start notes—

He stops for a moment, as if thinking. "Well, that's half of the reason why."

"... and the other?"

"Just to have an excuse for me to see you again."

my tellonym: milkisande

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post, end scene

can you blame me, you glow like the sunrise,
fall in love every time i look into your eyes.

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MARINETTE's mortified.

No, mortified isn't quite enough to describe the sheer horror she feels— watching Plagg enthusiastically run after Tikki, who's evidently less-than-enthused about the sudden intruder in her space. (The cat was never a huge fan of new people, and definitely held a grudge against her owner for dragging her here; though to Marinette's defense, she had thought Plagg wasn't human originally).

"So… Tikki's a bit different from what I thought," a voice suddenly speaks up beside her, that same ever-so- charming smile on his face as if this wasn't the most embarrassing situation Marinette had ever found herself in. His grin widens, briefly gesturing at the small cat. "Didn't expect all that…"

"Fur?"

"Red, actually ." He leans back against the bench, completely calm (while she is, again, completely panicked: something that's frustratingly become a feature of all their interactions so far). "I've never seen a cat so red before. Was that on purpose?"

He's trying to change the subject; make things a little less awkward. It's a sweet gesture, and she slowly (thankfully) finds herself relaxing into the conversation.

Marinette breathes a laugh. "I actually found her like that," she finally manages to say, though it's still an almost impossible feat to look him in the eye. "I was late to work some time last year, then found her inside my bag when I finally got in my office." Her eyes almost twinkle. "I honestly have no idea how she got in there, maybe crawled in when I tripped since I was running, but ever since, I just decided to keep her." Marinette smiles softly. "I don't regret that decision one bit."

"Seems like you're developing a track record for tripping over things, huh?" She can see the dimple lines form along Adrien's cheeks, consequently turning hers into a darker shade of red. The memory of their first encounter; how she, quite literally , fell for him, still fresh in her mind.

"Maybe..." Marinette begins, before nervously looking at him directly. "But I like to think that it's some sort of good luck charm, for bringing unexpected but nice things my way." They make eye contact for a second, serious and honest (and would she say romantically-charged?) before Marinette hastily turns away and scratches her head. " You know , like Tikki! If I never fell over, she probably would've never ended up in my bag, and I never would've adopted her…!"

Adrien seems suddenly shaken out of his reverie, then nods and laughs lightly; a cheeky grin on his face. " Yeah , and me too, right?" He asks, leaning closer toward her then pointing a playful finger at his chest. Their faces are only a hair's breadth away from each other, and Marinette wonders if this is how it feels before suddenly imploding in and upon herself.

It's a brief pause before he suddenly pulls back, the same grin still on his face. "Just kidding." Adrien says easily, before shifting so it's clear all his attention's on her. "So, tell me about yourself. You know, outside of being the mother of a beautiful little girl."

Marinette huffs, and he has the decency to look the slightest bit sorry about it. Not all that much, though.

"Well," she starts, "I work in the fashion industry— started young, and was lucky enough to get into and find something I was passionate about that early."

Adrien hums. "A model, huh? I can see it."

" No!" Marinette almost splutters, the red threatening to return and take over her face. She waves offhandedly, then laughs. "Definitely not. I'm into fashion design; I like sketching designs and sewing them. Being in front of the camera definitely isn't for me."

"Really? I think you'd look adorable, though." Adrien smiles, and pauses. "Anyone who could pull off pajama pants in public would definitely have no issue modelling high-end or luxury pieces."

Pajama pants?

She moves in quiet mortification at the reminder of their first meeting.

" Ohmygod, you remember that?"

"It was a look."

Marinette has to stop herself from physically burying her face in her hands. "I was having an off day," she tries to protest, wholly aware of the heat building up in her neck. "I usually dress better than that."

"I know," he only laughs. "Our last two meetings were more than enough to convince me of that," he says easily, gesturing at her outfit— a maroon ensemble featuring pieces she'd created herself. "Your design?"

"Some of it," she says awkwardly, suddenly self-conscious. "Just a side project while I was working. Needed to do something fun while doing the formal stuff, you know?"

"You don't enjoy your work anymore?"

Marinette pauses, evidently conflicted about what her feelings about it were. "Well," she starts carefully. "It's not like I hate it. I have so much to be grateful for, and I love how many opportunities I've been given and how far I've gotten with it." She sighs. "It's just that, sometimes…," she scratches her head. "You know that saying where they go, 'pursue your passion, and you'll never work a day in your life'?"

Adrien nods.

"It's not completely true," Marinette says, struggling to put her thoughts into words. "I guess, it's just… sometimes I miss just making designs because I wanted to, and because it was fun. To be inspired without forcing it to always come to me because of some deadline or new client," she pauses. "I don't even get to create as much anymore; I'm always busy doing papers, or going on meetings, or bossing people around— which I'm amazingly terrible at, by the way…," she takes a deep breath in and holds her hands down to her lap, attempting to calm herself. "I guess I sound ungrateful, huh?"

"Not at all," he's only quick to respond, before putting his own hand upon hers. "Maybe you should take a break once in a while? It isn't good to stay stuck and doing work all the time, and I'm sure you won't get new ideas while you're clammed up in your office."

He's right, of course.

"Actually, I have thought up of some new designs lately," she says, recalling her sketchbook filled with drawings inspired by the very man in front of her. "Found some inspiration."

Adrien raises an eyebrow, the smile returning to his face. "I'm sure that whatever your inspiration's for, they'd be flattered." He doesn't break eye contact, then tilts his head lightly. "Anything I can see?"

Marinette laughs. "You'll see it next time."

" Ah ," Adrien grins, "so there's a next time between us?"

She pauses. "I meant when you'd see it on the cover of all fashion magazines, but sure . If you want there to be."

(Marinette wanted to give herself a pat on the back. Now that was the strong, independent, woman persona that she was mostly known for.)

Her companion evidently looks surprised, though doesn't stay caught off-guard for too long. "Of course I want there to be. Just tell me when, and I'll be there."

Now that's absolutely not fair.

Marinette coughs nervously to find an excuse to break eye contact, then immediately changes the subject. "So, then, uh , what about you? What do you do?"

"I work in the fashion industry, too."

"A model, huh?" Marinette echoes, a teasing smile on her lips. "I can see it."

"Actually, yeah." He replies, an equally teasing grin on his own. "How'd you know?"

Wait?

"You- You're a model ?" She splutters, visibly shocked. "I mean, you definitely have the body for it, and you're a lot better than a lot of the other models that are sent to me but—."

Great, she was on a date with a hot single dad and male model. Just when she started to think they were on the same league.

He laughs. "Well, used to be," he finally amends. "I was a teen model, but retired from that 'glamorous' life when I hit my twenties. Realized that it wasn't something I really wanted, and moved on to other passions and interests." Adrien's eyes twinkle, "but I'm glad to know I haven't lost my touch."

Now he's just doing that on purpose.

" Anyway , what do you do, then? If you're still in the fashion industry?"

Adrien shifts to move towards her direction as they end up face-to-face, raises his hands up to his own, then mimics the movements of someone about to take a picture. "Click ," he says, as if he's just taken a photo of her.

He can definitely see the blush on her cheeks by then. There's no question about it.

"Photography, huh?"

"Found out that while I didn't like being in front of the camera, I liked working behind it— the modelling experience helped a lot in knowing what to do, too." He smiles brightly. "Taking pictures of people when they feel most beautiful, and seeing that look of joy on their faces when they see the final result… I never regretted choosing this for myself."

Just when she thought he couldn't be even more perfect?

"Maybe you could show me some of your photographs some time," Marinette finally says, after a brief pause. "I'd love to see them."

"Only if you'd let me take photos of you next time," he replies easily. "I definitely think having pictures of the CEO of Ladybug would immediately boost my career and clientele."

"Yeah," Marinette laughs brightly, before stopping in her tracks. " Wait . You know who I am?"

"Of course," Adrien only responds. "Everyone in the fashion industry does. I didn't realize it earlier, since you were wearing pajamas the first time, and shades and a trenchcoat in the second… but I realized it when you left." He laughs lightly. "Hard not to recognize the designer prodigy, even if you're not the hugest fan of public appearances and photos."

Okay, so he knows who she is. And didn't tell her.

That was weird, right?

"So you pretended not to know who I was during this date because…?"

"I didn't want you to think I was some stalker or crazy fan of yours— which I'm sure there are a lot of, and while I am a fan, it's definitely not to that level."

"And asking about me even though you already knew me…"

"In my defense, I just know about your job. I didn't expect that to be the first thing you brought up. You really love fashion, don't you?"

"And when you asked me if I was a model…you knew that I wasn't?"

" Well , that was just me flirting," he finally confesses, and it's more than enough for the scarlet to explode on all areas of her face. "I do think you'd be perfect in front of the camera, though."

"I— uh— well …!"

Adrien smiles, evidently amused with her response. "These are the moments I really wish I had my camera. If you could see your expression now, you'd see how adorable you are."

And that almost breaks her.

"... so, do we have an agreement then?"

Marinette pauses. "... what agreement?"

"For me to take photos of you. In return for me showing you my portfolio."

"Do you really want to take photos of me that badly?"

He stops for a moment, as if thinking. "Well, that's half of the reason why."

"... and the other?"

"Just to have an excuse for me to see you again."

She's overheating by now, and Marinette honestly has no idea how she hasn't exploded into a million little pieces. "Much better than a playdate with a cat and your son, huh?"

"Well," he hums. "The playdate was really just a way for me to hang out with you again like this," Adrien says, gesturing at the park before them. He looks back toward Plagg, whose loud and crackling voice echoes throughout the park. "Besides, Plagg looks like he's having fun. A lot more than he would've with a girl, at least."

Marinette manages to smile, glad for the sudden change in conversation. If that had continued for any longer, she wasn't sure whether she could still handle it . "Ah, right . He's at the age where every girl's the 'enemy', huh?"

"Give him time," Adrien says easily, watching the younger boy jump around in evident excitement. "He hasn't realized how fun a girl's company can be." His voice quiets a bit, then in a longing sigh, "it's mostly just me and him, after all."

Right.

Brief silence.

Then: a sudden, awkward, but completely well-meaning pat on the back. Adrien looks up in surprise at the touch, coming eye-to-eye with a kind stare thrown in his direction. "You know," Marinette begins, "I'm not sure if it'll mean a lot coming from me, but I think you've been doing a great job with him. He really looks happy, and comfortable with you. Both of you— I mean, Plagg , is absolutely adorable."

Adrien smiles back. "Thank you. And it means a lot— really ." He pauses, then observes for a moment. "You're not going to ask…?"

They both know what he's referring to, and she hastily shakes her head.

" Well , I am curious. But I don't want to pry," Marinette then responds. "Especially if it's something hard to talk about." She stops briefly, a little nervous. "Besides… knowing that you're with me now, is more than enough."

The words escape her mouth before she can stop it.

"I mean, you're not with with me, and of course I don't think we're anything more than that- not to say that I'd be against it, or for it, or… I'm just …!" She takes a deep breath, evidently exhausted from the mental gymnastics she'd put herself through. "I'm not someone who'd force you to talk if it's not something you'd want to talk about in the first place."

He smiles, again, but softer this time. "It's not that I don't want to," Adrien starts, eyes drifting away from her to watch his son running around excitedly. "There's just not much to say. You know how it is— you meet someone, think you're in love, get on that high of romance, then realize you're not what the other wanted…," he sighs, evidently forlorn about what happened. "She still had things she wanted to fulfill: dreams and future plans she wanted to make a reality, and—," Adrien breathes a laugh, then turns back to face Marinette. "Well, we no longer fit into it."

"I'm… I'm sorry."

(She doesn't know what else to say. What would you say to something like that? )

He smiles. "Don't worry, it happened years ago. And it was for the better: if she had stayed, we would've only resented the other for it." Adrien looks her in the eye, and she can't detect a hint of bitterness or anger within it. His gaze is clear and steady, ultimately having come to peace with his reality. "It was a mutual decision. Besides, if that hadn't happened, then I wouldn't have met you."

There it is again. The familiar feeling of her heart threatening to burst out of her chest. "I'm happy I got to meet you too."

She finally meets his stare, and they slowly lean towards each other. Marinette has to actively try to stop herself from faltering as they lean closer— and closer, and closer , until:

"Dad!"

Marinette abruptly pushes back at the sudden intrusion, only a split second's away from falling over the bench as Adrien quickly reacts and pulls her forward. She can't tell whether the amused grin on her face makes her feel embarrassed, irritated, in love, or some grand mix of all three.

"How many times have you fallen for me now?" He asks her teasingly, before easily switching gear and facing his son. "What do you need, bud?"

Tikki appears from behind the smaller figure, still looking unimpressed, but notably leaning on the kid's leg. Hm, well that's new. (Marinette can't help but take it as a sign of her cat's approval of her newfound 'relationship'.)

Plagg only stares back at the two of them for a moment, before a sudden loud grumble seems to pierce the whole park. Adrien bites back a chuckle, before carefully taking out his backpack and smiling. "Hungry, then?"

At the exact same moment, Tikki meows expectantly, looking up at her— well, her mother . Quickly, Marinette rummages around her purse to retrieve a container of cat food from inside. She glances at her companion, offering a shy smile. "So, lunch?"

"You brought food for Tikki… and not for yourself?"

"Of course, she's my baby," Marinette only huffs, before shrugging. "And I can always buy food for myself at one of the stalls here."

Adrien shakes his head, before removing four lunch containers from his bag. "No need, I brought meals for all of us."

She pauses. "Even for me?"

" Actually ," he starts. "I made one for Tikki, too." He glances down at the cat to pat her lightly, who only meows indignantly back in response (though she doesn't make an effort to scratch him, which Marinette finds to be a pleasant surprise— something she would've paid more attention to, if not for the sheer embarrassment she was feeling from the event.

"... and I'm really sorry about that."

"Don't be," he says easily, the bright smile still on his face as he stands up, offering his hand to her. "More for us." Marinette manages a laugh, while Adrien tilts his head sideward and grins. "Let's go?"

She takes it, then smiles back. "Definitely."

The rest of the day passes by in a flash. The two talk, have lunch together, and bond with each other's kids. Tikki warms to Adrien, even allowing him to have her sit on his lap (which Marinette insists is the greatest honor her cat would confer on a stranger).

Plagg calls Marinette the "coolest girl he's ever met", and she's never felt prouder of a title that was conferred to her (even more than when magazines called her things like the top designer or fashion icon ). Adrien tells her that it's a greater honor than Tikki's on-the-lap action— they agree to disagree.

In what only seems like a few hours ends quickly, and Marinette finally finds herself in her office, after an offer to walk her back. Plagg holds his dad's hand, and Tikki follows behind him.

The building towers over them, and Adrien looks in awe, mouth formed into a little 'o' as he takes in the area. "So you own all of this, huh?"

"Well," Marinette starts, " technically , the company does."

"... and you're CEO, which basically means that you own it."

She laughs lightly. "You're not wrong."

Adrien plasters on an exceedingly-fake offended face, then puts a dramatic arm to his chest. "I can't believe you made me get your lunch while you live like this."

" What do you mean?" Marinette tries to protest, swatting him playfully as the latter only laughs while she gives in to his teasing. "I didn't ask you to make it!"

"I know," he grins. "But it was a pretty romantic move on my part, huh?"

She laughs lightly. " Maybe ."

It's evident that he wants to continue the conversation (and maybe she does too, really), until her phone suddenly rings, evidently with a work call asking where she is. Marinette sighs as she checks, her guess being proven true. "Duty calls," she sighs, waving her phone briefly, before scooping up Tikki in her arms. "I have to go."

Adrien nods, before taking a step back. "I understand," he says. "But if ever you need someone to get you out of work or some inspiration," he smiles, "your muse is always one call away."

"Muse, huh?" She hums, then smiles back. "Guess I have to change your nickname on my phone, then."

"What was it originally?"

Marinette laughs, somehow emboldened with the day they spent together. "Hot Park Stranger," she confesses, watching his face morph into a look of confusion to one of amusement.

"Well, can't argue with the facts," he jokes, before bowing down playfully. "I'll see you again?"

"Definitely," Marinette only responds easily, before kneeling down and saying goodbye to Plagg, with her palm moving forward. "And you too, of course."

The smaller figure only grins, before high-fiving her. "See you!"

She stands back up, then offers her hand with the attention to shake Adrien's— only for the latter to completely ignore her attempt, taking her hand and using it to pull her close to him, leaving not much room in-between them at all.

He whispers in her ear. "I really want to kiss you right now."

Marinette has to stop herself from exploding into flames.

"... and you won't, because?"

A curious tug on her leg makes her realize exactly why, as Plagg looks up at both of them in slight curiosity. She can't stop the laugh that escapes her lips, watching as Adrien looks on in amusement.

"Maybe next time," he finally says. "When I take you on a proper date."

"Not a playdate, anymore?"

Adrien finally lets her go, though the smile remains on his face. "If that's what you want, then I'd have no problem with it," he says easily. "All I want is to see you again."

"I can make that come true," she responds, smiling brightly. "See you, Adrien."

"See you, Marinette."

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end notes—

hoping you're all keeping safe during the pandemic:) here's a long-overdue promise just to make someone's day a little better, hopefully

(not my best work, but please be kind since im still easing myself back into this,,)

inspired by this prompt: "The hot single parent I'm into proposed a playdate for our kids and I happily agreed but I was actually talking about my pet please send help" AU.

thank you for reading! ( ´ ∀ `)ノ～