As always, Kaleido Star does not belong to me.

R&R

"Well, don't you look healthier now." Kate smirked. "Has your nausea subsided? Have you been eating properly?"

"Yes, and yes." The Hamilton heiress nodded, offering the doctor a cup of tea. That was something she could safely do without destroying their kitchen.

"Well, your labs are way better. That's good. But that's not why you asked for me, right? This could be solved through a phone call, not an actual visit, and in Yuri's condo, not in the Hamilton manor. Let's address the elephant in the room, shall we?"

"Well…" Her voice was small. "Hypothetically, would it be safe to travel by plane… you know… as I am?"

"Mainly, yes… I would recommend wearing compression stockings, though. It would mostly be unadvised after 37 weeks or so, when theoretically you could be in labour at any time." The doctor sighed. "What are you up to?"

"Father was not particularly happy with the news… And staying around could give rise to questions and scandals, which the family doesn't need. I expected that but can't say it was something nice to hear. That is why I moved here. Macquarie comes to visit now and then."

"I take it you'll be flying to France, then?" She once again nodded. "Okay… That would be around ten hours…Quite some time. Fine. But wear the stockings and drink plenty of water. And it would be advisable to let someone in the crew aware of your situation. Just in case. And don't give me that look. Are you going alone?"

"As if." She chuckled, placing a hand in her now more obvious baby bump. "Papa would never allow us to go alone, right, baby boy? He is supposedly doing field research for Alice in Wonderland in Europe and will be reporting to Kalos."

"Interesting… And did Kalos allow him to? I mean, it would be easier if you were going to Britain, not France, right?" The redhead took a long sip.

"He knows. The baby will probably be born in France, and there was no possible excuse for Yuri to be away for so long. Or staying home-office. We'll probably even miss the premiere, which pains me… Anyways, it's for the best."

"I see… Indulge me, where will you be staying? I mean, not in a hotel, right?"

"He has family there, that's why he always runs to Paris when things get out of control. If I recall it right, his paternal grandmother is French, and married his grandfather, who was British; his mother's family was Russian."

"So… How do you feel about meeting his family? I mean, he is reserved with that… Do you think they'll be receptive?" The blonde almost choked on her tea.

"Well… I won't lie… I'm scared… But after father, I don't think it can be much worse… At least… I hope so. If they aren't… Well, we will find a way."

"When are you going?"

"We were waiting to see if you would approve it. We don't want to be more reckless. Next week or so. I don't have much time before it really starts showing. For now, I can still rely on loose fit clothing. And probably fly during the night, less paparazzi."

"Well… I wish you both good luck on that. Oh, and make sure he takes all his own medicine. There are some restrictions for him. Let me know and I'll provide him a letter."

"Kate… Thank you."

As they had a life of partnership in the circus, no one found it weird that they had taken the same flight and coincidentally sat aside each other. When they worked as partners at the circus, he'd always carry and help her with the luggage, so that was not unusual as well.

Upon their arrival at the airport, a few people approached concerning her break from Broadway, but she absentmindedly dismissed those, and argued that as she was on that break, she might as well help him plan the next play, as Alice in Wonderland had been so important on her life, she owed that to the stage. For the old times. Flawless, or at least, they hoped so.

"Aisle, as always?" He mocked her. When they'd travel for the first time together, she'd told him she always sits at the aisle upon travelling long distances so no creeps would mess up with her.

"Haha, you are so funny. But yes." In case she needed the bathroom. At 26 weeks, baby boy had found her bladder, and very much enjoyed pressing on it, to her dismay. Also, she felt more uncomfortable after some time of sitting in the same position. She knew her back would complain later. He had also started hiccupping now and then on the last month, which never ceased to startle her, and happened just when a young stewardess was passing through, which prompted a quizzical look.

"She's fine, just not used to flying so regularly as it was before, right, princess?" He said under the prince charming mask that always worked on the ladies and some lads. She blushed and walked by.

"Shameless…" she whispered.

"Still… It worked." He winked, getting his glasses out of his shirt s pocket. He'd surrendered to wearing glasses now that work required more reading and less performing, and his eyes had become dryer to keep contact lenses as much as before. He'd brought some documents to read during the flight, as he'd have an online meeting the next day. "God, I hate these, I'm getting old."

"Stop being so dramatic. Think of them as sunglasses. In fact, you could do those transition lenses. Would solve much of your big trouble." It was now her chance to taunt him.

"Ah… Who's the funny one now?" He chuckled. And apparently, he wasn't the only one. As she looked towards the other side of aisle, an old couple giggled "You see what I must stand? That's no easy task!"

They smiled gingerly. "I'm sorry, son. We couldn't help but imagine how you will be when you're our age." Catching Yuri by surprise was not easy, but he had hit a spot.

"What? Do you think I can stand him out of work calling me princess? That's a no." She took half of the documents from him. "Here, I'll help. Thank me later."

"Taken it that you don't sleep… Nah, leave it to me."

Yet, she insisted. Which lasted around half an hour before she was fast asleep onto his shoulder, as expected. He gently took the pages away and draped her properly with the provided blanket, fully reclining her seat. Not too long after, he also surrendered to slumber… At least, for the next eight hours, it wouldn't hurt.

She'd awoken a couple times to toilet visits and a bit of walking, as recommended, and once or twice by mild cramping on her abdomen, which she sincerely hoped were those Braxton-Hicks the doctor had mentioned. Through the entertainment system, she could see they'd arrive in around an hour and a half.

She smiled. He'd fallen dead asleep with the tray open, glasses on and pencil for taking note still in hand. She'd tried to take them off his eyes before, but in the last thirty, he'd woken up. So, for a moment, she only watched his peaceful expression, his chest slowly up and down. He'd been working like crazy to adjust everything so that he could solve most issues abroad; he'd even grown eyebags. It had been sometime since she hadn't been able to wake up earlier than him to get that morning view. He stirred lazily and opened his greyish-blue eyes.

"Hey there… What time is it?" He yawned, pinching his nose, and adjusting the lenses with one hand.

"We are almost there. Breakfast is coming soon. You may want to freshen-up before that, right?" She lightly tapped his shoulder. "Come on. Toilet our side is vacant. Go before there is a line and you get cranky."

"Okay, mama." He yawned again, putting the papers in a folder, and closing the tray ahead.

He was indeed right. In France they could be more easily incognito than in the US. While he was already in a videocall, she managed to find them breakfast in a bakery inside the airport. It was good being able to walk almost without being recognized. She slid quietly the coffee cup where his right hand could reach, without being seen by the camera. He hated those exclusively bureaucratic meetings where they dealt with budgets and so. It's the boring part of Kaleido Stage no one wants to know, but someone must deal with. He kept a straight face, pen in hands as if taking notes (not that he needed, with his impressive memory), but he had been sketching all along. They had wanted to preserve the original features of the show as much, but also to renew some of the stunts, given it was a new crew. After a long silence, he lifted his sheet of paper.

"Jan, do you think this is possible?" She also stared at the piece – the whole stage would become a huge trapeze wheel, similarly to what had been done in the swan lake, but bigger and with three different levels. Trampolines were also in place, spread taller, but still in the middle of the audience. They would be performing closer to the spectators than ever had been done before.

"I suppose it can be managed within the budget… could you mail me that scheme of yours? And remember, It's still a supposition. I'll examine it and let you all know."

Not too long after, they'd called it a day. And so, they took the train out of the airport, towards what would be their place for the next months. She'd only been to Paris for events, and never had actual time to know the city. Never had known that you'd have to unlock the doors of the trains and metro to get in, or that she'd have to keep the tickets if someone needed to check them. Those simple things the previous Layla Hamilton would never had even fathom she'd have to bother about.

They soon arrived at the 1st arrondissement, where his family lived. He explained that she had long been a history teacher and worked as a guide in the Louvre in her free time, so living next to where she worked had been a must when they'd moved there from America, just before his father had been born. His grandfather had worked in the military and moved to the US embassy in France after the Cold War.

"Are you worried? I know that look. Chill out. It's my family we are talking about. They would expect much worse, coming from me. That's something that you, as the perfect daughter you were would hardly understand."

"Now you've just made it much better, knowing I married the villain instead of the prince in the fairytale."

"I thought you knew that already… My bad." He chuckled once again. "There, right at the corner. Shall we? There is probably no one at home."

The house was a modest one. Not small, but not as big as the Hamilton manor, mixing both French and American styles. The rooms stood on the second floor. She noticed there were five in total, and on the first floor, were a living room, the kitchen, a dining room, and a huge study, with a piano, lots of bookshelves and a dedicated space for painting. Clearly, a house of artists, so she thought.

He had set their things in his old room. He had a king size bed, a table with a lamp for studying or reading, lots of art books, a wooden wardrobe, and a sofa by the window, from where you could sit and admire the Louvre glass pyramid. On the wall, various paintings and photographs were hung. Most depicted everyday life, some dogs, angels. Most were painted by him, she knew.

"So, want to get some rest? I'll make us some tea." He placed a gentle kiss on her forehead. "I can bring it up here."

They were interrupted by the front door unlocking clumsily, and by two young voices, seemingly a lad and a girl. She couldn't quite make what they were saying, but surely sounded like an argument. The girl's voice was clearly pained, and Yuri seemed startled by their words. It was probably Russian; she'd heard him speak once or twice. She followed towards the living room.

The girl looked around ten or twelve, with long, pale blonde hair braided and styled in two low buns and mesmerizing celadon eyes with a hint of violet. She was wearing a school uniform and had sprained her ankle badly. Someone had tried to tend to it, but the bandages were clearly less compressive than they should be.

The lad was a teenager, despite his strong and worried tone, with dishevelled golden hair, the same uniform, although way messier. He had a tall and strong complexion, which reminded her much of Yuri himself, except for the darker hair and the green eyes, same as the girls. He was headed to the kitchen.

Despite the pain, she could see the girl's eyes lighten up happily at the sight of Yuri getting to her side. Layla had tried to learn a couple words in Russian, and brother was one of them. So, she was probably his sister, and the lad, who was clearly less amused to seeing him, probably his younger brother. He went straight to her bruised ankle, placing an ice bag on it, and rising it up with two pillows. He proceeded to unwrap the loose bandages and re-do the compressive wrapping, with trembling hands. After doing so, he grunted something towards Yuri and left stomping through the front door. For a second his eyes crossed with Layla's, but he said nothing, leaving hastily and banging the front door noisily.

"Hey, you can come in, you know." Yuri motioned. The girl's eyes were locked on her, her mouth lightly agape in a seemingly mix of surprise and excitement, blushing slightly. "This here is Anna; she is my little sister. Anna, this is Layla., but, well, you would know that." He chuckled. "She is quite a fan."

"Wow… She is even more beautiful in real life." She immediately placed her hands over her mouth, blushing even more, while he smiled broadly. "Sorry, that wasn't supposed to go out loud. It's nice to meet you. Is she staying here? Are you dating my brother? Did you know… You are the first girl he brings home, then you must be. Is it so? How long are you staying this time, старший брат (big brother)?" She stared intently at him, eagerly. Well, given his prince charming disposition, Layla was surprised she was the first one, that was, if the girl was telling the truth. His red cheeks confirmed it. And seeing him blush was unusual. She giggled, sitting in the couch next to them.

"Hey, speedy. One thing at a time." He pulled her closer caringly. "We'll be here for a while, yes. But what I want to know more is how you got hurt, and why was Mikhail so worried." She stared at the floor.

"I was at the gymnastics class… And I tried doing a jump, but I fell over my left foot. I thought it was nothing, but then I couldn't really walk well. And the teacher was going to call Мать, but I prevented them and had to tell Misha. He left his class and brought me here. She can't know." She spoke fast, tears threatening to fall from her anguished eyes.

"I see. I don't know why you're so worried… Anyone can fall from a swing when they are playing with their friends, right?" He winked. "So… Gymnastics… Yeah, she wouldn't be happy. Does anyone else know? Apart from us and Misha?"

"Grandma… I am good at it! My teacher says I am a natural. It's so unfair! If she finds out… She'll never allow me." She sobbed, sadly.

"Hey, calm down. You fell from a swing... That's all that happened. Misha might be annoyed, but he won't tell her, I am sure. Trust me. Besides, it's not at you he is angry." He kissed the top of her head, and she hugged him strongly, burying her face into his chest. He returned the embrace, soothing her shaky small figure. "I have something that might cheer you up. You'll be the first one to know, okay? Now, sit straight." He wiped her tears with his thumbs, gently. "So… you asked whether we are together, and if she'll be staying here. The answers to both are yes."

"Truly?" She looked intently at the former Kaleido Stage star and beamed up when she nodded affirmatively.

"And there is more. And this is the most confidential information of all and needs special discretion. So, can we trust you, Anna?" He said seriously. She assented. "Alright. Close your eyes." She obeyed, and he took her delicate hand, placing it gingerly over Layla's small bump.

As if it knew, the baby moved under her palm. She gasped and opened her eyes immediately, staring at where her hand had been placed, then at her brother, a huge grin on her rosy lips. "Are you serious?" They nodded, and the lass instantly hugged Layla happily, taking her by surprise. "That's great! I mean, I think, at least. Grandma will too… And… Well… Мать will too if you tell her. You will, right?"

"Again, speedy… One step at a time. In the adult world, things are not that simple."

"I know, duh. I am not a child anymore." She retorted, irritated. "But it will be alright. I know that! I can help, you'll see."

"You promised to keep it lowkey, remember? I'll never tell you anything anymore if you spoil that out. Was I clear?"

"Crystal clear, captain." She let out a chuckle. "So… Can it hear us?" She asked eagerly.

"Yeah. In fact, did you know that at 26 weeks, a baby is about the size of a spaghetti squash or a cucumber, and it starts opening their eyes and blinking?" He began lecturing. Ever since he'd found out, he'd downloaded an app that tracked those stuff and brought up a new information every now and then. She knew being prepared helped ease his anxiety prone behaviour. Besides… It was also kind of cute.

"Hi there, I am Anna, and I'll be your favourite aunt." The girl pressed her cheek against the bump, being rewarded with a squirm in response. "Does it hurt when it moves?" Layla shook her head.

"You're more like, the only aunt he has. Not like he has a choice, you know."

"Spoilsport, big brother." She elbowed his ribcage, teasingly. "Wait a second… You said… He? It's a boy?" He nodded. "That's… So cool. Really."

While they had a cup of warm tea, Anna told them more about her school and updated her brother on news. A couple hours later, their middle brother arrived, once again, visibly annoyed, to pick her up to go home. Yuri explained they lived elsewhere. She wondered if with a stepfather or something of that sort. She was glad his sister took the news so happily. At least, even though she was a teenager, someone was excited about it other than themselves. Next step, meeting his grandmother.

Maryann Brass added a traditional aura and classical presence in the house. She had her golden locks, with a few silver strands, braided and carefully styled in a single low bun, and eyes coloured just the same as Yuri's. Despite her pose, she was strikingly younger than Layla expected. She welcomed them both with one of the warmest smiles she'd seen in ages.

As her grandson proceeded to explain everything that had been through, she was surprisingly understanding, and Layla suspected, proud of her grandson's decision.

"When you told me you were coming back to France and bringing a girl along… I thought that might have been the case. You are even more like your father than I thought. Not that it makes me sad. It feels nostalgic." She took a sip of her tea, placing it softly in the table ahead. "So… We are not as wealthy as you are probably used to, but I hope you can feel at home. Also, thanks for putting some sense into this boy's head. I always wanted to say that. His father… and mother would be glad." She took both Layla's hands into hers. "I mean it. Welcome to the family. I am sorry your father didn't react the same way."

Before she even realized, she was held into a peaceful embrace, and warm, happy tears stained her cheeks. "Now, please don't cry. No need for that. Remember, there is someone else who feels whatever you feel now. You are not alone." The older woman gently helped her up. "There is no possibility you are not tired. Why don't you rest while we cook something for dinner? Bet that sounds neat. Or, if you'd like to help, be my guest."

"Oh… Um… I am not much of a help in the kitchen, actually." She looked down nervously.

"Last time we baked a cake… And it was a simple one, with no frosting…Let's say it became a good paper weight." He hugged her from behind. Instead of laughing, his grandmother pinched his ear. "Ouch, what was that for?"

"That happened because you are a terrible teacher. And don't mock her. You just wait, I'll teach you the basics, that is, only if you want, of course. No pressure. If you don't… Well, you've got someone to enslave, right?" She winked.

Meeting his family so far had gone way better than she'd ever imagine. She'd taken a bath and tried to sleep. But funnily enough, those two were louder than expected. They couldn't agree about a thing – seasoning, oven temperature. Kowing him, he would give in and accepted just what she wanted in the end, though not without a fight. Listening was way more amusing than dozing off. Besides, baby boy had decided to stay active.

"Seems like Papa is having a hard time, huh? Shall we help him, what do you think?" He stopped moving at once. "What? That's unusual, you are always at his side." She chuckled, and he squirmed again. She yawned. "Fine, so let's rest for a bit, can we?"

A while later, she was awoken by his gentle strokes in her hair and the familiar aroma of his cologne. He'd showered and was now in a more comfortable attire, a cotton T-shirt and pyjama pants. He was sitting in the foot of the bed, rubbing his eyes. Finally, he whispered. "You're aware that if I lay down even for a tiny bit, I may never wake up again, right? I'm serious." Now he was the one yawning, as he dropped right beside her. "Five minutes, and we go."

Maryann Brass couldn't help but smile as she opened the door to greet the couple sound asleep. She covered them up gingerly, taking her grandsons glasses out of his face without even earning a stir from him. He looked way older from the last time they'd met. And each day, he resembled his father more and more.

It seemed like yesterday, he had argued fiercely with his mother to go to the Kaleido Stage and transform the way things were, so that no-one would ever get hurt like his father had. So much had happened since. It had been a nice target, but as with every revenge, dark means and death get involved, which had changed that child forever.

And now, that kid would be a father. In a way, she was glad they had decided to come for her. On the other hand, she knew it wasn't that simple, and that by coming back to Paris, her grandson would finally face a challenge he'd been delaying in years. And their family would, once again, fight their demons.

But, for now, she would watch them sleep peacefully, and once again, supper alone. At least, just for today.