An Marie Kent
Chapter 2 Family affairs
Chloe and Oliver arrive at 12:55 with Chinese take-out. Clark helps them set the table, set out drinks, then he goes back to their bedroom and gets Lana and An.
"How is she doing?"
"Great, one diaper change and another 2 oz of formula. We'll be out in a minute."
"Ok, we'll be waiting." He gives An a kiss on her forehead, and Lana one on the lips.
He comes back out, "The girls will be here in a moment, why don't we dish up and get ready."
They do, Clark knows what Lana will want to eat, so he prepares her plate. Chloe smirks at that.
Lana soon enters the kitchen and joins them at the table. She hands An to Clark, she offers the blessing and includes thanks for their new little girl. When finished, she looks up and sees a strange look on Chloe's face. She studiously ignores it.
As they start to eat Chloe cannot keep silent. "You know you can't do this, right?"
"Can we talk after lunch, please," Clark suggests.
"Ok," Chloe relents. For now.
They eat in mostly silence.
After dessert and a cleared table, Olliver gets the drop on his wife.
"Clark, why don't you tell us what happened. I'm assuming she is Vietnamese, correct?"
"Yes, here is the story." Clark starts at the beginning and tells all up until this morning.
Chloe jumps right in, "You know you cannot do this, right?"
"Why not?" Lana demands.
"Well, Superman here stole a baby!"
"I saved her life!"
"So, you say!" Chloe is getting agitated. Oliver places a steady hand on her forearm.
"There are half a dozen federal agencies after people who steal children! And you know it! And you and my husband have helped them shut that practice down!" Chloe is shouting now.
Lana hangs her head, crying, holding An tightly and shielding her ears.
"Chlo, let's talk this over quietly, please." Clark admonishes.
"Maybe Lana should take that Vietnamese baby to the other room!" Chloe remains agitated.
"CHLOE! STAND DOWN!" Oliver shoots to his feet. "We didn't come to trash talk. I came to see the beautiful little girl, and learn the story. Then help if I can."
Chloe crosses her arms across her chest, leans back and one and all.
Lana gets up and returns to the BR with a fussy An.
"I am going to see if she needs another bottle." Clark gets up, goes to the BR and soon returns to the kitchen. He gets a small bottle of formula and places it in the warmer.
"What can we do to help you?" Oliver asks softly.
"Can you help me assemble some furniture?" Clark pleads.
"You bet. Let's go shopping!" Ollie hops to it.
"I'm going to help Lana shop for clothes and stuff." Chloe gets up and heads to the BR; she has calmed down.
The 2 pairs go their separate ways, and gather back in the penthouse in 3 hours. The ladies have shopping bags and take-out supper. Burgers, fries, shakes. And more formula!
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As Clark and Oliver work on assembly of a crib, dresser, changing table and playpen, they talk.
O: I know someone with Vietnam connections.
C: You do, great.
O: Henrietta Lange.
C: Hetty?
O: You know her?
C: She led the group at the LA gala that Lana designed formal wear fashions for! Remember?
O: That's right! I forgot about that.
C: I'm sure Lana has her number. We'll call after supper.
They finish part of their assembly, then eat, then call Hetty.
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NCIS-LA OSP
"Hetty here, Lana?"
"Yes, also Clark, Chloe and Oliver. We have a big problem that we need help with. Clark has a story to tell you."
"Well, we were just handed a case; can I call you back after I see how big a case we are headed into?"
"Surely, we will be here for a couple of hours. We'll await your call. Bye" Lana disconnects.
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RING
"Lana here, Hetty?"
"Yes, I have sent everyone out on assignment. I have time for Clark's story, go ahead."
"Thanks, Hetty. I was in Vietnam as Superman, helping with the recent rains and flooding. When-
Clark tells Hetty the story, Lana chips in and Chloe adds her cautions. Oliver listens intently.
"Wow! What a tale of rescue." Hetty exclaims. "I do have contacts there, but I am not sure if they have expertise in this area. I am happy to see what I can come up with, it will take a few days though. I would advise you to keep the little girl out of sight while we figure this out. Can you do that?"
"Yes, we can." Clark looks at Lana and she nods.
Chloe shakes her head; Oliver lays his hands softly on her shoulders. She frowns. "Let's be supportive, babe," he whispers. Chlo relaxes, a little.
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"Let's finish our assembly," Clark tells Oliver. "Did you ladies finish your shopping?"
"Yes, we did." Lana assures him. She and Chloe go about putting away linens and clothes.
When the guy's finish, Lana observes that they still need a bassinet, so An can sleep in their room, at least to start.
Ollie suggests that he and Chloe can shop for one and bring it by tomorrow. Lana thanks them.
"So, are we set for tonight?" Clark asks Lana.
"Yes, I think so. Thanks for the help!" She hugs Chloe and Oliver. They exit, leaving the Kent family alone.
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LATER IN BED
They talk softly with An cuddled up between them.
"Clark, what are you going to do with your JL schedule?"
"I talked with Oliver. I am going to scale my activities back for 1 month; only patrolling Metropolis and other American cities. No obligations in other countries."
"Can you do that, sweetheart?"
"Yes, I can. He is ok with it. He will apprise the JL board; if there is concern, we will talk it over."
"You're sure? I don't want you to be sorry about missing something."
"If something huge comes up, he will talk it over with me. I'm good. What about you, love?"
"I'm doing much the same. Cutting back for 1 month. Then we will see where we are."
"Wow! A real family affair. I love it!"
"Me too! And I love you!"
Lana shifts An to the floor right by the bed, on a bed of a thick comforter. Then she rolls over and coves him, starting a kissing barrage. They come up for air an hour later after a gentle, quiet love session, when An begins to fuss.
Clark gets up and changes the diaper; he lays An next to Lana and goes to warm a bottle. When ready, he brings the bottle to Lana and lays down beside her. He looks on lovingly as she feeds the baby. Bonding time for the 3 of them. Family time at its best!
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TBC
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