#ml reveal fic

[frostedpuffs]

He smiled. Recognition dawned in his eyes. "I'll never forget the day we met. I thought you hated me at first." She placed her hand over his, running her fingers along his knuckles. "I could never hate you." "I know. It was just a misunderstanding." Their fingers entwined. He raised her hand to his lips, kissing it gently. "I remember the moment you agreed to be my friend as clearly as if it were yesterday. I didn't even care about the rain. I was getting soaked, and it was cold, but that didn't matter. All that mattered was you. You were the first friend I'd made all on my own, you know." Warmth bloomed in Marinette's chest. Her mouth curled into a lopsided smile. "I still have the umbrella. You never asked for it back. It's the only one I ever use, now." "You've kept it all these years, huh?" "Of course I have." She met his gaze. "I treasure it." "Treasure it?" He chuckled. "It's an umbrella, chérie." "It's not about the umbrella. It's about how it made me feel." "And how did it make you feel?"

REJOICE! the idiots to lovers are finally dating

[coffeebanana]

Summary:

Ladybug and Marinette have both been acting strangely since Monarch's defeat, and Chat Noir would give anything to know why—to be able to help them. He just...didn't expect his answers to come when Ladybug drags him to his father's statue in the middle of the night along with a bag full of spray paint.

[verfound]

FIC: "Christmas Eves with You" (MLB; LBSC Secret Sprint Santa 2024)

Characters/Pairings: Luka Couffaine, Marinette Dupain-Cheng; Luka Couffaine/Marinette Dupain-Cheng

Rating: Teen and Up

Summary: It’s Christmas Eve, and all Luka and Marinette want is to spend it with each other.  That’s not too much to ask for, right?

Author’s Notes/Warnings: Happy Christmas, Giftee McGifterson @rierse!  You had some really great prompts, and I tried to work all of them into this – or at least the spirit of them.  Idk I still think I got lost somewhere.  😂  You still have one more fic coming, because this one turned into the Fluff Fest and the other is a direction I wanted to go in but got lost, so…two cakes?  😂  You can never have too much cake at Christmas.  Right?  😂

(...I should probably mention this is for the @lovebugs-and-snakecharmers Secret Sprinty Santa, shouldn't I? 😂)

“Christmas Eves with You”

It was one of those perfect winter nights, the kind you read about in good books and see in cheesy holiday movies.  It was Christmas Eve, and the city was decked out in lights and ribbons and boughs of evergreen.  Snow from a recent storm blanketed the rooftops, and heavy gray clouds covered the moon and promised more.  It was just cold enough to be freezing, but in an invigorating way.

A way that caused your blood to pump a little harder, especially when you were decked out in your super suit and racing along those snow-covered rooftops with joyful holiday abandon.

Ladybug tossed her yoyo and gave a loud whoop as she swung across the sky.  The holidays were always a tense time for Paris – emotions always ran high, and holiday akumas were an almost daily occurrence.  Tonight had been quiet so far, and she was grateful for that, but you still couldn’t be too cautious.  She had waited for her parents to fall asleep before taking to the streets for one last patrol.

So far all had been quiet, and she was maybe letting herself enjoy that.  Just a little bit.

[celestialtitania]

Chapters: 1/1 Fandom: Miraculous Ladybug Rating: General Audiences Warnings: No Archive Warnings Apply Relationships: Adrien Agreste | Chat Noir/Marinette Dupain-Cheng | Ladybug, Alya Césaire/Marinette Dupain-Cheng | Ladybug Characters: Adrien Agreste | Chat Noir, Marinette Dupain-Cheng | Ladybug, Alya Césaire Additional Tags: Love Potion/Spell, Humor, Hurt/Comfort, to a degree, Identity Reveal Summary:

“Hi, Chat!” Ladybug greets him, not letting go of Rena for even a second.

“Hello, my lady. Rena,” Chat greets, forcing a smile onto his face. “What are you two up to?” He feigns ignorance, still holding onto some hope of it all being one big misunderstanding.

“I’m trying to convince Rena of all the reasons why I love her!” Ladybug says brightly, crushing what remains of his hope under her heel without a second thought.

“No, you don’t,” Rena groans.

[mysticraven20]

Textpectations

End of month check in

[aalissy]

Boyfriend and Girlfriend

Whoohoo!! We are done with chapter 24! I really hope you like it <3. If you do, lemme know what you think!

AO3

Marinette Dupain-Cheng was his girlfriend. He was her boyfriend. Even just that thought had a thrill running up Adrien’s spine. 

It had been a whirlwind of emotions when he realized his feelings for her. Suddenly, he had begun sneaking quick, shy glances back at her from his seat in front of her in class, wondering if it was still possible for her to feel the same. Eventually, though, with his heart pounding Adrien confessed just how much he adored her that fateful day in her room. And, though he had been terrified at her initial rejection, they managed to figure out that they both did have feelings for the other and began dating. 

And, now, as they walked hand in hand through the bustling streets of Paris, Adrien couldn’t help but to squeeze Marinette’s hand, who was practically glowing with happiness. She looked absolutely gorgeous and not for the first time did he end up wondering how it could have possibly taken him as long as it did to realize his true feelings for her.

They had planned a picnic in the park, a simple yet meaningful date to celebrate their newfound relationship. Marinette had packed some of their favorite sandwiches and pastries from the bakery, knowing his love for all of the sweet, delicious baked goods her family made. As they settled on a cozy blanket under a blooming cherry blossom tree, Adrien couldn't contain his excitement.

"Marinette," he began, his voice filled with warmth and affection, "I never knew that being with you could make every moment feel like magic."

Marinette blushed, her eyes sparkling with love. "Adrien, you make even the simplest things feel extraordinary," she replied, reaching for his hand.

They spent the afternoon laughing, sharing stories, and stealing sweet kisses under the pink petals that danced in the breeze. Adrien couldn't help but feel grateful for every twist of fate that had led him to Marinette. She was not just his girlfriend; she was his soulmate in laughter, in dreams, and in love.

As the sun dipped below the horizon, casting a golden glow over the city, Adrien knew that this moment would be etched in his heart forever. With a smile that mirrored the setting sun, he whispered, "I love you, Marinette."

And in that moment, surrounded by the beauty of Paris and the warmth of their love, Marinette whispered back, "I love you too, Adrien. Always and forever."

They both giggled, their eyes sparkling at each other. Slowly, their laughter subsided into a comfortable silence as they watched the sun's descent, painting the sky pretty shades of orange and pink. Adrien leaned closer to Marinette, his heart beating in sync with hers. He could feel the warmth of her presence, the softness of her breath mingling with his.

"Adrien," Marinette whispered, her voice barely audible over the gentle rustle of leaves in the breeze.

Adrien turned to her, their eyes meeting in a moment that felt suspended in time. Without a word, he cupped her face in his hands, his thumbs brushing lightly against her cheeks. Marinette's eyes fluttered closed as she leaned into his touch, a contented sigh escaping her lips.

And then, as if drawn by an invisible force, their lips met in a tender kiss. It was a kiss filled with all the love, passion, and longing that they had both kept hidden for so long. Adrien felt as if the world around them had faded away, leaving only Marinette and the overwhelming sensation of feeling completely and utterly in love.

The cherry blossoms above them seemed to whisper secrets of romance, their petals falling like confetti as they scattered around them. Adrien deepened the kiss, his heart overflowing with joy and gratitude as he tilted his head.

When they finally parted, their eyes met once again, conveying everything they couldn't put into words. Marinette's cheeks were flushed with a rosy hue, her gaze filled with unspoken affection.

"I never want this moment to end," Adrien confessed, his voice soft yet full of conviction.

"Me neither," Marinette replied, her fingers intertwining with his. "Being with you feels like a dream."

As they watched the sun disappear beyond the horizon, Adrien knew that their love was as timeless as the city of Paris itself. Hand in hand, they stayed embraced in each other's warmth, knowing that they had found something truly special in each other's hearts.

[thecapturedafrique]

When you’re reading the latest chapter of @coffeebanana’s awesome fic everything i know (brings me back to us) and suddenly realize that Marinette lying about Gabe to Adrien at the end of S5 is just a repeat of the scarf incident in S1:

[miraculous-bookshelf]

A Curse of the Heart

by @ladynoirfanao3

Rating: Teen And Up Audiences

Archive Warning: No Archive Warnings Apply

Category: F/M

Fandom: Miraculous Ladybug

Relationship: Adrien Agreste | Chat Noir/Marinette Dupain-Cheng | Ladybug

Characters:

Adrien Agreste | Chat Noir, Marinette Dupain-Cheng | Ladybug, Tikki (Miraculous Ladybug), Plagg (Miraculous Ladybug)

Additional Tags:

True Love's Kiss, One Shot, Identity Reveal, Alternate Universe - Canon Divergence, POV Adrien Agreste | Chat Noir

Language: English

Published: 2023-09-19

Words: 2,420

Chapters: 1/1

Summary

Ladybug is deteriorating in front of his eyes, and there is nothing Chat Noir can do about it.

[ladyofthenoodle]

PATIENTLY waiting for the what if reveal fics from these two episodes. please someone feed me.

[wolflover2426]

Crack Prompt: Alya and Adrien were assigned to do a project and Adrien suggested that they work in his house.

It also leads to Alya snooping around and Adrien having to reel her in and then they discovered that Adrien’s father is Hawk Moth.

Adrien instantly gets into a spiral and Alya is there to reassure him during this. They came up with a plan to steal the brooch but also to mess with Gabriel for being a shitty father and villain.

Or in layman’s terms, Adrien goes through a teenage rebellion phase with Alya encouraging this while making sure to support Adrien and threatening to expose Gabriel being a terrible father thanks to Alya’s influence as the Ladyblogger and being best friends with the babysitter of Nadja’s daughter.

(Marinette is blissfully unaware of this because she’s too busy having her brain melt into mush at seeing Adrien in leather outfits and looking absolutely fine)

Bonus if it ends with Rena and Chat just telling off Gabriel after he reveals his plans with the wish and Rena giving Gabriel her absolute terrifying speech of how he should allow his son more freedom or else she will make his life a living hell.

(Let’s say, if he doesn’t comply. She’ll make him her big sister’s new punching bag)

Also, it would be funny if Alya figured out Adrien’s identity during this or Plagg simply said “Screw secret identities” when the duo found out who Hawk Moth is and exposed himself to comfort his holder

[home-of-renn]

Summary:

Ever since the day they'd made their shocking debut, Chat Noir has remained a controversial figure. The people of Paris don't treat them the same, and maybe that’s something she should be grateful for.

~

Envy: the desire to attain the qualities, possessions or luck possessed by another

Jealousy: a desire to attain the qualities, possessions or luck possessed by another, stemming from insecurity, hostility, bitterness and resentment.

Chapters: 1/1 Fandom: Miraculous Ladybug Rating: General Audiences Warnings: No Archive Warnings Apply Relationships: Adrien Agreste | Chat Noir & Marinette Dupain-Cheng | Ladybug, Adrien Agreste | Chat Noir/Marinette Dupain-Cheng | Ladybug Characters: Marinette Dupain-Cheng | Ladybug, Adrien Agreste | Chat Noir, Paris Citizens (Miraculous Ladybug), Tikki (Miraculous Ladybug) Additional Tags: Retrospective, Character Study, They're SOULMATES your honour, the joys of wielding the powers of destruction, Pre-Reveal Adrien Agreste | Chat Noir/Marinette Dupain-Cheng | Ladybug, Adrien Agreste | Chat Noir Needs a Hug, obvious favouritism, misguided envy, its not the same as jealousy!, Pre-Relationship, they're just kids someone give them a break, unintended effects of wielding a miraculous, Sort Of, Using a Miraculous Has Side Effects (Miraculous Ladybug), Kinda but not really, tabloids and controversy, 

[927roses-and-stuff]

miraculous ladbybut class salt fics are so funny bc they'll be like

"everyone abandoned marinette. except [lists half the class]"

like im guilty of it too 👀👀 its just so funny when reading it and having a "hold up" and realize its only really the same 7 people out of a class of like 15 that dont talk to marinette anymore

[peachcitt]

good morningeveningafternoon everyone. have this

you can read it here

enjoy! :)<3

[lady-charinette]

Angst Prompt - "I thought I lost you" ladynoir

“Princess!” Chat Noir’s voice drowned out all the other noises, the sounds of falling debris and civilians screaming.

It was his figure that weaved around the chaos, using his baton to avoid the demolished cars and sea of people, his eyes never leaving hers.

In a split second, she was in his arms, legs dangling uselessly behind him as he cradled her head and back protectively. Marinette knew how fast Chat Noir could be, they fought akumas side by side regularly and raced each-other after patrols.

She knew how fast he was, and yet his speed as he carried her to safety amazed and terrified her. If he didn’t have such a death grip on her body she would’ve slipped.

Marinette held on tight, heart hammering in her chest like a caged hummingbird, the only reassurance in her safety were the arms of her partner wrapped around her like a cocoon.

She knew nobody could touch her with him by her side.

And finally, they stopped.

When Marinette opened her eyes again, she was home, home on her balcony.

Her legs had lost all feeling and she collapsed but caught herself with Chat Noir’s help, she was barely standing.

Wiping the blood away from her ear and the side of her mouth, Marinette adjusted her earrings again. “We’re not done yet, let’s go kitty.”

A firm hand pressing into her shoulder stopped Marinette in her tracks. Chat’s eyes seemed to almost glow in concern, thinly disguised as anger. “What do you mean ‘we’? You’re badly injured Marinette, you can barely walk! I can take the turtle and fox miraculous, Alya and Nino are all the backup I need.”

Marinette’s fist made contact with Chat Noir’s chest, her arms trembling. “I can’t! Paris needs Ladybug, Paris needs us both, Chat Noir! Ever since Nooroo’s brooch got damaged his powers have gotten out of control! We can’t tell for sure what happened to the peacock either, it might’ve gotten damaged too. We have to help save the civilians before there are any more casualties-“

Chat Noir’s hands gripped her shoulders firmly, Marinette almost felt her bones grind uncomfortably together by the sheer force of her partner’s grip.

“Marinette,” Chat Noir’s voice lowered, almost a soft, broken whisper compared to the angry roar from before. “I thought I lost you. I thought I was too late.” His hands trembled on her shoulders and Marinette’s tears fell from her cheeks onto his gloves.

Both heroes collapsed to their knees, tenderly holding each-other close, both of their bodies broken and beaten, but not their spirits.

Not yet.

Marinette rubbed her face into Chat’s shoulder. “I’m here kitty, I’m not going anywhere.” An image entered her mind, one of a forgotten, alternative future, where the full moon was shattered and the streets filled with water. A lone figure in white was singing a lullaby to himself.

Chat’s voice broke through the image her mind conjured. “We’re not done.” He whispered softly into her ear, his hair tickling her cheeks.

Marinette nodded into her partner’s shoulder, feeling the strength slowly returning to her body with his support.

“We’re not done yet, m’lady.”

All Marinette could do was nod and together, they slowly stood back up.

Spots on and claws out.

[mysticraven20]

Adrien: So, “The Human Jawline,” huh? I can’t tell if I’m flattered or mildly concerned 🤔

Marinette: OH NO! DELETE THAT RIGHT NOW! DELETE IT FROM YOUR MIND! DELETE IT FROM EXISTENCE!

Adrien: I mean, I’ve been called a lot of things—Chat Noir, Adrien, Handsome—but ‘The Human Jawline’? That’s new 😼

Adrien: Should I start posing more dramatically in battle?

Adrien: Or start sporting some stubble? Draw a little more attention to it!

Marinette: STOP! NO! 100% NO! OMG! YOU’RE MAKING THIS WORSE!!!!

Adrien: Okay, okay. I’ll stop. But I have questions…

Adrien: Like, step 4, is it just my “ridiculously bad puns,” or all my puns?

Adrien: Because that would be… a CAT-astrophe! 😸

Marinette: I walked into that one, didn’t I?

Adrien: You really CLAWED your way into it, M’Lady!

Marinette: 😩 WHY ARE YOU LIKE THIS?!

Adrien: Speaking of which, Step 5 on your list? You don’t need to make me anything. Knowing I’m the ‘most purr-fect partner’ is already enough 😻

Marinette: That’s… very sweet.

Adrien: I mean it.

Adrien: And if you really want to know, you’re kind of my inspiration for my own resolutions 🤩

Marinette: UGH. Fine. Since you’re clearly enjoying this, why don’t YOU share your New Year’s resolutions, huh?

Marinette: Let’s see how embarrassing YOUR list is.

Adrien: Oh, mine’s simple. Step 1: Be a better hero. Step 2: Be a better partner.

Marinette: …That’s actually really sweet. But unneeded. You’re already a SUPER partner!

Adrien: Great pun! But, I’m not done yet…

Adrien: Step 3: Convince Marinette to let me bring her truffles to patrol because they’re miraculous and I know she loves them

Marinette: I do love a chocolate covered truffle!

Adrien: 😉

Adrien: Step 4: Use even more puns this year, just to see her reaction

Marinette: Woah! Woah! Woah! That is NOT a valid resolution! That totally goes against mine!

Adrien: Oh, it’s totally valid. It’s my resolution. Step 5: Make M’Lady laugh every single day.

Adrien: I’m already on a roll with that one. I saw you laughing earlier 😉

Marinette: You were thrown into a manure truck! Of course I laughed!

Adrien: How do you know it wasn’t just to make you laugh? I could have let the giant gnome throw me in there on purpose!

Marinette: You’re impossible, you know that 🙄

Adrien: And yet, you keep me around. Admit it, M’Lady, I’m paws-itively irresistible.

Marinette: If this is what I’m dealing with all year, I need a new resolution.

Adrien: Let me guess: Step 6: Don’t strangle Adrien Agreste.

Marinette: …How did you know? It’s like you could read my brain 😮

Adrien: You’d miss me too much, Bugaboo.

Marinette: You’re incorrigible!

Adrien: And you’re adorable. Guess we’re both stuck this way.

Marinette: And, to think, I used to believe you were a sweetheart!

Adrien: Don’t lie…you still do! I’ve seen the eyes you gave me earlier!

Marinette: Oh, please. Those weren’t ‘sweetheart’ eyes—they were ‘seriously, dude?’ eyes. Get it right!

Adrien: Wow, Marinette, that really stings. And here I was, dusting off your shrine in my cupboard. Guess I’ll just torch it now 🔥

Marinette: Sure…so, how was your New Year’s Eve in the end?

Adrien: Oh, you know, just the usual. Stopped an akuma, fought some monsters, gave a few puns to keep the mood light…

Marinette: Dived head first into a manure truck…

Marinette: Actually…I can scrap step 3. Your hair was a bit CRAPPY yesterday!

Adrien: Ding! Ding! Ding! Round One. Mlle. Dupain-Cheng has come out for a pun war.

Adrien: Don’t start something you know you can’t finish, M'Lady 😉

Marinette: Says the guy who can’t send everything he wants to say in one message 💬

Adrien: Me-ouch! Someone didn’t get enough sleep last night. What did I ever do to you? I thought you said I was the purr-fect partner?

Adrien: (See! I can send it in one message)

Marinette: Two…so your New Year?

Adrien: Apart from missing you and dreaming of a kiss at midnight? Not a lot! I went home and celebrated in the most Chat Noir way I could—by taking a nap in front of the TV with a pizza. It was glorious 😍

Marinette: That sounds… actually really nice

Adrien: Well, I am a good kisser. You should give me a try sometime 😘 oh wait, you already have…multiple times!

Marinette: If the modelling doesn’t work out, you should try to become a comedian!

Adrien: One step ahead of you, M, I’m already writing a joke book

Adrien: You know, using M would be so much easier…it can stand for Marinette, or M’Lady…

Adrien: …Or mine (delete)

Marinette: I can live with that! But if I’m M, you have to be A

Adrien: For ‘Awesome’, right?

Marinette: Or annoying…

Adrien: Whatever you say Miss Moneypenny 👀

Marinette: 🙄

Adrien: What about you? How was your night? Hopefully not too many disasters.

Marinette: Surprisingly not. I spent most of it with my parents, so...

Marinette: But I did almost spill hot chocolate all over the floor trying to carry too many mugs at once 🤦🏻‍♀️

Marinette: But hey, step 3! I didn’t trip! Progress!

Adrien: I’m proud of you, M 😉♥️

Adrien: And if you ever did spill anything again, I’d be right over to save you

Marinette: Awww, you’re too kind. But you’ll have to beat my new and improved cat-like reflexes to it first meow 😼

Adrien: Challenge accepted. After all, you can’t beat the original

Marinette: I won’t disagree with that! Tell Plagg he’s always my number one

Adrien: Step 7: Be nicer to Adrien Agreste

Marinette: I am nice! I’m telling you, you can come over for hot chocolate ☕️

Adrien: Let me just get my shoes on…

Marinette: Wait, you’re really coming over? Now?

Adrien: I’m just trying to keep my New Year’s resolutions on track, you know? I did say I’d be a better partner…why not start with hot beverages?

Marinette: …I think you’re making your own excuses for seeing me, Chaton.

Adrien: Guilty as charged.

Marinette: See you in 10 ♥️

Marinette: Oh, and come in through the front door. My papa’s starting to ask questions.

[aalissy]

What If

Andd day 16 is done now :). Another short lil post-relationship, pre-reveal Adrienette chapter. I hope you like it <3. Lemme know what you think!

AO3

“What do you think would have happened if we never found each other?” Adrien murmured softly. They were at her computer, playing Ultimate Mecha Strike for what had to be close to the millionth time.

“Ha! Impossible!” Marinette waved off his comment. The idea of her having never met Adrien was too crazy to think about. She had always been destined to meet him.

He paused the game and she turned to look at him, blinking in slight surprise.

“I’m serious. What if we had never met?”

She shook her head, her pigtails swaying as she did so. “And I’m telling you that it’s an impossible question. I was always going to meet you.”

“Come on, Marinette.” Adrien chuckled, scratching the back of his neck. “What if we had been in different classes or different schools?”

Marinette frowned slightly, taking a moment to think. The first scenario seemed very unlikely for them to have never met but the second... the second seemed quite a bit more likely.

Slowly, she began to word her thoughts, “I think I still would have met you quite easily even if we had been in different classes. After all, I know both Marc, Aurore, and Zoé and they’re in different classes.” Adrien tilted his head in agreement with her point. “Different schools might be a bit trickier but we had that field trip to New York once so I’m sure eventually we’d have had a trip together or something that connected our two schools.”

Marinette beamed over at him after finishing that last sentence. After all, the thought of having never met Adrien just seemed inconceivable. Besides, she was Ladybug, so she’d certainly have to save him at one point or another. But, she couldn’t exactly just say that. As much as she may want to.

“Alright, fair enough.” Adrien chuckled, leaning back in her chair as he popped one of the macaroons her parents brought up for them in his mouth. “But what if my father had never allowed me to go to school at all? How would we have met then?”

She hummed lightly, nibbling on her lip in thought once again. This was also a fair bit trickier. But then, she snapped her fingers. “Fashion!” Marinette practically shouted.

“What?” he asked, his brow creasing with confusion. “What do you mean?”

“Well,��� she dragged out. “I’m destined to be a fashion designer and you would be a model working for Gabriel Agreste. Our first meeting would be legendary!” She sent him a goofy grin.

“Ahh, but you’re forgetting. I’m not a model anymore,” he teased.

“Adrien, sweetheart, I love you.” Marinette reached over, placing her hand over his, practically melting into a big puddle when his eyes softened at the touch. “But if, in this alternate universe, your father was keeping you from school, then I’m certain he’d force you to continue modeling forever.”

Adrien opened his mouth, surely about to say something before he closed it with a quiet, dumbfounded laugh. “You know what, I think you’re right. I was only able to stand up to my father in the first place because of you.”

She squeezed his hand, trying to bring the smile back to his face. “Not to worry, of course, once we met, I would swoop in and save you from your modeling career. Maybe I’d get you a job at the bakery or something.” Marinette giggled.

Adrien grinned, a warmth spreading through him at Marinette's words. "A job at the bakery, huh? I could get used to that."

Marinette laughed, her eyes sparkling with affection. "Just imagine, you in an apron, covered in flour, trying to bake pastries."

"I think I'd make a mess of it," Adrien admitted with a chuckle. "But if it's with you, I'd give it a try."

They sat there, enjoying each other's company, the game paused forgotten on the screen. It was moments like these, simple and sweet, that made them cherish their relationship even more.

"Hey, Marinette," Adrien said softly, breaking the comfortable silence.

"Yeah?" Marinette turned to him, her gaze filled with curiosity.

"I'm glad we found each other," he said, his voice sincere. "No matter how crazy the 'what ifs' are, I'm just happy we're here, together."

Marinette's heart fluttered at his words, a smile spreading across her face. "Me too, Adrien. Me too."

He leaned over, pecking a kiss against her lips that had her smiling into his mouth. She wrapped her arms around his neck, tugging him down to her as she deepened their kiss.

They shared this sweet moment of kisses, just relishing in the warmth of their connection. They knew that no matter the twists and turns life might have taken, they were meant to be together, playing video games, baking pastries, and facing whatever challenges came their way, side by side.