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.

Comments

[slayers_desire]

"And you get to help momma and daddy take care of the baby."

[kalel_ofkrypton]

"Baby!" Jonathan repeats with a giggle.

"Well, he doesn't seem to hate the idea," Clark says.

[slayers_desire]

"That is a good thing." April wants a big family, one that is happy and supports each other.

[kalel_ofkrypton]

Clark smiles, but their happy family moment is interrupted by a signal from April's PINpoint. The alert she set to let them know if Solaris ever escaped from his dimensional prison.

[slayers_desire]

April brings out her PINpoint, frowning. "Solaris has escaped from the dimension we sent him to."

[kalel_ofkrypton]

From happy news to bad news. Clark is immediately concerned. "I hoped we'd have more time." Especially since it's their son's birthday.

[slayers_desire]

"I won't be able to go with you this time." April won't take that risk, especially if she is pregnant again.

[kalel_ofkrypton]

"You can still help from Watchtower," Clark says, not wanting her to feel as though she can't help. "We need to get everyone together."

[slayers_desire]

"Of course I will be at Watchtower." April picks up Jonathan. If they are calling everyone together, there is no time for a babysitter.

[kalel_ofkrypton]

Clark speeds them to Watchtower. Dinah is on duty, and she only glances up when she hears the distinctive sound of Superman's superspeed. "I thought you had the day off."

"Something came up," Clark says.

[slayers_desire]

"Solaris has escaped his dimensional prison. We need all JLA members called to Watchtower immediately."

[jla_npc]

"Escaped? How did that happen?" Even as she asks, she turns to the computer systems, sending out a League-wide signal to report in as as soon as possible.

[slayers_desire]

"Unfortunately it was never meant as a lasting solution to our problem."

[kalel_ofkrypton]

Clark moves to change into his Superman costume, already thinking about who can go to face Solaris. April can't come this time... but maybe someone else can wear the Legion ring and come to help.

"I need Green Lantern and Martian Manhunter to join me in going offworld. And one other person with a Legion ring."

"Dark Oak? You're not going with him?" Dinah asks.

[slayers_desire]

"No. I am not." She doesn't want to explain why, just yet. The JLA members can learn about the new pregnancy after she checks in with the doctor, and tells both Martha and Spike.

[kalel_ofkrypton]

Dinah assumes that it's because she doesn't want to leave Jonathan, so it passes by without mention for now. "All right. Who should I alert to take her spot?"

There are a few good candidates, and Superman is sure that any of them would volunteer. "Who do you think we'll need?" he asks April.

[slayers_desire]

"You have great offense and defense already... perhaps someone with with some tactical abilities. Solaris is a computer... I would suggest Cyborg."

[kalel_ofkrypton]

He nods, and Dinah doesn't hesitate to send the signal along. The three heroes chosen to face Solaris with Superman will get a more urgent alert to report to Watchtower. And with access to PINpoints, it isn't long at all before they arrive.

Jonathan isn't sure what's going on, but he's old enough by now to notice that the adults are worried about something. "Mama?"

[slayers_desire]

"Daddy has to go out and help innocents sweetie. But momma is staying with you."

[kalel_ofkrypton]

"Don't worry, buddy. I'll be back soon." Clark kisses their son on the forehead, then turns to the assembled heroes. "Solaris is back. We need to stop him for good."

"If we're going into space, I can't fly," Cyborg points out.

Superman hands him the Legion ring. "You can now."

[slayers_desire]

April nervously bites her lip. She is trying to be strong, for Jonathan, for her husband. But she is also a little emotional too.

"Be safe."

[kalel_ofkrypton]

Clark turns to her, and moves to give her a goodbye kiss. It's too early to tell if the new pregnancy is affecting her hormones, but regardless, this is something that would be upsetting anyway. And he wants to do what he can to comfort her before they leave to face Solaris.

"I'll be back. We all will."

[slayers_desire]

"I know you will." April always keeps the faith. Keeps that hope in her heart. "I will be keeping an eye on you."

[kalel_ofkrypton]

He smiles at her, and leans his forehead against hers. "I'm counting on it."

[slayers_desire]

April presses one more kiss to his lips. Then lets go, so he can go help stop Solaris. It feels so hard to watch him fly off...

But there is a world to protect.