Archive of Our Own ^beta

Marinette knew at a young age she wanted to have what her parents had. A loving marriage with the same aspirations and kids. It was a given. Even when she was younger and met Adrien, she knew she’d want three kids and hopefully a beautiful marriage and working together in the fashion industry.

But, as she’s gotten older, things have changed a lot. She was in her early twenties now, still being Ladybug and focusing on her career goals. There was no time for a boyfriend. No time for the thought of the future.

It didn’t seem like it would be in the cards any time soon. If they didn’t defeat Monarch in the next 10 years from now, Marinette might have to honestly give up the idea. So she set those goals to the side and let her young self have those dreams deep within her head. It was safer not to think of it at all.

It was hard not too. Her parents are starting to get on her about dates, even having her meet their friend’s sons in hope she settles down and starts having those kids she dreamt of having. She knew they meant well but she couldn’t lie to anymore people, especially someone she’s supposed to share all her thoughts and secrets with.

Until, that dream brought all those silly little ideas back after she had kicked them away.

Ladybug let out a gasp once she found herself out of the dream, she grabbed the Darker Owl's arm and flung over him.

Her chest ached and was so tight, she couldn't tell if it was him or her shaking. The Darker Owl shot his grappling hook at her, she quickly jumped away and felt his foot kick into her chest. Her body flung back into the wall nearby, the wall behind her body cracked.

Tears were already brimming her eyes as he began to laugh, until she heard a growl from behind the Darker Owl. Chat Noir raised his baton at the akumatized victim with anger painted on his grown face. The baton was blocked by the Darker Owl's arms as Chat's glared at him that she had never seen such hatred in his green eyes before.

"How dare you play with our feelings!" She couldn't help but watch him try to hit the older man with his baton, she swallowed the vomit that wanted to come up from watching the scene unfold in front of her.

The Darker Owl got out of his path and went back to get him, but Chat sent his baton to strike him down. Ladybug's eyes widened as the Darker Owl fell to the ground with Chat hovering over him with his arm raised. Tears were coming down his face as he yelled out, "Cataclysm!"

"No!" Ladybug yelled as his hand went down toward the akumatized victims chest.

Chat let his hand hover right above his chest and sniffled, then moved to tap the mask. Removing himself from The Darker Owl, he stood silently with his head hanging. The akuma fluttered by him and towards the sky, she quickly snatched it from the sky with her yo-yo and watched the suit fall from Mr. Damocles' face. 

She walked over to him, checking to see if his body suffered any harm during the attack. Her hands were still shaking, but she tried to hide it.

"If he has the power of Jubilation, where is the miraculous of the Pig?" Her spotted hand reached over to check inside her principal's coat pocket to find it empty. Chat didn't spare a glance inside, she could see the hurt in his face as he wiped the tears that fell. "Not here."

Pulling a charm from her yo-yo, she placed it into his hand carefully before giving him a sad smile. The tears had stopped but the heartache didn't.

"Mr. Damocles, this Magical Charm will help you remember that negative emotions can cloud our judgement."

He nodded in understanding as she picked up her red and black polka-dotted alarm clock, standing away from the two men and sighed. The sight of the clock made her stomach sick. It was just a dream. She took it into her hand comfortably before tossing it up to the sky.

"Miraculous Ladybug!"

The pink shimmer went around the city as it always did, leaving a weird taste in her mouth. Ladybug gripped her yo-yo tightly, finding Socqueline and getting her back into the building that was fixed up again. After giving her friend a hug goodbye, she found Chat Noir still standing alone in the middle of the plaza. Her earrings beeped near her ear and she walked up to him, placing a hand on his shoulder.

Their height difference has changed so much as they've aged. Already twenty-one and he's grown so beautifully, but right now he looked young and fragile. She knew what he was feeling so she tried to give him a small smile.

"Why don't we meet tonight, in the usual spot. Are you good for that?"

Chat didn't meet her eyes, "Yeah. I'll see you there."

With that, he didn't bring their fists together like usual and left on his baton. Ladybug frowned, going to find a safe place to de-transform before going home. There was an alley way near by that she knew people rarely went into. Once she landed, her body began to shake again.

Her body was twenty-one yet that dream took place over five years.

Five years of time where Chat Noir and Ladybug defeated Monarch, got married, had kids, and relaxed for the first time ever. Her heart ached again, holding her fist to her chest she began to cry quietly in the alleyway she hid. 

After awhile, Marinette felt someone staring at her. Tikki floated in front of her after finishing the macaroon she had snacked on. She felt Tikki's little body snuggle her hand that she hid her face in, trying to bring comfort to her.

”What was that?” She cried to Tikki, shaking her head as she tried to catch her breath.

“The power of Jubilation shows us our deepest desires,” Tikki reminded her sadly. “What happened?”

Marinette wiped her face as some of her hair got stuck on her tear-stained cheeks, surveying the area around her for her any bystanders. This wasn’t the place to have this conversation. 

“Let’s go somewhere safer,” she sniffled to her kwami before calling on her transformation.

Ladybug moved out of the alleyway, pulling herself with her yo-yo yo another area. The pony-tail on the back of her head wiped with the wind. The breeze felt good on her very hot body. It had been a very long time since she had cried like that. Crying always took a lot out of her, that’s why she rarely did it.

The yo-yo flung her to a secluded roof nearby her apartment and she allowed her transformation to drop as she sat on the ground with her knees pulled up to her chest. The ground was cold on her bottom, she could feel it through her linen pants. Her hand wiped the tears that continued to fall again.

Tikki sat on her arm in comfort as Marinette began to explain.

”We defeated the Darker Owl and found some business card with Monarch’s address in his coat pocket. We defeated Monarch, I don’t even know who he was - But because we defeated him, Chat and I..” Her cheeks pinked at the memory, “We started a relationship.“

She met Tikki’s little eyes, “It was amazing, Tikki. I fell in love with him. We got married. Had kids.. My babies..” She choked out a sob, hiding her face in her knees. “It was the most beautiful thing and then I realized it was a dream! My lucky charm helped me get out of it before he got to our miraculous but..”

Marinette’s chest tighten, “But at what cost?”

Tikki’s body moved to her head, she could feel her little hand rubbing the top of her head soothingly like a mother would. A mother, Marinette was a mother, and now she’s not.

”It’s not fair.”

”It’s not,” Tikki agreed solemnly, frowning down at her holder. “What are you and Chat Noir going to do now?”

Marinette rubbed her face with the sleeve of her blue, long-sleeved work out shirt. She didn’t know how she could confront Chat Noir about this whole thing, her emotions were at an all-time high and his will be too.

Will they do something they regret?

”I’ll be meeting him tonight.” Marinette replied with a sigh, glancing at the time on her phone. She still needed to drop off the supplies at her mom’s place. “I should head out.”

”You should take your time before leaving, do some breathing exercises!”

She took the advice and allowed herself to calm her body so her mom wouldn’t suspect something was wrong. Every time the thought of their kids would pop up in her head with their beautiful faces she wanted to break down. Those were her babies and now they’re gone. How will she ever get them back. Her breathing labored and she needed to come back to reality.

Reality.

Reality was lonely.

Giving herself time to be grounded, she transformed and headed into her apartment to de-transform once more and got changed into something more comfortable. The apartment didn’t look the same as her dream.

The dream was a house, big and spacious and beautiful. In her Ladybug attire, it still felt like home. Her apartment was dark and sad. Marinette sighed, tugging on a hoodie and some jeans to head outside her apartment complex.

She started to walk down to her parents place, they lived nearby since she didn’t want to be too far from them when she moved out. Sometimes they still needed her to help in the bakery and being close made things easier while also still getting independence. Alya and Nino lived in the same complex too. She preferred it.

The bakery came into view as she turned the corner and walked down the street to the place. Once she arrived, she let herself in and found her mother at the front counter finishing up with a customer while her father was in the back cleaning up. She watched her mother’s eyes brighten up at the sight of her.

Marinette worked on trying to hold it together, she gave her mom a smile in return as she walked up with the bag of supplies.

”Socqueline said hi,” Marinette said cooly. “I do need to run though-“

”- What about dinner?” Her Papa asked, tilting his head curiously. 

Crap, she did promise dinner. Hopefully, Chat doesn’t mind. Maybe she can bring his favorite macaroons.

“I’ll stay but can you pack up some passion fruit macaroons? I’m supposed to be seeing a friend after.”

Her mother grinned, “Is it Adrien? I remember these being his favorite.”

Marinette’s face heated, “No! It’s not him- Someone else.”

Both her parents pouted before sending her upstairs to wait for them while they get things cleaned up so they can start on dinner. 

-

Ladybug flew through the night sky, holding onto the box of macaroons carefully as she found Chat sitting on their rooftop and staring straight ahead. Chat's short hair moved slightly in the wind, it was buzzed on the sides with some hair on the top to be fluffier. The leather ears sticking out of it moved as he heard her land. He seemed to be in his head, so she carefully came down to her feet not to startle him.

She sat beside him, leaving some space between them for the box of macaroons.

”Your favorite.”

Chat glanced down in between them to look at the box. Seeing the logo on the box, she remembered in their dream he loved the bakery.

"How did you know?"

As she opened her mouth, she shut it and tried to think back to when he did tell her. 

"The dream," she whispered in response.

This was one of those times where she was thankful they had the roofs of Paris to themselves. No one around to listen and watch, it felt like their own world. They sat still, trying to figure out the words to say. Ladybug sighed, staring out at the glittering city. People get to live their normal lives where they get to be with their friends and family often, get the chance to travel and marry, and build their own families. 

At fourteen, they didn't get to make that choice. Being Ladybug and Chat Noir changed their lives for the better, they both agreed when they would talk about it. They’re adults now and those feelings haven’t change or so she thought. After that dream, she felt like she was feeling indifferent about it. 

"It isn't fair." 

Chat's voice caught her attention, she turned her attention to his tense body. His clawed hands gripping the roof edge tightly. Ladybug wanted to reach for him, to bring him in her arms and remind him that she's here. 

"I know," she replied softly, shutting her eyes to fight the tears again. "It isn't."

"How dare Monarch do that to us." Chat Noir gritting his teeth. "I can't believe it was fake. All a dream."

"I know," she repeated.

Her partner sniffled beside her and wiped some of the tears that started to fall on his skin, "Jubilation shows us our deepest desires.."

"It does."

Ladybug felt a hand on her chin, her eyes fluttered open to gaze at Chat Noir threw glassy eyes. The touch was so soft, she wanted to melt in it because she could remember this touch often in their dream before he kissed her.

"Was that your deepest desire too?"

"I-" She wanted to say yes, but was it wrong to lie? "What if Monarch had altered it somehow?"

"Be honest." His voice firm but gentle.

She could never lie to him anymore, he knew all her tells after all this time. Plus five years. Ladybug only nodded in response. Her eyes never breaking eye contact with him as he let her chin go, setting his eyes back on the city again.

"So, what does this mean then?"

The heroine paused, "What do you mean?"

"I.. We just spent five years in a dream due to Jubilation. Five years where we got married and had kids.. Moved into a house.. Created a life and created life." Chat swallowed, but he wasn't able to hold back the emotions anymore. "Five years down the drain. Our babies.. Gone. I've spent the last hour trying to picture Emma's face and I can't anymore."

Her lips parted in surprise and it opened the flood gates, "Emma.. Do you remember the others names?"

Chat Noir shook his head slowly, "I'm surprised I even remembered Emma's own. Where did that come from?"

The softness in his voice made her body less tense, she used the heel of her hand to clean up some tears. As time goes on since the dream, it starts to become more muddy in her mind and she hates it. She can remember the big details but barely any of the small details. 

"I always wanted to name my daughter Emma."

His hand went on top of hers in between them, "I.. I think it's a beautiful name."

For the first time since she met him, Marinette wanted to tell him her identity. She wanted what the dream was but with no masks, staring at that face who is also going through the same heart break as her at the moment. She wouldn't be able to tell anyone else about it, not even Alya.

It wasn't safe.

This wasn't a good idea.

Before she could say anything, Chat cut the distance between them and his grip on her hand tightened as their lips met. Ladybug thought she'd be so surprised by the feeling of their lips meeting one another. Instead, she was met with familiarity as she melted into the kiss. 

She brought her free hand up to cup his face, so much of her wanted to know what his skin felt like on her fingers. But, being able to feel his kiss was enough. 

Their lips broke apart from each other and he looked at her with eyes that seemed to be scared. 

"I'm here," she whispered to him. "I'm real."

"I want that life.." he whispered as he pressed their forehead's together. "With you."

The way her heart was pounding so fast in her chest was terrifying and she couldn't help but agree with him. Those five years made her feel free, loved, cherished, and everything she could've imagined and more. Marinette always thought she'd have that with Adrien at one point until they just ended up having a normal friendship later on after they got out of school.

But, Chat's been through everything with her. They've been partners for years, could be classified as married at this point. She didn't realize how much she wanted to be with him until that dream. It felt impossible. To be able to have a double life where she was just a normal college student with a job and then being married as a hero to her hero partner.

"How can we? We can't reveal our identities, especially with Monarch still at large."

He pondered her words for a moment, "Let's say we find a place to call ours, see each other as often as we want. I live alone but do have a job, no ones expecting me to be home."

"I live alone too.." Ladybug said, glancing at the box in between them with a frown. "It'll be hard to not tell anyone. Plus, I can't afford another place. I'm barely making ends meet with my own." She confessed, it was embarrassing to say out loud but she wanted to be somewhat honest.

Chat's Noir's eyes softened, "I'll get the place. I can even help you out if needed, I don't mind."

"That's a lot of money already spent on a place, you cannot hand out money like it's nothing."

"Let's just say.. I'm comfortable."

Her eyes widened at that, "Oh. You're rich rich?"

"I didn't say that!" Chat exclaimed, raising his hands up in front of his chest.

"Only rich rich people say they're 'comfortable'" She raised her fingers to make quotation marks, he cracked a smile at that for the first time since the dream and her heart skipped a beat at the sight of it.

"Alright, alright. You've got me. I come from a very.. comfortable family."

"Just say you're rich, no need to be humble. You're a superhero."

He scoffed at her words, "You just told me you're struggling to pay for your apartment while I live in a total bachelor pad with plenty of money to take care of me for years on years."

"Chat! You can't say things like that."

"Things that involve my identity? It's normal around our age for people to live alone, you'd have to look real hard to find me."

Ladybug rolled her eyes as the tension had eased between them, she moved the box of macaroon's over and pressed herself against him. Their fingers laced together and rested in her lap, his head resting on hers while her own laid on his shoulder comfortably.

"Is there anything you're looking for in a place? Windows, lighting, height? Colors? I'll make the whole place red and black just for you."

"I just need a space for hobbies," she shook her head at him. "I don't need red and black.. To be honest, my favorite color is pink."

"Pink." He said in awe, like he couldn't believe it. "A space for hobbies and pink. I can work with that. What kind of hobbies?"

This was teetering very close to the line of identity, but there are probably plenty of people in Paris who like the hobbies she does. Ladybug paused, trying to figure out the best way to word this.

"I could use a craft table for the crafting I do, I do all sorts from sewing, crocheting, knitting, and all."

"You're creative outside the suit."

"How else do you think it works with me being Ladybug?"

Chat Noir laughed and she could feel the wiggle of his body against her own, "Okay. Craft table. Pink. Hobby room. I think I could do that for you."

Ladybug shut the eyes and enjoyed his presence beside her, "How will we exist in the home? In our suits? Or should we come up with something like masks?"

"Masks might be best," Chat replied, squeezing her hand. "This might exhaust the kwami's, they'd be able to relax as well."

"I think I could come up with something for us before then."

He nodded in understanding, "Perfect. Well, I should head home to get things prepped. You go home too, you could use sleep after the day we had."

He stood up, helping her up with his hand until they were right in front of each other. Ladybug could appreciate the face he's grown into throughout the years. He looked older and a little rough on the edges, but he was still the sweet and loyal Chat she first met at fourteen. She went onto her tip-toes to press a soft kiss on the corner of his mouth, her hand resting on his jawline.

Chat's hand caught her wrist, wrapping his arm around her waist and brought their lips together. Marinette felt like she was on top of the world, molding their lips together with ease and just letting herself experience what Chat had to offer. He pulled away first with a smile then pressed a gentle kiss to her forehead.

"I'll see you soon."

Watching her partner use his baton, he bounced off the rooftop to the direction of wherever he was heading. Ladybug sniffled once she was alone, the idea might be a terrible one.

Yet, she didn’t regret it one bit.

-

A month has passed since that conversation.

Ladybug landed on the patio carefully, paying mind to neighbors as she let the transformation fall. Her long, black hair fell down her back out of its ponytail and she made her the mask was secure. Her eyes found the planter with a black cat and ladybug signs sticking out of it so she knew this was the place Chat Noir told her to meet him at.

Her heart was pumping quicker than ever. She adjusted the sleeves of her sweater before walking up to the door, opening it and walking in to take in the view of their apartment.

It was on the higher end than she had anticipated. The place was airy, beautiful, and absolutely stunning.

”Wow,” Tikki said beside her, eating her macaroon. “Chat Noir knows how to make a place look fancy.”

”Wow indeed,” Marinette whispered.

The living space and kitchen were connected but it was big. The kitchen had beige wooden cabinets with marble backsplash. There was a pretty, light oak dining table that seats way more people than needed in this place. A pretty bookcase full of some decorations and books and photos of the city.

On the right side of the room was the living space. There was a cushiony, white couch and two arm chairs that were totally different from one another. In the middle of all the seating was a wood plank coffee table. Against the wall was a large, gold mirror that sat on top of the mantle of the fireplace. There was more storage against the wall of it that was littered with more decor.

It was like Chat got this place professionally designed on the inside. She knew a month felt like forever but realized it was probably because of how long it must’ve taken to find the place and decorate the inside.

Her hand ran along the soft material of the couch, taken back by how comfortable and expensive it felt. The front door opened suddenly, looking up she found Chat walking in with the mask she made him a couple weeks ago and Plagg hanging by his shoulder.

Ladybug watched his face light up at the sight of her as if he wasn’t expecting her, but he was. He set his keys down in the small key holder on the kitchen counter closest to the front door. 

“Hey,” he said as he walked up to her, wrapping his arms around her waist to bring her in for a light kiss. “What do you think?”

Tikki and her looked around the room in awe, “It’s stunning, kitty. I- It’s so luxurious. How did you design all of this in time?”

”I had some help,” he said sheepishly, rubbing the back of his neck shyly.

Seeing him out of his suit was always weird for her. He looked more human than he did with his suit. She should’ve expected that, the suit hides a lot. But, seeing him in front of her in his sweater and jeans that must have cost as much as the furniture in here was strange. His blonde hair was styled the same way as in the suit, but a little more messy since he must’ve woken up early this morning to meet her here.

”It’s amazing, I love it.”

Pride came across his face and he grinned at her, “I’m glad. I had you in mind the whole time. Have you seen the rest of the place yet?”

Shaking her head no, Chat took her hand into his and lead her to living room side of the house. The door on the left of the fireplace was opened first and she came into the bathroom. A gravel style tile was upon the floor, lots of grey and white. But the walls were a plain white color. The shower caught her attention being a massive walk in shower with gold framing of the tall door. Gold fixtures like the shower head, mirror above the sink, and sink spout stood out beautifully.

The bathroom made her own apartment look like garbage. The toilet was towards the right side of the room and there was a wood stool beneath the lower part of the counter of the sink. It looked like a place Marinette could do her make up if she pleased.

”This is incredible.”

”Wait till you see your room.”

Chat lead her to the master bedroom which was huge as well. There was beautiful moldings on the wall and they were all white. In the middle of the room against the wall was a King-sized bed with a white comforter and light grey blanket to match the throw pillows. Above the bed was a small ledge for art and decorations that were already being displayed. A pretty chandelier hung above on the ceiling and she was in awe.

Whoever designed this place, knew what they were doing. She couldn’t believe all the little details and how it just felt like home for her.

”Ready to see your room?”

Ladybug paused, “Are- Are we not sleeping together?”

Chat’s face turned pink at her comment, “Oh- I mean, yeah. We are going to be sleeping in here together but I meant your hobby room.”

It was Marinette’s turn to blush, “Of- Of course! Lead the way.”

They walked out of the room and went to the other side of the house where the dining table was and opened the door to the other bedroom. Chat let her in first and her eyes widened in surprise.

The room was stunning. The walls were a pretty peach color with beautiful molding all around. There was a table in the mirror that was the size of the dining table in the middle. There was a fancy looking sewing machine on the table that was red with a black paw print sticker on it that made her heart melt. On one of the walls was a cork board with tools she has used before. A white dresser against the wall with storage space. 

Marinette walked in cautiously, touching the red sewing machine and pulled the white, soft office chair out to sit in it to look at the machine.

”Chat..” She whispered in surprise, catching him staring at her from the door. “This is.. This is so much, how can I repay you for this?”

He walked over to her and knelt down on his knee, Marinette stared at him as he pulled out a box from his pocket and she thought her head was going to explode. The box revealed a beautiful rose gold vintage oval cut engagement ring.

She hated crying but she couldn’t help it in this moment.

”I want that life with you,” he whispered weakly as he gazed up at her with loving eyes. “That includes being married to you again.”

”But.. Our identities..”

”We’ll figure it out,” he replied with a smile. “When we defeat Monarch, we can have a real identity reveal with all the flowers and hearts you desire. Have a grand wedding to be able to invite everyone too even if they’re super surprised we are just married to some person they never met or have met.” Chat brought his free hand to hers, running his fingers over her knuckles. “I love you with everything I am, marry me, my lady.”

Marinette nodded her head quickly, “Yes! Yes! I’ll marry you, you stupid cat.”

Chat laughed as she pulled him up to kiss him more deeply. Their lips moved and moved for what felt like forever. His hands went to her waist, lifting her up off the chair and onto the craft table. Their lips detached so he could take the ring out of the box, slipping it onto her finger. She stared at in awe, it was exactly how she thought her future ring would look like.

”I love you, Chat.” Ladybug caressed his cheek fondly, leaning their foreheads together. “I love you so much. I’m sorry it took me longer than you to realize it.”

”I would’ve waited a thousand years for you, my lady.”

She kissed him again, pulling his body close against hers so that were was no space in between them. She felt like she was on cloud-9, not able to come down from the high that was her partner. Even if she didn't know his identity, she couldn't imagine herself with anyone else. This was perfect. 

“I can’t wait to marry you,” Chat whispered into her lips.

”I can’t wait either.” Marinette replied, pulling away slightly to get a better look at him.

”I don’t know if you know this, but this is an absolute dream come true. I am almost worried that I will wake up once again and this wasn’t real.”

Ladybug gazed at him with a shake of her head, “This is real. My feelings for you are real.” She placed a hand on his cheek gently, seeing the sparkle of the ring. “I feel like the luckiest Ladybug ever.”

A grin spread over his lips and he pressed one more kiss to her own, “This black cat feels even luckier. I hope when we defeat him that I get to shout to the world how in love I am with you. Show you off to my friends. Let you meet important people in my life.”

The thought made her heart burst, imagining the dream life they had and yet it felt somewhat close. His hands rested on her hips, they continued to kiss for some time. A buzzing noise came from his back pocket and he sighed against her lips.

”Let me take this,” he whispered as he kissed her once more. “Check out the room, I’ll be right back.”

Nodding, she watched him leave the bedroom and answer the phone call. He shut the door behind himself and she lifted her hand in awe. Tikki and Plagg came into her view, eyeing the ring curiously.

”That thing is massive,” Plagg complained with a scoff. “How does he expect you to do Ladybug things with it on?”

”The ring doesn’t show up on her transformation,” Tikki deadpanned at him before smiling at Marinette. “It’s beautiful. I can’t believe he proposed like that. It was romantic.”

Marinette nodded in agreement, “He knows me so well. It’s perfect. This place is perfect.”

”I’m glad you like it because he was so picky-“ Plagg began to go on a rant, “He took forever finding the ‘perfect’ apartment for the most ‘perfect’ girl who deserved the most ‘perfect’ ring.” He made a gagging noise that made Marinette laugh.

”Well, your holder did a perfect job.” Tikki exclaimed, nudging the kwami with her own body. “How will you guys get married though, as Ladybug and Chat Noir?”

”I don’t think we’re going to get married until we reveal our identities later in life,” Marinette said honestly, she shrugged. “I am willing to wait that long. Once we get all the miraculous’ back, it’ll be one of the first things we do.”

Tikki gazed at her, “That’s a good plan. Just.. Be careful with all this. Okay?”

”What could possibly happen, sugar cube?”

”I’m just reminding my holder that it’s important to remember why they keep their identities a secret.”

”They just got engaged! Why are you being a party pooper?” Plagg asked with a frown, floating up to Marinette.

”I’m not!” Tikki pointed, crossing her little arms. “I’m just being practical.”

Marinette decided to get off the table to let the kwami’s argue about whatever they were doing now. It gave her time to look around the room, taking in the supplies he had already gotten her and check out the new sewing machine.

The machine at home was her one she’s had since she was 10 years old. It was incredibly old but still worked really well. She wondering how this one was going to do, she couldn’t wait to start using it soon.

The door opened and Chat walked back in with an awkward smile, “I got called in, but I will come back after this meeting. We will celebrate!”

”That’s okay,” she said, walking up to him to press a kiss on his cheek. “Be safe, okay? I'll get started on preparations.”

”I left a prepaid card on the counter for you, it doesn’t have any names or anything on it. But it has enough for groceries or any other essentials you need like clothes or bathroom things.” Chat kissed her engagement ring, “You can get whatever you want.”

Marinette rolled her eyes, “Okay, Mr. Moneybags.”

Chat chuckled, “I love you, Future Mrs. Chat Noir.”

”And I love you, Future Mr. Ladybug.”

One more kiss and him and Plagg were gone, leaving Tikki and Marinette alone in the house. She walked into the pretty kitchen, still in awe that it’s their place and found the card he told her about. There was a note beside it explaining the pin number, being the date they got together, and how much was on the card. Marinette swallowed, tucking the note into one of the drawers and shutting it so she didn’t see the amount again.

This was perfect time to gather some things to bring over here for the time being until her lease was up.

She transformed herself before leaving the apartment.

- 

Marinette trudged toward the door of the apartment putting her mask on securely before unlocking the door exhausted. She grabbed the ring from her back pocket to place back on her finger. The handle of the door turned in her hand and opened to reveal the smell of something good from the kitchen. At the dining table was Chat sitting in front of one of the plates at the table full of food.

It looked like pasta and her mouth watered at the sight of it. She shut the door behind herself and tugged off her coat to hang it on the coat hanger. 

“Hi,” Chat said with a smile, motioning the candlelit dinner before him. “Wanted to surprise you when you got off work.”

”After the day I had,” she said as she tossed her knees into the dish by the door and removed her shoes to walk over to the dining table to take her seat. “Thank you so much, kitty.”

”Of course.”

The food was amazing, Marinette felt so full and content. They found their way to their bed, the TV playing some movie while he rubs her feet soothingly. It had been almost six months since they began to use this place as their home. Marinette stays here almost every day while Chat stays here about 4 days during the week due to work taking up a good chunk of his time. 

Marinette was genuinely surprised how easy it was for them to get used to living with one another. They had bickered a few times but always figure out ways to fix those moments. They never went to bed angry. Chat was actually very good at communication, much better than Marinette was. She loved that about him. 

Tikki continued to remind her how important it was to keep their identities a secret but every day that went by made it harder.

Sometimes she wanted to take a shower with him. Sometimes she wanted to go out on a date with him rather than the at-home dates. Sometimes she wanted to take him to meet her parents, they’d love him. But, she couldn’t. Not right now.

She felt hope clinging to them more than ever after finding out they might know where Monarch is located. Alya got some details recently that could really make or break defeating him. She hadn’t gotten the time to look at them, but she had Alya put them into her yo-yo before going back to the akuma they were fighting that day.

So much of her wanted to share with Alya and her friends their apartment and engagement but she felt it wasn’t fair that Chat wouldn’t be able to do the same with someone. This relationship was important to her, she didn’t want to mess anything up. The ring on her finger was a sign of that.

The familiar noise of an akuma alert came from their phones and Marinette groaned in annoyance. Chat kissed her nose with a warm smile, “When we get back we can go to bed. Sound good?”

”Promise?” She asked as she got up, putting her transformation on.

”I promise.”

They headed out of the apartment, trying to find the akuma. There wasn’t one in sight. Instead, the city felt bare. They stood on top of a rooftop and gazed at the quiet city. Not a car could be heard or people, it was completely unsettling. Ladybug’s mouth went dry, thinking of the list Alya had given her.

”Where do you think we should check first? Should we split up?”

“What were the locations again?”

Ladybug pulled out her yo-yo to find the list she jotted down, “The Louvre Museum, the Warehouse on Rue Mouffetard, the Agreste Mansion,” her heart sank when she read that name, “and Notre Dame.”

”How about I head to the mansion and you check out the museum?” They put on their ear piece communicators. “They’re close enough to each so when we need to contact, we can come to each other as soon as we can.”

Ladybug nodded but her body didn’t feel right, “You need to be safe. You hear me?”

”I will, my lady. Cat’s honor.”

”I mean it. You need to tell me as soon as you can if you find Monarch and I’ll do the same.”

”Stronger together,” he said.

They gave each other one last kiss before going toward their given locations. Ladybug made her way to the museum. It was empty and she didn’t have a good feeling about leaving Chat Noir. For some reason, she felt the need to go find him again.

”Chat, I’m going to do a quick scan then head to you. I don’t have a good feeling about this.”

”Relax,” he said into her ear softly. “We’ll be okay.”

Ladybug scanned the museum but found nothing. Seeing Paris this empty was strange, she hadn’t seen it like this since they fought Argos. She debated maybe she was being weird about this and could go to another location.

Chat Noir can handle himself. He always been able too. The thought of her fiancé in trouble still didn’t go away, Monarch was doing something and planning something.

”What are your deepest desires?”

A voice came from behind her and she whipped her attention to the wall that had a screen on it. Monarch stood menacingly in some kind of room that had to be one of the locations.

”I’ll tell you mine,” he said roughly. “To get your miraculous so I can make my wish.” A smile spread across his face wickedly as a sound could be heard from where he was. “Looks like I might be getting the first one.”

”Wait-“ Ladybug whispered scared as Monarch swung his cane in the direction of the camera.

”I’ll be waiting for you Ladybug, as will your fiancé.”

Static came from Chat’s end before she heard nothing. Her finger went to her ear in shock.

”Chat?! Chat! Can you hear me?”

How did Monarch figure them out?

Ladybug rushed out the museum to the Agreste Mansion. She prayed Adrien wasn’t there right now in case something happened. She just saw him yesterday and he was so happy, the thought of him being hurt would break her heart. 

Chat Noir is in there!

As she went over the gate, Ladybug pushed the doors open to find a hole in the entry area. Yelling could be heard beneath her and she swung herself down till she landed on some type of walkway. It was freezing down here.

Her eyes settled on Chat Noir facing Monarch toward the end of the walk way. There was a tree behind Monarch with some type of thing that was sealed. The kwami’s were nowhere to be found and she frowned.

”Look what the cat dragged in,” Monarch said menacingly. “Welcome to my home, Ladybug. I bet you’re wondering where the entirety of Paris is.”

He seemed to have exhausted himself with the way he spoke. She could see Chat Noir not moving as he panted heavily, keeping himself on guard for something. Ladybug carefully walked up to them, standing a bit behind Chat Noir. As she glanced at him, she saw he was crying.

”C-Chat?”

”Not now,” he gritted out angrily, shaking his head.

”Paris is safe.” The villain before them said, motioning the place around them. “As for you two, I had to figure out where you’ve been running off to lately so I could make sure you also stayed on Earth with me.” He laughed unexpectedly. “I didn’t realize you had moved in together and got engaged. Congratulations, by the way.”

Chat Noir growled at him, “Shut the fuck up.”

”But then.. You found me! Just as I did you. Chat got here just in time to see why I needed to make my wish, would you like to share with your lovely fiancée why I need to make my wish?”

Ladybug felt like Chat was holding himself back from something but kept her eyes steadily on Monarch, “Why do you need to make the wish?”

”I need to bring my wife back,” Monarch said, tapping the container beside him to reveal Emilie Agreste’s body inside. “So that I can have my family back.”

Marinette thought she was going to be sick. That was her best friend's mother in that case. It was like her own personal coffin. She didn't look dead at all. Like she was simply sleeping inside without a thought or care about what was happening outside of it. Her fists clenched tight, this is what Adrien's father has been doing this whole time instead of giving him the attention and love he deserved.

The same man who kept him on a tight leash did it for no reason except to be selfish.

”Monarch, you have to know that this kind of wish won’t work. Noroo must’ve told you. Even the others! You can’t make a wish like this for the sake of the world. But you definitely can’t make a wish like this because it won’t work.” Ladybug narrowed her eyes at the villain. "Adrien doesn't even know- How could you keep this from him? He wouldn't want this for his mother."

"Don't bring my son into this!"

"Son? That would mean you're his father, but you haven't acted like one since she was gone!" She yelled at him angrily. 

”Until you're a parent, you won't understand-"

"I was! I was a mother until you ripped it from me." She cracked, pointing at him. "We were better parents then you have ever been."

Monarch lashed out towards her but Chat Noir got in front of him, the baton and staff hitting each other with a loud crack. Their strength pushing one another to see who would falter first, Ladybug threw her yo-yo to wrap around Monarch's staff but he tugged it back before she could pull it first, sending her flying back towards Emilie's body. She fell to the ground hard, fighting her way back onto her feet as Monarch kicked Chat Noir away from him to turn his attention on her.

"You don't know what it's like to love something so deeply," he started as he went to reach out to attack her. "You can't possibly know what it's like need someone so bad you can't imagine a life without them."

Ladybug felt him raise his staff to hit her again but she dodged it, unable to catch herself before he kicked into her chest sending her flying back towards the edge of the platform that kept Emilie Agreste afloat. There was water beneath them, maybe it could be an advantage.

Before she could think of an idea, Monarch charged her again but Chat Noir flew into view and used his baton to push him out of the way towards the middle of the platform. The way Chat stood in front of her was different than usual like he wouldn't allow Monarch to touch her. There is something going on with him and it's killing her not knowing what it is.

"Chat-"

"Not now, Ladybug."

The tone he used on her was frightening. Ladybug wanted to probe but Monarch had gotten to his feet, spitting out blood from the way the baton had hit his chin. He smiled widely at them, she could see the red on his teeth. This is not how she thought this would go down.

Chat spoke up first between them as he held his baton up like a sword, "You.. You kept her down here all this time?”

”I needed to bring her back," Monarch yelled at her partner, irritated that they weren't understanding his reason. "You love Ladybug probably just as much as I loved my wife. You want to marry her, don't you? You’d do anything to bring her back, wouldn’t you?”

”I wouldn’t have tried to destroy the world to bring her back,” Chat spat at him angrily as he ran up onto Monarch, who moved out of the way and hit Chat in his back. His body falling against Emilie Agreste's case, staring at her in a way she didn't know how to explain. “How dare you try to play death like this?" His eyes filled with rage but Monarch used his cane once he was off-guard and sent him flying back to the ground.

Chat groaned and Ladybug went to rush to his side, but Monarch lifted his hand that made her body still. She couldn't move. Every part of her body was still except her face, she tried to move her arms but couldn't.

”Stop! Please!” Ladybug cried out.

One of the miraculous was giving him too much power; she watched helplessly as Monarch walked up to Chat to grab the collar of his cape.

”Play death? I am bringing her back-“ He sent a punch to his face with force, she watched Chat's head knock back painfully. "And I am doing it with your miraculous."

”She’s gone!”

The words he yelled echoed in the chamber, it sent a shiver down Ladybug’s spine as both Monarch and her stared at him. Monarch sent more punches to his face with more force, she could see blood trickling from his nose now and tears began to fall down her face.

“Please, I’m begging you- Let’s end this.” But her words flew right over his head again.

She whispered her lucky charm words to find a red and black polka-dotted replica of the bee miraculous. It was more cut to the chance than she expected when she looked back at the two of them, the red and black polka-dotted film over them.

"She's not gone, I just need to bring her back, you brat." Monarch gritted out angrily, grabbing Chat's hand with his miraculous to pull it off but he kept his hand fisted as Chat punched him back in the face. Monarch was sent flying back against the case again forceably.

”She’s gone, father.” Chat’s voice cracked as Monarch stood back up shakily, his eyes widened. “She’s gone. You have to let her go.”

”W- What?” Monarch whispered, his body loosened at the sight of the hero on the ground.

Ladybug’s ears were ringing like she had been hit by something. She couldn’t take her eyes off her fiancé. She couldn’t take her eyes off his body, it was shaking so much as she trembled before them. She felt whatever magic Monarch had used on her disappeared from the reveal.

”She’s gone.. She’s gone and there’s nothing we can do about it.” Chat cried out to him now, shaking his head. “Please, give this up. Mother wouldn’t have wanted this.”

”Adrien?”

The name from Monarch's lips and Marinette felt her body lock up.

Adrien?

Ladybug took a couple steps back in shock, staring at the two men with so much confusion and terror.

"This ends now." Chat stood up, stalking over to his father.

His father tried to raise his hand up to do what he did to Ladybug but she sent her yo-yo to bring his hand back down to ground. She tugged on it tightly, causing him to cry out in pain as Chat went up to his father to take the Butterfly Miraculous off his body.

The suit slipped off and before he could transform anymore, Ladybug slid over to take the Bee Miraculous and combine it with her own.

She called out "Venom" and hit Gabriel Agreste into the stomach before he could react. His body was stiff like a statue and they both were panting heavily, staring at Monarch before them. Chat stumbled back, looking at the case with so much pain in his eyes. Ladybug removed all the rings from Monarch's fingers and stuck them into her yo-yo carefully.

Ladybug walked over slowly to stand beside Adrien as he leaned into the case, staring at what was left of his mother. Her hands went to his shoulders and he tensed, sniffling.

"I.. I didn't know."

"It's okay."

"It isn't," he whispered back sadly. "He was right under my nose and I didn't know."

"Adrien.. Please, come here."

Adrien dropped his transformation and wrapped his arms around her, Plagg floated beside him exhausted but got a look at the scene before him. Ladybug met his little green eyes and shook her head at him, he tucked himself into Adrien's shirt to get some food to eat. The tremor of his body made her heart strain as she held him tightly.

"I'm so sorry, my lady."

Ladybug's eyes welded up with tears, "Don't apologize. I don't blame you at all for it. We didn't know."

"I should've-" he sucked in a breath and shook his head on her shoulder, "I should've done something. I should've known. He had been acting so strange with me this past month and I passed it off as work."

"There is no way you could've known unless he said something," she replied calmly, pulling away to hold his shoulders.

"What do we do now?"

His voice hoarse as he looked at the scene before them. His father on the ground, frozen in time with a distraught expression on his face. His mother in the case, eyes shut and chest unmoving. It was horrifying and Marinette couldn't imagine what Adrien was thinking right now. 

"Police need to be involved now, not us." Marinette whispered with a frown. "Did you want Ladybug to deal with the press? I can meet you back home, send Nino and Alya there so you have someone until I get there."

Adrien swallowed as he looked back at her with wide eyes, tears still falling from his face.

"N- Nino and Alya?"

"Yes," she released him and grabbed her yo-yo to see what number to dial. "You shouldn't be here. Let me protect you for once, just like you do for me."

His hand over her yo-yo surprised her and she looked at him, Adrien stared at her with parted lips and whispered.

"How do you know Nino and Alya are my friends, Ladybug?"

"C- Can I tell you later?"

Adrien glanced at his father then wipes his tears before slowly nodding in response.

"Let me talk to him and you call the police. I want to bring him to the courtyard so it's looks normal that I'm here. Then, I’ll head home. Tell Alya, Nino, and Marinette to be there, please?"

Ladybug agrees silently, she gathers Gabriel Agreste in her arms and takes Adrien onto her back. She flicks her yo-yo up to swing them out of the debris of the lower level and to the top floor by the front door. They both walked out with Gabriel Agreste's body and placed it on the stairs.

The mask in her hands was heavy before she tossed it up in the air to call on her cure, the flurry of ladybugs enveloped the sky and the silence had finally ended. There were people talking all around the city now and she could see some pop up across the street through the gate.

Turning her attention back on Adrien, she watched him stare at his frozen body before sending a message to the police with her yo-yo to signal her need for them here. Then, she dropped the bee miraculous from unification with her and watched him come back to life.

Gabriel Agreste blinked a few times before looking at his hands first, finding none of the rings on his fingers. His head shot up to take in Ladybug and Adrien. But, his eyes were focused on Adrien.

"You.. You were Chat Noir, the whole time?"

A part of her didn't know if she was allowed to be here for this conversation but she knew Adrien needed her so she stood to the side, awaiting the police to come to the gated entrance.

"How could you?" Adrien whispered angrily, his fists curling on his sides. "You've been fighting us since we were children. We were fourteen with no need of the responsibility to protect our city from your selfishness."

"My- My selfishness?!" His father gaped at him and he stood up, "I was doing this for you. For us! To have your mother back."

"The wish would've had to balance things out, what if it took someone else's mother? Or took someone else entirely? Like Nathalie or me?" Her fiance huffed, throwing his hands up in the air. "You don't even care enough to see the problem with that. So focused on this that you couldn't see how I had felt about mother."

Gabriel went to open his mouth but Adrien stalked over to him, they stood in front of each other. Even though Gabriel had some height on Adrien, he still looked smaller than him for once.

"I moved on, I found myself content and at peace with mother's disappearance." He shut his eyes for a moment before narrowing them at his father. "You need to move on. This is over. If you had moved on, you would've noticed I had been wallowing at work with my superhero duties. You would've noticed I had found the person I am going to marry. Instead.. Instead you chose yourself. You didn't do this for me or mother, you did this for yourself."

The sound of police sirens could be heard nearby and she noticed Gabriel Agreste catch her gaze, wide with shock and fury. Ladybug looked away, walking towards the gates to meet with the officers.

"You are going to pay for your crimes and that is it." She could hear Adrien say. "I am cutting you from my life. Whether you want to fix this is not up to you, try again years from now."

The police got to the gate, the media not far behind as she let them in to show them to way to Gabriel Agreste. 

-

Marinette stood in front of the apartment door with her hand hovering over the handle. Her heart was pounding so fast within her chest as she stared down at the sparkling ring on her left hand. It didn't touch the door, only waiting for her to make the next move.

A couple minutes ago, she told Chat Noir that she’d be home. Told him that she was downstairs, coming up to see him as herself.

She thought she'd throw up at the thought of Adrien realizing it's been her this whole time. The person he saw weekly at work and during friend outings. She was the same person he saw in their shared bed where they shared many firsts together with masks on. 

Out of all the people she could've expected, he just made sense. Adrien was always so loyal and brave compared to anyone she knew. He stood up for what he believed in as he got older, he had spoken up against his dad a lot more too. Marinette respected him a lot.

Knowing he was the one who bought this apartment. Chose the ring. Gave her everything she could've ever imagine, she had never felt so lucky in her life.

The sound of people talking on the other side of the door made her take a deep breath before she opened the door. The smell of food hit her first. As she stepped inside, her eyes landed on Alya first. She was cleaning dishes in the kitchen and the plate fell from her hand with a loud clatter to run over to her. 

Her wet hands pulled her into a deep hug and she held her back just as tightly. She shut her eyes, trying to hold back the tears that wanted to spill because she knew Alya must've heard everything from Adrien.

”You reckless little thing, Marinette.”

”I’m sorry,” she murmured into her friend.

"You shouldn't have tried to do that on your own," she whispered in her ear. "So insane and reckless and yet so brave and cunning." Marinette muffled a laugh but was cut off by another pair of arms around her and she could smell Nino's cologne.

"You did it, Mari." Nino said, rubbing her back soothingly. "You can finally relax."

Marinette nodded as the two of them stepped back, she could see their faces were already stained with tears. The ache in her heart was unfathomable, because she wasn't prepared to talk to them about it.

"I'm sorry that I made you guys worry."

"We aren't the only ones who were worried," Alya said softly, purposely glancing at her engagement ring.

As they moved to the side, she met Adrien's gaze.

He was standing by the dining table, hand messing with his miraculous. Marinette swallowed as she stepped forward a couple spaces towards him. Her finger fumbled with her engagement ring to give him the sign he needed. This wasn't Marinette coming in to check up on a friend. It was his Ladybug, who he was going to marry.

"Adrien.." She choked out, already feeling the tears threatening to come out. "I.." She peeked over her shoulder nervously at Alya and Nino, who gave her comforting smiles as she twirled the ring in her hand. "I had told Alya and Nino to come here before me after I left the.."

His green eyes went wide when he noticed the engagement ring on her finger and then softened as he rushed over to her and pulled her into his arms next.

These familiar arms held her the way they always did. Up against his body, no space between them. One hand on the back of her head to keep her tucked into him and the other hand around her waist. He was warm and smelled like the basement of his father's lair instead of the usual cologne he wore.

Marinette held him back the way she always did too. Arms tight and never letting go, gripping his shirt tightly and feeling like he was still so far away.

Adrien pulled away and cupped her cheeks in his hand to look at her. Both of their eyes welded up into tears and Adrien laughed wetly. Her hands grasped his wrists, needing to touch him.

"You are exactly how I imagined you'd be," Adrien whispered as the door shut behind them.

"You're not disappointed?" Marinette couldn't help but ask.

The man sniffled and his thumb caressed her cheek, "No. I am not disappointed, Marinette."

Her name was so sweet coming from his mouth and the laugh that came from her mouth made him smile so big. He wiped the tears that were falling from her eyes.

"My lady," he smiled at her weakly. "I couldn't imagine myself with anyone else. If there was anyone I hoped Ladybug to be, it was you, Marinette.”

The sentiment warmed her from the inside out, he wiped another tear from her cheek fondly. Then, her heart ached again at the sight of him before her. The flashback of his face when he first saw his father was tragic.

”I’m so sorry about what happened.”

”That wasn’t your fault,” Adrien pulled her back into his arms and kissed her hair. "We both succeeded in what we needed, right? There is not fault in that."

"But.. Your father-"

Adrien sniffled, "My father made a terrible choice that he is going to pay the consequences for. I still feel such regret for not seeing it but the past is in the past. Paris is safe, because of us."

Marinette wanted to believe him. She didn't have a choice but to believe him. Instead, she got out of his grasps and held his hands into her own. Sweaty palms connected as their fingers laced with one another.

"Where does this leave us now?"

"Well.." He started, taking a deep breath. "For starters, I'd like to meet my in-laws and hope they're okay with me marrying their daughter."

She hiccuped a laugh, "They're going to be thrilled, Adrien. They adore you already."

"And then.. I want to get married."

The words felt more real than the times they had brought it up. Before, it was just two masked people with a dream for reality. A desire to get back that life they had prior to the akumatized villain snatching it from them. Marinette nodded quickly in agreement, earning a smile from her fiancé.

"We can plan the most lavish wedding of your dreams," Adrien whispered as he brought her hands to his lips to kiss each knuckle. "Or elope in any destination location of your desire. Whatever you want, Marinette. I'm going to give it to you."

"That sounds expensive."

"I think you're forgetting I live a comfortable lifestyle."

"This," she motioned the apartment clumsily, "doesn't look like a bachelor pad."

Adrien's lips turned to the side, "I'm settling down, haven't you heard?"

”You’re a family man, Agreste?”

The tension was gone now and Marinette was thankful for it. She watched the light slowly return to his eyes but not quite. The pain was still there. Yet, he seemed to welcome the normalcy.

After everything they witnessed down there, she felt so much remorse. Adrien has dealt with a lot these past few hours. Losing his mother permanently. His father getting arrested. Nathalie was also taken into custody for being an accomplice. Marinette realized he didn’t have anyone except her.

It may not be the best ending but she was still thankful she could be what he needed.

”For you, I am.” He broke her from her thoughts, squeezing her hands.

"Lucky for you, I'm also settling down."

"Are you?"

His eyes twinkled in a way that made her stomach flutter, "Yeah. His name is Adrien Agreste, he's the best partner I could've ever asked for."

"I love you."

Those three little words coming out of his mouth without the mask was more than she could've ever imagined it. Knowing she loved him so much back in school and dreamt of the moment like this.

"I love you too."