One Way or Another

An Appointment and Red Ribbons

Lastly she turned to Adrien, who lifted her up into his arms. "I knew you could do it," he said before kissing her.

The others talked excitedly to each other while Marinette and Adrien stayed close. After kissing, he lowered her down and pressed his forehead against hers. "You did it, Princess," he whispered. "I'm so proud of you."

"Thank you, Adrien. And thank you for everything that you've done to support me. I love you so much."

"I love you, I love you, I love you," he said as he leaned in again.

*

After dinner and dessert, Tom and Sabine were the first to leave. They had to be up early every morning for the bakery, so they never stayed out too late.

At Annabelle's request, Marinette took her to the extra bedroom that she used as a design space. There she showed her all of her new fabrics while Adrien stayed with his parents and Nathalie in the kitchen.

"Thank you so much for the wonderful surprise," he said to Gabriel. "Marinette really needed that."

"It's my pleasure. Her collection was by far the best. It won't be long now before she becomes the next big thing in the fashion world."

Emilie chuckled. "Your father would not stop talking about her designs after her presentation," she told Adrien.

"Well I was very impressed with her work," Gabriel murmured.

She shook her head. "Marinette can do no wrong in your eyes," Emilie teased her husband.

A sigh. "You're not giving her enough credit. She's extremely talented. Just because she saved my entire family in one way or another doesn't change that."

"But it doesn't hurt your opinion of her, right?" Adrien asked with a smirk.

Gabriel narrowed his eyes slightly. "No, it doesn't."

"Mama!" Annabelle called, running over to her. "Look what Marinette gave me. Ribbons for my hair!" She spun around so she could see the red ribbons tied around her pigtails.

"They're perfect!" Emilie replied.

"See Father! See Adrien! See Nathalie!" Annabelle continued, moving around so everyone could admire them.

"Beautiful," Nathalie said, nodding her head in approval.

"Not my idea," Marinette said, putting her hands up in a surrender motion and looking at Gabriel.

He smiled and turned to face his daughter. "I think you look wonderful," he told Annabelle.

"Thank you," she chirped, obviously delighted that everyone loved her new ribbons.

"Alright, it's getting late so it's best if we head back home now," Emilie said. "Say 'goodbye' to your brother and Marinette."

Annabelle gave him a hug. "Bye Adrien. I love you."

"I love you too. Take care of everyone until I see you again, okay?"

"Okay!" she said before breaking away and hugging Marinette. "Bye Marinette."

"Bye Anna, we'll see you soon."

After their embrace, Marinette walked Nathalie, Gabriel and Annabelle out of the apartment and down the hallway to the elevators. Emilie purposely stayed behind with Adrien so she could speak to him in private.

"What's going on, baby?" she asked when they were alone. "Why are you two so upset?"

Adrien gave a small sigh. "We got some bad news this week," he admitted.

"Anything you want to talk about?"

He took a moment to think before deciding to answer. "Marinette was pregnant, but we found out this week that she miscarried."

Emilie's face twisted up in despair. "Oh I'm so sorry," she cried, pulling him in for a hug. "That's horrible."

"Yeah, it's been tough," he replied quietly. "This is actually the second time, the same thing happened last year. And she's been taking the news really hard."

She hugged him tighter. "I'm so sorry," she repeated.

They held on for a minute. When Adrien pulled back he wiped his eyes. "Please don't tell Father or Nathalie. We don't want to upset everyone."

"I won't, baby."

"Thanks Mom. And thanks for always being here for us. I'll call you tomorrow, okay?"

"Alright. Take good care of Marinette," she said.

"I will."