Marinette yawns and stands from the swing. "I'm going to head to bed. We have a big day tomorrow. You coming?" "I'm going stay out here awhile longer, plus I don't think I can see you till we're at the altar." Marinette winces and rubs her belly. "Okay. I'll be missing you till then." "You okay? I saw you wince." She nods, and starts to head inside.
Though darkness fell over the land long ago, the night is calm and peaceful. "Lovely night, isn't it, Adrien?" I sit up and see Orion heading towards me. "Either I have pre-wedding jitters or I'm more of a night owl then I thought." "Well, you could help attend to some of the flowers. There are some special ones that only bloom at night." "Lead the way."
"Your Marinette is someone very special, and when that baby is born, he or she will have the kindest daddy in the world. But I can see that something's troubling you, Adrien." I blush in the darkness. "Its silly, but I think Marinette's going to have her baby tomorrow." "That's not silly, Adrien. It shows you care deeply about her, and watching for any signs of discomfort." "She told me she wants to move to an island near you and Autumn. I'd be pleased with that arrangement." "We'd love to have you, and I can teach you all about gardening while Autumn can help Marinette with the baby."
"Do you have children of your own?" I ask, curious. "No, Adrien. Autumn and I weren't blessed with a child, but there so many children to take care of, we just happened upon you two." I think of the miracle of my mother getting pregnant with me. "How's your mother doing?" Orion reads my thoughts without trying. "The doctor's are still trying to recover her memory. But I've been told she insisted on being at the wedding tomorrow."
"Now, this we're we have to be quiet, but the flowers we're looking for should bloom soon." We settled down on the ground that is slowly being moistened with dew and I change so I can see better as Cat Noir.
The moon comes out from behind a cloud, and shows its silvery face. "Look, there!" Orion points to a blooming flower that seems to bloom in the darkness, its almost the same color of the moon and a sweet scent fills the air. Each flower takes it turn, washing its face and petals in the light of the moon.
"Moon flowers," Orion explains. "They only open when the moon is full, and we were lucky to be here at the right time. Hm, gives me an idea for the desserts tomorrow but I'll leave that as a surprise."
We head inside and Orion shows me to my room, and I slip under the covers and fall asleep at once. Though I miss Marinette, its only a few hours till we're reunited again.
The red light of dawn washes over me in the morning, the red fingers of light brushing my cheek gently. Plagg snores softly beside me, he insisted on sleeping with a piece of cheese last night.
I shower and dress, and wander out into the hall, to see if anyone can help me. Orion is nearby, and he tells me to eat a hearty breakfast then tells me to go to the room with all the puff and powder. I grin at him. "Us models call it the makeup room." "Pshaw, you and Marinette don't need any of that." "Don't worry, I'm used to it."
I eat heartily, but not to much for I don't want a tummy ache later if I get nerves. Then I located the makeup room. "Hello?" I call, and three girls rush out giggling. "Oh, he's so handsome!" "Maia!" One of the girls admonishes then smiles at me. "She's a big fan of you, Adrien. I'm Celenanio, and I'll be working on your hair. Maia, my star-struck sister will be doing your make-up." Plagg pops his small head out. "Do you girls have any cheese, eek!" "So, this is Plagg! Aren't you the cutest thing!" I fight back at cough as Maia coos over my Kwami. "Careful, he made chomp if mad enough." "Don't worry, Plagg, I just happen to have some cheese in the fridge. Don't go anywhere!"
The girls pepper me with questions about modeling and Paris. "You'll have to tell us when Marinette launches her own fashion line, we've been following her blog and buying things from her online store ever since it opened." "I'll be sure to pass on the message, and she'll be pleased to know she has such loyal fans."
I must admit, I drift off for a bit, but I'm glad for the time with Orion. "Your suit is the bathroom down the hall, Adrien. We'll be here if you need any help." I thank him walking down to the bathroom.
Its not until I start to put on the suit that my nerves start to kick in. I'm getting married. Deep breaths, Adrien. She's been the love of your life ever since the day you handed her your umbrella.
"Ooh, you look nice! Now, Orion will escort you to where you need to be. We'll say hi after the reception." The girls seem surprised as I give each of them a hug in turn. "We don't get many hugs from the holders who pass through here. Your the sweetest Cat Noir ever, Adrien."
When I find Orion he leads me to a chapel sized room, and there are flowers everywhere. Autumn scurries in, a beautiful olive green dress. "Can't forget your wife's ring, Adrien."
There's a smaller room where I am to wait, and I listen to the mummer of voices as the guests find their seats. I turn to Plagg, my throat suddenly tight. "Thanks for being the best friend, ever, Plagg. You've always be my best little buddy ever from the start."
Plagg starts to say something, but I hear a voice I'd know anyone. "Where's Adrien? Where's my son? Have you seen him?" "Mother." I dash out into the crowd, scanning it quickly until I locate her. I find her hands and grip them tightly. "I'm right here, Mother. Its okay. But I'm needed elsewhere," my voice trails off as Plagg pops his head out of my shirt. A short silent conversation flows between us, and Plagg finds my Mother's hands. She coos and laughs like a small child, and I know she'll be safe with Plagg.
The music starts and all eyes turn to the door. When Marinette walks through on Orion's arm, I'm riveted to the spot at how breathtaking beautiful she looks. Her dress the purest white, she wears no veil, but a white ribbon in her hair is the perfect touch, reminding me of the moon flowers. Wait, she's carrying moon flowers in her bouquet! So, that's one of the reason that Orion asks me to join him.
The ceremony seems to be a blur and we're exchanging rings. "You may kiss the bride." The world shrinks down to a single point as I kiss Marinette tenderly, the wife that is now mine.
Marinette is able to greet the guests for a short time, but she tires easily. "Do you feel like dancing?" I ask her, once I've helped her to her seat. "No, but don't…." a look of pain crosses her face and I notice a red pattern seeping into her dress. "Did you add a touch of Ladybug to your suit?" "No, Adrien. I'm going to have the baby. Get Autumn."
"I'm here, sweetie. And so's your mother," carefully they usher Marinette out of the reception room. I follow quickly, but know it will be some time before they allow me in.
I pace the hallway, praying both Mother and baby will be okay. "Adrien?" Orion's gently voice has me running into his arms. "I'm scared." "Here, let's find a seat and I'll get some water."
The water helps my parched throat, but does nothing to calm my nerves. "Adrien?" Mother. Some attendants are wheeling her into the room. "I came as soon as I could. Be brave and this will be all over soon. Plagg, do you want some more cheese?" Just like that, Mother is back in her own little world, but her advice does calm me.
I find a chair and Orion sits down beside me. The clock ticks out a rhythm like a heartbeat, until they at last let me into the delivery room. Marinette is withering in pain, and my heart aches for her. Her beautiful wedding dress is gone, replaced with hospital gown now stained with blood.
"Please, please, help me!" I wonder what she is seeing. A doctor comes into the room and washes his hands, then faces the group. "Its time."
He walks over to the bed, repositioning Marinette. "Marinette, sweetie, I need you to push as hard as you can." Wait, I know that voice! Rigel! I must not have recognized him in his surgical gear. Marinette couldn't be in better hands. "Adrien, get ready to catch the baby when it slides out."
Marinette screams in agony, and my heart feels like its shattering in a million pieces. But she does as the doctor orders, push, push, push. I'm about to become a father, to a daughter or son is still a mystery bit will be revealed soon.
A sheen of sweat covers Marinette's brow and she seems to be growing tired. "Adrien, are you there? Kitty?" "Right here, love." Her wild eyes find mine and she's back to the mission.
A final scream and push, and a wet baby slides into my arms. Its covered in blood, but the most beautiful thing I've ever seen. Rigel walks over to me. "Congratulations, Adrien. You have a healthy little girl!"
My baby gives a small cry, but I make cooing sounds and she opens her eyes. Bluebell colored just like her mother. Marinette is fast asleep, exhausted, but she has survived the ordeal.
