She's Sunshine, She's Grace, She'll Punch You in the Face

Chapter 92: Kori's Big News

"That's quite an interesting story." Gar said after finishing his lunch. "You sound like a real badass, Marinette. Plus you have magical jewelry? That's super cool, dude."

"I'd like to see that video of you beating up Scarecrow." Raven nodded.

"By the way, Marinette." Kori spoke up between bites of food. "Are the kwami's still asleep in your room? I think Gar would very much like to see them."

"I think so. I can go get them if you want."

"No need, Marinette." Tikki came zooming around the corner with Kaalki in tow.

"Oh, wow!" Gar had an almost childlike expression of excitement on his face when he caught sight of the kwami's. "You're right, Kori. I've never seen anything like them and I've been on alien planets. Are you seeing this, Raven?"

"Yeah, I see them." Raven turned her attention to the kwami's. "Don't mind him. He get's a bit too excited sometimes. You must be Tikki and Kaalki. I'm Raven and this is Gar." She gestures to her overly excited boyfriend.

"It's nice to meet you." Tikki says as she and Kaalki go and sit on either of Marinette's shoulders.

"She sounds so adorable!" Gar says with even more excitement. "I wonder if I can shapeshift into their form?"

"I doubt it." Kaalki says. "You don't contain the magical properties we do. You can take form of any species, living or dead, right?"

Gar nods in answer.

"Well we aren't a type of species. We are magical entities who have taken shape. We never evolved into what we are. We just are what we are. Some would call us Gods but I find that a bit much." Kaalki giggles.

"So cool." Gar finally looks back to Marinette. "So, you're like, a guardian of a bunch of tiny Gods? Even more badass."

"I've never thought of it that way, but sure. I guess you could say that." Marinette shrugs. "This is so strange, honestly. I'd never in a million years think that I would be telling so many people about this. But here I am."

"Oh, you don't have to tell us anymore if you don't want to. We'll understand." Gar smiles comfortingly.

"No, it's fine." Marinette waves her hands in dismissal. "I've come to understand and trust this family with my life and if they are okay with their own identities with you then so am I. Plus, you two are heroes. In some ways, you two know what it's like to be in my shoes."

"Familiarity can be comforting." Alfred agrees before standing up. "I'm going to clean this up. Feel free to come and get me if you need something." He says as he picks up empty plates and takes them to the kitchen.

The moment Alfred is out of sight, Kori quickly stands up and gets everyone's attention.

"I have something I would like to share with you all, if you will please follow me to the living room." She swiftly walks out the room without another word.

Everyone looks at each other with brief confusion before quickly following after her.

Marinette is the last to enter the living room and she finds Kori sitting on one of the recliners with a gleeful expression on her face. She finds herself a seat next to Jason and patiently waits for Kori to speak.

"I have the most wonderful of news" She begins. "and I would like your help with something."

"Sure, Kori. What is it?" Gar looks at her with confusion.

"There is something that I wish to tell Dick but I don't know how." Her smile never left her face.

"Okay?" Raven nods.

"You see, the reason I had to leave for my home planet so quickly was because I had to go see one of my planets doctors. I was feeling a bit... strange."

"Are you okay?" Jason said with a bit of worry.

"I am more than okay. I am fantastic." She smiled even brighter.

Raven audibly gasped and this was the most emotion Marinette had seen from her since they met. "Don't tell me. You're pregnant, aren't you?"

"What!?" Gar and Jason said at the same time.

"You are very correct, Raven!" Kori begins to clap. "Good job."

Just then, a loud crash could be heard coming from across the house.

"What was that?" Marinette asked.

Before anyone could answer, Alfred came into the room faster than anyone had ever seen the old butler move.

"You're pregnant?" He looks directly at Kori with a look that could only be described as pure joy.

"Yes. I am." She smiles back.

"My goodness!" He runs up to Kori to give her a hug before quickly pulling away. "My apologies." He cleared his throat and brings his face back to a neutral position. "That was very unprofessional of me. Congratulations, Miss Koriand'r. This is very joyous news."

"I am glad you think so." She stands up to give him a proper hug. "Your excitement means so very much to me." She lets go to sit back down.

"Wow, Alfred." Jason grins at the butler. "I've never seen you so excited about something before. I think you actually broke something in the kitchen."

"Excited for some great grandchildren, huh?" Marinette asked.

"One might say that, yes." He nods.

"Maybe you can be of some help as well, Alfred. I wish to tell Dick in some sort of special way. Any ideas?"

"Hmm..." Alfred thinks for a moment. "That depends on how extravagant you want it."

"I do not wish for it to be too extravagant. He would expect that from me. I want to really surprise him."

"I'll have to think about that then." Alfred nodded.

"I have an idea." Marinette spoke up.

"Oh!" Kori clapped. "What is it?"

"Well I was planning on giving everyone a handmade gift, right? Well I was starting to feel a little sad that I wasn't making anything for you Kori, but now this gives me an idea. What if I make you a baby bib? It's simple enough that I can definitely get it done in time. I'll save your gift for last and we can all see if Dick can piece it together."

"That's a great idea." Gar nods.

"I agree. This is very exciting." Kori hops up to give Marinette a hug. "Thank you for your offered help."

"No problem." Marinette turns her attention to Alfred. "If I write a list of materials, do you think you can get them for me?"

"It would be no problem, Miss Marinette."

"Great!" She turns back to Kori. "Now, what are you thinking for the color and design?"