A/N: Thank you for sticking around! Your feedback helps me write, so it's very much appreciated!

8.

In Adrien's defence, he felt like he had known Marinette forever. And in a way, that was true. From the day he met Nino, he had heard all about her: "Marinette saved me from a black panther once", "Oh this bracelet? It's a Christmas present from Marinette.", "Marinette would know what to do!", "Marinette's mother told my mother that Marinette didn't get in…"

Adrien had been almost as heartbroken as Nino was, when Marinette wasn't accepted to their lycée, even though he had never actually met her. He'd always wanted to – if only to ask her about the panther incident.

From what Adrien knew, Marinette had been on the fast track to becoming a successful designer. She won several competitions in middle school, an amazing feat for a teenager. That alone should have guaranteed her a place in their school. Nino had been surprisingly quiet about it at first. Eventually, Adrien had asked and his friend had told him all he knew.

Sensing that Marinette was waiting for an answer, Adrien's eyes found hers.

"He said something about a promise Chloé made way back in preschool," he said hesitantly. "Something about how she swore to block your way when you least expect it."

Marinette's face turned to relief instantly.

"That's what he thought?" she burst into laughter. It broke the tension. Adrien dared a small smile. "Chloé and I will probably never get along, but she's not… She's not the reason I stopped pursuing my dream."

Marinette grabbed a towel to clean up the mess she made by dropping the cup. Adrien tried to stop her.

"A lot of things happened back then. Things that took priority." She looked at him wistfully. "I'm not sure I want to discuss them with you right now."

"That's alright. I'm sorry for bringing up bad memories again."

"Besides, it's not like I've given up completely. One day, I'll get there!" She threw a fist in the air, filled with determination. Her eyes sparkled and all trace of sadness was washed away by a wide grin. "But I won't be just a designer. I'll be the owner of the most fashionable clothing brand in Paris!"

Adrien snorted. If anyone else said it, it would have rang an alarm in his head, but since it was Marinette, he felt amused. He puffed out his chest, looking more ridiculous than intimidating, and announced: "I'll be ready to take you on."

The woman tilted her head quizzically. For once, her heart didn't go into overdrive from the way he looked at her.

"I don't get it."

"Oh, come on!" Adrien whined. "What's my name?"

"Adrien?"

"My last name."

It took Marinette a moment to recall his last name and another second to make the connection. Adrien knew the instant it hit her, as her eyes widened comically and her mouth formed a small O.

"Agreste." She spoke defeatedly. "It's so obvious that I can't believe I missed it."

Adrien laughed. "We didn't exactly have a good start."

"Yeah. But still!"

The man nudged her gently. Marinette flushed, when his skin brushed against hers. It felt nice and warm against her cold arm. A little tingly, but in a good way.

"You're amazing, Marinette."

"Thanks?" she squeaked, not used to such flattery. "I should probably get going. Thanks for breakfast – it was wonderful." She gave him a small smile and stood up.

"You could stay, if you want?" Adrien offered sweetly, Marinette was very tempted to say yes, but she knew herself better than that.

She shook her head no. "I would, but I need to catch up on my English homework. I'm way behind."

"English homework? You're still in school?"

"Oh, um. I go to the community class once or twice a week." She looked slightly embarrassed. "I'm not very good though."

"If you ever need help, you can ask me." If he was proud of something, it was his ability to speak English and Chinese at a native-level. "I've heard that it's a useful skill in the fashion world." Adrien winked at her. It was a miracle that her heart didn't melt into a puddle. They walked through the hallways. At Hugo's door, Marinette popped in to say goodbye. Hugo didn't want her to leave and clung onto her in a strong hug. It took a good ten minutes for Adrien and Marinette to convince him that he would see his precious friend again.

"Sorry I can't offer you a ride," Adrien apologized at the door. "My driver is on a vacation right now. I never thought he would marry, but he has and if I didn't give him time off for the occasion, what kind of an employer would I be?"

"A terrible one."

Adrien's hand reached out for a handshake. Marinette took it in hers, but instead of shaking it, she pulled him into a light hug. The man's arms wrapped around her, engulfing Marinette in his warmth. She pushed him away gently before a blush took over her face. Would any woman even be immune to Adrien's looks?

She turned away and started to leave.

"See you later!" She heard Adrien call and then, the closing door. As soon as she knew he wasn't watching, Marinette clutched her racing heart. A wide smile took over her face. She skipped all the way home.

„Papa, do you like Malinette?" The way Hugo said her name made Adrien smile.

"Yes, I do. She's a nice lady."

Hugo snuggled closer to his father. It had been a long time since they were close like this. Sitting on the carpet in front of a giant screen, playing video games. Hugo would have preferred to watch a movie, but he wasn't going to complain about the quality time, when it didn't happen nearly often enough.

"I like her too."

There was beeping and heavy pressing of buttons. Hugo lost.

"I want to get her a present." Adrien said after some silence. "To say thank you for taking such good care of you."

"No cake."

"Oh? What should I get her then?"

Hugo's hands flew to his earlobes and he seemed to indicate something.

His father guessed: "Earrings? What kind?"

"Ladybug!" Hugo said matter-of-factly. To him, it was obvious. Adrien's face brightened and he nodded thoughtfully, an idea taking root in his head.

"I'll call the office and get them working, okay?" He stood up, taking out his phone. He valued Hugo's input and while he thought the ladybug earrings might be childish in design, if pulled off correctly, it might be amazing. And he knew a jeweler who knew how to pull off something like that.

"Hey, Nathaniel. I've got a request. Yeah, okay, a commission. I'm thinking stud earrings… No, of course not for myself. They're for a young lady… Make them ladybug themed, okay? Hugo's request. Okay? In a couple of days? Really? That would be great! Thanks."

He couldn't wait to see Marinette's face when she saw them. Nathaniel's work was always top-notch, even if jewelry was more of a side-gig for him – even though it was probably more profitable than his real job.