Chains of Desire by Diana Williams

Chains of Desire: Ch. 42 -Crossing the Threshold
Author: Diana Williams
Email: diana@slashcity.com
Web site: http://diana.slashcity.com/
Rating: NC-17 for m/m sex and language; M/Sk-Romance, M/K-UST
Archive: Yes

Disclaimer and Author's Notes: Disclaimer and other pertinent information are in Chains of Desire: Intro. Chapter quote comes from "Point of No Return" from "The Phantom of the Opera" by Andrew Lloyd Webber.

Alternate Reality Warning: From here on out, I will be taking several serious departures from the 6th season, most of which will be obvious. If you're a plot-line purist, sorry, but the show just doesn't fit with my story line, and I just can't believe my Skinner and Scully acting as they did. Besides, this is going to be a hell of a lot more fun <VEG>.

Series Summary: Mulder takes a walk on the wild side, and Skinner has to rescue Mulder from the consequences of his actions. They form a new working relationship.

Chapter Summary: The X-Files are reopened and Skinner fulfills a promise.

Chapter Forty-Two

"Past the point of no return, no going back now
Our passion play has now at last begun
Past the thought of right or wrong, one final question
How long should we two wait before we're one?
When will our blood begin to race, the sleeping flower burst into bloom,
When will the flames at last consume us?
Past the point of no return, the final threshold
The bridge is crossed so stand and watch it burn.
We've passed the point of no return."

"Good morning, Scully!"

Scully looked up, startled by the cheerful voice of her partner, in time to see a cup of Starbucks coffee and a paper bag deposited on her desk. She stared at them blankly for a minute then looked up to see him grinning at her in a way that she had rarely seen. Realization hit and she knew she was smiling back as she leaned forward to say, softly, "Everything's okay?"

"Better than okay," he replied in a low voice. "Although I won't be sitting comfortably for awhile."

"Too much information, Mulder," she said, laughing. "So you're - you know - back?"

"I haven't moved back in yet. We're taking it slow, doing things right. We'll be - um - looking for a place. Together."

Scully grinned. "I'd give anything to see you house-hunting."

"Actually, I thought you could help me with that," Mulder admitted. "He's pretty busy right now so I'm going to do the preliminary run - you know, narrow down the list. I have a meeting with my real estate agent tonight to get the ball rolling and I thought maybe." His voice trailed off and he looked at Scully hopefully.

"All right, Mulder, I'll go with you. I never can resist that pitiful kicked-puppy look."

Mulder let out a relieved breath. "Thanks - I owe you, partner."

"Good - you can take me to dinner afterwards and give me all the juicy details." She laughed as Mulder flushed and waved him towards his desk. "Go on - we've got a meeting with OPR in an hour and I'm sure that you'll need that coffee to sustain you."

"We?" Mulder said, sitting down at his desk gingerly. His backside was still sore after its encounter with the strap the previous day even though Skinner had applied a second treatment of the soothing balm this morning before they had left the Club. He looked over at his partner. "I thought you'd already danced with them and it was my turn. Cutting in on me, Scully?"

"Well, if you'd prefer to face them alone."

"Not on your life."

"Actually, you seem to be taking this pretty calmly."

He shrugged. "What's the worst that can happen? They aren't going to send me to some remote office - they don't want me out where they can't keep an eye on me. So I get stuck doing background checks or crosschecking fertilizer purchases for a while. Someday, something is going to break loose and when it does I'll be here, waiting."

"I'm impressed, Mulder. That's a pretty mature attitude for you."

He grinned at her. "Your little boy is growing up, Scully."

Scully threw a file at him.

*********************

Mulder entered the conference room and settled at the table, glancing briefly at Skinner before looking down at his notes. Despite what he had said to Scully, deep down inside he was worried about what the OPR might decide to do with him. He may have joked about being stuck doing boring routine work, but the reality was pretty unappealing. And then there was the matter of Scully's transfer, an order that had been temporarily frozen. If they decided to transfer her, Mulder was looking at two depressing scenarios - Scully accepting the transfer and moving away or Scully resigning from the Bureau. Even though she had said that she would continue fighting, with them separated like that it was going to be even worse than when she had been assigned to Quantico.

One of the Assistant Directors seated at the table glanced up at Mulder briefly. "Agent Mulder, before we begin the regular part of our hearing, AD Skinner has told us that you have some information regarding the old case files from the X-Files."

Mulder nodded. "Part of the reason that the X-Files were shut down was due to the fire that destroyed much of my office several months ago. Using a process that restores moisture to the documents and by reassembling the fragments, I should be able to recover a large percentage of the case material that was damaged. And, while this process will be tedious and ongoing, what I've already recovered will allow Agent Scully and I to begin work on the X-Files immediately."

The door opened and Scully entered, smiling at Mulder slightly as she took a seat next to him. It was as near a "thumbs up" gesture that she could give him and it lightened his heart.

"Agent Mulder, as you said, that was only 'part' of the reason that the X-Files was shut down." AD Maslin looked down at the file folder in front of her. "Another - and more substantial - reason was because of some rather unusual charges made by another agent. You made some rather incredible claims about one Gibson Praise, got the backing of the Justice Department in fact." She paused and glanced over at Skinner. "Claims that you were unable to substantiate."

"Because Gibson Praise was abducted, not because they were proven wrong," Mulder pointed out.

"Be that as it may," AD Kersh said, "An agent was injured, a suspect in a related murder killed while in custody, and the boy was abducted."

Skinner spoke up. "None of which was the fault of Agents Mulder or Scully. In fact, it was Agent Mulder who pointed out that Gibson Praise was the original target of the hit man."

AD Cassidy nodded but frowned at Skinner. "We understand that, Walter. No one is attempting to blame Agent Mulder for the Gibson Praise incident."

"And for Dallas?" Mulder asked, keeping his expression neutral. "Am I still being blamed for that?" He ignored the intake of breath next to him and the glare from Skinner. If he was going to be hanged for a sheep, he might as well be hanged for a goat.

AD Cassidy looked down at her notes. "We have both your report and Agent Scully's. We have attempted to find corroborating evidence to your claims but the bone fragments appear to have disappeared, although we did find evidence in SAC Michaud's home that links him to the bombing. If you hadn't followed your 'hunch', it appears that many more lives would have been lost. It appears you are to be commended, Agent Mulder."

"And the X-Files?"

"About that," AD Maslin said, looking through the file in front of her. "Agent Mulder, I'm reading here a very pie-in-the-sky report about global domination plans by vicious, long-clawed spacelings. Is there going to be data to back up this vague, omnibus account?"

"Yes."

One of the other ADs sat back in his chair. "I see your renowned arrogance has been left quite intact. You're asking us to accept this report of a spaceship buried under polar ice and your death-defying escape from it?"

"Yes, I am. The ice became superheated by the ship as it rose beneath us, causing the ice to collapse. The Australian survey team has filed their own report substantiating the presence of a large crater in the precise location that I was sent to, and their opinion that the ice shelf was stable and that there was no reported quake activity in the area."

Another AD spoke up, a smirk on his face. "These spacelings - they weren't something that I saw in 'Men in Black'?"

Mulder tried not to sigh at this crack. "I didn't see 'Men in Black'."

"Too bad - damn fine movie."

Mulder reined in his temper, aware that Skinner and Scully were counting on him. He took a deep breath. "As much as this sounds like science fiction, we can and will prove the validity of our report."

The ADs exchanged a look and Maslin continued to look through the file. "I'm just trying to get this straight. The plot is for these spacelings to take over the planet aided by a group of men here on earth?"

Mulder nodded. "A shadow conspiracy within our own government."

"Men who are growing corn in the middle of the desert which features pollen which was genetically altered to hold a virus which will be taken away by bees. Whose sting transmits the virus causing the growth of an extraterrestrial being within the human host?"

"Which we will prove now that the X-Files have been reopened."

Maslin spoke again. "Let us remind you that the FBI is not a school for science or the grinding of personal axes. Hopefully you will be able to present us with some material evidence to support a continued investigation."

"Agent Scully, who was assigned to the X-Files as a scientist, was stung by one of these bees, and was infected with this virus. She is here today with hard evidence about this virus." He turned and looked at his partner, relieved at the small nod she gave him before turning to face the panel.

"Agent Scully?" AD Maslin spoke up. "Would you care to inform us of your findings? What is the nature of this virus you were infected with?"

"I can't identify it. I have run three separate tests - "

"Verifying that it is alien in nature?"

Scully drew a deep breath. "No. The virus' DNA and proteins are very much of this world. However, the damage that it did to the body that I autopsied was beyond anything I've ever seen. And what Agent Mulder witnessed in Antarctica - an alien being inside a human body - "

"Did you witness this as well, Agent Scully?"

"No. I was barely conscious most of the time."

"And did you see this alien spacecraft?"

"Not clearly, although I saw the evidence left behind."

"So you are saying that you can't substantiate Agent Mulder's claims of human hosts for aliens or the spacecraft? And that the virus is terrestrial in nature?"

"Yes. However, I believe that Agent Mulder is telling the truth."

AD Cassidy said, dryly, "You are not the only one willing to take Mulder's word on blind faith." She glanced briefly at Skinner, then back at the two agents. "However, this panel requires more evidence -concrete evidence." She glanced back at her notes. "That's all we require at this time, Agents. The panel will deliberate and let you know their decision. In the meantime, you will carry on with your assignments from before the Dallas incident."

Scully nodded and stood up, and Mulder reluctantly rose as well. He followed her out into the hallway and collapsed onto the bench with a sigh and a wince. She sat down next to him, patting his knee reassuringly.

"Sorry I couldn't be more help in there," she said.

Mulder gave her a half-smile and shrugged. "I'm just glad you were there to support me. I can't imagine what I'd do if you and Walter didn't believe me. Although I wish that the virus could have shown some kind of extraterrestrial origin."

Scully sighed. "Well, I expect it'll be awhile before we hear anything so we'd better get back to work."

**************

Mulder sat at his desk, piecing together more burned files. The room was quiet, most everyone having left for lunch. Scully had gone out, too, but he hadn't been hungry. He looked up as he heard the door open and couldn't help smiling at Skinner as he came in.

"Hi, there," he said softly. "You seem to have escaped the lions more or less intact."

"More or less." Skinner stood inside the doorway, his hands in his pockets, looking around the room.

"It's okay - everyone's gone." Mulder leaned back in his chair, noting that his lover looked a little lost and uncomfortable. "What's wrong? The vote go against us?"

"No," Skinner said, drawing in a deep breath. "You and Scully have been reassigned to the X-Files, although they feel that your attempt to recreate the files is a waste of time."

Mulder couldn't suppress his grin of relief. "Yeah? Well, I expect the boss will cut me a little slack on that, as long as the rest of the work is being done."

Skinner looked down at his shoes, avoiding the younger man's eyes. "I doubt it. Kersh goes pretty much by the book."

"What?"

He looked up, meeting Mulder's eyes. "The X-Files department has been reassigned to AD Kersh. Effective immediately."

"But - they can't do that! You've worked with us for years! You understand what we're up against!"

"The panel feels that I'm too close to the situation for objectivity."

Mulder's eyes widened in horror. "My God! They know?"

Skinner shook his head. "No, although the puppet masters above them undoubtedly know. They're keeping silent for their own reasons. No, the review board feels that I've been 'contaminated' by exposure to and involvement with your cases over the past four years. They think I've lost my ability to objectively discipline you."

"They should have been at the Club yesterday," Mulder murmured with a faint smile.

A slight smile momentarily lit Skinner's eyes. "I see that you're able to joke about it today," he said softly, momentarily diverted from the subject at hand.

"Yeah, and Scully wants all the details over dinner tonight." He looked up at Skinner. "You're still going to be tied up in that meeting with the Director, right?"

Skinner nodded. "I'm glad you're going to be with Scully. All joking aside, are you okay?"

Mulder nodded. "Better than okay. Centered somehow. Even with all this crap."

"That's not all. In addition - "

They were interrupted as the door to the bullpen opened and several agents entered, still carrying on their lunch conversations. They glanced curiously at Skinner as they headed towards their desks, still talking.

"Well, guess I better get moved back in," Mulder said, standing up and reaching for the box that held several of the files he was piecing together. "I'm looking forward to the quiet again."

Skinner nodded, unable to say more with the other agents wandering around. In the open doorway, he paused and looked back at the agent. "Oh - and Mulder?"

Mulder looked up. "Sir?"

"I think you'll find something on your desk that might give you the evidence you need."

Mulder stared at the empty doorway for a long moment, then hefted his box and headed towards the elevator.

**************

Mulder entered his old office and stood for a moment in the doorway, looking around. The room showed no sign of fire damage - on the other hand, it showed no sign of personality, either. Nothing of the physical presence that he had given it over years of working here. The walls were bare, the two desks antiseptically clean. Two - he grinned. Scully would be happy about that. He hefted the box in his hands and moved purposely forward. Time to get settled in and start personalizing the place.

There was a single file folder lying on his desk, and he set his box down to pick it up. Opening it, he was startled to see a picture of what appeared to be the remains of a man, his chest gaping open. Images of what he had seen in Antarctica flooded him and he could feel the excitement building inside. He flipped up the picture to read the information.

The door opened and he looked up, then frowned when he saw Jeffrey Spender enter. "Spender, what are you doing in my office?"

"It's my office, too, Spooky." Spender sat down at the other desk and leaned back in the chair.

Mulder barely kept his jaw from dropping. "You are not my partner."

"No, actually I'm not. Diana is." Mulder swung around as he heard Diana Fowley enter. "Or so she says."

Fowley shrugged. "Fox, I just thought that - since we work well together and I know your methods and I'm not a skeptic - "

"What the hell is going on?" Mulder demanded.

Scully entered behind Fowley and regarded Spender sitting at the other desk with crossed arms. "The department has been expanded to two teams. Since you are the senior agent, you are still the department head - and responsible for determining the teams."

Three pairs of eyes turned on him - one scornful, one smugly confident, one cool - and he clenched his teeth. He drew a deep breath and plunged in, determined to salvage the situation as best he could.

"You're right, Diana - you know my methods. However, as the two senior agents, it would unbalance the department for us to be partners. I believe it will work much better for each of us to lead a team." He glanced over at Spender, trying to control his ire at the thought of that man being involved with his pet project. "Agent Spender may be a skeptic, but never underestimate the value of a skeptical eye to help uncover the truth."

Fowley glanced over at Spender and if she was disappointed, she hid it well. "All right. Come with me, Agent Spender - AD Kersh has a case for us to look into." She glanced over at Mulder apologetically, but Scully thought there was a hint of a knife-in-the-back-gleam in that look. "You okay with that, Fox?"

Mulder gave her his best deadpan expression and gestured to his box. "Go right ahead - I've got settling in to do."

Scully wasn't fooled by that expression - she had seen it too many times over the years and knew that it covered something. She watched the other pair leave the room and crossed to lean against the other desk. "Mulder, what are you up to?"

He grinned and held up the file folder. "Jackpot, Scully. Go pack a bag - we're going to Arizona."

***************

"Mulder, when you offered me dinner tonight, this isn't what I had in mind."

Mulder grinned and handed her an in-flight meal. "Come on, Scully. You're getting a trip, too. What more could you ask for?"

Scully grimaced. "Something edible would be nice." She picked at her food. "So what are we looking for, Mulder?"

"Evidence." He handed her the folder.

Scully opened it and looked at the photo. "Good thing I didn't want to eat. What am I looking at?"

"Would you believe an Indian - pardon - Native American attack?"

"I thought they scalped not disemboweled."

"Branching out?"

"I take it you don't believe the crime scene report or the coroner's report? What do you think happened?"

"I know what happened. I've seen something like that before," Mulder said, and Scully looked at him questioningly. "Antarctica."

Scully looked at the picture again, queasy at the thought that something like this might have happened to her. Still, she had to play Devil's advocate. "Mulder, just because I admit that the crime report is unlikely doesn't mean that I can just accept your theory."

Mulder gave her a look of affectionate exasperation. "What does it take? For this thing to come up and bite you on the ass? I saw these creatures. I saw them burst to life. You would've seen them, too, but you were infected with that virus. You were passed out over my shoulder."

Scully said, softly, "Mulder, I know what you did. I know what happened to me but - " She reached over to take his hand in hers. "You told me that my science kept you honest. That it made you question your assumptions. That by it I made you a whole person. If I change now, if I stop questioning, it wouldn't be right. Or honest."

Mulder nodded, understanding that she had to take the objective view to keep him from being overwhelmed by his own enthusiasm and need to believe. "I understand, and I need you to be honest. But Scully, this time I think your science is wrong. In fact, I'll bet you the best dinner in DC when we get back that I'm right, that this is evidence about extraterrestrial life - alive on this planet in our lifetime."

"Done." Scully shook his hand to seal the bet. "You better save up your money - I've got someplace really expensive in mind."

He grinned. "That's okay - I'll mooch meals off Walter to make up for it - if you win."

"Speaking of Walter, how is he taking all this? Our being reassigned, and Agents Fowley and Spender on the team?"

Mulder sighed. "I don't know. We didn't get much of a chance to talk about it, but I plan to sit him down and discuss it when we get back."

"You left him a message, right? Let him know where you were going?"

Mulder grinned. "Who do you think gave me that folder?"

Scully drew in a breath. "Skinner did, not Kersh? Mulder, AD Kersh is not going to be happy about this."

"Then he should have given the case to me instead of trying to hide it."

"You don't know that he was going to do that, Mulder. Maybe he was planning on bringing it to your attention this afternoon. Not every thing is a conspiracy."

"I don't trust him," Mulder said baldly. "And why else would they transfer us to him? They know Walter can't be corrupted or coerced anymore. They're trying to control us, Scully. And that's why Spender was assigned to the team - to spy on us, try to discount the evidence."

"And what about Agent Fowley?"

Mulder sighed. "I know you don't like Diana or trust her, although I don't know why. She believes in the work, supports what I'm doing. So despite your suspicions and Walter's - "

"So Walter doesn't trust her either?"

Mulder flushed. "Actually, I think he's jealous. Diana and I were -involved several years back."

Scully nodded. "I know. The Gunmen told me. They also said that you were devastated when she took the job in Europe and left."

He looked down at his meal tray and shrugged. "I took the whole thing more seriously than she did. But I got over it. I'm not about to fall into that trap a second time. Besides, I'm in love with Walter - I'm about to move in with him, for God's sake!"

"Maybe you should let Agent Fowley know that."

His head jerked up and he stared at her, horror-struck. "Tell Diana about me and Walter? Are you crazy?"

"Not that, Mulder. Tell her that you're taken and that it's serious."

"I already did. I think she understands and just wants to be friends."

"Right," Scully said skeptically. "I saw the look in her eyes, Mulder -and that was not an 'I just want to be friends' look. It was an 'I want to get him in a dark corner and fuck his brains out' look."

Mulder gave her a wide-eyed look of innocence only spoiled by his grin. "Scully! What language! You've been hanging around Sean too much."

Scully gave him a withering look and a one-fingered salute, then pointedly pulled out a book and started reading. Mulder just grinned and picked up the folder, studying it again for information. All they needed to prove their claims was here - he just knew it. And somewhere in Arizona was the proof.

****************

"Skinner."

"Hi. It's me."

The voice on the other end of the phone was tired and discouraged. Skinner sat down on the couch and set down his coffee cup on the table so that he could concentrate on his lover. "You sound wiped out, babe. Just got back in?"

"Yeah. I'm at my apartment. Gonna catch a couple hours sleep before we meet with Kersh this afternoon." Mulder drew in a ragged breath. "Damn it, Walter, we had him. We had the boy and they took him from us, then shut us down cold."

"I'm sorry," Skinner said softly. "Maybe I shouldn't have given you that file - "

"No, God, no, Walter. It wasn't your fault that this happened."

"It wasn't your fault either, Mulder." There was silence on the other end of the phone. "Fox, you're blaming yourself for what happened, aren't you?"

"I should have known - I didn't want Scully to take him to the hospital, but when she said that she could run tests. I didn't think about him, that he wouldn't be safe. I just wanted my damn evidence, no matter what the cost. As usual."

The bitterness in the younger man's voice worried him. He had seen this too many times not to recognize the symptoms of Mulder heading into another self-destructive cycle. "Stop it, Mulder. You did the best you could under the circumstances, so stop beating yourself up over this." He paused and let a humorous tone creep into his voice. "That's my job."

A weak laugh on the other end reassured him. "Bastard."

"I love you, too. And speaking of beatings and such, would you like to go to the Club this weekend? Play around and release a little tension?"

"Yeah, I'd like that," Mulder admitted.

"Good. I'll meet you there at six tonight. Get a good nap - you're going to need it." Delighted laughter filled his ears and he smiled. "Take care of yourself - and keep your head down with Kersh. I'll see you tonight."

"All right." Mulder sighed softly. "Thanks, Walter."

Skinner smiled as he hung up the phone and began to make plans to take care of his troubled lover.

***************

"Mulder!"

Mulder turned in the hallway and grinned at the redhead running towards him. "Hey, Sean. What's up?"

"You will be - strung up by your thumbs if you don't spill." Sean grabbed Mulder and dragged him into Mason's suite. "What's going on with you and the Mountain? Did you get everything worked out? Why were you back here last Sunday when you should have been exhausted, sated lumps? You're not here alone, are you?"

Mulder grinned. "Take it easy, Sean!"

"Mulder, so help me - " Sean growled. "If you don't tell me every little detail, I'm going to tell Dana your sub name."

"You'd blackmail me?"

"Blackmail is such an ugly word. I prefer to call it an application of disreputable knowledge towards a desired goal. Now are you going to talk, or do I have to hold you down and tickle you?"

Mulder laughed and settled on the couch. "Okay, okay. Yes, Walter and I are back together. And we appreciate your efforts in that area - the hotel suite was wonderful and we got a chance to really talk."

"Among other things?" Sean asked, smirking.

"What, you don't know? You didn't install cameras?"

Sean stuck out his tongue at Mulder. "So why did you came back here to play afterwards?"

Mulder looked down at his hands, flushing. "Um - we had some - business to take care of."

Sean perked up. "Please tell me that Walter paddled your sorry ass for that strangulation trick."

"Your sympathy is under-whelming," Mulder said ironically.

"Yes!" Sean crowed, pumping a triumphant fist skyward. "All right, Walter!"

"Gee, thanks, buddy."

Sean chuckled. "Sorry, Mulder, but you know you deserved that one. Important subbie note - never push a Dom on the Rules unless you know what the price is and are prepared to pay it. So I take it that you two finally talked about what each of you really wants out of this?"

Mulder nodded. "Yeah. We're going to play the same way most of the time, but when I need something more, Walter's going to try to give it to me."

"I'm happy for you, Mulder," Sean said simply, reaching over to take one of his friend's hands. "You two have something really special together, and I don't want to see you lose that. If you need any advice or help, you know that you can come to me, right? And you promise you won't try anything stupid again?"

"I promise."

The door opened and Mason walked in. "Sean, you wouldn't by any chance be harboring a fugitive submissive, would you? Here's Walter and he seems to have misplaced Mulder."

Sean grinned at the two Doms. "Guilty as charged. I forcibly dragged him in here and I've been trying to pump him for information."

"You're out of luck," Skinner said, crossing the room to pull his lover up from the couch. "FBI agents are trained to withstand incredible torture."

"I don't know about that. I threatened to tickle him and he folded."

Skinner chuckled. "Well, not too many desperate criminals try to tickle my agents." He kissed Mulder tenderly. "Hey, babe. How did your meeting with Kersh go?"

Mulder slid his arms around Skinner's waist and made a face. "About what you'd expect. He chewed my ass about grinding personal axes."

"Not too much, I hope," Skinner said, sliding his hands over the ass in question. "I have plans for this later."

Mulder grinned. "I think there's enough left for your purposes. Kersh also spouted regulations about filing paperwork, getting proper authorization, co-operating within a team - it seems he had given the case to Spender and was ticked that I had gotten hold of it. I pointed out that - according to regulations - as department head, the case should have come to me and that I should have determined the team to investigate it."

Skinner shook his head sympathetically. "Poor man. I predict a heart attack or stroke within two months at the most."

"Well, he was shaking a bit at the end."

"You are such a brat," Skinner said affectionately. Then his eyes grew serious as he studied the younger man's face. "Are you all right?"

Mulder shrugged. "I'll survive," he said flatly.

Skinner frowned, recognizing that Mulder was trying to hide something -more than likely his own guilt over the Praise boy. "Mulder - "

"I'll talk about it - I promise. Later."

Before Skinner could say anything more, Mason came back into the room with a bottle of champagne.

"I thought this occasion required a little celebration," Mason said as he opened the bottle and poured glasses. Once everyone had a glass, Mason raised his. "To Walter and Mulder. It's been a rough road, but here's hoping that the path will be smoother from now on."

"I'll second that," Skinner said with a smile for Mulder. The younger man grinned and clinked glasses with his lover. The past month had been an emotional roller coaster and he was looking forward to settling back into their regular routine at the Club.

"And in honor of the occasion, I've got a little gift for you two," Mason said as he handed Skinner a small, flat box. Mulder saw the wicked twinkle in the older Dom's eyes and immediately became wary.

Skinner set down his glass and removed the ribbon from the box, then removed the lid. Mulder peered into the box and then back at Mason in disbelief.

"A paddle? You gave us a paddle?"

Skinner removed the small black paddle from the box and ran his hand over the varnished wood side of it, smiling as his fingers traced the name carved on it so many years ago.

"What kind of a present is a paddle?" Mulder demanded.

"A very special kind of present," Skinner said.

"That's easy for you to say - it's not your ass that it's going to be used on."

Skinner's eyes met Mason's and they smiled in shared memory. "Time to go, Mulder. Thanks, Geoff. I'll be sure this gets plenty of use."

"Oh, shit!" Mulder muttered as Skinner ushered them out of the room. "Can't we talk about this, Walter? I've been very good lately. Well, there was that little incident with Spender in the copier room this afternoon, but you're not going to hold that against me, are you?"

The door shut behind them and Sean grinned up at his lover. "I think Mulder's in for a big surprise."

"I hope so," Mason said with a troubled frown. "I just hope Walter can handle it."

"I think he'll be fine," Sean said complacently. "Mulder says that Walter punished him last weekend and he seemed to be dealing with that just fine."

Mason nodded slowly. "But that's a whole different issue from bringing erotic spanking into their games."

"Geoff, stop worrying," Sean admonished, sliding into the larger man's arms. "I'm watching them, you're watching them, Jean-Pierre's watching them - they won't be able to sneeze without us knowing about it. So just relax for a few minutes."

Mason smiled and wrapped his arms around Sean's slender body. "And I suppose you have some suggestions on ways to help me relax?"

"Mmm-hmm." Sean nuzzled the Dom's neck. "I thought you could take a nice, relaxing bath and then I'll give you a thorough massage. JP's got a nice dinner lined up for us, and after dinner I thought I'd take you to bed and let you have your wicked way with me."

Mason chuckled and tightened his hold. "If I was a suspicious man, I'd wonder what trouble you're in."

Sean gave him a wide-eyed, innocent look. "Me? Trouble?"

"You. Trouble. Words that are practically synonymous." Mason said, lightly smacking Sean's backside. "'Fess up, brat."

To his surprise, Sean colored and dropped his head so that he was staring at Mason's chest as his fingers toyed with the buttons. "I -it's just that you've been so busy lately - we haven't had any special time together in a while - "

Mason hugged Sean tightly, murmuring against his ear, "You're right, love. And I'm sorry. What with Dana's training, and this whole business with Walter and Mulder - "

"That's not everything, Geoff," Sean said quietly. "Something else has been bothering you lately."

Mason sighed. "It's just that a certain package that I promised someone I'd be responsible for has - gone astray."

Sean looked up, his eyes narrowing. "A package? You mean a person, don't you? And someone that you don't want me to know about?"

"It's safer for you if you don't know any more," Mason said. "And it's not as important as you are." He kissed Sean, a long and tender kiss, and felt the younger man melt against him. "I should be taking care of you."

Sean grinned at him. "Oh, you will be. Believe me, I have big plans for you, my Lord and Master."

Mason laughed and let Sean lead him into the bathroom.

*******************

Mulder was still protesting as Skinner opened the door to their suite and, as the Dom had been silent during the entire time, he was becoming more and more nervous. Once the door closed behind them, Skinner took Mulder into his arms and kissed him into silence.

"Does this mean you're not angry with me?" Mulder said cautiously.

Skinner chuckled and pressed a brief kiss on Mulder's mouth. "Fox, this isn't about punishment. Remember? I promised to give you what you need, how to release all that guilt inside without punishing you."

"But - I didn't ask you to do this!"

"I know. But do you remember that I said I would be watching you for signs to tell me when you needed something more? All my instincts tell me that you need this. You've taken on a load of guilt because of what happened to that boy and you need to release it before you do something self-destructive. I know that this will help." Mulder looked skeptically at him. "You trust me, don't you?"

"You know I do."

"Then get ready for me, my pet. Clean inside and out."

Mulder sighed and dragged himself into the bathroom. When he returned to the main room a short time later, Skinner had uncovered a St. Andrews cross at the end of the room and was checking the chains set into the wood at each corner. The Dom had removed his shirt to work and, as he ran his hands down the wood to check for roughness, the light glistened off his skin. Mulder swallowed hard, caught between arousal and fear, and slowly moved to his place on the floor. The sight of the paddle lying beside his collar made his heart race and, for a moment, he thought he might pass out. He saw Skinner look over at him questioningly and went into position down on his knees.

Skinner crossed the room, picking up the clothes he had set out, and paused briefly to caress Mulder's head. "Breathe, babe," he said softly. "I'll be right back - don't make me have to resuscitate you."

Mulder drew in a deep, shaky breath and forced his eyes down to the two items on the floor in front of him, reminding himself that he had asked for this deeper level of play. The black paddle was small and oval in shape, about the size of a table tennis racket. Tentatively, he reached out to touch it and was surprised to find that one side was a soft velvet-like fabric. Curious, he picked it up and rubbed it over his thigh, smiling at the sensuous feel of the cloth moving over his skin. He turned the paddle over and saw that the other side was varnished wood. Light glinted off something on the surface and, looking closer, he saw that the name "Walter" had been carved into the surface of the paddle. The lettering had been filled with gold paint and then varnished over so that the surface was smooth but, as he ran his fingers over the letters, he almost fancied that he could feel the carving beneath.

So this wasn't a new item, but something that had belonged to Mason and evidently held a connection with Skinner. Mulder wondered if Mason had used it on Skinner but still had trouble picturing his Dom being paddled by anyone, even Mason. Experimentally, he brought the paddle down hard on his thigh and almost jumped at the loud noise it made. He quickly set the paddle back into place before Skinner could come out to investigate the noise then studied the faint red mark on his thigh curiously. Oddly enough, for all its noise, the sting had been very mild and the marking left behind almost impossible to see. He thought that there just might be a chance of surviving whatever Skinner had in mind.

Skinner came out of the bathroom, hiding a smile as he saw Mulder quickly settle back into position. He had deliberately left Mulder alone with the dreaded paddle so that the younger man could have a chance to get acquainted with it. And, from the sound of things, Mulder had done just that.

He crossed the room to the cabinet, glancing over to see that Mulder had his eyes properly focused on the floor. Looking through the cabinet, he located the items he wanted and set them on the bed.

"All right, Kitten. Kneel up."

Mulder moved up on his knees, letting his eyes move up from Skinner's black leather boots and over his black leather pants. His breath caught as he saw that these were a new pair that laced up at the crotch, nicely framing the older man's assets, and his fingers itched to loosen those lacings and gaze on the prize underneath. He heard Skinner clear his throat and flushed, holding his collar to his neck and bending his head so that Skinner could fasten it at the back. Then he let his eyes travel back up Skinner's body, lingering once more on the inviting crotch before moving up over the silk shirt that had been left unbuttoned and merely tucked into the pants. He drew in a deep, shaky breath, all thoughts of the paddle forgotten.

Skinner smiled, noting the signs of severe lust in Mulder's face, and reached out to grasp the back of Mulder's head, pressing the younger man's face against his crotch. "Is this what you want, my pet?" Mulder nodded vigorously. "Show me how much you want this." Mulder eagerly reached out for the lacings but Skinner batted his hands away. "No, you don't, boy. You have to earn the right to do that. Right now I just want you to show me what you want."

Frustrated, Mulder glared up at the Dom, wondering what the other man meant, then he focused his attention back on the prize he wanted. He leaned forward, nuzzling the leather-encased cock. He breathed in deeply, drowning himself in the scent of Skinner and butter-soft leather. His tongue snaked out to trace the shape underneath and he heard Skinner groan.

"That's my good Kitten."

Encouraged, he worked his mouth and tongue over the entire surface, his tongue tracing out the shape of a cock ring and the hardening shaft inside it. The rest of the world retreated until all that remained was the scent of leather and the body he was worshipping.

"Enough," said a soft voice, gently pushing his head away. Mulder moaned but Skinner pulled him up and kissed his lips. "Soon, pet. I promise I'll let you finish that if you'll be a good boy for me."

"Anything," Mulder promised, pressing kisses over Skinner's face. "Whatever you want."

"First, I'd better put this on you. I don't think you'll be able to control yourself." Skinner fastened a cock ring on him, and Mulder felt a twinge of anxiety through the lust fogging his brain.

"What - ?"

Skinner smiled and kissed him again. "Hush. Just trust me."

He led Mulder over to the cross, quickly attaching the cuffs to the chains so that Mulder was stretched out along the X shape, smiling to himself at the appropriateness of the structure. Mulder looked over his shoulder anxiously, opening his mouth to speak, and Skinner ran a fingertip over Mulder's lips.

"Hush, my pet. I'm going to take good care of you, take away all the guilt and pain inside. And I'm going to make you feel so good, make you fly." He kissed Mulder briefly. "You remember your safe words? Tell them to me."

"'Kirk' for physical distress, 'Spock' for emotional problems."

"Good boy. I won't blindfold you, but I want you to try to keep your eyes closed. Don't fight me, Kitten, and I promise to make this good for you."

Mulder looked at him with complete trust in his eyes. "I trust you -Master."

Skinner smiled and caressed his sub's face tenderly. "Thank you, my sweet slave. Now close your eyes."

Mulder obeyed, letting his head fall forward as he tried to calm himself. He felt the Dom's hands moving over his back, gently rubbing oil into his skin and loosening his muscles. It felt wonderful and his body relaxed under the attention he was receiving. Those strong hands moved over his shoulders, along his back and chest, over his buttocks, then down his legs and he surrendered willingly to the expert touch. Then the hands were moving over his buttocks again, massaging them harder, and he groaned. He could feel the Dom lean in close to his body and heard him murmur in his ear.

"I like to start with my hand to warm up the area."

Mulder tried to make sense of that comment but his brain seemed to have shut down and his body seemed to have melted. Then a sharp smack across his ass startled him and brought his attention back to his present situation. "Shit!"

"Relax, Kitten," the Dom murmured, his hand soothing away the sting. "Don't fight the sensations. Give into the feelings."

Mulder groaned as the pattern repeated, swats followed by soothing rubs followed by more swats, until his ass felt warm and so sensitive to Skinner's slightest touch that he didn't know whether to beg for more or for Skinner to stop. He needed this, needed the pain to drive back the demons. "Please," he gasped, "Please."

Skinner moved in close behind him, butter-soft leather rubbing against sensitized skin, and nuzzled his neck. "Talk to me, pet. Tell me what is happening here."

Mulder felt the dark despair in his soul rise up and overwhelm him. He let his head fall forward. "Punishing me - the boy - "

"No, Fox," Skinner said gently. "I told you that this wasn't about punishment. This is about taking care of you, releasing these demons of yours."

Bleakly, Mulder said, "It's not working."

Skinner pressed a kiss against his skin. "I've just started. Trust me."

Mulder nodded weakly. He didn't know how Skinner could possibly drive away the darkness without giving him the pain that he needed but he was willing to put himself into the other man's hands. Skinner stepped back but kept one hand on the sub's body to reassure and anchor him. He slid his left hand over Mulder's abdomen and picked up the paddle with his right, rubbing the padded cloth side against the slightly pink skin. He heard Mulder's soft purr and grinned, then raised the paddle and brought it down with a series of light, firm strokes. Mulder gasped in surprise and then groaned in a way that sounded like pleasure. His left hand moved downward to check Mulder's erection and found that he was definitely enjoying this. Skinner smiled in relief and intensified his attentions.

Mulder gasped at the explosion of sensation that seemed to begin in his ass and vibrate throughout his entire body with each stroke, an intensity of feeling that he had never known before. It was pain and it was pleasure, and it was more intoxicating than the darkness that beckoned to him from inside. The feeling of the soft cloth moving sensually over his heated skin in between blows made him groan with pure pleasure and try to wriggle closer. Another set of strokes, firmer this time, and he could hardly catch his breath under the intense need that consumed him. Something was winding up inside of him, a delicious tension that begged for more - more paddling, more caressing, more attention. He knew that he was saying that word out-loud now, begging and demanding more. He thrust his ass back to meet the blows that were coming steadily now, lifting him onto his toes with their force. He caught his breath on a sob, feeling the darkness and guilt and despair rising inside him, forced to the surface by the emotions that were raging inside. Mulder felt the Dom move in close again, the soothing hand caressing his sensitive flesh as a voice murmured in his ear.

"That's it, my pet. Let it all out. Let me turn the pain to pleasure."

He surrendered to the man who was manipulating him so skillfully. A wet warmth was moving across his heated skin and he realized that Skinner was kneeling behind him, soothing his skin with his tongue. The mental picture of Skinner on his knees, pleasuring him like this, made him moan and try to wriggle closer.

Skinner laughed softly. "That's my little slut. You want something, pet? Something like this?" He ran his tongue over Mulder's sensitive opening and smiled as he set to work, rimming and tongue fucking until his sub was nearly mindless with need. He reached for the massage oil and gently pressed a finger inside, working Mulder open, and then slowly slid a small plug inside.

Mulder groaned at the feeling of penetration and tried to push backward, growling in frustration as the bindings on his wrists and ankles kept him from moving as he wanted. "God -please! Please!"

"You want to come, my pet?"

"Yes!"

"Then talk to me, Kitten. Tell me what this is about."

The plug was moving in and out, slowly fucking him senseless, and he could barely think. "Not - not punishment. Helping. God, feels so good!"

"That's right." The plug was now firmly seated inside him and those skillful hands removed his cock ring. "You've been a very good boy, and I'm very proud of you. I'm going to take you flying now."

"Master - yes - " Mulder moaned as the hands moved away, then sighed as he felt the paddle rest against his skin again. "Yes - more - "

He felt the sting against his skin, the thud that vibrated through his body, and each movement made the plug move deep inside him. His body was overwhelmed with sensation and he felt as if every nerve was on fire. Each stroke moved him higher, carried him away from the darkness trying to claim his soul, lifted him towards the light that hovered just above his touch. And then he was there, the glorious golden light spilling over him, running through his blood like a tidal wave of champagne, and he was laughing and shouting and sobbing all at once before tumbling into the light and letting it carry him away.

Skinner released Mulder from the cuffs, catching the sub as he collapsed and carrying him to the bed. He laid Mulder down on it and then sat down beside him, waiting for him to surface. Memories of all the subs that he had sat beside afterward flooded him, subs who had been blissed out and sated, ones that had been aroused and insatiable, and one who had blazed with a fire that had burned them both. He both longed for and dreaded Mulder's awakening, wondering what direction this would take his lover. Would Mulder want to be cuddled or fucked? Would he be at peace with himself or need more intense stimulation? And if he did need more, would Skinner be able to give that to him.

A few minutes later, Mulder's eyes fluttered open and a lazy grin crossed his face. "Mmmm."

Skinner grinned back at him. "Back among the living? How do you feel?"

"Like you're too far away." Mulder tugged at Skinner and the Dom let him pull him down for a kiss. It was gentle and teasing, and the last of his worries fled. Mulder was obviously at peace within - not to mention aroused. His own erection, which had flagged while he attended to his sub, leapt to life.

Mulder felt the response of the hard body stretched along his and smiled, parting his legs so that Skinner could lie more comfortably between them. "You okay?"

"Yeah. I'm okay."

Mulder reached down between their bodies and stroked the Dom's cock, feeling the semi-hardness through the soft leather. He looked at Skinner questioningly. "That didn't turn you on? Usually you're so hot after you've been playing with me that you're ready to pound my ass."

Skinner shrugged. "I was concentrating on you."

Mulder's eyes narrowed. "You were thinking about what happened before, and you were afraid to let yourself get too caught up in it. Dammit, Walter, I'm not Krycek!"

"No, you're not." Skinner let a grin cross his face. "Krycek never giggled while he was flying."

"I do not giggle!" Mulder said indignantly.

"Yes, you do." Skinner leaned down to kiss Mulder thoroughly. "And I think it's very cute."

Mulder wrinkled his nose at being called 'cute' but responded to the kiss passionately and let his hands rove over the Dom's clothed body. When Skinner released his mouth, he murmured, "You promised me a reward if I was a good boy."

Skinner grinned and sat up. "I did indeed." He held out his arms. "I'm all yours."

Mulder sat up as well. "Mmm. What an invitation." He pushed Skinner flat on the bed and began working his way down the Dom's body, kissing and fondling every inch of skin he could get to through the open shirt. Reaching the leather pants, he once more nuzzled and fondled the swollen cock through the leather until Skinner was groaning with need. He cast a saucy grin up at the Dom.

"Permission to open these now and suck you off, Sir?"

"Granted," Skinner gasped. "But don't make me come. I want to take that saucy red ass of yours."

"Yes, Sir!" Mulder wasted no time in unlacing the pants and freeing the other man's erection from the cock ring before taking it deep in his mouth. Skinner groaned at the sensation of that talented mouth working him over, licking and sucking and tasting every inch. He resisted the urge to grab the head moving between his legs and set the pace, marveling at how proficient Mulder had become at this over the past year. But the sensation was too much and he finally growled and pushed at Mulder's head.

"Enough! On your hands and knees, my pet. I want to see that beautiful red ass in the air."

Mulder quickly obliged, his shoulders down on the bed and his ass high in the air with his knees spread wide apart. He loved being like this -on his back or his belly, exposed, waiting to be filled and dominated by the other man. He wriggled against the cool fingers as they removed the plug and prepared him, enjoying the coolness against his warm ass. Then the Dom was sliding into him with one long stroke, taking him and claiming him. He pushed back against the welcome invader, relishing the burn as it quickly turned to pleasure. The heat of Skinner's body against his warm ass was deliciously erotic and he found himself rocking backward into the other man, forcing Skinner to quicken his pace. Skinner's hands tightened on his hips and Mulder didn't care if he had bruises the next day as long as the Dom didn't stop what he was doing. He gave into the climax as it enveloped him, shouting out Skinner's name as he came, and heard a low growl as several more deep thrusts brought the other man over the edge.

They collapsed on the bed, Skinner barely remembering to turn them sideways so he wouldn't crush Mulder, and lay there still entwined for a long time. Skinner pressed a sleepy kiss against the back of Mulder's neck and was surprised to hear him laugh softly.

"What's so funny, Fox?"

"Just thinking that maybe I should thank Mason for that paddle after all," Mulder said with a grin. "And are you ever going to tell me about your name being on it?"

Skinner smiled and wrapped his arms more securely around his lover. "Someday, Mulder. If you're lucky."

*****************

Mulder hesitated in the doorway to Mason's office, reluctant to disturb the older man, then said quietly, "Sir?"

Mason looked up and stood, smiling. "Mulder! I'm a little surprised to see you this morning. Where's Walter?"

Mulder came into the office. "Sleeping. I'm on my way to the gym to exercise, stretch out some of the kinks after - um."

Mason noted the flush on the younger man's face and the smile on his face widened. "I take it that Walter used that paddle on you last night and took you flying?"

"Yes, sir." Mulder drew in a deep breath, trying to control the heat on his face. "It was - incredible. I'd never imagined that it could be like that." He gave Mason an uncertain look. "I know you were worried about Walter but I think he's okay. He - um - it didn't turn him on, though."

Mason frowned. "That's not like Walter. He used to get so hot that I could barely keep up with him."

Mulder suppressed a slight stirring of jealousy at the thought of Mason and Skinner together, then was surprised at the sudden flush of heat that filled him at the image that flashed into his mind. "It's okay - I took care of him."

Mason reached out to ruffle Mulder's hair. "You're a good boy, Mulder. You're probably right about Walter but I'll just touch base with him later to be certain."

"Thank you, Sir" Mulder said gratefully.

"Is there anything else?"

"Um - yes. I wanted to - when you gave us the gift I wasn't exactly appreciative, and I just wanted to say - " He suddenly reached out to hug the master Dom. "Thank you, Master Mason."

Mason folded his arms around the younger man, holding him tight for a moment, and smiled. "You're more than welcome, little one. Oh, and Mulder?"

"Yes, sir?"

"You can call me 'Geoffrey'."

Mulder pulled back and smiled. "Yes, Master Geoffrey. Thank you."

"Mulder, you're family now. Anything I can do for you, you know you have only to ask." He gave the sub a last squeeze and then playfully patted his ass. "Now get out of here, boy. I've got work to do and you've got a master to see to."

Mason watched the young man leave and settled back into his chair with a smile. One problem solved, he thought with a sigh of relief, and thought that Sean would be relieved to know that everything was turning out okay for that pair. Then he turned his attention back to his efforts to track down another problem sub that seemed to have vanished.

"Damn it, Alex Krycek - where did you disappear to?" he muttered then picked up the phone to call his old master. He had a feeling that something bad was about to happen if he didn't find that young man. It was time to call for reinforcements.

End of Chapter 42

Title: Chains of Desire: Chapter 43 - Kitten
Author: Diana Williams
Email: Diana@slashcity.com
Web site: http://diana.slashcity.com/
Rating: NC-17 for m/m sex and language; M/Sk
Archive: Yes.

Warnings: This series includes elements of BDSM, including bondage, dominance and submission. If that's not your preference, please read no further.

Disclaimer and Author's notes: Disclaimer and other pertinent information are in Forging the Chains: Intro. Most everyone here belongs to someone other than me, however Sean Matthews, Geoffrey Mason, Dr. Kate Malone and the Dionysus Club are my inventions - please ask before borrowing them. Chapter quote comes from "Misty". Also, this chapter is dedicated to Gaby - she sent me the suggestion for this chapter and I loved it so much that I had to do it. Thanks again, Gaby, and keep those suggestions coming!

Series Summary: Mulder takes a walk on the wild side and Skinner rescues him from the consequences. They form a new relationship away from work.

Chapter Summary: Mulder and Skinner make a bet

Chapter Forty-Three

"Look at me -
I'm as helpless as a kitten up a tree."

Mulder knelt in the center of the floor, staring at the leather strip in front of him with disfavor. Normally, this was one of his favorite parts of the weekend - kneeling naked in Skinner's Club suite, smoothly shaven, clean inside and out, his eyes fixed on the symbol of his submission while he waited for his Dom to arrive. It was his time to focus on why he was here, what he was while he was here, and to let go of all the outside tensions and responsibilities, to put all his trust in Skinner's capable hands. Some days he just wasn't able to let go and Skinner had recently begun experimenting with ways to help Mulder release his guilt and tension. But today he actually felt pretty relaxed - of course, it helped that his other "team", Agents Spender and Fowley, had been out of the office the last two days on a case. No, today the problem was his collar.

It was a beautiful strip of leather, soft and supple from all the attention that Mulder lavished on it. The collar had been his first gift from Skinner, a present on his birthday the previous year when he had long ago given up the idea of anyone but Scully even remembering the day. The first real present he had received since he was twelve. It had been a symbol of the deepening of the Dom/sub relationship between them but, more than that, it had been a claiming and Mulder had responded by surrendering his whole being to the man who Dominated him. He loved this collar, loved wearing it here at the Club, loved to hold it at home while he cleaned and oiled the leather to keep it supple. If someone had asked him what was his most cherished possession, he would have unhesitantly admitted it was this collar.

And today he stared at it with loathing.

Skinner had borrowed the collar earlier this week at the same time that he had taken the new black paddle that Mason had given them. When he returned both of them to Mulder, the younger man had been delighted to see that "Fox" was now inscribed on the wooden side of the paddle, right below the name "Walter", carved into the wood and painted with gold. It had given him a warm feeling to see that, a sense of completion.

But he hadn't looked at the collar till today.

Laying it out on the floor before him, he had realized that there was something on the inside of the collar, on the part of the leather that would go against his skin. He had flipped it over and looked closely -and then he had started swearing.

There, on the inside of the collar, was carved one word - Kitten.

His sub name. The name that Skinner delighted in calling him, knowing how much he disliked the idea of being called Kitten. Bad enough that Skinner insisted on calling him "Fox" in their personal life, but at least a fox was clever and had keen senses. A kitten was just - cute.

Skinner had put his sub name on his collar and, although it wasn't on the outside where anyone might see it and make a rude comment, it was on the inside, right against his skin. Branding him. Marking him forever with that despised name.

He would kill his lover when he got his hands on him.

The cardlock clicked and the door opened to reveal Skinner standing on the threshold. Mulder looked up, giving the man a withering look, then returned his gaze to the floor in front of him like a proper submissive. Skinner, however, wasn't the least bit fooled and he chuckled.

"Something wrong, boy?"

"I hate that name and you put it on my beautiful collar."

Skinner smiled and closed the door, setting down his bag. "I think it's the perfect name for you."

"It is not!" Mulder said indignantly. "Kittens are - are cute!"

Skinner chuckled and crossed the room to caress his indignant sub's head. "And so are you."

"I am not cute! Cute is for babies and small animals! I am not small!"

"No, I'll have to grant you that," Skinner said with a smirk as he cast an appreciative look down Mulder's body. "But nevertheless you are cute. And when you're really feeling content, you make this cu- sexy little purring noise."

Mulder gasped indignantly. "I do not purr!"

"Sorry, Fox, but you definitely do purr." Skinner gestured for Mulder to kneel up and, reluctantly, the sub placed the collar against his neck and bent his head to have it fastened. "Besides, it doesn't matter what you like or don't like. I'm in charge, and I like it, so it sticks."

"Yes, Sir," Mulder said with a sigh, rising to his feet to help Skinner undress. As he hung up the suit and bagged the rest of the clothing for the laundry chute, his mind was busily working over the situation, looking for a way out. An idea struck him and he turned it over in his mind for a minute before speaking. "Sir?"

Skinner paused in belting on his robe and looked over at his sub, wondering what had been going on in Mulder's mind while he had been silently working. "Yes, Kitten?"

Mulder winced. "How about a little wager?"

"What kind of wager?" Skinner asked cautiously.

"You say that I - purr like a kitten. Well, if you can make me purr just once over this weekend - and it has to be a real purr, not just the word 'purr' or humming or anything like that - then the sub name stays. If I win, meaning that I don't purr, then you have to stop calling me 'Kitten' and remove that name from my collar."

"I don't have to do anything," Skinner reminded him. "I'm the one who makes the rules here."

"Of course you don't have to," Mulder said, moving close and nuzzling Skinner's neck. "But you will because you're fair and generous."

Skinner wrapped his arms around the warm, naked flesh in his arms and lightly nipped at Mulder's shoulder. "I could point out that what you're doing right now is very kitten-like - rubbing against me and nuzzling my neck."

"But I'm not purring," Mulder pointed out, "So it doesn't count. "What do you say, Sir? Don't you think that you can back up your claim?"

"Don't taunt me, my boy - it won't work and will just earn you punishment." Skinner thought for a moment and then nodded. "All right. You have a bet."

"Yes!" Mulder crowed, pumping his fist.

"Don't start celebrating yet - Kitten. You still have to win the bet," Skinner reminded him.

"I will," Mulder said confidently, turning to the service chute to unload their dinner dishes. "You just wait and see."

After dinner, Skinner stretched and yawned. "It's been a long week, Fox. I think I'll get a quick shower and then go to sleep."

Mulder gaped at him. "What! But - Walter - I mean, Sir! Aren't we going to play at all tonight?"

"Sorry, babe," Skinner said, hugging his lover and kissing him gently. "But I wouldn't do you any justice tonight - I'd probably fall asleep on you."

"Oh, all right," Mulder grumbled crossly. "It's just that it's been days since we were together and I'm horny as hell."

Skinner chuckled but said, admonishingly, "And if I told you that you wouldn't be coming at all this weekend, it would be within my rights as your Dom to say so. So if I hear one more grumble out of you, I'll be locking that nasty little cock cage that you hate so much on you and it won't come off till Sunday."

"Yes, Sir," Mulder said with a sigh. "Sorry, Sir."

"On the other hand, if you're a good boy, I'll give you a nice long session tomorrow."

Mulder perked up at that. "Really?"

"Um-hmm." Skinner nuzzled his neck. "When I'm done with you, my pet, you'll scream so loud that they'll hear you through the sound-proof walls."

"I like the sound of that," Mulder said, rubbing his body against Skinner's. Then he grinned mischievously at the Dom. "But I won't purr."

"Brat," Skinner growled, smacking his ass lightly. "Dishes and then into bed. And if I even suspect that you're touching yourself, the cage goes on and I send you down for laundry duty instead."

Mulder made a face but said obediently, "Yes, Sir." He had earned laundry duty for himself twice during their year together, and the idea of being stuck down in the hot basement washing, folding, and ironing laundry while wearing little more than a loincloth when he could be writhing under whatever delicious torment Skinner had planned for him was enough of a threat. On the other hand, the Dom had been particularly sweet to him when he returned to the suite all hot and tired on both occasions, bathing him and then sucking him off. His cock stirred at the memory of that and he immediately began thinking of everything nasty that he could to cool himself off as he set about clearing the table.

Skinner smiled to himself as he stepped into the shower. Mulder thought that he was being pretty clever, setting up this challenge, but Skinner knew he had a whole arsenal of tricks at his disposal. He was confident that before the weekend was over, he would have Mulder purring - and once he won the bet he would teach Mulder a thing or two about challenging his Dom. But first he had to win that bet, and part of that involved making Mulder so hot that he would lose control and forget what he was trying not to do. And that meant that Skinner would have to be in total control of himself.

Mulder was right about one thing - it had been a long time since they had been together. Since they were taking things slowly outside the Club, Mulder was only spending one weeknight at Skinner's, and Tuesday night they had both been too tired to do more than mutual hand jobs before falling asleep in each other's arms. Not that Mulder had slept much, waking from a nightmare brought about from his recent case and babbling something about Skinner's head exploding because Mulder couldn't drive fast enough. Skinner had ended up holding Mulder's shaking body most of the night but in the morning the younger man had seemed to be okay, not haunted like he usually was by such things. Still, Skinner would be glad to be back together under one roof where he could keep a closer eye on his lover - which reminded him that he needed to check with Mulder about how the house hunting was coming.

Meanwhile, the sight of his lover in naked-and-available sub mode was doing dangerous things to his libido and if he hoped to maintain any kind of control, he would have to do something about that. He positioned himself comfortably under the streaming water and took his cock in hand, stroking himself with just the right amount of speed and pressure to bring himself off quickly. Then he washed up and dried off before joining Mulder in the bed.

Mulder rolled over and snuggled into his arms, sleepy despite his earlier protests, and Skinner was thankful that he had taken care of himself in the shower. He wrapped his arms around Mulder and pressed a kiss against his hair, deeply content with life at the moment, and fell asleep.

*********

Skinner woke to the sensation of something tickling his feet and said, without opening his eyes, "Someone is looking to get himself in big trouble this morning, isn't he?"

There was a chuckle from somewhere near his feet. "Depends on what the punishment involves."

"That's it - you've been hanging around with Sean entirely too much. Come back up here and behave yourself."

Mulder pressed a kiss against Skinner's ankle. "Coming, oh Lord and Master." He slowly moved up Skinner's body, pressing kisses against his skin along the way until he reached his mouth, his body stretched out over Skinner's. "You want me, Sir?"

Skinner groaned, wrapping his arms around Mulder and kissing him hard. "You are such a slut, Fox."

"Mmm," Mulder agreed. "And you wouldn't have me any other way." He sat up, straddling Skinner's hips, and grinned at him. "Anything I can do for you this fine morning, Sir?"

"As a matter of fact, Kitten, you can employ that talented mouth of yours to suck me off." Mulder eagerly bent to take the halfway erect cock in his mouth and Skinner said, warningly, "And don't you dare come, boy."

Mulder made a face at that but eagerly took Skinner's cock in his mouth, using every trick he knew to tease and excite, bringing Skinner to the edge and then backing him off before starting again. When he started to back off a second time, Skinner growled and took control, pumping up into the sub's mouth while Mulder held on and swallowed everything as quickly as he could.

Skinner caught his breath and then pulled Mulder's head away from his softening cock. He made a soft, unhappy sound that sounded like a kitten's mew and Skinner grinned. "That sounded very kittenish to me, boy."

Mulder grinned back and crawled up to nestle his body alongside Skinner's. "But it wasn't a purr."

Skinner chuckled and playfully cuffed the younger man. "Brat. And I think I need my breakfast before I can deal with anything else."

After breakfast, Mulder cleared the dishes and then curled up on the floor next to Skinner's leg, resting against him comfortably while the Dom finished reading the morning paper. Absently, one hand came down to rest on Mulder's head, carding though the soft hair, and Mulder nuzzled into the petting hand. He was feeling content with life at the moment and anticipating an interesting weekend. And it felt good to just relax and let himself drift, letting Skinner handle everything. He closed his eyes and began humming as he relaxed under the petting, barely aware of what he was doing until he heard a soft laugh.

"That sounds suspiciously like purring, my pet."

"It's humming," Mulder murmured sleepily. "There's a difference."

"Sleepy, boy?" Skinner asked softly, putting away the paper and tugging on Mulder's hair. "I believe that I can wake you up."

Mulder obediently crawled up into his lap, nuzzling Skinner's neck. "I like the sound of that."

"Good. A little exercise is just what we need." Skinner kissed the tip of Mulder's nose, grinning at Mulder's protest. "Get dressed and we'll go down to the gym."

Mulder made a face. "I had a different kind of exercise in mind." He rubbed himself against Skinner, his naked skin against the lush warmth of Skinner's robe, and felt the Dom's cock stirring in interest.

"Little slut," Skinner said affectionately. "Plenty of time for that later. Sweats and sneakers, boy."

Mulder sighed. "Later. Always later."

Skinner reached up, taking hold of Mulder by the back of the neck. "I think you're forgetting your place in this relationship, boy," he growled. He saw Mulder's eyes widen and felt the slight shiver that went through his body at this. "I think I've been a little too lenient with you lately and you need a reminder of just who is in charge." He released Mulder. "Waiting position, boy - now!"

Mulder scrambled off his lap, his heart racing. He loved it when Skinner did this, took him deeper into his submission and as he knelt in place he wondered anxiously what the Dom planned to do to him.

Skinner stood in front of the kneeling sub, noting with approval his perfect positioning - back straight, head level, eyes on the floor and hands relaxed on his knees. He took a few steps away and barked, "Supplication!" and Mulder went flat on his belly, arms stretched over his head. He had judged his positioning to perfection, ending up with his face on Skinner's feet and he reverently kissed them.

"Whom do you belong to, boy?"

"You, Sir."

"And who makes the rules?"

"You do, Sir."

"Kneel up, boy."

Mulder obediently pushed back into a kneeling position, this time with his knees spread wide and his locked behind his neck, elbows out. He was totally open for almost anything Skinner chose to do to him, and he watched avidly as Skinner walked over to the cabinet. He almost groaned when he saw the Dom pull out the dreaded cock-cage but remained still as Skinner fastened the straps to separate his cock and balls.

"Laundry duty, Sir?" he asked, resigned to his fate.

"Not today, Kitten. I think that they pamper you pretty boys too much down there, and you need a tight leash today."

Mulder liked the sound of that but decided not to make it too easy for Skinner. "Kittens don't go on leashes," he murmured, daringly. "They wiggle out of them."

"Unless you use a harness." Skinner pulled out the rest of the accessories, fastening the belt and then attaching the cock-chain to it. "Ass up, boy, and keep still."

Mulder bent over, touching the floor with his nose and lifting his bottom in the air. He groaned as Skinner caressed the firm flesh and wiggled enticingly, hoping that his Dom would forget whatever he had planned and fuck him through the floor. His hopes were dashed as Skinner smacked him. "Ow!"

"While I appreciate this fine ass of yours and plan to use it to the fullest later, I believe I gave you an order to stay still, didn't I?"

"Yes, Sir." He groaned again and spread his arms to either side to brace his body as Skinner began playing with his hole, teasing him as he circled the outside before plunging a lubed finger into him. Mulder gasped and tried to keep still, not wanting to lose that delicious connection or invite any more punishment. He closed his eyes to concentrate on the sensation of being finger-fucked like this, moaning his pleasure softly.

"You love this, don't you, my slut? You love to have this hungry hole of yours filled, don't you?"

"Yes - Sir," he moaned.

"Such a hot and greedy little sub." Skinner added another finger and felt the infintesimal rocking of Mulder's body. "One day I'm going to make you take my whole hand. You'd like that, wouldn't you, slut? My hand inside this sweet hole, filling you up, possessing you."

"God - yes - " Mulder groaned. "Do it!"

"Not today, Kitten." Skinner pulled out his fingers and lubed the plug he had ready. "You're not nearly ready for that yet - physically or mentally."

Mulder groaned at the emptiness in his ass. "I can take three fingers," he protested. "It's only two more."

"It's a lot more than just five fingers." Skinner slid the plug into the prepared hole and Mulder moaned his pleasure. "We'll have to talk and you'll have to do some reading before we even attempt that." He fastened a set of chains to the plug, attaching one to the belt and running the other to the cock harness. "Stand up, boy."

Mulder cautiously stood, wincing a little as the plug moved. He wondered how long Skinner was going to make him wear this and just was going on in that devious Dom mind of his.

"All right, time to go work out. Dress me and then put on sweat pants -no shirt or underwear - and come back to me."

Sighing, Mulder obeyed. Skinner pushed his sweat pants down so that he could check that his harness was still in place, then attached a slender leash to a ring on the cock-harness before pulling up the pants again.

"Your leash," he said to Mulder, wagging it in front of the younger man's face. "When we are in public and together, I will hold onto this - and I advise you not to get too far away. Since you are a cat and not a dog, I won't expect you to heel." Mulder rolled his eyes at that and Skinner lightly cuffed him again. "Watch it, boy. I can think of a lot less pleasant ways to spend your day than walking on a leash."

Mulder sighed. "Yes, Sir." He followed as Skinner led the way down to the gym, careful to stay close after he learned that a sharp tug on the leash pulled on both the cock cage and the plug in a way that was both painful and arousing.

The gym was crowded that morning and he glanced longingly at the near-empty pool but knew that there was no chance of doing laps in this get-up. Reluctantly, he followed Skinner into the weight room and prepared to endure a torturous session. Skinner had decided that Mulder needed to build strength in his upper body and had set up a training regime that Mulder was haphazardly following. Mulder had no patience for the endless repetition of lifting and pushing weights, preferring to swim or run laps where he could disengage his mind, but Skinner had tried to convince him that a little strength training would be good for variety.

Mulder groaned silently when he saw three familiar figures over at the bench press and then groaned out loud as Skinner made his way towards them. Scully was doing the lifting with Sean spotting for her while Mason stood to the side giving encouragement, and as Skinner approached, he looked up and smiled.

"Walter! A little early today, aren't you? You two lazybones don't usually drag yourselves out of bed till noon."

Skinner smiled and Mulder flushed at that, knowing that everyone within earshot knew just what they were doing to keep them in bed that late. Sean grinned at that as he handed a towel to Scully.

"You're embarrassing the poor innocent lamb, Geoff," he said in a mock-chiding voice. "And Mountain, you're not corrupting Mulder fast enough."

Skinner appeared to consider this. "Some prefer a fast corruption but I prefer a thorough one."

Mason nodded sagely. "You were always thorough in your work, Walter. And stop teasing Mulder, Sean. I think it's sweet when he blushes like that."

Mulder rolled his eyes. First cute and now sweet. He would really have to do something about his image, he thought. A hand smacked the back of his head. "Ow! What was that for?" he demanded then, as Skinner raised an eyebrow, added, "Sir."

"You are being impolite, my boy. Master Geoff has just paid you a compliment - you do not roll your eyes at him."

Mulder bit back a sigh and said, trying not to grit his teeth, "Sorry, Sir. Thank you, Master Geoff."

Mason smiled. "You are most welcome, little one, even if you don't really appreciate the compliment." He looked Mulder over critically, then looked at Skinner. "He could really use some fattening up and some muscle tone." Skinner nodded and the two began discussing ideas.

Seeing that the two Doms were distracted, Mulder looked over at Scully and grinned. "Looking buff, partner. Mason's got you working out, too?"

Scully nodded. "Upper body strength, mostly."

"Got to be able to swing that whip, huh, Scully?" A sudden yank on his leash startled him. "Ow! Now what did I do?" he demanded.

"Scully is a Domme here, not your partner," Skinner reminded him. "You should address her properly."

Mulder looked at him, appalled. "You want me to call Scully 'Mistress'?"

"Or Ma'am. Don't you think Scully deserves your respect?"

Mulder didn't have to look at Scully to know that she had crossed her arms and was glaring at him. He was trapped. "Um - of course. I - um -apologize for my disrespect, Ma'am."

Scully nodded. "Certainly - boy." She smiled over at Skinner, her eyes twinkling. "I could get used to this."

He laughed but took pity on Mulder, handing the younger man the leash. "Go warm up, Fox. Five laps around the track."

"You two can go do some laps as well," Mason said. "Then hit the showers and we'll meet back at the suite."

Sean and Scully nodded, heading towards the indoor track with Mulder. "Ever get a feeling that you're about to be talked about, Mulder?" Sean asked with a grin.

Mulder sighed. "This day just keeps getting worse and worse."

Scully chuckled, looking him over as they stretched. "Poor Mulder! You look very uncomfortable today. Professional opinion, Sean. What's Mulder wearing on the other end of that leash?"

Sean cocked his head, considering. "Cock cage, probably attached to a belt by chains." As Mulder, ignoring them, started jogging, he added, "A nd, by the way that he's moving, a butt plug."

"Sean!" Mulder said indignantly, flushing.

Sean chuckled. "Hell, Mulder, that's nothing compared to some of the stuff Geoff's done to me. I expect Dana's gone through a lot, too, knowing my man."

"How come you get to call her 'Dana' and I have to call her 'Ma'am'?" Mulder protested as the three of them fell into step around the track.

Sean looked smug. "Teacher's pet? So - you been a bad boy, Mulder?"

"This?" Mulder asked, indicating the leash. "It's part of a bet - and I'm not going to tell you what the bet's about so don't even ask."

"You made a bet with your Dom?" Sean asked, amused. "Idiot. Don't you know that even if you win you'll lose? They've got some kind of code about getting even."

"It'll be worth it if he just stops calling me - " Mulder realized what he was about to say and bit his lip.

"Ah-hah!" Sean laughed. "It starts to make sense, although I've never heard of one being trained to a leash, except for the big ones, of course. Not the cute, domesticated ones like you."

"If anyone else calls me cute, I'll shoot them," Mulder said grimly.

Scully chuckled. "Poor Mulder," she teased. "You look all ruffled and defensive, like a cat with its back up." He glared at her and her eyes widened. "No! He doesn't call you that, does he? Cat?"

"Worse," Sean murmured, dodging the blow that Mulder aimed at him.

Scully started laughing. "Kitten? Why, Mulder! That's so - sweet."

"Oh, yeah?" Mulder stopped on the track, hands on his hips, and glared at her. "Why don't you tell us your training name, huh? Then we can all laugh about something."

"Not on your life!" Scully retorted.

"That bad, huh?" he asked, grinning. "What about you, Sean? Mason got an atrocious sub name for you, too?"

Sean looked a little wistful. "No, we never played like that, although he uses lots of love-names. Geoff always names the tops he trains, though."

"Yeah? So what was his name for Walter, huh? You've got to tell me."

Sean snorted. "Not bloody likely! I'd have the both of them after my ass!"

"Yeah? Well, right now you'd better worry about me and not them!"

Sean took off running across the track, laughing like a maniac, with Mulder in hot pursuit.

********

Mulder woke up from an after-exercise nap, something Skinner had insisted on. Not that he had argued much - being apart from Skinner most nights, he seemed to get little real rest. His couch was too narrow after months of sleeping in Skinner's big bed, and it was colder than he remembered, empty without the feel of his lover's arms wrapped around him. It had been heaven to sleep curled up with that large and solid warmth last night, and even napping alone had been tolerable because of Skinner's presence across the room.

Now he woke to the feel of ghost-like kisses pressed along his arm, moving slowly from his wrist up to his neck, and caught himself as he was about to purr. "Feels nice," he murmured instead. "And I didn't even say anything French."

Skinner chuckled and nipped at his neck. "Are you hungry, brat?"

"Yes." Mulder wrapped an arm around Skinner's neck and pulled him down for a kiss. "And I think that Hot Dom makes a wonderful appetizer."

"I had something more nutritional in mind."

"So did I." Mulder's hand drifted downward, cupping the bulge in Skinner's pants.

Skinner laughed again and disengaged Mulder's arms, rolling away to sit up. "Up, Fox."

"I certainly am."

"You're in a frisky mood. I guess that nap really helped."

Mulder sat up and crawled over to Skinner, rubbing up against his back. "Mmm-hmm. I'm rested and raring to go."

"I can tell. You're rubbing against me like a cat in heat."

"But I'm not purring." Mulder nuzzled the back of Skinner's neck. "So - what did you have in mind, O Stern and Studly Master?"

"Dinner."

"And then?"

"Hot sex."

"I like that agenda. Can we skip the first and go right to the end?"

Skinner chuckled and got off the bed, scooping Mulder off as well and setting him on the floor. "Food first. You're going to need your strength."

Mulder grinned. "I like the sound of that even more."

********

Several hours later, Mulder might have regretted his words as he lay panting and gasping on the bed. He was spread wide, his limbs cuffed to each corner of the bed, and every inch of his body had been subjected to Skinner's loving attention. His skin tingled from the rough mitt that had been rubbed over it, sensitizing his skin. His nipples ached from the clamps fastened on them and his cock throbbed within its cage. His ass trembled from the workout it had gotten from the dildo that was still inside him. He had long ago given up pleading as his words fell on deaf ears; the Dom had an agenda firmly in mind and wasn't about to deviate from it.

Mulder was in heaven and fervently hoped that it wouldn't end anytime soon.

He groaned as Skinner returned to the bed and stood surveying him with a gleam in his eye. "Beautiful," he murmured, his eyes moving over the sweat-dampened and flushed body of the sub. "You were meant to be like this, my pet. Flushed with pleasure, hot with desire, aching to be taken and filled." He unbuttoned his shirt and let it fall to the ground. "And that's just what I'm going to do." He unfastened his pants and pushed them down. "I'm going to take you and you're going to come so hard that they'll hear you scream downstairs."

Mulder groaned as another wave of arousal flooded him. "Maybe - but I won't purr."

Skinner growled as he released Mulder's ankles and crawled up the bed to release his wrists. "Oh, you'll purr, my kitten. You'll definitely purr before I'm done with you."

He rolled Mulder over onto his stomach and pulled him up onto his hands and knees. One hand played with the dildo again, moving it in and out slowly before pulling it out and tossing it to the side while the other hand stroked lubricant onto his cock. Before Mulder could even voice a protest, Skinner slid in with one smooth thrust until his balls were resting against Mulder's ass. Mulder groaned at the sensation of being filled again, this time by a hot, thick cock, and pressed backward for more. Skinner held him in place with one hand on his hip as the other hand caressed Mulder's belly before moving down to unfasten the cage and toss it aside. Mulder groaned as his throbbing cock was caressed by a warm hand and bucked into it, desperate for more. He growled as the hand moved away, sliding upward to toy with the clamps, and heard Skinner chuckle as he leaned forward to nip at the back of Mulder's neck.

"Now that's a familiar sound," he teased. "I've heard that sound from mating cats under my windows back home."

"Not - purring," Mulder gasped.

"You will be," Skinner promised, leaning backward so that he grasp Mulder's hips as he leisurely thrust into the body beneath him. "I'm going to fuck you long and hard. You'll still feel me in you when you're sitting at your desk in the basement tomorrow. Can you picture that, boy? Every move you make, you're going to feel me and know that you're owned."

"Oh, God!" Mulder moaned, his active imagination easily providing that picture. "Please! Need it - need you!"

Skinner leaned forward and placed a kiss on Mulder's spine. "And I need you, and I intend to have you - anytime, anyplace." He resumed his slow fucking while he continued talking. "Can you picture me coming into the basement and laying you down on your desk, your feet in the air as I fuck this tight ass? Or bending you over my desk and reaming you?"

Mulder gasped, his body on fire from the images that Skinner spun. He knew that it wouldn't happen - it was too risky for both of them - but the fantasy was incredible. He could picture himself over Skinner's big desk, pants around his ankles and his tie in his mouth to muffle his screams while Skinner fucked him hard and fast. He felt his balls tighten.

"Gonna - come."

"Not yet, boy. Not till I tell you to."

Mulder swore and desperately tried to stem the rising tide, trying to think of something to cool himself off but his brain had switched off. Skinner had picked up the pace now, fucking him with fast, hard strokes, and Mulder thought that his body would explode. It was so good - so incredibly good - and he needed to come so badly -

Skinner wrapped an arm around his waist, pulling him closer and his strokes became short and fierce, each one angled to strike his pleasure spot just right. Skinner's other hand moved upward, suddenly releasing the clamps on Mulder's nipples, even as his voice growled in Mulder's ear, "Come for me, Kitten. Come for me now!"

Mulder couldn't have stopped even if he had wanted to. His body bucked hard against the cock impaling him and he screamed as he exploded into a million pieces and collapsed into darkness.

*********

Mulder woke slowly with the lazy lassitude from being fucked unconscious. His body felt deliciously heavy and sated and he was quite content with the world. He realized that immediately after he passed out, Skinner must have turned them on their sides. The Dom was spooned up against his back, his arms wrapped around Mulder's waist, and as Mulder stretched slightly, he realized that Skinner's half-erect cock was still inside of him. He smiled, reveling in the thought of being close like this as they slept, and he let a soft, contented noise vibrate through his chest as he let his eyes drift closed again. Then his eyes popped open and he held his breath.

Damn! He had just purred!

Anxiously, he listened for any sound from the man behind him, but all he heard was Skinner's soft breathing as he slept. Mulder grinned, barely containing the laugh that wanted to roll out of him. Here Skinner was - so close to him that they could almost be one person, his cock actually still inside Mulder, and he had missed the whole damn proof of his claim.

I'm just too smart for him, Mulder thought smugly, and contentedly closed his eyes to go back to sleep.

He felt a slight stirring in the man behind him, the instinctive half-thrust of Skinner's body to keep himself seated within Mulder, and the feeling of a sleepy kiss brushed against the back of his neck. Then Skinner was leaning forward, nuzzling his ear, before he said, softly,

"Gotcha - Kitten."

End of Chapter 43

Title: Chains of Desire: Chapter 44 - Milestones
Author: Diana Williams
Email: Diana@slashcity.com
Web site: http://diana.slashcity.com/
Rating: NC-17 for m/m sex and language; M/Sk
Archive: Yes.

Disclaimer and Author's notes: Disclaimer and other pertinent information are in Chains of Desire: Intro. Most everyone here belongs to someone other than me, however Sean, Geoffrey Mason, Dr. Kate Malone and the Dionysus Club are my inventions -please ask before borrowing them. BTW, the T-shirts mentioned in the chapter are real - and I own one of them (you'll have to guess which one <BG>). Chapter quote comes from "When You Say Nothing at All" by Keith Whitley.
EPISODE NOTE: Although the X-File referred to in this chapter ("Term of Endearment") was shown later on in the year, the internal elements of the show indicate that it takes place in the early fall, so I've moved it there in my timeline. Also, I forgot to mention in the last chapter, which refers to "Drive", that it had been moved up a month since the arrest in the beginning of the show doesn't take place (my Mulder and Scully are way too busy to check up on fertilizer). So "Terms" takes place between "Drive" and "Triangle" in my timeline. And yes, "Triangle" will be in the next chapter, so anyone who wanted to see Mulder's butt "kicked but good" stay tuned.

Chapter Summary: During an important anniversary for Mulder and Skinner, important decisions are made.

Chapter Forty-four
"It's amazing how you can speak right to my heart
Without saying a word, you light up the dark.
The smile on your face lets me know that you need me.
There's a truth in your eyes, saying you'll never leave me.
A touch of your hand, says you'll catch me if ever I fall.
You say it best when you say nothing at all."
Tuesday, October 9

Mulder stared at the report in front of him in disgust. The neat black and white had been completely disfigured by red slashes and nearly unintelligible comments in the margins. The net result of it all was clear - this was a do-over.

He grimaced as he pulled up the original report on his computer. At times like this, he really missed having Skinner as their supervisor. Sure, the man had been a hard-ass and it had been nearly impossible to slip anything past him, but at least he had been willing to listen. A.D. Kersh was turning out to be just plain unreasonable. Mulder really thought that he had bent over backwards on this report, downplaying the more unbelievable aspects - and not once had he ranted about government conspiracies, although it was plain that the military had known more about the testing and its effects than they let on. Even Scully had given her blessing to the report - after first checking him for fever.

Mulder concentrated on the report, trying not to let the narrow-mindedness of his current boss get to him. He heard the door open and glanced up briefly, expecting it to be one of his team members, and then did a double take. A slow smile crossed his face and he stood up.

"Hello, sir," he said. "This is an unexpected pleasure."

"Agent Mulder," Skinner said, nodding his head. His eyes locked on his lover's, conveying his own pleasure at seeing Mulder after being apart for almost a week while he was out of town, although he couldn't say anything out loud for fear of unseen listeners. "It's been awhile, now that you're not reporting to me."

Mulder grinned. "What do you do for excitement now, sir?"

Skinner chuckled. "Oh, I manage to keep myself amused." He held out a folder. "This came through one of my departments and it sounded like it was more in keeping with your - special skills."

Mulder's grin widened. "Why do I suddenly feel like changing into tights and announcing 'This is a job for Monster Boy!'?"

Dryly, Skinner said, "I believe that your usual suit will do just fine, Agent Mulder. Normally, this would have come through official channels, but since AD Kersh is out for a few days, I brought this down to you personally."

Mulder took the file and flipped it open, glancing at the report on the abduction of a fetus. "Is there anything you can tell me about this case, sir?"

"I'd be glad to, Agent Mulder." Skinner glanced at his watch. "But I'm due at a meeting in a few minutes. Perhaps I can discuss the details with you and Agent Scully over lunch at the Capital Grille."

The smile that lit up Mulder's face made Skinner's trip to the basement all worthwhile, and he found himself smiling back.

"Certainly, sir."

"Good. I'll meet you both at the restaurant at noon. There's a reservation in my name." Skinner turned and quickly left before that smile made him do something foolish like pulling Mulder into his arms for a quick kiss. And, as he encountered Agents Fowley and Spender coming back into the office, he was glad that he had been cautious. He nodded to them briefly and made his escape.

Mulder settled back down at his desk and opened the folder again, noting the report of the woman involved with interest. He glanced up briefly as Fowley and Spender entered, resisting the urge to frown as his peace and quiet was interrupted. Fowley headed for the second desk, claiming the chair as if by right, while Spender settled for leaning against the desk. In theory, only Mulder had an "official" desk here in the basement while the other three agents on his team, Scully, Spender and Fowley, had desks with the other agents upstairs. In practice, Fowley made herself at home in the basement office whenever her team was in town with the excuse that, as the other senior agent, she needed to be there. Spender generally followed her; Mulder wasn't sure if it was because he was afraid of being left out of anything or because he knew that his presence annoyed Mulder. Both, he suspected. In any case, Scully made a habit of being elsewhere whenever she could while the second team was in town.

"So," Spender said, sitting on a corner of the second desk. "What did Skinner want?"

"A.D. Skinner had a case to refer to the department," Mulder said in his blandest tone, slightly emphasizing the man's title. As Fowley started to reach for the file, he pulled it back. "It's not ready for an active investigation yet," he said, ignoring the suspicious look in her eyes. "I haven't had a chance to look over the information and see if it's really an X-File."

"Fox, I think I'm capable - " Fowley began.

"Of taking on a tougher assignment?" Mulder asked, raising an eyebrow questioningly as he picked up another folder and held it out to her. "I agree - and I think you're ready to handle this one."

Reluctantly, Fowley accepted the new folder and opened it. "What is it one about?"

"Poltergeist phenomena, seemingly centered around a pre-teen girl," Mulder said, leaning back in his chair and watching her. "You know the methods - you'll be able to determine if this is a manifestation of the girl's latent psi abilities, the actions of a supernatural entity, or a hoax."

He had already determined that it was a hoax set up by the family in an attempt to get media attention - and money - but he had no qualms about sending Fowley and Spender out to check it out. A few days of peace and quiet, and Scully back in the basement with him, were worth Spender's inevitable smugness on their return.

"A.D. Kersh approved the 302 before he left," he added. "I think it's important to check this one out as soon as possible as we know that changes in adolescents can be important in regard to this phenomena." And before the family can skip town, he thought to himself.

Spender peered over Fowley's shoulder. "Well, at least it's somewhere decent for a change. New Orleans." He headed towards the door. "Come on, partner. We'd better check in with the Travel office if we don't want to end up in another of those God-awful motels like they put us in last time."

Fowley nodded slowly, saying, "You go ahead, Jeff. I'll be there in a minute."

Spender's eyes narrowed but he shrugged and left. Fowley sat on the edge of the desk and said softly, "It's too bad that this case came up right now. I was thinking that I could take you out to dinner this weekend, to celebrate your birthday."

Mulder tried not to wince at that thought. "That's all right, Diana. I already have plans."

Fowley smirked. "I'd hardly call sitting around your apartment, drinking beer and watching television, plans." She smiled and leaned forward slightly, invading his space even more. "What I had in mind would be a lot more fun. And I expect that we could postpone this case for a few days..."

Mulder resisted the urge to push away from her and said, quietly, "Diana, I told you months ago that I'm seeing someone and that it's serious. That hasn't changed."

Fowley sat back, scowling. "I see. And I suppose that she is taking you out to dinner."

"We'll be spending the weekend together," Mulder said evenly.

"The whole weekend?" The door opened and Fowley turned her head to see Scully standing in the open doorway. "Well, I expect Agent Spender is waiting impatiently upstairs, so I better join him."

Slowly, she got up and picked up her purse, coat, and the case folder, then headed towards the doorway. As she passed Scully, she paused and said, "Any plans for the weekend, Agent Scully?"

Scully met her suspicious eyes without hesitation. "As a matter of fact, I'll be spending the weekend with friends."

Fowley glanced back once more at Mulder who had quickly turned his attention to the new case folder, then briskly headed down the hallway. Scully set down her purse and folders on the other desk, her desk, and looked over at Mulder with a teasing smile on her face.

"You know, I'm tempted to tell your S.O. about your betrayal."

Mulder snorted and set down the folder. "Right. Like that would be believed."

"I don't know. From where I stood, it looked like Agent Fowley was practically in your lap."

"Agent Fowley would like to be in my lap."

"Agent Fowley would like to be in your pants."

Mulder grinned at that. "I'm afraid that Agent Fowley is doomed to be disappointed. These pants and all they contain are the exclusive property of another party."

Scully rolled her eyes at that. "Mulder, you're such a romantic."

Mulder chuckled. "In any event, Scully, we have a new case and I hope that you don't have plans for lunch."

Scully groaned. "What are you subjecting me to now, Mulder? I don't even have a bag packed-"

"Relax, Scully. We're having lunch with the person transferring the case to us. He's going to brief us on the background."

Still suspicious, Scully said, "Where? One of your favorite little dives?"

"Nope. The Grille."

Scully raised an eyebrow. "Then I assume that you aren't paying."

"Why, Scully, you wound me!" Mulder picked up his coat. "Come on, partner. I'm hungry."

They chose to walk to the restaurant since the weather was nice. Mulder gave the desk the reservation information, and Scully's mouth quirked slightly when she heard the name 'Skinner' but she didn't say anything. The waiter took their drink order and she sat back in her chair, eying Mulder with amused suspicion.

"I thought you said that this was about a case."

"It is, honest. Walter has an X-File to refer to us - demons and everything."

"Do I want to know what this case is about, or is it going to ruin my appetite?"

Mulder snorted. "You, Scully? I've seen you do an autopsy report while eating a sandwich. Why should you think this would be worse?"

"Oh, I don't know. Years of experience, perhaps?"

"Watching the Comedy Channel this morning, Scully? You seem to be in top form - " Mulder broke off in mid-sentence and a sudden smile lit his face.

Scully smothered a smile of her own and murmured, "Mulder, stop that. I didn't bring my sunglasses."

"Huh?" He swiveled his attention back to her.

"You're glowing. I don't even have to turn around to know who just walked in."

Mulder looked indignant. "I don't glow."

"I have to disagree with you on this. You are definitely glowing." She looked up as Skinner joined them. "Good afternoon, sir. You're just in time to settle a question."

"About what?" Skinner asked, sitting down.

"Mulder says that he doesn't glow. I said that he does and that he is right now."

"Scully!" Mulder hissed as he sat back down.

Skinner cast an appraising look over at Mulder, a hint of a smile hovering on his mouth. "Sorry, Mulder, but I think your observant partner is right. You're definitely glowing." He unfolded his napkin, saying blandly, "Anything you need to tell me, Fox?"

Scully pressed her hand over her mouth to cover a surprised laugh while Mulder flushed and hissed, "Walter! Not you, too! What is this - pick on Mulder day?"

"Sorry, Fox," Skinner murmured, unrepentant. "I couldn't resist."

"You didn't even try," Mulder muttered, taking a long drink of water and resisting the urge to press an ice cube against his burning skin.

"So, sir, Mulder says that you are referring a case to us," Scully said, taking pity on her partner and giving him a chance to recover. "Or is this part of a elaborate scheme to wrangle a mid-week meeting?"

"Feeling like you're being used, Agent Scully?" Skinner asked, refraining from looking over at his lover as he gave an agonized groan. "No, the case is legitimate, my schedule is full, and lunch was the only free time I had to discuss it."

Mulder sobered immediately. "Then I take it you'll be working late tonight?" At Skinner's nod, he sighed. "This sucks. If this case is legit, we'll be heading to Roanoke in the morning. I was hoping - "

"So was I," Skinner said softly, looking down at the table, knowing that his heart would be in his eyes for all to see if he looked at Mulder right now. "We'll have this weekend, though."

"If the case is solved by then," Mulder sighed.

"It better be, Agent, or I'll come after you and drag your ass home," Skinner growled.

Mulder grinned at that. "God, I love it when you go primal."

"Which explains your antics over the past five years." Skinner turned back to Scully who had been sitting silently through this exchange. "Why don't we order, and then I'll tell you what I know about this case?"

Scully exchanged a speaking look with Mulder, and then turned her attention to Skinner. "Sounds good, sir. Do you mind my asking how you got this case?"

"Not at all. Violent Crimes was contacted by the Roanoke sheriff's department concerning the abduction of an unborn child. What will be of particular interest to you, Mulder, is the woman's description of the identity of the - entity that took the child..."

As they left the restaurant, Scully glared pointedly at Mulder. "What?" he said, defensively. "What did I do?"

"You know very well what you did, Mulder - or what you didn't do. When do you plan on telling him about the houses you found?"

Mulder flushed and looked down at his feet. "Soon. I promise."

"Mulder - "

"Don't push me, Scully. This whole thing scares the hell out of me. I mean, think about it. Me, Fox Mulder, living in domestic bliss? Who am I trying to kid? I'll bet that I drive him away within a month."

"Give the man a little credit, Mulder. He's crazy about you and he's old enough to know his mind. He knows better than either of us how tough marriage can be and he's still willing to risk it."

Mulder sighed. "I know. And God knows that I love him for that, for his certainty. But still - "

"But still nothing. I saw you two in there and you're miserable apart. I've watched you over the past two months since you got back together, and I know that you're not sleeping or eating right when you're at your place. I've seen you come into the office on Monday after you've been together, looking ready to grab the world by the tail, but by Friday you look like hell again. I can even tell when you've spent a weeknight with him by the way you look in the morning."

"If you say 'glow' again - "

She laughed, and laid a hand on his arm. "I won't. I promise. But I think you should talk to him this weekend, okay?"

"Okay, okay. Now, what do you say we head back to the office and start working on this case. When we get to Roanoke, I want you to check out the OB records while I hook up with Deputy Stevens and go out to his sister's house."

"All right, Mulder, but I think this sounds like a drug-induced miscarriage to me, not a - what did you call it?"

"A demon fetal harvest. Come on, Scully - keep an open mind on this one. There've been records of women claiming such things since the Middle Ages."

"Right. And Rosemary's Baby just happened to be playing on cable that night."

"It was? Damn! And I missed it - I could have brushed up on a few pointers." Mulder ducked the mock blow Scully aimed at him and ran all the way back to the office.

Wednesday, October 10

Mason unlocked the door to one of the lesser-used Club playrooms, one currently listed as "under renovation". Balancing the tray he held in his hands, he entered and locked the door behind him. He set the tray on the table and then looked across at the room's sole occupant. The young man sat on a thick mat, his back against the wall, hands restlessly rubbing at the cuffs locked around his wrist. Baleful green eyes glared back at Mason, although he thought he detected a flash of relief in them as well.

"Why, Alex, you don't look happy to see me."

"At least this answers my question of 'where' I am. Now perhaps you'll tell me what the hell I'm doing here?" Krycek yanked at the chains that attached him to the wall. "And why you've got me chained to your fucking wall."

Mason smiled in amusement. "That's one thing I remember clearly about you, Krycek - your ability to hurl insults in the most precarious of situations." He pulled a chair away from the table and straddled it, facing the younger man. "To answer your questions: yes, you are at the Club and you are here because of a promise that I made to an old - ally. And you are chained up because I wanted you to remain here long enough to talk. You're an extremely difficult man to get in touch with."

Krycek snorted. "Next time I decide to go into hiding to save my life, I'll be sure to leave you a forwarding address."

"I'd appreciate that," Mason said, his lips twitching.

Krycek rolled his eyes and leaned his head back against the wall, closing his eyes. He was so tired, and it had been so long since he had been able to really sleep. "So talk. I'm a - you'll forgive the term - captive audience."

"Actually, I thought you might be able to concentrate on our conversation better without the cuffs. After a hot shower and over a meal."

Krycek was tempted. Since the Englishman's safe house had been raided and he had been forced to run for it - again - he seemed to have had little time for such luxuries as a full night's sleep, much less showers and decent meals. His temporary havens during the past two months had been little more than brief shelter or a way to pick up quick money, and definitely not places to let down his guard. Still, Krycek looked at the Dom suspiciously. "And the catch would be?"

"You have to promise to behave yourself, which means not clubbing me over the head, grabbing the keys, and running."

Krycek snorted. "Right. Like you'd believe any promise I gave you."

"I'd believe you, Alex."

Krycek opened his eyes and stared over at the older man, incredulous. The man was an idiot, he thought in amusement, the words of a false promise ready on his lips. But there was something in Mason's eyes, something that made the lie dry up unvoiced. He swallowed hard then finally croaked, "All right. I promise."

"Good." Mason smiled, a genuine smile of approval, and Krycek was startled at the sudden warm feeling in the pit of his stomach. Mason produced the keys and unlocked the handcuffs, and Krycek sat for a moment, rubbing his wrists.

Feeling disgusted with himself for letting emotions sway him against his better judgment, he snarled, "You said something about a shower?"

Mason nodded his head towards the door at the back of the room. "In there. I'm sure you're familiar with the layout. And you'll find a change of clothes as well - I borrowed a sweat suit from Mulder since you seem to be about the same size."

Krycek pushed himself up from the floor and walked into the changing room. He stripped off his clothes, which had seen better days, and consigned them to the trash, then stepped into the shower. For a long time, he just stood under the hot water, letting it wash away everything - dirt, fatigue, the aching of his body. Finally, he roused himself enough to grab the soap and thoroughly scrubbed his body, rinsed, and then forced himself out of the shower. He dragged on the pair of sweats sitting on the side of the sink, trying not to think that the last one that had worn them was Mulder, and squared his shoulders. Time to find out just what it was that Mason really wanted.

Mason had uncovered the tray and set it out on the table, and Krycek's stomach growled at the delicious scents filling the air. He sat down, slightly amused to see that the table setting didn't include a knife. Apparently Mason's trust didn't extend that far. He hesitated for only a moment and then dug in, eating voraciously.

When he finished eating, he sat back in his chair with a sigh and looked over at Mason. He expected to see a smug look on the man's face but was surprised to see only gentle concern.

"Been awhile?" he asked and then stood up. "I saw you wincing. Take off the shirt and let me look at your back." Mason walked into the changing room and returned carrying the first aid kit. Seeing that Krycek hadn't made a move, he said sternly, "Are you going to take off the shirt or do I take it off for you?"

Reluctantly, Krycek pulled the sweatshirt over his head and leaned forward. Mason didn't say anything as he examined the welts covering the younger man's back, just pulled out the gauze and antiseptic. Krycek winced as he felt the sting but he dug his fingers into his leg and refused to make a sound, waiting for the questions that were sure to follow. Finally he couldn't stand the silence any longer.

"Well? Aren't you going to ask where I got those?"

Mason snipped off a piece of surgical tape. "I don't have to. But you will excuse my saying that you were an idiot to go to that sadist and were lucky not to get worse. I hope he paid you well enough to make this worth it."

Krycek shrugged and then winced at the pain. "My options were limited and it was only one night. I needed the money." Mason was silent but Krycek doubted that it was due to him having shocked the older man. "And if you knew where I was, I guess that explains how your people were able to snatch me this morning. The Network watching him?"

Mason looked at him sharply. "And how do you know about the Network?"

Krycek snorted. "Don't be an idiot, Mason. You knew that the Old Man was the local enforcer. Did you really think he would soil his hands with the dirty end of the business?"

"Then I suppose we have you to credit for Benett's - removal."

Krycek's face hardened. "I would have done that one for free." He hesitated. "How is Mulder?"

"He got past it, for the most part. He and Walter are doing okay - no thanks to your former playmate, Spender. At least you've had enough sense to stay away from that man - and yes, my friends are watching him, too. They've been watching him for a long time." He finished bandaging the worst of the welts. "Okay, I'm done. You can put the shirt back on."

Krycek complied, cursing himself for the shakiness of his hands. "You done with the twenty questions? Time to chain me back to the wall?"

"No. You're free to go, Alex."

Krycek looked at him suspiciously. "You had me brought here just for this?"

"I wanted to make sure that you were all right. And to warn you about your playmates." Mason got up and unlocked the door, tossing the keys back onto the table as he sat back down.

"Right. And what about your Network friends? Are they waiting outside to take care of me?"

Mason shook his head. "No. You're free to walk out that door right now, go back to where you were or anywhere else. There's even a car in the garage with the keys in the ignition if you need it. Although I have another alternative to propose."

Krycek was surprised at the disappointment he felt. Of course Mason had an angle. They all did; all of them wanted something out of him. Even - "Of course. Name your terms."

Mason laid a keycard on the table. "No terms, just a haven. Smythe's old suite. You're welcome to stay here as long as you want."

Krycek gaped at him. "You've got to be kidding!"

"Why? You look like you could use a little time to recover, get your strength back."

"And then?"

Mason shrugged. "Whatever you want. If you'd like, I could make a couple introductions. No one local, of course. However, I have to tell you - "

"Here it comes," Krycek muttered.

Mason set a sealed envelope on the table. "- that Smythe left this for you. And before you ask, no, I didn't look. I don't want to know."

Krycek snorted. "That's not the Mason I remember."

Mason's face tightened. "I've learned to make a few compromises over the years."

His voice sounded bleak and Krycek felt an unexpected - and unwanted - moment of sympathy. "Yeah. I -um - I'm sorry about the kid. You know that I didn't have anything to do with that."

"If I thought that you did, you wouldn't be here right now. I would have killed you at the first opportunity."

Krycek felt a shiver run up his spine at the pure ice in that voice. He remembered the Old Man's vague comments that Mason was not a man to be trifled with, and he had never been more certain of that than now.

He hesitated and then opened the envelope, already knowing what would inside - a contact name, an address, someone inside the Consortium who was looking for someone with his skills. Someone to put him back into the game. He glanced at the name and whistled silently - the Old Man had outdone himself this time. If he played his cards right, he'd be able to climb as high as he wanted in the Consortium.

Part of him rebelled. They'd already tried to take him out twice - maybe next time they would succeed. And he was so damned tired of all the games. It would be so good to rest, just for a little while...

On the other hand, if he quit now, They won.

His decision made, he picked up the envelope and left the keycard sitting on the table. He glanced over at Mason and was surprised to see sadness on the man's face. He cleared his throat and stood up. "So, I'm free to go?"

Mason nodded, then picked up the keycard and put it in his pocket. "My offer still stands. If you need sanctuary, day or night, you are welcome here."

Krycek swallowed around an unexpected lump in his throat and nodded. Then he opened the door and walked out, not looking back.

Thursday, October 11

"Hi, there. How are you doing?"

Mulder smiled at the soft concern in the voice on the other end of the phone. "Okay," he said, dropping onto the couch and stretching out. "Everything finished but the paperwork."

"That's not what I'm asking, Fox, and you know it."

Mulder sighed and covered his face with his arm. "I'm fine, Walter. I've been through tougher cases than this. Scully's the one to worry about."

"Scully is Mason's problem at the moment, and I already clued him in. You, on the other hand, are my problem, and one that I intend to handle with a firm hand, so don't even try to wiggle out of this."

"God, I love it when you get all macho like that."

"I believe you've mentioned that in the past. So stop being a bad boy looking for a spanking and tell me honestly how you're feeling."

Mulder chuckled at that and said, with a seductive purr, "If I'm a good boy, can I still get a spanking?"

Skinner laughed but said, "You've been hanging around Sean entirely too much, Mulder. And you're not answering my question."

"Honestly, Walter, I'm fine. Sad - hell, yeah. I can't believe any sentient creature would kill an infant. But it didn't bring up any bad memories of Samantha, if that's what you're worried about."

"Good. Now - about this weekend. You still want to celebrate at the Club, or would you prefer something a little more low-key. We could just kick back at my place, or go up to the cabin, or I could take you away from all this to a little B&B I know - "

"Walter, stop hovering. I'm fine. I don't need any special treatment. And I want to spend this weekend at the Club." Mulder let the sharp tone drop out of his voice and said, softly, "I have fond memories of a year ago that I'd like to relive."

"I think I can arrange that," Skinner said, indulgently. "I'll meet you there tomorrow night at seven." Softly, he added, "Sleep well, Mulder."

Mulder murmured, "You, too." Then he disconnected and lay there, staring up into the darkness with a smile on his face for a long time before falling into untroubled dreams.

Friday, October 12

Mulder set down his bag and signed in on the Club register, picking up the keycard. A familiar touch on his shoulder made him look around in consternation.

"Walter! You're early - I haven't had a chance to get ready!"

Skinner smiled and reached around him to sign the register. "I know. I wanted to catch you first. I thought that we might be a little occupied tomorrow night, so I'd like to take you out to dinner tonight as a kick-off to your birthday."

"You're a softie, Walter," Mulder said with a grin, which became wider when he saw the shirt that Skinner was wearing. "And a braver man than me if you're planning on wearing that shirt into the dining room."

Skinner looked down at the T-shirt that announced in bold letters "It's not a bald head - it's a Solar panel for a Sex machine" and then grinned back at Mulder. "It was a birthday present from a certain audacious sub I know."

Mulder was touched - although he hadn't been able to resist buying the shirt, he hadn't expected his lover to actually wear it. He wrapped his arms around Skinner and said, softly, "Thanks, Walter. And dinner sounds great."

Skinner handed their bags to the desk clerk, asking that they be taken up to his suite. They headed towards the dining room, only to be intercepted by Sean.

"Hi, guys! How's our birthday boy?"

Mulder flushed and directed a sideways glare at Skinner. "How did you find out about that?"

Sean grinned. "Easy, Mulder. Your man didn't spill the beans. Jean-Pierre just happened to note your birthday dinner last year in his calendar. And I can't resist an opportunity to party. So come along and accept your medicine like a good boy, or we'll start your birthday spankings right here."

Mulder snorted at that. "You and what army?"

"How about me, for starters?"

Mulder nearly jumped out of his skin, swinging around to stare at Mason, who seemed to have appeared out of thin air. "Master Geoffrey!"

Mason slowly advanced on the wide-eyed sub, pushing up the sleeves of his shirt. "I've been itching to apply my hand to your backside for a long time, Mulder, and I can't think of a better occasion on which to start."

Mulder backed away, casting an imploring look at Skinner. "Walter!"

Skinner started to step forward then, at the mock glare Mason threw him, stopped and flung up his hands in laughing surrender. "You're on your own, Fox."

Mulder grabbed Sean's arm. "Okay, okay! I'll go peacefully!"

Smugly, Sean said, "I thought you'd see it my way." Holding firmly onto Mulder's arm, he practically dragged him upstairs to one of the playrooms. Throwing open the door, he said, "Okay, guys, here he is! Let the partying begin!"

"I'll get you for this, Sean," Mulder said in a mock-threatening tone, then looked around nervously for Mason, relieved to see that the Dom was out of earshot. Secretly, he was touched by the thought that Sean had done this for him - it had been a long time since anyone but his lover had gone to this much trouble for him. He saw his partner heading his way and grinned. "Hello, Scully. You got roped into this, too?"

"Are you kidding? I helped plan it." She hugged him and kissed his cheek. "Happy birthday, partner."

Mulder flushed, hugging her back. "Thanks, Scully," he said softly. Letting her go, he caught sight of the Gunman and laughed. "Not you guys, too!"

Frohike grinned. "Wouldn't miss it, Mulder." He hugged Mulder. "Happy birthday, buddy."

Mulder turned to Langley and Byers, grinning. "So - has Frohike persuaded you two to join our little den of iniquity?"

Langley snorted as Byers blanched. "No way, man, but we couldn't turn down a party. 'Bout time, too."

Byers nodded. "Langley's right - it's about time we gave you a real birthday celebration."

"I don't do birthdays, guys. You know that."

"You know, Mulder," Langley said confidentially. "I don't think you've got much of a choice anymore. That dude Sean may be little, but once he makes up his mind, he doesn't take 'No' for an answer."

Mulder saw Sean approaching him, gifts in hand and a mischievous look in his eyes, and he groaned. "I have a feeling that you're right. Maybe I should have settled for the spanking instead."

Some hours later, Mulder lay sprawled on a pile of cushions off to one side of the room, contentedly nursing a beer and watching the party winding down around him. Much to his own surprise, he had enjoyed the party. It had been laid-back with lots of food and music, interspersed with casual gift giving. He had even gotten to slow-dance once with his lover, something he hadn't done in public since New Year's Eve. Sean had been everywhere, making sure that he was enjoying himself, and now the younger man plopped down on a cushion next to him, grinning.

"So, Mulder - having a good time in spite of yourself?"

"Having a great time, thanks. This is the second best birthday ever, just behind last year when Walter gave me my collar."

Sean rolled onto his stomach, looking at him in surprise. "You're kidding. I thought this was pretty low key but Scully said you'd prefer it like this."

Mulder nodded, looking up at his partner as she joined them. "Definitely. Thanks, guys." Scully nodded in reply but Mulder could tell that she was pleased by the look on her face.

"This a private gathering, or can anyone join?" Byers asked, smiling as he walked over to them.

"Well, we were just about to start an orgy, but since you're here, we'll behave," Mulder said with a grin.

Byers settled onto one of the cushions. "Don't stop on my account."

Mulder laughed. "God, Byers, we're corrupting you! Next thing we know, you'll be running around the Gunmen headquarters in leather and chains."

"Now that I'd be willing to pay money to see," Frohike said with a smirk as he joined them, Langley in tow. "Having a good time, pal?"

Mulder nodded, grinning. "Best time I've ever had with my clothes on."

"And that's way too much information," Langley said with a snort.

Skinner strolled over and looked down at the sprawled group. "This looks like an interesting huddle. Mind if I borrow Mulder for a minute?"

"As long as you return him in reasonably good shape," Sean said with a grin.

Skinner smiled at that, giving Mulder a hand up from the floor. Ignoring their interested audience, he pulled a small box out of his pocket. "I wanted to give you something special like the collar last year, but something you could wear outside of here as well without being too obvious." He handed Mulder the box. "I hope you like it."

Mulder slowly opened the box and stared in surprise at a small, elegant gold earring bearing Skinner's Club insignia. "Walter, it's - beautiful." He touched a finger to the design, tracing over the tiny lines. "I've never seen anything like this. Thank you."

Skinner breathed a sigh or relief, having debated with himself for days about giving Mulder this gift. The last thing he wanted to do was seem too possessive or scare his lover off. "I'm glad you like it."

"I love it. I'll get my ear pierced on Monday - "

"No need to wait, mate," Sean said, getting up. "We're equipped with all the necessities here. Won't take a moment to fetch them, if you want to do it now."

Mulder looked around at his assembled friends and smiled. "I can't think of a better time or place. Walter?" Skinner nodded. "It's settled. Fetch your implements, Sean."

As Sean went off, Skinner cleared off a section of a table for Mulder to sit on while Scully fetched the first aid kit from the changing room. Skinner cleaned Mulder's earlobe carefully, marked the location for the earring, then took the piercing gun from Sean and set the earring in it. Locking eyes with Mulder, he said, "Are you ready, Fox?"

Mulder nodded, not taking his eyes away from his lover. Drowning deep in brown eyes, he barely felt the sting as the earring pierced his lobe. Softly, so that only Skinner could hear him, he said, "You know that this means more than just me wearing your symbol. Now you belong to me as surely as I belong to you."

Skinner fastened the back on the earring, letting his hand move to caress Mulder's cheek as he smiled. And he had worried about Mulder overreacting in response to his possessive nature!

"I know," he said, just as softly. "But I've always belonged to you." Mulder leaned forward, his lips meeting Skinner's, and Skinner wrapped his arms around him, returning the kiss with enthusiasm.

"Hey, you two," Frohike said with a laugh. "Get a room, for God's sake! You're corrupting poor Langley and making the rest of us jealous."

Skinner released Mulder, although reluctantly. "Well, we can't have that, can we?" With one arm wrapped around Mulder, he steered the younger man towards the door. "Good night, everyone."

"'Night!" Mulder called as he was pulled out the door. "Thanks for the party!"

"Wait!" Sean called, running after them and thrusting boxes into Mulder's arms. "You forgot these."

"Thanks," Mulder said, taking the presents and handing them to Skinner so that he could hug Sean. "And I mean that, Sean. Thanks for everything. It was the best party I've ever had."

Sean hugged him tight for a moment, murmuring, "Hey, how could I let your birthday go by unnoticed? We're mates, right?" He let Mulder go, pushing him gently towards Skinner. "Now go take that man of yours to bed and celebrate."

"Sounds like a plan to me," Mulder said, wrapping his arm around his lover's waist.

Sean stood watching them disappear down the hallway, an amused but tolerant smile on his face. An arm wrapping around his waist and a soft kiss pressed against his hair made him smile even wider. He leaned back into his lover's arms and sighed in contentment.

"I think Mulder enjoyed the party," Mason murmured into his ear.

Sean grinned. "Yeah - despite himself. Just wait till next year's bash, though - he won't know what hit him. I'd better start planning for that one now." Mason's arms tightened involuntarily around him and Sean squeezed the hand resting on his belly. "Relax, love, and have faith in the future."

"I do," Mason murmured, stroking the red curls under his chin. "And I have faith in you."

Sean turned in his arms and kissed him gently, then led him back into the room to start cleaning up.

Saturday, October 13

Mulder woke up to the feel of warm lips nuzzling the back of his neck. "Morning," he murmured, stretching lazily. He felt good and well rested after a full night's sleep, the first undisturbed night he could remember in over a week. And it had been a night of only sleeping. Despite their libidos, both of them had been too tired to do more than cuddle and exchange a few kisses before falling asleep. Now Mulder had a feeling that his lover and Dom intended to make up for lost time.

"Morning, birthday boy. What would you like to do today?"

Mulder smiled sleepily and pressed back against the warm body stretched out along his. "This is nice."

Skinner chuckled and kissed his neck again. "Yes, it is. But I thought you might like something special as a treat."

"Like what?"

"Your choice. You have some kind of fantasy you'd like to play out here? Something we've done here that you'd like to do again?"

Mulder hesitated and then demurred, but Skinner felt his lover's body tense slightly. He pulled back, turning Mulder onto his back so he could see his face. "What is it?"

Mulder looked up at him in an embarrassed way that Skinner found endearing and then looked away, flushing. "I - um - "

"Fox, you can tell me anything. Surely you know that by now."

Mulder nodded and licked his lips. "I really like it when you put me in subspace." Skinner looked at him questioningly and jerked his head towards the x-frame on the wall. Mulder shook his head. "No, it's not like that. I mean, if you want to do that you can, of course, but I don't need the pain today."

"Then what do you need."

Mulder tried to put his feelings into words. "I need you to put me really deep into subspace, so deep that I stop thinking and just feel."

Skinner nodded, fingers stroking Mulder's face gently. "I think I understand. You want heavy submission, no heavy pain or humiliation."

"Beyond your usual habit of embarrassing me and calling me 'Kitten', you mean?" Mulder asked with a grin. "Ouch!" he laughed as Skinner pinched him.

"Brat. So is that what you had in mind?"

Mulder nodded, his face anxious. "Is that okay?"

"Babe, that's no problem." He kissed Mulder briefly. "You go do your workout in the gym, and when you get back, I'll be ready for you."

Mulder got out of bed, rummaging in a drawer for the swimsuit and sweats that he kept at the Club. "Walter, you borrow my sweats for some reason? They're missing."

"No - they wouldn't fit me. Laundry probably still has them."

Mulder sighed and pulled on a pair of running shorts over his Speedos, then added a T-shirt from his pile of birthday gifts. "I don't know if it's smart for me to go out alone - Mason's probably lying in wait to give me that birthday spanking."

"Well, that shirt you're wearing will certainly give him ideas."

Mulder grinned, glancing down at the picture of a trout fly on his shirt - and the bold writing beside it. "It's from Sean. He thought it was highly appropriate."

Skinner laughed. "Works for me."

Mulder looked over at the other man, lying naked on the bed, one hand idly stroking his skin. "Oh, yeah?" His eyes smoldering, he stalked towards the bed. "Whip me." He crawled up on the bed. "Strip me." He straddled Skinner's body. "Tie me." He leaned over to brush his lips over Skinner's. "Fly me."

Skinner's arms wrapped around him and he deepened the kiss. "All that and more," he said huskily. "When you return."

Mulder pressed a last kiss on Skinner's lips. "And I thought fly-fishing was a boring sport. It's obviously gets your blood pumping."

Skinner smacked Mulder's ass lightly. "Get moving, brat."

"Tyrant." He crawled off Skinner and sat on the side of the bed to pull on his sneakers. "Back in a bit."

"I'll be waiting. Oh - and Kitten?" Mulder paused in the doorway, looking back at him questioningly. "I wouldn't worry about Geoff giving you that birthday spanking. Worry about me."

Skinner couldn't help laughing at the look on Mulder's face as the door closed between them, a look somewhere between arousal and worry. It looked like it was going to be an interesting day.

Mulder opened the door to the suite cautiously and looked around. There was no sign of his Dom anywhere but it was evident that he had been hard at work. The heavy curtains had been pulled across the windows to block out the mid-morning sun. In the darkened room, he saw that the x-frame had been prepared, the bench pulled out, and an assortment of toys has been laid out on the table. The covers had been stripped off the bed and set to the side, and a variety of restraints lay across the end of the bed. Lube and another assortment of toys were set on the nightstand.

He wandered over to the table and looked over the assortment of plugs and dildos, his ass clenching in anticipation. Skinner had laid out floggers as well, the soft ones that Mulder loved to feel caressing his skin. The shiny black of their paddle caught his eyes and he traced their carved names on it with a half-smile. Then his eyes fell on the thing next to the paddle and he stopped breathing.

With shaky hands, he picked up the hood and traced his fingers over the reinforced areas covering the eyes and ears, intended to muffle all sound and sight. Cutting him off from the world.

He felt warm hands on his shoulders and almost jumped. He had been so intent on the hood in his hands that he hadn't heard Skinner come into the room. In a near panic, he looked back at the older man.

"Walter - I - I can't!"

"Yes, you can," Skinner said quietly. "And you will if I ask you to."

Brown eyes locked on hazel, compelling him. He felt the warmth in the hands still resting on his shoulders and saw the love in the eyes holding his. All of the tension abruptly drained away and he let out a sigh, and then smiled tremulously at Skinner.

"Yes," he said. "I will."

"Good boy." Skinner took the hood away from him and set it back on the table. "Are you ready, Fox?" Mulder nodded, speechless, and Skinner picked up a slender length of chain and a lock. He looped the chain around Mulder's neck saying, "For the next twenty-four hours, until I remove this chain, you belong to me. Not as my sub but as my slave. I expect your obedient surrender and your complete submission to my will. Your only thoughts will be of pleasing me and, if you do, you will be generously rewarded. Do you understand?"

Mulder could feel his whole body responding to Skinner's words. "Yes, Sir," he breathed.

Skinner fastened the lock. "Good. Now I want you to go into the bathroom. Shave, clean yourself inside and out, and lube. While you do this, I want you to be aware of only two things: the feel of my chain around your neck and the fact that you are preparing yourself for my use. Be ready for me, hot and willing and wanton, and I will take you hard and fast as a reward. But don't come until I give you permission or you will be punished."

"Yes, Sir," Mulder murmured, dazed. He couldn't ever remember feeling this hot from just hearing Skinner talk. He found himself in the bathroom, standing naked in the shower, without being aware of just how he had gotten there. He shuddered and reached for the shaving cream and razor, experience lending speed to the process of making himself smooth. And yet there was an added current of excitement underlying his actions. As his hands rinsed off the foam, he was intensely aware that soon the Dom's hands would be tracing the same path. His lips would be caressing and tasting this smooth flesh. His fingers seemed hypersensitive, searching for any hint of roughness, any trace of hair, making certain that he was ready for Skinner.

Sliding the shower attachment into his body, he groaned at the sensation of fullness. He had never minded enemas, viewing them as a necessary part of the intimate activity that he so thoroughly enjoyed. But he had never before thought about the full purpose of this preparation. Soon Skinner's mouth would be tasting him here, his tongue pressing inside. His fingers would probe him, teasing and stretching, demanding his surrender. And then finally, the thick cock that Mulder adored would slide into him, claiming and possessing him, filling him completely. Hot and hard, Skinner had said, and Mulder's mind supplied the image of himself bent over some handy piece of furniture while Skinner thoroughly reamed him. His own cock responded to the image as well, and he had to grasp the base of it tightly to prevent himself from coming. It wouldn't do to disobey the Dom this early - Mulder had learned from experience that Skinner's punishments were generally a cessation of activity, and he thought that he would probably die of frustration if he didn't get fucked soon.

Mulder stepped out of the shower to empty his body and then stepped back under the water to finish washing. Once again, his fingers mapped his body as he soaped his skin and then rinsed off, ensuring that every inch of him was clean and ready for his Dom's attention. He dried carefully and then lightly applied oil over his body to make his skin smooth and supple. Now the final preparation. He bent over the sink and spread his legs, his practiced fingers finding his hole and pressing lubricant inside, carefully preparing for Skinner to take him, his legs already trembling with need and excitement.

Finally ready, he left the bathroom and entered the main room of the suite. He found the room in darkness, illuminated by small pools of light from a few recessed light fixtures. Skinner was sitting in one of the pools of light on the couch, glasses on, reading something that had his full attention. Mulder drank in the picture, loving all the images and facets of the complex man that he had lost his heart to, had given his body and soul to. The Dom facet was tucked away at the moment, submerged inside the serious side of the man. So many aspects to his lover, requiring a lifetime of study to know him completely, and Mulder found himself looking forward to that.

He moved forward now, dropping to his knees before the master, assuming the waiting position with a grace that had become second nature. Skinner looked up, putting away the book and glasses, changing before his eyes into master mode. Mulder felt a shiver go up his spine.

Skinner reached out to grasp his chin. "Cold, my slave?"

"No, Sir," Mulder said truthfully. "Horny."

A smile touched Skinner's lips and he ran a hand down Mulder's chest. "And what has made you so horny, pet?"

"Thinking about you, Sir. Touching me, tasting me, fucking me."

"Good." Skinner leaned over to kiss him briefly, his hands continuing to explore. "I don't want you to think of anything else this weekend but me and my pleasure."

"Yes, Sir," Mulder gasped as Skinner's hand found his cock. He controlled his blind urge to thrust into that hand, frantically trying to figure out how to make this better for Skinner. Knowing that the other man liked to watch him, he arched his back slightly, pressing his chest upward in wanton invitation. His hips thrust slowly, rocking within the hand holding and fondling him. Skinner's other hand came out to toy with his nipples, teasing them, and he breathed out groans and sighs of delight.

"That's my pretty pet," Skinner murmured, and he pulled Mulder closer. His mouth plundered Mulder's, claiming him, and Mulder thought that he might come from the sheer pleasure of being kissed like this. He moaned his pleasure and felt for the rock hardness of the other man's cock inside his pants.

Skinner broke the kiss with a possessive growl. "Such a sweet slut," he said, pressing his body upwards against Mulder's hand. "You want this, don't you? You want to feel it up your ass, fucking you into next week."

"Yes," Mulder panted. "Oh, God, yes!"

"Then show me how much you want it."

Mulder didn't wait for a second invitation. In an instant, he had slid to the floor between Skinner's knees while his hands opened Skinner's pants and pulled the heavy cock through the opening. His mouth engulfed the thick shaft, his nose resting against warm cotton that held the intoxicating scent of his aroused lover. He loved this, loved taking this cock into his mouth at any time and any place. One of his favorite fantasies involved Skinner suddenly ordering Mulder to his knees in the middle of a staff meeting, calmly continuing to talk to the other agents while Mulder swallowed him whole. The feel of the clothed body under his pleasuring mouth was somehow more erotic than naked skin, perhaps because it fueled those forbidden fantasies.

All too soon it seemed, Skinner gripped him by the back of the hair, pulling him off his cock. "Up, boy."

Mulder reluctantly released the cock he had been savoring and got to his feet. "How do you want me, Sir?" he asked hopefully.

"I want you every way I can," Skinner growled. "And I intend to have you several times this weekend. But for now I want you to bend over the equipment table."

Mulder quickly moved into place over the table, not even pausing to push the toys aside. The scent of leather from the implements under his head seemed to fill his senses, making him even hotter. Then, remembering Skinner's earlier instructions, he reached back and grasped his cheeks, pulling them apart and offering himself willingly. He heard the lustful groan behind him and grinned, then gasped as he felt Skinner's cock slide into him in one smooth glide. The feel of cloth against his naked ass made him groan again. He loved it when Skinner fucked him like this, the Dom fully clothed while Mulder was naked before him. Then he laughed - hell, he liked it when Skinner fucked him any way. And who would have thought a year ago that Fox Mulder would find he loved taking a cock up the ass or in his mouth? And that it would be his boss whose body would fulfill his needs?

He felt Skinner's clothed body rest briefly along his back, heard Skinner breathe in his ear, "What's so funny, Kitten?"

"Me," Mulder murmured, then wiggled his hips suggestively to entice Skinner to continue.

Skinner accepted this answer for the moment and nipped Mulder's shoulder before straightening back up. He grasped Mulder's hips and began pistoning into him, intending to make this a quick session before getting into more intense mind games. He heard Mulder panting beneath him, heard the gasping pleas, and felt the tension in Mulder's body. His own climax was close and he thrust twice more, feeling the tightening of his balls. Leaning back over Mulder, he bit his neck again and heard Mulder's cry, felt the shaking convulsions of the channel surrounding his cock. His own climax triggered, he shouted his release and pumped himself into Mulder's body.

He collapsed on Mulder's back, breathless and momentarily sated. Then he roused himself enough to turn his head and murmur into Mulder's ear, "That's only the first time, my pet. By the time I finish with you, you will be limp with exhaustion and unable to sit comfortably for a week."

Mulder groaned. "Yes, Sir." At the moment, basking in the afterglow, he could care less but he had a feeling that before this day was over, he would wish Skinner hadn't said that.

Mulder lay on the floor, curled up around a pair of boots, his mind drifting idly, content with himself and the world in general. A world that, at present, had narrowed down to this room and the man at whose feet he lay. His stomach was pleasantly full from the dinner that his Dom had fed him earlier, his body relaxed from the bondage session Skinner had put him through that afternoon, and his thoughts were centered on the Dom. The unaccustomed weight of the chain around his neck instead of his collar made him more aware of his naked body and yet, at the same time, made him feel grounded inside his skin. It was a pleasant feeling, his whole body relaxed and at peace with the world.

Well, almost his whole body. His mouth quirked up in a smile as he contemplated his cock lying semi-hard in its leather sheath. It seemed to enjoy this game of erotic domination since the damn thing seemed to be in a constant state of arousal. And even that part of his body was content at the moment to lie in half-slumber, awaiting his master's pleasure.

He felt a tingle run up his spine at that thought and slowly rolled the words over in his mind again. His master's pleasure. No other need or desire beyond serving the man whose boots he was idly caressing and nuzzling, no other thoughts beyond living in this moment. He couldn't remember ever being this relaxed and at peace, content to just exist although one small part of his brain that was still on-line cynically murmured that it couldn't last. He frowned and pushed away that thought - time enough for the real world tomorrow. For right now, all he cared about was the soft leather under his cheek and the gentle hand now stroking his head.

He turned his face to nuzzle the boots again and heard a soft laugh. "What a little slut you are," Skinner said affectionately, pushing back his plate and tugging at Mulder's hair. "Come up here, boy." Mulder eagerly crawled up into the Dom's lap, nuzzling affectionately at the skin above the open collar, craving the feel of Skinner's hands on his body. "And it seems that you are still hungry."

"For you, Sir, always."

"Good, because I happen to be a little hungry myself. And I think that I will have some dessert." Skinner kissed Mulder, hard and possessively, and he willingly surrendered to the demands of the Dom's mouth. He forgot to think, forgot to breathe, forgot to do anything but feel.

Skinner released him and said, quietly, "On the floor by the frame. Now."

Mulder scrambled off Skinner's lap, getting into place on his knees in front of the x-frame, waiting for the Dom's next instructions. Skinner walked around him studying him intently for a moment. "All right, Kitten. I want you to go to the table and bring me three items to use on you - two that you like and one that you don't like."

Mulder hurried to obey, quickly choosing the suede flogger and the light paddle, two of his favorite implements. Then he looked over the rest of the items, frowning in thought. The crop - he hated the way that stung on his skin and was surprised that Skinner had put it out - usually it was reserved for his "pain" sessions, although even then Skinner used it sparingly. Or that large dildo - Skinner had an evil way of filling the hollow center with first hot water and then cold. The nipple clamps with the weighted ends were uncomfortable but not really that bad...

"Sometime this century, boy," Skinner growled. "I dislike being made to wait."

All his blood seemed to surge to his cock at that tone and, with an effort, Mulder focused back on the items on the table. After a long moment, he reluctantly picked up the hood. He hurried back to his place and set the three items on the floor in front of him, then held up the first item, the flogger, for approval. Skinner took it, trailing the suede ends over his body, and Mulder couldn't stop the delicious shiver that ran through his body.

"Why did you choose this one, my pet?"

Mulder closed his eyes, leaning into the sensation. "I love the way it feels on my skin, Sir. Even when you strike me hard, it's like a caress and I feel like I could come just from that."

Skinner chuckled. "You are a sensualist and a wanton slut, my pet." He set it aside, accepting the paddle that Mulder now held up for him. "And this, my boy? Why did you choose this?" He ran the cloth side of the paddle over Mulder's shoulders.

"Because it's ours," Mulder said simply, then he grinned. "And because good boys like to get spanked, too."

Skinner laughed at that and put the paddle next to the flogger. The smile faded when he saw the next item that Mulder held up to him - the hood. "Fox?" He asked quietly. "Why did you choose this?"

Mulder drew a deep breath. "You said to pick something I hate. I hate that thing - the look of it, the idea of it, everything about it - but I told you that I'd wear it if you want me to. I trust you."

Skinner crouched down on the floor and lifted Mulder's chin so he could look him in the eyes. "Fox," he murmured softly. "I said to choose something you didn't like, not something that terrifies you. I want to push your limits, but I won't ever do anything to hurt you. This is supposed to be enjoyable, not torture, and I won't abuse your trust."

Mulder swallowed hard. "I - I know. Thank you, Walter."

Skinner got up, putting the hood away in the cabinet. "We'll save this for another time, when you're ready." He smiled back at Mulder. "And I think that we've got enough other toys to keep us amused." Mulder rolled his eyes at that and Skinner said with mock severity, "Enough of that, boy. I can see that I need to take you down a peg or two. Get in position over the bench."

Mulder quickly settled into place over the padded bench that Skinner had recently added to his suite. The bench had been custom made to fit Mulder's body, allowing his knees and chest to rest on padded sections while his backside and genitals were available for the Dom to do as he pleased. Adjustable cuffs allowed Skinner to secure his sub however he wanted and, after checking that Mulder was comfortable, Skinner spread the other man's legs as wide as possible, securing the cuffs around his knees and ankles. He could feel a slight tremor in Mulder's body and knew that the interlude with the hood had abruptly thrown Mulder out of sub-space, making him feel awkward and vulnerable. After fastening the wrist cuffs and making sure that Mulder's genitals were safely tucked out of harm's way, he took a few minutes to run his hands over Mulder's body. Gently stroking his back in circles, he concentrated on soothing and settling the sub down, and felt the moment when Mulder began to relax again.

Now it was time to get Mulder's mind on other things. Knowing how fond Mulder was of anal play, Skinner lubricated a plug and slowly inserted it into Mulder. The sub was still loose from their earlier sessions and it slid in easily. Mulder groaned, his head dropping forward as he completely surrendered to the Dom once again. Skinner pulled it out and pushing it back in several times, smiling as he listened to Mulder's whimpers of pleasure.

"Like that, pet?"

"Yes," Mulder groaned. "More..."

"Oh, I'll give you more, boy, but you have to earn it." He moved around to stand by Mulder's head and, as Mulder automatically opened his mouth, laughed. "What a slut you are, my Kitten. You don't care if I fuck your mouth or your ass, just as long as you get either or both filled. Am I right, boy?"

"Yes, Sir," Mulder admitted, flushing in a combination of lust and embarrassment. "Want you..."

"And you shall have me." Skinner opened his fly and freed his hardening member. Mulder readily opened his mouth, pulling the thickening cock in, and Skinner groaned. "That's my good Kitten. Show me how much you want this, my sweet little slut."

A year ago, Mulder would have been embarrassed by the fierce need and lust that swept through him at Skinner's order. And a year ago, Mulder would have found himself severely handicapped by being unable to use his hands, but he had learned a lot during that year. He knew just how to lick and suck the large cock that was slowly fucking his mouth, knew just where to exert a little more suction and when to swirl his tongue over the head and along the slit. He had even learned how to read Skinner's reactions, not only from his breathing and the low noises he made, but also from the tension in the hand that stroked over his skin.

A sudden tension in the fingertips pressing against his back warned him that the Dom was nearing the point of no return. Mulder eagerly slid his mouth forward, relaxing his throat, and sucked hard. Skinner gasped and bucked suddenly but Mulder was ready for him and held on, determinedly milking the shaft and swallowing greedily until Skinner finally roused himself enough to extricate his softening cock.

"Enough, boy," he growled.

Mulder couldn't help a smug smile at the shaky note in Skinner's voice and the Dom noticed. He caressed Mulder's hair once, affectionately, and then decided it was time to push Mulder deeper into his submission.

"Pretty damned pleased with yourself, aren't you, boy? Proud of how good you are at sucking cock? Think that all you have to do is open that pretty mouth of yours and you can control me?" He lifted Mulder's head up by the hair, not hard enough to hurt him, just enough to startle him. "Do you think to own me, boy?"

Mulder flushed as his eyes widened. "No, Sir."

Skinner released Mulder's head and moved around the bench to smack Mulder's ass. "Don't lie to me, Kitten. Do you think I don't know your fantasies? You picture going down on me in front of others, showing off your skill, don't you?"

"Yes, Sir," Mulder murmured, letting his head drop forward.

Skinner caressed the skin he had just smacked, hearing Mulder's muffled moan. "I like that idea, too, pet. But if I take your mouth or your ass or any other part of you, here or in public, it will be for my pleasure and because you belong to me, not because you like to show off, boy." Skinner's hand continued to caress Mulder's bare flesh. "You are mine to use as I please."

"Oh God, Sir, please use me," Mulder moaned, trying to press upwards against the hand now stroking between his cheeks, twisting his head to try to see what Skinner was doing to him.

"I will, my slave," Skinner said. "When I am ready. Right now, I think I'll play for awhile."

Mulder groaned at that, letting his head drop forward again. He knew that tone of voice and knew it was useless to argue or plead at this point, but also that Skinner would make the wait worthwhile.

Skinner picked up the flogger and trailed it over the naked flesh displayed before him, watching closely for Mulder's reactions. The sub shivered under the tickling feeling, moaning slightly but holding as still as possible. Skinner smiled to himself - that wouldn't last long. He flicked the flogger slightly, letting the trailing suede strips fall lightly over Mulder's back, repeating his actions along more sensitive skin. Intensifying the strokes, he moved in a steady pattern over the back and ass, down the lean legs all the way to the feet. He ran the strips lightly over the sensitive instep and, as he heard a gasped profanity behind him, smiled. Mulder was notoriously ticklish on his feet and, under other circumstances, he might have taken advantage of that. But today he wanted the man writhing with want and need, not with laughter, so he moved back up the fine body as he increased the intensity of the blows he delivered.

By the time he reached full strength, Mulder was no longer holding still. He was wriggling as much as he could within his bonds, a litany of pleas and curses pouring out of his mouth. Skinner ran an experienced hand along the lightly pinkened skin, judging the degree of warmth in the skin and the level of need in the man. When he reached Mulder's face, he was surprised when Mulder turned his head and eagerly sucked his fingers into his mouth. Amused, he allowed Mulder to suck on him for a few minutes before extracting his fingers, chuckling at Mulder's whimper.

"You need something, my pet?"

"You," Mulder gasped, trying to press forward to touch any part of the Dom's body. "Please - need you - "

Skinner ran a hand back down Mulder's body. "Not yet. You're not ready for me."

"God - any more ready - and I'll die," Mulder panted, trying to press up against the hand that was moving too lightly for his needs.

Skinner chuckled again. "Oh, you won't die, Kitten." He picked up the paddle and ran the cloth side over Mulder's back. "But I think that this ass needs a little more color before I take it. Plus there's the little matter of a birthday spanking."

"Oh God!" Mulder moaned then, as the first flurry of smacks fell on his backside, his litany changed. "Ohgodohgodohgod!" He thrashed in his bonds, torn between his equal need to move closer and to get away. Skinner placed a hand in the middle of his back, holding him still while at the same time anchoring him. Mulder gave up his thrashing with a sound that was half-sob, half-plea, then went back to begging for more, more, more. Skinner could feel the tension rising in his sub's body and knew that Mulder wouldn't last much longer. He tossed the paddle aside and quickly pulled the plug out of Mulder's body, sliding his cock home before the sub could protest the loss.

"Yes! Oh, God, yes!" Mulder shouted, bucking back as much as he could. "Please - oh please!"

Skinner pressed him body down on Mulder's, forcing him to stillness, then leaned forward to nip at his earlobe and murmur in his ear, "Who do you belong to, Kitten?"

"You, Sir!"

"And what are you?"

"Your slut - your slave - your whore - whatever you want!" Mulder panted. "Just please, please, fuck me!"

"Yes," Skinner growled and released Mulder's cock from the leather cage. Mulder nearly wept with relief as his erection was freed from confinement, then howled as Skinner pulled almost all the way out before slamming back in. Hard and fast, Skinner was taking him completely and thoroughly, and Mulder loved it. He couldn't get enough of this fucking, of this man, and he nearly wept as he felt his climax rise through him. Too soon! he wanted to scream, trying to hold onto the moment of ecstasy. And then Skinner was shouting, slamming into him one more time, and Mulder surrendered to the explosion that ripped through him and plunged him into darkness.

Mulder woke mid-morning on Sunday and lay still for a long moment, listening to the soft breathing of the man beside him. He had a vague recollection of having awakened long enough to be tenderly sponged down before being tucked into bed, so deep into his submission that he had been content to let Skinner tend to him. And now he was aware of a delicious ache in at least a half-dozen places but that wasn't what had awakened him.

No, it was a sudden moment of clarity that had done that. A moment in which he had known exactly what he wanted and how to go about getting it. And it was why he was lying here now, grinning at the ceiling like an idiot, one hand playing with his new earring.

After more than a month of debating and thinking, it seemed that giving his brain a day off had given him the answer he needed. Or maybe it had just given his heart a chance to talk, whispering the truth to him now that he had taken the time to listen. He was ready to make that leap, to take the risk. Now.

He rolled over on his side and shook Skinner's shoulder. "Walter, wake up."

Skinner blinked his eyes open, awakened by the urgency in Mulder's voice. "Fox, what's wrong? Are you in pain?"

Mulder grinned. "A little, but it's a good pain." He gave Skinner a brief, hard kiss and then slid out of bed. "Come on - get dressed."

Skinner sat up in bed, puzzled, watching his lover move briskly around the room as he pulled their bags out of the closet and began packing. "Mulder, do you mind telling me what the hell is going on?"

"I need to show you something," Mulder said absently, tucking his gifts into his bag. He walked into the bathroom to get his kit and, catching sight of himself in the mirror, suddenly remembered the chain around his neck. "Shit!" he muttered, dropping his kit and hurrying into the main room. He hurriedly dropped to his knees beside the bed, glancing up briefly at Skinner who was still sitting up in bed, watching him with amusement.

"Sorry, Sir," he said quickly. "I - forgot."

Skinner chuckled and reached out to pull him up and into bed, kissing him thoroughly. "It's all right, Fox. I know how you get sometimes." He picked up the key from the nightstand, unlocking the chain and setting it aside. "Now, what is it that you have to show me?"

"I can't tell you - I have to show you." Mulder slid out of bed again, tugging at Skinner. "Come on, Walter."

Skinner allowed himself to be tugged out of bed, laughingly protesting, "Fox, at least let me get a shower!"

"All right - but make it a fast one." He turned back towards the room, intent on his packing, but Skinner grabbed his wrist and tugged him into the bathroom with him. "Walter! We don't have time for this!" Skinner pulled him into the shower and into his arms for another thorough kiss, and Mulder melted against him. "Well, I guess it can wait a little while longer..."

Mulder insisted on taking his car when they left the Club, and Skinner agreed, wondering just what he was up to. As Mulder left Dupont Circle heading towards Alexandria, he studied the younger man. Mulder was anxious about something, tension fairly humming through his body. After the past day, Skinner didn't know where Mulder got the energy from - Heaven knew that he was wiped. But he had a feeling that if he said anything, he would spook the younger man, so he just sat back quietly and waited. Mulder appeared to be heading towards his apartment so Skinner assumed that there was something back at his place that he wanted Skinner to see.

To his surprise, Mulder didn't turn off on the street leading towards his apartment, continuing south towards Old Town. Just before they reached the business area of the town, Mulder surprised him again by turning into a side-street, winding through a couple of other narrow streets before pulling up in front of a row of narrow townhouses and stopping the car. Surprised, Skinner watched Mulder get out of the car, pulling a set of keys out of his pocket.

"Coming?" Mulder asked.

Skinner opened his car door and glanced up at the building in front of him. It appeared to be an older building, the central section white brick and the ends in contrasting red brick, with a short flight of stairs leading up to the doors in the central section. He wondered what on earth Mulder was up to as he followed the younger man up the stairs and through one of the doors.

Mulder was already talking when he caught up with him. " - about a hundred years old, brick and wood. Two main floors plus an attic and the two center units have a daylight basement. This floor has a living room, kitchen, and dining room plus a half bath. The second floor has two bedrooms - small, but they could be combined into a master suite - plus a full bath. The other three units are the same, although the two end units are half a floor lower since they don't have the basement. And there's an alleyway that runs along the back with covered parking."

Skinner looked at him, mystified. "Okay, Mulder. I like the guided tour, but do you mind telling me what this is all about?"

Mulder drew in a deep breath. "I've had a real estate agency looking around for some properties, and Scully went with me to weed out the ones that were unsuitable. I signed a contract on this one - it's a really good deal - the whole building is for sale, not just one unit. And the appraiser's been over it and the building is structurally sound, although you can see it needs cosmetic work. Old fixtures in the bathrooms and kitchens, but the plumbing and wiring are new. It may look a little small, but the attic rooms can be turned into guest bedrooms or an office or something, and I was thinking that the two central units could even be combined, leaving the outer two as rental properties. And something like this is almost impossible to come by - "

Skinner put a hand over Mulder's mouth to silence him. "Fox, are you trying to tell me that you're thinking about buying this place?"

Mulder nodded. "Yeah, but if you don't like this one, there's a renovated brownstone in Georgetown, and a larger house in Falls Church but I wasn't sure if either of us would have the time to do the yard work on that one. I didn't see anything in Crystal City but I can keep looking if you're partial to that area, and I've got a lead on a place in Shirlington - "

Skinner silenced him again, this time wrapping his other arm around Mulder's waist and pulling him close. "You mean you've been house hunting - for us?" he asked softly. Mulder nodded again, his eyes anxious as they met Skinner's. "And you've got a contract on this one?"

"Yes, but if you hate the place, don't worry about it. I'll have my property management company rent it out - "

"Property management - Mulder, are you in the habit of buying property? Don't tell me - you own your apartment building."

Mulder grinned. "You think I'd still be living there after all the shootings and dead bodies if they could get rid of me?"

Skinner shook his head in disbelief. "How many properties do you own?"

"Counting my father's place on the Vineyard, his condo in town, and the summer house?" At Skinner's surprised look, he laughed. "And my mom owns a couple places herself. It's a family obsession."

"So I see." He looked around the room they were standing in, appraising it with new eyes. The paint was peeling, the floor needed to be sanded and refinished, and he could feel a gust of wind which meant that the windows probably needed to be caulked or replaced. But there was a charm about the place and, oddly enough, he felt at home.

"Walter?" Mulder's voice was flat, diffident, as if none of this mattered to him personally, but Skinner knew better. The tension in Mulder's body was so high that Skinner thought he would shake apart if touched. And, considering how skittish Mulder had originally been about the whole idea of living together, Skinner was amazed at how much effort he had put into finding the right place.

He cleared his throat and said, gruffly, "I'd like to see the appraiser's report. I've got an old Marine buddy who's a contractor - not in this part of the country, but he can give us an idea of the kind of work we'll need done, as well as the names of some reputable contractors." Skinner walked over and tapped on one of the central walls. "And we'll need to check on these before we even think about combining these units, make sure we're not jeopardizing load-bearing walls."

The smile on Mulder's face was like the sun coming out from behind a cloud, and Skinner couldn't help smiling back. "So you like it?" Mulder asked, allowing his anxiety to show.

"I like it a lot," Skinner said, and then reached out to wrap a hand around the back of Mulder's neck, pulling him close enough to kiss. "And I love you."

"I know," Mulder said softly, wrapping his arms around Skinner's waist and burying his face against his shoulder. His doubts and fears dissolved under the warmth of the love wrapping around him and he thought he just might like the idea of growing old alongside one person, as long as it was the man holding him right now. And that he might even survive long enough to make that dream come true.

End of Chapter 44

Title: Chains of Desire: Chapter 45 - Triangles
Author: Diana Williams
Email: diana@slashcity.com
Archive: Yes, go right ahead.
Rating: NC-17 for m/m sex and language; M/Sk-Romance, M/K-UST, K/Other-UST
Disclaimer and Author's notes: Disclaimer and other pertinent information are in Chains of Desire: Intro. Most everyone here belongs to someone other than me, however Sean, Geoffrey Mason, Dr. Kate Malone and the Dionysus Club are my inventions - please ask before borrowing them. Chapter quote comes from "Light in Your Eyes" by Blessed Union of Souls.
Series Summary: Mulder takes a walk on the wild side, and Skinner has to rescue Mulder from the consequences of his actions. They form a new working relationship.

Chapter Summary: There are triangles and then there are Triangles. (And how many triangles can you find)

Chapter Forty-Five

"Darling, tonight I could hold you and you would know
But would you believe?
There's a light in your eyes that I used to see
There's a place in your heart where I used to be
Was I wrong to assume that you were waiting for me
There's a light in your eyes
Did you leave that light burning for me?"

Mulder could hear the angry footsteps coming all the way from the elevator and he mentally ducked and covered. A moment later, the door swung open and Agent Fowley stormed in. Mulder decided that asking her how the case had gone would only get him into trouble with his health insurance providers and instead waited for her to speak first. He didn' t have to wait long.

"You knew it was a hoax!" Fowley exploded, flinging the casefile down on his desk. "You knew it all along and you sent me out there anyway! Do you know what a fool I looked like? Do you have any idea how those people laughed at me behind my back while I spent almost two weeks going about testing that - that brat! And my partner - you should have seen the smug look on his face when I found out those people were faking it for publicity!"

"Spender always looks like that," Mulder pointed out. The look that Fowley gave him indicated that his death might be imminent. He sighed and tried a different approach saying, sympathetically, "Diana, I know how you feel. Believe me - I've been there too many times to count. And I'll admit that I thought that there was a possibility that this was a fraud, but there was also a possibility that this was legitimate." Yeah - the same possibility as Cancerman joining the anti-tobacco lobbyists, he thought. "As long as there's a chance of that, we have a responsibility to check it out. And remember, finding the frauds and phonies who are playing on people's weaknesses is part of our job, too. So if you've put another bogus operation out of business, then I say congratulations - good work."

Fowley had mellowed considerably during his little speech and by the end she was almost smiling. "Well, they were wanted in two other states for fraud, so I guess you're right." She settled a hip on his desk and smiled at him. "So I'll just finish up the report and let you take a look at it, then run it up to Kersh."

"Sounds good," Mulder said, standing up with his own folder in his hands. "I'm on my way up there myself with a case report."

"How did it go?"

Mulder sighed. "Not good. It turned out that there were two demons involved - not just the male but also a female. The male demon died although fortunately his wife - his human wife - survived. The female demon got away from us - apparently with an infant demon. The forensics people spent the past two weeks exhuming her back yard for infant remains."

Fowley's face sobered and for a moment, Mulder felt grateful that there was at least one person who could accept that demons might exist. "Oh, Fox, how horrible for you. I wish I could have been there to help you -I don't imagine that Agent Scully was too open to the idea."

Mulder shrugged. "Scully's my voice of reason - keeps me from going out too far on that limb. Most of the time, anyway."

"But still," Fowley persisted. "If you had someone with you who supports your viewpoint, someone you didn't have to convince, it would save you a lot of time. You might have been able to catch that woman."

"Scully's a good partner," Mulder said defensively.

"So's Jeffrey," Fowley said, then gave him a half-grin. "But isn't it nice to talk to someone every once in a while who doesn't roll their eyes when you mention something supernatural?"

Mulder had to return her smile. "Yeah. Scully's got that eye-rolling thing down to an art form."

Fowley laughed softly and leaned forward, lightly touching Mulder's earring. "This is new. I like it."

Mulder flushed slightly. "Um - got it two weeks ago. An anniversary and birthday present."

He thought for a moment that he saw Fowley's mouth tighten at that but she said, lightly, "I wouldn't have thought of you as the type to wear an earring, but it looks good. Isn't there something like a code with men and earrings - which ear you wear it in means you're taken or available or something?"

Mulder unobtrusively moved away from her, fervently hoping that she wouldn't decide to do research on the matter. "I think that's actually women and wearing flowers in their hair. This is just an earring, nothing more."

"It's an interesting design," she said, following him. "Very masculine."

He bit his tongue to keep from saying, "Just like the man who gave it to me," and smiled weakly. "Yeah, well, I like it, too."

"This was a new piercing, right? Did they tell you how to take care of it? Turning it regularly and cleaning it with alcohol?"

Mulder backed away, trying not to be obvious. "Um - I think - "

"Better let me have a look at it, to make sure you're not getting an infection." Fowley had backed him into the filing cabinet and she laughed slightly at the tenseness of his body. "Relax, Fox - I'm just checking your ear."

She grabbed his head firmly and turned it so that she could see his ear. Mulder fought the impulse to push her away and run for it, reasoning that his ear would suffer the consequences.

"Well, it looks good, but you've got to be sure that you turn it regularly while it's healing to keep the hole open. And clean around it with alcohol wipes - that's very important."

"Um - I will - thanks - "

Fowley kept her hold on his head but let him turn his head back. "No trouble. Can't have anything happening to you now, can we?" She smiled at him.

Mulder opened his mouth to answer as he put his hands on her shoulders, ready to gently push her away. A sudden noise made him glance over to see Skinner and Jeffrey Spender standing in the doorway. From the shocked expression on Spender's face and the stony one on Skinner's, it was obvious that they had formed the wrong impression about this scene. Spender made a disgusted sound and stormed off while Mulder flushed and pushed Fowley away, clearing his throat.

"Um, hello, sir," Mulder said, trying not to appear flustered. "Is there - is there something I can do for you?"

Skinner's face betrayed nothing. "Just came by to see if you had a report on that case I referred to you. I'd like to take a look at it before you pass it on to A.D. Kersh."

"Certainly - I have it right here - " He picked up the file from his desk and held it out, trying not to wince as Skinner practically jerked it out of his hands. "There's some - abnormalities to this case, things not being what they seemed to be. If - if you'd like, I could schedule some time to come by your office and discuss them with you."

Skinner's eyes were cool. "That won't be necessary. Agents." He turned on his heel and left abruptly.

Fowley leaned against the file cabinets, a smirk on her face. "Guess Stone-face Skinner doesn't approve of 'fraternization among agents'."

Mulder turned to glare at Fowley. "This wasn't fraternization. There isn't any fraternization between us and there isn't going to be any. Whatever was between us in the past, it's in the past. And it's going to stay that way."

"It wasn't that bad, was it?" Fowley said, a wistful tone to her voice.

Mulder sighed and rubbed his face. He didn't want to hurt her feelings, but he didn't want to give her false hope. "No, it wasn't that bad -but it's over. I've moved on. You should, too. Agent Spender - "

" - is a nice guy, but he's no Fox Mulder."

"For which the world is eternally grateful," Scully said from the doorway. "Two Mulders would be more than we could handle."

Mulder grinned at that but Fowley said, coolly, "I don't know about that. I like a challenge." She picked up her file folder. "If you'll excuse me, I'll go upstairs and work on my report." She brushed past Scully, forcing her to flatten herself against the door.

Scully glanced at the retreating agent, then turned and stared at her partner. Mulder was sitting at his desk, banging his head against the top of the desk.

"O - kay," she said, closing the door and leaning against it, crossing her arms across her chest. "What on earth was that all about?"

Mulder kept his forehead on the desk. "Diana decided to check my earring. You know, to make sure it wasn't getting infected."

Scully realized that this was one of those times where she was going to have to drag everything out of her partner. "And?"

"And Spender walked in."

"And?"

"Walter was with him."

"And?"

"I think they got the wrong impression."

Scully frowned slightly. "Why?"

Mulder sighed and sat up, rubbing his aching head. "I had my back to the file cabinet and Diana sort of had me pinned." Scully couldn't help chuckling at that and Mulder glared at her. "It's not funny. You didn' t see the look that Walter gave me. Ice would have been warmer."

Scully sat down on the corner of his desk and said soothingly, "Now Mulder, I'm sure that Walter doesn't think that you'd have a fling with a fellow agent in your office in the middle of work day. Or at any other time, for that matter."

Mulder looked at her hopefully. "You think so?"

"Just go over to his place tonight, take a bottle of wine with you, and grovel at his feet. I'm sure he'll forgive you." She laughed at his glare and patted his arm. "Seriously, partner, I doubt that he's even given it a second thought so just relax. We've got paperwork to do, partner - that should take your mind off of anything."

**************

Skinner sat in his office, staring blankly at the file folder in front of him, but all that he could see was the image of his lover, locked in a clinch with Diana Fowley. Okay, not locked in a clinch, but she definitely had him pinned against the file cabinet and was holding his head between her hands, minutes away from a kiss. And it didn't look like he was struggling to get away.

He had always worried that this day would come. It wasn't that he doubted that Mulder loved him, not any more, but his lover had been straight up until a year ago. And Skinner had secretly wondered if Mulder might someday discover that he missed having sex with women. Now it seemed as if Mulder was remembering he had options other than his male lover. Which left him wondering just where the two of them stood.

The past two weeks had been especially good. Mulder's revelation that he had bought a house for the two of them seemed to have broken down some of the remaining reservations that the younger man had, and he had spent almost every night since then in Skinner's bed. Skinner had reveled in the almost-forgotten pleasure of waking up each morning wrapped around his lover's body, showing his appreciation in a way that Mulder had laughingly complained would make him bow-legged for life. Mulder had also enthusiastically thrown himself into the process of selecting a contractor for the renovations to the house. Skinner had thought that all this meant that they were committing to each other, exclusively, but now he wondered what it meant to Mulder.

Skinner sighed. He would have to have a long talk with his lover, find out just where Mulder thought they were going and if it was a road that Skinner felt he could travel with him. And if it wasn't.

Skinner sat in his office, staring blankly at the file folder in front of him.

**************

"I want her out of the picture. I don't care what you do - I just want her out."

The man Mulder called Cancerman leaned back in his chair, watching complacently as Diana Fowley paced angrily back and forth across the room. "I'm certain that you do, my dear. However, you should know by now that what you want is irrelevant."

She stopped and glared at him. "You brought me back here - asked me to seduce him - "

Cancerman frowned at that and stubbed out his cigarette. "I did not, in point of fact, ask you to seduce him."

"You asked me to bring him into line, under our control. How in the hell else did you expect me to do that?" she demanded.

"I wanted you to be his friend, his confidant. Someone he could turn to with these mysteries he insists on investigating. Someone he would talk with so we could find out just what is going on in his head." Cancerman lit another cigarette and drew deeply from it. "If you persist in these Mata Hare attempts, you'll end up pushing him away instead."

"I know Fox," Fowley insisted.

"Correction, you knew Fox. This is not the same man that you led around by the nose back then. He's changed. He also appears to be very much in love with - someone else."

"Which is why I need you to get Dana Scully out of the way!" Fowley snapped.

Cancerman smirked. "I don't think that will do any good."

"What - you don't think I can make him forget her?" She turned and stalked over to him, leaning over the back of his chair. "You forget," she purred seductively. "I'm very, very good."

Cancerman's eyes gleamed. "You may be good, but you lack something essential."

Fowley frowned, not understanding his meaning, and sat on the edge of the desk. "Then you won't get rid of her?"

"Dana Scully is not to be harmed. I have - other plans for her." Cancerman smiled and Fowley shivered at the predatory look in his eyes. "I will have her moved away from Mulder's sphere of influence, but it will take a little time to arrange. In the meantime, stop pursing Mulder and try to get in his confidence instead." Dryly, he said, "Content yourself with your other romantic conquest for the time being."

Fowley smirked at the tone of his voice. "What, you don't approve of me playing with Jeffrey? Jealous?"

Cancerman smiled in amusement and blew out a puff of smoke. "Hardly. I know that he's nothing more than a toy to you, a temporary amusement. He doesn't have a hope of supplying what you really need." He let his voice darken into something deadly and dangerous and watched Fowley shiver with a combination of fear and need. "Does he, my dear?"

In reply, Fowley stood up and walked to the door, locking it, then turned back around. "No - Master."

***********************

Jeffrey Spender sat in Casey's, both hands wrapped around a glass, nursing both the glass and a gut-wrenching bitterness.

God damn Fox Mulder.

The image that he had walked in on burned his mind, burned his eyes.

And God damn Diana Fowley, too.

He let out a bitter laugh, a laugh directed at himself. He should have known better. He should never have trusted her, should never have fallen for that soft look or the half-smile from behind that dark fall of silky hair. Should never have let her entice him into her bed on that lonely night out on the road, and all those nights that followed, should never have let her in.

He drained his glass and slammed it down on the bar. "Another."

As he wrapped his hands around a new glass, his mind vaguely registered another body sliding onto the bar stool next to him. He didn't care about that - not about anything except the Bitch and that bastard Mulder.

"Let me guess - woman troubles."

At least the voice was masculine - at the moment, Spender thought he would take out his gun and shoot any woman who tried to come on to him. He'd had enough of that for one lifetime, thank you very much.

He didn't realize that he had said that aloud until he heard the soft laugh. "Yeah. I had a run-in like that myself. Nearly cost me my life."

The voice was not only masculine, it was as smooth as silk, a voice that invited confidences. He turned his head sideways and found himself staring into green eyes. Large green eyes framed by the darkest lashes that he had ever seen on a man.

He turned his attention abruptly back to his drink, forced his mind away from that track. He had learned as a teen not to think along those lines, not to let his mind or body focus on his inexplicable attraction for the male body. Spender was already a skinny kid, a geek, with a mother that most of the guys deridingly labeled as one toy short of a Happy Meal. He hadn't needed the additional stigma of faggot added to that collection.

"Look, Mister," he said roughly. "I'm not looking for conversation or a drinking buddy, so just leave me the fuck alone."

"I'm not looking for anything, either -just a drink and a place to sit while I drink it."

"Then why the comment?"

The man shrugged. "Just trying to be sociable. You looked like you could use a sympathetic ear."

Spender snorted at that. "Yeah, you could say that."

"So tell me about it." He drained a glass of what looked like vodka and signaled for a refill. "I'm just a sympathetic stranger sharing a drink in an anonymous bar. No pressure, no judgment, just a guy who's been there before."

"Yeah, well, have you ever walked in on your lover in a clinch with another man?"

The dark-haired man nodded. "Hurts like hell, doesn't it?"

Spender sighed. "Yeah. I mean, I knew that they were involved in the past but Diana said that it was over, that she had walked away from him when she realized he was nothing but trouble." He made a sour face and drained the rest of his drink. "Guess that old Spooky was just too much for her to resist."

He thought he felt his drinking companion's body stiffen slightly on the stool beside him. "That's an unusual name."

"A nickname - and one well earned, believe me. Special Agent Fox William Mulder," Spender intoned, raising his glass in a mock salute. "Former golden boy and profiler extraordinaire, now obsessed with hunting down little green men." He snorted and knocked back half of the glass.

"Gray," the other man said automatically, then seemed to catch himself and gave Spender a half-smile that nearly dazzled the man. "Great waste of time, right?"

"You're telling me. I don't know how he gets away with it, although I think our new boss has his number - Mulder'll be out on his ass before long." He drained his glass with satisfaction and signaled for another.

"So this Mulder's made a play for your girl?"

Spender shrugged. "Or she made a play for him. Diana's not one to sit back and wait on a man." He took a couple more sips of his beer. "For all I know, I was just a substitute for what she really wanted -Mulder."

His companion sighed. "Been there, my friend."

"Yeah?" Spender turned and looked at the other man curiously, his words slurring slightly under the influence of the drinks he had imbibed. "A good-looking guy like you? I wouldn't think you'd have problems getting what you want."

"Yeah, well, you'd be wrong. Dead wrong."

There was something in that voice that chilled him to the bone, made him suddenly aware of the dangers of getting involved with a stranger. But then the man turned and looked at him with a smile, his green eyes warm and friendly, and Spender thought that he must have imagined the cold voice. There was no way that anyone with eyes like that could be either cold or dangerous. He smiled back.

"Look," the other man said, an apology in his voice. "I have to run -business meeting - but I don't want to leave you here like this. I've got a cab coming - can I drop you somewhere?" As Spender hesitated, he said, with that disarming smile, "I promise that I won't try to kill you or get into your pants. It's just a shared cab ride."

His sane, sensible voice inside his head told him to say "no", but he was tired of listening to that voice. Besides, he was an FBI agent and could take care of himself.

He must have said that out loud again because the stranger smiled and said, teasingly, "Then come on, Tough guy. Cab's here."

Spender tossed down some bills to pay for his drinks and followed his new friend outside. His eyes were involuntarily drawn to the tight ass in front of him, watching with fascination the way the other man moved with an almost feline grace. When the man stopped abruptly, Spender looked up, startled, and saw that they were standing next to the taxi. And that he had been caught checking out this stranger's ass. He flushed but the other man just grinned.

"Get in and tell him where you want to go."

Spender crawled into the back of the cab, gave his address to the driver and then turned to see a strange, almost sad look on the other man's face. "What?" he asked, confused.

"Nothing," the man said, shrugging. "It's - you're a nice kid. I was just trying to remember what it was like to be like that. If I ever was."

Stung, Spender said, "I'm not a kid! And it's Jeff."

"Alex," the man said, holding out a hand. "Alex Krycek."

They shook hands and Spender noticed that Krycek held his hand a fraction longer than normal. He flushed slightly, then turned to look out the window, saying, "So, Alex, what do you do for a living?"

He was looking out the window and didn't see the slight shadow cross the Krycek's face. "I'm an - independent consultant for a large consortium with international interests."

Spender turned back with a laugh. "That's a big job title."

"It's a big job," Krycek said shortly. "You're an FBI Agent?"

"Special Agent Jeffrey Spender - and I've even got a badge to prove it."

"I'd like to see your - badge," Krycek said, his voice low and sensual.

Spender swallowed hard, torn between equal part interest and apprehension. His body felt hot and flushed, his pants suddenly tight. "I think that can be arranged," he managed to say, feeling like a tongue-tied teenager all over again.

Krycek laughed softly and patted his cheek, and Spender resisted an urge to turn his face into the man's palm. "Another time, I think. Right now, you've had a little too much to drink. Not a good way to make a decision about - badges."

"I'm not drunk!" Spender said indignantly.

"I didn't say you were, Tough guy." Krycek said, grinning, then glanced out the window as the cab slowed down. "This it?"

Spender nodded and Krycek got out, helping the younger man out of the cab. He pulled a card out of his pocket and tucked it into Spender's coat pocket.

"My phone number - if you need someone to talk to." He patted the pocket. "About badges and other things."

Spender nodded, a little dazed, and stood watching as Krycek got back in the cab. "Wait!" he called out, fumbling in his pocket for his card case. "You don't have my number!"

Krycek rolled down the window and gave him a wicked smile that made Spender's temperature climb. "I know how to find you - Special Agent Jeffrey Spender."

Spender stood on the sidewalk, intoxicated on more than alcohol, and watched the cab drive off. As he went into his apartment and fell into bed, still dressed, he wondered why he suddenly felt very, very happy.

************************

Mulder unlocked the door to Skinner's apartment and opened the door slightly, tossing his coat in through the opening. When the movement wasn't met by gunfire, he pushed the door open and peered inside. His lover stood in the hallway, leaning against the wall with his arms crossed over his chest, pointedly staring at the coat at his feet. Mulder restrained a cowardly impulse to flee for his life and stepped inside, closing the door behind him.

"I can explain."

Skinner snorted and pushed himself off the wall, turning towards the living room. "This ought to be good."

Mulder followed, stepping over his coat and dropping his briefcase and keys beside it. "She was checking my ear - to make sure that it wasn't infected."

"As a prelude to checking your tonsils? Correct me if I'm mistaken, but isn't Agent Scully the doctor, not Agent Fowley?" Skinner stopped in front of the windows, his back pointedly to his lover.

"Walter, nothing happened. Nothing was going to happen." When Skinner didn't reply, Mulder said indignantly. "Don't you trust me?"

Skinner swung around, glaring. "Don't you even go there! Of course I trust you - I love you, dammit! I just - " He looked away, his shoulders suddenly sagging. "Look, Mulder," he said, quietly. "I know that I can't give you everything you need, and if you miss that, well, I guess I understand."

Mulder looked at him blankly. "Miss what?"

"Women."

Mulder rolled his eyes. "Oh, yeah - like there was a lot of that going on in my life. Walter, before we got together, I was getting a lot more action from my hand than anything else. For years."

"That doesn't change the fact that you're het -"

"Excuse me? In case you haven't noticed, for the past year I've been involved exclusively with a man. And I intend to be involved with that man for a hell of a lot more years - that is, if he can get his head out of his ass long enough to listen to me." He held out his hand to Skinner and said, coaxingly, "Come here, big guy."

Skinner let himself be mollified when his lover took his face between his hands, kissing him gently and then pulling him into a hug. They were quiet for a long moment, just holding each other, and then Mulder turned his head and pressed a kiss against Skinner's neck.

"Walter?"

"Hmm?" Skinner's eyes were closed and he felt like he could stand there like that forever.

"You know that you don't have to worry, don't you?" Mulder's voice was soft, thick with emotion. "I mean, in the first place, you're a hell of a lot better kisser than Diana, even though I wasn't kissing her today. And in the second, we just bought a money-pit of a house and I'm counting on you to keep that contractor in line - he's fucking huge and scares me to death. And in the third - "

"Fox."

"Huh?" Mulder lifted his head and looked into Skinner's eyes. The softness he saw there made his breath catch.

"I love you, too. Now shut up and take me to bed."

Mulder chuckled and dropped his head onto Skinner's shoulder again. "You have such a way with words, Walter."

"Evidently not good enough. We're still standing downstairs with all our clothes on."

Mulder grinned and pushed away from his lover, keeping hold of his hand. "I think I can fix that. Come on." He led the way upstairs to the bedroom and then pulled Skinner back into his arms again. "Have I ever told you how gorgeous you are, big guy?"

Skinner snorted. "Now I know why she was checking for an infection. You're delirious, Mulder."

"Only with love for you." Mulder laughed as his lover gave him a mock shove, and he bounced on his back on the bed. "Stud," he said teasingly. "Come here and remind me who I belong to."

Skinner rolled his eyes, even as he allowed Mulder to pull him down onto the bed. "And I thought you gave all your porn tapes to Frohike. Which, by the way, probably drove the poor man to a coronary."

"Not even close. His Mistress made him give them to Byers. Must have made for some interesting times at the Gunmen headquarters."

Skinner removed Mulder's tie and tossed it somewhere over his shoulder. "Tell me why we're discussing your strange friends while getting ready to have sex."

Mulder grinned, sliding his hands up under Skinner's sweatshirt. "You brought it up, Walter - "

His lover ruthlessly silenced him and he abandoned the subject willingly, devoting his attention to getting them both naked as quickly as possible. Skinner was more than happy to assist in that endeavor and before long was sinking into the tight heat of his lover's body. Mulder groaned blissfully, wrapping his legs around his lover's waist and arching up against Skinner's hard body. He could never get enough of this, no matter how many times his lover took him. There was no way that anything with a woman could compete with this: the sensation of being filled and possessed, the heavy heat of a larger body holding him down and taking him to places he had never been. The rough scrape of stubble against his own stubbled jaw, against the softer skin of his neck. The firm lips that nuzzled his neck and devoured his mouth. The deep voice that murmured erotic endearments into his ear and moaned with desperate need. Mulder pulled Skinner's mouth down to his, doing his own devouring as he felt his body spiraling upward toward release. Desperate to pull his lover over the edge with him, he tightened his body as he felt the first waves crash over him, felt the hot heat pulsing between their bodies, and he heard his lover's shout of joyous climax as he screamed his own pleasure.

Skinner slumped down on top of his lover's body, too wiped to remember to roll to one side, and Mulder wrapped both arms and legs around his lover, keeping him in place for the moment. He loved the way it felt to lay here, spent and sated, sheltered under his lover's heavier body. He turned his head to kiss Skinner's cheek, nuzzling him lovingly.

"Why would I want anyone else when I can have this?" he asked softly.

Skinner turned his head and kissed Mulder, briefly but lovingly, then settled them both in their accustomed positions for sleep. With his arms wrapped around his lover's body, Skinner let his doubts and fears slip away.

********************

Krycek moved through the corridors of the Consortium's D.C. headquarters with all the arrogant assurance of a man who knew exactly where he was going and what he was doing. That it was all a façade was something no one would ever guess, something that he wouldn't admit even to himself in the darkness of the night. Self-reflection wasn't a healthy hobby in his line of work.

His new position within Strughold's enclave had raised a few eyebrows but, in a world where loyalties were bought and sold, it wasn't questioned. Krycek wasn't sure exactly what was in the letter that the Old Man had given him but the man that Krycek had taken it to had paled and then, quickly and efficiently, had integrated Krycek into the organization. So far, his duties had been light and, as he hadn't been required to shoot or be screwed by anyone, he was content for the moment to watchdog the younger Spender while he kept his ears open for anything that might be of help to his more secret agenda.

He smiled to himself as he remembered the previous evening. Strictly speaking, his orders had been to watch and protect Jeffrey Spender without letting him know. But while watching the younger Spender drink himself into oblivion and seeing the predatory looks he was attracting from a few unscrupulous patrons of the bar, Krycek had decided to intervene and get the young man safely home. What he hadn't expected was the chord of sympathy that Spender had struck within him - or the subsequent sexual arousal that the younger man's vulnerable innocence had stirred in him.

His mouth tightened at that, not noticing the nervous looks he received from those he passed in the corridor. It was just as well that whatever last shred of conscience he had left had intervened and prevented him from taking Jeffrey Spender up on his proposition. The last thing he needed was to get involved with anyone, especially when so many things about the younger man had forcefully reminded him of his long-lost self. He had a feeling that Strughold had assigned him this job for this very reason and with the assumption that Krycek would lead young Spender down the same garden path that he had been lead down, drawing him deeper into the Consortium's fold. Ordinarily, Krycek would have shrugged and done just that - it certainly wasn't the worst assignment that he had ever had. But something about the young man held him back - the vulnerability under that arrogant self-centeredness was achingly familiar and reminded him too much of another agent, his first and most deadly failure. And, of course, of his own long-lost innocence.

A figure stepped out of the shadows right into his path and Krycek halted, abruptly thrown out of his thoughts. He warily studied the man as he stood silently smoking his cigarette, met the shrewd eyes that raked over him with arrogant familiarity.

"You want something, old man?" he asked, deliberate insolence in his voice.

"I understand that you made the acquaintance of my son Jeffrey yesterday evening," Cancerman said, unperturbed. "You would be well-advised to

leave this matter in my hands."

Krycek crossed his arms. "I was assigned to watch him by Strughold. You got a problem with that, you take it up with him." He pushed past the older man.

"I doubt that Strughold's instructions included becoming Jeffrey's nursemaid - or his lover."

There was an edge to his words and Krycek turned back, amused. "What -your boy too good for the rest of us mere mortals?"

Cold eyes met his. "I have my own plans for Jeffrey and I will not tolerate your interference."

Krycek snorted at that. "Right. Setting that Fowley bitch on him was your idea of a good move? And where were you and your plans last night? The kid nearly got gobbled up by some of the sharks circling the water."

"That is my concern, not yours."

"Oh, yeah - I've seen the evidence of your concern in the past," Krycek spat at him. "Just don't hold your breath on that Father of the Year award."

Cancerman's mouth tightened. "Your insolence is becoming intolerable. I suggest that you do not cross swords with me, Alex."

Krycek shook his head, a crooked smile on his face. "Your threats don't worry me, old man. You keep sending me to hell and I keep coming back. And, like I told you, you have a problem with my assignment, you take it up with Strughold." He turned his back again and walked away, aware with every step of the malevolence in the eyes fixed on him.

******************

Mulder looked up warily as Agent Fowley entered his office. "Good morning, Agent Fowley. How's the report on that case coming along?"

Fowley ignored the statement, gritting her teeth, determined to get this over with. "Fox, I wanted to apologize."

Mulder blinked. "Excuse me?"

"For yesterday. And the way I've acted in regard to -us." Seeing the frown on his forehead, she said, hastily, "I know - there isn't any 'us'. I guess that - seeing you again, it brought back a lot of good memories - wishful thinking about what might have been."

"I understand," Mulder said gently. "But - "

"I know. I understand and accept the fact that you're in love with -someone else. And I promise that I won't come onto you anymore." She gave him a hopeful smile. "Do you think that we can be friends?"

"I hope so," Mulder said cautiously, not sure if he could trust this new line. And he was still pissed with the way she had gotten him into trouble with his lover, even if they had managed to make things right. They had enough problems without Diana Fowley's interference.

"Good." She turned to the other desk, all brisk efficiency again, and picked up a folder there. "I had some time yesterday afternoon and I went over this case we just received, reviewing your notes. I know that AD Kersh rejected the 302, but I think you have something here. Maybe if we put our heads together on this, we can come up with a new angle and get it past Kersh."

"Good idea," Mulder said. "Pull up a chair and let's see what we can come up with." As he rummaged in his desk for a fresh note pad, he missed the self-satisfied look on Agent Fowley's face.

*******************

Krycek clung to the shadows in the hallway, chewing his bottom lip while he debated what to do about the information he had just overheard. Strughold had been oddly delighted by the news of the reappearance of some old ship, going on about something called "Thor's Hammer", and all of Krycek's instincts for trouble had kicked in at that. Anything that made Strughold that happy had to be bad for the rest of the world. The only question was - what in hell could he do without tipping his hand?

He suddenly grinned and suppressed a laugh. A mystery ship, reappearing after being swallowed up by the Bermuda Triangle over sixty years ago? Mulder would grab the chance to look into this with both hands - and he was the only one who had half a chance of beating Strughold at whatever game the man was playing. Maybe it was time to look Mulder up - for old times sake - and drop this little tidbit in his lap.

Smiling to himself, he slipped out of the shadows and down the hallway, unaware of the sudden flare of light from a match in another shadowed doorway.

************

Scully sat at her "other" desk in the bullpen, concentrating on finishing up the paperwork on one of the cases that had been assigned to them by Kersh. It had turned out to be another attempt to yank their chains and Mulder's reaction to being sent off on another profiling case had been vitriolic enough that Scully had volunteered to do the paperwork. She sighed as she put aside the papers - she needed a little information from Mulder before she completed the report and he had been making himself scarce around the building that day.

She looked up with surprise when she saw the Gunmen approaching her desk. "What are you guys doing here?"

Frohike spoke first. "Mulder's in trouble."

"Big trouble," Langley added.

Like that was something new, she thought and frowned. "What do you mean?"

Byers looked around nervously, his eyes taking in the interested looks they were getting from the other agents. "Let's take a walk." Once they got her at the other end of the bullpen, the Gunmen quickly explained that Mulder had come to them early that morning with information that a ship that had disappeared in the Bermuda Triangle sixty years ago was rumored to have reappeared suddenly. He had urgently needed to get to the ship before anyone else did, and they had gotten satellite-imaging photos so that he could locate it.

"He chartered a powerboat out of Hamilton harbor and we tracked him on the satellite for an hour and a half," Byers finished.

Langley added, "Until a storm blew in and obscured all transmissions."

"What's happened to him?" Scully asked, then looked grim when they explained that there was no way to find out unless they went after him -and to do that, they'd need a copy of the tracking data. And quickly -before Mulder's luck and time ran out.

Scully swore under her breath. "We need help," she said, thinking hard. Preferably someone with connections to Naval Intelligence - and she had an idea who might have that. Jotting down what she needed to find out, she hurried out of the bullpen, snapping at the Gunmen, "Wait for me downstairs."

The Gunmen watched her stalk off towards Skinner's office. "Whew!" Langley said. "I wouldn't want to be in Mulder's shoes when he gets back."

Frohike snorted. "The hell with that. I wouldn't want to be in Skinner's shoes right now!"

"Well, if we don't get going, it'll be our asses in the sling," Byers pointed out, leading the way towards the elevators.

Langley rolled his eyes. "You've corrupted him, Frohike."

Frohike grinned as he followed his friends into the elevator. "You say that like it's a bad thing."

***************

Scully moved quickly into Skinner's office, past his protesting secretary without stopping to listen or explain. Skinner looked up from the phone call he was on, frowning. "What is it, Agent Scully?"

Her eyes met his, conveying the urgency of the matter as she said, "I've just received some very disturbing information, sir. I need your help."

Skinner ended his call and stood up, sighing. "You can't just come rushing in here - "

Scully interrupted him. "Sir, I couldn't waste time explaining myself to your assistant. It's about Agent Mulder." That caught his attention, as she knew it would, and his head jerked up, swiveling to meet her eyes. "He's done something incredibly rash - sir, he may be lost at sea."

Skinner's eyes darkened with worry but he was all too aware of the listening devices that seemed to appear in his office faster than he could get rid of them. That and the open door to his assistant's office. Even though he trusted Kim, he knew that anyone could walk into that office at any moment and hear what they were saying. "I can't help you," he said firmly, his eyes trying to convey a silent message to Scully, to tell her that this wasn't the time or place to discuss anything important.

Scully's eyes widened, surprised that he hadn't even asked for more information. "This isn't for me - it's for Agent Mulder," she emphasized.

"It doesn't matter. My hands are tied - I'm not your direct superior anymore."

Scully gaped at him. She had expected him to swear, to yell, but not this quietly resigned tone. It was the last thing that she had expected to hear from Skinner. "Don't you even want to know what this is about?"

Skinner closed his eyes, willing the woman to shut up before she blurted out everything. "No, I don't," he said firmly as he began moving her towards the door. Maybe if he walked her to the elevator, they'd have a moment to talk privately. "I don't want to hear it."

Scully resisted his attempt to steer her out of his office, all but dragging her heels. "Sir, this is about a man's life!" Seeing that he appeared to be ignoring her, she caught his door and slammed it shut, ignoring Kim's indignant protest.

"You're out of line, Scully," he growled, exasperated.

"No, you're out of line," she snapped back, unable to believe that Skinner wouldn't drop everything to run to the aid of his lover. "I'm sorry, but I'm coming to you for help, and I've got no where else to go." She drew a deep breath, not wanting to beg but willing to do what she had to. "I would hope that, after everything we've been through, you would have the courtesy and the decency - not to mention the respect - to listen to what I have to say." She held up the piece of paper that she had jotted the information on. "Now, all I need is information - you don't have to do anything else."

Skinner took the paper, quickly scanning what she had written down, committing it to memory and Scully's eyes lit up with hope. "Sir, if you know anybody at the Office of Naval Intelligence, it would be of great help."

His mind already working on the problem, he said aloud, "I could lose my job, my pension, I could even be subject to legal action."

The disappointed look on her face as she snatched back the paper told him that she didn't comprehend how dangerous the situation was and, as she gave an exasperated sigh and started to open the door, he slammed it shut. "Use your head, Scully," he said forcefully. "It'll save your ass."

Her eyes were sharp and cold, and he could read the hurt in them. "Save your own ass, Sir," she said bitterly. "You'll save your head along with it."

She stormed across the office and out the other door, into the hallway as she tried to think where she could go next. Heading down in the elevator, she went to A.D. Kersh's office and starting the same spiel. It wasn't until she had pulled out the paper and was waving it around that she realized who else was in the office -Cancerman. Feeling foolish and starting to realize just how deep she was getting, she relinquished the paper at Kersh's order and left the office, wondering if she had just destroyed Mulder's only hope.

Mulder! Of course! She only had the Gunmen's word for it that Mulder was missing. She pulled out her cell phone and dialed his number frantically, muttering under her breath for him to answer. All she got was the recorded message.

Her heart began to race now and she stormed into the basement, hoping that Mulder left something in his desk that would help her track him. Agent Spender was sitting at Mulder's desk and looked up at her in surprise - and guilt. By now, she was ready to rip out someone's lungs and Spender looked like a good target. She crossed to the desk, grabbing a pad of paper, and snarled at him as she wrote quickly.

"I want you to do me a favor and it's not negotiable. Either you do it or I kill you. You understand?"

Spender gaped at her. "You okay, Agent Scully?"

"No, I'm not," she said frankly, and the cold look in her eyes made him swallow hard. "I'm a gun ready to go off so don't test me, Spender, and don't even think about trying to weasel me." She held up the piece of paper she had written on. "I'm looking for a boat. A1939 luxury liner."

"1939?"

"Don't ask too many questions," she snapped. "I don't care what you do, or who you do, or who you have to grease. I need this information and I need it now. Am I clear?"

He grabbed the paper and then glared at her. "Crystal," he said sarcastically, turning to leave.

"Agent Spender." He turned and looked at her and she said, grimly, "If you're not back in a hurry, I'm going to hunt you down and, so help me God - "

He felt a brief pain inside his heart. Mulder was one lucky bastard to have someone care this much about him. "Right." He pushed away a brief image of green eyes and headed up towards his boss' office.

Meanwhile, Scully paced restlessly in the office, trying to think of what over avenues she would pursue. When the phone rang, she picked it up and answered it without thinking. "Hello?"

"Agent Fowley?"

The voice sounded familiar and her suspicions were aroused. "Yes?"

"I was looking for Agent Spender."

Scully hesitated briefly and then replied, "I'm sorry, he's not here right now. Is there something I can help you with?"

"Agent Scully just handed the Assistant Director a piece of paper with some intelligence information scribbled on it -"

"Yes?" Scully prompted and, when there was no reply, said, "Yes, sir?"

"Who is this?"

Scully hung up and suddenly had a very bad feeling about the whole situation, that time had run out. She hurried out of the office, ignoring the phone ringing behind her, and ran into Kersh's secretary.

"Agent Scully? I was sent to come get you - "

Scully paused, trying to catch her breath long enough to think, to make plans. "I was waiting for Agent Spender," she said, stalling for time. "I'm supposed to pick up a delivery from him."

"Agent Spender is with Assistant Director Kersh."

Scully's mouth tightened - she should have known better than to trust Spender, she thought angrily. "That rat bastard!" she snarled, pushing past and into the elevator, slamming the up button. Once inside, she paced and muttered, "Stupid, stupid!"

Her phone rang and she answered it, her heart pounding. Please Mulder, she thought, please be you. "Scully." The line was faint and she could just barely make out a male voice on the other end. "Mulder? Is that you?" More static and she put her hand over her ear, trying to concentrate on the voice on the other end. "I can't - I'm on an elevator - I'll be off in a second - "

The door opened and she started to get off, then saw Kersh and Spender in the hallway, talking. Hastily, she ducked back into the elevator and jabbed another button, then tried again to make out what the person on the phone was saying. It was no use, the reception inside the elevator was too bad. Frustrated, she paced and swung around as the elevator doors opened again -

To stare right into Skinner's face, a cell phone in his hand.

"Is that you?" they asked almost simultaneously.

Skinner quickly stepped into the elevator, letting the door close behind him. "I've been trying to reach you," he said in exasperation, holding up a folded piece of paper. "I've got the information you needed."

To his complete astonishment, Scully grabbed him and planted a quick, fierce kiss on his lips. "How?"

A bit stunned by her actions, he said wryly, "Don't even ask."

"Sir," she said, a smile beginning to dawn on her face. "What you've done - "

He smiled in return and said, softly, "Could save Mulder's ass. I know."

His eyes met hers squarely and she realized that she had once more underestimated this man. She drew a deep breath, resolving never to doubt him again, and making amends in the only way that she knew. "I'll bring him back, Sir. I promise."

Skinner nodded and wanted to say more but the elevator doors opened again and, as he stepped out, he saw Kersh and Cancerman in the hallway. Quickly, he turned back and snarled, "And if you ever ask me to break policy or protocol, I'll have you written up, wrapped up, and tossed out of the FBI for good. Am I understood, Agent Scully?"

For a horrible moment, she thought that she was going to burst out laughing hysterically. She managed to gasp out, "Yes," before ducking back into the elevator and jabbing the button for the parking garage. "Yes!" she crowed triumphantly.

Realizing that she had crumbled the paper he had given her, she hastily unfolded it and scanned the co-ordinates that he had given her. It wasn't over - Mulder wasn't safe yet by a long shot and there was a good chance that the Consortium would get there before she did, but at least now they had a fighting chance.

The elevator doors opened and she raced out into the parking garage, jumping into the waiting van as they asked anxiously, "Did you get it?"

Grinning with triumph, Scully help up the note. "Yes!" And as they pulled out of the garage, she glanced back briefly and saw Spender racing after them - too late. She almost laughed and then turned her attention towards getting Mulder back. Back for his friends, for her, for the man who loved him.

************

Mulder was surrounded by blue mist, wrapped in it, drowning in it. Feebly, he tried to fight his way free but the thick stuff held him down, making his body feel like it weighed a ton. He couldn't tell which way was up or down, what was reality and what was a dream. A voice called to him, a familiar voice, and it echoed in the mist around him.

"Mulder. Mulder, it's me."

He groaned and tried to concentrate on the voice, forcing open eyes that felt too heavy to move and once more found himself drowning in blue. Only this time it moved. He blinked and the familiar face of his partner came into focus.

"Where am I?" he asked groggily. A hospital, he thought vaguely to himself, recognizing the familiar sounds and smells.

"You're in a hospital," she said and he nearly rolled his eyes. Duh, Scully, he thought.

"I feel - " he groaned and tried to sit up.

"Lie still," she ordered.

The room was spinning and he collapsed willingly enough. " - like hell."

Scully looked at him in amusement and he wanted to glare at her but it seemed like way too much effort. "I don't blame you. You look like you've been through the wringer."

"What happened to me?"

She grinned widely now and said, "You did something incredibly stupid."

Mulder blinked at her, trying to remember. "What did I do?"

"You went looking for a ship -" She paused dramatically. "In the Bermuda triangle."

He blinked at her again. "Say that again?"

There was a tap at the door and he glanced over her shoulder to see the Gunmen enter, followed by Skinner.

"Gilligan awake?" Frohike quipped.

Memory suddenly surged back in and he sat up - or tried to. Scully pushed him back down and he let her as he said, "You were there. You were there, Scully. On the ship - in 1939 - with me."

The Gunmen exchanged a look. "He's delirious," Langley said, shaking his head.

Mulder ignored them, gesturing toward Skinner. "And he was there, too."

Skinner snorted at that, tossing the bouquet of flowers he had brought onto the bed table. "Right. Me and my dog Toto."

Mulder winced at that. His lover didn't look too happy at the moment and he had the feeling that Skinner was going to rake him over the coals at the first opportunity. "You were there with the Nazis," he insisted to Skinner.

Scully firmly pushed him back down on the bed. "Mulder, will you settle down? That's an order."

"Not that he takes orders," Skinner said wryly.

Mulder resisted the urge to stick out his tongue at Skinner, concentrating on making Scully believe him. "You saved the world, Scully."

She grinned at him, feeling pretty good about the way that things had turned out. "Yeah, you're right. I did."

"What kind of drugs is he on?" Byers asked and Langley quipped that he wanted some.

"No, no," Mulder insisted. "The Queen Anne. I found it. You were there with Thor's Hammer. I told you to turn the ship around and then I jumped overboard."

"Yeah, I bet you did. The boat you were on was busted into a million pieces." She leaned closer. "And as for the Queen Anne - it was nothing but a ghost ship."

"No, no, no. You and I were on that ship in 1939," Mulder insisted.

The four exchanged a look, then Skinner leaned over the side of the bed and said, "Get some rest, Mulder, because when you get out of here, I'm gonna kick your butt but good." He brushed a kiss over Mulder's forehead while the Gunmen chuckled and then shepherded them out so that Mulder could rest.

Mulder laid back on the bed, feeling the medication making him pleasantly woozy, and he smiled at his partner. "I thought I'd never see you again," he murmured. "But you believed me."

Scully smiled at him affectionately. "In your dreams." She leaned over his bed and said softly, "Mulder, I want you to close your eyes and think to yourself, 'There's no place like home.' "

He managed a laugh. "Scully," he called softly as she started to leave and she returned to his side, taking his hand and smiling down at him. Mulder looked at her for a long moment, thinking of all that they had been through in the past, imagining what she had gone through to get him back safely this time, and tried to think of a way to convey everything that he felt. "I love you."

She grinned at him and, teasingly, rolled her eyes. "Oh, brother!" she said with exasperated affection. "Go to sleep, Mulder. I'll be here when you wake up."

Mulder smiled and let his eyes drift closed.

******************

Three days later, Scully pulled her car over in front of Viva Towers and looked at her partner. "Well, here we are."

Mulder looked out the car window at the building. It had taken him three days in the hospital to get over the effects of his little adventure and, although Scully had remained with him, Skinner had had to return to D.C. that first night which had left them no time to talk privately. And now that the time had come, he found himself thinking of reasons to put it off.

"You know, it's pretty late and I really don't want to wake him. You know how busy he is - needs his sleep and all. Maybe you should just take me back to my place."

"Mulder, it's nine o'clock on a Friday. I don't think he's asleep at this hour." She leaned over and said, teasingly, "Chicken."

"Me?"

"You." She sat back up. "Besides, the man's been looking forward to kicking your ass for days. I'd hate to deny him that pleasure -especially since you deserve it for that stunt you pulled."

"Some friend you are," he grumbled. She just laughed at that and the sound was so infectious that he couldn't help grinning. And suddenly it was really important that she know just exactly how glad he was that she was his friend and partner. "Um - Scully?"

"No, Mulder," she said with patient exasperation. "I won't come up with you, and I won't call and tell him that Kersh unexpectedly sent you out of town, and I - "

"What I said at the hospital," he interrupted. "I meant it. What I said about - you know. I mean - not in a romantic sense but -"

Scully paused and looked at him, a smile turning up the corners of her mouth. "I know, Mulder. I love you, too."

He let out a relieved sigh. "Good. I'm glad." They were silent for a few minutes, just enjoying the closeness, and then Mulder tilted his head sideways and gave her his best puppy-dog look. "You think you could call and tell him the hospital wouldn't release me yet?"

"Mulder!" she said in exasperation and shoved him. "Out! Now!"

"All right, all right, I'm going," he grumbled, opening the door and getting out. "You know, I think you've been hanging around Mason too much -you're almost as bossy as he is."

She grinned. "I'll be sure to tell him that." She laughed when Mulder blanched and called out, "Good night, Mulder!"

Mulder sighed and, for the second time in a week, approached his lover's apartment with trepidation. He unlocked the door and went in, surprised to find the front hall and kitchen dark. A quick look at the hall table told him that Skinner was home, so he had to be lurking about somewhere in the apartment. He tossed his keys on the table and took his hospital bag through the kitchen, pausing to set his prescription bottle on the counter before throwing his dirty clothes into the laundry room. Then he went in search of his missing lover.

He found Skinner standing in front of the large windows looking out over the city, his back to the room and his hands in the pockets of the faded jeans he wore. Uncertain of his reception - and just how angry Skinner was with him -he softly called out his lover's name and waited for the storm to erupt. To his surprise, Skinner just turned and pulled him close for a hug. He grinned as he wrapped his arms around Skinner and returned the hug.

"If this is ass-kicking, sign me up for more."

"Ass-kicking comes later," Skinner said dryly, his voice muffled against Mulder's shoulder. "For now, I just want to hold you."

Mulder was glad to co-operate. He reveled in the strong arms wrapped around him and the warm body pressed against his. He turned his head and buried his face against the warm flesh above the soft flannel collar, breathing deeply. "You smell good."

Skinner snorted and lifted his head. "Well, at least one of us does. You smell like a hospital. Have I ever told you how much I hate hospitals? Especially when you're in one."

Ladies and Gentlemen, welcome to the ass-kicking portion of our evening program, Mulder thought resignedly. "Yeah, well I'm not particularly happy when it's you in the hospital, either."

"Which happens a hell of a lot less often than your visits."

Mulder pushed away from Skinner. "Except when you put your life at risk - like you did when you got that information for Scully. How long do you think it'll be before they figure out that you were involved? Cancerman's just looking for a reason, any reason, to hang you out to dry."

"It was worth the risk. You were face down - unconscious - in the water when they found you. You could have been dead right now!"

Mulder drew in a deep breath, trying to let go of the anger trying to push its way to the surface. He did not want to get into a fight now, not tonight. "But I'm not, Walter. I'm fine. We're both fine - and I think that calls for a celebration." He reached out to touch Skinner's arm but Skinner pushed him away with a frown.

"You're a piece of work. You nearly died, Mulder, and all you can think about is fucking?"

"It's called life affirmation, Walter," Mulder snapped.

"Well then I guess it's a good think that Scully brought you here instead of dropping you at the office. God knows who you'd be kissing then!"

Mulder stared at Skinner incredulously, fury starting to build inside him. "Is this still about the kissing thing? I don't believe you!"

"Mulder - "

"Where the fuck do you get off getting in my face about kissing Diana or Scully or anyone else for that damn matter!" Mulder snapped. "Hell, you've fucked half the damn subs at the Club, if the stories are true, not to mention that whole fucking training thing with Mason. Oh, and let's not forget Krycek!"

Skinner stared at Mulder, bemused. "You kissed Scully?"

Mulder's anger faded and he sighed as he said, "Yes. No. Well, not really." At the puzzled look on Skinner's face, Mulder added, exasperated, "Look, it was while I was on that damn ghost ship - not that you believe that I was there in the first place!"

"And you kissed Scully."

"Well, it wasn't our Scully, but yeah, I kissed her. Then she hit me." He rubbed his jaw.

"Been wanting to kiss your partner for long?"

Mulder didn't know what to make of Skinner's odd tone of voice so, looking at his lover out of the corner of his eye, he said, "In the early days - yeah, I did. We had this whole flirtation/innuendo thing going and I really wanted to kiss her. But then everything got serious - her cancer, the Consortium, and all that - and we were dealing with so many other issues. By the time we got all that sorted out, you and I were together. I had always wondered." He looked over at Skinner, worried because the other man was so still. "I love her, Walter, but not in the same way that I love you. I'm in love with you."

"I know," Skinner said quietly, then gave his lover a half-smile. "And as long as we're confessing things here, I suppose I should tell you that Scully kissed me."

Mulder gaped at Skinner. "You're kidding, right? Our Scully kissed you? Not some dream manifestation or doppelganger or something."

Skinner cleared his throat, flushing a little. "It was Scully. I - it was right after I got her the information on your location, you see, and she'd been getting the run-around, and I think she was just so relieved - " He stopped, uncertain, as he saw that Mulder was grinning now. "What?"

"Seems that there's been an awful lot of kissing going on around here -except between us." He reached out and grabbed the front of Skinner's shirt, pulling him close and kissing him hard.

Skinner's arms went around Mulder's body, pulling their bodies tighter together. He loved the feel of his lover's long, lean body against him like this, craved the heat that seared him to the bone. Mulder deepened the kiss and Skinner let him, let the younger man take control of this encounter and this night. He needed this - needed to forget the lies and intrigue, needed to forget the gut-wrenching terror of knowing Mulder was in trouble and being unable to go to him, of having to balance on that precarious line between what he wanted to do and what he had to do. The look in Scully's eyes when she thought that he wasn't going to help her find Mulder was burned into his memory, and the knowledge that she had reason to doubt him shamed him to his soul.

He protested wordlessly as he felt Mulder ease out of the kiss. "Fox - "

"Shh," Mulder said firmly, giving him a brief, closed-mouth kiss. "It's okay, Walter. We're okay, right?"

Skinner drew in a shuddering breath, nodding. "Yeah. We're good. But I'm still gonna kick your ass."

Mulder laughed softly. "Yeah, tough guy. You've got me shaking in my shoes here." He gave his lover another hard, heated kiss. Mulder felt the odd mood that Skinner was in tonight and knew that the older man needed him to take the lead for a while. "You're mine, and I intend to remind you of that tonight."

Skinner was deeply stirred and his hand shook slightly as he reached out to gently trace Mulder's face with his hand. "Possessive, aren't we?"

"Damn straight. And don't go kissing Scully or anyone else anymore, okay?"

"I promise, if you'll do the same."

Mulder's face softened. "I promise. You're the only one I want, big guy."

Skinner pulled Mulder into his arms, kissing him soundly. "Good. Because that's how I feel, too."

Mulder led him upstairs and undressed him slowly, kissing every inch of skin as it was revealed. Tenderly and thoroughly, he made love to Skinner, using hands and mouth to reassure and reconnect. Each touch was an apology for every minute of fear that his lover had suffered, each kiss an affirmation that he was there and would never willingly leave. Deeper and deeper Mulder led him into a world of sensual pleasure until, finally, Skinner's body couldn't withstand any more. He shouted out loud as waves of release swept over him, dimly hearing an echoed cry of pleasure as the shaft impaling him released its prize, and then darkness claimed him.

When he came back to himself a few minutes later, he was amused to realize that Mulder had passed out on him as well. Carefully, he shifted the younger man off of him and under the blankets, then gathered Mulder into his arms again. Mulder mumbled once and then easily shifted into sleep.

Skinner gently brushed the hair off the younger man's forehead, and pressed his lips against the warm skin. The thought that he had almost lost his lover - again - tore at his heart. The fact that he was nearly helpless to prevent it from happening again tore at his soul. Despair overwhelmed him and he fought down the mournful keening that wanted to pour out of him into the cold, unfeeling night. The weight of all the lies and half-truths, all the life-or-death decisions he made daily, weighed down on him so heavily that for a moment he couldn't breathe. And an overwhelming need for a release that was more than physical pleasure surged through him, forcing a low moan from him before he could catch it back.

Mulder stirred restlessly beside him and he stroked the younger man's back, soothing him back to sleep. He couldn't let Mulder wake up now. Those sharp profiler's eyes would look into his eyes and soul and see the desperate need that he was too weak to hide. And he couldn't bear to see the change in those too-vocal eyes when Mulder realized just how fragile the rock that he relied on was. He had to be strong - for Mulder, for both of them, and to Hell with the consequences.

End of Chapter 45

Title: Chains of Desire: Chapter 46 - Seeking Peace
Author: Diana Williams
Email: diana@slashcity.com
Website: http://diana.slashcity.com/
Rating: NC-17 for m/m sex and language; M/Sk-Romance
Warning: This story, as most in this series, contains elements of BDSM, including spanking, dominance, submission, etc.
Disclaimer and Author's notes: Disclaimer and other pertinent information are in Chains of Desire: Intro. at my web site Most everyone here belongs to someone other than me, however Sean, Geoffrey Mason, Dr. Kate Malone and the Dionysus Club are my inventions - please ask before borrowing them. Chapter quote is from "The Panic in Me" by Elton John, Hans Zimmer, and Tim Rice from "The Road to El Dorado" soundtrack.
Series Summary: Mulder takes a walk on the wild side, and Skinner has to rescue Mulder from the consequences of his actions. They form a new working relationship.
Chapter Summary: Skinner faces his own needs and Mulder learns a few things about his lover

Chapter Forty-Six

"Once in a while I slip back to my past
Where I long to remain but the dream does not last
In the trials of the present no matter how low
You bring me such peace and you won't let me go"

Mulder awakened slowly, aware of the faint daylight outside the window and of the emptiness of the bed next to him. He rolled into the still-warm space his lover had occupied and smiled sleepily. Saturday morning - his favorite day of the week and his favorite place to spend it. In bed, with Walter. Although, seeing that the latter part of that equation was missing, it wasn't nearly as much fun.

He slid out of bed and padded into the bathroom. "Walter?" There was no sign of his lover there and the shower wall was dry, so he decided that Skinner must be elsewhere in the apartment. He relieved himself and snagged the robe off the back of the bathroom door, then headed downstairs.

The smell of coffee and a dark silhouette by the window told him where his lover was and what he had been doing. Mulder smiled as he wrapped his arms around Skinner's waist and kissed the back of his neck. Skinner was such a morning person, even on days when they didn't have to get up.

"Morning, Walter," he said, suppressing a yawn. "Whatcha doin'?"

"Just watching the sun come up," Skinner said quietly, then turned his head to give Mulder a brief kiss and a smile. "Got any plans for today, babe?"

Mulder blinked in surprise. Now that their contractor had begun gutting their new home, they had a list a mile long of items that they had to decide on - windows, interior and exterior doors, flooring, wall-covering and paint, cabinets and fixtures. They had agreed that they would spend the first free weekend looking for the most important items and Mulder was surprised that Skinner didn't have a detailed plan of attack drawn up. Or that he hadn't rousted Mulder from bed at the crack of dawn. Or that he'd postpone the shopping trip for anything short of disaster. Mulder was even positive that somewhere his lover had a detailed project timeline plotted out, with dates and times spelled out.

Out loud he said, "Nothing definite. Why?"

"I thought we'd go to the Club, spend the weekend playing."

"Is that part of the butt-kicking plan, Walter?" he said in amusement.

Skinner turned around to take Mulder in his arms, his eyes lighting up with amusement. "Actually, no. You're not well enough yet for the butt-kicking I have in mind. When you're 100 percent, then I'll take care of that."

"Gee, thanks, Walter," Mulder said in amused irritation. "Just the incentive I need to get well."

Skinner chuckled and kissed Mulder again. "So instead do you feel up to spending a weekend being a Pampered Pet?"

Mulder eyed Skinner with trepidation. "That makes me nervous. You're not going to let up on that Kitten thing, are you?"

Skinner grinned at that. "Nope. You lost, fair and square, and I intend to make you suffer. In the nicest way, of course."

Mulder rolled his eyes. "Oh, that makes me feel better. Okay, fine - a weekend at the Club sounds good. My bag's in my trunk, but I haven't had a chance to prep recently."

"Don't worry about it," Skinner said. "We'll grab some breakfast at the Club and take our time. I haven't got a specific agenda in mind -you'll have plenty of time to pull yourself together."

"Sounds good," Mulder said. "I'll go throw some clothes on and be back down in a minute."

However, sitting in the dining room at the Club, he noticed that Skinner seemed distracted, his mind elsewhere. He toyed with his breakfast, his responses to Mulder's comments were disjointed, and his concentration was nil. Mulder finally reached over, placing his hand on Skinner's.

"Walter, what's wrong?" he asked gently.

Skinner sighed and shook his head. "Nothing. I'm just a little -distracted."

"I noticed." Mulder squeezed his hand. "We don't have to do this. We can go to the park, maybe get a pick-up game. Or rent a couple movies and crash at your place for the afternoon."

Skinner shook his head. "No, I'll be fine. I want to do this." He took a deep breath and smiled at Mulder. "Tell you what. You go exercise and get cleaned up, and I'll just stop by and talk to Geoff. Clear out a few cobwebs."

Mulder nodded and leaned over to kiss Skinner briefly. "Sounds good. I 'll see you upstairs for lunch?"

Skinner nodded in reply and watched Mulder head out, the younger man seemingly unfazed by his recent brush with death. He sat for a few minutes, trying to settle the nerves that were doing aerial loops in his stomach, then drew in a deep breath and stood up.

Mason opened his door and looked at Skinner in surprise. "Walter! I didn't expect to see you today. Where's Mulder?"

"Upstairs, getting ready. Or in the gym."

Mason raised an eyebrow as he ushered Skinner into the suite. "You don' t know for sure? That doesn't sound like you, Walter."

"Yeah, well, I'm not exactly myself lately." He walked over to the bookcase, unaware that Mason was watching him with narrowed eyes. "Where's Sean?"

"At his doctor's appointment. He'll be back in about an hour." Mason walked over to the playroom and opened the door. "And that should give us plenty of time."

Skinner stayed where he was, pulling out a book and looking at its cover, and didn't even pretend that he didn't know what Mason was referring to. "I thought that I was past this," he said lowly. "I thought that I'd be able to - you know - release this stress by playing with Mulder."

Mason leaned against the doorframe, crossing his arms. "Not unless you' re letting Mulder take care of your needs. All of them, not just the sexual ones. And I don't think that you are."

Skinner swung around, staring at Mason. "Are you saying that I should? Would you let Sean?"

Mason shook his head. "It's not the same thing. I don't have the same needs that you do - besides which Sean has enough problems to deal with. Mulder's a whole different matter. And he's a lot tougher than you think."

Skinner turned back to the bookcase. "He almost got killed this past week. Again. When they found him, he was floating unconscious in the water. Face down."

"I hope you kicked his ass for that."

Skinner shook his head helplessly. "I didn't. I threatened to but - I can't. Geoff, he was in trouble and I couldn't help him."

"And you think that blaming yourself and letting him slide is helping? I know that I taught you better than that."

Skinner made an impatient sound. "This isn't a game, Geoff. This is real life. I can't just go all Dom on him and put him through a scene."

"Then you need to come up with something else, or that boy's going to end up dead," Mason said grimly. "But first, you have to get yourself back under control." He crooked his finger at Skinner. "Come along, Piglet."

Skinner sighed and followed Mason into the playroom. "Do we really have to do this?"

"You know the answer to that or you wouldn't have come here in the first place." Mason walked over to the cabinet, pulling out one of the paddles and a couple floggers. He returned to Skinner, gently caressing his cheek. "It's okay, Peaches. I'll take care of you, just like I always did."

Skinner nodded silently and began unbuttoning his shirt, folding it carefully before placing it on the table. He did the same with his pants, then stripped off his briefs and socks, adding them to the pile. Taking a deep breath, he moved into place over the spanking bench, feeling the years roll away as he did. His stomach churned and he was barely aware of the man moving around him, checking his placement and securing the straps at his wrists and ankles, so that when Mason placed his hand on the small of his back he nearly jumped.

"Easy, Peaches," Mason said soothingly. "It's all right. Just relax and let it all go."

Skinner let out a breath, cutting off the sob that wanted to follow it. Too early for that - once he started crying Mason would stop and he had too much atoning to do. For all the lies, no matter how good the intent. For the times he'd been forced to cater to the smoking man's demands. The cover up and what that had done to Mulder's trust in him. His ex-wife - the failure of their marriage and her near-death at the hands of his enemies. Krycek, and all the betrayals since him. Sending young agents to their deaths. Sitting across the desk from his most brilliant team and having to deny and bury their findings for their own good. Seeing the skeptical distrust in Scully's eyes and the hopeful wariness in Mulder's. And seeing every mark they put on Mulder, both his body and his soul, while he was helpless to do anything about it.

He was barely aware that Mason had begun working over his with the light flogger, caught up as he was in the turbulent emotions filling him. He was totally unaware that he was saying everything out loud, all his perceived sins flooding out of his mouth, unstoppable. Mason let him talk, let him purge all the pain out of his heart, his hand moving in rhythm with the flood of words. Halfway through, he switched to the medium-weight flogger, distributing the pain throughout Skinner's back, and he heard the first sob break behind the other man's words. He switched to the paddle and landed a series of hard, fast swats, pulling the last of the pain from Skinner, aware of when the pain flipped over into pleasure, sending Skinner soaring even as he sobbed out the last of his pain and guilt.

Mason quickly set aside the paddle and unfastened the straps, then pulled the other man up from the bench and into his arms. Pressing Skinner's head against his shoulder, he stroked the younger man's back, crooning words of comfort and reassurance until he felt Skinner's shaking lessen.

"It's okay, Walter," he murmured softly. "You don't have to carry the weight of the world on your shoulders - you can let it go for a while." Skinner nodded his head against Mason, his throat still too tight for words, and Mason could feel him relax.

A sound from the outer room made Mason swear under his breath, and then he let go of Skinner enough to take the other man's face in his hands. "Walter, Sean's back and I need to talk to him, ask him to give us some time here. Why don't you go in the bathroom and splash some water on your face? I'll be back in a few minutes." Skinner nodded and Mason squeezed him gently. "Good man." He let Skinner go and headed towards the main room.

Meanwhile, Sean entered the suite, tossing his jacket on the couch and looking for his lover. "Geoff?"

Mason came out of the playroom. "Hello, baby. How was Dr. Kate's?"

Sean shrugged. "Same old, same old." He snuggled into Mason's arms and noticed that he was damp. Frowning, he pulled back and looked up into his lover's face. "You're all sweaty. What's up?"

"Walter's here. I've been taking care of him."

Sean's eyes widened. "What's wrong with Walter? Did something happen to Mulder? God - they aren't fighting again, are they?"

Mason set his hands on Sean's shoulders, quieting him down. "It's all right, Sean. Mulder's gotten himself into a scrape but he's okay. Walter says that they're okay - and Mulder is having a swim. Why don't you go join him?"

"You want me out of the way for some reason? Oh shit - you're got to punish him, right?"

Mason shook his head. "I have to take care of him. He's been under a lot of pressure and needed me to release that, and now I need to finish taking care of him."

Sean's mouth dropped open and he pushed away from Mason abruptly. "I don't believe you! You put him through a scene, didn't you?"

Mason frowned at his lover. "What of it? I put Dana through scenes and you don't blow a gasket like this."

"Yeah, well, you don't fuck Dana!"

"And I'm not going to fuck Walter, either."

Sean snorted derisively. "Right. Pull the other one - it's got bells on it."

"Sean," Mason said patiently. "Putting aside the fact that I pledged you my fidelity, I wouldn't have sex with anybody else. Yes, we take precautions but the fact of the matter is that I'm sharing intimate living space with a man who's positive. That makes me a high-risk partner for anyone else, and I certainly wouldn't risk Walter's health."

Sean dashed away angry tears and snapped, "Oh, fine! Make it my fault that you can't go in there and screw your precious Walter's ass through the floor!"

Mason drew in a deep breath and gritted his teeth, resisting an impulse to shake his unreasonable lover. "I don't want to screw anyone's ass but yours. Although in another minute, little boy, I'm going to spank it instead!"

"Save it for Peaches," Sean said snottily and then slammed out of the suite.

Mason resisted the impulse to go after Sean, knowing from painful experience that the younger man needed a little while to cool off before he'd be reasonable. He drew a deep breath and went back into the playroom to face his other problem.

Skinner was dressing and he looked up when Mason came in. "I heard Sean shouting and the door slamming. Is everything all right?"

Mason smiled wryly. "My brat decided to throw a jealous fit and slammed out of here. And why are you dressed? We're not done yet."

"Sean's upset that I'm here - I'll just go - "

"No, you won't," Mason said firmly. "I promised you a long time ago that I'd always be here for you and I don't break my promises."

"But Sean - "

"Will be okay. He'll blow off some steam telling JP how horrible I am to him, then he'll cool down and come back here feeling remorseful." He drew Skinner into his arms, grasping his chin so that he could look Skinner right in the eye. "And you are not to start blaming yourself for this. Do you hear me, Piglet?"

Skinner smiled faintly. "Yes, Master Geoff."

"Good." Mason led Skinner into the living room, settling down on the couch and pulling the other man down to rest in his arms. "Now just relax and let me finish taking care of you."

Skinner stretched out on the couch, his head on Mason's lap, and sighed contentedly. It felt good to let go of everything, let someone else take care of him for a while. He felt as if the weight of the world had been lifted off his shoulders. Mason was stroking his head soothingly and Skinner let his eyes drift shut.

"That was a lot of pain that you were holding onto," Mason said softly. "Why didn't you come to me sooner?"

Skinner shrugged. "It hasn't been so bad - I've been able to deal with it, for the most part. It's just - this last incident with Mulder."

Mason encouraged the younger man to roll over onto his stomach and began massaging Skinner's shoulders. "What was so bad about it?"

"Scully came to me, asking for my help," Skinner said lowly. "Right there in my office - which I'm almost certain is bugged. I had to turn her down, rather forcibly. Geoff - the look on her face - it just brought back all the betrayals and lies and deaths on my hands."

"You did what you could, Walter. Mulder is safe and alive."

"Speaking of which, I had better find him - "

Skinner started to get up but Mason firmly pushed him back down. "In a few minutes. I want to talk to you first."

Skinner groaned at the tone in Mason's voice. "Why do I get the feeling that I'm not going to like this?"

"Because I always make you face things that you'd rather not," Mason said pointedly. "Walter, you were holding years worth of pain inside you, and you know that's not healthy. You need to find some way to release it."

"Are you talking about letting Mulder beat me?" Skinner looked up at Mason curiously.

"If you'd like. A year ago, I'd have said no, but he's grown up a lot. He's learning how to deal with his own issues, and doing better than I expected. And I think that if he sees you handling your own guilt in a positive manner - and letting him help you do that - it would encourage him to do the same thing. Maybe he'd stop throwing himself in the way of trouble."

Skinner raised an eyebrow. "I know that I've never told you that much about him."

Mason smiled faintly. "You aren't the only one with guilt issues - nor the only one frustrated by Mulder's recklessness. Dana's talked about him quite a bit."

"But won't it - change things if I turn that over to Mulder?" Skinner said hesitantly.

"Of course it will, but changes don't have to be bad. Walter, you and Mulder are planning to move in together, to spend the rest of your lives together. And I don't think that Mulder's going to let you get away with the shit that you pulled with your ex-wife."

Skinner smiled at that. "No, Mulder's always there, pushing at any walls that I try to put up. But I was thinking that it would make things confusing for us here."

"Why? Lots of players switch off. And you don't top Mulder exclusively outside of here, do you?" He chuckled at the flush in Skinner's cheeks. "Ah, Peaches, you still blush so well!" he said, patting those cheeks affectionately.

"If you're concerned about it, discuss setting up clearly defined boundaries. And if you really feel like you can't do this with Mulder, then find other ways to release your guilt and frustration. I don't have to tell you how unhealthy repressing this is, do I?" Skinner smiled faintly and shook his head. "Good. Because I still have that crop you love so much, and I still know how to use it on your ass. Don' t make me have this talk with you again, understand?"

"Yes, Sir," Skinner said, smiling.

"Good. Now go find your boy and take care of him," Mason said, pushing Skinner up from the couch, then sighed. "And I have to get ready to handle my own."

****************

Sean stormed into the main part of the Club, going into the kitchens in search of comfort - and comfort food - and came up short in both areas. Jean-Pierre was attending to personal business during the lull before luncheon and Sean was shooed away from the dessert cart being carefully built. Sulking, he went into the foyer and debated briefly about leaving the Club to indulge in a shopping orgy at some of his favorite Georgetown stores. Realizing that he had left his wallet in his jacket in the suite and would have to go back to get it made him change his mind. Mason would no doubt see that as a sign of surrender and Sean had no intention of letting the other man score a victory that easily.

He wandered into the gym and saw a familiar figure cutting through the water of the pool. Mulder was swimming effortlessly, as if he hadn't a care in the world. Unfair, Sean thought resentfully, when Mulder's lover was occupying all of Sean's lover's time. He sat down on the side of the pool, pouting.

Mulder touched the side of the pool and, seeing familiar feet dangling in the water, stopped to catch a breath. The fact the legs attached to those feet were wearing sweat pants that were rapidly absorbing water was enough to capture Mulder's attention and he pulled off his goggles so that he could see the younger man better.

"Something wrong, Sean?"

"Go 'way," Sean said sulkily.

"Okay," Mulder said reasonably, getting out of the pool and grabbing his towel. Then he reached down and pulled the younger sub to his feet.

"Hey!" Sean protested. "I said 'go away'."

"Yeah, well you also came here looking for me, so I'd say that was a mixed message." He toweled his body dry and slipped his sweatpants on over his Speedo. "Let's go somewhere and talk."

Sean glared at Mulder as he followed. "Bossy, aren't we? Been hanging around with the Doms too much, Mulder. You're starting to sound like them."

Mulder looked at Sean in surprise. In the year that he had known Sean, he had never seen the younger man behave like this. "What crawled up your butt and died?"

"Oh, very witty, Mulder," he said nastily.

Mulder saw that they were near the library and, checking that it was empty, yanked Sean inside and locked the door. "Look, I don't know what's eating you, but I'd appreciate it if you'd just come right out and tell me what's bothering you instead of taking these juvenile pot-shots at me."

He had half-expected Sean to snap at him again but instead the redhead bit his lip and turned away. He curled up in a chair, clutching a throw pillow to his chest and looking like he wanted to cry. Startled, Mulder crouched down by the chair and said, gently, "Hey, it can't be as bad as all that?"

"Geoff hates me."

Mulder snorted. "Right. I can see that happening, right about the time they make me Pope."

"Oh, I know he loves me," Sean said bleakly. "But he also hates me a little bit. I've made his life hell. He's always worrying about me, taking care of me, keeping me out of trouble. And I've taken the one thing he really enjoyed away from him. If it weren't for me, he could have half the subs at his feet, taking care of him. And he could be playing with his Peaches the way he really wants to right now - "

Intrigued, Mulder said, "He calls Scully 'Peaches'?"

Sean's head jerked up and he slapped both hands over his mouth as he realized what he had said. "Shit! He's going to kill me!"

Mulder's eyes went wide. "You mean Walter? He calls Walter 'Peaches'?" A big grin crossed his face at that as several wicked thoughts for utilizing this new knowledge occurred to him. "Well, what do you know?" Then he realized what else Sean had said and looked at Sean with a frown. "He's got Walter in there right now? That's not fair - it wasn't Walter's fault that I got into trouble." He headed towards the door.

"Mulder - wait!" Sean said and Mulder turned back. He was surprised when the younger sub wouldn't meet his eyes. "He's not punishing Walter. He - well, he put him through a scene."

Mulder's eyes widened and he came back to sit beside Sean. "But - I thought that they didn't do that anymore."

"Evidently Walter needed it, and a good trainer's always there for his students."

"Walter needed what?"

Sean sighed, slumping back into his chair. "It's tough being a Dom, Mulder. I mean, when we're having a bad week, we turn to them to help us decompress. And sometimes they need that too."

Mulder shook his head. "I can't see Walter going through a whole submission thing, even with Master Geoff."

Sean snorted. "Just because you can't picture it doesn't mean it doesn' t happen. Sometimes the people who appear the strongest are the ones who need nurturing the most." Then he bit his tongue, determined not to say anything more.

Mulder said slowly, "That paddle Mason gave us - it had Walter's name on it, too, and it had been there a while. So Mason used to use it on him - and not for punishment, right? So - some kind of release, and not really sexual or Walter wouldn't need that today."

He leaned his head back on the couch, his head tilted back to study the ceiling as he began fitting all the puzzle pieces together. So Walter S. Skinner, tough guy and Dom-extraordinaire, occasionally needed to be paddled - apparently not to get off on the eroticism of it but to release those emotions Skinner held so deeply in check. Mulder drew a deep breath and let it out. Okay, he could understand that - heaven knew that the man needed some way to depressurize from the stresses of his job, the pressure from the Consortium, and all the other burdens that the man carried. Otherwise, Skinner was a prime candidate for heart attack, high blood pressure, stroke -

A sudden wave of terror at the thought of losing his lover made him turn pale and Sean said, uneasily, "Are you okay, Mulder? I - I didn't mean to upset you."

"It's okay," Mulder said, closing his eyes and swallowing back the fear. And inside, the old litany started up again. Stupid, self-centered, never thinking of anyone but yourself. "I'm not upset. It's just - I never thought that Walter might need something like that. I guess I should have, huh?"

"Not necessarily," Sean said, worried that Mulder seemed to be taking this personally. "I mean, he's a big boy, right? He should know what he needs."

Mulder nodded but in a way that made Sean think that he really hadn't heard him. As Mulder stood up slowly and walked towards the door, Sean said sharply, "Mulder - where are you going?"

"I'm okay," Mulder said distantly. "Just need to think."

The door closed behind him and Sean stared at it for a long while, worrying his bottom lip between his teeth. Finally, with a resigned sigh, he dragged himself up from the chair and went to face Mason.

Mason was sitting on the couch facing the doorway when Sean entered, and the serious look on his face made Sean swallow hard.

"Hello, brat. Have you gotten over your sulk already?"

"Yes, Geoff," he said in a small voice. "And I'm - I'm sorry that I acted bad."

"I know, little boy," Mason said gently. "And we'll deal with that later. You're in for a hell of a spanking for that tantrum you threw. But right now I want you to come over here and let me cuddle you for a little while."

Sean swallowed again, tears filling his eyes. "I - first I think that I 'd better tell you what else I did. You - you might not want to forgive me so easily."

Mason stood up and crossed the room, pulling Sean into his arms. "Sweetheart, there is absolutely nothing that you could do that I couldn 't forgive. I might get angry with you, but I'll always forgive you."

Sean buried his face against Mason's chest. "I - I was so mad. And I couldn't find JP. And I couldn't even go out and spend a fortune - left my wallet here."

Mason chuckled at that and tousled Sean's hair. "Poor brat," he said teasingly. "So what did you do?"

"I - I went to the gym. And Mulder was there. And I didn't mean to tell him, and I didn't know that he'd get so upset - "

Mason sighed. "Sean Michael Matthews, how you get into these predicaments is beyond me." He heard another sob from the young man and picked him up. Carrying him over to the chair, he sat down, cradling his lover on his lap, and then reached for the phone.

******************

Skinner entered his suite, surprised not to find Mulder waiting for him in the main room. A quick look in the bathroom told him that Mulder wasn't there either and he frowned. Surely Mulder wasn't still working out? He knew that in the past Mulder had pushed himself to the point of exhaustion when he was feeling troubled, but Mulder had seemed to be fine this morning.

Looking around the suite, he caught sight of a folded piece of paper on the dining table. A quick glance in the closet told him that Mulder's things were gone and his stomach dropped. Picking up the paper, he sat down on the bed and opened it up.

Walter - I'm sorry about this weekend. I'm okay - I just have some things to think about. I'll call you later. Fox

He stared at the note, stunned, and wondered what had happened. The phone rang and he snatched it out of its cradle. "Fox?"

"It's me," Mason said. "I take it that he's not there?"

"He left. Took his bag with him." Skinner drew a shaky breath. "There 's a note - it says that he has some things to think about. I don't know what happened - "

"Sean," Mason said crisply, and Skinner heard a muffled sob from the younger man. "Evidently Mulder came across him before he got a chance to unload to a safer audience. Sean told him that you were with me, going through a scene. He says that Mulder went quiet and pale, then left."

Skinner swore under his breath. "I have to find him - he must have taken a cab or the Metro since he rode here with me. He can't have gotten too much of a head start on me - "

"Walter," Mason said softly. "You'll find him. You've already gone through so much - I'm sure that you'll get past this. And if you need our help, just call."

"Thanks. I will." Skinner hung up the phone, grabbed his bag, and hurried out of the suite.

**************

A brief stop by the front desk confirmed that Mulder had turned in his card but hadn't called a cab. Skinner hurried down to his car in the parking garage and headed in the direction of the Foggy Bottom Metro station, ignoring the blaring horns behind him as he slowed down each time he saw a dark-haired man. There was no sign of Mulder so he decided that the younger man must have caught a cab after all. He headed back towards his apartment, hoping that he'd find his pissed off lover there. But the apartment was empty, echoing his voice as he called out Mulder's name. Back in the car, he headed over to Alexandria where he found Mulder's car still parked out in front but no sign of his lover in the empty apartment. He did notice that Mulder had been packing recently - the bedroom that Mulder rarely used was filled with boxes and it looked like Mulder had been sorting through them. There was even a stack of sealed boxes against one wall labeled "New House" in Mulder's handwriting.

New house.

Skinner raced out of the apartment and down the stairs. Heading towards the older part of the city, he turned into the narrow alley that ran along the back of the property and parked the car into the roughly graveled pad. He entered the house through the back door, relieved to see the lights come on when he flipped the switch. Looking around the main floor, he saw signs that the work crew had already begun opening up the two central units, including a gaping hole where the staircase in this unit had been, but there was no sign of his lover. He ducked under the scaffolding to reach the other side, looking down the stairs and then up. Deciding that it was more likely that Mulder would have gone up, he hurried up the stairs.

There was no sign of his lover on the second floor, but as he climbed the last flight to the top floor, he heard Mulder's voice, low and flat, the way it always sounded when Mulder was upset about something.

"Why in hell do you put up with me?"

He paused on the stairway and looked up, seeing the pale outline of his lover's face with the faint afternoon light coming in through the window in the room behind Mulder. "I hope that's a rhetorical question, because if it's not, that's two things that I'm gonna kick your ass about."

Mulder didn't appear to have heard him. "I'm a self-centered bastard. I don't know why you even tolerate me."

Skinner sighed and rubbed his face, gingerly sitting down on the landing next to Mulder, his ass still tender from Mason's treatment. "I take it that this has to do with what Sean told you."

Mulder lay back on the floor, staring up at the peeling paint on the ceiling with unseeing eyes. "You stick your neck out for me, time after time, at work and don't try to tell me that you haven't ruined your professional career because I know better. At the Club, you take care of my every need - and some I didn't even know I had. You've willingly walked back into a dark place in your life to give me the pain I sometimes need. But who takes care of you?"

Skinner was startled. He had been bracing himself for accusations, for a jealous scene, for anger and feelings of betrayal. But this self-blame was the last thing that he had expected to hear - although he realized that he should have. Mulder had the biggest martyr complex that Skinner had ever seen.

"You do, Fox," he said softly, reaching out to try and pull his lover into his arms but Mulder evaded his reach, getting up and walking over to the dormer window.

"See - even now you're trying to comfort me. You're worried about me, not about yourself."

Skinner drew a deep, calming breath. "That's because I'm not the one in hysterics. I feel fine - "

Mulder snorted. "Of course you feel fine! Probably for the first time in years! How could I have been so clueless - no, worse than that! I didn't even care if you had needs I wasn't meeting - "

"All right, Mulder, that's quite enough," Skinner said sharply, and the crisp tones in his voice caught Mulder up shortly in mid-tirade. He got up and walked over to the window, forcing Mulder to look at him in the eye.

"You want to kick yourself for something that you did? Fine - start with this whole Bermuda Triangle incident and knock yourself out. But when you start beating yourself up over something that you didn't do, that's where I have to draw the line."

"But - "

"No." Skinner firmly took his lover into his arms. "Not your fault, Mulder. Do you hear me? I didn't tell you and there's no way that you could have known without me telling you. Unless you've suddenly become a mind reader, which I doubt."

"But - "

"No." Skinner kissed Mulder, silencing him effectively.

When he finally let Mulder breathe again, the younger man dropped his forehead onto Skinner's shoulder. "Sorry," he murmured.

"You should be," Skinner's hands ran soothingly over Mulder's back and he said, affectionately, "Idiot."

Mulder made a sound halfway between a laugh and a sob. "Walter, your counseling techniques could use a little work."

Skinner smiled; Mulder was sounding more like himself. "I was out on the day that they offered sensitivity training."

"Probably at some damn hospital with me."

"Are you going to start that again?" Skinner said severely. "I'm more than willing to start doing some ass-kicking right here, right now."

Mulder chuckled and wrapped his arms around Skinner, relaxing against his lover. "Bully."

"You bet. I learned from the best." He kissed Mulder's hair, the only part of his head that he could currently reach. "Speaking of which, are you okay with that?"

Mulder shrugged. "Do I have a choice? You've been with Mason longer than you've been with me."

"But you don't like it," Skinner said shrewdly. "Would it help to know that Sean is just as jealous and unhappy about the situation?"

"Tell me about it," Mulder snorted. "He ran into me in the gym and I thought I'd been mauled by an angry bear." He was quiet for a moment then asked, diffidently, "Walter, do you mind if I ask you something?"

Skinner pulled back so that he could study his lover's face again. "Ask anything you want."

"What do you get out of it? What Mason does to you, I mean. I understand about the punishment thing that Mason put you through a couple months back. I didn't like it, but I accept that it's some sort of Dom-chain-of-command thing. But this wasn't punishment, was it? Do you - um - "

"Get off on being spanked?" Skinner said, amused by the sudden flush on Mulder's face. "Under the right circumstances, yes, I have. But this wasn't an erotic spanking and, no, I didn't get off on it."

"So it's a stress-relief thing?" Skinner was quiet and Mulder said, hurriedly, "I'm sorry - I'm asking too much - it's none of my business -
"

"Fox," Skinner said, keeping his lover from escaping from his embrace. "It is your business." He gestured to the room around him saying, "We're getting ready to move in together, to share every aspect of our lives. You have every right to know. It's just - this isn't easy for me to talk about - Geoff literally had to beat it out of me." He drew a deep breath. "Sometimes it all gets too much for me - the juggling act with the Consortium and my superiors in the Justice department, sending young agents on assignments that can lead to their deaths." He looked at Mulder steadily, not trying to hide the pain. "Being unable to openly help the man I love, knowing that his life is in the balance. Seeing the distrust on Scully's face."

"Walter," Mulder said, his throat tight. "We both know that you're a good man."

Skinner shook his head. "I don't know, Mulder. Nothing is black and white anymore. And sometimes, when it all gets to be too much, I need some way to release all the pain and guilt. To be taken down into myself and set free. That's what Mason gives me." He stroked Mulder's face tenderly. "Do you understand?"

"I understand that he gives you something that I can't."

Skinner drew in a deep breath and then took the plunge. "Do you want to?"

Mulder looked up at him, startled. "Do I want to what?"

"Give me that." He relished the look of dawning comprehension followed by blinding joy on his lover's face.

"You'd do that?" Mulder asked incredulously. "You'd trust me to take care of you like that?"

"Mulder, I've trusted you with my life, my career, my heart, my body and my soul. Why wouldn't I trust you with this?"

"Because I don't know what the hell I'm doing," Mulder said frankly. "What if I hurt you? What if I push you too hard? What if -"

Skinner covered Mulder's mouth with his fingers and smiled. "Mulder, relax. I'm not asking you to become a Leather Dom."

Mulder grinned at that. "What a relief! I don't think I have the constitution for that - although I like the wardrobe that comes with the job." He sobered up and said, "I don't think I could do that at the Club. It would be too confusing - I'm used to submitting to you there. But we could incorporate this into some role-playing games here. Is that all right?"

Skinner chuckled. "I don't know if I like the gleam in your eyes. Just what did you have in mind?"

"Oh, I don't know." His eyes twinkled at Skinner. "There's always the Hun and the Nun."

Skinner snorted. "Right. You just try to find a nun's habit in my size!"

"Is that a challenge, Walter?" Mulder asked, sliding back into Skinner's embrace with a grin.

"No. Definitely not," Skinner said hastily.

"Good. Because you know that I thrive on challenges." He nuzzled at Skinner's neck. "Although, personally, I like the idea of being a cut-throat pirate and you being my handsome and stubborn prisoner, a former captain of the British Navy."

"This obsession you have with pirates and the sea," Skinner teased as his arms wrapped around Mulder and he tilted his head back, giving Mulder more room to work. "Mulder, I hate to burst your illusion, but cut-throat pirates rarely took prisoners."

"Oh, but I recognized your potential -for ransom - the moment I saw you, standing on the forecastle of your ship, afraid of nothing even as my cannons tore your ship apart," Mulder said, his hands pulling Skinner's shirt free of his pants so that he could touch the warm flesh underneath. "I knew that I had to have you."

Skinner closed his eyes, concentrating on the sensations that Mulder's talented hands and mouth were producing. "Ah, but as a dedicated officer, it would be my duty to attempt to escape."

"Of course." Mulder nipped at Skinner's shoulder sharply. "And it would be my duty to punish you, to strip this gorgeous body and whip you with the cat until you screamed." His hands began to deftly unbutton Skinner's shirt. "After which, I would tend my brave, wounded prisoner in my own cabin." He unbuttoned and unzipped Skinner's pants, pushing them downward as he slid to his knees. He pressed kisses along the naked flesh, along the aroused cock as he caressed it with his hands. "Where I would tend to your wounds until you were healed."

Skinner gasped and his knees buckled as Mulder suddenly took him into his mouth, all the way to the root, and his hands automatically went to Mulder's head for balance. "Jesus, Mulder!"

"Mmm," Mulder said unintelligibly, then drew back to grin up at Skinner. "I can see that this pirate is going to need to secure his prisoner so that he doesn't try to take control." He slid back down the length of Skinner's cock.

"You can take anything you damn well want," Skinner growled, closing his eyes and throwing back his head as the heat built inside him. He tried not to thrust into the hot mouth pleasuring him but it was difficult. Mulder was doing that incredible thing with his tongue, and it was so good, and he was losing all control. Mulder had grasped him firmly by the thighs, holding him in place as he determinedly worked over the heated flesh, encouraging him to let go. Another flick of that tongue, then Mulder pulled him deep into his throat and that was it. Skinner felt his climax burst over him, shooting into the greedy mouth that swallowed and sucked and licked, milking him till nothing was left.

Skinner's legs collapsed under him and he was grateful when his lover eased his sex-sated collapse. He found himself kneeling on the floor, a drop cloth under his bare knees, his shirt open and his pants around his ankles. He chuckled shakily.

Mulder was sitting on the floor in front of him and there was a smug grin on his face. "You okay, Walter?"

Skinner took a deep breath and gave his lover a crooked smile. "Good thing for the British Navy that I'm not really with them - after that, I'd gladly switch sides."

Mulder chuckled. "Ah, another pirate secret is revealed. Not only are we good with cutlasses, but also with our mouths. Of course, now that you know our secrets, you'll have to join us or die."

Skinner reached out to pull Mulder into his arms, kissing him thoroughly. "I'd much rather repay the gallant pirate captain in kind and then see exactly how good you are with your sword." He rapidly stripped Mulder and pushed him back onto the drop cloth, his mouth renewing its familiar inventory of Mulder's body. Mulder groaned and clutched at Skinner's head as the older man licked and kissed his way across Mulder's chest and belly. He groaned when Skinner bypassed his rapidly hardening cock and kissed his way down Mulder's legs. Mulder tried to pull Skinner back up but the other man evaded his touch, continuing to work his way down to his lover's feet. By the time he worked his way back up, Mulder was nearly out of his mind with need and lust. He nearly screamed as Skinner's mouth took him in and was only kept from fucking the other man's mouth by a pair of firm hands holding his hips down. It didn't take long before he was shuddering with his own release and then he slumped back bonelessly on the drop cloth.

He was vaguely aware of Skinner stretching out beside him but roused himself enough to roll into his lover's arms, settling his head on the older man's chest with a satisfied sigh. Skinner chuckled slightly and he couldn't help smiling in return.

"What?"

"Well, we've christened your study now, so that only leaves how many rooms to go?"

"Too many," Mulder chuckled. "But I think we'd better wait till after the place is finished. Wouldn't want to shock the workmen." They lay in contented silence for a long time again. "Sorry about ruining your plans for the weekend."

Skinner shrugged. "I ruined them first. I really wasn't ready to play the Dom, and I didn't talk to you about what was bothering me. We'll do it another time."

Mulder smiled and kissed Skinner's chest, then said, "What we were talking about earlier - about me taking care of you. Were you serious?"

Skinner nodded. "Yes."

Mulder looked up at him, his eyes serious and his voice firm. "Then no one else does that to you except me. And if I have to go one-on-one with Mason over this, I will."

"Tough guy," Skinner said teasingly, then nodded. "Of course. I wouldn't have it any other way." He turned his head and kissed Mulder's hair. "So how about a new plan for this weekend. We'll drag ourselves off this very uncomfortable floor, get dressed and go home, shower and get comfortable. Then we'll order something delivered for dinner and you can find one of the really appalling B movies on cable."

Mulder lifted his head, grinning down at Skinner. "Really? Because 'Plan 9' is on tonight and you did say that you'd never seen it."

Skinner shuddered dramatically. "Okay, I'll watch it."

"Great!" Mulder said, bouncing up and starting to pull on his clothes. Then, magnanimously, he added, "We never did finish watching that Civil War series. We could watch it afterward - I'd like to see how it turned out." At Skinner's snort, he glared at Skinner and threw his shirt in Skinner's face. "Asshole. I meant the series, not the war." Then he caught his breath as he got his first clear sight of Skinner's backside. "Jesus, Walter!"

Startled, Skinner looked around at Mulder and saw what had caused that startled exclamation. "I'm fine, Mulder," he said reassuringly, taking his lover into his arms for a reassuring kiss. "It looks worse than it feels, although I wouldn't mind the chance to change into some loose sweats. And we never did finish our weekend plans. In the morning - "

"After boffing each other like bunnies all night - "

Skinner rolled his eyes. " - we'll go out for a really decadent brunch. And then we'll spend the afternoon looking for the stuff we're going to need for fixing this place up."

Mulder smiled and kissed him again. "Sounds like a plan." He led Skinner down the stairs, pausing next to the car to give his lover an impish look. "Earlier, when you said we'd share every aspect of our lives? Does that include your secret stash of Mallomars?"

"Touch them and die, Mulder."

*************************

End of Chapter 46

Chains of Desire
Chapter 47 - Peaches

Author: Diana Williams
Email: Diana@slashcity.com
Rating: NC-17 for m/m sex and language; M/Sk
Archive: Yes, anywhere.
Warnings: The "Chains" universe includes elements of BDSM, including bondage, slave training, erotic spanking, dominance and submission. If that's not your preference, please read no further.
Disclaimer and Author's notes: Disclaimer and other pertinent information are in the Intro. Most everyone here belongs to someone other than me, however Sean Matthews, Geoffrey Mason, Dr. Kate Malone and the Dionysus Club are my inventions - please ask before borrowing them. Song quote is from "Laughing out Loud" by the Wallflowers.
Series Summary: Mulder takes a walk on the wild side and Skinner has to save him from the repercussions of his actions.
Chapter Summary: Skinner finds out that Mulder knows a secret from his past

Chapter 47

     "You got me walkin' up a tightrope
      With Vaseline from my head to my feet
      You got me lookin' into blindfolds
      But I know you've got your hands all over me
      .And I don't need an invitation
      The best peach is at the top of the tree"

It all started with a peach sitting right in the center of his desk when he entered his office on Monday morning.

Skinner set down his briefcase and took off his jacket, looking at the fruit curiously. It was perfectly ripe and smelled heavenly, the kind of peach that had ripened on the tree instead of picked green and refrigerated. He picked it up and walked to the door.

"Kim, do you know where this came from?"

His Administrative Assistant looked up and shook her head. "No, sir. I noticed it on your desk when I first went in this morning, but I didn't see anyone around the area." Concerned, she asked, "Is there a problem?"

"No," he said reassuringly. "I was just - curious."

Kim smiled, her eyes twinkling a little. "One of your agents trying to curry favor, sir? Like leaving an apple for the teacher?"

"I suppose," Skinner said, shrugging as he dismissed the subject. "Are those budget figures for next year ready?"

"On your desk, sir. And the Director has set up a meeting for 4:30 this afternoon."

Skinner nodded, swearing under his breath. A meeting starting that late meant that it would drag into the evening hours, and he'd been hoping to spend a quiet night with Mulder. The past weekend - once they got past his blunders on Saturday - had been hectic, running around looking for supplies for their new house. It had been worth it, though. They had come across a salvage warehouse that specialized in vintage architectural pieces and had purchased a number of items, including a staircase that would be a beautiful replacement for the two narrow ones originally in the house. Mulder had spent Sunday night at his own apartment but he was planning on coming over tonight, and Skinner had hoped that they could a pleasant evening looking over the brochures on windows and doors they had collected.

Not to mention cuddling on the couch, as well as more aggressive activities in bed.

He closed the door and settled at his desk, putting the peach to one side as he picked up the spreadsheet outlining the budget figures for the new year. However, his mind refused to concentrate on the numbers and, with a resigned sigh, he reached for the phone.

Mulder answered it on the second ring, sounded a little out of breath. "Mulder."

"It's me," Skinner said, not fighting the smile that automatically came to his face on hearing his lover's voice. "You okay?"

"Ran for the phone." He could hear Mulder settling into his chair, muttering as he looked over his cluttered desktop for something. "Are you checking up on me, sir? Making sure I'm putting in my hours?"

Skinner chuckled. "Since I'm no longer your supervisor, that isn't my concern anymore. And my only problem with your hours is that you work too many of them."

"Said the pot."

"Speaking of which, the Director's scheduled the budget meeting for 4:30 - which means it'll probably run till 7, so I won't get home till 8. You want to reschedule tonight?"

"Not unless you want some space."

"I want you."

Skinner spoke without thinking for a moment about possible ears listening in and, as he heard the pleased tone in Mulder's voice, he was glad that he had.

"You've got me. Look, Kersh has thrown us some crap that'll take a couple of hours to sort out anyways, so I won't be leaving much before you. I'll stop and pick up some dinner on the way over."

"Sounds good," Skinner said. "I'll see you tonight."

He disconnected and turned back to his work, aware that he was smiling like an idiot, and not caring one bit.

********************

Skinner opened the door to his apartment and was immediately assailed by the delicious smell of hot food. He hadn't had a chance to eat lunch and his stomach now protested loudly.

"Hi, honey, I'm home," he called out.

Mulder came out of the kitchen carrying a glass of tea. "Don't push it, Walter. June Cleaver, I'm not."

Skinner drained the glass, grateful that his lover had guessed that he'd need that after sitting in that insufferably long meeting. "Too bad," he said, handing the glass back. "I was looking forward to watching you vacuum in pearls and heels - and nothing else."

"Kinky," Mulder said, grinning as he slid into Skinner's arms and kissed him. "But what will the neighbors think, Ward? Not to mention the Beaver."

Skinner chuckled and wrapped his arms around Mulder, relishing the feel of the warm body pressed against his. He pressed his face against his lover's hair, just breathing in the unique scents that made up the man. "God, you smell so good."

"You must really be hungry," Mulder laughed. "Go change into something comfortable while I set the table."

Skinner claimed one more kiss and then headed upstairs to shed his suit and put on some comfortable sweats. Coming back downstairs, he found Mulder putting a foil-covered pan into the oven.

"You didn't cook, did you?"

Mulder gave him an indignant look at the uncertain tone in Skinner's voice. "Relax, Walter - you're not in any danger of being poisoned. I stopped by a place that Scully recommended and picked up a couple things - it's supposed to be old-fashioned 'home cooking'. That's some kind of fruit cobbler I got for dessert."

Skinner wrapped his arms around Mulder and nipped the side of his neck. "I'd rather have you for dessert."

Mulder chuckled but said with mock severity. "Behave, and you can have me later."

Skinner pretended to growl but released his lover. "All right, but I'm holding you to that promise."

The food turned out to be just as good as promised, and Skinner had two helpings of the cobbler before Mulder dragged him upstairs. Not that he protested, and Mulder's fulfillment of his promise left Skinner exhausted and thoroughly sated.

As he drifted into a contented sleep, Skinner had a momentary thought that it was an odd coincidence that the cobbler had been peach.

*****************

Tuesday morning he found a jar of peach preserves on his desk, and not the ordinary grocery-store brand, either. This one came with a tag proudly proclaiming that it was homemade -"just like your granny's".

Just like the food from the restaurant last night.

And suddenly the coincidences of the peach on his desk, cobbler the previous night, and this jar of preserves began to look as if they were anything but coincidences. In fact, if he hadn't known for certain that Mulder had left Skinner's apartment at the same time this morning, he would have bet everything that this was Mulder's doing. Surely there was no way that Mulder could have gotten here before Skinner this morning, much less found out about his Club nickname? But he just couldn't see anyone else who knew about his nickname resorting to these kind of pranks. Well, Sean of course, but the young sub couldn't possibly have gotten access to his office.

Skinner didn't get a chance to pursue this line of investigation -Mulder called from his apartment mid-morning to tell him that he and Scully were heading to Georgia for a few days to investigate multiple reports of mysterious lights in the North Georgia mountains. They had only had a few minutes to talk before Mulder had to run for the airport, and Skinner had not wasted them talking about peaches.

Wednesday morning, he arrived at the office and found a vase of flowers sitting on his desk. He didn't recognize them, although the fact that they reminded him of the spring cherry blossoms gave him a good clue as to what they were. Kim confirmed his suspicions - they were peach blossoms. Which left him wondering how Mulder had come up with peach blossoms in late October. If it was Mulder behind this. Of course, he was unable to find out since he couldn't contact his errant lover - Mulder's cellular provider reported that the customer was out of range. Probably had lost the damn thing again, Skinner thought with irritation.

He took work home with that night, hoping to distract his mind from the missing presence of his lover, but found his mind wandering to thoughts of peaches. After two unfruitful hours, he gave up trying to make sense of the reports and went to bed.

Skinner went into the office early Thursday morning, planning to spend a little time working out in the gym instead of lying in bed and missing his lover. Which is when he found that the regular shampoo in his exercise bag had been replaced with something that smelled strongly of peaches.

Unfortunately, he didn't discover that until he had already poured the stuff into his hands, and several rinses still weren't enough to remove the cloying scent completely. He was sure that Kim gave him strange looks when she brought him coffee and was almost certain that she sniffed the air curiously before quickly leaving the room. Fortunately, none of his agents noticed anything unusual - except that their boss' attention was oddly distracted that day.

Thursday night, Skinner again unsuccessfully attempted to track down his lover on his home and cell-phones, leaving messages on each. The night passed without a return phone call.

On Friday morning, Skinner entered his office and was surprised to find his desk was empty. And he was even more surprised to realize that he was disappointed. Despite his irritation, he realized that he had been enjoying this little game, trying to figure out what was behind these bizarre gifts. If he had known that his phone calls were going to end Mulder's game, he would have kept his mouth shut and his hands off the phone. But it was too late now.

With a sigh, he settled down at the desk to tackle the usual pile of memos, reports, and agendas that made up his life. And he tried not to miss the scent of peaches.

Mid-day, Skinner looked up from the report that he was signing off on to see Kim enter his office carrying a box. "What's that?" he asked absently.

"Special delivery, sir, from what appears to be a store in Atlanta, Georgia."

Skinner's head jerked up at that. Mulder's latest case had been in Georgia, and this seemed like too much of a coincidence. "Return address?"

"A place called 'A Peach of a Store'."

Skinner found himself grinning. "I have a feeling that I should be worried." He set the box on his desk and, after Kim left, opened it, then burst out laughing. Inside was an assortment of peach-themed products - soaps, refrigerator magnets, little clips with peaches on them, pot-holders, a horrendous tie adorned with peaches, and a pair of boxers with the words "I have a Peach of a Lover".

Well. That certainly left little doubt about who had sent all these gifts - and also confirmed that Mulder had somehow found out about his training name. Since only three other people knew that name, it was obvious that one of them had spilled the beans. He couldn't see either Mason or Jean-Pierre revealing it except under torture, so that left only one other candidate. Sean.

And he intended to find out just what games that little imp was up to with Mulder. Right now.

Skinner packed up the box, grabbed his coat and briefcase. Walking into the outer office, he called out, "Kim, I'm leaving for the day. Would you reschedule my appointments?"

She stared at him in shock - Skinner rarely took time off from work. "Certainly, sir. Um - have a good afternoon, sir."

"Thank you, Kim. I intend to do just that."

******************

"Sean."

Sean was lying on the couch in the library, reading, and he looked up at the stern-faced Dom bearing down on him. "Uh-oh."

Skinner stopped in front of him and crossed his arms. "You wouldn't happen to know why Mulder suddenly seems obsessed with sending me peach-themed items, would you?"

"Um."

"That's what I thought." He hauled Sean up off the couch. "Come on - we're going to talk to Geoffrey."

Sean tried to dig in his feet but Skinner continued to hustle him down the hallway towards the Secretary's office. "Wait! I didn't mean to do it! And Geoff already knows!"

"Good. That'll make this easier." He wasn't angry with the sub, but he knew how carried away Sean could get with his little pranks and thought it was high time Mason curbed the younger man.

Mason looked up as the two entered the room, Sean still protesting loudly, and sighed. "You know, if you two children can't play nice, I'm going to have to separate you. Sit." Skinner released Sean's arm and sat down, while Sean flopped into a chair. "Now, what's this about, Walter?"

"For the past week, I've had peaches - in one form or another -appear in my office and home. Anonymous, although I suspect Mulder is behind them. However, I'm also positive that Mulder doesn't know my training name. Or at least he didn't."

Mason turned his head and looked at Sean. "Did you tell Walter?"

"No," Sean said sulkily. "He didn't give me a chance, just started dragging me all over the place."

"Sean."

"All right, all right." He took a deep breath. "The other day -when I was in that bad mood - I accidentally told Mulder."

"Accidentally?"

Sean looked up at Skinner earnestly. "I swear, I didn't mean to tell him. I was upset and jealous and I said - " He stopped and looked down at his hands. "I said that it was my fault that Mason couldn't be doing what he wanted with his 'Peaches'. Mulder guessed who I meant."

Skinner was startled by Sean's words, and he immediately forgot his irritation. "Sean," he said gently. "You don't have any reason to be jealous. I have no intentions of interfering between you and Geoffrey. I love Fox Mulder, and I certainly wouldn't cheat on him, even with Geoff."

"I know," Sean said lowly. "It was stupid of me, and even stupider to rip at Mulder when it wasn't his fault." He looked up at Skinner through his eyelashes, turning on the pathetic waif look as he did so. He didn't think that Skinner was seriously angry with him, but it never hurt to use all your weapons to defuse a Dom's wrath. "I'm sorry, Walter. Can you ever forgive me?"

Mason snorted. "Cut out the dramatics, brat. I've told you that your temper would get you in trouble one day and it has, so just take your lumps." Looking at Skinner, he said, "I've already punished Sean for his behavior, but you are certainly welcome to spank him for the trouble he's caused you."

"Geoff!" Sean said indignantly.

Skinner laughed and tousled Sean's hair. "Thanks, Geoff, but I'd rather have 'slave labor' for a couple hours, if you don't mind. I've got a little retribution of my own to arrange."

Sean perked up at that, grinning at Skinner. "Sounds like fun. And I've got some ideas, too. When do we start?"

Mason burst out laughing at that. "Poor Mulder!"

Skinner stood up. "Then I can borrow Sean for a while?"

"Go on, get out of here, both of you." And, as the door closed behind them, he shook his head and said, "And may God have mercy on Mulder's soul."

***********************************

Sean followed Skinner down to his car and accepted the box thrust into his hands. "What's in here?"

"Mulder's idea of a joke. You'll see when we get upstairs."

Skinner pulled out his travel bag and led the way up to his suite. Sean restrained his curiosity until they were inside, then dumped out the contents of the box on the bed and burst out laughing. Skinner couldn't help smiling as well, and he opened his bag to add the shampoo to the collection.

"Well, Mulder certainly doesn't do anything by halves, does he?" Sean said admiringly. "For an impromptu prank, this is pretty damn good." He picked up the peach-decorated paper clamps and grinned. "And I can think of a couple good uses for these babies." He clipped one onto the skin between his thumb and forefinger and purred, "Oh, yeah. They have a nice little bite."

"Anyone ever tell you that you're twisted, Sean?" Skinner asked, pulling the jar of preserves out of the heap and setting it on the table.

"All the time, Walter - all the time." He removed the clip and dropped it back on the bed, foraging among the other goodies. He pulled out the tie and the shoelaces festooned with peaches on their ends. "Oooh! Bondage toys!"

"I knew that I picked the right mind for this job," Skinner said in amusement, sitting down in a chair and crossing his arms. "So - what do you think?"

Sean pursed his lips and shook his head. "Good start, but not quite enough here to carry out the theme. However." He looked around the room. "A little redecorating would help - I can have Housekeeping send up the right color sheets, and you can cut up one of them to decorate the Cross and use for binding."

Skinner nodded. "Enough to make the punishment fit the crime."

The sub cocked his head. "And what exactly do you plan to do to punish him? Have you thought about why he did this?"

He shrugged. "For amusement, and to get back at me for his own training name. He wants to get caught, of course, or he would have been much more subtle." He caught the slight frown on Sean's face. "What? You think I'm missing something?"

"Walter, I heard about the whole Bermuda Triangle thing, and that you threatened to kick his ass. Did you ever follow up on that?"

Skinner sighed. "No - and yes, Geoff told me that I needed to, but first Mulder was recovering from drowning and then there was the mess I made of things last weekend, and this week we've both been too busy."

"And you don't know exactly how to go about doing it," Sean said shrewdly.

"Yes," Skinner said with a sigh. "It's not like with you and Geoff - you're in a 24/7 relationship and you have set up rules and consequences. Outside the Club, Mulder and I don't have the kind of relationship where I feel like I can 'punish' him for acting foolishly. And inside the Club, I don't think it's fair to punish him for things that happen outside these walls."

"But you do," Sean said quietly. At Skinner's puzzled look, he added, "You punish him by being unable to give both of you the closure you need."

"I'm not going to start disciplining him here for his actions out there. That's not how our relationship works."

"But he's bringing it here," Sean pointed out. "He is deliberately teasing you about your training name, thumbing his nose at his Dom to see what reaction he gets. He wants you to take him down, and he has chosen the playing field. You just have to decide how you want to play." He frowned as he saw the uncertain look on Skinner's face. "What's up, Walter? I've never seen you so uncertain."

"I've screwed up twice, Sean. First in not listening to Mulder when he needed deeper play, then in not telling him about my own needs. My instincts seem to be shot to hell."

Sean snorted and crossed to Skinner. "There's nothing wrong with your instincts, Walter. You've got some of the best in the business. You've just got to stop listening to this," and he tapped Skinner's head, "and start listening to your guts."

Skinner drew in a deep breath and blew it out. "Okay, my guts tell me that you're right. Mulder needs closure about that whole business and he wants me to punish him somehow."

"Knowing Mulder, he has something specific in mind. When was the last time you turned him over your knee?"

Skinner blinked. "If you're talking about a punishment spanking, my 'gut' tells me that's not what he's looking for. At least, not like you or I get from Geoff."

"No, but he is curious about what it's like, and I think he'd like a little touch of it, within the context of a Scene," Sean said frankly, curling up in a chair across from Skinner. "You've got to remember, Walter. This may be old hat to you and me, but it's all new territory to Mulder - both enticing and scary at the same time -and he doesn't know how to ask for what he wants. Although he obviously loves the D/s play that you two do, I expect he'd like to dabble at a Master/slave or Daddy/boy scenario."

Skinner considered that and nodded slowly. "I think you're right, Sean. And you've given me a couple of ideas."

Sean grinned and bounced up out of his seat. "All right, then! Let's get moving - we've got a lot to do before Mulder gets here."

***********************************

Mulder entered the Club feeling incredibly cheerful. Although the past case had not turned up anything substantial in the way of UFOs, he hadn't been shot, stabbed, beaten, kidnapped or even threatened with bodily harm. The local law enforcement had been cooperative -

not surprising since the local sheriff had been one of the witnesses to the strange lights. And, to top it all off, he hadn't wrecked a car or lost his gun or phone. Of course, he had forgotten to charge his cell phone and it had been dead for the past two days, but hell, he wasn't perfect.

Then, to top off a good week, there had been a message on his voice mail from Skinner, telling him to meet the Dom at the Club for the weekend. He couldn't help grinning as he thought about spending the weekend as his lover's devoted sub and - if he was lucky - being tormented and fucked within an inch of his life. Things couldn't be better in his little corner of the world.

He caught sight of Sean across the lobby and called out the younger man's name. Sean swung around and grinned as he saw Mulder.

"Hello, mate. You're looking mighty chipper this evening."

Mulder grinned. "And why wouldn't I be? It seems like forever since we last played, and I'm looking forward to this weekend after last weekend's fiasco."

Sean's face sobered. "Mulder, about last weekend - I'm sorry. I had no excuse for ripping at you like that, and I hope you can forgive me."

"Of course," Mulder said readily. "You were having a pretty rough time yourself. I hope that Mason wasn't too hard on you."

Sean gave him a rueful smile. "Couldn't sit down for two days." He saw the little flare of interest in Mulder's eyes at that and smugly congratulated himself for reading that sub right. "And let that be a warning to you, mate. Never mouth off to your Dom if your butt's not prepared to take the heat."

Mulder grinned. "I'll remember that - not that I'm likely to need that particular warning." He promised to meet up with the sub sometime over the weekend, then headed up to the suite and opened the door. And then he stood staring in shock.

Skinner's suite seemed to have undergone a strange transformation since the last time he'd seen it. The bed had been stripped and remade with sheets in an odd pinkish-orange shade, and cloth strips of the same material were attached to the rings in both the head and footboards. The St. Andrew's Cross has been uncovered and was draped with the same material, almost hiding the chains dangling from the upper beams. On the table, an assortment of items were laid out and partially covered with a cloth, but Mulder could detect at least a few plugs, dildos, and floggers. And sitting on the dining table was one lone peach.

"Oh, shit," he muttered.

"Nicely put," came a familiar voice from the bathroom doorway.

He turned and looked at the Dom, and then swallowed hard. Skinner was dressed to the hilt tonight - tight, black leather pants that left nothing to the imagination, black silk shirt open to the waist, black leather boots laced up to his knees. Mulder felt his cock instantly harden. It had been a long four days since he had last seen his lover, and his body was making its desires immediately known.

Mulder dropped to his knees. "Sir!"

Skinner slowly came forward, and Mulder's mouth went dry as he watched that predatory prowl. As the Dom stopped in front of him, Mulder automatically bent over and kissed his boots.

"Well, I'm glad to see that you have some idea of respect for your Dom."

Mulder groaned and pressed his forehead against the boots. "You're pissed about the peach thing."

"Pissed? No, Fox, I'm not pissed." Skinner crouched and lifted Mulder's head up. "I'm impressed with your ingenuity and amused by your audacity."

Mulder smiled in relief.

"However - "

Mulder's smile vanished.

"You were impertinent, and impertinent subs must be put in their place."

Mulder glanced over at the table nervously. "What did you have in mind, Sir?"

Skinner leaned forward and murmured in Mulder's ear, "Humiliations galore." Mulder groaned and dropped his forehead against Skinner's shoulder, and the Dom chuckled softly. "Now, I want you to go into the bathroom and get ready, then come back in here and let me finish preparing you."

Mulder recognized the amused tone in Skinner's voice and sighed, pushing himself to his feet. "I'm not gonna like this, am I?"

Skinner chuckled again as he straightened. "You may not like it, Kitten, but you're going to have a hell of a good time."

"By my definition - or yours?"

Seeing that Skinner refused to answer that, Mulder sighed and went into the bathroom. He went through all his usual preparations, telling himself that he was being thorough and not dragging it out as long as possible. Finally, when he was thoroughly clean inside and out, he opened the door and went back into the main room.

Skinner was busy in the cabinet again, so Mulder fetched the cuffs and collar from his bag and settled down in his usual place, waiting for the Dom to turn his attention to his sub. He knew that Skinner had heard him come into the room and that the Dom was ignoring him on purpose, and he eyed the other man with trepidation. Maybe Skinner was more upset than he had thought.

"Someone's been a naughty boy," Skinner said, still not turning to look at him. "Hasn't he?"

"Yes, Sir," Mulder said uneasily. "Um - what are you going to do to me?"

Skinner turned and looked at him finally, and although his face was stern, Mulder was relieved to see a twinkle in his eyes. "I suppose I'll have to punish you, boy."

Mulder couldn't help the shiver that ran down his back. "Whatever you say, Sir."

"Good response." Skinner stood before him and gestured for him to kneel up, and Mulder rose on his knees so that the Dom could fasten his collar around his neck. He ruffled Mulder's hair again, then tugged at it slightly. "Up, boy."

Mulder stood up, watching as Skinner walked over to the table and took something off of it, then nearly groaned as he saw it was that horrible necktie he had picked for the gift box. Skinner smiled at the look on Mulder's face.

"Since you were so thoughtful as to pick out these things for me, I thought you'd appreciate them being used on you this weekend. Hands behind your back, Kitten." He used the tie to bind Mulder's wrists together and the shoelaces to bind Mulder's cock and balls, then stepped back to survey the effect. "Very good - and a perfect use for those things. Bend over, boy."

Mulder obediently bent over, spreading his feet for balance. Skinner thrust a finger into his ass, checking that he was properly lubricated, then inserting one of the plugs. Mulder drew a deep breath, wriggling slightly to adjust to the intruder, and Skinner popped him lightly.

"Stand still, boy."

Mulder suppressed a groan as Skinner circled him, looking him over, and gave his Dom a sour look. "You're enjoying this, aren't you?"

Skinner chuckled. "Immensely." He picked up the peach-decorated boxers from the table and held them open for Mulder to step into them. "Put these on."

Mulder gave Skinner a puzzled look - the Dom liked him to be naked in the suite, and surely these boxers weren't enough for Mulder to wear in public - but he obeyed.

Skinner sat down on the bed and crooked his finger for Mulder to come over to stand between his knees. The younger man obeyed, standing still as the Dom ran his hands over Mulder's body, caressing and teasing him.

"As I said earlier, someone's been a naughty boy, teasing his Dom unmercifully, and I think that he should be punished - just like all naughty boys are punished."

Mulder caught his breath even as his bound cock leapt. Did Skinner mean what he thought that he meant? Although Skinner had given him several erotic spankings since they had adjusted their relationship, he had never put him through a punishment scenario, and Mulder had been too embarrassed to tell him how hot he got thinking about that kind of scene. In the back of his mind, he still heard Krycek's sneering comments a year ago about Mulder looking for a "Daddy" in Skinner, and despite both Sean and Skinner's reassurances, he still worried that there was something wrong about wanting to try this.

Skinner's words interrupted his jumbled thoughts. "And not only that, but you've been a bad boy outside of here. Worrying me and your partner half to death with your stunts."

Mulder's head snapped up at that. "But - I thought - you said we wouldn't bring outside stuff here!"

"And who is it that's been teasing me - outside of the Club - about my training name?" Skinner reminded him. Mulder was silent, chewing his lip. Softly, Skinner said, "You have safe words, Fox. Do you want to call one now?" Mulder shook his head slowly. "Then over my knees, boy."

Mulder flushed and hesitantly moved into place. He felt Skinner's large, capable hands settle him more comfortably, making sure that his cock was safely placed before running soothingly over his thinly clothed bottom. Mulder swallowed hard, wondering just what Skinner had in mind. He didn't have long to wait and wonder.

Skinner raised his hand and brought it down on Mulder's ass, a firm swat that made Mulder first gasp with surprise and then groan in pleasure. It was followed by more swats, each of them evenly paced and firm, covering his backside completely and jarring the plug inside. Unlike the previous erotic spankings, Skinner didn't pause to caress his skin in between blows, and the build-up was both painful and oddly pleasurable. Mulder moaned under the onslaught, feeling his whole body tightening with each blow, but it wasn't enough, not nearly enough.

Fingers pulled at the top of the boxers and he caught his breath again. "Naughty boys should be spanked on the bare, don't you think?" asked a voice, but he was too deeply into the pain/pleasure to reply. He groaned as he felt the boxers being pulled down to his knees, felt the rush of cool air on his warm flesh, and then the whole thing began again. Mulder knew that he was wriggling under the swats but whether to get more or to get away he couldn't have said. He was gasping and sobbing, feeling his whole body thrumming with need. His body craved release, needed it more than he needed to breathe. And then he felt a blossoming heat begin in his stomach, moving up his spine and exploding through his body with a bliss that was almost painful in its intensity.

When he came back to himself, he found that he was still over Skinner's knees, one of those big, comforting hands rubbing soothingly over his back. He drew a shuddering breath, then another.

"Wow," he murmured.

There was a soft chuckle above him, and then hands were pushing him up. Reluctantly, he obeyed the pressure and found himself standing upright, a little unsteadily, on his feet. A quick glance downward confirmed that he had not climaxed - well, not externally, at any rate - but he felt a heady euphoria throughout his body. And there was a kind of lightness inside as well, as if some burden that had been troubling him had been lifted off his shoulders.

"All right, boy. I think a little corner time is called for now." Mulder looked down at the boxers, now hanging between his knees. "Leave them down. There's nothing I like more than the sight of a bad boy's red bottom."

Mulder flushed and shuffled over to the corner, leaning his head against the wall with a groan. His Dom was enjoying this whole thing way too much, he thought with amused irritation - which boded well for repeat performances of this scenario. It also made Mulder worry about what Skinner still had planned for this night.

He could hear the Dom prowling around the room, turning off lights in one area, straightening something in another area, on the phone ordering dinner for an hour from now. He was acutely aware that one of the lights that had been left on was shining directly on him, like a spotlight. The thought of what he must look like, bound and blistered with the boxers pooled around his ankles, made him flush with embarrassed arousal. He groaned again, wondering just how sick a person he was for enjoying that spanking, getting off on it like he had.

At the sound of that groan, Skinner looked over at Mulder. The younger man was standing quietly in the corner, his whole body flushed from arousal or embarrassment or both, his ass glowing from the attention it had received. Something about that groan, though, made him feel that Mulder had started thinking, and he knew he had to stop that right away. And he knew just the thing to take Mulder's mind off the scene they had just played.

"All right, boy, come over here."

Mulder turned his head and saw that Skinner was standing by the bed. Awkwardly, the shuffled over to stand in front of the Dom, his eyes lowered as he automatically began worrying his lower lip with his teeth.

"Stop that." Skinner grasped his chin and rubbed his lip with a finger. "You're damaging my property."

"Sorry, Sir," Mulder muttered, unable to meet the eyes studying him so intently.

Skinner gave him a hard, possessive kiss and then turned him around so that he could unfasten the tie binding his hands together. "On your back on the bed, boy."

Mulder hurried to obey, wincing slightly as the movement jarred the plug inside him.

Skinner tied Mulder's hands to the headboard with the peach-colored fabric he had secured there, then tied down his feet. He ran his hands down Mulder's body, assessing the tension he felt there, and decided that - whatever Mulder's worries were - the younger man wasn't distressed and was ready to play.

Mulder watched Skinner pick up something from the nightstand and groaned. Skinner smiled and held up the jar of peach preserves.

"I'm feeling a little hungry and, since dinner won't be ready for a little while, I think I'll have a little snack." He twisted off the lid and set it aside. "And - thanks to your generosity - I have the perfect thing right here."

He scooped some of the preserves out with his finger and coated both of Mulder's nipples. Setting the jar aside, he straddled the sub's body and began licking the sweet stuff off.

"Mmm, the label was right. Just like my Granny used to make." He added another coating and sucked the whole nipple into his mouth.

Mulder gasped. "Somehow - I don't think - she'd approve of - your usage."

Skinner chuckled and leaned up to kiss Mulder, sharing the treat with the younger man as he thoroughly ravished his mouth. "Like it?" he asked, drawing back from a breathless and thoroughly aroused Mulder.

"What's not to like?" Mulder panted, then groaned as Skinner took the other nipple in his mouth and began worrying it with his teeth. "Oh, God!"

Skinner chuckled and released the nipples with a final lick. "I wonder how good this will taste elsewhere." He saw Mulder's cock leap within its restraints at that and smiled. "But first, I'd hate for these sweet nipples to get lonely, so - " He reached over to the nightstand and picked up two of the paper clamps. "So nice of you to provide me with new toys, Kitten."

Mulder groaned as he caught sight of the clips and winced as they were attached to his aroused nipples. "God, you're a sadistic bastard."

"Why, thank you, boy. I try my best." He turned his attention to Mulder's cock, removing the bindings. It leapt to full arousal in his hand and he grinned. "And I see that you're enjoying my efforts."

He scooped out more of the preserves and spread them over Mulder's genitals, liberally coating the skin, cock and balls. Then, with slow deliberation, he began licking off the sweet stuff, alternating long, slow licks with short, quick ones.

Mulder groaned and panted under the attention his body was receiving, using every trick he could think of to keep from coming. He had a feeling that the Dom was enjoying the slow torture he was inflicting on his sub and that it would be a long, long time before he was allowed to come.

Skinner relished the gasps and moans and pleas coming non-stop from his sub. Mulder was so beautiful like this, writhing under his touch, his whole body taut and flushed with arousal. The sight of him went straight to Skinner's cock, making his pants uncomfortably tight. It was time that he finished this and concentrated on his own pleasure.

Mulder gasped as the Dom's hot and skillful mouth suddenly took him in deeply, and he gave up all semblance of control. With a near-deafening scream, his body arching at the intensity of his climax, he came down Skinner's throat and collapsed weakly on the bed.

He was barely aware of his ankles being untied and his knees pressed against his chest. Vaguely, he registered that the plug inside him had been pulled out and tossed aside, and that his body was being filled with something larger and warmer. But the feel of supple leather against his sensitized backside caught his attention completely. He moaned as leather-encased thighs slapped against his skin and shuddered at the delicious thought of Skinner, still fully dressed, fucking him through the mattress.

His eyes snapped open and he looked towards the ceiling, grinning as he saw that Skinner had finally given in to his sub's begging and had mirrors installed above the bed. Mulder had often thought that it would be incredibly erotic to watch himself being fucked by his Dom and lover, and now he discovered that it was even hotter than he had imagined. He saw himself, spread wide open on the bed, his hands tied above his head. Between his legs knelt Skinner, his hands on Mulder's hips and Mulder's legs over his shoulders as he pistoned into the willing body beneath him. He groaned at the sight, feeling his body respond to the erotic image.

Mulder saw Skinner throw back his head, saw the Dom's eyes open. Their eyes met in the mirror and a half-smile turned up the older man's mouth. He stopped his thrusting, moving his hands up from Mulder's hips to his knees, and pushed Mulder's legs forward before resuming his purposeful rutting. Mulder caught his breath as he realized that in this position he could watch Skinner fucking his ass. The sight of that thick cock driving in and out of his body was the most incredible thing he had ever seen; he threw back his head and howled as once again his climax wracked his body. Dimly, he was aware that the Dom was coming deep inside him, and then he fell into the dark.

***********************

When he was next aware of the world around him, he found that Skinner had untied his hands and removed the clamps, and that he was stretched out on the bed alongside Skinner. The Dom was still fully dressed and had evidently cleaned them both up before settling down to await Mulder. The younger man stretched languidly, pleasantly aware of the aches of his body, and turned his head up to see Skinner smiling at him.

"Hello. How are you feeling?"

Mulder grinned. "Great. And Jesus - seeing us like that was incredible."

"It was, wasn't it?" Skinner sat up and tapped Mulder's leg. "Roll over on your stomach and let me take care of your backside."

Mulder obediently rolled over, cushioning his head on his arms, and sighed blissfully as he felt a soothing coolness spreading across his ass. Then he sniffed the air and grinned. "The peach hand lotion I sent you? You really are getting a kick out of that joke, aren't you?"

Skinner laughed. "Of course. And so are you, so don't try to tell me otherwise." He heard Mulder's soft snicker and let his hands move in soothing circles over the reddened skin. "You want to tell me about what upset you when you were standing in the corner?"

Mulder gave him a startled look over his shoulder. "Damn, you're good! How did you know?"

"It's my job to know." He applied more lotion and gently stroked it in. "So what was it? Didn't like that little Scene?"

"Just the opposite - I liked it too much." Mulder flushed and buried his face in his arms again. "You saw that, didn't you?"

"That was the whole point, Fox. If you hadn't gotten off on it, I would have been worried."

"I don't think Sean gets off on that, and you said that you didn't, either," Mulder's muffled voice replied.

Skinner smiled and let his hands move up Mulder's back to massage suddenly tense shoulders. "Are you under the mistaken impression that this was a punishment spanking?" He could feel Mulder go still under his hands. "Was this anything like the whipping I gave you after that stunt you pulled with breath play?"

"No," Mulder said, lifting his head slightly. "That hurt like hell, and I sure didn't get off on it."

"This was a Scene, Fox, and that spanking was nothing like the kind of spanking Sean gets from Geoff when he's in trouble. Trust me - no one gets off from one of Mason's punishment spankings."

Tentatively, Mulder said, "This wasn't like what you've done to me before."

"Different kind of Scene," Skinner said, pushing gently at Mulder's shoulder so that he rolled over on his back. "How did you feel it was different?"

Mulder considered this for a moment. "The whole over-the-knee spanking thing, for one. You've always done me on the bed or over the bench - this was sort of embarrassing, which was part of the turn on. And secondly, this hurt more. It's always left just a tingle before, but this time I'm still feeling sore. It's a good kinda sore, though."

"Good."

"And I feel - lighter in a way. Like something heavy's been lifted off of me. Is that how you feel when Mason does what he did last weekend?" Mulder asked and Skinner nodded. "Oh. Well, then I can understand why you need it then."

"So you'd like to try this again?"

"It was interesting and hot as hell to do, and I wouldn't mind doing it again," Mulder said with a hesitant look up at Skinner. "Only, not all the time. And - and I'm really not looking for a Daddy."

Skinner smiled and leaned down to kiss Mulder gently. "It's okay, Fox. I've told you that I'm here to give you whatever you need. Whatever kind of game you want to play, even if you just want to experiment with something new. And we don't need to do it again if you don't like something we do. I'm willing to be flexible."

Mulder wrapped his arms around Skinner, pulling him down on top of him. "Thanks. And does this mean we're square on the butt-kicking thing?"

Skinner growled and nipped at Mulder's neck. "Oh, we're not square by a long shot, boy. We've still got the rest of the weekend, and I have a box of new toys and old favorites to play with. So let's eat dinner - you're going to need all your strength."

Mulder groaned. "I've got a bad feeling about this."

Skinner chuckled and dragged Mulder off the bed.

***********************

Mulder finished his final lap around the track and began his cool-down walk, feeling better than he had in weeks. His body ached deliciously all over, he felt so tired that he was ready to drop, but his soul felt lighter than he could ever remember it being. In fact, despite the aches and his fatigue, he felt more energized and ready to take on the world than he had in a long time.

He wasn't surprised when a slight figure fell into step beside him and accepted the towel that Sean handed him with thanks.

"Looking good, Mulder," the sub said with a grin. "And I love the fashionable new colors you're wearing."

Mulder flipped him a bird. "I have no idea where Walter came up with peach-colored running shorts on such short notice - do you?" He snorted at Sean's look of angelic innocence. "I thought so. Thanks a bunch, pal."

"Don't mention it," Sean said cheerfully.

"So, you actually working out or just slumming it?"

Sean shrugged. "Geoff's coaching Dana through her first Dom session, so I'm staying out of the way and behaving myself." At Mulder's sharp look he protested, "Well I am! I can be good - on occasion."

Mulder snorted. "Right." Then, seriously, he said, "Are you okay with that?"

Sean nodded. "I got my head straightened out after last weekend, and I know that Geoff loves me the most, even if he has to spend time elsewhere. Besides," he said with a sideways grin, "Geoff made sure to give me an extra-special session last night, so I'm feeling pretty good right now myself."

"I'm glad."

"And speaking of extra-special - how you'd like your surprise?"

Mulder laughed. "Well, I won't be taking off my clothes in public anytime soon, but yeah, I had a great time."

"And you're okay with everything?" Sean asked, his eyes seriously studying Mulder's face.

"Yeah," Mulder said with a grin. "Everything's peachy."

End of Chapter 47

TITLE: Chains of Desire, Chapter 48: Wildest Dreams
AUTHOR: Diana Williams
EMAIL: diana@slashcity.com
Website: http://diana.slashcity.com
Archive: Yes, anywhere
Disclaimer and Author's notes: This story is based on the two-part "Dreamland" show, and some elements in the story have been altered to better fit in with my series. It's not necessary to have seen the episode to enjoy the story, however, since I am not covering the show's events in detail - just pulling out sections of it - it might make more sense if you've seen the episodes. Most everyone here belongs to someone other than me, however Sean Matthews, Geoffrey Mason, Dr. Kate Malone and the Dionysus Club are my inventions - please ask before borrowing them. Chapter quote is from "Your Wildest Dreams" by the Moody Blues.
Series Summary: Mulder takes a walk on the wild side, and Skinner had to rescue him from the consequences of his actions.
Chapter Summary: An investigation into government secrets leads to unexpected developments, ones that may change Mulder's life forever.

Chapter Forty-eight

"I wonder where you are
I wonder if you think about me
Once upon a time
In your wildest dreams"

*Wednesday*

Mulder stared at a reflection in the mirror that he didn't recognize.

Despite the fact that several hours had passed since this nightmare began, since he had somehow changed bodies with one Morris Fletcher -who was apparently an MIB - he still couldn't get used to the fact that his mind, his spirit, his essence was somehow inside of the body of a stranger. Or the fact that no one around him seemed to notice the difference.

Hastily, he finished dressing and escaped from the asylum that passed for Morris Fletcher's loving family, muttering thanks under his breath that he and Walter would never have children. And then it suddenly hit him.

If he was here with Fletcher's family, then Fletcher was back in D.C. with Scully. With Walter Skinner. And his lover would have absolutely no idea that the man who looked like his lover was an imposter.

A wave of jealousy surged over him, immediately followed by one of horror, and he had to pull off the side of the road to control the sudden shaking of his hands. Images filled his mind of Skinner coming on to the man he thought was his lover, a man who would no doubt violently repulse Skinner's advances - right before going to OPR to charge the A.D. with sexual harassment.

He had to get hold of Skinner. Looking at his watch, he frantically calculated the time difference and tried to visualize Skinner's schedule, to determine where he would be right now. Muttering about his lack of a cell phone, he pulled into a gas station, bought some sunflower seeds and got change for the pay phone, then dialed and nervously waited for the other man to pick up his private line.

No answer, just a transfer to Skinner's voice mail, and there was no way he could leave a message about this situation.

He hung up and swore under his breath, then called Kim to see if he could determine the A.D.'s location. Kim was less than forthcoming with the information, coolly informing the stranger on the phone that A.D. Skinner was in meetings with the Director that were expected to last for two days. She sighed when he asked if she had seen Agent Mulder around the office morning, no doubt believing that he was calling to complain about the agent, and told him to speak with A.D. Kersh instead.

Mulder hung up again, bit his lip, and called Scully. He was relieved to hear her cool voice on the line and couldn't help smiling.

"Scully, thank God!" he said. "I need your help - desperately."

"Who is this?" she asked suspiciously.

"It's Mulder!"

There was a long pause. "Look, I don't know who you are or how you got this number, but Agent Mulder is sitting right here in this office across from me - and you sound nothing like him."

"Scully - "

The buzz of a disconnected line in his ear stunned Mulder. He had never seriously considered that Scully wouldn't listen to him, and he had no idea what to do now. Fletcher's friend, Jeff, had said that something "big" was going on at the base so his only option seemed to be to find out just what had happened and how to reverse this situation, get back into his own body. He climbed back in his car and drove towards the base, not noticing the wind that began to blow behind him, and a strange light that filled the sky around the gas station behind him.

**********

Scully glared at the man she believed to be Mulder, standing with his finger on the disconnect button of her phone. "Why did you do that? We could have traced that call, gotten more information on this informant of yours."

Fletcher, pretending to be Mulder, gave her a smug look. "That wasn't my informant. I think we'd better tell Kersh about this."

Her mouth dropped open. "Tell Kersh? Then you were serious earlier, when you said all that stuff about not going behind his back?"

"Of course I was serious, and you'd better be too, little lady, if you want to keep your job."

Scully fell back in her seat, stunned, and watched "Mulder" walk out of the office. Something strange was going on around here.

************

It had been a long, bizarre day, and Scully found herself walking slowly down the hallway of Mulder's apartment building, reluctant in the first time that she could remember to confront her partner. He was acting strangely, even for Mulder, and she had the idle thought that maybe she should have his water tested again.

Her thoughts were disrupted as Mulder's door opened and Kersh's assistant came out, giggling and looking like she had been making out with someone. Scully stopped dead in her tracks and stared, too astonished to say anything as the other woman passed her in the hallway and winked as her. Scully looked past the woman to Mulder standing in his doorway, also looking rumpled, and felt suddenly furious.

"What in the hell are you doing?" she demanded, gesturing towards Kersh's assistant who wiggled her fingers in farewell before the elevator doors closed on her.

Mulder smirked at her, and her jaw nearly hit the floor again. Mulder never smirked. "Why? Did you need me for something?"

She could have sworn that he leered at her. "I traced that call I received this morning. It came from a phone booth near Groom Lake, and I think that it could be your informant."

"Nah," he said, shrugging. "I'm sure it was just some crackpot."

"You don't think we should follow up on this?" she asked, surprised.

"Are you out of your pretty little mind? Kersh would have our asses."

Scully gave him an incredulous look. "Am I out of my mind? Mulder, you are out of your mind! What is up with you? I'm thinking about having you examined for mental illness or ... or drug use or ... or maybe a massive head injury!" She held up a file. "This is an X-file! Your life's work. Your crusade!"

"Yeah, well, maybe I should think about getting a life - a real one." He smirked at her. "Like that pretty little thing that just left."

"And what the hell's up with that?" Scully demanded. "I can't believe you did that - what would Walter think if he found out?"

Mulder frowned as if trying to place that name and shrugged. "Hey, if the Boss Man doesn't know about it, he can't say anything, right? Or are you just jealous?"

"Jealous?" Scully sputtered. "Not on your life, Mulder! I just hope you come to your senses and stop ruining everything you've worked so hard for!" She stormed out of his apartment, slamming the door behind her, and fumed all the way down to her car. Then she sat there for a long time, trying to decide what to do. Her first instinct - to go to Skinner and tell him that Mulder was behaving bizarrely - she reluctantly dismissed. If Mulder was acting this way because he was drugged, then there was a good possibility that they wanted the two men to break up, and she wasn't gong to play into their hands.

On the other hand, something was seriously wrong with her partner, and she planned to get to the bottom of this - one way or another. And it looked like the answer to the problem was back in Nevada. She started her car and headed towards the airport.

***************

*Thursday*

Mulder decided that his life - or rather, his life as Morris Fletcher - couldn't possibly get worse. A second night spent in the recliner rather than sleeping in the same bed as Fletcher's wife had not done anything for his back or his libido; he missed both his lover and Skinner's large bed equally at this point. On top of that, he had had a bizarre dream where he was chasing after Scully, trying to convince her that he was himself, and he had apparently muttered her name in his sleep - which had thrilled Fletcher's wife no end. Having possibly convinced her that "Scully" wasn't a woman's name, he was thrown for a loop when Scully showed up at the door.

So was Joanne Fletcher. And now she was throwing her "husband" -and his belongings - out on the front steps. Mulder ignored her, figuring his best hope at this point was to get Fletcher and himself back where they belonged, but to do that he needed Scully's help. And Scully was looking at him with her usual skepticism.

Mulder sighed. "Of course you don't believe me. Why was I expecting anything different? Look, your name is Dana Katherine Scully, your mother's name is Margaret. Your brother is William - and he hates me." Scully just regarded him expressionlessly and he tried again. "Lately for lunch you've been having this little cup of plain yogurt into which you stir some bee pollen, because you're on some kind of bee pollen kick, even though I tell you that you're a scientist and should know better."

Scully shook her head. "Any of that information could have been gathered by anyone."

Mulder wanted to swear, wanted to pull out his hair and scream. "Even that yogurt thing? That is so you! This is so Scully!" He turned away from her, exasperated. "Well, it's good to know that you haven't changed. It's comforting somehow." He swung back to her. "If I get you scientific proof of what happened, will that convince you?"

Scully just shook her head again, walking away, and Mulder called after her, "I'll prove it to you, Scully! I'll get you that proof tonight." And even as he made the promise, he wondered just how in the hell he was going to do that. Short of stealing the flight recorder, smuggling it off base, and giving it to Scully.

*************

*Friday*

Scully slowly entered the basement office, not surprised to see that Mulder was sitting there, playing some sort of game on his computer instead of pouring over the files on his desk as he usually did. It somehow seemed typical of the "new, improved" Mulder, and she felt a shiver run down her back at the memory of the other man, Morris Fletcher, being dragged off by the military police the previous evening, all the time insisting that the "imposter" had set him up, and that he was the real Mulder. The memory of that had haunted her while she slept, had occupied her thoughts even while she was being chewed out by A.D. Kersh, replaying over and over again.

"So, what did Kersh say?"

Scully sighed and opened her desk drawer; something caught her eye and she pulled it out - a penny and a dime that she had found at the sight of that burned-out gas station. Somehow, in some inexplicable manner, they had been fused together, only it was more than that. It was almost as if the two items had tried to occupy the same space, ending up with one of them cleanly inserted through the other. She had never seen anything like it before, and the fact that it had come from the same area they had been investigating made her shiver.

She dropped it into her pocket, then opened the bottom drawer to take out her purse and a few personal items. "I've been suspended for two weeks without pay for insubordination."

"Tough break," the man she had thought was Mulder said sympathetically. "Hey, why don't you come over to my place tonight. I'll cook dinner - might ease the pain a little."

Scully gave him a blank look. It was Friday, and he and Skinner almost always had plans for the weekend. Even though the A.D. had been out of the office for the past two days, she doubted that it would affect their regular plans. In fact, Mulder should have been practically bouncing in his chair with anticipation - the Mulder she knew, at any rate. But then again, that Mulder - on the verge of permanent commitment to his male lover - wouldn't have given Kersh's assistant a second look, much less made out with her. Another doubt wormed its way into her mind.

"All right," she said slowly. "Seven sound good?"

"Sounds perfect," Mulder said, and she could have sworn before she left that she saw him wink at her.

*************

Skinner was trying to keep himself from stomping around his apartment, slamming doors, but his steadily increasing temper was getting the worst of him. Two days in meetings with the Director had been bad, but he had consoled himself with the thought that the weekend was coming and that he and Mulder had plans to spend the next two days together. However, when he had run into the other man in the hallway earlier that day and reminded him to pick up some wine on the way over, Mulder had given him a blank look before - with insincere reluctance - canceling their dinner. The smug look and wink Mulder had given him when he mentioned that he had invited Scully over for dinner also surprised him. Of course he had no objection to his lover wanting to maintain his friendship with Scully, but there was something in the other man's voice that had set his teeth on edge.

If he hadn't known better, he would have said that he was jealous.

If he hadn't known better, he would have thought that Mulder was going to try to seduce his partner.

And if he wasn't just the tiniest bit uncertain that he did know better, he wouldn't be slamming the cabinets in his kitchen.

************

Mulder had been metaphorically holding his breath ever since his release from the holding cells at the base. It seemed that someone else had switched the flight recorder, and he had managed to bluff his way through a meeting by asserting that he had been trying to catch the informant. They had believed him, and he had escaped to his car and off the base. But as he headed back towards Fletcher's house, he could feel the desperation rising inside and knew that if he didn't get someone to believe him, he would go crazy.

He pulled up at a phone booth outside a diner and dialed Skinner's home phone, hoping that the man would be there. The phone rang twice and then, thankfully, Skinner picked it up and answered.

"Skinner."

"Walter! Thank God!"

"Who is this?" Skinner's voice was suspicious.

"It's Mulder."

"Right," he said dryly. "Well, for your information, I spoke to Agent Mulder earlier this afternoon, and he didn't sound like he was coming down with a cold. Good-bye - "

"Peaches!" Mulder said desperately. "Your training name was Peaches, and you call me Kitten - "

"Deposit additional money to continue this call," the operator intoned.

"Shit! I'm all out of change. Call me back at 555-457-1212. Please, Walter, call me back!" Mulder was cut off and he hung up the phone, leaning his head against the phone booth. Please call, Walter. Please call.

The phone rang and he snatched it up. "Thank you, Walter!"

"Would you mind telling me what you're doing in Nevada when I spoke to you only two hours ago?" Skinner asked coolly.

Mulder sighed and rubbed the bridge of his nose, disconcerted by the fact that it felt different. "Two days ago, Scully and I came out here to meet with an informant about some mysterious experiments the military was doing. Only - something happened, and I ended up inside the body of a man named Morris Fletcher, and he's in my body. That's the man you saw earlier."

There was silence on the other end of the phone and he could feel his anxiety rising. "Please, Walter, I know it sounds crazy - "

"Actually, that's the one thing that makes me believe it's you," his lover said dryly. "Only Mulder could come up with something like this. So what do we do now?"

Mulder blew out a relieved breath, feeling suddenly calmed by the thought that his lover believed him. "I need you to talk to Scully for me, convince her what's going on. I tried to talk with her yesterday but she had me arrested."

"Arrested?" Skinner's voice was sharp. "Are you calling me from jail?"

"No, they believed me when I said that I was setting up a sting operation to try to find out who Mulder's informant was." I snorted. "This Fletcher's a piece of work, Walter. He'll stab just about anyone in the back, and he'd be chasing every skirt around if it wasn't for the fact that he's married to the biggest shrew I've ever seen."

"Is she pretty?" Skinner's voice was sharp with jealousy, and Mulder couldn't help grinning.

"Not my type - and I slept in the recliner the last two nights, for your information."

"Good."

There was a possessive growl in Skinner's voice, and Mulder could feel a delicious shiver run down his back. The things that man can do to me, he thought with a grin. "Of course, I have no idea where my own body slept - "

"Hell," Skinner muttered, and Mulder heard him moving around his apartment. "When I asked him over to dinner tonight, Mulder - I mean, the other guy - turned me down. Said he had big plans with 'Dana' and waggled his eyebrows at me. I thought he - you - whoever -was kidding around and that you two had a working dinner planned, but from what you're telling me, I'd better get over there."

"Yeah - before Scully breaks my body. Call me later - oh, hell! You can't - they're monitoring my office and home phones. Look, I'll try to slip out later, go to a bar or something, and I'll call you then on your cell phone, okay?"

"All right. Take care of yourself, Fox." The last was said softly, and Mulder found his throat suddenly tight.

"You, too, Walter. And whatever you do, don't trust this guy."

*************

Skinner knocked on Mulder's door and was a little surprised when Scully answered it instead of the man he had thought of as Mulder. He was even more surprised to see that she had her gun out.

"Scully? Something wrong?"

She drew in a deep breath as she held the door open wider. "Sir, you're not going to believe this, but - "

Skinner entered the apartment and shut the door behind him. "Mulder and some man named Fletcher have somehow swapped bodies." He smiled slightly at the startled look Scully gave him. "The real Mulder called me on the phone about an hour ago and convinced me. He said that you didn't believe him, though. What made you change your mind?"

"Come with me."

Scully led the way to the bedroom and Skinner paused in the doorway to look around. The last time he had been in this room, it had been filled with boxes as Mulder prepared for the move to their new house - not that the room had ever been used for more than storage space. Now the room was almost overwhelmed by a large four-poster bed, repulsively complete with leopard-skin sheets. What's more, it was a waterbed with mirrored ceilings, something he couldn't imagine Mulder ever buying. Mulder - or rather, Mulder's body - appeared to be handcuffed to the headboard.

"I see what you mean," he said, grimacing at the sight.

"Actually, what really convince me was something he said," Scully said, gesturing towards Fletcher with a twinkle in her eyes. "When I pulled out the handcuffs, he got the idea it was some sort of sex game and made a comment about it being his 'first time' in cuffs. That's when I knew it wasn't Mulder - that and the fact that the apartment has never been this clean."

Skinner chuckled at that and would have said something but the phone rang. The answering machine picked it up and after the first few words Scully realized that it was Mulder's contact. She ordered Fletcher to pick it up, crossing the room to listen to the voice on the other end. When the man hung up, Scully turned to Skinner.

"Who was that?"

"Mulder's contact in Nevada - the one that got us out there in the first place," she said, meeting his eyes. "And possibly our only hope to getting our Mulder back."

"Then what are we waiting for?" Skinner asked, pulling out his phone and rapidly dialing the airlines to make reservations for three to Nevada.

*********

*Saturday*

Mulder sat in Fletcher's car, staring up into the night sky, and thinking about his life. His old life, the one that he had just started to think might have a chance at happily-ever-after. He snorted at that - typical that the Fates or the Gods or whomever it was that liked to fuck with Fox Mulder's life had decided to throw him this curve. Possibly stuck for the rest of his life in this strange body, living someone else's existence, while the man who had his body and his life didn't even have the sense to appreciate what he had. It would have made him laugh if it hadn't made him feel like crying.

He closed his eyes, trying not to think about those few minutes in the parking lot the previous night when he had seen Skinner. Fletcher had been there, working out a plan to get the real flight recorder for Scully, so they hadn't had a chance to say more than a few words, much less touch. He had wanted to hug the other man, to reassure himself that somehow Skinner could still love him, no matter what body he was in. A hopeless thought - even if it were possible, there was no way that he could get out of the mess that was Morris Fletcher's life and take up with Skinner. Mulder had no delusions about just what kind of "retirement package" the men that Fletcher worked with would offer him if he tried to leave. So if the Gunmen couldn't figure out something from the flight recorder, couldn't figure out a way to reverse the effects, then he would be stuck in Fletcher's life. Forever.

Another car pulled up and, before the headlights switched off, he saw three familiar faces. Two of them got out of the car, sober expressions on their faces, and he drew in a deep breath before getting out to join them.

"You don't look happy," he said, looking first at Skinner and then Scully. "Don't tell me that I'm going to have to put two kids through school."

Skinner reached out with a tentative hand, touching Mulder's cheek. "That is you in there, isn't it, Mulder?"

Mulder nodded, and couldn't help turning his face into the caress. "It's me, Walter."

"The Gunmen analyzed the crash data," Scully said quietly. "They found out that there was an anomalous event that night."

"So how do I get back?"

Scully hesitated. "Mulder, there are too many variables involved for them to accurately recreate the anomaly and get you back."

Skinner nodded in agreement. "If we were off - if the event were off by even one millisecond - "

"I might wind up with my head in a rock," Mulder said dryly.

"Something like that," Scully said soberly.

They were all quiet for a long moment, then Mulder jerked his head towards the third person sitting in their car. "What about him?"

"Agent Mulder is A.D. Kersh's new 'golden boy'. He's supposed to return the flight data recorder." She snorted. "The son of a bitch confesses to Kersh even more than I do to my priest."

Mulder laughed shortly. "Somehow, I'm not surprised."

"What Scully's not telling you," Skinner said, "is that she's been fired from the Bureau, and I've been ordered to 'explain myself' to the Director on Monday."

Mulder gave them shocked looks. "Scully, you have to get your job back! Walter, take the data - explain it to them -"

She shook her head. "If we can't fix this.I don't want that as my partner," she said gesturing towards the car. Morris apparently was getting impatient; he honked on the horn and shouted out the window, "Take a picture - it'll last longer."

"I see what you mean," Mulder said. "You know, if I shoot him, is that murder or suicide?"

Scully gave a short bark of laughter. "Neither, if I do it first." She squeezed his arm. "Mulder - "

Her voice broke off, and Mulder covered her hand with his. "I know."

She nodded and squeezed his arm again, then looked at Skinner. "I'll wait in the car."

"I'll be there in a minute - and try to contain your justifiable inclinations towards homicide, Agent."

"No promises, Sir."

Left alone, except for the two people sitting in the car nearby, Mulder found he was unable to think of anything to say to the man he had come to love more than life, the man he might never hold in his arms again. "Walter - "

Skinner wanted to reach out and touch his lover, to hug him and kiss him for what might be the last time, but he couldn't do anything like that in front of the witness sitting in the car behind him. Gruffly, he said, "I'd kiss you, but you're so damn ugly."

Mulder smiled faintly at that, recognizing the line from one of his favorite movies. "Walter," he said hoarsely, "I promise you, I'll keep trying to find a way back."

Skinner nodded. "I know."

Fletcher tooted the horn impatiently again and Skinner grimaced. "I think that I may just have to flip Scully for the rights to kick that man's ass, but I'll try not to damage anything vital, just in case."

"I appreciate that," Mulder said.

They stared into each other's eyes for a long moment, silently expressing what they couldn't say out lour, then Skinner turned and walked back towards the car. Mulder stood beside his car, watching them drive off, and wondered if he was saying good-bye for good.

**********

*Sunday*

Scully stared listlessly out the window of the car, trying not to listen to Fletcher's long and boring story about some free room he got somewhere by showing his badge - Mulder's badge. She had never thought that she would admit it to anyone, not even herself, but she missed Mulder's stories almost as much as she missed the man himself. As crazy and improbable as they had been, at least they weren't full of this self-important crap that Fletcher kept spouting.

No wonder Skinner had ducked out on them at the first possible moment, she thought to herself with a grimace. He had caught a red-eye back to D.C. following their meeting with the real Mulder the previous evening, supposedly to see if he could shake some trees and get an answer, but she had seen the hopelessness in his eyes. She felt the same way herself, and she wasn't even in love with her partner.

"Dana." Fletcher's voice sounded hesitant. "I can talk to Kersh, try to get your job back." She turned and stared at him, surprised, and he shrugged. "We could have lots of fun together, once you got to know me."

She was surprised to find that she had to fight back a laugh; the man might be a self-centered jerk, but maybe there was something redeeming about him. "I've still got my gun," she began, then realized what she had just seen outside the window. "Stop - back up!"

Fletcher obeyed and pulled into the parking lot of a gas station. The same gas station that they had passed the previous day, the one that had burned down a few days ago. It was standing there, undamaged.

Scully exchanged a look with Fletcher. "It's reversing itself," she said, not even trying to hide the excitement in her voice.

Fletcher nodded slowly. "And anything within its path will be returned to normal."

Scully reached in her pocket and pulled out the fused dime and penny, holding it up for Fletcher to see. "I picked this up right here earlier this week. These two must have merged during the first incident, but they weren't here when it reversed - "

"So they remained the same."

"We have to find Mulder! If the two of you are in the same area as before, it might even reverse the body-swapping effect."

For once, Fletcher didn't argue with her, hopping back into the car and heading towards what had been his home when he had been in his own body.

************

*Thursday*

Mulder walked wearily down the hallway in his apartment building. It had been an exhausting two days - the trip out to Nevada to investigate a report that the government was testing some kind of secret aircraft had turned into just another frustrating encounter with those Men in Black who seemed to crawl out of the woodwork just when he was getting close to something. Somehow, it seemed longer than two days, though; it seemed like it had been a week since he had left here, and he was looking forward to relaxing with some mindless drivel on the television. It would have been better if he was spending the evening with his lover, but Skinner was supposed to be in meetings with the Director till late. Still, tomorrow night was Friday, and they had several things planned for the weekend. He smiled; they might even make it out of bed at some point.

His cell phone rang and he answered it, smiling as he heard his partner's voice on the other end. "Hey, Scully. What's up?"

"I'm at the office; and you'll be pleased to know that this little trip slipped under Kersh's radar. No one noticed we were gone." Her voice paused. "I'm sorry your source didn't pan out."

He shrugged. "I guess you were right, Scully. Just another crackpot who watches too much Star Trek."

She laughed, then said, "Mulder, before we left Nevada, you didn't put something in my pocket, did you?"

"Like what?"

"A penny and a dime, only they're somehow melded together - or, rather, one of them is inserted through the other. I've never seen anything like it."

"Doesn't sound familiar, but I'll take a look at it when I come in tomorrow."

"It's probably nothing," she said, "It's just - odd. Good night, Mulder."

Suddenly, it seemed important for him to tell Scully just how much it meant that she kept going out there with him. "Scully - I know it's not a normal life, but - thanks for coming with me."

He could almost hear her smile. "You're welcome."

Mulder turned off his phone and unlocked his door, setting his bag down on the floor inside with a sigh. Then he frowned and looked around slowly. Someone had been in his apartment - someone with a fetish for cleaning, he thought, looking around at the way the apartment had been tidied and slightly rearranged. Under other circumstances, he might have suspected Skinner's hand in this, but the other man had clearly said that he was going to be tied up for two days with the Director.

There was a light on in the bedroom that he was using for storage and he pulled his gun, cautiously approaching the open door. A quick look inside made him freeze and stare in disbelief, then he rubbed his eyes and looked again. He holstered his gun, turned and went back to the front door, opening it and looking at the number. 42, so he was in the right apartment, but what in the hell was going on?

He looked back at the bedroom and shook his head. Walter, he thought. It was the only explanation that made any sense.

**********

*Friday evening*

Skinner stood in the doorway to Mulder's bedroom, staring with stunned amazement at the huge four-poster bed that occupied most of the room. The sheets were something out of a mid-life-crisis, and he had the suspicion that the thing was a waterbed. He walked over to the bed and pushed on the mattress, confirming his suspicion, then looked back at his lover. Mulder was propped up against the door jam, his arms crossed, and an amused look on his face.

"I didn't know you liked waterbeds," Skinner said.

"I never thought about it," Mulder admitted. "But if you really want one, that's fine with me."

"If I want one? You bought it because you thought I wanted a waterbed?"

Mulder uncrossed his arms and walked over to his lover. "I didn't buy it. I thought that you did."

"What do you mean - you thought I bought it?"

"I mean that it was here when I got back from Nevada - the only other person who has a key is Scully, and she was with me."

The two men exchanged confused looks and Skinner said, slowly, "Probably those strange friends of yours, Mulder. I doubt that the Consortium broke into your apartment to give you a waterbed."

Mulder grinned. "Unless it's booby-trapped. Shall we test it and see?" Without waiting for an answer, he kicked off his shoes and lay down on one side of the bed. "It's more comfortable than I thought it would be."

Skinner slid off his shoes and lay down as well, then burst out laughing. "Mirrors, Mulder? Are you sure you didn't buy this?"

Dryly, Mulder said, "I'm positive. I certainly wouldn't have picked out these sheets if I had. I have more taste." Skinner rolled over on his side, grinning at Mulder and started to open his mouth. "Don't you dare mention ties, Walter!"

"I was just going to agree with you - after all, you picked me, didn't you?"

Mulder gave him a suspicious look. "Are you trying to soften me up?"

Skinner chuckled. "Just the opposite." He leaned over to nuzzle Mulder's neck, one hand moving to caress the younger man's groin.

Mulder caught his breath on a moan. "Bastard."

"Mmm-hmm."

Skillful fingers started unbuttoning Mulder's shirt while an equally skillful mouth traveled down his throat, and Mulder felt a shiver of desire wash over him. "Well, I suppose we should test this thing. To see if it's safe."

"Works for me."

Skinner swiftly stripped Mulder and set about reducing him to an incoherent puddle. Mulder responded eagerly, as if he had been without the mind-bending pleasure of his lover's touch for a week instead of just two days. He pulled at Skinner's shirt, sending buttons flying across the room, and laughed as his lover growled at him. Skinner bit Mulder's neck in retaliation but the younger man didn't seem to find that a punishment because he moaned and wrapped his legs around Skinner's thighs, pulling him down tighter so that their cocks rubbed against each other. The movement set up a gentle rocking of the bed beneath them, intensifying the friction of their bodies and Skinner caught his breath. He had to be inside Mulder now, had to know what it felt like to slowly fuck his lover while the bed moved with them.

Skinner reached for the nightstand and pulled out the lube, swiftly preparing the younger man before sliding home in one smooth glide. Mulder was so tight, so hot, and Skinner had to control the urge to ride him hard and fast. That would come later, after they'd had the chance to rest, but right now he intended to make this time long and slow. He pulled out slowly and thrust back in just as slowly, and he heard Mulder gasp underneath him.

"God, Walter! That's so good!"

"Mmm," Skinner murmured in reply.

He shifted Mulder's legs up to his shoulders and leaned down to kiss his lover, a slow and thorough exploration that soon had the younger man panting breathlessly. At the same time, he continued his slow stroking in and out of his lover's tight channel, concentrating on just the right angle to drive Mulder insane. And, from the noises that Mulder was making, he obviously was doing just that. Mulder was babbling incoherently and had long since stopped making sense. He was alternating between moaning and pleading, and his words inflamed Skinner even more, but he resisted the urge to let go. He wanted Mulder to come first, wanted to feel his lover tighten around him, wanted that last little push that would drive Mulder over the edge.

"Fox - open your eyes," he gasped. He watched as Mulder's eyes snapped open obediently, and knew that Mulder was looking up at their reflection in the mirror. He grasped Mulder's hips with his hands and sat back on his heels, bringing his lover with him so that Mulder's ass was spread on Skinner's thighs, then pushed Mulder's heels towards his chest. Then he continued his slow thrusting and heard Mulder's gasp just a moment before the other man's body clenched in climax. He threw his own head back then, watching himself watch Mulder as he came in desperate, eager pulses, and whatever brain cells he had remaining decided that it was one of the hottest things he'd ever seen. His own climax seemed wrenched out of him, his body thrusting and thrusting until he finally collapsed in a boneless heap on Mulder's chest.

Mulder lay panting under him for a long time and dimly Skinner thought that he should move, take some of the weight off his lover, but his nervous system had checked out without leaving a forwarding address. The younger man didn't seem to mind, though, and even had enough breath left to talk.

"That was incredible."

Skinner managed a weak chuckle and gently eased out of Mulder's body before collapsing on the bed beside his lover. The mattress undulated gently beneath him, like the rocking of a boat in harbor, and Skinner suddenly felt sleepy. "Think the bedroom floor in the new house will support a waterbed?"

Mulder yawned and stretched. "Doubt it. Besides, I prefer your bed on a regular basis - I think I hit bottom a couple times there. Still, this was fun for a change of pace, and those mirrors." Casually, he said, "We could always put it in the playroom in the basement."

Skinner rolled up on an elbow and looked down into his lover's face. "Are we putting in a playroom?"

Mulder shrugged. "Might be a good idea. We have all that lovely -and private - space down there. Seems a waste to use it all for storage. Besides, we can secure it and keep any incriminating stuff there, like toys and books and movies. I can get the Gunmen to run a security system separate from the one they're doing for the rest of the house - double protection."

Skinner ran a hand down his lover's body, watching the shiver that ran along his skin, and considered. They didn't have any toys or movies at either of their residences for just that reason - security. And they had agreed that they were going to play fantasy games at home, so they'd need to have some place to play. It made sense.

"It sounds like a good idea," he agreed. "Why don't you get together with Sean to design and supply it?"

Mulder's eyes popped open in surprise. "Me?"

"Why not? It would be good experience for you, and we said we'd be equals. Besides," Skinner grinned at him. "I'd love to see what that incredible imagination of yours can cook up."

Mulder grinned broadly and hugged his lover. Skinner responded with a brief kiss, then settled the two of them under the blankets, his eyes closing wearily as Mulder settled on his side next to him. Skinner leaned over to kiss the sweat-dampened hair and had vague thoughts of a shower when they'd had a little nap, then drifted off to sleep.

Mulder lay drowsily snuggled up against his lover's body, listening to the even breathing that told him that Skinner had drifted off to sleep. Although he was pleasantly tired, sleep momentarily eluded him, but he didn't mind. It was nice to just lay there, his body still tingling from the love that they had just made. An idle thought drifted through his head and made him shiver - what if something were to happen to take this all away from him?

Skinner stirred under him. "Fox?" he murmured.

"Shh, go back to sleep, Walter."

"Can't - you're thinking too loud." Skinner roused himself enough to pull Mulder into his arms, settling the younger man's head on his shoulder and wrapping an arm around Mulder's body. "Sleep now. Worry later."

Mulder chuckled and turned his head to kiss the warm skin under his head. "You're so organized, Walter." He let his eyes drift closed and, safely wrapped in his lover's arms, drifted into dreams of the perfect playroom.

End of Chapter 48

Title: Chains of Desire, Chapter 49: New Kicks
Author: Diana Williams
Email: diana@slashcity.com
Website: http://diana.slashcity.com
Disclaimer and Author's notes: Disclaimer and other pertinent information are in Forging the Chains: Intro. Most everyone here belongs to someone other than me, however Sean Matthews, Geoffrey Mason, Dr. Kate Malone and the Dionysus Club are my inventions - please ask before borrowing them. Chapter quote comes from "I Get a Kick Outta You".
Series Summary: Mulder takes a walk on the wild side, and Skinner had to rescue him from the consequences of his actions.
Chapter Summary: Mulder starts plans for a new playroom - and plays a new game

Chapter Forty-Nine

    "I get no kick from champagne
    Mere alcohol
    Doesn't move me at all
    So tell me why should it be true
    That I get a kick outta you."

"Sean, I need your help."

It was Monday morning, and Sean was stretched out on a couch in the library, enjoying a good book and the quiet that always filled the Club at the start of a holiday week. He looked up at Mulder and sighed dramatically. "What did you do now? And aren't you playing hookie from work?"

"I took some vacation days - and it's not like that," Mulder protested. "We've decided to put a playroom into the new house, and Walter's giving me free rein to design and furnish it."

Sean sat up, eyes gleaming. "Budget?"

"No limit - I'm spending my own money on this."

Sean bounced on the couch. "Great! My two favorite hobbies - SM and shopping!"

Mulder chuckled. "I thought that sex was one of your favorite hobbies?"

"No, sex falls into the category of obsession - my sex life and everyone else's." Sean gave him a grin, and Mulder rolled his eyes. "Anyway, I know some people that can help - the ones that designed the rooms here. They're expensive, but they're good and they're discreet. And then there are several shops for toys - what kinds of things do you need?"

"Everything," Mulder said simply. "We don't have any toys at home, and I want our playroom to be fully stocked."

Sean collapsed back on the couch with a laugh. "I'm in heaven! This is going to be such fun!" He looked over at Mulder with bright eyes. "When do you want to start?"

"You got time now?"

Sean grinned. "A man with a mission. I like that." He sat up. "Do you have a layout of the area where you want to put the playroom?"

Mulder nodded. "I've got a couple extra sets of blueprints at the new house. We can stop by there and pick up a copy, and you can take a look at the area where I want to put it, see what you think."

Sean nodded. "I'll call Jerry and see if she's got some free time today." He stood up, paled, and sat down again. "Give me a minute."

"You okay?" Mulder asked, concerned.

"Yeah," Sean said, bending over and breathing deeply. "Just a reaction to the new adjustments in my medication."

"Didn't they just adjust them a few months ago?" Mulder asked, remembering what Scully had said about the lessening effectiveness of a drug regimen over time, and he felt a chill.

"They're always adjusting the damn meds," Sean said irritably. "Just when we think we have it under control, the damn thing seems to change, to adapt to the medication." He gave a short, bitter laugh. "If I didn't know it was impossible, I'd say the bloody disease has artificial intelligence."

Mulder shivered at that and sat down on the couch next to Sean. "Maybe we'd better hold off on the shopping till later."

"Don't coddle me," Sean snapped. "I've got enough people worrying me to death - Geoff, Dana, my doctor, the lab - " He snorted. "Hell, the lab is rooting freaked, think it might be a new strain of AIDS. If my doc hadn't insisted on using an anonymous name on my blood work, I'd probably be strapped down in a secret lab somewhere while they poked and prodded me."

Mulder went still. "Sean, did you ever meet Bennet's Senior?"

"Of course. He used to be a member here till Geoff kicked him out. You knew that."

Mulder nodded slowly. "Yeah, but did you ever do anything personally to the man? Something that might make him pissed off enough to hold a grudge?"

Sean blinked. "Not that I recall, although he was really narked with Geoff and threatened him."

"Were the two of you together then?"

"No - we were still lusting from afar." He flushed and dropped his head, watching his hands as they worried the seam in his jeans. "That was before - you know."

Mulder nodded, knowing that Sean was referring to his torture and rape by an unsafe Top. "Sean, I don't want to drag up bad memories, but I need to know more. You're a safe player - why did you go with this guy?"

Sean shrugged, still not looking up. "I was pissed with Geoff because he stopped letting the Mountain play with me."

Mulder stiffened. "What?" he asked, glaring at Sean. "You didn't tell me that you and Walter played together!"

"It wasn't like that, Mulder," Sean protested. "Geoff just borrowed me for training sessions, when he needed someone for Walter to put through a scene - "

Mulder surged up off the couch, angrily pacing across the room. "Why the hell am I surprised?" he said sarcastically. "He seems to have fucked just about all the gay men here at the Club! Next you'll be telling me that he and Jean-Pierre - " He swung around to glare at Sean again. "They didn't, did they?"

Sean shook his head vigorously. "Jean just gave him cooking lessons, I swear! And he didn't fuck me, either. Or all the gay men here at the Club - just the ones that fit a certain type."

"Yeah - ones like Krycek."

"No - ones like you."

Mulder stopped cold in mid-rant and turned to stare blankly at Sean. "What?"

Sean sighed dramatically. "Come on, Mulder, get over yourself and buy a clue! Yes, we played together a couple times and it was great. And yes, he played with a lot of other tall, dark-haired subs here at the Club - how did you think he got to be such a great Dom? By osmosis? But the fact of the matter is that he never played with anyone more than a few times, and he never offered anyone a bracelet. Just you."

Mulder dropped his head, staring at his shoes for a long moment. Then he drew a deep breath and lifted his head, looking at Sean. "Sorry," he said simply.

"'Sokay," Sean said, then added, "Are we okay?"

Mulder nodded. "We're good."

"Still want my help with your playroom?"

Mulder gave him a half-smile and sat back down on the couch. "Of course, if you're up to it."

"I'm fine," Sean said stoutly, getting up from the couch. "See? Now, did you drive or do I need to call my driver?"

"I'm parked downstairs," Mulder said absently, leading the way towards the elevator. He had the feeling that he was missing something, that he had been on the track to something important before he let himself get sidetracked by Walter's past, but whatever it was eluded his conscious grasp. He shrugged; it would come back to him later.

Mulder pulled his car up to the curb in front of the new house, knowing that the back parking area would be filled with construction vehicles. He popped open the trunk and pulled out two hardhats, handing one to Sean. The younger man was surveying the outside of the building with keen eyes, and Mulder was abruptly reminded that the flighty-appearing sub was actually a superb businessman with countless holdings on several continents.

"This one yours?" he asked, indicating the central unit they had pulled up in front of.

"The whole building's mine," Mulder replied. "We're having the two central units combined for our home, and then I'll lease the two outside units to help pay for the taxes and upkeep."

Sean turned his head and gave Mulder an approving nod. "Good plan. Lead the way, mate."

Mulder climbed the stairs to the outside landing where the two exterior doors had been replaced with one double door, and opened one of them into chaos. Workmen were everywhere, and the cacophony of drills and saws and hammers was nearly deafening. He caught sight of the chief contractor huddled with two of his workers, checking something with the central staircase that now replaced the old narrow one in the opened-up foyer. He caught sight of Mulder and finished talking with his men, then came over to him.

"Morning, Mr. Mulder," he said genially, shaking Mulder's hand.

Mulder always felt a little overwhelmed by the sight of his hand disappearing in the big man's huge paw, but he smiled back easily. "Hello, Steve. How's it coming?"

Steve gestured towards the staircase. "Inspector okayed it last night, so we're gonna start on the finish work. Looks like a lovely grain under that paint. The new windows and doors are all in place, and we're starting the structure work on the third floor."

"Good," Mulder said. "This is Sean Matthews - "

Steve's face lit up in a big smile. "Oh, I know Mr. Matthews - did a lot of the work on that place of his." He turned to engulf Sean's hand in one of his. "How you doin', boy?"

Sean grinned back. "Tolerable, considering how you deserted me once you finished working on the Club."

"Right," Steve scoffed. "If you aren't knocking boots with that Mr. Mason by now, I'll eat my hardhat."

Sean chuckled. "You're right. We've been together three years," he said proudly.

"Congrats, kid."

"We're going to take a look at the basement," Mulder said. "And I promise that we'll stay out of your way."

Steve nodded and turned back to his crew. Mulder led the way across the foyer to the kitchen that ran along the back of the house, giving Sean a sideways look and a grin.

"Old friends, huh?"

Sean smacked Mulder's arm. "Not that kind of friends. Steve's not a member of the Club although he could be if he wanted. Besides, he's a Bear, not my type at all. But he's a great guy, and a hell of a carpenter."

Mulder nodded and opened the door to the narrow stairs that led down to the basement. He flicked on a switch and was relieved to see light flood the darkness below him.

"The basement runs under the two central units," he said, descending the stairs with Sean behind him. "It's got two large, open rooms off one side of the corridor, and the old laundry room and half-bath on the other side of the corridor." He gestured towards those rooms. "Walter and I decided to put the laundry room upstairs off the new kitchen, so we won't be needing the one down here."

Sean took a look at the laundry room and small bathroom beside it. "I'd suggest turning both of these into a large bathroom. You're going to want someplace to clean up after playing. A Jacuzzi would be good, too, for relaxing muscles."

Mulder nodded, then turned to the other side of the hallway, unlocking one of the storage rooms. It was a large, open room, getting a little daylight from a narrow window high on the wall, which would be at sidewalk level outside.

"You'll need to get that glass replaced with something opaque that'll still let in light," Sean commented, then turned around slowly, studying the room. "The other one's like this, too?"

Mulder nodded and crossed to unlock the small doorway that connected the two storage areas. Sean took a look at the other room, then nodded his head decisively.

"Well, you've got enough room here to put in several playrooms, Mulder, so what exactly did you have in mind?" Mulder gave the younger man a blank look, and Sean sighed. "Let me put it another way. What kinds of games did you two want to play here at home?"

Mulder flushed slightly and cleared his throat. "I hadn't thought about it much," he admitted. "I've been given a huge waterbed and it can't go upstairs, so I thought we'd put it down here. And we'll still keep playing the usual games at the Club, but I need some place where I can - take care of Walter."

"Take care of him?"

"Like Mason does."

Sean noticed the set look to Mulder's face and winced inwardly, knowing that he was the one who had opened that Pandora's box. "Okay," he said slowly. "Then you'll want the standard equipment - rack, cross, spanking bench, and so forth." Mulder nodded. "But what about you, Mulder? What do you want?"

Mulder shrugged. "I'm okay with what we have at the Club - "

"Bullshit," Sean said succinctly. "If that were the case, you wouldn't have tried that slave get-up for the Mountain's birthday."

"That was a mistake - "

Sean crossed the room and took his taller friend's face between his hands. "It's never a mistake to ask your partner for something you want or need," he said softly. "And I know that Walter has agreed to try to meet your needs. But he's not a mind reader - you have to ask." He noticed the deeper flush to Mulder's face and hazarded a guess. "You haven't tried anything like that since you two got back together, have you?"

Mulder shook his head. "Didn't want to risk it," he muttered. "Didn't want to screw things up."

Sean smacked Mulder's arm. "Mulder! Don't be an idiot! That last failure was Walter's fault, and he admits it. Do you hear me?"

"Yes," Mulder said with a sigh, and a faint smile turned up his lips. "You're a bully, Sean."

"You bet. And I want you to promise me that you'll take the next opportunity to play out your fantasy, okay?" Mulder nodded, and Sean patted his cheek approvingly. "Good boy."

He let go of Mulder and surveyed the rooms again. "You'll need to break up all this space, make it more intimate. An area for the bed, the main play area, and a storage section where you can keep the toys you're not using, as well as props for the fantasy play area.

"A regular play area and a fantasy play area?" Mulder asked.

Sean nodded. "You set up your usual stuff in here," he said, gesturing to the part of the room he was standing in. "Spanking bench, St. Andrew's cross, suspension system for slings and things like that." He walked through the doorway and gestured to the area he was now standing in. "But over here you don't want to put in anything permanent. You can trick it out with suspension cables and bolts and the like, make it easier to assemble your props when you need them."

"Need them for what?"

Sean shrugged. "A sheik's tent, or the mast of a pirate ship, or a schoolmaster's desk - whatever you need to stage whatever game you want to play." He gave Mulder a mischievous grin. "You have an imagination, Mulder. Use it."

Mulder felt a grin cross his face. He could do that. "Then you think this place will do?"

"It'll more than do. Grab a copy of the blueprints, and let's go talk to Jerry."

Following Sean's directions, Mulder pulled up behind a building that looked like a warehouse and got out, giving the place a disbelieving look.

"Are you sure this is the right place?" he asked the other sub. Sean rolled his eyes but otherwise ignored the comment, walking over to press a buzzer under a small sign that read "Free By Design". A few minutes later, the door was opened and a shriek nearly made Mulder run for the car.

"Sean!"

A small blond woman literally threw herself at Sean, wrapping her arms around him and hugging him ecstatically. "Where have you been? Why haven't you been by to see us? Are you okay?" The last was said anxiously as the woman pulled away and studied his face.

"Holding it together," Sean replied with a little shrug. "How are you doing, love?"

"Great. Jerry just finished a big job so we've been kicking back and relaxing." She looked past him at Mulder and smiled. "Who's your cute friend?"

"Hands to yourself, darling - he's definitely taken."

"All the good ones are," she said with an exaggerated sigh, then crossed over to Mulder, holding out her hand. "Hi. I'm Mallory."

"Fox Mulder," he said, returning her handshake. He was surprised to find that her grip was strong for her size.

"Are you going to invite them in, Mally, or make them talk in the yard?" asked an amused voice from the doorway, and Mulder looked up to see -a tall, dark-haired woman standing there. "Hello, Sean."

"Hi, Jerry," Sean said, moving closer for a hug. "I brought you a new client. This is Fox Mulder - and he prefers to be called Mulder."

Mulder stepped closer to shake the woman's hand, finding that she was about as tall as he was. "I hope we aren't intruding - "

"Of course not," Jerry said, stepping back and waving them in. She led the way through the warehouse and up a flight of stairs to a cozy loft, inviting them to sit down while she got coffee. Mallory plopped down on the floor on the other side of the coffee table and held out a hand.

"Let's see what you've got."

Mulder looked questioningly at Sean and he nodded, so Mulder handed over the blueprints. The blond woman rolled the papers out on the table and bent over them, studying them intently.

"Mallory's got a degree in architecture," Sean explained. "And she's a hell of a draftsman. She does the technical work while Jerry handles the creative side."

"So what are we looking at?" Jerry asked, coming back in with a coffee tray.

"The building's over a hundred years old," Mulder said. "In Old Alexandria. The part we're interested in is the basement in the central section."

"Already has plumbing which is a bonus," Mallory said absently. "Looks like two large, lovely rooms off a corridor. Horrid little bath and washroom at the back, though."

"We've put in a new laundry room upstairs so I don't need that one," Mulder said quickly.

"And you want to turn the whole area into a dungeon?" Jerry asked, glancing briefly over her partner's shoulder as she handed out cups of coffee.

Mulder gave Sean an uncertain look, and the sub nodded. "Yes."

"Got anything specific in mind?" Jerry asked, sitting down in a large armchair. "Atmospheric or purely functional? Modern or period? Marquis de Sade or Fantasy Island?"

Mulder gave Sean another look, this one utterly helpless. "Um - "

Sean laughed. "Jerry, Mulder's new at this sort of thing. He's only been in the Lifestyle for a year, and this is his first home playground, so you'll have to be gentle."

Jerry broke into a wide grin at that. "I'm always gentle, Sean. It's Mall who's the tough one."

Mallory snorted at that and looked up. "Lovely structure. Who's doing the rehab work?"

"Steve Baker," Sean said, and Mallory nodded her head in satisfaction.

"We've worked with him before. He's good people." She gave her partner a look that seemed to convey a whole conversation, then looked back at Mulder. "Funding?"

"As much as you need," he replied. "And Sean's right - I haven't the slightest idea of where to begin."

"He's going to want a regular type of scene setup in one area," Sean said.

"Nothing gothic or trendy," Mulder said hastily. "Walter would have a cow."

Jerry nodded. "Classic and functional, then."

"Exactly. And - and cozy." Mulder flushed a little at that but neither woman laughed so he felt bold enough to add, "And a separate area for playing out fantasy scenarios."

Jerry and Mallory exchanged a grin. "This is going to be fun," Jerry said.

Mallory nodded briskly and hopped up off the floor, fetching a pad and pencil from a work desk by the window. She made some notes, asking Mulder a few more questions, then shared another look with her partner.

"Give us two weeks to draw up some preliminary sketches," Jerry said. "Can we keep the blueprint till then?"

Mulder nodded. "I've got extras, so keep it as long as you need it."

"Thanks," Mallory said, briskly rolling up the blueprints and setting them aside. Then she leaned forward and, with a wicked grin, said, "And now that business is out of the way, tell us the latest gossip, Sean..."

Wednesday evening, Skinner turned into the parking garage for his apartment building, breathing an audible sigh of relief. It had been a brief but busy week, and he was looking forward to a few days off over the Thanksgiving holiday. He and Mulder were planning on spending a quiet evening at home, then heading up to the cabin for four days of relaxation away from the city.

He smiled as he saw that Mulder's car was already parked in his second space and quickened his pace as he headed for the elevator. It had been several days since he had seen his lover, although they had talked on the phone every evening. Mulder had decided to take some of his vacation this week so that he could spend time on the house-remodeling project and Skinner had missed even seeing him around the Hoover. He could hardly wait for the new house to be finished, when each night would be spent in his lover's company instead of just the all-too-short weekends.

Skinner unlocked the door and set down his briefcase, hanging up his coat as he called out Mulder's name. There was the scent of something delicious coming from the kitchen, overlaid with another, more exotic scent that Skinner couldn't identify. He stuck his head in the kitchen but it was empty, and he decided that Mulder must be upstairs in the bathroom or bedroom. The thought of catching his lover in the shower or while changing quickened his blood, and he almost missed the envelope sitting on the foyer table. The envelope with his name written in Mulder's handwriting.

His throat went suddenly dry and his hands shook slightly as he opened the envelope. Quickly, his eyes scanned down the short letter, noting with a puzzled frown that, although the signed name wasn't Mulder's, it was his handwriting. He went back to the top of the page and read it slowly.

Honored Friend - A year ago, you did me the great service of saving this Unworthy One's life. I am delighted to be able to repay in part the debt I owe you with the gift of a most talented slave. He has tolerably good looks and has been trained in all methods of providing pleasure. It is my hope that you will accept this gift, however, should it offend your sensibilities, simply go upstairs and the slave will swiftly remove himself from your presence. Your humble servant -

Skinner looked up from the letter with a thoughtful look on his face. He had no doubt about where his lover was - in the living room, naked except for those gold chains. Probably worrying himself into a nervous state by now, wondering if Skinner would accept his fantasy or reject him again. A smile slowly lit up his face. He had no intention of rejecting Mulder ever again.

Slowly, he walked into the living room, undoing his tie as he did. Just as he'd thought, Mulder was kneeling on the floor in front of the fire in a classic slave pose, thin gold chains running from the collar around his neck to his wrists and ankles. Twin nipple clamps adorned his chest, and the reflection of the firelight on them made it look like tongues of flame were licking Mulder's tits. Mulder had oiled himself with some exotic oil that made his body gleam like gold and smelled decadently erotic. He looked breathtakingly beautiful in the firelight, and Skinner had to breathe deeply a few times to get his heart and libido under control.

Deliberately, he walked over to the kneeling slave and stopped before him. Mulder stayed perfectly still, only his increased breathing showing that he was aware that the other man was standing inches in front of him.

"So you are the slave that my good friend, the - um - Sultan, sent to me," Skinner said, reaching out to tilt Mulder's face up towards his as if he was critically studying the younger man. "He was right - your looks are tolerable - " He ignored the slight snort at that. "He also says that you are well trained at providing pleasure."

"Yes, Master," Mulder said softly. "I can do anything that you want, be anything that you desire."

"Anything, slave?" Skinner growled, his hand moving down to grasp the chains at the base of the collar and pull Mulder up on his knees. "That's a dangerous promise to make. And a deadly one, should you fail to please me."

He saw the flair of arousal in Mulder's eyes and remembered how turned on the other man got when Skinner played up the dominant role at the Club. It confirmed his impression that Mulder wanted this fantasy to push beyond the careful boundaries of their Club roles, that Mulder wanted to be completely dominated. Used, possessed, owned. Just for one night. Skinner smiled. He could do this. He looked at Mulder, examined him up and down.

Oh, yeah. He could definitely do this.

He released the chains and turned away, tossing his tie onto the coffee table. Then he took off his suit jacket and set it aside, unbuttoning the top buttons of his shirt as he sat down in his favorite chair.

"Come here, slave."

Slowly, seductively, Mulder crawled forward on his hands and knees until he was kneeling in front of Skinner. He looked so damned sexy that Skinner found himself instantly hard and, by the smirk on Mulder's face, he knew that the younger man knew it as well. He reached out and grabbed Mulder's hair, jerking his head back roughly.

"When I tell you to come here, I expect immediate obedience. Not a show. Understand?"

Mulder eyes widened and Skinner saw his cock jump as he swallowed hard. "Yes, Master."

"Then apologize."

Mulder opened his mouth to speak and was startled again when Skinner pushed his head down towards the floor. Understanding the other man's meaning, he bent his head and kissed the tip of one of Skinner's shoes and then the other one. Then he started up Skinner's leg, bestowing a kiss every inch or two until he was finally nuzzling the hard bulge at the other man's groin.

"Better," Skinner said, his voice still stern. He grasped Mulder's hair again with one hand while his other hand moved to unfasten his pants and pull out his cock. "All right, my pretty slave, let's see how talented you are."

Mulder opened his mouth readily, taking in Skinner's cock with an ease developed over a year of experience. Skinner had always loved the other man's willingness to suck him off - no, more than willingness. His eagerness and absolute passion to do so, as if Skinner's flesh was the sweetest thing he had ever tasted and his ejaculate ambrosia. Sometimes, when they were in their bed or when they were at the Club, as Mulder took him in his mouth and sucked him, it was all he could do to keep from coming like a teenager. But tonight was not a night for Mulder to display his oral skills, and Skinner moved quickly to take charge of the situation.

He grasped Mulder's head with both hands, holding him in place so that he could slide his cock back and forth in Mulder's mouth. He heard the chains rattle slightly as Mulder's hands moved and released Mulder's head, pushing Mulder back slightly so that he could get a good look down at Mulder's body. The younger man's cock was jutting out proudly, no cock ring restraining it. For a moment he considered improvising one, but then a truly wicked thought crossed his mind.

He slid his hands down Mulder's body, tweaking the clamps on the younger man's tits, and heard him gasp and groan. His hand moved down to Mulder's erection, slowly stroking it. "Very good, slave," he murmured. "It pleases me to see that my pleasure arouses you so. And you want to please me, don't you, slave?"

"Y-yes, Master," Mulder gasped, clenching his eyes shut in an effort to control his body.

"Good. These are my orders, slave. You are to remain aroused at all times when you are in my presence so that I can enjoy the sight of this pretty cock. And every time I choose to play with you, you are to come. If you do not, you'll be punished."

"Oh, God!" Mulder groaned, his cock hardening even more in Skinner's hand.

"Do you understand me, slave?"

"Yes, Master," Mulder managed to say.

"Good." Skinner grasped Mulder's head again and pulled him down over his cock, thrusting deep into the mouth that opened readily for him. Skinner heard a slight groan from the younger man and saw the heat spike in Mulder's eyes before his eyelids slid shut. Mulder's jaw relaxed slightly, his throat opening to take Skinner in deep. Skinner groaned as he thrust faster and harder into the delicious heat, felt the delicious shudder that racked Mulder's body, and then his own climax was ripping through him. Mulder's mouth swallowed greedily around him, milking his cock even more, and Skinner shuddered.

Reluctantly, he allowed his softening member to slide out of Mulder's mouth and glanced down at the other man. Mulder's face was shiny with sweat and his lips swollen from use, his cock was still spasming with his release, and his eyes were bright green with lust and arousal and adoration. That look sent a flash of heat through Skinner's body, stirring his cock slightly, and he had to bite back a grin. Mulder, you are such a slut, he thought in amusement.

"I need a bath," he said, standing up and heading upstairs. Without looking, he knew that Mulder was following him. He stopped in the middle of the bedroom and held out his arms, a silent order for the "slave" to undress him, and Mulder quickly obeyed. Naked, he strode into the bathroom and found that Mulder had already drawn a bath for him. He climbed into the tub and allowed Mulder to scrub his back and chest and head, enjoying the ministrations. Mulder's long fingers were strong and skillful, and he worked over Skinner's entire body with light, firm touches - not enough to arouse him yet, but definitely stirring his interest.

He glanced down at Mulder's body and realized that Mulder was so absorbed in what he was doing that he had forgotten Skinner's instructions. Although Mulder's cock wasn't entirely flaccid, it wasn't aroused by any definition.

"Turn around, slave," he growled. "Hands and knees."

Startled, Mulder did as he was ordered, kneeling on the floor with his ass pointed at the tub. He didn't see Skinner draw back his hand but felt the four sharp smacks on his backside and gasped.

"That's a warning, slave - the only one you'll get."

Belatedly, Mulder remembered his instructions and glanced down at his cock, chagrined. It was firming up nicely now, though, and Mulder wiggled his ass slightly, hoping to get a little more of that kind of attention. Skinner ignored him.

"Towel." Skinner ordered, standing up in the tub. Mulder scrambled up and fetched a towel, carefully drying Skinner's body. He performed the task quietly and efficiently, with none of the teasing touches and little kisses that he usually bestowed when performing this service at the Club. But then again, there were some things that a loving sub could do that a lowly slave couldn't.

Skinner slid his arms into the robe that Mulder held out for him, then captured his slave with one arm around his body to hold him still while he plundered Mulder's mouth. Mulder responded eagerly, relishing the possessiveness of Skinner's kisses, almost groaning when Skinner released him and pushed him towards the sink.

"Bend over," Skinner ordered, and Mulder grabbed onto the sink and braced himself, expecting to be fucked. Skinner's hand stroked down Mulder's gold-tinted skin, caressing his ass. Then he grasped the end of the plug and pulled it out in one swift movement, making Mulder gasp again, and tossed it into the tub.

"I decide what fills you tonight, slave," Skinner growled. "Do you hear me?"

"Yes, Master," Mulder gasped, then groaned as Skinner bestowed two more swats on his ass. The swats were followed by caresses, and then the feeling of a tongue moving over the warm skin. Firm hands grasped his cheeks and pulled them apart, exposing his opening to Skinner's eyes. Mulder felt a breath of air ghost over his opening and shuddered deliciously.

"I'm feeling a little hungry," Skinner announced in that low, sexy growl that Mulder found so erotic. He licked across the exposed hole with the flat of his tongue, then poked the tip into the loosened tunnel.

Mulder groaned and tried to remain still, tried not to push back against the tongue that possessed him completely. He loved it when Skinner did this to him at any time, but something in the way the older man was rimming him tonight made him feel like it was for Skinner's pleasure alone, not his own, and that thought was making him feel more turned on than ever. He didn't even need to glance down at his cock to know that he was hard as steel, that coming was definitely not going to be a problem.

He felt the lightning flash through his body, igniting every nerve, and cried out as he came hard. The mouth moved away from his body, the hands releasing his hips, and he fell weakly to his knees. He knelt there for a long moment, panting and trying to regain whatever brain cells he had left, vaguely aware that Skinner was moving around the bathroom, going through the mundane chores of brushing his teeth and hair.

"When you're finished cleaning up in here," a cool voice drifted down to him, "you may prepare my dinner and bring it upstairs. I'll be resting on my bed."

"Yes, Master," Mulder said weakly. He grabbed a towel and wiped down the sink and floor, tossing it in the hamper, then headed downstairs on wobbly legs. Walter's going to send me into an early grave, he thought, and couldn't help the grin that crossed his face.

He had picked up food from Skinner's favorite Thai restaurant on the way home, had set it in the oven to keep warm, so all he had to do was prepare a tray with the food and drink but he took his time, to allow Skinner the chance to rest and recuperate. And he couldn't help wondering what else the other man had in store for him. He certainly hadn't expected this overwhelmingly positive response to his little game - the most he had hoped for was that Skinner would push him onto his back and fuck him through the living room floor. But this - this was so much more, and so much better, and it made his inventive brain race, wondering what other kinds of games he could convince his lover to play, once they were settled in the new house. He'd need to do a lot more research, he thought with a grin.

Mulder carried the tray upstairs and found Skinner stretched out on the bed, his eyes closed. Mulder carefully set the tray down on the bed and anxiously studied his lover. For a moment, a serious qualm went through him - it had probably been a hell of a week at work, with everyone trying to pack five days of work into three, and probably short staffed, and Skinner was undoubtedly exhausted. The other man had probably wanted nothing more than a quiet evening at home, and here Mulder had pushed him into playing this game through his own selfishness.

He was just getting into mentally kicking himself when Skinner's eyes opened, his eyes fixing on Mulder with such an intent look that any thoughts Mulder had immediately flew out the window. Automatically, his hand popped down to his cock but he needn't have worried - the smoldering look that the other man was giving him would have revived far more satiated flesh than his own. He swallowed hard and went to his knees, assuming the slave position again and waiting with breathless anticipation for Skinner's next move. Walter exhausted? He thought with an internal snort. Not by any definition of the word.

"Are you hungry, slave?" Skinner asked, the tone of his voice indicating that he didn't care one way or the other, only that it would be inconvenient for him if the slave keeled over from hunger.

"No, Master," Mulder said, hiding his amusement at this bit of play-acting since Skinner usually had a coronary at the idea of Mulder missing a meal. "I ate earlier."

Skinner gave him a sharp look, as if assessing the truthfulness of that remark, and appeared to be satisfied by the look Mulder gave him in return. "Good. I desire entertainment while I eat. I want to watch you play with yourself."

Mulder relaxed slightly - since their first weekend at the Club, this had become a very common order for Skinner to issue. The Dom knew how hot it made Mulder to be watched, and Mulder knew that it was a turn-on for Skinner as well. He spread his knees apart and arched his back so that he could give a better show, then grasped his cock.

"No," Skinner growled, and tossed the plug he had removed earlier at Mulder, followed by a tube of lubricant.

Mulder stared down at the items and flushed in embarrassment. It was one thing to fist himself for Skinner, and quite another to fuck himself. He had gotten accustomed to using his fingers to lube and stretch himself, and to inserting things like this plug into his ass, but he didn't have an audience when he did that.

"I'm waiting," Skinner said in his ominous "master" voice.

Mulder slowly picked up the implement. With shaky hands, he opened the lubricant and spread a thick coat on the plug, then rolled onto his back. He pulled his knees up to his chest, then gingerly inserted the plug into his hole. He was still lubricated from earlier and relaxed from his two orgasms, so it slid in easily. Mulder chanced a look over at the bed and saw that Skinner was watching him intently, as if he wanted to pounce on him and eat him up. He fought back another blush, closed his eyes, and concentrated on what he was doing, what he was feeling. After all, this was his fantasy, and in it he was the perfect pleasure slave. One who was accustomed to lust-filled eyes watching him, who was proud of his body and of his ability to entice any man to his bed with his skills. Slowly and with more confidence, he pushed the toy into his body and pulled it out, angling it so that it rubbed the right places. He moaned and glanced over at Skinner, and saw that the other man had set aside his tray and untied his robe, and was fisting himself as he watched Mulder. The image was so hot that it almost pushed Mulder over the edge.

"Up here. Now." Skinner pointed to the bed where he had spread out a large towel on the sheets. Mulder dropped the plug on the floor and gingerly climbed onto the bed. A swat to his backside made him hastily move into place on his hands and knees, his ass in the air. Skinner grasped the chain that loosely connected his hands and looped it over a knob on the headboard; it really wouldn't keep Mulder immobilized since the chain was thin and could easily be pulled back down over the knob, but the intent was clear. Skinner knelt beside his head, and Mulder automatically opened his mouth so that the other man could shove his cock inside.

"That's it, slave. Get it good and wet because that's all you're getting before I fuck your tight little ass."

Mulder obediently laved the hard cock with his tongue, getting it as wet as possible, although he knew that he was lubed and stretched enough now. Still, the fantasy of being at the hands of a merciless master was hot and made his cock throb painfully. He had an idle moment to wonder if Skinner would consider another variation of the game in the future, with him as a Helpless Virgin in the hands of a Vile Rapist, before he surrendered all thoughts to the fucking his mouth was getting.

Skinner pulled his cock out of Mulder's mouth and crawled around to kneel between Mulder's legs. The younger man spread his knees wider apart, giving Skinner better access.

"That's it, my sweet slave," Skinner growled. "Spread yourself wide for me. Been a long time since I've had such a talented whore in my bed." He placed his cock at the entrance to Mulder's body and pushed inside in one smooth glide, and Mulder groaned at the sweet burn of invasion. Skinner pulled out and thrust back in again, hard, and pinned the younger man beneath his bulk as he bit Mulder's shoulder and growled in his ear, "So fucking hot. You love getting your ass fucked, don't you, slave?"

"Yes, Wa - Master," Mulder gasped, pressing backward as he tried to incite the other man to move. "Fuck me, Master. Please, please, fuck me."

"Oh, I intend to," Skinner growled, and thrust into Mulder one time, as if in demonstration. "I'm going to fuck you so hard and so long that you'll still feel me in you a week from now. So you'll always know who your master is. It'll be days before you can walk - and that's if I decide to let you out of my bed." He leaned back, grasping Mulder's hips, and started his hard thrusts again. "I think I'll just keep you chained here, like this. Where I can use you anytime I want."

Mulder groaned, nearly out of his mind from the dual stimulation of words and actions, and came hard. He was dazedly aware of Skinner continuing to pound into him, of Skinner's shout as he came, of the larger body collapsing on him and squashing him into the bed. Vaguely, he thought about protesting at his near suffocation, but his brain was completely disconnected from his body and words refused to form.

After a few minutes, he felt Skinner ease out of him and collapse on the bed next to him. A gentle hand caressed his damp skin and a concerned voice said, "Mulder? You okay?"

"Yeah," Mulder managed to croak. "Ohhhh, yeah."

He heard Skinner's chuckle and felt the bed move as the other man got up and went into the bathroom to fetch a damp cloth. "Mmmm," he murmured lazily as the cloth ran down his back and ass. "Feels good."

Skinner parted his lover's cheeks and did a quick inspection. "You'll be a little sore tomorrow, but no serious damage."

Mulder grinned and rolled over onto his back. "I'm not complaining."

Skinner chuckled again and leaned over to gently kiss Mulder's bruised mouth, then pulled the chain free of the headboard. "You are such a slut."

"And damn proud of it." Mulder roused himself enough to wrap an arm around his lover to hold him in place for a moment. "Thank you, Walter," he said softly.

"You're welcome," Skinner said gruffly, kissing him again. "And thank you for giving me another chance."

"You liked it?" Mulder asked anxiously.

"Ohhhh, yeah," Skinner said with a grin, echoing his lover's earlier comment. "I hope there's more where that came from."

Mulder smiled widely at that, his eyes sparkling with mischief. "Oh, I've got lots of ideas." He yawned suddenly.

"I've got an idea, too," Skinner said, using the cloth to wipe down Mulder's abdomen, then wrapping it up in the towel that had been under Mulder, tossing it towards the laundry hamper. "I think that Master and slave should curl up under the covers and take a nice long nap."

"Sounds like a plan," Mulder muttered, already half-asleep. Skinner lay down and pulled the covers over the two of them, drawing his spent lover into his arms. Mulder gave a contented sigh and snuggled in closer, and fell sleep between one yawn and the next.

Skinner tightened his hold slightly, too content to care that the cuff still fastened around his lover's wrist was a bit uncomfortable pressed against his waist and that the thin chains were going to make an interesting pattern on his skin. He closed his eyes and breathed in deep, enjoying the combined scents of sex and body oil, and fell asleep with a smile on his face.

Skinner slowly came awake, gradually aware of the light penetrating the blinds and the sound of water running in the distance. The bed beside him was empty, and he felt vaguely disappointed - he had been looking forward to what Mulder's slave-boy persona had planned for a wake-up call.

The water went off and a few minutes later the bed dipped slightly as his lover crawled across it. Warm lips kissed his bare shoulder and a few drops of water from Mulder's wet hair splashed onto his skin.

"Morning," Mulder said softly.

Skinner rolled onto his back, intending to protest the unexpected dampness on his skin and his "slave's" early morning desertion. But the words died unvoiced on his lips as he stared up into this lover's face. Mulder's damp hair was sticking up like a kid's, and his eyes were glowing with humor and happiness. He was beautiful.

"'Bout time you woke up." Mulder said, grinning. "I thought you wanted to get on the road to the cabin early. I've got our stuff packed, and coffee in a thermos for the trip. Oh, and extra blankets - the sky's supposed to be really clear tonight, so we should be able to see some pretty amazing stars. And if it's not too much trouble, I'd like to drop by the house for a minute and get your opinion on the paint in the kitchen. It looks brighter than on the swatch, and I don't know if it's too much - hey!"

Skinner wrapped his arm around his lover and hauled him down for a kiss. Mulder made a sexy slave-boy, and Skinner wouldn't have traded last night for anything, but the reality of Fox Mulder - as complicated and infuriating as he could be at times - was infinitely better.

End of Chapter 49

The Chains of Desire, Chapter 50: Money-pits & Memories
by Diana Williams diana@slashcity.com
Disclaimer and Author's notes: Disclaimer and other pertinent information are in the Intro. Most everyone here belongs to someone other than me, however Sean, Geoffrey Mason, Dr. Kate Malone and the Dionysus Club are my inventions - please ask before borrowing them. The chapter quote comes from "Don't Want to Miss a Thing" by Aerosmith - it's probably obvious that I was listening to it while I wrote this chapter. Okay, okay, so it's a sappy chapter, but you know I always like a little sappiness before a storm...
Chapter Summary: Mulder and Skinner take a look at the renovations, then a walk down memory lane

"I could stay awake just to hear you breathing
Watch you smile while you are sleeping
While you're far away in dreaming
I could spend my life in this sweet surrender
I could stay lost in this moment forever
Every moment spent with you is a moment I treasure
Don't want to close my eyes, I don't want to fall asleep
'Cause I miss you, baby, and I don't want to miss a thing"

It was noon on Thanksgiving, and Skinner stood in the kitchen of the house that they were remodeling, arms folded across his chest, a heavy frown on his face. His eyes were fixed on the floor, so intent that he didn't hear the other man enter behind him.

"Walter, have you taken a look at the molding work in the living room?" Mulder said, practically bouncing as he came into the room. "That man's a genius - you can't tell where the old stuff ends and the new pieces begin. And he was able to match the color of the stain on the window frames to the mantle. The whole room is really coming together nicely."

"I hate it," Skinner said shortly.

Mulder gave him a startled look. "You do? But you personally picked out the colors for the living room - and spent four hours deciding, too."

"Not that," Skinner said impatiently. "The floor in here. I hate it."

Mulder came up behind Skinner and slid his arms around the other man's waist, resting his chin on his lover's shoulder. "What's wrong with it?"

"It's - I don't know - too - something." He glared over his shoulder as he felt his lover's chuckle. "Don't laugh. I can't identify what's wrong but it's just not - us."

"You liked the pattern in the book."

"That was in the book. Here - in our house - it just looks wrong."

Mulder kissed the side of his lover's neck. "So pick something else and have them replace it."

Skinner gave him an appalled look. "Are you crazy, Fox? Do you know how much this vinyl cost? Do you know what they'll charge to replace it?"

"Less than it'll cost after the cabinets and appliances go in," Mulder said practically.

Skinner sighed. "You're right. It's just that it seems like we're putting an awful lot of money into this place, and we haven't even begun working on the top two floors - or the playroom."

"We have the money," Mulder reminded him. "I made that investment company pay through the nose for my apartment building. And we're going to be living here for a long time. It's worth it to get it right."

Skinner sighed again. "Yeah. I just wish I knew what's wrong before I try to pick something else."

Mulder turned his lover around in his arms. "Maybe I can take your mind off that for a moment." He kissed Skinner, long and tender. "Mmm, that's better."

"Yeah," Skinner, closing his eyes and leaning forward. "Much better. Good idea." He initiated the kiss this time, and both men were breathing heavier when they broke the kiss. His mouth moved down to Mulder's neck as his fingers began unbuttoning Mulder's shirt. Since Mulder had been insistent about getting them out of the apartment and on the road this morning, Skinner hadn't been able to satisfy his usual morning "itch", and his body was demanding attention.

"And I've got a better one."

Mulder grinned. "Let me guess. It involves christening another room in this house, right?"

"I knew there was a reason you're such a good investigator," Skinner said, pushing the now-open shirt off Mulder's shoulders.

Mulder hastily stripped off his lover's shirt, his mouth greedily devouring the skin he revealed. He whimpered as he felt his lover's hands inside his unfastened pants and pulled Skinner with him down onto the floor. Frantically, Mulder freed his lover's erection, then pulled Skinner down into a fierce kiss. Their bodies rubbed together but the friction wasn't enough. Skinner slid one hand down between their bodies and captured both cocks in his hand, and he heard his lover groan just before his body started jerking with release. The feel of pulsing flesh against him was enough to send Skinner over as well, and he gasped out Mulder's name as he shuddered through his release.

After a few minutes, Skinner had caught enough of his breath to sit back on his heels and look down at his lover. Mulder was almost completely naked, his jeans bunched around his calves, with semen covering his shaved body. Skinner thought that he had never seen anything more beautiful. And then he frowned.

"Walter?" Mulder asked uneasily. "What is it?"

"I know what's wrong with the flooring," Skinner said, getting up and fastening his pants. "Stay there."

He hurried into the dining room that the contractor was using temporarily as his on-site office and picked up the binders of vinyl samples, then returned to the kitchen.

"The problem is that the vinyl clashes with your skin coloring," Skinner said, tossing one book on the floor as he flipped through the two-foot square samples.

Mulder propped himself up on his elbows, grinning at Skinner. "You have got to be kidding."

"I'm not," Skinner insisted. He studied and rejected a couple samples, then paused. "I think - Mulder, lay back down." He unclipped the sample from the book and set it on the floor.

Mulder did so, a look of amusement on his face, and Skinner stepped back to study the effect. "Perfect," he said nodding. "See what you think."

Mulder stood up, pulling his pants back into place, and looked at the vinyl square that Skinner had chosen. Slowly, he nodded his head. "You know, I think you're right. It just looks - right. And it'll go with the cabinets and wallpaper we chose."

"Of course," Skinner said smugly, and Mulder rolled his eyes.

"We spent hours with a decorator, days looking over the samples, and you chose the flooring because it'll go with my skin coloring."

Skinner grinned. "Can't think of a better method - especially considering how much time you're going to be spending on your back on this floor."

"You are seriously kinky, Walter," Mulder said, grinning, and wrapped his arms around Skinner's waist. They kissed for another long moment, then Mulder took Skinner's hand. "Come on."

"Where are we going?" Skinner asked, letting Mulder pull him into the hall.

Mulder grinned at him over his shoulder. "We have to chose the carpeting for the living room, right?"

Skinner laughed. "Mulder, at this rate, we'll never make it to the cabin before midnight!" He pulled Mulder back into his arms and nuzzled the skin under his lover's ear. "And I have plans for you involving a fireplace and a bottle of wine."

Mulder grinned. "Well, I guess we could finish decorating another time."

Locking up the doors, they got back in Skinner's car and headed out of the city. Mulder was quiet during the first part of the drive, looking out the window and idly drumming his fingers on the armrest, and Skinner gave him occasional concerned glances but let him have the silence he seemed to need.

Finally, as they turned off the expressway onto the rural road, Mulder glanced over at Skinner, his eyes studying his lover's face. "I didn't get the chance to ask if you were okay about what happened last night."

Skinner smiled. "I told you last night that I was more than okay with it. That was a seriously hot scene you set up, and I can't wait to see what your inventive mind comes up with in the future. Have you thought more about a playroom?"

Mulder nodded. "Sean and I talked on Monday and he took a look downstairs, then we talked to a team of designers that specialize in dungeons and playrooms. They're going to do some sketches and plans and let us take a look at them." He took a deep breath and plunged forward. "I asked them to do a classic setup in one area and then a fantasy play area - is that okay?"

"I told you that you're in charge of it, Mulder, so anything you want is fine by me."

"Yes, but do you want that, too?" Mulder asked anxiously.

Skinner slowed down for a stoplight and looked over at his lover, letting his eyes show the heat that the memory of the previous night stirred in him. "I want it," he said. "Last night whetted my appetite for a certain pretty slave boy that I hope to see again."

Mulder grinned back. "Yeah?"

"Mmm-hmm. And I'm already thinking about a dozen scenarios we can play out. Better make sure we have lots of lube on stock."

"God, Walter!" Mulder moaned.

Skinner chuckled. The light changed and he turned his attention back to the road as he said, "You're so easy," he teased. "Bet just saying that got you hard again."

Mulder shifted in his seat and Skinner knew that he'd pegged the situation right. "You haven't complained about that in the past."

"And I'm not complaining now. It's one of the things that I love about you, the way you're always ready for action."

Mulder flushed and gave him a look. "Well, if you wouldn't insist on pushing all my damned buttons..."

Skinner made a right turn onto the smaller road that wound back towards the cabin, giving Mulder a leer at the same time. "I like pushing your buttons. Almost as much as I like unbuttoning you."

Mulder moaned and leaned his head back against the headrest. "This isn't fair! You're doing this on purpose, making me so hot, when we're miles from the cabin - "

Skinner chuckled. "You won't die from a little frustration, Mulder." Mulder wriggled in his seat, trying to ease the tightness of his jeans. "Although if you keep doing that, I'm going to pull over to the side and take you right now."

Mulder groaned, his cock hardening even more. "Sounds good to me."

"Uh-uh," Skinner said. "I told you that I have plans for you."

"Right. Fireplace and wine." Mulder drew in a deep breath, willing his libido to settle. He concentrated his attention on his lover, his eyes drinking in the other man's appearance. Had it been only a year since they had confessed their true feelings for each other? A year since Walter had said that he loved him, since he had admitted he felt the same?

A smile crossed his face, lit his eyes. "I ever tell you how much I love you, big guy? And how much this past year has meant to me?"

Surprised, Skinner glanced over at Mulder and saw the soft, warm light in the younger man's eyes, the tender look on his face. It was a side of Mulder that he had first seen a year ago, one that he couldn't get enough of, and it lit a fire in his soul.

He jerked on the wheel, pulling over to the side of the deserted road, and slammed on the brakes. "The hell with the fireplace and the wine," he said thickly, and reached for his lover.

----------------------------------------------------------------

Mulder lay on his back, staring into the fireplace, acutely aware of the drowsing form of his lover stretched out on the floor behind him. A smile curved his mouth as he idly circled his finger along the top of his wine glass, remembering the wild, impromptu blowjobs exchanged in the front seat of the car. It had been wickedly fun and dangerous, but had only whetted his appetite for the main course.

And now, after having settled into the cabin and eaten a light dinner, they had settled down in front of the fireplace - and Skinner had promptly fallen asleep. It had amused Mulder rather than upset him, though. Although the older man hadn't said anything, it had obviously been a rough week at work and Mulder had a feeling that Skinner didn't sleep any better without him than he did without Skinner.

Mulder cautiously rolled over onto his side, propping his head on his fist as he studied the sleeping man. He loved moments like this, when his lover was asleep and he could watch him without feeling foolish. Just the feeling of the other man lying close to him, the sound of him breathing, made Mulder feel happier and safer than he could ever remember being.

There was a little smile on Skinner's face, as if he was dreaming of something pleasant, and Mulder found himself lightly running his finger over his lover's lips. A soft murmur of his name made him pull back with a smile, happy at the confirmation that it was him that Skinner was dreaming about.

He was tired, too, but he didn't want to close his eyes yet - this time was too precious to him and he didn't want to miss a moment of it. He frowned as he realized that Skinner might be cold, even with the thick rug under them, and sat up to pull the blanket off the couch. Carefully, he tucked the blanket over the sleeping man, then settled down to continue watching his lover sleep.

Skinner drifted out of a pleasantly erotic dream about his lover, aware of something warm covering him and something even warmer next to him, but not quite aware of where he was at the moment. Opening his eyes, he realized that he had fallen asleep in front of the fireplace and, for a moment, he was chagrined. After promising Mulder a romantic evening, he'd done about the least romantic thing by falling asleep.

He shifted on his side so that he could get a better look at Mulder and had to smile as he did. The younger man had obviously been tired, too, and had curled up next to him, a little smile on his face. He leaned over to gently kiss the closed eyelids, grateful beyond belief that this wonderful man was in his life. Despite how exasperated Mulder made him feel at times, he wouldn't give up a moment of this past year for anything.

Skinner considered waking Mulder up so that they could move to the bed, knowing that they were both going to be stiff from sleeping on the floor, but Mulder looked so peaceful that he couldn't bear to disturb him. Carefully, he eased Mulder into his arms and heard the contented sigh as his lover settled against him.

Skinner smiled and pulled the blanket over Mulder as well, then closed his eyes. Mulder was here, in his arms, and that was good enough for him. The rest of his plans for their weekend could wait.

end of Chapter 50

Archived: August 26, 2001


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