"

Scully turned back to the little girl. "It's okay, Kat. You're helping your daddy and papa by talking to us. Can you tell me what happened after Mul- your daddy ran to the Jacobson's with you?"

Kat nodded vigorously, proud to help her fathers. "Yes. He ran all the way. Fast. I was crying but he kept running. Mrs. Jaco'son opened the door, but Mr. Jaco'son wouldn't let us in. He called daddy and papa a BAD word." She glared at the fat cop to show she knew the 'f' word was bad. The cop averted his eyes, but otherwise didn't respond. Scully nodded. "...and then...Daddy begged them to let me in an' Mr. Jaco'son said no and shut the door, but MRS. Jaco'son took me. And she wanted Daddy to come in, but Daddy said no and closed the door." She started crying again. "I want my daddy! Where's daddy? I want Papa..."

Scully picked her up and patted her back; over her shoulder she looked at Skinner. Skinner was seething. "WHERE is this Mr. Jacobson?" The cop looked startled, another cop behind him shook his head regretfully. "Chris Jacobson said he didn't think the situation was that bad. He thought it was just a lovers' squabble and..."

"I asked WHERE is he?"

Scully caught his eye, "Sir, I don't think now is the time to discuss this. We need to find Mulder and Alex as soon as possible. Skinner ground his teeth but agreed. The men left the office to scramble together as large a force possible to go hunting for the men. Their main target would be the house as the policemen disappeared from there.

Scully remained behind for a moment to soothe Kat before leaving. "Aunt Dana?"

"Yes, honey?"

"Daddy doesn't want you and Mr. Skinner to come yet."

Scully frowned and sat down next to her. "What do you mean? When did you talk to him?"

"Just now. He says to tell you I can hear him, but he can't get through to you. He says that the men that came to the house are dead and to stay away. He says he'll tell me when it's safe to come."

XXX

North Carolina woods.
November 20 2004

Mulder lay on the bed, his hands were numb, but that was a blessing since he'd rubbed the skin on his wrists bloody. He stared at the hunter standing before him. He had been in the room for about two days and he'd only been let up for the bathroom so far. The hunter took him there and was also the one who fed him. The oilean seemed content to watch.

He missed his lover dreadfully. Alex still talked to him occasionally, but the effort was exhausting the younger man. Alex's body didn't look good; his skin was pasty and his eyes had dark circles forming. The oilean didn't appear to sleep at all. Mulder wondered how long the oilean could make the body last at this rate. And how long before the ship came?

He sensed Scully and Skinner through his daughter. His link with Kat was fairly strong, but he had avoided contacting her because she was so scared. When he'd sensed that Skinner and Scully would be coming he'd risked it. He had to keep them away. When the two policemen had come to investigate, the aliens had unlocked the door and remained inside. The oilean had killed the men with a flash of radiation. Alex had screamed in his mind. The bloodcurdling mental scream had been brief, but exhausting for Mulder and Alex. The aliens remained unmoved.

If Scully and Skinner or any other humans came they would die horribly. He had to free himself. Alex was trapped and Mulder couldn't think of how to rid his lover of the oil.

Yet.

XXX

The oilean watched the hybrid with interest. The oil was intelligent, but it was a lower form of the colonists. It was only an agent. It had no corporeal body; it was either in its natural liquid state or in a physical host. It currently inhabited a body that had encountered the oil before. The oil enjoyed being in the physical body. It intrigued the oil. The host's mental state was in anguish as its mate was being threatened and its own body was not in its control. The human's emotions made the oil feel emotions...something it couldn't feel in liquid state. The oil had been thrilled by the initial burst of feelings and terror in the host. But as time passed, the host became tired. Drained. It's feelings depressed.

The oil longed to feel the terror again. To feel 'alive' again. So it decided to play. After all, the ship wasn't here, yet.

XXX

Mulder lay back watching the aliens watch him. After days of relative inactivity, the oil being rose from its chair. Alex's voice came out of Alex's mouth, but the voice was dead, no emotion or life in it.

"I wish to experiment."

The bounty hunter looked up, surprised. Their orders were to capture and wait. Not experiment. The alien considered protesting, but the oilean was his superior, he remained silent, unmoving. The oilean ignored the hunter and approached the bed. Mulder stiffened.

Alex's body stalked around the bed to the side that Mulder was tied to. It sat down and leaned forward, wanting to smell the hybrid's scent that so excited the human and morph. It analyzed the smell and noted the unusually strong pheromones, but didn't feel any physiological effects. The host's body did, however. The mental being of the host stirred from its depression.

This excited, but did not satisfy the oilean. Lust was not as interesting as fear. Hate. Terror.

Mulder clenched his numb hands as best he could and steeled himself for whatever the oilean had planned. 'Alex' leaned over and smiled coldly, trailing a hand over Fox's face until it reached his chin. Grabbing it, the oilean raised Mulder's face and kissed him savagely. Biting Fox's lower lip until it bled. Mulder grunted, but said nothing, but his eyes betrayed his fear.

Inside his head Mulder heard his lover shout with renewed strength at the oil. ^God! Stop! Leave him alone! ^

The oilean released Fox's face and smiled again with cold malice. "Your scent is intoxicating to morphs and humans, Hybrid. It grows stronger as your cycle nears. How does it feel to know you are like a bitch in heat?" Mulder paled, but said nothing.

The hunter stirred in his seat at the mention of the hybrid's cycle, but stilled when the oilean turned its head.

Turning back to they hybrid, the oilean reached its fingers up to Fox's T-shirt and slipped a cold clammy hand under it, roughly caressing Mulder abdomen. It watched Mulder's eyes intently, wanting to see the fear reflected in they hybrid's hazel eyes.

Within the corner of his mind, the only space allowed to him, Alex was in a frenzy. The morph continually whispered its plans for his lover. It told him it was interested in 'examining' his hybrid lover. In tasting it's hybrid blood and skin. In stretching out it's legs and rutting between them like a common animal. Alex seethed and screamed, threatening uselessly.

Fox heard it all...the morph's suggestions and his lover's cries. He darted a glance at the bounty hunter sitting in the corner. It stared back at him dispassionately.

After a while, the Oilean's 'voice' ceased as Alex's cries died down. Mulder sagged against the bed frame once more. It was dark outside; the oilean withdrew back to its chair once more.

An hour passed, maybe more. The hunter stood and went downstairs, returning with bread, water, and an apple. Mulder drank gratefully and ate the bread slowly, his eyes focused on the wall ahead of him, avoiding looking at the alien beside him and his lover's possessed body watching him.

As the hunter cut the apple in bite-sized pieces, the oilean stood up, holding his hand out, the hunter promptly handed him the knife. Mulder closed his eyes.

The oilean studied the knife with interest. It leaned down over the hybrid once more and drew the knife's point over Fox's forearm; blood welled and then trailed down his arm in long thin rivulets.

Alex protested weakly, sobbing mentally. Mulder's eyes remained squeezed shut. The oilean continued to make small cuts on his arms, then small nicks in his neck, and finally trailing it to cut into his shirt and digging slightly into his chest.

The oil was disappointed; the host felt fear and anger, but not enough. Not nearly enough. So it decided to return to what HAD elicited the earlier intensity. The oilean grasped one of the jagged tears in the hybrid's shirt and tugged, using the knife, it proceeded to rip the shirt off of Fox's body. The hybrid's eyes flew open and it struggled. The voice within the host's body began to scream in earnest once more. The oil reveled in the violent emotions from its host and even enjoyed the hybrid's fear as well.

The oilean began to cut off the hybrid's jeans and underwear. Not stopping until the hybrid was naked and small cuts over its body were bleeding, staining the white sheets in increasingly larger splotches.

Admiring its handiwork, the oil pressed the knifepoint to the hybrid's thigh and then twisted. The hybrid screamed, thrashing on the bed. The host's mental cry was simultaneous. The oil left the knife embedded in the hybrid's leg and leaned back, enjoying its reward. It wasn't enough, though.

The fear and anger was like a drug, no matter how much it felt...the oil wanted more. It jerked the knife out and tossed it carelessly on the floor. The oilean smeared the blood on the hybrid's leg and with its other hand; it rubbed its host's crotch. The answering swelling horrified the host, but pleased the oil immensely.

The oilean spread the hybrid's legs and knelt between them. The hybrid thrashed and tried to kick it off the bed. It slapped the hybrid in the face with enough force to splatter blood from its torn lip. Returning to its original plans, the oilean reached down to release the host's erection.

So intent was the oilean on its pursuit that it did not notice the bounty hunter's blow. The oilean was flung into the wall beside the bed and slumped to the floor, stunned. The hunter moved quickly, but the oilean recovered with lightning speed and was on its feet before the hunter could attack again.

On the bed, Mulder watched, dazed from the blow to the head and loss of blood. He struggled weakly to close his legs. The hunter fell back at another blow from the oilean. The alien lay stunned and before it could react the oilean leaned forward and the oil seeped out of Alex's face and into the morph's. The hunter tried to morph its features closed, but was too late. Alex's body heaved as it vacated the oil into the prone alien's form. Alex's body then shuddered and collapsed on the floor. The alien remained frozen, the oil still seeping into its orifices.

"Alex! Get up! The hunter! You can kill it!" Mulder shouted hoarsely, frantically trying to free himself once more. Alex twitched and then lurched to its knees, crawling clumsily to Mulder's side. Alex's face was encrusted with oily residue, but he obediently opened the bedside drawer and removed the stiletto. Alex then grasped the bed and pulled himself up weakly. Turning, Alex saw the hunter already rising to its feat.

Alex stumbled, but rushed as quickly as he could. The hunter lashed out, backhanding the human to the floor. Mulder saw the morph's eyes blink and then swirl with oil. Alex lay where he fell, unmoving. The morph turned to look at the hybrid, it reached out a hand, but before it could reach him, Alex surged to his feat once more and plunged the stiletto down with all his might. The hunter froze, the wound bubbling green acid tinged with black oil. Mulder watched in horror as Alex's hands were covered in the vile combination.

Alex jerked back and the body fell to a heap and slowly dissolved into a very dark green puddle on the floor. The room was silent except for their harsh pants. Mulder tore his shocked gaze from the morph to his lover who lay on his side, hands still outstretched before him, covered in the slime.

"Alex?! Are you okay?"

Alex didn't respond. Mulder couldn't tell if his eyes were open or not. He reached out in the link and called to his daughter. ^Kat! Tell Scully and Skinner to come now! It's okay now.^

He heard his daughter relate this to Scully. ^Daddy?^ her 'voice' was scared and soft.

^It's okay, honey. I'm all right and...^ he didn't want to lie. He sent her soothing thoughts as he watched his lover's unmoving form. 'God, Alex. You better not die on me!'

It seemed like days, but less than an hour later Scully and two policemen broke down his bedroom door.

"Jesus, Mulder!" Scully swore at the sight of her partner, naked and bleeding from multiple wounds. She ran over to him, not seeing Alex's form or the green stain on the other side of the bed. "Somebody get a knife and tell the paramedics to come in!" She wadded up the sheet tangled underneath him and pressed it to his thigh wound which continued to seep blood. The immediate danger from the aliens gone, his vision started to gray around the edges. Trying to stay conscious as he felt the ropes being sawed off he croaked, "Alex!"

Scully glanced up and then over at Alex's form, it was being examined by one of the paramedics that had just burst in. The crouching man glanced up, "He's still breathing, but seems to be in shock. Could be serious condition..." a stretcher was brought in and he was gently strapped into it. Another paramedic team came to Mulder's side to help Scully's ministrations. Mulder finally lost his battle as he felt his arms being moved and the flash of pain caused him to lose consciousness.

XXX

Scully sat in the cold hard plastic chair with her paper cup of sludge-like coffee. Sipping at it she wrinkled her nose, but then gulped a large amount down. She desperately needed to sleep, but couldn't until she knew that both men would be okay.

She glanced up at Skinner who was returning with his own cup of sludge and she stood, setting her cup down on the table next to her. "I'm going to go check on their status again." Skinner nodded and sat down.

After consulting with the nurses and the on-call resident, she found that Alex was still unresponsive and his hands, although badly damaged, would most likely heal eventually. She then poked her head in Mulder's room and found him awake. He appeared agitated and trying to rise from his bed despite his I.V.'s, he must have just woken.

"Hey, stop that! Stay still, Mulder." Mulder looked at her frantically.

"Where's Kat? She's sleeping... Where's Alex?"

Scully held her hand out as she walked up to him and then gently pushed him back down. "Lay back and I'll tell you."

"Tell me and I MAY lay back." He countered.

She sighed, "Kat's safe, she's being taken care of. Alex is in the next room." She was evading both questions and Mulder glared at her as he tried to stand once more. He succeeded, but began to sway dangerously. She grabbed his shoulder and forced him to sit on the bed. It hurt his thigh wound and he ground his teeth, wincing.

"Now will you lay down? You shouldn't be up. You lost a lot of blood." He was pale and shaky so he gave in...for now.

"Kat's okay for now. All right? We'll discuss it later. For now. Alex is in a coma-"

Mulder squeezed his eyes shut and turned his head. "I can't hear him..." his voice broke.

Scully pulled the chair up and sat down, grasping his left hand, she ignored the bandage on his forearm. He squeezed her hand hard. "He- he..."

She squeezed him back, "What happened, Mulder? We found evidence of a morph. Was the morph the one that the Jacobson's said was Alex chasing you?"

Mulder shook his head, "No, it was Alex's body, but it was the oil...the morph was with him, though."

Scully frowned, "What happened to the oil?"

"I want to go see Alex." He tried to rise.

"You can't right now, Mulder. He's in the I.C.U. and-"

"I DON'T care!"

"All right. I'll see what I can do. But first, tell me what happened." He dropped his head back on the pillow and forced himself to describe what happened. He left out some of the more horrifying personal images and suggestions made by the oilean, but he let her have the gist of it.

Towards the end she frowned, "But why did the hunter act 'then'? He didn't act when the oilean touched you earlier, and not when he was- when it cut you. Why at that moment?"

Mulder was flushed deep red, he didn't want to discuss it further. He never wanted to talk about it again. He hadn't mentioned his cycle or even his 'smell'. "I don't know. I suppose it figured the oilean went too far. I sensed that this wasn't on their agenda."

Scully didn't buy it completely, but refrained from calling him on it. "All right, why did the oilean jump into the morph, then? Why not kill it with radiation like you said the policemen died of?"

Mulder shook his head, "I don't know...maybe the morphs aren't affected by the radiation? Maybe it didn't want to risk it around me? I don't know...but it was a good thing it did, because Alex- I need to go to him. NOW." Scully jumped to her feet at his tone.

A half hour later, the two men were being kept in the same room. Scully was given a brief visit with Mulder before she had to leave. She crept over to his side and sat down. His eyes were still fixed on Alex's chest that slowly rose and fell. The machines around him beeped and hissed rhythmically. Krycek's face was bloated and puffy with dark purple raccoon eyes. He looked terrible.

Mulder finally broke his gaze and glanced at Scully, "He looked bad before the attack. The oil wouldn't let him sleep..." Scully nodded and kept quiet, letting him talk when he was ready.

"There IS something I need to tell you. But not now. And not here. Later. As far as the oil. Alex was trapped in his own mind again. And the oil...it was hurting me to hurt HIM. He used me to make Alex 'feel' what it wanted him to feel." Mulder's voice was low and hoarse, his eyes filled with tears.

"It isn't your fault, Mulder. What happened after the oil jumped?"

"Alex was down on the ground, and the morph was still being...assimilated, I guess. I yelled for him to get up and kill it." Mulder sobbed, "he did...he was half dead, but he still got up and got the weapon and the morph got up and-and-and HIT Alex hard, knocked him against the wall. And it turned to me and I could SEE the oil in its eyes and it reached for me and Alex killed it." Tears were streaming down Mulder's face; his eyes were focused on Alex once more.

"God...the morph's...blood gushed out at the neck, but more than is usual and it was darker, too. Tinged with black. It was ALL over his hands. His hands... He just fell over and that was it."

Scully squeezed his shoulder. "It'll be okay, Mulder...they say his hands aren't likely to be too badly impaired." He wasn't much comforted by that. 'Once it was an arm. Now it's both hands...'

"But will he wake up?"

Scully looked away. "I don't know, Mulder. No one knows...It's up to him now."

They both watched Alex breathe.

"Scully? Will you check his eyes?"

"Mulder, his eyes have been checked by-"

"Just do it, please?"

She walked over and pried open a puffy eyelid, a dilated eye showed a ring of green around the enlarged pupil. No black oil swirled around it. She glanced over at Mulder and shook his head. He nodded and mouthed 'thank you.' She nodded back and sat down next to him for a moment before she had to leave.

The machines beeped and hissed.

The silence from the man they watched was unbearable.

Chapter Three

**Beep**

**Beep**

-hiss-

**Beep**

**Beep**

-hiss-

Mulder opened his eyes to the harsh white light streaming from the window. He blinked and moved a hand to cover his eyes. He was startled to see a black and blue wrist and padded bandages on his forearm. He glanced at his other arm and saw the same plus an I.V. He glanced further down and saw the cause for the sharp and throbbing pain in his thigh, a large heavily padded bandage making it nearly impossible to sit up. He winced and lay his head back down. Why-?

Memory flooded back in a flash and he glanced over at his lover. Alex's face was still puffy, but looked slightly better than last night. He watched Alex's chest rise and fall a few times before he allowed himself to take another breath. He glanced back up to Alex's face and noted the dark purple bruises underneath long black lashes.

Closing his eyes for a moment, he reached out with his senses...and sensed Scully down the hall walking to their hospital room.

He opened his eyes and looked at his lover once more. Nothing. His mind was silent.

Scully quietly entered the room, a newspaper and coffee in her hand. She looked surprised to see him awake. "Hi." She whispered. 'Why whisper? He can't hear us.' He let it go.

"Hi, is that for me?" equally quiet. She smirked and shook her head.

"Mulder, you know you shouldn't have caffeine after-"

He pouted. She gave in with a sigh. "I don't know why I bother trying. Here. Do you want the paper, too?" She asked, mock exasperated. He shook his head.

"No. I have a headache. But you could read the sports page to me if you want." She smiled crookedly and pointedly turned to the front page.

He looked back at Alex.

**Beep**

**Beep**

"Where's Kat?"

Scully looked up guiltily. "Mulder maybe-"

He glared at her, feeling panicked. "WHERE is my daughter?!" He forgot to whisper.

She slumped slightly. "Skinner is trying to straighten it out, but the locals are being stubborn..."

"Scully..."

"They have taken away your custody- temporarily! Due to the incident and ...well..."

"And what?"

"And the uh, unusual family situation at home."

He tried to sit up, "What?!"

"Mulder, please don't...Skinner is trying to work it out and..."

"Are you telling me that those bastards are trying to take my daughter away?!"

A nurse came rushing in. "Please, Mr. Mulder! Mr. Krycek needs quiet and-" she cut off her spiel at the sight of the blood showing through his thick bandage. She rushed over and pressed down on the wound to try to stop the bleeding.

Scully helped as she and another nurse checked the wound once the bleeding stopped. He had popped some stitches. They sewed him back up and handed him a tranquilizer. Scully stared him down until he finally took it. As he felt its effects, he looked over at Alex. 'God, Alex...they are going to take Kat away...help...'

XXX

Skinner headed over to the hospital around noon to check on the men and make Scully eat lunch. He found her holding Mulder's hand at his bed. Skinner glanced around and seeing no nurses lurking nearby at the moment, he slipped in. She looked up at him, her eyes were slightly red and puffy.

Mulder was out cold. "What's wrong, Agent Scully? Is Mulder-?" She shook her head.

"He's okay. He was agitated over Katerina and popped some stitches. We stopped the bleeding and sewed him back up. He's sleeping off a tranquilizer right now."

Scully looked up hopefully at him and he shook his head.

He felt terrible. He had made little progress so far in getting the locals to cooperate with him. They were upset at losing two good deputies and the incident had stirred up the town. Mr. Jacobson was helping to make the situation worse by making wild accusations about Krycek and Mulder.

Mulder stirred slightly, moaning. Scully patted the hand she held, but he wasn't soothed. He didn't wake, but his breathing was irregular and he made distressed sounds. 'Nightmare.' Scully mouthed.

Eventually he quieted, but his forehead remained wrinkled and worried. They watched him sadly. Alex's monitors continued to beep and hiss.

XXX

November 25 2004
St. John's Hospital
3:13 a.m.

Alex moaned softly, his right hand twitching. Mulder was out of his bed in an instant. He was at his lover's side as fast as he could hobble. His wound was still tender and easily torn open so he was careful.

Alex twitched again and his eyelids fluttered. Fox thought of calling for a nurse, but was interrupted when Alex's eyes opened. "Wh-"

"Shh...It's okay, Alex. I'm here. We're okay."

Alex focused his eyes on Mulder's face with difficulty. "Fox?"

"It's me, baby. You're in the hospital. You'll be fine, though." He hoped Alex wouldn't notice-

"What happened to my hands?" he had lifted them up and was staring at the mummified forms.

'Too late.' "You killed the morph infected by the oil, remember? The morph's blood and the oil spilled on your hands..."

Alex tore his gaze off his hands to search Mulder's face. "Are you okay?! It cut you! I cut you-"

Mulder held a hand up to the younger man's lips. "YOU didn't do it and you know it. And don't start talking like that...the last thing we need is you confessing to crimes you didn't commit. I'm having a hard enough time as it is trying to convince them it was a man that looked like you...not you. I told them that he held us hostage in our house and we were injured by him. He killed the two policemen and fled when he heard Skinner and his team coming. Okay?" Alex nodded numbly.

"Where's Kat? Is she okay?" his voice was hoarse and broken, eyes glistening. Alex wanted desperately to touch Fox's face, but his hands...and Fox might not want him to...

^I do want you to. When you're better. I love you, you idiot. You didn't do anything to me...the oil did. You saved us, don't you remember?^

Alex shook his head and avoided his eyes, denying his innocence. Mulder sighed and checked the door. He then lowered the rail of Alex's bed and climbed in as best he could. He grunted in pain as his injured thigh bumped Alex's hip, but he ignored it and nudged Alex to sit up a little so he could cradle him in his arms.

His thigh throbbed, his arms hurt and he was as happy as he'd been in days. He dropped his cheek to his lover's head and wrapped his arms gingerly around the other man.

Alex was frustrated that he couldn't grip Mulder's arms with his hands. He settled for resting his forearms against Mulder's. His eyes were directly above Mulder's arm bandages. 'How can he stand to be near me?'

^Stop it. I love you, Alexei Krycek, but you need to cut this out before I bop you in the head. And that would hurt both of us, so just shut up and close your eyes. I'm tired; I haven't been in a coma the last three days...^

Alex was startled at that, but remained quiet, listening to Fox's breathing slow down until he was fast asleep, his arms relaxing around Alex's. He looked at Mulder's arms and his own hands.

Mulder never had answered about Kat...

XXX

November 25 2004
St. John's Hospital
6:15 a.m.

Nurse Chattenay entered Rm 313 as she glanced over the clipboard in her hands. Looking up she saw both patients in the Mr. Krycek's bed. Mr. Krycek was in the other patient, Mr. Mulder's lap and they lay lightly snoring, their arms entwined. She shook her head disapprovingly and poked her head out the door, motioning for Nurse Jones to come and help her.

They came on either side of the bed and Nurse Chattenay tapped the intruding patient on the arm. "Mr. Mulder...Mr. Mulder! You can't be in this bed. You have to get back in your own-" She stopped at the sight of the comatose patient moving his head and then opening his green eyes at her. She stepped back, "Oh! Mr. Krycek..., Nurse Jones, please notify Dr. Branson that Mr. Krycek is conscious. Mr. Mulder, you need to go back to your bed!."

Mulder opened his eyes to the vision of an old gray haired nurse shaking her finger at him. He flinched. He felt Alex shift in his arms and smiled, remembering that his lover had finally woken up from his coma. He had meant to call the nurses, but he'd fallen asleep with Alex in his bed. 'Shit, I'm going to pay for that now...'

^Yep, you're in deep shit, Fox. What are you doing disturbing my rest in my bed? For shame!^ Mulder couldn't help grinning at that, Alex had been so depressed last night, it was good to hear him tease. He stretched as much as he could with his lover on top of him and then grunted in pain. His thigh hurt. And his arms. And his right leg had fallen asleep, pins and needles jabbing at him.

The nurse scolding him got an evil satisfied look on her face at his grunt of pain. "You see? You need to be in your OWN bed, Mr. Mulder." She gripped his arm and helped him shift Alex off of him. He stood none to steady on his own feet as she guided (almost pushing) him to his bed.

Alex watched with a tired half grin on his face. The gray haired harpy was still scolding his lover as she adjusted Fox's leg on a pillow. He quickly lost his smile as he realized Mulder had been injured enough to be in the hospital for a couple of days. And where was Kat? His thoughts were interrupted by the other nurse returning with a gray haired doctor.

After checking his pupils, reflexes and asking him routine questions, they were satisfied that he wasn't suffering permanent brain damage as far as they could tell. They admonished him to rest, ignoring his questions about Kat. As they left, Alex turned to glare at his lover, "Fox, WHERE is Kat?! Why won't anyone answer me?"

Mulder had been quiet throughout the exam, he was watching Alex through half lidded eyes, they had given him another dose of painkiller. He sighed, shifting slightly in his bed to ease the throbbing in his leg, "She's in a foster home." He stated flatly, closing his eyes.

Alex fought his own medication, "What do you mean?! Shouldn't Scully be...?"

Mulder didn't open his eyes, but Alex could see wrinkles of pain around his eyes, he could tell it was emotional rather than physical, though. Mulder's voice was broken, confirming this, "They- They won't give her to Scully...they think she's better off in a neutral foster home until they finish investigating us..."

Alex was shoving blankets off of him, Mulder's eyes snapped open at the sound. "Alex, don't...You've been hurt...I've been trying since I woke up. They won't let you see her. And- and I think the hospital is in on it..." these last words were slurred. Alex stopped his actions and glanced at his lover, 'why do my eyes feel like lead weights on my lids...' he saw that Mulder suffered the same affliction.

"What- What do you mean?"

"I don't think...I don't think my injuries are bad enough to stay in the hospital this long...but they keep druuggin' me..." he trailed off, his head dropping on his pillow. Alex felt a strange kind of numbed horror. 'Where IS Scully anyway...?' He fell asleep, the sheets twisted around his legs.

XXX

It had been 24 hours since she last saw her former partner and Scully was PISSED. The hospital, so friendly and cooperative the first day or so, had turned into an uncooperative bureaucratic wall. Every time she tried to see Mulder she was informed it wasn't visiting hours, or that he was resting and not to be disturbed. She'd flashed her badge, no luck. They had actually turned hospital security on her for attempting to barge past the nurses last time.

Skinner was too busy trying to straighten out Kat's custody to know the trouble she was having at the hospital. She sat in a waiting room on another floor than Mulder, stewing at her troubles. The whole town seemed determined to keep them from Mulder, Krycek, and their daughter. Skinner had called her the night before to tell her that he was having trouble since there were no official birth certificate or adoption papers. Scully remembered Mulder saying that Krycek had taken care of making 'official' papers, but those papers had now disappeared. Without them, Scully and Skinner's hands were tied.

Nurse Jones walked past her, her eyes on her clipboard, Scully sprang to her feet. "Excuse me, Ms. Jones!" Nurse Jones kept walking as if she hadn't heard her.

Scully caught up and grabbed her arm, "Ms. Jones! I need to speak with you. I want to know Mulder's and Krycek's conditions."

Nurse Jones pursed her lips and glanced around, looking for a distraction or an excuse, not finding one she glared at Scully. "Patient confidentiality is-"

"Cut the bullshit. I'm a federal agent; if you keep giving me the run around I'll have you and this entire place under investigation so fast your head will spin. Tell me how they are doing NOW."

The woman shook her head, but gave in slightly, "Mr. Mulder was agitated again, this morning. We gave him a mild sedative to calm him. Mr. Krycek has awoken from his coma, but is currently resting. They are not available for visitors." With that she spun on her heel and stalked away, clipboard firmly in hand.

Scully fumed, Mulder was being sedated far too much, and he should have been released yesterday at the latest. His wounds were still needed antibiotics, but were healing fine and could be cared for at home. And now Alex was awake.

Scully pulled out her cell phone as she left the hospital.

XXX

November 25 2004
St. John's Hospital
5:35 p.m.

Alex and Fox sat in their respective beds propped up on pillows. Their faces turned slightly towards the other, but their eyes were both glazed and they had tired smiles on their faces. They were quiet, their link silent as well.

Their dinners arrived; an orderly plunked a tray of processed turkey loaf and a pale slimy slice of pumpkin pie. The door shut behind the harried man and the two patients looked at their dinners numbly.

XXX

10:06 p.m.

The room was dark except for the street light outside which couldn't be completely shut out by the blinds. The thin stripes of light decorated the floor and beds. Mulder and Alex lay awake, their latest pills hidden under their mattresses.

^Lisa? ^

^I'm awake. Did you palm them? ^

^Of course, are you ready? ^

^I don't know how far you think we'll get without any clothes and with me tottering over. ^

^Do you really want to stay? ^

^Fuck, no! Just wondering...^ Mulder slid his legs over the side of the bed and stood as best he could without bending his leg. He stood and swayed for a moment, clutching the bed frame.

Alex climbed out and was a little shaky and off balance for a moment, but quickly recovered. He met Mulder in between their beds and hugged his lover quickly, but gently, his hands were throbbing dreadfully.

They were just about to make a run for it when they heard the door snick open. Caught, they froze, unable to dive into their beds quick enough. Their hearts pounded at the shadowy sight of a woman.

"Mulder? Alex?" They sighed as one, Scully.

She walked over and hugged them both then let go and held up her bag, pulling out sweats. "Let's get these on you..."

First she helped Mulder step into his pants, then, much to Krycek's extreme embarrassment, she helped him with his. Mulder shrugged into his top and sweatshirt as she helped Alex, careful of his bandaged hands.

Once she finished tying their shoelaces she straightened up with a satisfied smile. Both men blinked back at her meekly, the act of dressing had worn them out. 'I could get used to this...'

^Scully... ^

'Whoops!' she thought back to Mulder looking anything, but sorry.

She checked the hall and then herded them out of the room. They passed a few people on the ground floor, but no one that they recognized. Leaving the ER, Scully opened the back door and they scrambled inside. She jumped into the passenger seat and they drove off quickly, but not so much as to draw attention.

Mulder was directly behind Skinner's baldhead. He leaned in between the two front seats, "Where's Kat?" he demanded, unable to be too polite after worrying for so long.

"We're going to get her now." Skinner was terse, attention focused on maneuvering through the dark bumpy streets.

Mulder and Alex sat back in their seats, they heard a small 'mewl' and glanced down, in between them was a small cloth pet carrier and Kisa peered up at them, scared. Mulder smiled sadly, Kat would be glad not to miss her kitten. Scully glanced back, "We packed some clothes, your photo albums and the cat. We'll have to send a packing company later... Mulder was too focused on his daughter to pay attention. He nodded tiredly, one hand on Alex's arm and the other dug into the carrier to pet the distressed feline.

They pulled up to a house, there were lights in the front two windows and they could see the flashing screen of a TV. Scully got out; Mulder opened his door. "No, Mulder, you need to stay-"

^Shh, think to me, Scully...don't talk. And I AM coming with you. I can communicate with Kat and get her out without anyone knowing. ^ She shut her mouth and nodded. Alex cursed his hands, he wanted to help, but knew he'd be a liability. He leaned over and kissed Fox hard and urged him, ^Go on, go get her. ^

Skinner was going to come, but stayed behind when Mulder got out. Alex and Skinner sat in the car in tense silence, watching the dark figures of the two former partners creep around the side of the house.

^Kat, it's daddy. You need to stay quiet, but 'think' to me to answer me, okay? ^ He was as quiet and reassuring as possible, hoping she would remain calm and not tip the foster parents off.

^Daddy! Where are you?! ^

^I'm here, baby, but I need you to be quiet about that, we're going to sneak you out, okay? Where are the people you are staying with? And how many are there? ^

^Just Mr. Johnson and Mrs. Johnson, they're in the living room watching TV. ^

^Where are you? ^

^In the bedroom...the children's room. I'm the only one here, though. ^ Mulder saw the room she was in and could 'hear' the TV and 'see' the light from the living room through her. He motioned for Scully to go to the back window. Kat's face appeared as they reached it.

A few moments later she was in his arms and they were walking quickly back to the car. Kat's warm face was pressed against his neck, she was crying, her tears tickled as they trailed down his neck and shirt. He was trying not to cry as they got in the car. Once in, he sat her down on the seat in between him and Alex. She saw her papa and cried harder, "Papa!" She dove for his middle, clutching him tightly. He put his arms around her and squeezed as best he could, not caring about his hands.

Mulder leaned over and joined the hug, all three sobbing quietly. Skinner and Scully glanced at one another and then focused their gaze on the road ahead, letting the family have a moment together.

They raced down the highway, towards Virginia.

They drove all night, Skinner and Scully switching off. As Scully traded places, she glanced in the back and saw the two men slouched, sleeping with their heads propped up against one another. Both had their arms wrapped around Kat, who slept soundly, a hand on each of her fathers.

XXX

Mulder woke to the murmur of voices in the front seat. He raised his head and looked at his daughter and Alex, she was in his lap, her head on his chest and his head lay on a wadded up jacket pressed against the window. Mulder had had his head on Alex's shoulder. Alex was going to be pretty sore when he woke up. He glanced at Alex's bandaged hands sadly; he wished he had the healing power still.

Kisa was sleeping soundly and he knew they'd need to let her out soon.

Fox stretched his neck and yawned, scooting forward to lean in between the front seats.

"Where are we heading?" he asked softly. Scully glanced at him and then back at the road.

"We were just discussing that. We need a place to crash and regroup. My father owned a small fishing cabin by a lake in Virginia. My brothers still use it occasionally. It's big enough for the five of us, it has three bedrooms, but it IS a bit rustic..."

Mulder nodded sleepily. "Sounds good. No one will be there now, will they?"

"No, Bill's at sea and Charlie is on a business trip. It's too cold for them to want to go fishing, anyway. It's mostly a summer place, but it is heated."

Alex woke and shifted on the car seat. Mulder sat back and gently lifted Kat off his lap so he could stretch. Katerina snuggled into his arms sleepily. He cradled his daughter, he loved her so much...and to think that he might have lost her...

Alex straightened with a grimace and rubbed his neck. He smiled at his lover and daughter as he stretched as best he could in the small car. "We're on the run now...what's the plan?" Skinner frowned and shifted in his seat to face the back. "We aren't really on the run. Once you are settled in the cabin I'm going to D.C. to straighten this out. We decided to get you two out of the hospital and Kat out of the foster home because it would have taken longer to get you out than we wanted. I have already set an investigation in motion for the county police department as well as the hospital. For now, you three can recuperate and rest while we take care of it. I'm also having new paperwork done for Kat. The originals vanished, by whom I'm not sure. I believe Chris Jacobson had quite a few friends in the sheriff's office."

Alex's eyes glittered with malice, Fox was glad Kat was still sleeping; he actually was a little intimidated by the look. No one messed with Alex Krycek's family and lived.

Chapter Three Cont.

They stopped at a small roadside diner for breakfast. Kat woke sleepily, but with a big grin on her face when she saw her two daddies in the car with her. At finding Kisa she squealed happily, Fox was relieved she seemed completely healthy and unharmed by the whole incident. The five of them went inside the restaurant. Mulder limped slightly and Alex tucked his hands in the pockets of his hooded sweatshirt. They weren't exactly inconspicuous.

They sat at a large booth, Katerina in between her two fathers, Scully and Skinner on the other side. Mulder helped his daughter order pancakes and sausage. She thought it was hilarious that they were called pigs in a blanket. He then ordered a large bacon, eggs and pancake breakfast for him and Alex to share. Alex had given him a look, but Mulder ordered anyway. Scully wondered how Alex was going to like being fed. She smothered a grin. She ordered a bagel and coffee, Skinner ordered steak and eggs.

Once the waitress left they fussed with their ice waters and juice. Kat was bored so Scully handed her a pen from her purse for her to doodle on the placemat with. None of the adults wanted to talk seriously in front of the little girl so they made awkward chitchat.

Breakfast arrived and they dug in hungrily. Mulder fed Alex forkfuls in between his own after he cut up Kat's pancakes for her so she wouldn't make a mess of it. Scully watched wistfully. She wanted to be doing that with her own family. She was embarrassed to feel her eyes tear up and quickly excused herself to the restroom.

Mulder watched her leave and realized guiltily that he had everything she wanted, but might not be able to have. He made a note to talk to her later, not that he could think of anything that would make it better.

Alex had eaten his breakfast tensely. He hated being fed like an invalid; he hated it even MORE that Skinner was right across from him witnessing it. He cradled his coffee cup in his two bandaged hands, but it was a little slippery and Fox quickly reached over and steadied it as he sipped, Alex glanced over the cup at Skinner. Suddenly he didn't feel humiliated so much as smug. The bastard was watching them jealously. Alex ate the rest of his meal with more enthusiasm. He kissed Fox's hand as he withdrew the fork and saw his lover grin slightly in surprise, clueless that it was partly for Skinner's benefit.

Scully returned, a slight color in her cheeks, but otherwise fine. She asked Kat if she needed to use the restroom. Kat nodded, her sticky hands were covered in syrup and Fox was grateful he didn't have to figure out which restroom he would have to take her to.

"Alex? Shall we use the restroom before we go?" Fox stood up, dropping his napkin on the table. Alex smiled and scooted out eagerly. Mulder wrinkled his forehead slightly at such enthusiasm, but followed him to the back of the restaurant. Skinner glared after them.

Once alone in the bathroom, Fox helped his lover use the urinal, it was obvious that this injury was going to be increasing the usual intimacy between them. Mulder felt nervous, he wasn't really sure why until he glanced into his lover's eyes. He found himself imagining black swirls, he jerked slightly at the image, causing their aim to be a little off.

"Fox? You okay?" Alex asked worriedly.

"Yeah. Sorry." He shook him off and then turned to use the urinal himself. Afterwards, they climbed into the car; Kat bounced around on the seat, eager for the trip.

XXX

They finally reached the cabin a little after noon. Scully opened the door while Skinner hauled out the luggage from the back. They each had a bag, Mulder tried to help, but Skinner just growled at him to go inside and lay down.

Scully showed them to the main bedroom, it had a queen-sized bed. The other two rooms were double beds and there was a foldout bed in the living room sofa. Mulder opened their bags and put the clothes and things that Scully and Skinner had packed for them into drawers. As he opened Kat's bag a small dark animal skittered out and ran across his hand. He jerked in surprise and then picked it up from the bed. The little mouse blinked up at him, sitting on its hind legs.

"Kat! Come here!"

Kat ran in and looked into her father's hand. "Sasha!"

Alex, Scully and finally Skinner came to see what the commotion was about. Scully raised an eyebrow; she was used to mice in the lab, but found them ill suited as pets.

Alex smiled gently, putting his hand on Kat's head as she held her mouse; he'd missed his namesake. "How on earth did he get here?"

"I guess he hitched a ride in Kat's clothes. Maybe he made a nest in one of her drawers or something." Kat was glowing in delight. She had missed him. They made another makeshift cage out of a small box with lots of air holes and set it on the dresser.

Scully told the two men to lie down and rest while she cleaned up and Skinner went to town for supplies and food. Kat insisted on lying down with them, so the three snuggled up in bed. Alex had protested the idea that he needed to take a nap like a child, but was fast asleep as soon as his head hit the pillow. Fox lay wide- awake, stroking Kat's hair as she slept between them.

'What the hell do we do now? We can't go back home...not right away. Skinner has to straighten things out there. And then there would be gossiping and rumors. I don't care, but Kat will be going to school soon... And how could I ever trust the police or the hospital again? It's not safe. Not to mention the aliens. But where will we go? We can't stay here forever, certainly not if Bill Scully is going to want to come here for trout fishing.'

Mulder focused on these thoughts in order to avoid an even scarier thought. He was scared to be alone with his lover. In the hospital it had been okay, they'd been drugged to the gills and worried about their child. Now...Mulder was actually a little grateful that Kat was there so he wasn't alone with Alex. 'How pathetic...using your daughter as a security blanket. What happens when you ARE alone with him? And it isn't fair to be afraid of him, it wasn't Alex, it was the oil. It's bad enough 'Alex' feels responsible when he isn't. What happens if he finds out I 'am' afraid of him?'

He rolled over on his back and faced the ceiling when an even worse thought occurred to him...his cycle was just a week or so away. What happened then?

XXX

Scully Cabin
November 26 2004
1:25 p.m.

Skinner had returned with groceries, medical supplies and lunch and they had eaten the fast-food hungrily.

Finishing, Scully gathered the bag of supplies from the drug store and crooked a brow at the two men trying to avoid her gaze. She smirked and turned to their daughter, "Kat? How about you show Uncle Walter your kitten? Daddy Fox and Papa Alex and I need to talk alone for a few minutes."

Kat looked a little suspicious at this, but then nodded happily at the thought of playing with Kisa. "Okay, come on, Uncle Walter..." Skinner looked pleadingly at Scully, but she just smiled innocently back. He then glared and let himself be dragged by the arm into the living room.

Scully then turned back to her patients, "All right, boys, time to check and re-bandage your wounds. March!" They grumbled and stood, trudging to the bedroom with their heads down.

Scully closed the door behind them and pulled a chair up to the edge of the bed. "Okay, Mulder, let's examine that leg first." Mulder grimaced and tugged his sweatpants down, revealing his boxer shorts and his heavily bandaged thigh. Scully removed the padded gauze; the wound looked nasty, but was healing well. She cleaned it and smeared antibiotics on it with deft fingers.

Mulder was watching the treatment with morbid interest, he didn't notice Alex's blanch at seeing the deep cut he had inflicted while possessed by the oil.

Once finished, Scully then checked and cleaned his other smaller cuts. Mulder was healing well, only the thigh was likely to scar. She patted the last bandage closed and then motioned for Alex to trade places with his lover. Mulder stood and pulled his pants back up as Alex brushed past him and sat down. Scully snipped the end and started unraveling the mummified hands.

Mulder found himself holding his breath; he was worried that Alex would have permanent damage in his hands that would cause a disability. He knew that it would hurt Alex deeply to not have the full use of his hands...

Scully finished unwrapping and they were able to see the damage. His hands were an angry mottled red. But, as bad as they looked, the palms were less damaged than the backs of the hands that had been the area most exposed to the alien blood. The palms were more pink than red and were not peeling as badly as the backs. Alex's face was stony as he stared at his hands, his eyes didn't betray their horror. He just sat there staring at them as Scully slowly began examining the tendons for damage, gently flexing his fingers individually.

He flinched once or twice at a particularly damaged finger, but otherwise he was stoic. She finally spread the antibiotic cream thoroughly on his hands and then began the long task of wrapping them back up. Mulder had been frozen at the sight of the damage, but as she wrapped, he slid behind his lover and leaned against his back reassuringly. "It'll be okay, Alex." He whispered, feeling like a horrible liar. Alex was silent.

XXX

Scully cooked a small thanksgiving meal that night. Turkey breast, stuffing, yams and cranberry sauce made the house smell wonderful. They sat around the table, profoundly grateful they were all alive and well...and together. As they dug in, Mulder thanked her for making such a wonderful meal and she blushed slightly saying they had missed it yesterday, but it was better late than never.

Mulder cut and fed Alex his food, but this time Alex didn't seem to enjoy it at all.

That night, Skinner slept on the foldout bed in the living room so as to keep an eye on the cabin and its inhabitants. Scully and Kat took the other two rooms and Kisa inspected all of the beds until she settled with her mistress.

Fox and Alex lay in their bed together, close, but not touching. In the same bed, but worlds apart as they lay staring at the ceiling, each intent on their own thoughts.

Mulder worried about their living situation, his fears and his upcoming cycle.

Alex's emotions were raging a battle inside him. On one hand, he was profoundly grateful that his family was safe and he wanted nothing more than to wrap his arms around Fox and hug him to him fiercely. On the other hand, he couldn't touch Fox.

Not just because his hands were damaged...that wasn't what bothered him. On the contrary, he 'deserved' the damage. He had let the aliens harm Mulder again. And they had used his own body to do it. He remembered the cuts on Mulder's body and felt a wave of anger and despair rise up once more. The thigh wound could have been life threatening, Fox had lost a lot of blood and the nerve or muscle could have been permanently damaged.

No, he couldn't touch Fox because he didn't deserve it and because he couldn't trust himself not to hurt his lover. He had a feeling that as much as Fox loved him, he may not be able to trust him again. He had seen the flash of fear in his lover's eyes in that restroom. He could feel Mulder's fear through the link that very moment. Mulder was churning with feelings of worry, dread and fear. Fox's feelings bled through the link, but his lover's thoughts were still shielded. Was Mulder afraid of him? Dreading his touch?

Alex turned on his side, away from Fox and curled into a fetal position, the horrible pain in his chest burned, just as his eyes burned, but he refused the release of his emotions, fearing he would not be able to stop.

Fox turned his head at Alex's change in position; he saw the hunched shoulders and reached out in the link timidly to see if his lover was all right. ^Alex? Are you okay? ^

There was no answer, but the resulting wave of anguish and despair from his lover made Mulder flinch. ^What's wrong? Alexei, tell me...^

Silence, but the emotions still raged. ^Alex, tell me what's wrong! ^ Mulder put a hand on his shoulder and Alex jerked out of his grasp. "Don't-!" he gasped, then remembered the other occupants of the cabin. ^Don't touch me. ^

Mulder frowned, ^Why? What did I do? ^ Alex shook his head, still not facing Mulder. ^Alex. Tell me. What did I do? Are you okay? ^

Alex flopped back onto his back, his eyes finally meeting Fox's imploringly. ^Not you. How can you stand to touch me? After what I did? ^

Mulder sighed, his shoulders slumped as he shook his head. ^Not that again. YOU didn't hurt me. The oilean did, and besides, I'm fine. You were the one that was really hurt. ^ Mulder reached and brushed a lock of hair from Alex's face. ^You were in a coma, 'lex. I was so scared. And your hands...^ he felt a wave of sorrow and guilt, ^God, your hands! I'm so sorry...^

Alex sat up, difficult to do without using his hands. ^I don't care about my hands. I hurt you and...now you're afraid of me. ^ Mulder had sat up with him, he blanched at the knowledge that Alex knew he was scared to be alone with him. He glanced down at his hands, twisting them in the sheets.

Krycek squeezed his eyes shut at the silent testimony to his worst nightmare. Mulder didn't trust him. Was afraid of him...

^No. Look, we've been through so much. We're tired...we just need a little time to get over what happened...^ Fox couldn't look into his eyes.

Alex stood, "Maybe I should go sleep somewhere else. I'll go sleep with Kat, or have her sleep in here with you..." Mulder looked up surprised and reached out his hand to stop him, "No!" he then snapped his mouth shut; they were going to wake up the house at this rate...

^NO. I won't give in to this. I love you. This is an irrational fear. I have no reason to be afraid. You've never hurt me and you never would. I'm just reacting to the situation and I'm always jittery before my cycle, you know that...^

Alex had stopped when Fox touched him; he completely froze at the mentioning of his lover's cycle. In all the excitement he had forgotten... He felt the usual thrill at the upcoming event, as well as worry for his lover and how they would handle this in a crowded cabin. He then focused his attention on Mulder, who was watching him nervously.

^You know I wouldn't hurt you. And you don't need to worry about your cycle. If you don't want me to touch you, I won't. I promise. I hate to see you nervous or scared, Mulder...^

Fox ducked his head, hiding a creeping blush; he never failed to be embarrassed of his mutation. Alex had meant his promise, but he worried about keeping it. Something he hadn't mentioned to Mulder worried him. With each cycle, Fox's smell seemed to grow stronger and last longer. He could smell the musky intoxicating smell that very moment. Until now he had been distracted and not consciously noticing it. Now, he was growing harder by the second, he resisted the strong urge to draw close and sniff his lover's neck. To lick and bite his skin and... He shook himself and focused on their conversation.

Mulder felt relieved that Alex promised not to touch him...not that he 'really' wanted his lover to keep the vow. But having it, it made him feel a little more secure. A little more in control of the situation. He lifted his head, knowing he was probably still a little pink in the cheeks, but smiling at Alex to let him know it was okay. ^Let's see what happens, all right? Now will you lay back down with me? We should be getting some rest...^

Alex nodded and climbed back into the bed, it was delicious torture to be so close to his lover, but unable to truly touch him. Mulder snuggled closer and lay his head on Alex's shoulder, closing his eyes. Alex squeezed his eyes shut and tried not to breathe in his lover's scent too deeply. He hoped Mulder hadn't noticed his raging hard on. Though how he could have, he didn't know. He lay for another two hours before he finally drifted off. His dreams full of maddening images of a naked, lustful Fox urging him to fuck him through his slit...

XXX

In the living room, Skinner stared out one of the windows, lost in the dark shadowy trees outside. He had just started to fall asleep when he had heard the muffled sounds of Mulder and Krycek arguing in the bedroom. It had ceased now, but for a moment he had been certain one of them would burst out of the room angrily. Now it was quiet and the light snapped back off. Apparently they had resolved the issue or decided to sleep on it.

He wondered what the argument was about. He also wondered why he had a raging hard on now. He had been aroused all day, half hard most of the time around Mulder. 'What the fuck is wrong with me? I should have more self-control than this. I've been hiding my attraction for the last couple of years. He's married and in love with that son of a bitch...I should be over this by now.' But he wasn't. He still wanted Mulder, sexually and emotionally. He wondered if he would ever really stop.

He left the window and lay back down on the sofa bed. The cabin was silent except for the humming of the generator. He debated, but finally gave in to a little self-release in the hopes of being able to better control himself in the morning. Sneaking a hand underneath the blanket, he hoped no one decided to get up for a midnight kitchen raid...

XXX

November 29 2004
7:30 a.m.

Skinner was leaving soon for the airport; The adults were up sitting around the dining room table discussing last minute details while Kat watched cartoons in the living room.

"I've done all I can on the phone, I need to head back to D.C. and clear things up there. Agent Scully, your leave ends on Wednesday. If you need it extended, I will, but..."

Mulder interrupted. "There's no need, Scully. Alex and I will be fine. We're going to visit family in St. Louis and make arrangements there. Kat's starting school next year and I want to find a good school for her. As for Alex's hands, well, we'll find a good doctor."

Scully looked like she wanted to argue, but reluctantly nodded. Skinner finalized the matter with a brisk nod as stood to leave, Scully stood as well, since she was driving him to the airport.

"Alex, let me check your hands again and put some more antibiotics on it." Alex followed her into the bedroom. Skinner picked up his bag and headed outside to put them in the trunk. Mulder finished filling a travel mug with coffee and followed him outside.

"Here, sir, you look like you could use some more caffeine." Skinner shut the trunk and turned to face him, his eyes were slightly reddened and puffy. Mulder wondered if he had had trouble sleeping.

"Thank you, Mulder..." he looked like he was going to say something else, but instead he shook his head and walked over quickly to where Mulder stood and grabbing his arm, he pulled him into a passionate kiss.

Mulder's eyes bugged in surprise, his mouth opening in protest, only to find Skinner's tongue invading his mouth. Mulder nearly dropped the coffee, a small amount leaked from the lid of the mug as it tipped dangerously. Mulder's other arm was braced against Skinner's shoulder pushing weakly, but he was too surprised to be effective.

Skinner finally ended it and they stepped back from one another and gasped and heaved as if they had run a marathon. Mulder gulped and tried to catch his breath.

"Wha- What are you-"

"I had to. I've wanted to for so long. And then I lost you in that forest..." Skinner's voice broke; his red-rimmed eyes shone with unshed tears. "...and then you were back...but with HIM and... I'm sorry. But I had to...just this once." Skinner then turned on his heel and stalked to the passenger door, yanking it open viciously. Mulder started for the car when he heard the door of the house open and Alex and Scully talking as they stepped through it.

Mulder walked up to the passenger window, it was rolled down so he handed Skinner the coffee mug.

"Thank you for all you've done for us, sir. Have a good flight." Mulder said in a normal voice. ^I won't say anything to Alex, but I suggest you not try that again. He would kill you. But I do thank you for helping us... And, Walter? It 'wasn't' your fault I disappeared that day. Anymore than it was my fault that Samantha was taken. Don't blame yourself. ^ Mulder dropped his gaze from Skinner's and turned to his lover, wrapping an arm around Alex's waist.

Skinner nodded sadly and faced forward. Scully waved at Kat who was watching from the window and climbed into the driver's seat. She scooted the seat up all the way and put the key in the ignition. Skinner didn't look up until they had left the driveway...he was quiet the entire drive to the airport.

XXX

Alex watched the car drive off and turned to his lover, giving him a tentative kiss. He was relieved when Fox didn't flinch and kissed him again, a little harder. His lover seemed dazed. ^Are you okay? ^

Fox snapped out of it and smiled at him. "Yeah, I just realized that it's just you, me and Kat. Kind of nice to have just the three of us. How about we do something together?" Fox tugged him to go inside, "It's cold out here...how about a fire?"

Alex frowned, but followed him in. Fox was still chattering as they went inside. Looking down at his freshly bandaged hands his relief turned into fear. With Scully and Skinner gone Fox and Kat were vulnerable. How could he defend them without his hands?

XXX

Scully returned that afternoon with groceries. Mulder helped her bring them in and Kat 'helped' put them away. Alex watched from the doorway. As she brought the first bag in she noticed a relieved look on his face before he turned away. She wondered why he would be so happy to see her?

They made a quick dinner and Kat dragged her into the living room to play Candy Land with her. A game Scully remembered playing with her sister, Melissa. In the kitchen, Fox washed dishes while Alex read an article from the newspaper to him. Scully had bought it along with a couple of magazines and paperbacks.

The article was about the latest findings in car accidents and supporting statistics. Mulder had a faint smile on his face as he listened to Alex emphasize the statistics about tired drivers. He turned and swished some dishwater bubbles at his lover who ducked, grinning at him.

XXX

"...Mari, I'm 'telling' you 'now.' I'm sorry, but we couldn't call you before bec-" Alex halted as he tore the phone away from his ear. Fox could hear the scolding from across the bed. He hid his grin in his book and stifled a chuckle. Mari Krycek was furious that her brother-in-law hadn't called the 'second' they had been hurt. Not that she knew the full story, though.

Alex told her that they had been in a car accident. Alex had been driving with Mulder in the passenger seat. Mulder had been cut by the glass and metal, while Alex's hands were burned as he dragged his lover out of the car as it caught fire. It was a horrifying story, but it explained the injuries and they didn't want to admit to another intruder in their home again. Kat had been at her friend's house and never in any danger.

Mulder had told Kat that they weren't going to talk about what had happened in North Carolina. Mulder refused to lie to her or tell her to lie, but he just said that it would upset the Kryceks to hear about it. Kat had nodded solemnly and promised not to tell. Alex reinforced this by telling Mari and his sisters that Kat had been a little traumatized by them being in the hospital and it was best not to talk about it and upset her.

So, secrets and lies firmly in place, Mulder and Krycek made plans to go to St. Louis once more. Alex had tried, but failed, in getting them a hotel room, his sisters had insisted he stay with family, so they were staying with Anya and her husband since her children were away at college and she had two rooms free.

Alex finally hung up the phone an hour later, exhausted from talking to his family. Nikolai hadn't come to the phone, but Alex knew that he cared; he just wasn't the type to let it show.

He snuggled up to Fox who was reading some paperback that Scully had picked up at the store. Alex laid his head on Fox's chest and rested one of his bandaged hands on his lover's stomach. Mulder turned a page and then threaded the fingers of his left hand in Alex's sable hair.

^Fox? ^

^Hmm? ^

^I was wondering... ^ Alex had second thoughts about what he wanted to say, but he knew that it had to be said.

Mulder set the book down on the bed and took his glasses off, setting them down on the bedside table. ^What? Tell me. ^

^...Your cycle begins soon. And I- I want to fuck you, here. ^ Alex lightly rubbed Fox's belly with his bandaged hand.

Mulder was silent. Alex regretted bringing it up. They had just gotten comfortable together again and he had ruined it.

^...All right. ^

Alex lifted his head, ^Are you sure? ^ He was trying not to sound too eager, but he was suddenly incredibly hard, he looked up into Fox's eyes and saw an answering lust in his darkened hazel eyes.

^Yes. I want you to. ^ They kissed, passionately; Mulder lifted his shirt and then helped Alex with his. Fox leaned down and licked and sucked Alex's nipples, blazing a wet trail down to his navel as he tugged Alex's drawstring pajama bottoms down. Alex moaned, his head turned to muffle it in the pillow next to him. His hands itched to touch his lover. He groaned in frustration, but Mulder gave him a new reason to groan a moment later when his mouth engulfed him.

XXX

December 1 2004
3:45 p.m.

Mulder, Kat and Alex boarded their plane to St. Louis. Kisa was in a cat carrier in cargo area and Fox had Sasha in his coat pocket with a little food and a handkerchief. Scully had left an hour earlier on her own flight to D.C. Mari and Nikolai would be picking them up from the Lambert Airport in St. Louis.

Kat bounced around excitedly as they waited for the plane to take off on the runway. Once it was in the air, she fell asleep, half in Fox's lap, who was also dozing, head tilted back. Alex smiled, 'like father, like daughter.' And turned back to his magazine. He was nervous about staying with his family during Fox's cycle. He figured he would have to make up some excuse to get them a room at a hotel. He'd have to figure out someone to baby-sit Kat while they had a little time to themselves.

He was nervous, but he was also incredibly excited. In a few days, he would make love to his lover through his slit for the first time. He wondered if it would result in a brother or sister for Katerina?

Lambert Airport
5:27 p.m.

Mulder wearily gathered their bags together. Alex had Kat's hand in his own, she gripped it a little too tightly and he gritted his teeth, but said nothing. As they finally exited the plane Mari met them at the gate with outstretched arms.

"Fox! Alex! Katerina, honey! I missed you all so much, mmm! Mmm! Mmm!" She hugged and kissed each one in turn and then grabbed Kat's hand as she stepped back so her husband could great them.

"Alex. Fox. Do you have luggage?" Nikolai nodded at the two men, distant and cold without a trace of a smile. Nikolai's eyes sought out Alex's, and Alex could tell he was going to get a talking to as soon as they were alone.

Mulder intervened, "Uh, yes. Not much, though. Shall we?" Mari left with Kat to get the car, she held the little girl's hand securely as she asked Kat how she had enjoyed the plane ride. Both fathers watched them go before following Nikolai to the luggage carousel.

As their luggage appeared, Mulder reached to grab the bags. Nikolai took the heaviest of them and then led the way to where Mari would be waiting. As the older man strode ahead, Fox and Alex exchanged a look of mild dread. Nikolai was definitely in a mood.

Mari drove them to Anya's house where the rest of the family was waiting with a big welcome dinner. When they pulled up to the house Charles, Anya's husband, greeted them and carried their luggage in. Mari and Kat went inside with him. Fox faltered, but Alex nodded for him to go ahead inside. Nikolai waited, leaning on his car. With one last look, Fox went inside the house to join the rest of the family.

XXX

"Fox! You poor thing, you're limping... Come sit down. Eat! I made tons of food." Anya handed him a loaded plate and guided him to a comfy armchair in the living room. Various family members crowded around him and Kat as they commented on the need to 'fatten them up.'

"Where's Alex?" Anya asked, frowning as she searched for her younger brother.

"Outside, he and Nikolai..." Mulder trailed off frowning, he didn't want to make it sound like they were fighting or hiding something.

"Oh. They'll be in in a minute." Anya glanced out the window and then bustled into the kitchen, seeming to know 'exactly' what was going on.

Fox glanced outside as well, he could see Nikolai leaning in to talk to his lover, the older brother seemed very intent on something he was saying. Alex was standing stiffly, shoulders squared and his chin tilted up defiantly.

Kat ran up and tugged his pantleg; they had brought Kisa in with the luggage and wanted to let her out to show her cousins.

XXX

That night, they climbed into the bed in Anya's guest bedroom. They were utterly exhausted from the trip and family dinner. Kat slept in one of Anya's sons' empty rooms. Alex and Fox lay back on sky blue sheets, tucked in with a blue and white quilt. The windows showed some frost, but the room was warm.

^So? Gonna fill me in? ^ Fox propped himself up on an elbow and looked at Alex. His lover looked a little pale. Before Alex could respond Fox interrupted, ^Wait. Did you take your pain pill? ^

^I don't need it. ^

^Bull. Are you forgetting I can read your mind? Not to mention I can 'feel' your pain unless I'm blocking. Do us both a favor and take the goddamn pill. ^ Mulder felt around in their bags until he found the bag of prescription bottles and creams. Handing a pain pill and antibiotic over to Alex with the glass of water, he waited until the younger man swallowed both before holding out the tube of cream for his hands.

^I need to put some more on. So tell me what Nikolai wanted to say so badly. ^ Fox unwrapped the hands slowly and gently, careful not to jar or bump the skin he revealed.

Alex kept his eyes on his hands as he answered. ^Nothing. The usual. I'm a man. I need to take better care of my family. I'm being irresponsible. He grilled me on the accident.^

Mulder shook his head and squeezed some cream onto Alex's hands and gently rubbed it in to the skin. Alex clenched his jaw.

^Was that it? ^

^Pretty much. He's still pissed about something, though.^ Alex didn't want to talk about it. The pill started kicking in finally as Mulder was wrapping his hands up in fresh bandages. Closing his eyes, he focused on the feel of Mulder's warm finger tips on his wrist as his lover held his hand steady. The brush of Mulder's hair against his forehead as he leaned over his task. Alex breathed in deeply, savoring the musky unique scent that was growing stronger every day. He wondered if anyone else noticed it as much as he did. Mulder finished wrapping both hands and gently held them. Alex opened his eyes and glanced up.

^Are you okay? ^ Mulder's eyes were a warm golden brown. ^Yeah, just tired. And glad to be alone with you...^ Alex leaned in and brushed his lips against the other man's. Fox answered by pressing his lips back harder, their mouths opened and deepened the kiss.

Fox broke it, regretfully. ^We can't. We're in 'their' house. ^

Alex sighed, but nodded, they might not care too much when it was Scully and Skinner, but this was Alex's family, they were pretty conservative and he didn't want to upset them.

^We'll find some privacy. SOON. ^ Alex placed a freshly wrapped hand on Fox's belly and saw his lover smile slightly in answer.

^Soon. ^

XXX

St. Louis
December 2 2004

"Okay, then. We'll be back around dinnertime. There are leftovers in the fridge for your lunches or you can use the car to go out. Keys are on the hall table. Get some rest." Anya closed the door behind her, leading her nieces, sister, and sister-in-law to her minivan.

They were taking Kat to get some much-needed clothes and shoes to replace what she'd left behind at their house. They had wanted Fox and Alex to come along so they could shop for them, too, but the two men begged off saying they needed rest. The women had looked skeptical, but insisted on getting their sizes and preferred colors. (Just in case they happened to find something for them on sale.)

Both men peeked behind a curtain and watched the minivan leave. They turned and smiled excitedly, hopping up the stairs with speed that proved they were recovering nicely. Fox had informed Alex that his cycle was peaking that morning. Alex had been ready to ask Anya to baby-sit Kat while they went 'apartment hunting,' when she told them of her shopping plans.

Alone in the house, they took advantage of the large shower stall in the master bedroom. Anya had told them they were welcome to use it since the guest bath wasn't as nice. Still, they felt a little guilty thrill at borrowing it.

Fox washed both of them, running his hands slowly and seductively up and down Alex's body. Alex groaned as he abortively reached out to touch his lover. They had unwrapped his hands for the shower, but they were far too sore and tender to be used. That didn't stop Alex from pleasing his lover with his tongue, though.

"Mmmmmm. Oh, god, Alexxx..." Mulder thudded his head on the tiled wall and squeezed his eyes shut as Alex licked and sucked his nipples. Mulder's cries increased as Alex licked a trail to his stomach. Underneath his tongue, Alex felt the skin ripple and begin the change.

Mulder pulled him up. "Let's take this back to the bed." They dried off quickly and returned to the guest bedroom. Shutting the door, Mulder locked it just to be safe.

He yanked down the covers and laid down, he wanted to spread his legs and have Alex kneel in between them, but knew his lover couldn't rest his weight on his hands. Instead, he lay on his side and gestured for Alex to join him. They kissed, rubbing their bodies gently together, Fox's hands running up and down Alex's back, side, then around to cup his buttocks. Alex nuzzled his neck, breathing in the exciting smell that was extremely strong now...and so exciting. He licked and sucked Fox's neck, his hands, brushed against Fox's chest, 'ever' so slightly...gently. Fox shivered and then groaned as Alex's hands brushed lower and the fingers splayed to cover the area that was growing hotter by the moment, the skin soft, but changing.

The morphing increased until the opening began to form and Alex rubbed the area a little harder with his fingers, the slit became moist and opened slightly at the pressure. Fox clutched Alex's butt and urged him up. Alex then pushed his cock to the opening, feeling his lover's fingers clench and urge him on.

Their quickened breathing sounded harsh in the otherwise quiet room. Fox grunted as he pushed his cock in further. Alex groaned loudly as the opening finally accepted his organ into it's tight, hot embrace. The opening led to a hot pulsing channel that seemed to fit Alex's cock perfectly. Alex opened his eyes and looked at slightly down at his lover. Fox's eyes were squeezed shut.

^Fox, open your eyes...^ Fox's eyes fluttered open, large dilated pupils were ringed with moss green irises. ^Oh, god...Alex... ^

"God, you're so hot...so tight...uhmmmm, how does it feel, Lisa?" He was starting to thrust, gently, struggling to control his urge to start pistoning hard and fast.

Fox let the link wide open and Alex could feel what Fox was feeling. Overwhelming surges of heat and fire, pulsing from his stomach to his entire body. He felt opened, completed, full of desire and passion. The feeling from the opening was completely beyond words.

Alex let him feel his own sensations and Fox shuddered at the double stimulation. They began to rock faster, Alex slowly gave in to the urge to fuck him faster...harder... Fox's head flung back, "Yes! Harder! Oooohhh..."

Alex thrust into him one last time, they came together, although Fox's cock had been hard the entire time, his orgasm came, not from there, but from the slit, it tightened hard on Alex's cock and a warm wave of fluid seeped from the opening. Fox's member slowly drooped, without climax.

Mulder didn't care, the orgasm from his slit was far more powerful than he had ever experienced before. They lay, slumped on the bed, their arms wrapped around one another. Alex pulled out, finally and they watched, the slit remained unchanged for a moment, and then seemed to slowly shrink. But as they watched for several more moments. It didn't disappear as it had each time before.

They waited about an hour, Mulder then looked up and into Alex's wide eyes. Fox glared silently, and Alex grimaced slightly.

"Uh, oops..."

XXX

The opening didn't go away, although it was slightly smaller than during the climax of the cycle and the two folds of skin met perfectly, leaving only a small line visible on Fox's stomach about an inch above his belly button.

"Well, just wear a shirt around company and-" Alex let the idea die on his lips as he got a fierce glare from his lover. In fact, he'd gotten nothing but glares since they'd made love. Hadn't it been the best sex in their life?

^Yes, it was. But the fact remains that we've done 'something' and now it WON'T GO AWAY! ^

Alex sighed, he 'did' feel bad for Mulder, but it didn't seem all 'that' bad. 'Maybe we could have sex that way more often now?'

Fox wasn't letting a single thought go by, ^Oh? Well this might be wonderful news for YOU, buddy. But I'M the one that has to have this...'thing' stay here. ^ Mulder turned away from him abruptly and stared out a window.

Alex damned his lack of control on his own dirty mind and wished he knew what to say to soothe his lover. Fox was always distraught to be reminded of how 'un' human he was sometimes. He almost wished that 'he' were the one with the slit so Mulder wasn't upset with it. ALMOST.

Mulder snorted at that. ^Almost. ^

Alex opened his mouth, but Mulder shook his head. ^Forget it. Let's just forget it for a little while. I'm hungry. ^ Fox turned to leave the room and Alex watched sadly, feeling somehow responsible, even though he wasn't sure how.

Fox turned back and pulled him into a hug. "Come on, we worked up an appetite."

Alex went with him; Fox holding his newly bandaged hand. XXX

December 22 2004
Mulder-Krycek Apartment

Kat blew out her candles with a little help from Alex. Fox watched fondly from his chair. Their apartment was full of family and friends, everyone wanted to see Katerina Samantha Mulder Krycek celebrate her fourth birthday. She was dressed in a lavender dress with a darker purple ribbon sash tied in a bow in the back. A matching purple ribbon held her dark brown hair in a ponytail. It curled naturally and bounced as she bounded around the room with her fellow cousins, showing off her presents and thanking her aunts and uncles.

Alex cut the cake, glancing around for his lover; Fox was sitting in an armchair in the corner of the room, away from most of the guests. After handing out most of the cake, he took two pieces and some forks and napkins, handing one each to Mulder.

Fox looked up surprised, but smiled as Alex pulled another chair close to him. "What are you doing in the corner, Fox?"

Fox shook his head. "Nothing, just a little tired. I didn't get much sleep last night and I was up early with Kat, you know..."

Alex nodded, but still watched Fox concernedly as his lover picked at his cake. Kat raced up to them. "Is it time for the big present now?!" Fox and Alex had held back on their main present, wanting her to have a surprise. Alex stood, "Not yet, ten minutes."

Kat frowned, but then ran to her Aunt Anya to thank her for the Barbie doll.

"I need to put it together, wanna help?" Alex asked, setting his empty plate down on a nearby table. Fox shook his head, "No, you go ahead, I'll make sure she doesn't peek."

Alex disappeared into Kat's bedroom and shut the door. Kat was bouncing from guest to guest for the next couple of minutes; Fox closed his eyes tiredly for a moment and missed when Kat decided to go to her room for a toy. Opening his eyes he caught sight of her too late, she had opened her door.

"Daddy!" She squealed excitedly. Fox shook his head as he stood to go to her, she was too curious for her own good... She'd make a good FBI agent.

Fox reached her and put his hand on her shoulder, their guests crowded in around them and they peered in with them. Alex was smiling at Kat, too good-natured to be upset that his surprise was ruined. He was halfway through in setting up a play-kitchen for Kat. It was a fairly elaborate deal, with an oven, microwave, sink, fridge, phone, coffee maker and table all built in. They had both known Kat would love it. She always wanted to play in the kitchen and 'help' them.

Kat jumped up and down. "Daddy! It's a kitchen!"

Mulder smiled at her excitement, "Yes. It's YOUR kitchen. Now you can make your own food." They had bought her toy food, too. It was in another box, wrapped and waiting next to the various parts and pieces of the in-progress-kitchen. The guests milled back out of the room and Kat bounced out with them.

Alex was attaching the door to the little fridge and Mulder noticed how his hands were trembling slightly. Cursing himself, he reached out. "Alex. I wasn't thinking. Let me do that."

Alex frowned up at him, "I can do it, Fox."

"I know, but you did to much today, anyway. Your hands are hurting. Don't deny it. I can feel it. Sit back and supervise, will you?" Alex handed him the plastic door and scooted back to give him room. Mulder started putting the door in wrong. Alex cleared his throat and his lover corrected his mistake and mock- glared at him. "See? You love to boss me around..."

"Definitely. Just wait until we're in bed..." Mulder leered back and finished putting the kitchen together without too many mishaps.

Kat played with it when they finished and even after the guests left...she still played with it. Making 'muffins' and 'cookies' until they put her to bed.

Once in bed themselves, they lay spooned, Alex wrapped his arm over Mulder's side and hugged him, the rough, damaged skin of his hand brushing against Mulder's stomach. Fox put his own hand over Alex's and gently held it still. They lay, breathing quietly, Alex's head was propped up on Fox's shoulder, and his breath tickled the older man's neck.

They hadn't made love through the opening since the cycle. Mulder had pulled back from contact there during sex and Alex had acquiesced without comment. Now, Alex wanted to make love to him there again.

Alex slid his hand out from Fox's and gently rubbed the area around the slit, Fox moaned softly and stilled the hand again.

^No? ^ Alex asked gently.

^I don't know...if you want to... ^ Fox was extremely hesitant.

^I want to, but if you don't-^

^It's okay.^ Mulder turned onto his back and Alex ran his hand up an down Fox's stomach, the opening seemed to swell as the folds of skin thickened and reddened slightly. Alex traced a finger along its edge and Fox moaned, pushing the finger harder against it.

They made love slowly, but with every bit as much excitement and passion as the last time. Alex came in the hot tight channel right after Fox groaned out his own climax. They caught their breath, kissing and nuzzling as they recovered. Alex slipped out and they found themselves watching the slit. Same as before, it slowly lost its reddened color and shrunk back to a small closed slit.

Alex kissed Fox on the lips again, whether in apology or closure, or both, neither was sure. They soon ended up back in their spoon embrace and fell asleep.

December 25 2004
10:15 a.m.

Christmas morning was spent with just the three of them. The night before had been the family party at Anya's.

Mulder and Alex still sat in their bathrobes at the dining room table, sipping coffee. Kat was playing with her new toys. She had raked in quite a load this year from both her birthday and Christmas. Kisa was chasing bits of ribbon and wrapping paper. Sasha was currently AWOL again, but no one was particularly worried. He always turned up.

Alex arched his back and moved as if to stand. Fox put a hand out on his arm. "Where are you going?"

"Shower, shave...we've been sitting here like lumps..."

"It's Christmas morning. We're supposed to sit around like lumps. I haven't given you your present yet."

"You gave me a cashmere sweater and those...interesting socks." Mulder had given him a beautiful dark green sweater and black socks with garish reindeer on them.

Alex had given Mulder a DVD collection of all of the Star Trek movies and a dark brown leather jacket and gloves.

"Yes, but I think you'll like this even better." Alex obligingly sat back down and Fox trailed his fingers down from his wrist and wrapped them around his hand, reaching out, he clasped Alex's other hand.

Now holding both hands, Mulder looked into his eyes, a warm tingle spread from where Fox's hands gripped his own. Alex looked down in shock, the skin on his hands smoothed and healed before his eyes. Fox shifted his fingers, caressing over all of the damaged area until the hands he held were whole and undamaged. He finally let go, watching Alex closely through suspiciously shiny eyes.

Alex flexed his fingers; they had been stiff and sore ever since the accident. Every wrinkle of skin had rubbed abrasively when he had used his fingers and the skin had felt fiery hot all of the time.

Now? Now they felt normal. His sensation of touch seemed a little more sensitive, but normal. Alex felt a tear run down his cheek without realizing. He finally tore his eyes off of his hands to look up at his lover.

Fox's eyes were still bright and wet. "How do they feel?"

"Normal. Perfect. How-?"

Mulder stood up and walked over to lean against Alex still sitting. Taking Alex's hand from the tabletop he pressed it against his belly, a light fluttering could be felt.

Alex stared at his hand resting on Fox's stomach and then raised his face to stare wide-eyed at his lover. He had wished, but never truly dared to hope...

Fox smiled down at him and a tear finally escaped, Alex pressed his head against Fox's belly and felt both arms cradle his head there. Alex then stood and embraced him, they kissed softly.

Kat ran into the room. "What's going on?" She sensed something going on between the two of her fathers.

They broke their embrace just enough to hold their hands out and she burrowed in, her arms clutching their legs, too short to fully join in so they knelt down and all three hugged.

Pulling back finally, Fox glanced at Alex. They weren't sure how they were going to explain it to her, but they were too excited to wait.

"Kat? There is ONE more present for all three of us this year." Kat looked around excitedly and then frowned, confused. "What?"

"How would you like a brother or a sister?"

Kat nodded excitedly. "Where?"

They glanced at each other again. Fox decided to delay that conversation, "Not yet. But in several months, you'll have a brother or sister hopefully." Kat was disappointed at the delay and eventually went off to play.

^How in the hell are we going to explain this one, Fox? ^

^I don't know... She's young, it won't seem all 'that' weird to her. ^

^No, but it will to everyone she talks to and there's NO way she won't... We have a dilemma on our hands. Maybe we should just say the stork delivered it and you just got fat for a while. ^

Mulder glared at him, ^I'm NOT lying to her. And I am NOT going to just tell everyone I'm just fat. ^

^How on earth will we explain it then? To our family? I don't think they'll buy another year round trip resulting in another adoption of a child that looks a heck of a lot like us. We get enough suspicious looks from my family. ^

Fox sank down in his chair, a grim look on his face.

Alex regretted how such a miraculous event had turned sour. ^Relax, Lisa. We'll think of something. I'm sorry. ^ Alex caressed Fox's cheek with his newly healed hands. The fingertips were smooth and soft now.

Mulder tilted his head up and smiled softly. Alex kissed him. ^I forgot. Thank you VERY much for my present. ^ and kissed him again.

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