[TUMBLR MOBILE AT MY RESPONSE BUT I’LL BE DAMNED IF I DON’T REAR MY HEAD FROM MY TRASHPIT im so sorry]
Despite how much Chat Noir’s life had changed over the past seven years, the Paris cityscape looks exactly the same. Perhaps it was a bit of the magic that coursed through the city, but more likely it was the stubbornness of the Parisians living there.
Speaking of stubborn Parisians, Ladybug has started speaking. He pulls his focus back in time to catch her last few words.
The wistful rise of her voice is enough to fill in what he missed. Chat nods, understanding. It’s to be expected. He scoots a little closer and wraps an arm around her waist.
“The Eiffel Tower isn’t going anywhere, My Lady. We can still come back.”
Ladybug wrinkles her nose in displeasure; it takes every ounce of self-control and the reminder that this is serious for Chat not to lean in and kiss it.
“Yeah, as tourists,” she grumbles.
This time he can’t help it. She looks so indignant at the thought that he laughs and plants his lips on the tip of her nose. As much as Ladybug tries to frown and squirm away, her giggles soon join his.
“Come on, it’s about time that the Heroes of Paris got to see their own city without being attacked by wacky villains. Retirement might not be so bad after all,” Chat says.
It’s not what she wants to hear, but he know he has to say it, to keep saying it. Ladybug’s head droops and her hands twist in her lap. Her next words are soft.
“You don’t have to do this with me, Minou. I know how much being Chat means to you, how important it is in your life to be free, to help people.”
He’d be lying if he tried to deny that the thought hadn’t crossed his mind; he’d already begun mourning the loss of seven more years of Chat Noir. But it was worth it. It was what he wanted and more.
“Don’t think you can get rid of me that easily. We’re a team, from now until forever. Ladybug and Chat Noir.”
“Adrien and Marinette,” she says, correcting him.
He shifts to face her. The glow of the city through the tower’s railing casts gentle shadows on her face, but it’s light enough to see her brow soften and her lips curve into the slightest smile. Although Chat knew he likely would never see Ladybug like this again, the city and the dark sky meeting in infinite probability behind her, he doubted he would ever forget this moment. Carefully, Chat reaches out to hay a gloved hand above her heart.
Stubborn Ladybug, faithful, unwavering: of course she would roll her eyes and tease him without ever meaning it. Just as carefully, she pulls his hand away and replaces it with hers, barely smothering her smile when she says, “Mine.”
Because no doubt Ladybug’s heart belonged to her. Chat just liked to think they shared joint custody. Affection swelling in his chest, Chat places his hand over his heart and says, “Yours.”
Even through the fabric of her suit, Chat can feel the shape of the slender ring adorning her left hand as she takes his hand in hers. With a beaming smile, she places their joined hands low on her stomach.
