Gabriel sat at the desk in his office at the Gabriel corporate building, the soft tapping of Nathalie's fingers over her keyboard the only sound in the room. He was still madly annoyed about that unsuccessful akuma that morning, but he had more pressing matters requiring his attention.

The designer moved around the profiles of the candidates on his desk, placing another onto his reject pile. Choosing a male intern had been simple, and only three had applied anyway, but selecting a female was far more complicated. Sure many of them showed talent, even skill, but their interviews left plenty to be desired, and his son's presence in the room proved too much of a distraction for many. That wouldn't do.

"Sienna was quite good in the interview I think. She spoke well...excellent presentation...carried herself well..." He said out loud. Nathalie stopped typing and looked up at him.

"You weren't very keen on her couture gowns, she lacked innovation."

Gabriel hummed and picked up another profile. "You're right. Ricardo was excellent in both couture and chic which is why I gave him one of the places on Friday after his interview. His streetwear was cutting edge, but not the most practical though. What about Elise? Adrien seemed to have liked her and her couture was quite stylish."

Nathalie got up and walked over to Gabriel's desk, moving around several papers before picking one up. "Adrien was just being polite like he always is. Since you are choosing two interns, maybe you should consider complementing their strengths."

Gabriel took the sheet from her and looked over it with a raised eyebrow. "This isn't the first time you have recommended Miss Dupain-Cheng to me through this process." Gabriel mused. "Is there something you're not telling me?"

"I'm sure I don't know what you mean." Nathalie said innocently. "Miss Dupain-Cheng outshone the other candidates in the streetwear category with practical yet stylish offerings. Her couture may not be on the same level as Ricardo, but they complement each other in style choice. I believe they would work well together."

Gabriel looked at Nathalie over his glasses. "And I don't suppose the fact that she's a friend of Adrien's has anything to do with it?"

"You are choosing the most suitable of the two interns to become your protégé are you not? Wasn't that the reason you opened up the intern program again, or have I misunderstood the memo?"

Gabriel gave her a half amused smirk, pushing his palms into the desk as he stood up. He walked over to the window, clasping his hands behind his back.

"You know Adrien went and bought himself a motorbike don't you?" He said in a disapproving tone. "And I'm also sure I overheard him telling that DJ friend of his he wants to get a tattoo! A tattoo! I had hoped that being involved in the Fencing competitions would have given him an outlet for his pent up juvenile behaviour, but it seems not. He needs to settle down and start to be more responsible."

"Is that why you've been scrutinizing the female candidates so closely?" Nathalie exclaimed, sounding somewhat scandalised.

"Of course." Gabriel confirmed as if that was something perfectly normal. "Whether Adrien likes it or not, he is going to eventually have to accept that he will be the head of this company. Now you know and I know that he can't design to save himself, which was unfortunate, but there isn't much I can do about that. The next best thing is to make sure he has a strong design team behind him, so what's the harm in keeping it in the family so to speak?"

Gabriel turned back to the candidate profiles and picked up Marientte's again, looking at the photo that was attached. "What is your opinion of Adrien with this girl? Are you sure they are only friends?"

Nathalie picked up her coffee from her desk and took a long sip. "He has always favoured her above other girls he's spent time with, but then again they have been friends since high school. I think it's important that Adrien works with people he is comfortable being around. But if you're hiring an intern in the hopes of love blooming, why hire Ricardo then? What's his role in all this?"

Gabriel furrowed his eyebrows seriously. "Well someone capable will have to fill in while she's having my grandchildren." He said in the most dead pan, matter of fact way.

Nathalie almost sprayed her coffee all over her desk.

"Aren't you getting a little ahead of yourself there Gabriel? In four years Adrien has never once attempted to pursue a relationship with Miss Dupain-Cheng. They are school friends."

"He hasn't pursued a relationship with anyone else in that time either." Gabriel pointed out, sitting back down at his desk. "There has been no shortage of beautiful women around him, he could have had his pick of the crop. What's he waiting for? Perhaps I failed to give him proper guidance in the etiquette of wooing women."

Nathalie gave him a deadpan look. "You can't be serious?" In her mind Nathalie ran over a dozen different scenarios of where Gabriel had failed to show Adrien proper attention, or even proper affection, and his biggest issue now is that his son isn't dating!

"I'm very serious." Gabriel said, sounding a little annoyed. "This is the whole future of this company. I've neglected to preserve my own legacy. I didn't build an empire just for it to die with me."

"What would Emilie think of this?" She had to ask. After all, Gabriel had spent the last four years chasing after magical jewels to bring his dead wife back.

Gabriel let out a defeated sigh "She would have known what to do." He replied, taking off his glasses and running his hands down his face. "But I can't keep doing this Nathalie. Ever since Ladybug snatched the Peacock Miraculous off me it's felt like everything has just been going around in circles."

Nathalie furrowed her eyebrows and straightened her glasses. "So...you're planning on giving the Butterfly Miraculous back to Ladybug then?"

"I didn't say that." Gabriel answered quickly, putting his glasses back on. "Think of it as an insurance policy."

"A what?"

"Insurance. You saw that motorbike Adrien went out and bought. What if something happens to him? He's the only child I have, Nathalie."

Nathalie sighed and shook her head. Just then, the intercom buzzer on the desk rang. Nathalie went to sit back at her own desk while Gabriel answered it.

"Yes."

"Your two o'clock appointment is here Sir."

"Is that Miss Dupain-Cheng?"

"Yes Sir."

"Good, show her in. Oh...and see if you can find where my son is."

"He's here with her Sir"

Gabriel looked over to see Nathalie staring at him with a raised eyebrow.

"I see. Tell him to bring her up to the meeting rooms. I'd like him to be present."
~~~~~

Marinette sat fidgeting in her seat. It was hard not to be nervous when she felt her whole future career was on the line. She had heard snippets from other candidates that the interviews had been brutal and challenging. Gabriel was not a conventional man, and his interview methods were no exception. There was also the added pressure that there was only one spot left.

Marinette had not been surprised at all when word got around that Ricardo had already been given one of the spots. She had shared several classes with the Italian aspiring designer over the years and knew that he was extremely talented. It also meant that Mr Agreste's expectations were very high. She absentmindedly started chewing on her thumb nail.

When Adrien entered the lobby, Marinette looked up and gave him a shy smile and a wave. It was hard to fight back the blush she felt invading her cheeks when she looked at him. Adrien was still in his unzipped black motorbike jacket, his black striped shirt underneath. He had just taken off his helmet, tucking it under his arm and attempting futility to tame his unruly hair. Marinette almost had to make a double take at how much he reminded her of Chat Noir. She then scolded herself for the comparison.

"Th...thank you for the towers...I mean flowers." She flubbed when he came over to her. "That was very thoughtful of you."

Adrien sat beside her and patted her hand. "I should buy you flowers more often. You deserve flowers. What are your favourites?"

Marinette felt like her brain was going to short circuit. It wasn't exactly the first time Adrien had bought her flowers. When she had to have her appendix removed over a year ago, he had brought her flowers to the hospital. They were beautiful peonies in a blush pink, but Marinette knew she shouldn't read into things like that. This was Adrien after all, and he was nothing if not a gentleman.

"Oh, I don't really know." She said a little flustered. "I guess I like roses. It's a classic."

Adrien looked at her thoughtfully with a soft smile. "Leave it with me then. I'm sure I can find the perfect rose for you."

Marinette was about to tell him not to worry about it when the secretary called her name and said Mr Agreste was ready for her and that Adrien was to go in with her.

"You don't mind me coming in do you?" Adrien asked as he led her down the hall towards the meeting rooms. "I sat in for a few of the interviews on Friday too. I think my father wants me to see some of the process."

"No, not at all." Marinette assured him, even though she was shaking inside. She might be better about her crush on the blond model, but memories of their dance together over the weekend was still fresh in her mind, and she would be lying if she didn't say that black jacket and wild hair wasn't doing things to her.

On the way down the hall, Adrien quickly ducked into his own office to drop off his jacket and helmet before rejoining Marinette. She had been trying not to look too hard through the door at the stylishly appointed office. She couldn't help but daydream just a little about working in her own office one day, maybe even on the same floor near Adrien's.

"Don't be nervous. Just be yourself." He said to her when he could see the worry creeping back into her eyes.

"That might not be the best idea." Marinette mused. "Being myself involves tripping over my words and my feet. I doubt that would be the best way to impress your father."

Adrien chuckled,  "Don't be so hard on yourself." He smiled. "You're much more than that Marinette." When they reached the door to the meeting room, Adrien placed both his hands on Marinette's shoulders and turned her towards him.

"I'll give you a heads up. There are two questions my father asks everyone. Firstly to match a suit to me and a matching dress for a female model. The patterns and themes change every interview to avoid anyone cheating, but I know you know your stuff in that regard. The second is what area they think he needs the most improvement on. Most of the candidates either didn't answer or said nothing needed improving. Those went straight to the reject pile when they left."

Marinette looked at him with wide eyes. "What did Ricardo say in his interview?"

Adrien shrugged and shook his head. "I wasn't in his interview. I only saw a few of the female candidates that were interviewed. But I can almost guarantee he would have given an answer, so don't be afraid to be honest, okay?"

Marinette felt a lump in her throat, but the supportive look in Adrien's eyes gave her a confidence boost, and the touch of his hands on her shoulders gave her comfort. It was a feeling she knew she'd had before, the unwavering belief her partner always had in her, the way he always helped her to believe in herself. Now Adrien was doing the same and it made her chest flutter.

"Okay." She said with a determined nod, and Adrien opened the door for her.

The room wasn't as big as Marinette imagined it would be. There was a white board on one wall and a six seat round table in the centre where Gabriel was seated with Nathalie. There was, however, a breathtaking view of the Eiffel Tower from the floor to ceiling windows.

"Good Afternoon Miss Dupain-Cheng, I hope the day finds you well." Gabriel said dryly in his usual monotone, looking over his glasses at her. At least he had acknowledged her existence, Adrien mentally noted. His father hadn't always been that "considerate" with the other candidates.

"Please, take a seat Miss Dupain-Cheng."

Marinette turned her eyes to see Nathalie pointing to a chair opposite from Gabriel. She had a more professional countenance than her boss, offering Marinette a kind smile. Marinette nodded and Adrien pulled the chair out for her, an action that was not lost on Gabriel.

"Now, just to formally declare a conflict of interest, I am aware that you and my son know each other, correct?" Gabriel asked as soon as Marinette was seated.

"Yes Sir." She replied, faking confidence and hoping her voice wasn't shaking too much. "We went to school together." She smiled at said blond as he pulled up a chair next to her, scooting it a little closer to her.

"Thank you for your honesty. I can assure you, your association with my son is neither an advantage, nor a disadvantage to you. I am only interested in the most durable candidate. Now, Miss Dupain-Cheng, as you know I set very high standards for my staff and here at Gabriel we pride ourselves on creativity, innovation and most importantly, integrity. I am aware of the reputation that I have in regards to my staff, and I don't shy aware from dismissing those who have brought the company name into disrepute."

Marinette gave a nervous look to Adrien. Everyone remembered when a year ago, Gabriel sensationally fired Lila Rossi for her involvement with a rival designer. Not only had she leaked designs for the fall showing, but she also got involved in a very public argument with Chloé Bourgeois. It was news fodder for weeks.

"I make no apologies for wanting the best possible outcomes for this company."

"Yes, of course. I hope that I can live up to your high standards if I am successful." Marinette rubbed her hands on her skirt. She was grateful Gabriel hadn't offered to shake her hand as they were so sweaty.

"We shall see. Miss Dupain, as part of..." Gabriel began.

"Dupain-Cheng." Marinette corrected. Nathalie shot Gabriel a look to see the older Agreste looking at Marinette with a frown.

"I beg your pardon." He said, sounding irritated that he had been interrupted.

"It's Dupain-Cheng Sir." The confidence she had been displaying before was starting to wane. "I value both parts of my name equally, it's who I am." She fought against the urge to look away, but was worried she would start blushing when she felt Adrien's hand on hers under the table.

Gabriel regarded her for a moment before leaning back into his chair, resting his fingers against each other in a steeple under his chin. "Fair enough. Perhaps you wouldn't object to me just calling you Miss Marinette then?"

"Marinette is fine." She replied, her stomach twisting in knots. What was she thinking, correcting Gabriel Agreste of all people like that? He's going to hate her and then she won't get the job, and she won't see Adrien anymore, and her designing career will be over and...

"As I was saying," Gabriel began again, pulling Marinette out of her internal monologue, "as a member of the Gabriel team I expect all my employees to be well schooled in aesthetics and the ability to be able to style and coordinate both male and female designs."

Gabriel stood up and slid up the white board to reveal a cork board underneath with a series of designs and swatches pinned to it. The outfits were for both male and female and were mismatched across the board.

"Every candidate has been required to complete an aesthetic challenge. I would like you to imagine you are dressing Adrien for this year's spring shoot. The theme is afternoon at the races. Explain your choices."

Gabriel indicated for Marinette to approach the board. She stood on shaking legs and moved to where Gabriel was standing. She looked over the styles on the board and the colour choices. Taking a deep breath, she moved a few of the designs and samples around. She then studied the colours before looking over at Adrien. He noticed a change in the way she was looking at him from the nervous eyes earlier. She had switched on designer mode and he had to try and force himself not to smile in case it broke her concentration. This was the Marinette he knew, focused and in her element. 

"Adrien has fair hair, but he's tanned, so beige would be a bit washed out, and although he looks good in black, it's a little overdone and too formal for this occasion. The cool grey plaid suit would work well matched with a simple white shirt. If the racing was something like Ascot, I would make it more formal with a waistcoat and a classic Stanton hat in the same colour as the suit. Otherwise leave it out for a more casual look."

Marinette then picked off two swatches of green, one darker than the other, and walked over to where Adrien was sitting. She held one on each side of his head and studied them closely. "Yes...The forest green definitely matches your eyes..." Marinette lost track of her thoughts when her eyes connected with his, a look of almost awe in his face. She hadn't even realised how close she had brought her face to his until she heard Gabriel clearing his throat.

"Excellent choices." Gabriel said, noting a slight blush had started to invade the young girl's cheeks as she returned the swatches to the board. "Now, what would you choose to match the dress of the female model to the outfit you have created?"

Marinette looked back at the designs on the wall. "Well, without knowing the colouring of the model, I would go with the emerald cocktail dress. It would be a good match to the suit and tie with co-ordinated shoes and fascinator."

"Indeed." Gabriel then gave a slight smirk. "Now, what sets a great designer apart from just a good designer, is their ability to think on their feet. Let's say Adrien was about to walk down the runway at fashion week in this ensemble you have chosen with the matching female model and irrevocable damage happened to the emerald dress. You have minutes to make something presentable. If these other dresses were on a rack, which would you choose? Remember, it must not look out of place."

Adrien looked over at Nathalie in surprise. Usually once the candidates had chosen the suit and dress, his father moved on, but he seemed to want to test Marinette further. That could be a good sign right?

Marinette studied the dress designs for a moment, tapping her finger on her chin. "The white dress." She eventually said. "White can be matched with almost anything. The flowing skirt softens the whole look and invokes a sense of spring, but instead of those white flats, I would take the green heels and fascinator from the other outfit so that the new ensemble still complemented the suit and tie."

Gabriel gave a short nod of approval before indicating for Marinette to sit back down. Marinette let out a breath she didn't even know she was holding. Adrien reached his hand under the table again and rested it on hers. "Well done." He whispered. He could feel her hand trembling and gave a light squeeze of encouragement. She had been handling herself well under pressure, but the nerves after that test seemed to have been getting to her.

"I have one more question to ask you." Gabriel said, moving some papers in front of him. "An integral part of being a good designer is to always have a critical eye for your own work. An inflated ego won't cut it for long in this industry. If I choose you as the other candidate, I would expect you and fellow intern Ricardo to be able to critique each other in order to bring out the best in your designs."

Marinette felt Adrien making circles on her hand, the cool metal of his ring against her own clammy skin giving her silent encouragement. It was the question she knew was coming, but she still didn't have an answer.

"In your opinion, which department here at Gabriel do you feel needs improvement?"

Marinette could feel three sets of eyes on her and she froze, her mind going completely blank. How could she critique one of Gabriel Agreste's departments? The man is an icon in Paris and very well known on the European fashion circuit, and she was barely even a graduate from a university. She had been friends with Adrien for over four years and yet the man barely remembered her name!

"If you do not have an answer Miss Dupain-Cheng that is quite alright." Nathalie said kindly as she began to pack up the desk.

Gabriel placed his palm down on the table, an unreadable look on his face. "Well." He said as he started to rise from his seat when Marinette finally found words to speak.

"Bridal." She blurred out a little too loud.

Gabriel paused mid rise and sat back down in his chair. "Bridal?" He questioned, a deep furrow forming between his brows. "You are aware Miss Marinette that last season's bridal wear graced the cover of Style Queen magazine."

"Yes I do." Marinette replied. "I'm not saying there was anything wrong with those designs, it's just that your focus was narrow and the dresses a little boring."

"Boring?" Gabriel actually looked mildly offended, but his curiosity had been piqued. None of the other candidates who had answered the question had brought up bridal. "How so?"

Marinette was doing her best to draw on all her Ladybug confidence. What she was about to say now was either going to get her in, or see her kicked to the curb.

"Last season's collection was stylish, sleek and dare I say even sexy. Most of the gowns were in either a mermaid or a simple fit and flare. Now I know that a lot of women want that for their wedding, perhaps an older clientele, women having a second marriage, or someone wanting to look modern. There's nothing wrong with that, and that market should be catered for, but I feel there is a whole untapped market of younger women, or women who want the fantasy wedding, something softer, vintage...more romantic."

"Romantic? Isn't the fact they are marrying romantic enough?"

"No Mr Agreste, it's not. The romance of the day isn't in the act of marriage, but the whole package, and central to that is the dress."

Adrien suddenly looked really excited. "You mean like the Princess type gowns?"

Marinette turned and looked at him and could see the enthusiastic gleam in his eyes.

"Yes. Exactly that. Maybe not always the full hoop gowns, but even an elegant A-line gown, with the flared skirt and maybe lace sleeves..."

Marinette reached out and grabbed a piece of paper and pen that was on the table and started drawing out a sketch. Gabriel watched in amazement as Adrien pointed out to add parts to the design and Marinette brought the idea, all be it roughly, to life on the page.

"Maybe a long line of buttons down the back." She said, drawing a back view beside the front one.

"What about a bow?" Adrien added.

"And the hair up to show off the back design.."

"Or maybe different colours...".

"Yes, like soft pinks and lavenders..."

"Or reds. Isn't red traditional for Chinese brides?"

"And other countries too..

"And a floral headdress..."

"What about a tiara?"

"Nah, it's over done. Flowers are better."

"I'm not sure about that..."

"But it would suit you..."

Marinette paused and looked up at him, her cheeks feeling hot.

"It would suit the dress." Adrien corrected himself quietly. "The...the flowers fit the romantic theme, don't you think?" For a moment he had forgotten that this wasn't for her, but somewhere deep down, he kind of wished it was.

"You're right." She said softly. "It is more romantic." Marinette was sure she could hear her heart thudding in her chest. Little did she know that Adrien was feeling the same.

"May we see the design?" Nathalie asked holding her hand out. Marinette regathered her thoughts and handed the sheet over.

"It would need the right fabric choices of course, but it's spring, it's youthful and it's romantic."

"Well, I'm impressed." Nathalie said, flopping back into her seat and looking at Gabriel expectedly.

"Indeed." The older designer said, his eyes deep in thought and his head still trying to get around Adrien's sudden apparent enthusiasm.

"Miss Marinette. I am convinced that you are the right fit for the second intern position. Welcome to Gabriel."

This time Gabriel stood up and offered his hand to Marinette. The bluenette, in shock at what she had just heard, barely managed to stand and return the handshake.

"Thank you Mr Agreste." She said, tears in her eyes.

"No need to thank me." Gabriel said flatly. "I require talent, and you demonstrated that effectively. Nathalie will ready your paperwork. You and Ricardo will both have your orientations at 9am on Wednesday. Adrien, I expect you to be here to show them around."

"Yes father." He said excitedly, guiding a dazed Marinette out the door.

Once the door was closed, Nathalie gave Gabriel a knowing look. "See what I mean?"

"The boy is completely smitten." Gabriel mused. "Make sure Adrien is attached to that girl like glue. Better yet, put them in the same office. Adrien's is big enough for another desk and the connecting door will give Marinette an effective work space."

"Aren't we rushing things just a bit Gabriel?" Nathalie asked, although the whole situation she found clearly amusing. "Shouldn't we maybe let Marinette have some time to settle in."

"Not at all, we need to keep the momentum going." He then paused, a softer look on his face. "She reminds me of Emilie, just the kind of girl Adrien needs."

~~~~~

Once the door closed behind them, Marinette's knees went from under her and Adrien had to catch her before she fell to the floor.

"Marinette, are you alright?" He asked. She nodded, a small laugh escaping her lips.

"I've never been so nervous in all my life." She admitted, hanging on to Adrien's arm as he led her towards his office.

"You were amazing in there Marinette. To draw up a design like that, and in front of my father, I could see how impressed he was."

Adrien sat her down on the couch in his office and got her a bottle of water out of the mini fridge. He saw a quick blur of black as Plagg ducked behind him to grab some cheese. Adrien gave the insufferable Kwami a scowl, but Plagg just shrugged his shoulders and bit into his cheese. Does the little sod want to get himself caught?

"Here, you can rest here for a bit." Adrien said, ignoring Plagg and handing the water to Marinette.

Marinette took a few grateful sips of the cold water. "Thank you." She said softly. "For supporting me the way you did in there."

Adrien smiled and sat beside her on the couch. "It was all you Marinette." He said, taking her hand into his. "I'm so glad I'll get to see you more now."

Marinette smiled at him sweetly, her heart pounding at the soft look he was giving her.

"I'm glad too." She said, "It will be so much easier having a friend here to help me."

There was something about hearing the word friend that struck Adrien right in the heart. He knew he only had himself to blame. He wished he could go back in time to the girl he had offered his umbrella to and asked her out on a date then instead of just saying 'see you tomorrow'. He blamed his lack of social skills for his shortcomings. Maybe he had waited too long now, but that didn't mean he couldn't still be the best friend Marinette had (besides Alya of course).

"I will be your personal tour guide and your defender against over inflated egos, at your service fair Princess." He said gallantly, bowing his head and softly kissing her on the knuckles. "I will protect you from the fiery dragon, otherwise known as my father, and I promise to keep you in a continuous supply of coffee." Marinette couldn't help but giggle at his theatrics.

"I'll be looking forward to it, my gallant knight." Marinette said, still giggling as she stood up. "I should really get going."

"Let me take you home." Adrien offered. "I have a spare helmet and it's on my way home anyway."

Marinette looked down over her clothes and the tight skirt she was wearing. "Um...I'm not exactly dressed for a motorbike." She mused. "It's not like I can sit side saddle."

Adrien looked her up and down thoughtfully. "Wait here a minute, I'll be right back."Adrien disappeared out the door.

Marinette walked over to the large windows that looked over the city of Paris. It was finally sinking in that one of her biggest dreams was becoming a reality. She was a Gabriel designer.

"I can't believe it, Tikki." She whispered to her Kwami. Tikki popped her head out of Marinette's purse.

"I can." The little ladybug smiled. "I knew you could do it, and now you will get to spend more time with Adrien. Don't forget you are supposed to invite him to dinner."

"Oh I don't know Tikki. Today has been so good, I don't want to jinx it by running off at the mouth. I'm okay as long as we just stay as friends."

"Don't worry about it Marinette, just ask him as a friend if that makes you feel better."

"But Tikki, I..."

Tikki quickly hid back into Marinette's purse as Adrien re-entered the room with a pair of long pants and a jacket.

"Here, these pants should be the right size for you. It's getting cooler outside now too, so you should put on a jacket."

Marinette took the clothes and could see the Gabriel
Logo embroidered onto them. "Adrien, I can't take these. They must be worth hundreds of Euros."

She tried to hand them back, but he just pushed her hands back towards her. "It's fine Marinette. I asked Marie down in wardrobe, no one will miss them. They were used in a runway show last year, so technically they are second hand now and can't be sold. So you might as well use them."

He opened a door to reveal a bathroom. The perks one gets when your father owns the place. Marinette decided not to argue with him and went in to get changed.

She couldn't help looking over the products that were on the shelves. No wonder Adrien always smelt so nice, she thought to herself. The pants when she put them on were a little long, clearly meant for a much taller model, so she rolled them up at the bottom of the legs. The jacket, though, fit like a glove. Marinette couldn't help but admire the fine silk lining and the almost seamless stitching.

When she came out of the bathroom, Adrien was frowning at his phone.

"Is everything alright?" Marinette asked.

Adrien looked up and his face broke into a wide smile. "I knew they would look good on you." He beamed, making her blush. "Yeah everything is fine, just an inconvenience, that's all. Come on, let's go."

Making their way down the elevator to the carpark, Marinette carried the spare helmet Adrien had given her.

"Have you been riding for very long?" She asked, trying to break the silence.

"I had lessons on and off for a few months before I got my license about six weeks ago. With the European Championships being on, I had to wait to pick my bike up when I came back, but I'd been using a hired one in the meantime."

Marinette suddenly felt nervous, which was completely unfair to Adrien, but it dawned on her that she was trusting her life here to an inexperienced rider.

The elevator opened into the carpark and Adrien flashed her his signature smile. "Don't worry, I promise I won't go too fast your first time."

"What?" Marinette had been lost in her thoughts and was now looking at him with wide eyes.

"The bike." Adrien clarified, pointing to his pride and joy. "Have you been on one before?"

"Oh, no. Well at least not one with a motor." She said, trying to hide her doubts.

Adrien threw a leg over and offered his hand to Marinette. Carefully, she seated herself down behind him, her hands on his shoulders. She really should have thought this through before she accepted his offer. Not only was her life going to be in his hands, but now her hands were going to be on him and oh Lordy there wasn't much space between them.

"Ah...you might be safer holding my waist." He said. Marinette slid her hands down his back and gripped onto the sides of his jacket and Adrien let out a nervous chuckle.

"Mari, you were holding me closer when we were dancing the other night. I promise I won't bite."

Staring up the engine, Adrien revved it up a few times letting the purr of the engine echo off the car park walls. Marinette wrapped her arms around his middle, effectively hugging him from behind and hung on as he took off. At first she closed her eyes, but told herself she was being ridiculous. After all, she has spent the last four years trusting her life to a boy in a catsuit who's real name she doesn't even know. Adrien is her friend, and she knew she could trust him to keep her safe.

Once they were out on the road, Marinette relaxed enough to actually open her eyes and began to enjoy the ride. Weaving in and out of the afternoon rush, Marinette soaked up the city sights flooded in orange and pink from the setting sun. It almost felt romantic. Marinette knew better than that though, but it was still nice to pretend. It seemed all too soon when they had arrived back at the bakery.

Adrien turned off the engine and held his hand out for Marinette to hold as she disembarked. Taking off her helmet, her hair tie got caught up in it and her hair fell out loose on her shoulders.

"Thanks for the ride home Adrien." She said, passing the helmet to him as he sat on the bike. "I'll bring the clothes back on Wednesday."

"Don't worry about it, you can have them. Maybe we could go for a ride sometime and you can use them again."

Marinette was about to say goodbye when she felt Tikki push her thigh through her handbag. Oh right.

"Um...would you maybe like to, um...stay for dinner?" Well done Marinette, she mentally congratulated herself. She finally said it!

"Oh." Adrien's eyes dropped away. No, that wasn't the answer she was wanting. Stupid stupid!

"It's fine, don't worry about it." She blurted, waving her hands around. "I'm sure you have other things to do besides..."

"Marinette." He interrupted, grabbing her hand. "There is nothing better I'd like to do than stay for dinner with you and your family. Unfortunately I have to head back for an unscheduled photoshoot. That's what the message was I got on my phone from Nathalie. One of the models came down sick and they need a replacement. I don't have a lot of time to get back."

Marinette's mouth dropped open. "But, you should have told me. I could have got the subway instead of you going out of your way and being inconvenienced to bring me home."

"You could never be an inconvenience to me, Marinette." He assured her and he was sure he saw her blushing again. "I tell you what. Since I can't stay for dinner, I'm free after my training session tomorrow. Why don't you come around say, 10am and we can do something fun for your last day before becoming a Gabriel slave?"

"I'd like that." She replied. The wind picked up a little, and her hair swirled around her face.

Adrien then passed her back the other helmet. "Hang onto this then and bring it back with you. I'll see you tomorrow."

Marinette watched as he rode off into the sunset, her heart beating fast.

"I told you it would be okay." Tikki said from her purse.

"It's better than okay." Marinette replied, unable to wipe the smile from her face.