A/N: Enjoy the last chapter!
Time continued to push on.
Though Gabriel had somehow kept good on his word to suppress the tabloid photos, his unmasking as Paris' feared Supervillain forced Adrien more into the spotlight regardless.
Though Ladybug's insistence that he had no knowledge of his father's deeds had helped, it wasn't until they made the decision to announce Shay and Adrien's status as together and expecting that public opinion turned. In fact, after it was revealed that Adrien's mother had also been found alive and had been part of the motivation behind Shadow Moth's reign of terror, even the anger towards Gabriel Agreste cooled, much to Shay and Adrien's frustration.
In the days after Emilie was revived and before Shay was put in front of media scrutiny, the group began to make plans to create an official identity for her, procuring false documents and identification.
As part of the process, they decided to officially incorporate the fake connection to the Dupain-Chang family.
It was during their planning that Marinette pulled Shay aside. "How would you feel," Marinette began carefully, "about meeting my parents? Now that Shadow Moth isn't a threat, I told them who I am. It could help with your cover story if they meet you. I promise they are wonderful, and I know they would love you."
Shay didn't know what to say. The thought of meeting parents that looked like her own was not a pleasant thought. Not that she doubted Marinette, but just because they liked her didn't mean they'd feel the same for Shay.
She eventually relented, showing up at the bakery entrance with Marinette at her side.
The other woman opened the door, leading the way inside. "Maman? Papa?" They walked through the closed bakery and into the home beyond.
Around the corner, Tom and Sabine waited with matching smiles.
Shay froze, waiting for their smiles to disappear, for the harsh words to start up.
Instead they walked up to her. "It's so nice to meet you," Sabine said warmly. "Would you like us to call you Marinette, or do you prefer something else?"
Shay watched the two of them carefully. "Shay is fine. That's what I'm going with for my new identity."
"What a lovely name."
Tom came beside her, wrapping his arm around her shoulder. "We're happy to be here if you ever need us."
"It can't be easy being in a place with no ties to what you used to know." Sabine placed her hand on her other shoulder.
Shay carefully maneuvered out from their arms. "It's really not such a bad thing. Not much good over there, anyway." She backed up a few paces, fighting down her panic. "Thank you for the offer. It was nice to meet you."
She left in a rush before their good opinion could turn for the worst.
When Shay finally returned to see them a few months and several therapy sessions later, they both held her in an embrace, letting her cry as she clung to them tightly, grieving for the girl who was so close to having had wonderful parents like these.
A few months after Shadow Moth was unveiled, Shay stormed back into the apartment, startling Adrien and Nino from their game.
"That's it. I'm done. I'm not going back."
Adrien and Nino eyed one another before Adrien dropped his controller and turned around. "Therapy not go well?"
"UGH!" Shady kicked a box across the floor before wincing, one hand resting on her rounded midsection. "She thinks I can't admit to my real feelings. That I'm purposefully holding myself back because I'm afraid of rejection. But I can tell whoever I want whatever I want whenever I want. Watch me."
She marched over to stand between the two of them and the TV. "Nino." She put her hands on her hips, glaring at the man who gulped nervously. "I think you're fucking awesome. Your mixes are sick and you're a good friend, even if your taste in movies is shit." Nino let out a laugh and Shay grinned triumphantly. "See? I didn't have any problems and I didn't even insult you the whole time!" Her grin fell away as she turned to the other man on the couch. "Adrien," she said, meeting his gaze as he put his entire focus on her. "You are still too nice to people who are jerks to you. You hog the blankets at night, and you are not very good at singing, despite what Marinette tries to tell you on Karaoke nights."
He barked out a laugh as Nino clapped him on the shoulder. "She's right, man, sorry."
Shay's breathing sped up. "Adrien," she said again, fists clenched and voice shaking. She pictured her idiotic therapist's stupid sympathetic expression in order to push through. "I love you." He looked blown away, adoration sinking in as Shay grinned. "I love you! See, I can fucking admit it! She can suck–"
Adrien's mouth cut off her crow of victory. Nino mumbled something and the door to the apartment eventually closed as Adrien guided her to the couch, his mouth releasing hers to move to her ear. "Say it again," he pleaded.
"I love you," she said, her breath coming out in a gasp as he bit her earlobe.
"Again Shay, please–"
"I fucking love you, Adrien Agreste."
He moaned into her ear as she touched him, sending shocks of desire racing through her body. "Fuck, Adrien. The noises you make drive me insane." She turned around, getting her belly out of the way so she could grind down properly against him.
He bucked his hips beneath her, each movement bringing his hardening cock pressing against her core beneath their clothes. "Everything you do drives me insane, Shay. I'll never get enough of you. Now take these off–" He tugged on her pants and pushed her to her feet, removing his own as she did hers.
Then he turned the tables on her, getting up from behind her to push her down until she was lying at an angle on the couch. He guided one of her legs over his shoulder to support her as he got to his knees on the ground. He kissed down one of her thighs until his mouth reached her center, his tongue lavishing her with attention until she was moaning and writhing. "God, Adrien, fuck! So good."
He brought his hand up, running his fingers along the skin of her thigh until he pressed two fingers inside of her, his tongue moving in circles over her clit. She cursed again, sounding breathless.
Her hips jerked slightly, and he knew he had found the perfect spot inside her.
"Oh shit, Adrien, I'm going to come, fuck, fuck–" She broke off in a cry of pleasure, the sounds music to Adrien's ears.
When she stilled, Adrien gathered her in his arms, standing carefully and walking her back to the bedroom. "Time for somewhere more comfortable for you."
She relaxed in his arms, holding on until he laid her gently in the bed. Then she tugged him down next to her, rolling to her side to stare into his eyes, her expression soft and full of wonder. "I love you, Adrien. I really do."
Adrien kissed her deeply, one hand coming to rest on her stomach. "God, I love you so much, Shay," he breathed out, feeling the last knot inside him loosen at her words.
At her next therapy appointment, Shay made sure to leave out the specifics of what happened next.
Shay continued to make progress, though it wasn't all sunshine and roses. She nearly quit therapy multiple times, only to be convinced to keep trying, usually pushed back by Alya, who wasn't afraid to be tough with her, unlike Adrien.
Shay also had to come to grips with the fact that if she chose to stay in the present universe, she would eventually have to give up her miraculous.
"There can't be two of the same in one universe for too long, or the balance will become upset," Tikki finally told her one evening, confirming what Shay had suspected.
It hadn't been an easy revelation to handle, even with Marinette offering to give her another miraculous when the time came.
But she knew now where she belonged, and if she had to give up her earrings to do so, she would.
After accepting Marinette's offer, of course.
By the time the baby arrived, Shay almost thought she was ready.
Almost.
"FUCK WHY DOES THIS HURT SO DAMN MUCH–"
"Shay, it's gonna be okay, just breathe–"
"DON"T TELL ME TO BREATHE I'LL BREATHE WHEN I FUCKING FEEL LIKE IT!"
"Remember what we learned at your classes. Breathing–"
"SHUT UP AGRESTE! IT'S YOUR FAULT I'M HERE! IF YOU'D READ THE FUCKING EXPIRATION DATE ON THAT GODDAMN CONDOM–"
"I know. I know! I'm an idiot–"
Thankfully, the baby arrived safely soon after.
Holding the precious little girl in her arms, Emilie smiled down at the bundle. "Did you decide on a name?"
Shay looked up at Adrien with a tired smile. "Elaine Agreste."
Emilie gasped. "How beautiful."
It was a name that they had decided on together, one that meant "bright, shining light."
It felt very fitting to Shay.
Later, Marinette came to visit, smiling happily down at the baby in Shay's arms.
A crack sounded in the hospital room, the distinctive smell appearing in an instant. Shay immediately wrapped her arms around her child protectively, staring wide-eyed as a portal appeared in the room.
She relaxed as Claw Noir stepped through, his eyes narrowed as he looked around the room. When he saw Shay on the bed, he walked to her, looking her over.
Shay leaned back. "Late to the party as always, fleabag."
He shot her a grin. "Party doesn't start until I arrive. I'm right on time." His gaze softened as he moved closer, looking down at the baby wrapped in pink. "Wow, you made that, Shade? Doesn't seem possible that something so cute came from you."
"Watch yourself, Cat. Or I'll throw you back where you came from."
They grinned at one another. Claw reached one hand out, barely brushing the blanket surrounding the baby girl. "She's adorable, Shay. Good job." His smile fell away. "I didn't just drop by to congratulate you."
Shay frowned, glancing to the side at Adrien. "What's wrong?"
Claw grimaced. "Things aren't going well over here, Shade. I've been trying to keep the Supreme distracted, but he's catching on that you're gone for good. Things are getting rough."
Shay met Adrien's worried eyes. "I'm so sorry, Claw. I can't go back. I can't help you." Relief fell over Adrien's gaze as grim acceptance did over Claw's.
"I figured."
"Maybe I can help." Marinette took a step forward from the side of the room, drawing Claw's attention.
He narrowed his eyes on her. "Marinette Dupain-Cheng?" Understanding ran through him. "Ahhh. You're the little bug from here that came and found me, aren't you?"
Marinette gave him a steady look. "You need help in your world? Got a villain to defeat?"
Claw raised his chin. "More than one, unfortunately. You up for the task?"
Marinette glanced over at Shay and Adrien. "Can you give me a month? To leave things in good hands here?"
"Probably."
"Marinette," Adrien stood up, walking over to her. "Are you sure? You have no idea what you're heading in to." He shot a glance back at Shay. "It's not like here, where there's just one or two miraculous you're up against."
"He needs my help, Chaton. I can't ignore it." Adrien looked pained. Shay might have been jealous if she didn't know Adrien as well as she did. The two had been partners for a very long time. Marinette smiled at him before giving him a hug. "We defeated Shadow Moth here with Shay's help. I owe it to them to try."
Shay met Claw's gaze as the other two continued speaking quietly. "I'm sorry I can't join you. I've got my new family here now. But I'll make sure she knows everything there is to know before she goes."
Claw nodded. His gaze remained on hers, a hint of melancholy filtering through. "It's going to be weird, not having you around. Not sure I'm a fan." He leaned down, looking closer at Elaine in her arms. Then he pouted, glancing back at Adrien. "Who's going to be a proper bad influence on the little beetle? Does model-boy even know how to pun?"
Shay rolled her eyes. "Unfortunately, he does. My luck only goes so far, apparently." She shot an affectionate look at Adrien, who was still talking to Marinette, before turning back to Claw. "You'll just have to come back and visit. Think you can manage that while saving our world?"
He casually leaned back on his baton. "Of course I can. I'm Claw fucking Noir. Uh— I mean, freaking." He winced as he looked down at Elaine again.
Shay scoffed. "Language, fleabag. We don't use freaking in this family. If her first words aren't "that damn cat," then I'm doing something wrong."
They once again wore matching grins.
Claw's expression softened first. "I'm glad to see you happy, Shay. Finally. You deserve it."
She reached over, squeezing his hand. "You deserve happiness too. Be quick about the Supreme business, and you can get to it yourself."
His answering smile was weak, a sliver of doubt peeking through. "Maybe."
Shay glared at him. "What's this 'maybe' shit? If I get to be happy, then you sure as hell do, too."
He let out a huff. "Fine, fine. I'll see what I can do."
Shay glanced back over at Adrien and Marinette. "I'm glad she's going with you. She'll be a better friend than I ever was."
"Nah, Shade. You'll always be my best friend."
Still tired from the last day, Shay swiped at her eyes. "Aw, shut up."
"Next visit, I'll bully Bunnibun to pick a time where we can catch up properly. You still have some explaining to do."
He glared down at her, though she waved him off. "I know, I know."
Claw stepped back. "What's her name?"
"Elaine." Adrien and Marinette returned to Shay's side.
"Cute." Claw met Marinette's gaze. "I'll find you in a month. Or, a few seconds in my case. I ain't got time to sit around. See you."
She nodded, and Claw disappeared back through the portal.
After Marinette left, it was just the three of them once again.
"I hope they can handle it." Shay said, thinking about her counterpart and her partner.
Adrien placed Elaine in the bassinet, rejoining Shay on her small bed. "If anyone can help, it's Ladybug."
"I feel guilty," she admitted, "abandoning him over there."
"You've already given up enough, Shay. You deserve some happiness. Besides–" He leaned over, leaving a kiss on her cheek. "Ladybug is going to help. I trust her. They'll figure something out."
She snuggled into him. "Alright, you've convinced me, Blondie."
They nearly drifted off together before she spoke again. "Thank you. For taking a risk by giving me your heart."
Adrien kissed the top of her head. "Thank you for trusting me with yours. I love you, Shay."
"Love you too, Sunshine."
Fin
A/N: We made it! What do you think? Thank you so much for all your support and reviews! While I don't have plans for a full length sequel to see the Mari-Claw aftermath (that would involve way more plot than I can handle ), I do think I will be adding a short follow-up to speed through it a bit. I also wrote a short little scene in a writing sprint that's a glance into the future as well, which I'll be posting later today (called Bedtime Story).
If you aren't sick of these pregnancy-reveals, you can check out my Mari-Blanc fic Behind Those Eyes next (though that aspect plays less of a role in that one)! Two chapters posted so far (finished on my side so will be regularly updated).
Also, there are a couple fics inspired by this one over on AO3 if you want to check them out! Just find this fic there and scroll to the bottom.
I keep all my commissioned art for all my stories on my Instagram and Tumblr, if you want to see them all together (added the Shadrien kiss recently!). Thank you and see you in the next fic!