Gift for Fruitbat00: Best Christmas Ever
Title: Best Christmas Ever
From: To Be Revealed! ladyoneill
For: fruitbat00
Type: Fic, 2228 word count
Rating: PG-13
Warnings: a bit of nudity and intimation of sex
Request: Clark tries to give Lex a perfect Christmas but it doesn't go according to
plan. And it doesn't help when Lex wont cooperate...
Summary: The rift is over and it's their first Christmas together only, for Lex, Christmas just doesn't mean anything. Clark finds this completely unacceptable.
Best Christmas Ever
It's their first Christmas since everything came to a head and all the secrets were revealed. They'd fought and yelled and spent the whole summer hating each other until, finally, they'd both seen the light and found each other.
Through the fall they'd tenatively moved from friends to lovers. Clark remained living on the farm and Lex in his mansion, but, by Halloween, most nights were spent together in Lex' big bed. Clark had gone back to college and Lex had gone back to completely legitimate business enterprises and they were happy.
So, for their first Christmas, Clark was determined to make it perfect.
Except...
"Christmas? Not especially a joyous time for the Luther family. I think my favorite memory was the first year at boarding school when dad forgot to get me and I spent the day with the cook and her family."
Clark shot him a horrified look and Lex smiled fondly and shook his head.
"It's okay, Clark. There were a few years we spent Christmas in the Swiss Alps and I usually got very expensive gifts from my father, whether we were together or not, but after my mom died, Christmas just never meant much to me. Dad was busy; by the time I was an adult, I was busy. I haven't actually celebrated in years."
"There's a tree over there and stockings and garlands and stuff," Clark pointed out and pointed to the various objects decorating the living room.
"Well, sure, the staff puts all that out. It's pretty and festive, but there's never any presents under that tree." At Clark's obvious shock, Lex quickly added, "But, I'll get you something, of course. Maybe you could come over sometime after dinner with your parents to open them."
"Um, yeah, sure, of course." Clark hadn't really given much thought to Christmas Day. The traditional Kent family opening of the presents followed by a big breakfast and then a bigger dinner late in the afternoon was just a constant in his life. "You don't have any plans with Lionel?"
"No. I doubt he'll even remember it's Christmas. I usually get a card and a check a few days after." He snorted slightly. "I can tell if he thinks I've been good or bad by the number of zeroes."
"You can come spend the day at the farm," Clark said impulsively.
Lex' smile was indulgent and a bit wistful. "Clark, your parents haven't really accepted us as a couple. It's a bit early to have me over for holidays. Now, what do you want for Christmas?" Lex changed the subject.
"For you to be happy."
Walking over to the disturbed young man and wrapping his arms around him, Lex smiled up at him in delight. "Oh, I'm very happy." One hand cupped the back of Clark's head to draw him into a heated kiss. "Let's go upstairs and I'll show you how happy."
The feigned, overdone breathiness in Lex' voice broke Clark's serious mood and made him laugh. It was a matter of seconds for them to both be in Lex' bedroom and naked.
"At least you don't make love at the speed of light."
"You taught me that taking some things slowly is for the best."
Lex gave him a look. "You have the build for the cover model of a romance novel but please stop talking like that."
Clark smirked and Lex chuckled and they fell onto the bed in each others arms, kissing hungrily.
... ... ...
Clark wasn't going to give up on his goal, though, even if Lex did tend to distract him with kissing and other fun things when Clark mentioned Christmas. He did finally admit that he could use a new watch, just hoping that Lex didn't take that to mean a Rolex, but he had no clue what to get Lex, the man who had everything but happy Christmases and a father who loved him.
The latter was pretty much out of his hands, but he was determined to fix the former.
"I dunno, take over the world for him or something?"
Clark glared at Chloe who shrugged unapologetically. "I'm a suspicious reporter. It's not in my nature to believe the villain has turned over a new leaf."
"Lex is not a villain," Clark hissed under his breath as they were in line at the Talon and there were always interested, eavesdropping parties around since he'd started dating a Luthor.
"Yeah, if you say so."
"Come on, help me here. You're my best friend. I have no idea what to get him for Christmas."
After putting in their orders and dragging Clark over to a table to wait for them to be fixed, Chloe sighed. "Okay, how about you get him something that you can't buy, because he can buy everything."
Clark thought for several minutes--Chloe snagged their coffees and returned while he was still thinking--then he slumped in his chair, shaking his head. "I have no idea. I mean, I could plow his fields or dig up a new ore for him or find oil beneath some oceanic trench, but that's all so impersonal. I want him to have a great Christmas, the perfect Christmas."
"Then keep thinking. You have eight days."
"I'd give him my dad's approval if I could," Clark suggested a bit sadly and Chloe softened.
"He'll come around. Your mom has."
"Mom always had a softer spot for Lex."
"At least they didn't nearly have a stroke like Lionel when he found out Lex wouldn't be giving him any heirs the old fashioned way." Suddenly she leaned forward, suspicion lighting her eyes as she lowered her voice. "You can't do that, right? I mean, Kryptonian males can't..."
Clark looked both scandalized and bit green as he clapped one hand to his flat stomach, which made Chloe giggle into her latte.
... ... ...
Four days before Christmas, still out of ideas, still facing Lex' obstinate refusal to come to the farm, Clark found a few elegantly wrapped packages beneath Lex' perfect tree. He thought they looked lonely.
"Hey, Clark. How was your last final?"
"Hard, but your tutoring in economic theory helped. I'm never going to be a numbers guy, though." They hugged and kissed briefly, then wandered into the dining room together to find dinner being laid out for them--only three courses on a work night. They used the cozy table in the window alcove instead of the formal table, and rustic placemats over linens, but the food was still excellent gourmet cuisine. Clark was afraid he was going to get fat because he always cleaned his plate and couldn't figure out how Lex could stop at small portions.
When he finally asked, the answer soured his mood.
"I was a chubby toddler, apparently. Dad had me on a strict diet for most of my life. I still eat the best foods. I just don't indulge. Well, not in food." He sipped a very expensive Cabernet while Clark, still underage, drank a Coke. "I can't wait to introduce you to wine and Scotch and the best of the liqueurs."
"You know your dad's wrong, right? There's not an inch of fat on you. I should know."
Lex shrugged. "I just don't have a big appetite." A leer crossed his face and he reached out one foot to brush it up the inside of Clark's calf. "At least not for food."
Clark turned bright red and nearly choked on his last piece of his seventh slice of pork tenderloin in lime reduction sauce. Forcing it down with a swig of carbonated beverage, he swallowed heavily and fiddled his fork in his au gratin potatoes. "Um...so, back to Christmas. Are you sure..."
"Clark, I'm not intruding on your traditions with your family. Maybe in a year or two, but we've been together barely three months and we're not even living together. It's okay. I'm perfectly fine staying here until you come over that evening. I have plenty of work to do."
"You're not working on Christmas!" Clark protested.
"Okay, I'll read, watch a movie or something. It's just not a special day for me, Clark, I'm sorry."
"No, don't apologize. You have the right to feel that way, it just...do you understand how sad that makes me feel?"
Reaching over, Lex took Clark's hand and squeezed it gently. "I love that you feel that way, Clark. I love that you have your traditions and that you've always had a loving family to share them with. I can't wish for something I had only when I was so young I barely remember."
Sadly, Clark nodded and let Lex change the subject again to New Year's, a holiday he did celebrate and had plans for them both to do so in Metropolis' best night clubs and a penthouse suite at the Ritz.
... ... ...
On the morning of Christmas Eve, still without a physical present for Lex, Clark awoke to an epiphany of sorts. After morning chores and over a hearty breakfast, he talked to his parents.
It was a long talk, but Clark had remembered a bit of his conversation with Chloe--not the male pregnancy bit, thank you very much--and was determined.
That evening, they left earlier than normal for Christmas Eve church services and swung by the manor. If Lex was surprised to see them, decked in their holiday best, he didn't show it, just ushered them into the living room.
"Your decorations are lovely, Lex," Martha broke the silence as she looked around the room.
"Thank you, Mrs. Kent, though I had nothing to do with them." As he spoke, he watched her wander over to the tree and crouch down to read the tag on one of the packages.
"I think you had something to do with these," she said softly, rising and turning to face him. "You've had a lot to do with the happiness we see in Clark. Not just happiness, but contentment and peace. He's not afraid any more because of you."
Lex felt himself flushing under her maternal smile. "It's...my pleasure." The snort from behind him surprised him and he half-turned to see Mr. Kent smirking, then a hard enough hand clapped onto his shoulder.
"My wife is better at this than me, Lex. I'm not good with words and too hot tempered, but she's right. You make our son happy and, well, he's not been very happy this past week because he can't figure out what to give you for Christmas."
"Dad," Clark protested, blushing as much as Lex.
"So, he asked us and we all agreed. We want you to come with us to church tonight and then home for our traditional eggnog and Martha's Christmas cookies and caroling by the fire. You bring your gifts for Clark with you because you're staying the night. You don't want to miss Clark's face when he's opening presents. Still a little kid at heart."
Martha joined her husband, slipping her arm through the crook of his, an indulgent smile on her face. "Jonathan, you're not so bad at words, you know. And, Lex, you are very welcome to join us for Christmas."
Lex was stunned, but found himself nodding. "Let me just put on a tie and coat and get a few things. It'll just be a minute and, thank you, thank you both." He hurried from the room and Martha went back to the tree to tuck the packages into her bag.
Clark smiled at both of them, a very relieved and happy smile. "Thank you for making this a Christmas I hope Lex won't forget. I just wanted him to have a happy one."
"I think it will be, Clark. How can't it be? He'll be with you. It'll be your best Christmas ever," his mom said with a hug.
"Might even beat that one where you got your first bicycle," Jonathan grumbled good-naturedly, not quite willing to accept that Lex being there for Christmas would be the best ever.
Laughing in joy, Clark hugged his dad, and it was that embrace Lex saw as he returned with a small overnight bag in his hand and his suit jacket slung over one shoulder. Martha went to him and embraced him, whispering, "Clark thinks he's giving you the best Christmas present, but you're giving him the same back, Lex."
"You really want me to join you?" Lex asked softly, his eyes on Clark's happy face as he talked with his dad.
"It's not just to make Clark happy. Christmas is a time of renewal. We all need to start our relationship with each other anew. Clark loves you. We accept that--Jonathan's a bit more surly about it, but he does accept. But, we need to get to know you all over again. How better than at Christmas, as a family?"
Lex nearly choked as emotions lodged firmly in his throat, but he gave her a watery smile and let her lead him over to the male Kents. Jonathan took Martha's hand and Lex's bag, and they headed for the front door. Clark reached for Lex' hand and smiled at him.
"So...do you like your present?"
"I love it. I love you."
There just happened to be mistletoe over the archway into the living room and Lex pulled them over to it to kiss his lover enthusiastically.
END
From: To Be Revealed! ladyoneill
For: fruitbat00
Type: Fic, 2228 word count
Rating: PG-13
Warnings: a bit of nudity and intimation of sex
Request: Clark tries to give Lex a perfect Christmas but it doesn't go according to
plan. And it doesn't help when Lex wont cooperate...
Summary: The rift is over and it's their first Christmas together only, for Lex, Christmas just doesn't mean anything. Clark finds this completely unacceptable.
Best Christmas Ever
It's their first Christmas since everything came to a head and all the secrets were revealed. They'd fought and yelled and spent the whole summer hating each other until, finally, they'd both seen the light and found each other.
Through the fall they'd tenatively moved from friends to lovers. Clark remained living on the farm and Lex in his mansion, but, by Halloween, most nights were spent together in Lex' big bed. Clark had gone back to college and Lex had gone back to completely legitimate business enterprises and they were happy.
So, for their first Christmas, Clark was determined to make it perfect.
Except...
"Christmas? Not especially a joyous time for the Luther family. I think my favorite memory was the first year at boarding school when dad forgot to get me and I spent the day with the cook and her family."
Clark shot him a horrified look and Lex smiled fondly and shook his head.
"It's okay, Clark. There were a few years we spent Christmas in the Swiss Alps and I usually got very expensive gifts from my father, whether we were together or not, but after my mom died, Christmas just never meant much to me. Dad was busy; by the time I was an adult, I was busy. I haven't actually celebrated in years."
"There's a tree over there and stockings and garlands and stuff," Clark pointed out and pointed to the various objects decorating the living room.
"Well, sure, the staff puts all that out. It's pretty and festive, but there's never any presents under that tree." At Clark's obvious shock, Lex quickly added, "But, I'll get you something, of course. Maybe you could come over sometime after dinner with your parents to open them."
"Um, yeah, sure, of course." Clark hadn't really given much thought to Christmas Day. The traditional Kent family opening of the presents followed by a big breakfast and then a bigger dinner late in the afternoon was just a constant in his life. "You don't have any plans with Lionel?"
"No. I doubt he'll even remember it's Christmas. I usually get a card and a check a few days after." He snorted slightly. "I can tell if he thinks I've been good or bad by the number of zeroes."
"You can come spend the day at the farm," Clark said impulsively.
Lex' smile was indulgent and a bit wistful. "Clark, your parents haven't really accepted us as a couple. It's a bit early to have me over for holidays. Now, what do you want for Christmas?" Lex changed the subject.
"For you to be happy."
Walking over to the disturbed young man and wrapping his arms around him, Lex smiled up at him in delight. "Oh, I'm very happy." One hand cupped the back of Clark's head to draw him into a heated kiss. "Let's go upstairs and I'll show you how happy."
The feigned, overdone breathiness in Lex' voice broke Clark's serious mood and made him laugh. It was a matter of seconds for them to both be in Lex' bedroom and naked.
"At least you don't make love at the speed of light."
"You taught me that taking some things slowly is for the best."
Lex gave him a look. "You have the build for the cover model of a romance novel but please stop talking like that."
Clark smirked and Lex chuckled and they fell onto the bed in each others arms, kissing hungrily.
... ... ...
Clark wasn't going to give up on his goal, though, even if Lex did tend to distract him with kissing and other fun things when Clark mentioned Christmas. He did finally admit that he could use a new watch, just hoping that Lex didn't take that to mean a Rolex, but he had no clue what to get Lex, the man who had everything but happy Christmases and a father who loved him.
The latter was pretty much out of his hands, but he was determined to fix the former.
"I dunno, take over the world for him or something?"
Clark glared at Chloe who shrugged unapologetically. "I'm a suspicious reporter. It's not in my nature to believe the villain has turned over a new leaf."
"Lex is not a villain," Clark hissed under his breath as they were in line at the Talon and there were always interested, eavesdropping parties around since he'd started dating a Luthor.
"Yeah, if you say so."
"Come on, help me here. You're my best friend. I have no idea what to get him for Christmas."
After putting in their orders and dragging Clark over to a table to wait for them to be fixed, Chloe sighed. "Okay, how about you get him something that you can't buy, because he can buy everything."
Clark thought for several minutes--Chloe snagged their coffees and returned while he was still thinking--then he slumped in his chair, shaking his head. "I have no idea. I mean, I could plow his fields or dig up a new ore for him or find oil beneath some oceanic trench, but that's all so impersonal. I want him to have a great Christmas, the perfect Christmas."
"Then keep thinking. You have eight days."
"I'd give him my dad's approval if I could," Clark suggested a bit sadly and Chloe softened.
"He'll come around. Your mom has."
"Mom always had a softer spot for Lex."
"At least they didn't nearly have a stroke like Lionel when he found out Lex wouldn't be giving him any heirs the old fashioned way." Suddenly she leaned forward, suspicion lighting her eyes as she lowered her voice. "You can't do that, right? I mean, Kryptonian males can't..."
Clark looked both scandalized and bit green as he clapped one hand to his flat stomach, which made Chloe giggle into her latte.
... ... ...
Four days before Christmas, still out of ideas, still facing Lex' obstinate refusal to come to the farm, Clark found a few elegantly wrapped packages beneath Lex' perfect tree. He thought they looked lonely.
"Hey, Clark. How was your last final?"
"Hard, but your tutoring in economic theory helped. I'm never going to be a numbers guy, though." They hugged and kissed briefly, then wandered into the dining room together to find dinner being laid out for them--only three courses on a work night. They used the cozy table in the window alcove instead of the formal table, and rustic placemats over linens, but the food was still excellent gourmet cuisine. Clark was afraid he was going to get fat because he always cleaned his plate and couldn't figure out how Lex could stop at small portions.
When he finally asked, the answer soured his mood.
"I was a chubby toddler, apparently. Dad had me on a strict diet for most of my life. I still eat the best foods. I just don't indulge. Well, not in food." He sipped a very expensive Cabernet while Clark, still underage, drank a Coke. "I can't wait to introduce you to wine and Scotch and the best of the liqueurs."
"You know your dad's wrong, right? There's not an inch of fat on you. I should know."
Lex shrugged. "I just don't have a big appetite." A leer crossed his face and he reached out one foot to brush it up the inside of Clark's calf. "At least not for food."
Clark turned bright red and nearly choked on his last piece of his seventh slice of pork tenderloin in lime reduction sauce. Forcing it down with a swig of carbonated beverage, he swallowed heavily and fiddled his fork in his au gratin potatoes. "Um...so, back to Christmas. Are you sure..."
"Clark, I'm not intruding on your traditions with your family. Maybe in a year or two, but we've been together barely three months and we're not even living together. It's okay. I'm perfectly fine staying here until you come over that evening. I have plenty of work to do."
"You're not working on Christmas!" Clark protested.
"Okay, I'll read, watch a movie or something. It's just not a special day for me, Clark, I'm sorry."
"No, don't apologize. You have the right to feel that way, it just...do you understand how sad that makes me feel?"
Reaching over, Lex took Clark's hand and squeezed it gently. "I love that you feel that way, Clark. I love that you have your traditions and that you've always had a loving family to share them with. I can't wish for something I had only when I was so young I barely remember."
Sadly, Clark nodded and let Lex change the subject again to New Year's, a holiday he did celebrate and had plans for them both to do so in Metropolis' best night clubs and a penthouse suite at the Ritz.
... ... ...
On the morning of Christmas Eve, still without a physical present for Lex, Clark awoke to an epiphany of sorts. After morning chores and over a hearty breakfast, he talked to his parents.
It was a long talk, but Clark had remembered a bit of his conversation with Chloe--not the male pregnancy bit, thank you very much--and was determined.
That evening, they left earlier than normal for Christmas Eve church services and swung by the manor. If Lex was surprised to see them, decked in their holiday best, he didn't show it, just ushered them into the living room.
"Your decorations are lovely, Lex," Martha broke the silence as she looked around the room.
"Thank you, Mrs. Kent, though I had nothing to do with them." As he spoke, he watched her wander over to the tree and crouch down to read the tag on one of the packages.
"I think you had something to do with these," she said softly, rising and turning to face him. "You've had a lot to do with the happiness we see in Clark. Not just happiness, but contentment and peace. He's not afraid any more because of you."
Lex felt himself flushing under her maternal smile. "It's...my pleasure." The snort from behind him surprised him and he half-turned to see Mr. Kent smirking, then a hard enough hand clapped onto his shoulder.
"My wife is better at this than me, Lex. I'm not good with words and too hot tempered, but she's right. You make our son happy and, well, he's not been very happy this past week because he can't figure out what to give you for Christmas."
"Dad," Clark protested, blushing as much as Lex.
"So, he asked us and we all agreed. We want you to come with us to church tonight and then home for our traditional eggnog and Martha's Christmas cookies and caroling by the fire. You bring your gifts for Clark with you because you're staying the night. You don't want to miss Clark's face when he's opening presents. Still a little kid at heart."
Martha joined her husband, slipping her arm through the crook of his, an indulgent smile on her face. "Jonathan, you're not so bad at words, you know. And, Lex, you are very welcome to join us for Christmas."
Lex was stunned, but found himself nodding. "Let me just put on a tie and coat and get a few things. It'll just be a minute and, thank you, thank you both." He hurried from the room and Martha went back to the tree to tuck the packages into her bag.
Clark smiled at both of them, a very relieved and happy smile. "Thank you for making this a Christmas I hope Lex won't forget. I just wanted him to have a happy one."
"I think it will be, Clark. How can't it be? He'll be with you. It'll be your best Christmas ever," his mom said with a hug.
"Might even beat that one where you got your first bicycle," Jonathan grumbled good-naturedly, not quite willing to accept that Lex being there for Christmas would be the best ever.
Laughing in joy, Clark hugged his dad, and it was that embrace Lex saw as he returned with a small overnight bag in his hand and his suit jacket slung over one shoulder. Martha went to him and embraced him, whispering, "Clark thinks he's giving you the best Christmas present, but you're giving him the same back, Lex."
"You really want me to join you?" Lex asked softly, his eyes on Clark's happy face as he talked with his dad.
"It's not just to make Clark happy. Christmas is a time of renewal. We all need to start our relationship with each other anew. Clark loves you. We accept that--Jonathan's a bit more surly about it, but he does accept. But, we need to get to know you all over again. How better than at Christmas, as a family?"
Lex nearly choked as emotions lodged firmly in his throat, but he gave her a watery smile and let her lead him over to the male Kents. Jonathan took Martha's hand and Lex's bag, and they headed for the front door. Clark reached for Lex' hand and smiled at him.
"So...do you like your present?"
"I love it. I love you."
There just happened to be mistletoe over the archway into the living room and Lex pulled them over to it to kiss his lover enthusiastically.
END