The Wedding Planner

Chapter 10

Adrien knocks on the hospital room door, "Hello?"

An older woman nurse looks up from a clipboard, in front of Marinette laying silently in the bed. "Yes, dear?"

He takes a step into the room, "I just wanted to check in with how she's doing..." he says, his voice still a bit raspy from the smoke.

The woman nods, "Well she's stable now. A few burns, trying to get oxygen to those lungs as best we can."

He looks over the nurse's shoulder as she adjusts the clear oxygen mask over Marinette's face. She's been cleaned up, soot washed from her skin and hair, dressed in a hospital gown. Bandages patch her arms and one on her cheek, from what he can see. An IV drips next to her bed.

"She's been in and out of consciousness. I'm sure she'll come around soon." The nurse remarks.

"Thank you," he says, pulling up a chair and holding Marinette's hand on the bed.

"I heard Chat Noir pulled her out of that burning building uptown. You should be thanking him." She says before leaving the room and closing the door behind her.

Adrien sighs, "Oh I will," he mutters under his breath.

He tries to remind himself that her eyes will open again, as doubt cloggs his thoughts.

His eyes grow heavy, they close, and he catches a few moments of rest; but he's startled awake when he feels his hand being squeezed.

His head jerks up and he locks onto Marinette's bug blue eyes: the most beautiful sight to him. He kisses her hand gently, "How are you feeling? Do you need anything?"

She opens her mouth, her voice is dry and raspy, "I-I'm f-fine. You don't s-sound too good yours-self,"

"I've been worse; you know." He shrugs with a sad smile, "I'm sorry. I dragged you into this and now...Chloe, god, I'll make sure she pays."

She squeezes his hand again, "Don't focus on t-that," she insists, "You saved me."

He smirks, "Chat Noir saved you, Bugaboo. I know it's easy to mix us up," he jokes. He coughs and resumes, "I told Chloe to pack her things, that I never want to see her again. I think she actually listened to me for once. Or maybe it was because she caught wind that Chat Noir came back just to save you." He smiles and shakes his head in disbelief. "And don't worry, I'll have a new boutique for you ASAP, bigger and better than the old."

"You don't have to," she replies, gaining a bit of strength.

"Well, my future wife deserves only the best." He winks.

She scoffs, "Did I agree to marry you in the middle of the fire and forget?"

He shakes his head, "No, I'm joking-"

"Because the answer would still be yes."

He stares at her incredulously, "You're just full of surprises today, aren't you?" He leans over and lifts her oxygen mask and gives her a quick kiss. "But this doesn't count. I'll properly propose when there's a bit less drama in our lives."

"There'll always be drama for you, Kitty." She jests, coughing out a laugh.

He rolls his eyes, "I have a feeling you're right."

Marinette sighs deeply, "I love you"

"I love you too"

~~~ 1 Year Later ~~~

There's a knock at the door. Marinette looks up from her desk and smiles.

"We're closing early, remember?" Adrien greets, "All our employees have left, we should too. After all, we're the ones who'll need the extra time." He walks over to her desk and kisses the diamond ring on her finger.

"I just had a few final things to look over," she assures, closing a file on her desk. She stretches and stands, laying her head on his chest, "I can't believe it's tomorrow."

He wraps his arms around her as they sway to silent music, "By this time tomorrow, you'll be Marinette Dupain-Cheng-Agreste. Quite the mouthful for a little lady" he teases.

"It's everything I am, everything I love." She pecks him on the cheek before gathering her things.

They walk together out of her office, past a charred pigeon hat, and out onto the streets. As she gets into the passenger seat of their car, she looks back at the sign above the door, 'DC&A'.

She holds Adrien's hand as he drives them to dinner, the sun just beginning to begin its descent towards the horizon. "It's supposed to rain tomorrow," she gently intones, a smile in her voice.

He laughs softly to himself, "How perfect. Maybe you can finally give me my umbrella back?"

They both laugh lightheartedly. As it dies down, Marinette sighs out, "Silly Kitty".