ADRIEN

The bowtie has been killing me for the past hours...or am I allowing myself to be choked by it?

"Damn it, damn it, damn it!" I curse under my breath.

"Seems like the groom is not yet ready." I see Nino, through my mirror, enter the room and I turn to him.

"I'm freaking out here!" I say frantically. "I'm starting to panic!"

He laughs heartily and walks towards me. "Let me help. That's what best men are great at doing, right?" He offers and I let go of the bowtie as he adjusts it around my neck collar. "Do you know the secret of these bowties?"

"Enlighten me, Master Nino." I boringly mutter.

"They can sense fear." He whispers, trying his best to scare the heck out of me.

"Shut up." I utter, playfully punching his forearm.

"But you're not denying anything!" He exclaims and we laugh together. "Now you look better. Why would you even panic?"

"You're right. It's just..." I trail off and sigh exasperatingly. "Marinette and I have been preparing for this day and if something so small goes wrong, I will totally feel frustrated over it! It's like I'm emotionally invested and attached to our wedding."

"Woah," Nino breathes out. "You're starting to sound like a husband already."

"A husband..." I sigh. Now I could feel the bowtie tighten around my neck again. "A-husband," I choke out. How come...how come I suddenly forgot how to breathe? "Oh my God. After the wedding I'm going to be a husband and I'll have a wife!"

Nino stops me from pacing back and forth in the room by placing his hands on my shoulders. "Dude! Why are you worrying over everything? You're treating this like as if it's the end of the world!"

"I..." I sigh in defeat, "I don't know...maybe I just have this longing to see Marinette already?"

Nino lightly chuckles and removes his hands from my shoulders. "How about this, just keep on thinking of the love of your life. And finally, you two will belong together...forever!" Nino cringes, "You should feel special that I'm acting all sappy for you."

"That's why you're my world, bro."

"Shut up," Nino spits out. "Marinette's your world and no one else will take that place."

I take a deep breath and exhale slowly. I repeat the routine until I think I'm ready.

"Now," Nino starts, "I think we have to go to the church. The wedding can't start without you."

I look at myself in the mirror for one last time and straighten my bowtie. "Okay. I'm ready to get married."

A series of knocks are heard on the door and it opens. Father stands by the doorway wearing a similar style of tuxedo as mine. His is just black while mine is white- the one made for the groom. "How is my son?" He asks, beaming. I smile back at father.

"He's ready." Nino answers and the both of us start to walk to the door. But once I see the group of people walking behind Father, I freeze in place and start to breathe erratically. I...I just saw...oh my God. "Woah, dude, what's wrong?" Nino asks, noticing my sudden change of demeanor. He follows my line of sight and immediately brings my father inside the room, then slams the door shut. "Adrien, don't tell me that you saw Marinette."

"I...I saw her pass by with Alya and other people." I mutter, still in shock with seeing my beautiful bride-to-be.

"Mister Agreste, you should have entered the room immediately to close the door!" Nino scolds father whilst he just raises his hands in surrender.

"Forgive me, best man!" He exclaims out loud.

Nino shakes his head, "I have to check on Alya. I'll make sure that you won't see Marinette again until she walks down the aisle. Excuse me." He storms out of the room, making sure to close the door behind him, and leaves father and I alone. Father lets out a light laugh whilst I stay frozen in place.

"It's normal to feel nervous, Adrien." Father walks toward me, trying to be comforting as possible. "And it's normal to have you heart rushing and beating against your chest. I felt all of those when I was about to marry your mother."

"Tell me about the time you married mother." I whisper, hoping to calm myself.

"Well, your mother was beautiful as usual," He says. "But that day, she was glowing more than usual. I don't know how she entranced me...maybe it was just with the fact that I had the luckiest chance to make her mine." He sighs in content.

"You miss her?" I quietly ask, placing a hand on his shoulder.

"There's no denying that I do." He whispers then turns my body around to face the mirror once again. "If only she lived longer to see you on this day..." His voice falters.

"She's always with us, father."

"I know, I know. I just...I wish I changed some things during our wedding."

"W-What do you mean, father?" I stutter. "I hope you don't regret saying 'I do' or something," I joke.

He lets out a soft laugh and suddenly turns melancholic again. "I didn't want your mother to walk alone at the aisle and I didn't want to wait for her."

"What are you trying to say, father?"

"My son," I see a tear threatening to leave his eye. He blinks it away. "I have always believed that starting with walking to the altar, I should be with my bride already. I didn't want to wait; why should I wait? Shouldn't we present ourselves at the altar together- as one?" He lets out a long sigh full of regret.

"Father..."

"You might not have the chance to do what I wish I have done years ago." He finishes with a breathy laugh to steer away from the tension he has set upon himself and the topic he brought up. "Take care of Marinette, okay? I like her the most out of all your girlfriends."

I chuckle and turn to face my father, "She's my only girlfriend, father."

"Exactly." He points out. "You know that you're the nicest person I have ever met, right?"

"You remind me almost everyday, father." I reply.

He beams at me, "Because it is true. I know you didn't get such a trait from me. If you did, you wouldn't be calling me 'father'...rather, 'dad'." He looks at me with a sad smile, opposite to the one he was showing a while ago. "Your mother would have been the reason why you have grown into a fine, young man. If only I have not neglected you at times when you were younger-"

"You are a great father." I cut him off before he feels bad in himself. "You may have different methods, but that does not change the fact that I love you." I wrap my arms around him and he does the same, running his hand on my back gently.

"And I love you too." He sighs. "Don't commit the same mistakes as mine, Adrien. Be a better version of me, okay?"

I savor the simple gesture by closing my eyes, "I'll take your word, father."

"Now come on," he pulls away from the hug. "let's get you married!" He ushers me out of the room and I hide how nervous I am with a smile.

----------------

Everyone stands as the commentator introduces me to the congregation. I take a deep breath and walk in the middle of the red carpeted aisle. People stand as they watch me walk. I pass by Marinette's parents and I stop in place to go back to them.

"My boy," Tom starts as he seems stunned with my presence in front of him. "shouldn't you be waiting at the altar?"

"Right after I do this." I answer and wrap my arms around him. "Thank you for allowing me to marry your daughter."

He lets out a hearty laugh and roughly pats my back once. "You have won my approval ever since, my boy."

I pull back to hug Sabine who was standing beside him. She wipes away her tears and leans closer to hug me. "Woah!" I exclaim in delight. "Thank you, Sabine." I say, wrapping my arms around her.

"Welcome to the family, Adrien!" She cries.

"And I'm looking forward to everything we'll be doing together." I whisper at her ear.

"Now, go!" She pushes me and point at the altar whilst wiping away her tears. "Go there and wait for my beautiful daughter!"

I laugh and gently smile at both of my future in-laws, "I will." I continue marching my way to the side of the altar. I reach my designated area and stand facing the grand entrance of the church. I inhale sharply and deeply breathe out as I fix my bowtie for the last time.

Now all I have to do is wait...dreadfully.

The others who have important roles in the wedding enter the church right after me. From the principal sponsors to our bridesmaids. Following them is our ring-bearer and our adorable flower girls. Alya, the maid of honor, walks right after and I playfully nudge a shoulder at Nino who is standing right beside me. I turn to him and mouth the words, 'You're next' at him.

He scoffs and looks at his polished shoes, clearly trying to hide his flushing cheeks.

I smirk at him with pride and instantly shift back into my nervous state as I face the front doors of the church. Marinette will be walking past them in just a few moments.

The choir starts to play a different song. It's not the song used during our march and it is also not the normal song that is played when the bride enters the church. They have composed a song for just this wedding- our wedding. This gives everyone the cue that the bride is about to enter. And this is the cue for the beating of my heart to go restless.

Both the front doors are pushed open and it is visible enough to see a woman standing in the middle of the opening. The vibrant yellow color of her bouquet of wild sunflowers compliments her cream-colored wedding gown with a semi-long train that follows right after as she walks slowly. Everyone watches the girl-turned-princess walk down the aisle and just like her groom, they too are speechless.

Tears start to brim my eyes and I can't stop them from falling and myself from smiling. A handkerchief is handed to me by Nino and I take it to gently wipe my eyes. "She's beautiful." I cry.

"She is." Nino softly replies beside me.

Marinette suddenly looks at me and I stay stunned with the smile she gives me. Just as I was about to smile back at her, she must have lost her footing as she topples down the carpet. The guests let out collective gasps and the choir stops playing music. Without any second thoughts, I run to Marinette.

A small circle of guests have formed around her and some help her get on her feet. But she refuses their help. The guests move away once they see me nearing her.

"Isn't the groom supposed to be waiting for her?" I hear one whisper, "They shouldn't be together right before the wedding!"

"Shush, it's their wedding. Not yours!" The person beside whispers back.

I don't mind them as I kneel in front of Marinette. "Hey," I softly coo at her.

She looks up at me with tears continuously running down her cheeks. Thank God for waterproof make-up. She covers her face with her now disheveled bouquet.

"I always ruin everything with my clumsiness." She cries.

"But I did not fall in love with a 'careful' Marinette. I fell in love with the clumsy and adventure-seeking Marinette! And guess what, I'm marrying her today."

She wipes away her tears with the handkerchief I hand her. "You really know how to take my breath away." I continue, whispering so that only she could hear what I am saying.

"I hope that's a good thing." She says.

"That's the best thing any man could feel from his bride."

She sheepishly smiles at me. "So what now?" She quietly asks. "I can't just continue walking by myself...it seems embarrassing already."

The words of what father said then fill my mind at this moment. "Then how about this," I turn around to look for Tom. Once I spot him, I beckon him to come over. "For the first half, he will walk with you and I'll meet you there at the middle." Since I could not kiss her on the lips yet, I press a gentle kiss on her forehead.

"From the middle, we will walk together and present ourselves at the altar," I continue and clasp her hand in mine. "Neither one of us will be waiting."

"And why should we do that?" She asks.

"Because a wise man told me that starting from now, we'll be doing everything together even presenting ourselves at the altar." I answer.

She nods once and I help her stand. Tom arrives and I briefly explain to him about the plan. He agrees with it and allows Marinette to loop her arm around his as I walk to the middle of the aisle. The choir starts the song from the top and Marinette walks with her dad with a bigger smile on her face. This time, she enjoys her walk with her dad and she gets more excited as she nears me.

I find father looking at me whilst smiling widely. What I am doing is for him...and for mother. He places a hand on his chest and mouth the words 'thank you'. I smile in return and hold out my arm just in time for Marinette to switch to mine. Tom kisses her cheek and placing her hand on my arm. Marinette loops her arm around mine this time. Tom goes back to his seat and Marinette blows a kiss at him.

Despite Marinette's veil and her fixed hair-do, she leans her head on my shoulder.

"Shall we go now?"

"We shall." She simply answers.

----------------

I look at my wristwatch again and tap nervously on the bar of one of the most famous breweries here in town.

I look around the place and it is not really buzzing with customers, there is just a handful including me. I check my watch to know the time again. I'm early for the meeting I planned with only one person involved. I have something important to discuss with the person and I'm scared if that person will not show up at all.

The brewery's front door is pulled open and I breathe a sigh in relief as the person I am expecting walks towards me. I stand from my seat and hold out a hand for the person to shake it.

"Good day, Nathanaël." I greet the man as we shake hands.

"Good morning, Adrien." He says back.

"Take a seat," I utter and go back to my seat. He sits on the chair beside me at the bar. "Would you want anything to drink?"

"Just a beer." He answers. I call the bartender and tell him to prepare two glasses of freshly-brewed beer.

"It's weird that we're taking beer late in the morning," I say after ordering.

"Why did you call me here today?" He questions, getting straight to the point. Our beer is placed in front of us and Nathanaël grabs his glass and takes a swig of the beer, almost finishing it.

"We might have gotten off in the wrong foot." I take a sip of my share and hide my grimace with how bitter it is.

"Yeah, ever since." He mutters.

"And we both know the reason why." I quietly add. "I have been made aware by Marinette of what happened between the two of you...she gave me the gist of it."

He slams his glass on the bar and scoffs, "So she's now a tattletale," he interrupts.

"She's concerned, Nath." I utter clearly in disbelief. "And you should be thankful that I'm not feeling hostile about this."

He sighs and finishes his beer in just another swig. He raises his glass at the bartender for him to refill it. "I'm sorry," He apologizes. "I'm not being fair to you right now. You even made the effort to contact me. But why?" He exasperatingly asks.

Now it's my turn to take a swig of the beer. "I don't want the two of you to stay in bad terms. You are her friend, Nathanaël. And I know that she has hurt you in some ways."

"I was her confidant." He whispers with a growing smile on his face.

I take a deep breath and state my thoughts in just one go, "I'm planning to ask for her hand in marriage again." I utter, carefully yet surely.

He pauses mid-drinking his share and stays stunned for a while. "I...as her therapist, I'm happy to hear the news. But as someone who loves her, I...I don't have anything nice to say." He utters, remaining stunned and completely clueless with what he should do.

"Nath," I start. Maybe this was a bad idea after all. I should have not done this at-

"She always talked about you during her sessions." He suddenly utters. "Even if I change the topic, she would always revert it back to you." He lets out a light laugh and start to play with his glass by sliding it from one hand to the other. "I have always known that I would never have a chance with her."

I stay quiet as now I have nothing to say. This is all new information to me and finally, I would get to hear his thoughts of Marinette.

He looks at me and shrugs, "I can't blame Marinette for my longing feelings for her because now I realize the pain yet reality of a therapist-someone people look up to for advice and counseling. I was merely a bridge, rather I helped construct the bridge in order to fix your relationship. I was never the one who was supposed to cross it to be with her..." He pauses and looks away, "it was all for you to cross."

"I..."

"You don't have to say anything." He utters, feeling low. "We all have challenges that we must encounter to proceed in life, right?"

He really has become a therapist. And I realize that he is taking this in a mature manner.

"Thank you for taking care of her." I utter softly. "And I'm sorry..."

"Don't feel bothered over me." He says in a joking manner. "It's clear that she loves you as much as I love her. You love each other and fighting for her to feel the same for me would be just a lost cause...in fact, I'll be wasting more of my time over useless and hopeless feelings." He musters a smile but loses it instantly. "But I'm not against your decision of marrying her again. I know that it will help her emotionally and it will help me move on."

I nod in understanding but decide to keep quiet. We sat staying silent from then on. Occasionally, Nathanaël would sip from his glass whilst I would tap my fingers on the hard surface. As customers come and go, the both of us have nothing significant to say to one another. But the both are sure that one is hurting and the other is winning, unintentionally.

"Oh my," Nathanaël suddenly exclaims, taking a look at the time displayed on his phone screen. "I have to get back to work. There is the need to heal more people I meet." He gleefully smiles at me

"You're a good guy, Nath." I compliment. "The job of a therapist fits you well..." I trail off. "Say, if ever I hold another art exhibit," I start, clearly in thought. "I would want you to contribute some of your artworks."

Nathanaël breaks out in a hearty laugh, "Adrien, my painting days are over."

"But it doesn't mean that you lost the skill!" I point out. "You might not know, but painting may be your form of therapy- of healing." I finish. Nathanaël seems lost in thought for a while until he breaks off in a wider smile.

"Maybe I should incorporate my work with painting, just for the fun of it."

"And once your works enter my auctions, you'll be earning extra money."

"That sounds promising." He utters, feeling excited. "You're not bad after all. You're a good person too, Adrien. From what I see between us two, she deserves to be with you more than me." I decide not to comment, instead I take his hand and shake it firmly in my hold.

"That makes two good people with no conflict against each other." I let go and grab my beer.

"Should we make a toast?" I suggest, slightly raising my glass in the air.

"And then chug down our beer after?" He adds, getting his glass also.

"To the last drop," I say. "A toast to..." I signal him to continue.

"To...er," He thinks for a while and he then lights up with a good idea. "To starting over with different but clearer paths."

"To starting over," I repeat and we clink our glasses against each other. We chug down our beer and bring down our empty glasses on the bar.

"It's been a long time since I've last hung out with a friend from high school," He tells me.

"Next time, I could invite more."

"For the first time in years, I'm not carrying anything heavy here." He brings a hand to his chest, specifically where his heart rests. He looks at me with a smile, "I guess I did need healing after all."

----------------

"Who did you meet up with this morning?" Marinette asks as we are about to enter the school's auditorium.

"Just someone who's important to you." I reply with a smile. "Come on, the graduation's about to start."  I hold her hand and bring her with me to the front stage. Parents take their seats at the sides since the graduates will be sitting in the middle. Some of the graduates are still with their parents- chatting and some fixing their hair under the graduation cap. Most of the graduates are now lining up at the back in preparation for their opening march.

I bring Marinette to one of the seats near the podium and thankfully, it is not too visible to the parents and students sitting in front of us. "I would want you to sit here." I say, trying to hide how frantic I sound.

"Hey, are you okay?" She asks, sensing my sudden discomfort. She cups my cheek.

"I'm really nervous over my speech later," I admit.

She suddenly leans in to swiftly kiss my cheek. "That means you're about to do something great," She whispers.

I chuckle, now feeling relaxed, "I've heard those words for far too many times. I've grown happily accustomed to them." I start to put on my toga as the director of the school. She helps me fix the buttons in front. "Thanks, Mari."

"Anything for the guy I love," She timidly says. "Now go!" She pushes my shoulders, "Your students are about to march in."

I wave at her as I walk to the back of the auditorium. I pass by some of the graduating students and they greet me on my way to joining my co-teachers as we are the last ones to march.

And in no time, the graduation has started with students marching in to go up onstage and then down the stairs to their designated seats. Marching music is played and it gives everyone a double dose of fulfillment.

"It's almost our turn, sir." One of my co-teachers says, placing a hand on my shoulder.

"So what are we waiting for?" I say, smiling. "Let's give these kids their well-earned degrees."

My fellow teachers start to march in the middle aisle by departments. The students clap as their teachers pass by them. Despite this being a formal event, some even cheer out loud at some of the teachers. I am the last to walk as the director of the school. All students clap and I hear a familiar voice to my right shout out a loud, "Whoo!"

I see David Chapman whooping loudly and I laugh as I pass by him. I can't do anything about his behavior now with the fact that he's graduating.

I reach the stage and notice Marinette clapping by the side. She sends me a wink whilst I try to stop the heat rising in my cheeks.

The graduation ceremony starts with opening remarks given by one of the head teachers of the faculty. I'll be doing the closing remarks later. All students have been given their diplomas already. And now we are awarding the students with highest and high honors.

Just as awards are given, my nervousness is almost reaching its highest point. I repeatedly wipe my sweaty palms on my lap covered by the toga. But I know that I can't run away from what I'm about to do. And it's best if I don't prolong the agony. As I try to calm myself down, my heart seems to go on its own beating the heck out of me.

"And now let us call our school director, Mister Adrien Agreste, to give the closing remarks for this ceremony. A round of applause, please." The students stand and clap as I walk to the podium. I smile at them and gesture them to take their seats. I take a deep breath and look at the people around me. I sneak a glance at Marinette and she gives me a thumbs up for support. I find myself smiling and with newfound confidence in me to start my speech.

"To our dear parents, guardians and graduates, a pleasant day to all." I say into the microphone, glancing at my copy. "I know that you are all aware of the fate this school holds. Whether to be angry or excited about it is a decision for all of you to make. But if ever you ask me, I would say that I have no regrets.

My heart may be beating wildly but it does not feel heavy at all because in front of me, I see young people who can bring good to this world. They are full of patience, not anger." I pause to look at the parents and guardians, "Compassion, not pride," I then face the graduates, "Humility, not jealousy," This time I lock eyes with a special person I have strong feelings for, "And Love, not hate."

"Love does not find you," I continue, now facing the graduates. "In fact, you as a person seek for love. And where do we find love? It could be a smile from someone you would pass by in a hallway, a block mate who would lend you an extra pencil, or a freshly-baked chocolate-filled croissant." I say letting a soft laugh escape my lips. Gentle laughter could be heard from the students. They may be reminiscing their days together. "It is up to us if we accept that kind of love- if we would allow it to change us, as a person."

"Love is home. And sometimes...you need someone to give that sense of home. That person could be anyone- a Supreme being, a family member, a friend, a neighbor, a childhood sweetheart perhaps," I add. "And that person may also become your home."

I bring the microphone closer to my mouth and my head has lifted a bit higher than before. I continue with more confidence. "But who are we kidding? In this generation we live in, we face more failures and, in fact, allow them to swallow us alive. But, my dear graduates, what is beautiful is that love is also found in the hardships and challenges we face day-to-day. Life is hard due to the fact that the reward is something worthwhile- worth every trial we have been put through." I emphasize each word by stating it clearly with conviction. "And that right there is also love! We get ultimate happiness and purpose in the end, we can't help but to feel loved with such gifts we receive in the end!" I exclaim, smiling widely at the graduates in front of me.

"As I end my time as your school director, I would like to end it with a lesson all of you must know and follow: Learn to be patient with yourself. Learn to be patient with the people around you, and even your work in the near future. And with patience, you will eventually find the capacity to love. And, I tell you, that is enough." I face Marinette as I finish the very last speech I would ever get to say in front of an audience. I flash a gentle smile at her, "Actually, it will be more than enough." She smiles back at me and wipes away some tears running down her cheeks. She quietly laughs at herself for crying whilst I turn to face the graduates again.

"And to give back the love our dear graduates have felt for their entire lives," I say, reading from the prepared script I'm currently holding, "Here is an act of tribute and love for our dear parents and guardians."

Music starts to play and the graduates bring out candles found under their chairs. One by one, the candles are lit up and the graduates bring them to their respective family members.

"When no one else can understand me," They all sing, "When everything I do is wrong. You give me love and consolation. You give me hope to carry on." The graduates disperse and give the candles to their parents or relatives. Some hugged each other and took pictures together. Of course, there were parents who shed a tear or two. Some of the parents were even singing along to the famous song.

And following the plan I have formulated, I grab and light my own candle. I then walk to Marinette who seems entranced with what is currently happening. "M-Marinette?" I stutter.

"Adrien," she exclaims, noticing my presence in front of her. She looks at the candle I'm holding, "Is...Is that for me?"

I nod then rub the nape of my neck, "Can we talk? Outside?" She holds my hand and I lead her to one of the fire exits that will being us outside. I leave the door open so that we could still hear the song being played.

And you're always there to lend a hand in all I try to do...That's the wonder, the wonder of you.

I blow out the candle and pull her close to me and wrap my arms around her waist, letting go of the candle in the process. She laughs amidst the tears but loops her arms arms around my neck. She buries her head on my neck and would occasionally kiss me.

"You did great out there, Adrien." She whispers.

"Really? Is that the reason why you love me?" I tease her. She looks at me and brings her face closer to mine.

"I love you because of more reasons..." She replies with flushed cheeks. "You don't know how much you make my heart race or how much I think about you."

"You leave me with the same side-effects too," I utter, grinning from ear to ear. "You are truly a wonder to me." She leans her forehead on mine and we both close our eyes to savor each other's presence and touch.

I guess I'll never know the reason why you love me as you do...that's the wonder, the wonder of you.

"If only I could turn back time to erase every thing I've done against you." She suddenly whispers, her voice laced with regret.

"Then...Then why not start anew," I stammer. I'm getting nervous all over again and now, there is no point of return.

She forces out a laugh and leans her head on my shoulder, "Isn't that what we have been doing?"

"But this time, I want to know if it could be different." I murmur into her ear. She pulls away again to look into my eyes.

"W-What?"

"Marinette," I start, "would you want us to start over again? As a married couple and perhaps, as a family?"