Chapter Text
Epilogue: Praying
“Cause you brought the flames, and you put me through hell. I had to learn how to fight for myself, and we both know all the truth I could tell. I’ll just say this is I wish you farewell. I hope you’re somewhere prayin’”
---
**7 years later**
“Does the Eiffel Tower look different to you?” Adrien peeked out the window of Marinette’s jet as they circled around to the airport.
She lowered her magazine, leaning over him to look out. “It’s been a while since we’ve seen it, but I think it’s still the same. It looks different when you’re not climbing it.” She shot him a smirk.
Adrien sat back with a laugh.
“I once scaled it in 4 seconds flat.” He boasted as if she’d be impressed.
“I was there when you did it, remember? You were so proud of yourself.” She brushed his nose with her finger, lifting her magazine again. “I never wanted to disappoint you, but I did it in 3 and a half once.”
“What?” He gaped as their pilot’s voice sounded over the intercom, instructing them to fasten their seatbelts and prepare for landing.
“I’ve already arranged a car to take you to your parents’ house. Tomorrow morning, you have an appearance at the De-evilize foundation, then a phone interview with Mode. At 3 o’clock you’ll meet with your friends for tea for the rest of the evening.” Danielle listed when they landed, scrolling down her tablet screen.
“Thank you, Danielle.” Marinette nodded.
Marinette was busy as usual, but Adrien knew this trip was for business—her trips usually were. This time, however, Adrien had some business of his own to attend to. It had been several years since he’d been in Paris last, even longer since he’d seen him.
“It feels weird to be back. I guess I’ve tried not to think about Paris since we left. At least, not the bad parts anyway,” Adrien said as they paced hand-in-hand across the runway to the waiting car.
“You’re in a better place now than you were last time we were here,” Marinette said, accepting his help into the car. “You’ve come a long way.”
“Yeah…” He climbed in after her, wiping his palms on his pants with a sigh. “I’m just a little nervous I guess.”
“You don’t have to see him, you know.” Marinette pointed out, placing a hand over his. “You can sit with me while I do my interview.”
“No. I need to go. I’ll never be able to move on if I don’t.” He shook his head. When her eyebrows furrowed into a worried crease, he added, “I’ll be fine. I promise.”
“Okay.” She pressed her lips together. “One thing at a time. That’s tomorrow’s problem.”
“Yeah, you’re right.” He sighed. “I’ve missed your dad’s croissants. We haven’t had them since they came over for Christmas.”
“I’m sure he’s made you plenty.” Marinette giggled, leaning against his arm.
Marinette’s parents welcomed them with open arms when they arrived. Her dad gave them both a bear hug the moment they walked in the door, and Adrien was reminded that not all of his memories of Paris were bad. There was a lot of good still left there, and it gave him the courage he needed to face what he’d been running from all these years—the past he hoped to leave behind. It was time to finally face it. To face him one last time.
“I’ll meet you after, okay?” Marinette said the next day on the curb outside their foundation headquarters—the center they’d built where his old house used to be. She stretched up to kiss him hard before he ducked into the town car and closed the door with a sigh.
Several times on the way, he debated telling the driver to turn around, but each time he quietly berated himself for chickening out. He needed to go. Seven years was a long time, and he needed to finally rid himself of the darkness that had plagued him since he was 15. He wanted to live a long and happy life with Marinette, to put the past behind him for good and close the door without ever having to worry about it again, and this was the only way to do it. So, he let the driver continue on in silence, stomach churning in nervous knots.
Security was tight, but he should have expected as much from such a high-profile prison. His father always did get the best. Adrien barely flinched during the several searches he had to undergo as they made their way deeper into the facility. He wasn’t sure what to think about or what to expect, but when his father was finally led in wearing a gaudy orange jumpsuit, Adrien couldn’t help but smirk. They stared at each other through the glass pane before picking up the phones.
“Adrien,” he said, his voice hoarse and grey eyes wide with emotion.
“Father.” Adrien nodded curtly, pressing his lips into a firm line. “Long time no see.”
“I’d given up hope that you’d ever come here. It’s good to see you… You’ve grown so much.” His father looked him over. “How are you?”
“I’ve been better. I’ve also been worse.” Adrien shrugged. “Marinette and I live in New York. She just finished school, so we decided to make a trip, but I didn’t come here to catch up. I have something to say, and I want you to listen.”
His father lowered his gaze with a sigh, running a hand over his stubble and nodding.
“I’ve been angry with you for a long time. What you did was despicable and horrible, and somedays I still can’t believe it’s real.” Adrien twirled the phone cord around his fingers as he spoke, squeezing until his fingers turned purple. “All I ever wanted was for you to be there for me. To come to my fencing tournaments or even just have a meal with me more than once a month. I was willing to be patient with you for being busy with your work, but little did I know what kind of work you were actually doing.”
He flicked his gaze back up to his father who swallowed hard. “I should hate you, and maybe in some ways I do, but that’s not what I came here to say to you today.”
“Adrien-”
“I forgive you,” Adrien said. “I forgive you, Father.”
His father’s jaw dropped, lip quivering as tears welled in his eyes. His face fell into his hand, and Adrien sat back, running a hand over his face and tapping his foot.
“I don’t want you to be mistaken and think that this means I want you to be part of my life.” He continued. “This will probably be the last time we see each other. I’m going to ask Marinette to marry me, and when we have kids, your grandchildren, I don’t ever want you to meet them. I don’t want them to have a relationship with you. I never want you to be part of their lives, and I will work hard every day of my life to give them what I never had: a real father.”
“I suppose that’s what I deserve after everything.” Gabriel nodded, rubbing his cheek. “I’ve often debated what I would say to you if you ever came, but now I can’t seem to find the words, so I’ll just say this: I have always loved you, and I am sorry.”
Adrien held his gaze for a long moment, biting his lip. He placed the phone back on the receiver and stood up, following the guard back through the door. He never looked back.
♪♫♪ long story short ♪♫♪
“Past me, I wanna tell you not to get lost in these petty things. Your nemeses will defeat themselves before you get the chance to swing.”
---
“About time you showed up.” Chloe looked Marinette over, cocking a hip before a smile curled on her lips. “I guess I shouldn’t be surprised. You can’t show up anywhere on time if your life depended on it. You’re lucky I expected as much and told the press to be here an hour after I told you to show up.”
“Sorry, Adrien’s going to see he-who-shall-not-be-named today. I’m just worried,” Marinette said.
“He’ll be fine. Adrikins is tougher than he looks. He can thank me for that.” Chloe flipped her short, curly hair. “Seriously, don’t worry. He can do this.”
“Yeah, I guess you’re right.” Marinette lowered her gaze. “He’s just worked so hard. I’d hate for anything to ruin that.”
“Even if seeing his dad messes him up, he’ll just come crawling back to you to kiss his booboos and make him feel better. Relax.” Chloe rolled her eyes, turning on one heel and beckoning Marinette to follow. “Come on. The press shoot will be in here.”
Marinette took a deep breath and scurried after her. Familiar bouncy red curls were adjusting the microphones when they entered, and Marinette smiled, rushing over to hug her.
“What did I tell you about hugs?” Gabrielle sighed but patted Marinette’s back, nonetheless. “Good to see you in Paris again. How long are you here for?”
“Just a few days. We’re opening a boutique in Milan next weekend, so we’ll be flying out to oversee the preparations soon,” Marinette said.
“Where does she get all the energy?” Gabrielle asked Chloe with a smirk. “I swear, she runs on batteries.”
“Marinette has always been annoyingly perky and full of energy. I get tired just looking at her.” Chloe yawned. “I suppose you’re going to need a couple models for your boutique launch?”
“Well, I did bring some dress samples. If you two aren’t too busy,” Marinette said.
Gabrielle rolled her eyes. “We work for you, remember?”
“Well, yeah, but if you were busy, I could always call up Clara or Macy and-”
“Oh, no, Chloe. She’s offering to take us to Milan. How horrible.” Gabrielle moaned.
“Ugh, and she wants us to model in front of thousands of adoring fans and photographers? What are we, her workhorses?” Chloe scoffed.
“Ha ha, I get it.” Marinette smiled. “Thanks, girls.”
“If we’re offering up free trips to Milan, is there any way a star reporter could jump on that plane?” A smile spread on Alya’s lips in the doorway, and she cocked a hip. “These networks just do not compensate cross-country travel as well as you’d think.”
“What are you doing here already? Press isn’t supposed to be here for another twenty minutes.” Marinette crossed the room to hug her neck.
“Well, it’s easy to sneak in when you volunteer in your downtime. I kind of know all the security codes.” Alya winked. “I heard the whirlwind herself was going to be here, so I had to see it with my own eyes.”
“It’s been a while since I’ve been back in Paris. Unfortunately, I won’t be staying long, but I do accommodate my friends well on my trips, if you want to do a report on Milan.” Marinette offered.
“Does your jet still come stocked with those sodas from China?” Alya quirked a brow.
“Of course.”
“Yeah, I think I can squeeze it in.” She smirked. “Mind if I bring along a plus one? Nino complains every day about not seeing Adrien since we visited New York last.”
“He might have to ride in the cargo bay, but I’m sure we can squeeze him in.”
“Reporters are lining up outside.” Danielle announced.
“Guess it’s showtime.” Marinette hugged Alya’s neck one last time. “See you out there.”
“Knock ‘em dead, girl.”
♪♫♪ no tears left to cry ♪♫♪
“Right now I’m in a state of mind I wanna be in like all the time. Ain’t got no tears left to cry.”
---
“Marinette!” Macy squealed, racing to hug her as she and Adrien stepped out of the town car. “Oh, last time I saw you was at Eliott and Lisette’s wedding in London. It’s been so long since you’ve visited us in Paris.”
“It’s been a while, but I knew it was in safe hands.” Marinette leaned against her shoulder as Eliott descended the front steps and held out his arms.
“Well, well, well. Look who decided to show her face in Paris again.” He teased, kissing both of her cheeks. “Good to see you.”
“You too! Nice scarf, by the way.” Marinette traced her thumb over her brand logo with a smirk.
“I only wear the best.” Eliott shrugged. “Your color palette is stunning this year, no surprise.”
“Thanks.” She giggled, exchanging quick hugs with Lisette and Martin while Macy and Eliott traded off with Adrien.
“Well, we’re not going to stand out here all day. Come inside.” Macy gestured them up the stairs. “Martin and I imported our favorite tea, and we picked up some madeleines from the best bakery in town.” She winked at Marinette as they walked to the sitting room where her butler stood beside a fancy cart.
“So, how are things in New York? It’s been a couple weeks since we spoke last,” Lisette asked as they settled in.
“Great! I just finished with school, we’re opening a store in Milan, and I have a branding campaign coming up in a few weeks. I’ll be traveling around a lot for the next year while Adrien finishes up school, but we’ve actually talked about settling back here in Paris once it’s over,” Marinette said. “How are things here? I’ve heard album sales are going well, and Eliott is playing the lead role in an upcoming show. Oh, and congrats on the engagement!”
“Thanks.” Martin’s cheeks flushed as Macy flashed the ring.
“Are you going to design the dress, Marinette?” Lisette asked.
Marinette sipped her tea to hide her smirk. “Oh, I’ve already designed the entire bridal party,” she said nonchalantly. “We can look at that later.”
“I asked her as soon as Martin proposed. There isn’t anyone else in the world that I trust to design for me,” Macy said. “It also helps when your sister-in-law is a makeup artist.”
Lisette flashed her a grin.
“When is the wedding? Have you decided yet?” Adrien asked.
Macy shook her head. “We haven’t picked a date yet, but we’re hoping to do it before Martin applies to law school.”
“Well, I’ll get everyone’s measurements before I leave today. When you decide on the designs you like I’ll get started on them when I get back to New York,” Marinette said.
“Speaking of weddings, I’m surprised you two haven’t tied the knot yet.” Lisette smirked.
Marinette shot Adrien a smile. “We’ve talked about it, but we’ve both been in school, I’ve been traveling a lot, and we wanted to make sure that Adrien was okay after everything.”
“We’ll make plans soon.” Adrien winked.
“Well, Alya and I have already planned your bachelorette party, so just be prepared,” Macy said.
“Why does that make me worry?” Marinette laughed.
Macy shot her a wink before her face softened. “It’s really good to see you both again for something that isn’t related to a charity or an event,” she said. “We’ll have to get together more when you two move back here.”
“We will, definitely.” Marinette promised, giving her hands a squeeze.
They caught up and prattled on about Macy’s new album, work they’d done with their charities, Adrien’s psychology classes. It was nice to catch up with friends again without an ulterior motive, like Macy said. Adrien was quiet for most of the afternoon, which Marinette expected. What she wasn’t expecting was when he requested they stop somewhere special on the way home.
“Where are we going?” Marinette asked as he took her hand and led her up the strip toward the Trocadero.
“You’ll see.” He took a few more steps, turning to face the Eiffel Tower and adjusting her accordingly. “Right here.”
“Right here?” She quirked a brow, glancing down at their feet.
“Right here.” He nodded. “This is the spot where I was standing when I fell head-over-heels in love with you all those years ago. We were fighting Stoneheart, and you vowed to protect Paris no matter what, and it was the moment when you stole my heart and ran away with it.”
Marinette bit back a smile as he continued.
“I made my own vow that day that no matter who was under the mask, I was going to love you for the rest of my life.” He reached into his pocket, dropping down on one knee. “And I intend to keep that promise. Marinette Dupain-Cheng, my Ladybug, will you marry me?”
She cupped her hands over her mouth, eyes watering. “Of course, chaton.”
Adrien stood up to meet her lips, their smiles and laughter breaking each kiss. Not everything in their life had gone the way they’d pictured it, but in the end they’d overcome every obstacle thrown their way. Akumas, broken friendships, fame, Lila, Hawkmoth, the weight of Gabriel’s sins. It was the two of them against the world—as always—and they’d come out the other end stronger. No matter where they went in life, everything would work out so long as they had each other.
Fin