Marinette rearranged the bridal bouquet, catching Adrien's eye as he walked past the slightly ajar door and winking, delighting in the way he blushed and clutched a hand over his heart in true dramatic fashion before continuing down the hall.

After two years, she was continually amazed by life with him, how easy he made it to love him, to trust him. True to his word, he hadn't tired of her yet. Through all the growing pains and realizations that despite what they'd been through, they really didn't know much about each other, he'd been by her side, fumbling along with her.

They had their first date two weeks after Marinette was released from the hospital and she still laughed remembering how awkward they had been.

She was late, as usual. Except, today wasn't any usual day. It was her first date.

Yes, it was with Adrien. And yes, they'd already broken up, fought a war, gotten back together and exchanged "I love you"s, but it was still technically their first date.

And she was late.

Stumbling down the stairs, grateful for her flat sandaled feet that at least didn't hinder her already teetering stability, she skidded to a stop at the front door. Pausing briefly to kiss her chuckling parents goodbye, she was out the door in an instant and nearly toppled into Adrien.

"Mari!" He exclaimed, managing to catch her, but not without dropping the ridiculously large bouquet he'd been fiddling with not a moment before.

He steadied her with strong arms supporting her elbows while she grabbed onto his biceps.

"Hey," she managed weakly, looking up at him with an embarrassed smile. "Sorry I fell for you-I-I mean on you-er-into you!"

She squeezed her eyes shut as a blush dusted her cheeks and groaned internally at what a mess she was. She'd been so confident when they first met. Of course, that was when they were fleeing the MRA. Now, there was no MRA, no Hawkmoth's army, no looming threat of danger; just a girl standing in front of a boy, trying to understand why he loved her.

"I'm not," he smiled down at her. "Although I would prefer some notice before you de-flower me."

"Wh-" Marinette gaped, but then looked down at the rumpled bouquet and then back up at her smirking boyfriend. Smacking him on the chest, she detangled herself from his embrace before crossing her arms over her chest.

"You're ridiculous," she rolled her eyes as he bent to gather the really-too-large bunch of flowers.

"But you love me," he retorted, looking up at her from his position on one knee and offering her the flowers with a flourish.

"I did say that, didn't I," she let a small smile grace her lips before truly looking at the flowers and laughing. "Did you buy out the whole store?"

Adrien grimaced, handing her the bouquet and accepting her hand up.

"Well," he lifted his hand to rub the back of his neck nervously. "I wasn't sure which was your favorite. And the the florist started telling me all the different meanings...and the more he said, the more I added...and, well...This," Adrien shrugged at her with a sheepish smile as she lowered her nose into the sweet fragrance of the bouquet. It was a riot of scents, all individually delightful, but together overwhelming. She smiled nonetheless, imagining Adrien darting through a flower shop, eager florist trailing behind as they put together the most unusual and perfect arrangement.

"I love it," she assured him with a kiss on the cheek, grinning as the nervous tension flew from his expression at her touch.

"I love you," he whispered, placing a hand lightly on her cheek. She leaned into the familiar hum of his energy.

"Mr. Agreste," she forced herself a step back out of his reach and pretended to be scandalized, his awkwardness counteracting hers as they fell into the comfortable balance they always had. "I am a lady! At least buy me dinner before you start making such bold claims!"

"Of course, M'lady," he placed a hand over his heart in apology. "My mistake. Would you please do me the honor of accompanying me to dinner?"

He bowed slightly, holding out his hand and grinning up at her with his mischievous smile.

"I'd be delighted," she pursed her lips together, but her smile peeked through nonetheless as he took her hand and placed it securely in the crook of his arm.

He escorted her down the stairs before leaning over and whispering in her ear.

"I still love you."

She threw her head back and laughed, his face lighting up as her peals of laughter echoed off the building around them.

"I know, chaton," she reached up and placed a kiss on his cheek. "I know."

She looked back down at the bouquet in her hands, not quite the multitude Adrien had given her that night that felt like an eternity ago, but still a beautiful rainbow of wildflowers. They were perfect for the petite bride and romantic theme of the evening. Wrapping the bunch in a burgundy bow that would compliment the blush colored wedding dress, Marinette turned, and headed back into the bridal suite.

Tikki turned at the sound of the door opening and Marinette felt tears prick at the corners of her eyes at the sight of her friend.

Her hair was slightly longer in front now, not quite a pixie style, but still cropped close at the base of her neck. Midnight locks curled delicately along her forehead, secured under a jeweled headband and short fishnet veil. Her dress started as a creamy white satin at the neckline before flowing into a blush pink towards the base and hem. The off-the shoulder, deep v-neck twisted to a knot just at the center of her chest, cinching under the bust and hugging Tikki's curves before flaring out into a dramatic mermaid skirt. It really was one of Marinette's finest designs and her friend looked radiant.

"Stop!" Tikki exclaimed with a smile towards her mentee. "If you cry, I'll cry and Trixx will kill us both if she has to re-do our make-up. Again!"

"Get it together, ladies!" Trixx's voice boomed from the en suite bathroom where Alya was finishing up her hair and Marinette laughed.

"Alright, alright, I will," Marinette wiped delicately at her eyes and strode forward towards Tikki. "God! Forgive me for getting emotional on my sister's wedding day."

She held out the bouquet with a smirk and Tikki's smile softened.

When Adrien had been discharged from the hospital a week before Marinette, the staff had tried to escort Tikki out as well, the wing being open to family visitors only. Tikki refused to leave, claiming to be her sister, an affirmation quickly backed up by both Tom and Sabine. The staff had rolled their eyes but let it be, aptly judging that it was not worth the fight. Plagg and Adrien had also become impromptu family members, but her parents, and Marinette too, had taken Tikki's new status to heart. And when her Papa found out about Tikki's secret love for baking, it was a done deal. Not only did Marinette have a sister, but her father had a new protegee. It was like it had always been meant to be, and Marinette couldn't be happier.

"Well, when you put it like that," Tikki leaned forward and kissed her cheek before standing up straight and letting Marinette fuss with the dress. After a few minutes, Marinette stood back up, nodding in satisfaction.

"Am I perfect?" Tikki raised an eyebrow and Marinette smiled.

"Always," she responded easily. "Are you ready?"

"Always," Tikki answered just as quickly, looking to Trixx who was moving to open the door for the bride while Alya hurried to Marinette's side to help carry Tikki's train.

A short walk later, they arrived at the lobby of the small chapel, ornate oak doors the last barrier separating Tikki from Plagg as they awaited their musical cue. Alya kissed the bride's cheek before she slipped through the doors, her hair-styling duties done for the time being. Marinette smiled as she saw Nino waiting for her through the crack, chuckling at the lovestruck expression the boy's face still got every time he saw her and thankful that Fu had given up on even mentioning, let alone trying to enforce, the "no fraternizing" policy among protectors. Seeing as Alya and Nino were only one of three pairs of protector couples, one of which was currently about to get married, it was for the best to forget the outdated rule. She looked over at the glowing bride and smiled again. Her friends deserved happiness.

Sabine descended, coming to fuss over the bride as was only right and Tikki laughed, swatting at her hands playfully. Marinette smiled at the two of them, happy that she wouldn't quite leave her parents as empty nesters when she went to school in the states come fall. She'd miss them, and America was awfully far away, but it was an adventure. They'd be happy for her. She just had to work up the nerve to tell them.

"Having second thoughts?"The best man sidled up to her, taking his place next to her in the line up. She rolled her eyes over to Adrien with a smirk, not surprised in the least that he'd guessed where her thoughts had been. He was the only one she'd told so far about her acceptance to her dream program, and while he'd been completely supportive, she saw the sadness in his eyes at the thought of them being on separate continents.

"No," she bumped her hip against his and he pouted dramatically at her. She turned to face him, hand on her hip and eyes narrowed in his direction in challenge. "Are you done coming up with not-so-subtle reasons why I should stay?"

He smiled sheepishly down at her, reaching to tidy the strands of pearls around her neck as he refused to meet her eyes.

"It is very far," he began.

"There are planes," she countered.

"There are good programs in Paris, too."

"Not that I got a scholarship to."

"Well," he hedged, still fidgeting with the necklace. "Paris is much more friendly to open métamorphes than New York."

"Yes," she reached up and stilled his hands, clasping them between her own. "But, it is still in the top five cities in the world for us right now. They've enacted many anti-discriminatory laws in the last year alone. Also," she raised an eyebrow at him. "Don't you think I'm uniquely qualified to take care of myself? Even among métamorphes?"

"Yes," he murmured, finally looking up at her. "But-But won't you be...lonely?"

"Oh, I don't know," she smirked, kissing his fingertips before dropping his hands and turning to grab her bouquet. "I thought I'd get a cat."

Marinette wasn't looking at him but could feel his reaction even before she turned and saw his slack jaw and betrayed eyes.

"A-A cat?"

"Yeah!" She quipped, her voice much too perky, but she was enjoying the comical look on his face far too much. "Actually there's this one I've had my eye on."

"Oh?"

"Of course," she continued, fiddling with her flowers, knowing if she looked up at him she'd lose it. "I have to make sure all his papers are in order. He did get waitlisted at an...obedience school in the city, but I'm confident he'll get in eventually. My cat is pretty clever. But then, I'm biased."

"Naturally," he pursed his lips, looking away as his brow furrowed in confusion.

"And I still have to make sure the cat wants to go."

"Of course you do," he murmured back, gazing at his shoes now and she smiled up at him.

"But I'm rather fond of him and really can't imagine leaving him here in Paris," she reached up to straighten Adrien's tie. "You see, I rescued him in an alley once and haven't been able to shake him since."

She moved her hands down to smooth out his lapels, waiting until it all clicked for him and Adrien's hopeful eyes met hers.

"I'm just hoping he's willing to follow this bug across the pond. Cats do hate the water," she smirked up at his dumbfounded expression.

"You do know I'm not actually a cat," he responded, echoing the words she'd spoken to him so long ago and she laughed, linking her arm with his as the music began to play and the doors opened signaling their cue.

"You do know I'm asking you to come with me," she fired back, starting the brief walk down the short aisle, glancing over when he hesitated before falling into step.

"You're sure?" He looked down at her, as if not daring to believe it. As if he hadn't realized that she'd chosen him long ago.

"Of you?" She smiled up at him as they came to the altar, his eyes a springtime she could get lost in, and replied without hesitation. "Paw-sitive."

Taking her place on the bride's side of the altar, Marinette looked over at him and had to stifle her laugh at the goofy grin that overtook Adrien's face, his smile blinding as he looked at her.

Yes, he mouthed his answer, his exuberance contagious. Even Plagg couldn't contain his smile, as he spared a glance at them both and rolled his eyes. The groom's attention was quickly diverted though as the music changed and his eyes flew to his bride.

And when he saw her...well, even Adrien's grin was dim by comparison.