"...beautiful morning at ten degrees celsius with a high of sixteen today..."

Alya didn't pay much mind to the weather report, simply having it on for the background noise since she was the only one currently awake. She wasn't surprised, as Marinette had always slept in when they were kids, especially on weekends.

As far as Nino went though, he had decided on a lazy morning because he had a DJ gig that night. She'd woken him up only long enough to let him know she was using the kitchen, so he popped on a set of headphones and pulled a pillow over his face to get more shut-eye.

As it was a quiet Saturday morning, neither of them had anywhere they needed to be anyway. No, Alya's current need and attention was tuned to the instant coffee maker in front of her as it heated up the water. The smell of chocolate in the kitchen was strong, even though the pastries on the counter behind her were already a day old. Trixx sat beside the box, polishing off her second croissant.

The coffee maker dinged, and Alya popped in the instant packet while simultaneously setting her mug beneath the spout.

In that moment, the small speaker sitting near the wall lit up as the news for the day faded out. A convincingly human-like voice then chimed, "Incoming call from Adrien Dupain-Cheng."

Alya's hand slipped, and coffee poured out from the machine, splattering over the counter top while her cup clattered against the wall.

"Shit! Shit shi—Francis!" Alya hissed at the speaker. "Don't answer that!" She then turned on her heel before immediately twisting around again to complete a full three-sixty spin. "And send a text to Adrien's cell that says, 'Do not call!'"

Alya sprinted down the short hallway on her tip-toes to soften her footsteps, stopping in front of the bedroom where Marinette was hopefully not awake. As quietly as possible, she cracked open the door to peek inside, relief flooding her to see that her teenage friend was still soundly asleep in the bed.

If she had heard anything, Alya was certain it wouldn't have been so quiet.

A small shadow of movement did catch her attention when Tikki flew out into the hall though. She smiled reassuringly at Alya as she whispered softly, "Don't worry, Marinette didn't even wake up."

Alya quietly shut the door and slumped against the opposite wall in relief. "Thank goodness that girl isn't a morning person." She then shot a curious frown at Tikki. "But it's okay that you know?

Tikki giggled. "I had a feeling things might turn out this way, but it should be fine, I can keep a secret." She winked. "I knew who Chat Noir was early on and still couldn't tell, even though I know how much Marinette likes him."

"Right..." Alya nodded. "Current-you eventually told Marinette about the Dark Owl incident. Not to mention there was the time the cat and ladybug miraculous got switched before they knew who the other was."

"The magic won't allow kwami to reveal the identities of any holder," Tikki explained, sounding serious despite the wide grin splitting her face. "But that doesn't mean I can't push them in the right direction!"

Alya chuckled at Tikki's expression. "You must really be rooting for them if it's got you this excited."

"Yes!" Tikki squeaked. "But I'm more so delighted that he took her name!"

Alya's mouth pulled into a small frown as she thought against revealing the reason, but at that moment, she felt her phone vibrate from a text. "Crap!" She grabbed it out of her pocket and briefly glanced at it before pulling up her contacts. "Sorry, Tikki. I almost forgot about calling back."

Tikki only giggled in answer as she flew down the hallway while Alya pressed the call button for Adrien's number. The phone didn't even get a chance to finish its first ring before a soft voice whined through the speaker. "Alyaaaaa..."

"Marinette?" Alya jerked the phone away from her ear and quickly glanced at the screen, just to be sure she had called the right person. The ID confirmed that she had indeed selected the correct number. She pressed the phone back against her ear. "Why do you have Adrien's cell?"

"Oh, umm... I grabbed his by mistake."

"Of course," Alya muttered softly, mindful of her sleeping fiancé on the nearby couch. "You know I nearly had a heart attack when you called? Did you forget that Francis would announce his full name over the speakers?"

There was a soft squeak from the other end of the line before Marinette asked, "She didn't hear it, did she?"

"Luckily, both versions of you sleep like the dead, even if one doesn't have a bun in the oven." Alya chuckled at the relieved sigh that Marinette released.

"Right, yes. While we're on the topic," Marinette started quietly. "That has something to do with why I called."

"What's wrong?" Alya picked up the slight shift in her friend's tone. "Marinette, are you okay?"

"If puking my brains out at the slightest smell is considered 'okay,' then, sure. Fine. Just peachy!" Marinette groaned. "Alya, I'm so tired! And we both eventually want more kids! I don't know how I'll get through any more of... of this!"

Alya's worry subsided as she laughed softly and moved back toward the kitchen. "Morning sickness again?"

"You have no idea!" Marinette yelped. "Papa started baking for the day, which obviously wasn't his fault, since it's never been a problem before! But I guess my nose just got a boost, because I somehow knew I was smelling eggs from three floors up, and I woke up feeling nauseous and just... I had to get out of there."

"Where are you now?" Alya asked, frowning when she caught sight of the mess she had made in her panic earlier. The counter was covered in a mixture of coffee and water, but the kwami appeared to have helpfully carried her mug into the sink while she'd been gone, as Trixx was still busy scooting a damp rag over the spilled liquid.

"At the park," Marinette answered. "But I swear I can still smell the eggs. Alya, why do babies hate eggs?" her friend whined.

Alya couldn't help her soft chuckle as she took over cleaning for Trixx while her kwami joined Tikki in the box of pastries. "It's not so much the baby's preference. Your body is just trying to protect you both from potentially harmful bacteria."

"I can't imagine eggs being harmful. Not. At. All." Alya could practically hear her pout through the phone. "Is it selfish of me to wish this baby would just come out already?"

"Girl!" Alya laughed. "You're only on the first trimester! You're starting to scare me about any ideas I might've had."

"Sorry!" Marinette quickly answered. "It's... probably not as bad as I'm making it out to be."

"It's not your fault, everyone's experience is different. Besides, me and Nino are kind of on a rocky slope with that regardless." Alya squeezed the dirty rag out over the sink before tossing it to the side. "We don't even want to consider kids until he finishes university and we can afford a bigger place." She glanced back down the hallway, but neither of the sleeping beauties appeared to be awake yet. "It's a bit cramped here with just mini-Marinette added in."

"Do you need any help?" Marinette asked, sounding concerned. "I could always—"

"Don't worry, we've got it covered," Alya interjected before Marinette could finish. "Adrien's already offered Nathalie's expertise. Once Nino graduates and we're ready to move out, she told us she can find us a place that will fit our budget, whatever that may be."

"That's great!" Marinette sounded relieved. "I wish I could go home right now, but I can't risk being seen by mini-Adrien." She paused before adding, "Even though I'm super curious."

"Marinette." Alya's voice took on a warning tone. "You are not going to abuse your superhero abilities just so you can sneak into—" her eyes quickly shot to the closed bedroom door "—your own apartment and spy on a younger version of your husband!"

Apart from the noise of kids playing in the background, there was silence on the other end. Something clicked in her thoughts, and Alya narrowed her eyes with suspicion. "You already did that, didn't you?"

"I didn't go there to see him!" her friend squeaked in defense. "I was with my husband! And the door was locked!"

Alya shook her head. "Let's just hope he didn't catch Lady Noire pole-vaulting away. Unlike you, he's an early riser!"

"Give me some credit, Alya," Marinette whined. "I had to leave before my parents got up, and I actually woke up before the alarm for once. Although... That's when I accidentally grabbed Adrien's cell phone. At least I got out of there well before mini-Adrien noticed anything."

Alya sighed. "Wasn't Chat Noir finding out first the more disastrous event?"

Marinette hissed softly. "Chat Blanc. How much did Alix tell you about that timeline?"

"Enough to know I don't want any of it happening," Alya growled, her sudden anger not directed at her friend. "Speaking of timelines," she added, wanting to quickly change the subject, "We found out that mini-bug recently became the new guardian."

"Really?" Marinette paused, quite a few thoughts obviously going through her head at that. "It was… hard. But it was the start of something new." There was an old pain in her voice, but that quickly faded with what she whispered next. "I never really got over my crush on Adrien, it just... evolved."

Alya smirked, leaning back against the kitchen counter. "And then you found out that you'd basically been rejecting Adrien for Adrien all that time."

Marinette moaned, "Please don't remind me of my stupidity."

"It wasn't stupidity." Alya frowned and tapped at her chin. "More like... hmm, hindsight?"

"Try oblivious," Marinette grumbled.

Alya snorted, feeling like that was the perfect descriptor for her two friends. "So, what are you going to do about your housing situation?"

"I may just need to look into a hotel. Don't worry, Alya I'll... figure something out." Marinette's voice oddly faltered about halfway through her sentence, and the silence that followed made Alya curious.

"Marinette? Are you still there?"

"Yes!" Marinette quickly yelped. "I uh... I gotta go."

"Alright, take care of yourself, girl. You know I wouldn't hesitate to kick Nino onto the floor and give you a bed here, but..."

"Can't risk younger me finding out about the pregnancy, don't worry, Alya!" Marinette's words sped up. "I'll find someplace before tonight, bye!"

"Stay out of trouble!" Alya managed to get out before the call ended. She shook her head slightly, hoping that Marinette would be able to find something, even if it had to be an expensive hotel room from being so last-minute.

Curious about the time, Alya glanced at the clock. Despite all that had happened, it wasn't even nine yet. "Trixx?" Her kwami popped up from the box of pastries, a swirl of cream cutely smudged on her nose. "Ready for a morning patrol?"

"Ready, Alya!" Trixx cleaned her face and zipped up next to her with a wide grin.

Alya turned to Tikki as the kwami floated over, holding a cookie in her paws. "Nino already knows where I'll be, but if Marinette asks, you can tell her I'm on patrol for that akuma that escaped. I'll be back in the afternoon so he can leave and set up for his gig tonight."

Tikki saluted. "Right!"

Alya nodded, satisfied that everything seemed to be in order. She quickly made her way up to the roof access, careful to check that the coast was clear before transforming and going on the hunt for an akuma.

oOo

"Psst… Marinette!" Plagg's voice whispered from her purse. "Glasses at twelve o'clock!"

"Don't worry, Alya I'll... figure something out." Marinette's attention on her and Alya's conversation wavered as she looked toward the fountain of Place des Vosges. She only noticed a group of children chasing one another over the path while a pair of adults watched off to the side.

"Opposite direction!" Plagg hissed, and Marinette whipped her head around to spot Nathalie strolling down the walkway from the gate.

"Yes! I uh... I gotta go," Marinette responded to Alya's concern, quickly reassuring her friend before saying goodbye. As she ended the call and lowered the cell phone, Nathalie approached the bench she was sitting on and stopped in front of her.

"Good morning, Marinette," Nathalie greeted in her usual, formal tone. Even after all the years of knowing her, the woman hadn't changed much in her mannerisms. Although, Marinette liked to think that she definitely seemed more relaxed than she'd been when they first met. "Adrien told me you would be at your parents' place, but I'm surprised to see you outside so early."

"Well, you see," Marinette began to explain, pointing back at the bakery that was still visible across the street. "Papa had to start baking, and as soon as I smelled the egg wash—"

"Ah." Nathalie held up a hand. "I understand. Eggs are a very common trigger." She adjusted her glasses and gave Marinette a warm smile. "I've been told the chefs had to avoid cooking any while Emilie was pregnant with Adrien." She then pulled a pink flowery bag away from her shoulder and held it up by the straps. "I wanted to give this to you yesterday, but you were out both times I tried to meet with you."

"Sorry, Nathalie." Marinette smiled appreciatively as she took the bag, delighted by its color and floral pattern, and curious because of the slight heaviness from something inside. "I know Adrien already told you about the akuma problem… And I went out with my parents shortly after I got home."

"No need to apologize, pregnancy can be chaotic on its own," Nathalie said with a nod. "Add an akuma to the mix, and I can't imagine it's been a pleasant day." She leaned over and pulled the side of the purse open slightly, allowing Marinette a glance at the items within. "There are some light snacks, along with nausea pills and a few other natural remedies. Everything in here is safe for pregnant women to take."

"Oh!" Marinette opened the bag a bit wider and grinned. "Thank you so much!" The relief in her voice must have been apparent, because Nathalie chuckled. It had been… tiring… dealing with everything that came with her pregnancy so far, to say the least. Having a care-package armed with things that might make her day easier gave her a great deal of comfort.

"Is there any cheese?" Plagg's voice came from inside the bag, and Marinette pushed aside a few of the snacks to find him rummaging around at the bottom. He must have phased through when she wasn't paying attention.

"Only the kind that Marinette has mentioned do not incite her nausea," Nathalie answered with a frown directed at the kwami. "So no camembert."

"Aww…" Plagg slumped over with a disappointed pout on his face.

Nathalie then straightened up and clasped her hands behind her back, the air about her feeling slightly more business-like with her posture. "I thought you might be having a difficult time, especially after the incident at lunch the other day."

"Right…" Marinette's smile faltered as she inwardly winced, recalling that Nathalie had been with them at that disaster of a luncheon. While she and Adrien had been planning on making the announcement to friends and family that weren't already aware, they'd hoped for something quiet and celebratory. Unfortunately, the baby had other plans, because while Marinette felt perfectly fine upon arriving at the restaurant, her world quickly turned to black after everyone had already gotten settled.

It was understandable that Adrien needed to give the paramedics a reason as to why she suddenly fainted, but his panicking ensured that everyone in, around, or even a block away from the building were also privy to the information. Maybe it wasn't his fault exactly, but the word had spread, and by afternoon, all of the gossip tabloids were quick to put out any news they could glean about Gabriel Agreste's first grand-baby.

Marinette had only glanced at a few articles out of curiosity, but turned away when she came across a rather heated debate on whether or not her baby would grow up to be a fashion mogul or one of Paris' future top-models. Concern about what news outlets were saying about her unborn child was stress that she didn't need right now!

"I really appreciate this." Marinette set the bag in her lap and continued to sift through the items curiously, noticing that Plagg had returned to the purse at her hip. "The smells get better in the evening when Papa's not baking as much, so these will help if I don't make it out fast enough in the morning."

"Do you have another place you can stay that wouldn't trouble you?" Nathalie tilted her head slightly with her eyebrows drawn together. "With one of your friends, perhaps?"

Marinette tried to think, but it was only a short moment before Nathalie spoke up again. "If not... I could always direct an inquiry at Gabriel and arrange for you to stay in the mansion." At Marinette's surprised silence, Nathalie continued, "I'm certain he wouldn't mind giving a room to his own daughter-in-law."

"A-are you sure?" Marinette stammered. "I-I mean... It's not that I don't appreciate it or anything..." She tapped her fingers nervously against the purse, unsure of how to finish that. Marinette didn't want to refuse Nathalie outright. They trusted her.

But the situation between Adrien and his father…

"The chefs could also make a special menu for your meals that won't incite your nausea," Nathalie carried on as if she hadn't noticed Marinette's hesitation. "I will be available around the clock should you feel faint again or suffer anything unexpected, and if you needed to go out anywhere, we would be able to drive you."

Marinette squeezed her hands around the purse, still uncertain, even if she didn't want to be rude about rejecting the offer. Coming from Nathalie, it sounded like a wonderful idea and the best solution.

Yet there were still a few... complicated things to do with that. Concerns that were a result of everything they'd suffered at the hands of Hawk Moth, and all of it boiling down to a confrontation that none of them could have ever expected to find themselves in.

She didn't want to remember… But the thoughts almost seemed to push their way to the surface of her mind, whether she wanted them there or not.

Her memory was just a feeling of numbness, despite all the injuries she had sustained. Her earlobes were empty. Her suit—gone. But the searing heat from her surroundings didn't register. She simply clung tighter to the limp boy in her arms, quiet and unresponsive to her sobbing pleas, the warmth of his skin fading as his body grew cold in her hands...

"Marinette?" Nathalie's voice pulled her out of the turmoil of her thoughts.

"I'm just... I'm not sure," Marinette answered hesitantly, relaxing her grip from the bag, not realizing she had been clenching it so tightly. "I don't think Adrien would like it if he had to see his father."

"He will be gone all week for a show in Milan," Nathalie said, her eyes soft with understanding. "If Adrien wants to come by and visit, they won't run into each other accidentally." Nathalie then pulled out her phone before Marinette could think to say anything else. "I'll see what Monsieur Agreste thinks."

Marinette lifted her hands to object, but Nathalie had turned away, already speaking into her cell. "I hope I'm not disturbing you, but it's about Marinette." She paused as Marinette heard a garbled response from the other end. "No, sir, she appears healthy despite yesterday's scare." Nathalie lowered her phone and covered the microphone. "He wishes to know if you are both okay."

"Oh... uh, I'm fine. Yes. The baby's fine too," Marinette stammered. "T-the doctor said there aren't any complications."

"She's healthy, sir, the baby as well." Another quiet pause, and Marinette could almost pick out the words of Gabriel's response as the park itself seemed to hold its breath. "Yes, I'll let her know. I also called to tell you that there's a situation at the apartment. Nothing terrible, but Marinette is unable to stay there for—" Nathalie stopped as it appeared Gabriel interjected with something, and she nodded before switching her attention back to Marinette again.

"Gabriel insists that the mansion is yours for as long as you need a place to stay."