From: X-Phan Date: Thu, 27 Nov 2003 15:15:52 -0800 (PST) Subject: New Story "Love and Circumstance" by X-Phan Source: direct TITLE: "LOVE AND CIRCUMSTANCE" BY: X-Phan E-MAIL ADDRESS: xphan1013@yahoo.com RATING: NC-17 CLASSIFICATION: SR, Story, Romance, TIMEFRAME/SPOILER WARNING: As always, set well before the last 2 seasons, during the "status quo" time before "the baby", Doggett, Mulder's abduction etc... but no serious spoilers. KEYWORDS: M/S/Sk SUMMARY: Fate throws three together and the unexpected happens. ARCHIVE INFO: Can be archived anywhere as long as my name, address and disclaimer stay intact. FEEDBACK: Please email me with any comments, reviews, constructive criticism, etc... DISCLAIMER: The X-Files and the characters of Mulder and Scully belong to Chris Carter, Ten Thirteen Productions and Fox Broadcasting, and are used without permission. No copyright infringement is intended, no profit will be gained. AUTHOR'S NOTE: I never thought I'd be writing one of these because I'd be the last person to deviate from the undeniable truth in MSR. That being said, here it is. ___________________________________________________________ The X-Files: "Love and Circumstance" by X-Phan ------------------------- I may not have gone where I intended to go, but I think I have ended up where I intended to be." -Douglas Adams ------------------------- FBI Headquarters 7:47 P.M. Scully stepped off the elevator into the parking garage of the Hoover Building. It had been a long day and, after staying late to finish up paperwork, she was ready for a nice relaxing bath and a good night's sleep. She had sent Mulder home earlier. He had reached the limit of his tolerance for boring work and become more of a distraction than help. The garage was mostly empty by this time so there were few other vehicles around. Scully was about thirty feet from her car her cell phone rang. She kept walking as she answered it. A computer-generated voice said, "Do not go near your car. It is armed with a bomb." She stopped. "Who is this?" "It has been decided the threat you pose is unacceptable. If you wish to live your only chance is to run from them." The line went dead. Scully looked around to check if the caller might be watching her but didn't see anyone. Scully was tempted to ignore the warning. However, she figured she better not risk it and turned back toward the elevators. Not three steps later her car exploded knocking her off her feet. A black Lincoln sedan started up at the other end of the garage and turned toward her. Scully dropped her briefcase and ran as fast as she could back the way she came. Not waiting for the occupants of the car to reach her, she bypassed the elevator. She used the stairs to get to the first floor, intent on alerting security. As she exited the stairwell and jogged down the hallway, the elevator dinged behind her. There wasn't time to hide. Her heart pounded as she whirled around and drew her gun, aiming chest high at the doors about to open. She squeezed the trigger of the familiar weapon so that just the slightest bit more pressure would fire her first shot. The doors parted and the man inside was quite surprised to see a gun pointed at him. "Agent Scully, if you're going to shoot me, may I ask why?" Skinner deadpanned. She breathed a deep sigh of relief and lowered her gun. "I'm sorry sir I thought you were one of them." "One of who?" "Whoever it was who just blew up my car and damn near me with it. They chased me back inside the building. I was going to alert security when the elevator opened." "I'll go with you." They started down the hall when Skinner stopped her. "On second though I should go alone. Certain parties have never had trouble getting access to the Hoover building. Stay in one of these rooms until I come get you." Scully grudgingly agreed they wouldn't be looking for him so she found an unlocked conference room and waited with her gun in hand. Skinner returned a few minutes later. "I didn't get very far before I saw a few too many people I didn't recognize walking around. Let's just get you out of here. I'm parked out by the front entrance. I'll signal you when the coast is clear." He checked the hallway again and waved to her. They made it to the door when the security guard stopped her. "Agent Scully, right? A few people came by here looking for you. They said it was important." "I ran into them in the hallway, thank you." She lied. "Okay, have a nice night." "You too." They made it to Skinner's Ford Explorer and left the parking lot. There didn't appear to be anyone following them for the moment. "Do you have any idea what they want with you?" Skinner asked. "I'm not sure, nothing comes to mind." "Well, did you two dig up something you shouldn't have?" "Maybe. A few days ago we came across some files from a laboratory in Georgia. We think they're related to some of the Consortium's experiments, but it's hardly evidence to bring down the conspiracy. Barely any names and nothing concrete we could use against them in a court of law." "You'd better figure it out before they try again. Where are we headed anyway?" "Mulder's I guess. Oh SHIT Mulder! If they tried to kill me tonight he may already be ... " "Calm down, Scully. Call him." For a foolish instant Skinner had imagined he was her protector, but chastised himself for forgetting even for a second that she already had one. Her heart was pounding again as she pulled out her phone and hit the speed dial. "Please be okay Mulder," she whispered. It rang three times before answering. "Hello?" a familiar voice answered. "Mulder! Thank goodness you're all right." "Hey Scully, why wouldn't I be?" "Someone blew up my car, but I'm fine. I got a call just before I reached it, telling me it was rigged with a bomb and that I'd better run or I'm dead. I don't have any idea who the caller was but after everything that happened tonight I'm inclined to believe him. I'm with Skinner, we're on our way to pick you up now, be ready when we get there." "Are you really okay Scully?" he asked. "Yeah, Mulder, it was a close one, but I'm fine for the moment. See you in twenty minutes." She hung up and turned to Skinner. "We'll figure out what to do once we get Mulder." He nodded. They drove mostly in silence contemplating what could warrant an execution order after everything that had already been done. At Mulder's apartment Scully showed Skinner where to wait. Mulder hopped in the truck a minute later and they were off again, driving to put distance between themselves and where They might think to look. Mulder asked, "Scully someone really tried to kill you? Do you know why?" "It looks that way, Mulder. Nothing unusual comes to mind, unless the information we found in Georgia is more important than we thought. It would have to be to order a hit. Who knows? Maybe they just wanted to pull back our leash." "I grabbed everything I could before you got here," he said as he patted his usual overnight bag and a large duffle. "I brought what I could carry of our files including what we found at the lab. We've been over it, there's nothing particularly interesting or incriminating compared to the standard unethical behavior of these people. You said somebody called you. Did you get a hint from him or recognize the voice?" "No it was electronically masked and all he said was there's a bomb and run or they'll get me," Scully sighed. "Not that I'm going to take a chance with your life, but They could have been behind the warning too and just want us to think They're serious about wanting you dead." "Maybe, but it seemed whoever was in the car that chased me, was annoyed when I turned around and walked away from the car. I'm reasonably sure they had it in mind to finish the job." "I'll call the Gunman and have them look into the hit and review their copies of the files from the lab in Georgia." Mulder said as he reached for his phone. "Wait," Skinner interrupted. "If they have Scully's number they can almost certainly trace all her phone calls and yours, too. You should get rid of those phones before you lead them to us." "He's right," Scully said. "We can stop later at a payphone." Mulder and Scully's cell phones went out the window into some bushes on the roadside. "You know I'm going to subtract those from your paychecks." Skinner smirked. They chuckled. "Sir, I didn't know you had a sense of humor," Mulder ribbed him. "Trust me, I've needed one to put up with your colorful antics for so long." Scully laughed. "He's got you there Mulder." They drove for a little while with Mulder going through some of the files Skinner looked over at Scully in the passenger seat. She seemed tired now that the adrenaline from her chase was long gone. He was just glad she was safe, at least for now. She caught him staring so he had to say something. "Are you sure you're all right?" he asked her. "I'm all right, just a little drained. Thanks again for everything. I wasn't looking forward to a shootout tonight," Scully yawned. "Well anyway, I think we've put enough distance between us and Them to be safe to stop for a minute. Could you drop us off somewhere where we could find transportation? We'll try to get far enough out of harm's way so we can figure out what to do." "You expect me to leave you somewhere? Go home, watch the game on TV? Have a good night's sleep while someone's trying to kill you two?" Skinner snorted. "Unlikely!" His vehemence surprised her a little. "Sir, I appreciate the risks you've already taken, but I can't ask you to put your life in further-" "Agent Scully," he stopped her. He had to choose his words very carefully to convey only appropriate concern. "As my Agents it's my responsibility to ensure the safety of both of you. As a human being, I can't stand by and do nothing if someone I know is in danger of being assassinated by men who hide in the shadows. I learned a great many things from my time in the service and maybe the most important is this: in matters of life and death, you never let a friend go in without backup." "You consider Mulder and me friends, sir?" "We've had our professional differences over the years, but I'd like to, yes." She was silent for a moment. "Thank you sir. I'm glad to have you watching our backs." She sounded sincere but it was clear to Skinner she didn't like accepting protection and was even more reluctant to admit she might need it. The tension was palatable and Skinner didn't want to contemplate her death any longer. He searched for a way to break the mood. Before he could talk himself out of it with thoughts about crossing boundaries, he did what Mulder would have done. "Besides," he said cheerfully. "I can recall a certain instance in an elevator where you were VERY grateful for my assistance and not afraid to express it." Scully met his grin quizzically until she remembered the kiss she planted on him for helping her find Mulder. She blushed a lovely shade of red then immediately turned back to stare at the road. She was shocked he remembered it and even more that he would tease her. She couldn't imagine the frequency with which he reminisced about that unforgettable elevator ride. "Huh, what are you guys talking about?" Mulder had been half listening while reading. "Nothing," she answered quickly. Had he been able to see her face he would have pursued the issue further. "I'm sorry Scully," Mulder said. "I'm sure this is somehow my fault. I haven't been able to find anything here that looks important. I'd be happy to give it all back in return for calling off the hit. They didn't mention a trade, I suppose?" "No." "Then I have to guess stealing a few files isn't the issue this time. Maybe... maybe they decided to get rid of us and be done with it once and for all." "The caller said something about it being decided 'the threat I pose is unacceptable'. They say that about everything. If it's true, it's almost a compliment." She tried to joke, "I really didn't think I was important enough to merit killing. I guess it means I'm doing something right." "I'm worried they mean it this time Scully." "Why her?" Skinner interjected. "I mean no offense to Scully, but like she said, it's you who's made it his goal in life to bring out the truth about the conspiracy and government cover-up." Mulder considered it a moment before answering. "It makes sense if you think about it. They know us better than we give them credit for. Going after her would take care of both of us. If they killed her we all know I'd go on a rampage hunting down those responsible, in all likelihood getting myself killed in the process. I wouldn't die a martyr, but a vigilante." "Don't say that Mulder," she pled. He continued, "However, if they killed me, I bet she would focus all that anger and righteousness and have the Consortium overthrown by the end of the month." "Hmmm, I think I can believe that." Skinner deadpanned. "Okay it's nice you both think I'm Wonder Woman but returning to the current problem of what to do now. What do we do now?" "Let's keep driving west," Mulder answered. "When Skinner gets tired, I'll take over and in the morning we'll find someplace to stop. We can eat, get some sleep, and then go from there. I don't think we'll be going back anytime soon, so it makes sense to put as many miles between us and Them as possible." The three of them rode in silence, with two picturing the other in star-spangled tights and a tiara and both finding it an apt characterization as well as a stimulating visual. Four hours later Skinner agreed to let Mulder take over for a while. Scully had fallen asleep before they'd gone a hundred miles. When they finally stopped early the next morning, the guys were tired from the driving and needed food only slightly more than sleep. They ate breakfast at roadside diner. While finishing their coffee Scully brought up the question of their next move. "We can't keep driving forever," she said. "So, any ideas?" "We're still not far enough from Washington, yet. I think we should start heading southwest," Mulder answered. "That doesn't help us resolve the situation. What will be the plan when we're out of immediate danger," Scully countered. "Given the situation, I see two potential scenarios," Mulder offered. "One, we somehow, get them to call off the hit. Or two, we get you out of the country and safely hidden." Truthfully I doubt the first option is possible. To do that, even if it were, would require something big. I'm sure the price would be too high. I'm not about to let you become their slave, a test subject or worse. That's no way to live. I don't even want to get close enough to any of them to discuss it, because that's also close enough for them to take a shot at you. If They really want you dead we may have to face moving you out of the country." "How can I just give in to them like that? Mulder this is my home. What about my family, our work?" "I know, but this is your life. A job isn't worth it. Given the choice between making up a story for your mother about why you have to disappear and me having to tell her that you're dead, I'll choose the first one any day. She wanted to argue but had a hard time refuting his logic. Skinner chose that point to interject, "I'm afraid I agree Scully. Unless we get new information, we have to proceed under the assumption that your only choice is to disappear. Hopefully it won't need to be permanent." "It's still my life and it's up to me," Scully growled. "I have to think about it some more while we're on the road. Now for a more immediate problem, I don't have any clothes or other supplies I'll need to play fugitive." "That we can take care of as soon as we find a Wal-Mart," Mulder interjected "I brought all the cash I had in my apartment so we'll be okay for a while. If you don't mind driving so Skinner and I can get in a nap, we can stop for supplies this afternoon and find a motel later tonight. First I'm going to find a pay phone to call the guys, let them know what's going on and see what they can do to help." "We'll wait for you in the truck," she said as they got up. The waitress pointed Mulder to the back and he dialed the Gunmen's number. "Hello?" "Hey Byers it's me, shut off the tape. This is important." "Done, what is it?" "They tried to kill Scully last night. It was a hit, a bomb blew up her car." "We heard something about the Hoover building on the scanner. That was Scully's car? Is she all right?" Byers quickly asked. "Yeah, she's with me and we're on the road putting some distance between us and Them. I need you to do a few things for me." "Of course, anything." "It's possible it has something to do with the files we just gave you. I doubt there's anything there to merit the hit, but double check for me." "Sure" "Now, do you remember the contingency plan we discussed if the shit was ever to hit the fan?" "I do." "I think it's time to use it. There has been a new development, though. Regarding the first part, I'm going to need the same for Walter Skinner. Use your judgment on the details. I'm sorry it'll be a rush, but that can't be helped. Also activate the account and begin making transfers from my estate." "What's the timetable?" "A few days. I don't dare take her near an airport so it's looking like evacuation option three will be the safest. Find something on the southern coast leaving as soon as we get there and book two sets of two tickets. When I know where we'll be, I'll tell you where to send everything." "Okay, we'll get on those things immediately." "Thanks, and tell the other guys the same." "Will do, good luck." Mulder hung up and joined Skinner and Scully so they could begin another day of driving. It was early afternoon when Scully traded places with a rested Skinner. After her six hours of driving, she was ready for her nap. Skinner had been glancing at the rear view mirror and watched as a car blew by them on the empty two-lane highway. "I think we might have trouble." He said to warn his passengers. "What is it?" Mulder asked. "A black sedan just passed us. Take a look back. There's another one following." The lead car went ahead some distance then stopped, turning sideways to block both lanes. Skinner slowed down a bit. "Don't stop," said Mulder. "If they box us in we're finished." "I don't intend to. Hold on and get down, both of you. We're going to see if the optional push bar for the bumper is worth the price I paid at the dealership." Skinner slowed down until he was fifty feet from the car in front. Four men in suits were getting out of it. When the car behind slowed as well, Skinner stomped the gas pedal to the floor. The men drew their guns but ended up diving out of the way as the Explorer smashed into the rear quarter of their car, spinning it around. The truck's bumper may have been dented but the front end was intact. "Yep, worth the price," Skinner grinned. As they sped away, Mulder looked back. "You did some damage. That car won't be following us, but the other one still is." "The odds are a lot better now though," said Skinner. "Mulder, the back window opens. If they start shooting, by all means, shoot back." "I'm a better shot, I'll climb back there and help him," Scully told Skinner. "No! Don't give them an easy target, stay down!" He grabbed and held the latch on her seatbelt so she couldn't get out of it." "They're gaining," Mulder yelled from the back. In no time, the car was on top of them, trying to pull even. As Skinner was weaving back and forth to keep them behind, they heard the sound of bullets hitting the truck. "Keep moving! They're trying to shoot out the tires." Mulder returned fire, attempting to do the same. All he hit was the front end and hood, unable to get a clear shot. When they started aiming at the tailgate he was hiding behind, Mulder gave up and emptied the rest of his clip into the windshield of the trailing car. It lost control and smashed into the guardrail. Mulder crawled back into his seat. "Are you okay?" Scully asked him. "I'm fine. I guess I hit something," he smiled thinly. "Good work," Skinner commended. "Good driving," Mulder replied. "Take an exit. It's time to find a new road, one heading south." Skinner did as he was instructed. "Any ideas how they found us?" asked Scully. Skinner spoke up. "I should have thought of it sooner. The truck. If they'll put a bomb in your car, why wouldn't they have tracking devices in all our cars?" "Makes sense," Mulder agreed. "We'll have to change vehicles. The bullet holes would draw needless attention anyway." "I hate to get rid of it, but you're right." At the first car rental place they found, Mulder rented another SUV, a Chevy Suburban this time, using one of his aliases. They emptied the Explorer, pulled the plates off of it, and left it in a parking lot with the window open and keys on the driver's seat. Once they were a few towns away, Mulder voted to stop for dinner. Over some greasy fast food burgers they discussed their supply situation. "As soon as we're done eating we'll hit a department store and I'll get Scully everything she needs," Mulder said to Skinner. "Then you can go do the same for yourself since you're still dressed for work. I don't want to leave her alone at any time." "I can shop for myself," she warned. "I'm getting tired of the macho, protect-me-from-the-world bullshit and stop talking about me like I'm not here." "Scully, we're not trying to protect you from the world, just a few bad guys who are concertedly trying to kill you. We've seen that they are very good at what they do in the past. I don't want your face showing up on any security cameras. This isn't a time to let pride override good judgment." "You're out voted Scully, no cameras," Skinner agreed. "But you don't know what I need. I don't have any toiletries..." "So make a list. I'll buy all the embarrassing, female products you want, underwear and clothes too." "Fine," she growled at his unfair use of reason. She wrote down everything she could think of on a napkin. "What about sizes?" "Trust me, you're in good hands. I know a lot of amusing trivia about Dana Scully. Clothing sizes are the least interesting." They got directions to the nearest mall. As Mulder got out of the truck he tossed back, "So Scully, as far as panties ... thong, G-string, or is it up to me?" She glared at Mulder. Skinner smirked so she glared at him too. They sat in the parking lot for almost an hour until Mulder returned. He had bought shirts, jeans, sneakers, underwear, her requested toiletries, and everything else on list as well as a duffle bag to carry it all and a baseball cap to cover up her red hair. Mulder gave Skinner a handful of cash to get his things. He had wanted to refuse, but wasn't carrying enough of his own money. Of course they could never again use their credit cards or ATMs. "I'll pay you back," said Skinner. "You've already contributed plenty to the 'keeping Scully alive fund', so forget about it unless you want me to write you a check for your truck." Skinner nodded in acceptance and left to go shopping. "Thank you for getting all this Mulder. I don't mean to bark at you, but ... " "Feeling helpless hits a nerve, I know. I just want to keep you safe so much, I can't help being paranoid and over protective. I can't lose you. I was telling the truth when I said I couldn't go on if something happened to you." "Mulder, I'm scared." "Me too, Scully." He tugged on her wrist, pulling her into the back seat and his arms. They hadn't had a good hug in far too long. She relaxed into his embrace and ignored the voice warning her against getting comfortable in his lap. Neither minded that they hadn't moved from that position half an hour later. Scully's leg had gone to sleep so she shifted to stretch it. Thinking she was getting up, Mulder kissed her lightly on the forehead. She looked up at him and they stared at each other for a moment before his lips found hers. The kissed bypassed sweet and loving and went on to hungry almost instantly. The make-out session was soon interrupted by a knock on the back door. They were grateful for the tined windows on the truck that kept them from being caught. With a grin Scully scrambled back up to the front seat. No mentions of 'bad timing' or 'against protocol' were made. Scully opened the door for Skinner to load his bags into the truck after which they were ready to hit the road again. That night they found a small motel, got a couple of adjoining rooms, and enjoyed long awaited showers before a night's sleep. Mulder called for an update from the Gunmen early the next morning. When the other two were up, he filled them in on the details. "I know for sure where we're headed now," Mulder said. "I thought you seemed to have a plan in mind," Skinner commented. "I did, I was just waiting for the specifics. We're going to Miami, Florida. It's a little farther east than I would have liked which means backtracking and lost time, but the plus side can't be argued with." "What's in Miami?" Scully asked. "A cruise ship whose list of destinations includes the Cayman Islands. That's were we'll be disembarking. Waiting for us at the main post office in Miami Beach will be a package with tickets for the two of you and me and my wife, who by the way, will be missing the trip due to illness. Also in the care package from the boys will be three full sets of new fake identities and more cash. Skinner's won't be the same quality as ours, but good enough." "So that's it then," she said. "We're just going to run... flee the country and hide out?" "I'm afraid it's the only choice. The guys also checked out the stolen files from the Georgia lab and agree with me that there's nothing there to trade for your life. This time They don't want us simply kept quite; they want us stopped for good." Scully didn't reply; she just sat down on Mulder's bed. "The guys also volunteered to take care of something for you. Your mother's house and phone are certainly being monitored, but if you wanted to write a letter to her and mail it to them, the guys promised to make sure she gets it. They mentioned following her to the store and dropping it in her grocery bag or something. Take some time Scully. The ship leaves in two days and Miami is only a little over a day's drive from here so we're not in a rush." She nodded. "I have to think about this." Breakfast was quiet that morning as the men gave her some space and time to come to grips with the fact that she'd be leaving behind the only life she knew. On the road that afternoon, she was in the back composing her letter. With a sigh Scully signed it, folded it up, and stuck her head up front to give it to Mulder, who was driving. "I explained everything to her as best I could and warned her not to tell anyone. I promised I had the best protection I could imagine, that I hoped she would understand, and how much I'll miss her," Scully sighed resolutely. "I'll mail it when I pick up the package." He told her. "Thanks. Thank you both for giving me what I needed today. Mulder... you know Mulder. And sir, I can't tell you how much I appreciate what you've done for me these past couple of days. What you're willing to sacrifice for me ... I know I don't deserve it." "Please call me Walter, and you do deserve it. Keeping you safe is worth any price Agent Scully." "Dana," she replied. "If you want me to call you Walter, you have to call me Dana." "All right Dana, I'll try." She put a hand on each of their shoulders and they covered hers with their own. Later that day, a second attempt was made while they stopped for gas. Scully and Skinner were coming out of the gas station with snacks and drinks while Mulder filled the tank. Out of the corner of his eye he noticed a car with dark windows slowly driving past. In slow motion he saw the back window roll down and the muzzle of a rifle emerge. "GUN," he screamed. Skinner didn't see it or even look around. He just launched himself at Scully who was walking in front of him. As he tackled her, two shots were fired. He covered her body with his, while Mulder was returning fire. Mulder saw the window shatter and the rifle fall back into the car as it sped away with tires screeching. When he turned around, Skinner was still on top of Scully. Skinner's heart was pounding. She wasn't moving. He eased himself off her. "Scully, Dana, please be okay." He carefully turned her over expecting to find a bleeding hole in her chest, but there was none. "Thank goodness," he whispered, pulling her into his arms. "Are you all right?" She blinked and coughed. "Knocked the wind outta me. I'm fine." "I'm sorry." "S'okay." Mulder rushed over. "Scully!" Skinner let her go, but not before she looked into his eyes. Mulder put an arm around her and she turned to him. He hugged her tightly and brushed her cheek, just needing to touch her. "I wasn't hit," she looked back to Skinner, "but you were." "What?" Skinner said. She pointed to his arm. His shirt was ripped and there was a little blood. "Oh." "It's just a graze, but I'll have to take a look at it." "I don't even feel it." They helped her stand up and collected what they'd dropped on the ground. "We have to get out of here. They found us again." Mulder stated grimly. The three of them returned to the rental truck and tore out of the gas station. "We haven't gotten rid of all the bugs yet." Scully said from the back seat. "I wish we had some of the Gunmen's equipment with us. It has to be in something we had on us prior to the explosion, clothes, wallets, anything." She set to tearing through her bag, pulling out all the things Mulder hadn't purchased at the store. She checked the lining of her pants and suit jacket. "Do we even know what to look for?" Skinner asked. "Anything suspicious, out of place, it has to a metal device of some sort." She got around to her underwear. "Shit shit shit." "What?" They both asked. "One of the underwires of my bra looks different than the other." She tore it out. "I bet this is an antenna. There's something on the end." "So throw it out the window." Mulder suggested. "No, I have a better idea. Stop the car over there." They pulled over and Scully jumped out. She ran to a storm drain and threw the wire down. Getting back in the car she said, "That can't be the only one. We have to get rid of everything except what we just bought. There could be things sewn into jackets, pants, shoes, wallets, anything." Scully quickly made a pile of her old clothes and stuffed them into one of the shopping bags. She emptied her wallet and kept her ID, pictures, and some cards. The rest was unimportant and went into the bag. She took care of Mulder's wallet while he drove. Skinner did his own. Skinner helped her put his clothes into another bag, so just Mulder was left. "My arm's alright to drive while Mulder searches his things," Skinner offered. "Fine switch places, but I'm going to take a look at it as soon as we can find a first aid kit. Walter, stop at the first pharmacy you see." After pulling over for a minute, Mulder climbed in back while Skinner took over driving. "You're going to be harder, Mulder. You don't have any new clothes. Strip. Let me inspect your t-shirt and underwear so you can keep those, but the rest has to go. You'll have to borrow a pair of his jeans until you can buy some of your own." He pulled off his shirt and pants and leered at her. "Don't inspect too close or you might find more than you're looking for." He teased her throughout the procedure. "Oh yeah Scully, right there, can we do bug check everyday?" The files, his toothbrush, razor, spare gun, and clips were separated from his overnight bag to keep. Skinner stopped for directions and found a pharmacy. "Throw a jacket on to cover your arm and get the first aid kit. Is there anything else we need?" Scully asked. "I don't have any shoes," Mulder noted. "What's your shoe size, maybe I can find you some sandals in there for now," suggested Skinner. "It's twelve, thanks." Skinner went in while Scully drove around back and found a dumpster. She tossed in the two plastic clothes bags and Mulder's travel bag. Skinner returned with the medical supplies and temporary footwear. Mulder again took over at the wheel while Scully cleaned and dressed Skinner's minor flesh wound. Once finished Scully spoke up. "I hope we are finally rid of all the bugs, but there remains the possibility they can track us, specifically me, another way." "How?" Skinner asked. "The chip in my neck." "Don't even say it Scully," Mulder warned. "That's not what it's for." "Calm down Mulder. I know I need it to live and would not risk removing it. I just wanted to raise the possibility in case they find us again. I'm not about to do their work for them. I'll take my chances in a shootout first." "If they could use that they wouldn't need to bug you're underwear," Mulder reasoned. "That's my hope. We'll just have to operate under that assumption until we get evidence to the contrary." Scully was worried they were running out of lives. They could only survive so many close calls with assassins before their luck ran out. As the saying goes: the future is now. She had to figure out what that meant for herself and her companions. Mulder stayed off the main roads for the next few hours until stopping for dinner. After they ate, Scully said she was ready to rest somewhere for the night. Mulder found what looked to be a decent place. After they pulled into the parking lot, Scully got out and went to the front desk. When she returned she told them to get their things out of the truck and follow her. The men were led into a motel room. "You only got one room, Scully?" Mulder asked. "Uh huh." She walked toward the king-size bed. "It's fine. There's plenty of room on the floor," said Skinner. "No one's sleeping on the floor," She answered as she started stripping off her clothes. By the time the shirt went, Skinner turned his back to the show. Mulder was rooted to the spot where he was standing and couldn't have looked away had there been a gun to his head. Scully turned down the large bed and continued undressing. With her back to them, she finally discarded her underwear and slipped into bed. She pulled the light sheet up over her breasts and rolled to her side to face them. "Walter, you can turn around. Please." He glanced in her direction then back to the wall before moving toward the door. "I'll ... I'll sleep in the truck." "Walter, stop," Scully ordered. He did, briefly remembering when he gave the orders. "This pretense has gone on long enough. This has been coming for a while." "I shouldn't be here," Skinner said half to himself. "Perhaps before, but things have changed. I finally realized today, after you saved my life yet again, what the truth is and what the answer is." He didn't respond. "How's your arm?" "It's fine. It was nothing." "Maybe, but it doesn't change the fact that you would gladly lay down you life for mine in a heartbeat. After you threw yourself over me to shield me from the gunfire, I saw it in your eyes." "Of course, you're my responsibility as well as my friend." "Please, Walter I think we're a little beyond rank and protocol even if we are still FBI agents. You did it for the same reason Mulder would. I don't mean just friendship, though that is there, too. Please look at me." He slowly turned to face her trying not to notice she was clearly naked under the sheet. "I don't belong here," Skinner said to reassure himself he wasn't dreaming. He suddenly noticed Mulder was still silently looking on. "I won't lie to you. If things had been different, Mulder and I would likely be together, but don't take that to mean you're here on a whim, because that's not the truth. Circumstances have changed; the three of us are here now. You said it yourself, you won't walk away as long as I'm in danger. If it's going to be the three of us against the world, then that's what it's going to be. Not two and one, the three of us. You both care about me and you both want me. I care about both of you and want you just as much. I know Mulder can accept this because what we mean to each other will never change. Don't tell me the Assistant Director, formerly in charge of the X-Files division, is afraid of the unconventional." She smirked at the men watching her and gave them the Scully-eyebrow. "Besides it's not like I'm asking you two to make out or anything." She laughed as they both winced. "You each take a side with me in the middle." They all just stared at each other for a minute before Mulder broke the silence. "Hell, if it's what she wants I can live with it. Look, we're civilized men. If we stay out of each others way, make sure our eyes never meet, and watch what we grab a hold of, everything will be fine." He paused, thinking for a moment. "They're not going to stop looking for us. It's time to live every day to the fullest. Do what you want, but I, for one am not going to turn her down. I've waited too damn long." With his speech finished Mulder walked over to the other side of the bed while stripping his own clothes off. Skinner eyed the door thinking perhaps, if it was a little Closer, he could escape the discomfort he was so unused to feeling. "It has to be this way Walter, please." She reached out to him with her hand and pleaded with her eyes. He was lost. That settled it. If he couldn't say no to her in this absurd situation, he was hopelessly in love. It didn't help that by then, Mulder had gotten into bed behind her and his fondling caused the sheet to fall below her breasts. For better or worse, he just wasn't a strong enough man to make that lonely walk out to the truck. Skinner sat down on the bed to take off his shoes. "I must be out of my mind," he said shaking his head. She chuckled between kisses from Mulder and replied, "Then you're in good company." Even Skinner had to smirk at the undeniable truth in that. When he was undressed Scully pulled back the sheet in invitation. Mulder released her mouth so she could turn her attention to welcoming their former boss into bed. That idea had sounded worse than it actually was to Mulder. When she had looked at him and said nothing could change their bond, he believed it completely. It made jealously a non-issue. Skinner genuinely loved Scully, almost as much he did. His earlier actions had proven it once again. If that was good enough for his partner, it was good enough for him. The instant she opened her mouth to him, all other thoughts flew from Walter Skinner's mind save how good it was to finally taste her. It fulfilled a deeply buried fantasy he dared not allow himself to dwell on for the sake of his sanity. She didn't belong to him and yet his fingers where in her hair and his lips were pressed against hers. It didn't seem possible. He slowly and reverently explored every inch of her mouth before moving on to cover her face in kisses. In case he never got another chance, Skinner was going to make it his mission to show this incredible woman exactly how much love and lust she inspired in those around her. Scully, for her part, hadn't had nearly the confidence in the beginning of this that she hoped she outwardly displayed to her companions. She had never slept with two men in the same month, never mind at the same time. It had taken quite the leap of faith to be the instigator. Logically it would have to be her, though that hadn't really entered into her decision. Discovering Skinner loved her was less and less of a shock the more she thought about it, just like it had been with Mulder. When added up it was the little things that gave it away. Sometime after Skinner saved her life and before she got the one motel room Scully made up her mind. This is what she wanted, to feel the two men she realized she cared most about in the world against her, holding her, making love to her. If she died tomorrow never knowing what that felt like when the opportunity was right in front of her, it would be such a waste. That's what finally pushed her to overcome her fear and take a leap. The reality was miles beyond her imagination. Scully wasn't prepared for the physicality of having two men, much larger than herself, pressing into her from both sides, trapping her between them. She was the sole object of their desire and she shuddered in delight at the thought her body was going to be used to satisfy both of them. Scully was being bombarded by the simultaneous attacks on her senses. There were hands everywhere, exploring, teasing and lips on her neck, her breasts, and her face. She couldn't keep track of who was doing what, but she knew it felt fantastic. While Skinner occupied her top half, Mulder slid down her back licking and sucking on soft skin as he went. He nipped at her sexy round ass and ran his hand up the inside of her thigh to cup her sex. Scully was clearly enjoying all the attention because Mulder found her hot and moist already. She moaned into Skinner's mouth as Mulder alternated between dipping his fingers into her and using them to rub her clit. Scully wasn't passive either, the hand that wasn't clutching a large chest against her was griping an impressively erect cock. She was about to find out neither of her lovers were below average in that area. At just about the same moment the men decided it was time to switch positions. Mulder moved up and pushed her onto her back to once again kiss Scully's now swollen lips. Skinner headed south and situated himself between her legs. Resting her thighs on his shoulders, he opened her up to his gaze. Spreading her nether lips with calloused fingers he dove in, tasting and teasing only for a moment before concentrating on where she wanted his tongue the most. She was highly stimulated already and it was no time before she came to her first shuddering orgasm with most of her left breast in her partner's mouth and even more unlikely, her boss's head working diligently between her thighs. When Scully had taken a few deep breaths, she was finally able to look objectively at the subtle differences in the technique of the two men. Skinner's slightly rough and hungry attentions were born of long denied desire as well as fear she still may change her mind. Mulder's gentle reverent attitude relayed his confidence that she belonged to him and his belief that they were consummating an inevitable union that that transcended their bodies. He might say their connection existed on some higher plane. Tonight there was no doubt they soon would be connected in the most physically real way possible. Remembering she had the ability to speak, Scully finally did. "Wow that was amazing. I'll never have to worry about lack of foreplay, but now I think it's getting to be time for the main event. I want to have you inside me, both of you, NOW. Mulder, I need you to go find something to use as lubrication for my ass." She received a couple of surprised looks. "What? You didn't think I was going to make you guys take turns did you? That would be unfair and just mean." A couple of sets of eyebrows crept even higher making Scully smile in the satisfaction of shocking them, not an easy task for the instigator of a threesome with her partner and supervisor. Mulder hurriedly went searching and returned with a small bottle of hand lotion from the bathroom. "How about this?" "That'll do. Get to it. You're in charge of that area." "From now on, or just for tonight?" he teased. "That will depend on how good a job you do." She pulled Skinner up to lie next to her and they kissed while Mulder applied a generous amount of the lubricant. She couldn't help squirming a little on Mulder's exploring finger. He put some more on his cock and got behind Scully. "I'm ready, Mulder. You go first, then Walter." He chuckled in her ear. "Hey Scully, ever image you'd be saying those words in this particular context?" "Not in my wildest dreams." "You really don't watch enough porn then, because I know I can say- " "Mulder, shut up and put your dick up my ass." "Yes ma'am." He pushed in a little at a time while Skinner held her. Both Mulder and Scully moaned as he pulled her hips tightly against his. "You okay?" he asked her. "Oh yeah. Now you," she said to Skinner. Skinner guided his erection to her front entrance and after rubbing it against her clit, slid slowly into her. "Oh wow," she whined. "How do you feel? I'm not hurting you am I?" Skinner asked. "No, it's good. I feel stuffed like a Thanksgiving turkey, but it's a good feeling. I've never actually attempted double penetration before, so you two might have to go easy at first." "I'm impressed you know the correct term," supplied Mulder. "We'll take it slow." Skinner assured her with a kiss. They took a moment to run their hands over her body and adjust their position on the bed so that she was securely squeezed between them. "It looks like we have ourselves a Scully sandwich," Mulder whispered into her neck between nips and kisses. "And boy does the creamy filling taste good." Her laughter filled their ears and encouraged them to start Moving. They gently rocker her back and forth between them. Her muscles relaxed quickly under the gentle motion. Scully threw a leg over Skinner's hip to open herself up more. The men couldn't help feeling each other's thrusts through such a thin barrier inside her. Working together to make love to a woman was a male bonding activity neither had previously considered. It was a unique and interesting experience for both of them. "More," she urged them. They soon found a rhythm where they could hold her still and drive into her at the same time. She liked it, if the encouraging noises she made were any indication. "Shit Scully," Mulder groaned. "You feel so good, I can't last much longer. Come for us." "I'm almost there." They were getting harder and faster with each thrust. Skinner had wanted to be careful, but she was so hot and so little between them, it was becoming difficult to maintain restraint. "Come on, crush me," Scully moaned. Both men took that as a sign to stop trying to hold back and gave her what she requested. Scully was loosing her mind. It was so much. It was like being smothered, being drowned in hunger, need, and pleasure. She reveled in the delicious feeling of being consumed by them. She was theirs and it was right, the way it should be. With that last thought, she screamed and climaxed with a blinding flash of light behind her eyes. Her body shook and her muscles squeezed them tighter, if that was possible. With a groan Mulder gave in next and exploded into her. Skinner gritted his teeth and tried to hold on longer, but it was too much for him as well. He drove all the way in and came. Cradled in the afterglow as well as the protective arms of her lovers, Dana Scully couldn't remember a time when she had last felt so cherished. It filled her with a sense of peace she once feared she would never find. She wanted to stay, forever, between these two men that loved her beyond all reason. One was her soul mate and the other ... well to be truthful she hadn't figured out exactly what he was just yet. He was someone important, someone she didn't want to give up. Once they had calmed down, Mulder withdrew from her and went to the bathroom to clean up. He returned with a warm washcloth that he used to reverently do the same for her. Mulder handed it to Skinner to use and climbed back in bed behind Scully, pulling the sheet over them. She turned to lie on her back after giving each of them a goodnight kiss. "That was amazing," she said. They murmured in agreement. "You two can congratulate yourselves on a job well and truly done. I may never walk upright or sit down again, but I don't give a rat's ass as long as I get the same every night until the end of my days," she chuckled then yawned. "I'm glad I took a chance." Scully soon drifted off to sleep. With just the men left in the land of the living, Mulder couldn't help but rib Skinner a little. "I have to agree with her assessment sir. For someone your age, you did a fine job of screwing the daylights out of my partner." "Shut up Mulder," he replied without animosity. They each slept with an arm covering her, one across her chest and one over her stomach, keeping their treasure safe throughout the night. Mulder awoke the next morning to the sound of a shower starting. The first pleasant surprise of the day was finding Scully still in his arms. He decided to kiss her awake. She seemed to appreciate the sentiment it as much as he did. "Morning beautiful." "Mmmmm." "It seems Skinner's giving us some time alone." He nodded in the direction of the bathroom. "Have any suggestions on how we might make use of it?" He kissed her again. "I do, just tell me one thing first. Are you upset that it isn't just us here?" "Well, I can't say I seriously entertained the idea of the three of us before, but I also can't fault the man for loving you. After he saved you yesterday, not only did he get my seal of approval for Scully protection, I think it became pretty clear his worry wasn't just friendly concern. Even I, your insanely jealous partner, couldn't have been so cruel to send him outside to sleep alone, knowing what we were doing in here. A man, even one as tough as he is, can only take so much. Yeah, this may be a little weird, but come on, this is us. Weird is par for the course. To answer your original question, no. I can't seem to find it in me to be upset or disappointed. I have you now. To be honest, since I know you love me, it's a bit of a turn on to watch you with another guy." "Thank you, and I do love you." "I'm overjoyed to finally hear you say it. I love you too." She pulled him over on top of her. They wasted no time, necking and groping with abandon. Scully reached between them and guided Mulder's erection into her body. Their coupling was passionate and hungry and didn't need to last long to satisfy them both. He moaned her name as he came inside her. She scratched his back as she followed him. With one last kiss, he rolled off. "The shower's off, I think he's waiting for us to finish," Mulder whispered. He got up. "My turn for the bathroom." He was in a teasing mood and winked at Scully. The door opened and Skinner returned wearing a towel. As a naked Mulder walked by him, he stopped to slap Skinner on the back. "Your turn sir, I got her all warmed up and ready for ya." Scully laughed uproariously at Skinner's embarrassment. When Mulder closed the door behind him and got herself under control. "I'm sorry about that. You know Mulder. He wasn't lying though." She threw the sheet back. "I know you just got cleaned up, but if you're not put off by sloppy seconds, I'd like it if you wanted to come over here and get dirty again." "Dana, I don't expect you to treat me the same, nor do I want to you to feel some obligation to share yourself equally between us. Last night was more than I -" "Walter you're doing it again. You're assuming feelings I don't have. I wouldn't offer something I didn't want to give. In fact, I think it's a good idea we each have some time alone. I know it's been your job for a long time, but try not to decide for me what you think is in my best interest. We're not in the Hoover building anymore. If I want to sleep with my partner and ex-boss there isn't a damn thing you can do about it." She grinned at him. "I'll try but ... I don't want to see you hurt anymore than I want to be hurt." He stepped cautiously toward the bed. "I know. I don't want to hurt you. I care about you, even more than I thought I did." She held out her hand. He took it in his, letting her pull him down on the bed. "Make love to me." He covered her with his body. "I don't think I could ever say no to you." "Is that so bad?" "For better or worse I can't help it, but it's a little frightening." "I can only try my best to be worthy of your faith in me." "You are," he said as he kissed her. "But it still seems wrong that a little thing like you has so much power over us." "What?" She feigned shock. "Was that a sexist comment from my superior? Hand me the phone, I'm filing a complaint." "Remember, I'm your EX-boss. You know, after all these years it felt pretty good to let go and speak my mind. While I'm at it, I'll also ask you to start wearing shorter skirts that show off those great legs. Come to think of it, seeing a little more cleavage wouldn't hurt either." "You chauvinist brute, I'm scandalized." "Oh, I'm about to do a lot worse than that." A few minutes later, finished with his shower, Mulder opened the bathroom door. They were still busy and he smiled to himself at the sight his old boss and partner made. The sheet was long gone and Skinner was pumping enthusiastically between her outstretched legs. The spectacle was ten times better than Mulder's raunchiest porno flick. The man dwarfed her to such an extent she almost disappeared under him. Had her face not been visible, it might have looked a little like child abuse. Mulder took a seat in a nearby chair to watch. Scully was loudly expressing how close she was to orgasm. A minute later she shrieked and arched against him, then went limp. "Come for me," Scully whispered to Skinner, and just like that he did. Skinner finally noticed Mulder sitting nearby with a tent in his towel. "Enjoy the show?" Skinner asked him. "Immensely. I was wondering whether or not I should clap. What do you think Scully, was that worthy of applause?" "Oh yeah." She agreed. "You just be careful not to over exert yourself there, Skin Man, we wouldn't want you to have a heart attack on us." Skinner growled the equivalent of a 'shut up Mulder' and began getting dressed. "I guess it's my turn for the shower," Scully said. "I sure do need it. Let's see if I can walk." She stood up, if a bit gingerly, and ambled toward the bathroom. Mulder slid a hand over the small of her back. "How are you feeling?" he asked. "Let me put it this way. It's been awhile for me, so it's the best possible kind of hurt," she said, closing the door on them. In the bathroom she adjusted the hot water and moved under the spray. She felt it all right. The effect of so much sex would be a souvenir for some time. Thinking about it, another delicious shiver went through Scully. Despite noble claims to the contrary, those two healthy, virile men would want sex with her every night now that she had opened the can of worms. After being reminded last night and again this morning what she had been missing for so many years, this was quite a pleasant obligation she had gotten herself. Outside there was some tension forming. Skinner was half expecting to be shot in the back if he took his eyes off Mulder. "The way your glancing over here tells me it time we had a talk," Mulder said. "I want to know how you feel about this. Because if the situations were reversed and I were you, I would be ... " "Plotting my untimely demise?" Mulder was smiling. "Hmmm, something like that. You mean to tell me you're not angry about watching ... what you just saw?" "That's what I'm telling you. Don't get me wrong. Before yesterday, if I had walked in on Scully with someone else it would be a different story. Let's just say she laid to rest my insecurities about my place in her life. Given that, I'm not going to try to decide for her who else she should care about. There isn't some competition between us for her affection, where one has to be the winner and one the loser." "That's a pretty enlightened view. You're a better man than me." "You don't give yourself enough credit. To tell you the truth, if I had to pick someone other than myself to take care of her, I can't think of anyone better. You love her and you would lay your life down for hers. That's all anyone can ask. Besides, you don't need my approval, just Scully's. We both know this isn't something she would take lightly." "No she wouldn't." "Don't take my teasing personally either. It's just the first time you don't have authority over me, so I can't help having some fun." "That I figured out on my own." "Look the bottom line is this, right now she's happy. I know I'm happy. If you're not, then you can tell her this won't happen again. I doubt she'll be pleased and you'll kick yourself for the rest of your life for passing on the opportunity to be with one of most amazing women you will ever meet." "It's a lot to think about. This all happened so fast. I agree with what you're saying, but at the same time I can't help feeling I'm setting myself up for a fall. I can't imagine I would have a chance against you, but if it's like you say and there doesn't have to be a competition between us ... I don't know." "Give it some thought while we're on the road." Hours later Skinner was still contemplating the morning's events as they passed the 'Welcome to Florida' sign. When they stopped to eat lunch that afternoon Mulder finally had a chance to buy clothes and shoes. The last two hundred miles of their journey went by quickly. They arrived in Miami early enough to find the post office to which the Lone Gunman had sent their package. He picked up a box addressed to his favorite alias and mailed Scully's letter at the same time. Over pizza that evening in a nice hotel room on the beach, they examined the passports and practiced their new names. Mulder called the Gunmen to thank them for all their help and Scully took the opportunity to do the same. "So what's the plan for tomorrow?" she asked Mulder. "We'll board the ship before noon. You keep your hat on and stick with Skinner. I'm going to hang back a bit and make sure no one is paying attention to you or follows you on board. We'll meet in your cabin and stay there until the ship leaves. Hopefully after that, we'll be okay to enjoy a few days of the cruise before we leave. I'm cautiously optimistic about pulling this off since we didn't see any black sedans today." "Once we get to the islands, what then?" said Scully. "There are plenty of places to choose from. We just pick one away from tourist traffic and rent us a place. You love the ocean. We'll get a house on the beach. The great thing about this particular set of islands is that its wealth comes from dubiously legal offshore banking. As long as you have money you can get by just fine without being hassled." "I know the guys sent us a bunch of cash, but what you're taking about sounds pretty expensive. We don't have that much left." "Did I forget to mention the account that will be waiting for us? Part of the original plan was for the boys to move around most of my money so I'd have access to it once I got where I was going. Let's just say the balance has more digits than your lovely little hands." He kissed her fingers for emphasis and grinned devilishly. "Wow, I guess you did have this thought through," Scully grinned. "I had some things in place for emergencies. This isn't how I had imagined the situation arising, but the goal I had in mind was always to keep you safe." "And fantasizing about the chance to play 'Blue Lagoon' with me on a remote tropical island had nothing to do with it, I'm sure." "Cross my heart and if I'm lying then may lightning strike down ... Skinner." "Hey!" Skinner complained. "That's what I thought," Scully replied. "You know, if colonization happened, we'd be a lot better off up north in the cold than down here." "But then you wouldn't have a good reason to run around naked." "Am I going to have to worry about my clothes mysteriously disappearing?" "I hear there are some pretty bad storms around those parts that tend to carry off women's clothing. I wouldn't worry. I'm sure you'll look fine in a sexy little loincloth." Mulder leered. "Tropical weather is unpredictable," Skinner helpfully supplied. Scully chuckled. "Alright, but if I'm going native, then so is everyone else." "Sounds fair," Mulder whispered before taking her face in his hands and kissing her deeply. When he came up for air, she pushed him back. "Hold on a second. I'm just as horny as you guys, but I have to tell you something first. It seems I over extended myself between last night and this morning and I need some time to recover. Therefore if nobody minds, we'll keep tonight limited to oral sex." "Scully, we don't have to do anything," Mulder began. "Don't start that! I wouldn't offer something if I didn't want to. Trust me, the spirit is willing. I can't wait to get used to constant sex. But until my body gets accustomed to the greatly increased attention, like I said, we'll alternate with other things." She silenced anymore protest by sticking her tongue down his throat. Skinner was still a few feet away from them. He hadn't come to any conclusions during the day. Making love to her had hardly strengthened his resolve to refuse it this time. When she bid him come over with a wiggling finger, he obeyed. Between them the men removed her clothes quickly and efficiently. Taking turns while divesting themselves of their own, Mulder and Skinner kissed her senseless. Mulder decided to take the lead in directing the proceedings. He lay back on the bed and pulled Scully's body over his head. She got the idea quickly, positioning herself over his mouth. While he was busy licking and sucking her clit, she brought Skinner's erection in line with her mouth. She gave him a few kisses before taking as much as she could in her mouth. She used her hand on the rest. Skinner alternately ran his fingers through her hair and slid them down to cup her breasts. "Dana!" Skinner warned her he was getting close. She sucked harder and swallowed everything when he grunted and spilled into her mouth. He was a little embarrassed he hadn't been able to last longer, but she was very good. Scully released him and turned around so she could lie across Mulder's body. He grabbed the globes of her ass and returned her to his mouth. She gave similar attention to his cock. When she started humming, Mulder wasn't sure if it was for his benefit or because of his efforts. He enjoyed it anyway. Eventually, his head start paid off as he brought her to a trembling orgasm first. Scully lost her focus only for a moment then resumed Mulder's pleasant torment. In no time she coaxed him to ejaculate into the back of her throat. "Wow, Scully! Shit! That was fantastic. Remind me never to ask where you learned that." "You'll just have to reap the benefits and wonder." Satisfied for the moment they climbed under the covered and repeated the sleeping arrangement of the previous night. It was Scully who woke up first, a little after dawn. She smiled at the newest discovery of the day. How had she ever forgotten about being poked by morning erections? Doing the math quickly in her head, she realized the obvious solution. Two cock for two hands; it must be fate. She wrapped a gentle fist around each of them and stroked them, waiting to see who woke up next. She didn't have long to wait. Mulder groped around in his sleep until he found a breast. He was thrusting into her hand as his eyes opened and met hers. "The way you two grind against me in your sleep," she whispered, "I'm going to wake up sticky many a morning." "You like the fact that there's no where to escape." "Mmmm Hmmm," she agreed and he kissed her. He let go of her breast and slid his hand down her stomach to run through her curly hair. By now Skinner was stirring. He growled in amusement at finding a hand stroking him. Turning toward her, he took over playing with her breasts. She kissed him good morning. Mulder used his fingers to spread apart Scully's lips and tease her opening. Moisture was forming to coat the pads of his fingers. He moved them back up to coax her clit out from under its hood. Trapping it between knuckles, Mulder rolled around the little bud. Scully's hips ground into his hand. She moaned into whoever's mouth she was kissing. Her grip on them became more forceful as the relaxing wake up call transitioned into a need for release. Mulder slid two fingers inside her and rubbed on her clit with the heel of his hand. Both of them pressed more of their bodies down on hers and the three worked in harmony toward each other's climax. Scully cried out as her body was wracked with pleasure. Then she watched, enraptured, as both men shuddered and sprayed their seed over her stomach. They rested in the warm afterglow, sated and at peace. "I think we have a new tradition," Mulder quipped. "A messy one, but a good one," Scully agreed. He handed her some tissues to clean up. After stretching she crawled to the end of the bed and got up. "I think the shower has room for two. Anyone interested?" The two men looked at her then each other. "That's what I thought. I suppose we'll have to settle this the old fashion way." "Bare-knuckle boxing?" Mulder guessed. "Rock, paper, scissors," she corrected. They nodded. "Ready?" Mulder asked. "One, two, three, shoot!" He stuck his flat hand out in the universal sign for paper. Skinner showed a closed fist. "Yesssss!" Mulder gloated. "Damn." "Sorry Walter, Mulder wins. It'll be your turn next time." He looked at Mulder. "You knew what I would pick didn't You?" "A ten second profile told me you're a 'rock' kind of guy." "Damn." Mulder bounced over to Scully and tossed her over his shoulder. She let out a little squeak as they disappeared into the bathroom. They took turns washing each other's hair before Scully's biggest fan had recovered and was making its presence known. "Don't be afraid little girl. He won't bite. He likes you," Mulder teased. That gave her an idea. "I think it would be all right for him to come inside and play." She turned her back on Mulder and got down on her hands and knees. "You're asking for it." "Looks that way." He needed no more encouragement to kneel behind her and guide his cock into her willing body. Outside, Skinner was still trying to figure out where all this was going. At least with Scully not around for a little while, he could get his mind off the incredible sex and think more clearly. He remained unsure of what he meant to her, of what his place in her life should be. He didn't like the thought bouncing around in his head that it might all be misplaced gratitude for saving her life. It occurred to him it might be better for all concerned if he packed up and was gone by the time they got out. In the end, he admitted he couldn't do it. The emerged and Skinner took his shower, albeit a much shorter one. The three of them were dressed and had time to eat before having to be at the dock for boarding. All three were relieved when Skinner's passport held up under inspection. Everything went off as planned and Scully and Skinner made it to their cabin. As promised, Mulder knocked on their door a while later with nothing to report. He had a deck of cards that kept them occupied until the cruise liner was at sea. Scully wanted to talk a walk and enjoy the ocean air. Mulder was pleasantly surprised that the ship was enough like a floating city instead of a rocking boat that he wasn't seasick. Eventually they stopped and leaned against the railing, looking out over the ocean for long minutes. Skinner broke the silence. "I know we haven't talked about this since the first night. I have to say I've never encountered a situation where this kind of thing becomes a permanent arrangement. I just, I can't help wanting to know where I stand." "Do you not like where you are?" she asked. "I don't know where I am. I can't shake the feeling that at some point you'll have to decide who you want to be with and ... " "You know what Walter, you're right. If it has to be done, I'll just choose between you two once and for all." This stunned both of them. "Of course I'd have to do it fairly." Rooting around in her pocket she retrieved a quarter, which she showed them. Looking up at the sun glinting off his shiny skull, she told him, "For no particular reason you get to be 'heads'." As she flipped it up into the air, three pairs of eyes following its path. Scully reached a hand out over the ocean and the quarter sailed right past. It hardly made a splash as it hit the water and disappeared. "Hmmm." She didn't seem shocked at not catching it. "Well if anyone wants to go after it, I'll still abide by its ruling." Mulder chuckled. "Looks like fate's against you there Skin Man. Or maybe for you." "More likely she missed it on purpose." "Do you really want to know? You seem desperate to hear bad news," Mulder quipped. "I'd take any news. I don't like not knowing," he answered. "You want to know where you stand?" Scully spoke up. "That's easy, on my left. I'd like you to be there, for as long you want to be. That's all I have to offer. It's up to you to decide if it's enough." They were silent for a moment before Scully left them to return to her room. "I know it's hard to accept." Mulder stated. "What? The fact that I find myself in some sort of relationship where I'm sharing a woman with another man? Why would that be hard to accept?" Sarcasm dripped from Skinner's words. "Nope, I was talking about the threat of happiness. It's a scary thing for someone so used to loneliness and martyrdom. Trust me, you're talking to an expert here. After a while, the thought of anything else becomes foreign, something to be avoided. Part of you wanted her to say it was just a fling and now it's over. Loving from a distance is a lot easier and less messy. It's a comfortable constant, unrequited love. How ironic is it that you're upset she's willing to accept your feelings for her and perhaps even return them?" "It's not that simple." "Isn't it? Would you want her if it was just the two of you?" "Yes." "Do you think she'll care for you any less because of me, that she has some finite amount of love bestow and she might not have enough left over for you? If you do, you're not giving her enough credit." "I know it's not like that, but I just don't know what to do." "How about some advice from someone other than me? The great Roman Emperor, Marcus Aurelius, once said, 'Accept the things to which fate binds you and love the people with whom fate brings you together, but do so with all your heart.' I can't sum it up better than that. Scully's made her position clear. Now it's up to you to decide if you accept the fact she refuses to choose you over me. If you feel like you have to forgive her first then you have a problem, because love isn't something to be sorry about and she isn't going to be. You will only be happy with us if you can love her and accept as much of her heart as you're offered and have it be enough. If not, then maybe you should let her go. One way you'd get to hold on to your dreams and fantasies. The other way you'd get to live something pretty close." Mulder patted him on the shoulder and left him with his thoughts and the sea for company. That evening Mulder was again looking out over the water when Skinner came up silently behind him. "Thinking about conking me on the head and dumping my body in the ocean?" Mulder teased. "That was the idea. Damned if there isn't a blunt object around when you need one." "Next time." "I've been doing some thinking." "Sounds dangerous, I wouldn't advise it." "Do you want to hear or not?" "I bet I can guess." "Oh yeah, what is your guess?" "I would wager it boils down to the fact that you decided to stick around for as long as she'll put up with you." Skinner was silent for a moment. "How did you know?" "What do you think my game plan has been for the last half dozen years? I'm still waiting for my shoes to be thrown out on the sidewalk, but it hasn't happened yet. Until then I'm going to count myself lucky each and every day. It's all we can do." "Am I that transparent, or is that the only logical conclusion for the perpetually lonely soul?" "It's something we probably have in common, feeling somehow separated from the world. When someone like her enters our respective bubbles, it's human nature to grab on with both hands so she'll never leave. For as long as she's ours, we'll protect her with our last breath. However, she needs to be loved too. She's lost so much, she deserves whatever happiness she can get or we can give to her." "I'll never understand what she sees in us. Maybe we owe it all to lack of competition over the years." "None of us will ever completely understand the female mind, so don't bother trying. I know exactly two things about women. One, we don't deserve 'em and never will. Two, that hasn't stopped the human race so far. It's all about being grateful we have them. As for the competition, I've given out a lot of dirty looks. When approached by potential suitors, my standard response to inquiries has been that she's in the middle of a messy divorce from her abusive ex-husband who gave her VD. So between that and her raging alcoholism, she really isn't ready to date just yet." "You WHAT? Are you serious?" Mulder grinned and turned to walk away. "Stick around Walter and maybe someday I'll tell you. Why don't we go find our angel so you can tell her the good news?" When she wasn't in her room, they tracked her to a buffet on a lower deck. She was piling up a plate as Mulder strode up behind her. "Hey there, beautiful." "Leave me alone. I'm married." She glanced back. "Oh it's you, thank goodness. The least you two can do is protect me from being hit on by every pathetic guy on board. It usually isn't this bad when you're around." "Sorry, it'll never happen again if I have anything to say about it." "You guys want something?" "I assumed that was for all three of us." Mulder teased her. "Hey, shut up. I'm hungry. I'm been burning calories a lot faster than usual lately." "Actually, give me your plate and I'll find us a table. Skinner needs to talk to you." Mulder gave them some space. "Dana," he put his hands on her shoulders, "I'm sorry if I've put pressure on you. That wasn't my intension. I've thought about all of this and have gotten some good advice from Mulder. As he would put it, it boils down to the fact that I do love you and I want to be with you for as long as you'll have me. This situation is pretty different for me. It will take some getting used to, but I want to make it work. You mean too much to me not to try." "I'm so happy that's how you feel. I never want to lose you. Now kiss me." He picked her up off the floor and did an excellent job of fulfilling her request before setting her back down. "I'm touched to hear you say you love me. I care about you more than I ever thought possible. When I say it back, I want to be one hundred percent sure in my heart. I don't think it will be very long, but until then, know that I'm glad and grateful to have you by my side." Mulder could see from where he sat things went well. He pondered briefly that for him to be rooting for Skinner there must be something special between the three of them. They soon joined him at the table. She held both their hands for a moment, perhaps in prayer. Afterwards, they ate dinner together, not as two work partners and their boss or even as a couple and their friend. They shared their meal as they from now on would share their lives, as three human beings inexorably bound together by love and circumstance. Two weeks later the three sat on the sandy beach in front of a small house. They were watching the last of the beautiful sunset, Scully in the middle as always. "A toast," announced Mulder. "To our whole world," he said of Scully. "May she continue to be brilliant guiding light in a stormy sea." Glass beer bottles clinked together. "I know what you're thinking," Mulder said to her. "We've somehow given up by leaving, by not standing our ground and fighting, but you're wrong. We will never let them beat us, even if we have to step back from the battle for a while. Dying a noble death is fine for Shakespeare, but staying alive to fight another day is usually the way to win in the end. The way I see it, what's most important in the world is right here, safe, until the day comes when we remind Them they'll never escape the truth." Done being poetic, he added, "Hey without us around to keep them on their toes, the old men will get complacent and won't even see it coming when we kick their asses. But for now ... we could be worse off." Scully smiled. He was right. She would accept it, even believe it, and wait for that day. She had her world right here with her as well. Until then, it was nice to see the sunset. Nicer still was the promise of the next. The End ___________________________________________________________ This is another that has been waiting to be done a while. It was a surprise to me I wanted to write it, but I think it's a justifiable possibility. It certainly turned out longer than I imagined. By all means tell me if you like it or don't and why. Send all comments to xphan1013@yahoo.com.