This is a bit late(more like a lot- 3 months you idiot) but I wanted to still write this. Let's say the timeline diverted from the new york and shanghai specials and this is just over half a year later, post reveal. Therefore, no alya knowing bout lb, no monarch etc. Gabriel was defeated just after their reveal. But Adrien decided to give him a chance and now Gabriel is trying.

What a creative title. I applaud myself for coming up with it. Truly.

Also. For the sake of my sanity, let's say Lila, or whatever her actual name is because apparently that isn't her real name, has been dealt with and is in jail for a lot of things that just piled up.

"So this is what we are going to do," Alya Cesaire spoke to the majority of her class who had cooped up on the Liberty, "Anarka already agreed to host the new years party here."

The only people who weren't there were Adrien and Marinette as well as Chloe and Sabrina, who had both been in New York for the holidays. Marinette was actually with Adrien, working behind the scenes of his photoshoots as Gabriel had come to realise how organised Marinette was and, with her talent, it would be beneficial for the Gabriel Fashion House.

Whilst not part of the class, Zoé and Kagami were also not there. Zoé had decided to spend time with her step father watching the movies he loved. Meanwhile, Kagami was in England, spending time with her boyfriend, Felix (Adrien couldn't believe it when they told him but after spending a day with the couple, he could tell they were meant for each other). If Kagami was in Paris, she would have definitely been part of this scheming group.

Speaking of, Nino continued on from where he was standing next to his girlfriend, "And you all know that because of Mari, my dude's dad has been a bit more lenient on him. So we got permission for Adrien to come to the party."

There was a round of cheering around the boat and everyone seemed genuinely happy about Adrien's freedom. It had been just over half a year since Gabriel had started to act like a proper parent to Adrien but everyone was still ecstatic for him. Their sunshine deserved it.

Alya cleared her throat after waiting for the cheers to die down, "So Adrien will come for sure and Mari will also be there. And you all know what that means."

"Wait," Luka put his hand up from where he was sitting next to his twin, "Are you sure about this? Because I remember hearing from Jules that Marinette asked you all not to intervene anymore."

"We won't really be intervening. All I want us to do is make sure that when the countdown happens, Marinette and Adrien are next to each other. They'll see everyone else who comes with their partner kissing and that may be just what they need to finally get their feelings together and confess."

"Or it could go the wrong way and push them a step back," Luka replied with a shrug in his shoulders, though Alya could tell there was something going on in his mind, "I'm just saying. They may act a certain way which causes a misunderstanding between them and makes them feel like they were rejected. We all know that the both of them tend to become really awkward at the wrong times sometimes."

Alya raised and eyebrow, "Maybe. Or perhaps you are projecting because you feel like Zoé will reject you."

"I have no idea what you mean."

Kim laughed out loud and turned to face Luka, "Please. We all saw your last interaction with her. You were practically acting like Mari used to with Adrien!"

"Kim is right. Comparing my files of Marinette's earlier interactions with Adrien and your recent ones with Zoé, there is a 73% match in mannerisms which suggest that you like her. Although, you are way better at talking to your 'love', as humans call it, than Marinette was," Markov hovered on front of the musician and displayed some of the evidence through a hologram.

"Bro," Juleka interrupted from next to him. She placed a gloved hand on his shoulder, "I think Alya is right. You are projecting. But you don't need to. I don't want to build your hope up as there may be a chance she would reject you, but I also really don't think she will."

The people on the boat who could hear what Juleka had said collectively agreed to her statement. A lot of the girls shared knowing glances. Because they knew for a fact that despite Zoé having feelings for Marinette for a certain period of time, she had grown closer to Luka in yhe recent year and had developed strong feelings towards him- even Marinette herself knew this. In fact, Marinette had spoken to Zoé about it a few times, telling the girl that if what she was feeling for Luka was more intense than anything she felt for Marinette, she should perhaps give it a chance. She shouldn't feel guilty for liking someone else when Marinette herself could not return her feelings.

"OK," Alya clapped her hands together, "So now we have two objectives. Making sure that Adrienette are next to each other during the countdown. And helping Luka out with Zoé. Though," she paused and looked at Luka again, "Only if you are okay with it."

He thought for a moment, and he knew that Alya and the other girls always had some crazy plans to help Marinette confess to Adrien. But he also knew that part of the reason they never worked out was because Marinette didn't want to be rejected, hence, intentionally or not, Marinette always seemed to foil their plans.

(The fact that I actually wrote this part before the spoilers of Marinette and Kim's past were out oof-)

And yes, maybe he was afraid of rejection. Who wasn't? But he knew he shouldn't doubt himself, so he reached a compromise, "All I need is for you to make sure Zoé is part of the group who will be helping set the party up. Maybe let us run an errand together?" His hand was brought forward, as if securing a shady deal.

Alya smiled and shook his hand, "I like the way you think. And I'll do just that."

Nino came behind her and wrapped an arm around his girlfriend's waist, "Now back to Adrien and Marinette...."

With Adrien and Marinette....

"So we agree? New years. On the Liberty. We'll tell everyone?"

"Hmm. I actually want to mess with them a bit," she grinned, and upon his look of confusion, she elaborated, "You know they are all there right now. And since we're not there, they probably took it as a chance to push us together again."

"I thought you asked them to stop," he frowned.

"I did. And they don't really do it anymore. I appreciate that. But I know Alya will take this as a chance to get us to confess once and for all. It's new years! Besides, I think it will be fun."

"Yeah, I can totally see your amewsment," he waggled his eyebrows at her causing her to groan and try to push him away.

But she couldn't really when his arms were locked around her waist tightly and his weight was on top of her as they lay on his bed. He just laughed and snuggled closer to her, his head in the angle of her neck and shoulder.

"Ugh, Chaton," she said half-heartedly. She didn't even finish what she was going to say, instead letting one of her hands caress his hair as he sighed into her soothing touch.

He pressed a few soft kisses on her shoulder before leaning up to leave a trail of kisses to her neck and then to her chin. He stopped, just below her lips, and lifted his head to make eye contact with her.

"Say it again," he whispered in a low voice that he knew Marinette loved to hear.

Her eyes twinkled knowingly and she giggled, "Mon Chaton. Mon cœur. Mon amour," she responded almost melodically.

That was all that was needed for him to stop stalling and claim her lips with her own. In mere minutes, the two had become an entanglement of a state which was unrestrained and dishevelled. They were all over each other. From Adrien's constant kisses on any part of her skin that was visible, causing her heart to palpitate and her body to quiver in ecstasy, to her own wondering hands sending shivers down his spine as he matched her own euphoric satisfaction. 

It was easy for them to switch from simply just talking to ending up in a steamy embrace. 

And they would have gone much further if just a few moments later, Adrien's door hadn't opened and Gabriel Agreste wasn't standing awkwardly at the front door with a piece of some sort of purple silk (once she looked more closely at it, Marinette realised it was mulberry silk, a fabric she had always wanted to try working with) in his hands.

The man cleared his throat as Marinette and Adrien quickly jumped apart, both equally embarrassed as they were dismayed, and decided to comment, "I- uh guess I should come back later?"

"Yes Father," Adrien replied, sitting up and scowling at the interruption, "Perhaps you should."

"Right-uh, okay," Gabriel mumbled, though the smugness in his tone was evident, "Just, after you're done, I want Marinette in my office. You did tell me she wanted to work with some rare fabrics and I managed to get them on short notice."

"You," Marinette's eyes were wide in shock, "You did?"

Gabriel gave her a small, sad smile, "Making sure my son and his girlfriend are happy is the least I can do after everything I have done."

"Father," Adrien said before Marinette could open her mouth, "I appreciate you trying."

"Yeah," he sighed and moved back slightly, placing one hand on the handle of the door, "Okay. I'll leave you be now. I promised Nathalie I would take her out for dinner and I guess I can get her to leave a bit earlier so you guys can be alone."

Adrien instantly smirked and Marinette, sensing that he was about to say something probably stupid, poked him with her toe in warning, "Are you sure it's not so you can spend more time alone with Nathalie?"

Gabriel sputtered over his words for a few seconds (which Marinette thought was hilarious to see but made no show that she thought it), before saying, "Marinette. Just come to my office tomorrow, after breakfast, because it is likely that neither of us will be free until then. Adrien, if Nathalie and I are not home until tomorrow, you know why."

This caused Adrien to look at his father, slightly disturbed at his father's implications. Meanwhile, both Marinette and Gabriel found amusement in Adrien's expression. 

"I'll make sure to come by tomorrow, Gabriel."

He nodded and was about fully leave but he paused in his tracks and turned back to face them, "Oh and... I know there is no stopping the two of you so... use protection please."

Once again, both teens were put into a state of red-faced shock as Gabriel turned away and closed the door behind him, letting the two just sit there, stupefied. 

After a few moments, Adrien groaned and banged his head against the pillow, "That was mortifying."

It took about an hour before the mood between them could become heated again (a record, Adrien would say until the day Marinette's parents caught them and she sent him home because she was too embarrassed (he came back that night sneakily as Chat Noir to get what he wanted)).

New Years Eve- The Liberty

The boat was buzzing with excitement from all habitants as they celebrated the end of a year and entered a new one.

Already news was going round that Luka had confessed to Zoé and she had responded with her own confession and the rumours were confirmed when the two had come out of the kitchen (where they had been running an errand from Alya to gather some more bowls and spoons for the dessert Marinette had brought) with equally blushing faces, a tight grip on each other's hand, and slightly swollen lips.

The new couple were currently on the side of the boat where Adrien and Marinette also were. From what Alya could see, Marinette was currently fawning over how cute Zoé and Luka were whilst the other three just laughed, enamoured with her endearing cheeriness. Alya shook her head, a small smile creeping up on her face as she dragged Nino towards the four. Marinette could be way too adorable for her own good and she didn't even know it.

"Guys it's almost time. The others are getting the fireworks ready."

"Is there anything we could help with Alya? I feel like Adrien and I have done nothing whilst you guys have done a lot," She shared a look with Adrien that Alya couldn't quite understand, but she shrugged it off.

"Yeah... about that," for a second she was unsure. She didn't want to push Marinette anymore but she also wanted to make sure the girl didn't miss her chance at happiness, "Can we talk just for a bit."

Marinette tilted her head but said, "Yeah, sure."

Alya proceeded to drag her off to a corner whilst giving Nino a look which prompted him to whisk Adrien away to another corner.

"Okay. Girl, look. We've tried this before but it didn't really work but recently you and Adrien have been becoming closer so I think you definitely have a better chance."

Marinette feigned confusion, "A chance for what Alya?"

"To kiss Adrien," Alya's hands flailed around her, almost like Marinette always did, "What better time than New years. All you need to do is stay close to Adrien when the countdown happens and let nature take it's course!"

Marinette stood there amused (amewsed- Adrien be quiet please) as her best friend gave away her plan to get her and Adrien together. Marinette thought that, if Adrien wasn't already her boyfriend, this strategy could have actually worked to get them together.

"Okay."

Alya raised an eyebrow and placed her hands on her hips, "Okay? Is that all you want to say?"

Marinette tried to seem more determined bringing her fists up and shaking them as a form of self encouragement, "I'm going to kiss him and confess to him finally," in the back of her mind she could remember all of the kisses they had shared just in the last week. She remembered how many times they had said 'I love you' but not just verbally.

Alya looked at her shocked, "You're really going to do it?"

"Of course Alya. You're right. Adrien and I have become closer and, I think he likes me too. So I'm going to kiss him like you guys probably planned for us to do anyways," she gave her friend a playful look which implied that she already knew what Alya was trying.

Alya gave her a sheepish smile in return and raised her hands in defence, "I know, I know. But I have a feeling that this time it will work,"  she crossed her arms, "Especially if you're so confident today."

'Alya you have no idea.' Inwardly, she smirked.

"Now go on," Alya nudged her with her shoulder, "Go get him. We're all cheering on for you guys."

"Yeah Alya," Marinette smiled honestly and hugged her best friend, "Thank you. I'm really glad that I have you."

And it was true. Marinette was grateful to have Alya as her best friend. And despite her messing with her and the others today, she couldn't help but be appreciative that Alya had gone out of her way to try make sure Marinette would be happy. Even if the way she went about out was a bit pushing at times, she knew Alya just genuinely wanted the best for her. The thought made Marinette feel a bit emotional but she pushed any potential tears back to focus on her mischievous task at hand.

She could lament over how lucky she was later.

After releasing Alya, Marinette gave her a quick kiss on the cheek and made her way to where Adrien was standing, waiting for her and looking at her like he always did. He looked at her like she was his world.

It was funny how no one noticed they were together yet when Adrien practically looked like hearts were going to shoot out of his eyes like in a 2D cartoon. Or maybe they did noticed but assumed that was just him pining over her- which, he was. But the difference was that he already had her.

Marinette couldn't help but giggle at his lovestruck face.

Once she reached him, he smiled and leaned in a bit, "You're cutting it a bit close. We only have a minute left."

"Impatient are you?" She replied, teasingly pushing his nose to move his face a bit back.

He grabbed her finger and used it to pull her a little in, completely aware that everyone was likely watching them. Adrien made a show of lightly kissing the inside of her hand causing Marinette to let out a short gasp and he let her hand linger near his lips for a few long seconds.

In the background, Anarka came out with Jagged Stone (who wanted to spend new years with his children) and his assistant, Penny (though Marinette was certain there was something more going on with them) and, along with the shouts of people that could be heard into the distance, they started to count down.

"TEN," It was like everyone had the same thought because people were moving closer to their significant other automatically.

"NINE," Adrien had already lowered their hands to hold onto each other like they had done so when they were about to kiss many times before.

"EIGHT... SEVEN... SIX," His other arm wrapped around her waist, just above her hip and almost instantly, Marinette brought her own free hand to his neck, pulling him in to match their heights a bit better.

The remaining numbers were loud, yet all Marinette and Adrien could hear and feel was their matching heartbeats thumping powerfully against each other. The numbers were being spoken all around them but their eyes were only on the one on front of them, waiting and yearning for the moment to come- because even though they had done it so many times by now, even though they were meant to be used to it all, every time was like taking the risk to step into a new and enigmatically exhilarating adventure, full of thrilling danger and shock. 

The final number was called out and their noses were touching as everyone screamed, "HAPPY NEW YEAR!!!!"

Adrien nuzzled her nose with his, whispering to her his own, "Happy New Year, my love." 

Before she could respond, he seized his opportunity to trap her lips with his own, kissing her in a way that would make her remember this was the first action she had experienced in this new year. And until next year, she wouldn't be able to forget it.

The people around them definitely got a performance that they would never fail to remember as, by now, most couples had already given each other short and sweet kisses and were paying attention to the two people that were meant to be in the spotlight today.

His lips moved quickly, desperately, in sync with hers. Their breaths merged together as, hastily, Marinette opened her mouth slightly, giving him the access he needed to be able to slip his tongue into hers. Their taste was combined with a mix of the sweet and sugary treats they had both been eating just before and the constant ardent desire the two had built towards each other since they had met. 

Though the two were aware the others were watching them, they didn't even acknowledge how jaws dropped and some people exclaimed in astonishment. Even when they recognised one of the voices as Alya, they didn't stop.

All they could fixate on was each other.

And messing with everyone by intensifying their kisses as well as the way they were touching each other.

"Okay, okay! Guys!" Alya said after a few minutes passed by and her best friends were still kissing on front of everyone on the boat and it looked like they wouldn't be stopping anytime soon.

In the background a voice (Alya thought it was probably Kim) shouted, "Get a room!" 

Alya shared a look with Nino who hadn't spoken since the kissing had escalated so quickly. Alya was pretty sure Nino's jaw would be sore later but she gave him a look that meant they should probably intervene. If they didn't do so, Marinette and Adrien wouldn't be able to stop for enough time to at least find a private place to release all of their pent up emotions. So Alya, with Nino pattering along behind her, made their way to the two.

"Hey guys," She said, contemplating whether or not to place her hand on Marinette's shoulder, "I think you should take this elsewhere."

Finally the two parted (though it was only really their mouths that separated) and Marinette, swollen lipped, quirked her eyebrows at Alya, "I thought you planned for us to kiss though Alya?"

The girl in question gave her a deadpan look, "One kiss girl. Just something to finally get the both of you to admit your feelings for each other. Like, I'm glad you are both really into each other but none of us expected you guys to start making out so soon!"

Several people nodded in agreement.

"But Alya," Adrien tilted his head, as if he was confused, "I wouldn't say it was so soon."

"What?"

"Would you Mari? Would you say our kiss today was too soon?"

Marinette made a thoughtful face before answering, "I don't know Adrien. I thought being together for almost a year, we would have already gone past that awkward first kiss stage. In fact, I seem to recall our first kiss was way before we even got together."

"WHAT?" Alya shrieked, causing poor Nino who had been frozen solid where he had been standing right next to his girlfriend, to wince and cover his ear.

Adrien pouted, "Hey. That doesn't count. I don't even remember it."

"I'm talking about the one on the balcony, you adorable dummy," In that moment Adrien agreed with the nickname she gave him and smacked his forehead.

"WHAT?!!!" This time, there was a collective shout across the boat, all wondering whether they were hearing things or not. 

Marinette and Adrien could only laugh merrily as they finally told their friends that they were in a relationship.

That's it. The Luka and Zoé thing is just something I wanted to test out. I don't know if I like it or not yet but I feel like ZAG may be putting these two together possibly. 

I may have rushed the end a bit, but i'm sleep deprived and can't think. As usual, the edited version will be on ao3- I will put it up in about half an hour after this is published..

Bug Out Lovelies <3