"Plagg, where's the ring?" Adrien was becoming exasperated as he started crawling around the floor of his apartment.

"Dude, it's not in your bedroom or the bathroom." Nino called out. Plagg just sat on the table eating another piece of Camembert.

"Plagg, I'm serious. Felix is going to be here any minute and I left the ring box right here on the table." Plagg just continued to eat his cheese.

"You mean you left it here next to my plate of Camembert?" He asked nonchalantly. Adrien's face suddenly contorted in horror.

"Plagg you disgusting little cretin, you didn't eat the ring did you?" The mischievous cat Kwami started rolling around the table in hysterical laughter.

"Plagg, you really shouldn't tease your chosen on the most important day of their life." Wayzz said with his arms folded on Nino's shoulder.

"Aw, come on Wayzz. It's been a long time since I got to mess around with a groom. Besides, the greatest day of his life was when he met me." Wayzz just raised an eyebrow at him.

"That's debatable, but the last time you pulled this stunt you lost the ring." Wayzz replied flatly.

"What!" Adrien picked Plagg up in a panic, looking him dead in the eye. "You better not have..." Plagg put his paws up in surrender.

"Okay, okay. I'll go get it. Just don't tell Sugarcube alright." Plagg dusted himself off before he then looked over at Wayzz. "And I didn't lose that ring by the way, Kalkki did." He turned back to Adrien poking him in the chest. "Just be grateful your best man has Wayzz, trust me, that day almost ended in disaster before it began, and I'm the one who's supposed to be the Kwami of Destruction." Adrien was left speechless as Plagg disappeared into the kitchen before returning with the box and giving it to a very relieved groom.

"It's cold." He exclaimed with a frown. "But I checked the fridge."

"Yeah, but you didn't check the freezer did you?" Plagg grinned, far too proud of himself for his little prank. Adrien rolled his eyes, checking the ring was in the box before handing it to Nino.

"Guard this with your life." He said, placing it in Nino's hand.

"Don't worry Bro, little Dude and I will keep it safe." He said, fist bumping Wayzz as he put the ring in his pocket.

A knock came to the door which Adrien opened to find Felix and Aunt Amelie.

"Oh Adrien, you look so very handsome in your suit, but please tell me you weren't planning on leaving your hair out like that are you?" She giggled as Adrien ran his fingers through his wild mane.

"No, we just had a little mishap with the ring, but it's all good now. How are the girls?" Adrien knew that Marientte and Alya had stayed with Chloé at the Bourgeois Hotel the previous night and despite Nino spending the night, he had desperately missed seeing Marinette's face when he woke up. Even in these few short weeks since they had moved in, he had become so used to the new routine they had. Amelie shook her head.

"If you're fishing for what your bride is wearing, my lips are sealed, but she is absolutely beautiful. She is so talented I'm sure that little boutique of hers will need a second store in no time." Amelie gushed. Adrien smiled shyly as he tucked his hair out of his face. He wouldn't expect anything less from Marinette. "I got to spend some time with them this morning and her lovely parents. I'm sure they have been a wonderful support to you both. Emilie would have been so proud of you Adrien." She said, placing her hands up on his cheek. "And I know Nathalie would have been too." Adrien leant down and pulled his Aunt into a tight hug.

"I'm so glad you're here Aunt Amelie."

"I wouldn't miss it for the world, honey. Ah, now come on, no tears today." She said softly, wiping the moisture away from his eye.

"They're happy tears Aunt Amelie, I promise, and I'm sure they won't be the only ones today." Adrien smiled. Felix stepped closer, wrapping an arm around his mother.

"You better head over to the church now mother. We'll see you soon." Amelie agreed, kissing her son and nephew on the cheek before leaving. Felix patted Adrien on the back. "So, you ready for the old ball and chain today cousin." He smirked, playfully poking his cousin in the ribs. "You know you'll never get a say in anything ever again." Adrien laughed and shook his head at him

"It's not like that with Marinette." He said before leaving Felix with Nino and heading into the bathroom.

"You know Plagg, I'd hardly call getting married a ball and chain. I think I already had enough of that growing up, and I'm more than happy to follow m'lady's lead. I always have" He remarked to his Kwami as he combed his hair and tied it back. He sighed dreamily. "Marrying Marinette is more like being wrapped up in a warm blanket. All safe and secure." Plagg faked gagging noises.

"Am I going to have to listen to this mush for the next couple of decades?" Plagg moaned. Adrien smiled as he scratched the Kwami between the ears.

"Well at least until our kids are old enough to become holders." He said, then he felt a warmth rush across his face. Looking at himself in the mirror he could see looking back at him the same Chat that had come to see him the night before he found out his father was Hawkmoth. He turned slightly to look at the length of his hair now and pondered the fact that he no longer had his bell when he transformed. As he straightened his suit, he couldn't help but wonder when that bun was going to start baking, then he laughed. Only he would have used a pun like that at himself.

"Dude, you ready? The bride is the one that's supposed to be late, remember."

"I'm ready." Adrien called back, opening his jacket for Plagg to get comfortable. "I've been ready since the day I met you." He said to himself as he tied his lucky charm to his wrist and tucked it under his cuff.

Meanwhile at the Bourgeois hotel, Marinette sat on the edge of the bed as Alya helped tie her shoes up. Chloé was talking to Sabine while the Kwamis flitted excitedly around her head, fixing her veil in place. Marinette had given Alya and Nino their Kwami's on a semi-permanent basis and Chloé was getting to have some extra time with Pollen. She had earned it after all and would always be considered part of the core Miraculous team, although Marinette was hoping that life would be much quieter in Paris with no Hawkmoth and now no Lila either since her extradition back to Italy. Even though the threats were gone, it was comforting to the citizens of Paris to see their heroes still visible. Marinette hoped to be able to share some of that responsibility with her most trusted friends with a new patrol routine allowing them to take turns.

"So tell me Chloé dear." Sabine addressed the socialite. "I hear you have been spending time with Adrien's cousin. Maybe there will be a ring for you too in the future." Alya's ears pricked up and Marinette had to giggle at the bright red that flashed past Chloé's face and the incoherent flub that came out of her mouth. Sabine just patted her understandingly on the shoulder. "Don't worry, I'm sure he will come around. You know then you and Marinette would be family." Alya burst out laughing.

"Heaven help us." The brunette exclaimed as Chloé folded her arms and poked her tongue out.

"Like you can talk Alya. How long have you and Nino been together?" Alya only smirked.

"Well, I know he's already bought me a ring." She dropped casually. Marinette grabbed Alya by the shoulders.

"What! Why didn't you tell me?" Alya shrugged with a shy smile.

"Well he hasn't said anything yet and I don't want to spoil it for him, but he really should have found a better hiding place for the ring than his undies draw though, especially since I'm the one who puts his laundry away." The girls all burst into fits of laughter when Marinette's father came around to the room.

"The cars are here sweetie." He announced. Sabine took Chloé and Alya down with her while Marientte gathered her bouquet. Tom let out a melancholy sigh. "You look so grown up now. You're not my little girl anymore." Tom said softly. Marinette walked over and wrapped her arms around his large frame.

"I'll always be your little girl Papa." She promised, looking up at the tears in her father's eyes. He rubbed a thumb over her cheek.

"You know, once you were small enough to fit in the palm of my hand." He said, holding his hand out. "I still can't fully wrap my head around my clumsy little Marinette being Ladybug all those years." Tom admitted. "I'm just glad you got through it all safely in the end." Marinette smiled up at her father.

"I had the best partner any Ladybug could have asked for." She said with conviction. "Chat and I were always there for each other, just as Adrien and I always will be." Tom nodded his head.

"He's a good lad and has a good heart. I know he will always take care of you."

"He will papa, and I'll take good care of him." She took her father's arm as he led her down to the cars.

******
The snow had started to fall outside in earnest. The atmosphere was very much a white wedding, ahead of what should be a very white Christmas. Adrien took it as a sign of good luck. After all, it's not every year that it snows around Christmas time.

Adrien shuffled his feet as he, Nino and Felix stood down at the end of the church. "Are you nervous? I mean till death do us part is a long time, I think I'd be freaking out just a little bit." Felix asked. Adrien shook his head.

"I'm too excited to be nervous. I just can't wait for her to get here." Nino and Felix shared a laugh. All their friends and family waved and smiled as they made their way to the pews. Rose was clearly a co-conspirator in Alya's latest match making efforts by sitting a bemused Luka down next to an equally confused Kagami. Adrien had his doubts about those two hitting it off, but he was pleasantly surprised to see Kagami smile shyly as Luka started to talk to her. He had heard of people meeting the love of their life at a wedding, so perhaps there was some hope there after all.

When the bridal march began to play, the church doors opened and Adrien could feel the tears once again threaten to fall from his eyes. Chloé and Alya walked down first, stunning in their matching ice blue dresses. Then he saw her. Marientte's dress was an A-line princess gown with a lightly flowing organza skirt with a small train and decorated in lace and crystals. The lights reflected in the stones embedded in the lace, like flakes of snow falling to the ground. The long sleeves and striking v-line neck complimented the softness of the flowing veil and the delicate beads that adorned her hair. Adrien grabbed Nino's arm.

"It's really happening isn't it Nino?" He said as he saw her look up at him, her eyes shining in happiness as she took her father's arm and started to walk down the aisle.

"It sure is bro." Nino replied with a smile, patting Adrien's hand. Felix looked over with a nod. As she made her way towards him, Adrien thought back over all that had happened over the last few years. They had been through so much together. From the moment he got his Miraculous, Adrien believed every step, every heartache, all the joys and sorrows had led him towards this moment. As he and Marinette leave their teenage years behind them, they would start on this new journey together, not just as Ladybug and Chat Noir, not even as Adrien and Marinette, but as husband and wife, partners in life and love.

"You're a vision m'lady." He whispered to her as Tom passed her hand to him. He lifted it to kiss and saw his lucky charm bracelet peeking out from under her sleeve. She saw his too and gave him a cheeky wink before they both turned to the priest.

With their whole hearts they said their vows and gave their promises to each other. They both felt that it was more than fate that brought them together, it was their destiny, yet the love they had for each other went beyond the bonds of their Miraculous. It was pure, it was true and most importantly, it was real.

Taking the ring, Adrien carefully slid it onto her finger. "Marinette, your love is precious to me, and I promise to cherish you everyday of our lives. Please wear this ring, as an eternal symbol of my love and devotion to you, a love that transcends all our yesterdays, all our todays, and all our tomorrows."

In turn, Marinette took her ring for him and slid it on to his finger. "Adrien, you are the love of my life. Let this ring be a reminder that I am always by your side and that I will always be a faithful partner to you. I promise to you all that I am and all that I will ever be as I join my life to yours for eternity."

There was hardly a dry eye in the house. Looking back to the priest they were, at long last, declared to be husband and wife. Adrien turned back to Marinette, a mischievous Chat glint in his eyes. Marinette gave him that 'don't you dare Kitty' look before he cupped her cheek, wrapped an arm around her waist and promptly tipped her back in a kiss that sent the whole church into laughter and applause.

Later at the reception, Adrien gave a worried look at Nino as he continued to rib him in his best man speech. It seemed everyone was in on the 'just friends' joke and they were not going to let him forget it. Of course Nino, Alya and Chloé knew the truth about the unfortunate love square he and Marinette had been stuck in for so long, but everyone else just thought he was oblivious. Oh well, it wasn't like he could say anything, and Nino was clearly taking advantage.

"You know there was a time back at school that Alya and I contemplated locking these two up in the art cupboard just to try and get them to admit the feelings we knew they were hiding for each other." There was a ripple of giggles from their former classmates as Nino patted Adrien on the back. "But in the end all it took was Adrien's shirt and an office dinner to make my bro here finally see what he'd been missing out on for so long." Alya gave Nino a subtle kick under the table as Marinette's face went bright red. "So...um." He cleared his throat as he held up his glass. "Let's raise a glass to Adrien and Marinette. It took a long time getting here, but we are all so happy you guys finally got there in the end."

Once Nino took his seat and the applause died down, Adrien stood to address the crowd. He looked over at the centre table setting. In the middle was an ice sculpture of a peacock. It had been Marientte's idea to represent both his mother and Nathalie in a way that was something most people wouldn't realise. He took a deep breath and felt Marinette's hand slip into his and give a light squeeze. She always did know him so well and when he needed her.

"I would like to thank each and every one of you for being here to celebrate with us today. The day I attended my first day of public school I never would have thought that it would have led me to the best friends anyone could have or that I would meet the woman I would want to spend the rest of my life with. While I admit it took me longer than it should have to realise what it really meant, Marinette was always special to me and I wouldn't want to spend another day without her in it." There were lots of aww's as Adrien looked down into those beautiful eyes he loved so much.

Adrien then led Marinette to the dance floor, taking her in his arms, one hand holding her delicate hand close to his chest as they swayed to the music. "You were thinking about your mother and Nathalie weren't you?" She asked him quietly, he nodded.

"I wish they could have been here." He said wistfully. "Especially Nathalie."

"I know Chaton, but they are here in spirit you know." He smiled at her.

"I know. I'm not sad, not today. How could I be?" He rubbed his nose on hers as Felix and Chloé and Alya and Nino now joined them on the dance floor. Adrien rested his chin on her head as they continued to dance.

"You look tired Princess." She smiled to herself.

"I'm alright Kitty. I couldn't be tired today. It's the happiest day of my life and I wouldn't want to miss a single moment of it."

"It would be my second favourite." He said. She pulled back slightly to look at him and raised an eyebrow. He started chuckling. "The happiest day of my life was when you first came crashing into it." He leaned his forehead against hers. "With spots or without, you were always beside me." She tilted her head and kissed his nose.

"And I always will be." She kissed him softly.

"Well, it's only a week until Christmas. What would my Princess like in her stocking this year?" He asked, seeing a mischievous glint in her eyes.

"Besides you." She giggled. Adrien's face turned into that Chat grin that always meant trouble. He spun her out in the dance before spinning her back into his chest as she giggled. "You surprise me Kitty. I still have to finish making yours and I'm baking you something extra special too so I hope you like it."

"You know I love everything you bake Bugaboo." He whispered, leaning in to kiss her again as the dance floor crowded in with all their friends and family.

******
On Christmas Eve, Marinette made Adrien one of his favourite dinners, arranging the flowers he had bought her earlier before his afternoon shift at the bakery. It was always one of the busiest days they had, and she knew he would be tired, but she hoped not too tired to enjoy her surprise.

"We're home m'lady." Adrien called out as he and Plagg came back to the apartment.

"In the kitchen." Marientte called. Plagg raced in first straight for the fridge.

"Well Merry Christmas to you too." Tikki scoffed with her arms folded as her counterpart sped past her.

"Plagg, seriously you can't be hungry." Adrien said, picking the Kwami out of the fridge with cheese already stuck to his mouth. "You were already caught twice by Sabine stuffing your face with cheese puffs today." Plagg rightly looked sheepish when Tikki took him off to their little cubby that Marinette had made them.

"Do you want dinner or presents first?" Marinette asked. Adrien wrapped his arms around her, picking her up and placing a loud smoochy kiss on her lips.

"Definitely presents." He beamed. They were going to be spending Christmas Day with her parents, so they had decided to have their own little Christmas together for Christmas Eve and exchange presents.

Adrien scooped her up in a bridal carry amid her giggling, carrying her over to the tree that was in the corner of their living room. Adrien loved the tree because Marinette had personalised it with specially picked decorations, some she had made herself over the years and brought with her. It was so much more homely than that department store monstrosity that used to be in the mansion.

The coloured fairy lights twinkled as Adrien reached under, picking out a flat square box wrapped up in brightly coloured Christmas paper. Unwrapping the paper, she instantly recognised the powdered blue Tiffany box with the white ribbon. "Kitty, what have you gone and bought me?" Adrien had the look of a kid in a candy store as she opened the lid. "Oh, Adrien..." she breathed as she picked the necklace out. It was a rose gold key pendant with a diamond centre.

"Well, you always did have the key to my heart m'lady." He said, smiling up at her through his lashes. She reached over to kiss him before putting the necklace on. Marinette then brought out her gift for him. It was a small, soft package in red paper with a green ribbon.

Adrien carefully undid the bow before unwrapping the paper. Inside was something made with green fabric. At first Adrien thought maybe it was another scarf since that blue one of his was getting a bit old, but when he picked it up, it was too small to be. He then could see it was a little onesie. Was it something for Plagg? He looked up slightly confused, but all he got was Marinette giggling at him. "Turn it around silly." She said. Tikki and Plagg brought some of their treats over and sat under the Christmas tree to watch. Tikki already knew what it was, but Plagg looked just as confused as Adrien. .

Adrien turned the onesie around and saw the front was embroidered. At the top was two little black cat ears and written underneath it said 'Daddy's Little Kitten." Adrien stared at it and blinked for a moment.

"Oh no." Plagg moaned. "Don't tell me I'm going to have to put up with being drooled on by one of your kittens." As it dawned on the blonde, he looked up at his wife's smiling face. In an instant he had her scooped up in his arms.

"Oh my God Mari, I can't believe it. When did you find out?" He said cupping her face in his hand.

"The day before the wedding." She said. "I had a dizzy spell at the bakery and mama suggested maybe I should do a test. I didn't tell anyone though except Tikki because I wanted to make the onesie first before I told you." He lent in and peppered her face with kisses.

"I just can't believe it. I'm going to be a dad." He ran his fingers through her hair and could see the excitement in her eyes. How did he not notice the glow in her face before? "Marinette, I'm so happy, but what if..." He bit his bottom lip and she could see the flicker of concern in his eyes. She leaned her head against his.

"You'll be a wonderful father Adrien." She whispered in his ear. "I know you will be." She sat back and cupped his face with both her hands. "You are not your father. You never were and you never will be." He gently tucked her hair behind her ear.

"He never even sent a message when we got married. It's like I don't even exist to him anymore." She could hear the hurt in his voice as he said it.

"I know Chaton." She said softly. "But maybe our baby can be the start of a new family for you, for us." His eyes lit up, picking up her hand and kissing it.

"Our own family." He said capturing her lips in his and kissing her again.

******
Six months later, Marinette looked out the window on a warm summer's night, gently running a hand over her increasingly swollen belly. The spring fashion line at her store opening had been a great success, and was boosted in no short way by Jagged Stone making an in store appearance.

Nino had finally gotten the courage to ask Alya to marry him, and Marientte had already made a start on the design for Alya's dress. After all, she wasn't going to have a lot of time soon to work on it. As for Chloé and Felix, well no one was ever sure what was going on with those two, but whatever they were, it seemed to have been working for them and last she had heard, Luka and Kagami had started spending more time together too. She really hoped those two could find happiness together, and it was wonderful to have them both living back in Paris.

Marinette sat down on the bed and put her feet up. Sometimes she wondered if she would ever have ankles again, or see them for that matter. She smiled to herself as a little bump popped up from her belly. She rubbed the spot, feeling the limb move under her fingers. A tiny foot maybe. Tikki came over and settled herself down on top of her belly. Marinette closed her eyes and sighed, holding her key pendant in her other hand. "Do you think they will be back soon?" She asked. Tikki lifted her head up.

"Are you having doubts?" She questioned. Marinette slowly shook her head.

"No, I think it was the right thing to do. I don't have nightmares anymore, but I still remember the bottomless sorrow that was in those icy blue eyes. No, I don't think there will be any fears of Chat Blanc returning, it's just...you know." Tikki laughed.

"You're worried Chat might say too much." Marinette smiled as she ran her hand back under her belly.

"He's been so excited about me being pregnant that I'm sure he's just dying to tell himself all about it." Tikki giggled.

"Oh don't worry, I know. But Chat understands that it's important to keep some secrets for the future." She quipped.

Not long after a bright light filled the room, Chat and Bunnyx stepping out of the void. Marinette stood up wrapping her arms around Chat's waist.

"Was everything alright?" She asked. Chat cocked his head to the side.

"Of course it was. What? You didn't trust me m'lady?" He said, placing a hand over his heart in mock offence. Marinette looked around him to Bunnyx with a raised eyebrow.

"He said you had a bun in the oven." Bunnyx replied to the unspoken question.

"Chat." She scolded. "You know you weren't supposed to say too much." Adrien just shrugged.

"It will be important to me Bug, more than you know. Trust me on this one." He said, kissing her on top of the head.

After Bunnyx returned to her burrow, Chat plopped himself down next to her on the bed, gently placing a kiss on her belly. "And how are we all tonight?" He said, rubbing her belly as he looked up at her.

"Wriggly." She replied. "I don't know how I'm ever going to sleep again with all the moving going on in there." Chat just smiled, picking up her hand and kissing the inside of her wrist. He grinned at the shiver he felt from her.

"As much as I love to be seduced by the dark and mysterious Chat Noir, I'd like to see my gorgeous husband if you don't mind."

"Your wish is my command Mrs Agreste." Chat grinned as he dropped his transformation. Cupping her face he leaned in kissing her gently on the lips before slowly training kisses down her neck. Marinette melted under him before a thought suddenly popped into her head.

"Wait a minute...Did you tell yourself I had a bun in the oven?" Adrien just hummed a reply as he worked his way back up her neck. "A bun?" She repeated. Adrien pulled back to look at her.

"Yeah." He replied, that sneaky smirk creeping back into his face.

"As in one bun?" She looked at him questioningly and he started to laugh.

"Come on Bugaboo, I had to leave myself some surprises. Besides, I'm sure you wouldn't have wanted to miss out on all the fun of me passing out at the ultrasound when they told us there were actually two kittens in there." Marinette burst out laughing, looping her arms around her husband's neck.

"Oh Adrien, what am I going to do with you?" She said shaking her head at him playfully. Adrien smirked at her.

"Love me I guess." He said.

"That I do." She replied, losing herself in his shining emerald eyes.

"Still m'lady?" He said, pulling her in closer to him.

"Always Chaton." She whispered as she ghosted her lips over his. "Always."

A/N - This is the end of "Then There Was You." I just want to give a huge thank you to all of you for sticking through with this story to the end and for all your wonderful comments and support. This was by far the longest single narrative I have undertaken and I have loved writing every chapter.

I have a few one- shots planned before I start a new chapter book. I hope to see you all again for the next story. Love to you all xx