Sorry for the long wait. It was already written, but I decided it was better to post only after it was corrected.

Chapter two

And I won't let our hearts collide, until the moment's right. But I feel safe here. Lay with me, the stars watch us tonight and that's okay with me. Tell me all your secrets, till the sun comes up. Know that I will keep them. Lay my heart by your side tonight. Place my hand by your heart tonight. Feel your heart, beat as we shut our eyes (Secrets - Jacob Lee)

December 25, 1 AM

Chat Noir was already on the place when Ladybug arrived. He had gotten there earlier, too anxious to wait until the right time. Also, it wasn't like he was doing anything back at home, only watching one more episode of The Mentalist - yes, he had all the episodes downloaded.

Discreetly, Ladybug put the box with hot chocolates and a bag on the ground, hoping that Chat would be too distracted to notice.

"Good night," she greeted, getting closer to him.

He smiled openly as he saw her. How could he ever have enough of her company? Why did he always want to be near her? Why did he always get so happy? Stupid feelings.

"My lady, what did you want to talk about?" he asked worriedly, remembering that this was not some social meeting.

"Nothing. I just wanted to be with you. Merry Christmas," she smiled to Chat Noir and placed a small wrapped package in front of him. "This is your Christmas' gift," she added, when he just stared at her, blinking.

He grabbed it like it was the most precious thing in the world. He didn't know what it was yet, but it was a present from Ladybug. That fact was enough for him to love it.

Inside of the package there was two shirts and a drawing. The first shirt was an extremely elegant white long-sleeved button-up shirt with cuts obviously planned and a soft texture. It was the kind of thing he wore all the time in his photography photoshoots. He wondered for a second if she had found out who he was, however, he quickly abandoned the idea. The second shirt was black and it featured two prominent green eyes across the chest. It was even more comfortable than the first and he liked it more. Lastly, the drawing was of both of them, it wasn't exactly professionally done, but it was good enough that he could recognize them. They were together in front of the Eiffel Tower and the artist had done a good job of capturing Ladybug's exasperated expression and his cheeky smile.

"I made everything myself, so if you don't like…" Ladybug said, leaving him surprised. He had no idea that she could draw or even sew. How could she make him more in love than he already was?

"I love it," he said. He put the gifts carefully on the ground and pulled her into a hug.

Surprised, she initially stiffened, but she grew more comfortable by the second and soon enough she rested her head on Chat's shoulder, surprised by how calm she felt. He embraced her strongly, with his hand on her back, but it wasn't suffocating. She felt safe there.

He was happy too. His lady had given him precious gifts that showed that she was thinking of him. She had even let him hug her. He took a deep breath and registered her smell; it was as sweet as she was.

"Chat Noir…" Ladybug said in a warning tone when she felt his hand slip dangerously low.

"I love it when you're mad," he said, but he raised his hand.

She closed her eyes, just enjoying the sensation of Chat Noir's warm body next to hers. Ladybug asked herself one more time if his hair was as soft as it looked and, without thinking too much, she placed her hand on his hair. Slowly, she messed it up even more.

"This is not fair, Bugaboo…" Chat Noir complained, though he didn't care at all. It was so good to be close to her like this.

"I'm sorry, kitty," she replied and then added: "Would you like me to stop?" her voice had a challenging tone. This night, she would do what she wanted.

Chat Noir looked at her, shocked. He would never dream that this lady would really be so bold as this after months of rejecting him. She really thought his heart could take all the roller coaster of emotions she sent him on?

"No, my lady…" he said quietly.

He closed his eyes for a second, enjoying the sensation of having the girl threading her fingers through his hair. It was good, but not enough. He opened his eyes and stared at her, not trying to hide all the desire he felt for her. Her fingers stopped moving and she stared back at him. She looked ashamed, but didn't look away. He watched her lips for a long moment and looked at her again, to make sure she wanted it. She leaned in and he bridged the gap to finally kiss her.

Nothing in life had prepared Marinette for this moment. When Chat Noir kissed her, it seemed to awaken something in her that she hadn't even known it existed. She had already hooked up with a few boys, but none of them had been serious. She really hadn't felt anything for any of them. Now, it was different. She wanted Chat Noir so much, she couldn't even understand how she wanted him so badly. The kiss made her dreams come true. She was in heaven and her heart pounded, threatening to explode.

Adrien barely believed he was kissing Ladybug. And she was kissing him back, she seemed as involved as he was. He had never felt anything as good as now. They moved against one another in harmony, like they had done this before. She seemed to know exactly what she was doing. He reciprocated by kissing her lips softly.

Marinette was surprised by his actions and even more shocked that she liked it. She moaned and pulled him closer.

The kiss went on until they had to break apart to gasp for air. When they separated, Ladybug faced Chat Noir's eyes, struck by how intense they were. It felt like they were saying a million of things. She felt his desire, affection, and trust. She smiled, unable to stop herself. She was so happy.

"Chat…" she started to talk then stopped. She wanted to say something, but didn't know what.

"You are amazing, my lady" he said, understanding. He was smiling too. "I have been waiting a long time for this," he confessed.

"Just don't get cocky right now," she said.

"I wouldn't dream of it," he blinked at her.

A cold breeze passed by them making Ladybug shake with the sudden chill, reminding her of the others things she had bought.

She stood and stepped back to retrieve her bag and removed two blankets and two small pillows.

"What is this, Bugaboo?" Chat asked confused.

"You don't to spend the rest of the night standing, do you? Come help me?" she asked, throwing the pillows to him. He caught them easily, and waited for her to spread the blanket across the ground, close to the wall that led to the stairs. She extended her hand and he delivered the objects. "Thank you," she said.

"What do you mean by the rest of the night?" he asked.

"It looks like you're stuck with me until Christmas is over," she informed and pointed at the blanket showing that he should sit there. He did so, feeling the cold wall against the warmed blanket.

She went to her bag again and grabbed the cups of hot chocolate, before settling next to chat with her back to the wall.

"It might be a little cold," she commented, feeling a bit guilty. She had planned to give to him sooner, yet she had been distracted.

"Don't worry, I bet it's perfect," he reassured. Honestly, he didn't care if it was cold or not. This night everything felt perfect. "How did you know I like milk?" he asked, ironically.

"Just a guess, kitty," she laughed.

Chat held the hot chocolate with one hand. With the other, he grabbed Ladybug's hand and there the two of them stayed up for hours, talking and watching Paris in the dark. They didn't know how much they needed this moment, of finally finding out more about each other lives, until now. It was very nice to be able to talk without worrying about Hawk Moth.

…

December 25, 3 AM

Ladybug already knew the time was coming. She and Chat were falling asleep, even though they both fought it. If they stayed like this, they wouldn't decide anything and their identities would be revealed without her knowing for sure that Chat wanted this. She wouldn't do that to him.

"I will give you one last gift, kitty," she said, interrupting him.

"You'll make me spoiled," he said, too curious to care for being interrupted.

"I want to know you. Completely. I'm tired of not knowing who you are behind the mask," Ladybug said.

Adrien felt his heart stop beating. It would finally happen - what he had waited so long for. Ironically, he felt freaked out suddenly.

"I admit that I'm scared. I think we don't know each other, but… I still think you're going to be disappointed," she said out loud, as if reading his thoughts.

"My lady, you could never disappoint me" he told her seriously. "With or without the mask, you're amazing. I don't like you just because you have powers or save other people. I like you because you're smart and kind. You are always ready to listen. Nothing is going to change just because you're without a mask," he promised and took her hand. "I'm the one who'll disappoint. I know it doesn't look this way, but I'm reserved and not always so confident or funny as myself. You bring those traits out of me," he said.

They stared at each other, unable to look away.

"My cat," she copied him tenderly, making him smile. "You know that I wouldn't be disappointed. I don't expect to you to be perfect behind this mask. I just want to know the face one of the most important people in my life. You have already saved me many times, you don't have to do anything more. And, even though you say you don't think you're fun, I never saw someone who could pun so cleverly, or someone who could annoy someone so quickly. Or somebody that could sacrifice themselves to what they think is right. This also won't go away without a mask."

"Okay, let's do this," he said, trying to sound confident. He felt his whole life was going to change.

"In the morning" she promised.

Afterwards, they talked a bit more, but they both were too anxious to keep a real conversation. In the end, Chat said he would sleep. Ladybug said she would too.

Feeling cold, she pulled the blanket that covered them more to herself. Chat Noir pulled back. She complained and grabbed it one more time. He pulled her close, solving the problem. Neither of them spoke anymore.

...

December 25, 9 AM

Adrien rolled over on the ground, still semi unconscious. His body recognized that something was different, but not in a bad way. Actually, as he opened his eyes, Adrien realized he felt more rested than he had felt in a long time. Which was strange, when he lay on the cold ground and realized he hadn't slept at home. Confused, he thought about the previous evening and his eyes widened open. He had slept with Ladybug. The two of them were laying together, without masks.

One of Adrien's arm was still curled around the girl's belly. He stared at her messy hair pulled back into lopsided pigtails. Because of her position, he couldn't see anything yet. But if she turned around now, he would know who she was. He knew they had discussed it last night - or today? - but he still felt nervous. For so much time, he had wanted her to reveal who she was and let him show himself. But what if she regretted it? What if something went wrong? What would they do?

However, the desire of finally be able to love his lady completely was bigger. Now, he could know who she really was, talk about the things they liked to do, and could even hang out in public as normal people if she allowed it.

Hesitantly, Adrien moved his arm. He untangled himself from blanket and watched as the girl moved too, probably waking up with his shifting. She grunted, unhappy about the sudden lack of heat. Ladybug touched the place where his hand had been seconds ago, only to find emptiness.

With her back to her partner, Marinette opened her eyes and remembered bit by bit what was happening. Last night had been fantastic and one of the best of her life, she didn't regret lying to her parents to spend Christmas with Chat Noir, though she still felt guilty for the the lie. She felt relief and excitement for finally being able to tell someone who she was and discover who Chat Noir was, despite being nervous.

"Good morning, kitty," she said, still with her back turned to him.

"Good morning, my lady," he said and hesitantly moved closer to her again. He kissed the top of her hair. She closed her eyes, his touch reassuring her that she was doing the right thing. Then she opened it again, and turned to him.

Neither of them could keep the shock from their faces. They didn't know exactly what they hoped, but definitely neither had expected to recognize the face next to them. They knew that there was the possibility they knew each other, but never had expected that it would be this well. This was shocking.

For a few seconds, they just stared at each other, trying to understand what they were seeing.

"Adrien?" Marinette murmured, at the same time he said her name, as if he was confused.

"Are you Ladybug?" he asked, having a hard time believing it. All right, he liked Marinette and he could see some similarities between them, yet the differences were uncountable. His lady was unafraid; Marinette always seemed nervous.

"Are you Chat Noir?" she replied back, confused. Chat and Adrien were adorable, however in different ways. Adrien was the cutest person she had met, and a total gentleman. Chat was charming with his bold and direct way. Both were intelligent and kind, but…

"Yes, my lady," he answered, smiling. He still wasn't over the shock and didn't quite know what to say.

Marinette felt a shiver. It was so strange to hear Adrien calling her that, although the inflection sounded the same as it did when Chat Noir used the moniker – it was the same voice, same rhythm. Even the smirk was the same one. So different from Adrien's shy, reserved, smile.

"Are you disappointed?" he wondered, worried by her expression. Marinette looked confused and even hurt. She didn't seem even a bit excited. Could it be that she expected more? After all, Chat Noir was a bold superhero and him, well, he wasn't so brave usually.

She looked at him shocked and angry with the question. Thinking about the answer, she immediately knew it was a no. She was surprised, of course. But disappointed? Adrien was already one of the most amazing persons she had met. Knowing that he was Chat Noir just made him seem even more impressive and admirable. How could he think about even suggesting it?

"No, of course not, kitty," she said without thinking too much, blushing as realized that she called Adrien kitty. "You are one of the best people I know, Adrien. I'm glad it's you," she said. "But what about you?" she asked, feeling insecure. She knew that Chat Noir was in love with Ladybug, so he should have high expectations. And perhaps seeing her wouldn't have been a great revelation.

Adrien smiled in relief.

"I'm happy that you're Ladybug," he said. "Actually, this made my life easier," he confessed. She stared dumbly at him. "I always liked Ladybug and I still do, but over the past few months, I've been feeling torn. I started to notice that I was enjoying the time spent with you, Marinette. That confused me. I wanted to be with you, despite the fact that I still liked Ladybug. I wanted to be with you both and didn't know what to do. Finding out that you two are actually the same person, it's better than I could ever dream of, now I don't have to choose who I want more and can stop feeling like a terrible person for liking two people at the same time," he said honestly, watching with pleasure how she smiled.

"Are you serious?" she asked, seeking reassurance.

"Yes, Marinette, my lady. I want to be with you," he said confidently, evoking his Chat Noir's half. "I want to help you defeat Hawk Moth, I want continue to fight by your side, I want to see you at school, I want to go out with you after class, I want to take you to the movies, and see how you laugh during the film or hide your tears. I want Alya and Nino to know how crazy I am about you. I want you to beat me at every video game," he said, staring into her eyes. "Do you want this too?" he asked and waited anxiously for her answer. He had opened his heart; now it was up to her. Marinette nodded. He didn't waste a second before kissing her.

Marinette couldn't describe how happy she was, even if she had tried. How long she had dreaming about kissing Adrien? Feeling him there, kissing her so passionately, made her loose her ability to think straight. It was even better than yesterday. She putted her hands in his hair, feeling how it was smooth. He had his hand on her waist.

"Adrien…" she called. He looked at her, relaxed. "I like you as Chat Noir and as Adrien" she said. "Remember of that boy that I told you, when you were Chat, that I was in love with? It was you," she said.

Adrien smiled.

"I can't believe I spent so much time being jealous of myself" he said. "You were the girl from my school that I told you about, well, to Ladybug" he chuckled. "We're two idiots," he said after a few seconds.

"Yes, we are," she agreed and laughed. "But now come here…" she demanded.

He got closer and was surprised when the girl put her lips on his. He would never get sick of this. Je t'aime, he thought.

Tikki and Plagg watched on, silent and satisfied. Finally they were together.

...

December 26, 9 AM

Alya looked at Marinette curious. Her friend had said that she had something to tell her when she arrived at school, but they hadn't the opportunity to talk until now. She looked happy. Alya asked herself if this had something with the thing she needed to do on Christmas. She also noticed how Adrien looked happier than usual too and couldn't stop smiling at Marinette, as if he was seeing something unbelievable.

"So, what's up?" she asked, when the two of them sat alone at a table. Today, they weren't hanging out with the boys - because of this mysterious talk.

"Please, don't freak out… But… Do you know the thing I needed to do yesterday?" Marinette asked. She and Adriend had planned what they would tell their friends - they couldn't simply share the whole truth of how they had come together as much as they might want to. "So, I went to see Adrien," and seeing her friend looked panicked, she continued. "Remember when he said his dad had cancelled the trip? Well, it was a lie. I knew he would have to spend Christmas alone and I offered to meet him. He didn't want at first, and it took some convincing. We were just talking at his house and he let slip that he liked me. I asked him if it was true. He declared himself to me and I to him. And… we got together," she finished excitedly. Maybe it wasn't the whole truth, but it was the closest that she could say and she felt happy sharing the news with her best friend.

Alya hugged her in joy. She had hoped for so long that Marinette and Adrien would get together and it had finally happened! Everything worked out alright in the end, despite their stupidity.

"How was it? What he said? What you said?" she asked, shooting one question after the other. And every answer, made her ask more.

As Marinette tried hard answer everything without revealing any secrets, she looked around and saw Adrien talking with Nino. Their eyes met and he smiled happily. He tugged his friend in their direction.

Marinette felt her heart beating faster. She got nervous suddenly and the sensation that everything was perfect vanished. What would she do now? How should she say hello? Did Nino already know? Was Adrien going to pretend nothing happened?

"Hi," she murmured when the two of them were close enough, making Alya shut up in the middle of a question.

Adrien didn't seem to be suffering from the same kind of nerves that she was, because he gave her a kiss on the cheek, close to her mouth. He smiled openly to her when he stepped away.

"Congratulations, Marinette," Nino commented. "I couldn't stand to wait anymore for you two to be together," this made Marinette blush and Adrien laugh.

"Speaking of this, do you want to go to the movies today?" the blonde asked eagerly.

"I would love to," Marinette replied, smiling.

...

December 26, 3 PM

"Marinette!" her mother yelled. "Adrien is here!"

"I'm coming," she screamed back.

Marinette looked at herself in the mirror. She wore a white dress and a pair of trainers. She felt too simple, even if she knew Adrien probably didn't care about that - because he always saw her in the same clothes when she was Ladybug and fell for her anyway.

"I'm really alright, Alya?" she asked, feeling unsure.

"You are beautiful, Marinette," her friend said. She looked amused, having never seen the girl so agitated before. Every time she tried an outfit, she took it off immediately. Alya had the feeling that they had just gone through Marinette's entire closet. "As soon as you leave, I'm going home," she said. She couldn't just leave now. That would be too obvious that she was just helping out a desperate friend.

"You don't have to hurry," Marinette said, already running downstairs.

She found Adrien standing next to her mother. He was blushing a little, but seemed happy. He was also immensely handsome. He wore jeans and one of the shirts she had given to him.

"Wow, you're beautiful," he praised when he saw her. His look said that this was the truth. His Chat Noir's side was showing off in inconvenient moments. Even if he and Marinette had decided to date only yesterday, he felt such crazy desire to kiss her.

"Thank you," she said. "You're beautiful too," she commented, stopping near him. "Let's go?" she said.

"Thank you for keeping me company, Mrs. Dupain-Cheng" Adrien said, trying to act like the educated boy he was raised to be. She smiled to him.

Marinette felt a little bit calmer when she felt Adrien's hand reaching out to her. Together, they walked to the movies, with Adrien doing a hell of job controlling himself. They ended up deciding on a romantic comedy and he didn't let her pay the tickets. Marinette then, bought soda for them… and cheese for Plagg - since Adrien insisted that he wasn't hungry.

They sat in the room and Marinette was focused on watching the trailers. Or she was trying to.

"Mari," Adrien called, making her smile at the nickname. "I really tried to contain myself, but I can't anymore," he said, then pulled her into a kiss. The only thing the girl could complain about it was that he hadn't done this sooner.

Later, when asked about their date by their friends, they said that it had been great and that the film was good, in their opinion. It was just such a shame that neither of them could remember most of the scenes, to Alya and Nino's amusement.

THE END