Marinette's POV

"Chug! Chug!Chug!" Alya, Nino and I chanted. Adrien, bless his soul, was aggressively downing his fruit shoot as we all chanted like little kids.

The coronation party had started a little while ago and since then I'd been de-stressing with my closest friends.

After the whole emotional thing with Adrien, it's nice to ignore peasants and just unwind with ridiculous fruit shoot chugging competitions.

Back to that, Adrien's managed to finish the drink. It's impressive considering he drank it faster than me. I wrap my arms around him as praise.

"Do you wanna go and perform for everyone? I really wanna flaunt my superiority after that crushing defeat." I find myself whispering in his ear.

"As Ladybug and Chat Noir?" Adrien grins.

"You betcha!" I embrace his hand with mine and guide us towards the front of the large royal ballroom. Nino and Alya already distracted with each other.

Adrien and I whisper to each other quickly before we use the miraculous powers we have inside my earrings and his ring. Plagg and Tikki had invented them back in France, allowing performers who wear them to change their outfits instantly.

We quickly change our appearance to our most well-known outfits, tight body suits that embraced our animal names. A beat comes out of nowhere and we exchange glances as a crowd gathers.

I love him so much. His smile, his personality, his skills. I love performing with him.

Despite a lack of planning, we dance together perfectly. A ladybug and a black cat perfectly in time with the music.

I'd be lying if I said my heart wasn't raising.

Our feet glide over the floor and occasionally we make contact, powering the dance. It's a simple tango and yet I've never felt so content.

I don't need to stress about being a princess. I don't need to worry about my dad now. I don't need to fear being alone.

I have my Adrien and he has me, Princess Marinette and Ladybug. I should feel unsettled by the cheering crowd but I don't.

With Adrien, everything feels like home. His arms are home, France is home, the stage is home.

The castle is my home.

My friends are all happily cheering, I can spot a blurry Chloe screaming with excitement and after a twirl, I can see Nino and Alya holding hands and smiling at us. The rest of the class is happy, Miss B and all. Even James and his therapist are there grinning.

A bird squawks loudly but I'm too happy to notice.

This is home.

The music stops and Adrien's lips meet mine briefly, increasing the cheering. I smile despite being out of breath.

This is home.

The bullet goes straight through my head.

--------------------------------

Did you guys like the ending? I might rewrite it. It feels like I haven't finished all of it properly- like I'm missing something. Should I add anything? Any questions you guys have?

Any ideas?

Also very sorry everyone. This is late and short. Merry Christmas though!

510 words