"Adrien Agreste."

Adrien's smile radiated as he stepped on stage. His deep purple gown glittered in the sunlight. It was a beautiful day, the perfect day for a graduation ceremony. He eagerly shook Mr Damocles' hand and took his diploma from him, pausing promptly for a picture. Adrien took a second to look over the sea of students in front of him. How quickly time has passed. A few years ago he never thought he'd go to school at all, now he was holding his diploma in his hands. He was beyond grateful.

Someone caught his eye. Her hand was waving enthusiastically in the air at him.

"Woo!" Marinette cheered.

Adrien smiled even more for her, then looked at Alya, Nino and Chloe. Alya had a smirk on her face. Nino, a true best friend, was on his feet, hollering. Chloe was also waving, but in a polite manner.

As he stepped off stage, Chloe mouthed to him tonight.

Adrien knew exactly what she was talking about and he couldn't wait.

As soon as the ceremony ended, hugs filed everywhere. And Adrien gave his first hug to Marinette. Wrapping his arms around her was always an amazing feeling.

"Happy one year closer to taxes!" She laughed.

"I thought we were saving that line for my birthday." Adrien said, smiling.

"No," Marinette protested, "taxes start the day of your birthday."

Adrien pulled back a little and nudged his nose against hers. "Well then, that works for you too... We're gonna grow old together..."

"Nah-ah." Alya cut in, wagging her finger in Adrien's face, "Not until you prove yourself worthy of my child over here."

"Alya!" Marinette wined, then laughed, enveloping her best friend in a hug, "I love you."

"I love you." Alya whispered back.

Nino gave Adrien a friendly smack on the back. "Nice speech, dude. I think I shed one single tear."

Adrien gave him a hug. "Thank you." Then he spotted Chloe in the crowd, waving goodbye at Sabrina, "Hey Chlo!"

She squeezed her way towards them.

"That is a lot of flower bouquets." Marinette laughed.

"That's because I'm handing them out." Chloe struggled a little but managed to hand each of them a small bouquet.

"Aw, Chloe, thanks." Nino gave her a hug from the side, careful not to squish the flowers she was holding against her chest.

In just seconds the best friends ended up in a giant group hug.

"Kids!" Nathalie shouted over the loud chattering.

She eagerly gave Adrien a hug, announcing that she was proud of him. Since Gabriel's arrest, Nathalie slowly found her place in Adrien's life. She had loosened up, and recognized Adrien's capability to make his own decisions. She never thought she'd say this, but she was glad Hawkmoth was defeated by Ladybug and Cat Noir, whoever they are. However, she was still too protective to let Adrien go anywhere far without his bodyguard.

"Auntie Nathalie," Chloe touched her shoulder, "Do you mind giving me a ride home?"

Nathalie tapped her finger on her chin, "I don't see why not. If you need to, I can also drive you all to the bakery when your sleepover starts."

Chloe clapped. "Perfect. Thank you."

"I need a photo with Ms Bustier." Alya grabbed hold of Nino, then turned to Marinette, Chloe and Adrien, "You coming?"

"We already took pictures with all the teachers. Besides, I'm sure my parents are around here somewhere." Marinette replied.

"Okay, then we'll see you all at seven!" Nino shouted as his girlfriend dragged him away.

"Do you see her?" Alya asked after ten minutes of roaming the school, scanning their surroundings.

Seeing how frantic she was, Nino gave her a featherlight kiss on the forehead and squeezed her hand, "Don't worry, Alya. She wouldn't leave this early."

Alya looked up at him lovingly and nuzzled her head at his neck. "Where do you want to go before we head over to Marinette's?"

"Anywhere with you." Nino whispered, grinning.

Meanwhile, Marinette and Adrien have made it back to the bakery with her parents, who couldn't stop congratulating both of them. Their enthusiasm has never failed to make Adrien smile. How lucky he was to have a second family like Marinette's. After successfully shooing off her parents, Marinette lead Adrien up to her room. He took off his graduation cap and gown and draped it over a nearby chair. Adrien has been over so many times that he had his own personal green bean bag in a corner, which felt awfully out of place in the pinkish room. Some of his stuff was also scattered around the room, making it seem like he was home. This was also his place.

Which made him feel a little better as he thought about what he had promised himself he'd do that day.

"What're you up to?" Marinette asked as she watched him pull up a seat at her desk.

"Nathalie said she's visiting Father later today." Adrien smiled sadly at her, "You know, cause he missed my graduation."

Marinette leaned against the desk, looking a touch surprised. "And you're going?"

Adrien thought for a moment, then shook his blonde head. "I still don't think I'm ready."

"No one expects you to be." Marinette shrugged.

"But I still feel like I should at least write him something." Adrien looked up at her, as if asking for her approval.

Marinette smiled. "Sounds great. As long as you want to do it." She pulled open the drawer and fetched a piece of paper, along with a pen. Adrien gladly accepted them.

"I'm so incredibly proud of you, Adrien." She pecked his cheek, then headed to the trapdoor leading downstairs, "I'll give you some space. Papa and mama might need help with whatever they're making for the sleepover tonight anyways. Good luck!"

Adrien's smile lingered and he had to wait till it wore off to start his "serious" letter. The pen hovered over the paper. Adrien hesitated. What was the best way to start?

He leaned back and twirled the chair around, looking around the room as if something would pop out and tell him the words.

His gaze settled on the note board hung above Marinette's bed. Suddenly drawn to it, he climbed up onto the soft mattress to get a closer look. It was not the first time he saw it.

There were pictures of Marinette, Nino, Alya, Chloe, the class, Marinette's family, and himself, decorated with different sizes and shades of hearts and patterns. Adrien remembered it being filled with pictures from his photoshoots and magazines. They were so professional and formal, he had secretly hated it. Marinette noticed, and almost immediately switched those out, replacing them with authentic ones, with the addition of the other people she loves in her life. Adrien ran his fingers over the photo of him holding Marinette. His arms were completely wrapped around her, his head rested on top of hers. They were laughing at their snow-covered selves. Adrien loved the smiles on their faces, bringing back the feeling of loving her, warm and sweet.

He looked over to the other pictures pinned and was once again reminded of the people who genuinely loved him down to the core. Nino, who had thrown himself at Adrien, expecting his best friend to catch him in the air. His best friend, failing miserably, watched as Nino fell to the ground. Adrien laughed as hard as he had in the photo.

Another photo drawn him in. The one with all five of them, the secret superheroes of Paris, in the bakery. Chloe, who wouldn't survive without a hairdryer, was covered completely with flour. She had her hands stretched playfully towards Nino, who was trying to run away from her. Alya was just taking the cookies out from the oven, hair a mess, while Marinette and Adrien were decorating macaroons. No one at school expected the five of them to become such best friends over what seemed like a day.

Suddenly, Adrien climbed down and jumped back into the chair. He was reminded of how important it was to be honest and stay true to himself. His friends loved him for him, not for how he's represented. There are no rules on how to write this letter. He could write whatever he wanted, as long as he was true to his words.

___________________

Writing this chapter made ME emotional. It's truly beautiful when you're reminded of how far of a journey it has been. Much love. The book is coming to a close soon. How do you like it so far?

Bug out!