The next few days after we return to the Temple, we sleep a lot, and only do quiet activities. I try to teach Lyra and Ivy how to model, but Lyra would always get a bad case of the giggles whenever I walked down the runway. At first it annoyed Ivy, but then the girls came up with most ridiculous poses and I gave up. Even Ladybug got in on the action, and it felt so good to laugh again.
I go to find Crumb, glad he is in his office doing paperwork. "Ah, Cat! Come in, come in!" He bustles about, once again fetching tea and cookies. "I suppose you and Ladybug will be heading back to Paris soon." "We may have completed our mission, but we won't be returning to Paris for long," I say.
Crumb leans forward, taking his hand in mine. "I understand, Adrien. What are you plans now?" "I proposed to M'lady when it was the wrong time. Do you think she'd give me a second chance?" Crumb's eyes twinkle. "I can't speak for her, Adrien, but I think your chances are high. Would you like the wedding here?" "Could we?" "Of course, but let's wait and see Ladybug's answer, shall we?"
I nod, butterflies hatching in my tummy. Tonight, I tell myself. And with a thank you, I leave, having a proposal to prepare for.
"You've been quiet all day," Ladybug says, as I lead her out to the garden. "What are you up to, Kitten? Did you find a new cookie jar to stick your paw in?" I blush. "Bugaboo, I don't often say this, but the question about to answer is better then cookies by far."
"Question?" Please say yes, I think to myself as I once again get down on one knee.
"Marinette, I still don't have a ring for you,
But I want to make you the happiest girl on earth.
Will you please, for the second time, agree to be my wife?"
My heart thumps around in my chest as she stares down at me.
"Its to bad your out of rings. Do you at least have a chicken for my table?" she smiles, snorting as she quotes our favorite movie. I struggle to keep my own straight face. "No, no. My kitchen is out of chickens." "Shame." we catch each other's eyes, and Ladybug finds my arms.
"Cat," she whispers. "I don't need trinkets, I only need you. Yes."
A feeling like electric fire fills me as we kiss passionately. Holding hands, we go to tell Crumb the happy news.
Three months later….
The cool water feels wonderful as it laps against my feet, and I look over at Ladybug, asleep beside me.
Her wedding ring sparkles gently, and she lets out a small snore. We've been married three months now, but these three months have felt like a whirlwind.
We now own a private island, that I farm, and even though Marinette isn't going back to school, she now spins and sews for people on nearby island on Market Days.
Oh, how we love Market Day. Vendors come and sell their crops and wares, everything you need your can find there, plus share a delicious cone and other wonderful treats.
Presently, we're sprawled out under a large palm, but the shade is shifting and soon we will be in full sun. "M'lady? Bugaboo?" I sit up, shaking her gently. "Mmph, go away!" she bats a tired hand at me. "I'm napping." I chuckle. Oh, how the tables have turned.
"Alright then, my little love bug, you asked for it." she opens her eyes, but doesn't move. "You wouldn't dare," she hisses. She squeals with laughter as my sandpaper tongue finds her, and she springs up quickly.
"Such a naughty kitten," she teases. "I think you shall have no pie." "Hey, I need mittens to be a naughty kitten." "You'll have to catch me first," she backs away, and takes off down the beach to our house.
I catch her easily, lifting her into my arms and carrying her to the house. "I like kisses better then pie, anyway," I whisper, grazing her ear as we enter. "Adrien…." she whispers, and we head towards our room.
After we wake up from a nap, its time to get supper, and I help chop veggies and gather the fish. But when we start to eat, Marinette just stares down at her plate. "What's wrong?" "I'm just not hungry for fish tonight," she sighs, pushing her plate away.
"You feeling okay?" "I think I'm going to turn in early." "Okay, I'll be there soon."
During the night, Marinette wakes from a nightmare, wanting to cuddle, but when I put my arm around her waist she shakes me off, sprinting to the bathroom.
"You don't need to see this," she tries to shove me out as she leans over the toilet. "Not happening," I tell her, rubbing her back gently, she smiles, then leans back over the bowl.
I carry her back to bed, keeping her close. "Adrien, could I be with child?" she asks, her head resting on my chest.
"We'll make a appointment soon," I soothe her. "Will distract me till I fall asleep?" I nod, rolling her over, and the next thing I know its morning.
Marinette is still asleep, so I take the opportunity to quickly shower and dress, making a couple of bowls of oatmeal and pour the orange juice.
I find Marinette sitting up, as I bring in the trays. "How are you feeling?" "Ugh," she pulls a face. "That looks good."
She so tired, I spoon feed her, but I don't mind. Marinette assures me she'll be fine if I go check on the crops, but I want to stay with her.
"Adrien, that's important too. Remember, I'm Ladybug." I smile, picking up her hand, planting a gentle kiss to her knuckles. "As if I could forget you, M'lady."
She blows me a kiss as I head out the door, determined to make an appointment for her soon.