Marinette was overwhelmed all the fashion magazines spread across her coffee table. Some magazines opened, some closed, and others stacked upon each other. Hoping that one would inspire her to create her perfect wedding dress. She had asked Gabriel if he would design one for her but he declined. He didn't approve of Marinette and Luka's engagement let alone a marriage. Gabriel had information that could ruin their relationship but a ten almost eleven-year-old was hindering his plans.
Marinette sighed. She returned as Ladybug, she was planning a wedding, her job, being a mom, being a fiance all this was starting to exhausting her. Not mention she was currently feeling nauseous. Balancing her personal and superhero was a lot harder now then ten years ago.
Marinette texted Luka to let him choose the wedding venue. He chose the first place they met. Romantic but not ideal for the amount of people that could possibly attend. Perhaps they should only invite family and a few close friends?
Marinette also wanted to fix the relationship between Adrien and Gabriel since Adrien had been crashing at Alya and Nino's for the past two weeks. He refused to attend photo shoots, modeling gigs, and cut his father out of his life. Marinette knew Gabriel was difficult and wasn't the best father to Adrien. He somehow was both over protective and neglective of his only child.
The doorbell ran and before Marinette could react Emma ran out of her room dressed in her signature denim overalls. She leaped over the couch in excitement.
"Food!" Emma exclaimed hoping that it was Uber eats that her mother had ordered. She opened the door. "Father do you possess sustainace?"
Emma had been taught better vocabulary by Gabriel. He wanted her to sound mature or at least speak as a 4th grader should. This was incase she was interviewed. Emma interned started only speaking in 'big people words' when it convenienced her. Gabriel then put a treat system into effect. If she spoke in complete sentences she would get expensive cheeses.
"I wish I did." Adrien tired to peek over her head to see if Marinette was home but the couch was not visible from the doorway. "Is your mom home?"
"Why?" Emma glared at him. She was suspicious of people that didn't bring her food even know she knew him. Family and friends knew to being food or else the house gremlin will not accept entrance. However Adrien forgot the entry fee or more like he couldn't afford the entry fee. Not anymore.
"Because I got something important to discuss with her and if you let me in I could make you some pancakes."
"You suck at cooking."
"I'm not that bad."
"Hoceky pucks are not edible." Emma added referring to the first time Adrien was left in charge of all the kids. He burnt his first five attempts at pancakes. The smoke alarm went off so many times that he took it off the ceiling and popped the batteries out. The batteries rolled underneath the refrigerator. The apartment was smokey, there was a spatula melted to the stove top, and the pan was unrepairably burnt. At the end of the day the kids ended up with ice cream. Which Alya and Nino specifically told Adrien not to feed them or they'd be up all night.
Alya and Nino was appreciative that they could save money on daycare but they preferred their children to all be alive when they came home. Needless to say Emma was now responsible for heating up pre-made meals so Adrien doesn't accidentally start a fire again. Which saying something since Emma's whole personality screamed fire hazard. Kurt since he was the second oldest of the kids was responsible for Remi since Adrien lacked the knowledge on how to potty train a two year old.
"I guess I'll have to tell ChatNoir you aren't his biggest fan."
Emma eyes narrowed. "You wouldn't dare." She knew that ChatNoir was Adrien but was she 100% sure? Just because she saw Plagg and Adrien together and Adrien wears a ring with the ChatNoir insignia on it doesn't mean it's evidence could just mean its a coincidence.
"Are you willing to risk it?" Adrien could tell she had to think really hard about it before letting him in.
Marinette looked up from her magazines and smiled innocently at Adrien. He wasn't as well keep as he used to be. His hair was a mess, he had light stubble, he wore a plaid black and red shirt with a grey sweater on top, and a pair of simple jeans. Most likely borrowed clothes from Nino. But despite this he look like what Marinette pictured the college professors in her romance novels looked liked. A man that could easily spark a flame in the main character's loins.. I mean heart. Same thing really.
Marinette could hear the whole conversation and thought it was funny when Adrien to negotiate with children.
"You weren't going to intervene?"
He asked. He couldn't help to stare at Marinette She wore a oversized floral cardigan that Adrien recognized as one of his father's designs, yoga pants, and a sports bra. Her black hair pulled back by a matching fabric headband. She looked relaxed, comfortable and kinda cute according to Adrien.
"I think you handled it quite well." Marinette laughed as Emma went back into her bedroom. Emma had been playing Animal Crossing with her friend from school, Charlotte.
Emma was trying to collect all the cat villagers and Charlotte cried everytime she couldn't let a villager on her Island since it was full. Emma preferred PVP games over 'fluffy puffy games' as she called games similar to Animal Crossing.
Emma also enjoyed the Sims since she could force them all to make grilled cheese sandwiches. But she avoided playing the Sims around Charlotte since killing people off and forcing the dead to make grilled cheese was considered too violent. Or at least unethical. Emma played this way so if they caught themselves on fire with the stove she didn't have to worry about them dying. Can't die twice.
Emma was glad to make Charlotte happy as they dressed their little characters up in matching clothes. Even if it wasn't as fun as torturing Sims by grilled cheese supremacy.
"RAyMonD why are you like this?!" Emma yeld at her game. She was trying to complete a task but was interrupted by a smug grey cat. Charlotte laughed thinking that it was funny how a 'fluffy puffy' game could frustrate Emma so easily. Raymond was both her favorite and least villager for he caused so many problems on the island that he reminded Emma of her Yèye. The only redeeming quality he had was that he was a cat otherwise he would of been booted off, Puddy Tat Island.
Adrien slumped himself onto the couch. "Being a parent is hardwork. I don't know how you do it."
"Think of it as good practice for if or when you decide to have one of your own."
"Yah, I guess." He knew he didn't want anymore kids since the only two people he pictured ever having kids with where impossible to be with. "Oh, I called Luka earlier and asked him if I could possibly stay a couple nights here. He told me to ask you. Its hard to get any sleep over the Lahiffes'."
That wasn't the only reason. Plagg was also complaining about it. The Lahiffe boys were shouting "Kitty" and were chasing Plagg around the apartment. Yesterday got to the point were Plagg phased into Alya and Nino's room to get away. Which inturned accidentally revealed that Adrien was ChatNoir. Adrien thought that Alya was going to drill Adrien with a million questions instead she refuses to talk to him. And now Nino is couch bound for not telling Alya sooner.
"I don't have a problem but don't you think that's a bad idea? The time we were alone you called me kissable."
"In my defense you were. Not saying you aren't still. I just don't go after engaged women. But there's still a first time for everything. I need a to shut up and promise I'll behave myself."
Marinette just laughed at Adrien's ramblings before running to the bathroom. She didn't have time to close the door and Adrien could hear all the noises that came with vomiting into a toilet.
"You okay?" He asked peering in.
Marinette was slouched next to the toilet waiting for the inevitable to return.
"Fine and dandy." Her sarcastic tone was not well received by Adrien.
"How about I take you to the hospital?"
Marinette shook her head no in response. "Do you want your tombstone to read: She said she was find and dandy. She was wrong." Adrien replied knowing what to do in a situation when the sick person refuses help.
"Nah, its probably the flu or I'm allgeric to the butterflies that migrated from your stomach to mine."
"Really jokes?" Adrien knew that this wasn't the time for jokes not when Marinette's face was turning color.
"I'm fine. I have been back and forth from this bathroom since yesterday."
"Marinette, you can't shurg that off. This isn't healthy. What does Luka even think?" He asked as he sat next to her hoping to convince her to got the hospital.
"I've tried to hide it."
"Why would you do that?"
"Because the last time I was this sick, I was pregnant with Emma." She shrugged pretending that these wasn't a big deal.
"Shouldn't...you... I don't know... be celebrating?" Adrien said reluctantly. He knew Marinette wanted more children so why wasn't she happy? His mind briefly dirfted to the thought that maybe she didn't want more kids with Luka.
Marinette look at Adrien, her eyes watery. "I don't think it's his."
Adrien paused trying to think of something to consul her. "I think he'll forgive you. He's a good man."
"I know and that's why he deserves someone better. Who can stay faithful."
Adrien debated internally whether he want to sabotage Marinette and Luka's relationship. He could choose to tell Marinette that breaking up with Luka was best option. But was that the best option for them or was it for him?
"Wait, until you do a test before jumping to conclusions. It could just be a stomach bug or you're over exerting yourself."
"Hopefully." She said as she laid her back against the wall laying her hand on her stomach. She wanted to close her eyes for a mere moment. She was relieved that she told someone what was going on. She didn't want to stress Alya out and was afraid that Luka would leave her. She didn't want to be alone.
"Adrien!" Marinette shouted as Adrien scooped Marinette up in his arms.
"I am going to take you to the bedroom."
"Exusce me?!"
"Not like that." He blushed. "I thought that you should probably should get some rest."
"I don't need to be carried."
"And exert the little strength you have left. I don't think so."
"Getting a bit sweaty and puking is not the end the world. I can still do stuff."
"You're taking a nap. I can take care of everything else." He said as he started walking towards her bedroom.
Emma heard footsteps, and muddled bantering between Adrien and Marinette. She slid one side of her cat headset back. She looked towards her door which was left open. Just so she could listen for the doorbell. She turned and looked. Seeing her mother being carried by Adrien. Emma cocked her head in confusion but thought it was just adults doing adult things. Better not question it.
Adrien was meant with a road block he could not open the door for he lacked the hands. He refused to ask Marinette to open the door. Which lead to him awkwardly standing in the corridor.
Marinette sighed and turned the knob popping the door open enough so Adrien could kick it with his foot. Because heaven forbidden opening a door all the way would use all her energy.
"Thanks." Adrien mumbled, a little embarrassed.
"Can I stand now?" Thinking that she was too old to be tucked in if he was indeed worried about her.
He delicatly placed her down as if she was Chinese porcelain. "You okay?"
"Nothing has changed in the pass ten minutes. I'm okay." Marinette then realized that Adrien's constant worrying could be the result of losing his mother at a young age. "I'm going to change then I'll go to bed."
"Do you need any help?" His eyes widened. He could not believe he blurted that out.
"Breaking promises already I see, Mr. Agreste." Marinette teased. "I won't hold it against you."
"I'll comeback with some tea." He said remembering that his mom would brew him some tea with honey for a upset tummy.
After Adrien went into the kitchen, Marinette unzipped her bra. With a sigh of relief she rubbed her sterim thinking that heartburn could also be a contender. She then put on her favorite pajamas which consistened of shorts and baggy tee that was preferably Luka's. She jumped into bed thinking that there was no way she would be able to sleep when her mind was all over the place.
"You should be proud of me. Made it all by myself." Adrien said when he returned holding a coffee mug. Emma followed him holding a bin and a heating pad. The heating pad Marinette had gotten for when she had menstrual cramps but Emma liked to steal it. She liked to make her brains toasty when she slept. Which was probably not the best idea since Emma couldn't really afford frying the few brain cells she had.
Adrien handed Marinette a red coffee mug that ironically had white texted that read: "I'm not saying I'm Ladybug, I'm just saying no one has seen me and Ladybug together at the same time."
Adriens comment was followed by the word "LIAR!" from Emma who practically did all the work. She handed her mom one end of the heating pad while she plugged in the other.
"For shame you have any morals?" Marinette teased. Finding it funny that he took credit away from a child. Especially Emma since she will never let him live that down.
"It runs in the family." He snapped back.
"OoOf." Emma said knowing a good comeback when she heard one. "I hope I don't get that trait. That would suck."
"Emma, again Adrien isn't your biological father." Marinette said only to watch Emma glare at both her and Adrien.
"Are you sure? Like super sure? He could be ChatNoir." Emma said as she pointed to Adrien's ring.
Marinette took a deep breath trying not to laugh, no matter how ridiculous Emma's statement was. "Utterly ridiculous." She laughed mocking her frendemy, Chole Bourgeois's signature line.
"Yeh, ridiculous." Adrien said as he rubbed the back of his neck. He glared at Emma. She took that as her que to leave for she almost revealed Adrien's alter ego which was rule one of weilding a Miraculous. Keep your identity a secret. A rule that both Adrien and Marinette have broken many times but never to each other.
"Do you need anything else? I can fluff up your pillow or rub your feet?" Adrien asked.
"Where was Nurse Adrien when I was pregnant?" Marinette smiled before blowing on her tea too cool it down.
"Do you want the honest truth?" He gulped preparing himself mentally for revealing the truth. Marinette could see the expression on his face quickly change.
"No, I was only trying to tease you." She said confident in what ever secret Adrien was hiding was best left buried. For if he confided in her, she was afraid that he wouldn't let her go. "I don't want you to talk about something that you're uncomfortable with. What type of friend would I be if I did?"
Adrien clenched his jaw at the word. He was growing to despise that word everytime she said it. But he knew he couldn't be anything more.
She took a sip of her tea. "You really okay with staying here?" She knew that Adrien could run into Gabriel since Gabriel was now dropping by in person instead of sending Natalie.
"Only if you're okay with it." He said as he helped her place her red coffee mug on the nightstand.
"I am." She said as she reposition so that her head could lay comfortably on a pillow. Adrien then gently caressed her face. Gliding his fingers across her soft skin. She jolted at his touch for a mere second wondering what he was doing.
"My mom used to do this for me to help me sleep." He explained.
She closed her eyes allowing him to try to sooth her to sleep. "It feels so good." She said as she began to drift off to sleep.
As Adrien continued to stroked Marinette to sleep he noticed a dress shirt tucked neatly underneath the bed. He looked closely at it. "When? Where? What?" Adrien rubbed his temple trying to recall an event that was impossible to recall. Thinking that she attained the shirt during a fitting.
"But why would she hang on to it for so long?" Then it clicked. The events after Omission's attack when he detransformed, he lacked his shirt.
"What are the odds?" He asked himself.
Thinking that there was a slight chance that he was with Marinette.
Author's Note:
It has come to my attention that in Catwalk I spelled a character's name 2 different ways. I did not intend to do this. But I am also too lazy to go change it to the correct spelling. (There's 50 chapters can you blame me?) Its Ezra not Erza.
Will probably post faster on Wattpad then here but who knows.