Fic: Miracle in Smallville (Part 4 of 4) by anidawehi & kyrdwyn [Tim/Conner, NC-17 overall]
Title: Miracle in Smallville (Part 4 of 4)
Authors: anidawehi and kyrdwyn
Pairing: Tim Drake/Conner Kent
Rating: NC-17 (PG-13 in this part)
Genre: AU (non-hero)
Summary: A young businessman who has no time for holidays, or love, finds both when trapped in Smallville, Kansas, with a handsome young farmer.
Authors' Notes: Anidawehi was being subjected to Hallmark Christmas Movies. Kyrdwyn said she should write a Tim/Kon story in that fashion in self defense. Anidawehi insisted that Kyrdwyn help her write it. Kyrdwyn was not scared off by this.
Previous Parts: Part 1 | Part 2 | Part 3
Both Jonathan and Martha noticed that Tim's door was open, while Conner's was shut, when they got up early the next morning. Exchanging a glance and two knowing smiles, they headed downstairs. Jonathan went to the barn to handle the cows while Martha put out the Christmas presents and filled the stockings before she started preparations for Christmas dinner. When she saw Jonathan's truck coming back up the road, she went upstairs and knocked on Conner's door. "Merry Christmas, Conner. Breakfast will be ready soon and there are presents waiting." She smiled when she heard a mutter from Conner. "Would you wake Tim up for me, please?" she called into the room, knowing full well Tim was inside, but letting the boys have a way to save face if they wanted it.
"Will do, Ma," Conner finally called back. "Merry Christmas."
"See you downstairs," she said, heading down to greet Jonathan with a kiss as he came in the door. He smiled at her.
"Are the boys up yet?"
"Soon," she said, handing him a mug of coffee. "Help me finish breakfast?"
"Always," he said.
Though Tim didn't regret a second of last night, he did blush brightly when he heard Ma's voice outside the door, and pressed his forehead into Conner's chest until he was sure that she was gone, and then he made a soft, embarrassed noise, murmuring, "Please tell me she doesn't already know that I'm in here."
"I'm not sure I can," Conner admitted, fingers idly stroking Tim's skin. "We probably left your door open, so if she looked in she would see it empty. And she's already been downstairs, so she knows you're not down there. She won't say anything, though."
Sighing in resignation, because he'd figured as much, Tim nodded and lifted his head to give Conner a rueful smile, "Well, it could be much worse."
Conner couldn't but smile back. "She could have opened my door?" he asked.
"We could still be downstairs," Tim answered, wry laughter in his voice.
Groaning, Conner closed his eyes. "Yeah, you're right, that would have been a lot worse." He opened his eyes, smiling, and lifted his head to press a soft kiss to Tim's lips. "Merry Christmas, Tim."
Returning the smile and the kiss, his heart seeming to be too big for his chest, Tim murmured back, "Happy Hanukkah, Conner."
He couldn't help but chuckle at that, while inwardly thinking that maybe Tim was his miracle this holiday season. "We should get up, as much as I'd rather stay here with you."
Humming softly, Tim nodded and kissed Conner again before sliding out of the covers reluctantly, agreeing, "We don't want your grandparents to come looking for us."
Getting up himself, reaching for his jeans, Conner nodded. "Definitely not something we need." He pulled on a Met U sweatshirt and offered another one to Tim.
Smiling wryly as he pulled the shirt on, Tim shook his head, "I'm not going to know what to do with myself when I have clothes that actually fit again."
"I can send you home with a sweatshirt or two if you're that attached," Conner said, only half joking.
"I wouldn't want to deprive you," Tim answered as he pulled on his slacks, telling himself that he was not a teenaged girl and he was not going to steal one of Conner's shirts to keep under his pillow.
"Well, if you change your mind," Conner said with a grin. "I think you know where they are." He pulled on a pair of socks and stood, reaching out to tame a lock of Tim's hair that was sticking up. "Ready for breakfast?"
"I'll be down in a minute," Tim answered, brushing his fingers over Conner's arm as he headed out of the room, stopping by the bathroom to brush his teeth and shave quickly, and grabbed a pair of clean socks from the pack he'd bought and going downstairs to join the Kents in the kitchen.
Conner headed downstairs and hugged his grandparents when he entered the kitchen. "Merry Christmas," he told them.
"Merry Christmas to you, Conner," Pa said. He handed Conner a mug of coffee. "Trying to convince your grandmother that breakfast can wait until after presents," he said with a sparkle in his eyes.
"You try every year," Conner said. "I'm not taking a side."
He poured a second mug of coffee and had it ready for Tim when he came downstairs.
Giving Conner a grateful smile, Tim took the coffee and sipped it with a pleased sigh, "Merry Christmas, Mr and Mrs Kent."
"Ma," Martha reminded him kindly, setting a bowl of biscuits onto the table.
"Merry Christmas to you too, Tim," Pa said. "Or, well, Happy Hanukkah would be more appropriate, wouldn't it?" Pa looked thoughtful.
Shrugging slightly, Tim set aside his coffee to help Ma put breakfast on the table, "The sentiment is the same, thank you."
Conner went to help Ma and Tim, and in no time they'd had breakfast, cleaned up, and were in the living room, Ma and Pa on the couch, Conner and Tim sitting on the floor, handing out presents to open.
Tim was astonished when he was handed a gift, frowning at it in confusion before looking up at the Kents, "How..."
"Everyone should have something to open on Christmas, dear," Ma said with a smile. "Go on," she urged.
Flushing a little, wishing passionately that he'd gotten to get them gifts, Tim self-consciously opened the wrapping paper, neatly prying the tape free and unfolding it. The box held a soft, royal blue sweater and he lifted it out to reveal that it was actually his size, "This is... "
He couldn't finish, his throat closing up on him as he struggled with his deep gratitude and the sudden, fierce desire not to lose contact with these amazing people.
It was a beautiful sweater, Conner thought, and it matched Tim's eyes. Tim looked overwhelmed by the gift, and Conner reached over to put a hand on Tim's knee in support.
Looking over at Conner, and drawing a measure of stability from his touch, Tim swallowed, looked at the Kents and said sincerely, "Thank you. This is one of the kindest things anyone has ever done for me. I wish I could repay you for it."
Ma smiled at Tim, but it was Pa who answered. "No need to repay us, son," he said. 'We're thankful for your company."
Conner nodded in agreement, even as he pulled over his own present for Tim. It wasn't much, and nothing on the scale of Ma's present, but he'd bought part of it that first night in the general store, before getting to know Tim. Fortunately, the second part of the gift was more recent.
Gently setting the sweater aside, Tim opened the gift from Conner, his expression going soft and warm as he lifted out a framed picture of his snowman, and he rested his hand on Conner's lightly for a moment, the uncharacteristic gesture saying a lot about how he felt about the picture and the fact that Conner had given it to him. Placing the frame down next to his sweater, he pulled a red and black t-shirt out of the box and had to laugh. It was one of those cheesy souvenir shirts with 'Smallville, Kansas, Friendliest Place In the US.' written on it.
Shaking his head with an amused smile he said, "Well, I'm not going to be forgetting *this* trip any time soon."
That was so incredibly true that his expression fell a little and he squeezed Conner's hand almost tightly enough to hurt.
Conner squeezed back. He wasn't going to be forgetting Tim's trip, either. Ma reached down and patted Tim's shoulder before getting up to hand a present to Pa. The rest of the present opening went smoothly, and Conner and Tim stayed in the living room to clean up while Ma and Pa went to check on the turkey.
"At least now you've got two shirts that fit," Conner said lightly, smiling at Tim as he carefully folded up the boxes that could be reused for next year.
Brushing his fingers over the soft cloth, Tim nodded and went back to tucking away the reusable wrapping paper and throwing out that which couldn't, "Thank you. None of you had to get me anything."
"We wanted to," Conner said. "You made our holidays better by being here." Glancing at the kitchen, he moved closer to Tim and said softly, "I know they were greatly improved for me by you being here."
Taking the opportunity to lean into Conner's side, Tim smiled sadly, "Mine were too."
Buckling his seatbelt in the truck, Tim swallowed against the sick feeling in his stomach, his eyes on the farmhouse. The last two days had seemed to fly by after he found out when he had to be home, a blur of hurried kisses and home cooked meals, and the desperate desire to push away knowledge of the deadline.
Conner started the engine, not looking at Tim just yet. Ma and Pa stood on the porch of the farmhouse, waving at Tim. They'd said their goodbyes inside. Ma had said something about all of them taking Tim to the airfield, but Conner had shaken his head. He wanted, maybe selfishly, these last few minutes alone with Tim.
Tim gave a farewell wave back as they pulled out, and didn't move again for the first part of the drive. When he did shift to look at Conner, it was a bit of a shock, and he said quietly, not wanting strained silence to be their last memories of one another, "I gave Mrs. Kent my contact information, including my private line. I hope... You can call any time, my assistant will put you through to me if he can."
Glancing over at Tim, Conner could see this goodbye wasn't easy on either of them. "Thanks," he said warmly. "I'll remember that. You want my cell phone number, just in case? I don't always have it with me, but I do check for messages every day."
Relaxing a little, Tim returned his smile and nodded, "Just in case." He wasn't sure whether it would be a good idea to call Conner or not, this was supposed to be a holiday fling only, and the last thing he wanted to do was intrude further on Conner's life.
Still... it was a comfort to know that it was an option.
Watching as Tim put Conner's number into his cell phone, Conner was glad to know that Tim would be able to call him, if he wanted. Yes, this was a holiday fling, but, well, if Tim were going to come back to Smallville, it would be nice to see him again.
About ten minutes from the airfield, Conner pulled the truck over to the side of the road and put it in park, looking at Tim. He reached out to trace a finger down Tim's cheek. "I'm glad you came to stay with us, Tim," he said warmly, hoping his eyes and voice would convey what his words couldn't. That he was glad of Tim's presence in his life, even for this short time.
Catching Conner's hand, Tim squeezed it tightly, "So am I. I wish..." He paused and shook his head, because there was no point to wishing for something that wouldn't happen.
"Yeah, me too," Conner said, leaning in to kiss Tim. He didn't want to do this at the airfield, didn't want Tim to have to worry about strangers and what they might think of him. But damn it, he wanted these last kisses.
Closing his eyes, Tim leaned into the kiss, curling a hand tightly in Conner's coat, never wanting to let go. A very small part of him rebelled at this, demanded to know why he couldn't just stay and look out for his own interests first for once, but giving in to that voice just wasn't in his nature.
He told himself he wouldn't ask Tim to stay, as him to choose between Conner and his family and life back in Gotham. It wasn't fair to Tim, so no matter how much he wanted to ask, he didn't. He just kept kissing Tim, putting in everything he felt about the man, even in such a short time, into the kiss.
Pulling back eventually, thumb stroking Tim's cheek, Conner sighed. "I know we can't linger, but I didn't want... didn't want you to think..." he trailed off, unsure of what he wanted to say. Didn't want Tim to think Conner wouldn't miss him? Didn't want Tim to go? Didn't want strangers to see this goodbye? All of the above?
Tilting his head into Conner's hand, Tim closed his eyes for a moment before looking up at Conner, his heart in his eyes, "I don't."
Knowing his own heart was in his eyes as he looked back at Tim, he refrained from saying the words that might make it harder for Tim to go, or for Conner to let Tim go. Instead he kissed Tim again, softly, before pulling back. "We should go," he said reluctantly.
Taking a deep breath and letting it out slowly, Tim nodded and sat back as well, "We should. I can't miss my flight."
The rest of the short drive was silent, and at the security point, Tim paused to look back at Conner, unable to bring himself to say goodbye.
Conner forced himself to smile at Tim. "Have a good flight," he said, rather lamely he thought.
Tim's smile was just as forced, and he nodded once before making himself turn around and walk away.
Conner watched until Tim was through security and out of sight before heading back to his truck. He took the longest way home possible, not wanting to face Ma and Pa until he was sure he had himself under control.
Bernard wasn't sure what to make of his boss when he saw Tim coming toward him in the airport. On one hand, Tim looked better rested and fed than Bernard had seen him in a very long time, but on the other, he also seemed depressed. Not that anyone but Bernard and Tam would have been able to tell, of course, but there was a slump in his shoulders and a lack of his usual decisive movements that spoke of emotional distress. Joining him, Bernard gave him a genuine smile and took his briefcase, "Hey boss. Glad to have you back. How was Surrealville?"
Tightening his grip on the bag that held the gifts he'd gotten from the Kents, Tim answered softly, "Perfect. It was perfect."
There was enough to do when he finally got back to Gotham that Tim was able to work himself into exhaustion so complete that he slept even without the feeling of Conner's arms around him, but waking up still hurt. Pushing himself to maintain his usual schedule through the morning carried him to work, and once there he buckled down to prepare for the meeting with his parents. He kept Bernard running constantly, and worked twice as hard himself, wanting to make sure that his parents got the best information that they could. In fact he pushed so hard that by the time everyone else was leaving to get lunch, Bernard had given up trying to get trying to get him to take a break and eat something, and called in the big guns.
Twenty minutes later there was a tap on the door and Tim answered absently, "Bernard, did you find the proposed contract for the Anderson site?"
"He's still looking."
The unexpected voice made Tim look up and he smiled, "Tam. What are you doing here?"
"What, a girl can't stop by her fiancee's office to thank him for her Christmas present?" Tam asked teasingly, walking in and setting down take-out bags before perching on the corner of his desk, "Thanks Tim... I can't believe you gave me a tour of the museums of Europe, but there's no *way* I'm turning it down."
"Good, because I expect you to take Bernard with you," Tim answered wryly, sitting back in his chair and rubbing a hand over his face tiredly.
"I guess I can keep him out of your hair for you, but I expect these hotels you've booked to have breakfast bars," She said primly, then leaned over to poke him in the shoulder, "So here's how it's going to go ninja-boy, we're going to eat bad Chinese food and you're going to tell me all about this trip of yours and why you're trying to work yourself into an ulcer, and then you're going to go home and get some sleep."
For a moment he just looked at her, but he knew the futility of resisting, so he opened the bags and passed her the sweet and sour chicken and started talking.
Half an hour later she gave him a look that was both deeply sympathetic and extremely annoyed, "So you're in love with this guy and you're just going to let him go because... why?"
Tim gave her a startled look and shook his head, "I'm not in love with Conner."
Snorting, Tam shook her head and pointed a fortune cookie at him, "Please, tell it to someone who doesn't know you like I do, Timothy Jackson Drake. You're so in love you've practically got little cartoon hearts floating around your head. Now I know you love your parents and I know you think that means that you've got to live your life the way they want you to, but that doesn't mean you can't have what you want too."
She had no idea what it was that she'd said that brought that look to his eyes, but when Tim suddenly leaned forward intently, she smiled, because she knew things were about to get interesting.
"Here are your notes... Is there anything else you need?"
Tim shook his head, glancing through the paperwork quickly to confirm that he had everything he wanted, "No, I think we're done, thank you Bernard."
"Good, because your parents are on their way," Pausing, Bernard gave Tim a smile and took advantage of the fact that no one else was there to clap Tim on the shoulder, "Good luck."
Nodding firmly, Tim watched his parents step off of the elevator and start toward him, and felt his determination solidify, he could do this, and he *would*.
Two hours later he returned to his office and Bernard and Tam, who had heard what was going on and couldn't wait to hear what happened, immediately started grinning. That light of triumph and determination in his eyes could only mean that Tim had gotten his way, which was confirmed a moment when he said, "They accepted the proposition. Bernard, I need the relevant contact information, and a meeting set up with the team as soon as possible. We have a lot of work to do. Tam, I need you to help me pick up a few things..."
Exchanging glances, Tam and Bernard smiled and nodded, chorusing, "Of course!"
The next few days were filled with long nights, working meals, and frantic activity, but to Tim they couldn't pass fast enough, and he was just finishing up the last of the necessary emails when Bernard opened the door to his office to say, "Tim, we've got to leave *now* if we're going to make it in time."
Nodding, Tim grabbed his bags and joined him, spending the entire drive to the airport going over their plan. When Bernard dropped him off he paused and frowned, "Did I get you the contact information?"
Bernard grinned and shook his head, "No, but don't worry, I've already got it. Have a good trip boss, and good luck."
There wasn't time to find out what that meant, so Tim just nodded and shut the car door, "Thanks. I'll let you know what happens."
Conner thought it was strange that he'd lived in the farmhouse for more than a decade, and it had never seemed so... empty before. Like it was missing something, some warm presence whose absence left Conner chilled and lonely, even when eating dinner with Ma and Pa, or with his blankets pulled up as far as they could go at night in his bed.
He missed Tim. Missed seeing him across the dinner table, missed riding with Tim to the barn to take care of the cows.
His bed was too big now, where before it had been just barely big enough for his size, and very cozy with two people in it. Odd how three nights with one person could change so much.
"Dude, you're moping," Bart said, pausing the video game they were playing.
"I am not," Conner said, glancing at him. He heard a noise from the kitchen that sounded like Pa trying to hold in a laugh.
"Just call him. Say hi or something, or just make sure he got back to Gotham okay."
"I'm pretty sure we would have heard something on the news if he hadn't," Conner replied, un-pausing the game and going back to trying to kick Bart's ass. "Besides, I don't want him thinking I'm calling just to find out if they chose Smallville for the plant."
"Seriously, Conner, I doubt he's going to think that. He'll probably be happy to hear from you, if he's as mopey as you are."
Conner bit his lip. He hadn't said anything to Bart about falling for Tim, but Bart, as he usually did, had Conner figured out just by seeing them at the Christmas Eve service. "It was just a holiday fling, Bart." One that had ended three days ago, when Tim had to go back to Gotham.
"So? Extend the holidays! Martin Luther King Day, Valentine's Day, President's Day, Easter, Memorial Day, Flag Day--"
Laughing, Conner paused the game and leaned over to put a hand over Bart's mouth to stop the holiday recitation. "Okay, okay, Bart, I get it."
Bart pushed away Conner's hand. "So why don't you call him?"
"What good would it do?" Conner asked. "He's got a life and a business in Gotham, I've got a life and the farm here in Smallville. At best we would see each other a few times a year. At worst, only a Christmas. I can't do that Bart. I watched my parents go through that with Dad's job taking him away and Mom dealing with only seeing him every so often."
"Gotham U has a good business program, transfer there. There are plenty of people around who'd be willing to work for Ma and Pa on the farm," Bart said matter of factly. "And before you say you can't just up and move to Gotham, that's why you need to *call* him. Because then you'll *know* if it's worth it."
"I'll think about it," Conner finally said. "After the new year. I've already paid for my current class at Met U, hard to transfer now. And I couldn't leave Ma and Pa on such short notice."
"I'm going to nag you until you do, even after I go back to school," Bart said.
"I know you will," Conner said with a grin. "That's why you're my best friend."
"And don't you forget it," Bart replied, before they went back to the video game.
That night, after dinner had been cleared away and they were in the living room, Ma put a hand on Conner's shoulder as Pa picked out a movie to watch. "Conner, you know Pa and I want you to be happy. And if moving to Gotham to be with Tim would make you happy, we'll do all we can to help."
"I can't leave you two in the lurch like that, Ma," Conner protested.
"Nonsense," Pa said. "Bart was right, there are a lot of people around here willing to work on the farm for us, and Clark has always said he'd be willing to help us get some more help."
"Pa and I would never try to keep you here if your heart was somewhere else, Conner. And I know it is, isn't it?"
He couldn't lie to Ma, not about something like this. "Yeah, it is."
Ma pulled him into a hug. "Then call him, and if he loves you, then you go from there, make it work. Don't ever pass up love, Conner."
Hugging her back, Conner nodded. "I won't," he said, feeling lighter now that Ma and Pa had given their blessing. It might not work out, he might move to Gotham and they might not stay together, but at least he would have tried.
Tim hadn't given himself time to think about whether or not this was a good idea, but now that he was here... Shaking his head at himself, he unbuckled his seatbelt and stepped out of his rented car; he'd come too far to back down now. Grabbing his bags he headed up now-familiar steps and took a deep breath before knocking.
After dinner out at Sally Rae's, the one night a year they always ate out as a family, Conner and his grandparents had gone back to the farm. Conner usually would have stayed in town for the celebrations, but he didn't feel like it this year. Now, engrossed in a game of Trivial Pursuit, none of them were expecting the knock on their front door. Krypto started barking, bounding into the hall. Conner got up from the table. "I'll get it."
He headed to the door and opened it, then stood there, shocked, when he saw the man on the other side.
Looking up at him, Tim offered a smile that was half giddy with relief at seeing Conner again, and half filled with nervousness, "I hope I'm not intruding..."
"No!" Conner exclaimed. "No, not at all! Come in!" he stepped back, hand on Krypto's collar to keep him from jumping on Tim. He shut the door and looked at Tim, taking in the jeans (that fit) and the royal blue sweater Ma had made him, along with the winter coat. Tim looked wonderful. "I missed you," Conner found himself blurting out, but refused to let himself blush. It was the truth.
Tim had to laugh, and set down his bags and meeting Conner's eyes, "I missed you too."
He couldn't help it. Conner reached out, pulling Tim to him and into a kiss that made him feel like he hadn't kissed Tim in months, instead of just days.
Incredibly relieved, Tim wrapped his arms around Conner and returned the kiss passionately, grateful that Conner still wanted him.
Oh, god, this was real, Conner thought, feeling Tim's arms around him. He pulled Tim closer, not wanting to let Tim go. He broke off the kiss when he heard Pa call from the kitchen, "Conner? Who's at the door, son?"
Conner grinned down at Tim. He nodded toward the kitchen and asked conspiratorially, softly, "Want to surprise them?"
Smiling back, Tim murmured as he picked up one of his bags, "That was part of the idea."
Conner took Tim's hand and led him to the kitchen. "We have a guest for New Year's Eve," he said, stepping aside to reveal Tim.
Ma gave a cry of surprise as her hands flew to her mouth, knitting dropping to her lap. "Tim!" she exclaimed.
Pa was grinning broadly as he got up, coming over to pat Tim on the shoulder and pull him into the room, and into a hug. "This is a surprise," he said, "but a very welcome on. Come on in, sit down. Can I get you some coffee?" he asked, stepping back so Ma could hug Tim.
Used to the hugs by now, Tim returned them and had to clear his throat softly before he answered Pa, "That would be wonderful, thank you. I'm sorry to interrupt the game, but I wanted to bring you your late Christmas gifts."
"You didn't have to bring us gifts," Ma scolded gently as she pushed Tim towards his chair at the table. "And you are welcome to interrupt our games at any time," she added with a glance at Conner, who hadn't stopped smiling since seeing Tim at the front door.
"You can join in on my team," Pa said as he brought over Tim's coffee.
Taking the coffee, Tim smiled and sipped it, "I don't think my help can save you from your wife Mr. Kent. And I didn't have to, but I wanted to."
Setting down his coffee to open his bag he pulled out a package, handing it to Pa, then offered another, much smaller, one to Ma.
"Can't blame a man for trying," Pa said as he sat back down at the table. He took the large package from Tim, but turned to watch Ma open hers. Conner sat back at the table and watched as well, curious about what Tim had gotten for her.
Ma unwrapped the package then opened the box, her mouth opening, then closing, as she looked inside. When she looked up at Tim, there were tears glistening in her eyes. "Oh, Tim, it's beautiful," she said.
Blushing a little, Tim reached over to grasp her hand gently, "I don't know if I believe in spiritual angels, but I do believe in you, and you were my guardian angel. I don't know what I would have done if you hadn't insisted I stay here, but I know I would have missed more than I could possibly have understood."
Ma swallowed, clearly trying not to cry. She squeezed Tim's hand. "I think we all would have missed out on something special without you here," she said, then held the box out to him. "Help me put it on?"
"Of course," Tim agreed, carefully lifting the necklace out of the box. The chain was beautiful, but sturdy enough to be worn daily, even on a working farm, and hanging from it was a simple, elegant, golden angel with silver wings. Standing he moved so he could drape it around Ma's neck, he latched the clasp before sitting down again.
Conner smiled at the necklace. He suspected that Ma would rarely be seen without it. Ma grabbed Tim's hand before he could sit down and kissed it. "Thank you, Tim," she said softly. Then she cleared her throat and looked at Pa. "What did Tim get you?"
Pa had been smiling as he watched his wife and Tim, but now he turned his attention back to the package in front of him. He unwrapped it and lifted the lid, then started laughing. "Trying to tell me mine isn't warm enough?" he asked Tim with a smile as he opened the box all the way to reveal a new heavy winter coat.
"There's a spot in the left elbow that's nearly rubbed through," Tim answered, smiling, "I thought you could use one that's a little warmer and tougher, especially if city boys with nowhere to stay are going to be borrowing it."
Chuckling, Pa pulled the jacket out of the box and held it up. It was a good brand, Conner noted, one known for warmth and durability. And, of course, Pa's size, but then again, Tim would definitely know that after wearing Pa's while he was here. "Well, it looks like you brought your own this time, though I'm sure I won't mind letting you borrow this one," Pa said.
"I learned my lesson," Tim agreed, then took a breath to ease his nerves and handed the last box to Conner.
Conner took the box with a small smile, thrilled that Tim was here. That was the best late Christmas present he could get, he thought as he opened the box. He moved aside the tissue paper and stopped, staring at the ornament inside. A snowman holding a ribbon that said "Our First Christmas", and in the bottom part of the snowman was a picture of Conner and Tim on Christmas morning, smiling at the camera. Ma had taken the picture, Conner recalled, and e-mailed it to Tim.
He looked up at Tim, knowing his eyes reflected his hopes. "First?" he asked. It implied many more, something Conner wanted, but didn't think they would have. Not until now.
"It hasn't been announced yet, but Smallville is getting the plant. It's going to be the headquarters of Drake Industries' green products division and since I've been instrumental to its development I was able to convince my parents to let me run it and the plant..." Tim took a breath and smiled hopefully, "I'm moving to Smallville permanently."
Conner stared at Tim, barely believing his own ears. "That's wonderful, Tim!" Pa said.
"It will be so nice to have you here, won't it, Conner?" Ma asked, looking over at him.
Conner smiled at Tim, reaching across the table to take Tim's hand in his, squeezing it. "It will be perfect," he said, smiling. "And now I don't have to worry about transferring to Gotham U," he added with a larger grin.
Giving him a startled look, Tim squeezed Conner's hand back, "You were going to come to Gotham?"
Conner blushed. "Well, I was going to call you and see if, well, it would be worth it, but yeah, I was going to come to Gotham."
Meeting Conner's eyes, Tim said softly, "It would have been."
Exchanging a look with Pa, Ma murmured an excuse for them to leave, and Tim honestly barely noticed when they were gone.
Conner knew Ma and Pa had left the room but he couldn't pull his eyes away from Tim. "I'm really glad you came back, though." He got up, still holding onto Tim's hand as he rounded the table, knowing it was a little awkward for them, but finally he was standing in front of Tim, tugging him up and into his arms. "I forgot to tell you something before you left."
Going into Conner's arms more than willingly, Tim looked up at him, "And what was that?"
Looking into Tim's blue eyes, Conner said seriously, "I love you, Tim."
For a moment Tim couldn't breathe, then he managed to pull in a breath, smile, and answer just as honestly, "I love you too."
Conner felt something click inside him, hearing Tim say those words, like something he didn't know had been missing was found. He kissed Tim, and knowing Tim felt the same way made the kiss taste like a miracle.
Authors: anidawehi and kyrdwyn
Pairing: Tim Drake/Conner Kent
Rating: NC-17 (PG-13 in this part)
Genre: AU (non-hero)
Summary: A young businessman who has no time for holidays, or love, finds both when trapped in Smallville, Kansas, with a handsome young farmer.
Authors' Notes: Anidawehi was being subjected to Hallmark Christmas Movies. Kyrdwyn said she should write a Tim/Kon story in that fashion in self defense. Anidawehi insisted that Kyrdwyn help her write it. Kyrdwyn was not scared off by this.
Previous Parts: Part 1 | Part 2 | Part 3
Both Jonathan and Martha noticed that Tim's door was open, while Conner's was shut, when they got up early the next morning. Exchanging a glance and two knowing smiles, they headed downstairs. Jonathan went to the barn to handle the cows while Martha put out the Christmas presents and filled the stockings before she started preparations for Christmas dinner. When she saw Jonathan's truck coming back up the road, she went upstairs and knocked on Conner's door. "Merry Christmas, Conner. Breakfast will be ready soon and there are presents waiting." She smiled when she heard a mutter from Conner. "Would you wake Tim up for me, please?" she called into the room, knowing full well Tim was inside, but letting the boys have a way to save face if they wanted it.
"Will do, Ma," Conner finally called back. "Merry Christmas."
"See you downstairs," she said, heading down to greet Jonathan with a kiss as he came in the door. He smiled at her.
"Are the boys up yet?"
"Soon," she said, handing him a mug of coffee. "Help me finish breakfast?"
"Always," he said.
Though Tim didn't regret a second of last night, he did blush brightly when he heard Ma's voice outside the door, and pressed his forehead into Conner's chest until he was sure that she was gone, and then he made a soft, embarrassed noise, murmuring, "Please tell me she doesn't already know that I'm in here."
"I'm not sure I can," Conner admitted, fingers idly stroking Tim's skin. "We probably left your door open, so if she looked in she would see it empty. And she's already been downstairs, so she knows you're not down there. She won't say anything, though."
Sighing in resignation, because he'd figured as much, Tim nodded and lifted his head to give Conner a rueful smile, "Well, it could be much worse."
Conner couldn't but smile back. "She could have opened my door?" he asked.
"We could still be downstairs," Tim answered, wry laughter in his voice.
Groaning, Conner closed his eyes. "Yeah, you're right, that would have been a lot worse." He opened his eyes, smiling, and lifted his head to press a soft kiss to Tim's lips. "Merry Christmas, Tim."
Returning the smile and the kiss, his heart seeming to be too big for his chest, Tim murmured back, "Happy Hanukkah, Conner."
He couldn't help but chuckle at that, while inwardly thinking that maybe Tim was his miracle this holiday season. "We should get up, as much as I'd rather stay here with you."
Humming softly, Tim nodded and kissed Conner again before sliding out of the covers reluctantly, agreeing, "We don't want your grandparents to come looking for us."
Getting up himself, reaching for his jeans, Conner nodded. "Definitely not something we need." He pulled on a Met U sweatshirt and offered another one to Tim.
Smiling wryly as he pulled the shirt on, Tim shook his head, "I'm not going to know what to do with myself when I have clothes that actually fit again."
"I can send you home with a sweatshirt or two if you're that attached," Conner said, only half joking.
"I wouldn't want to deprive you," Tim answered as he pulled on his slacks, telling himself that he was not a teenaged girl and he was not going to steal one of Conner's shirts to keep under his pillow.
"Well, if you change your mind," Conner said with a grin. "I think you know where they are." He pulled on a pair of socks and stood, reaching out to tame a lock of Tim's hair that was sticking up. "Ready for breakfast?"
"I'll be down in a minute," Tim answered, brushing his fingers over Conner's arm as he headed out of the room, stopping by the bathroom to brush his teeth and shave quickly, and grabbed a pair of clean socks from the pack he'd bought and going downstairs to join the Kents in the kitchen.
Conner headed downstairs and hugged his grandparents when he entered the kitchen. "Merry Christmas," he told them.
"Merry Christmas to you, Conner," Pa said. He handed Conner a mug of coffee. "Trying to convince your grandmother that breakfast can wait until after presents," he said with a sparkle in his eyes.
"You try every year," Conner said. "I'm not taking a side."
He poured a second mug of coffee and had it ready for Tim when he came downstairs.
Giving Conner a grateful smile, Tim took the coffee and sipped it with a pleased sigh, "Merry Christmas, Mr and Mrs Kent."
"Ma," Martha reminded him kindly, setting a bowl of biscuits onto the table.
"Merry Christmas to you too, Tim," Pa said. "Or, well, Happy Hanukkah would be more appropriate, wouldn't it?" Pa looked thoughtful.
Shrugging slightly, Tim set aside his coffee to help Ma put breakfast on the table, "The sentiment is the same, thank you."
Conner went to help Ma and Tim, and in no time they'd had breakfast, cleaned up, and were in the living room, Ma and Pa on the couch, Conner and Tim sitting on the floor, handing out presents to open.
Tim was astonished when he was handed a gift, frowning at it in confusion before looking up at the Kents, "How..."
"Everyone should have something to open on Christmas, dear," Ma said with a smile. "Go on," she urged.
Flushing a little, wishing passionately that he'd gotten to get them gifts, Tim self-consciously opened the wrapping paper, neatly prying the tape free and unfolding it. The box held a soft, royal blue sweater and he lifted it out to reveal that it was actually his size, "This is... "
He couldn't finish, his throat closing up on him as he struggled with his deep gratitude and the sudden, fierce desire not to lose contact with these amazing people.
It was a beautiful sweater, Conner thought, and it matched Tim's eyes. Tim looked overwhelmed by the gift, and Conner reached over to put a hand on Tim's knee in support.
Looking over at Conner, and drawing a measure of stability from his touch, Tim swallowed, looked at the Kents and said sincerely, "Thank you. This is one of the kindest things anyone has ever done for me. I wish I could repay you for it."
Ma smiled at Tim, but it was Pa who answered. "No need to repay us, son," he said. 'We're thankful for your company."
Conner nodded in agreement, even as he pulled over his own present for Tim. It wasn't much, and nothing on the scale of Ma's present, but he'd bought part of it that first night in the general store, before getting to know Tim. Fortunately, the second part of the gift was more recent.
Gently setting the sweater aside, Tim opened the gift from Conner, his expression going soft and warm as he lifted out a framed picture of his snowman, and he rested his hand on Conner's lightly for a moment, the uncharacteristic gesture saying a lot about how he felt about the picture and the fact that Conner had given it to him. Placing the frame down next to his sweater, he pulled a red and black t-shirt out of the box and had to laugh. It was one of those cheesy souvenir shirts with 'Smallville, Kansas, Friendliest Place In the US.' written on it.
Shaking his head with an amused smile he said, "Well, I'm not going to be forgetting *this* trip any time soon."
That was so incredibly true that his expression fell a little and he squeezed Conner's hand almost tightly enough to hurt.
Conner squeezed back. He wasn't going to be forgetting Tim's trip, either. Ma reached down and patted Tim's shoulder before getting up to hand a present to Pa. The rest of the present opening went smoothly, and Conner and Tim stayed in the living room to clean up while Ma and Pa went to check on the turkey.
"At least now you've got two shirts that fit," Conner said lightly, smiling at Tim as he carefully folded up the boxes that could be reused for next year.
Brushing his fingers over the soft cloth, Tim nodded and went back to tucking away the reusable wrapping paper and throwing out that which couldn't, "Thank you. None of you had to get me anything."
"We wanted to," Conner said. "You made our holidays better by being here." Glancing at the kitchen, he moved closer to Tim and said softly, "I know they were greatly improved for me by you being here."
Taking the opportunity to lean into Conner's side, Tim smiled sadly, "Mine were too."
Buckling his seatbelt in the truck, Tim swallowed against the sick feeling in his stomach, his eyes on the farmhouse. The last two days had seemed to fly by after he found out when he had to be home, a blur of hurried kisses and home cooked meals, and the desperate desire to push away knowledge of the deadline.
Conner started the engine, not looking at Tim just yet. Ma and Pa stood on the porch of the farmhouse, waving at Tim. They'd said their goodbyes inside. Ma had said something about all of them taking Tim to the airfield, but Conner had shaken his head. He wanted, maybe selfishly, these last few minutes alone with Tim.
Tim gave a farewell wave back as they pulled out, and didn't move again for the first part of the drive. When he did shift to look at Conner, it was a bit of a shock, and he said quietly, not wanting strained silence to be their last memories of one another, "I gave Mrs. Kent my contact information, including my private line. I hope... You can call any time, my assistant will put you through to me if he can."
Glancing over at Tim, Conner could see this goodbye wasn't easy on either of them. "Thanks," he said warmly. "I'll remember that. You want my cell phone number, just in case? I don't always have it with me, but I do check for messages every day."
Relaxing a little, Tim returned his smile and nodded, "Just in case." He wasn't sure whether it would be a good idea to call Conner or not, this was supposed to be a holiday fling only, and the last thing he wanted to do was intrude further on Conner's life.
Still... it was a comfort to know that it was an option.
Watching as Tim put Conner's number into his cell phone, Conner was glad to know that Tim would be able to call him, if he wanted. Yes, this was a holiday fling, but, well, if Tim were going to come back to Smallville, it would be nice to see him again.
About ten minutes from the airfield, Conner pulled the truck over to the side of the road and put it in park, looking at Tim. He reached out to trace a finger down Tim's cheek. "I'm glad you came to stay with us, Tim," he said warmly, hoping his eyes and voice would convey what his words couldn't. That he was glad of Tim's presence in his life, even for this short time.
Catching Conner's hand, Tim squeezed it tightly, "So am I. I wish..." He paused and shook his head, because there was no point to wishing for something that wouldn't happen.
"Yeah, me too," Conner said, leaning in to kiss Tim. He didn't want to do this at the airfield, didn't want Tim to have to worry about strangers and what they might think of him. But damn it, he wanted these last kisses.
Closing his eyes, Tim leaned into the kiss, curling a hand tightly in Conner's coat, never wanting to let go. A very small part of him rebelled at this, demanded to know why he couldn't just stay and look out for his own interests first for once, but giving in to that voice just wasn't in his nature.
He told himself he wouldn't ask Tim to stay, as him to choose between Conner and his family and life back in Gotham. It wasn't fair to Tim, so no matter how much he wanted to ask, he didn't. He just kept kissing Tim, putting in everything he felt about the man, even in such a short time, into the kiss.
Pulling back eventually, thumb stroking Tim's cheek, Conner sighed. "I know we can't linger, but I didn't want... didn't want you to think..." he trailed off, unsure of what he wanted to say. Didn't want Tim to think Conner wouldn't miss him? Didn't want Tim to go? Didn't want strangers to see this goodbye? All of the above?
Tilting his head into Conner's hand, Tim closed his eyes for a moment before looking up at Conner, his heart in his eyes, "I don't."
Knowing his own heart was in his eyes as he looked back at Tim, he refrained from saying the words that might make it harder for Tim to go, or for Conner to let Tim go. Instead he kissed Tim again, softly, before pulling back. "We should go," he said reluctantly.
Taking a deep breath and letting it out slowly, Tim nodded and sat back as well, "We should. I can't miss my flight."
The rest of the short drive was silent, and at the security point, Tim paused to look back at Conner, unable to bring himself to say goodbye.
Conner forced himself to smile at Tim. "Have a good flight," he said, rather lamely he thought.
Tim's smile was just as forced, and he nodded once before making himself turn around and walk away.
Conner watched until Tim was through security and out of sight before heading back to his truck. He took the longest way home possible, not wanting to face Ma and Pa until he was sure he had himself under control.
Bernard wasn't sure what to make of his boss when he saw Tim coming toward him in the airport. On one hand, Tim looked better rested and fed than Bernard had seen him in a very long time, but on the other, he also seemed depressed. Not that anyone but Bernard and Tam would have been able to tell, of course, but there was a slump in his shoulders and a lack of his usual decisive movements that spoke of emotional distress. Joining him, Bernard gave him a genuine smile and took his briefcase, "Hey boss. Glad to have you back. How was Surrealville?"
Tightening his grip on the bag that held the gifts he'd gotten from the Kents, Tim answered softly, "Perfect. It was perfect."
There was enough to do when he finally got back to Gotham that Tim was able to work himself into exhaustion so complete that he slept even without the feeling of Conner's arms around him, but waking up still hurt. Pushing himself to maintain his usual schedule through the morning carried him to work, and once there he buckled down to prepare for the meeting with his parents. He kept Bernard running constantly, and worked twice as hard himself, wanting to make sure that his parents got the best information that they could. In fact he pushed so hard that by the time everyone else was leaving to get lunch, Bernard had given up trying to get trying to get him to take a break and eat something, and called in the big guns.
Twenty minutes later there was a tap on the door and Tim answered absently, "Bernard, did you find the proposed contract for the Anderson site?"
"He's still looking."
The unexpected voice made Tim look up and he smiled, "Tam. What are you doing here?"
"What, a girl can't stop by her fiancee's office to thank him for her Christmas present?" Tam asked teasingly, walking in and setting down take-out bags before perching on the corner of his desk, "Thanks Tim... I can't believe you gave me a tour of the museums of Europe, but there's no *way* I'm turning it down."
"Good, because I expect you to take Bernard with you," Tim answered wryly, sitting back in his chair and rubbing a hand over his face tiredly.
"I guess I can keep him out of your hair for you, but I expect these hotels you've booked to have breakfast bars," She said primly, then leaned over to poke him in the shoulder, "So here's how it's going to go ninja-boy, we're going to eat bad Chinese food and you're going to tell me all about this trip of yours and why you're trying to work yourself into an ulcer, and then you're going to go home and get some sleep."
For a moment he just looked at her, but he knew the futility of resisting, so he opened the bags and passed her the sweet and sour chicken and started talking.
Half an hour later she gave him a look that was both deeply sympathetic and extremely annoyed, "So you're in love with this guy and you're just going to let him go because... why?"
Tim gave her a startled look and shook his head, "I'm not in love with Conner."
Snorting, Tam shook her head and pointed a fortune cookie at him, "Please, tell it to someone who doesn't know you like I do, Timothy Jackson Drake. You're so in love you've practically got little cartoon hearts floating around your head. Now I know you love your parents and I know you think that means that you've got to live your life the way they want you to, but that doesn't mean you can't have what you want too."
She had no idea what it was that she'd said that brought that look to his eyes, but when Tim suddenly leaned forward intently, she smiled, because she knew things were about to get interesting.
"Here are your notes... Is there anything else you need?"
Tim shook his head, glancing through the paperwork quickly to confirm that he had everything he wanted, "No, I think we're done, thank you Bernard."
"Good, because your parents are on their way," Pausing, Bernard gave Tim a smile and took advantage of the fact that no one else was there to clap Tim on the shoulder, "Good luck."
Nodding firmly, Tim watched his parents step off of the elevator and start toward him, and felt his determination solidify, he could do this, and he *would*.
Two hours later he returned to his office and Bernard and Tam, who had heard what was going on and couldn't wait to hear what happened, immediately started grinning. That light of triumph and determination in his eyes could only mean that Tim had gotten his way, which was confirmed a moment when he said, "They accepted the proposition. Bernard, I need the relevant contact information, and a meeting set up with the team as soon as possible. We have a lot of work to do. Tam, I need you to help me pick up a few things..."
Exchanging glances, Tam and Bernard smiled and nodded, chorusing, "Of course!"
The next few days were filled with long nights, working meals, and frantic activity, but to Tim they couldn't pass fast enough, and he was just finishing up the last of the necessary emails when Bernard opened the door to his office to say, "Tim, we've got to leave *now* if we're going to make it in time."
Nodding, Tim grabbed his bags and joined him, spending the entire drive to the airport going over their plan. When Bernard dropped him off he paused and frowned, "Did I get you the contact information?"
Bernard grinned and shook his head, "No, but don't worry, I've already got it. Have a good trip boss, and good luck."
There wasn't time to find out what that meant, so Tim just nodded and shut the car door, "Thanks. I'll let you know what happens."
Conner thought it was strange that he'd lived in the farmhouse for more than a decade, and it had never seemed so... empty before. Like it was missing something, some warm presence whose absence left Conner chilled and lonely, even when eating dinner with Ma and Pa, or with his blankets pulled up as far as they could go at night in his bed.
He missed Tim. Missed seeing him across the dinner table, missed riding with Tim to the barn to take care of the cows.
His bed was too big now, where before it had been just barely big enough for his size, and very cozy with two people in it. Odd how three nights with one person could change so much.
"Dude, you're moping," Bart said, pausing the video game they were playing.
"I am not," Conner said, glancing at him. He heard a noise from the kitchen that sounded like Pa trying to hold in a laugh.
"Just call him. Say hi or something, or just make sure he got back to Gotham okay."
"I'm pretty sure we would have heard something on the news if he hadn't," Conner replied, un-pausing the game and going back to trying to kick Bart's ass. "Besides, I don't want him thinking I'm calling just to find out if they chose Smallville for the plant."
"Seriously, Conner, I doubt he's going to think that. He'll probably be happy to hear from you, if he's as mopey as you are."
Conner bit his lip. He hadn't said anything to Bart about falling for Tim, but Bart, as he usually did, had Conner figured out just by seeing them at the Christmas Eve service. "It was just a holiday fling, Bart." One that had ended three days ago, when Tim had to go back to Gotham.
"So? Extend the holidays! Martin Luther King Day, Valentine's Day, President's Day, Easter, Memorial Day, Flag Day--"
Laughing, Conner paused the game and leaned over to put a hand over Bart's mouth to stop the holiday recitation. "Okay, okay, Bart, I get it."
Bart pushed away Conner's hand. "So why don't you call him?"
"What good would it do?" Conner asked. "He's got a life and a business in Gotham, I've got a life and the farm here in Smallville. At best we would see each other a few times a year. At worst, only a Christmas. I can't do that Bart. I watched my parents go through that with Dad's job taking him away and Mom dealing with only seeing him every so often."
"Gotham U has a good business program, transfer there. There are plenty of people around who'd be willing to work for Ma and Pa on the farm," Bart said matter of factly. "And before you say you can't just up and move to Gotham, that's why you need to *call* him. Because then you'll *know* if it's worth it."
"I'll think about it," Conner finally said. "After the new year. I've already paid for my current class at Met U, hard to transfer now. And I couldn't leave Ma and Pa on such short notice."
"I'm going to nag you until you do, even after I go back to school," Bart said.
"I know you will," Conner said with a grin. "That's why you're my best friend."
"And don't you forget it," Bart replied, before they went back to the video game.
That night, after dinner had been cleared away and they were in the living room, Ma put a hand on Conner's shoulder as Pa picked out a movie to watch. "Conner, you know Pa and I want you to be happy. And if moving to Gotham to be with Tim would make you happy, we'll do all we can to help."
"I can't leave you two in the lurch like that, Ma," Conner protested.
"Nonsense," Pa said. "Bart was right, there are a lot of people around here willing to work on the farm for us, and Clark has always said he'd be willing to help us get some more help."
"Pa and I would never try to keep you here if your heart was somewhere else, Conner. And I know it is, isn't it?"
He couldn't lie to Ma, not about something like this. "Yeah, it is."
Ma pulled him into a hug. "Then call him, and if he loves you, then you go from there, make it work. Don't ever pass up love, Conner."
Hugging her back, Conner nodded. "I won't," he said, feeling lighter now that Ma and Pa had given their blessing. It might not work out, he might move to Gotham and they might not stay together, but at least he would have tried.
Tim hadn't given himself time to think about whether or not this was a good idea, but now that he was here... Shaking his head at himself, he unbuckled his seatbelt and stepped out of his rented car; he'd come too far to back down now. Grabbing his bags he headed up now-familiar steps and took a deep breath before knocking.
After dinner out at Sally Rae's, the one night a year they always ate out as a family, Conner and his grandparents had gone back to the farm. Conner usually would have stayed in town for the celebrations, but he didn't feel like it this year. Now, engrossed in a game of Trivial Pursuit, none of them were expecting the knock on their front door. Krypto started barking, bounding into the hall. Conner got up from the table. "I'll get it."
He headed to the door and opened it, then stood there, shocked, when he saw the man on the other side.
Looking up at him, Tim offered a smile that was half giddy with relief at seeing Conner again, and half filled with nervousness, "I hope I'm not intruding..."
"No!" Conner exclaimed. "No, not at all! Come in!" he stepped back, hand on Krypto's collar to keep him from jumping on Tim. He shut the door and looked at Tim, taking in the jeans (that fit) and the royal blue sweater Ma had made him, along with the winter coat. Tim looked wonderful. "I missed you," Conner found himself blurting out, but refused to let himself blush. It was the truth.
Tim had to laugh, and set down his bags and meeting Conner's eyes, "I missed you too."
He couldn't help it. Conner reached out, pulling Tim to him and into a kiss that made him feel like he hadn't kissed Tim in months, instead of just days.
Incredibly relieved, Tim wrapped his arms around Conner and returned the kiss passionately, grateful that Conner still wanted him.
Oh, god, this was real, Conner thought, feeling Tim's arms around him. He pulled Tim closer, not wanting to let Tim go. He broke off the kiss when he heard Pa call from the kitchen, "Conner? Who's at the door, son?"
Conner grinned down at Tim. He nodded toward the kitchen and asked conspiratorially, softly, "Want to surprise them?"
Smiling back, Tim murmured as he picked up one of his bags, "That was part of the idea."
Conner took Tim's hand and led him to the kitchen. "We have a guest for New Year's Eve," he said, stepping aside to reveal Tim.
Ma gave a cry of surprise as her hands flew to her mouth, knitting dropping to her lap. "Tim!" she exclaimed.
Pa was grinning broadly as he got up, coming over to pat Tim on the shoulder and pull him into the room, and into a hug. "This is a surprise," he said, "but a very welcome on. Come on in, sit down. Can I get you some coffee?" he asked, stepping back so Ma could hug Tim.
Used to the hugs by now, Tim returned them and had to clear his throat softly before he answered Pa, "That would be wonderful, thank you. I'm sorry to interrupt the game, but I wanted to bring you your late Christmas gifts."
"You didn't have to bring us gifts," Ma scolded gently as she pushed Tim towards his chair at the table. "And you are welcome to interrupt our games at any time," she added with a glance at Conner, who hadn't stopped smiling since seeing Tim at the front door.
"You can join in on my team," Pa said as he brought over Tim's coffee.
Taking the coffee, Tim smiled and sipped it, "I don't think my help can save you from your wife Mr. Kent. And I didn't have to, but I wanted to."
Setting down his coffee to open his bag he pulled out a package, handing it to Pa, then offered another, much smaller, one to Ma.
"Can't blame a man for trying," Pa said as he sat back down at the table. He took the large package from Tim, but turned to watch Ma open hers. Conner sat back at the table and watched as well, curious about what Tim had gotten for her.
Ma unwrapped the package then opened the box, her mouth opening, then closing, as she looked inside. When she looked up at Tim, there were tears glistening in her eyes. "Oh, Tim, it's beautiful," she said.
Blushing a little, Tim reached over to grasp her hand gently, "I don't know if I believe in spiritual angels, but I do believe in you, and you were my guardian angel. I don't know what I would have done if you hadn't insisted I stay here, but I know I would have missed more than I could possibly have understood."
Ma swallowed, clearly trying not to cry. She squeezed Tim's hand. "I think we all would have missed out on something special without you here," she said, then held the box out to him. "Help me put it on?"
"Of course," Tim agreed, carefully lifting the necklace out of the box. The chain was beautiful, but sturdy enough to be worn daily, even on a working farm, and hanging from it was a simple, elegant, golden angel with silver wings. Standing he moved so he could drape it around Ma's neck, he latched the clasp before sitting down again.
Conner smiled at the necklace. He suspected that Ma would rarely be seen without it. Ma grabbed Tim's hand before he could sit down and kissed it. "Thank you, Tim," she said softly. Then she cleared her throat and looked at Pa. "What did Tim get you?"
Pa had been smiling as he watched his wife and Tim, but now he turned his attention back to the package in front of him. He unwrapped it and lifted the lid, then started laughing. "Trying to tell me mine isn't warm enough?" he asked Tim with a smile as he opened the box all the way to reveal a new heavy winter coat.
"There's a spot in the left elbow that's nearly rubbed through," Tim answered, smiling, "I thought you could use one that's a little warmer and tougher, especially if city boys with nowhere to stay are going to be borrowing it."
Chuckling, Pa pulled the jacket out of the box and held it up. It was a good brand, Conner noted, one known for warmth and durability. And, of course, Pa's size, but then again, Tim would definitely know that after wearing Pa's while he was here. "Well, it looks like you brought your own this time, though I'm sure I won't mind letting you borrow this one," Pa said.
"I learned my lesson," Tim agreed, then took a breath to ease his nerves and handed the last box to Conner.
Conner took the box with a small smile, thrilled that Tim was here. That was the best late Christmas present he could get, he thought as he opened the box. He moved aside the tissue paper and stopped, staring at the ornament inside. A snowman holding a ribbon that said "Our First Christmas", and in the bottom part of the snowman was a picture of Conner and Tim on Christmas morning, smiling at the camera. Ma had taken the picture, Conner recalled, and e-mailed it to Tim.
He looked up at Tim, knowing his eyes reflected his hopes. "First?" he asked. It implied many more, something Conner wanted, but didn't think they would have. Not until now.
"It hasn't been announced yet, but Smallville is getting the plant. It's going to be the headquarters of Drake Industries' green products division and since I've been instrumental to its development I was able to convince my parents to let me run it and the plant..." Tim took a breath and smiled hopefully, "I'm moving to Smallville permanently."
Conner stared at Tim, barely believing his own ears. "That's wonderful, Tim!" Pa said.
"It will be so nice to have you here, won't it, Conner?" Ma asked, looking over at him.
Conner smiled at Tim, reaching across the table to take Tim's hand in his, squeezing it. "It will be perfect," he said, smiling. "And now I don't have to worry about transferring to Gotham U," he added with a larger grin.
Giving him a startled look, Tim squeezed Conner's hand back, "You were going to come to Gotham?"
Conner blushed. "Well, I was going to call you and see if, well, it would be worth it, but yeah, I was going to come to Gotham."
Meeting Conner's eyes, Tim said softly, "It would have been."
Exchanging a look with Pa, Ma murmured an excuse for them to leave, and Tim honestly barely noticed when they were gone.
Conner knew Ma and Pa had left the room but he couldn't pull his eyes away from Tim. "I'm really glad you came back, though." He got up, still holding onto Tim's hand as he rounded the table, knowing it was a little awkward for them, but finally he was standing in front of Tim, tugging him up and into his arms. "I forgot to tell you something before you left."
Going into Conner's arms more than willingly, Tim looked up at him, "And what was that?"
Looking into Tim's blue eyes, Conner said seriously, "I love you, Tim."
For a moment Tim couldn't breathe, then he managed to pull in a breath, smile, and answer just as honestly, "I love you too."
Conner felt something click inside him, hearing Tim say those words, like something he didn't know had been missing was found. He kissed Tim, and knowing Tim felt the same way made the kiss taste like a miracle.