For Anatoly, Homeplot Party

[capable_of]

The party for Anatoly's birthday had been planned for that night, as if he'd been expected home. The island had to be behind this, the timing was too perfect and not surprisingly, this thought didn't comfort Lex one bit. There were dignitaries and other important people, anyone who needed to be seen at the celebration for the current country hero,

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[danseuse_russe]

Ilona had been sent to bed hours ago but the noise from the party made it impossible to sleep. Besides, her daddy was home and who knows how long he might stay this time? If she got up and said she couldn't sleep, then he would come and read her another story and that was more time she could be with him.

She carefully tiptoed out of her room and down the hall to where the party was but the man who had come with her daddy caught her eye. He seemed so lost and sad that she had to go over to him and take his hand. Maybe he need a story read to him.

"You look sad," she said as she looked up at him. "Do you want to come and read a story? That always makes me feel better."

[capable_of]

The sudden small hand in his startled Lex to the point that he couldn't even attempt to hide it, and that was a rare thing indeed. He took a moment to compose himself before looking down at the little girl. Thinking the children would want nothing to do with him, Lex hadn't thought to ask Anatoly how his handlers usually handled interactions with the children. He had just assumed he'd stay out to the way and be a jealous but silent observer.

Swallowing, Lex knelt down on one knee. "Ilona, shouldn't you be in bed?" He had absolutely no idea what to do, having never really had experience with small children, even as a small child himself.

Also, being this was his first real close up contact with Ilona, he couldn't help but think Anatoly's daughter was absolutely beautiful.

[danseuse_russe]

"I couldn't sleep," she answered truthfully. "The party's too loud. I thought maybe Papa could come read me another story but I think he's too busy. Would you come read to me?" She remembered her mama was always after her to be polite, so she added, "Please?"

[capable_of]

Lex desperately wanted to say no. To tell her that he was to busy looking after her father, to go back to bed and not bother him. Not to mention he was terrified at the thought of being alone with a small child. He was Lionel Luthor's son, what did he know about children?

But it was the earnest please that did it and Lex's eyes half closed in a sigh. He couldn't deny her. "Alright. But a quick one."