Chapter One

Marinette Dupain-Cheng tugged up the neckline of her pastel pink bridesmaid dress for the umpteenth time. Not that it was slipping but she'd never been comfortable wearing anything strapless. It came down to her insecurity of not having enough bust to hold the thing up in the first place. The slopes of her curves were too subtle yet she was determined to keep the damn dress where it was supposed to sit.

Alya's sisters didn't suffer Marinette's dilemma. The twins were well endowed now that they'd passed puberty while Nora used Hollywood tape to ensure her outfit wasn't going anywhere. Marinette had considered using some too but her sensitive skin always reacted to the stuff.

It didn't help that she was sweating, although it wasn't due to the heat. No, the source of Marinette's perspiration was anxiety. It had nothing to do with the actual wedding but rather the best man. Still utterly gorgeous, Adrien Agreste had threatened to outshine the groom in his perfectly tailored suit.

Even a decade after the onset of her crush, Marinette still struggled to act like a normal person around Adrien. For the ceremony she'd forced herself to focus on Alya and Nino, determined not to let her eyes stray to the source of her many fantasies. Long ago she'd come to accept that Adrien would never see her as anything but a friend.

By the time the reception rolled around, she downed two glasses of champagne in attempt to calm her nerves. The wedding photos had been the most challenging aspect so far, especially when she'd been paired up with Adrien for a number of shots. The model had been his usual cheerful self, chattering happily while posing with effortless grace. No doubt he'd look perfect in the photos while she'd be pulling a smile that looked more like a grimace.

Alya had been shooting her sly glances at every opportunity and it took a great amount of resistance for Marinette not to throw her bouquet at the bride's smug face. As always, Adrien was completely oblivious, merely assuming Marinette didn't like having her photo taken. But that challenge was over. Dinner had been served, the cake cut and it was now time for the new Mr and Mrs Lahiffe to have their first dance as husband and wife. Which meant Marinette would need to follow up with Adrien after the initial song merged into the next.

The condensation from her champagne flute was dampening her fingers, slipping down to cool her sweaty palms as she watched Alya and Nino sway to the music. The newlyweds gazed into each other's eyes with a love she could only hope to one day find.

Taking another sip from her glass, Marinette almost choked when her elbow brushed the fabric of Adrien's jacket arm. The model gave her a quick slap between the shoulder blades as his green eyes filled with apology. "I didn't mean to sneak up on you."

Marinette nodded as she gulped air and plonked her glass on the nearest table. "It's okay," she rasped, "Didn't realise you were so close."

A faint blush sat high on Adrien's cheekbones as he rubbed at his nape. "I'm sorry. Alix was giving me the signal that it's almost time for us to join them on the dancefloor." With that, the model extended his hand to her. Marinette scrubbed her palms on the satin covering the outside of her thighs, determined to rid herself of clammy hands.

A smirk touched Adrien's lips but he waited until she was ready to be led out for their waltz. It was a dance she'd practiced with her Dad since Adrien had been abroad for the wedding rehearsal. Not that it probably mattered, Marinette was almost certain she would step on the shiny toes of Adrien's sleek shoes.

Yet when they stopped and Adrien placed her hand on his shoulder, in a move duplicating the first time they danced as teenagers, Marinette was completely entranced. Blue eyes locked with green and she followed him in perfect harmony. Had she known Adrien was Chat Noir she would have understood the effortless synchronisation of their movements but the pair were still ignorant of their alter egos.

Ladybug and Chat Noir spent very little time together anymore. Hawkmoth's akuma attacks had mysteriously stopped four years prior and the superhero duo only came together for bimonthly patrols or when there was dire need for their help in Paris.

But as Marinette moved within the circle of Adrien's arms, being Ladybug was the last thing on her mind. That green gaze was unwavering as they moved together. A small smile was etched on Adrien's face as his hand at her waist cinched a little tighter, bringing her torso closer to his. Her pink skirt flowed with their steps, brushing his trousered legs as the space between them vanished.

More couples gathered on the dancefloor. Marinette's arm slipped behind Adrien's collar while their joined hands laced together, tucking against Adrien's chest. The warmth of the model's breath tickled the hair at Marinette's ear and a shudder of pleasure had her closing her eyes, leaning the side of her head to his.

"I missed you," she uttered before she could stop herself.

"I missed you too," he answered in a voice that was roughened with emotion as his fingers squeezed hers.

"I hardly see you anymore."

"I know, believe me it's not out of choice. Since Father's stroke I've had to be the stand-in business head. He keeps telling everyone that he'll recover soon enough to take back the reins but I'm doubtful."

Marinette eased back a little so she could see Adrien's face. "He's not improving?"

"No, he continues to have mini strokes and is too stubborn to admit it until they cause enough grief to get him hospitalised."

"That's awful."

"Yeah, but obstinate is practically my Father's middle name."

The glimmer of mischief in his expression had Marinette smiling. If Adrien could joke about it, even just a little, she'd try and make light of the situation too. "And here I was thinking his middle name was overprotective."

Adrien shook his blonde head, "No, more along the lines of controlling narcissist."

She couldn't help but grin back at him. "Does this mean you have some freedom to do what you want now?"

A shrug had his broad shoulders lifting. "To a degree. But it'd be nice to have a choice in what I do for work."

"Over modelling?"

"Modelling is fine, it's all the fuss that comes with it."

"You mean the fangirls?"

"Yeah. You have no idea how hard it is to have a meaningful relationship when you're second guessing whether your girlfriend wants you or just your fame."

Marinette frowned. "But weren't you with Kagami for a while there?"

"On and off but she wasn't the one for me. Besides, that was years ago."

The music changed to an upbeat tempo and the closeness between them disappeared as they stepped away from each other. For a while they bopped together and Marinette considered what Adrien had said. Plus, the hint of hunger in his gaze had her reeling but she refused to overanalyse it.

Eventually the need for water had Marinette signalling that she was making her exit from the dancefloor. Adrien nodded and indicated he was thirsty too. Heading to the bridal table, Marinette picked up an icy cold water carafe and filled two glasses. She handed one to the model, blatantly ignoring the brush of his fingers and the zing that passed between them, to down her own drink.

As she refilled her glass she watched the steady bob of Adrien's throat as he swallowed. Then he swiped his hand across his brow, flicking his sweaty fringe from his eyes. Again, she was surprised by the suggestive twinkle in his eyes as he looked at her. Adrien Agreste did not flirt with Marinette Dupain-Cheng. She knew this for a fact. Yet the heat in his gaze was unmistakable, and she didn't know what to do with it.

Alrighty, so it's been a while since I've posted any stories. Thought I'd get the creative juices flowing on this new one. I will get back to my other ones when I get a chance to sit down and do some in depth writing. This one is just fluff for fun.

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