Adrien and Marinette are older now. Marinette works at the bakery and goes to college for fashion design full time. Adrien models and goes to college for veterinary science.

Adrien walked down the beautiful Paris street, on his way to see Marinette. It felt like forever since he'd seen her and it would be nice to see how she was doing. The bell dinged as he walked into her bakery and the smell of pastries hit him hard. E instantly regretted his model diet.

The girl behind the counter turned, looking flustered, and smiled at him tiredly.

"Hi, what can I-ADRIEN?!"

"H-hi, Marinette." She looked different. Her pigtails had been replaced with two loose braids. Her pink pants and black jacket had turned into black tights, cut off shorts, and a white t-shirt. She looked older. She looked good.

No. She's just a friend.

Mari ran out from behind the counter and all but jumped into his arms.

"Maman, Papa! I'm going on break!" She pulled him around the counter and up the stairs into her apartment. She forced him into the couch, almost vibrating with excitement, and smiled. "How have you been? It's been a while!"

"That's why I came by! I missed you." She blushed deeply and turned away.

"Y-you missed m-me?"

"Of course! You're a very good friend." Her smile faltered, but didn't fall. He gently touched her leg. "You okay?"

"Me? Pffft. Yeah! I'm fine! I mean, you're fine. AGH! I mean-" He cut her off by laughing. She giggled quietly. "S-so how has school been?"

"Really good! I'm learning so much that I never knew. Although I think my dad wishes I was going for something that wasn't veterinary medicine."

"You'll be a great vet, though!" He chuckled.

"I'll try. How's school for you?"

"So good! I'm too if my class and my teacher has taken my designs to some big time designers to see what the think. I've heard good things!"

"Of course you have! You're the most talented girl I know." She blushed again.

Miraculous

Marinette could barely think with him here. At least she didn't stutter like she used to. Well, not all the time. He looked so good though. His hair hadn't changed, which was perfect. But now he wore a black t-shirt, green jacket, and jeans. And he looked soooo good. But even after four years, she was still "just a friend."

That was it! She didn't want to be just a friend anymore! She wanted to be more than that! She would tell him. And she would tell him today.

"Do you want to o to dinner with me, Marinette? We could catch up more. I've got a shoot to get to, so..." Perfect.

"Yeah, that sounds nice! Seven o'clock work?" He nodded. "See you then!" She showed him out and flipped into the couch. What did she just do?

Miraculous

Seven o'clock. Adrien knock on her door. It opened and-

Damn.

Flowy red dress and silver heels.

He was screwed.

They drove to a small rooftop restaurant and were seated with a perfect view of the Eiffel Tower. He smiled at her across the table as he opened his menu and quickly hid behind it. He had never thought about Mari like this before. He couldn't! She was just a friend! He shook himself and looked up as the waiter came to take their drink orders.

"So, what have you been up to Mari?"

"Well, school and work keep me pretty busy, but Alya's been dragging me to press events she's covering for her classes. I'll go to places where Nino DJs sometimes, too. He's really gotten good!"

"I know right!"

This went on for a few hours. They talked. They laughed. They enjoyed each other. All too soon, it was time to leave and take her back home. Adrien stood and walked her out after the check was paid. They drive to her house in a half and comfortable silence. He walked her up to the apartment door.

He wasn't sure what to do now. Did he kiss her? Shake her hand? Give her a hug? Gosh, he couldn't possibly mess this up anymore.

"I want you to know, Mari, that you're a very good friend and I-"

"Shut up, you silly boy." She grabbed the lapels of his jacket and tugged his face down to hers, pressing their lips together. Everything came flooding in as he pressed her up against the door, hands on either side of her head, and kissed her back.

When they finally broke apart, they were both breathless and smiling. He looked down at her.

"You know, Mari. That really isn't how 'just a friend' works." She laughed and kissed him again.