Sorry for the delay on this one! I had another writing project that demanded my full attention for a few days, but I managed to make some time to wrap this one up. Thanks for all your support and I hope you enjoy the story!

Chat Noir stood silent as Bunnix held the future Tikki in her hands. Her eyes were closed and Tikki was apparently showing her the right time to send them to.

"Thanks, Tikki," Bunnix said, opening her eyes. "I got it."

Tikki nodded and floated around the corner. A moment later, Ladybug appeared holding a miraculous box. She avoided Chat's gaze as she handed him the box containing Ladybug's earrings. This morning, Marinette and Adrien had woken up to a phone call from Fu saying that everything was ready. They had gotten ready in silence, avoiding talking about all that had been said the night before. Plagg had been relentlessly teased by the two Tikkis about everything imaginable, but Adrien hadn't been able to enjoy the jokes. Instead, he had been too worried about this moment.

"Can you give us a minute?" he asked turning to Fu and Bunnix. They nodded and he grabbed Ladybug by the arm and pulled her back around the corner. "Alright, talk. I don't want to go back until you tell me why you are so quiet."

Ladybug looked up at him and he could see the tears hiding behind her mask.

"I don't want to say goodbye," she admitted softly, melting Chat's heart.

"Milady, I'll be home in no time. Just, tell me how you feel like I'll be at your side again."

"I know, but I'll have to keep this a secret from you. I don't like that." she said, shaking her head. "How long do I have to hold this in?"

"Three months," he said honestly. "And I'm not mad. I've already forgiven you, alright? Please don't worry."

Ladybug gave him a small smile and then stood on tiptoe to kiss him. He welcomed the kiss, pulling her in close.

"I have to go," he whispered.

"I know," she said sadly, but took his hand regardless and walked back to where Bunnix was waiting.

"Ready?" Bunnix asked him. He nodded, clinging tight to Ladybug's hand. Bunnix opened the portal. Chat looked back at Ladybug and smiled.

"See you soon, milady."

"See you soon, Chat." she answered. He let go of her hand and stepped into the portal. There was a rush of blue, but then he saw her.

"Welcome home, kitty." she said with a smile.

"Thanks. Was that a good enough chat in time for ya?"

"Yes. It was puuuuurfect." she answered and they both broke into laughter. Chat was home and everything was the way it should be.

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Marinette watched as Adrien walked up down the stairs after school. Alya was chatting at her, but she wasn't paying attention. Instead, she closed her eyes and took a deep breath, recalling everything that had happened over the weekend.

"Hey, Adrien!" she called, taking Alya by surprise.

"Marinette! What are you doing?" Alya whispered as Adrien turned towards them and smiled.

"What I should have done a long time ago," she answered with determination, walking away to meet Adrien.

"What's up, Marinette?" he asked politely. She focused on the green of his eyes and took another slow and steady breath.

"I like you. I have for a long time and I'm tired of hiding it. I like you and I want to be your girlfriend." Her voice was strong and steady.

"Marinette...I...uh...I..." Adrien stammered, but Marinette held up a hand, anticipating his answer.

"I know that you like someone else. It's fine, but I still wanted you to know how I feel. We are best friends and I don't want to lose that, so don't worry. We can just be friends if that's what you want. I'll respect your decision." Marinette stood on tiptoe and gently kissed him on the cheek. She smiled at how red it was turning, but she wasn't done just yet.

"Your friendship means everything to me," she whispered in his ear as she pulled back. "I'll see you around, kitty."

With that, she turned and headed towards the bakery. Alya and Nino were starring at her, mouths dropped open. She gave them a wink as she passed. Her heart was racing and she started counting her steps as she walked, determined to not look back. She knew Adrien was just as shocked as Alya and Nino, especially since he was probably calculating that she was Ladybug.

"MARINETTE!" Adrien called from behind her as Marinette was about to turn the corner. "WAIT!"

She turned to see Adrien Agreste running after her like his life depended on it. It was a short sprint, but when he caught up to her, his breath was ragged.

"Mari...do you...are you..." he tried to ask, but his face told her that his head was still spinning.

"Am I alright?" she asked playfully, knowing that wasn't his question. "I'm fine, but I don't think you are. Puuuuurhaps you should go home and rest. Take a quick cat nap? I'm sure you'll be feline better in no time."

"Please don't say anything! Ladybug will kill me!" he asked with a desperate look on his face. Marinette burst into laughter. Adrien still hadn't figured it out and she thought it was hilarious.

"No need to worry about that kitty," she said, intentionally repeating his nickname. "I'm sure she's fine with it. I'm pretty good with secrets after all."

"But...but...what you said...about friendship?" He asked, looking more confused than ever.

"Oh, that you're friendship means everything?" She asked, stepping in close to him. "I'll be honest, it's not my line. Someone said the same thing to me after I turned down his confession. I figured it was appropriate in this setting too. Sorry for being a copy-cat."

She watched as Adrien's eyes grew wide with realization. His mouth dropped open and Marinette patted his cheek.

"I'll give you some time to process," Marinette added as he turned and started walking again, trying to contain her laughter. She didn't know how long it would take Adrien to come around, but she wasn't worried. Marinette knew that everything would be alright. Adrien just needed time and she had all the time in the world. The cycle had been broken and, soon, she knew she would be in his arms again.