"We Ought Not Die Continues" to scheme

[kyanoswolf]

Metropolis United Charities -- Private Adoption
International Adoption -- Obscure Fourth World Country
Male Pregnancy Announcement -- Kryptonian Technology Now Available
Take Chloe up on "Surrogacy"

"What are you doing?" Clark tried to peer over Lex's shoulder at the list he was making.

"You are supposed to be resting." Lex pulled the notebook away from Clark. One advantage of being in the Fortress for Clark's third phase was the simulated red solar radiation in their suite. It leveled the playing field a bit.

"I was bored." Clark pouted as joined Lex on the sinfully comfortable sofa in the sitting room. "I found myself watching Latin soap operas on television."

"The AI's amazing selection of satellite feeds and that's all you could find on TV? You should have watched. I'm told that they are much sexier than American soaps." Lex smiled and gave Clark a kiss.

"Lex!" Clark blushed furiously.

Lex lightly stroked on Clark's protruding tummy. "How's Connor this morning?"

"He's -- content. It's odd being aware of him, but soothing, too."

Connor chose that moment to kick and Lex laughed. "He doesn't want you to get too calm, does he?"

"He gets that from you. Now tell me what you were working on."

Lex reluctantly handed over his list. Clark frowned at the last item.

"You've talked to Chloe?"

"I tracked her down when we were writing to each other. She told me that I'd be a fool not to get back together with you."

"Why didn't you tell me this?"

"She asked me not to mention her. Chloe wanted to start over after everything that happened while she worked with you. She really never got over Lois getting that job at the Planet over her."

"I never understood how Lois managed that. And Chloe deserved so much that I couldn't give her. I've never lost track of her, Lex. I know that she's in Central City when she's not on assignment."

"Did you know that she took a sabbatical when you left the Planet?"

"A sabbatical? What did the two of you do, Lex?" Clark pushed back far enough from Lex to look him in the eyes.

"I had nothing to do with it. Chloe contacted me and asked me point blank if you were pregnant."

"And you told her I was?" Clark's voice rose and Lex started to worry about his blood pressure.

"Of course not! But you know Chloe. She started in on me with all of her 'protect Clark' scenarios. Then she came up with the surrogacy plan. She took a sabbatical and dropped out of sight."

"Where is she, Lex?"

"Mercy found her on that little island resort that I used to use as a getaway -- the one that all of the paparazzi know about. Chloe's been spotted on the beach several times looking very fetchingly pregnant thanks to a special effects wizard who's a friend of hers. She's been very visible to the locals and to the press for the last 6 months. She doesn't try to hide her 'pregnancy' and she's very open about who she is and who is supposedly paying her bills."

"That little ...."

"So, do we take advantage of Chloe's little deception?"

"Do we have to decide now?" Clark whined a bit.

"You are due in six weeks."