A Masked Game

CHECKPOINT: No Save Beyond This Point

Flashback Cutscene: Goodbye Kisses

A week ago

Ladybug felt exhausted, not only was she finding it hard to sleep in the developing heat of summer, but with everything happening with Chat Noir, Adrien and their friends, she was literally running on fumes. There was no energy left there for her to use, and if the news from the hospital was anything to go by, then it would be like this for a while.

Pregnant!

Walking over to the rose bush on her balcony, she knelt and began to mess with the roses, stroking a finger over them as she noticed they were pruned to perfection. This was her pride and joy; this was her baby. Her hands automatically placed themselves on her stomach. When Alya had marched her to the nurse's station, and they noticed exactly who was standing there, they made sure Adrien Agreste's new wife went straight in to see the doctor. He wanted to give her a test there and then, however, she couldn't do it. It wasn't something she was willing to do without Adrien knowing, yet here she was, moonlighting as her alter ego again and meeting up with another man.

She began to mess around with the bush, she got lost in time, letting her mind run blank for a while as she attempted to soak everything in. Adrien was at work until later today, he'd messaged saying he wanted to try and keep his appointments on track and that if he couldn't concentrate, he'd come home, but she knew he wouldn't.

Adrien took his job seriously, the care for the children he saw was such a key point of his character. He was so kind, caring, brave... forgiving. Ladybug knew this was all going to break down now, that their short lived 'happy' marriage would be over and if she survived — if — they would be spending the rest of their lives trying to co-parent a child, if he wanted anything to do with it anyway.

Her hands stroked over her stomach. What a mess this had become! There was a murderer out on the loose and she was pregnant. Those two things didn't fit well together, especially when you're the first line of defence. She turned back to her flowers, allowing herself to be swept away by the job at hand.

She'd messed up with Adrien over the years, Chat Noir too. She'd constantly been guilty of giving the right attention to the wrong person, hiding away secrets which could only lead to hurt and betrayal.

The sun had begun to set, and her body relaxed. This was a good idea. This whole garden was a good idea, it was something Adrien had used with his patients in the past. The small garden in the courtyard of his offices was a beautiful sight to hold; full of fresh, vibrant flowers that filled the air with a perfumed scent, it was her go to place to design.

She'd sit for hours outside his office, so much so that on their anniversary, 4 years ago, he'd gifted her a rose-coloured bench, allowing her to come whenever she wanted — he never complained about her being at his workplace.

Her hands absentmindedly went to her stomach again. She was having Adrien's baby. Something she'd dreamed about since she was 14 years old. A soft, warm smile stretched over her lips.

"You know, I'm not sure Marinette would be too happy with someone messing with her flowers?"

Almost falling onto her bottom as she spun around, she saw Adrien standing at the doorway; shirt buttons undone and his tie hanging loose around his neck. It took a few moments for her to realise what was happening.

Firstly, she straightened up and secondly, she went to kiss him the way she always greeted him home. However, as she reached out towards him, she noticed her usually pale flesh was red and spotty — and not Marinette's.

"Oh, I – um –"

He placed his briefcase down, stepping out onto the balcony and over towards the roses.