n i g h t s w i m m i n g . i n d e x

Nightswimming

Three fandoms, three couples, one scenario. Based on Nightswimming by REM, but not songfic in the traditional sense.

Each fic is approximately 1000 words, and each is a snapshot of a stage in a relationship. You don't have to read them all, but it makes a nice triptych if you do.

Dedication: To Pete, who wrote slash for me, in return for X/W mush. Here it is, and then some. <g>

Not Like Years Ago
Rating: G
Paring: Xander/Willow
Summary: "It's not like years ago."
Spoilers: Wrecked, I guess, and a reference to the Connor arc on Angel. Possible future spoilers mentioned.
Date: January 28, 2002

Side By Side In Orbit
Rating: NC-17
Paring: Logan/Rogue
Summary: "And what if there were two / Side by side in orbit / Around the fairest sun?"
Date: January 28, 2002

You I Cannot Judge
Rating: NC-17, slash - m/m sex, language
Pairing: Clark/Lex
Summary: "You, I thought I knew you. / You I cannot judge."
Date: January 28, 2002

~*~

The inspirational lyrics:

NIGHTSWIMMING by REM

Nightswimming deserves a quiet night.
The photograph on the dashboard, taken years ago,
turned around backwards so the windshield shows.
Every streetlight reveals the picture in reverse.
Still, it's so much clearer.
I forgot my shirt at the water's edge.
The moon is low tonight.

Nightswimming deserves a quiet night.
I'm not sure all these people understand.
It's not like years ago,
The fear of getting caught,
of recklessness and water.
They cannot see me naked.
These things, they go away,
replaced by everyday.

Nightswimming, remembering that night.
September's coming soon.
I'm pining for the moon.
And what if there were two
Side by side in orbit
Around the fairest sun?
That bright, tight forever drum
could not describe nightswimming.

You, I thought I knew you.
You I cannot judge.
You, I thought you knew me,
this one laughing quietly underneath my breath.
Nightswimming.

The photograph reflects,
every streetlight a reminder.
Nightswimming deserves a quiet night,
deserves a quiet night.

~*~

Disclaimer: All X-Men characters belong to Marvel and Fox; all BtVS characters belong to Mutant Enemy et al.; all Smallville characaters belong to DC Comics and Tollin/Robbins; Nightswimming belongs to REM. This fan-written fiction intends no infringement on any copyrights.

~*~

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