Breaking Free

18) Dreams

Ladybug's POV
"Wow." Chat exclaimed as they climbed up the Eiffel. "It's beautiful."

"We've been up here hundreds of times, Chat, what's the difference now?"

"I'm not talking about the view, princess." She rolled her eye before sitting down, her legs dangling over the edge. Her boyfriend joined her.

"I just realized something..."

"And what would that be bugaboo?"

"Every time I sat there ranting about my crush to you, I was talking about... you?"

He laughed as her cheeks turned red, almost bright enough to rival tomato head's hair.

"That's one way to put it. But for the record, I did the same thing. I kept venting about Ladybug to Ladybug."

"We are blind, minou."

"That we are m'lady."

There was something different about being in the costume, their interactions so familiar, and in return they were able to talk, laugh, and reminisce like they could before the sudden reveal.

"Wait, you're saying that you actually stole my phone... just to erase a voice mail?"

"Yeah," she responded, the two of them each trying to make words out between their laughter, "something like that."

"What did it say?"

"I believe it was along the lines of me freaking out because I couldn't talk normally to you without the stupid phone, and I called you hot stuff. I couldn't let your ego inflate, could I?"

"Well, while you were doing that I was telling an artist that you and I were an item... so I guess we both had a rough day."

"I remember him! Theo, right? I don't think he realized I was 14... that would have been awkward. Anyways, weren't you just mad that Copy Cat had worse puns than you?"

"Yes! He was tarnishing my reputation by pawsitively purrsuing my meowvelous puns. It was a catastrophe!"

"Just stop while you're ahead."

"You got it princess."

Hours went by, simply spent talking and laughing, as they each grew more comfortable knowing their partner's identity.

They sat together watching the sunrise, Ladybug's head on Chat's shoulder as a new topic joined the conversation.

"What should we tell our friends?" She asked, imagining the look on Alya's face if she told her that Adrien had been her boyfriend all along.

"Maybe we should... wait?" He offered, scrounging for ideas. "We need more time to come up with a valid excuse, besides, the mystery is kind of fun anyways. I think we should focus on us first before we let everyone else know."

"You're right, we should wait." She sighed before standing up. "And we should probably head back, school starts in a couple of hours."

"Can't we just stay here all day?" He whined.

"No way! I'll need your help with the homework. I'll see you in a little while, Chaton." And with that, she gave him a light peck on the cheek before making her way over the skyline.
- • - • - • - • - • - • -
A couple hours later, Marinette finally arrived at school, eagerly met by a certain blond model.

"Long time no see."

"What? Sick of me already bugaboo?"

"Never." She had to stop herself from leaning in and kissing him, not wanting to attract the attention. Instead, they walked side by side towards the classroom.

"So, are you finally ready to give us some hints?" Kim asked the moment they walked through the door.

The class was still bombarding them about the mystery bf/gf, and were constantly asking for hints or information.

"Sorry Kim, but you aren't getting anything out of me today." Adrien smirked.

"Oh Adrikins, we all know that your 'girlfriend' is just an elaborate scheme to get my attention. Just admit it before you embarrass yourself."

"Sorry Chloe, but she's very real. In fact, I would be on the lookout for wedding invitations in the near future."

Mari tried not to blush as he risked a quick glance in her direction. His Chat was definitely showing.

Before Chloe could respond, the bell rang and the class found their seats.

"Good morning students!" Mlle. Bustier began, "today is the day you've all been waiting for... the baby project!"

Mari groaned with the rest of the class, completely forgetting about it after last night's course of events.

"As promised, I will let you choose your partners. You'll have to run them by me before we start, but just remember you'll be spending a lot of quality time with this person over the next week. So... without further adieu... let's begin!"

The students all scrambled to find partners, most heading towards their close friends or significant others.

Without hesitating, she made her way towards Adrien (although a couple certain she devils had beaten her there) and she quickly switched spots with Nino.

He and Alya eagerly paired up as they watched the exchange in the row in front of them.

"Move Lie-la. Adrikins is mine!"

"Oh please, like he would want you for a partner. One baby can't take care of another..."

"Ladies, ladies, please!" Adrien mediated, giving Marinette a signature smirk. "Sorry to break it to you, but I already have a partner."

"Maribitch?" Chloe roared, Lila appearing equally as shocked.

"Looky there Adrikins," replied the bluenette. "It's not Maritrash any more... I think I got an upgrade!" He smiled before turning to face the plastics.

"And to answer your question, yes, Chloe. Marinette is my partner because Nino is already working with Alya. Not to mention, she's my friend. So save the insults for your mirror."

The girls puffed as Mari sat down beside him, a smile plastered on her face.
- • - • - • - • - • - • -
"I still can't believe you wanted to name our child Adrienne." Marinette sighed as the duo walked home from school, baby doll in hand.

"I have to admit, I do like Emma much better. Hey... wasn't that one of the names on that list you told me a-"

"Zip it kitty. We do not need to bring the list into this."

"If you say so."

Their bickering was interrupted by a cry from the doll, the moment they had been dreading all day.

"What are we supposed to do with it?"

"You're the babysitter here, not me!"

"I babysit real kids... not hunks of plastic!"

"Don't you dare talk about our child like that." He gasped.

"Adrien, seriously, how do we shut this thing up?!"

"Bottle?" She followed his request, opening the bag of supplies they had received from the school and handing the bottle to Adrien.

Despite the fact that the baby wasn't real, Marinette couldn't help but swoon as she watched him calm Emma down.

He would be an amazing father one day, a much better one than his own dad. Months ago when he confided in her as Chat, he admitted that he was scared of ending up like his own family. He was terrified that he would hurt his child the same way his father hurt him.

But nothing could be farther from the truth.

She couldn't help but dream once more of that future. They had been dating for over six months, and over night they had become closer than ever.

Wait. She reminded herself. I'll figure out what the future has in store for us soon enough. For now, just wait.

But until then, she could dream all she wanted.

And that's exactly what she did.