Author's Note: Moon, get your moogle. That is all.

Chapter 24

Adrien moaned.

A soft little noise, a breathy gasp in the otherwise silent room. He twitched and wriggled, sinking deeper into the soft pillows. Extending his arms above his head, he lifted his hips as every single muscle in his body tensed, then he relaxed with a sigh.

So comfortable. Silky soft and heavenly to lie in. Pillows for sprawling. Cushions for lounging. Places to bury beneath and curl and a patch of sunlight that was divine. Now that both parents knew his tendency, (the purr had both shocked and delighted his mother), his room had been outfitted with a cosy cat-nap zone. Adrien and Plagg took great delight to sprawl on its cushions during the hour it had sunlight.

It had quickly become routine in the Agreste household. The moment sunlight poured through the window and bathed the cat-nap zone, Adrien would burrow under the pillows. He even had tiers. Several false floors bolted to the wall and piled on with cushions in case he wanted to snooze up high.

In the weeks following the battle, there was talking. Lots and lots of talking. Adrien talked to his mom. He talked to his father. He talked to Tom and Sabine and he talked a lot to Nino and Alya. He talked to Master Fu. He talked to Marinette. He couldn't go a day without someone wanting a heart-to-heart over what had occurred. He understood why they did. Every day, a bit of tension he held in him bled away and he felt safer in his own home. It would take time for things to be back to normal, but it was slowly getting there.

Adrien knew his father had nightmares. He knew his father blamed himself for Adrien's injuries, even if Ladybug could magic them away. His parents were trying to keep that from him, but he knew. He overheard the hushed conversations. He saw the redness in his father's eyes and the yawns. He saw the lingering gaze on his chest and the tightness in Gabriel's eyes. He saw the anger and frustration in Gabriel as his father struggled. He saw the way Gabriel's hand shook when he tried to design. Gabriel took time off and the fashion world reeled with rumours of a breakdown. What self-respecting designer would take time off in spring, especially in Paris? Félicie's sudden return was also slated as the reason for the sabbatical. Despite Ladybug's press release that Gabriel aided in the final battle, people believed the stint in hospital was because of something else. Everyone had a different explanation for why Gabriel had sudden pulled himself from the line-up but the Agrestes didn't listen to any rumours or make any announcements. People could believe what they liked.

Félicie and Adrien hadn't been sure how to help Gabriel either. Gabriel was a proud man. He wouldn't take his troubles to a therapist. Neither of them knew enough about the design process to offer anything which could help with his blockage. And they didn't understand what he'd been through with Tigga, who was somewhat of a touchy subject for both male Agrestes. Something had to give though as one afternoon, Adrien came home to find a trashed office and his father in a drunken stupor.

Félicie hadn't allowed Adrien any more than a glimpse of his father at his worst. He'd been allowed on his first ever (with permission), sleepover to Nino's house. Max and Kim were called in, and they'd made a boy's night of it.

When Adrien had mentioned his father to Marinette, his girlfriend had gone quiet and hugged him. A few days after that, Adrien came home to discover his mother on her knees in front of the keyhole to Gabriel's office. She'd shushed Adrien immediately and gestured for him to take a look. Inside, Gabriel, with his arms outstretched, modelled for Marinette as she pinned a bright red vest together. Surprised and concerned, Adrien and his mother had eavesdropped and shared whispered observations as the pair inside talked. Adrien could tell how awkward Marinette had felt around his father, but she asked for advice and showed Gabriel some of her designs and he gave her a little bit of insight.

Being busted by Gabriel and Marinette at the door toward the end of the session wasn't fun. Hearing his father join in with Marinette's laughter was.

It wasn't much. It would take months before things felt right. But it was a start. And, to Adrien, starting was all that mattered.

Adrien returned to school. He saw his friends. He returned to modelling, attending his extra lessons and fenced. He patrolled with Ladybug and searched for the jar akuma. He felt like he understood his father more and his father understood him. His father was trying and that felt good. He felt a little like his mother was trying to catch up on two years of love all at once and spoiling him, but he didn't mind.

The first time a jar akuma alert had come in while they were in class, Chloé had stood, dramatically declared there was a bee in the class, poor Sabrina was highly allergic, and they must all leave immediately. The next akuma alert, Juleka had faked an asthma attack, allowing Marinette and Adrien to slip out unnoticed. Max hacked into the school alarms and could set off the fire alarm at a whim. Kim and Ivan got into a mini brawl during sports so Adrien could slip away. Alix had feigned an ankle sprain to help out Marinette. Alya had leapt to her feet in the middle of science and declared there was an akuma heading for the school and they all needed to evacuate.

His father had even turned up during class and lied about a photoshoot Adrien was supposed to be doing with Marinette to get them out of class so they could attend an akuma. Marinette was completely mortified by the fact that Gabriel actually went through with the joint photoshoot too, and her face was plastered on a billboard along with Adrien's representing some of Gabriel's jewellery line.

Marinette and Adrien hadn't expected this sort of generosity and friendship from their classmates. It was mollifying. Of their own volition, their classmates had worked out a system to keep them out of class so they could transform.

Having Ladybug and Chat Noir turn up to Kim's birthday party, or Nino's DJ sessions, or Max's gaming competitions, or making public shopping appearances with Chloé, or posing for pictures with Juleka, more than made up for their friend's help.

Of all the heart-to-heart talks Adrien endured in the weeks after the battle, Plagg and Tikki's talk been the most enlightening.

"Say that again?"

"Kwami aren't born," Tikki said, as patient as ever. She floated above Adrien's knee as they sat on Marinette's chaise in her bedroom. "We are woven into being."

Adrien raised his eyebrows. "You're… born from will?"

"In a sense. Kwami aren't just a positive force, we have our opposites. There has to be a balance. For song, there is silence. For inspiration, there is mediocrity. For illusion, there is truth. Plagg and I came from two great beings in perfect balance, life and death."

"Child of death," Plagg muttered and cleaned his whiskers.

"And I am a child of life," Tikki said. "We were the first of the dual kwami, woven at exactly the same time, to share a life and be each other's balance. Not all kwami have a partner, even if they have an opposite. Most don't…" She shook her head. "Dual kwami can be most dangerous and powerful. There are… so few of us anymore."

Marinette squeezed Adrien's hand as she stared at her kwami in silence.

"Tigga… was the first of a second generation of dual kwami. I have other children, just as Plagg has other children, but Tigga was our only child woven when we were joined. She was woven to balance the child of despair and hope, Ewynn." Tikki sighed. "So generous and kind and Tigga loved her so much."

"Tigga wasn't in balance," Plagg said. "Something went wrong or we went wrong or… she didn't balance and we didn't realise. Creation and destruction warred within her, so… when it became too much for her to deal with, Life and Death bound her and left her only with creation. But… leaving her only with creation caused her to be out of balance with her partner... and when they joined… Tigga unwove Ewynn."

With a somber look, Tikki said, "Tigga blamed herself. It was an accident, we knew and tried our best to console her. But Ewynn's weavers blamed Tigga too. She became unstable. When she… was at her worst, she used her version of calamity."

"She blamed me," Plagg said. "She said I was the reason she wasn't allowed her destruction half. That it was my fault because I didn't want to share my gifts with her." He sighed. "She corrupted. Wanted to destroy everything. Wanted everyone to feel the pain she did."

"You had to lock her in a box to contain her," Adrien said.

"Why didn't you just tell us from the beginning?" Marinette asked. "We would've helped."

"Because humans… past humans don't talk about these things," Tikki said. "Look at your histories. Anyone different was ostracised. People were outcast. Stoned to death. Murdered as children if they were disfigured. Left in the woods to die. Sacrificed on altars to gods. Kept in institutes for their entire lives and ignored. Even our wielders endured scorn from their peers. Look at the Salem witch trials. We learnt not to tell. Humans will fight with to their last breath against a 'great evil' but a kwami who is corrupt? No one listened. No one cared. Other kwami wanted her destroyed and there were humans that agreed, but we couldn't. Not our Tigga. But we didn't know how to help her. This… helping the disadvantaged mentality is so new and so different."

"I… didn't think of that," Marinette admitted and Adrien agreed.

"We lied to protect her," Plagg said. "We lied to protect you. Half-truths and evasion techniques, all this we learnt from humans." He stretched and yawned lazily. "You only have yourselves to blame."

"Plagg," Tikki said, exasperated. "Stop being mean."

"You said we had to be honest."

"You can be so frustrating sometimes."

Plagg rolled his eyes and winked. "You love me."

Huffy, Tikki continued, "We bound ourselves to items so we could aid the humans and protect them from her. Not many kwami were willing to put themselves into service and help us keep her contained. Even… even the guardians we have now aren't the same as what we had in the beginning. Lyrebird… You could… if you were inclined, make us do whatever you wanted."

"We would never," Marinette said, aghast.

"Many have," Plagg said.

"And many more have sworn to protect us," Tikki said, glaring at Plagg. "When we created our stones so we could act through you. Humans were so new and untested, but gradually more and more kwami allowed a miracle stone to be constructed. But… stones corrupted. Humans corrupted. So many kwami have fled to the ether."

"We want to help Tigga," Plagg said. "We always have. But she's… taken a lot too. We understand that. We know we can't rush this. She sleeps. She wakes. She sleeps again. She is bitter and angry and we don't know where to start but we hope, if we just try to talk to her, if we keep trying, something may change."

"It's a good way to start," Marinette said.

Tikki nodded. "Adrien, you are our main concern right now. It wouldn't be fair of us to ask you to have contact with her if you do not want it or… can't handle it."

Adrien tilted his head and didn't answer.

"We can communicate through the box," Tikki said. "But… communication for us will be so much clearer if it's through you. Both of you. Transformed."

Adrien clicked his tongue. "Ahh." Rising from the chaise, he released Marinette's hand and put some distance between him and the kwami.

"I don't expect we'll release her in your lifetime, Adrien," Plagg said. "There's a lot to make up for and a lot she needs to prove. But... we'd like for you to help us start the process."

"We understand if you can't. You bore the brunt of her anger and… we know what that can do to a person."

Adrien narrowed his eyes and ran a hand through his hair. He glanced at Marinette, who watched him impassively and didn't offer hints to how she might be feeling. He glanced at Plagg, whose entire being said he wasn't waiting for Adrien's answer and Adrien didn't believe it. He looked at Tikki, waiting earnestly and hopeful. "Not… not now," he said, finally. "Eventually, because I do want to help. But not now. It's too…" He didn't have the words, so he shrugged.

"Fresh," Marinette supplied.

"Yeah."

"That's all we can ask for," Tikki said.

Adrien knew the discussion would continue, but they'd also respect his need to have very little to do with Tigga for the time being. Even knowing her box was currently locked away in his father's safe was unnerving. But that was a discussion for another day.

Right now, he lolled in his cat-nap zone in his bedroom. Dozed and dreamed and relaxed.

Félicie would normally be the one to join in his cat nap zone, her butterfly tendency just as drawn to light and heat as he was, but Gabriel was a becoming frequent visitor too. Things had been tentative between him and his father and Adrien honestly believed time in his cat-nap zone helped. The three of them would sprawl out and doze or talk or just enjoy each other's company. Sometimes they would talk about what had occurred while Tigga had taken control. Other times, they talked about school or fashion, or Adrien's hopes and dreams. Yet others, there was no need for words at all.

Cat-nap healing, his mom called it. And as much as Adrien tried to ignore his parents being all cuddly and smooching in his cat-nap zone, there was no way he was going to crawl between them and stop it. At least, not again. The looks on their faces the first time he wriggled between them was enough to satisfy him for a lifetime.

A sigh and stretch and toes touched his calf. A form rolled toward him and sleepy fingers slipped under his shirt to stroke his belly. Adrien tilted his head until he could nuzzle hair and purred.

The cat-nap zone was even better when Marinette joined him. She did so infrequently and he thought it was because she was trying to give him time with his family. Which, while appreciated, also made the time they spent together more special.

"We have to get up soon," she mumbled.

"Noooo," he moaned and wrapped both arms around her. "Don't make me."

Squished against his chest, she murmured, "This was your idea."

He mimicked a mini tantrum. "Sleeping. Can't make me move."

"Is that a challenge?"

He kept his eyes closed. "Sleeping."

Her weight shifted and fabric rustled, then she straddled his hips. Two hands dug their way under his shirt to expose his stomach. "That really sounds like a challenge."

He didn't peek as his hands settled on her thighs by her knees. "Take it whatever way you want."

She bent over him, her knees gripping his chest and her weight on the arm by his shoulder. To his surprise, her teeth found his neck. A little nip before her lips kissed their way across his jaw, then took his earlobe into her mouth. A gaspy breath in his ear at the same time she rolled her hips.

"Gonna play it like that, are you?" he mumbled and let his hand slip up her thighs and beneath the pink, polka dot skirt she wore.

Opened mouth kisses against his jaw. "Mmm-hmm."

He cupped his hands around her upper thighs, feeling her move and shift against him. "Skirts are amazing for easy access."

A breathy sigh against his neck. "Which would be the reason I wore it." A kiss on his chin that left him wanting. "That, and it does a wonderful twirl when I spin."

That sounded intriguing. Just like the lace he could feel at the tips of his fingers. "Planning on twirling?"

"Planning on dancing with me tonight?" she countered.

The weight of her chest pressed against his and he slipped one hand out from her skirt to trace it up her side. "Of course."

She peppered kisses across his cheek. "Then I'm twirling."

"Assuming I ever wake up."

One on the tip of his nose now. Lips so close he could smell the macarons on her breath. "You seem to be doing a lot of talking for someone who's sleeping."

He faked a snore which was totally spoilt by the fact he was gently caressing her outer thigh and dipping his fingers along the lace hidden beneath her skirt.

"I seem to remember Sleeping Beauty was woken with a kiss."

He smirked and puckered his lips in invitation.

"Good thing you're neither."

Affronted, he snapped open his eyes. "Hey!"

Marinette giggled as she hovered her mouth over his. "Your face."

He mock scowled at her. "So mean. I may un-invite you."

She teased him by brushing her lips against his as she spoke. "I'll have to take my easy access skirt someplace else then."

"You wouldn't."

"And you might have to dance with Chloéinstead."

"I was planning to anyway," he muttered.

"Just Chloé. All night. And you have to watch me mffft—"

She hummed against his mouth, sinking into the kiss. Her chest pressed against his, squishing her breast against his hand while her mouth opened for his tongue. The more lazy kisses, the more heat between them swelled, especially when she ground her hips and brushed against an expansion.

Kissing her wasn't like it used to be. Not an instant blaze, a burning inferno which made his head spin and his heart race. She still blazed against him but for different reasons. Now, their heat was more of a constant simmer which gradually boiled. There were few tentative touches, he knew where his hands were allowed and what would make her moan instead of a squeak of surprise. His heart didn't race at the thought of touching her breast or pushing a boundary. It raced because of her noises and her body pressed against his. The tingles in his belly and lower were no longer a will-she won't-she feeling but a want and a waiting as she teased. When she pulled away he didn't worry that he'd hurt her or overstepped his bounds, he knew she needed a moment to reposition a sore muscle or lick her lips. Staring at her in a kiss haze was just as amazing.

Gripping the skin of her upper thigh, he pushed up against her and coaxed her to roll. Ulterior motive for her to be beneath him: One, it left her hands free to seek out his scratching spots and roam across his body and two, it gave him better control of his hands. Especially the one up her skirt.

Because it was still new, he asked, "Is this okay?"

She bit her lip and extended her neck for him to kiss. "Absolutely."

"Tell me if I do anything you don't like. Or do like."

There was something delicious in seeing her spread out on his cushions in his cat-nap zone. Pink kiss-swollen lips, flushed cheeks and eyes sparkling with want, she met his purr with her thrum. Nose along her collar bone, lips against the exposed skin on her chest. The combination of her muted seasonal scent mingled with arousal marked the area and he knew he'd never allow anyone else on his cat-nap zone. Ever. She moaned and he devoured and tasted and wanted so much more.

Nathalie's voice over the intercom broke through his haze. "Adrien, Nino and Alya are here."

Marinette gave a muffled sob of frustration and Adrien buried his face in her neck. "No fair."

He flopped away. Sitting beside her, he brought up his knees and wrapped his arms around them to hide as he wrestled with control.

Marinette brushed her palm against her face. "Talk about timing."

"We knew they were coming."

Marinette sat up and fixed her clothes, smirking at him. "Should've started earlier instead of napping."

He laughed. "No way. That was the best nap."

She shuffled toward the edge of the cat-nap zone and slipped her feet back into her shoes. Standing, she brushed lint off her skirt and fixed her hair.

"Did I mention you looked amazing today?"

"I think you could tell me again," she replied, smiling. "I like hearing it."

"Dudes!" Nino said, strolling into Adrien's bedroom. "Who's ready to par-tay! Seriously, this is going to be an absolute blast! Whoa, dude," he said, spotting the cat-nap zone. He bounced across the room, his eyes wide as he took it all in. "I dig the mods! Three levels of snuggles." He twisted so he could include Alya in the conversation. "Babe, look at all those pillows! Dude, like, it'd be perfect for a little bit of nookie, we could totally—"

Adrien growled, deep and low. His lips twitched away from his teeth.

Marinette shot him a surprised look, then sidestepped so she was between Nino and Adrien. "Um. Nino, how 'bout we step away from the cat-nap zone."

Nino held up his hands in submission and took an exaggerated step backward. "Roger that, dude. Stepping away from the zone."

"Nino, you have all the subtly of a brick," Alya said, exasperated with her boyfriend. "You don't use someone else's bedroom for nookie, you know that. Especially a tom-cat's private snuggle area."

"That the point of a teen party though, dude," Nino said, waving his arms around. "Adrien's house must be full of hidey holes."

"It is, but my bedroom is off limits," Adrien muttered. Pressing his fists into the cushions, he scooted to the edge of the zone. "As is my parent's bedroom. And Father's office."

Nodding sagely, Nino said, "I hear you." He looked at Adrien, then Marinette and his eyes blew wide. "Dude, did we cock-block you?"

Marinette went pink. Alya pressed her lips together and struggled not to laugh. Adrien grumbled and shoved his feet in his shoes, "Really? You know it's not like that."

"Sorry, bro! You should've put a tie on the door or something!" Nino said, smirking.

Marinette made a sort of moaning sound and appealed to Alya with her eyes.

"Stop embarrassing them, Nino," Alya said and rolled her eyes. "We have a party to go to."

Félicie, in one of her better moments of spoiling him, had suggested he invite all his friends from school who participated in the battle for a party. And anyone else he cared to invite. Chloé, upon hearing this, suggested he invite their entire year and Adrien, never having been allowed a party before, was completely on-board in reaping the benefits of his parents' indulgence.

Adding to the fact that his parents were going out to dinner together tonight, and thus wouldn't be home, Adrien was thrilled he was finally going to experience a teenage no-parents party. Even if it was confined to the ballroom of the mansion and the Gorilla had several other bodyguards with him to make sure no one went into areas deemed out of bounds or got their hands on any alcohol.

While Nino had offered to DJ for them, something which Alya pouted over because she wanted to dance with him, Adrien also hired Theo to DJ for the night so he could spend some time with both Nino and his doppelganger. There was also a karaoke machine and a stage, as per Alya's want, and Adrien couldn't wait to hear Marinette try it out. A variety of snacks, including a lot of baked goods from Tom and Sabine, spread across one of the walls, copious amounts of disco lights, a punch bowl with its own bodyguard watching it. With Nathalie around to escort his friends to the ballroom, everything seemed set.

Tikki and Plagg had decided they'd rather not attend, and instead were going to spend the night snuggled up together in Adrien's room for their own private kwami get together.

Taking Marinette's hand, Adrien escorted his friends down the stairs so they could head to the ballroom while Nino talked and joked loudly about how awesome the party was going to be and what rocking tunes he had ready to play for people.

Hearing them, Gabriel poked his head out of his office. "Ahh. Marinette, Adrien, do you have a moment?" He blinked and smiled. "Good evening, Nino, Alya."

Alya smiled and waved. "Evening Monsieur Agreste."

"Hello, sir."

Nodding, Adrien said to Nino, "You know where it is, right?"

Nino nodded. "We'll meet you there soon."

Walking into Gabriel's office, Adrien was surprised to find his mother, Sabine and Tom sitting on the sofas in the sunken area to the side used for informal design discussions.

"Hello, dears," Félicie said with a smile. "All ready for the party?"

Why was his hand suddenly clammy? Or was it Marinette's hand? "Yes," he said, feeling excited. "It's going to be a blast."

"I didn't realise you were going to be here," Marinette said.

"We thought we'd take the opportunity to chat," Sabine said, gesturing herself and the other parents in the room. "Before we head out to dinner." Both were dressed up, Tom looking uncomfortable in his suit and tie and Adrien thought he'd be more comfortable if they were all going out for pizza instead of dinner. He hoped Gabriel and Félicie took into consideration that the Dupain-Chengs existed on a tight budget.

Tom sat back in his chair and extended an arm behind Sabine. "And make sure you were aware of the rules."

It wasn't just her hand that was clammy at all. Marinette and Adrien exchanged a glance. "Rules?" Adrien asked and was pleased to hear his voice didn't squeak.

"You're a young couple and in love, there will be certain urges," Gabriel said, completely straight faced.

Marinette's hand quivered in his, but Adrien caught Félicie's sudden smile which was quickly smothered by her hand.

"Is this about how a condom goes on a banana?" he said, tilting his head as he looked at his father. "'Cause you've already done that talk."

Marinette made an odd choking noise while Félicie's laughter chimed. "Oh, that sounds like an interesting story."

"It doesn't protect much on a banana. Plagg said that's how you ended up with me," Adrien continued, using the same baffled tone. "Purr-haps you and Mom are the ones who need to learn."

Tom snorted. Félicie's laughter wasn't muffled in the slightest. Sabine looked amused. Gabriel remained impassive. "I see the Chat Noir sass never fails you. Last time we had this conversation, you pulled all the tricks in the book to get out of it."

Adrien shrugged. "Judging by Mom's face, you really didn't call us in here to make sure we knew the ins and outs of sex, so to speak."

Tom laughed. "That's my line."

"You're messing with us," Marinette said, narrowing her eyes. "That's not nice."

"Believe it or not," Sabine said. "We have discussed the two of you, just so we're on the same page."

Gabriel continued, "Your mother and I are aware of how committed you both are. We are also aware of Marinette's Ladybug… complications."

Félicie's smile was soft. "Butterflies have a spring fever too. So I understand. They were especially hard to deal with when they first started."

Adrien nodded. "You'd like assurance were not going to do anything stupid or rash."

"Yes," Gabriel said.

Adrien placed his free hand over his heart and bowed at the waist. "We're not going to do anything stupid or rash."

Marinette added, "We have goals and things in place to help dilute the scent." She glanced at Adrien and smiled. "There have been no cats carolling this month at all, not even this one. We've discussed what we want out of our time together and we're not going to let them go too far until we're really ready."

Adrien asked, "Anything else?"

Tom slapped the arms of his chair. "They've got things sorted, I think. Look at them, Gabe. Eye contact, relaxed stance. They're not doing anything they think they shouldn't be."

"Hmm," Gabriel said with a decisive nod. "I suppose your right."

"Enjoy the party, dears," Sabine said.

Marinette released Adrien's hand and bounced across the room to kiss her parents. Félicie stood and approached Adrien for a hug. She brushed her hands cover his face and cupped his cheeks and lifted his chin up. "I really hope you have fun tonight."

"Oh, I plan to," he said with a smirk. "All sorts of nefarious teenage shenanigans. Drugs, sex and rock and roll."

She laughed. "Of course."

A glance at the still seated Gabriel and Adrien saw him take Marinette's hand as he spoke to her. There was something about the way Gabriel looked at Marinette now, so different than when Tigga inhabited his head. Now, he looked at her like he really saw her and was interested in what she had to say, rather than tolerating her.

Félicie said, "I was young once, you know."

"You? Never."

She brushed her hands across his forehead. "You have a good head on your shoulders. Just remember to use it."

With an exasperated sigh, he said, "Did you really discuss Marinette and my sex life or lack thereof with the Dupain-Chengs?"

She kissed his forehead and her smile said it all.

"You are so embarrassing."

"I have two years of Mom embarrassment to catch up on."

Kissing her cheek, he said, "You don't have to catch up all at once."

"More fun that way," she said.

Glancing at Tom and Sabine, Adrien lowered his voice and wondered how he should phrase this. "Mom, they're not accustomed to the same kind of places we are."

"Our treat, dear heart," she whispered and fixed the collar of Adrien's jacket. "Sabine voiced the same concern. Next time, we're going to the markets and strolling down La Seine."

Adrien snorted. "Sounds amazing."

"This is… Gabriel's way of saying thank you. They were there for you when we couldn't be. Sabine has been a pillar of strength especially because… well, I feel like I'm trying to slot myself back into your life. You've done without me for nearly two years and grown so much I feel like I let you down. To know that she was there for you when you needed a mother is such a comfort."

"No, Mom, you didn't—"

She didn't let him continue. "They didn't have to take you under their wing but they did and they love you dearly. That means so much to both of us." She lifted her fingers to the frame of his glasses. "Especially since we weren't there for this."

He shifted his weight, uncomfortable and desperate to reassure her. "Mom—"

Marinette bounced back over to him. "Ready?"

"Have fun," Félicie said and stepped away, preventing Adrien from saying anything to her admissions. Pressing his lips together, he decided to address it later. Nodding, Adrien waved to Sabine and Tom, herding Marinette out of the room so they could head to the party.

"You were… almost relaxed in that conversation," Marinette noted.

"They're gonna keep coming at us about sex," he replied. "I may as well give the appearance I'm comfortable with talking about it with them. Maybe they'll shut up then." Dipping his head down to her ear, he whispered, "Or we could tell them that less than ten minutes ago I had my hand up your skirt?"

Marinette went red and smacked him on the chest with the back of his hand. "Don't you dare."

The front door creaked open and Chloé poked her head in, beaming as she spotted them. Her usual yellow striped self, she wore a matching shirt and skirt ensemble for tonight's party. "Adrikins!"

He grinned. "Hello Chlo. You look amazing."

"Oh, pssh," she said and flopped her hand at him. "I know. I always do."

Wearing an aqua sundress, Sabrina bounced in. "Oh, this is going to be awesome! I love parties. Is there cake? Tell me there's cake."

"There's cake," Marinette said. "From my bakery."

Sabrina bounced forward and took both of Marinette's hands. "Oh, amazing! I love your cakes."

"Hello?" Nathanaël called, poking his head through the door. He seemed relieved when he saw them in the foyer. Leaning back, he called, "They're here. Come on!"

"Oh, yes," Chloé said with a small cringe. "They were all congregating at the gate. I was going to tell you."

Adrien snorted and released Marinette's hand so he could let everyone into the mansion. "Hi Nath, thanks for coming. Chloé, can you lead the way to the ballroom?"

"Sure," Chloé said, beckoning. "This way! Keep your greasy fingers off the paintings, they're worth more than you all combined."

Adrien made sure to greet every single person who came with a bright smile while either Marinette or Chloé escorted to the ballroom. Some guests, he hadn't had much to do with, like Aurore or Mireille. Others, like Max and Kim, lingered in the foyer to chat with him before heading to the party. Most had dressed up, losing the casual school clothes in favour of dresses, trousers and button shirts. Max even wore a tie. Alix looked dashing in her shirt, pants and vest.

Félicie, Sabine, Tom and Gabriel came out of Gabriel's office as Ivan and Mylène, the last of the party guests, arrived. "Have fun, Adrien," Félicie said as she breezed to him and kissed his cheek. Tom offered up a wink and a hand to the shoulder, while Sabine kissed his other cheek.

Gabriel, last out the door, gave him a hug. "Enjoy yourself tonight," he said. "But please don't destroy the place."

"Promise."

Gabriel cupped Adrien's chin. "We'll be home in a few hours. Be mindful of your bodyguard."

"Of course."

Gabriel considered him. "This is a bad idea."

Félicie trotted back to take Gabriel's elbow. "Come. We'll be late for our reservations."

Huffy, Gabriel let his wife pull him away and Adrien closed the door behind them.

Marinette was already dancing with Nathanaël when Adrien arrived in the ballroom. While the tom-cat in Adrien bared its teeth, her seasonal scent was no were near as strong as it had been, so he could tolerate the dance. Besides, Nathanaël danced awkwardly, had no idea what to do with his hands and was grinning like an idiot. Harmless fun. Nino and Alya danced near them, so it was almost like a four-way dance.

Dance music pounded, most of his friends were already dancing and those who weren't snacked or chatted instead. The Gorilla stood by the entrance to the ballroom, his companion bodyguards for the night at each other exit, except for the bathrooms, to ensure no one would be sneaking off to other areas of the mansion. The Gorilla nodded at Adrien and clasped his hands in front of him as he stood by the door.

"Dude!" Kim said, lifting his hand for Adrien to high five. "This place is tripped out. Awesome mix."

"Should be a blast."

"Adrikins!" Chloé sang and bounced for him. Grabbing him by the lapels, she tugged him toward the dance floor. "Dance with me."

Since Marinette looked like she was enjoying herself, Adrien nodded. "Okay, sure."

Chloé paused and pointed a finger at Kim. "You. You can dance with me next."

Taken aback, Kim could only nod.

Adrien enjoyed dancing with Chloé. She swished her hips and raised her hands above her hair. She laughed and giggled and touch his hands to raise them up but she always remained a respectful distance away, and certainly didn't try anything. When the song wove its beat into the next one, she curtsied, gave him a wink, sauntered over to Kim and dragged him into a dance.

Adrien danced a three-way with Rose and Juleka next, talking and laughing with them over the top of the loud music Theo played. Aurore was snagged him for a dance as he made his way across the room to Marinette, Alya and Nino. He didn't really mind as he knew once he made it to Marinette, he wouldn't want to dance with anyone else.

Out of the corner of his eye or with each spin of his partner, Adrien watched Marinette dance. Arms raised, eyes closing as she swayed to the music. Always a smile for whatever partner joined her for the dance, and if one didn't, she'd dance alone or include herself in with Alya and Nino. She was right about the skirt twirling, when she spun, it was eye-catching.

Adrien wasn't the only one who noticed. None of his classmates would dare approach Marinette to dance with anything other than friendship intentions, but the rest of students in his year had no such qualms. He didn't mean to growl, really he didn't, but when Mylène gave him a stunned look and said, "I hope that's not for me," he knew he had to get to Marinette's side soon.

He ducked his head. "Sorry, it's not."

"Go dance with her before you burst," Mylène said, smiling.

"That wouldn't be good for anyone."

"Quick, he's getting handsy."

Adrien spun. Forgetting to be polite and thank Mylène for the dance, he shoved his way through the dancers, managing to step on Rose's foot on the way through. Clearing his throat loudly, he dove between the boy trying to get his hands on his girlfriend's swishing hips and put his own there instead, spinning Marinette away.

"Hey!"

Adrien ignored the guy, focussing on Marinette. He pulled her hips closer to hers, then slipped his hands to her back. The music was hard and fast, a moving cuddle didn't make sense right now, but he didn't care.

"I was wondering how long you'd take," she said and wove her arms around his neck.

"I was trying to be polite and dance with everyone."

"So was I," she replied, toy with his hair at the nape of his neck. "Some of my best dance moves wasted."

"Doubt it."

Marinette smiled.

"Not a slow dance, dude!" Nino said over the top of the music as they bopped along to the beat. Gripping a giggling Alya, he spun his girlfriend in a circle, then ground against her. Alya turned her back on Nino and moulded it against his chest. With a wink at Adrien, Nino's hands fell to Alya's waist to hold on to her gyrating hips.

Adrien rolled his eyes and looked back at Marinette. "So, show me these moves."

Releasing him, she ran a finger up his neck to his chin and flicked it off the end. "You can't handle these moves."

"Show me anyway."

Hands in the air, Marinette let Adrien brush his hands over the more platonic areas of her body while they danced. She bounced, swishing her hips and drawing line of sight straight down to her navel and back up the middle of her body as she extended her arms above her head again. Adrien was riveted, drawn in to her mood and her smile and those sashaying hips. He couldn't keep his hands or his eyes off her and she didn't seem to mind.

She was giggly, changing the tempo of her dance along with the music and it always took them a moment to realign with each new song. Most of the songs Marinette knew the chorus to, singing along as loud as she could and sometimes Adrien joined in when he knew the words.

It was so much better to dance with her. To drag his hands across her belly as she spun and perhaps run his thumb along the underside of her breast. To plant a kiss on her shoulder as she draped her back against his chest and lifted her arms to fall back across his neck. To feel the hips grinding against him in time with the music. Oh, that was bliss.

Switching partners with Nino, Adrien danced with Alya and laughed along with her as Nino did this funny sort of jig dance with Marinette which involved moving his legs too much, his arms not enough and pulling faces. Chloé sidled in for another dance, leaving Marinette to dance with Kim.

A slow song finally made its way into the set and they gravitated toward each other. With a smile, Marinette looped her arms around his neck. Adrien let his hands roam up and down her back as he rested his head against hers. Her shirt was damp and he could see a glisten to the skin of her neck which made him want to taste. They swayed from side to side along with all the other moving couples around them.

"Enjoying yourself?"

He dragged his lips across her forehead as she moved it down to rest against his neck. "Immensely. You?"

"I could go for some punch."

A slight surge of disappointment. "After this?"

"Oh yes."

Nino, of course, took this opportunity to not-so subtly make out with Alya. If Adrien was more open to public displays of affection like that, he probably would have too, but the walking cuddle felt just as good. He could handle a kiss or wanting to touch her like he was, but eating Marinette's face in public was a line he wouldn't cross.

Of course, he didn't expect to slowly rotate in his cuddle-dance with Marinette and discover Chloé taking a page from Nino's book with Kim.

His eyes grew wide and his limbs felt weak. "That's… new."

Marinette raised her head from his neck to see where he was looking. "Hmm-mmm."

"Did you know?"

"I knew Kim had feelings for her, but not the other way around. It happens that way sometimes."

"It does?"

She brushed her fingers across his cheek to get him to look at her instead of Chloé and Kim. "You, my darling, are oblivious to these things sometimes."

Keeping his eyes on Marinette, he nodded in the direction of the new couple. "That seems pretty obvious."

Her lips crinkled up. "Jealous?"

"No." He considered. "Are you?"

She snorted. "Why would I be jealous of Kim and Chloé?"

"No, the exuberant kissing in public thing. I mean, I know we kiss in public, but we don't kiss like that." He paused then ducked his head in embarrassment and lowered his voice to whisper, "His hand is up her shirt."

She laughed at his expression. "Got an eyeful, did you?"

"Don't laugh. I have to rearrange all my thinking now. Innocent Chloé..." he clicked his tongue. "For shame. What shall I tell her father?"

"Hardly innocent." Marinette giggled merrily then pulled at her bottom lip with her teeth.

He tried to gauge her expression. "Is that… is that something you want?"

She peered at him. "Is that your way of asking if you could put your hand up my shirt?"

"No," he said. "Just curious."

"I'm not big on the displays either," she replied. "You can kiss me, but I don't want your tongue down my throat or your hands anywhere they shouldn't be in public."

He wrinkled his nose. "I wouldn't even consider doing that."

With a small flush, she admitted, "Maybe a little tongue… and a side-boob brush."

He laughed. "I suddenly have the urge to succumb to peer pressure."

Marinette rose up on her toes, her eyes glazing. "It's your party. You can sin if you want to."

He bent down so his lips brushed hers. "I thought it was cry if you want to."

Her fingers increased their pressure on his neck and pulled him down the rest of the way. Her mouth warmed beneath his and the tip of her tongue brushed against his lips. She slid one hand down between them to rest over his heart, then curled her fingers, clutching his shirt. His hand stroked from the small of her back, all the way along her side, seeking out the side-boob brush she'd requested, until it reached her neck. Cupping it, his thumb caressed her jaw.

They swayed, tiny sidesteps so that they were still dancing even with their mouths fused. His purr rolled between them, quiet and sensual, for her ears alone, a reverberation in his chest she could feel through her fingertips.

"Go Adrien! You hit that!" Nino declared.

With a chuckle, Adrien pulled back. Watching Marinette's flush creep across her face, he joked, "And again he blocks me. This is going to become a thing."

Alya smacked her boyfriend. "Nino!" she scolded.

"Oops, sorry!"

Slow dancing gave way to Alya's karaoke machine while Theo took a break. Adrien fetched some punch and then wove his arm around Marinette's hips as they watched Ivan take to the stage to sing 'I'll make a man out of you,' with Mylène. The entire year took turns to embarrass themselves and whoever sang last got to pick the song for the next person. That's how Kim came to sing 'I'm a barbie girl', Alya got to croon 'Fever' and how Adrien was dragged on stage to duet 'I need a hero' with Nino.

The pair of them laughed more than they got the words right, Nino, with dramatic flare, posed and flexed as much as he could between warbling lines, while Adrien copied Nino's flexes with flexes of his own, prompting his best friend to pretend to swoon. Both of them knew the chorus though, belting it out to each other as loud as possible and dancing across the stage.

Nino, true to his devious nature, chose the next song and dragged Chloé up on the stage, planting her in the middle. Her face went bright red as 'Hollaback girl' started playing. "I'm not singing that!"

Marinette rolled her eyes, made a disgruntled noise and slipped from Adrien's arm. Snagging Alya, she joined Chloé on the stage and the three of them made a spectacle of themselves. By the time they reached the spelling portion of the song, everyone was laughing and joining in. Kim whistled and clapped, calling out, "Nice one, babe!" to which he received a scowl and a finger point from Chloé.

Marinette picked the next song, gesturing to Alix. "This one's for you!"

Upon hearing the 'Let's go' at the start of the song, Alix clapped her hands and bolted for the stage and, to Adrien's surprise, his friends watching started grinning and spread out. "What are we doing?" he asked Marinette as she returned to him.

"Dance along," she said, winking at him. "Follow Alix."

"But it said I already knew what it was," Adrien said, echoing the words of the song. "I have no idea."

The first step conducted by Alix and the rest was almost in sync, but Adrien floundered. Oh, he'd heard this song before, but he had no idea there were dance moves to go along with the Nae Nae.

Marinette laughed and winked at him as he struggled to follow along. "Show me some of that Chat suave!"

"This is not funny!" he complained, watching her switch through the steps seamlessly. Still, seeing her laugh at him and continue to dance, was pretty fun. By the third Nae Nae, he had that part of the dance down though. The transitions mucked him up and he was never sure what was coming up next, but he enjoyed himself. Alix whipped and bopped up on the stage, getting right into the song, throwing her body into every movement with gusto.

"Gonna have to practice, dude!" Nino called, laughing at him.

"Give me Gundam Style anytime," Adrien countered.

Nino's forehead creased. "Don't you mean Gangnam?"

"Nope, I'm totally gonna dance anime style."

Nino shook his head. "You are such a weeb."

Adrien gave him a two fingered salute.

When Alix was finished, Adrien leant close to Marinette and asked, "Did you want to do a duet?"

She shook her head. "No. Cause they'll expect something sappy like 'Don't go breaking my heart', or 'Come what may' or something."

"Aww, really?" he asked, disappointed. He'd want to sing with her.

"I love you," she said and cupped his cheek. "But I don't want to serenade you in front of all these people."

He nodded. Rubbing his chin, he hit on an idea. Grabbing Marinette's hand, he tugged her onto the stage. "Alix! Don't pick anything."

She pouted, her hand hovering over the screen. "Aww, but I had a good one lined up."

"You can do it after this," he said. "Please?"

With a shrug, Alix moved aside. "You're the party boy."

Marinette laughed when she saw his selection. Even harder when he whispered in her ear what he wanted to do. "You're on."

"Oh, this is going to be sappy," Kim heckled.

Adrien just winked at him and handed Marinette a microphone.

"You'd better make this worth my while," she said.

"Make it husky."

She shooed him with her hand and faced their friends. Clearing her throat, she shook out her arms and waited for the music to start.

When it did, there was an air of general confusion. People exchanged glances or murmured to each other. Alya clapped a hand over her mouth to stop herself from smiling and Nino danced in a circle before he fixed his eyes on the stage and waited.

"We clawed, we chained our hearts in vain, we jumped never asking why—"

She was untrained, but could still carry a tune. The tremble in her voice only added to the rawness of the song. As she sang, Marinette prowled across the stage, gesturing and singing to Adrien in a way that reflected the lyrics, getting further and further away from him as he waited. When she was far enough away, she shot him a look, and he nodded to her.

The moment 'I came in like a wrecking ball' belted out, Adrien darted forward, dropped to his knees and slid across the stage. Passing Marinette, he spun on his knees and shucked off his jacket while he locked his gaze with hers.

Their friends went nuts, screaming and cheering. Marinette went pink, but she didn't drop a note. The jacket was flung over his shoulder as Marinette prowled toward him. Adrien knelt on one knee, the other offered her a seat. Spinning, she sat, pressing her back to his chest as she sang a line and then was gone from him before he could take her in his arm. The 'wreck me' section of the song, she lifted her foot to plant on his knee, and he cupped her calf.

As he leant in to kiss her knee, she lifted her foot to his chest and toed him backward. He hadn't been expecting that, falling flat to the stage with her foot on his chest. Cat reflexes kicked in so the fall at least looked elegant and graceful and Marinette laughed at him.

She danced away from him and Adrien rocked back onto his shoulders, thrust his legs into the air bounced to his feet to prowl after her. She skipped across the stage toward him, her fingers steepled on his chest and caused him to dance backward or be pushed over. She twirled, her skirt flowing around her and giving him a lovely view of her legs, then skipped away and he was forced to chase again. They spent the entire rest of the song playing an odd game of cat and bug. She'd let him catch her, but never land a kiss, all the while their friend screamed their appreciation.

When it was over and they accepted their applause, Adrien slung an arm around Marinette's shoulder and kissed her cheek. "Well done."

"Man, that was so totally amazing!" Nino blurted as Adrien and Marinette joined them again. "The way you just slid across the stage, so slick. Did you practice that?"

"Nah. These moves are all natural."

Alya hugged Marinette. "Gurl, that was incredible. So very sexy and the way you made him chase you. That was hot and you know it."

Flushed, Marinette fanned herself. "He upped the ante with that jacket toss. Whew."

Adrien perked up. "Like that, did you?"

"You're hot and you know it," she replied.

"Drink?" Adrien suggested as Max took the stage. "To cool down that… thirst."

Marinette narrowed her eyes at him and glared. The half-smile which formed told him she was most amused. Offering her his elbow, he escorted her over to the punch.

Nathalie waited by the snack tables, looking stern and foreboding as ever. "Your father wishes me to tell you he and your mother have returned from dinner."

A quick glance at the time told him it was just before ten. They'd been dancing for a long time and he hadn't realised it. "Thanks," Adrien said and grabbed the ladle for the punch. Scooping two cups, he passed one to Marinette. "Did they want to see me?"

"Not as yet. How long do you think this will last?" Nathalie asked, her eyes roaming around the room.

"The party?" he shrugged. "Until people get tired, I suppose."

"Your DJ is booked until eleven," Nathalie said.

"After that, Nino will probably take over for a while," Marinette said and sipped her punch. "Though it'll probably break up around midnight."

"Several—" Nathalie cleared her throat "—'couples' have already tried to sneak off. Please inform your friends anyone who manages to slip past and is found outside the ballroom will be escorted from the mansion."

Adrien nodded. "I already did, but I'll spread the word."

Nathalie nodded. "I'll be outside if you need me."

"Thank you," Adrien replied. Glancing around the room, he saw most people were enjoying themselves and Theo was getting ready to start another set. Nino and Alya were laughing and talking to Rose and Juleka and Max was singing on stage. Leaning down to Marinette, he whispered, "Wanna sneak off for a bit?"

She looked at him with her big, beautiful eyes. "Nathalie give you ideas, did she?"

"Oh, I had ideas before," he said and nibbled on her ear. "But she reminded me. Music room is next door, c'mon."

Taking her hand, he strode for the door, looking stern. "We'll be right back," he told the Gorilla.

The Gorilla looked at him. Looked at Marinette. Smirked. Then opened the door. Adrien chose to ignore the smirk or the knowing looks.

The music room adjoined the ballroom. A small room which housed a few chairs and the grand piano, which was moved into the ballroom as needed. The acoustics in it were amazing, so Adrien always loved to practice in there whenever he could.

Giggling, Marinette walked further into the room while Adrien shut the door. He left the lights down low, music was always more romantic in dim light.

"So, what are your plans, Monsieur Agreste?" Marinette asked as she stood in the centre of the room, swinging her arms as she depicted the very definition of innocence.

He crossed the room to the piano and sat down, patting the seat beside him. Resting his fingers on the keys, he started slow. Simple, echoing tune which had no real form beyond being pretty. Easing into Trois Gymnopedies, he leant into Marinette as she joined him. Soft, sweet and gentle, they could sway to the music from the piano itself.

Marinette pressed into his side and rested on hand on his thigh as she listened. There wasn't much room on the seat and that was fine by him. Her fingers doodled little patterns on his leg. "I was joking about you serenading me, you know."

He smiled. "I know."

Resting her head on his shoulder, she watching his fingers glide across the keys. "When you said you played, I didn't realise…" she trailed off. "You're perfect, you know."

"Nah," he said. "It's all a ploy. A façade. Every bit of it."

"I don't think so." She listened for a while and then closed her eyes. "Beautiful."

"Thank you."

He slipped into Angel Eyes. Livelier and with a lot more variation in tone, but still just as sweet and pretty.

She listened with her eyes closed, dipping along with the movements of his body as he played for her. Feeling silly, he slipped into some of the more romantic and beautiful Final Fantasy music.

Marinette snorted as she recognised the tune. "You're adorkable."

He laughed.

"Why haven't you played for me before?"

"It was hard. Music was…" He shook his head and corrected himself. "—is one of the things I share with Mom. Playing without her… it made me feel closer to her but it was also very emotionally draining."

"Oh." Clearing her throat, she tried to help by joking, "Manly tears?"

He played along. "Very manly. So manly and macho you would've swooned." The smile died and he grew serious. "I guess I didn't want you to see me like that. Now," he glanced at her and winked. "I get to seduce you with music."

She laughed. "You don't need to seduce me."

"Oh, but I want to," he said, and, clearing his throat, he switched songs to La Vie En Rose. He wasn't a singer like his mother but he could carry a tune. Because he hadn't warmed up, his voice was husky as he sang, "Hold me close and hold me fast, the magic spell you cast—"

Marinette lifted away from his shoulder. Her eyes grew wide as she stared at him and she made a muted squeak, covering her mouth with her hands.

He poured his heart and soul into his music and his voice, a desperate attempt to show her what she meant to him. Each word had to be a perfect representation of his feelings, each note had to echo his love for her. Music and song, in perfect balance, all for her. Sometimes music could speak for itself and convey, but for a song like this, the words were lifted from his heart and offered up to her.

Marinette's hand fell from her mouth and to her lap. Her half-lidded eyes filled with tears and her smile, the soft crinkle at the edges, it was beatific. He'd known music could entrance, but he'd never seen it happen before. Not by anything he'd done. It felt amazing.

He didn't want the moment to end. He wanted to keep that expression of love on her face as long as he could, so instead of allowing the song to drift to a close, he repeated it. Leaning forward so his forehead brushed hers, his fingers flowed across the keys like silk and the huskiness of his voice only added to the raspiness of Marinette's breath.

Soprano soared over the top of his voice, melding and enhancing to create a beautiful blend of voice and music. Stunned, Adrien's fingers hit a wrong note, but he recovered quickly. Straightening, he turned his head to see Félicie standing just inside the doorway, smiling as she sang with him. Gabriel stood behind her, his hands resting on her hips.

"When you kiss me heaven sighs—"

Félicie swayed in Gabriel's arms as she sang and Adrien could see Gabriel was just as entranced with his wife as Adrien was with Marinette. Turning back to the piano, he concentrated on the piece, letting his mother's angelic voice flow over the top of him. As embarrassing as it was to have been sprung serenading Marinette, the fact his mother sang eclipsed everything else he felt.

"And life will always be la vie en rose." The last note rang out, filling the space in the room and taking his heart with it.

Adrien didn't stop playing, shifting into a melancholy instrumental piece that he didn't have to think too hard about playing. He didn't want this moment to end. He didn't want to ruin Marinette's mood or his own, or the emotions which were bubbling up inside him from singing with his mother again.

Félicie said, "That was beautiful, Adrien."

"We didn't mean to intrude," Gabriel said, clearing his throat and Adrien heard a roughness in his throat. His father was just as emotional about this as he was.

"I haven't heard you play in so long," Félicie explained. "I had to."

"I know the feeling," Adrien said, staring at his moving hands.

"I think we spoiled a mood, dear," Félicie told Gabriel, the apology clear in her tone.

"No, it's okay," Adrien replied. "Nothing's spoiled." He glanced as Marinette, seeing her sitting so still and straight, she almost seemed frozen. "I think we broke Marinette though."

On cue, Marinette squeaked. Her hands clenched and a blush bloomed, spreading across her entire face. Another squeak and she covered her face with her hands. Tilting toward him, she buried her face in his arm to hide.

"Yup," he said and kissed the top of her head. "She's broken."

Félicie laughed. "Goodnight, dears. Enjoy the rest of your party."

"Night, Mom. Night, Father."

He waited until the door clicked closed and beyond before he allowed the music to dissipate. Sitting still, he rested his hands on his knees and waited. "Well… that was embarrassing," he said after she made no move.

Marinette mumbled something.

"Pardon?"

Her hands gripped his shirt and her head lifted away just enough so he could hear her gush, "That was amazing."

Lifting his hand, he took a strand of her pigtail between his thumb and index finger. "You're amazing." Leaning over, he kissed her head, then her forehead, coaxing her face away from his arm so he could find her lips. A delighted noise, her lips parting as she sank into his embrace and Adrien was swept away.

Epilogue

The city glowed. Soft and warm, a slight glimmer from puddles of water on rooftops caused by the dusting of rain they were gifted with. On any other day, Chat Noir wouldn't have ventured outside unless absolutely necessary, but today, Master Fu had sent for them, so he lingered on the rooftops and watched the shimmering lights as he waited for his lady to answer the call and join him.

Summer holidays weren't too far away and he was looking forward to them. So many things had been planned. A graduation ceremony as they finished at Collège Françoise Dupont and headed off to their next school. Mamie Dupain was coming to visit and he was both excited and nervous about that. There was also the ever-present akuma jar hunting and patrolling. There had been a promise of a weekend visit to the beaches of Normandy with Nino, Alya, Marinette and several others as a graduation gift.

There was also Marinette's birthday to look forward to, and the amount of teasing for her dating a younger man from Nino to endure.

A hand slide down from his shoulder, nails pricking at his skin beneath the suit and a tingle followed their trail. Down his spine, flowing across the small of his back and settling on his rear. Glancing over his shoulder, he raised an eyebrow at Ladybug. Her eyes were fixed on her hand, her teeth worrying her bottom lip. With a grin, he said, "My eyes are up here."

"I know," she replied. "But—"

He snorted. "Butt."

"Yes. Exactly. Your suit is so… tight. Did you change it?"

"Nope. It's always been this tight. You're just giving yourself permission to look."

"Mmm-hmm."

"You can thank Plagg for that."

"Thank you Plagg," she said, flicking her eyes up to meet his as she gave a naughty squeeze. "But it's not just him. You fill it so well, especially after that growth spurt."

"No," he said with a wink. "You're just shrinking, my lady. Teeny, tiny bug."

Displeased, she pinched him. Hard.

He jumped, but didn't turn. If she wanted to play with his backside, he'd let her. "I thought we weren't going to get amorous in the suits."

"Not amorous. This is me, admiring your trim physique and assets."

"That's you, admiring my ass," he corrected with a smile.

"Like you don't do the same."

The urge to turn and grab his own handful was too great to resist. Twisting around, he made a grab for her. She eeped as he pulled her flush against him. He leant against the railing and spread his legs so she could nestle between them. With a squeeze, he murmured, "All hail the divine Ladybutt."

"What do you think Fu wants us for?" she asked, putting her finger on his lips as he bent down for a kiss.

"Hey. No fair. Why do you get to play and I don't?"

"Because your play usually ends with something very noticeable in your pants that you probably don't want to show to the great guardian, especially when you're in skin tight clothes."

Grinning, he flirted, "You like my noticeable growths."

"Yes," she teased. "So much better now you can reach things on the top shelf to push off."

With a flat stare, he deadpanned, "So sass. Much wow."

"Look at you, being a walking meme. I suppose it's better than the puns."

"That sounds like the purr-fect invitation," he crooned.

"And I regret everything."

"Now who's the walking meme?" he asked, rubbing his nose against hers.

Smacking the palms of both hands against his chest playfully, she adopted a serious expression. "C'mon kitty. We have a job to do before we can play." She stepped away from him and unwound her yo-yo.

He prowled after her. "But you are going to let me play?"

She winked and launched herself over the edge of the building. "Only if you catch me."

The race was short lived, as it would be since Fu's pallor wasn't a great distance from either of their homes and Ladybug had a head start. From her over the shoulder smile at him as she strolled through Fu's front door, Chat Noir knew a playful chase and romp across the rooftops of Paris was in store for him after their business was complete.

Fu stood in the middle of his massage pallor as Chat Noir and Ladybug joined him. He looked older than he had before, but a peace and an acceptance radiated out of him.

"Master Fu," Chat Noir greeted. "You look well."

Fu inclined his head. "My story is nearly over, but there is still time to impart my wisdom. For two, the story is about to begin."

Ladybug and Chat Noir exchanged a glance.

"It is time," Fu said and held out his hands. As he opened them, Chat Noir saw two pieces of jewellery resting in his palms. A fox tail necklace and a dainty golden comb. "The next guardians have been chosen by their kwami."

"Awesome," Chat Noir said, staring at the jewellery.

Ladybug smiled. "So, what do we do?"

"You must deliver these to the chosen ones," Master Fu said and smiled. Placing the fox chain in Ladybug's hand and the bee comb in Chat Noir's, Fu continued, "I believe you know the new fox and bee guardians as Nathanaël and Chloé."

Kry's ending note:

Wait. Wut?

Funny story. I was literally writing the piano scene when the fantastic Hchano posted her utterly devastatingly amazing piano comic. After a mini temper tantrum which involved kicking furniture and swearing, I nearly scrapped the whole thing.

I decided to go with a 'fix' instead. (Also, she knows its coming and is okay with it). Because, damn it, I wanted Adrien to sing. I'd planned it, I'd written most of it. Adrien playing piano is canon and therefore it is inevitable people would hit on the same ideas. Talk about timing!

There are so many scenes in this that I glossed over and I want to write. Like Gabriel showing up in class. Or trashing his office. Félicie and Adrien eavesdropping. Or Marinette and Adrien's photoshoot. Fox and Bee tendencies. I may expand on them in an oneshot later, so do follow me on tumblr if you haven't already (same name). Chances are there will be things posted there. Drabbles for sure.

This is the last novel-length instalment of Tendencies. There may be oneshots or mini arcs, or anything else I get inspired to do, but I can't promise anything.

To be honest, I don't want to see show!Chloé become the Bee Miraculous without some serious character growth on her bee-half. But in this, her growth has been steady and sure, and yet she still hasn't lost the essence of her character. In this, she'd be a marvellous Bee. Nathanaël as fox miraculous, mainly due to his role as Illustrator. Illusion and art are very similar and I think he'd be perfect. Maybe the flute could be a massive stylus. Not sure I want to see it in the show though. Lila is perfect (and I seriously thought about giving her a cameo in this last chapter, but I may just dedicate an entire one-shot to her).

Trois Gymnopedies was by Erik Satie. Angel Eyes is by Jim Brickman. La Vi En Rose was by Edith Piaf. All these songs can be found on You Tube, take a listen. (Listen to Daniela Andrade's version of La Vi En Rose). The karaoke songs should all be common knowledge.

I'd like to thank Wintermoth (Moon), Katergator and Pinkuchama for their eternal support and love. This story wouldn't exist without you three wonders.

I'd also like to thank all the wonderful artists who dedicated their precious time to drawing fanart for my fanfiction. I have squealed each and every time you have linked me in your art.

And thank you to everyone who took the time to review or message me. I'm made so many new friends in this fandom, it's been an amazing experience. You've all made it such a pleasure to write for and I wouldn't have stayed as long as I did hadn't you all been so encouraging.

Thank you for letting me share my imagination with you.

-Kry