Title: Late Night & Early Morning Conversations
Author: Peach
Email address: Peach1250@hotmail.com
Fandom: X-Files
Pairings: Skinner/Mulder/Krycek
Warnings: This story contains implied het between Miranda and Edward. Nothing graphic so slashers should do fine.
Rating: R for language
Date: 9/19/01
Archive: With permission
Website: http://us.oocities.com/peach1250/index.html
Disclaimer: The characters of the X-Files belong to Chris Carter, 1013 Productions and the Fox Network. No copyright Infringement is intended no money is being made.
Summary: Addendum to Past Indiscretions
NOTE: This story is part of the Triad series. Jose likes Edward and a couple of you wanted more of him too. Thanks to Bill for the fast beta.

 

Walter stood looking at his son after Miranda and his lovers left them alone. Suddenly he was unsure what to say or do. It had been so much easier with the others in the room. The two of them stood looking at each other for what seemed an eternity to Walter but was probably only a few seconds.

Edward grinned. "I think one of us should say something."

"Sorry. It's been a Twilight Zone kind of day."

"Yeah. Thanks for not calling me a liar and throwing me out the door."

"Thank you, for accepting them. I know that can't be easy. I'm not sure what to do here. Should I…"

"Do what you are comfortable with. After all, you are my father."

Walter reached out then and pulled Edward forward into an awkward hug.

He was gratified when Edward's arms squeezed back. Walter pulled back reluctantly to see that grin back on his son's face. His *son*, yeah definitely a Twilight Zone kind of day.

"See you in the morning."

Edward turned to walk toward the room his wife had entered, turned when he reached the door, looking shy, suddenly.

"Is it ok if I call you Dad?"

"I'd like that."

The two men smiled at each other and Edward went into the guestroom and closed the door. His wife had stripped down to her bra and panties and was digging in the suitcase. He walked up behind her and settled his big hands over her hipbones, pulling her back against his crotch. She wiggled her hips, waking up his dick.

Throwing a grin over her shoulder at him, she pushed back and wiggled again.

"We gonna do the nasty in your Dad's house?"

"What do you think?"

"I think we should talk first. You know I want to know everything."

"Well, I think you know I wasn't expecting this. It never crossed my mind that he might be living anything other than a normal straight boring lifestyle."

"I have the feeling he's never bored. They're both very pretty aren't they? Alex's eyes would make me jealous if I didn't know you like mine blue. And Fox's lips, bet your Dad loves kissing those lips."

"Miranda, can you give me some time to get used to the idea before you start giving me visuals? Believe me, my mind is supplying plenty of those."

"Really? Why is that?" Miranda was wearing a wicked smile.

"Fox and Dad weren't here when I arrived. Alex was getting ready to go up to a cabin they own to join them for the weekend. He called them and we spent two hours talking while we waited for them to drive back."

"So far, I don't get it."

"Hush and I'll tell you. Alex and I were in the kitchen when they got back, and Dad barrelled in the door, glared at me, and started telling Alex they could work it out whatever it was."

"He thought you were the 'other man'?"

"Yeah. Alex has been working on a project of some sort; he does computer security work. Seems he's been so busy, he's been gone a lot and Dad was feeling insecure. He made it clear to me that he's not sure why they want him."

Miranda snorted at her husband. "Doesn't the man own a mirror?"

"Even men get insecure, honey. He wouldn't let Alex explain, and then he pulled him into his arms and kissed him. If Alex's reaction was any indication, my Dad knows how to kiss. Alex just went limp and flowed up against Dad, and the expression on his face afterward... well those green eyes get very bright. So my mind can supply me plenty of visuals."

"Sorry I missed that. You should have let me come with you."

"I was worried it wouldn't go well. But he accepted me. Guess it helps that his lovers see the resemblance. Fox figured it out right away. Besides, I'm sure you'll see him kiss them at some point. They seem very affectionate with each other."

"So, you can get to know your father now. I'm so happy for you. I have to tell you, I was worried. Afraid he would be one of those men who wanted no reminders of the war. Then when you said he was in a threesome with male partners… I know you accept my gay friends but I wondered how you were going to feel about your father being in that type of relationship."

"I was surprised. Alex told me they had a threesome relationship before he got home. We talked about that, too. Dad considers himself to be Bi, Alex says he's gay, and Fox makes jokes about being 'ensnared and corrupted' by them."

"How long have they been together?"

"Fox and Dad have been together close to five years and Alex has been with them for almost four. I think there's a little more to the story than they told me, but I didn't push. By the way, do you have any relatives named Scully?"

"I don't think so. Why?"

"Because they have a friend who could be your older sister. They said they would call her on Friday and see if she can come over to meet us."

"Karma."

"Karma your ass in that bed woman and do your wifely duty."

"Yes, Sir, Lord and Master."

++++++++

Walter woke surrounded by his lovers and was disoriented at first. He had expected to wake up at the cabin. Then the memory flooded back, along with the smell of coffee. His eyes were swollen and grainy, his mind playing over the events of the prior day.

He worked his way down to the end of the bed not wanting to wake his partners. Going into the bathroom, he peed hurriedly then splashed water on his face, cleaning the remains of tears out of his eyes. He smiled as he entered the bedroom, noticing how Alex and Fox had moved together in their sleep. They were such independent men outside the bedroom, but in it they both turned into snuggle bunnies. He had never slept as close to Sharon as he did to them.

He slipped on some sweats and went to see who was making coffee. Miranda was standing at the refrigerator when he opened the door.

"Morning, you're up early."

"Your grandson has changed my sleeping habits. I wake up early then need a nap in the afternoons. Why are you up?"

"Coffee. Can't resist the smell."

"I'm sorry. I didn't think. Also it's a little rude to make myself at home this way."

"You're family. I'm glad you helped yourself. What's so fascinating in the fridge?"

"Looking for milk or creamer. I'm supposed to cut my caffeine intake. That's the easiest way for me to do it."

"Should be some in the door. Fox likes the flavoured kind."

She turned, found the container and turned back as Walter pulled out two mugs. He poured the coffee and they settled at the table. Silence fell as they doctored their coffee and took the first sip.

"Edward says you're sure it's a boy. Why is that?"

"I just know. I've known for years what women are going to have. Why should my own be any different?"

"Guess it shouldn't. I still give Fox and Alex a hard time, but no one could live with them and not start to believe a little. They communicate without words so often, and read my mind with alarming accuracy. I hate being so transparent."

"Sometimes being transparent can be a good thing, Dad. Oops! Sorry, guess I should have asked first before calling you that."

Walter smiled at his new daughter-in-law. "I like the sound of that. May be a little late in life to become a dad but it sure feels good. I can't picture Alex or Fox pregnant."

"I'd do it for you if I could, Sergei."

Alex stopped by Walter's chair long enough to collect a good morning kiss. Miranda watched them with an unabashed stare. She wondered; if they kissed like that in public what went on behind the bedroom door?

"I know you would, Alexei. But at my age I think it's better to have grandbabies."

Alex headed toward the stove while throwing his answer over his shoulder.

"You aren't old. I won't allow it."

Miranda giggled at the exchange. She got the impression that it was an old dispute between them. Alex put on the kettle and came to sit at the table.

"So, Walter, what are we doing about dinner? We only have steaks in the freezer and all the Thanksgiving dinner food is at the cabin. I know in your frenzy to get back here yesterday, you didn't bring it back with you."

"Yes, Dad, I understand you mistook my husband for the other man yesterday."

Walter rolled his eyes toward the ceiling. "Lord, just tell me what I did. I'll repent, I'll make amends, just tell me. I'll do anything."

"Uh oh, what did I miss?"

Fox made his entrance, hair standing on end, he was wearing a pair of ragged sweats he had pulled on at the last minute. When he had awoken alone and smelled coffee, he started down naked. But when he got to the landing and heard a feminine giggle, he went back for something to put on.

Miranda was treated to the sight of Fox kissing, first Walter, then Alex good morning before he got a mug of coffee. Alex quickly explained Walter's last remarks as Walter frowned at them.

"Why don't we just take Edward and Miranda up to the cabin and cook and eat dinner there?" Fox suggested reasonably.

"Where is this cabin and will you be able to get football? Edward would go into withdrawal if he didn't get his Thanksgiving Day football."

"Don't worry, we put in a satellite dish. Otherwise we'd never get Walter to go up there during football season."

"Does she have to find out all my shortcomings on her first visit here?"

"Well, it's not like I can throw you back. I'm kinda stuck with you."

"Ouch!"

She smiled at the big man and realized just how much her husband looked like his father. Yeah, Edward was only going to get better with age. She drank the last little swallow of her coffee then went to get another cup, preparing it the way her husband liked.

"I'll go get Mr. Grumpy up so we can get on the road. I understand it takes about two hours to get there, so we should leave soon if we don't want to miss kick off."

The kettle whistled and Alex walked over to get his tea. Walter sat staring at his lovers after Miranda left the room.

"I'm not dreaming am I? I did just become a father yesterday, didn't I?"

"Not exactly yesterday, Walter, but no you aren't dreaming, not unless Alex and I are sharing the dream with you. Guess it could be an X file."

"Fox, don't tease him. It's a lot to take in. In less than twenty-four hours he's become a father, a father-in-law and is about to become a grandfather. Most men get years to work up to all that."

"I know. It's a good thing, right?"

"Yes, a very good thing. How do you two feel about it?"

Alex smiled as he caressed Walter's head. "I was worried when Edward announced he was your son. And when I heard about the baby I was worried again, still am."

"Alex, why?"

"I guess I'm afraid that if you have to choose between us and your blood, we'll lose."

Walter was appalled at the fear he saw in Alex's eyes. Three sets of eyes turned as Edward spoke from the door.

"That's not going to happen, Alex. I've seen with my own eyes how my father lights up when he is with you two. I would never want to take that away from him."

Alex walked over to Edward and stuck out his hand, but Edward ignored it and hugged him instead. Walter smiled at his son over Alex's shoulder and mouthed 'thank you'. Edward stepped back and Alex found himself pulled down on Walter's lap.

"Now, can I get another cup of coffee? I told Miranda to take the first shower since she requires more primping time than I do."

"Help yourself. She told you we're going to go up to the cabin?"

"Yeah, will we be coming back tonight or should I tell Miranda we need an overnight bag?"

"It's rather small, so we should come back tonight. We'll be more comfortable here."

An hour later they were on the road, Miranda and Edward being treated to Alex and Fox teasing Walter about his taste in music. Edward finally informed them from the back seat that his dad must have taught his mother because he grew up listening to that stuff. Then he proved it by singing along with the next song that came on.

They made it to the cabin in time for kick off. Alex and Miranda left the football fanatics to the game while they worked on dinner. At one point Alex carried a tray of snacks over to the guys and was pulled down into Walter's lap for a "good luck kiss". Miranda smiled as he asked how in hell kissing him would help Walter's team win. Walter had just grinned then patted his ass as he started back to the kitchen.

Friday rolled around and Fox called Scully. The conversation was short. As soon as she heard that Skinner had a son, and a daughter-in-law who looked like one of her relatives, she announced she would be right over. When the doorbell rang Fox, Walter, and Alex exchanged grins.

"What?"

"She must have run every traffic light between her place and here."

Fox jumped up and went to answer the door. They could hear the low conversation as Fox led her to the living room. As they reached the doorway, Scully zeroed in on Miranda, not hard, all she had to do was look for red hair.

"I thought you were joking, Mulder."

"Really, Scul? Then why did you break the law to get here?"

Miranda smiled at Scully. The picture didn't do the woman justice, but it was good enough to let her see the resemblance. Miranda moved forward with her hand out.

"Hello, I'm Miranda Skinner."

Out of the corner of her eye, she saw Walter look first at her then turn to Edward for confirmation. She was being a bit of a bitch stating that, since she and Edward had not discussed it. But she knew it was only a matter of time before Edward would have thought of it himself. Mai would have wanted it that way.

"Nice to meet you, Miranda. Please call me Dana."

"Dana, this is my husband Edward."

Dana turned to look at Edward then, seeing the same things Fox had seen. The warm brown eyes, the broad shoulders, even the way his cheeks rounded when he smiled.

"Well, Walter, you certainly couldn't deny he's yours. It's a pleasure to meet you, Edward. Now, tell me everything."

The story quickly unfolded, with Dana asking questions the men had not thought of. She knew the doctor who had cared for Mai by reputation and assured them that Mai could not have received better care, something Edward had felt relatively sure of but was glad to hear confirmed.

Dana and Miranda went off to make dinner and discuss family to see if by chance they found a common denominator, since neither of them could deny the resemblance. At one point the men heard gales of laughter emanating from the kitchen.

"Do you think it will help our dinner that they are having such a good time or should I maybe call for take out?"

"Well Dad, I don't know about Dana but Miranda is an excellent cook."

"You won't need to call for take out. We've got everything under control." Miranda said from the doorway.

She set a tray down on the table in front of the sofa. The men enjoyed the snacks, as Miranda disappeared back into the kitchen. When the women called them in to dinner, they all gathered around the table.

Walter smiled as the conversation flowed. Fox leaned over at one point and pinched Walter's arm.

"Damn! Fox what are you doing?"

"Just proving to you that it's not a dream, Walter. It's all real; you have a son and soon you'll have a grandson."

"We'll have a grandson."

Alex grinned at the two of them as Scully smacked Mulder's arm lightly.

"Fox Mulder, a grandfather, never thought that would happen."

"It's an X File, Scully."

"That's for sure."

Laughter filled the room and Walter felt more at peace than ever before. Alex reached for his hand, for once the psychic shit worked for Walter and he 'heard' Alex's voice saying one word.

Family.

The end.

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