Marinette had been nervous when she started working at Gabriel, but after a few weeks and having Adrien there giving her words of encouragement had made the transition so much easier. Nathalie had informed her that her current desk cubicle on the main design floor was only temporary and that Gabriel would have a special assignment to her that would require her to work closer with Adrien. Marinette certainly didn't object to that idea, even if being around Adrien so much was still making her weak at the knees.

Adrien had also taken to picking Marinette from the bakery on his motorbike and riding her to work with him on mornings he didn't have training. Marinette had never been much of a morning person, but she looked forward to their morning rides, even if it was only for ten minutes in the chilly late Autumn air.

Adrien on the other hand was becoming impatient for Marinette's new workspace to be ready so he could keep her closer to him and away from Ricardo. He had decided that he absolutely did not like the man one little bit. He might have only known him for a few weeks, but that didn't change the fact that the Italian intern completely rubbed him the wrong way.

Many of the people working at Gabriel had at first mistaken Ricardo for a new model rather than an intern designer. He was handsome, Adrien couldn't deny that, with his slicked back long black hair tied in a low ponytail, his suede camel brown knee length coat he had designed himself perfectly complimenting his olive skin and his smooth voice had the women in the place, and a few guys too, falling all over themselves bewitched by his charismatic charms.

Adrien also couldn't help but notice that Ricardo was paying a lot of attention to Marinette, and it didn't help that his cubicle was right next to hers. Now Adrien knew he had no reason to be jealous, after all Marinette wasn't his girlfriend and she did know Ricardo from university, but he felt a distinct level of discomfort every time Ricardo placed a flirty hand on her shoulder or leaned in too close when speaking to her, like he was right now.

"You know it would look even better if you raised the front of the dress and let it hang further at the back." Ricardo said, taking the pencil from Marinette's hand and leaning over her shoulder to tinker with her design. Marinette frowned and placed a hand over her page.

"I appreciate your idea, Ricardo, but I'd rather use a traditional line for this style." Marinette said politely, taking the pencil out of Ricardo's hand.

"You need to be more daring Marinett, or you will get yourself stuck in a rut Marinette. To create something with passion you need to feel it. I could show you some things that would make your head spin and release that inner Aphrodite that I'm sure is hidden inside. I'm free tonight..."

"Marinette." Adrien called, stealing her attention away from Italian and earning himself a sour glare from man. "Nathalie asked me to show you your new work space."

Marinette picked up her folder and followed Adrien to the elevators, missing the side eye Adrien gave to Ricardo on the way. She noticed that he seemed a little more stiff than usual as they waited for the elevator. "Is everything alright?" Marinette asked him and he let out a huff.

"I don't like him." He admitted. Marinette let out a little giggle.

"What, Ricardo? He's pretty harmless. Although between you and me, I think he must have slept with every girl in our cohort at uni."

Adrien looked at her with wide eyes, but she gave him a playful poke. "I didn't say I was one of them." She laughed as the bell pinged on the elevator and they stepped in. "Not that it wasn't for lack of trying on his part, but I couldn't possibly fall for such a shameless playboy like that and just be another notch in his belt. I'm not that desperate."

"I know that." Adrien said defensively as the elevator moved up. "I just don't want him bothering you here. You'll tell me if he does, won't you?"

Marinette gave him a smile as the elevator stopped and the door opened up. "It's nice to know there's someone here looking out for me."

Adrien gave her a wide grin as they approached his office. "Well you are my substitute girlfriend, remember? Now what kind of substitute boyfriend would I be if I didn't protect you from the Ricardo's of this world."

"My hero." She replied sarcastically. "So what are we doing in your office? I thought you were showing me mine."

"I am." Adrien said, giving her a wink and indicating with his hand to the new desk that had just been installed into the office.

Marinette walked over to it with her mouth open in amazement. It wasn't so much the desk itself, although it was very stylish with a new computer and official stationary, but on the desk was a bunch of blue roses, like the ones they had seen that day at the park, and under them was a plaque with "Marinette Dupain-Cheng - Designer" written on it.

"Oh Adrien." Marinette breathed out. "Where on earth did you find blue roses at this time of year?"

Adrien rubbed the back of his neck and gave her a shy smile. "It doesn't matter as long as you like them."

"How could I not like them? But I thought you said they represented the unattainable. Is this your subtle way of telling me I'm in over my head here." She teased.

"Of course not". He rebutted. "You were meant for this job, Marinette. Here, there's more to show you."

Adrien took her hand in his and walked her over to an adjoining door. Opening it led into another room with everything that a designer could need. Marinette fawned over the new sewing machine and the fine cottons and fabric bolts.

"I can't believe it, this is more than I ever expected, but why is my desk in your office? Isn't that a little unusual? Not that I'm complaining, but I mean Ricardo has a workstation on the main design floor."

"Father said he had a special project he wanted us to work on. After showing you here, we are to go meet him and Nathalie with...Ricardo."

Marinette had to hold back a giggle at the distasteful way Adrien said his name.

The two walked back into the main office just as the internal buzzer sounded. Adrien went over to his desk and pressed on the button.

"What's up Grace?"

"There's a delivery at the main reception for Miss Dupain-Cheng."

"Okay, I'll send her down." He said, giving Marinette a raised eyebrow. "Do you want me to come with you?"

"I think I can find my way. I'll be right back." She threw back over her shoulder as she walked out.

Adrien sat in his chair and grinned to himself as he checked his schedule. She liked the flowers. One point to Adrien, zero to Ricardo.

"Sounds like you have a rival." Plagg teased from under Adrien's desk where he kept a reserve stash of cheese.

"What? Ricardo? Pfff, I could run rings around that sleazebag. Besides, you heard Marinette, she's not interested" He then clicked his mouse and scrolled down. "One new event added. Let's see...Huh! There's a new event scheduled for April. I wonder what that's the Bourgeois Spring Gala. Maybe that's what father wants to talk about?"

Plagg popped his head up over the edge of the desk. "Looks like you won't be alone. You get to take Pigtails with you, oh and sleazebag too."

Adrien was about to offer some choice words at that when his office door suddenly flew open and his father invited himself in, throwing a magazine on the desk in front of his son.

"This is not the kind of headline I want to be seeing associated with this company." Gabriel said, sounding clearly annoyed.

Adrien picked up the offending article and began to read out loud. "Under Agreste: Gabriel Bad Boy Adrien Sweeps Intern Off Her Feet and Into The Sunset. Model and Fencing gold medal hopeful Adrien Agreste has been seen getting cosy with new Gabriel intern Marinette Dupain-Cheng on the back of his high powered ride. Sources have confirmed that Adrien and Marinette are old school friends, but could romance be in bloom for the Agreste heir?"

The headline was accompanied by a picture of Adrien and Marientte on his motorbike, Marinette's head resting comfortably against his back. There were others of them eating at a cafe, one that must have been taken wit a long range lens of them lying together on the picnic rug the day they went to Parc de Bagatelle and a final picture of Marinette kissing his cheek goodbye in front of the bakery as he sat on his bike. Adrien had to admit it did indeed look like they were dating.

"Father, if this is about me spending time with Marinette..."

"What? No. Although I could think of better places to take a girl on a date than to a park. If you need restaurant books, get Nathalie to do them."

"Oh, we're not exactly..."

"My issue is this." Gabriel pointed aggressively at one of the pictures.

"You mean my motorbike?" Adrien asked, confused.

"It's the association Adrien." Gabriel clarified, sounding exasperated. "I spent years carefully crafting you with a wholesome image, and now this is making a mess of it. You look like a petulant child having a tantrum rather than a young man making mature choices."

Adrien crossed his arms. "And how exactly do you expect me to keep up with all my commitments to this company and get to my training on time in Parisian traffic? Just because I ride a motorbike doesn't automatically make me a "bad boy". That's just tabloid rubbish."

Gabriel narrowed his eyes. "You have contractual obligations to this company, Adrien. Your extra curricular activities are your own choices. I told you at the time when you embarked on this endeavor that I would only agree to it if you kept up your commitments to this company. As for this tabloid rubbish, as you put it, this is how people view this company. What do you think the investors would think of you galavanting around Paris on such a high powered vehicle, with my new intern in tow no less?"

"You're kidding right?" Adrien said, astonished. "I don't care what a bunch of stuffy old men think about how I choose to travel. I'm an adult, I can make my own choices." He said confidently.

Gabriel narrowed his eyes. "I see. And what about Marinette?"

Adrien suddenly lost his confidence. "Marinette? I..um...What about her?" He asked, rubbing the back of his neck.

Gabriel shook his head. "Adrien, you need to start thinking more seriously about your future and your place within this company. One day you will be taking it over, and you will need designers like Marinette to take creative control since it's not your strongest point. These sorts of things should be kept in the family if you follow my meaning. And don't think I haven't noticed that Ricardo has taken an interest in her too."

Adrien could feel a blush creeping across his face. "Father, please. Marinette is one of my best friends, but we have different focuses right now. She's taken this new position very seriously and I have to concentrate on my training in my limited free time."

Gabriel frowned. "You do like her though, don't you?"

Adrien avoided looking at his father. "Of course I do, we've been friends for over four years now."

This wasn't going to do at all for Gabriel. It was painfully obvious from the photos in the magazine that Adrien and Marinette had mutual feelings that were beyond friendship, yet Adrien was being evasive and Gabriel couldn't fathom what the hold up was.

"You need to make a decision where Marinette is concerned Adrien. Nathalie can only fob tabloids off for so long and you looking like you are stringing a girl on isn't a good look either. I have no objections to a relationship. As for the other matter, I don't want you on that bike anymore Adrien. Your bodyguard can take you anywhere you want to go, that is his job, and that's my final word on the matter. I'll see you and Marinette in my office in 10 minutes."

As abruptly as he had entered, Gabriel departed, leaving an annoyed and frustrated Adrien behind him.

"So what are you going to do?" Plagg asked.

Adrien flopped back into his desk chair and gritted his teeth. "I'm not getting rid of my bike, and that is my final word on the matter."

"I meant about pigtails." Plagg said cheekily. Adrien's face started to redden again.

"Did it sound like my father was wanting me to date Marinette?"

"Isn't it obvious that you do?" The black cat pointed out. The sound of the office door opening sent the Kwami back into hiding as Marinette came back in, carrying a large box. Adrien quickly grabbed the magazine and threw it under his desk.

"Here, let me help you." He said, jumping up out of his chair and taking the box from her, placing it on the end of his desk.

"I don't even know what's in it. I didn't order anything."

Adrien looked over the box. Marinette's name was on the order. Taking a pair of scissors out of his desk, he cut the tape and opened it. Inside were piles of various fabric samples in different colours and textures. Adrien and Marinette looked at each other before proceeding further down to find sequins, beads, lace and all sorts of accessories.

"Do you suppose this has something to do with what your father wants a meeting about?" Marinette asked. Adrien could see she was trying to be calm, but he could tell how excited she was at all the beautiful materials and trims and it made him smile.

"We should go and find out."

Leaving the box, Adrien and Marinette walked to the other end of the floor they were on to where Gabriel's office was. In truth, the office looked more like an apartment with how spacious it was, complete with kitchenette and seating area. Marinette might have frozen on the spot had it not been for Adrien taking her arm and guiding her to a large round table. Gabriel was there with Natalie and Ricardo. Marinette noticed Gabriel giving Adrien an odd look as they entered, the blond returning the look with one that almost resembled embarrassment. She looked between the two and then at Nathalie who looked equally confused. Had something happened while she was out of the office?

"As you know." Gabriel began, ignoring the way Adrien made sure to sit himself between Ricardo and Marinette. "Gabriel fashion has always had a long and proud association with Style Queen Magazine. Every year Audrey Bourgeois hosts a special spring gala event and we create a couture collection to showcase. This year however will be a little different. Nathalie." Gabriel indicated for his assistant to continue.

Natalie stood up and pulled down a white screen and turned on a projector with a remote. The words "Miraculous Couture" was written on it in fancy writing within a filigree border.

"The mayor Andre Bourgeois is wanting to coincide this event to celebrate five years since the arrival of the Miraculous superheroes and Audrey has asked that our couture collection reflects the Miraculous holders costumes." She clicked for the next slide that showed pictures of some of the heroes, including Ladybug and Chat Noir. Neither Adrien nor Marinette noticed the other stiffen.

Ricardo on the other hand let out a chuckle. "Really? You want to waste my time on something so contrite as superhero costumes? Please."

Gabriel gave Ricardo a sharp stare. "I'm not asking you Mr Labella, I am telling you, and I am putting Marinette in charge of this project with Adrien."

"Me?" Marinette asked, her face becoming white as a sheet.

"Marinette?" Ricardo questioned astonished. Adrien gave him a glare and he backpedaled slightly. "I mean, no offence to Marinette, she is very talented of course, but I am the couture expert here."

"You are an intern." Gabriel corrected flatly. "You are not an expert at anything yet." Ricardo recoiled slightly at that burn.

Nathalie nodded her head. "Also Marinette here is friends with the Ladyblogger - Alya correct? Mr Agreste would like to bring her in as a consultant here on this project since she has intimate knowledge of the heroes."

Marinette looked at Adrien and he gave her an encouraging smile. "Mr Agreste if I may?" Marinette asked. "If I bring Alya in, can she have exclusive coverage of the gala for TVi? It would only be fair for her time and assistance and it would be a wonderful boost for her career."

Gabriel gave a short, sharp nod. "That's fair." He said. "Now Ricardo, I want you to work on a complementary evening wear line for our stores, but you are to take Marinette direction on the designs. I expect complete professionalism from you on this. Are in store sales are every bit as vital as our couture. We are already half way through November so we have a little over five months and a lot of outfits to design judging from the amount of heroes Ladybug seems to keep choosing." The last part almost sounded like a grumble.

"Can I offer a suggestion?" Marinette piped up.

"Certainly." Nathalie encouraged.

"Maybe instead of using all the heroes, we select a few complimenting ones for the showcase? Ladybug and Chat Noir, Rena Rouge and Carapace, Vesperia and Viperion and maybe even Hawk Moth and Mayura."

Gabriel almost choked on the water he was sipping. "You want to include...them?"

"Why not?" Marinette asked. "They are Miraculous holders too, and you have to admit Mayura is stunning in that outfit she wears."

Gabriel fidgeted uncharacteristically in his seat and Nathalie tried to conceal her blush.

The older Agreste then cleared his throat and found his bearings. "Well, I'll leave that up to your good judgement then. Now, any questions?"

Ricardo drummed his fingers on the desk, looking slightly annoyed. Adrien gave him a side glare before addressing his father. "I gather the delivery in the box that arrived is for this project?"

"They are merely inspirations to use as you wish. Any of the materials or accessories you wish more of, feel free to place the orders with Nathalie. These will need to be showstopper pieces, so I am sparing no expense."

~~~~~
After the meeting had ended, Adrien had to attend in fittings so Marinette went to work going through the samples and trims that were in the boxes, making notes and jotting design ideas. She called Alya who was super excited to be part of the project. The gala event would be fairly close to her wedding with Nino, but they should manage it fine. Marinette was determined to still make Alya's wedding dress and she wasn't taking no for an answer, even if that meant Rena might have to do a few patrols with Chat now and then. She would need to talk to him about it.

"What do you think Tikki? Do you think Alya will like this shade for Rena Rouge?" She asked, holding up a swatch.

"That is a lovely colour, Marinette." Her Kwami said happily, diving into the box and pulling out a sting of gold sequins. "Better not let Pollen see these though, you might never see them again."

The two giggled as they continued to look in the box.
A knock came to the door and Marinette called out "come in". She was expecting Nathalie, but was surprised to see Ricardo swagger in.

"What can I do for you Ricardo?" Marinette asked cheerily, leaning back into her chair.

Ricardo let out a low whistle as he looked around the office. "Just wanted to take a look at your new digs. Must be nice to get a leg up in this industry when you can sleep with the boss's son." He said, throwing a magazine down on her desk.

"Excuse me?" Marinette responded. "I am most certainly not sleeping with Adrien and I resent the implication."

"Sure you aren't." Ricardo retorted. "Do you really think anyone is going to believe that after looking at those pictures?"

Marinette looked at the article and the photos. She furrowed her eyebrows and shook her head at the headline and the accompanying pictures. She should have known with the amount of time her and Adrien had been spending together people would start to ask questions. It would be hard to explain to someone on the outside that this was just two friends hanging out. Marinette had known for some time that her and Adrien often crossed the mark when it came to how they acted together, and that was something she knew drove Alya up the wall. There was something comfortingly familiar about him, and not just for the fact they had been friends for years. It wasn't something she could verbalise easily and was no doubt muddled by her own feelings.

"You know what tabloids are like Ricardo." She said flippantly. "They take everything out of context. Adrien...he's one of the sweetest people you could ever meet and we are very close, but that's it."

Ricardo moved closer to where Marinette was seated, leaning against her desk. "Then he's a fool if he hasn't staked a claim. You need a real man to show you how a woman should be worshiped. Isn't he afraid someone else might run off with you?"

"Like who? You? You were hitting on the models here from the day you arrived and you must have jumped nearly every woman on campus."

Ricardo gave her a smug look. "What can I say, I'm a hot blooded Italian, and you are an exotic beauty. You don't know what your missing."

"I'll pass."

"And the pretty boy blond? He likes you, right? I hear he rocked a few worlds in high school."

Marinette turned her chair away from him. "That's rubbish." She scorned. "Adrien is a gentleman." Ricardo suddenly leaned forward, grabbing the chair and swinging her back to face him. Ricardo held onto the arm rests and leaned in closer, trapping Marinette in the chair.

"You don't have to play hard to get with me, Marinette. You were always so elusive at university, always the one that got away. I'm sure I can win you over though. I'll admit I have wet my appetite at times, I can't be all work and no play. But you and I could be quiet the power couple you know with my brains and your talent. When I become head designer here, maybe you can show me some of the favours that clearly have Adrien so captivated."

"Back off Ricardo." Marinette demanded. "I believe I have already said no."

Ricardo smirked at her. "And if I don't?"

"Then I will remove you!"

Ricardo straightened up to see Adrien staring him down from the doorway. "You heard the lady, back off".

"What's it to you, Agreste? Marinette just got through telling me you haven't closed the deal with her."

"I did not say that..."

"What Marinette and I are to each other is none of your business Ricardo." Adrien growled. "But I can promise you that if you lay a finger on her, you won't be walking out of here."

Ricardo straightened his jacket and ran his fingers through his long hair. "Temper, temper. You know I had heard you were a touchy one Adrien, but you can't blame a guy for trying when there is a beautiful woman just waiting to be claimed."

"Marinette isn't a thing to claimed." Adrien shot back. "And she wouldn't be interested in a sleazebag like you."

Ricardo laughed out loud. "You just keep telling yourself that Agreste." He said, walking towards Adrien and staring him in the eyes with his dark brown ones. "Just remember, Marinette and I will be working together, and you won't always be there to watch her."

Ricardo slid past him and out into the corridor. Adrien quickly made his way to Marinette, crouching down and taking one of her hands in his. "Are you alright? Did he hurt you!"

"I'm okay, really." She tried to assure him, but Adrien could see she was affected by the confrontation.

"What happened?"

Marinette nodded with her head to where the magazine was on the desk. "He accused me of sleeping with you to get a better position in the company. I think he's angry that I've been put in charge of this project and not him. Couture was his strongest area."

Adrien shook his head. "Maybe we should report him to HR?"

Marinette shook her head. "I don't want to rock the boat. Ricardo has always been pushy, but he'd never gone this far before." Adrien could hear a quiver in her voice and it made his blood boil.

"I swear if he touches you..."

"I'm sure it wouldnever come to that" She interjected. "I guess I'm just tired and feeling a little oversensative." She closed her eyes, suddenly feeling overwhelmed and tired.

Adrien gently touched her cheek so she would look at him. "I'll tell you what. It's already late and you've been putting in full days. Why don't you come back to my place? We can order some pizzas and watch an old movie and just chill for the night. Let your substitute boyfriend pamper you a little"

Marinette gave him a tired smile. "I might fall asleep and I know you have to be up early for training tomorrow before your meetings. Nathalie sends me a copy of your schedule too, you know. I don't want you trying to drive me home late at night."

"So stay the night." He offered instead. "I've got a spare room with clean sheets and we can swing past your place if you want to grab a few things. It will be like those old sleep overs we used to have back in Lycée." He added enthusiastically. Maybea night hanging out might just help recharge her batteries.

"Okay." She conceded with a brighter smile. "That does sound like fun."

~~~~

After dodging twenty questions from her mother while packing an overnight bag, "no mum, we are not in a secret relationship", Marinette left some food for the kwami's before heading off with Adrien. His apartment was only a short ride from her place. She had been there before of course with Alya and Nino, but it had been a while.

The apartment was clean and stylish, all be it a little bare. There was almost no photgraphs except for one she knew was Adrien's mother sitting on top of his piano.

"I'll order the food if you want to go and have a shower and freshen up." Adrien said, placing Marinette's bag in his spare room.

Adrien left her to get organised and Marinette had to admit it felt good to have a hot shower and wash her hair. Thankfully it wasn't a patrol night so she wouldn't need to get a message through to Chat Noir. Idely she wondered what Chat might get up to on his nights off. She worried about him because he seemed so tired lately and didn't seem to be getting enough sleep.

After ringing though for pizza, Adrien used his en-suite to freshen up himself, grabbing a black shirt and a pair of grey sweat pants to wear. Plagg had agreed to keep in self scarce for the night, Adrien not knowing that the black Kwami intended to spend some time catching up with his counterpart.

Adrien had only just come back into the kitchen when the pizza arrived. Paying the delivery guy, Adrien took the food to the kitchen counter just as Marinette emerged from her room. Her hair was still damp and she was in a very cute pink pajamas set with little cherry blossoms on it. It just seemed so her. Adrien had to take a deep breath and ignore his racing pulse. Marinette looked at him a little unsure and Adrien gave her a bright smile.

"I've got a bottle of Rosè chilled if you like. Why don't you flick through the movies and pick one for us."

Marinette tried to stiffe a yawn. "I definitely won't last long if I start drinking wine." She giggled. "What time do you leave in the morning?" She asked, sitting on the couch and picking up the remote.

"I need to be there by five because I have a meeting at seven I need to be at." Adrien replied, passing Marinette a glass of wine. "I'm lucky Mr D'Agrencourt will accommodate my erratic schedule. Don't worry, you can sleep in though. I've told my bodyguard to come get you around eight. I'll take my motorbike to training despite what my father says."

"Your father?" She asked with concern, taking the pizza box Adrien had passed her. Adrien let out a huff.

"While you were picking up your parcel, father barged in telling me that my riding a motorbike was not the image he wanted because the tabloids called me a "bad boy". I mean come on."

Marinette picked up her pizza. "Oh, is that why you were giving each other odd looks."

"Partly. I'm tired of my father trying to control every facet of my life." Adrien sighed. "I just want to be me, not what he thinks I should be. Like my fencing, or even playing the piano, I do it because I want to, not because he tells me to. My motorbike is an extension of that. I've got nothing against my bodyguard, but I want the freedom to go where I want when I want and with who I want on my terms. Does that make sense?"

Marinette nodded her head. She understood better than he knew. Yes being Ladybug and the Guardian could be taxing at times, but she did love the freedom of swinging in the breeze and racing over the rooftops. She suspected it would be the same for Chat. Riding on the back of Adrien's motorbike held a similar sense of freedom and she could understand why Adrien liked it so much.

"Well, I like your motorbike." Marinette smiled. "And...I like riding on it...with you"

"Really?" He asked, putting an arm across the back of the couch and turning more towards her. "I like taking you on it."

The two of them were caught in each other's gaze for a moment. Marinette noticed that Adrien's eyes had flicked down to her lips and her breath caught in her chest. Adrien's own lips parted as though he was about to speak, his face inching closer. Marinette could feel her face becoming flush and quickly turned her head, picking up her wine and taking a sip. "How about something old and black and white." She said, picking up the remote and flicking through the movies. "Oh look, they have "Key Lago". Do you know that one?"

Adrien straightened around and took a bite out of his pizza, cursing himself for frightening her off. She's already had one creep try to crack onto her today, he had no business trying to do the same. She had come to his place for rest and to feel safe, not for romance.

"Yeah, I used watch it with my mother. She was a big Bogart and Bacall fan. I think it inspired her to be in movies herself."

"Oh, is it alright to watch it then? It won't upset you?"

"No, it doesn't upset me." He said, a fond smile on his face. "There was a song with the same name too I used to play. I should dig it up sometime and play it for you."

The two of them settled into the movie, eating their pizza and just enjoying each other's company. They were only about halfway through the film when Adrien felt a weight on his shoulder. Moving his arm around, he let a softly snoring Marinette sleep against his chest. He rested his cheek on top of her head and closed his eyes, the smell of her fruity shampoo filling his nostrils. It felt so right having her in his arms like this.

Adrien knew he should have been going to sleep himself, his own eyes feeling heavy from the lack of sleep lately, but he didn't want to move. As the movie continued in the background, he looked down at Marinette's sleeping face. He loved her, of that he was certain. Maybe he always had and just had been too preoccupied to see it for what it was, but he couldn't deny it to himself anymore.

Yes he had promised Ladybug he would wait untill after they defeated Hawk Moth before getting into a relationship, but he didn't want to wait anymore. He wanted Marinette to be his girlfriend, and maybe one day something more. He would have to get hold of Ladybug and talk to her, but his mind was made up. He wanted this, and he wanted her.

When the movie finished, Adrien turned everything off and carefully manuvered himself to standing, trying not to disturb the sleeping form in his arms. She was so small, he marvelled as he carried her to the spare room

Laying her down carefully on the bed, Adrien pulled the covers over her and made sure she was warm and snug. Gently he brushed her hair from her face and ever so softly kissed her on the forehead. "Goodnight Princess." He whispered before tip toeing away and turning off the light.

A/N - I head canon these two would watch old movies and fall asleep 😊