You're home. [Miraculous Ladybug Fanfiction] (Completed)

Chapter 28 - I swear.

Adrien's fingers drummed on the table top as he stared out the window, waiting for Tom and Sabine. They agreed to meet him to lunch, unbeknownst to Marinette.

"Adrien, good afternoon." Sabine's friendly voice snapped him out of his thoughts. He stood up and hugged the small woman gently and shook Tom's sturdy hand.

Tom and Sabine sat on the opposite side of Adrien. A young blonde waitress took their order and then left the trio to their meeting.

"You said you wanted to discuss some things with us?" Tom asked, sipping his coffee. Adrien froze and nodded hesitantly. He had been so confident up to the moment.

"U-uh- yes..." he stumbled, folding his hands together on top of the oak table surface.
"My goodness, Adrien you look like you've seen a ghost! Is everything okay?" Sabine gasped, placing her hand on top Adrien's.

Startled, Adrien nodded quickly. "Yes, yes I'm okay! No need to worry. I just- I'm nervous about discussing this with you guys..." he averted his eyes.

The confused pair of parents stayed quiet, inviting Adrien to continue.

"I've been thinking for a while now..." Adrien started, "and I wanted to get your opinion and permission first..." his cheeks flushed pink.

"Go on." Sabine smiled softly, none of her questions being answered still.

"Marinette is my best friend, and I love her more than anything. I wanted to get your blessing to ask her to marry me." He looked straight up at the pair. Their expression immediately changed from confused to ecstatic.

Sabine nearly knocked over her cup of ochya (green tea, おちや).
"Adrien, you'd have our permission any time!" She said happily, a few people nearby glancing their way.

Tom patted his wife's hand. "Sabine is right, but son, I need you to promise me something." He said softly. Adrien nodded, showing he was listening. "Marinette is my little girl. She always has and always will be. She is grown now and I can't always be there to protect her. I need you to promise me you'll protect her." Tom looked so worn out now. His hair was greying and his eyes showed signs of how old he was getting. But he looked happy and wistful.

"I swear I will. I swear I'll work tirelessly to make sure she is happy and safe." He said, and he meant every word he said. Tom smiled. "I look forward to watching you two grow together."

The rest of their lunch was spent in discussions on how Adrien might ask Marinette, when and where. Other topics included how the move was going along and their plans for the future. By the time they went their separate ways Adrien was confident in himself and the future he knew was sure to come for him and Marinette.

Before he could go home he had one more errand that afternoon. He walked into a jewelry store with no intent on going home empty handed.

~

Marinette sighed in exhaustion as she finished putting all the groceries away. She checked her phone to see a message from Adrien.
On my way home. See you soon, princess.
Marinette smiled to herself as she read the message. Tikki sat on her shoulder.
"Marinette~ I'm so proud of you, you know that? Look how far you've come this past year." She said happily.

"Its almost feels like a dream.." Marinette said, dancing around the living room till she plopped down onto the couch. Tikki giggled.
"Oh Marinette~"

The locked clicked and the front door opened. Marinette looked over the couch eagerly. Adrien appeared out in the open, coming from the hallway seconds later.
"This is exactly how I want to come home every day." He said, walking over to the couch. He plopped down next to her.