When Lucina woke up she was surprised to find herself still on top of her slumbering husband. It was nice. As much as she got used to waking up in an empty bed due to her husband's unfortunate insomnia, she still felt melancholy over it. However, this was a nice sight to observe. It was rare for her to see him with such a peaceful look on his face, especially when he was asleep. It wasn't odd to see his face contorted in worry as he slumbered; they both weren't strangers to nightmares after all. While she was able to keep on with her rest, disturbed it might be, Gerome was haunted by his thoughts and would stay awake.

However he was at the most peace she's seen him in a long while. The last time she'd seen him this content was the night after they had married. So she enjoyed this rare face he displayed. It wasn't often that he displayed it, and try as she might, the only thing that could heal the scars in which they shared was time. And there hasn't been much time for them to simply relax.

So she lay there, committing the image of her husband in her mind. It's been so long since they had alone time together, and she honestly missed him. He didn't know it, but he had been her rock throughout their childhood and adulthood. He was strong, calm, and practical. He may have not been very welcoming, but she knew that he was lonely, even if he didn't let on. He believed in her in a way that no one had. He saw her flaws, but he compensated for them. It wasn't a blind faith or a desperate one that the others had. He was pragmatic, and it was a trait that she needed around her. He reminded her of reality, and she kept him from despairing. She didn't know how healthy this dynamic was, but it helped them and she didn't care.

He stirred and she disentangled herself from him. Strong as he was, it wasn't very comfortable to have someone on top of him, even if that someone had a petite frame.

"You awake? We can sleep more, it's not like anyone is expecting us."

Gerome took awhile to focus his eyes on Lucina. She guessed that his thoughts were addled with sleep.

"… What time is it?"

His voice was thick with sleep. He was definitely tired she thought.

"It's still early. Really, Gerome, we should stay in bed. It's been sometime since we were like this. I missed this."

She could feel him analyze her. It made her question what he saw. He was the most observant out of all of them, and he was a rather good tactician like his own father. It was a shame he didn't like to lead, he might've been more helpful than she had been.

"It has been sometime since we've been like this, hasn't it?"

She expected him to get up as he slid himself into an almost sitting position, but instead he held her close and closed his eyes. She reciprocated his embrace easily. Really, she had missed this. A thought came across her mind; she couldn't help but think to tease him with it.

"We should stay like this longer, it will be a battle in itself to face Nicholas and Catherine after all the noise we made last night."

She felt his grasp leave her body and peered up to see that he had covered his face. His ears were bright red, it was cute.

"Gods, I forgot about them."

"After all the things you did, it was no wonder you forgot. You must've tried your hardest to make me be loud."

He groaned and she chuckled. She figured she should save her husband from embarrassment lest she get a cold shoulder for the rest of the week.

"Don't worry love, I'm sure they would think it odd that we haven't done anything for awhile. In fact Catherine was surprised that I was pregnant, she probably thought that we were v-"

Blast. She had let the very news that she was keeping secret out because she got caught up in bedroom talk. She was hoping to tell him when they were more settled; she didn't want to stress him out too much. It was too late now. She looked at him shyly, even though she knew he would be happy for the news she couldn't help but feel anxious about his reaction.

Gerome's eyes were the largest she'd seen. His mouth was slightly open and he looked dazed. Lucina hoped he wouldn't faint. Before she knew it he pulled her in a tight hug. It was almost suffocating but she couldn't help but be comforted by the uncomfortable hold. He'd never held her this tight, even after the battle with Grima.

"Gerome?"

He was silent and she felt a little concerned for him.

"Are you alright?"

He sniffed and she realized he must've been crying. He let her go and covered his eyes.

"Sorry I-I just…"

She looked at him patiently. It was still awkward for him to display big emotions, even to her.

"You make me so happy."

He stared at her with conviction then. He looked different then, almost optimistic. Perhaps their habit of licking each other's wounds would end soon. She didn't care. His happiness was hers and soon their happiness would include one more.

Despite the couples' obvious happiness, they were both very subdued when they met the old couple in the dining room for breakfast. Even though Lucina had lightly teased Gerome about their loud lovemaking, she herself was quite embarrassed by it. Even though they didn't seem like it, they were still young and they were still embarrassed about the topic of sex. The older couple picked up on the uncomfortable atmosphere however, and made sure to not bring up anything they might've heard last night. It was amusing but they didn't want the poor kids to faint, especially Lucina in her delicate position.

"Would you two like some tea, you both look rather frazzled."

Lucina was quick to nod her head; she really hoped she wasn't blushing. Looking at Gerome she knew he was very much in the same position as her, though the crease in his brow seemed a bit lighter. He must still be happy about the news she gave him. Well since the cat was out of the bag she figured that she might as well ask Catherine for some advice.

"Catherine?"

"Yes Hun?"

"I've told Gerome about the, err, pregnancy."

Lucina smiled when the older woman's face broke out into a full-blown smile.

"Finally! I don't think I could've kept it a secret any longer!"

After a short exchange of formal congratulations to the prospective parents Catherine was quick to start giving medical advice.

Gerome and Lucina could only glance at each other with content smiles on their faces.