A/N: Hello i know it's been like years and stuff. Anyway, I was never satisfied with the previous chapter so I sort of rewrote it. I will also be trying to write/update my other fics that I have long abandoned but no promises of course. I also dont edit my shit cause im lazy and have no friends who wanna read my fics. So yall have to suffer with my dyslexia mistakes. Happy reading and apologies in advance.
Marinette stared in awe of the man who Chat Noir was, the man who kissed her with so much passion. She knew this person, she recognized his features from anywhere. She's analyzed, studied and studied his face countless hours and years.
"Adri.." she didn't even finish saying his name, shaking her head. She began to feel her eyes sting and covered her mouth with her hands as she tried to process his secret. Their secret.
"But I -" she paused, "but you… I saw you."
Adrien's head slumped while he exhaled. He scratched the back of his head, racking his brain for an explanation.
"I know," he said feeling absolutely awful, he could feel his heart giving a tug. Of what he's put her through, what he's said and done in his previous years he regretted all of it. It was stupid, now he was here. There were a million different ways he could have gone about this. He could just face his fear and confront his father like a man. But he wasn't a man, he was a boy at the time that now fully grew into one, reflecting his mistakes. Now he's hurt the one he loved most. The tears that were about to spill, he lifted his finger gently, catching it before it spilled seeing its small flint of sparkle in the moonlight. He was the worst.
Marinette touched her lips, the lips she's dreamed of kissing. Lips fantasized over and over again and she kissed Adrien Agreste who was also Chat Noir but who was also apparently dead. She fell for the same person twice. Her head was spinning as she tried to connect the dots. Not only did she feel like an idiot but she was still in love with the same person this entire time. Which means, during their debut of super hero days she kissed him more than once which made her cheeks flare up just at the thought.
"I never knew you loved me like this when we were in school." Adrien said, now feeling nervous but still avoiding eye contact but when he did meet her gaze there was no anger, no resentment, but relief. The kiss he shared with her, it repeated the memory in his head over and over, burning inside to remember forever. He wanted to remember her face, this moment, the faint flushed cheeks and her matching the night sky with the moonlight.
Imagine if she kissed him when they were in school. He could already feel himself blush at the thought of just how embarrassing he would have been. Idiot, he thought to himself, they have. Maybe.
Marinette's heart felt as if it was immediately healed, and so much relief. It wasn't her fault, she didn't kill him. She didn't fail him and that's all that mattered to her. He was alive, alive and healthy, breathing and he was saving Paris for her while she was broken.
"I was really shy about my feelings…" Marinette mumbled, putting her hands over her heart now. This was a lot to take in. She gracefully walked forward a couple steps that her heels clicked against the concrete in thought, her ballgown trailing behind her. This whole time he was in front of her. On TV, newspapers, magazines, articles on the ladyblog, photos that people posted on their social media of the famous cat hero. Ugh, when he transformed he had been flirting with her the whole time. Before he knew who she was. He was Adrien Agreste, the whole time.
"Why did you do it?" She asked, keeping her tone calm. She wasn't angry, she wasn't upset but more along the lines of melancholy. But something else wasn't just adding up.
Adrien sighed deeply, this was a topic he always wanted to avoid speaking about but there wasn't really any choice he had. Confrontation was the worst, and one of his nightmares. And since she's Ladybug, and possibly a future relationship he had to be honest. There were no them if there wasn't any truth. The time was now.
"I did it mainly for Ladybug," his gaze lowering. "There had been a couple close calls where she almost died because I couldn't make it on time," he began to nervously rub the back of his neck as he spoke, "my father was being overprotective with Hawk Moths problems and had me inside like I was in a prison. And I couldn't stand it, I'm supposed to help her and relieve her. Her partner. I don't know what I would have done without her. But I ended up chasing her away." He lowered his head, disappointed in himself.
Marinette's heart melted at Adriens words and his thoughts about Ladybug. He was really in love with her, especially even more now falling in love with herself, her real self. She couldn't help but think it was fate, even though they were right underneath their noses but it just wasn't the right time. She wondered if there was a red thread between them, the thought of it put a small smile to her face for only a moment. It'll tangle, knot up, and twist, but it could never be broken. As time passes on it'll unwind, loosen and separate for then it was now fate. His explanation makes perfect sense though. Marinette went back to the times where she had fought by herself and barely had made it without him. His father hardly ever let him out even when he turned eighteen! Not only Adrien would complain to her when they were in their friend group, but also Nino's hands were tied with helping him. So Adrien had no other choice and not be Adrien, only Chat Noire.
Being stuck, watching Ladybug fight while he was at home must have felt extremely disappointed in himself. Alone, unable to help when he wanted to, when the ladybug desperately needed him. She could only imagine the pain of just sitting there locked up with 24/7 surveillance. Even Plagg couldn't keep up with the entire home becoming a labyrinth.
"What kind of hero am I if I can't be there for my partner?" He mentioned to her, his head still sulking. He saw the wounds she faced, he saw the obstacles she had to overcome. How powerful Hawk Moth had gotten day by day and he was lucky to be there on the very few he fought with her. But Ladybug never shamed him for it. She only cared about saving her city. And if she had to do it by herself she would, if she had to carry the whole world on her shoulders she would have. But Ladybug can't succeed forever without her cat hero by her side, she was lucky to have survived by herself this long before she quit. She was so, so strong. Even when she was tired, exhausted she had no issue with that. It was the innocents that she had first lost getting to her. Then her enemies took advantage of her heart and her gracious kindness. Becoming more crass with people's lives. Then it was Adiren's death that had made her quit. Her only beloved. If she couldn't save him then what was the point in being a hero.
Marinette felt her eyes stinging, watching the pain on Adrien's face. The same exact face she's seen before on Chat Noir and never noticed, or denied she couldn't tell which.
Adrien waited for Marinette's response, afraid of what she'll say that he couldn't bear to look at her. Instead, she felt arms wrap around him tightly. She had placed her hand on the back of his head and the other resting on his back.
It was the first time that she's really hugged Adrien with both arms around him. Of course he has gotten taller, for her to hug him she was on the tips of her heels. His shoulders broader, his hair longer, she was falling for him all over again. How many times will she fall in love with the same man? She was sure of it now, no matter how many disguises he had, she would somehow always be drawn to him.
"I'm sorry." Adrien muffled through their hug, his head tucking into Marinette's neck as they embraced.
Now, could she tell him her secret? Marinette thought. She desperately wanted to, but the thoughts and warnings of Master Fu rang in her mind. It was for the best, she couldn't say anything. She could feel her heart saddened from the rules. There was no way she could bend them, especially after what she witnessed in that timeline before. She can't mess it up.
"I forgive you." Marinette pulled away from Adrien, her hand sliding to now resting on his cheek as he leaned into it. She couldn't help but smile at his gesture. He gave a gentle kiss to the palm of her hand.
Both of them, wishing to live this moment forever.
"I can't believe I fell for the same person twice." Marinette began to laugh.
Adrien returned her laugh, his green eyes peering into hers, "And I with you."
Marinette's bright blue eyes widened, just when she thought her identity was hidden.
"What do you mean?" Her voice shaked.
"You're Ladybug." Adrien confronted, his mouth turning into a small frown.
Marinette quickly retracted her hand away from his cheek but he quickly grabbed it back holding onto it. "Say it," he said firmly.
"I don't know what you're talking about." Marinette turned her head away, denying him even though his hand was holding onto hers for dear life.
"I know it's you. Please," Adrien pleaded, voice uneven, "I've been looking for you for my whole life. I can't be without you again. I just," he exasperated, "I have to know. Please."
Marinette's lips started to quiver. Her eyes watered, God how many times was she going to keep crying like a baby? She couldn't look at him. How did he know? She had been so careful. Would this affect their lives? The haunting memories of Chat Blanc came to her. The pure white hair, instead of the green eyes filled with warmth she adored, was an icy cold blue. She had failed. It was a different timeline, they were older now. The failure is what ate at her the most. The failure of herself. The failure as a guardian. Failing all her friends and family. Worst of all, failing in Chat Noir and Adrien. Now they were the same person. Was it even safe? The loneliness that was burdened onto his poor, lovely big heart. She would do anything from that happening ever again.
She could feel her cheeks also get warm, needless to say she was becoming embarrassed that the love of her life had found out her secret. Yet, he shared his right in front of her. The amount of bravery and courage that he had made her admire him even more. She was petrified though. So much had weighed on her shoulders and so much could be taken advantage of her. Was she even ready? Was it now the time to reveal themselves? She did remember at one point that Bunniex did imply that they were still hero's as their adult selves. She dodged the question of their identities though. Her eyes saddened, dropping near her side where she had spotted her kwami, Tiki, watching and waiting with anticipation.
What should I do? She directed the thought to Tiki. The old spirit nodded her head to Marinette, supporting whatever her master had decided.
They had to have a future. She was sure of it now, and it felt right but why was she so scared? He'll fully know it's her. All her foolishness, mistakes and flaws and all. Alright, she told herself, show him. And so she did.
"Spots on." The heroine commanded, a small tear sparkling down from her cheek as the pink glow surrounded her entire being.
Her gown had become a skin tight suit with her classic red and black polka dots. With the new upgrade her suit had arm and shin guards with her trustee yo-yo attached to her hip. Her black raven hair began to grow back in length with two long pigtails that draped behind her back. Her bluebell eyes sparkling behind the red and black polka dot mask.
There she was, the love, the hero Adrien always had eyes for. It was like his eyes were being enchanted by a spell. The strong, brave, reckless and stubborn woman he had always wanted to be with had been right in front of him the entire time. It was her. It was her! Every single memory of her went racing through his mind. He couldn't have been more thrilled. Selfless, fearless, always had a knack for justice, smart, brave, intelligent, and miraculously will have a plan. Everything that anyone could ask for in a person and a hero. It couldn't have been anyone else, no one could match up to the name Ladybug but Marinette.
"I'm sorry, I gave up." Marinette finally said, her gaze at the ground with a sad smile.
"No," Adrien shook his head, the spell breaking and focusing on her,"it was my fault." He took her hand, kissing it softly.
"It was a dumb idea, I should never had gone through it in the first place. I didn't think of the pain or damages I would cause you. Never again, I should never have done it, and that's that."
His actions alone made her heart flutter. All her feelings from when she was in school came rushing back to her. God, she felt so stupid. Everything that she planned just to get close to him. The foolish anxious feeling of just trying to talk to him started to catch up with her. Her heart was already jumping out of her chest. Just a simple touch from him made her go crazy.
"You don't have to run anymore." Adrien looked at his beloved, holding both her hands. "I know what I caused you. Let me make it right."
Marinette stared in awe in his emerald eyes, speechless. Once she de-transformed she wrapped her arms around not Chat Noir, but Adrien. Which he had gladly held her in return.
Both of the secret heros held that embrace for sometime till other civilian couples came peering out for a romantic evening walk for themselves. As the night got older, people slowly left a few at a time while the orchestra played. Before Marinette could get her designer pieces back together, she saw Chat Noir patiently waiting across the ballroom. It was empty, just the two of them now.
Marinette, a bit confused, frantically looked over to the orchestra players but they just kept casually playing not once bit bothered. The black cat hero had come closer, meeting her halfway on the dance floor.
"Can I have this last dance, my lady?" He asked in his most gentlemanly, polite tone. His mother had always told him before she passed that if he ever wanted to pursue a lady, he needed to make sure to leave a romantic imprint. That wasn't very hard to do since they both felt the same, but he was going to make sure the designer's mind would be filled with just him.
Marinette's cheeks flushed and met him in the middle of the dance floor, graciously accepting his offer. He twirled her around himself, then carefully spun her in front of him, placing a gentle hand on her waist. He hummed along with the music, basking in their moment, never wanting to end. The cat hero was so enchanting to her, that she couldn't even speak. She didn't have to. And those ever so beautiful green eyes that she just couldn't stop looking into either. It was like dancing with a real life prince from a movie. All of the scenarios and daydreams she's had she would have never predicted things going like this. She couldn't help but smile dreamily in Chat Noir's eyes as they danced, following his lead. Both of them reminisced through their own memories of each other. Even started talking about their run in's and laughed at 'close calls' of seeing each other's identity. Every so often going, "Wait, that was you?" At a certain event that took place or excuse that they had to use at the time.
They gave their thanks to the orchestra that had stayed for their small moment, officially leaving together. Hand in hand they walked, Adrien keeping up with hero form to keep his identity away. She could have protested that she could walk on her own. Chat Noir also knew she could handle herself, though it seemed both of them knew they didn't want to separate just yet. Not yet, it was too soon. And she didn't want him to go, just the thought of him departing at her front door made her ache.
When they reached the steps of her townhouse, they stood in silence. Marinette's hair is still slightly pinned up with her now short hair. A small claw-like finger from Chat tucked small hairs behind her ear.
"Would you like some coffee?" Marinette blurted out, fidgeting with her hands. "You know, maybe give Plagg a break or something?"
Chat Noir confused, raised a brow, "Coffee? Marinette, it's gotta be at least like two in the morn—" before he could finish his sentence he met her bluebell eyes. Anticipation, but also bewitching. "Oh." he replied, getting the hint.
She nodded, opening her door and letting him enter.
"Can you…" she trailed, her voice becoming more sensual with each word. She began walking toward her bedroom, her designer dress trailing behind her. Casually and failing purposefully at reaching for the back of her ballgown, "unzip me?"
Oh how her blue eyes now smiled at him, looking at him with such sultry hunger. Was he dreaming? Was an akuma bringing his boy fantasies to life? He could already feel his lower self starting to stiffen. He cleared his throat nervously. "Sure."
To be frank, he's never been like this with any woman. He didn't want anyone else, he would wait all damn eternity if he had to. Now all his dreams, unfolding before him.
When she turned her back toward him, he ever so carefully unzipped her pretty ball gown, but revealed her gorgeous athletic body. He couldn't take his eyes off her. The moonlight peered through her opaque curtains. The shadows in the night caressed her milky white skin, complimenting her curves. Her lips were so luscious, pink and almost pouty, that drove him wild. When she turned back to face him, he caressed her face with both of his hands, kissing her deeply. He commanded off his hero form in between their kisses, picking up Marinette in his arms with ease that even took her off guard. Even without his kwami his arms were strong. As he carried her, he placed her down gently with ease. Even though his boy mind was going crazy. He upheld his gentlemeness like his mother had taught him, making sure not only to please his lady, but to make her say his name. At least a few times.