To Purr The Pain Away

A Queen

Marinette chuckled into her Chat Noir onesie as she sat on the couch, Adrien flopped across her lap in his own Ladybug onesie from her right and flailing for the peanut butter cookie Felix, in his Ryuko onesie, stole from him on her left. Chloe and Sabrina sat cuddled up on the love seat, matching Queen Bee and Miss Hound onesies melding together under the thick blanket they had. Neither girlfriend paid attention to the ruckus as they fed each other macarons. Kagami, clad in her own Argos onesie, was watching next to Felix and trying to contain her chuckles as she went to hand Adrien a different cookie. Adrien pouted but accepted the chocolate chip without comment, Felix gasping at his girlfriend in mock betrayal. Luka in a Viperion and Nino in a Carapace onesie were flopped on a pile of blankets placed on the floor, neither paying attention as they battled each other in Mortal Kombat. Alya sat slightly off to the side, her own Rena Rouge onesie making her uncomfortable. It had been a year since the trial and only three months since Marinette entrusted her with Trixx again. She didn't feel as though she deserved it and had spoken this to Marinette, the other girl simply telling her that she was forgiven and to start over as she was. She was brought out of her funk as a pillow slammed into her head, her eyes darting to a flabbergasted Luka and a guilty Nino.

"Um..oops?"

Alya grinned and launched her own back, smacking Nino in the face and causing him to fall back into Chloe's legs. Chloe jumped up, a murderous smile on her face. "Oh, you are so dead ninja turtle." Laughter filled the room as pillows flew through the air, bodies flailing and tackling each other to win the pillow war. The kwami watched from the mini apartments Marinette had built them, each chuckling and cheering on their holders. Tikki smiled softly as the door to the living room opened and Gabriel walked in followed by Tom and Sabine, each adult holding a tray of treats.

Tom and Sabine had on Ladybug onesies while Gabriel was proudly sporting a Chat Noir one. All teens sat shocked and still as they took in the designer's appearance. Adrien was the first to start laughing, holding his sides as he hollered. The rest joined and soon everyone including Gabriel were in tears as they laughed. Gabriel had loosened up allot in the last year, becoming the father Adrien had wished him to be. The two Agreste men had talked after the trial and Gabriel put all cards on the table, being Hawkmoth included. While angry at first, Adrien eventually looked at the bigger picture and, with Marinette's help, accepted his father. The whole team was filled in on the secret, Marinette reminding Gabriel that they don't hide secrets from each other anymore. Tom and Sabine had grilled the man for his actions but offered him help as they learned of Emilie and his role in the final act against Lila.

Who would have thought they would be having a onesie party with Hawkmoth?

Everyone got quiet as Nadja Chamack came on screen, a huge smile on her face. The whole reason for the party was finally here.

"Don't be bemused, it's just the news! Today we have something a little different for you all, a very special message from Ladybug. Roll it."

Everyone watched as Ladybug appeared on screen. She was seated on top of the Eifel Tower, her smile soft and eyes full of confidence. She gave the camera a small wave and took a deep breath.

"Hey everyone! It's me, Ladybug. Today marks one year since the reveal of the heroes during the Rossi trial. I cannot tell you how liberating it feels to finally not have to hide who I am from those I love and most of all the people of Paris. Even though the threat is gone, the scars are still there. The memories are still there. The pain.. it is all still there. Thankfully, I have the Knights to get me through it. But not everyone has a knight to back them up."

Ladybug called out her detransformation and pulled her phone out, showing off an empty group chat and multiple phone numbers at the top of the app called "BMK". She tossed a cookie and it vanished midair, no doubt for her kwami. Marinette smiled at the camera and held her phone close to her.

"I'm sorry you can't see or hear Tikki, but she says hello. You are always welcome to stop by the bakery to say hello. Anyways, the Knights and I have come up with a way to help all those who feel alone or need someone to be by their side in a time of need. A way to have someone to help you no matter what and to make you remember that you are never truly alone, as my knights have done for me. Many of you do not know this, but as Marinette, had I not had my knights.. I would not be here. I have tried suicide and I have felt like my life was meaningless just weeks before the trial. I never want any of you to feel that way. Go on your app store and type in "Be My Knight." This free group chat gives you access to all the heroes at any time of day. Simply chose the hero you need as your knight, and we will be there to help you remember to love yourself and to help you get through those hard days. Please, do not be afraid to reach out. Know that we the Knights love you all and we never want you to feel the way I did."

Marinette wiped away a tear as it slid down her face. She steadied her breath before calling out to Tikki, Ladybug taking her place once again. She gave a quick two finger salute and stepped to the edge of the tower.

"Just remember. You are important to us. You are important to the Knights and to those around you. As Kim Possible would say: Call me, beep me if you wanna reach me!" With that she flipped off the tower, the cameras panning to catch her swinging away and off into the Paris night.

The group clapped as they hugged Marinette in a massive dog pile. They were proud of their princess and looked forward to helping all the "Marinette's" of Paris. Everyone got off her as Tom called them to come try his newest batch of chocolate hazelnut croissants, leaving Adrien to pick her up off the couch and pull her into his own personal hug. His soft purr made her chuckle as he held her. He purred a lot more now, no longer hiding it as his identity was known. He knew she loved it, and he would be damned if he was going to stop. Everyone was gathered around Tom as he and Gabriel handed out the treats, Sabine keeping watch for the right moment. She tapped twice on the counter to signal everyone to turn, all eyes landing on Marinette as she walked over, completely unaware of Adrien's actions behind her. Seeing Felix smirking at something behind her she turned, breath catching in her throat as she had to look down at Adrien for the first time. Adrien gave her his best Chat grin from his place under her, one knee bent and a box in his shaking hands.

"Marinette Dupain-Cheng. We have known each other for a long time, and for just as long I have loved you. Both of you. You are the most caring woman I have ever known, and your creativity would put even the most esteemed designers to shame. You save the world every day with your mask, but the girl behind it saved my heart. I love you Marinette. Ladybug. Princess. Would you do this ally cat the biggest honor of being his queen and his wife? Will you marry me Marinette?"

Everyone cheered as she pulled him up and slammed her lips to his, tears freely pouring and a look of love on her features. They broke apart as she gave him a whispered "silly kitty." He grinned at her and slid a beautiful diamond ring onto her finger, his eyes looking over her shoulder to his father, thanks clear on his face.

"This ring was my mother's engagement ring. I could think of nobody else I would rather see it on." They shared another kiss as everyone screamed in congratulations, drowning out the increasing purring from Adrien. Marinette looked up at him, her eyes shining with love and happiness.

"Ill marry you under one condition Kitty."

"Name it M'Lady."

Marinette leaned her head against his chest and closed her eyes, his purring sliding into her ears. She couldn't imagine a day without this, without him. She playfully poked his chest and looked back up at him.

"Never stop purring the pain away."