"What did you expect to happen, girl?" Alya demanded, sitting down on the edge of the bed in Marinette's old room. It hadn't changed much over the last few years, which Marinette found oddly comforting. Even if her entire world had turned upside down, her parents' home was still the same.

"I don't know," Marinette groaned, covering her eyes. "I mean it's not like I didn't date while I was in London, but..."

"But you're still in love with Adrien," Alya finished, shaking her head with a wry smile. "I hate to say this, but you really need to move on."

Marinette let out a deep sigh. She knew Alya was right, but letting Adrien go was like trying to let go of her identity as Ladybug. She had missed filling that role so much while she was in London, sometimes she ached right down to her bones. She had always thought that someday she and Adrien would be together.

"So when are you and Nino getting married?" Marinette asked, deliberately changing the subject. "Have you two set a date?"

Alya looked as though she wanted to argue the point some more but shook her head with a smile.

"January 16," she replied, caressing her ring with that little smile which always had the effect of making Marinette feel suddenly left out and inexperienced. "And you have to be here to be a bridesmaid. I want you to design the dresses."

This caused Marinette to smile. "I'd love to. You know I wouldn't miss your wedding for anything in the world."

Alya stood up and hugged Marinette close. "Good, you better not. I have to go meet up with Nino but we'll have a girls night while you're home, okay?"

"Okay," Marinette replied with a little laugh. "See you."

As soon as Alya vanished down the stairs, Marinette felt an unexpected wave of loneliness crashing into her. She needed to get away, to not be Marinette for a little while.

"Tikki, spots on," she said softly, opening her purse. Tikki burst out with an eager smile, zooming happily toward Marinette. A smile crept onto Marinette's own face as she changed into Ladybug. She had missed this...

Opening her balcony door, she threw her yo-yo at the nearest chimney and swung toward her favorite spot in Paris.

***

The Eiffel Tower glittered cheerfully in the snowy darkness as Marinette landed softly on the rooftop. She had often come here to think before leaving Paris and this was the last place she'd seen...

"Chat," she breathed in delight, as though thinking about him had brought him here. He turned, his green eyes glittering in the darkness.

"Hello, m'lady," he grinned, moving out of the shadows toward her. He looked surprised to see her, excitement gleaming in his eyes.

Marinette stared at him. He was broader through the shoulders than she remembered. Taller and more solid too, every line of his taut muscles showing through his black leather suit. Her heart jumped a little but the moment was ruined when Chat tripped over his tail and landed face first in front of her.

"Nice to see you too," he groaned, rolling onto his back and smiling sheepishly up at her.

"I thought cats always landed on their feet," Marinette giggled, helping him up. Even though so much of her life had changed, Chat Noir was still the same dork he had always been. She had missed him, he was her partner and, in spite of his antics, her best friend.

"I was distracted," he chuckled. "By a beautiful woman. I've missed you Ladybug."

Marinette smiled, lowering her eyes to hide the slight pink in her cheeks. Chat's flattery was sweet, even if he was only playing with her.

"I missed you too, Chat," she laughed. "Have you been keeping Paris safe without me?"

Chat shrugged. "Haven't really had to. It's been pretty quiet the last three years."

Marinette glanced up into Chat's face as he drew himself closer. His jaw was stronger than she remembered, the boy she had left had become a man. The thought made her a little sad. Even her partner had changed. But then, so had she.

"Do you want to go somewhere with me?" Chat asked suddenly, extending his hand to her. Hesitating, Marinette tilted her head questioningly.

"What did you have in mind?"

Chat's grin widened. "Where's your sense of adventure? Don't you trust me?"

Marinette smiled and nodded, reaching out and sliding her hand into his.

"Lead the way," she replied, following as Chat jumped to the next rooftop and into the Paris night.