The group walked home in the darkness. When they arrived at the bakery is was well past 10. It was time for bed.

"What an adventure," Raissa beamed. "No one told me about Paris's superheroes! That was so awesome!" Everyone laughed. After grabbing a quick cup of cocoa the teenagers rushed into their rooms for the night. Jackson and Marinette stayed outside the door for a moment longer.

"I'm really glad you're okay," Jackson said. "I was so worried about you. I love you so much." He stared into her eyes. They were so beautiful. Like a lake as clear as the sky. "I hope Paris isn't too dangerous for you. I'd hate to wake up one day and you'd be gone." He blinked back some tears. "You're too perfect to lose. When I leave please stay safe." They were hugging. Adrien peeked his head out the door to ask Jackson something but instead he saw the couple kissing. It was long and romantic and the first real kiss they'd ever shared.

"I love you too," Marinette said staring up at Jackson's round brown eyes. They hugged for a minute longer and Adrien escaped back into the room. He suddenly felt really sad. He had no idea why.

"Hey dude, what did Jackson say?" Ivan asked pulling him back to reality. Adrien glanced back at him.

"Oh I didn't ask... he seemed busy." Jackson slid into the room seconds later. He was full of joy.

The next Morning:

"Time to open presents Marinette!" Sabine chirped. "Your friends are leaving tomorrow." The group was gathered around the living room table. Mari got all sorts of things..

What she got:

Rose: Pink umbrella

Juleka: Spotted choker

Kim: Jaguar stuffed animal

Ivan: Jagged Stone album

Max: Calculator

Mylene: Hat

Nathaniel: Box Of chocolates

Alya: Best friends bracelet

Alix: Skateboard

Nino: Headphones

Jackson: Sewing machine and teddy bear

Raissa: Quilted blanket

Blythe: Bag

"Thank you all so much!" She said hugging her friends. While she was hugging them she looked down and saw something colorful lodged under her chair. "Oh wait. I forgot one," she noticed blushing. "Sorry Adrien." She picked up the little decorated box. "I wonder what it is," she said shaking it. She carefully unwrapped it and inside she found a necklace and a journal. The journal was a semicircle and was a pretty pink with white dots all over it. The necklace was shaped like a ladybug and it was a locket. Inside was a picture of the two of them as babies holding hands. They looked so happy and carefree and perfect. They were adorable. Marinette's eyes swelled with tears. She couldn't help but remember the days all she thought about was Adrien and if he liked her. They were best friends and nothing could take that away. Not even a few years apart. They would always be close. "Awww Adrien!" She squealed. "That's so sweet!" She said hugging him. She nearly burst out in tears remembering the simple days but she held her composure and just settled for hugging her friend. Everyone joined in and it became a group hug. Jackson might have looked a little jealous again but Marinette didn't even notice. She was perfectly content. When the hug ended her eyes were puffy but she tried to remain as cheerful looking as possible. "Thank you," She said gazing into his eyes then she looked around the rest of the group and said, "thank you! All of you! You're the best friends I could ask for!" Very soon after they had wrapped up the present opening it was time for her friends to return home. She kissed all her Parisian friends goodbye and hopped in the car to the airport with her American ones. In the car no one said a word. It was too sad. She held Jackson's hand and rested her head on his shoulder. When it was time for them to step on the plane she couldn't let go. These were her best friends. She never wanted them to leave. It would be awhile since she would see them again. They only got to come this time because Raissa's mother had gotten a bonus at work. It was too expensive to fly back every year. "I love you!" She yelled one last time as Jackson's face disappeared onto the plane. She was sobbing all the way home and she hung out in her bed the rest of the day. She already missed them. She couldn't even begin to think about Adrien and what had happened that weekend when her heart was full of sadness for her boyfriend. The rest of the day was bleak but tomorrow was school and she was hoping that would clear her mind and bring her back to a sense of happiness.

The next day at school:

Marinette saw Nino and Adrien standing by the door so she went over to hand with them until Alya showed up.

"Hey what's up guys?" She asked. They gave her side hugs and continued their conversation making sure to include her in what they were talking about.

"Hey Mari! We were just discussing Chat Noir's relationship with Ladybug," said Nino. Adrien and Marinette both blushed.

"Like I said I don't think they're dating, at least not yet," Adrien pointed out. Nino sighed.

"All the signs are there," he said exasperated. "They always work together, Chat Noir is always flirting with Ladybug which is something that I personally would never do unless I was really interested in someone, and do you know how many times Alya has caught them holding hands on her Ladyblog? They've only been out in public twice and she's got 32 pictures of them looking like a couple!" He said.

"Wow that is a lot..." Marinette trailed. "But we shouldn't jump to conclusions. If the heroes were dating they'd kiss or something right? We shouldn't just mark them off as a couple until we get real proof," she said paging through the photos. "Most of these are taken out of context anyways." She pointed to one where she was falling off a building and Chat had caught her. "See in this one he was just saving me... my favorite hero ladybug!" She saved. "They are one hundred and ten percent not dating. End of subject," she said dramatically.

"Yeah..." said Adrien looking pretty sad. "They're not."

"But are you sure?" Nino urged. "They may just be trying to keep it a secret. Alya says if they are dating she's going to find out no matter what. I think they'd be adorable together." Adrien suddenly looked joyful again.

"Really? Do you really think?" He asked full of enthusiasm. He noticed his friends were staring at him so he added, "I agree... they'd be perfect together." He sighed dreamily. "It would be a storybook romance. A pair of superheroes fighting together as one. Not just a pair but a couple. It would be so..." he searched for a word to describe his love. "Passionate!" He yelled happily. "Yes they'd be such an amazing couple. I'd love to see them together someday." He hadn't noticed he was still talking to his best friends. "Um well I like romance," he said shyly. Marinette laughed and Alya showed up.

"Hey my dudes!" She said energetically. She gave Nino and Adrien fist bumps and went in for a hug with Marinette. Her friends gave her confused looks. This was not like Alya. She usually didn't act this weird unless something was up.

"What's up?" Marinette asked suspiciously. "Where were you? Why were you so late?" Alya looked nervous.

"Uh nothing. Nowhere. I was just..." She said. "Hey want to go on a picnic under the Eiffel Tower this weekend? It would be fun." She smiled honestly. Marinette gave her one last suspicious stare but then agreed. The boys agreed as well providing they get permission form their parents. Mr. Agreste had been more strict since his wife had died but he was still lenient on some matters. At least he hadn't pulled him out of school right? "Oh we gotta go to class!" Alya said as the bell begun to ring. "Let's go!" She grabbed Marinette's hand who grabbed Adrien's who grabbed Nino's. They ran all the way to class together. Adrien couldn't help thinking about how Marinette had held his hand instead of Nino's. Where were all these thoughts coming from? He had never liked Marinette like that. Even when they were kids he was never interested. Did he only like her because she was unavailable? Was he really that shallow?

"Hey Adrien can you let go?" He heard. He was still holding her hand. Oops. Stop spacing Agreste he told himself.

"Oh sorry Mari. I hadn't noticed," he said suddenly flustered. She grinned.

"It's okay, I'm pretty spacey sometimes," she said kindly. He let go and they took their seats. She gave him a sincere look and for some reason all he could do was smile for the rest of the class. He didn't even think about Alya's picnic or why she was acting so different that morning.

That night at Adrien's house:

"So may I go?" Adrien asked his father. He was begging to be allowed to go to the picnic. Gabriel Agreste didn't even hesitate.

"Of course and bring this," he said and Nathalie handed him a weirdly shaped box. "Give it to Mrs. Dupain Cheng please. It's nothing special. Just make sure she gets it." He dismissed his son and Adrien went to his room very confused. Why was it so easy? And what the heck was in that box?

"Are you going to open it? I'm dying to know what's inside!" Plagg pried when they returned to his room. Adrien shook his head.

"No way! I don't want my father mad at me. Besides it's for Marinette's mother," he answered. "We might not even be allowed to see it when she receives it. I don't want to snoop." Plagg whined for another hour before giving up. Adrien never gave in. When Plagg finally stopped talking he got into his pajamas and headed to bed. All night he dreamed about Ladybug and during one point of the night her identity was revealed to him. The next morning the dream was erased from his memory but for some unknown reason he was thinking about Marinette again. He woke up and immediately his mind raced to her beautiful smiling face. "What the heck dude! She's got a boyfriend," he reminded himself aloud. Plagg woke with a start.

"Ooh thinking about your little crush again?" Plagg teased.

"I don't like her. We're just friends," he said angrily. "It's just I keep thinking about her for some reason. Ladybug is the only one I love." Wether or not he really believed that is his own business but Plagg was not convinced.

"Well fine you don't like her," Plagg said sarcastically. "But we better stop talking about it or you're going to be late to school," he said pointing to the alarm clock.

"Plagg why didn't you tell me I'd slept in?" He yelled and hopped out of bed. He was out the door in less than five minutes and still late. What a great way to start off the day. He couldn't wait for the weekend.

That weekend:

Alya, Nino, Marinette, Adrien, and their families (not counting Adrien's family who wasn't there) were gathered under the Eiffel Tower eating all sorts of baked goods from Marinette's house. After a long endured silence that had swept over the adult's ever since they got there Marinette spoke up.

"So what's really going on here?" She asked impatiently. "Why are we here?" Her mother stood up next to her but it sure did take awhile. Marinette noticed she had gained a lot of weight over the last 4 months. She really needed to exercise more but Marinette wasn't going to be the one to tell her that. She didn't want to have to suffer her mom's wrath. Sabine was a nice lady but if you mention the weight of any women you should be prepared for a lot of anger heading your way. When Sabine did reach Marinette's side everyone instantly looked in their direction. Sabine put her hand on Marinette's shoulder.

"I suppose you children want to know why you have been called here today?" She said. They all nodded except Alya who obviously already knew the news. "I'm pregnant," she stated simply. Marinette's eyes bulged and her mouth hung open.

"OMG MOM REALLY?! IM GOING TO HAVE A SIBLING! IM SO EXCITED! I CANT BELIEVE THIS! REALLY?!" She yelled. She embraced her warmly. "I love you so much." Tears streaked her face and everyone came to hug the pair. Adrien and Nino were surprised but not nearly as surprised as Marinette. She was bursting full of love, happiness, and shock. She didn't know how to feel. All she knew was that she was feeling something and she never wanted to let it go. When everyone settled down Sabine had to get their attention again.

"You all know what this parties really for," she said. "I didn't just call you out here to see Marinette's reaction. The gender of the baby will be announced now!" Marinette squealed.

"Oh mom really? Can I tell everyone?" She asked hopefully.

"Of course baby," Tom and Sabine said simultaneously. Marinette shrieked again. They handed her a little purple card to open. The carefully torn open the envelope and looked inside with expectant eyes all resting upon her face.

"It's..." she looked confused for a minute. "Both. We're having twins!" Sabine and Tom we're now the ones to be shocked.

"Don't mess with us Marinette. Are you serious?" Tom asked.

"Yeah! I'm going to be a sister to twins!" The family laughed and cried while people congratulated and hugged them. What a happy day. Hawkmoth himself couldn't ruin it. When Sabine was done bawling they opened their baby shower presents and ate some more cake. Nino and Alya were with their parents and their parents were talking to Marinette's so Adrien and Mari hung out by themselves.

"Congrats Mari. You're going to be a sister. That's so exciting. I'd love to have a sibling but ya know?" He said semi sadly. She held his hand.

"Well we're having twins so if you want you could help me with the babysitting. You could pretend to be my brother. We're already close enough right?" She asked hoping to cheer him up. He gave her a side hug and smiled.

"Yeah we are. I'm so glad you moved back. I love you sis," he said somewhat held back. He didn't want to scare her off with the I love you.

"I love you too bro," she said jokingly. She softly pushed him and he nearly fell over. "I'm glad too." They laughed and continued to talk about "their" future siblings. Adrien had a sudden urge to kiss her. He was about to lean in but her phone beeped in her pocket. It was from Jackson. "Ooh that's right! I need to tell Jack about the big news! Be right back!" She said getting up. He saw her talking on the phone while she walked away and realized it simply wasn't meant to be. The universe wouldn't have stopped all their romantic encounters if it was. He decided her needed to see Ladybug that night. He needed to see the girl he was really in love with. When the party was over he kissed his friends goodbye (on the cheek of course) and went straight home. He pretended to practice piano while he suited up. He called his lady and miraculously she answered. Marinette had wanted to clear her mind after a day filled with all that big news so she decided to patrol the city. She was at the Louvre when she got the call. "Hey Chat. What's up? Emergency in Paris?" She said.

"No I just was out and wondered if you wanted to hang out like as superheroes. You know to get to know each other. So wanna go get ice cream of something?" He asked nervously.

"Yeah sure," she said happily. "Sounds fun." He was surprised. Why was she so willing? It didn't matter. He got to spend a night with his lady and that's all that mattered. "Meet me at the Louvre. The sweethearts ice cream cart is here right now." Now he was even more surprised. Sweethearts ice cream. He was just about to comment but then she said, "don't get any ideas. It's just the best ice cream in Paris okay?" He smiled.

"Copy that m'lady," he said. He raced to the Louvre and saw her standing by the cart already. Andre was scooping her some ice cream to share with Chat. 3 scoops. Cherry with chocolate chips, mint, and a swirl of blueberry and peach. "Looks purrfectly delicious," Chat said sliding in next to her. "Allow me to pay." He winked and handed Andre the amount. Ladybug rolled her eyes but she was laughing so that was a good sign. "So why are you so happy today?" He asked. She giggled.

"Oh no reason. I'm just really excited about something," she said. She took a spoon out of the ice cream and began to eat. "Mmmm delicious." Chat picked up the other spoon and took a bite as well. "You sure know how to make a great flavor," she told Andre.

"I'm just so honored that Paris' greatest heroes like my ice cream!" He exclaimed. Ladybug laughed and Chat couldn't help but stare.

"You're so beautiful when you laugh," he said quietly. She looked mildly surprised but didn't get mad.

"Thanks," She said. She didn't want to lead him on because he didn't know she had a boyfriend but she didn't want to be rude. "So am I just ugly the rest of the time?" She teased. Chat was dumbfounded.

"No no no I'm so sorry! That's not what I meant. I..." He stumbled over his words. "I didn't mean to offend you. You're always pretty and awesome and I'm so sorry. Please forgive me," he pleaded. Ladybug snickered.

"I'm just kidding kitty," she said laughing. He smiled embarrassed at his outburst.

"I knew that," he said quietly.

"Of course you did," she yelled. "Hey Chat can I tell you a secret?" She asked all of a sudden. Chat looked at her.

"You talking to me?" He joked.

"Actually yeah..." she said. Chat became nervous. What was she about to tell him?

"I know you just pretend to like me. It's all a flirtatious act you put on. It's like your personality but," she was about to continue but Chat put his finger to her lips.

"No," He said slowly. He held her face and stared straight into her eyes. "I really do love you. How could I not? You're perfect and beautiful and brave. What guy wouldn't love a girl like you?" He look another bite of the ice cream she was holding.

"You really like me?" She asked about to cry. "... I had no idea." He voice cracked and a tear slipped down her face. Chat's expression changed.

"Are you okay? What's wrong?" He asked worried. "Did I do something?" Ladybug hugged him and cried.

"I have a boyfriend," she choked out. "And now I feel like a jerk for leading you on..." Chat Noir was heart broken. He pushed her off.

"All this time you had a boyfriend! Why didn't you tell me," he cried. He wasn't angry but he felt like yelling. He couldn't beleive he was in love with a girl that was taken. He stood up. This was just like Marinette. He's having feelings for someone he barely knows and they have a boyfriend as well. What next? He was about to run off but Ladybug grabbed his wrist.

"I'm sorry," she said through tears. "I didn't mean to hurt you but I didn't believe you really liked me. I thought it was a joke!" Chat looked at her and saw something he had never before. She cared about him just as much as he cared about her. It was just in a different way. He had caused the pain in her eyes. He had made his lady sad. He sat back down and gazed into her eyes again.

"I love you and I'll never stop fighting for you. No matter how long it takes. I will wait for you," he said. He kissed her cheek and slid off the building. She watched as he launched off of nearby buildings and slipped into the night. Was he really serious? How had things gotten to this?

"Spots off," She said. Tikki saw her dampened face and gave her a hug.

"I'm sorry. We should go though." Marinette nodded and started the long walk home. On the way she pondered over everything that had happened and wondered what would happen next. What would come in her future? Time would only tell.