The lights dimmed and the white fluorescent stage was all Marinette could see. Her heart pounded in her chest and she gripped Alya's hand tightly. The red-head laughed. "Excited girl?"

"You have no idea," breathed Marinette, smiling brightly.

She could practically picture the designs, each hand stitched by the one and only Jean-Paul. His latest collection had been attributed to the akumas Ladybug and Chat Noir would fight in hopes of having both superheroes return to the public eye after so many years.

The prospect made Marinette even more nervous. It'd been years since she last saw her beloved partner and each passing month only made her hatred for him grow stronger. She'd tried to fight it in the beginning, but his disappearance paired with Adrien moving was too much to bear. She needed someone –anyone who'd possibly understand.

But Chat Noir was long gone and despite the hope budding inside her, she wasn't sure whether she was ready to see him again.

Music bellowed from the speakers in tune with the lasted song by XY and Marinette was enthralled as the models walked onstage. Their steps were flawless with shades of colors that matched their skin tones perfectly.

She wanted to admire them, to take notes and enjoy the show like Alya was, taking pictures to post for her latest article on the Ladyblog, but she couldn't. Memories flooded back to her, swallowing her until she was trapped in visions of the past.

All those fleeting moments with Chat Noir, the innocent flirting, the way he held her, the way he sacrificed himself for her and the way he –

Marinette turned her head away from the stage and whispered loudly, "I need some air." Alya looked confused, but Marinette had already made up her mind. Standing from her seat, she hurried away from the seated audience towards the nearest door and ran outside until her eyes fell on the stars.

Breathing heavily, Marinette brought her hands to her chest and tried to numb the dull ache that was surging through her. The cold air against her flushed skin did little to bring her out of her pained fantasies, of a simpler time with a cat who loved a ladybug.

He didn't love her though, he couldn't have. Not after what he did to her –how he hurt her.

"Marinette!" called Alya. She turned her head back to see Alya rushing out the glass doors toward her, her orange dress trailing on the pavement behind her. "Are you okay?" she asked frantically, "You look exhausted."

She did her best to smile, but the muscles in her face were too weak. "I'm fine. You should go back inside to take more pictures. I don't want you to miss out on anything."

"But I'm not," she replied, "I asked Alice to take pictures for me. As an assistant it's about time she pulled her weight around." Alya laughed halfheartedly but when she saw Marinette wasn't joining in she stopped.

She fiddled with her glasses, clearing her throat and placed her hand on Marinette's shoulder. "Are you really okay with being here? I know you said you'd love to come, it's just that I know it must be hard...with everything that happened."

Marinette laughed bitterly, "You mean dropping out of high school." She shook her head and sighed, "I thought I'd be used to it by now, but it's just that..." Her voice trailed off as she took one long look at the building.

Everyone always told her she was talented, that she had something special no other designer had. Even Adrien had believed in her. How disappointed he must be.

I really hope I get to model your designs one day.

She shouldn't care though. He hadn't called in the beginning like he'd promised instead choosing to ignore all their messages, phone calls and voicemails like they were his fans instead of his best friends. She'd waited those first few months, but after a year had passed she knew he'd forgotten them.

How could he not with all he had to deal with, a super villain for a father. The same super villain she and Chat Noir thought would kill them.

"It must be painful to give up on your dreams," said Alya, "but no one blames you for what you did. We understand. Besides if you need an extra hand I already told you I don't mind. Remember the times I used to come by and help you with Manon? I'm an expert."

"Well you did have two little Sapotis to look after." Alya rolled her eyes and Marinette couldn't help but laugh at her reaction. It was strange to see how much time had passed when everything felt like it only happened yesterday.

"I'm really glad you came through. This fashion show wouldn't be nearly as fun without you and you can tell Hugo all about it tomorrow morning," said Alya.

Marinette sighed, "Knowing him he's probably staying up late waiting for me to come home. He hardly ever sleeps and yet he still has so much energy."

"Well you do live in a bakery," replied Alya, smirking slightly. "Could be sugar rush. Your dad's a real softy when he wants to be and Hugo has the biggest and cutest green eyes. Definitely gonna be a heart-breaker."

Just like his father.

Marinette tried to push back the thought and focused instead on the music blaring from the building. Flashing lights swayed in the front with brilliant blue and neon pink hues. The photographers were waiting on the other side of the building, kept out by hired security to make sure only those invited could step onto the premises.

Even in the garden around them the security watched the shrubbery suspiciously, searching in the dark for anyone who might be brave or stupid enough to try and take an unauthorized picture.

"Is he having nightmares again?" asked Alya.

Marinette sighed, "Yeah and I don't have any idea on how to help with them. I've tried everything in the handbooks, magazines, articles, newspapers, blogs and whatever else I can find. I'm not even sure why he has them. I don't have a clue on what I'm doing."

Alya sent her a sympathetic smile. "Give it time, Marinette. He'll grow out of them eventually. As long as he knows you're there for him, he'll be fine."

"I just wish...I just wish I could be a better mother to him," she said. "You should see his drawings, he's a real artist and he's supposed to be starting school next year. I just –I just don't know how I'm going to support him. The apartment is already costing a fortune and despite what my parents say I can't force him onto them. He's my responsibility."

"Marinette, you're overthinking it. Look," she pulled Marinette close and turned her so she was facing the glass doors of the building. "You hear that? That's music, and inside that building are over a dozen of hot dresses that'll make the girls who check out my blog scream. And you, my friend, get to see them in person. How awesome is that?"

"Alya –,"

The red-head ignored her. "So you know what we're gonna do? We're gonna go inside, have a great time hopefully have an interview with the designer and no worry about tomorrow. Sound good?"

Marinette sighed, "Sure, why not?"

"Perfect!" Alya walked in front of Marinette, pulling her gently along. "And hey, if we're lucky we'll even get to see Ladybug and Chat Noir, the heroes of Paris! How cool would that be?"

"Awesome," mumbled Marinette, trying desperately to keep her eyes from wandering around the exterior, "Totally awesome."

Alya guided them back to their seats, turning quickly to ask if Alice took the pictures she asked for. Appearing satisfied, Alya leaned back into her seat and pointed out the details to Marinette. They'd missed about seven of the styled outfits, but Alya promised that Marinette would be the first to see the pictures before she uploaded them.

After about an hour or so, the fashion show ended and Jean-Paul walked onstage. His outfit was neat, cuffs folded back and his head slicked back. He was confident as he walked, aware that everyone in the audience was left in awe of the spectacle –of his work and pure talent.

Marinette wondered what it would feel like, to gain praise from adoring fans that'd fall just as madly in love with her old sketches and pink designs. Would they adore her like they adored him? Like they adored Ladybug?

"Don't worry about tomorrow, Marinette," whispered Alya, "You're gonna get through this. You're brilliant, considerate, talented and not to mention completely kick-ass. Even Nino agrees."

Marinette scoffed and turned towards her, "He totally did not."

"What? Of course he did!" hissed Alya, "But most importantly, you're a great mother and there's nothing on this world that you could've done better. Hugo loves you and...and you're not alone. You never were."

Marinette's eyes widened, stung but the tears forming in her eyes. "Y –You really mean that?"

Alya's smile softened, "Every word."

"Ladies and gentleman," began Jean-Paul, "I'd personally like to thank everyone who managed to come to the opening of my new collection Papillion's Revenge. I'd also like to thank Ladybug and Chat Noir personally for all they've done for the good of Paris."

People looked around anxiously for any sign of movement that symbolized the return of their favorite superhero duo. Marinette squirmed in her seat and as the seconds ticked by her anxiety slowly faded into disappointment.

Of course he wouldn't show. He was gone.

And he wasn't coming back.

"Paris would not be the safe haven it is now if not for them," added Jean –Paul, "so, without further ado, I and all of Paris wish you the best for years to come!" The crowd was equally anguished by Ladybug and Chat Noir failing to appear, but they clapped nevertheless.

Marinette felt cold then, rage and abandonment boiling from within the pit of her stomach and freezing her heart over in what felt like a fresh layer of ice. It was time to give up. It was time to let it go.

"I was really hoping they'd show," mumbled Alya.

"Yeah," said Marinette, "Me too."

I know I said I'd update on Friday and don't worry I still have another chapter saved for this week, but I really wanted to upload this one to thank you all for the 100 reads on this fanfiction. I really do appreciate your support so please don't forget to vote or comment if you liked this chapter. The next one is just around the corner.