Thanks to everyone for being so patient. For those who are wondering, I do not have an updating schedule. This chapter took so long because I wanted to get it just right and I am a teacher who sadly just went back to school. Honestly, I may be on a bit of a hiatus for a while. I have to study for an exam for my teaching license. It's kind of important, and I haven't really started. I hope you enjoy this chapter!

8/27/18

Chapter 28: Kitten

"Not again!" Izzy shouted, angrily shoving all the books of her desk to the ground - her eyes transfixed on the child sized black bean bag chair sitting in the corner. "How does Adrien keep saving her? He keeps showing up even when he isn't supposed to be around! I thought Chat Noir was supposed to be unlucky, so why does he keep having such good luck?"

"Don't ask me." Nooroo drooped on the bean bag with eyes lowered in quiet gloom."The only miraculous holder I've ever known with such good fortune was Ladybug."

"Ugh!" Izzy groaned, throwing her head back and burying her hands in her hair. "Don't even get me started on Ladybug."

Not only had she failed at eliminating Marinette, but the article she wrote trying to draw out Ladybug had been a bust as well. If only she had the power of the miraculous when she had taken that picture, she would have gotten rid of Ladybug in that instant. But she had been powerless, and bashing her good name was the best she could come up with.

Once she found the butterfly miraculous, her plan had been to get rid of Marinette in secret; before Ladybug and Chat Noir could find out. Then, she would create a real, devastating akuma to take out Ladybug when Adrien was too emotionally overwhelmed to help her. Sure, losing two girls he had been in love with would break the poor boy, but it was nothing Izzy wouldn't be able to help him recover from. She would be the one to glue them together, better than ever before. She would be the one to create an unbreakable bond between her and the doleful blonde. Izzy would be the most powerful woman in the world, and she would be dating the son of the previous Hawkmoth.

Her vision was beautiful. No one would ever be able to betray her - not like they did in the past. No! This time she would be in control, and she would become even better than her all-time idol, Gabriel Agreste.

But so far, nothing was working. For some reason, she couldn't even manage to kill that stupid Marinette! She really was lucky - almost as lucky as that disgusting Ladyb-

Wait. A crazy thought stormed into her head. But almost as quickly as she had thought it, she dismissed the idea. There's no way things would be that easy. Izzy sighed, catching a glimpse of the clock sitting on her nightstand.

"It's time," she softly spoke, spinning around to stare at the plump little creature who had spoken before.

"Isabella," Nooroo gently whispered, abandoning his position on the bean bag chair to speak with his charge face to face. "You don't have to do this."

"Why shouldn't I?" Izzy sharply responded, snatching the tiny kwami out of the air.

"My powers are supposed to be used for good! Not evil!" Nooroo squeaked, gasping for breath.

"I am using you for good!" Izzy spat. "I'm trying to get my own happiness. What is wrong with that? Those girls who I sent to jail deserved what they got. That's called justice!"

"No!" Nooroo shoved one of Izzy's fingers away, mustering up all his courage and strength to shout. "That's called vengeance! And how can you justify killing Ladybug and Marinette? At least the last guy didn't want to kill anyone. Compared to you, he was a saint. You're just insane!"

Izzy tightened her grip, making Nooroo falter. "They are both in my way! You know I won't find happiness until I'm with Adrien. Their death is an necessity so I can fulfill my plan."

"I won't help you," Nooroo barely managed to say.

Izzy snarled, "Well, it's a good thing you don't have a choice. I'm done playing games. There will be no more simple mind controlling - this time I'm going to create a terrible akuma. I will draw out Ladybug, and kill Marinette." She turned towards the window, rubbed the butterfly brooch pinned on her black headband's side and said with a voice dripping with ice, "Nooroo, dark wings rise."

()

Marinette took a deep breath, trying not to think about the tingling from holding onto Adrien's hand. So many important moments had happened in this kitchen - this was where Lady Wifi had tried to remove her mask and it was the place where she had been trapped with a camera aimed towards her, almost revealing her identity.

So, was it fate, then, that this was the very place where Adrien had chosen to tell her everything? After all they had been through, would her secret as Ladybug still be revealed in this very kitchen?

Marinette felt Adrien squeeze her hand as he moved to stand in front of her, the pair instantly locking eyes, causing Marinette's heart to falter.

"Marinette, I-"

"Wait, Adrien," Marinette interrupted, reaching out to grab Adrien's other hand. "Before you say anything, I have to apologize. I have been acting stupid, and I can't stand the thought that I was hurting you."

Nearly a week had passed since she discovered the truth about Adrien, and ever since that awkward evening spent together, she had been avoiding him - not knowing what she should say. Being around him and acting like nothing had changed was impossible - there was no way she could ever act the same. Adrien was Chat Noir. How could she face him knowing he was her missing Alley Cat?

Adrien gave his signature model smile -a too well-practiced motion that Marinette had long since learned not to believe - while casually removing his white jacket and placing it on the counter, "I-it's okay Marinette. I understand."

Marinette stepped forward, closing the space between them. "Adrien, don't lie. There's no way you could possibly understand why I have been avoiding you."

Adrien took a step back, bumping against the counter, but Marinette pressed forward, forcing him to lean back.

"Then tell me," he gulped, his eyes serious as they stared her down.

"I-I," Marinette began, but what should she say now? Should she tell him that she knows he is Chat? But that was his secret to tell, besides was that even a good enough reason to explain her actions?

What should I say?

"Yea, Adrien. So... I actually figured out your Chat Noir. Obviously I have been afraid to face you!"

"But Marinette," Adrien would say. "Why don't you want to see me just because I'm Chat? Does that make you see me differently? Are you rethinking our relationship?"

"What? No! Yes! I don't know! I just don't know how to deal with this new information. Adrien, you're so much more than I could have ever imagined, and I can't handle how I feel when I'm around you! It's not the fact that you're Chat; it's that I love you!

"Yes, Marinette?" Adrien's questioning voice brought Marinette back to the current situation and out of the conversation of her imagination.

Hastily, Marinette let go of Adrien's hands, taking a step back - shocked by the realization she had just had.

She hadn't been avoiding Adrien because she knew he was Chat! It was the fear of her own new and overwhelming emotions that was holding her back.

Everything had changed for Marinette in an instant; she went from being unsure of her feelings towards Chat and Adrien to loving this one perfectly amazing man with her whole heart. How could she face him when she knew he hadn't had that same kind of revelation? He was still trying to sort out his feelings between her and Ladybug.

Arg! I'm a coward! Marinette thought. If only she had been brave enough to tell him of her identity, she wouldn't be facing this problem. But no, she hadn't told him, and now here she was, desperately in love with Adrien, but his feelings hadn't changed at for her all.

But that wasn't fair. Marinette had to admit to herself. She hadn't even given him a chance. He deserved to hear the truth. Hurting him like this was something she would no longer accept.

"Adrien," Marinette shyly began, grabbing onto her arm and looking to the ground. "I've been scared. Scared to face you. But it's not because of something you have done, but because of my own stupid emotions."

Marinette noticed Adrien shift uncomfortably as he hesitantly met her eyes with his own.

"What do you mean?" he nervously asked.

Marinette drew in a deep breath. She had to be brave: she must be honest.

Marinette looked into his eyes and found the strength she needed - those eyes had always encouraged her, whether it be in the midst of an akuma attack or a kind gaze from the boy who sat in front of her in class.

"It's just that," she awkwardly began while unconsciously rubbing her arm, "the last few days, I have found myself falling more and more for you. I was so afraid of my strengthening emotions, that I have avoided you instead of having to face them. I was scared if I got too close to you, I wouldn't be able to hold them back."

She paused, examining Adrien's eyes as they widened and somehow deepened. Adrien took in a deep breath to speak, but Marinette couldn't stop now; she had come this far. She had to finish!

"Marinette, I-"

"I love you, Adrien!"

Marinette held her breath, mouth still hanging wide open. She'd done it. She had finally told Adrien how she really felt about him. And now she felt like she was about to puke. What if he didn't feel the same way? It was impossible to tell from his current stunned expression.

It was as if time itself had frozen; Marinette had no way of knowing how long it had been since she had spoken her confession. Adrien's face somehow seemed to be a bit more flushed - his breathing quickened, but besides that, everything remained unchanged - with their eyes transfixed upon the other, silent, words unbidden.

Unable to hold her breath any longer, Marinette finally gasped for air, quite loudly, effectively breaking the stifling quietness lingering in the kitchen.

As if being broken from a trace, Adrien stepped forward - speaking in a hushed tone as a he swiftly obliterated any space between them.

"Y-you love me?" his voice quivered.

But Marinette wasn't ready for this sudden closeness. Breaking their gaze, she quickly backed away only stopping once she ran into the island in the center of the kitchen.

"I-I'm sorry," she shyly apologized, realizing she was sending Adrien the wrong message. "I shouldn't have done that."

"Are you afraid of being close to me?" Adrien asked as he looked to the floor, his eyebrows scrunched together and slightly lifted.

Marinette's eyes shot up, heart slightly breaking at Adrien's pained expression. "What? No!" she exclaimed. "I was surprised you got so close to me. Everything just feels so new, and I guess I got nervous."

Adrien rubbed his hands together as he looked back towards Marinette, a gentle grin spreading across his lips. "I know what you mean; I've been a nervous wreck, too."

Marinette dryly swallowed. His words sending her into further confusion.

"I-I don't underst-"

"Please let me finish," Adrien politely commanded, taking a step towards her - cautiously, as if he were trying to catch a stray kitten.

"You weren't the only one dealing with new emotions," he continued. "All week I let you skirt around me because I didn't know how to face you. I knew my feelings had deepended, and the thoughts of acting on those emotions was terrifying."

He took another step forward as Marinette's head spun at his confession.

"But, I'm not going to be afraid anymore. I've waited too long to officially make you mine, princess. I'm done with holding back, Marinette. I love you, too!"

In one final step, Adrien finally reached his destination - resting his hands on either side of the counter, face inches away from Marinette.

She had no choice but to lean back against the hard, cold surface, breath stopped, butterflies swarming throughout her stomach. Marinette had done everything in her power to avoid looking into those charming green eyes, knowing what kind of emotions they would unleash, but as they leaned in ever closer, full of passion and desire, she couldn't bring herself to break the connection.

His face was now directly above hers, bangs hanging, eyes glistening. His heavenly scent enveloped her making her knees weaken. If she didn't know any better, she would think that Adrien was about to - no, that wasn't possible.

He leaned in even closer.

Oh my goodness! Marinette screamed in her thoughts.

Grasping the fabric of Adrien's polo, Marinette held herself steady - feeling Adrien's heart beat furiously, matching her own in its strong, steady rhythm. Her eyes dropped to his lips - resulting in Adrien's sharp inhalation.

Biting his lower lip, Adrien faltered. Slightly backing away in hesitation, Adrien's eyes wondered. But before Marinette could even fully read into his trepidation, he placed his hands around her waist, gently yet firmly lifting her to the counter, sending a surge of excitement and longing throughout her body - as if nothing besides Adrien ever existed.

With a nervous grin, Adrien grabbed onto Marinette's wrists, delicately placing them around his neck.

"May I kiss you, Marinette?" his voice shook, eyes glistening in pure exhilaration.

But Marinette couldn't speak - simply nodding, hardly able to believe what was about to happen. She had dreamed of this moment since she was thirteen and now, it had finally arrived: she was about to kiss Adrien.

Offering his irresistible, lopsided grin, Adrien tenderly wrapped his arms around Marinette's waist, slowly closing the remaining distance.

Marinette shuddered at the warmth of his nervous breath against her skin. She shut her eyes. Just one more centimeter...

CRASH!

Marinette's eyes shot open and Adrien stiffened.

Screams from the ballroom permeated into the kitchen.

Marinette released her grip from Adrien's neck, breath still ragged, pulse still racing. What was going on? Marinette hadn't heard screams like this since the days of Hawkmoth and his overuse of akumas. But this couldn't be that. Hawkmoth had disappeared. This had to be something different, and of all times for something like this to-

"My name is Early Finisher and I am looking for Ladybug!" A woman's voice echoed through the ballroom causing Marinette to quiver. This wasn't happening; all of this must be a dream: an almost kiss from Adrien immediately leading into an akuma attacking the charity auction. No. This wasn't real - this had to be a dream: a figment of her imagination. But she hadn't gone to sleep, and every detail from her day was too vivid. She felt as if her mind were trapped in a fog - overwhelmed by the sudden influx of emotions.

"This is bad," Adrien's voice pierced through Marinette's thoughts, bringing her back to focus on the present. "I'm sorry Marinette," Adrien spluttered as he turned to leave the kitchen, "but I have to go and…"

"Chat," Marinette said matter-of-factly, lunging from the counter as she grabbed Adrien's wrist - effectively halting his progression.

This wasn't how she had imagined giving her identity away, but the city needed them and she was tired of keeping secrets from Adrien. Besides if it had been left up to her, she may not have ever mustered the courage to say anything. As far as she had decided, she would have been just as content to keep sending messages to Chat and only facing Adrien as… well Adrien.

Okay. Marinette had to admit that method was kind of stupid. Eventually they would have to be honest. And, now that Marinette was being truthful with herself, she was kind of relieved that she hadn't kissed Adrien before revealing her secret.

She didn't want to just be Marinette kissing Adrien. No. Ladybug also needed to kiss her kitten. And he needed to know she was his Lady! Yes, a kiss like that would be perfect.

Marinette made up her mind. It was time to transform in front of Adrien.

"Do you trust me?" Marinette asked, her bluebell eyes shining - memories flooding her mind of the last time she had asked Adrien this question. His faith in Ladybug lead him to hurdling himself over the side of a building. But this time she was Marinette: would that unyielding trust be held within both her identities?

Adrien simply stood transfixed, eyes wide - had Marinette been wrong? What on earth was he thinking?

Just as she was about to give up on a response, Adrien smirked, giving Marinette the most Chat-like grin she had ever seen. "With my life, M'Lady," he said with a bow - "sorry for the delayed reaction; it took me a second to register what you were saying."

Marinette's heart nearly stopped beating. Even though she was clearly looking at Adrien; his mannerisms had morphed - like the flipping of a switch - without a doubt, this was Chat speaking. His sudden change was almost alarming. Yet, this wasn't the first time Marinette had seen this side of Adrien.

Why did it take me this long to see this? Her inner thoughts groaned. He was literally right in front of me! He'll be so surprised once he finds out that I'm his...

Wait.

Marinette stopped mid thought, only then just realizing that extent of what Adrien had just said.

Did he just call me my Lady?

Adrien knew!

He knew she was his lady.

This wasn't a surprise. He had only been shocked because he realized she was going to reveal her identity.

Marinette tried not to freak out. How long had he known? How did he find out? Why hadn't he said anything? Was this why his feelings towards her changed?

If that was the case, then her behavior this past week had been even more stupid. But Marinette couldn't dwell on that right now. They were pressed for time, and hey, at least now she didn't have to waste that time on further explanations. Him already knowing her identity certainly sped things up. She would have to deal with the details of that later; right now they had a job to perform.

Adrien stood from his bow, patiently waiting for Marinette's command - a habit of Chat's that now had Marinette's head reeling. Because that loyal partner who had trusted her, followed her in everything, hadn't just been Chat: it had been Adrien. And once again, they were going to be the dream team.

"Then let's do this together," Marinette said with conviction. "Tikki!"

"Plagg!" Adrien eagerly corresponded.

"Transform me!" the two declared in unison, immediately becoming engulfed in the light of their transformations.

Knowing Adrien was Chat Noir and seeing the beginning of his transformation was entirely different. It was exhilarating to finally see the man she loved changing right in front of her. She had been right! Adrien was Chat and he was in love with her! In fact, he loved her so much, he was willing to let her watch him transform.

In an act of pure emotion - eight years in the making - Marinette grasped Adrien's face between the palms of her hands, pulling him towards her, the magic tingling throughout her body. She would finish what Adrien had started. No akuma was going to steal her first kiss - especially with her long lost partner.

Adrien swiftly responded, gathering Marinette within his arms - slightly lifting her, bringing her closer to his lips.

Magical swirls of green and pink danced around them as their transformations extended from their feet: it was different than the sequence of the normal transformation, but then again, there had been nothing normal about this evening.

Closing her eyes once again, Marinette smiled, standing on her tiptoes, then crashed her lips against his. Nothing in her life could have ever prepared her for this moment, the comforting feeling of Adrien's soft, warm lips moving in a gentle, tentative motion, the passion she had held deep within bubbling and overflowing causing her to press deeper - filling each of her movements with the greatest amount of love she could muster.

Marinette's fingers had long since woven themselves deep within Adrien's hair as they reluctantly separated. Panting and heartbeats racing, the giddy pair stared at each other in pure admiration - the smiles on their faces only continuing to widen.

Because the person standing in front of each of them was no longer just Marinette or Adrien.

No.

The absolutely lovestruck pair now caught in each other's stare was none other than Ladybug and her dorky felined partner.

Finally.

Finally! There were no more secrets underneath those masks.

Marinette's heart squeezed with love. Adrien and Chat Noir really were one and the same, and now she was finally getting to see him as one person. It had been so long since she had looked into those glowing green eyes. Her long absent partner nearly took her breath away as he stood right in front her, looking more handsome than she could have ever dreamed.

If ever Marinette had thought Adrien's level of handsomeness had reached near perfection, she had failed to realize what he would look like as an adult version of Chat. The haircut she'd given him during the long time they had spent together due to his concussion nearly made her collapse on the floor as his previously side swept bangs tousled wildly in each and every direction. Trying desperately not to peek down at the suit which left nothing to the imagination, Marinette peered at Chat's ears - the left one twitching in anticipation.

How cute! She thought, only then just realizing her hands were still caught in his hair. Tenderly releasing her grasp, she raised her right hand to play with his twitching cat ear.

"I missed you, silly kitty," Marinette delightedly grinned. A sense of calm washing throughout her as she revelled in the return of her partner. This was how things were supposed to be. Everything was right in the world now that Ladybug was back with Chat Noir.

Adrien closed his eyes, leaning into Marinette's hand, purring as he said, "Mari, you are-"

BANG!

The front kitchen doors burst open - the two heroes automatically separated - switching to a defensive stance.

"Whatever you were about to say is going to have to wait, minou," Marinette easily slipped into Ladybug mode. "First, it looks like we are going to have to deal with this pesky akuma."

Adrien glanced back to his partner, delighting in her returned commanding demeanor, and somewhat prideful of her still flushed cheeks and swollen lips. This was going to be the best Chat Noir and Ladybug team up ever! They were partners, lovers, and most of all, they were best friends. No akuma had ever stopped them. No villain would stand a chance.

Thanks to my sister for doing the amazing reveal picture! Find her on instagram at Katygrunstraart!