Marinette stared at the boy she's loved for so long, and he gazed back with fervent eyes. She was surprised to see passion burning behind his green eyes that seared through her own, causing her heart to race, just like it had all the other times in the past she was near him. That was long ago, however, and her affections have transformed after becoming close friends with Adrien. The roaring fire blazing years ago now flickers softly, like candlelight.

Now this boy, who has changed her life in so many ways, is standing in the airport by a pillar supporting a giant sign with a flashing number 2. It was the day of Adrien's departure to the US, and the entire class was there to see him off. Funny how it only felt like not too long ago when he was just a clueless boy in the class with no friends but Chloe.

The snotty blonde had gone through quite a development as well. No one could say she was not still terribly annoying and rude, even to this day, but everyone could agree she's gotten better after a close incident she had with Ladybug. Marinette eyebrows wrinkled as she remembered Chloe's wails as she slammed on the glass doors.

"Help!" the blonde screamed, fists pummelling against the clear case they were trapped in.

Ladybug huffed. "It's no use, Chloe. This is a sound proof box. We're going to have to wait until Chat can get us out."

And I can't use Lucky Charm just yet … we don't know where the Akuma is still. I don't know if I will have time to recharge.

The spotted heroine bit her bottom lip in anticipation. Where are you, Chat? I'm stuck here with Chloe of all people, too.

Chloe slumped to the ground, curling up into a ball. Marinette casted a glance at her before looking back down. That is, until she heard quiet sniffles coming from her classmate. Looking up, Ladybug was surprised to see Chloe's hands on either side of her head, shoulders shaking as she whimpered. It was a strange sight, and the masked superhero raised her hand slightly.

"Chloe?" she whispered.

No response. Marinette shuffled closer until she was sitting next to her sworn enemy, and nudged Chloe's foot with her own. The blonde peeked at her most admired person from behind her arms, and suddenly lunged towards Ladybug and tackled her in a hug.

"What the –" Marinette squirmed and leaned back, uncomfortable with Chloe's distance. "Hey, cut that out!"

"I'm scared, Ladybug." Chloe sobbed.

The black haired girl froze mid-push. She felt the blonde quivering, clenching Ladybug in an almost deathly hold.

"I'm sorry … I'm sorry," the crying girl gasped, falling back and grasping her wrists until her knuckles turned white.

Bewildered, Marinette leaned forward. What was this side of Chloe? The blonde began to rock back and forth.

"Chloe, what's wrong?"

Even if she was rude and bratty, Chloe was still a civilian of Paris, and Ladybug had vowed to protect each and every one of them. She unwillingly rested her hand on the crying girl's back, and rubbed it up and down soothingly.

"This was … similar to how my mother disappeared." She hiccupped.

Ladybug's hand stopped, and the heroine scrambled in front of Chloe. "What do you mean?"

Chloe looked down, another tear sliding down her cheek. "My father and I were tossed into a box, kind of like this one, while my mother was taken away."

"Do you know why?"

The blonde inhaled, "No, I don't. There were strange people with masks and …" she trailed off.

Marinette sat, deep in thought.

That's a troublesome background. No wonder she's so messed up now. I probably would be, too. Wait, am I sympathizing with Chloe? I never thought I'd see the day.

Shaking her head, the heroine stood up.

I can't think of this now. We have to get out.

With a gentle hand, Ladybug held out her hand.

"C'mon Chloe. Let's get out of here."

A light tap on her shoulder shook her out of her flashback. Alya stared at her best friend.

"You okay, girl?"

The dark haired girl gave a quick nod. She looked up and saw Adrien and Nino exchanging punches on the shoulder, both grinning as they bantered. Their classmates all gathered and it was loud, even in the airport with bustling people, rushing to catch their flight. The giant clock above the terminal read 9:00AM, meaning Adrien was going to have to leave soon if he wanted to make sure he leaves on time.

Or I could intentionally delay the plane. Marinette thought to herself, debating on ways Ladybug could make a spectacular appearance. Sighing, she looked away. There's no point delaying the inevitable, Marinette.

"…Marinette? Marinette!"

A sharp jab in her side.

"OW!" The French Chinese girl whirled to face Alya. "What gives?"

The reporter gave a pointed look to Adrien. Marinette turned to see Adrien clearing his throat.

"Maybe … a word? Privately?" he asked, turning red at Alya's gasp and suggestive look.

Marinette blinked. "Uh, sure. That's – that's fine."

Adrien led her a little off from the group to a pillar, sporting an advertisement for a watch.

"So … I'm leaving soon," the blond started.

Smart move, Adrien. Way to have a conversation.

He swallowed. There were so many things he wanted to say to her, and so little time. He would be leaving in 15 minutes, and the girl standing in front of him was still clueless about his feelings. Marinette looked up at him and fidgeted with her fingers.

"Yeah, I know."

Silence.

"Y-you'll stay in touch?" Adrien blurted out.

Marinette nodded. "Of course. I have your phone number and everything. Or you know, talk online. Cause that might be cheaper, haha, or not."

Adrien smiled at her awkwardness, even now. He'll miss her a lot, that's for sure.

"I'll miss you."

Oh crap. Did I just say that out loud?

Marinette jumped a little at the proclamation and Adrien felt all the heat rush to his cheeks.

"I er – I mean – um – well, I will miss you yes, but uh –"

Then she did the unthinkable; she stepped forward and hugged him. He heard Alya squealing but all he could think of is Marinette's hugging me, Ladybug's hugging me, she's hugging me. Hug. Me. Oh my gosh. Who needs my flight I can stay like this forever.

"I'll miss you too," Marinette mumbled from his shoulder.

Then she released him and Adrien automatically felt an urge to pull her back into a hug, but he resisted, and dropped his arms to his side.

"Marinette …"

"I'm so sorry! That was so sudden, I shouldn't have done that so randomly, I didn't know what I was doing, oh my gosh – "

"Marinette!" Adrien interrupted, "It's okay. Don't worry about it."

Taking a breath, she nodded. "O-okay." Half turning, Marinette made to walk back to Alya, who looked as though she was bursting with excitement. Face burning and brain muddled, she barely heard Adrien say something else.

"Pardon?"

Her long lasting crush stood there, looking torn, almost distressed, as if he was contemplating something. After a long while, he straightened up and shook his head.

"It's nothing, Marinette. Thanks for being my friend."

She smiled. "It's no problem."

Adrien watched her walk back to their classmates, and he trailed behind her. He had almost told her everything. Who he was, who he knew she was, how he felt; but he couldn't do it. Not in this last moments before he had to leave. It was the most painful decision, but it was necessary. He couldn't dump all that on her like this. Sighing, he shoved his hands in his pockets, feeling like the world had cheated him.

xxx

A crackle over the P.A. system made everyone jump.

Would anyone boarding the plane at Terminal 2, please make their way there now. I repeat, anyone boarding the plane at Terminal 2, please make their way there now. Thank you.

Another round of static, and the P.A. went silent.

Adrien looked around at his classmates one more time.

"Thanks for everything, guys."

Kim laughed. "No need for thanks, man. Come back anytime and visit, alright?" He lifted his fist.

The blond grinned and bro-fisted the tall jock.

"Well, this is it."

He collected his luggage and slung his bag over his shoulder, making his way toward the rope that would separate him and the others. Someone was already holding it open for him.

"Goodbye, guys. It's been great – "

Adrien choked up and turned so his back would be facing everyone. He didn't want them to see him cry.

Then a small voice said, "It's not goodbye. It's see you later."

Marinette's voice was quiet, but strong, holding a confidence Adrien knew only Ladybug could pull off. Her phrase, however, struck a chord within his heart and his vision blurred.

"Yeah," he forced out. "See ya later, guys."

A chorus of "Bye Adrien!" and "We'll miss you!" echoed behind him as he walked into the boarding dock and the lady hooked the rope back in place.

Marinette watched Adrien get further and further away, and Alya took her hand, squeezing it once for comfort.

"Are you okay?"

The dark haired girl stared ahead, and saw Adrien turn the corner, disappearing from sight.

"Yeah." Marinette replied. "Yeah, I'm okay."

And she knew, deep inside, she meant it.

a/n: I'd like to thank everyone who's supported me in this fanfic, it was an amazing experience for me, especially since it was my first ML fanfic! This is the end for this story, but if you'd like, I'd appreciate it if you check out my other current works in progress, You're Not Sorry and It's You. I apologize for the sparse updates, but I'll try my best to find time to get my stories back on track!

Again, thank you for all the encouragement and I hope you liked this story ;AA;