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.

Comments

[chesspolitik]

"I could say the same thing," Anatoly murmured. "Or, well, I suppose this is my third chance." He kissed Lex firmly, his hands lightly stroking his back. "I will not let this one pass me by."

Merano, Bangkok - all of those memories belonged to a distant past that could no longer hurt him. Whatever madness this place held, it was far better than anything he had to look forward to in Moscow.

"I think - I feel that I have come home at last."