Unexpected Surprise

Chapter 2

A little shocked and dumbfounded, Adrien couldn't take his eyes off little Emma. His little daughter Emma was playing a few meters away and completely ignoring everything around her, including her star-struck, newfound father whose heart was quickly filling up with something he had never experienced before. He couldn't look away - the sight was truly mesmerizing. In a matter of ten minutes, the girl climbed the playground set a few times, built something remotely resembling a castle from sand and managed to squeeze in serious talk with her dolls, all while exhibiting an impressive range of emotions on her adorable face. Watching Emma, realizing that she was a part of him, a tiny person he unknowingly created with the person he loved, was still a bit surreal, startling and unbelievable at the same time. He didn't even notice as a small smile started to play on his lips.

It was probably just his imagination, but Adrien could already see the resemblance, past the obvious physical features, not only to him but to his Lady as well. Little Emma had fire and fervour in her, just the right amount of sass and impressive pouting skills. She rolled her eyes like Ladybug used to. She punned like Chat Noir. His sense of humour, Adrien noted. Definitely his. It made him proud. There were so much life and light pouring out of this little person that he couldn't help but grin, something he hadn't done in years. Emma was someone Adrien ceased to be when he left Paris all those years ago. His spark and vigour had long burned down by now, replaced by an overbearing sadness and emptiness, a void nothing and no one could fill for years, the hollowness that was now rapidly shrinking because, standing there, looking at this little girl, Adrien couldn't help but wonder what if. What if there was still a chance for him? An opportunity to live his life to its fullest, to love and be loved and to do something worthy at last. A chance to be the father he never had.

Wholly submerged in his thoughts while observing little Mlle. Feisty, Adrien didn't notice a small red car pull up in a parking lot behind him. Nino, however, perked up at the sight of a petite woman coming over to them a minute later.

"Hey, Nino!" she greeted him, still some distance away. "Thank you so much for doing this for me. I appreciate it."

Adrien stilled at the sound of the painfully familiar voice, his heart plummeting inside his chest. How did he never notice that Marinette had Ladybug's voice?

He slowly turned around.

How? Just how in the world had he never seen the obvious before?

Marinette was a little older and didn't wear her superhero suit anymore, but he could suddenly see his Ladybug so clearly. She was gorgeous. A petite frame, but a huge measure of confidence. Shyness and nervousness were gone, giving way for determination, elegance, and grace to shine through. Her midnight hair was down, cut just above her shoulder. She wore a simple yet stylish dress that highlighted just the right features of her figure. A few simple accessories completed the look.

Adrien stalled. If he could describe Marinette in one word right now, it would undoubtedly be exquisite. Gorgeously, dreamingly, wonderfully, beautifully exquisite. A light blush treacherously covered his cheeks as a realization that the six years of separation did nothing to lessen his feelings hit Adrien hard. He still loved this woman with all of his heart and now, knowing that she was Marinette, a cute girl he used to have a crush on, he loved her even more.

"Mama!!! I've missed you so much!!!" A cheerful shout interrupted his thoughts.

"I've missed you even more, my little kitten." Marinette caught the running Emma on the move and, taking the girl into a tight embrace, placed a tender kiss on her nose. Emma laughed and pouted a bit, but instead of pulling away as Adrien thought she would, she leaned closer and rubbed her nose against Marinette's, drawing a giggle out her.