Marinette

Marinette felt utterly bewildered. One moment, Adrien had her pinned against the wall, kissing her in a way that felt like the best moment of her life, and the next, he was transforming and rushing out the door—his suit jacket hastily thrown over his super suit and phone in hand.

'He's going to regret that fashion choice in the morning.' Though she knew Félix was trying to make a joke, she couldn't help but feel responsible for Emily ending up in hospital. Without hesitation, Adrien had switched to guardian mode and just left.

'What's happened to Emily?' The thought of what might have happened sent an icy shiver down her spine. Standing in front of Félix, she could see the worry etched in his eyes. Without a word, he removed his own jacket and draped it over her shoulders, offering a quiet comfort in the midst of the chaos.

'I'm guessing Adrien's told you about her breathing? Well, she's been ill the last couple of days and her temperatures spiked. She had to go to the hospital to be monitored.'

She wrapped his jacket around her tighter, trying to hold back the tremor in her hands. 'He'd never said,' she murmured, her voice distant.

Before he could respond, the door creaked open again, the icy wind howling as another figure stepped inside.

Johnny.

Her blood ran cold at the sight of him. He strode into the room with the same smug arrogance he always carried, his dark eyes sweeping over the dimly lit space. His lip curled in disdain as he took in the surroundings. 'This is where you've been hiding? God, Marinette, this place is a dump. I can't believe you came all the way back to Paris for...this.' He waved a hand dismissively in the room, his tone dripping with condescension.

'Johnny,' Félix said sharply, stepping forward. His tone was now low and warning, his eyes narrowing as he placed himself between her and her abusive ex–because that's what he was, abusive. 'What are you doing here?'

Johnny ignored him, his gaze fixed on her. 'I'm here to remind you of your obligations,' he said coolly, his voice sending a shiver down Marinette's spine. 'You need to be on a plane back to New York, Monday. I don't think I need to explain what'll happen if you're not.'

Félix's posture straightened, his tone biting. 'She doesn't owe you anything, Monroe. You don't get to order her around.'

Johnny's smirk widened as he turned his attention to Félix, his expression smug. 'You don't know anything about this, do you?' His voice dropped lower, colder, as he addressed Félix. 'She's under contract. If she doesn't return. She'll be in breach. And trust me, Fathom, the fallout won't be pretty. She signed her name, and that means I own her until the contract is fulfilled. She's only been hanging around you and your pretty boy of a cousin to try, and make me jealous. But guess what, Mare, it hasn't worked, because I know you will always come running back to me.'

Marinette flinched at the words, but Félix stepped closer, his fists clenching at his sides. 'You can't just–'

'Save it.' Johnny cut him off, his tone dripping with fury. 'I'm not here to argue with you. I'm here to deliver a warning.' His eyes flickered back to her, his expression hard. 'You have until Monday, Marinette. Cut your ties here and be on that plane–with me.'

With that, he turned and walked out, leaving the door to bang shut behind him, the cold air lingering like his presence.

For a moment, the room was silent except for the faint howl of wind pushing through the windows. Félix turned to Marinette, his expression softening as he took in the stunned look on her face. 'What are you going to do?' he asked gently, his voice steady but concerned.

She didn't answer right away. Instead, she intensely studied the floor. Her voice was barely above a whisper when she finally spoke. 'I have to go back,' she said, the weight of her words heavy in the air. 'I don't have a choice. Johnny's right.'

He frowned, his brow furrowing as he stepped closer. 'You always have a choice, Marinette. Don't let him make you think otherwise.'

But she shook her head, her eyes glistening as she looked up at him. 'You don't understand,' she said softly. 'If I don't go back, I'll lose everything I've worked for. My designs, my reputation—it'll all be gone. And he'll make sure of it.'

His jaw tightened, his frustration evident, but he didn't push her further. Instead, he reached out and gently placed a hand on her shoulder. 'If you go back, you're playing his game. But if that's what you feel you need to do... just promise me you'll be careful. You can't let that dickhead control you. He's Scum of the Earth.'

She nodded, though her heart felt heavier than ever. 'I'll figure it out,' she said, though her voice wavered. 'I always do.'

But what did she do next? Adrien had gone and Johnny had left her feeling displaced and down. There was only Félix left with her. Something she would never have predicted happening.

'Now, what I want to know is why are you still here?'

She blinked, thrown off by Félix's sharp tone. 'What?'

He sighed, running a hand through his hair. 'Why aren't you bibbity-bobbity-booing and zipping off like Mary Poppins to Adrien and Emily?'

'I don't—' she stammered, the weight of everything hitting her all at once. Her voice trembled. 'This is my fault, isn't it? I've distracted him from Emily. He should have never left her. I shouldn't have been encouraging about the gala. If he hadn't come, this probably wouldn't have happened.'

Félix's eyes narrowed, and he stepped closer, his expression firm but calm. 'Don't do that. Don't twist this into something it's not.'

'But—'

'No.' He held up a hand to stop her. 'Listen to me. Adrien wasn't distracted. He made a choice. He chose to be here with you tonight. He wanted to be here with you tonight. He's been trying to balance everything — Emily, his feelings for you, his own life — for years. And trust me, he doesn't regret a single second of being here with you.'

'But if something happens—'

'Then it's not your fault,' he interrupted, his tone gentler now but still resolute. 'You didn't ask him to leave Emily. You didn't force him to come out here with you. Knowing my idiot of a cousin, he thought he was being romantic. And he'd hate hearing you blame yourself like this.'

Marinette swallowed hard, the tension in her chest easing slightly, though the guilt still gnawed at her. 'I should have stayed away. I should have—'

'Enough,' Félix said, his voice cutting through her self-doubt. 'You being here isn't some catastrophe, Marinette. It's exactly the opposite. You give Adrien something he's been missing for a long time — hope. Don't take that away from him by blaming yourself.'

She stared at him, her eyes glistening with unshed tears. 'But Emily—'

'She's what matters right now,' he said, nodding. 'And I guarantee Adrien knows that. He's probably already on his way back to her. But if you want to help, stop standing here and go find him. Be with him. Hold his hand in a way nobody has been able to for almost four years.'

His words sparked something in her, a flicker of determination pushing through the doubt. She straightened, the tears still threatening to fall but no longer holding her back.

Félix's sharp demeanour softened as he looked at her, his voice gentler than before. 'Adrien needs you there, Marinette. And more importantly, he'd want you there. You're his strength. You always have been. He's just so used to doing all this alone. Don't let him be alone anymore, please, he deserves more than that.'

She hesitated. The weight of Félix's words pressed against her chest, blending with the guilt and fear. She opened her mouth to respond, but a soft glow from her purse drew her attention.

'Marinette,' Tikki's small voice chimed, warm and reassuring. 'You need to transform. Adrien and Emily need you now.'

Her resolve hardened as she looked back to Félix, determination brightening her eyes. 'Thank you,' she breathed.

He nodded once, a flicker of understanding in his expression. 'Go. They're waiting for you. And don't forget, you two are stronger together.'

Without another word, Marinette stepped back, whispered, 'Tikki, spots on!' and transformed in a swirl of pink light. Ladybug leapt into the snowy night, her heart pounding as she raced through the city.

The hospital loomed quietly under the weight of the falling snow, the soft hum of streetlights casting a serene glow over the building. Ladybug de-transformed just outside the entrance, carefully tucking Tikki away before walking through the automatic doors.

She stepped into the hospital's main lobby, and the warmth greeted her, contrasting sharply with the chill of the snowy night outside. She pulled the coat tighter around her shoulders, but it did little to hide the grandeur of her attire. Her crimson ballgown trailed lightly behind her. The soft click of her heels echoed on the sterile tiled floor, a sharp contrast to the usual quiet shuffle of hospital visitors.

Heads turned almost immediately. Nurses paused mid-stride, their eyes widening in surprise at the sight of her elegant ensemble. Patients in the waiting area whispered among themselves, their curiosity palpable. A child tugged on his mother's sleeve, pointing at Marinette with wide-eyed wonder, as though she'd stepped out of a fairytale.

She kept her gaze forward, her cheeks flushing under the scrutiny. She wasn't used to being the centre of attention like this, especially not in a place where everyone's focus was typically elsewhere. The weight of their stares only added to the nervous flutter in her chest, but she forced herself to walk with purpose, her mind firmly set on Adrien and Emily.

As she passed the waiting area, a woman seated there tilted her head, a bemused smile tugging at her lips. 'You're a little overdressed for visiting hours,' she teased lightly, though there was no malice in her tone.

Marinette managed a polite smile in return but didn't stop. She didn't have time to explain. She didn't have time for anything except getting to Adrien.

Stepping up to the reception desk, she realised she had no idea what she was going to be asking for. 'I'm looking for Emily Agreste,' Marinette said.

'Which ward is she on?'

Marinette's expression must have told the receptionist all she needed to know. She took a deep breath and tapped around on her keyboard.

'Are you family?' The nurse said, glancing over the top of her glasses.

Marinette shook her head. 'No. Just a friend.' The words stabbed her in the heart. After all the years of hearing Adrien say it, she never thought she would be the one speaking those words out loud.

'Unfortunately, we can't give you a room number. You'll have to speak to a relative and see if they can give you access.'

Marinette turned away, hand going into her bag to grab her phone and message Adrien, when a familiar voice sounded behind her.

'She's with me.'

A quick glance over her shoulder was all she needed. The fiery red hair was a giveaway. Alya Cesaire stood by the desk with her arms folded.

She raised an eyebrow, her sharp eyes scanning Marinette from head to toe, taking in the ballgown and the oversized coat draped around her. 'Seriously, girl, a hospital is a bold choice for a runway debut. What are you even doing here?'

Marinette let out a shaky breath, trying to explain herself. 'I had to come. Adrien needs me. Emily needs me.' Her voice wavered slightly, and she gripped the edge of the coat tighter around her.

Alya's expression softened, the teasing glint in her eyes replaced with something warmer. 'He'll be glad to see you. But seriously...' She motioned toward the gown. 'The hospital staff probably think you're auditioning for a Christmas pageant.'

She let out a half-laugh, the tension in her shoulders loosening slightly. 'I didn't exactly have time to change.'

Alya's gaze grew serious, and she nodded toward the hallway. 'He's just down here.'

Marinette swallowed hard, guilt tugging at her. 'This is my fault. I—'

'Stop,' Alya interrupted, stepping closer and gripping Marinette's arm firmly but kindly. 'Don't even start with that. Adrien doesn't blame you, so don't go blaming yourself. If anyone's to blame, it's myself, Nino and Emily. We're the ones who forced him to go out tonight.' She paused, searching Marinette's face. 'What he needs right now is you. Got it?'

She nodded, her throat tight as she blinked back tears. 'Thank you, Alya. For being here for him when I wasn't.'

Alya stopped, quickly turning to her and wrapping her into a hug. 'Always. Now, go. He's in Room 207.'

Marinette smiled through the lump in her throat, her confidence bolstered by Alya's support. The softness in her friend's eyes had grown warmer, more understanding. Had Adrien mentioned Johnny to them? Did Alya have reason now not to hate her? As much as she would have loved the answers, now wasn't the time.

So instead, she straightened the coat, adjusted her gown as best she could, and headed toward the room.

The air inside the hospital felt cold against her skin, and the soft hum of fluorescent lights above added to the sterile, unnerving atmosphere. Still, there was a sense of calm that seemed to settle around her. She was about to face Adrien, and she was ready for whatever came next.

She pushed the door open, and as if sensing her presence, Adrien looked up. Exhaustion rimmed his green eyes, but the moment they met hers, something shifted. He looked back down for a second, his shoulders tensing, before glancing at her again. This time, he stood abruptly, rushing toward her.

She froze, panic flaring in her chest. Was he angry? Was he about to shout?

But as he stopped in front of her, she barely had time to react before he wrapped her in his arms, pulling her into a tight hug.

'I'm sorry,' he murmured into her hair, his voice thick with emotion. 'I shouldn't have left so quickly. I'm sorry.'

Her breath caught in her throat. Relief flooded her, followed by an overwhelming sense of love. She tilted her head back to look at him, her heart pounding at the raw emotion in his expression.

'Why are you apologising? You have nothing to be sorry for. You're just used to doing it alone.'

Without thinking, she leaned up and pressed her lips to his, the kiss full of everything she couldn't put into words. It was a promise, an apology, a declaration of her unwavering devotion.

When they broke apart, Marinette cupped his cheek, her voice trembling as she began, 'You don't have to anymore. I'm never leaving you again—'

But before she could finish, a small voice broke the moment.

'My Nettie,' Emily murmured, her voice faint but clear.

Adrien turned sharply toward the bed, his breath catching. Marinette followed his gaze, her heart sinking at the sight of the small child lying there defenseless. Emily's pale face was lit by the dim, sterile light of the hospital room, her tired eyes barely open.

Adrien was at her side in an instant, crouching down and gently taking her tiny hand in his. 'Hey, sweetheart,' he whispered, his voice thick with emotion.

Her lips curled into a soft, sleepy smile as her gaze drifted to Marinette. 'She came,' she whispered, her words a little slurred. 'The princess came to save us.'

Marinette's chest tightened as her breath hitched. Adrien's hand on Emily's trembled slightly. He looked back at Marinette, his green eyes filled with a mixture of love, guilt, and something Marinette couldn't quite place—hope.

He leaned in closer, smoothing Emily's hair away from her face. 'She did'.

Emily gave a tiny nod, her eyelids fluttering. 'Like in the stories... with happy endings,' she murmured, her voice growing softer with each word.

Adrien pressed his lips to Emily's forehead. Marinette stepped forward, her heart aching at the sight of Adrien's vulnerability. She crouched beside him, resting her hand lightly on his shoulder. Her eyes met Emily's, and she gave her the warmest smile she could muster. 'I'll always be here,' she whispered.

Emily's smile widened, though her eyes fluttered closed. 'Best Christmas ever,' she murmured. Her voice faded as sleep claimed her once again.

Adrien sat back on his heels, exhaling shakily. He didn't look at her right away, his gaze fixed on Emily's peaceful face. But when he finally turned, the raw emotion in his eyes made her breath catch.

'She's been through so much,' he said, his voice barely above a whisper. 'And yet, she still finds hope, still believes in... us.'

Marinette cupped his cheek, gently brushing away the tear that slid down his face. 'That's because she has you,' she said firmly. 'And now she has me too. We'll make sure her wish comes true, Adrien. Together. The way it should be.'

Adrien covered her hand with his, leaning into her touch. For a moment, the weight of the world seemed to lift, replaced by something stronger—hope.

If only it were that simple.