The dim moonlight spilled through the attic windows, bathing Marinette's room in a silvery glow that contrasted with the softness of the shadows. Her little sanctuary, so familiar and cozy, breathed with the warmth that only her creative touch could give it. Sketches were strewn across her desk, silk and lace fabrics hung from mannequins, and sewing tools rested neatly to the side, ready to be used.
Marinette, however, lay asleep between her sheets, her face relaxed and her breathing rhythmic, deep in sleep. The strands of her jet-black hair scattered across the pillow, framing her soft, delicate features. Her parted lips held a slight curve, as if she were dreaming of something sweet, something that brought peace to her young heart.
But that night, the course of her life would change in ways she had not expected.
A soft hum, followed by a flash of blue light, broke the silence of the room. At first, it was barely perceptible, like a gentle breeze rustling the curtains. But soon, the glow grew stronger, until a figure emerged from nowhere, as if time itself had bent to make way for it. It was Bunnix—Alix in her Timekeeper form—dressed in her signature white outfit that shimmered in the moonlight.
Alix, always fearless, now had a different expression on her face. There was a mix of excitement and nostalgia in her green eyes, a depth Marinette hadn't seen before. Her short, messy hair with pink-dyed tips seemed brighter than usual, perhaps reflecting the intensity of the feelings she hid behind her normally carefree facade.
She walked slowly to Marinette's bed, her steps light and silent on the wooden floor. As she watched Marinette sleep, a soft, almost imperceptible smile played across her lips. It was a smile filled with affection, but also with a secret she wasn't ready to reveal yet.
"Marinette…" she whispered, her voice so soft it was barely audible.
Marinette shifted in the sheets, her blue eyes slowly beginning to open. It took a moment for her blurry vision to focus, but when it did, her heart skipped a beat. Alix. But not the Alix she knew. Bunnix always represented something more mysterious, something out of the ordinary.
"Alix?" Marinette asked, her voice still heavy with sleepiness, as she slowly sat up, rubbing her eyes with the back of her hand.
The glow of the portal still vibrating behind Alix reflected the seriousness of the situation. Marinette, fully awake now, looked at her friend with curiosity and a bit of apprehension. Alix didn't often break the rules of time without good reason.
"I'm sorry to barge in like this, Marinette, but… I can't wait any longer this time," Alix said, her voice tinged with urgency and something softer, almost as if she were on the verge of sharing a secret she had kept for a long time.
Marinette frowned, but before she could ask any more questions, Alix extended her hand towards her. It was an invitation, and although Marinette's heart was pounding with uncertainty, she trusted Alix without hesitation. She took her hand, and in that instant, she felt a comforting warmth envelop her, almost as if that hand had held her a thousand times before.
"Trust me," Alix murmured, her smile serene, but full of promise.
In the blink of an eye, the environment around them changed. Marinette felt the vertigo of being transported through time, a sensation that was not new to her, but always overwhelming. When the light finally dissipated, she found herself in a completely different space.
It was an apartment, modern and elegant, but with a cozy air that radiated familiarity. The walls were decorated with photos and sketches, many of which Marinette recognized as her own work, albeit in a more refined and mature style. The colors were warm, a mix of pastel tones and vibrant details that spoke of her evolution as a designer. At the same time, small antique clocks and artifacts from the past decorated the shelves, evidencing Alix's influence in this home.
Marinette could barely process what she was seeing. It was all so… familiar, yet so far away at the same time. And then she heard it. The sound of laughter. A soft, melodious laugh, but there was something unusual about it. It came from a voice she hadn't expected.
"Alix, what…?" she started to ask, but Alix cut her off with a smile, that calm smile that always told her everything was under control.
"Come with me," Alix said, her voice now heavy with an emotion Marinette couldn't quite place. "I want you to see something."
Leading by the hand, Marinette followed Alix down the hallway. As they walked, Marinette looked at the pictures on the walls. They were pictures of her and Alix, but not the ones from the present. They were pictures of them together, more mature, more serene. In one, they were sitting in a café, smiling knowingly; in another, they were strolling through a park, hands clasped in the golden light of dusk. Marinette felt her heart clench as she saw those scenes from a future she didn't yet understand.
Finally, they came to a large, bright room. And there, standing by a window, Marinette saw something that took her breath away.
It was her. But not the young Marinette who was still trying to understand her place in the world. No. This Marinette was different. Her hair, though just as dark and shiny, now fell in soft waves that framed her face elegantly. Her posture was firmer, more confident, and there was a serenity in her countenance that betrayed years of experience and growth. She wore an elegant pastel-colored outfit, her own design, that hugged her figure delicately. But what surprised young Marinette the most was the look in her future self's eyes. Those eyes, still the same bright blue, held a wisdom and warmth that could only come from years of love and shared experiences.
Future Marinette smiled at the sight of her younger self, a smile that radiated tenderness and understanding. She took a step forward, and when she spoke, her voice was soft and warm, like the echo of a familiar melody.
"I never thought I'd have the chance to meet you like this… yourself, back in the day," she said, her words laden with a mix of wonder and affection.
Marinette, completely stunned, felt a torrent of emotions flood her chest. The reality of what she was seeing began to set in. This was her future. A future that, somehow, seemed perfect.
"How… how is that possible?" Marinette asked, her voice barely a whisper.
"Time," Alix replied, walking over to stand beside future Marinette, "has its own mysteries. I don't usually break the rules, but this time I wanted you to see for yourself."
Marinette from the future reached out her hand to the young Marinette, and when their fingers met, a strange but comforting feeling ran through her body. It was as if that simple gesture condensed everything she had been and everything she would be.
"I have changed, yes, but not in the essential," said the Marinette from the future, gently caressing the cheek of her younger version. "I am still you, with all your fears, your insecurities… but also with all your strength. And it was thanks to Alix that I learned to accept myself completely."
Marinette felt her eyes fill with tears. She looked at Alix, who was standing, watching her with a mixture of pride and love. Love. Marinette felt it in the air, intertwining every look, every gesture. The complicity between her and Alix was palpable, as if every shared moment had been carved in time itself.
"You fell in love with me at some point, right?" "Marinette asked, looking at her future self and then at Alix, with a mix of shyness and hope.
Alix smiled, her gaze filled with tenderness as she stepped forward and gently took Marinette's hands in hers.
"I fell in love with you every day. It wasn't just one moment. It was all of them. From your shy smiles to your bravest moments. From the way you believed in others to the moment you learned to believe in yourself."
And with those words, Marinette understood that the future she saw before her eyes wasn't just a dream, but a promise. A promise of eternal love, of growing together, of being the best versions of themselves, on a journey that transcended time.
The silence was palpable in the air, but it wasn't uncomfortable; rather, it was loaded with a deep meaning. Marinette continued to contemplate her future self, as if looking into a mirror that returned not only her reflection, but a version of herself that radiated the fullness of a love that had transformed everything.
Future Marinette sat on a small sofa near the window, a casual gesture that showed a mature confidence in herself. As she did so, Alix looked at her with a mixture of adoration and complicity. Young Marinette noticed the detail in that look: a look that went far beyond a simple friendly relationship or camaraderie. It was a look full of history, of shared moments, of secrets told in the intimacy of nights like the one that now enveloped them.
Alix turned to young Marinette, and her expression changed, softening. She approached slowly, her boots barely making noise on the wooden floor. Each step she took seemed firmer, as if time had tempered her, and the Alix Marinette knew, full of unbridled energy and sharp humor, had given way to a more focused, more peaceful version of herself.
"Come, sit down," Alix said with a smile that seemed to light up the room, as she motioned her to the spot next to her future self.
Marinette, still a little dazed, walked over to the couch. She could feel her heart hammering in her chest, a mix of nervousness, anticipation, and curiosity. She had never imagined anything like this. Sitting next to a version of herself, a version that had already lived so much more, was overwhelming. And yet, the atmosphere felt incredibly welcoming, as if it was the place she had always belonged.
"It's not easy to see yourself, is it?" her future self commented, with a gentle smile. Her voice had a lower, calmer tone, as if the years had taught her to be patient with herself.
Marinette nodded slightly, her blue eyes taking in every detail of her older self's face. The soft lines around her eyes and mouth told stories of shared laughter, long nights of work, and perhaps a few tears. But what was most impressive was the aura of serenity she radiated. Marinette felt a strange comfort in seeing this version of herself, as if the future she was so worried about wasn't so uncertain after all.
"I always wondered what it would be like... what it would be like to grow up, to be stronger, more confident..." Marinette said in a whisper, lowering her gaze, her tone filled with the characteristic shyness that Alix had always found adorable.
Future Marinette reached out and took her younger version's hand, her fingers warm and soft, and the contact between them seemed to close a gap that had been latent in the air.
"It wasn't easy," the older Marinette admitted, her voice filled with a sincerity that made the younger Marinette raise her head. There were times when I doubted myself, when I felt like I wasn't enough. But I also learned, through the years, that love… love changes everything. Alix taught me that.
Marinette looked at Alix, who stood watching the scene with a tender expression. It was evident that what they had was not only deep, but built on trust, understanding, and an unbreakable connection. The love between them was not just the result of fleeting moments; it was the product of a long and challenging journey.
"Alix?" Marinette asked, her voice shaking slightly as she said her friend's name. "How… how did this happen between us?"
Alix smirked, that mischievous gesture that had always characterized her personality, but there was an added sweetness that now made it that much more meaningful.
"There was never an exact 'moment,' Mari." The use of the nickname that only Alix used made Marinette's heart skip a beat. It was an accumulation of all the moments. It started with little things, like when you stayed up late designing, and I snuck in to bring you something to eat. Or when you supported me, even when you didn't even know I needed it. Or the way you always thought of others before yourself.
Marinette felt her chest tighten at those words. She'd heard other people talk about love, but this was different. This was real. It was tangible. She felt it in the way Alix spoke, in the warmth of her future self's hands, in the peace that permeated the air. Every detail seemed to fit into a bigger picture, one she hadn't imagined until now.
Future Marinette leaned into her younger self, her blue eyes shining with a mix of nostalgia and excitement.
"You will fall in love with her in the simplest of ways, Marinette. One day you will wake up and realize that everything you feel for her is no longer just friendship, but something much deeper. Something you will not be able to and will not want to ignore".
Silence filled the room again, but this time, it was laden with unspoken emotions, with a mutual understanding that transcended words.
"And when that happens" continued the Marinette of the future, with a tender smile—, don't be afraid to admit it. Don't be afraid to let love guide you. Alix will take you to places you never imagined.
Marinette, the youngest, nodded slowly, her heart beating so loud that it seemed the sound could fill the room. There was something about all this, about the way fate seemed to be slowly revealing its cards, that made her feel vulnerable and hopeful at the same time. Everything fit together in a way she had never perceived before, but that now seemed inevitable.
Alix came over and, with a gentle gesture, sat down next to Marinette, wrapping an arm around her shoulders. Marinette let out a sigh as she felt her friend's closeness, noticing how her relaxed body instinctively adapted to Alix's presence.
"I love you, Marinette," Alix said suddenly, in a soft but firm voice, as if those words had been waiting to be said for a long time.
The world seemed to stop for an instant. Marinette felt every fiber of her being vibrate with the force of those words. There was no mistaking the meaning of what Alix had just said. It wasn't just an "I love you" between friends, it was something deeper, more real.
Marinette raised her head, her eyes meeting Alix's, and saw everything she had always wanted to see. She saw the certainty of a shared future, the strength of a love that transcended time, and the assurance that, no matter what, she would never be alone.
"I love you too, Alix," Marinette whispered, her voice cracking with emotion. "I always have, even before I realized it."
Alix smiled, a smile filled with joy and relief, and without further ado, she leaned in to press her lips against Marinette's in a soft, promise-filled kiss. Marinette felt the warmth of that contact like an electric current, but it wasn't an overwhelming sensation. It was warm, comforting, like everything finally made sense.
The kiss lasted only a few seconds, but to Marinette it felt like an eternity. When they broke apart, they both looked into each other's eyes, and in that moment they knew that no matter what the future held for them. They would be together, and that was all that mattered.
Future Marinette watched the scene with a satisfied smile. She knew that this was just the beginning of a story that would unfold over time. A future filled with love, understanding, and mutual growth.
"I can't wait to see how you'll figure it all out again," the older Marinette said, her voice soft but filled with emotion. "But you will, and when you do, you'll be stronger and happier than you ever imagined."
Marinette smiled, her heart pounding, but this time, not from uncertainty, but from the certainty that, no matter what, the future was filled with love.
The atmosphere in the room was still charged with emotions, a sort of vibrant atmosphere that resonated with the energy of two versions of Marinette converging in the same space, and at the center of it all, the deep love that blossomed between her and Alix. As the echo of her words, "I love you too, Alix," still hung in the air, young Marinette felt that something had changed forever.
She no longer felt that vertigo of uncertainty that had always accompanied her when she thought about the future. Now, she had a certainty. Not a certainty about all the details that were to come, but about something much more essential: love. Alix's love would be her anchor, her guide, her constancy throughout the years. Marinette realized that, despite the differences between her present and future selves, they were both united by that same feeling. A love that transcended time, and that united them in an unbreakable line.
Her future self, still seated, watched the scene with a radiant smile. Her blue eyes, the ones she shared with her younger self, sparkled with excitement. Somewhere in the back of her mind, Marinette knew that this version of herself had already lived this moment before, and yet, in her older self's eyes, there was no trace of tiredness or boredom. On the contrary, she was filled with joy, as if reliving this moment was a gift in itself.
"I never thought I'd have the chance to experience this again," future Marinette said, her voice soft and serene, laden with meaning. "Seeing myself before I knew what I know now, before I understood what love truly means, is… indescribable."
Young Marinette looked at her older self with a glint of admiration. Not just for the woman she had become, but for the confidence she radiated. Her future self wasn't afraid to show her emotions, wasn't afraid of love or commitment. Everything that version of herself stood for seemed to have a solidity that was almost unbelievable to her.
"How did everything change?" young Marinette asked, sitting next to Alix, who was still holding her gently. She felt the warmth of Alix's body next to hers, a constant amidst all the emotions boiling inside her.
Future Marinette smiled, a soft gesture full of tenderness.
"The change didn't happen overnight " she said, her words loaded with the wisdom of the years—. It was little things, little by little. Learning to trust Alix, learning to trust myself. There were good days and bad days, like in any relationship. But over time, we realized that we always supported each other, even when things got tough. And that was the real change: understanding that love is something that grows, that matures, that gets stronger over time.
Young Marinette felt a pang of hope in her chest. Hearing those words gave her comfort, as if she could finally let go of the fear she'd always had of not living up to what was expected of her. She'd been Ladybug for so long, shouldered so many responsibilities, that she'd forgotten how to fully trust someone else. But now, seeing the relationship she'd built with Alix in the future, she understood that she didn't have to do everything alone.
Alix, watching the exchange between both versions of Marinette, couldn't help but intervene. She had always been more direct, less prone to emotional detours, but there was something at this moment that pushed her to speak from the depths of her heart.
"Marinette," she said, with that mix of sweetness and mischief that characterized her so much, "one of the things that made me fall in love with you was that you never stopped trying, even when you thought you weren't enough. But let me tell you something: you were always enough. From the first day, from the first smile. And over time, not only were you, but you became everything I never imagined I would need.
Marinette felt her cheeks heat up at those words. She had never thought of herself that way, as someone who was indispensable to someone else. But in Alix's eyes, she could see that she meant it. There was something about the way he looked at her, like he was seeing all the good and the bad, but still, choosing her over and over again.
"And you?" Marinette asked, her voice shaking slightly with emotion. "What was it like for you? When did you realize what you were feeling?"
Alix let out a soft laugh, as if the question took her by surprise, but at the same time, brought back warm memories. She leaned forward, resting her forehead against Marinette's in an intimate, tender gesture.
"It was a process," she admitted, whispering. "I can't tell you an exact moment, because every day that passed, I realized I needed you a little more. At first, it was simple: I liked your company, it made me happy to see you smile. But then, it started to be those little things, the details that only you could see in me, that made me feel more complete. That's when I realized that I didn't just like you… I loved you."
Marinette closed her eyes for a moment, letting Alix's words wash over her. It was an overwhelming feeling, but also a comforting one. She felt as if everything she had experienced up until that point, everything she had faced as Ladybug and as Marinette, had been a preparation for this very moment.
When she opened her eyes, she saw her future self watching the scene with a calm smile, as if she was watching a scene she already knew well. After all, she had lived through all of this. She knew how it would play out. She knew this love would endure.
"The hardest part," said future Marinette, speaking again, "was learning to be vulnerable. I was always good at hiding my feelings, trying to protect others without worrying about myself. But with Alix, I learned that it was okay to depend on someone else. That love is not a weakness, but a strength."
Young Marinette nodded, feeling the weight of those words. She had spent so much time thinking that being Ladybug meant being strong, invincible, without weaknesses. But now, she understood that her true strength came from her ability to love and be loved. To open up and trust the people around her.
Alix gave her hand a gentle squeeze, as if she were giving her the final confirmation she needed.
"We are meant to be, Marinette," Alix said, her voice firm but full of warmth. "You and me, through time, always. No matter how many times fate tests us. I would choose you in every life, in every moment."
Marinette's heart felt full. There were no more doubts, no fears, no unanswered questions. She was there, with Alix, in a future that no longer scared her, but excited her. The love between them was the constant that transcended everything else, and now she knew it for certain.
"Always," Marinette repeated in a whisper, looking into her eyes, promising with that one word everything she felt.
The future version of Marinette slowly got up from the couch and walked towards them, wrapping them both in a warm hug. It was a symbolic gesture, the union of their present, their past and their future. A bond that time could not break.
"Thank you, Alix," murmured the future Marinette, looking at her wife with a look full of love. "For teaching me to love and not to be afraid of what is to come."
Alix hugged her tighter, with a contented sigh.
"And thank you for being my everything," Alix replied. "Yesterday, today and always."
Time, for a moment, seemed to stop. And in that pause, Marinette, young and adult, knew that, whatever happens, her story with Alix would be one of eternal love, beyond time and space.
The room they were in was a haven of soft light, illuminated by a pair of modern designer lamps that cast a warm golden glow. The walls were decorated with family photos, memories of shared moments: laughter on the beach, bike rides, birthday celebrations. Each picture told a story that spanned from the present to the future that Marinette was still discovering. It was a constant reminder of the life they had built together, full of love and joy.
Young Marinette looked around, admiring every corner of that home that her future self had shared with Alix. The decor was a reflection of their personalities: vibrant, colorful, and full of details that spoke of their love. There was a small herb garden in the window, where a couple of pots of basil and mint grew strong, symbolizing the life they had carefully nurtured. On the shelf, some of Marinette's designs could be seen, carefully framed, showing not only her evolution as a designer, but also her personal growth.
Meanwhile, future Marinette looked at her younger self with a calm smile, her eyes reflecting an understanding that only time can offer. Her hair, long and soft, fell in waves around her face, and her features were softened by the years. Every line of her face seemed to tell a story of love, heartbreak, triumphs and failures, all of which had contributed to the strong and confident woman she was today.
"You know?" future Marinette began, her tone thoughtful. "I always believed that love was just an emotion, something that made you feel good. But, with Alix, I learned that love is also a commitment. It's waking up every day and choosing the same person, over and over again, even when things get tough."
Young Marinette looked at her, feeling a mix of admiration and longing. Each word resonated within her like an echo of her own heart. She knew that her relationship with Alix, though still in its early stages, was already marked by that intensity, that deep commitment that made everything else seem insignificant.
"And what is that commitment like?" Marinette asked, her voice shaking a little from curiosity and excitement.
Future Marinette smiled, her gaze filled with love as she turned to Alix, who stood in the corner of the room, tenderly watching the exchange between the two. It was a picture that radiated happiness and warmth, and Marinette couldn't help but feel a pang of desire to be a part of that story. She wanted to understand what it meant to love and be loved in that way.
"Commitment is…" Future Marinette searched for words, her voice soft and melodic. "It's in the little things. For example, when Alix comes home after a long day and finds me working on my designs, she always makes sure to make me a cup of tea. Those little gestures remind me that she's there for me, that she always cares about my well-being."
Marinette, the youngest, felt her heart race. This was the kind of connection she had longed for. In her own life, Alix's small actions were already beginning to echo in her mind: the shared laughter, the moments of complicity in study, the way she always managed to bring a smile to her face, even on the darkest of days.
uture Marinette continued, not taking her eyes off Alix. "And then there are the times when we faced challenges together. There were days when everything seemed overwhelming. But Alix always found a way to lift me up, to remind me that I wasn't alone. That's the essence of commitment: supporting each other, being each other's refuge when the world becomes chaotic."
Alix then approached, sitting between the two versions of Marinette. Her eyes, a deep green color, shone with a mix of love and respect. It was an intimate, almost sacred moment, where time seemed to stop and love filled every corner of the room.
"The most important thing I've learned," Alix said, turning to young Marinette, "is that love isn't just about receiving, but about giving. Giving your time, your support, and also your vulnerability. When you let someone into your heart, you're sharing the best and the worst of yourself. And that, sometimes, can be scary."
Marinette felt her chest tighten at those words. It was true; she had always been afraid of being vulnerable. The fear of rejection and loss had been constants in her life. But in that moment, with Alix by her side and the support of her future self, she realized that perhaps that fear was what had kept her away from a love as true as the one they shared.
"What if I'm not enough?" Marinette asked, her voice filled with insecurity. "Sometimes I feel like I don't deserve all of this. I don't deserve someone like you, Alix."
Alix leaned forward, catching Marinette's gaze intently. "Don't say that," she said firmly. "You're not just enough, you're everything I've ever wanted. I've seen you face hardships with a bravery that leaves me speechless. Your dedication and passion are what drew me to you. The truth is, even in your moments of doubt, you've always been more than enough."
Young Marinette felt Alix's words envelop her in a warm embrace. It was the validation she had longed for, and in a way, a promise too. Alix would always choose her, and that was something she could never change. She realized that not only was she beginning to understand love, but she was also building the foundation for her own future.
"And how did you feel when you realized that she loved you?" Marinette asked, curious to know how the relationship between Alix and her future self had evolved.
Alix smiled, her gaze lost in memories. "It was a long journey," she answered. "At first, it was like a spark. Every time I was near you, my heart beat faster, and every smile we shared made me feel like I was floating. But then, I realized that what I felt for you was more than attraction. It was a desire to be with you, to share my life with you. I wanted to see you grow, I wanted to be part of each of your dreams.
Young Marinette felt a surge of emotions upon hearing those words. Deep inside, she could feel the love that was beginning to grow between them fueled by trust, admiration, and understanding. She knew it wasn't just a romantic love; it was a love that defied time and space.
"And even though it wasn't easy, with every step we took together, the love grew stronger," Alix continued, her voice deep and melodious. "I fell in love with you in ways I never imagined. Not just your contagious laugh or your bravery as a superhero. I fell in love with your dreams, your fears, your way of looking at the world. Every part of you, even the ones you thought were weak, became the reason I felt so lucky to have you in my life."
Young Marinette felt touched. Every word Alix said filled her with a love that seemed to transcend everything. She realized that in that connection between them there was infinite potential, a future full of possibilities.
In that instant, the future felt closer than ever. Marinette understood that, although there were still paths to follow, she was not alone. Alix would be her companion, her anchor, and her love. And over the years, with each small gesture, they would build together a life that reflected the depth of their feelings.
"So… what would you recommend?" Marinette asked, her voice soft and full of curiosity. "How can I be as brave as you and follow that path?"
Future Marinette looked at her younger self with a look of love and complicity. "Just be yourself," she replied, with a comforting smile. "Don't try to be someone you're not. Every day is an opportunity to be the person you want to be. Don't be afraid to express your feelings. And remember that love isn't just about receiving, but about giving. Be open, be honest. And above all, trust that what you feel is real and true."
Marinette felt those words stick in her heart. She knew that love was a journey full of ups and downs, but with Alix by her side, everything seemed more attainable.
"Thank you, future me," she said with a sparkle in her eyes. "I never thought I'd have the chance to talk to you, and now I feel like I've learned so much from you." It gives me hope to know what our life will be like.
Alix smiled, gently stroking young Marinette's hand. "And I'm so excited to see you grow and become the woman I know you will be. Remember that I will always be here, no matter what."
Both Marinettes, the young one and the one from the future, looked into each other's eyes, sharing a connection that went beyond words. In that moment, the barriers of time and space vanished, leaving them in a void where love and hope reigned.
Young Marinette felt full of love, stronger and more confident in herself. With Alix by her side, she knew that every day would be a new opportunity to explore what it meant to love and be loved.
"We're going to do it together, okay?" Marinette said, a bright smile lighting up her face.
"Yes, together," Alix replied, her voice full of emotion.
And so, in that small home filled with memories, two versions of Marinette came together through the power of love, hope, and the promise of a bright future. The room echoed with laughter and sweet words, as time faded away around them, leaving only the certainty that love would always find a way.