"Emile. How is it possible that your awake?" Hawkmoth breathes. Adrien hasn't done his mother justice on just how beautiful she is. "Because Ladybug and our son freed me from the coma." I blink rapidly. How would she know that? "Emile, you've been asleep to long. There's no way that our son could be Cat Noir."
"Gabriel," Emile says. How can a voice sounds so beautiful while reprimanding. "Where you do busy to pay attention to our child when he was younger? Has your heart shriveled so much in the cold that you forgotten to love your son?" "Emile," he tries again. "I would read Adrien stories about the black cat hero every night before going to bed. Clearly you've forgotten." "Is that why you choose the name Cat Noir?" I ask, and Cat nods.
Gabriel turns to us. "If you really are who you say you are, detransfrom and I might change my mind." "Ladybug and Cat always tell the truth, so, we will. Kitty," I lace my fingers through him, and detransform.
Silence crackles in the air above, and I hear my heart beating in my ears. Gently, Cat squeezes my hand. "Why did you do this, Father? Why turn evil when we could have comforted each other in our grief?" "Because I knew their was a chance to bring her back. But your right, Adrien. I choose the dark path of evil, when you and Marinette choose the light." "Love always wins," I look at him. "And the truth will set you free. Gabriel Agreste, will you renounce the Butterfly Miraculous and turn good?"
But instead of answering, Gabriel sinks to his eyes, weeping and sobbing uncontrollably. "Adrien, I'm so sorry. How could you possibly want to forgive me when I've caused so much pain and suffering not just in your life, but in the lives of all Parisians."
"Father, I do forgive you. Like M'lady has taught me, there's always room for a second chance. I do think your deserve to punished though. Then, when your time is done, you can be with us again." "That sounds fair. Here, Ladybug." He takes the Butterfly Miraculous from his throat and hands it to me. "Nooroo, I reannouce you." The little Kwami flies over to me, and I hand him to Adrien.
"Now, I'm going to call the police, but I'm going to give you some time with your family before they come." I make the call, then hang up. "I'll see you soon."
Leaving Adrien to his mother and father, I take my leave. Yes, I might be engaged to Adrien, but this is private and I will not interfere.
I head out to the garden Adrien has been tending the last few months, and I sit down on the garden swing and breathe a huge sigh of relief. Tikki sits on my shoulders as I slowly begin to swing back and forth. "You were very brave, Marinette. Hawkmoth could have killed you back there. What made you give him a second chance?" "A wise kitty once told me after I pushed him away and kept secrets from him when I shouldn't have, gave the young ladybug a second chance."
The tears start flowing, and I know its time to head home. Changing back into my suit, I head back to my own family. No words are needed, Mama and Papa cry too, after I tell them what happened. Then we hold each other a long time.
When Adrien comes back, he looks tired and happy, and I lead him upstairs. "I really can't believe she's back, Marinette. Is this some kind of dream?" "Even if it were, its the best kind of dream." "Your the bravest and most reckless girl in the world, after seeing what you do today. But I love you very much." "Yeah," I lean back on one of pillows. "Tikki kinda gave me that spiel earlier. So, what now?"
"Now that Hawkmoth is gone, I think its time we tied the knot, don't you think?" Adrien asks, rubbing my hand with his thumb. I groan, and place a pillow over my face. "What's wrong?" "I have no friends, Adrien. Most girls are supposed to have a bachalott party." "Oh, I'm sure your mother will come up with something. Oh, we have a meeting with the property owner on the house tomorrow." I shrug off my pillow. "Sounds like we've got a busy day ahead of us." Adrien looks at me, and bursts into laughter.
"My Lady, when haven't we had a busy day since I got my Miraculous or have known you," he laughs. "Yeah, I guess we might have a slightly fuller schedule tomorrow."
Mama orders pizza and we all make a salad together as a family. Adrien and I cling to each other before heads home. I don't know if I'll be able to sleep tonight. "If you need anything, I'm only a meow away." I nod, the tears starting to roll down my cheeks.
Its my mother who holds me that night as I sleep, waking once for I have a nightmare, screaming my loved one's name. Better to get the dark shadows out of my head, and Mama is there with soothing words and a warm cup of tea.
In the morning, I sleep late, but shower and dress quickly, taking a jog to Starbucks. I have a secret errand I want to run before meeting Adrien for our lunch date.
I have just enough time to dash home with my purchases, and throw on a dress and do-up my hair.
The man has a table and greets us with a warm smile. Over a lunch of Italian pasta, Adrien and I plan the next chapter in our lives of getting our own home. But as we talk, I keep thinking, do I really want to wait for kids, and make Adrien wait as well?
I know we have time, but life is always throwing curve balls. But for now, I take a breath, and concentrate on my date and the upcoming wedding looming before me.