Work Text:
"Second Chance!"
"Could we not watch a romance movie?" Adrien whined as Marinette held up the movies she had brought over.
Marinette pouted. "But it's Valentine's Day!"
"I know, but it doesn't have to be so cheesy. We already spent most of the day being cheesy: love letters, chocolate, being in bed. If it gets any more cheesy, Plagg's gonna wanna eat it!" Luka laughed as Marinette rolled her eyes. "Back me up, Luka."
Luka, who had been pulling down Adrien's movable TV, nodded. "He's right, babe."
Marinette huffed but put the movies away before carefully lying on the bed to cuddle with Adrien. He kissed her forehead. "Okay. So no romantic movies. What should we do then?" She lightly poked Adrien in his side. "You choose since you shot down my plans."
Adrien frowned, deep in thought. "I think... I wanna go out." Out of the corner of his eye, he saw Luka freeze before he continued. "Not to like a club or anything, just... out where the fresh air is."
"Do you think that's a good idea?"
"Absolutely. I haven't left this house in such a long time and I'm tired of these four walls, as nice as they've been to stare at with you two." Luka and Marinette shared a look that Adrien caught. "You guys don't have to worry. I've snuck out this room countless times, right Plagg?"
Plagg quietly floated away from the sock he'd be nestled in on the floor. "Yeah, kid. If sneaking out was a sport, you'd medal."
"See?"
Marinette set up and nodded. "Okay, but you don't have to sneak out. We'll just use Kaalki so we won't have problems." Thinking, she tapped her chin. "I'll go... get some stuff ready to make it special. It's not everyday someone gets to celebrate 8 years of being with the most amazing guys." Adrien grinned as she leaned back over to give him a quick kiss before moving to Luka to do the same.
Reaching into the bag where she kept the miraculous, she pulled out a pair of shades and transformed. "Voyage!" A portal appeared. "I'll be back in a little bit!" She stepped into the portal and then Luka and Adrien were alone.
"She really wants this to be perfect, huh?"
Luka made his way over to Adrien. "You know our Lovebug: always the overachiever." Adrien laughed as Luka leaned in for a kiss. "She's gonna make it super romantic now that you said no to the movie."
"I don't mind as long as I get out of this room. It feels like I've been trapped here forever instead of a few months!"
Luka gave him a soft smile. "I feel you. This room kinda stifles your music, just like when we were kids."
Adrien rolled his eyes. "But?"
"But your dad is just trying his best to protect you."
Adrien couldn't help but roll his eyes again. "I know. Things seem bad but I'm 24. He can't stop bad things from happening just by sheer force of will. We all know that by now."
Luka's eyes softened. "You're right."
"Love to hear it." Adrien's eyes took on a flirty look and he winked at Luka. "Wanna shower together?"
By the time they were cleaned and redressed, Marinette was walking back through the portal. She smiled when she saw them.
"I see my boys are ready for the most romantic Valentine's Day date ever."
Adrien smiled and kissed her deeply. "Yes."
They walked through the portal and onto the roof of Marinette's parents' bakery. It had been so long since either of the guys had been there and Marinette had worked some magic. The roof was transformed into a soft, dimly lit place. Lit candles circled the railing, a couple of blankets laid carefully on the ground with flower petals decorating them, a plate of baked goods and chocolate sat to the side alongside a bottle of wine with three wine glasses.
Adrien's eyes watered. "This is amazing, Bugaboo. You didn't have to-"
Marinette shook her head and wrapped her arms around his waist. "Nothing is too good for my sun and moon."
They settled down on the blankets and sipped wine as they enjoyed the warm Paris night, sharing kisses and memories in the candlelight. As she watched Luka and Adrien get into a silly argument before kissing again, Marinette felt her breath catch in her throat as it had a few times, but managed to hold it back.
She wouldn't cry.
She couldn't.
If she cried, she would ruin the whole night and that wouldn't be fair. This was a special and important night for them and she wouldn't mess it up with her tears. So she sucked it up and smiled at her men.
"Feel like doing anything else now?"
Luka ran his fingers through her hair and she felt a wave of comfort settle over her. "Hmm. I don't know. I'm down for anything as long as it's with the two of you. What about you, Adrien?"
Adrien, who had been dozing off in their snuggle as Luka's fingers scratched his head, yawned. "Let's go for a run."
"Are you sure? You seem tired?"
"I'm sure. Suiting up always gives me a burst of energy and it's been a while since we've ran across the rooftops, right Milady?"
Her eyes glittered in the candle light as she nodded. "Right, my Kitty."
"Then let's do it. Plagg, claws out!"
"Tikki, spots on!"
"Sass, scales, slither!"
Before long, the three heroes were running and flipping between buildings as the rest of the night blurred around them. Adrien had been right: it had been so long. Running like this always felt so good and freeing, especially since Hawkmoth's defeat almost six years ago. Seeing Paris the way only they could see, always was exhilarating and she missed it. They couldn't really do it that often anymore because-
"Woah!" Ladybug's head snapped to attention as Chat Noir slipped and nearly fell off a roof but was caught around the waist by Viperion. Swinging over to them, Ladybug put her hand on Chat's shoulder as he put his hands on his knees and took a breath. "You okay?"
"Yeah, just out of practice." He laughed. "And I guess I am still a little tired, even with the suit."
Ladybug looked at Viperion and saw her worry reflected back at her. "Maybe we should head-"
"Not yet." He said as he stood straight. "I want to go to the top of the tower. It is one of the most romantic things to do on Valentine's Day." Before anyone could say a word, he took off. Sighing, they followed.
By the time they caught up, he was already at the top, surveying all of Paris. "This city is so beautiful." He breathed.
Viperion wrapped his arms around him and kissed his neck. "It sure is. Especially when I'm here with the guy and girl of my dreams: my Sun and my Melody." He glanced back at her and Ladybug's eyes watered as she joined them at the edge, admiring all the shining lights. There was silence as they all stared out at the city that they'd grown up, fought to protect, and fallen in love in.
"I love you." Ladybug looked up to see her guys locked in a kiss. Chat pulled away and kissed her next. "I love you. I love you both so much."
"We love you too, more than anything." As they parted, she could see the fatigue in his eyes and her worries grew. "Let's head back now."
"Okay."
As soon as their feet hit the roof, they detransformed and Adrien nearly collapsed on the blanket, only held up by Luka's arms.
"Oof."
As Luka carefully sat him down, Marinette's fury grew. "Why did you do that?"
Luka looked from Adrien to her and sighed. "Mari-"
"Why did you push yourself so hard?! When we know- when you know-"
"It's okay, Mari."
At his quiet voice, she deflated. "What?"
"I said it's okay."
"How is it okay? You could've hurt yourself!"
"I found this." Reaching into his pocket, he pulled out a small piece of paper. Marinette recognized it instantly but her hands still shook as she reached for it.
Today's the day.
The tears she'd been holding back overflowed and she fell into Adrien's waiting arms before they were both surrounded by Luka's arms.
"Adrien." She sobbed.
"We knew it was coming. We've all known for a while. And if today is the day, then I want to give it my all and make it memorable. I don't want to spend our last Valentine's Day- our last day together- holding back and not doing everything I want with you both. I'd regret it. And I don't want to die with any regrets."
She could feel Luka's shaking as he started crying as well.
It had been three months ago that their world had shattered.
Everything had been going great. They had been living together in a flat purchased with their combined savings- Marinette made less than them but how could she compete with an international supermodel and a rock star? They were all so happily in love and thriving in their own lives and careers and together. The only thing that made everything truly spectacular was the night of their 8th anniversary, Luka proposed to them. Needless to say, there were yeses and late night celebrations heard all night. It was glorious and they were on cloud nine for weeks... until things started not to feel right.
Adrien started feeling tired all the time. He was nauseous and couldn't eat. Marinette and Luka were very worried and, after some pressure, Adrien scheduled a doctor's appointment. They tried not to worry or contemplate what could be wrong because it would only be more stressful for all of them. Marinette tried to be optimistic. Luka tried to be comforting. Adrien tried not to worry. They all tried as they waited for the results but the cracking had already started and the day they got the call, it broke.
Cancer.
The first days after the diagnosis were spent with the three of them in a numb fog: hearing the doctor's prognosis and suggestions for treatment, seeing the nurses prod and poke Adrien's skin, feeling themselves being hugged by parents and friends as the news spread, but not processing any of it.
By the time the fog lifted, Gabriel was on top of everything: flying in the best specialist money could buy, modifying Adrien's childhood bedroom so he could move back in and have round the care treatment and help, controlling any information that could get to the news, and so much more. Many days were spent in Adrien's room as doctors and specialists tried their best to help and combat the disease but it was pointless.
The cancer had spread before they had even known about it.
At that point, they tried to cope and come to terms with it.
Adrien was dying.
Adrien was going to die.
And there was nothing they could do to stop it.
There was nothing they could do to change it. Even with all the money in the world, they couldn't change it. Even with all the power and magic of the miraculous, they couldn't change it. Unless...
But no. Adrien had seen the thought race across her mind the second she'd had it and had told her no.
"With a wish comes a sacrifice. We can't do that. Not just for me."
So Marinette and Luka decided to reset. No more moping, no more hours spent crying with Adrien. They were going to make every day count and not worry about the future. Not worry about a future without their Chat Noir, without their sun. Everything else was put on hold so they could spend every moment they had with him until it was over. In the time they spent away from him- time Adrien needed to spend with his Father and others who loved him- they were holed up in the apartment they once shared with him, surrounded by his smell and memories of him. They laid in bed and talked and talked and talked because what else could they do? Marinette couldn't draw. Luka couldn't play.
How could they?
The days they spent with him were helping. Seeing him alive and smiling and happy, helped them forget, even if it was only for a little while. It wasn't until this morning- Valentine's Day- when it all came crashing down on them.
Marinette had woken up that morning to the sight of Luka sobbing into his hands next to her on their bed. There was a white envelope in his lap and she picked it up to see what had her love crying.
Today's the day
It wasn't until she read the signature that she understood.
Sorry, Bunnyx
The paper had drifted to the floor as she clung to Luka and they cried together.
When the tears finally stopped, she pulled away.
"Where did you find it?"
Adrien shrugged. "It fell out of your bag when you took the movies out and I read it while you guys were arguing over possible pizza toppings." He smiled sadly. "You weren't going to tell me?"
Luka pulled back from Adrien's neck and gave him a crooked smile. "We didn't want to make today stressful. We just wanted it to be just another day where you could just be happy."
Adrien sighed but smiled as he put a hand on both of their cheeks. Luka frowned at the coolness of his hand. "No day spent with the loves of my life is just another or unhappy day. They are always the best days." It took effort, but Luka managed not to break down again. That was their Adrien: still able to shine like their own personal sun even as they approached his supernova.
"How can you be so calm?" Marinette whispered as she pulled up a blanket around them.
Adrien settled on his back as they both curled around him and looked to the star filled sky. "I'm not exactly calm. Hell, I'm terrified. Terrified of taking my last breath. Terrified of the unknown, of whatever's coming next. Terrified that I won't see my mom when I get there. I'm terrified of leaving everything behind. Terrified of hurting everyone I'm leaving behind. Terrified of leaving you two when this wasn't my choice." He breathed. Marinette grasped his hand and used the other to wipe his tears. "But I'm not only terrified. I'm comforted with the things I do know. I know I lived a good life. I know I helped people. I know I was a good friend. I know I lived a life with so many privileges that others never had. I know that, while I'm leaving, the people I love will have comfort and others there for them when I'm gone. I know my dad will have Nathalie. I know that Paris will still be safe even without the sexy and alluring Chat Noir." Marinette couldn't help but laugh through her tears. "I know that the rest of our friends and family will continue to live and move on and be happy. But, most of all, I know that my beautiful wife and dashing husband will be okay because they have each other. I don't have to worry about them hurting by themselves. I also know that I was loved. I was loved so much by my mom, my dad, our friends, the city, but I was loved so much by milady and knight. They loved me so much that they made my last day on Earth an insanely happy one that I'll never forget. That comfort is enough for me to be okay that it's over."
Marinette openly sobbed into his chest as silent tears rolled down Luka's cheeks. He couldn't resist holding Adrien's hand to his mouth, kissing the ring on his finger and softly smiling at the memories held there.
Not too long after the diagnosis, Adrien had sat them down.
"Let's get married."
This had shocked them both. "But you already have so much to deal with and..."
"I'm dying. I know. That's why I want to. We're already engaged and if I'm being forced to leave you, I, at least, want to know how it feels to be married and forever tied to the loves of my life."
So before starting any treatments and while he had his strength, they'd had a wedding. It was small: close friends and family only. Marinette and Gabriel had jointly designed the tuxedos and dress. A marriage of three was not yet legal in France, so while the ceremony would include all three of them, the paperwork would only have Adrien and Marinette's name.
They didn't care.
The ceremony, held on The Liberty where they'd fallen in love, had been a sweet affair filled with so much love and laughter that it could last a lifetime. Even with Adrien's condition, they'd been able to go on a real honeymoon for a weekend. The three days were spent between their bed, the sand, the water, and more of their bed.
"You're such a beautiful soul, babe." Luka breathed as he kissed Adrien's forehead. "Truly a sun in the darkness."
"I could say the same about you two. I wouldn't have gotten to live .. to love ... if it weren't for you two. You pulled me out... of a dark life that was going... nowhere." Luka held back tears as he saw and felt the energy drain from Adrien's body.
It was almost time.
"Let's get you back." He sighed as he helped him up, his body leaning heavily against his.
Marinette wanted to object. She wanted to curse and scream and cry and break all the rules. She wanted to stay in this moment forever... but they couldn't.
"Kaalki, full gallop!"
Once Adrien was settled back into bed, they called for Gabriel. The normally put together designer was very out of sorts as he and Nathalie rushed to his son's bedside.
"Son."
Adrien barely opened his eyes. "Father. I think..."
"I know. I am so sorry. I spent so long fighting to change fate instead cherishing our time together. I regret being so blind and so stupid."
"It's okay... You made up for it." Gabriel kissed his head and stood.
"Adrien..." Nathalie started but stopped as words failed her and she sobbed.
"Thank you, Nathalie. I-" It was clear he wanted to say more but she shushed him.
"It's okay, Adrien. I know."
As Gabriel turned, there were tears on his face but his voice remained steady. "Thank you for alerting me. We will go get the doctor so he can... make the announcement when it's time. We'll give you space to say your... goodbyes."
As he left, Marinette and Luka approached the bed, unsure of what to do next. A ghost of a smile touched Adrien's lips. "Go ahead... and climb in: you know you wanna." They curled around him and- after checking the room was clear- Marinette pulled out the Miracle Box and all the kwamis emerged.
"You too, Plagg. It's time." Plagg floated down from the ceiling to his holder. After a moment, he rested his head against his cheek.
Adrien's smile got wider at the contact. "Don't tell me... you've gone soft on me, Plagg."
Plagg snorted. "Of course not, kid. Never."
Luka was surprised to see tears on the black cat's cheeks. He didn't know kwamis could cry.
"But, um, kid. I just wanted to say that I'll miss you. You've given me some of the best camembert I've ever had." He sighed. "You're the best holder I've ever had. I love you, Adrien. Rest well."
A single tear fell from Adrien's eye. "I love you... too, Plagg."
Plagg floated over to Marinette. "Can I... stay in the ring until...?"
Marinette held her tears. "Absolutely. Of course, Plagg." He flew into the ring, turning it black. The other kwamis hovered around, surrounding the bed.
It was Tikki who started the chant.
"Chat Noir forever. Chat Noir forever." All the kwamis joined in until the room was filled with their voices, praising him and cementing his status.
Tears ran down Adrien's cheeks and he tried to wipe them but his hand didn't make it, so Luka wiped them for him. "Thank you... that means so much."
They all surrounded him in a big kwami hug before they returned to the Miracle Box until only Tikki remained. She patted his cheek and smiled. "No, thank you, Adrien. The power of the black cat, of destruction, is a lot to bear and you were the one worthy of it. No one was able to handle it like you. No one was able to handle Plagg like you. No one else could save the world like you. You are the best Black Cat we've ever had and we'll miss you, dearly." She patted his cheek one more time before shedding a tear and joining her friends in the box to give the three of them space.
Due to them holding him, they could both feel when his breathing became more labored. Each grasping a cold hand, Luka and Marinette fought back tears as more fell from Adrien's eyes and he gripped their hands back.
"It's okay." She whispered. "We're right here and we're all gonna be okay."
Luka nodded, placing his forehead against the side of Adrien's head. "We'll take care of each other. No matter what. It'll all be fine."
"I'm... sorry."
"Don't be. You're not leaving us. You'll be with us in our hearts, in our songs. There's no place we'll go that you won't follow, even if it's not physically."
"It's okay, Adrien, my kitty. We love you. I love you."
"I love you."
"I... love you."
Their collective screams and sobs tore through the house. It had Gabriel, Nathalie, and the doctor sprinting into the room. From the utter devastation on his son's spouses' faces, Gabriel already knew. But the doctor still had to call it.
"Time of death: 11:14 pm, February 14th."
"Second Chance!"
"Could we not watch a romance movie?"
"You can't keep doing this." Bunnyx said as she exited her burrow. Of all the plans from just about anyone, she didn't think she'd have to say this to them. She felt for her friends and teammates, but time wasn't to be played with. "It's not going to lessen the pain." The duo ignored her as they watched Marinette pout with the movies in her hands. "Guys..."
"We just want to see him again." Viperion interrupted. "We want to see him happy and breathing and living. Just... one last time."
Bunnyx's heart dropped but she couldn't stop. "I know. I get that. It's why I brought you here in the first place, as a favor." What she hadn't expected was for Viperion to use Second Chance almost immediately. Rewinding time once or twice was okay and while she wasn't affected since she existed out of time, the countless number of rewinds they used were disrupting her burrow. Them being out of their time was disrupting her burrow.
"You guys." She said softly and touched their shoulders. "You're in pain and I can't begin to imagine how you feel. But the pain won't go away until you allow the healing to start. It won't if you're stuck in the past. He wouldn't want that. He would want you to heal and keep living, not be in the past with a version of him that won't last."
She thought she had finally gotten through when they looked at one another, but then Ladybug turned and gave her the saddest smile she'd ever seen.
"We can't move on. Not yet. Like he said, we just need to see him again... one last time."
Bunnyx sighed as the pair vaulted off the roof to race to the bakery where their past selves had voyaged to.
Maybe she could convince them next time? There was something important that needed to happen and it couldn't happen until they moved forward and left this time loop.
Sighing, Bunnyx hopped back in her burrow and waited for time to repeat itself.