-Adrien-

It wasn't long before they got there. A large crowd of reporters and cameras was crowded around the gates leading to the mansion, but thankfully Ladybug and Chat were able to slip by without anyone noticing. They leaped around to the back and slid in through the open window, landing in Adrien's room. Both of them called off their transformations, and Adrien led Marinette out into the lobby of the mansion. Quickly and quietly they jogged across the floor and stopped in front of Gabriel Agreste's closed office door.

"Are you sure about this?" Marinette asked quietly, her fist hovering in front of the door, ready to knock.

Adrien nodded. "I haven't gotten an answer from him yet, so I'm having my doubts that he will this time."

Marinette nodded and knocked. She lowered her arm and they waited, Adrien rocking on his heels anxiously. After a moment Adrien sighed in defeat. "He's not going to answer." He said quietly, turning around when a firm hand landed on his shoulder.

"What are you doing, Adrien?" Nathalie asked sharply, and Adrien had to keep himself from yelping. "And what is Miss Dupain-Cheng doing here?"

Marinette sheepishly clasped her hands behind her back, muttering a barely audible "Sorry."

"I was on a date with her, and we thought to stop by here." Adrien said quickly, smiling for good measure. He was pretty sure it looked more like a grimace.

"Stopping by your father's private office?" Nathalie replied, emphasizing on the word 'private'.

Adrien winced. "I just wanted to see him. Talk to him. I haven't seen him in two weeks and-"

"Your father requires privacy at the moment." Nathalie interrupted, her hand still resting on Adrien's shoulder. Adrien stared down at the ground, wishing that Nathalie would take her hand off. "Your bodyguard will take Miss Dupain-Cheng home." Adrien's head snapped up in surprise, and he met eyes with Marinette.

Marinette looked up at Nathalie. "Can Adrien come with me?" She asked.

Nathalie's stern eyes didn't soften. "Adrien must practice his piano, but he can walk you out." She said, lifting her hand from Adrien's shoulder. Adrien quickly slid away and took hands with Marinette, walking her to the front door.

"Sorry about all of that." Adrien muttered to Marinette, opening up the front door. Marinette huddled closer to Adrien as the night breeze blew over them.

"It's ok. She about gave me a heart attack though." Marinette replied, smiling softly.

Surprisingly, the silver car was already out in front of them, waiting to take Marinette home. As they walked closer to the car, the reporters started up a ruckus as they spotted Adrien.

"Adrien Agreste!"

"Adrien, are you Chat Noir?"

"What do you think of Chat Noir?"

Adrien tuned out all of the reporters shouting voices and questions, opening up the car door for Marinette. Before she sat down, Marinette turned and hugged Adrien, burying her head into the embrace. Adrien could feel his face heat up and his heart rate quicken.

"See you tomorrow." She whispered. She quickly pulled away, hastily glancing over her shoulder at the reporters clambering at the gate. Her face flushed slightly, and Adrien took her hand before she could slip into the car.

"I wish I could kiss you goodnight." He whispered.

Marinette giggled lightly. "How about tomorrow?" And with that, she climbed into the car and Adrien shut the door. He stepped back and the car slowly pulled out of the driveway, only a few reporters giving chase to the car before deciding that it wasn't worth it.

Adrien sighed and turned, walking back into his house and shutting the door behind him. He was about to walk to his room when Nathalie came out of his father's office. She looked extremely worried, and the sight concerned him.

"Nathalie!" Adrien exclaimed, running towards her just as she shut the door. "What's wrong with my father? Let me see him!"

Nathalie shook her head. "No. Your father is fine. Go to your room and practice your piano, Adrien."

Adrien wanted to protest. He wanted to shove his way past Nathalie and break the door down, but he held his tongue and stiffly walked to his room, his mind buzzing with questions.