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Quick Fix Part Two – disclaimers and warnings etc in part one. //’John, do you have dinner plans?’ ‘No sir.’ ‘Good. Be back here for eight. We’re eating out.’ ‘Sir.’ Doggett had been surprised how easily he had slipped into the domesticity of sharing living space with Skinner and Mulder. They divided up the chores between them with Skinner’s guidance. Mulder was relieved to have someone else help out around the house. Doggett felt his physical efforts went some way to making up for the fact that, apart from the occasional take-out meal, he was not expected to contribute to the household finances. Awkward with the arrangement at first, he had tried to discuss the matter with Skinner over a late-night card game. ‘Sir, I appreciate you putting me up like this…’ ‘But?’ Skinner asked mildly. ‘I really want to pay my way. I don’t feel comfortable just taking everything from you. Could we work something out?’ Sharply, Skinner snapped: ‘No! You are a guest in this house. Now deal.’ John never raised the subject again, not wanting to anger Skinner. After all, the man was not only his landlord but also his boss. And he really didn’t want to have to think how he would cope with being homeless *and* out of work. But it didn’t stop him feeling uncomfortable every time he saw Skinner writing out the monthly cheques for the household bills. Added to which, he remembered Skinner’s comment about him being a guest. Someone who would eventually leave. ‘John, what are these?’ ‘Property details sir. I kinda stopped looking for a place. I’m gonna start again.’ For some reason John couldn’t work out, Skinner seemed cross at his explanation. No, he decided. Not cross. Disappointed. ‘Hey John.’ ‘Mulder.’ John looked up at Fox who leaned on the doorframe, watching him. ‘Why do you wanna leave?’ John heard the tone in Fox’s voice that seemed to match the look on Skinner’s face. Disappointment. ‘Mulder, it’s not that I don’t like living here…’ ‘Then stay.’ Mulder said simply. John smiled. ‘Forever?’ Mulder didn’t smile. His expression was totally serious. ‘Yeah.’ ‘I think you and Skinner would probably like your privacy back.’ Without embarrassment, Mulder asked: ‘You’ve been okay with it up to now. What’s changed?’ ‘Nothing Mulder. But Skinner was right. I’m just a guest. And guests leave.’ Doggett got up. Walking towards Mulder, he didn’t see Skinner coming up the stairs. ‘Mulder, it’s been great. But I don’t…belong here. This is your home. Not mine.’ ‘Is that how you really feel? That you don’t belong?’ Skinner’s quiet hurt made Doggett uncomfortable. ‘No sir, that wasn’t what I meant. It’s just…you’re together. I’m always gonna be on the outside.’ Skinner jerked his head towards the stairs and Mulder walked away. Skinner came into Doggett’s room and looked around before speaking. ‘I thought that was how you wanted it John. We tried hard not to make you feel uncomfortable. I’m sorry we didn’t succeed.’ Doggett felt horrible. ‘You did sir! You haven’t made me feel anything other than welcome. But it’s time I moved out. This was never meant to be a permanent arrangement.’ Skinner nodded. ‘If that’s what you want John. Do you want to look at the places by yourself, or would you like Fox and myself to come with you?’ Doggett calmed a notch. ‘I’d really like it if you’d come with me.’ ‘Okay. Make the appointments.’ ‘Yes sir.’ ‘Oh, and John…’ ‘Yes sir?’ ‘We’ll miss you.’ Doggett ran his hand over his face. ‘You’ve been really kind sir. But it’s time.’ ‘Your decision John.’ Walter closed the door as he walked out.// ********** Doggett had been at Mulder’s side the whole time, steering him out of the room while Skinner was assessed and his most immediate injuries tended to, and, as the hours dragged into the next day, fetching him coffee and food Mulder barely tasted or chewed before swallowing mechanically. Scully had been so concerned about him at one point that she had made Doggett take him to an adjoining room and lift his unresisting body into the bed. He hadn’t even stirred as Doggett pulled off his sweatshirt and shoes. ********** ‘Hi there.’ Scully stroked Mulder’s face as he woke slowly. Mulder struggled to sit up, too late realising his diminutive partner had an accomplice. ‘Hey.’ ‘John, how is he? I should get back in…’ ‘He’s fine Mulder. He’s sleeping.’ ‘He might wake up.’ John’s reassuring smile calmed Mulder slightly. ‘Not for a while. The doctor gave him something to help him sleep.’ Scully looked into Mulder’s panicked eyes. ‘You really like him, don’t you?’ Mulder flushed, dropped his gaze. Doggett got up from the bed. ‘I’ll be right outside.’ ************** Mulder forced another cup of coffee down, gagging slightly. He had no idea what time it was. As he tried to concentrate, he realised he had no idea what day it was. The only thing that mattered was making sure Skinner was being helped. He listened to Scully’s shortened version of the doctor’s assessment of Skinner’s condition. He was dehydrated, badly malnourished and, deliberately left until last, addicted to what tests showed as poor-quality heroin. *********** ‘You go with him in the ambulance. Agent Doggett and I will finish up the paperwork here and follow you, okay?’ Mulder nodded barely registering Scully’s words. Two orderlies lifted Skinner from the bed to the gurney and wheeled him out to the waiting vehicle. Mulder walked at Skinner’s side, his eyes drawn to the leather restraints the crew had insisted on before they would agree to start on the short journey to the private clinic Mulder had found. ************ Through half-closed eyes, Skinner saw the people moving around him. He tried to move his arm towards the syringe, knowing it would bring a welcome, if only temporary, relief from the unpleasant sensations he was experiencing, but his arm wouldn’t move. He struggled in the soft-lined heavy leather cuffs. Even restrained he still made the doctor uneasy. He was over six feet tall. And his hands, alternately forming into fists then stretching painfully, were enormous. She looked down at him, risking a bite as she gently stroked his stubble-roughened cheek. Earlier, an orderly asked to wash the man had narrowly escaped injury when Skinner had felt his clothes being removed and had used the only weapon left to him - his teeth - in an attempt to avoid being touched by the stranger. This time his mouth stayed closed and he turned his head slightly, pressing his cheek against the soft fingers. He moaned quietly as another wave of pain washed over him. ‘It’s okay. It’ll pass. Just breathe through it. This will help.’ ************* //Mulder had once told him that women were taught to breathe to lessen the pain of childbirth. He had asked Mulder exactly how you could be *taught* to breathe, but Mulder had said that was all he knew. Skinner tried controlling his breathing, but the drug, whatever it was - his money was on heroin but he had never taken any hard drugs and had no idea if he were right - left him struggling for breath. What little air he could manage to get into his lungs came in painful, panting gasps. ************* Stuck in traffic that had not moved in minutes, Doggett turned off the engine and let his mind drift while he waited for whatever was causing the tailback to clear. //’John, you can’t take this place. It’s tiny.’ ‘It’s cheap Mulder.’ ‘It’s horrible.’ Skinner walked around the cramped apartment. Although he had said nothing, he had to agree with the assessment. It smelled of damp and one window pane in the living room was cracked. He made a decision. ‘Come on.’ ‘Where are we going sir?’ ‘Home John. Home.’ Sighing, Doggett followed Skinner and Mulder out to the car. He had to admit he had been horrified by standard of the limited range of properties in his price-range. One had hallways which bore obvious signs of being frequented by drug users. The second had already been let by the time they arrived. And, although it was the last one on the list and he was running out of options, this place made him itchy. So he was more than a little relieved when Skinner had made the decision for him. He would stop looking for a place and stay at Skinner’s. For a while, anyway. ‘John, come on in here please.’ Mulder wandered into the living room and picked up the TV remote, channel hopping until he found the Sci-Fi Channel and settled onto the floor, leaning back against the couch. John followed Walter into the den. ‘Sit down.’ Walter indicated a chair across from the desk he used in the den. ‘We need to talk about some things if you’re gonna stay on here for a while.’ ‘Sir?’ ‘Things about us. Well, mainly about Fox and myself.’ ‘Yes sir.’ ‘You’re aware of the nature of our relationship.’ ‘Yes sir.’ ‘And you understand that one of the aspects of that relationship is that Fox and I sometimes agree he needs to be disciplined.’ ‘Yes sir.’ ‘If and when that happens, how would you like to handle it?’ ‘I’d wanna get the Hell outta the house sir.’ Skinner smiled kindly. ‘Very well. I’m sure Mulder’s odd friends could find room for you in the health-code violating premises they inhabit.’ ‘That’d be fine sir.’ ‘That’s the other thing.’ Walter said. ‘What other thing sir?’ ‘I’m sure you’re not even aware that you call me ‘sir’ the whole time.’ ‘It seemed polite…sir.’ ‘In the house, John, you can call me Walter. Or Skinner. Fox prefers the latter. I don’t mind either. It would make you more comfortable, I’m sure. There is such a thing as too much formality, after all.’ ‘If it’s okay with you sir, I’m fine with the formality. I wouldn’t feel comfortable being that informal with you. You are my boss after all.’ Skinner shrugged. ‘Perhaps you’d like to think about it John?’ ‘No sir.’ Skinner nodded. ‘Very well. Now, if you are staying, we should discuss your contribution to the household.’ John was relieved. ‘Yes sir.’ ‘I think you should cook twice a week, get a take-out twice a month, and book a meal out every month. We’ll work out a way for you and Fox to share the household chores later.’ ‘Sir…’ Skinner smiled. ‘John, I’m not expecting you to contribute financially.’ ‘But I should…’ ‘You can buy the groceries every third week. I think that’s everything.’ Skinner’s firm voice effectively dismissed John. Appeased slightly, John nodded, getting up. ‘Yes sir.’// ************** ‘I have to go see Jane. We need money for the clinic.’ ‘Jane?’ Doggett looked up from his dinner. ‘She’s Walter’s lawyer.’ ‘Okay. Tomorrow?’ ‘Yeah. I’ll call her now.’ ‘Mulder, it’s after nine.’ Mulder shrugged. ‘I have her home number.’ ************* ‘Fox.’ Jane hugged Mulder tightly, feeling the tension in his body. ‘This is John Doggett.’ Jane knew better than to ask too many questions. She had seen the look on Mulder’s face before. When he had been sitting beside Walter while he signed documents giving Fox Power of Attorney. Numb with shock at the idea Walter could leave him, Fox had sat silently staring at the wall until he had been required to countersign the actual document. His hand had been shaking so much, it had taken several attempts to complete his signature. Now he was glad he had. Gently, she asked: ‘What can I do for you?’ ‘I need some money.’ Jane frowned. ‘Ask Walter.’ Mulder’s eyes filled with tears. ‘I can’t...’ ‘Fox? What’s wrong? Is Walter sick?’ Doggett took over the conversation, explaining what had happened. Jane said reassuringly: ‘Tell the clinic to send their bills to me. D’you have a note of the clinic’s name and address?’ Mulder wrote on the sheet of paper that Jane handed him. ‘Thanks Jane.’ Mulder managed a weak smile. ‘Give Walter a hug for me when you see him, okay? And don’t worry about anything. You know you have Power of Attorney. Anything you need just let me know. D’you want me to take care of your household bills? Do you have enough money for food?’ She knew that Fox’s income was dependent on advances and royalties from book sales. Mulder tried to think clearly. ‘Yeah…I need you to pay the bills. We’re okay for food. I’ll make John go shopping.’ ‘Send your utility bills over when you get them and I’ll see they get paid.’ Jane looked across at the man sitting at Fox’s side. Handing him a card, she said: ‘You need anything, anything at all, you call me. Anytime. Okay?’ Doggett nodded. ‘Sure. Thanks. Come on Mulder, let’s go see Skinner, okay?’ Mulder brightened, getting to his feet. ‘Bye Jane.’ ‘Let me know how he’s doing, okay?’ Fox nodded. ‘Yeah. Bye.’ In the car park, Doggett said: ‘She seemed nice.’ Mulder nodded. ‘Yeah. Walter’s known her a long time. She handled his…divorce.’ Doggett got into the car as Mulder’s voice faltered. Obviously, Skinner’s divorce was something Mulder found hard to talk about. In view of his relationship with Skinner, Doggett wasn’t surprised. Flicking the radio on to one of the pop music stations Mulder liked, Doggett drove out of the car park and headed for the hospital. ‘Scully’s meeting us there, right?’ Mulder nodded. ‘Yeah, in case there are any problems.’ ‘Okay.’ *********** Emerging from a door behind her, the smoke preceded the man. He lifted the sheet with the clinic’s details on from Jane’s desk. ‘I’ll take that. Make sure you pay their bills on time. Particularly the electric bill. Fox doesn’t react well to darkness.’ ************** It helped that he worked on the X-Files now, Doggett thought as he walked towards the elevator. He had bypassed the acting AD, whom he just couldn’t bring himself to like, and asked for an appointment with the Director. Although he’d waited all day, finally the Director’s assistant had called. The Director could spare him five minutes. ‘Sir.’ ‘Agent Doggett. Have a seat. How is Assistant Director Skinner doing?’ ‘That’s why I’m here sir.’ ‘Oh?’ ‘He’s been transferred to a private clinic. But the hospital where he was first admitted won’t release his medical records. I have a letter…’ Doggett pulled the folded sheet from his pocket ‘…here and if you sign it, they say they’ll release his notes to the clinic. That way the reason for AD Skinner’s admittance to the hospital is less likely to be leaked to the press.’ The Director took the sheet, skimmed the short paragraph and signed it. ‘You’re very protective of Assistant Director Skinner, Agent Doggett. Loyalty. I like that. He must be doing something right to have you go over your acting AD’s head to get an appointment with me.’ Doggett flushed, stared at the floor, fidgeting. ‘Yes sir.’ Just then, the Director’s assistant opened the door. ‘Sir, you have an appointment…’ ‘Is that all Agent Doggett?’ ‘Yes sir. Thank you.’ ‘Give AD Skinner my best wishes when you see him, would you?’ ‘Yes sir.’ ‘Oh, and pray Mulligan never finds out what you did today. He may only be acting AD, but he can still find a mile-high heap of tapes which need transcribing.’ Doggett made an anguished face. ‘Yes sir.’ ************ Mulder knew something was wrong. Still asleep, he moved in the bed and his hand touched a cold pillow and he woke instantly. Walter had got up to use the bathroom, or was on the balcony getting some fresh air or was still watching a late-night movie. Mulder relaxed again, sleep almost claiming him. Then his eyes snapped open. Walter wasn’t in the house. He was in a private clinic miles away. Mulder fought the urge to call Walter, just to hear his voice. ‘John.’ Sleepily, Doggett mumbled: ‘What’s the matter?’ ‘I miss Walter.’ Mulder said simply. Doggett lay on his side with his head supported on his hand. ‘Yeah. I know. But he’s safe, and he’s being taken care of.’ ‘Do you think he knows we’re there? When we visit.’ Doggett knew the answer to Fox’s question. And the answer Fox was expecting. ‘Sure. He just can’t say it. But he knows Fox.’ The doubt showed clearly in Mulder’s eyes, and Doggett heard himself say: ‘C’mere.’ Fox moved into John’s arms, closed his eyes and pretended it was Walter holding him, Walter’s breath on his shoulder, Walter’s heartbeat he could feel. Sighing inwardly at how young Mulder’s anxiety made him seem -- there were perhaps five years between them but John felt much older -- he lay still for several minutes until he felt Fox relax back into a deep sleep. Fox’s stillness calmed him into sleep minutes later. ************* ‘Hi sir.’ Mulder sat at Skinner’s side, his hand tentatively reaching out to touch Skinner’s. Sadly, Skinner looked across. ‘I can’t bear these things.’ He flexed his hands, trapped in the restraints. Mulder got up and peeled them open, leaning in as Skinner hugged him. ‘Thanks.’ Released, he sat for a few minutes, talking about nothing much -- the building work down the street which seemed to start at dawn and end at midnight – until he realised Skinner was asleep. He sat quietly for a few minutes more, then got up, his sleeve brushing Skinner’s forearm. ‘NO! GET AWAY FROM ME!’ Skinner’s eyes snapped open and he struck out, his knuckles catching Mulder’s temple. Pushed outside as the medical team tried to relieve Skinner’s withdrawal agony, Mulder sat in the corridor, head resting in his hands. He could hear Walter’s voice, screams alternating with desperate pleading, then, as usual, silence as the sedative took effect. At the end of any emotional rope he still held, Mulder unfolded his phone. ‘John? Please…’ The blood that dripped from the cut above his eye fell unseen into a pool at his feet. ‘How did he get out of his restraints?’ The doctor who emerged from Skinner’s room was furious. And, looking at Mulder’s face, he already knew the answer to his question. ‘I’m sorry.’ ‘Don’t *ever* do that again!’ ************* ‘Fox?’ Fearing the worst, Doggett ran the last few yards of the corridor towards Mulder’s hunched form. The two-word conversation had been followed by a law-breaking drive to the clinic, all the while listening to Fox arguing with someone Doggett assumed was a doctor on a line Fox hadn’t closed. Mulder looked up slowly. His eyes, which John had become accustomed to seeing red-rimmed with tiredness were dull and half-closed as if Mulder lacked the strength even to keep them open. Doggett lifted Mulder’s chin and appraised his cut. He looked around and saw a young woman coming towards him. ‘Excuse me ma’am. I need to talk to someone about Mr Skinner. And I think he…’ Doggett nodded at Mulder ‘…might need some stitches.’ Recognising Mulder and half-recognising Doggett, the nurse nodded. ‘Sure. I’ll find his doctor for you. Go on in that room over there and I’ll be right back with a suture kit.’ Doggett disconnected Mulder’s phone, then dialled a number. ‘Scully? It’s John Doggett. Listen, I’m gonna take Mulder home for a while. Can you come over to the clinic? Someone should be here in case Skinner needs anything…thanks…yeah I will.’ Folding the phone closed, Doggett pulled Mulder to his feet, steadying him as he swayed. ‘Let’s get you patched up then I’m taking you home Fox.’ ‘No…’ Realising what John was trying to do, Fox’s whisper was desperate. ‘I can’t leave him John.’ ‘Scully’s coming to stay with Skinner. We’re going. Come on.’ Doggett found an edge to his voice that had been buried since his days in the MC. Unwilling, but too tired to form a coherent argument, Fox allowed himself to be led into the room opposite. ************ As they reached the entrance, someone called: ‘You friends of Mr Skinner?’ Doggett turned. ‘Yeah. How’s he doing?’ ‘I’m Dr Palmer. I’m co-ordinating his care. He’s about the same as the last time you were here. It’s gonna be a long haul back. But he’s doing better than we expected.’ Doggett fished in his pocket, handing the doctor a card. ‘Anything happens, anything at all, call me please.’ ‘Of course. Do you need a hand?’ The doctor nodded at Mulder, slumped against Doggett, the dressing on his temple already bloodstained. ‘I got it thanks.’ ‘No problem.’ ************ Doggett managed to get Mulder’s shoes, coat and jacket off before putting him over his shoulder and carrying him upstairs. He dropped Mulder onto the bed, concerned when he didn’t even stir as Doggett, breathing heavily, struggled to remove the shirt and slacks from the unresisting body. Which had gone suddenly slack in his grip. Panicking, Doggett put his fingers to Mulder’s neck, feeling for a pulse. Feeling the touch on his sensitive skin, Mulder moved his head, trapping Doggett’s fingers. ‘Cut it out Fox, I’m not Walter.’ Doggett pulled his hand away and covered Mulder with the bedclothes. ‘Walter…’ Fox mumbled. ‘Get some sleep.’ Doggett said gruffly, suddenly uncomfortable. ‘Yes sir…’ Fox’s voice quietened as he drifted into sleep. ************* Doggett found things to do around the house, even tackling the days' worth of untouched dishes. He was washing a coffee mug when Mulder’s scream startled him and the cup dropped into the bowl of water, splashing his shirt. ‘Dammit!’ He took the stairs two at a time and ran into the bedroom. ‘Mulder, wake up. Come on, you’re having a bad dream. Fox! Open your eyes right now!’ Doggett’s sharp tone had the desired effect and Fox’s eyes snapped open. ‘Wha…who…John…’ Fox took a moment to focus on John’s concerned face, then, catching his breath, managed: ‘Sorry.’ ‘It’s okay. Lie back down now. There.’ Doggett pulled the bedclothes back over Mulder’s taut body. Sitting on the edge of the bed, he reached out and pushed the hair from Mulder’s damp forehead. ‘I’ll get you a glass of water. Then I’ll bring you something to eat.’ Mulder smiled. ‘I don’t want to be any trouble.’ Not unkindly, Doggett said: ‘You *are* trouble Mulder.’ ‘If anything happens to Walter…’ ‘Mulder…’ Doggett chastised mildly. ‘He’s gonna be fine. It’s just gonna take a while, that’s all.’ ‘He had my car.’ ‘What?’ ‘His car had a flat. He took mine. If the people who kidnapped him were following the car, they wanted me not Walter.’ ‘And if it was just a random thing?’ Wincing as he touched the dressing on his forehead, Mulder said grimly: ‘Nothing in my life is random John.’ *********** ‘He’s had a busy morning. You’re his second visitor today.’ Mulder eyed the nurse suspiciously. ‘Someone else was here?’ ‘Yes, his brother popped in. He didn’t stay long. Said he had only just heard but that he was leaving town this afternoon. But I was supposed to give Mr Skinner the message when he woke up.’ ‘What did he look like?’ The nurse shrugged. ‘I didn’t see him. I’ve only just come on duty.’ Opening the door to Skinner’s room, Mulder walked across to the bed, his nose wrinkling at the smell left in the air by Skinner’s ‘brother’. *********** Six weeks later… Skinner swayed slightly. The light-headed feeling had lessened in the past twelve hours but he still found standing an unpleasant experience. He moved to lay back on the bed and Mulder’s hand tightened almost imperceptibly on his forearm. Reluctantly, he walked the few steps to the chair and sank heavily into the deep upholstery. Mulder wrapped the blanket around Skinner’s trembling body and straightened up. ‘I was beginning to worry that you were attached to the bed.’ Skinner’s brief smile faded. ‘I’m beginning to wish I were. I’d like to get back in.’ Mulder shook his head. Assertively, he said: ‘The doctor said you had to be out of bed for at least ten minutes today. This way we get it over with.’ As he spoke he glanced quickly down at his watch. ‘Who are you? My mother?’ Mulder smiled at the cross tone. ‘Nah. I’m more like your kid brother.’ ‘Really annoying kid brother.’ Skinner complained. ‘Yup.’ Mulder nodded, settling onto the edge of the bed. ‘Scully’s gonna come by later on. And John said he’d try and make it this evening, but cos of the bad weather flights are being delayed. If he gets held up, he’ll be over in the morning.’ Skinner nodded tiredly, eyes closing as he listened. Mulder flicked through the latest edition of Sports Illustrated while he waited for the minutes to pass. Closing the magazine, Mulder slid off the bed, the sounds enough to wake Skinner. ‘You wanna go back to bed?’ ‘Yuh.’ Skinner’s eyes closed as soon as his head touched the pillow. Before he fell asleep, Skinner heard Mulder’s voice. ‘I’ll be in tonight. I’ll tell the doctor you managed nearly fifteen minutes.’ Click here to go to Part Three
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