Painful Experience 1: Chapters I-VII  

FEEDBACK NOTE: DiAnn passed away in her sleep on August 23, 2000.
Xanthe has set up a Book of Condolences at:
http://www.xanthe.org/Guest/Diann.htm Please take a moment and
sign the book if you enjoyed this story.

Rating: NC17 - language, adult themes Category: Vanilla Slash /
Pure Trash /Discipline 

Warning: Mulder/Scully/Skinner If you don't like this kind of
thing, or you are underage, go somewhere else . . . NOW! I don't
want to hear from you and I don't want to hear from your Mama.

Spoiler: Quagmire Maybe some mention of other episodes but
nothing too revealing.

Disclaimer: I do not, nor ever will, own Mulder, Scully, Skinner,
Krycek or the X-Files. I am borrowing them without permission and
am obviously not receiving money for this stuff. We all know who
they really belong to, CC, Fox and lots of other people but
again, not me.



Painful X-Perience I Final Straw by DiAnn

Special Agent Dana Scully quietly studied her partner. Mulder
stood apart from the small group of law enforcement officials
gathered at the crime scene. He was sulking. There was really no
other word for it, a definite sulk. He was disappointed because a
scientifically credible explanation had again been found for one
of his outrageous theories.

Dana seethed with anger and frustration. And to make matters
worse in this God forsaken swamp, he had once again taken out on
his own without backup and almost gotten himself killed. She
watched him closely. Even rumpled with smudges of dirt covering
his face, the man was absolutely gorgeous.

It wasn't just that he was tall, well-built body or dark hair. Or
was it that pouting lower lip or the beautiful hazel eyes,
although she did find all of those extremely attractive. It was
that look of innocence. He managed, under almost any
circumstances, to look young and innocent.

Dana sighed. Well in her opinion he was far from innocent right
now. Sexy or not, tempting or not, she was now completely
exasperated with Special Agent Fox Mulder.

"Mulder," she growled, "let's get back to the motel, I need to
talk with you."

Mulder turned his sad eyes to his partner. He wanted to stay a
little longer. He really wanted to see if anything else would
show up. There had to be something more bizarre than that big
stupid alligator now lying dead a short distance away. He just
knew that alligator was not the answer to the unexplained attacks
happening around this lake. Shit! He wanted to see a monster. He
*wanted* to see Big Blue.

But when he took a good look at his partner, he was surprised at
the anger in her eyes. Looked like he was definitely going back
to the motel now.

"All right Scully, let's go."

Mulder gave one more furtive look at the lake, then followed her
to the car.

They had ridden in silence for some time, a very uncomfortable
silence. Finally Mulder couldn't stand it a moment longer.

"So how ya' doin', Scully? This has been a really long day, I'm
really bushed, how about you?"

No answer. *Oka-a-a-y* She didn't want small talk, let's try
work.

"You know, I really don't think that alligator was respon . . . "

"Not now Mulder." That was cold, very cold.

"Fine Scully, since you don't want to talk about the case, why
don't you tell me why you are so angry with me?" He looked really
hurt now. She hated it when he looked like that. All big sad eyes
and pouting lip. There was nothing harder to resist than a hurt
Mulder.

"I will talk to you, Fox Mulder, when we get back to the motel.
Right now I am just trying to calm down enough to drive."

*FOX! * She had called him *FOX* Mulder. This was bad. This was
very, VERY bad. She was really upset with him this time. Turning
his eyes back to the road ahead Mulder contemplated how to best
handle an obviously infuriated Scully. He did know the reason for
her anger of course. He hadn't meant to run off into the woods
alone. She had been working on that frog hugger's bleeding leg
and he had heard a noise behind him and just followed. He hadn't
thought about how dangerous that was until the biggest damned
alligator was rushing toward him and he was firing his gun.

She had gotten there just in time to see him on the ground and
the alligator dead at his feet. She had checked him for damage -
he loved it when she did that - and then she had given him *the
look*. He knew Scully hated it when he jumped into a situation
with both feet, let his passion take hold of him like that. Well
she was angry now but she would get over it. She would forgive
him. She always did.

When Scully parked the car at the motel, Mulder got out and
started for his room. Her voice stopped him dead in his tracks.

"Hold it just a minute, Mister. I brought you back here to talk
and that's just what we are going to do. You owe me that much."

"I owe you a lot more than that Scully. I was just going to get
cleaned up a little first."

"No Mulder, I want to talk to you right now, just the way you
are, covered in mud and bruises."

Mulder did not like this situation, not one bit. Scully was
acting very strangely. Scully was the most important person in
his life and she was now furious with him. And, worst of all, he
had no idea what he should do or say to correct the problem.

When they entered her room, she sat down on the bed looking
miserable. He pulled a chair up very close to her knees, sat down
and leaned forward. "I'm sorry, Scully. It won't happen again."

Her face turned a very unhealthy shade of red and she reached out
to grab the front of his shirt. He couldn't believe it. She was
trying to shake him! He wanted to laugh but didn't feel this was
probably the right time for that. Not if he wanted to live
anyway.

Resigning herself that she could not adequately move her
oversized partner, Scully let her hands fall back into her lap
and tried to take deep calming breaths. She needed calm right
now, badly.

"I just can't take this anymore, Mulder. I just can't trust you."

He was shocked at her words. "What! You can trust me. I would
protect you with my life, Scully."

She turned her angry blue eyes on him. "I know you would, but you
probably won't be around to protect me or anyone else. You rush
headlong into unnecessary danger without a thought for your own
safety. I don't want to have to watch you die, Mulder."

Mulder looked dazed, "But Scully, I won't . .. "

"No Mulder, when we get back to Washington I am putting in for a
transfer. I can't get through to you and I can't stand seeing you
hurt or even killed because I wasn't there for you."

"Scully, please listen to me. I don't mean to ditch you all the
time. I just get caught up in the excitement. It won't happen
again."

"Excitement! Excitement! Do you have any idea how that makes me
feel? I'm your partner. We are supposed to stay together. We've
had so many talks about this but it never makes a difference.
Next time you won't stop to think and you'll disregard every
promise you ever made to me."

Mulder moved to the bed to sit beside his partner and lowered his
head into his hands. He had such a headache, his body hurt in too
many places to count and now he was losing Scully. He didn't
think he could go on without her. No . . . he knew he absolutely
*would not/could not* continue on without her by his side.

He raised his head, staring at the wall across the room. He
didn't want her to see the tears in his eyes. He was tired and
bruised and frantic.

His voice sounded low and dejected, "Don't leave me Scully . . .
please."

Her heart twisted inside her while anger and frustration still
rolled in her stomach. Damn, he had such a way of getting to her.
Another calming breath. "I'm sorry, Mulder, I just can't go
through this again."

Mulder rose to his feet and began to pace in tight circles across
the floor.

"Please Scully, give me another chance. I'll do anything. Just
tell me how to fix this."

She looked at him and saw the desperation in his eyes. She didn't
want to leave him, not now - not ever. But she also did not want
him dead. She wanted him to stop this thoughtless behavior. She
wanted a definite change of attitude. He was staring at her now,
breathlessly waiting for her to tell him what it would take to
win her forgiveness. He looked so young and hurt. Hmmmm . . .
Young and Hurt . . . HURT! Of course, it just might work. Why
hadn't she thought of this sooner?

"Scully, I promise . . . "

"Stop Mulder, no more empty promises. Do you really want this
partnership to continue?"

Mulder stepped closer to her, invading her space. "Yes Scully,
I'll do anything to keep you with me." She had no doubt he was
sincere. Well, she would just see how sincere he could be.

"Fine." And Scully reached for his belt buckle.

That certainly got his attention. He froze. She had unfastened
his belt and was now working on the button of his jeans. He put
his trembling hands over hers.

"Wh . . . what are you doing, Scully?"

"I'm going to spank you."

She had never seen Mulder look so shocked or in her opinion so
gorgeous. He always looked so cute when you caught him off guard.
His eyes were huge and his mouth was slightly open as if ready to
object but not knowing what to say.

"Scully, you can't be serious," he sputtered.

"Oh, I am quite serious. You can let me get this message across
to you tonight to *my* satisfaction . . . or I'm gone. This
probably won't stop your foolhardiness completely but it might at
least slow you down a little the next time."

Now he looked totally lost. "But . . . but .. . Scully . . . "

"Make up your mind, Mulder." She tapped her foot impatiently on
the floor.

He could not believe the steely determination he saw in her eyes.
Where had she even gotten an idea like this? He knew she hated it
when he ditched her but this was unbelievable. It was just too
embarrassing to even think about. He looked at her closely. There
was no doubt in his mind that she meant every word she was
saying. And she wanted his answer right now. Ok, calm down,
consider the options . . . he could walk out of this room and
save his dignity, but he would lose Scully. Well, no contest
there. What good would it do to save face if he lost her. He saw
her raise her eyebrow at him in question.

Sighing in resignation, he blushed furiously and dropped his
hands from hers. Closing his eyes, he heard the sound of his
zipper lowering. This was swiftly turning into the worst day of
his life. He felt her hands at the waistband of his jeans. His
eyes flew open. He had to try just once more. "Wait Scully. You
really don't have to go any further with this. I've already
learned my lesson. I think it will be a long time before I forget
how angry you are right now." He gave her his best repentant
look.

"Mulder, it is not just about my anger. It is about you. You
don't seem to realize how deeply other people are affected by
your life. There are people who care deeply about you Mulder and
what about all the lives you save with your work. To be honest,
if you were to get yourself killed, I'm not sure I could find the
will to go on. Do you even realize that? I want you to start
thinking things through and not treat your own life so cheaply."

Mulder looked down at the carpet. He didn't know what else to
say. He didn't know what else to do to escape this impending
humiliation *and* maintain his partnership with Scully. "Dana,
please . . . " he whispered.

In answer she started to tug on his jeans. Jeans and boxers slid
easily to his knees. He felt his blush intensify. At least his
shirt was long enough to maintain some modesty, not nearly
enough, but some.

"All right, Mulder lay over my knees with your chest resting on
the bed. You hurt me again today. You hurt me and you nearly
scared me to death. Maybe next time you will think about how you
treat a partner who really cares about you."

Keeping his eyes carefully averted, Mulder lowered himself over
the lap of his beautiful partner. She was so small, sometimes he
forgot just how small she was. He must look ridiculous. He felt
her raise his shirt well above his now bare backside. He groaned
as his erection hardened. He supposed this natural male reaction
was inevitable under the circumstances. It was, however, still
unbelievably humiliating.

Scully looked down at the long legs and fantastic butt now
positioned over her lap. My, my, my . . . The agency's
secretarial pool would certainly love to get a look at this. She
glanced around to see his fists gripping the bed cover and his
face flaming with embarrassment. She smoothed her hand over his
muscular buttocks and was rewarded with a muffled groan.

She had never told him how much she loved him. She really didn't
want to embarrass him like this or to cause him pain but she was
going to get his attention one way or the other. His frequent
dangerous behavior had to stop. She had tried everything else and
so had their boss, Walter Skinner. Mulder's recklessness was
making the A.D.'s hair fall out faster than he could afford to
lose.

She really hoped this didn't ruin her partnership with Mulder but
better that than him dead.

She picked up her heavy wooden hairbrush that had been lying on
the bedside table. She doubted he had even noticed it there. She
brought the implement high over her shoulder and then down with a
resounding crack on his bare defenseless bottom.

His body jerked but he made no other protest. **Poor Mulder**.
She really doubted that he would be able to remain silent through
this. A hairbrush could make quite an impression on bare flesh.

Smack! ... Smack! ... Smack! ...

She was relentless with her brush. She wanted him to remember
this for a good long time. The brush rose and fell, almost of its
own will. His red, glowing bottom was flinching reflexively now.
She knew it was taking tremendous effort for him to remain quiet.

Smack! ... Smack! ... Smack! ...

"Scully, tha . . . that's enough. I get the point." His voice
sounded shaky.

Smack! ... Smack! ... Do you Mulder? Do you really?" Smack! ...
"I don't think so but when this is over" Smack! ... "you will."
Smack! ... "You can *trust me* on this one." Smack! ...

His backside was now a brilliant shade of red and she knew he was
really feeling every smack on his sensitized skin.

"Scully, I won't . . . won't do it again." Now his voice was
tinged with desperation.

Smack! ... "No, you won't, Mulder". Smack!... "You also won't
want to sit down for breakfast tomorrow morning."

Smack! ... Smack! ... Smack! ...

Mulder was truly amazed at the strength of her arm. He had known
that she was in good shape but he would never have thought she
had this much endurance. He wasn't sure how much more he could
take. He could feel tears in the back of his eyes and his teeth
were biting into his bottom lip. He didn't want to make a sound,
didn't want her to know how much she was hurting him. She was
just a *little* woman for heaven's sake. He knew he could have
just gotten up at any time. He was, after all, much stronger than
she was. But this was Scully. His Scully. And a promise was a
promise.

She thought he ditched her because he didn't feel he needed her.
Actually it was to keep her out of danger. He didn't dare tell
Scully that . . . probably shouldn't mention the *little woman*
thing either. Well, maybe this would let her know what he would
go through to keep her as his partner. He just wished her arm
would start to tire. Soon. Very soon.

Smack! ... Smack! ... Smack! ...

"Scully, please . . . stop. I won't ever . .. ever leave without
you again."

He could feel his body trembling. His backside was as hot as a
stove, his damned erection had a mind of it's own and he could
not remember ever being more embarrassed.

On and on . . . Smack! ... Smack! ...

Mulder felt the first sob escape between his lips. He didn't want
to cry.

Men. Did. Not. Cry.

He had been tortured by his enemies and never cried. Hell, he had
been tortured by his Dad and seldom showed emotion. But this was
Scully he had disappointed. He lowered his head into the soft bed
and as quietly as possibly sobbed out his pain and humiliation.
His tears were just one more small defeat in a long disastrous
day.

Dana heard his muffled sobbing and stopped the up and down
momentum of the stinging hairbrush. "Mulder, are you going to be
more careful in the future? Let me do my job and watch your
back?" **Actually the view she had of his back' right now was
quite appealing.**

Smack! ... "Answer me." Smack! ...

"Yes . . . Yes!" His head, still semi-buried in the cover, was
nodding frantically.

Scully continued to hold the good-looking FBI Agent over her lap.
She knew he could have physically stopped this at any time but
instead he had taken a sound paddling from her. She placed her
small hand on his scorched buns and heard a moan. She didn't
think it was all from the pain though. She could feel his arousal
pulsating against her leg.

She patted him lightly on his butt. "You can get up now, but
don't forget what we talked about today. I might not be so easy
on you next time."

**Easy! That was easy!** He got up from his position and turned
quickly away from her. But not before she had seen his dirty tear
stained face and rock hard erection.

He snatched up his jeans and quickly buckled his belt. He felt
better with his cloths back in place but he still didn't turn to
look at Scully.

"Come here, Mulder." Her voice reminded him of velvet. Smooth.
Soft. Inviting.

He took a deep breath, hastily wiped an arm across his eyes and
turned toward her. He looked dazed.

When he had carefully seated himself in the chair in front of
her, she leaned forward and put her hands on his knees.

"Thank you, Mulder." There was that sensuous, silky, wonderful
voice again.

He glanced up surprised but quickly averted his eyes again.
"Scully, I want you to know you can always depend on me, even
when it is definitely *not* in my own best interest."

She reached over and lifted his oh so beautiful face to meet her
eyes. Mulder gave her that endearing off center smile, "I didn't
know you were into that kinky stuff, Scully."

She chuckled, "I wasn't until today. I just didn't know what else
to do to prove to you how serious I am about this problem."

"Trust me, Scully, we no longer have a problem. I never want to
make you that angry with me again."

He studied her face carefully, "Uh . . . You *are* over being
angry with me, aren't you Scully?"

"Yes, Mulder, I feel much better now. But if you ever pull a
stunt like that again, I will make today seem like a Reticulan
Holiday. Got that?"

"Got you, Scully. Definitely, no more ditches, ever."

"Good. Now I think you should get a shower and then come get in
bed with me."

In a blink of an eye, Mulder had that dazed look again. "Scully,
do you mean . . . that you . . . that you and I . . . that we are
.. . "

"I think you need a little comfort tonight. After all you almost
got yourself killed again today."

She couldn't remember a time when she had seen such joy on his
face. It looked good there. She decided right then that she
planned to see that expression more often in the future.

Mulder smiled at her. "Yeah I did, but it had more to do with
that hairbrush of yours than with that dead alligator." She
smiled back. He was just *so cute*.

He dashed for the bathroom. "Don't you dare leave Scully. I'll
just be a minute." He suddenly looked very worried. "This isn't a
trick is it, you aren't saying this and then leaving just to
punish me some more?" He had evidently forgotten they were in her
room. Just *so cute*.

"I promise, Mulder. When you come out of that bathroom, I will be
right here waiting for you." He vanished instantly. She heard the
water start almost immediately.

She smiled. He was in a hurry.

That was fine. So was she.

She had an outrageously beautiful FBI Agent with a blistered
bottom that needed soothing. And . . . the way she saw it, she
was way overdue to comfort this particular G-Man.

End One

Painful X-Perience II Busted by DiAnn

Special Agents Dana Scully and Fox Mulder walked into Assistant
Director Walter Skinner's office for their 2:00 p.m. debriefing.
Skinner watched them with interest. Something was up and
honestly, he just wasn't sure he was really ready for this, at
least not today.

Agent Scully was very obviously angry with her partner. This in
itself was unusual. She usually went out of her way to protect
him and forgave him for any lapses on his part easily and
quickly. He on the other hand was not exhibiting his usual cocky
attitude. He kept his head down and did not make eye contact with
either his partner or his boss.

"You may be seated." He saw Mulder wince as he lowered himself
into the chair. "Were you injured during this incident, Agent
Mulder?"

Mulder glanced quickly at his partner, then back to Skinner, "No
. . . no, Sir."

Skinner watched him closely. "I see. Why don't you tell me
exactly what happened."

Mulder hesitated as if trying to find the right words to begin,
but Scully beat him to it with a hard glare in her partner's
direction. "Well Sir, Agent Mulder contacted me early Saturday
morning to accompany him on a field investigation. Several deaths
had been reported at a lake in Georgia. Agent Mulder, it turns
out, was certain that a swamp monster was eating the locals."

She gave Mulder another murderous glance. He squirmed in his seat
and winced again. She continued. "It went downhill from the
beginning, Sir. It rained. It always rains on us. I just don't
understand it," she seemed to almost be talking to herself then
she looked at him with big, puzzled blue eyes. "Why does it
*always* rain on us, Sir?"

When she didn't get an answer from her perplexed boss, she just
shook her head and continued, "We found a picture of a tooth, my
dog was eaten, the rental boat sank, we almost froze to death
sitting on a rock in the middle of the lake, a bunch of frogs
died, Mulder went running off into the woods by himself and was
almost killed*again*-this time by a giant alligator. . . so I
gave him a spanking. That's why he can't sit still today. And, "
Now she stared pointedly at her red faced partner, "I just may
give time another one."

Skinner was stunned. Not that these two didn't have a way of
surprising him, but this. . . he never expected this. "Agent
Mulder." No response. Mulder seemed to have found the carpet
worthy of a very through investigation.

"Agent Mulder, look at me please!" he barked. This time the young
agent jumped and met his boss's eyes for the first time since
entering the office.

"Is this true Mulder?"

Mulder blushed an even deeper shade of red. Skinner would not
have thought that possible.

"Ah . . . well, Sir . . . we aren't really sure that the picture
was an actual tooth and I didn't kill the frogs." He then
squirmed in his seat and earned himself another angry glare from
his partner.

A.D. Skinner looked at his two agents. Mulder had actually let
Scully spank him! From the look on her face he had no doubt that
she was capable of doing just that. In fact, she looked like she
would like to give the Assistant Director a how I did it'
demonstration right this minute.

"Agent Scully, I suggest you hold off on any further disciplinary
action until I have time to review this entire situation ."
Mulder looked greatly relieved. Skinner almost smiled. "Then I
may even sanction such an act." Mulder bushed again. He certainly
looked great in that shade of red.

"That will be all for now." He watched them exit his office.
Mulder opened the door and lay his hand lightly on the small of
Scully's back as she walked through the door. Obviously Mulder
held no grudge against his partner. He must have deserved what he
had gotten.

When the door was firmly closed behind them, Skinner lay his head
on his desk and gave in to uncontrollable laughter.

When the agents arrived at their basement office, Mulder again
lowered himself gingerly into his chair. "I thought you had
forgiven me Scully, I mean after . . . after you did tha . . .
that to me . . . we . . . we, uh . . . "

"I *know* what we did, Mulder. And that too was long overdue. I
should have done both to you a long time ago, *also*." She saw
him relax a little. "But that little spanking I gave you was for
running off without backup again. We haven't even discussed my
dog yet."

Mulder groaned and dropped his head into his hands. Just his
luck. He finally gets a sexual relationship - make that a
*fabulous* sexual relationship- with Scully and she decides he
needs to be spanked. Then she goes and tells Skinner all about
it. Could this possibly get any worse?

His E-mail indicator beeped. Mulder punched the appropriate key
and looked at the screen.

8:00 P.M. DO. NOT. BE. LATE.

Oh Shit, Skinner already. Mulder groaned and erased the message.

"Something wrong, Mulder?" Scully looked concerned.

Mulder shook his head, "No . . . no just some information I have
been expecting. Just came sooner than I thought it would, that's
all." *Another lecture from Walter . .. oh joy.*

"I'm meeting my . . . uh-h-h . . . source tonight at 8:00."

"Do you need me to come with you?"

"No!....No Scully. This one isn't dangerous, not at all. " *Yeah,
right.*

"All right, but watch your back anyway. Call me at Mom's when you
get back. I'm going to have dinner with her and probably spend
the night. I haven't seen her in a while."

"Sure Scully, I'll let you know when I get home safe and sound."

He had no doubt that when he called her later he would be safe.
Sound could, however, be another issue all together. "Tell your
Mom I said hello. And Scully . . . "

"Yes, Mulder."

"Do you have to tell her about . . . about what happened . . . I
mean what happened between us?"

"Do you mean the sex?"

"No, I don't mean the sex," he said sarcastically. "I doubt your
Mother would be entirely surprised or displeased. *She* does like
me you know. I mean . . . the . . . the other."

"You mean that I took down your pants and smacked that perfect
little butt of yours until it was hot and blistered?"

"Scully!"

She laughed at his outraged expression. Just *so cute*. "All
right, I won't tell her this time but honestly she would probably
agree that it was warranted."

Mulder groaned, "No doubt she would."

Scully wondered if Mulder would be seeing Walter Skinner tonight.
His relationship with Skinner was, of course, a secret. But
Mulder wasn't a very good liar, at least not to her. He always
gave himself away. She had known he was attracted to Skinner
before he knew himself. She also knew that this was the first
time he had been sexually drawn to another man and was still very
confused by his feelings.

She wasn't concerned about their relationship. She knew Mulder
loved her. He had for several years. And she loved him. She knew
she loved him more than anyone or anything. If a relationship
with Skinner made him happy and encouraged their boss to help
keep Mulder safe, then she had no problem.

She wanted Mulder happy and she wanted him safe.

She also thought that the uptight Skinner could use a little
excitement in his life. Mulder was the personification of
excitement. Nothing was ever the same after Mulder. He could
shake up your life like no one else.

And . . . she might even join the two men some time soon. A
thrill of excitement ran up her spine at *that* thought. They
were both such handsome, sexy men. And she would really be doing
Skinner a huge favor. As it was, Mulder spent so much of his free
time with her, he had very little left for Walter. A nice little
threesome would solve that problem very nicely. Actually make
that *very, very* nicely. She shivered again.

She would have to mention it to Mulder very carefully. She did
not want him to feel the least bit threatened. She knew she loved
him to distraction but Mulder was always waiting for her to come
to her senses and leave him high and dry. Silly boy.

********

Mulder looked around him as he knocked on Skinner's door. **Come
on Walter, it is not safe for me to be standing on your porch
like this**. He could tell anyone who asked that he and his boss
were going over the case files he held in his hands. But he would
just rather not be seen here at all.

As Mulder looked behind him again, the door opened and a large
hand reached out, grabbed the front of his jacket and jerked him
inside the house.



**Oh Great! Hope no one was watching that little move.**

He suddenly found he was being held up by his upper arms and
staring into the angry brown eyes of Assistant Director Walter
Skinner. **I always forget how big *he* is.**

"Ah-h-h . . . hello, Walter."

Skinner's answer was to start shaking Mulder violently. The files
in Mulder's hands fell to the floor. Mulder struggled but it
really didn't do him much good. The attack had been too sudden,
Skinner was too strong, and the floor under his feet was too
polished.

"Wal . . . Walter stop. Let me . . . g..go. What is wr . . .
wrong with yo . . . you anyway?"

Skinner held the younger man still. "Do you want to know what's
bothering me, Mulder? I got the police report back on that
incident in Georgia. You emptied your whole clip into that
alligator while you lay helpless on the ground. It died less than
two feet from you." He started shaking Mulder again.

"How. Many. Times. Do. I. Have. To. Tell. You. To. Wait. For.
Backup." Skinner yelled.

As far as Mulder was concerned, this evening was going downhill
fast. In fact, it was going about one hundred percent worse than
he had anticipated. He expected Walter to lecture him again,
probably even yell at him. But right now he was scrambling his
brains. And Mulder couldn't get enough leverage to stop him. It
was embarrassing. And, if Skinner didn't stop what he was doing
soon, Mulder felt certain he was going to lose his dinner all
over his boss.

Skinner finally stopped and felt Mulder sway on his feet. Good.
That was a perfectly fine beginning to the lesson he planned to
teach this troublesome boy tonight. Scully may have started it,
but Walter Skinner planned to finish it, in spades.

"Now Fox, I want you to tell me exactly what happened to you."

"Wh . . . what?" What was Skinner talking about. That alligator
hadn't really hurt him.

Skinner sighed at the confusion on Mulder's face. Dense.
Brilliant but dense. "Tell me why you allowed your partner to
punish you."

**Oh-h-h-h, not the alligator . . . Scully. That made more
sense.** Scully had done something to him, no doubt about that.
Might have been easier if the alligator had decided to punish
him.

"Sh . . . She threatened to leave me; to leave the X-Files. I had
to stop her, no matter what it took. You know I can't lose
Scully. I...I...I love her. And she had good reason to be angry.
I had promised not to ditch her anymore."

"So you can finally admit you are in love with Scully. Well, it's
about damned time. And what about me, Mulder, what do you feel
for me?"

He stared into Mulder's large expressive eyes. Mulder may not be
ready to say the words but the message in those eyes was clear,
so was the confusion and fear.

"Fox, does Scully know about us?"

"I think she suspects. I'm not very good at keeping things from
her. She seems to read my innermost thoughts or something. It is
*so* damned spooky. She doesn't seem to mind about our . . . our
. . . relationship."

"Good, we'll talk more about Scully later, now back to business.
I can't threaten to leave you. I am stuck with you" Mulder
winced, he preferred to think Skinner wanted him around. "But I
*am* going to punish you myself. Not because you give me your
permission but because I am bigger, meaner and angrier than you
are. And because you deserve it. Understand?"

Mulder swallowed hard. Opened his mouth to speak, but nothing
came out. His face had gone white and his eyes were huge in his
face. Skinner thought he looked absolutely gorgeous. A hot knot
formed in Skinner's stomach and traveled downward. **This boy is
going to be the death of me yet.**

"Take off your jacket and tie, Mulder. You can just leave them on
that chair."

Mulder did as he was told, with his tie gone and the top few
buttons of his shirt undone he felt he could breathe a little
better.

Then suddenly Skinners grabbed him firmly by the arm and
forcefully drug him into the den. He stood Mulder in front of him
and reached for his agent's belt buckle.

"Have you ever been strapped, Mulder?"

Mulder flinched then froze. Just stood there, like some beautiful
statue. He seemed lost. Somehow in his foggy mind he found the
words he needed to answer the question. "Yes . . . Yes, sir. My .
. . My Dad, . . . Sir."

Skinner looked at him closely. Terrified. Mulder was absolutely
stone cold terrified. Oh shit! He had not expected this. Now what
should he do?

"Fox, I am only doing this because I don't want you to take such
foolish chances with your life. I know Scully has tried to reason
with you too, but you just don't listen. Do you really want to
hurt the people who love you most?"

Mulder seemed genuinely surprised. "People who love *me*?"

Skinner could not believe this. "Are you telling me that you love
Scully and that you love me but you don't think we love you
enough to be concerned about whether you live or die?"

Mulder shifted his eyes to the floor. Skinner lowered himself to
the couch and pulled Mulder down beside him. He kept a firm arm
around his agent's shoulders. "What did you think about what
Scully did to you? Did you like it, did it turn you on?"

Mulder's black satin voice was so low, Skinner had to strain to
hear him. "No. Actually I hated it, but it was better than losing
her. It was humiliating but I would let her do it a hundred times
before I lost her. Besides I probably deserved it. And she . . .
she made love to me . . . afterwards."

"Finally! I though you two would never . . . Do you think I have
just cause to punish you?"

Mulder would not meet his eyes. "Probably. But . . . I'm afraid
of you. I'm afraid of the strap. I...I don't want to live through
that again. I don't want to bleed like that again."

"BLEED!" He felt Mulder flinch and tightened his hug on Mulder's
shoulders. "What happened to you, Mulder? Did your Dad...to a
kid...how could he?"

Now Mulder turned angry eyes to his boss. "It was my fault. I
lost Samantha," he yelled. "I was supposed to take care of her
but I lost her. I deserved to suffer." Mulder took a deep calming
breath and lowered his voice. "After Sam was taken, Mom didn't
know I was there, couldn't even see me. I was as dead to her as
she feared Samantha was. But Dad saw me. He . . . he punished me
for losing my sister, for hurting my mother, for destroying our
family. I. . . I deserved that pain."

Skinner pulled the handsome young agent even more tightly into
his arms. *Shit! Shit! Shit!* He looked down at the top of the
dark head resting against his chest. "So Fox, tell me why you
think Scully spanked you. Did she think you deserved pain, too?"

Mulder didn't even have to think about that one. He smiled. "No,
Scully doesn't really want to hurt me. She just doesn't want to
see me get injured. I scare her. She wanted to get my attention.
She doesn't think I listen to her. I do. But she doesn't think
so. I just want to protect her. Of course, I'd rather have her
with me all the time but I can't stand the thought of her being
hurt. I couldn't go on without her, not now. She smacked me
because she thought that would make me change. Make me take her
into danger with me."

He took a deep breath. "Scully probably does love me, at least I
hope so, and that's why she did that to me but . . . but now I'm
afraid she liked it."

"Is that going to be a problem?"

Mulder looked resigned, "No, if it makes her feel like she is
doing her best to protect me, keeps her with me or just makes her
happy, I'll let her do it. But I have to tell you. I hope not too
often. She's little but she just about killed me with that
hairbrush of hers."

Skinner laughed and easily flipped the unsuspecting agent over
his lap. Mulder struggled for a moment then calmed down to accept
his fate. Skinner reached down and ruffled his hair.

"Let me see just how much damage a little redhead on the rampage
can do." He expertly peeled Mulder's slacks and boxers to his
knees. He rubbed his large hand over the recently spanked flesh
and felt Mulder flinch.

"She certainly did a good job on you. She must have been
furious."

Mulder tried to twist around to look at Walter over his shoulder.
"Well, I did kill her dog."

Smack! "Ouch." Walter's hard hand was certainly effective on his
still sore backside. "What was that for?"

"Mulder, I am tired of you taking the blame for everything that
happens." Smack! "Sure, you asked Scully to go with you but did
you force her to go?" Smack!

"Ouch! No, of course not, I would never force her to go with me."

"Did you invite the dog?" Smack!

"Ouch, Shit! No, I hated that yippy little mutt. Will you cut
that out? Ouch! It hurts."

"Well, you didn't eat the damned dog then did you?" Smack!

"Ouch! No . . . No, but I should have shown her more compassion.
I was afraid she would blame me so I tried to just change the
subject. Get her mind off the little alligator bait."

"You know, Mulder," Smack! "You drive me crazy. I don't know
whether to blister your ass again" Smack! "or take you upstairs
and love you senseless." Smack!

"Ouch! . . . Do I get to vote?"

Skinner chuckled, gave Mulder another light smack and helped him
to his feet. "Ok. You win this time. But listen to me, and listen
well. If I find out, Scully has to spank you again, I'll give you
another dose at the first opportunity. And it won't be something
you will soon forget."

Mulder was adjusting his clothing. Skinner reached over and took
his chin in strong fingers, then raised the hazel eyes to meet
his own. "Got that?"

"Yes, Sir. But . . . but what if Scully just does it for no
reason? Maybe she liked it too much."

"Mulder I doubt that Agent Scully does much of anything without a
reason. Especially cause you pain. She protects you like a
lioness with a favorite cub. And secondly, if she smacks you just
for fun, I doubt she will tell me about it."

Mulder nodded.

"Now are you clear about what will happen the next time you are
reckless?"

Another nod.

"Good. Now go call Scully and tell her you are all right. You
won't be going home tonight and I don't want her to worry about
you."

Skinner laughed again. "It could be bad for your health."

End Two


Painful X-Perience III Repeat Performance by DiAnn

Special Agent Fox Mulder lay on his motel room bed with one arm
resting over his eyes. He was waiting for his partner to show up.
He didn't have any doubt that she would be there shortly. He had
made her angry again today. She would, without doubt, want to
discuss his disappointing behavior with him.

Dana Scully turned the knob on the motel room door. She knew it
would not be locked. He would be expecting her. As she walked
into the room, he made no response to her presence even though
she knew he was aware of her. He was hiding from her behind his
arm.

She picked up his discarded jacket and tie from the floor. Where
did he find ties this ugly? Was it his way of thumbing his nose
at the FBI dress code or heaven forbid, was it just a matter of
taste? Or maybe a matter of no taste. Shaking her head she folded
both jacket and tie over the back of a chair.

"How's the head, Mulder?"

"It's fine, Scully." She heard him take a deep breath. "I guess I
did it again?"

"Yeah . . . I'd say you did." She had been tearing through
traffic to get to him. He had two suspects cornered in a
warehouse in the absolute worst part of this town. She had
specifically asked him not to go there, let alone enter the
premises without backup.

Of course, when she arrived all she found was his empty car. It
hadn't really surprised her. If it was dangerous and really
stupid, she could always count on Mulder to jump in with both
feet.

Quickly but carefully entering the warehouse, Scully had arrived
just in time to see a very large man land a fierce kick to
Mulder's already bruised and bleeding face. A face that she
wanted to keep just the way it was.

He went crashing back against the wall, she could clearly hear
the impact of his head as it landed on the brick surface. As her
partner slid to the floor, another large man appeared and began
kicking the downed agent.

Scully's position was too far away to shoot without the
endangering Mulder.

She yelled at them. "Freeze, FBI." Of course they took off.
**Wonder what would happen if she started yelling Run, FBI.'**
No, probably wouldn't work that way either.

She stepped over her unconscious but hopefully still breathing
partner, and pursued the men for a short distance. She was
feeling very apprehensive in this building. She just wanted to
get back to Mulder and get him out of here.

It had taken her several long minutes to bring Mulder around.
When he finally opened his eyes, it was to stare into the face of
a very obviously angry Dana Scully.

Now, moving over to sit on the edge of the bed, she felt the back
of his head for the lump she knew had to be there. He winced but
didn't make a sound. She located the wound and was thoroughly
examining it. "You should have gone to the hospital, and let them
take a look at you."

"I'm ok, really Scully. Look I'm really sorry about . . . " He
stopped as she began to unbuckle his dark blue slacks.

She heard a velvet whisper, "Please, Scully, don't do this to
me."

She glanced up at his face. He still had not removed his arm from
his eyes . . . had not looked at her. He had made it obvious that
he *would not* look at her. She realized suddenly that he was
actually afraid of her.

It wasn't the fact that she was undressing him. She had done so
many times. As his doctor and friend, she had helped a hurt or
wounded Mulder undress many times over the years. But during the
past four months she had undressed him as her lover.

Their more intimate relationship had started on a bizarre note.
She had been angry with him, just like today, and had given him
an ultimatum, lose her or submit to physical punishment. She had
been a little surprised when he had finally agreed. It was then
that she had realized just how much he loved her . . . and just
how much he needed her.

Because he made it plain that he would do absolutely anything to
keep her with him, she had spanked him. Then she had made love to
him until the small hours of the morning. It had been a glorious
night, the first of many glorious nights for them. And almost
more amazing, the punishment had worked. He had not done anything
blatantly reckless or life threatening since that day. That is,
until now.

She resumed undressing him. He was just so beautiful. "Why didn't
you wait for me, Mulder?"

"I thought they might get away. They know the truth about this
case. I'm sure of it. They either are capable of changing
themselves into werewolves or have at least been in contact with
someone who can. It seemed like hours since I had called for
backup."

She had finished with his shoes and socks and was now tugging on
his pants. He groaned miserably as they slid down his legs.

"Mulder, did the . . . werewolves . . . take your gun?"

Mulder finally met her eyes with his. "No Scully," he said
sincerely, "You might not believe me but I was really being
careful to keep my distance from the werewolves until you could
get there. But then the Vampire snuck up behind me and took my
gun."

Scully was speechless. She just stared at him, her mouth open.
What could she possible say to that statement?

"Uhhh . . . I see. I'll tell you this, Mulder, it only took me
fifteen minutes to get to you. You could have waited for me."

"Scully, please don't do this to me."

She was still angry but he certainly knew how to get around her.
How could anyone even think about an emotion like anger when
confronted by a gorgeous, wide-eyed hunk of a man telling them
about quick fisted Werewolves and Vampires who didn't play fair?

She could see the bruises that had formed on his jaw and she knew
there had to be others under his shirt. She looked at him and
shook her head. He was beautiful. He was also weird okay, make
that *really* weird -but still *her* beautiful, weird man. She
would do what she had to do to keep him safe, even from himself.

She was after his shirt now. With a deep sigh of resignation, he
sat up on the side of the bed and let her finish undressing him.
Then to his surprise, she kissed his forehead and pushed him back
down on the bed, covering him lightly.

He had large bruises on his rib cage and on his back as well. He
had to be hurting badly but seemed to be more concerned with what
her reaction to today's events would be. She probed his ribs for
possible breaks, he winced but again he remained silent.

"Was it worth it, Mulder?"

"I had a plan Scully. I just didn't expect them to have help. Who
could have guessed that a Vampire would be in league with a bunch
of Werewolves. It just isn't natural, Scully. There is certainly
more here than meets the eye."

She couldn't believe it. "Not Natural!" **Did he actually just
say NOT NATURAL?** He bobbed his head up and down several times
enthusiastically. Again Scully found herself speechless, just
staring into his sincere and very delighted eyes. He looked so
relieved that she had finally grasped the situation.

She moved her hand up and gently pushed his chocolate colored
hair back from his forehead. There was a bruise there too. What
had she done in her life to deserve this? Had she been too sure
of herself, too prideful? Perhaps she had been too certain that
in her science lie all the answers? Could she have, in her
vanity, tempted God? So He had sent her Mulder to love . . . and
love him she did. But Dear Lord, Werewolves and Vampires, working
together for the downfall of humanity in general and tall, good-
looking FBI Agents in particular. Did she really deserve that?

"Mulder, what am I going to do with you? You just make me so
crazy. I can't let anything happen to you. I couldn't go on
without you, not now. But you won't let me protect you. You won't
let me be a real partner to you."

Mulder was using his big sad eyes on her again. Damn! She *hated*
it when he did that. OK, toughen up Dana. This is for his own
good as well as your own. And don't forget the long suffering
Walter Skinner.

She and Mulder spent just about every weekend with Walter Skinner
now. He had been so alone, until they had started sharing their
time with him. Now he had Scully and Mulder to love and to love
him. He would be devastated if anything were to happen to Mulder.

"Scully, please I can't lose you but . . . but I don't think I
can go through . . . though *that* again either."

She smoothed his hair again, "I don't like to hurt or embarrass
you, Fox. I love you. But you just won't listen to me and a
promise is a promise. You do remember what I promised to do to
you the next time you ditched me, don't you?"

"Yeah, I remember." Oh no, his bottom lip was trembling. He was
using *The Lip* on her. This was just not fair, not fair at all.

"If you won't listen like a sensible adult then I will resort to
drastic measures. You act like a reckless kid and I will treat
you like one. That was our deal. Or do you want to call the whole
thing off?"

**Oh Dana, really low**. You know he won't risk losing you.

"I don't punish you when you make mistakes, Scully."

"No, you don't but my mistakes don't involve foolhardy actions
that endanger my own life as well as that of my partner."

Mulder was shocked, "I would never . . . *never* do anything to
endanger your life, Scully."

"I know you leave me behind to protect me, but think about it.
You forced me into a warehouse with at least two suspected
murders. When I got there, you were in the process of being
beaten unconscious. You were already down. I could easily have
been next."

He closed his eyes. She had done it again. How could he argue
with that kind of logic? She has taken all the fight out of him.
"I'm sorry, Scully. You're right about this. But you really don't
have to do anything else. Just the thought of endangering you
will stop me in the future. I don't need any further
reinforcement." In answer, she just turned away from him and
walked across the room.

"Scully, wait . . . "

She picked up his ugly silk tie. She held it gingerly between
thumb and forefinger. *Why would anyone waste silk like this?*
Keeping her hand behind her back she slowly walked back to him.
She had made progress with him but she was not letting to him off
too easily. His life might depend on it.

She could see the fear and apprehension in his eyes. "Dana,
please . . . no . . . don't. . . "

He had called her *Dana* again, which meant he was really, really
upset. Walking to the bed, she lifted his right hand and knotted
the end of his tie around it snugly. Mulder closed his eyes. She
pulled the cloth through the head board and reached for his other
hand.

He resisted for just a moment. She met his eyes and held them.
"Your choice, Fox." He sighed and slowly relinquished his hand to
her. Stubbornly refusing to look at her as she secured his hands
to the bed.

Again she gently smoothed his hair back from his eyes. "Don't be
too worried, you may not enjoy all of what happens this evening
but it won't be as bad as last time. But, I guarantee you won't
forget this night any time soon."

Their eyes met, she was smiling, he was looking anxious. She
lowered her face to his and began to slowly kiss each and every
bruise on his beautiful face. When she had finished that task,
she went over the same area again, this time lightly licking and
kissing. Her hot, wet tongue sending shivers down his body. She
ended at his full, sensuous mouth for a long deep kiss.

She was watching him closely. The rhythm of his breathing had
changed dramatically as she continued her gentle attention. She
proceeded down from his mouth and to his chest, paying special
attention to the sweet hard nibbles buried in the furred chest.
He moaned and arched his back, presenting his body more fully for
her use. She licked and nipped at his nipples until he was
moaning and withering with pleasure. She worked her way lower to
his bruised and battered ribs. Making sure each wound received
her erotic but healing ministrations.

He was straining now, using body language to silently beg her to
move lower. Smiling she lowered her mouth and began on his long,
muscular legs. He moaned in frustration. Her soft satin voice
reached his ears, "Better calm down, Fox, you have a long night
of punishment ahead of you. And there is absolutely nothing you
can do to gain my mercy." She was sucking his toes, she thought
he might just tear the bed apart with his struggles.

She moved to stand by his side and gently rolled him over onto
his stomach. This caused the tie above his head to twist into an
X. She smiled, **How very appropriate.**

She gently stroked his smooth backside. Smack! She brought the
hairbrush down hard. He had not expected it, had not even known
that dreaded hairbrush had come into the room with her.

"Scully . . . no-o-o-o . . . "

Smack! Smack! She stopped and gently robbed the injured area,
soothing it with her kisses.

He was doing it again. The whimper. She loved it when he made
that sound, somewhere between a sob and a moan. She wasn't sure
if it was more from pleasure or pain. Probably pleasure, not
enough damage to that cute little butt to cause real pain . . .
yet. Oh-h-h. There it was again. The whimper. He was just so
sexy.

Smack! Smack! Smack! Another whimper. She ran her tongue down the
backs of his sexy legs. She loved the feel of the hard muscles
rippling under his soft skin. Biting, kissing and licking his
strong runner's legs until she felt him trembling.

She tuned her attention back to his flushed backside, gently
caressing the reddened flesh. Smack! Smack! Smack! Mulder
squirmed and moaned. She quickly moved her hand to his burning
bottom and began her gentle soothing. "Calm down, you know you
deserve this." Smack! "Don't ditch me again."

That dark head was nodding, making a silent but heart felt
promise. He didn't speak. She suspected he might be close to
tears. Today had been an emotional roller coaster and this mixed
message she was sending had to be confusing for him.

This time she started at his left shoulder and began her slow
steady progress down his long, smooth back. Caress, lick, kiss.
Caress, lick, kiss. Here the bruises were very evident. They must
have been working on her partner for several minutes before she
got there for him to be hurt this badly. She caressed the darkly
discolored skin on his lower back carefully. Why couldn't he just
be more careful?

Once again, she turned her attention to his sore bottom. His body
stiffened as she caressed him there. He didn't want her attention
focused there. She knew the hairbrush was hurting him, could hear
his muffled cries and indrawn breaths with each stroke.

"Mulder, I am going to finish up here. Then I promise I will make
you feel a whole lot better. OK?" A single nod of his head, her
only answer.

"I want you to listen to me, Mulder," Smack! Smack! "from now on
you will " Smack! "wait for me." Smack! "You will be," Smack! "as
careful with your life as you are with mine," Smack! "or I will
kill you myself." Smack! Smack! "with this hairbrush!" Smack! "Do
you understand?" Smack!

More frantic nodding of his head. "And this one is for not
keeping your eye on the Vampire." Smack! She smiled, "You know
they are not to be trusted."

He nodded more vigorously in agreement with her last statement.
**Jeez!**

She was sure he was crying now. She could hear the soft sobs even
though his head was buried in the pillow. She certainly hoped he
could breathe in there.

She could understand why he was crying. He had been through a lot
today. And it always upset him when she punished him. He hated to
disappoint her. *And* he hated to be smacked.*

He deserved this spanking but he also deserved what she intended
to do to him next. When she was done with him, he would hardly
remember the pain and embarrassment he was feeling now. Until . .
. the next time he got it in his head to protect her by *going in
alone. * Hopefully then he would consider the dire consequences
of such unfortunate decisions. Hopefully. Better make sure she
kept packing her hairbrush.

She ran her hand over his shivering backside, his skin hot and
smooth like the finest silk of his ties. Only prettier. She moved
her lips over his punished flesh, felt the shiver run through his
body again. She darted her tongue from between her full lips and
gently licked his sizzling skin. This time she was rewarded with
a shudder and that delicious whimper again.

Continuing to caress his sore bottom, she moved her lips close to
his ear. "You know I love you, Mulder." Another nod of his dark
head. "All right, the bad part is over for now. Behave yourself
and it won't happen again. I'd much rather hear you moan from
pleasure than from pain."

She helped him turn over, reaching for his erection even as she
did so. She got a definite gasp. She had him trembling again. He
was just so responsive. When it came to his body, he didn't
withhold anything from her. If she turned him on, he let her know
it. No guessing games in the bedroom. And it seemed that almost
everything she did to him turned him on. For him, she was pure
magic. What woman wouldn't find that totally flattering and
highly erotic?

Was it any wonder that she would go to any extreme to keep him
safe? Even up to and including smacking his deliciously tight
little butt. He *was* going to start acting more responsibly. Or
else.

Leaning down she kissed the few tears from his face. They tasted
salty but also sweet. She moved lower, sucking on that luscious
bottom lip of his. He had told her once that when he was a little
kid, the girls had teased him unmercifully about that lip. She
would bet those same *girls* wouldn't tease him now. Most women
found the grown up Mulder's lip totally irresistible. She had
seen females from sixteen to sixty eyeing his mouth with total
fascination.

Usually he was completely clueless to the effect he had on women,
and sometimes on men. Once when he was very obviously being ogled
by a gay, male suspect, she had seen him pull his bottom lip
protectively into his mouth. That act alone had caused the
suspect to nearly have a coronary on the spot. Mulder had blushed
like a very naive teenager. At that point, the suspect became so
infatuated, that Mulder had to leave the room and allow Scully to
complete the interrogation. The entire time the poor man had
watched the door hopefully, waiting in vain for Mulder to return.

Walter has teased him unmercifully about the incident for weeks.
Mulder had never been attracted to a man, except for Skinner. Who
knew why that was . . . it just was.

Scully knew that she was driving him crazy tonight. Good. She
wanted to drive him crazy. She was moving down again. Across his
chest Suck. Lick. Kiss. Suck. Lick. Kiss. Down his bruised rib
cage. Suck. Lick. Kiss. Suck. Lick. Kiss. Into his navel. Suck.
Lick. Kiss. Suck. Lick. Kiss.

She loved the way his big strong body was trembling under her.
For her. Suck. Lick. Kiss. She loved the way his whimpers had
turned into one long, low moan. Suck. Lick. Kiss. Across his
flat, hard stomach. Suck. Lick. Kiss. Lower still, until her
mouth finally closed around him . . .

"Scull-l-l-l-ly . . . "

End Three

Painful X-Perience IV Never Trust a Vampire by DiAnn

They were sitting across from each other in the motel's
restaurant having breakfast. At least Dana Scully was having
breakfast. Mulder was just pushing his food around on the plate.

"Uh . . . Scully, I was wondering if you could maybe .. . well .
. . not tell Skinner?" Scully looked up at her partner, he was
using the pouting lower lip on her. It wasn't going to work this
time. Not that it wasn't adorable. In fact, it was one of her
favorite expressions, he looked just like an innocent little boy.
It was just *so cute* .. . but well . . . it just wasn't going to
work this time.

"Not on your life, Mulder. Walter told me about your deal. If I
found it necessary to spank you again, you get another one from
him."

"Scully!" Mulder looked frantically around him, hoping no one had
heard this last bit of information.

Scully laughed. "What's the matter, Mulder? There isn't a woman
in this place, and probably very few men, who wouldn't get off on
the image of you across my knees getting that cute little butt of
yours smacked." Mulder groaned and lowered his head into his
hands. "Besides, Walter promised I could watch." Another groan,
this time he lowered his head all the way to the tabletop and
just rested there.

The waitress came by, staring at the deliciously handsome man
with his dark head on the table. She looked concerned. "Need and
help here?"

Scully smiled up at the waitress, "No, I'm fine and I'm afraid he
is beyond help right now."

*********

Assistant Director Walter Skinner watched as the two agents
seated themselves in front of his desk. So, it had happened. He
could tell without even being told. Mulder had gotten himself in
hot water again. Had to have his ass saved by his partner and
paid for the favor with that same said cute little ass. She must
have done a good job on him. He was squirming all over that
chair.

"Agent Scully, Agent Mulder, I understand that several suspects
escaped capture. What exactly happened?"

Mulder met his eyes for the first time since entering the room,
"I had apprehended the two suspected Werewolves, Sir, but then .
. . "

"Excuse me, Agent Mulder, did I hear you correctly? Did you say
Werewolves?"

Mulder was nodding his head, "Yes Sir, I . .. "

Scully interrupted her partner, "Because Agent Mulder failed to
wait for proper backup, he was surprised by a third person .. . "

Mulder's head shot up again, "That was not my fault. No one would
have been prepared for the interference of a Vampire. Vampires
just do not associate with . . .

"

"Vampire, Agent Mulder?" Now Skinner was wearing that incredulous
look that often accompanied conversations with Mulder. Was he
really hearing this? Mulder certainly knew how to keep a person's
attention.

Scully's voice was cool and calm. "Yes Sir, Vampire, and a very
sneaky one at that. What is the world coming to when you can't
trust a Vampire to act like a Vampire?"

Mulder was nodding his head vigorously. **Now this was better,
Scully was supporting his explanation.**

Skinner's eyes shot to Scully. **Did she really believe this
stuff?** Her face was a neutral mask but her eyes were dancing
with mischief. **Thank God. He wouldn't be able to deal with two
of them.**

"Uh . . . I see, why don't *you* continue, Agent Scully."

"As I was saying, Agent Mulder was surprised, beaten and rendered
unconscious. Both of his guns were taken by the uh . . . Vampire.
And we lost another cell phone and a flashlight, Sir."

Mulder winced and rolled his eyes toward the ceiling. **Well, so
much for Scully supporting his cause.**

"What was the extent of Agent Mulder's injuries, Agent Scully? I
see no record of a hospital visit here."

"He did not go to a hospital, Sir. He was whining so much I
finally agreed to care for him myself, again. He had a mild
concussion, serious bruising to his back and chest area, two ribs
badly bruised but not broken, sprained wrist, laceration and
bruising to the face area and . . . a very sore bottom, Sir."

Mulder could feel his boss glaring at him. He closed his eyes.
Skinner glanced at Scully, she nodded slightly. It was time. Time
to teach this young man a lesson is self preservation. They also
wanted him to understand how much he meant to both of them. How
much they cared about him. Something at which his parents had
failed miserably. Mulder's father had punished him for the
father's own sins. Punished him until he bled, not only
physically, but his heart had bled as well.

He and Scully had discussed this at length. Scully loved Mulder,
actually they both did. The idea of his loss was not acceptable.
They had decided that the next time Mulder messed up, never
doubting there would be a next time, he was going to find out
just how important he was to them. How much they loved him and
needed him. He was going to find out about Tough Love'.

He was much too reckless and careless with his own life while
protecting Scully's by any means possible. They had tried
reasoning with him, he always promised to improve. He didn't.
Only a good old-fashioned spanking seemed to get his attention.
Mulder hated to be disciplined. Skinner rather enjoyed doing it
last time. It was the only time Mulder's face had lost its self
assurance. He had looked totally off balance and absolutely
adorable. All huge eyes and pouting lip. It was a pleasant change
from the agent's normally irritating, smart-assed attitude.

"Agent Mulder, do you have anything you would like to add to
Agent Scully's statement?"

Mulder opened his eyes, started to speak, changed his mind.
Started to speak again, then just closed his mouth and shook his
head slowly.

"In that case, I will see you both tonight for dinner, say around
eight o'clock?" Scully nodded at the AD.

Mulder had lost what little color he had left, big eyes again,
shell shock. He just stared at this boss while Scully tugged at
his arm trying to get him up out of the chair.

Skinner studied him closely, "Is there a problem, Agent Mulder?"

Mulder looked at him with a lost expression, his velvet voice not
much above a whisper, "Please Sir, don't do this to me."

Skinner glanced above his head to where Dana stood looking
concerned. Skinner looked back down at the brilliant, beautiful
and infuriating FBI Agent in the chair in front of him. He said
in a gentle whisper, "Don't worry, Mulder, it won't be so bad.
We'll take care of you."

Mulder stared a moment longer, nodded once and allowed his
partner to lead him from the room.

******

Scully had not allowed Mulder to go home. He had showered and
changed into jeans at her apartment. As he dug through *his*
drawer he wondered just how many clothes he actually had. There
were quite a few here at Scully's place and a few more at
Skinner's house. At least he could usually find something clean
somewhere.

Scully glanced at her partner with concern. He was so quiet. He
had hardly spoken at all after their meeting with Skinner. He was
scared. He really didn't have to be. Both she and Skinner loved
him to distraction, would never do anything to really hurt him.

Mulder did not realize it but their mutual love for him was what
held the three together. She did love Skinner, but knew she would
not continue a relationship with him without Mulder in the
picture. Skinner undoubtedly felt the same way about her. And
Mulder, well as usual Mulder didn't have a clue. He didn't think
he really deserved love, so he never expected it.

Mulder was one of the strongest men she had ever known. He was
brilliant, capable, honest, loyal . . . but when it came to love,
he was a complete victim. Often vulnerable to the point of
ridiculous. Well, this time he had lucked out. The two people who
loved him the most in the world, were committed to saving Mulder
from everyone, especially himself.

Of course, she could see why Mulder was a little apprehensive
tonight. They were, after all, very angry with him and he knew
that probably meant a discipline session. He also knew he
deserved it. He could have been killed in that warehouse. She
shuddered to even think how many times she had almost lost him.
Well, from now on he was going to listen to her. He was going to
listen and he was going to wait for backup. And if she couldn't
get the message across to him she would let Walter Skinner help
her.

*********

Skinner opened the door for his two favorite agents. Dana smiled
warmly as he kissed her lightly. He reached for Mulder but
stepped back quickly as the younger man stiffened
uncharacteristically and pulled away. Skinner frowned, it was
certainly going to be a long night.

"Dana, I found that sweater you were looking for last weekend. I
put it in the drawer where you two keep your extra clothing."

Scully had not taken her eyes off her partner, who was conducting
a through investigation of the floor. "Uh . . . thanks Walter.
What's for dinner? Something sure smells great."

Dinner was a disaster. Walter and Dana tried to make small talk
while they both watched the top of Mulder's dark head bent low
over his plate. A plate from which he had not taken one bite but
had rearranged several times. He had not looked at either of them
the entire evening.

Suddenly Skinner lost his patience. "OK, that's it." Both agent's
bright heads popped up and with wide eyes, stared at their boss.
Skinner moved behind Mulder and placed his hand firmly on the
back of the young man's head, pulling Mulder up out of his chair
by the scruff of his neck and shaking him slightly.

"We all know what is on the agenda for tonight, let's get this
over with so the entire weekend isn't ruined." Another shake to
Mulder's neck. "Then maybe you will eat a decent meal. I am so
tired of you starving yourself to death every time you get upset,
which is much too often." Another shake. "You would think we
planned to execute you tonight, get into the den, Mulder."

Upon arriving in the den, Skinner pushed Mulder down into a soft
leather wingback chair. He immediately tried to rise. Skinner
glared, "Do I need to restrain you, Agent Mulder?" Mulder sat
back down. He did not like being tied down. Skinner smiled at the
top of his head. "Go ahead and pout, Mulder. It's cute but it
won't do you any good this time."

Skinner and Scully took seats across from Mulder. Skinner studied
Mulder's averted face. He was trying to look cool but only
managed to look young and hurt. God, did he look young. No wonder
Mulder always tried to act so tough, self defense with a face
like that.

Skinner cleared his throat but Mulder refused to look at him.
"Agent Mulder, we seem to have an ongoing problem with your
inability to stay with your partner. You repeatedly act alone in
obvious dangerous situations. Now I could handle this through
regular channels, reprimands, suspensions but you would probably
end up losing the X-Files." Mulder's head shot up. Skinner had
his full attention now.

"And it would just give your enemies more ammunition to use
against you. And I wouldn't be able to make sure that Scully was
there to watch your back."

He got no verbal response from his handsome young agent.

"ARE YOU LISTENING TO ME, MULDER?" Mulder jumped in his seat,
swallowed hard and nodded his head. **That marine' voice always
worked on Mulder. **

"As I was saying, I have decided to handle this chronic problem
in a more personal way, with Dan's assistance, of course." Now
Mulder didn't seem to be able to take his eyes off Skinner.

Walter let his next words drop in the now silent room. "A sound
strapping may be the only thing to get your attention and keep
it."

Skinner watched as Mulder's face flushed then paled. His eyes
seemed to lose focus. **This boy is terrified.** Skinner thought
sadly. **Come on, Kid, don't you know I could never really hurt
you? **

Skinner stood and began to clear his desk. "Dana, would you help
Fox get ready, please." Walter watched from the corner of his eye
as Scully pulled her shocked and unresponsive partner from his
chair. She moved him gently toward the big solid desk. As Dana
reached for his belt buckle, she paused to kiss him tenderly and
whisper a gentle reassurance in his ear. Mulder wouldn't or maybe
couldn't meet her eyes.

Dana gently pushed him close to the desk and lowered his jeans
and boxers to his knees. Mulder seemed transfixed with the sight
of the one inch leather strap in Skinner's hand. He shivered
hard.

Dana continued to caress him as Skinner also moved in to kiss
him, nibbling affectionately at his jaw line and neck. **Such a
beautiful boy. How could his father have been so cruel to him?**
Skinner would never understand some men. He couldn't imagine
being given such a precious gift as a son like this and then to
abuse him. Not discipline him but cruelly abuse him.

Skinner began to rub his hand over Mulder's body. He could feel
the heat coming off his young agent even through his clothing.

"Mulder, I want you to trust us. Dana and I love you. We are not
your father. We just want you to understand how important it is
to us that we never lose you. We just can't let that happen. We
love you too much. Do you understand, Mulder?"

His only response was a slight flicker of Mulder's hazel eyes.
Well, that would have to do for a response. Skinner gently pushed
Mulder forward until his upper body rested on the hard oak desk.
Scully moved around to sit in the chair, one hand immediately
going to rest in Mulder's soft brown hair.

Mulder was back in his father's house. He was twelve years old
and helpless. He remembered being in just this position across
his father's desk except then there had been yelling. Loud angry
yelling and his father telling him, everything was his fault. His
fault for losing his sister, for upsetting his Mother, for
destroying the whole family. For not being the one to be taken.
His father had said that over and over and once or twice Mulder
had heard his father sob. Sob for his lost daughter, his little
love, not for the son he now tortured.

But back those years ago, he couldn't remember there ever being
one small, cool hand on his shoulder and another gently stroking
his hair.

He heard the swish of the strap only a brief moment before the
stinging impact of the leather on his skin. Thack! Pain! He
flinched but made no sound. He had been taught long ago not to
make a sound. Neighbors might hear and not understand how much he
deserved what he was getting. He remembered the lesson well. **To
cry out brought greater pain.**

Mulder shivered hard again. **Stay quiet, take it, take what you
deserve.** Mulder knew that soon, through the blinding pain, he
would be able to feel the warm sticky blood on his body. Smell
it's sickening sweet odor. Feel the panic as it built inside his
head. Then the lights would start dancing behind his closed eyes
and the darkness would come for him. But the darkness never took
him so far away that he could no longer feel the pain, the pain
in his flesh and the pain in his heart.

*Dad, stop. Please stop.* *Mom, can't you help me.* Silent pleas
that were never acknowledged or answered.

Mulder realized he had not yet received a second blow. Instead he
felt large gentle hands soothing his burning backside, caressing
him, loving him. This wasn't right. This wasn't how it went.

From a great distance he could hear Walter's voice telling him
that he had to be more careful. That he was sorry he had to hurt
him like this, but that he was risking his life and the life of
his partner.

**Scully . . . No . . . No, Not Scully . . . Never Scully**
Thack!

The next stroke landed painfully, burning into his very soul. Oh,
it hurt . . . it hurt. Again he felt the small cool hands
caressing his hair, his back, words of love whispered in his ear.
Scully. His beautiful Scully. Then there was Skinner's voice with
another lecture about the need for backup.

Thack! Another welt from the strap. Mulder whimpered this time.
The hands in his hair intensified their efforts at consolation.
Those hands felt so good. And the wonderful soft voice in his ear
telling him she would never leave him, never stop loving him.

Then Mulder felt the larger, rougher hands caressing him, while
at the same time lecturing him sternly about proper FBI
procedures. They were scared for him. He frightened them when he
acted without thinking.

They just wanted his attention, wanted him to be more careful. It
wasn't much to ask really.

Thack! "Ah-h-h-h-h- . . . " **Had that been his voice?** He
hadn't meant to cry out. It just hurt so much. Panic! Now he had
done it, now it would begin. The continual strokes. Fast hard
strokes that left no time between to prepare, no time to gain
control.

Every muscle in Mulder's body tensed. Waiting. Waiting for the
pain. Waiting for the blood.

Instead he felt Scully's wonderful soothing hands and Skinner was
still lecturing him but in a calm even voice.

Thack! Tears ran down Mulder's face. A sob escaped his lips.
"I...I'm so sor . . . sorry."

Skinner smiled at Scully over Mulder's shivering body. "Fox, why
am I doing this to you?"

"Mo . . . more careful. N-n . . . not killed."

"And what other reason?"

"Lov . . . love me."

Skinner steeled himself for his next task. This would be Mulder's
real lesson. The one he wanted him to remember the next time he
started to do something careless and stupid.

If this didn't get his attention, then nothing would and Mulder
was as good as dead.

He raised the strap above his head and glanced at Scully's tear
stained face. This was as hard on her as it was on Mulder. He
brought the strap down for six more solid strokes, leaving time
between each for the agent to catch his breath. Mulder cried out,
squirmed and bucked at each one.

Walter threw down the strap, circled his arms around Mulder's
chest and lifted him back against his own chest. Enveloping him
in a strong, reassuring hug and kissing his tear streaked cheeks.

Mulder's tears were salty against his lips, "Mulder, I would
really like to not have to do this again. It's too hard on all of
us. Will you start thinking before you act? That's all we ask."

Mulder nodded frantically. He would do anything at the moment to
avoid another trip over that desk.

Mulder felt Walter holding him from behind while easily pulling
up his jeans and fastening them. He could feel Scully's perfect
body against his chest. Her cool hands and warm words like balm
to his injured spirit. "It's all right, Mulder, with just a
little effort this won't have to ever happen again."

Walter felt his heart swell as he watched the unique love between
them. They were both so beautiful and, even more amazing, they
were both his.

Walter had been so miserably alone. First Mulder had recognized
his loneliness and pain. He had told Walter that he was sexually
attracted to him but didn't really know what to do about it.
Skinner knew what to do. Oh yes, Skinner knew exactly what to do.

A little later, surprisingly, Mulder had included Dana in their
weekends. Mulder's beloved Scully. He had shared what was most
valuable to him with Walter. He didn't really understand why
Mulder did this. Actually Skinner thought it had really been
Scully's idea but he would never mention that to Mulder. He felt
that Scully had the right to manipulate her partner just a
little.

Two facts were clear. Mulder didn't seem to notice other men, at
least Skinner had never seen him react to anyone else. Just
Walter. And Mulder would never . .. NEVER . .. willingly share
Dana Scully with anyone else. Just Walter. It really didn't make
sense, but Skinner didn't care. He would take his good fortune
and be grateful for it. Maybe it was one of those damned X-Files.
Skinner smiled. There really were unexplained mysteries out there
after all.

Mulder was still trembling under his hands. Skinner wondered if
it was a reaction to his punishment or to the close proximity of
both his and Scully's body, he hoped it was the latter. He knew
Mulder was upset. It would take him some time to think thought
what had just happened. He had expected pain and hatred. Instead
he had received guidance and love. At least that was the way
Skinner hoped Mulder would see this evening.

He let go of Mulder. Making sure he could stand alone. He seemed
to be doing fine. He took Mulder by the shoulders and turned his
beautiful young agent to face him, "Are you all right, Fox?"

Mulder nodded but didn't speak.

"I would suggest, Agent Mulder, that you try not to incur the red
headed wrath of that partner of yours in the future. It doesn't
turn out very well for you."

The look on Mulder's face was priceless. Terror was underscored
with fierce determination. "Never again."

Skinner chuckled. "Somehow I don't doubt your intentions, but I
have a feeling I better keep this strap just in case."

Mulder swallowed hard and blushed furiously. He looked adorable.

Releasing Mulder, Skinner turned to Scully. "I think we should
try that dinner thing again now?"

Scully smiled and started to answer when she was interrupted by
her partner.

"Uhhh . . . I understand why this happened tonight. I want to say
I'm sorry to both of you. Scully, I would never do anything to
intentionally hurt or frighten you. You have to believe that." He
looked at the two people watching him with such love and concern.

"Walter, I want you to know how much you mean to me, I would
never want to do anything that would destroy your respect for me.
Again, I'm sorry."

He took a deep breath, "But . . . well, what I am trying to say
is that I need to have a little time to myself right now. I need
to think. Tonight had brought back so much of my childhood but .
. . this wasn't like I expected and I feel overwhelmed and more
than a little confused. I need to sift through some things."

Skinner and Scully looked horrified. Both tried to speak at once
but Mulder held up his hand.

"You don't have to say anything. I know you love me and I love
both of you. I am going to be fine, really. I am not going to go
far. Just get my head together a little. I won't be gone long, I
promise. Will you please try to understand?"

From the way they were looking at him, he knew they didn't. They
were afraid that they had gone too far this time.

"Listen, just give me two hours. I promise I'll be back in two
hours and I'll do anything you want me to. I'll even eat dinner.
Two hours, OK?"

Skinner and Scully watched helplessly as Mulder grabbed his
jacket and headed for the door.

End Four

Painful X-Perience V Give It Back, It's Mine by DiAnn

Mulder had been jogging for what seemed like hours. His backside
still stung. He knew that would be the case for the rest of the
evening and probably tomorrow, too.

At the moment, Fox Mulder was feeling very sorry for himself. He
loved Scully. She was everything he wanted in a friend and a
lover. He also loved Walter. Respected him and wanted his respect
in return.

The three of them had been uninhibited and even wild in their
sexual play. It had felt very comfortable and natural for the
three of them to be together. After all, none of them had anyone
to depend on except for each other.

Everything was great between them except when Skinner felt like
he had to reinforce Scully's discipline. Tonight he had beaten
Mulder's already sore backside soundly with a strap. And while
Skinner had punished him, Scully had lovingly patted her
partner's head and told him it was for his own good. Yeah right!

But it really didn't matter. He would not . .. could not let them
continue doing this. They treated him like a child, a naughty
child at that. Damnit, he was a federal agent, he deserved some
respect. If they really did love him as they claimed, they would
not have chosen to hurt him as they had done tonight. Well, maybe
that wasn't exactly true but . . . damn it.





And Scully. His beautiful Scully had started it all with that
damned hairbrush of hers. He should never have let that happen
the first time. He could have talked her out of leaving him.
Submitting to that brush could not have been the only way.

And Skinner. Bet he didn't invite the other field agents over for
dinner and a strapping. **Well . . . of course he didn't take
them to bed either**

Now it seemed both Skinner and Scully planned to continue in this
disciplinary direction. Until he changed . . . or until hell
froze over. Damnit, the Devil was sure to own ice skates before
he would be able to sit down comfortably again.

Well, no way. Not again. He was going to draw the line. He was
not afraid of Skinner and Scully. **Yeah, right** and he was
going to tell them as soon as he got back to the house. No more
discipline.

His thoughts tumbled over and over themselves as he ran. Ran into
the night. Ran out his humiliation and anger and disappointment.
Suddenly he stopped and looked up. Where on earth was he. He had
never seen this art of town before. How could he have gotten so
far from his apartment?

It was quiet and dark. The shabby buildings fading into the
shadows. *Oh Great* He had done it again. Scully was really going
to kill him this time. He looked around again. Oh Yeah, he was a
dead man. Then Walter would no doubt revive him so he could kill
him personally, this time slowly and painfully.

He had to get himself out of this situation without alerting
Scully or Skinner. He had to find out where he was, he had no
money for a cab or even a phone call. He also had no badge and no
gun.

Think Mulder. Think. If he did find a way to call Scully, that
little episode in Skinner's den tonight would pale in comparison
to what she would dish out for getting lost while running again.
Late at night. Don't forget late at night. One of her favorite
Mulder tricks.

He noticed a figure standing up ahead, leaning against the corner
of a building watching him. The dark blue van parked on the
street looked really familiar, he thought he had seen one just
like it earlier this evening. Oh well, lots of blue vans on the
road.

Okay, decision time. He could -one- turn around and just start
jogging in the other direction. *What* exactly other direction
that would be, he didn't know. That could just make matters
worse. Or he could -two-ask this *nice man* where he was. So the
guy was big and mean looking. Mulder was a trained FBI Agent. He
could take care of himself. He just wouldn't tell the guy that he
got spanked on a regular basis.

Mulder tried to keep his distance without showing any reluctance
to approach this giant of a man.

"Hi, I seem to have lost my way, could you tell me what street
this is and how I can get back to . . . "

The man took two steps, reached out one huge hand locking his
fingers in the front of Mulder's sweatshirt. He then lifted the
agent completely off his feet and slammed him into the solid
brick wall of the building.

Mulder felt the back of his head hit hard, then he felt the all
too familiar prick of a needle in his arm. His last coherent
thought before he collapsed into the giant's waiting arms was,
"Yep, Scully is really going to kill me this time."

********

"I am really going to kill him this time." Scully was pacing the
floor angrily. "I swear If I can just find him alive and safe, I
will kill him. I would rather kill him myself than have to go
through this one more time."

They had called Mulder's apartment and cell phone repeatedly. No
answer. Never an answer. Where could he be? Why did he have to do
this all the time? Couldn't he give them a break just once?

"Calm down, Dana. We'll find him." Skinner hoped he sounded more
confident than he felt. He knew that if there was trouble within
a hundred-mile radius, Mulder would find it. "He was upset when
he left the house, he'll calm down and call."

Scully gave him her patented skeptical look. "Let's go over to
his apartment. Maybe we can trace him from there. And he had
better not be on that scruffy old couch and just not answering
his phone."

Skinner winced. For Mulder's sake he hoped his wayward agent had
been abducted by aliens. Painful medical experimentation would be
a far better fate than facing his partner right now.

********

The room was spinning . . . no . . . no, he was spinning . . .
and there was a terrible pain in his shoulder.

Coming a little more to himself, Mulder through a haze of pain,
looked around. He was suspended by his left wrist. A few inches
off the floor. His hand was completely numb but his shoulder was
screaming. Damnit! That was the same shoulder that had been
dislocated three times before.

He had the impression of a large empty room. He couldn't see any
windows. Either there weren't any or it was still night. His
sweatshirt and shoes were gone, but thankfully he was still
wearing his sweatpants.

The strain on Mulder's shoulder was tremendous and he was having
trouble getting enough air. Suddenly he felt hands on his body
giving him a hard shove. That was all it took to finally
dislocate his previously injured shoulder. He screamed and the
merciful darkness came for him again.

******

He groaned as he opened his eyes some time later. Now he was
suspended by both wrists, his arms pulled widely apart. His
dislocated shoulder was on fire and there was another fire on his
back.

Thack! He flinched as the leather left another weal across his
shoulders.

"Do you like my little toy, Agent Mulder? I noticed that someone
had already made you acquainted with the lash. You must have been
a very naughty boy." Thack! Thack! Thack!

"Yo . . . you pe . . . peeked."

"Of course I peeked. You are very beautiful. I wanted you the
minute I saw you. I would have had you earlier if that red headed
partner of yours hadn't always been with you."

"Are you . . . Arthur Felding? We . . . we've been looking for
you."

Felding laughed. "I'm sure you have. Those other men deserved to
die, you know." Thack! "Tell me, Pretty Boy, who laid into your
backside like that?" Mulder felt hands at the waist of his pants,
they were quickly pulled to rest midway down his thighs. Thack!
Now the strap landed across both of his already punished
buttocks.

"Better talk to me, Sweet Boy, I can go on with this all night.
Thack! Thack!

"I. . .I have a fe . . . feeling you will anyway."

"You could be right. Did you know your skin is like satin? It
marks beautifully. I would suggest you tell me what happened to
you, I have lots of other toys besides this lash. I just assumed
you liked straps and I so wanted to make you happy." Thack! "Are
you happy, Agent Mulder?"

"Not . . . not particularly."

Thack! Thack! Mulder was in agony. His flesh was burning from
shoulder to mid thigh. He wasn't sure how much more of this he
could take before he screamed. He really didn't want to do that.
There had been plenty of humiliation for one day already.

Thack! Mulder drew in a harsh breath. He tried to think. He
didn't want to mention Skinner. That could be bad . . . very bad.
Better to establish himself as completely straight for this guy.
He *was* straight except for that attraction to Skinner. And he
certainly was *not* attracted to this psycho.

Thack!Thack!Thack! *Oh Scully, where are you. I need you Scully.
Find me now and I will let you kill me without an argument. *

"If . . . if I tell you . . . will you stop?"

Thack! "Of course, Now I'm waiting for your answer, Pretty Boy.
Who strapped that delicious bottom of yours?"

Thack! "My . . . my partner."

"That little red head. The one that was with you at my last crime
scene?"

"Yeah, she's little but deadly."

"So I see." Thack! Thack! Thack!

"You . . . you said you would st . . . stop if I tol . . . told
you."

"I lied." Thack! Thack! Thack!

*******

Scully was in a panic. She had let herself and Skinner into
Mulder's apartment. After a little poking around she determined
that those ratty running shoes of Mulder's were not in their
usual spot but his gun and badge were on the coffee table. He had
gone out running. In the dark, late at night, all alone, AGAIN!

When she got her hands on him . . . she had begged him to give up
this late night jogging habit. He only did it when he was upset
or distracted but he *always* got lost. And often in the worst
parts of whatever town they happened to be in.

He couldn't understand why she got so angry with him. He didn't
realize how frustrating he could be at times. He never had to sit
around and wonder what had happened to her, well . . . at least
not because she just ran off and left him. Skinner had told her
how Mulder had reacted while she was missing. Unbearable,
depressed and self destructive.

You would think that experience would teach him something. She
suspected it didn't teach him because he thought he loved her
more than she loved him. Or maybe more than he deserved to be
loved. She would give a month's pay to have the opportunity to
tell his parents a thing or two about raising a son. Especially a
sensitive, gentle son like Mulder.

But in trying to reach him and reason with him, she and Walter
had hurt his feelings. And now he had run off again and she just
knew he was in serious trouble. She wasn't sure how she knew, she
just knew.

Her thoughts were interrupted by the ringing of her cell phone.
She hurried to take it from her jacket pocket. "Mulder! Mulder is
that you . . . where are you?"

"This isn't Agent Mulder. Is this Agent Scully? I just bet it is.
Are you worried about your pretty partner?"

"Who is this? Where is Mulder? What have you done with him?"

"O-hhh, lots of questions. Where should I start. Well first of
all, I have him. And I'm taking really good care of him. Well
actually, he isn't awake right now. He passed out right in the
middle of our play time. You haven't taught him very good
manners, now have you. But don't worry, I will be taking over his
discipline from now on."

Scully had closed her eyes, this man was insane and he said he
had Mulder. Skinner reached for the phone.

"This is FBI Assistant Director Skinner. Where are you holding
Agent Mulder? Are you aware what you are doing is a federal
offense?"

"Ahhh . . . now this is interesting, a MAN of action. Are you a
*Friend* of the Pretty Boy. He led me to believe that he was only
interested in that redheaded woman. Is it possible I have a
chance here? He is quite delectable. I could learn to love this
one, if he were to live long enough that is." Felding laughed at
his own joke.

"Of course, I can't let him live. He knows about the others, all
of the others. All the others who deserved to die. A smart boy
you have here. Such a shame he has to die, of course I plan to
thoroughly enjoy him first."

Skinner swallowed hard. This had to be the suspect in the serial
murder investigation Mulder was currently working. Mulder had, of
course, gotten close to a solution, obviously too close.

Skinner took a deep breath to regain control, when he spoke he
was surprised at how calm he sounded. "I am Agent Mulder's direct
supervisor. It is a Federal Offense to assault a Federal Agent, I
would recommend you keep that in mind before you take liberties
with him."

"Well, you're right about one thing, Mr. Big Shot FBI, he is a
very *special* agent, incredibly special. I am having a really
good time with him. Did you know if you hurt him enough, your
*Special* agent can scream very loudly. Very loudly indeed."

Skinner closed his eyes. He couldn't stand the thought of someone
hurting Mulder. Suddenly the phone line went dead. "Shit, Shit,
Shit." Skinner threw the phone across the room to shatter against
the wall.

****

"Time to wake up, Pretty Boy. You know you really are a Fox. Not
often you find that, a man with a name that suits."

The first thing that Mulder felt was pain, intense searing pain
washing over him in wave after wave of sensation. His back was on
fire, his dislocated shoulder was screaming, his head was
pounding and his vision was blurry. He could feel his blood mixed
with sweat running down his back and legs. All in all it was a
typical *Mulder * kinda day.

His arms were still chained widely apart but they had been
lowered and his feet were now resting on the floor. That was at
least some relief, it made breathing a whole lot easier. The pain
in his shoulder was unbelievable. He really needed to get that
back in place soon. Permanent damage would make him ineligible
for field duty. He did *not* want to be desk bound at the good
old FBI.

As he became more aware of his surroundings, he squinted through
blurry eyes to see his captor standing in front of him holding a
short piece of plastic pipe. **Oh Shit, Scully this is not
looking good, he can do a lot of damage with that pipe. I really
need you to find me - now. **

Suddenly the pipe made contact with his stomach. He felt his
knees buckle under him as the air left his body. Mulder thought
he felt a rib crack. He fought back the bile that rose in his
throat.

"Are you ready to play some more, Pretty Boy? Are you ready to
excite me, ready to make me feel oh-h-h-h so good?" He reached
over and lifted Mulder's chin, meeting the agent's pain glazed
eyes. Patted his cheek tenderly.

"Ge . . . get your hands . . . hands off me. And don't call me ..
. me that. I told you .. . I'm not . . . not interested in you."

"Come now, Pretty Fox, you make me feel better and I'll make you
feel better. Otherwise . . . " The plastic tube connected with
the solid flesh of Mulder's chest. Then it started a steady
cadence against his ribs, chest and upper thighs. Felding
continued to use the plastic pipe, he wanted his captive to never
be able to forget this punishment. Not as long as he lived. And
how long he lived was entirely up to Feldman. *His* choice. *His*
pretty Federal Agent. Felding felt powerful, he felt *good*.

***

Skinner and Scully finally got a break. A homeless man had been
located who had seen what he called a giant put an unconscious
man into a car seven blocks from Mulder's apartment. The night
and the time were correct and Mulder had been upset, he could
have run that far, he had done it before. Many times, and had
gotten lost almost every one of those times. Scully decided she
was definitely going to kill him when she found him.

After some frantic investigative work, and some very long hours,
the description of the giant' led them to the Muscle Man Bar and
Grill. Scully could not imagine that anyone would actually want
to eat anything that was *grilled* there. It was a dive, in every
sense of the word. As they entered the establishment, every eye
turned. They were a little overdressed and just reeked of cop.

They spotted the man they were seeking almost immediately. A huge
man, more than six foot five inches, he towered above the other
customers. He leaned against the bar, his eyes dulled from too
much drink and drugs.

This giant turned out to be no problem for one hot tempered
redheaded federal agent and her deadly companion. He took one
look at Scully and Skinner's eyes and decided that the man who
had hired him to follow and overtake the jogger was less
dangerous than these two.

He felt safer cooling his heels in a cell than facing the bodily
harm he could tell these cops were just dying to inflict on him.
He was almost more afraid of the woman than the broad shouldered
man. She looked like she really *wanted* to shoot him, wanted it
badly.

He sang like a bird. He told them about the house, the man who
had hired him and about the dark haired *kid* he had captured. He
seemed genuinely astounded to learn the *kid* was a Federal
Agent. Were they sure it was the right guy, the one he had
grabbed had just looked too young to be a fibbie.

Scully rolled her eyes. Mulder's boyish looks caused them endless
trouble. Add on the designer suits and she had to work hard to
match his GQ looks. **Such an irritating man.**

****

The bright lights were sparkling behind Mulder's eyes again. The
bright twinkling lights in the darkness. Mulder could hear his
own heart pounding in his head. Felding was standing behind him,
hands covering the agent's mouth and nose.

Air. He desperately needed air. No. No . . . maybe this time
Felding would keep at it a little too long and Mulder would be
able to just let go. He couldn't take this pain anymore. He
really wanted to die. To die would be so easy compared to this
torture. Scully hadn't come for him, obviously didn't love him,
wouldn't mourn his death. And Skinner hadn't cared enough to find
him either. No one would really miss him and he hurt, he hurt so
much.

It was time to just let go and end this. It had been three days,
maybe four, he wasn't sure. It could have been weeks. Endless
days of pain and humiliation. Felding had beaten, fondled and
suffocated him, the punishments had steadily escalated. Now there
was little time to recuperate between torture sessions. It was
time to just let go. **One last chance Scully, now or never. **

He collapsed into Felding's arms. His mouth and nose were
immediately released. Mulder instinctively gulped air. His head
cleared a little. It hadn't ended. It hadn't ended. **Scully,
help me. **

"You don't look like you feel too well, Pretty Fox."

Felding ran a hand through Mulder's soft dark hair. He caressed
his cheek, pressing a finger to that full bottom lip, Mulder's
face was just too pretty to bruise. But the rest of his body was
a mess, covered in dark bruises, deep cuts and blood, lots of
beautiful blood. That was fine, it was better than fine. Felding
loved to see strong, beautiful young men looking just this way.
Battered and bloody. It was just so exciting, and Fox was the
most exciting of all.

Felding pulled Mulder's mouth to his. His captive began to
struggle for breath again. Felding just deepened his assault on
the mouth under his, biting and sucking at that delicious lower
lip. Stolen kisses from sweet, wet lips. So wonderful, so
exhilarating.

This young federal agent was so sensitive and so sexy. He really
wanted to keep him, his own personal, private pet Fox. But the
time had come, he had to get rid of him. Someone would come
looking for him soon. No one this desirable would be left among
the lost for very long. He let go of the struggling man, loving
the sound of him gasping for breath, that beautiful lower lip
looking bruised and swollen from his unwanted attention. So
sweet. He would definitely miss this one.

His hands shaking with sexual desire, Felding walked to the table
and picked up a very wicked looking knife; large, sharp and
deadly. It felt heavy in his hand. It felt good. It felt really
good.

He walked over to Mulder, raised the knife and buried it his left
shoulder. Mulder was so far gone he barely flinched, a low moan
the only indication he had been hurt again. The darkness was such
a good place to hide.

*** 

Assistant Director Skinner and Special Agent Scully approached
the seemingly abandoned building with great care. This city had
far too many empty buildings these days. Places only suitable for
the scum that inhabited them.

They burst through the door to see a man with a large knife
raised, ready to viciously stab something that was hanging from
the ceiling. Scully froze, *Oh my God, it was Mulder.*

"Freeze, FBI." Skinner's voice boomed in the emptiness of the
vast room.

Felding swung around surprised and wild eyed, this was not
supposed to happen. He had to kill his *special* agent, he had to
kill him now before these two intruders could stop him. He had to
finish. He just had to. How dare these people disrupt him? He
deserved to play with this pretty boy. Men like this one would
never look twice at him, thought they were too good for the likes
of him. Well he had shown them. He had shown them all. No matter
how beautiful they were, they ended up playing with Arthur
Felding. That was only fair.

Felding raised the knife over his shoulder, ready to strike. Both
Scully and Skinner fired their weapons. Feldman was dead before
the knife dropped from his hand, dead before he hit the floor.
The surprised look never left his face.

Scully ran to her partner, "Oh Mulder, no." She was crying now.
"Please wake up and talk to me."

Skinner unfastened the chains and carefully lowered Mulder to the
floor. Then while Scully tenderly cradled his head and tried to
examine the extent of the damage, Skinner applied pressure to the
knife wound in his shoulder and called for an ambulance.

Mulder moaned and opened his eyes, very slowly. He felt small
cool hands running all over his body. He flinched in pain. He
hurt absolutely everywhere. He had to talk to the owner of those
hands, make them stop their explorations. Blinking several times
to clear his vision, he tried to focus on the face in front of
him.

"Sc . . . Scully, is that really you?"

Scully ran her hands gently down his cheek. "It's really me,
Mulder. Just lie quietly. We have help on the way. You're going
to be ok, no one is going to hurt you now."

Mulder gasped and tried to sit up, "Whe . . . where's Felding?'

He heard Skinner's voice answer, "He's dead, Mulder, he will
never hurt anyone again. "

Mulder closed his eyes. Then he quickly opened them a second
time, "Scully, am I . .. am I in trouble with you . . . again?"

Scully sniffled, "No. No, I think you've been punished enough
this time." She sniffled again and then her eyes hardened, "But
if you ever . . . "

End Five

Painful X-Perience VI Out Foxed by DiAnn

Fox Mulder looked at his computer and groaned. His partner, Dana
Scully, looked up, "Is there a problem, Mulder?"

"Scully, have I done anything recently that made you angry with
me?"

Scully considered the question. "Well, you ran off and left me
sitting in a car overnight with an alien bounty hunter. But I
forgave you because you were so worried about your Mother. And
then you got yourself paralyzed in that vent and I had to lift
you down, you were drooling all over my new suit. And then you
decided that some weirdo was your long lost soul-mate," she
rolled her eyes, "that really upset me, Mulder. And then you . .
. "

"Okay! Okay, forget it Scully, I'm sorry I asked. Have you
discussed any of this with Skinner? What I mean is, do you know
why I have this message to report to his office this morning? Why
this particular morning?"

**Skinner couldn't have heard about last night already. There
were no witnesses and it had only been a little more than five
hours ago. No way he could know.**

"This morning, huh, does he want me to come too? I wouldn't want
to miss anything."

"Scully!"

"Well, I'm going with you. If Walter doesn't want me there, he
will just tell me to leave. But I really don't want to miss this.
What do you think you did this time? What do you think he will do
to you?"

"I'm really glad you are so happy about this, Scully. I always
like to make your day."

"Oh you make my day, Mulder. Almost every day, you make my day."

With one last disgusted look for his overly anxious partner,
Mulder looked back down at his files.

**I wonder what I did now. **

****

At precisely eleven a.m., Mulder and Scully entered the office of
their supervisor, Assistant Director Skinner. Mulder was nervous
to say the least and the presence of his traitorous partner was
not helping. She really wanted to see him in hot water with their
boss, pent up frustration no doubt.

The three of them had been lovers for several months and Mulder
found himself invariably on the bottom of this particular
threesome.

He was beginning to think that he preferred the time he spent
with just Scully. She kissed him and took care of him and made
him feel loved.

No, that wasn't right, he loved Walter too, found their weekends
together very exciting. He knew he scared them sometimes but he
had work to do, important work. And after all, he was an adult
*and* a federal agent.

Skinner looked up from his desk, "Have a seat please."

He noticed Mulder seemed to be walking a little stiffly but not
too badly.

"Dana, I'm glad you could join us, I assumed Mulder would let you
know about this meeting. He doesn't keep much from you, does he?"

Scully smiled at her partner, then at Skinner. "No he doesn't,
Sir."

Mulder visibly cringed and stared at the office carpet. He didn't
like the way this was starting out. Nope, didn't like it at all.

"Yes, I am sure Agent Mulder would not like what would happen if
he withheld vital information from his partner or . . . from his
direct supervisor." When he received no response, he spoke
louder, "Would you Agent Mulder?"

Mulder jumped and his head jerked up quickly. "Ugh . . . no, of
course not, Sir."

Mulder's bottom lip had protruded noticeably. Dana found it
extremely attractive. She was sure it was having the same effect
on Walter. She glanced at their boss. Unfortunately for Mulder,
it didn't seem it was going to help his situation one bit this
time. Skinner appeared to be really angry with him. Scully
wondered why.

Dana blessed Skinner with another smile, "Sir, may I ask what
Agent Mulder has done this time? I know I have been very lenient
with him lately. He has had some rather traumatic experiences
recently and after his last kidnaping . . . well, I just couldn't
hurt him."

Skinner returned her smile, then sobered. "I understand, Dana,
but he did run off to Canada with a strange - and I do mean
*Strange* - man who was a suspect in a very unusual murder case.
A man with toxic, green blood no less. Then he stood up during an
FBI raid and walked alone into a house full or armed fanatics, to
find some woman who was crazier than him - a novelty to be sure.
And then, of course, he had to be pulled out of the bay last
night and . . ."

"HE WHAT!" The blood had drained from Scully's face.

Skinner looked over to see Mulder's stricken look. He smiled at
his troublesome agent. "Didn't tell her about that, Mulder? Did
you not realize that I would get the police report this morning?
It was hard to cover up the fact that I knew nothing about what
had happened to one of my own men."

Mulder jumped to his feet. "So I trusted a seemingly reliable
informant and things went a little wrong."

Mulder was desperate now. "I didn't think I would be in any real
danger and I knew if I told Scully about the meeting, she would
worry." **Or not let me go.**

He took a deep breath. "It all worked out all right, I'm alive,
aren't I?" **There, that should do it, forceful yet respectful.
**

Scully's face turned a very unhealthy shade of red, "Mulder, what
*were* you thinking? Are you deliberately trying to get yourself
killed? You just make me so mad sometimes . . . I . . . I . . . "

Both Scully and Skinner were glaring at him now. Mulder paled,
this was obviously not working. He sighed deeply and resigned
himself to his fate.

"Fine. I give up. Do what you want with me." **You will anyway.
**

Skinner looked at his two agents and spoke softly only for their
ears, "My house tonight at seven. Plan to spend the weekend."

He gave Mulder one of his best scowls. **That boy is going to be
the death of me yet. **

"You are dismissed."

****

Mulder reluctantly arrived at Skinner's house well after seven.
It really made no difference if he was late, he was already in
trouble, big trouble. He did bring a couple of bottles of good
wine though, never hurt to try to smooth things over.

He had tried to come up with a reason, any reason, not to show
up. But in the end, he couldn't risk losing his relationship with
Scully or Skinner. They were the only two people who cared about
him, and he had to face it, he really loved both of them.

He pulled his car into the garage beside Skinner's and closed the
door. Usually Scully rode with him, so no cars would be viable
from the street. Tonight, however, he had been unable to contact
her so he had driven over alone.

He stepped into the bright, clean kitchen. There was no one in
sight. At least dinner smelled good, last meal for the condemned.
He didn't think he would be able to eat anything. His stomach was
in knots.

Mulder started to call out when Scully stepped into the doorway.
Mulder's jaw dropped and his heart almost stopped.

He had never seen this Scully before. Dressed in very tight black
jeans - skin tight actually. Mulder's eyes started at her black
booted feet and moved up to the brief black leather concoction
that barely covered his beautiful Scully's upper body. Her bare
white shoulders looked so smooth and creamy, lightly dusted with
the most adorable freckles. And it seemed that her lovely breasts
were trying desperately to break free of the confining leather.
And . .. it was all topped off by a flaming mass of bright, shiny
red hair. **Oh yeah, he was in serious trouble this time, no
doubt about that. ** He couldn't seem to breathe or close his
mouth.

"Don't you have anything to say, Mulder?" He quickly shook his
head a couple of times, it was the best he could do right now.

Scully walked toward him. He really thought about trying to
retreat. Just a few hours ago she had been furious with him but
now . . . now . . . He needed a little time to get his head
together, to get used to this new Scully, but he just couldn't
get his legs to move.

She stopped in front of him and ran a hand over the now obvious
bulge in his jeans. "Glad to see me, Fox?"

Scully laughed. Mulder swallowed hard and nodded but this time he
was able to back slowly away.

As he backed up, Scully stayed with him, her caressing hands
never leaving him. He got to what he thought should be the
doorway leading into the den, instead he backed into a solid
wall. Before he could glance behind him to get his bearings, the
wall reached out and held him firmly around the chest, trapping
his arms at this sides. **Shit! Skinner! He had forgotten about
Skinner. **

He could feel Walter's breath on his neck as he was pulled firmly
back against the AD's broad chest.

Skinner growled in his ear, "You aren't going anywhere, Agent
Mulder. Just relax. Your evening is all planned for you. You have
run out of options, so to speak."

Suddenly the dazed agent was spun around. He found his face
buried in the muscular shoulder of Walter Skinner. At least no
leather. **Thank you, Walter. ** Scully was still running her
hands over his body, caressing, patting and pinching lightly.

"Have I ever told you what you do to me when you wear these
jeans?"

Skinner could feel Mulder tremble in his arms. This was going to
be one interesting weekend. Walter moved his hand down to
Mulder's wrists and pulled them behind him as an offering to his
partner. Dana snapped the cuffs in place. Mulder came to himself
enough to struggle a little. It was much too little and much too
late. Mulder tried his best to sound in control, "Okay, that's
enough. Both of you let me go now. I.. ."

Scully's hand over his mouth cut off any further objections.
**Hm-m-m, he felt so warm.** He must be really turned on, she
knew she was. "Quiet," she purred.

Mulder was still struggling in Skinner's arms. He heard the man's
deep growl in his ear once more, "Calm down Mulder, or I will be
forced to deal with you sooner than expected. You don't want a
preview of you punishment right now . . . do you?"

Mulder took a deep breath and forced himself to stand still.
Scully's marvelous hands had never stopped, they were running all
over his backside. He could feel her heat though his cloths. It
felt good, really good. Skinner felt good too. He tried to forget
his precarious predicament and concentrate on the sensations
created by her wonderful hands and his muscular chest.

Suddenly Skinner half carried, half-dragged him over to the table
and pushed him down hard into a chair. Intense pain shot through
Mulder's body. He hoped no one noticed his wince. Skinner
growled, "We are NOT going to have a repeat performance of that
other meal, Agent Mulder. I don't care if you feel anxious and
upset, this evening you are going to eat. We are going to make
sure you start this weekend well nourished, punishment of no
punishment. Do I make myself clear?" Mulder swallowed hard,
closed his eyes and nodded.

Seating herself beside Mulder, Scully preceded to pop a small
cherry tomato from her salad in his mouth. As soon as he
swallowed, she put in a piece of chicken. Occasionally she would
pause in her feeding of her partner to reach up and press her
mouth against his lips and lick provocatively. "Better than any
old napkin, right Mulder?"

Skinner had been quiet and sullen throughout the meal. Glaring at
him and scowling at Scully's sweet and gentle attention to
Mulder. She hadn't noticed, but Mulder certainly had. He knew his
boss was furious with him. He also sensed that Skinner was deeply
resentful that he had to sit there and watch Scully baby her
partner. Mulder watched his boss out of the corner of his eye. He
wondered just how much Walter knew about last night. **Where DID
he get his information anyway?**

After a full meal, fed to him one bite at a time and washed down
with generous amounts of wine and Scully's soft lips, Mulder was
feeling very warm and noticeably fuzzy. He felt himself begin to
sway. **Boy, that was some potent wine.** Or maybe it was the
wine mixed with the prescription pain pill, leftover from a
previous injury, that he had taken before driving over to
Skinner's house. Scully would kill him if she knew he had mixed
wine with medication. Mulder felt himself start to slide from the
chair.

"Whoa!" Suddenly Mulder's world tilted as he was caught, lifted
and slung lover Skinner's broad shoulder. Another wave of pain!
Another wince, this one hidden by Skinner's back.

"Hey, put me down," Mulder slurred.

Scully laughed, "He isn't much of a drinker."

Skinner hooked his arm around the back of Mulder's thighs and
headed for the den. "So I noticed," he growled. "But this could
work out for the best, he will still learn a lesson but I doubt
he'll pull a repeat of that last stunt and take off jogging at
midnight to who knows where. Not in this condition.

"I wouldn't count on that, Sir. He is the most stubborn man I
have ever known, and believe me I have known some har-headed men
in my life. I'm not going to take my eyes off him. He will NOT be
going anywhere tonight."

"Hey, I can still hear . . . hear you guys, you kn . . .know. You
better let me down now. I'm getting *real* dizzy."

Skinner set him on his feet, hard. Felt him sway and grabbed him
before he could fall. Scully got right in her partner's face with
one pointing finger. Mulder pulled his head back a little while
Scully's narrowed eyes swam in front of his face. "You listen to
me, Fox Mulder, you are getting just what you deserve tonight and
if you pull that running away crap again I will hunt you down and
blister you again whenever and wherever I find you. Got that?"

This was ridiculous. "Oh yeah, you and who else, Scully?"

A throat cleared loudly in Mulder's ear. **Shit! Forgot about
Skinner again. ** Skinner spun him around, his hands like twin
vice grips on Mulder's upper arms. The AD looked into his agent's
large, dark, and very glassy eyes, "it is time, Agent Mulder, to
talk about you putting yourself in unnecessary danger, proceeding
without backup and worrying your partner . . . not to mention
your direct supervisor. Do you have anything to say?"

Skinner looked furious. Mulder made an uncharacteristic and very
wise decision to keep his mouth shut. Skinner gave him a little
shake. "Cooperation . . . a good choice, Kid."

Mulder shook his head, he felt like he had cotton in his throat.
He licked his lips and finally croaked as softly as possible.
"Plea . . . please whatever you know, Walter, just . . . please
don't tell Scully."

Dana heard every word and they immediately got her full
attention. "Don't tell me what? What are you hiding from me
Mulder?"

Mulder stared at his boss, his eyes full of pleading. Skinner
gave him another shake and a very evil smile. Wrapping one
massive arm around Mulder's waist, Skinner easily lifted the
younger, thinner agent's feet off the floor and headed for the
couch.

Now Mulder was furious. **Big Ex-Marine Show-off** Mulder knew
this tactic was just to let him know that cooperation was really
his only alternative. Skinner most assuredly had the upper hand,
he just wished Scully wasn't here to watch him being manhandled
like some kid.

At least Skinner hadn't shaken him like that last time. That was
really embarrassing. What if the bad guys found out that Special
Agent Fox Mulder didn't know how to stop someone from shaking him
like a naughty little boy. Gun, knife, mutant slime . . . no
problem, just don't shake the big tough Fibbie. Jeez!

In one smooth graceful move, Skinner sat on the couch and Mulder
landed hard face down across his thighs, the air completely
knocked out of him. Pain shot through his body. ** Shit! Shit!
Shit!**

Scully watched closely as her beautiful partner struggled across
Walter's lap. He seemed to be gasping for breath. It seemed to
her that Walter was being unusually rough with Mulder. She
wondered just what was really going on here. What had Mulder not
told her? What *did* Walter know that was making him so angry.
Well someone was going to tell her, and soon, they could just
count on that.

Skinner dropped one hand to the back of Mulder's dark head and
pushed down, effectively trapping the fighting, cursing man.
"Calm down, Mulder, or I'll gag you. You don't want Scully to see
you like that do you?" Skinner reached around and expertly
unfastened Mulder's jeans. Too quick to even anticipate,
everything was pushed to his knees and Mulder lay bare. **Nice
view**

Mulder blushed furiously. Skinner ran his hand over the surface
of his agent's backside. "Now Fox," he said, "you just lay here
quietly while I tell Dana the full story about your activities
last night. I assume you have yet to fill her in on all the more
interesting points of your little nocturnal adventure." He was
rewarded with a groan from Mulder.

Scully's confused eyes met Skinner's. "Well finally! Wha . . .
what did he do?"

"Dana, you partner, based on one more than an anonymous note
slipped under his door, met an unknown informant' at two a.m. in
the absolute worst section of the wharf. Apparently he told no
one about the meeting and waited there in plain view for some
time.

Then it seems he was attacked from behind by an unknown assailant
with a rather large knife. I think that later when you remove his
clothing, you will find some sort of knife wound. Maybe several.

Caught unaware, Mulder could not get his gun out as the person
slashed at him. He was forced to jump into the ice cold water to
avoid further injury. The DC police officer who called me this
morning wanted to be sure my agent had obtained medical
assistance. Mulder had spent over an hour in the freezing water .
. . "

"It was not an hour," Mulder's added comment earned him a solid
thump to the back of his head. "Ouch!"

Skinner resumed with his story, "When they pulled him out of the
water he appeared to be hurt, however he refused to go to the
hospital. In fact, he made such a fuss, the officers were more
than happy to give up and let him leave. "

Scully's face had lost all color but her eyes were spitting fire.

Skinner again reached down and thumped the back of Mulder's head,
"Did you get any medical attention, Mulder?"

Mulder winced, "No, I didn't need any." Another thump to his
head. "Hey, cut it out." Another thump. At this rate he was going
to have a concussion before they got around to doing anything
else to him.

"Did you let your partner know you were hurt and needed her
assistance?"

"No." Mulder didn't dare look at Scully. She was probably
planning where to hid his body at this point. Skinner was being
rough with him. Scully just might really kill him.

"I noticed you were walking a little stiffly today. Can I assume
you are not seriously injured?"

"No, just a couple of little scratches." In truth the scratches
had needed to have the bandages changed several times today
because the cuts had bled through. He had made sure he did not
remove his dark jacket all day, effectively hiding any blood
stains. Tonight he hoped his heavy dark sweater would offer the
same protection. He had planned to take a firm stand and to make
a quick get away this evening to avoid undressing.

But no need to hide anything now, Walter would make sure Scully
saw the knife slashes to his left side and right arm. She would
insist on patching him up, probably very painfully, then after
she considered him properly tortured she would simply finish him
off. Hopefully a clean kill.

Skinner looked over to where Agent Mulder's long suffering
partner sat. She looked ready to murder him herself. Skinner felt
he had been wise to get Mulder completely under his own control,
shielded from the wrath of Scully, before he told her about
Mulder's late night activities.

He wasn't sure how badly Mulder was hurt. The heat coming from
the young man's body could mean a fever. Better to get this over
with and see to his wounds. Why didn't he tell them if he was
badly hurt.

"Do you see why I am so angry, Dana?"

Scully took a few moments to answer, all the time glaring at her
unresponsive partner, who wisely kept his eyes glued firmly to
the carpet that was so close to his nose. Mulder winced. This
position was really hurting the cut on his side but he didn't
think now was the appropriate time to complain.

Scully's eyes were shining brightly, "Yes, I do. Of course I
would like to examine any wounds he may have as soon as possible.
But since you have him in that position I think a little warm up
would be in order. If he could go without my medical assistance
all day, he can surely wait just a little while longer. I'll get
the paddle for you, Sir."

Mulder closed his eyes and swallowed hard.

As Scully left the room, Skinner reached down and ruffled
Mulder's hair. "I think you really messed up this time, Kid. As
angry as she is right now, I really doubt she will waste any time
patting your head and kissing your ear this time."

Did he have to sound so happy about this? And why was Skinner
calling him Kid'? **Better wait to bring up that objection too.
**

Scully walked back into the room carrying that dreaded paddle.
Skinner had shown it to him soon after he had acquired it. Where
had Skinner gotten such a thing anyway, he as an Assistant
Director for the FBI for Heaven's Sake, he couldn't just walk
into a store and buy something like that. Could he? Come to think
of it, Skinner had lots of little toys'. Just where did he get
that stuff but more importantly, why did he feel that he had to
use them on Mulder.

He heard Scully's soft voice. She sounded frustrated and angry
and hurt all at the same time. Mulder was beginning to feel
really guilty. "Sir, why did you let me feed him and be so nice
to him when you knew how angry I would be when you told me about
last night."

Skinner smiled at her, "Dana, he drives both of us absolutely
crazy. He's thoughtless, impulsive and reckless but . . . we LOVE
him. We know he only sleeps when he is with us, he only eats
right when he is with us and he only stays out of trouble when
his is with us. I couldn't let him skip dinner like he did last
time we had to punish him. I want him to remember tonight but I
want him healthy to do it. Agreed?"

Mulder groaned softly. Why did they have to talk about him as if
he wasn't even in the room? Actually, not be in this particular
room right now would be a really good thing.

Scully signed, "You're right as usual, Sir, I DO Love him but . .
. " her voice took on a hard edge. "I don't want him to be able
to sit down for a week. Agreed?" Another groan from Mulder.

Skinner laughed for the first time that night, "agreed, Agent
Scully." Then he brought the paddle down hard on Mulder's left
buttock. Mulder flinched and bite down on his bottom lip hard in
order to remain silent. The pain shot up his backside, through
his body and settled in his injured side.

"Mulder" Slap! Slap! Slap!"you are the most" Slap! Slap!
"reckless person I have " Slap! "ever had the misfortune" Slap!
Slap! "to know."

Skinner alternated sides and Mulder squirmed, desperately trying
to avoid that viscous piece of wood. Slap! "For someone with your
intelligence" Slap! "when it comes to your own safety" Slap! "you
just never seem" Slap! "to use your head."

"Walter . . . pl . . . please stop . . . no more."

Scully was shocked. Mulder sounded so desperate. **It must be the
wine. ** Usually Mulder tried to remain absolutely silent during
any chastisement. It was a matter of pride with him. He was so
easily embarrassed by this treatment. That was one of the reasons
it was so effective. Mulder hated every minute of it.

"How many times do I" Slap! Slap! Slap! "have to tell you to not
go off" Slap! "by yourself" Slap! "to not listen to every
crackpot" Slap! Slap! "with a lame brained story" Slap! "and
NEVER" Slap! "NEVER" Slap! "NEVER" Slap! "proceed without
backup."

Mulder moaned and seemed to be gasping for air. "I won't . . .
won't do it again. I won't. I promise."

Mulder's backside was a deep burning red. He seemed exhausted and
was hanging almost limply over Skinner's lap. As Walter continued
with his punishment, Mulder groaned with pain. Scully hardened
her heart, he deserved every bit of this but still she wished it
was over.

Mulder's injured side was really hurting now and he thought he
could feel a sticky wetness soaking his shirt. "Stop . . .
please. Please, I won't do . . . it . . . again." He was beyond
pride now, he would beg is necessary.

Skinner stopped, "Does this hurt, Mulder? Slap! "Well, you still
have a lot more to come, but first I'm going to let your partner
get her hands on you. I think she has been waiting very patiently
for the chance."

Mulder groaned again, **No doubt she was just itching to get at
him. ** As uncomfortable as he was right now, Mulder would prefer
to stay right where he was. Scully could be very dangerous, even
to him. And he was *so* dizzy. Damned wine.

Skinner set him on his feet, held him steady while he roughly
rearranged his clothing. Scully had moved to stand in front of
him and was already pulling impatiently at his sweater. He knew
his side wound had reopened and was bleeding badly. He could feel
it hot and wet on his skin. Probably had ruined his favorite
shirt and Skinner's pants as well. He felt her hand move across
the soiled bandage covering the cut. He closed his eyes and
waited for her inevitable lecture to begin. Instead he felt her
hand connect sharply with his cheek, driving his head back
against Skinner. Both men were totally surprised by her attack.
Evidently Scully's own no one hurts Mulder' rule did not apply to
herself.

"Mulder, I can't believe this. You know better. I have been your
partner for five years, FIVE YEARS! I have taken you to the
hospital many times for lesser wounds than this."

"Yeah, but you weren't there this time, Scully." Oops! That was
not the right thing to say, she was glaring at him again. He
certainly hoped she didn't decide he had earned another slap. He
was feeling really lightheaded now. Maybe too much wine, maybe
too much blood loss, or maybe just too much attention from his
friends'. **He really should consider a major change of
lifestyle. **

Scully had her hand on his forehead. Her palm felt so cool and
nice. He wanted her to leave it there for just a little while.

"Put him on the couch, Walter. On top of everything else, he has
a fever. I should have known." Skinner uncuffed him and helped
him the rest of the way off with his shirt. **Uh-Oh, the arm
wound was now clearly visible. ** Another dirty bandage. Another
glare from Scully and a couple of hard shakes from Skinner.

"Whoa!" The room titled again and Mulder headed for the floor.
Skinner caught him easily in his arms before he fell, took a few
steps and laid him down on the couch.

Cool cloth on his face. **Nice** Soft gentle voice, Scully's
voice. **Nice**. "Mulder, can you hear me? Mulder? How do you
feel?"

"My ass hurts, Scully." He graced her with his best pout using
that luscious bottom lip to its fullest advantage. Even this far
gone, he knew he needed all the help he could get.

She smiled down at him, "Yes, I'm sure it does. However, if I
were you, I would not count on that improving in the near future.
How about your arm and your side? Are you in much pain? Do you
feel nauseous?"

**Whoa, too many questions at once. ** Mulder just stared at her
with his big glazed hazel eyes.

Scully softened, "Mulder what am I going to do with you? I can't
even trust you to tell me when you are hurt, let alone when you
decide to take out on some idiotic secret' mission."

"I'm sorry, Scully." He really did look sincere. Big sad eyes,
trembling bottom lip, almost his whole range of manipulative
expressions. Usually magic. She looked up at Skinner. He still
wasn't buying it. She patted Mulder's soft hair. "Sorry, it
appears you are still in trouble with the boss." Scully brushed
the hair out of his eyes and proceeded to patch him up . . .
again.

As Dana worked on him, a very dizzy Mulder pouted, whined,
squirmed and wiggled, then finally slipped into unconsciousness.
Scully signed with relief and finished with her stitches.

"Sir, I'm not saying he doesn't deserve everything you want to
give him but I think the remainder had better wait. After all, we
have all weekend and he just doesn't have much left tonight."

Skinner looked at the darkly handsome man and the beautiful red-
haired woman. He really did love both of these gorgeous people.
He took a deep breath. Time to let go of his anger. After all, he
wanted to teach Mulder a lesson, not torture him. **Even if he is
the most irritating, reckless, pigheaded . . . ** Skinner took a
deep breath. Just let it go.

Scully gently rolled Mulder over and pulled down his jeans again
preparing an injection of a good antibiotic. She could have
administered it in his arm but she liked this view better.
Besides why give him a sore arm. He wasn't going to be able to
sit down tomorrow anyway, probably wouldn't even notice this new
hurt.

"Okay, all done." She pulled his clothing back into place and
moved away.

Skinner reached down and easily picked Mulder up into his arms.
**This kid really is too thin. We need to make sure he eats
better. ** "All right Dana, you win. Let's take him upstairs and
see if we can make him feel better. But I guarantee that if he
ever pulls a stunt like this again, I will. . . "

"I know, Walter. I feel the same way. But can you forget it and
just enjoy the rest of our weekend together?"

Walter looked down at the beautiful man sleeping in his arms.
Long black lashes resting on smooth, tear stained cheeks. He
looked about twelve years old and very innocent. Did Mulder know
how to look like that whenever needed? It was certainly
effective.

Walter sighed, "Yeah Dana, no need to ruin our weekend." He shook
his head. "Why does my anger at this man always dissipate so
quickly?"

Scully looked at him sympathetically. **Why indeed, she had asked
herself that same question more times than she could count. **

Skinner looked down at the young man's face again. "More
punishment probably wouldn't stop him next time anyway. What are
we going to do with him? He just makes me crazy."

"I know, Walter. All we can do is love him and try to take care
of him." Then her eyes narrowed dangerously, "But I do know this,
every time he takes an unnecessary chance, every time he ditches
me, every time I have to save his ass . . . I am going to be
right there to claim a piece of that same cute little ass. He
will learn. Oh yes, I swear to you, he WILL learn."

Together they headed for the stairs. "Look at it this way Dana,
at least we won't have to try to get him back from some crazed
psycho tonight."

End Six

Painful X-Perience VII Uninvited Guests by DiAnne

Fox Mulder felt like this feet had been cast in iron. He couldn't
remember a time when he had been this tired. He was also hurt,
thanks to a couple of hard punches delivered to his back while
Scully had not been around. He felt just a little feverish but
that could be the exhaustion. The case he and Scully had just
finished had been horrid. A human monster preying on innocent
little girls. A true nightmare for Mulder and this one had also
been particularly hard for Scully too.

She had been too tired to even notice that he was not looking in
the best of health. For that he was thankful. It wasn't that he
didn't appreciate her concern, but he just didn't want to be
mothered tonight.

He had finally convinced her that he needed to spend this one
night at his own apartment. He just wanted to eat dinner, the
first time he had really felt like eating in a week, and then go
to sleep on his own couch. He loved Scully, but tonight he needed
to be alone.

Mulder hated to see Scully so sad and drained of energy. Yes,
this had been one hell of a case.

Preoccupied with these thoughts, he shifted his briefcase,
overnight bag and the take out food he was carrying to unlock his
apartment door. It was hard to get his exhausted mind to focus on
even that mundane effort. Maybe he should call Scully before he
went to sleep. Make sure she was all right and knew that he loved
her. They had called Skinner from the airport to let him know
they were back in town and safe. They would see him tomorrow.

He entered his apartment and had started to turn to kick the door
closed, when he felt the cold metal against the back of his neck.
His breath caught, he had been very careless this time and it
just might cost him his life. His mind raced for a way to get to
his gun but with all that he was carrying, he was trapped.

"Just stand still Mulder. We need to have a little talk. Come to
an agreement, so to speak. I don't want to hurt you, but if I
have to, I will."

"Krycek, you . . . "

"Now now, Foxy Boy, be nice. This is just a nice little social
visit, don't turn it into something far less pleasant. Now I want
you to move to the center of the room, nice and slowly, and put
your bags down on the floor."

Mulder took the opportunity to move away from Krycek. Facing him
from the center of the room, and slowly lowered his bags to the
floor.

"Now the guns, both of them. Very slowly. I've been a little
jumpy lately."

Mulder did as he was told. "What do you want, you bastard?"

Krycek laughed, "What makes you think I want something Mulder?
I'm leaving town again and I wanted to see you before I go. You
should be flattered."

"I would be more flattered without the gun in my face."

"And less cooperative too, I'm afraid. Now take off your coat,
slowly, don't give me any reason to shoot you. With this
silencer, no one would find your body until morning. Probably be
your partner. Do you really want Scully to go through that?"

Mulder glared at his enemy, but slowly removed his trenchcoat.

"Very good, Foxy Boy." Krycek retrieved the gun and stuck it in
the waist band of his jeans. "Now take off the rest of your
cloths."

"Wh . . . What?" The look on Mulder's face was priceless. All big
eyes and lush parted lips. It was worth the risk he was taking to
be here. Just this one look was worth it all.

"I said, Genius, take off your cloths. All of them. I know you
sleep with Dana Scully but I also know about Skinner, and now
it's my turn. Take off your cloths, Now."

He saw all the color drain from Mulder's face, he tried to
recover quickly but it just wasn't working. Krycek decided Mulder
was just too tired tonight to keep the stone face in place. Good,
he would use that to his advantage.

"No, won't do it."

Krycek smiled evilly and removed a dart gun from his jacket
pocket. All the light in the room seemed to be captured and
reflect off the surface of that small weapon in Krycek's hand.
"Either you do what I say, when I say it, no questions asked or I
use this. You'll be out for most of the night. Plenty of time for
me to make a little visit to your partner. The lovely Dana Scully
should be able to keep me entertained for a few hours, don't you
think?"

Mulder's face was now a mask of rage. He took a step toward the
other man. "No no, Foxy. Think about Dana. This isn't the time to
be selfish. Before you could get to me, I will have injected you
with my little tranquilizer here. Do you really want Scully to
take your place? It really doesn't matter to me, you or her.
**Yeah right. ** It did matter, it mattered a lot.

Mulder forced himself to stand still, tamping down his anger and
trying to think rationally.

Krycek watched him carefully, he knew the exact moment when
Mulder resigned himself and became his for the night. His heart
fluttered in his chest. This was just too good to be true. "Come
on Mulder, get the cloths off, shoes first."

Mulder took a deep breath. Why did this stuff always happen to
him? How many other FBI agents had their former partners show up
later to rape them. He had a feeling the percentage was very low.
He toed off his shoes.

Standing in bare feet, he felt just a little more vulnerable and
trapped. If he didn't come up with a plan soon, this was really
going to happen. And that was just unacceptable.

"Come on Mulder, you know how to undress, don't you? Jacket first
then the shirt and don't forget that god-awful tie Do it now."

Mulder's usually graceful fingers felt awkward as he fumbled with
his shirt buttons, finally letting the shirt and tie drop to the
floor with his jacket. He reluctantly reached for his belt.

Krycek stopped him. He glanced at the perfectly tailored dress
slacks that now hung low on Mulder's lean hips. Sexy, very sexy.
"On second thought, that's enough for now. Turn around and put
your hands behind your back, I don't trust you."

"I don't trust you either, Krycek. Why don't we just end this
little game right now? I'm not interested in you, and I certainly
don't want you to touch me. Just get out now."

"And visit the beautiful Miss Scully?"

"NO! I mean . . . you can't . . . she wouldn't . . . she . . . "

"Hands behind your back, Foxy."

"Stop calling me that." Mulder felt the cold metal of the cuffs
slip into place around his wrists and knew that all was lost.

Krycek ran his hands over the deep bruises low on Mulder's back.
"What happened to you? Come up with some charming little quip for
a serial killer or just piss off Scully again?"

Krycek reached around him and began to run hi hands over Mulder's
chest. He reacted by trying to use his body to throw Krycek off
balance. Perhaps even make him drop his gun. After all, Mulder
knew how easy it was to drop a gun.

The other man easily anticipated the move. He had actually been
expecting it. He flipped the cuffed man to the floor, adding a
few more bruises to that beautiful body. Mulder landed hard and
gasped for air. Krycek straddled his chest, crushing his bound
hands into the rough carpet.

He again moved his hands to Mulder's chest. Feeling the scratch
of chest hair on his hands. Rubbing, twisting and pinching the
hard little nipples, he found there. " I was surprised when I
found out about Skinner. I would have sworn you were straight."
He eyed Mulder closely. "Was he your first?"

Mulder just glared at him. Krycek hooked his fingers around
Mulder's sensitive nipples and pinched hard. "How do you think
Scully would like it if I did this to her?"

Mulder winced and fought back the tears stinging his eyes. He
couldn't let this guy get near Scully. As bad as this was, as
much as he hated this bastard, it was better that he was here and
not Scully.

"Yes, he was the first."

"Why Skinner?"

A long hesitation while Mulder blinked his eyes at him. "I...I
don't know." Krycek could see that Mulder really did now know. He
was attracted to a man for the first time in his life and really
had no idea why. Jeez, how could anyone be so naive?

"Weren't you sexually attracted to me when we were partners?"

"Krycek, I don't even like you."

Krycek reached down and pinched his cheek, laughing. "Mulder you
are really something else, you know that?"

Somehow Mulder didn't think this was a compliment. He tried to
turn his head away as Krycek ran a finger over his bottom lip.
Krycek calmly reached up and pinched Mulder's nose shut. When the
man finally opened his mouth for air, Krycek was there covering
his mouth with his own. Forcing his tongue between Mulder's even
white teeth. Kissing him deeply and thoroughly, something he had
wanted to do for years. Mulder struggled but to no avail.

Krycek moved a few inches away from Mulder's face, looking into
his burning hazel eyes. "You know, Fox, I could go ahead and take
you, then sedate you and move on to Scully. You really should try
to be a little friendlier. You be a good boy and we won't even
have to tell Scully and Skinner about this evening. Now open that
sexy mouth of yours, I want another kiss."

Mulder held very still while Krycek ravaged his mouth, hands
pulling at his dark hair while sucking savagely on his bottom
lip. Alex moved to his ear, his jaw and then his neck. Kissing
and nipping tender flesh, his mouth moved lower. Mulder couldn't
stop the gasp as Krycek's hot mouth closed around his nipple.

Krycek continued to expertly work his muscular hands and hot
mouth over him. Mulder could feel his body responding against his
will and was deeply humiliated. He hated this man, how could he
be feeling aroused?

Again Krycek seemed to read his mind. "Don't be embarrassed Foxy
Boy, When it comes to sex I know what I'm doing. You, on the
other hand, are practically a virgin, you don't have a chance. It
really isn't your fault. Just lie back, relax and enjoy. Maybe
you will learn something that will impress Skinner."

Mulder felt himself turning a deep red. **Great. ** Just what he
needed was to be blushing in front of this man.

Krycek looked down and chuckled at him, **Mulder was blushing -
beautiful. Just too damned beautiful for his own good. ** He
leaned down for another stolen kiss.

Mulder held back his urge to bite him. Bite him until he drew
blood. Bite him until he screamed. But he couldn't take a chance
on Scully paying for his revenge. So he closed his eyes, lay very
still and let Krycek do what he wanted.

Krycek inspected the unbelievable beautiful man beneath him. Long
dark lashes resting on smooth flushed cheeks. And that mouth.
Mulder was just so pretty. He had wanted his former partner for a
very long time, from the first time he saw him really.

There was just something so exciting about him. Oh he was
dangerous. There was not doubt about that. Given the right
circumstances, Fox Mulder could be violent and very lethal. And
that was always a powerful sexual turn-on. But he was also
innocent. He proclaimed to trust on one yet he was always
surprised when he was lied to or betrayed.

Mulder was always more anxious to talk than to shoot. Not like
that little spitfire partner of his. If she walked in here right
now, she would blow Alex's head off and ask Mulder later if that
had been all right.

But Mulder was curious, like some kid. Even now Alex knew that he
was repulsed by what was happening but still overwhelmingly
curious about what Alex planned to do to him. Well this time Alex
was curious too, he wanted to know if Fox Mulder was as good as
he looked.

One more admiring glance at his prisoner's handsome face and then
he moved his hands to Mulder's belt. He felt the man's body tense
but he didn't make any other protest, didn't even bother opening
his eyes. Resigned. Good, that would make this easier. Alex
really did not want to hurt Mulder.

When the slacks and boxers had been removed, Alex stood up. Never
taking his eyes of the nude man lying in front him. He took off
his own cloths. Mulder had still not looked at him. Oh, the
wonders of denial.

He retrieved a tube of lube and a package of condoms from his
jacket and threw them on the floor next to Mulder. He then knelt
by the helpless federal agent. Running his hands over Mulder's
well-muscled body, he saw how Mulder's body began to respond and
he also saw Fox grit his teeth -trying to halt his body's natural
response. **Too bad, Foxy. You are not in control tonight. **

Alex played with Mulder unmercifully, after all he had waited a
very long time for this. He explored every inch of flesh
available with his hands, tongue and mouth. Then he gently turned
Mulder over, marveling at the smooth skin over hard muscle that
formed Mulder's back and ass. And oh what an ass it was. Perfect.
Perfect in every way.

Alex spread a very liberal amount of lube on his fingers and
began working them up and into Mulder's tight little opening.
Being very careful not to hurt him in any way. Gentle and slow.
After all he had all night. He really did want Mulder to enjoy
this. Maybe give him something for comparison. What did this
incredibly sexy man see in Skinner anyway? **That uptight son of
a bitch. **

He spent a very long time preparing Mulder. Making sure his entry
would be easy for the bound man. He pulled Mulder's hips up to
meet him and slowly began his penetration.

"Try to relax Mulder, this is going to happen. Relax and it will
be easier for you. Come on, take a deep breath now."

Alex wasn't sure if the whimpering sound coming from the man
under him was due to pleasure, pain or humiliation. Probably all
three. He sincerely hoped it was pleasure for the most part.
Meanwhile, Alex found Mulder's ineffective little struggles to be
very sexy.

When he was fully inside, he stopped for a moment just of relish
the tight, hot flesh griping him. Then he reached around to grip
Mulder's own erection and began to gently rock. He just couldn't
last long, he had been obsessed with Mulder for too long and this
was just too good. He stroked Mulder harder and pounded into him.
Screaming with release, hoping Mulder was there with him but
unable to hold back any longer. Then he felt the muscles contract
around him and he knew that Mulder had followed him into the best
orgasm of his Alex's short life.

Mulder lay spent and lifeless under him. He rolled to the side,
rising to sit on his knees and lifting Mulder limply into his
lap. Mulder seemed out of it. "Wake up Foxy Boy, it's still early
and I have plans for you." He got to his feet, gently pulled
Mulder into a swaying stance and gave him a gentle push to what
he assumed was the bedroom.

***2 Hours Later***

Mulder struggled handcuffs that now held him bound to his own
bed. He managed to rattle the headboard but that was about the
most he could accomplish. Krycek leaned in to steal yet another
kiss from Mulder's sore swollen lips. He tried to pull his head
away and suck his bottom lip into his mouth. Krycek was having
none of that. He lifted his hand to Mulder's chin and moved his
head so their eyes would meet.

"Please don't do this again, Krycek." Mulder's voice sounded
dazed. Krycek had been it for hours, hadn't taken his hands off
Mulder for more than ten minutes in all that time. The man was
insatiable, and Mulder wasn't sure how much more his body could
take. Although his captor had taken it very easily on him, Mulder
was still tired, sore and more than ready for this to all be
over.

"Have I hurt you?" Alex ran his finger gently down the side of
Mulder's face, looking him over, he noticed the bruises that ad
formed on his bound wrists. "I'll tell you what, I'll take the
cuffs off if you promise to behave. One wrong move and back they
go. Agreed?" Mulder nodded his dark head. He had no feeling left
in his hands. He needed some relief.

"What more do you want from me Krycek?" Mulder sounded defeated
and desperate, his voice almost breaking on . . . was that a sob?

Krycek looked at him closely, took the key from the nightstand
beside the bed and released the cuffs from Mulder's wrists. His
hands fell limply to the bed as he winced in pain when the blood
rushed back into his arms. Krycek gently lifted Mulder's hands
and started to massage his abused wrists.

He looked deeply into Mulder's eyes. "I can't get enough of you,
I still want you . . . "

Alex started to say more but was interrupted by a lough cough
from the doorway. He looked up to see Walter Skinner standing
there, his gun pointing at the middle of Alex's forehead.

"Am I interrupting something, Agent Mulder?

Mulder jumped, his eyes huge in his face, a face that reflected
surprise that Skinner mistook for guilt.

"Walter, it's . . . it's not what it seems .. . I didn't . . . he
. . . "

"That's enough Mulder. Not one more word. Krycek, get your hands
off him. NOW! Fox, you get off that bed, NOW!" Mulder jumped as
if he had been struck. He now stood quietly by the side of the
bed watching a furious Walter Skinner.

"Krycek, take those cuffs and attach one to your right wrist.
Quickly. I would suggest you don't toy with me, Mr. Krycek, my
evening has suddenly gone downhill and I find myself a bit
irritable. Mulder, secure his hands to the headboard."

Once Alex was secured to the bed, Skinner lowered his gun. He
glared at the two men in the room. His eyes sparkled dangerously.

"Are you responsible for the bruises on his back, Krycek?"

"No."

"Is he telling the truth, Fox?"

Mulder nodded, he still looked dazed. "It was the Magician."

Skinner and Krycek both just looked at him. Skinner shook his
head, **The Magician???** He absolutely was not going to get in
that kind of conversation with Mulder at the moment.

Skinner slowly removed his jacket and moved a large upholstered
chair around so the back faced the bed. Krycek watched him
closely, **what the hell was Skinner doing? **. Alex glanced at
Mulder who swallowed hard, his face pale. Alex could not remember
seeing Fox look so beautiful, young and well . . . scared. Why
was he scared now? What the hell?

Now Skinner was removing his belt. "Come here, Fox."

Mulder slowly shook his head, "But I didn't .. . "

"I said come here, and I mean NOW! Mulder jumped again. Krycek
couldn't believe this. Mulder was moving toward Skinner as if in
a daze. What was Skinner going to do to him and why? Mulder
really hadn't done anything voluntarily. He had fought at every
turn. This was not his fault.

When Mulder got withing reach of Skinner, Walter reached out
taking Fox by the shoulders bringing him in close to his body. "I
told you that you belonged to me. What part of that did you not
understand?" Mulder could see the absolute rage in Walter's eyes.
He had never seen this look directed at him before, not in the
office and certainly not in his personal relationship with the
man.

He tried to get in enough air to explain. "But it wasn't my
fault. He was here when . .. "

Skinner picked up one of Mulder's discarded ties and turned him
around securing his arms behind him. "Walter, no please. You
don't understand. It isn't how it looks. I would never do this to
you. Never. And never to Scully. You have to know . . .
"

Skinner let go of his agent and walked toward the bed. Krycek
froze. Now he was in for it. But Skinner didn't even look at him.
He just opened the night stand drawer and removed something, then
walked back to Mulder.

"Open you mouth." He held the gag loosely in from of Mulder's
face.

"No. You have to listen to me. You have to underst . . . "

Skinner roughly grabbed a handful of the younger man's soft dark
hair, pulling back hard. Mulder felt tears sting his eyes at the
pressure on his scalp. His head went back, he lips opened and the
gag was in place in a matter of moments.

"Sometimes I just get tired of hearing your explanations,"
Skinner snarled through gritted teeth.

He then literally threw Mulder face down across the back of the
chair. Krycek heard the muffled grunt as the air left Mulder's
lungs.

Mulder struggled, tried to rise back up but a large hand planted
in the small of his back pushed him back into position, his face
smothered in the chair cushion. Using another of Mulder's ties,
Skinner secured one struggling ankle to the leg of the chair. He
then removed his own tie to use on the other ankle. Mulder now
lay helplessly over the chair, his legs spread, his naked
backside inviting what would probably be unwanted attention.

**What the hell. ** Krycek couldn't believe this. He pulled on
the handcuffs, "What are you doing? He didn't do anything."

"He's a trained Federal Agent. He could have stopped you if he
had tried hard enough. He is a very beautiful man. I want to make
certain he understands that I don't expect him to be taken
advantage of like this again, under any circumstances. He is
mine, and that is the way it is going to stay."

"Don't you mean yours and Scully's?"

Skinner glared at him. "Yes, mine and Scully's but not yours."

Krycek swallowed hard. "What are you going to do to him?"

"What do you care, Krycek, didn't you already get what you came
here for?"

"It isn't like that. I've wanted him for a long time, years, in
fact. I knew what buttons to push to get what I wanted. I always
know how to get what I want."

Skinner's eyes were blazing into his face. "That's enough, don't
you think? It's the reason he is not going to be able to sit down
for a week. Maybe next time he will shoot first and listen to
your bullshit later." Skinner looked down at Mulder. "Do you know
I was the only man Mulder had ever been with? The only man I have
ever seen him notice. And now you have used him like some cheap .
. . "

Now Krycek's eyes blazed. "No. I told you. It wasn't like that.
He didn't want to give in to me. I gave him no choice. Mulder
acts tough but he's too sensitive and honest. He's like some
innocent kid who has been left in the wrong kind part of town. I
threatened to have Scully take his place tonight. I knew he would
never allow that. And I threatened to expose his relationship
with you. He couldn't take the chance."

"How *did*, you know about me?

"I've been following Mulder since I got back in town." Krycek
chuckled but without any humor. "Actually, I've been stalking
him. Like I said, I've wanted him for years. He had no idea of
course. He seldom notices anyone except Scully. Imagine my
surprise when you were in the picture. That made me think that
maybe I had a chance with him." Krycek shook his head almost
sadly.

"Anyway, I've been following him for weeks. I was there when you
finally tracked him down after that pervert Feldman kidnaped him.
I wish I'd been the one to get there first. I would have like to
have had a few words with that son of a bitch. I would have shown
him how rape felt."

Did you tell anyone else about us?"

"No, I wouldn't hurt him like that. He didn't do anything
tonight. I just knew what to say to make him submit to me."

Krycek took a deep breath. **What was he doing? ** Skinner looked
ready to kill. If he kept up this line of defense for Mulder he
was probably going to end up dead himself.

"He could have fought you."

"Damn it, he did fight me. I wanted him, tonight . . . tonight I
saw my chance and I took it. He didn't have a chance. I surprised
him. Hell, I even had to hold a gun to his head at first."

"At first?"

"Look, I've been around the block a few times, I know what I'm
doing. I cuffed him, stripped him, threatened his girlfriend and
took advantage of him. It was not his fault. Just don't hurt him,
okay?"

"It's not like I am going to kill him. But I am going to teach
him a valuable lesson." Skinner raised his arm. He had wrapped
the buckle end around his hand leaving an eighteen-inch strip of
leather. He brought it down hard on Mulder's waiting backside,
releasing all the anger and hurt that he felt at Mulder s
apparent betrayal. Mulder's whole body tended for a moment then
jerked.

The leather bit again and again, leaving a trail of angry red
welts in its wake. Krycek could see Mulder reacting by frantic
jerking and flinching. He was trying desperately to avoid the
punishing strap. It just wasn't working.

Krycek himself flinched as the end of the strap connected with a
particularly sensitive area between Mulder's spread bottom
cheeks. **That had to really hurt. ** From the muffled cry that
came from the other side of the chair, it would seem that Mulder
agreed.

The strap seemed to have taken on a life of it's own. Hissing and
biting into the flesh laid out under it. Each time Mulder
flinched or tried to squirm away, he merely offered up another
tender area for the leather snake to bite. Skinner seemed blinded
by his rage.

Krycek took in a deep breath. "Skinner stop, that's enough."

Skinner's arm didn't slow, "I decide what is enough, Krycek," he
snarled.

Damn, if this was what Skinner did to the seduced what would he
do to the seducer. Krycek felt an urgent need to get out of there
before he found out. It was obvious Skinner loved Mulder. That
was the only reason a control freak like Skinner would lose his
cool this badly. Pure jealousy. So the question was just what
might Skinner do to the man who had raped Fox Mulder. The answer
was simple - Alex was a dead man.

He was glad he hadn't taken the opportunity to pay Mulder back
with a few choice punches. He had considered it but just couldn't
bring himself to do it. He had a feeling a few more bruises or a
little blood on that body would have really set Skinner off.
Probably have saved Mulder's ass - literally - but Alex would no
doubt be sporting a few extra holes in his head right now.

Krycek couldn't stand this any longer. "SKINNER, DAMN IT, STOP! I
told you this was not his fault. He doesn't deserve this. Stop
it, now!" He pulled with all his strength at the metal that kept
him helplessly on the bed.

The sound of the belt stopped. Skinner walked around and knelt
down in front of Mulder. Krycek could hear the big man talking to
Mulder. Softly. Too low for Krycek to understand any of it. He
seemed to be eliciting a promise from the man in front of him.
Krycek was sure Mulder would be willing to agree to anything at
this point. His ass was a glowing bright crimson overlaid with
welts.

Krycek could hear his soft involuntary whimpers, see his buttocks
flex and relax. He had to hand it to Mulder, he had taken this
better than most could have.

Skinner came back around the chair, glaring at Alex. He untied
Mulder's legs and lifted him to a standing position. Steadying
him as he stood swaying. He looked into tear stained hazel eyes.
"Do we understand each other now, Fox?" Mulder quickly nodded his
head. Tears were freely running down his face, probably a
combination of pain and humiliation.

"Good." Skinner untied his hands and removed the gag, still
holding Mulder in an upright position. It seemed that Mulder's
knees were now made of rubber. "You know I love you, don't you?"
Another nod, slower this time. "And, of course, I'll have to tell
Dana."

Mulder's eyes got even bigger, pleading into Skinners. He opened
his mouth to beg his boss to keep this between the two of them.

Skinner reached over and grabbed Mulder's face, pulling him in
for a long deep kiss. Mulder was crushed up against Sinner, being
held upright only by the pressure on his face and one strong arm
around his back. Skinner let go, pulling his agent away to look
into his eyes. "We'll talk about this later but I am going to
Agent Scully. She will know something happened, better to tell
her up front. Better for both of us."

Skinner then pulled Mulder toward the bed. Krycek was immediately
on alert. **Now what. ** He did not want a turn across that
chair. Skinner was busy putting a condom on Mulder.

"Did you enjoy watching Agent Mulder get his cute little ass
warmed, Krycek?"

"Not particularly," Alex snarled "he didn't deserve it."

"Does he deserve to have you, Alex?"

"Wh . . . what?"

"Spread your legs, Krycek. I am sure you liked having Fox
helplessly under you. Now it's his turn. We are going to make a
Mulder sandwich, you and I." Skinner effortlessly lowered Mulder
down onto the waiting Krycek.

Krycek couldn't believe this turn of events. He sexually assaults
Mulder, Mulder - the unwilling participant - gets a thrashing and
he gets to have Mulder again. Life was good. Strange but good.

Alex began to kiss and lick the salty tears from Mulder's oh so
beautiful face. Suddenly Mulder was lifted away.

"Don't you touch him." Skinner snarled. Then he again lowered
Mulder to lie quietly on Krycek. Skinner then undressed and
donned his own condom.

**Oooo-kay . . . so he wasn't exactly going to have Mulder. But
Mulder was going to laying on him, smooth skin against his, soft
dark hair brushing his chest, and that smell. Pure Mulder. He
could live with that. **

Mulder seemed to be on automatic pilot right now. His glazed eyes
were huge in his face, his breathing rapid and shallow. He was in
shock. Well who wasn't. Alex felt a little dazed himself. Skinner
was rubbing his hands all over Mulder's cold flesh. Pulling and
pinching at his nipples, kissing his jaw, his ear, that luscious
mouth. Mulder's body began to respond. Krycek could feel Fox's
erection growing hard against his belly. **This was so great. **

Skinner moved his gun to within Alex's sight. "Don't come until I
tell you to. Any questions?"

Alex swallowed hard and nodded his ascent.

"Put your legs around him, Krycek, help him penetrate you."

"How about a little lube here?"

"Always bellyaching, I though you wanted him so much." Skinner
squeezed some slick substance on Mulder's fingers and watched as
he worked it up into Alex. He watched Alex's face as Mulder
worked on him. He really did have it bad for Mulder. He could
sympathize but this was Skinner's Mulder. Okay, Scully and
Skinner's Mulder. But whatever, Mulder definitely did not belong
to this rat bastard. No way. Walter stared furiously at Krycek.

Once Alex was ready, Mulder gently entered him. Krycek was sure
Walter Skinner would have preferred a less tender entry but they
both knew it just wasn't in Mulder's nature to hurt someone he
didn't need to. It was one of the reasons they both loved him.
**Oops, better keep that little bit of information from Mr. AD
Skinner. ** He didn't appear to be the type to eagerly share his
toys.

And what a toy he had in Mulder. Intelligent, sensitive and
absolutely gorgeous. Gorgeous from the top of his dark head to
the tips of his toes. And right now surprisingly submissive.
Maybe Krycek would use a little taste of leather, the next time
he cornered Mulder. Seemed to do the man some good. He hadn't
said a word since he had been lifted from the back of that chair.

When Mulder was fully inside, Skinner pulled up tight against
Mulder's backside. "Put your feet flat on the bed, Krycek and
leave them there."

Walter began to very lovingly and gently prepare Mulder.
Spreading his cheeks, carefully stretching him. Mulder threw back
his head against Walter's shoulder and whimpered with pleasure.

Krycek was enthralled. He didn't think he had ever seen anything
this beautiful Mulder. So damned beautiful aroused like this. He
was so responsive to what Skinner was doing to him with his hands
and mouth. Giving himself completely and without hesitation to
the man who now held him possessively. Very possessively.

Krycek wanted to taste Mulder's bottom lip again. He wanted to
taste it when it was being given willingly like this instead of
stolen. He wanted to feel Mulder's hard muscles and smooth skin
under his hands. He wanted to look into those hazel eyes and see
passion instead of hate. He wanted to wake up and see this
beautiful face sleeping beside him.

Now he understood this punishment. He had Mulder inside him but
he couldn't touch him, couldn't enjoy him, couldn't love him or
be loved in return. That was all for Skinner. Alex could only
watch as the object of his desire responded to another man. It
was maddening. It was beyond frustrating. It was literally
driving him crazy. His hands itched to reach out and grab the man
who was so close yet out of his reach.

He looked up to see Skinner meet his eyes as the AD continued to
run his lips over Mulder's Mouth and jawline, making Mulder
whimper again. HE KNEW! The bastard knew what this was doing to
Krycek.

Skinner slowly entered Mulder, pushing him forward to land on
Krycek's chest. Krycek glanced down to see the dark head resting
on him. He pulled at his bound hands. He wanted to feel the silk
of that hair.

"You want to touch him, don't you?" Skinner was laughing at him.

Alex groaned and pulled at the headboard again. He didn't think
he could take much more of this. Mulder was squirming on him.
Fully penetrated and responding to Skinner's thrusts. Krycek felt
too hot, his skin prickling. But somehow cold at the same time.
Left out, a third party to his own fantasy. He was definitely
experiencing some kind of overload. He lowered his lips to the
top of Mulder's head, nuzzling his hair. Rubbing his swollen
against Mulder's hard stomach. Suddenly Fox was gone. Alex opened
his eyes. Skinner had the other man pulled tightly back against
his chest. Mulder's eyes were closed, his head pulled back
against Skinner's collarbone.

"Touch him again and you are a dead man."

Krycek's green eyes locked with Skinner's angry brown ones.

The snarl so close to his ear had even gotten Mulder's attention.
Fox looked over his shoulder at Walter. There wasn't much doubt
in either of their minds that Skinner meant every word he said.
Krycek could cooperate or he could die. Mulder looked at Alex.
There was confusion on Mulder's handsome face. He didn't have a
clue about what was really going on here. Alex almost laughed.
Would have laughed, except he thought Skinner might take it the
wrong way.

Krycek watched the puzzlement in Mulder's eyes. He couldn't
understand why Alex didn't just lie there, quietly, until this
was over. Then, with a start, Alex realized that Mulder thought
this punishment was for him. He thought Skinner was doing this
out of anger with him, to humiliate him in front of his former
partner. What would it be like to be that naive about your own
effect on other people? Jeez, didn't Mulder ever look in a
mirror. And what, if anything, did they teach at Oxford anyway.

Skinner smiled down at Krycek. He knew this too. He knew Fox
Mulder very well. Knew Mulder thought this was for him. Knew he
didn't have a clue how strongly Alex felt about him. Didn't
realize what an effort it was for Alex to be so close to him but
not be able to touch him? Oh Skinner knew all right. If Fox felt
this little demonstration was for his benefit, so be it. Might
even do him some good, reinforce that strapping Skinner had felt
forced to give him. But this punishment was really all for Krycek
and it was very, very effective. Krycek knew it. Skinner knew it.
Nd Mulder .. . well Foxy Boy, was just the unwitting instrument
of Alex's torture.

Skinner knew exactly what he was doing. He lovingly ran his hands
over Mulder's back. Mulder flinched and closed his eyes again as
Walter's hand touched his still sensitive backside.

Every time Mulder flinched, every time Skinner thrust into him,
every time Mulder moved even a little for any reason, Krycek was
in heaven . . . and in hell. Skinner stopped his movements, again
lifting Mulder up and against his chest. Running his hands
possessively over his body, claiming his mouth.

Krycek was sweating. Beads of moisture standing out on his
forehead and upper lip. If this didn't end soon he was going to
start screaming. Screaming and screaming, and never stop. That
would certainly add to Fox's already considerable confusion.

Krycek felt his erection throb. Every time he built up some
rhythm against Mulder's hard abs., Skinner would raise Mulder's
body away. He could probably come without the direct stimulation
but then Skinner would no doubt happily shoot him.

Alex took a deep calming breath. Just get through this. Live . .
. and then figure out a way to get Mulder alone again. Shouldn't
be too difficult. That boy was a real sucker for any half baked
story and if all else failed you could just say the word Sam'.
That would make Mulder go anywhere, anytime, no questions asked.

He glanced up again. Skinner was scowling at him. Could that guy
read minds or what? He suspected Mulder thought so. Skinner
definitely watched this particular agent very closely. Always had
from what Alex had seen at the bureau. A very short least for
Special Agent Fox Mulder, yes indeed. Not that Alex blamed
Skinner for that. Mulder was just too pretty to take any chances
on losing him.

"I wouldn't even think about trying this again, Krycek." Alex
gulped. Mulder opened his eyes to see what Alex had done. Alex
was still just lying there, looking at him. What was going on
anyway and why was Walter taking so damned long with this. He's
gotten the point already. Next time somebody came on to him, he
had better die defending his honor. Die or at least come away
bloody.

Mulder was beginning to feel lightheaded. It had been a very long
night. He had already been exhausted when he came home to find
Krycek waiting. He had tried to fight him off, lost, been raped
(although gently, still against his will) and now this marathon
sex thing was happening.

He really didn't have much left. Pretty soon these two were going
to find themselves with nothing more animated than a limp
dishcloth between them. He turned his head to look over his
shoulder. What was Walter doing anyway? He seemed to have some
kind of silent conversation going on with Krycek and even worse,
every time things started progressing, Walter stopped them.
Hugged Mulder up against his chest where he couldn't move and
teased him some more.

"Wal . . . " Mulder stopped, took a shaky breath and tried again,
"Walter . . . Ple . .. please . . . "

The hostile expression Skinner had been wearing for Krycek
changed instantly to one of concern for Mulder. Krycek almost
laughed again. **Thank you, Foxy Boy. **

Mulder was babbling now. "I won't . . . won't let it happen
again. Sorry. So sorry. Couldn't fight him . . . too much.
Scully. Yo . . . you. Sorry. Never . . . never happen again. Prom
. . . I promise. Promise . . . I promiseIpromiseIpromise . . . "

Skinner was hold Mulder's head tightly against him, patting his
cheek with a big square hand. "Sh-h-h-h. It's all right, Fox. I'm
not angry with you. Calm down. Sh-h-h-h. I know it wasn't your
fault." Another glare for Alex. "Fox do you want to finish or
stop right now?"

"Fin . . . Finish." As if in slow motion, Mulder's pink tongue
flicked out to lick that bottom lip, leaving a glistening trail
of moisture in its wake. He then slowly sucked the lip into his
mouth and bite down. Both men, above and below, moaned loudly.
Mulder opened his eyes, looking confused again.

Skinner wrapped himself around Mulder and began pumping into him.
In a very short time Alex felt Mulder pump into him, then scream
with release. Skinner followed suit almost immediately. Krycek
fought hard to maintain control. Skinner was just looking for an
excuse to use that gun on him. He could see it in his eyes.

Mulder collapsed onto Alex. Almost lifeless with exhaustion.
Krycek dropped a soft kiss into his hair, daring Skinner to
protest. Mulder snuggled deeper into his chest. This just might
be worth the whole ordeal, even if Alex was still aching for his
own release. Skinner didn't seem concerned about Alex and his
pleasure right now. **Big surprise. **

Skinner got up, dressed quickly and lifted Mulder off of Krycek,
carrying him into the other room. **Oh Shit, now what. ** Skinner
came back shortly, rummaged in the dresser for some clean sweats
and left again.

He returned a second time and stood quietly by the bed looking
down at the former agent. "Don't come near him again. He deserves
better than you. If I find out you so much as follow him down the
street, I'll blow your head off. Got it?"

"You mean you're letting me go?" Alex couldn't believe this.

"Yeah, well . . . tell me, how did it feel to see him with
another man. He was only interested in me. He hardly knew you
were in the same room with him. He doesn't share your feelings,
Krycek. Let him alone, he has enough to deal with and too few
people who really care about him."

Krycek nodded his head. **Oh well, it was time for him to move on
anyway. ** Skinner unlocked the cuffs from Alex's wrists and
turned to walk into the other room where he had earlier taken
Mulder.

Krycek dressed quickly. Time to get out of here while he still
could. He moved into the outer room. Skinner was sitting in a
chair watching Mulder sleep on the couch. Krycek moved over to
Mulder and reach down with his hand, he looked at Skinner before
running his finger along Mulder's cheek. He caught Skinner's eye.
"None of this was his fault, you know. You don't have to hurt him
again."

"I won't. He learned what I wanted him to know. You'd better go.
I called Scully. If you are still here when she shows up you
probably won't live to tell about it."

Krycek left his hand on Mulder's face for just a moment longer,
then moved quickly and quietly out of the apartment. A shadow
again lost in the night.

Skinner moved over to the couch working his way under Mulder and
pulling him into his lap. Fox snuggled in and buried his face in
Walter's neck. This was typical. Whenever Mulder was punished, he
wanted to cuddle for the rest of the night. Probably to assure
himself that he was still loved. Skinner tightened his hold on
the younger man.

Scully should be here soon. He supposed she would be furious that
he had let Krycek go. He wasn't really sure why he had done that.
It was, he supposed, horribly unfair to punish Mulder and then
let Krycek go but he had suddenly developed some sympathy for
Alex.

Skinner knew what it was like to be alone. To long for someone
who seemed unattainable. He knew from first hand experience what
it was like to be in love with Fox Mulder. He ran his hand over
the sweatshirt covered back of the man in his lap.

He, himself, had been very lucky. He had the opportunity to love
Mulder and to be loved in return. And there was even the added
bonus of Dana Scully. She was warm and beautiful and as long as
Mulder's health and happiness were not threatened, she was a
generous and passionate lover.

He knew that she loved Mulder unconditionally. Knew that Mulder
loved her more than his own life. Walter was very important to
both of them but he could never really share the bond they did.
That was acceptable. Being part of their lives make his life
bearable. He was very grateful for that.

He heard the key rattle in the door. Scully. She was not going to
be happy. Mulder had not come out of this evening unscathed. He
was completely exhausted, weak and feverish. And who knew the
last time he had eaten. She was going to throw a fit.

Skinner took a deep breath and waiting for the fireworks. He
nudged the sleeping Mulder, "Time to wake up, Fox. The calvary
had arrived."

***2 Hours Later***

Mulder was asleep again. Having been fed and hovered over to
Scully's satisfaction. She had entered the room, taken one look
at the two men on the couch and descended on them like an
avenging angel. Mulder had not known what had hit him. Still
groggy from his nap on Skinner, he had made the mistake of tying
to protest. Once. Scully had literally torn him from Skinner's
arms. How a five-foot woman could take six foot man away from
him, Walter didn't even want to think about.

Suddenly his thoughts were interrupted. Dana Scully sat down in
the chair across from him, her eyes bright and a small smile on
her lips. "Want to tell me what happened?"

"I though Mulder would do that."

"I want to hear it from you. According to Mulder it was all his
fault . . . along with world hunger and the roach infestation in
upper New York. I want the truth . . . from you."

Skinner hesitated and took a deep breath. At the office, he
didn't take anything from anyone but here . . . he needed Fox and
Dana. Needed them in his life, he didn't want to say anything
that would change the totally fulling arrangement they now
shared.

The ever perceptive Scully smiled again. "It's all right, Walter.
I just want to know what happened. I know you would never do
anything to intentionally hurt Mulder. Just tell me what you
know. Knowing Mulder it will probably only make me want to go in
there and blister his backside again."

"No Dana, this time I just lost my temper. It really wasn't his
fault. Evidently when he came home, Krycek was waiting for him.
How the hell he knew Mulder would decide to come to this
apartment tonight I don't know.

He held a gun on him and told him that unless he cooperated, you
would take his place for the evening's fun and games. And. . .
and that he would let the bureau know about us."

Walter took another deep breath. "So Mulder sacrificed himself
for us. When I stopped by this evening, I found him in bed with
Krycek and just lost it. I'm really sorry. Is he hurt badly?"

Skinner looked miserable.

Scully laughed. "No, he's fine. He probably only got what he
deserved anyway. I hadn't told you yet about the little incident
with *The Magician* on our last case. Guy turned out to be just a
run of the mill serial killer. But he managed to lure Mulder in
without me. He threatened to turn me into a toad or something. I
had to save his ass again."

Scully rolled her eyes and gave him a long suffering sigh. "I
probably would have given him worse than he got tonight by
tomorrow evening anyway. He just makes me so angry sometimes."

Scully smiled at her boss, "Feel better now?"

"A Magician?"

"Yeah, a cape and everything. Didn't fool anyone except . .." She
nodded toward the bedroom.

""What are we going to do with him?"

"How about we go crawl in bed with him, I'm exhausted. We'll
break the news to him in the morning that you know about the
Magician and I know about Krycek. That should make for an
interesting conversation."

End 7

END 1/2