Adrien held tightly onto Marinette's hand as they were driven through the city of London. He knew he was staring at her as she looked wide eyed out the window at the city sights, but he couldn't look away. She looked so beautiful, so full of life. Right now, everything in his world felt so perfect just being here beside her. After tonight, he would be able to officially introduce her as his fiancée, and that thought made his heart leap with joy. He'd rung Nathalie and told her. She was taken aback that Adrien didn't want to wait a few years before thinking about marriage, but when he told he had already asked her and how important this was to him, she softened, telling him how happy she was for him. He knew she meant it too, because Nathalie had been so supportive of them, even when his father wasn't. He asked her, however, to set up a meeting for him with his father after they returned. Nathalie was a little reluctant to do so, but Adrien explained he wanted to face his father, man to man, before walking out of that house and the company for good.

As the London Eye came into view Marinette turned to face him and smiled. She knew what he was up to, but that didn't diminish her excitement. It wasn't like she needed a grand gesture to know how much he loved her, or even a ring to prove his sincerity, but she was more than happy to go along with her Kitty's plans. This was something he really wanted to do for her, how could she ever say no. As the car came to a stop, the nervous excitement she could see in his eyes was endearing. After all, it wasn't like she had changed her mind.

Adrien helped Marinette out of the car as a fine mist of rain began to drizzle down again. He opened a large black umbrella above their heads, placing a protective arm around her waist and holding her close to his side. It reminded her of another umbrella he held up to her once in the rain on the school steps. That moment felt like a lifetime ago now. Fourteen year old Marinette wouldn't have believed in her wildest dreams that she would be here now with the boy of her dreams, her most trusted partner, the love of her life who would also be the man who wanted to marry her, proposing for the second time just because he wanted to make it more special. As Adrien confirmed their reservation with the cashier, Marinette looked down at their entwined hands and at the miraculous on his finger wondering what her life would have been if Master Fu had not chosen them. Simpler maybe, plus she wouldn't have had the burden of Hawkmoth, the miracle box and all the secrets she had to keep. Would she have traded all that though for a quiet life and lost Adrien? Not for one millisecond. Their lives might have been crazy and they may have been moving too fast for everyone around them, but this was their whirlwind, and they weren't going to waste a second of it waiting on other people.

As their pod arrived, Marinette gasped at the beautiful setting inside. There was pink and red fabric bunting draped all around the windows and stunning red and pink roses in huge bouquets all around. Adrien grinned and chuckled seeing also the champagne with cheese and chocolates as well. So that's what his Aunt had meant by extras, she had booked them the proposal package and had it decorated not only for romance, but also for privacy from any possible French media that might have known they were there. Trust Amelie to think of everything. He reminded himself to thank her later, because it was absolutely perfect. Stepping into this little haven, the pod slowly made it's journey towards the pinnacle. For a while they sat next to each other in a comfortable silence, siping the champagne while they admired the view. Adrien had his arm around her, and she leaned into his warmth. Tikki and Plagg were sitting discretely among the flowers, eating the cheese and chocolates.

The wheel was about half way through it's thirty minute trip and was nearing its highest point. Marinette had stood to look out the window at the Thames below. Adrien looked over to the two kwamis who both nodded back at him. Time for him to put his plan into action. He stood behind her, his hands on her shoulders as Plagg flew up to where the security camera was, and with the lightest of touches short circuited it, much in the same way he had done to the lights at the photoshoot. Marinette heard the noise of the crackling wire, looking up at the Kwami questionally. Plagg just shrugged and gave her a toothy grin.

"Marinette." Adrien said softly. She turned to him as he took her hand in his. "You already know what I'm going to ask, and you already gave me your answer, but I was wondering if you could just indulge me for a few minutes because there is something that I really want to do." At this point the two kwamis came over and joined the couple.

"Plagg, claws out." Once his transformation was complete, Chat looked at Marinette with a smile, indicating towards Tikki. Oh, that's why Plagg shorted out the camera. Marinette looked a little concerned to her kwami, but Tikki nodded and smiled at her.

"Alright then Chaton. Tikki, spots on." Chat admired Ladybug for a moment before unzipping his pocket and taking out a very iconic looking turquoise box with a white ribbon tied around it.

"Tiffany." She gasped. "So that's where you went during the reception." Ladybug reached out and caressed Chat's face with her hand. "You know you didn't have to spend that kind of money on me." Chat took her hand and kissed it.

"Now what kind of a knight in shining leather would I be if I didn't buy the best for my purrincess?" He passed the box to her and watched her face anxiously as she opened it. Ladybug could hardly breathe. The ring was a stunning perfect clarity 2ct Tiffany cut flawless diamond on a rose gold band.

"Kitty." She whispered in awe. Chat took the ring out of the box and carefully slid it onto her gloved finger. It fit perfectly thanks to the help of a certain red kwami. He held her hand with both of his. Their eyes met and it was almost as though there was a light glowing between them.

"M'lady, for the last four years I have had the privilege to stand by your side. I fell in love with you from the first day I saw you, and I fell even more in love with you again on the other side of the mask. You are the light of my life, the hope for my future and the joy in my heart. No matter what happens, no matter what the future holds for us, I just want to continue to be there by your side and to love you everyday of our lives. So, will you Ladybug, do this Cat the honour of becoming mine furrever?" For a moment Ladybug considered slapping him on the arm for inserting a pun into his proposal, but instead she took his face into her hands, bringing his forehead down to hers.

"I'm already yours forever Chaton." She whispered before joining her lips to his. Ladybug ran her hands up into his hair as he slid his around her waist and across her back, bringing her even closer to him. A purr began to erupt from him as they melted into each other. For this one moment it was just him and her, the hero's of Paris united as one against the world. All too soon they realised that their little bubble was about to end, so they dropped their transformations, Marinette excitedly showing off her ring to Tikki. Plagg curled up on Adrien's shoulder and ate his camembert. "You did good, kid." He offered between bites.

"Thanks Plagg." He held up a fist to his kwami, who bumped his paw into it. Plagg sat back content. Tikki smiled at her counterpart, who was pretending he didn't really care. She knew better though, how much it meant to Plagg to see his favourite Kitten happy with his Ladybug. When the pod arrived at the bottom, Adrien jumped out first, helping Marinette behind him. While the workers were naturally curious as to what happened to the camera, they applauded the couple on their engagement. Adrien, feeling just a little guilty, offered to pay for the damage, much to the workers' surprise.

The rain stopped momentarily, so the couple went for a short stroll along the Thames. Although it was getting late, Marineitte rang her parents to tell them the news. Naturally they were surprised at what seemed like a sudden engagement, but were happy for the young couple, welcoming Adrien into the family. They decided to wait to make a public announcement until Adrien had a chance to talk to his father, both feeling that it wouldn't be right for him to find out through social media. Unfortunately their walk was cut short by the rain returning. Huddling under the umbrella once more, they made their way back to the car and returned to the De Vanily manor. All the way back, Adrien kept his arm around his fiancée, because he could say that now, and he couldn't wait for the day he could call her his wife.

Making their way quietly through the house, they could hear Chloé laughing from Felix's room. "You're ridiculous Felix, utterly ridiculous, but that has got to be one of the funniest stories I've heard in a long time." They could then hear Filex's voice shushing her for being too loud.

"I'm not being funny Chloé , I'm just stating the facts of the ocassion and will you stop doing that to my hair. I think you've had enough to drink tonight." He replied dryly, sending his companion into another fit of laughter.

"Oh lighten up Felix. You're such a stick in the mud. Pour me another glass will you?" Marinette and Adrien just looked at each other, deciding it was best to just leave them be.

Heading into their own room, Tikki and Plagg bid their chosen goodnight before making themselves scarce. Adrien discarded his jacket before he picked up Marinette's hand, kissing the back of it before turning it over and kissing the inside of her wrist, sending a shiver through her. He smiled as he kissed it again then slowly working the kisses up her arm he stepped closer to her, resting one hand on her hip, the other buried in her hair. "I love you so much m'lady." He whispered against her ear. He could feel her body lean into him, Marinette's hands ran up his chest before finding their way around his neck.

"I love you too Chaton." She whispered back. Adrien leaned back to look into her eyes.

"Still?" He asked. Her eyes sparkled as she stood up onto her toes.

"Always." She breathed against his lips before she pressed hers into his.

The next morning Adrien and Marinette were already down at breakfast with Felix when Chloé eventually stumbled into the room, her dark sunglasses on. Felix, trying to be the gentleman he had been raised to be, pulled out a chair for her and helped Chloé to sit down. "I told you not to drink so much." He mumbled under his breath. Chloé gave him a dismissive wave.

"I didn't see you complaining too much last night." She replied, causing Marinette to stop mid bite. Chloé completely ignored the reaction. "Is that your ring Marinette? Let me see." Marinette held out her hand for Chloé to admire the ring, lifting her glasses slightly to get a better look.

"I would have picked something bigger." She said, looking up at Adrien. He had to suppress a giggle as Chloé had echoed exactly what Felix had said. "But it suits you I guess. I suppose I'll have to stop calling you Dupain-Cheng and start saying Agreste instead." She let Marinette's hand go missing the blush that bloomed across the bluenette's face and looked back at Felix. "You'd buy me a big ring if I wanted one, wouldn't you Felix?" She leaned on her hand close to his face. Adrien looked over at his cousin who was becoming decidedly uncomfortable.

"Sure Chloé ." He mumbled as he bit into his toast and jam.

"Oh there they are. How did everything go?" Amelie said as she waltzed into the room, kissing Adrien and Marinette on the cheeks before looking at the ring. "Oh this is gorgeous Adrien. I'm so happy for you both. See Felix, Adrien knows how to settle down and be a responsible young man." Felix looked away from everyone, his face becoming decidedly red.

"Everything was wonderful Aunt Amelie, thank you for helping me to get it all organised." She patted him on the cheek.

"Think nothing of it dear, it was my pleasure." Amelie took her seat and the conversation moved through a variety of different topics about life in London and the new store before the topic shifted towards Adrien's father.

"He was never a warm man." Amelie said when Adrien eventually opened up about how difficult life had started to become with his father. "but I wouldn't have thought him cruel. I'm so sorry I didn't know about any of this. After Emilie disappeared, Gabriel all but cut us off from your lives. I must admit, I was still dealing with the passing of my husband and neglected to keep a proper eye on you." Adrien could sense a waver in her voice. He got up and put his arm around his Aunt.

"It's not your fault Amelie, and Nathalie has been there for me. She's going to help me find a place of my own where Marinette and I can have our own lives." He looked over to his fiancée and saw her smile at him. Amelie saw it too and she knew it was time Adrien was told a few truths.

"Well, since it's raining fairly heavily again outside, I thought Marinette and Chloé might like to go to a day spa and have a bit of pampering while we talk business." Chloé perked up at that, but Marinette gave a concerned look to Adrien. Amelie smiled warmly at her, reaching across the table to pat the bluenette on the hand.

"Don't fret my dear, there are no secrets that he should keep from you. I just think it might be easier if Felix and I talk to Adrien ourselves first. He can tell you all about it later." Marinette nodded in understanding. She felt that Amelie was a good person and she trusted that she had Adrien's best interests at heart.

After Marinette and Chloé departed for their girl time, Amelie, Felix and Adrien adjourned to Amelie's study. There was a large portrait of a portly older gentleman on the wall. Adrien didn't recognise him, but he seemed like someone important. Amelie pulled some paperwork out of a file as Adrien and Felix sat down. She carefully sat the papers down in front of her on the desk before taking a seat herself. Adrien watched his Aunt as she did this, her eyes looking as though she held a great weight in them. She closed her eyes and took a deep breath before opening them and looking at him.

"Adrien, now that you are legally an adult and are taking the first steps towards a life of your own, there are some things I need to tell you about your father and the Gabriel company. I spoke to Nathalie on the phone last night and she agreed it was probably best for me to be the one to tell you." Adrien looked across to Felix who was nodding his head in agreement. He then looked back at his Aunt who had risen to her feet and moved towards the portrait on the wall.

"Our father was always quite indulgent of our creative pursuits. Although he was never pleased at Emilie getting involved in the arts and films, he never prevented her from following her dreams." Adrien looked up at the portrait, his grandfather, and wondered what kind of a man he must have been like. "While she was involved in one of these productions, Emilie met this young up and coming designer, your father. He hadn't managed to make much of a name for himself yet, and lacked the financial backing needed to do so, but she was taken in by him and his unique and unusual designs." She walked back to her desk and took her seat again. "At first Father was furious that she had gotten herself involved with someone he considered to be a nobody. Emilie wouldn't back away though. She was completely in love with him you see and was determined to prove our father wrong. Because Gabriel didn't have the money to get his company started on his own, she bankrolled it herself. Sunk every cent she had into it because she believed in him that much."

She passed some of the paperwork over to Adrien, who pursued the documents. Mostly bank statements and retail agreements for the first store, as well as an employee manifesto which he saw Nathalie's name on. "Of course, not all the money was solely Emilie's, some of it belonged to our father also, so to ensure his investment, he insisted that Emilie have a controlling share of the company." She passed Adrien another document. The paper showed that Emilie owned the Gabriel brand with 56% share belonging to her and the rest of the amount was split between various board members. His father's name was nowhere on the document.

"Okay." Adrien said as he looked at all the documents. "So my father now has my mother's controlling share of the company." Amelie shook her head.

"He is the caretaker of her share. After Emilie disappeared, her share was given to Gabriel in the interim until she either returned, or was pronounced dead." She said that last bit very gently, as she knew Adrien had always held out hope his mother would return. "I know this is difficult to say, but your mother has been missing now for almost six years, in another year, she will be pronounced dead by law and her last will be distributed accordingly."

"So my father will have controlling share then? I'm not sure what this has to do with me." Amelie stood up and crouched down next to Adrien's seat, placing her hand on his.

"Adrien, your mother never left the company to Gabriel. In her will, she left the controlling share to you." Adrien's eyes widened as his mouth opened. "She loved you so much Adrien. You were the greatest joy of her life. She loved your father, but I don't think she entirely trusted him. She wanted the company to go to you so that your future would always be secured."

"Does...does my father know this?" Amelie nodded.

"Yes, he didn't want you finding out about it so that he could try and keep control. I think that was one of the reasons he tried to keep Felix and I away. He figured if he kept you as the face of the brand and under his thumb, he could find a way to persuade you to sign the control over to him."

Adrien sat back in his seat overwhelmed. All this time he had tried to find excuses for his father's treatment of him. He was too protective, he was worried he would get hurt, he kept him close so nothing would happen to him. Well, of course he did, he was protecting his investment, nurturing Adrien into the frightened and obedient son so he could claim back what he felt was rightfully his. Nathalie must have known too. No wonder she was so worried about him staying at the house any longer.

"What should I do Amelie?" He asked. Amelie gathered up all the paperwork and handed it to him.

"The company is yours Adrien to do with as you wish. Sell it, run it yourself, give it to your talented fiancée, the choice is completely yours. Don't let your father try and influence you. Nathalie will be there to help. She knows more about the company than I do. But if you need any help at all, Felix and I are both here for you." Adrien felt Felix place a supportive hand on his shoulder as his Aunt bent down to hug him.

After leaving his Aunt's office, Adrien sat down on the bed and looked again through the paperwork. Aside from the controlling share of the company, his mother also had quite a bit of her own money as well which had also been left to him in her will. Her investment in the Gabriel brand yielded a massive nest egg over the years. Plagg floated over, looking at the papers from Adrien's shoulder.

"You and pigtails are going to be pretty well set for life, kid." He said, pointing to the balance sheet.

"Yeah." Adrien murmured in thought. Something still wasn't sitting right with him. Rather than dwell on it too much, he busied himself packing up and preparing them for the journey back home. It was going to be late as it was when they got back and Nathalie told him that she had prepared a meeting for him with his father for the next day. When Marinette returned from the spa, he just held her tight, sitting on the edge of the bed before he told her everything his Aunt had said. Marinette listened quietly, holding his hands. The realisation came to them that Gabriel wasn't worried about losing his son, he was afraid of losing control.

"Maybe I should just give it to him." Adrien finally said. "I don't want it and maybe if he has the company he will leave us be. I have enough money from the trust fund and my mother's estate, it's not like I need any of that when I have you." He gently brushed a hair behind her ear.

"I guess we will know more after your meeting tomorrow." She said. "Are you still planning to move into Nathalie's apartment?" Adrien nodded.

"I'm going to pack up the rest of my belongings when I get back and I'm leaving as soon as the meeting is over. I'll give him my formal resignation from the company, even though my contract really isn't legally binding since I was forced to sign it as a minor." He ruffly ran his fingers through his hair. "I can't believe I let myself get treated like this for so long. He's been using me for years for his own gain."

"Don't blame yourself kid. You're still Chat Noir, and Chat always did exactly what he wanted." Adrien smiled.

"I guess that was one benefit of being neglected. No one noticed that Adrien wasn't in his room when Chat was out on the prowl." He was trying to make light of it, but Marinette could see the hurt ini his eyes. She reached up and gently touched his face.

"No more neglected Kitty. You have me now, and I'll always be here to look after you."

*******

It was a fairly easy journey back to Paris. Adrien had promised his Aunt Amelie that he and Marinette would be back again soon for another visit. None of them were able to work out exactly what kind of understanding, if any, Felix had with Chloé . The two simply kissed on the cheek before Chloé got into the car, although Adrien could have sworn he had seen a hint of sadness in his cousin's eyes at Chloe's departure. Chloé for her part was pretending she wasn't stealing glances out the car window.

Back in Paris, they were collected at the train station by Adrien's bodyguard, dropping Chloé off first at her father's hotel. She was definitely in much better spirits after her London trip as was looking forward to spending more time with her father. Next stop was the Dupain-Cheng bakery. It was dark by the time they arrived, the shop just on closing time. Tom and Sabine hugged the two of them, promising to throw them an engagement party so they could celebrate with all their friends. He stayed for dinner, his bodyguard refused to come into the bakery as he didn't want to intrude, but gratefully accepted the soup Sabine brought out to him in the car.

Adrien really didn't want to leave the bakery that night, and Marinette was clinging onto him more than usual. It was almost as though they knew something wasn't quite right, but Adrien had to spend this one last night at the mansion before he could start anew. He contemplated just transforming as Chat and coming back later, but he also wanted to pack.

Walking into the house, he was greeted by Nathalie with a warm hug. She told him his father had already gone to bed, but he seemed agitated. She made sure the apartment was ready for tomorrow and had already moved a few of his things there. Although she was trying to be discrete, she was worried that Gabriel may have suspected something was up. Adrien told her not to worry and to go and get some rest.

Although he was tired, Adrien pulled out his large suitcase and started packing. He talked to Plagg as he packed, noticing that all of his clothes had been chosen for him by his father from the various Gabriel seasons. Even when he wasn't modeling, he still was. He only packed a few things to tide him over before he could go buy something else. Maybe Marinette would make him a few things. He loved the idea of being able to wear her designs. His heart then sank. His father had sabotaged all avenues for her to pursue a fashion career in Paris, at least through the internship channels. He would have to find a way to make it up to her somehow, or try and talk some sense into his father.

He was almost ready to go to bed for the night when his phone pinged with a message from Marinette.

Princess: I love you. I just felt I needed to tell you that before you went to sleep. Come as soon as you can tomorrow xx

Adrien was about to reply when a bright light filled his room. Plagg came quickly to his side in case this was danger approaching, but there was no need as Bunnyx emerged out of the light.

"Adrien, I have a message for you from Ladybug, but someone else here is going to deliver it." Adrien almost didn't believe his eyes as he saw himself as Chat step out from the burrow and stand before him in his room. Chat looked around the room for a moment and Adrien took a good look at him. He didn't seem that much older than he was now, but his hair was longer, enough that he had it tied back. He also noticed his suit was a little different. It had green highlights and the bell was gone, replaced by a green paw print on the zip.

"It's been a while since I've seen this place." Chat said, though there was no hint of regret in that statement. He turned back to Adrien and Plagg approaching them with a serious look on his face. "I can't stay long, and I'm under strict instructions from the Mrs not to say too much." Adrien's eyes lit up.

"Marinette?" He asked tentatively. Chat smiled a cheeky grin.

"Have we ever loved anybody else?" Adrien shook his head. At least he knew that they were definitely married in the future, not too far away by the look of things. Bunnyx cleared her throat, motioning for Chat to hurry up.

"Right." He said, approaching his civilian self. "M'lady wanted me to tell you that you need to brace yourself for the meeting with... with father tomorrow." Adrien noted how Chat had faulted. "Things are going to go bad, very bad." He repeated. Adrien could see the pain of the memory in Chat's eyes. Chat took a deep breath before continuing. "No matter what happens tomorrow, just go along with it until you can talk to Nathalie alone. You need to trust her, because she will help you. Under no circumstances are you to act out, no matter how strong the urge will be." Chat then turned his attention to Plagg. "That goes for you too." He said, poking the kwami in the chest. Plagg huffed with offence.

"I think I can control myself just fine, thank you very much." He pouted, folding his arms. Chat shook his head.

"Trust me Plagg, I know you better than that. Don't do anything alright." Plagg conceded, nodding his head. Chat put his hand on Adrien's shoulder. "As soon as you can after that, get to Ladybug. I hate to have to do this to you, but I can't tell you anymore. This all has to play out now just as it did before, but Marinette was worried that if something had somehow changed, it could all go wrong again very quickly." Adrien furrowed his brows.

"Again? You've done this before?"

"Chat." Bunnyx warned. Chat nodded to her before looking back at Adrien.

"I can't tell you anymore now. Bunnyx will fill you in when the time is right." He smiled and was about to leave when Adrien called him back.

"Wait. If Ladybug wanted to warn me, why didn't she come herself?" Chat shared a knowing look with Bunnyx.

"She...she kind of isn't transforming much at the moment." He said with a curious laugh. Adrien looked at the two hero's questionly. Bunnyx shook her head.

"Why, is something wrong?" Adrien pressed. Chat's face broke into a broad smile.

"No, nothing's wrong." He beamed, a look of pride in his face. "Let's just say she has a bun baking in the oven." He laughed.

"You just had to say it like that didn't you." Bunnyx smirked with her arms folded as Chat stepped back into her burrow. She gave Adrien a two finger salute before they disappeared into the void.

Adrien just stood there for a moment, Plagg on his shoulder. On one hand he wondered what could be so terrible that Ladybug felt the need to warn him, but on the other he couldn't help thinking about the fact that they were married and going to have a baby. Maybe that was what she wanted him to know, that no matter how dark things might seem tomorrow, there was that beautiful light ahead waiting for him.

My Prince: I love you too Princess. I can't wait to spend the rest of my life with you. See you tomorrow xx