Miraculous Ultra Adventures: Ladybug, Chat Noir, and Ultraman Tiga

Disclaimer: I do not own Ultraman Tiga or Miraculous. Ultraman Tiga belongs to Tsubaraya and Miraculous to Zagtoons. Fiorella La Chapelle is gabeherndon308's OC. Noboru Watanabe is my OC.

Special thanks to gabeherndon308 for his support.

Chapter 7: New Love and Recuperation

Paris, France

Shortly After Victory Against Spore Gazort

Ladybug and Chat Noir landed on top of a roof well away from the crowds celebrating victory and restoration to the city. Chat Noir looked around for a bit. "We are safe here."

"Plagg, claws in."

"Tikki, spots off."

In flashes of green and red, Adrien and Marinette de-transformed. Marinette put her hands to her face, trying not to appear flustered, but failing. She looked to Adrien, feeling her shyness well up without the mask. Adrien meanwhile was calm, but internally was excited fluttery from being face to face with Marinette, his Ladybug.

"You're C-Catty... I mean Chat Noir! I can b-barely live- I mean believe it!" Marinette stumbled over herself. Adrien continued to act calm, giving her space to process this revelation. "B-but... it somehow makes sense," it then began to sink in with Marinette as she began to run through her mind past evidence now that the glamor around Adrien's Chat Noir identity no longer clouded her perception. She looked to Adrien, finally coming to terms with his true identity. "That time when Chat Noir had the feather allergies fighting Mr. Pigeon... it was you," Marinette realized.

Adrien rubbed his neck sheepishly, "yeah, that would have been a give away. I'll admit it, fighting Mr. Pigeon is a real doozy for me. Can you imagine the pain of having to fight a villain you're literally allergic to?"

"Yeah, I guess," Marinette giggled at the silliness. "Sorry about the feather in the derby hat, though," Marinette then felt sheepish, "I should have done my research on you, but it was Tikki's idea in all honesty."

"So it was you!" Adrien pointed with a mock glare at Tikki.

"I'm guilty as charged," Tikki admitted apologetically with her paws up.

"You tortured my wielder, sugarcube?" Plagg gave a teasing look of mock horror, "you are supposed to be the sweetest of us kwamis!"

"Plagg!" Tikki squealed and blushed, "you know I would never intend to! I was just trying to help Marinette!"

Marinette was amused by Plagg. "It's nice to meet you, Plagg."

"And great to meet you too, Pigtails," Plagg greeted, "speaking of torture, can you imagine just how torturous it was to listen to my kitten's pining for you all day and night?" "P-Plagg!" Adrien stuttered and blushed now. Marinette giggled again. This jestering kwami of Adrien's was making this conversation less stressful and awkward for Marinette. She looked again to Adrien with some amusement. "So you actually do like me?"

Adrien sighed, but smiled. "Yeah... And even more than that now, I love you, Marinette."

"B... but I thought you love Ladybug, not me," Marinette said, "Ladybug is amazing, brave, and courageous. I'm just a klutzy and shy girl underneath all that..."

"It doesn't matter! No matter who you are, Marinette, or Ladybug, you will always be the same heroic girl that I always had a crush on." Adrien then added with that beaming smile, "and you did kiss me. That certainly put a lot of fighting spirit into me." That threw Marinette off as she blushed redder. "You have an amazing effect that no one else has with me, Bugaboo," Adrien laughed.

"D-don't call me that," Marinette blushed hard, "I'm still trying to reconcile you being Chat!"

"Take your time and breathe, Marinette," Adrien calmingly told her, "no pressure."

"I'm such a mess now," Marinette squeaked.

"Well you're my mess." Adrien said lovingly, "and I wouldn't change that for the world with all that we've been through together."

"I've done a lot of things with you that I'm not proud of," Marinette then admitted.

"I know, and I can tell that you are sorry for being rude to me as Chat Noir," Adrien said sweetly. "No... not just that," Marinette confessed, "you know that voicemail you got but then lost?"

"I think so why," Adrien wondered.

"I... I stole your phone and deleted it," Marinette buried her face in her hands, "it was too embarrassing!"

"Really?" Adrien asked, being intrigued instead of angry, "and why?"

Marinette thought of the gentlest way to tell Adrien, but ended up wracking her head. "Agh... I was trying to ask you out, but instead I called you hot stuff while I was talking to Alya!"

Adrien was shocked to hear that, but once it sank into his mind, he smirked slyly. "Glad you're thinking of me like that."

Marinette gasped squealed in embarrassment. "A-Adrien, you aren't freaked out!?"

"Well, if the other shoe fits... I have pictures of Ladybug, and now you portfolioed in my room," Adrien revealed.

Marinette's eyes widened. "Just like me having photos of you and your entire schedule plastered over my wall..." she blurted out.

"I have fangames and action heroes of Chat Noir and Ladybug in a collection," Adrien added. The two teen stared at each other, then laughed.

"Wow... we both have it bad!" Marinette giggled loudly.

Adrien laughed back. "Yeah that makes two of us!" The two then calmed down and gave each other shy smiles. "But seriously, Marinette, there is no one else that I would rather have by my side, whether as my partner, in school or in battle," Adrien said, "and we are both silly, but we can be silly together."

"You mean it?" Marinette put her hands to her cheeks.

Adrien stepped forward and looked Marinette in her bright eyes with his own. "With everything we've been through and know about each other, I am paw-sitive." Adrien looked down a bit. "I may be new to this but..." he then took Marinette by the hand, surprising her with how soft his hands were. "I would be honored to have you as my girlfriend," he confessed.

Marinette had to keep herself from exploding or fainting as fireworks went off in her bosom.

"Marinette Dupain-Cheng, wielder of the Miraculous of Ladybug," Adrien asked, "would you be my girlfriend?"

Marinette stood still. She was being asked by her long time crush, Adrien no less to be his girlfriend. "Y...yes!" Marinette squealed as she tackled him in a hug. The two laid back on the roof as Marinette sat on top. "Yes, Adrien!" She then kissed him.

"Mmmmm..." Adrien savored Marinette's sweet taste from her lips as he closed his eyes and wrapped his arms around her.

Plagg stuck out his tongue, while Tikki gushed at the sight. "Aaawwww..."

Marinette and Adrien silently and softly kissed for a good one minute. Marinette finally released Adrien from the lip lock as she gazed down upon him with a soulful look. "I can't believe this is a dream come true," she whispered.

"For me too..." Adrien said, "and we both have Ultraman Tiga to thank."

Little did the Miraculous couple know that Tiga watched them from afar. Seeing that both Miraculous heroes were alright, he stealthily returned to the alley where Sherlock Discreet had been parked and de-transformed. Daigo felt a little bit sore and worn, but between his Ultra healing and the Miraculous Ladybug restoring his energy levels, he would be well enough to drive back to base.

"Gazort was tough with Hawkmoth's akuma. At least Ladybug and Chat Noir are safe now... and together," Daigo muttered as he got back into the car. He then got a radio call from Hideki Go. He turned on the radio. "Daigo, reporting in."

"Daigo," Hideki's voice crackling in, "we saw the whole battle go down from Chamack's coverage of today. Nice work."

"Thank you, Go-sensei," Daigo replied.

Then Go asked, "so what will you do about Ladybug and Cat Noir?"

"They are both safe at the moment," Daigo said, "but they would have to return to their school to reassure the others... we will have to try again later."

"I hope you know what you are doing, Daigo-san," Hideki expressed.

"I do, Go-sensei," Daigo said, "but today was a major victory for the light. I will let them enjoy this victory and their coming together for now."

"I understand," Hideki replied, "then return to base."

"Roger," Daigo acknowledged. He put Sherlock Discreet into drive and drove back out onto the restored Paris streets. He swung by the school, which had been restored by Ladybug's magic. It was now surrounded by police, ambulance, and even French Army vehicles and personnel. Daigo watched as the student body and staff were led out and tended to by the medics. He then tuned in to Nadja Chamack's news channel on his dashboard screen.

"In what has been deemed the most severe akuma attack since the emergence of Hawkmoth," Nadja reported, "the military has seen its first akuma-related domestic deployment on the heels of the appearance of a giant monster believed to have been created by Hawkmoth. We currently have a reporter live at Francoise Dupont High School, where soldiers are securing the site alongside local law enforcement."

Daigo continued to watch the coverage as the reporter on the scene put a mike to one of the soldiers. "Captain, what can you tell us about the situation?"

"I'm sorry," the army captain waved away the mike, "but I am not at liberty to disclose any information at this point." He then walked away.

Daigo then checked the other networks, and found news of his battle with Spore Gazort quickly going viral, even all the way to America on the America Online Today news website. The web reporter for the network in France had already posted an article headlined, "Silver Giant of Light Saves Paris with Ladybug and Cat Noir, Destroys Giant Plant-Based Monster." It went on to say that Japanese subscribers and witnesses in Paris had identified the giant as Ultraman Tiga from a Japanese TV series from 1996, first fighting alongside the Miraculous heroes against the akuma, Lady Thorn, then going on to destroy the giant tadpole-like monster that had absorbed Lady Thorn's powers. In the comments, there were many reactions, but some of the most enthusiastic comments were from self-identified Ultraman fans primarily in Japan and America.

Daigo frowned slightly. Going to Alya Cesaire's Ladyblog, there was that same blow up in likes and comments. He had underestimated how renowned Tiga was in this world. This presented a new dimension to how he would have to operate.

Not wanting to chance it anymore for the day, Daigo drove off back to his base.

Meanwhile, the school had become a triage point for many victims of the akuma and kaiju attack as medics and counselors flooded the area under police and military watch. Damocles was almost overwhelmed by the response towards the school. Mrs. Bustier and Ms. Mendelev were also trying to chime in to help, but it was clear that police and military investigators were bearing down. "Please, back up a bit, there is no need for this," Mendelev begged the gendarmes and soldiers.

"Soldier, is this really necessary," Miss Bustier asked one of the army troopers.

"Where have you been, lady," the soldier retorted to Miss Bustier, "the whole downtown got overrun by mutant plants, and then a freaking giant monster appears to wreck the whole city!"

"Miss Bustier, right?" A soldier ranking lieutenant approached, "we have some questions for you and your students to answer."

"Okay," Miss Bustier replied nervously, "how can we help?"

"Who was responsible for today's akuma attack," the lieutenant pressed.

Now Miss Bustier rolled her eyes as she answered. "It's Hawkmoth, of course," she told the lieutenant, "who else could it be?"

"I meant patient zero, ma'am," the lieutenant clarified, "who was the one he turned into the villain of the day?"

It was then one of the lower-ranking soldiers stepped up and saluted the lieutenant. "Sir," he reported, "the other students and witnesses say that it was a girl named Fiorella la Chapelle."

Butier gasped in horror, knowing that one of her students is about to be taken away. She held the sobbing Fiorella close to her. "She is not at fault here! You can't simply arrest her!"

"That is right," Ms. Mendelev came to the defense, "she is a student of ours. We won't let you simply treat her like a prisoner!"

Ladybug and Chat Noir saw the dispute take place from a nearby rooftop. They were initially going to return to school in their civilian identities, but saw the soldiers surrounding the school and threatening to detain Fiorella. "Milady, we can't let them take Fiorella," Chat Noir told Ladybug beggingly, "they just might lock her up!"

Ladybug then took on a resolved expression. "Follow my lead, Chaton. I will handle this..."

Some of the soldiers surrounded Fiorella and Mrs. Bustier. "Fiorella la Chapelle? We have some questions for you to answer. You will come with us." One of them was about to reach out for the girl when Ladybug and Chat Noir landed hard between them, causing the soldier to stumble and fall back. They both stood in front of Fiorella, protecting her from the military.

"It's Ladybug," Mylene said as she was being tended to.

"And Chat Noir," Ivan added.

"Oh man," Kim remarked, "it's on now." "This will be interesting," Alix said, ignoring the medic's attempts to examine her eyes.

The captain of the soldiers walked up to Miraculous heroes. "Ladybug and Chat Noir, is it," he asked.

"Yeah, and who's asking," Cat Noir said, giving the army captain the stink eye.

"First off," the captain took his helmet off, "thank you both for helping us deal with that giant monster, but why are you here when the battle is already over?"

Ladybug stepped up to the captain. "Commander," she spoke, "we know that Fiorella is an innocent victim who was brainwashed and forced to do Hawkmoth's evil against her will. I doubt that she will provide anything useful about him, and locking her up will be an injustice."

"But we have orders to question her regarding Hawkmoth and this latest attack," the lieutenant objected, "this is now a matter of national security after that giant monster appeared."

"National security my tail," Chat Noir protested, "she's just a kid, and how would she know much of anything under Hawkmoth's control?"

"That is what we are trying to find out," the lieutenant said.

"Please, that is enough you two," the captain told the heroes, "please step aside and let us handle this situation."

Chat held his staff out, but Ladybug quickly stayed his hand as she smiled towards the captain. "Captain, I can assure you that Fiorella is no threat," Ladybug said in a sweet tone, "I promise you that she would not hurt anyone if it wasn't for Hawkmoth. I'm sure Mrs. Bustier and her class can vouch for her."

Ms. Bustier then spoke up as she held Fiorella. "I only met her today, but she is a sweet and kind girl who would not torture or hurt anybody," Ms. Bustier told them, "and like all other akumas in the past, she would have been influenced against her will by Hawkmoth to do his evil work. As her teacher, I take responsibility for her wellbeing, and I will not stand for her to be treated like a prisoner. I also don't believe that she will be able to tell you soldiers much more about Hawkmoth." Ms. Bustier hugged the girl close as she, Ladybug, and Chat Noir held their ground against the French soldiers.

The captain was about to answer Ms. Bustier when someone else spoke. "Uncle Charles?" The army captain turned towards the voice. It was Sabrina Raincomprix. "Sabrina?!"

Ladybug and Chat blinked. This army captain was Sabrina's uncle? Sabrina then walked up to her uncle. "Uncle Charles. I can explain what happened."

"Alright then, tell me, Sabrina," the captain said as he and Sabrina went off to the side to talk. It was then that Sabrina explained, "you see, it began with my friend..."

Ladybug and Chat Noir walked back up to Fiorella. "Are you alright Fiorella," Ladybug asked.

The flower girl glanced down with a sullen expression.

Ladybug just smiled gently. "It's ok, it's not your fault," she said, "you weren't the first to have been transformed against your will. The only one at fault is Hawkmoth doing this to you."

"Ladybug... I'm sorry that I turned you into a minion," Fiorella muttered, "and I made you attack your partner."

"Again, that was Hawkmoth making you do all that," Ladybug reminded, "he took advantage of whatever negative emotions you felt for his own evil ends."

"Milady's right," Chat encouraged, "from what I heard, you are a beautiful soul with a blossoming care and love for others! Don't let Hawkmoth's exploitative deeds overshadow that." He then smirked, "and from what I hear, you help a lot of lovers find just the right kind of flowers to help express themselves."

"So don't give up on that," Ladybug encouraged, "and don't give up on yourself."

"T-Thank you... both of you," Fiorella finally smiled again through her crying and sobbing, "I-I don't know how things will be now... but I will keep using my flowers to try and spread happiness."

"That's the floral spirit!" Chat gave a thumbs up.

Ivan and Mylene then came up to Fiorella. "Fiorella, were so glad that you're ok!" Mylene hugged her.

Fiorella smiled and said, "thank you. It was thanks to Chat Noir and Ladybug..."

"And not to mention that giant, Ultraman Tiga," Ivan added, "I still cannot believe that was a real Ultraman..."

"Yeah, at first it was nothing but fiction, but a real one? Now I've seen everything," Nathaniel chimed in, letting his inner superhero geek talk, "now I can see why Alya and Nino were so pumped up!" Juleka smiled softly as she watched Nathaniel geek out.

It was then that Rose brought up, "speaking of which... where are they? And where are Marinette and Adrien?"

"Marinette, Adrien?" Mrs. Bustier called out in a concerned tone. Fiorella then started to panic. "Oh no... I hit Marinette with a rose!" She looked to Chat and Ladybug. "Marinette and Adrien, are they!?"

"It's ok, she's fine now." Ladybug gave a knowing look towards Chat Noir with a blush and a smile. "My kitty here saved her and Adrien. We got them to a safe place after we pulled the rose out. They're now resting at home."

That brought relief to Fiorella. "Thank the heavens," she sighed, "they're both safe."

"Ladybug, Chat Noir," Max walked up to the two of them, clearly alright. "That guy... Tiga, you two fought alongside him right? What's he like?"

"Yeah," Alix broke away from the army medic up towards them, "and what was the deal with your Miraculous things shining like that?"

The two Miraculous heroes just looked to each other and nodded. Honesty was simple enough.

"If I have to be honest," Ladybug admitted, "we really don't know much about him."

"Yeah, fresh out of my 'paws' I'm afraid," Chat shrugged with his hands up.

"But what we can say is that...

"We are Ultra grateful for him!" Chat and Ladybug slapped and clasped their hands together in the air as they cheered.

Sabrina then came back with her army uncle, Charles. "I explained everything that happened," Sabrina said, "our new friend should be okay, unless she decides to volunteer anything she might know."

Captain Charles Raincomprix then extended a hand. "It is an honor to finally meet the both of you, Ladybug and Cat Noir. Captain Charles Raincomprix, French Army."

Ladybug and Chat each shook the captain's hand. He had similarities to Roger Raincomprix with his orange-red hair and blue eye color, but he was of a slimmer build, and sported a crew cut and more square jaw befitting his military build and posture. "Raincomprix... are you?" Chat Noir asked. Charles chuckled. "Yes I am, and you two have met my brother Roger."

"Pleasure to meet you too, captain," Ladybug beamed with that bright smile that put everyone at ease, "but Officer Raincomprix never told us he had a military brother."

Sabrina pursed her lips. "Well, he's been away on deployment many times."

"My unit and I just happened to be in town back from Africa when we got the emergency mobilization," Charles said.

"So I figured," Chat Noir sighed.

"Well considering a near-fatal infestation of fatal plants and a giant monster appearing afterwards," Charles reminded, "hard to ignore something like that." Ladybug then asked Sabrina, "sorry to bother you about this, but how is Chloe? She should be alright now..." Sabrina's expression then turned downcast. She gave a sad look. "Physically she is, but she's not talking or anything," Sabrina revealed, "she just stares off into a corner."

Ladybug saw Chat struggle with himself, not knowing whether to be relieved, satisfied, or concerned about Chloe. She just held his hand gently. "Chat... she's safe, and I'm here for you..." Chat glanced towards her with gratitude.

Charles just frowned. "That girl needs a serious intervention, especially considering how dangerous today's akuma attack was. That monster could have destroyed all of Paris."

"True..." Sabrina glanced over to Max, who noticed and looked away with a rather sheepish expression.

"Sabrina!" Roger called out as he was let through by a soldier. He rushed over to his daughter.

"Daddy," Sabrina beamed.

Roger hugged Sabrina, and Sabrina hugged him back. "I'm sorry I could not come help you," Roger confessed, "are you okay?"

"I was saved by the Miraculous heroes and the Ultraman," Sabrina muttered as she gave a slight glance towards Max, "and a friend..."

"Well that's good to hear sweetie." Roger held Sabrina as he faced Ladybug and Chat Noir. Thank you both again for rescuing my daughter. I was worried when that giant monster appeared and attacked the school."

"It was because of them that I survived to see you and Uncle again, Daddy," Sabrina expressed.

"Well hey, had to you keep those nine lives," Chat grinned flirtatiously towards Sabrina, to which Ladybug playfully elbowed him. "Uncle?" Roger then saw Captain Charles. "Charles? You're home."

"Good to see you and Sabrina alright, Roger," Charles smiled.

"Captain, our orders?" One of the soldiers next to Fiorella asked.

Charles held out a hand as he ordered, "stand down, I have what I need, and interrogating her will no longer be necessary." The soldiers saluted, and subsequently left Fiorella with Miss Bustier.

Then the Miraculous duo started hearing an all too familiar beeping. Ladybug and Chat Noir were a bit surprised, but then sighed as they started to feel tired. "I guess our kwamis are exhausted, Chaton," Ladybug told him.

Chat smirked. "Yeah I guess it's time for us to 'scat' outta here." Chat smirked. He then leaned in to whisper. "I'll sneak into your room later tonight if that's alright with you..."

Ladybug giggled and blushed, as they both left the area.

"Wait!" Alya came running in, but Chat and Ladybug had already leapt off. "Aw... I missed them again..."

Ladybug and Cat Noir landed on a building far from the watching public. As the timers ran out, they de-transformed as their kwamis showed tiredness.

"Whew, that took a lot out of me," Plagg sighed, "I think I need more camembert."

"I think we both need a lot of rest," Tikki muttered, "us fighting an akuma, and now a kaiju has taken a lot out of us."

"Get some rest, Tikki," Marinette cooed as she cradled Tikki, "you and Plagg deserve it.

"I'll get you fed and rested little buddy," Adrien laughed as he held Plagg in his palm. The new boy and girlfriend looked at one another with shy and happy smiles. "So... later tonight if you're okay with that?" Adrien asked.

"Yeah... Sure." Marinette blushed. Adrien then held her hand with a beaming smile. "Shall I walk you my lady?"

"Home?" Marinette then smiled even more, "thank you kitty!" She took his hand, as they both head down the building and out on the streets.

Adrien opened the door for Marinette as she entered her bakery/home. "Mom, Dad, I'm home!" Next she knew, Marinette was ambushed by a dancing and squealing Sabine Cheng as she hugged her daughter hard. "Marinette, you're home safe!

"M-Mom!" Marinette squeaked out to Adrien's amusement. Tom then walked up and embraced both Sabine and Marinette in a bear hug. "Dad?"

"Marinette, we were just about to come looking for you," Tom cooed as he patted his daughter's head, "thank goodness that you're safe."

Adrien watched with some tears in his eyes as Marinette's parents embraced her. He was both happy for his new girlfriend, and sad that his own father did not show his affections or concern for him like this. It was then that Sabine noticed Adrien and beamed. "Were you the one who brought our Marinette home?"

"Of course," Adrien smiled softly, "and you both are Marinette's mom and dad."

Sabine let go of Marinette as she happily took Adrien by the hands. "Thank you for keeping her safe, and welcome to our shop and home," she greeted.

"My pleasure, I just did what any good boyfriend would do," Adrien said rather absentmindedly.

"Adrien," Marinette squeaked with a blush. She did not expect Adrien to spill it so directly and soon.

The Agreste boy himself realized what he just said and also turned red. "Oh um..." He stuttered, trying to hide his blushing.

"Boyfriend?" Tom raised an eyebrow, Adrien not knowing if the man was annoyed or amused.

However, Sabine's eyes took on a gleam as she smiled and clapped her hands together. "Well then!" Marinette and Adrien turned to her. "Why don't you stay for dinner?" Sabine offered to Adrien, "it's the least we can do for you for looking after Marinette."

"I don't know," Adrien rubbed his neck, "my father is probably wondering where I am now, and it wouldn't do any good to keep him waiting... he's rather strict."

Marinette gave a sad look to Adrien, knowing enough about his father and his life.

However, Sabine's happy face did not fade. "Nonsense," she chimed, "it's just for the early evening. Besides, what harm will it be for him to know that you are safe with us?"

Adrien thought of it for a moment, then smiled and answered, "ok then, I guess it wouldn't hurt."

Marinette cupped her cheeks cutely, while Tom eyed Adrien with the thought of getting to know this male model who captured his daughter's affections. Sabine hummed a pleased tone as she said, "you can make yourself comfortable with Marinette while I get some tea and dinner going."

Marinette silently, but happily led Adrien up the stairs behind her parents. Adrien saw that the stairs led up to the house above the bakery. As he came up, he was taken in with how much more pretty and spacious the home looked than from outside. "Hmm... very nice home, Marinette."

"Thank you, Adrien," Marinette blushed. "Glad you think so," Sabine replied. "Why don't you two sit on that couch over there?"

"Thank you very much, Mrs. Dupain-Cheng," Adrien expressed politely.

Marinette sat down, and Adrien followed her. The two heroes blushed as they looked and smiled to each other. 'I cant believe this is happening!' Marinette thought excitedly. 'Adrien's... in my house!'

Marinette suppressed a pleased squeal, but Adrien heard it. He smirked, "I see someone has something to 'Paw' ffer?"

"Meep," Marinette squeaked, but Adrien held her close to him. "Nothing to be shy about... it's your couch," Adrien assured.

Marinette tried to hide her embarassment, but failed and started pouting. "Oh you silly kitty..."

"And you love it, don't you," Adrien grinned.

Marinette then gave a knowing smile. "I guess so... and after today, I would not have you change that for the world."

"I won't," Adrien said as he discreetly wrapped his arm around Marinette's waist. She could not help but notice how firm, yet gentle he was from his athletic activities as Chat Noir.

Tom sat at the dinner table watching Adrien and Marinette as Sabine was finishing her cooking.

Sabine then glanced over towards Marinette and Adrien with an endeared smile. "Look at them, aren't they cute together?" Sabine said.

"Yeah," Tom muttered. "Still... he's getting a little touchy don't you think, Sabine?"

Sabine giggled over the sound of her cooking. "I think it's romantic, honey."

Tom looked back towards Adrien, who held Marinette as she giggled and stared back at him. "This is just so sudden, especially with all the destruction we saw today."

The newscasts of today's events were also fresh in Sabine's mind. "But thanks to Ultraman Tiga, our city's heroes won the battle today." She sighed in happiness. "Oh... I have not been this excited to see my childhood hero win a battle since!"

Tom gave his wife an amused look. "You sound like you have a crush on this Tiga character."

"I-It's not that, Tom!" Sabine denied witha furious blush.

"Come on now, I know you too well," Tom teased.

Sabine then sighed. "It's just that... he really was my hero then. My sisters and I used to watch him when we were little."

"You know, I didn't know that Ultraman Tiga was shown in China," Tom admitted.

"Oh it was," Sabine then added cutely, "it was also the Chinese dub with its own cool songs."

Tom smirked, "and I know where you keep that Tiga movie collection and figurines."

"Tom..." Sabine muttered with a blush.

Ultra Garrison Base

Daigo parked his Sherlock Discreet in the hangar next to the Night GUTS Wing. As he shut the car, he was greeted by Hideki and Dan. "Daigo!"

"Moroboshi-sensei," Daigo muttered, "I'm back." The two Ultra Brothers looked over the young Tiga host. He was ragged and a little unkempt looking. "You had quite a day," Hideki remarked, "you need a shower." "I will be alright, Go-sensei," Daigo replied, "Ladybug's power, it healed me."

"That's what I saw on the news footage of you," Go remembered.

Daigo nodded. "Those light ladybugs flew around restoring the city, then they flew around my body and into my color timer, restoring my energy enough to take those Clitters and fly them off into space."

"Yes... that is very interesting, Daigo," Go said as he stroked his beard.

"Still, Go's right about you needing that shower," Dan chuckled, "not to mention a warm meal!" "I can take anything you can cook up, Moroboshi-sensei," Daigo replied.

Moroboshi chuckled, "I'm glad to hear that... I've got some Hawaiian poke bowls on the house."

Daigo nodded while Hideki Go joked, "a little far from Hawaii, aren't we?"

"What can I say? It's my specialty," Dan laughed.

Hideki Go then picked up his tool box. "You go shower, Daigo." "Right." Daigo went towards the showers while Hideki went to work on Sherlock.

Marinette's Home

"Dinner and tea, Marinette," Sabine beamed as she set the table.

"Thanks, Mom!" Marinette and Adrien walked over. Adrien looked upon the clay pots that Sabine had set out. "What are these?" Adrien asked.

"Clay pot chicken rice," Sabine said as she opened her pot, showing steaming rice with sausages and chicken.

"That looks good," Adrien wondered as he sat in a chair next to Marinette. Sabine and Tom took their seats across from the teens.

"It's an old family favorite," Sabine said.

"And my wife here makes a mean clay pot meal," Tom said proudly of Sabine.

Yeah, try it out," Marinette urged Adrien.

Adrien marvelled as he removed the lid. He then slowly took a bite. Adrien tasted the soy sauce and ginger flavoring of the rice and meat. He smiled approvingly toward Marinette. "I heartily approve."

"Great to hear!" Marinette smiled for her boyfriend liking the food.

"That's wonderful to hear," Sabine expressed.

Tom chuckled, then he looked earnestly to Adrien. "So then, young man, how do you and Marinette know each other?"

Adrien and Marinette blushed and looked sheepishly to each other. "Well... it all began with someone sticking gum on my seat," Marinette began. That made her parents wonder a bit.

"Yeah..." Adrien laughed nervously, "I was actually trying to get it off her seat."

"And I first thought it was him who did it, but then I learned it wasn't, and it's obviously Chloe who did it."

Tom looked to Adrien. "Not how I would imagine a first meeting with my daughter." That made the Agreste boy a little embarassed.

"Sorry sir," Adrien muttered.

Tom shook his head. "It's fine son. It was just a misunderstanding. No surprise to know that mean girl Chloe is always causing trouble."

"That rich girl is spoiled to death," Sabine shook her head, "and from what Marinette told me, she is going to be the death of herself one of these days..." Sabine's unwitting remark made Adrien and Marinette both stiffen up.

"Um, Mom? Actually, she came dangerously close today," Marinette muttered out.

"The akuma almost killed her," Adrien revealed, "nearly drained her dry."

"Oh my..." Sabine gasped, "she almost died?"

Marinette silently nodded in reaffirmation.

Tom just shook his head and sighed, "that Bourgoise girl lives dangerously."

"Yeah," Adrien said knowingly, "she's insecure, and she attacked Marinette and my other friend, Fiorella out of jealousy over me. Fiorella was the one akumatized by the way."

"Poor girl," Sabine sighed.

"Marinette, is that what happened?" Tom asked.

"It is, Daddy," Marinette told him.

Sabine shook her head. "That Chloe..."

Tom then decided to steer the conversation back, "so after that bubble gum thing what happened next?"

"Well, this did take place on the day that Ivan became Stoneheart the second time," Marinette revealed.

"And where were you, young lady?" Tom asked Marinette.

"Well..." Marinette began.

However, Adrien beat her to the punch with a grin, "I was helping to keep her safe."

"You were?" Tom was now interested.

Adrien held Marinette's hand under the table as he looked at her lovingly. "Yes sir, I've been keeping her out of harm's way for a while."

Sabine looked excited, "Well that is just wonderful!" She squealed, "then you must have protected her again today."

"That I did, Mrs. Cheng," Adrien answered happily.

Marinette decided to go with the flow. "And more times I could ever count... but I was especially grateful for his bravery in the face of death today." Those words conveyed the true admiration and love she now held for Adrien in its newly profound light. "He risked his own life to save me from the worst." Her parents were astonished by this.

"You risked your life?" Tom asked.

"Yes," Adrien was earnest in tone, "I regret nothing doing so. If I had to do it again to protect Marinette, I will."

Tom then put down his spoon and gave Adrien a wide smile. "Son... I cannot thank you enough for keeping Marinette safe during all these akuma attacks, especially from the monster we saw today. For that... thank you very much." Tom's words made Marinette very happy at his acceptance of Adrien.

"Anything for Marinette, Mr. Dupain," Adrien replied.

It was then that Sabine leaned forward a bit. "And you both saw Ultraman Tiga, did you!?" She was suddenly very excited again. Marinette and Adrien were both stunned.

"Um... yes we did, Mom," Marinette just replied.

"You never told me that silver hero from Saturday was him, dear," Sabine said, "you two are so lucky!"

Marinette looked to Adrien, then back to her mother. "So you know about Ultraman Tiga too?"

"Know him? My Marinette, he's my old hero," Sabine revealed with a beaming face.

"Your mother says she watched his show as a child," Tom added.

Now Marinette was really surprised, as she never would have guessed her mother to be into anything Japanese. "You did!?"

"Oh yes!" Sabine swallowed some rice and smiled. "When I was growing up with my sisters in Shanghai after they opened up to the world... and much to my young sister's initial irritation, I grew fascinated with Japanese TV. Both my older and younger sister chided me for loving something Japanese, but it didn't stop me!"

"I can tell," Adrien smiled back.

Sabine then dropped, "and I even have some merchandise I kept in the attic above, your room, Marinette."

Marinette did a double take. "No way! Really, Mom!?"

"Yes way, sweetie," Sabine beamed, "I've kept them like they were my greatest treasures!"

Tom laughed in amusement for his wife, Adrien was holding back snickers, while Marinette just stared in astonishment.

They then sat in a brief silence, until Sabine came up with a brilliant idea. "Wanna see them?" It was then that Adrien's phone buzzed. It was Natalie.

"Who is it?" Marinette asked.

"Natalie..." Adrien sighed, "she's probably wondering where I am." He then clicked to answer the call. "Hello, Natalie."

"Hello Adrien," Natalie's professional voice came through, "are you safe?"

Adrien briefly paused, as he realized that Natalie had never asked the last question directly up to now. "I am, at Marinette's place," he answered, "we had to get away from the school when the akuma showed up, and then there was the giant battle between Ultraman Tiga and the monster that destroyed downtown."

"I will send for your driver to retrieve you. Make sure your GPS is on," Natalie answered, "and it is good that you are alright."

"I will, thanks Natalie," Adrien said, "I'll talk to you later." With that Adrien hung up. He then turned to the Dupain Cheng family. "Hey Marinette and Mr and Mrs. Dupain Cheng, sorry about denying your request to see your Ultraman collection, but my driver is gonna be picking me up soon."

"How long until he gets here?" Marinette asked.

Adrien checked his phone. "Fifteen minutes... that's a bit longer than I expected, but I suppose that he's being delayed by the military buildup downtown."

Sabine then clapped her hands. "Then we still have time," she said, "I can at least show you both the most cherished treasures of my Tiga collection."

"Mom, I don't think..." Marinette was about to say.

"I think I have the time, Marinette," Adrien grinned to her, "besides, don't you want to see the weeby side of your mom?"

"Adrien!" Marinette blushed. They all laughed at that.

Marinette, Adrien, and both parents then went upstairs towards her room. Marinette unfolded the ladder to the attic as she said, "I really am surprised, Mom. I never took you for a Japanese tokusatsu fan, let alone an Ultraman one."

"What can I say," Sabine smiled coyly, "family always has a secret." Sabine then climbed up into the attic. "In fact, it was Ultraman Tiga that made me interested in heroes when I was young," she said as she disappeared into the attic. There was some shuffling from upstairs. "I used to be scared of monsters in my bedroom."

"And after watching Tiga," Sabine grunted a bit as she moved something, "I was no longer afraid. I'd first dream of him rescuing me... and then encouraging me to be brave."

"Incredible," Marinette thought aloud. She was amazed that her own mother was an Ultra fan.

"Oh my! I forgot that I even had this bundle!" Sabine came down the attic ladder holding something. It was then that Marinette saw what was in her hands. Marinette's eyes widened as she saw a box of DVDs with Tiga's visage on the cover.

"No way," Adrien marvelled.

"You have the entire Ultraman Tiga series!?" Marinette and Adrien voiced in stereo, to Tom's chuckle.

"And it's in both Chinese dub and original Japanese with subtitles, including French and English," Sabine beamed.

Marinette could not believe that the whole original Tiga series was right in front of her.

"Your mom and I still have plenty of secrets," Tom winked with a laugh, "just as you and Adrien had your own." That made them both blush.

"You know..." Sabine stroked the DVD collection as Tom hugged her, "if you both don't mind, I could lend this to the both of you to watch." She then gave a cheeky smile, "I'm sure it will make for many good movie nights."

Adrien was about to answer when his phone notification buzzed with a car honk outside. He sighed, "looks like it's time for me to go."

Marinette seemed to be a bit sad to see her new boyfriend in heroism go, only for Adrien to hug her tightly. "But hey... what do you say about next time, Marinette?" Adrien gave a catty wink with a beaming grin. "And I promise it will be VERY soon..." Adrien added seductively.

Marinette blushed and beamed in excitement, until both teens heard a familiar fatherly throat clearing.

"Oh..." Marinette blushed with Adrien as they remembered Tom. Tom just crossed his big arms. "I get that you both are new at this, but I think we should let our young man here get back home."

"Right..." Adrien stepped back and rubbed his head nervously.

"Still, again thank you for your keeping our Marinette safe," Tom reiterated, "it means a lot that someone would protect her like that."

"Anything for her," Adrien said happily.

"Yes, please come back anytime that you are free, Adrien," Sabine said.

"Thank you, Mrs. Dupain-Cheng," Adrien expressed, "and thank you for dinner."

Marinette followed Adrien down and out the front door, where Natalie was beisde the car the Gorilla was driving.

"Natalie?" Adrien as a bit surprised to see Natalie here.

"Hello Adrien" Natalie simply said. "Good that you are safe, but you should let us know earlier."

"I know," Adrien apologized, "sorry I didn't. Everything was so crazy."

Natalie then saw Marinette beside Adrien, holding his hand. "Ms. Dupain-Cheng."

"Ms. Natalie," Marinette softly greeted.

"Thank you for letting Adrien stay at your home for safety," Natalie expressed.

Marinette just blushed slightly. "Actually... he saved me first." Natalie raised a bit of an eyebrow at that.

"Come along now, Adrien," Natalie pointed towards the sunset, "it's getting late, and the traffic is bad with the military road blocks." The Gorilla opened the passenger door. As Adrien stepped in, he gave Marinette another cattish wink. She simply blushed and covered her face.

"See you later, Marinette!" Adrien called out as Natalie got into the car with him. The Agreste car then drove away.

Marinette watched for a while, before squealing to herself. "I can't believe it, Tikki!"

Tikki floated out. "Yes,I'm glad you and Adrien are finally together, but shouldn't we be more concerned about Ultraman, and how your mother knows everything about him?"

"Well Tikki," Marinette gave her friend an answer, "I think Adrien and I will get to know more tonight." She walked back into the house as Tikki hid back inside her jacket.

"Yay!" Marinette cheered to herself. Her parents upstairs just smiled.

Chapter 7: New Love and Recuperation