- Chapter 26 -

Almost every night since the battle with Hawkmoth, Marinette noticed that when she did sleep, she slept longer and deeper. Her sleep lacked any pretty dreams—only the blackness of her own eyelids. She had been sleeping a lot more lately. Not really out of depression—just still more of a recovery process.

It was only a matter of time before she was back to her normal self. Mornings were still rough and difficult to wake up for. However, she had never really been the type of person to enjoy waking up early.

On this morning, when her Mother started calling for her to wake up, there wasn't anything particularly unusual about the way she called her name.

"Marinette!"

She stirred awake only slightly. Had she imagined her name being called? Was she starting to dream again? She silently hoped so. She missed her dreams. For now, her groggy mind ignored her own name, and drifted off once again.

Sleep pulled at her consciousness and she snuggled happily back down into her pillow.

"Marinette! Honey?" called her mother's voice.

Begrudgingly, her eyes opened only slightly and she lifted her head up off of the pillow. Noticing the bright daylight streaming in through her bedroom window, she groaned in frustration and buried her head underneath the blanket. Morning already?

"Sun's up, get up!" her mother's cheerful voice called from downstairs. It was her signature call for getting Marinette up. She had been saying it since she was a child.

Marinette groaned again, rolling over to block out the chipper sound. She was pretty much awake but un-wanting to leave her bed. She tried to ignore her mother's calling voice and go back to sleep. It seemed to be working, because she didn't hear any other sound from downstairs for several minutes. Snuggling deeper into her blanket, she let out a content sigh and let herself drift off to sleep once more.

"Marinette! I don't hear you getting up."

Marinette's eyes shot open fully. Surely, her mother seemed to be a lot pushier this morning? Groggily, she sat up in bed and stretched her arms over her head. Glancing over, she noticed Tikki still fast asleep in the little makeshift bed Marinette had made in her dresser drawer.

The poor kwami was still exhausted. She slept more than Marinette did. Her heart seemed to be just as heavy as Marinette's. Tikki had promised Marinette that she would be fine once she rested. So, Marinette let her sleep as much as she wanted. She owed Tikki so much. The kwami had kept her safe throughout that whole battle. Marinette didn't regret a single decision.

"Marinette! Are you up?" This was her Father's booming voice this time.

Marinette felt a twinge of anger build up in the back of her throat, and, reluctantly, she tossed the blankets off of herself and got out of bed. She yawned deeply, enough to give herself goosebumps. She still felt like she could sleep for another five years straight.

"I'm up! I'm up." She called back loudly, her voice carried that little bit of annoyance that she felt.

"Hurry up and come downstairs. I need your help please!" Her mother's voice echoed.

Marinette sighed heavily and got out of bed.

"Coming!" She called back loudly. She padded over to her dresser on bare feet and fetched clothes to dress. Were they busy in the bakery this morning? Oh, that would certainly be good news. She let the happy thought wash away any lingering annoyances.

She was still quite tired as she dressed leisurely and ran her fingers through her dark hair. She was letting it grow longer due to the colder months approaching. She still kept her hair in her signature pig-tails, but now the ends reached past her shoulders.

She gave Tikki a loving glance and made sure the kwami was still wrapped up warmly in the bed of spare fabric scraps.

Checking her face, she was glad that she didn't look as tired as she felt. However, she still pinched her cheeks and chewed on her lips to bring some color into her face.

"Marinette!" her mother called again, her voice sounding almost panicked.

Marinette didn't answer her mother this time as she was slipping on her flat shoes. What was with the constant badgering this morning? She grabbed her apron off the hook on the wall and rushed towards the ladder. Was the bakery on fire or something?

She came down the rickety ladder of her attic bedroom, eyes cast downward to watch her footing, feeling slightly irritated by all the unnecessary rush. Once her feet hit the floor, she slipped the apron over her head and began tying the strings around her waist.

Her eyes were cast downward as she fidgeted with tying the bow. "Ma'ma, seriously, what is all the fuss abou—"

She took a few steps forward, looked up, and completely froze with her sentence cut short. Of all the things to wake up for this morning, she certainly hadn't been expecting this.

He was standing in their bakery. Bent over slightly looking at the display cases filled with unsold baked goods like he wanted to take a bite out of everything. She smiled to herself. Well, he always did have a sweet tooth.

Marinette glanced over at her parents. Both of them were smiling like fiends and hugging each other lovingly. As if they somehow understood what he was doing there.

She had to smile a bit at the irony of the whole situation.

His voice broke the silence first.

"So, you're Marinette?" he asked. He gave her a playful smile. "Not a morning person, are you?

She felt her cheeks instantly begin to burn as he said her name and joked so casually. She took her time turning her head to look at him, because once she saw his face, it would be impossible to look away.

He was dressed simply and plainly, like he was trying to blend in again amongst the common people. It made her remember the time once before that they were in the bakery together. Despite his casual and common clothing, there was no denying who he was. Especially since his public coronation ceremony had been only a few weeks ago.

It also didn't help that there were numerous palace guards outside of the bakery's front door and lined up along the street. They were drawing quite the gawking crowd outside.

She tried not to focus on that right now.

Her hands were still behind her back, tying her apron strings. She let her fingers finish the bow before they dropped to her side.

She took a deep breath and stepped forward to stand behind the wide counter. Somehow, she kept herself completely calm. He was just another customer.

"How may I help you today, sir?" she asked, with a gentle smile on her own lips. That smile was all she could afford him.

He answered her instantly, but she could hear the playful tone ringing in his voice. "Well, I've heard that this is one of the best bakery's in the Kingdom…"

"The best." Tom interjected.

"Dad!" She exclaimed wildly at his interjection—her voice must have been about ten octaves higher than normal. Marinette felt like she had been stabbed with a thousand tiny needles. The feeling made her physically stagger where she stood.

Tom smiled at his daughter, giving her a playful wink. "Sales technique, honey. Know your audience."

Marinette's mouth fell open in silent shock. She physically face-palmed out of sheer embarrassment and kept her reddening face hidden from site. And, just like that, her calm, cool and collected demeanor went out of the window. She was scrabbling to remain focused.

She had been doing so well. And then her Father just had to go and distract her like that. She may never recover from the embarrassment. She certainly felt like all of those long weeks of getting her emotions in check were completely useless now.

Adrien found himself liking Marinette's parents instantly. He subtly noticed her reaction and couldn't help himself from saying:

"You know, I think I remember getting quite sick one time after eating here…" Adrien reminisced, but the sarcasm in his voice was jovial and full of teasing. He cast Marinette a sideways glance. He would never grow tired of teasing her.

"You did?!" Sabine exclaimed in a high panicked voice. She instantly believed him just like any concerned mother would have. She was clearly utterly shocked and concerned. "Oh, you poor soul! I assure you that we…

Marinette had to stop the madness. She jumped in and waved her arms frantically to try and defuse the situation. She had to do something before he made it even worse and teased her parents into an early grave.

"Oh, you! Just stop it! No you did not! Ma'ma, do not listen to him! He's only teasing you." Marinette told her mother. However, she found herself unable to stop smiling at how ridiculous the situation was.

The whole silly conversation had sidetracked her, and she hadn't noticed that he had moved closer. His steps had been all but completely silent to her. He was now standing directly in front of her. Only the countertop blocked his path to her.

Adrien leaned closer to her, making sure that he got her full wide-eyed attention. He gave her that final little mischievous push—although this time, the words were from the heart.

"I like it when you smile..." He told her, as his own lips formed that full amazing smile that teased her, but also made her weak in the knees. "But I love it when I'm the reason."

Marinette blinked once. Twice. Maybe three times? Her mouth felt dry despite the sweet words that poured from his lips. They swirled around her head and struck at her heart like a drum, physically warming her from head to toe. How did words have such power?

She tried to find her voice, and failed the first two times. On the third attempt, all she could manage was a stutter.

Before she actually form coherent words to say anything, her mother spoke up. "I think a little privacy is in order. Don't you agree, dear?" Sabine tugged at her husband's arm playfully.

Marinette shot her mother a thankful look. She really couldn't imagine continuing the conversation with Adrien and have her parents watch. Even though she wasn't exactly sure what that conversation was going to be.

Sabine nodded in silent reply and kept pulling at Tom's large arm. "Come along, dear. Let's let the two of them talk." She persuaded her husband gently.

Tom allowed Sabine drag him reluctantly towards the back door. Although not fast enough before Tom could point two fingers at Adrien and then pointed them back at his own eyes. The gesture was all in good-humor, but also quite serious in nature.

Tom's face was completely serious, even if he couldn't keep the laughter from his voice when he spoke. "I don't care who you are. You're still a man. And I'm still her Father. I'll pound your face in if you hurt her."

"Dad!" Marinette exclaimed wildly. Her embarrassment was about to completely consume her.

Tom stood in the open doorway that led outside. He paused and took in a deep breath. Letting it out slowly with a hint of sadness lingering in his exhaled breath.

Marinette felt her heart sink slightly as she watched her Father physically deflate. His eyes were filled with a sadness that she never remembered seeing before. For such a large man, it was obvious that his only daughter was his greatest weakness.

"Please. Remember that she was my little girl first." He cast a loving glance at Marinette. "And she will always be my little girl."

Adrien stood up straighter and nodded his head in complete understanding. The two men shared a silent moment together. There was a mutual agreement between them, even without words. The formalities would come later. Adrien would ask for his permission properly, when the time was right. For now, they had a shared appreciation between them. And Adrien had nothing but respect for the man.

Tom smiled at his daughter one last time, before shutting the door behind him.

The pair were suddenly all alone. The silence of the empty bakery was intimidating. Muffled noises from the world outside could be heard beyond the walls. Marinette was sure he could probably hear her heart beat as it pounded solidly in her chest.

She really hadn't been mentally prepared to face him today—if possibly ever again. She had easily convinced herself that he had forgotten all about her. The magic had kept him alive, but taken away his memories. It was an equal exchange. His life was worth more to her than the memories were.

Everything had been fine until they had begun joking around, just like they used to do. It brought everything back into the present. The faintest of glimmers into what they could have together.

She found herself lost in the moment and with her own twisting thoughts. Unable to speak or find the right words to say in this silent moment. She didn't know if she was supposed to be happy or sad. Her mind was a swirl of questions and emotions. She physically shook herself slightly at the sheer astonishment of it all.

Adrien's voice broke the silence first. He was scared and beyond nervous. He had tried to mentally prepare himself for this conversation, but now that he was in front of her, all of that preparation was gone.

The initial playfulness had disappeared. In its place was a spiraling cloud of questions and emotions. Even lingering doubts and hesitations.

He had been wishing against all hopes that he hadn't been too late. He hoped she would forgive him and still want him. He tried to keep control of his emotions, so he asked her the one question that had been plaguing him the hardest and the longest.

Adrien spoke to her gently, afraid she would hate him or even run. His voice slightly shaking with every word.

"P-Please tell me that you… remember me…?"

With those effortless and simple words, it all came slamming into place. The world and everything in it came to grinding halt. Her mind free of doubt. He remembered. Oh god, he really had remembered everything.

Her knees were suddenly unable to support her, so she braced herself against the countertop. Gripping its surface for dear life.

He was really here. Teasing her and her family like they were all old friends. Standing so casually in her parent's bakery as if he was just a regular customer. Cracking those stupid jokes to make her laugh. Distracting her mind from the pain seared into her heart after their last battle—all those weeks ago.

He was the man who filled her heart's every desire. He had sought her out and found her. Just as he had promised.

She was having a hard time believing any of it was real. Certainly, she was still dreaming?

"O-Of c-course I-I remember..." Her tone was nervous and shaking horribly out of shock—even though she had nothing to be nervous about. But this conversation was physically eating at her heart. "I-I thought, I-I honestly thought you… that the magic had…"

"You thought the magic made me forget you?" he asked.

She stared at the counter and shamefully, slowly nodded her head in agreement.

She couldn't look at his handsome face anymore. She thought for certain that he had forgotten all about her. She had mentally prepared herself to live her life without him. Her blood felt almost cold. Her hands began to shake, so she gripped them into tight fists, but they still continued to shake. Her breathing was labored, and she didn't trust her voice to speak without shaking.

"Did you not want to remember me?" he asked her carefully.

Ducking her head down lower, she tried twice and then finally found her voice. Although it was weak and filled with nerves.

"No… No… it's not that… I just… I didn't think… the magic… it…"

Adrien wanted to reach out and grab those shaking fists of hers. He wanted to hold her and sooth her. But her body language was giving off the impression that she did not want to be touched. He felt his heart pinch in pain.

"Your magic did a lot of amazing things that day." He told her.

Marinette could feel her shoulders begin to shake now. In order to fight back tears, she kept rambling. "You were… One minute, you were Chat Noir. And the next you were… you. And I never imagined that it could be you. Never in a million years, did I think you two could be the same person…"

Adrien tried to pour as much sympathy in his voice as possible. "I should have told you long ago."

She shook her head from side to side. Mad at herself now.

"You did. Well, you tried too. Over and over again you tried to tell me. But I wouldn't listen… I was too scared."

"You had every right to want to protect your identity…" he tried to argue.

Marinette had to take a moment to compose herself, in fear of breaking down and losing it completely.

"I should have listened to you." She whined.

Adrien let out a breathy, sad sigh.

"M'lady, you did nothing wrong…" He tried to soothe her pain with his words.

Marinette pushed the side of her face into her own shoulder. Straining to focus on getting enough air to speak.

"And then, and then… I watched you die."

Adrien's heart broke and he swallowed his pulse down. He said nothing further. He had no words to comfort her. He should have come to her sooner. He shouldn't have made her wait. Because he waiting so long, he could now only listen as her shaking, scared voice caught in her throat as she continued to speak.

"I saw in in my dreams night after night. I see that black wound… I still remember the pain of losing you."

She turned her eyes up to him and her intense gaze made him take a physical step back like she had struck him. Her emotions were drowning in her own eyes. She bit down on her own tongue, fighting back tears.

"And then, when the magic healed you and brought you back. I-I was just so happy you were even alive. I… I just had to let you go. I had to." She admitted honestly and shamefully. "It was enough… it was enough to see you alive again."

"Marinette…" he begged her.

She turned her intense gaze away once again. Her shoulders slumped forward and began to shake with small, soundless sobs.

Adrien stared at her and couldn't believe this type of person even existed in the world. How could she continue to safeguard him even from herself? She was willing to forget him at the sake of her own happiness. Well, it was her turn to be happy for once. He hoped he could be the one to bring her that happiness. The way she brought it for him.

"I'm here now." He told her. "You won't lose me again."

She hiccupped a small, sad laugh.

"I-Is t-that why you are here?" she asked softly. Hoping against all hopes that it was true.

Adrien let out a breath he hadn't remembered holding in. "I'm sorry I made you wait so long."

She wiped her eyes and blinked a few times. She started to feel better. The sad conversation was at its end. He wouldn't be here now if he hadn't wanted to find her. She let herself realize that.

Quietly, she spoke to the ground. Letting her voice gain a bit of friskiness.

"I hope you are worth the wait." And then she lifted her eyes up to his once again. This time she had no intention of breaking his gaze.

Adrien regained that step forward and gave her a smile that she deserved. He opened his mouth to tell her how he truly felt about her, but she jabbed a finger into his chest unexpectedly.

"What are you even doing here?"

He answered her with a silly smile forming on his lips. "Me? Oh, I'm just searching for someone."

She swallowed hard. "Any luck?"

"Oh, I'd say so. Lady Luck seems to be on my side lately." He ran his hand casually along the surface of the countertop that separated them. "Or, at least, I hope that she still is."

Marinette let out a sound that was halfway between a sob, a hiccup, and a laugh. She covered her mouth with her hand to help stifle the sound—should it unexpectedly choose to escape her lips again.

Carefully, she spoke around her fingers. "I don't think you have to worry about that."

Adrien smiled gently. She was too adorable for words. "Then, I would hope that she would do me the honor of meeting me tonight."

Marinette raised her gaze up and let her hand fall away from her mouth. "Tonight?" she echoed him.

Adrien nodded slowly. "Just before dusk. At our usual place."

Marinette blinked soft eyes. Of course, their usual place. How could she forget?

She turned her gaze away from him and stared at the countertop. It was all too much to take in. Her mind was swirling in a chaos of emotion. She didn't know how to react to everything—if she could even keep it all straight in her scattered mind. The Prince… no… the King was standing in front of her. Courting her in her own home, no less. The same man who was Chat Noir—her loving and devoted partner. The same man who she danced with all night at the royal Ball. The same man who protected her from those men who tried to kidnap her in the night. The same man she kissed so passionately under the stars. It was all so wonderful and yet, so completely unreal.

As if he knew what she was thinking, Adrien leaned forward and whispered to her. "What's the matter, chat got your-"

Her head shot up, but her blue eyes were alive with playfulness. "Really? Really? Did you just… Oh my god. Really? Just stop!" She exclaimed happily.

He put his hands on the countertop and leaned forward, smiling fiendishly. "Never." He teased her relentlessly. However, his green eyes flashed with the added excitement. "You'll have to cat-ch me first."

"Again with the cat jokes? Seriously? Now? Of all times! Right now?" She baited him, dramatically rolling her eyes and crossing her arms over her chest. "I'm in my right mind to get a broom and chase you out." Her heart was pumping a steady flush of pink into her cheeks. He loved that it also brought out her freckles.

"Oh, me-ouch." He purred back. "And here I thought you would be happy to see me?"

Her face looked absolutely horrified by his comment and he smiled devilishly knowing that he got that kind of dramatic reaction out of teasing her.

Before she could respond, he kept talking. "You even went to such great trouble to put this great big barrier up between us…"

Her shocked eyes grew even wider and she looked like she was about ready to kill him.

He smirked playfully and knocked on the wooden countertop separating them to emphasize his point. "Literally. I can't seem to get through to you."

She laughed at him now. Full out laughter that made her cheeks hurt. God, she loved how much he made her laugh. "You're so ridiculous."

"You know you love it." He tormented her.

"Yeah, you're right. I do I love it." She wiped happy tears from her eyes. Not even realizing what she said.

His green eyes stared at her without blinking. "Say that again."

Marinette tilted her head in question. "You're right?" she repeated.

"Well, yes, of course, that is part is obvious. But the last bit too." He baited.

Oh, she wanted to smack him so hard, but she played along.

"… I love it?"

His smirk was back again.

"Do you want to know what I love?"

"What?"

Putting both hands on the counter, he leaped and swung his legs over the countertop. With a cat's grace, he landed on his feet on the other side.

The fluid acrobatic movement put him standing barely inches from her now. And yet, he still did not make a move to touch her. Although, the heat from their bodies enveloped each other almost instantaneously. He gazed down at her like she was his whole world. Her large, expressive eyes were faintly shimmering in anticipation.

With a single word, he gave himself to her completely. "You."

Her dream world audibly popped and unlocked. She found herself very much awake and still standing before him. She hiccupped a happy laugh as that word poured over her. The key to everything she could ever want.

Her body language was begging for him to take her in his arms. And his own body faintly trembled with the desire to claim her. "Adrien…" she breathed his name like a prayer.

It took all of his mental and physical resolve to not close that gap. But, he had to be patient.

"Please…" He begged her. "Tonight."

If he gave in now, then everything wouldn't be perfect. And she deserved nothing less than perfection.

"Tonight." She agreed.

It was Chat Noir who was patiently waiting for her as she landed on the familiar balcony just as the sun was dipping below the horizon. The air around them seemed to faintly shimmer in the golden light of the hour.

She hadn't really expected to see him fully transformed and waiting for her. It felt like an eternity since the last time she had seen him in his black cat armor: which hugged his muscular body like a second skin. She felt her breath catch in her throat as she delighted in the site of him. She almost tripped over her own feet as she landed on the balcony next to him. Had he always looked so scrumptious to her? She had to keep reminding herself that it was Adrien under that black mask. Although, having that thought certainly didn't calm her anxious heart down in the slightest bit.

"Good evening, Chat Noir."

Chat Noir heard her feet touch down softly and her faithful weapon recoil back to her side. He kept his eyes turned downward and tried to remain calm in her presence. Even though every hair on his body was standing on end now that she was with him once again.

Slowly, he lifted his striking emerald gaze and stared at her. Masked in red and black spots, she was just how he remembered her from their first meeting. She was so delightfully graceful in her fluid movement: even her steps were poetically acrobatic. He was still just as spellbound and captivated by her. Except now, in this moment, he saw the gentle woman behind that mask spotted mask.

Oh, he saw her very clearly now.

"Good evening, my Lady."

He had never been happier to know someone in his entire life. He knew he loved both sides of her. And he was ready to prove that to her.

There were several long seconds of silence filled with only the two of them just staring at one another. Both of them were fighting to try and find the words to begin the inevitable conversation. There was so much to talk about. So many questions to answer.

This had been the first time in several long weeks that either of them had seen the other transformed as their superhero alter egos. There was something quite comforting at seeing both of their powers still completely intact and going strong. It was as if nothing had changed. Well, except everything. Everything was different now.

The shared silence between them was making Ladybug nervous. She couldn't help it. His gaze regarded her like no man had ever done before. She couldn't help but feel embarrassed by that look and the secret promises that it held.

As if he somehow sensed her nervousness, Chat Noir broke the silence.

"I want to show you something." He spoke gently. Extending out his clawed hand towards her. "Will you come with me?"

She nodded slowly and took his offered hand without hesitation. He pulled her close, but not close enough to evoke a feeling of intimacy. Only so he could hold her securely against the side of his body. Using his magic staff, he propelled the both of them up high into the air. They traveled up to the highest point of the Palace. Landing on the small stone roof of the tallest tower.

Landing securely in the small space, they separated from each other once again. Standing side by side, they regarded the site displayed before them. The view overlooking the Kingdom was extraordinary, especially in the light of the setting sun. One could see for miles and miles in either direction. Neither of them had could really remember the last time they stopped and just appreciated the vastness of the world beyond the horizon. From this height, the landscape seemed to go on forever. It was perhaps a subtle reminder of just how vast the world was—even beyond the vast Kingdom.

A cool breeze began to blow, giving a hint that perhaps the long heatwave would soon be over. It whistled along the Palace walls and through the waving trees, before traveling down into the Kingdom below.

Ladybug tucked a stray piece of hair behind her ear that the breeze had blown out of her pigtails. And yet, before her hand could fall back down to her side, Chat reached out and took hold of it.

The gesture brought her attention back to him and away from the sunset. He brought her knuckles up against his mouth and stared at her from over the top of her own hand.

Her mouth formed a small 'o' as he stared at her and held her hand against his lips. She could feel his breath very warm and alive against her fingers. It was enough to make her face fill with color and she averted her gaze away.

"Still such a flirt." She teased gently.

He lowered her hand and gave her a half smile. He chose to echo his own words once again. Just in case she ever doubted his intentions.

"Well, yes, of course, you must remember though… When I flirt with you, I actually mean it."

Ladybug chuckled slightly and let herself smile. "I'm starting to believe that more and more."

He dropped her hand casually, but did not let his smile falter. "Well then, if you're in the mood for honesty. How about you answer something for me?"

"You still have questions?" she asked, slightly confused.

He laughed slightly, the sound was so rich and deep that it sounded almost like a purr. "Ohh, so many questions." He teased

He laughed again at himself for saying something like that. He couldn't help but want to keep teasing her. He loved seeing her confused facial reactions when she thought he was being serious. He wasn't like this around anyone else. She made him feel comfortable in his own skin—unafraid to be playful. Unafraid to act normal.

He tried to reel himself back in. Clearing his throat, he tried again. This time he sounded more genuine.

"Answer this for me… please? I know it may sound ridiculous, but I want to hear you say it." He spoke the words carefully. "No more secrets, Marinette."

Hearing him say her civilian name while she was Ladybug made her heart skip several beats.

Slowly, she nodded her head in silent agreement. Not quite sure what he was after. The confusion must have shown on her face because he took a step closer and let the emotion pour from his bright green eyes as he spoke.

"Tell me, was it really you who found me in the forest and rescued me from those kidnapping bandits?"

Ladybug's eyes shot open in slight shock at the question.

"I-It was hardly a r-rescue." She stuttered. Trying not to make a big deal out of it. "You w-were…"

"It's a simple yes or no question." He interrupted her. Keeping his voice serious, but also giving her a full smile. "Marinette, I want to hear you tell me that it was you that day."

She swallowed hard. There he goes saying her name again. Almost as if he knew it made her heart go crazy in her chest every time he said it out loud. Why was it so embarrassing to answer his question? Perhaps, because, she had been doing her very best to hide her emotions as Ladybug in front of him?

Is this what he was after? Was he revisiting their interactions just to make sure she wouldn't/couldn't forget? Not that there was any doubt that she could ever forget.

Ladybug's eyes cast down to the ground in embarrassment as her brain remembered that day in the forest. It had taken all of her mental control to not fawn all over Prince Adrien during that skirmish. Her mind had been mentally screaming at her the whole time because she couldn't believe she was actually saving the Prince of the Kingdom like some damsel in distress.

While her brain flashed vivid memories in front of her eyes, she managed to squeak out a few words to answer him.

"Y-Yes, it was me." She admitted quietly.

Chat Noir nodded in understanding. He noted her shyness, but kept talking. There was a method to his madness. He just hoped he could get through the questions without breaking down and pulling her into his arms.

"Then, was it you, who came to my balcony every week to discuss criminal activity?"

She nodded her head again, but also managed to squeak out a small "Yes."

More memories flooded her mind, making her almost dizzy. Per their agreement, she had willingly come to the Prince's balcony every week in order to stay one step ahead of the bad guys. They shared information and pleasant conversation. It still amazed her that she continued to hold herself together and not loose herself completely to her resounding crush on him. Especially since he had been so kind to her civilian self: Marinette.

Ladybug smiled to herself at the realization. No wonder Chat Noir had had his own crime leads to follow. And he had been so knowledgeable about the criminal climate because he literally was hearing it directly from his soldier's mouths. They were sharing repeat information. It all made so much sense now.

She heard him suck in a shaky breath. The noise pulled her from her own mind. Her head snapped up to watch him physically shake as he tried to get the next few words out of his mouth. His voice cracked with the beginnings of tears as he tried to ask her another question. It ended up coming out in pieces. Like he was having a hard time admitting it out loud.

"Then, that was you, the night… the Ball? That night… we danced? You… really came?"

All at once, she was reliving that night of the royal Ball over again. She heard the whimsical music sing out from her memories. She remembered her handmade dress transforming into the beautiful layered ballgown. Her body swayed slightly as all of the twirls and spins enveloped her mind as they had danced together around the candlelit ballroom.

Clearly, that night had meant the world to him. She hadn't realized it until just now.

With that realization, she also suddenly understood what he was trying to do now. Asking all of these questions of her. Reliving all these memories. This was more for his benefit, than for hers. He wanted to hear Ladybug admit that it had been Marinette who also did all those amazing things. That they had really shared all of those moments together—and not even realized it.

She smiled up at him now. Letting her eyes soften, she answered him with a breathy, happy voice.

"Yes."

His green eyes flashed brightly. Tilting his head to the side, he asked: "Off topic question: did you make the red gown you wore?"

Her smile brightened. Her voice giggled with she spoke. "Yes, I did. It was actually in my design portfolio. You almost flipped to the page of it before I stopped you. I was… kind of embarrassed… by it…"

Chat Noir physically took a step back like she had hit him. The realization that he had been so close to finding out that his Lady had been Marinette that night was like a small punch to his stomach.

How many of those moments had he let slip away? The truth was: there were probably too many to remember or to keep track of.

He had been trying to keep his emotions in check, but after hearing that, his heart became unhinged. He couldn't think clearly anymore. The words stumbled from his lips.

"That's… that's, wow. Okay. I… umm… I can't think about that right now. Next question…"

He drew in a deep but shaky breath and then began to rapid fire questions. He shouldn't have gone off-topic. His mind was too frantic now.

"So, you mean to tell me that… that all the patrols? Scouting trade routes, staking out hideouts, and catching bad guys? That was all… you?"

"Yes, yes, yes and yes." She admitted playfully as she watched his face twist in a wave of memories. His green eyes looked like glass as tears threatened to spill over.

"That was…. That was all you?" he spoke again very softly. Like every word was pulling at his heart. Like he was having to admit it to himself. Out loud, and for the first time.

She never liked to see him sad. And yet, there was something in his emotions that made her heart breathless. Simply because: it all felt real. The emotions he was showing towards her were absolutely real. This was who he was. He wasn't hiding anymore.

She reached out and brushed her fingers along his cheekbones. Wiping away any stray tears that happened to get loose from his eyes.

"Tikki, spots off." She asked softly.

Obeying her words instantly, her transformation fell away in a shower of rosy sparks. Her hand never left the side of his face. She never broke the connection.

Chat Noir was suddenly staring at Marinette with wide eyes and a trembling heart. Even though he knew it was her under the mask, he still audibly gasped while instantly pressing his eyes shut tightly; as if he dared still not believe it or he wasn't worthy to gaze upon her. A few hot tears slowly rolled down his cheeks as his eyes stayed closed.

"Yes, Chatton. It was me." She told him once again.

Her voice was so sweet and full of everything he could ever want. He let his raw emotions consume him. Because, with those simple words, she had reassured him and pushed any lingering doubts away.

He leaned the side of his face heavily against her hand. Relishing in the sensation of her touch without the glove on her hand. He opened his teary eyes to Marinette's smiling face and let out a deep sigh of contentment at the site of her so real in front of him.

He suddenly didn't have any more questions for her.

The pair stayed that way for a few tender moments. Letting the questions have their answers. Letting nothing but the world spinning around them draw them closer to one another.

Slowly, he covered her hand with his own and pulled it from the side of his face. With the tears now dry in his eyes, he opened his mouth to say something more to her.

However, Marinette broke the silence first. She gave him a smile that reached all the way up to her blue eyes.

"Now that I've answered your questions, you need to answer mine." She retorted playfully.

He chuckled slightly and finally smiled with her. "Ask away." He purred effortlessly. He loved that she had her own questions.

Marinette tapped her chin with her free hand, mimicking the potential of deep thoughts and questions. The gesture earned her another chuckle from him.

The previous moment of tender sadness was forgotten. She let herself ask him questions just like he had asked her. She needed to put Adrien in those moments that she had shared with Chat Noir. She wanted the memories to meld together with both men.

"Was it you who saved me from those terrible men that night?"

He teasingly smirked at her question. "Why, do you have other masked heroes out rescuing you late at night?"

She shot him a sassy look at answering her question with a question.

"It's a simple yes or no question, Chat." Marinette teased him, smiling devilishly at her word choice.

He laughed at her joke—using his own words against him. She was so witty and made him laugh so easily. He had walked right into that one too.

"Touché. Yes, yes, it was me."

Marinette chewed on her lip in thought before asking her next question.

"Did you give me that roll of paper for my portfolio?"

"But of course, Princess." He replied, wagging his eyebrows up and down for still not giving her a straight 'yes' answer. "I thought that was obvious?"

Marinette chuckled and wagged a finger at him playfully, making her lips pout slightly like she was scolding him.

"I'll be the one asking the questions around here, sir."

Chat Noir snapped his shoulders back and stood up straighter like he was saluting her. "Yes, m'lady."

She shook her head at his silly body language; unable to resist the wide smile it put on her lips. However, she sucked the dull laughter down and back into her throat. Choosing to let out a sad little sigh as a dark question crept into her mind.

Somehow, her once happy voice drifted into something sad and forlorn. Her mind really did have some serious questions to ask of him. She wanted to hear the truth.

"Did you know it was me, that I was the Ladybug, before the battle with Hawkmoth?"

"No." He answered sincerely, changing his own tone to match her serious one. "I didn't."

His immediate serious answer made her mind instantly think back to one evening in particular. It was the one memory that felt more dreamlike than all of the others combined. Her face flushed at the thought of it.

It was on that starry night when a certain black cat superhero had kissed her numb and senseless: stealing her heart completely away with his possessive lips, tongue and teeth. She had given him a little piece of her soul that night. It had been physical attraction, but also something deeply emotional. The recollection of that moment put all of the final pieces together. That had been the Prince Adrien to kiss her like that. To want her like that.

She wasn't embarrassed by what they had done. She was a woman and he was a man, after all. That kiss had been born from the shadows and ignited the spark between them. If she was honest with herself, she owed everything to that kiss.

She still couldn't stop her face from filling with color. Or her voice from stumbling as she asked: "And… that night we… The night we were… together… Was that kiss…?".

"Oh God yes." He answered her instantly. His voice was rich and husky like he was remembering that night along with her.

She laughed at him, letting her embarrassment fall away as the happy sounds bubbled from her throat.

"What? Don't believe me?" he teased seductively, noticing her cute blushing face. Taking a step forward, he was suddenly in her personal space and the heat coming off of his body was very apparent as it engulfed around her even without touching her skin. "Want to do it again?"

Without thinking, she put a hand on his armored chest to stop him. Keeping him just that short distance away so she didn't completely loose her mind to the awareness of his physical body nearly touching hers.

She smiled at the ground and felt like she was breathing oxygen through a thin straw. He was such a mess. But that was him: a devilishly flirty but undoubtedly charming mess. However, still had something else weighing on her mind.

"Did you… Did you ever like Ladybug more than me… Marinette?"

He hadn't seen that question coming, but it didn't take him long to answer.

"Honestly, yes. I liked Ladybug first. Call it—love at first sight. But, I did… "

He watched her nod her head in understanding, although her eyes were still on the ground. He took a deep breath and kept talking. Marinette felt his chest rise and fall under her hand.

"… However, once I finally realized it. I knew that I had fallen in love with Marinette harder. Ever since she accepted me for who I truly am. I loved her more."

Marinette raised her face up from the ground at his astonishing statement. She met his face and felt her heart swell in her chest at his words. It was enough to send any girl into a tizzy of giddiness. But, she kept herself composed. She could completely lose her mind later if he kept saying things like that to her.

Since they were being completely honest with one another. She had to be up front with him now. She knew what she had to tell him. She needed to come clean about her own feelings. Biting her lip, she couldn't help but still felt nervous to confess this to him. Especially since she had hidden it for so long.

"I'll admit… I had the deepest of crushes on you. Well, on Adrien specifically. Ever since you pulled me out of the mud. I was always like a nervous wreck just being around you… because I liked you so much… and… then… I couldn't believe that you were even talking to me… let alone being so nice… to me…"

She watched his lips smile as she admitted her first feelings for Adrien. She could have rambled on and on about how many times she had been so terribly awkward around him. Then probably continue to babble even more about how they were from two different worlds, and she never expected to become friends with royalty. Heck, she could probably write him a detailed list of her tongue-tied sentence blunders.

However, all of that didn't seem important anymore. She took a deep breath and composed herself.

"But then, I met Chat Noir. And I never really knew what it felt like to fall in love in love with someone. It happened so fast. Like falling for him was one of the easiest things I had ever done…"

She hadn't even realized she was crying until the tears started to run down her face. Her tears surprised her enough to steal the rest of her somewhat wordy confession away. She quickly wiped at her eyes in a dull shock that her emotions were suddenly so uncontrollable.

But these were warm emotions. Finally, happy and full of delight. She stood up straighter and let herself be content with her confession.

Chat Noir smiled at her teary eyes. The both of them were a bunch of crybabies. They were kind of meant for each other in that way. Although, this might be the first time they actually cried in front of one another.

Marinette wiped her eyes again, letting her eyelashes blink away her warm tears.

She took in a small, shaky breath. "And then, you became… you…"

"And you became you." Chat echoed.

She smiled weakly and nodded her head. Any further words might cause her happy tears to become completely uncontrollable. She really didn't have anything more to say. It was enough. All of it, was enough. Both of their consciences had been cleared now. It left room for an endless world of possibilities.

Chat Noir let her silence be his cue. He called out to Plagg now, asking for his transformation to dissipate away. He wanted to be Adrien to ask her.

Marinette stood before Adrien now. Once the Kingdom's Prince, and now its King. Unable to help herself, she still felt awed to be in his presence. Especially since he was standing before her dressed like he should be attending a royal Ball, not necessarily standing up on a tiny rooftop with the wind in their hair.

He looked every bit like a proper King in his formal attire. So unbelievably handsome and regal. He had planned his ensemble this way in order to show her both sides of himself.

Adrien adjusted his thick jacket, smoothing down the lapel as he spoke. "You once asked Chat Noir what kind of person he was. Do you remember that?"

"I remember." She answered honestly, because she did remember the conversation quite clearly.

He slowly ran his hands along the side of his jacket pocket. Gliding over an object to be sure it was still safely inside. Bowing his head slightly, he spoke again.

"I've never forgotten about that. It was the simplest of questions, and yet, it plagued me to find the right answer. I've never been able to give you an honest answer because, truly, I didn't know myself. However, I know now. Or, at least, I know what is right in my heart."

He drew in a breath and let it out slowly. Reaching out, he took both of her hands in his. He gripped them tightly, gathering his thoughts as he found himself reeling in anticipation.

"I am a lot of things: a man troubled by loss of his mother and alienation of his father. I escaped into my persona as Chat Noir to forget those feelings. When I wasn't hiding, I was running. I'm not perfect. I'm not even sure if I'm worthy of all this. But I know, without any doubt, that I am in love with you."

With nothing but the setting sunlight, a few shy kwamis, and the beginnings of stars as witness, he dropped down on one knee before her.

Standing on the tallest tower, with the Kingdom stretched out behind his kneeling form, she was suddenly looking down at everything. He had made her become the single highest point. Showcasing the pinnacle to his world.

Marinette audibly gasped and found her eyes instantly welling up with more tears of happiness as she glanced around wildly at what was happening.

"A-Adrien… w-what are you…?"

He retrieved the precious object from his jacket pocket. The deep, rich blue stone catching the dying sunlight and faintly glowing. Making it seem like the illuminated gemstone was very much alive, and blessedly happy. Blue had been his Mother's favorite color. It was fitting that Marinette's eyes would be the same lovely color as the Queen's ring.

"All along, I believed I would find you, my Princess." Adrien told her gently. "I am all that I am because of you. If I am nothing else, I am at least yours. Will you share this life together with me?"

Even though her physical body was still upright, Marinette's insides melted. Her blood was like fire in her veins.

She stared at him for what felt like hours. She kept trying to say something. Anything. But, she didn't have words anymore. Her pounding heartbeat was stealing her words in ways she couldn't fully understand.

Nothing had prepared her for this. What had she done to earn his love? She didn't deserve to be royalty. She didn't deserve this kind of happiness.

"Will you say something already, we're dying up here!" Plagg hollered from above them.

"Plagg!" Tikki cried out.

Marinette and Adrien both looked up to see the two kwami's hovering in the air. They were nestled together comfortably. Although Tikki gave the other kwami a solid thunk to the head, which left Plagg rubbing the side of his head awkwardly.

Marinette let the laughter pour from her lips. She couldn't hold it back. She didn't want to hold it back anymore. Her laughter echoed every sensitivity that her heart was having. It stole all of her doubts away and cleared her mind of any lingering inhibitions. Leaving her feeling lighthearted and downright breathless.

Adrien couldn't help but chuckle at her laughter. It was infectious. It always had been.

"Yes." She told him through her gasping breaths. Her voice was barely audible, but her answer was unmistakable.

He looked at her in surprise, and then flashed a sly grin. He wanted to hear her shout it from the rooftops.

"I'm sorry…? What was that again? I couldn't hear you."

Marinette wrinkled her nose, and felt her cheeks begin to ache with how wide her smile was.

"Yes!" she shouted loudly. "Yes, you mangy ally cat, a thousand times yes!"

With cat-like reflexes, he was on his feet in a flash. And did not waste any time taking her into his strong arms. He held her tightly against him, pressing her to him so that there was no way she could wiggle away. Thanking every God in the sky that she would be his to love forever.

In that moment, Marinette felt herself truly believe in miracles. In many ways, it had been like saying yes to her best friend. He may be who he is, but, to her, he was so much more. She felt a deep sense of security in his embrace. Not because of his status, but because she trusted him to always be at her side. They were truly worthy of one another.

Adrien drew back slightly, only enough to cup her face in his hands and pull her that extra distance up to his own.

Staring into her blue eyes, he let his forehead come to rest against hers. He spoke slowly now. Every word was like a pledge he had been practicing to say his entire life. And, in this moment, he made one last thing clear.

"More than life, more than honor, more than magic, more than Kingdom or crown, I love you, Marinette."

She covered his hands with her own, holding them against the side of her own heated face. She let her eyes flicker closed as she listened to him say those sweet words. They wound themselves around her heart and captivated her entirely. It was the deepest of vows and meant more to her than anything. She was suddenly a little girl again, believing in fairy tales and everlasting love.

He was Chat Noir. He was Adrien. And she loved them both.

She couldn't wait another moment longer. With happiness bubbling up in her throat, she closed the gap in an excited, hurried rush of dizzying emotion. She wanted to taste those words still so fresh on his lips. She wanted to prove just how much she loved him—even if she couldn't promise anything except her own undying loyalty and love.

She felt him chuckle deeply against her anxious mouth. It almost sounded like a rich purr. He turned his head and deepened their kiss. Giving her back with equal intensity. Silently reminding her just how anxious he had been to finally have her as his own. Feeling her lips and body pressed against his like they had done so secretly that one night not so long ago. She would always be his greatest love and his greatest strength. He was not going to let her forget just how much he had enjoyed their previous moonlit encounter.

She melted against him now. Delighting in the taste of his lips and tongue like she had before.

Beneath that warm yearning that seemed to erupt from within them, there was also a calm presence. This time. This kiss. It was different. It felt unique and one-hundred percent honest. Their kiss held a promise within its passion. They still had their secrets from the world, but not from one another.

Now nothing was separating them. And nothing ever would again.

From perfect strangers, now to partners in love and life. You could not imagine a more miraculous ending to a story that is only just beginning.

Fin

- Epilogue -

"Umm… I know this will seem silly, but I have another question." Marinette asked him.

"Oh? Another one? Do tell, my Lady. After all, there are no more secrets between us."

Marinette had to giggle slightly at her request, but she could just hear Alya silently screaming in the back of her mind.

"Do you happen to have any cute, single guy-friends? Only because I'm pretty sure that my best friend Alya will kill me if I don't at least introduce her to someone now."

Adrien let out a loud laugh. "I think some introductions can be arranged. I may happen to know of someone who is still single."

A/N: I hope you all liked this little story. It was so enjoyable for me to write it. I appreciate all of the encouragement throughout this process. I'm slowly working on new material. So, hopefully, I'll have a new journey for us to take soon :) Until then, have a great 2018!