Adrien

A couple more minutes in the gala and Adrien was most certainly going to commit a crime that even Ladybug couldn't save him from. Not only Ivy with Johnny, but also every second he was there was a second he wasn't alone with Marinette. Marinette, who was the most beautiful woman in the room. She dazzled more than the Christmas lights and sparkled enough to make the North Star jealous. She was coming back to herself, and he couldn't have been more proud.

She kept a tight grip on his hand, weaving them through the maze of guests as they headed towards the exit, keeping themselves out of sight from their unwanted guests.

The tension in his chest loosened with every step away from the ballroom, from Johnny, and from the eyes of the crowd. Once they were out in the cool night air, the holiday buzz of Paris surrounded them—the twinkling lights, the soft hum of carolers in the distance, and the occasional sound of laughter spilling out from nearby streets.

Marinette didn't stop walking until they reached a quiet, hidden alleyway, away from the festive bustle and the glitz of the gala. Snow-dusted bricks lined the narrow space, and a single lamppost at the corner faintly lit it with a warm glow.. She turned to face Adrien, letting out a breath she hadn't realised she'd been holding. A cloud of steam hitting his face.

'Better?' he asked, his voice soft but steady as his eyes searched her face.

She didn't answer right away. She fixed her gaze on him, and for a moment, he felt completely seen.

Her red dress glowed in the faint light, her cheeks still flushed from the rush of leaving, and the flicker of uncertainty in her eyes. Gorgeous.

'Much,' she finally replied, her voice low and full of warmth.

'Another second in there and I think I would have committed a crime even Ladybug couldn't save me from.'

He stepped closer, taking her hands in his, the soft touch of her fingers sending a spark through him. His heart seemed to stutter, as if it couldn't quite keep up with the rush of emotions swirling inside him. 'We left our coats inside,' he said, a smile tugging at the corners of his lips. He tried to lighten the air between them, but the space was thick with something else now, something heavier.

They both laughed, the sound escaping them, but even as it left their lips, he felt it—an electric hum that tightened around them, pulling them closer, as if the laughter had been a brief disguise, the tension thickening by the second. It was like they were standing on the edge of something, something big, and no matter how hard they tried to ignore it, it kept pulling them in, making it impossible to look away.

Her hands in his felt natural, too natural, like they'd always meant to fit there, and the world around them suddenly seemed so distant. The cold air, the sounds of the gala down the alley—none of it mattered. All that mattered was her, standing so close, the warmth of her body radiating against him, making it hard to breathe.

He couldn't help but notice how everything about her felt like a discovery—her scent, the way her lips curved just slightly when she smiled, the gentle tremor in her fingers when he touched her. It was all so much, so overwhelming, that he found himself almost afraid to breathe in case it broke the delicate balance.

He didn't dare look away, scared the moment would shatter. There was something in the way she held his gaze, something soft and searching, but also so powerful it took his breath away. She was standing so close now, her heart beating just as fast as his. He could feel it, even if she didn't say a word.

He wanted to pull her closer, close enough to close the distance between them forever. His hands, still holding hers, ached with the need to hold her, to kiss her. To make this moment last.

The silence between them stretched, thickening, until it became a quiet hum that vibrated through his chest. His heart was beating faster now, the tension too much to bear, and yet, it felt perfect. Everything about this moment felt perfect. This was it. This was the time. He couldn't hold back anymore.

Her lips parted slightly, her breath catching, and Adrien felt his pulse race. She was so close now, close enough that if he leaned in just a fraction, he could kiss her. He almost didn't trust himself, but the pull was undeniable. His body moved before his mind could catch up, bringing him closer, as if he were following some invisible thread that had always been there, guiding him, pulling him toward her.

But then, for a fleeting moment, everything stopped. The world stood still. His heart raced, pounding in his chest as he stared into her eyes, searching for the same answer he already knew was there. His breath caught in his throat. Was this it? Was she ready to? Could they take this step together?

All he wanted was for her to say it, for her to give him that sign, that green light to move forward. And yet, as they stood there, the space between them growing tighter, he couldn't help but wonder if she was thinking the same thing. Would she pull away, or would she let him cross that line?

Everything inside him screamed for her to welcome him in. To be the one to close the gap. He didn't want to force it. Not when the moment felt like just one wrong move could ruin it.

His thumb traced her hand, and for the briefest moment, it felt like he could hear her thoughts in the space between them. He was desperate to know. Desperate to understand what she was feeling.

'Could you love me again?'

He wasn't sure if she'd spoken, or if it was what he wanted to hear coming from her. But the words hit something hard inside him, which had him aglow. Did he still love her? He'd never stopped.

She shivered in front of him. Her complexion, pale against the intense red of her dress. 'Let's get you somewhere warm.'

Pulling the side of his waistcoat, Plagg came flying out, Tikki appearing seconds later.

'Follow me,' Adrien said, transforming and leading Marinette up onto the rooftops. The thin coating of snow layering their rooftop playground and creating a magical landscape to explore.

Chat Noir pounded on all fours across the sky track, darting and diving before turning to see his partner. There she was. As graceful as ever, she followed along like a professionally trained acrobat. Her skills displayed to the max as she swung above him. A tug at the side of his lips turned into a full smile as she landed in front of him—blowing him a kiss.

He took the challenge, matching her speed and basking in the joy of her giggles. A sound more appealing than anything except Emily's.

Emily.

He skidded to a halt. When was the last time he'd checked in with Alya or Nino? It must have been just when he arrived at the gala, which meant his phone was in his jacket pocket. Merde!

Ladybug looked over her shoulder, slowing down as she took in his statuesque figure. Throwing her yo-yo into the air, she came back, stopping just beside him. 'Is everything okay? We can go back? It was a silly idea of me to think about leaving. I wasn't thinking, actually, which seems to be the problem.'

Chat Noir watched her fumble her words, completely taking his sudden halt for something more than it was. God, he hated Johnny for everything he'd done to this woman, and silently vowed he was going to bring her back.

'No! No,' he repeated, the second time softer. 'I just thought of something, but it's okay. Let's keep moving.'

The doctor was right. He needed to do something for himself. They'd be away from the gala for an hour, tops, and then he'd be back. He'd call Alya or head straight home. But he could manage an hour. He needed to manage an hour, especially if he wanted to prove to Marinette he was worth it.

He led her through the quiet, snow-covered streets, the soft flakes drifting from the sky and gathering on the ground in a blanket of white. The festive glow of Christmas lights twinkled, windows casting a warm, golden hue on the otherwise snowy night. A distant hum of holiday music emanated from somewhere, and the air faintly held the scent of pine and cinnamon, while the season gently enveloped the surrounding world.

He stepped lightly through the snow, his breath coming in visible puffs in the chilly air, glancing over at Ladybug as the snowflakes danced around her in the soft light of the lampposts. She looked serene yet focused, her usually bright energy softened by the peacefulness of the night. Despite the underlying urgency, something about the quiet night calmed him, even as it deepened the intensity of the moment.

'We can talk safely here,' Chat Noir murmured, his voice low and comforting. They had arrived at Master Fu's parlour.

Ladybug stepped in, her boots tapping softly on the wood floor, the snow melting from her suit and hair. Her eyes scanned the room, appreciating the familiar warmth and comfort it always provided. Despite the pressing matters at hand, the warmth of the place, combined with the Christmas spirit that seemed to envelop everything, made her feel, for just a moment, like she was somewhere safe.

He closed the door behind them and looked at her with a soft smile, one that was filled with a tenderness. He called off his transformation, watching in awe as she followed his lead.

Once again, she stood in her red dress and a concerned look on her face.

On top of the dusty boxes lay Master Fu's precious gramophone, or at least a copy of it.

'I can't believe he had two of these. You'd think one would be enough,' Adrien tried to joke, avoiding the exact reason they were here.

He walked over to it, well aware Marinette had barely moved. His fingers brushed the dust from the record before he lifted it up.

'What do you think's on here?' Adrien asked curiously, spinning the disc around in between his hands. Bringing it in front of his face, he blew the dust away.

'Knowing Fu,' Marinette said with a husk. She coughed again, clearing her throat. 'Knowing Fu, it'll be some sort of hypnosis, or yoga audio.'

Adrien chuckled. 'I can imagine,' he said, his voice light as he placed the needle down on the record. He carefully lifted it from the deck and set the vinyl in place, adjusting the arm gently, making sure it wouldn't break. It must have been older than the kwamis themselves. But what came out of the speaker was something neither of them had expected.

'Plagg!' Adrien exclaimed, his eyes narrowing as the mischievous kwami floated by, looking completely guilt-free.

'Oh, come on. It's Christmas,' Plagg said, his voice dripping with playful nonchalance.

The crooning tones of Bing Crosby filled the room, the words softly playing out of the speaker: "I'll be home for Christmas. You can plan on me. Please have snow and mistletoe, and presents on the tree."

'I think he's trying to tell us something,' Marinette said, her voice warm with amusement. She stood nearby, holding Tikki in her palm, both of them smiling. Plagg wanted his girl back home, just as much as Adrien wanted his.

'There's only one thing to do,' he said, his voice low with a touch of humour, the glint of affection in his eyes.

'And that is...?'

With a soft laugh, Adrien turned to Marinette. Holding out his hand, he gave her a slight bow, a grin spreading across his face. 'Dance with me again, M'Lady.'

She slipped her hand into his, and instantly, the most wonderful feeling washed over him, a sense of warmth and familiarity that made everything else fade into the background. He pulled her gently into his chest, holding her there as if she was the missing piece of a puzzle he had spent years trying to complete. To have her cradled in his arms once again felt like a dream come true—a dream he'd almost forgotten how much he longed for.

Adrien breathed her in, the scent of her hair, the soft rhythm of her heartbeat beneath his own, and it was all so natural, so perfect as they swayed along to the music. He'd missed her more than words could say. He'd spent so long wondering if he had done the right thing, if he should have pursued her sooner. If only he had, this could have been their day-to-day life. Their every day could have been like this: together, with no barriers, no doubts, just the quiet comfort of being in each other's arms.

But that was then, and this moment was now. He wasn't letting it slip away.

He held her so delicately, letting her know he was here, he was present. She rested her head on his chest, his heart beating harshly, a heart which beat wholly for her.

He couldn't help but sigh, the weight of the question pressing on him. The moment felt fragile, like if he didn't say it now, he might lose his chance forever. He needed to start this conversation. He needed her to know.

'Do you ever regret it? Regret leaving?' His voice cracked slightly, betraying the vulnerability he hadn't let himself feel until now.

They continued swaying to the music, the soft melody wrapping around them like a blanket. His ears caught the lyrics of the song playing: Christmas Eve'll find me, where the love light gleams. I'll be home for Christmas, if only in my dreams. The words echoed in his chest, stirring emotions he hadn't let himself fully process until now.

'Regret leaving?' she repeated, her voice soft, her thoughts clearly weighing her words. His heart clenched as he awaited her response. 'Not at all.'

The words hit him like an icy wave, all the hope he'd been quietly nurturing fading, leaving an aching emptiness in its wake. His thoughts—his sure belief that she could come back to him—felt as though they were floating away like a snowflake on a breeze, lost.

But then she spoke again, and it felt like the world shifted. 'But I regret leaving you, every single day. I misjudged you... again. I made decisions for you... again. And it's only caused us both pain. I am so sorry, Adrien. I royally screwed up this time.'

The words hung in the air between them, and Adrien's heart skipped a beat, the weight of her apology settling over him, softening the hurt. She was here, saying what he'd needed to hear all along. The distance between them, the years of doubt and hurt, seemed to close in that single moment.

'I'm sorry too.' Adrien tightened his hold, pulling her impossibly closer. He needed to feel her, to know he had her this time. He closed his eyes, his head relaxing into hers, as it had done many times before. A stray tear weaved its way over his features before collecting at the hard angle of his jaw, a second and third following the newly constructed line effortlessly. Why was he crying?

'This is all my fault. You're in pain because of me. We should have spoken! Stupid miscommunication and hiding the truth.'

He looked down to see the same glaze over her eyes. She reached out and gently caressed the watery streak running down his face, a free fall of tears that seemed never ending. 'Tell me what I need to do, Adrien! Please! How do I make this right? How can I rewrite the past?'

Adrien sighed, his forehead resting gently against hers, the weight of their shared history settling in the space between them. 'You can't,' he whispered, his breath warm against her skin. 'We both know the past has to stay as it is. We can't change it.'

Her voice was small, fragile as she spoke. 'But I hurt you.'

He reached up, his fingers grazing over her cheek. The instant his touch made contact, her body tensed, a sharp, fleeting flinch before she softened, her breath evening out as she relaxed into him. His heart ached at the delicate vulnerability in that gesture, the trust that still existed between them despite everything.

'I'm not going to lie,' he murmured, his voice thick with emotion. 'It hurt like hell. Not the lies... I get that. I understand that. We were at a stalemate. But everything in my life changed when Emily was born. When she was young... I struggled. I didn't know what I was doing. I was snappy, sleep-deprived. I'm surprised anyone stayed around. I would have pushed you away or said something I regretted...'

Her gaze softened, and she whispered, 'But I would have been there for you. Us against the world.'

Adrien pulled back slightly, shaking his head, the weight of the past bearing down on him. Despite her words, he couldn't let go of the truth he had lived. 'My focus was on Emily, and no one else. It would have killed us in the long run. I was only eighteen, Marinette.'

She didn't miss the way his words faltered, the guilt still lingering like a shadow. 'Now, who's deciding for whom?' she teased, a soft smile playing on her lips, though there was a sadness beneath it that mirrored his own.

Adrien chuckled, but the sound was hollow, lacking any genuine humour. His eyes met hers, and the laughter died quickly in his throat. They had been through so much, and he couldn't help but wonder if they could ever navigate all the ways they had hurt each other.

'We suck,' she sniffled, and the sound made Adrien's heart twist. Her thumb traced the line of his cheekbone, a tender touch that seemed to be as much for her own comfort as for his. Then she caught a strand of his hair between her fingers, gently tracing its position before running her fingers across his eyebrow. A shiver ran down his spine, the sensation so familiar, yet new in a way he hadn't anticipated. This wasn't just a casual touch; every movement she made now felt deliberate, like she was mapping his very soul, finding pieces of him she had once lost and never wanted to forget.

'I really love your new hairstyle,' she murmured, her eyes soft, a glint of warmth behind her words.

His heart skipped a beat. This was the moment—the opportunity to say everything he had been keeping locked inside, everything he had wanted to tell her for so long. He swallowed the lump in his throat, his voice steady despite the whirlwind of emotions inside him.

He took her hand from his cheek, holding it gently but firmly, keeping his eyes locked on hers, as if he might lose his courage if he looked away.

'And I have, and always will, love you,' he said, his voice quiet but full of certainty. 'You asked me if I could love you again, and the truth is there's no again. I couldn't love you again, because I never fell out of love with you. That question is void; there is no "again," only "still."'

Everything seemed to stop at that moment. He watched as Marinette closed her eyes, the corners of her lips curling into a genuine smile. He was sure some uncertainty still lingered there, but her expression softened into something warm and real, something that made his heart tighten in his chest. The pull between them was undeniable. They were a duo-made for each other. It all suddenly became clear to him: with her was where he belonged.

'I'm sorry,' she whispered, her voice filled with regret as her eyes opened.

'No more,' he murmured, his hand instinctively lifting to touch her arm. 'Don't say it any more, please.'

But she was already pulling her hand from his, and before he could react, her fingers framed his face, tilting it gently to meet her gaze. The weight of her words, the emotion in her eyes, hit him harder than anything he'd felt before.

'There's one more thing I need to say...' She paused for a breath, her eyes locking onto his. He couldn't tell this was a tremendous step for her. After everything she'd been through, she was showing vulnerabilities, ones which had been taken advantage of in the past. But she didn't need to be scared of him. He would protect her until his last dying breath.

He didn't speak, instead he kept his eyes on hers, hoping she could read the love and devotion he had for her. His hands moved to her hips and cradled her. Not as a trap, but as an anchor to keep her grounded.

Her lip trembled slightly before she spoke. 'Adrien Agreste, my kitty, I love you.'

The world seemed to fade away, and for a split second, nothing existed outside of her words, her touch, and the intensity of the moment. That simple declaration, those three words, sparked something inside of him. The heat between them suddenly grew into something fiery, something all-consuming. His heart raced as their connection exploded. She didn't wait for him to say anything—didn't even give him a chance to process before she lifted herself onto her toes, closing the distance between them in a kiss that was pure, desperate need. It was a kiss of reunification, of everything they had been through, and everything they had fought for. A kiss of passion and love and desire.

When she pulled away, it was as though the surrounding air had become charged with electricity. He opened his eyes, his breath still coming in shallow gasps as he searched her face, as if he could find everything he had been feeling in her expression. And then he saw it—everything. Love, longing, desire, and something deeper.

Without a second thought, his hands tighten on her waist, pulling her closer before moving to the bare flesh on her back. She responded instinctively, wrapping her arms around his neck and lifting herself once more, pressing her lips to his. His hands tightened around her, one sliding into her hair, the other tracing the curve of her lower back. Her body felt perfect, every inch of her aligning with him in a way that was almost too much to bear. He felt her heat against him, her softness, her warmth—everything lost between them flooded back with every touch, every kiss..

His hands roamed over her body, finding the familiar curves, the softness he had longed for. She felt different, in the best way. Stronger, more certain, yet still the same Marinette he had always known. His fingers dug into her, pulling her even closer, wanting more of her, needing more.

She kissed him deeper, more urgently. When their lips met, it was like everything else fell away. The world, the past, all the doubts–they existed no more. For now, it was just the two of them, melding together, their souls finding each other in the kiss. There was something magical in the way they worked, something only they shared. Every kiss with her, whether as Adrien or Chat Noir, had always been like this–special, as though they were two halves of the same whole.

And this...this was something he could never let go of. Something he would never let slip away again. He was staking his claim. She was his.

Adrien's hands framed Marinette's face as their kiss deepened, his lips moving against hers with a desperation he could no longer contain. He pushed her back but firmly against the nearest wall, the cool surface a stark contrast to the fiery warmth between them. His fingers dug into her waist, anchoring her to him as though letting go wasn't an option. Her hands curled into the fabric of his shirt, pulling him closer, and he felt utterly consumed by her—by her touch, her scent, her taste.

It was as though he were drowning in her, this woman who had always been his dream, his Christmas wish. And now, in this quiet moment filled with swirling snow outside and soft music faintly carrying on the air, that wish was finally coming true. Marinette was his princess, and he knew without a doubt they would have their happily ever after.

The world outside barely existed. Nothing could pull him from the spell she had cast over him. At least, that's what he thought.

Suddenly, the door banged open, slamming against the wall with a resounding crack. A gust of icy wind burst into the room, cutting through the intimate warmth they had created.

Adrien instinctively turned toward the noise, his arms still protectively around Marinette, his body angled slightly in front of hers. She gripped his arm, her wide eyes flicking to the doorway.

Standing there, framed by the swirl of snow and the flickering light of the street lamps outside, was Félix. He held Adrien's coat in one hand, but his usual composure was nowhere to be found.

His face was pale, his features tense, and his eyes wide with worry. Félix never let emotions show unless they were deliberate—and this was anything but.

Adrien's heart stopped. There was only one thing that could shake Félix to the point of such raw vulnerability.

'Emily,' Félix said, his voice taut and trembling. 'It's Emily.'