I feel the sheets move violently and I open my eyes to see Marinette streaking off to the bathroom. I follow her in, just as she makes it to the toilet. I whisper comforting words, rubbing her back until the contents of her stomach are emptied. She slumps down on the cool tile, keeping a firm grasp on my hand. "I don't like throwing up." I chuckle and stroke her thumb. "I don't think anyone does, love."

"How is your stomach feeling now?" "Werid. Maybe I should go to the doctor. I saw a infirmy when we came back." "That sounds like a good idea, and I'll help you get ready when you are."

I carefully brush Marinette's long black hair, loving the silky feel of it, but then again she takes very good care of herself. "Your hair is almost at your waist," I comment as I tie back in a high ponytail. "Its not yarn, Kitty, so no batting at the strands." I hand her a pair of jeans and smirk. "If you can make sassy jokes, your going to be fine."

I still carry her down to the infirmary and she snuggles against my chest. "I could get used to this," she whispers to herself. We check in, and I'm offered a cup of coffee. "Marinette, would you like to see the baby on an ultrasound?" "You have that kind of technology here?" she asks, sounding a bit surprised.

"Of course. Your not the first Ladybug to fall in love with a Cat Noir."

Marinette disappears with the nurse and comes with a robe, and lies down on the small table, the paper crinkling. "Now, this might be a bit cold at first, so Adrien dear, could you come and hold your wife's hand?" Marinette looks at me, her lip bitten trying not to laugh. She squeezes tightly as the probe enters her, and our eyes are both locked on the screen. At first, I can't tell what we're looking at, but then the nurse smiles. "There! Do you see the heartbeat?" She points and sure enough you can see a bump, bump on the screen. "That's our baby, Kitty. We're going to bring a new creation into the world." "We're all so thrilled for you, we've been watching your relationship grow for quite some time now." "Is it a boy or is it a girl?" Marinette wants to know. "To early to tell yet, I'm afraid." "Bet you want to be a boy, honey. Then you can tell it Cat puns." "Emma would love my puns, but maybe its a Cat Noir thing."

"Any special instructions on taking care of Bugaboo?" The nurse smiles, unaware of M'lady's glare. "That's cute for a nickname. Bugaboo. Your baby will love it. Anyway, make sure you get plenty of rest and don't tired yourself out. Oh, and now that your pregnant your allowed one cup of decaffeinated coffee a day."

I give a soft laugh at Marinette's expression. "I mean, I knew this was coming. I'll be okay. Thanks for your time." "Marinette, I need to talk to Adrien for a moment, but if you want to go wait on the bench a moment, he'll be right with you."

"Make sure she gets plenty of sleep today, Adrien. In fact, here's some sleep syrup to add to some tea. It won't harm her, but I don't like how pale is she looks." "She's under a lot of stress, but that comes with the terrioty of being a guardian." "We have people working day and night on your mother. In fact, you should go up and see her later." "I'll do that."

"What's that?" Marinette asks, as I carry her back to our room. "Something to help you sleep. I'll make some tea when we get back." I help Marinette change into her pajamas and help her back into bed. "Be back soon," I tell her, giving her a kiss.

I make two cups of herbal tea, and add the syrup to Marinette's and it smells slightly of raspberries. Marinette accepts her cup gratefully as I sit the chair besides the bed. "If I'm going to be asleep for awhile, you should really check out the balcony." "Balcony?" "Sumac showed me it yesterday, and its so much different then the one at my parents. Its like being in a jungle, so thick is the greenery. And the songbirds, oh, Adrien, your going to love it. Its on the floor where your mom is."

Already her voice is getting a bit slurred, and her eyes are closing. Soon, all I can hear is a soft little snore. Kwamis, she's cute! "Plagg, Claws Out."

Before I go up to the third floor, I find one the vendors with their little carts and buy a stack of pancakes wrapped in paper, and a cup of coffee. I chuckle again, remembering Marinette's expression. Good thing she's not here at the moment.

Then I head up, and people point out the way to the balcony. When I enter, its like I've entered another world. The air is sweet and fragrant from flowers blooming, and the birds are singing their hearts out as if they don't have a care in the world.

I sit down on the floor, and sink into my thoughts. Its really going to happen, I'm going to be a Daddy. I don't care if its a boy first or a girl, I just want everything to be okay. The picture of that little heartbeat sticking in my mind. I wonder what my first child's personality will be like? Will they be outgoing or shy? I'm going to make sure they get all the love and hugs they need, and I'll be there on those special days. I will not be my father, pushing everyone away with grief, when he had so many around him that could have helped him through.

After Mother disappeared, everything changed, including me. Father no longer hugged me or asked me about my day at school which he hired tutors for. He stayed shut up in his office, not caring that his son was grieving too.

Of course, I met Marinette's parents soon after we met, but there's one occasion that sticks out in my mind and I wasn't even Adrien, I was Cat.

Marinette had invited me for brunch, and as soon as she opened the door, I was swept up in one of Tom Dupain's famous bear hugs. I couldn't breathe, but it didn't matter for Tom accepted and hugged me just the way I was. If we can survive the next few days, we'll be able to tell Marinette's parents about the baby. Oh, won't they be delighted. I smile and stand, now that I've finished my morning meal.

"Claws In," I take a deep breath a push the door open of a very different infirmy. "Come in, Adrien. I'll take you down to see your mother." "Any improvements?" "She wiggled her fingers yesterday. Oh, and her eyelids fluttered. Maybe we'll have you hold her hand for a bit."

Instead of being in a coma, Mother looks like she's taking a nap. Her hand is soft and cool, and I hope my own hand, weaved through hers helps. "Adrien?" I look up to hear Marmie. "I know it sounds silly, but she'll like if you talk to her. Don't worry, we can see you, but we can't hear you."

At first my words are stilted and awkward, when I begin to get comfortable, everything comes tumbling out. I don't know if Mother can hear me, but when I leave it makes me feel better.

Marinette is sitting up in bed, knitting when I get back. "Your awake. Did you have a good nap?" "That syrup really works, but what I could use now is a good cuddle." I shed my shirt and climb in with her. "Can I say hi to baby?" "Of course." I rest my hand on Marinette's stomach and its smooth but a bit bumpy too. I rub her belly gently, then look up to see Marinette's head has dropped against her chest, fast asleep again.

I pull her close so she can hear my comforting heartbeat and we stay that way till dinnertime. Marinette insists that I go down to the dining hall, and I get in line for chicken Alfredo and spot Sumac in the corner.

"Hey, may I join you?" I place my tray down, and Sumac only nods, clutching a stuffed koala. "Hi, Adrien." She doesn't sound like her normal perky self. "What's wrong?" "My mother has to go help a guardian-in-training, but she said it will be to dangerous for me there. And I don't want to stay here all alone." I place a comforting hand on her shoulder. "I know all about being alone. But at least your mother loves you, something my father doesn't even now."

"How did you stand it?" "I met Marinette. Even if a friend isn't here right now, the perfect person will come along. Who knows? You might end up marrying them."

I'm surprised but pleased when Sumac throws her little arms around me. "Thanks, Adrien. You seem to always know what to say." "Not always. When I'm feeling shy its much easier to tell jokes or Cat puns."

Sumac's little face lights up. "Could you teach me some?" "It would be my purr-leasure."

"You look happy," Marinette smiles at me when I turn in for the night. "I just spent a couple of hours teaching Sumac Cat puns. I made her paw-mise to use them only for good at not evil." I wink at Marinette, and she rolls her eyes. "Oh, Kitty." We cuddle, but when she starts shifting around, I know something's on her mind. "I had a dream about my parents, and I wish they could be here with us."

"I know, love. But their safer back in Paris." "Will this be all over soon?" I nod. Yes, it will be over soon, but who knows if we'll still be alive to go back.