Archive of Our Own ^beta

Chapter Text

“Hey, Agreste!” Alya yelled happily opening the door. “What brings you here?”

Adrien was standing in a hall in-front of her wordless. He blinked.

“You are not gonna post about this on the Ladyblog, are you?” He finally asked.

Coming on a closed hero-party after not seeing anyone for 3 years, the last person he’d expected to see — was a journalist.

3 years passed after final battle with Hawkmoth.

3 years of nothing. Well, not nothing nothing, he was working and traveling. He’ve learned how to control his father’s business after he suddenly retired and went to live somewhere east. Nathaly was a good help for him since then, as she probably always was to his father.

It’s not that it touched Adrien too much — his father immediate disappearance. It all happened at the same time, and he was much more lost of his team leader command.

Ladybug, as a miracle box gardian, made a decision for them all. 3 years with no contact. Her motivation was, as she said, to make sure it’s all really over. They should have convince the world that the miraculous are no more — so no one would trying in finding them, no one would abuse the miraculous again.

Of course she was right. He new that. But not seeing her for so long, it was... hardest thing he had to pass through. Even with his mother disappearance, even with his father dry goodby. The hardest thing for Adrien was not being left along. It was being left by his Lady.

“So you might actually be here for a reason, giving your concern ,” Alya commented smiling at him. “Come in. I’m hosting the party.” She said, opening the door wider for him to pass.

Hosting the party? Adrian wasn’t sure how to react on those news. Were they talking about the same party? The super-hero secret party that is. Then how could Ladybug invite Alya? Hosting?

Plagg told him a few days ago that Ladybug contacted him. Well, not Ladybug herself. Apparently she’s send Tikki over to pass a message. The quami new his identity, so she could find him easily. He was invited on a secret reunion with his team. Unmasked. And she would be there.

It was as crazy as it sounded. It was more nuts, then waiting for meeting her again for all those years. He wouldn’t believe it if it wasn’t Plagg to notify him about it. And he’d finally see her without the mask. Right?

Tikki said she’d be there. She will. Right?

So Alya. His fan-girl classmate, his best friend’s girlfriend, the biggest Ladybug follower is hosting this party. So the best thing for now — play dumb and sick for info.

“I didn’t expect to meet you here,” Adrien smiled, giving her a hug and passing through the door. “Is Nino, umm..”

“Ahh, secrets, secrets!” Alya said, hugging him back. “Nino wouldn’t miss this for the world!” She winked. “Meeting the team leader herself and all.” She locked the door behind him.

Adrian swallowed.

So it was the same party. Or is she talking about something else? How much of a coincidence would that be?!

“Is Nino a...” Adrien didn’t finish the sentence as he felt a friendly pat on the shoulder.

“Wow, Aspik’s here!” Said familiar voice behind him.

Aspik. Right. It was less dangerous someone new him as Aspik. Or was it dangerous at all? At least now he was sure the party was what he thought it was.

Adrien turned to see Luka smiling friendly at him.

“Well, this is opening reveal,” Alya squeaked happily behind.

“Sorry for that,” Luka said. “You’re the only one I actually know as a superhero.” He said with apologetic smile. “Until you came, I wasn’t even sure it was all real.”

“Same here,” Adrien smiled back, giving Luka a friendly hug. “We kinda bonded here, right, Viperion?”

“Dudes! You are both the snake miraculous holders! So cool!” Adrien herd Nino’s exited voice behind him.

“Nino!” Adrien was more then happy to see him. It’s not like they didn’t see each other at lest every month on dinners and movie nights. But meeting him here, on a secret party, as Chat Noir, well, not yet as Chat Noir. He couldn’t still understand how much safe it was to reveal his identity, but still.

“How crazy is that?” Adrien smiled, following Nino and Luka through a hall to a big conference room.

“Not crazier then dating Rena Rouge.” Nino smiled bake at him, winking.

“I thought Rena was dating Carapase,” Luka raised eyebrows.

“Me too.” Nino smiled even wider.

“No way!” Adrien looked at him shocked. “You and Alya... you are...”

“Sure thing!” Nino couldn’t stop smiling. “Best super-hero couple ever.”

“Well,” Alya came to hug Nino from behind. “Unless those team leaders of ours would stop playing hide and sick with each other and admit their feelings finally.” She said like it was something obvious to her. “Did you really think I couldn’t keep a secret, Agreste?” She turned to Adrien.

He was looking at her still shocked.

“What do you mean, admit their feelings?” He said slowly.

“You just didn’t see them working together,” said Luka. “It’s kind of obvious for everyone. Well, accept for them, apparently.”

“It’s like you and Mari were crushing at each other in high-school,” Alya started giggling. “With all those eye-contacts, sights and hugs, like an old-people-couple. So sweet and oblivious.”

“Wait, what?” Adrien was confused. He wasn’t crushing on Marinette at school. And what about that “admitting feelings” with Ladybug thing?

“Come on, Alya,” Adrien turned to Marinette’s voice, who was entering the room from another door. “It was just a school crush. We all are allowed to have one, aren’t we?” She came closer and gave a hug to Adrien. “Hey Adrien, great to see you!”

“Hey Mari!” Adrien hugged her back. It was so natural to see her in a company of their common friends, talking about school times, he’d forgot for a second it was actually super-hero party.

“Just a crush or not,” Luka smiled at her, “It costed me a girl I loved.”

“Luka!” Marinette yelled, blushing, eyes wide open.

“I know, I know, it’s not about Adrien, it’s about us.” Luka raised his hands giving up quickly.

“Well, well,” Alya patted Adrien’s shoulder, waking him from his shocked expression, “It looks like it’s not only super-hero reveal party after all.”

Right. Super-hero reveal. But wait, what Marinette was doing here?

“Multymouse,” Luka unseeded his silent question. “Did you know there will be qwami reunion too?” He said, changing the topic, like he didn’t just said his girlfriend left him because of Adrien. Luka was looking at him with a friendly smile, like he wasn’t that Adrien guy they’ve just mentioned. “I think we’ll be both glad to meet Saass again!”

“Uhh.. yeah! Sure.” Adrien’s confusion was still there.

It’s gonna be an interesting night.

Chapter Text

“Dupan-Cheng!” Chloe yelled, entering from the hall. “You are little sneaky mouse!” I should’ve known you’re somehow related to our little masked club! You should’ve told me! I am the only Queen Bee after all.”

Adrien was watching this scene more and more surprised. Chloe hugged Marinette, like a good friend, despite her own annoyed voice.

“I’ve sent the samples to New York, btw. You can thank me later.” Chloe added with expression of her own irresistibility.

“Let’s leave the work for the next week, Chloe.” Marinette smiled and hugged her back.

“As you say, partner!” Chloe said, losing the interest and looking around the room. Her eyes finally fell in the direction where Adrien and Luka were standing.

“Here you are, babe!” She yelled walking fast in their direction.

Adrien was already annoyed with her.

Years of her persecution of him ended with them losing any contact. And tonight looked like she’ll jump at him all over again.

To his surprise and confusion, Chloe jumped at Luka.

Literally jumped at him, while he kissed her and turned around himself.

“Hey, Beautiful!” Luka smiled placing her back on her feet. “Making your entrance gracefully, as usual?” He gave her another quick kiss.

“So, Agreste!” She finally turned to face Adrien. “What are you doing next to my super-hero boyfriend on our super-hero party?”

“He was actually the first snake miraculous holder,” Luka said softly.

“Oh, really?” Chloe asked caustically, glancing at Adrien. “First doesn’t mean best, you know.” It was a statement. “Well, looks like you’ve been cut from the team just like you cut friends from your life, Adrikins.” She spelled the nickname with hurt in her voice. “How ironic.”

Luka held her from behind. “It’s ok baby, we all have our moments.”

Chloe sight and smiled at Luka.

“You save me every day, my love,” She replied.

And it was a totally different Chloe. Adrien never saw her so soft and caring. Like all the hurt feelings she just expressed to him just disappeared from her voice.

“Anyhow,” She started again. “Are the lovebirds already here?” She asked.

“Lovebirds?” Adrian finally gave a voice.

“Ohh, come on!” Chloe sight like her annoyed younger self would. “Ladybug and Chat Noir, duhh!”

She smirked on a confused expression on Adrien’s face. Then gave him a condescended look.

“Oh, right.” She rolled her eyes. “Mister oblivious here. You were totally in love with Dupan-Chang back in high-school and didn’t even realize it. Why would you notice those two being all salivating around each other?”

“Really?!” This time Adrien was almost angry. “Why everyone keep saying that? Marinette is just...”

“Yeah, yeah, we all know. Just a good friend. Save it. Nobody here would buy it anyway.” Chloe turned to Luca again, losing interest. “So, is Alix here? A need to talk to her.”

“Alix?” Adrien asked.

It was a meter of a habit. Of course he knew Bunix’s secret identity, but not as Adrien, or as Aspik. He learned through years to play dumb in those situations where Chat Noir new something Adrien wouldn’t.

“Bunix, duhh!” Chloe said. “Wasn’t she the one who invited you too?” She turned back to give Adrien a suspicious look.

“Ahaha, right!” Adrian said quickly.

What was going on here?

Bunix invited them? Why not him then?

Oh, right. None of them had their miraculous or qwamis with them. So he was the only one that could be contacted directly. Or, more like semi-directly. But he wasn’t gonna admit it.

All this party thing, no masks and staff was so unreal, not typical for him. Too many years of stressful time, keeping his identity in secret. He was gonna see Ladybug first, to make sure it’s all happening with her blessing.

Not that he didn’t trust Plagg, but it was still so impossible to be happening. He’d better wait for a little more.

Alix and Kim arrived soon after Chloe. Alix waved at him, entering the room. Nino, Alya and Chloe surrounded them, chatting, while Luka joined Marinette helping her at the buffet room.

Adrian didn’t know how to talk to Alex, without bringing everyone’s attention to them. So he was just standing next to the window waiting for the opportunity. Alex came to him herself with the sly grin of a person who knows everything, but keeps silent.

“Ready for a big reveal, Kitty Noir” She whispered so no one except for him could hear her.

“Is this really happening?” Adrien said, not hiding surprised expression on his face. “She’ll be here? Unmasked?”

“Different times require different decisions and actions,” She answered mysteriously.

Adrien turned on everyone’s cheering as few qwamis flew in the room, followed by Luka and Marinette.

It really felt like reunion now, as qwamis were chating with their owners and between each other.

Was it his reality now?

Plagg looked out of Adriens pocket.

“Wanna join the party?” Adrien asked.

“If you don’t mind,” Plagg replied.

“Of course not.” Adrien said, and looked as his qwami joining the group.

There were Saass, Trix and Polin, turtle and monkey qwami — Adrien didn’t know their names. Fluff flew from Alix’s backpack, fallowing Plagg.

There wasn’t Ladybug’s qwami though.

Well, she was a permanent miracules holder, and as long as she’s not here yet, Tikki wouldn’t be here either.

But who brought the other qwami then? Weren’t they suppose to stay with a guardian at all times?

“Plagg! You’re here.” Marinette’s exclamation brought him back from his thoughts.

Chapter Text

Marinatte was looking at black qwami floating in the air.

“He didn’t come, did he?” Her eyes blinked with tears.

Adrien was confused.

He remembered Marinette confessed her feelings to Chat Noir ones. But it was for so long time ago, they were friends since then.

Plus about a year ago she mentioned on one of their movie nights with Alya and Nino, that she had a crush on him, at Adrian back in high-school — though he didn’t realize it was that strong till today. But in any case, surely it was after all the Chat Noir story.

Even Adrien laughed to himself that this girl might liked his two personalities at the same time without knowing it. But it was surely a long time ago forgotten feelings.

Now that he was thinking about it, he didn’ recall mentioning his qwami’s name to her as Chat Noir. Or did he? Probably. Altho he couldn’t remember when.

So why was there so much pain in her eyes now? Did she treasured his friendship as Chat Noir so much? Did she missed him ‘cause she couldn’t see him anymore for those years? But still, so much pain and disappointment were in her eyes.

Plagg gave him a long meaningful stare.

Adrien came closer to her and took her in his arms.

“Thank you, Adrien. It’s ok. I’m ok.” Marinette whispered to him. “I just... miss him. I thought he’d come.”

“How do we do this without him, Alix?” Marinette turned to look at bunny miracules holder.

“How do we do this without Ladybug?!” Chloe said impatiently.

“Right.” Marinette sight. “Ladybug.” She looked around the room. “Ladybug is here.” She said finally. “Tikki?”

Red qwami flew from a bookshelf and landed on her shoulder.

Everyone went silent for a minute, processing what had just happen.

“Ahahaha!” Chloe broke the silence first with a nervous chuckle. “Well, at this point nothing could really surprise me any more. Even you being Ladybug.” She turned to Adrien. “See, Agreste? Looks like your chances with Dupan-Cheng are just vanished.” Chloe patted Adrien’s shoulder. “You should’ve think a little faster with that brain of yours, while you still had your chance in the high-school. You know, before she replaced you with someone hotter, in black leather suit.”

“It’s not like that, Chloe.” Marinette sight. “Anyway. We are not here to discuss my love life.” She made few steps toward Alix, looked at her teammates, avoiding Adrien’s gaze. “Alix and I called you today, because we have a big problem in the near future. Which we need to face as a team. With all the trust we can have for each other, as we must be totally united. So, no secrets between us are required. We are planning on team building training, Kim is responsible for the group fighting exercises and...”

Adrien blinked again.

What had just happened? Why Tikki sat at Marinatte’s shoulder? Where is Ladybug? Why did Chloe assumed Marinatte was Ladybug, when he knew for a fact it was literally impossible.

“What is going on here?” He asked no-one in particular. “Why is Tikki here? Where is Ladybug?”

“Emm..” Nino came next to him. “Dude, really? She IS Ladybug.” He said. “Is it really not obvious to you?”

Adrien glanced at Alix with questioned face. She raised her hands up, like saying ‘I have nothing to do with it.’

Adrian made few steps toward Marinette, slowly, like moving through the water. He looked down at her, everyone else in the room disappeared from his perception.

“Marinette,” he called, “This is not possible.”

“Why?” She finally looked in his eyes, almost annoyed.

Of all people, Adrien’s disapproval of her being Ladybug still hurt her the most. Not that it mattered anymore.

“‘Cause I’ve seen you and Ladybug at the same time.” He said.

Well, that not something she’d expected to hear.

“What? When? Where?” There were few times she’d met Adriaen as Ladybug, but she couldn’t even remotely place her civilian identity to any of those situations.

“Qwami buster. You returned your mouse miracules to her.” Adrien explained.

“What? But no one was there...” Except for Chat Noir, she finished in her head.

‘Cause saying those words out loud was too surreal. Was it even possible?

How could Adrien possibly know it? No, he said he’d seen it. Can it really be true? She looked around, stopping her search at Alix, who gave her a “non-of-my-business” look, as usually.

She felt like her breathing abilities didn’t really work this time, as the black qwami with green eyes landed on Adrien’s shoulder.

“Kitty?” She whispered to Adrien, looking for the answer in his eyes.

“My Lady?” Adrien whispered back, looking at her amazed with the realization.

He could probably follow the logic of who saw what and how something was possible or not for hours. But logic didn’t exist anymore. It was just a clear fresh realization.

It was Ladybug in front of him. His partner. The women he loved for almost ten years.

“I’ve missed you, Kitty,” Marinette whispered, her eyes filled with tears again.

“I’ve missed you too, Bagaboo.” He said.

He put his arm around her shoulders and pulled her to himself. She wrapped her arms around his neck and stood up on tiptoes. They looked at each other’s eyes for few more seconds, before closing the gat between their lips.

The kiss they shared was long and tender. It was full of their strong feelings, the pain of long separation and the joy of reunion — a perfect mixture, that tasted like life itself.

Everyone except for Alix were observing the scene with amazed looks at their faces.

“Emm... What just happened?” Chloe asked, when Adrien and Marinette continued staring at each others eyes after the kiss.

“I think I might win her back from that guy in black leather suit after all.” Adrien said, smiling at his partner.

“Not a chance.” Marinette smiled back at him. “But you may stick around, just in case.”

“Oh, I’m planning on sticking around you for a long time.” He said smiling.

“I love you, Chat,” Marinette said, closing her eyes on his chest.”

“I love you too, Ladybug.” He said, burying his nose in her hair.

“Well, that is not something you can see every day.” Alya said playfully.

“Depends of the period of time,” Alix smirked.

“I didn’t see that coming,” Luka noticed, “And who is oblivious now?”

“This is much more then that team reunion that I was expecting,” Nino agreed.

“Ok, guys,” Alix clapped her hands, “let’s go get some snacks at the buffet. Looks like our team leaders here need a moment for their own reunion.”

“And here I thought nothing would surprise me anymore.” Chloe muttered, following her boyfriend to the buffet room.

Leaving Ladybug and Chat Noir for their super hero team reunion.