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Marinette sighed at the state of her apartment. She’s been struggling a lot lately due to the cramped size, the leaky roof, the loud noises from the neighbors, and the flickering lights.
It was terrible and horribly overpriced.
The only upside and reason for her staying there was that her bedroom had a very accessible window which was enough for her to use and jump out of at a moment’s notice when she needed to be Ladybug. It opened to an alleyway with no other windows nearby which made it perfect to prevent prying eyes.
But she was frustrated. She wanted something bigger. Something better. A place where she can easily work for her commissions. A place she could move around her sewing equipment easily. Her friends insisted she change places. In the end… she never relented. She needed that window.
Besides, she could never truly room with anyone else while she was Ladybug. Alya was already rooming with Nino and she couldn’t intrude on what they have.
She was going to have to live with being alone for now.
***
Adrien Agreste on the other hand was feeling… lonely.
When he came of age he finally got to move out and found the best apartment he could get which suited his needs. Having the Agreste name opened a few doors to more exclusive places with decent prices. Money honestly wasn’t a problem so he just got what he felt would be a great place for not only himself but for any friends who wanted to come over.
He found himself a penthouse apartment with a 3 bedroom, 3 and half bathroom setup. Elevator services. Doorman. Gym facilities. Washer and Dryer included inside the apartment and an amazing kitchen.
Honestly, it was perfect for a small family but what really attracted his attention was that each of the rooms had balcony access with spectacular views. What was also great was that since he was in the penthouse suite, he was high enough that if for example… a certain feline superhero used said balcony to jump out of his apartment, prying eyes wouldn’t catch him. It was perfect.
And yet… he wished that he could share this lovely place with someone. He wanted a roommate. Unlike Ladybug who insisted on livingalone, he wasn’t worried and craved the company. He’d figure out leaving on a moment’s notice. But he couldn’t find anyone to share this place with.
However, there was someone he considered sharing his apartment with.
A certain young designer who seemed to be having apartment troubles. And right now, his best friend was trying to convince him to ask her.
“Come on, dude! Ask her already!”
Adrien scoffed.
“I-I can’t do that, Nino! It’s… kinda weird.”
“How is it weird?”
Adrien ran his fingers through his hair in frustration.
“It’s… It’s Marinette! She’s… She’s a girl and I’m a guy… and we’d be sharing this apartment alone and…Yeah!”
Nino smirked.
“If Marinette really was “just a friend” as you keep saying you do, then it wouldn’t be weird! Come on dude! Unless… you really don’t think of her as just a friend?”
Nino raised his eyebrows suggestively at him. All Adrien could do was blush.
He definitely couldn’t admit to Nino that he was 100% correct. He’d been crushing on Marinette hard for some time now. As they grew up together, Adrien saw how Marinette grew from the cute classmate who he always felt something special for to the woman who was definitely holding his heart.
This was why he couldn’t ask Marinette to live with him. It would be a disaster for his heart. He couldn’t ruin this. It took forever to get over Ladybug. He wasn’t going to mess up his chances with Marinette by suggesting they live together. He’d screw things up for sure!
“N-no! We’re just friends!” He insisted.
“Then do it! You’re the one who mentioned the idea! You’re the one who kept saying that Marinette’s apartment right now is awful and that you WISHED that someone would just stay in this huge apartment with you!”
Nino gestured to the room they were in. The living room of Adrien’s apartment. It was high ceiling, and the second floor had a view of it from the top of the stairs. It was honestly spectacular with plenty of sitting area for parties and recreation.
“I love to crash here from time to time in the afternoon, but I’m already living with Alya. You need someone! Marinette would be perfect.” Nino said.
Adrien couldn’t help but think how perfect it could be if it wasn’t for his crazy crush. Maybe it would be nice to hear her sweet laughter around this huge place. Her presence would make this place a cheerful home for sure and he’d love the company for his meals.
“I’ll… consider asking her.”
Nino smiled.
“Finally. Anyway, game night at Marinette’s tonight. Are you free?”
Adrien nodded.
“Yup. Freed my schedule this evening to make sure I wouldn’t miss it.”
Nino stood up and fist bumped his friend before exiting through the front door.
“See ya later bro!”
As the door closed, Adrien let out a breath he didn’t realize he was holding.
“Great… How am I going to ask Marinette?! This is going to be so awkward!”
When he told Nino he’d consider asking her, that definitely meant Nino would be expecting he would. Adrien couldn’t chicken out now. Nino would know that he failed to ask her. Now he had to figure out what to say.
****
A few hours later.
It was a long battle and Marinette was pretty much exhausted. The entire afternoon she was preparing for the game night she planned for her closest friends. It was supposed to be a fun evening with Alya, Nino, and Adrien. She was preparing all the snacks. Preparing all the games. It was going perfectly.
Until the akuma attack.
The fight took so long she had to feed Tikki twice. She was pretty sure she was out of sweets for Tikki and she had to get back home as soon as possible to make some more.
After chatting with the authorities for a little, her earrings beeped telling her she had to leave quickly.
She was feeling a bit off balance but she could see her room window in the distance.
“Almost there.”
After a good jump, she leapt for her window.
Only to start de-transforming mid-air.
“Oh no!”
Marinette yelped and reached out as far as she could.
“Ooof!”
Marinette was able to grab onto the ledge of her window. Her grip was holding tight to it. But her upper body strength was failing her to pull herself up through the window.
“T-Tikki!!!” Her kwami flew out and saw the predicament Marinette was in.
“Marinette! Oh no! You were too late! Quick! Where’re your cookies so you can transform back?”
Her kwami tried in vain to pull her up with her little hands. Marinette’s own arms started to burn from the pain of holding on. Her fingers felt like they were on fire.
She looked down and knew that if she fell, it would be over.
“Tikki! I’m sorry, I ran out! You gotta find some sweets quickly!”
Marinette was barely holding on. Tikki saw the direness of the situation. She probably had to “borrow” some sweets real quick from some other place.
“I’ll be right back! HOLD ON MARINETTE!”
Tikki swooped away, leaving her be.
Marinette decided to call for help.
“HEEELLLLPPPP! I’m slipping!”
Curse her private window. Curse this stupid apartment. She had a feeling no one would hear her.
And yet…
“MARINETTE!”
Just as she lost her grip… a hand reached out and grabbed her hand.
“A-Adrien?!”
****
A few minutes prior.
Adrien was exhausted. That akuma battle took way longer than he thought. Deciding to go visit Marientte early to ask her about moving in, he immediately transformed back to normal near her apartment.
He was already outside her door when he heard voices from within. It sounded like she was in trouble.
“Marinette?!” He called out from behind her apartment door.
Something was wrong.
“HEEELLLLPP! I’m slipping!” He heard Marinette say.
Adrien immediately acted. He tried opening the door and to his good fortune, she left it unlocked.
He looked around for her and saw the living room and kitchen empty. All that was left was her bedroom.
He quickly stepped in and found the source of the sound. It was coming from her window. For a moment, he could see Marinette’s hand gripping tightly on the edge of her window. What was she doing there?! And then… he saw her lose her grip.
“Noooooooooo!”
Adrien moved faster than he ever thought he could without the suit.
He reached out and miraculously, he caught her hand.
“A-Adrien?!”
“Marinette! JUST HANG ON! I GOT YOU! DON’T YOU LET GO!”
Marinette was still in a lot of danger. He was dangling quite far from her window, meaning he himself had a hard time trying to pull her up.
Marinette’s hand was quite slippery as well and the weight was burning his arm.
“I-I can explain—“
“It doesn’t matter! Just hold on tight, Marinette!”
“I-I’m trying! But my fingers are slipping!”
Adrien regretted not reaching for her wrist. That would have been a better hold.
“Marinette!”
Adrien tried using his other hand to pull her arm but it was in vain. He needed his other hand to hold himself back onto the window.
“Hold onto my arm with both hands! REACH FOR IT!” He shouted.
He can’t lose her. He knew the height was fatal.
Marinette looked pained and exhausted as she tried reaching for him. She tried harder with her other hand to reach but every time she moved, her grip loosened.
“I-I’m sorry. This is so stupid. It’s all my fault… I…”
Her fingers were slowly slipping from his grasp. His heart was beating mad with fear. Marinette noticed and for a moment, Adrien could see Marinette’s face come to a conclusion. She thought she wasn’t going to make it.
“A-Adrien… There’s something I’ve always wanted to tell you. I love—“
At that moment, Marinette’s fingers slipped from his grasp.
It felt like slow motion.
****
A few seconds prior, Marinette tried her best to use her other hand to reach for Adrien’s but every time she moved, she could feel her fingers slipping further.
What even happened? It was a miracle that Adrien was already here. Where was Tikki? She probably couldn’t find something sweet in time.
To think her last moments would be holding on for dear life with the person she loved the most in the world. Maybe this was her chance? Her one last chance to tell him.
“A-Adrien… There’s something I’ve always wanted to tell you. I love—“
And with that… her fingers slipped.
It was like slow motion. Her mind speeding through her memories. She remembered her parents. Her best friends. She remembered Chat Noir. She felt sorry for letting him down. Not saying goodbye. For letting Paris down. And lastly… Adrien. She remembered all the times with Adrien.
“Sorry Paris.”
“Sorry…. Adrien.”
Marinette could see Adrien’s pained look as she began to fall. But the most unexpected thing happened.
Adrien jumped after her.
The young man propelled himself right after as if to catch her.
And she heard him speak the most unexpected words.
“Plagg! Claws out!”
A few seconds later, she was safe on the ground in the arms of Chat Noir himself.
***
Marinette, who was still being held tight by Chat Noir, was brought back to her bedroom. Chat was unusually quiet. They jumped in through the window, and a flash of light later, he was back to Adrien.
Marinette was stunned.
So much happened so quickly. At the last minute, Adrien saved her. Chat saved her.
Adrien was her kitty all along.
The two of them were silent as they stared at each other. Marinette was the first to break the silence.
“Adrien… Thank—“
Marinette was cut off as Adrien held her tightly in his embrace. The young man tackled her in a hug which was almost like a vice grip, desperate to not let her go.
“A-Adrien?! W-what?” She was blushing madly.
“I almost lost you, Marinette. Oh God… I almost lost you forever.” Adrien began to sob.
Marinette nearly forgot her near death experience with the big revelation of who her partner was. But it was true… She almost didn’t make it.
“But… I didn’t. I’m right here. Thanks to you, Adrien.” She said in his arms.
“No… no… I… I almost couldn’t tell you.” He said. He shook his head while holding her tight.
“I almost missed my chance to tell you. Marinette… I love you.”
Marinette’s heart skipped a beat.
“W-what?”
“I love you, Marinette. I’m not going to hide it any longer. I’ve been in love with you for a while now but I was afraid… But today just proved I’m even more afraid of not telling you before it’s too late. I love you so damn much.”
Marinette was feeling dizzy. There was so much going on at the same time. And yet… her heart spoke right away with what she’d been wanting to say for so long as well.
“I love you too, Adrien. I love you so much.”
Marinette heard Adrien’s breath hitch. She still couldn’t see his expression because her face was still buried in his chest. Her arms were now, by reflex, holding him close to her as well. Like two puzzle pieces fitting perfectly. They were just meant to be.
“Do you really? I always thought…”
Marinette shook her head in his chest.
“No… It’s you… it’s always been you.”
Adrien finally let her go a little so they could look at each other. Both of them had tear stained eyes. Adrien was crying but he seemed so happy as he chuckled and smiled at her. His gaze filled with adoration. She was crying as well. But her heart felt so full of love.
Adrien began to lean his face closer to hers and she knew what he was asking.
They kissed.
It was a deep kiss filled with emotion. Filled with love and everything they felt for each other. Oh god… Marinette didn’t want it to ever end. His perfect lips felt amazing on hers. Her body felt on fire as they continued to kiss. Their arms holding on tight and exploring each other carefully.
After what felt like a moment of forever, they let go and Adrien smiled.
“I…I know I have a lot to explain… With what just happened. With… Chat… But, Marinette. There’s something way more important I have to ask you.”
“What is it, Adrien?”
“Marinette… move in with me.”
“What?!” That was definitely not what she expected him to ask.
“I mean it. Move in with me. I’ve been meaning to ask you for a while now. You already admitted it, Mari. You hate your apartment. It’s small. It’s loud. And most of all…”
Adrien looked to her window for a moment before looking back at her.
“It’s a hazard. You can’t make the excuse saying that the window is amazing. Live with me.”
“B-but… I…”
Adrien then held her hands comfortingly. His touch made her calm down instantly.
“If you’re looking for a room with nice windows, my rooms have floor to ceiling windows with stunning views of the city. It has a balcony too. The kitchen is great. The floors aren’t creaky and there aren’t any leaks or noisy neighbors. Stay with me… please.”
“But… I can’t afford the rent and I…”
Adrien cut her off again.
“Marinette. I don’t rent the apartment. I OWN the apartment. I won’t ask for any rent from you. You being with me is enough.”
“I-I can’t do that! That’s totally unfair. And I…”
Adrien stopped her again.
“How about whatever rent you’re comfortable paying for… we can use it for any basic needs we need for the apartment. Groceries? House necessities? And the like? I’m not forcing you… but it could be a trade off if you really insist. So… what do you say? Move in with me, Marinette.”
Marinette had been to Adrien’s place only once and she barely got a tour for it. But she knew it was spectacular. There really was no reason not to join him. The worries of being a superhero who needed a good window to jump out from was solved with his lovely penthouse. The worries of having a roommate who might figure out her secret identity wasn’t a problem, since her roommate was also her crime fighting partner.
And best of all… Adrien would be there. Adrien who she loved… so so much.
It was perfect.
“Yes… YES! I’d love to!”
And with that, Marinette jumped into his arms and kissed him once more.
****
Two Weeks Later
It was the late afternoon, but Marinette was in no rush to leave the comfy king sized bed she was lying in. Nor was she intending to escape the loving arms of the boy she loved who was holding her tightly in said bed.
Cuddling had become a frequent thing for the new couple.
Ever since two weeks ago, when Marinette finally left her awful apartment, she’d been sleeping alongside Adrien every night. She had a perfectly good room as promised in the same penthouse apartment… but she never ended up using it once.
Today however was the day she finally transferred everything she had left in her old apartment. She officially lived there with Adrien now.
And it was wonderful.
“You know… I haven’t once tried that bed of mine in my room, Adrien.”
Adrien flinched.
“O-Oh…. yeah. True… Do you want to stay in your bed tonight?” He asked. Marinette could of course sense the disappointment in his voice.
Her boyfriend was a clingy cat. Good thing she was just as clingy.
She giggled.
“I was just saying… I mean… I think I like this bed a lot better… with my cute boyfriend in it.”
Adrien chuckled.
“And I like having this gorgeous lady sleeping beside me every night. I’ve never slept better,” Adrien said.
The two of them continued to look at each other with loving gazes. She was with the boy of her dreams. He loved her back. He was her kitty. They were just meant to be.
“It just seems like a waste of space though. I mean… We already have one room as a makeshift office which we share between the both of us. Now we have another empty room again if I really do sleep here.”
Adrien shrugged.
“Think of it as preparing ahead of time. Who knows? We might have visitors? Your parents can stay over. Friends?… Maybe… way down the line… we’d have a little someone permanently taking that room.”
Marinette’s heart stopped momentarily. Was Adrien suggesting what she thought he was suggesting?
“Did you mean… children?” She asked with a little bit of excitement.
Adrien nodded.
“I want to have some eventually. How about… you?”
Marinette smiled and kissed him on the cheek.
“Yeah. One day. Not anytime soon. But definitely. When we’re ready.”
Marinette was delighted. To think they were on the same page already with kids.
But there was one thing she hadn’t shed light on. Something very important. Now was the time to tell him.
“Adrien…can I tell you something important?”
Adrien held her closer to him in the bed.
“Of course. What is it, Mari?”
Marinette took a breath before finally revealing what she’d been holding back for a while now.
“It’s me, Adrien.”
“What do you mean, it’s you?”
“I’m… your Lady.”
Adrien’s eyes widened for a moment to take in what she meant. But before he could say anything, Marinette decided to transform.
“Tikki, spots on.”
A flash of pink light later, Ladybug was now the one in bed with Adrien.
Ladybug turned her head away for a moment, being worried for his reaction.
“This was the reason why I was hanging from my window two weeks ago. I… I didn’t jump in time. And… I’m sorry I’ve been keeping it from you for the past two weeks when you already told me you were Chat since then. I… I wasn’t ready. I was scared this would change things for the worse in some way.”
Adrien was speechless.
“Adrien?... Is this… okay?”
Adrien slowly sat up from the bed and reached for his phone on his bedside table. He began calling a number without saying a word.
“Adrien?…Speak to me… please.” It was getting more painful by the moment. Why wasn’t he saying anything?
“Hello… Maurice?” Adrien said on the phone. “Yes. It’s Adrien. Remember that ring I mentioned some time ago. I think I need it a lot sooner than I thought.”
Ladybug stopped as she heard what Adrien said.
“Ring? What ring?” She asked.
Adrien finally smiled. His grin was wide and his eyes were filled with mischief.
“Why… your engagement ring, silly!”
Ladybug choked.
“W-what?! Engagement ring?” Ladybug turned a bright red.
“I need one of course so that I can propose to you properly!” Adrien said a matter of factly.
“B-but! Engaged?! Oh what…. I?!” Marinette was mumbling. What was going on?!
She quickly changed back to normal, and approached the boy. She stood in front of him.
“Adrien! Hold up! Y-you’re not upset?”
He looked shocked by her question.
“Upset?! I’m happy beyond words! Marinette Dupain-Cheng! MY GIRLFRIEND. Ladybug!!!” He said to her and kissed her deeply once more.
“MmmmM!!!” Marinette was taken by surprise but slowly settled into the kiss. After a while, Adrien let go leaving Marinette nearly breathless.
“I can’t stand it a moment longer. I want to marry you.” He said.
Marinette choked again. Her heart was beating like crazy.
“A-Adrien! Wait! This is all going so fast! We can’t get married yet!” She said, But she couldn’t help the huge smile on her face. Adrien wanted to marry her!
“Why not? We’re both 19? Are we not? We may be young but were both definitely more mature than others. I think we can handle it.”
Marinette shook her head and sighed.
“Oh, Adrien. We’re both still in university. We both don’t have stable jobs. Let’s wait a few years… and then you can ask me then. How’s that sound?”
Adrien definitely sounded a bit disheartened but he relented.
“Oh… alright. A few years! I’m going to blow you away with an out of this world proposal my lady!”
Adrien then held Marinette tight, lifting her up and spinning her in place.
“I’m looking forward to it, kitty.” The room was then filled with joy and laughter for the rest of the evening. The young couple showering each other with love and affection.
“I love you, Adrien.” She whispered.
“And I love you, Marinette.”
And so, the two superheroes continued to live together in that apartment for many lovely years.
The apartment became the new place for game night. Alya and Nino would frequent there often and they would have many wonderful events planned together. Holidays, Birthdays, and so on.
Marinette’s parents would visit sometimes as well, using the extra room every so often when they visited. Their company was always welcome.
With regards to proposing, Adrien indeed waited. Waited until Marinette finally graduated from school. The day after the ceremony, he proposed right away.
Marinette said yes of course.
A year after that, The apartment was owned by newlyweds, Mr. and Mrs. Agreste.
And nearly two years after that… that extra room Marinette was worried about? It got a new permanent resident.
Baby Emma Agreste.
The apartment became a loving home for a young family.