A/N: Sooooooo…

I am back from the dead… Or something like that. I know, that my break had been one month, instead of a week but… I just needed this time. To breath and to not feel the urge to upload and all. Also I had many bad news coming in – so I needed this time for me and my family.

But now I am back on my usual schedule – well – almost. This upload was supposed to happen yesterday already, but my Internet connection was shitty and didn't let me do anything! But here it is – the new chapter, the first of five I have written during my break. I really hope you enjoy it:D

Liars and the Platypus

Working in her parents bakery was always fun – being together with Tom and Sabine in this Wonderland of smells and aromas was always therapeutic. It healed her soul on some days and made it easier to get through the following week.

But this time was different. Special, almost – for Adrien was there as well, messing around with her father by the oven. Though… no… he was not messing around, rather learning and soaking in every detail and piece of information he could get from her father. And everybody could tell, that he had never made bread before. Or cakes… And certainly the way he made croissants would be a lovely anecdote in the future.

But they had their fun, their laughs and jokes echoing through the small room, infecting Sabine and Marinette as well. And there was just something about them, that made Marinette smile for the whole day. That made her giggle at the most silly grimaces and puns and jokes and it would be stuck in her mind for the longest time.

There was just something in the air, that made her happy – even for such a short time. For the second shift ended far too quickly for her taste.

But on the other hand… the customers noticed the almost ecstatic atmosphere – laughed at well, even though some seemed to wonder, where they have seen that familiar face of the blond man before. But not one came to the conclusion, that the new apprentice was – indeed – one very famous Adrien Agreste.

And just like that the carefreeness could be carried on for the whole shift and until it was about time to close the bakery for the day – punctual and a little earlier, than they did during the week with the two young adults biding her parents goodbye.

"Next week – as usual?", Marinette asked with as smile, first hugging her mother, then her father. "And if you two need anything, then call me! Or if you need somebody in the bakery! And if-"

"Marinette~", Tom hummed, laying a caring hand on the shoulder of his daughter, smiling down to her with gentleness and warmth. "You are already doing so much for your old parents. Your own life needs you as well!"

"Indeed!", Sabine agreed. "I would rather love for you to take a day off from all your duties and responsibilities. Eat healthy and sleep for the whole day! Take a step back to breath. When did you last meditate? And when do you want to-"

"Maman…", Marinette sighed, taking the shaking hands of her mother in her own and smiled. "I'll take my time when I need to… but right now is not the time to slow down…"

Especially with Lady Titalee's presence lurking around every corner – but she couldn't tell her mother that.

And Sabine – indeed – knew, that something was off. She could read her daughter all too well. But this time she chose to stay quiet about that.

Instead she turned to Adrien, who quietly waited in the background for Marinette, looking outside the window, while trying to listen not too closely to the said things between parents and daughter.

"And you Adrien – you'll take care of my daughter?"

Marinette rolled her eyes upon hearing that, letting go of her mother's hands, turning to cast her friend and apologetic smile – one he immediately returned, before he slowly came closer, to stand beside the young woman.

"Of course Madame- of course, Sabine. Though I suppose, that Marinette is the one, who takes care of me, instead. You two certainly did a great job at being good parents to her…"

Tom chuckled upon hearing that, patting the shoulder of the blond man in an almost fatherly fashion. Sabine on the other hand let out a tiny gasp, before she reached out for Adrien to hug him tightly.

And he let her do that.

Upon seeing this, Marinette's heart started to flutter in her chest. It made her feel warm inside. Happy – for she was glad, that her parents treated him like that – for that's exactly what he wanted.

For he wasn't just the son of a villain. The son of a multimillionaire, a fashion designer and the former face of a whole brand. He had always wanted to be a mere boy – now man. Ground to earth and to have a happy, fulfilled life.

… he wanted to be loved…

"You – my dear – are a good man, Adrien! Don't you let other people say something else. You have a good heart. A warm soul. Take care of that and one day everybody will see you the way you want to be seen…", Sabine said wisely, when she had stepped away from him again, laying both her hands on his cheeks to examine him most closely, before she added something in Chinese: " A true warrior, like tea, shows his strength in hot water. You will overcome all the obstacles, that the people here in Paris will lay in your way. You have overcome them all before…"

She blinked, before she stepped away from Adrien, smiling contently.

"Excuse me – Chinese ladies tend to get sentimental when they grow old – especially when their daughter does not gift them with long awaited grandchildren…"

"Though - Sabine was right – you are a good man, Adrien! And… if – by any chance – you search for a place to show that inner strength of yours, then you are always welcomed in our bakery".

"Wait…you mean-"

"You have strong hands to knead the dough. You seemed to be well-balanced to carry the big trays and your Croissants were better, than those I have made the first time I tried. So... If you look for a place, where you could earn honest money in the future, then I am willing to be your mentor!"

"Papa…"

Marinette was stunned – and by the way Adrien studied her father's waiting hand she could tell, that he was feeling the same.

She knew, that her parents had been looking for somebody to follow in their footsteps one day. To take over their bakery, as they were growing older. To keep the family recipes and secrets. But Marinette was their only child – and she had always wanted to persuade her career as a fashion designer. And they let her do that, knowing, that it would make her happy one day. Of course they could have demanded from her, that she should follow them into the family business. But they never did.

For helping out was fun and quality family time – but at the end of the day baking wasn't something she wanted to do all her life.

And this knowledge had plagued Marinette for such a long time. For the bakery had been her parents dream, but leaving it behind one day was almost inevitable.

But… with finding and apprentice, who would take over one day, this problem would be solved as well.

So when Tom asked to be Adrien's mentor, then he was absolutely serious about this. Then he had seen potential in the blond – one he didn't want to go to waste.

"Of course we know, that you need some time to think this over and to work in a bakery is not for everybody-", her mother started, but was stopped, when Adrien had reached up, to lay his and that of her father, shaking it with soft power and determination.

Grinning more and more, as if this was that opportunity, that he had waited for his whole life.

And it was Tom, who turned speechless instead, before he let out a loud, barking laughter.

"Alright, alright! I suppose starting out on Monday is okay? Can you be there at eight?"

"Didn't the bakery open at seven?", Adrien asked. "Then I will be there at seven! And if you need me to help prepare anything, then-"

"Seven it is!", Tom exclaimed with joy, raising one finger into the air to add wisely: "We will talk about everything else on Monday. We will start out slow… And if you change your mind, then just call us – you know where to find us…"

"Yes", Adrien nodded, his eyes gleaming with joy and he looked up to the older man, as if his biggest wish had come true. Nodding and shaking Tom's hand once more. "Yes, I will be there at seven! And I definitely will not change my mind! You can count on me, Monsieur-"

"Tom! For you it's Tom and I will not let you call me anything else but that!"

The older man eventually cleared his throat – looking over to his daughter, who was still staring in awe at the happing before her.

And who blushed, when she felt all eyes on herself, holding tightly onto her purse.

"A really wonderful idea, Papa…", Marinette whispered, her heart still not taking a break at the very thought, that she might be seeing Adrien even more often from now on.

… if he wanted to, of course…

"But we need to get going… It's getting late. And you guys should rest – it had been a busy day! And really – call me, if-"

"Marinette… It's okay", Sabine sighed, giving her daughter a final kiss on the forehead. "You are a good girl, my Dear. But even you can't be everywhere at once… And now – of with the two of you, before you are running late on your date!"

The young woman wanted to complain – really – but Adrien had already grabbed her by the wrist, waved her parents one more time, before he took the bag with his own purchase and pulled her along and outside the bakery in a swift move. Walking like that down the street, smiling blissfully.

Until Marinette raised her voice instead:

"… Adrien…?"

"Mhm?"

"You can let go of me now…"

"Oh…" He did, letting Marinette's hand fall to her side, looking at her with wide, apologetic eyes. Blushing slightly. "I am sorry! I just wanted to make sure, that we arrive at Lila's at time. You know – to get Emma and to go to the Zoo. I certainly didn't want to invite your personal space, or something…"

"Personal Space? Really?"

They stopped walking, looking at each other, with some kind of uncertainty radiating from their eyes. Waiting. Feeling unsure of themselves.

And it was Adrien, who paled. Taking one more step back and who shook his head.

"Shit… Marinette! What did I do? I didn't think this over! I-I… what if I am not good enough at baking! I don't even know the basics! And… and I should have asked you first, right?"

Marinette's eyebrows shot up on her forehead. Trying to study him. To read him – but she came up empty handed. Therefore she asked:

"Why would you need to ask me? What about?"

"If you were okay with me working at your parent's bakery, of course!"

"Why wouldn't I be not okay with that?"

"They… they are your parents…"

"So?"

Marinette wasn't seeing a problem there. And her parents knew, what they were talking about – especially her father. If he had seen potential in Adrien, then he meant it. Said the truth – actually wanted him as his apprentice.

… and for her it was a nice thought, to see Adrien working there in the future…

If he still wanted to…

But he didn't need her permission – he shouldn't even ask her first – he was all grown up now and she wasn't his father and-

Oh…

Some things never change, right? Adrien used to ask permission for so many trivial things – almost daily and he was declined most of the times. A trait, that surely ran deep, even after all these years…

He was still so uncertain in his position in the world – still not used to be master of his own fate and this very thought felt like a cold grip on her own heart.

… and she wished, she could somehow free him of all his burdens…

"You… really don't mind?"

Marinette shook her head, looking up into his face. Tried to put on the warmest smile imaginable.

"Definitely not…", she said softly. "And why would I?"

If anything, it made her happy. Made her smile. Adrien would be a good addition to the bakery! He would surely learn some important lessons about baking and maybe this job might give him some fulfillment.

And the young man could only stare. His lips twitching upward as well and a small blush crept across his cheeks – before he averted his eyes to his car, that stood in the distance. It almost made her wonder, about all the thoughts, that were currently crossing in his mind. Thoughts, which he wasn't able to share in that very moment.

"We should be going…", he eventually mumbled, barely a whisper. "Emma will be waiting for us – well – you. Don't want to keep her waiting any longer…"

She nodded, knowing, that he was indeed right, before both walked side by side to his car.

Almost silently now – barely talking for most of the time while he drove through the busy Parisian traffic. She guided them to their destination, though Marinette wasn't sure, if he would have known the direction by himself. But he let her – letting her fill the silence like that.

They arrived a few minutes later. Parking – Lila's apartment still a little in the distance.

They would need to walk – but at least Lila wouldn't be able to see his car in advance, if he parked in front of the building.

And just like that a worrisome thought came into her mind:

"I know, that this sounds stupid, but you should wait here…", she most silently said, watching him quietly for some seconds, as he scanned the big building in front of them, knowing, that the other woman was already waiting for her to arrive. Turning, when he heard Marinette's voice, again and he raised her eyebrows in question. But listened carefully to her explanation: "I believe, that Lila is still quiet fond of you. She has spoken before about 'your' future with Emma. And… I have seen her looking at you. She… likes you… I know that".

Adrien cringed upon hearing her words and he probably noticed the annoyed gleam in her eyes.

"She is definitely most happy, that you are back…"

"That might be true… But Lila tends to forget, that I merely accept her as Emma's mother. She tricked me before. Lied to me. And I don't trust her. But… for Emma I am willing to go to all these stupid meetings and stuff. I don't want to be in a relationship with her. Gosh – I don't even want to be her friend! But… I believe she doesn't understand my intentions in that way. So… why should I wait here exactly?"

Marinette nodded and for a mere moment she laid a caring hand on his arm.

"I am just worried, that anything you do could mean, that Lila keeps Emma from you. Seeing us together might not give her the best impression…"

"But I don't mind to be seen with you… ", he blurted, his cheeks turning crimson. "In fact I wouldn't mind, if she believes, that we are in a relationship. And-"

Marinette blushed as well and she couldn't deny the warm feeling inside of her upon hearing his soft words.

But he couldn't know, how she felt about them. His feelings surely were of a platonic nature – hers on the other hand weren't.

Yet suppressed all her hopes immediately, trying to calm her rapidly beating heart in her chest.

… she tried to stay calm. Focused.

She saw him thinking about her words. Considering them, trying to find a better solution. And – gosh – this poor man certainly was thinking too much in his life. He tried to be most careful – but why should she blame him for that? After all… he had to do that all his life.

… and now… with everything that was currently happening around it wouldn't change all too easily…

And it was no surprise to her, that he was behaving like that. Adrien had to be considerate of every thing he said – its burned in his very soul. A reminder from the past – for he had been always careful about the things he did and said around his father. His friends. Perhaps around her as well.

And with everything that happen since his father's big reveal as Hawk Moth he surely had gotten even more careful and liked to play safe…

So, he probably understood best, why she was worrying too much. Why she would suggest such a stupid thing. Understood, that Lila, could ruin everything for him – because she believes, that Marinette could take that man away from her (Even if this very man is far from interested in her).

Though… Lila shouldn't worry. Marinette wasn't interested in that relationship herself. And Adrien –

"It still amazes me, that you want to help me out. You have so much on your plate and then there is me, who stumbles through his life in Paris. I… I really don't want to be a burden to you, Marinette. But… but I am most thankful for all the things you do for me…"

Now it was his hand, that reached out to her, laying on hers, that rested on her lap. His gaze lingering most softly on her. Leaning closer most slowly…

… and it was her who pulled away. Almost in panic. Unbuckling her belt and opening the car door. Swinging her legs outside.

"Better keep going…", she said and waved him, getting outside, before he could have leaned in completely. "Lila certainly does not approve, if I am late. Just… just wait here! I'll be back with Emma in a few minutes!"

Marinette didn't wait for his answer, instead hurried away with a madly beating heart in her chest – wondering, if this really just has happened, or if her crazy mind just started to hallucinate about… Adrien trying to kiss her?

Stomping down the streets she groaned. Frustrated and confused, even though a little hopeful string tried to tug at her heart – trying to get her to turn around again, to walk back to him and in his arms to demand an explanation and-

No… there was no explanation. She was sure, that she imagined things – for Adrien was her friend and as such he wouldn't want to engage in something like making-out. Especially not here and now and not with her!

It did cost her much energy to convince herself about that. She felt almost breathless when she reached the apartment complex and rang the bell. Breathing heavily and crossing her arms in front of her chest to keep her hands from shaking.

But it at least worked a little – and hearing Lila's voice certainly did the rest.

"Come up here. Emma is almost ready…", the annoyed voice at the other side of the speaker said and a buzzing sound reached her ears, entering the building the next second.

Marinette climbed the stairs up with ease, her face dropping, when she saw Lila – as usually – leaning against the doorframe, blocking the view inside. But not smirking this time, like she would usually do. No. She was frowning, her eyes narrowed, as she examined the black haired woman in front of her most carefully.

"Where have you been? You are five minutes late. And you know – some people have to get to work early. Have important jobs, instead of the servant-thing you do in that stupid little restaurant…"

"I am babysitting your daughter – isn't that important enough?", Marinette answered back, raising her head a little higher, as if she wanted to impress the woman, that was just slightly taller than her, pressing her own lips into a thin line to hide the smirk, that tried to form there, for firing back just as eloquently.

But Lila chose to stay quiet about that – instead changed the topic, before Emma would have reached them:

"Have you been seeing Adrien lately? Don't lie – I have seen the video. Everyone probably has by now and Paris is very aware of that stupid little thing, that is going on between the two of you…"

"There is nothing going on between us…", she said, clutching her purse tightly by her side. "And if there was something going on, then it shouldn't be of your business, Lila…"

"Good~", the other woman said nonchalantly, shrugging and a smirk returning to her features. "I should believe you, right? You were always bad at lying. And what would somebody like Adrien Agreste want from somebody like you, Marinette? It would be a mere one-time thing. Nothing more. Just… " The brunette leaned dangerously closer and Marinette could already smell her sickly sweet perfume. "… don't stand in my way. Adrien and I are meant to be. We made Emma. We will raise her, together. Do you understand? He will see it as well and when we will move in together as family we won't need your stupid little service anymore. And don't you think, that Emma wouldn't be the best big sister imaginable?"

Her voice turned sweet as well – just like the smell around her. Thick like honey – basking herself in her dreamlike fantasy, that she created for herself – unaware of the fact, that Adrien wasn't seeing her in that way.

… and eventually she would came crushing down back into this very reality, when he told her that.

But for now Marinette would not be able to convince her otherwise – she didn't even want to.

"So-", Lila added at last, while Marinette could already hear Emma rummaging in the background, putting on her shoes and searching for her back bag, while her mother lowered her voice in an almost dangerous fashion. "-stay out of the way of my happy family. Or I will ruin your life, Dupain-Cheng…"

"Marinette!", Emma exclaimed happily, as she pressed past her mother to hug her tall friend instead, being not aware of the threat, that her mother had just given. "Can we go now? I am so excited! Where are we going this time? Can you tell me?"

But the young woman couldn't answer – still staring back at the other woman before her. Gulping. Wondering, if she could actually do that… ruin her life…

Marinette wasn't afraid of Lila Rossi. No. Not one bit. But the other woman had tried before to ruin her reputation by causing harm with her constant lying and with her deceiving behavior. And now – despite being a mother – was certainly no difference…

But… would it by enough to become Lady Titalee? To terrorize Paris? At what cost and… why…?

Though… of course… Lila had just given her the perfect reason to do exactly that…

… and it was almost the same wish, as the one, that had turned Gabriel to the dark path before…

Wishing for a happy family. Whole. Together…

So… indeed… Chat Noir and Ladybug should check Lila Rossi out as well… fast… To hopefully stop her for good.

But right now was not the time to think about the duties of her alter ego – and Emma hurriedly reminded her about that, by hugging her Maman one more time as a goodbye, giving her a tiny kiss on the cheek, before she took Marinette's hand to drag her down the stairs in all her excitement.

Both women had not the chance to utter one more word about that, for Marinette and Emma were already gone.

"So – can we go to the Park, again? Can I have another ice-cream? Or can we go the the Seine? I like counting the boats there! And what have you planned? Can you tell me? Please?", Emma already asked in a rapid hurry, not stopping once to take breath, while skipping down to the basement and outside of the building. Looking up with big, gleaming eyes.

Green eyes – just like those of her father.

Marinette should have seen it earlier. The resemblance, that Emma and Adrien share – with the golden hair, the green eyes and that smile, that would even make the sun go jealous. They were basically the same person – one being a gown man, while the other was a small girl and Marinette wondered, if Adrien had been exactly like this, when he was younger.

Probably, for his mother was still around and Gabriel wasn't the same back then, as well.

… yeah… a happy, little family, indeed.

If Emilie and Gabriel had ever wished for a second child as well? Maybe even a third – but fate had decided for them to only have Adrien, instead.

… and for Emilie to fall into some unbreakable, magical sleep, while Gabriel had chosen to become a supervillain. With Adrien being the one to eventually break under all this pressure and to become a man, who had to carry all these burdens alone.

"Marinette? Is everything okay?", Emma asked with concern in her voice, frowning, when she didn't get an answer – unaware, that the young woman had too much on her mind in that very moment.

But her voice brought Marinette back to the reality, making her blink and shake her head and she forced a big smile back on her features.

"Everything is alright, Mon Petit", she said, taking her hand to pull her along and down the streets to bring her closer to Adrien's car – with the blond man waiting patiently for them in the distance. "And today is going to be a real surprise for you! Are you excited?"

Emma immediately nodded and jumped up and down by Marinette's side, squealing.

"I love surprises!"

"Oh, I bet you do! And it's a really awesome one and I am pretty sure, that you will like it! But don't worry – we will be back in time!"

"Good! 'cause Maman does not like it, if we get back too late…"

That was true… Therefore they should really hurry, to see all the animals in the Zoo – at least Emma's most favorite ones.

… and to spend enough quality time with her father…

They were by now close enough – the car only a few steps before them and Adrien standing a few steps ahead of them. Playing most nervously with his ring, turning and twisting it around his finger. Smiling. Seemingly unsure of himself and the whole situation.

… and Emma didn't even notice him at that moment, for she kept on babbling about all the possible surprises, she was currently thinking about – so it was Marinette, who acted fast:

"Oh Adrien! What a surprise to see you here!", she exclaimed in a horribly faked voice, that made even herself cringe. Adrien also raised his eyebrows about that and he blinked, while Emma immediately stopped walking upon hearing his name. Mustering her father with disdain, hiding a little behind Marinette's legs.

His smile dropped for a mere moment upon seeing that – but he chose not to act on his feelings, instead went down on his knees to meet his daughter on her height, again, raising one hand to greet her, instead. Smiling, once more.

" Bonjour Mademoiselle. It's nice to see you here as well! Really! This is such a big surprise! And you are out with my good friend Marinette? Where are the two of you going?"

He played along with Marinette's faked surprise. Good. That way Lila wouldn't later find out, that they planned this meeting beforehand, if Emma told her about Adrien's sudden appearance.

At least that's, what Marinette hoped – and Adrien probably as well.

"Why's he here, Marinette?", Emma asked, peeking from behind Marinette. Still holding onto her hand, as if the woman could save her from that blond man in front of her. "I don't want him here with us…"

These words broke Adrien's heart. And with that Marinette's as well, making her gulp hard. And she could see a tiny flicker in his green eyes. Breaking a little inside, but the smile stayed plastered on his lips – an old routine from his former shoots and from his time as a model.

"Oh… I didn't want to scare you, Emma. I am… well…"

' Zoo', Marinette mouthed, when he looked up to her for help and he nodded a little, before he faced his daughter once more.

"I am on my way to the Zoo. You know – it's a nice day, the sun is shining and I really like the animals there. Where… where are you two going?"

"The Zoo? Actually I wanted to bring Emma there as well, as a little surprise…"

"You do?", came it from behind her. "The Zoo is my surprise?"

"Yeah… but if you don't want to…"

Emma trusted her. She knew that. And it was fairly easy to convince the small girl to go to the Zoo like that. After all – Emma loved animals dearly and seeing them always made her happy.

So… having her biological father go along on this small trip seemed to be a small burden – but one, that brave Emma wanted to take.

Marinette was there anyway – so what would go wrong, right?

"But I want to see the lions, first!", commanded the girl with a pout and a cute, stern face, still looking skeptically at the man in front of her. "Then the elephants. And then I want to see the fishies. The last time you promised me to look for the Clown Fish – but it wasn't there. But I want to find Nemo!"

"The Clown Fish? Oh of course! We will find it! And Adrien could-"

" And Dory!"

Marinette blinked at the demands from the girl beside her, while Adrien chuckled upon hearing that.

"You like fish pretty much, right? And Lions and Elephants and all?"

"Everybody likes animals", said the girl wisely, raising her nose a little higher – a notion she surely learned from her mother. She eyed Adrien most carefully, before she dared to ask him one more question: "And what is your favorite animal? My Maman likes Butterflies very much-" Oh sure does Lila love butterflies! Probably akumatized ones most. "And Marinette does like… what was it again? Kitties?"

" Cats?", Adrian asked in surprise and since he still was on his knee, he looked up in surprise towards her, a smug, yet unreadable smirk playing on his features for a moment – making the young woman blush - , before he lowered his gaze back to his daughter, again. "Oh I like cats as well. Oh and I like… mhm… let me think… a platypus. And the ladybug is pretty cute, right?"

Really? Adrien had probably the strangest favorite animals on this world. Sure – maybe he came up with them on the spot. Yet… on the other hand – she knew, that there was this hidden and dorky side to him. One he never showed openly. Sometimes in front of Marinette, sure, but never in front of other people.

But now there was Emma…

Though…why would he need to pretend in front of her, that he was a different person on the inside, than he wanted to be. He wouldn't need to impress her with his charm and a smile, that belonged on the cover page of some glossy magazine.

He needed to be his truest self. Nothing more, especially not less.

And… exactly that seemed to be the key to winning the heart of his daughter – just like he had wished.

"What is a patapys?"

"A platypus?", he repeated once more, his eyes gleaming with joy, upon hearing his daughter talk to him. And slowly coming out of her hiding place behind Marinette's legs. "It's like a pretty cool animal! It has fur and a beak and a tail like a beaver. Oh – and it can lay eggs!"

"You made that up! That doesn't exist…", Emma said in complete disbelieve. "Marinette… have you seen an animal like that before?"

"On pictures. Yes…"

Emma's eyes widened at that realization.

"So it does exist…"

"Mhm. It does! Wait – here, I have a photo of it!"

Adrien took his phone, searching his pictures and laid it into Emma's hands. Who gasped at the sign of that fairly strange animal in front of her.

"A Patyplys!"

"A Platypus, yes! I have seen them on my travels. They only live in Australia, you know? But maybe we can see one in the Zoo as well!"

"Marinette? Can we look for the patapas as well?"

She giggled upon hearing Emma's next take on the very difficult name of that strange animal and smiled, before she laid her hands on her knees to bow down as well.

"So what happened with finding Nemo and Dory?"

"I want to see them as well! They are beautiful fishies! And after that we look for the-" She took a deep, deep breath and tried to pronounce it correctly " Platypus! Do you think they have those in the Zoo as well?"

Her last question was directed at Adrien this time.

He shrugged.

"I truthfully don't know. I haven't been to the Zoo in ages. So… we shall find Nemo, Dory and the Platypus, together, okay? You help me and I help you. Sounds like a plan, doesn't it?"

He was excited. For the first time his own daughter had been talking to him. Not ignoring his presence. His words. But she actually seemed to be looking forward to spend time with him.

… it was a tiny step, but an important one and it made Marinette smile happily – her eyes gleaming, even when Adrien stood back up again, to face now her probably.

"And Marinette shall be our guide…", he said softly and meaningful, making Marinette shiver lightly. "She is always of great help…"

"She is!", Emma immediately agreed. "Now come Marinette! I want to see the funny animal with the funny name! Can't wait, until we reach the Zoo!"

A/N:

A Platypus… Totally believe, that Adrien wouldn't have a normal favorite animal. Also I didn't want to give him a too hard time with Emma. And… Children's hearts are quiet easy to win over (I work with children on a daily basis, so I know what I am talking about). Talking and showing interest in their hobbies does usually help. Making silly little comments as well. And to not be too serious. Also Emma had Marinette there – somebody she trusts and looks up to. So… If Marinette likes Adrien he shouldn't be such a bad guy in Emma's eyes.

Also Adrien as Tom's apprentice? Yep! I totally needed to give Adrien a proper job. Something, where he would create things from his heart and that would make him happy. First I was thinking about Teacher or something similar… But him working in the bakery was a better fit for this story. (and I believe I would really enjoy that;D).

Also I might add, that this story will remain placed after the happenings of Season 3. I know, that Season 4 has started to air (hurray!), but with the new characters and happenings it's difficult to adjust this story in this way. So – Chloé will remain the number one Queen Bee and we will not face Shadow Moth (if I am correctly informed) in any way. I may only feature the Kwamis powers, if needed (and if they make their way on the screen by that time:D).

So next chapter:

Cold, cold water, bravery and fears…