A/N: Hello again, everyone!
Here's the thirteenth chap!
Sorry if it's been so long...2023 is about to come to an end in a matter of weeks—my year had some serious ups and downs, and I can't wait to start anew in 2024. I still hope to have a little bit of my mojo back despite writer's block, laziness, semi-depression, and anxiousness, which can totally suck; I think I picked up some weight as well—I've said this before, and I'm totally not afraid to repeat it. Plus, my life offscreen can be a lot. Again, I'm still taking one day at a time, hoping—and praying—for the better of things as time passes.
Time passed, and much like time, there were so many changes in the great Parisian city. There were still some questions about Adrien's living arrangements.
"Are you sure you don't want to come back to London and live with us, Adrien?" Amelie asked. "After everything you've been through here in Paris?"
Adrien stared lovingly at his maternal aunt. "I know you mean well, Aunt Amelie…but I want to live my life here in Paris with Marinette and my friends."
Amelie massaged her soft hands and peered at the Gorilla—his name's been revealed to be Placide I.T.—and asked him, "You don't mind looking after him in Paris, do you?"
Placide nodded his head and grunted but with a small smile.
"Or maybe you could move to Paris?" Adrien suggested.
Amelie's green eyes blinked a few times. "Oh?" She soon had her hands over her chest and asked her son, "You don't mind a little change in scenery, do you, sweetheart?"
"I wouldn't mind the move, mother. I have some making up to do here, anyway…" Félix winked at Adrien, who smirked in return. "And I've made some new acquaintances and…special friends."
Amelie twiddled her manicured fingers. "I guess I don't mind a change, too. But it could be a while before I can find a new house…"
"I…we…" Adrien spoke up, politely interrupting her. "Found a nice place."
A stunning white stone estate in the city sat on a magnificent two-three acres. And it's a few blocks away from the Kyautauna-Sebastian household. While it wasn't as large and grand as the Agreste mansion—Adrien couldn't go back there, and the city was now in control of it, though it was still unclear what would happen to it, considering Monarch's activities that took there—it still had a caretaker's house for the land's security and service. The new home even came with a tennis court and a landscaped garden. Amelie always wanted to get back to doing some gardening and having balconies, a little playground, and a large swimming pool.
In fact, it was a perfect day for a pool party hosted at the new home.
Marinette gave Adrien a cute peck on the lips to wake him up from his nap. Adrien got up and saw their friends enjoying the summer party. Zoe and Nino with Rose perched up on Nino's shoulders and running along the garden; Alix and Nathaniel paint a mural on the wall; Kim and Max swim with Fang in the pool; Sabrina and Marc juggle a soccer ball; Jagged and Luka play the guitar together while Su-Han did a handstand; Kagami sketched Félix by the poolside; Aisha photographed everyone; and Placide served Amelie a drink.
Soon, Markov projected a screen in the middle of the back. "Hey, everyone!" Aisha gathered everyone's attention.
"Quick, everyone!" Penny motioned her hands, wanting everyone to see what was happening. "It's about to start!"
An exclusive news interview with Alec and Mayoress Caline Bustier carrying her newborn Harmonie in the sash.
"Hello, folks, and welcome to Nouveau Monde! Mayoress Caline Bustier and little Harmonie!" Alec cooed at the baby. "It's an honor, both of you."
"Hello, Alec and everyone! And thank you very much again." Ms. Bustier smiled.
"So, you've only been mayor of Paris for a few weeks now, and the city has been completely transformed. What's your superpower?"
"My superpower is you. It was the revolution by the Parisian people that forced the Bourgeois family out of power, and the new partnership with all our citizens was adopted with what's now called "the Eco Rule." Simple principles: don't take more from the Earth than what it can give us, distribute its riches equitably, and don't pollute more than it can recycle."
As she explained, images of the new reformed cities showed up during the interview. The Parisian city becoming the eco-friendly city it promised to be. There were all these suspended gardens, reducing the CO2 emissions by implanting airship taxis to replace cars and the Seine being constantly cleaning, sparkling, and glowing.
"Why don't you tell us about your new school?"
"Oh, it isn't my school but a collaborative effort. This new school will have no classes or struggles to get good grades. Instead, it'll be their second home. Children of all ages will be able to intermix and freely access all kinds of activities. They'll be able to try their hands at everything, learn at their own pace, and help each other until they've figured out what they want to do later in life. Children are our future, and we must and can help each child to shine."
Everyone watching applauded.
The sunset was a beautiful shade of yellow with passing clouds of light orange. The party had died down, and Adrien was all alone in the backyard, sitting on the stone bench and under the floral arch; Placide was in the house, helping Amelie with dinner, while Félix was with Kagami.
"Hey, you…" Marinette spoke up as she walked towards him and sat beside him. She watched him fidget with the twin rings on his right ring finger. "You okay?"
Adrien had to stop himself from caressing it for a second. "I still can't believe these rings contain the amok that was used to create me. And yet, I always knew there was some kind of force holding me back from breaking free from my father. Sometimes, I wonder if I'll ever end up like him."
"You don't have to be anything like your father. Just be yourself and do what you want to do."
Red blushes appeared on Adrien's cheeks. "Marinette, you always find the right words to say. And when I'm with you, I feel so…free!"
Marinette's cheeks created a tint of red.
"I love you!" The couple said in harmony and shared a peal of laughter. Their hands intertwined with each other's, and the two shared a heartfelt kiss—this time, with no interruptions and no one getting in the way.
2023 is coming to an end.
Here's to 2024!
See you next year!