HOPE 2

By Jennie

Disclaimer: Not mine - more's the pity. *sigh*

Pairing: Mulder/Krycek and Mulder/Skinner implied - Skinner/Krycek later

Rating: P - PG so far

Archive: Yeahsureyoubetcha

Spoilers: Post series. No spoilers, per say - and, as always I'm deep in denial! Krycek is NOT dead. NONONONONO!!!

Notes: A shameless PWP, which has now become a series. Written for the Lyric Wheel –

Endings round. For Jose, Peach and Urs.

Website: Jennie's Place

Summary: Eh... well... AU, I guess. Somehow, Skinner and Krycek find their way into a relationship. Thanks to Mulder. <g>

Beta: ... the incomparable Josan.

HOPE 2

By Jennie

The invitation came out of the blue. Hell, I had no idea he/they they knew where I'd settled.

Or, rather, run to.

"You have to come!" Said the note.

"We miss you." He wrote.

"William misses you." Oh yeah, Mulder. Dig that knife in even deeper.

"I know you're not the religious type, but family (honorary uncles included) are obligated to attend." He said.

Bastard. Knows how to push my buttons, that man. He knows, damn him, knows how I feel about him.

I'd hate him if I didn't love him so much

Fuckfuckfuck!

***

Of course I went. How could I not? Couldn't believe William was growing so rapidly. The kid was *seven* years old.

Where had the years gone?

I crept into the church - at the very last minute, naturally. It took me several minutes to realize that I'd settled next to Skinner.

We didn't acknowledge each others' presence. Not overtly, anyway. After a quick glance, from the corners of our eyes, we fixed our attention on the ceremony taking place up front.

William's First Communion!

I'm getting old. Hair is shot through with grey. Aches and pains are the norm these days. Lines become more visible on my face. Old, I tell you, *old*.

The fact that Skinner is also showing signs of age doesn't comfort me at all. Nor does knowing that he's at least ten years older than I am.

Out in the parking lot, once mass had ended, we silently agreed to stick together. Removed from the crowd, we watched from the very edges of the gathering as congratulations were exchanged. Reluctantly, we even suffered our pictures to be taken. William and me. Skinner and William. Both of us with the whole Mulder clan.

When Mulder and Scully invited us to a celebratory gathering at their home, we hesitated. After exchanging a look, Skinner shrugged. "I'm in, if you're in, Krycek."

Still I hesitated.

"C'mon, guys," Mulder urged. "You two are part of the family, you know." Then he played his trump card, "William's feelings will be hurt if you don't show up."

Game, set, and match.

So we went. Ooohed and aaahed over the gifts presented. After cake had been consumed and all the kids went into the yard to play games, I found myself standing off to one side with Skinner. We stared, unobtrusively, at the proud parents.

"Hurts, doesn't it?" I said to Skinner, sotto voice.

He looked at me, pain visible in his eyes. "Yes," he admitted gruffly. "I always hoped..."

I nodded. "Never thought they'd end up together. "He's happy, though. Her too."

"The quintessential American family," he said with a sneer. "And we... shit, Krycek, we ended up alone."

"Yeah."

"You ran to the west coast," he accused.

"While you stayed... 'Uncle Walter'. What are you, some kind of masochist?"

"I guess I must be." With a wince and a shrug, he stared into my eyes. "Krycek... what say we head out? Get some coffee and - we need to talk. A lot was left unfinished between us."

"Yeah," I reluctantly agreed. "I guess we should - clear the air, talk."

Mulder, even Scully, objected to our leaving. I could see Skinner hesitating. "Come *on* Walter. Let's go. We have," I explained to the happy couple, "quite a bit to discuss. Wouldn't you say it's about time we made peace?"

They weren't happy, but they did nod. "Guess so," Mulder said.

"Don't forget to tell William goodbye - and congratulations," Scully instructed.

From somewhere deep inside of me, I dredged up a sarcastic grin and a salute. "Yes ma'am."

She snorted.

Skinner assiduously avoided meeting anyone's eyes.

Mulder smiled.

We did as directed. Damned if either of us would even consider disobeying her. Suicidal, we weren't. Duty done, we left together.

Imagine that!

END