Tales of the Bug and Cat: Book 2

Run. That's all he did. Run. He teleported small distances until he was far enough away. That's all he could do. He risked it all, but where he's heading, he might get it all back. All he had to do... was not get caught. Nothing and no one will keep him held back.

_

A bit more than 5 months later...

"Happy news year!" Parisians screamed as the ball dropped. Love-sick couples kissed and little kids blow party favors loud.  Unskilled citizens lit fireworks and firecrackers with family.

"Happy New Years, lovebug!" Adrien kissed Marinette on her nose. 

"Happy New Years, Agreste!" Marinette laughed

The view from the top of the Grand Paris Hotel was spectacular, with fireworks in every direction. Mayor Bourgeois invited the businesses in Paris for a New Years party, among them were the Dupain-Chang household and the Agreste household. 

Over the past few months, Ladybug and Chat Noir had finally become more integrated with the Paris police in order to find Gabriel Agreste and to continue helping out. The superheroes have become more public and valued than ever. 

"Happy New Years, Chloe." Adrien hugged his old friend as she joined him and Marinette.

"Happy New Years, Adrikins." Chloe turned to Marinette and hugged her next. "Happy New Years, Marinette." 

"Happy New Years, Chloe."  Marinette responded. The three turned to the edge of the roof towards the river, where the fireworks were.

 In Shang-hai, Marinette wasn't able to find any clues as to the Zodiacs, but after Gabriel's disappearance, they haven't been as focused on the Zodiacs. School as started up again. Over the few months, however, she and Chloe slowly became friends. Both wanted to move on from their heated rivalry, and after Chloe stopped being a bully, the two became friends.  

"What are you guys doing for the rest of break?" Chloe grabbed a mocktail from a nearby server, then came back to the edge to watch the fireworks.

"Just the usual. Babysitting Manon and the internship" Marinette said. 

"There's a couple who claimed to see someone who looks like Father south of here, Nathalie, Gorilla, and I are going to talk to them." Adrien said. "But, let's just focus on the fireworks for now. Okay?"

"Okay." Marinette took her boyfriend's arm in hers.

"Fine. Oh! Excusez-moi." Chloe excused herself and walked away. 

Later on, Adrien smirked and lead Marinette away from the crowd.  

"What are you thinking, Adrien?" Marinette giggled as she tripped over the carpet. 

"I know the best place to watch the fireworks..." He teased.

"Better than in the middle of Paris, right by the Seine river.?" 

"We just have to get Plagg and Tikki."

-

"Well, Chat. I hate to admit it, but you were right. From the top of the Montparnasse Tower, it's spectatular." Ladybug stood at the edge watching. 

"Purrectly miraculous." Chat Noir put his arms around his lady.

"This was a good year." Ladybug leaned her head back and smiled at Chat.  

Another round of fireworks lit up the already moonlit sky. Their faces turned red from the winter air, but the view and company was worth it.

"A great one..." Chat Noir agreed. "Marinette.." He turned her to face him.

"Yes?"

"I love you." He took her hands and kissed them gently. Marinette smiled and hugged him.

"And I love you."

At peace, at last. 

How long will it last?