TLC - Skinner Style
by Pepper
The story opens at the breakfast table. Fox and Walter, Jr. have just spent a weekend with Walter's folks at Danville. It was now time to go back home. Rachel had insisted they have a big breakfast to fortify them against the cold. She had fixed them scrambled eggs, bacon, biscuits with jelly or milk gravy and orange juice, milk and coffee to drink. She was serving Fox's plate, she knew that left to himself he would only have a mouthful of eggs, a bite of bacon and lots of coffee. So she gave him a large helping of eggs, three slices of bacon, a biscuit, orange juice, a medium glass of milk and a regular cup of coffee. She could depend on her son to fix a substantial breakfast for himself.
When Rachel put his full plate down in front of him, he looked up in dismay. That was a lot of breakfast for him to eat. He usually had a Danish and a large coffee. Rachel told him that she expected him to eat every last bite.
While Walter was talking to his folks, Fox ate the occasional bite but mainly rearranged his food. He had a swallow or two of orange juice and milk, but drained his coffee and was about to get up and get more when Rachel stopped him.
"Where are you going, dear?"
"Just to get more coffee, mom."
"But you haven't eaten any breakfast. I thought I told you to eat ALL of your breakfast."
"I'm not all that hungry," Fox said with a yawn.
"Walter, I don't usually ask you about the cases you or Fox work on, but I'm asking now. What has Fox been working on? I noticed how tired he looked this weekend, and he doesn't look much better now. I also noticed his weight loss. What's going on?"
"Mom, he's been working on a profiling case for the last 3 weeks. It just came to an end the day before we came for a visit. He doesn't rest well during these profiling cases. He barely ate enough to stay alive. Agent Scully usually accompanies him, but she had a family emergency - her mother has been very sick. As a result he is more run down than usual. I had hoped that a few days with you all would help, but it wasn't enough time."
Rachel glanced at her son and said, "Walter, can you sign off on some time for Fox? Two weeks should be enough time. Fox is staying with us. We are going to give him some tender loving care - Skinner style."
"Sure Mom, I was hoping you would ask. Fox, as of this moment, you are on Sick Leave."
"But sir, I'll be alright. I'll go home and sleep for a few days and I'll be fine. I need to get back to the X-Files and Scully. Mom, I want to thank you for the invitation but really, I'll be fine."
"Sorry, Fox. YOU are staying. You might as well accept it, 'cause my mom has spoken and there is no way she is going to change her mind."
"Boy, I want you get up those stairs and get ready for bed and be in bed when I follow in a few minutes or you will be sorry." Walter Sr. punctuated that last statement with a mighty swat to Fox's backside.
"Ouch" Fox moved back up the stairs to follow his 'dad's' instruction. He was not happy about it. There wasn't much to do on the Skinner farm but rest. He wanted to get out and do things.
"Oh Fox, I want you to use Walter's room while you are on this extended stay. It is closer to the bathroom and our bedroom, in case we need to check on you during the night." She didn't add that this way he couldn't pass by them without them knowing.
Walter followed a few minutes later with Fox's suitcase and found a depressed Fox sitting on the bed. "Boy, I thought I told you that you had better be getting ready for bed. That you had better be in bed by the time I got up here. Do you want a spanking to start your stay off?"
"No sir, I'm getting ready." With that, Fox started to strip down to his underwear and slipped between the sheets.
"Fox, I know you aren't happy by this turn of events, but we could not consider ourselves caring parents if we let one of our children leave in such a run-down condition without doing something about it. If it had been Walter instead of you, you can be sure that he would find himself in this bed until we knew he was well. Fox, we love you just as much. So 'grin and bear it'. If you don't, you will find yourself with a very sore bottom. I want you to try and get some extra sleep, your mom will be up here in an hour or so with a late breakfast, and you had better eat every bite of it."
"Yes sir, and sir... I love you and mom, too." With that, Fox turned over and closed his eyes.
Walter, Jr. was saying his good byes to his folks and said he would look in on Fox before leaving. He went up the stairs to his room and poked his head in the door calling, "Fox, are you awake?"
"Yes, sir... come in"
"Fox, I just wanted to tell you good bye before I left. Now, you behave yourself. They won't hesitate to discipline you if you disobey them in any way. If you don't want a sore bottom for the majority of your stay, please obey them. They only have your best interest at heart. They love you as much as they do any of their children, and they will treat you like one of their children."
"Yes sir, I know they love me. But I had things I wanted to do, places to visit and I wanted to see Scully so bad. I really missed her. Now I won't be able to do any of those things for at least 2 weeks."
"Maybe, Agent Scully and I can come up and see you next weekend. I'll suggest it to mom and dad."
"Thanks, sir"
"Good bye, see you next weekend."
Walter left the room and went to pass on the suggestion to his folks. They thought that by this weekend, a visit would be just what Fox needed. He also told them that it would be a good idea if they confiscate his cell phone. If not, he would not be resting but spending the time they wanted him to rest talking on the phone. "Mom, Dad you are going to have your hands full with Fox. Good bye." With that he gave them each a kiss and a hug. He then took his leave of them.
Walter Sr. looked at his wife and said, "Well, are you ready to take care of our youngest problem child?" "Oh yes. Now while you go up and retrieve the cell phone, I'm going to fix him a very nutritious late breakfast. I thought a nice large bowl of oatmeal, sweeten with brown sugar and honey would be good."
"I'll tell him that either he eats his breakfast sitting up in bed or he will be eating it sitting on a very sore bottom. I'm sure he will make the right decision." Walter Sr. then went up the stairs and stuck his head in Fox's room. He saw that Fox was lying down, but wasn't asleep yet. "Fox, where is your cell phone?"
"It's in my coat pocket. Why do you want to know?"
"I'm taking it with me. You don't need it. You are supposed to rest."
With those words, Fox was out of the bed and trying to prevent dad from taking his phone. "No, you can't take it. I need it."
"Fox, get back in bed... NOW... I AM taking this phone."
"No, sir, it's mine."
With one fluid movement Walter Sr. grabbed Fox, sat down on the bed, pulled Fox over his knees and pulled down his boxers. He began to give Fox a spanking. Smack... smack... smack... smack... SMACK. "Owwwch," cried Fox. Smack... smack... smack... after another four licks he let Fox up and asked, "Are
You ready to give up the phone? Or do you want some more?"
"I'll give it up, I'm sorry," cried Fox.
Walter Sr. pulled the younger man's boxers back up, and Fox meekly got back in bed. "Fox, I want you to try and sleep. Your mother will be up soon and bring you a late breakfast. You either finish it or you will find yourself over my knee again. The choice will be yours." Walter then left the room with Fox's phone.
About an hour later, Rachel appeared with Fox's breakfast. She was pleased to find him asleep. "Fox, honey. It is time to wake up now."
Fox opened his eyes to see the loving face of his adopted mom and smiled at her. "I'm not hungry mom."
"Fox, I think your father told you what to expect if you didn't finish your breakfast, but I'll make a deal with you. Try to eat a few bites and I'll let it go this time." She put the tray down on his blanket-covered knees, sprinkled some brown sugar and honey on it and poured some milk over it. "Eat it, dear, while it is warm." She gave him the spoon and watched with amusement as he emptied the bowl in record time.
He looked up at her with a sheepish look on his face and said, "I guess I was hungrier than I thought."
"I thought that might be the case, baby. Why don't you lie back down, I'll send your dad to get you when it is time for lunch. Try to rest." With that she left the room.
Fox watched her leave his room. He wasn't sleepy and thought that he would consider his options.
1. He could stay in bed and do as he was told about everything.
2. He could get up and take his chances with his dad's discipline. He unconsciously rubbed his backside at the thought of what kind of discipline he could expect.
3. He could follow their directions for a while, only until he started to feel better and then we think his options.
After careful study he decided on the 3rd. option
Around noon, Rachel was putting together a lunch she hoped Fox would find enticing. She was cooking a pot roast, with carrots and potatoes in thick gravy. It needed a green vegetable to make the meal complete. She decided on a broccoli and rice casserole. She didn't know if Fox would like it or not, but it was one of her favorites. She would even give him a slice of her famous chocolate cake, but only a small slice since the cake was so rich.
Walter Sr. went to get Fox, while Rachel was serving his plate. She gave him medium portions of everything, with iced tea to drink. Fox was allowed to dress in sweatpants and sweatshirt before coming down for dinner. He was greeted by Rachel, who showed him to his place. Once everybody had been seated, Rachel turned to Walter and asked him to say 'Grace'.
"Lord, Bless this food to the nourishment of our bodies. Bless our Fox today, Amen."
Remembering what his mom and dad had told him about eating, Fox picked up his fork and began eating. In a short time he had eaten nearly everything on his plate, except for the carrots and the broccoli. He tried to hide them under the thick gravy when he was interrupted with the clearing of Walter's throat. "Boy, you are supposed to eat the food not play with it, now EAT them. I think you know what the consequences of not eating them will be." After hearing that, Fox reluctantly picked his fork back up and began to eat the vegetables. He discovered that with the gravy on them, they weren't that bad.
After Fox had finished, she disappeared back into the kitchen and came back in with a tray filled with three dessert plates. On the plates were slices of chocolate cake. Fox dug in as soon as the cake was deposited in front of him. Rachel returned with a medium glass of milk for Fox. "Not so fast Fox, that cake is not going anywhere. Now drink your milk with it." She watched in satisfaction as he quickly consumed the cake and milk.
"Mom, may I have seconds?"
"No, dear, if you eat anymore you are liable to get a stomachache. That cake is very rich. You can have some more tomorrow."
"Fox, I want you to go into the living room and watch some TV. We will join you after we clear the table and wash the dishes." Fox wandered into the living room and picking up the remote control, he sat on the couch. When Walter and Rachel finally came into the living room they found Fox fast asleep on the couch, with the television going. They didn't wake him, but decided to let him asleep.
With Fox sleeping so soundly, they decided to go to town to the grocery store. They left him a note. It said, "Honey, it is 1:00, we have left for the grocery store, we should be back by 3:00. Please rest and DO NOT GO OUTSIDE. Love, Mom."
Fox woke about 45 minutes after the Skinners had left. He spied the note lying on the coffee table and read it. He thought that since no one was here to tell on him he would go for a run... outside.
He would go for a run around the farm. He would be back in plenty of time. He went to the hall closet, found his jacket and left the house. Thirty minutes later found him jogging up the stairs. Boy, was he hungry. The whole time he had been out, he kept thinking about that chocolate cake. The more he thought about it, the more he wanted it. So by the time he returned, he knew what he wanted. He remembered to hang his jacket back up before heading to the kitchen and the cake.
He spied the cake stands and realized that mom had made two cakes for the weekend. Both cakes had slices missing from them. He thought that if he could eat slices from both cakes, no one would be the wiser. He cut a medium size piece from both cakes. He used the dishes already drying in the sink. He poured himself a large glass of milk and then hid the near empty milk container behind the orange juice container in the refrigerator. He sat down and began to chow down on the cake. He was quite full by the time he finished - uncomfortably full. He then sat about cleaning up after himself and left the kitchen the way he had found it. He had just sat down on the couch when he heard a car pull up in the drive. The Skinners were back.
He met them at the back door and helped them bring in the groceries. He even put up all the items that went in the refrigerator, before Rachel shooed him out of the kitchen. He went back into the living room. Walter joined him after a few minutes and innocently began to quiz him about his afternoon. Fox told him that he a slept most of the afternoon, only waking a few minutes before they drove up.
The richness of the cake and milk were starting to make him feel bad so he started up the stairs to lie down on his bed. Walter asked him what was wrong and Fox told him that he wasn't feeling good. He wanted to go back to bed.
Walter went into the kitchen to tell Rachel what had happened. Rachel thought a moment and went to the two cake stands and looked at the cakes. She then went to the refrigerator and after rummaging in it for a while, finally finding the milk container Fox had hid. She held the container up and told her husband, "Walter, after lunch this container was nearly three-fourths full and now look at it - it is nearly empty. I wasn't sure before, but now I am. That boy pigged out on my chocolate cake and milk. He ate and drank enough to give him a stomachache. He must be in agony."
"Walter go up to him and I'll be up in a few moments. That boy is going to get a hefty dose of castor oil. We gave it to all of our other children, now it is his turn. He needs to experience the bad taste as well."
When Walter walked into Fox's room, he found Fox in bed clutching is stomach and moaning. "That's alright boy, your mom is coming up with something that's going to do you a world of good. Do you know what could have caused your stomach to hurt like this?"
"It must have been the carrots and broccoli," moaned Fox.
"Are you sure there's nothing else that could have caused your stomach to hurt this bad?"
"No, sir, I didn't eat anything after dinner. I slept most of the afternoon away," lied Fox.
"Here comes your mom now with her miracle cure." Rachel walks in carrying a dark bottle and a tablespoon. "Fox, I want you to open wide... that's it." And with that Rachel shoved the spoon filled with castor oil into Fox's mouth.
"Ugh!" Fox struggled to spit the medicine out, only Rachel wouldn't let him. She tickled him and he was forced to swallow. "That's awful!" cried Fox.
"I know, dear, but it works. Your dad is going to sit with you. I'll be back in 30 minutes to see if it has worked. If not, you get another dose."
Thirty minutes later, Rachel came back in. Fox told her that he feeling much better and didn't need any more of that vile medicine. Walter told her the truth, the first spoonful hasn't helped, and another dose is needed. As she moved closer, she poured another dose and commanded that Fox open his mouth again. Fox refused, shaking his head "NO!" Walter moved over and grabbed him, while Rachel pinched his nose close and waited for Fox to open his mouth. It wasn't a long wait and Fox was given another spoonful. 10 minutes later saw Fox rushing to the bathroom and soon he was on his way to a speedy recovery.
Walter stayed with him until he was over both the stomachache and the cure and then he went into the bathroom and ran him a warm bath and left him to bathe. He came back in a few minutes later with warm towels and clean underwear. A few moments later Fox reappeared feeling clean and refreshed. Walter helped him into bed and left to talk with Rachel.
Rachel told her husband that while he had been upstairs with Fox, she had gotten a phone call from their neighbor Bertha, who told her that Fox had been out running while they were gone. He had been dressed too lightly for the temperature and Bertha wanted to let her know in case he came down with something. "Walter, I'm going to put him into my Nightshirt Therapy." It always worked so well with Walter, Joe and Andy, it is now Fox's turn to try it out. He disobeyed us repeatedly this afternoon. I think this will work wonders on him."
"He is also going to have a session with the 'Persuader' sometime soon, but in the meantime he will be getting a bedtime spanking, as well as the one he is about to get. Come on lets get this over with. I'll go first while you find the nightshirt."
Walter walked in to Fox's room a few minutes later. "Fox, we know about the cake, and milk. We also know that you went out for a run this afternoon. You disobeyed us on two separate occasions and lied to cover it all up. I gave you several attempts to come straight, which you didn't. You have earned yourself a lot of punishment. Some you will experience soon and others will be experienced later. You will be getting a bedtime spanking for the remainder of your stay, starting tonight. Now get out of bed and come here. This is the first of your punishments."
Walter sat down in the only armless chair in the room and pulled Fox over his knees. He then pulled Fox's boxers down and began to paddle Fox. Smack... smack... smack... smack... SMACK... "Owwwch... ow..." smack... smack.
Walter asked, "Fox, what is this paddling for?"
"For lying and disobeying you and mom." With that ritual out of the way, Walter began to really bring the licks down hard, he had Fox sobbing in no time. After about 20 licks he stopped, he had painted Fox's backside a bright red.
Rachel then came in carrying several nightshirts. "Fox, I am very disappointed in you. I do not like the behavior I've seen today, and I am going to put a stop to it. You are going to experience another Skinner tradition. The Nightshirt Therapy is meant to be a way to modify your behavior. I want you to come over here and put this nightshirt on. That's right, remove your t-shirt first. Raise your arms and I'll help you. See that wasn't so bad. As you can see the nightshirt comes down to your knees and slits up to your waist. That is for a purpose. You will find out about that soon. Now take off your boxers. When you wear the nightshirt, you will wear nothing under it. No underwear, no sweatpants, or pants of any kind. Fox, I told you to remove your boxers and I mean for you to do it NOW."
Appalled at her words, Fox shouted, "NO I won't do it! You can't make me."
Walter reacted swiftly to his refusal and Fox soon found himself back over his dad's knees. Walter lifted the back flap and asked Fox, "Do you want to change your mind?" When Fox didn't reply, Walter gave him 6 hard licks with his open hand on his already sore bottom. Smack... smack... smack... smack... smack...
SMACK.
"OWWWCH! Please stop, I'll do it!" sobbed Fox. When Fox was once again on his feet, he removed his boxers and handed them to his mom. His face was as red as his bottom. Rachel told him to go and wash his face, put on a robe and slippers and meet them downstairs in the kitchen - they had a lot to talk about.
When Fox came down he was carrying his robe. He looked so cute and vulnerable in the blue long-sleeved nightshirt. "Fox, why aren't you wearing your robe?"
"I'm kind of warm at the moment, mom. I brought the robe to put on once I cooled off."
Walter decided to go up to Fox's room and remove all of his clothes, while his wife was talking to Fox about the rules and consequences of breaking those rules. He entered his problem child's room and began packing all of his clothes back in his suitcase. He then put the suitcase under lock and key. All he left in his chest of drawers were socks and extra nightshirts.
"Fox come over here and have a seat, we have a lot to discuss." He winced as he sat down at the kitchen table. "Fox these are the rules we want to discuss with you.
1. You will wear a nightshirt for your entire stay. You will wear it without underwear or pants. You will wear it even if we have company. Remember you are being punished. Depending on your behavior, we might let you off the hook early.
2. You will get at least 8 hours of sleep a night. You will take an afternoon nap.
3. You will eat a balanced meal. Your mother will serve your plate and you will eat every bite, no matter what we are having at that time. Now if you break any of these rules, you will be punished and in your present condition, it will be very easy to accomplish. Do you have anything to say?"
"Yes. Why do I have to wear this nightshirt and why without underwear?"
"Fox, you are being punished for disobeying me today of several occasions. Fox, I have learned that if I want to get any of my 'boys' to listen and obey me. All I have to do is remove their pants. And when, they lose their 'underwear' they really listen. They realize that to be punished all we have to do is lift the back flap of the nightshirt and spank away. It makes them very polite, well mannered, and very obedient. It is a definitely improvement, as you are to find out."
"Fox, your dad as something to tell you."
"Yes, sir?"
"Fox, you and I have an appointment with the Persuader for your disobedience, and we might as well get it over with now. We will pick up your coat as we are leaving. You lied to me on at least two occasions, and you know how much I hate lying. You disobeyed your mother and she is punishing you for that now."
Fox was dismayed to learn that he had a date with the Persuader now. He thought he had been punished enough. He had to wear this damn nightshirt and without the benefit of underwear. He had already been spanked and now had another one to look forward to tonight. It just wasn't fair. The more, he thought about it the angrier he got.
"Fox, what's wrong," asked Rachel. She could see the raw emotions in Fox's face and knew an explosion was about to erupt. "Nothing, nothing is wrong," he shouted. "I have already been punished enough. I'm taking this damn nightshirt off as soon as I get back to my room, I'm changing into my sweats."
"Boy, the only place you are going is out to the wood shed for your appointment with the Persuader, now get moving." Fox stood his ground and just glared at his dad. "Boy, don't make me come and get you?" Fox still didn't move. "That's it," cried Walter. He grabbed Fox and sat down pulling Fox with him and proceeded to spank. "Boy, won't you ever learn?" He grabbed Fox, turned him around and pulled up the back of his nightshirt. He sat down pulling Fox with him and proceeded to spank him. After 10 licks, Fox was begging for mercy. The 10 licks had caused Fox's backside to turn a rosy pink.
A subdued Fox was led out of the door and down the stairs to the wood shed for his strapping. After placing Fox over the long bench, he took down the leather strap and asked, "What is this strapping for?"
Fox answered, "For lying and being disrespectful."
Walter began to strap him. Whack... crack... crack, and on it went. He didn't stop until Fox was howling for mercy some 15 strokes later. Fox was then led back into the house and placed in a corner of the living room with instructions not to move. A few minutes later, Fox felt the back of his nightshirt lifted and kept in place by safety pins. Now his newly spanked and strapped bottom was on display for all to see. "Nooo," cried Fox as he started to turn around. His dad added an additional two licks to his sore bottom and he subsided.
After his corner time was over and the safety pins were removed, Fox was sent back to his room. Once there he immediately went to his closet. He wasn't going to stay here and be mistreated. He was going to get dressed and go home. He soon discovered that his clothes were gone. "No, no, nooo!" he cried defeated. He threw himself on the bed and cried himself to sleep.
It was a very subdued Fox who joined his parents for supper. He gingerly sat at his place and found a warm bowl of soup waiting for him. It was old-fashioned chicken and noodle soup. He also had a ham sandwich and a glass of iced tea to go with it. They ate in silence. When supper was over Fox and Walter retired to the living room to watch some television. Rachel was left to clear the dishes. As soon as she was finished she joined the others. They decided that Fox could stay up and watch 'Everybody loves Raymond' and 'Becker', but after that they told Fox to go to bed.
"It's only 9:00, it's too early to go to bed," cried Fox. All Walter had to do is give him his 'look'. Fox saw it and interpreted the right way and scampered off to bed. When Walter came up a little while later, he found Fox sitting on his bed waiting for him.
Walter sat on the bed and pulled Fox over his thighs, lifted up the back of his nightshirt and began his bedtime spanking. "What is this spanking for?" Smack... smack... "For lying..." "What else?" smack... smack... "For disobeying you and mom..." smack... smack... smack... smack... smack... smack. With the spanking over, Fox was deposited back on the bed.
Before he got under the covers, Walter enveloped him in a hug, which Fox quickly returned. "Now your slate is wiped clean. Let's try and keep it like that. Your mom and I love you, boy."
Rachel came in during this touching scene and gave him a hug and a kiss. "I love you, son. Now lets get you into bed, you need your sleep." Fox turned to his stomach as soon as he got under the covers.
Tuesday morning found Rachel humming in the kitchen, she was fixing Fox's breakfast. She looked at her watch and realized it was time for her 'baby boy' to get up. She put the breakfast on the back burner and went up to awaken Fox. "Fox, honey, it is time to get up," she said as she shook his shoulder. During the night he had righted himself and was now lying on his back. When he opened his eyes, he saw the face of mom looking aback at him lovingly.
"What time is it?" asked Fox groggily.
"It's nearly 9:00, you need to get up and bathe and come down for your breakfast, before it gets cold. I'll bring you some clean clothing and a warm towel."
Fox got up and staggered to the bathroom, yawning as he went. While he was in the tub, he heard a soft knock and mom stuck her head in long enough to deposit a warm towel and clean clothing. He left the bath feeling clean and refreshed. He reached for a towel and found its warmth very comforting. After he was dried, he reach for the clothing and was dismayed to see that it was only another nightshirt and there was, of course, no underwear to wear with it. He had foolishly thought that when dad had told him last night that his slate was wiped clean, it also applied to the nightshirt therapy. He despairingly put the nightshirt on and went back to his room for his robe and slippers.
Fox came to the dinning room table to find a steaming bowl of oatmeal waiting for him. It had dried fruit, cinnamon and brown sugar in it. He sat down wincing in pain when his sore bottom made contact with the chair. His mom poured a glass of milk and juice for him, and then poured a little milk over his oatmeal. He picked up his spoon and took a tentative bite. He was surprised to find that he liked it and finished it to its last bite in no time. He even finished his milk and juice. He took his dirty dishes to the kitchen and helped his mother. She washed while he dried.
"Fox, I want you to go to your room and straighten it and make your bed. I'll be up in a moment to bring you something." Fox did as he was told and was on the bed reading when she came in. She brought a cup of tea, and the 'punishment book'. "I think you know what to do with the book, but this 'tea' is to help increase your appetite. It is made with pearl barley water, lemon juice, cinnamon and honey and I want you to drink every drop." Fox took a small sip and immediately made a face. It wasn't very good. Unfortunately for him, mom saw the look and realized he would have to be watched to make sure he drank the tea. "Fox this is a strengthening drink and you WILL drink a cupful twice daily. You will drink it two hours before lunch and two hours before supper. Now drink, I'll stay and make sure you finish it." He did although he hated it.
When Fox came downstairs two hours later, he commented on the aroma of lunch. "What smells so good? What are we having?"
"We are having baked chicken with rice and string beans. Go sit down Fox, and I'll serve your plate. Now I am only going to give you a small portion of string beans but I expect you to eat all of it, do you understand?"
"Yes, mom," Fox said obediently.
"Fox, would you say the blessing?"
"Yes, ma'am. Lord, please bless this food that mom fixed. Amen"
Fox had a good appetite for everything, and even tried the string beans and found that they were good. Fox laughing said, "If Scully could see me now, she wouldn't believe it. She would be checking to see if I had a fever."
"What wouldn't she believe, dear?" asked mom.
"That I was willingly eating vegetables," replied Fox.
The rest of supper was a pleasure. Good food, good companionship and good conversation abounded. After supper Fox got up to help clear the table and like with breakfast he helped mom by drying the dishes after she washed them.
As they were leaving the kitchen, Fox spoke. "Mom, can I ask you a question?"
"Yes, dear," replied mom.
"Since I've been good today, can I change out of this nightshirt and back into my clothes?"
"No, dear, you are still being punished."
"THAT'S NOT FAIR," shouted Fox. "YOU'RE BEING MEAN." Fox ran out of the kitchen straight into the arms of dad.
"What do you think you are doing, yelling at your mom like that? Go back and apologize immediately."
"NO, I WON'T," shouted Fox. "She isn't being fair. I was good today, my punishment in wearing this damn nightshirt should be over."
With that statement barely out of his mouth, Walter swung Fox around and pushed him toward the dinning room table and bent him over it. He asked his wife to go and get him his paddle and when she returned with it, he lifted the back of his son's nightshirt and asked, "What is this paddling for?" Fox refused to answer. "All right, we will just see how long it takes for you to answer me", and with that he began to lay the licks on hard.
Smack... smack... smack... SMACK... SMACK... SMACK... and on it went until stroke twelve, Fox let out a mighty scream. "OWWWCH... OW... OOH... Please stop, I'm sorry!"
"Let's begin again, boy. What is this spanking for?"
"I was disrespectful of mom, and I yelled at her." Smack... smack... smack... smack.
"What else?"
Smack... smack... "Ow, owwch! Please stop... oh, for hurting her with my words!"
Walter continued to lay the licks on, not stopping until Fox was howling in pain. He had given Fox a total of 50 licks. Walter pulled Fox up and dumped into his chair. Fox yelled in pain. "You are going to stay in that chair and write 100 times, 'I will never yell at my mom or my dad will spank my butt until I can't sit comfortably for a month', and I want that legible. If it isn't, you will rewrite until it is. Here is your paper and pen. We will be waiting for you in the living room."
It was some time later that a still whimpering Fox got up from the table and hobbled into the living room with this written part of his punishment in his hand. He handed them to Walter Sr., who nodded that they would do. Fox went over to mom and said, "I'm so sorry about what I said to you earlier. I really didn't mean it. I was just mad because I had to still wear this nightshirt. I thought that my being good today would somehow show you that I had been punished enough and you would allow me to change back into regular clothes. There was no excuse for my behavior and I hope you will forgive me."
"Oh, Fox, of course, I forgive you. I love you. I want you to come and sit with me on the couch."
When Fox nearly yelled in pain upon sitting, mom told him to lie down on his side and put his head on her lap.
"Now, I want you to listen to me. I would love to release you from my 'therapy', but you are not ready. You haven't learned all you need to know. You must 'endure' a little longer, you understand that don't you, dear?"
"Yes, mom and I'll try to do better. It's just so hard not to act first and then consider the consequences of my actions later."
"You had better learn soon, dear, or you are going to keep a sore bottom. Fox, I want you to lie here and ponder on what as just happen and how it could have been different if you hadn't 'blown-up'." Rachel began to hum a soothing tune and before Fox realized it, he was asleep. When he awoke some time later he looked up into the smiling and loving face of his 'adopted' mom. Fox suddenly got up in tears and ran to his room and threw himself on his bed weeping. A little while later, he felt the gentle hand of his mom on the back of his head and asking, "Sweetheart, what's wrong?"
"It's just that my mother, my 'real' mother never treated me the way you just did. You treated me with such love and tenderness. She should have been there for me," sobbed Fox. "Especially after Samantha was taken. It would have really helped, just to know I was loved."
"Fox, your mother is yours by birth, but we - your dad and I - picked you to be our son and we love you so much. That is why we punish you when you are bad; because we care about the way you act. Now baby, I want you to stop your crying. Here is a wet washcloth to wash away your tears. Come down when you're able. You can help me fix supper." With a hug and a kiss she was gone.
Eventually, Fox came down the stairs, still wincing with every step, and helped his mom fix supper. "Fox, we are going to make stew from the leftover roast beef. I want you to peel the carrots and potatoes and then cut them into chunks. Now be careful with the knife, and while you are doing that I'll combine the gravy with the meat I am cutting up. We will put some onion in and soon we will have a great tasting meal. Once the stew was bubbling in the oven, they began to set the table. During this time mom brought Fox his strengthening 'tea' and watch him drink it.
Soon delicious smells were coming from the kitchen and Fox remarked, "That smells wonderful, I can hardly wait for supper."
"Well, while we wait, would you like a piece of pie?" And seeing Fox's happy nod, she began cutting three pieces. "Fox go ask your dad if he would like a piece?"
Rachel put two pieces of pie at the kitchen table and put Fox's on the sideboard, since she knew he was hurting too bad to sit. She also poured three glasses of milk to go with them. Fox and Walter came back, arm in arm, laughing.
"What's so funny?" asked Rachel.
"Oh, dad said that I should invest in fluffy pillows, since I seem to need them so much," said Fox good-naturedly. They ate their pie in an atmosphere of well-being.
Supper was a huge success. Fox ate everything on his plate. He even had seconds. After he helped mom with the dirty dishes the all retired to the living room to watch a little television. Fox lay on his side on the couch. He didn't fuss when sent to bed at 9 p.m. He only got a couple of 'light' smacks for his bedtime spanking, but they hurt enough.
Fox was so well behaved for the remainder of the week that Rachel and Walter decided to let his visit with Dana and Walter, Jr. be a good one. He was temporarily allowed off his punishments, the bedtime spanking and the wearing of the nightshirt, but he was warned that this was only during the weekend. After the company was gone the punishments would be back in force. They reminded him that if he misbehaved in any way during the weekend, he would be back in that nightshirt so quickly that his head would spin. He still had to drink his strengthening tea twice daily, was not allowed any alcoholic beverages and had to have at least 8 hours of sleep nightly. He had to be in bed by 12:00 midnight.
When asked if he understood and agreed to all of this, Fox replied that he did.
He was excused to get ready for Dana's visit. He couldn't get out of that nightshirt quick enough and had to jump into bed when mom came in with some fresh clothes.
Seven o'clock couldn't come fast enough for Fox. That was when Scully was coming. He had been ready for hours, or so it seemed. He was driving everybody crazy with his running to the door whenever a car drove by. Finally Rachel called to him, "Fox come and help me fix supper. We are having Cornish hens, a rice casserole and your favorite, string beans. I'll show you my secret for cooking the string beans and you can fix them." Fox was so engrossed in helping with supper that he didn't hear Walter and Dana come in until mom greeted her oldest son.
"Scully, I've missed you so much!" cried Fox as he rushed to give her a big hug.
Scully returned Fox's hug and said laughingly, "Well I never thought I would see the day when I would find Fox Mulder in the kitchen and in an apron to boot. Hi, Mrs. Skinner. I hope he," indicating Fox, "hasn't been bothering you too much. He can be a handful."
"Hello, Dana and, no, it has been a joy having him here, and please call me Rachel."
"What smells so good, Rachel?"
"Well we are having Cornish Hens, a broccoli and rice casserole, and string beans." At the mention of broccoli and string beans both Walter and Dana looked at Fox, expecting his usual outburst. They were surprised when he didn't have one. His only response was a quick glance at Rachel and the ducking of his head. "Fox has learned to eat broccoli without making a fuss." Rachel remarked giving Fox a stern but loving look. "Haven't you, dear?" At Fox's tentative nod, she continued with, "And in the case of string beans, he has found that he likes those."
Dana's expression of surprise was so intense that Fox and Rachel burst out laughing.
"I've changed a bit with regards to the eating of vegetables, Scully," Fox said proudly.
"Rachel, what did you threaten Fox with to make this change of eating habits come about?"
"It's a secret, Scully," interrupted Fox.
"Rachel, you have got to tell me your secret. It's just what I need to keep him in line."
"No, mom, don't tell, I'll never live it down," begged Fox.
All Rachel would say is "We'll see, dear," as she patted his arm.
Supper was a huge success. To Dana and Walter's surprise Fox ate everything on his plate, without any threats being applied to his person. In fact, he even had seconds on the string beans. It was too much for Dana she had to feel his forehead to see if he had fever. "I just don't believe it," Dana was heard to murmur.
In defending himself, he said, "Well, they're good, Scully."
"I agree with you Mulder they are good. Rachel, what did you do to the string beans?"
"Well, for one thing, you are asking the wrong person, Dana. I didn't fix the string beans, Fox did. I showed him what to do, but the seasoning is of his own choosing."
You could have knocked Dana over with a feather; the surprise was so evident. Dana turned to Rachel and stated, "You have got to be a saint, because you have performed a miracle on Mulder."
When supper was over, Fox got up and started to clear away the dirty dishes when Rachel told him to go and enjoy his time with Dana - she would get her husband and son to help tonight. Dana and Fox moved into the living room and Walter went in to help his mom.
"Mom, what have you and dad done to Fox to make such a change in his behavior? Well, for one thing your mother put him in the 'nightshirt therapy' when he disobeyed and lied to her. He's been in it for most of the week. I've had to spank and paddled him on several occasions, as well. In fact after the last paddling, I was surprised that he was able to sit tonight without wincing. Most importantly, we have given him Unconditional Love." "The combination has been a wonder to behold, dear."
"If he is on nightshirt therapy, why is he in regular clothes? I remember my one time on it and as I remember it, I had to wear only the nightshirt and nothing else for the whole duration."
"Well, since he has been so well behaved these last few days and due to the fact that Dana was coming, we put him on probation for only the weekend. When you and Dana leave on Sunday afternoon, back he goes to wearing the nightshirt. We did warn him - if he misbehaves at any time during this weekend, he will be returned to the nightshirt therapy so fast, he won't know what hit him. He will also be receiving a paddling he won't forget any time soon. He will receive this no matter who is here or who is watching and listening. He assures me that he will be on good behavior. There will be no exceptions," declared Rachel.
"Is there anything I should know about concerning Fox?" His mother and father proceeded to tell him about the incident that got Fox into so much trouble. They told Walter about the lying, disobedience, cake, stomachache and the castor oil treatment. They told him everything leading up to the present.
In the meantime Fox and Dana were talking. "You looking better, Mulder. Are you resting better? I see that you finally picked up some needed weight. I've missed you, Mulder, it's been so quiet." The conversation continued well into the night, until Dana begged off due to tiredness.
Saturday morning found a happy Fox whistling as he came down the stairs to breakfast. He was cheerful and ate everything Rachel put in front of him. He had eggs over easy with bacon, toast and a glass of milk to drink. After breakfast
Dana and Fox got up to clear the table and helped Rachel with the dishes. There was laughter and teasing flying among the three of them. They were having the time of their lives.
He drank his 'tea' without protest and together they helped Rachel fix lunch. They fixed spaghetti and meatballs. Fox was put to chopping the celery, onions, and green peppers. Dana was making the meatballs while Rachel put together the tomato sauce. Dana made garlic bread, while Fox cooked a ton of pasta. Rachel decided that an apple salad would be nice for a change. Dana was seeing a totally different Fox and see liked what she was seeing.
After lunch Walter took Fox and Dana to some his 'haunts' and they had beer and iced tea. Having Dana and Walter here this weekend was a real shot-in-the arm for Fox. It was just the type of relaxation Fox needed to unwind. They were gone for nearly the whole afternoon. Rachel had told Fox to have a good time and not worry about his 'tea' for that afternoon. They got back just in time for supper.
Rachel said, "I hope you all don't mind but after that huge lunch all I wanted was something a little lighter for supper. I fixed a huge pot of vegetable beef soup. Dig in." They all enjoyed the soup and the company. After they all helped with the dirty dishes, they all retired to the living room to watch some television and talk.
Rachel and Walter, Sr. went to bed first, after admonishing Fox not to stay up too late. Skinner went up to his brother Joe's old room, since Fox was using his, to do some reading and leave Dana and Fox some privacy. They finally went to bed just before Fox's curfew of 12:00 midnight.
It was Sunday morning and Fox definitely woke up on the wrong side of the bed. He was surly and rude to this mom and day at breakfast. It all started when Fox sat down for breakfast. Rachel had fixed a big breakfast: pancakes, sausages, scrambled eggs, hash browns, coffee, milk and apple juice. She wanted to have enough for a wide choice for everybody. Rachel asked Fox if she could serve his plate. He gave her a withering look and said harshly, "No, I can serve my own plate." His father gave him a warning look, which he promptly ignored. He served his own plate with pancakes, sausages, hash browns and a large cup of coffee. He pointedly ignored the apple juice and milk, which had already been placed in front of his plate.
"Fox, you aren't drinking your milk or juice, they're good for you," admonished Rachel.
"And I'm not going to either," snapped Fox. As they were leaving the breakfast table, Walter, Sr. took a moment to whisper in Fox's ear, 'nightshirt', as a word of warning.
Fox and Dana moved off talking about what Fox has been missing by his enforced 'sick leave'. They talked for hours and Fox was getting so homesick that he thought if he asked dad about going home early, he would be allowed to. "Wait right here, Dana, I have something to talk over with dad, I'll be right back.
Walter, Sr. was in the Den when Fox finally found him. He wasted no time in asking him the following, "I want to tell you something, dad. I'm feeling more rested than I was earlier and I have been gaining some of weight back. You can see that I'm real close to a full recovery. So I'll be going back with Walter and Dana to D.C. this afternoon. Thanks for caring."
"Now slow up Fox, you are going too fast. Yes, I can see that you are resting better and you have been gaining your weight back. I don't agree that you are close to a full recovery and 'NO', you will not be returning to D.C. with Dana and Walter this afternoon. You have at least 7 days of sick leave left and you are going to take every day of it with your mom and me." And with that Walter left.
"There you are, Fox, its time for your strengthening 'tea'," Rachel said as she handed him the cup. In a fit of anger, he shouted at Rachel, "I don't want any of your damn 'tea'!" With that he threw down the cup, breaking it into small pieces.
Retribution came swiftly for Fox in the form of father and son, who heard every word Fox said. They also heard the cup breaking and saw the pieces of the cup amid the spilt tea. Fox was grabbed and hustled off to his bedroom.
Once there, Walter held Fox while their father started stripping him. Fox was trying to break away, unsuccessfully. After they had stripped him down to his boxers, Walter, Sr. went to the closet and removed one of the nightshirts hanging there. When Fox saw what was in his hand, he yelled, "NO, I'm sorry, I won't do it again, please not the nightshirt, Scully is here."
Walter ignored the plea and soon Fox was clothed once again in a nightshirt. "Hold him while I get my paddle." By the time he had returned with the paddle, Fox was trying to talk Walter in releasing him.
Walter Sr. turned to his eldest son and asked him to do the honors with regards of punishing Fox. Walter Jr. sat down on the edge of the bed pulling Fox down with him. He then positioned Fox's backside and held out his hand for the paddle. Once he had it in his hand, he nodded to his father, who removed Fox's boxers, remarking, "Well you won't be needing these for the remainder of your stay." Smack... smack... smack... Walter began to strike Fox's backside with the paddle as hard as he could. Fox was trying hard not to cry out since he knew Scully would hear. On the tenth stroke he gave up his battle and let out a loud scream, "OWWWCH!" Skinner continued to give an additional 10 licks to Fox's backside, painting it a cherry red. He paused while his father began to speak, "Fox, I want you to listen to me, are you listening?"
"Yes, dad", sobbed Fox.
"Fox, you woke up on the wrong side of the bed this morning. You were surly and rude to both your mom and me, especially your mom. We were willing to overlook your bad behavior because we felt that it was caused by the fact that Dana and Walter would be going home today and you would be back on restriction and back in a nightshirt. Was that it, boy?" At Fox's nod, Walter continued, "Like I was saying, we were willing to overlook your earlier bad decisions, but yelling at your mom, cussing and breaking one of your mom's favorite tea cups will not be tolerated. The punishment must be harsh."
"Walter, I want you to give him another 20 licks, with the majority of them falling on his 'sit spot'. Then you will be taken downstairs to my Study and you will do corner time with your blister backside on full display."
At the proclamation, Fox cried out, "NO, you can't, Scully will be there, please."
With a nod to Walter the final 20 licks were delivered. Fox screamed, begged, and howled in pain. By the time the 20th lick was given, his backside had been painted scarlet. Fox was then put back on his feet. He was led, sobbing, down the stairs past the concerned stares of Dana and Rachel.
They took Fox into the Study and placed him in one of the corners and pulled up the back of his nightshirt, pinning it in place with safety pins. His scarlet and blistered backside was now on full display. "Fox, you are to stay in this corner until one of us releases you. Do you understand me, boy?" Fox nodded, still sobbing in pain and humiliation.
Dana turned to Rachel and asked why Fox had been punished? She sat down and explained it all to Dana. Explaining how their love and caring were temper with discipline. They told Dana that they have adopted Fox as their son. He was their 'problem child' and Walter's kid brother. They all had Fox's best interest at heart and sometimes it took 'harsh' methods to keep him on the straight and narrow path.
"Yes, Dana, even I find myself using the same methods on Fox when he misbehaves on his X-File cases," Walter explained. "We have to protect Fox from himself to keep him safe. If that means he gets a spanking, paddling or strapping, we will do it. Do you want to help?" asked Walter.
"Oh, yes, I love him, he is my best friend," replied Dana earnestly. "What can I do to help?"
"We will discuss this more later. Why don't you go and release him from his corner, and take him to Walter's study," suggested Rachel. "Oh, and please remove the safety pins first." Dana nodded and left to get Fox.
Dana went into the Den and found a whimpering Fox in the corner. She went quietly to him and gently put her hand on his back. He tensed at the touch. She first released the safety pins so that the back of the nightshirt could fall back in place. When the nightshirt brushed against his blistered backside, Fox hissed in pain. "Mulder," called Dana, enveloping him into her arms. He turned and laid his head on her shoulder and began to weep. She tenderly comforted him until his tears subsided.
"Scully, I'm so embarrassed for you to find me like this."
"Don't be embarrassed, I've seen it all before with my brothers when we were growing up."
"Scully, your brothers were kids at the time they were punished. It happens to me while I'm in my mid 30's. It's not the same thing."
"My brothers and I were brought up by loving and caring parents who taught us right from wrong - we were punished when we crossed the line. Your parents didn't teach you this so now your 'adopted parents' are having to."
At Fox's nod, Dana told him, "Now I'm going to get you a wet washcloth for you to wash your face. While I'm gone you try to get your emotions under control, O.K.?" Fox nodded and she left for the washcloth.
Dana arrived at Walter's study with Fox in tow. Walter was seated behind his desk when they came in. "Thank You, Dana, you can go now. Fox and I have a lot to talk about." Fox started to panic when he realized that Dana was leaving and he had to stay behind with his angry father. He started to leave when Dana grabbed his hand and squeezed it. That simple action allowed him to calm down. She turned him back around so that he was again facing his dad, and left the room, closing the door behind her.
Fox flinched when he heard the door close. Walter turned his attention on this problem child of his. Fox trembled under his intense scrutiny and when he could no longer meet his gaze he stared at his feet.
"Fox, I just can't understand how you could have pulled such a childish stunt like throwing the cup with so much forced that it broke into a lot of pieces. You did that out of anger when I told you 'No' about going home. You took it out on a mother who loves you dearly. LOOK AT ME WHEN I'M TALKING TO YOU!!" Fox's eyes snapped up. "I thought you were making real progress, then you do this stupid thing. I'm so ASHAMED of you." Tears came to Fox's eyes at that last statement and he once again stared at his feet. "I TOLD YOU TO LOOK AT ME WHILE I'M TALKING TO YOU." Fox wiped at his face and once again looked at his father.
"Boy, that cup you broke was the last present Jeremy gave his mother, it was very special to her. She had been using it from the very beginning serving your special 'tea' in it. She unconsciously identifies you with Jeremy. In her mind you both are her youngest sons. She loves you as much as she does Jeremy. Don't you know how much that stunt hurt her?"
Fox was openly crying now. "Now do you have anything to say for yourself, Fox?"
"I'm sorry, so sorry," sobbed Fox. "I know you don't want me as a 'son' anymore. I won't bother you anymore. Let me get my stuff and I'll be gone." Fox continued to cry.
When Walter saw how much distress Fox was in he moved swiftly to his side and grabbed his head between his two hands and looked him in the eyes and spoke. "Fox, there is nothing you can do that will drive our love away. What you don't understand is that we can be furious at you and still love you. You are our son as much as Walter is and we will always love you." He opened his arms and Fox felled into them and cried until he was cried out and emotionally exhausted. He could hardly stand.
"Walter, come here."
"Yes, dad"
"Walter, I'm going to need some help in getting Fox to bed." Between the two of them they got the exhausted Fox to bed and turned him on his stomach and left him alone.
Fox was still sleeping when Dana and Walter got ready to leave for D. C. Dana asked Walter to wait while she went to tell Fox good-bye. She just couldn't leave without talking to him. She tiptoed into his room and called, "Mulder, wake up," shaking his shoulder as called to him. Fox opened his eyes and unconsciously turned on his back. When his sore bottom made contact with the mattress he cried out in pain. "Mulder, how bad did Walter whip you? Turn on your stomach and let me check it out."
"Sculleeee"
"Mulder, you have always told me that I was your doctor. Now let me see, maybe I can help make it feel better. That's it now turn over. Let me just lift the back of the nightshirt... oh, Mulder, he really let you have it. Your bottom is all red and blistered." She tentative put her hand lightly on his bottom, he moaned in pain, and she lifted her hand. It only took a second but it was long enough to feel the heat radiating from it. "I have some aloe vera lotion that will help, just let me smooth it over your bottom, now how does that feel?"
"It feels so cool and nice, the burning isn't as bad now, Thanks, Scully."
He turned immediately on his side, so he could still look and talk to Dana. She sat on the side of Fox's bed and said, "Mulder, Walter and I are getting ready to go back to D. C. I couldn't leave without seeing you and telling you good-bye. Now, partner, behave yourself for the remainder of the week. If I get a good report on you from Rachel, I'll be back to pick you up. If I get a bad report, I'll be back with my hairbrush to use on your bare bottom, do I make myself clear, partner?"
Fox was clearly shocked by her last words but managed to stuttered out a shaky, "Yes, ma'am."
"One other thing, partner, the next time you step out of line while we are on a case, you can expect a paddling from me and my trusty hairbrush."
"You can't, I won't let you."
"You will or I'll tell Rachel and she will have Walter bring you back here so fast that your head will spin. The punishment will include your wearing the nightshirt, getting such a paddling or spanking that your bottom will be on fire and corner time with your red and sore bottom on full display. Now what do say?"
"Ssculleee, you wouldn't really do that to me. I thought we were friends."
"We are friends - you are my best friend, but I don't want to lose you. Maybe, just maybe, my threat to use my hairbrush on you will keep you from putting yourself in danger or just keep you from doing something stupid. So, will you submit to me and my hairbrush, when you deserve it or is it going to be the nightshirt therapy plus applied discipline?"
"I'll submit to you and your hairbrush," replied a defeated Fox.
"I love you, Mulder. I'll be back this weekend to pick you up, so BEHAVE,"
admonished Scully. Then with a friendly kiss to the forehead, she left.
Walter stepped in after Dana and found a sullen Fox starring back at him. "What's wrong?"
"Scully has just gotten on the 'band wagon' to beat my butt if I get out of line. First it was you, then your father and now it is Scully. I wouldn't be surprised if your roped Mrs. Scully in one it next," wailed Fox.
"What a good idea, Mulder. I bet she would love to join 'our' club, she'll have you in tears in no time."
At Fox's look of horror, Walter burst into laughter and shouted, "Dana, mom, dad come here."
"What's so funny," they cried when they came in.
"It's Fox, he made an excellent suggestion, that I think we should consider." Fox hid his head under the covers. "Fox suggested that Maggie Scully should join our effort in punishing him when he gets out of line."
"No, I was just making a statement, not suggesting anything. I don't need another mother to punish me. One is enough," came the muffled reply from Fox.
Rachel turned to Dana and said, " let me have your mother's phone number and I'll explain everything to her. Do you think she will go for it?"
"Oh, yes, she would love to keep Fox safe. She has always thought that what Mulder really needed was some hands on discipline."
"When I talk with her, I'll tell her to first purchase some nightshirts. I'll also tell her how they need to be modified for our purpose. I'll feel so much better knowing that there is one more around to discipline our boy."
"Mom, Dana is going to help with Fox's discipline, too. She will use her hairbrush on him when he misbehaves while on a case. Dana, I want you to tell me if you feel he needs to be disciplined harsher than you can do."
"Hey, everyone, I'm in the room, too. I hate to be talked about like I'm not even here."
"Hush Fox. Now Dana, did Fox agree to your disciplining him?"
"Not at first, I had to threaten him with returning to your nightshirt therapy, paddlings/spankings, corner time, and a certain sore and red part of him on full display. After that he agreed."
"Mom, Scully, that's not fair. Everybody is ganging up on me."
"Be quiet, Fox, it's for your own good and come out from under those covers. You now have an extended family, young man. You have three mothers (two who care and love you enough to make you behave, no matter what it takes), two fathers (one who makes you toe the line and punishes you when you don't), a multitude of brothers and sisters, and one very 'close' friend, and we haven't even considered cousins."
"Fox, until you learn to behave, you will be making a fashion statement. I wonder if nightshirts with red bottoms on display will really catch on," laughed Dana. Fox turned beet red, from embarrassment while everybody laughed.
"Dana, we really need to get going, if we want to get back to D. C. before it gets too late. Fox once more - STAY OUT OF TROUBLE! Because frankly I don't think your backside can take much more of dad's attention."
"Very funny, ha, ha, and I'll try to stay out of trouble."
"'Bye, Mulder, Rachel, can I talk to you for a minute. It is about Fox...."
"Let's talk as we walk. Walter, this will give you a chance to talk with our youngest son about what went on in your study earlier today."
Walter kissed and hugged his parents before following Scully out, leaving dad and Fox together.
"Fox, now that we are alone we can have a father and son discussion. First, I want to apologize to you for being so hard on you earlier today. I had to be sure that you were really sorry for what you did. I had to be sure you were sincerely sorry, that you were really repentant. I know you are. Do you forgive me?"
"Oh, Yes, sir. I know that you had to punish me for what I did. I was wrong to take it out on mom. I was mad that you would not let me go home. I took it out on her. I need to apologize to her. Can you ask her to come back, so I can apologize?"
"I'll go and get her now, but before I leave I just want you to know that I LOVE YOU, my problem child." He left the room on his way to find his wife.
It was a little while later that Rachel came back in the room. "Walter said that you needed me?"
"Mom, I'm so sorry that I broke Jeremy's cup earlier today. I'm sorry for blowing up at you today. I didn't really mean what I said to you. I'm sorry I hurt you. Can you ever forgive me?"
"Baby boy, of course, I forgive you. You are my son and I love you."
"You're not mad at me anymore? I didn't know that the cup was one that Jeremy had given you before he died. Why did you use something so precious for me? I would have put it up where it wouldn't get broken."
"Your father told me what he said to you. He's right when he told you that I identify you with Jeremy. He is also right about my considering you both to be my youngest sons. Why wouldn't I share a cup with you, when in my mind you and Jeremy are so a like. I love you both. Now let me help you up I want a hug. I want to hug my youngest son."
Fox awkwardly got up and hugged his mother and started to cry again. "That's O.K. baby, you are loved."
"I know that is why I'm crying. It feels so good."
"Baby, dry your tears and get your robe and slippers on, we are going downstairs for supper. You slept through lunch, so must be starved. On our way downstairs, we are going to stop by Joe's room I need to pick something up. Shall we go?"
They made an odd couple, tall Fox leaning on his petite mom and wincing with every step, but finally they were at the supper table. Before Fox could sit down, Rachel placed a soft and fluffy pillow in his chair. Fox eased himself in the chair, hissing with pain but finally able to sit with just a little pain.
Rachel called Walter to supper. He ruffled Fox hair as he went by. Fox smiled hesitantly at him and got a huge smile in return. "How are you doing, boy?"
"I'm better now, sir."
Rachel came back in with a bowl of vegetable soup in hand which she put in front of him. "Now it is hot." Walter went in to help her with the rest of the meal. He returned with bowls of soup for Rachel and him while Rachel came back with iced tea for Fox and hot tea for Walter and her. There were crackers on the table for everybody. "I'll say the blessing tonight," said Rachel.
"Lord, bless this food to the nourishment of our bodies and Lord, thank you for bring Fox into our lives. Thanks for giving us another young son. We are teaching him right from wrong but give us all strength. A-men."
When Rachel and Walter looked at Fox they noticed that he was hastily wiping away his tears. "Fox eat your soup and then I think you should go back to bed for the night."
Supper was very pleasant. They enjoyed each other's company during the meal. They were joking with each other and before they realized it supper was over.
Walter helped Fox from the table and they slowly made their way back upstairs, stopping off at the bathroom before once again moving towards the bed. Fox was soon back under the covers, on his stomach once again. His dad squeezed his shoulder and said, "Goodnight, son."
Rachel came in carrying the aloe vera lotion. She came over to Fox and told him, "Dana told me about the aloe vera lotion and to please put it on Fox three times daily until the raw pain was gone. She had faithfully promised. Fox, I 'm going to put it on your backside now, so lie still and don't be embarrassed." When she was finished she replaced his nightshirt and pulled the covers up. "Now Fox, I'll be back after your bath tomorrow morning, for another application of lotion. You will get a second about mid-day and the last before bed, so get use to it. Goodnight, son," and with a kiss she was gone.
Monday morning found Rachel in the kitchen. She and Walter were talking about Fox. "Honey, go and wake him and tell to take a shower. I'll be up afterwards to on the lotion and then we can all sit down to breakfast."
Walter made his way to Fox's bedroom and eyeing the sleeping man, he said, "Fox, get up boy," shaking him as he spoke.
Fox opened one eye and murmured, "I want to sleep, go away," and he closed his eyes and turned his back to Walter. (Big mistake.) Walter carefully and quietly lifted the back of Fox's nightshirt and delivered one powerful S W A T to his backside. The result was instant. Fox's eyes flew open, his hand went to his backside and he yelled, "OWWWWCH."
"Now that you are awake, you can get up and into that shower. You have 5 minutes. I'll be back in 6 and if I don't find you in the shower, I'll..."
Fortunately for Fox, when Walter returned he found his problem child in the showers as requested. Fox was in heaven, the cool water falling on his sore bottom felt wonderful. He could have stayed there for a long time but realized that if he wasn't out in a reasonable time Walter would be in checking on him. He finished the rest of his shower quickly and emerged to find a soft and warm towel and a clean nightshirt waiting for him.
He returned to his room to find Rachel waiting for him with the bottle of lotion. He blushed when he realized that he would have to bare his bottom so his mom could apply the cool and healing lotion. Soon it was over and his mom and he were on their way to breakfast. When he went to sit down, he once again found the soft and fluffy pillow in his seat. Rachel had fixed waffles for breakfast. They were delicious with maple syrup on them. He also had bacon, juice and milk. He was even allowed one small cup of coffee.
The rest of the week went pretty much the same; he rested, ate nourishing and delicious meals and got better. He did everything they told him with a fuss and the week flew by. It was Friday afternoon and he was waiting for Scully to get here and take him back to his apartment.
"Mom, can I please get dressed now, Scully will be here any time now?" whined Fox. He was still in his nightshirt and getting antsy to get into some 'real' clothes once again. He had been pestering Rachel all day about getting redressed.
"Fox, I've told you before. NO, you are going to stay in that nightshirt until I tell you can change. I'm warning you, young man, if you ask me one more time, you will find yourself over my knee and will be wearing the nightshirt for the rest of the day and night. That includes wearing it all the way home and up until Monday morning, do I make myself clear?"
"YES," snapped an angry Fox.
Fox soon found himself face down over Walter's knees. "Boy, I don't like the way you snapped at your mom. That's going to cost you." SMACK... SMACK... "Ow, ow!"
SMACK... SMACK!!!... OWWWCH. "Now go and apologize."
Fox scrambled off his dad's knees and shakily moved towards his mom and said, "I'm sorry for snapping at you, Mom," rubbing his backside as he spoke. "I just want to get dressed BEFORE Scully gets here. PLEASE, can I get dressed NOW?"
"Fox, won't you ever learn. What did I just tell you about asking me again? What I would do to you if you did?"
Fox turned pale when he remembered what he was promised if he asked again. He proceeded to back away saying, "Mom, you wouldn't? It was just an empty threat, wasn't it?"
"Fox, you should know by now that I don't make empty threats, now COME HERE! Walter, would you please go and get me my hairbrush?"
Since Fox hadn't made one move to do as his mother instructed, Walter snagged his arm on his return and dragged him to his wife. "Dear, here are the two items you requested."
He handed her the hairbrush and positioned Fox over her knees. "Fox, you have got to learn patience and obedience." She then lifted the back of his nightshirt and surveyed her target area and proceeded to paddle him. SMACK... SMACK... "Ow, ow...!" SMACK... SMACK... SMACK... "Ouch, ow, not so hard, Mom!" SMACK...
SMACK... SMACK... and on it went. She would pick a spot and give it 4 licks and then move on to another spot and 4 licks later move on. She had him in tears.
During this time Scully walked in. She wandered over to observe Rachel's method and was very impressed. Mulder's bottom was turning a lovely shade of red. When Fox noticed Scully, he called out to her for help. "Scullee, help me. Make her stop, please, ow, ow, owwwwch. I'm sorry!"
As Scully continued to watch, she asked nonchalantly, "What did he do this time?"
Rachel proceeded to tell her, while she continued to cheerfully paddle her son. She gave him an additional 10 licks. She aimed those last licks on his 'sit spot' and his bottom was glowing. "Now you go and stand in the corner until Scully is ready to leave."
"Yes, Mom," sobbed Fox. He had only been in the corner a short time when he felt the back of his nightshirt being once again pinned so that his glowing bottom was on full display.
While Fox was doing corner time, Rachel took Dana aside and told her, "I want to see if Fox will obey the instructions I'm about to tell you. I want him to believe that you don't know, to see if he will still do them. He is to sit in the backseat on his sore bottom for the first hour of the journey; afterwards he can lie down for the remainder of the trip. He is to wear that nightshirt until Monday morning. He is to spend the night with Walter. If he fails to carry out any of my instructions, you let Walter know immediately, he will 'take care' of Mulder. Will you do this for me?"
"I'll be more than happy to help out."
"Now let me go and release Fox from his corner and have our little talk. Walter would you help with Fox's luggage. Dana can help you get it in the trunk."
Fox soon felt the back of his nightshirt falling back in place and knew that he could come out of the corner. He turned to find Rachel waiting for him. She indicated that she wanted him to sit down on the couch with her. When his sore bottom made contact with the couch, he winced in pain.
"Fox, I want to talk to you while Dana is out of the room. It will be just you and I. I'm not finished with you so you will continue to wear this nightshirt until tomorrow morning. Yes, this means you have to wear it home. You also will sit upright for the first hour of the journey home after the hour is up you can lie down, this means you will be on the backseat for the journey. Do you understand what I am telling you?" Fox just nodded. "Good, let's join the others, I think Dana is ready to leave now."
Walter and Dana were waiting for him. Walter gathered Fox into a hug and rubbed the back of his head. He whispered to Fox, "Son, I love you and it was a pleasure having you here these last 2 weeks. Come back real soon. But do try and stay out of trouble." He released Fox to his mother, who said, "I love you" and kissed him on the cheek.
He turned to Dana and she wasn't surprised him trying to keep from crying. "Fox, why don't you go to the bathroom and see if all of your toiletries are packed." Fox gave her a smile of thanks and did as he was told.
Ten minutes later saw them on the road home. Dana checked the rearview mirror and saw Fox lying down on his side, Rachel's instructions ignored. 'Oh, Fox, why can't you obey? It would save you a lot of pain in the end.' Dana did as she was asked and didn't correct Fox, he would have to live with the consequences of his actions. She turned on the radio and Fox slept all the way home. As she was pulling into D. C., she woke Fox and asked him where he wanted to be dropped off.
He ignored Rachel's instructions once again and said his apartment. He wanted to get out of this nightshirt as soon as possible. He hated to lie, but he couldn't take another minute of wearing the hated garment. When Dana arrived at his apartment, he put his coat on and got out to get his luggage and head up to his messy apartment. "Thanks for coming and get me, Scully. I'm sorry I slept all the way home and we didn't get a chance to talk. I'll call you tomorrow. Good night."
"Good night, Mulder. I'll see you tomorrow." Dana knew that Fox would not get a good night's sleep tonight. Walter would be at his apartment and dragging him back to his as soon as she called and gave him a rundown on all the rules Fox broke on the way home. She picked up her cell phone and called Skinner.
"Sir, this is Dana. We are back. He did everything Rachel told him not to do. He's at his place, probably out of that nightshirt seconds after entering the apartment. You had better get over there quick before he destroys it. Rachel is going to be so disappointed in him."
"Don't worry, Dana, he will pay for his decisions and pay heavily. He will be spending the next week with me and I plan on keeping his bottom quite sore. Now let me go and get him and he had better not destroyed that nightshirt. If he has he will be wearing one of my old football jerseys minus underwear for the moment he steps into my apartment."
Fox was feeling mighty pleased with himself. The hated nightshirt was literally in pieces and he was finally back in his beloved jeans and a favorite basketball t-shirt. He had ordered a pizza and was expecting it any minute now. He was totally surprised to find Skinner at the door with the Pizza Inn delivery guy. Skinner came in while Fox paid for the pizza. After he closed the door, Fox turned to Skinner and asked what was wrong. Skinner didn't say anything just looked around the apartment until he found the remains of the nightshirt. He turned back to Fox.
"Fox what is the meaning of this? Mom gave you specific instructions today before you left. How many did you break? How many lies did you tell? I'm very disappointed in you. Well, speak up, what do you have to say?"
Fox was unable to speak. How did Skinner find out so quickly? He knew that he was in BIG trouble. At least he would have to wear that hated nightshirt again. No matter what Skinner did to him, it would be worth it not to wear the nightshirt. "I'm sorry sir. I was so glad to leave and my butt was so sore, I just couldn't sit on it for an hour. Mom, would never know if I obeyed her or not, so I didn't."
"What about the nightshirt and staying with me for the night?"
"I figured that what you didn't know wouldn't hurt me, and I hated wearing that nightshirt. I figured that if Mom asked about my returning it, I would tell her that it got torn while being washed and I threw it out. She wouldn't know the difference."
"Well, you figured wrong. Do you know what is going to happen now?"
"Yes, sir, where do you want me?"
"I want you packed and in my car. You have 5 minutes and for every minute over that time I'm adding 5 licks to your spanking. As sore as your backside is now, can you take additional licks? I'll feed your fish while you pack."
Six minutes later they were in the car and on their way back to Skinner's. "Mulder, I want to thank you for providing supper, although I don't think you are going to feel like sitting to eat it."
After they arrived at Skinner's, Fox was instructed to go to his room and strip down to his boxers and wait for him to call. "Mulder, if you are ready, come out to the living room." Fox arrived a moment later wearing only his boxers. "Mulder, since your other nightshirt was destroyed I've found a reasonable substitute. Skinner threw his old football jersey at him. "Put his on and get over my knees, I'm going to re-light the fire in your backside." When he had Fox positioned just right he added, "You won't be needing these boxers for the duration of your stay here and pulled them completely off." He then proceeded to do as he promised. He had Fox in tears and sobbing for mercy in no time. After he had given Fox some 20 licks, he let him up and said "Dana was right you will be making a fashion statement this week with one little change. Football jersey and red bottom is going to be the style for quite some time."
"Fox for the next week, you will be spending them with me. From the moment you get back each evening you will change immediately into this jersey without boxers and you will wait for me to get here by standing in that corner," He pointed to the one that could be seen immediately after opening the front door. "The back of the jersey will be pinned up inviting me to spank it before supper. Then you will eat a balance meal while sitting down on that sore bottom. You will be in bed by 9 p.m. every night, no exceptions. Do you understand?"
"Yes, sir," sniffled Fox.
"Now we will enjoy this pizza tonight. It will be the last junk food you put in your mouth for a week. Then you will call mom and tell her what you did and ask for her forgiveness. You will tell her how you are to be punished this week and then you will go to bed."
Fox was on the phone when it hit him he had a family that cared whether he did right or wrong and that gave him a warm feeling. He was at home. The first thing tomorrow he was going to find the most beautiful tea cup for his mom and send it to her and sign the card: To Mom from your loving sons, Jeremy and Fox.
The End