Talk to Me, Princess | Marichat - Miraculous Ladybug

Chapter Thirty Nine - The Reason Why We Still Smile

Contents of the chapter may not be suitable for all readers. Discussions of sexual intimacy near the end.

Walking to school with Adrien, I can't help but be wary of everyone that glances our way.

When we came out of the funeral home on Saturday, we were bombarded by people and paparazzi that were hammering both Adrien and I with questions. If it weren't for my tiny but mighty mother, and his Aunt Amelie, who might I add is absolutely terrifying when angry, we would have been screwed.

Since then, Adrien and I have remained holed up in the house. That is, until today, when my parents forced us out the door.

"Gotta face the world at some point, honey." My dad encouraged as he shoved me to the wolves.

However, we haven't been swarmed yet. Maybe we'll garner a crowd at some point during the school day when word gets out that we're back, but for now we're fine.

"Relax, Princess. We've got our Miraculous' still. Worse case scenario, we transform and hightail it out of there." He squeezes my hand, making me give him a forced smile.

"As awesome as that would be, you can't expose yourself as Chat Noir. The public doesn't need more bait to use against us."

"Then you can transform, and carry me bridal style." He wiggles his eyebrows suggestively, making me burst out laughing. He's such a goofball, but seeing him happy makes my heart swell. I couldn't have asked for a better conclusion to everything so far, even if it isn't completely over with. As it stands, this is the most peace that I've experienced in a long time, and judging by Adrien's relaxed posture, I'd say he feels the same. He reminded me that everything will blow over with time, and after that we're free.

Actually free. Not just awaiting the next chance we get to take down Hawkmoth, or fend off his Akumas. We can be normal teenagers again, even if we're hardly even teenagers anymore.

"It would be my pleasure to carry you, like the pretty bride you are." Now it's his turn to chuckle, reaching out to wrap his arm around my lower back as we walk side by side. The weight of whats to come suddenly eases off my shoulders. If Adrien can handle all the torrential downpour that life has dealt him, and still come out smiling like he's the happiest guy in the world, then so can I. We'll get through the questioning period, and soon no one will care anymore.

It'll become a thing of the past. Ladybug and Chat Noir will serve no purpose, and though that makes me feel a little sad, it also feels good to know we aren't going to be fighting evil for the rest of our lives. Even just doing it for about five years has been exhausting enough.

"You know how to make a guy feel special." Adrien nuzzles against my cheek, making me squeal as I shove him off. He totally just licked the side of my face. I make a big show out of wiping his saliva off, giving him my best disgusted look. He ruffles my hair, the playful side of him making such a strong appearance. Never in my life could I have imagined the two of us being so comfortable with each other.

This is why I believed Chat Noir was better for me, because I had the love and support that Adrien could provide me with, but also the easy-going nature that I only had with Chat Noir.

I couldn't be happier with how things turned out.

Heading into the school, I do my best to ignore the eyes that remain glued to us as we walk the hallways. Approaching the classroom, I hear the first person to speak a word against us.

"What a coincidence." A boy chuckles humourlessly, leaning into to his friends as he speaks loud enough for us to hear. "Son of the villain dating the hero? Do they think we're stupid?"