ADVENT STORIES FOR
DECEMBER 24

Obi-Wan and Qui-Gon
by Suse

CLARK/LEX

Title: A Very Luthor Christmas - Part Three
Author: mdl
RATING: G
Pairing: Clark/Lex
Fandom: Smallville
Beta: Elegantly done by MeLi
Note: Part of the Slash Advent Calendar Challenge http://www.kardasi.com/Advent
Feedback: montddlaw@aol.com

TIDINGS OF COMFORT AND JOY

Lex had bolt holes all over the world. Buildings he owned with apartments waiting for him in Metropolis, Gotham, London, San Francisco, about 30 all told. He didn't own them outright of course, there were holding companies and trusts and shell companies; a thousand expensive lawyers performed their magic to keep Lex safe. Each apartment was equipped with a complete set of papers, a clean programmed phone, a properly registered car, an array of pharmaceuticals and an excellent medical kit. If your were going to the mattress you might as well cover it with appropriate bedding.

He knew Lionel could find him if he bothered to look, all it would take was time, energy and money. Lex was pretty sure Lionel wouldn't look, though. Arrogance and certainty came of him in waves when he confronted Lex in the cold empty Great Hall. Lex was to stop the nonsense and come home. He was the scion of the House of Luthor, the heir with no spare, the assurance of Lionel's immortality. The sojourn in the wilderness was over. Lex had shown discretion, moderation and talent; all Lionel had ever asked of him. The streak of sentimentality and emotionalism, Lionel told him, came honestly from his mother. Tempered, Lex could keep it. Lionel would accept it as a flaw and, if it was not overly melodramatic or foolish, support it.

Lex had lounged still against the door and tried to figure the odds. His mother's heart fluttered in his chest begging to love this man, take his acceptance and go back. Fresh from abusing and molesting Clark, nobody supported the idea of going back more than Lex.

Gift after gift this gaunt old man gave him. He could keep LexCorp, however he wished, alone or as a part of LuthorCorp. Lex was too old to live at home, of course, so he should decide on an existing residence or buy one that suited him. As an adult, his father finished, his sexuality was his own business, but there would be public women and eventually a wife and at least two children.

Lex knew he had to talk soon, move soon. He could feel his muscles starting to vibrate from their enforced passivity. So he stepped out and down and lounged against the leather couch. This time prepared and loose limbed, like a sloth. He could sit like this for hours. Silently he worked his tongue around his teeth and mouth. Stimulating the saliva glands. Talking was next and Lex only had seconds before the silence was too long.

And, he could hear himself ask. It was smooth and bland. Disinterested and calm, the voice of a man examining his nails to show off their perfection. He wasn't surprised by the other shoe, but the weight of it caught in his chest.

You cannot return to school, of course, said Lionel matter of factly, turning toward Lex unerringly. And you will have to give up the Kents.

We don't choose our families, Lex; we're born into them. We learn how they function and we recreate them. That is how this works.

Lionel's smile at that second, all evil and corn syrup, freed Lex to do what his mother had never been able to. He'd bolted from the monument he'd lived in for almost 2 years and now he was in London.

Calm, he mulled it all over. The 40 years in the wilderness were over and the 40 days in the desert were beginning. Lionel was old and getting slow. He was weak. Lex had won. What Lionel had offered him and whatever else Lex wanted to take.

Everything was in Clark's eyes tonight. Lex owned him. He'd been rough and brutal with the boy, but those green eyes had no reason to lie. He probably wouldn't even have to spend any emotional capital to have Clark. He was ready. All Lex would have to do was touch Clark, let Clark touch him and then he could put Clark in an apartment in the city. By the time Lionel found out he would have no choice but to accept it, he'd agreed to accept men. Lex could probably keep Clark hidden from Lionel for more than a year. After that length of time, how could the old man object? As for Jonathan and Martha, well, Lionel may expect Lex to give up Clark, but he would not give up Martha. Plus, they loved Clark and Lex could probably stay hidden from them for six or eight months. At that point Clark would be an 18 year old freshman at MetU. How could they possibly object?

Every hour, every day, every year his father got closer and closer to being the late Lionel Luthor. With the same ticks of the clock Lex got closer and closer to absolute victory.

Since Lex knew he could never keep Clark, he could win that battle too. Clark would agree to hide, partly because he wanted Lex. He would also hide because he was ripe, hot, gay and ashamed. Six months in Smallville and the novelty of Lex and what he could teach the boy. Then university and the world would open up to Clark. To be young, intellectual and gay in Metropolis was to flaunt; not hide. In two years tops Clark would be sick of the hypocrisy and move on. He would likely believe it was his idea. Since Lex could not expect more in any world he lived in, this was a victory too. Pyrrhic maybe, a TKO kind certainly, but a win nevertheless.

Clark would only be truly unhappy for about six months.

The thought of Clark's unhappiness Lex shifted in his chair. Lionel was 50, he could get another child. Clark would get over him if he was gone. All his apartments had guns too, maybe a more final choice was best for everyone. He missed his mother.

END

CLARK/LEX #2

Title: Little Angels
Author: Margeaux Van Gogh
Pairings: Clark/Lex
Fandom: Smallville
Rating: R for sex
Disclaimer: The children belong to the creator, while Clark and Lex do not.
Note: Part of the Slash Advent Calendar Challenge situated at:
http://www.kardasi.com/Advent
Feedback Email address: kinin_ai@yahoo.com 
Authors Note: This story was written at the request of a very dear friend who thought I should share with everyone. Merry Christmas.

Little Angels: A Christmas Story
by Margeaux Van Gogh

"Sh...quiet or you'll wake nanny." The voice hissed softly.

"Sorry."

"Sorewy." The younger of the two mimicked.

The three small figures huddled together in the hall. The oldest was a young girl with fiery red hair. She was quite obviously in charge of her two younger brothers. The two boys were both dark haired with green eyes.

"We have to find places to hide, so we can watch Santa put the gifts under the tree."

"Are you sure we'll get to see Santa?" The oldest boy asked.

"Positive. Poppa said so." She was sure her poppa was right about this.

"Daddy told Poppa, no ones gives you anything for free."

"Yeah and Poppa called daddy a scrooge."

The youngest began to laugh at his siblings banter.

"Shh...quiet Nicholas."

He only smiled in reply his laughter causing his small body to shake.

They continued on until they reached the large picture window on the walkway between the stairs. From there you could see the front entrance into the house that led to where an enormous Christmas tree stood. It was at least two stories tall and decorated with every shiny object imaginable. There was lights and tinsel various bulbs and hanging ornaments. At the top was a huge star that was so bright that it lit the arch and could be seen at least a mile away from the house.

"Race ya Lily." Jon called out as he climbed on top of the banister and stepped off, only to hover.

"Jon poppa said no flying in the house."

"Ahh...come on Lily, they won't know."

He slowly started to make his way higher and higher going towards the ceiling. He knew he could make it to touch the top of the tree. He saw the bright star reaching his hand out to brush across its surface; unable to stop his upward velocity he tried to roll his body over to gain control. Lily saw her brother float past the tree rising steadily higher to the ceiling.

"Jon."

Her mouth tightened in a frown before she jumped into the air shooting upward. She passed her brother and twisted her body to stand on the ceiling. She saw Jon trying to roll, so she gave him a small push allowing the boy to land next to her.

"Thanks sis." He panted as his heart pounded in his ears.

"See why poppa says 'no flying' in the house."

"Yeah, yeah." He was surprised she didn't say 'I told you so'. "Betcha can't reach the bottom before I do."

And he fell slowly to land safely at the foot of the stairs.

Lily snorted. "Show off."

She returned to the banister and to Nicholas, who waved and clapped, wanting to fly with his sister. She landed with hardly a sound and picked up the younger boy.

"Don't worry Nicky, you'll be flying soon too one day."

The boy lay his head on his sister shoulders as she carried him down the stairs.

"Are daddy and poppa gonna wait for Santa too?"

"No, Nicky they're out celebrating their anniversary."

"What's an annieversee?"

"An-ni-ver-sa-ree." She pronounced slowly. "It's when they go off to be alone together and remember when they got married."

"Yeah and they kiss and do all that mushy stuff. Yuck." Jon frowned showing his disgust about the 'mushy' stuff.

"JON!"

"MMMMM. I luuvv you." Said the young man as he pantomimed his parents loving relationship. He stuck his tongue out at his sister. "Why do they hafta kiss anyways?"

"Its because they love each other stupid."

"Why did poppa and daddy get mareed?" Asked Nicky.

"I know why Aunt Chloe told me. She said that daddy married poppa 'cus he was hot and that marriage was supposed to cool it down."

"Aunt Chloe didn't tell you that Jonny." Lily glared at her brother.

"Uh huh. I was there when she and Aunt Lanni was talking 'bout it."

"Listening to the talk more like. Anyway Santa got daddy and poppa together."

"Yeah right."

"Grandma told me so."

"Why?"

"Because I asked her one time when we went to stay the night." Then Lily started to tell her version of the story of how their poppa and daddy were married.


12 years before

"Clark?" Martha called out from the front porch.

Clark heard his mother calling for him from the house. He had been sitting in the loft looking out at the winter sky with his telescope. It was pretty quiet this time of the year, there had been a short snow fall earlier that day and it made the ground sparkle in the moonlight. He stood up walked down the steps and out of the barn.

"Yeah Mom?"

"I don't know how you stay out there so long. Aren't you cold."
"I'm fine, its real quiet and relaxing."

"Well come on inside dinner's ready."

She turned away from the door so Clark could follow her inside. Jonathan was already seated at the table. They both sat while Jonathan said a small prayer of thanks.

"Amen."

The plates of chicken, potatoes and fresh baked bread where passed around. There was even the smell of cherry pie cooling on the counter.

"How the winter break going for you son?" Jonathan asked Clark when everyone had eaten a few bites of food.

"It's been good. Been to the Talon a few times to see Chloe and Pete. Lana says business has been steady the last few weeks, not much else to do unless you’re going to Metropolis."

"Are you going to have a lot of homework over the break?" Martha inquired.

"Most of its done, I don't want to have to finish it all the last week, besides that means I can spend more time with Lex."

Clark smiled thinking about his boyfriend. They had been dating now for two years, much to his father disbelief and his mothers’ fondness of seeing them together. It had been rocky at first; coming out to his parents was surprisingly the easiest part. It was when he told them that he wanted to date Lex that his father began to object.

“No Clark, I absolutely forbid it.”

“Dad, I want to date Lex and you won’t change my mind.”

They were at a stalemate the two Kent men were each single-minded and stubborn. They refused to speak to each other, even silently working side by side when there was no other choice. After several days of this behavior, Martha had enough and was determined to put a stop to it. It had taken a lot of talking and the calm reasoning of Martha to allow Clark the chance to ask Lex out for a date.

Lex had been surprised and pleased at Clarks asking and they went to a movie and dinner in Metropolis that first time. Lex had driven them into the city and even chose a fancy restaurant for them. Clark was dressed nicer than usual but he still felt slightly out of place. It wasn’t the clothes that made him feel this way it was Lex. Although they had been friends for more than a year at this point, Clark was rather afraid as to how he should act around Lex as a date.

"Clark relax." Lex told him. “I wouldn't be out with you if I didn't already like you."

He smiled at his friend the tension in his shoulders easing. He was able to enjoy their night out together and when Lex drove him home to the farm, they went up to the loft for a bit. He kissed Lex for the first time in front of the window, where he and Lex had stood many times before, talking and sharing their problems or just being close. He had never been closer to Lex than he was at that moment. He knew then that he wanted to be with Lex forever.

Martha’s voice brought his thoughts back to the present.

"Well not to disturb any plans you and Lex may have but we will be having a visitor for a few days."

"Who?" Both Jonathan and Clark asked.

"My sister is going out to Springfield to meet with her husband, there was an accident. Don't worry everything’s fine, but she doesn't want to take Nelson with her for the trip. She called this morning and asked if I could take him for a couple of days."

Things had been tense with Martha relatives for many years, but lately it seemed as if her father was willing to accept that she had chosen the life she wanted and they have been talking quite regularly. It seemed to have released the chokehold on family relations and there had been many calls and reunion with family she hadn't seen in years. It was great for Martha and also for Clark who had always wanted to meet more of his extended family.

"Well I would be happy to help out Mom. How old is he?"

"Nelson is six and quite active she says."

"Maybe he'll want to help out a bit? The smaller children always think its fun." Jonathan said warming up to the idea.

"Yeah Mom. It'll be great."

When Nelson arrived he was a fireball of energy. He could barely hold in his excitement about being on a farm. He spent time helping out with the animals and following Clark about with his chores, which were less in the winter months. He even spent some time in the kitchen with Martha helping out making pie dough one afternoon. So it was a surprise one morning when Clark walking into the living room to a sad faced Nelson sitting on the sofa watching television.

"Hey guy. What's the matter?"

"Momma called and said I had to stay here until Christmas."

"Well that not so bad, don't you liking staying with us?"

Nelson nodded his head yes and asked. "But how will Santa know where I am?"

Clark paused a moment, he wasn't sure how to answer the question. He hadn't believed in Santa in a number of years, but that didn't mean he didn't still like Christmas. He thought of an idea.

"Well I know where Santa's going to be tomorrow."

"You do?" Nelson face brightened, his beaming smile directed at Clark. "Where?"

"There's going to be a party at a friends house and Santa's supposed to be there. When he sees you at the party, he'll know you're visiting us and he'll make sure to bring you some presents here."

"Wow, you're friend knows Santa?"

"He knows lots of famous people."


"Who was poppa's friend? Does he still know Santa?"

Nicky was enraptured as he hung on Lily's every word. Even Jon who had seemed a bit skeptical had been reassured by the story.

"Poppa was daddy's boyfriend before they got married."

"Oh. Then what happened?"


The LexCorp second annual Christmas party was in full swing. The Luthor castle was grand even in its decorations. There was a giant tree in the foyer, weighted done with tinsel and ornaments. Garlands were strung about and candles in various places around the large ballroom. There was music and voices as co-workers mingled. Laughter moved from place to place as their children played about enjoying the many games set up for their entertainment. The word around was that Santa would be arriving sometime at the party. Clark and Nelson walked inside the castle headed for the ballroom.


Lily continued with her story.

"And poppa went to see daddy in his office so he could kiss him lots and lots."

"Wow. Daddy really new Santa?"

"Yeah. He did."

"Yuck. You mean daddy and poppa used to kiss a lot then too."

"Shut up, Jon."


Clark had dropped in earlier to see Lex. The house had been filled with people scurrying around making arrangements for the evening’s event. Lex had been hiding in his office.

"Not supervising?"

"I pay them to know what their doing. I don't have to supervise."

Lex looked up to see Clark standing in the doorway.

"Besides, I yelled at them already, things should run smoothly. It's now time for the boss to take a break. Care to break with me?"

Clark smiled at Lex walked over to lean against the desk.

"Is this a short break or a long one?" He asked, arching an eyebrow.

"Unfortunately a short one, if I want to have the next few days free to spend with you."

Clark maneuvered one leg over Lex's chair and then proceeded to sit on his lap.

"Then I should give you something to tide you over until later."

He kissed Lex rubbing their lower bodies together, feeling Lex harden beneath him.
"No, Clark. I can't mess up this suit and I have a whole house full of people."

"Don't worry, I locked the door and you won't mess up your suit."

He stood and knelt in front of Lex's chair working the fastener on the seated man's pants. He gave Lex a small smile before bowing forward and taking Lex's cock into his mouth.
Lex watched Clark's head bob up and down on his cock through half lidded eyes, the hot mouth of his lover burning his sensitive skin. He moaned as Clark sucked at his head, using his hand to stroke him. Lex’s head fell back against the chair as the sensations over rode his nervous system. ‘Clark is just too damn good at his’, he thought to himself and he moaned showing his lover how appreciative he was at the moment. The intense pressure from Clark’s mouth and hands brought Lex quickly to his climax. He breathed heavily as Clark swallowed his cum and tucked him back into his pants. Clark sat back in Lex's lap and began to kiss him thoroughly sharing Lex's flavor with him.

"Will that get you through?"

"Mmmm. Yes. Are you coming tonight? I mean to the party." Lex could feel Clark's body shaking with his laughter.

"Hopefully yes to both. I'm bring my cousin with me, he wants to see Santa."

"Well he shouldn't be disappointed, I called in a special favor for this particular Santa."

Clark let Nelson escape to play with the other kids running about while he looked around for Lex.

"Hi Clark."

"Hey Chloe. Having fun?"

"How could I not? Lex really went out this year."

"Have you seen him around?"

"Not since I first arrived. Was that Nelson?"

"Yeah, I promised him I'd bring him to Santa."

"Oh Clark, you're so sweet. You and Lex have any big plans later?"

Clark blushed at Chloe knowing grin. She loved questioning him about what he and Lex got up to when they were alone.

"Yes we will be getting together later, Chloe."

"Mmmhmmm. You seem to be getting 'together' a lot lately."

Clark blushed even redder, but was saved from answering by Santa arrival.

"HO HO HO! HO HO HO! Merry Christmas."

There were the delighted cries of the children as Santa came into the room with the sack of toys heavy on his back and an elfin helper following in his wake. There was a throne like chair in the corner waiting for Santa. The parents started to line up the kiddies to visit old Saint Nick.

"I better find Nelson." He told Chloe before leaving her to look for his cousin. He found him standing opposite the long line of children waiting to see Santa.

“Hey guy, don’t you want to see him?” Clark smiled at Nelson taking his hand and they joined the line behind the others.

The children all had a visit with Santa's knee and he gave them each a gift from his bag. Even some of the older kids who didn't quite believe anymore received a small gift as well. Then finally it was Nelson turn.

"Well look who's visiting Smallville. Hello Nelson."

"Hi Santa. How did you know it was me?" He ran to Santa and was lifted to the soft lap.

"I remember all the good boys and girls Nelson." Santa whispered to him.

"So Nelson I was wondering did you want all your gifts to be delivered here in Smallville or at home?"

The young man's face frowned in thought.

"Don't you want to open a few with your Mom and Dad?" Santa asked him.

"Well, I guess that's okay." He paused for a breath, and then rushed out, "But I still get a few to open here, right?"

Santa laughed. "Sure Nelson, you'll have a few gifts here too. In fact I have one here right now."

He handed Nelson a box with bright blue wrapping.

"Thanks Santa." He gave Santa a hug before he was stood back on his own two feet.

"Why don't you open it and play with the others, Nelson." Santa said, "I'm going to ask your cousin Clark what he wants for Christmas."

Clark was surprised that Santa knew him at all, until he looked a little closer at Mr. Kringle. Those sparkling blue eyes held more mischief then merriment.

'Lex?'

"And what would you like for Santa to bring you this Christmas?"

Clark thought hard about that question. He and Lex had many conversations about the future. He knew that for both of them this was the person they would love for the rest of their days. So when faced with the imp in the Santa suit, Clark decided to ask Santa's advice.

"Well 'Santa' there's someone I love very much and I want to ask them something very important."

"And what would that be?"

"I want to ask my love to marry me? Could I have a wedding, Santa?"

Santa took a sharp breath. 'Marry?' Lex looked at his lover standing in front of him, his face faintly worried about the impulsively sprung question. He knew he wanted Clark for the rest of his life and that for Clark it was the same. But had never expected the younger man would want to declare there intentions so publicly, with a wedding. He felt his heart warm at loves' thoughtfulness and answered.

"Well Clark, I believe if you asked your lover, they would say yes and would like a wedding very much."

Clark smiled happily and leaned forward to hug Santa.

"Thank you, Santa. And Clark whispered in his ear, "I love you."

"I love you too." And loudly, "Merry Christmas Clark."

He stood back as Santa’s helper came over and watched as they said goodbye to all the children.


"And Santa told Poppa that daddy would say yes. So poppa asked him the very next day on Christmas Eve and that's why they celebrate their anniversary this day every year."

She looked down and saw that Nicky had fallen asleep.

"I guess we better take him up to bed huh Jonny?"

She looked over to her brother who was laying two steps below her to see he had fallen asleep as well.

She yawned, "I can wait a little while before I wake them up."

And she laid back to watch the blinking lights of the tree.


An hour later

The front door creaked open in the stillness of the house. In the doorway stood two men, one leaning into the other.

"I had fun tonight. Will I get my favorite present now?" Lex’s low voiced murmur sent a surge of heat down Clark’s spine.

"It is the gift that I love to give. Let's check on the kids first?" He had to pull himself away from Lex soon or they wouldn’t make it into the house. It wouldn’t do to be caught naked in the foyer of their own home they were parents.

"Okay, then it's just you and me." He kissed his husband. Even after all these years and three kids, the sight of Clark still filled him with a burning passion. He didn't know how he would have lived without them all.

They walked into the house heading for the stair when they saw the children.

"Oh look Lex, they must have fallen asleep waiting for Santa. I wonder where Mrs. Gilroy was when they snuck out?"

"She probably in bed, where I'm sure she thought they were as well." He shook his head at his children's antics. They made their way over to the kids. Lex picked up Nicholas from where he lay in Lily's arms and waited as Clark picked up Jon and Lily both. With the amount of trouble these three get into, Clark’s abilities have come in handy. They walked up the stairs only to pause at the top and look over the banister at the tree.

Looking at the tree, Clark thought about his home, his husband and his children. He was very blessed in his life and he couldn’t image it any differently. Staring down at Lily and Jon’s faces and remembering how they looked before on the stairs he spoke.

"It’s just so sweet Lex, they're our little angels."

"Angels? Clark, there are footprints on the ceiling again."

They continued to walk along to the bedrooms and put their 'little angels' to bed.

The End

HARRY/SNAPE ONE

Title: Technique
Author: Predatrix
Rating: NC17
Feedback: predatrix@ntlworld.com
Pairing: Harry/Snape
Fandom, Harry Potter
Disclaimer. I own the parts that don't make money.
Note: Part of the Slash Advent Calendar Challenge situated at:
http://www.kardasi.com/Advent

HARRY/SNAPE TWO

Title: The Merriest Christmas
Author: Michelle
FB ADDY: michellemotu@yahoo.ca
Rating: PG
Pairing: Harry/Snape
Fandom: Harry Potter
Disclaimer. I don't own Harry Potter, Severus Snape or anything in the Harry Potter Universe.
Note: Sequel to the December 3rd entry Answer to a Prayer; Part of the Slash Advent Calendar Challenge situated at: http://www.kardasi.com/Advent 

THE MERRIEST CHRISTMAS

"Jingle bell, jingle bell, jingle bell rock... SLAM" Severus Snape slammed the door darkly. "If I have to listen to one more of those obnoxious Christmas Carols... Albus even has them piped into my nice quiet dungeons."

Severus' husband raised an eyebrow, something he learned from Severus, and closed the book he had been reading. "It's Christmas Eve Sev, and it didn't bother you last year." Harry Potter-Snape smiled knowingly.

Severus glared at his husband; who at eight months along in his pregnancy was even more beautiful, he was simply glowing. "Last year I didn't have to deal with morning sickness, swollen ankles, sore backs, and weird cravings." Severus snarled then groaned before rushing to the bathroom and throwing up.

Harry grinned widely; his pregnancy had been rather pleasant... at least for him. It seemed like Severus was the one with all the nasty symptoms. Harry and the rest of the Hogwarts found this extremely funny; which only made Severus even more short tempered. Who would have thought that the ex-greasy git of a Potions Master would be experiencing a sympathic pregnancy with his soul mate?

Severus came out of the bathroom looking paler than usual, if that's possible; Harry moved as fast as he could given his size to assist his husband.

"I hope our babies come soon, I don't know how much longer I can survive this Harry." Severus put his head on the shorter man's shoulder.

Harry kissed Severus' forehead. "It won't be long now love and all this will be just a foggy memory."

Severus gave Harry a halfhearted glare; he was too weak to do it justice. "I will never forget such torture. Not even Voldemort was so cruel."

Harry hid his grin at the blatant exaggeration and dragged his husband to bed, it was getting late and while this pregnancy had been kinder on him then on Severus, he still tired easily.


It was several hours later when Harry awoke to the sounds of tortured groans and a tight squeezing pressure in his abdomen. "Severus?"

"Merlin Harry." Severus panted, as the pain seemed to leave him.

Harry noticed the clenching in his stomach subsiding and realized at once what was going on. Contractions! He was in labour.

Stretching, Harry got out of bed. "It looks like the twins couldn't wait to see their first Christmas." Harry calmly stated.

On the bed Severus froze; Harry was in labour? He had merely thought that it was more torturous stomach cramps.

As if he hadn't been in horrible pain seconds before, Severus jumped from the bed and was at his husband's side in the blink of an eye. "Are you alright? Are you sure the babies are coming; you still have another two weeks?"

Harry's mouth twitched as he held back a smile. "I'm fine and yes I'm positive; Poppy has mentioned more than once that twins usually arrive early."

"You expect me to listen to that twit when she can't even make a decent anti-nausea potion." Severus growled.

Harry rolled his eyes. "Your potions didn't work so well either."

"Better than hers... medicine is not my specialty anyway." Severus grumbled.

Harry hugged his husband comfortingly. "Severus, you can makbrew anything and you know it."

Severus' smile was lost in a groan of pain.

Harry gritted his teeth as a wave of severe clenching pain hit him weakening his knees. "Sev, I don't if I can make it to the hospital wing."

The part of Severus that always fought the Cruciatus curse kicked in, blocking out the pain. He swept Harry into his arms and ran to the fireplace; grabbing the jar of floo, he threw the entire jar into the fire. Severus rushed into the green flames shouting "Hogwarts infirmary."

Without pause, after coming to a less then graceful exit from the infirmary fire place; "Poppy hurry up! The babies are coming!" Severus shouted placing a pain filled Harry on the nearest Hospital bed. His worried gaze never leaving his husband.

Poppy came rushing out of he quarters in a mix of panic and excitement. It had been more then twenty years since she had helped deliver a baby, but seeing Severus' face, she wasn't about to share that knowledge with the fearsome potions Professor.

When Poppy finally came into view Severus felt the calm desert him.

Harry groaned in intense pain on the bed, Severus felt a similar wave of pain over take him and collapsed on the bed next to Harry's.


Two hours later Albus wince from outside the infirmary door, as he heard both Harry and Severus scream and then silence a minute later two smaller more delicate screams.

Half an hour later Poppy allowed Albus into the Hospital room, her face was flushed with pride.

"So, how was it?" Albus asked looking over her shoulder to see two exhausted men, each holding a tiny bundle.

Poppy laughed. "That was surely the loudest birth in the history of mankind. I swear Albus it was harder on Severus than it was on Harry."

Albus's eyes twinkled as he turned form Poppy and approached the two men.

"They are perfect Harry, I am glad we had twins because we are having no more children. I refuse to go through that again." Severus said firmly, meaning every word.

Albus noticed the ruthlessly cunning look that crossed Harry's eyes. "Are you sure? Maybe next time you could be the one getting pregnant. I would welcome the chance to see if I am man enough to handle the sympathy pains."

Severus froze and turned searching eyes to his mate, who looked as innocent as the newborn he was holding. "I will think about it... in a few years."

Harry looked smug as he agreed.

Albus cleared his throat, both men looked up beaming with pride. "Have you decided on names?"

Harry smiled brightly. "I get to pick our daughter's name and Severus gets to pick out son's. In celebration of her birthday, I'll call her Christmas."

"There is no way in the nine hells that my daughter is going to be called Christmas Snape!" Severus bellowed.

Harry grinned then looked at the in the pale pink blankets. "Christina Lily."

Severus seemed to ponder this, then nodded. "Chrystina with a Y."

"Why?" Harry asked

"Yes, Y." Severus responded.

"No, I mean w-h-y Y?" Harry smiled gently.

"Because my love it makes the name uniquely hers." Severus said with conviction.

"Either way it is beautiful; and your son?" Alubs asked.

Severus looked directly at Harry as he spoke the name. "Joseph James."

Tears glistened in Harry's eyes. "Perfect."

Severus looked extremely pleased with himself. I thought so."

Harry suddenly turned serious. "Severus, sometimes I worry that things are too perfect. I have everything I've ever prayed for and I wonder what I ever did to deserve it."

It was Albus who answered. "Harry my lad, all prayers are answered in their own ways, it just takes a good man to realize when the are. As far as I'm concerned you and Severus are the best men I know."

Harry smiled softly and exchanged a loving look with his husband. Christmas was a special time for both of them and with a memory full of merry Christmases this one was the merriest so far.

The End or Beginning depending on how you look at it.

KIRK/SPOCK

Title: I Heard the Bells
Author: Lyrastar
Fandom: Star Trek: The Original Series
Pairing: Kirk/Spock
Rating: PG
Summary: Post-TUC. The wrong shall fail, the right prevail with peace on earth, good will to men.
Disclaimer: The characters and all things Trek are the property of Paramount/Viacom. No harm will come to them. The traditional carol is public domain.
Note: Part of the utterly awesome Slash Advent Calendar at http://www.kardasi.com/Advent
Feedback:  <lyrastarwatcher@yahoo.com>

I HEARD THE BELLS

At 23:59:48 the first chime rang out; the crowd looked expectantly at the dais. Jim stood among them, near the front, shoulder to shoulder with his two old friends. Try as he might, he could not comprehend how the vagaries of life had brought them to this moment. It was flatly astonishing. In some strange way his whole career, his whole lifetime had been stoked, fueled, driven by the fires of hostility. And in nine seconds it was to come to an end. Must he to go out with it? How could it be otherwise? Six seconds. Chang's parting words reverberated in his head unbidden: 'We have heard the chimes at midnight'. How beautiful. How tragic. How true.

As the twelfth chime faded the room fell eerily silent. The only sound was the easy sweep of pen across parchment. At 00:00:04 the Chancellor Azetbur of the Klingon High Council put down the pen and drew Federation President Ra-ghoratrei into a fierce embrace. The room exploded in unprecedented jubilation.

Ra-ghoratrei faced the microphone. His soft voice had to be amplified many times by the comm system in order to be heard over the tumult. "Madam Chancellor," he forced over the din, "it is my honor and my pleasure to formally welcome the Klingon Empire into the peace of the Federation."

It had been popularly called 'The Christmas Day Accord' although, ironically, it had been the Klingons who had chosen the date. The timing had some unrelated significance in Klingon culture. Jim had been told more than once, but for the life of him he couldn't remember what it was. In any event, it was now a done deal. The Klingons were here to stay.

Jim braced himself for the inevitable round of whoops and backslaps. His headache was expanding exponentially with each passing minute.

"Spock," he whispered through a tight-lipped smile, "let's get the hell out of here."

Spock said nothing, but imperceptibly gathered himself to follow. Together they turned and moved for the exit.

"Hey," McCoy shouted at their backs. "Where are you going?"

"Home," Jim mouthed silently back over the crowd.

"Well hold on," McCoy protested, pushing his way over to them. "Aren't you even going to say goodbye?"

"'Goodbye'," Jim repeated sarcastically, pivoting back to the rear.

"Hey," McCoy grabbed his wrist. "I mean it," he said, intense now. "You're a part of all this; you can't just walk away."

"Bones, it's over; I'm tired. You stay if you want. We're going home."

McCoy's grip on his wrist tightened. Not that it made any practical difference. Even pushing 60 James Kirk could have broken the grip of a Klingon, much less that of the frail doctor. It was much more than the force of five fingers that held him fast.

"Jim," McCoy's eyes narrowed painfully. "She turned her back on centuries of Klingon tradition, made enemies of the most powerful men in the Empire. Jim, she watched her father bleed to death to bring us to this moment. It is a good thing. It is an amazing thing. And, dammit man, you will acknowledge that!"

Jim shot an abashed glance at Spock who remained politely impassive. Jim's smile loosened and took on just a shadow of what it had the potential to become. Yes, it was much more than five fingers that held him to this man. He shook off McCoy to rub wearily at his own temple. His headache had begun to ease just a little.

Resolved, he moved for the podium with Spock and McCoy in tow. The tightly packed crowd seemed to part down the middle. Even now Jim Kirk's mere presence could command a group like nothing else in the known galaxy.

As they reached the dais Azetbur saw them over the shoulder of the Andorian President. She smiled and turned towards Jim. "Thank you," she said looking past him to embrace McCoy warmly.

"Captain." She raised her hand in the Vulcan salute. Spock responded in kind.

"Captains," she corrected herself, finally acknowledging Kirk with a warriors' salute.

Spock inclined his head gravely. "Madam Chancellor, may I congratulate you and your party on the successful negotiations. The Federation has gained immeasurably from the vision of your father and the work of your family."

"Thank you, Spock. My family has been honored to work with yours towards this great day. Rest assured, your efforts will not be forgotten in the Empire. You have given my people a second chance for life." Alien or no, there could be no doubt as to the sincerity in her voice.

More than a little shamed, Kirk added his voice. "Madam Chancellor, it is my pleasure to welcome your people into the Federation as not only as allies, but, I trust, as friends." He searched her face expecting to find the same wary half-trust he had almost suppressed in his own. With some shock he recognized what he was seeing for a sort of amused pity. Surely James T. Kirk could manage a bit better than that. He amended, "And I thank you for making possible something I never thought I would see--peace in our time. It is a great gift indeed." And this time, he managed to mean it.

Azetbur smiled ruefully. "A gift, Captain? I think not. No, you have been given nothing. Any tenuous peace we have achieved has been dearly purchased by many, yourself not the least among them. And somehow I doubt that we are done paying yet."

"A hard outlook, Madam," Kirk said, eyeing her intently.

"From a woman from a hard world," she agreed.

"Well," said Kirk, relenting just a little, "perhaps now you have a chance to mold it more to your liking."

"That we do, Captain. That we do."

He extended a hand. She accepted it gracefully with a surprisingly firm shake. And then she turned back to the Andorian delegation.

Jim led the way back across the room and into the empty corridor. Finding a turbolift to the flight decks, Jim sagged against the wall.

"Problem, Jim?" McCoy asked, surveying him with some concern.

Massaging his throbbing temple Kirk mumbled, "In the future, gentlemen, kindly remind me to avoid the gagh."

Spock locked his hands behind his back and kept his gaze front and center. "Actually, Jim, live gagh is high in nutritional value and contains almost no compounds toxic to humanoids. Are you certain it was not the considerable quantity of ethanol you consumed concurrently?"

Jim shot Spock a venomous look, but silently straightened himself. "I thought you were supposed to be on my side," he grumbled. He jumped involuntarily as an unexpected sting pierced his arm. "Hey, what was that?"

McCoy was already restowing the hypo he had pulled from somewhere. "For six more days at least, I am still your doctor," he said testily. "Or would you rather have a hangover?" He bounced on his toes a little too cheerfully.

"I thought you were staying behind at the reception," Jim muttered grumpily as he tugged his uniform back down.

"Me? Nah, I never said that. I have to get up early and finish clearing out my office."

"You know, you can get a crew to do that for you."

"No. Some of the specimens are delicate. You know those damned kids these days don't know how to handle anything that isn't hardwired. Meet you for dinner?"

Jim glanced at Spock who gave a tiny nod of assent. "Sure. Our place, 19:30?"

"Sure." McCoy shrugged his jacket off and stretched out his shirt collar fruitlessly. Resigned for the duration, he took the moment to just look at the couple. They stood erect, shoulder to shoulder, resplendent in full dress uniform, the power and the glory, truly timeless. One day he might be able to express what they meant to him. But not tonight. This night was for bigger things.

When the doors slid open, McCoy's voice held none of the usual sarcasm. "You know Jim, this is really amazing. My god, man, you have done wondrous things." McCoy gave them one last, incredulous look as he stepped through the doorway. The lift doors hissed closed and he was gone.

Arriving at their aircar, Jim slumped unceremoniously into the co-pilot's seat as Spock went through the brief preflight check. 3000 feet over the bay, Spock took in the quiet beauty of the night. Looking over at the adjoining seat, he saw he was the only one.

"Are you still unwell?" Spock inquired unnecessarily. Through their link he knew that whatever the trouble, it went much deeper than merely physical.

"Just a little heartsick, Spock. It really is over, isn't it?" he asked rhetorically. He could have meant the reception, the conferences, the negotiations, but it didn't sound like it. Spock waited.

"In six days I retire--no longer a part of any of this. No rank, no duties, no command, no anything. What will I be then?"

"Jim, what is, is, regardless of any label attached to it. May I submit that the relevant question is: what will you do then?"

"What can I do?" Jim sighed. "Everything I know is wrong. I spent my entire adult life sworn to defend the Federation against her enemies, the Klingons. And now," he said with a sardonic smile, "now I find myself sworn to defend those very erstwhile enemies with my life." He shook his head. "No. My time is over. And that terrifies me."

He looked at Spock with an openness that few men could find within themselves. "Spock, this amity is what I have lived for, have fought for, have almost died for time and time again. How can I now be so shallow, so petty as to be afraid for myself?" The simple, unfettered honesty in his face was almost painful to behold.

"Jim," Spock began slowly, but not uncertainly. "I believe on your earth there is a story."

Jim made a face. "Spare me the gnomic commentary. Can't I just feel sorry for myself for a few minutes? I think I've earned it."

"I believe you will find this apropos," Spock continued smoothly. "It involves a man who at the age of 33 came to save mankind. He suffered greatly and endured many trials for the sake of bringing peace and reconciliation to earth. In the end he offered his very life. And near the end he too was afraid."

"Spock--"

The Vulcan continued as if there had been no interruption. "According to my understanding, this man spent a period of time in reflection and conquered his fear through two realizations. First, that what he was to face was not the end of life, but a transition to a new world, a perfect life, and his true destiny. The transition though which he would buy salvation for the world." Spock's fingers played over the controls bringing the car down near their old Berkeley residence. "And secondly," he added, eyes fixed solidly on the controls, "he realized that by the very nature of what he was, he would never be, could never be, alone."

The car set down gently on the North Shattuck overlook beside the old Indian Rock. Years ago there had been some talk of blasting it to make room for more high-rises, but the grassroots petition had won the day. The rock remained. In the glow of the car's running lights he could see the carved names, dates and initials going back hundreds of years--before the climbers knew anything of Klingons or spaceflight. Through the changing years pioneers of the west and pioneers of the spaceage all climbed the same rock, scratched the same memorial, looked over the same bay. So much had changed, but in the end so much was ever the same.

The flitter lights cut off. Jim opened his mouth, but whatever he would have said was lost as the door hissed open. An ear splitting howl pierced the cabin, starting him to his feet.

"Klingons!" Jim bristled, automatically grabbing a phaser from the weapons locker as he whirled. The sound faded in the crisp night air. Searching through the dark he found them. Three Klingons, arm in arm, either drunk or just very happy, wandering up Solano. The locals gave them berth, but essentially ignored them as was done with any other tourists on any other day in any other town in the Federation.

Shamefaced, Jim poked his head back in the flitter to give Spock a rueful grin. "Old soldiers never die--" he began. But Spock wasn't paying attention. He had his head cocked, intent on something else. Tuning out the sounds of the street, his erstwhile enemies, happy Federation citizens, Jim heard it too. Bells.

The ethereal music rang out wild and sweet across the miles from the old Berkeley carillon. A very old carol from a time very long ago. A time that was, perhaps, was not so very different after all for their own. They stood entranced, frozen to the spot until the last vibrations faded over the hills. The notes were more than beautiful in their own right, but would Spock realize the significance of the words as well? Jim once thought to ask, but somehow it no longer seemed important.

Jim grinned and reached back to replace the phaser. Turning to straighten he jumped to find that Spock had moved silently to stand surprisingly close beside him. Feeling a little foolish, he fingered the locking mechanism on the cache.

He was even more surprised when the Vulcan reached in to remove his hand from the weapons stash and take it gently in his own. The unexpected contact melted something inside Jim's middle. My god, after all this time, it was still like this whenever Spock touched him. Leaving his shields wide open Spock willingly accepted the tumultuous emotions, cherishing every second that this man's mind was open to him and only to him.

Firmly but gently he turned Jim around to face the western horizon where the sun had sunk far out of view. Still holding his hand, he pulled Jim backward into his own body, guiding him. There on the bluff he locked his arms tightly around the human, holding him close. For a long moment Jim allowed himself to sink deeply into the beloved hollows. The inhumanly fast fluttering of Spock's heart sent wave after wave of quivers across his back, drowning him. The Vulcan's breath swirled hot and moist around his ear. A smooth chin brushed his jaw, his neck, his hair. Unexpectedly, Jim felt the last bit of whatever it was that had been mired inside of him slowly dissolving away.

"Merry Christmas, Jim."

"Spock, you know I don't--"

The Vulcan squeezed his hand effectively stemming any protest. Willing Jim to see what he saw, he kept his gaze turned to the west, to the bay, the city.

And then he saw it. Klingon and Terran ships drifting lazily together over the water, the city. The red and green running lights of the Earth standard flitters mixing so casually with the blue alien glow of the Klingon runabouts. And down below the perpetual city by the bay was bustling cheerfully on this clear newborn Christmas day. It looked the same as ever. The lights, the traffic, the bistros, the theaters all humming merrily along. But Jim knew that today something was different. Today 8000 Klingons also moved down there, somewhere among the denizens. He knew it, but as hard as he looked, he could see no difference.

"Merry Christmas, Jim," Spock breathed quietly into his ear. "This is what you have given."

~fin

and Happy Christmas, everyone!


And in despair I bowed my head;
"There is no peace on earth," I said,
"For hate is strong,
And mocks the song
Of peace on earth good will to men."

Then pealed the bells more loud and deep:
"God is not dead, nor doth he sleep:
The wrong shall fail,
The right prevail,
With peace on earth, good will to men."

'Til ringing, singing on its way
The world revolved from night to day
A voice, a chime,
A chant subliime
Of peace on earth, goodwill to men.

Henry Wadsworth Longfellow, 1863

SPIKE/XANDER

Title: Gingerbread
Author: Kayla
RATING: R, still with the possible NC-17 for innuendo
Pairing: Spike/Xander
Fandom: Buffy
Disclaimer: Heh.  Not yet, but tonight's the night.  Gonna get me some Buffy boys, just you wait!
Note: Sequel to 'Chestnuts'. Part of the Slash Advent Calendar Challenge situated at: http://www.kardasi.com/Advent
Feedback Email address: kayla6978@aol.com

Gingerbread

"Spike?  What are you doing in-- ooooh, what's that?  Ow!"

"It's gingerbread, you git.  And no touching or I'll smack you again."

"Big meanie.  Why isn't your chip zapping you for that?"

"Oh quit whining.  It's not like I really hurt you.  S'pose I could kiss it better for you, though."

"Errr...n-no thanks."

"You can't possibly be *blushing*, Harris.  For god's sake, you've had my dick in your mouth and you blushing about a measly *kiss*?!"

"Yes, and thanks so much for bringing it up again."

"...oh really?"

"...not like that!  Argh!  I *hate* it when you do that!  With that...smug look...and the leer!  Stop it!"

"Did you know your eyes get all sparkly when you're riled up?"

"..."

"Out of the way, luv.  Gotta get this in the oven."

"...and since when can you cook?"

"S'my mum's recipe.  She showed me how to make it when I was...oh, twelve or so."

"...that's strangely disturbing..."

"What, me having a mum?  Everyone does, y'know.  Well, except for Harklen demons, but that's another story entirely."

"...so...is it done yet?"

"Is it--?  Harris, don't be such a bloody idiot.  It's been in the oven less than five minutes!"

"Yeah, but...it smells good!  Can I at least lick the bowl!"

"..."

"Mmmm...oh, hey, this doesn't have any, like, *vampire* ingredients in it...does it?"

"..."

"Spike?"

"Hmm?  Oh.  No, 'course not.  Think I'd play around with my mum's recipe like that?"

"Just checking...is it almost done?"

"Don't make me come over there, pet."

"Oh fine!  I'll just stand here and lick the bowl.  Which, you know, you didn't have to clean out so good.  Could have left a few spoonfuls of batter.  Mmmm."

"..."

"This is *really*...Spike?  Spike, why are you looking at me like that?"

"..."

"I, um, think you should stop right there, buddy!  Spike?  Spike!  Would you--eeep!"

"Mmmmmm."

"Mrphlmmmph!"

"..."

"Oh!  Spike!  I liked those pants!"

"Steady now, luv."

"Hey!  Watch the cupboards!  Geez, this counter is cold!  Spike, what are you--eeeeeek!"

"Mmmm...spread a little wider for me, pet."

"Oooh...oh!  Spike!  T-tongue...bad, naughty places...with the...oh!"

"...like that, huh?"

"Uh!  With the...ah!  Tongue there!  Oooooohhhhhh..."

"...heh.  You want me, don't you?"

"Spiiiiiike!  Tongue!  You...ooooohhhhhhh..."

"...right, wrap your legs around me now, Xan."

"You...tongue...stopping..."

"Got somethin' better for you.  Where'd I put the butter?"

"...ah!  Spike!  Ah...ah...ah..."

"Uuuunnhhhh."

"...oooh..."

"Christ, you're hot...'n tight...oooohhhh..."

"Nnnngh...Spiiiike..."

"...god, yeah...squeeze down again...yes!"

"Oh!  S-Spike!  Deep...deeper!  Oh!  Ah!"

"Ungh!  Yeah, that's it luv...ah!"

"Aaaaaahhh!  Spiiiiiiiike!  Uhhhh...uhhhh!"

"Fuck!  Ooohhh!  Oooooooohhhhh..."

"..."

"Mmmmm..."

"...wow..."

"Mmmm-hmmmm..."

"Spike?"

"Hmmm?"

"...think the gingerbread is done yet?"

Finit

KIRK/SPOCK

Title: Words
Author: Farfalla
Beta: Sawa Moondroplette
RATING: R
Pairing: Kirk/Spock, humor
Fandom: Star Trek
Disclaimer. Everyone belongs to B&B Who Cannot Have Any Pie.
Note: Part of the Slash Advent Calendar Challenge situated at:
http://www.kardasi.com/Advent
Feedback Email address: blueberrysnail at yahoo
Note: I know this is a little out-of-character and not realistic for other
reasons, but when my partner busted out with this line while impersonating
Spock for me one day, I just *had* to use it ;-)

WORDS

A very naked Captain James T. Kirk clutched Commander Spock's bare shoulders, slick with sweat, as the Vulcan's powerful body met his again and again in the animalistic dance of mating. Thoughts flew through his head like radioactive butterflies, chased away rapidly by his exponentially growing arousal-- thoughts about how he had never been so turned on in his entire life, and how he had fallen in love with Spock but had never thought his friend cared for him that way until biology took charge, and how beautiful, how exquisitely beautiful, his First Officer was in moments of passion.

"Enjoying your pon farr, Mr. Spock?" Jim gasped playfully.

Spock's sultry response was a short but violently grunted torrent of almost incomprehensible Vulcan. He thrust rapidly into his Captain, embracing him with arms of wet steel. Jim's entire being glittered in ecstasy as they both climaxed.

"I love you," slipped from the Captain's lips.

Spock kissed him. He seemed calmer now, and his long eyelashes batted delicately. "Are you mine?" he asked in an awed whisper, as though he could not believe it. These words, at least, made more sense to Kirk than whatever Spock had shouted earlier.

Jim hugged his newly tender and sweet lover, and wondered at the biology that could appear so animal and rutting one moment, so romantic the next.

Later that day, while endlessly reliving their lovemaking in his mind on the bridge-shift, Jim remembered the strange alien words that Spock had called out. He wondered if they were important...

Uhura's melodious voice interrupted his reveries. "Captain, I'm getting a transmission from Vulcan. It's... it's Spock's wife!"

"Ex-wife, Lieutenant," Jim said liquidly. "On-screen." He was grateful Spock was elsewhere.

The image of the stoic T'Pring filled the viewscreen. "Captain Kirk," she said calmly in that same voice that had almost condemned him earlier.

"T'Pring," greeted Kirk with a cold smile.

"I wanted to apologize for my behavior on Vulcan," she said.

Kirk's eyebrows rose in surprise. "Thank you... madame. I wasn't sure you'd noticed!"

T'Pring, a typical Vulcan, didn't look as though she were embarrassed. "That was a very clever trick, Captain Kirk."

"It was Dr. McCoy's idea, actually," said Kirk.

"Something is on your mind, Captain?" T'Pring almost interrupted.

A wild idea suddenly occurred to Kirk. Here was a Vulcan who could translate Spock's words from the night before... he'd no desire to ask Spock himself, since the whole experience of pon farr, with its loss of the worshipped control, seemed to humiliate him beyond belief. (Thank goodness that a relationship was welcome, on the other hand!)

"T'Pring, before you go... can you... translate something for me?"

"Certainly, Captain. Consider it my apology."

Kirk repeated the words as best he could. T'Pring listened carefully. Uhura fidgeted.

Then T'Pring spoke. Lieutenant Uhura fell out of her chair.

"The words mean, 'Shut up and take it like a man, Captain'," she said,
without batting an eyelash.

END

Kitty by Suse

JIM/BLAIR

BELLE!

BATMAN (BRUCE/DICK)

Title: Yes, Batman, There is a Santa Claus
Author: Diana Williams
RATING: NC17
Pairing: Bruce/Dick
Fandom: Batman (the original DC comics)
Disclaimer: I don't own them. If I did, I'd be nicer to them than their current owners, and I'd let them play together.
Note: Part of the Slash Advent Calendar Challenge situated at:
http://www.kardasi.com/Advent 
Feedback: Diana@slashcity.com
Author Notes: You don't need to know much about Batman to read this story because it diverges greatly from the story arcs set down by TPTB. It is closest to the comics from when I was growing up in the 60s. No angst-ridden Dick Grayson, no tortured Dark Knight. (I know, I take the fun out of everything, don't I?) It postulates a different separation of the pair and a much happier reunion.

YES, BATMAN, THERE IS A SANTA CLAUS

It had been a quiet night patrolling the city. Seemed as though even Gotham's criminal element had taken the night off - they really were a spoiled lot, and who wouldn't prefer being in front of a warm fire on a night like this? The streets were silent except for the occasional car making its cautious way through the steadily falling snow. And except for him.

Reluctantly, he turned the Batmobile towards home, having no real excuse to delay his return to the mansion. Alfred would no doubt be waiting for him. The fire would be burning brightly, a plate of warm cookies would be waiting on the table between the twin armchairs, the lights would be twinkling on the perfectly decorated tree…and the other chair would be empty. His ward, his *partner*, had been gone for six months as he continued his education in another city - both academic and as a crime-fighter.

That he'd had a reason for insisting on the separation, that Dick had reluctantly agreed to it, didn't matter. It also didn't matter that when he'd finally relented, had given in to Alfred's silent pleas and his own buried desires to summon the young man home, an early winter storm had grounded all planes in and out of Metropolis.  All that mattered was that, for the first time in ten years, Dick wouldn't be home for Christmas. Which proved again, as he'd learned when he was a young boy, that there was no Santa Claus, no fairy godmother there to make things turn out right in the end.

The thought was enough to make him want to turn back towards Gotham for one more circuit, just to make *sure* there was no trouble brewing. But that would be a coward's actions, and he was not a coward. Except when it came to love.

Alfred was waiting for him in the Cave, as usual, with polite inquiries about the evening's ventures and his physical well being.  He gave his faithful servant and friend a brief reassurance as he mechanically went about the tasks of transforming from the Batman to Bruce Wayne.

"I took the liberty of lighting the fire in the library, sir, as well as setting out a light supper."

Bruce frowned as he put away the cowl. "I'm not hungry."

"Master Bruce, you barely touched your dinner."

He recognized that tone, the one that said that Alfred wasn't going to back down on this subject, and sighed. "Very well."

There was a satisfied look on Alfred's face that stirred a faint suspicion within him. Alfred was up to something, but he couldn't summon enough energy to pursue that thought any further. Wearily, he made his way up the hidden staircase into the house. Not too much longer, now, and he could take refuge in the dark silence of his bedroom, could bury himself under the covers and maybe sleep through the entire next day. He glanced at the desk, at the papers requiring his attention, then turned away. They, too, could wait for another day.

"Don't I even get a 'hello'?"

The voice, achingly familiar, came from *his* chair by the fireplace, and Bruce turned towards it. "Dick?"

A slender, well-known figure leaned forward, into the light cast by the fire, and blue eyes twinkled at him.

"Surprised?"

Bruce stared in disbelief, certain that this was a figment of his imagination, an illusion created by his longing. "You *can't* be here. You're stuck in Metropolis. All flights were cancelled because of the storm."

An equally well-known grin made the room suddenly feel ten degrees warmer. "Fortunately, I know someone in Metropolis who isn't grounded by bad weather."

Bruce felt a brief flair of jealousy at the thought of Dick wrapped in Superman's arms, even for something as innocent as a lift home.  It hadn't been *that* many years ago that his young ward had had a bad case of hero worship for the Kryptonian. Then Dick was standing up and looking at him in a way that made Bruce's pulse race and banished any thought but 'damn, I'd almost forgotten how beautiful he is'.

"I missed you," Dick said quietly. Before Bruce could say anything, he added quickly, "I know you think it's a stupid kid's crush, but I've been doing a lot of thinking over the past six months, and it's not. I'm not a kid anymore, I don't think you're perfect, and it's not a crush. I won't say anything else, but I just wanted you to know - "

"Dick," Bruce interrupted, then didn't know quite what else to say.  Deciding that actions spoke louder than words, he simply opened his arms.

A moment later, those arms were full of a warm young body, pressing up against him while arms wound around his body. Bruce could feel the warmth where they touched him, could feel his body starting to come alive, could feel his heart thawing at the touch of warm lips to his.

"I love you," Dick whispered.

Bruce's arms tightened around the firebrand pressed up so tightly against him, felt his throat tighten as well. He pressed his face against the join between Dick's neck and shoulder and breathed in the warm scent of the younger man, allowing himself to get lost in it.  "Come home," he said hoarsely. "Please."

He could swear that he felt Dick's smile vibrate through his body. "You only had to ask."

Bruce decided there had been enough talking and lifted his head to take possession of the mouth so near his own. There was nothing gentle about his kisses, so filled with need and longing, but Dick didn't seem to mind. In fact, he was giving back as much as he was getting, reminding Bruce again that his former ward was all grown up, a man with a man's strength, not to mention desire.

"Bed." His voice sounded ragged to his own ears. "Now."

Dick pressed another kiss against his mouth. "Are you sure? Don't want you to wake up in the morning with a case of the guilts. Maybe we should go down to the Cave and sublimate these urges with a couple - umph!"

Bruce kissed his lover hard, then growled, "If you don't start towards the stairs, I'm going to throw you over my shoulder, carry you upstairs, and *tie* you to the bed."

"Mmm," Dick said, kissing him back enthusiastically. "Sounds interesting, but I don't do bondage on the first date."

"You - " Bruce's voice faltered as his brain nearly short-circuited at the mental image of his young lover's body stretched out and bound to his bed. "Dick?"

Dick laughed and grabbed his hand, dragging him towards the staircase. Somehow - and Bruce was never entirely sure later *exactly* how - they ended up naked and in his bed. Dick's perfect young body was under his, and between kisses, Bruce was mesmerized by the look on Dick's face as he rocked urgently beneath him. His body was so tight, so hot, so *perfect*, and it didn't last nearly long enough, but that was all right because Dick was home.

And this time, Bruce intended to keep him there, in his bed as often as possible, but certainly no further away than the next cableline or rooftop. He smiled and leaned down to nuzzle the sweet, sweaty flesh, heard the soft, familiar laugh, and decided that yes, there certainly was a Santa Claus. And this year, finally, Bruce Wayne had gotten what he'd always wanted.

End