16. Sunrise

Warm. That's all that registered in Adrien's mind as consciousness slowly came back to him. He groaned, snuggling his pillow tighter to cling to that warmth and comfort. He didn't want to get up.

However, as his mind continued booting up, something began to strike him as odd. Something was off, but the last thing he wanted to do was open his eyes to figure out what that was.

However, that feeling grew too strong to ignore and—oh…

He wasn't cuddling a pillow.

Feeling like he'd just been splashed with ice water, Adrien was awake now, and his mind was in overdrive as he recalled last night. Marinette had been crying, and Adrien just didn't want to leave her alone, even when her tears had stopped. So he'd encouraged her to settle beside him on the bed while he pulled up a light and sweet anime to enjoy. He figured she'd like this one with a sassy and spunky main girl, and Marinette had.

For the two episodes she'd managed to stay awake for.

Adrien had considered moving her, but it was a little more difficult when she was practically laying on top of him. That, and he hadn't really wanted to move her.

Call him selfish, but he'd chosen to settle down beside her and hold her close. Her eyes had cracked open, but Adrien could see the haze of sleep clouding them.

"Do you want me to go?" he'd asked.

She'd closed her eyes and grabbed his shirt. "Stay."

He was such a goner.

In the end, Adrien found it all too easy to fall asleep next to her. Which was how he found himself in this position now.

It wasn't a bad position, he thought, but maybe it was time to move. Marinette trusted him, and he may have taken advantage of that last night by using any excuse he could find to stay by her instead of doing the responsible thing of waking her or moving her to her room. Or maybe it would have been better to let her stay in his bed while dug around for her room key and went to sleep in her hotel room.

But it was too late to think of that now. Instead, he tried his best to disentangle himself from Marinette, who also had her arms wrapped around him as he had had his around her.

Halfway out of her embrace, Marinette whined and stirred. Adrien froze, hoping she'd just go back to sleep. Her parents had made an off comment that she was a heavy sleeper, so he was banking on that. And thankfully, she seemed to relax again.

Carefully, he began to pull her arms away from his waist.

"Adrien?"

He grimaced. Apparently, he had woken her. "Sorry," he said. "Go back to sleep."

She settled back into her bed, tucking her arms close. "I fell asleep?"

"Yeah."

"Oh," she murmured. She reached up to rub her eyes. "What time is it?"

"Um…" Adrien looked at the dim clock on the night stand. He had to blink a couple times to get his blurry vision to focus, and only then did he realize that the lingering soreness in his eyes were because he'd fallen asleep in his contact lenes. "Morning, sometime," he said, rubbing his eyes. "I can't see the clock at the moment."

At that, Marinette took her hands away from her eyes. "What?"

"My contact lenes get all dry if I sleep in them," he said, already making his way to the bathroom. "Give me a second to get my glasses."

After relieving the pain by taking out his lenses and replacing them with glasses, Adrien walked out of the bathroom to see Marinette was already up and had opened the window. The gray morning light of early dawn was beginning to hang over the city.

"Sorry," Marinette said, not moving her gaze from the window.

"For what?"

"Falling asleep in your bed."

"You were exhausted and had a long day," Adrien dismissed. "It was my fault for not waking you up or moving to go sleep in your room instead."

"It's fine," she said, voice barely above a whisper. "Honestly I… I liked having you there with me. Last night." She turned to him, the faintest glow of pink already highlighting her lovely face as she smiled at him. "Thanks for indulging me."

He gave her a smile in return and hoped it didn't show all the feelings he held in his heart towards her. "You're my best friend, Marinette," he said. "If you ever need anything, I'll be there for you."

For a moment, they just stood side by side and watched the sunrise. It was nice, this quiet time with her. And while he of course enjoyed their banter, he cherished this quiet time with her, too. She was an amazing lady, and he was always glad to spend time with her, no matter in what capacity.

"Hey," Marinette began, reaching out to gently elbow him in the side. "What do you want to do today?"

Adrien's brow furrowed as he frowned. "Aren't we going to the convention?"

"No," she dismissed with an easy smile and shake of her head. "I… I know you set up this trip for me, so of course I want to make the most of it. But you're miserable, and don't try to tell me otherwise."

Adrien rubbed the back of his neck. "Sorry. I didn't know I was making it obvious."

"You weren't. In fact, you're really good at hiding it. I just know you too well, by now."

He felt a warm feeling wash over him. He tried to think of the last time anyone had ever called him out on his acting skills and couldn't think of anything recent. Maybe people noticed but never commented, but Marinette was different. Because of course she was. No one could reach the level of importance that Marinette had reached, which made her all the more valuable to him. "But don't you want to enjoy the rest of the week as much as you can? This is kinda a once-in-a-lifetime opportunity."

She shook her head. "If this trip really is a once-in-a-lifetime opportunity, then I won't be able to enjoy it to the fullest if you are nothing but miserable the whole time. So forget fashion week. I've already gotten my fill of it. What do you want to do, Adrien?"

Adrien looked at her, taking in the way her eyes glittered in the increasingly strong orange glow radiating through the window. Once again, Adrien was reminded why he loved this woman. She was wicked sharp and smoking hot and a total tease, but once you got past that, she was the most earnest, loyal, and caring person he'd ever known in his life. And knowing she didn't give those parts of herself out lightly meant all the more to him.

"Honestly," he finally admitted, not looking away from her gaze. "I'm good with anything you want to do."

She deflated frustratedly. "That doesn't help."

An easy smile picked up the edges of his lips as he shrugged. "Honest truth. I've been here enough times to not care about the city personally. But I care about being with you if I'm going to be here."

With a breath, he bolstered up his courage. If she could make a solid decision about her future, then he could stop being such a coward. "Honestly, doesn't matter where we are," he said, the words pouring from his venerable heart. "Been all around the world, and the place I feel most comfortable is at your side. So to me, it really doesn't matter to me where we go, long as we go together."

He could feel the tension that suddenly sparked between them. It was only after he said that that he realized maybe he should have waited until after the trip. Because now, if she said no—

"Adrien."

Damn it, here it comes. Stay strong. "Yeah?"

"Remember how you owe me a dare?"

He nodded, hoping he hid his grimace. "Yeah, I remember. Doubt you'd ever let me forget."

"I'd like to cash it in now."

Adrien raised a brow, his heart beating nervously. "Do I get a moment to prepare for it?" he asked, teasing lit to his tone as he gave her a nervous grin.

She chuckled, giving him a smirk that didn't have half the devilishness in it as it usually did. "What fun would that be?"

He did his best to play it off with a sigh. "Fine. Dare."

Marinette took a breath, almost like she was steadying herself. "I dare you," she began, her expression a fragile mask of strength. "To confess to the girl you like."

Adrien's heart plummeted in his chest, knocking the air right out of him, and his guts tightened into more knots than he'd ever felt before. But that immense panic only lasted for a moment as his mind started working. The girl he liked. Did… did she…?

A little bud of hope blooming in his chest, he took a step forward. "Marinette." His voice was shaking, along with his hands.

She never once took her eyes off him, and because of that, he could see her fragile mask shake. She was scared. And he was, too.

But she'd made the first move, and he wasn't going to let her fall without catching her.

"I love you."

She gasped, her eyes widening slightly for a second.

Emboldened, Adrien reached out to wrap his arms loosely around her waist. "You are the most amazing woman I've ever met. You're a spitfire and a tease and so strong and sharp and beautiful, and I really enjoy all the time we're together. And I'd like that to continue for… for what I hope is a very long time." He paused, taking a moment to collect his breath so he could finish. "So, Marinette, I love you. Would you please be my girlfriend?"

The joy that lit up her expression brighter than the sunrise outside already gave him her answer. And he felt like he could fly over the moon with the energy that gave him.

She flung her arms around his neck, hugging him tightly. It only took a millisecond for Adrien to return the favor, pulling her so close that he lifted her feet off the ground.

"I love you, too," Marinette whispered back. "Yes, I will be your girlfriend."

The smile on Adrien's face could not possibly stretch any wider. All words failed him at that moment, so he settled for continuing to hold her, slowly setting her feet back on the ground.

As their embrace loosened, Marinette seemed to pause before she got too far away, placing her face just inches from his. The heady feeling that washed over Adrien was either from the proximity or his rapid breath. Maybe both. But instead of deciding which was the most likely option, he leaned in, his nose brushing against hers and sending sparks flying through him.

She didn't move away. If anything, she responded by leaning closer, her nose now rubbing his cheek. And that was all the invitation Adrien needed to finish what he'd started and press his lips to hers.

Over and over and over again.

17. Text Messages

To say Marinette was over the moon might be an understatement.

She just felt all fluttery, and she didn't know how much of it was from Adrien's confession and how much of it was from the menagerie of kisses he'd given her that left her reeling.

Either way, she was happy. Thankful, and happy. Adrien was an amazing man who could easily toss back any teasing, make her smile, take her mind off her worries, and bring her peace. And just like he'd expressed, she also just loved being with him, whether that be running a bakery shift together, watching anime, or walking around New York. It didn't matter to her.

At the moment, she was getting ready for their outing. She found herself wanting to put a little extra effort into her appearance today. It wasn't like she was unconfident in her appearance around him—after all, they worked together in a bakery and were often covered in food and sweat and occasionally soot if they were cleaning out the oven or if it was running extra hot, and never once did she worry her about either of their appearances—but today marked their first day as a couple, and she wanted to look nice for him.

As she was putting on her eyeliner, her phone dinged with a text. Once she finished with the make-up in her hand, she reached for her phone, thinking it was her parents checking in. They hadn't yesterday or today and was wondering when they'd contact her.

But it wasn't them. It was Adrien.

I don't know what to wear on my first date with this amazing girl! Help me!

She scoffed, unable to keep the smile of her face. This dork. Clown shoes. She texted back. You gotta warn her who you are way ahead of time ;)

Oh, I'm hurt! He responded. For the record she loves my jokes.

She sniggered. That's debatable.

It's true! You should see the smile she gets. Cutest thing ever and she thinks I don't catch it when she hides it.

She bit her lip before remembering she didn't want to smudge her lipstick. You're seeing things.

If you mean I'm seeing this smoking hot young lady, then yes, I am. I'm one lucky guy. ;)

Grinning like an idiot, she was rendered speechless for a moment, racking her brain for a retort. Well, the lucky lady in question can't complete her make-up if her date continues texting her.

Why bother? I'm planning on ruining it anyway ;)

She let out a squeak as she dropped her phone. Her eyes met her reflection in the mirror, proving that while she was now red, she was grinning incredulously at her idiot boyfriend.

Her phone dinged again. See? Just helped you with your blush ;)

She as going to dump his sorry butt by the day's end if he kept this up.

And then probably regret it tomorrow and kiss him until he got back together with her, but she ignored that for now.

Her phone dinged again. Princess?

She ignored the incoming text messages as she finished her make-up, then put her hair into a half-updo that he might just ruin later along with her make-up, but she was completely okay with that.

When she finished, she noticed Adrien had sent her a couple more messages of Did I go too far? before ending with a I'm going to assume you really are just finishing your make-up, but please text when you're finished.

She sighed, small smile on her lips. She should really just go put that poor boy out of his misery.

She opened the door, only to spot Adrien exiting his room as well.

"I'm not mad at you," she assured. "That was kinda funny, actually."

He visibly relaxed, and Marinette could ease up, too, assured that he knew he hadn't crossed the unspoken teasing line. It was amazing how much facial expressions and tone made a difference in a conversation.

"Sorry," he said, rubbing the back of his neck. "Guess I'm a bit wound up."

"Why? It's just me."

Adrien huffed. "Marinette, I don't know if you know this, but 'just you' is a pretty stellar person. I count myself a really lucky guy, so the last thing I want to do is screw this up."

Marinette grinned. "Well, it's 'just you', so I know you won't. Because 'just you' is a pretty stellar person, too."

18. First Date

Kissing his best friend was not at all how he expected to start his day. But it was a pretty amazing way to kick off a morning.

And now, his best friend was his girlfriend and he had the honor of playing tour guide around New York City. They hit all the tacky tourist spots, took plenty of photos, had great food, and bought souvenirs. For a first date, it wasn't too bad.

Oh, who was he kidding? It was amazing. But it had nothing to do with the setting and everything to do with the fact he was with her. Being around Marinette was his greatest joy in life. She grounded him and brightened his day and supported him in ways that no one else had been able to do before. Maybe he was getting ahead of himself, but he could already see standing by her side for the rest of their lives.

"You look better today," Marinette spoke up from his side.

He looked down at her, a little confused. "What do you mean?" he asked, shooting her a smirk and wink. "I always look good."

She giggled. "Not what I meant. I meant that you don't look miserable today. Like you're actually enjoying yourself."

Those words helped him relax a bit, and he tightened the grip he had on her hand. "I'm just really, really happy."

Marinette squeezed his hand back, giving him a smile that was going to knock him to his knees. Geez, he had to be careful around this woman. "I am, too," she whispered back.

He was shocked he didn't trip because his heart sure did.

"I noticed this a while ago," she eventually said, "But you're not wearing your earrings anymore."

"Oh, yeah. That." He shrugged. "I guess I just got tired of them. Before we came on this trip, I looked at them again and realized that I only got them to piss off my dad. I didn't care one way or another. And I guess… I was tired of wearing something that only reminded me that my dad was an asshole. Why? Did you like them?"

She shrugged. "You look good either way. But if that's your reason, then I also like you better without them, then."

"What makes you say that?"

"Because I like the Adrien that can reflect on himself and decide to not let others shape his appearance. Maturity is more attractive than any physical attributes, in my opinion."

Adrien would forever blame a crack in the pavement for the way he stumbled, nearly pulling Marinette to the ground with him.

"You okay?" she asked once he'd regained his balance.

No, he was not okay. He was certain his face was red, and his heart was going a hundred kilometers an hour. "Um… yeah."

She didn't look convinced but didn't argue.

A comfortable silence slipped between them as they walked back to the hotel, the sun sinking lower in the sky as the day came to an end.

"Hey," Adrien eventually said, giving voice to the thought that wouldn't leave his head. "Did… did you really mean what you said about liking maturity over my looks?"

Marinette looked up at him, meeting his gaze. She gave him a soft smile. "Yeah. I've never really got caught up in people's looks. I never understood the teenage girl games of 'is he hot or not' or whatever that was. And while I can say that I do think you're handsome, your looks didn't play any role in my falling for you."

"O-oh?" He inwardly kicked himself. He couldn't even string together a full sentence. How intelligent.

"Yeah," she said with a shrug. "What? I don't think it's that big of a deal. Right? You've got plenty of amazing attributes that have nothing to do with how you so happen to look."

Adrien stopped, tugging her hand and causing her to spin her around to face him. "Actually, it is a big deal," he began, watching her grow nervous. He gently squeezed her hand taking a step forward to get closer. "Because as a model for many years, I've been surrounded by people who only care about my appearance. And suddenly, I'm with my dream girl, and I find out that the one thing I was valued for for so long doesn't matter to her. And… and it's weird because it feels great to know you like me for other reasons, but I also somehow feel gypped a little bit."

Marinette relaxed, and a sympathetic smile came across her lips. "For the record, I do think you're handsome," she assured. "But I also think you're hard-working and reliable and trustworthy and kind. And I like being with you as a person. I can trust you. I feel safe with you. And that means the world to me."

Adrien could feel his heart melting. He loved this woman so much that this was only their first date and he was already a total goner. However, if he was being honest with himself, he'd fallen for her long ago. He counted himself so very lucky for that.

He also counted himself lucky that he seemed to be just what she needed, just as she was what he needed. If he had his way, he was going to be with this woman forever. And he was determined to make that happen.