Generations 5

Life from the Ashes Series - Book 5 Generations By Jo B

purplefox@usfamily.net

Rating: NC-17

Keywords: M/Sk/K SLASH

Disclaimer: The X-Files characters are the property Chris Carter, 1013
productions and Fox Broadcasting. All other characters in the series are
mine.

Summary: This is an Alternative Universe Story. It takes place after an
alien virus has killed off most of the world's females and caused mutations
in forty-five percent of the remaining males.

Authors Notes: This is the fifth and final book in the series. The story is
told from multiple POVs.

Beta notes: Special thanks to Laurie, Nicole, and Demi for beta-reading
this story.

Feedback is always welcome. Any constructive suggestions are appreciated.

WARNING! This story contains references to male/male sex.

Okay to Archive: please ask first.

Chapter 5 Valentine's Day By Jo B

Deep Space Planet Empyrean

King Xowolfe's POV

The lilting sound of children singing fills the air with an uplifting
spirit of renewal. It is the sweetest sound on all of Empyrean. I watch the
newly married couple dancing overhead. Their wings fluttering gracefully as
they twirl around each other's body. This is the first female and male
seraphim to be married in thousands of years, and I wanted the ceremony to
be steeped with tradition.

I search the room until I find the five human immortals that have been a
part of my world for over sixteen of their Earth years. Each immortal is in
different stages of pregnancy. The five beauties have been pregnant
constantly these sixteen years. After each birth, with their next cycle,
whether it's a day or a month, they are impregnated again. Once our race is
out of danger of extinction I will rescind the order that requires them to
be always with child.

The young couple being married is Xochipilli's and Xoric's sixteen-year-old
son, and Xolid's and Xoned's fifteen-year-old daughter.

I allowed the human immortals to regain their memories of Earth once they
were committed to their lives here. Xoric, formally Ricardo Montoya of
Brazil, and Xolid, formally Khalid Kirah of Egypt, no longer wish to return
to their world. Their children and mates have come to mean more to them
than their former life on that primitive planet.

My fleet will soon reach Earth. Once there, a portal will be set up on the
command ship, so I can transport back and forth. Then it will not be long
before I can claim my mate from among the humans.

I think constantly about Xofox. His beauty haunts my dreams. I yearn to
feel him in my arms and to kiss his warm flesh. To be able to gaze into his
deep hazel eyes and to feel the tightness of his orifice around my shaft as
we mate. To have his body curled up beside mine on our bed.

The time has come to set my plans in motion for ending the relationship
between my Xofox and his human mates, so when I claim him, he will not be
moaning their loss. I look past the dancers toward the heavens, toward
Earth. My beloved, Xofox, we will soon be dancing on the clouds and the
memories of your current life will become a distant memory.

***

Crystal Palace Sunday, January 14, 2018

Krycek's POV

The kitchen floor is hard beneath my knees as I kneel, wiping up the sloppy
mess of oatmeal and a broken bowl. I look up at Arman who is giggling at me
from his booster chair; his little feet are kicking the bottom of the
table. It is times like this that I wish Fox were awake. He has a knack
with little kids more so than I do, especially with bratty three-year-olds.

"You're not getting anything else to eat until lunch, Mani," I say, tossing
the broken bowl and wet paper towels into the trash.

"I want Capt'n Crunch, not poopy mush." Arman sticks his bottom lip out in
a pout.

"I decide what you eat for breakfast, and since you dumped it on the floor
you get nothing. Now go sit in the corner and think about what you did
wrong." I am not about to back down, no matter how much his pouting reminds
me of Fox, right down to that adorable mole on his cheek.

"I hungry, Daddy."

"You should have thought of that before you threw your breakfast on the
floor." I lift him out of his booster chair and carry him over to the chair
in the corner. "Now sit there and be quiet."

"Daddy, my leg hurts."

I look down at his sad face then kneel beside him, pulling up the leg of
his sweatpants. The skin around the anti-power cuff is swollen. He's been
wearing it for two weeks now without a problem.

"Alex, what did my baby boy do now?" Walter says, walking into the kitchen
and over to the coffeepot.

"He decided to feed his oatmeal to the floor." I frown looking at the
swollen ankle, pulling the key to the cuff from the chain I wear around my
neck I unlock it and transfer the cuff to the other ankle. Then I use my
powers to heal our son's ankle. To Arman's delight, I kiss his tiny foot.

He laughs and throws his arms around my neck. "I love you, Daddy. I sorry,
I a bad boy."

I sigh. The little brat is just like Fox, how can I possibly discipline
him? I scoop him up in my arms and hug him. "C'mon, Mani, I'll fix you a
bowl of Captain Crunch."

Walter carries his coffee to the table and sits. "I'm going to review the
plans for the care facility. Do you want to come along with me to meet with
the architects?" he says.

The care facility is the institution we are having built for Fox's six
hundred and fifty daughters. "Sure. Were you able to find enough land on
the island?" I ask.

"Alex, I decided to have the facility built outside of Baltimore."

"Walter, we discussed this a week ago. We both agreed it would be best for
Fox if his new daughters were on the island. Why did you change your mind?"

"Our kids. Fox's time is already stretched too thin. He couldn't possibly
take care of Mani and our other children if he starts spending time with
these new babies."

I see Walter's point. Fox does tend to become too easily attached. "I guess
you're right. With us both pregnant again it wouldn't do for Fox to become
devoted to these new baby girls."

Walter reaches across the table and takes hold of my hand. "Alex, I was
serious last night. I think we should get married."

"Walter, we're brothers."

"We're only half brothers. We never even met until we were adults. It's not
as if we grew up together, and besides, when you changed into an immortal
it altered your genetic makeup. You're no more my brother now than Fox is."

I look into his earnest brown eyes. "Does it really mean that much to you?"

"Yes. Alex, we're both married to Fox and I want that type of commitment
for our relationship, too."

I'm touched by his sincerity. "Okay, if it makes you happy."

"What married, Daddy?"

I didn't think Arman was paying attention he was so engrossed in eating his
cereal.

Walter smiles at the boy and tries to explain. "When two people love each
other as much as your Daddy Alex and I love each other, we express it
publicly by getting married. Then everyone will know that we belong
together forever."

Arman face turns thoughtful as he thinks about what Walter told him. "Oh,
okay."

I smile at him and brush my fingers through his hair. "Finish your
breakfast, Mani."

***

One week later Crystal Palace Monday, January 22, 2018

Skinner's POV

I walk into the guest bedroom where we have moved Fox. Hunter, Angelique,
and Aleksandra are sitting on the bed reading. Fox is sleeping peacefully,
looking incredibly beautiful as always. He should be waking up any day now.

"Do you really think he can hear you?" I ask, walking up to the bed. I lean
down and kiss Fox softly on the lips.

Hunter glares at me and the girls refuse to look at me. I wonder what I've
done now to earn their disdain. Teenagers!

"Do you all have a problem with me?"

Hunter speaks up, his green eyes flashing with anger. "I do. I don't see
why you moved Dad Fox out of his bedroom and into the guestroom."

"I thought it would be more comfortable for him here than in our bed." I am
not about to tell Hunter the truth --that Alex and I have been getting more
physical while having sex and Fox was in the way.

"Yeah right, that's believable," Hunter says, his voice dripping with
sarcasm.

"Keep reading!" Arman's voice sounds from beneath the covers.

I didn't even notice the lump curled up next to Fox with our three
teenagers on the bed.

"Mani, we will as soon as Dad Walter leaves," Aleksandra says.

Arman crawls out from under the covers. His soft chestnut-colored hair is
sticking out in every direction. He climbs over Fox and stands up on the
bed frowning at me with his arms folded across his chest. I sigh, not him
too.

"When I King, I marry Daddy Fox," he says, looking up at me challengingly.

I can't help but laugh as I scoop him up in my arms and hug him. "You can't
marry Daddy Fox it's against the law."

"But I love him like you love Daddy Alex."

"No. It's a different kind of love, Mani. You love Daddy Fox as only a son
can love his birth mother. You'll realize that as you grow older."

"But I wanna marry him!"

"Too bad, he's already my husband and I'm not sharing." I kiss Arman's
nose. He is so cute when he tries to act tough. "C'mon, I'll make you
stuffed French toast." I look at the other kids. "Do you want to come
along?"

"No, Dad, we're staying here," Alek says.

***

Four Days Later Crystal Palace Friday, January 26, 2018

Mulder's POV

I open my eyes to darkness. My mind tries to comprehend where I am. I feel
the softness of a mattress beneath me, but I don't hear the sounds of
Walter or Alex sleeping beside me. I'm alone. Then I realize that the angle
of the bed seems wrong. I glance around as my eyes become accustomed to the
darkness. This isn't our bedroom.

"Oh God." Something must have happened while I was asleep. I stumble out of
bed and turn on the light. I'm in one of the guestrooms. I don't bother to
look for something to wear as I rush out the door. The plush carpeting
cushions the soles of my feet as I race through the hallways.

My heart is beating fast as I finally reach our bedroom. I charge through
the doorway and flip on the overhead light. I heave a heavy sigh of relief
as my eyes fall upon Walter and Alex sleeping peacefully in each other's
arms. Walter stirs and peers at me through heavy lids.

"You're awake," he murmurs, shielding his eyes against the harsh light.

"Yeah."

"Good." He rolls over on his side and cuddles closer to Alex. "Fox, would
you turn off the overhead light? I'd like to get some more sleep."

I stare bewildered at his back for a few seconds then flip off the light
switch and make my way blindly toward my closet. Stepping inside, I flip on
the light and close the door. I go to sit on the low dresser and brush at
the tears slipping down my cheeks. After waking up alone, panicking,
thinking that he and Alex might be hurt or worse, I'm stunned that he
didn't seem happy to see me. Why did they move me to a guestroom?

Standing, I start to dress, pulling on my faded jeans, a T-shirt, and a
sweater. My stomach growls, I'm starving, like I always am after a month's
long sleep. I'm not really in the mood to eat. After tying my shoes, I step
out of the closet and pause by the bed, staring down at my lovers. Maybe
I'm making too much out of this. I'm sure there is a good reason for them
moving me to a guestroom.

I walk across the hall to Arman's room. The light is on and he is up
playing with his cars and trucks.

"DADDY!" he squeals, jumping to his feet, he throws himself into my arms.

I hug him happily, holding the warm, small body close and breathing in his
scent. "I love you, baby."

"I love you, Daddy!"

I smile. "What are you doing up?" It was only five o'clock in the morning.

"I not tired."

I look around the messy bedroom. "When was the last time anyone cleaned in
here?" Our servants are supposed to clean the younger children's bedrooms
daily.

"Mark cleaned yesterday."

"Remind me to give Mark a raise," I say, looking at the mess Arman has made
of his room in less than a day.

"Daddy, I hungry."

"What would you like to eat?"

"Coco wheats, please!"

I smile at him. My spirits are lifted. "Okay, let's go to the kitchen."

Twenty minutes later, I'm scooping up the hot cereal into two bowls as
Sergei and Kaylie rush into the room.

"Dad, we sensed you were up!" Sergei hugs me, lifting me off my feet. The
boy is as strong as an ox.

Kaylie gives me a peck on the mouth. "Dad, we're so happy you're awake. How
are you feeling?" she asks.

"Fine. How has everyone been?"

"We've been okay. It's been rather boring without you around," Sergei says.
He's eyeing one of the steaming bowls of cereal.

"Would you both like some coco wheats?"

"Yes." They smile.

"Go sit down with Mani and I'll put some more on." I carry the bowls over
to the table, placing one in front of Arman and the other in front of
Kaylie. Sergei wouldn't be satisfied with such a small portion. I usually
have to fix him three times as much as the other kids. Luckily, Jacques
prepares lunch and dinner. Otherwise I'd never get anything done. I'm about
to fill the pan back up with milk when Hunter, Nicky, and Gawain enter the
kitchen. I smile at them as I reach for a larger pan.

My only son missing is River. I sigh as I remember that he's married and
living in Russia with Slava. I'm wondering how his wedding went as Hunter
hugs me.

"Dad, I'm sorry. I wanted to be with you when you woke up," Hunter says.

"Me too. We were taking turns sitting with you," Nicky says.

I sadly touch the side of their faces. At least they cared. "It's all
right. Do you know why your Dads moved me to the guestroom?"

Hunter looks down. "No. Not really."

"I'm sure they had a good reason," I say softly, not sure I'm going to like
it, whatever it is. "I'm fixing coco wheats for breakfast, unless you'd
like something else?"

"No. I love your coco wheats," Gawain says. "Can I help you, Dad?"

"Yes, why don't you make a fresh pitcher of orange juice."

I'm scooping up four more bowls when the twins and triplets come into the
kitchen.

"Daddy, you're awake!" Morgan squeals. Her and her sisters run to my side.

I kneel and hug each of them. "Alina, have you written any new poems?"

"Yes. I'll show you after breakfast, Daddy."

"How did your science project go, Kira?" I ask.

"I got a B+. I would have gotten an A, but the robot tipped over and
couldn't get back up on its own."

"Did Dad Walter help you figure out how to correct that problem?" I ask,
knowing Walter like I do, he would have spent hours with her until they
figured it out.

"Yes. Next year, I'm going to build a larger robot with learning
capabilities," Kira says.

I smile and kiss her cheek. Kira is just like Walter while her twin sister,
Nadia, is more like Alex. "That's good. Sit at the table, I'm making
breakfast."

I make them cereal then sit at the table and listen to their conversations
while glancing around the new breakfast room. The tall windows look out
over the island where the sun is just starting to cast a glow on the
horizon just before it rises. Being in the company of my children is having
a calming effect on me. I lower my hand to rest it on my stomach, wondering
if I'll be having a boy or a girl this time.

My five older daughters finally show up in the kitchen carrying presents.

"What's this?" I ask as they set the gifts in front of me, each kissing my
cheek.

"We made you some things," Faith says.

"Why?"

"Because we love you and want you to be happy," Summer says.

"How can I not be happy with daughters..." I look around the table at the
boys. "...and sons like you?"

Angelique rests her head against mine. "We didn't have time to show you how
much we loved you, Dad. After you got back you fell asleep. We know those
men hurt you...." She sniffs as tears fall down her cheeks.

I feel tears rising in my eyes as I hug her. "I'm fine, Angel. Don't cry,
let's see what you made me." I pick up the top present and open the card.
It is homemade with colored construction paper and sparkles and has all the
kid's names signed on it, including River's.

"Kira and I made the card, Dad," Nadia says.

"It's beautiful." I open the gift. Inside is a photo album with pictures of
River's wedding and the party afterwards. I smile as I read the hand
written captions next to each of the photos. River looks so happy standing
between Alex and Walter.

"Has anyone talked to River since he moved to Russia?" I ask. I have to
call River and find out how he's doing.

"I received an email from him two days ago," Hope says. "He's still not
used to living in St. Petersburg and he misses everyone here. But he says
he's happy."

"Thanks, Hope." I pray that River is truly happy and that Slava is treating
him okay. I pick up the next present and open the card.

"DADDY, I MADE THAT!" Arman shouts, clapping his hands excitedly. The other
kids laugh.

"Wow, and I thought River was the artist in the family." The card has globs
of glue all over it and the most obnoxious color combinations. I wonder if
Arman might be colorblind.

Inside the box are sixteen notebooks with each kid's name on the cover,
including River's. His notebook was filled with laser prints that have his
email address at the top.

"We each kept a journal while you were sleeping."

I smile happily, flipping through Sergei's journal. "This is wonderful. Now
I'll know what everyone was doing and thinking this past month." I look
across the table at my eldest son. "There's nothing in here that will make
me blush is there, Sergei?"

"Make you blush, Dad?" Sergei smirks. "I don't think that's possible. Uncle
Melvin told me all about the videotape collection you had before the
mutations."

I chuckle. "Remind me to have a chat with your Uncle Melvin later."

"Dad, can I get you a cup of coffee?" Faith says. She has taken the time
while I was opening the gifts to start the coffeemaker.

"Yes, Faith. Thanks." There is one gift left and I wonder what it could be
as I accept the mug of hot coffee from my daughter.

***

Krycek's POV

I come slowly awake to Walter's strong arms holding me. I look at him and
smile. "Morning. I'm surprised Mani isn't in here demanding breakfast."

Walter smiles back at me. He stretches and yawns. "I think Fox must be
taking care of him."

"Fox is awake?"

"Yeah, he came in here a couple hours ago."

"Why didn't you wake me?" I climb out of bed and rush up the steps to the
bathroom.

"We both needed our sleep after last night," Walter says, following me up
the steps.

"How was Fox? Did he seem okay?"

Walter joins me in the shower. "He seemed fine."

I breathe a sigh of relief. "Good. I was worried he'd be upset that we
moved him to the guestroom."

"After Fox finds out you accidentally gave him a black eye and bloody lip,
he'll understand why we moved him."

Walter starts washing my back. I purr contentedly. "When do you want to
tell Fox about the care facility we're building for his daughters?"

"Let's wait until after our wedding."

"Why? Fox is going to want to know."

"You know how Fox gets. I don't want his sulking to interfere with our
wedding. It's only three weeks, Alex."

"I don't like lying to him--"

"It's not lying if the subject doesn't come up."

I sigh. "Okay, Walter. We'll avoid the subject until after our wedding.
With us taking a five-day vacation starting tomorrow, it should help us
avoid the subject."

We finish showering then dress and head down to the kitchen. The sound of
laughter drifts down the hall. I'm surprised to see that all of our
children are up and gathered around Fox. He is opening a gift-wrapped
present.

"You're having a party and we weren't invited?" I say.

Hunter gives me a look of annoyance. His green eyes flash with apparent
anger. "We aren't having a party. We wanted to do something special for Dad
Fox when he woke up--alone."

That hurt. Hunter can cut right to the bone with his barbs. Yeah, he's
definitely my son.

Fox looks up at us, and smiles. "I trust you both slept pleasantly?"

Walter and I return his smile as we cross the space to his side.

"Yes, we did. I'm glad you're finally awake," Walter says, leaning down and
kissing Fox on the lips.

"Fox, we really missed you." I bend and kiss him.

"You couldn't have missed me that much, considering I woke up in the guest
bedroom."

"There's a good reason we moved you," I say.

Fox sits back and looks at us. "I'm waiting, Alex."

"We can't tell you in front of the kids."

"Daddy, open present!" Arman is squirming around on his chair impatiently.

"Okay, Mani," Fox says, lifting the lid off the box. A smile lights up his
beautiful face as he pulls out an eight-inch by ten-inch piece of color
construction paper. It has a picture of Summer on it with a handwritten
poem pasted next to it. The thick paper is decorated with cut out paper
flowers and a stamped pattern.

I peer inside the box. There is a stack of different color papers with each
of the kid's photo accompanied with a poem about their feelings for Fox.

"That's beautiful kids," I say.

"Yeah, very nice," Walter says, taking the one with Summer's photo from Fox
and reading it. "We should get these framed."

"No. I think I want them bound in a book, so I can carry them with me," Fox
says.

Walter places the construction paper back in the box. He combs his fingers
through Fox's hair. "Fox, Alex and I are going to be taking a vacation to
Washington D.C. and New York tomorrow until Wednesday."

"You're leaving after I just woke up?"

I cringe at the hurt in Fox's voice. "Maybe we can postpone our trip,
Walter."

"Alex, I've already set up the appointments, but--"

Fox sighs. "It's okay. I don't want you to cancel your vacation for me."

Walter is visibly relieved. "Fox, we'll make time for you after we get
back. Alex and I have decided to get married and we'd like to spend some
time alone together," he says.

"Congratulations," Fox says, "When's the wedding?"

"Valentine's day."

Fox looks confused. "I don't even know what today is."

"It's Friday the 26th of January," Walter says.

"Well, I'm happy for both of you. If I don't see you and Alex before you
leave, I hope you have a nice vacation."

"We're not leaving until tomorrow morning," I say, feeling even guiltier at
the hurt in his eyes.

Fox stacks the boxes, looks at our children, and smiles softly. "Thanks.
I'm going to be in my office reading your journals."

"I go with you, Daddy," Arman says, climbing off his chair.

"Me too!" Regan says.

"Me three!" Alina and Morgan say.

I feel sad watching him leave. We should cancel our trip or take him with
us.

Walter hugs me. "He'll be fine, Alex. This time is for us. We'll spoil him
after we get back. C'mon, we need to get downstairs."

"You're both such selfish jerks!" Hunter says, glaring angrily at us, then
storming out of the kitchen. Our sons and daughters all follow quietly
giving us accusing looks as they leave the room.

"What did we do?" I ask, not quite sure where their anger is coming from.

"They're teenagers, Alex. Most teenagers are obstinate."

***

Skinner's POV

I glance over at Alex. He's talking with General Macky in the doorway of my
conference room. The General is puffing on one of his smelly cigars.

Alex and I spent the day in meetings and overseeing the running of our
Kingdom. Since I returned, Alex has spent a lot time with me learning what
is required to rule in my absence. He even quit his job at the FBI to be
with me. That decision was painful for him to make, since it meant leaving
Fox on his own in the bureau.

"King Walter, I hear that Prince Fox is finally awake," General Kline says.

"Yes."

"I'm surprised that you and Prince Alex didn't take the day off to be with
him."

"We couldn't, Clay. I needed to approve the funds for the new space station
before we leave tomorrow. Plus I wanted to hear what Professor Douglas had
to say about the deployment of the deep space satellites."

"It seems a shame that you weren't able to spend anytime with Prince Fox
before leaving on your vacation."

"Clay, can you keep an eye on him and the children while we're gone?" I do
feel guilty for brushing Fox off this morning. I intend to make it up to
him tonight.

The servants enter the room and start clearing the plates and leftover food
off the conference table. I regret that we weren't able to have dinner with
Fox and the kids tonight.

I walk over to Alex, who is standing alone by the door waiting for me. I
wrap my arm around his waist. "Alex, let's go home."

Alex sighs. "It's about time." He sniffs his clothes. "I could use a
shower. I wish you'd ban smoking in the conference room."

"Sorry, babe. My generals and staff all like to smoke. It keeps them happy
during some of the longer meetings." We stroll across the throne room over
to the elevators in the foyer.

We arrive in our apartment and head straight for our bedroom. Fox isn't in
the room. He must be putting the younger kids to bed. He usually spends
time telling the triplets and Arman bedtime stories. I strip and follow
Alex up to the shower.

He is particularly beautiful this evening. Pregnancy seems to bring out a
special glow in both him and Fox.

"What are you smiling about?" Alex asks.

"How lucky I am. You look gorgeous tonight." I pull his hard naked body
against mine as we stand under the spray of the shower. I kiss him hard,
pushing him up against the shower wall. Alex pushes back and soon has me
pinned against the opposite wall as he devours my mouth.

"I want you inside me, Alex." I'm breathless and can barely get the words
out.

"Bed," Alex murmurs, fumbling to turn off the shower.

We stumble out of the shower and do a half ass job of drying ourselves as
we hurry down the steps, dropping the damp towels on the bedroom floor. I
spread my legs and lean up against the bed as Alex prepares me. The first
thrust of his cock inside me sends shivers of pleasure down my spine....

***

Mulder's POV

I open the bedroom door and freeze in the doorway. Walter and Alex are on
the bed, having sex. Their backs are to me. I watch as Alex thrusts into
Walter's ass. For some reason I feel like a voyeur...like I don't belong
here. It's a new feeling for me. Maybe it's from waking up in the
guestroom, then finding out that they're taking a vacation together and
didn't want me along.

I back out quietly and gently close the door and head back to my office.
I'm troubled by how unwanted I'm feeling. This is the first time I've
awoken after becoming pregnant without them pampering me. I guess the
eighteen-year honeymoon is finally over.

Walter and Alex always had more in common with each other than they had
with me. I can't remember the last time that Walter allowed me to top him.

Kicking off my shoes, I lie on my leather sofa and flip on the television.
I want to distract myself from these thoughts of self-pity.

***

Krycek's POV

When I open my eyes, sunlight is blaring through the windows. Walter and I
are a tangle of limbs. I glance around for Fox. He isn't in bed with us.
Knowing Fox, he's probably up attending to the kids already.

"Walter, wake up." I shake him, we're supposed to be in D.C. by noon.

"Whatimesit," he mutters.

"Ten o'clock. We have just enough time to shower, dress, and pack." I slap
his buttock as I climb out of bed.

***

Mulder's POV

I watch Walter's and Alex's helicopter take off from Ari's balcony. I came
down here after Shinji told me that Jason Duffy had passed away two weeks
ago. So I didn't see my husbands this morning before they left...not that I
thought they'd give a damn.

I lean up against the railing gazing at their helicopter. Ari is inside
attending to his two-year-old daughter.

"Mulder, what's wrong? Are you angry with Walter and Alex?" Shinji asks,
shivering in the doorway.

Shinji has been my best friend for years. He knows me so well. I shrug my
shoulders. "They're more interested in each other than me. I slept in my
office last night and they didn't even care."

"That can't be true."

"It is." I watch the helicopter disappear off in the distance. "I still
love them, Shin, I just need to get used to the fact that their love for me
isn't as strong as their love for each other."

"I think you're making too much out of this. They just decided to finally
get married...they have a lot on their minds that's all."

"I suppose you might be right," I say softly. "It was just that yesterday I
felt like I was intruding on them."

Ari appears in the doorway. "Mulder, would you get your ass in here. It's
freezing outside."

"I didn't notice," I say, stepping back inside.

Ari drapes his arm over my shoulder. "I've made us some hot tea. Don't
worry about Walter and Alex, it will work out. If it doesn't you can move
in with me," he teases.

I wonder how much of Shinji's and my conversation he overheard. "I'm
supposed to be comforting you, Ari. I'm really sorry I wasn't awake to be
here for you when Jason passed away."

"I wish you could have been here too, but I had Shinji and Hans to fall
back on."

"Do you know what you're going to do?" I ask.

"Continue as I have been. I don't intend to search for a new husband to
replace my Jason." Ari smiles at me as he pours Shinji and me a cup of tea.
"There is only one man I would even consider marrying and he's already
taken."

I ignore the pass. Ari has been flirting with me for years. "Ari, if you
need someone to talk to I'm here for you."

"Thanks, Mulder."

***

Two Days Later Crystal Palace Monday, January 28, 2018

Mulder's POV

"Hi, Mulder."

I look up from the stack of reports I'm going over as Gabriel Hunter enters
my FBI office. "Hi, Gabriel."

"It's rather quiet around here since Alex quit," Gabriel says.

I set the folder aside and give him my full attention. Alex never told me
he quit. I didn't find out until I showed up at work this morning and found
his stuff missing from our office. He must have decided that he preferred
working with Walter. "Is there something on your mind?"

"Mulder, I'm worried about you. You can't keep putting yourself under this
type of pressure and stress. Now that Alex has quit, maybe you should think
about quitting too."

"I'm fine. I haven't been here since Walter, our sons, and I were abducted
in December." I glance around my cluttered office. "I can't quit, this job
is the only thing I have left that defines who I am outside my family."

"Mulder, you're more important than this job." Gabriel picks up the case
file. "Let's face it, you weren't doing too good last time you were working
on this case. At least you've put on a some weight since then."

"Gabriel, I'm pregnant...I spent the last month sleeping and regaining the
weight I lost." It is one of the affects of an immortal's healing sleep
after becoming pregnant. "Besides, I can't jog anymore and I've been
forcing myself to eat better...even if I don't feel like it."

I look down at the photographs of twenty-five boys ages six to ten that
were abducted from their homes over the past three years. The boys were
conceived by using of the stored ovum and their father's sperm. Then they
were grown to term in the growth cylinders. "I need to find out who's
taking them, Gabriel. Their families are suffering...."

"Mulder, just try to take it easy. If you need help ask. Don't do
everything yourself. I'm here for you as are every FBI agent."

I look up at him, feeling not so alone as I had been an hour earlier. "I
will. Thanks."

***

Two Days Later Crystal Palace Wednesday, January 31, 2018

Skinner's POV

I watch the island come into view. Alex and I both miss Fox dearly and are
looking forward to being home with him.

When we land I scan the palace for him. I frown. Fox doesn't seem to be
inside. I scan the island and come up blank.

"Fox isn't on the island," I say.

Alex looks at me with concern. "Where is he?"

I contact General Kline telepathically. *Clay, where's Fox?*

*He's in Philadelphia.*

*What's he doing in Philadelphia?* I'm getting angry. Fox knows he's
supposed to talk to me first before he leaves the island.

*Working on a case.*

*How many sorcerers did you send with him?*

*Twenty-four. Gabriel Hunter also accompanied him.*

I relax a little at the news that Gabriel is with him. *When did he leave?*

*Three hours ago.*

I frown. Fox knew we were due back at noon. What could have been so urgent
that he couldn't wait three hours?

"Walter, what's going on?" Alex's voice is tinged with panic.

"Fox has gone to Philadelphia on a case."

"Why didn't he call us?"

"I don't know, but I intend to find out." I'm angry, Fox shouldn't be
leaving the island without me being with him. Not while he is pregnant with
my child. What was he thinking?

Alex and I make it back up to our apartment. Our daughters and their
nannies greet us.

"How was your vacation, Dads?" Hope asks.

"It was fun. We missed all of you," Alex says.

"Where's Arman?" I ask.

"He's with Sergei and Kat downstairs visiting Ari," our daughter's nanny
says.

"Alex, I'm going to call Fox," I say, heading toward Fox's home office.

"Walter, control your temper," Alex calls after me.

***

Philadelphia Wednesday, January 31, 2018

Mulder's POV

I look out the window of the truck as we drive through heart of
Philadelphia. The city hasn't changed much in the nineteen years since our
world was forever altered. The people have changed. It's still so strange
seeing only men on the street. I've gotten used to my life on the island
where dozens of females that survived the alien attack took up residence
for the protection the island affords them.

Another thing that has changed is the number of Neanderthals still living.
Since their life span is less than fifty years, all of those who mutated
while in their thirties are now dead. No babies with the n'thral gene have
been allowed to be gestated using the growth cylinders.

Gabriel's cell phone rings, pulling me from my thoughts. I know it's
Walter. I intentionally left my phone at home. I listen to Gabriel talk
quietly to my husband for a couple of minutes before handing me the phone.

"Walter, I hope you and Alex had a nice vacation," I say, trying for
pleasant but sounding bitter.

"I told Gabriel to bring you home, but he's refused. He says it's your
decision to make." I could hear Walter trying to control his temper. "Fox,
you agreed never to leave the island without talking to me first."

"Walter, I didn't want to intrude on your vacation. Besides, if you really
gave a damn about me, you would have called me, just once, over the last
five days to find out how I was doing." I take a deep breath and ramble on
quickly. "Look, I'll be home once I track down some leads on this case.
Bye." I disconnect not giving him a chance to continue the argument and
toss the cell phone out the window of the truck.

"Mulder, was that necessary?" Gabriel asks.

"You're a sorcerer, you can zap yourself a new phone."

"No, I mean antagonizing Walter. He loves you and is only worried about
your safety."

"I've been having my doubts lately whether he really loves me," I say
quietly and instantly regret it as movements in the backseat make me aware
of the two sorcerers in the truck with us.

"You know he does. Stop making a mountain out of a mole hill." Gabriel
stops in front of the warehouse. Five other trucks pull up beside ours.

"I'm sorry, I shouldn't have said anything. My emotions tend to get
overwrought when I'm pregnant." I climb out of the truck, my long black
overcoat hugging my body as a cold wind whips around us. I know everyone's
eyes are on me as I run my fingers through my long hair. I'm so used to
their stares that it no longer bothers me.

"What are we looking for, Mulder?" Gabriel asks.

"Documents...anything that will show us where these boys have been taken
and by whom." We enter the warehouse and the men split-up with Gabriel
staying close by my side.

"You still amaze me, Mulder. All of the FBI sorcerers and clairvoyants
working on this case couldn't come up with a lead this solid."

I smile at him, feeling satisfaction for the first time in months. We start
boxing up all the papers and digital media we can find. We're going to take
it back to the field office and go through it carefully.

***

Skinner's POV

I can't believe he hung up on me. Fox can be so selfish at times.

"Walter, did you speak to Fox?" Alex asks from the doorway.

"Yeah. He'll be back as soon as he finishes checking some leads on some
case he's working on."

Alex frowns. "I shouldn't have quit the FBI. Fox needs me, what was I
thinking?"

"He has Gabriel and two dozen sorcerers to protect him." I place my hands
on Alex's shoulders and gaze into his eyes. "Alex, after we were abducted
in December, it became clear to me that you were indispensable in taking my
place as King. I want you to be able to co-rule with me, and anytime I have
to leave for a long period of time, I want you to rule in my stead."

"Walter, what about Fox?"

"What do you mean?"

"If I'm co-ruling with you what about him?"

"I don't think any of my cabinet would take him seriously. Alex, you're
more menacing than Fox can ever hope to be." I smile at him. "You scared
the hell out of my cabinet in my absence and gained their respect."

"I suppose you're right." Alex sighs, "I was looking forward to Fox being
here for us when we got back. It's been weeks since we've made love to him.
I can't believe he put his job ahead of us."

"Neither can I."

***

Philadelphia

Friday, February 2, 2018

Mulder's POV

We found the location of where the boys had been taken in one simple
shipping receipt. The location is outside of New America in the deserts of
Sedona, Arizona. I nervously hold the phone as I dial Walter's number. I
haven't spoken to him since I hung up on him two days ago. I've spoken to
our kids and Alex since then, each calling me at my hotel room.

"Fox, are you coming home now?" Walter answers, speaking softly.

"I need to go to Sedona--"

"No. I've allowed you to stay in Philadelphia, but I'm not about to allow
you to travel into zones beyond my rule."

"Walter, I--"

"Dammit, Fox, NO! You're pregnant with my child and I'm not allowing you to
place our baby in harm's way."

I look out the window and clutch the receiver tighter. He's concerned about
the baby I'm carrying. When was the last time he told me or showed me how
much he loved me? December after those men raped me. I steel my resolve.
"Walter, I've been working on this case for over a year. How can you expect
me to stand by and do nothing?"

"Look, Fox, you found them, let the FBI's rescue task force bring them
home." Walter sighs, "Babe, come home, I need you here. There's nothing you
can do in Sedona that other FBI agents can't do."

I know he's right. I'd probably only be in their way, but I want to be
there for those boys. I still don't know why they were taken, so I fear the
worse. "Walter, I need to go to Sedona. If you're worried...about our baby,
you can come with me."

"Fox, I'm needed here and so are you! I'm ordering my men to bring you
back."

"Don't do this, Walter."

"Fox, Mani has been crying for you since yesterday. How can you stay away
from him?"

That got my attention as well as my guilt. "Okay, Walter, you win, I'm
coming home." I hang up and lay on the bed.

***

Monday, February 5, 2018

Krycek's POV

Fox has been quiet the last three days, spending long hours in his office
on the phone with FBI agents in Sedona. All twenty-five boys have been
recovered in excellent health. The men who had taken them wanted sons but
were too poor to afford the astronomical prices the reproductive clinics
charge for gestating a baby in a growth cylinder. Walter and I are looking
into this problem.

I know Fox is relieved. He had feared some sex pervert had taken the boys.
I look through the ceiling-to-floor fish aquarium from my home office into
Fox's office. I can see him standing in front of the windows looking
outside. I don't understand why he's being so quiet and withdrawn.

Walter says he's pouting over not being allowed to go to Sedona. If we
leave him alone he'll come to his senses in a few days.

I walk through the tunnel in the aquarium that connects our two offices.
Fox is still standing silently staring out his window. I walk behind him
and wrap my arms around his lean body. He tenses then relaxes.

"What are you thinking about?" I ask softly.

"About what happened to me in December. I need to deal with it...with
them."

I close my eyes and hold him tighter. Walter and I don't want to deal with
his six hundred and fifty daughters until after our wedding. "Fox, let's
not think about this now. Walter and I will help you deal with them later."
I kiss his neck. "It's been weeks since we've made love...."

Fox pulls out of my arms and turns to face me. His eyes flash with anger.
"Whose fault is that? You and Walter make me feel like I'm intruding on
your private love nest. You never did tell me why you moved me to the
guestroom."

I didn't know he felt that way. "We moved you because I accidentally gave
you a black eye and a bloody lip when I landed on you during sex. We were
worried that we might have hurt the baby." I see the uncertainty in his
beautiful chameleon eyes. "Fox, we never meant to make you feel unwanted.
Let me make it up to you."

I move closer and tilt my head to kiss him, pausing only a second to read
his response. He closes his eyes, lips parting slightly--waiting. I smile
as I move in to devour him. Fox's arms go around my back, bringing our
bodies closer together.

I breathe in the arousing scent of him as I tear at his clothing--desperate
to feel his warm flesh against mine. Fox's deft fingers quickly unzip my
pants, pushing them down my thighs then he grasps my shaft. Oh God, his
fingers feel so good. I rip his T-shirt as I toe off my shoes and step out
of my pants.

Fox chuckles, pushing away so he can remove the torn T-shirt and strip off
his pants. "I bet at times like this you wish you still had your powers."

"No. I enjoy ripping your clothes off." I move close again and pinch his
full rosy nipples.

I get the satisfying moan from him and his cock swells with arousal.

I lean forward and nibble on his right nipple. The flesh hardens against my
lips. "Like that, baby?"

"Fuck yeah," Fox purrs, lacing his fingers through my hair.

I clutch his buttocks as I attack the other nipple. My dick is leaking,
wanting to be inside him. While I enjoy fucking Walter, it doesn't come
close to how I feel when I'm fucking my beautiful Fox.

Fox pushes me away and drops to his knees. His hands circle the back my
thighs as he licks around the head of my cock. He slowly takes more of me
into his mouth as his hands stroke up over my ass in a loving caress.

I can't help but push forward, wanting more of myself inside of that
talented mouth. So hot. So good.

Fox hums as he continues to suck me hungrily. The vibration sends shivers
throughout my body. I hold his head as I thrust into his mouth. I vaguely
hear the door open and close, and the lock being engaged.

I look at Walter through heavy lids as he appears behind Fox. He kneels and
starts kissing Fox's neck and caressing his flesh. I gaze into Walter's
deep brown eyes as he looks up at me and grins. He pushes Fox's thighs
further apart. I continue to thrust into our lover's mouth as Walter places
the head of his large cock against Fox's anus. Fox pauses sucking me as
Walter thrusts into him. He moans. My fingers clutch his long hair holding
him against my cock. I time my thrusts with Walter's.

Fox snakes his hand down to his cock but Walter slaps it away. "Not this
time, babe."

I hear Fox's muffled curses around my shaft as he struggles. He quiets as
Walter takes his cock in a firm grip and starts jerking him off. I wonder
if Fox thought Walter was going to let him hang without getting his rocks
off.

It didn't take long before Fox's semen is splattering against my leg. I
thrust once more down his throat and come, pulling back slightly so my
semen splatters over his tongue. I finally pull out of his mouth and sink
to my knees, kissing Fox deeply as Walter continues to thrust into him. We
have him sandwiched between us as we kiss over his shoulder.

Fox's arms are around me and his head is resting on my shoulder. He
whimpers as Walter finally fills him. We stay holding each other for
several moments, until Walter finally pulls out and kisses the side of
Fox's mouth.

"Thanks, Fox." Walter stands and tucks himself back in. "C'mon, Alex, we're
needed downstairs."

"Give me a chance to get dressed." I climb to my feet, reaching for my
pants. I'm sticky and smell of sex. "Walter, can you zap me clean?"

"Sure, Alex."

Less than a second later I'm not only clean, but also completely dressed. I
grin at Walter. "Thanks."

Fox is still on his knees, on the floor, with his butt resting on his
ankles. I lean down and I kiss him softly. "We'll see you tonight."

"Yeah, sure," he says, grabbing his torn T-shirt.

"Fox, are you okay?"

"I'm fine."

"Alex," Walter calls from the doorway.

I walk over to him and glance back at Fox who is making no move to get up.
Walter's arm goes around my waist as we walk down the hallway toward the
elevators. I make a promise to myself not to work too late tonight.

***

Mulder's POV

I'm feeling like nothing more than a come dump. Walter's semen is leaking
out of my anus and down my ankles. My throat is raw from Alex's cock. After
weeks of not having sex with me, when they finally do there is no cuddling
afterward, and no overt show of affection. Just a simple kiss, a thank you,
and they're off to more important matters with each other.

I struggle to my feet and pick up my jeans and shoes on my way to the
bathroom. I set them on the counter then turn on the shower and step under
the hot spray. Standing with the water pounding down on me, I let the tears
I've been holding inside fall freely.

"Dad, are you all right?"

Hunter is standing outside the shower looking at me.

I shake my head. "No."

He quickly turns off the water then steps inside and hugs me. "It's okay,
Dad. Can you tell me what's wrong?"

I pull away and grab a towel to dry myself. "No...it's between your fathers
and me."

Hunter crosses his arms. "What did they do?"

I smile weakly as I pull back on my clothes, minus the ruined T-shirt.
"Hunter, it's not so much what they did as what they haven't done." How can
I tell him that sometimes people who've been married for a long time just
lose the love they once had?

"Dad, they're just acting like love sick jerks because they're getting
married. We've all noticed."

"Don't call your Dads jerks, Hunter." I hug him. "It doesn't matter."

His green eyes flash angrily. "It does matter if you're sad. Do you want me
to read them the riot act?"

I sigh, wondering where he picked up that old term. "Thank you for being
concerned, but let me handle this."

***

Two Days Later

Wednesday, February 7, 2018

Skinner's POV

I'm starting to worry about Fox. He's been unusually quiet lately. Even
when we made love last night he seemed withdrawn from the act.

Alex shuts my office door and crosses the space to my desk. He sits on my
lap and kisses me.

"What's that for?"

"Because I love you." His fingers stroke over my scalp and he hesitantly
says, "I think we should postpone our wedding."

"Alex, we've been planning this for weeks."

"I just feel uncomfortable getting married right now."

"Why?"

"Fox."

"Has he said something to you?"

"No. That's the problem, he's not saying much of anything."

I frown. "Okay, I think it's about time we had a long talk with him."

I concentrate until I locate him across the palace in his office at the
FBI. I use my powers to teleport him to my office.

I realize too late that I should have teleported the chair he was sitting
on as he lands on his ass and sprawls out on the floor.

His hand goes to his belly as he climbs shakily to his feet. "How fucking
dare you teleport me here! You could have injured our baby!"

Alex stands as I leap to my feet and run over to Fox. I was so concerned
about Alex's and my wedding that I completely forgot he is pregnant.

"I'm sorry, Fox. I forgot." I take his arm to lead him to a chair.

Fox pushes me away as he goes to sit on the sofa. "What the hell was so
important that you couldn't wait the time it would have taken me to walk
over here?"

I walk over to the sofa and stare down at him. "Look, I want to know what's
going on with you. You've been in a pissy mood ever since I wouldn't allow
you to go to Sedona. How long is this attitude going to last?"

"Attitude? Is that what you think I have?"

"Then what's your problem?"

"I don't have a problem."

How can I force him to talk when he doesn't want to? I could use my powers
to make him tell us what's bothering him...but he'd never forgive me if I
did that. "Fox, Alex wants to cancel our wedding because of how you've been
acting."

Fox frowns and looks at Alex. "I don't want you canceling your wedding. You
love Walter and he loves you. I'm happy that you finally decided to get
married." Fox looks back at me. I can't read his expression. "Walter, I'm
sorry if I've caused any friction between you and Alex, I never meant to."
He sifts uncomfortably and stands. "I have a meeting in twenty minutes, so
if we're through discussing my attitude I need to get back." He walks
toward the door.

I don't stop him. His words to Alex and apology are adequate for now. I do
want to resolve what is causing him to be so unhappy.

Alex calls out to him. "Fox, we're making pizza tonight with the kids.
Don't work too late."

***

Wednesday, February 7, 2018

Mulder's POV

I don't know what I did to cause Alex to rethink marrying Walter. Just
because I'm unhappy I don't want to ruin their plans to wed. They're
perfect together. I resolve to put on a cheerful face around them.

I sink sadly into my chair. Why am I feeling so unloved? I know my kids
love me and deep down I know Walter and Alex still love me.

"Mulder, you have a certified letter."

I look up at Agent Sam Murphy and the courier standing beside him. Murphy
has been my personal assistant for a week now.

"Thanks, Murphy." I sign for the envelope. It's from some attorney, I don't
recognize the name.

After they leave, I open the envelope and read the document inside. My
whole world crashes and burns as the words sink in.

After my heart stops racing, my mind takes charge over from my emotions. I
need to find out if what this document claims is true. I pick up the phone
and call Byers.

"John Byers."

"Byers, it's Mulder. I need to speak to you in private can you come down to
my office?"

"Sure, Mulder. I'll be there in twenty minutes."

I stand and walk over to my window, uncertain about what I'm going to do if
what the document claims is true. One thing I know, I can't allow its
contents to stand in the way of Walter and Alex getting married.

"Mulder."

I glance over at Byers standing in my doorway. Time has been good to him.
He's become more distinguished with age.

"Come in, John. I need your help."

"I'm surprised, Mulder. I'm only human. Why didn't you call Frohike or--"

"No. I don't want clairvoyants or sorcerers involved in this...I-I don't
trust them. I trust you and Langly." I can see the disbelief on Byers'
face.

"How can you expect to keep this from Frohike?" Byers asks.

"He's not omnipresent." I smile. "Besides he has enough trouble trying to
keep up with all of the kids he, Hans, and Gabriel have had over the last
sixteen years."

"You have me curious, Mulder. Tell me what you need?"

I hand him the envelope and stand quietly while he reads its contents. He
looks ill when he finishes.

"John, I need you to find out if there is any truth to what that document
claims."

He swallows. "Mulder, what will you do if there is?"

"I don't know." I feel completely drained and sad. "John, I'm little more
than a prisoner within our country. There's not much I can do...at least
not openly."

Byers hugs me, which takes me by surprise, since he's not given to open
displays of affection. "Hang in there, Mulder. I'll try to get answers for
you as quickly as possible."

"Thanks, John."

***

Deep Space Planet Empyrean

King Xowolfe's POV

My plan is working. I've driven a wedge between Xofox and his human mates.
It took my servant years to find a human sorcerer within the Crystal Palace
willing to betray his people for the promise of power and an immortal mate.
The sorcerer has planted a device inside the palace that is attuned to
Xofox's DNA and is programmed to affect the chemicals within his brain,
causing feelings of distrust for his mates. It also interferes with the
bond that exists between them, causing the human King and his Prince to be
less enthralled with Xofox. The device can still affect the victim for a
few days if they're out of its direct vicinity. Unfortunately the device
only has a life span of one Earth month and will be reaching its end in a
little more than a week. I cannot chance sending another through the portal
this soon. I'm hoping the wedge that is driven between them will be too
strong to be broken once the device no longer affects them.

I review the holograms my servant has brought back through the portal
connecting Earth with Empyrean. The portal has only been used ten times
since I failed to abduct my mate after begetting him with my child. The
humans have been searching for it ever since. I cannot risk them finding
the portal until my fleet reaches Earth. It's my only link to Xofox and our
daughter.

The hologram shows my beautiful mate. He is sitting surrounded by his human
children and our beautiful daughter. I must admit that I did not care for
these young humans, but watching my mate interact with them over the years
made me realize that I cannot kill them when I come to claim him, our
daughter, and his three immortal sons. No more than I can kill our
daughter. My biggest problem concerns Xofox's immortal mate Alex. I do not
want him near my mate, but he is too valuable to leave behind. His ability
to procreate male immortals with Xofox makes him priceless.

***

Sunday, February 11, 2018

Skinner's POV

It's been four days since I talked to Fox in my office. He seems to have
gotten over whatever was bothering him. He's been more cheerful and even
playful in bed. I still have a problem with the long hours he's working at
the FBI. Alex and I have discussed ways of convincing him to quit, but
haven't come up with anything that would work.

I find Fox in the entertainment room with our kids. They're watching an old
movie. It takes me a moment to figure out that it is 'A League of Their
Own'. Showing old movies and television shows that heavily feature women
have been discouraged in recent years. Since most men and boys will never
have a woman in their lives, community leaders felt it was better that they
aren't deluded, hoping for something that will never be, at least not in
their lifetime. I look at our daughters watching the movie with rapt
attention. Arman is playing on the floor, not the slightest bit interested
in the movie.

"Mind if I join you, Fox?"

Fox smiles at me. "No."

Nadia looks at me. "Dad Fox is going to teach us how to play baseball this
spring."

"Really?" I squeeze into the space between Fox and the arm of the sofa. He
scoots over slightly to allow me to fit.

"Yes. It looks like great fun," Angelique says.

"What position do you want to play?"

"Left field."

I look at her wings as I snake an arm around Fox's back. "Don't you think
you have an unfair advantage?"

"Well, yeah. Why do you think I want to play left field?" Angelique says.

Fox chuckles. "We'll be rotating positions, Angel."

It occurs to me as I sit with Fox's warm body pressed against mine that we
haven't been alone since he woke up over two weeks ago. Alex is down in the
village having lunch with Nicky, Hunter, and Gawain. I lean over and
whisper in Fox's ear. "Why don't we go to our bedroom?"

Fox smiles sweetly at me and says softly, "Can't, I'm spending this
afternoon with our daughters." His eyes drift down to the obvious bulge in
my pants. "Don't worry I'm sure Alex will be home soon to take care of that
for you."

"Maybe I want you to take care of it for me," I say, my arm tightening
around his body.

"Maybe I'm not in the mood right now."

"You're always in the mood."

Fox doesn't respond. He turns his attention back to the television.

I look at our daughters, thankfully they are too engrossed in the movie to
be paying attention to us. Still I switch to telepathy to talk to Fox. *I
thought you were over sulking.*

*Walter, stay out of my head.*

*No. Tell me what's wrong.*

*I shouldn't have to tell you what's wrong!*

He can be so infuriating. *Fine. Keep it to yourself!* I stand and stalk
out of the room. I should have gone to lunch with Alex.

***

Five days later

Northern Minnesota

Friday, February 16, 2018

Mulder's POV

I feel shell-shocked as I walk up and down row after row of growth
cylinders. Each contains a tiny embryo--my daughter. I needed to see them
by myself, before they were born. It will be a little over three months
from now. Five months is all that is needed to grow a baby to term in these
cylinders. How can I possibly take care of them all? I sink to my knees in
the middle of one aisle and cry at the realization that I can't. Not and
give my birth children the love and care they require. My emotions have
been in turmoil since I awoke from my month-long sleep. I don't understand
what is wrong with me.

I wipe at my eyes as I settle into a seated position crossing my legs.
Walter is going to be furious with me. I came back to the mines in Northern
Minnesota without his knowledge. I frown at that thought. We don't have
many rules, but Walter always demands to know where I am at all times. But
it is unlikely he will find out about my trip anytime soon, he and Alex are
on their honeymoon.

Then again, I'm not sure I care what Walter thinks. I finger the letter in
my pocket. It was sent to me from Major James Conan's lawyer. At first I
didn't want to believe what it claimed, but over the last few days Byers
investigated its contents and found out yesterday, beyond a shadow of a
doubt, that it was all true. Walter had gone along with sabotaging the
research being done into stopping an immortal's compulsions to become
pregnant. How could he do that to us?

I remember back two days. Alex was pacing in our bedroom. He had changed
his mind, deciding it was ludicrous and immoral for him to be marrying his
half-brother. Maybe he was right. At the time, I thought he was
overreacting. Looking back, I'm not too sure. Looking out over the rows of
cylinders, I'm no longer sure if anything we've done is moral. Did we have
the right to bring any children into this world knowing that the Earth was
heading toward an intergalactic war?

I've been feeling so alone and anxious lately. Even before Conan's lawyer
sent me the letter. Walter and Alex has been flaunting their love for each
other, while treating me as an object to be used for their gratification
but nothing else. I know my hormones have something to do with my emotions
but not everything. I touch my belly it's still too soon to feel the life
growing inside me. I frown, wondering what I did to make Walter stop loving
me.

My guards are waiting to take me back, but I'm not ready go just yet. I
close my eyes and listen to the gurgling of the cylinders. They sound
surprisingly like my aquarium. My thoughts return to Alex and listening to
him stumble over his words in panic.

"Fox, you don't understand...I don't...I can't...I want...."

I wrap my arms around his waist and hold him firmly as he struggles. I love
the tautness of muscles under his undershirt as I caress his back while
whispering in his ear. "Walter loves you. You love Walter. This marriage is
celebration of your love for each other."

"I-I don't want to lose the rest of my freedom."

I pull away and stare at him. Then I look down at the two rings on my
finger. It had been nagging at me for weeks. "Did you lose your freedom
when you married me?"

"That was different, Fox. You weren't a sorcerer--"

"No, but you were! Was marrying me a way for you to own me?"

"No, absolutely not! I married you because I loved you!"

"Then what is the difference between marrying me and marrying Walter?"

"He's my half-brother. I think it might be tempting fate for us to marry.
Fox, Walter already controls so much of our lives...I don't want him to
have any more control over me."

I sigh. I can understand this all too well. "You have three hours to
decide, Alex. Walter is downstairs and your guests have started to arrive."

"You're not going to try to talk me into it?"

"No. It's not my place." I touch his face, my fingers lingering on his
freshly shaven cheek. "Alex, only you can make this decision."

"I don't know if I can make this decision alone." Alex continues pacing,
after several minutes, before he heads for the closet where his tuxedo
hangs. "I don't want to hurt him."

"You're not marrying him out of pity--"

"No I'm marrying him because I love him."

"Mulder?"

I open my eyes and look up at Gabriel Hunter. He's staring down at me with
concern. I smile reassuringly. "Gabriel." I look into his eyes, then back
down the row of growth cylinders. "When did my life go so wrong?"

"Isn't it a little late to regret your life, Mulder?"

He's always frank.

"What am I going to do with six hundred and fifty new daughters? I can't
take care of all of them," I say.

"Didn't Walter tell you?"

I look up at him in confusion. "Tell me what?"

"He's having a facility built outside of Baltimore. The girls will be
raised and protected there."

At my stunned expression, Gabriel kneels in front of me. "I'm sorry,
Mulder. I thought he would have talked to you about it."

"M-Maybe he forgot. I was asleep for four weeks...." I sound pathetic. I
know I'm making excuses for my lover. It's just that Walter and Alex
doesn't seem to care about me. They prefer each other's company to mine.
Why Walter didn't tell me about this facility in Baltimore, causes a slow
anger to build inside of me.

"That's probably it. He and Alex decided on it a couple weeks after you
were asleep."

"Alex knew, too?" My stomach drops as a sense of déjà vu washes over me. I
thought we'd gotten beyond them making decisions for me.

"Mulder, are you all right?"

"Am I all right?" I climb shakily to my feet and glare at him. "Hell no! My
two selfish lovers decide to build an institution to lock up my daughters
without even bothering to discuss it with me first. Who the fucking hell do
they think they are?" I wave my hand at the cylinders. "This is my decision
to make! Not theirs!"

"Mulder, you're overreacting."

"Would you keep a decision like this from Hans?"

"No...but I'm sure Walter and Alex have a good reason for not discussing it
with you yet."

"I can't think of one." I hold my head high and storm toward the exit. I
hear Gabriel swear as he rushes after me.

***

New York City

Friday, February 16, 2018

Krycek's POV

I arch off the bed screaming Walter's name as I come in his mouth. Sighing,
I relax on the soft mattress as Walter kisses his way up my body. I feel
embarrassed about almost backing out of the wedding. There was nothing to
fear, my life didn't end, and Walter didn't start treating me differently.
We're still equals.

"Hmm, Walter, we've been locked in this room making love for the last two
days. Maybe we should take a break and call home," I say as Walter starts
nibbling on my ear.

"No, Alex. This is our time together. No kids, no Fox, no problems to
distract us." His mouth ends up over mine, licking and sucking on my lips,
his tongue seeking entry.

I kiss him back hungrily, all thoughts of calling home melting away.

***

Mulder's POV

I stare listlessly out the helicopter window as the dark land passes
beneath us. The moon is full and the stars shimmer brightly. I can't help
the tears that roll down my cheeks. I feel foolish, so I try to distract
myself by thinking of Walter's and Alex's wedding on Valentine's Day. They
both looked so handsome dressed in black tuxedos as they stood side-by-
side. General Clay Kline was Walter's best man and stood to his left, while
Rory MacIver, Alex's best man stood to Alex's right. I sat in the front row
with our children.

I felt proud at the time, even while knowing their love for each other was
deeper than their feelings for me. My lovers looked so perfect together--
tall and proud. It suddenly hits me as I think back...they have something
that my relationship with them lacks--mutual respect. I look down at my
wedding rings and slowly slip them off, placing them in my pocket.

Gabriel's voice cuts through my grief. "Mulder, don't do this. Take some
time to think things through. Talk to Walter and Alex."

"Gabriel, what's there to think through? I've been blinded by love for
years and never realized how little my feelings meant to my lovers. I've
given too much of myself to them...now I need to reclaim what I've lost. I
need my self-respect back."

"You can't just leave. You have responsibilities, you're pregnant."

"I won't be going far. I still have my job at the FBI and I'll never leave
my children."

"Mulder, just talk to Walter and Alex first. I'm sure there's a logical
explanation for them not discussing this with you."

"It's been three weeks since I woke up. They could have discussed it at any
time." I look into Gabriel's blue eyes and say softly, "I know all about
the research into eliminating immortal's compulsions being sabotaged. I
also know the roll you and the other sorcerers played in it, and the part
Walter had." I see Gabriel flinch and knew I scored a direct hit.

"How long have you known?"

"A week...but not for certain until yesterday. Conan's lawyer sent me a
letter." I look back out the window as the lights of the palace come into
view.

"Now you want to leave Walter because of that. What about Alex?"

"I don't want to leave them...I have to leave them. I can't allow Walter
and Alex to have such little respect for me." I reach out and touch Gabriel
hand. "Don't worry. they have each other. I doubt they'll miss me for
long."

"Mulder, what about you?"

"I'm used to being alone," I say without much conviction. The pain I'm
feeling is already too intense to bear. "With the new anti-withdrawal drugs
I don't need a sorcerer to service me. I'm pregnant so it will be at least
another seven years before I'll have to worry about that again. It should
work out."

"Where will you go? What about your children?"

"I might move to a cottage on the island or to one of the other floors in
the tower. The sixteenth floor is still unoccupied. Or maybe I'll ask Ari
if I can move in with him," I say. I've spent a lot of time with Ari after
I woke up just talking to him. I don't have sexual feelings for the
Australian immortal. I can't imagine being attracted to anyone other than
Walter and Alex.

***

Crystal Palace

Monday, February 19, 2018

Skinner's POV

Fox isn't home to greet us as we walk off the elevator into our apartment.
The kids are waiting for us. I hug our youngest daughters and Gawain. The
older kids hang back. I look around for Arman. He isn't with them.

"What's wrong?" I ask, standing.

Alex looks up from where he's kneeling hugging the triplets.

"Daddy Fox moved out and took Mani with him," Regan says.

"What?" I'm too stunned to say anything else. I turn and run down the
hallway to our bedroom. I wouldn't put it past our kids to be playing a
joke on us.

I open Fox's closet door. All of his clothes are gone. I can't believe he
would have just left. At first I fear he might have been taken. I scan the
palace. It doesn't take long for me to locate him. I look at Alex's anxious
face. He followed me to the bedroom. "Fox has moved down to the sixteenth
floor. He's blocking me from communicating with him." I look over toward
the doorway where Sergei and Kaylie are standing watching us.

"Dad, how was your honeymoon?" Sergei finally asks.

I just stare at him until he blushes and shuffles his large feet. "Sergei,
did your Dad Fox tell you why he left?" My irritation with Fox is growing
stronger. How could he just abandon our kids?

Kaylie glares at me. "He said it was between the three of you! And, Dad,
don't worry, he didn't desert us. He was with us the whole time until your
helicopter landed."

My daughter knows something, but she's not talking. I doubt Fox would have
told her anything important. It is more likely Kaylie read his thoughts or
emotions. It might explain why she's so angry.

I should just storm downstairs and drag Fox back home, but without knowing
why he left it might only make matters worse.

"Walter, why would he leave us?" Alex asks.

I look into his dazed eyes. "I don't know."

Alex shakes his head and walks over to the window. "We weren't very
attentive to him since he awoke from his sleep. We were too busy with each
other and planning our wedding, working together. I knew we should have
called off our marriage."

"Maybe we should have," I say, agreeing for the first time.

Hunter stops in the doorway. He's carrying a duffel bag. "You're both way
off. If I were Dad Fox I would have left you for not giving a damn about me
after seven men had raped me. But that's not why he left." Hunter turns and
says over his shoulder. "I'm moving downstairs with him."

"Hunter, get your butt back in here!" Alex shouts.

Hunter returns to the doorway with a look of defiance in his pretty face.
"What now?"

"We want to know why Fox left. You know, so out with it!"

"Fine, he'll tell you eventually anyway. It wasn't enough that both of you
totally ignored him while you slobbered over each other. You decided to
lock up his six hundred and fifty daughters in an institution without
talking to him about it."

I frown. I was planning to tell Fox after Alex and I returned from our
honeymoon. I intentionally avoided the issue of his new daughters. I
selfishly didn't want it to interfere with the plans Alex and I had made to
marry. Damn, what was I thinking? Looking back, Fox should have been my
first priority. I slam my fist against the wall, putting a hole in the
plaster.

"Walter, I'm going downstairs to talk to Fox," Alex says.

"Alex, it's all my fault. I should have been more caring toward him,
instead of being afraid it would somehow interfere with us getting
married."

Alex sighs. "I wasn't any better. I never once asked him how he was feeling
or if he wanted to talk about what happened to him."

***

Mulder's POV

I look up from the architectural drawings and blueprints as Walter and Alex
walk into my new office. Mani is on the floor playing and looks up
excitedly at them, dropping his truck he runs to greet them. Walter scoops
him into his arms.

"Daddy! We moved!"

"Only temporarily, Mani," Walter says, meeting my eye then glaring at the
two sorcerers standing beside me.

I look at the architects standing at the table. One is a handsome blonde
with a goatee. He's slim and tall. The other is an older man with a
muscular body and a bald head. The blueprints are for a large two thousand
room mansion where my daughters will be raised.

"Gentlemen, you may leave. I'll stop by your office tomorrow and we can
finalize these plans," I say.

"Thank you, Prince Fox. We look forward to working with you," the tall
blonde sorcerer says, smiling.

The two sorcerers leave, giving my two angry ex-lovers a wide birth.

"Fox, we came to apologize," Walter says, walking to the desk and looking
down at the blueprints. "What did those men want?"

"I've hired them to design the home where my daughters will be raised."

Walter frowns and sighs. "Alex and I already took care of that, Fox. I'm
sorry I didn't mention it earlier, but a lot was happening this past
month."

I glare at him. He doesn't get it. "Walter, you and Alex have absolutely no
right making this decision. The facility you were building is more of an
institution than a home and Baltimore is too far for me to visit daily."

"Fox, you were sleeping and couldn't be consulted, I made the decision for
us. It's what married couples do," Walter says.

"Why didn't you tell me when I woke up?" I watch Walter try to think of
something to say.

"I was worried that it would interfere with me marrying Alex."

"Walter, how would my knowing about this facility fuck up your plans to
marry Alex?"

"I-I knew we'd argue about it, then you'd pout, and....oh fuck. Fox, I'm
sorry. I should have told you."

"You and Alex should have told me! You should have discussed it with me
then left the final decision to me! It's one of the reasons I'm leaving.
You both don't have any respect for me or my feelings."

"How can you say that! Fox, I respect you!" Alex says, stepping into my
personal space.

I back away. "You wouldn't be making decisions for me or taking me for
granted if you respected me."

"Please, don't be this way."

"Fox, how can we make this up to you?" Walter asks, setting Arman down.

I walk over to my desk and take the envelope from Conan's lawyer out of the
drawer, passing it to Walter. "It's too late."

Walter's face turns white as he reads it. "I had no choice, Fox."

"You should have told me about it. We might have figured something out." I
feel tired and angry. "People have been keeping secrets from me my whole
life and I'm sick of it. I'm sick of being taken for granted. I'm sick of
not being shown respect."

"Walter, what's going on?" Alex asks.

I watch Walter squirm. I do not intend to tell Alex what is in that letter.
I'll leave that to Walter, if he has the guts.

"Hi, Mulder. Am I interrupting anything?" Shinji says, standing nervously
in the doorway with his suitcase and two youngest children at his side.

"Shin, what's going on?" Fox asks.

"I left Rory and Kazuo. I'm hoping you'll let us move down here with you."

"Of course you can." I can tell he's upset and trying hard not to cry in
front of Walter and Alex. I hurry over to him and he collapses in my arms
sobbing.

"Guys, watch the children," I say, guiding Shinji out of the room and into
one of the many bedrooms.

"I'm sorry, Mulder," Shinji says, pulling away and sitting on the bed.

I hand him a tissue. "Tell me what's going on?"

"I was talking to Hans and he told me about the document you gave Byers to
verify."

I didn't have to ask him how Hans found out about it. Byers must have
discussed it with Frohike.

"And you left Rory and Kazuo because of that?"

"Mulder, I spent years working on a cure for our compulsions. It never even
occurred to me that Rory and Kazuo could have been sabotaging my
experiments. How can I forgive them for that?"

I sit next to him. "I don't know, Shin."

***

End of chapter 5: Valentine's Day

Coming soon chapter 6: