I'm so sorry for the wait! It's been a long two months since I've posted, but I'm here with the last chapter (finally). Thank you so much for all the reviews I've been getting and the feedback! It really means a lot :) If you guys aren't satisfied with this ending, since it was a little choppy, or there's some stuff you'd like to keep going, I'd be willing to keep writing this. Idk what the best way to go with this is, I'd just kinda planned it to end here. Idk. Let me know what you think!
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Chapter: 14
"Miraculous Ladybug!"
The paperclip was tossed high in the air, swirling high above their heads. Thousands of tiny ladybugs magically appeared from the small object and swept around the room, twirling in their usual magic line. They twisted around the broken chandelier on the table and replaced it high on the ceiling, the glass sparkling with renewal. Ladybug watched the magic with glee, having never felt relief of this kind before. Her heart was pounding, her head was spinning, her eyes were twinkling with a bright light.
The happiness and sense of revival had never been this great, had never been this high, that the superheroine payed no attention to her other physical needs. Ladybug collapsed to the ground beside Chat Noir as their legs gave way, the air escaping their lungs all in one long rush. By now, the ladybugs had disappeared from repairing Transporter's damage throughout the city from the past two days. Arms shaking as she held herself up on the floor, Ladybug peered over at the kitchen table to watch as a purple substance ran over Transporter's knocked out body. Her stomach felt sick when she saw the liquid clear away and reveal the pale figure of James Cornfield.
With a rasping breath, Ladybug quickly turned her head away. It was over, but she still couldn't bring herself to look at the boy she'd caused so much pain to. A boy who had been inflicted with such great emotions that the most evil threat in Paris had taken control of him. That Ladybug's arch nemesis had forced out the blackest part of his soul.
The superheroes felt the weight of the akuma lift from their shoulders. They sat on the floor, legs sprawled beside them, as they recovered emotionally and physically. Ladybug's head spun now with dizziness as she accepted everything that had happened. She accepted that she had been the one who had brought this akuma on them, but she also accepted that she had fixed it. That by worrying, she'd only be causing herself more pain. Besides, there were many things to accept other than the glory and victory of it all; one, for example, being that Adrien was Chat Noir.
Oh, Adrien. Ladybug had been too caught up in the victory, in the fighting and success, that she had let her mind drift from her current situation with her partner.
That she loved and cared about him.
That no matter what she had ever felt in the past, her heart would forever belong to him.
Her blue gaze turned to look at him as they for once acknowledged each other's presence. That was the one thing that had been nagging her and tugging on her heartstrings all afternoon; Adrien.
Ladybug's black hair fell over her hunched shoulders as she lifted her head to look at him. Their gazes were locked, having turned to face each other in unison. His hair was a matted mess like hers, sweaty and stuck together in knots. Chat Noir had a minor cut on his lower lip, and a bloody scratch in his suit near his collarbone. The side of his thigh had a large slash in it, the escaping blood staining his pitch black suit. The white ceiling dust had tinted his suit a light gray as he sat hunched over on the ground.
The only part of him that had been unharmed, that had been untampered with, was his glowing green eyes. They dazzled back at her, staring softly with his calm expression. His breathing was staggered, just like hers, as his shoulders shook with each intake of breath. He was a horrible mess, and any fool could see that for themselves; but Ladybug didn't care. In her eyes, he was like a ray of heaven flashing gracefully before her. He was all she cared for at the moment, all that she desired, all that she wanted to be with.
Ladybug's bangs were matted against her sweaty forehead with dirt, and her ribbons were loose in her pigtails as they draped down her hunched back. Her skin was much paler than usual, stained with blood by a small cut on her cheek. A gash slithered through her bicep, the blood blending in with her red ladybug suit. Her legs were sprawled beside her, her fit and slender body slightly shaking with every breath she took. She was locked onto Chat Noir's gaze, her blue eyes shimmering with an eagerness he felt too.
No matter what she looked like, no matter what situation they were in, nothing could change the fact that Chat loved her with all his heart. In his eyes, she was an angel descended and brought to him by God himself. She was the image of perfection, the flashing light in his life. Never had he met a girl like Marinette, and he never would ever again. She was selfless and kind, thoughtful and caring. And the best part about it was, she did it in her own way. Ladybug helped others and shone a light into their lives in a way that only she could make happen. Chat Noir would never, not in a million years, ever let a girl like her out of his life. He could almost feel the heat radiating from her body, the hot breath that emerged from her parted mouth, that he couldn't take the distance between them anymore.
Slowly, their heads inched closer together, their bodies leaning towards each other. Ladybug's eyes fluttered closed as she felt herself slide closer to him on the ground.
Their lips met, Chat Noir's gloved hand gently caressing her cheek. Ladybug inched her hands forward, her fingertips finding the sleek leather of his suit. Her fingers crawled up his chest, briefly running over the torn spandex by his collarbone. Chat Noir found himself enticed by the taste of her lips, and he never realized exactly how much he'd been longing for this moment again with her.
Chat's hands slid past her arms, wrapping around her waist and eagerly pulling her close. The urge to touch and feel her slender body grew when he felt her arms wrap around his neck, immersing her fingers deep within his blond hair. Chat pressed his hands against her lower back, pulling her closer and closer to his body. He brought her up on his lap, holding her close as he eliminated any space between them.
Ladybug sat in his lap, her legs resting against his waist. A wave of satisfying heat simmered through both of them at the close contact, savoring one another's touch. The heat began to build as their lips moved desperately, craving, asking for more. Chat Noir brought his tongue out over Ladybug's lips, feeling the full, luscious mouth identical to Marinette's. She obliged happily, opening her mouth as his tongue brushed over hers.
Ladybug trailed her hands back down to his shoulders, running over the muscles beneath the suit. Her fingers inched up the collar at his neck, finding the burning hot skin of his jawline. His skin was like fire, penetrating through her suit and making her cheeks flush pink with heat. She grazed his chin and neck with her hands before trailing her fingers down his throat, clasping onto the yellow bell below his collarbone. Slowly, she pulled the zipper down, opening the front of his suit until it reached his stomach. Ladybug remembered touching his skin as Marinette, able to feel him without her spandex suit on, and her body swelled with heat at the memory. She wanted that again. She wanted to relive every moment of that with him, with Adrien, now that they were relieved of the akuma.
Her gloved hand roamed over the surface of his chest, brushing the cut below his neck. His skin heated her hand under her suit, pressing her fingers against his prominent abs. Chat moved his hands along her back, outlining her body. Ladybug hummed lightly into their heated kiss as his lips left hers, touching instead the soft skin of her jawline. Ladybug gasped when his lips finally left hers, out of breath. A smile flickered on the corners of Chat's lips as he kissed down her jawline, feeling the hot breath of Ladybug gasping for air against his cheek. His lips found the skin of Ladybug's neck, and his body rose in temperature.
Chat Noir didn't have far to go before his bottom lip grazed the hem of her spandex suit. He kissed farther down anyways, his lips moving over the sleek suit. Ladybug was compelled to lean her head farther back, her hands gripping his shoulders tightly for support. Her breathing was heavy as she panted, feeling his hot breath emitt against her neck. She gasped when his teeth gently grazed over her collarbone, wrapping her arms back around his neck and pulling them closer. Ladybug's fingers tugged at the ends of his straggly blond hair, brushing over his black cat ears.
"Oh, Chat," Ladybug whispered, his lips moving back up her neck in deep kisses.
Chat Noir felt heat and overwhelming dizziness when he heard his name whispered so close to his ear. Quickly, he kissed up onto the corner of her jawline, her flushed skin burning beneath his lips. They were so close as Ladybug sat facing him in his lap, Chat Noir's hands pressing her against him tightly. He ran his hands down her back, running down her thighs that rested on either side of his waist. He felt his muscles go weak slightly at his touch; no matter what he did, he wouldn't be able to get enough of her.
Chat Noir's lips and tongue inched farther down her jawline until the tip of his nose reached the soft enclosure of her black hair. He shut his eyes, intaking the scent of her sweet strands. She smelled like sugar and freshly baked bread from Marinette's bakery, and quite honestly, she tasted like it too. Oh, God, had he been waiting for this moment again. Every time he had seen Marinette after their first kiss, he had found he wanted more. He wanted more of her warmth, of the comforting feelings she gave him whenever they were close. She was becoming a drug he was addicted to, a drug he couldn't get enough of.
Chat was just about to lean her backwards, to pin her to the ground and lay above her when -
Beep.
Ladybug grit her teeth, wishing her earrings hadn't interrupted them. Even if she wasn't willing to admit it, she longed to continue with him. She wanted to keep them close, to feel the heat between them that easily ridded her of her stress. Chat paused his actions when he heard the shrill sound vibrate against Ladybug's earlobes, his lips hovering beside her cheek.
Unwillingly, Ladybug took her hand away from his chest and out of his messy hair, beginning to rise off of his lap. She knew what had to be done, she knew that they needed to keep their identities secret. They both knew; it was important that the secret was maintained. Ladybug's cheeks still flushed red with desire as she levitated away from her partner, knowing that for the best, they had to depart.
"Chat, I -" she began, suddenly wishing that she hadn't let him kiss her like that so easily. Before she could utter out another word, Chat Noir pulled her arms down towards him quickly, tugging her back down onto his lap. Ladybug stared at him, her blue eyes wide with alarm. Her mouth moved, mouthing shocked words that failed to escape her lips. Before she could stop it, Chat's hand slithered behind her neck and rested within her straggly black hair, pulling her head closer. Their lips met again before Ladybug could prevent him from making more contact.
"We don't have to leave each other just yet," Chat Noir whispered, his mouth brushing over her lips as he speaked. Another beep broke the air, but this time it was his ring that lost a green pad. Ladybug pulled her head away, frowning as her cheeks glowed a hot pink.
"Chat," she said sternly, trying to prevent her voice from shaking. "We have to. I don't want to risk our identities."
Chat Noir rolled his eyes, pulling her closer to him and planting his lips back against her neck. Ladybug gasped, surprised and slightly annoyed. He was breaking down her walls again; in a way that she almost couldn't resist, and she didn't like it. She knew that he wanted to let it go, to get the reveal over with and accept the truth. But Ladybug didn't want her heart to be broken so easily. She knew that if Chat Noir detransformed in front of her, her heart wouldn't be able to take it, no matter how much mental preparation she'd done.
"Screw our identities," he muttered, gradually kissing her neck. Ladybug winced when she felt his teeth, her hands against his chest and ready to push him away. "Our identities aren't a secret anymore. Let's just accept the truth."
"Chat!" Ladybug exclaimed, her eyebrows slanted into a mad furrow.
"What? You know it's true. I don't want you to leave yet," Chat mumbled, his breath radiating back on her skin. Ladybug grunted in annoyance when he didn't let her go, another warning ringing in her ears. She pushed her hands against him, trying to release his hold on her, but his hands kept her firmly against him, holding her without a dilemma.
"Chat Noir," Ladybug breathed, finding it hard to resist his embrace. "S-Stop it."
"No," was her partner's simple response. Ladybug let out a breathy sigh, allowing herself to stay a little bit longer. She should never have let him break down her walls like that in the first place, she knew, but he was too irresistible to refuse. She loved him way too much to not want to continue any longer.
"I think Hawkmoth knows who I am," Chat Noir said suddenly, his teeth pausing on her jawline.
Ladybug tensed, knowing exactly what he was talking about. A miserable and sad atmosphere replaced the annoyed tension. Neither of them knew what that meant for him just yet, or what Hawkmoth was capable of with this information, but they could only assume that new problems would arise for them. Ladybug sighed, wishing she had never found out who he was. All it did was bring more anxiety to their relationship, and right now, Chat Noir was too content on making her stay to break that wall she built.
"I know," Ladybug choked, her eyes beginning to water. This was too much for her. They weren't being careful with what they said or did, and Ladybug knew Chat Noir wasn't going to be helpful when it came to hiding their secrets. She wasn't ready to talk about the safety precautions Chat should take if a power hungry monster knew his most prized secret, but she was prepared for when the talk came. It had to happen; she knew, whether they liked it or not. It was something she'd rather discuss than break her heart revealing her identity.
Beep. Two minutes left.
Ladybug didn't care that she had an urge to stay and see him detransform. She didn't care if she already knew what she would see; it was time to stop being Marinette for a moment and step up as Ladybug. There was a time and a place for something like this, and right now she was still transformed.
"Stop," she muttered, taking his hands off her back. "I have to go."
There was no point in arguing. If she was still content on keeping her identity from him, then he had to respect her wishes, no matter how much he thought she was wrong. No matter if someone like Marinette was too much to resist. He bit his lip, furrowing his brow as he hesitantly let Ladybug go. She stood up slowly, and he followed her off the floor.
"Are you sure?" he asked hopefully, zipping up the front of his suit. "Are you sure you don't want to stay and see?"
Ladybug folded her arms across her chest, her eyes darting to the floor. Quite honestly, she wasn't sure of what she was ready for. That dilemma alone was enough to tell her that the secret would have to remain, for now.
"I…" she began, a lengthy breath escaping her lungs. "I - yes, I'm sure."
Chat Noir stared down at his partner, watching her fight back tears that threatened to spill. He sighed, finding it hard to watch the girl he was in love with struggle. Ladybug's stubbornness would subconsciously build up a wall, a wall that intended on shutting him out in order to preserve her misery for herself. That was Chat's problem with her; he wanted to keep their relationship strong, to maintain a trustful bond. But sometimes, Ladybug's efforts to keep him out and protect him only brought out the opposite effects. Chat Noir tried to keep tears back as he looked down at Ladybug, her body tensing and her face scrunching up with hurt.
Knowing it was his job to be there for her, Chat drew her in for a hug, comforting her obvious pain. Ladybug hugged him back, her arms wrapping around his back. She shut her eyes just before a tear was able to roll down her mask, nuzzling her head against his shoulder. Chat leaned his cheek against her soft hair, swaying them slowly. He winced when another beep emerged from his miraculous.
"I promise I'll let you know when I'm ready," Ladybug whispered, sniffing slightly. "But for right now, we have other problems to worry about than our identities."
As much as she hated it, Ladybug pulled away, looking up into her partner's face. She backed away, giving his hand a loving squeeze before turning around to leave.
"Ladybug," Chat said quickly, leaning forward to catch her hand before it fell by her side. Ladybug paused and turned around impatiently, the pain still shining dully in her blue eyes. Chat Noir brought her hand to his lips, kissing it softly.
"I love you," he said quietly, rubbing her spotted hand before letting it drop again.
Ladybug smiled warmly, standing facing him for a few more seconds before heading out the door. Chat Noir sighed as he watched her black hair disappear behind the entrance, wishing he could've done more to comfort her. It was obvious to him that she was in denial, and it hurt to know that he wouldn't be able to help her any more that day. The akuma had been captured, but Ladybug was right; Hawkmoth knew his identity, and that was a problem.
But he didn't want her to have to worry about that; even Ladybug had her limits. It was his problem, he should have to deal with it, but it caused more pain to think that his stubborn partner would demand that she helped him as well, no matter how hurt she got in the process. The last thing Chat needed was the love of his life getting more hurt because of him.
Chat Noir stood there, gazing at the kitchen door. His heart felt empty; he longed for more of Marinette's company. He wanted to truly show her how much he loved her, and he wanted her to know that he would always be there for her. Who knew so much pain and emotional hurt would be involved with revealing identities? He sighed, running a gloved hand shakily through his messy blond hair.
The last thought that ran through his mind before he detransformed was how Marinette would act at school the following Friday.
…
"Marinette!"
Before she could fully turn around, long, tan arms were thrown around her neck, a wave of bushy brown hair being tossed clumsily in her face. Marinette stumbled backwards in surprise, her eyes going wide. Several people in the locker aisle turned their heads to watch the commotion between the two best friends reuniting.
"It's good to see you too, Aly - ah!" Marinette felt a sudden rush of wind leave her lungs again as Alya squeezed her harder, burying her face in her friend's shoulder.
Marinette didn't care that they were causing a scene, or that her breath was being taken away. She shut her eyes and smiled uncontrollably, hugging her friend back happily. Alya pulled away, her green eyes glistening brightly beneath her glasses. Hands resting on Marinette's shoulders, she took in her friend as if she hadn't seen her in years.
"God, I was so worried about you," she whispered, a small laugh escaping her crooked mouth. Marinette grinned broadly, having never felt their friendship this strong before.
"Alya, thanks for everythi -"
"Ah! Nope, I don't want to hear it! You're safe and sound now, back at good old Dupont High School. You are never, I repeat, never, going to accuse anybody of doing anything else from now on, do you hear me?" Alya exclaimed, cutting her off.
Marinette couldn't even bring herself to respond. She was too caught up in her happiness, in her relief, that there was nothing left to complain or be sad about. The only thing left for them to do was celebrate their reunion. Her blue eyes radiating a happiness Alya felt too, the only thing Marinette could think to do was nod her head aggressively, her white teeth flashing in a wide grin.
Marinette felt Alya squeeze her arms around her neck again in an embrace, struggling to hold the both of them in the hug. Laughing in joy, Marinette was forced to lean her shoulder against the metal locker. "Thanks anyways, A-Alya," she blurted, laughing as air rushed from her lungs.
"Geez, Alya, you don't have to strangle the girl to death," came a voice from behind the two girls. Alya released Marinette, spinning around to glare angrily at Nino. He stood beside Marinette's locker, his arms folded casually with a smirk.
"Nino, I will hurt you," Alya hissed, scolding him for ruining her moment with Marinette.
The black-haired girl only giggled, looking in glee at both her friends. She quickly hurried over to Nino, who joyfully lifted her off the ground and spun her around in a large hug. Placing her back on the ground, Nino's face portrayed an emotion Marinette didn't think she'd ever seen in him before.
"You scared me half to death yesterday! Do you realize I had no way of knowing if you were safe or not until the news announced the defeat of that psycho? No one had a clue of what the hell happened to you!" Marinette couldn't stop her childish smile as she watched the overly-concerned Nino, obviously enjoying her time exploring this side of him. He leaned down to give her one last hug, scowling at her fit of giggles.
"You can't just do that to us, Marinette. Even your parents were going ballistic!" Nino shook his head in distress, unsure of how to handle his friend. Alya turned to Marinette, a sudden new interest overtaking her expression.
Flicking Marinette on the forehead with her finger, Alya asked, "Speaking of your parents, what was their reaction to when you got back to the bakery?"
Marinette felt her face turn red in hot embarrassment. When it came to her parents and the subject of worrying, it was best to avoid that particular topic. "Oh, y'know...the usual," she laughed nervously, rubbing the back of her neck. "It was even worse than the past two nights that they've been worried about me. My mom even made me walk to school today with her for safety…"
Nino snorted, leaning a casual elbow on the locker wall. "She's still making you take the safety precautions? That villain literally just got his ass kicked by Ladybug and Chat Noir yesterday. Even if you had been captured by that deranged maniac, there's no way he can possibly harm you now. Besides, everyone knows what happened to that dude after the police arrived. They'll be checking on him to make sure -"
Alya's elbow shot into Nino's side, staring him down with an angry glare. "Seriously? Did you have to bring that up?"
Marinette's face suddenly grew with concern at the realization that she, indeed, had no idea what had happened to James Cornfield. The last thing she needed on her mind was the feeling of more guilt, but if he had been taken to court and arrested a second time, she didn't think she'd be able to handle herself.
"W-Wait…" Marinette began, her eyes growing wider with worry. "What did happen to him after the police got there?"
Alya shook her head, an annoyed scowl resting in the palm of her hand. She shot Nino another dirty look, who only scrunched his face at her and grasped his hurt side. "Look, Marinette...you don't have to worry about it, really, it's not a big -"
"No, I need to know," Marinette said unsteadily, straightening her posture with shaky confidence. Nino rubbed the back of his neck sheepishly, his cheeks glowing red.
"Fine. But don't say I didn't warn you," Alya said. Sighing, she pushed her glasses up her nose and declared, "James Cornfield was brought back home to his family and avoided arrest by the police."
Nino and Alya grit their teeth, preparing for the worst. They were completely unsure of how their friend would take the information, and thought it safe to assume that news of the boy who'd hunted her down to murder her had been freed of charges would upset the traumatized Marinette.
Instead of rage and confusion, Marinette's face took a moment to process the information. James Cornfield had been...freed? The police thought it was okay to let someone who had tried to kill two people go? She had been preparing for the worst news, but apparently she didn't have to. Marinette's face lighted with joy, failing at her attempts to be discreet about it. This piece of news really did end the Transporter case; everything had gone back to normal, and there was no guilt or shame to be felt anymore.
Alya raised a confused eyebrow at her friend, watching her lips twitch into a gleeful smile. She exchanged slightly disturbed glances with Nino, unsure of why Marinette was in any way happy. "Girl, are you….okay?" she asked nervously, eyeing Marinette suspiciously.
Marinette tightened her grip on her backpack strap over her shoulder, her blue eyes shining with delight and relief. "Of course, Alya," she laughed, shaking her head in disbelief at the shocked pair. "Did you guys really think I'd be upset that he hadn't been arrested?" Of course, Marinette didn't expect her friends to understand. They weren't the ones who'd gone through the emotional guilt and sadness of the situation.
Nino and Alya nodded, shrugging awkwardly. "Well, yeah, I mean, he did almost kill you," Nino said, leaning his back fully against the locker. "What makes you so happy about that fact that this psycho is free?"
"A certain side of him tried to kill me, a side that only a certain power-hungry monster could pull out of him. That part of him is never coming back," Marinette reassured confidently, flashing white teeth. Alya and Nino only stood in front of her, gazing as if they'd just encountered a real-life ghost. Sometimes, their super heroine friend made close to no sense.
By now, the locker aisle had cleared as everyone made their way to class, chatting heartily. Marinette noticed a difference in the stress level that floated through the air; more than she knew, Transporter had impacted all of Paris. Now that he was defeated, even the citizens seemed to be back to their care-free selves.
"Holy shit…" Nino suddenly whispered, his head whipping around as his gaze locked onto something farther down the hallway. Alya craned her neck past Nino, trying to see behind his tall frame. When she saw the designated target, she gasped loudly. Confused, Marinette slanted her eyebrows and tried to gaze past Nino, but her two friends had already began their descent down the hallway.
"OH MY GOD!" Alya screamed, picking up her pace. Marinette followed them awkwardly, but it didn't take long to find out what it was they were so excited to see.
Adrien, his blond hair combed perfectly, his outfit neat and kept clean as usual, stood holding his gray bag around his shoulder, pausing in the middle of the locker aisle. Marinette went red as she slowed her walking, her gaze faltering slightly. Adrien grinned meekly at the two ecstatic friends, unaware of Marinette's presence as she stopped dead in her tracks.
Adrien was forced to drop his bag as Alya threw herself on him, wrapping her arms tightly around his neck. Stumbling back slightly, Adrien hugged her back, smiling broadly in delight.
"WHAT THE HELL HAPPENED TO YOU? WE WERE ALL SCARED TO DEATH WHEN WE HEARD YOU'D DISAPPEARED! OH MY GOD, AGRESTE!" Alya couldn't contain her wrath and sadness anymore. She hugged Adrien tighter, who was stunned by her outburst. "T-Thanks, Alya," he breathed hotly, unable to say much else. He had never witnessed such an upset, angry Alya like this before, and in moments like these he was overjoyed that he had someone like her for a friend.
Alya pulled away to wipe her spilling tears, allowing Nino to have his share of the blond model. The two best friends were ecstatic to see one another as they hugged tightly, clapping one another on the back. "Dammit, Adrien," Nino hissed, pulling away to grin toothily at his best friend. "Don't ever put yourself in that situation again. You'll regret it if you do."
Adrien could only laugh, caught up in the moment of having two people who deeply cared for him as friends. "You're not going to cry, are you, Nino?" he teased, smirking widely. Nino rolled his eyes and pushed his glasses farther up his nose, a slight sniff escaping him.
"Um, n-no…"
Alya and Nino stared confusedly at the blond when he suddenly froze, staring past them into the hallway. They followed his gaze to Marinette, who still stood frozen in her place. Realizing they hadn't greeted each other yet, Alya quickly shoved her glasses back on her face and pulled Nino by his arm over to the wall, out of the way of the former victims.
Marinette didn't notice anything around her as she stared wide-eyed at Adrien, barely noticing when her pink schoolbag dropped absentmindedly to the floor. Time slowed, trapping her with Adrien. Nothing surrounded them, nothing was between them within the moment. It was just Adrien, Marinette, and the confusing tension that built between their space.
Adrien felt himself walk forward slowly, towards the girl who was locked with his gaze. His instincts pulled him closer, his green gaze gaping at the the girl before him. She was more fragile looking than the last time he saw her; her cheeks were pale, her blue eyes were wide with anticipation, and her black hair fell stationary around her shoulders.
She wasn't hiding behind a spotted mask this time. Instead, she was a student attending the same high school as him. There was so much that felt empty between them, that felt as if their relationship was still unresolved. Which didn't quite make sense; the akuma had been captured, they were no longer being hunted, and their identities had been "revealed."
Marinette's parted mouth didn't intake or exhale breath as Adrien Agreste stood before her, seeming so close, yet so far. Here was a boy who had been clad in tight black spandex the last time she'd seen him, who'd been begging her to stay with him to reveal this boy right in front of her. She had refused, claiming to have been too scared, too unready, to face the truth.
The more she thought about it, the more she realized how unlike Ladybug that really was. Ladybug was supposed to be stronger than that; she was supposed to have been ready. Yet here she stood as Marinette, fully prepared to take on the truth. Marinette, the shy, clumsy, forgetful girl who was supposedly nothing compared to Ladybug. And still, even she was more ready than Ladybug had been. If Adrien told her at this very moment that he was her crime-fighting partner, her teammate and most trusted friend, she'd be fully fledged to carry out the next part of the agreement.
Keeping his gaze locked on her bluebell eyes, Adrien slowly extended his arms out, wrapping them gradually around her back. Both acting on instinct and subconscious feelings, Marinette brought her arms up to his neck and they pulled each other together, hugging tightly. Adrien sighed as he leaned his cheek against the top of her head, intaking the usual bakery scent. Marinette nuzzled her face against his shoulder, enjoying the warmth of his body and the feeling of his arms around her. Somehow, this moment switched the feelings of doubt, the tension, the uncertainty.
Both knew it was time to accept the truth and come face to face about it. But as they stood there swaying lightly, holding each other without realizing their true intentions, they knew that every pain they'd endured for the past two days was released. They were comfortable with their relationship, and there was nothing to worry about anymore. When it came down to it, discussing identities with each other would feel natural and right.
Realizing there was still conversations unsaid and necessary interactions to be made in order to avoid suspicion, Adrien let his surroundings come back into his reality and slightly pulled away from Marinette.
"You, uh, you feeling okay?" he said, his voice croaking unintentionally. He felt immediate heat rush to his cheeks as he gazed down at the beautiful smile of his classmate, her lips pink and glossed over with lipstick.
"You know, with all that's just happened? It was...sorta traumatizing," Adrien said unsteadily. Feeling stupid at his lame comments, he wasn't sure if he'd be able to pull of the proper act in front of Nino and Alya. If it was just him and Marinette, the way he wanted it to be, then they'd confess their identities, discussing their feelings of love for each other. That talk was impossible to pull off without their best friends finding out they were Ladybug and Chat Noir.
Marinette grinned, her heart beat thumping happily as she watched Adrien go red and slightly embarrassed. "I've never been better," she replied smoothly, absorbing the remaining soul from his green eyes.
Adrien released her arms, realizing he'd still been holding onto her. His gaze never left her face as he smiled warmly, rubbing the back of his neck. Damn, now Marinette's having this effect on me. Just great. Can't wait for a day's teasing from Nino, he thought gloomily. No matter how much he wanted to feel upset in the slightest, he couldn't.
Not with Marinette near him.
Not when he knew that she, Ladybug, all of her, was completely, desperately in love with him.
And the most conflicting part about it was, he loved her back.
Entirely, painstakingly, desperately in love with her.
The moment was forced to come to an end when the shrill sound of the school bell went off, indicating the message that all students should be in homeroom. Nino and Alya smirked at each other, slowly walking away from the two superheroes and down the next hallway. "We'll let you two stumble in late for class together," Alya teased, her teeth flashing back at Marinette's red face. Nino put his arm around Alya's shoulders as they turned the corner and out of their sight.
When they were completely out of earshot, Adrien turned to Marinette with a face full of confidence, his green eyes gazing mischievously at her. With a slight smirk, Adrien took Marinette's soft hand in his own, lifting it gracefully to his lips and planting a small kiss. "Shall we get to class, m'lady?" he asked, intertwining their fingers.
Marinette rolled her eyes, slanting her eyebrows in a devilish grin. "That depends," she cooed, walking with him as he snatched his gray bag from off the floor.
"Depends on what?" Adrien wasn't able to hide his wide smile as they gazed at each other with eager energy. This new relationship between them was so right, natural, and….well, fun. He supposed that was the normal feeling you got around the one amazing person you're willing to spend the rest of your life with. And Marinette - well, she was a blessing not even the world could repay.
"Depends on how large you're willing to let your ego be in class," Marinette said, letting their hands clasp together with intertwined fingers as they walked. Who knew that one day she'd be holding hands in the hallways at school with Adrien Agreste.
"What if it's a large one?" Adrien questioned, his voice hinting teasing. Marinette ignored it, like she usually did, but she'd be lying if she said she wasn't enjoying it.
"Then someone's going to have to put you in your place. No one's going to be too fond of the jerk side in you, Agreste, trust me. Especially Kim," Marinette said, giggling.
"Ouch. I mean, I knew I could sometimes leak a large ego, but never one that would cause you to think I was a jerk," Adrien inquired with a smirk. His expression was replaced by one that was only on the lookout for trouble; one that truly only Marinette had seen in him.
"Besides, who could possibly put me in my place? And succeed, that is," he snickered. Marinette felt her cheeks turn pink, but she didn't plan on letting her guard down.
"Ladybug could," Marinette said quickly, her gaze glued to the floor in front of her. Her hand subconsciously squeezed his, and Adrien ran his thumb over the smooth surface of hers.
Adrien snorted, the realization of how true that was hitting him hard. Little did Marinette know that she was perfectly capable of doing that to him as well, but Adrien definitely wasn't going to let that on to her if she didn't already know. "What gives you that idea?" Adrien said. "I mean, why choose the famous superhero, of all random people in Paris?"
Marinette scowled, a light laugh escaping her lips. "You're being a jerk today, Adrien, and I thought that part of you was way less discreet than this. Ladybug happens to be very bold and strong, much more so than mostly everyone I've met. She's very serious and endearing, sometimes too much for my taste. But, y'know, she is ranked better than all girls in Paris."
Adrien watched the excited grin fade slightly from Marinette's face, and he frowned. "She's not any better than you are," Adrien said quietly. It was his turn for his hand to squeeze hers unintentionally. "As a matter of fact, I'd say you're much more than what Ladybug is."
The couple stayed silent as they continued to walk, Marinette biting her lip in nervousness. "I also chose Ladybug because Nino might've told me about your crush on her," Marinette said, giggling softly as she waited for Adrien's reaction. His face contorted into puzzlement, shock glowing through his eyes.
"What? Nino told you that?" Adrien exclaimed, laughing. "That guy can be a real snitch sometimes."
"He's going to be calling me a snitch when he realizes I told you," Marinette grinned, looking up brightly at Adrien. He laughed, bringing her hand up to his lips to kiss it again.
"Don't worry, m'lady, I won't say a word to him."
When his lips left her hand, they quickly pulled them apart as they came into view of their classroom. They ignored the impudent stares of their classmates as they entered the silent room, Nino and Alya sitting readily at their desks. Locking eyes, Marinette smiled warmly at Adrien as she sat behind him, unable to hide her happiness. Despite all that she'd thought at the beginning of the akuma, the pain and hardship was starting to pay off. Without the latest akuma attack, she wouldn't have this special new relationship with the love of her life.
"Bellwork is on the board, Mr. Agreste and Ms. Cheng," said Ms. Bustier from the front of the room, her eyebrows raised crossly as she exhaled in annoyance. "And that's a detention for both of you. Next time, try to make it on time to class."
Adrien jerked slightly in his seat to look back at Marinette and smirk before turning around again to complete his assigned classwork. Nothing was capable of ruining his day now, not when all he had to do was glance at Marinette to see the most beautiful smile in the world. Not when, after all this time, he finally knew that Ladybug was the girl who sat behind him in class, a girl with so much more to her than what meets the eye.
Nino nudged his shoulder, trying to be discreet as he leaned over to his friend's ear. "I don't think I've seen you this happy since the day your dad let you over to my house," Nino whispered, watching his blond friend turn with a wide grin to look at him.
"I don't think I have been that happy until today," Adrien replied, his eyes misting with a dream-like longing.
"What, did you become Marinette's boyfriend just now or something? What about Ladybug, dude? Did you finally realize she's way out of your league?" Nino questioned quietly, unable to contain his own smile.
"Not exactly," Adrien said, his thoughts roaming through his brain like a bullet. "But something like that." This was the moment that Adrien realized how grateful he was for the latest villain. He realized that fate had caused both Marinette and Adrien to become sucked into the akuma attack without being their alter-egos for once. The happiness remained bright on his face for the rest of the day knowing that Marinette loved him and would forever remain his.
Ms. Bustier glared over at Nino when she noticed his whispering in Adrien's ear. Smiling sheepishly, Nino nudged Adrien's elbow one last time before scooting completely over to his side of the bench.
Marinette felt the brush of Alya's bushy hair against the side of her head as she began to interrogate her with questions. Jumping slightly, Marinette paused her writing and grinned slyly as her friend whispered. "Girl, you are so going to have some explaining to do," Alya hissed, her eyebrows slanted in a mischievous manner.
"What do you mean?" Marinette asked, confused. She was fully aware that the topic was focusing around her and Adrien, but she didn't think Alya or Nino had seen anything too suspicious from the both of them.
"Something's going on between you two after that supervillain, Mari, and I'm pretty intent on finding out what happened." Alya scooted away, her smug expression complementing every word from her mouth. Marinette laughed softly.
"Trust me, Alya, you wouldn't understand. But I'm always looking forward to your investigations," Marinette said smartly, unable to hide her wide smile. Alya rolled her eyes, scribbling down in her notebook with a grin. Marinette turned to look down at the blond boy in front of her, and felt herself being filled with a now familiar happiness.
"Besides, it's not completely over. We still have a few things to figure out - I mean, we've gotten somewhere, that's for sure, but we're almost there."
...
Thanks for reading! Just leave a review if you think there should be more, bc honestly idk if I was completely satisfied with this ending. Also, I was thinking of writing another mlb story, but I'm not sure what I should write about, or if it should be an AU...idk, tell me if you have any suggestions. Thanks!