Author's Note: Hey, Sultanna here! Popping in to tell you that this is pure fluff. To anyone who needs cheering up, this is the perfect fic for you! (At least I hope so)I hope you like it!
Update: I went and edited some typos and other minor errors. It's all good now, I think.
The Royal Seamstress Marinette walked into her quarters, dead on her feet but happy.
She just got finished sewing her newest creation and her craftsmanship just got praised by the King, Gabriel Agreste himself. So she took up Tikki's advice and retired to her chambers early.
The only thing that could possibly make this day better was if she saw the love of her life. She sighed happily at the thought of him. It was nearing dusk, the time he usually visited.
Memories of his beautiful boyish grin and forest green eyes flashed in front of her eyes as she flopped down on the mattress of her bed.
She heard the telltale sound of the crinkling of paper and sat up. She saw a piece of parchment that she missed, placed delicately on her sheets.
She opened the letter and her heart skipped a beat.
My Dearest Marinette,
Let me preface this letter by saying that I love you more than the heavens. I cherish every moment that I have spent with you and I'm hoping that you do as well. You're not just the love of my life but also my home, and the reason why my heart continues to beat. You're the light of my life and the love in my heart and I only belong to you, My Precious Princess.
'I love you' isn't enough to describe how I feel for you. No words in any language can fully encompass the emotions you make me feel. So I'll just say, My Marinette, you are my fairytale.
Meet me at midnight. At the place where our love story began.
Yours, and only ever yours,
Chat Noir
She sighed dreamily, clutching the letter close to her rapidly beating heart, before folding it and gently placing it on her nightstand. Tears of pure joy rolled down her cheeks. Oh her sweet, sweet Chaton.
She didn't know that she could love him more than she already does, but he went and did this for her. And now here she is, heart brimming with love and adoration for him and only him.
She waited impatiently for midnight to arrive, willing time to go faster. She switched from pacing around her room to laying down on her bed, anxiously awaiting the chime that signifies midnight.
When she finally, finally heard the clock tower strike twelve, she all but shot up and darted out of her room like a hurricane.
She picked up the skirt of her dress and made her way outside as quietly as she could. Cautiously looking left and right, accompanied only by the sounds of her feet tapping on the floor.
She got to the entrance of the rose garden and gasped in awe. The pathways were lined with candles, illuminating the roses in full bloom.
She walked through the pathways and found herself standing at the center, when a pair of warm hands covered her eyes and she was pressed to a broad chest.
His familiar voice whispered in her ear and butterflies erupted in her stomach, "Guess who?"
His breath was hot against the shell of her ear, causing her heart to thunder.
"Kitty! What are you up to this time?" She asked playfully but with a genuine hint of curiosity. She was all too used to his romantic gestures but this was grander than normal.
"Oh nothing. But listen, I have one request for you, okay?" He gently said.
She hummed in acknowledgement.
"I'm not exactly in costume right now. So keep those pretty eyes closed for me, My Love."
She jolted a bit at the information. She knew something felt off when he pulled her close.
"W-what?" She stammered, but closed her eyes anyway.
He let his hands drop from her eyes and she whirled around, feeling blindly for his face. She traced his features in amazement and awe. Savoring the feeling of having his soft skin under her fingertips without having his mask as a barrier.
She gave into her impulses and surged up on her tiptoes to plant fleeting kisses on his eyelids, forehead, and nose. She peppered his whole face with tender kisses, never lingering on one spot for too long.
His hands found their home at her waist as she gingerly cupped his cheek, caressing the area where his mask would've been. He automatically leaned into her touch.
She suddenly felt him step away from their embrace completely, and a small embarrassing whimper escaped her parted lips.
"Did I do something wrong?" She asked, nervous that she may have offended him somehow.
He didn't answer her question. Instead, he recited a speech that had her heart falling more and more in love with him with every word.
"Marinette, My Marinette. You are the most incredible person I have had the pleasure of meeting, and I don't know what I did to deserve someone as loving as you," He choked up and cleared his throat before continuing. "I look at you and realize that 'I love you' couldn't possibly describe the emotions that stir in my chest when you're near."
At this point, Marinette was tearing up at his sweet words. But before she can form a response, he continues.
"I've told you that you are my fairytale and I stand by that. You we're my once upon a time and," She heard him take a deep breath. "Would you please do me the honor of being my happily ever after?"
She felt her heart stop in her chest before going into overdrive. Is he...?
"Chat," Her voice sounded as nervous as she felt. She has to be interpreting his words wrong. There's no way she could be this lucky, right? "Are you—are you asking what I think you're asking?"
"My Princess," He breathed like a prayer before the throne of a goddess. "Look at me. Open your eyes, My Love. Let me see those lovely bluebell eyes that I fell in love with, when I ask the question."
Her eyes fluttered open, and her vision took a moment to adjust to the change in lighting.
She turned her gaze down to the love of her life and almost toppled over in shock, and pure, overwhelming adoration.
There, kneeling in front of her, in the middle of rosebushes, was her friend Adrien. Smiling nervously up at her, holding up a simple, but infinitely stunning ring out for her to take.
It was a sight to behold. Adrien Agreste, The Crown Prince of France, proclaiming his unending love and proposing to a mere seamstress.
It all started when Adrien got an opportunity to slip away from his "Princely Duties" and decided to take a stroll through the castle grounds.
He basked in the early, crisp autumn air. Taking in the sights of the color changing leaves.
He was about to head back when he caught a glimpse of a vision in rosy pink. He had to do a double take at the stunning woman entering the palace gates.
Her hair was black as night and she had the prettiest bluebell eyes he's ever seen in his life. Her skin was a creamy white and her cheeks held a natural blush. Her lips looked soft and inviting.
He always took pride in the fact that he's never been swayed by good looks, but goodness, she's the most beautiful woman he's ever laid his eyes on.
He shook his head to clear his thoughts. Be that as it may, he'd been raised by his mother to value kindness over appearance. Bewitching looks alone cannot enchant him.
It was timed so perfectly, that it must've been divine intervention.
Out of the corner of his eye, he saw the Head Housekeeper Tikki lose her balance and drop the laundry basket she was carrying, spilling the clothes all over the pavement.
He was about to rush in to help when the mysterious woman beat him to it. She helped the older woman up and assisted her in picking up the clothes. All the while smiling warmly at the housekeeper.
His heart raced faster than the country's fastest steed as he stared at her like she was a goddess blessing them mere mortals with her presence. And honestly? In his eyes, she was.
Oh he was doomed, but he couldn't find it in himself to mind.
He couldn't keep away from her. He kept getting drawn to her comforting presence. She was like a gentle sunbeam to everyone around her. And the reach of her warmth wasn't just limited to him.
He noticed that the castle staff got livelier with her arrival as a Royal Seamstress. She even got along with some of the noblewomen.
He, himself, even formed a friendship with the maiden—Marinette, as he learned. When she came into his bedchambers for a fitting.
He would adamantly deny getting flustered and fumbling all over the place at her close proximity. Far from the "Charming Prince" demeanor he was known for having.
She was patient with him though. Only smiling warmly at his slips and tumbles in understanding. Which only served to make him more enamoured with her as the days progressed.
He even found more ways to be around her, including befriending her as his alter-ego, Chat Noir.
Chat Noir was the identity he assumed when castle life got too stifling. When he needs to unwind like a normal person and not have eyes on him 24/7, he dons his black ensemble. Only the butler Plagg knew of his escapades but he was sworn to secrecy.
He hadn't really intended to earn her heart as Chat. He didn't even expect to bump into her in costume. It was all just a beautiful coincidence that sparked a chain reaction.
He was out on one of his late night runs, just walking atop one of the smaller sized walls in the palace garden when he spotted her.
She was admiring the rose bushes, not far from where he was concealed in the shadows. What is she doing out here this late?
He soundlessly crept closer to observe her. He was just worried for her safety. He told himself.
He definitely doesn't want a closer look at her ethereal face, bathed in the soft glow of the moonbeams.
He took another step but he lost his footing and crashed straight down unto one of the garden hedges.
"Ouch!" He hissed, clutching his right arm that took the brunt of the fall.
"Who's there?" The sweet tones that her voice usually carried got replaced by an intimidating edge.
He got up on his feet when he heard her footsteps coming towards him. Sure enough, there she was. A safe distance away from him, obviously cautious. Blinking at him in bewilderment with her sapphire eyes.
"I don't mean any harm! Cat's honor. I just wanted to take a leisurely walk," He blurted out. Then raised his hands in a universal sign of surrender, immediately regretting it after his arm throbbed in pain.
Her expression softened and took a tentative step toward him, "May I take a look at your arm?" She smiled gently, as if she was trying not to spook him.
His jaw dropped. Does her kindness even know any bounds? He was a stranger in her eyes, but she still decided to care for him. His heart just fell for her a little more.
At his lack of response, she quickly backtracked, "I apologize if I offended you somehow! I was just wor—"
"NO—" He caught himself and cleared his throat, "No, I appreciate the gesture. I'm just not used to people showing me genuine kindness." He held out his arm for her to inspect.
She took the invitation and squeezed the appendage lightly over his black sleeves, he winced.
"That will definitely bruise, Mister...?" She trailed off, asking for his name.
He grinned, "Please, call me Chat Noir."
She wasn't deterred by his strange answer. Instead, she smirked cheekily, "Well then, Chat Noir, I might have something that'll help."
She led him back inside and into her quarters. And while he was more than hesitant to step into her private space, she didn't even pause when she pulled him inside.
"Oh come on you big Kitty, we aren't going to engage in any unseemly activities," She giggled with a teasing lilt to her tone.
She stood on her toes to reach inside one of the cabinets in the room and took out what seemed to be a first aid kit. She nodded to herself and pulled a stool to sit beside the bed.
"I—uhm, you have to roll up your sleeves so I can put the ointment on your injury." Her cheeks rouged a little at the request and he couldn't help but notice how lovely it made her look.
He rolled up his sleeves without any further qualms and her dainty fingers applied the solution tenderly on his bicep. He flushed a little and rubbed the back of his neck.
"It's not common for someone to have a first aid kit in their room, much less an ointment for bruises. How come you have one?" He tried to strike up a conversation.
"Oh! You see, I'm very clumsy. I constantly trip over and bump into things, so I invest in products like these to ease pain. The kit is also convenient for a seamstress like me who pricks her fingers on a regular basis."
He was amazed at how easy a synchronized rhythm came to them. Even as she finished tending to him, they engaged in pleasant conversation.
God, she wasn't just kind and pretty, she was also unbelievably clever. Dishing out witty responses to his jabs.
Can this woman be anymore perfect?
They eventually made their way out to her balcony and continued to converse there. Marinette having a balcony despite only being part of the staff was something he was very pleased about. She deserved only the best after all.
He didn't notice the passage of time until he glanced up at the sky and saw the lightening sky due to the sun peeking over the horizon.
"Oh! It's morning already? You must return to your home before you're missed, Kitty." She practically kicked him out.
"You're right as always. Until we meet again, Princess." He took her hand to plant a kiss on her knuckles and she flushed. But her nose scrunched adorably once she registered what he called her.
"I'm no Princess, you Silly Kitty. I am but a seamstress," She argued.
"You are to me. Storybooks always told tales of beautiful princesses with endless compassion for everyone. And you most definitely fit the bill." He winked and jumped down her balcony railing before she could protest.
She shrieked at his stunt but he just laughed, the fall wasn't that high after all.
"You'll hurt yourself again!" She whisper-shouted at him from the second story.
He just chuckled and saluted. The only reason he injured himself earlier was because he got distracted by her, but she didn't need to know that.
Adrien snuck back into his bedchambers and immediately jumped at Plagg's unexpected presence.
"Plagg! Seriously, we have got to put a bell on you," He whined.
"Where were you? You've never stayed out this late before," The butler asked with an air of indifference.
A blush crept up his cheeks and he avoided the man's gaze, rubbing the back of his neck.
Plagg took notice of his odd behavior and smirked knowingly, "You were with her weren't you?"
He sputtered, in search of a response. Plagg just cackled at his misery and handed him his clothes for the day. Thank goodness, they were long sleeved. If his father sees the bruise, he'll have his head.
The butler shook his head fondly and headed for the door, "Get dressed you Smitten Kitten." He teased and slipped out the room. Leaving an embarrassed prince in his wake.
Adrien spent the day sleep deprived and yawning, but it was most definitely worth the time he spent with Marinette.
He eventually got the opportunity to talk to his Princess as Adrien and observed that she was in a similar state. Guilt gripped his heart.
When night fell, he got the idea to visit Marinette again. At first he was hesitant and apprehensive when he tapped on her window, standing on her balcony. But all of his anxiety disappeared when he was welcomed by her bright smile, all too happy to see him again.
They continued like that for about a month and a half—Prince Adrien being friendly to her in the morning, and Chat Noir visiting her at night—until something changed.
He doesn't know who leaned in first, he supposed it didn't matter. But he was kissing her and she was reciprocating, returning his affection with just as much fervor.
His heart soared and beat in time with hers. Butterflies erupted in his stomach and his head spun in the most delightful way. Her lips were softer than silk and he cherished the feeling of them on his.
He broke the kiss and pulled back, seeing the stars above reflected in her ocean eyes. He fell in love with her just a little more and dipped his head down to capture her lips once again.
Their dynamic shifted in the best possible way. He didn't have to suppress his love for her anymore. He took her for midnight walks through the garden, gifting her flowers. He relished her rosy blushes and reveled in the feeling of holding her close.
They shared kisses under the moonlight and behind rose bushes. They professed their love for the other in the safety of the shadows.
Several months later, he woke up one morning with a smile on his face. He and Marinette took a walk around the palace gardens, giggling and occasionally dancing. At that moment, he decided that he needed to marry her.
He's known from the very beginning that he wanted to be her husband. And her, his wife. But the sight of her laughing face increased his yearning tenfold.
He had no doubt that he wanted to be hers. He wanted the privilege of calling her his sweet wife. He longed to introduce her proudly as His Lady. And in turn, he wanted everyone in the kingdom to know that he only belonged to Marinette.
He set his resolve and headed to his father's study to speak to him about marrying Marinette. He was beyond nervous but he'll be damned if he doesn't fight tooth and nail for her.
It's not like his father can forbid him anyway, it was in his late mother's last will to let him marry for love. But he would be devastated if he didn't have the King's support.
He knocked on the wooden doors of his father's office and walked in.
His father barely even looked up from his paperwork before addressing him, "What brings you here, Adrien?"
He gulped audibly in a rare moment of vulnerability, before taking a deep breath and deciding to just get it over with.
"Father, I wish to marry." He was impressed by the strength of his voice despite the nervousness twisting his stomach into tangled knots.
His father didn't look the least bit fazed at his request before quipping, "Oh? To the seamstress girl you've been running off to court every night?"
His cheeks paled as white as paper before blushing violently, "H-how did you—"
"Don't take me for a fool, Adrien. I have eyes and ears everywhere. I know about your little escapades as Chat Noir," His father stated sternly.
Before he could open his mouth to say something, his father sighed fondly, letting a small smile play on his lips.
"Rebellion aside, I'd have to say that you chose well. Although Miss Dupain-Cheng may not be royalty, she is a genuinely good person. Even a blind person could see that. Good to know that you can't be fooled by the likes of Princess Chloé Bourgeois and Duchess Lila Rossi."
He scoffed, "You have to give me more credit than that father."
His father chuckled, which stunned him for a bit, "Yes well, you don't have to worry about me forbidding you from being wed to Miss Dupain-Cheng. I can see how smitten you are with her and how much she cares for you in return. If I had any qualms, I would've put a stop to it months ago."
"Thank you father." His eyes filled with gratitude.
"I may not have been that present in your life, but I know that you grew up to be a wonderful person, Adrien. You deserve to be happy with someone who loves you for who you are and not for what you can do for them. And I can clearly see Miss Marinette's pure intentions." His father smiled gently.
His vision blurred with unshed tears as he rushed forward to hug his father.
"Now, you mustn't waste anymore time. You shouldn't make a girl like Miss Dupain-Cheng wait. You don't meet a girl like her every dynasty."
He nodded and didn't miss a beat before sprinting out the door, startling Nathalie on the way.
"Slow down, Prince Adrien," She scolded lightly.
He just beamed at her and sweeped her into a hug. She chuckled at his shenanigans.
"I take it your father has allowed you to be wed to Miss Marinette?" She teased.
He looked at her, slack jawed, "You knew too?!"
"Half of the castle knew, Adrien. You weren't that subtle. You look at Miss Marinette the same way your father did your mother." She shook her head fondly.
Before he could leave, Nathalie spoke up again, "Oh, may I suggest going through your mother's jewelry and using one of her rings?" She offered.
"Good idea! Thank you, Nathalie."
He walked through the hallways beaming like the sun itself, greeting every guard and staff on the way, startling some of them.
He even ran into Marinette herself and she asked what got him so happy. He just shrugged and answered cryptically, smirking devilishly as she giggled at his antics.
He was about to bid her goodbye when an idea popped into his head, "Say, Marinette?"
"Yes?" She tilted her head sideways in the cutest way possible and he had to restrain himself from pulling her into a searing kiss, and spoiling her soft lips with his love.
"Do you have time to accompany me? I need to do something important that I could really use your opinion on." He smirked mischievously.
"Sure, I've got some time to spare. What do you need help with, Your Highness?"
"Please, Marinette, I already told you to call me Adrien when we're alone. You're not just a servant, you're my friend." And my future fiancee if you'll have me.
She giggled, "I'm sorry, Adrien. So, where are we off to?"
He made a show of looking left and right in suspicion, before leaning in and whispering conspiratorially, "I need to find an engagement ring and I'd really appreciate a woman's opinion."
She lit up, "Oh, I didn't know you were courting someone, Adrien. I guess a congratulations is in order?"
"Oh no, not yet. I'm planning to ask her tonight. I hope she'll have me," He sighed wistfully.
She snorted, "Is the Adrien Agreste afraid of getting rejected? Don't worry about it, she'll be lucky to have you."
He chuckled, "If only it were that easy, she's the type of woman who doesn't care about status or wealth. And on the contrary, I'm lucky that she even gives me the time of day."
Her brows furrowed and her eyes flashed in determination. Uh-oh, she only looks like that when he said something wrong.
"You listen here, Adrien. You are not allowed to talk about yourself like that, you hear me? You're one of the kindest, most amazing people I have ever had the privilege of knowing. You're not allowed to sell yourself short. Not if Marinette Dupain-Cheng has anything to say about it," She lectured.
He chuckled. She was a little bundle of goodness in this world and he wouldn't change a single hair on her head.
"Noted, Ma'am," He relented. "Now, shall we go on a treasure hunt for the best ring worthy of my beloved?" He drawled, letting a bit of his Chat Noir flare peek through.
She tried to stifle her laugher, "Sure, let's go."
They entered the treasure room and stood by the glass case that held his mother's rings.
"Which one do you think she'd like?" He asked.
"I don't know, I—these are all beautiful, Adrien. I'm sure she'd love any of these," She breathed, mesmerized.
"I actually asked you here because the both of you have more or less similar tastes," He fibbed just a bit.
"I don't know who she is but if what you said is true, I'd personally go for that one. It reminds me of..." She trailed off dreamily but caught herself and shook her head.
He followed her gaze to a simple, princess cut diamond ring on a rose gold band. The shape vaguely resembling a tiara.
A small gasp spilled from his lips, he knew exactly who it reminded her of. It was perfect. Like it was made to be worn by her.
"It's perfect, Pr—uh, Marinette. I cannot thank you enough." He almost slipped.
"It's nothing, really. I wish you the best of luck!" She grinned.They headed their separate ways. He knew exactly where he's going to propose.
Just you wait, My Princess. We can live out our fairytale soon, if you'll have me.
Marinette couldn't stop the tears that fell from her eyes. Her heart almost bursting at the seams because of the sheer amount love she felt of him.
His face fell, taking her silence and tears as rejection. But before he could misinterpret her reaction more, she tackled him into a hug. They both fell to the ground but neither cared.
"It's you. Of course it's you. Who else could it have been? Who else could've been my wonderful Chaton?" She murmured over and over like a mantra into his chest.
"You're not disappointed?" He asked tentatively.
She pulled away and glared daggers into his skull, "What did I tell you about talking about yourself like that?"
He flinched at the feisty ball of Marinette on top of him.
Her eyes then softened, "Adrien, Mon Adrien, how could I possibly be disappointed? I love my Chat more than anything, and knowing you're Adrien too just made me love you twice as much."
She stared into his eyes earnestly, proving that her words were true. His heart soared at the amount of love he saw in her blue depths. All that love was directed at him.
She suddenly jumped a little at realizing that she was sprawled on top of him, and scrambled to get off.
He picked up the ring that fell during their small scuffle and smiled up at her, "My Princess, My Love, My Marinette. Would you do me the honor of giving this stray a home, and being his wife?"
"Of course I will! Ten times over, you Silly Kitty! I love you. So very much."
He slid the ring onto her finger before standing up and pressing their foreheads together, "And I, you."
She took a good look at the ring and let out a watery giggle, "Did you really make me choose my ring, Chaton?"
"Well, I did tell you that you had similar tastes. I just didn't specify how similar," He smirked devilishly.
"You are impossible, Kitty."
"Only for you, My Lady."
He bent down and captured her lips in a sweet kiss. With the unspoken promise of a lifetime together to come.
Once upon a time, underneath the pale moonbeams and amidst the green garden hedges, a love story bloomed like a rose in spring.
And it was under the same moon, in the middle of the very same hedges, that they lived happily ever after.
