Um...Hi?

I'M SORRY! Kind of. Covid-19 just really made me super stressed, and then I wasn't liking where this was going, and then I, uh, got lazy. Don't worry, I'm not giving it up, as you can see from this update. I've just been really getting into other fandoms, and I didn't really have much of a drive to continue editing this story for a while. I eventually will finish this story, I'm just not sure how long it will take.

Thank you so much for all of the reviews! If you review, I feel loved, and I feel more motivation to write. Just so you know ;)

mayuralover: I saw your review, and I see how you would be confused. The danger in him attending is that both nobles, AND peasants are allowed to compete. But most peasants don't have enough extensive training to beat a noble whose been trained their whole life. Not unless you were Cat Noir! It's kind of like the Disney version. It seems like it's a harmless event, but Cat Noir will discovered. I would change that chapter to make it a bit clearer, but like I said, I'm lazy. Thanks for the feedback though!

Now on with the long awaited chapter!

Disclaimer: I do not own Miraculous Ladybug.

Marinette was pacing in her room, waiting. Adrien had not shown up yet, but she couldn't really blame him. It was still early in the evening.

She had dismissed her maids long ago, and was currently in her nightgown. She had also asked that nobody disturbs her tonight. Fearing that they would see Adrien.

Marinette bit her bottom lip, and tried to find something to distract herself until Adrien arrived. She was too panicked to sketch, but other than that, there was nothing much else to do. She saw her brush by her vanity, and decided to brush her hair. Remembering how her mother used to do it to calm her down.

She took out her twin tails, and started brushing her hair slowly. Humming a slow, soft tune her mother would hum. She was surprised to find that it still worked to calm her.

"I remember that song."

Marinette turned to the voice, and saw Adrien standing by the doors that led out to the balcony. Adrien smiled sweetly at her, and Marinette felt her heart leap.

She smiled in return, and promptly threw her arms around his neck. Adrien was only more than happy to return the sentiment. He chuckled. "Well somebody missed me." She looked up at him and saw him smirking. She pursed her lips, showing that she was not amused.

Adrien chuckled again. "Have you heard about the tournament?" he asked. Marinette bit her lip and nodded.

"Adrien," she said. "You can't go." Adrien smirked again, and leaned closer.

"Is my Princess worried about me?" he asked, lips brushing her ear. She shivered slightly, but pulled herself together. Now was not the time for games.

"This is serious." she said, pulling away slightly. "Andre is sending every guard to catch you in the act." Adrien scoffed.

"Those so-called-guards couldn't catch a stray dog."

"My cousin is getting desperate. If you go to the tournament, you'll get caught."

"I'll be careful." Marinette shook her head in disbelief.

"You can't seriously be thinking about going. My cousin may be an idiot, but even her can tell that a normal peasant wouldn't be able to beat a noble."

"Marinette, that money can do some real good. Things are getting bleaker everyday, more families are losing their homes."

"Isn't there anyone else?"

Adrien shook his head. "While I would usually say Alya, women aren't allowed to compete Nino can't swing a sword to save his life, and I doubt anyone else in the village would go against the Sheriff. The only man who I can think of is currently on the guard. Since he's already got a good pay, there's no way he can do it without drawing suspicion to himself."

"Then we'll find another way. I'll steal from the royal treasury myself if I have to."

"Marinette-"

"Adrien, I can't sit by and watch you stupidly risk your life! If you get caught, Andre and Audrey won't hesitate to kill you!" Marinette felt her eyes tearing up. She shut her eyes tightly, refusing to let them fall. She wouldn't cry! She knew it was selfish, asking him to give up the chance - however small it may be - but she couldn't bear to lose him. Her heart wouldn't allow it.

Adrien pulled her tight against him in a loving hug, and he stroked her back in slow soothing motions. Marinette's breathing slowed, and her hold on him loosened as she calmed down. Adrien pulled away, and cupped her cheeks.

"Marinette." he said softly. "I promise, I will be fine. There might be someone who can take my place. It's a long shot though, he's not the easiest to convince."

"Try it. I just want you safe." she whispered. Adrien gave a small loving smile. Then gave her a small peck on the lips.

"I love you Marinette." he whispered.

"I love you more." Marinette leaned forward slightly to bring their lips back together. They kissed slowly. Pouring their love for each other into the kiss. Marinette couldn't stop a contented sigh from escaping her. She knew that she would marry this man someday if it killed her.

Time seemed to slow as they continued. They stayed like that until they heard a crash. Both sharply turned toward the door, panicked. Nobody came through and saw them. They did hear the screeching demands of Chloe however. Neither moved or made a sound.

About a minute passed and nothing happened. The voices were gone, and all was silent. Adrien and Marinette visibly relaxed.

"That was close." Marinette whispered.

"I'm sorry." Adrien whispered. "I- I got carried away."

"Adrien." the boy looked at her sheepishly. Marinette game a small smile. "First of all, I started it. Secondly, never apologize after a kiss like that."

Adrien smirked, and leaned closer to her. "I'll keep that in mind Princess." The whisper came out husky, and a bit alluring. Marinette wanted nothing more to continue what they started, when a yawn escaped her. Adrien pulled away, and smiled. She knew that she had killed any chance of continuing without even saying anything. "It's late you should get some sleep." he said softly. Yup, she killed it. She pouted a bit, which made Adrien chuckle. He escorted her to her bed, and lightly kissed her forehead. "Sweet dreams Princess."

I will if you're in them. Marinette thought. She leaned up, and kissed the tip of his nose.

"I love you Adrien."

"I love you too Marinette." he gave Marinette one more small, sweet kiss on her lips, before departing.

When Adrien was gone, Marinette finally felt how heavy her eyelids were. She let out another large yawn, and snuggled under her covers. A small smile permanently placed on her lips, as she dreamed of her lover.

Was that worth the wait? No? Yeah I didn't think so. So tell you what, my next chapter is ready, but who knows if my motivation will stay up. So if I don't have the next chapter posted tomorrow, you have my full permission to spam my PM. I'll get the message.

Also, have you seen the New York Special? I watched it with my friends, and we were all just screaming! I swear that was an emotional rollercoaster!

Have a great day nuts!