Returning back to his office, Adrien was surprised to find the bathroom door was still shut. He thought he could hear voices inside, but figuring Marinette probably rang her mum, he knocked and called through the door. "Everything okay?" There was a squeak and a scrambling noise.

"Fine, everything's fine...um, I couldn't find the robe so I borrowed a shirt." Adrien wondered why she sounded so nervous.

"No Problem. I've ordered dinner so just come out when you're ready." Adrien decided to kick off his shoes and discard his tie. He hated wearing ties, but put them on for meetings. Plopping happily on the couch, he started undoing his top buttons while he scrolled through his phone when the bathroom door finally opened and Marinette stepped out.

Adrien had seen a lot of things through his time as a model. Girls in swimsuits and lingerie walking around half naked was not unusual and he had barely raised an eyebrow at them. When he fixed his eyes on Marinette, however, any doubt he had about his feeling for her stopped along with his heart.

She was wearing an emerald green satin formal shirt that hung like a bed shirt on her. He'd forgotten he even had that shirt because it was slightly too big. He had meant to return it ages ago for alterations but now he was thanking any and every deity in existence he hadn't. Not only did she look incredible in his shirt, not to mention his Chat colour, but her slightly damp hair was draped loosely over her shoulders. He knew without a doubt he'd fallen for her hard, and he just prayed that she felt the same.

"I've...a...I've ordered Chinese. You like Chinese don't you?" Marinette looked at him amused as his red face deepened. Ugh, you idiot, he chastised himself. "Of course you do, scrap that...ah...come and sit." He patted the space beside him. Marinette sat with her foot tucked under her so she could face him. She was quietly pleased to see he seemed almost as nervous as she was. "Feeling better?" He asked, desperately trying not to think about what, if anything, she had on under the shirt. She nodded warmly at him, hoping to act normal and not like she isn't just wearing one of his shirts. It even smelt of him.

"Much better, thanks. Is someone able to dry my dress?"

"Nathalie is taking care of it. Rachael will bring it up when it's ready." Marinette looked surprised.

"Nathalie's still here? But she was here really early this morning. Does she ever sleep?" Adrien was touched that Marinette seemed genuinely worried about Nathalie.

"Yeah, she works too hard and I don't think my father gives her enough credit for that or even appreciates all she does. I actually found her asleep at her desk and I have a feeling that happens a lot more than she would care to admit. I'm worried she's going to get burned out though. She always gives everything 110% without complaint." Marinette reached out her hand and placed it on his.

"Sounds like someone else I know." That warm tingling feeling came back all over him. How could just the touch of her hand make him feel this way? He tried to steady his breathing, swallowing and searching to find his words.

"Marinette, there's something I need to tell you, well two things actually." Marientte's eyebrows knitted together in concern. "Oh no, nothing bad. At least I hope not." He started playing with the ring on his finger. Marinette recognised that as a nervous twitch and she wondered what he had to say that made him so worried to say it.

"My father got the impression from a magazine article that I was flirting with a lot of girls at school and 'playing the field' as he put it. I don't need to tell you how far off the mark that is, but once he gets an idea in his head, there's no arguing with him. He basically told me I had to find a girl and stick with her because it would be good PR for the company." Marinette sat back slightly into the seat. If she had already started to dislike Gabriel Agreste, this just sealed the deal in her mind. Who does this to their son?

"So he wants you to date someone for PR, or to just pretend to have a girlfriend for appearances?" Adrien hung his head. He was embarrassed that this is what his father had become and he really hoped it didn't scare her off.

"He really didn't seem to care. In truth the only thing he cares about is the company bottom line. But I can't just pretend to date someone for appearances." She could hear the frustration in his voice and she couldn't help but feel how awful this whole situation must have been for him. Then his voice and his eyes softened. "This brings me to point two. If I'm going to date somebody, then it has to be someone I want to date, someone I really care about and maybe... hopefully, cares about me too." His eyes grew in intensity and Marinette found her breath catch as her own eyes widened. For not the first time, Adrien was becoming lost in those bluebell eyes, so soft, so familiar, so...

A loud knocking came to the door. "Delivery." Adrien dropped his head in frustration at the interruption but then looked up and smiled. "That will be dinner, stay right there." He lifted her hand and placed a delicate kiss on her knuckles before getting up to go to the door. No, it wasn't fair to make comparisons he told himself. Ladybug likes someone else, plus Ladybug wanted to keep identities a secret and yet he still couldn't shift the feeling.

Marinette's heart and mind meanwhile were racing. 'What exactly is he trying to say? That he found someone else to date? That he wants me as a fake girlfriend? No, no, that can't be right, he just said he couldn't do that. Is he trying to say he wants to date me? Oh my lord, is he trying to tell me he likes me!! And I'm sitting here in his shirt with wet hair and no shoes and oh, I so, so, badly need to talk to Tikki right now...' She stopped her running thoughts when Adrien returned and placed the food on the table.

Sitting back down next to her, mirroring the way she was sitting, he picked her hand back up in his and gazed deeply into her eyes. Marinette thought her heart stopped when he started to speak again.

"I want to be honest with you and I'm only telling you this in case it ever gets brought up again. My father might be an emotionless so and so, but I'm not. If I'm going to introduce you to people as my girlfriend, then I want you to know that it's because that's what I really want you to be, because I care about you Marinette, so very much." Marinette didn't know if she wanted to laugh or cry. Was she dreaming? Was this Adrien really saying this? Adrien leaned in a little, reaching his hand to tuck a stray hair behind her ear, then he cupped her face, gently running his thumb on her cheek.

"So...I have three very important questions to ask you." She could hear a playfulness in his voice and it brought a smile to her face.

"Alright." She said, trying to be confident, despite the blush she knew was taking over her face.

"One, I know you already have an invite to the Jagged Stone benefit concert, but would you go with me as my date for the night?"

"That would be wonderful." She said, her smile lighting up her eyes. Adrien leaned in a little more closely and he could smell his shampoo in her hair.

"Two, would you, and it's totally up to you but I would love you to say yes?" He took a deep breath. "Would you, Marinette, be my girlfriend, for real." Marinette nodded, a soft smile playing on her lips.

"I'd love to be." She replied, almost in a whisper. Adrien could barely contain his joy as he leaned in even closer, his face and lips achingly brushing her's. Marinette could hardly breathe.

"Three." He spoke softly, his warm breath on her face. "Can I kiss you?" Marinette could find no words, but hummed an affirmation.

Adrien leaned in and brought his lips down to hers. It was soft and gentle, maybe even a little unsure, but oh the feeling in his heart almost overwhelmed him. It wasn't fireworks and fanfare, it was exactly how he had described her to Felix - soft, sweet, warm. He might have imagined what this would be like with Ladybug, (and he couldn't deny he had stared at that pic Alya took of them after Oblivio more than he would care to admit,) but this felt so right and real and it was perfect with that unexplainable familiarity again. The kiss only lasted for a moment, but the two teens blushed and giggled as they rested their foreheads against each other.

"You know Marinette, I think I've loved you for a long time but, maybe I was just afraid to admit it, even to myself." Marinette closed her eyes and leaned into him.

"I love you too Adrien, but I was too afraid to say anything either." Adrien pulled back slightly to see her eyes. There was so much love in those bluebell eyes that he felt a fool for not noticing before. He ran his fingers through her hair before leaning in to kiss her again, this time though, he didn't hold back. He wasn't unsure anymore, because he knew she wanted him as much as he wanted her. She ran her fingers into his soft blonde locks, the two of them melting into each other as Marinette fell back onto the couch. His mind was aflame. She really loved him, Adrien, with his flaws and horrid father, with his insecurities and his restricted life. He had honestly thought that anyone who saw how the real Adrien lived would never want to know him, but here she was, holding him, kissing him, loving him. Right now, he didn't need to be Chat Noir to have everything he ever wanted right here in his arms.

They eventually had to come up for air, an entanglement of hands and limbs. Adrien opened his eyes first to see Marinette's still closed, her lips slightly parted and breathing heavily. She slowly opened them and looked back at him, pink and flush and absolutely beautiful, a soft smile on those perfect lips, her messy hair framing her face. Adrien looked at her with wonder and although he wanted to dive straight back into her lips and embrace again, he knew their dinner was going to start getting cold. So they sat back up and ate, chatting about their friends, school, graduating soon and just enjoying the meal and each other's company. Their conversation and banter came so easily, that comfortable familiarity filling the air. She leaned her head on his shoulder as she expertly navigated her chopsticks through her noodles and his heart skipped as he would press a kiss into her hair. The moon was high in the night sky and the lights of the city shone outside the window. It might not have been the date Adrien had planned, but it turned out perfect.

It felt all too soon when a knock came to the door once again. Adrien answered the door to Rachel holding a clean and dry dress. Rachel looked past the model at the girl sitting on the lounge, chopsticks in hand wearing what was clearly one of Adrien's shirts. She then took note of Adrien's own slightly disheveled appearance.

"Thanks so much for that Rachel." He said, oblivious to her questioning look.

"Sure Adrien, no problem." She said, curiosity in her voice. "Security will be coming to lock up soon and Nathalie already left." It was then Adrien noticed her staring at Marinette and it was making him feel uncomfortable.

"Thanks Rachel, we're going now anyway. See you later." He quickly shut the door, suddenly feeling very protective of Marinette from prying eyes and gossiping lips.

"Is that my dress?" Marinette called out, standing up and walking over to him. Adrien turned back to her and smiled as he handed it over.

"Clean and dry as promised. We'll need to go soon so I'll call my bodyguard to pick us up out the front and we can take you home."

"Oh that's okay, I can just catch the metro." She shrugged. Adrien stepped closer to her and ran his fingers through her hair.

"No way am I letting you go on the metro at this hour." He kissed her softly on the forehead. "You're with me now Princess, and this knight will always be here to protect you." With that he gave her a wide grin with a flirty wink before walking over to the windows to ring his bodyguard.

All at once Marientte could hear her Kitty's voice coming from Adrien's mouth, "I will always be here to protect you, m'lady." She quickly went into the bathroom, leaning her back against the door before her thoughts could betray her. Her heart pounded in her chest. Now that she was seeing it, she couldn't unsee it. The same intense eyes, same soft blonde hair, the same kind and sweet spirit. Then there was the way he had panicked when she went missing during the Akuma, his need to protect her from Lila. It was Chat Noir all over. No, no, no, her mind screamed, Adrien can't be Chat Noir, he just can't be.

*******
During the trip home to the bakery, Adrien never let go of Marinette's hand in the car. It was almost as though he was worried that if he let go of her, she'd disappear. He had been concerned that he might have pushed his luck with that little hint he dropped, but if he was right, then he was leaving the rest up to her. After all, he always did follow his Lady's lead.

Marinette had managed to calm herself down enough in the bathroom that she was sure Adrien would have no idea about the existential crisis that was going through her head. Tikki told her not to worry, everything was alright and they would talk about it when they got home. Marinette trusted her kwami and so was going to enjoy just being with him. Whether he was Chat or not, Marinette loved Adrien, and she would do anything to protect this new relationship with him.

"So, is there anything in particular I need to know about the shoot tomorrow?" She asked, trying to keep the conversation normal. Adrien lifted her hand up to his lips, kissing the inside of her wrist and holding it to his heart.

"Just keep away from the models. They're not the nicest bunch of girls as you would have noticed. Stay near Sasha and Nathalie, they'll look after you." Marinette could hear a real concern in voice.

"I can take care of myself too you know Adrien." She pouted. Oh yes, he just had to be her overprotective Kitty. Adrien leaned over and kissed her softly on the lips.

"I know you can Mari, but I don't want you being subjected to gossip."

"You mean like that look Rachael gave me?" Adrien averted his gaze from her but she could still see the pained look on his face.

"You saw that." He sighed. "Marinette I'm so sorry I..." This time she cut him off with a kiss.

"Adrien, you need to stop apologising for other people. They have already made their opinions about me. I know that being with you is going to create jealousy, and that people are going to want to say things and try to bring me down, but I'm not going to let that keep me away from you." She gently touched his face. Looking deeply into his emerald eyes, she could so easily see how he could be Chat. She had seen that loving look from those eyes a thousand times before. "I'm walking into this with both eyes open, because I love you and I want to be with you." Both sides of you, her mind added. Adrien was overwhelmed with her words, pulling her in for a tight hug.

"I never thought I could feel so much so fast, but with you it's like I'm free falling and I never want to stop." He pulled back from her enough to look at her, one hand cupping her cheek, the other still holding her waist. "Yet I feel like I have loved you all my life, before I even knew I did. Is that even possible?" Marinette took his face in both of her hands.

"Maybe we did Adrien, in another lifetime." The bluenette closed her eyes, the world feeling like it was swirling by. "How else can I explain why this is happening so fast?" Adrien grabbed both her hands and held them to his chest.

"I'm moving too fast aren't I? Princess, I'm sorry I..." She pressed a finger to his lips with a soft smile.

"You're apologising again Adrien. I didn't say it bothered me. Being with you right now feels like the most right thing I've ever done in my life. I don't want to slow down. I've jumped onto this whirlwind with you, and it's dizzying and terrifying and absolutely exhilarating and I don't ever want to jump off." He kissed her hands as the car pulled up at the bakery.

Helping her out of the car, he walked her up to the door before turning to face her wrapping his arms around her waist and bringing her close. "Would it be greedy of me to want to kiss you again?" He asked with a flirty grin. Marinette responded by rising up to her toes, her hands spayed across his chest, and meeting his lips with hers. The moment, however, was completely shattered by Marinette's father opened the door.

"Oh, I'm sorry, am I interrupting something?" Tom was hardly containing his laughter as Marinette groaned.

"Tom, leave them alone." Sabine's amused voice came from inside.

"Actually Sir, could I have a word." Adrien asked. Tom stood with his hands on his hips. Adrien had always gotten along pretty well with Marinette's parents, and he hoped that they wouldn't object to him dating their daughter, but that didn't change the fact that Tom was a devoted father, and this was his only little girl. Besides, that whole fiasco of Weredad was still quite vivid in Adrien's memory, even if it was all a horrid misunderstanding. He pulled every bit of confidence that he had, wrapping an arm around Marinette's shoulders, partly for the support. "I've come to realise how much Marinette means to me, and I would like your blessing to be able to date her." Tom stood with no expression looking between the two teens before his face broke into a broad smile.

"Well of course you can son." He beamed, slapping Adrien on the back. "I always knew you had your eye on my little girl. What took you so long?" Marinette rolled her eyes at her father before catching the soft look Adrien was giving her.

"You're welcome here any time dear." Sabine added. "But it is late now, and you both have an early morning. Come Tom, let them say goodnight in peace." She said, tugging her husband's arm.

Marinette hung her arms around Adrien's neck. "You didn't really have to ask you know." Marinette said, letting Adrien bring his hands down to settle on her hips.

"I know, but I wanted to. I want your parents to know that this is something serious to me. You're important to me Marinette, and not just some eye candy on my arm " He leaned in for one last soft kiss. "I'll see you in the morning."

After the car was out of sight, Marinette wished her parents goodnight before heading up the stairs to her bedroom. Tikki flew out, her eyes lit up with excitement.

"Oh Marinette, I'm so happy for you." The kwami beamed as she plopped into Marinette's hands.

"So am I Tikki, happier than I've ever been, but you and I have to talk and maybe Wayzz too." Marinette went to where she keeps the Miracle Box hidden in her wardrobe. Taking out the Turtle Miraculous, she settled onto her bed before she put it on her wrist, releasing the kwami in a flash of green light.

"Greetings Marinette." The Turtle kwami said, giving her a solemn bow.

"Hello Wayzz." She smiled as Wayzz settled down next to Tikki. "I need to talk to both of you, and I need you to be honest with me. Firstly, Wayzz, as the Guardian it would be within reason for me to know who Chat Noir is under the mask right?" Wayzz gave a surprised look to Tikki, who nodded to him to respond.

"Yes Marinette, it would. Master Fu knew who all the Miraculous holders were." Marinette turned her head and looked at the photos on her wall. Her voice was quiet and unsure.

"And as Guardian, Chat should know who I was in case he ever needed me, or if we...if we...?" Wayzz floated up to study Marinette's face. She might have been trying to make this sound professional, but she wasn't fooling Wayzz.

"You know who he is, don't you?" He said softly, with no surprise in his voice. Marinette looked at Wayzz for a moment. Yes, in her heart she did know, but saying it out loud would make it too real. Marinette's eyes brimmed with tears as she turned towards Tikki.

"Adrien is Chat Noir, isn't he?" She said as her voice cracked. Tikki floated up to join Wayzz.

"I think you already figured out the answer to that Marinette. Adrien wasn't exactly trying to hide it tonight." Tikki said gently and Marinette's tears broke. Tikki quickly moved to touch Marinette's hand. "But it's alright now. Maybe this is the right time for you both to know." Marinette shook her head.

"I hope so Tikki. Of course Adrien had to be Chat, who else could have held my heart like that. No wonder tonight felt so right. We weren't moving too fast, we were just piecing together a puzzle we both had parts of. But I'm afraid too. What if he ever becomes Chat Blanc again? Tikki I don't think I could deal with that again. It was hard enough fighting him knowing it was Chat that was hurting, but knowing it was Adrien, oh God what could have happened to him to have caused that?" Tikki gently patted Marinette' cheek.

"Marinette, that was a long time ago. So much has changed since then. You're the Guardian now, you are both older and more experienced, you and Chat have grown closer as a team and you love him on both sides of the mask." Marinette looked up at her Kwami and took comfort from her earnest eyes.

"I do Tikki, I love all of him. I think I always did, but I was afraid to love Chat because of what had happened. I never want to see him like that ever again. What if...what if we were never meant to be?" This time, Wayzz stepped in.

"But you are meant to be Marinette. Master Fu always said he chose you two for a reason and it was because he believed you were made for each other - destined to be together." Marinette stopped crying and looked up at the wise turtle. "You are two halves of the same whole. Ladybugs and Chat Noirs always are, that's what makes you such an inseparable team."

"But if that was true, why did he threaten to take our Miraculous away if we found out?" Wayzz sighed and shook his head.

"Marinette, you and Adrien were the youngest Ladybug and Chat Noir I have known. Your whole team was, in fact. Master Fu was worried that too much knowledge too quickly would have been too much for you at such a tender age. He never expected to make you Guardian when he did, but he was prepared for the fact nonetheless. You and Adrien both had to grow, on both sides of the mask, before a reveal could be safe."

Marinette considered Wayzz's words. It made sense of course, as frustrating as that was. "What if he's disappointed though?" She picked up her cat pillow, hugging it to herself. "I mean Chat held a candle for Ladybug for so long, what if Marinette can't measure up?"

"Adrien loves you Marinette, all of you, he just didn't know it." Tikki added. Finally, Marinette was able to smile.

"You really think so Tikki?" The little red kwami hugged her chosens cheek.

"I know so. In fact, Plagg told me Adrien had been close to figuring you out a few times over the years. The only thing stopping him was his complete respect for Ladybug and his fear of losing Plagg. That didn't change the fact though that the more time you have spent together, the more he has began to see the Ladybug he has always cared so much for in the sweet Marinette he has grown to love." She replied. "That's why everything felt so familiar. I think in his heart he already knows who you are, he's just waiting for you to tell him it's alright. So when are you going to tell him?" Marinette flopped back onto her bed. Wayzz was right, too much knowledge too fast was overwhelming. She's been Adrien's girlfriend not even three hours and now knows he is also her most trusted partner, her best friend and her soulmate. She supposed that finding out about her would be just as overwhelming for him too.

"Adrien has an important photoshoot tomorrow. He certainly doesn't need Ladybug distracting him." She giggled to herself. Come to think of it, her Kitty would probably be less overwhelmed and more overjoyed, and flirty, and distracted and oh my what has she gotten herself into? "I might wait until after that." She then sat up and looked at the two kwamis with a determined look on her face.

"But first, I need to protect my relationship with Adrien before we deal with being Ladybug and Chat Noir."