Juleka Couffaine knew coming to work at Francois Dupont was a mistake. She had a good position as a music teacher in a girl's only school for junior high and high school just outside the center of Paris. She was considered the best aunt ever for Luka's children, whom she visited at their home in London at least once a month if not every weekend. Her mother lived with Luka, taking care of his children while he was at work. This left Juleka living on her own in a quaint flat in Paris close to her work.

Life had been great until Caline Bustier ( or was it Martin now? She couldn't remember as she had been unable to attend the wedding due to earning her teaching credential at the time) had called saying Francois Dupont had an opening for a music and art teacher. With some negotiations, she was working at her former high school, and coincidentally, four girls came up to her asking for help starting the Light Music Club.

Don't get her wrong, helping the students was great and the Light Music Club was immediately popular. Caline was just being difficult.

"You know, it'll be their 10th Anniversary soon," Caline teased as she followed Juleka around the art room, cleaning up the tables before checking in on the afternoon clubs.

"I'm going to pretend I don't know what you're talking about."

"Oh come on, surely Adrien or Marinette might have said something to you. Everyone is leaving me out of the conversation here."

True, it had been 10 years since her seniors graduated. She had seen Nino around most since he worked with her brother at Jagged Stone's Recording Label. They had gone out for tea several times and he was popular with Jagged's daughter and Luka's children.

Marinette had sent her cute gifts for her completion of university, teaching credential, and first job always accompanied by a special certificate for pastries. On a couple occasions when Juleka did visit the bakery, Marinette sometimes happened to be there, the girls catching up. It had been two years since their last accidental meet up though after Marinette was officially recognized as Mr. Agreste's apprentice.

Alya she had seen around town, apparently working double-time at fashion magazine and reviewing small time bands on her blog.

Last she knew, Adrien made it to the Master's program in Beijing and was living with Tikki and Plagg. The elderly couple had visited Paris once, reporting Adrien having completed his masters and was working in America.

Whether he and Marinette were still together was unknown.

"I honestly haven't heard anything, as I keep telling you," she reminded her superior. She opened the door for art club students to come in, everyone heading to their own projects.

"You're no fun," Caline pouted, a couple of the students giggling.

"Tell you what, if they do a reunion, you can be my plus one," Juleka sarcastically offered, appeasing the literature teacher.

"Everyone settled," Juleka called out to her students, everyone answering affirmative.

"Alright, I'll be looking at the other clubs."

Juleka left the room, still followed by Caline.

"Don't you have the literature club to attend to?"

"But it's so much fun to tag along and see how well you handle some of my old clubs."

Juleka sighed, but said nothing.

She handled the Art Club, Music club, Acapella Club and Light Music Club. Marching band had disbanded, and the choir club was replaced with acapella. There had been a Jazz club for a while but that had merged with regular Music Club since their conductor switched schools. Francois Dupont was looking into a new conductor, so Juleka was overseeing the club, mostly being led by the seniors who knew their instruments.

She popped by all her classrooms, both acapella and band studying for midterms instead of rehearsing. They had time before spring performances anyway.

At the end of the hall, in Music Storage number #2 was the light music club.

She opened the door to see none other than Alya Cesaire sitting amongst her girls.

"JULEKAT!"

Alya jumped on Juleka as if they were still in high school, trying to crush her in a hug.

"I'm sorry, I'm sorry! I meant to congratulate you when Caline told me she hired you! But Work And Adrien!"

"ADRIEN!" Squealed Caline.

The students looked at each other, "Adrien?"

"A former classmate," Juleka explained, the girls nodding in understanding. Alya let go of Juleka only to hold her side.

"Not just a former classmate, but the pianist of our Light Music Club. Your teacher and I were the guitarists."

The girls looked amazed by the news, eyes sparkling.

"What's this about Adrien," Caline changed the subject.

"Well, more Marinette, but Adrien is being annoying about it. You know how Gabriel's is throwing a black tie event this weekend? According to my sources, the event is for Marinette. And neither Marinette or Adrien will give me the scoop. Oh, and I have your tickets."

Alya opened her giant bag, scrambling through her equipment until she pulled out two crumpled tickets.

"One for you and a plus one. I got a letter from Mr. Agreste's secretary to invite all her old friends. So I forwarded a couple to Nino, then I have two, and you have two. When I asked Adrien about it though, he said he still had work in America and couldn't make it. Which is weird since they're still dating."

"WHAT?" Caline nearly collapsed into a chair, one of the girls helping her to a seat.

"Teehee, reporter's nose." Alya winked, bopping the side of her nose, "And Marinette and I go out for tea before big events to give me the scoops. But this time she was mum."

Alya crossed her arms in a pout, Juleka smiling. Even after ten years Alya was as energetic and demanding as ever.

"So, you coming," asked Alya, turning to Juleka?

"You aren't going to let me say no, are you?"

"Absolutely not. Just brush up on some of our old songs. I don't know why but Mr. Agreste's secretary also asked for our old club to play."

Alya opened her bag again, pulling out a crumpled piece of paper. Three songs Juleka hadn't played in years were listed.

Juleka looked up to Alya, who shrugged, "Still stumped on this one. My closest bet is Marinette taking over Gabriel's officially, or like that Jagged Stone thing where he celebrated Penny's birthday with her old club there. But Marinette's birthday is in May."

Juleka nodded, looking over the ticket and the songs. It was definitely strange, and she wouldn't doubt if Marinette and the Agrestes had some trick up their sleeve. So long as their presence there wouldn't hurt Marinette's career, she didn't see a problem playing for one night.

"Fine, I'll be there. Black tie event right?"

"Yep! Oh, this is going to be so exciting. See you Saturday!"

Alya quickly kissed her cheeks before leaving the school, Caline looking smug as she closed the door.

"So I guess I'm your plus one?"

Juleka handed the spare ticket over, Caline smiling as she left.

When Juleka looked back around, her students were crowding her.

"Are you really going to play," asked one of the girls, named Mireille. She had been in a band in middle school, learning guitar before she came to Francois Dupont.

"I don't think I have a choice. I'll need to find my old music sheets though."

"Or this," another girl, Aurore returned with a binder, passing it over to the teacher. Inside were copies of all the songs both from Juleka's years, Caline's years, and Tikki's year.

"Mrs. Martin told us that she kept all the songs, like her teacher had for them," explained Mireille.

"Now come on, you need to practice," pushed Aurore as the girls set their teacher down in a chair, passing over Mireille's guitar.

Juleka smiled as she started playing, the familiar words and notes coming back to her. The girls watched, stunted by the music.

Maybe coming back to Francois Dupont wasn't a bad thing.


Alya had a journalist's nose, and something was suspicious about this event.

The staff had minimal clues, accepting the band's instruments without question. Luka seemed to be subbing in for Marinette and Kagami, who joined after the seniors left, was subbing in for Adrien. Apparently Kagami's family and the Agreste were familiar with each other, Kagami even spilled she made friends with Marinette since she was Gabriel's successor. She was now learning to run her family's international martial arts schools and going to World's for kendo.

Juleka had shown up with Caline, so she knew there was no lead there. Mr. Agreste and Marinette could not be reached due to "social obligations". Chloe was also fulfilling obligations on behalf of the law firm she worked for and mingling with high end clients.

So that left the last person who might know what's going on.

After quick deductions, she found Nino by the snack bar, helping a small girl sneak cookies from the table.

"Nino?"

"Alya hey! It's been a while," he greeted, the small girl hiding behind him.

"Hey, um yeah." What was Alya going to ask?

"Oh um, this is Jagged and Penny's daughter Piper. Piper, this is a very old friend of mine, Alya."

"I'm not old," Alya snapped. Nino just smiled, patting the girl on the head before she ran off to find her parents.

"I take it you're here for the scoop?"

"Would you think any less of me if I was?"

Nino shrugged, helping himself to a macaron.

"Aren't you the least bit curious as to what they are up to," pestered Alya, stepping closer to the snack table to grab a dessert.

"Dying to know, last time they surprised us, I passed out so I would like some warning."

Alya chuckled.

"But I want to appreciate the moment. Honestly, I missed you all. I like my friends I have now, and getting to know other people better, but it hasn't been the five of us in a while."

Alya nodded until what Nino said cliqued in her head.

"Five? Is Adrien actually coming?"

Nino smirked, putting his index finger over his mouth.

Alya wanted to squeal in delight, but schooled her professional expression. Adrien coming to a big announcement of Marinette's would be a winning scoop tonight. She took a deep breath, letting thoughts of her work leave.

"The five of us would be nice. My place available if we wanted to celebrate after? Unless you need to get back." She looked down to Nino's left hand, fingers bare. He seemed to be examining her bare hand as well.

"That might be nice. Or go out to eat somewhere. I can't survive on macarons alone as much as I want to think."

"Which is why I ate beforehand."

"Smart."

They both stood there, looking elsewhere but each other.

"If the others don't want to do anything after, dinner could be nice," mumbled Alya, trying to calm down the heat in her cheeks.

"Or maybe tomorrow then if they do? It would be nice to catch up."

Alya glanced over at Nino, equally as red in the cheeks as she felt.

"Yeah, either sounds nice."

The background music quieted, Alya perking up to see what was going on. Nino grabbed her hand as the lights dimmed, pulling her to the side where the other members of their band stood.

Gabriel Agreste and his assistant appeared on the stage, curtains covering the musical instruments behind it.

"Good Evening ladies and gentlemen and thank you for being here tonight."

The crowd immediately quieted down, reporters snapping pictures of the designer.

"Tonight, we celebrate the prosperity brought to Gabriel's by one of our designers. A designer who has helped spread this company's wings to reach new heights. I present to you our honorary butterfly, Marinette Dupain-Cheng."

The crowd politely clapped as Marinette came forward in one of her original dresses. She kissed both the secretary and Mr. Agreste on the cheek before taking center stage.

"Thank you everyone. Especially the people in this room without whom I wouldn't not have gotten this far without."

Marinette looked over at the former Light Music Club, her grin brightening.

"As Gabriel said, I helped spread the wings of his company, taking it to new heights we've never been before. But now it's time to strengthen our wings for new destinations."

The audience began murmuring, speculating what she could mean. Alya jumped in place, grabbing Nino's hand in anticipation.

"Which is why we are announcing the Marinette's division of Gabriel's will be moving its location to New York," announced Gabriel, grabbing Marinette hand for a victory stance.

Reporters immediately swarmed, asking questions about the sudden move.

Alya shook Nino by his arm.

"That's where Adrien lives! That's where Adrien is," she squealed, Juleka raising an eyebrow.

"Adrien's in New York, Marinette's moving to New York as a surprise for Adrien," whispered Alya. Juleka's eyes went wide, tightening her lips as she looked tempted to squeal with Alya.

"As fun as this speculation is, I think we need to head backstage," urged Kagami. Luka nodded, escorting Kagami up the stage. The other three followed as Gabriel quieted the crowds.

"We will be issuing an official statement later, but for now, please enjoy the rest of your evening," announced Gabriel as the Light Music Club took their places.

"Alya, why did Mr. Agreste's secretary request this song," asked Juleka, a music stand in front of her with the lyrics and notes. "This was the song Adrien wrote."

Alya read over the song, Nino trying to lean forward to look.

Alya felt her jaw drop as the pieces fell into place, snapping her lips shut as Gabriel's voice could be heard.

"As a special request, I have invited some special guests of Marinette's to play for us this evening."

She quickly leaned over to Juleka and Nino. "Whatever you do, don't stop playing." Everyone nodded, Luka and Kagami smiling. Apparently they were in on whatever had been planned. Darn Kagami's stoic face and unsuspecting Luka.

The curtain pulled apart, the band looking at Marinette, who gasped in shock. Gabriel whispered in her ear, the gasp turning into a smile as she mouthed a thank you.

Nino tapped his sticks together, everyone starting to play. They played for a little bit, Marinette looking confused at the lack of vocals. Alya looked around for any sign she was right. She immediately smiled when a familiar voice began to sing.

If you're not around I can't do anything

Marinette snapped her head around searching for the voice. Her gaze settled on someone walking from the back.

I want to eat whatever you make

So when you get back home

I'm gonna hug you with a great big smile

The people in the audience parted to let Adrien Agreste through. Rather than make his way to Marinette though, he walked up to the stage.

If you're not around I can't take it anymore

I long for the sound of your voice

Just being able to see you smile that would mean everything to me

Simply being by my side you've always given me the courage

I wanna be with you forever and a day

I wanna tell you that this is how I feel

Whether under the sun or under the rain

You were always there when I needed you

Whenever I close my eyes I could see your smile shining brightly

If you're not around I don't know what to do

Where's the sugar and soy sauce?

And I was hoping that I could surprise you

When you come home

I think I've been spoiled too much

Because you're too good to me

You gave me so many things that I can't even get to pay you back

All the while I took your existence for granted

And I thought that we would always, always be together

As days go by

Adrien easily took over for Kagami, playing at his familiar spot on the piano along with the others. He gave everyone a smile as he sang before focusing his attention on Marinette.

I'm sorry only now that I realized

That it really isn't the case

So to start things off I have to tell you these two words

"Thank you"

Will they go straight to your heart?

I'm not so sure of myself right now but

Don't laugh, okay? Please listen to me

'Cause I'm gonna put all my feelings into this song

I would like to take all my "Thank You's"

And send it to you through this song

This is a feeling I will never, ever forget

Oh feelings please get through!

The crowds cheered, Marinette on the verge of tears. With a nudge from Gabriel, she ran up to the stage, meeting Adrien in a hug that definitely made the reporters crazy. Adrien opened his arms to let their friends surround them in a hug, including Luka and Kagami. The group hug hid Marinette and Adrien from the crowd's view

"I know you would probably like this in a quieter place, but I couldn't think of anywhere better once father told me."

Adrien pulled a box from his pocket, revealing a ring that would allow Marinette's promise ring to fit inside. The girl's all gasped, Alya and Luka holding Nino up so he wouldn't faint.

"Will you marry me?"

"Absolutely yes!" Marinette jumped on Adrien, breaking the group hug as they tripped over a chord, sending the two falling to the ground, her lips touching his. They quickly pulled back pausing at their reaction before giggling, Marinette jumping back on him in a kiss.

Alya glanced over at Gabriel, who looked not the least bit embarrassed by the display. If anything, he looked quite pleased at probably setting Marinette and Adrien up for the whole event tonight.

"He's sneakier than you," she whispered to Nino. Nino looked over to Mr. Agreste, then back to Adrien and Marinette.

"I don't know what you're talking about."

"Come on, let's play another song," announced Marinette as she pulled a dazed Adrien up.

"You want to take over," asked Luka, passing over his bass.

Marinette easily traded the bass for her fiancé. Everyone took their places, Luka and Kagami setting Adrien up at the keyboard before disappearing backstage. Juleka showed Marinette their next song, the designer nodded enthusiastically. Adrien was trying to make himself look halfway presentable again while Nino twirled his drumstick in anticipation. He winked at Alya, who winked back before turning to the audience, definitely more interested in their music now.

Alya stepped closer to the microphone.

"Hello everyone! We're the Light Music Club, Afterschool Tea Time!"


And that is it! That is the official end of Afterschool Tea Time!

Thank you everyone who read, commented, and liked this story. It means a lot to me reading all your comments.

Thank you again and I look forward to seeing you in the next fic!