Revelations

Since some of you requested it, this is the second part of Conflict.

"Surprise, princess." There's a red blush adorning his cheeks, a slight twinkle in his eyes as he rubs the back of his neck in a manner Marinette has identified as a nervous habit. He stands only two steps away from her, the black leather on his body replaced by a familiar black shirt and blue jeans. The mask on his face has disappeared, the black cat ears usually sitting atop a mop of blonde hair gone.

He stands before her not as Chat Noir, but as Adrian Agreste.

She's not sure what she looks like, but it must be funny. A girl who just confessed to the guy she likes about liking him and someone else, only to find out that both are the same people. Her lips are parted, eyes wider than usual. She stands frozen, heart pounding in her chest.

Adrian smiles uncertainly, a black kwami perched on his shoulder. Her mind flashes with memories spent ranting to the cat about all the things she had wanted to tell Adrian but not being able to due to her very, very awkward personality. A flush of pink overtakes her face.

"A-Adrian? C-Chat? S... same?" She manages to force out, voice sounding choked. Her mind spins, realisation dawning on her. Oh my-

"You're Adrien." She says firmly, trying her best to not stutter. She barely feels proud at her accomplishment. The blonde nods, taking a step closer. "I'm Adrien," he whispers, taking another step so he's standing right in front of her. She's suddenly aware of his scent. It reminds her of rain.

"Chat and I are the same person, Mari." She nearly melts at the nickname. Princess. My Lady. Mari.

She nods her head, her mind in a daze. The only thing she can focus on are his lips. And the fact that he's Chat. She's kissed Chat. Chat is Adrien. She kissed Adrien. As Ladybug, of course, but still. Something clicks in her mind and the events of the last twenty minutes finally catch up to her. She steps back, the distance between her and her crush stretching.

"This is confusing," she admits quietly, hand running through her loosened hair. This changes everything. Now not only does she know who Chat Noir is, but she'll also have to deal with the guilt. The guilt if she decides to not reveal herself as Ladybug. And the embarrassment.

Her wide blue eyes drift towards the boy standing there, staring at her with a soft look in his bright green eyes. She feels her cheeks heat up, can feel whatever burst of confidence she had slip away.

"I understand if you're mad at me and won't want to talk to me but I just- it was hard to keep it from you," he blushes, a guilty look taking over his features. She immediately shakes her head, stuttering out a no.

"No. It's not that, it's just... you're Adrian and Chat Noir. I like you...as both..." A blush blossoms on her pale cheeks. Her stomach flutters nervously at the bright smile his lips pull into. He nods his head. "But... why me?" Marinette knows that Ladybug doesn't know. Marinette does and while she may be Ladybug, he hasn't officially told her.

"I revealed myself because I trust you." He says softly, hand raising to cradle her face in his soft hands. She leans into the touch and smiles. Her thoughts settle, and her decision is made.

"I trust you too." She says, her tone matching his softness. His face contorts into a look of confusion when she takes several steps back, sends a nervous smile his way and says three words loudly, her voice clear in the night.

"Tiki, spots on!"

A few seconds later, a girl adorned in red and black spots stands in the place of plain Marinette, a mask on her face. She giggles at the look of surprise chasing away his confusion.

In her Ladybug attire, Marinette feels a boost of confidence. She supposes that is what spurred her next actions. One step. Two steps. Three steps. It isn't long after that she is in front of him, barely a centimetre gap between them. She's on her tippy toes, leaning forward as the blonde leans down to meet her lips half way. The kiss is soft and innocent, filled with love and compassion. Her hands raise to tangle in his blonde locks while his move to grasp her hips.

They pull away, panting, foreheads pressed together and wide smiles on their lips.

"I've always wanted to do that," he mumbles quietly and she replies with another peck to his lips.