Dated to December 31st/January 1st

[capable_of]

Earlier in the evening, once he'd been sure Anatoly was set at the party, Lex had left the party again to collect the chess set from Jack's hut. He'd taken it to a secluded spot near Anatoly's yurt and set it up on a convenient stump, before returning to the party. A light snow had fallen since then, but Lex wasn't worried. It would add to the atmosphere.

After they'd put on their outerwear, Lex had retaken Anatoly hand and led them through the snow, answering all inquiries to where they were going with just a happy, but sly smile. Everything was going perfectly.

When they arrived in the small clearing of trees, Lex stopped and moved behind Anatoly, gesturing for him to enter first. The sight was ever more perfect then Lex could have planned. The moon shone directly through the trees onto the stump and the light dusting of snow made the pieces sparkle in the moonlight, especially the pearls set into the crowns of the kings and queens. "Merry Christmas." Lex whispered into Anatoly's ear softly, watching the man's reaction.

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[capable-of.livejournal.com]

Of course, two months could be considered rushing, but Lex had been careful and made sure all the signs were there. In fact, Anatoly had given Lex more signs in two months then Helen had in eight.

Lex smiled and let a bit of his inner romantic out. "You did. Your still here."

[chesspolitik]

"I'm not going anywhere," Anatoly promised. He grinned and winked. "Not until you and I have christened this board properly, at least. I will even be generous and allow you to pick which side you'd like."

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Lex laughed and gave him one more kiss before reluctantly pulling away and bending down to pick up a box that had been hidden by the shadow of the moon. He opened it to show padded slots for the pieces. "Let's take it someplace a bit warmer. Of course, if I get sick, I could come live with you again." He teased lightly as he began putting the pieces away.

[chesspolitik]

Anatoly had just been about to suggest the very same thing. "I think that would be a good idea," he agreed as he helped Lex with the pieces. "You don't have to get sick just to stay with me," he added lightly. "I could even be convinced to fetch you a cup of tea and soup a time or two."

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"If you let me stay...perhaps I could even be convinced to do the fetching every once in a while." Lex couldn't help himself. The safest he'd ever felt in his life had been in Anatoly's yurt. He'd do anything for the feeling again.

[chesspolitik]

"You're welcome to stay, whether you do the fetching or not." Anatoly reached out to touch Lex's cheek lightly. "For as long or short as you want."

For all that he liked his solitude, he had truly enjoyed sharing his space with Lex. He hadn't realized how much he missed having someone else around, and he'd been lonely once Lex had finally felt well enough to leave.

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Lex gave him a long look, his hand fiddling with a pawn he'd picked up. "You might never be rid of me." He said honestly, with a small smile to cover as a tease. "But at least no one will be able to call you a hermit anymore."

Once he put the last piece away and carefully shut the lid, he turned and cupped Anatoly's cheeks again and kissed him. "I don't think I can get enough of that...now that I finally can."

[chesspolitik]

"I think I could live with that," Anatoly teased. "To sacrifice my solitude in return for not being known as a hermit. There are worse things I can think of."

Kissing Lex was a new-found pleasure, and he delighted in it as much as Lex seemed to. "I almost think I could forget about chess if you keep kissing me."

Grinning, he kissed Lex again, then slung an arm around his waist. "Let's get inside before both of us get sick."

[capable-of.livejournal.com]

Lex grinned an almost shark like smile as he picked up the box with the pieces in both hands, motioning for Anatoly to take the board in his free hand. "You should know better then to issue a challenge like that to me." Of course he kissed him to prove his point.

Then he leaned over and whispered softly in Anatoly's ear. "And just think of all the fun we could have getting me out of this uniform..."

[chesspolitik]

Anatoly laughed ruefully after the kiss. He should know better indeed, but at least they were bound to get a certain enjoyment out of that challenge.

He picked up the chess board and tucked it carefully underneath his arm. As Lex whispered to him, he couldn't help but flush, and only managed to keep the board from falling through sheer luck.

"Is that a challenge for me?" He smiled with just a hint of suggestiveness. "Are you sure you want to challenge me?"

[capable-of.livejournal.com]

"Of course." Lex said with his same shark like smile. "A Luthor is always up for a challenge, and I always liked a man who could keep up." He kissed him once before heading off into the falling snow, not bothering to look behind him. He knew Anatoly would catch up.

[chesspolitik]

Anatoly followed right behind him, laughing quietly. If Lex wanted a challenge, he'd give him one. He felt more alive and happy then he had in months, if not years.

"I'll do more than keep up," he promised, as he opened the door to his yurt then stepped aside to let him enter first.

Once inside, he shut the door before any more of the rapidly falling snow could get in then set the board on the table.

He took a deep breath then turned to face Lex, suddenly feeling a little shy. So much had changed between them since the clock had struck twelve, it was almost too much to take in.

[capable-of.livejournal.com]

Lex stepped inside, laughing at Anatoly words, as he placed the box down safely on top of the board, briefly wondering if they'd even come out of the box till tomorrow. Not if he could help it of course.

Sensing Anatoly's sudden shyness, Lex removed the uniform hat and threw it aside as he walked over to the Russian, putting his hands on Anatoly's chest. He leaned forward and gave him a soft kiss before looking him in the eyes. "You still alright with this Tolya?" He asked in quiet Russian.

He wasn't worried about being turned away, but they were going rather quickly. If Anatoly needed them to slow down, Lex would. He could last one more night in the Compound.

[chesspolitik]

Anatoly met Lex's eyes and cupped his cheek with his hands. "Yes, I am," he answered firmly. It was true that he was anxious, but at this moment, being with Lex outweighed any trepidation he felt. "I'm here with you, and I trust you. That is all that matters."

He kissed Lex gently, wrapping his arms around his neck. There was no hurry, no rush, so he took his time with the kiss, savoring every moment.

[capable-of.livejournal.com]

Lex placed his arms around Anatoly's waist, lightly holding him there as he answered the lazy kiss, taking his time to explore and savor every bit. He'd wait so long for today and it was everything he'd planned for.

Once they were both more relaxed, Lex leaned their foreheads together and just stood there in Anatoly's presence before he let a small smirk touch his lips. "Have I mentioned how uncomfortable this uniform is?"

[chesspolitik]

"I think you have, a time or two." Anatoly grinned, lightly fingering Lex's tie. "You've suffered long enough for the State, I think."

He drew Lex into a kiss, working at the knot in his tie at the same time. He had never been one to simply rush into things. His style as a lover was very slow, deliberate, teasing.

[capable-of.livejournal.com]

It had been a long time since Lex had slowed down in his love making. Usually he was in control and had a purpose in mind more then just enjoying himself. The Luthor in him never let him truely enjoy what he was doing, usually just needing to feel something other then the emptiness his father left him with, which resulted in many one night stands and many diamond earrings.

But he trusted Anatoly, more then he'd trusted anyone since his mother died so he took a deep breath and relaxed, submitting to Anatoly's touch and speed, just kissing him leisurely as his hands rested loosely at his waist.

[chesspolitik]

Tie undone, he gently slipped it off Lex's shoulders and tossed it in the general direction of the chair. It missed, but that was the least of Anatoly's concerns at the moment. His focus was now on Lex's shirt and the myriad of buttons.

Each undone button was followed by a lingering kiss, full of passion and promise of more things to come. This was the part he enjoyed most, if he was honest, these steps toward a checkmate of a different sort.

It was true that it had been years since he'd even entertained the thought of doing this with another man, but then, that was the beauty in variations of the game.

[capable-of.livejournal.com]

As Anatoly finished with the tie, Lex could no longer hold back from participating. He didn't want to startle Anatoly, but he figured helping wouldn't hurt. Still kissing him in return, Lex's hands moved up from Anatoly's waist to the belt belted over his uniform coat and easily unbuckled it, letting it fall with a clatter to the floor at their feet. He tackled the buttons of the coat next, slipping it off his shoulders just as Anatoly reached the buttons it would have hidden.

This was slow and sensual, and Lex's sensitive skin was crawling. Despite the aloof manner he showed to most people, he craved touch. To feel and be felt. But this...this was a touch he wasn't used to, not even from Helen. The promise...it was addicting and almost terrifying. If a Luthor was terrified of anything.

[chesspolitik]

He pulled away for a moment so he could take in the picture Lex presented, shirt unbuttoned and more beautiful than anyone had a right to look. He sighed softly and caressed Lex's cheek gently, almost lovingly. "You take my breath away, do you know that?"

He traced the line of Lex's jaw with his thumb, then pulled him close against for another round of passionate kisses, content with just this, for the moment.

[capable-of.livejournal.com]

If it were at all possible, Lex would be stunned. He'd never been spoken to like that before. While, he knew he was a good looking man...there was always the undercurrent of an unsaid 'freak' amid the sweet spoken words. In the looks from both lover and stranger. Lex almost preferred it when people said it to his face, because it was easier to ignore in his act to pretend he wasn't self conscious.

As Anatoly kissed him again, Lex almost melted into the kiss, wanting to show with action just how much his words had meant. And not just his words, but the honest sincerity behind them.

It was Lex this time who when to work, not breaking the kiss as he deftly began untying Anatoly's tie and working the jacket off his shoulders.

[chesspolitik]

Anatoly was more than willing to let Lex take the lead, but he couldn't quite keep himself from assisting the process. He pulled his tie off once Lex had gotten it untied and tossed it over his shoulder; his jacket followed shortly thereafter.

He caught Lex's hand and brought it to his lips, pressing a kiss to each knuckle. Then, his eyes firmly meeting Lex's gaze, he flicked his tongue to gently lick the skin he had kissed.

[capable-of.livejournal.com]

As Anatoly teased the skin of his hand, Lex's eyes grew darker and more intense in reaction. Keeping his hand in Anatoly's grip, he turned it so his thumb could trace his lips with a soft touch, a shiver going down his spine when it grazed his tongue.

In a sudden change from slow to quick, Lex took his hand back and quickly undid the buttons of Anatoly's shirt, completely ripping a few out in his haste. He wanted to touch him, needed too. The shirt was pushed off his shoulders like the jacket had been and Lex began to run his fingers through the light dusting of hair he found under the shirt, a curious smile on his face. He glanced up at Toly as he said, "You amaze me.. I've met all kinds of people...but none fascinate me the way you do.."

[chesspolitik]

"I fascinate you? Why?" Anatoly asked, his eyes half-closed from desire. Each caress was like a jolt of electricity straight to his groin. He wanted more of Lex's touch, and the intensity of this wanting both terrified and inspired him.

Lex's shirt was still on, he recognized vaguely and he tugged at it gently until it had fallen off his shoulders as far as it could go. He bent his head forward enough to leave a trail of kisses from his bare shoulder to his neck, ending finally at his lips.

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Reluctantly, Lex let his arms drop so the shirt could fall to the floor, joining the rest of the hated uniform. But his hands quickly returned to Anatoly's chest, lightly teasing and stroking both hair and skin, fingers soaking up every touch.

His head rolled to the side to give Anatoly more room to work, and he manged to say before his lips were captured again, "Because your passionate and beautiful and..." The Russian had been dropped as had the last thing he would have added: Anatoly didn't look at him like a Luthor.