The Situationship

In this crazy life, and through these crazy times (it's you)

Six Months Later

Marinette ran down the street, unsteady on her heels. Why, oh, why did she continue to wear them? Had she not learned anything over the past few months?

She had already experienced two interruptions: first, someone looking for André, and then someone looking for the Eiffel Tower. Could they not see the huge iron landmark bellowing up into the sky? Marinette continued straight onwards, narrowly avoiding a gang of teenagers, an elderly couple walking at snail's pace with no intent to move, and a very enthusiastic dog.

Work had been crazy since she'd taken on a design job at Gabriel. Despite being offered the role to step in for Gabriel while he recovered, she politely declined. After all, if Ladybug was needed again, it would be much easier to fake a 'material emergency' than to escape a corporate meeting. Her dreams had changed drastically since the fashion show, her wants and needs finally falling into place, and she was the happiest she had been in years. Five years and seven months–to the day.

Finally, she pushed open the door and stepped over the threshold of the regular Tuesday Bar and Grill. The friendly smile of the regular doorman greeted her in the establishment.

She strolled towards the table where her friends were waiting for her, grabbing her phone to double-check her messages as she walked.

Everyone was already there, plus some new members of what her father called 'The Geek Squad'. It seemed since their win, everyone wanted a piece of the action.

"Hey Nette." Kim was first to greet her, standing and engulfing her in his big bear arms, Ondine following suit. Marinette walked to the seat beside a vacant chair wearing a familiar jacket and plonked herself down, watching fondly as Kim helped his very pregnant girlfriend back down into her seat.

Alya and Nino sat canoodling on one side of the table, as Luka and Zoé sat opposite Marinette and the empty chair. After the meeting at Kagami and Félix's house, the two seemed to have hit it off. Nobody knew what their relationship actually was, but every time Zoé was in Paris, she spent most of her free time with Luka.

"How is everyone?" Marinette asked, smiling around the table.

"All good here," Alya said. "And now that you've finally graced us with your presence, we can share some news."

"Woah! Not yet," Nino said, covering his fiancée's mouth with his hand. "My bro's not back from the bar."

Nino suddenly squealed, removing his hand and wiping it down his trouser leg. "Did you just lick me?"

"You screamed like a girl!" Kim laughed, placing an arm around Ondine's shoulders.

"Did not!" Nino defended himself, causing everyone to launch into a debate about whether Nino actually screamed like a girl.

As arguments began, Marinette looked around the table in fondness and tried to think of words to sum up her life. Hopeful. Complete. Wonderful.

"A glass of rosé for the princess." The smooth, honeyed tones of a familiar voice caressed her ear as a glass lowered in front of her. "Try not to spill it on me."

Marinette rolled her eyes as her own personal waiter sat down beside her. "You know, that joke is growing old. You can't use it every week."

Adrien shrugged as he took a swig of his own beer. "I still find it funny."

"Of course you do." She smiled as he smiled back, her most favourite interaction in the world. "Hi!" she said.

"Hey!" He moved towards her, kissing her softly on the lips, before deciding that wasn't enough. As she cupped his face, tilting her head, she kissed him exactly the way she knew turned him feral.