TITLE: Nocturne in Black and Gold 
NAME: frogdoggie
E-MAIL: frogdoggie@hotmail.com

CATEGORY: SRH

RATING: NC-17, and I mean it. This story contains SEXUAL SITUATIONS AND
LANGUAGE. It's not quite as graphic as some of my stories - a little
more romantic and sweet - but nevertheless erotic. So, if you don't like
graphic stuff - STOP NOW! Forewarned is forearmed.

SUMMARY: Walter Skinner finally meets the right woman, Kimberly Cook,
and takes a second trip down the aisle. But as in anything there are
issues. But never fear, there is a very happy ending. FEEDBACK - YES
PLEASE, AND THANK YOU SIR, CAN I HAVE ANOTHER? Comments, suggestions and
healthy debate are always welcome. Flames? I use them to roast weenies,
hamburgers and Italian sausages on the grill.

TIMESPAN/SPOILER WARNING.: Set after my three Skinner "music" stories.
See my web site at: http://www.squidge.org/3wstop to read those. This is
a direct sequel to "Fortissimo into Crescendo", the fourth part in what
is now a series. So you may want to read the other stories first.

Some brief references to Pusher and Piper Maru.

KEYWORDS: story romance Mulder Scully Skinner Kimberly Kim NC-17

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

Nocturne in Black and Gold
by frogdoggie 

The Present - a Thursday in June... 

"I thought you had to study this weekend?" Walter said, smiling into the
phone, "don't you have that exam on Monday?" 

"That's next Monday. Lord, I thought I told you that, Walter. I've just
got too much on my mind I guess. No, I don't need to study this weekend." 

"Oh, I'm sorry, Kim. I know. I'm just giving you the business. Of course
I'd love to come to dinner at your place. I think it would be great." 

"Well, that's ok - you never know though - I could have forgotten. I've
just got so much going on right now. Would you like lasagna Saturday? I
make a mean lasagna." 

"The meaner the better," Skinner replied with good humor. 

Walter S. Skinner nodded his head and kept smiling to himself. He was
terribly proud of Kim. She had gone back to school to study law and had
quit the Bureau just after he was admitted for treatment at Holy Respite
Psychiatric Center last year. He missed her efficiency as his Executive
Assistant but he certainly valued her as a companion a hell of a lot
more. And he was ecstatic that she was at last realizing her life long
dream to become a lawyer and public defender. 

He still marveled at the way events had turned out for the better for
them both. After his torture and breakdown at the hands of Marita
Covarrubias and Alex Krycek and his hospitalization, Walter Skinner had
thought he would never find anyone to share his life with again. 

Kimberly Cook, his executive assistant at the Bureau, at the time, had
begun to visit him every week at the hospital. At first, during the six
months of his recuperation, he had withdrawn into himself and remained
uncommunicative and sullenly uncooperative until treatment brought him
around. Kim visited him even during the period where he did little
except sit and stare out the window. When he regained his ability to
relate to people he began to relate to her in a big way. Over the six
months in the hospital he had become very fond of her and looked forward
to her visits with pleasure. 

Eventually he started to admit to himself that maybe, just maybe he was
falling in love with her. It was something he could hardly imagine
because he had been so recently wounded emotionally. His feelings on
love and romance went way beyond the old adage *once bitten, twice shy*.
But nevertheless he had feelings for her. Deep feelings he never
expected to experience again. 

It was also hard to believe he could love Kim because he had known her
for 5 years and in all that time he hadn't thought of her as anything
else other then an intelligent, efficient and loyal employee. 

It only became apparent to him later as he got to know her that Kimberly
Cook had been in love with him for years but never said a thing. He
could kick himself now for being so unobservant as not to have noticed
something that significant going on under his nose. 

So, upon his release from the hospital he had asked Kim to stop calling
him sir (which she had persisted in doing even though by that point she
wasn't working for him any longer), and start calling him Walter. She
had offered to drive him home to his apartment when she found out he
planned to just take a cab. They had stopped for coffee on the way to
his place. Their relationship had progressed from there. In the ensuing
months Walter had begun to care for her deeply and now he knew he loved
her as well. It was almost like love at first sight. A concept he had
never believed in but had to admit must be possible and might be an
explanation for why he went head over heels for her. 

"All right, it's a date then. Can you bring some wine? Any good red will
do," Kimberly asked. 

"My plans exactly. What time would you like me to come over?" 

"Oh, why don't you make it 4. You can help me throw the meal together." 

"Hey, that would be excellent!" Skinner enthused. 

"I thought you'd like that, knowing your way around a kitchen like you
do," Kimberly commented with a laugh. 

"Just call me..." 

"Julia Childe?" 

"Oh, that would be a picture wouldn't it..." Skinner started to chuckle. 

"Well, you do look good in an apron." 

"Yeah, but I can't do the accent." 

"Walter?" 

"Yeah, babe?" 

"I love you." 

"I love you too. I'll see you at 4 on Saturday then." 

"All right, bye." 

Skinner hung up the phone. He meant every word. He loved her with all
his heart and soul. In fact, he had plans for the weekend to show her
just how much he did love her. He thought about the ring waiting in the
safe back in his apartment in Crystal City. Walter Skinner was ready to
make a second plunge into matrimony. He was preparing to ask Kimberly
Cook to marry him on Saturday. 

He was as nervous as hell but he knew it was the right decision. He
hoped to hell she'd say yes. He thought she would. If she did he'd be
the happiest man alive. If she didn't he'd move on with a heavy heart
but he'd cope as best he could. 

Skinner picked up the phone and dialed his executive assistant's extension. 

"Angela?" 

"Yes, sir?" 

"You can send in Agents Mulder and Scully now." 

"Yes, sir." 

xXx 

Saturday was a beautiful June day. One of the first nice days they'd had
that month. There had been a lot of rain for June. 

Skinner took his red, '61 Chevy Corvette convertible out for a spin on
the highway before taking the exit that would send him to Kimberly's
apartment. 

He'd been there before, of course. He still remembered the first time.
It had started out a little awkwardly but ended up just fine. 

xXx 

The previous June.... 

"Just a minute!" Kimberly Cook called as she checked her hair in the
mirror. God she was so nervous. This was the first time she was having
Walter to her apartment. Sure, it was just for coffee before they went
to a movie, but she just wanted everything to be perfect. 

She shoved her hair around on her head and groaned. "God, I look like
hell," she grated. If she hadn't spent all night studying she'd might
look less like The Wicked Witch of the West and more like herself. 

"I'll be right there!" she called out again as she headed to the door. 

It was still hard to think of him as Walter, Kimberly thought. After
all, she had worked for him for 5 years and in all that time had never
admitted or allowed him to see her feelings for him. He had been Walter
S. Skinner, Assistant Director, her Boss, one of the most hard-nosed,
tight-assed tough but fair, A.D.'s at the Bureau. Now that she was
seeing him socially she found out a lot of his rep was a mask put on in
order for him to function in that environment. Outside the office, and
under that gruff exterior was a tremendously kind, caring and thoughtful
human being. She knew she loved him even more now. And she was sure more
every day that he loved her too. 

As she dashed for the door she tripped over Clarence, one of her two
tabbies, "Out of the way, cat," she laughed. He scooted off into the
apartment towards her bedroom. Clarence was skittish around company.
Darrow on the other hand was waiting right by the door, doglike, in his
willingness to act as greeter. Kimberly hoped Walter liked cats. She
hadn't even thought to ask, she realized suddenly, with chagrin. "Well,
too late now," she thought as she moved to open the door.

Walter Skinner stood outside Kimberly Cook's apartment door, a dozen red
roses in his hand. They were tea roses - small and delicate. He
preferred them to the big ostentatious and thorned roses that most
people bought to impress. These were elegant and understated and he
thought suited Kim to a tee. They'd look beautiful against her
strawberry blonde hair and alabaster skin. He smiled nervously to himself. 

This was the first time he would be inside her home. Get a grip he
thought. Walter, you're 46 years old. You were wounded in the war, gut
shot by an assassin, married and divorced not to mention nearly beaten
to death by a Czech madman - how can this be making you nervous? 

It was making him nervous because one - he *was* 46 years old and Kim
was only 30 - 16 years his junior and he went between feeling like an
old man, an older brother (or in really bad moments of doubt - her
Daddy), and feeling like a lovestruck teenager. And two - he didn't know
how to handle the feeling. Also he was woefully out of practice on this
courting thing. God all mighty. 

The phrase fat, bald and over forty leapt into his mind. Well, at least
the fat part was inaccurate. He prided himself in staying in shape,
dressing well and presenting a good picture to the world. He had to in
his job. But the bald and over forty bit made him wonder how in the hell
Kim ever saw anything in him at all. 

The long and the short of it was - he was out of control emotionally -
damn - he was in love with her - he had to admit it. No denying it any
longer. If love at first sight was in the cards he had dealt himself a
Royal Flush here. But, he didn't know if he should celebrate the feeling
or quake in his shoes. He felt like he was 16 years old again on his
first date, and scared shitless. God help him. 

As he heard Kimberly on the other side of the door he decided to take a
piece of advice that Fox Mulder had given him long ago. He began to
repeat it like a mantra, "Go with the flow. Go with the flow." He
squared his shoulders and set himself to breathing more regularly. He
sincerely hoped he didn't have too constipated a look on his face. Jesus
he felt like he was going to die. 

"Hi," he managed to croak out as the door swung open. 

"Hi...Oh, those are beautiful," Kimberly said as she spotted the flowers
Skinner had in a death grip. 

"Uh, yes, do you have a vase?" he asked quickly. He was afraid he was in
danger of crushing the delicate buds in his hamfisted, kung fu like,
petrified grip. 

"Yes! Come on in and let me go get one," Kimberly replied with a gentle
smile, "God he looks fabulous," she thought as he followed her inside.
Skinner had opted for a black t-shirt, jeans, sports jacket, and yellow
Timberland work boots, rather then the trademark designer suit he
usually wore on their evenings out together. She loved him in a suit but
she had to admit he looked fantastic in jeans as well. 

As he stepped inside behind her he stepped smack on Darrow's tail. The
cat let out a mewling yelp and took a swipe at Walter's leg. He jumped
back slightly. 

"Oh, God, Darrow!" Kimberly dithered, "I'm so sorry, he's always
underfoot...did he scratch you?" She was mortified. 

"Hey, that's ok. I'm the one who should be apologizing to him. These are
steel tipped," he answered displaying one of the work boots. I wear them
around the garage when I'm working on the Chevy. There was no way he
could have hurt me. I just hope I didn't hurt him." 

Walter and his ex-wife had owned a cat. Dogs were out with their
lifestyle but they'd wanted a pet. So a friend had given them Jimi
Hendrix. Jimi had been a huge neutered black Tom Cat and Walter had been
unable to resist giving him the name. When Jimi had finally died of old
age Skinner had cried like a baby. 

Walter bent down and made a little comforting noise at the cat, "Come
here boy, I didn't mean to tread on your honor like that." 

Kimberly was smiling. Darrow looked at Skinner a bit distrustfully but
then he sidled over and humped up his back to be petted. Skinner ran his
hand over the cats back and then gently picked him up. He stroked his
head and the tabby purred. 

"No hard feelings I guess," he smiled over at Kimberly. She felt her
heart swell with emotion. Well, she knew it was love for sure now - he
liked her cats - she laughed to herself. 

"Why don't you two go in the living room and get further acquainted.
I'll find that vase," she replied quietly. 

"Ok, that would be great." 

"Would you like your coffee now, Walter?" 

"Yes thanks, Kim." 

xXx 

The Present... 

Skinner smiled at the memory. That afternoon had gone fantastically.
Easy conversation. The cat on his lap. Coffee. The other cat finally
deigned to make an appearance and vied for his attention a bit making
both he and Kimberly laugh. His nerves had disappeared. They'd left and
taken in a matinee. He would have liked to take her to dinner afterwards
but the job was calling him that night. He had paperwork. She had more
than understood. She was studying like a demon herself. He'd driven her
home in the Chevy, the top down, her hair blowing in the wind. She'd
looked beautiful. At her door he had kissed her for the first time. He'd
felt like a kid again. It was bloody marvelous. 

He touched the lump in his sports coat pocket. The ring was secure.
There was no going back now. He straightened his glasses and hefted the
dozen roses in one hand and the bottle of wine in the other. He rang
Kimberly's apartment door bell, fumbling with the flowers a bit to do so. 

"Hey, babe," he said kissing her cheek when she opened the door. Her
eyes grew slightly large when she saw the flowers. Then they grew soft. 

"You remembered." 

"Yes, ma'am....He kissed her gently on the lips." She pulled back rather
breathless. 

"Well, I'd better get a vase again," she replied softly. She knew she
was blushing. It amazed her that he remembered that first time he'd been
to her apartment. The first time he had kissed her. It touched her
deeply. She reached forward and took the roses and the bottle of wine,
"I'd better put this in the fridge too," she added. 

Skinner watched her walk down the hallway into the apartment. She looked
exquisite in her jeans and t-shirt he thought. She had a bearing like a
dancer really and she was in shape. He had never noticed this about her
when she worked for him. She had been sitting down so much of the time.
But the first time he had watched her walk down her apartment hallway he
thought to himself - she just floats, she's so graceful. 

Clarence and Darrow both twined around his feet. He knelt down and
addressed them both, "Look you guys, can you take a powder, just for
tonight? I've got business with your mistress here - and it's going to
be hard enough to conduct without fuzzy butts interrupting me. How about
it? There's smoked salmon in the deal if you guys scram." 

As if on some silent signal both cats sauntered off down the t-shaped
hallway towards Kimberly's bedroom. A room Skinner had never seen but
knew was there nonetheless. 

Walter Skinner and Kimberly Cook had never slept together. It didn't
bother him at all. For some reason he didn't need sex to tell him he
loved this woman. He just enjoyed being around her, their conversation,
the tenderness. Oh, they'd held hands, kissed, necked a little. But he
didn't feel the urgent need to try to bed her. She aroused him - no
question. But there wasn't that animal lust that he had experienced with
Dana Scully and Marita. He felt protective of Kimberly - more tender
towards her. Maybe it was because she seemed...younger. But he thought
it was more likely that he adored and respected her, knew he really
loved her, and wanted to spend the rest of his life with her. 

He'd known he had some problems in that area, however. After what had
happened between him and Dana Scully and then Marita his therapy had
made him realize that he was often using sex as a substitute for real
intimacy with women. Men were a different matter. Well, one man, John
Rand in Vietnam. He'd loved John as much as he'd loved Sharon, his
ex-wife. But John was dead and that was a closed book now as far as he
was concerned. 

No, there had been no pressure now that he understood this fact about
himself and his female partners, to have sex with Kim. So, he had never
been in her bedroom, or even spent the night in her apartment or she at
his apartment in Crystal City either. 

He also knew he had to open up and talk about his feelings once in a
while for crying out loud. That's why his marriage to Sharon had failed
in the long run. That and the sex thing again as well. He'd pretty much
been the *wham bam, thank you ma'am type* back then. Thank God he'd at
least gotten over that in the years since his divorce. At least now he
knew he could at least be a halfway decent lover. He knew when the time
was right he and Kimberly would find all that out together, find
pleasure together. He could wait. 

He intended to lay it all out on the table for Kimberly tonight. He
wanted to tell her he had found his true soulmate and it was her. And he
wanted to ask her if she would do him the honor of becoming his wife. He
just hoped he could get through it all without losing his nerve or
making a fool out of himself. But that was a stupid fear really -
Kimberly was the most understanding person he knew, outside of maybe
Dana Scully - but he wouldn't go there now - no way. 

He stood back up and headed towards the kitchen to help her prepare dinner. 

xXx 

Later... 

"Mean lasagna was an understatement," Skinner said over the soapy
lasagna pan. He was indeed wearing an apron, the one that he had worn to
help fix the meal was now tied around his hips again. He dunked the pan
back down into the sink and scrubbed it some more. 

"Well, thank you sir, that's the third time you've said it so I know is
must be true," Kim laughed slightly from her spot where she stood
cleaning off the dining room table. 

Skinner knew he was repeating himself a bit. He was starting to get
nervous. He rinsed the pan and held it up to make sure it was clean as
he tried to still his thoughts. 

"You can just put that in the drainer, Walter," Kim advised him as she
came back into the kitchen. Skinner did as instructed. "Why don't you go
in the living room and get comfortable. I'll fix some coffee. Would you
like some brownies? I made some yesterday." Skinner smiled. Kimberly was
a serious chocoholic. 

"Coffee would be fine. And yeah, I have sort of a sweet tooth tonight -
a brownie, or two, or three..." he chuckled. 

"Ok, coming right up, now scoot," she laughed swatting him on the ass.
He dodged and she just missed him. They laughed again. 

"Don't be too long fussing on my account - you need to relax too. You
haven't exactly had a stress free week, Ms. Cook," he mock frowned in
imitation of the old Walter Skinner she had seen so often behind a desk
in the J. Edgar Hoover building. 

"Yes, sir," she smirked grinning at him. 

He exited the kitchen and headed into the living room. His sports coat
was on the back of the couch. He went to it, retrieved the box with the
ring and shoved it into his jeans pocket. He hoped the lump wasn't too
obvious. Who was he kidding he thought with chagrin. His dick was semi
erect. Damn it. Well, it would hide the diamond that was for sure he
smiled ruefully. He sat down on the couch and waited for Kimberly to
come out with the coffee and brownies. He was readjusting things when
she came back with a tray. Normally he would have stood but right at the
moment that wouldn't have been a real good idea. She saved him the trouble. 

"Don't you dare get up - I've got this just fine," she scolded seeing
him shift in his seat. He smiled with relief as she placed the try
before them. She sat down next to him on the couch. 

"Let me pour the coffee," he said quietly, "Take a load off, Kim." 

Kimberly sighed contentedly and kicked her slippers off - she pulled her
legs up under her on the couch and turned to face Walter as he began to
pour the coffee. He took his black and she liked cream and sugar. She
noticed his hand shook slightly as he poured the cream into her cup. 

"So, how is Mulder?" she asked carefully. 

Fox Mulder and Dana Scully had been on a particularly difficult X-File
in Wisconsin. Mulder had been injured in the line of duty - knifed by
some crazed worshipper of Satan. Scully had saved his life in the field
but it had shaken them both badly. Their relationship didn't intrude on
the job but in a situation like that Skinner couldn't see how it
wouldn't intrude. They were lovers for God's sake and cared for each
other beyond words. 

To their credit, especially Scully's, they had kept their cool and their
professionalism under the circumstances. Mulder had survived the ordeal.
Of course Scully was a doctor so she knew emergency first aid. They both
knew they had to stay calm and emotionally detached. If they hadn't
Mulder might have bled to death. It wasn't until he was safely in a
hospital bed that Scully had showed her true feelings and then that had
been alone with Walter Skinner in the meditation/chapel. Skinner had
held her as she cried almost unending tears. His were arms of comfort by
this time - not arms of a lover. That was long past for them. But he
felt a friendship and respect for her, and Mulder too for that matter.
He was there for support. Mulder's near death had upset him deeply as
well. So they had clung to each other in the chapel and both had cried
their tears together until they were spent. 

"He's champing at the bit to get out of the hospital. Scully's about to
spank him I think," he replied, handing Kimberly her coffee. 

Kimberly laughed, "Well, Fox Mulder just might like that idea." 

Walter raised an eyebrow, "You might have a point there, lady." 

They both laughed easily. Skinner took a sip of his coffee and swallowed
it with relish. Kim made an excellent cup of coffee. She had her coffee
specially blended and ground. It was always magnificent. He secretly
thought that just maybe it was something she did for him because she
knew he liked his coffee so much. He loved her even more for it. 

Kim knew about Mulder and Scully. Dana Scully had become her friend as
well as Skinner's in the intervening months. Walter hadn't told her
about his having sex twice with Scully. That would come though,
especially if she accepted his proposal. He could tell her then. He
didn't want to withhold anything then. After all he had all ready told
her all the details about Marita. Scully was just a more sensitive subject. 

But, he had thought it advisable to tell Kim about his agent's
involvement. It would avoid really awkward incidents. He had of course
asked Mulder and Scully's permission first and been given their
blessing. By the time he'd asked he'd all ready admitted to them both
that he thought Kimberly just might be the real thing. It was a simple
step for them to give him their permission to bring Kim into their
confidence as well. 

"But, really Mulder's doing fine. He'll be released at the end of the
week. I'm making the stubborn bastard take a two week medical leave of
absence anyway, though. I made it an order. I think he can stomach the
two weeks. Longer he'd rebel, but two weeks he'll accept." 

"Dana will help enforce that I'm sure." 

"Oh, I have no doubt about that." Walter grinned a bit over that
thought. He noticed Kimberly had a pensive face suddenly. He studied her
a moment. 

"What's wrong, Kim?" 

"Oh, nothing really." 

"Nothing? Sounds like Dana Scully - *I'm fine, sir*. I don't buy that
from one of my agents, Kim. I don't want to buy it from you. Come on,
what is it." Skinner put his coffee cup down on the tray. 

Kim sighed and put down her cup as well, "It's just that - well
sometimes I'm glad you aren't a field agent. I know you'd rather not be
behind a desk. But...well I'd hate to think if something...God, you've
all ready been wounded by that bastard Luis Cardinal. I don't know what
I'd do if..."

She stopped realizing the implications of her words. Skinner looked into
her face. There it was, everything he was looking for and everything he
felt in return. He reached forward and gently gathered her into his
arms. He placed her head against the side of his face. Kimberly was
almost as tall as he was so there was no tucking her head under his
chin. He easily rubbed her hair and face against his rough cheek. It was
a wonderful sensation. He felt his cock jump but he ignored it and
instead concentrated on what Kimberly had just said. She leaned against
him. 

"Kim, I know. As much as I miss the field work I...I know how it would
hurt you...if...hell. What I'm trying to say is don't worry. I'm trying
to be as careful as I can. And besides - you know pencil pushing can be
dangerous too. I haven't forgotten that size 7 high heel print on my
cheek you know." He hoped the little joke would improve her mood. But he
figured if it didn't what he was going to do next just might do the trick. 

Kimberly did laugh. He could feel her smile and the gentle tickling of
her laughter against his side, "Holly was so embarrassed about that
Walter. She couldn't even look in your direction for months after that
incident with Modell." 

"Well, she wasn't to blame. But she really packed a wallop." 

She continued to giggle a bit. Skinner pulled her away from his chest
and looked into her eyes. He pulled her to him and they began to kiss.
The kiss started out gently and then grew more eager. Both their lips
parted almost simultaneously and then their tongues began to dance
together. 

Kimberly tasted coffee and Walter's unique masculine flavor. Skinner
tasted pure ambrosia and he was in heaven. 

They broke the kiss. Both were very breathless. Walter pressed his legs
together to mask his arousal. And then he felt the ring. He pushed
Kimberly slightly away from him, holding her hands tenderly and lightly
down between them. 

"Kimberly..." he began. 

"Yes?" she replied looking at him carefully. 

"Uh, look. You know I'm not the most demonstrative man. I mean I think
I've gotten better at it. I'm just not...well I'm not like Mulder or
that type of guy. I'm not great with words and feelings sometimes. I
just don't have the gift for gab, babe. Never had it, never will I think." 

"You used to be that way when I worked for you Walter. But, I don't
think you're like that at all now. I think...I think you're doing just
fine letting me know how you feel. And you've been more the man of
action anyway haven't you?" she suggested smiling into his eyes. 

He smiled a bit too, "You flatter me, Kim. Really. But this, this kind
of thing is difficult for me to do," he replied taking a large swallow. 

"What kind of thing?" 

He let go of her hands and reached into his pocket. He brought out the
box with the ring. "Ok," he thought. "This is it, make it or break it
time." He made a small noise in his throat. "Don't panic!" he admonished
himself. Then he thought, "Hell, I'd better do this up right." He got up
from the couch seat and got down on his knees. 

By this point Kimberly was staring at him, eyes brimming with tears. She
looked like a beautiful, delicate, doe trapped in a car's headlights for
a second. Skinner hoped she wasn't going to bolt and die under the tires. 

"Asking the woman I love to marry me. Would you do me the honor of
becoming my wife, Kimberly Cook? Would you spend the rest of your life
with me?" he asked finally. He didn't know what else to say so he opened
the box and proffered it carefully in her direction. He held his breath. 

"Oh my God," she whispered taking the box, "It's beautiful." She bit her
lip and looked up at him from under her eyelashes. They were wet with
tears. A stray tear fell down her face. Skinner felt his eyes beginning
to mist up as well. He struggled for control. 

"Will you put it on, Walter?" Kimberly asked with a loving smile. She
looked up into his face then. His answer was there. He let his breath
out in a rush and a huge smile leapt instantly to his mouth. He took the
ring out of the box and then with shaking hands, placed it on her finger. 

He got up off his knees and sat next to her. Once again they were
kissing. This time it was hot and searching with the emotion of the
moment. Both of them were moaning a little. Kimberly ran her hands down
his chest. He cupped her face and deepened the kiss. He began to run his
hand down onto her breast and his cock got completely hard as he tweaked
her nipple through her t-shirt and bra. 

Kimberly's breath was coming in small gasps. Skinner considered
distantly that this might be it - their first time together as lovers.
He knew it was possible. If she wanted him he was hers. He tried to
remember if he still had a condom in his wallet. He moved over her body
eagerly, aggressively, and suddenly Kimberly was pushing him away. He
stopped immediately, pulling back to study her face. 

"What's wrong?" he asked with concern. She seemed upset, afraid almost.
He stroked her cheek. 

"Oh, Walter - I love you." 

"I love you more then I can ever tell you, honey. But what's wrong?
I...don't you...uh..." he was suddenly at a loss for words. Don't you
what? Want to fuck? jumped unbidden into the forefront of his mind. He
cursed himself for the crudeness of the question. He didn't want their
first time to be about fucking. He wanted it to be about making love. 

He wracked his mind to think of everything that Sharon used to say was
wrong when she didn't want sex. None of them seemed like Kimberly at
all. None of them but one and he knew he was blushing as he asked the
question. His hard on withered. It seemed as if his blood supply rushed
from his dick up into his face. 

"Is it the wrong time of the month?" 

Kimberly looked at him and she blushed scarlet, "NO! Oh I'm sorry. Good
Lord, I can't be embarrassed about that I guess. I mean you've been
married before for crying out loud. And I'll have to fact that kind of
thing now that...Oh, I feel so idiotic! Please forgive me." 

Skinner looked at her in bewilderment and confusion. "What had gone
wrong. What did I do?" he asked himself. 

"Was I too fast? I mean, I'm sorry - I just thought. I'm sorry..." he
mumbled. Fuck. Maybe he had moved too quickly. Maybe he had been too
eager. Too aggressive. Shit. He was big and strong. Hard. No bragging it
was just fact. Maybe he had frightened her. He felt like he was dying
inside. 

Kimberly saw the emotions flowing across his face. She felt even more
contrite. She had to clear this up right away so as not to hurt him any
further. 

"Did I frighten you?" he asked finally, softly, miserably. 

"God, no, Walter. I could never be frightened by you. Really. No, it's
not you - it's me." 

Skinner stared at her as her mouth worked. Finally she blurted it out,
"Walter, I'm a virgin." 

Skinner knew his mouth dropped open. He pulled it shut as fast as he
could, "A...a virgin? You're kidding?" he asked in disbelief. He looked
carefully into her face, "I'm sorry, no, you're not kidding are you?" he
added. 

"I wish I were," she answered lowering her eyes. 

He took her chin and lifted it up, "Kim, that's nothing to be ashamed
of. Hell, that took guts, morals, shit - self restraint for God's sake.
I think it's admirable. Not something to feel self-conscious or foolish
about." 

"Well, I...Oh hell I feel completely foolish. I mean I want you for God
sake. Why not, I keep asking myself." 

"I can't answer that for you Kim. Maybe if you talk it through with me
you can try to explain to both of us." 

"I can try," she replied. Skinner took her hand and let her talk. He
could listen. He was very good at it. 

"When I came to work for you I was 25 years old, Walter. I didn't have
anyone really. You know my parents are dead. And I've told you how I was
raised by my Baptist minister uncle and aunt. My early life was...well
things were difficult. I didn't receive the right messages about sex.
The right education. I had to make up for that all on my own as I got
older. It...it's been very hard for me. I know how things go - I'm not
uneducated or naive, Walter. But, I have no real practical knowledge, I
mean hands on experience so to speak - and a hell of a lot of baggage. I
just want you to understand that if you can." 

"I don't think I have the right to criticize you for any issues or
baggage Kimberly. I mean who stuck with me while I was in the hospital
practically drooling and staring into space because a woman I'd balled
had betrayed me and her other lover raped and tortured me? I don't think
I have to complain about issues." 

Kimberly smiled and patted his knee, "Walter, I appreciate your honesty.
I always have. That's why I'm telling you all this now. I...my greatest
dream was that you would ask me to marry you. But now this whole
thing...well..." 

"Kim I seem to remember something about a boyfriend when you first
started working at the Bureau. I remember an incident - didn't the jerk
call you at work? I recall you were upset. Was there something that dick
did to...to make you frightened as well." 

"Well, I did have the one boyfriend but we broke up. And yes, he was a
jerk. He called me once at work and I just wigged out. We never slept
together. He...he hit me one night and I told him to take a damn hike in
no uncertain terms." 

Skinner squeezed her hand. She was one gutsy woman he thought. As brave
as all get out, "Go on, Honey." 

"Well I broke up with him just before I went to work for the Bureau. And
you know what - and I know this sounds silly too - but I fell like a ton
of bricks for you right during the job interview. I mean bad Walter. I'm
surprised I got the damn job. I mean I acted like a complete ditz. A
real blonde. A moron. God, you were married then, Walter. I saw the
ring," she shook her head and smiled at her own discomfort. 

"Love a first sight?" Walter chuckled gently, "Babe, you don't know what
that just did for my ego." 

"I thought it was ridiculous at the time - I mean, God, love at first
sight - how trite, how corny. And a married man yet! Good move, Kimberly." 

"I think it was...wonderful," Skinner replied quietly, "Uh, I don't
think it's corny at all." "How could I," he thought. He pretty much fell
for her the same way. 

He still could not imagine how he had missed her feelings. But he hadn't
expected to see anything like them directed at him. And as she had so
astutely mentioned - he was also married for part of the 5 years Kim had
worked for him. In fact, he'd been trying and failing to salvage his 17
year marriage. After the divorce he'd immersed himself in his work in
order to forget. So, Kimberly Cook became a mere blip on his radar. A
nice woman, good employee, review her and give her the raise she so
justly deserved, and that was all. Now he felt a twinge of guilt to
think he had never seen her as a real person. A woman. Well, he intended
to make up for all that now. In spades. 

"Well, it wasn't so wonderful if it got me to this point and now the
thought of making love with you...scares the living hell out of me." 

"Kimberly...have, have you ever had counseling for your fears. I mean
hell, you know I don't see any shame in counseling. How could I?"
Skinner asked gently. 

"Yes, I have had counseling. I've made a lot of progress. But I
just...Oh look - just let's forget this for a while. I...I think I need
to..." 

"Kim, it's ok. Listen. Some women want to wait to make love with the
right man until after marriage anyway. If you had told me that I would
have respected that decision as well. The fact that you're afraid
because you're a virgin and had a lack of real sex education is nothing
to be ashamed of and I can respect your feelings there too. It's not
your fault someone let you down when you were younger." 

"I know that, Walter. I...I just don't want to hurt you. To make you
think I don't love you because I can't...not yet." 

"Oh God," Skinner breathed out. He took her in his arms again and she
settled against him. 

"I never want you to think you've hurt me because you don't want sex. I
mean I know some of the stuff I told you about Marita must have made you
think...well I don't think that was a very attractive picture of my
wants and needs either. Shit. I imagine that didn't help us here." 

"Kimberly pulled back and looked at him seriously, "Walter I know what
went on with you and Marita was...wasn't your fault either. Don't worry
about that. None of that scared me at all. I've been with you long
enough now to know what you're really like. What that bitch did to you
was the greatest mistake of her life if I ever catch up with her." 

Skinner raised an eyebrow and grinned as well. Kimberly Cook as Emma
Peel. Yeah, he could see it. She'd kick Marita Covarrubias' ass if she
had a chance. He got serious again however. 

"Look, I'll tell you what - let's, let's just give this some time. I
mean we can handle the wedding thing any way you'd like - put it off as
long as you want. And I won't pressure you about any of this. One thing
my therapy did Kim was let me know where my hang-ups are now. I can
appreciate intimacy a hell of a lot more now anyway. I'd...I like just
what we're doing here together as much as I'd liked it if we had gone
into your bedroom and had sex. So, why don't we just take all this as it
comes. I need to take you home to *Momma* first anyway babe. You haven't
even met my family - and boy are you in for a trip there," he laughed,
"I hope you'll still want me at all, after you meet Esther and my sister
Sylvia and her brood." 

Kimberly laughed her musical laugh. She grabbed him around the shoulders
and kissed him on the top of his head. His glasses were knocked a bit
askew and he laughed as well. 

"You're a gem, Walter - really. I just love you so much. I appreciate
everything you've said. I know we can work this out. And really when it
comes right down to it - I do want to wait until after the wedding for
that last step. Intercourse is a big step for me, Walter. I'm not a
total conservative prude - I mean it's not religious with me - I just
always thought I didn't...you know want to give it away to just anyone.
I wanted my first time to be with the man I really loved - the one who
had made the commitment to marry me. And after that first job interview
with you - well I knew you were the one I loved. I hoped beyond hope
that...I'm sorry - I wished your marriage *would* fail because then I
might have a chance. I felt terribly guilty about that too. Awful. But,
I can't lie and say I didn't think it. So, now I just think I need time
to get over this stupid nervousness and of course, I still would like to
wait until we're married. And once again, I hope you'll understand." 

Walter Skinner understood. And he also knew that even if she was scared
shitless on their wedding night it wouldn't matter. He was going to give
her all the time she needed and be gentle and patient with her when she
was ready to make love with him - whenever that might be. He patted her
knee in return. 

"Kimberly - anticipation is half the pleasure. I know everything will be
fine. And I think exploring each other on our wedding night sounds like
the best idea I've heard in a long time. Hell...it'll be just marvelous." 

They both laughed then with the thoughts of things to come. Skinner
reached over and grabbed a brownie, chomping on it with gusto. 

"Jesus, this is good, Kim. You'd better get one before I clean that
plate," he mumbled, his mouth full. 

"No problem. You know how I feel about chocolate," she giggled grabbing
for her own bakery with a wide grin. 

xXx 

Mid-August... 

Walter Skinner was in early. August was turning out to be one pisser of
a month - busy at the FBI. Also, Mother Nature wasn't cooperating. It
was hot and humid in DC. Grotesque really because you started to sweat
like a pig the minute you left the confines of any air conditioning. He
hated this type of weather. It was a nationwide problem really. Probably
why things were hopping at the J. Edgar Hoover building. Crime was
always up when it was this hot. The temperature set *him* on edge. He
figured at his age he just couldn't tolerate the heat as well anymore.
He sighed as he walked past his executive assistant's vacant desk.
Angela wasn't in yet. Well, who would expect her to be. It was 6 AM for
God's sake. 

He unlocked the door to his office and stepped inside. The air wasn't on
yet. It was stifling. He cursed, and turning on his heel went in search
of a cup of coffee. He left the door open so that the room could clear
out a bit. 

No coffee of course. Well, no big deal. He started to get the makings
together. He really couldn't stay grumpy or angry. Couldn't when he
thought of Kimberly. Things were going so well with them now that she
had accepted his proposal of marriage. He was almost floating on air he
admitted with humor. Walter Skinner, romantic swain. It was a hell of a
funny picture really. He still remembered Mulder's reaction when he had
told him about his upcoming plans back in June. 

"I'd wondered why you look so much less constipated, sir. I'm glad to
hear it wasn't reliance on Ex-Lax. No, seriously - Hey, congratulations,
Walter! That's just great. God, wait till I tell Scully." 

Dana Scully had come up to his office on the pretext of a conference
request and hugged him until he thought he was going to stop breathing. 

"Have you set a date yet, Walter." 

"No not yet...we need to work out some stuff with my family and her
family as well...uh but soon." 

"Well, I'll tell Kim if she needs any help, to just call me," Scully had
replied, "I'll be there for you both," she added. 

Kimberly had all ready told Walter she wanted Dana Scully to be her maid
of honor. 

He had taken a couple of vacation days. He and Kimberly arranged to get
away and go down to Ambler, Pennsylvania so that she could meet his
family. It had been a trip. But he could laugh about it now. 

Kimberly had been nervous but not overly so. Walter had told her
everything he could to prepare her for Esther. His kid sister Sylvia was
no problem really although Walter had warned her about Roger, her
fireman husband, and the three wild Indian sons they had between them.
Roger could be a loud-mouthed asshole sometimes. Skinner tolerated him
because he was a saint with his sister. But he could be a pain in the neck. 

Esther Skinner was another story all together. Walter Skinner came from
wealth. It wasn't a state of affairs he talked about much. He never
threw it around. He hated anything that smacked of the ostentatious
really. The obvious accouterments that money, even old money brought.
Except for dressing well and buying the Chevy Corvette to restore, he
kept his financial status in the background. 

Esther came from money and when she married his Father at the age of 18
she married into it as well for all intents and purposes. Walter's
father, even at the age of 21, was well on his way to making his
personal fortune. He was rich as hell by 40. And dead at 55 from the
strain. He'd left the estate to Esther of course. And she'd been more
then capable of managing the empire. She loved business, in fact, and
had a real knack for it. Trucking was the linchpin of their wealth.
Skinner Transport was still going strong today and had branched out into
all sorts of other businesses. 

But, there had been problems. Esther had been pregnant with Walter
Skinner before marriage. Marriage and sex she was ready for. A baby -
no. She had been an ambivalent Mother to say the least. There had always
been that distance, a formality between Walter and Esther. Walter had
been raised by nannies early on as well. At one point, he wasn't even
sure who his Mother really was. At some points today he still wasn't
positive. 

But to be fair - Esther had done better as he got older. She could talk
to him then and really, she did love him in her own fashion. She had
been proud when he had enlisted even if it had come after a particularly
difficult adolescence. If he hadn't enlisted he might have been in
juvenile detention. She had nursed him after he returned stateside with
his Nam war wounds. 

When he had entered the FBI Academy she had been bursting with pride.
Her first choice was for him to enter into the family business with her.
But when he opted for Quantico all those thoughts disappeared. Walter
being in federal law enforcement seemed to suit her to a tee. 

His marriage to Sharon and his settling down calmed a lot of her fears
regarding his stability as well. She had always had trouble seeing past
her early failures with him and his juvenile rowdiness. Sharon was going
to be good for him. When the marriage dissolved she had been profoundly
upset. So, Walter's relationship with his Mother had become strained
again. His comparatively recent hospitalization had really made things
difficult. 

As he and Kimberly had driven down to Ambler he had hoped the prospect
of a new, more successful marriage would heal the rift between him and
Esther. He was vastly relieved when it did. 

xXx 

Past tense...a drive back from PA 

"I'm glad we didn't bring the Corvette," Walter told his passenger as
the Pennsylvania scenery flew by the Oldsmobile Intrigue's window, "we
really need the air conditioner." 

"No kidding it's hotter then The Devil's armpit out there isn't it?"
Kimberly asked rhetorically. 

Skinner guffawed, "The Devil's armpit..." 

Kimberly chuckled, "One of my uncle's expressions." 

"Have you called them yet?" 

"They're still on retreat - until tomorrow. I can reach then at home then." 

"Oh yeah, sorry I forgot." 

Kimberly lapsed into silence again. Walter glanced over at her. He hoped
nothing was wrong. She looked so...pensive. 

"Is anything wrong, Kim." 

She looked over at him, "Wrong. God, no, Walter. Everything is just so
right - I can't believe it. I mean, I'm so happy." 

He smiled, "Hell, yes. I can hardly believe the way you wowed Esther.
But I guess it didn't surprise me. After all - you're studying to be a
lawyer - you better be able to handle a difficult case." He had a smirk
on his face. 

Kimberly caught the smirk and poked him in the ribs, "You shouldn't talk
about your Mother that way Walter. Esther's a wonderful woman. We got
along famously." 

"In a pigs eye she's wonderful. She's worse then my friggin' drill
Sergeant was in the corps for God's sake. The fact that you got along
was only testament to the fact that she's capable of admiring someone
who gives her as good as she dishes out." 

"Well, there was that..." Kimberly giggled. 

"Yeah, I think the corker was when you convinced her to use that Door
County Wine at dinner. My Mother thinks she's God's gift to the wine
connoisseur world. You really floored her with suggesting a wine that
was so well received." 

"I couldn't in good conscience as a rather passable cook..." 

"Gourmet cook..." 

"All right...gourmet cook...I couldn't let her serve that wine she
originally wanted to serve. I mean Good Lord - that was a terrible year.
And I just happened to know that that little Door County Winery really
made a lovely, delicate wine. So...viola - a hit," he waved her hand
airily. Walter caught it in mid air and kissed her palm. He dropped it
quickly to concentrate on traffic. 

Kimberly smiled again at him. Love filled her eyes. She really was on
cloud nine and the fact that things had gone well with his family had
brought a great deal of peace to her mind. She wasn't as certain how
things were going to go with Uncle Joseph and Aunt Estelle. But for now
she was optimistic and on top of the world. 

"But you know Walter, I don't think the wine was all that made her think
maybe I was an acceptable match for her son." 

"What do you mean?" he smiled, glancing at her again. She was really
smirking, and then she started to laugh. 

"What?" he laughed back. He was having trouble driving so he pulled off
at the rest stop that loomed up ahead. He found a spot in the crowded
parking lot in an end space, and left the engine running so they could
still get the air. 

"What?" he asked again. Kimberly was more under control. 

"Thank you for stopping Walter, I really need to use the ladies room
now..." she teased putting off her answer further. 

Skinner groaned, "Woman, you test me..." 

"All right, I'll tell you. I can get through it now and not choke I
think," she replied her eyes dancing. 

"Spill it..." he added facing her. 

"Well, you remember that first night when Esther made such a elaborate
show of telling about your old room there at the house and how it was
all ready for you - the bed all made?" 

"Yeah I thought, Crap just what I needed to see, black light acid rock
posters and my old lava lamp. Not to mention the fucking English hunt
scene bed sheets - Christ I hated those things." 

Kim started to laugh again, but she got herself under control in order
to finish the story, "Well at least she had redecorated..." 

"Your point, Ms Cook?" 

"Well what I didn't tell you was that right before she came out to tell
everyone that story - you know when she and I were in the kitchen...she
asked me if you and I wanted the bed in the guest room - I mean together."

"She what?" Skinner's mouth dropped open. Screw Esther. She always
played those PC games. Piss up a rope. 

"Now, don't get mad - I knew the question for what it was - it was a
test. I mean come on Walter, I'm naive in some respects but in
others...I knew what she was thinking. She was thinking I was some gold
digger sleeping with her Walter - his ex-executive assistant who - who
knows, might have even been responsible for the break up of his previous
marriage and now was sniffing around the family fortune. I mean I think
she was fishing to find out if I was a whore for the money. Not good
enough for her son at the very least." 

"I'll strangle her..." 

"I said don't get angry, damn it." 

"Kim, Christ on a crutch - how could she do that to you. To even
imply...Her little Walter is going to kick her PC ass..." 

"Walter, honey, you may be a 46 year old ex-Marine and Assistant
Director at the FBI but to Esther you're still her little Walter. She
loves you big man. I saw it in her eyes. She was *hinting* at all those
issues because she doesn't want to see you get hurt again. Really, deep
down she was standing guard for you - that became apparent really
quickly dear. She cares and she cares deeply." 

Skinner frowned slightly, "She *never* thought of me as her little
Walter, Kim. At least I never thought..." he let his voice trail off.
Maybe he *had* missed something critical here regarding his Mother.
Something really important. 

He touched Kimberly's face and ran his hand over her cheek with a tender
touch. 

"What did you say to her, babe? I mean..." 

"I told her I loved you but you had never even touched me that way. I
told her I had my personal convictions regarding sex before marriage and
you respected them and had been a complete gentleman. I also told her
that if she doubted me she should ask you whether it was true - to feel
free to do so." 

"I bet that shut her up." 

"Actually she gave me a hug, Walter and told me she thought I was a
woman of importance. HA! Sort of a play on the title of that Oscar Wilde
play." 

"Oh yeah, that sounds like Esther - the literary guild maven." 

"Well, at any rate. I think that whole conversation went a long way
towards setting her mind at ease as to my intentions. I can't blame her
for any of her suspicions really. I mean don't take this wrong, Mr. A.D.
- but a lot of younger women chase older eligible divorced men for the
money. Fact of life - especially in your Mother's venue. So I don't
think you can criticize her for being cautious." 

"You're right of course. Ok, point taken. You know something..." Skinner
replied looking into her eyes. 

"What?" 

"You're an angel." 

"Oh..." 

Kimberly couldn't say anything else because Walter was kissing her then.
For a moment both of them forgot the world. They forgot about Esther,
the trip, the car, the rest stop...they forgot about it all. Everything
but the heat of their passion. It was lucky the air conditioning was on
after all. 

There was a tapping on the car window. Walter released Kimberly and spun
around, all senses on the alert. His hand went instantly to the Glock in
the holster on his hip. 

"Walter!" Kimberly exclaimed quickly. 

"Fuck," Skinner said under his breath, "God damned rent a cop." He took
his hand off the Glock. 

The rest stop security guard, a college age kid with carefully styled
hair, stood tapping on the glass with his walkie talkie. Skinner tabbed
the button that rolled the window down automatically and frowned up at
him. 

"May I help you?" he asked. 

"Is everything all right here, miss? the rent a cop asked fixing
Kimberly with his eyes. He seemed to ignore Skinner but Walter could
tell in reality the kid was perceptive enough to be giving him some
attention. The kid was unarmed though. Skinner could have dropped him
with one shot. Stupid and careless he cursed inwardly. Someone should
hang his employers by the balls. 

"Son, what's the problem?" Skinner asked patiently. 

"Everything's fine, uh, Kevin..." Kimberly added stretching to catch the
name on his little lapel tag. 

"Well, miss, uh, sir..." he began stepping back slightly. He had gotten
a close look at Walter Skinner now and he was just a little bit aware of
what he might be in for if the man in the car decided to cause trouble. 

"I was just concerned that, well that you were in trouble, ma'am. I mean
do you realize what that looks like..." he gestured towards them. He
obviously had mistaken their kiss in the car for something more
sinister. Walter couldn't fault him for it. It was his job to walk the
lot looking for trouble like that as well as other infractions. But he
shouldn't have confronted them directly. He should have called for back
up or the highway patrol officer who must have belonged to the official
vehicle he now noticed was parked off to the side of the building. He
had risked getting his clock cleaned, or worse my knocking on the
window. Besides - it was damned annoying. 

Without even giving the usual warning of - *I'm only reaching for my ID*
- he stuck his hand in his inner jacket pocket and pulled out his FBI
credentials. 

"Do you realize what *this* looks like, son?" he asked quietly
displaying the badge and ID card. 

The kid's eye popped wide, "Is that real?" he blurted out before he
thought better of it. 

"Boy - if it isn't real you're in big trouble..." Skinner growled. He
fanned back his jacket to display the Glock, "it's real, Kevin. Call
your supervisor, or the highway patrol officer on that thing and let's
verify it if you've got any doubts," he added more gently gesturing
towards the walkie talkie Kevin had clenched in his hand. 

"Kevin, it's ok really. This *is* Assistant Director, Walter Skinner.
I'm Kimberly Cook, his fiancee. We're heading back to DC and we really
wanted a Coke or something. It's as hot as hell out here even with the AC." 

Skinner watched the exchange between Kim and the kid. The kid was frying
in the heat. He must have been walking his beat out there with no hat or
sunglasses for a while. His face was red, most likely sunburned. Skinner
cursed whoever ran the security there again. He could see Kevin's mental
wheels spinning. He hoped he wasn't going to have to sit through an
annoying waste of time conversation with the boys supervisor. He'd
probably ream the guy a new asshole if he did. Kevin finally spoke. 

"I'm sorry, Ms. Cook, Mr. Skinner. It's just that well...you can't be
too careful here. We get a lot of molesters and other perverts trolling
for trouble. I just wanted to make sure things were all right here. One
again, my apologies. Enjoy your Cokes..." he added smiling weakly. He
backed off and then turned to leave them alone. Skinner could just hear
him mumble something under his breath. Kimberly heard it too. 

"Jesus. Fiancee? He looks old enough to be her fucking father..." 

Walter Skinner's face froze. His jaw clenched in anger. He mechanically
reached down and hit the button that would raise the window. He wanted
to put his hand through the glass. He took several deep breaths to calm
himself. 

"Walter, it...it's all right," Kimberly said quietly. 

Skinner placed his hands in his lap and looked sideways over at her,
"All right? Maybe it isn't all right, Kim. I mean, hell. That kid
obviously thought I was some older asshole...some pervert...well you
know what he thought." 

"Walter, so what..." 

"So what? Kim, maybe I do look like your Father. I mean I am 16 years
older then you. I look older then 46 I think. I mean shit..I..." 

"Walter, we have to get this out in the open right away if this is a
problem for you. I've never mentioned our age difference. It makes no
difference to me whatsoever. It doesn't make any difference to our
friends - people like Dana and Fox, your Mother and Sister are obviously
comfortable with it. Why should it matter to anyone else?" 

He didn't answer. She touched his shoulder, "If you think I don't find
you attractive or...or desirable for some reason because you think you
look old or...God, Walter please don't think that. I think you're
incredibly handsome and desirable. I...is it because...because I won't
make love with you? Do you still think that..." 

Skinner fixed her with his eyes, "Kimberly it has nothing to do with you
at all - it's me. I'm not sure I'm right for you given the fact that I'm
so much older. I've been thinking about this for a while. There are some
issues we haven't talked about here...Like how old will I be in 10 years
- what happens when...I mean if...well I know you said you've thought
about kids. I mean - I'm almost 50, lady - we'd better think how old
I'll be when the kids are graduating high school - if I'm still around
at all." 

"Walter..."

"What I'm trying to say is maybe you should find someone
younger...someone who can give you a family if that's what you want and
be around to see them grow up. Someone who likes the same kind of music,
the same movies, the...someone who doesn't look like a Daddy Mac pervert
groping you in a parked car..." he finished miserably looking out
through the windshield. There he had said it. All of it had been on his
mind for a while. His Mother's comments and questions to Kim coupled
with the rent a cops assumptions had brought it all to a head. It was
all honest fear, it embarrassed him to admit he felt that way, and it hurt. 

"There's only one problem with everything you said, Walter," Kimberly
replied with vehemence. 

"What?" Skinner asked snapping his head to look, the strength in her
voice capturing his attention immediately. 

"I don't want someone else - I want you. Don't ever forget it. I love
you and no one else. I wouldn't have agreed to marry you if I didn't
love you. After all, I do want to lose my virginity one of these days
you know," she smiled at him, her brown eyes misting over. 

Skinner looked deeply into her eyes though her tears. He knew that was
it. No more doubts. His fears were groundless. They would face any
obstacle, take whatever life brought them and deal with it. No more
sweating the little things. The big scheme of things was them as a
couple and the rest be damned. He took a deep breath. He was tearing up
as well and he didn't want to cry in front of her again. Besides the
mucus really screwed up his sinuses in this kind of weather, he thought
wryly. 

Kimberly smiled and touched his hand. She had seen the tears in his
eyes. She pulled her hand back and snuffling wiped her eyes. Walter
reached over and using his thumb helped her wipe each eye in turn. 

"I'm not going to kiss you again, Ms. Cook because with my luck there's
another Kevin lurking in the next aisle. Do..do you want that Coke now,
though - I'm buying," he said struggling to keep his voice steady. 

"I'd love that Coke, Walter. But I'm buying. That should give Kevin
something to think about if *he's* lurking about..." she laughed. 

xXx 

Present - the coffee machine perks. 

Skinner poured some coffee from the half full pot and placed it back
under the spout. The coffee began to drip out again. He carefully hefted
the FBI logo mug and headed towards his original destination. Skinner
had come in early to catch up on paper work but first he had some other
business. Business in the basement. Business with Agent Fox Mulder. 

He'd had an idea Mulder would be in early because of the Fenner case. He
was right. He stood in the door of the basement office watching Mulder
read a file for a couple of minutes. He nodded a little. The guy was so
engrossed he had no idea Skinner was standing there. Skinner cleared his
throat. Mulder looked up over his glasses and grinned slightly at his boss. 

"What's up Daddy Warbucks?" he asked. 

"Shit, Mulder let's try to keep a semblance of decorum here, shall we?"
Skinner frowned. Then he couldn't keep a straight face. He grinned. 

"Sorry for the...politically incorrect greeting, sir. Come on in and sit
down," Mulder chuckled, "What can I do for you?" 

Skinner advanced with his coffee mug and placed it down on the edge of
Mulder's desk. He pulled a nearby chair over and straddled it, facing
Mulder. 

"I have a favor to ask, Mulder. If you say No, I'll understand - but I'd
like to ask nevertheless." 

Mulder stared at him pleasantly, "Shoot..." 

"Well Kimberly and I have set the date for the wedding." 

"Oh...that...that's great Walter. When?" 

"October 31st." 

"Sir, that's Halloween. I thought Kim said her uncle was a Baptist
Minister, that date..." 

"I'm aware of the date, Mulder. And yes, he is a Baptist Minister. He's
also not coming to the wedding," Skinner replied quietly. His face grew
serious and sad. 

"Oh?" Mulder replied, eyebrows raised. 

"Yes, neither is her aunt for that matter. There was a...a little
disagreement over my marrying Kimberly it seems." 

"What the hell?" Mulder said with surprise in his voice. 

"Yes, as fantastic as it may seem, Mulder, Kimberly's Uncle and Aunt
didn't see me as worthy to marry their niece," Skinner sighed with a
heavy dose of self-depreciating irony in his voice. 

Mulder picked up on the sarcasm and dejection but fended it off with a
joke to try to lighten Skinner's mood. 

"So, Baptists join the growing list of citizens who don't trust the FBI
anymore? Or did they believe all those rumors about J. Edgar Hoover
wearing a dress?" 

Skinner did smile a little. But he grew serious again quickly. "Mulder,
I'm afraid the fact that I'm not Baptist - that I'm not religious at all
actually, disturbed them." 

"Oh, that's unfortunate," Mulder winced a bit. 

"And also there was the age issue." 

"The age issue?" 

"They felt I was too old for her. You know - she wants a family,
eventually Mulder. They just thought I was too old to be around later to
help her raise the kids - whatever. Just not young enough to be a good
husband, I guess." 

Mulder pursed his lips and reaching up took off his glasses. He set them
down on his desk and rubbed the bridge of his nose. 

"Can I be honest, sir." 

"Mulder, I don't expect anything less," Skinner replied.

"When Scully and I finally admitted our feelings to each other, I, and
to some degree Scully, had a lot of fear over issues. I mean age wasn't
one of them - there isn't much of an age difference between us. But -
well shit - you know the baggage I was bringing - am still bringing into
*our* relationship." 

Skinner chuckled a little, "Granted, Mulder. But it's not as if Dana
Scully didn't know what she was getting into." 

"Well, I don't think Kimberly Cook is unaware either, sir. I mean she
did work for you for 5 years and in the time since you've been together
I think she knows exactly what she wants and what she's getting. She's a
very perceptive woman." 

Skinner looked down at the floor and cleared his throat. 

"I love her Mulder." 

"My point, exactly Walter. And she loves you. Isn't that all that
matters? The rest of that shit will work itself out. What her
tight-assed aunt and uncle think is really immaterial. Their loss, Walter." 

Skinner looked up into Mulder' face. It was really amazing how far he
had come in valuing Mulder as a friend. Five years ago he would never
have believed this conversation would be possible. Of course they still
kept the professionalism intact, but they tried to make a personal
connection as well and Skinner was very grateful for it. 

"I appreciate you saying that Mulder. I just feel sorry for Kim too -
it's pretty much broken all ties with the only family she has left..." 

"Sir, you're her family now - and from what you said earlier I think
your Mother is going to be a good Mother-in-law instead of a bitch on
wheels. So, Kim can take some solace in that - right?" 

"Shit, Esther shocked the hell out of me," Skinner laughed, "She's
totally into planning the wedding. Kim's very excited about receiving
all the help. Yeah, Esther's really rising to the occasion." 

Skinner still marveled about his Mother. That he had been just a trifle
wrong regarding Esther's emotional growth and the depth of her feelings
for her only son was an understatement. Well, that's what happens when
two people are so much alike, so bullheaded, he thought. There's bound
to be a communication breakdown. He was just sorry this one lasted
almost his entire life. 

Mulder watched Skinner's reverie for a moment and then he cleared his
throat." 

"So why Halloween, Walter? It sounds like fun, but..." 

"Well, that was sort of Kim's idea. Believe it or not even with the
Baptist upbringing that was always her favorite holiday. She likes the
fall and...I don't know - just the whole pumpkin carving, costuming
thing. It did sound like fun too, so hell - I went along with idea." 

"Kimberly's sort of rebel, isn't she Walter? I mean she didn't stick
with that strict Baptist upbringing did she?" 

<She didn't stick with it but it stuck with her,> Skinner considered
distantly. Their unfortunate views on sex had marked Kimberly and for a
split second Skinner hated Kim's uncle and aunt's living guts. But he
dismissed the feeling as unproductive and pointless now anyway. Kim
would be fine. He'd help her to be fine and yes, she was a rebel and he
wouldn't have her be any other way. She really wasn't too uncomfortable
when it came to losing her uncle and aunt's dubious support. There
hadn't been a lot of love lost between any of them since they had more
or less considered raising Kimberly a burden anyway. 

"Yeah, she's a rebel all right, Mulder. She's going to have to be a
little rebellious and tough to be a public defender. Plus - hell I like
her that way anyway," he smiled a little again. 

Mulder nodded and smiled back, "So, are you costuming for the wedding?
It seems to me I have an old Zorro outfit somewhere..." 

"Shit no. I did draw the line at that. But...and please don't give me
trouble about this one - she did pick out an orange cumberbun for my
tux. I'm going to look like I've got a fucking pumpkin hugging me,"
Skinner replied. 

Mulder could tell that despite his words Walter Skinner was loving every
minute of it. Since his therapy but especially since meeting Kim, the
A.D. had become much more calm and willing to unbend a lot more from his
previous tense, by the book, uptight bearing. Mulder was glad because it
made his life a hell of a lot more easy. But he was also glad to see
Skinner enjoying himself as well. There was one thing to say about the
age difference between Skinner and his wife to be - it was starting to
make him feel younger now and that was a good thing. 

"I can imagine that whole idea really stuck it to her aunt and uncle
too," Mulder laughed. 

"They're shitting bricks, Mulder...and you know what...Kimberly could
care less," Skinner smiled. 

"So, congratulations, Walter...I really mean it." Mulder finally said.
He picked his glasses back up and looked at Skinner. He had to get back
to work but he didn't want to just dismiss the A.D. out of hand. 

Skinner sensed he needed to let Mulder get back to work. He had to as
well. But he did have the one final bit of business. 

"Thanks. But Mulder I do still need to ask you for that favor." 

"Oh, sure, anything - what is it?" 

"I'd like it very much if you'd be my best man," Skinner replied quietly. 

"Oh, hey, uh..." Mulder didn't know what to say for a moment. He was
extremely touched. 

"If it's a problem..." Skinner began. 

"Problem? Hell no - I'd be honored to do it, Walter. Shit - I'd love to
wear one of those orange cumberbuns." 

Skinner barked a laugh then, "Oh you'll be wearing one, Mulder - no
doubt about it. And thanks, I...I really mean..." 

"It's ok, don't mention it...now get the hell out of here, I gotta read
this file and make some notes for my report before my hard nosed Boss
reams me a new butt hole..." 

Skinner reached for his coffee mug and smiling widely got up and left
the basement office, his step light and his shoulders straight. 

xXx 

A night in late-August... 

Kimberly Cook took the plate of fresh veggies and several little
sandwiches out of the fridge and unwrapped them carefully. She had made
them earlier in the day and she hoped the wrap wasn't going to stick to
the bread. She wanted Dana Scully to have a choice of light fare for
dinner. With the heat the way it was she just had an idea Dana wouldn't
want anything heavy. Kim didn't either. She had some beer and lemonade
too so that they could stay cool. She smiled despite her nervousness.
She would enjoy seeing Dana. 

Scully had become one of her closest friends since she quit the Bureau.
They had become acquaintances just before Walter had his encounter with
Marita and almost been killed. Kimberly had taken Dana into her
confidence regarding her feelings for Skinner and she and Scully's
friendship had grown since that moment.

Of course, she knew about Scully and Mulder. She thought it was
wonderful that they were together but understood the need for discretion
there. No sense in tempting fate or the powers that loomed over them to
cause trouble. She was just beginning to be aware of those powers.
Walter had been gradually explaining to her about the X-Files, Mulder
and Scully and the evil forces that threatened them all. She knew he was
worried for her in that regard. But she was forewarned now. She was
going into law so that would help her to understand further the
intricacies of what might be hidden behind the scenes. It would also
make her a valuable asset as an ally. She felt good about that idea. 

She had even begun to take a gun safety course. Walter had bought her a
compact Smith and Wesson automatic. He'd given it to her almost in
embarrassment - a strange pre-wedding gift he had said - but she figured
it was damned necessary under the circumstances. She was becoming quite
a good shot. No, she figured she was doing everything she could to face
whatever lay ahead. Everything including talking to Dana Scully about
Walter Skinner tonight. 

Walter had told her earlier that week about his having sex with Dana. At
first she had been a bit shocked because really - and this was funny -
the main reason was, she didn't see Dana Scully as his type at all. When
she had said it the tension in the air was eliminated almost
immediately. Both of them had laughed a bit over the comment and Walter
had much less trouble explaining what had happened in those two encounters. 

She was glad some of the tension disappeared because up to that point
Walter had scared her to death. He had been so nervous she thought he
was going to tell her he was ill or something and that thought had
terrified her. 

No, she was able to handle the Dana Scully situation. Of course it
bothered her - she wished Walter hadn't been with Dana, but under the
circumstances she understood why he had done what he did. His words *it
hadn't been about making love but just about fucking* pretty much summed
up her take on the situation as well. She would never be angry at Dana
for what happened either. Both she and Walter had just been at very
vulnerable points in their lives and their liaison resulted from that
vulnerability. The same idea underpinned what had happened between
Walter and Marita Covarrubias. Kimberly's jaw tightened whenever she
thought of that bitch. She did her best to drive her out of her mind. 

No, she was going to talk to Dana tonight and let her know that there
could never be any hard feelings. She was still her friend and they
should just forgive and forget and get on with their lives. 

Dana would have ample proof of these sentiments. Kimberly was going to
ask her to be her maid of honor. She was also going to ask her to
baby-sit for Clarence and Darrow while she and Walter were on their
honeymoon she mused with an inward giggle. That should really tell Dana
she trusted her. Not just anyone was allowed to take care of her two
cats. So, Dana would realize that they were on good terms. And that was
good because she had a few other things she wanted to ask her, a few
personal things. Being on good terms was going to make asking those
questions a hell of a lot more easy. 

Kimberly was just putting the sandwiches and veggies down on the coffee
table in the living room when the doorbell played the strains of
*Beethoven's Fifth*. She hated chimes - her doorbell had a wide
selection. In October she planned to program it for *The Wedding March*.
Corny she knew, but corny could be fun and she thought Fox Mulder
especially would get a kick out of it. 

"Coming," she called heading for the door. Darrow was all ready in
position as official cat ambassador and Clarence was paused in the hall
a look of *should I stay or should I go* written across his furry face. 

She looked through the privacy hole to see Dana waving up into it
outside and then she unbolted the several locks she had on the door. She
pulled the door open. 

"Dana, is it ever good to see you," she smiled. Scully looked somewhat
wan, but with the look of obvious pleasure in seeing her that Kimberly
was displaying she brightened up. 

"Kim, you know I was just about to say the same thing," Scully replied
with a world weary smile. 

Both women laughed easily then and embraced, hugging each other warmly.
Kim always got a bit of a laugh over their height difference. When they
hugged the top of Scully's head came up to Kim's larynx. 

"Come on in, Dana. I've got some sandwiches. I hope you're at least a
little hungry." 

"Oh, I'm sure I can manage something you've made, Kim." 

"Would you like something to drink as well - beer?" Kimberly asked as
she walked down the hallway. Scully followed her, the two cats trailing
in her wake. Now that Clarence knew company was familiar he joined
Darrow in anticipation of food mooching. 

"Beer? Now you're talking," Dana chuckled. 

"Go on in the living room and help yourself to the food. I'll be right
in with the beers," Kimberly called from the kitchen. 

xXx 

Later... 

"Kim I really appreciate you feeling this way about it. God, I...I was
so nervous. I didn't know what you'd think. I thought you'd hate me. And
My God - I could hardly believe when you asked me to be maid of honor. I
am so flattered I can't even tell you!" 

"Oh, Dana I could never hate you over anything as easily explained as
what happened between you and Walter. Besides, it was really before you
had any knowledge of how I felt about him at all. Even if you're having
sex with him had been...well if you two had intended to stay lovers at
that point...Oh hell - you know what I mean. And as for the maid of
honor idea - I can't imagine anyone I would want to ask but you." 

"Yes, I understand. But I still hope you'll accept my apologies. I'm
just so embarrassed over the whole incident." 

"Well, if it will make you feel better I'll accept them. But I also want
to tell you I don't think it's necessary and I appreciate the fact that
you're still such a wonderful friend to both Walter and me - that both
you and Fox are such good friends." 

"Oh, you're welcome Kim. That goes without saying." Dana Scully replied
looking down at her hands. She was a bit uncomfortable with Kim's honest
emotion. Even though Dana had come a long way in accepting emotionalism
in most matters she still had a certain formality around people that
reared it's head on occasion. She fought against it however. She didn't
want it to get in the way of her friendship with Kimberly Cook. 

"Do you want another beer, Dana?" 

"I'd love another beer, Kimberly. After the week I've had - oh yeah.
Another beer would be just what this Doctor ordered I think. But don't
get up, I'll go. I know the way. Can I get you one too?" Scully replied
smiling. 

"Great, yes, please." Kimberly answered, "The Geffner case?" she asked.
Scully rose from the couch, and stood there for a moment. She looked
suddenly very tired again. 

"Well, it was a VCS case - Mulder's turn at bat really. Profiling
another serial killer. I went down to Athens, Georgia for the autopsy on
the last victim. Mulder got back yesterday. It was nice for Walter to go
to the gym with him by the way. I think - I know he really needed the
company and the basketball will help him unwind." 

"Walter couldn't wait to go, really Dana. He knows what that case was
like for Fox." 

"Oh, hell those cases are...well it's pretty hard on him. I hate those
damn VCS consults. I understand why Walter has to send him on them but..." 

"I understand Dana," Kimberly replied. She had seen Walter agonize over
assigning Mulder to the Geffner case. He knew it would be bad and he
knew what the consults did to Mulder. But to be frank, Mulder had been
the best shot the FBI had in bringing the killer to justice quickly.
Walter would assign the best resource regardless whether it was human,
or equipment and eat the consequences. It was part of his job and
Mulder's for that matter and if it was difficult, well that's what
happened when you signed on for J. Edgar's tour of duty. 

"I understand too, Kim. I know Walter did it because Mulder would get
his man very quickly - but..." 

"But it's hell on him, and you missed him too didn't you, Dana?" 

"Yes. God! I knew this...I knew when we finally became involved there
were going to be moments like this but it's still hard. Lord Kim - I
really appreciate being able to talk to you about these things. I guess
it's lucky you are marrying Walter," she sighed, smiling a bit again,
"We'll really be able to hold each others hands from here on out." 

"I'd like that Dana." 

"Me too, Kim. But, hey - let's not talk about the J.O.B. for heaven's
sake - let me get those beers!" 

Scully headed into the kitchen. Clarence followed her. Both cats had
fallen asleep in one of the overstuffed chairs in the living room but
the prospect of kitchen patrol got Clarence up and at 'em again. Darrow
was too lazy. He merely opened one eye and then shut it again. 

Kimberly heard Scully talking to Clarence. "Off the table, Clarence!"
she scolded. 

"Thank you, Dana!" Kimberly laughed. 

"Welcome." 

She had all ready asked Scully to cat sit. She now knew she would be the
ideal choice. At least when she was around the little moochers would
stay off the counters and the tables. 

Scully came back out carrying two Bud Lites. She sat back down and
handed Kim one. The cap was all ready off so Kim took a pull and then
sat the bottle down on the coffee table. Scully did the same. 

"Kim, I know there was more on your mind then discussing my lamentable
affair with your husband to be, the maid of honor request, and the cat
sitter position. You've got that little crease in your forehead. I think
the Cooks and the Scullys must have been related somewhere along the
line. Mulder tells me I get the Scully wrinkle in the same spot when I'm
worried about something." 

Kimberly blushed scarlet. Well, it served her right. Dana Scully was a
crack agent after all. She had half thought about not bringing up her
last subject. It had been such a pleasant evening so far. 

"What, Kim?" Scully asked amusement warring with concern in her voice.
She had noticed Kim's obvious flush. 

Kimberly picked up her beer and took another healthy swig. She put it
back down.  

"I'm blushing like hell aren't I?" she chuckled slightly feeling her face. 

"Tomato time, Kim. Yes. I thought I blushed badly - but I think you've
got me beat to hell and back." 

"Oh God." 

"Ok, Kim - take a deep breath and let's hear it. Remember this is Dana
sitting here. You can fire at will and I'm not going to care." 

"I don't even know where to begin." 

"At the..." 

"Right...at the beginning." 

"Well that would be my aunt and uncle. The beginning I mean. I blame
them I guess." 

"For, what Kim?" 

"Oh Dana - damn it - I'm a virgin. I'm 30 years old and I've never...I'm
getting married in two months and I've never been with a man and I'm
scared shitless," Kimberly groaned. 

"You're a virgin?" Dana asked. She struggled to keep the shock out of
her voice. 

"Don't try NOT to sound shocked Dana. It is damn shocking. I was raised
to think sex was dirty by my tight-assed Baptist minister uncle and his
wife. I have since found out that they resented raising me anyway. The
piss poor sex education was just one of many things they foisted on me
as an expedient means to make me behave when I got older. When I was
young it was the strap. But that's all old news now. I've had therapy
for this problem. I thought I was comfortable with it. But Lord now..." 

"You're frightened of Walter?" 

"I'm frightened of having sex with Walter. Oh Dana. I've always felt
that when the right man came along and you know - after we were married
- made that commitment - then I would feel secure enough, at peace, and
that intercourse - well that things would be just right, be more easy,
less scary, but..." Kim knew she was babbling and she hated herself for it. 

"Kim, you need to talk to your counselor right away - I mean before the
wedding. Hon...you..." 

"I've talked this all out with her Dana. She's volunteered to be there
for me if I need her but Jesus I don't want to be calling her from the
honeymoon suite... How humiliating." 

"Well, then what do you want me to do? I'll help in any way I can. But
really, Mulder would be better at this than I am. He is a psychologist
after all and..." Dana Scully stopped talking. She realized suddenly
that the analytical approach had been the wrong choice to make in this
situation. Kim was starting to tear up. Scully kicked herself mentally.
Of course she realized too late that Kim wanted a friend, a woman friend
to talk too - not an FBI agent or scientist - and God All Mighty not
Mulder. How more unobservant could she possibly be? It also began to
sink in that she wanted to speak to her in particular. After all Dana
Scully was in a unique position to tell her just what her man was like
in bed in graphic detail. Scully winced inwardly over that prospect. She
spoke quickly to salvage the situation. 

"Oh, Kim, Honey, I'm sorry, come here..." she stretched her arms out to
the other woman and Kim slid across the couch and into her embrace.
Scully hugged her for a minute and then let her go. 

"Can I get you some Kleenex?" she asked. 

"No. That's Ok. I'll be all right. I'm sorry." 

"Don't be sorry. I'm the one who should be sorry. I'm as thick as a
brick sometimes Kim. Just ignore my Doctor Scully persona. It comes out
around Mulder so much I guess I fall into it naturally when I don't need
it. Just...let's just see if we can get rid of some of this fear. Why
don't you...well what questions do you...I mean... are you afraid of
pregnancy or..." 

"No, Walter and I have discussed children. I think we may try in a year
or so - when I'm closer to getting my degree. But even with the age
difference I'm not in any rush. And one of the first things I did after
he proposed was go on the pill so the pregnancy thing isn't a issue at
all. No, that's not what..." her voice faded away. 

"Then what?"

"I guess you can imagine why I want to talk to you, right?" Kim asked
quietly. 

"Because I've been with him before?" 

"Well, yes." 

Scully pursed her lips slightly. That had been what she was afraid Kim
was going to say. She took a deep breath. This was very awkward. She
wasn't sure how to react or how to answer.

"Kim - this is pretty awkward for me - you must realize that."

"Do you think it's easy for me?" she asked her eyes downcast. 

"God, no. Point taken." Scully sighed. "Ok look - uh - I'll do the best
I can. But I have to ask you Kim - Haven't you even - I mean rented any
porn tapes or anything. Lord you wouldn't have had to even rent any.
Between Mulder and Melvin Frohike you could have had access to a
collection that would rival "Blockbuster Video, if the chain carried
porno." 

Kimberly laughed, "I've watched a few tapes but really Dana those are so
idiotic I think. I mean you have either the artsy fartsy erotic ones
where everyone is obviously faking it, or the hard core fuck tapes where
I swear to God they must be using stunt cocks because no one could
possibly be that big." 

Scully fixed her with a blank stare for a moment, "Oh oh," she thought.
"Well, maybe it was really my size difference with Walter. Mother Mary,
I hope so. But we are going to have to address that size issue won't we?
Oh my," Scully thought in chagrin. 

Kimberly noticed her reverie, "What?" she asked a bit nervously. 

"Huh? Oh, nothing I was just thinking about one of Mulder's more
outlandish tapes - Listen I can tell you one thing right off the bat -
if you're worried whether Walter's...whether he isn't gentle or
something - forget it. He's a gentleman. Just because we got carried
away that second time. It...well I was more then a willing participant
in that encounter," Scully felt her own face redden, "It wasn't like I
didn't want to go along for the ride so to speak. But that first time,
Kim - I mean really he was so considerate...and tender." 

"I know Dana. He did explain all that to me." 

"Well, then you must know that he's also a very good lover. I'm not
going to bandy about words here - he's a great fuck - all right. I
think, well, Kim really I think at one point he thought he was in love
with me a little bit maybe? I have to think that because he...he...God,
he was just good - ok? Take my word for it." 

Kim laughed hard, "Well, let's not mince words!" 

"Well..." 

"No seriously...that helps more then you could know. I just hope I don't
disappoint him." 

"Kim, he's in love with you - I mean crazy in love. You should hear the
way he talks about you." 

"I know how much he loves me Dana." 

"All right. So, I don't think he's going to be disappointed. I'm taking
it for granted that you've all ready talked about this with him. I mean
uh - you must have." 

"Right." 

"Well, then if Walter Skinner knows you're afraid, Kim you don't have
anything to worry about - take my word for it. He's going to be thinking
of nothing but your feelings on the wedding night. I know he won't hurt
you. He's a good man." 

"Oh I know that Dana. God, I love him so much." 

"I know it, sweetheart. But listen, I want to ask you something else and
don't take offense all right?" Scully replied. 

"OK." 

"I can understand you wanting to wait for your wedding night to...to
have intercourse. I mean - that's laudable. But you know there are
things you can do just short of penetration to...well to experiment. A
little exploration of each other before the wedding night might not be a
bad idea, honey. If it wouldn't interfere with your values you might
want to consider asking Walter to..." 

"You mean neck?" 

"Mutual masturbation was more what I had in mind." Scully answered
honestly. 

"Oh. Uh, well I can think about it," Kim replied quietly. It wasn't a
totally unreasonable idea. She didn't necessarily think it would
interfere with her ideas about that special wedding night. And she
really was curious. Besides, Kim all ready new about self pleasure. She
did masturbate. In fact she had fantasized about Walter Skinner when she
did. She would give it some serious thought. If the moment presented
itself she'd see how things went. 

Dana Scully watched Kimberly's face as she mulled over what she had
said. She smiled. She could see the wheels turning for sure. Maybe
Walter and Kimberly would find out more about themselves before they
were actually in bed on the wedding night. She thought it was a good
idea under the circumstances. She nodded and cleared her throat. 

"Now, what else is bothering you?" she asked. 

"Oh really I guess I'm just worried I'll be inept or you know - I won't
please him. But you've sort of addressed that..." she let her voice
trail off again. 

"And..." 

"Does it hurt?" she asked in a very soft voice, "I mean the first time.
I've heard every version of the scenario you can imagine. I have the
clinical facts from my therapist Dana and loads of book knowledge. I
know what's going to happen. I'm not that ignorant. It's just...this is
so paranoid - but I just get the feeling everyone is trying to gloss it
over. Like - "Oh Kim it will be just beautiful...God, my aunt told me it
hurt like hell and she..." 

"Kim, look. I'm not going to lie to you - it may hurt. I...well, my
first time wasn't too bad - I think I more then knew what to expect and
the man I was with was older and he knew what he was doing. I think
you're going to be in the same situation with Walter. It's just
different for everyone, Kim. Uh, if it hurts tell him. He's not going to
just...well...he'll stop. Don't worry about it." 

"I feel like such a fool Dana." 

"Don't. I don't think you can blame yourself for the miserable job your
uncle and aunt did in educating you in the facts of life, Kim. You just
have to be as prepared as you can be now with the knowledge you need and
go with the flow. You and Walter are in love. You should consider your
wedding night to be...it should be an opportunity to find out everything
about each others bodies Kim. You can really have fun I would think.
Just keep the communication lines open with Walter and I think
everything will be fine." 

"God, I hope so, Dana. But I think you're right. And I'm not going to
watch any more of those stupid porn tapes either. That was my girlfriend
Stacey's idea. She and her husband use them in the bedroom. I thought
they were boring really - plotless, and well like I said - no one could
possibly be..." 

"Kim - uh I think we do need to discuss one other thing, Honey. But
first - Could I have another beer?" 

xXx 

In the local gym near Fox Mulder's apartment... 

"I believe that's 21, Agent Mulder," Walter Skinner said grinning down
at Fox Mulder. The younger man lay flat on the gym floor groaning
theatrically with an arm placed over his face. 

"Get your Glock and put me out of my misery, Walter. I'll never live
this down. And how could you take advantage of me like this anyway - I'm
barely healed from that knife wound." 

Skinner bounced the basketball a couple of times next to Mulder's head,
"Cut the crap, Mulder. You're the one that challenged me. *Come on old
man, I bet you can't take me*. Christ. Suppose I just let you get even
instead? Wanna go again." 

"Fuck no. I know when to quit. I'm not going to let it get around that
you beat me at 21 twice in one night." 

"Ok. Fine by me. Want to go for a beer?" 

"Beer? Yeah. I really have to drown my sorrows you sadist. Let's hit the
showers." 

Skinner laughed his gruff deep laugh, and Mulder got up off the gym
floor laughing as well. 

They headed for the door to the locker room and showers. 

"What was that shit Kim's uncle and aunt said about you being too old
for her?" Mulder asked giving Skinner his lopsided grin. 

"Hey, you didn't spot me any of those points did you Agent Mulder?" 

"What - and get assigned to another VCS..." Mulder stopped short when he
saw Skinner's face cloud over. Skinner stopped dead in his tracks and
fixed Mulder with a tight frown and totally unreadable eyes. 

"Oh, hey, I'm really sorry. That was...shit..." 

Skinner sighed and bounced the basketball once again. It seemed to focus
his thoughts for him. He tucked it back under his arm and spoke. 

"No listen...Fox. I know the Geffner case sucked. Shit - who the hell
goes around killing six year olds for crying out loud. Sick perverts
that's who. I...I assigned you because..." 

"I know. I was the best man for the job," Mulder sighed, "Listen, I
understand that logically, sir. It's just...emotionally." 

"Ok, Point taken. Listen. You have some time coming - why...why don't
you take Scully and just get away for a week or so. Take a break." 

"Walter - are you telling me to take a vacation?"

"Uh, hell. Do I have to make it a fucking order Mulder?" 

Mulder smiled, "Walter, I think under these circumstances I'm not going
to give you any argument. It was hard on Scully too. She's going to
appreciate the time off as well. Thanks, sir." 

"No problem - besides - you more then earned it. It was a damn fine
piece of work, Mulder. Damn fine," Skinner smiled slightly. They hit the
showers. 

xXx 

Later - a bar down the street... 

"You're kidding?" 

"No." 

"Shit..." 

"Yeah, well it's giving me fits Mulder I mean - God damn, I..." 

"You've never been with a virgin before?" 

Walter Skinner looked down at the empty glasses surrounding them both He
studied his full glass of beer. The bar was pretty much deserted and
they were seated at a secluded booth and he was devoutly glad. He could
feel his ears reddening. The subject had come up completely unexpectedly
and now he wished he had never opened his mouth. 

"Mulder, if you breath a word of this to anyone..." 

"Oh come on, Walter...I mean what's to worry here? Just say the words
"the alley in back of Casey's bar"..." 

"Oh, yeah." 

"No shit, boss. If anyone needs to live something down...and besides you
know I hold a confidence." 

"All right, I'll concede that for sure, Mulder. No. I've never been with
a virgin. All the women I have been with were all ready sexually active.
Even the girl I lost my virginity to had slept with someone else. I
found that out later but I suspected it at the time anyway. I mean fuck
- I'm as nervous as hell." 

"Well...Uh, I don't know what to say." 

"You don't have to say anything Mulder. Jesus." 

"Do you want me to tell you what..." 

"No, I know the biology for Christ sake." 

"No I mean what it was like for me." 

"Like?" 

"With a virgin." 

Mulder looked down at his beer as well. He hefted the glass and took a
swig. When he put the glass down he looked back into Skinner's strained
face. 

"I don't mind talking about it if that's what's worrying you Walter." 

Skinner stared back at the agent for a moment. He was weighing the
embarrassment quotient versus the need to know. But really all he had to
do was think of Kimberly and he made up his mind. 

"Yeah, I...I guess I would like to hear what you have to say." 

"This was after I was all ready working in VCS. You didn't know me back
then, Walter. Shit, I'm glad you didn't really. I was..." 

"More of a prick then you are now..." Skinner deadpanned. 

Mulder guffawed loudly. When he caught his breath he continued. 

"Bingo - with emphasis on the prick part. I was a real cocksmen, Walter.
And arrogant in terms of knowing how good I was with the profiling. A
real asshole combination. But mostly I just wanted to get laid as often
as possible. I enjoyed putting notches on my gun - oh yeah. Until I met
Sarah."

"The virgin?" 

"Yeah. I didn't know she was a virgin until we were in bed together. God
knows why she even went with me. She told me afterwards that she was
tired of being...well she was 43 years old and..." 

"Mulder this is one of your bullshit stories isn't it?" 

"Honest to God, Walter. No, it's not a lie. Seriously. I met this woman
on a case. She was a material witness. We went out after the case was
closed. Walter she was an ex-nun. I mean she'd just quit the church.
She'd never been with a man. She also didn't look 43. You know - that
contemplative life and all." 

"Christ, Mulder..." 

"Exactly..." 

Skinner picked up his beer, put it too his lips and drank. He swallowed
hard. 

"No, Mulder I mean I can hardly believe this..." 

"It's true but if you don't..." 

"OK, fine. I believe you - go on." 

"OK, well this was DC of course. We went out for about a month and then
I took her up to Chilmark one weekend to our summer house. My folks
weren't using it and well, it always made a great impression on my
women. So anyway I took her up there in order to ball her." 

"And you're in bed and find out she's cherry?" 

"Big time. She told me the reason she came up there with me was
because...well because she sensed deep down I was a decent, kind, caring
man who had been hurt very deeply. She said she knew I was very gentle
really and...Shit Walter it was like she knew everything about me. We
just sat naked on the bed for hours and finally I poured out everything
to her. I ended up crying in her arms Walter. It was cleansing. It also
made a big change in my life. I...found a different direction that
night, I think. Ultimately it lead me to the X-Files. But in any event
when we did make love it was a totally different experience then it
would have been if we hadn't shared all our fears and desires." 

"So..." 

"So...the biggest thing I can tell you is to let Kim take the lead. I
mean I just went completely passive and let Sarah do whatever she was
comfortable with at first. I made it all about her needs and desires.
And you know - that was a total turn on for me. She was very sensuous.
She just didn't know it and she needed to find her way that was all. 

I mean sure she was afraid but we overcame that by just...well I went
slow and made sure I didn't hurt her. If she said anything hurt I'd
stop. And I won't lie - yeah - I hurt her a little. I mean Kim's going
to tear. You might as well face up to it. Just take it slow and make
sure she knows to tell you if she's having a problem." 

"Yeah, well - that makes sense." 

"Look, Walter. I made the whole thing as safe and comfortable as I could
for Sarah. I think women need that atmosphere in order to attain sexual
satisfaction anyway. They like to be on familiar or just safe feeling
turf so to speak. And hell - they like foreplay - some more then others
but you can't stint on it. Kimberly will appreciate it and so will you,
believe me." 

Skinner sighed again, "Ok, I think I get the picture. Most of that is
logical and I guess I pretty much knew it all anyway. But it's great to
get the validation, the second opinion. I really appreciate it." 

Mulder took a sip of his beer, "Walter, I'm sure everything is going to
be fine. Just make sure she feels safe and I know you'll make her feel
loved. I think it'll work out." 

"Yeah, I think you're right Mulder. Thanks," Skinner nodded. He was
mulling over everything Fox Mulder had said. A safe comfortable place?
He was beginning to formulate a different plan for the honeymoon that he
thought just might fit that bill to a tee. He smiled at the thought and
looked over at Mulder, "Want another beer?" 

"No, I think I'm good to go. So, are you up to my couch again, Walter?" 

"Shit no. But I guess I'd better take you up on it. I don't want to
drive. Besides you'll want the company with Scully doing the sleepover
thing at Kim's right?" 

"Oh yeah, we can have our own little slumber party. I'll tell you the
story about the hook - it'll scare the hell out of you." 

"Ok, but only if you let me tell you about Mary Worth..." 

"You know about Mary Worth?" 

"Hell, yeah. I got scared shitless over that story when I was a kid." 

Both men laughed in good humored camaraderie as they pulled money out of
their wallets to settle the bill. 

Skinner was glad Mulder's apartment was within walking distance of both
the bar and the gym. His car would be all right outside Mulder's place.
He could crash on his couch and leave on Saturday morning in time to get
the ball rolling on his change in plans for the honeymoon. The trip to
Tahiti was going to be a surprise anyway. He might be able to get a
refund on the tickets. But it didn't matter. The idea he had now was
much more worthwhile anyway. 

"Smart move, Assistant Director Skinner. Now if you'll just watch my
back..." Mulder grinned as he got up unsteadily. 

"As long as I don't have to watch your ass..." 

Mulder laughed as the two men headed to the door, "I'll bear that in
mind when I drag my hung over butt to the can in the morning." 

"Bare? Please. Yeah - thank God for small favors," Skinner quipped. 


xXx 

September 15, 1 PM. An apartment in a Crystal City high rise... 

Go on, Clarence, shift it," Walter Skinner admonished the recalcitrant
feline. He and Kimberly had just dumped the two cats out of their
carriers onto the floor of Walter's apartment. The cats waved their
tails a couple of times, surveying the territory. This was their fifth
time at Skinner's place and they seemed to be adapting well. He had put
a litter box in the bathroom and they had gotten used to it just fine. 

"I think those fuzzy butts like it here," Skinner commented as the two
cats wandered off to explore. 

"Yes, they seem to be getting used to the space. Your place *is* so much
bigger then mine." 

Skinner put the cat carrier he held down by the door. Kim did the same.
They both headed towards the kitchen to get something to drink. It was a
warm, Indian summer day and the drive over from Kim's apartment, even
with the top down on the Chevy, had made them a little sweaty. Skinner
walked ahead of Kimberly as she watched her cats playing in the hallway
that lead up into Skinner's bedroom. 

"Do you want a soda, babe?" Skinner asked as he walked into the kitchen
proper. 

"Diet Coke?" 

"I've got some. Do you want a glass or are you roughing it today?"
Skinner asked, his head stuck in the fridge. 

"Oh don't dirty a glass - the can will be fine." 

"OK, coming right up, ma'am. Why don't you go sit down in the living
room. I'll bring it right out." 

"Sounds great," Kimberly turned around and headed down into the sunken
living room. 

Walter brought out the Cokes and handed Kimberly hers where she sat on
the couch. 

"Here you go." 

"Thanks." 

Walter sat down next to Kimberly. Both of them took a healthy pull from
the cans of soda. 

"So, are you ok with moving in here? We'll start house hunting as soon
as we can but..." 

"Oh, don't worry about it, Walter. This will be fine. Like I said - it
is so much larger anyway. What doesn't fit I can store until we find the
right house. And with Clarence and Darrow adjusting everything is just
fine. Those two are so funny. They really like chasing that koosh ball
around here." 

"Yeah, they have fun down pat don't they? I think the wood floors sort
of add to the pleasure too, don't you? The way they skid down that
hallway?" 

"Clarence likes that better then Darrow I think. Darrow is just so..." 

"Mellow?" 

Kimberly laughed, "Boy you've got his number. But I would have said
lazy. You're being diplomatic" 

Walter laughed as well. 

They put their Cokes down on the coffee table in front of the couch. 

Walter shifted to stare into Kim's eyes. Kimberly smiled at him. She
rubbed his arm. Walter lifted his arm up and hugged her to him. He
rubbed her shoulder. 

"Do you want a sandwich or something? Hungry?" 

She rested her head on his shoulder, "No, I'm not hungry, honey. The
late breakfast stuck with me I guess. No, a sandwich isn't what I'm in
the mood for right now." 

Walter caught the inflection in her voice. He gently took her chin in
his hand and raised her face up to his. 

"Not in the mood for food?" he smiled at her.

She brought her hand up to stroke his firm jaw, "No, not food..." 

They were kissing easily falling into the natural rhythm their mouths
were familiar with by this time. Walter took in her tongue tasting the
sweet taste of cola as she tasted him as well. 

The kiss deepened quickly and their hands began to rove over each
other's arms and backs. 

Walter felt the all too familiar pressure of arousal filling his groin.
"Jesus," he thought, "I'm getting hard all ready here I..." 

He pulled back breathlessly breaking the kiss. 

"Kim, uh, I don't think we should...I have to stop," he told her
sheepishly. 

She pinned his eyes, "Walter...I don't want you to stop." 

"Kim? I...you...what?" 

"Look, Walter. I don't think I want to wait until the wedding night to
find out how *everything* works here." 

"How *everything* works?" Skinner looked at her raising an eyebrow.
Kimberly chuckled a little. 

"Yes. What I'm trying to say is - I know there are things we can do
without intercourse. If...Walter I haven't even seen you naked. I guess
I'd just like to see you..." 

"Kim, I don't know...I thought...your values...I know you wanted to
wait. I sense you're getting over a lot of the fear, but..." 

"Walter I don't mean I want to have intercourse with you yet. I still
want to wait for our wedding night to experience that with you. I know
I'm ready for it. I just want that night to be very special. But...I
don't know. I'm still a little nervous. I feel like I could use - oh
this sounds so idiotic." 

"A dress rehearsal?" 

"Yeah, but maybe undress rehearsal would be more accurate," Kim replied
with a small smile. She had thought long and hard about Dana Scully's
advice in this area. She had decided in the long run that Dana's advice
was sound. She really did want to experiment a bit before she got down
to brass tacks on the wedding night. She had decided when Walter had
invited her to his apartment that if the opportunity had presented
itself she would go for it. Now she just hoped Walter would understand
and be willing to go through with the idea. 

"Oh. OK. I think I know what your getting at here. You want me to make
love to you but without going all the way, right?" 

"Yeah. I'd just like to enjoy your body, Walter. To find out a little
bit about what it will be like. Would that be ok, honey?" she replied
shyly. After what Dana Scully had told her regarding Walter's anatomy
she was really dying to get a look anyway - at all of him. She all ready
knew about some of it. For one thing she knew he was scarred from both
Luis Cardinal's assassination attempt and the war as well. But she
wanted to know it all now, and before the wedding night. She didn't want
to be caught completely flatfooted on the honeymoon. She had conquered
enough of her fear to be really curious as well. 

Skinner studied her face. He saw the mixture of desire and curiosity
written there. It was very touching. It was also a hell of a turn on. He
felt his cock jump in his pants. Yeah. He'd be happy to oblige her with
a little show and tell. It would be fun. He had no problem doing
anything she wanted without going all the way. He could practice
restraint. There were certainly things he could do for her that wouldn't
involve actual intercourse. He'd let her run the show. Like Mulder said
- let her take the lead and go with the flow. 

Also, Scully had gotten word to him via Mulder about her overnight
discussion with Kim the month before. He decided in that moment that it
might be a very good idea if she saw what she was getting into - or
rather what would be getting into her he thought with genuine sympathy.
Christ, he knew he was large. It had been a mixed blessing his whole life. 

Besides that issue he really did want her to see his scars too. He knew
he had described them accurately but seeing them always gave his lovers
pause no matter how much he prepared them ahead of time. He stretched
his hand up and caressed Kim's face. 

"Babe, if it will make you more comfortable I'll strip like those guys
in that *Full Monty* movie. Just say the word..." 

"Oh God!" she giggled, "No, I wouldn't make you do that Walter. But...I
would like to see you take your clothes off for me." 

"Kim! I'm shocked - you really are a wicked woman aren't you?" Walter
smiled broadly at her. 

"I'm going to get a hell of a lot more wicked if you aren't careful, Mr.
A.D. I may take you up on that Chippendale scenario if you're not careful." 

Skinner laughed, "Hey, you don't think I can do that thing? Strip like
one of those dancers?" 

"Walter!" 

"Really, I'm serious - you don't think I can do it do you?" 

Kimberly was almost helpless with laughter. She didn't know what she
thought. Walter was - Lord he was the Assistant Director - the Boss. Oh
Lord it was too much. But, she decided to go along with the idea. He was
laughing as well. She knew what he was trying to do and she loved him
even more for it. 

"Well..." 

"See - I knew it. Well, you just wait a second.." 

He got up off the couch and walked over to the entertainment center in
front of it. He opened up the cabinet that held all his CDs and started
to rummage around. 

"Ok. So I'm probably going to make a fool out of myself," he thought
wryly. Well, what the fuck. He felt like a kid again anyway. He might as
well go for it. He knew he must have some appropriate strip type music
in here somewhere he thought with amusement. Well, maybe not...oh hang
on, this might do he grinned to himself. He pulled out an old CD he had
ordered years ago to satisfy his mail order obligation with Columbia
House CD club. *Adam and the Ants* Cripes. Not his cup of tea at all.
But there was one song on it that might suit him just fine right now.
*Physical*. O-K here goes nothing. He winced a little and pulled the CD
out of the rack. 

"Ok, this should do it. Now, sit back Ms. Cook and prepare to be
dazzled," he laughed his booming laugh. At least I hope so," he prayed
inwardly not to make a complete ass out of himself. He knew he wasn't
totally graceless - in fact he wasn't a bad dancer. But this was just a
little bit different. 

Kimberly settled back on the couch. She was trying to suppress a serious
case of near hysterical laughter. She managed with Herculean effort to
get herself under control except for the huge smile that would not leave
her face. 

"Too bad we don't have a spotlight," she giggled. 

"Spotlight - baby I'm gonna blind you as it is - you won't need the
extra light," Skinner smirked. He put the CD in the Sony player, turned
it on and cranked the volume up to nearly full blast. He hoped Clarence
and Darrow liked loud rock music he thought distantly as the first
strains of Adam Ant's ode to raw physical attraction spilled out of the
speakers. 

Skinner did manage a pretty good job of it when all was said and done.
He did have a conscious idea of his assets after all. Women had told him
enough over the years that he knew he had a hard body. And for God's
sake - his three days a week in the FBI gym with the weights and in the
pool had kept his body in top shape. He really didn't know what he
should be embarrassed about - he was in damn good form for a 46 year old
man. 

So, by the time the song rolled around to the second chorus of "But Your
So Physical for Me" he had divested himself of his blue work shirt and
t-shirt and done a passable job of flexing his biceps for Kim. She was
really loving it too. She clapped with each button he slowly undid, and
then let rip with a very loud whistle for all the posturing. He was
having a really difficult time keeping a straight face by this point.
But he tried. If he started to laugh he'd dissolve under the humor and
he really did want to get through the whole show. 

He kicked off his sneakers. OK this was going to be the moment of truth
he thought. He was grateful he had dressed in his blue Fruit of the
Looms this morning. At least he wasn't in white. That would have been
boring he thought. All the laughing, dancing, and yeah - embarrassment
had cooled his ardor a bit too he thought with irony. He was only a
little bit erect now so at least he wasn't going to be swinging a huge
hard-on in her face he thought with relief. 

He started to unbuckle his belt. He looked up at Kim to gauge her
reaction. She was a little more quiet now but that was ok. She looked
excited - not really as afraid anymore. This had been a good idea he
thought as he pulled his belt out of the jeans loops and flung it over
onto one of the nearby stuffed chairs. 

He turned his back on her then. Ok, he really did know his strong points
after all. Dana Scully had told him once that the women agents at the
bureau had a double meaning when they'd called him tight-assed. He
pulled his jeans down just a bit and his briefs as well. He glanced back
over his shoulder and grinned. 

"Oooh, very nice, sir. Back that up over here," Kimberly laughed. 

"Your wish is my command," he laughed and danced back closer to the
couch. Kimberly reached out for the waistband of his jeans. He caught
her movement out of the corner of his eye. 

"Uh, uh - look but don't touch. Not yet!" he wagged a finger at her.
Then he turned to face the stereo again. He took a deep breath and
pulled down his jeans. He wasn't quite ready to remove the briefs yet
but that was coming soon enough.

"Oh my!" Kim exclaimed as she got a look at his well muscled legs.
Mighty fine they were too she thought. Walter had just the right amount
of body hair too. A nice amount on his chest, stomach and legs and none
on his back. "Thank God for small favors," she thought. One thing she
wasn't too fond of was a man with hair on his back. 

Walter smiled to himself at her comment. Well so far so good he thought.
Ok. Time for this floorshow to end he thought. The big finish was about
to begin. 

He turned around to face her and teased his briefs down a bit. She was
laughing again as he postured for her. 

"I wish I had a 5 in my pocket, Walter. I'd love to put it in the
waistband of those things," she choked out between breathless gasps of
mirth. 

"A 5? Lady - I'm worth at least a 20." 

"50." 

"Now you're talking baby," he grinned. He pulled the briefs down further
and then with one quick yank he pulled them off. He tossed them aside
and stood in front of his wife to be breathing hard. The CD came to an
end. 

"Let's make that a hundred," Kimberly whispered all laughter gone out of
her voice as she stared below his waist. 

"Oh Jesus..." he hissed, "hey, I know the scar is..." 

"I don't mean the scar Walter." 

"Oh...sorry," he replied quietly. He held his breath. The next few
moments would mean a lot to them both. He waited for her to make the
next move. 

"You're beautiful..." she commented quietly, "come here," she added
stretching out her right hand. 

Walter walked forward and stood close to her knees. She shifted up and
then incredibly she reached out and took his cock in her hand. 

Skinner took in a sharp breath, "Oh, honey..." 

"This is really magnificent, Walter, I mean it. I..." 

"Babe, you...Christ all mighty..." he swallowed. His throat worked
convulsively as she hefted his penis. He looked down at her face. She
was pursing her lips, really lost in thought. She was analyzing him.
Feeling the weight, the texture, his width and length. The last two
measurements were changing by the second as she went on with her
examination. She brought her other hand up to finger his balls in their
sack. 

"These are nice too, Walter," she added seductively, "is this ok?" she
asked, "I mean touching you like this?" 

"Are your kidding - God!" 

She laughed her musical laugh, "Well you know me - it's the lawyer
coming out. I like to analyze things. So if this is too clinical..." 

"I am beyond caring, Kim. Really," he replied shutting his eyes. 

She chuckled again. Then she whispered, "Do you want me to jerk you off?" 

His eyes came open instantly. 

"What?" 

"I'd like to do it, Walter. I'd like to make you come." 

"Oh Kim..." 

"Please - I...I want to do this for you." 

"But Kim what about...this isn't really fair. I wanted...I thought." 

"Walter it's ok - really. This is going to help me more then you can
ever imagine. And it's a complete turn on too. I can wait. Just let me
do this for you." 

Skinner looked down into her eyes. His chest filled with his love for
her. This was such a simple act, a simple request really but it filled
him with emotion. 

"I love you, Kim," he whispered nodding. 

"Just tell me what feels good, Walter." 

"Ok but listen, let me get my briefs, uh...this is going to get a
little...damp later..." he smiled down at her. 

"Oh, right," she nodded. He walked over and grabbed the briefs. He came
back over and stood in front of her. She spread her knees slightly and
he stepped between them. 

"You know women's legs are much stronger in comparison to mens, don't
you Walter?" she joked giving his legs a squeeze." 

"I feel that Ms. Cook." 

"Very perceptive of you, Mr. Skinner." 

She took his cock into her hand again and began to stroke it. He was
getting harder of course. She was giving him a pretty good hand job he
thought. At least as good as he could do for himself. And hell the fact
that she was even trying to do it was sending him into orbit. He'd get
completely erect fast if she kept it up. He began to breath raggedly. He
looked down into her face to see how she was reacting to his size. 

"Is this good?" she asked quietly. Kimberly was suddenly glad that she
had borrowed one of Stacey's tapes at least. There had been a very
graphic scene of just what she was doing now. So, she had some idea
about how to really please Walter. 

"Oh yeah, very gggood," he replied stuttering a little. He shut his eyes
for a minute to gain some control. He wanted to hold back so she could
have time to get used to things before he shot his wad. She was enjoying
it too he thought with relief. He was *really* enjoying it. Before long
he was as hard as a rock. He opened his eyes and glanced down again. 

"So, is...what do you think?" he asked huskily. 

"Oh, Walter - do you even have to ask? This is wonderful. I...I love you
so much," she smiled and then she began to pick up the pace with her
hand. She seemed to know just how he liked it really. He really couldn't
have done a better job fisting himself he thought with approval and
appreciation. 

She continued to pump him and he began to buck his hips slightly with
pleasure. He started to leak pre-cum. He knew he was getting close to
climaxing. 

"Walter, what?" Kimberly started to ask. 

"It's...ok, normal..." he managed to gasp out. 

"Good?" she asked again for reassurance. Kimberly was enjoying the whole
experience. She looked up into Walter's face and the look of pure
pleasure, desire and love that she saw made her heart fill with joy. She
had just wanted to give him this - this experience more then anything in
the world that afternoon. She would wait to let him touch her until
after she was done enjoying his response. It was really making her hot.
She wanted to be completely aroused, really worked up before she let him
touch her. She was there now - wet as hell between her legs and panting
to have Walter's hands and yes, his mouth even right where her inner
juices were soaking her. 

"Oh Jesus, Kim...I..Oh God. Just...a little harder. Yeah, that's...oh
shit..." 

He knew that was just about it. His hips were really bucking into her
hand now and he could feel his balls starting to contract with that
wonderful pressure he felt just before he was about to erupt like a
volcano. 

"Babe...I'm gonna...Oh..." 

He had just enough time to shift his briefs around in front of his
crotch before his orgasm took him. It hit him like a hammer pounding
into an anvil. He threw his head back and moaned deep in his throat. "Oh
fuck," he groaned. His hips jerked spasmodically with the intensity of
his climax. He was dimly aware through the roaring in his ears that he
was shooting cum past her hand and onto the floor. Very little was
hitting the briefs. He kept thrusting and she kept pumping him as well
wringing out every last bit of a really powerful climax. He sagged
against her. The fact that she had very strong legs suddenly became a
very big plus he thought as he trembled through the final spasms. He was
weak in the knees. 

"Lady, I...I have to sit down," he breathed out raggedly. 

"Lord, Walter that...sit down," she whispered. She pulled him forward
and released his legs. He shifted over and fell back next to her on the
couch, carrying his briefs in his hand. He glanced down. It definitely
looked like most of him had ended up elsewhere. He wiped the few traces
of himself off with the Fruit of the Looms. 

"Walter that was marvelous," she breathed steadily. He chuckled
breathlessly. He was looking down at his feet. 

"What?" she asked, giggling back at him. 

"Woman, you didn't even let me get my socks off," he rumbled flexing his
toes inside his white athletic socks. 

"Oh Lord," she laughed heartily. Then she reached over and touched
between his eyes, "You didn't take these off either did you?" she asked
removing his specs. She placed them carefully on the coffee table. She
moved over close and began to kiss him. 

"Kim...honey...I'm...Jesus - I'm still a little sticky here..." he
glanced around her head at the briefs he was holding gingerly by the
waistband. 

"Doesn't matter..." she whispered after she broke the kiss. 

He grinned into her eyes. He dropped the briefs onto the floor next to
the couch. When she gripped his head and kissed him there was hardly any
sign of him on her gentle fingers. 

They began to move their mouths together again, tasting, tantalizing,
sucking. Kim moaned. Walter drew her closer. 

"Do you want me to...undress you?" he asked quietly watching her face.
She wasn't anywhere near as nervous now. She was aroused, lovely beyond
words. He nuzzled her neck. 

"Yes, I...I want to be naked against you," she whispered. 

He looked in her face for a moment, "Kim you trust me don't you?" 

"Of course. Why?" 

"Because I know you don't want me to...to penetrate you. But, I...I can
do a lot here...you just need to let me know what you're comfortable
with, all right?" 

"All right, Walter. I'd like you to undress me," she smiled, "What's
sauce for the goose, after all." 

Walter smiled and began to pull up her t-shirt. She helped him by
shifting up and he pulled it off over her head. The bra came next,
slowly and gently. He stopped to admire her exquisite breasts. 

"Kim, you're beautiful," he smiled at her. 

She touched his face and they began to kiss again. He ran his hands
delicately down her neck and then onto her right breast. He began to
knead it lightly and then rub her nipple, teasing it quickly into a hard
little nub. 

Kimberly sighed. 

"Do you like this?" he asked quietly. 

"Oh yeah," she whispered smiling again. 

He bent his head forward and began to suckle at her breast. 

"Oh God..." she moaned and arched up into his mouth. He smiled around
her heavy warm flesh. 

He gave her other breast the same attention. 

He began to work his hands and mouth down her body. He kissed her belly
button, ran his tongue around inside it and then brought his mouth back
up to capture her mouth. Once again they devoured each other. Soon they
were both moaning and rocking into each other's bodies in an imitation
of what both of them knew would happen eventually. Not that afternoon
but soon enough. Kimberly rocked back and giggled. 

"God, Walter - you are some kisser." 

"Well, thank you madam. I can only say the same for you." 

She glanced down at his cock. He was still flaccid. Well, he was going
to stay that way for a bit. At his age things just didn't jump to
attention as quickly as they did when he was 20. It was lucky Kimberly
*didn't* want him to put it to her. She might be waiting until Jay Leno
was performing his monologue before Walter was ready for the horizontal
bop again. 

"No go there, Babe. Uh...sorry to admit it but Walter's not the young
stud he used to be. This old Marine isn't always ready to come to
attention that fast these days." 

"Oh, well..." 

"Hey, it's ok, Kim. This is about you now anyway. Listen, why don't
you...can I hold you in my lap - I'd like to. It would feel good." 

"I'd like that a lot, Walter. I love to feel your arms holding me." They
worked to remove her jeans and then her underwear, socks and shoes as
well. She was nude in short order. 

Walter whispered in her ear, "You look like an angel." She smiled shyly
up at him from beneath her eyelashes. 

"Ok, come on over here then," he smiled patting his thighs. Kim shifted
and straddled his hips. She wriggled a bit and got comfortable. She was
actually sitting over his cock and balls. If he had been erect the
wedding night intercourse idea would have been a moot point. But even
flaccid she felt good - hot and wet against his genitals. He lay back
against the couch cushions and admired the view. 

"Tickles," she laughed. 

"What?" 

"Your pubic hair," she laughed. 

Walter actually blushed, "Lord, Kim have you no shame?" 

"No any more, lover," she replied her eyes dancing. 

They began to make love then, love without that last ultimate, intimate
connection. Walter respected her wishes to wait for the wedding night on
that aspect of their lovemaking. But he went as far as she wanted. It
was more then far enough for him as well after the incredible climax he
had all ready experienced anyway. If he did feel himself begin to get
hard he'd let her up so there wouldn't be a problem there either. 

He brought his hands down over Kim's arms and breasts her flat belly and
then down into her pubic hair all the while murmuring how beautiful she
looked, and felt and smelled. Her skin was soft, warm and flushing to
the color of pink marble. He kissed the spots he could reach as well.
She draped herself close over him and he took her breasts into his mouth
again, one at a time, as they hung suspended over his face. 

She was moaning and moving in his lap, rubbing herself against his cock
sinuously like a cat. His breathing quickened again. He worked one hand
down between her thighs and felt her wetness. She was soaking in it. He
smiled as he teased her clit for the first time. She jumped slightly. 

"Is it ok?" he asked quickly removing his hand. 

"Oh, s'fine really," she breathed raggedly, "I...I'm a little sensitive
that's all..." 

"Oh, well...uh...Can you show me how you'd like it. I'm a pretty good
student you know," he smiled up at her. 

Kimberly gave him a devilish grin, "What makes you think I've done
*that* before?" 

Walter looked at her under hooded eyes. He'd noticed the seductive grin.
He suspected she had at least beat off. Now she'd confirmed it. 

"What makes me think you've done this?" he asked very gently tweaking
the sensitive spot again. 

She giggled, "All right. Of course I've done it. And you know who I was
fantasizing about when I did too, so just put a sock on it," she laughed. 

"Flattery will get you nowhere," he teased. He removed his hand as hers
snaked down to replace it. 

He sat back and took in the wonderful sight of his lover instructing him
on how she liked to pleasure herself. He placed a hand on either side of
her, resting them on her hips so that he could feel her when she began
to move over him again. 

She began tugging and stroking her clit, applying just the amount of
pressure and friction that she found enjoyable. She began to rotate and
thrust her hips slightly. She bit her lower lip and whimpered in her
throat. 

"Baby, you look gorgeous," Walter whispered as she concentrated on going
higher towards her own orgasm. 

Walter moved his hand back down between her thighs. He tested the
opening between her legs. She was tight. He expected that. But she was
so wet he thought he might be able to work one finger in. She was really
picking up the pace with her own hand. Working her hips back and forth
over his cock and balls, using them to stimulate herself as well. 

She felt him begin to push a large finger into her. 

"God..." she moaned. 

"Take a breath, lover, relax," he whispered. She took in a short intake
of air and he was able to get his finger into her then. He angled his
finger up slightly and began to pump into her very gently. 

"Oh Dear Lord..." she gasped. 

He held her hip gently but firmly with his other hand as she began to
lose control. She was writhing against him. She lost her grip on her own
body. Walter removed his hand from her hip and let it join his other
hand between her legs. He worked her from within and without then. Her
arms flew up to hug her breasts. She began to stroke her nipples. She
pumped up and down onto his hand as he finger fucked her. 

"S'good...Ohhhhh," She moaned incoherently. 

Walter felt her body begin to tense up then. She was going to go over.
He gave her one or two more powerful thrusts, gripping her entire cunt
in his strong hands. 

"Oh GGODDDDD!" she screamed. She threw her head back then and her scream
cut off in her throat as she began to squeeze down on his hand like a
vice. It felt like her entire body was convulsing with the force of her
orgasm. It was a fantastic sight. 

"Jesus, Kim! Oh babe, that's it, that's it..." Skinner murmured as she
bucked and thrust against him. 

"Uhhhhhhhh," she groaned finally taking a long breath. 

"I love you...so beautiful," he whispered as he watched the phenomenal
sight of his lover's face transformed in ecstasy. 

"Walter!" she gasped his name once and then collapsed forward into his
arms. He showered her face with kisses as she trembled through the last
spasms. 

"Oh God, I love you," she whispered as he held her in his embrace. 

xXx 

October 1 - Dana Scully's apartment. The bedroom. 

"Mulder..." Scully murmured sleepily. 

"Hmmmm?" 

"Are you awake?" 

"I am now." 

"Oh, I'm sorry..." 

"No, it, it's ok...what's up?" Mulder yawned. He had just drifted off so
he found it relatively easy to focus again. They had finished making
love and the post-coital cuddling and warmth of Scully's body and bed
had sent him to dream land in her arms. 

"I still can't believe Kim's uncle and aunt aren't coming to the wedding." 

Mulder opened his eyes fully and looked into his partner's face. It was
dark in the room but the close proximity allowed him to see the worry
mixed with disappointment on her face. He kissed her lightly on the
forehead. 

"I think it was rotten too, Scully. They should have their heads examined." 

"What a terrible thing to contemplate - not having anyone to give you
away. For God's sake - every bride has someone to give her away. With
her Father dead, Kim's uncle would have been the logical choice to stand
up for her." 

"Sure, you and I know that but obviously her uncle didn't or he did, and
just didn't give a shit." 

"I feel so bad." 

"I know it's a rotten situation but she did come up with a solution."
Mulder replied rubbing the sleep from his eyes. 

Scully sighed. 

"What's wrong?" Mulder levered up and looked down at her. Scully sat up
and reaching over, turned the bedside lamp on so that she could see
Mulder's face. 

Mulder sat up also and they leaned back against the headboard, seated
side by side. The fact that they were both nude didn't distract him at
all for the moment. He was preoccupied with the idea that Scully was
upset. Dana Scully tucked her knees up under her chin and wrapped her
arms around them. 

"Mulder, I wouldn't call asking Byers to give her away at the wedding a
solution - I mean God, that means all of them will be coming to the
wedding." 

Mulder chuckled a little. Yeah he'd thought it had been kind of a
strange twist of fate that John Byers was going to be the one to give
Kimberly away. But it was after all, one of life's lucky little
coincidences. 

"Well, she's known him since high school, Scully. And she worked with
him at the FCC before she came to the bureau for crying out loud. They
have a history there. I mean...she even went out with him." 

"I know but..." 

"He's like a brother to her," Mulder added putting his arm around
Scully's shoulders. Byers and Kim were good friends. When he had talked
to Byers about the situation he'd asked him why he hadn't tried to make
a relationship with her. The bearded Lone Gunmen had shrugged his
shoulders and told him it was obvious when he was with her that her
heart was elsewhere. Meaning Walter Skinner. Kim had just gone out with
him to see if she could shake her feelings for the A.D. It quickly
became apparent to Byers that there was no way in hell she was going to
forget about her boss. 

It was also a fact that Byers didn't want to go there at all anyway.
Competing with even the fantasy of her and Skinner together wasn't
something he wanted to get involved with at all. But they had stayed
friends. The break up had been amiable. 

So, when she had asked him to give her away at the wedding he had
accepted the job without hesitation telling her it would be an honor. He
really was happy for her and very flattered that she would consider
including him in her plans. 

Scully just stared at him without answering. Mulder grinned a little to
try to lighten the mood. 

"Well at least he owns a suit," he added wryly. 

"But Frohike and Langly at the wedding? I mean God, Mulder, Skinner is
going to bust a gut over those two." 

"Well I read them the riot act - they're going to wear suits. Langly
even went out and bought one - so I know they took me seriously." 

"Oh I can just see what he bought now," she rolled her eyes. 

"Come on Scully, cut them some slack all right? It'll be fine. If they
screw it up they know we'll both be pissed at them. You know Melvin
Frohike would rather die than have you angry at him." 

Scully did laugh a little at that picture. 

"Oh, I know you're right Mulder. It's just that...well, I want
everything to be perfect for them. I'd hate to have those three ball
things up on Halloween." 

"Ball things up?" Mulder guffawed.

"Oh, you know what I mean." 

"Do I?" Mulder replied trailing his hand down her shoulder and onto her
breast. He smirked. Yep, he was getting hard again. The fact that his
loins were only lightly covered by the bed sheet made that fact plain to
see. He glanced down just in time to see his cock twitch slightly. He
swallowed air. God that felt good he thought bemused. She could get him
hard so fast. 

Scully followed his eyes. A smile played across her lips. She reached
down and stroked him through the sheet. He grimaced in pleasure. Yes,
not doubt about it - he was hard, hot and ready for action. 

"I think part of you knows just what I mean," she purred seductively. 

"Well, in that case, come on over here and let me show just how
knowledgeable *part of me* can be." 

Dana Scully pulled the sheet back and Mulder's erection saluted them
both. She laughed and then shifted to straddle Mulder's thighs. Mulder
shifted down, laughing softly and taking her with him until he was lying
flat beneath her. He looked up into her dancing eyes. 

"You're so beautiful, Scully. I love you so much." 

"I love you too, Mulder," she replied huskily. And without further
debate, discussion or stimulating conversation, she levered up and slid
down over his cock. 

"Oh, God," Mulder moaned. 

"Surprise." Scully replied breathlessly as she began to ride him. 

xXx 

October 31st - Halloween. 11 AM 

The wedding was held at Walter's Mother's house in Ambler, Pennsylvania.
Esther Skinner had indeed risen to the occasion and the arrangements
were perfect. They had opted for an outdoor ceremony with a contingency
plan to move indoors if Mother Nature wouldn't cooperate. Luckily she
did. It turned out to be a gorgeous Indian summer day even though it was
late in October. 

So, the ceremony was to he held in the formal flower garden in the back
of the restored Victorian that served as the Skinner family residence.
The garden was still resplendent in fall foliage. It had been a mild
fall and the leaves had changed late and were still on the trees for the
most part. 

Fresh flowers had been set out as well. The whole effect was rather
breathtaking. 

When Walter had said they weren't costuming he hadn't been quite
accurate. The wedding was Victorian right down to the clothing worn buy
the bridal party. Kimberly was radiant in her Victorian style white
wedding gown. All the bridesmaids wore matching Victorian dresses and
the Groom, best men and groomsmen wore Victorian morning coats - with
the ubiquitous orange cumberbuns in keeping with the holiday of course. 

The guest list was small actually. There were several old friends from
Ambler, a few of Walter's close friends from the bureau, and Jim
Moriarity, Walter's old army buddy and a professor of law at Temple
University. That was about it for the non-bridal party guests. The
bridal party consisted of Walter and Kimberly of course. Skinner's kid
sister Sylvia and her family, Mulder and Scully, since he was best man
and she was maid of honor. There were three bridesmaids - Stacey
Kimberly's friend, Sylvia, and Holly, of the size seven heel to the face. 

The groomsmen were Mulder - completely devastating as far as Scully was
concerned in his orange cumberbun and Victorian style morning coat
tuxedo - Jim Moriarity, and Roger Barker, Sylvia's husband. 

Of course John Byers stood by, nattily dressed in a stylish Brooks
Brothers suit, waiting to give the bride away. 

And last but not least, Melvin Frohike and Ringo Langly sat at the back
of the guest seats on their best behavior. Both were dressed in
identical black Versace suits. Scully almost passed out because they
actually looked good. Frohike had shaved and Langly had even tied his
unruly blonde hair back with some kind of Celtic looking clasp. Mulder
told her they had both dropped a bundle on the suits and she believed
it. He said they had done it out of respect for both the bride and groom
and had pledged on their kung fu hacker's code of honor to mind their Ps
and Qs. 

All and all about 40 people. Not too large. Everything was winding
towards the magic hour. But there were some minor problems... 

xXx 

Walter Skinner's old bedroom, The Skinner family residence... 

"Mulder can you...can you help me with this damn thing," Skinner was
trying to tie the old fashioned Victorian cravat and it was giving him a
gut ache. "Christ on a crutch," he swore. 

"Oh, yeah, hang on," Mulder got up off the bed where he had been seated
reading the paper." 

He stood in front of Skinner and began to tie the cravat with expert
deftness. 

"How the hell did you do that?" Skinner asked in appreciation. 

Mulder looked into his eyes. He thought he looked like he was going to
die. God. He was as nervous as hell. He resisted the urge to laugh
really loud at the vision of hard as nails Assistant Director Walter
Skinner shaking in his shoes on his wedding day. 

"I paid attention during the fitting, Walter." 

"Yeah, well I was there too..." 

"I said I paid attention. Paying attention and being there are world's
apart, if you'll pardon me for pointing that out." 

"Fine. Good God, Mulder, I'm dying here." 

"It looks like you're going to cook in that morning coat." Mulder
observed. Skinner was sweating bullets. 

"Oh shit - is it that bad?" he asked turning to look in the full length
mirror that stood behind him on it's floorstand. 

"Oh Jesus - I look like I took a bath in this monkey suit." 

"Well, it's not that much of a tragedy. Listen. Why don't you go in the
can and wipe your face on a hand towel," Mulder reassured him. 

"Yeah, ok..." Skinner agreed in desperation. He was more miserable by
the minute. He hoped to hell the ceremony was over fast. He just wanted
to get it over with now. He retreated to the bathroom. 

Mulder stood reading the paper again where it lay on the bed. When
Skinner returned he looked at him with relief. He looked much better. 

"Hey, you look much better, Walter. How are you feeling now?" 

"Like Luis Cardinal gut shot me again." 

"Well...just shut your eyes and think of England, Walter. It'll fit in
with the theme anyway." 

"Oh thanks, I feel *so* much better now." 

Mulder chuckled., "It'll be over soon, sir." 

"I hope to God so. This is the longest friggin' day I've had in ages." 

"It's almost time to go downstairs. Have you got a handkerchief?
Wouldn't want our specs to end up at the end of your nose would we?"
Mulder asked coming to stand in front of the older man again. He
adjusted Skinner's cravat one more time and the brushed off his lapels." 

"Yeah, I've got a handkerchief. Have you got the rings?" 

Mulder got a panicked look on his face for a moment. He patted his
pockets frantically. Skinner went white. 

"Mulder?" he growled. 

"Sorry, sorry, that was cruel. It's just that it's the third time you've
asked, Walter. Don't worry. I've got the rings." 

"You asshole - if you pull something like that downstairs..." 

"No worries, Walter. You give me more credit then that don't you? Mulder
replied. He was a bit offended of course but under the pressure and
stress he guessed he could more then understand Skinner's ire at the
perhaps inappropriate practical joke. 

Skinner pinned Mulder's eyes. His face softened, "Yeah, I do, Mulder.
And Fox..." 

"Yes?" 

"Thank you for everything." 

"Hey, my pleasure, Walter," he glanced at his watch, "Well, it's time.
Ready?" 

"As I'll ever be," Skinner answered and the two men got ready to leave
the room and go downstairs. 

xXx 

In Esther Skinners guest room, simultaneously... 

"Dana did you see my bouquet?" 

Kimberly Cook soon to be Kimberly Skinner stood in front of the full
length mirror adjusting her gown. It had a medium sized train and she
was practicing gathering it up herself for the trip downstairs. Dana
Scully had just come out of the bathroom as Kim asked her question. 

"The flowers? Wait. Oh yes, here they are," she replied walking across
the room. She picked the bouquet up from the window seat and brought it
over to Kim. 

"Do you want me to put this on the dresser?" she asked. 

"Great, thanks," she replied. There was a tiny tremor in her voice. She
was nervous but not overly so. She was looking forward to the ceremony.
Father Glasspool, the Episcopalian minister Esther Skinner had arranged
to have perform the ceremony was a charming and very jovial man and she
knew everything would go well. Esther had been just wonderful as well.
The wedding would go off like clock work and Kim didn't have to lift a
finger at this point really. She could go on autopilot practically, say
"I do" and have her wedding cake without worrying about a thing. All the
pre-wedding stuff had gone fine too - the blood tests, license, etc. The
reception was going to be at a local country club. Well, she had no
worries. Even the prospect of her wedding night didn't frighten her that
much any longer. 

Dana Scully watched her friend in reverie and she thought suddenly of
how lovely she looked. She sighed slightly as well. Some day she
thought. Maybe that would be her in the wedding dress. Well, if Mulder
ever decided to pop the question. She couldn't complain. She was happy
with Mulder. It was just that seeing Kim so happy. A girl can dream
after all she thought. She walked over to stand next to her friend. 

"Kim, you look exquisite," she said quietly giving her hand a little
squeeze. 

"Oh thank you honey. It is a lovely gown, isn't it. I know Walter's
going to like it." 

"His eyes are going to drop out of his head," Dana laughed and let go of
her hand. 

"You look rather stunning yourself, Agent Scully," Kim laughed in return. 

Scully did a little turn and curtsied in her long Victorian gown. 

"Why thank your Mrs. Skinner." 

"Boy, I'll have to get used to that," Kim smiled, "Stacey said people
would address her as Mrs. Phillips and she wouldn't answer for at least
two months after her wedding." 

"Yes, it takes an adjustment I guess," Dana answered. If she and Mulder
ever did walk down the aisle she wondered idly if they'd still call each
other Mulder and Scully. Yeah, she thought they might. And what the
hell. She did like it. She smiled at Kimberly. 

"How are you doing with the honeymoon night jitters?" she asked gently. 

"Well, they're still jittering. But I think I'll be fine. The
night...well, Walter and my little experiment last month really helped
ally a lot of my fears. So, I think things will work themselves out in
that area." 

"I think so too, Hon," Dana replied with a smile. She had been very
relieved when Kim had alluded to what she and Walter had experienced
together. She could see Kim had more confidence now and it made her glad. 

There was a knock at the door. Dana walked over and opened it. Esther
Skinner, tall and patrician woman that she was dressed in her Victorian
formalwear entered the room.

"Oh, you look spectacular, Kimberly. You're going to knock their socks
off!" she laughed placing her hands together. 

"Thanks, Mom," she laughed, smiling wide. One of the first things Esther
had said to her after she became sure of Kimberly's intentions was "Drop
the Esther, please, I feel like a biblical heroine every time you call
me that dear. Just call me Mom. It's a hell of a lot shorter anyway."
Kimberly still couldn't get over how much Esther was like Walter. It
tickled her to no end. 

"So, are we ready to get the show on the road, ladies?" Esther asked
looking from Dana to Kimberly. 

"As ready as I'll ever be," Kimberly replied gathering her train up and
placing it over her arm. 

xXx 

Walter Skinner and Fox Mulder walked down the stairs, through the house
and out into the garden at the back. Mulder grinned to himself. Skinner
was completely in control again. He had fallen back on the old A.D.
Walter Skinner composure without too much trouble. He didn't look as
stern though. His expression was more a mixture of relaxation techniques
he had learned in therapy and tough ex-Marine guts. But it was more an
inner calm then a tight look. But still Mulder thought it was shear will
power that was getting him through the large bay window/doors at the
back of the house and into the formal garden to meet his bride. 

When they walked out onto the flagstone patio just outside the doors
they got their first glimpse of the small crowd of guests, Esther, the
bridesmaids, Dana Scully, the groomsmen, Byers, the minister and then
Kimberly Cook. Skinner stopped dead in his tracks. 

"Jesus," he whispered. 

"She looks beautiful," Mulder added quietly. He had meant Kimberly of
course but not only her. His eyes were drawn almost instantly to Scully
in her iridescent green Victorian gown. She shimmered, "beautiful," he
repeated. 

Skinner glanced in the direction of Mulder's gaze and grinned. He
slapped Mulder lightly between the shoulder blades. 

"You'd better think about making this trip someday yourself, Mulder,
you've got it bad my friend," Skinner rumbled with good humor. 

Mulder's gaze didn't waver, "Right now Walter, that thought appeals to
me more then you could ever know." 

Skinner smiled again, "Well, Mulder, let's get this show on the road." 

Both men stepped off the patio and went to join the loves of their lives
under the shade trees in the formal garden of a Victorian house in
Ambler, Pennsylvania. 

xXx 

November 1, All Saints Day - on a long highway leading north... 

Skinner sat behind the wheel of the Oldsmobile Intrigue and squinted
into the setting sun. "Great, there's the exit sign," he thought,
*Crossroads Maine* it said. All right, not much longer. He was tired. He
wanted to just take his shoes off and relax after the drive. He glanced
over at Kimberly and smiled. She was asleep. Poor woman he thought. The
wedding and reception had really taken their toll. She had been drowsy
by the end of the afternoon when they had excused themselves to leave
for the honeymoon. 

Neither one of them had been very hungry after the reception meal but
they had stopped on the road to get a light snack, use the restrooms and
stretch their legs. Walter had also ordered some coffee to keep himself
more alert. He was doing all right but he would be more then happy to
reach their destination. 

Walter noticed Kimberly's wedding band as it glittered in the autumn
sunset. Husband and wife he mused. God it felt so good. And he could
hardly wait until Kimberly found out about his honeymoon surprise. Well
the second part of the surprise. 

The first part had been the trip to Maine. Crossroads was a special
place for Walter Skinner. When he had told Kimberly about this part of
the plan the day before the wedding she had been thrilled about it. 

Walter explained that the summer before he enlisted in the marines he
had gone up to Crossroads to stay with his uncle Russ. His uncle had a
small fishing business in Crossroads and Walter had agreed to work for
him, on a fishing boat for the summer. In truth, Esther had talked him
into staying with her brother because Russ was a tough son of a bitch
and she knew he would help the 18 year old Walter to come to his good
senses. He had been heavily into his rebellious phase at that point and
Esther clearly had had enough. 

So, Walter Skinner fisherman was whipped into shape by his uncle that
summer. Walter got tan and hard muscled, grew 2 more inches, learned to
appreciate the finer points of salt water seafood, and finally lost his
virginity to a girl named Maggie Flynn. Uncle Russ had done one last
thing for Walter before he left to return to Ambler. He had talked him
into joining the Marines. Walter didn't know to this day whether he felt
like thanking him or cursing him. 

But that summer had been idyllic and the memory was a soft and pleasant
one for him. He knew that Kimberly would love the quaint little town of
Crossroads. The historic houses, antique stores, fishing boats and other
attractions. The town hadn't changed much since his summer there. It's
historic status kept it that way. Yes, Crossroads was a sleepy little
Maine town overlooking the ocean. Serene, safe and comfortable. Just
what Walter thought they would need for the honeymoon - especially the
honeymoon night. 

And that brought him to the second part of his surprise. The part he
hadn't told Kimberly. Well he had told her about the Bed and Breakfast.
The B&B was run by a guy he met that summer while working for his uncle.
A local kid who had been the same age as Walter. Tim Stoller. Tim had
enlisted in Nam around the same time Walter did but he was in the
Airforce. By coincidence he had been piloting the Evac helicopter that
had pulled Walter out of the jungle after he had been wounded in combat.
Of course he had recognized his old friend and after Walter had come
round in the MASH unit after surgery, Tim had visited him several times.
They had stayed in touch on and off after the war. Tim's B&B was the
first place that came to mind when Mulder had mentioned safe and
comfortable in the bar near his apartment. Walter had stayed there once
after his divorce to get his head together (after the incident with the
prostitute), and it had been incredibly restful. 

So he had called Tim up and booked a room for their honeymoon. But what
he hadn't told Kimberly was he hadn't just booked a room. For the second
time in his life (the first time being buying the Chevy of course),
Walter Skinner had taken advantage of his family fortune. He had tapped
his hefty savings account and reserved every room in the B&B for a week.
He and Kimberly would be the only guests. Tim and his wife lived there
but they would be on the bottom floor. Kimberly and Walter Skinner would
be in the honeymoon suite on the top floor with the windows and balcony
that overlooked the ocean. It was a breathtaking view and Walter was
really looking forward to Kimberly's reaction when she saw it. 

Now he drove towards Crossroads with a light touch on the wheel and joy
in his heart, his new wife dozing and dreamily smiling in the passenger
seat beside him. 

xXx 

Over the Thereshold.... 

"Walter, you will not - you're exhausted." 

"Kim every new husband carries his wife over the threshold. Just be
still," Walter laughed. 

They stood outside the honeymoon sweet at Stoller's Bed and Breakfast,
their luggage at their feet and laughing like hell. 

"All right but you'd better not strain anything, buster," Kimberly fixed
him with a mock scowl, "I don't want to have to nurse you for the entire
week." 

"Hey, remember - you've seen my pecs, baby - you know I can handle it -
no sweat." 

Kimberly dissolved into helpless mirth. She raised her arms up, "All
right, lift away, *Ahnold*..." 

Skinner took a breath and then placing his hand behind her knees and
under her arms lifted her up easily and carried her through the all
ready open door. 

The room was dark. It was a new moon and no moonlight came through the
large balcony windows. 

"That's far enough, Mr. *My pecs are like Kevin Sorbos* Skinner. Put me
down, really I don't want you to hurt yourself or bump into something in
the dark. If you drop me we might both end up in traction." 

"You're not implying that you're heavy or I'm night blind are you,
wife?" he grinned into her face. 

"I swear to God Walter, I'm going to slap you in the ass in a minute...." 

"Oh yeah - is that a promise?" 

"Just keep it up and..." Skinner cut off her protests with a kiss. She
returned it eagerly. He kept holding her in his arms until he felt his
legs begin to feel the strain just a bit and then he released her mouth
and gently lowered her to the floor. Pretty good breath control for an
old man he thought. Well, that was good to know. It might come in handy
later he thought with an inner smile. 

"Good Lord, Honey..." Kim was breathless. 

"What was that remark about Kevin Sorbo?" 

"Never mind!" she laughed. 

Skinner chuckled and walked over to the light switch on the wall. It was
a dimmer switch. He turned it, and the overhead Victorian replica
chandelier glowed into life. He turned it just enough to create a nice
soft romantic illumination in the room. He shut the door to the suite. 

Kim turned to survey their accommodations a look of delight on her face. 

"Walter, this is fabulous. I still can't believe you reserved the whole
B&B. I mean - honey, you didn't have to do that for me." 

Skinner watched her as she walked about the room admiring the antique
decor, the Winslow Homer prints on the walls, the bottle of champagne
chilling near the little table and chairs to one side of the balcony
doors. The huge Victorian four poster bed. Oh yeah, he had to do it he
thought. He'd do anything for her. He loved her beyond words. 

"Kim..." 

"Yes?" 

She turned and looked at him. 

"I just want you to know I would to anything to make you feel safe and
comfortable tonight. I wanted us to have our privacy and reserving all
the rooms just seemed like...well I thought it was a good idea." 

"Oh honey," she smiled, "I'm not criticizing the idea at all - God -
it's like a fairy tale, Walter. I just meant...Oh never mind - it's just
my lack of confidence rearing it's ugly head here. You know *I'm not
worthy*," she waved her hand in dismissal and let a small smile play
across her lips. 

"Kim, don't ever think you're unworthy." 

"I try not to Walter. And don't worry, you make it easy for me to
realize I'm not unworthy at all." 

He smiled widely at her, "Hey, why don't you take a look out on the
balcony. I know it's dark now, but the view is nice even at night. It's
clear, you should be able to see a lot of stars." 

"Oh, yes!" she exclaimed and as he went for the luggage she headed over
to the balcony doors. 

When Walter had deposited the luggage in the suite he joined Kimberly on
the balcony. He paused for a moment in the doorway to watch her. She was
completely lost in the view of the night surf and sky. He walked forward
and wrapped his arms around her waist. She rocked gently back against
him. They stood like that for a few seconds just enjoying the view and
the feeling of intimate contact. 

"Nice was an understatement, Walter," Kimberly said at last. She felt
his rumbling chuckle against her back. 

"Well, you know me - Mr. No-Gift for Gab." 

"Now who thinks they're unworthy?" she patted his strong right arm where
it held hers. 

"I should have said spectacular, right?" he kissed the back of her hair." 

"See - there you go - perfect description," she replied, love in her voice. 

"You're pretty spectacular yourself, Mrs. Skinner," he whispered in her
ear. 

"You too, Mr. Skinner." 

Walter turned her in his arms and pulled her close. They began to kiss
and the view was soon forgotten as they explored each other's taste. 

Kimberly came up for air first. Skinner held her out and looked in her
face. She didn't look apprehensive. If anything she still looked a
little tired. In truth Skinner was beginning to feel fatigue creeping
into his muscles as well. He didn't want to think that either of them
would be too tired for the special wedding night that Kimberly had so
looked forward too. But it was a real possibility in his case. Christ at
his age fatigue could do a lot - including make it very difficult for
him to get hard. It had happened to him before once in a blue moon -
impotency brought on by lack of rest. Shit he hoped to hell that wasn't
going to happen tonight. Best not to even entertain the thought. He had
let go of Kimberly's arms during his reverie. 

"Walter?" 

"Oh, sorry I was just letting my mind wander a bit there. Uh, what?" he
replied taking her hand. He massaged her fingers. 

She studied his face closely. She thought he looked tired. It had been a
long day. He had insisted on doing all the driving so that she could
sleep. She wanted to kick herself. She should have insisted he let her
drive part of the way. He was trying to keep up a game front but she
knew him well enough now to recognize the clear signs of fatigue in him.
God knows she had seen the look before when she worked for him and he
had driven himself almost to collapse for the damn FBI. 

She also realized that as much as she wanted them to have their special
night she had read enough about sexual dysfunction to know what profound
fatigue could do to a man. God forbid Walter should think he was letting
her down in bed tonight. It would mortally embarrass him at the very
least she thought. Her heart swelled with her love for him. She new what
she thought was the best thing to do. She faked a little yawn. 

"Honey, I'm so sorry. I know this is supposed to be...well this is our
special night, and I really hate to say this but - I'm almost dead on my
feet. I guess the rest on the ride up really didn't help much. I'm just
beat." 

"God, babe, it's no wonder. We've both been on the go since almost 4 AM.
It's 10 PM now. I don't know how either of us are still standing,"
Walter replied relief written in his voice and every line of his body.
Thank God, he thought. Saved by the bell. 

Kimberly heard the tone in his voice and saw him relax. She smiled.
"Bingo," she thought. He *was* worried. Well, she knew her man after
all. It was a good feeling. 

"Could we - I mean could we just have some champagne and go to sleep.
I'd really like to cuddle up with you in that wonderfully comfy looking
four poster out there," she suggested gesturing with her head back
through the balcony doors. 

"Hey, I'd really like to do that too, Kim," he smiled at her then
showing her the smile that was just for her. The one that showed every
one of his straight, white dazzling teeth. 

xXx 

Dawns Early Light.... 

Walter Skinner woke to the sound of crashing surf. He stretched sleepily
and reached over for Kim. She wasn't on the other side of the bed. He
had a moment of panic but it disappeared almost immediately when he
realized where she was. He smiled. He turned his head towards the open
balcony doors. Yup - there she was in her robe - arms resting on the
railing, gazing out at the sea. He watched her with pleasure for a few
minutes. His view included the champagne bottle, and two champagne
glasses on the night stand, his Glock in it's holster next to them,
their cell phones, his wallet, cash, specs and ID completing the unique
still life. He fished for his specs and put them on. The view was much
better without the fuzziness he thought wryly. He glanced at the alarm
clock on the nightstand. Five AM. Jehosophat - it was early. Well, that
was ok. He had told Tim they would ring down when they wanted breakfast.
He felt refreshed anyway despite the early hour. 

They had done just as Kim suggested last night. Both of them had
stripped to their underwear. Kimberly had removed her bra. Walter had
opened the champagne with a satisfying pop and poured it for them. They
had taken the bottle and the two full glasses over to the bed and
climbed up onto it, sitting on top of the bedspread cross legged. It had
been great fun just to talk and sip the bubbly. Both of them went
through a couple of glasses of the champagne and then their eyelids had
grown very heavy. Walter took Kim's glass from her and placed both
glasses on the night stand next to him between the bed and the balcony.
Walter placed his specs there as well. Then they had drawn the covers
back, climbed under and had that cuddle. They had drifted off to sleep,
spooned together. It had been one of the most wonderful nights of his life. 

Skinner smiled as he continued to watch Kim. But then he shifted a bit.
He realized he had to take a piss. He got up quietly so as not to
distract his wife, and padded into the bathroom. He walked over to the
toilet, picking up the lid and seat. He reached into his briefs and
flipped out his penis. His morning piss hard-on brought a wry smile.
Well, that wasn't a bad sign he thought. He *must* be more rested. 

Walter let his mind wander while he emptied his bladder, whistling a
snatch of the Wedding March. When he was finished he shook off and
rearranged himself. The sink had a mirror over it. He studied his
reflection as he washed his hands. Not bad he thought. Skinner ran his
hand over his beard stubble. Hope Kim isn't too ticklish he thought. He
definitely had it in mind to make up for last night now. He rinsed his
mouth out with some of the comlimentary mouthwash that sat in a little
basket next to the sink, and then left the bathroom. 

Kim was still on the balcony. Walter walked out to her. She heard his
approach and turned. 

"Good morning," she smiled looking him up and down, "Well I'm certainly
glad that all this balcony faces is the ocean otherwise I'd be extremely
jealous." 

"Jealous?" Walter asked advancing to stand in front of her. 

"Of sharing you with the neighbors," she purred seductively as she
stepped into his arms. 

He drew her to him, "Aren't you cold out here?" he asked her, passion
making his voice rough. 

"Not now," she replied running a hand over his chest. 

Walter captured her mouth with his. The kiss was hot, searching, deep.
Her robe slipped. She was naked beneath it. He moved his hands inside
her robe and began to stroke her body, tenderly, senusously. This was
familiar territory for them both. Familiar, and oh so sweet. 

She moaned under his hands. For a moment Kim grinned inwardly, "Ah,
mint. One of my favorite flavors." She reciprocated his loving touch
with wonderful featherlight stroking of her own. Walter groaned slightly
as her hands trailed down his stomach and over his cock. 

He pulled her closer and whispered in her ear, "Come back to bed, babe." 

He felt her smile against his cheek. 

"All right," she replied breathlessly. 

He lead her into the bedroom stopping only to close the balcony doors
and draw the curtains. The room was still bathed in a dreamy diffuse
light. Skinner raised a finger signaling to Kimberly that she should
wait a moment and then he went over to his suitcase. He rummaged in it
for a second and came back with a small box. 

He returned to her side and taking her hand again, lead her over to the
bed. He sat down on the edge drawing her to sit next to him. He held the
box in his hands in front of them. 

"Walter, what is it?" she asked in wonder. 

Skinner cleared his throat, "Uh, Kim, this is something I wanted you to
have. It belonged to my grandmother actually. But, it's been in the
family for a long time. It's been Esther's for years but I asked her if
she wouldn't mind if I gave it to you. I...for some reason I never
thought to give this too...well. I never asked her to give it to anyone
else before you. I want you to have it now because...because you're
giving yourself to me. I mean I'm the first for you and...it means a lot
to me. I'm sorry, I'm not getting this out right," he mumbled nervously. 

"Walter, you're getting it right," she replied in a very soft voice
filled with tears. 

Skinner didn't have anything else to add. He opened the box and showed
her the ring. 

"Oh my God," Kim whispered, "it's exquisite!" 

"It's very old - Victorian - that's Esther's favorite era - well I think
you guessed that from the weddings theme. She sort of planned the
wedding that way because she knew I was going to give you this ring. Her
little contribution to romance she said. God, that woman is still
amazing me." 

Kimberly took the ring in its box, "This isn't something you wear every
day though Walter, it's a treasure. Why don't you put it back in your
luggage for now." 

"But you'll wear it for special occassions won't you? Like maybe our
annivesary? That's when Esther wore it - holidays too." 

"Oh that's a marvelous idea. Of course, I'd be happy, honored to wear it
then," Kim replied wiping her eyes on her robe sleeve. 

Walter smiled from ear to ear at her. He couldn't speak. If he had, he
would have broken down completely. Instead he patted her knee and got
back up, walking back across the room. He put the ring carefully back
into his luggage. He surreptitiously wiped his eyes before he turned and
walked back over to his wife. 

Skinner sat back down next to her on the bed. 

"I love you, Walter," Kim said simply. 

"I love you too, Kim. I...I want to make love to you." 

"I want you..." she whispered. 

She stood up and dropped her robe. He stood up and removed his briefs.
He took his glasses off and placed them carefully on the night stand.
They climbed onto the bed and pushed back the bed spread and sheets so
that they had more room. They sat facing each other again as they had
the night before. 

"Are you nervous?" Walter asked quietly. 

"A little. But, I know you won't hurt me, Walter." 

"Kim, that's important. If you have any pain at all tell me immediately.
I'll stop. I don't want to cause you any pain if I can help it." 

"Walter I know it may hurt..." 

"Just tell me if it does. We can slow down - all right?" 

"All right," she smiled at him. 

He considered her for a moment, "Kim..." His voice caught again. She
looked so radiant, as exquisite as the ring he had just given her. More
precious. His heart was racing. He swallowed to calm himself. He noticed
his hands were shaking a little. 

"Walter, it's all right, tell me..." she whispered. 

"Uh, there's a couple of different ways we can...we can approach...oh
hell - look - what I'm trying to say is how do you want to do this? I
guess you have some idea as to positions. I mean I want to do whatever
you'd enjoy - whatever might be the most comfortable for you." 

Walter was considering all the options. He'd be willing to do anything
for her now to make sure she got pleasure and as little pain as possible. 

"I want you to feel in control, babe. Tell me what you'd like," he added
softly stroking her knee. 

Kimberly moved close to him, "Walter, can you hold me like you did that
afternoon in your apartment. I'd like that right now." 

"On my lap?" he breathed out raggedly. 

"Yes," she replied softly. 

"I'd like that babe, I really would, but...." 

"What?" 

"Are you sure? It...well you can have more control that way for sure but
it might...be a little difficult in terms of taking all of me." 

"Oh. Well, I *would* feel more in control. I feel like I can orchestrate
things a little better that way. But if you think..." 

"Hey, what the hell, sure let's give it a go and see how it works out.
We can always change if it's uncomfortable," he smiled to reassure her. 

It wasn't the ideal position for a virgin he thought. She was going to
be riding his cock and under the circumstances he wasn't sure that was a
good idea. But she would have more control over her own position and
he'd have better access to her body as well. It was worth a shot. He was
willing to try and if it wasn't going well he would maneuver her around
for something more traditional. 

He scooted back against the headboard and she followed him. She shifted
to straddle his thighs. She was trembling a little. A mixture of anxious
anticipation and arousal. Walter touched her cheek. 

"I love you, Mrs. Skinner," he smiled at her again, "You've made me the
happiest man on earth, you know that don't you?" 

She gave him a dazzling smile in return, "God, Walter, I could never
doubt either." 

"I just want to touch you all over," he whispered. 

She shuddered as he moved his hand down her face and onto her neck. She
rocked forward, moving up to sit over his genitals and he embraced her,
running his hands down her back and onto her ass. She caught his mouth.
Their lips parted instantly admitting their tongues, allowing them to
dance together. 

"Oh God, Oh God," Walter thought, "I...it's almost more then I can
stand." His entire body was white hot. Every muscle, nerve and bone was
jumping with arcing bolts of sexual electricity as he pressed skin
against skin with his bride. They slid over each other, grinding their
hips together, moaning in their passion. He thought he was going to
explode and if he did he wouldn't care because the sensations were so
incredible. 

He broke the kiss and they both came up for air. 

"You ok, comfortable I mean?" he asked quietly. 

"Oh yes. Are you all right?" 

"God, more then all right. Woman you're making me so hot. Christ on a
crutch." 

Kim laughed, "Well, I don't need to tell you what you're doing to me I
guess." 

No indeed he thought. She was soaking his lap now and the evidence of
her arousal was there as well as over her entire body in the most
delicate pink flush he had ever seen. 

"You're wet for me," he replied huskily stating the obvious but striving
to compliment her in the process. 

He ran a finger down her neck and onto her right breast, teasing it
around her nipple, "I didn't notice you had all these tiny freckles
before..." 

"All my life when I get....excited." 

"I like them," he grinned. He replaced his finger with his mouth and
nuzzled her. Then he sucked in her heavy flesh. 

"Walter..." she moaned his name. She lifted her breast from below so
that he could take in even more and she moved against his mouth as he
drew her in. This is what it must feel like to have a child nurse from
me she thought idly as his cheeks hollowed with each sucking motion. God
it felt good. 

"Oh baby, my baby," she moaned quietly as he sucked. She ran her hands
over Walter's scalp. She loved his head. She never thought in a million
years that a bald head could be such a turn on. She was loving Walter's
lack of hair more by the minute. 

He released that breast and turned his attention to the other. She was
beyond words then, reduced to whimpers. But she knew she wanted him to
share in the experience. She let her hands travel from his head to the
front of his body and down his chest, tweaking his hard male nipples in
imitation of what he had done to her earlier. She teased them erect.
Walter groaned around her flesh. She ran her hands down his muscular
chest and flat stomach reaching his pubic hair. She began to fondle his
penis. 

When she started to stroke his cock he released her breasts and sat up
straight smiling into her face, "That feels good." 

Kim finally found her voice, "I love the way you feel, Walter, I mean -
don't laugh all right - but your skin is so soft - just like a horses
nose - you know, when you pet it." 

Walter couldn't help it - he laughed like hell, and Kim laughed as well.
When they caught their breath Skinner pinned her eyes. 

"Come up here and find out how *hard* it can get," he rumbled. Jesus,
horses nose? He felt like a fucking stallion. Oh yes ma'am. 

Kim smiled and moved up over his cock and balls. She began to move over
him in an erotic stroking motion. He shut his eyes and savored her
wetness rubbing back and forth over him. Oh yeah he was going to get
hard. No question. God her cunt felt good. He met her sinous catlike
strokes with his own rhythm and they moved together like that, eyes shut
in mutual masturbatory pleasure until it became evident that Walter was
going to either go where maybe they weren't quite ready for him to go
yet, or he would soon need to gain more room in a big hurry. 

He gently pushed her shoulders back to signal that he needed more space.
She caught on right away and moved back. She took his cock in her hand
and started to pump him just the way he liked it. 

"God woman, you have great hands," he moaned as she worked on getting
him completely erect. He was suddenly very happy that they had decided
to forgo using the extra protection of latex. Kim's philosphy had been
that if the pill failed them they'd just be starting a family a little
earlier then planned. He had no problem with that at all. Now he really
had no problem with it he chuckled inwardly. Oh no, no sweat on that issue. 

He reached forward and teased her breasts with his hands again, rolling
her nipples between his fingers until they were hard little nubs. He
bent forward and lapped at each breast in turn. Kim tilted her head back
to allow him better access to her neck as well and he nuzzled her as she
increased the pace on his dick. 

"Good?" she whispered into his ear. 

"Wonderful," he hissed between clenched teeth. He was holding back all
ready. His arousal was almost painful. An excrutiating pleasurable pain
however. He swallowed hard. 

"Kim, stop," he gasped out. He didn't want to come yet, no way,
"I...better slow down. I feel close." 

She smiled and released him. 

"That felt so good," he told her reaching to stroke her cheek. She
tilted her head into his hand. 

"I love doing that for you. I love to see you get hard." 

"I want to touch you," he replied huskily. 

She nodded, licking her lips. 

Walter stared at her mouth. His cock twitched. God those lips! She had
shifted even closer to him now and his cock was tipped up between them.
It should have been uncomfortable but he found the position unbelievably
enjoyable as his penis rubbed against her stomach with each breath
either of them took. 

He used the length of his cock to begin rubbing her labia. He reached
his hand down and started to rub her sensitive clit simultaneously. She
began to move against his hand immediately. 

"Is this good?" he asked mindful of the fact that she *was* sensitive. 

She nodded her head. Her eyes had slipped shut again and she was biting
her lower lip as she savored the sensations. Walter was finding out just
how wonderfully reponsive and sensuous Kimberly was in bed. It was
sending his own passion skyrocketing into the stratosphere. 

She was bucking hard against him. He moved back to take some of the
pressure off his cock. He felt himself beginning to leak pre-cum. He'd
have to think about trying to get in her soon or they were going to have
to wait for later in the day to take that final step. He felt between
her folds. Nice and wet. In fact she was drenched really. 

"Babe, I'm gonna try to work a couple of fingers in here. I'll go slow,
tell me if it's ok," he told her quietly. 

"Yesss," she stuttured as he continued to tug at her clit. 

He got one large finger in without a problem. She was tight though. He
started to slip in the second. He felt her leg muscles tense. 

"Ok?"

"I think so." 

"Just breath regularly. Relax." he suggested. The second finger went in
up to the base. 

"Oh yeah, baby, that feels good," he assured her and then he began to
pump into her. 

"Oh God," she moaned, "you feel so strong." 

They began the rhythm with his hands and her rocking hips that she liked
so much. His large hands worked her higher and higher. Her hips pounded
against him. Both of them were gasping. Kim moved so that her knees were
stretched out on either side of his body now. He cradled her body in his
palms. 

"Third finger," he hissed out. He knew if he could get a third in she
might be able to take him with less trouble. 

She nodded throwing her head back afterwards, "So close..." she gasped
out. He smiled. Damn. She was holding back - letting him really work her
up into a frenzy to make things more easy. It was glorious. 

He placed his third finger against her entrance and pushed. 

"Oh," she moaned slightly. He felt a gentle tearing. Not much but enough
to know he had hurt her a bit. It made him instantly upset. He started
to remove the finger. 

Kimberly's hand grabbed his, "No, don't stop," she sobbed low in her
throat, "s'ok." She forced his finger back into her and he began to pump
as hard as he dared. 

"UHHHHHHH," she groaned loudly and he felt her inner muscles contract
violently against his fingers. She thrust against him spastically,
losing total control of her hips. 

He kept pumping and rubbing her clit and she came again and then again
before collapsing forward against his chest. 

"Oh God, Oh God," she moaned, "I can't believe how good this fffeels." 

"Oh babe, you look so beautiful when you come. Like an angel. I love
you," Walter replied breathlessly. He ran his hand through her
strawberry blonde hair and stroked the back of her neck. 

"Walter, I want to have that feeling with you inside me," she whispered
huskily against his neck. 

"Are you sure babe? I mean God knows I'm more than ready," he chuckled.
His cock was straining to go in on its own at this point. 

She stared into his eyes. He saw just a trace of fear remaining. He
loved her more in that moment then he knew he would ever love another
human being again in his life, and he included himself in that number.
The love, coupled with desire, and trust that shown from her eyes was
the most wonderful thing he had ever seen. He wanted the next few
minutes to be joyous for her, special just the way she wanted it. He'd
make sure it was magnificent or die trying. 

"I'm sure, Walter." 

"Just go ahead, Hon. Show me what you want. I mean guide me if you'd
like. I don't mind. I love the way you touch that thing anyway," he
grinned and arched an eyebrow. 

She giggled. Tension was broken, "Well, I love touching it, believe you
me." Then she sighed, "God you feel like steel, Walter." 

"Hot steel." 

"No kidding, like your penis just came out of a blast furnace," she
whispered. 

He shifted so that he was pointing in the general direction where his
cock needed to go. Then he sat back passively letting her take hold of him. 

He watched her face. She was concentrating, gauging her own position
versus his size and angle. It was terribly erotic. He had to struggle to
keep looking and not shut his eyes. He was almost overcome with emotion.
He didn't utter a word as she moved him towards her body and pressed the
head of his cock against her folds. 

"Babe, I...I can help," he whispered carefully. 

She nodded her head. He placed one hand over her hand and his other on
her ass. He pushed on her butt to get her to shift up slightly and then
he began to help her guide his cock home. He pushed against her entrance
as gently as he could. She released him and brought her arms up to clasp
him around the neck. 

He felt her tensing and he knew he was hurting her again. "Relax, take a
deep breah," he hissed into her ear. Dear God please don't let me hurt
her too much he prayed, biting his own lip in concentration. He felt her
take in a ragged gasp. All he could think to do was continue his steady
pressure. He felt one last tear inside. She gave a very small groan. He
was inside her up to his balls. She had taken all of him. He cradled her
in his arms and she rested her head on his chest. 

"Oh Jesus," he whispered. She felt so hot, so wet, so tight. He felt
complete, fullfilled, protected, alive, "I'm sorry..." he whispered.
Despite the wonder of it, he hated the idea he had hurt her. 

"No, don't be sorry, you...Oh, Walter..." she sighed. 

"But, are you all right? I didn't want this to hurt you." 

Kimberly lifted her head off his chest, holding his arms and pushing
away so she could look into his face. Once again he was almost overcome
with feeling. She looked like a Goddess. He worshipped her. 

"The pleasure outweighs the pain more then I can ever tell you," she
smiled. 

"Really?" he asked hopefully. 

"She drew back slightly and thrust forward." 

"Oh Christ, yeah, really!" he gasped, chuckling. 

"See," she giggled. 

"Hold on, babe," he growled in his throat. He drew his knees up slightly
so that he could support her back. Holding onto her arms, he pulled back
and thrust slowly into her. 

"Ohhhhh, so good," she moaned. And then they were moving together. 

Walter started out with slow, languid thrusts letting her get used to
his thickness and length as he slipped partially out and then back
inside her body. He kept hold of her arms and she rocked back and forth
on his cock, and then up and down as she began to catch his rhythm.
Neither of them spoke for quite some time. The only sound was their
heavy breathing and the soft, wet sounds of flesh moving in and out of
flesh. 

Skinner felt like he was having another out of body experience. The
look, feel and smell of Kim's body transported him to another land. The
land of ultimate joy and rapture that only two lovers could reach
together. She was divine to see. Her head thrown back, lips parted, hair
swinging. And then her head coming back down to tuck into her neck, her
sobbing as she twisted and writhed on him. He began to pick up the pace
of his thrusts. He shifted his hands off her arms and gripped her hips
so that he could begin to drive in a bit faster. 

Kim found her voice, "S'good. Oh God. I want it all. Fuck me hard." 

"Oh Christ, baby," he moaned. She was begging for his cock and that was
it. He couldn't hold back any longer. On the next backthrust he moved
his hands to cradle her ass and then he pumped into her hard, fast and
deep. 

"Jesus, Yesssss" she cried out and then she could only whimper and moan
as she bucked against him, riding his hard, thrusting erection. 

"That's it, that's it lover," he rumbled low in his throat. "Move. I
love it. God, baby," he sobbed into his own chest. He lost all voice at
that point except for incoherent grunts. 

He let go of one side of her body and brought his hand around to stroke
above where his hard on was plunging into her. 

Kimberly threw herself against him in frenzied abandon. She was hardly
aware of her surroundings any longer. All she felt was his cock
pistoning into her hot, tight body, her inner juices mixing with the
sweat that slickened their thighs, and the strong, protective arms of
Walter Skinner as he fucked her senseless. She thought she was going to
burst into flame. She craved it. She wanted to burn. When his fingers
reached her clit she knew she shrieked in pleasure. She didn't care. It
was all indescribable. She rammed into his hand - searching, running,
flying for the edge of the abyss that she wanted to crash over, and fall
into now more than anything in the world. 

"Yesssss," she hissed nodding her head as he stroked her without and
drove between her legs, "do me...hard." 

Skinner made a monumental effort to concentrate on his hand, holding
back desperately, reining in his own approaching climax. 

"Close?" he gasped. 

She nodded and then her mouth twitched in a rictis of pleasure and he
felt her body begin to tense for orgasm. 

"Oh baby, come for me," he hissed. Her head rocketed back and her body
arched up. Her inner muscles clamped down on his cock so tightly he
thought she was going to emasculate him. "What a way to go," he thought
in the back of his mind. And she wailed out, convulsing over and over,
jacknifing into him for two more powerful hip bucks. 

He moaned loudly and crashed his hips against hers driving towards his
own ripping orgasm. He removed his hand from between her legs, gripped
both her hips again and back thrust almost completely out. 

"Oh fuck, oh fuck," he growled. He thrust back into her all the way up
to his nuts. "Uhhhhhhhh," he groaned. He felt suspended in mid air for a
moment. Like the air was superheated, roaring around his ears, gravity
was gone for a split second and then he was slamming down, shouting,
erupting, exploding, spurting, coming, coming, coming.... 

"OH DEAR GOD, KIM!" he screamed. She was gasping and just beginning to
come back from somewhere else herself. Kim pumped on him, driving him in
deep as she felt his release into her. The warm, wonderful rush of
semen, filling her. She watched his face, transformed in ecstasy. His
neck muscles cording, eyes shut, nostrils flairing for breath, mouth
open in a silent scream after his breath had been almost driven from his
lungs. 

"Oh lover, Oh lover," she whispered, reaching down to grasp his arms
where they held her hips. 

"Oh, oh, Kim," he sobbed as his breath rushed back into his body. His
thrusts grew weaker, "I love you babe," he rasped and she collapsed,
crying into his arms. 

xXx 

Later... 

Walter lay holding Kimberly against his chest. She was pressed close,
their legs were entwined. He rubbed his leg back and forth languidly
over hers. She was smiling. 

"Tickles." 

"This too?" 

"Yes, I love your leg hair too," she chuckled. It was a sultry satiated
sound and Walter rubbed her arm and smiled up at the ceiling. If there
had been a mirror up there he'd be able to see the totally sappy
expression he had on his face. The complete look of utter bliss that he
didn't really give a shit if anyone knew about or not. He was the
happiest man alive in Crossroads, Maine that morning. He was pretty sure
of that fact. Oh yeah. 

"You all right, I mean really?" he asked her again kissing the top of
her head. 

After the lovemaking they had pretty much collapsed against each other
and he had lowered himself flat unable to even remain sitting. Kim had
lain over him using his chest as a pillow. For the first time that
weekend she actually felt a little heavy he had mused wryly. He hadn't
had a workout like he'd just had, even in the FBI gym weight room, for a
very long time. 

They lay, not moving, still connected, murmuring their love for each
other quietly until finally he ran a hand down her back and asked her to
shift off so he could pull out. He needed some room to get his breath as
well. Jesus I'm glad my heart's in good shape he thought idly. Otherwise
I might have come *and* gone. 

He had immediately pulled Kim close and that's how they had been laying
for the better part of an hour still touching and talking. Enjoying
their post coital companionship. 

"I feel like I could eat a pound of chocolate if that answers your
question," she replied levering herself up to lean on his chest with her
elbows. She ran her fingers through his mat of chest hair. 

"For breakfast?" he laughed. 

"Walter, have you looked at the clock? We're talking brunch here, darling." 

He glanced over at the night stand. 

"Lord have, mercy woman. Is that the time I can barely see over there.
Hand me my specs. Why didn't you say something - you must be starving,"
he rumbled in good humor. 

She turned and reaching over snagged his glasses and carrying them over
placed them over his ears. She settled them on his nose with her index
finger. She kissed the tip of his nose. 

"Better?" she asked lovingly. 

"Yes," he answered simply. He could see her clearly now. She looked
radiant, almost irridescent in the mid-morning sunlight that now
streamed through the shear, closed curtains. He stroked her hair tenderly. 

"I didn't want to break the spell Walter. And really, I'm not that
hungry. And to answer your other questions seriously. I'm just fine, Mr.
Skinner. And that isn't a Scully fine as you once pointed out." 

He smiled gently at her and then he grinned a bit wider, "But I bet you
wouldn't object to a little coffee would you?" he chucked her under the
chin. 

"Now your taking, big man. But shower first. No offense but...I'm
all...sticky," she giggled. 

Skinner felt himself flushing a bit in embarrassment but he knew he'd
have to get over that soon. He was finding out that Kim was a very
playful lover, very uninhibited and obviously comfortable with herself
as a women. He'd have to learn to loosen up a bit more in the bedroom as
well. He'd work on it. And he'd enjoy that work. She moved away and
started to get off the bed. He reached over and patted her on the ass as
she scooted off the mattress. She laughed, bouncing gracefully over the
edge and onto the floor 

"Go ahead and shower, Mrs. Skinner." 

"Will you join me, Mr. Skinner?" 

"Directly. I'm going to call downstairs and arrange for brunch.
Something light, and coffee." 

"Sounds like a plan, Walter. But don't be long." 

"Would you like to go for a swim later, Kim. They have a heated
poolhouse next door." 

"Oh, that does sound good." 

"All right." 

She walked lilthy away from the bed, across the room and into the
bathroom, shutting the door behind her. Walter smiled. God, she was
pretty. He still marveled at her dancers grace. Wondered why she had
never considered becoming a dancer. She had told him once she had two
left feet but he could hardly believe it. 

He moved over the sheets to reach for the phone and that's when he saw
the blood. Blood mixed with dried semen. It wasn't much and most of it
was on him but it was there nonetheless. He felt sick. A dozen stupid
phrases came into his mind. Some of them right out of one of the idiotic
bodice rippers his sister Sylvia was always reading. He had taken her
maidenhood, sullied her virginity or the worst yet - deflowered her.
Christ on a crutch. He'd hurt her and the evidence was there on his cock
and the bed, plain as the nose on his face. 

But he realized suddenly that if he had seen it so had Kim. God all
mighty she must have seen it, and she hadn't said a single thing. In
fact she had said she was fine and she had sounded and looked more then
fine. She'd looked like a woman who had just been thoroughly fucked by a
very caring lover and who had enjoyed every minute of it. Hell, she'd
practically been glowing and floating on air. 

Walter smiled and ran a hand over his scalp. Well maybe it had hurt a
little but as she had said the pleasure more than made up for the pain.
He had an inkling that was the truth. He would remember the ecstasy they
had shared, and let the rest fade away. 

Jesus though - he supposed Tim's wife Alice would have to change the
bed. Well c'est la vie. It wasn't like they didn't know what he and
Kimberly were doing up here. It was the damn honeymoon suite after all.
No kidding he smiled sheepishly. But God in heaven he felt good. He felt
like he was 18 again, it was summer, and he had never heard of Vietnam.
Time to get moving he thought. 

He nodded decisively in resolve and picked up the phone on the night
stand, dialing O for Tim's front desk. 

"Tim," he rumbled into the phone." 

"It's about time, Walter. I take it you two are finally up and around?" 

"And dying for coffee. You still have that Sumatran blend?" 

"Oh yeah, buddy." 

"Well put the pot on, Tim, and throw something on the sideboard too -
nothing fancy, bagels, fruit you now what I mean. We'll be down in about
an hour." 

"Will do Sinner. And Walter?" 

"Yeah, Timber.." 

"Congratulations. She really is beautiful." 

"She's an angel, Tim. And make that coffee strong brother. We both need
it." 

Walter Skinner hung up the phone, and grinning like the Cheshire Cat,
headed for the shower. 

xXx

Author's Note: Well, Walter is a happy camper now and you have two
people to thank for it. First, my wife. She really twisted my arm here
to give Walter a good woman so June, there you go. And the second person
is Stepford, a very perceptive writer of very flattering and witty
e-mail. She suggested I write a sweet, tender sequel to "Fortissimo into
Crescendo" where Walter gets the right girl. So, Stepford, this one's
for you too. Thank you ladies. 

BTW - OK - I know some of you are wondering what happened to the John
Rand character in this story. Well...John only shows up in Walter's life
when he needs help or is in trouble. So in this story I think he stayed
out of the way. Besides I wanted the story to center on Walter and Kim.
But, I do have a fifth story planned and yes, John will be back and
Walter will be glad he makes a return. I think something with "Waltz" in
the title? I'm writing as fast as I can....

Bests,
frogdoggie