TITLE: Weighing In - Part 3 (Parts 17-25)

(Part 17 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: Please see Part 1.

I lie still, letting him take all the control as he grits his teeth a little. I know getting past that muscle always burns and aches. There's that momentary somewhat unpleasant pressure. The feeling that you have to take a dump and the panic that you think you will. But all that's really fleeting and the feeling of pushing past that muscle is one of the first jolts of ecstasy I always get during this joining. I watch Walter's face and see the wave of pleasure pass over his features as I feel the pop inside that signals I'm past that internal obstacle to our being truly together.

"Oh yeah, lover, that's the way. Take it, take it all," I encourage him as he slides on down to my nuts.

"Uhhhhh," he groans, "UhhhGod, yeah, that's good."

We rest there for a moment, touching and stroking each other. I love this short time before we really start to fuck. I treasure these moments, looking in Walter's eyes as we love each other. I try to keep my eyes open during the whole act if I can. Seeing Walter during all stages of our experience together is very special for me.

Walter never used to be very vocal in telling me how it feels for him. I was always the one that would babble like hell to make sure he knew I was having a great time. He's always been a little unsure of himself in bed. But he's gotten a lot more confident and a hell of a lot more vocal since we've been together. It's incredibly hot as well as very touching for me to hear him say how good I am and how he loves having me inside him. Sure, every guy wants to hear his lover tell him those kind of things. But what's special about Walter saying it is that I know how long it took him to get to where he could. I feel privileged to hear him say those kinds of things to me.

I run my hands up and down his forearms as he tells me he can feel my cock throbbing inside him. I smile and tell him I'm so hot for him I think I'm getting even harder. I trail my hands over to his stomach and down between his thighs. I tease the skin on either side of his straining cock and balls, tickling it a little and then stroking it lightly. I tell him how huge he looks. How pleased I am that he can get it up like this for me as I cup his cock and balls in my palms. Walter's head drops back and he moans low in his throat.

"You're gonna kill me," he growls.

I laugh and proceed to stroke his genitals a little too.

"Mmmm," he moans, moving his ass around a little so my cock slides back and forth inside his rectum.

"Damn," I gasp, "that feels fucking incredible."

"You're....you're in really deep. I...oh God...it's just so good," he mumbles, shutting his eyes and savoring the sensation of having a hard cock filling his ass.

"That's the way you made me feel the other night lover. Now...lemme fuck you good so I can really see you come," I hiss, gritting my teeth. Oh yeah, what a pay-off it'll be too. The vision of Walter above me, his mouth open and panting in arousal is only the prelude to the show I have a feeling I'm gonna get.

"Do it," he whispers and that's all I need to hear. I grasp his hips and rise up against his weight with a short stab of my hips.

"Ohhhhh," he moans loudly. He wasn't quite flat against my balls, evidently. I feel them compress a little and the last bit of my cock plunges even deeper into his body. He grunts. "Oh, lover," he gasps.

"That's it, oh yeah," I urge him and he slowly starts to move his ass up and down on my cock. I watch his body taking me in and then rising off my swollen flesh. The Astroglide on the rubber flows between us to pool with our sweat as we take the time to enjoy a nice slow fuck. We move languidly for a while, Walter rising up a little and sinking down to take me in deep in a marvelously slow rhythm. He's really enjoying every thrust to the fullest. Finally I sense he's ready to pick up the pace. He flexes his legs slightly and looks down into my face.

"You get off fuckin' me like this don't you?" he gasps as my face grimaces in pleasure when his change of position puts extra pressure on my cock.

"You know it, lover. It's some show," I reply, caressing his hips and rocking up hard to thrust in deep. I give a little twist of my hips and Walter opens his mouth and groans.

"God, you do that so good," he gasps out. He rises halfway up and then plunges down, again and again, grunting hard with each pump of his hips.

"Hang on, lover, here we go," I admonish him as we both start to speed up our thrusts.

I do the best I can to keep up, but Walter's pretty much gone in very short order, cursing as he fucks his own ass with abandon. I love seeing him like this really. It isn't often that he lets himself go so completely. But having me in him this deep, and this hard, gets him going for broke every time. I'm still holding back, the position and rubber allowing me to do it because I can prolong Walter's enjoyment and my show. So we slap together, really getting off on just Walter riding towards a bone-shattering orgasm.

When he reaches forward towards his cock I know he's finally ready to get off.

"Gottcha, big man," I tell him as I move one hand from his hip onto his twitching hard-on.

"Babe...oh...yeah...just...hard," he moans his approval and his desire.

I grab the base of his cock and jerk up and down swiftly. At the same time, Walter angles forward a bit so on the next downward plunge my cock brushes his prostate. The effect of my hand pumping him and my cock flicking his G-spot is electric.

His spine snaps back and he sinks all the way down. It feels like my cock is practically hitting his stomach. He roars, I mean no silent rictus of pleasure this time. He howls, his entire body starting to convulse as every muscle goes into spasm. He jerks, and then jerks again and again, as semen spurts out of his cock and onto my chest.

"Fuh...Fuh...Fuh..." he stutters and then he's silent at last, stiffening tight, his neck muscles at last cutting off all sound.

His rectal muscles are clamping down on me like a bear trap but I've ceased to move so it feels great, but it's not going to send me over the edge. I crank his cock several more times and watch his hips buck under their own volition as a couple more spurts of cum join the first several that are gracing my hand, stomach and chest.

Air enters his lungs again and he comes back to the land of the living with a hoarse shout.

"FUCK!" he bellows, gasping and choking as he sags down over me.

"Ok, ok. Oh man, good. Good," I smile, breathing heavily and rubbing his hips.

"Still hard..." he pants, touching where I'm still in him.

"Yeah...I...I think I need to...uh..." I sputter, trying to catch my breath to get out the words.

"Harder?" Walter gasps.

I nod, licking my lips.

"S'ok," he husks. "Go for it." I feel him bear down hard on my cock.

"UhYeah!" I grunt as I pound upwards into him. I hold his hips and he works himself up and down over me again. He throws himself into it, sweating like hell and I groan with pleasure as he alternates tightening and relaxing his rectal muscles. I can't possibly move my hips any faster, I think, as I jackhammer against his ass. Damn. Maybe this rubber wasn't such a great idea in the long-run. It was ideal at first but now it's making it really difficult for me to get off. Christ I gotta come. I'm gonna die if I don't come. Hell, we both may I think as Walter pumps against my slick thighs.

"Let go. Come on, baby," he hisses.

"Tryin'," I pant.

We rock together fast, both of us grunting now with the effort. I can't believe he's doing this for me. I mean the guy came. He's got to be exhausted. I'm in awe of both his stamina and the love for me evidenced by him wanting me to come hard as well. I thrust and thrust again, moaning loud with my desire for release.

"Almost, baby...almost..." Walter encourages again. He clamps down on my cock a final time as hard as he can as I move frantically against him. Oh fuck. That's it. That's it. Oh God, thank you God...I finally feel my nuts pull up tight.

"AhhhhhhWalt...!" I cry, not even able to gag out his full name as I climax at last.

"God, babe," I hear Walter's awed whisper as I hump spastically against him, emptying my load in long convulsing shudders. My back arches as my orgasm rolls though me in wave, after exquisite wave. At one point, I hear Walter gasp in surprise and then grunt as we rock together. I'm not sure what happened there. I don't think guys can come twice that way but if he felt something good again, I'm thrilled and my joy's even more complete. We thrust against each other a few more times, very slowly, as I savor the last pleasurable spasms.

Walter's legs are twitching like crazy. He rises up and I grab for my cock, holding the rubber tight as he slips off me. He collapses sideways and I roll over into his arms struggling to maintain contact with my condom encased cock. I'm trembling so hard I can't even talk. His chest rises and falls rapidly as he huffs from his labors. I feel one of his large hands splay out over my back and he strokes me, murmuring words of love as I come down from Cloud Nine.

"That was so fine, babe. You made me feel so good. Man, that was one fucking great ride," he murmurs shifting over onto his back, his knees up. He pulls me close.

"Luv you," I whisper, taking in great gulps of air as I rest my head on his chest.

"Love you too," he whispers, rubbing my back in languorous strokes. "Makes up for yesterday," he adds so quietly I almost don't hear him.

"Walter...it's ok, really. I meant what I said about it not mattering. Besides, all that waiting made me come like a rocket."

"No shit," he chuckles softly, "I could feel it even through the rubber."

"Christ...I... thought my head was gonna blow off," I reply, looking up at him and gasping a chuckle in return. "Both of them."

"No shit." Walter nods, grinning. "I gotta tell you I thought the fucking Fourth of July came early."

I wait a few seconds for my heart to stop hammering then I sit up, still holding the condom tight to my now flaccid dick so I don't spill any more semen. There's already more than enough gracing my stomach and chest. I slide over and sit on the edge of the bed for a moment so I can pull the condom off. My hands are shaking as I tie up the end, and toss the length of rubber into the nearby trash can.

Walter leaves his knees raised as he regains more normal breathing. I grab the wet washcloth and clean myself off quickly, wiping off my dick first and then my cum sticky chest and stomach. I swing my legs back up on the bed and crawl over to where Walter's breathing more easily. I swab between his legs and ass cheeks. I check for anal tearing.

"It feels ok," he coughs.

"You gotta be sore," I wince thinking about how long it took me to get off and how hard I pounded him. I carefully move his leg to get a really close look for injury.

"A little," he replies honestly. "But it comes with the territory. I wasn't exactly holding back when I was riding your cock. I like it that way sometimes. Good and hard. I meant what I said about it being great. It was a fantastic fuck Mulder. Like I said - I saw fireworks and so did you. Don't you friggin' apologize," he replies, his eyes letting me know he's very serious.

I smile, feeling my face grow hot as my ego takes a huge boost. I nod, feeling pleasure and relief. But while I'm basking in being such a stud, I also make a note to lay off this kind of loving for a few days as well as a note to be a little less studly when we do go here next time.

"Well...in any event...there appears to be no damage," I assure him.

"Then no harm done," he smiles, showing all his teeth and my heart melts for him on the spot.

Both of us use the cloth and the towel to wipe off our hands and bodies further. Finally, I toss the washcloth onto the floor on the far side of the bed. Walter tosses the towel over the side to join it.

"Come here," he replies quietly, tapping his chest where he wants me to cuddle close. I slip up next to him and lay my head on his pec. I can hear his heart and it's beating regularly, its steady thrumming a very comforting sound. I kiss into his chest hair and stroke over his heart tenderly. He wraps a muscular arm around my shoulder and hugs me tight. I feel his lips in my hair, kissing me lightly. He sighs.

"I wore you out," I chuckle.

"No kidding. But man, it was worth it," he replies, yawning. I feel him crane his neck to glance at the bedside radio alarm clock. "Let me catch 40 winks here. We have about an hour and a half until I have to fix dinner. Esther never expects Saturday dinner before 8."

"Yeah, I could use some sleep myself," I nod against his chest. I roll over and set the alarm. When I turn back he's moving to pull down the comforter.

"Bed's a mess," his brow furrows. "I'll...I'll need to get a clean comforter out of the linen closet."

"I'll get it later," I smile, running a finger over his lips and he smiles again, his brow clearing.

We both wiggle to push the forest green comforter off the bed. The crisp white sheets beneath are cool and clean. We lift the top sheet and climb in under it. I lever up and lay on top of Walter. He cradles me between his knees for a moment as we stroke each other quietly.

"Did you...it felt like you got off twice," I whisper.

Walter grins a little, stroking my hair.

"Fuck, I don't know. It just felt so good when you came in me. I felt...something and whatever it was it sure as hell felt fantastic."

I smile and rub his nipples gently. He shuts his eyes and sighs.

"Go to sleep, babe," he murmurs at last, and I slide off his warm bulk as the last CD clicks into the play slot in the bookshelf player. I roll onto my side, and Walter spoons close, wrapping an arm around my middle. I fall asleep, held in his protective embrace to the strains of lilting violin music.

xXx

I wake to someone gently pushing and then pulling on my arm.

"Mr. Mulder. Mr. Mulder?" a small voice whispers.

I pry open one gummy eye. I'm staring directly into the face of Ben O'Hara, Walter's nine year old nephew. Oh shit. I forgot to lock the damn patio door. A small frisson of worry courses through me along with my budding embarrassment. The privacy of this property notwithstanding, it's lucky this is only a 9 year old boy kneeling here next to our bed and not someone a lot more deadly. I'll have to remember to be a hell of a lot more careful in the future.

"Mr. Mulder..." he lets his voice trail off as my eyes open wide. I feel panic rising in my chest. I crush it very rapidly. I don't want to frighten the poor kid. I take a second to assess the situation. Walter's heavy arm is still laying over my middle. He's snoring gently at my back. Oh man...this isn't good at all.

"Uh...hey, Ben. What's up?" I ask glancing at the clock. It's still a half hour until the alarm would have gone off.

"I got the movie times," he nods seriously, showing me the folded up 'Entertainment Section' of the 'Reedsville Dispatch' clutched in his hand.

"Ah...uh...that's great. Cool."

"Sorry I woke you," he whispers carefully. "But, I didn't want to wake Uncle Walter."

"You already woke Uncle Walter," I hear my lover's sleepy voice at my back.

"Sorry," Ben replies, mumbling. He stands up out of the kneeling position he was in and calmly stares at us lying together in bed.

Walter sits up slowly. So do I, pressing my legs together under the cotton sheet. I pull the sheet up farther around my naked loins and reach over to turn off the alarm function on the clock radio. Walter moves back and props himself against the headboard, covering himself smoothly with the sheet. When I rock back to do the same, he stretches his arm out and gathers me back against him. I go stiff in his embrace.

"Slide on up here, Ben, let's see the paper," Walter instructs. Ben crawls up on the end of the bed, passes the paper to Walter's outstretched paw, and sits Indian style in front of us. Walter attempts to look at the index column on the front of the paper and frowns. Ben chuckles.

"You need your glasses," Ben grins, crawling over to the night stand on Walter's right. He takes Walter's specs up carefully by the bow and hands them over to his uncle.

"Thanks," Walter smiles gently at him. Ben moves back to sit in front of us again. Walter unwinds his arm from around my shoulders and puts his specs on. He spreads the paper flat out across our laps, gazing over the page with the movie listings. I sink back against the headboard dismally, trying my best to maintain a nonchalant attitude as Walter studies the paper.

"Does your mother or grandmother know you're down here?" he asks casually looking up over the tops of his glasses at the boy.

Ben looks down and toys with the laces of his sneaker. He looks very guilty. Ah ha. Well at least Grandmother Skinner isn't going to come barging in on us right away.

"Mom, Nana and Roger are cutting flowers from the garden. They're going to make a summer centerpiece for the dining room table," he mumbles.

"Did you tell them you were coming down to the guest house?" Walter presses, his tone suggesting something's up here and Ben's butt is about to be in a sling.

Ben looks up and swallows hard. I can see the wheels turning. He's busted and now he has to decide whether coming clean's the right thing to do.

"No...I...I told them I was going to walk down to the dock, and pick some cattails," Ben replies softly.

Atta boy, Ben, I think. Honesty is always the best policy. When it comes to Walter at least, I've learned that lesson the hard way.

"You should be. That was a lie, Ben. I'm very disappointed in you," Walter replies sternly.

Ben's lip trembles and he looks stricken under Walter's disapproval. Boy I know that feeling. I feel sorry for the kid. But...he's learning a valuable lesson here. I can't overlook that fact. Walter nods and continues his lecture but his voice is a little less gruff as he speaks again.

"I'll forgive you this time because you were honest with me about telling the lie. You've never lied to me before, Ben, and I respect that fact. But you're going to have to apologize to your mother and accept what punishment if any she decides you deserve," Walter states.

"Yes sir," Ben answers contritely, looking down. "I'm sorry."

"And I know you know your mother has talked about knocking before you enter someone's house or bedroom, correct?" Walter asks, raising an eyebrow and glancing back down at the paper.

"Yes, Uncle Walter," Ben affirms. "I should have knocked."

"Right."

"Are you not going to take me to the movie then?" Ben asks with a sigh, his head down again. He clearly knows he's messed up big time here and is ready to face the consequences, no matter how much they may hurt.

I watch as Walter looks up again at the bowed head of his nephew. His face softens and my heart fills with love for him at the ready affection he shows for his young relative. He turns to me and the corner of his mouth turns up a little.

"Well, Mr. Mulder. Do you think Ben's actions constitute a federal offense? Should we refrain from taking him to see 'Star Wars the Phantom Menace' Monday evening?"

I feel myself relaxing fractionally under his easygoing attitude and warm gaze. I can't believe Walter is handling this incident so well. Me? I'm quaking in my boots.

"Hmmm...let me think," I reply, joining in the fun and trying to keep my voice steady.

Ben's head comes up, and he studies me with suppressed excitement.

"Federal offense? No...I don't think this qualifies as a Federal offense, uh...Mr. Skinner. At most it's a misdemeanor. I think no popcorn or soda at the film would be sufficient punishment in this instance."

"I agree, Mr. Mulder. I think that would be highly appropriate. And I think the 7 o'clock show would be appropriate as well," Walter smiles turning his attention back to his nephew.

"YES!" Ben beams and launches himself onto Walter's lap. My quick reflexes save the newspaper from being crushed as I whip it aside and onto the floor. Walter grabs Ben and tickles him unmercifully as the boy laughs and wiggles. One sneakered foot knocks me in the balls and I yelp, curling up over my groin.

"Whoa, hang on here, Luke Skywalker," Walter hisses as he quickly flips Ben up and tosses him so he lands on his butt in front of us again.

"You ok, babe?" he asks, turning to me, concern in his voice. He drapes his arm over me and rubs my shoulder. Well obviously Walter figures this is the time to explain things to his nephew. It's going to be a little difficult to avoid not doing it since he's touching me this way in front of him.

"Sorry, Mr. Mulder," Ben adds.

"S'ok. I'm fine," I choke. "Uh...nothing a few cold compresses won't fix right up," I reply, coughing and grimacing. Walter rubs my back lightly. The pain really isn't that bad. I start to recover fairly quickly and I straighten up to see Ben staring quizzically at Walter.

"Uncle Walter, are you and Mr. Mulder like Angela and her friend Janette?"

I freeze under Walter's soothing hand roving over my back. Bingo. Ok, now or never. Speak up, Uncle Walter. I sure as hell can't utter a syllable right now.

"Angela and Janette?" Walter asks carefully as he stills his hand on my skin.

"Yeah, Dad works with Angela. It's really cool. Angela's a fireman. Angela calls Janette 'babe' sometimes. They're...uh...whadda ya call it...lesbosians."

I cough loudly choking on the saliva that won't quite make it down my throat.

Walter pats my back once and removes his hand. I sag against the headboard again, catching my breath.

"Lesbians," Walter corrects quietly.

"Yeah, that's it, lesbians," Ben nods, smiling.

"Did your mother explain what that means?" Walter asks him.

"She said they were special friends and loved each other like she loves Dad. I guess they sleep together in the same bed and kiss and stuff. Is that what you and Mr. Mulder were doing?" he asks innocently, smiling over at my by now white as a sheet face.

"Ben...yeah. I...Mr. Mulder and I are special friends just like Angela and Janette. Except we're called homosexuals, not lesbians. Being homosexual means we love, and...uh...kiss other men, sleep in the same bed...stuff like that. I...I love Mr. Mulder very much - just like your mom and dad love each other," Walter answers carefully, watching for Ben's reaction.

Ben smiles and nods solemnly, "Good. Mom says you've been real...sad since Aunt Sharon divorced you. I'm glad you have someone to love you now."

I can feel Walter shift uncomfortably next to me. I see him swallow what must be the granddaddy of all lumps in his throat as he looks down for a second.

"You love him too, right, Mr. Mulder?" Ben turns and asks me brightly. I smile, a lot less nervous now.

"Very much," I reply, taking Walter's hand where it lies under the covers near mine. I squeeze it gently and he looks up, pinning my eyes. He smiles and I let his hand go.

"Cool. I like you, Mr. Mulder. Roger says you're a dork like me but that's smokin'," Ben laughs.

"Call me Mulder, Ben. All my dork friends do," I laugh in return and he laughs too. Walter joins in, rumbling his low bass laughter along with the two of us.

When we calm down Walter gets serious for a moment. He clears his throat and Ben cues in, listening carefully.

"Ben...Mr. Mulder and my friendship is private. You know how it is when your dad says something is family business and not for public consumption?" Walter asks.

"Yeah, like when Aunt Grace had the miscarriage and had to see the psychologist?"

Ben looks over at me as if maybe he shouldn't have mentioned that particular confidence but Walter overlooks it as situational and replies without drawing attention to the matter.

"Right. Your father's sister needed her privacy during that time. Sometimes things aren't anyone else's business until the person concerned is ready to explain about it," Walter answers quietly.

"So you and Mr. Mulder being in love is family business?"

"Right. It's not for public consumption unless I, or your mom and dad, or Grandma Skinner tells you it's for public consumption, do you understand?"

"What about Roger? Can I tell him?"

"Uh...why don't you wait until I talk to your mother? I think your mom might like to talk to Roger first," Walter cautions.

Ben nods, running a finger in front of his lips in a zipping motion, "Ok. Got it, Uncle Walter. My lips are sealed."

"Good man," Walter smiles. "Now. You'd better pick up the paper and get back up to the house."

Before Ben can dive off the bed and retrieve the paper there's an almost frantic knocking on the cottage door.

"Walter, Mulder! Is Ben in there!?"

It's Sylvia and she sounds both scared and pissed.

"Syl! He's in here, it's ok," Walter answers instantly. "Come in through the patio."

We hear Sylvia fumbling with the sliding patio door. Finally she gains entrance and pushes past the closed curtains, storming in without even shutting the glass door behind her.

"Ben! You scared me to death, young man. I thought you were picking..."

Her voice stops on a dime as she takes in Walter and my location and our state of undress.

"It's ok, Syl...uh...I was just explaining..." Walter begins.

"Mom, Uncle Walter and Mulder are like Angela and Janette except they're ho-mo-sex-uals," he exclaims, pronouncing the word carefully. He's very excited to impart this piece of new knowledge in the face of his mother's wrath.

"Did you knock before you came in here?" she asks angrily.

"No, Mom...Uncle Walter..."

"How many times have I told you to knock, Ben?"

"About a gazillion."

"Young man, don't smart-mouth me. Get up to the house. Your grandmother's about ready to call the police."

"Yes, ma'am," he answers bowing his head in shame as he gets up off the bed.

"See ya," he hisses back at Walter and me as his sneakered feet hit the floor. He walks quickly over to Sylvia. As he passes her to go out the door, she swats him on the butt.

"Get!" she snaps and he runs like hell, through the curtains and out the door towards the main house.

Sylvia turns back around, flushing with a mixture of anger and embarrassment.

"I'm so sorry you guys. Did he....I mean he didn't...God I hope he didn't walk in on you," she runs her hand over her mouth in chagrin. "I remember the time he traipsed in on Roger and I. Good Lord that was pandemonium."

"No, he didn't walk in on us," I hasten to assure her.

"Syl, it's not a problem. We...we were asleep," Walter adds. "And I think I made Ben realize the advisability of both informing his mother of his true whereabouts as well as the politeness of knocking before entering a person's bedroom."

"Yeah, Walter's withholding popcorn and soda at the movies," I interject with a tight smile.

"Movies? He shouldn't even be going at all after that little stunt," Sylvia raises her hands in exasperation.

"Hey, sis...who used to lie when she'd sneak over to Jennie McAvoy's house and smoke cigarettes? And who, when she was about 5, walked in on Mom and Dad how many times before she learned to knock first?" Walter asks quietly, laughing a little.

Sylvia stops and stares at him for a second. Then she giggles.

"God, yeah. Well...it must be genetic," she shrugs seeing Walter's point. "Still I'll need to reinforce that lesson I think. And really...I am sorry."

"No harm done," I reply, shifting my sore nuts around on the sheets.

"You'll need to explain to Roger too I guess now that Ben's in the loop. And yeah, there's nothing to be sorry about," Walter adds.

"Yes, I guess you're right. Stuff happens sometimes. I can talk to Roger, no problem. So it wasn't a big deal with Ben? I didn't think it would be. I don't think it will be a big deal for Roger either."

"He seemed glad Walter was happy," I smile over at him and then back at Sylvia.

Walter's ears turn a little red.

"Yeah. He thinks it's cool that Mulder's a dork," he rumbles, joking to cover up the strong emotion playing across his face.

Sylvia laughs, "Yes, dorkdom is high on Ben's list of cool things to be at the moment. He's really into computers and the kid even has a picture of Bill Gates on his wall at home."

"Oh yeah? Hey, I've got three friends he'd probably really like to meet," I enthuse.

"Oh no way, Mulder. Those three guys take the term dork way beyond the extreme," Walter barks a quick laugh.

"Well...they're harmless. Besides they have the best state of the art..."

"Guys?" Sylvia interrupts.

"What?" we both chorus back at her.

"It's almost time for dinner. I mean...you are still cooking it right, Walter?"

"Shit...yeah. You're right. Sorry," Walter shakes his head in bemusement.

"I'll just let you two get dressed then. I'll see you back up at the main house," Sylvia finishes, turning to leave the cottage.

"Tell Mother I'll be there shortly," Walter adds.

"Oh Lord, I'd better get back up there. I can just hear it now, Ben proclaiming to Mom that Uncle Walter and Mulder are ho-mo-sex-uals," she exclaims half in humor and half in dread. She exits quickly then, shutting the patio door.

Both of us sit there for a second and then Walter releases a breath I bet he didn't even know he was holding.

"Oh man..." I breathe out myself, running a hand over my face. "That wasn't a moment I want to repeat for a while."

Walter reaches up under his glasses and rubs the bridge of his nose.

"Well...the boys had to know eventually. I'm just glad Ben didn't walk in here when you were up my ass."

"No kidding!" I hiss, shaking my head. "Thank God for small favors."

"Oh yeah," Walter nods.

He still looks uncomfortable with the incident. Hell, I'm still freaked out about it. God, it's amazing how two FBI agents were almost sent into a tailspin by a small boy finding them in a compromising situation. I managed to keep my cool though - just. Walter did a better job of it than I did. He gave the kid a masterful explanation as well as a life lesson all at the same time too, despite being as bothered as I was by the whole thing. It wouldn't hurt to tell him that I think as I watch him run his hand over his scalp and shake his head in self-deprecation.

"Listen, Walter. For what it's worth, I think you handled the situation wonderfully. I couldn't have added anything or done any better at all," I smile touching his knee.

"You think so?" he replies, straightening up a little.

"For sure. You were great," I affirm, moving my other hand to his cheek. I pull his face to mine and give him a gentle kiss on the lips. "You done good, Obi Wan Kenobi," I add as I release his mouth.

He chuckles and swats me playfully on the thigh.

"Come on, Princess Leia. I think we have time for a quick rinse-off before we get dressed."

"Fuck you!" I chortle my laughter, flipping the sheet back off our bodies. "Last lightsaber to the bathroom has to get that comforter from the linen closet."

I jump up, my willie waving in the wind, and he follows, racing me for the shower.

xXx

"You mean we're not getting homemade spaghetti sauce?" I raise an eyebrow at Walter as we stand in the pantry off the kitchen.

"Get real. Do you know how many hours it takes to make spaghetti sauce from scratch?"

"Roughly."

"Well then that's why I'm using 'Prego'," he replies, reaching for the large-sized bottle of commercial spaghetti sauce on the shelf. It's 'Prego Traditional' however.

"So we're going to doctor it up a little?" I muse looking at the label as he carries it into the kitchen.

"Right. Sylvia said she brought down onions, mushrooms and some Italian sausage. She thawed the sausage out while we were down in the cottage," Walter replies.

"I'll have to thank her again," I grin. He grins a little back as we leave the pantry and go back in the kitchen proper.

He sets the bottle down on the counter.

"Ok, what do I do?" I ask.

"Can you handle throwing together the salad?" Walter asks.

"Sure. I can cut up vegetables with the best of them too. Ask Scully," I reply.

"Well than you can cut up the onions and mushrooms while I cook up the sausage. I think I'll drain them, cut them up and put them in the sauce," he muses.

"Sounds like a plan, Julia Child," I grin.

He slaps me in the ass for the remark and points to a low cabinet.

"There's a colander under there, Boy Wonder. You'll need it to rinse the mushrooms."

"Yes sir, Caped Crusader," I reply, saluting Walter. He shakes his head in patient amusement. I walk over to retrieve the colander.

Dinner preparation goes along smoothly. Esther comes in about halfway through to inquire diplomatically if we need any help. Walter insists we're fine even though I think I might be making a travesty of the onions. I'm convinced I went too wild with the knife and they're way too small even for spaghetti sauce. Esther assures me they're fine but that I might want to cut the ones for the salad a lot larger. She then remarks with forced casualness that Sylvia took Roger and Ben for a walk down to the beach.

"Ah," I nod my head, concentrating on the onions again.

"Mom, it was unavoidable. Someone had to tell them at some point," Walter interjects as Esther stands with her arms folded over her chest.

Esther sighs.

"Well I just wish Ben had learned that lesson about knocking before entering a bedroom first," she replies pointedly.

Walter puts down the sausage he's cutting up and lowers the knife he's using to the cutting board as well.

"I think he's had that idea impressed on him, Mother. Besides, he didn't walk in at an...inopportune moment."

Esther's face grows tense. Clearly she's not quite ready to hear that Walter and I are having any kind of "moment" much less an inopportune one for anyone to walk in on.

"Luckily," she replies tersely.

I glance over at Walter and watch as his jaw muscles clench tight. Oh oh. Danger Will Robinson. Early Fourth of July fireworks on the horizon again. And these won't have anything to do with pleasure. It strikes me as odd that Walter went from being so at ease to being hyper-tense in a matter of seconds. I stare at him mulling over the idea that something isn't kosher here again as he speaks to his mother.

"Mother...part of the word 'homosexual' is 'sexual'. I can't lie to you and say Mulder and I aren't having sex..." he begins.

Esther breathes in harshly.

"God, Walter," I blurt out before I can stop myself. He's embarrassing me for Christ sake. As incredible as that sounds, I'm turning red and at a loss for words. This is his mother after all. What in the devil is going on here?

I'm surprised he can even talk like this in front of her. I mean this is the guy who's still bashful about telling me he wants to take a ride on the rod. But as I look in his face I can see a determination to gut this out, even though it's making his ears turn red too. He's determined to shove her face in our relationship right at the moment. What the hell? I'm not sure what's going on in his head right now and it bothers me on a profound level.

I think I've really missed the boat here for days. Crap. I was so caught up in the superficial that I missed the deeper things going on in my lover's head. Some psychologist. Well crap, Scully's always saying trying to analyze your loved ones or yourself never works out. And I know I'm my own worst patient. Walter looks over at me, an expression of annoyance in his eyes. I duck my head and try to regain my composure so I can say something to salvage this situation. But he speaks again, beating me to the punch.

"What? What the hell's the matter?" he asks me impatiently. "You were the one who was 'telling it like it is' when we got here. 'Oh Walter you're just embarrassed to get it on in your mother's house'. So...I rectified the matter. What's the damn problem? You weren't complaining earlier."

My head snaps up. Oh fuck. This is not good.

"Walter!" Esther exclaims shocked. She turns and walks quickly out of the room.

"Damn it," I hiss. "What in the hell is wrong with you?"

Just a short while ago this was the guy that was all mellow in post-coital bliss. The man who murmured his love to me. The uncle who dealt with his nephew so masterfully in a very awkward situation. The attentive lover in the shower afterwards, touching and caressing me again as we cleaned off the last evidence of our passion. Now he looks like a storm cloud on the horizon and his eyes are flashing anger like lightning.

He grabs a paper towel off the rack and violently wipes his hands. Tossing the soiled towel down on the counter hard, he glares at me.

"I'm tired of hiding, Mulder. We're lovers. She's going to have to deal with it. I'm tired of living a fucking lie," he snarls, his eyes dark behind his glasses.

I sense an underlying meaning in his words. I run a hand through my hair. Ok. He's covering up something here yet again. By being so out about his 'gayness' he's almost using it as a smokescreen for some other issue that he's trying to obfuscate while he mulls it over. I have a feeling we're back to the issue that's been bothering me since we got here. I keep getting the idea that something else is rattling around in Walter's psyche regarding me, and Scully and his relationship with us both. His whole mercurial disposition has more behind it than just his reconciling being gay with his family. There's something deeper going on here.

He has yet to talk about Scully without sounding like he's trying to hawk up phlegm, and the word bisexuality hasn't even come up in our private conversation. I can't help but try to pry out of him what the heck is happening here. I almost know it's a mistake but you know me...get at the truth at all costs. Whether it's smart to do it or not. I carefully lay the knife I was using to cut up the onions down and reply, pitching my voice low and very calmly.

"Lie? Which lie? The lie that was covering your homosexuality...or the lie that you won't admit you're bi..."

"Don't go there," he hisses venomously. "Not here. Not now."

"It's Scully isn't it?" I whisper.

"Fuck you!" he grates out.

"Walter, come on. Talk to me," I reply trying to stave off what I know is coming.

Sure enough, he turns on his heels and strides off towards the back door. In a moment he's gone out onto the porch and I hear the screen door slam. Well, I guess that answers my question. As I'm staring after him, Sylvia enters the kitchen.

"Mulder..."

I turn and wince at the sound of her voice.

"I'm afraid dinner's going to be a little delayed," I reply, tossing the onion I'm still holding down on the counter with disgust. I walk over and turn the burner off under the simmering spaghetti sauce.

"What happened?"

"Well we had more fireworks between Esther and Walter for starters. Unfortunately I added an M80 into the display I'm afraid."

"He walked out on you?" she asks quietly.

"As did Esther."

"Oh brother," she sighs, walking over to lean up next to me against the counter. "Well Mom probably went to her bedroom. That's her usual refuge when she's pissed off."

"Where are your boys? If they run into Walter right now..."

"Oh, no worries. They're kicking their soccer ball around on the front lawn. Uh...Roger's a little upset."

I look at her and my heart sinks even more.

"Oh shit. I'm sorry, Syl."

She sighs.

"Well, I shouldn't have said upset. I apologize. Upset isn't the right word really. I'd just say he's showing concern. He's old enough to have heard the adverse things people say about gays unfortunately. You know - kids his age in school are getting a lot more brutal about that sometimes than they are at Ben's grade level. It's affected Roger. So, he's afraid his uncle's going to be hurt and that bothers him."

I nod, "Still, I'm sorry. It's not an easy thing for a kid to absorb, regardless of how good his parents are at explaining things."

"Granted. But, I think Ben's easy acceptance will help him a little. Ben just rolls with the punches. He always has been that way. Roger is a little more moody but that's exacerbated by adolescence coming on too, I think. He's a smart kid with a big heart. I think he'll be fine. I'll make myself available to talk if he feels he needs to as well."

"I'd be happy to talk to him too, if you'd like. I'm sure Walter...Oh hell..." I let my voice trail off.

What the hell am I going to do with Walter? He's not even talking to me right now.

Sylvia touches my arm.

"Do 'you' want to talk about it?"

"Someone should talk to somebody around here," I reply bitterly, shaking my head in dismay.

"I won't argue with that idea," she whispers withdrawing her hand.

"Hey, look. Ignore me. I'm just having a...a....brain fart here," I wrinkle my brow.

Sylvia smiles a little at me.

"All right," she nods. "So...any ideas who should talk to who then?"

"I...should go talk to Walter. I think uh...I can probably smooth things over," I reply quietly.

God, I hope that's the truth. I'm not sure what I'm going to say to Walter but we really have to discuss this issue with Scully head on now, for better or worse. What rotten timing. If I'd been a little faster on the uptake here we could have dealt with this before we ever came out here. But that's water under the bridge now. The bomb went off again and we have to clean up the pieces from the explosion as best we can. I look over at Sylvia pleading for understanding with my eyes. She straightens up.

"Ok. I can tackle my mother. I'll leave Walter up to you, Mulder. I know you both love each other. I have confidence you can work it out. Just try to get him to talk. It's always been his problem. Unburdening. He fights it. He takes after Esther that way."

"I have some experience there, yeah," I reply quietly, straightening my shoulders as well. "I just wish I knew where the hell he went. I doubt he went back to the cottage."

"Walk down to the beach and then north along Judge's Point until you come to an outcropping of rocks over the water. That's...that's where we scattered our father's ashes. Sometimes Walter goes there to...well to be alone with his memories. But...I don't think he really wants to be alone right now, Mulder. Not really. He needs someone whether he wants to admit it or not - and I think it's you," Sylvia explains.

"Ok. Thanks, Sylvia. I'll give it my best shot."

"I'm just going to round the boys up and park them in front of the TV with one of the videos they brought so I know where they are. Then I'll go up and deal with my mother," Sylvia replies as she moves away from me.

"I'll take the key to the back door," I mention as she turns to walk away. "Sorry about dinner."

Sylvia turns back.

"Don't worry about it. I can put it in the fridge and if you're set on fixing it you can finish it later. But, I could always heat up a frozen pizza for the kids and my mother if...well if it takes you awhile," she advises.

"Sounds fine," I reply. Yeah, that's a polite way of saying 'if either one of you feels like fixing or eating anything'.

"Ok. Good luck," she calls back over her shoulder.

"Thanks," I sigh as I head over to get the key from the closet on my way out.

xXx

By now it's a little after 8:00 PM and the sun is starting to set. I head in the general direction of the beach keeping an eye out for Walter along the way. My earlier supposition about the cottage seems to be correct. It appears to be deserted as I walk towards it. I check it anyway, unlocking the door and checking inside to be positive he's not in there brooding in the dark. No Walter. I lock up again and head on down to the beach.

Once I hit the sand, I walk north per Sylvia's instructions. The beach ends and I'm walking through a small copse of trees. The sun sinks closer to the horizon and the shadows grow long around me. I can hear peepers. I'm suddenly reminded absurdly of every bad horror film I've ever seen. The ones that have the cessation of the peepers' call signaling the approach of whatever horrible monster is going to devour the hapless hero or heroine. What a joke. I know peepers have nothing to do with it. Real monsters come around whenever the hell they feel like it. They're not going to wait for the 'silence of the amphibians'.

I finally break out of the trees and see the outcropping of rock that Sylvia described to me. It's more like a rock shelf that juts out over the water. There's a man-shaped shadowy mass standing on the rock. An arm-shaped smudge moves out of it as Walter skims a rock across the darkening water.

"So...did Sylvia send you, or did you figure this one out on your own too?" he asks sarcastically as I walk over to the far end of the ledge.

"As long as we're being totally honest here...Sylvia pointed the way," I reply pitching my sarcastic emphasis on the word 'honest'.

"Well you can go back the way you came. I don't want to talk about this, Mulder. I don't even know how," he replies, flinging another rock out over the water.

"I can't go back, Walter. Like I said - for better or worse, lover. I'm here for the duration."

He doesn't reply.

"Can I at least come out there and join you?"

He shrugs.

"Whatever," he mutters.

I pick up a few flat rocks that lie at my feet and walk out onto the ledge, reaching his side. I toss a rock out into the water and it falls with a clumsy plop.

"Not like that," Walter rumbles. "Throw it this way," he adds, flinging a rock so that it hops several times over the surface of the water. It's hard to see now because it's getting even more dark but I throw my next rock and it follows his skimming perfectly over the water as well.

He nods his approval and throws one last rock. I throw my last two as well and then Walter sits down, crossing his legs under him. I sit down next to him and we stare out over the water.

"I can wait as long as you'd like but that spaghetti sauce really did smell good," I comment, trying to lighten the mood a little.

"Go back and eat then," he shoots back.

Finally I lose my temper. That's it. Fuck him. I've been as patient as I can. Sure this is partly my fault for missing the boat on what's eating him. But that's no excuse for him to act like a prick. He could have spoken up. I really do want to help him now. I love him. I'm not going to abandon this relationship like others have abandoned me in the past.

"Walter, cut the crap, all right. Look I know what the problem is here. If you don't want to divulge what's eating at you I can tell you what's wrong. Do you want me to elucidate again or do you want to stop acting so constipated about this and get it out on the table so we can discuss it? No wait...maybe I should go get your Metamucil. Maybe that would help move this fucking blockage..."

"Mulder...shut the hell up. I get the point. I know I fucked up back there. Shit..." he shakes his head.

"You know, Walter, for someone who has such command in the office you really can lose it in the civilian world. You don't even know when those you love are trying to help you, big guy," I reply softly.

He runs a large hand over his scalp and looks at me in the dim light.

"Come on. Talk to me, Walter," I urge quietly.

I watch the wheels turn and finally he slumps a little. Ok, here we go, I think as he gathers his thoughts at last. He starts to speak and I have to bend forward to listen to his voice until it gains more strength.

"All right, look. Yeah, this has to do with the bisexuality thing."

"With being reluctant for your family to know about it or..."

"Not even about that so much. It goes deeper than that, Mulder. I just still have a lot going on in my mind regarding what happened between Scully and me. I...oh hell. I don't know. I've got a lot of shit rattling around in my head."

"About?"

"About whether I think I've made a very bad mistake," he replies in a low voice.

I scratch at a mosquito that sits on my arm.

"You don't love Scully?" I ask, squishing the bug so that its blood meal stains my skin.

"I know I said I did. Hell, I told Sharon I loved her too...early on. That was such a fucking weak-willed thing for me to do too. Talk about repeating your mistakes."

"Because you married her out of what...the idea you could turn straight?"

"I've explained that haven't I? Yeah. And you know...Christ I gave it a good shot. Maybe I did love Sharon on some level. Maybe I'd half convinced myself it could work. I certainly had her convinced at first. We had sex...it's not like we didn't enjoy it," he replies bitterly.

"So you think you're repeating the same pattern with Scully?"

"I'm not sure what the hell I'm doing, Mulder. I don't know what I feel for Scully. I don't think it's the same as what I feel for you. It smacks too much of what happened with Sharon. Can you understand what...what that does to me? God...I...I hate feeling this way."

"You hate feeling out of control and unable to make a logical decision," I state.

"Bingo," he whispers, looking off across the creek. "And I really hate the implications of what that means to Scully...and to you," he adds tightly.

I rub my temples. I had an idea that this was what was going on with Walter. His actions since we've arrived, his emotions, have been raw and much more close to the surface than I've ever seen them before. I knew he was tense over the whole issue of dealing with his family. But he's been much more hyper-tense than any of that warranted. Now I know why. This is a serious problem and I'm really not sure how we're going to deal with it. He's right about the implications. The implications...the ramifications could really hurt us all a great deal.

"Well...I know how uncomfortable that is for you," I murmur, commiserating. "Uh...would it help if you tried to talk about your...I assume this is an inner debate about your sexual feelings towards her and towards me?"

He glances back at me and then back out across the water. He rubs at his arm where a mosquito is trying to dine. He swats at it, frowns and answers me.

"Mulder, I know I said I don't like to talk about what Scully and I...what we do when we're together..." he lets his voice trail off.

"I respect that, Walter. You don't have to tell me anything in that area you feel uncomfortable sharing."

"Well...I guess I can tell you it has to do with the sex too. Otherwise this conversation will go nowhere quickly."

"All right," I agree. Then I resume listening and wait for him to work out what he wants to say again. He lowers his hand and rests his forearms lightly on his knees.

"Look. I can function sexually with women. You know that. I had a sexual relationship with Sharon. I have no problem functioning with Scully. When I'm with Scully...the act itself is...is fantastic. Physically satisfying, make no mistake. She...well...she's a great lover."

I nod. I know all too well how good Scully is in bed. Explosive wouldn't even come close to describing sex with her. Incendiary might be more accurate.

"But..." I prompt as he falters, rubbing the bridge of his nose under his glasses. He lowers his hand again and looks at me once more.

"But...Mulder...this is so hard to explain...to..."

"It's not the same as when you're with me?" I query carefully.

"I don't think it is the same, no," he replies. His voice takes on a contemplative tone as if he's still trying to work all this out in his mind. "When I'm with you, Mulder...there's...I think it's...the emotional connection. The love or whatever...the want and need to be with you...connected to you. The way I feel about you when I'm with you makes the experience...so much more intense. I...don't think it's the same with Scully as it is with you. I thought it was at first but...after Thursday and then this afternoon...God, Mulder. After we made love today...I just don't know anymore," he lets his voice trail off again and just shakes his head.

"But if you're enjoying yourself with me and with her...Walter that's what being bisexual means," I interject.

"Fuck that, Mulder. Don't you understand? I haven't a God damn clue as to whether I'm sure I'm feeling the same thing!" he grates out, moving to stand up.

"No, come on. Sit down," I take his arm. "I'm sorry...I know...I...please I'm trying to understand."

He sits back down slowly. I shift close and rub his back a little. He lets me, but I sense it's not helping the situation to make him feel sexual right now. I pat him once more and remove my hand settling in to listen. Walter takes a shaky breath and continues.

"This isn't about sex, Mulder. It's about preferences...about...honesty in admitting what I prefer...what I really feel, enjoy and...and who I really want to spend the rest of my life with. Who I really love, Mulder."

"You're trying to say when it comes right down to it, you prefer men. You prefer me," I whisper.

"What I'm trying to tell you is I'm not sure. I...I just can't seem to reconcile any of this in my mind," he replies miserably.

Guilt crashes down on me like a lead weight. Christ. You know...I should have my ass kicked from here to Sunday. This is my fault I realize. I...through my own desires to have them both I've pressured them into this situation. Through conscious and even unconscious persuasion I've coerced both my lovers into doing what they've done to satisfy my needs.

Walter's next words confirm my fears. I feel sick as he speaks.

"Mulder, God help me...help us but...I don't know if what I'm doing with Scully is something I'm doing for her and me, or something I'm doing because I love you so much I'm doing it just to make you happy. Maybe she's with me for the same damn reason. Mulder...that's not going to work for me in the long-run. I don't think it'll work for Scully either. I respect and admire her, like her a whole lot...I just don't know if..."

"If that's a good reason to be sleeping with her," I whisper.

"Exactly. I feel like an idiot. The worst...worst kind of low-life son of a bitch for doing this to her. I...it's tearing me up to think that I may be in danger of hurting both of you because of my indecision, confusion and cowardice."

He stops speaking then, breathing hard. I bend my head, tears welling up in my eyes. God...I am such a loser. I've really done them both a disservice. For a moment, I don't know what to say. Finally I manage to speak and my voice is more steady than I think it could ever be.

"Walter...I think this is my fault. I...I have to believe through my persuasion you and Scully are caught in this...this problem. If I hadn't been so gung-ho...so needy to want this for all three of us...you wouldn't be in such agony right now. Christ...I am so sorry," I mumble.

He looks over at me and shrugs.

"Mulder...to be honest...you're right. Yeah...I felt that pressure. I guess Scully did as well. But...look...ok...I have to admit I had sex with her. Hell...we wanted each other and we fucked each other like there was no tomorrow. I told Scully I loved her before, during and after the fact. I'm as much to blame because I made that decision. I could have stopped to reason this out more. I didn't. I let my cock do the reasoning for me," Walter replies with a sigh.

We both sit there quietly for a moment. I wipe my eyes a little. Finally Walter speaks again.

"Well, since both of us have managed to utterly fuck up this situation...any bright ideas as to what we should do next?" he asks acerbically.

"Uh...yeah...that's the 64 thousand dollar question," I reply, sniffling a bit.

"I should talk to Scully," he answers, matter-of-factly.

"'We' should talk to Scully," I interject strongly. "You're not totally to blame. You can't underestimate my roll in this fiasco. I...I can't even begin to tell you how sick and guilty that makes me feel."

"Fine. Since we're both swimming in guilt, we'll both talk to Scully," he replies, nodding.

"Right," I reply numbly.

"Ok," Walter agrees again and then he sighs, "but, you realize - we still need to get together and work out what to do about Kersh? I'd hate to hit her with both barrels but..."

I rub the bridge of my nose and he stops talking.

"God...Kersh. I guess we have to make him our priority," I interrupt.

"We'd better or we're all screwed anyway," Walter replies, swiping at some more mosquitoes that are flying around his face.

"Ok. Look. Let's...let's meet on Kersh so we can just get it over with as soon as we get back. After that I think Scully and I are still going to be relegated to background checks for a while longer. We should be in town. We can probably make arrangements to get together with her then...maybe at her place."

"And we'll try to reason this out...you'll...you're going to apologize and I'll..." he begins uncomfortably.

"I'm going to grovel at her feet," I interrupt, wincing slightly.

"Christ, no kidding. I'll be down on my knees too. Damn. I...this stinks, Mulder."

"I can't argue, Walter. But...we're adults. We're going to have to deal with it. We'll have to do it. I'm hoping Scully can at least forgive us. If not...well, we're going to have to face her wrath and quite frankly I feel like I deserve every bit of invective she may level on me."

"Mulder...I don't know how to reply to that statement," Walter mumbles.

I wave him off.

"Forget it. I'm venting. I...Scully's a very compassionate person. She's got a mind like a steel trap but a wonderful, understanding heart. And God knows she understands my foibles. I'll try to stay optimistic," I reply, trying to stave off some of the doom and gloom.

"Optimism and I aren't easy bedfellows but yeah...I'll try to do the same," Walter answers, pretty much putting an end to the discussion.

Both of us sit there partly in shocked silence for a few moments. Walter finally stirs and speaks.

"I'm sorry, babe," he mumbles again.

"Hey...don't...don't apologize. It's not necessary. I understand. I can't expect you to do something that's going to hurt you. That you don't want to really do. I'll survive no matter what the outcome after we work this out. I...I really do love you both. I want you and Scully to be happy too. We'll muddle through this situation. And like I said - I should be sorry for putting pressure on you both. We'll deal with it. I...I know we can," I reply. I can tell I'm trying to convince myself as much as him.

I hope it's not a vain attempt. I hope this isn't false optimism to think we can pull our nads out of the fire here. I remember the last time Scully and I disagreed over Walter. The night Scully caught Walter and I together back last Halloween. My arrogance in arguing with her about that incident almost cost us our relationship then. Throwing the blame for the disagreement back up in her face caused a schism which Walter healed to be honest. I almost lost her then and if it hadn't been for Walter's mediation we might have never been the same.

Now Scully's in the loop and as much as I detest myself for doing it now, my pressure to get her to think about accepting Walter and I both as lovers really was what probably brought all this about. That guilt is something I'll have to live with for the rest of my life. I just hope it hasn't destroyed everything here. I have to hold onto the hope that eventually Scully will understand and know that I still love her more than life itself.

Walter does love her on some level too. I sense it. It may not be a sexual love but it's a love born of respect, friendship and shared joy as well as heartache. I don't want him to lose that with her either. I have to try to help him preserve all that as well even if he doesn't join together with us sexually again.

Walter sighs heavily. I can tell that all of this has been very difficult for him to say. I feel a great warmth for him spreading in my chest. It lightens my mood somewhat to contemplate the emotion I feel for him. If Walter can unburden like this to me, tell me he did what he did with Scully because of his deep love for me, can share me with another person and not be jealous, the least I can do is understand and respect his wishes in the situation...no matter what they turn out to be in the end.

God I really do love him so much. I feel privileged to be with him. He's an honorable man. Imperfect, just like everyone else, and me most of all, but willing to acknowledge his mistakes. I hope someday I can grow up to be like Walter. Hey, I'm not exaggerating. Sometimes I think I have a long way to go before I'm an adult.

I reach over and stroke the fringe of hair at the back of Walter's head. I move my face to his cheek and kiss him lightly, my love for him making me smile despite my heavy heart.

"We'd better get back," I murmur in his ear.

"Good God, Mulder. What the hell am I going to say to my mother?" he groans. "I can't believe I said what I said to her. Talk about immature behavior. What the devil was wrong with me?"

"I think you were hurting, Walter. It just came out. But yeah, it was out of line nonetheless. You're going to have to think of something to say to her to apologize. Sylvia is paving the way for you. But you'll need to bite the bullet and tell Esther you're sorry."

I really need to clear my head here I think as I look into Walter's face. Looking this close now I can see the tight expression. He needs my help. It's going to be difficult enough dealing with Walter's mother and the incident in the kitchen. My angsting over everything else here isn't going to help matters. I still need to lend him my support. Help him get through this with his family since they think the only issue here is Walter being gay. I try to shake off my depression as best I can and resolve to make the rest of the vacation easier on us both by trying to be a decent partner to the man I love.

"Yeah, definitely. It's not every day a man lets his mother know he just got done fucking his male lover - and she'd better not have anything negative to say about it," he replies sheepishly.

"Not to mention letting her know it while you're cooking dinner," I interject, trying to make a lame joke to lighten things up. "Imagine how that pasta would go down after that revelation, big guy."

"Dinner! Jesus...I dropped the ball there too," he shakes his head in self-disgust.

I laugh despite his chagrin.

"Sylvia was going to make a frozen pizza."

"Oh wonderful. That doesn't help," Walter grouches. I stifle a smirk.

Ok. Time to stroke his ego a little. He needs it badly right now. The guy thinks he's the biggest bastard on three legs at the moment. I can't let him sit here and think he's a worthless sack of shit.

Well...maybe this will. "Walter...it really was phenomenal - this afternoon I mean," I reply, smiling at him in the dark. "I hope...please don't tell me I'm sleeping on the cot," I start to laugh harder, not being able to help myself. The tension has me so wound up I have to let off some steam.

"No way," Walter rumbles his laughter too. "I...I'm looking forward to a second round at some point, Monster Boy. So, you better carb up with that pasta. You'll need the energy," he replies. His words are confident but I can tell from his body language, that he's almost unsure of my affections. That I might really resent him? I won't desire him now? Shit. He can't be more wrong in that respect.

"Sylvia said she'd put the sauce in the fridge so we can warm it up when we get back. I...I can hardly wait to be with you again. Maybe...maybe we can make love later tonight," I reply, grinning at him.

He smiles wide. I can see his teeth in the dark.

"Yeah, that would...that would be great," he replies quietly.

"Definitely," I whisper, nodding in agreement.

"Let's go then," he nods in return, rising to his feet. I stand as well and we both head back towards the private beach that borders the main house on Judge's Point.

xXx

When we return, Sylvia and the boys are sitting at the picnic table on the screened in back porch.

"Uncle Walter, Mulder!" Ben calls to us as we approach.

"She talked to Roger," I whisper to him quickly.

"Oh?" he asks as we walk forward.

"Yeah...uh..." I begin. Oh hell. Another problem.

He looks at me, his eyes searching mine.

"Was there a problem?"

"Uncle Walter, I made Ben save you and Mulder some pizza," Roger calls.

"You did not. I volunteered," Ben insists, in mock outrage.

"I think it was a joint decision," Sylvia intercedes, laughing.

"I guess there's no problem," I smile at Walter as we gain the porch steps.

"The only problem is...Ben's a hog," Roger jokes, knuckling his brother on the skull.

"Ouch. Now I'm a hog with pizza in my hair," Ben quips back.

Sylvia laughs as the boys spar with each other and Walter opens the screen door.

"How was Grandpa?" Roger asks more quietly as we enter the porch.

"What?" Walter asks in confusion.

"Oh. I told the boys you and Mulder went to see where we put Dad's ashes," Sylvia hastens to explain.

"Oh...yes," Walter replies, nodding towards Roger.

"It's a beautiful spot," I reply, taking a seat down next to the boys.

"Where's Mother?" Walter asks, coming right to the point.

"Mr. Dryden called. He's home from the hospital. Nana went to see if he needed any help," Ben volunteers.

"Ah," Walter smiles at Ben. He stands there awkwardly for a moment.

Sylvia clears her throat.

"She might be gone a while. I think she's going to make him a late dinner. Do you two want to go ahead and cook some spaghetti or will pizza do? I can warm up that extra half a pie. I just put it back in the fridge."

"Mulder, what do you think?" Walter replies, deferring to me. "It's late. Pizza would be faster."

"I could eat a couple of pieces," I smile at them all. "Thanks for saving us some, guys."

"Sure," Roger replies.

Walter gestures towards Sylvia.

"I'll help you get the pizza."

"All right," she answers him. "Roger, Ben? Would you like some ice cream?"

"Please!" both boys reply enthusiastically.

"Coming right up then. We'll be right back, Mulder," she replies.

I nod as Walter and his sister exit to go into the kitchen. I can hear their low voices almost immediately as they pass through the door. I speak over them to distract the boys.

"So uh...you think your mom's going to give in on the dog?"

Ben sighs theatrically. "Probably not. She just thinks they're too much work."

"She and Dad can't agree on the big dog or little dog idea either," Roger adds a little forlornly.

"Well...maybe they'd compromise on a medium-sized dog. I've heard springer spaniels make good pets. They aren't too large."

Sam and I always wanted a springer spaniel. I remember overhearing Mom and Dad talking about it. They were going to get one for Christmas. Of course Sam was taken in November. So much for the family dog idea.

"Cool. Maybe we can mention that to them," Ben replies, nodding sagely.

"Yeah, it's worth a shot," I agree.

Silence falls between us. Roger fidgets with his napkin a little and Ben looks at him with a sigh and shrugs at me.

I give him a small smile and decide I might as well try to make some kind of overture towards them both, but especially Roger, to clear the air.

"Look, you guys...uh...I know this isn't easy. I'm a stranger here and even though your Uncle Walter and I are...together, I don't expect to just walk in here and be accepted. I just hope...well the most I can hope for is that you'll give me a chance to be your friend."

Both boys look at me. I can see the intelligent consideration in both their eyes. Roger is sizing me up. Ben has decided provisionally that he really does like me. But he's waiting for further confirmation from his older brother that he's made the right decision. Ben is nodding a little. Roger speaks first.

"Ok," Roger replies quietly. "I can try."

"Roger's afraid Uncle Walter will get hurt," Ben whispers.

"Ben," Roger hisses, embarrassed. He looks down, his ears reddening.

"No, it's ok, Roger. I understand. I...if it's any help...letting your Uncle Walter get hurt is the last thing I want to have happen. I'll do everything I can to prevent it."

Roger nods.

"See. I told you," Ben nudges him, smiling at me.

I guess I don't need to hear Ben say he's going to accept me as a friend.

"Yeah, yeah," Roger nudges him back, but he's smiling a little.

"Say, Mulder?" Ben asks glancing at Roger. Roger looks at his younger brother speculatively.

"You play Monopoly?"

Roger snickers.

"Why do I sense a set-up here?" I chuckle. "Yeah, I play Monopoly."

"Watch it, babe, they'll 'whup your butt'," Walter laughs, interrupting us from the doorway. He's holding a plate full of steaming pizza slices obviously fresh out of the microwave.

"Oh yeah?" I laugh glancing at the two boys.

"Yeah!" they chorus and we all laugh together as Sylvia appears with the ice cream.

"Mom, Mulder has accepted the Monopoly Challenge," Ben crows in triumph.

"Yeah, can we stay up and 'whup his butt'!" Roger laughs looking at Walter and grinning. Walter steps forward and puts the plate down on the picnic table.

Sylvia sets the ice cream down and wags her finger at her brother, "Walter Skinner watch your language in front of my sons. Now I'll only let Mulder play if I can play too."

"Well then that means Walter has to play as well, right guys?" I reply, upping the ante.

"Right. Please, Mom?" Ben begs eagerly.

"All right, we'll all play. Why don't you two go set up the board and we'll carry the food in," Sylvia offers magnanimously.

"Thanks, Mom!" Roger enthuses. Ben jumps up and impulsively hugs my neck before he races off the porch after his older brother. I touch my neck, emotion clogging the back of my throat at the idea that both boys have accepted me so readily into the family circle. Walter heaves a sigh of relief and Sylvia smiles gently down at me. Then she turns to Walter and wags her finger again.

"I meant what I said about the language, Walter. They hear enough of that stuff around the firehouse with Roger."

"Hey, I didn't say 'ass' I said..." Walter answers holding his hands up in protest.

"I know, but I'm warning you just in case you slip up," Sylvia lectures but with good-natured humor.

"All right, I've been duly chastised," Walter admits, bowing to her wishes, and lowering his hands.

I stare from one to the other.

"So...what about Esther?" I ask unable to contain myself any longer.

Walter glances at his sister and I almost laugh at the look of cowed resignation there as Sylvia's mouth straightens into a tight line. She suddenly looks as annoyed as hell at him. Walter actually won't meet her eyes for a moment. Man she must have reamed him a good one. You know if I really wanted to hold it over his head I could get a lot of mileage about Walter kow-towing to his sister. But I won't go there. He's already embarrassed enough over his actions. To draw attention to the fact that he's letting his 'little sister' shame him would only add insult to injury.

"Well...things have been repaired I think. But I still can't believe what Walter said to her. God...I mean...come on. Even I never threw up my...what Roger and I...well it doesn't matter. I think I got it straightened out," Sylvia blusters, gesturing with her hand.

"I'm going to apologize as soon as she gets back," Walter adds quietly. "Can we drop the subject, please? I'll explain it to Mulder later, all right?"

"Fine. No problem," I reply hastily.

I'd rather the whole thing drop for now too. Obviously in the short time they were in the kitchen Walter ran down the 'I'm gay and I'm proud' explanation for her and she fried him for throwing our tryst up in his mother's face. I can wait to hear the details after Walter gets done soothing Esther's ruffled feathers. He and Sylvia are still tense about it so I'd like the subject to fade into the background before we hit the living room for the 'board game battle of the century' with the boys.

"I'm all for tabling the matter," Sylvia adds with a curt nod of her head. She picks up the bowls of ice cream again and waits with an expectant look on her face.

"Thank you," Walter nods. Sylvia nods her head again, acknowledging his thanks as Walter picks up the plate full of pizza slices.

"So...uh...shall we prepare for battle?" I ask gesturing towards the living room. Sylvia smiles a little again and so does Walter.

"Yeah. I guess we'd better get into the living room. Roger and Ben are waiting to clean our clocks," Walter replies.

xXx

We all end up clustered on the floor, seated around the coffee table where the Monopoly board has been set up. Empty ice cream bowls and the plate devoid of pizza slices are placed to the side. The boys made a run back to the kitchen for sodas and we're all wetting our whistles with Diet Coke as we roll the dice.

The tension between Walter and his sister quickly fades as we play the game with Roger and Ben. Quite clearly they can't really stay mad at each other for very long.

The contest proves to be very lively. Ben's boast of being able to 'whup our butts' isn't far off. I have to admit my Monopoly skills are very rusty and their expertise, garnered from numerous games with a father who, I find out after the game has started, is a wizard at the whole thing makes my nearly last place showing no surprise to me.

Walter fares much better and after I go broke he and Sylvia and the boys play on for real blood. Finally, Roger takes pity on me and asks me to join him in a cooperative effort to come out on top.

As we play on and it nears midnight, Walter and Sylvia glance at each other more than once. I know what's on their mind. Where's Esther? They probably think she's still angry and isn't in any hurry to get back home. I wouldn't blame her. She expressed her opinion earlier, granted an opinion that wasn't exactly understanding, but her opinion nonetheless. Walter's handling of the situation hadn't been one of his more shining moments. If she takes her time returning because she's enjoying herself with her...well whatever John Dryden is to her...it's understandable.

"Maybe I should call?" Sylvia volunteers as I pick up the dice to roll again.

"Yeah, I was going to make the same suggestion. She's pretty capable of taking care of herself but...you never know...something could have happened," Walter agrees.

Sylvia excuses herself leaving Walter and I alone with his nephews. I put the dice down as Roger gets up and sits on the couch.

"You guys want another soda?" Roger asks looking from Walter to me.

"Sure. Mulder?"

"Another Diet Coke would be fine," I reply.

"Come on, Ben, help me. I'm gonna bring some for all of us again," Roger tells his brother.

"'K," Ben replies and they both get up and head for the kitchen where their mother is on the phone.

"She's gotta be pissed," Walter sighs, fingering his 'top hat' Monopoly piece.

"Esther?"

"No, Janet Reno. Of course Esther."

For one crazed moment I thought he was still talking about Scully.

"Well, maybe not. She is uh...interested in this Dryden after all. Maybe she's just relieved he survived the fall and they're talking about painting and his being an old fool for climbing around on a ladder," I reply with a grin.

 Walter considers my statement and sets his game piece down. His mouth twitches in a grin as well.

"Yeah, you might have a point. Better he's getting the lecture than me, anyway. Maybe he'll take some of the wind out of her sails. And you know..." he lets his voice trail off.

"What?"

He clears his throat a little.

"You know it's kind of nice that she's found someone that interests her that way again. It's been a long time since she's let a man into her life. I'm rather glad she's considering it," he replies, looking up and pinning my eyes.

"I think it's good. No one...no one should be alone, Walter," I answer quietly.

His eyes crinkle up and he smiles a little wider.

"Exactly," he nods. "She's still young...65 isn't old and..."

He stops speaking as Sylvia and the boys come back in carrying the soft drinks in hand.

"So?" he asks his sister as she comes back over and sits down next to the coffee table. Both boys come over as well and seat themselves. Soda is passed around and tabs on the cans popped by all.

"Well, I just caught her leaving as a matter-of-fact," Sylvia announces. "She should be here any time now."

"Ah. Good," Walter replies.

Ben and Roger sip their sodas.

"Boys, I want you to go to bed when Nana gets home," Sylvia advises as she sets her soda down. "You can take your sodas up with you but Nana's going to be tired and I really think she's going to want to come home to a quiet house, not a wild Monopoly game."

"Ah, Mom," Ben complains, lowering his soda to the coffee table.

"No. Come on, Ben. We can leave the board set up and play tomorrow or Monday. It's late," Roger replies maturely, setting his soda aside as well.

"Ok. I am kind of tired," Ben agrees.

"Yeah, me too. I think I'll hit the sack after I pay my respects to your grandmother as well," I volunteer.

I catch the pregnant look that passes between Sylvia and Walter. Well Walter won't be going to bed right away. I would bet Esther and Sylvia won't be either. Yes, that apology is really going to be forthcoming. I would also wager there's going to be a discussion later that's best not shared by children or the object of Walter's lust under the circumstances.

"I'm proud of you both," Sylvia tells her sons. "You've been very cooperative and very adult. I appreciate it, you guys."

"We all do," Walter adds as he takes a long swig of his Coke. I swig mine as well and then place it down on the coffee table.

 Roger and Ben glance at each other.

"Thanks, Mom" Roger replies, smiling. He really does look impressed and pleased with the compliment. They have been remarkably good. I think Roger and Sylvia should be credited for raising two fine sons. I'll have to tell her that later. I think parents need to hear that once in a while.

Ben looks at me and I can tell what he's thinking. 'Maybe she's considering that puppy after all since we've showed how responsible we can be' is uppermost in his mind. I wink at him and he grins.

"And all of you - sleep late in the morning. I know I will. To heck with the running. I'm going to need my beauty sleep," Sylvia suggests.

We all laugh a little and then she continues.

"Besides, Esther's not going to fix lunch until 1 PM and it's just going to be steaming up some crabs and oysters and a huge salad. Nothing fancy."

"Sounds fantastic," I reply.

"She does a fabulous job with it, fancy or not," Walter adds. "We can help though, Syl. If she wants to rest I have no problem steaming the shellfish up."

"We can help too," Ben volunteers enthusiastically.

"I'm sure she wouldn't mind that at all," Sylvia answers, addressing both Walter and Ben.

Just as I'm going to add my offer to help as well we hear a car pull up outside.

"Ok, that's Nana. Why don't you go greet her and then give her a kiss and hug good night," Sylvia suggests, glancing back at the front door.

"Yes ma'am," Roger and Ben reply in unison. They both get up dutifully and trot off to fulfill their mother's wishes.

"Say good night and then each of you take a shower and brush your teeth before bed. All right?" Sylvia calls after them.

"Got it, Mom," Ben calls back as they head off towards the front door.

xXx

I glance at the clock radio on the night stand. It's one forty-five. Almost two hours have gone by since I returned to the cottage and left Walter, Esther and Sylvia preparing to duke it out in the living room.

I tried to reach Scully on my cell phone earlier but my call went to her voice mail. It was late but...well it's not like she isn't used to hearing from me at all hours. She's always been patient about it too. Like I said - I'm a lucky man. She could be chewing my arm off for that kind of thing. I guess she's either on recharge or things are hopping so much at the Scully residence that she's not able to respond. I left a message that I called. I'll try her again tomorrow.

After the phone call I washed up, brushed my teeth and stripped to my boxer briefs. I turned off all the lights except for the night stand lamp, and then I crawled into bed to watch TV.

I roll back towards the TV now and hug the pillow I'm holding to my chest. 'The Brain from Planet Arous' is playing on American Movie Classics. John Agar is using an ax to smack the cheap giant rubber brain that hangs from the ceiling of the set on a piano wire. While the brain is screaming in protest, I hear a key in the front door lock. I hope that image isn't indicative of things that happened earlier at the main house. Walter unlocks the door, walks in, shuts it behind him and locks it up for the night. He places the key on the small dining area table. I already locked the patio door. We're not going to get anyone walking in on us this morning.

"Bourbon?" I ask watching his face. He sighs but twitches his lips up in a small grin.

"Not needed. It went ok. Uh...I think I'd just like to wash up and hit the sack," he replies.

"You want to talk about it further?"

"Yeah...uh...just let me get ready and I'll fill you in," he replies, toeing off his sneakers and tucking them under one of the chairs by the dining table.

"Ok," I smile as he saunters off into the bathroom.

I turn off the TV and set the remote on the night stand. I get up and turn down the bed, folding the fresh forest green comforter back carefully and the sheet as well. The toilet flushes and then water is being drawn in the bathroom as I sit back down on the bed and prop myself up against the pillows.

It only takes a few minutes for Walter to clean up and when he comes back out he's wearing only his boxer briefs, and carrying the rest of his clothes over his arm. He cracks the bathroom door to allow a little illumination to shine into the room again. I think I learned that convention from him. It sure beats trying to find your way to the can in the dark. My eyes follow him as he carefully lays his clothes over a chair back.

Finally he walks over, takes off his glasses and watch and places them both on the night stand next to his side of the bed. He climbs in next to me. He pulls the sheets up over us both and settles in, slumping down with his back against the pillows. I reach over and turn off the night stand light.

"So?" I ask quietly, shifting to look at him, one elbow propping me up on the pillow.

"Well she didn't disown me. I still have my balls too so I'll consider myself lucky," he replies, turning to look at me as well.

I chuckle.

"I take it you apologized?"

"Oh yeah. I apologized and so did Esther really. I mean she realized she was being insensitive. Of course Sylvia pointed out we both seemed to have cornered the market on insensitivity this afternoon so we could share the guilt equally in her opinion," he replies wryly.

"Man, Walter. Your sister is something else. I...I really like her."

"Yeah, Syl's making me thank God I have a sister right now, Mulder. She said some very nice things about you too during the conversation. She likes you too."

"I appreciate it," I smile.

"At any rate, I think we're all on the same page. Esther's going to come to terms with the idea that her son is making love to another man down here in the guest house and uh...I'm not going to keep defending my right to be gay 24/7. She really is attempting to understand things. I mean we're all bound to make mistakes along the line here. No one should be jumping down anyone's throat when we can discuss our concerns like adults instead."

"I think that sounds more than equitable."

"So, tomorrow should be a lot less awkward," Walter confirms.

I let out a sigh of relief.

"Excellent. I'm not going to lie and tell you I wasn't starting to worry...well...I just wanted the rest of the vacation to be pleasant. I mean...I've been enjoying myself but..."

"I know. It's been too much stress all the way around to be much of a good time, Mulder. Don't try to minimize it. It's been a trial so far."

"Well it's looking up, so that's what's important."

"Right," Walter nods.

"I guess Esther had a good time with her fella," I tease him a little.

He chuckles.

"Yeah...hell. I guess she did. She's invited him to join us tomorrow...the whole nine yards, lunch, fireworks, everything," he shakes his head. I can tell he's starting to warm to the idea however. I think that's a healthy thing too.

"Ah ha. So it must be serious," I reply laughing.

"I suppose. Like I said, she's only 65. She's still a gorgeous woman, even though she does act like she's got a chip on her shoulder a mile wide sometimes," he rumbles.

"She's not the only one," I reply, smirking at him.

He raises an eyebrow and then laughs.

"Guilty as charged," he replies honestly.

"You know...there's something I've been meaning to ask you in connection with that..." I begin.

"With what?" Walter asks.

"Well I just thought...your mother would, um...I don't know be..."

"Be older?" Walter asks carefully.

I stare at him. Yeah, exactly. I expected someone a lot older. I don't know why but for some reason I had this picture of Walter being a late in life child with two parents who were older and had trouble dealing with a teen in their middle age. Apparently that wasn't the case.

"Yeah," I reply slowly.

He shrugs.

"You're good at math. I know what you're thinking..."

"Uh...what am I thinking?" I ask raising my eyebrows.

"Well aren't you going to say she must have had me a little early?"

"Obviously she did. I guess I just had this conception that you were a late in life kid or something. I...forget it...I was just..."

"Mulder. It's ok. Shit what difference does it make if I tell you? You're my partner after all. It's your right to know these kinds of things now. Besides this is common family knowledge."

"If you think it's my business," I reply, pinning his eyes. He continues, more at ease and I have to think it is ok that he's relating this to me.

"Mom's never denied this, Fox. My mother was 18 years old when she married my father. He was 21. She was already pregnant. I came along before the wedding. So...I'm quite literally as well as figuratively in some people's eyes anyway - a bastard," he replies matter-of-factly.

"Oh," I answer. "Uh...well...I appreciate you telling me," I reply, flushing slightly. Yikes. I didn't expect that revelation.

"You're embarrassed. Don't be. I'm not. They were very much in love. It happened. And hey, I wouldn't be here if it hadn't," he smiles a little.

I smile back, "Well as Martha Stewart says 'It's a good thing,'" I wisecrack. Yeah, it's a damn good thing all the way around. And really...who cares. Walter's revelation isn't that important in the grand scheme of things.

He barks a laugh and reaching over, strokes my shoulder a little.

"One thing I have to say, Mulder. You have a way of changing the ridiculous into the sublime."

I laugh as well and we lapse into companionable silence for a few moments after we catch our breath. Walter suddenly yawns and I speak.

"You must be beat," I observe finally.

"I am. It's been emotionally exhausting. Uh...I hate to say this but...I have to get some sleep."

"Hey, no problem. Get some rest. We can sleep in."

"Thanks, babe. As much as I'd like to rock and roll I don't think I can manage it."

"Sleep then. I set the alarm for ten. Ok with you?"

"Yeah. Great."

"Ok." I smile.

Walter smiles back and moves closer. I lie flat and he lays his head on my chest.

"Comfortable?" he asks quietly.

"You?"

"Yeah."

"Night then," I whisper, kissing his bald head.

He huffs a laugh and kisses my chest lightly.

I stroke his fringe of hair as he falls asleep, the weight of his warm, comforting hand splayed out over my heart.

xXx

Sunday, July 4, 1999. 7:00 AM. The guest cottage. Judge's Point.

I peer at the clock radio through my eyelashes as Walter carefully shifts away from my side. It's 7 AM. I shut my eyes again and snuffle, still half asleep. I hear him pad quietly towards the bathroom. After a few moments the toilet flushes and I drift back to sleep.

The next thing I know my own bladder is insistently prodding me awake. I open my eyes again and stare at the clock face. 9 AM. We both should have drunk less soda last night. Ok. Well I can live with getting up a little early I guess. I feel rested at least. I roll over and find Walter lying flat, taking up most of the bed. I chuckle a little. He's really out, and snoring. I climb quietly off my side of the bed and head for the bathroom to relieve myself.

No morning erection allows me to piss immediately for a change. I yawn and scratch my ass as I pee. When I'm done I rearrange myself in my boxers and schlep over to the sink to wash my hands. Catching site of myself in the mirror makes me wrinkle my brow. Ugh. Well...I need a shave. I wash my hands and then, raising an eyebrow, pick up the small bottle of Listerine Walter has left sitting on the vanity. I uncap it, think about taking a swig right out of the bottle, think better of it, and grab for one of the little paper cups in the dispenser nearby. Sometimes where Walter and I swap saliva doesn't include things like bottles of mouthwash or shared toothbrushes in his mind.

After I pour the liquid into the cup and put the bottle down, I swish the minty Listerine around in my mouth, spit into the sink and come up smiling. Yeah. Morning mouth is not something I want to have right at the moment. I want to go in and wake my man with a little surprise, and bad breath is not going to fit into the picture at all.

Tossing the cup into the trash, I leave the bathroom and head back out to the bed. I carefully lift the bedding off Walter. He stirs a little, mumbling. I pause until he stills again. Then I climb in and move over close to my lover. His lips are parted as he snores. I bend over him and start to suckle on his lower lip.

"Mmmm..." he mumbles.

I start to kiss him, plunging my tongue right into his mouth, fast, and very deep.

"Mmph," he gasps, startled. Then I feel him smile as I start Frenching him in earnest. I smile as well both at his pleasure, and at the fact that I smelled mint on his breath before I even moved in for the coup de grace.

One large hand comes up and grabs the back of my head, pulling me close to deepen the kiss. His tongue wars with mine, his mouth works hungrily sucking and tasting me.

Walter arches up suddenly, flipping me over, and our lips part. I'm laughing as he thrusts my legs open with a knee and then drops his hips into the space between.

"Good morning," I gasp in pleasure as he rubs his cock over mine.

"Morning, lover," he smiles.

He strokes against me again and I moan.

"Strip," he orders and I comply fast, yanking down my briefs, wriggling against him as he does the same. Both of us are naked against each other as the underwear goes sailing off the bed onto the floor.

"Oh man, you are awake this morning," I marvel reaching between us to feel how hard he's gotten.

"It had something to do with the alarm," he grins, swooping in to nuzzle my neck.

"Alarm? Oh shit," I laugh. I reach over and hit the alarm off button on the clock radio. It wouldn't do to have some DJ interrupting our fun here.

Walter humps against me as I bring my arm back over. I grab his back and pull him close. We resume kissing as we gently slide our pre-cum slick cocks back and forth and then up and down over each other. I love feeling his weight on me like this. We break the kiss and look in each other's eyes.

"You feel so good," he murmurs, stroking my hair as our hips move together.

I place a finger on his lips and stroke them lightly.

"I...I can't tell you what this means to me. I...I want you inside me. Walter...make love to me," I reply simply.

He smiles and it's a thousand watt smile that makes my heart soar. He nods and moves off me for a moment to fumble with the night stand drawer. Astroglide in hand he returns to my side and lays the bottle on the pillow.

Then, still smiling he bends over me and begins to caress my body with both his hands and mouth with a tenderness I've only gotten a glimpse of before this moment in time.

He starts at my lips and progresses down my entire frame, gently arousing me with such loving attention that I'm torn between wanting to cry and shout for joy. In any event it's an incredible turn-on. By the time he's sucking and licking at my balls my panting sounds loud and harsh in the otherwise quiet room. When he takes my cock in his mouth I do cry out with a hoarse shout, arching my hips up towards his face.

"Oh. Oh. Oh," I almost sob as he works me up and down several times. Finally he releases me and studies his handiwork.

"Damn, that's fine," he states, smiling at my straining erection.

"God, Walter...you're making me crazy here," I chuckle.

He pushes on my knees signaling me to raise them up so he can prep me. He shoves a pillow under my butt and then moves back to kneel between my legs again. I tuck my knees up tight, exposing my anal area to him. He watches me, his eyes raking over my body with unrestrained longing, and then he replies as my cock bobs between us.

"Relax, babe. I'm gonna do you good," he growls, squeezing the lube out into his palm.

"Give it to me," I answer, prying my ass cheeks apart with my hands.

I'm looking up at him past my saluting cock. The blood is pulsing all over my groin I'm so hot. Christ. It feels great. I'm really hard. The head of my cock is deep red it's so engorged. Walter reaches forward and slicks me up a little. He strokes up and down again. I groan.

"Uh...oh man that feels fffantastic..." I stutter.

He gives me a wolfish grin and flicks the head of my cock with his thumb.

"Oh fuck...please..." I laugh. "I want your cock," I add, licking my lips and wriggling my ass invitingly.

He laughs and finally swabs a dollop of lube over my anus. He pushes a finger in, shoving the lube in with it, working it in deep very slowly.

"This ok?" he asks as he moves his finger in and out.

I know he's thinking of last time. He did hurt me when he first entered me then. That kind of thing really bothers him. I keep up my kegel exercises so I'm always tight, but if I get anxious and too excited the word tight is an understatement. I can cause myself some pain. I don't want that to happen this time. I breathe in and out calmly, concentrating on letting my muscles adjust to the intrusion.

"It's fine. Feels wonderful," I reply, smiling.

He continues his patient stretching of my rectum, working two fingers in. The third finger follows. I'm rocking slightly, watching his face as he concentrates on working three fingers past the internal muscle. He massages my balls with his other hand and then watches my face for the reaction.

"Oh Jesus. Oh...." I moan, arching my neck back and my hips up. I plant my hands on the mattress for better traction and pump my hips in time with his fingers fucking me.

"Ok?" he asks again.

"Yes," I answer quickly, nodding and biting my lower lip.

I bear down on his hand to show just how good it really feels. He moves all three fingers in and out, grabbing the Astroglide with the hand he did have on my balls, and squirting a little more on his fingers as he draws them out. He tosses the bottle down and then plunges his fingers back into my ass. I gasp as he strokes more lube into me. I'm making small moaning sounds now and practically trying to take his whole hand inside.

"Oh yeah, babe. Move your ass. I love it. Do it," he purrs as I bear down again.

"Walter...Jesus...come on....put that big cock in...fuck me...please..." I beg shamelessly.

He chuckles again. The guy has great control. I got a look at his dick. It's monumentally swollen. He's more than ready to get it on. But my lover has terrific restraint at times. He's really enjoying the fact that he's got me so far gone I can hardly stand it another minute. And you know what? It's a blast.

Walter takes his finger out of my ass and rocks back, exposing his hard-on. He wipes his hands off on the sheet, takes the Astroglide up again, and squirts a liberal amount into his hand. I bend my head down to watch him slick himself up. He does it slowly, watching me as he does, teasing me as he moves his strong, thick fingers over his erection. Finally he wipes his hands off on the sheets one last time.

When he moves back over me, I push forward at the same time he takes one of my hips with one hand and places his cock flush with my anus with the other. We move together, Walter guiding the head of his cock into me. As soon as he passes the entrance, he lets go and takes my other hip, pushing into me. I slide my ass forward, seeking to take him in as quickly as possible.

"Yeah....yeah," I pant, craning my neck to watch his slick, hard cock entering me.

"See it?" he smiles, gritting his teeth in pleasure.

I nod, sucking air in hard and he grunts as my internal muscles ripple over his cock. I lift my legs and hold the back of my thighs as he pushes further up my ass.

"Ohhhh!" I moan as he breaches the ring of muscle inside. "Uhhh....gggood," I cry out again because the feeling is such a terrific rush. It's like an arc of electricity pulses from my rectum right up my throbbing cock. When Walter's flush with my nuts I wrap my legs around his waist and both of us start to thrust together immediately, grunting hard. This is gonna be a fast, hard fuck and I'm whining in ecstasy with each pump of both our hips.

"Babe! Oh...Ohhhh," Walter moans, working his hips against me with quick, frantic stabs.

I grab hold of him and pull him as close to me as possible. I want to feel every bit of his sweating skin against mine if I can. I lock my feet behind him and he plunges in really deep, dragging my hips up off the pillow, and then working his muscular arms up to support my lower back. My cock is mashed between us and with two more strokes of Walter's tight stomach muscles the friction is enough to send me over the top.

I arch up, yelling incoherently, shaking violently as my cum spurts out in milky tendrils between us. Walter holds me tight to him, pumping into me twice more and then he throws his head back and moans low in his throat. I feel his balls twitch against me as he climaxes as well, thrusting erratically and grimacing in pleasure. His cum is warm as some of it backflows out my ass.

We rock together a few more times and then still as we savor the last part of the ride, holding each other as close as we can.

"So good, so good," he pants, as I gasp.

"Mmmmm," I reply, unable to really speak, whispering against his chest.

He lowers us down carefully onto our sides and we lie face to face, breathing hard, my legs still high up around his waist. We stroke each other for as long as we can and then I feel Walter reach down and guide himself out of me. He shifts so I can move my legs down and pull my pinned leg out from under him. We don't move from facing each other however, and Walter continues to gently caress my hip with a slightly shaking hand.

"I love you so much," I whisper as he studies my face.

Walter makes a small, rough sound in his throat and draws me into his arms. He nuzzles a spot below my ear, kissing me tenderly.

I rub his back as I feel his tears mix with the sweat on my face.

xXx

I come out of the shower at 11:00, to a ringing cell phone. It's mine. I dash to the night stand where I left it last night and grab it up. I toss my damp towel on the rumpled bed. Walter is standing in the patio doors, taking in the sunny day. He has on his BVDs and robe, mug of after shower coffee in his hand. He quickly shuts the curtains against my display of casual nakedness.

I sit down on the bed and hit the 'Send' button.

"Mulder," I bark into the phone.

"Mulder, it's me," Scully replies in her standard greeting.

"Hey," I reply, smiling. I glance at Walter and he nods and belts his robe tight. Then he starts to go out onto the patio. "Just a sec, Scully," I add quickly. I mute the phone for a moment.

"This isn't private. You...you don't have to leave," I assure Walter quietly. He nods again and re-locks the patio door, closing the curtains again as well.

I depress the 'Mute' button.

"Sorry, Scully. Walter was saying something to me," I alibi.

"Say hello to him for me," she replies. I can hear the smile in her voice. I get a queasy feeling in my stomach.

Walter moves over to the coffeemaker and starts refilling the mug he's carrying. I turn to him and give him Scully's greeting.

"Batwoman says to tell you hello."

"Ah. Tell her happy Fourth of July," Walter replies, saluting her with his refilled coffee mug. He does smile. I guess that's a positive sign.

"He says happy Fourth of July," I relay into the cell phone.

"Lord, I hope so," Scully sighs.

"Problems already?" I ask with sympathy. Oh brother, that's right. With everything that was going on here I almost forgot about Byers making an appearance at her mother's today. Yikes. I guess we can compare notes about a lot of stuff that went on this weekend I think dismally. Oh joy.

"Well, Byers got here a little while ago and Bill already jumped to the conclusion that he's here to see me. So far Mom hasn't had time to break the big news and I'm about to scream. Otherwise we're fine. You?" she chuckles in self-deprecation.

I chuckle as well.

"Believe me, I sympathize. Things were rather rocky here as well. But, we're doing ok now. I think we've ironed out most of the problems. Uh...we'll tell you all about it when we get back," I reply, watching as Walter listens intently.

"Did his mother accept you?" Scully asks quietly.

"Yeah, I think that's going to be the case. Everyone is just kind of struggling with what to say...you know...it's awkward. Too many politically incorrect landmines."

"I'll hope it all works out. It sounds like it will," she replies more lightly.

"Yeah, I think it will too."

"May I talk to Walter?" she asks suddenly, almost shyly.

"Oh. Uh...sure. Hang on," I murmur. I mute the phone again.

"She wants to talk to you," I tell him, extending the phone.

He raises an eyebrow and for a moment I think he isn't going to take the phone. But then he puts his coffee cup down on the bookcase, walks over and takes the phone from my hand. He pushes the 'Mute' button.

"Hi," he rumbles into it. He listens for a moment then nods.

"Thanks...I appreciate it," he mumbles. He listens quietly as Scully talks for a few moments, and then he chuckles.

I do notice his face soften as he speaks to her. There's a look in his eyes that doesn't just say 'this is my friend at the other end of the line'. I have to think Walter cares for Scully. I'd even say he loves her. Maybe we just all need to talk and he'll see that he does when we discuss it together. I hope so. At any rate, he looks as though he's glad to be talking to Scully right now.

"Well...yeah...I guess we can compare notes. Sure," he continues. Scully must be speaking again because he listens some more.

"I'd like that. Uh...we can get together soon. Ok," he replies again. "What? Oh... 'your' mother thinks I'm with 'my' mother? Yeah...well that's true, essentially. Oh, definitely...give my regards to Margaret too. Tell her I'll be bringing her a recipe for clam chowder when I get back....hmm? Oh, great. Ok. Right."

He listens for a second and then his face looks strained.

"Uh..." his begins, and then his voice trails off for a second or two.

I watch him hesitate, swallow hard and then speak quietly into the phone.

"I love you too," he replies at last. His voice does sound sincere I have to admit but I cringe and my heart sinks. I had a feeling she'd say it. I can't blame Walter for the reply. What else could he do? She asked to talk to him and I told her he was here so there was no chance at an excuse that he wasn't around. Damn. Walter glances at me and the look in his eyes is one of resignation mixed with guilt. I look down.

"Ok, here's the Boy Wonder," he finally finishes, lifting the phone up under my nose. I take it back and take a second to compose myself before I speak into it again.

"So, you all set then?" I ask trying to keep my voice upbeat.

"As much as I can be. I'll cross my fingers for you if you'll do it for me."

"Crossed for sure," I reply, smiling.

"Thanks. Mulder...is...is Walter all right? He sounds subdued. I mean I know this must be a strain..."

"No, he's fine. Just tired...uh...active early morning," I waggle my eyebrows a little even though she can't see me do it.

She laughs on the other end of the line.

"Save some for me, Robin. We don't want Batman to be too worn out."

"Will do," I answer, trying not to sound like I'm choking on a chicken bone.

"Ok...love you, Mulder. Take care," she replies.

"I love you too, Scully. We'll see you on Wednesday morning."

The click on the other end of the line heralds that she's gone. I toggle the 'Power' button and turn the phone off, then I toss it onto the night stand.

"I'm sorry," I tell Walter immediately.

Walter shrugs and then he sits down next to me on the bed.

"Mulder...I do care for her," he murmurs. "There was no way around not telling her I love her just then. That kind of thing is going to be unavoidable until we all sit down and hash this out. So...let's try not to worry about it for now. And...I don't know...maybe I do love her in a way."

"Like a friend, a sister?" I ask quietly.

"Maybe. I'm still not sure. I think...well when we can talk about it I'm hoping Scully can help me figure it out. I...I'm going to take your advice and believe we can figure it out. I want this to all work out for the best as much as you do," he replies, running his hand over my back.

I nod. "I can't help thinking how lucky I am," I mumble.

"I think we all are," Walter replies.

We stare at each other for a few seconds and then he moves forward and kisses me on the lips. I open my mouth and allow in his tongue. Our mouths play over each other. Warmth floods over me again and pools right in my groin. I moan a little and Walter releases my lips.

"It's two hours until 1 PM," he whispers, nuzzling my ear.

"Christ. You wanna go again?" I reply, chuckling half in disbelief.

"Do you?"

"Uh...Can you?" I ask, giggling slightly.

"I'll manage," he purrs into my ear.

"Oh God," I gasp as he moves his hand forward over my cock. He strokes me, teasing at first and then taking me around. He starts to fist me slowly. My cock starts to swell and lengthen under his fingers.

He shifts up off the bed and lowers himself down to kneel between my legs.

"Guh," I grunt as he bends forward and takes my cock in his mouth. I move back, placing my hands on the bed to brace my arms as Walter's mouth engulfs me. He starts to work me fast, his lips sliding up and down to get me completely hard.

I rock my hips, bucking in counterpoint to his bobbing head.

"S'good," I grunt. "Oh God, lover," I mumble.

Walter keeps one hand on my cock as he sucks me and reaches down with his other hand to liberate his cock from his underwear. He flips it out and toys with it as he continues his mouth work.

In short order I'm erect again and my hips are straining up against his face. He sucks down to the tip, releasing my cock for a few moments. He starts to pump his own dick more firmly, working to get himself up. I watch him lick his lips in concentration. My pre-cum glistens on them. He bends forward and takes my cock up again, flicking his tongue around the glans. He keeps that up, alternating with swallowing the whole thing and sucking just the head as well as tonguing underneath it.

"Shit...oh...Oh God!" I moan. I'm so close. Oh Christ this is so good.

Walter sucks me down again and I buck hard now, right to the back of his throat. He relaxes to let me thrust to get off and I do, crying out hoarsely as I come in his mouth. He swallows as I convulse, taking the fluid down, continuing to apply exquisite pressure as I stab my hips against his face. I jerk into him a few more times, and then collapse back onto the bed, laughing and sputtering. He releases my flaccid cock licking as he does to clean me up. I watch as he stands up over me, his huge erection standing straight out from his fly. He swallows and licks his lips off. Smiling at me, he plays with the end of his dick, smoothing the pre-cum over the glans.

"This is what you do for me, babe," he growls.

"Got you hard again fast?"

"Yeah," he replies, panting.

"And you call me Monster Boy," I reply, smiling in appreciation at what he's got between his legs.

He laughs and reaches into his briefs to massage his balls a little too. Then he switches back to his cock and gives it a few lazy pumps with just a couple of fingers.

"Oh, baby, do it," I smile up at him as he takes his cock completely in hand and starts to fist himself. He stands between my legs and I have a perfect view of this exquisite man pleasuring himself just for me. He braces his legs against my knees, plants his feet firmly and pumps himself fast, grunting and rocking his hips.

"Jesus, you're beautiful," I whisper, looking up into his eyes. He's panting hard now, and then I can see his orgasm overtake him and it's a marvelous sight.

Walter flushes and sweat breaks out all over his head, chest and neck. He groans and stretches his head back, his spine arching. He tenses up. The muscles in his arms twitch. His face and neck muscles go taut. Cum suddenly spurts out of his cock. There isn't as much and the stream isn't quite as forceful as it was in his first orgasm. Even so, some of his semen spurts onto my groin. The orgasm obviously feels great too. Walter grimaces in ecstasy.

"That's it. Oh yeah," I laugh.

"Fuck," he gasps, coming back to reality. He straightens and brings his head back down, opening his eyes to look at me again. I prop myself back up on my elbows. I tighten my knees against his legs to support him as he wavers a little.

"Good?" I smile at him.

"Oh yeah," he replies, his breath coming in gasps.

"It was good for me too," I grin. I take a little of his cum on my fingers and suck it into my mouth. Then I smile, scoot up further and take his cock in my hand. I lave it thoroughly and then lick his hand clean as well.

"Hungry?" he chuckles, huffing a little.

"I must need protein," I reply, smirking.

"You're not going to get enough out of that," he laughs.

"Good point. Maybe we'd better go rinse off, get dressed and get our asses up to the house to help fix that lunch."

"Good idea. Besides, if I don't get out of here...I'll be here all day," he rumbles.

"Oh I hear you there, lover. I hear you there," I smile wide as he laughs again.

xXx

Once we get outside, Walter and I discover it's another fantastic summer day. The temperature is a little lower than yesterday and it isn't as humid at all. Wonderful weather for eating outside and taking in fireworks later.

Walter locks the guest house door as I stand and watch him. We're both dressed with company coming in mind since John Dryden will be a guest this afternoon. I put on my second white shirt, my tie and sports jacket to go with my jeans and suede shoes. Walter looks good in jeans, a white shirt, tie, the brown sport coat and his Allen Edmonds shoes as well.

I know I've got a slightly dazed, languid look on my face. Being thoroughly fucked in the space of a couple of hours has made me practically forget my own name. Walter looks relaxed too but a lot more together. I have to make a note to ask him what kind of vitamins he's taking. I mean, God, the guy got it up twice for me, went at it hard and he still looks like he does when he's sitting in a meeting at the Hoover. The AD is calm, cool and collected. Except...he keeps smiling to himself every once in a while. My man is very pleased with his performance. Well he should be. He's made me a very happy camper.

As I watch him pat himself down, checking for his cell phone, ID, wallet and weapon I smile a little myself. I check my own weapon, lifting my jacket back to make sure my gun is seated properly in its holster on my belt. Yeah, this afternoon and tonight we're G-men. With the trip into town it's better to be official I guess. Lastly Walter makes his final check, adjusting that gun he carries between his thighs.

"Ready, sir?" I ask him, smirking.

"Yes, Agent Mulder. I believe I'm quite ready to face all comers," he replies, furrowing his brow.

Ah ha. So, this display has a little more meaning than just looking official maybe? More like a dominance display for his mother's suitor? I study him closely. No...his body language is in contradiction to that idea. He's in control but loose. I sense he's teasing. I know he realizes since we're going to drive into town it's more regulation to pack a weapon. That's got to be all there is to it.

"You're not going to give this guy a hard time for seeing your mother are you?" I ask just to be positive.

Walter guffaws, "I had you going didn't I?"

"Asshole," I chuckle. Walter pockets the guest house key and then moves in close to give me a quick kiss.

I smile but shake my head a little.

"I guess we're going to have to cool the PDA once we get back up to the main house. We don't want to scare the natives."

Walter nods a little.

"Yeah, it might be advisable. I'm not sure how much my mother has told him about the situation. But look...this guy's ok. I've talked to him at length more than once. He's what you might call a Bohemians type. He was doing the beatnik thing before they were even popular. So...don't stress yourself out if we slip up. I think the guy can handle it."

"If he's going to be part of the family eventually I guess he's going to have to know anyway," I muse in reply.

"Right. So, don't sweat it. Just be yourself," Walter replies.

"You sure about that, big man?" I smirk.

He gives a gruff laugh and cuffs the back of my head.

"If those other two kids up there can mind their Ps and Qs, I trust you can," he replies.

"So my honor's at stake?" I spar back.

"Your ass is at stake," he growls.

"Ooh. Maybe I like that idea," I tease.

"Yeah? Well if you want to find out you'd better toe the line, Agent."

"Yes sir," I reply, placing my fingers in the Vulcan greeting.

"That's Mr. Spock, Mulder. Not an Eagle Scout."

"How do you know Mr. Spock wasn't an Eagle Scout?" I reply wryly.

"If you wanna 'Live Long and Prosper' you'd better get your butt up to the house," Walter replies, shaking his head in amusement.

I laugh and concede the floor as Walter turns to head up to the front door.

xXx

As we pass the view of the private beach area, my attention is drawn to a strange rowboat with an outboard motor that's tied up at the dock.

"Walter...I think company's here already," I comment, gesturing with my head towards the boat.

Walter follows my line of sight.

"Looks like it. I wonder how the hell he managed to pilot that thing across with a broken arm?" he replies, raising an eyebrow.

"Must be a tough old guy," I reply.

"Yeah, well he is that," Walter nods.

We walk on up to the main house. The front door is unlocked so we walk in. Ben comes running towards us from the direction of the bedroom wing.

"Uncle Walter! Mulder!" he exclaims, running full tilt towards us. Walter braces himself and Ben piles into him, hugging him around the waist.

"Hey," Walter smiles, ruffling his hair. "Did you think we were going to sleep until noon?" he jokes.

"Yeah. No kidding. Mr. Dryden got here at 11 and he's going to help Nana with steaming soon. And guess what - Dad called! He's been on two fires already while we were gone," Ben informs us.

"He's been busy then. Did you tell him we're going to the fireworks?" Walter asks.

"Yeah. He said have a good time and to say hello to you," Ben replies.

Walter nods and smiles. I watch their interaction, not wanting to intrude and smile as well.

"Where is everyone?" Walter asks.

"They're out on the back porch. I came in to go to the bathroom," he replies. "Hey, Mr. Mulder," he repeats toward me.

"How's it goin', Ben? Ready to continue that Monopoly game?"

"Yeah. Mom said if there's time we can play after we eat. Nana and Mr. Dryden want to see who wins."

"Sounds great," I smile at him.

"Why don't we go say hello to Mr. Dryden then," Walter interjects, laying his arm across Ben's shoulders for a moment.

"Cool," Ben enthuses.

Walter pats him and takes his arm away. Ben trots off ahead of us and Walter and I walk side by side towards the back porch. I watch as Walter composes his face into the impassive expression he takes on at the Bureau. He still looks relaxed however and his step is that familiar saunter that I enjoy watching, especially from the rear.

As we approach, Ben runs ahead and announces we're here. Walter whispers to me.

"Never hurts to have advance warning I guess."

I suppress a laugh as we enter the screened in porch to find Sylvia, Roger, Esther and John Dryden seated at the picnic table snacking on cheese and crackers and fresh vegetables and dip. Ben rejoins them and takes a drink from one of the glasses of lemonade that sits there as well.

"Walter," Esther greets her son. She looks fresh and genuinely happy to see him. She also looks beautiful. Esther's dressed in a man's blue work-shirt over jeans today. Blue deck shoes grace her feet. But the clothes aren't what's making her look radiant. I'd say the reason for that's the guy with wavy gray hair in the red shirt, jeans and terrific electric blue cast complete with pin, sitting next to her at the picnic table. I didn't miss the look that was passing between them before she noticed Walter's entrance. Eyes sparkling would be an understatement. I smile as Walter walks forward. Esther gets up and comes over to him. Walter gives her a hug and busses her on the cheek.

"I'd say good morning but I guess I'd better say good afternoon," he smiles as he pulls back from her.

She laughs and pats his shoulder.

"Son...I slept until 10 myself. Don't worry about it. We needed our beauty sleep."

I laugh and so does Walter.

Esther turns to John Dryden.

"Walter, you remember John, don't you?"

"Yes, I do. How's the arm?" Walter asks, real concern in his voice as he steps forward.

Esther continues.

"And this is one of his agents, Fox Mulder."

"The arm hurts like hell but if I take the dope they gave me I don't feel a thing," he jokes in a New England accent. "Nice to see you again," he grins, standing to take Walter's hand. "Lucky I'm not a lefty," he adds as they shake. When they stop pressing the flesh he turns to me and I step forward.

"My pleasure," I reply, extending my hand. So, Esther hasn't clued him in about Walter and I. Well we'll have to see how this goes then. Walter doesn't seem taken aback about it. So, maybe he's willing to wait things out too. This is probably part of his new cooperation as well. He's going to give her some space to ease into talking to him about her son's relationship with me.

Dryden's handshake is firm. He's fit. I'd say about the same age as Esther. He's also a little taller than Walter and rail thin. I'm reminded of Henry Fonda a little. Dryden exhibits that same thin ranginess Fonda did when he played Abe Lincoln. The artist has a craggy lived-in face but extremely limpid intelligent blue eyes behind horn-rimmed glasses. We drop our hands and I step back to take a seat in one of the chairs near the table. Dryden sits back down and Walter remains standing.

"Pleased to meet you, Fox," Dryden replies.

"Mom, can we fish a while before lunch?" Ben asks as Roger takes a drink of his lemonade.

"I think that would be fine. But...would you mind throwing back what you catch. We still have some fish in the freezer."

"Oh, ok," Roger replies, putting his lemonade down.

"You guys catch any bluefish?" Dryden asks.

"No sir, we got a bunch of bass though," Roger replies.

"Come on over to my dock sometime if you like. I've got bluefish biting off there," he smiles at the boys.

"Oh cool. Can we, Mom?" Ben asks brightly.

"I don't see why not," Sylvia answers, smiling at Dryden.

"All right," Roger adds enthusiastically, getting up from his seat. Ben gets up too and they go outside to the small shed in the yard to get their fishing tackle. The adults watch them go down towards the dock. Esther sits back down at the picnic table and samples some fresh carrots.

I get up and sit down at the table and Walter takes a seat next to me. I pick up a broccoli head and dip it in the dill dip. Walter eats a cracker with some cheese on it. I munch on the veggie.

"John brought these plates," Sylvia informs us as we chew. Walter swallows and replies.

"Brought 'em. Didn't make 'em to be honest," Dryden adds. "Between Esther and a couple of the other ladies from the art's group I've got more food in my fridge than I will ever eat in a month. So, I thought sharin' would be the thing to do."

"You bring some of that Napoleon brandy for this evening?" Walter twitches a grin at the older man.

John wags his finger at Walter and chuckles.

"You remember that do you? That's good stuff."

"Oh?" I ask, raising my eyebrows.

"Yes. Uh...John was kind enough to bring that the night I was promoted to Assistant Director. It went down very smoothly as I recall."

"Smooth as silk," Dryden replies, nodding in confirmation. "And yes, I did bring a bottle."

"I choked on the stuff last time," Sylvia laughs. "But don't let that influence you. I was more into chug-a-lugging my alcoholic beverages back then."

Esther smiles at them indulgently.

"Well I did get out the snifters so all of you can indulge yourselves when we get back from the fireworks," Esther advises Dryden.

"Thank you, my dear," he grins at her.

There's that look again. Oh yeah, I'd say these two have something going on for sure. I wouldn't be surprised if Walter doesn't have a stepfather sometime in the near future. Dryden turns to me as Sylvia hands me a glass of lemonade she pours from the pitcher on the table. I take the glass and drink some of the liquid as John speaks to me.

"So, son. I take it you're a field agent?" he asks.

I swallow and then reply.

"Yes sir."

"Call me JD. Everyone does," he replies, resting his arm cast against his chest.

"Mulder," I reply. "Everyone calls me Mulder."

"Mulder and his partner are two of the best at what they do. One of the highest solve rates at the Bureau," Walter interjects.

"Esther tells me your partner's a woman," Dryden addresses me again with evident interest.

"Dana Scully. Yes. We've been together a little longer than 6 years," I reply.

"She's a doctor as well," Esther contributes.

"A pathologist," I reply.

"She must be a helluva asset in that case. That's excellent. I'm all for women's equality in the workplace. More damn power to 'em," Dryden nods, taking up his lemonade.

"I'm not sure how I'd get along without Scully," I reply quietly. "She's...well she's definitely a necessary part of the team that's for sure."

Esther glances at her watch.

"Oh...I'd better think about steaming some seafood here."

"Mother, let me help," Walter and Sylvia chorus almost at once.

Dryden laughs.

"Well, Esther, I guess you won't need this one winged old bird to pitch in with the kitchen duties."

"I guess not," she smiles at her children.

"Can I do something?" I ask, raising an eyebrow.

Dryden fixes me with a speculative look.

"You got any objection to crustaceans or mollusks?"

"No," I chuckle.

"Good. Then you can help me get the oysters and crabs. Kelly still have 'em?" he asks, turning towards Esther.

"He called earlier and volunteered to bring them across but if you two want to motor over there and pick them up that would be fine too."

"Motor over?" I ask nervously. Oh brother not another boat trip.

Walter chuckles.

"Mulder has a slight problem with seasickness," he replies.

"Ah. Well...we'll put you at the front of the skiff. That'll help. Come on, son, let's go get dinner," Dryden replies.

xXx

Dryden and I walk down to the dock. The guy's very spry for someone who just broke his arm. When we reach the boat I can't help but ask him if he needs help however.

"Are you sure you don't want me to pilot her?" I ask.

"You ever piloted a boat before?"

"Once or twice," I reply, wryly. Yeah, I sunk one once as a matter-of-fact, but I don't think he'd want to know that little factoid.

He cocks an eyebrow at me.

"I was going to ask if you come from this neck of the woods...but now I'm thinking New England. Is that right, son?" he queries.

"We used to live on Martha's Vineyard. Chilmark. Uh, we also had a summer house on Quonochontaug, Rhode Island, Why?" I ask with curiosity.

"Trace of the accent. Getting seasick must have been a hell of a note then," he chuckles.

I laugh too.

"Well, if you can handle the motor that's fine. I wouldn't mind the help, truth be told," he replies.

"No problem," I reply, smiling a little. Yeah, if I can concentrate on steering it might just take my mind off my stomach.

I help Dryden into the bow of the boat and then I cast us off and climb in behind him at the motor. We both pick up the life-jackets from the seats and put them on. It's a pull motor. I still can't figure out how this guy started the thing with one arm. But he must have managed it. I start it up and find out though that it's well maintained and only takes a couple of pulls. The motor is relatively quiet.

"The Kelly's place is across and downstream a little," Dryden starts to give directions.

"I know the location actually. Walter and I took his nephews over there yesterday to play with their friends," I reply. He cocks his head a little when I mention Walter's first name. I suppose I should have said AD Skinner or something similar. Oh well. Like Walter said. I can't sweat it.

"Ready?" I ask him as he seats himself more comfortably in the bow.

"Ayup," he answers, turning to look across the creek. "Take her as slow as you want. We're in no big rush," he adds, with a small smile in deference to my queasiness.

I throttle up the engine, and taking the tiller more firmly in hand, start us across the water towards the other shore.

We motor along in silence for a few minutes and then Dryden turns around and speaks up over the engine.

"These'll be good crabs and oysters. Fresh out of the Bay this morning. Kelly still catches 'em out there periodically. His dad was an old time Bay man."

"We used to dig for clams when I was a kid," I volunteer.

"Me too. Nothing beats eating those when you dig 'em up yourself," he replies.

"Definitely," I reply.

He studies me again for a moment. Scratches his chin a little and then speaks again.

"So, Walter invited you down here for the holiday?" he asks.

"Yes. Uh...I was just coming off a difficult case and he suggested I might like to come out here to relax a little. It was a nice gesture on his part," I reply diffidently.

"Your partner have family to go to then?" he asks, turning to study the shoreline as we slowly cross towards it.

"Right. I only have my mother left and she had other plans for the Fourth."

"That didn't include you," he comments, with understanding in his voice.

"Yeah," I reply.

"I know what you mean, son. I've got two kids. Son and daughter. They had other plans this holiday as well."

"You're..." I begin

"Widower. Eight years now."

"I'm sorry," I reply sympathetically.

He nods.

"Well my kids live in California and New Mexico respectively so it's no surprise they don't get out here," he chuckles a little. "They e-mail and such though. Call. They're not bad that way."

I nod.

"I understand you paint?" I continue, making further conversation.

"Watercolors. I've got stuff in galleries here and there. That's how I met Esther actually. We're both members of the art league in Reedsville. Her and her late husband used to spend a lot of time on the creek. She's been a member of that arts group for years."

"I see," I reply.

"I joined right around the time Walter was moving up the FBI ladder. She's mighty proud of him even though she doesn't let on sometimes. When he made Assistant Director she had him down to the house for a party," Dryden replies, reminiscing.

"The night you brought the brandy," I reply.

"Right," he replies.

"Walter's a good supervisor. Fair," I add.

"Good friend," Dryden comments.

"Scully? Yes," I reply, distracted for a moment by a seagull that swoops low in front of us.

"No, I mean Walter. I notice you call him Walter and not Mr. Skinner or Assistant Director Skinner."

"Oh. Well...yes. We're a little less formal with each other. Uh...he's been very supportive of my work at the Bureau. I guess we got a little more friendly for that reason," I reply, shrugging a little.

I'm getting a little uncomfortable letting this guy think Walter's still my boss. I'm really going to have to talk to my lover about the idea. He's being so forthright about being gay. I think it would be better if he got the whole reassignment thing out in the open soon as well.

"Ayup," Dryden answers neutrally. Then he turns and watches as we near Kelly's dock. A man is standing on it watching us as we approach as well.

"That's Dick Kelly. Esther must have called over after we left," Dryden theorizes.

I nod.

"Take her in easy, Mulder. You're doing real good with that motor, son. Just like an old hand," he adds, smiling back at me.

I smile as well and throttle back a little as we coast in.

It doesn't take us long to load up the plastic buckets full of oysters and crabs. They've already been paid for so we just settle them in the boat and then head back out across the creek at a nice leisurely pace. I'm at the tiller again.

Dryden explains that Walter, Esther and Sylvia will need to start the gas grill outside and set up the steaming kettles as well as make the couple of salads they want to have with the meal. Esther brews iced tea for the occasion as well.

"It sounds like a feast," I observe.

"It's why I just had coffee and toast for breakfast," he replies, grinning.

We're silent again for a few moments and then he speaks again.

"That case you were on...rough one you say?"

"Yes," I nod. Every case I've ever been on practically. It doesn't matter that the case I'm talking about was months ago. It's still true unfortunately.

"I expect someone died," he comments.

"Several 'someones' unfortunately," I reply quietly.

"Damn bad business. You're fighting the good fight though, son. Don't forget it. I told Walter the same thing. What you two do takes guts. I admire you both for doing it."

"Thanks," I reply, ducking my head at the compliment.

He nods.

"You mind if I ask you something a little personal?" he asks, watching my face carefully.

"You can ask," I reply, smiling a little at him.

"But you might not answer the question?" he queries, wryly.

I incline my head, affirming his statement.

"Ayup. Fair enough. I mean I do hardly know you. But...well...I have a vested interest in the answer, so would you indulge an old fart his curiosity?"

I twitch my lips in a small grin.

"Go for it," I reply.

He clears his throat a little and looks off over the creek.

"Does Esther know you and her son got a thing going on? I mean...you're a little more than friends right? Now before you jump out of the boat...let me hasten to reassure you...personally...it's of no matter to me. What you do in private..."

"JD?"

"Yes?" he asks, raising an eyebrow.

"You care for Esther a lot don't you?" I ask, turning the tables on him a little.

He gives me a wry look.

"I need to remember you interrogate suspects every day don't I, Agent Mulder?" he replies with good-natured understanding.

I chuckle.

"Ok...fair's fair. Yes...I care for Esther a lot. Uh...an old coot like me might not be much of a catch but if she has it in her mind not to throw me back I won't complain."

"So you're worried about her being hurt?" I ask carefully.

"Ayup," he replies nodding.

"She knows," I answer simply.

"Ah," he nods.

"Walter told his mother about us over Christmas. This trip...this was my introduction to the family really," I reply.

"Look son...I didn't want you to go on trying to play it straight so to speak, so I just asked right out. Letting you think I didn't know would have been awkward and embarrassing for us both. No, I knew the score. The reason I knew was because Sylvia let it slip just before you all came out. She asked me not to say anything until her mother told me. Her take on it was that Esther was going to mention it after you all left. Of course she didn't expect me to break my damn arm. I had told her I was going to Easton, Maryland, to visit my sister for the Fourth."

"So you wouldn't have been here?"

"Exactly. I guess I should find a moment to let on to Esther that I at least suspect. I don't want anyone to feel like they have to...well not be themselves around me," he replies.

"Well...I appreciate that, JD. Things are going fairly well this weekend. It'll take time but I'm really thankful and honored that she's invited me into her home and that she, Sylvia and her sons are working on accepting me," I reply.

"Sylvia's a gem. She likes ya, son. I can tell. So, that counted for a lot with me too. Her and those two boys...well let's just say I'd be proud to call them family too," Dryden replies.

I nod and we're silent for a moment. Now I know I have to talk to Walter about telling them all I've been reassigned. I feel like a heel over it and it'll bother me until we do say something about it.

"I expect it's awkward, you two being gay and working for the Bureau," Dryden muses, watching a heron fly off to the right of the boat.

"You'd be right in saying that for sure. We...we have to be very discreet," I affirm.

"Ayuh. I can be discreet as well. You don't have to worry. It's no one else's damn business if they ask. I wouldn't have given a rat's butt myself except...well like I said...I have a vested interest in Esther's well being."

"You gonna pop the question?"

"Thinkin' seriously about it," he smiles at me. "But I need to do a little formal courtin' first," he adds with a chuckle.

"Does Walter know?"

"He will before the day's out. I feel like I need to ask his permission to court his mother after all. He is the de facto head of the Skinner clan now. It wouldn't be proper to not ask him to pay court to Esther."

I laugh.

"Hey, I'll wish you the best of luck."

He laughs in return.

"Thank you, son. I heard Walter Skinner has a reputation for being a hard-ass. You think you can put a good word in for me?" he jokes.

"He's a son of a bitch on the job sometimes. He takes no prisoners, when an agent needs to be disciplined. Uh...he doesn't take our relationship into the Hoover building, though. But...outside work I do have a certain amount of influence over him. Yeah...I can probably put in a good word for you, JD," I grin at him.

"I appreciate it, Mulder. I owe you one, son," he replies, chuckling.

I throttle the engine down and prepare to bring the boat into the dock at Judge's Point.

xXx

The late lunch turns out to be utterly fantastic. All of us eat until we're stuffed full of oysters, crabs, pasta salad, Caesar salad, French bread and iced tea. We can barely fit in the dessert of ice cream but somehow manage. After we're done Walter, Sylvia, the boys and I clean up so that John Dryden can take Sylvia down for a walk along the private beach. The boys try to decide between Monopoly and kicking the soccer ball around. Finally, soccer wins out and they go outside. After they're gone, Walter and Sylvia and I go back out to the porch. I tell them what transpired in the boat - minus the bit about the courting for now. That's up to Dryden to divulge.

I relate the rest of the information however, including my opinion that JD took her down to the beach to let her know he suspects. Sylvia heaves a sigh of relief and apologizes for letting it slip. She was worried about it just because of the miscommunication. She assumed her mother had told Dryden until he showed up this morning and Esther said she had still put it off. She knew Dryden didn't care except for the impact on Esther's feelings. Walter is fine with the whole thing, accepting Slyvia's apology as well. He's just glad that's one more person he doesn't have to cover up in front of anymore.

Just as we get done talking, Ben comes in and asks if we can all play. Sylvia agrees immediately. I beg off pleading a full stomach and the fact that basketball is more my game. Walter excuses himself as well because he wants to finish putting away the gas grill and the pots we used to steam the seafood in. I volunteer to help him.

"Monopoly when Nana and Mr. Dryden get back though," Ben reminds us.

"Oh yeah. I haven't forgotten," I smile back at him.

Ben and Sylvia head off to join Roger on the flatter front yard and Walter and I leave the porch to attend to the grill.

"Well, Walter, you were right. That was some meal," I comment, rubbing my stomach. "I'm gonna need my run tomorrow for sure."

"No shit. It was good wasn't it? Esther says her mother used to say it's a sin to like your own cooking. Esther never proscribed to the old adage. Neither do I."

I laugh.

"So, what do we do with this grill?" I ask.

The grill turns out to still be a little too warm to really shut down so Walter washes the pots out in the kitchen instead and then leaves them to dry. We go back outside and sit on the back steps for a few minutes just relaxing in each other's company while we wait for the grill to cool down further.

"Oh, I almost forgot," Walter says suddenly.

"What?" I ask cocking my head at him.

"I need to get our contribution to tonight's fireworks," he replies, rising up off the steps.

"You've got fireworks?" I ask, enthused. Excellent. I used to love blowing off firecrackers and bottle rockets on the Fourth when Sam and I were kids. Of course my father would do most of the work but we really loved to watch.

"Just some low level stuff. Sparklers. Roman candles. Poppers. Nothing too explosive. Sylvia doesn't allow the boys to have anything really dangerous. But we have some stuff just for fun. We'll light a few before we go and then the rest when we get home," Walter replies with a grin.

"Walter...I never imagined you were a pyro," I laugh.

He chuckles as I follow him over to the shed. He opens it and takes out a bag from inside. Several boxes of sparklers stick out of the top.

"I'll put these on the back porch so we don't forget them," he advises, shutting the shed again.

"I bet the boys will remember."

"Yeah, you're probably right," he nods. "But what the heck. Just in case," he replies. We go back up onto the porch and place the fireworks on the picnic table. Then we go back out to check the grill. This time it's cool enough. We clean it up a little and shut it down.

"So, what now?" I ask. "Soccer?"

"Let's just hang out. I...I'd like to just spend some time with you," he replies almost shyly.

I smile.

"I'd like that too," I reply.

We walk down towards the beach, stopping just before we reach the sand. There's an old growth maple tree here, on the border of the lawn. It has a metal high-backed bench under it. Walter sits down and I sit down next to him. Walter crosses one leg over the other and leans back against the bench. He places his arms in back of his head and stretches.

"Feeling better?" I ask him carefully.

He breathes out easily, lowering his arms comfortably into his lap.

"Yeah. You?"

-END OF PART 25-
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