TITLE: Weighing In - Part 1 (Parts 1-8)

(Part 1 of 32 parts)

NAME: frogdoggie

E-MAIL: frogdoggie@hotmail.com

CATEGORY: SRA

RATING: NC-17. M/SK. This story contains very explicit slash i.e. m/m sex. So, if you don’t like that type of thing - STOP NOW! Forewarned is forearmed. Proceed with caution.

SUMMARY: Skinner and Mulder discuss Walter's weekend with Scully - amongst other pressing issues, and Fourth of July plans make matters even more interesting. The action here takes place immediately after "Lifting Weights" and "Weights and Measures". This story is part of the "Baton Rouge" series. Obviously you may want to read the series to understand this narrative. The "Baton Rouge" series can be found at: https://www.squidge.org/3wstop.

FEEDBACK - YES PLEASE, AND THANK YOU SIR, CAN I HAVE ANOTHER? Comments, suggestions and healthy debate are always welcome. Flames? They only serve to warm my body and mind.

TIMESPAN/SPOILER WARNING: Sixth Season before Two Fathers/One Son I think - in my timeline. So it would be safe to say any ep ever that appears before that two-parter would constitute a spoiler warning. It's also going to be obvious that I've changed the series timeline to fit into the Baton Rouge universe. I am trying to catch up with Season Six events now, however. We're rolling towards getting the X-Files back. Sort of. Oh - and still NO SR819 when that lamentable episode comes up! So, I've still kind of reinvented the mytharc for my AU as well. Sorry if all that bothers you - feel free to go elsewhere if it does. I won't mind.

KEYWORDS: story slash Skinner Mulder Scully NC-17

DISCLAIMER: Fox Mulder, Walter Skinner, Dana Scully and all other X-Files characters belong to Chris Carter, Ten-Thirteen Productions and 20th Century FOX Broadcasting. No copyright infringement is intended and no profit is being made from their use.

Once again - kudos to Susan - beta beyond compare - for tackling yet another epic. She has a rare talent for finding your mistakes, offering helpful suggestions without setting her own agenda, and in general just making an author feel, well - like an author. I consider her a very special person.

***Author's note at the end.

Written in August and September of 1999.

Weighing In

by frogdoggie

Wednesday, June 30, 1999. A Motel 6 near Dulles Airport.

"Walter?"

"Hmm?"

"The sushi was a good idea."

"Yeah?"

"Yeah, I haven't had any in a while. It was first class."

"Thanks. Izumis has great food. It was on the way."

"Walter?"

"Yeah, babe?"

"I'm still sorry we have to meet this way. I mean I don't like it either it's..."

"Listen...don't worry about it. I...I can live with it. It's great being with you no matter where we get together. I just think we really need to be careful now...I'm sorry about that too."

"Well...I can't blame you for confronting Kersh, I guess. He's a titanic prick and I know he's dirty. He had some fucking nerve to threaten you both. Christ - I'd like to do more than just blast him with some cold water. But..."

"But you think it was a mistake? You think it's going to come back and bite us in the ass, don't you?"

"Walter..."

"Fuck. Scully said the same thing Sunday night. I didn't know what to say to her. She may be correct. You both may be right to think I've made a dangerous error here. But, I just did it - all right? I...I did it on impulse really. Crap. I'm not...well I'm not usually that rash, Mulder. It's...it's not like me to just..."

"Walter?"

"What?"

"You did it because he was threatening someone you love. There...there's no shame in that idea. God knows I've done enough rash shit in my life for reasons that were a lot more convoluted than trying to protect someone I care about very deeply. It's an honorable concept - looking after those you care for, you know. Very chivalrous."

"Mulder, I hate it when you make me into some kind of white knight. Especially when my possible misstep could cost us all so much."

"Look, Walter. We don't know what Kersh is going to do. We can't control something that hasn't happened yet, right?"

"True."

"All we can do is be on our guard and take precautions. I don't think you should be beating your chest over this any longer. Let's just...let's try to enjoy the evening and deal with this later, all right?"

"Yeah, you're right. But I think we should make some provisions in case..."

"Ok, we can arrange to talk about it further with Scully. We'll formulate another battle plan as soon as we can, agreed?"

"Agreed."

"Good, now scoot over here, big guy."

"You're a little sweaty. Want me to turn up the air, Mulder?"

"No, I'll be fine. Your head comfortable there?"

"Yeah. It's great. As long as I'm not crushing your tit."

"Walter, I have pecs, Scully has tits."

"Ok, nipple. You'll concede you both have those, right?"

"Oh yeah."

"Good."

"So, Walter..."

"Hmmm?"

"Scully's a hell of a woman isn't she?"

"Oh yeah. She's outstanding."

"Most definitely."

"An angel, Mulder."

"With a hell of a wallop, big guy. You've got bruises on your chest."

"Yeah...we...well we had a rough time coming to that meeting of the minds."

"I guess. You want to talk about it?"

"Not really."

"O - K."

"Mulder, I really don't want to discuss it."

"OK. Fine. Then how about..."

"Then how about what?"

"Never mind."

"Come on, Mulder. You know I hate it when you do that."

"Well I'm not sure you'd want to discuss...Oh hell...I'm just wondering what..."

"Mulder, if you're going to ask me about what we did...forget it. That's private business between Scully and me."

"Well I can't lie and say I'm not curious."

"Yeah, well - you'll have to stay curious. Do you talk about what we do together to her?"

"No."

"Well then..."

"I did tell her you're a great fuck..."

"Damn it, Mulder..."

"Well, you are...what's to be embarrassed about? You're one hell of a fuck. So's Scully. I mean so what if..."

"Mulder, I don't like to talk about...about my intimate moments with my partners in those terms."

"Hey - who growls 'suck my cock' or 'fuck me up the ass'...at the drop of a..."

"Excuse me...excuse me a minute here, please. What I meant to say is I don't like to kiss and tell and certainly not in the language I might use in bed."

"I do declare! Rhett, you're really a closet prude..."

"Fuck you, asshole. My hometown librarian's a prude. My 80 year old Aunt Hester's a prude. I'm...ok...I'm conservative. I'll admit it. I don't feel comfortable discussing what I do with my lover of either gender to...to anyone...including you. I don't think it's respectful. Also, the language I use in bed is reserved for my bed partner. It's not for public consumption."

"Shit, Walter..."

"Don't laugh. If you laugh I'm going to get up and...hey!"

"What's the matter, Aunt Hester? Don't like having your ass goosed?"

"Do I look that outraged?"

"Walter...you always look outraged. It's one of your most charming expressions. One of the most endearing."

"You are so off the wall, Mulder."

"And that's what you love about me too, isn't it?"

"Yeah, it is, Monster Boy. Come here."

"Mmmmm...now that's the kind of outrage I like."

"You up for some more of my endearing qualities."

"What did you have in mind?"

"Well...what was that you said earlier about sucking cock and...what went along with that little bon mot, Boy Wonder?"

"Fuck me up the ass?"

"Thought you'd never ask...Dick."

"Christ. Walter. You're such a turn-on as Batman. If I could just persuade you sometime to...you know...put on those tights and..."

"Not on your fucking life, buddy."

"Not even the cape?"

"No. Not even the utility belt."

"Oh man, you're crushing one of my fantasies, Walter."

"Yeah, well, life's tough, sweet cheeks. Now...come up with another fantasy... preferably one that doesn't have me dressing up in purple and black...and I might consider it."

"Really?"

"I'll probably be sorry I'm saying this but - sure - go for it, babe."

"Hmmm. Let's see...there's the Martha Stewart flogs the gardener fantasy..."

"Let me guess who I get to be in that one..."

"Now, now..."

"Come on, Mulder...give me one where I at least get to keep a semblance of my masculinity."

"Oh, Walter...there's never a danger of you not keeping that as long as you have this...and I can do this with it."

"Oh man...you can keep doing that...that's one of my fucking fantasies for sure."

"Simple joys..."

"More like keep it simple, stupid."

"All right. Point taken. How about the fantasy where I watch you beat this big cock of yours until I can hardly stand it, and then you fuck me up the ass nice and slow so I can watch you do me?"

"I love it when a plan comes together, Mulder."

"Yeah, me too, big man. So..."

"You wanna lean back against the headboard and admire the view?"

"Sure."

"How do you want me?"

"Could you...get on your knees, kind of spread your legs..."

"Like this?"

"Yeah, sit back on your heels, yeah...like that. You comfortable?"

"Oh yeah. Can you see ok?"

"Get real. You could be in Maryland and I could see that..."

"Flattery will get you everywhere."

"I just want it to get you up my ass."

"All in good time. Seriously, you want me to use...three fingers or..."

"No, your whole hand. I...I really like it when you use your whole fist."

"Like this?"

"Yeah."

"Ok, baby. Oh yeah...this'll work."

"Yeah... God...what a fucking turn-on. You can really tease when you want to, Walter."

"You like that, huh? How 'bout this?"

"Oh...fuck yes....swirl that around the head again. Oh...yeah."

"I used to enjoy show-and-tell in school, Mulder. You know that?"

"I bet you did, Walter."

"You'd...you'd bet right."

"Man, Walter. You can really jerk that thing."

"I...I gotta back off here..."

"S'ok...go slow. I like the way you look when you're really taking your time to enjoy it."

"Mmm....yeah. Feels good, too."

"Massage your balls, Walter."

"Oh yeah...oh...yeah....this...this was one of your better ideas, Monster Boy."

"In the top 10 on my fantasy hit parade."

"You wanna touch yourself, babe?"

"No... not...not yet."

"You know when you lick your lips like that it goes right to my cock."

"I'm loving this, Walter. It's incredible. Christ, you're really...rising to the occasion."

"This feels good, baby. But...it's nothing like being up your nice, tight ass."

"Well...in my humble opinion, you look ready to ride."

"You got that right. Toss me the lube."

"Nice catch."

"Thanks."

"Did you put lube on the shopping list? We're almost out, here."

"Yes, sir. I did, sir."

"Good...now...come on down here."

"Pillow?"

"Yeah, hand me one. I'll slide it under your ass. Raise your hips."

"Ok. This ok? Should I pull my knees back farther?"

"Yeah, and tilt...there you go."

"Walter?"

"Yeah?"

"This is the best, I mean that."

"For me too, lover. You ready...I'm gonna put one finger in here."

"Ok."

"All right...good...there you go."

"S'good. Yeah...move it...oh yeah, that's great."

"I think I can add two here..."

"Yeah."

"Ok...how's...easy...how's this?"

"Fine...oh man...more than...ffine."

"Babe, relax. Oh yeah...push away like that...I know that feels great."

"Oh Christ..."

"Let me get some more lube."

"Can you give me some? I think...I'm a little dry."

"Sure. This enough?"

"Great. Vvvery good."

"Get it up for me, Mulder."

"I'm...about...about to manage that...quite nicely."

"Ok...this'll be two fingers again."

"I'm ready. Ohhhh. Man, I'm more than ready."

"Good. You're taking these real good."

"Uhhh. Yeah...more..."

"Three?"

"Yeah."

"Ok...three. Good?"

"Fuck...yeah. Uh...just...deeper...Oh that's good."

"I love it when you move your ass that way, baby. Love it when you pump your cock too. That's great."

"I'm gonna...get...get myself close and then....I...I wanna see you put it in an inch at a time."

"All right, lover. Let me get myself slicked up."

"Oh Jesus. Seeing you lube your dick's...."

"Top ten?"

"With a bullet, Walter."

"You just like a little audio along with your video."

"Audio?"

"Yeah you know...the wet, 'quishy' sound."

"Blow me."

"Next time. How're you doing?"

"Uh...No problem....if I slow down and admire the view again."

"Yeah...stop...ease off. Your balls are tight."

"Yeah...I know...s'ok. S'ok."

"All right?"

"Yes."

"Ok, lift your legs up...there you go. Comfortable?"

"Oh yeah."

"All right. Take a breath...."

"Uh huh."

"Relax..."

"I am...I...uhhh...ow...."

"Mulder...easy...I'll wait."

"Yeah...just...just a sec."

"Ok? Go on?"

"Yeah."

"Relax, babe. You're just too worked up."

"Yeah, yeah....uhhhh..."

"That's better, lover...easy. Oh yeah, that's good."

"Ohhhh...."

"You still ok?"

"Yeah....it's...oh God, better. Yeah. Don't stop."

"Babe, there's no way I can."

"Good...Oh God...it's so gggood."

"You're doing it, taking it all."

"I...oh man...see it? Your big, slick cock just sliding right in?"

"Yeah...I'm watchin'...every inch."

"Oh. Oh....please....all the way...oh God."

"Almost...oh yeah. Man, that's tight."

"Fuck, Walter. That was...was incredible."

"Sorry about the first bit."

"My fault. Christ, you just got me so hot."

"Ddditto."

"You, ok, big man?"

"Babe...I...I gotta...hold on...I...I'm...I'll come if..."

"S'ok. I...I like having you in me like this. It feels really full. Lie still."

"Yeah, this...you feel good."

"I love you, Walter."

"I...oh babe..."

"Can I...can I touch where you're in me?"

"Can you reach?"

"Just."

"Sure."

"Oh man...that...feels beautiful."

"You're beautiful, Fox. When we're together like this it...I..."

"It...it's ok, Walter...I know."

"I love you, Fox."

"This is...Jesus...you're so good...oh..."

"I...oh, fuck...babe."

"Oh llllover....can...can you... slow...go slow."

"Hhhhave too or...ride's over."

"Oh oh...oh God...just...oh that's it."

"Babe... "

"Oh...OH!"

"Fuck!"

"Oh...good. Oh God."

"FUCK!"

"Walter! Oh...GGGGGGOD!

xXx

Thursday, July 1, 1999. 12:30 AM. The J. Edgar Hoover Building.

Jeffrey Spender is back in the Hoover Building. I just saw him in the hallway. I thought....by the pricking of my thumbs, something wicked this way comes. Pricking? More like just a prick. But, a big prick. A traitorous one.

Something's up at the Hoover as well. Kim told me Walter's been in meetings all morning. One was with Freeh himself. So, I have a bad feeling something unpleasant is coming down. My nerves are on edge.

Something was up with Suspender as well. He looked smug but annoyed at the same time. I felt my hackles rise at the expression on his face. I confess I was walking past Walter's office. Ok, I was trying to get a look at him, all right? Sorry. I wish I could see him more often during the day that's all.

At any rate, I saw old Jeff go into Walter's office. Fine. Maybe I had some hope later of finding out just what was going down with little Jerkwad. We shall see.

I went back to the bullpen where Scully and I are still ensconced since we still don't have the X-Files and Walter is still no longer our boss.

Scully is sitting in her chair, at her desk, ear to the phone. She nods at me as I walk in. I sit down at my desk, facing hers and she sighs.

She speaks into the phone, nods, and nods again. Finally she rolls her eyes and scrawls something on the yellow legal pad in front of her. The pencil she holds presses hard against the yellow surface. As I watch, she finally holds the pad up for me to see what she's written.

<Calgon, take me away!> the writing on the pad declares in heavy, black underlined words.

I nearly burst out laughing. Instead, I surreptitiously, blow her a kiss behind my upraised hand. She smiles and drops the pad back onto her desk.

Both of us are nearly going insane over this type of forced grunt work. Manual idiot labor. Routine mind numbing bullshit. It's worse then when we were cataloging bullshit for God's sake. It's pretty sad considering we've only been at this detail for about 12 working days give or take a few hours. What will it be like months from now when Kersh still has us languishing at desks?

It's nearly July 4th and neither one of us has been able to summon up enough energy to even plan that surprise party we've been wanting to throw as a belated birthday gift for Walter. All of us have been working overtime anyway, including the big guy, again. No, Scully is going to spend the Fourth with her mom. Bill and his family will be in town. Charles may be able to make it as well. So, there will be another big cookout at the Scully family homestead. I'm not invited and I'm not unhappy about it. Oh sure, I'm considered the suitor now and not just Scully's job partner but...Margaret Scully's intelligent enough to know Bill and I get on like oil and water. It's worse now that he thinks I might be sniffing around his sister. So, Maggie's willing to cut me some slack on this family get-together. I'm invited to dinner at her house later with Scully and Charlie too, once Bill and his family have blown back to San Diego.

My Fourth is open. Teena has other plans this year and they don't include her son although to be fair we're not on bad terms really. She just needs to visit her sister this year. So, my 4th may be spent in Wally World if the AD and I play our cards right. I'm hoping. He's...arranging. So, we'll see.

But, I'm starting to feel like a caged animal. Scully is starting to revert to her "let's at least try to do a good job here Mulder" persona. Oh I know - she's had it too. She's trying not to give in to the ennui...the defeat. But it's just so damn hard. She's relapsing into the tried and true. The familiar 'by the book' Scully that I thought we'd left farther behind at this point. Evidently we haven't passed her by as yet. Nope. She's here in full force. I'm starting to scream inside.

I gamely try to read over the list of mundane 'Joe Publics' that I need to call. My vision blurs. Instead of picking up the receiver and punching in a phone number I sit there staring into space towards the direction of Walter's office.

I wish to hell I knew what was going on. Finally I buckle down and reach for the phone and my identical yellow legal pad.

Later...

At 1:45 I jump slightly. I'm feeling that familiar vibration coming from near my holster and next to my skin that tells me Walter wants to talk to me. I know it's him. It's not like anyone else has the coded phone number Frohike gave us.

I quickly scrawl a note on my pad and shove it towards Scully's side of the double desk arrangement. She pulls it close and reads my written words.

<Walter paged me. I'd better see what he wants.>

She raises an eyebrow and jots on the pad, pushing it back my way.

<Something is up. I saw Spender. Walter has been in meetings all AM.>

I scrawl one word and send the pad back.

<Exactly.>

I look back up at her and furrow my brow. Her lips form a tight line as she writes another note and sends the pad across one more time.

<Go see him. I'll cover for you.>

I pull the pad all the way back to my side and write my final message. I pass the pad over and she reads it, nodding.

<Ok. Hold the fort down.>

When she looks up her face is composed and I give her my own grim little grin. Scully rips off the top sheet of the legal pad and jams it into the shredder under her desk. I get up, take my jacket and pull it on.

"I'll be back as soon as I can," I advise in a low voice.

"Later. Say hello."

I nod, turn and leave her to the telephone.

xXx

I reach the park quickly because I'm almost jogging. The sun's bright, it's really a classic summer day but I hardly stop to notice. The park isn't too crowded since the main rush of lunch hour is over. I scan faces looking for Walter.

I spot him just about the same moment he spots me. He's over by the small fountain that sits near the center of the park. I approach him and he walks away from me. I keep him in sight, following at a discreet distance until he reaches a bronze sculpture display a little farther along. He takes a seat on a bench in the more secluded alcove that's at the base of the display and I reach his side. He's eating an apple as I sit down beside him.

"Lunch," he sighs, his mouth full of Gala.

"I noticed it's been a day," I reply, picking at some lint on my pants.

"You noticed correctly," he rumbles, taking a last bite of the apple and tossing the core into the nearby wire trash basket.

"I take it this isn't a meeting about our Fourth of July plans," I reply, watching his face in profile as he chews and swallows the last of his meal.

"No, it isn't, Mulder," he replies, looking over and capturing my eyes.

"What's up then?" I ask carefully. His face is unreadable. Not a good sign. The only time he does unreadable nowadays is when he has something very difficult to impart.

"I'm not going to beat around the bush. They're reopening the X-Files. They're giving them to Spender and Diana Fowley," he growls, looking away from me and off into the park.

My heart spasms in my chest and I stare at him, struggling to keep my mouth from dropping open down to my shoes. Somehow, deep in my guts, I sensed this might have been what was happening. I should have known. No wonder Spender looked one part constipated and one part insufferably pleased with himself. I blink at Walter, however, my brain stuck in vapor lock for a second.

"Diana...Diana Fowley's back?"

I hadn't seen her come in today. I'd heard she was making a return, her recovery from the gunshot wound finally complete. Hey, I was as happy as anyone to know she'd survived the shooting. But...the X-Files? I would have thought she'd have...contacted me? Christ. So much for old times sake. Yeah well...it's not like I was beating a path to her door either.

"Yes. She met with Freeh and then me early this morning. Same goes for Spender. She...she's down in the basement office with Spender right now...getting things underway," he replies, lowering his voice to a low hiss.

"Scully...Scully and I aren't reassigned to the X-Files?" I whisper dumbly, still in shock.

"No," he spits back, his jaw as tight as a bowstring.

"I...I assume you tried to...stop this," I ask carefully. At the twitch of agony on his face I amend my idiotic misstatement. "Crap...that was a stupid thing to say. Of...of course you tried to stop it. I'm...I'm sorry..."

"Not half as much as I am, Mulder. I...this is all my fucking fault. If I hadn't gone up against Oliver Kersh there might have been a chance...now..."

"Kersh had a hand in this then? You think this is...is his revenge for the shower incident?"

"Both hands. I'm not sure if it's all he has planned in the way of revenge. It's a pretty damn good start though. He knows...he knows I took a certain...interest in the X-Files, on a purely basic Bureau level. Some of this is wrapped up in bullshit Bureau politics for sure, unfortunately. You may not want to acknowledge this Mulder - but you and Scully were a premier partnership to have under my jurisdiction. I mean shit...I'm not going to lie to you. I liked the prestige. Because, along with having to deal with the outrageous nature of your cases and the cost overruns, the two of you had one of the highest solve rates at the Bureau. You can't beat that kind of PR...those kind of accolades. The two of you made me look good."

"As insulting at that sounds, I know it's true...if you didn't get the career boost, and Freeh's ear you wouldn't be in a position to help us at all," I reply, nodding.

I more than know what it takes to play office politics. I just opt out of it. But Walter has done everything he can to aid us - even things that are personally distasteful like entering into these kinds of head games. And it's not like he didn't champion the job we did too. Graham over in VCS told me once on the QT that he was in a meeting with Walter and Freeh where Walter made sure Freeh knew just what a - to quote Graham - 'class act' Scully and I were for the Bureau.

"Exactly. And Kersh sees your acquisition as a political coup. He's ecstatic to have gotten the two of you."

"Yeah, well he has a funny way of showing us we're his golden boy and girl."

"Nevertheless, he's sitting pretty because he's got you and I don't. He's perfectly content to whip into shape what he considers his now."

"He'll never own me, Walter. I..."

"Mulder...I know no one owns you...not...not even me. But, you have to face the facts now. You're under Kersh's jurisdiction and you're going to have to ride that out."

"What a sack of shit."

"Who knows...maybe he knows I'm involved with Scully and you. This is his way of getting back at all of us on that level as well," he replies quietly, looking around to see if anyone is within earshot.

"But we haven't seen any evidence of that, Walter. Besides if it was just about his knowing you, and Scully and me too for that matter were in flagrante delicto here - he'd probably have the balls to go right to OPR and to hell with looking over his shoulder for you. I mean so what if he's cruising the Internet at night looking at boys..."

"Mulder...whatever. He was adamant about keeping you and Scully under his jurisdiction and that's the main thing. Since Spender's walking on thin ice anyway, and Fowley is just back from sick leave, they were deemed expendable enough to be assigned to the dead letter office so to speak. I tried to stop it but my protests fell on deaf ears."

"Yeah, but we know Bureau politics, any possible relationships here, or Spender and Fowley's status aren't the real reasons Kersh was stonewalling you," I hiss, my teeth going on edge.

No shit. Kersh is in league with Spender's butt smoking old man. So, Junior's going to get the dirty work whether he wants it or not, and deep six the X-Files anyway. He'll shut it down as quickly as possible. I don't know what role Diana has or thinks she's going to have, but she's making a mistake if she thinks she can stay untouched and still continue her research into the paranormal. They'll probably suborn her too, and then Spender will have my 'ex' working alongside him in ruining my life's work.

"I'm aware of that, Mulder. I know this isn't just all AD one-upmanship. It's a hell of a lot more than just a pissing contest between Kersh and me. I'm aware of his alliances - and yeah, he's aware of mine too. I've...you know I've been out of that loop for a while though, Mulder...you understand I'm not on his side of the fence anymore don't you?" he asks, a pained look on his face.

Oh Christ. He doesn't think I'm suspicious of his loyalties?

"God...Walter...I...I understand."

He nods, letting his breath out in relief and continues on.

"The X-Files are still under my jurisdiction. It's the only saving grace in this whole sorry state of affairs. At least I still have some control that way. I can ride herd on Spender and Fowley. I can try to make sure the division isn't destroyed and shut down. I can buy us some time until...until I can think of something else to do."

"Or I can."

"Mulder...please...just...back off for a while. Let me...let me have some space to maneuver here. When things cool down I can see what I can come up with. We don't know yet what else Kersh has up his sleeve. After the holiday, you and I and Scully need to discuss the situation and still come up with a battle plan. There may still be a chance. But if you go off half-cocked and alienate..."

"Ok, I get the point. Fox Mulder makes nice..."

"Especially with Oliver Kersh, Mulder. Listen...this is serious. I'm not fucking around here, all right? Stay away from Spender and Fowley and don't ruffle Kersh's feathers. Do you understand?"

I sigh. He's right of course. He's talking as my boss at this juncture. I know how to compartmentalize our relationship - and I recognize that this is AD Skinner talking here. I should listen. If I make a wrong move here we're all history. Still I bridle at the idea of remaining out of the action. Well, I can stay away from Spender and Fowley. I can tap dance around Kersh. But...I have ways of doing what I want to do as well. I'm not just going to lie down and die here. AD Skinner speaks again and jerks me out of my reverie.

"Mulder, do you understand?"

"All right. Yeah. I understand. But...but I can't guarantee if something comes my way that..."

"Look, Mulder, if you screw up with Kersh, it's your own God damn funeral. I'll wash my hands of it because I don't know if I can stand in his way anymore," Walter replies, looking down at his hands in dismayed exasperation. "Can't you understand? This could mean the end of the X-Files. I...I'm not in a position anymore to do anything about it."

Walter is clearly miserable. He feels as though he's let Scully and me down in a profound way. Also, even though Walter has a love/hate relationship with the Bureau - it has been his life. Basically he sees federal law enforcement as a worthwhile career. He sees himself as helping to prevent anarchy. Fighting the good fight. So, the political crap although hated, is necessary to his job as well as his self image. All the aliens, Consortium collaborators and colonization plans notwithstanding, my lover is still deep down, a cop. Walter Skinner feels he needs to do a good job at protecting 'John and Jane Q. Publics' from the more 'mundane' criminal element as well.

Yeah, and he's got enough machismo inside him that this thing with Kersh is a blow to his manhood. On top of thinking he's hurting his two lovers, he's losing face and it's eating him alive.

"Walter, I absolve you. If I screw up with Kersh I'll take the consequences, all right? I'll be discreet..."

Walter sighs heavily. His expression says he knows me so well. This is what I love about him. He does know me and ultimately he won't stand in my way. There aren't many people who'll do that really - get out of my way even against their better judgment. Even, when in this case, they stand in my way to save me from myself. I'm in love with two of them and it's why I consider myself lucky in love - one of the few things I am lucky in now it appears.

"Mulder, I know I can't stop you. You're...you're a friggin' force of nature when it comes to the X-Files. But...you'd better be damn discreet. Just don't let me know about it...I mean that. If I don't know what you're doing they can't get it out of me."

I nod.

"All right. Agreed."

"Just...try to be careful all right," he adds. And just like that AD Skinner is gone and my man Walter has taken his place, concern for my safety heavy in his words.

I nod again and risk touching his thigh gently when a glance around tells me no one is looking at us.

"I'll let you know before...before I leave town or anything," I reply gently, removing my hand.

He nods, swallowing down his emotion, and then he looks at his watch.

"I'd better get back. You too. Kersh is going to call you and Scully into his office in about 45 minutes to break the happy news."

"Oh. Ok," I reply. Suddenly I'm very tired. I run a hand through my hair as Walter rises from the bench in the alcove. He clears his throat.

"Uh...Listen. I did come up with a plan for the 4th. With everything that was going on, I didn't get to call you today to run it by you."

"So, you cleared your calendar?" I ask, getting up from the bench. We stand and face each other.

"Yeah. I can take tomorrow, Saturday, Sunday, Monday and Tuesday actually. No one seemed to object," he shrugs with a small tight grin. "And God knows...I can use the break. Uh...I'm looking forward to...to doing this with you. I hope you got the same time off," he adds at once shy and eager all at the same time. The prospect of a weekend with me seems to lift his spirits. I smile a little.

I wish...sometimes I wish everything was different. That I could just take his face in my hands and kiss him now, right on the lips in full blown PDA and no one would give a shit. I wish...I wish a lot of things. If wishes were horses as the old saying goes.

"I'm...well I'm flattered, really" I smile sincerely. "I arranged for Friday through Tuesday too - just in case."

He chuckles a little, "Well now I'm flattered - you planned ahead for me."

I lean forward and whisper, "Oh yeah...and with an extra long weekend, I can show you just how much I really enjoyed last night."

I watch as my words register with Walter's low self-esteem and kick it to the wayside. He smiles a little more broadly and I can almost see his chest puff up. He does pull himself up straighter. Oh yeah, big guy. He's got every right to strut his stuff a little. I almost blacked out from the sheer ecstasy he gave me last night. I meant every word of what I just said too. If I can even pay him back half the pleasure he showed me last night I'll be happy. If this guy has any doubts about how much of a man I think he is he shouldn't. It doesn't hurt me to bolster his ego a little once in a while either.

"Yeah...well I aim to please," he rumbles as I step back.

"So, what did you have in mind for the Fourth?" I ask, brightening a little further.

Something passes across his face. It almost looks like someone fed him a lemon or stuck his cock and balls in ice water. Oh oh.

"Walter?" I prompt into his furrowing brow.

"Remember decorating the tree at Christmas up in Crossroads?"

"Yes," I reply, confused slightly as well as caught off guard. My own brow creases. "The ornaments were beautiful, especially that angel. I remember you saying your mother...oh...oh, no way, Walter. Not this weekend," I finish getting the point and not liking it one bit.

"Oh come on, Mulder. You said you'd be willing to meet my mother. She's invited us down to her beach house at Judge's Point...the summer house on Tipton's Creek off Chesapeake Bay."

"Us? Summer house?"

"Ok, me...but I told her I was going to bring you down so that..."

"Walter, I don't think this is a good idea."

He glances around and then at his watch again.

"All right, look. We probably shouldn't talk about this here and besides there's no time. Are you going to be home tonight?"

"Yeah. Scully's leaving to go to her mom's tonight so I figured I'd try to catch up with you anyway."

"Ok. I'll call you on your cell around 8 or so."

"All right."

"Fine, 8 then," he replies, looking off towards the Hoover Building. "I'll head back first. Give me a few minutes, then follow me," he adds, moving into work mode again.

"I know the drill," I interrupt, grumbling. He turns and fixes me with a look that makes me feel like a royal asshole.

"I'm sorry, Mulder...it...I'm sorry," he whispers, and then he turns and walks briskly away.

xXx

"Mulder! God, I'm glad you're back. Kersh just called. He wants to see us in his office - now," Scully greets me as I return to my desk in the bullpen.

"45 minutes my ass," I mumble, glancing at my watch.

"What?" she asks, her brows furrowing in concern.

"Come on, I'll tell you on the way," I reply, turning to head out towards the elevators.

We walk quickly towards an empty open elevator and dash inside. When the doors shut, I grab Scully's arm, pull her close and kiss her passionately. She flinches in surprise for an instant but then melts into me, opening her mouth eagerly, taking her fill of the sensations as I do mine. We savor each other's tongues and taste for a few moments. When we break apart we're both breathless.

"What...what was that for...not that I'm complaining," she sputters, stepping back and rearranging her clothing.

I straighten my tie where she yanked it askew and smooth down my shirt front.

"For being you. For sticking with me...for...for everything," I whisper.

"Mulder?" she prompts, worried anticipation on her face.

"This isn't going to be easy. Kersh is going to tell us the X-Files are being re-opened. Scully...Walter told me...we...we're not getting them," I reply, rocking back against the wall of the elevator. My head thuds against the shiny metal surface. Right now I feel like bashing my skull against it until my head cracks open and my brains spill out on the floor.

"Oh...oh no," Scully murmurs, stepping close and taking my hand in hers.

"Who..."

"Spender and Diana Fowley," I reply anticipating her question.

"Oh shit," she curses, squeezing my hand hard and then dropping it as the ding signals we've reached Kersh's floor.

"Yeah," I sigh as the elevator comes to a final halt.

"Get ready to assume the position," I tell Scully as the doors open. "And this is one reaming I'm really not going to enjoy," I add as we exit the elevator.

xXx

After the meeting with Kersh, Scully and I decide to call it an early day. He'd more or less dismissed us anyway saying he'd see us both after the holiday and to enjoy ourselves. Yeah, right. God, what an asshole.

As it turned out, I couldn't really avoid Spender and Fowley. I had to take a minute to go down to the basement and grab a few personal items I knew were still in and on my desk down there. I should have taken a page out of Scully's book and done that a long time ago.

I ran into both Diana and Spender. They were dutifully on the job. Dutifully mucking things up. It wasn't a pleasant experience. Diana sounded sincere about wanting to hold up the torch for the division. But who the hell knows whether that's true. I could barely look at her anyway so whatever game she's playing is a moot point for now. She's going to do what she has to do and I'm going to work around her.

Spender acted like he could care less. Looking in his eyes I knew what he's down there to do. Yes, dad's got a dutiful son there. Old Jeff is going to be a chip off the old block. Everyone is very dutiful. Yeah...well fuck them. I know what my duty is and it isn't to let them run us over.

I said what I had to say that afternoon and despite Walter's advice I was borderline insulting to them both. I could have said a lot more but I did manage to rein in the real vitriol I wanted to spit. It didn't seem to matter. My words were met with shrugs and a certain amount of apathy towards my opinion anyway. I left as quickly as I could.

Neither Scully or I dared to seek out Walter. He was in yet another damn meeting anyway.

So, Scully and I decide to walk to O'Leary's down the street from the Hoover and have a cup of coffee together before she headed to her mother's house. She already has her bags in the trunk of her car. I tell Scully at O'Leary's that I was going to talk to Walter this evening and she says to send him her love.

I tell her everything Walter had said and at that point she agrees that after the holiday we need to definitely plan strategy. Precautions have to be taken even if it means not seeing each other intimately for a while. I'd hate to do it, but it might be necessary to keep a low profile. I would, of course, be able to see Scully if we went on the road again. But Walter...well that was going to be a whole different matter. He wasn't supposed to be socializing with either of us. Scully and I might both end up having to do without the last spoke in our wheel for quite some time. I could tell the idea hurt her and I know it hurt me deeply. I don't think it was going to do Walter any good either.

It's two very disgruntled and depressed partners that say goodbye to each other in the Hoover parking garage. There's a bunch of records clerks, Holly amongst them, leaving at the same time we are, so we can't even kiss each other goodbye. I tell her to 'say hey' to her mom and watch as she drives away. I know I'm going to miss her despite the prospect of being with the other half this weekend.

I sigh, unlock my car door and start my trip home to wait for Walter's 8 PM phone call.

xXx

My cell phone rings at 8 PM sharp. I turn down the video I'm watching and flip the 'Send' button.

"I understand you have a roach problem?" Walter's voice asks without preamble.

"Not anymore. The exterminators left a note that they were here this morning," I reply.

It's our special signal that the 'Lone Gunmen Exterminator Company' visited my apartment today and eradicated any nasty 'bugs' that may have taken up residence in my humble abode. Now Walter and I can talk freely.

"What the hell are you watching?" Walter asks, chuckling despite his annoyance as two lusty young men on my TV screen cry out to the accompanying sound of slapping skin.

"Leather Jacket Love Story," I reply, turning the tape off. "Sorry."

Walter grunts.

"So, I see you got home on time," I add, diverting the conversation away from my viewing habits.

He sighs, "Yeah. I made it home around 6:30. How was the meeting with Kersh?" he asks, concern in his voice.

"I should have brought some lube," I reply, not even bothering to keep the bitterness out of my voice. But I instantly regret my words. Crap. It's not Walter's fault I think. What the fuck makes me say those kind of things? Because I'm an asshole I nod, silently castigating myself.

Walter is silent on the phone.

"Hey, look, I'm sorry. That wasn't fair. I..."

"Forget it, Mulder. I can't blame you for being bitter. But...can you...Let's...let's just try to forget it for now," Walter replies, his voice gruff with emotion.

He sounds so tired. My man definitely needs a break here. Every brain cell in one half of my mind is screaming - resist, resist. Stay in town. Go up against Kersh. Fight and fight hard. The cells in the other half are saying, Mulder - fuck it. Throw up your hands. Run in circles, scream and shout and then get the hell out of town with at least one of the lights of your life. Grab that 'man o' mine's' ass before he gets away and cruise it on into the weekend.

Oh brother, I'm really more than ready for a vacation now myself. I hope we can put this all out of our minds. I know it's going to be difficult but I want to try to make this weekend special for Walter and me. It might be the last one we have for a while. I know he realizes that might be the case too.

"Yeah, screw it. Let's let it drop. This...this is the start of our holiday together. Now what was this about going to see your mother?" I ask, trying to sound at least a little enthusiastic about that prospect.

"My mother's gone down to the summer house at Judge's Point. When she invited me for the weekend I pretty much flat out told her a prerequisite for my accepting the invitation was that you'd be coming with me," he explains.

I can hear an undertone of resignation in Walter's reply. Despite being relieved that I'm dropping the X-Files issue, he's already set himself up for my rejecting his vacation plan idea. Yeah well...no wonder. Everything that bolsters his self-confidence lately has been torn down around his ears. Why should he think his lover is going to go along with a proposition he clearly objected to earlier this afternoon?

"So you made her an offer she couldn't refuse, Don Corleone?" I joke, trying to let levity smooth things over.

"I can be very persuasive," Walter replies, his deep, purring voice carrying more than one meaning over the airwaves.

Hmmm. Maybe this might not be such a bad idea after all, I think, as I listen to him breathe on the other end of the line. But...the prospect of going out to this house on an upper Chesapeake Bay creek inlet with Walter's mother having been goaded into accepting her new 'son-in-law' is really giving me gas.

"You sure she's not going to resent that, Walter? I mean...no offense, but if she thinks she's being pressured into meeting me..."

"Mulder...she's trying, really. Believe me, if my mother doesn't want to be persuaded of anything she won't budge. Look...she agreed and she even suggested we should use the guest cottage so we'd have some privacy. If she'd been that disturbed by this scenario she would have suggested you sleep in one of the guest rooms and I take my old room in the main house," he replies.

"Guest cottage? What the hell is this, Rhett, Tara?"

"Mulder...you know my family has money..." Walter replies, embarrassment dripping from his words as his voice trails off.

I did know Walter comes from money, yes. I also know it embarrasses him to admit it because he'd rather not ride on his family's reputation or financial clout. He's always been more interested in being his own man and making a reputation based on Walter Skinner's personal abilities.

That said - other than the money thing - I don't know a lot about Walter's background. His family and family history is a part of Walter's life I know very little about really. It embarrasses me to admit it too. I mean, I knew he had a mother and sister still living in Pennsylvania. I think his sister and her husband have a couple of kids, at least one of which is a boy. I saw Walter buy a birthday card once that said 'To My Nephew' on it. I know his father is dead. I assume they were quite well off due to his father's business and other investments. But other than that I haven't paid attention to details regarding his family - like the fact they have a lavish summer home near the Bay. I've been too caught up in my relationship with Walter to let other parts of his personal life intrude on our world. It's beginning to dawn on me that my not knowing or paying attention to things outside our duet is a terribly selfish state of affairs. I make a mental note to try to find out more about his family during this trip.

Shit...I...sometimes I wonder just how he lives with me. I sigh. Well...that clinches it. I have to give in here. It's about time I made a real connection with the man I love. For God's sake - he even knows my mother likes gourmet coffee. Once he arranged for some to be sent to her on her birthday in my name because I was on the road and had to break a visit we'd actually planned to have with each other. The least I can do here is go visit his mother so he can at last be up front with her about his sexuality.

"I know that...I guess I missed the part about the summer house, that's all. Uh...look...I'll go with you to see your mother, Walter. I said I would so I'm not going to be an asshole and go back on my word. And I really want to spend some time with you, big guy. I...I'll give it my best shot, but please...don't expect things to go smoothly. You have to know these kind of...of family meetings don't turn out very well sometimes."

I know even though he wants me to acquiesce, he also appreciates the honesty. This time when he responds I can hear a lot more relief in his voice. I smile. I really do just want him to relax and I sincerely intend to be on my best behavior so meeting his mother goes as easy as possible.

"I'm realistic about it, babe," he answers. "I just...I just don't want to avoid the issue with her anymore. I want her to share this part of my life too so if we're all willing to meet halfway here maybe we can go all the way and things will work out."

"I'll try to be as optimistic as you are," I nod into the cell phone.

"That's all I ask, Mulder. I know you'll do the best you can."

"All right, lover," I smile into the phone. "You want to head out there tomorrow?"

"Yeah, early if that works for you. I can drive and we can do the usual - leave your car in long-term parking at Dulles. My turn to pay this time. I'll pick you up at that courtesy van stop near the lot."

"Sounds fine. What time?"

"Can you make it by 8 AM? That'll get us down to Judge's Point around noon."

"Sure. You want to stop for breakfast?"

"Drive-through I guess."

"Ah...you know me so well."

"Yeah. I figured you wouldn't pass up a 'McBreakfast'."

I chuckle and so does he. It sounds good to hear him laugh. I hope I hear a lot more of that over this weekend.

"Ok. I'll be there or be square," I reply.

"Great, and hey...bring your swimsuit."

"Can do."

We're both silent for a second.

"So...I'd better let you get back to your fuck flick," Walter finally says, breaking the silence. He gives a gruff chuckle at the other end of the line.

"Nah. I'm going to be a good boy and go to bed so I can get up all bright-eyed and bushy-tailed," I reply putting the accent on the 'tailed' part.

"Advisable," he rumbles into the phone.

"Oh and speaking of bright-eyed," I add, smiling. "Scully sends her love. She wants to get together after we get back."

"I take it you don't mean together as in together?" Walter asks. His voice holds a hint of something I'm not sure is reticence, but could be if I didn't think things were ok between him and Scully. I shrug it off. He's just at a low point. I'm sure the relationship with Scully is a done deal.

"Yes, not for nookie, Mr. Wayne. Batwoman wants to plan strategy. She's probably right," I sigh. "As much as I'd rather it be for a little group therapy."

"Well she is right. Yeah, let's definitely arrange that when we're all back in town," Walter replies gravely. "And if you talk to her, tell her...tell her I send my love too."

"I will. I'll talk to her tomorrow morning before I come to meet you."

"All right, babe. Listen, get some rest. I'll see you tomorrow."

"Ok, big man. Sweet dreams. Later," I reply.

"Night," Walter replies and then a click signals that he's gone.

xXx

Friday, July 2, 1999. 7:45 AM. A Dulles Airport courtesy van stop.

"Come on, Mulder. You know Walter's been struggling with his mother over his sexuality. You want to help them to deal with the issue don't you?"

"Well of course but..."

"Then...don't worry, I'm sure it will work out. I know Walter's going to be a lot more comfortable after this visit and I bet you will too when it comes right down to it," Scully reassures me.

I sigh.

"Yeah you're probably right. Why should I be so nervous? I've faced mutants for crying out loud. How bad can a meeting with Esther Skinner really be?"

"See, there you go," Scully chuckles over the phone.

I'm standing, my duffel and garment bag at my feet, next to the sign that says 'Courtesy Van' right near the long-term parking lot at Dulles Airport. Walter's due any minute and I'm just winding up my backbone building cell phone conversation with Dana 'Win One for the Gipper' Scully. It's a fantastic summer day and her moral boost plus the great sunny weather is really working to improve my mood over the prospect of meeting 'The Dragon Lady of Judge's Point' a.k.a. Mrs. Esther Skinner.

"Yeah. I guess in the long-run I'd rather be sparring with Walter's mother than sitting down to grilled bratwurst with Bill. How is tall, tan and gruesome anyway? And how's Maggie?"

"Jesus, Mulder, you are such an asshole where my brother's concerned."

"I like Charlie..."

"You know what I mean."

"Well...tit for tat."

"Whatever. Mom's fine. I think both she and Bill are going to have an...interesting fourth actually."

I sense both mischief and a touch of dread in her sultry tone over the cellular.

"Oh?" I ask, raising my eyebrows even though she can't see them.

"Yes. Mom's invited John Byers to the cookout on Sunday."

I whistle into the cell, "Whoa. So...is this the big day? Is Byers going to declare his intentions?"

I hear her sigh.

"Mom said he told her he loves her, yeah. So...I guess the cat's coming out of the bag along with the coleslaw coming out of the refrigerator."

I start to laugh.

"Oh lady. I am really glad I'm not going to be there now. Talk about your Fourth of July fireworks."

Scully's reply is caught between a groan and a trill of rich laughter.

"Yes. This is one of those situations where you say 'I have to laugh or I'll cry'. I'll cross my fingers it isn't a double display - I mean your end and this end."

"I hear you, red. And thanks, Scully."

"Oh you're welcome. Now have fun with the other half and we will all get together when you guys get back."

"Yes ma'am. They may have won this battle."

"But they haven't won the war."

"That's the spirit, Batwoman."

"All right, Boy Wonder. Drive carefully."

"You'll be back Tuesday and in work Wednesday, right?"

"Yes, sir, with bells on," she replies sarcastically.

"Hold the fort down, Agent Scully."

"Always, Agent Mulder."

"You're a goddess you know that, Scully?"

"Goddess? Which one, Mulder?" she asks her voice holding both a tone of warning and anticipation.

"Hera, of course," I reply, chuckling.

"Smart answer, lover," she replies, laughing throatily.

"Bitch."

"Takes one..."

"Yeah, yeah, I know. Takes one to know one."

"Exactly," Scully replies. I can sense her smiling.

I love hearing her voice. I wish...hell I wish she was going along on this trip too. I've always wanted to recapture those few heady days up in Crossroads when she and Walter and I were really together for the first time. I sigh. Well she's there and I'm here and koo-koo-kee choo - no one's the Walrus in this situation.

"Listen, I'd better go. Say 'hey' to your mom and the rest of the Scully clan. Tell Byers if he needs a shoulder to cry on later...I'm available."

"Will do. I love you, Mulder," she finishes softly and my heart clenches up in my chest.

"I was just about to say I love you, Scully. Take care. I'll see you when I get back on Wednesday."

"Wednesday," she replies and then she hangs up leaving me smiling.

xXx

A jet black Jeep Cherokee Sport with smoked glass windows pulls up next to the courtesy van sign. The driver toots the horn and the window rolls down.

"Well, well. Which rental agency did you abuse to get this one?" I ask admiring Walter's choice of rides.

"None. I picked it up last night after work. It's ours," he smiles at me through the rolled down window.

"No shit?" I reply, grinning like hell.

"I take it you like the surprise?" Walter replies, raising an eyebrow.

"Hell, yeah."

He grins, showing teeth.

"I didn't want to let on in case it didn't come in on time. I ordered it back in June. Come on, stow your luggage in the back and let's get breakfast."

"First rest stop I get to drive, right?" I flash him another smile.

"Sure," he nods, popping the rear gate. I pick up my duffel. He's got the seats folded down so I toss the bag into the rear compartment next to his suitcase.

"You wanna hang your garment bag across from mine?" he asks over his shoulder.

"Yeah," I reply, slamming the gate shut.

I walk around to the passenger side rear door. I open it and hang my garment bag up on the hook inside on that side. I shut the door and it makes a satisfying thunk. I move forward, open the passenger side door, climb in and shut it behind me. The AC is on in the Jeep, so as soon as I'm aboard, Walter rolls up his window. The shoulder strap and seat belt are easily in reach, so I fasten them as Walter puts on his turn signal and stares back into traffic.

"Tie?" he comments, looking me up and down for a moment. I feel my face grow warm as the look that accompanies that one word speaks volumes to my libido.

"Just wanted to look nice for Mom," I smirk.

He chuckles as he pulls the car away from the curb.

Honest to God...I decided to dress up a little to make a good impression. I'm wearing a new pair of Levis with a belt, as well as a white cotton long-sleeved shirt and subdued print tie. I even wore a pair of G. H. Bass & Co. oxfords. I would have worn the sports coat that's hanging in my garment bag, but it's too hot. As it is, I have my shirt sleeves rolled up.

"Yeah, me too, I guess," Walter replies, letting one side of his mouth twitch up in a self-deprecating grin.

"Well you succeeded," I nod, taking him in with frank admiration.

Oh my yes. He does look good. He's wearing Dockers Khakis plus belt, and a soft gray T-shirt the sleeves of which accentuate his biceps quite admirably. I take a peek at his feet. Allen Edmonds shoes - the casual collection in brown suede. His lightweight brown sports jacket is hanging on the hook over the passenger door on the driver's side. Sports jacket in this heat? Then I notice - oh yeah - he's packing. His new Smith and Wesson is strapped to his hip.

I lean over and give him a quick peck on the cheek and then pull back to catch his reaction. His hand comes up to his cheek, a startled expression on his face for a moment. Then he shakes his head in bemusement and smiles really wide.

"Idiot," he rumbles as he turns back to concentrating on getting us out onto the highway and headed towards the McDonald's near the airport.

"You're packing your new Smith and Wesson too I see," I observe idly, looking out the window as he steers the car into traffic.

"Where's your piece?" he asks glancing down at my belt.

"In my duffel."

He nods with a look of understanding if not acceptance on his face. Walter almost always carries his piece. It's expected that a federal agent should be armed at all times. There seems to be some interpretation as to whether that means on his or her person or having your weapon easily accessible. In my case it means my gun is available when I'm off duty - sometimes on my person. With Walter it's almost always a part of his ensemble. We don't disagree on this issue as long as I have the gun around. It's one rule he was willing to bend even when he was my direct supervisor.

Walter accelerates and the Jeep speeds down the interstate. I sit back to relax and enjoy the start of our vacation together.

xXx

The drive-through line at McDonald's isn't too long but the Olds two cars ahead of us is taking forever. We use the time to debate what we're going to order.

"So what do you want?" Walter asks studying the various "hearty breakfast combinations" touted on signs as we approach the main menu and microphone set-up ahead.

"I'm thinking two sausage and egg McMuffins, hash browns, and a coffee...no wait...I'll have a cappuccino," I reply craning my neck to see the sticker saying 'New! Cappuccino' that looks about a year old.

"Christ, most of this stuff is inedible," Walter grouches, frowning at the sign. "Cappuccino? No thanks, I'll stick to coffee - black," he adds, pulling forward.

I chuckle.

"Ah come on...live dangerously. The English toffee cappuccino isn't half bad."

"It's probably all bad," he growls, stretching to read the menu as the next car pulls up directly next to it. "What the hell is a breakfast burrito?" he asks looking over at me.

"Just what it sounds like. It's kind of an omelet inside a burrito."

He raises an eyebrow.

"Ok. I guess that can't be too bad," he agrees.

"Adventure, Walter. Adventure. Try the cappuccino," I tease.

"Oh shit, all right. I'll try the cappuccino," he replies, his attempt to continue gruffly ending in a laugh.

I laugh as well as we pull up and take our place in front of the microphone.

Walter already has the window rolled down. A blast of static greets him as he gives the menu one last going over.

"BZZZZZZZZZZZelp ZZZZZZZooooo," a chirpy electronically distorted feminine voice greets our ears.

"What?" Walter shouts back, shaking his head.

"MAY-I-HELP-YOU? ZZZZZZZZZZZT" the voice repeats carefully with another blast of static following it.

"Yes. We'd like two sausage and egg McMuffins, three breakfast burritos, hash browns, and two cappuccinos - one English toffee and one Irish cream," Walter speaks clearly and distinctly into the microphone.

"Would that BBBBBBBZZZT two hash browns sir?" the voice blares again.

"Yes!" Walter shouts.

"Ok. I have TTTTTTTwZZZZZZZZttt McMuffins....three breakfast burritZZZZZZZOs, two hash browns, two cappuccinos - one English toffee and one ZZZZZZZZZZZT cream. Is that correct, sir?"

"How the hell could I tell?" Walter rumbles sotto voice. I start to shake with laughter.

"Sir? Will that BBBBBBBZZZZZZee all?"

"Yeah...fine," he shrugs and laughs into the microphone.

"That'll be ZZZZZZZZZZ 39, Please pull around to the first window."

"Damn. This should be some fucking grab bag," Walter adds as he lets up on the brake, gives her some gas, and we roll forward again. I'm in tears as we pull up to the first window where the little red stop sign that says 'Pay Here' is displayed.

Walter gets clarification on the tab and fishes in his pocket for some cash. I pull out my wallet and try to pony up my cut but he waves me off telling me I can pick it up next time. After paying, he pulls ahead. I finally start to get control of myself as we reach the food pick-up window. I stuff my wallet into my back pocket again and wait to help him juggle the meal.

The young woman opens the sliding glass door in the service window, smiles broadly, and starts to hand Walter first one, and then the second cappuccino, with a flourish. Walter hands me the first cup and then reaches for the second. I place the first in the cup holder built into the dash. He hands the second over and I sit that in the cup holder as well. A bag is passed over next and Walter hands it to me.

"Check it," he advises. I look inside and start to make a quick assessment that everything we ordered is indeed there. The girl in the window watches as I peer into the bag, and root around trying to count breakfast burritos.

"Got it all," I reply, finally spotting all the food.

"Thank you," Walter tells the teen with a curt nod of his head.

"You're welcome, sir. Have a nice day," she answers automatically. I almost expect to hear a burst of static come out of her mouth and that starts me laughing again as Walter pulls away from the window.

"Jesus, Mulder. Remind me not to do this again any time soon," Walter complains as we pull out of the McDonald's exit.

"Oh come on...how can you be so...so...un-American?" I chuckle, getting one of the sausage and egg McMuffins and a breakfast burrito out of the bag.

"I'll tell you for sure after I try this Irish cream cappuccino," he replies, giving me a little bit of a sly smile.

"Bitch, bitch, bitch," I comment as I place the breakfast burrito on the dashboard within easy reach of his hand.

xXx

"So, Walter...anything you'd like to tell me about your mother?" I ask, picking up the last of the breakfast burrito wrappers.

I dump the paper into the McDonald's bag with the rest of the refuse from our meal. Walter takes a sip of his cappuccino. He ended up liking the cappuccino in point of fact. I'll file that away the next time he gripes about agreeing to one of my fast-food suggestions again. He takes a big sip, swallows, and places the half empty cup back in the cup holder.

"Like?" he replies obliquely.

"Well...like...does she have something against tall men with dark hair and soulful eyes?" I reply, squinting a little at him.

He sighs.

"She married my father. He was tall and had dark hair at one point," he replies, keeping his eyes on the road. "She always said he had eyes like..."

"You know what I mean, Walter. What am I in for here, ok? Just how much is she fighting the idea that I'm involved with her son?" I interrupt.

"It was a shock, Mulder. What else can I say? I hit her with it just before Christmas and she...well she took it on the chin, all right," he replies tersely.

"It sounded like she went down for the count at the time."

"She wasn't ecstatic about it, no. But, we've had some talks since then. I think she's making the effort to understand. She didn't object to my bringing you down. She did say that she'd like to meet you."

I can tell I'm stretching his patience. He's being tolerant of me and I get the feeling he's done the best he can to pave the way for this weekend. Whether things work out is really going to be up to us taking things as they come, and a healthy dose of blind luck I think. In short - just like anything else in life. I nod at him.

"Well...ok. I just...I guess I want to put my best foot forward and I'm nervous. Just ignore me. I'm sure things will work out."

"I understand what you're saying, Mulder. I have confidence you'll handle it fine. If it's any consolation...I'm almost pissing my pants, all right?"

"Thanks...but...I'm not sure that's any consolation at all," I chuckle.

"Well how about my admitting to it?" he chuckles back.

"Ok. I'll take consolation in misery loves company then," I reply, smirking a little.

He gives a gruff bark of laughter.

"Let's just see how it goes. Ok, babe?" he finally replies after a moment.

"Got it. All right. I'll be going with the flow," I reply, nodding.

"Sage advice as I recall," Walter grins a little reminding me of how many times I've said the same thing to him.

We drive along quietly for a few minutes. I figure while we're on the subject I'll ask him some more questions about his family. I'm still very embarrassed about not knowing more about them all. This might be a great time to find out.

"You know, Walter, it occurs to me I don't know a lot about your family. I...I should apologize for not showing more interest. I...shit, yeah, I should really say I'm sorry because...uh...after all you know just about everything there is to know about mine," I begin in way of opening and apologizing. "Well at least the more gory details," I add quietly, looking out the window.

No shit. He's read my file and had intimate knowledge of my family's skeletons even before we were involved with each other. God.

Walter shrugs.

"I had to know about your family, Mulder. Purely on a professional level I mean. It was part of my job to know your file. I...I had more than a professional interest at the time of course...not that I would or could admit it. But...I don't begrudge you not asking about my family. Not everyone is interested in getting to know those kind of details. I just figured you were respecting my privacy in some things and let it go at that."

"Oh," I reply, looking back over at him, my eyebrow raised. "I was a little worried you might have interpreted it as my not caring about you or something."

He glances over at me and smiles gently.

"Mulder...believe me...I know you care about me."

And does anyone question why I do care for him? One look in his eyes right now and there would be no wonder at all. He turns back to the road and I shift in the seat, feeling just a little...pleasantly...tense.

"Well...do you mind talking about them? I...I really would like to know."

"No...I don't mind at all, shoot," he nods at me.

"Uh...ok. Your mom still lives in Ambler then?"

"Right. Near Temple University. Actually she and my sister Sylvia both live in Ambler. Sylvia's husband Roger is a fireman there."

"They have the two kids right?"

"Right. Boys. Roger Jr. and Ben."

"Ah," I reply, picking at some lint on my pants. It's nice to hear him talking easily about the personal details with me. It's particularly nice to hear the warmth in his voice when he mentions all the names, even his mother's.

"How old are your nephews?" I ask, curious.

His brow furrows for a second and then he shakes his head in self-deprecation.

"I forgot for a second there," he frowns. I make no comment and he continues. "Ben's 9. Roger's 11...God...almost 12. It...it doesn't seem like my kid sister's old enough to have two that old. Christ...time flies," he adds.

"No kidding," I nod, looking out the window again. "How old's Sylvia?"

"Thirty-seven. She's my little sister - but I have to admit - she was always my buddy. Yeah, Syl was always tops even when she was being a pain in the ass," he answers, warmth in his voice again.

I feel the hairs on the back of my neck stand up. "Thirty-seven? Sam would be close to...Sam is thirty-four...I cut the thought off instantly. I...no...I won't go there. Not now. Not this weekend.

"Um...I look forward to meeting your sister someday," I throw in quickly to cover the real tenor of my thoughts.

"Sylvia's great. I think you'd like her," he nods, keeping his eyes on traffic.

"I'd like to hear some of her stories about big brother Walter," I tease him to further break my mood.

"Fat chance, Boy Wonder."

"Ah...well...maybe I can persuade your mother to show me some snaps of little Walter on the bearskin rug - or in the tub..."

"Mulder...I'm armed."

I laugh and then so does he.

"Ok. I promise...no potential blackmail stories or photos. Still...I bet Scully'd like to hear about those cute Kodak moments."

His ear tips turn a little red.

"She's got more class," he growls.

I chuckle.

"So, did your mom and dad take more pictures of you than Sylvia? That's usually the way that works," I ask. I cringe again. Wow...maybe I'd just better get out of this line of questioning. Every one I ask ends up being a mental landmine for me.

"No. Actually...my folks weren't big on snapping pics at all," he replies, clearing his throat.

"No home movies or..."

"No home movies," he interrupts, setting his jaw.

All righty. What's up behind this reticence? What happened to 'sure I don't mind talking about my family'? Walter doesn't want to go here I take it. I almost back down and ignore the line of inquiry. But...that's not my usual bent. Once I get a whiff of something that needs to be uncovered...I'm like a hound on the scent. For better or worse...truth will out.

"Neither one of them was interested in photography I take it?" I press ahead gently.

He shifts and nods as if coming to a silent decision.

"Look Mulder...uh...Sylvia and I were raised by nannies early on. Even after the nannies were discontinued, my parents...well...both of them were heavily involved in the family business. They weren't around a lot of the time."

"Oh. Family business?"

"Trucking for starters. My family runs Skinner Transport."

"Really?" I ask, following it up with a whistle.

"Yeah, that's us. My family started out with trucking and then branched out. So...that's the basis of the family fortune, Mulder. Mom still runs the company with the help of her brother and Dad's younger partner. Sylvia and I...we're on the board also," he replies quietly. Like I said - I can tell this makes him uncomfortable. I decide to switch gears.

"Yeah, well that's not uncommon. It's not like my folks spent a lot of time taking...I mean...after....well you know..." I fade off. Oh shit...yeah that's a good direction. Right.

He glances at me.

"Yeah. I know," he nods sympathetically.

I'm silent for a few seconds while my mind spins to find a way out of this depressing turn in the conversation. I seize on a new tact and run for my life with it.

"So, this summer place is right on the bay? Sounds fantastic."

Walter relaxes at my words. He was wrapped up tight too and I'm not sure if it was because he knew I was thinking about Samantha. There's more behind his family story then he was letting on. I make a note to talk to him about it later if he feels the need. I really do want to be part of his life now - in every way. So, if I can help him by lending an ear, I will.

"Actually, it's on Tipton's Creek, which is really more like a tributary off the Chesapeake Bay. Judge's Point is very scenic...and the property is private. We've been going there for years and the house holds some good memories."

"Well...I did bring my trunks," I smile over at him. Yeah...I bought a new pair last night as a matter-of-fact. I purchased them in an emergency trip to a Wal-Mart after his phone call. A nice, baggy pair. I wasn't about to show up in front of Esther Skinner in my skin tight 'strut my stuff' red Speedo. No way.

"Good deal. We can swim right off the dock. There's a little beach too," he replies agreeably.

"Ah. Sounds like just what we need," I breathe out, resting my head against the seat back.

"You've got that right," Walter whispers.

I shut my eyes and relax. I'm beginning to think this might not be such a bad trip after all.

xXx

The next thing I hear is Walter chuckling again. I feel a tap on my knee.

"Wake up, Mulder. We're hitting this rest stop ahead."

"Wha...why didn't you wake me up earlier?" I ask, blinking.

"Because you looked like you needed the nap," he replies, still chuckling as I wipe sleep stickiness out of my eyes.

"You just like to watch me, you pervert," I reply, grinning in return.

"Keep that up and I won't remember you said you wanted to drive," he replies, teasing.

"I stand corrected," I nod. "And I guess I did need the sleep," I add, smiling and straightening up."

"I need to stretch my legs," Walter adds, flipping the turn signal on. We coast on into the exit lane for the rest area as I run my hand through my hair.

"Yeah, me too," I reply, seconding the notion. Stretch? Uh huh. My cappuccino full bladder is about to burst too, big guy.

The rest stop is your standard type break area. It consists of a large structure with conveniences the road weary traveler may need. A Hardees in case you want fast-food. A Baskin Robbins in case you want pure sugar fast-food. Gift shops in case you want any number of sundries including the latest issue of Playboy...and restrooms in case you have to do what we have to do - piss a bucket.

Walter parks the Jeep in a spot that's relatively close to the door. As I watch him put the vehicle in park I marvel on his picking the automatic transmission option on it. He knows I can't drive stick so I know he really did buy this car for our use and not just his. His '61 Chevy's a stick. I've never driven it. So, buying the Jeep was a nice gesture. I really do appreciate it.

He cuts the engine and the SUV goes silent. I watch as Walter rubs his thighs a little and then reaches behind his back to pull at his sports jacket.

"So, where are we?" I ask, reaching to open the passenger side door.

Walter opens the driver side door and steps out. He slips his jacket on. I open my door, climb out, shut it and turn to look at him over the top of the Jeep. He's scanning the crowd. Even on vacation this guy looks like he's on the job. I shrug. Hard to take the Bureau out of the boy. I find myself doing the same thing sometimes. It's just force of habit and it's a habit that's hard to break.

"We're about halfway to Judge's Point," he answers at last, turning to look at me. He smiles.

"You trust me to guide us in, Captain?" I ask giving him my best Mr. Chekov imitation.

"You can read a map, right?"

"Yes. Scully taught me well."

He rumbles a laugh.

"Then I'll let you drive the rest of the way."

"Oh goody, Dad. Does that mean I get the keys to the car?"

"Catch," he replies, tossing the Jeep's keys in my direction.

It's lucky I can think fast. I scoop the keys out of the air, juggling them a little in the process.

"Lock it up," he throws back over his shoulder as he starts to walk off towards the building.

The key has one of those little alarm remote mechanisms on it.

"Phasers on stun," I mumble as I aim it at the Jeep and depress the tab.

A beep tells me the Enterprise is secure. I pocket the keys and saunter on after Walter towards my mission in the men's room.

The big guy reaches the men's room first so I let him proceed me inside. It's men's room etiquette. You may be there with a buddy, but you don't go in together. You don't talk to each other or anyone else once you're inside either. You don't even make eye contact with your friend and you certainly don't make intentional eye contact with anyone else using the facilities. It's a rule and baby, you'd better not break it - especially at a rest stop.

So, Walter makes his way in first, follows perfect etiquette and takes the urinal near the end of the line-up against the wall. There's a couple of other guys evenly spaced along the urinal line down from him, so I have to use one closer to the door. I walk up to a urinal that's politically correct to use. I move in close to the porcelain, unzip, pull out my dick and...wait.

Ok...I have a confession to make here. Sometimes I have a bashful bladder. In a public restroom like this every once in a while I can't go to save my soul. Even when I have a bladder that's screaming for release. I can tell this is going to be one of those times. I sigh and hold on to an organ that is connected to another one that just does not want to cooperate.

Walter on the other hand has no trouble. After a short time, I hear a urinal flush and manage to glance surreptitiously to my left. I see him making the last rearrangement in his Dockers. He leaves the urinal and heads to the sinks. I just catch his eyes. He raises an eyebrow. I shrug and go back to staring straight ahead as the guy two urinals down finishes up and flushes as well.

Walter turns on the water at one of the sinks, washes up quickly, and leaves after drying his hands. He doesn't turn off the water. Oh man...he is so perceptive. My bladder finally takes the subliminal suggestion from that running tap and gives up the output. My piss stream hits porcelain at last, and I sigh with relief.

When I exit the men's room, Walter isn't hanging around. I was going to see if he wanted a soda or coffee. Since he's not there to ask, I decide he probably went back to the car and head that way.

Sure enough, I can spot him standing next to the Jeep talking with two guys. One of the guys is holding a little dog on a leash. I walk over and catch a snatch of their conversation.

"Yes, Reedsville," the graying African American man says, smiling at Walter. "Before and After Design. We handle just about any re-design job."

"We've even done docks," the other man, a tall, thin blonde guy with a handlebar mustache adds. He's holding the dog. It's a Boston Terrier.

As I reach them, Walter notices. I come over and stand by his side. He touches my arm very briefly, and makes a somewhat awkward introduction.

"Uh...Fox...this is Jack and Keith," he gestures to first the African American man and then the blonde. "They own a contracting and design firm in Reedsville. Remodeling and such."

"Ah," I smile, reaching to shake hands. "Pleased to meet you," I nod to each in turn.

I look at them both and realize I'm seeing 'members of the same church' here. I mean the neck chain with the rainbow rings on Keith is a dead giveaway that he and Jack are gay. Walter's touching my arm and his hesitancy over how to introduce me tells me they tweaked to the idea he was gay somehow before I got here. Walter's ok with it, the touch let me know that much. But he's still a little uncomfortable about being outted in public. It's not making me jump for joy but I'll go with the flow here and follow his lead. I know he's had that feeling he'd like to make more forays into the gay community. Maybe that's what's running through his mind now.

"My pleasure, Fox," Jack replies.

"Nice to meet you," Keith adds, pulling on the leash he holds as the little black and white dog tries to jump up on me. I reach down and pat the Boston Terrier on the head. Keith gets him to sit by his leg and I straighten back up and move next to Walter.

"Oh, and this is Squirt," Walter indicates the dog, a wry smile on his lips.

"Who, unfortunately, lived up to his name," Keith interjects. "We stopped to apologize because the little knothead watered your tire. Walter was just telling us you two were going to be in the area at his vacation home."

I laugh and reply, "Well...the Jeep hasn't been properly christened yet. So, we'll consider it done I guess."

Jack and Keith both laugh in relief over the tire. Walter chuckles at my remark as well.

"And yes. We're going to spend the holiday on Chesapeake Bay," I add, smiling at Walter a little.

"The weather has been great here for days. The long range forecast says it's going to stay sunny. You two should have a great time," Jack replies, grinning.

"Yeah, we're looking forward to the time off," Walter confirms.

"Walter, let me give you guys our card," Jack replies, reaching into his back pocket for his wallet. "We do a lot of work for the gay community in the area. I mean, that's what we're here for - to give reliable service to the family so to speak. So, if you two ever need any remodeling done, feel free to give us a call."

Walter nods briskly and gives a sincere smile back.

"Thanks, Jack. I appreciate it," he replies, taking the card that Jack proffers to him.

Jack puts his wallet back in his pocket and Walter flips his sport coat back to reach for his own wallet. When he does, he clearly displays his gun. Both Jack and Keith see it and raise their eyebrows. Keith sucks in his breath. They glance at each other. Walter notices. He carefully takes out his wallet and opens it. As he's slipping the card inside, he makes a quiet explanation.

"It's legal," he advises. "I'm in...uh...law enforcement," Walter replies.

Both men look at him and then at each other again. There's an awkward moment of silence. I can tell by the way they're looking at Walter that they're not sure about him. They're wary. There's oftentimes bad feeling between gays and police officers. It stems from the idea that the police can be intolerant of gays and treat them with disrespect and unfairness, even violence. Those attitudes are changing but the hurt produced by them can run deep. So, even though Walter has obviously let these two men know he and I are together, the idea of a gay police officer is still no comfort. In fact it may be doubly disturbing if they have the attitude that he's a traitor to the 'cause' for siding with a biased and oppressive authority.

Finally as I'm about to interject, Jack speaks up.

"Uh...no need to explain," he replies, clearing his throat. "If you're a cop, I understand. We...well things can be difficult for gays in that line of work. No need to tell us anything else about it."

"Yeah, no problem...really," Keith replies, smiling a little and shifting his feet.

Walter nods.

"All right, thanks. And...thanks again for the card. I will keep you in mind," he reassures them, slipping his wallet into his back pocket.

"Ok, great. Nice to meet you, Walter. You too, Fox," Jack replies, touching Keith on the arm. "We'd better take Squirt to the dog walk area and see if he needs to christen anything else," he adds, chuckling.

"Later guys. Have a safe trip," Keith adds as he gives the leash a little tug to signal Squirt that he should follow along.

"Nice meeting you," I reply as they walk away.

Walter watches them go, frowning.

"Walter?" I ask quietly.

He looks at me, raising an eyebrow.

"What?"

"Did saying we were gay..."

"Bother me?"

"Yeah."

"No," he replies, shrugging and still frowning. "Did it bother you?" he asks, turning to pin my eyes.

"No," I answer truthfully. I could care less about labels. I have no shame when someone perceives we're together. Walter is still frowning even after he studies my face and nods, signifying he knows I'm being honest. I try another direction of inquiry.

"It's a common reaction to the gun - even if you weren't gay."

He sighs.

"Yeah, I know. But...you saw what they were thinking. It was plain on their faces. Gay cop does not equal friend in all cases. It just disturbs me that two guys would assume...well you know. Assume that I would be intolerant of my own community. It was a little disturbing."

I shrug.

"There hasn't been a great track record over the years between the gay community and law enforcement. Maybe finding out that you weren't going to jump down their throats will help their attitude."

He nods, lost in thought.

"Look, you want a soda or coffee for the rest of the trip?" I ask trying to get him out of the doldrums.

He snaps back into focus and pats me on the back. His brow clears a little and he ventures a small grin at me.

"No. I think I'm good to go the rest of the way. How about you?"

I smile and reply, "Well after my bout with bashful bladder in there I think I'd better refrain. I'm not really thirsty anyway. And by the way - thanks for the 'subliminal seduction'. The running water really helped."

"Yeah. My mother used to swear by that technique. Glad it worked," he replies, still a little distracted.

I put my hand on his shoulder for a moment.

"Hey...are you all right with it?" I ask him gently indicating where Jack and Keith are walking the dog over in the pet area.

He pulls himself up straighter.

"Yeah, sure. I'm fine. Let's hit the road."

I nod, letting the subject drop along with my hand from his shoulder. I don't think he's completely fine but now's not the time to talk about it. I'll let him discuss the issue in his own time. We have more productive discussions if he brings up what's bothering him when he's ready to do it.

"Ok. Let's take her out," I nod, pulling the car keys out of my pocket.

"Warp factor one, Mr. Sulu," he replies, smirking a bit himself.

xXx

Before we left the rest stop Walter showed me the exact directions to the house on Judge's Point. I folded the map up and placed it between the front seats for easy access. Walter removed his jacket again and got comfortable in the passenger seat. We bantered a bit more about Jack and Keith and the fact that he really was thinking about having some work done on the summer house. He'd discuss it with his mother when we got there. Eventually, Walter's eyes grew heavy and the rhythm of the tires on the road lulled him into sleep.

Now I glance over at Walter as he's gently snoring. I smile. Obviously, yours truly wasn't the only one who needed some sleep. Walter looks serene, lying with the seat back. He's as peaceful as I've seen him in weeks right now. If this is how I looked no wonder he didn't want to wake me up before.

Both of us are really physically as well as emotionally exhausted. I hope we're not riding into a situation that's going to make us more so. An errant thought of Scully streaks through my mind suddenly. I hope she's having a relaxing time of it as well. But with 'Byers' Big Surprise' looming it may be a vain hope. Well if nothing else, Scully and I can compare disaster notes when we get back. Crap, I sincerely hope that's not going to be the case.

I pick the map up from between us and hold it in front of the steering wheel. The sign we just passed said Reedsville. Judge's Point is supposed to be about 10 miles beyond. I confirm the directions, drop the map and drive on, letting my lover slumber next to me.

Walter wakes up on his own just as I'm starting to think I've missed the road to turn into Judge's Point. I'm biting my lower lip and going for the map again when his hand touches mine.

"You're ok. Haven't passed the turn-off yet," he murmurs, pulling himself upright. He reaches down and pulls a lever at the base of the passenger seat. The seat springs back and he's sitting straight again.

"Oh good. I thought I'd gotten us lost," I nod, leaving the map in its place.

"No," he rumbles, waking up fully and looking out the window. "It's about two more miles."

"And then on the right?"

"Exactly," he nods. "Thanks for letting me sleep too," he adds, smiling at me.

"No problem," I reply, concentrating on the road.

We're driving into an area with some forested spots that must border Tipton's Creek. Pines and numerous deciduous trees line the road. Some of the soil looks to be more sandy, however. We're near the Maryland Coast, out away from Reedsville which really does appear to be the closest large town. I roll down the window. I can smell water - both ocean and what must be the creek lie beyond the trees. It's a heavier freshwater smell though. The bay is partly fresh water after all.

Just as the odometer is about to click over 2 miles, Walter nods towards the right.

"There. That access road," he murmurs.

I see the road and signal for the turn. We start to drive down a long, private lane. It's nicely shaded by trees, cool under them where they crowd in. Walter straightens up further in his seat, one hand on the dashboard, watching our progress intently. His face appears composed but I can see the mixture of nervousness and pleased excitement in his eyes. He's one part glad about reaching our destination, and one part petrified at the prospect of arriving. Yeah...well, I've got butterflies too and they're doing a fandango in my stomach. I steel myself for the inevitable and send the Jeep on through the trees with a little more gas.

All at once, the trees end and we pull out into a large clearer area. The road tapers down into a more narrow driveway that leads up to the garage attached to the sprawling house. There's a smaller cottage nearby which has a smaller drive leading up to it. The house and cottage sit on the last available land at the end of this road - the peninsula that juts out into Tipton's Creek and points right towards Chesapeake Bay. Both are perched on land's end it seems and the view is phenomenal.

The house is a practical but still elegant one story design. Constructed of natural stained wood and some stone in the form of the foundation and two large chimneys, the structure has very clean lines. It's surrounded by a well tended lawn and gardens. There are wildflowers as well as annuals and perennials that look like they're taken care of with love too. All in all it's a breathtaking vista and I'm rendered temporarily speechless.

"Judge's Point," Walter announces in a soft voice.

"I'll say," I breathe out quietly. Walter looks at me with a bemused twitch of his lips. I smile. "You were right, it's a fantastic view."

He smiles back and returns his attention to the scene before us.

"Can I just pull up to the garage?"

"Sure, that's fine," he replies.

I drive the Jeep forward and pull in front of the three car garage. As I'm breaking and putting the car in park, Walter's looking out the passenger side window.

"What the hell?" he exclaims suddenly. The engine is still running as he wrenches the car door open and bolts outside.

"Walter?" I ask, startled. I cut the engine. The keys get stuffed in my pocket and I throw open the driver's side door. The slam disturbs some blue jays in the lawn and they fly away in a beating of wings.

Walter is striding purposely towards the front door. A statuesque, dark-haired woman with outstretched arms is running to meet him.

"Walt! Walt!" she yells, excitement obvious in her voice.

"Syl!" Walter calls back. "What the hell are you doing here?" he laughs, clearly not expecting to see his sister but certainly happy to do so. They meet in a terrific hug and Walter practically picks her up off her feet he embraces her so hard.

I stand back by the side of the Jeep and watch them hugging each other tightly. Slyvia's head is practically buried in Walter's neck. God. You know...I can't remember the last time Walter said he actually saw his sister. From this display I have to think it must have been a while.

They're talking and I'm just far enough out of earshot to not hear what they're saying. Walter turns very quickly though and motions for me to come over. I straighten up and walk forward, my step firm despite the fact I'm quaking in my shoes.

"Syl...this is Fox Mulder," Walter introduces me when I reach their side. "Mulder...this is Sylvia O'Hara, my sister."

Walter's sister is tall - at least 5 foot 11. Her long brown hair is tied back in a ponytail. She doesn't look 37 years old. She looks years younger. Her eyes are a lively, lovely deep brown, very much like her brother's eyes. She resembles him enough around the eyes to know they're brother and sister. Otherwise I bet she looks like one of their parents and Walter resembles the other. I've never seen a picture of Walter's father. It will be interesting to meet his mother and see some photos of his father in order to confirm my theory.

"It's a great pleasure, Fox," she replies with a smile. She extends her hand towards me and I take it. Her smile is warm and her eyes dance. Her grip isn't tentative at all. She grabs hold and shakes my hand with authority. I smile and shake back. "Welcome to Judge's Point."

"Thanks, Sylvia. It's a pleasure for me too. It's great to meet you," I reply. "Oh...and you can call me Mulder. All my friends do," I add, nodding and smiling.

I glance at Walter, the obvious questions on my face. I mean...did he tell her or did he not tell her? Is she greeting me so pleasantly because she hasn't a clue I'm boffing her brother? Walter raises an eyebrow. Sylvia takes us both in and releasing my hand, laughs a little.

"Yes, Walter told me if that's what you're wondering, Mulder. I know you're my brother's lover and it's not a problem. So...next question," she comments with a wry grin.

"Oh...well..." I stammer. I can feel my face flushing a little.

"'My' next question is - where's everyone else?" Walter interjects saving my reputation for being cool 'under fire'. He looks over Sylvia's shoulder towards the front door.

Sylvia's face loses some of its animation and she looks down. Walter catches the gesture immediately and looks at her. She looks up.

"Let me guess - Mother's not here," he rumbles.

"Well...no. Roger Jr. and Ben begged to go to McDonald's for lunch. She relented and drove them into Reedsville," Sylvia replies, shifting uncomfortably.

"What about Roger Sr.?" Walter asks. He's using the AD voice. It sounds just like he's interrogating a suspect. I can see the back of his neck tightening too. Oh brother.

"Walter..." I start to interrupt, trying to deter him from both treating his sister like a perp and also derail him from heading into an anger bender.

He glances at me and from the look on his face I know to shut up because my attempt to mediate will only make matters worse. Sylvia plunges on.

"Roger's on duty, Walter. He thought it would be nice if the boys and I could come down when Mom called and invited us."

"I see," Walter replies, setting his jaw.

Sylvia draws herself up straighter and sets her jaw as well. Oh oh. Now I do see even more of a family resemblance. Well, Walter...you're about to meet your match, I do believe. I step back and watch the fun transpire.

"You may think you do, but your vision's a little blurry," Sylvia states flatly.

"Oh?" Walter replies, putting his hands on his hips. "You're gonna try to tell me that Esther just happened to invite you and the boys up here this weekend? That she didn't do it because she wouldn't have to be alone with Mulder and I that way? And she didn't suggest she'd take the boys to McDonald's because she knew we'd be arriving for lunch and didn't want to be here to greet us?"

Sylvia stares him down, her hands on her hips as well.

"Walter, of course 'Mother' asked us to be here so she wouldn't have to be alone with you and Mulder. I mean come on...you know she's trying to deal with the situation but she's still having some trouble with it. It's awkward for her as I imagine it will be for both of you too. Do you blame her for wanting to have a little support? Besides...she hasn't seen the boys in a while. As for the McDonald's thing...no...that was all the boys' idea. She didn't want to take them but I told her to go ahead - they were driving me nuts," she replies, with a rueful shake of her head. "I told her I'd finish getting lunch ready for you two and she said she'd be back as soon as she could," she adds.

Walter holds her gaze for a few more seconds and then I can see him unbend. He starts to visibly relax. His spine seems to even unstiffen as I watch from behind. He takes his hands off his hips and sighs.

"All right. Sorry. And yeah...I...I can understand about the support. I know this isn't easy...on any of us," he replies, making his feelings known.

"Ok," she nods, putting her hands at her sides. "And yes, I realize this isn't going to be an easy weekend. I just want you...both of you to know - I'm here to support you too. I mean that, Walt."

"Thanks Syl," Walter touches her arm gently. "It's...it's really fantastic to see you. It's going to be great to see the boys again too."

Sylvia smiles and bends forward, giving him a kiss on the cheek. She pulls back and he looks down at his shoes.

"Yes...thank you," I murmur, looking down as well, embarrassed a little at her generosity of spirit.

She turns to me and Walter drops his hand to follow her gaze. "I'd like to apologize, Mulder," Sylvia comments. "I can't imagine it was very pleasant for you to see us caught up in an argument this way."

Walter looks up with a contrite expression and I can't help it. That 'suck a lemon look' on his face tickles me sometimes. I give Sylvia a smirk.

"Oh...I'm used to Walter's growling...in and out of the office, believe me," I reply.

Walter scowls so I step forward and give him my own wet kiss on the cheek. Sylvia laughs loudly at Walter's surprised look.

"All right, cease and desist you two. I know when I'm being double-timed," he insists, smiling with pleasure now despite his words. He rubs at his face and gives me a grin as he continues. "You need any more help with fixing lunch, sis? I, for one, am starving. Just let me get my jacket and we can unpack the rest of the car after we eat. How does that sound?" he finishes with a question.

"Sounds like a plan to me," I reply. Yeah, my stomach is rumbling a little. I could definitely put on the feed bag.

"Well sure, I'm ready to eat too. You can both help with the salad. Do you know your way around the kitchen, Mulder?" Sylvia replies, grinning at me.

"Would it mean anything if I told you one of my nicknames is 'The Take-Out King'?"

Sylvia laughs again as Walter goes and retrieves his sports coat from the car. We all three turn to head towards the door.

"I think Walter said it was 'The Make-Out King' but we won't go there. Come on...I'll give you something easy to do...like setting the table," Sylvia replies as Walter barks a loud laugh at her remark, and my mouth open in shock.

xXx

Lunch proved to be the better for my non-participation in finishing its preparation I believe. Huge, heaping bowls of home-made New England clam chowder, fresh French bread, a Caesar salad and 8 inch glasses of iced tea were more than enough to satisfy us all and wonderful eating to boot. I wouldn't have objected to a beer, but when I opened the fridge to get the iced tea for Sylvia, there wasn't any in evidence. I figured a run to the store later might be in order. Of course if we want alcohol, we could always have the wine I brought along as a gift for the hostess later. It's a good dinner wine.

All three of us decided to sit around the kitchen island to eat, rather than setting the kitchen table or even the more formal dining room table. We took a quick tour of this house. It's fantastic. The open concept entryway, dining room and sunken living room combination we walked through were breathtaking. The kitchen is attached to that area and offers an open view of it though a rectangular opening between the rooms.

There's a door to a hallway leading to other rooms off one side of the great room. Along that side there's also a huge fireplace. There's a sliding door along another wall that leads out to a screened in porch that looks like it stretches across the entire back of the house. There's an entrance to the porch off the kitchen as well. The kitchen mud room opens out into the garage. We're going to park the Jeep in the garage after we unload it at the guest cottage.

So now all three of us are chowing down and enjoying each other's company. I can hardly believe how easy and loose Walter is with his sister. He looks so relaxed. Younger. It's a great sight to see. But, somehow I expected him to be more formal and straight-laced. Oh he acts like his BVDs are too tight at moments with her, but it's one of those big brother/little sister things. You know...I'm older and the man of the house. I know better. She doesn't give in to that attitude very often though. So despite the brotherly/sisterly banter, you can tell they respect each other as adults. He listens to her carefully when she talks about what she and her husband have been doing in the community such as working to raise money for the local battered women's shelter. Sylvia and Roger sound like they're good people trying to show some civic responsibility.

The conversation gets really animated when Walter and his sister get around to discussing how his nephews are doing in school. It appears both boys are intelligent and applying themselves. Walter smiles at that concept, insisting they're taking after her then and not him. Sylvia laughs and says Roger said the same thing meaning they take after their mother and not their father.

Walter gives her a cursory description of what he's been doing at the Bureau. It's heavily edited. I gather that Sylvia's aware there's a lot he can't talk about in connection with his job - or things she may not want to hear. He does go into a couple of the more routine cases. One of them turns out to be a partially amusing story about some really inept drug smugglers.

I don't have too much to contribute in the way of work stories. What could I say? I try to add anecdotes where I can but for the most part I just listen and watch their exchanges. I'll wait till later to contribute more I guess. This time together is more for brother and sister to get caught up than for my benefit anyway. I experience a small twinge of pain as I watch them talk. I remember sitting with a woman I thought might be my sister first in my mother's house and later in a diner and trying to talk over old times with her. The memory of finding out that neither one was likely to be my real sister...well I don't want to go there right now.

Sylvia interrupts my dismal train of thought by asking me a few standard questions but I have to wonder if Walter prepped her. She asks mostly after my mother, not my father and she doesn't ask me if I have any brothers or sisters. She asks how my partner, Scully, is doing. I answer all her questions with sincerity to show I appreciate she cares. I smile when I talk about Scully. I guess it does turn out to be a nice exchange. I'm kind of glad Walter ran interference for me, I guess. It might be a little awkward to have to dance around my father being murdered with a shot to the head and my sister being abducted by aliens.

The other thing Walter hasn't explained to his family is the fact that Scully and I have been reassigned. He doesn't tell them everything about Bureau politics and in this case he's hoping to weather the storm without having to explain to them about Kersh, the fact we don't work for him anymore or his loss of face. I'm not sure it's a good idea to do this, but I have to respect his wishes in that area. It goes along with the idea that we should be optimistic and hope it all changes for the better soon and also the idea that Walter does shelter his family from some of the more Machiavellian dangers we encounter in regards to the 'dark side of the Force' that works against us. It's easy for me to go along with the charade. We're together as much as we can be outside the office anyway and as far as I'm concerned I'm ronin right now - a masterless samurai. Kersh will never be my superior. Walter the only supervisor I'll ever acknowledge anyway.

I also notice the subject of their mother doesn't come up right away. It's as if both of them are just letting it slide for a time while they catch up on personal business between them. Finally when Esther Skinner does come up it's in connection with the nephews.

Sylvia glances at her watch as Walter and I are pushing our empty soup bowls back.

"Mom and the boys should be back by now. I bet they dragged her to the comics store."

Walter chuckles.

"Ben still buying X-Men?"

"Yes, he's still loyal. Roger has started reading young adult science-fiction though. He may have talked Grandma into going to Barnes and Noble."

"Reedsville has a Barnes and Noble now?" Walter asks in disbelief.

"Oh yeah, and a Starbucks."

"God."

"Progress," I chuckle.

Sylvia nods, "Of a sort...speaking of which...Walter...." she lets her voice trail off as she toys with a piece of French bread.

"Yeah?" Walter asks, studying her carefully.

"Well...Mom's invitation was kind of spur of the moment. We decided to come at the last minute."

"And?"

"And I haven't really had a chance to talk to the boys about you and Mulder. I didn't even tell them you were coming down and neither did Mom."

"Why didn't you tell them I was coming?" Walter asks, his brow creasing.

"Because...because Mom wasn't confident you would. You know what happened last time..."

Walter gives a rueful shake of his head.

"Yeah, I guess I do. I was in Baton Rouge," he smiles glancing over at me.

I laugh a little. Sylvia giggles as well.

"Yes. I understand Baton Rouge is where you and Walt came to a meeting of the minds, so to speak."

I laugh again, "That's a very succinct way of putting it, yes."

"Well at any rate, we didn't want to disappoint them again just in case some last minute FBI business kept you away again."

Walter stares at her for a second and then his face clouds over.

"You sure she isn't just trying to protect them against finding out about us? Does she think they're not ready to hear their uncle's queer?" Walter spits out bitterly.

"Hey..." I interrupt, shocked at the anger in his voice.

"Walter, I know she used that term at first...but...she's come a long way from thinking that way. Walt...she loves you very deeply. I just think it was a shock like I said. Maybe she wasn't sure how to handle it with Roger and Ben herself but she did tell me she trusted we could tell them whatever way we wanted to do it."

"Yeah, big guy. Relax, ok?" I murmur, rubbing my hand over Walter's back. He sighs and leans into my hand a little.

"Yeah...I'm...sorry. Syl...things have been a little tense that's all. I'm jumpy. I...Mulder and I both really need this vacation I guess," he nods, smiling weakly at us both.

"I understand, Walt. And you know...the boys are going to be so excited to see you," she smiles gently, laying her hand over Walter's larger one.

I remove my hand from his back and watch him as he still wrestles with the idea of telling his two adoring nephews that their uncle is in love with another man.

"Well I hope they're excited to meet my friend here. Crap, Sylvia. How do you want to handle this?" he grinds out.

"Can't you just tell them I'm...uh...one of your agents that needed a rest so you invited me down here? Tell 'em I don't have a family to visit during the holidays. You know my mother had other plans, anyway. I certainly wasn't going to Connecticut," I suggest, clearing my throat.

My mother made it abundantly clear that she really did have to visit her sister. Yeah, she hadn't seen her in a while so I guess it was legit. In any event, I was going to be alone if Walter had come down here on his own.

"That might be all right," Sylvia offers, patting Walter's hand and then removing her hand again.

Walter considers the idea briefly, running his hand over his scalp. I can tell he's wrestling with the 'one of his agents' idea. Well that's his decision and he's determined to stick with it. Like I said - I'll go along with it too.

"Yeah, I guess that would work for now. But...I think it might be a good idea if one of us tried to explain things before too long. Mulder and I are going to be sharing the guest house after all. They're perceptive. They might ask questions."

"I agree. I do intend to bring it up. Roger and I have gay friends...well gay women friends. I don't think it's going to be...."

Before she can finish her thought, we hear a car engine out front.

"Oh, that must be them," Sylvia exclaims, rising.

Walter gets up to follow her. I hang back. Walter turns and raises an eyebrow.

"Come on, Mulder," he says, gesturing towards the door.

"Yeah, I'll be there in a second. I'll just put the dishes in the dishwasher."

Sylvia grabs me by the hand.

"No way, tall, dark and handsome. You're not getting out of it that easily. Come along, time to meet the Dragon Lady."

"Oh shit," I reply, practically groaning.

"Safety in numbers, Boy Wonder," Walter adds, his mouth tight.

"Tell that to a lemming," I mumble. Walter chuckles a little and proceeds Sylvia and I out the kitchen door.

xXx

Walter strides purposely through the dining room and then down and out through the sunken living room. Sylvia, still holding my hand, strides equally as briskly trying to keep up.

We're almost on top of him when two young boys, one tall and dark with glasses the other shorter, freckled and a little more fair come running through the front door.

"Mom! Mom!" the younger boy yells.

"Don't run!" Sylvia calls out and both boys pause in their headlong rush. It's then that they spot Walter.

The youngest cries out "UNCLE WALTER!" and barrels forward. Walter wisely braces himself as the bundle of energy plows into him, grabbing his waist in a bear hug.

"Ben," Walter breathes out with a slight whoosh of expelled air. He hugs the boy tightly back.

The older boy, who by default must be Roger Jr. stands back a step or two. He's older, more reserved. I'm reminded instantly of a younger Walter. Walter looks up, from holding Ben close. He strokes the younger boy's hair and looks over his head.

"Roger," he rumbles lifting his right hand and extending it towards Ben's brother. Ben steps back and the older boy moves in close, taking Walter's hand in a firm grip. He starts to deliver a handshake. Then his mouth turns up in a huge smile and he flings himself into Walter's arms as well, all pretense at decorum lost in his true excitement at seeing his uncle.

Ben darts forward and both boys are hugging their uncle tight. Walter's face is shining with a 1000 kilowatt smile.

"Well it looks like they found the surprise," a quiet voice observes, drawing our attention to the front door. I look away from watching my lover's face into the face of Esther Skinner, his mother.

"Mother," Walter replies, formally. His smile fades and he inclines his head in his mother's direction.

Esther Skinner is tall. Certainly as tall as Sylvia who she resembles most strongly. Now I know which parent Sylvia favors. It's obvious at one time that Esther was very beautiful. She's still striking. I'd estimate her age between 65 and 70, but she's very youthful. Her hair, coiffed in a stylish soft, page-boy, still contains some rich brown highlights mixed amongst the gray. She's dressed in a simple but elegant flowered summer dress, short sensible heels and carrying a small purse which she lays on a table by the door.

Esther's grandsons step away from Walter as she comes forward. She walks with tremendous grace up to my lover and stretches out her arms. Walter moves forward and she gathers him close and hugs him very tight.

"Son," I hear her murmur, "I'm so glad to see you." Walter smiles now and says something I don't catch. Esther kisses him on the cheek.

"We didn't know you were coming, Uncle Walter," Roger interjects eagerly.

"Yeah, this is great!" Ben exclaims.

Esther releases Walter and steps back holding his hands to look at him for a moment.

"It certainly is," Esther smiles at her first born. "You look well, Walter. Fit, but tired. I'm glad you could get away for a few days," she nods matter-of-factly. Walter gives her hand a brief squeeze and she lets his go then.

"It's good to be here, really. And yeah...I think I can definitely use the time off."

Sylvia squeezes my hand and clears her throat. Walter glances in our direction. Sylvia drops my hand and Walter indicates me.

"Mother, Roger, Ben...this is Fox Mulder. Agent Fox Mulder..." he begins. He doesn't get any further.

"An FBI agent? Do you work with Uncle Walter? Are you an Assistant Director too? How many agents work for you, Mr. Mulder? Can I see your gun? Uncle Walter carries a Glock. Do you carry a..."

"Ben, zip it," Roger pushes his little brother in the arm.

Esther walks around Walter and towards me.

"Yes, perhaps Mr. Mulder would like to answer one question at a time, Ben. Fox, I'm Esther Skinner. Welcome to Judge's Point," she replies, smiling a little at me as she extends her hand.

I take her hand and grip it firmly. She does so in return and we shake. Her hand is warm. I smile wide and look her directly in the eyes. We study each other. I can tell she's sizing me up. Her eyes are keenly intelligent. I can see where Walter gets that thousand mile stare of his that's for sure. I would bet Esther is one tough cookie in the board room. After a few moments of her scrutiny and very authoritative handshake, she seems to like what she sees. Her smile grows a bit warmer even though her eyes are still a little wary. Well at least she's polite and meeting me halfway here I think. I nod and respond.

"It's a pleasure to be here, ma'am. It's a beautiful house. I'm...honored to have been invited out here."

"Thank you - and please call me Esther. Consider this your home for the next few days, Fox. Any friend of Walter's is always welcome here," she finishes.

"Thanks...Esther and...I'll do that," I reply. I was about to tell her to call me Mulder but since she put herself on a first-named basis I can't quite bring myself to do it.

"Mom, would you like some iced tea?" Sylvia interjects as Esther releases my hand.

"Did you all eat then?" she inquires.

"Yes, you outdid yourself on that clam chowder," Walter compliments her.

"That was fantastic," I nod in confirmation.

"Oh...well that's an old recipe," she smiles at me, thawing a little more. "I...I can give it to you later if you'd like."

"That would be great. I think my mother might like to try it as well. And I might even give it a shot myself sometime," I reply.

"Remind me later and I'll write it down for you," she replies, a small grin flitting about her mouth.

I catch a glimpse of Walter rolling his eyes a little. Yeah, well yuck it up big guy. I'm trying to at least make a stab at impressing your mother you big ingrate.

Roger and Ben are practically vibrating with unanswered questions. Esther glances at them, smiles and speaks to Sylvia again.

"I think a glass of iced tea would be a good idea. Would you both like to join me for another glass?" she asks Walter and I.

"I think we'll unpack the car over at the cottage. Then we'll come back up here and join you," Walter advises, also taking in Roger and Ben's fidgeting. "You guys want to help? Then maybe Mr. Mulder can tell you about being a field agent for the FBI."

"Field agent!?" Ben exclaims. "All right!"

I laugh as Ben tugs on my hand, pulling me back towards the front door.

"Excuse us," I call back over my shoulder. Walter kisses his mother quickly on the cheek and then trots off after us, Roger in tow.

xXx

Ben keeps up a steady stream of questions as we exit the house and head over to the Jeep. Walter looks on with amused tolerance as I try to backtrack and answer some of the questions he already asked in the house.

"My partner and I work for your Uncle Walter. Like he said, I'm a field agent. And uh...I carry a Smith and Wesson. I think your uncle does now too," I let out in a rush. I'm hoping the last statement deflects any more questions for a while. As cute as the kid is I came down here to get away from work, not talk about it in detail. My ploy is successful too because Ben turns, walking backward to talk to Walter.

"You got a Smith and Wesson. Can we see it?" the younger boy asks Walter.

"You remember what we said about guns?" Walter replies, raising an eyebrow as he reaches the back of the Jeep. I toss him the keys and he deftly plucks them out of the air. He opens the gate and takes a step back, facing the boy, to hear the answer to the question.

"Yes sir. Guns aren't toys," Ben replies solemnly. "We're not to be handling them until Mom and Dad say we're old enough to take our hunter safety courses."

"And most FBI agents never draw their weapon in the line of duty, much less fire it," Roger adds seriously.

"Right." Walter nods. He flips his jacket open and displays the gun in its holster. "This is my new Smith and Wesson. Maybe after dinner tonight if it's all right with your mother I'll take it out and just show it to you. But not right now. We need to get the Jeep over to the cottage so we can unpack it."

"Yes, sir," Ben replies agreeably.

"Yes, sir," Roger echoes.

"Ok. Hop in the back," Walter smiles at them, tapping the rim of the hatch.

"Yes, sir," I reply, smirking as his two nephews rush to comply to his suggestion. Walter motions towards his piece and mimes drawing it. I hold both my hands up in surrender and he chuckles.

"Get in, Agent Mulder," he growls.

Oh baby. Goosebumps of arousal course up and down my back at that low rumbling order. I swallow hard and hustle my ass around the front of the Jeep to the passenger door. I climb aboard as Walter opens the driver side door and climbs in as well.

"Agent Mulder, is your partner on vacation too?" Ben asks, curiosity in his voice.

"Yeah. She's with her family this weekend."

"Your partner's a woman?" Roger asks, surprise in his voice.

"Special Agent Dana Scully," I reply smiling back at them. Walter turns the key over, starts the engine and puts the Jeep in reverse, backing it up to angle onto the driveway that leads to the cottage.

"Wow, cool," Ben replies.

"Oh, yeah, she's pretty cool," I nod.

"Agent Scully is a forensic pathologist as well as an FBI agent," Walter adds, as he puts the car in drive and gives it the gas.

"Fo-ren-sic....what?" Ben asks, thinking hard as if he knows the answer but can't quite remember it.

"She cuts up dead people," Roger states flatly.

"Yuck," Ben makes a face as Roger laughs at his discomfort.

While we drive the short distance down to the cottage Walter and I give a layman's and slightly edited definition of what Scully actually does in connection with being a forensic pathologist. The boys are duly impressed and naturally they both want us to bring Scully the next time we come to visit them either at Judge's Point or their house in Ambler. You know, I bet Scully would like to meet these two guys. I hope so anyway. I think the fact that they're boys...well...they wouldn't remind her too much of Emily that way.

Walter also briefly explains that I'm down here on vacation to get a rest after a very hard case I just closed out. So, go light on the questions is the message he impresses on them. He deftly steers the conversation around to what they've been doing with their summer so far. Both boys regale us with stories of their triumphs in the summer boy's soccer league as well as the class on PCs Ben's taking and Roger's exploration of the insect world in a class being given though the Ambler public library young adult section. As a result our unloading of the Jeep goes very quickly. We get our bags stowed in the cottage without further ado.

The cottage is a mirror image of the main house just on a smaller scale. It's really one main room, consisting of a bedroom, living room, dining area combination. No kitchen but there is a coffee-maker. I guess we're expected to take our meals at the main house. The bathroom is nicely sized however with a big shower and bathtub. There's a sliding glass, curtained door that leads out to a small patio containing an umbrella covered table and four chairs. It's not a small house - just the right size for two people to vacation comfortably in really. The decorating scheme is typically Maryland Shore I guess. I'm not much on recognizing every design style - but this one is light and airy - all pale wood furniture - night stands, dressers, small couch and two overstuffed chairs, small kitchen type table and two chairs - well the usual. The bed's a King I notice with a smile. I also notice that Esther has arranged for a folded up daybed to be placed to one side of the room. Walter glances at me when he notices it and I shrug. I guess that's for appearances so the boys won't ask too many questions. Whatever. I don't intend to use it.

I throw my duffel on the king-sized bed and hang my garment bag in the closet. Walter does the same. Both boys are pushing and wrestling a bit by the open front door of the cottage.

"You guys want to go back up to the main house and tell your mom and grandmother we're going to unpack? We'll be up in a few minutes."

"Ok. See you later, Uncle Walter," Roger answers.

"Mr. Mulder," Ben finishes, with a last punch to Roger's arm.

"I'm gonna pound you," Roger hisses and Ben races away from him after giving him the finger. Roger rolls his eyes at us as if to say "kids" and runs off after his younger brother back towards the main house.

I walk over and shut the front door behind them.

"Well..." I begin.

Walter moves to his suitcase and opens it.

"Well that went better than I expected it would, I guess," Walter interrupts, finishing my thought.

"Yeah, it did," I affirm, walking over to stand in back of him. I move close and snake my hands around his waist. "I think Esther kind of likes me," I whisper in his ear as I rub his chest. I rub my crotch against his hard ass as I nuzzle his neck, kissing over his pulse point. I feel him tense up in my embrace. He shifts away a little and I let go of him.

"What's wrong?" I ask, stepping back.

He doesn't turn around but instead starts pulling articles out of his suitcase and tossing them onto the bed.

"Nothing," he replies. He takes his shaving kit out of the bag and walks away into the bathroom.

Oh for Christ sake. His jaw muscles are like steel bands. Ok. Something's clearly up here. I sigh. I'm not in the mood to play twenty questions but I will if I have to do it. I thought we had put uncommunicative Walter Skinner behind us. Evidently not. Well I can understand he's nervous but...why would he rebuff me? I watch through the patio doors as his two nephews scamper up the slight incline towards the main house. Maybe....

I follow Walter into the bathroom and shut the door behind us. He's arranging the items from his shaving kit in a neat row opposite my toiletries on top of the vanity. When he hears the door click he turns around.

"What's wrong?" I repeat. I lean against the door jamb and cross my arms over my chest.

He sighs and sags into himself a little, leaning back against the vanity, his hands braced behind him.

"Shit," he breathes out. "You're going to think this sounds stupid..."

"Let me guess. You didn't want your nephews to see us being intimate..."

"Partly..." he interrupts.

"But more importantly, you feel strange about having your lover be sexual with you in your mother's house," I add. His ears go scarlet. Bingo. Ah ha. Just what I expected was wrong. Well we can deal with this matter, I think. It's not that uncommon an occurrence when the newlyweds go home to meet the in-laws. "Do I need to point out...your mother's in the main house?"

"Fuck you," he shakes his head in self-deprecation and annoyance.

"That is kind of the crux of the matter. Not to be crass...but I was expecting to get some this weekend."

The remark does cause his mouth to twitch into just a hint at a grin. He runs his hand up under his glasses and rubs the bridge of his nose for a moment. I wait him out. He lowers his hand and draws himself up to stand straight again. His face drops into a more serious expression.

-END OF PART 8-
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