Title: A Luthor Christmas
Author: MitchPell
Rating: R
Pairing: Lex/Clark
Disclaimer: I don't own anything that has to do with Smallville; it's characters, DC comics, or the WB. I'm just using their stuff for a little bit of non-profitable fun.
Authors Notes: My thanks go out to Adri, my wonderful beta-reader! I had to through in all of the James. I reminds me so much of my family. My grandpa is named John, my dad is named John, and my brother is named John. Then I have an Uncle Mike and two cousins named Mike. LOL! Luckily everyone has nicknames! This is part of the Slash Advent Calendar Challenge situated at: http://www.kardasi.com/Advent. This story was actually rated NC-17, but I toned it down to an R rating so I could post it here. If you are interested in reading the NC-17 version, you can find it up at my site: www.geocities.com/mitchpell.
Summary: Most people assume that the Luthor Annual Christmas Party is a big company party. But what if it isn't?
Email: mitchpell@yahoo.com
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Phaze: Thanks for the review!! I'm glad you found Lionel's reaction real. Like I've said before realism is very important to me as a writer. LOL! No, you didn't miss a description of Jason. I just kind of left that part out, probably because it isn't too relevant to the story. Sorry, I didn't mean to accuse you anything. For some reason I just thought I should give you a warning about what was to come. Thanks! Emma and Lex's late night chats are my favorite parts of the story too. Thanks again for taking the time to read and review. It is greatly appreciated. I hope you enjoy this next chapter!
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A twenty-two-year-old Lex Luthor bounded up the steps of his Grandfather's country home. He was in an exceedingly good mood. Which was rare considering where he was headed. But then, it probably had more to do with where he had just come from. He had just come from Clark's house, or more accurately Clark's barn, where the two had exchange gifts.
Clark had given him a t-shirt that proudly stated: "God made a few perfect heads, the rest he gave hair," and a baseball cap that said: "This is not a cap, it is a solar panel cover for a sex machine." Lex had considered wearing them both to the party tonight, but had decided against it at the last minute. He didn't think that anyone in his soon to be present company would appreciate it.
Lex had given Clark the go-cart that his grandmother had given him for Christmas when he was six. Well, technically it was his cousin James's go- cart, but Lex didn't think James would even notice it was gone. It had just been setting out there in the garage, covered up with a tarp for years. So, Lex had dug it out. Then after some minor modifications, he had given it to Clark.
Ok, so that was a bit of an understatement. The modifications were anything but minor. Lex had his mechanic give it an engine that would allow the little car to go up to fifty miles per hour. Then he had the frame extended, so that Clark's tall form would be able to fit somewhat comfortably. He had also had better seatbelts installed, along with a radio, which was complete with a CD/cassette player.
It was awesome. It was better than awesome. And during the trial run, Lex had fallen in love with it. So much in fact, that he had had issues with giving it up. Guilt, however, soon got the best of him and he had reluctantly given it to his best friend. Though not before having a passenger seat put in. But then the look on Clark's face, especially after Lex had explained where it had come from, had made the sacrifice well worth it.
Lex grinned at the memory as he entered the foyer and was greeted by Margaret.
"Hello, Margaret." Lex greeted, as he handed her his coat. "How are you doing this evening?"
"I'm fine, thank you." Margaret replied. "I must say you're in a pleasant mood."
Lex chuckled. "Don't look so surprised. Contrary to popular belief, I'm not always despondent." He told her, before heading down the hallway towards the kitchen.
He entered the room to find his Grandmother sitting at the table and Marie, his Aunt Mel, and his cousin Lydia working on dinner. After four years of college, Lydia finally decided she wanted to take over her mother's restaurant and had been working along side her mother ever since.
Lex walked up to his grandma and gave her her usual hug and kiss on the cheek. "Hello, Grandma."
Emma looked at her openly good-humored grandson. "Lex." She greeted. She watched as he sat down in the chair beside her. "You seem to be in an awfully good mood." She commented.
Lex frowned. "Is that so unbelievable?" He asked.
A unanimous "yes" was the response he received.
Lex snorted. "Well, you'll have to forgive me for failing to conforming to yet another Christmas tradition." He said.
Emma reached over and patted his hand. "That's alright, Lex. I happen to think that it was one tradition that needed to be broken." She said as she smiled at him.
"And besides." His Aunt Mel told him, as she placed the platter of turkey on the table. "We've come to expect it from you."
Lex raised an eyebrow at her. "Really?"
"Yes, really." She replied before going back to the counter.
"Well, I'd hate for things to get boring." He replied, receiving various responses from the women in the room.
"So, Lex, how's Clark?" Lydia asked, while trying to suppress what seemed a knowing smile.
Lex gave her a guarded looked before responding. "He's fine."
"That's good." She replied. "What's he doing for the holidays?"
"He's spending them with his family." He told her.
"Really?" She asked. "Even New Year's?"
"As far as I know." He said, as he regarded her for a moment. "Why the sudden interest in Clark?"
"Oh, just wondering." She told him, while still smiling.
Lex looked at her quizzically. He paused for a minute then asked, "Why do I get the feeling that I'm being teased?"
"I have no I idea." Lydia replied.
"Lydia, I'm well aware of what you're implying." Lex told her. "But you're mistaken. Do you understand?"
"Sure, Lex." Lydia said cheerfully.
Emma listened bemusedly to the conversation between her two grandchildren. She still couldn't believe how much they had all grown up. It was both pleasing and depressing at the same time. Shaking herself out of her reverie, she turned to Lex. "Your grandfather wants to speak with you." She told him. "So you'd better head back out to the living room."
Lex smirked. "Ah, yes." He said. "I imagined that he would have a few things to say to me."
"Yes, he does." Emma said. "And if I were you, I'd wouldn't keep him waiting much longer. He's already in a mood as it is."
He couldn't help but laugh. "Alright, I'll go talk to him." He said, stealing a piece of turkey off the platter that was setting on the table, which earned him a scolding from both his Aunt Mel and Lydia, before getting up and heading for the door.
Lex entered the living room and took an inventory of everyone present. Over the past couple of years their had been a couple additions to the family. Both James and William had gotten married. William and Francis, William's wife of a couple months, had met when Francis had torn her ACL while skiing. William had been her surgeon, and to thank him for his help, Francis, who was played the violin in the Metropolis Orchestra, she had given him tickets to one of her concerts. The two had met up after the show, and have been together ever since. It was quite the clichéd story, in Lex's opinion.
Jackie, James's wife of almost three years, had met her husband when she was hired to redecorate his office. Their romance, unlike William and Francis's, hadn't been quiet the fairy tale, but it was just as strong. And the couple was now expecting their first child. In fact, if Jackie's size was any indication, it looked as if James Luthor III could be arriving at any minute.
Unfortunately, seeing his cousins with their spouses forced up the suppressed memories of Lex's own short marriage. He just couldn't imagine Desiree sitting beside him and his father, as they discussed the family business with his grandfather. She just didn't fit. And in many ways Lex was glad that it had ended almost as soon as it started.
Lex made his way across the room and sat down beside his now blind father and across from his grandfather. "Dad. Grandfather." He said as a greeting.
"Lex." His father said. "So glad you could finally make it."
Lex raised an eyebrow at him, even though he couldn't see it. "I wasn't aware of the fact that I was late." He replied.
"Mm. Your grandfather and I were just talking about your latest form of rebellion." Lionel told him.
Lex smirked at him. "Really?" He asked. "I'm flattered that LexCorp was even warranted a mention, let alone discussed."
Laurence snorted. "Just what is this nonsense, Lex?" He asked.
Lex looked at his grandfather. "This isn't nonsense, Grandfather. I fully intend to expand and build upon this company until it has reached what I deem its full potential."
"And what exactly do you consider its full potential, Lex?" Lionel asked.
Lex shrugged his shoulders. "The sky's the limit."
"Don't be ridiculous, Alexander." Laurence told him. "This LexCorp merely consists of a fertilizer plant. Where can you possibly take it?"
Lex raised an eyebrow at him. "If I recall correctly, Grandfather, LuthorCorp began as simply a fertilizer plant."
Laurence laughed. "You think you can take your company as far as I took LuthorCorp?"
"No." Lex replied. "I believe I can take it farther." He suppressed a grin, and merely raised an eyebrow at the glares he received from both his father and his grandfather. "What?" He asked. "You don't think I'm capable?"
"It's not a question of your capabilities as a businessman, Lex." Laurence said. "You've been preparing for the job since you were born. However, we didn't spend all those years grooming you for the family business so you could go out and start you own company."
"Oh." Lex replied. "So that's what this is about. You're afraid that there won't be anyone to leave LuthorCorp to. Well, let me put your concerns at ease." He told them. "I fully intend to fulfill my role in the family as the heir to LuthorCorp. I will take over the company after my father retires. Of course, that's if I haven't already acquired it by other means." He said, unable to keep the smirk off his face.
At that moment Margaret entered the room and announced that dinner was ready.
"We'll continue this conversation later, Alexander." Laurence told him as he got up to head to the dining room.
"Of course, Grandfather." Lex replied, before turning to help his dad.
Once everyone was seated at the table and served, Laurence turned to Lex. "So tell us, Alexander, how do you propose to move your company forward in a fertilizer world dominated by LuthorCorp?" He asked.
Lex smirked at his grandfather. "I don't plan to limit myself to fertilizer." He told him.
"Oh really." Laurence said. "What other areas are you considering delving into?"
"Now, Grandfather, you honestly don't expect me to sit here and divulge all of my plans to possible competition, do you?" He asked. "You've taught me better than that."
Laurence merely huffed in response, before the conversation was turned to other matters.
After dinner the entire family returned to the sitting room. That was another thing that had changed over the years. Around the time they were eighteen, Lex and his cousins were deemed to old to be sent to the upstairs entertainment room. And were therefore expected to join the rest of the family in the living room. It was at that time that Lex discovered that business was not the sole topic of discussion. It seemed that the after dinner nightcap was reserved for the discussion of everyone's personal lives. For Lex, it was a part of the evening that he'd prefer to skip.
The family entered the room and took their regular seats. When Jackie had joined the family she had rearranged the room. The new layout made it possible for the family to break off into their separate groups for the pre- dinner conversations. Yet, it also allowed them to speak together as a whole during the nightcap. The arrangement of the room gave off a sense of fondness, a sense of unity, something that tended to make Lex feel slightly trapped or even claustrophobic. Lex sat down on the couch beside his father, before promptly pouring himself a glass of brandy.
"Starting on the alcohol already, Lex?" Emma asked.
Lex just smirked at her, before turning to Jackie. "So, Jackie," he asked. "When can we be expecting James III?"
Jackie rolled her eyes. "Two weeks." She told him. "Though, I'll be damned if my son is going to be another James."
"Sweetheart," James said. "We've discussed this. I want the child to be named James. It is tradition."
"Exactly," Lex's Uncle James chimed in.
"Yes, well some traditions were meant to be broken." Jackie replied. "I'm not going to have a father-in-law, a husband, and a son named James."
"Here, here." Lex said as he held up his glass in a salute.
"Oh, be quiet, Alexander." Emma scolded.
"Yes, Alexander." Laurence said. "At least your cousin has found a suitable wife, and has taken the first steps in continuing the growth of this family. Which is more than you have done."
"Yeah, Beets." James said. "Tell us again how long you were married before you wife tried to kill you."
"Boys, that's enough!" Emma exclaimed.
"It's alright, Lex. Don't worry about Desiree." Lydia told him. "After all, we all know she wasn't the one you were meant to be with."
Lex sighed and rubbed his forehead. "Lydia, how many times do I have to tell you that you're mistaken, before you'll believe me?" He asked, his frustration and annoyance evident in his voice.
Lydia just smiled at him. "You can't convince me otherwise, Lex. So you might as well stop trying."
"Would one of you please inform the rest of us about what it is you're talking about?" Emma asked.
"It's nothing, Grandma." Lex assured her.
"Nothing?" She demanded. "You've been discussing this nothing since you arrived, Alexander. Now quit keeping the rest of us in the dark and tell us who this mystery person is."
"He's just a friend, Grandma." Lex told her. "Nothing else."
Laurence snorted. "I'd thought you'd put an end to these same-sex relations, Lex."
Lex pinched the bridge of his nose as he felt the beginnings of a headache. "No, Grandfather." Lex informed him. "I'd."
He never got to finish the statement however because his father interrupted. "It's Clark Kent isn't it?" Lionel asked. "Won't Jonathan be thrilled." He snorted.
"Alright!" Lex said rather loudly. "I'm only going to say this once, so everyone listen. Grandfather, I'm bisexual. I have been for six years now. So, I suggest you deal with it. Lydia, despite whatever fantasies you have, Clark Kent is my friend, no more no less. Do you understand that?" He asked. "Good! Father, there is no aspect of Clark's and my friendship that Jonathan Kent isn't aware of. And before you even say anything, he isn't the reason I chose to stay in Smallville. Now, since we've thoroughly discussed my personal life I suggest we move on to someone else's."
"Lex."
"William!" Lex said, efficiently cutting off Lydia. "Tell me, how was the honeymoon?"
After shifting the focus of the conversation off of himself, Lex was grateful that he was able to successfully keep it that way. He sat there, nursing his brandy, while listening to Francis and William babbling on about the private cruse they took and the two weeks they spent touring Europe, and Jackie complaining about the woes of pregnancy. It wasn't until around ten o'clock that family began to disperse.
As his grandmother and grandfather retired for the evening, Lex attention was drawn back to his cousin James.
"Well, cousins, I believe it is time we all headed upstairs." James said.
Lex groaned. "Aren't we a little old to be playing board games, James?" He asked.
James just laughed. "That excuse didn't work last year, Lex. Nor is it going to work this year. Now lets go." He said as he stood up, and offered out a hand to his pregnant wife.
Lex watched as James, Jackie, William, Francis, and Lydia filed out of the room and headed for the staircase.
"Let's go, Beets." James called from the hallway.
With a sigh, Lex threw back the rest of his brandy before excusing himself and heading up the stairs.
An hour later, Lex found himself in total shock. He couldn't believe it. He had won. In twenty-two years, he had never won. Yet, there James was, sitting in front of him declaring bankruptcy. He knew he had been ahead, and that James was in serious trouble. But, in Monopoly, the tables could easily turn back to the other person's favor. But they hadn't, and Lex had won. He'd won.
He looked down at James's ship sitting there on his Boardwalk and blinked. He grinned as it started to sink in. He'd won. It took all of his will power not to get up and do a little dance. But he was able to refrain himself, and settle for simply smirking across the board at James.
"Just.shut up, Beets." James said.
"I don't believe I said a word, James." Lex replied smugly.
"Yes, but I know you want to." James said, to which Lex just continued to smirk.
"Are you two finally finished?" Jackie asked from where she was reading on the couch.
"Yes, Sweetheart. We're finished." James replied. "You ready to go to bed?" He asked.
"Yes, James. I was ready half an hour ago." She said.
James looked at Lex. "The master has spoken." He said as he stood up. He walked over to the couch and helped Jackie up. "Goodnight, Lex." He called over his should as he and Jackie walked out the door.
Lex sighed as he looked around the empty room. William and Francis had run off as soon as William was out of the game. It was pretty obvious what the two newlyweds had planned. They were practically stripping each other before they had left the room. Lydia had also left a good ten minutes before the game was up. And now that James and Jackie were gone, Lex was alone. He made quick work of cleaning up the game and putting it away. It was kind of depressing that no one had been there to bask in his glory with him. He ran his hand once over the old worn box, and then left the room.
Lex slowly made his way back to his room. He shut the door behind him, before heading over to his bookshelves. He let his eyes scan over the various volumes. There were all there. He had never gotten rid of any of them, just added more shelves as they were filled. He closed his eyes and traced his fingers over the many books, until randomly selecting one, To Kill a Mockingbird. Lex smiled. For some reason, it seemed oddly appropriate.
He tossed the book on his bed, before quickly changing into a pair of flannel pajama pants and the t-shirt Clark had given him earlier today. He then settle into his bed, and began to read.
Lex woke with a start. He lay there for a minute, trying to gather his bearings. His eyes took in his broken snow globe sitting on his nightstand, causing him to sigh in relief. He didn't sleep well anymore. He had suffered through too much over the past year. What between Amanda's brother, Desiree, Rachael Dunleavy, his father, and a ton of others, Lex didn't feel safe.
With a groan, he lifted his head off the open page of his book then set it on his nightstand. It was two o'clock. Lex sighed as he threw the covers back and got out of bed. He wasn't going to be able to go back to sleep for a while. So, he left his room and headed downstairs to the kitchen.
Lex entered the large room and flicked on the lights. As always, he made his way over to the refrigerator even though he wasn't the slightest bit hungry. He scanned the contents of the frig before just deciding on some orange juice. It was tempting to go to the living room for more brandy or maybe even scotch, but he figured he'd had enough alcohol for the night. So he grabbed the pitcher of juice and then made his way over to the cupboard to get a glass.
"You might as well get me down a glass as well, Lex." Emma Luthor said as she sat down at the kitchen table.
Lex smiled as he pull two glasses out of the cupboard. He walked over to the table, sat down, and poured them each a glass of juice. They sat in comfortable silence for a while, simply being in each other's company.
"Your cousins seem happy." Emma finally commented.
Lex nodded before taking a slip from his glass. "Yes, they do."
"Even Lydia seems to have finally found her place in the world." Emma told him. She let out a little laugh. "It's about time." She said. "That girl was starting to worry me."
"Mm."
The two went back to sitting in silence again. But after a few minutes, Emma asked, "What about you, Lex? Are you happy?"
Lex smiled at her. "I'm more content than I have been in a long time." He honestly told her.
"But?" She prodded.
"But there's still something lacking." He said. "I have my own small, though be it, successful business, a close friend, and in some ways my father's respect. But there is still this void. And I'm not quite sure with what I need to fill it."
"That can only be for you to decide, Lex. No one else can tell you how to fill that void." Emma told him.
After a few minutes of silence, Lex asked, "If I were to choose a man as my life partner, do you think they could except that?"
"I believe we've discussed this when you were sixteen, Lex." She said. "Not everyone in this family is as closed-minded as you think."
"So you've told me." He replied. "But we both know that what people say and how they actually respond are two different things. Everyone in this family knows I'm bisexual. But they've never seen me with a man. And quite frankly I don't think some of them will be able to handle it."
"This is about Clark Kent isn't it?" Emma asked.
Lex sighed as he ran a hand over his smooth head. "Clark's my best friend, Grandma. He is one of the few people I'm comfortable enough around to be myself. He doesn't judge me by my name, but by my actions. And I won't do anything to jeopardize that." He told her. "But, sometimes I look at him and it's all I can do not to just grab a hold of him and kiss him senseless."
"Isn't Clark only sixteen?" Emma asked.
Lex frowned at her over the rim of his glass. "Yes, he is. And as far as I know he's straight." He said before pausing for a minute. "He's young. It's possible that he hasn't explored all the aspects of his sexuality. And in a few years, our age difference won't be considered deplorable."
Emma furrowed her brow. "You're placing a considerable amount on hold for this boy."
"I realize that, Grandma. But I have this feeling that this void is just part of the space reserved for Clark that he hasn't grown into yet."
"What if you're wrong? What if Clark never returns these feelings?" She asked.
Lex just shrugged his shoulders. "Then I'll have to fill the void with something else." He then got up and kissed his grandmother's cheek. "Goodnight, Grandma." He said before leaving the room and heading up the stairs.
Lex reentered his bedroom and crawled back into bed. His grandmother was right. He was putting a lot on hold for Clark. But something told him it was the right thing to do. He just hoped this feeling wasn't wrong, because he feared what would fill that void if it wasn't Clark. Still slightly restless, Lex lay down and looked at his snow globe. He had put so much faith in what had been represented by those figures. And they had broken. But he knew that Clark was stronger than a family made of porcelain.
The next morning, breakfast went by rather quickly. And soon everyone had moved to the sitting room to exchange gifts. However, the calm merriment of the morning was interrupted when Jackie started feelings labor pains. Lex had never seen his cousin James that nervous nor his Uncle James that excited before. His Aunt Mel had simply burst into tears.
His Aunt Meg and Lydia where trying to keep Jackie calm, while his Uncle Robert had went to bring a car around. William and Francis had used the distraction to start making out on the couch. And if someone didn't stop them soon, there could be a Larkson baby on the way as well. Lionel and Laurence had moved to stand besides his uncle and cousin, giving what support the two cold men could. And Emma was yelling at everyone that it was probably only false labor. That left Lex, who was standing there in the corner of the room he had moved to, not knowing what to do. So he just watched.
It was over almost as soon as it had started. Jackie, James II, James I, Melinda, and Lydia were soon all piled into the car and on their way to Metropolis General. And the rest of the family was left to go back to the traditions of the holiday. Though, after all the excitement, the act of exchanging gifts seemed anticlimactic. Therefore, everyone merely rushed through the process.
Lex barely paid any attention to the gifts he received. Most of them consisted of either books or various pieces of art to put around the mansion and his office. But as always, the one gift he focused on was from his grandmother. She gave him a small finely finished wooden music box. It didn't have any markings on the outside. It was just a plain oak box that when opened play the song "A Beautiful Friendship," by Nat King Cole. There was a letter inside the box, however. It was just a short note from his grandmother that explained how his grandfather had given her the box. And how she felt he should pass it down to whomever he chose to spend the rest of his life with.
Lex knew who he wanted to give the box to. But only time would tell if that person would want to claim it. Until then he would keep it safe. Therefore, it was with hope for things to come that Lex Luthor kissed his grandma goodbye, before walking down the front steps of her house, and climbing into his car.
TBC.
Author: MitchPell
Rating: R
Pairing: Lex/Clark
Disclaimer: I don't own anything that has to do with Smallville; it's characters, DC comics, or the WB. I'm just using their stuff for a little bit of non-profitable fun.
Authors Notes: My thanks go out to Adri, my wonderful beta-reader! I had to through in all of the James. I reminds me so much of my family. My grandpa is named John, my dad is named John, and my brother is named John. Then I have an Uncle Mike and two cousins named Mike. LOL! Luckily everyone has nicknames! This is part of the Slash Advent Calendar Challenge situated at: http://www.kardasi.com/Advent. This story was actually rated NC-17, but I toned it down to an R rating so I could post it here. If you are interested in reading the NC-17 version, you can find it up at my site: www.geocities.com/mitchpell.
Summary: Most people assume that the Luthor Annual Christmas Party is a big company party. But what if it isn't?
Email: mitchpell@yahoo.com
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Phaze: Thanks for the review!! I'm glad you found Lionel's reaction real. Like I've said before realism is very important to me as a writer. LOL! No, you didn't miss a description of Jason. I just kind of left that part out, probably because it isn't too relevant to the story. Sorry, I didn't mean to accuse you anything. For some reason I just thought I should give you a warning about what was to come. Thanks! Emma and Lex's late night chats are my favorite parts of the story too. Thanks again for taking the time to read and review. It is greatly appreciated. I hope you enjoy this next chapter!
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A twenty-two-year-old Lex Luthor bounded up the steps of his Grandfather's country home. He was in an exceedingly good mood. Which was rare considering where he was headed. But then, it probably had more to do with where he had just come from. He had just come from Clark's house, or more accurately Clark's barn, where the two had exchange gifts.
Clark had given him a t-shirt that proudly stated: "God made a few perfect heads, the rest he gave hair," and a baseball cap that said: "This is not a cap, it is a solar panel cover for a sex machine." Lex had considered wearing them both to the party tonight, but had decided against it at the last minute. He didn't think that anyone in his soon to be present company would appreciate it.
Lex had given Clark the go-cart that his grandmother had given him for Christmas when he was six. Well, technically it was his cousin James's go- cart, but Lex didn't think James would even notice it was gone. It had just been setting out there in the garage, covered up with a tarp for years. So, Lex had dug it out. Then after some minor modifications, he had given it to Clark.
Ok, so that was a bit of an understatement. The modifications were anything but minor. Lex had his mechanic give it an engine that would allow the little car to go up to fifty miles per hour. Then he had the frame extended, so that Clark's tall form would be able to fit somewhat comfortably. He had also had better seatbelts installed, along with a radio, which was complete with a CD/cassette player.
It was awesome. It was better than awesome. And during the trial run, Lex had fallen in love with it. So much in fact, that he had had issues with giving it up. Guilt, however, soon got the best of him and he had reluctantly given it to his best friend. Though not before having a passenger seat put in. But then the look on Clark's face, especially after Lex had explained where it had come from, had made the sacrifice well worth it.
Lex grinned at the memory as he entered the foyer and was greeted by Margaret.
"Hello, Margaret." Lex greeted, as he handed her his coat. "How are you doing this evening?"
"I'm fine, thank you." Margaret replied. "I must say you're in a pleasant mood."
Lex chuckled. "Don't look so surprised. Contrary to popular belief, I'm not always despondent." He told her, before heading down the hallway towards the kitchen.
He entered the room to find his Grandmother sitting at the table and Marie, his Aunt Mel, and his cousin Lydia working on dinner. After four years of college, Lydia finally decided she wanted to take over her mother's restaurant and had been working along side her mother ever since.
Lex walked up to his grandma and gave her her usual hug and kiss on the cheek. "Hello, Grandma."
Emma looked at her openly good-humored grandson. "Lex." She greeted. She watched as he sat down in the chair beside her. "You seem to be in an awfully good mood." She commented.
Lex frowned. "Is that so unbelievable?" He asked.
A unanimous "yes" was the response he received.
Lex snorted. "Well, you'll have to forgive me for failing to conforming to yet another Christmas tradition." He said.
Emma reached over and patted his hand. "That's alright, Lex. I happen to think that it was one tradition that needed to be broken." She said as she smiled at him.
"And besides." His Aunt Mel told him, as she placed the platter of turkey on the table. "We've come to expect it from you."
Lex raised an eyebrow at her. "Really?"
"Yes, really." She replied before going back to the counter.
"Well, I'd hate for things to get boring." He replied, receiving various responses from the women in the room.
"So, Lex, how's Clark?" Lydia asked, while trying to suppress what seemed a knowing smile.
Lex gave her a guarded looked before responding. "He's fine."
"That's good." She replied. "What's he doing for the holidays?"
"He's spending them with his family." He told her.
"Really?" She asked. "Even New Year's?"
"As far as I know." He said, as he regarded her for a moment. "Why the sudden interest in Clark?"
"Oh, just wondering." She told him, while still smiling.
Lex looked at her quizzically. He paused for a minute then asked, "Why do I get the feeling that I'm being teased?"
"I have no I idea." Lydia replied.
"Lydia, I'm well aware of what you're implying." Lex told her. "But you're mistaken. Do you understand?"
"Sure, Lex." Lydia said cheerfully.
Emma listened bemusedly to the conversation between her two grandchildren. She still couldn't believe how much they had all grown up. It was both pleasing and depressing at the same time. Shaking herself out of her reverie, she turned to Lex. "Your grandfather wants to speak with you." She told him. "So you'd better head back out to the living room."
Lex smirked. "Ah, yes." He said. "I imagined that he would have a few things to say to me."
"Yes, he does." Emma said. "And if I were you, I'd wouldn't keep him waiting much longer. He's already in a mood as it is."
He couldn't help but laugh. "Alright, I'll go talk to him." He said, stealing a piece of turkey off the platter that was setting on the table, which earned him a scolding from both his Aunt Mel and Lydia, before getting up and heading for the door.
Lex entered the living room and took an inventory of everyone present. Over the past couple of years their had been a couple additions to the family. Both James and William had gotten married. William and Francis, William's wife of a couple months, had met when Francis had torn her ACL while skiing. William had been her surgeon, and to thank him for his help, Francis, who was played the violin in the Metropolis Orchestra, she had given him tickets to one of her concerts. The two had met up after the show, and have been together ever since. It was quite the clichéd story, in Lex's opinion.
Jackie, James's wife of almost three years, had met her husband when she was hired to redecorate his office. Their romance, unlike William and Francis's, hadn't been quiet the fairy tale, but it was just as strong. And the couple was now expecting their first child. In fact, if Jackie's size was any indication, it looked as if James Luthor III could be arriving at any minute.
Unfortunately, seeing his cousins with their spouses forced up the suppressed memories of Lex's own short marriage. He just couldn't imagine Desiree sitting beside him and his father, as they discussed the family business with his grandfather. She just didn't fit. And in many ways Lex was glad that it had ended almost as soon as it started.
Lex made his way across the room and sat down beside his now blind father and across from his grandfather. "Dad. Grandfather." He said as a greeting.
"Lex." His father said. "So glad you could finally make it."
Lex raised an eyebrow at him, even though he couldn't see it. "I wasn't aware of the fact that I was late." He replied.
"Mm. Your grandfather and I were just talking about your latest form of rebellion." Lionel told him.
Lex smirked at him. "Really?" He asked. "I'm flattered that LexCorp was even warranted a mention, let alone discussed."
Laurence snorted. "Just what is this nonsense, Lex?" He asked.
Lex looked at his grandfather. "This isn't nonsense, Grandfather. I fully intend to expand and build upon this company until it has reached what I deem its full potential."
"And what exactly do you consider its full potential, Lex?" Lionel asked.
Lex shrugged his shoulders. "The sky's the limit."
"Don't be ridiculous, Alexander." Laurence told him. "This LexCorp merely consists of a fertilizer plant. Where can you possibly take it?"
Lex raised an eyebrow at him. "If I recall correctly, Grandfather, LuthorCorp began as simply a fertilizer plant."
Laurence laughed. "You think you can take your company as far as I took LuthorCorp?"
"No." Lex replied. "I believe I can take it farther." He suppressed a grin, and merely raised an eyebrow at the glares he received from both his father and his grandfather. "What?" He asked. "You don't think I'm capable?"
"It's not a question of your capabilities as a businessman, Lex." Laurence said. "You've been preparing for the job since you were born. However, we didn't spend all those years grooming you for the family business so you could go out and start you own company."
"Oh." Lex replied. "So that's what this is about. You're afraid that there won't be anyone to leave LuthorCorp to. Well, let me put your concerns at ease." He told them. "I fully intend to fulfill my role in the family as the heir to LuthorCorp. I will take over the company after my father retires. Of course, that's if I haven't already acquired it by other means." He said, unable to keep the smirk off his face.
At that moment Margaret entered the room and announced that dinner was ready.
"We'll continue this conversation later, Alexander." Laurence told him as he got up to head to the dining room.
"Of course, Grandfather." Lex replied, before turning to help his dad.
Once everyone was seated at the table and served, Laurence turned to Lex. "So tell us, Alexander, how do you propose to move your company forward in a fertilizer world dominated by LuthorCorp?" He asked.
Lex smirked at his grandfather. "I don't plan to limit myself to fertilizer." He told him.
"Oh really." Laurence said. "What other areas are you considering delving into?"
"Now, Grandfather, you honestly don't expect me to sit here and divulge all of my plans to possible competition, do you?" He asked. "You've taught me better than that."
Laurence merely huffed in response, before the conversation was turned to other matters.
After dinner the entire family returned to the sitting room. That was another thing that had changed over the years. Around the time they were eighteen, Lex and his cousins were deemed to old to be sent to the upstairs entertainment room. And were therefore expected to join the rest of the family in the living room. It was at that time that Lex discovered that business was not the sole topic of discussion. It seemed that the after dinner nightcap was reserved for the discussion of everyone's personal lives. For Lex, it was a part of the evening that he'd prefer to skip.
The family entered the room and took their regular seats. When Jackie had joined the family she had rearranged the room. The new layout made it possible for the family to break off into their separate groups for the pre- dinner conversations. Yet, it also allowed them to speak together as a whole during the nightcap. The arrangement of the room gave off a sense of fondness, a sense of unity, something that tended to make Lex feel slightly trapped or even claustrophobic. Lex sat down on the couch beside his father, before promptly pouring himself a glass of brandy.
"Starting on the alcohol already, Lex?" Emma asked.
Lex just smirked at her, before turning to Jackie. "So, Jackie," he asked. "When can we be expecting James III?"
Jackie rolled her eyes. "Two weeks." She told him. "Though, I'll be damned if my son is going to be another James."
"Sweetheart," James said. "We've discussed this. I want the child to be named James. It is tradition."
"Exactly," Lex's Uncle James chimed in.
"Yes, well some traditions were meant to be broken." Jackie replied. "I'm not going to have a father-in-law, a husband, and a son named James."
"Here, here." Lex said as he held up his glass in a salute.
"Oh, be quiet, Alexander." Emma scolded.
"Yes, Alexander." Laurence said. "At least your cousin has found a suitable wife, and has taken the first steps in continuing the growth of this family. Which is more than you have done."
"Yeah, Beets." James said. "Tell us again how long you were married before you wife tried to kill you."
"Boys, that's enough!" Emma exclaimed.
"It's alright, Lex. Don't worry about Desiree." Lydia told him. "After all, we all know she wasn't the one you were meant to be with."
Lex sighed and rubbed his forehead. "Lydia, how many times do I have to tell you that you're mistaken, before you'll believe me?" He asked, his frustration and annoyance evident in his voice.
Lydia just smiled at him. "You can't convince me otherwise, Lex. So you might as well stop trying."
"Would one of you please inform the rest of us about what it is you're talking about?" Emma asked.
"It's nothing, Grandma." Lex assured her.
"Nothing?" She demanded. "You've been discussing this nothing since you arrived, Alexander. Now quit keeping the rest of us in the dark and tell us who this mystery person is."
"He's just a friend, Grandma." Lex told her. "Nothing else."
Laurence snorted. "I'd thought you'd put an end to these same-sex relations, Lex."
Lex pinched the bridge of his nose as he felt the beginnings of a headache. "No, Grandfather." Lex informed him. "I'd."
He never got to finish the statement however because his father interrupted. "It's Clark Kent isn't it?" Lionel asked. "Won't Jonathan be thrilled." He snorted.
"Alright!" Lex said rather loudly. "I'm only going to say this once, so everyone listen. Grandfather, I'm bisexual. I have been for six years now. So, I suggest you deal with it. Lydia, despite whatever fantasies you have, Clark Kent is my friend, no more no less. Do you understand that?" He asked. "Good! Father, there is no aspect of Clark's and my friendship that Jonathan Kent isn't aware of. And before you even say anything, he isn't the reason I chose to stay in Smallville. Now, since we've thoroughly discussed my personal life I suggest we move on to someone else's."
"Lex."
"William!" Lex said, efficiently cutting off Lydia. "Tell me, how was the honeymoon?"
After shifting the focus of the conversation off of himself, Lex was grateful that he was able to successfully keep it that way. He sat there, nursing his brandy, while listening to Francis and William babbling on about the private cruse they took and the two weeks they spent touring Europe, and Jackie complaining about the woes of pregnancy. It wasn't until around ten o'clock that family began to disperse.
As his grandmother and grandfather retired for the evening, Lex attention was drawn back to his cousin James.
"Well, cousins, I believe it is time we all headed upstairs." James said.
Lex groaned. "Aren't we a little old to be playing board games, James?" He asked.
James just laughed. "That excuse didn't work last year, Lex. Nor is it going to work this year. Now lets go." He said as he stood up, and offered out a hand to his pregnant wife.
Lex watched as James, Jackie, William, Francis, and Lydia filed out of the room and headed for the staircase.
"Let's go, Beets." James called from the hallway.
With a sigh, Lex threw back the rest of his brandy before excusing himself and heading up the stairs.
An hour later, Lex found himself in total shock. He couldn't believe it. He had won. In twenty-two years, he had never won. Yet, there James was, sitting in front of him declaring bankruptcy. He knew he had been ahead, and that James was in serious trouble. But, in Monopoly, the tables could easily turn back to the other person's favor. But they hadn't, and Lex had won. He'd won.
He looked down at James's ship sitting there on his Boardwalk and blinked. He grinned as it started to sink in. He'd won. It took all of his will power not to get up and do a little dance. But he was able to refrain himself, and settle for simply smirking across the board at James.
"Just.shut up, Beets." James said.
"I don't believe I said a word, James." Lex replied smugly.
"Yes, but I know you want to." James said, to which Lex just continued to smirk.
"Are you two finally finished?" Jackie asked from where she was reading on the couch.
"Yes, Sweetheart. We're finished." James replied. "You ready to go to bed?" He asked.
"Yes, James. I was ready half an hour ago." She said.
James looked at Lex. "The master has spoken." He said as he stood up. He walked over to the couch and helped Jackie up. "Goodnight, Lex." He called over his should as he and Jackie walked out the door.
Lex sighed as he looked around the empty room. William and Francis had run off as soon as William was out of the game. It was pretty obvious what the two newlyweds had planned. They were practically stripping each other before they had left the room. Lydia had also left a good ten minutes before the game was up. And now that James and Jackie were gone, Lex was alone. He made quick work of cleaning up the game and putting it away. It was kind of depressing that no one had been there to bask in his glory with him. He ran his hand once over the old worn box, and then left the room.
Lex slowly made his way back to his room. He shut the door behind him, before heading over to his bookshelves. He let his eyes scan over the various volumes. There were all there. He had never gotten rid of any of them, just added more shelves as they were filled. He closed his eyes and traced his fingers over the many books, until randomly selecting one, To Kill a Mockingbird. Lex smiled. For some reason, it seemed oddly appropriate.
He tossed the book on his bed, before quickly changing into a pair of flannel pajama pants and the t-shirt Clark had given him earlier today. He then settle into his bed, and began to read.
Lex woke with a start. He lay there for a minute, trying to gather his bearings. His eyes took in his broken snow globe sitting on his nightstand, causing him to sigh in relief. He didn't sleep well anymore. He had suffered through too much over the past year. What between Amanda's brother, Desiree, Rachael Dunleavy, his father, and a ton of others, Lex didn't feel safe.
With a groan, he lifted his head off the open page of his book then set it on his nightstand. It was two o'clock. Lex sighed as he threw the covers back and got out of bed. He wasn't going to be able to go back to sleep for a while. So, he left his room and headed downstairs to the kitchen.
Lex entered the large room and flicked on the lights. As always, he made his way over to the refrigerator even though he wasn't the slightest bit hungry. He scanned the contents of the frig before just deciding on some orange juice. It was tempting to go to the living room for more brandy or maybe even scotch, but he figured he'd had enough alcohol for the night. So he grabbed the pitcher of juice and then made his way over to the cupboard to get a glass.
"You might as well get me down a glass as well, Lex." Emma Luthor said as she sat down at the kitchen table.
Lex smiled as he pull two glasses out of the cupboard. He walked over to the table, sat down, and poured them each a glass of juice. They sat in comfortable silence for a while, simply being in each other's company.
"Your cousins seem happy." Emma finally commented.
Lex nodded before taking a slip from his glass. "Yes, they do."
"Even Lydia seems to have finally found her place in the world." Emma told him. She let out a little laugh. "It's about time." She said. "That girl was starting to worry me."
"Mm."
The two went back to sitting in silence again. But after a few minutes, Emma asked, "What about you, Lex? Are you happy?"
Lex smiled at her. "I'm more content than I have been in a long time." He honestly told her.
"But?" She prodded.
"But there's still something lacking." He said. "I have my own small, though be it, successful business, a close friend, and in some ways my father's respect. But there is still this void. And I'm not quite sure with what I need to fill it."
"That can only be for you to decide, Lex. No one else can tell you how to fill that void." Emma told him.
After a few minutes of silence, Lex asked, "If I were to choose a man as my life partner, do you think they could except that?"
"I believe we've discussed this when you were sixteen, Lex." She said. "Not everyone in this family is as closed-minded as you think."
"So you've told me." He replied. "But we both know that what people say and how they actually respond are two different things. Everyone in this family knows I'm bisexual. But they've never seen me with a man. And quite frankly I don't think some of them will be able to handle it."
"This is about Clark Kent isn't it?" Emma asked.
Lex sighed as he ran a hand over his smooth head. "Clark's my best friend, Grandma. He is one of the few people I'm comfortable enough around to be myself. He doesn't judge me by my name, but by my actions. And I won't do anything to jeopardize that." He told her. "But, sometimes I look at him and it's all I can do not to just grab a hold of him and kiss him senseless."
"Isn't Clark only sixteen?" Emma asked.
Lex frowned at her over the rim of his glass. "Yes, he is. And as far as I know he's straight." He said before pausing for a minute. "He's young. It's possible that he hasn't explored all the aspects of his sexuality. And in a few years, our age difference won't be considered deplorable."
Emma furrowed her brow. "You're placing a considerable amount on hold for this boy."
"I realize that, Grandma. But I have this feeling that this void is just part of the space reserved for Clark that he hasn't grown into yet."
"What if you're wrong? What if Clark never returns these feelings?" She asked.
Lex just shrugged his shoulders. "Then I'll have to fill the void with something else." He then got up and kissed his grandmother's cheek. "Goodnight, Grandma." He said before leaving the room and heading up the stairs.
Lex reentered his bedroom and crawled back into bed. His grandmother was right. He was putting a lot on hold for Clark. But something told him it was the right thing to do. He just hoped this feeling wasn't wrong, because he feared what would fill that void if it wasn't Clark. Still slightly restless, Lex lay down and looked at his snow globe. He had put so much faith in what had been represented by those figures. And they had broken. But he knew that Clark was stronger than a family made of porcelain.
The next morning, breakfast went by rather quickly. And soon everyone had moved to the sitting room to exchange gifts. However, the calm merriment of the morning was interrupted when Jackie started feelings labor pains. Lex had never seen his cousin James that nervous nor his Uncle James that excited before. His Aunt Mel had simply burst into tears.
His Aunt Meg and Lydia where trying to keep Jackie calm, while his Uncle Robert had went to bring a car around. William and Francis had used the distraction to start making out on the couch. And if someone didn't stop them soon, there could be a Larkson baby on the way as well. Lionel and Laurence had moved to stand besides his uncle and cousin, giving what support the two cold men could. And Emma was yelling at everyone that it was probably only false labor. That left Lex, who was standing there in the corner of the room he had moved to, not knowing what to do. So he just watched.
It was over almost as soon as it had started. Jackie, James II, James I, Melinda, and Lydia were soon all piled into the car and on their way to Metropolis General. And the rest of the family was left to go back to the traditions of the holiday. Though, after all the excitement, the act of exchanging gifts seemed anticlimactic. Therefore, everyone merely rushed through the process.
Lex barely paid any attention to the gifts he received. Most of them consisted of either books or various pieces of art to put around the mansion and his office. But as always, the one gift he focused on was from his grandmother. She gave him a small finely finished wooden music box. It didn't have any markings on the outside. It was just a plain oak box that when opened play the song "A Beautiful Friendship," by Nat King Cole. There was a letter inside the box, however. It was just a short note from his grandmother that explained how his grandfather had given her the box. And how she felt he should pass it down to whomever he chose to spend the rest of his life with.
Lex knew who he wanted to give the box to. But only time would tell if that person would want to claim it. Until then he would keep it safe. Therefore, it was with hope for things to come that Lex Luthor kissed his grandma goodbye, before walking down the front steps of her house, and climbing into his car.
TBC.