Removing the Mask

Marinette felt the warmth of the body next to her as she slowly opened her eyes that morning. She relaxed into the warmth, and she ended up rolling over into their arms and snuggled into their body. She smiled, but as she became more coherent as her brain woke up, her eyes went wide and she snapped out of it, sitting up right. Adrien was next to her, sleeping away. Wearing just his pajama pants.

"A-Adrien!" she gasped in a high pitched whisper. She leaned over him in the bed and tried to shake him awake. "Adriennnn!"

He made a few confused noises, and opened his eyes. Marinette glared at him when he woke up. She punched him, though in a playful way, her annoyance was still there. He laughed and sat up in bed. "Good morning to you too," he stated.

She glared at him. "It's nine o'clock!"

"Yeah, so?" he said. Though she knew he knew. He sneak over at least once a week to sleep beside her, but he was always gone before it was light out. Lately he had been really pushing it. Though they had graduated high school a few months ago, and both were eighteen, Marinette was still worried what people thought she did with her famous boyfriend. Even worse was that no one knew about her and Adrien Agreste, minus her parents, his father and her best friend Alya.

The two acted nothing like a couple out in public, and as far as anyone knew they were just friends. The only dates they had were as Ladybug and Chat Noir. No romantic dinners, movie dates, or romantic trips to the museum.

"Adrien, you know very well that the deal is you leave before anyone can see you," she lectured. "My parents don't know you stay over, and I really don't think my parents would approve, even if they adore you."

Adrien stretched and crawled out of bed. He searched around for Plagg, who he found sleeping next to Tikki in a makeshift bed Marinette had made her after she returned home three years ago. Marinette still kept the little Kwami a secret from the public.

He scooped up the sleeping Kwami, who started to wake up as he was picked up. Adrien had pulled out a piece of cheese to the sleeping Kwami and fed it to him. It was the only encouragement the Kwami needed to wake up, and he ate it greedily. "Marinette, its fine, really. We've been dating three years. I think your parents pretty much expect us to be sneaking out to see each other. Besides, we just sleep and cuddle."

Marinette knew that they weren't doing anything horrible. In fact they were being pretty innocent. The idea of the media finding out and writing about it though...worried her greatly. Paris had been pretty uneventful, and something like this would be perfect for the dry spell the media was having lately.

Adrien pulled out a clean shirt from his bag and slipped it on. "Hey...Marinette, I wanted to ask you about something."

She tilted her head to one side, "Yeah, what?"

"Well, it's our three year anniversary this weekend," he explained. "And I really, really want to do something special for it. Do...you think we could go out somewhere. Say like...Le Cinq?"

Her eyes went wide when she heard the name. She couldn't have heard that correctly. She had turned her back as he was changing out of his pajama pants, and she had to resist turning around and shouting at him. "Le Cinq?"

It was one of the top restaurants in Paris. And one of the most expensive. A pit of nervousness fell over her. She knew where her kitty was going with this. "So, what do you think?"

"I think you really need to think about this, Adrien," she told him, turning back to see him fully dressed and looking at her. She sat down on the edge of her bed. "This isn't just dinner. You know what I'm talking about."

He rubbed the back of his head, and sighed. "I'm tired of pretending to just be friends in public. I'm tired of hiding our relationship. I want to be able to be affectionate with my long term girlfriend if I want to, but I have to hold myself back. We can't keep this up forever, Marinette."

He had been bothering her every of often for the last two years about coming out publically as Chat Noir. No new enemies had appeared in that time, and they mainly weren't needed anymore. Though they regularly attended patrols and saved people from robberies, assaults and such on occasion. Sometimes they attended parties or fundraisers by request of the city council.

Marinette disagreed, fearing that he would have to deal with the harassment that she had to go through. It took months for the media to find someone else to bother. "I don't want you to go through what I did."

"Marinette, we can't do this forever. What happens if I propose? We don't live together and the marriage certificate says you're married to Chat Noir? What if we have children? Do I have to stay away from my own children unless I'm transformed?"

Marinette flinched at his tone. She knew these things were on his mind. He had been talking about their future lately. And he did have a lot of really great points to bring up. The problem was that she was still scared. She could have died because of what happened to her. And sure, Adrien was use to hordes of fans, but this would be nothing if he came as Chat Noir. A super model who was a super hero by night. The media would love it.

"Adrien, please," she stated. "J-Just think about this." She reached for his hand, and she took them in hers and squeezed it tightly. He couldn't look at her though, and she knew he really meant his words today.

"...I have..." he told her. He looked down. "So many times." He took a seat on the bed next to her, and placed an arm around her and brought her close to him. "I've talked to my dad about it too. He thinks that I should come out as well."

Marinette felt the corner of her eyes burning. She knew they couldn't keep having the same conversation over and over again. Marinette rested her head on Adrien's shoulders. "Alright," she said. "If you think you need to, I can't stop you. I just ask...that you take the week to think it over. Just...make sure you're really sure."

He kissed her forehead, and squeezed her tighter. "Marinette, I promise, things will be okay."

She nodded lightly and cuddled up to him. Then there was a knock on her bedroom trapdoor, and Marinette's heart raced into her chest. "Marinette, I have breakfast here for you two."

Marinette was ready to throw Adrien out onto the balcony, when she heard her mother's words. Two? Did her mother just say two?

"Can I come in?" Sabine's voice traveled through the door. Before Marinette could answer, Adrien spoke up.

"Yes, Mrs. Cheng, you can come in."

Marinette's face became flushed with pink as the door opened, and her mother entered the room, with two stacks of fresh pancakes. She saw the two and smiled. "Thought you two would enjoy some breakfast."

Marinette was in shock. How on earth did her mother know that Adrien was here? She clearly looked panicked and Sabine put the tray of pancakes her work desk. Sabine smiled at her daughter. "Oh, don't be surprised. You're father and I were eighteen once, and he liked to sneak in to see me. I'm not concerned, just remember protection."

Marinette's face burned redder than ever, and she swore she felt steam coming out of her ears. Adrien was looking at her with an amused smile, which just made her blush harder. She covered her face in embarrassment, and thought she might just die.

"Thank you for breakfast Mrs. Cheng," Adrien told her mother. "I have a shoot at 11am, so I have to go soon after."

"Happy to supply you with the food you'll need then," Sabine smiled. "Marinette, remember you have to work the bakery for us this afternoon."

Marinette still had her face buried in her hands, but she managed to mumble out. "I haven't forgotten."

"Good," Sabine stated. "It was nice seeing you Adrien, come down and visit us next time."

"Will do," Adrien replied.

Adrien chuckled at her embarrassment, and brought her in for a one armed hug, and kissed her forehead again, and smiled at her. "Come on, let's get to those pancakes."

8 8 8

Marinette was relieved when she saw Alya come in to visit her. After texting her endlessly all afternoon, she was glad that her best friend had come in to see her. Alya greeted Marinette with a smile and walked up to the counter. "So, Adrien's been having late night visits, has he?"

Marinette blushed at Alya's teasing. "We haven't been doing anything. We just cuddle and sleep."

"I'm teasing," Alya stated. "I know you're concerned about the whole identity thing. What's the big deal? It's been years since an Akuma attack. He's already the son of a famous designer, and a famous model. It's not like this will make him anymore famous. Besides, I think coming out will make people back off of bothering him more than before."

"How do you figure that?" a depressed Marinette sighed.

"Well, let's face facts. Everyone knows how much Chat Noir loves his Ladybug. Remember back when you were in hiding? He jumped into that Helicopter like a mad man and called the media out on live television. He called Chloe out on her bullshit, in front of the whole class. And had defended you both as Adrien and Chat Noir with anyone who tried to interview him about his friendship or relationship. They know he is capable of kicking their asses," Alya explained. "Besides, what if you two decide to get married? How will that work?"

"A-Alya, we're only eighteen!"

"I know that," Alya shook her head. "But next thing you know, you're almost thirty, and you two are still hiding his identity, you have a kid without a father's name on a birth certificate because you can't put a superheroes name, and suddenly Adrien had no rights to his kids. I agree with him."

Marinette felt awful now. Was she really just that paranoid, or was any of her fears valid. She had no idea. She ran her hands through her hair in frustration. "I don't know what to do..."

"There is nothing you can do," Alya shrugged. "It's his decision. You can only support him, like a good partner." Marinette knew that Alya was right. It was his choice. She just hoped that everything would work out. Alya smiled at her best friend, letting her know that she supported her in each and every way. "It's not like he's just going to suddenly find you unattractive. The whole world knows, for as long as they've known Chat Noir, how crazy he is about you."

Marinette laid her head down on the counter, and sighed heavily. She couldn't believe how stressed out she was about this. How come this was so complicated?

8 8 8

Adrien had picked up his cellphone that evening after a full day of modelling. He was tired and really just wanted to sleep, but he had to talk to Alya. The phone rang a few times, before she picked up the phone.

"Hello?" she answered.

"Hey Alya," he greeted.

"Oh, hey Adrien, what's up?"

"Not much, I just wanted to ask you something," he stated.

"About coming out publicly?" Alya asked. "Marinette spoke to me about it earlier today."

He wasn't surprised by this news. Alya was Marinette's best friend, and knew more about her than even he did. The fact she went to him with this information wasn't anything new. In fact, he thought this made things easier. "Exactly, well, I'm strongly considering it, but I promised her I'd wait until this weekend. I just wanted to know, if I did chose to come out, could you help me? Make it an official on the Ladyblog? You're the only person I can trust."

Alya seemed quiet for a moment, like she was in thought about the whole situation. He heard her think to herself, and then heard her reply. "Yeah, I think I can help you. In fact, I will help. I agree with you on the whole situation. And you know what, the Ladyblog doesn't get the traffic it use to get, so you could come out on your anniversary, and still go out and I bet not too many people would notice."

"D-Do you think so?" Adrien said hopefully. "I've had a reservation at Le Cinq for months, and I am set on taking her out this Saturday night."

Adrien heard the girl begin to make squeeing sounds as she heard the news. "Oh my god! You big fricken romantic goofball!"

He chuckled. "To be honest Alya, if it weren't for the fact I promised her I wouldn't propose to her until she's done design school I'd do it this weekend."

Alya began to giggle. "That's our Marinette. While I do think you two would be fine getting engaged now, as long as it was a decently long engagement, I do understand that Marinette want's to focus on her education. I'm glad you respect that."

"So I just got her a necklace," Adrien explained. "It's like a promise ring I guess. To promise that I'll be there no matter what."

"Oh, Adrien, always the helpless romantic," Alya laughed at him.

"One more question, Alya, do you think I should tell Nino beforehand?"

She didn't seem surprised by the question. "To be honest, I thought you would have told him years ago. It's not fair that you haven't. I'd want to know before you came out to the whole world."

"You're right. Marinette made me swear I wouldn't tell a soul that didn't already know, so I never told him," he explained. "I'll let you go now, okay. I'll be in touch later this week about the interview."

"Bye," Alya stated.

Adrien hung up, but instead of sitting down and resting, he knew he had to make another call. He pressed on the contact, and let it ring. When they picked up, Adrien greeted them. "Hey, Nino! I wanted to know if you had time to come over tonight. Maybe game a little, have a little guy bonding time."

"Hey! Yeah, I'm just getting off work, that would be awesome," Nino stated. "What's the occasion?"

Adrien smiled. "Not much, I just have some news I want to share with you. I got the snacks, you just get on over here!"

"Yeah, see you soon!"

Adrien hung up, and looked over at Plagg who had sat and listened to the whole conversation. "You ready? This could change everything."

Adrien sat on his bed next to the little Kwami and smiled down at him. "Sometimes, change is a good thing."

Plagg gave the young man a smile. Though he was cheese obsessed, he did care about Adrien very much, and was ready to stand by his side through thick and thin, providing there was cheese involved.

Adrien and Plagg didn't have to wait long for Nino to come over. They greeted each other, and they returned to Adrien's bedroom, where the snacks and game systems were waiting for them. At first, Nino didn't seem to notice the Kwami sitting on Adrien's pillow. He pretty much sat down in his usual gaming chair. "So, what did you want to tell me?"

"Well, I should have told you this a long time ago, but...this Saturday is Marinette and I's three year anniversary."

Nino didn't seem to register what he was saying, right away, but slowly his mind seemed to work the pieces together. "Wait...what did you say?" He turned to look at his best friend. "Marinette's been seeing Chat Noir for three years...h-have you two been going behind his back? Ahhh, man he's going to kick your as-"

"Marinette isn't cheating on Chat Noir," Adrien told him.

Nino went onto the next thought process. "A-are they faking a relationship man...like that American actor did for a while so his friend could date a girl without the media...you know chasing them down?"

"Nope," Adrien told him.

Nino tried to think harder to himself to what it could be that his friend was trying to tell him. His eyes wandered around the room, and suddenly stopped on Plagg. The kwami stared at the human boy, and he stared at Plagg. Then Nino jumped to his feet and back at Adrien. "D-d-d-d-dude! Are you!? You're him!"

Adrien unfolded his arms in front of him and nodded at his friend. Nino's entire mind was blown. He was moving around the room in a state of shock. Completely in shock about what he had just heard. "So, you've been, like a super hero, for years. No one knows, and you've had a girlfriend for three years, and I had no flippin idea!"

"Yeah, pretty much. Sorry for not telling you sooner. Marinette was just...you know, scared that the media would harass me like they did her. I've finally convinced her to let me consider coming out publically with it. And I wanted you to know first," Adrien explained.

Nino was still stuck on the news that his best friend was Chat Noir. "Dude! This is incredible." He turned and looked at Plagg once again. "And, what's that thing? It looks like a cat, but it's pretty misshapen and weird."

"Look who's talking, weirdo," Plagg shot back, completely insulted.

Nino jumped out of his skin. "IT TALKS!?"

Adrien picked Plagg up. "This is Plagg, he's a kwami, he's what helps me transform. Marinette has one as well, hers is named Tikki. We aren't going to come out about these two though."

Nino was still moving about the bedroom in shock. "W-who else knows?"

"Um, let's see," Adrien stated. "My dad, Marinette, her parents...and Alya."

"ALYA KNEW?" Nino shouted. "How come she got to know?"

"She figured it out."

"Figured it out? When the heck did she figure it out?"

Adrien rubbed the back of his head. "The day I told Chloe off at school."

"That was how she figured it out!?" Nino freaked. "I though you just had the hots for Ladybug."

"To be fair...I did, and still do have the hots for her," Adrien replied.

Nino was a little bit more freaked out than he expected. He wasn't sure how he was supposed to handle this. He rubbed the back of his head nervously again. He sat down with Plagg, and gave him a piece of cheese. Nino watched as the creature ate the cheese. "Can you keep it a secret for now? And...can you still be my best friend? I promise there's no other secrets."

Nino seemed to have calmed down as he watched Adrien care for the creature. His best friend was no one to keep secrets unless it was absolutely necessary. "Of course man."

Adrien could only smile.

8 8 8

Marinette grew more worried as the days passed. Adrien had sent her a few texts throughout the week, but not much else. She was trying to not pressure him at all, but she was worried sick about the whole situation. Even working on designs and design theory for her classes weren't doing much. She hated having so much on her mind.

So when she arrived home, and her parents had a package for her, she only panicked when she saw who the address was from. Adrien had sent it from his own address, signed with his own name. Though there was a card attached outside the box, she panicked. She ran up to her room and pulled the card out to read it.

My dearest Marinette,

Three years have gone by faster than the speed of light, but my love for you had only grown in that time. You are the love of my life, and I will love you forever and always. I know we don't always see eye to eye about everything, but we always find a way to make everything work.

Saturday night, on our anniversary I want to see you shine like you've never shined before. Enclosed inside is something that will help bring that shine that I love so much out. However, I do not want you to see what's inside until Saturday. Please do not open the package until I give you the signal. You'll know it, when you see it.

Yours's truly

Adrien Agreste

Marinette hated how he was still able to make her blush like a bubbling idiot. She couldn't believe that he was still having this effect on her. He was so incredibly adorable, even when he was driving her insane. And he most certainly was doing that right now. What the heck was he planning right now? She wanted to faint to be honest. This whole unmasking thing was driving her insane.

"What are you doing to me?!" she groaned out loud. She dropped her head onto her desk, smacking it, and then sitting upright and placed her hand to the place where it now hurt. She yelped at the pain when it happened and leaned back in her computer chair, and sighed heavily. "You're excited about Saturday, but at this point, I can't wait for it to be done and over with."

Tikki was sitting on the desk and was reading the card over. She gushed over it and looked up at Marinette. "I think it's terribly romantic. Besides, it's not that big of a thing. Lots of Chat Noir's revealed themselves after Ladybug did, and vice versa."

"How did that work out, for them," Marinette asked with a sigh.

"Well, if nothing bad happened to the Ladybug, like it didn't to you, then the Chat Noir had no problems either," Tikki explained. "And everyone has been very supportive of you, I'm sure they'll be supportive of him too. Even more so since he's doing it all for love."

Marinette's cheeks went red again. What was she doing to herself? What the heck was he thinking? What was Tikki thinking? Were they all right and was she really just this paranoid monster? Marinette threw her head onto her desk. What was going to happen?

8 8 8

Adrien couldn't help but grin when he saw his Lady jumping from roof top to roof top. It was nearing the end of their patrol and she was running at a much slower pace, so he easily caught up with her. He saw a blush creep across her cheeks when he reached her, and he knew that she had gotten his package.

"So, I trust you had enough self-control to not open the package," he said, sending her a wink.

Though she was blushing she still stated, "I'm not five years old, I have self-control."

They slowed down to a stop, and he just sent her a smile. "Well, I remember our first Christmas together. Someone got all flustered at the gift I got them. Kept ripping them open."

Marinette glared at him "That's because the box was bigger than me, and when I shook it I could hear all the other boxes inside shaking around. Fourteen boxes in that one big box, and I had to open them all to get to the bracelet."

Adrien shifted over to her and grabbed her arm and held it up, and playfully kissed her wrist. "But you still wear that bracelet."

Marinette rolled her eyes at her boyfriend. He was flirty as ever, and as usual, as Ladybug she was pretty much immune to his charms. He had to pretty much become the sweet innocent Adrien to make her melt. He knew that too. He wasn't ready to bring that out just yet. She turned to him seriously. "So I guess, your leaning towards unmasking then."

Adrien had turned serious and nodded to her. "I am, but I'll be doing what's best for us. I'm working out all the details first."

She nodded at him. "Good," she said. Though he could tell her mind was racing a million miles a minute. He placed his hands on her shoulders, and looked down at her, smiling gently.

"We'll get through this, together. I love you," He told her, bringing her into an embrace. She brought her arms around him and held on.

"And I love you," she stated. Though they were open with their affection, both seemed to share those three little words for only their most important moments. The first being was the very night they defeated Hawkmoth. She had blurted it out to him, and he blurted it out right back at her.

Marinette brought him back to reality when she squeezed him tightly. She was glancing down at the streets below. "Adrien...," she whispered. "There's paparazzi down there."

"Are they taking pictures of us?" he asked. She nodded lightly against his chest. "Well then, let's get some privacy."

He released her from his embrace, and the two of them began to leap away, going from building to building. They moved about quickly. It was easy to avoid the media these days. They had been pretty uneasy ever since Chat Noir had jumped into the helicopter all those years ago. Following them on foot was a harder task, but cost a lot less money and there was less backlash from the public. Adrien lead them to an area that had become a secret hide away for them. The very top of Notre Dame. Hidden between the statues were blankets that they used on cold nights like this. They were easily hidden from view of the public and it's where they had many of their dates.

A smirk fell on Adrien's lips as they landed. It was also where they came to fool around as younger teenagers when they were less bold about it. Though they still respected the boundaries Marinette had set for her home. They did sometimes do things at his place. Having a large home and only him and his father live there did help this a lot.

Now that they were graduated, they were concentrating on their futures more. Adrien was still modelling for his father, but he was also taking business classes on the side part-time. He wanted to own his own business someday. While Marinette was taking fashion design, and worked part-time at her parents bakery.

Yet, even as Marinette accepted the large blanket, he wrapped around her, and sat beside her, he felt the warmth, remembering all of the adventures and dates they had. While he loved these dates and remembered them fondly, being unable to hold her hands or kiss her forehead out in public was something he desired. He wanted to be affectionate when he got the urge and having to hold back was becoming a chore.

So when he sat down beside his lady he leaned in and gave her a kiss on the cheek. This earned him one of her sweet giggles.

"So, what is new?" he asks.

"Not much," she replied. "Went to class. Had a girl approach me, and asked for an autograph."

"Yeah?" Adrien asked. "Still getting asked?"

She nodded. It was hardly the first time. Thought it was happening considerably less now than it did three years ago. Most media stayed away from the bakery, knowing full well that they would be kicked out and the shop would be locked up without question. Most reporters only bothered the team now if they were on patrol. Or if there was a fire, or a robbery. That was how they got Chat Noir and Ladybug shots nowadays.

Now and again Marinette told him and sometimes showed him fan mail that showed up. She had recruited Alya and Adrien for help replying to these letters. Though that had slowed down recently and she found time to reply to these letters on her own.

"Oh! That laundry detergent company called again and asked if I would do that commercial."

Adrien chuckled. "Really, that's what, the third time they've asked?"

She nodded and he smiled at her. He leaned in and placed a kiss on her forehead. She smiled back at him and looked out across the city. Christmas decorations were starting to light up the streets. And this was her favorite time of year to watch this city. Even during the Akuma attacks, Paris still celebrated in a spectacular fashion.

"So, what's up?" Adrien asked. "What's on your mind?"

"A lot of things," she stated. "Little things, big things."

Adrien nodded as he tightened his blanket around him and scooted closet to her. "So, I told Nino."

He head whipped around and she stared at him, her mouth hung open and he knew he should have warned her a little better. "You what?"

"Its fine," he tried to assure her. "Not like I can't trust him. He's my best friend."

Marinette bit her bottom lip nervously. She looked nervous. He did what he could to comfort her. He took her hands in his and squeezed it tightly. He climbed to his feet and brought her with him. "I don't care what happens."

"I went through hell with the media," she whispered.

He grasped her hand, and brought it to his chest and held it there. "Now, now," he told her. "I went through hell and back with you. I'm prepared to go through it again if it means I get to be with you."

He pulled her into a hug after several minutes when she said nothing. She nodded slowly and finally looked up at him. "I'd do it over again for you too."

He pulled her in closer for a moment, pressing his lips up against hers. He smiled at her as he pulled away. He could see a faint outline of a blush on her cheeks. He got his classic grin on his face and his hand moved down to her back to her waist and then her behind. She was use to this, and didn't react surprised anymore, but her blush did darken. He leaned in to her ear. "Now, how about we head back to my place?"

"O-Okay," she stated. He could sense the change in her heart rate, and he grinned fully well knowing what was going through her head.

"Shall we, my lady?"

8 8 8

Adrien sat beside Alya and Nino in a café near his home. Adrien had called them there that evening to go over some final decision over the plans for the reveal. Nino would work the camera and help with editing. Alya had written up a series of interview questions and Adrien looked them over and okayed most of the questions.

"So, we'll tape it before, and we'll do some editing," Nino stated.

Alya nodded. "We'll do the same thing I did for interviews with Mariette. We'll edit out Plagg like we did Tikki. There is no reason anyone should know anything about the kwami."

Adrien agreed, looking at his two friends. "I'll wear the suit I'll be wearing to dinner, so when it airs it will look live."

"Yes! That's good," Alya stated, complimenting his smart thinking.

It had been decided. They'd air it and make it seem live, and as the video aired, Adrien would be getting ready. He'd pick her up and they'd go on their date. He thought of everything. Nino looked especially excited about this. After a long time of wondering about Adrien and what seemed like a lack of a love life, he had been worried for his friend, but after learning the truth, he was especially excited for Adrien being able to express his love publically.

After years of seemingly being alone, Nino had been worried over Adrien being unable to express himself. Holding that back every day, couldn't have been healthy in the least.

Alya took the last drink from her coffee cup and sent an excited look towards the two. "Well, if everything is okayed, when do you want to do it?"

"Well," Adrien stated, pulling up a tailor's bag that had been laying across the back of his seat. "I'm ready whenever."

Alya lit up. "I'm free to do it this evening!"

Both turned to Nino who just laughed. "No need to ask. I'll help," Nino replied.

The three rose, paid their bills and headed towards Alya's home.

8 8 8

Marinette was working on a few things. It was Saturday. Their three year anniversary was today, but she still had no idea what they were doing, or what he had been planning. Adrien had told her to wait and see. It was only five o'clock and knowing him, he would just show up. It wasn't until she got a text from Alya that she suspected that something was up.

Alya: I got a new live stream on the blog tonight. Please watch it!

Marinette: What's it on?

Alya: It's a tribute to your anniversary. Promise you'll watch it.

Marinette: When is it?

Alya: Its in ten minutes

Marinette: Alright, I'll watch it.

Marinette didn't like this one bit. She knew how sneaky Alya could be. And Alya hadn't mentioned anything before about an anniversary tribute. She knew that Adrien wanted to take her out, and now this. She frowned, but she opened her browser on her computer and loaded up the blog. She could see the video loading, and then the countdown. She saw a chat on the side bar.

Twenty other people were waiting for the video to load and they were talking about the new video with excitement. Alya had no new videos since graduation. Ten minutes dragged on and it seemed like a million years. When it finally finished the countdown. Marinette was greeted by the sight of Alya sitting with Chat Noir on the couch in her bedroom

"Good evening viewers!" Alya greeted. "Tonight I'm with Chat Noir for an exclusive interview. This will be his first time ever doing a solo interview with anyone, isn't that right?"

Alya turned to Chat Noir who nodded. "That's right."

"Now Chat Noir, may I ask what is so special about tonight?"

"Of course," he flashed the camera a grin. "It's Marinette and I's three year anniversary."

Alya pretended to gasp. "Has it been that long already?"

Chat Noir laughed. "Yeah, it's gone by pretty fast, hasn't it?"

"So, do you and Marinette have any plans? She hadn't told me a thing," Alya stated. "You two usually have private dates as yourselves in your own homes, or out and about Paris as Ladybug and Chat Noir, don't you?"

Chat Noir nodded. "Yeah a lot of picnic's on roof tops at very absurd times of night."

Alya shifted and looked a little sad at the next question. "That must be hard. Do you and Marinette ever…see each other as yourselves out and about?"

He nodded. "We do, but there is never any affection. We have to protect my privacy. After Marinette's identity was revealed she wanted me to protect mine at all costs."

"That sounds lonely," Alya stated. "So, do you two have never had a real date? No nice restaurants. No movie dates? Not even walking down the street holding hands?"

Chat Noir shook his head. "It was a price we had to pay."

"But, are you happy?"

Marinette felt her heart race as she watched the scene unfold in front of her. He had tried to explain this to her so many times before, but it never fully clicked with her before until now. It wasn't that he wanted the attention, he just wanted to be able to be with her wherever they went.

"Of course I am," Chat Noir stated. His face was soft and kind. He looked like he had a weight, she knew he had held for so long, was lifted. "Marinette is the love of my life."

Alya was smiling. "That's so sweet."

"Everything I've ever done, I've done for her and everything I will ever do is for her," Chat Noir continued.

"So, it's your anniversary, what are you doing this year?" Alya asked. "Any special plans?"

"Well, I got her a dress designed just for her," Chat Noir explained. "And I got reservations at Le Cinq, we're going out tonight."

"Oh? Are you going as Chat Noir, or yourself?"

Chat Noir smiled. "I'm going as myself."

Marinette knew this was the moment she had been dreading for years now. The moment he would reveal himself to everyone. Her mouth was covered by her hands as she watched the scene continue to unfold.

"That's one reason I'm here Alya. You're Marinette's best friend, and a good friend of mine. I'm choosing to reveal my identity so I can be with Marinette the way I always wanted to be. As myself."

Marinette saw the chat log explode from the corner of her eyes, but she couldn't bring herself to turn away from the scene.

The camera zoomed in for the first time since the interview had started. She assumed this was a trick to hide Plagg since Marinette had kept Tikki's element in this a closely guarded secret. She was scared as she saw a green light blind the screen and when it faded, there was Adrien smiling at the camera. It had zoomed out again, showing him fully.

"I'm happy for you," Alya told her guest.

Marinette glanced at the chat log now. It was filled with people's reaction in seeing Adrien Agreste turning out to be Chat Noir.

Adrien turned to the camera. "Marinette, I know that you're watching I want you to open that package now. Inside is something my father designed just for you. I will be there to pick you up at seven sharp. I love you so much."

Marinette stopped really listening or watching the video at that moment and missed Alya signing off. Her attention was on the package. She ripped it open, scared and excited at its contents. She pulled out the dress and examined it.

It was a red dress. Closely resembling a dress from a sixty's housewife style dress. Sleeveless, but around collar at her collarbone. It was a snug but comfortable fit. And at the waist it flared out and went down to just above her knees. And to complete the look the red dress was polka-dotted with black dots. It was classic. Inside were flat black slip-on shoes. There was also a note. She lifted it and read it.

Marinette,

Watching my son grow up without his mother has been painful and hard. Even more after the events of the Akuma, and my actions as Hawkmoth. I feared my son would grow up stunted in some way or another. I feared for his happiness. It was wrong to do that. As it turns out I didn't need to worry. He had already met you .The love I see my son has for you reminds me of Emilie and myself every single day. I remind every day to live everyday with you as his last. And he has. I ask that you do the same with your relationship.

Adrien is young, but he knows love, and I know you know that love too. Treasure it, Marinette. Enjoy tonight, let it be the first, but live it like it could be the last. I dedicate this dress in your honour for all you've done for me and my family. This is my gift to you. Thank you, Marinette.

-Gabriel Agreste

Marinette held the letter and read it over a second time. She felt a warmth fill her and she began to change. It fit her perfectly. She expected nothing less from the famous designer. She loved the dress .It was her through and through. She put on the flats, and she felt complete.

That didn't stop her from putting on make-up and doing her hair. She tied back two strands that fell alongside her face and hugged her face, braiding them in delicate tiny braids. She tied them together at the back of her head, and then curled the remaining hair that hung freely. She put on a little make-up and looked herself in the mirror. Tikki who had been downstairs with Marinette's mom came up. She gasped when she saw Marinette standing there in her dress.

"Marinette! You look so beautiful! Where are you going" the curious kwami asked.

Marinette grabbed her excited friend and brought her close for a hug. "Adrien is taking me out!"

Tikki gasped again, and a excited look on her face came over her. "You're letting him take you out?"

Marinette brought Tikki over to the Ladyblog and showed her the link to the video and the people who were still chatting away. "He unmasked himself, Tikki. We don't have to hide anymore."

Marinette noticed another tab on her browser flashing and she clicked on it. To her surprise, she had over fifty messages already on her facebook. She wouldn't answer them now. However there was one notification that caught her by surprise.

Adrien Agreste lists himself in a relationship with you.

There was an option to accept it or reject it. She giggled to herself. Adrien had been listed as single or three years and it drove him crazy. She knew it was official now. And strangely she wasn't that bothered by it. Perhaps it was because he had used Alya who knew how to do it right in a way that respected her friends. Or perhaps it was that things weren't going to be that different. The only difference being that they could be themselves in public now. No more hiding.

Marinette heard a soft knock on her bedroom door and she turned as her mother, Sabine stepped in. She smiled at Marinette. "There's a very handsome young man downstairs waiting for you."

Marinette grabbed her purse and opened it. Tikki leapt inside and Marinette walked towards her mother Sabine knew that judging by Adrien's appearance and her daughters that Adrien had come out publically. She brought her daughter into a warm hug. "Have fun tonight, honey."

Marinette nodded and went downstairs. Her father was there, talking to Adrien. Adrien was wearing a classic black tux. The shirt he wore underneath was a sharp looking green. One that matched his eyes perfectly. He wore a tie, and it had a green paw print at the very bottom of it. She laughed out loud. He certainly wasn't be subtle about tonight, but he never had been. Both turned to look at her when they heard her laugh. Her father smiled at her, but Adrien, she could tell was having a hard time keeping his jaw off the floor. He hadn't even taken her out like this before, so they had no reason to ever dress up this fancy. And Marinette had never worn one of Gabriel's designs before this either.

"You look amazing, Marinette," Adrien was finally able to speak. This earned a chuckle from Tom. He was young once, and he certainly remembered Sabine coming downstairs in many beautiful outfits for many different dates.

"Looking good," Tom told his daughter. "You remind me of your mother."

Marinette smiled at her father, but also blushed, remembering old photos of her mother in beautiful dresses with her father. Marinette always thought her mother looked incredibly beautiful. "Thanks dad."

She turned to Adrien and smiled at him. "So, be honest. Was that filmed live?"

He laughed nervously. "No. We filmed it and edited it Thursday night."

"Filmed what?" Tom asked.

Adrien turned to Tom. "I revealed my identity on the Ladyblog tonight."

Tom Laughed. "It's about time."

Adrien felt a warmth fill him as Tom patted him on the back. Marinette felt the same warmth fill her, but she added. "We should go. My facebook was blowing up, upstairs."

Adrien seemed surprised. "Really? Alya said that the Ladyblog doesn't get much traffic anymore, and I thought we'd have until at least tomorrow."

He reached into his pocket and pulled out his phone. His eyes went wide. He had put it on silent. "What?" Marinette asked. She saw that he had well over five-hundred messages in his inbox, several hundred friend requests and even more notifications. Not to mention and ungodly amount of text messages. "So much for having until tomorrow," she stated.

He put the phone away and shook his head. "You know what, nothing can ruin tonight." He reached for her hand, and grasped it in his. "I have my driver outside, let's go."

Marinette nodded. "Alright."

They bid her parents good-bye and the pair, with their hands joined, walked down to the bakery's front door. Marinette squeezed Adrien's hand, and he looked at her. "Are you ready?"

She nodded. "Yes, I am."

He pushed on the door, and for the first time in three years, there was a small crowd outside the bakery. She felt him tighten his grip, but he never let go as he guided her through the crowd. The pair stopped for him to open his car's door. He let her in, and climbed in with her. He closed his door. He sent her a smile, and then looked at his driver in the front. "Take us to Le Cinq."

The crowd was peeking in through the windows, and they were shouting questions and taking pictures. Marinette felt blinded by the flashing of camera's for a moment, but as the car started, the flashed decreased. She looked at him. "Well, it feels like old times, doesn't it?"

"Yeahhhh," Adrien rubbed the back of his head nervously. "Sorry about this."

"Don't be," she told him. "It's over and done with. Besides, they legally can't come into the restaurant, right? So we can still enjoy the date. We'll just have to live with the face people will be live tweeting it is all."

Adrien nodded, but she could tell that he was feeling rather defeated. She knew that he had this perfect evening planned out in his head. She was expecting exactly this. Her hand reached over and rested on top of his. He glanced at her. "It's our first official date in the public eye. Let's give them a show."

He laughed a little and rested his head up against hers. "You always know what to say."

Her free hand was playing with his black tie with the green paw print on it. She chuckled a little and then tugged at it and pulled him close so she could whisper in his ear. "I always know what to do too."

She drew back, just enough to place a kiss on his lips. He moved to deepen the kiss, but she drew away. He threw her a playful pout, but she shook her head. "Let's save that for later."

He could only agree, knowing fully well she always kept a promise. The two enjoyed the remainder of the car ride. Though Adrien was curious about the news right now, he refused to click on the TV in the limo. He wanted to see what people were saying, but it was for the best that they didn't think about that right now.

"Sir, we're approaching," his driver told him as he began to pull up to the entrance of the restaurant.

"Thank you," Adrien thanked him. "I'll call you when we're just about ready to leave."

There was another small crowd outside the restaurant, but to their relief, it looked a lot less like paparazzi and more like fans. They could live with that. Greet them and say hello, and head inside. No big deal. Adrien opened the door and exited first. He reached in for Marinette's hand, and he helped her get out of the car. The sound of screaming fans filled the air, and Marinette lightly waved at the fans. Adrien did the same. He closed the car door and the driver left.

Adrien read many signs of encouragement that fan's held up. Some were outright confessions of love, but he paid those no mind. One little girl was there with who was clearly an older sister who was a huge fan. Still the girl waved excitedly holding what appeared to be a very loved Ladybug doll. Marinette spotted her and smiled at the child. She stopped, while holding Adrien's hand and then knelt down. The little girl's eyes twinkled with delight.

"That's a really cool Ladybug doll," Marinette complimented her.

"M-my nana m-made i-it," the girl explained.

"Well, you're really lucky," Marinette stated.

The little girl's eyes drew to Adrien as he too knelt down to look at the little girl. "A-Are you really Chat Noir!?"

He chuckled but nodded. "Sure am."

"C-can I get a picture of you with her?" the older sister asked.

"Of course," Marinette told her. Adrien and her positioned themselves on either side of the girl, and they all smiled. The sister snapped the photo, and Marinette and Adrien wished them a good evening, before they continued inside the restaurant. Once inside, Marinette noticed how much quieter it seemed inside than outside. They approached the hostess desk. She was perhaps a little older than them, but she was smiling. "Good evening, Mr. Agreste. It's so good to see you."

"Oh, yeah, hello," Adrien agreed. "I made a reservation for 8 o'clock for two."

The hostess now turned to Marinette. "Ah yes, Miss Dupain-Cheng."

Her greeting was a lot less friendly than it had been towards Adrien, but Marinette wasn't bothered by this. Had it been three years ago, insecure Marinette would have been thinking about all the ways Adrien would have dumped her for the hostess. Marinette decided to take the higher road. She smiled at the hostess. She seemed a little surprised by Marinette's smile, but instead looked down and grabbed some menus. "If you'll follow me, please."

She led the two into the restaurant, and they were guided to a nice table off to the side, giving the two a little more privacy. Their waiter was with them immediately, and he held the chair out for Marinette, helping her sit down. Marinette had only ever seen this done in the movies, and only once by Adrien, who had disastrously attempted to cook her dinner for the first time. Dinner had been prepared together after that incident.

Marinette thanked the waiter and smiled at Adrien, who had taken his own seat. "May I get you something to drink to start, sir?" the waiter asked Adrien.

He turned to Marinette. "Are you in the mood for a red or white wine tonight, Marinette?"

Marinette thought to herself for a moment. "How about a nice chardonnay?"

"Give us a bottle of the house chardonnay," Adrien told their waiter.

"Very good, sir," the waiter stated, leaving them with their menus.

Marinette looked around. The restaurant looked pretty busy, but to Marinette's surprise no one seemed to be noticing them. She was glad for that. And if they did notice them, they didn't seem too interested in getting their attention. Adrien was smiling at her. She smiled back at him. "This is really nice," she complimented him.

"Just like I planned," Adrien winked at her.

She laughed. It was far from what he had planned, but she would let him have his fun. The waiter returned to their table, and showed them the bottle of wine. He used the wine opener and opened it for them, and poured some into Adrien's wine glass. Marinette hadn't been to as many places like Adrien had, but she assumed that this was fairly normal. He picked up the glass of wine and smelt it and then took a drink from the glass. He nodded at the waiter. "It's perfect."

The waiter poured wine into Marinette's glass and then filled Adrien's some more. "Have you had a chance to look over the menu?"

"I was thinking I'd take the chef's choice tonight," Adrien spoke, he turned to Marinette. "And you?"

Marinette looked at the waiter and nodded. "That sounds good to me. This is late for me to have dinner, so anything will do."

The waiter sent her a smile. "That sounds excellent."

They gave the waiter the menus and he left them. "Hungry?" Adrien asked.

She nodded. "Yeah, I was doing homework when Alya texted me."

Adrien laughed. "Well, I promise, next time, we won't be announcing it on the internet. We'll just go. Just down the street to a little bistro…get take-out, a picnic in the park. Maybe see a movie."

She smiled at her boyfriend. He was glowing as he chatted away. He was excited like a child talking about an imaginary adventure he had gone on, or was going to go on. He was very animated as he talked. She hadn't seen him this excited in such a long time. She knew that revealing himself had been weighting on him a lot longer than he had been letting on. She lifted her wine glass, and motioned him to join him. He seemed confused for a moment, but then he picked up his glass and followed suit. "To us," she said.

"To our future," Adrien added as they clinked their glasses together.

The rest of dinner had gone well. They ate a fabulous meal. The chef's choice had been salmon with mixed vegetables with a specialized sauce over top. For dessert, they had shared a rich chocolate dessert that melted in Marinette's mouth. They finished their bottle of wine with a fair amount of ease, mostly with Adrien's help. He had drank at a lot of parties with his father and had gotten a higher tolerance than Marinette did. Though they were feeling a little buzzed, neither was drunk.

Adrien paid their bill, and they were readying to leave. The hostess came back up to them, and spoke once again to Adrien. "Mr. Agreste, the crowd outside is getting larger, and I'm afraid the police have shown up to control the crowd. You're welcome to wait here until the crowd is under control."

"That won't be an issue. Does the kitchen have a back door?"

"Y-yes," she stated, surprised by his question.

Adrien turned back to Marinette. "Care for an evening stroll?"

Marinette giggled. "That would be lovely."

The hostess seemed confused, "Sir?"

"Can you ask the chef if we may leave through the kitchen?"

"Of course," she stated, though she still seemed confused. Marinette glanced over at the entrance and could see that the crowds were peeking inside, some were taking pictures of them. She had expected as much. Adrien clearly had too, and had a plan. After a few minutes the hostess came back, and a man dressed in a chef's uniform met them.

"Mr. Agreste," he greeted Adrien, and then turned to Marinette. "Miss Dupain-Cheng, it's an honor to have you in my restaurant. Jocelyn informed me that you two will exit through the back kitchen to avoid the crowds."

"Yes," Adrien explained. "We'll take to the roof's and go home that way, avoid the crowd that way."

The chef chuckled and reached for Adrien's hand, and shook it. "Great thinking. Also, congratulations. My daughter is a huge fan and texted me to let me know you were coming."

"Well, you can tell her that we enjoyed ourselves, thank you," Adrien explained.

They were escorted to the kitchen, where they were greeted by the other kitchen staff. They stayed long enough for a few photos and then left through the back door. The back door closed behind them, and Marinette opened her purse, letting Tikki out. Adrien opened his jacket, and the hiding Plagg also came out.

Adrien took Marinette's hand. "Ready?"

She nodded. "Ready."

A/N: I actually really enjoyed this one-shot and even after rereading it I still enjoyed it. So I guess that's good. I hope you all enjoyed it. I'm going to be uploading Please Keep my Secret hopefully tomorrow. I have a chapter half done and then I'm going to be working on my French Revolution story, which I'd love to get some fan designs for. Since I don't have much time to draw anyone since becoming a mom. If anyones interested. Let me know.