Hello, beautiful people! As I warned before, it would take a long time to create and post this chapter... but here it is! As promised as well, this chapter is h3lla long! That's honestly why it took so long, because I had to write it and edit it. I truly hope you all enjoy this chapter like I did! Enjoy!

Chapter 20

"Chat! Please, answer me," Ladybug cried as she felt her body tremble. She was hardly able to remain standing, but her feet were rooted to the ground in shock and fear for her partner. Ladybug was broken from her reverie when she heard the shrill laughter of the akuma, who has finally revealed her dark side.

"I can clearly see that it is possible for the great Ladybug to lose her composure on the battlefield. What will you do now, little bug, when your partner is gone and no one is here to help you?"

"Did you forget about me, demon?" a deep growl cut through, startling Ladybug from her dark thoughts. It was Ah Bao, who was flying overhead just a few moments ago. He must've kept his distance to find an opening but lost his composure too when Chat Noir was hit. Ladybug felt a hint of hope when he barreled closer to the akuma, but it was soon dashed when the Godmother effortlessly waved her wand and caused him to pause in the air.

"Did you forget my powers, dragon?" she taunted in response to his failed attack strategy. "You shouldn't have made your presence known so early. Of course, I can see why you would feel so strongly about defending the little kitten, but your presence isn't needed in this situation. And neither is theirs." After her statement, she turned her body to face the foreboding tower that Marinette just escaped from, and the young heroine couldn't help but to look at the tower herself, despite her mind shouting at her not to fall for the trap. She regretted the decision immediately when she noticed Nino and Alya were trapped in some sort of bubble, preventing any noise from escaping despite their shouts inside. "I found these two wandering my tower, lost in my labyrinth. I figured they would try to help out, being good friends and all, but this isn't their story, it is yours, child," she commented while turning towards Ladybug. "You have a choice, young hero. Hand your miraculous to me and your friends can leave unscathed. If you don't, I cannot promise their lives while taking your miraculous by force." The Godmother tried to appear sweet with her relentless smile and seemingly defenseless stance, but Ladybug can see the tense muscles in her shoulders and the slightly red coloration of her eyes.

Ladybug thought about the choices, and her gut told her not to give in to Hawkmoth and his akuma, but something in her heart twanged. As Ladybug, she had a responsibility to protect everyone, but as Marinette, she just wanted to protect her friends. If giving her miraculous would protect them, then she would do it. But for what? What will happen if she gave up her powers? Would the Godmother remain in charge or would Hawkmoth gain control?

A low chuckle, almost sweet in sound, echoed from across the small area where Ladybug stood away from the akuma. "Oh, my sweet child, Hawkmoth has nothing on me." Wait, what? "This whole time, did you not sense the lack of Hawkmoth's presence? Once my power put a spell on all of Paris, he no longer had control of me. Do you honestly think he can control me now that the spell has been broken?"

"He gave you your akuma," she near whispered. "He has control over you, he could take your powers away!"

"That's what you think, dearie, but he made the mistake of giving too many powers to his subject. In trying to make me indominable to you two, he also made it near impossible to control me too." Just then, an outline of a butterfly appeared around her eyes. Normally, the akuma would either flinch or would become a blank slate when they were being spoken to by Hawkmoth, but the Godmother just smiled. "Ah, Hawkmoth, how pleasant of you to join in the conversation. How are you today?" she asked conversationally.

If this was any other situation, Marinette would've laughed at how calm and collected, even casual, she was being with Paris' most heinous villain. But as Ladybug, in this specific situation, she was absolutely terrified. "What are you-"

With a simple gesture, the Godmother effectively hushed Ladybug to continue with her 'conversation.' "Yes, I am here with Ladybug and Chat Noir… No, I have not taken the miraculous' yet… I refuse." The outline of the butterfly brightened immediately, signifying Hawkmoth's anger. "No need to shout, dear. I refuse to give you the miraculous' because, much like how I've heard these children say, you will only use them for your own gain, not for the better of society. I was created to do good, to give people endings they deserve. You, my evil friend, only deserve ruin." With a wave of her hand, the butterfly disappeared, leaving the Godmother alone in her great power without the aid of Hawkmoth. She gave Ladybug another one of her smiles, and it sent a shiver down her spine that almost racked her whole body. "You see, my dear? He can't control me. In fact, I not only took away your powers with the spell, but his as well. He hasn't seen a glimpse of anything up until this point; he hasn't seen the things I have seen, the things I have heard…" she trailed off, leaving Ladybug actually shivering in apprehension now.

"Y-you me-mean…"

"That's right, my dear," she sent a deeper smile her way. "I know your true identity, and Chat Noir's too. Luckily, Hawkmoth doesn't know anything. In fact, he can only see everything that is happening now, he can't hear anything, but I can always make him blind to this battle if I so choose. It won't matter if you give me your miraculous now or wait, because I will find you. That is not a threat, it is a promise. Hawkmoth won't be able to lay a hand on you or your partner, you just need to trust me."

As she said this, she held another hand out, almost begging Marinette to hand over the miraculous, but she halted at her words. "Trust? How can I trust you?! You've tortured me all this time since you kidnapped me, and now you're holding my friends captive. You think I could just stand by and allow you to continue your reign of terror?!"

The Godmother's eyes turned dark once more; not quite red in anger yet, but close. "Terror? My dear, your story was 'Sleeping Beauty,' you just had to wait for your prince to come save you."

"I was only that princess because you couldn't handle my talking!"

"No need to shout, dearie. Besides, Sleeping Beauty has always been one of my favorites, the modern version, that is. Besides, the only people who aren't satisfied with their stories are the ones that were truly evil to others. Take Miss Bourgeois, for example; she is the princess she has always seen herself as, but her prince is the frog." Ladybug couldn't help the snort of amusement from escaping, and the smile on the akuma's face softened slightly. "You see? It was a fitting ending for someone so cruel to everyone. Not quite the punishment she deserves, but it will hopefully have her learn some manners and humility. I can make everyone's life better, happier, if you just give me your hand."

It was then that Marinette realized that the akuma never truly asked for the miraculous, she was mostly asking for her hand. Did she really just want everyone's happiness? It was Nana Sophaline underneath the powerful exterior, after all. Could she really be that simple? The voice inside her head, Tikki most likely, was shouting at her to not fall for her tricks; she needed to be saved, not surrendered to. Almost as if reading her thoughts, the akuma floated slightly closer to Ladybug.

"Sweetie," she cooed, "I was being cruel to you before, that much is true. However, they weren't false."

"What?"

"I read the minds of all those whom you have seen. Those statements they continuously chanted were subconscious thoughts of the civilians I had control over. Most if not all still fear your failure, and they wonder which is the greater evil; you two or Hawkmoth. Even your friends somewhat doubt Ladybug's power, including your own partner. He remembers your first job together vividly; he remembers how timid you were, how you doubted yourself, and he won't soon forget it. When you transformed into your civilian form, those closest to you recognized how clumsy and prone to accidents you are and feared what would happen if that side of you leaked into your heroic duties. Although it was brief, your own doubt made others doubt you too, and it showed in your 'nightmares.' I simply showed you what your future holds if you were to reveal yourself to everyone, accidental or not. What is the right choice, you may ask? As a hero, the choice must be everyone's happiness, including your own. Even though this world isn't real, the happiness here is. No one struggles, no one fears for what tomorrow will bring, just happiness. There is no evil here, not if I can help it. So, what is your choice, Marinette?"

The more Marinette thought of it, the more her resolve crumbled. Her friends were captured, her parents at home worried sick for her well-being, her partner… she didn't want to think of it. He was being held aloft still, head hanging low so she couldn't see his face, but she still looked lifeless. Her heightened senses couldn't pick up even a slight breath coming from him, and she feared the worst. "But, my friends-"

"They will all be happy too. I can easily revive your friend, just say the word. But in exchange, I need your miraculous for your happiness. Now, choose," she stated more sternly.

Ladybug found herself looking at her companions in this fight; Ah Bao can be seen still struggling against his restraints in the air, Nino and Alya were still banging against the bubble they were in with no sound escaping, and Chat Noir, Adrien, still immobile in his own bubble. Tikki continued to shout to Marinette not to do this, but she felt like she didn't have much of a choice. Steeling herself, Ladybug made her way towards the akuma, seeing her conscious friends trying desperately to stop her, but none of it will work. "I'm sorry everyone. I'm so sorry it has come to this," she found herself whispering, yet knowing that somehow they could hear her. "I'm sorry I dragged you into a battle that wasn't yours, I'm sorry you had to suffer because of me." She inhaled an unsteady breath as she found herself only a couple meters away from the soothing energy known as The Godmother. "I'm so sorry, for everything. I have failed you, and I will make it right," she confirmed with whatever little confidence she had left. Ladybug felt a single tear escape, but she didn't bother wiping it away, she felt like she didn't deserve such a comfort. She was arriving in front of the akuma, reaching up to remove her miraculous, when she heard a low groan.

"Don't do it, m'lady." The oh-so familiar voice caused Ladybug's movements to stall immediately and her heart to stutter from their constant pattern. She whipped around and immediately caught the vibrant green irises of her partners eyes. They were duller than normal, but still bright with life, which made her sigh in relief.

"Kitty," she found herself whispering in happiness, feeling more tears fall from her eyes. She didn't even realize that she was walking towards him now, almost at a jog, leaving the akuma to stare bewildered at the empty spot she was at just a moment before.

"Don't worry, I'm here, Ladybug, I'm not going anywhere."

"But you were dead, how did you-"

"I'm a cat, I have nine lives, remember?" he tried to joke with his usual smirk, only to groan slightly in pain.

Ladybug couldn't help but laugh at how inappropriate his jokes are at a time like this. Some things never change. "This isn't the time to be joking like that, Kitty."

"You're right, we need to defeat this akuma and get everyone's life back on track." His voice was louder and more confident, causing a surge of energy to pulse through Ladybug. Removing her yoyo from her belt without a second thought, she wrapped the unbreakable string around the bubble while Chat used his baton. Together, they broke the bubble with a powerful pull, releasing him from his magical confines. Ladybug dropped her yoyo immediately and threw herself in the arms of her quirky cat partner. He didn't hesitate to return her powerful hug, spinning them around once in happiness.

"You're alive, I can't believe you're alive," she murmured into his chest.

"I'm alive, my lady, I'm not going anywhere but with you," he consoled, kissing her forehead lightly. If Marinette was in any other situation, she would've blushed profusely, knowing that it was Adrien kissing her forehead. But right now, she was too emotionally drained to care about appearances, and embraced every ounce of warmth he provided.

"I know, I know. I'm just… so happy," she felt herself sob into his chest, causing him to hug her tighter.

"I know, bugaboo. And as much as I want to stay in your arms, there's an akuma to purify, and a victim to rescue, not to mention the whole of Paris," he tried suggesting while pulling away slightly. When he pulled away enough to look at her face, he nearly tumbled over with how crestfallen his partner looked. "Ladybug, are you okay?"

"Am I worthy of being Ladybug?" she asked in a soft voice, causing him to use his heightened sense of hearing.

"What are you talking about, of course you are."

"But I have doubts. I have made mistakes, even failed in doing the right thing. As both Ladybug and Marinette, I choke, and I run away from problems. Someone like that isn't worthy of having such a power."

"I tend to disagree," he cooed while pulling away from her arms, making his way towards her fallen yoyo and picking it up. "Just like the Ladybug and Marinette I have grown to love, you always run right back into the fight and give it your all. When you're determined, you don't give up easily, if at all. You always find another way to solve an issue, whether it relate to an akuma or as class president. You don't let words stop you, no matter what. True, there's some things people say to you that might make you pause, but you always continue forward with a confident stride. This is your hiccup, now take your confident stride forward," he encouraged while handing her the magic yoyo she needs to summon her powers.

With the largest, most genuine smile she has given in the past few days, she nodded her head to her trusted partner and turned towards the akuma but stopped in her tracks at the expression she was giving. She seemed to be patient and allow the two to talk whatever issues out before confronting her, giving them a knowing and soft smile as she realized they made a decision. "I see you have come to an agreement. Tell me, what path do you chose to make?"

Taking a deep breath to calm her overactive heart, Marinette opened her eyes and stared at the akuma with her most determined stare. "I chose the path of light; righting wrongs done by those who use power for their own benefit whether it be for good or evil. I restore balance to nature, for the better or worse, and I will not step down. Be prepared, Godmother, I will take your akuma and I will save you."

The akuma gave another serene smile, surprisingly not sending a chilling fear down her spine, before looking at the sky. Marinette wondered if this was Nana Sophaline she was talking with instead of the akuma, and she felt a spark of hope ignite a fire within her. "Well, we better get started on our battle if we want to be home before supper. Wouldn't you agree, children?" she gave another small smile before lifting her wand once more.

The two young heroes braced themselves for her attack, but were struck speechless when she directed her wand towards Alya and Nino. The bubble where they were imprisoned disappeared and the two fell in a heap on the ground. "Alya, Nino!" Ladybug heard herself shout.

"I figure it would be best if those two were safely somewhere else for the time being. They are not my opponents, and I would hate for them to get hurt."

"Thank you," Ladybug found herself saying, despite her mind screaming at her not to thank the akuma for even the smallest things; but she really didn't need to do that for their friends. Alya and Nino looked back and forth between the three of them, curious as to what they should do. When Ladybug nodded her head with a tight smile, Alya knew immediately what her heroine meant. Just as Alya began walking towards her to argue, Ladybug held a hand up. "This is no time for negotiations, Alya. For now, we need you and Nino out of the way so we can fight her with no inhibitions. Please," she pleaded with tears in her eyes.

Alya looked torn, but noticed the desperate look in her best friend's eyes and nodded slowly. "As you wish, Ladybug. Please call for us if you need us."

"I will, thank you." With that short farewell, the two friends made their way away from the clearing and back towards the cave where they would be safer. Ladybug didn't realize she was holding in a breath until their forms disappeared and she released it. A gentle but firm hand on her shoulder had her looking up into the bright, warm eyes of her cat partner. He gave her a comforting smile and a small nod to let her know it was the right decision, and he was right behind her.

"We can do this, my lady, just like we always have."

"Of course kitty, let's do this."

Securing their fighting stances once more, they turned towards the akuma who… had her back faced toward them as she was gently setting Ah Bao on the ground by the lake. "We cannot forget about your new friend either. Luckily, he fell asleep peacefully."

"Peacefully, or did you put him to sleep?" Chat asked sarcastically.

"I might have had some influence, but there will be no nightmares. He will sleep until one of us falls."

"Un-furrr-tunately, that would be you, Godmother," Chat Noir quipped before leaping towards her, taking her by surprise. He just barely missed her arm when she regained her senses and practically twirled away. While she was distracted by Chat, Ladybug summoned her lucky charm, and what she got was… a fish?

As Ladybug turned the red and black spotted fish over in her hands, she tried to figure out what it was for. It was roughly the size of her palm, and it appeared to have a little switch on its side. Curious, Ladybug flipped the switch and nearly dropped it when it flopped on its other side in her hand. What the- she thought before a blast from the akuma was shot her way.

"My Lady!"

"I'm fine, Chat!" she responded before her vision lit up the akuma, the book that lay in tatters beneath Chat's feet, her wand, and… the glasses on her head! Marinette internally facepalmed when she remembered that Nana Sophaline hardly went anywhere without her glasses, so why didn't she remember them earlier? The fish flopped in her hand again, gaining her attention. Suddenly, she knew what to do. "Chat! I don't know about you, but I feel like reading a little story!"

Getting her cue immediately, Chat pushed the akuma back once more and picked up the book that was beneath him. "As you wish, My Lady!" With an effortless toss, Chat threw the book to Ladybug, who caught it easily.

"Hey, Godmother! Your stories are nothing more than children's fantasies, and their 'lessons' teach them nothing."

"What?!" she seethed, losing her temper for the first time. Ladybug, as Marinette, knew that if anything were to make her angry, it would be to disrespect her stories. "You're lying."

"Why would I lie to you, Godmother? Kids don't want to look to the past, they want to look to the future, and the future is here, if you want it," Ladybug taunted as she held the lucky charm in her closed palm.

"What future? I don't understand," the akuma stated as she stalked closer.

"Why don't you see for yourself?" she jeered once more while holding the akuma tightly.

"Fine, I will." With a wave of her wand, she forced the lucky charm out of Ladybug's hand and into her own awaiting one. Meanwhile, Ladybug tried her best to adjust the book in her arms so she could easily throw it at a moment's notice. Once the akuma was distracted with analyzing the lucky charm, Ladybug threw the book with a battle cry, alerting the Godmother into action. Unfortunately for her, it was the wrong action. While attempting to shield her face from the book, she followed her instinct and dropped what was in her hand to shield herself: she dropped her wand instead of the lucky charm.

Without hesitation, Chat Noir pounced on the akuma and held her hands to her sides, effectively holding her captive. "Chat, her glasses!" Ladybug called.

"Red, huh? Perfect for your outfit, my lady!" he teased as he threw them to her.

"Too bad I don't need glasses," she retorted as she caught them and snapped them in half, releasing the akuma from the lenses.

"NO!" the Godmother screeched as the darkened butterfly tried in vain to fly away from Ladybug.

"No more evil-doing for you, little akuma. Time to de-evilize!" she chanted as she captured the akuma and purified it. Once complete, she opened her yoyo and released the now-purified akuma. "Bye bye, little butterfly," she bid the creature before turning to the Godmother, who now lay on the ground in defeat, holding her wand in her hands as if she's analyzing it. For some reason, Ladybug didn't fear her using it on them, not anymore. Cautiously, she stepped forward and kneeled in front of the akuma. "Godmother? Are you okay?"

She didn't look up for a long moment, but when she did, her eyes were reverted into their normal warm hues, but they held such sadness in them. "I will be fine, my dear. I'm just… disappointed."

"Disappointed? In what?"

"In myself. I was so confident that I would be able to change everyone's story so they could have their happily ever afters, but I failed." Her statement was filled with melancholy as she slouched further into the ground, folding into herself. Ladybug and Chat Noir shared a look of surprise with each other before it turned into understanding and even relief.

"I don't think you did." Ladybugs confession caused the Godmother to look up in question, tears barely visible in her eyes. "If it wasn't for you, Chat wouldn't have been able to find me, we wouldn't be able to find each other."

"That's right, Godmother. If it wasn't for you, I would never have figured out that my lady was my princess as well. It was quite the relief, actually."

"See? No harm done, but I'm sure everyone would like to go home."

"Yes, yes I suppose so. I do hope that you aren't the only ones who found their happy endings," she murmured.

"I don't think we are. Even so, this isn't the end of our story, or anyone else's. This is only the beginning." With a smile, Ladybug and Chat Noir helped the akuma back on her feet and graciously took the lucky charm from her hand and, with a cry, Ladybug threw it in the air. "Miraculous Ladybug!" With the magic spell performed, ladybugs exploded everywhere and restored the land to how it should be. Ah Bao was released from his magical chains and bowed his head in thankfulness and respect before disappearing in the cloud of Ladybugs as well, happily going back to his own story. The trees and lake surrounding them was replaced with tall buildings and cars, which didn't necessarily make them happy but they were relieved nonetheless. Glancing around, they realized they weren't in Paris anymore, but just on the outskirt of the city. The two would need to hurry if they were going to get everyone back before their times ran out.

The Godmother's glorious fairy form became shrouded in a dark purple smoke before reverting to her normal clothes, the same ones she wore the day she was akumatized. "Where are we?"

"I don't know, Nana, but we aren't in Paris. We need to hurry and get everyone home. How are you feeling?" Ladybug asked in concern.

"I'm just fine, my dear, I just hope I didn't hurt you all?" she questioned as she looked around at the two heroes before her vision locked on the two others running closer.

"No, we're just fine," Alya answered for her and Nino.

"I'm purrfect," Chat winked at Nana Sophaline and Marinette, causing a small smile to spread across the heroine's face.

"What about you, child?"

"I'll be okay, especially once we all get home," she stated as she took Nana's hand and tried to lead her somewhere else so they could take off for home, but Nana Sophaline pulled her back. "Nana?" She didn't have much time to question further before she was pulled into a tight hug, with Nana Sophaline's face buried in her hair.

"I'm so sorry, Marinette," she whispered against her, making her freeze in fear.

"H-how did you-?"

"You were the only one left after your friends appeared. Did you think I was that dim not to figure it out?" she teased before she sobered up at the look Ladybug was giving her. "But don't worry, I highly doubt Hawkmoth knows who you are. I didn't reveal any of your nightmares or even your identity with him when I captured you, and he only got a faint glimpse of your Ladybug persona before I cut him off. He will have no idea on who you are. He won't know who you are either, kitten," she teased with a loving wink, causing Chat's cheeks to flame an unflattering red color.

"That's a relief," Alya cut in before gesturing for the group to go to a darkened alley. "I hate to tell you, Ladybug, but you have less than a minute left before you revert back."

Ladybug squealed in her typical Marinette-manner before she dived behind a dumpster right as a bright pink light illuminated the darker area. She remained hidden behind the dumpster in embarrassment and even fear, for some reason. She knew her friends already discovered who she was, but facing them all right now terrified her.

"Marinette?" Chat Noir, Adrien, called for her in concern. "Is everything okay?"

"J-just fine, Chat, just…"

"Just what?"

"N-n-nothing, I guess." Marinette still refused to move from behind the massive object, prompting Chat to come to her. She tried her best to bury herself further into the dark shadows, but it would be no use against someone with night vision.

"Marinette, please, tell me what's wrong," he pleaded, and the way his voice turned tender weakened Marinette's resolve.

"I just… everyone knows who I am now, and it could be dangerous."

"I don't care. In my opinion, it's better this way."

"Why, so you know who your 'precious Ladybug' is?" she teased with a self-deprecating smile. Chat noticed her smile immediately and scowled, causing her to gulp and look away in shame. They stood there in tense silence for another long minute before Chat stepped closer.

"Princess," he called quietly while circling his arms around her. She wouldn't admit it, but his presence calmed her like no other and she couldn't help the relieved sigh that escaped her lips. "Despite what you may believe, my feelings for you isn't because you're Ladybug, it's because you're you."

"Really?"

"Yes, princess. And as much as I would want to discuss this more with you, I think we better get home." With a timid nod, Marinette emerged from behind the dumpster, a bright green flash following a second later, and stood in front of her friends. Alya immediately ran to her friend and embraced her in a tight hug, almost squeezing the life out of her.

"Oh, Marinette! I was so worried about you!" she shouted as she began to weep onto her shoulder.

"I'm okay, Alya, I knew she wouldn't hurt me."

"It doesn't matter! You disappeared and were taken by an akuma! Anything could've happened to you! No offense, Nana."

"None taken, my dear. I knew I wouldn't hurt her, even when akumatized, but there was always the risk. By the way, are you sure you're okay… mentally? I know I strung you through the ringer."

Her comment caused her three friends to look at her in surprise and concern, which in turn caused Marinette's face to flame in embarrassment. "I-I'm fine, the cure resolved it!"

"I don't know, your cure doesn't always cure everything," Adrien mumbled as he stepped into her personal bubble."

"I'm fine!" she shouted before catching herself, clearing her throat and marching out of the alley. "Let's just get home. I'm tired and want to see my parents. Funny, isn't it, how I'm tired even though I was Sleeping Beauty?" she tried joking with a nervous laugh, which only caused the others to smile in apprehension. Thankfully, the others accepted her answer and trudged their way into the strange city.

An hour later, everyone arrived in their own respective homes after being checked up by the paramedics who specialize in akuma victims. As expected, the Dupain-Cheng's were overwhelmed with joy when their daughter came home safe and sound, drowning her in kisses and hugs until she could hardly breath anymore. It wasn't until it was dark and past bedtime that she was able to leave her parent's side, with promises to lock her windows and balcony door, of course. After she changed into her pajamas, she simply sat on her chaise, glancing around her room in appreciation and another emotion that she couldn't place.

"Is everything okay, Marinette?" Tikki asked.

"Just fine. It'll take me a while to get over my fear of going to sleep, but it'll pass soon," she tried comforting her little god-like friend, but it didn't work like she hoped.

"Marinette, if you need to talk about it-"

"You will be the first to know, I promise. I think I just need time for now, is that okay?"

"That's fine, just don't keep it bottled up. Okay?"

"I promise," she stated as she kissed her friend's little forehead. They were interrupted from their moment by a soft knock on her balcony doors, which could only mean one person. Marinette tensed as she thought about the possible conversation she would have with her feline partner. Tikki giggled at her horrified expression before she bid her luck and flew away to her own bed that was hidden under Marinette's bed.

With a reluctant sigh, Marinette reached up and opened her door for her friend to climb through, which he did with unbridled glee while still being careful not to be too loud. "Good evening, purrrincess! How are you this fair night?" he jested.

Marinette released a giggle, thankful that he was acting normal. "I'm doing just peachy, kitty. Taking a little breather from my parents, they've been breathing down my neck all night," she tried joking back, but was startled when she saw an adoring look in his eyes accompanied by a soft smile.

"I understand how they feel. If I was able to spend time with you, I would probably be doing the same thing."

His comment made her slightly uneasy and embarrassed, so she looked back down to her bedsheet. They were silent for a moment before Chat sighed, leaned forward and gently grabbed her chin. "Marinette, we need to talk about earlier."

She gulped apprehensively before leaning back, away from her partner. She noticed the hurt look in his eyes, but she couldn't help that. "W-what about? Is it about the akuma, me being taken, or-"

"Why not all of it? Why did she take you?"

"I think it's because she has known me since I was a baby, and I defended her the other day at the library, so she wanted to thank me in a twisted way. She continuously said that she was trying to help me find my happy ending."

"What did she do to you while you were there?" His straightforward question caused her to jolt, freezing with apprehension about answering his question. She could feel the inquisitive stare, as well as Tikki's, trying to draw out an answer from her. But because she was stubborn, she only turned slightly away from him with a pout, crossing her arms over her chest with a huff. "Princess, please tell me what she did."

Marinette sighed, knowing he wasn't going to give up until she told him something. "It wasn't really what she did, it was more of what she showed me."

"What did she show you?"

"Just… how people would react if they found out I was Ladybug," she mumbled, once more looking down at her bedsheets. Chat grew silent as he stared at her, and it caused her to get nervous and pick at the strings on her comforter.

Chat, on the other hand, was stupefied on what she said. How people would react if they found out she was Ladybug? What did that mean, he wondered before Plagg's voice whispered in his head, bringing a startling sense of realization to him. He looked at Marinette in a whole new light, watching her as she picked nervously at her sheets, and it brought a soft smile to his face.

Chat tentatively wrapped his arms around Marinette and pulled her into his lap. Thankfully, she didn't resist him, instead cuddling right up to his chest. "Bugaboo, nothing bad happened after we figured out who you were, and nothing bad happened after we confirmed our suspicions. Whatever negative things she showed you, none of it happened, am I correct?"

"Yes," she mumbled, playing with the bell around his neck, almost making him laugh.

"Then you have nothing to worry about. You trust me, right?"

"With my life," she responded without hesitation.

"Then trust me when I say this: I couldn't be happier that my pretty, smart, and resourceful partner in anticrime ended up being my equally beautiful, intelligent, and creative classmate and friend. And, if you would allow it, I would like to be more than your friend."

His confession caused Marinette to still, thinking about it for a moment. But when she finally looked up into his caring emerald eyes, she felt all the unease fall away. She knew her answer when she saw the genuine concern and happiness radiating from his being. She reached up and gently ran her fingers through his soft hair, eliciting a purr from his chest. "I would like that very much," she whispered.

His smile grew large at her permission, and he immediately laid them down on the bed. She raised a brow at him in question, and he only smirked in response. "I have a feeling you would have trouble sleeping after your ordeal, so I wanted to help out."

"And how do you plan to do that?"

"Well, I hoped I could cuddle with my girlfriend until she fell asleep."

"Did you know I would accept you?"

"No, but I hoped," he teased, making her giggle. "If you didn't, I would've suggested a cuddle anyways, as your beloved kitty."

"Really? You would've used that ploy?"

"Anything to cuddle with you, bugaboo," he winked, causing her to laugh aloud this time.

"Okay, either way is fine, as long as you purr, that's the only benefit of this."

"Really? The only benefit?"

"Yes, really. Is that so hard to believe?"

He chuckled in response before placing a soft kiss to her forehead, making her face heat up immediately. "Not really, but I'm hoping I'll eventually find some other aspects that are positive about her relationship," he stated as he got them more comfortable under her blankets.

"I'm sure you will, and it won't take long at all," she whispered as she yawned.

"Good night, Marinette."

"Good night, Adrien." With their soft acknowledgments, they both closed their eyes and tried their best to fall asleep. As Chat began to purr loudly but comfortingly, Marinette smiled and thanked her lucky stars about the great life she was granted. Nothing could make her happier.

Hello again! This is, unfortunately, the last chapter of this crazy story! What a long journey... It's liberating yet saddening. It's unfortunate because this was one of my favorite fanfictions to imagine and write, but good because now I can focus more on my schooling for the next couple weeks. Anyhow, once the quarter ends around December, I will try to regulate updates and maybe even update new stories! So thank you for following me on this long path so far and stay tuned, beautiful people!