December 5

CRIME:

Sentinel - Jim Ellison

By Moonloon

CRIME:

Sentinel/Smallville Crossover  - Jim/Blair/Lex

Author: Angelee
Title: Into the Light
Date:
Fandom: Smallville/Sentinel
Pairing: Lex/Blair/Jim
Rating: R
Summary: A Sentinel takes another Guide
Disclaimer: Heh! Right.
Feedback address: angelee79912@yahoo.com 
Advertisement: Part of the SAC-2004 at: http://www.kardasi.com/Advent/2004/SAC-2004.htm 
Beta: By my sister Anna. All final errors are mine-with apologies.

Into the Light

Another holiday spend totally alone. Shit, his life sucked. There was just some things that money couldn’t buy. Like someone to spend Christmas with. Yup, his life really sucked. Lex thought to himself sighing deeply.

Clark, Lex was sure was having a great old time with his mother and father. They hadn’t even thought to invite him over for the holidays. They probably hadn’t even given a thought to how he, Alexander Luthor was spending them. Or even that maybe, just maybe, he wanted to spend it with them. Even if Clark’s Dad kept giving him the evil eye. He could put up with the evil eye as long as he didn’t have to spend another holiday alone. Really he could.

Lex drove the lonely road leading toward the castle he called home. Home. Heh, what a laugh. As far as he was concerned it was just a dwelling he was staying at. There weren’t even any servants having given them the holidays off. Why should they suffer because he was lonely.

Shit, his life sucked. Could anyone’s life be more pathetic than his even with all his money and cars. Lex sat a little straighter when he noticed that there was another fool traveling the lonely road on Christmas Eve. Suddenly he saw a small animal run into the street in front of the car. Trying to avoid it the green car swerved right into a tree.

“Oh, my God.”

Lex pulled up and ran over to see if the driver was hurt. “Are you alright.” He asked opening the door. He felt the pulse, sighing with relief when he felt the strong pulse. “Are you alright?” He asked again.

The man moaned softly, before opening the most beautiful blue eyes he’d ever seen in his life. And Lex thought Clark had pretty eyes. “What happened? Oh, my God. The rabbit. I didn’t kill it, did I?”

Lex smiled. “No, it made it. But I think you killed your car in the process of Thumper avoidance.”

“Shit.”

“Yes. Are you hurt anywhere?”

“No, just my fucking pride.” The man said with a heavy sigh. “And my car. Damn.”

Lex laid a hand on the man’s shoulder. “Better the car than you, my friend. The car can be fixed.”

“Yeah, I guess. It’s a classic, but I am always having trouble with it. Maybe it’s better to leave it dead, instead of trying to breathe life back into it. Not to mention it’s costing a fortune every time something breaks in it.”

“What are you doing on this lonely road on Christmas Eve anyway?”

“I heard from a friend that there’s a Scottish Castle near here and I want to see if the owner would let me have a look-see before I head to Metropolis. I just finished a dig not far from here and I was hoping… I know it’s Christmas Eve and all, but it’s the only time I could get free.”

“I suppose since you went to all this trouble and killed your car in the process it can be arranged.”

Hopeful blue eyes looked into his. “You know the owner? You think I could have a look at the castle?”

“Yes, I know the owner very well and yes it can be arranged.”

Blue eyes narrowed speculatively “You’re the owner, aren’t you?”

“Yes. Very perceptive.”

“Cool. I’m Blair Sandburg by the way.”

“Hello, Blair Sandburg. I’m Lex Luthor. Are you sure you aren’t hurt? I can call an ambulance if you need it.”

Blair waved a dismissive hand. “No. I’m fine. I don’t know how I’m going to get around though at least until Jim comes to get me.”

“Jim?” Lex asked as he help Blair out of the car.

“Ow! I’m going to be sore. Jim’s my partner. He’s going to meet me in Metropolis for Christmas Eve. He had a police conference to go to there. Better call him tell him he may have to come pick me up.”

Blair leaned back into the car for a worn backpack. Lex raised pale eyebrows at the very nice jean-clad butt thus revealed. He averted his eyes when Blair straightened up. Dialing Blair waited for Jim to pick up the call. “Hey, Jim you’ll never guess what happened to me? Well, there was this bunny-I think it was a bunny and it ran into the street and I well, kinda hit a tree.” Lex could hear the frantic voice on the other end. Blair held the phone away slightly. “No. No listen, Jim. Quit yelling. I’m alright, but the car is kind of banged up. I don’t think Houdini will be able to bring it back to life this time. I’m not hurt. Really, I’m not. Don’t go into Blessed Protector mode. I’m fine. You remember the castle I was telling you about? Yeah, that’s the one. Well the owner, Lex Luthor, he stopped and rendered aid. No, no I didn’t need aid. That was just a figure of speech.” Blair rolled his eyes at Lex. “No. I’m not going to run over Thumper. Mother Nature would never forgive me. Hey, I’m okay-you can see for yourself. Can you come pick me up, please? I’m pretty sure my car won’t start. Where will I be? Hmm, I guess I could wait in the car. You’re only about an hour away.”

“No, you don’t have to do that. You can go to the castle with me and wait there.” Lex told Blair, interrupting. “It’s cold out here and almost dark. Besides Thumper may be back to finish the job.” He smiled at Blair’s exaggerated shudder.

“Did you hear that? You can pick me up at the castle. Then we can go back to Metropolis see if there’s any place open and have a nice Christmas dinner. Na, the car will be alright where it’s at, till we can find someone to tow it back to Cascade. Or maybe I should just junk it.” Blair sighed. “I loved that car. It’s not a piece of shit. It was just temperamental.” Blair gave a small laugh. “Yeah, I know. No, I’m fine really. You can check me out when you get here, okay? If you think I need to see a doctor then I’ll go. With no complaining, I promise. Okay, see you then.” Blair close the tiny phone and looked over at Lex. “Sorry.”

Lex shook his bald head. “Nothing to be sorry for. Ready to go?”

“Yeah.” Blair replied. “Give me a second to get my laptop and backpack and I’ll be all set. Wow, cool car.” He said, gingerly seating himself in the Ferrari.

Lex turned to look at the curly-haired man frowning as he eased the car back onto the road.. “Yeah, I guess. Are you sure you’re alright?”

“I may have a few bumps and bruises, but nothing life threatening.” Blair turned slightly toward his driving companion. “So Lex Luthor, tell me about yourself.”

Lex looked over at Blair. “Nothing to tell.” He replied, shrugging his slight shoulders.

“Sure there is. You drive a Ferrari and live in a castle. Of course there’s a story there. Not to mention that this castle is in the middle of nowhere.”

“Tell you what I’ll make a deal with you-tell me about yourself and I’ll tell you about me.” Lex told him with a small smile.

“Fair enough. My name is Blair Jacob Sandburg, I’m twenty-eight and I live in Cascade, Washington. I’m an anthropologist and I work for the Cascade Major Crimes Department as Guide to my very own ultra-cool Sentinel. Who’s a cop.”

“Jim?”

“Yes. That’s why he kinda flipped when he found out I had a little accident.”

“I bet. Is it true that when you find a Sentinel they bond to you?”

Blair opened his backpack and pulled out a trail mix bar. “Want one?” Lex shook his head. “Yeah. It’s kind of like they fixate on you. Start sniffing for pheromones. You should have seen mine when we first met. There was this room with maybe thirty wanna be Guides including me at the Sentinel Center and Jim walks in. He stuck his nose up in the air and then came up to where I was standing and stuck his face in my hair.”

Lex ran a hand over his bald head. “Do you have to have hair?”

“No. Pheromones are concentrated in the neck and head area. Don’t let being bald hold you up if you want a Sentinel. I personally think bald is cool. It gives you a very distinctive air. Why? Are you looking for a Sentinel to bond with?”

“I don’t know. It’s a possibility, I think.”

“So Lex Luthor tell me about yourself.”

Lex looked over at Blair smirking slightly. “Why?”

“Because your bald, beautiful and drive a Ferrari. That can’t be all there is to Lex Luthor.”

“Thank you. I don’t ever remember being called beautiful before. That’s kind off nice.”

“Well you are. But what else is there? The fact that you might want a Sentinel?”

“Persistent aren’t you?”

Lex felt rather than saw Blair nod. “Yup.”

“Alright. I’m twenty three and I’m CO of LexCorp. I like classical music, fencing and I like to dance. At least I use to until I got banished to Smallville.” Pulling up in front of the castle Lex turned fully to Blair. “Why does it sound like I’m advertising for a mate?”

“Don’t know. Are you on the market?”

Lex got out of the Ferrari. “Nope. Not since the last two failed attempts. They both tried to kill me.”

Blair became Lex’s shadow as they went into the castle. “They tried to kill you?” He asked shocked.

“Yup. That kind of burned me out on the whole marriage thing.”

“I bet. Nice castle. Hey, where’s the butler named Jeeves to open the door?”

“I gave all the servants the holidays off.”

Blair frowned. “So you’re spending the holidays all by yourself in this huge castle?”

“Yeah, well I was hoping to get invited to my friend Clark’s home, but that didn’t work out.” Lex smiled wryly at Blair. “Yeah, I know how pathetic that sounds. Wanting to spend Christmas with a seventeen year old and his family just not to be alone.”

“Your best friend is seventeen?” Blair asked, laying his backpack and his laptop against the wall just inside the doorway.

“Yeah. He saved my life two years ago and well we’ve been sort of friends ever since. Do you want a drink?” Lex asked leading Blair into the living room.

“I could really use a glass of water.”

“No glass-a bottle?” Lex asked, holding up a blue bottle of imported water. “Have a seat.” He told him indicating to the leather couch.

“Cool.” Blair replied, accepting it. He eyed the bottle. “This baby is more expensive than two cases of beer. I will relish it. I may even have the little sucker bronzed.” He added as he sat down.

Lex smiled as he poured himself a scotch before joining Blair on the couch. “You’re odd. You’ll certainly fit in around here.”

Blair returned the smile. “Lex?”

“Yes?”

Blair took a small drink of his water. “You said that Clark was sort of your friend. What does that mean? How can you be someone’s sort of friend?”

Lex shrugged. “It’s just that friends don’t usually keep secrets and Clark, has something that’s troubling him.” He said sadly. “I’m positive I could help him with whatever it is but, he won’t let me.”

“Lex, then why do you keep him as a friend, if you don’t mind me asking?”

Blair watched Lex’s blue eyes become distant. “I don’t know there’s just something about him. An innate goodness that keeps me grounded. Reminds me that not everything in this world is dark. I’m his friend and if he accepts me as his friend then maybe I’m not all darkness as well.” Blair gave him an odd look. “What?”

“Hmm, Lex isn’t that a lot responsibility to lay on the shoulders of a seventeen year old?”

Lex smiled. “You haven’t seen his shoulders.”

“Be that as it may-what’s wrong with your shoulders?”

Lex shrugged. “There are times where the darkness overtakes me and I need something, someone to bring me back into the light.”

“Lex, I say again a seventeen year old?”

“Yeah, I know I’m pathetic.”

Blair shook his head. “Na, you’re not pathetic, you’re just lonely.”

Lex ran his finger over his glass. “You think so?”

“I know so. It’s darkening your aura to where that’s almost all I can see.”

“You can see auras?”

“Yup, had a run in with a Shaman a while back and he gave me his powers before he died.” Blair said, carefully placing his empty blue bottle down on the coffee table.

“That’s interesting. I knew a lady who could see into the future. She touched my hands and died. Clark said it was because she was old, but I have my doubts.”

“Lex, you know what your problem is?”

“No what?”

“You’ve got a terminal case of the lonelees.”

“What does that mean?” Lex asked, narrowing his eyes.

“You’re lonely. You need someone in your life to take care of and cherish and vice versa.”

Lex raised a dismissive hand. “Tried that, almost got killed twice. And besides why am I telling you any of this?” He asked almost angrily.

Blair smiled impishly at him. “I have that effect on people. I’m just naturally charming.” He replied, not at all put off by Lex’s flash of anger.

Lex scoffed. “Right.”

“I’m not kidding. You can ask Jim when he gets here.”

“Tell me about your Sentinel?” Lex asked, changing the subject smoothly or so he thought.

“Why, Lex? Am I making you uncomfortable?” Blair asked, smile deepening.

“Yes.” Lex readily admitted, with a small smile.

Blair chuckled. “I bet. Well there’s not a dull moment when it comes to Jim. He’s tall and really well built with the most beautiful blue eyes you’ve ever seen. He’s kind and really gentle for someone so big.”

“Do you like being a Guide?”

“With all my heart and soul.”

“You don’t find it restrictive?”

“Not in the least. Jim relies on me to keep him grounded and he gives me so much more in return.”

“Like?” Lex asked curiously. Well and truly hooked.

Blair’s wide, blue eyes became distant. “It’s kind of hard to explain. He fills a part of me I didn’t even know was empty. Makes me whole. Does that makes sense?”

Lex sighed softly. “Yes, more than you know. It kind of sounds like something I’m looking for with Clark and doomed to never find.”

Blair laid a gentle hand on Lex’s arm. “You will, Lex, you will. It might just be that you’re looking in the wrong place.”

“Yeah, maybe. Is it hard to get a Sentinel?”

Blair chuckled. “You make it sound like you’re in the market for a puppy. But no not that hard. You need to go in and get tested to see if your pheromone level is high enough. Then you’re introduced to several Guideless Sentinels over a course of a week. If one chooses you-you’ll know it. Like I did with Jim.”

“And if not?”

“Then you go on a waiting list and you’ll be notified as Sentinels become available.”

Lex looked up meeting Blair’s eyes. “Do you think I’d be a suitable?” Feeling a small sense of hopefulness for the first time in what felt like forever.

“There’s a lot of maybes in that question, Lex. But I don’t see why not. Foremost, you’ve got to have the right amount of pheromones.”

“How do you know?” Lex asked, listening intently

“Smell.”

Lex wrinkled his nose. “I’ve have to smell?”

Blair laughed. “In a manner of speaking. Sentinels are basically ruled by their senses. Smell being one of them. Jim has an unusually high sensitivity to smell. We can ask him to check you out when he gets here. Or you can let me check for you.”

Lex looked at Blair suspiciously. “Are you saying you know what pheromones smell like?”

“Hmm, yeah.”

“How? You’re a Guide.”

“Yeah, but when I went in to get tested the doctors back at the Center told me that in my gene pool there may have been one or two Sentinels. I wasn’t one, but because of it I would be an extremely sensitive Guide. Trust me, Lex. Or are you afraid I’m going to compromise your virtue, Lex?”

Lex snorted. “I haven’t had that in forever, if I ever did. So you won’t be compromising anything.”

“Let me check then?” Blair asked, coaxing softly.

“Alright.”

Blair moved over and with out ceremony climbed on top of Lex. “W…what are you doing?” Lex asked, stiffening.

“Checking you for pheromones. Hold still.” Blair replied. The curly-haired man buried his face in Lex’s neck gently, nosing at the baby soft skin there. “Oh, you smell good.”

Lex didn’t know what to do. He moved his hands restlessly as Blair continued to sniff. It felt good in an odd sort of way. Really good. He hadn’t been touched in awhile and it was starting to affect him in ways he really didn’t want to get into. Blair was really gorgeous and he was wiggling in his lap.

“Blair?”

“Hmm?”

“W…well?” Lex asked impatiently.

Blair pulled away slightly. “Hmm, well, Lex. It’s hard to say. I need to investigate a little further. There’s just something about bald men. Are you bald all over, Lex?”

“Well that’s a bit personnel don’t you think?”

Blair smiled at Lex. “And me sitting in your lap’s not?”

“I thought you were doing an investigation on seeing if I was suitable for a Sentinel.”

“Hmm, I am. Can I investigate some more?” Blair asked, moving sensually in Lex’s lap.

“Oh, please feel free.” Lex said sarcastically. “I haven’t had this much fun since wifey number two tried to get my plane downed with me in it.”

“Cool.” Blair replied, ignoring the sarcasm to bury his nose against Lex’s neck. Lex after a uncertain moment dug his fingers deep into Blair’s curly hair, pulling him closer. It been a really long time and Blair’s warm body felt good against him.

After a few more minutes of gently snuffing. “Hmm, Blair? Oh, that feels good. A…are y…you d…done?” Lex asked, if he didn’t put a stop to it, Blair’s wiggling was going to make him come in his pants. Something he hadn’t done since he was twelve.

“Hmm, sorry. You might have to stop using that expensive cologne. But yeah, you won’t have any trouble finding a Sentinel. They’re going to love you in fact.” Blair said, pulling away slightly but kept their body together tightly. Knowing exactly what he was doing to Lex and loving every minute of it. “That is if Jim let’s them get you.”

“What do you mean?”

“Your pheromone level seems to be very high. Almost as high as mine, I think. You have to get checked to make sure. Jim, I’m pretty sure, is going to want you for himself.” Blair told Lex, making himself more comfortable in Lex’s lap.

“Ah. C…can he do that?”

Blair smiled. “There’s pretty much nothing Jim can’t do when it comes to Sentinel stuff. He’s a Sentinel Fifth Class. The best of the best. If he wants you he can have you and there’s nothing anyone can do about it.”

“B…but can a Sentinel have two Guides?”

“Jim can.” Blair replied, wiggling happily in Lex’s lap.

“B…but won’t that bother you? Blair, stop it. You’re making me crazy.” Lex said, putting his hands on Blair’s hips holding him still.

Blair shrugged. “Why? I don’t own him and there’s more than enough of Jim to share.” He added with a huge smile. “Plus if you don’t mind me saying so you’re hot. And you’ll be mine, too. So I won’t mind at all.” Blair eyed Lex’s lips inches from his own, slowly moving closer. “Won’t mind at all.” He whispered.

Suddenly the doorbell rang and Lex thought he was going to jump out of his skin. Blair noticed. “Steady, Lex. There’s nothing to be afraid of.”

“I run a muti-million dollar company, I don’t scare.”

Blair gave him a look. “Right. Then why are you shaking all of a sudden?”

“I’m not shaking.”

“Sure you are, I can feel it.”

“No I’m not. I’m just cold. I just remembered I have some work I need to finish.” Lex said, nervously, trying to pull free of Blair.

“Oh, no you don’t. Come on let’s go see what Jim makes of you.” Blair replied, taking Lex by the hand and pulling him toward the door.

Lex found himself going with Blair filled with a mixture of trepidation and excitement. He didn’t know if he wanted Jim to want him or not.

Blair opened the door to reveal the most gorgous man with the most startling blue eyes Lex had ever seen. It seemed Blair had not exaggerated, Jim was beautiful. Big, very big, and really, really gorgeous. Lex thought he’d never seen a more handsome man in his life.

“Blair are you alright?”

The curly-haired man rolled his eyes when the Sentinel began running his hands over his body,but allowed it calmly. “I’m fine, Jim really.”

“I’ll be the judge of that.”

“Fine, just hurry up. I’ve got someone I want you to met.”

“Shut up, Blair. I’ll take however long it takes to make sure your alright.” Jim told him gruffly.

“Geez, so who’s the grump then?” Blair asked cheerfully.

“I am.” Jim replied, cupping Blair’s face in hands that were anything but steady. “I was so worried.”

“I’m fine, really.”

“Yeah, I know that now, but I didn’t before.” Jim replied, kissing Blair’s forehead gently.

“I told you I was.” Blair said, hugging his shaken Sentinel before releasing him. “I have someone I want you to meet.” Tugging him toward Lex.

As icy blue eyes turned to look at him Lex almost took a step back. Having to remind himself that he’d met with Presidents, Kings, Queens and Heads of States. Held meetings where millions of dollars and thousands of jobs were at stake. Certainly he could handle meeting one lone Sentinel. When those eyes narrowed slightly Lex forced himself to hold still and not take off screaming like some silly girl in a horror flick.

When Jim stalked toward him like a big, a very big, graceful cat Lex found himself backing away. Until he remembered who he was and held still. He was shaking in his expensive Italian loafers, but he held still. He was no silly girl in a horror flick. He was Alexander Luthor. He wasn’t afraid. No, he wasn’t afraid. He kept chanting to himself.

He forced himself still when the Sentinel moved even closer until they were almost nose to nose. Jim sniffed slightly. Hands came up and gently cupped Lex’s head turning it slightly.

“B…Blair?” Lex called softly, telling himself he wasn’t going to panic. He jumped slightly when a cold nose buried itself in his neck.

“Hold still, Lex. It’s not going to hurt.” Blair urged.

“B…Blair, I…” Lex trailed off when the Sentinel pulled him against his body.

“It’s all part of it, Lex. It’s going to be alright. He’s imprinting.” Blair smiled at him gently. “Looks like Jim’s chosen you for himself. That’s so cool. I was hoping he would.”

“D…don’t I get a choice?” Lex jumped nervously when the Sentinel growled. Unable to escape as arms came around him, banding him tightly to a strong, hard body.

“No. No one on this planet can stop Jim now. No one.”

“Blair. Blair, he’s growling at me. Do something.” Lex said, shoving furtively at Jim. Earning another low menacing growl.

“What do you expect me to do?”

“H…hit him with something. Not the Ming Vase, though. That’s priceless.”

“I’m not going to hit my Sentinel.” Blair replied, chuckling. “Stop fighting him. Jim wants you and so do I. I’m not about to stop what’s happening.”

“Make him let me go.” Lex pleaded.

“Geez, you big chicken.” Blair said in exasperation. “It’s not like it’s going to hurt or anything. Geez.”

“I’m not a chicken. I…m a billionaire. I…I’ve g…got things to do. M…many t…things. Please make him let me go.” Lex pleaded again.

“Oh, alright. Jim, Lex says to let him go.” Blair said half-heartedly.

“No.” Jim growled loudly, making Lex jump again and the Sentinel pulled him impossibly closer.

Lex saw Blair shrug his shoulders. “Sorry, no go. You my friend are about to find yourself Guide to a Sentinel and his Guide. Cool, huh?”

The Sentinel’s hands came up and deftly began unbuttoning his purple shirt. “Blair? Blair?” Lex called panicking. Yes, okay-maybe he was a chicken. He finally admitted to himself.

“Don’t fight it, Lex. I told you, Jim’s imprinting. To do that he has to smell you, all of you.”

“A…am I going to be raped?” Lex flinched when Jim growled against his neck.

“No.” Blair told him. “You’re going to have sex though.”

Lex began to struggle. “No. I don’t want this”

Jim gathered Lex’s face in his hands and look into his eyes. “You want this. We all know you want this.” He was told softly. “Stop fighting me.”

Lex felt all resistance suddenly evaporate. “I…”

“Do you want me, Lex?” The Sentinel asked seductively. “Do you want us?”

“I… shouldn’t, but I… I…ah…yes.”

He was treated to the most brilliant smile he’d ever seen. “Good. Because we both want you, too. Stop fighting it.”

Jim began pulling at Lex’s clothes again. “Jim, are you sure you want the bonding to take place in the foyer? There’s no one around, but that still won’t be the best way to introduce Lex to the way of Sentinels and Guides.” Blair told Jim.

Jim pulled away slightly to look into Lex’s dazed eyes. “You’re right. Where, Lex? Where do you want to be bonded?” He asked hurriedly.

“B…bedroom.”

“Fine.” Jim replied, pulling Lex with him as he stalked up the stairs.

“Blair?” Lex called, panicking again. It could now officially be said that Alexander Luthor was indeed a chicken of the first class, even in that he excelled. Boy, did he excel.

The curly-haired man took Lex’s free hand. “It’s going to be alright. Geez, you‘re such a chicken.” Blair smiled at him. I’ll be with you and you’re really going to like what comes next.”

What followed was the most sensual experience of Lex’s twenty five years of life. Never before had he felt anything likes of which Jim and Blair had him experiencing.

Jim nuzzled every inch of him. Having taken a real liking to the back of his head. Making Lex crazy when he’d begun sucking on a spot he knew a little bone protruded. He’d seen it, people had commented on it, but he’d never known that it was an erogenous zone for him until now. He knew now. Oh, God, how he knew now.

Lex found he was making noises he’d never heard coming from him before. Hungry needy noises. Bending his head foreward begging Jim for more. Arms stretching back to pull the Sentinel closer. Offering himself for more. He was taken up on it when both Blair and Jim led him to the bed shedding clothing as they went.

When the Sentinel penetrated him Lex screamed. Clinging tightly to Blair. Not from pain, it hadn’t hurt. Both Jim and Blair had made sure that it didn’t hurt, but from the most intense pleasure he’d ever felt in his life. It coursed through him like wildfire. He found himself panting wildly into Blair’s open mouth. Eyes closed as Jim nuzzled his neck arms holding him possessively as the Sentinel moved them back and forth slowly on the bed.

Blair ran his hands over Lex’s body. Caressing his chest and abdomen, going lower and lower still as Lex mewled wildly. Hot he was so hot, so very hot. He burned, he burned. They were driving him crazy. Both Jim and Blair were driving him crazy. He no longer knew which way was up. Who was kissing who. Who’s hands were touching him. Or who’s body drove them all in a pounding rhythm that threatened to break the bed. Lex screamed again when he felt Jim come deep inside him. Hot, so hot, scalding him.

The Sentinel caught him when he lost consciousness.

When he regained his senses Jim had taken him again, followed by Blair. They made love to him as if there were no tomorrow. Hard, wild and fierce. Or perhaps it was their way of laying claim to him. Irrefutable and unbreakable.

Lex had been unable to stop the trembling. It had shaken his slight frame violently. Both Blair and Jim held on to him as the tremors shook. Shaken to the very core by what he had just experienced he shivered violently. Blair kissed him gently over and over. Tasting his tears. Telling him it had been the same for him. That the bond was now in place.

Lex sharing a bath with his new Sentinel cradled against Jim’s big, warm chest the trembling had finally stopped. As Jim talking to him quietly, Blair after checking to make sure he was alright, had gone to find the kitchen to fix something to eat.

“Are you alright, Lex?” Jim whispered into his ear.

“I…I think so. I…I j…just never felt anything like that before.”

“You’re ours now. Blair and mine. We will take care of you to the best of our abilities.”

“B…but I…d…don’t need anyone to take care of me. I can do that on my own.”

Jim splashed warm water all over Lex’s chest. “You’re ours, Lex. Stop fighting it. Or do I have to show you again?” Jim growled seductively, nibbling lightly on the bone at the back of Lex’s neck.

Lex shivered. That felt good. “Show me. I really like the way you show me.”
Jim lifted Lex slightly and with a gently shoved entered him again. “Ah, that’s good. I like this part.”

Jim chuckled. “So does Blair. Possessive hands stroked his chest. “You’re hairless everywhere. Quite a contrast to Blair’s hairiness. Hmm, I’m going to have fun with my two Guide. Won’t get much work done, but boy-am I going to have fun.”

Lex didn’t reply, didn’t need to. Closing his eyes when Jim began thrusting into him. Losing himself in the intense pleasure the Sentinel was once again creating.

************************************************************************

“How do you feel, Lex?” Blair asked handing him a roll. As they sat in front of the fireplace in Lex’s living room eating.

Lex took it. “Like I’ve been turned inside out.” He said smiling weakly. “But other than that surprisingly good.”

“Hey, I want a roll too.” Jim complained.

“Oops, sorry.” Blair said handing him one.

“Neglecting your poor, hungry Sentinel?” Jim asked.

“Never.” Blair told him, giving him a brilliant smile. “Besides you now have another Guide to help in case I forget something.”

Both Blair and Jim turned to look at Lex who was nibbling contently on the roll. “What?” He asked, eyeing them back.

“Your Sentinel is hungry.” Jim told him. “And feeling extremely neglected.” He added sadly.

“Oh, sorry.” Lex replied, handing over his roll.

Jim took it, kissing Lex lightly. “Thank you, Lex. See, Lex cares about his Sentinel.” He said glaring at Blair.

“Yeah, yeah, yeah. I love you too.” Blair said unconcerned as he got himself another piece of turkey. “It was really nice of the kitchen staff to leave you all the Christmas fixings all cooked and ready for you.”

“Yes. They didn’t have to do that. I have to remember to give them a raise when they get back.” Lex replied.

“Hey, don’t eat all the turkey. I’m still hungry. My two Guides wore me out. I need to regain my energy.” Jim said glaring at Blair.

“Geez, big baby. Here.” Blair told his Sentinel affectionately. Handing over a huge slice of turkey.

“But you love me.”

“Yeah, I guess I do.”

“I know you do.” Jim told him smugly, offering his lips to the curly-haired man.

“Yeah, I do.” Blair accepting the warm lips. “Very much.”

Lex watched the gentle exchange. He should be jealous or at the very least feel left out, but he didn’t. Both Jim and Blair had a hand on him. It warmed him in a way he’d never felt before.

“What now?”

“Hmm?” Blair turned to face Lex.

“What happens now?”

“The bond needs a week to fully settle. We’ve got some time coming to us so I think we can spend it here at the castle with you if you like or we could go back to Cascade. I think it’d be better to spend it here being as you said there wasn’t going to be anyone around.” Blair replied. “Which ever is easier for you.”

Lex took a sip of wine. “It doesn’t matter to me. What do you think Jim?”

Jim shrugged. “I don’t care either as long as we’re together. But I think Blair wanted to explore the castle. Didn’t you, Blair?”

Blair’s blue eyes lit up. “Can I?”

“It’s up to Lex. It’s his castle. Lex?”

“Fine with me.” Suddenly there was a knock on the door. “Who could that be? Come in.” A dark head peered in. “Clark? Please come in. Would you like something to eat?”

“No, thank-you, Lex. Just ate.” Clark said shyly as he looked at the two strangers staring at him curiously. “I just came over to bring you a cranberry coffee cake my Mom made for you.”

“Oh, okay. Thank her for me. Oh, sorry-I forgot my manners. This is Jim Ellison and Blair Sandburg. They’ll be staying with me for awhile.”

Clark smiled at them offering them both his hand. Not noticing the look Jim was giving him. The Sentinel’s head tilted slightly to one side as he regarded the seventeen year old.

“Hello. I hope you enjoy your stay in Smallville. I better go. Lex, will I see you later?”

“Hmm, I don’t know. I’ll be very busy for the awhile. Maybe. We’ll see.”

“Okay. Well, see you then.”

“Fine. Thank your Mom for me.”

“Will do.”

As the door closed behind Clark, Blair launched himself at Lex. “You certainly were right about those shoulders of his.”

Lex grunted softly, falling back against the soft carpet. “See, told you.”

The curly-haired man cupped his face. “Yeah, I see. But you now need to see that you don’t need to rely on a seventeen year old to keep you in the light. That’s our job from now on. Mine and Jim’s and it’s a job that we’ll relish because you’re a part of us.”

Lex smiled up at him. “Are you jealous, Blair?”

Blair licked his nose. “Yes, you are ours. To love, protect and cherish. No one else’s.”

“And my job?

“To do the same for us.”

Lex meet Blair’s eyes. “What if I can’t? What if I don’t have it in me to do that?” He asked in a small voice.

“If you weren’t able Jim would never have been able to initiated the bond with you. You’re ours now and we’re yours. Stretch your senses and you’ll be able to feel it. Feel us. Get it?”

Lex did has Blair suggested. Wonder filled him when he could. He could feel both Blair and Jim. A sense of completeness filled him as he sought first his Sentinel getting a feeling of possessiveness and need before Lex went in search of Blair. From the curly-haired man he got a warmth and welcome. From both he got an overwhelming sense of belonging. He belonged. “Got it.” Lex replied happily.

“There’s something off about that boy.” Jim said, frowning slightly at the door Clark had gone through.

“Hmm, really?” Lex asked, watching as Blair’s lips inched closer to his.

“Yeah, I don‘t know quite what he is, but being human isn’t one of them.”

“Oh?” Lex said, distractedly. Blair was beginning to remove his clothing. Giving him some really sweet kisses in the process. It seemed that he was going to spend Christmas Eve making love to two of the most beautiful men he’d ever seen in his life. Lex felt the bond pulse between them, offering comfort and love.

“Yup, That’s one really odd boy.”

“Oh, okay.” Lex replied, forgetting what they were talking about as he watched Blair unzipped his pants with his teeth.

“Jim forget about that. Lex needs some loving attention on Christmas Eve. He’s not to sure of us or where he fits in. Or if he belongs. Shall we show him. The really fun part?” Blair said, kissing Jim soundly over Lex’s tummy.

“Oh, yeah.” Jim replied, reaching for the more than willing Lex. “Lets.”

Among the remains of a fine Christmas Eve meal, wine goblets and empty plates. Jim and Blair showed Lex in a way he would never forget exactly where he belonged. Where he would always belong.

END

SCIENCE FICTION

Stargate - SG-1, Jack/Daniel

Author: kira-nerys
Title: One Woman’s Marriage is Another Man’s Bliss …
Date: December 5, 2004.
Rating: NC-17
Series: Stargate SG-1
Pairing: Jack/Daniel
Summary: Jack’s upset and needs a friend. Spoilers: Set right after the 8:th Season episode Affinity. Very minor spoiler.
Note: Part of the Slash Advent Calendar of 2004.
http://www.kardasi.com/Advent/2004/SAC-2004.htm
Author’s comments: No holiday theme in this one, and practically a PWP. My first ever SG-1 fic, too. Feedback happily accepted.
Feedback Address: kira at kardasi dot com
Beta: Killa – thanks so much, honey – quick and thorough!

One Woman’s Marriage is Another Man’s Bliss …

Jack O’Neill strode into Daniel Jackson’s apartment without even saying ‘hello’. He kept walking until he reached the comfortable easy chair in the living room, flopped down, put his feet up on the table and groaned. “Sam’s getting married. She said ‘yes’ to Pete.”

Daniel bit back his intended words. It obviously wasn’t the time for one of his sarcastic remarks even though it was the trademark jargon between them most of the time. “So I heard,” he replied, and shut the door quitely.

“Want a beer?” he asked after a moment, trying to buy time. He didn’t really know what to say to Jack at a time like this. He knew that Sam and Jack had been dancing around each other for ages, and that nothing ever really came of it. Why, he couldn’t say. Was it only that Jack was too loyal to the army and their rules or something else? Come to think of it, Daniel voted for something else, given that Jack didn’t give a flying fuck about the rules most of the time.

“Sure,” came the gloomy reply from the easy chair and Daniel really felt for his friend. Jack seldom allowed himself to get involved with anyone, as though his son’s death and the subsequent pain had made him unable to let someone close enough anymore. Sam was probably the closest he’d come.

Daniel returned from the kitchen and handed over a cold one to Jack. “So, do you want to talk about it?” he said, and sat on the coffee table beside Jack’s feet, glancing pointedly at them. Those thick boots with dirt on them really didn’t belong on his antique coffee table. Jack pulled his feet away and gave him an apologetic look. “Sorry. No, I don’t really want to talk about it.” Then he fell silent. “Or maybe I do. I don’t know.”

Jack rubbed his nose tiredly and leaned his head back, staring up at the ceiling. “I really never thought she’d go through with it, you know?”

“Yeah, I know.” Neither had he, to tell the truth. He’d thought that Sam and Jack would work out whatever was going on between them and end up a couple. He’d rooted for them even if it wasn’t really what he wanted. He just wanted Jack to be happy. In whatever way that happened. “So, what now? Did you tell her how you feel?”

“No,” Jack said.

“Why not?” Daniel asked and leaned forward, pushing his glasses back up. “If you don’t, you know she’ll just go ahead and marry Pete. Is that what you want?” Their eyes met and something sparked between them. Then things happened really fast.

“I don’t know what I want!” Jack said. He slammed the bottle down on the table. Beer splashed and left a wet spot on the wooden surface, but Daniel didn’t have time to protest. A millisecond later he was pulled to his feet. His own bottle fell to the floor and spilled, as Jack’s lips covered his in a desperate kiss.

Daniel was too surprised to react at first, but then his arms went around Jack’s shoulders and he groaned, kissing back, hard and equally desperate. It was as though every wet dream he’d ever had suddenly came to life right here in his living room. Nothing mattered any more. He didn’t care why Jack was there, didn’t care if he was just the consolation prize. Daniel would take this any day – anything Jack had to give – and fuck the consequences.

A hand moved down his body, opening the buttons of his black denim shirt with clicking noises. When that hand came into contact with his skin, flattening against his chest and brushing a nipple lightly, Daniel groaned into Jack’s mouth. The taste of Jack – beer, and coffee underneath – was bliss. He bucked toward the hard body, and his grip around Jack’s shoulders turned bruising when he felt the other man’s cock, hard against his own. Jack moved him across the living room, toward the bedroom and the softness of his bed.

“Fuck,” Jack groaned. “If I’d known you’d react like this I’d have kissed you ages ago.”

“If I’d known you wanted to, I’d have checked out your ass more often,” Daniel replied breathlessly, and gasped when Jack pushed him up against the living room wall with a thud. “We’re not going to make it to the bedroom, are we?” Daniel groaned.

“Nope, don’t think so,” Jack said matter-of-factly, then fell to his knees and pulled open Daniel’s fly.

When Jack’s hot, eager mouth covered his cock, Daniel closed his eyes and stopped thinking – which didn’t happen very often. He couldn’t think, could barely keep himself standing and he could not stop his reaction to the hot lips against his cock. He started rocking, without any control whatsoever, fucking Jack’s mouth – fucking Jack’s mouth – and Jack just took it, didn’t seem to mind at all. And what was Daniel supposed to do, other than just let himself go, let himself enjoy the one thing he’d wanted to do since the first time he laid eyes on Jack O’Neill? Or maybe not the first time. The first time, he’d have preferred to whack him upside the head – and maybe even the second time, but then – then –

“Oh, fuck, Jack, I’m gonna come. I’m gonna come,” Daniel hissed. “I can’t. … Fuck, you feel so good, so good. Oh!”

Coherent much? was the last thought that breezed through his mind before he was sucked into the best orgasm he’d had in a very long time.

Ten seconds later, or maybe it was five eons, Daniel opened his eyes and looked into Jack’s brown ones. They were both sitting on the floor against the wall. Daniel had no idea how that had happened.

“Good god, I think you killed me, Jack.”

“Not so, you’re talking,” Jack replied, apparently still very much alive as well.

“Jack, I’m sorry, I didn’t mean to black out on you. I’ll …” He reached out to touch Jack, but Jack simply grabbed his hands.

“All taken care of.”

“You …?”

“Yeah, shot my load the very second you said you were coming. Didn’t know I had it in me anymore. It’s been ages since I came in my pants. Kind of embarrassing to tell the truth,” Jack observed.

“Not embarrassing, Jack. I’m flattered. Wanna take this to the bed, while we can still walk?”

“Sure, after I’ve borrowed your shower. Wanna come?”

“Yeah,” Daniel said. “But this time, you go first.”

END

FANTASY

Smallville - Clark/Lex

Author: Eliza
Title: CHRISTMAS CHANGES
Pairing: Clark/Lex
Rating: PG
Series: Smallville/Justice League
Summary: Futurefic. Lex has some suprises for Clark, and his life will never be the same.
Date: December 5, 2004
Disclaimer: They aren’t mine. Warner Brothers and DC Comics own them all.
Feedback: welmach@yahoo.com
Note: Part of the Slash Advent Calendar

CHRISTMAS CHANGES

Lex Luthor breathed in the cold Kansas air and wrapped his arms around himself. Dr. Kaufman would have a fit if he knew Lex was outside without a coat, but the chill of the winter night felt good. He felt free and alive.

The stars were bright, the moon nearly full, and he wondered if he had ever really noticed the Smallville sky before. Maybe he should get a telescope, teach Jonathan and Joseph about the stars, about the heavens, and their ancestry.

“Luthor. What are you up to?”

Lex couldn’t help it. He had to smile. He knew he was pissing off Superman, but what was new?

The tycoon schooled his features and turned to the man in spandex.

“I see you received my present. I know Christmas is a few weeks away, but I couldn’t wait.”

Superman advanced towards him with blue eyes glaring and fierce scowl. “Why, Luthor?”

“Because I don’t need it anymore,” Lex admitted and lifted his right hand. The black leather glove was present, but the kryptonite ring was gone. “I must admit I thought I would miss it, but I don’t.”

“Luthor,” Superman growled.

Lex rubbed his left hand over the glove. “So, what did you do with the ring? Did you give it to Ms. Lane as a keepsake?”

“Batman has it.”

“He didn’t destroy it? Of course he wouldn’t, and you wouldn’t let him. It’s the only piece of green kryptonite on the planet and who knows if it might be needed to reign you in, just in case.”

“You still haven’t answered my question.”

“Yes, I did, but you weren’t satisfied with the answer,” Lex replied with a forced lightness. “So, how is Ms. Lane? The Inquisitor reported that there might be wedding bells in the near future.”

Lex found himself up against the castle wall, his feet dangling six inches off the ground and Superman’s hand around his throat. “If you’ve done anything to Lois!”

“Calm down, Superman. I haven’t done anything to anyone for quite some time, especially Lois Lane.”

That was true. For the last two years, Lex Luthor had been obeying the law and virtually out of the public eye- no interviews, no nightlife sightings- some, including the Daily Planet had begun calling him a recluse.

Lex found himself back on solid ground, but missed the closeness of the other man’s body. How long had it been since they had been this close? Almost ten years. Suddenly, Lex felt very tired and very old. He didn’t want to battle anymore. He rubbed his hand over his face.

”I sent you the ring because you win,” he sighed. “I’m no longer in the game.”

Blue eyes looked intently into his face. “Why are you in Smallville?”

“Because this is where it all began,” Lex admitted moving past the superhero and leaning against the balcony ledge. “I nearly died here twice. I should have died more times than that, but I didn’t…Maybe I can do that again.”

“Do what?”

“Defy death.”

“Lex…”

“Or maybe not. Maybe it’s time.” He shook his head. “Enough questions for tonight, Superman. I’m tired,” he murmured and faced his archenemy and former friend. “You’ll show yourself out?” And with that he disappeared inside the mansion.


***

The sun was rising when Clark heard his parents’ footsteps on the stairs. He put down his coffee mug and got up from the table.

“Mom. Dad.”

“Clark?” Martha Kent hurried down the stairs. She was dressed in a green robe and her red hair was pulled back with a ribbon. She might have had a few more lines on her face, but she was just as beautiful as always. “What are you doing here? Are you alright?”

“I’m fine, mom,” he assured her and pulled her into a hug. “I can’t come visit my parents?”

“Of course you can, son,” Jonathan said, “but we saw you just a couple of weeks ago at Thanksgiving, and it’s the middle of the week. That’s not usual for you.”

Clark knew his father didn’t mean anything by his words, but it hurt. He didn’t have as much time for his parents now that he was juggling his life as Clark Kent, reporter, Superman, protector of Metropolis, and member of the Justice League. Even his visit at Thanksgiving was cut short because he had an emergency in Peru.

“It’s not just a visit,” Clark admitted.

”What’s wrong?”

“Did you know that Lex Luthor has returned to Smallville?”

Martha exchanged a glace with her husband then entered the kitchen to pour them both some coffee and start breakfast.

“You did know?” he asked in disbelief. “And you didn’t bother to tell me?”

“Calm down, Clark,” his father instructed. “We heard talk, rumors, but there are always rumors about the Luthors. We didn’t know he had returned. Right, Martha?”

She handed him a mug and admitted, “I found out yesterday. Lex called to see if we would consider delivering produce to the castle.”

Both men stared at her in disbelief. “And you didn’t tell me?” Jonathan asked.

“I was going to, but I didn’t have the chance. We had the town council meeting last night,” she reminded him. “When we got home, you were exhausted and went right up to bed.”

“Did Lex mention why he was back in Smallville?” Clark asked.

”No, but I didn’t talk to him for very long.”

“What do you think he’s up to?” Jonathan asked.

Clark shook his head. “I don’t know. A week ago a package arrived at my apartment. Inside was his kryptonite ring with a note that asked that I pass the enclosed gift onto Superman because he was no long in need of it.”

The farmer stiffened in concern. “You don’t think he has something more dangerous he plans on using, do you?”

“No.” Clark looked at his parents. “Superman went to see him last night.”

“You could have been hurt!” Martha told him.

Clark laughed and shook his head. “Mom, if Lex wanted me hurt…even dead, he could have done it a long time ago.”

“Did you talk to him?”

“Yes, and I’ve never seen him like that.”

“Like what?”

“He said he was no longer in the game.”

”What the hell does that mean?” Jonathan asked.

“I did some checking and apparently Luthorcorp has removed itself from several questionable business contracts. Including a munitions deal that would have netted him billions, and several of contracts with rather disreputable reputations. It cost him quite a bit of money to get out of the contracts.”

“I don’t see the significance,” his father admitted. “Maybe he had better deals in place.”

”No. He’s acquired two major pharmaceutical companies and a medical research lab.”

”Lex has always had an interest in science,” Martha reminded him.

Clark leaned back against the kitchen counter and watched as his mother poured pancake batter onto the griddle. “He’s put a lot of money into blood disorder research.”

”Why?

“I think he’s ill.”

“That’s quite a jump, son,” Jonathan told him. ‘Lex Luthor has a motive for everything he does…”

“Believe me dad, I know what Lex Luthor is capable of, but something’s changed.”

“Are you sure, honey?” Martha asked.

“I saw him last night. I felt him. He’s lost weight, he’s fevered, pale…his eyes are sunken…I think that’s why he’s been a hermit for the past two years.”

Jonathan considered his son’s words. Then he went into the kitchen and poured himself another cup of coffee. “Well, it’s about time.”

“Jonathan Kent!” Martha responded in horror.

“We’ve lived with the Luthor threat for too long, Martha. First Lionel, then Lex. All this time we’ve had to protect Clark from their threat, and Clark has had to protect the world from the Luthor stain,” he said. “And despite what Clark might believe, I believe if Lex Luthor had the slightest opportunity he’d kill Superman.”

“You’re wrong, dad,” Clark stated.

“Why are you so sure?”

“Because Lex has known for a long time that Clark Kent and Superman are the same person. He’s not stupid, and he put all the pieces together, but he’s never revealed my identity.”

Martha began piling the pancakes onto a platter and turned off the stove. “What are we going to do?”

“I’m going to stay in Smallville for a few days,” Clark told her. “I want to see if I can talk to Lex again.”

“What about your work and Lois?” Jonathan asked.

“Both will be fine without me for a couple of days. I need to be here,” he admitted.

****
The Norcom Farm was the place to go in Smallville to cut down a Christmas tree, and it was part of a Kent family tradition.

Due to his life in Metropolis and his duties as Superman, it had been several years since Clark had been a part of the tradition.

Clark helped his mother from the truck while Jonathan grabbed the axe from the truck’s bed.

“This is a sight I haven’t seen in quite some time, the Kent family together,” Phil Norcom said walking towards the truck.

“Hi, Mr. Norcom.” Clark shook the older man’s hand.

“You look good, Clark. City life must agree with you.”

A blond teenager in a Smallville high varsity jacket and jeans approached them. “Hi, Mr. Kent. Mrs. Kent.”

“How are you, Steve?” Jonathan asked, shaking the teen’s hand. “You remember Steve, don’t you Clark?”

”I sure do. You’ve grown.”

“He’s quarterback of the football team, your old position.”

“You’re a legend,” Steve bordered on gushing. “You led the Crows to the state championship!”

Clark suddenly felt very old and wondered if this was how his dad felt when people talked about the ‘glory days.’

“Have you saved us a tree, Phil?” Jonathan asked.

“You’ve got quite a few to pick from.”

The Kent family made its way out into the field and began scrutinizing the potential Christmas trees. Actually, Martha scrutinized while Clark and Jonathan watched.

“Maybe we should have brought our camping gear,” the elder Kent joked. “This might go into the night.”

“Very funny,” she replied.

‘But true,” Clark added.

“Papa,” a child’s voice yelled from nearby. “Over here!”

Suddenly, a small dark haired boy appeared out of nowhere and stopped about ten feet from the Kents. Green eyes widened as he saw the Kents and he stepped away.

Martha smiled tenderly at the child. “Are you lost?”

He shook his head. “Findin’ my Chis’mas tree. A big one…Papa says I get to choose ‘cause Joey’s still a baby.”

“Jonathan!” A familiar voice yelled.

“Over here, papa!”

And Lex Luthor stepped into the clearing. Then stopped in his tracks. “Mr. Kent, Mrs. Kent…Clark,” he said in apparent surprise.

Lex was not the only person surprised. Clark knew he was as shocked as his parents. A boy was calling Lex papa, and in his arms the billionaire held another child wrapped up in blue coat. Lois would kill for this discovery.

“I had to find my tree, papa,” the young Jonathan said, running to his father’s side.

“But what did I tell you?”

“To stay by your side, but papa,” he moaned. “You too slow.”

Martha stepped to Lex’s side and smiled. “This is your son, Lex?”

“Both of them,” he replied and pushed the hood of the jacket off the baby’s held. “This is Joseph.”

Blue eyes looked up at her and she ran a finger down his cheek. “How old is he?”

“Almost ten months, and you’ve met my Christmas tree hunter.”

“I’m Jonathan Clark Luthor, but papa calls me Jon, and I’m almost five. Who are you?”

Lex cocked an eyebrow and shot his son a look. “He does have manners.”

“I’m Martha. And that’s my husband, Jonathan, and our son Clark.”

The Kent men found themselves the objects of Jon’s excited attention. “We’ve got the same name.”

Despite his dislike of Lex Luthor, the farmer found himself smiling at the boy. “Yes, we do.”

Then he looked at Clark. “And you’ve got my middle name…don’t he, papa?”

“Yes, he does,” Lex replied. “Now, have you found your tree?”

Jon pointed to an eight-foot pine tree. “Does that look good?”

“That looks wonderful.” He circled the tree and asked Joey, “What do you think, little man?”

The baby gurgled and reached out a hand to grab a branch.

“He likes it,” Jon interpreted. “So can we cut it down?”

”Mr. Norcom’s son is going to deliver the tree to the house.”

“House,” Jonathan muttered.

“There he is!” Jon yelled as Steve walked up with axe in hand.

“We need to find a tree,” Jonathan told his family.

Both Clark and Martha seemed a little reluctant to leave. But Jonathan was already walking away.

”You have a beautiful family, Lex,” Martha said as her blue eyes scrutinized him worriedly.

”Thank you, Mrs. Kent.”

Lex smiled at Clark. “Almost like old times.”

“I’m going to be in Smallville a couple of days. Maybe we can get together and talk.”

The smile faded. “On the record or off?”

“I’m not here as a journalist.”

”Why are you here?” Lex asked. “And without Lois Lane at your side?”

“I needed a change of pace.”

“I can understand that…”

”Timber!” Jon yelled.

“I better get Paul Bunyan.”

Clark watched Lex walk away and back to his family and felt very much alone.

******

Lex had never been much for Christmas. When his mother was alive, Christmas was a special event. But after Julian and his mother’s deaths, Christmas was a reminder of the past. So instead of celebrating the holiday, Lex and Lionel barely tolerated each other.

This year was different though. His children brought an enthusiasm and joy he wasn’t sure he’d ever experienced.

Jon was busy cutting a snowman out of construction paper and Joey was scooting across the floor on his denim-covered bottom. Every couple of scoots he would try and stand. The child couldn’t wait to walk.

Lex signed off on his paperwork as a knock on the door sounded. He was expecting Hope or Mercy, so was surprised when Clark Kent entered the room.

Not the Clark Kent from the Daily Planet with his bad suits and awkward ways, but Smallville Clark Kent in jeans and flannel.

Jon jumped up from his seat on the floor, ran towards the man, and grabbed his hand “Look at our tree, Clark!”

“We’re still in the design stage,” Lex told him and stood up. “What brings you here?”

“Your produce delivery,” he said. “Hope let me in.”

“I never heard back from your mother about the delivery so, I wasn’t sure your parents would agree.”

Clark smiled. “I think your kids won my mom over. Don’t you have any staff? I didn’t see a cook or butler…”

“Not yet. It’s just us…and Hope and Mercy, but we’ve been managing pretty well, haven’t we, Jon?”

“Yep. Papa cooks for us.”

“You cook?” Clark asked in disbelief.

“I’m no Martha Kent, but we haven’t starved yet.”

“But he burned our Chis’mas cookies,” Jon revealed. “We played hockey with them.”

Clark knelt down in front of the child and said in a mock whisper, “Well, my mom just happened to send over some Christmas cookies and fudge.”

“Really?”

“Yep.”

Jon looked up at his father. “Papa…”

“See if Hope is still in the kitchen, and you can have one cookie…”

Before the sentence was finished, the child was gone.

“He’s fast,” Clark observed and stood up.

“Probing already?” Lex inquired.

“Making an observation,” he replied. “Probing would be asking about their mother.”

Lex sat down on the couch and motioned for Clark to do the same. “Are you looking for a story?”

“I already told you that I’m not in Smallville as a journalist.”

“Even if a great story lands in your lap?”

Clark watched Joey as he approached him and small hands grabbed his leg. “I have no plans of mentioning any of this to Lois or Perry.”

“Why?” Lex asked watching as his son reached out to the other man. “He won’t be happy until you pick him up.”

Joey was placed on Clark’s lap. A small hand patted his face.

“This is the type of story most reporters would kill for,” Lex said.

“Ones like Nixon,” was the cold reply.

“Or Chloe Sullivan and Lois Lane.”

Lex was right.

“You’ve kept my secret, Lex. I can keep yours.”

Lex stared at him in disbelief and began laughing. “What the hell is this? For ten years, you’ve hated me…”

“I never hated you,” Clark corrected. “I was angry and felt like I couldn’t trust you and your intentions…damn secrets.”

“Not all my damn secrets were about you.”

“The caves, the meteorites, the hidden scientists…” he accused angrily and Joseph whimpered. Clark calmed and stroked the boy’s back. “I’m sorry.”

“I explained my investigation,” Lex reminded him. “I wanted to understand why I survived the day of the car accident, and you were the key. Later though…after my father went to prison…it was about me.”

“I don’t understand.”

“And you didn’t want to. Every time I saw you it was so you could ask for something,” Lex said sadly. “College for Lois. Connections to Princeton…I became the means to an end for you and your friends.”

“And you began collecting meteor mutants,” Clark replied.

“Just like me…you must have a magic touch.” Lex nodded at a sleeping Joseph.

Clark looked down at the baby in his arms. “Why were there no stories about their births?”

“Because I wanted them to remain out of the public eye.”

“And their mother?”

”There is no mother.”

“Was there ever a mother?”

Lex grinned. “Are you insinuating something?”

Jon, cookies in hand, charged into the room. “I got a cookie for Joey,” he announced and stopped in front of Clark. “But he’s sleepin’, so I better eat it for him.”

“Maybe Clark would like the cookie,” his father suggested.

Green eyes went from the cookie to Clark and back to the cookie. Then he held the cookie out to Clark. “Here you go.”

As he reached out and ruffled the boy’s dark hair, Clark told him, “I have plenty of cookies waiting for me at home, so why don’t you eat that one?”

“Papa?”

“All right, but then it’s time for your nap,” Lex said, getting to his feet and leaning over Clark to take his younger son.

“I should get the truck back to the farm,” Clark stated and stood.

“Are you gonna to come see our tree when it’s dressed?” Jon asked.

“I’d like that,” he said and looked at Lex. “If that’s all right with you?”

“Clark Kent has always been welcomed in our home,” was the sincere response.

Clark showed himself out and climbed into his parents’ pick-up truck. For a few minutes, he sat in silence and used his x-ray vision to watch Lex take his children into the room next to his office, a playroom, and lay Joey in a crib then tuck Jon into a small trundle bed.

As he started the truck and pulled away from the castle, Clark opened his left hand to see the red and black strands of hair in his possession.


****

Superman looked out from the Watchtower down at the planet Earth.

“I was under the impression you were taking a few days off,” Batman said from behind him. “What brings you up here?”

“I was in need of the Watchtower’s equipment,” he replied and turned to the crime fighter.

“Something that needs the Justice League’s involvement?”

“Personal.”

“Something that involves Lex Luthor?” Batman shrugged at Superman’s cocked eyebrow. “Both of you are in Smallville.”

“I talked to him…met his children.”

“Jon and Joseph,” he stated.

“You know!” He accused. “You knew about the children and you didn’t tell me?”

“Bruce Wayne knows about the children,” he replied matter-of-factly. “I’ve known Lex Luthor for many years. We’ve been business associates and at one time friends. The relationship of Bruce Wayne and Lex Luthor is none of your business. Just like the relationship between Clark Kent and Lex Luthor is none of my business. It’s when he crosses into the world of Superman and Batman that it changes.”

“You know about his illness.”

“I know he’s ill, but do I know why?” He shook his head.

“But you have some ideas?”

“Of course, same as you.”

“What can you tell me about Jonathan and Joseph?” Superman asked.

Blue eyes gazed at him from behind the black cowl and Superman wanted nothing more than to knock the stoic look from the other man’s face. But he couldn’t. They were colleagues, no matter how much Batman was pissing him off.

“I know Lex adores them and would do anything to protect them.”

“He shared that with you?”

“I saw it with my own eyes,” he replied. “Two years ago Jonathan was kidnapped. Luthor contacted Batman to assist in his son’s return.”

“Batman?”

The unasked question was immediately answered, “You were in another galaxy at the time.”

That made him feel a little better. Despite the animosity between Superman and Lex Luthor, Clark would hope Lex would choose him over Batman.

”Was Jonathan all right?”

“Scared and a little bruised, but otherwise he was fine. Luthor, on the hand, was beside himself with worry.”

“Who took him?” Superman would find the person and ensure that he suffered.

“It was an inside job. Jonathan’s nanny kidnapped him for Augustus Ott.”

Augustus Ott, criminal mastermind in league with the Penguin and Joker, who had mysteriously disappeared. Well, now he knew why.

“When Jon was returned, Luthor told me nothing like that would ever happen again. That he would never place his child in harm’s way. Soon after, he began breaking ties with business associates and dismissing his household staff. Jon’s safety was everything to him, not long after, Joseph was born.”

“But there’s no mother.”

“Luthor told you that?”

“I did tests on hair samples from both children. There was no mother.”

“What did you find?”

Instead of answering, Superman said, “I need the green kryptonite.”

*****
“I see cows, papa. Can I play with ‘em?”

“You’ll have to ask Mr. Kent,” Lex told his son.

“’Kay. Where are the horsies?”

“The Kents don’t have horses.”

“”Kay. I’ll tell ‘em to get one.”

Lex was grateful for his children’s presence. Jon’s questions and cheerful banter kept the man preoccupied enough that he didn’t have time to wallow in worry. The Kent dinner invitation had surprised him. After Clark’s visit three days earlier, Lex was sure he’d see the other man, again, but he didn’t expect a dinner invitation.

The SUV stopped in front of the house and Lex was overcome by a sense of deja-vu. How many times had he driven down that lane? Parked his car in this spot? Wanted to be welcome?

“Papa, you okay?” a hesitant voice asked from the backseat.

“I’m fine, sweetheart,” he answered and watched as Clark, dressed in jeans and blue flannel, made his way out of the house and down the steps.

With a deep breath, Lex stepped out of the SUV. “Clark.”

“Lex, I’m glad you could be here.”

Lex caught a slight edge in Clark’s tone. “Is everything all right?”

“Fine. Mom’s made beef stew, so I hope you all are hungry.”

Lex opened the back door and unhooked Jon from his car seat. The task was made difficult by the boy struggling to look over his father’s shoulder.

“Clark, we saw cows…an’ you have to get horsies. An’ I got pressies…”

Finally, Lex lifted him from the seat and set him on the ground. “Don’t forget your bag,” he reminded the boy then moved to the other side of the truck to get Joseph.

Then with Joseph in one arm, a diaper bag over his shoulder, and a dozen tulips in his free hand, Lex followed Clark and Jon inside.

Martha Kent greeted them at the door. “Come in and warm up,” she instructed. “I have some hot chocolate waiting.”

“With marshmellies?” Jon asked.

“Of course.”

“These are for you.” Lex handed her the flowers.

“They’re beautiful.” She smiled at Lex and stroked Joseph’s cheek. “I cleared a spot in the living room, but I’m afraid we’re not very baby proof around here.”

“I have his walker in the car.”

“If you give me the keys, I’ll get it,” Clark offered.

Lex handed over his car keys and took a seat at the table. He placed the diaper bag on the table and settled Joseph in his lap. “Thank you for the dinner invitation, Mrs. Kent.” He reached into the bag and found Joey’s favorite stuffed bear. The child grabbed it and pulled a ragged ear to his mouth.

“We’re glad you’re here,” she told him.

“Why don’t you give Mrs. Kent your surprise, Jon,” he told his son.

The boy opened the brown bag he held and pulled out a snowman made of Styrofoam. “I made it, but papa helped. It’s for your Chis’mas tree.”

Martha sank down to the child’s level and took the ornament. “It’s wonderful, Jon.”

He smiled proudly. “Joey and me made you an angel.” He reached into the bag and removed a construction paper angel. “We made a huge one for our tree, and papa put it on the top…you don’t have to put yours on top though.” He stopped as he saw tears in her eyes. “You sad?”

“No, I’m very happy. May I give you a hug?”

Lex watched as his son returned Martha Kent’s hug then giggle as he was lifted and placed on a stool by the counter.

The door opened and Clark returned with the walker and portable crib. Behind him was a scowling Jonathan Kent. Well, Lex figured not everyone would be pleased to see him, but if the man was planning to spend all evening scowling at his children then it would be a quick dinner.

“I brought the crib just in case he fell asleep,” Clark said and placed the walker next to the table.

Lex placed the baby into the walker and stood up to greet the elder Kent. “Mr. Kent. Good evening.”

He gave a cold nod then entered the kitchen to get a bottle of water from the refrigerator. Jon shot his father a worried look and reached out his arms. Lex stepped beside him and small arms went around him.

“Jon and Joseph made us some ornaments,” Martha said and placed a mug of hot chocolate in front of the boy.

“These are wonderful,” Clark told the boy as he examined the pieces. “So, do you want to be an artist when you grow up?”

“No. I wan’ a be a farmer and have cows and horsies.”

“What do you know about farmers?” Jonathan asked the boy with curiosity.

“They take care of the earth and grow things…Papa says it’s the nobist pro..pro..”

“Profession,” Lex whispered.

”Profession,” he said and took a sip of hot chocolate.

“And what does papa want you to be?” Jonathan inquired evenly.

“Dad,” Clark warned.

“It’s all right, Clark,” Lex assured him and told Jonathan Kent, “I want my children to be happy and healthy. I want them to find their own paths. If that means being a farmer or president, then so be it.”

Clark’s grin was enormous and Lex found himself smiling in response. How often had Lex hoped for such an open expression? Well, he apparently wasn’t immune to Clark Kent even after ten years.

****
Some of the tension lessened with dinner. Martha managed to keep the conversation focused on safe topics, weather, Smallville news, and Jon’s Christmas wish list.

As he consumed his mashed potatoes, he explained why it was necessary for him to have a dog. “I can learn ‘sponsibilty cause I’ll feed him each day and walk him. If I get a horsie, I’ll get more ‘sponsibilty cause he be bigger.”

“If you have both, you’ll have twice the responsibility,” Clark pointed out.

Green eyes widened. “Oh, you right.”

“Thanks, Clark,” Lex rebuked as he helped Joey take a sip of juice.

The baby was seated on his lap, his face displaying the dinner he ate. But Lex was not in the least disturbed when the child wiped his face against his expensive shirt. He merely kissed the top of his head and wiped his face with a napkin.

”The dinner was delicious, Mrs. Kent.”

”Thank you, Lex. Are you sure you had enough?” She looked worriedly at his barely touched dinner.

“Quite sure.”

“I bet dessert is better,” Jon stated.

“My son isn’t very subtle,” Lex said.

“But you still love me.”

That brought laughter from Clark and Martha and even a smile from Jonathan.

“Forever,” Lex promised.

******

“How about a short walk, Lex?”

Dinner and dessert were finished and the dishes had been cleared, a quick job thanks to the assistance of the Luthor clan. Jon was helping Martha and Jonathan dry the last of the dishes, and Joey was rolling about in his walker.

“We should be going…”

“Oh, I was hoping Jon and Joey could help us put up the last box of ornaments,” Martha told him.

“Can we?” Jon asked his father.

Both of them could tie Lex around their little fingers.

“My parents have experience with kids,” Clark reminded him. “Jon and Joseph will be fine.”

Lex put on his coat and followed Clark outside. Night had fallen and the temperature dropped.

”Does this feel strange to you?”

Clark glanced over at him as they walked towards the barn. “You and me on my parents’ farm, with my dad glaring at you, and my mom worried that you’re too thin?”

“Yeah.”

“It’s a little strange, but it feels good.”

Lex followed him up the stairs to the Fortress of Solitude.

“Talk about deja-vu,” Lex murmured and ran a hand over the telescope. “I half expect you to be standing here and looking over at Lana’s house.”

“Except now she’s in Edge City running an art gallery and married to Pete,” Clark said.

“And Chloe is in Gotham. You’re in Metropolis with Lois Lane.”

“And you…”

”I’m finally home.”

Clark stepped closer to the telescope and Lex. “Why did you tell anyone Superman’s identity?”

“Why would I? All I wanted was to know the truth, not to hurt you.”

“But you hate Superman.”

“I don’t hate him. I’m mistrustful of him.” He smiled. “If it makes you feel better, I trust you.”

“But…”

“You’re the same person?”

Clark nodded.

“No you’re not. Clark Kent realizes his limitations. He is willing to question his actions and understand their repercussions. Superman acts. He has the power and people allow him to have it. That’s dangerous,” Lex explained. “Look at what my father was able to do because of his power…hell, look at what I’ve done because I felt no could question me. Well, who can question Superman? No one does.”

“The Inquisitor does,” Clark replied dryly.

“Lois Lane and The Daily Planet sure as hell won’t,” he argued.

“Batman does.”

“That doesn’t make me feel better since Batman believes he’s above the law.”

“He’s a good man,” Clark defended his colleague.

“I was a good man once, but absolute power corrupts absolutely, so it’s necessary to have someone remind you of that,” Lex told him. “I reminded Superman, and you have to admit it helped his reputation. I have been the perfect foil.”

“But you’re out of the game now,” he reminded Lex. “Who’s going to be there to remind Superman?”

“I hope you will because I can’t anymore.”

“Because of the boys,”

“Partly.”

“And what will happen when they realize the power they have?” He asked.

Shaking his head emphatically, Lex began to pace the small space. “I’m going to show them that they don’t have to be a slave to money and power. I won’t do what my father did to me. I won’t be their enemy, and I won’t use them against each other.”

Clark stepped in front of him. “I believe you, Lex. But what about their physical powers? What are you going to do when they learn they aren’t completely human?”

Lex’s eyes widened in fear. “I don’t know…”

“I tested their hair samples. I don’t know how you did it, but they share my DNA. There was no mother because we are the parents…”

“I have no idea…”

“Don’t lie to me, Lex.”

The older man headed towards the stairs. “I’m getting MY sons and going home.”

Clark pulled out a small led box from his pocket. “Tell me what will happen if I show this to them.” He revealed the green kryptonite but shut the box before it could weaken him.

“Don’t you dare threaten my children!” Lex yelled.

“They are my children too! And I want to know what happened.”

“Fine!” Lex yelled and moved back into Clark’s space. “You really want to know what a bastard I am? How low I became? How dark my soul was?”

”You love those children, Lex. It’s obvious…”

“I didn’t create Jon because I wanted someone to love. I created him so I could live,” he admitted bitterly. “I was dying. The poison from the brandy was in my bloodstream and was killing me. I tried everything to find a cure: the best doctors, the newest research, meteor mutants, and green kryptonite. The kryptonite actually helped, but I realized it would be a short-term solution.”

“That’s why you left Smallville.”

“I couldn’t stay. No matter what I did you were accusing me of keeping secrets, of researching you,” Lex reminded him.

”Why didn’t you tell me the truth?”

“I didn’t think you’d care.”

“Of course I would,” Clark told him angrily.

“Think back. You were living the life of the star quarterback, who was worried about winning the game, getting into college, and getting the girl…you accused me of changing, but so did you. You weren’t the Clark I loved…” He shook his head. “When you looked at me, you saw the person who betrayed you, and you couldn’t get past that. And I was too tired to fight.”

“I’m sorry.”

“You were always willing to forgive everyone else but me.” Lex shook his head and moved back to the window. He felt hot and knew the fever was back. But he needed to get through this. “I discovered that my father was cured after your body exchange episode. Well, I knew that wasn’t possible, so I did the next best thing I found a way to create you or a version of you. If I could get your blood into my system maybe that could be enough for a cure.”

“How did you get my DNA?”

“Did you know Helen had a vile of your blood?”

“She did, but I got it back,” Clark said.

“Maybe some of it, but not all of it. She had a vile, and it wasn’t difficult to get your DNA,” he admitted. “Do you remember Sherrie Morrison?”

He remembered the pretty brunette. They had met on Met U’s campus and gone out for about a month then she moved or at least that’s what she told him. “You hired her?”

“Guilty. Once I had everything I needed, I added my DNA and with the help of a surrogate had a child.”

”Jonathan,” Clark said bitterly.

“Not at first. There was no name because he was my cure, not my son. Since I couldn’t have your blood, I would use his.”

“What happened?”

Lex ran a hand over his face and realized he was sweating. “He was two months and three weeks old. It was late and I was restless. For some reason I found myself in the research lab where he was kept…He gazed at me with those green eyes and reached out to me. God, he looked so much like you…and I picked him up…at that moment, I knew everything had changed.”

“So you never used him in your research?”

“No. I went back to the kryptonite.”

”But it made the boys sick,” Clark said.

“Yes, I tried to keep it away from them, use it in controlled environments.” He held up his gloved hand. “It eventually cost me my hand.”

”So you stopped using it.”

Lex shook his head. “Not until I had so much in my system that the boys couldn’t get near me without getting sick. I’m still seeking a cure, but only through rational methods. I decided to focus my life on my son. The first thing I did was name him.”

“Why Jonathan?”

“Do you remember when I told you that your father would inherit the earth?”

Clark nodded. “After Lucas left.”

”I want my son to inherit the earth, not rule the world, and so I gave him the name of the most honorable man I knew.”

“What about Joseph? Why a second child?”

“I was very ill about two years ago, and I was afraid of leaving Jonathan alone. I remember how I felt after my mother died. I didn’t want my son to feel that way,” he explained and leaned against the wall. “You must really hate me know.”

“I don’t approve of your actions, but I don’t hate you. Well, not now. Believe me, I spent the last couple of days wanting to throw you out into the farthest galaxy.”

”What happened?”

Clark placed a hand against the fevered cheek. “You were scared and you reacted. Something you can be very good at. I wasn’t a good friend and you were alone…”

“That doesn’t justify my actions,” Lex argued.

“No it doesn’t, but we’ve wasted too many years because of our fears and anger, Lex. And there are two wonderful little boys inside, and I’m crazy about them.”

“And they really like you,” he whispered as his eyes closed and his head nodded forward.

“Lex?”

“Sorry…”

Clark wrapped a secure arm around the other man and took Lex’s weight. “What is it? What can I do?”

”Had a treatment today. Bad reaction. It’ll pass.”

“I’m getting you inside.”

He shook his head and winced in pain. “Home. I need to get the boys home.”

“You aren’t capable of driving,” Clark informed him and lifted Lex into his arms.

”Put me down!’

His order was ignored and Lex found himself being carried down the stairs.

”You’re about to fall over. I’m taking you inside and getting help.”

“No one can help me, Clark.”

“Watch me.”

********
Martha smiled at the scene before her. Jon was showing his brother how to blow tinsel onto the tree and both boys were giggling with each blow.

Strong arms wrapped around her waist. “Is it too late to tell you not to get attached?

“I think so,” she admitted.

“They are Luthors, Martha.”

“They are children.”

“Once upon a time, so was Lex Luthor.”

“And maybe if he had people in his life who loved him unconditionally things might have been different,” she said.

“We let him into our home, Martha…”

“And constantly questioned his actions.”

Jonathan sighed and rested his forehead against the top of his wife’s head. “Don’t make him out to be a saint just because you like his children.”
“I never said he was a saint.” She smiled at Jon who had begun searching through the Christmas decorations. “What’s wrong?”

“Tinsels all gone.”

The door swung open and Clark rushed in, Lex in his arms.

“Papa,” a scared voice whispered.

“It’s all right, Jon,” Clark told him as he placed the billionaire onto the couch.

The child ignored him and rushed to his father’s side. “Papa…you sick.” Joseph moved behind his big brother.

“I’ll be fine, baby,” Lex promised weakly.

“I told you you was sick,” Jon scolded his father.

“What happened?” Jonathan demanded.

Clark ignored his father and knelt down beside the children. “I’ll be right back, Lex. I need to talk to my parents for a minute.” He ran his fingers through Jon’s curls. “Can you make sure your papa stays on this couch?”

The boy nodded. “Joey and me won’t let him move.”

“Good boy.”

“Clark, this is ridiculous,” Lex tried to argue.

“Promise me that you will stay here.”

“What are you going to do?”

“Help you.”

Jon grabbed Clark’s arm. “You can help my papa? Make him better?”

“I’m going to try,” he promised, and he found himself in a hug that might have cracked a human’s rib.

A few minutes later, with Lex and the boys settled on the couch, Clark led his parents onto the front porch.

“Would you be all right with Lex, Jon, and Joseph staying overnight?”

“What’s wrong with Lex?” Martha asked.

“He’s dying,” he told her bitterly and glared at his father. “Happy?”

“Clark, that’s unfair!” Martha said.

“Lex Luthor may not be my favorite person, but I don’t wish him dead,” Jonathan informed his son.

“Can he stay?” He asked his mother.

“Of course. But what’s wrong with him?”

“Do you remember when he was poisoned?”

“Yes.”

“Well, his blood system has been fighting the poison for the last ten years,” he said heatedly. “That’s why he had the meteor research and had the meteor ring because green kryptonite is a temporary cure.”

“Why did he give up the ring then?”

As he ran a hand along the nape of his neck, Clark answered, “The green kryptonite makes the boys ill. And Lex won’t let anything or anyone harm his children, and neither will I.”

“I don’t understand,” Jonathan said.

“I’ll explain everything when I get back, but I have an idea that might help Lex and I don’t have time to waste.” He used his x-ray vision to find Lex lying on the couch, Joseph on his chest and Jon against his side. “Take care of them for me.”

****

Superman landed beside the black van parked on the edge of the Kent farm and pounded on the back. He reined his strength enough so his fist didn’t go through the metal, but indented the metal.

Mercy stepped out, glare in place, and gun in hand. “What?”

“Luthor and his children will be staying with the Kents tonight.”

Her eyes narrowed in suspicion. “How do you know?”

“I just left him. He’s ill and needs to rest. Now, I need some information.”
“Why should I?”

“Because we share a common goal, protecting Lex Luthor and his children. Go ahead and call him…”

“I don’t need to. Mr. Luthor gave me my orders years ago,” she informed him. “What do you want to know?”

***

Lex opened his eyes as a cool cloth ran across his forehead. Concerned blue eyes were looking down at him.

“Where…”

“The boys are fine. Joseph is in his crib and Jon is in Clark’s bed,” Martha told him. “We waited until he fell asleep, then Jonathan took him up.”

“Thank you,” he whispered hoarsely.

A glass of water was placed against his lips. “Sip.”

He pushed her hand away after a long sip. “Clark?”

“He’ll be back.”

He nodded and laid his head back on the pillow.

Jonathan Kent entered the room. “How is he?”

“I’m still breathing,” Lex assured him.

“Barely,” Jonathan replied.

He didn’t have the energy for a verbal sparring match. He struggled to sit up, but was stopped by the farmer’s strong hand on his shoulder.

“Relax, Lex,” he ordered.

“Should go…”

Jonathan gave a gruff laugh. “You aren’t going anywhere. Clark wants you to stay…”

“And you want me gone…”

“Lex…”

He collapsed back onto the sofa and tried to catch his breath. “I will be…” he squeezed his eyes shut. “leaving them alone…dying young. What a headline.”

“Enough,” Martha ordered. “You have two little boys who love you and need you…”

“Please…” He opened his pain-filled eyes. “Mr. Kent…promise me…”

The older man settled on the edge of the coffee table. “What, Lex?”

A shaking hand caught Jonathan’s strong forearm. “When I’m gone…take care of them. Raise them to be good men…not like me.”

“You are not going to die,” Jonathan stated tightly.

“Promise me you’ll take care of my children.”

The Kents shared a worried gaze. “I promise.”

”My lawyers have my will…”

“Enough,” Martha told him wiping a lone tear from her cheek. “You need to rest.”

Jonathan pulled a throw over the shaking young man. “Martha’s right.”

“She’s always right,” Lex whispered as he closed his eyes and drifted off to sleep.

Martha watched as he drifted off into an uneasy sleep, silently pleading for her son to hurry home.

*****

Dr. Grace Kaufman was the Lex Luthor type. A smart brunette who was beautiful and tough. Tonight, her dark hair was pulled back in an elegant upsweep and she wore an elegant red dress. But before she could escape to the Metropolis Art Museum’s Christmas party, she had some last minute research to finish up.

She was just locking her desk drawer when her office wall crumbled and Superman flew into the room.

”The door works, Superman,” she informed. “And I already have a window. I didn’t need another one.”

“He likes to make an entrance,” Batman replied dryly, swooping into the room.

“Two crime fighters. I’d be the envy of women everywhere.”

“Enough of the pointless banter,” Superman informed her tersely. “You’re going to show us your lab and the drugs you’ve been administering to Lex Luthor,”

”Am I? I report to Mr. Luthor.”

“Not anymore. You’ve been fired.”

“Since when does the Justice League speak for Lex Luthor?”

”Since it was discovered that you’ve been poisoning him,” he replied.

Batman stepped into her space. “Where’s the lab?”

Grace Kaufman laughed with amusement. “Lex doesn’t have the balls to fire me. One word from me and his life and his children’s lives will be over.”

Superman moved towards her in a fury. What are you going to do beat me up if I don’t hand over the information? What a great story for the press…”

Mercy Graves stepped into the room, glower firmly in place. “Superman is the least of your concerns.”

For the first time that night, Grace Kaufman looked afraid.

*******

“Da…da…”

Lex managed to pull himself into a sitting position but he could barely maintain it. His body hurt, his head throbbed, and he felt as if he would pass out at any minute. But the shadow that was moving towards his son’s crib compelled him to get up.

“Get away from him!”

“It’s me, Lex.”

He rubbed his eyes and focused. Clark was holding Joseph in his arms and the child was pulling on his dark hair and giggling.

“Is he all right?” Lex asked.

“Just fine. He threw his bear on the floor, and I guess he missed it.”

“He’s got quite an arm on him,” he whispered, collapsing back onto the couch. “Just like his father.”

Clark placed the child back in the crib and turned his attention onto Lex. “You still have a fever.”

“I always have a fever.”

“You’ll be better soon,” Clark promised and slid an arm around the ill man.

With a sigh of contentment, Lex relaxed against him. This was right. This was how it should have been.”

”You’re right.”

”What?”

“This is right, and we’ve wasted too much time.”

Lex glared at him. “What is this? The dying man’s last wish?”

“No. It’s the start of a new life,” was the matter of fact reply.

“Clark…” he sighed wearily.

Clark leaned his forehead against Lex’s. “Will you trust me?”

Like he could say no with Clark’s breath against his cheek and arms around him.

*******

Jonathan made his way down the stairs, ready to start his chores. He stopped at the scene on the couch. Lex Luthor was stretched out, fast asleep, on top of a dozing Clark. Before he could say anything, Clark said, “Hey dad.”

“Son.”

“Is my mom awake? I need to talk to you both.” Carefully, he moved out from under Lex and gently settled him down.

At Clark’s gentle caress of the baldhead, Jonathan excused himself to get Martha. She was peeking into Clark’s room checking on Jon.

”Clark’s back,” he told her. “I found himself downstairs on the couch with Lex.”

“Is Lex all right?” Martha asked and started towards the stairs.

”He looked quite content, wrapped in our son’s arms,” he replied sourly.

She turned to look at him. “What?”

“You heard me. They had their arms around each other and Clark was stroking Luthor’s head.”

“You’re imagining things, Jonathan. Clark is crazy about Lois Lane.”

“Maybe you need to remind him of that.”

“I will,” she assured him and marched downstairs.

”Morning, mom.” Clark was on the couch next to Lex who was sipping a mug of hot tea. Her son kept a firm hand on the other man’s shaking arm, helping him to raise the mug.

“Mrs. Kent. Mr. Kent.”

“How are you feeling, Lex?”

“Better.”

“Liar,” Clark said. “Mom. Dad. We need you to take care of Jon and Joseph for a couple of days, a week at the most.”

“I told you that I don’t want to leave them,” Lex argued.

”And I told you that they will be fine.” The mug was placed on the coffee table and gentle, strong hands cradled Lex’s face. “Hope and Mercy will guard them, as well as the Justice League. No one will harm our boys.”

“Clark, what is going on?” Jonathan demanded.

”Lex’s doctor has been poisoning him for the last five years. The treatment she’s been giving him has actually accelerated the poison in his body.”

“Why?”

“She was being paid by Paul Hayden.”

“Why is that name familiar?” Martha asked.

“Helen’s ex-boyfriend…He had it out for me ever since he went to prison. I didn’t realize he’d go this far though.”

“Where’s Lex’s doctor now?”

“Batman has her in a secure location,” Clark told them. “Now, I need to get Lex the medical treatment. But we have to go to the Fortress of Solitude.”

”Do you know what you’re doing, son?” Jonathan asked.

“The right thing. I’m finally doing the right thing.”

****

1 Year Later- Christmas Eve

Clark stood in the doorway and watched his family. Joseph was following his papa around the room, dragging one of Lex’s expensive silk ties in his little hand, and Jon and was digging through the presents under the tree.

“What are you doing, Jon?” Lex asked.

“Making room for Santa’s presents.”

“I’m not sure you’re going to get any presents if you don’t get Santa’s cookies and milk.”

Jon scrambled out from under the tree and raced for the door, but he was stopped by a hand on his shoulder. “Daddy!” He threw his arms around Clark.

Clark would never get tired of hearing that word. “What did we say about super speed?” He picked the boy up and buzzed his cheek.

Jon giggled. “Not inside. I can slow down.”

“Good boy. Now your grandma is in the kitchen…”

“She’ll have the perfect cookie for Santa.” And with that he was gone.

“What are you two up to?” Clark asked entering the room and picking up Joseph. He gave the child a kiss and hug then settled him next to his blocks.

“Slowly getting ready for tonight’s Christmas pageant,” Lex replied as strong arms wrapped around him and a gentle kiss was placed on his lips.

“You’re warm.”

“You have that effect on me.”

“I mean you have a fever.”

Lex rolled his eyes. No matter what he did, he couldn’t break Clark from overprotective mode.

The past year had brought a lot of changes. Lex was getting stronger, thanks to Clark’s treatment that included monthly doses of his blood. It wasn’t the complete cure that Lex had hoped for, but it was a working remedy. The boys had gotten to know their daddy while Lex and Clark rediscovered their friendship then discovered love.

As for the Kents, their reaction to their grandchildren’s origin was not pleasant, but they adored the boys, and eventually accepted Clark and Lex’s relationship. Martha had an easier time accepting their relationship than Jonathan, but the farmer loved his grandsons and was not going to ruin that relationship. So he accepted Lex.

“Did you get the puppy?” Lex asked.

”Do you have to ask? He’s at my parents. I’ll get him first thing tomorrow morning,” Clark whispered and kissed him.

Lex pulled away. “Your parents are here.”

”Super hearing. I let you know when they are coming this way.”

For the next few minutes the only sound in the room was low moans and shared kisses. Then Clark lifted his head. “They’re headed this way.”

“With cookies?”

“And milk.”

And then Lex heard his sons’ chatter and Martha and Jonathan’s laughter.

“Merry Christmas, Lex,” Clark whispered against his ear.

“Yeah, it is. The best.”



THE END! MERRY CHRISTMAS!
 

MOVIEVERSE

BreakfastClub - Brian Johnson/John Bender

Author: Retrofit88
Title: Oblique Thanks
Date: December 5
Fandom: The Breakfast Club/Movies
Pairing: Brian Johnson/John Bender
Rating: PG-13
Summary: What might you least like to be doing on the day after Thanksgiving?
Disclaimer: Parody/derivative works. Hey, maybe it's a legal protection. “Not mine” sure as heck isn't.
Feedback address: retrofit@retrofit.slashcity.net 
Advertisement: Part of the SAC-2004 at: http://www.kardasi.com/Advent/2004/SAC-2004.htm 
Beta: Mucho thanks to Vicki and Thanatos.

Oblique Thanks

In his junior year of college, Brian had gone to his friend Sam's house for Thanksgiving. Despite the fact that he'd subsequently stayed at home for all of Christmas break, the Thanksgiving Defection had produced months of nagging phone calls from his mother. So come Thanksgiving weekend senior year, Brian knew he had to go home.

Thing was, home felt less and less comfortable every time he went. Oh, sure, he lived just a short train ride away, in an apartment just south of the University of Chicago main campus. But there'd been so many changes in his life these last few years – most of which he just didn't want to attempt to share with his parents.

He'd started school over three years ago as a still-gangly physics nerd. The gangliness was going away finally; he'd gained some weight and muscle. He'd taken to jogging a few miles along Lakeshore Drive a couple times a week. He was still majoring in physics, mostly because he liked playing with math. But a gen. ed. course he'd taken sophomore year had initiated a growing interest in architecture, and he was sort of thinking of that as a future career. His mom, who was expecting him to become a PhD and win a Nobel Prize by the time he turned thirty, would not be thrilled.

Another thing he couldn't share with his parents was the reason he'd wanted to go home with Sam in the first place: Sam was gay, too – and out to his parents. It had been weird, to be introduced to Sam's eighty-three-year-old grandmother as, “And this is Sam's boyfriend, Brian.” Brian could barely imagine what would happen if he introduced Sam to his mother (much less his own, seventy-six-year-old grandmother) as his “boyfriend.”

Not that that would be happening anyway; Sam had broken up with Brian in April, claiming that Brian was “too conventional”. Brian suspected the “conventional” comment had to do with his refusal to go to a 70's-theme costume party dressed as Sonny and Cher – and since Brian was taller, guess which part Sam had wanted Brian to take? Brian had refused the costume not because he was a prude, but on principle: he had better musical taste than _that_.

***********************************************************************

So the Wednesday night before Thanksgiving, Brian packed up a bag and hopped the train. His mom picked him up at the Metra station with the welcoming comment, “Couldn't you have at least combed your hair?” It was true his sandy blond curls were getting a little long, but honestly, he had combed them – they didn't call Chicago the Windy City for nothing! On the way home, they stopped to pick up fifteen-year-old Amy at her dance studio. Hairspray and mousse clearly had some overlooked structural-support potential; Brian was impressed by the heights his sister's hair was reaching.

Thanksgiving dinner was an ordeal – his mother regaled the assembled aunts, uncles, and cousins with tales of Amy's, and to a lesser extent Brian's, achievements and activities in school and out. Amy ganged up with a couple of girl cousins to deride pretty much everyone else in the room, producing gales of high-pitched laughter. His father and uncles seemed to expect him to comment intelligently on the prospects of sports teams Brian still couldn't tell apart (honestly – Bears, Bulls, Cubs – how was anyone supposed to keep track?)

After the holiday dinner Brian took the last shift of dishwashing to get some breathing space away from the teeming hordes. When he finished the dishes, he sat down at the kitchen table and picked up Wednesday's copy of the Shermer Clarion. He flipped through the paper for a while, then read the comics and spent about ten minutes fiddling with an acrostic. He was almost finished when his mom called him to come join them in the den. As he started to fold up and throw away the paper, a name caught his eye – an obituary.

Bender, Brenda C., after a long illness.
Loving wife of William, beloved mother
of John. Graveside services Friday,
2:30pm, Ridgewood Cemetery,
9900 Milwaukee Ave, Des Plaines.

Brian hadn't seen John Bender in over a year – Bender had come into the city one Friday night, to see Brian's apartment when he'd moved off-campus at the beginning of junior year. Bender'd taken one look at Brian's roommates and hauled Brian off to a club. The club had been dark and smoky; the music loud, but really good – some band from Minneapolis with a name that sounded Swedish or something. Even in the dark, Bender had looked tired and surprisingly thin, his jean jacket worn and threadbare. Shouting to be heard over the music, Brian had managed to get out of him that he was working a lot of overtime at the tool and die shop. They'd left the bar around 2 am, and headed back to Brian's apartment. The visiting little sister of one of Brian's roommates had been occupying the couch, so Bender had crashed out with Brian. There was easily room for both of them on the double-size futon.

In the morning, Sam had made a big fuss about Bender's staying over, complaining that it hadn't been cleared with him first, and he wanted to know about potential criminals sleeping in his apartment. Brian had expected Bender to blow up about it, but he'd just sneered at Sam, saying, “Relax, sunshine. I didn't deflower him or anything.” Sam had stomped out of the room, and Brian had walked with Bender down to the El station. Silence had stretched between them awkwardly as they walked, but when they reached the station, Brian had tried to break the ice.

“Sorry about Sam, he's kind of… high-strung.” Bender had snorted.

“Dork, don't worry about it. Just, if you're gonna be a fag, be careful. You know, there's a lot of bad shit out there.”

Brian had been taken aback – he hadn't ever told anyone he was gay; but Bender had always been good at seeing through everyone's bullshit. Brian had looked up at Bender, who stood a few steps up toward the El platform. Bender had sneered at him, looking a lot less tired than the night before. He'd slapped the side of Brian's head, but the slap had segued into a brief ruffle of Brian's hair. Brian had grinned in response, and called out “See you in November!” as Bender had loped off up the stairs. Then Brian had gone home with Sam for Thanksgiving, and been cloistered with his family at Christmas, and wrapped up with Sam and the aftermath for the rest of the year and he had somehow just not gotten around to looking up Bender any of the times he'd been home. And now here was an obituary for John Bender's mother, the funeral service tomorrow afternoon.

***********************************************************************

It took some doing to get away from the family on Friday. They were supposed to go to Great-Aunt Martha's in Winnetka to eat her Thanksgiving leftovers. Rather than try to explain things to his mother, he simply delayed his shower until it was so late that his mother, father, and sister just _had_ to leave to help Great-Aunt Martha get set up. Brian was to follow immediately if not sooner in the old Volvo station wagon.

Instead of going to Winnetka, he drove over to Des Plaines. Due to his own delaying tactics as well as the trouble he had finding the burial plot, the service had already started when he arrived. It was sparsely attended, maybe twelve or thirteen mourners in addition to the minister. Brian didn't recognize anyone. He stayed at the back of the group, not eager to disrupt the service.

John Bender and his father stood at the graveside, both faces expressionless. Mr. Bender was a big man, taller than Brian and heavier as well. His hair was light brown where he still had it. His face was red, probably from the chill November wind, but his veined and bulbous nose suggested that the wind might be abetted by long-term alcohol abuse. He wore a simple black suit that strained slightly across his belly, and the collar of his white shirt cut into his neck.

Next to the father the son looked pale and almost slight. His dark suit looked new, cheap, and fit him poorly. The knot of his tie was already loose, the top button of his shirt unfastened. His shaggy dark hair blew in the wind, the white swatch on the right side of his forehead flashing out intermittently. His head was down, his hands stuffed in the pockets of his old grey-and-white tweed overcoat.

Bender had been so much larger than life when they first met that Brian had really looked up to him. So tough, so cool – Brian had always been flattered that someone like Bender would be willing to be seen with someone like him. The strength of first impressions was such that, five years later, Brian's mental image was still of the old Bender: an independent, self-sufficient rebel, the epitome of cool.

But on that cold afternoon, Brian suddenly saw with new eyes. Bender did not look strong and invulnerable, but tired and isolated. Smaller, and more human. Brian realized with a start that he probably outweighed John by about thirty pounds these days. That for all of his aloofness and independence, or maybe because of them, John looked awfully alone.

So after the service, Brian hung around for a bit. When people started leaving, he approached John, shook his hand. John briefly looked him in the eye, and said, “Hey, yeah. Thanks for coming,” then trailed off after his father towards their car. The other mourners were driving off as John said something to his father. The response was short and loud. John sneered defiantly in return, and his father yelled, “You little shit!” and raised his fist. Brian took off toward them as John flinched back. Seeing the tall blond man running to the defense, John's father backed off, slid into his car, and drove away.

As Brian reached the road, the smaller man sat down on the curb, head between his knees. Brian stood awkwardly beside him for a moment, then sat as well. Brian looked up at the trees, stark against the pale grey sky. He rested his elbows on the knees of his khaki pants. Folded his hands together, notching them under his chin. He looked over at John, whose hands were locked under his thighs. The old, scuffed motorcycle boots that John had worn since high school stuck out beneath the cuffs of his black polyester pants.

“She was a bitch.” John's voice was muffled. “She really was. She hated him, and she hated me.” Brian had no idea how to respond to that, but John continued.

“I've been working like a dog, pulling all the overtime I could get, just to pay her medical bills. My old man hasn't contributed shit.” His voice shook with anger and grief.

“She was a total bitch. She never once thanked me, or said anything nice to me. Ever .” He looked up at the sky and shook his hair back, tears pricking in his eyes.

“So why the hell am I fucking crying?”

Brian put his hands down on the curb. He had no words of comfort to offer. His parents were pretty annoying most of the time, but he loved them and they loved him and everyone stood secure in that knowledge. He couldn't understand this tormented depth of feeling. He peered at John, who had leaned forward again, face unreadable.

Not knowing what else to do, Brian reached over and laid his arm across John's shoulders. Was surprised when, after a short intake of breath, it wasn't shaken off. They sat there, the two of them, under the bare-boned black trees, breathing in the smell of the coming winter. Eventually they both got cold, and Brian got an inspiration. He softly slapped John on the back.

“I know just what you need.”

John slowly raised his head and allowed himself to be pulled up to a standing position. Brian shoved John over toward the Volvo, opening the passenger door for him. Hands still in pockets, John slid down in the seat until his left foot rested on the dash. He made no eye contact and said nothing on the drive to Brian's house.

Brian parked in the driveway and opened the passenger-side door again, hauling John out. Led them both through the kitchen, with its oak-finish cabinets and yellow linoleum. Strode on up the white-carpeted stairs, still wearing both jacket and boots in wild defiance of house rules.

In his own bedroom, Brian pushed John toward the twin-sized bed, where John sat heavily on the brown wool blanket. Brian knelt on the floor next to John's legs, pushing them aside as he reached under the bed and up into the frame of the box-spring mattress. His hand emerged clutching a cardboard cigar box, out of which he pulled a crumpled paper bag. John's eyes widened as Brian unrolled the paper bag to reveal a plastic baggie containing a small amount of pot and some rolling papers. John fell back on the bed, shaking with silent laughter, as Brian began to roll a joint. Brian threw a pillow at John, who finally took his hands out of his pockets to settle the pillow behind his head.

Brian sat down on the bed as well; back to the headboard, right foot crossed in front of him, left foot still on the floor. He went to light the joint, but realized he had no matches. John fished in the pocket of his overcoat, flipped open a lighter, and reached up with the flame towards Brian's mouth. Brian leaned forward to light the cigarette, then inhaled deeply and passed it to John. John took the joint and watched as Brian exhaled.

“Guess you corrupted me pretty good,” Brian mumbled.

John laughed again, this time aloud, and cynical. He took a deep hit, tilted his head back on Brian's pillow, and blew the smoke out in one long breath. Brian kicked off his right shoe, then his left, and pulled both legs up in front of him. He leaned his head back against the wall. Their hands met as John passed the joint back, and John shifted his left hand until it rested on top of one of Brian's sock-clad feet.

“Hell of a Thanksgiving, huh, kid?”

“Hell of a Thanksgiving,” Brian agreed. Then he reached over and turned on the radio.

END

REALISTIC SHOWS

Ally Mc Beal - Ally/Ling

Author: Akinaj
Title: The Office Party
Date: December 5th 2004
Fandom: Ally McBeal
Pairing: Ally/ Ling
Rating: NC-17
Summary: At the Office Party
Disclaimer: I'm a poor student, not owning a thing, except the non-existent plot of this ficlet.
Feedback address: yellow_dragon_22@yahoo.de
Advertisement: Part of the SAC-2004 at: http://www.kardasi.com/Advent/2004/SAC-2004.htm
Note: My first piece of fem!slash.
Beta: Big thank you to Kitkat for finding all those little oddities that creep in.

The Office Party

The party was in full swing when Ally was suddenly grabbed by the arm and roughly dragged outside towards the elevator. In the dim light, she could just barely discern Ling’s dark hair.

“Wha…” she started, but immediately, a hand clapped over her mouth.

“Not here!” was hissed into her ear, and then she was pulled into the cubicle and the doors closed.

“Wha…” Ally tried again, but this time, she was silenced by a ravenous kiss. It took a moment until she caught on, but Ling just kept kissing her, hands starting to roam aggressively over her red velvet clad body. The ridiculous Santa hats Richard had insisted everyone wear fell to the floor as the kiss grew heated.

As Ling pulled away for breath, Ally directed her kisses lower, dropping them over Ling’s heaving chest. The neckline of her dress slid aside easily and she finally had access to the soft skin of Ling’s breasts.

Ally indulged herself in nuzzling and tasting them, but Ling’s insistent hands directed her lower.

Taking the slinky dress with her, Ally dropped to her knees. The fabric puddled unnoticed around her partner’s feet as she buried her face in the neatly trimmed curls. She inhaled the unfamiliar scent of another woman, and curiosity got the better of her. She tasted.

Above her, Ling leaned heavily against the wall, head thrown back as Ally started to lick and suckle. It was a matter of seconds before she came, a high-pitched scream rising from her throat.

Gently licking at Ling’s hidden folds, Ally supported her through her orgasm, before rising to her feet and sharing the taste.

An elegant honey-beige hand slid underneath Ally’s dress, finding her already wet and dripping. It took only three or four skilled caresses before the lawyer fell over the edge.

Pulling her dress back up, Ling casually set the elevator back into motion.

“Merry Christmas, Ally, I hope next year you’ll finally find another way to get your orgasms. Teasing me isn’t a good idea.” And with that, Ling slithered out of the elevator and back into the party, leaving a flushed and confused Ally behind.

END

ANIMATED

X-Men - Remy/Logan

Author: CaliaDragon
Title: Two Opposites
Date: December 5
Fandom: X-Men/Animated
Pairing: Logan/Scott
Rating: PG 15
Summary: Logan and Scott celebrate their first Christmas together as a couple and their second without Jean.
Disclaimer: Not Mine.
Feedback address: Caliadragon1@myself.com
Advertisement: Part of the SAC-2004 at: http://www.kardasi.com/Advent/2004/SAC-2004.htm
Note: This has aspects of the movies as well.
Beta: Edi the Wonderful

TWO OPPOSITES

Logan walked through the mansion seeking his mate, a smirk gracing his face. He had just returned from a mission and had a present for the younger man. It was always a treat to give gifts to Scott, not only because he never seemed to expect them, but also because he blushed so pretty with many of the gifts that Logan deemed to give him.

When Logan and Scott had first become a couple nearly the entire mansion had gone mute with shock. Something that had amused Scott to no end; Logan had been delighted to see that apart from the rest of the mansion Scott had a quirky sense of humor and adored cartoons. He also had what Logan called a streak of the “stealth prankster” in him.

He pulled pranks on the rest of the school and no one ever realized that it was Scott. Usually Bobby and the newly arrived Cajun boy, Remy, were the ones blamed for the pranks.

The prank that had drawn Logan’s attention to Scott was the one pulled on Marie, Bobby, and Storm. No one had suspected the straight-laced team leader to put dye in shampoo and shaving cream. The younger man had dyed Ororo’s stunning white hair to a neon blue, while Bobby ended up with purple hair and Marie had ended up with neon green hair. The kids had laughed for weeks after that incident.

The only reason that Logan had known it was Scoot was that Marie had asked him to see if he could smell who had been in her room. Logan, delighted by Scott’s action, had kept his secret for him.

It was after that that Logan began to slowly seek him out and spend time with him. Scott had taught him to embrace who he was and to appreciate the fine art of pranking. He also showed Logan which cartoons were worth watching and the joys of anime.

The first time Logan kissed Scott was the start of a new phase of his life, and the best one that he could remember. It hadn’t been easy to woo Scott, Logan had been appalled by what he had learned of Scott’s past, and it had taken them several months before Scott was comfortable with more than kissing and cuddling.

Logan knew people wouldn’t have thought him capable of it, but Logan could be patient and caring for those that he loved. That made waiting for Scott to be ready for him easy, though there days when no one had to worry about him using up any of the hot water.

The first time that he and Scott had made love was the first time in Logan’s, admittedly short, memory that he had felt at peace. That feeling had only remained the longer they were together. Now they were spending their first Christmas as lovers and Logan had taken to giving Scott little gifts each day, and their room had mistletoe all around it.

When Logan finally reached Scott he was pleased to find the younger man alone in their room. When Scott looked up at him and smiled, Logan felt a warmth spread through him. He closed their bedroom door behind him and made his way over to Scott and setting beside him on their bed.

“Hello, love.” Scott said as he lay down his book and leaned forward to kiss Logan gently. Logan placed his gift n the bed beside them and pulled Scott into his arms for a hot hungry kiss.

When they pulled away, Scott was moaning in pleasure and his eyes were heavy with passion. “Mmmm…I have somethin’ for ya, Slim.” Logan told him in his rough, sexy voice.

“What?” Scott asked as he bounced slightly a look of excitement on his face, something that the others would have been shocked to see.

Logan chuckled and handed the gift to Scott who, despite his excitement, carefully opened the package. “Logan!” Scott gasped out in pleasure as he saw what the older man had brought him.

Logan chuckled and watched as Scott ripped into the package, pulling out the various anime films. Logan chuckled again when Scott kissed him in thanks. Logan pulled away gently, took the films away from Scott, and pushed him back on the bed. Scott’s laughter filled the room, before Logan silenced him with a possessive kiss.

The end
 

BOOKS

Lord of the Rings - Aragorn/Legolas

Title: Keeping Warm
Author: Zaeria Cheng
Which date is your fic intended for? December 5th
Fandom: Lord of the Rings
Pairing: Aragorn/Legolas
Rating: soft R
Summary: When it’s cold and snowing outside, and you’re stuck cold in a cold cave …
Disclaimer: The handsome Man and pretty Elf do not belong to me. I wish, though… Oh, and the sayings in Italics aren’t mine, either.
Feedback address: zaeria_cheng@yahoo.com
Part of the SAC-2004 at: http://www.kardasi.com/Advent/2004/SAC-2004.htm