Chapter Eleven

Ladybug swung across Paris, eyes frantically searching the streets below for her partner.

When she had first woken up this morning she hadn't thought much was wrong– curled up in bed with Tikki next to her as always. But something had felt off, and from there it took her only a few moments to realize that it wasn't her bed at all, and that Tikki shouldn't have been the only one with her. That was when she had jolted awake.

The lack of Adrien downstairs and her parents' nervous faces were all she needed to see to know where her husband had gone, and she hadn't wasted any time storming out into the streets, calling for a transformation as soon as she was out of sight, making her way across her city in search of her partner.

"That idiot," she muttered under her breath, landing on a rooftop as she scanned the streets below. "I told him not to go without me."

If Gabriel so much as looked at his son the wrong way he was going to regret it.

The mansion had been the first place she searched, but even with the limo parked in front there had been no signs of Adrien being within. She didn't know how to describe it, but there was just an empty feeling in her chest, lacking the warmth and comfort she had always held when Chat was around, and she just knew there was no point in investigating further– so she had begun to search through the rest of the city instead, blue eyes frantically scanning the streets below.

It wasn't Adrien who she found first, but rather the Gorilla's large form that caught her eye. The man was making his way down the sidewalk, one monstrous arm wrapped around Adrien. His large stature was enough to make people move out of their way without him needing to say a word.

Ladybug landed on top of a tall building, realizing that perhaps transforming hadn't been her best option. While she had many advantages, something she lacked was the ability to swoop down and take Adrien into her arms– and it was getting harder to resist that urge the longer she watched Adrien, his form slightly hunched as he stood wrapped in the Gorilla's embrace.

She stiffened up slightly as she realized the Gorilla's gaze was searching the rooftops– his eyes eventually meeting hers. Even with the distance between them they held eye contact for a moment, and he gestured with his head. She blinked in confusion, and the Gorilla began to usher Adrien across the street.

With no time to question anything, as she knew her Kitty needed her now, she leapt down into the alleyway below, using her yoyo to slow her fall. She landed on her hands and knees, rolling to her feet in the same action as she recalled her yoyo. She opened her mouth, calling for a detransformation the same moment a shadow flickered across the alleyway.

She jerked her head up, eyes widening as her mask began to fade from her face. There stood the Gorilla, watching as her transformation fell, Adrien still tucked under one arm. The three of them stared at each other for a moment, though the Gorilla was the only one that didn't seem frightened. He merely raised an eyebrow as he saw Marinette appear as her suit faded, Tikki flying out of the earrings. He glanced at the kwami, before shoving Adrien forward towards her.

He then turned his back, standing in front of the alleyway, clearly keeping guard in some form, but moved some distance so he wasn't obviously hovering right in front of it. Marinette held out her arms, Adrien stumbling into them as she stared out at the Gorilla with confusion, Plagg zipping out of Adrien's pocket.

"I–"

There was a horrible scowl twisted across Plagg's face. "Just give the word, kid," he hissed, his pupils mere slits. "Just say the word and that mansion will come crumbling down. That along with everything else that man values."

Adrien shook his head, and Marinette moved to bring him into a hug– not knowing what had happened, but knowing it hadn't been good. "It's... it's fine Plagg. I'm– I'm fine."

"What happened?" Marinette asked, eyes flashing between them, and Adrien brought her into a crushing embrace.

He buried his head into her neck, and she could feel the tears on his face, so she held him even tighter. "M'lady..."

"You gotta do something!" Plagg hissed as loudly as he could without it being a shout. "Strangle that man, rip everything he has apart– you have to!"

"No, Plagg," Adrien said softly, lifting his head slightly as he leaned back against the brick wall.

She pulled back, cupping his face and angling it towards hers. She used a thumb to wipe away his forming tears, and despite it all he tried to give her a reassuring smile– though his eyes told another tale. "Minou, what happened?"

"Fa– I mean... Gabriel..." He closed his eyes. "It's over, My Lady. I wanted to be free of him, so..." More tears entered his eyes, choking as he tried to speak, his voice a mere whisper. "Why does it hurt so much?"

She hastily brought him back into her arms.

"That 'man' disowned him," Plagg snarled. "For being happy. For being in love." His fur was bristled, the anger clear, yet there was a gleam of pride in his eyes. "You should have seen him, Pigtails. My Kitten didn't even flinch when told to end the marriage, snapped right back at him and told him no." His voice fell to a hiss. "He's going to regret ever hurting a hair on his head."

"Why does it hurt?"

"Because you cared about him," Marinette said gently.

She was going to kill Gabriel. Slowly.

"I still love him," Adrien whispered. "What's wrong with me?"

"Nothing's wrong with you," she told him, whispering in his ear, before pressing a kiss to the side of his head. "That's just what's amazing about you, love."

His arms wrapped around her, pulling her in close. He was unnaturally still, but holding her tightly, and she let him, running her hands down his back. Plagg zipped close, landing in his hair, letting out loud soothing purrs.

She pulled back, brushing some of the hair away from his face, and he leaned his forehead against hers. "How about we go home, okay?"

"Home," he echoed softly, as if he didn't know what to do with that word.

She slipped her hand into his, leading them out of the alleyway, Plagg and Tikki vanishing back into their pockets as they stepped into the sun. The Gorilla was there in an instant, his arm around both of them this time, guiding them down the street. She let him lead them, just focusing her attention on Adrien as they went. His eyes were still watery, though the tears had stopped falling. She squeezed his hand to let him know she was there, and he did the same thing in reply. For the most part his head was down, eyes far off as they headed through Paris.

It wasn't until they turned onto her street that he looked up, staring at the sky.

"...I don't know what I'm going to do," he muttered, and worry filled her– until he let out a chuckle. "Princess, I have no idea what I'm going to do. For the first time I'm..." He couldn't seem to find the word. "It's up to me," he whispered. "Huh..."

"You're free." A smile tugged at her lips. "Truly an alley cat now, huh?"

The Gorilla paused as they reached the bakery.

"I'm no alley cat," he muttered, leaning in close, his lips brushing against hers. "I have My Lady."

The kiss was short, their lips just pressing against the other, but it was enough. Adrien's hand wrapped tightly around hers, looking up at the bakery in front of them. A small and simple little place, nothing like what he had left behind– but yet it was perfect all the same.

Hand in hand, the two of them went home.

Not much had been said as they had entered the bakery, her parents immediately coming over to them the moment they had seen the expressions on their faces. They had begun to close up the bakery despite it being morning, the Gorilla leading them up to the living room at Sabine's prompting. Tom had brought them all a hot chocolate, and a plate of cookies set untouched on the coffee table.

Marinette was running her hands down Adrien's back, who was leaning forward on the couch, staring at his drink. He seemed strangely detached from it all, silent as he sat there. Marinette's gaze kept flickering over to the Gorilla, because while she had been able to push what had happened aside in favor of helping a distressed Adrien, she couldn't ignore it now that things had calmed down.

He had seen her detransform.

That wasn't the only thing that was bothering her though– how calm he had been through it all was startling, but what confused her the most was the fact that he had brought Adrien to her. Not to Marinette, but to Ladybug, as if he had known that was who he had needed most in the moment. The possibilities had been bouncing around her mind, and with her parents downstairs and Adrien in a much calmer state she knew she had to ask.

"How long have you known about our identities?"

This seemed to stir Adrien somewhat, the blond raising his head to glance at her, before turning his puffy eyes towards the Gorilla. The bodyguard (former bodyguard? Marinette wasn't sure) leaned back for a moment, thinking, before shrugging. He gestured to Adrien, giving a nod, and then to Marinette with a shake of his head.

"You... didn't know mine?" Marinette guessed. "But you knew Adrien's?"

The Gorilla nodded in confirmation, and Marinette considered this. It made sense– it was well known that Ladybug and Chat Noir were a couple, so of course that had been the first person he had taken Adrien to after what his father had done. Her identity had only been discovered today then, and she had no idea what to make of that. It was something that was supposed to stay secret, something to protect with her life, but apparently it was already a secret the Gorilla was keeping.

"Heh," Adrien whispered. "Guess I wasn't as good as sneaking off as I thought then, huh Ezra?"

The Gorilla– or rather Ezra– gave a small smile as he raised his hot chocolate to his lips, shaking his head. Adrien looked away, leaning up against Marinette one more time.

"Sorry, m'lady," he said quietly. "I didn't know I had let that slip."

She ran her hands through his hair like she often did when they were transformed. "Don't worry about it, Kitty. I..." She glanced at Ezra. "I think our secret is in good hands."

Ezra let out a grunt.

It was at this point Sabine and Tom came back upstairs, a platter of pastries in Tom's hand as they took a seat. Tom offered everyone a treat, insisting that Adrien take a chocolate croissant when he hesitated. He sat up a bit as he picked at it, shifting uncertainly as everyone's eyes turned towards them– though all of the gazes were gentle.

"I take it that it didn't go over well?" Sabine gently asked.

Adrien looked away, more tears stinging his eyes. "It went exactly how I thought it would."

"Minou, look at me," Marinette said, and his eyes shifted towards hers. "You have us. No matter what that man says, no matter what he did– you have not lost your family. I'm here for you, and always will be."

"Thank you," Adrien said softly, and though he couldn't bring himself to smile he brought her into a hug. They held each other tight, and Marinette did not want to let go. She just didn't understand how someone so wonderful had to go through so much, while the one that made him suffer seemed unaffected by the pain he inflicted. Her hands tightened around Adrien, promising herself that one day Gabriel would pay for what he had done.

"Is there anything we can do?" Sabine asked.

Adrien shook his head as he pulled away. "No, I couldn't ask anything of you guys– you've already done so much for me." He took Marinette's hand in his, running his fingers across the back of her hand. He sat up a bit, taking in a deep breath. "I will be okay."

He said those words as if trying to convince himself, and she squeezed his hand. He would be okay, even if he wasn't now. He had been through a lot, but like always they would go through this together. The only option he had right now was to move forward– and right now the future looked so much brighter than it had in a long time.

Adrien turned towards her, bringing her hand up so he could kiss the back of her hand. "I love you. He doesn't understand that, he thought you were just using me for my name." A smirk tugged on the corner of his lip. "You should have seen the look on his face when I told him I took yours."

"Ours," Marinette corrected.

"Ours," he echoed. "I like that."

It was easy to forget that they weren't alone– because for so long that was the only time they could exchange affection. He had been leaning in closer, and Marinette went to meet him, his warm lips brushing against hers. His hand then found her back, pulling her into his lap as he pressed in for another kiss, almost a desperation to how closely he held her– as if he just needed to know that a love for him was there. She returned it just as intently, shifting to deepen it–

Tom cleared his throat, reminding them that they had an audience. They both stiffened up slightly, a blush forming across Marinette's face. She hurried back to her spot on the couch, quickly letting go of Adrien, before deciding she wanted to hold his hand, snatching it up as she sat up straight.

Sabine chuckled. "You two are adorable."

Ezra nodded in agreement, and now Adrien was blushing slightly. He cleared his throat. "I, um, suppose I have a lot I need to do." He said, eyes shifting over to Marinette. "I'll need to find an apartment, probably start job hunting–"

"You can work here at the bakery," Tom said, causing the two teens to look at him in surprise. "Granted, you'd need a bit of training, but we can provide a flexible work schedule for both of you if you can't find anywhere else."

"And unless you'd feel more comfortable in your own place then I see no reason why you two shouldn't be staying here," Sabine continued, smiling. "I promise you rent here would be much cheaper than anywhere else– it's free after all."

"I couldn't ask that of you," Adrien said. "If you really would welcome me here I would definitely pay rent–"

Tom raised his voice slightly, cutting him off. "I'm sorry, but I'm afraid I heard you were a Dupain-Cheng now, unless I misheard that?"

"Er– no–?"

"Well, this is the Dupain-Cheng house," Tom said, crossing his arms. "And I'm afraid it doesn't make any sense for family to have to pay to live at their own home– and don't you even try to argue with us on this, young man."

Adrien was just staring at him in surprise, clearly not sure of what to make of this. Marinette stifled a giggle, feeling a rush of gratitude towards her parents.

"Besides," Tom said with a wave of his hand. "That tiny little guest room ain't worth paying anything for, it's cramped."

"He will not be staying in that tiny room!" Sabine said. "Besides, we need it for storage. He'll stay with Marinette."

Adrien's eyes widened slightly, shifting over towards Tom, clearly expecting angry protest at this idea. Tom scrunched his nose, taking a cookie from the plate on the table, snorting as he took a bite.

"In Marinette's room? I don't think so, not in her bed." He crossed his arms. "We'll have to get a bigger one for them, her current one is much too small for two."

Adrien's eyes widened even further. "Wha...?"

"We take care of our own," Tom said. "Dupain-Cheng's motto. That and you need some more meat on your bones– clearly you haven't been getting enough, especially with what you two have been doing."

"I told you not now, Tom," Sabine said.

"You think I'm going to ignore the fact that my kids are the ones out there?" Tom said. "Because I'm not–"

"Later Tom!"

"Sabine–"

"Thomas."

Marinette's eyes moved away from her parents as she felt Adrien's hands tighten on hers, and discovered more tears in his eyes. She moved forward to hug him once more, to comfort him– but there was a smile on his face, wiping the tears from his eyes.

"Thank you," Adrien whispered, swallowing. "Thank you for..." he closed his eyes. "Thank you for everything."

That night Ladybug and Chat Noir took to the roofs.

They ran across their city, not saying a word between them as they moved– just simply needing to experience the thrill that came with their powers. Chat closed his eyes as he jumped across alleyways, just letting the cool wind rush over him. His ears flicked back as he landed, listening to the familiar tapping of Ladybug behind him.

It was a reassuring sound, knowing that she was right there, right behind him as she had always been– even in times he hadn't known it. His mind played back the memories that Marinette lingered in– the warmth of her presence, her sweet nature, how she had never backed down from a challenge. Looking back it was so clear that it was his Lady, right by his side as it needed to be, one of his closest friends.

And now his partner, his wife, his family.

"Race you to the top of the tower," Ladybug said, yoyo in hand as they found themselves drawing closer to the Eiffel Tower.

He smirked, reaching for his baton, knowing that she was going to already have the head start as she threw her yoyo. He vaulted after her, taking advantage of the night vision his suit gave him as they rushed forward. Races were always close for them– and when it came to climbing they were both naturals.

He let out a whoop as his claws sank into the side of the tower, jumping up from beam to beam, springing forward with an energy he hadn't felt in a long time. It was like he was thirteen again, new to the Miraculous in his hands, and to the freedom it granted.

Perhaps he was still getting used to the idea of freedom.

Ladybug beat him by a hair, landing on their usual beam moments before he swung up after her. Both were panting as they came to a stop, Ladybug looking over their city with a sigh– though he only had eyes for her. Her gaze flickered towards him, raising an eyebrow as he saw his stare.

"The best thing about Paris is we don't have to climb to the top of the tower for this amazing view," he said, a grin tugging on his face as he looked over at her.

She rolled her eyes, smiling. "Flirt."

"Would you expect any less, M'lady?" He asked, going to flick his bell– but his fingers only slid across his suit. He paused for a moment, slightly started as he looked down to see the once present bell was no longer there. He felt his tail curling as he blinked, shooting a glance at Ladybug.

"Mmm," she said, sitting down, leaning her back against the tower. "I didn't even notice. That's too bad, I've always liked the bell."

He sat down in front of her, hand still resting where his bell had once been. "So did I."

"Badger Plagg in the morning until he gives it back," Ladybug said, a grin tugging on her face. Adrien let out a small laugh, but had a feeling that Plagg wasn't behind the vanishing of his bell, no matter how many times the kwami had complained about it.

So much had happened recently... and he wasn't surprised that the change was reflected in Chat Noir.

There had been good moments, there had been bad, and there had been those that had just plain hurt– but as they sat here perched on top of the tower he knew he wouldn't change a thing.

He glanced over at his Lady, who was getting settled on the beam. He crawled over to her, flopping down on top of her– letting out a long purr as she let out a grunt of surprise. He could feel her heart thumping in her chest, and his purrs became louder as he felt a hand in his hair.

"What was that for?"

"Didn't want M'lady to freeze."

"Pfft, if anything I'm just going to overheat now."

His response was curling up even closer to her, closing his eyes. She sighed, continuing to run her fingers through his hair. They had once done this so often, as it was their only time to be close, but even with the freedom of being with her out of the suit he wouldn't trade this for the world. Up here he felt safe, near her he felt loved, and with the city they protected below them all simply felt right.

"I love you, Marinette," he said.

"And I love you, Adrien," she said softly.

It didn't take long for them to fall asleep, Chat Noir's purrs echoing through the air as they relaxed under the night sky, the few visible stars scattered above them. A peaceful sight– and despite all that laid in their past and their future, they knew peace would be what awaited them in the end.

"They're not in her room," Tom reported as he came down the stairs. "And I don't think they have been in a while."

"Someone just submitted a picture of the heroes on the tower to the Ladyblog," Sabine replied. "I'm sure they'll be back by morning."

Tom rubbed his head, looking slightly overwhelmed as he stood next to her. "I still can't believe that she... that they..."

"Hard to believe," Sabine agreed. "Yet it just makes so much sense at the same time, doesn't it? Answers quite a few of my questions."

"Those poor kids," Tom whispered. "Doing this all on their own. We're not going to let that continue, we won't!"

Sabine went up on her tiptoes, pressing a kiss to his nose. "No, we won't. We won't ever let them be alone again."

The epilogue will be uploaded Monday. :)