TITLE: Home for Christmas
AUTHOR: Titti
PAIRING: C/L
RATING: NC-17
FEEDBACK: titti_adriano@hotmail.com 
DISCLAIMER: Alas, they are not mine.
SUMMARY: Twenty-one year old Clark decides to tell his family about his relationship with Lex by inviting them to spend Christmas with the Luthors.
NOTES: Part of the Clex Fuh-Q Fest: A Luthor/Kent Very Special Christmas - extended family. Established relationship.
TIMELINE: This is set during Clark's junior year in college. Lex and Clark have been together since Clark's senior year in high school and they had been living together since Clark began college.
ARCHIVING: The Clex Fuh-Q Fest Archive, and my site. Anyone else just ask.

Home for Christmas
By Titti

Clark Kent walked into Lionel Luthor's study and looked around. He shook his head. Nothing, not even the fact that it was the evening of December 23rd, could make the two Luthors stop working.

Lex was sitting on a leather couch with his laptop in front of him. He was completely absorbed by whatever his computer screen showed him. His father was sitting behind his desk, talking on the phone and shouting orders. Lionel had a clear view of Lex's face as his son worked on the details of a new merger. The younger Luthor was clearly immersed in his task.

Clark lay down on the couch and rested his head on Lex's lap. The bald businessman shifted his laptop so that Clark's head didn't block his view of the monitor.

"My parents will be here soon," Clark intoned.

"So you've told us since Thanksgiving." Lex's fingers moved quickly over the keyboard.

"Did I mention that they don't exactly know about us?" Clark stated calmly. However, he was ready to bolt out of the room, the house and the country.

Everything seemed to stop in the study. Both Luthors stared at Clark, neither capable of movement for a moment. Then all hell broke lose.

Lex's computer fell on the floor, banging on the corner of the coffee table. The monitor shuttered at the impact with the mahogany table, causing a few sparks.

"Shit!" was all Lex could say.

"I'll have to call you back." Lionel quickly terminated the phone call with his employee and moved toward the couple. He looked at the scene in front of him. The computer was a wreck. Hopefully, their technician would be able to retrieve the data from the hard drive and retain Lex's sanity.

Lex didn't look much better than his iMac. Lionel could see the sparks of anger emanating from his son. It was in instances such as this that Lionel remembered why Lex was so dangerous in life and business.

Lex was working hard on not blowing up just like his computer had. He took deep breaths. When he was calm enough, he picked up his computer and moved to leave the room.

"Lex…?" Clark couldn't move from the couch. His superpowers had left him with Lex's sudden retreat. "Where are you going, Lex?"

The young Luthor stopped and turned around slowly. Lionel was expecting World War III to start at any moment.

"I am going to buy a new laptop. Then, I'll find Richie and make sure he transfers all my information on my new computer. Finally, I'll come back and finish this report." Lex sounded like a robot, devoid of emotions, in sharp contrast with his body language.

"Lex, it's seven at night. I'm sure it can wait until tomorrow. Besides, my parents will be here soon." Clark pleaded with his eyes.

"Would those be the same people to whom you had allegedly told about us last summer?" Clark knew that Lex was really pissed when he started showing off the grammar rules learned while attending expensive boarding schools.

"I never told you that they knew," Clark whispered.

Lex's grey eyes showed his rage, but his voice stayed calm. "You never took the time to correct my impression that they were aware of our relationship the few thousand times we spoke about it."

"I was ashamed to let you know that I'd chickened out." The blush was in full force.

"Do they even know they are meeting your partner?" Lionel asked, trying to plan for the Kents' arrival.

"Oh yeah! They are really excited to meet…the person I'm involved with."

"The person? As opposed to what? A dog? A cat? God, you haven't even told them you're gay. They are coming here to meet the perfect girl, another Lana, aren't they?" Lex was losing all of his patience, the laptop still clutched in his hands threatened to fall. "We've been together for three fucking years, Clark, but you're too ashamed to tell your parents."

Clark moved quickly, or as quickly as he dared to move with Lionel watching, and hugged Lex. He knew that he wasn't being fair since Lex couldn't get out from his grip, but he needed Lex to understand. "I'm not ashamed of us. I just…I was afraid of their reaction. That's the reason I invited them here. Now, I have to tell them. Please, stay. I need you near me, you're the one that gives me strength." The words were whispered in Lex's ear.

Lex sighed. Clark might be the strongest person on the planet thanks to his powers, but they knew that Lex provided the emotional strength in the couple.

"Please?" Clark was not above begging.

"Fine!" Another sigh. " But if anyone tries to kill me I'm pressing charges."

Clark laughed. "We just have to get through meeting my parents tonight. The rest of the family won't care."

"Right, the rest of the family. How many people are actually arriving tomorrow?"

"About ten, I think." Clark grinned sheepishly.

Lex nodded and tried to move, but strong arms stopped him. "You can let go now. I have to call Richie so he can get me a new computer and bring it over. I really need to finish this before tomorrow night."

"You're not leaving, right?" Clark was still uncertain.

"I promise."

Lionel pretended not to be interested in their conversation. He had learned to do a lot of pretending since Clark had moved into his suburban mansion two years prior. But from their body language, he knew that his son had already forgiven Clark. What a surprise! That boy could get Lex to do anything.

****

Jonathan Kent was driving his blue pick-up truck while Martha was reading the directions that Clark had given them. Jonathan kept looking around at the houses, or more precisely at the huge gates and centennial trees that protected the privacy of the incredibly wealthy owners of these suburban mansions.

"Are you sure we have the right place?" Jonathan asked.

"Yes, Jonathan. We should be there soon." Martha had answered the same question for the past fifteen minutes and was losing her patience.

"I don't like this. This girl must be filthy rich, which means she is spoiled and amoral."

"You sound a little prejudiced, dear. We haven't even met her yet."

"I don't have to. I know that money like this spells trouble."

"Especially for those that don't have it," Martha said with a small smile.

"I blame Luthor for this. He spoiled Clark with money and gifts."

"Don't be an idiot, Jonathan. Clark is still the same boy. He isn't spoiled." Martha sighed and stared outside her window.

A few minutes later, they arrived at their destination. Jonathan pulled up to the gate and pressed the intercom button. He looked shyly at the camera.

"Hello." A British voice came through the intercom.

"Hi. I'm Jonathan Kent…"

The voice interrupted him. "Welcome, Mr. Kent. If you would follow the driveway, it will lead you to the main house, sir."

The imposing gate swung open. Jonathan drove toward the house, looking around the property. "Look at that guest house, Martha. It's probably bigger than our house."

"Maybe, it's not the dependance, but the staff quarters."

"Oh yeah! That really makes me feel better."

Jonathan finally arrived in front of the mansion. As they got out, a man carried the bags up the stairs and into the hallway.

"Hello, my name is Robert. If I can have the keys, I'll bring your…vehicle to the garage," the man told Jonathan, who gave him the key, too shocked to speak.

Another man stood in the hallway. "Hello, Mr. and Mrs. Kent. I'm James, the butler. Your luggage will be brought to your room at once. Master Clark is waiting for you. If you would follow me." James began walking, not waiting to see if he was being followed.

"Master Clark?" Jonathan whispered to his wife. Surprise and a certain disgust coloring his voice. Martha shrugged in response.

James knocked briefly and opened the door to the study. Clark and Lex stood up quickly as the Kents entered the room.

"What is he doing here?" Those were Jonathan first words. He looked straight at his son while pointing at Lex.

"He lives here," came the reply from Lionel, who was sitting in an armchair that was facing the opposite wall. Lionel got up and smiled complacently at Jonathan.

"Lionel, please?" Clark's blue eyes were fixed on the elder Luthor.

"Oh, now you're on first name basis with both Luthors," Jonathan growled. "Clark tells us what's going on." The silent 'now' was worse than a scream.

It was Lex that stepped forward. He reached Clark's side and interlaced his fingers with Clark's. "This is my father's house. Clark and I have been living together in this house since his freshman year at Metropolis University."

Clark looked at Lex and smiled. Lex provided the courage to face his parents. "Yeah, I was afraid of how you'd react and that's why I never told you. I'm sorry for not telling you."

Martha sat down on a sofa and looked at Clark. Her baby had lied to them. For over two years. Were they such bad parents that Clark was afraid to talk to them? "How long…how long have you been together?"

"February 14 of Clark's senior year at Smallville High," Lex replied immediately. Clark grinned.

"You lied to us for almost three years." Clark winced at his father's comment.

"I didn't lie." His parents both looked up to stare at him. "I didn't. You never asked and I didn't tell you, but I never lied."

"You're starting to sound like a Luthor, too. Come on, Martha. We're leaving."

"You know, dad, if you weren't so prejudiced against Lex and his family, maybe I wouldn't have kept it from you. I wouldn't have to hide the best thing that has happened to me. I love Lex and he loves me. If your hate can't let you see past his last name, then you better leave." Clark practically ran into his father in his haste to leave the room. He knew that he couldn't prevent the tears to fall.

Lex walked after his boyfriend, but before he left the room, his eyes fell on Jonathan. "I've always been cautious around you and your wife to avoid any problems that could emotionally hurt Clark, but if you leave now, I'll make sure that you'll pay for what you're doing to him."

Lex was calm and controlled, but his eyes showed his determination. He stared at his lover's parents for a few seconds before turning around and leaving the room.

"Sit down, Jonathan, and don't be a prick." Lionel poured some cognac into expensive crystal glasses and handed one to each guest.

Jonathan stood still, took the glass, but didn't drink. "I don't know what you have told my son, but he'll come to his senses and leave Lex."

"I know you have a brain somewhere in that skull of yours, try using it. Do you think I'm happy about the two of them? Lex is my only son. I want him to marry a little pretty thing. I want him to have the 1.3 children. He needs the traditional American family if he wants to reach his political goals."

Jonathan moved close in an aggressive stance. "I don't care about what you want. I know I don't want my son near you or your son."

Lionel snorted. Seeing her husband ready to explode, Martha intervened. "Honey, it can't hurt to listen. Come sit with me." She patted the cushion next to her. Her husband gave in and sat next to her.

Lionel saw this as his cue to continue. "You should know that I wasn't asked if Clark could live here. I was told. I objected at first, but then I realized that it would give me a chance to observe them."

Lionel looked straight at his guests. "Do you know what I saw? I saw love. I didn't accept it at first. Couldn't really. I did everything I could to split them up. And I mean everything."

"I can just imagine how low you can stoop, Luthor," Jonathan interjected.

"Oh, you can't even begin to imagine. I studied them until a plan formed in my mind. I saw how they would accept anything from the other, anything but adultery. So on Lex's birthday I got him a very special gift: a very beautiful, very naked woman and a very handsome and just as naked man in his bed."

Lionel got up and refilled his glass. "Lex told them, thanks, but no thank you. Lex and Clark didn't speak to me for weeks after that."

Lionel swallowed the amber liquid. "I don't want to lose my son, but I will if I try to separate him from Clark. You want to try, be my guest. You'll be doing me a favor, actually. Just be aware of the possibility that you may lose your son."

Luthor sat down on the couch and stared at the Kents. The couple was quiet, digesting Lionel's words. Martha was the first to speak. "I love my baby. I hoped he would have a normal life blessed with love and children."

Lionel chuckled. "You might get your wish after all. They truly love each other, which is surprising considering how I raised Lex. I always told him that love was a weakness, but he has shown me how much stronger he is with Clark at his side."

"Still," Martha said wistfully, "grandchildren would have been nice."

"You underestimate those two. They decided that they want to have a family when Clark graduates from college. Lex has been working on creating a child with their combined DNA. The child would be conceived in vitro and carried by a surrogate mother. The science explaining how the DNA from two males can create a child is beyond me."

"How are they doing this research?" Jonathan tensed even more while Martha asked the question. The Luthors could discover the secret they had been guarding since they had found Clark.

"No one knows how Lex is planning to create this child. My son won't let anyone near this project," Lionel explained.

"And no one ever will," Lex said, entering the room. Clark walked in behind him, their fingers interlaced.

Clark looked sheepishly at his parents. "Lex said that I didn't give you time to get used to the news."

"You needed Lex to point that out to you?" his mother asked.

Clark sighed dramatically and slumped on the sofa. "Sorry, mom."

Lex sat down next to him with an amused smile. His Clark looked like a three year old with his blush and pout.

"Clark, what did you expect us to do when we found out? I bought gifts for my future daughter-in-law. Your father and I didn't even know you are gay." Her voice rose steadily while Martha spoke. She stopped and breathed, trying to calm herself.

"What about this experiment?" Every reservation Jonathan had about the relationship was put aside the moment he found out about the testing.

"Clark and I are taking care of every aspect of the research. No one else is involved," Lex explained, choosing his words carefully due to his father's presence.

"Please, trust us. We know what we're doing, dad." Clark looked pleadingly at his father.

"I don't have much of a choice, do I? You seem to have made all the important decision without consulting us."

"I know dad, and I am sorry, but I didn't know how to tell you." His voice cracked. Clark felt his lover's hand pressing against his back in silent support.

"Lex?"

The young man looked startled at Martha. "Yes, Mrs. Kent?"

"Why did you invite us to spend Christmas here? It's not that I don't appreciate it, but under the circumstances…"

Lex looked into Clark's blue eyes and then turned to face Martha. "I thought you knew about our involvement."

"You lied to your own boyfriend, Clark. You really are a Luthor."

Lex turned ice cold at Jonathan's words. "He did not lie. He never told me otherwise," he added, smiling at Clark.

"I'm so-" Clark's words were cut off by Lex's lips pressing on his.

Martha couldn't take her eyes away. She didn't know any gay couples and she had never seen two men kiss, but Lex and Clark looked perfect together. She could see the love and tenderness exchanged in that brief contact and in the way their eyes lingered on each other after their lips separated.

"I love you, Lex."

The bald man sighed at Clark's words. "Love you, too, Clark."

"Oh, please! Can't you to stop? All that sweetness is making me sick." The older Luthor looked at the pair in mock horror.

Clark turned to face Lionel with a smile in his face. "Thank you, Lionel. I know we can always count on you to bring us back to reality."

"I am glad to be of help." Lex snorted at his father's words, but Lionel dismissed him.

"You love Lex," Jonathan whispered the words, unsure if he was talking to himself or his son, but Clark heard him.

"Yeah dad, I love him. We want to be a family. That's the reason I asked Lex if we could celebrate Christmas at the mansion this year."

Martha and Jonathan's families had started many years prior the tradition of spending Christmas Eve in a different house each year. This gave them the possibility to see each other at least once a year. It also made traveling less expensive since board and room were always taken care of.

Martha loved her family very much, but she was aware that her relatives were not the sort of people Luthors frequented. "Maybe, it would be better if we changed plans," she suggested.

"Nonsense," Lionel answered. "This will be the first Christmas Lex and I celebrate in…"

"Since mom died," Lex supplied.

"What? What about the past two years?" Clark asked.

"What about them?" Lex was truly surprised at Clark's shock. His lover should know that Luthors always work. "I think we were in Japan last year, closing a deal with a microchip company."

"No, Lex," Lionel interrupted. "That was two years ago. Last year, we were in Korea. You know Clark there are countries where they don't celebrate Christmas and there is always business to take care of."

"Right, how could I forget that? The servants are starting to think that I own the house since I'm the one who is always here while you two go flying around the world." Lex laughed at his lover's tone.

"Don't worry, Clark. During the summer you can travel with me."

"I don't want to travel." Clark pouted. "I want you to stay in this country. You know how weird it is when your boyfriend calls you to tell you he'll skip dinner because he is stuck in New Zealand."

"As if you never disappear on us without an explanation." Clark blushed at Lionel's words. He had continued to help people after he moved to Metropolis. It had been horrible at the beginning, lying to Lex constantly. It was easier now that Lex knew of his powers, but Lionel was still suspicious.

"He explains it to me, dad." Lex cut Lionel short.

"As long as you trust him…" Lionel dropped the subject, knowing that he wouldn't get anywhere. Just like he hadn't the other thousands of times he had approached the subject.

Martha and Jonathan kept staring at the three men in disbelief. They had this image of Lionel Luthor, but he was doing his damnest to ruin it. Lionel seemed almost human while talking to Lex and Clark.

Lex was another enigma. He could be cold and ruthless, you just needed to look at his eyes when he was discussing business. But he changed completely when he stared at Clark.

Jonathan shook his head. For a moment, he felt like he could approve of this relationship. He must have been really tired, he reckoned. Maybe he needed a good night sleep before approaching his son.

Martha felt as confused as her husband, but maternal love was stronger than anything other feeling. If her boy was happy with Lex, then Lex would become part of her family.

Lex knew how confused the Kents must have felt, but admired their control. His own father had been a lot more vocal and vindictive when he had brought Clark into his house. "Maybe, you should get some rest," he said with a sincere smile. "I'm sure we can discuss everything tomorrow morning, when we are less tired."

"You're right, Lex," Martha answered immediately. She got up and offered a hand to her husband. Jonathan was acting more on autopilot and just followed his wife's lead.

"Clark, why don't you show them the way? I have to wait for Richie and work on my project. I'll be up later." Clark kissed his boyfriend's hairless head. The gesture had annoyed Lex at the beginning, but now it was just a sign of their intimacy.

"I'll wait up for you," Clark whispered his Lex's ear. Lex nodded.

****

"Is Lex here?" Martha asked her son, entering his bedroom.

"No, he probably won't be up for hours. He gets lost in his work."

Martha smiled at Clark. Her boy sounded so mature discussing matter-of-factly his boyfriend's work habits.

"Your father is taking a shower and I took the opportunity to come talk to you. We haven't had that in a really long time." Clark blushed and looked at his feet as Martha went on. "I'm not happy that you lied to us, Clark."

Clark moved toward a round table with two comfortable chairs. Lex had bought the table saying that breakfast in bed was not as comfortable and romantic as it sounded.

"Do you want to sit, mom?" Clark waited for his mother to sit next to him. "I'm really sorry, but I was afraid of dad's reaction. He hated Lex from the moment Lex set foot in Smallville."

"So why tell us now? And in this way?"

"Well, Lex and I plan to get married after graduation. I know the marriage is only valid in certain states, but we want to make a point. And Lex is really close to finding a way to have our child."

"Do you know what risk you took?"

Clark sighed. "I know, mom, but Lex has suspected about me since we met. More than six years have passed since that day and he has done nothing to endanger me. Besides, I trust him."

"What about Lionel? Can you trust him?"

"Maybe. I don't know. I'd like to think that now that he knows me, he wouldn't hurt me, but Lex says that we shouldn't tell him, so we haven't."

"I can see why you want to be with Lex. You've been friends since you were fifteen. I recognize that Lex has always been there for you, but now you want to trust Lionel. How did it happen? Help me understand, Clark."

"When I arrived here, Lex and Lionel were at each other's throat, quite literally at times," Clark intoned. "Lionel hated me the moment I moved in simply because Lex wanted me. On Lex's birthday, Lionel became creative."

Martha waived her hand. "So Lionel tells us, but what happened next?"

"I've never seen Lex so upset, mom. He got into a physical fight with Lionel. He looked like he was going to kill his father. I had to stop him. After that, Lex didn't speak with Lionel for about three weeks."

Clark got up and grabbed two bottles of water, rigorously blue, from the mini refrigerator they kept in their room. He handed one distractedly to his mother.

"Mom, you can't imagine the tension in the house. After those weeks, Lex made the decision to leave the house. He told Lionel that he was packing up and selling all of his Luthor's Corp. shares and we would leave. Lionel really got scared, but didn't give in at first."

"Somehow I can't see that. Lionel isn't the type of man who scares easily," Martha said.

"You didn't see Lex that day," Clark pointed out. "Anyway, we moved into their penthouse on top of the Luthor's Corp. building. I don't know what Lex did business-wise, but two days later Lionel arrived at the penthouse."

Clark took a quick sip of water. "Lionel looked defeated. He never said it, but he accepted Lex's conditions for Lex's return. Lex was able to get part of Lionel's shares, giving him a stronger position against his father, even though Lionel is still the majority stockholder. Lionel also gave him the position of vice-president of development, which was what Lex wanted."

"Clark, you're talking about money, power and jobs, but I don't see how that relates to Lionel's relationship with you and Lex."

"It may not make sense to us, but it does in their world. Lionel accepted that without Lex, he had nothing. All he had done would disappear with his death, assuming that Lex wouldn't destroy it before. Once Lionel recognized Lex's importance in his life and in his business, their relationship changed. Lionel stopped testing Lex at every turn."

Martha got up and began pacing. "I don't know Clark. Do you really want to live in this world? Your father has a point when he says that this almost endless wealth corrupts people."

"Mom, they are not like that. Not anymore. Lionel has accepted Lex as his equal and that's put a stop to their power stand-offs. It wasn't immediate, but slowly respect began to grow, then it became friendship, then love. I know that's a really strange dynamic between a father and a son, but they do love each other now."

"How do you fit in into all of this, Clark?"

"Do you love me, mom?"

"Of course, Clark. How can you even…"

Clark cut her off. "Don't you want what's best for me?"

Martha smiled. "And Lex is what's best for you, just like you're best for Lex. I just don't think it's so simple, Clark."

"I know, mom, but Lionel likes me even if he pretends otherwise. He knows that Lex is happier and more productive with me around. He also knows that Lex will kill him if he tries anything stupid. Lex doesn't trust Lionel, not completely, but I trust my instincts. I know Lionel wouldn't hurt us, not anymore."

"I hope you're right, Clark, but listen to Lex on this. Once you reveal your secret there is no going back." Clark nodded. "I better go. Your father is probably thinking that I was kidnapped or something equally brutal."

Martha went back to her room to find her husband already in bed.

"You went to talk to Clark." Jonathan knew his wife too well to think anything different.

"Yes, I just need to understand, honey." Martha quickly changed into her nightgown and lay down.

"I understand perfectly. Luthor has brainwashed him." Jonathan sounded angry and defeated at the same time.

"You don't really believe that." Jonathan sighed. "Jon, Clark really loves Lex. We have to accept that. I don't want to lose my son just because you can't stand Lionel's business practices."

"Don't you think I know that, Martha? I can see the look he gives Lex, but darn it, Lex is a Luthor. How long before he betrays Clark?"

"Maybe tomorrow, maybe never. We just have to pray that Lex loves Clark as much as Clark loves Lex. If it helps, I think he does."

Jonathan pulled his wife close after she turned off the lights. "I hope you're right, Martha. I really hope so."

****

Lex tiptoed into their bedroom. The lights were on, but Clark was fast asleep in bed. Lex quickly shed his clothes. He turned the lights off before slipping under the sheets.

Clark instinctively moved closed toward the warmer body. Lex spooned his lover closer and kissed affectionately the black mop of hair. Clark stirred at the contact. "Mmm, Lex?"

"Expecting someone else?"

Clark chuckled. "Alan Rickman was a possibility."

"Was he now?" Lex asked between open-mouth kisses on Clark's neck and shoulder.

"Oh yeah. All sexy and stern, in black robes."

"God, Clark, how many times have you watched Harry Potter?" Lex asked teasingly, his mouth never leaving Clark's skin.

"Too many bloody times! And it's all Rickmans' fault. He's too sexy." Clark turned around and began caressing Lex's back.

"Man, you really know how to spoil the mood." Lex's hands began to worry Clark's nipples.

"I didn't know there was a mood at-" Clark looked at the alarm clock. "- at 3:15 in the morning." Before Lex could say more, Clark kissed him. "Business. I understand Lex."

Lex's fingers curled around Clark's wavy locks while his free hand pressed against Clark's crotch. "I want you, baby."

"Leeex, I was sleeping," Clark whined.

"I woke you up and I have to make it up to you," Lex said between kisses.

Clark grinned and got comfortable on his back. "Fine, but I'm not doing any work."

Lex laughed as he moved between Clark's spread legs. "Such an onerous job you give me."

Lex crawled over Clark's body to kiss him once more. Clark wrapped his arms around the lean body, not wanting to let go. The kiss continued until both men lost all sense of time. Mouths, tongues, and skin on skin were the only important things in their universe.

After a few minutes, Lex tried to wiggle out of Clark's embrace, but couldn't. "Clark, you have to let go if you want anything else to happen."

"Nah, feels nice," Clark answered in a daze.

"It'll feel even better if you let me go."

Clark opened his blue eyes and stared at Lex. "I'm not letting you go. Ever."

Lex smiled. "I love you, Clark, but if we want to fuck you'll have to loosen up your grip."

"Okay, just as long as you fuck me now."

Lex could never refuse such beautiful order. He grabbed some hand lotion and squeezed a dab in his hand. He pumped his cock quickly and positioned his slick cock against Clark's opening.

Lex slid in carefully, lengthy preparations rendered unnecessary by Clark's sleepy state and years of trust and intimacy. Eyes closed, enjoying the sensation, Clark moaned as Lex filled him.

Clark lazily wrapped a leg around Lex's waist, allowing his lover better access. "You really don't want to do anything," Lex joked at Clark's relaxed state.

"Too comfy," Clark purred as Lex entered him again, hitting his prostate.

Lex began moving slowly, their lovemaking an assertion of their friendship and trust more than a physical need.

Slow movements underlined by tender kisses. Gentle hands creating tingling sensation over flushed skin.

Moving, touching, thrusting, kissing.

Two lovers lost in each other and their feelings.

Swirl of sensations. Slow thrusts becoming faster and faster.

Soon, the two lay spent, bodies close together. A soft kiss on Clark's hair, before Lex moved to clean them both. Finally, they succumbed to sleep, safe in each other's arms.

****

Lex and Clark arrived in the dining room to find their parents having breakfast. Clark poured two glasses of juice while Lex prepared two plates, one with enough food to feed few people, but it would only be Clark's first serving.

"Did you invite anyone for tonight, Lionel?" Clark asked while diving into his pancakes.

"Of course," Lex answered before his father. "How could he spend the night without Rachel?"

"She was so last week, Lex," Clark quipped back.

"Quit mocking me. I'll have you know that I invited Elisabeth." Lionel sipped his coffee.

"Elisabeth? Which one is that?" Lex and Clark tried to remember which one was Elisabeth.

Clark had a suddenly realization. "Oh, you mean Betsy. She's what fifteen, Lionel. The word 'jailbait' comes to mind."

"Yeah, dad, we don't want to spend Christmas Eve bailing you out."

"Don't be ridiculous. For your information, she is nineteen." Jonathan looked at Lionel with obvious revulsion in his face.

Clark got up and piled up more food on his plate. Then he stood still for a moment and proceeded to fill another plate. He put it in front of Lionel and hit the older man on the shoulder. "You should eat breakfast. You need your strength to keep up with a teenager."

Lex choked on his food before laughing aloud. Clark grinned at his boyfriend. The Kents were utterly embarrassed by Lionel and Clark's behaviour.

Lionel pushed the plate with nonchalance. "You're the one who has to eat for two or three to keep up with my son."

Clark blushed, but still grinned. Lex's smile softened when he stared at his boyfriend. "Leave him be, dad. He's a growing boy." Lex winked at Clark, who sat down and started eating again.

"You three seem…" Martha searched for the right words. Friendly? Carefree? Family? "…to get along pretty well.

"That's because we do," Clark informed her, around a mouthful of food.

"Don't speak with your mouth full," Martha and Lex said in unison. Clark looked at both and rolled his eyes.

Lex put his napkin on the table and got up. "I'm ready to go, dad."

"Where are you going?" Clark asked wide-eyed.

"Work," Lex answered with amusement.

"But my relatives…"

"Dad and I will be back in time. I promise." Clark pouted.

"We could take the limo and Clark and his parents can came with us," Lionel suggested.

"That would actually be good. My choice of Christmas gifts was not appropriate, at least not for a man and certainly not for Lex." Lex smiled at Martha.

Jonathan looked at his wife like she had grown a second head. He did not want to spend time in a car with two Luthors. However, he seemed to have no choice. His wife had already decided to bring out the olive branch and he had no alternative but to go along with her.

The car drive was not as tense as Jonathan expected. The fact that the two businessmen spent their time on their cell phones helped limit the conversation. Jonathan used the opportunity to talk to his son, but Clark wouldn't hear any criticism of Lex.

The Kents spent the rest of the morning shopping. Martha just needed to find the perfect gift for Lex. Of course, it wasn't an easy finding something for a mega-millionaire who could afford anything. When they were finally done, they met Lex and his father for lunch.

At Clark's insistence, the two Luthors decided to leave work early. The ride home was more stressful than the trip into the city. With no business to distract Lex and Lionel, the car was enveloped by a tense silence.

"I can't wait until they all meet Lex," Clark blurted out of the blue.

Lionel and Lex looked at him with similar expression of amusement. Clark was reminded how similar his boyfriend and Lionel were once their masks came off.

"I'm sure they are going to love him," Martha assured her son.

Jonathan mumbled something under his breath. From Martha's evil glare, Lex knew better than to ask what Jonathan had said.

Silence reigned for the rest of the trip. When they reached the house, Clark and Lex practically ran to their room, trying to avoid Clark's parents. They had plenty of time before the rest of Clark's family would arrive, but a shower, sex and another shower helped pass the afternoon.

****

"You know you don't have to dress up." Lex was standing in front of the mirror knotting his tie.

"I'm not dressing up."

"Right! That's why you're wearing Versace," Clark teased.

"I'm wearing this because it's black. That's reason enough."

"Of course," Clark whispered in Lex's ear. "The fact that the pants are so tight that you are so fuckable has nothing to do with your choice." Clark began to trace Lex's ear with his tongue.

"I don't think your father would be interested." Lex managed to say in-between moans.

Clark laughed. "You are a tease." Using his speed and strength, Clark span his boyfriend around and pushed him against a wall. He then proceeded to map Lex's mouth with his tongue.

"Clark…let…go," Lex gasped to no avail. "Clark…stop." Nothing happened. "Clark…" Lex splayed his fingers on Clark's chest and Clark moved away immediately. "What's wrong, Lex?"

In the past, they had teased each other and played rough, but they had to deal with Clark's strength. Knowing that physically, Lex was no match for Clark, they had agreed on a few signs that would tell Clark when to stop.

"Nothing is wrong. We need to get down there and I don't want to spend the night with a hard-on." Clark chuckled, assured that Lex was fine. He kissed Lex's neck one more time before allowing his boyfriend to get dressed.

****

Martha watched the two boys, men really, but for her they would always be boys, as they entered the immense sitting room.

Lex waltzed in, wearing an expensive black suit with a pink shirt. The color would have looked effeminate on other men, but not on Lex. The look of power and belonging on Lex's face was startling. Martha knew that Lex was a formidable man.

Clark walked behind Lex, clad in blue pants and red cashmere sweater. His protective stance was clear to all watching. Clark's eyes were darting around the room, searching for possible dangers. Martha pitied the man who ever tried to hurt Lex.

Lex looked at the room with satisfaction. He had made certain that the room would represent the Christmas spirit that Clark was raving about for the past two months.

Wood logs were crackling in the fireplace. Christmas carols played over the Bose speakers. Mistletoes and wreaths adorned the room. Vases of poinsettias gave color to the room. Scented candles with Christmas designs invaded the room with scents of pines and cinnamon.

Lex had informed Clark that he would not help in the destruction of hundred of thousands of pine trees to maintain the Kent's tradition of real trees. Therefore, a nine-foot artificial tree stood out in the room.

Fine crystal ornaments adorned the tree mixed with ones of a more jovial nature. Clark had stated that all the white crystal looked unhealthy and cold. Lionel had declared it elegant. Lex had compromised by mixing the fine ornaments with colorful Disney characters' ornaments.

Boxes of all sizes and shapes lay under the tree. Colorful wrapping paper with red and green bows covered the boxes. A complex nativity scene rested on top of a table. Shepherds, sheep and cows, blacksmiths and Mages covered a replica of Bethelem. A shiny comet rested on top of a cave. St. Joseph and the Madonna sat in the cave, with an empty manger waiting to be filled by the baby Jesus.

Clark looked around the room and then leaned toward Lex. "It's perfect," he exclaimed in awe.

"I'm glad you like it." A soft and honest smile graced Lex's face.

"I don't like it, I love it. For someone who doesn't celebrate Christmas, you sure know what to do." Clark's voice was bright and full of joy.

"It comes naturally when I do things for you." They both laughed. "I sound sappy even to my ears. If people would see me around you, I would lose my reputation as a bastard."

"Don't worry. I won't tell anyone that you're really a sweet, loving person. Your secret is safe with me." Lex kissed his lover gently.

"Oh my, they are so cute." Clark rolled his eyes while Lex sighed. They both turned to see Elisabeth arrive.

"I can't believe he really invited her," Clark whispered to Lex, who shrugged.

The new comer attached herself to Lionel's arm, who smiled at her and winked at his son. Lex shook his head, but didn't comment.

The Kent family was the first to arrive. Lex had arranged for two limos to meet them at the airport. Jonathan's younger sister, Minerva, arrived with her husband James, and their three children: Andrew, Thomas and Rachel. Jonathan's nephew, Louis arrived with his sister Carol.

General hugs and greeting were followed by introductions.

"This won't be so bad," Lex confessed. "I was expecting reproductions of your father."

Clark grinned. "*That* will not be your problem. Carol thinks she is an actress. No one else seems to know. Louis is a med student and you'll love to talk science with him. Andrew is in his second year at college, studying physics. Thomas and Rachel are still in high school, but they are pretty bright."

Lex nodded, trying to paste the information he was receiving with the faces. After all, he did this when his secretary recited information before a business meeting.

"What about your mother's family? What are they like?"

Clark's grin got even bigger. "You'll really, really like them, especially grandpa."

Less than minutes later, Martha's family arrived. An elder gentleman with gray hair entered the room and walked straight to Martha, hugging her, then he gave a quick nod toward Jonathan and moved toward Clark.

"Hello, my boy."

"Hi, Grandpa." Clark hugged his grandfather. "Lex, this is my grandfather, Greg Hudson. Grandpa, this is Lex Luthor, my boyfriend," Clark added with a smile.

Lex was suddenly enveloped by surprisingly strong arms. He looked at Clark, who grinned in response to the raised eyebrow.

"Pleasure to meet you, Mr. Hudson," Lex managed to say when he was released.

"The pleasure is all mine, Lex." Greg turned to his grandson. "What a fine catch! I knew you were smarter than my daughters." He scowled at Martha and another redheaded woman.

"Thanks dad," the redhead said.

Greg ignored the woman. "Lex, this is my wife, Rose." An older woman with the same fiery hair and green eyes smiled at Lex and shook his hand.

"That's my daughter, Sarah." Greg pointed at the redhead standing next to Martha. "That beautiful girl with her is my granddaughter Hannah. Fortunately, we don't have to deal with her father." Sarah rolled her eyes at her father's comment.

Lex nodded at the two women before the introductions repeated with Lionel and Elisabeth.

Clark managed to get near his grandfather. "You really like Lex, don't you?"

"Of course, I do. I've lived all my life in Metropolis and I know enough about the Luthors to realize that he is intelligent and rich, and you like him. So I have no reason to dislike him."

"Mom likes dad," Clark pointed out.

"Yes, but your father is stubborn and lives in a barn," Greg declared a little too loudly.

"I don't live in a barn. I live in a farm," Jonathan hissed through his teeth.

Greg dismissed his son-in-law with a wave of his hand. Lex smiled, happy that for once, Jonathan was the one defending himself.

"Told you, you'd like my grandpa," Clark whispered to Lex after moving behind him.

Lex turned around and kissed him, happy and oblivious to anyone. "I really do. You have to invite him more often now that he knows about us."

After a long and lavish dinner, they all returned to the sitting room. The adults sat on the expensive leather couches, while the younger crow sat on the floor, near the fireplace.

Lex looked disconcertedly at the floor. Clark laughed at him and pulled him down, until Lex was practically sitting on Clark's lap.

"What you have there?" Lex asked Hannah. The girl had a book hidden on her lap.

The girl looked at him shyly. "It's the last Harry Potter book."

"Oh my God, I love that book," Rachel exclaimed.

Lex turned to face Clark, his lip curled in amusement. "Must be a family thing. Clark has all seven books, the Care of Mystical Beasts and Quidditch through the Ages books, five DVDs, and has watched the last movie a million times."

"For someone who doesn't like Harry Potter, you know everything there is to know," Clark quipped back.

"How can you not like Harry Potter?" asked Thomas. "It's a wonderful world that Ms. Rowling has created. And Harry is obviously gay."

"Obviously." Lex managed to suppress a chuckle.

"Would you stop tormenting Lex with your idiocy?" Andrew told his brothers. "I'm sure he has better things to do that discuss Harry Potter."

"No, don't worry about it. It's always good to know what kids like. It helps me understand Clark," Lex answered, unable to contain his laughter.

Clark pushed him down on the thick carpet and began tickle him.

"You will pay, Kent," Lex breathed out while laughing.

Lionel saw his son laughing uncontrollably and smiled.

Jonathan caught the unfamiliar gesture from Lionel. "Planning to ruin someone at Christmastime, Luthor?"

"For your information, I was happy that Clark could make Lex act like a child. Lex has never acted childishly in his life." Lionel was not pleased to explain anything to Jonathan, but he was willing to make an effort for Clark and Lex. After all, hurting Kent wouldn't gain Lionel anything.

"I'm sure when he was a teenager…" Martha trailed off, unsure on how to phrase her next words.

"Oh, Lex did some pretty wild things as a teenager, but acting childish is not one of them." Lionel's gaze went back to his son, who was sitting cross-legged on the floor, talking to Clark's cousins.

"What made you choose medicine?" Lex asked Louis.

"I started wanting to do research, but with my rotation at the hospital I've learned that I enjoy dealing with patients more than with microscopes," the med student replies.

"I don't know, Louis. I like the research and the formulas. It's all so precise. People are so unpredictable," Andrew remarked.

"You are so boring. School, work, work, school," Carol told her relatives. "No rooms for the imagination. That's why I love Hollywood. You can do anything."

"Like playing Quidditch while flying on a broomstick." Clark had a dreamy look on his face.

"I'm starting to think that I should be jealous of a fictional character," Lex told him.

"Nah, Clark is just projecting. You know, Harry is the hero with messy black hair and blue eyes," Rachel told Lex.

Clark glared at her before saying, "Harry has green eyes."

"Not in the movie, he doesn't." His cousin stuck her tongue out.

"So who is Lex in Potteverse? Keep in mind that he used to have red hair, worse the mom." Clark was enjoying the discussion. Lex was always so serious. Lex and his father always managed to direct their conversation toward business.

"Let's see. Older, red hair." Rachel was thinking.

"Bill Weasley!" Hannah shouted. "He is older, cool, red hair. He works for a bank and he must make money. We know Harry likes him."

"And at fourteen, she should not know that," Lex remarked.

"Try living with my mom. She keeps telling me that if I don't want to become a single mother, I should know everything about sex. Do you know how squeaky it is to listen to your mom talking about getting off?"

Everyone burst out laughing.

"At least she is talking to you," Clark said. "Mom avoided the subject all together. Dad gave me the 'you're a man and should be careful' speech. Not that I had to worry about getting Lex pregnant."

More laughter ensued.

"It really must be strange reading the Harry Potter books with your mom named Minerva. Every time someone calls her, I think at McGonagall with her bun and tight lips." Everyone stared at Hannah before collapsing on the floor, tears streaming from their eyes.

"If people knew that I'm discussing children book with teenagers, I would be kicked out of med school," Louis remarked.

"You think you would suffer the consequences. I deal with middle age businessmen ready to cut throats for a penny," Lex kept smiling.

"But you're enjoying yourself," Clark murmured low enough so that only Lex could hear. He was rewarded by a rare bright smile from Lex. Clark threw propriety out the window and took his boyfriend into his arms and kissed him to an inch of his life.

When they finally broke the contact, they found five faces staring at them. "What?" Clark blurted out.

"That was so romantic. Like Gone with the Wind, only better, more real." Carol sighed.

"I thought it was borderline pornographic." Louis laughed at Andrew's comment.

"Why don't we open the gifts before you two decide to give us a show." Clark blushed at Lionel's comment and buried his head against Lex's chest.

Clark's embarrassment was short-lived when the youngsters began ransacking through the gifts, looking for their names. Lex sat up and went to sit on the couch. He really wasn't expecting gifts. He and Lionel had stopped when his mother had died.

Clark moved toward him with a box and an envelope in his hand. "It's for you, Lex."

Lex opened the envelope and stared at the card mesmerized. He showed the card to Clark. "Shit!"

"Clark, watch your language."

"Sorry, mom, but this…wow. Lionel, this is…God, this is great."

"Thank you, dad." For the first time in years, Lionel and Lex shared a true hug. Lex had to fight to control his emotions in check. It wouldn't do for a Luthor to cry over a Christmas gift.

"What is it, Clark?" Greg asked curious.

Clark handed the card to his grandfather. "Fuck!"

"Dad!" Martha was shocked.

"Luthor's Corp. is donating a million dollars to promote gay rights. That's really great and tax deductible," Greg commented.

"That too," Lionel said with a wry smile. "Open that box, Clark."

Clark opened the box and took out the pocket watch with a frown.

"That's grandfather's watch." Lex sounded surprised and confused.

"Welcome to the family, Clark." Lionel saw the grin a mere instant before Clark hugged him. Two hugs in under five minutes was a personal record for Lionel. One that would be unlikely to be broken.

More presents were opened. The wrapping paper covered the cool marble of the rooms. Hannah, as the baby of the family, ended up with the largest numbers of presents.

Jonathan scowled when he saw the diamond bracelet Lionel gave Elizabeth. He could support his family for a year on that bracelet alone. Lex's comment that his father bought one each year regardless of the woman served to fuel his anger.

Martha's parents, or her mother more precisely, gave Jonathan a merino wool sweater. Greg had managed to convey his dislike of Jonathan by pointing out that no matter what Jonathan wore, the animals were unlikely to appreciate it.

Lex was happy to watch Clark's cousins go through boxes with pure enthusiasm. He never had that, not when you can buy anything you want. Clark sat next to Lex, his head resting on Lex's shoulder.

"You really care for each other," Minerva told them. It was the first thing she had really said to Lex all night long.

Lex looked at Clark and realized that he was playing with Clark's hair. Clark gave his trademark million watt smile. "Yes, we do. We plan to get married after I graduate, unless Lex gets tired of me."

"Never in a million years. I told you we're destined to be together."

"Jesus, Lex, that's just revolting."

"Thank you, dad. As always, I truly enjoy your comments."

Clark chuckled. "It's pulling your leg, Lex. Don't pay attention to Lionel."

"Oh!" Everyone turned to stare at Martha after her strangled exclamation. "This is…We can't except this. It's too much."

"Of course, you can. Clark and I want you and your husband-" Maybe, Lex didn't really mean the last part, but he was not going to admit it. "-to enjoy yourselves. Besides it's only a week and we'll make arrangement for any work that needs to be done at the farm."

"Yes, but this is a week in the Bahamas, Lex."

"We certainly cannot accept this." Jonathan hoped that it would end all discussion.

"Stop being an ass, Jonathan. If you don't want to take my daughter to the Bahamas, then she should go by herself." Martha glared at her father. After over twenty-five years of marriage, her father and Jonathan could not spend more than a few minutes in each other's company before starting to insult each other. She hoped that things with Jonathan and Lex would not follow the same pattern.

"This is just so thoughtful of the boys, Jon." Jonathan looked into his wife's green eyes and knew that he'd be packing soon. Martha turned to the boys. "Thank you, both of you."

Martha got up and picked up a box. She pulled a chair next to Lex and gave him the present. "I know we could never get you anything that you can't afford yourself. We can't buy you expensive things, but I hope you'll like it."

Lex unwrapped the present to find a frame, not made of silver or other expensive metal. No, it was plastic covered by fabric and shells, the glue still fresh. Obviously, Martha had made it herself. That meant more to Lex than any costly gift.

The picture was another wonderful surprise. It had been taken at a picnic in Smallville a few years back. It was the first time that Lex had been invited at a family meal. "I remember that day."

Martha gave him her motherly smile. "Clark had the photo. We want you to know that you're part of our family too."

And Lex was not going to cry. Not even when he felt feminine arms embrace him and a delicate hand rubbed his head. Not even when he realized that he hadn't felt such comfort since his mother had died. No, tonight was a happy occasion and he was not going to cry.

Clark hugged him as soon as Martha released him. "I love you, Lex, but I still haven't seen what you got me."

Lex had to laugh in spite of everything he was feeling. Clark always knew how to get him out of emotional situations.

Lex thanked all the gods that no more emotional scenes were witnessed. Fortunately, Jonathan did not try to hug him. Lex didn't think that Clark would have appreciated it if he had killed Jonathan.

Lionel didn't go into any more sharing or embraces. Another fact for which Lex was very thankful. He didn't think that his mind could maintain his sanity if he saw his father smile honestly once more.

When all the presents were opened, the marons glaces were eaten, the candles had melted and the eggnog had been consumed, it was time for bed. Clark's family would stay for a few days and they were all staying at the mansion. Lex had pointed out that it was useless to have twenty bedrooms if no one ever used them.

****

Finally alone, in their room, Lex and Clark lay in their bed. Lex curled against Clark's naked body.

"You still owe me a gift," Clark teased. Lex's hand slipped down and rested against his cock. "I get that every day."

"You're an idiot Clark." Lex planted a kiss on his chest. Then, he opened his nightstand drawer, grabbed a sheet of paper and handed it to Clark.

"What's this?" Clark frowned, looking at the paper.

"That, my farmboy, is the way we will have a child. We need to find the right surrogate mother and we have a family."

"Oh Lex, this is… God, this is great." Clark cupped Lex's face. He slowly moved toward Lex's mouth. Lex was smiling at Clark before closing his eyes and giving up all of himself to his lover.

The kiss was slow and tender. Love was the main ingredient. They broke apart, but Clark continued to hold Lex. "This was the best Christmas present, Lex."

"Clark, this was my best Christmas ever and you are the best present everyday. Merry Christmas, love."

"Merry Christmas, Lex."

END