Marinette did her best to fight an annoying, persistent and bordering on the insane thought. The maddening rate of her heartbeat didn't help. Neither did the sickening knot in her stomach.

Adrien wouldn't do this! He just couldn't. As far as she remembered there wasn't a single evil bone in that man. Then, on the other hand, that was precisely it – as far as she could remember. Because Adrien was away, away for six years and six years is a long, long time. Something in the bottom of her stomach tightened. Anyone could change in six years.

Drastically.

No, Marinette protested, holding back the moisture in her eyes. She had to believe in him. Believe in her partner. Believe in the boy who gave her his umbrella only to soak under the rain himself. Adrien couldn't. He wouldn't. Not him. Never. There had to be an explanation. A perfectly logical explanation she probably failed to notice in her sleepy hassle this morning.

However, her empty house, a missed flight, a possibly lost job and not a single word from him made that fragile beacon of faith hard to keep alive.

Marinette shrugged in refusal to believe, feebly rejecting any accusations her mind was conjuring up when a distant sound of the front door lock opening reached her. She rushed to the foyer just as the voice she knew and loved so much split the maddening silence of the house.

"Emma, dunk!"

The next moment, grinning to his full potential, Adrien stepped into the house with her- umm- their daughter sitting on his shoulders. At his command, the little girl dipped down and clung to Adrien's perfect-a-second-ago hairstyle, throwing her arms around his clean-a-moment-ago face in order for him to walk into the doorway without bumping her head on the frame. Marinette could see a fleeting look of disgust in Adrien's eyes as Emma smashed her double chocolate cookie against his face and got her sticky with chocolate fingers stuck in his hair. He patiently ignored everything, but Marinette could hold back a giggle, despite being somewhat angry with him.

"Good morning, Mama!" Emma shouted and started waving her hand, sending even more crumbs around, some of them flying down on Adrien's clean t-shirt. He let her down immediately, sheepishly smiling at Marinette, while trying to brush at least some of the mess out of his hair.

"Morning, Princess." Adrien's smile gave place to a frown as soon as he caught his reflection in the mirror. "What was the point of showering?" he murmured and tried to illuminate the cookie remnants from his face. Ignoring him, Emma was already jumping into Marinette's arms.

"Mama, Mama!" she squealed. "Did you know that Daddy has a climbing wall in his room? Did you? He let me climb a little! And arcades! And lots of books! And a zip line! And so many video games! And you can even see the Eiffel Tower from his window! That's so cool, Mama! And he has a real chef cooking food for him, and his food was so good! Can we move into Daddy's room? Please? Can we? Can we? Please, please, please?"

Marinette giggled and squeezed Emma tighter.

"I really doubt—" she ignored her daughter's begging eyes and the charming smile, both definitely inherited from her father, "—that Daddy would want you to move in with him if you won't make your bed in a morning properly and put your clothes back in its place."

Emma pouted. "But, Mama-"

"No 'buts,' Emma." Marinette placed her index finger to her little rascal's lips. "Go upstairs and tidy up your room and don't come back down here until it's spotless."

The little girl frowned. She was about to say something else, but the stern look from Marinette stopped her. Even at her five years of age, Emma knew better than to argue with her mother.

"Fine." She wrinkled her nose and furrowed her brows. "But I don't like you anymore. I like Daddy now!"

"I think I can live with that. Now go and do what you were supposed to do before you left the house."

With an adorable huff, Emma was about to walk away but suddenly turned back and whispered into Marinette's ear. "Did you know that Daddy is a huge fan of your boss, Mama? M Agreste? He has a gigantic picture of him in his hallway with some kid."

"Yes, dear," Marinette chuckled, glancing over Adrien curiously looking their way. "Daddy is a huge fan of M Agreste. He absolutely adores him, and I'm sure he'll tell you all about it later. But for now – go clean your room. And, Emma, you do remember what cleaning means, right?"

That question earned Marinette another pout and a frown. "Yes, Mama, I know! Put everything in its place and not stash it under my bed or in my closet. I remember."

"Good, now, off you go then."

As soon as Emma was out of the hearing range, Marinette turned to Adrien. That stupid, mangy cat had some explaining to do and scolding to take. To her surprise he was already right in front of her, his hair and face more or less back to the clean state, a striking contrast to her own dishevelled from the night look and more than sensual nightgown she was still in.

"Good morning again, my Lady. Love the outfit," Adrien purred, leaning closer. A blatant attempt to plant a kiss on her lips was stopped by a glare and a finger on his nose.

"What's wrong?" Adrien frowned, wrinkling his nose.

"You can't do this, Adrien."

"Can't do what?"

"You can't just take Emma and leave with no explanation, no notes or messages." Marinette crossed her arms over her chest, Adrien's sincere confusion fueling her anger even more.

"Why?" Adrien protested. "I know I wasn't around before, but she is my daughter too, and I think I-"

"Pay attention to without letting me know, Adrien!" Marinette scolded. "Can you even imagine how I felt waking up first of all, late for my flight and second without the slightest idea of both of your whereabouts? Forget that I'm probably already fired and years of my hard work gone to hell, but you could've at least leave me a note. Do you even know what I've already started to think?"

"I did leave you a note, Marinette," Adrien interrupted. "I put it on the night table beside your bed especially so you would see it first thing upon waking up."

"There were no notes. I would've seen it."

Instead of arguing any further, the man offered Marinette a hand. "Shall we go check, my Lady?"

"You know what? We shall!" Marinette huffed and stomped up the stairs, leaving Adrien and his hand behind. He quickly followed her yet as soon as they entered the room it was evident there were no notes on either of her night tables. The left one was bare, and the right one was half covered with the comforter that Marinette threw aside when rushing out of bed. Adrien frowned in confusion and headed to that one. He kneeled down and pushing the comforter out of the way looked underneath.

"Aha!" He pulled a small card from the tight space between the bed and the night table. "There it is. It might have been swept there with the comforter."

With victorious and somewhat smug smirk Adrien passed the card to Marinette. "My Lady?"

"The best and the sweetest of the mornings to you, Princess," she read.

"Don't worry about sleeping in. Nathalie called and said the trip was postponed until Tuesday. Emma and I decided to let you rest and went to my place to pick up some fresh clothes. We'll have breakfast there and be back in a few hours.

Love.

Adrien."

Marinette groaned as she slowly sat down on her bed, still staring at the note. She quietly muttered, "I'm sorry, Adrien. Sometimes, I can be too rushed in my judgments."

"I know," Adrien said with a tiny smile. "Don't forget I've spent quite a lot of time with you as Marinette and Ladybug, so I've seen it. But you are also quick to admit your mistakes, and that's what matters, so don't worry about it." Still standing on his knees, he leaned forward, placing his hands on either side of Marinette. With only a few inches separating their faces he whispered, "You totally thought I kidnapped her, didn't you?"

"I-" Marinette turned away in embarrassment. "You can't judge me. I had a perfectly logical reason to suspect so."

"Aww, my Lady," Adrien tilted his head to the side, never taking his eyes off her. "If I would want to steal Emma, I would've done so the day you let me babysit her. You trusted me then, no? What changed?"

"That was different." She refused to look at him yet. "Then I gave permission and knew where you were all day. Now I had no idea what happened in the first place and don't forget that I just woke up and was freaking out about the missing trip and a lost job."

"Mari," Adrien softly smiled as he lightly ran his fingers over her cheek, bringing her to look at him. "We've worked together for many years hand in hand, trusted our lives to each other. Don't you know me better than that? Do you really-"

"It's different now."

"Why? Marinette? What-"

Adrien frowned as he searched her face. He could see there was something, something Marinette was still debating on saying out loud as she was biting her lips and trying to hide her eyes. He pulled back to give her some space, taking her hand in his.

"Marinette-"

"Can I be honest, Adrien?" Marinette suddenly spoke before she could change her mind. When he nodded, she continued. "I knew you better than this. If you remember I had trusted myself to you before we revealed our identities. I even insisted on taking the masks off later to show you just how much I trusted you."

Marinette paused, her eyes full of pain and worry, observing his reaction carefully.

"I'm so sorry to say that, but you were away for six years, and that is a long time, Adrien. Anyone can change in six years. I know I did. We had an amazing time together this week, but that was not enough for me to see if you're still my loyal Chaton." Marinette's sight shifted to the side, guilt flooding her face. "I'm really sorry, I know I am harsh and probably unfair to you, but it's all too soon and too much. Plus, trusting my own life to someone is a lot different than trusting my baby's."

For a few moments, Adrien remained silent. He always wore his heart on his sleeves, so even though he tried to hide it, the hurt in his eyes was too evident for Marinette to miss. She bit her lip in uncertainty and mentally beat herself up. Always too rash to speak before thinking! Ugh! This was Adrien, after all. How could she-

"I suppose that's fair enough," Adrien responded before Marinette could apologize.

"I am sorry," Marinette whispered hiding her face in her hands. "I am being a jerk, I know that. I'm just so scared and still a bit shook from this whole ordeal."

"Hey," Adrien said quietly as he leaned closer and took her hands away from her face. "Don't be. That's me who should be apologizing here."

"But you left me a note, and I was stupid enough-"

"Hey." Adrien looked offended for some reason. "You aren't stupid. It was just a misunderstanding. Misunderstandings are stupid. You aren't."

"I'm ruining everything again with my rushed emotional outbursts," Marinette almost sobbed. She ruined it once in exactly the same way. That time she hurt him unfairly too. That time he left. Marinette didn't want to repeat the same mistake again. She didn't want him to leave. There had to be something she could do to fix it before it was too-

"Marinette, listen," Adrien intruded into her thoughts. "We aren't perfect. No one is. We all make mistakes. All people do, but we can learn from them and get better at this. Let's not repeat history. Let's talk and solve this."

Her eyes wide, Marinette let a light hopeful smile appear on her lips as she nodded.

"I love you, Marinette," Adrien continued. "And I don't want to leave again. I want to make it work this time. Do you want this too or-"

"I do, Adrien," Marinette whispered. "I really, really do. I'm so sorry."

"Good," he smiled back and gently brushed away a stray lock behind her ear. "You know, this is all so new to me. I've never had a family of my own. Never had kids before. Or at least I didn't know I had one. I don't really know how this whole parenthood business works yet, but I know we can do anything if we are honest, open to a conversation and both want it."

"But I keep messing things up-"

"Me too," Adrien chuckled. "Or did you forget who just stole Emma and didn't make sure you knew where we were?"

"You left me a note. It was me-"

Adrien moved closer on his knees and took her palm in his. "I should've made sure that you knew exactly where we were. I should've never left the house like that. Damn, I could've texted you or something! But I didn't - got too excited and completely forgot. You have the full right to be angry, Mari. I understand, I really do."

"We need to learn how to communicate and do this together," Marinette tried to smile.

"And we will. We'll figure this out, and I'm really looking forward to it." Adrien winked. "For starters, let's put just a few things on our 'to-do and to-learn' list and add as needed."

"We have a list?" Marinette giggled.

Adrien gently kissed her knuckles. "We do now."

"And what's in it?"

"Well," Adrien leaned closer and almost purred. "I'll have to work my ass off to earn your trust back and learn how to parent with you as my fair guide. As for you, my Lady—" he gently poked her nose, "—you have to learn how to share because I want a part in this thing called family. Agreed?"

"I'll do my best and work on it," Marinette smiled. "But, please, bear with me if it takes some time - she's been my everything for too long. It'll be a little hard to let go."

"Understandable," Adrien agreed. He softly chuckled watching Marinette's guilty expression. "We'll get there one day, Mari. Don't worry. But for what it's worth let me open you one secret." He waited until Marinette looked at him and only then continued. "I like Emma very much, but I could never steal her from you."

"Really? Why?"

"Because—" Adrien lightly caressed her cheek, his smile and his touch making Marinette feel so safe and secure. How could he look at her so lovingly and be so sweet after she was so mean to him just a few minutes prior? "—I don't think I could ever be happy with just one of you, Mari," Adrien whispered. "You both are so incredibly beautiful, fun, smart and strong in your own way. I know it's selfish, but I want to be in both of your lives. I finally have the opportunity of being a part of something great after years of misery and loneliness. Why would I throw that chance away? I'm not that stupid."

"I love you both. You and Emma are making my life worth living," Adrien continued as Marinette noticed that he was slowly getting closer. It didn't frighten her. Instead, she found herself wishing that he would just shut up and kiss her already. "I need both of you. If I can help it, I don't think I could settle for just one anymore," Adrien whispered against her lips but didn't make a move.

"You are such a sweet talker, Adrien." Marinette halted her breath, his own burning against her lips. "So cheesy."

A fleeting hint of a smirk split his lips, complemented by an eyebrow wiggle. "Is it working?"

"Yes?"

"That's all I need," Adrien breathed out and closed the distance between them. He pulled her closed as she wrapped her arms around his neck. The anger and bitterness and all misunderstandings were fast forgotten, as Adrien's lips, not before kissing her senseless, travelled down her neck, lavishing it with soft butterfly kisses. Marinette couldn't help but close her eyes, a soft moan escaping, when his hands, burning with every touch, started to roam over that barely-there baby doll nightgown. It was so long since she was touched in this way, she had almost forgotten how it felt. Impossibly long since a man loved her like this. In fact, Adrien was the only man to touch her like that and Marinette melted in his arms, not really caring for anything but that he was finally here and he loved her and wanted to be with her and-

"Ewww!" Emma's disgusted voice intruded into the blissful bubble they had built. "That's so gross, Daddy! Girls don't like when boys kiss their necks!"

For a moment Adrien couldn't distinguish if Marinette squeaked or groaned as they rapidly pulled apart.

"You need to kiss Mama's lips to make her like you," Emma added, quickly running from the door and climbing onto the bed. "All princes do that. Want me to show you?"

"Would love to," Adrien chuckled in amusement, hoping that going along would dissolve the awkwardness of the moment.

"Mommy," Emma said sternly to get Marinette's attention and leaned closer, pushing her bewildered father away. She quickly smooched Marinette's lips and grinned, looking at Adrien. "Like this, Daddy! On her lips."

"I see you're the master," Adrien teased.

"I am." Emma looked extremely proud. "Right, Mama? You do love my kisses the most in the whole world! Right?"

"I do love your kisses, kitten," Marinette giggled and winked at her. "I also love when you knock on the door before entering and clean your room as I asked you."

"I finished already!" the girl rushed to reassure her.

"Then you won't mind me checking."

"I did! I promise!"

"I know." Marinette bopped her nose with a finger. "I just want to marvel at my lovely daughter's amazing cleaning skills. Can I?"

"You didn't make your bed too," Emma pouted.

"I was about to do that," Marinette replied quickly. "Why do you think Daddy came up here? He's going to help me."

"Can Daddy help me too?"

"Sure," Marinette chuckled. "He'll finish here and go straight to your room, okay?"

"Cleaning isn't fun."

"I know, Emma," Marinette pulled the girl into a hug. "I didn't like cleaning too when I was little, but, unfortunately, that's something that we need to do. Now, go finish your job, and if you do well maybe, we'll do something fun today."

"With Daddy?"

"With Daddy."

"I'll call you when it's ready," Emma sighed and was about to depart when her sight fell on a few pillows lying around. A little Chat-like grin immediately sneaked on her face. "Or I can become an akuma and pillow-rize you!" she cried out and grabbed one of the pillows.

"My name is Pillow-rator!" she stated proudly, standing before Adrien. "And I'll pillow-rize you so you'll have to clean my room for me! Mommy can do without your help!"

"Oh no!" Adrien gasped. "What should I do, my Lady? Please, protect me before I fall under her pillow-tacular spell!"

"I guess—" Marinette laughed at the most ridiculous expression of fear Adrien faked, "—I guess we have no choice but to use the Lucky Charm and oh! Look what it is?"

"What?"

"That's secret knowledge," Marinette grinned. "It lets me know this little akuma's weak spot."

"And what is her weak spot, my Lady?"

"Why, thank you for asking," Marinette grinned harder. Instantly Emma's eyes widened, and she inhaled sharply, knowing exactly what her Mama meant. "I'll have you know, Chat Noir, that our lovely Pillow-rator here is super ticklish-"

"No!" Emma squeaked. "I'm not!

"Oh really?"

"Yup." Marinette got ready to tackle Emma.

"Just like my Lady over here?"

It was Adrien's turn to grin as the woman in front of him froze in her tracks.

"If I remember correctly—" He wiggled his brows. "Someone-"

"You would not dare!"

"Watch me," Adrien grinned and dived forward, trying to catch his victim. For a moment, he succeeded and even was able to tickle a few spots much to Emma's delight. However, once Ladybug - always a Ladybug and quite soon Marinette was already free and standing by the door.

"You!" she glared at her offender. "Both of you are grounded! Emma, go clean your room and you—" she pointed to Adrien, thinking for a second, "—you can clean my room! And I- I'll go have a quiet, peaceful breakfast that I deserve after what you two put me through today!"

With a huff, Marinette turned around to leave.

"She never liked to get into a tickle war with me," she heard Adrien tell Emma. "You know why? Because I'm not ticklish at all." For her own selfish safety reasons Marinette decided to ignore his smug claim, that wasn't even entirely true – he was ticklish, just not as much as her – and headed down to the kitchen.

About ten minutes later, she was in the middle of enjoying her morning coffee when her cell phone suddenly buzzed.

[Adrien: Hey, Princess? :3]

[Marinette: If you are trying to win my mercy using cat emoji, you are failing]

[Adrien: Didn't even think about it. =^^= I just have a question]

[Marinette: Yes?]

[Adrien: Where do I put this super cute burgundy lace bra that I would really love to see on you?]

Marinette could feel her ears getting hot.

[Marinette: Do NOT go through my drawers, you creep!]

[Adrien: You wound me, my Lady! T_T This cat was diligently cleaning your room, and this unexpected treasure was found on a floor behind your suitcase]

Marinette facepalmed. She was in the process of finishing up her packing yesterday when Adrien showed up. That piece must have slipped from her hands and fell in between her bags. At least it was a really cute bra.

[Marinette: Put it in the suitcase you found it by]

[Adrien: You wish is my command ;3]

A few more minutes passed, and Marinette was almost done with her breakfast when her phone buzzed again.

[Adrien: Forgive me, my Lady, but I'm a mere male human and can't help it]

[Marinette: What did you do this time? :( ]

[Adrien: Nothing, but you know those persistent things called thoughts? And how they cannot be controlled sometimes? Especially if you've worked in the fashion your whole life and the sexy bra belongs to the woman you love?]

[Marinette: Adrien, what did you do? Do I need to get up there?]

[Adrien: That would be awesome but Emma is next door, so I don't know how well that would work out. I do, however, have another question]

[Marinette: ?]

[Adrien: Was it a set?]

There was a slight pause as Marinette blankly stared at the screen. For a few short moments, she thought. Then smirked and typed back.

[Marinette: Would you like to find out?]

[Adrien: I would've never asked if I wouldn't like to find out or better yet see]

[Marinette: Well this particular quest is especially hard to complete but not impossible if you are determined. What shall I have you do?]

[Adrien: How about a bet? If you kiss me by the end of the day, you'll have to show me]

[Marinette: Show as in?]

[Adrien: As in wearing it for me. It is a nice garment]

[Marinette: I sense that this is not as easy as it sounds]

[Adrien: You were always very smart, my Lady. I'll have you know that I'll do my best trying to seduce you today]

[Marinette: With your lame puns?]

[Adrien: I have a few other tricks up my sleeve]

[Marinette: And if I won't kiss you, then what do I get out of it?]

[Adrien: Anything you want]

Marinette paused. She liked challenges and winning; she really did, but she wouldn't mind losing this bet. She was in love and starved for years and wouldn't mind some time alone with Adrien at all. It's not like she wasn't replaying their morning, short make-out session for this entire time in her head. And it was not like she wished she wasn't dead-exhausted yesterday evening to literally fall asleep on him. But there was Emma and the day had just started. All of her certain desires would have to wait. So, maybe- maybe, she should have a little fun and pay him back for the morning scare? Tease him a little? They could go somewhere public, for example, where he wouldn't be able to do much. She, on the other hand, knew all of his weak spots and could use them to her advantage.

[Marinette: You have a deal, Chaton]

[Adrien: Perfect! Is Emma down yet btw?]

[Marinette: Nope. Why?]

[Adrien: I promised her a Disneyland trip if she does her room properly first, so I'm just making sure she wins. Is it okay btw? Ugh! So sorry! I should've asked you first if you had any plans for today]

A Disneyland trip? That's a very, very busy place. With lots of people and things to do and lots of opportunities for her.

[Marinette: That's fine. We can go there. She'll love it]

[Adrien: Your mercy has no bounds, my Lady. 3 Text me when she'll be down. ;3]

[Marinette: Will do, hot stuff ;) ]

Ten more minutes later Emma was declared the winner of the competition. Half an hour later the trio left for the Disneyland, Disney songs playing loudly on the repeat, Marinette's outfit extra cute and Adrien prepared to win his bet. An hour later they were already boarding their first ride.

It wasn't the first time Marinette had visited Disneyland, but this was definitely the visit to remember because Adrien tried his best to win their bet in the given situation. Random brushes and innocent touches against her bare skin – simple, but they electrified, igniting a desire in her body for closer contact. A few random compliments whispered into her ear, and she found herself blushing each and every time. He held her hand whenever he could and wasn't shy of wrapping his arm around her. His sight was lingering on her and her only all day, apart from Emma, but, always a gentleman, Adrien had never gone beyond what was appropriate for the place they were at and the audience around them. He promised to seduce her - instead, he was actively making her fall in love with him all over again.

Not the one to step away from the competition, Marinette paid him back with his own coin. She knew exactly when and what to say to make him blush, how to stand and what angle to show off to evoke that lovesick grin of his. She knew what he liked. She played with it. She went as far as eating her ice cream in a way that made Adrien's face crimson red, but that was where she stopped. After all, while hiding her desires in the middle of one of the busiest places in Paris was easy for her, for Adrien it was quite hard.

Not so subtle seducing apart, their day was quite wonderful. They rode as many rides as they could, visited a few castles and even had dinner with Cinderella. But as the evening was fast approaching, all three started to feel quite exhausted. Even Emma admitted that she wouldn't mind resting a little. She only asked for one more ride before going home and since it was one of those tiny little things where the kid could go alone neither Marinette nor Adrien objected.

Adrien went to settle Emma on the ride while Marinette took out her cell phone to see any missed messages and phone calls. There was a few from her parents who were coming home in a few days. She'll need to think of a good way to break Adrien's parentage news to them. Though, she would be away in Milan when they would arrive. That'd give her some more time to think about it. There was surprisingly only one email from Alya. Marinette knew she was on her honeymoon and Wi-Fi was scarce there, but she didn't expect her to be this indifferent to the situation. She was about to tap on the link when a pair of strong arms waved itself around her waist from behind.

"You scared me," Marinette pouted.

"I'm sorry," Adrien murmured into the crook of her neck. "I just wanted a cuddle."

"Exhausted?"

"You have no idea. Full-time work doesn't drain as much as this. Why did I think it was fun before?"

"Because you were a kid," Marinette giggled and finally clicked on that email. Her eyes quickly scanned the content where Alya was not so subtly trying to pry out the details of what happened while trying not to spoil that she knew Adrien was coming over to her house the night of their departure.

"Alya thinks she is so sneaky."

"Remind me to get her a gift or something," Adrien mumbled against her skin again.

"Why?"

"Well, I do kind of owe her a thank you for saving you for me, no? If she wouldn't guard you so diligently who knows what could've happened. You could be married by now, and I'd be completely miserable."

"Well," Marinette couldn't help but mischievously smile. "There might have been a few dates she wasn't aware of…"

"Really?" Adrien's head popped up. "Do tell me, my Lady. Who was able to sneak by Alya the Great's watchful eye?"

"Well not really dates," Marinette chuckled. "More like I went out for lunch with Luka a couple of times."

"Wait, Luka as in Juleka's brother Luka?"

"Yup, him." She couldn't help but giggle as Adrien unconsciously tightened his grip on her. "We ran into each other about two years ago, and he invited me for lunch to catch up."

"Okay," Adrien pouted. Marinette couldn't see him, but his voice gave him away. "So, when Luka invites you out for lunch, you accept, but when Adrien does the same you run away as fast as you can? Not fair, my Lady."

Marinette chuckled and placed a reassuring hand on top of his. "When Luka invited me, I remembered how because of him I doubted my feelings for you back in the school. So, I thought that, maybe, he could help me to get over both you and Chat."

She could feel Adrien growl deep inside, despite him remaining completely silent, as his arms tightened around her once more.

"Don't worry, Chaton," Marinette laughed. "We've met a few times for coffee and actually had a nice time, but Luka wasn't interested in me romantically. He just genially wanted to catch up."

The sigh of relief that escaped Adrien was amusing. Marinette continued.

"And I wasn't interested in him romantically as well. Quite contrary—" she lightly squeezed Adrien's hands, "—he helped me realized just how deep my love for you was."

"Then why did you chase me away when I tried to get closer?"

"Because I couldn't allow myself to be happy after what I did to Chat," Marinette whispered after a short while.

"For all you know, Chat Noir could've been married and happy by this time," Adrien responded.

"I know," Marinette sighed. "It was stupid, but still, I couldn't. I couldn't just forget and move on before making sure he was alright. I loved him too much for that. I couldn't also be happy with anybody while still loving him as well. That wouldn't be fair to anyone."

Adrien didn't answer. He only pulled her closer and whispered into her ear, "I love you so much, Marinette. You have no idea." Before she could reply their little daughter ran up to them and with a smile begged for another black Chat Noir stuffy as a souvenir. Marinette groaned. Adrien shifty picked up Emma on his shoulders and announced a race to the Gift Shop.

"Mommy, I want to be Rapunzel!" Emma declared when there was about ten minutes' drive left to their house.

"You want to grow out your hair?"

"Nah. I want to fight with a frying pan and win!"

"Nice," Adrien laughed. "I can see your Mama's spirit in you."

"Hey," Marinette protested. "I was the strategist. It was you who swung your stick right and left."

"But you were and still are a fighter, my Lady? No?" Adrien paused for a few seconds, eyes focusing on the nearby intersection as they continued to drive. "Mulan," he added a moment later. "I think you are Mulan."

"Who? Mommy is Mulan?" Emma asked. "No! Mommy is more like Cinderella. She cooks and cleans all the time. And makes me do that too!"

"She is Mulan because she can kick some serious butt- ah, no! No, your mom is Belle."

"Why?"

"Because she is very intelligent and extremely beautiful."

"Really?"

"Totally. Although…"

"What?"

"I think she is Aurora, the Sleeping Beauty."

"Because she likes to sleep?"

"Yes, but also because anyone with half a brain would fight a dragon for the chance of being with her."

"Daddy-"

"Or Tiana. Yes! She is definitely Tiana!"

"Why?"

"Because she has to deal with a doofus of a prince like me?"

A string of laughs filled the car, and while furiously blushing Marinette remained silent, quietly debating when would be the most convenient time to lose her bet, Emma couldn't help but ask. "And who would you be, Daddy?"

"Me?" Adrien hummed. "Well, I'm certainly Ariel."

"Why?" This time it was Marinette who asked.

"Because I'll give up my whole world for a tiny teensy chance to be with my Princess?"

"You are too cheesy, Daddy," Emma yawned, cuddling her new Chat Noir toy to her chest.

"And going way overboard," Marinette added. "I had no idea you wanted to win so much."

"People had slain dragons and fought armies of ogres for a single kiss," Adrien chuckled. "I just said a few compliments. Nothing spectacular."

"Rapunzel is down and out," Marinette noticed, prompted to check on Emma for the lack of the chatter that hadn't ceased ever since they left the park. She must have really been exhausted after a day like this which meant she'd be hard to wake up until about six in the morning. Emma might be an early riser like her father, but she was also a heavy sleeper like her mother, and that gave Marinette plenty of time to lose a bet.

The house was already, and soon the car was parked in the driveway. Before she could exit, though, Adrien reached out and taking one of Marinette's hand brought it to his lips. Holding her sight, he placed a soft kiss on her knuckles. "Just so you know, Mari, everything I told you today is true. No bet involved, I'd tell you the same things over and over again because you are the most amazing woman I know and deserve so much more than I would ever be able to give you."

"Adrien-"

"Wait, Mari," hesitant, he inhaled, but continued in a moment. "I just want you to know that I'm serious about this - about you, Marinette, and about Emma. I'm moving back to Paris, and I will be here for you and for her until the day of my last breath. I love you. I've been in love with you ever since we've met-"

"Adrien-"

"I know I'm asking for a lot here," he rushed to add. "Marching out of the blue into your life after six years of absence and claiming not only my undeserved parental rights but actually hoping for your love as well? That's a lot. Especially after I ran away so shamelessly. Believe me, I know that. So, if you don't want me by your side, I will understand. I just hope can I remain in your life at least?"

"Adri-"

"I promise, I'll never push you or cross the boundaries you wouldn't want. I'll respect your decisions even if I wouldn't like them."

"I want you to have someone you can rely on when life gets too hard. I want to help you raise our daughter. I want you to know that there is someone who loves you more than anything in this world."

Fighting the urge to kiss him right there and then, Marinette bit her lip hard and closed her eyes. Get yourself together! Don't cry. Don't kiss him yet! Not yet. Not here. He deserved better than a quick peck in the car with a sleeping child at the back.

"I just wanted you to know that," he whispered at the end.

"Will you carry Emma for me, please?" she responded after a few seconds, trying hard not to betray her swirling emotions.

"Of course." Adrien kissed her hand one more time and smiled. "At your service, my Lady."

Almost silently they followed a routine of a few days prior. This time, though, Adrien brought Emma as far as her bedroom before being sent downstairs, while Marinette took to putting the girl to bed. Gathering her thoughts, she didn't rush, carefully considering her answer to the man who had just bared his soul before her.

Yesterday, when the reveal happened, Marinette's could think of nothing but how much she loved Adrien and how hard she wanted to be with him. There was still no doubt in her mind about that right now, but if this morning had shown her anything it was that they had a lot of work to do before that could happen. They weren't careless teenagers anymore with no responsibilities, no hard to break habits, or their own ways of lives, already integrated into their characters. Issues were bound to arise no matter how much they loved each other. They could easily not work at the end. This could quickly end in a mess of a century, but they could also, quite possibly, make each other happier than they could've ever dream of.

In a way, Marinette thought, Adrien was already in. Emma was his daughter and they both knew that. Marinette could never take that away from either him or Emma but was she ready to give him what he wanted because he was quite clear in his wishes. Was she ready to entrust him with her heart again? Was Adrien worth the risk of another heartbreak?

Marinette bit her lip as memories of this morning surfaced before her. The way he handled her baseless accusations- The way he understood that it wouldn't be easy and trouble-free to build a strong relationship- The way he offered to take it step by step and work hard on it together- The words he said in the car- His willingness to accept her rejection if she would think it for the best as long as he could remain there as a friend- Those weren't just sounds; she could tell he had really meant them. Those were a commitment. A lifelong commitment. And as far as she remembered neither Adrien nor Chat Noir ever lied to her. He was ready to commit. Was she?

Years of struggles made Marinette stronger than she'd ever been. She didn't need a man to be successful, but Adrien might just be what she was waiting for to finally feel complete. He could be that someone by her side on whom she could lean on when it would get too overbearing. He could be that someone who would love her as much as she loved him and whom she could entrust with her and her child's hearts. Adrien wanted to be that someone and, to be honest, with every passing minute, with every thought and memory Marinette listened less and less to the voice of reason. Complications be damned! Issues and problems would always be there, and they'd deal with them as they would cross that bridge just as they had dealt with this morning's mishap. No doubt, it'd take a lot of work, but they could do it. Adrien was willing to try his best and commit, why wouldn't she? They were, after all, Ladybug and Chat Noir, the perfect team, the yin and yang, two parts of the whole. They could be happy together.

They would be happy together.

She couldn't believe she had even considered not giving them a chance.

Her mind firmly made-up and with an eager heart, Marinette left the room only to find Adrien sitting on a floor by the door.

"Too tired to go down?" She settled by his side.

"Just wanted to be closer to you," Adrien replied quietly. "Here was the closest I could get without getting in your way."

"Dork," Marinette giggled. "Still trying to win the bet with a smooth talk?"

"Nah," Adrien chuckled. "I know that once you set your mind to something, there is little that can stop you from winning. To be honest, I didn't even really try to win - it would've been useless anyway. Don't worry about it. I'm a grown man, I won't die if I won't see you in sexy lingerie or get a kiss today. I haven't been kissed in years, and here I'm alive and healthy-"

"That's too bad," Marinette interrupted him, pouting as she climbed into his lap, straddling his hips while facing him. She slowly ran her fingers through his hair and along his jaw, playfully adding, "Because I was about to willingly lose the bet. But if you don't want me to kiss you…" She smirked and slowly leaned down, stopping only a little distance away, enjoying Adrien's hardly subtitled gulp.

"I never said I don't want you to kiss me," he mumbled, eyes focused on her lips.

"Oh, really?"

"Yes- never said that."

"Well then," Marinette teased, mere millimetres away from his lips. "I have three things to tell you first."

"Go ahead." Adrien swallowed as she wrapped her arms around his neck.

"First, I do own a set of a nice, lacy, burgundy matching undergarments."

"Do I get to see it?"

"Eager, aren't we?"

"Just a tiny bit."

"You didn't win yet."

"I feel like I'm really close, though."

"Not there yet," Marinette teased. "But even if you are, I still need to tell you two more things, and it might take me past midnight to do so."

"I'm all ears," Adrien whispered as his hands wrapped Marinette into a tight embrace.

"I look jaw-dropping in that set," Marinette whispered against his lips before pressing a barely-there kiss on them.

"You have no idea how much I want to see that," Adrien whispered, his breath quickening.

"Oh, I think I do," Marinette teased as she shuffled in his lap, her lips hovering over the edge of his jaw, burning his bare skin with its warmth. He closed his eyes and leaning his head back onto the wall asked, his voice raspy,

"What is that one more thing you wanted to tell me?"

"I love you," Marinette barely breathed out and closed the distance between them in a kiss that promised much more than a private showcase of one of her most sensual pieces. Much more.