At the sound of that familiar voice, Anatoly froze. His eyes were drawn to the slowly advancing figure and for once, he could look without fear, as he was not the only one staring. He'd wished, briefly, that Lex could somehow be here with him, but never in a million years did he think that would actually happen.

He could have wept as he heard Lex defend him, taking the role that de Courcey was supposed to have served. He could see the CIA agent was stunned and if he hadn't been in public, he would have laughed long hard at the sight.

Then Lex was pulling him out of the room and away from the prying eyes. He hardly heard what he was saying, all he could focus on was that he was really here, that this was no dream but reality. The moment they were in the isolated corner, he pulled Lex to him and kissed him passionately. They would only have a few moments to themselves and he wanted to take advantage while he still could.

He was not alone, he had not dreamed any of this. Lex was here and in his arms and everything would be made right again.