Mulder, Your Ass Is Mine

by Sculder

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Disclaimer: Fox Mulder and Walter Skinner do not belong to me. They are the property of CC and 1013 Productions. I'm just borrowing them. Not makin' money here. Honest.

Warning: This is an NC-17 Discipline story. There are scenes of explicit discipline between two men, so if this freaks you out, please DO NOT read. If you find it exciting, please continue!

Author's Note: I want to thank my beta, Sinister, for her skills, support and encouragement. Also, I'd like to thank The Persuader's for their inspiration.

Feedback: Yes please, on The Persuader's List or at Sculder42X@aol.com

Archive: Anywhere appropriate, just leave my name attached and notify me.

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"Mulder, when I catch up with you I'm gonna' whip your ass!"

Skinner said that out loud as he drove to the airport, his knuckles white as he gripped the steering wheel in fury. He'd found out Mulder went to Nevada to investigate something. Skinner hadn't given him permission to go. Their discipline relationship forbade any such unauthorized trips. Whenever Mulder went off without permission, something always went wrong. This time was no exception. He'd gotten a call that an Agent Mulder was breaking the law in order to obtain information. When Mulder discovered Skinner was notified, he decided to call him. Without asking any details, Skinner ordered him home immediately. Now Skinner was on his way to the airport to pick him up. It seemed Mulder's car was out of commission and left behind in New York. Skinner just added that to the list.

The plane had just touched down. Passengers were filing out of the plane-- all but one. Mulder remained in his seat with his head in his hands. A flight attendant, upon spotting Mulder, walked toward the back of the plane.

"Sir, are you all right?"

Mulder sat up, looking somewhat pale. He looked up at the attendant without answering.

"Sir, you have to depart the plane now."

Mulder gave the attendant a look of panic, unbuckled his seatbelt and got up. He pulled his bag from the overhead compartment and walked toward the exit. As he passed the remaining attendants, one said, "Ba-bye, Sir. Have a nice day."

Mulder just gave her a sorrowful expression, threw his bag over his shoulder and said, "I doubt it."

Skinner was waiting patiently at the entrance of the gate for his wayward agent. He noticed that everyone seemed to have exited the plane. For a minute he thought maybe Mulder wasn't on this flight when he suddenly saw him. He watched as Mulder made his way out the plane, moving as slowly as humanly possible. He had his head down and only looked up as Skinner was coming towards him. He stopped immediately, a look of terror on his face.

As Skinner approached him, he backed up until Skinner stopped before him. Both men just stood in front of each other without saying a word. Mulder was looking at his feet, shifting uneasily. Skinner was glaring at him, as usual. The silence was too much for Mulder. He decided to speak, but as he opened his mouth, he was silenced by an unexpected arm around his neck.

"It's good to have you home, boy!" Skinner yelled, with an uncharacteristic grin on his face. Mulder figured that this didn't bode at all well for him. And he was right. It seems that Skinner was putting on an act for the onlookers. He pulled Mulder along, his arm still around him, continuing to grin while he whispered his true intentions into his ear.

"I should take you into the restroom right now and wear your ass out with my belt, but I'm going to wait until after I get you to your apartment."

Mulder swallowed hard and considered himself very lucky, but he knew he wouldn't think that in about an hour. Skinner continued to pull him along all the way to the parking lot. Once they got to the car, Skinner let him go.

"Get your ass in the car."

Mulder waited until Skinner unlocked the door. The whole time he was waiting he wished that he could book another flight out of town, but he knew that Skinner would only track him down. The man was angry enough. Once the door was unlocked, Mulder threw his bag in the back seat and got in the front. Skinner pulled out of the parking lot quickly, causing the tires to screech.

As they drove in silence, Mulder really wanted to explain. He figured maybe if he could explain himself, Skinner would go easier on him. Occasionally, Mulder glanced sideways and saw Skinner was staring at the road with that same sour look on his face. He was still obviously pretty pissed. Mulder knew he had to try and save his ass.

Mulder took a deep breath and decided to go for it. "Um...Sir, can I..."

"No, you can't," Skinner said without taking his eyes off the road.

"But Sir, I..."

"I said I didn't want to hear anything from you."

"But Sir..."

Suddenly Skinner pulled the car over to the side of the road and stopped. He turned toward Mulder and gave him a look that made Mulder want to run for his life.

"I told you I didn't want to hear a word from you. Now if I hear one more sound out of you, I will drag you out of this car, pull off my belt and whip your jean covered butt until I can see skin. Is that clear?"

Mulder looked at his boss with wide terrified eyes and nodded. Skinner started up the car again and pulled out into traffic. Mulder resigned himself to staying extremely quiet. He decided to pout for the remainder of the trip. He folded his arms across his chest to really let Skinner know how he felt.

Skinner pulled up in front of Mulder's apartment building and got out of car. Mulder stayed put, trying to prolong the inevitable. Skinner came around to Mulder's side and motioned for him to unlock the door. Mulder thought about not doing it and staying in the car for the rest of his life, but once he took a look at Skinner's face, he thought better of it. He pulled up the lock and Skinner pulled the door open.

"Agent Mulder, are you waiting for an engraved invitation?"

Mulder remembered Skinner's warning at the side of the road and decided not to say a word. He merely shook his head. He reluctantly got out of the car and grabbed his bag. Skinner was still holding the door open when Mulder retrieved his bag from the back seat, then slammed the door shut and walked past Mulder towards the building. Mulder stood there for a moment, unable to get his legs to move. After realizing Mulder wasn't behind him, Skinner turned around and walked toward him. Mulder automatically backed up into the car.

Skinner didn't say a word. He grabbed the neck of Mulder's jacket and pushed him into the building. He continued to hold his jacket as Mulder got out his keys and opened the front door. Skinner pushed him to the elevator. Once it came, Skinner pushed him inside, only then letting him go. When the elevator door opened on Mulder's floor, Skinner stayed behind and let Mulder lead the way to his apartment. Mulder felt like he was walking the green mile. His stomach was in knots and he felt lightheaded.

Mulder got to his door and attempted to put the key in the lock, but dropped them instead. He bent down to pick them up, glancing at his boss on the way up. Skinner's eyes were saying, 'Open the fuckin' door now!' Mulder finally got the door open and both men walked into the apartment. Skinner closed the door behind them. Mulder walked over to his couch and threw down his bag, then bent down to look at his mollies. He turned around, moving his coat back and placing his hands on his hips. He faced his boss, who was still standing near the door.

"So, where do you want me?"

"What about an explanation first?" Skinner said, moving to the couch.

"Oh, I have your permission to speak now?" Mulder asked, insolent.

Skinner glared at him.

"First off, lose the attitude. Second, I think you owe me an explanation for making me get out of my bed and drive all the way to the airport to pick you up."

"I could've taken a taxi."

"Yeah, you could have, but I would've missed out on giving you a proper homecoming," Skinner smirked.

Yeah, with your belt.

As Skinner moved to sit on the couch, Mulder made a point to get out of his way. He walked over to stand near his desk as Skinner made himself comfortable on the couch. Both men still had not removed their coats.

"So, I'm waiting for your explanation." Skinner glanced at his watch. "You have 10 seconds to begin before you lose the opportunity."

Mulder moved closer to the couch as he spoke. "Why do I have to even give you an explanation? You know that you're going to still beat my ass regardless of what I say!" Mulder shouted the last few words.

Skinner sat stunned at his agent's behavior considering what was about to happen to him. He had to admit the boy had balls. Slowly, dangerously, Skinner rose from the couch to move directly in front of Mulder, who was standing firmly in place. Skinner stood an inch from Mulder's face.

"When we were in the car, you were insistent on saying something to me. Now I'm giving you permission to say it and you are damned well going to," Skinner hissed.

Mulder managed to retain an outward appearance of tough calm but inside he was a quivering bowl of jello. The only telltale sign of his fear was a hard swallow. After a few more seconds of macho bravado, Mulder backed down and took a few steps back. Skinner went back to the couch, removing his coat as he went. Removing his own coat was the last thing on Mulder's mind. He turned away from Skinner, trying to get his story straight in his mind. Then he turned back around, releasing a loud sigh.

"I heard about this sighting in Nevada. Someone there told police they saw objects fall from the sky. Big pieces of metal that didn't appear to be from anywhere on Earth. After reading the case report a Nevada police officer had faxed me, I thought that it sounded like Roswell all over again. I had to go down and check it out." Mulder paused only to get a look at Skinner's expression. He was listening, glare intact.

Mulder decided to continue.

"I know I didn't ask you if I could go, but I didn't have much of a choice. As you know, I have been down to Nevada a number of times investigating various reports. Some authorized by you. The last couple of times, things didn't go too well, as you are aware of," Mulder admitted, looking sheepishly at his boss. "I knew that if I had told you I wanted to go back down there, you would have flat out denied me permission. The only thing I could do was to go down without your permission and pray you would never find out. I guess that idea is shot to hell," Mulder concluded, hanging his head.

Skinner's eyes narrowed as he observed his miscreant agent. He leaned on his elbows, clasping his hands together.

"What happened to your car?" Skinner asked calmly.

Mulder raised his eyes to look at Skinner. "Um...well, when I went to interview one of the witnesses...the car was stolen. It wasn't a good neighbor."

"Did you report it stolen?" Skinner asked.

"Oh yeah, right away, but they still weren't able to find it before I left. I guess they're not as good with that sort of thing down there," Mulder shrugged.

"What did your investigation reveal?"

"Well, not much because I wasn't able to finish it-- for obvious reasons."

"The officer who called me said you were breaking the law trying to obtain information. What law did you break?"

Mulder frowned, giving Skinner a confused expression.

"What is he talking about? I didn't break any laws!" Mulder exclaimed, obviously appalled at the idea.

"Why would the officer make such a claim? There must have been something you did."

"Yeah, sure, take their side!" Mulder fumed, pacing around the room.

"I'm not taking sides. I'm just trying to find out what happened."

"I've already told you! I went to Nevada without your permission. That's all you need to know!" Mulder was aware of his tone, but couldn't help it. He was getting tired of this. He knew all of this was just prolonging his pain. He just wanted to get on with it already.

Once again Skinner narrowed his eyes. "You seem eager to taste my belt. Are you sure you want to rush this?"

Mulder thought about it and realized he wasn't that anxious after all. He could feel the fear welling up inside him. He hated this so much. He clenched his jaw, slowly shaking his head.

"I thought as much," Skinner said, rising from the couch. "Ya got any beer?"

Mulder looked at him through his eyelashes and nodded.

"I'm getting one for myself-- you wait for me right here. We have some more things to discuss." Skinner disappeared into Mulder's kitchen.

Once Skinner was out of sight, Mulder tried to release some of the tension that he had been holding in since he made that call to Skinner from Nevada. He bent his head back and closed his eyes. When Skinner returned, Mulder was still in his self-imposed trance. He wasn't even aware that Skinner had returned.

"Agent Mulder!"

Startled, Mulder whipped his head up and looked at his boss.

"Get over there and sit down!" Skinner gestured toward the couch with his head. Mulder obeyed while Skinner remained standing. He took a long swig of beer, wiping his mouth with the back of his hand.

Mulder sat, leaning on his knees with his head down. When Skinner began to speak, he jerked his head up and gave him his fall attention.

"Agent Mulder, I'd like to get this straight. You tell me if I'm off."

Mulder nodded.

"You go down to Nevada to investigate something under the guise of the FBI and you don't ask for authorization?"

"What do you mean, under the guise of the FBI?"

"Did you go down there flashing your badge?"

"Well, yeah, I had to. Otherwise I wouldn't have been able to do anything."

"So, you let these people think that you were investigating under the authority of the FBI, knowing full well that you were not given the authority."

Mulder closed his eyes and lowered his head. Skinner continued.

"So, you go about an unauthorized investigation and in the process get your car stolen. Is that about right?"

Mulder nodded. "Yes Sir, but there's one more thing," he added solemnly.

Skinner waited patiently for him to speak.

"I did break the law. Once the officials discovered I had come back to Nevada, they weren't too happy. The sheriff told me I was not allowed access on the site of the wreckage. He said if I was seen anywhere near there I would be arrested. Well, as you know, I went anyway and was arrested."

"How is that breaking the law?" Skinner inquired.

"I was caught with a piece of the debris in my pocket. I wanted to bring it back here for analysis."

"So you broke the law by taking evidence from a possible crime scene?"

"Yeah," Mulder replied, lowering his head once again.

Skinner threw his now empty beer can into the nearby trashcan next to Mulder's desk, then sat down in a chair. He rubbed his hands across his head in frustration. Mulder sat watching him. He couldn't tell if Skinner was still really angry with him. He would soon be certain. Skinner raised his head again and glared over to his subordinate.

That damn glare is back! Shit!

Mulder looked back at him with puppy eyes and a prominent pout. The puppy eyes followed Skinner as he stood up and began to open his belt.

Shit! It seems that the wait is over.

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Mulder couldn't help swallowing hard. His puppy eyes were replaced with fearful ones. Skinner pulled his belt from his pants, doubling it in his hand.

"Get your clothes off."

Mulder stood up on shaky legs. After a few seconds of contemplation, he asked Skinner a question.

"Um...Sir, can I go to the bathroom first?"

Skinner eyed him.

"Go ahead, but you had better not take forever and don't remove your clothes in there."

Mulder nodded and quickly walked to his bathroom. After closing the door behind him, he turned to lift up the toilet seat. He stood there peeing, or at least trying to pee. He was so nervous that he was finding it difficult. He closed his eyes and took a few deep breaths. Finally, after calming himself somewhat he was able to relieve himself. He let out a sigh as the stream of urine made it's way into the bowl. When he was done, he stuffed himself back in his pants and flushed. It seemed to him he was in there long enough, so he hurriedly washed his hands and left the bathroom.

Skinner had his back turned looking at something on the desk. When Mulder returned, he swung around with his belt wrapped firmly around his hand. Mulder's eyes dropped to the belt, then back up at his boss. Skinner took a few steps away from the desk and watched him. Mulder could feel his eyes traveling up and down his body.

"I think I told you to get your clothes off," Skinner said in a low voice.

Mulder, not moving an inch from where he stood, slowly began to disrobe. He removed his leather jacket and placed it on the chair. As he toed off his shoes, he glanced up at Skinner who was just standing there swinging the belt. Mulder pulled off his socks then his T-shirt, pulling it over his head. He threw it on the couch then started on his jeans. He opened his jeans and pushed them down his hips, stepping out of them. He decided to kick them towards the couch.

Mulder was down to his boxers. Once again, he glanced up at Skinner. His face was stern as he stared at his agent, waiting for him to obey his command. Mulder swallowed and nervously bit on his lower lip. He moved his hands to the waistband of his boxers. He gave Skinner one last look and saw the AD's eyes had narrowed. Mulder saw that as a sign: he'd better get rid of the boxers pronto if he knew what was good for him. In a quick motion, Mulder relieved himself of his one remaining shred of dignity. He threw the boxers on the couch and stood naked before his boss.

Mulder always hated this part. No matter how many times he had to do it, getting naked in front of Skinner was never something he got used to. He never thought he was a particularly modest guy, but in this situation being naked made things so much worse. Skinner knew this. That was why he insisted on whipping him naked. He could just as well have given him the belt with his jeans and boxers around his ankles, but noooo, not good ol Walter freakin' Skinner.

Skinner let Mulder stand there naked until Mulder was about to scream. He didn't know what to look at and he was certainly not going to look at Skinner, even though Skinner was looking at him. Mulder's eyes moved all around his apartment...up to the ceiling, down on the floor. He also didn't know where to put his hands. He wanted to put them over his groin, but from previous times he knew Skinner wouldn't want that. Skinner wanted him to feel uncomfortable, so there would be no covering of the genitals. At one time Mulder put his hands behind his back, but to him that looked really stupid, so he just left them at his sides.

After Skinner felt Mulder had had enough, he moved closer to his soon-to-be-punished subordinate.

He got right next to his ear and whispered, "What am I going to whip your ass for this time?"

Mulder stared straight ahead, swallowing hard.

"For not asking permission to do an investigation. For going ahead with the investigation without proper authorization. For disobeying the local officials. For taking evidence from a possible crime scene."

Skinner circled Mulder.

"I think you've covered everything. Do you think you deserve to be punished, Agent Mulder?"

Mulder thought about it, then answered.

"Yes."

"Yes, what?" Skinner shouted in his face.

"Yes, Sir," Mulder replied as if he were in the military.

"From here on out you will address me with the proper respect. Is that clear?"

"Yes, Sir."

Skinner took a few more moments to scrutinize him. He knew that made Mulder really uncomfortable, especially since he was standing there completely naked. Skinner turned and went to sit on the couch. He slapped his hand on his thigh.

"Get over here!"

Mulder stood in front of his boss.

"Get over my lap."

Mulder knelt down and positioned himself over Skinner's knees. Most of his upper body was lying on the couch. He looked back over his shoulder to see Skinner putting the belt on the floor. Then he felt a warm, rough hand caress his ass cheeks. Skinner was obviously going to give him a hand spanking first to warm him up. Mulder pressed his forehead into the couch cushion and shut his eyes tight, waiting for the first smack. The first smack came, but it was just a tap. Skinner started slow, lightly slapping one cheek, then the other, over and over again. Just this motion alone was turning Mulder's pale white butt to pink.

Finally Skinner began to slap him harder in the same motion, back and forth from one cheek to the other. Mulder was really beginning to feel it now. He started to make small grunting sounds from the back of his throat with each slap. When Skinner slapped even harder and faster, Mulder began to squirm and wiggle his ass. Soon afterwards, he began to kick his legs and wail. Skinner never let up the continuous rhythm on his scarlet buns. Just as Mulder knew he couldn't take another slap, it stopped. Skinner let him lay across his lap sobbing miserably. He wanted so much to reach behind him and grab his flaming cheeks, but Skinner would only make them hotter if he did.

Once Mulder had sufficiently calmed down, Skinner raised his knee, indicating that he should get up. Mulder stood up, sniffling and wiping his face quickly with his hand. He kept his head down, not looking at Skinner.

"Get in the corner until I call you," Skinner ordered as he rubbed the sting out of his hand.

"Yes, Sir," Mulder said as he went to the corner and stood. He was instructed to never lean on the wall, so he stood about 6 inches from it with his hands at his sides. His ass was stinging really badly now, so much so that he found himself shifting from one foot to the other.

"Keep still!" Skinner shouted, causing Mulder to jump. Mulder stopped shifting immediately.

"Yes Sir," Mulder replied, switching to chewing on his lip instead. At least Skinner couldn't see him doing that...

After what seemed like an eternity, Skinner called for Mulder to come out of the corner. As Mulder turned around, he saw Skinner pick up the belt. Mulder stared in amazement. Skinner couldn't possibly think he could take a belt whipping after the hand spanking he gave him. Mulder stayed in place, not moving an inch. Skinner looked up.

"I think I told you to come here."

"W-what are you going to do?" Mulder asked, as if he didn't know the answer.

"What do you think I'm going to do? Now, get your ass over here, NOW!" Skinner yelled, getting up from the couch.

"Um...Sir, p-please don't. I've had enough. I promise not to ever do anything without your permission ever again," Mulder begged.

"Agent Mulder, I think I gave you an order and I'm not going to tell you again," Skinner said between gritted teeth.

Mulder couldn't move. He was paralyzed with fear. Finally, Skinner started to move toward him. Since Mulder was already near the wall, he didn't have anywhere to go. He backed up against the wall as Skinner came closer and closer. Just as Skinner was about to reach for him, Mulder dropped to the floor and quickly crawled out of his reach.

Skinner might be big, but he was quick. He lunged for the younger man, grabbing on to his legs. Mulder tried to crawl and claw away, but it was no use. Skinner had crawled on top of Mulder and was pressing him into the floor with his weight. Mulder was lying on his stomach trying desperately to move. After seeing he was trapped, Mulder decided to stop struggling and just lay there.

Both men were breathing hard.

"Are you done?" Skinner hissed into his ear.

"Yeah," Mulder replied through gritted teeth.

Skinner grabbed onto Mulder's hair, pulling his head back.

"I said: Are you done? he repeated forcefully.

"Yes, Sir!" Mulder shouted, realizing his mistake.

"Before I let you up, I want you to explain your behavior," Skinner said, releasing his hair but not getting off him.

Mulder could barely breathe from Skinner's weight, let along speak, but he tried.

"I...I panicked Sir. I'm sorry," Mulder gasped out.

"You fear my belt, boy."

"Y-yes Sir, I do, especially after a hand spanking. It really hurts, Sir," Mulder admitted, hoping it would save his ass.

"Its supposed to hurt. I hope you know there's going to be a penalty for your actions." Skinner's voice was cold. Mulder knew it didn't look good for him.

Shit! I guess I can forget trying to save my ass.

Mulder took in a gulp of air before he answered his boss.

"Yes Sir," Mulder said remorsefully.

Skinner finally eased off him. Mulder laid there for a while trying to catch his breath, then he turned to his side and glanced up at Skinner. Skinner walked to where his belt lay on the floor and picked it up. Mulder's eyes grew wide as he watched him carry the belt towards him, then stop to stand over him.

"Turn over on your stomach," Skinner ordered.

Mulder swallowed hard, then obeyed. Once he was on his belly, he placed his arms under his head, burying his face in them. He already knew what was going to happen next.

Skinner raised the belt and whipped it down onto Mulder's unprotected backside. A loud snap could be heard in the room. Mulder cried out into his arms. Again the lash of the belt came down on him. His flesh was on fire. He clenched his ass cheeks after every strike hoping it would lessen the blows, but he was wrong. Skinner whipped him again and again. Soon Mulder was begging for him to stop. At one time Mulder tried to sit up, but Skinner placed his foot on him pushing him back down and just kept on swinging.

Mulder's ass was now covered in red stripes. He was sobbing uncontrollably and muttering incoherently. Finally it stopped. Mulder was hardly aware of it. He felt a hand caress his head. He looked to his side and saw Skinner kneeling beside him holding a glass of water. He was parched, so he drank eagerly. When the glass was empty, Skinner placed it on a nearby table. He relaxed a bit in the armchair staring at his agent. Mulder stared back, not knowing what to expect next. Skinner leaned forward on his knees, continuing to observe Mulder. Finally he spoke.

"How ya' doin'?" he asked, truly concerned.

Mulder stared at him blankly for a moment, then answered, "Better...Sir."

"Good, because that was only the penalty for trying to run away from me. I haven't finished your punishment yet."

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Mulder's mouth dropped open and his eyes almost popped out of their sockets. He struggled to sit up on the floor.

"Please Sir, no more, please! I can't take any more! Please, I'm so sorry for what I've done! I've learned my lesson, I promise, Sir! Pleeeeease!" Mulder managed to get up on his knees and now he was at Skinner's side pleading for mercy. He clawed at Skinner, who just sat there watching him. Fresh tears were now rolling down his cheeks.

Skinner released a loud sigh and got to his feet, making Mulder fall backwards. When his sore ass touched the carpet, he let out a whimper and quickly turned to his side. He watched Skinner walk to his coat and pull out a small wooden paddle. As soon as Mulder saw it he started his pleading again.

Skinner walked over to Mulder and stood over him, shouting, "You will stop this right now! If you do anymore begging, I will not only paddle your ass, I will also cane it! Is that clear?!"

Hell yeah!

Mulder could only nod fervently.

"Good. Now get up off the floor and lay across my lap," Skinner said as he sat in the armchair.

Mulder crawled toward him.

"I said GET UP!" Skinner screamed.

Mulder jumped up and within seconds was lying over his boss's lap. Skinner adjusted the younger man on his knees, making sure his cock was positioned between his thighs. Mulder's head and hands were touching the floor, as were his feet. His ass was hoisted up high. Soon Mulder felt a rough hand move over his hot butt cheeks. The touch was light and soothing. Then he felt a cool hard surface replace the hand. He knew it was the paddle.

He automatically clenched his cheeks and squeezed his eyes shut, preparing for the first smack. When it came, it wasn't hard. It was rather soft, a light tapping. Mulder knew this had to get worse. Suddenly, the light tapping became harder and harder. Mulder was really feeling the sting now.

Skinner concentrated on the same areas where the belt left its welts. Soon Mulder couldn't help but kick his legs while he was screaming his head off.

Lord, what the neighbors must be thinking.

Skinner covered every inch of Mulder's already sore flesh. He even smacked his thigh, which he had avoided with his belt. Mulder knew there was no reason to beg anymore. If he did, he knew he would get the cane. He would rather die than have Skinner use that on him after this.

I must be the only person alive who has been hand spanked, belted and paddled all in one session. My poor ass!

Finally, Skinner stopped the paddle and dropped it on the floor. He patted and rubbed Mulder's back, trying to calm him. He listened as Mulder's sobbing turned into whimpering. The young agent was still trying to catch his breath as Skinner caressed his soft hair and whispered calming words into his ear.

"It's all over now, Fox. Shhh. No more. I'm done. Hush now."

Mulder lifted himself off Skinner's lap and Skinner helped him to stand. He kept his head down and his eyes away from his boss. He rubbed an arm over his wet eyes and sniffled. Skinner stood and watched his hapless agent, then threw his arms around his hot sweaty body. He held him in an embrace. Mulder tried to move out of it, but Skinner firmly held him. Once Mulder knew he wasn't going to be allowed to get away, he relaxed himself into it and found himself weeping again.

Skinner let him cry while he continued to speak to him soothingly. When Skinner felt Mulder was done, he released him. Mulder still refused to look into his eyes. Skinner realized this and reached out to gently grab the sides of his face.

"Fox, don't avoid me. There is no shame in what happened here tonight. You were punished for doing something wrong. Now it's all over. Clean slate. Do you understand that? It's all over."

Mulder finally looked into his boss's eyes and nodded his head.

"Now I've got to get home. Are you okay?" Skinner asked, moving his hands from his face to his shoulders.

"Yes, Sir. I'll be fine," Mulder said as he grabbed for his gray T-shirt. He held it in front of his groin in an attempt at modesty.

Skinner watched him for a few seconds.

"Are you sure? I can stay if you'd like," he said, dropping his hands.

"No, Sir. That won't be necessary. I'll be fine. I'm just going to take a shower and go to bed."

"Okay then. If you're not feeling up to coming to work tomorrow, you can call in sick. I'll understand," Skinner said, getting his coat from the couch.

"Thanks Sir, but I haven't missed a day of work unless I was in the hospital. I don't want to start now. I'll just bring a pillow with me." Mulder managed a weak smile.

Skinner nodded. He shrugged into his coat and placed his hand inside his pocket.

"Oh, I almost forgot. I got you this," he said, handing a small bottle to Mulder.

Mulder took it and read the label. It read: `Aloe lotion for soothing irritated burning skin.' Mulder smiled to himself.

"Thanks. I can really use this."

"I figured as much," Skinner said, walking toward the door. Just before he placed his hand on the knob, he turned back to Mulder.

"Mulder, I just want you to be the best damned FBI agent that you can be."

He opened the door and left Mulder standing there, still clutching his T-shirt to his groin.

Mulder stood frozen for a few minutes, all the moments of the past hour running around in his head. It made him dizzy. He sighed deeply and turned to go into his bathroom to take that nice cool shower. He had forgotten the bottle in his hand. He glanced at it again and chuckled to himself. He placed it on the coffee table so it would be waiting for him when he got out of the shower. No matter how much the lotion might soothe his sore ass, Mulder knew he would still be sleeping on his stomach tonight and sitting gingerly at his desk the next morning-- and probably for the next few days.

What a price I pay for trying to find the truth.

The End

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