Together

"What do you think?" Marinette asked.

Adrien came up behind her, wrapping his arms around her waist as he examined the manor she had created: two-storeyed and built for cosiness rather than a display of opulence. It was the kind of thing nobles would have called quaint—not even worth being called a summer retreat—but it was the colour of warm pearl and had plenty of windows to let light in.

"It's nice," he said.

"You don't think it too small?"

They'd both grown up in castles. Maybe he would find it strange.

"Marinette." His breath was warm on her ear and his embrace even warmer as he hugged her closer. "I think it's perfect."

She smiled and closed her eyes, lingering like that with him before her hand sought his and she intertwined their fingers. "Come," she said softly. "Let me show you the rest."

They explored the house together. He let loose a bright swell of laughter when she pointed grandly to the staircase and said she'd made the banister nice and curved so he could slide down it if he wished.

"An important thing, to be sure," he said, his eyes crinkling into a smile.

A sweet ache filled her heart. It seemed like forever since he'd laughed like that. She hadn't thought she'd get to hear it so soon.

"What?" he said, tilting his head.

"Nothing."

She didn't want to spoil the mood, not when she knew he was still trying to patch up the rawness of his grief. The important thing was that he was ready to smile and laugh. The important thing was that they were together.

She grabbed his hand and tugged him towards a door. "Come see the gardens."

He half-tripped over his feet. "Gardens?"

"Of course."

It was where she had let her creation magic flow free. A high hedge rimmed the outskirts like an embrace of jade, while arches led into the different sections. The kitchen and infirmary garden had been doubled in one, looking wild even when contained in little rectangular plots and fences of wattle. Herbs burst with scents—rosemary, peppermint, sage, and so many more. Every breath was like tasting them on her tongue.

Next was the pleasure garden. Laurel trees were dotted around, and low hedges had been shaped into beautiful patterns. Then there were the roses: red, white, and pink, adding dashes of bold and soft colour wherever needed. Adrien took it all in with open awe, his mouth parted slightly. His grip on her hand went slack.

"So much life," he whispered.

She smiled. "I am the goddess of creation. It's easy for me now."

No more using up all her energy just to create a single rosebush. No more struggle to create life. She was creation. She was life.

He blinked. "I know. I just … knowing it is different from seeing it."

Her lips curved more. She plucked one of the roses and held its red-wine petals up to her nose, then offered it to him. "Well, you'd best get used to it. You are married to me."

He took the rose carefully, almost cradling it. "It's beautiful."

Their eyes met, and he leaned in and kissed her in a whisper of love against her lips.

"Thank you for doing this," he murmured, resting his forehead against hers. "I … I don't think I could have stayed in my father's castle, and even if you'd rebuilt the other one, I …"

"I know." She nudged his forehead lightly in a little nuzzle, closing her eyes as she stayed close to him, sharing breath. "I know."

oOo

That night, she guided him to the bedroom she'd prepared, stepping over the soft rugs to the bed that took up most of the space. He didn't question that she hadn't prepared a second bedroom. During that last dark period at the castle, it had become habit for them to share a bed. Both had been so scared they'd be ripped apart from each other at any moment. Now, no one was out to get them. It was like coming up for air after being trapped in the ocean's depths: sweet inhales of oxygen. Sweet relief.

She snuggled with him on top of the blanket, his head on her breast and their legs tangled with each other. Absently, her fingers slipped through his hair and for the first time she dared to touch his ears—softer than silk, and begging to be touched again. It was as relaxing for her as it was for him judging by the way he practically melted against her.

Her lips twitched into a smile, one born from affection and contentment. She knew then that this was the moment.

"Adrien."

"Mm?"

"I'm a goddess now."

"I know," he said, a husky laugh creeping into his voice, as if he was asking what was she trying to get at.

"I want to tell you my name."

He shot upright, his eyes wide like green moons.

She bit her lip. "It didn't feel right before. There was so much going on, but … but I want you to know. I've wanted you to know from the beginning."

"Marinette, this isn't something you should rush into. You haven't been a goddess for long and—"

"It's my gift to give," she said, repeating his own words, "and I want to give it to you."

"But it's barely been yours. Are you sure you don't want to—"

"Adrien." She cupped his face with her hands, smiling into his eyes. "I love you. I trust you. Telling you my true name doesn't feel like losing something. It feels like I'd be gaining something."

One of his hands encircled her wrist, but his expression was overwhelmed. "You trust me that much? Even though I've been such a fool? Even though I couldn't protect my own name?"

"You were a child being manipulated then." She picked up his other hand and placed a kiss to his palm. "Things are different now." Another kiss, this time on his knuckles. "We're starting a new life together in a new home, and we can finally just be together."

He exhaled a shaky breath, the tension easing out of him.

She intertwined their fingers and met his gaze. "I know your name. Is it so surprising that I want to tell you mine?"

His resolve broke. He squeezed her hand, his gaze earnest. "If that's what you really wish," he whispered, "then I will treasure your name with all that I am. I will protect it as if it's my own heart."

She didn't doubt it, so she smiled and kissed him slow and lingering, pulling back just enough to breathe the name to his lips.

"Ladybug."

She felt the magic pulse through her in ripples of warmth, but it was different from before. More like opening a door to her most secret of spaces than a sense of deep knowing. His grip tightened on her wrist and hand—not uncomfortably—and his lips crashed against hers before he pulled back to look at her in wonder.

"Ladybug," he repeated.

Oh.

She hadn't been prepared for that: the shock of primal intimacy, like he was caressing her soul. Was this what he felt every time she said his true name?

"S-say it again," she whispered.

His lips curved and his eyes crinkled into the smile she loved. "Ladybug."

"Again."

"Ladybug." He kissed her, letting go of her wrist so he could cradle her cheek. "Ladybug, I love you so much."

That last one was her undoing. She tumbled back into the pillows with him, kissing him with a sweet but unrestrained desire. It was like a release of sparks and heart songs: pulse-racing, thundering, exhilarating. They kissed and kissed, and her blood rejoiced in every silent word of love he let her taste, every shy touch.

She sat up and reached for the fastenings of her nightdress.

He visibly swallowed, cheeks flushed. "Are you sure?"

Her own face was hot, but she didn't break eye contact. On the first night of their marriage, she had been prepared to shed her clothes and be with him if it meant fulfilling her duty. He had said there was no need—the kiss had been enough to consummate their marriage, and since they didn't love each other, he didn't want them to force themselves.

But everything was different now. They were different.

"Adrien," she murmured, and traced her finger over his soft lower lip, then trailed it down in a caress to his collar. "I am very sure."

Yesss, that really is the end. (sorry for those who were hoping for more, but smut really isn't my thing and this fic is rated T)

Big, big thank you to everyone who commented! I loved reading all of your comments and seeing all your guesses and reactions. It made writing this fic really enjoyable (which is partly why I speeded my way through writing it hahah)

Also big thank you to smellerbeee for giving me the kiss prompt that started all of this, because I never would have written it otherwise. I hope you enjoyed reading as much as I enjoyed writing!