a very special second birthday ((tag Clark))

[slayers_desire]

It is Jonathan's second birthday. Unlike last year, where a group of friends were invited to the apartment, April has favored for a family event.

The decorations are simple, and tasteful around the apartment. Jonathan is sitting among a few opened presents, playing with the wrapping paper. (Ignoring the toys that were in the boxes for the time being).

April is watching Jonathan with a smile, tilting her head slightly for a moment. This is such a nice moment, with the three of them together.

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[kalel_ofkrypton]

"Dede!" Jonathan says, toddling over to her and reaching up his arms so she can pick him up.

Out in space, the four heroes have managed to stabilize Solaris in orbit around Saturn, safe from any possible collision with its many moons. Still, knowing that Solaris is still conscious makes Superman feel a little bit bad about leaving it alone. Cyborg... can you put Solaris into some kind of standby mode?

Cyborg thinks about it, then presses his hand against the surface of the supercomputer and sends a command. The blue eye's light fades into darkness, while the 'skin' of the tyrant sun dims, still bright, but obviously not active.

[slayers_desire]

April picks up her son, and activates the PINpoint back to Watchtower. "Solaris has been deactivated."

[jla_npc]

"That's a relief," Dinah says with a sigh. "We really need to set up some kind of tech to communicate with people out in space. I've been having to guess what's going on."

[slayers_desire]

"That is something I am sure we could arrange, especially since our new JLA Watchtower will be in orbit."

[kalel_ofkrypton]

The four heroes approach Earth again, this time following Superman, who knows his way home better than them all. He zeroes in on Watchtower, and before too long, they all land.

Cyborg pulls off the Legion ring and hands it back to him. "That was pretty cool, but I think I'll stick to the ground from now on."

"Not a problem," Superman says. "Thanks for coming up with us. It wouldn't have ended so well if you hadn't."

[slayers_desire]

April is glad to see everyone in good shape, but she will also allow Emil to look over the heroes for any lasting damage.

[kalel_ofkrypton]

J'onn has a burn to his shoulder, and reluctantly lets Emil look at it. Superman has come off with just a bit of soreness from taking a few hits from the heat, something that will fix itself in short order. Green Lantern and Cyborg are both unharmed, although Emil insists that Cyborg run a few self-diagnostics to make sure Solaris hasn't corrupted his systems.

Jonathan reaches out for his daddy, wanting to give him a hug.

[slayers_desire]

April also wants to give her husband a hug. So she moves closer to him, so both she and Jonathan can hug him.

"Welcome back handsome."

[kalel_ofkrypton]

"Good to be back." It feels such a relief to take care of the looming threat of Solaris' return. Although the tyrant sun's story isn't over, it won't be replacing their sun anytime soon.

"You were amazing."

[slayers_desire]

"Thank you." April nuzzles close to him. We don't have to worry about telling Jor-El about the pregnancy. He knew

[kalel_ofkrypton]

He smiles a little bit and hugs her a tiny bit tighter. I guess we don't have to double-check with a doctor then.

[slayers_desire]

No... A soft mental chuckle. But perhaps I should still touch base with Emil, since doctor visits are still going to be recommended. Just like last time

[kalel_ofkrypton]

Good idea... do you want to do that now? Or wait until later?

[slayers_desire]

Yes. Once we talk to Emil, it will be easier to talk to Martha and Spike. April is still nervous. There could be any number of complications.

[kalel_ofkrypton]

Clark looks over at the doctor. "Emil, when you're done with J'onn, can you take a look at April? She acted as a conduit between my Fortress and Cyborg, and I want to make sure she's all right." It's a good cover story, one that no one else present will question.

"Certainly," the doctor replies.

[slayers_desire]

Definitely a good cover story, since Solaris had attempted to attack her through the conduit a few times. She feels those little nervous butterflies again.

"Dinah can you just watch Jonathan while Emil checks me over?"

[jla_npc]

"Sure," Dinah says. "C'mere, little dude."

Jonathan is not thrilled about leaving his parents' arms, but he knows her and he knows that they won't be gone for long.

[slayers_desire]

April heads into a private room, away from prying eyes, to wait on Emil. One thing she is glad for is that Clark is still at her side. "A little change from last time... where he knew first."

[jla_npc]

"Who knew what first?" Emil asks as he enters the room, only catching the last part. He closes the door behind him.

[slayers_desire]

April blushes. "I am pregnant again. I am feeling all the symptoms from last pregnancy, and just today the Fortress AI confirmed I was with child."

"I was just noting, that last time you confirmed the pregnancy first."

[kalel_ofkrypton]

Emil's eyebrows go up in surprise. "Congratulations. I assume, then, that you won't require a blood test this time?"

"The Fortress doesn't get false readings on things like this," Clark says with a nod. "Unless it would help with peace of mind...?"

[slayers_desire]

"Is there anything that might identify a risk to the pregnancy with a blood test?"

[jla_npc]

"Not this early," Emil says apologetically. "Or at least as early as I assume you are, if you're only just noticing the symptoms."

[slayers_desire]

"Then I don't think we have to worry about those tests until later. I figure I must just be at the first month mark."

[kalel_ofkrypton]

"I assume by the secrecy, also, that you'd like to keep this a secret for now?" Emil asks.

Clark nods. "At least until we can tell the grandparents."