Adrien leaned against the doorframe of the office watching Marinette as she worked with Spencer and their new lead female model Nicola. He still couldn't believe that this beautiful girl, his Ladybug, his Marinette, loved him. Truly he felt like the luckiest guy in the world. As she moved across the room to grab the matching handbag for the dress, she caught sight of him against the doorway and her face lit up into a glorious smile. It still set his heart on fire. The last few weeks had been crazy and he knew Marinette had been working until the wee hours on these designs. The Urban range was a huge break away from traditional Gabriel style, but his father had given them free reign on the concepts, limiting his own input to a bare minimum. It was a huge risk, but one Adrien had total faith in. Tonight though, he had other plans that didn't involve cuts of fabric and needle pricks, if he could pull her away from work mode long enough.

"How does that feel on you Nicola? Not too tight?" The slender model stepped off the small platform and walked across to the tall mirror that hung on the office wall. Spencer stood nearby studying the movement of the dress.

"Feels fine Marinette, although I noticed the zipper was sticking a little." Marinette lifted the model's arm and gave a bit of a tug to the side zip.

"You're right, I'll fix that up for you." She said, marking a spot with her clothes pencil.

"Let me work on it Marinette." Spencer offered. "You don't need to take all the work on your own you know. We are a team here, that means letting others take on some of the responsibility. Besides, it's Friday night, you deserve to reward yourself a little." Marinette shook her head.

"It's fine Spencer. I already have the other prices finished, there is only this dress left. Besides, we need to start thinking ahead to Christmas." She insisted. "Thanks Nicola, you can change back. Just leave the dress with Nathalie, I'll pick it up later." Spencer followed Nicola out shaking his head and giving a pointed look at Adrien.

"You should listen to Spencer Princess, you'll burn yourself out. Believe me, I've been in this industry long enough to have seen it happen" Adrien said, sliding up beside her, taking her hand and kissing the back of it. She could see the concern in his eyes but tried to ignore it.

"I know, but fashion week is next week and so much is riding on this presentation." Marinette fussed over the long, black, Merino wool jacket Adrien had put on for the final fitting. She had taken inspiration from his Chat suit on the decorative seaming and she had to admit, he looked damn hot in it, especially when his hair was less than perfect like it was now. Adrien grabbed her hand and gently hooked his finger under her chin so she would look up at him. His green eyes shining through his bangs as he looked adoringly at her.

"We're ready Mari. These are only minor alterations that someone else can do. You did it. You and Spencer have worked tirelessly for weeks and got us here with a collection ready to show. I think you deserve a night off to celebrate, don't you?" Marinette gave him a suspicious look.

"You have something in mind Chaton?" She asked, a small smirk spreading across Adrien's face.

"Actually, I have something I want to show you. I've finally moved everything into my apartment and I want you to be the first to see it. I thought maybe we could cook a nice dinner and then watch a movie on the couch." She furrowed her eyebrows at him with that Ladybug look she would often get.

"I don't know Adrien." Marientte said, biting her lip. Every time she did that, it made his stomach flip. Adrien brushed his thumb across her bottom lip, unhooking it from her teeth.

"Keep doing that and we may not get out of this office." He purred close to her ear and he could see the bright pink blush flash across her cheeks. He had to keep his chuckle to himself. "Now as your boss I'm telling you to take the rest of the afternoon off." Marinette put her hands on her hips looking up at him. It was frustrating to her sometimes that even in heels she still had to look up. Why did he have to grow so tall?

"My boss!" She exclaimed in mock offence. "Since when are you my boss Kitty." She retorted, poking him in the chest. Adrien began to laugh.

"You might be the guardian of the Miraculous m'lady, and you know I will always follow you wherever you lead me, but I'm the soon to be CEO of Gabriel Incorporated, and as my soon to be head designer, that means you work for me. Now you are going to leave this work here for the weekend, and you are coming home with me." He pulled her in closer to him, slipping one arm around her waist, her hand still in his held close to his chest. It was really hard to ever say no to him when he looked at her like that.

"You're not going to let this go, are you?" She quirked an eyebrow at him. Adrien moved his face closer to hers.

"Nope." He said, popping the 'p'. 

"Alright." She conceded. "I'll not work on it tonight." Adrien kissed her on the nose with a wide grin. Shrugging off the coat, he hooked it onto a hanger before taking Marinette's hand and heading for the elevator. As they entered the foyer, they saw Nathalie approach.

"Marinette, Spencer left this dress here for you."

"Leave it up in our office Nathalie, I'm taking Marinette with me this afternoon." He gave her a wink and Nathalie nodded her head, a secret clearly passing between them before Nathalie stifled a yawn. "You should go home too, you look exhausted." Adrien said, placing a hand on her shoulder. "Is father back yet?"

"He'll be back in time for fashion week. I really think he ought to skip it but he feels he should make an appearance before the rumours get too far out of hand." She covered her mouth in another yawn. "But I think I might take up your offer to go home early. I'm not sure there is much else I can achieve here now. Oh, I also got the items you requested, they are in the apartment." Marinette turned to look at Adrien who was the picture of innocence.

"What have you been up to?" She asked questionly. Adrien had that mischievous glint in his eye as he shared a look with Nathalie, the assistant holding back a small smile.

"You'll see." Was his only response, tugging her towards the door.

It was only a short drive to the apartment building. That was just as well really, since Plagg could manage to get himself into a world of trouble in Adrien's new car, not to mention new hiding places for his cheese, much to Tikki's disapproval. Marinette had to laugh though at their antics in the backseat and mused at the fact that Adrien had chosen a four door sedan rather than a two door sports car like Felix had gotten imported to England from the states after his recent trip there with Chloé. Marinette knew his cousin had been bragging about it, but Adrien just shrugged saying he preferred function over horsepower. Marinette was sure though that it was the anchors for baby seats in the back that was the real selling point for Adrien more than the stereo system as he had claimed.

Soon they arrived at the apartment block. It was on the corner and about six stories high. Marinette wasn't all that surprised to find the apartment was on the top floor. When they exited the elevator, there was a small corridor that led to the main door. Adrien took out the key and Marinette noticed the strange second key still hanging next to the front door one. Adrien had told her about the safety deposit box in Zurich, but had made no mention of making any plans to go see what was in it. She had to admit, she was pretty curious herself, but she wasn't going to push the issue before he was ready.

"Oh my." Was about all that Marinette could get out upon entering as she took her shoes off at the door. The only words to describe the place was lavish and elegant. The smell of the fresh paint and carpets hit her senses first before the smell of fresh cut roses. In the middle of the dining table there was a large bunch of red, orange and yellow roses cascading in a beautiful bouquet with a bottle of wine chilling in an ice bucket and two glasses. Marinette figured that must have been the item Nathalie was referring to. "Are those for me?" She asked with a small blush on her face. Adrien picked up her hand and kissed the inside of her wrist. It still made her shiver.

"Of course." He grinned, interlacing their hands. "But you can look at them in a minute. Here, let me show you around."

The apartment had three bedrooms, a fully stocked kitchen and opened out onto an outdoor terrence that gave enough privacy that it would be perfect for when they needed to transform. Walking back inside, Marinette ran her fingers across the piano she recognised from Adrien's room.

"It's overwhelming." She said, looking around at the expensive furniture, the beautiful lighting fixtures and the luxurious feel of the carpet under her feet. She could tell that Adrien's mother certainly had an eye for detail. "It feels like something out of a magazine."

"I think maybe it was." Adrien said. "My mother owned the apartment before she married. After that it was rented out for a while. When she...well after she was gone my father had it closed up, but a housekeeper was still employed regularly. I had it repainted and new carpets put in." He rubbed the back of his neck as he watched her look around wide eyed. Tikki and Plagg had already made themselves quite at home with the cookies and Camembert they had found in the kitchen. In fact they were being almost suspiciously quiet. "Do you like it?" He asked and Marientte wondered why he suddenly sounded so nervous.

"It's beautiful Adrien." She assured him, walking over to where he was standing near the flowers on the table. "It's like walking through a dream. It just needs a few homely touches, that's all."

"It's a little more than I would normally want but...Could you maybe see yourself living here, with me?" Marientte's mouth fell open slightly.

"Are you asking me to move in with you?" She asked, her heart skipping a beat when he shook his head.

"Marinette." He said, barley above a whisper stepping closer to her. His heart was pounding at a million miles an hour as he took her left hand in his right. "I have loved you since the day you first fell into my life and into my heart. As Ladybug I loved your bravery and your passion, I loved your fire and your courage. I loved the brave heroine that I was proud to stand beside and defend." He kissed her hand and then held it to his chest, looking back into her ocean eyes. "As Marientte I loved your kindness and sincerity, your warmth and your heart and even your adorable clumsiness."

"Hey." She giggled as tears began to form in her eyes. Adrien pressed his forehead against hers.

"You're the light of my life and the warmth in my heart. You are everything I ever wanted, and the only person whose side I want to spend the rest of my life next to. I want those three kids and a cat or maybe even a dog."

"Don't forget the hamster." She added. Adrien kissed her temple and she could feel him smile against her.

"Can't forget the hamster." He laughed, wiping a tear from her cheek before cupping her face with his hand. "No matter where the world takes us, I just want to spend forever with you." He moved his face closer to hers. "Marinette, will you marry me?"

"Yes." She whispered against his lips before raising up on her toes and claiming them as her own. Adrien brought his other hand up to hold her face as he deepened the kiss before breaking away.

"Oops, I'm forgetting something." He said with a laugh. Reaching into his jacket pocket, he pulled out a small box. Opening it, Marinette let out a small gasp.

"Adrien." She breathed out. He took out the ring and slid it onto her finger. It was a perfect fit.

"It belonged to one of Lottie's ancestors. By the sounds of it, I think she was a Ladybug." Marinette gaped as she looked back at the ruby and emerald heart.

"And, did she marry her Chat Noir?" She asked. Adrien nodded with a wide grin on his face.

"She sure did. They even had seven children."

"Seven!" She gasped. "Well, I don't know about seven." She laughed. Adrien kissed her cheek before progressing his way down her neck.

"Well, we don't have to have seven." He said, working his way back up her neck. "But we could always work on that first one." Marinette giggled as she looped her arms around his neck while his hands found their way onto her waist. "I love you Marinette."

"I love you too Adrien. So much." The words drifted away into the evening sky as he scooped her up, his lips claiming hers long into the night.

*****

"Girl, this is some swanky as office." Alya gushed as she looked out of the huge glass windows at the breathtaking view of Paris below. Unfortunately the pounding autumn rain obscured much of the horizon, but it was still stunning. "I'm still dirty I wasn't here for that sweet moonlight kiss between Ladybug and Chat Noir, but you never saw the Ladyblog blow up like it did that night. I tell you, I had almost no sleep at all. It had been months since there had been any good content. I wonder what they have been up to? Oh, do you think they secretly got married or something" Marinette smiled as she rethreaded her needle, adding a few last minute details to one of the urban design dresses.

"Alya, Nino had been planning that holiday for weeks. I'm sure spending quality time together was more important than chasing superheroes and sticky beaking into their love lives. Nino put so much thought into it I almost thought he was going to pop the question." She looked up from her sewing with a laugh, but her expression changed when she saw Alya's down caste eyes. Marinette put her dress and needle down, studying her best friend's face. "Alya, what is it?" The reporter looked back out the window at the rain.

"I kind of told him not too, at least not anytime soon." Marinette got up and stood next to Alya, placing a hand on her shoulder.

"Did something happen? You're not breaking up are you?" Alya let out a chuckle.

"No, nothing like that." She assured, turning fully to face Marientte and leaning her shoulder against the window. "I love Nino, I doubt I'd ever find anyone else who could put up with my level of crazy." She chuckled. "It's just I have an offer to work an apprenticeship with a major news outlet in Chicago. Nadja has some contacts there and they were really impressed with the Ladyblog and the work I've been doing. It's a huge opportunity and I just can't pass it up." Marinette was floored.

"But, you'll be leaving Paris?" She asked, although the answer was obvious.

"For a year at least, maybe more." Alya said. "It's not for a few weeks, and I'll be back for Christmas holidays, but I can't ask Nino to uproot his opportunities here to follow me to America. Did he tell you he has a perminate gig at a club now? Plus he's starting on that radio station in a few weeks and, well, maybe we need some time apart to be sure." Alya laughed at the frown on Marientte's face. "Don't look at me like that girl, Nino and I have been together since we were 14. I...just need some time to be sure." Marinette turned her head from Alya and looked out the window. The raindrops streaked in wiggling lines down the window pane. She started playing with the engagement ring on her finger.

"Do you think I'm making a mistake?" She asked soulfully. Alya grabbed Marinette's shoulders and turned her towards her.

"No way girl. You and Adrien are totally different to me and Nino. Heck, you even talked about having kids already. I'm nowhere near close to that kind of commitment. Truthfully, I think babysitting Ella and Etta might have cured me of kids for life...or at least until I'm 30." She laughed and Marinette joined in with a chuckle. "Marinette, I'm really so happy for you. If it feels right for you, then that's all that matters." The two girls embraced as the rain pounded against the window beside them.

"Ready to go." Came the sound of Adrien's voice as he and Nino walked into the office. He headed straight for Marinette, giving her a soft kiss. "You look amazing. You should be on the runway in that dress." Marinette blushed as she brushed down the front. She had made a handkerchief dress with a corset style lace up front with a sweetheart neckline and off the shoulder straps. The black dress was offset with emerald green trims and heeled mid calf boots. The design was made to match the urban theme. Alya reached out to give Adrien a hug.

"Thanks so much for getting me a backstage press pass. This is huge, really. I honestly nearly died when Nadja asked me to cover this. Fashion is so not my thing."

"It's no problem Alya. Nino told me about you heading to America soon. We'll miss you." Alya breathed out a sigh.

"Yeah, but you know what they say about opportunity knocks. Just make sure you take care of my girl here." She said, slinging an arm over Marinette's shoulder.

"Always." Adrien beamed. "But we better head over to the venue. Nathalie and my father are already there with Spencer. Wouldn't want to miss my cue." He laughed, leading the way out. Nino walked over to Alya and took her hand in his.

"You show them what you've got babe." He said, slinging his arm around her shoulders. Alya leaned into him as they walked out behind Adrien and Marinette.

Backstage at a fashion week show would best be described as organised chaos. Alya and Nino busied themselves soaking in the atmosphere while Adrien and Marinette went straight into work mode. Nathalie had everything already organised while Gabriel sat in a chair nearby overseeing everything. Adrien hadn't seen much of his father the last few weeks, but noted he seemed to have been holding up well enough. Nathalie had said his response to the treatment had been favourable so at least that was a good sign, although he wondered if she was just saying that.

"This way Adrien, your clothes are ready for you." Nathalie directed. Adrien gave Marientte a kiss on the cheek.

"See you soon." He smiled before following Nathalie to his dressing quarters.

"Marinette my dear, how has everything been?" Gabriel called out to her, beckoning her over. As she approached he extended his hand out to her and held hers in both of his.

"I think we are as ready as we are going to be. Spencer has worked night and day on this but I'm hopeful the critics will like the new direction we have taken." Gabriel gave a small smile.

"I have total confidence in both you and Spencer, but I was asking how you were." Marinette tried not to look too surprised.

"Oh...ah...fine, I'm fine, thank you Mr Agreste." She stuttered. Gabriel smiled, still holding her hand.

"Marinette, you're going to be marrying my son. I think it's about time you called me by my name." Marinette blushed and smiled shyly.

"And how are you Gabriel?" She asked more confidently which he seemed to have appreciated.

"As well as can be expected under the circumstances." He conceded. "Tonight will be a last hurrah of sorts, but I have to admit I'm looking forward to a quieter life."

"With Nathalie?" Marinette added with a slightly teasing tone. Gabriel couldn't hold back a small grin.

"Yes, with Nathalie." He nodded. "I don't mind telling you Marinette, accounting has been breathing down my neck for sometime. The company was in a lot of debt which I have to accept responsibility for, and this collection will put us back into the black and secure the future of the Gabriel brand. So thank you for that." Marinette didn't know what to say. Gabriel was a man she had a hard time figuring out. When she was younger she idolised his style and business sense, as she came to know Adrien she almost despised him for his distance and coldness. Now she saw a man full of regrets, trying to write his many wrongs with what time he had left. She leaned down and hugged him, an embrace he happily accepted.

Nathalie came scurrying across. She was wearing an earpiece and carrying a tablet.

"Nicola is on the runway, then it's Adrien last. The press gallery looked really impressed with the line."  Gabriel nodded his head with a satisfied continence.

"Shall we?" He asked, standing and offering his arm to Marinette. The bluenette placed her arm in his and walked to the edge of the wing off stage.

Adrien had just walked onto the runway, she didn't even have to see to know that, the roar from the crowd confirming he was just as popular as ever. She peaked out to see him posing with his hands in his pockets, a mixture of Chat Noir and James Dean. The double breasted jacket sat perfectly to show off his broad shoulders and his hair was ruffled just enough to let off a bad boy vibe. Walking back up the runway, Adrien stopped and gestured off stage towards his father. Gabriel gave Marinette's arm a tug and she stepped out into the light with him, Adrien taking her other arm as the three of them walked down the runway. Camera flashes blinded them as the roar of a standing ovation echoed through the building. Gabriel stepped forward to accept a microphone from Nathalie at the front of the stage.

"Thank you ladies and gentlemen." He said, raising a hand to silence the crowd. "I thank you for your enthusiasm for this innovative new line and ask you to keep the applause going for head Gabriel designer Spencer." He pointed to Spencer in the front row who stood and waved. "And for my son's beautiful fiancée and future head of the creative design team, Marinette." Marinette was surprised to be signaled out, but waved graciously while Adrien applauded her enthusiastically, kissing her on the cheek. They had not yet publicly announced their engagement, and the gossip reporters were lapping it up.

When the applause died back down, Gabriel continued. "There has been much speculation of late as to the future of the Gabriel brand. I'm here to confirm today that due to ill health I will be stepping down as CEO of Gabriel Incorporated and will be handing the helm over to my son, Adrien." Gabriel reached his hand out bringing his son over to his side. "He has my full confidence and I am sure that the future of the brand is in capable hands for many years to come." Amid the myriad of flashing light, Gabriel embraced his son and for a moment in time, all was perfect in the world. 

Once backstage again, Spencer came to join the group in a glass of celebratory champagne. The atmosphere was buzzing on the high of the collection's success. "Bold, Innovative, Invigorating." where some of the early headlines. Alya keenly snapped photos of some of the biggest names in Paris fashion congratulating Marinette and Spencer, spamming her Instagram. She watched the look on Adrien's face morph from adoration to pride for his fiancée achievements. 

"Adrikins, you must get Marinette to make me the evening dress Nicola is wearing over there. I have to have one, but only if Marinette makes it. I don't trust those others to make it the same." Chloé draped her arms around Adrien like she always did, kissing him on both cheeks.

"Sure Chloé. You can have the first one, in yellow of course." He winked at her and she raised a glass to him. "By the way, how's Felix?" Her face dropped in almost an instant.

"Ugh, don't talk to me about that selfish prick. You know he blew me off to baby that new car of his back to England. A car of all things when he could have spent another week with me in New York. He's ridiculous, utterly ridiculous." She pouted, flicking her hair. Adrien looked at her with an amused smirk.

"So when are you going over to Aunt Amilie's to see him?" Chloé gave him an incredulous glare.

"Next weekend." She replied, turning her head and drinking her champagne to ignore his sniggering. Adrien caught sight of Nathalie scurrying past where Marinette and Spencer were posing for photos.

"Gabriel, there is a long distance call for you on line two." She said, pointing to a phone on the wall. Gabriel walked over to it and Adrien went to join Marientte and Alya while Chloé spoke to Nicola and some of the other models.

"Chloé wants Nicola's dress." He said into Marinette's ear, sliding an arm around her waist.

"I thought she would." She said with a wide grin. "That's why I already stated one for her last week." Adrien brought his other arm around her, pulling her close to him.

"Always ready ahead of the game m'lady." He said, kissing her on the nose.

"That's right." She quipped. "And tonight's plan consists of a hot bubble bath in the spa of yours with a nice bottle of rosé."

"Sounds delightful, am I invited?" Adrien smirked.

"Hmmm, maybe." Marinette teased. She tried to run away but Adrien pulled her back to him dipping his head and locking her into a heated kiss, ignoring Alya and Nino whooping and the clicking of cameras.

The moment was broken when there was a scuffling nose and Nathalie's voice calling out to Gabriel. Adrien whirled around to see his father looking white as a ghost and collapsed in a chair near the phone on the wall.

"Father." He called out, rushing to his side and crouching down grabbing his father's arm. "Father what is it? What's wrong?" Adrien gave a worried look to Marinette who was now crouching on the other side.

"It was Tomoe Tsurugi." Gabriel said barely above a whisper. Nathalie and Spencer were dispersing the crowd that had begun to gather. "She...she is tearing up our contract and liquidating all of her assets in the company." Adrien shook his head in confusion. He knew his father had business dealing with the Tsurugi's but had no idea of the extent of it in the Gabriel brand.

"Father, I don't understand." His emerald eyes searching his father's grey. Gabriel's worn features looking more fragile, his eyes fading. "What does this mean?"

"I'm sorry Adrien." He murmured, shaking his head in dismay. "I'm so sorry. I've ruined everything."