Just a Moment

Time was slowly ticking by. It felt agonizing. Felt, as if it was only passing in a tracking, snail-like motion. Hour after hour, after minute and seconds.

When Marinette looked at the clock once more she read with surprise, that it was almost eleven in the evening by now. And things haven't changed…

The young woman cracked her stiff neck and rolled her shoulders, before she raised their joined hands to her lips to give Adrien's knuckles a tiny kiss. But he didn't even look towards her - just kept on watching the peacefully resting face of his beloved mother, while his second hand rested over Emilie's.

Marinette didn't blame him, her heart skipped a painful little beat instead - knowing of the suffers and the torture waiting could bring. But apart from this cruel torture waiting could bring - he wanted to be there, when Emilie awoke and - who could blame him for that?

It had been a no-brainer for her to come with him to the hospital, when he had shyly asked her. Of course - she had promised to be by his side in good and in bad times and this - right here - was one of these moments, though only time would show, which path this particular moment would bring.

And yet there was seemingly nothing she could do - she just held his hand and prayed for everything to be alright in the end.

…for mother and son to be reunited again after all these years.

She let out a tiny sigh and stood up. Stretching her legs and her arms a little, as she noticed, that tiredness tried to get a hold of her once again. Sure - she had dozed of a few times already - but she just didn't want it to happen yet again.

Instead, she walked behind Adrien's chair and leaned over the backrest and embraced his broad shoulders in a loving way.

He tiredly hummed at her simple little form of affection and turned his head slightly to kiss her cheek, his now free hand coming up to her arms to caress her skin lightly.

"Marinette…really - you don't have to stay here all night… Just let me call and pay a taxi for you… It will take you home and - really- you need to go to bed early for once."

"I am not leaving you…", she whispered back lightly. "I'll stay right here with you! So - tell me - do you want a coffee, or a tea? Water? A little snack from the vending machine?"

They haven't eaten, yet and deep down she knew, that he wouldn't get a bite down now. Only some drinks from said vending machine. But she just hoped, that just something would sound appealing to him…

"Coffee?" - he asked sweetly, and it would be his third one. "Just let me pay this one-"

"Not happening~"

"Marinette - it was supposed to be our date night, where I could surprise you with little treats and with paying for everything. And now it's you, who pays it all!"

"I am a grown, independent woman!", she answered with a small smile and leaned her cheek against his, cuddling him a little more tightly from behind. "You know, that I am not with you for your money and that I am very capable of paying for my own stuff. And with that for yours, too. So - If I want to buy you a coffee, then I am going to do it!"

Plus she felt like she was still in his debt for taking care of her, when she had that silly, little breakdown…

"Oh Marinette…", he breathed - sadness and exhaustion clearly clinging to every syllable he spoke. "What have I done to deserve you, my Queen?"

"You are yourself…"

"And yet you deserve bett-"

She hurriedly grasped his chin with two fingers and turned his head towards her, to press her lips to his in a gentle, caring kiss. To end his doubts, before they could have taken over him completely.

For she didn't deserve anybody else, but him…

"A coffee it is…", she therefore said, as she ended their kiss, but pressed one more to the tip of his nose, before she straightened herself once more. "I'll be right back, Babe…"

She slowly started to step back, though Adrien tried to keep his hand on hers until the very last moment - looking longingly after her, as she left the room. It was a sweet little gesture, and it made her smile.

The young woman rolled her shoulders once more as she went - tried to ignore the quizzing looks of a few nurses, as she almost casually walked past them. For - indeed - it was way past visiting hours, the corridors were eerily empty and quiet by now. But she figured, that they accepted it - for her being Adrien's company. After all, he was paying enough for his mother's treatments and - as he had told her - with that for them to stay quiet about Emilie being here in the first place. Of course - otherwise reports would have swarmed this place as well, if only a little piece of information about her and the curious state of her condition would have left these walls.

Therefore, not one of them stopped her, as she walked towards the vending machine by the end of the corridor, once again. Nobody spoke to her, asked her questions. Just stared and whispered behind her back - for, of course - she was the girlfriend of Adrien Agreste and only a night earlier his very own father has walked through these walls as his akumatized self.

Hawk Moth…

She could tell, that his name alone provoked fear and terror in people's eyes. And the very sign of him as well. Still - after all these years…

What would Gabriel say, if he knew about it - that the doctors were certain about Emilie waking up. He would want to be here as well. Hold her other hand, just like Adrien did. Perhaps speak to her. Pray and wait as well…

Though… the knowledge of her waking up is all Ladybug could offer to him in the future, once she decided to visit him, again. Though… she should wait a little, until she would see and talk with him, yet again - neither of them was emotionally ready for that, yet…

Marinette smiled tiredly down at Tikki, as she opened her purse to get some money and the Kwami cast her a warm smile right back. They haven't spoken about these happenings just yet, but Marinette could tell, that Tikki was excited as well.

"Luka has written you a message…", the Kwami whispered and pointed towards her phone, which the woman gladly took, as she waited for the machine to gift her with the desired treats.

"Thank you…"

The young woman smiled and exhaled with relief, as she read the kind words of her dear friend. Of course - she didn't expect anything else and still she found relief in his comforting and supporting words. He even promised to send two new cards their way, when the band would return to Paris.

He was understanding and wished them all the luck they needed, once Emilie has woken up from her magical sleep. And- indeed - they would need that, since nobody knew what as yet to come.

She wrote him back - quickly thanking for his support and asked, if the concert was going as expected - but she knew, that she would an answer way past midnight.

So she placed the small device in her purse and with a little, colorful bag of some sweets and a small bottle with chilled water jammed between her arm and waist, she balanced the two cups of coffee back to Emilie's room. Back towards her Adrien.

"You shouldn't do all that to me…", he kindly murmured, his head turning towards her direction, as she returned towards him. "Now come here~"

He hurriedly stood up, to help her. Taking the coffee cups from her hands to place them on the night stand by Emilie's bed.

"I have something to eat and some water as well~"

"You shouldn't have-"

"I heard your stomach growling a few times now. And what would your Maman say, if I let her son starve right beside her? Mhm?"

He chuckled lightly and shook his head at her cute antics, wrapping one arm around her, when she placed everything else beside the two syrophoam cups with the steaming beverage inside. Holding her close by her side, as both watched the sleeping woman before them.

"Her finger twitched, again. Twice now! I believe it's getting more frequent. I… I am no doctor, but I believe, that it's actually a good sign!"

"Oh, that's lovely!", Marinette gasped. "I really hope she does wake up soon!"

"Y-yeah…"

She heard his stutter and looked up towards him in surprise. Her eyebrows furrowed - especially as she noticed that dark look in his eyes, as he gazed towards his mother.

"What is it, Babe…" Something was bothering him. She could easily tell and… hopefully he would open up about it. "Tell me, what you think…"

"Oh…it's nothing…", he whispered reluctantly and swiftly cast a cautious look over his shoulder and towards the door, as if he wanted to be absolutely sure, that nobody was going to bother them. "…well - it's not important, at least…"

"If it's important to you, then it's to me as well…", she kindly reminded him and laid her head against his shoulder, as her hand softly caressed his back in a comforting manner.

"I am just…", he shrugged. "…worried, that is all…"

"Okay…"

"My mother is like this for almost 13 years now! I am just afraid of her condition once she wakes up - you know… I mean - not even the doctors could tell me, how she would be like, since they don't know anything about…, well…, magic. You heard them - they said, that she could be perfectly fine, as if nothing ever happened. But then…"

But they didn't know if she had any knowledge of the things that happened before she had fallen to his magic induced slumber. If she had everlasting amnesia - if she even remembered Adrien, Gabriel, or her own name. That she had a twin sister and that she used to work as an actress…

The doctors couldn't tell him, if her brain had any long-term damages. Or her nerves, her organs, her musculoskeletal system, her whole body - for the magic surging through her veins couldn't give them proper answers in the medical checks they made on her.

They had nothing and so - who could blame Adrien for being afraid about that moment to happen. Excited, yes… but also scared…

"It's okay, Adrien…", she therefore whispered and dearly hoped, that she could have given him the answers, that he deserved, wanted and needed. But not even the Guardian of the Miraculous could give him that and that made her feel bad…

Perhaps Master Fu could have known the truth about that - but his wisdom was long gone, now, that he had lost his memory…

"…and whatever happens tonight, in the morning, or by the end of the week - whenever your Maman is going to wake up - it will eventually fall into place and the two of you will be reunited, again. And that is something good - isn't it?"

He was silent for a brief moment, thinking about her words and his gaze stayed on his mother the whole time.

"It is…", he eventually whispered and nodded, both of his arms finally coming around the petite woman beside him, to hug her properly, kissing the top of her head, and he rested his cheek against her hair. "…you are right, Marinette. That is indeed something good…"

"See?"

She hugged him as well and rested her cheek against his chest. Smiling slightly - deep down feeling for once quite optimistic about her own words. Dearly hoping that - indeed - everything would be alright for mother and son and the two of them would work around all the obstacles, that were yet to come. And Adrien and his mother could do it… She knew that…

Soon enough they settled back on their chairs - just like they had done, before she had left the room. With Adrien holding one of his mother's hands, while he had laced his fingers together with Marinette's, as both rested in their joined way on his knee. From time to time they would drink the coffee - she made sure, that he would take a sip of the water and a bite from the - sadly stale - sweets as well. Other than that they were barely talking, just leaning against the other, as time - once more - ticked by.

But… it was okay and for once she did not allow any outside thoughts inside this room - she let her duties and her worrisome feelings rest.

Marinette found herself waking up around midnight once more - she had dozed off for a few minutes, as she rested her head on Adrien's shoulder. He chuckled, as he felt her stir and move to sit back up properly, again - kissing her cheek, as she did.

"I wouldn't have minded, if you had slept a little longer…"

"I am awake now!", she hurriedly uttered and yawned. "Don't want to miss the big moment, too! So - anything new?"

"A nurse came in about five minutes ago to check on her. Her heart rate is more and more stabilizing and started to get fairly normal. Then she checked on her eyes and she said, that hers were starting to dilate properly. Her eyelids even moved shortly - apparently a response to the stimulation! I… Kept talking to my mother ever since. Perhaps… she can hear me… Perhaps my voice can help her to wake up. Wouldn't that… be awesome? Though - I am sorry to wake you up!"

"You didn't wake me…"

No - it had been the uncomfortable position she had slept in, the noise of the air conditioner above and the chill, that ran all over her skin. Plus - who could possibly sleep peacefully in a hospital?

"I really hope she wakes up soon…", he excitingly said - his fears for now forgotten and with childlike innocence he gazed back towards his mother. "I miss her so much in my life. And I want to tell her about Emma, and my job in the bakery and… about Alya and Nino! Gosh - she will love the idea of me having actual, amazing friends in my life! And of course I will tell her about you, my Queen! She will absolutely adore you as much as I do…"

"Sounds lovely…", she said dreamily and looked at Emilie's peaceful face. "I can't wait to meet her!"

"Oh I know, that the two of you will get along so well! Did I ever tell you, that she loves chocolate macarons? And Pain Au Chocolate and - well - anything with chocolate in it, or on top of it, or chocolate being the main ingredient of it!"

"Sounds like she will enjoy the fact, that you work at my parents bakery!"

He nodded gleefully.

"She will do that. I know it. For all she ever wanted for me was to be happy - she didn't care so much about the good grades I could get in homeschooling. How good I was at fencing, or if I only practiced classical compositions on the piano, instead of contemporary ones. She has told me instead to go out to the world to make friends and to see awesome places and meet the love of my life~" He nervously cleared his throat and glanced into her direction for a brief moment - making the young woman by his side blush slightly at his words. But he quickly continued, his voice more solemn than before: "It was Gabriel, who always was so… worried about me. Because he feared, that people would only befriend with me for my money and that the wrong person could be among them - one, that would 'steal' our families secrets. Funny - back then I thought he meant his designs, or anything regarding my mother's movies she would work in. I didn't think, that he would mean the two Miraculous they were hiding in our homes… or - when my mother had disappeared - that he was donning the Butterfly Miraculous, while he had hid her underneath the mansion in a glass casket..."

Marinette felt his demons returning - those gruesome ghouls, that carried the names of his father's misdeeds and both young adults - just now - were very aware, that Emilie would need to find out about them one day as well…

His stare was darker now, as he focused on Marinette with a frown on his lips. A small crease visible between his eyebrows and his whole expression broke her heart - once more - into tiny pieces.

"Do you…do you ever think, that… my mother - just once - wished for me to grow up to be exactly like my father? Like Gabriel? That she was pregnant and smiling at him and wished for nothing more, but for me to see the world like him. Be like him and act like him? She surely did - and yet now I have to disappoint her by trying to be the exact opposite…"

"Adrien…", she whispered and reached for his cheek, while the young man leaned into her touch immediately. "Listen to me closely - of course she wished for that. She loved Gabriel - perhaps she still loves him, when she wakes up. But when she was expecting, she couldn't know of the things, that would happen in the future. But believe me - she will be happy to see you all grown up and being such a kind, smart and gentle man. And she will fall in love that version of you so quickly and love you, like a mother loves her child. And she will enjoy the things you will bake for her one day and how you so perfectly play the piano. And… Emma - she will adore Emma and the thought, that she is a grandmother by now and-"

"And she will adore the gorgeous girlfriend I found for myself…"

Marinette smiled at that and nodded shyly.

"Yeah… I am sure I will get along with her very easily…"

At least that was one thing she was hoping for, but - given everything she knew about Emilie so far - it surely would work out for them in the end. And that - indeed - was a lovely little thought.

The young man kissed her cheek gently, before it was him, who rose to his feet. He rolled his shoulders, too and smiled down at her apologetically.

"Do you mind, if you watch over my mother for a minute? Sadly, the bathroom is calling out for me…"

She nodded and swiftly sat on Adrien's chair, instead. She even reached out for Emilie's hand to hold it tightly, brushing her thumb over her soft, but cold skin.

"Of course! As I said before - I get along with my future mother-in-law pretty well!"

The young man had partially turned around already, before he stopped. He let out a little, purr-like hum at the choice of her words and grinned brightly at her. Thankfully a gleam emerged within these brilliant green orbs, and it was able to push the darkness away for now.

"'Future mother-in-law'? Did I hear correctly?"

She waved him off quickly - Thankfully far too tired now, to think about any suggestions she had made - she could feel ashamed about it in the morning.

"You know what I mean, Babe!"

"And you know, that your mother will make an immediate appointment for our wedding, if I would call her exactly that as well!"

She stuck out her tongue at him and huffed.

"I am not going to give in to these silly conversations now…"

"Okay - but I'll remind you of that, later!"

She rolled her eyes at him and grinned.

"Didn't you want to seek the bathroom?"

"Of course - I'll be right back. And… how does sound a tea to you? Let me treat you for once tonight…"

She sighed dramatically, but nodded with a sweet smile.

"Okay~"

He didn't leave her side without one final kiss. And then he was gone - leaving her with his mother alone. Little was the young woman amazed by the trust he had in her - for she was pretty sure, that he wouldn't leave his comatose mother in anybodies care.

And this very trust felt good - Marinette couldn't deny it, especially after her last meeting with-

No, she wouldn't think about him now!

Instead, the young woman leaned a little closer towards Emilie - her thumb continued to carefully brush her knuckles, while the young woman rested her elbow on the edge of the bed, her palm supported her heavy head. Watching the other woman's face most carefully.

Still, after all this time she found Emilie utterly stunning and beautiful and - true - Emma could easily count as a small duplicate of her. And Adrien as well, though his features were perfectly mixed with Gabriel's masculinity as well - more now, that he had gotten older. But still - there was no denial in the fact, that he looked so much like his mother as well…

"…I am really looking forward to meeting you…", the young woman whispered with a warm smile. "I only heard good things about you - by both your husband and son. And I believe it will be wonderful, if you are back in Adrien's life…"

Emilie's eyelids twitched and Marinette held her breath, stopped to motion of her hand and waited. But again - nothing.

"How long does it take, until she wakes up?", she eventually whispered - this time in the direction of her purse. "Tikki?"

The small Kwami came slowly through the fabric of her purse. Looking around, blinking tiredly herself, before she levitated up to her Chosen's side.

"Honestly - don't know… Never before was a broken Miraculous used for an extended period of time. I can feel the magic is wearing off, that is true. But apart from that I am just as clueless as everybody else…"

"But why now?"

Tikki shrugged and soared closer the Emilie's face - big blue eyes scanning the angelic face before her - a tiny smile tugging at her lips.

"As the Kwami of Creation I would say it's because of love…"

"Love? Tikki - this is not a fairy tale! It's real life…"

"But what if that's the truth? Because after all this time her body reacted to the love of those two people, that are most important to her?"

"Gabriel and Adrien…"

True - Gabriel had been here the night before. And for Adrien… perhaps he had been by her side a little earlier. He visited her almost every day, now that he had returned to Paris.

So - yeah - perhaps Tikki was right about her assumption and Emilie was waking up, because both had been around her. Talked to her. And that very love could break through the magic at last.

And for the fairy tale… Normally she shouldn't mind magic at all - but then again she talked to a magical being on a daily basis and had super human powers for that very reason - she therefore shouldn't judge the very rules of magic at all.

"But it's exciting! Adrien will have his beloved mother back - after all these years…", Tikki cooed and excitingly bounced up and down in the air. Giggling, eventually stopping once more before Emilie's face. To hum - one of these ancient songs, that the Kwamis loved to sing.

A gentle tune, soft in its nature and - as always - Marinette loved to listen to it. Starting to hum along with the tiny goddess. For nobody would mind, if she did. Especially not Adrien…

The young woman closed her eyes. Tired, yes, but also carried away by the melody, that Tikki produced. Clasping her hand a little more tightly around that of Adrien's mother. And just breathed in time with the sleeping woman in front of her. Just listened to her and Tikki's joined hums. Just prayed, that the long wait would eventually be over.

Then suddenly Tikki's voice was gone and in utter irritation Marinette stopped as well. She opened her eyes to gaze towards the door, for - perhaps, somebody had dared to enter to room.

But there was nobody…

Therefore, Marinette turned back with a small frown towards Emilie.

And gasped.

For the other woman's beautiful green eyes were wide opened now - her emerald green orbs staring straight towards the ceiling above.

"E-Emilie?", Marinette stuttered, not knowing if she was dreaming, or not. "Madame Agreste?"

And - indeed - the blond woman let her eyes dart towards the sound of Marinette's voice, mustering the unknown person in front of her. Staying silent, just watching most carefully.

"I-I will be right back! I will get the doctors. Okay?"

Marinette's mind was running miles per hour - trying to realize and understand, what just has happened - that Emilie Agreste has indeed just woken up. She needed to see the doctors. Needed to find Adrien. Immediately and right now!

She burst through the doors - looking left, right and left again. Seeing two nurses talking in front of another room - not to far away. Calmly chatting, one even carried a late-night coffee in her hand.

"Emilie Agreste!", was yet all, that Marinette could say. "She's awake!"

The two nurses looked at her - first dumbfounded, then in shock. Quickly communicated in their own medical language, before one rushed away to get the doctors, while the other hurried past Marinette and into the room behind her.

More doctors and nurses came - some carrying clipboards in their hands, others carried medical equipment. Nobody dared to look at her. Ignored her. It was okay - if only their knowledge could help Emilie in any way…

"Marinette?", she suddenly heard in the distance, and she saw Adrien emerging from the right - face pale, hands shaking- he didn't even carry those teas, that he had promised. But surely he was already very aware of the surrounding commotion.

The young woman couldn't even speak, for any word has lost its meaning.

She merely let out a shaking breath.

Nodded eagerly.

And finally she smiled warmly and with so much hope in his direction.

Adrien immediately understood - was there by her side and stalked back into the room - one of his hands grasping that of Marinette most tightly, as if she was the only thing, that could keep her connected with reality.

And… perhaps - that's exactly, what she did.

For both stood there almost forlornly. Watching the nurses and doctors around - taking blood samples, checking on Emilie's reflexes, her breathing, her heart beat. It felt surreal, to just stand there, watch the happenings, as if they were in a movie - but neither of them would be able to help right now anyway.

It even took the doctors some time to realize, that they were standing there in the first place - telling them to leave for now, to rest and to come back in the morning.

But that very doctor turned silent, when a nurse called his name. Silent, like everybody else around.

And for just one tiny moment the time seemed to stop.

Everybody just looked towards Emilie Agreste - the gorgeous woman was starring straight into Adrien's direction - one hand weakly reaching out for him.

He immediately pushed past that man in white in front of him. Shakingly sat on Emilie's bed. A sob escaped his lips. A breathy gasp hers. He took her hand and both together reached for the young man's cheek.

"Maman…", he whispered, as tears started to stream down his cheeks. Leaning towards her, foreheads touching, both embracing for the very first time. Shaking. Crying. And he did not mind one bit.

And… Who could blame him for that?

Marinette herself felt tears on her cheeks and she clasped her hands over her heart, that happily beat within her chest - tonight for a mother and son, that have finally reunited after so, so many years…

A/N: Just a Moment to last for a lifetime - mother and son reunited, again. Its a short chapter, but still so important for those, who are involved. I knew, that I needed to take care of Emilie in one way or the other (not in the bad kind of way). I was just really hoping, that the series would have given us an explanation on what her life would be like, once she wakes up but since not all episodes of Season 4 were aired up to this point, I knew, I had to came up with my own solution.

So - was it love? Was it the magic fading away? The moon and stars standing in the same position, like 13 years ago? Let's say, its whatever explanation you like, for it is not important for the story. I am going with love - with both Gabriel and Adrien being by her side at the same time. But apart from that - you are free to have your fantasy running lose here?
We will meet her in the future, again - then she will talk about why she had been like that in the first place. (We all know, that she used the Peacock Miraculous- and no - I am not going down the route of Adrien is a Sentimonster theory here for this story)
But we will read about that later ?

So - enjoy this little chapter as a break after the last ones - and before the storm, that is yet to come?

Next chapter: Binding words and visiting a former foe...