Connected Skies

Part Nineteen

The snow fell heavily as Adrien and Marinette's parents stood at her grave.

"If you don't mind, please take this." Marinette's mom handed him a small box with a letter on top. "Thank you. For making Marinette's life full once more." Her dad said not taking his eyes off her grave.

**

Adrien walked to the park as his eyes met a black cat's, reminding him of Marinette. He pulled her letter and box out of his book bag.

**

Dear Adrien Agreste,

It feels weird writing a letter to someone you were just with...

You're the worst.

Indecisive. Gullible. Flirty.

The first time I ever saw you, was the day we met as Ladybug and Chat Noir.

And even so, you gave up being Chat. Even though it totally changed other people's lives. You're the worst. Indecisive. Gullible. Flirty.

When I found out we were in the same school, I was ecstatic. I knew you were Chat the instant I saw you. But how would I ever come to talk to you? Maybe I'd hang out at the lunch concession. Maybe talk to Alya and Nino until you noticed me. Instead, I just watched you from afar.

I mean. After all. You, Kagami, Alya and Nino seemed to get along so well. There wasn't really any space in there for someone like me, who was just passing through.

When I was a kid, I had to have an operation and I started having to be at the hospital for regular check-ups. In the first year of school, I collapsed and I was admitted over and over. With every visit, I was there for longer and longer. Really, I didn't get to class much in school, I spent more time at the hospital. And I knew something was wrong with my body.

One night, I saw my parents crying in the waiting room and I knew that my time was running out.

That's when I ran away.
I didn't want to bring my regrets with me to heaven, so I stopped holding back from what the things I always wanted to do.
I wasn't scared anymore to get contact lenses.
I ate what I wanted instead of always worrying about my weight.
And I took the miraculous more seriously than ever before.

And then I told a lie. Just one.
I lied and said that I thought you put the gum on my seat.

And that lie brought you to me.

Please apologize to Kagami for me.
I want for there to be no hard feelings. And there was one thing I could never ask of her, to ask her directly to introduce the two of us.
I don't think she would've had an answer for me.
After all, she was in love with you.
We all knew that.
I think the only people who didn't know were you and her.

That underhanded lie brought me to you didn't work out the way I had imagined.

It was darker.
And meaner.
And denser.
And more stubborn.
And more perverted.

And softer.
And more masculine.
And sweet.

Remember that bridge we jumped off? The water was so cool and refreshing.
Racing each other alongside the train. I really thought I could win.
The moon was saw from the bench we always shared that night, like a delicious-looking bun.
Everything we did as Chat Noir and Ladybug.
At the school at night. I'm still sure there was something there.
The falling snow, just like cherry blossoms.

It's strange to be a miraculous holder, but then to have your heart so filled by something that comes from everyday life.
They're unforgettable scenes to me. But they're such little things. It's weird, isn't it?

What do you think?
Do you think I made it into anyone's heart like that?
I wonder if I made it into yours.
I wonder if you'll still remember me.

If you forget me, I'll just come back and...
No, I don't want to start over.
Please don't forget me.
Promise me you won't forget me.

I'm glad it was you.

I hope this reaches you, Adrien Agreste.

I love you.
I love you.
I love you.
I'm sorry we couldn't eat all those croissants.
I'm sorry I pushed you so much.
I'm sorry I was so selfish.

I'm so, so, so, so sorry.

Thank you for everything.

Marinette Dupain-Cheng

P.S. I'm returning to you my miraculous. Find a Ladybug as talented as me! If you don't want it feel free to give it back to Master Fu.

**

Adrien's tear fell onto the paper. You're so selfish. I'm the one who should be thanking you.

Spring will be here soon. Spring, the season I met you.

A spring... without you is coming...