Claire: Hey guys! Lots of reviews today…

CanaryBug: Yeah… Sorry about me not being available when you were doing Chapter 9!

Claire: Lucy (Guest): MWUAHAHAHA THAT WAS MY PLAN ALL ALONG!

CanaryBug: Lucy: Glad our story was that killer.

Claire: YuxFum: Aren't we all high key living for this?

CanaryBug: YuxFum: Living being the relative term. Why can't the undead enjoy the story?

Claire: sPiDeY: Trollollollol... I really think that deep down everyone is a hopeless romantic… Unless you're my insane and cold hearted best friend… HE'S WEIRD. Love you D!

CanaryBug: DORKALICIOUS Fan: Yeah… it's scarily easy to be converted to a romantic… And of course I don't mind your screams!

Claire: Guest: I'm pretty sure you're the only one who noticed Mari suddenly leaving.

CanaryBug: Guest: Or everyone else refused to mention it...

Claire: ChristiRose13: Thanks! We had tons of fun writing it!

CanaryBug: ChristiRose13: #THANKYASOMUCH

Claire: black neko hime: Actually I don't think even we're entirely sure on that one yet… Could be a DJWIFI confession first, or maybe and Adrienette one first? Who knows? LET THE ANTICIPATION SINK IN.

CanaryBug: black neko hime: You'll have to wait and see… ;)

Claire: coolbeans04: Yeah we've been trying to work on the whole LadyNoir side of things…

CanaryBug: coolbeans04: I wonder how you'll react to it...

Claire: SpIdEy: Thanks for the support! I actually was inspired to write Alya's threatening by my mother ironically. She told me a couple days ago that the next guy who breaks one of her daughters hearts is getting castrated. Lol I love my mom.

CanaryBug: DORKALICIOUS Fan007: Thanks for the warm wishes! And yes, Alya is my spirit animal.

Claire: Anya28388: SHHHHHHHHHHHH This is fanfiction. If Adrien wants to run at light speed then there's nothing your logic can do to stop it.

CanaryBug: Anya28388: So we have two blonds who happen to have some sort of relationship to a brunette reporter… he's the freaking Flash!

Claire: Sky-RoseX: Aw I'm glad you're enjoying it!

CanaryBug: Sky-RoseX: Glad you like it!

Claire: TheTiger0511: If you wish to review here then be my guest!

CanaryBug: TheTiger0511: Thanks for the well wishes! And review away!

CanaryBug: Hope you enjoy the next chapter…

"Friendly Affection"

Bug Out!

Marinette's POV

I shift in my sleep. Warmth surrounds me on all sides. It's cozy.

Light seeps in through the window and I snuggle into my snuggly pillow.

Only I'm confused when the pillow's comforting arms shift around me. One hand wrapping around my waist and one around… wait, is there a hand around my lower thigh? Who are my arms wrapped around? What is going on?

I'm reluctant to open my eyes. I really don't want to know, I just want to stay here, cozy and warm.

When I do open my eyes a gasp escapes my lips.

Is this real? Am I dreaming? Did I really fall asleep in the arms of Adrien Agreste?

I pinch my arm and yelp in pain.

OHMYGODOHMYGODOHMYGOD WHAT DO I DO?

"Mari?" Adrien mumbles. I freeze as he pulls me closer, trying to save the warmth. His warm lips brush against my shoulder and it's as if he's setting my skin aflame.

"Adrien," I whisper.

He moans and his hand rubs my thigh.

I'm going to burn to death if he doesn't wake up.

My hand moves to the back of his head and I'm shocked at the silkiness of his hair. I'm shocked when he lets out a soft moan and he smiles against my skin.

"Adrriiieeen…" I coo into his ear. I quietly call out to him several more times before he shifts around me and I hear a sharp intake of breath in my ear.

"Shit, Mari?" Within seconds he's pulling away from me and he's seated on the other side of the bed, against the wall. His eyes are wide with shock, his hands are clenched in his lap, and his face flushed bright scarlet.

I suddenly shiver at the sudden freezing absence of his warmth.

"M-Morning Adrien, g-good?" I stutter. "I, uhm, I mean good morning, Adrien…"

"Ohmygod I'm so sorry Marinette! I don't normally do that, I swear! I didn't mean—"

I wrap Adrien in my arms.

"It's okay Adrien, no harm done. I'm not upset. You've done nothing wrong." I take a deep breath. "It was actually kinda nice to be held like that" I blurt.

His breath catches and my face flushes.

"Yeah," he agrees.

When I pull away his eyes stare down at his hands, so I take my hands in his.

"Maman and I make a really good quiche. I'm sure she'd love to make one with me, for you to have for breakfast."

Adrien gasp and whispers. "I love quiche. Father never let me have it because it wasn't in the diet plan..." His eyes widen. "Can I have a chocolate croissant too?"

I laugh at his excitement.

"As many as you want." I promise and I hop off the bed, pulling him with me. I start towards the stairs before Adrien catches my hand and holds me back.

When I look back at him I see insecurity written clearly across his face.

"Do I look ok? I mean, do you think your parents will like me?"

I softly smile and straighten out his t-shirt and play around with his hair until the messiness looks styled and playful and not like he just rolled out of bed.

"My parent's will adore you. Anyone who doesn't clearly needs some professional help."

He smiles weakly and looks away.

"I guess it's because I'm a model isn't it…" I rest my hand on his cheek.

"No, you're so much more than a model, Adrien. You're a funny, caring, intelligent, and kind friend. I couldn't ask for a better fake boyfriend." I smile and take his hand leading him down stairs.

I find Maman and Papa whispering quietly to themselves in the kitchenette when we make it into the apartment.

I clear my throat.

"Good morning, maman, papa." I chirp. My parents stare at us for a moment, exchange glances and break out in wide smiles.

"Isn't it a lovely morning, Marinette?" Maman asks. "Such a lovely time of year, don't you think Adrien? Spring, a time of rebirth and new beginnings, love and joy?" She giggles and I'm suddenly very self conscious about holding Adrien's hand.

"It certainly is Madame Cheng," he admits as he wraps an arm around my shoulder with a smile.

"Call me Sabine, dear."

"I was wondering if it would be ok if we stayed for breakfast." I ask.

"Of course sweetheart."

"Would you two mind helping out at the bakery this morning?" Papa asks as he wraps his arm around Maman.

I look up at Adrien. "Would you like to? I don't have any classes today."

"Sure, I only have one class today and that's from three to four. I mean I'm no baker but I do know my mother's famous lemon bars recipe."

"Emilie's lemon bars?" I look over at maman in confusion as she speaks. "I haven't had them in years! I thought the recipe had been lost after she passed! Tom and I would be honored to have her recipe. That is if you're willing to share it."

"Which you of course don't have to." Papa adds.

We all look to Adrien as he considers this for a moment. He smiles his signature smile as he makes up his mind.

"I think I will. It'll be my way of sharing her legacy with Paris."

A moment of silence passes before Maman speaks up.

"So what would you two like for breakfast dears?"

"Well, Adrien has requested our famous quiche and papa's chocolate croissants." I chirp.

To my surprise maman asks. "Would you like to help us make the quiche, Adrien?"

Adrien lights up by my side.

"Y-You'd be ok with that? I mean I'd love to!"

Maman and I exchange glances and I reach up and kiss Adrien's cheek.

"We'd love your help." I tell him.

Papa heads down to the bakery to get the crust, and then he heads back down to the bakery, despite the early morning, to start prepping todays batch of breads for the customers.

We make several small quiches for everyone, Adrien learns the bakers' way to crack an egg, and the proper way to knead and roll out pastry dough.

Soon enough Maman and I pull the quiches out of the oven.

After they're cool we call Papa up to breakfast.

Adrien's POV

This must be what a real family is like.

The entire time we bake the quiches and get breakfast ready I feel undeniably warm and cheery.

When we all sit down to breakfast Marinette's parents are welcoming and ask me questions about my major, my friends, and my future. I'm surprised they don't ask about my being in the news recently, or the fact that I've run away from home and quit modeling.

The quiche is heavenly. All of the flavors come together in perfect harmony on my tongue.

Sabine seats me next to Marinette and I can't help but notice how many times she looks over at Tom and smiles as if she knows something we don't.

We all joke around and I finally feel like I belong somewhere. I haven't felt this at home since my last conversation with Ladybug.

Where has she been anyways?

I fight the urge to check my messages again.

When we finish Sabine stands to take our plates but I quickly stand and take the dishes from her.

"I will take care of the dishes. Why don't you and Marinette head down to the bakery and get things set up for the day?"

Sabine smiles and rests a hand on my shoulder.

"Thank you Adrien."

"I'll help you out, son." Tom offers.

I nod my head, knowing this was my plan. I kiss marinette on the cheek as she passes and my cheeks flush.

I make my way into the kitchenette with Tom in tow.

We start cleaning the dishes and I try to find the right words to ask Tom's permission to date his daughter. I know we're only fake dating but he won't know that, So I figure I should ask, however it's Tom who breaks the silence.

"She's a beautiful young woman isn't she, ma boy?" Tom asks.

A smile makes its way onto my face.

"She really is, but not just beautiful. She's smart and kind and completely incredible."

"What are your intentions with my daughter, son?"

"W-What do you mean?"

"I see the way you look at her. You're clearly in love. But might I ask, does she know you feel this way about her?"

I shift uncomfortably. If this fake-dating shtick is going to work, I'll have to lie.

"She does. In fact, we were going to wait before we told you, but Marinette and I are dating." I laugh sheepishly. I await Tom's booming voice telling me to leave so he can talk to his daughter, but all I hear is gracious laughter as the baker engulfs me into a warm hug.

"I'm glad that out of anyone my daughter could choose, it would be such a respectable gentleman. You have my blessing."

I sigh in relief. Let's just hope he still feels the same when he realizes that this was all a lie.

Marinette's POV

I thought we were going to give it some time before we broke the news to my parents. But that was all thrown out the window when Adrien kissed me as we walked downstairs to the bakery.

My mother pulls me into the bakery with a giddy smile.

"Adrien is such a bright young man isn't he?" She gushes.

"Uhm, yeah, I think so…" I mumble as I flour my hands and start kneading the rising dough.

"He's so funny and smart don't you think?"

"Um.. yeah.. I guess. He is majoring in physics and education. Why do you ask?" I look away, not wanting to see Maman's reaction.

"He will be a great son-in-law."

And that's when I stop dead in my tracks. She did not.

"S-Son-in-law? I d-don't know what you're talking about? I mean, Adrien and I are only friends and roommates! How would you get 'son-in-law' from us being friends and doing friendly gestures such as meeting parents, boiling bread, sleeping in the same bed and… kissing each other's…" I trail off. "Wait a minute-"

"So kissing one's cheek is a sign of friendly affection?" Sabine asks, a knowing look in her eyes.

"Technically yes, I mean it hasn't been long since… my last relationship…"

Maman's hand comes to rest on my shoulder.

"I think Adrien is a wonderful young man. You shouldn't hide your love for him just because your last relationship was a dud, sweetheart."

"L-Love? I-I," I sigh. "There's nothing between us, Maman. We're fake dating so we can encourage Alya and Nino to get together… He doesn't have any feelings for me…"

"I believe you." Maman said warmly. "Even if this is all a ruse, something lights up inside Adrien whenever he looks at you. Just take that into consideration next time, okay sweetheart?"

"I just don't know what to do. He kissed me yesterday, like really kissed me. I could have sworn he felt something between us, but right after he apologized for it."

"Some people deny their feelings until they realize exactly what's in front of them. If you really do love him, you'll wait until the time is right."

"I guess so… What if he never has feelings for me?"

"Your optimism is your greatest strength, Marinette." Maman smiles reassuringly. "Never forget that."

"Thank you, Maman."

I turn back to the dough and pour my frustrations into the sourdough bread.

Adrien and Papa soon make their way down to the bakery. Papa gives him a short tour of the place before sending him my way to knead some dough.

After a little while our usual delivery truck pulls up to the back door to the bakery kitchen.

"Maman! Théo is here!"

"Oh good! We were running low on sugar! Can you and Adrien handle the delivery while your father and I prep the early morning pastries?"

"Sure!" I walk around to the pantry and grab Adrien's wrist and show him to the back door. "I hope you're ready for this Agreste, deliveries can get pretty intense. Hopefully you can handle carrying all the flour and sugar." I smirk playfully.

Adrien laughs.

"Ohh It's on! You'd be surprised with how much I can handle princess! Don't ever underestimate your opponent."

"Opponent? Looks like we'll be playing a game of strength!" I laugh as we run over to the truck.

After a few tumbles, Adrien began to get the hang of carrying multiple bags of flour at once. As we dump them into separate piles, Adrien quips, "Feeling tired yet?"

"Not a chance!" I grin as I grab more than my usual load of supplies. As I run over to the bakery, I trip over a rock.

"GAH!" I yell as bags of flour fly from my arms. As they hit the ground with a hard thud, I'm caught by someone I'd never expect.

"Théo?" I gasp, confused.

"You're pretty strong," he chuckles. "Don't overwork yourself. Between you and me, we already know he isn't half as powerful as you are."

"T-Thank you Théo," I say, feeling suddenly embarrassed. He's always been a bit of a flirt.

"Anything for a beautiful young woman such as yourself." He responds with a sweet smile.

Before I can speak, I hear Adrien clear his throat, loudly.

"Yeah, hate to interrupt, but we still have some more bags of flour and sugar we need to grab. Unless you want to forfeit." He grins, before glaring at Théo.

"Sweet pea, why don't you relax while the men take care of the rest ok?" Théo grumbles before rolling up his sleeves.

I'm shocked when I hear Adrien mumble obscenities under his breath.

The two of them head up to the truck and start unloading the bags. Théo starts off with three large bags of flour, and Adrien grabs four. They race back and forth showing off their strength. I can't help but roll my eyes as I'm reminded of the birds of paradise from the Planet Earth documentaries.

When they finish they immediately start arguing.

"I'm world famous you know,"

"I have a stable job,"

"I've known Marinette since she was little,"

"I live with Her,"

"At least I'm not a privileged teenager who became a runaway for no apparent reason!"

"At least I don't need a multiple jobs to hide the fact that I'm lonely and desperate!"

"At least my daddy loves me."

"At least I'm not chasing after a girl that's clearly not interested."

"Does she love you, Agreste? Or is she just giving you a pity party because nobody loves you?"

"STOP RIGHT THIS INSTANT!" I scream just as Adrien gets ready to throw the first punch. I push myself right in between them.

"You're acting like children!" I yell as I push them apart. "Théo, I thank you for your help, but I think it's time for you to go. I'll see you on Thursday."

"Goodbye sweet pea," He mumbles as he pressed a kiss to the back of my hand. I hear Adrien Growl to my right.

After Théo has left I stalk off to the bakery with Adrien in tow. Multiple times he tries to get my attention but the only attention I give him is a glare.

Soon enough he gives up and helps Papa rotate things in and out of the oven.

Adrien's POV

No matter how much I remind myself that we're only in a fake relationship, I can't shake the possessive thought that Marinette is mine. I can't let that phony copycat get in the way of Marinette and I.

I'm left to my confusing thoughts about the past few days, Marinette, Ladybug, fake dating, meeting Mari's parents, and it all jumbles in my mind, only for me to realize I'm falling in love with two incredible women.

I'm screwed. So entirely screwed.

I'm startled when after Maman and Papa go to check on the ovens and make a few calls, Adrien sneaks up from behind me and gives me a hug from behind.

A shiver makes its way up my spine when his lips press to the nape of my neck.

"What are you doing?" I mumble, suddenly frustrated with myself.

He freezes around me.

"I-I don't know… kissing you, I guess?"

"Well, just calm down. I already told Maman this was all fake. Both of them will get highly suspicious if we keep kissing each other as 'friends'."

Adrien scratches his neck nervously. "Yeah… about that–"

Before I can ask exactly what he did, Papa comes out and seats us all for lunch.

"Can I just say how proud I am to find out how happy my daughter has been?" Tom grins.

I stare at Papa before a desperate look appears on my face as I look at Adrien.

"What did you do?"

He smiles sheepishly.

"I'm so happy to see such young love blooming before my very eyes." I stare at Papa shocked. What did Adrien tell him exactly?

"Tom, Marinette? Can I speak with you please?" I sigh, this is not gonna be fun is it?

Adrien's POV

My anxiety spikes when the Dupain-Chengs leave me behind and move deeper into the kitchen to talk for a moment.

I wince when Tom's voice can be heard.

"What?! And you're okay with this Marinette? What about–" His voice cuts off mid-sentence and I hear Marinette shriek.

A few minutes later they return and Tom pulls me aside.

We step outside so the women can't over hear.

I jump a little when he wraps and arm around my shoulder.

"She's a very strong woman, but I often think she cares about others a little too much. Often times forgetting to care for herself. I often worry about her. I can tell she cares for you, son. I trust her decisions but I need you to understand that her kindness, while it is one of her greatest attributes, can also become her greatest downfall.

"I need to know that you will do everything in your power to care for her."

I look up at Tom and smile.

"I promise I will M. Dupain."

"Call me dad, son." Tom smiles warmly and pulls me into a bear hug. "Just remember love is a fragile little thing. Cherish it while it's still yours."

I don't even have time to question what he meant before he's busying himself with helping a customer.