Is this the tide in my affairs when I write a little history?

[chesspolitik]

Being mobbed by a vicious pack of reporters was bad enough on any given day. Being mobbed by them in Bangkok during one of the most stressful matches in his life was even worse. Going through it again was nothing less than hell on Earth.

The car ride to the studio was a blur. He heard Walter talking to him, and he knew he was answering, but what was actually said, he couldn't recall afterwards. He went where he was told, going through the motions with as little thought as possible. It'd be over soon enough, and slipping back into his role of emotionless machine was the only way he'd manage.

It was a fine idea, but as the barrage of questions started, from the insipid ("Isn't this a bizarre reunion?") to ridiculous ("Is being homeless affecting your game?"), he felt his self-control slipping away, just as before.

"Your true motivation is something we all want to know," one of the reporters asked, a malicious glint in his eye.

At that, Anatoly's temper flared and he shouted back furiously, "You know damn well what my motivation is!"

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[capable-of.livejournal.com]

"His motivation is simply to win a chess game and keep his title, or have you all honestly forgotten the reason you are all here?" Came a loud clear voice from the back of the room and the crowd almost parted before where Lex stood as all of the reporters turned to see who had spoken.

Lex smiled his best Luthor professional smile and moved away from the surprised Trumper, who had been whispering in Lex's ear all about the plan he'd concocted with Walter and how foolish the Commie bastard looked answering all those questions. Lex had been biting his cheek so hard to not comment, or knock him unconscious, that he could taste blood on his tongue. But at least now he wouldn't have to explain to Trumper how that private interview was never going to happen.

Once the attention was all on him, Lex couldn't look at Anatoly. It was cowardice maybe, but he couldn't stand to see the look of non recognition in the eyes of the man he loved. This would be hard enough as it was. He kept walking to the front of the room, every inch a bred and trained Luthor. "This is a farce, and if you were all genuine reporters, you would see that. This is about a sport, pure and simple, and I half a mind to bring this issue to the Arbitor. It's considered cheating if you break an opposing runner's leg during a race correct? Is that not what you are doing to Mr. Sergievsky? A chess player's mind is his strength and you are bending and breaking it with your senseless questions, and taking pleasure from the pain you cause."

He paused to take a breath as he reached the front of the room and looked for the man he'd seen Anatoly consulting with before, who had to be Walter de Courcey. Lex looked right at him as he spoke next. "The CIA and the KGB are waging their own war and you are all their too willing pawns because it's an easy story." A flutter rose up among the reporters, but Lex ignored them, instead letting his smirk get sharper as he saw de Courcey's eyes harden in a dare, which he gladly met. "And I'm sure Mr. de Courcey would be glad to give you the CIA side. If you are at all reporters worth your bylines, then I suggest you look into that instead of badgering a man who's only purpose here is to play chess."

Lex ignored the sudden burst of questions of who he was and how he had come about this information as he reached out and took Anatoly's arm. "I have said all I need to say and I believe Mr. Sergievsky has a match to prepare for. If you will excuse us." Then, he pulled Anatoly from the room and away from the crowd, leaving a fury of noise behind them. Of course, Lex couldn't hear it over the beating of his own heart, as the moment of truth lingered. Would Anatoly know who he was?

He kept walking, not looking at the man he was leading, until he found a secluded corner in the studio, away from prying eyes. Finally, he turned to Anatoly to explain, though he still wasn't brave enough to look into the Russian man's eyes. "Anatoly, I realize you may have no idea who I am but I promise you, I'm a friend and I only want to help...."

[chesspolitik]

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.

[capable-of.livejournal.com]

When Anatoly kissed him, Lex could have done the most unLuthor like thing possible...he could have cried with relief. He hadn't even let himself hope Anatoly would know him. But instead of tears, he just clutched at the awful suit and pulled Anatoly to him to return the kiss, with as much passion and relief he could muster.

And even when he came up for air, he couldn't let him go, sensing that Anatoly was feeling just as desperate as he was. Resting their foreheads together, Lex glanced around to make sure they were still alone before saying softly, "I'm here. Your not alone this time.Everything is going to be different, I promise."

[chesspolitik]

Anatoly took a deep breath, taking strength from Lex's presence. If he had to do this over again, at least he was worth someone he trusted above all others. With Lex's help, perhaps he could rewrite history, find the happy ending he'd chased so fruitlessly for.

"I should tell you," he said hurriedly, keeping an eye and ear out for unwanted visitors. It wouldn't be much longer before they were found. "Florence. She's here. She doesn't - I couldn't - God, I don't even know what I can say to her."

[capable-of.livejournal.com]

Lex would blame it on the odd situation he found himself in, stranger then anything Smallville could dream up, for the fact that he flinched when Anatoly spoke his former lover's name. Sure it was in his eyes and in one corner of his lips, but it was there all the same.

But a Luthor always approached their problems head on and at the moment, Lex needed to be a Luthor, for Anatoly's sake. "We need to talk to her. First and foremost." He gave Anatoly a soft comforting kiss to silence any protest." She deserves it and she will probably be our only ally." That and Lex needed all the information he could get and between the two of them, he had no doubt he could get it.