Thanks for reading.
...
Three Years phd:
"Hey Chat." Ladybug sighed, staring into her yo-yo phone, "just wanted to check in. Again. How's it going? You know I'm here, right? I know it's been a while, but im here. I need you. I miss you. I," she wiped tears out of her eyes. "Whatever. Its not like you're listening anymore. I love you Chat. I love you more than you'll ever know. I wish we could be together, just like you always wanted. I'm an idiot and it took me too long to realize how much you meant to me, but it doesn't matter. Its not like you'll hear this anyways. I wish I could see you one more time, but I won't. Its stupid. This is stupid. I'm stupid. I don't know why I leave these messages anymore. I don't know why I transform anymore. I miss you, and I want to see you again. Even once. Call-" her voice cracked, "Call back if you get this. Goodbye Chat. I don't think I can take it anymore."
She ended the phone call, and there was a beep. "Inbox full. This phone can receive no more messages."
"Of course." She sighed. It didn't matter. She hurried back home, into her room to cry. "Spots off."
Marinette groaned, flopping onto her bed dramatically, "Is it even worth it Tikki?"
"What?" Her Kwami looked up at her, confused. "Is what worth it?"
"Everything." Marinette counted out everything on her fingers, "being Ladybug, transforming every night, stopping all the petty crime."
"I'm afraid that's something you'll have to ask yourself." Tikki frowned, "it's your choice to keep the miraculous."
"Yeah, but I'm useless."
"No you aren't." Tikki narrowed her eyes, "You've helped Paris more than anyone else."
"Yeah. Helped. Past tense. Hawkmoth is gone. Youve said it yourself, Paris doesn't need me so much anymore. There's no point." Marinette hesitated, "Maybe I should return the earrings."
Tikki shrugged. "You could."
"But I just want to talk to Chat one more time. I want to apologize for everything. But I can't. I can't talk to him if he won't talk to me. Ugh.. i wish there was an easy answer."
Tikki shook her head sympathetically, "It's never easy."
Marinette breathed shakily, "Does Chat usually abandon Ladybug?"
"He didn't-" Tikki winced, "It's- He's working through some stuff."
"Why? I'm here for him. I will help him."
"Hawkmoth's defeat was hard on him."
"It was hard on both of us. I'm still here for him. That doesn't excuse him abandoning me." Marinette crossed her arms.
Tikki frowned. "He needed space."
"I wish he'd just speak to me. Even one little thing. I just-" her voice cracked, eyes watering, "I just want to know that he's okay."
"He's alive."
"But is he okay?"
Tikki didn't respond.
"He's my best friend. I care about him. I wish I could tell him how much."
"Youll get that chance, somewhat."
"How do you know Tikki? Maybe I won't."
"He never gave up his miraculous. Some part of him still wants this. Both of you need closure."
"I have invented a new kind of stupid." Marinette shook her head.
"You didn't."
"Surely, I didn't think this through kind of stupid." She stood up, off her bed.
"You aren't stupid Marinette, you're intelligent and strong."
"He loved me." Marinette walked up her ladder, to the balcony to see the stars.
"Paris needs you. I need you." Tikki scampered behind.
"Paris needed me. No one needs me anymore." Marinette wiped tears from her eyes. "The stars really are beautiful... just like he was."
"It's not your fault." Tikki pleaded. "Just wait. He will come back. It's only a matter of time."
"Maybe I'm running out of time." Marinette sighed, looking out at Paris. "It's not worth it anymore."
Tikki gasped, "you don't mean-"
"Ladybug has to retire." She reached for her earrings.
A familiar voice stopped her. "I'm so sorry M'lady."