Ladybug lay on the bed as she sighed wearily. A headache raged just behind her temples but her body seemed too tired to muster up a groan. Every part of her ached, a slow, dull sensation as if she had just been clobbered by a hammer. 

She supposed, in a way, she just had been. 

Despite the pain and the fire that seemed to lace its way through her muscles and up her limbs, Ladybug had never felt more relieved in her life. She and Chat did it. They had defeated Hawkmoth. It was all the nurses and doctors could talk about as they kept her stable. Of course, they also talked about the reveal, the scandal. 

Poor Adrien, Ladybug thought sadly, her hands closing into fists, scrunching up the crisp, white sheets of the hospital. She couldn't imagine what it was like, fighting for his life, for the lives of Paris, realizing that his father was his greatest enemy, Ladybug wasn't sure if she should be worried or relieved that the news hadn't yet crushed him. 

The door creaked open and someone stepped through the crack soundlessly. Ladybug turned, wincing as sparks tore through her neck and shot fire down her spine. "Chat," she breathed as he approached her, his face mournful. 

Not just Chat, Ladybug thought. Adrien too. 

He stood over her, his emerald eyes filled with so much grief she worried he would drown. "Ladybug..." he whispered, his voice hoarse. The mask could not hide his exhaustion, and even now, he was swaying. 

"Chat—" He cut her off.

"I'm so sorry, m'lady," he cried, a sob tearing at his throat. He collasped onto the rickety plastic chair that was on her bedside, his hands clasped around hers as he pressed a kiss into her knuckles. "I couldn't—I couldn't protect you." 

He was truly crying now, tears that glistened like diamonds tracing their way down his cheeks. Ladybug's heart lurched as if someone was trying to wretch it out of her chest. She had never seen Chat look so defeated. 

Ladybug reached over, as much as her injuries allowed, and ran her hand through Chat's hair, like she had so many times before. "Don't apologize Kitty," she whispered. "I'm safe now. You have nothing to be sorry for." 

"Hawkmoth," his voice was strangled as if someone had twisted up his vocal cords. "He's...He's..."

"Shhh," Ladybug whispered. "I know. I know. It's okay. You did amazing, even if it was without me." Luckily, she could still wink, and she shot one at her Chat in an effort to cheer him up. 

It worked, and a small smile crept onto his face. His hand slipped into his pocket and Ladybug's breath caught in her throat. The butterfly miraculous. "You should keep it safe," Chat said. "You are the guardian, after all." 

Ladybug smiled. "You keep it for now," she said. "Until I'm healed. The doctor said I mostly have broken bones and internal bleeding, but for now, the danger has passed." 

"Do you what we'll do?" Chat murmured, seemingly lost in thought. "After you're healed enough, we'll go to the countryside. My family has a property there. We can stay there for a couple of weeks while Paris is rebuilding. The school was destroyed so I doubt we'll have any assignments for a while." He gave her a startled look, "that is, if you're willing." 

"Nothing would make me happier," Ladybug gazed at him. "But what about my family? Alya? Nino?" 

"They think you're safe," Chat consoled her. "They called and I told them that we're at that property." 

Ladybug seemed to sag with relief. "That's good to hear," she said. "A long needed break." 

Chat's hands curled around hers. "The universe knows we need it."