A little past midnight New York City was more awake than Marinette had expected. Bursting with noise, the streets drowned in lights, displays and billboards, roads - plagued with cars, sidewalks - with people rushing about as an array of their voices filled the night. Life was buzzing around and seemingly no one was planning to retire for the day.
Marinette couldn't either.
Somewhere across the ocean, Paris was waking up. Emma was probably already helping her grandfather bake a fresh bunch of croissants for the morning crowd. Her colleagues most likely were battling through the morning traffic on their way to work, soon to fill the offices of Gabriel and start creating. She, on the other hand, stood by the John F. Kennedy International Airport's front door and looked around for a chauffeur that Nathalie had said would be waiting for her.
"Mlle Dupain-Cheng?" a man in a black suit and a picture in his hand approached her in a minute. When she nodded, he smiled. "Welcome to New York City. My name is Thomas and I'll be your driver for this visit. Please, follow me."
Taking her luggage, the man led Marinette to a black car parked nearby.
"Where to?" he asked her once they settled in, and Marinette couldn't help but bite into her lip. Adrien was so close. She could practically feel him. Right there. In the same city as her. Once she arrived at her hotel, they'd be on the same street. Just a few buildings away and all she had to do to see his gorgeous, sleepy face was to tell Thomas Adrien's address. So incredibly tempting…
"Here," she sighed and passed him a card Nathalie had given her. As appealing as seeing Adrien right away was, that was something that Marinette had firmly decided not to do. First of all, she wanted to surprise him but that wasn't the main reason for her decision. During the past few weeks, Adrien had constantly been exhausting himself day after day, trying to shorten his stay in NYC. When he wasn't modelling, he was working in the office, and when he was done with that, he attended meetings he'd committed to. What little free time he had he spent chatting with her and Emma on their phones. He needed those few extra hours of sleep to function, and if she were to come around, she doubted there would be any sleep at all. Adrien was so close, but Marinette had already waited for weeks. Another few hours shouldn't be a problem, especially because after a stressful day and a long time, she could use some rest as well.
The next morning, Marinette could hardly find it in herself to regret it. Check-In at an upscale hotel was almost effortless, and soon she was already peacefully snoozing in a king-sized bed. The heavy sun-blocking curtains ensured she hadn't woken up until almost noon, but the much-needed rest had made an enormous difference. Marinette felt rested and uplifted. Gone were the fuzziness in her head and dark circles from under her eyes. A shower erased all the evidence of a long journey; breakfast renewed her physical strength. Marinette put on one of her best outfits - a knee-length dress, fitted at the top and flared at the bottom in a colour she knew Adrien would appreciate – Ladybug red. It was simple but sophisticated, subtly emphasizing her best features. A slightly messy lower bun hair-do and a few simple accessories, including a pair of her favourite sandals, and Marinette was ready to knock Adrien off his feet. The only obstacle between them remaining was a twenty-minute ride to the location of his photoshoot.
As a fashion designer, Marinette had frequently visited photoshoots. This particular one took place at a building similar to many in Paris. Nothing inside, apart from the language used, seemed to be really different from her usual experiences – people running around, carrying clothes, equipment, coffee cups and folders, models lingering sparingly here and there, make-up artists and seamstresses making last-minute adjustments. Nothing out of the ordinary for her. Nevertheless, Marinette felt like she was about to faint, hardly able to breathe as she walked the hallways. She persisted, ignoring the jitters relentlessly quivering in the pit of her stomach and soon reached her destination.
As usual, the lights were turned off on the perimeter of the room, with only the center being brightly lit. Marinette's eyes darted there immediately in search of the one who enticed her. She thought she knew how much she'd missed him. At that very moment, she understood how wrong she was.
"Adrien!" A male voice speaking in French somewhere closer to the center of the room caught her attention. "Sensual. Do you know what that means, my boy? Look at me. Imagine I'm a hot, sexy girl, and you want me. Unleash your inner man. Where is that wild predator in you? You want to devour me, to take me away and kiss me senseless-"
Heartfelt laughter filled through the room and even Marinette giggled, watching an ageing man at the front trying to seduce the model she couldn't see yet.
"Come on, Adrien!" the man continued. "I know you are at the end of your stick, but I need you to handle a few more shots for me. Okay? You want to go back to Paris at the end of the week, don't you? So, work for it!"
"I'm sorry, Richard—" her heart skipped a bit at the sound of loved and very much missed voice sounding so close, "—but it's kind of hard for me to think of you as a hot girl."
"Okay, fine!" the man grumbled. "If I'm not sexy enough for you, do it for your other love - Lucia will cook you your favourite dish if you cooperate."
The man lifted his camera and started to shoot. Marinette moved closer.
Just a few more steps.
Just one more…
There he was – standing in the middle of a lighted scene, clothed in all white Adrien seemed to glow. A few of his locks strayed away and fell onto his forehead, but it only made him look that much more handsome. Mischief played in his smile, echoed in the lights of his eyes as Adrien chuckled at a man in front of him and his hand reached out behind his neck in a painfully familiar gesture.
"Oh, come on," the photographer frowned. "Don't tell me that even my Lucia's food doesn't do it for you anymore."
Adrien apologetically shrugged his shoulders and smiled. "Sorry."
"Okay, fine! Then imagine that girl you won't shut up about. What's her name? Mary something?"
"Marinette. Her name-" Adrien shifted his sight to the side just as Marinette stepped into the light. Stopping in her place, she waved him hello. Barely breathing if any at all, Adrien froze, his eyes widened as he stared at her dumbfoundingly. Slowly, his lips melted into a soft smile, and without any words Adrien left his place to wrap her into his arms a moment later, his hold soft but firm as he pulled her to himself.
"Hi," Marinette whispered into his chest, melting against him.
"Hi." Adrien barely breathed out. He clutched her tighter for a few moments before leaning back a tiny bit. Lingering tears in his eyes, he let her name quietly slipped from his lips before capturing hers into a kiss. Everything around them - sounds, people, lights and colours - everything ceased to exist. Only them and only this moment and only their kiss. Just the feeling of finally being together. Their touch and the warmth of being close. Marinette couldn't remember if she had ever felt so enraptured with only Adrien's arms anchoring her to reality and keeping her standing on her feet as a single desire overwhelmed her mind – let this moment last forever; let her be in his arms for eternity; let him kiss her every second she had left. Let them never be apart again.
Drowning.
Yes, Marinette was drowning when Adrien pulled back to catch a breath.
"I was afraid it was just my imagination," he whispered against her lips, slowly leaning his forehead forward to rest it against hers. "I missed you so much."
"I missed you too," Marinette whispered back before Adrien pulled her in again, capturing her lips once more. This time much gentler and softer. Much shorter also, because the man with that same French voice that was just ordering Adrien around a few moments ago intruded into their little bubble.
"And here I thought you were a lost cause, kid," Richard loudly laughed, striking Adrien's shoulder so hard, Marinette felt the impact on her body. The tremor brought her back to the reality, though, and with horror she realized that they weren't as alone as it felt just a second ago - the lights were on them, people were shamelessly staring and echoes of excitement, clapping and whistles were going around the room. Adrien's photographer was tapping on his shoulder and smiling widely at her. "He isn't half bad, huh?" he winked. "May I assume that this is the legendary Marinette?"
"Legendary?"
"Of course," the man laughed. "A person who could make our saint Adrien give up his chastity vows is bound to be a legend around here - partly a reality, partly a fairy tale."
"Richard." Adrien glared at the man, trying to sound annoyed but failing to suppress a smile. He pulled Marinette closer to himself, protectively shielding her on his chest. "I'm no saint and have told you a million times Marinette's real."
"I suppose then your little daughter isn't fake as well?"
A chuckle and a puff of air escaped Marinette as Adrien frowned at the photographer. "We aren't doing this again, and I'll take a ten-minute break if you don't mind."
"Oh, but I do mind." Richard's mouth slowly spread into a grin. "Excuse me, Mlle Marinette, but this is a golden opportunity for me and as a highly qualified professional I simply cannot afford to miss it. Adrien—" he turned to face the young man. "—back on the stage. Now."
"What? No!" Adrien protested. "Give me ten minutes and I'll do everything you want."
"Nah-nah," Richard shook his head. "On the stage now or I'm cancelling the shoot because obviously ten minutes won't be enough for you and after those ten minutes you, most likely, will be in no shape for modelling so there won't be any point in continuing, not to mention there would probably be marks and we would have to redo the make-up, and, as a result, you'll be stuck here for an extra day- oh wait- an extra week because I won't have an opening to redo this shit until the following Friday." Richard stopped, inhaled and slyly smiled. "Your choice, kid."
Adrien tensed, a low growl rumbling through his chest as he tightened his arms around Marinette.
"Should I count or will you obey willingly?"
Marinette felt Adrien go slack against her as he murmured something into the crook of her neck.
"That's okay, Adrien," she whispered back. "I'll be here waiting for you."
Hesitantly, Adrien sighed an apology and a promise to be done as soon as he could before placing another kiss on her cheek and letting go. Glaring at Richard, he shuffled back to the scene of the photo shoot.
"I'm really sorry to cut you reunion short, Mlle Marinette," Richard said quietly, escorting her up front right after Adrien and showing her to a chair. "But desperate times call for desperate measures, and I'm a desperate man in a desperate need of your heavenly-sent assistance. Would you mind helping me a little?"
"Not at all. What can I do?"
"Not much at all. Just sit here, be fabulous and look at that idiot over there—" Richard pointed to Adrien, "—in such a way that he would lose his mind and drool all over that floor. Can you manage that for me?"
"I can certainly try," Marinette glanced back at Adrien and his misery-stricken face. "Not sure how effective my help would be, though."
"Oh, believe me," Richard chuckled. "From what I've seen and know about him just your presence will do miracles, and miracles are precisely what we need right now. Just sit back, relax and enjoy."
"Alright," Marinette nodded and settled in, putting one of her legs over the other.
"Perfect." Richard's smile vanished as soon as he turned back to Adrien. "Let's continue, people. Break's over."
The next hour or so she would never forget. Overly polite towards her, Richard's compliments for Marinette didn't cease as he was continually assuring her that she was immensely helping everyone. He also, depending on where he wanted Adrien to look, kept moving Marinette around the room all while mercilessly teasing the hell out of the model, shamelessly using his affection for her to his advantage.
"Look at her, Adrien," he would croon. "Look at your woman. So beautiful. So gorgeous. So close, yet so far. Just look. She is all dolled up for you. For you, Adrien. All you have to do is to give me what I want and you can have her. And I want to see a desire in your eyes, Adrien. Yes! Just like that. Good. Desire and desperation, all in the same gaze. Nice! Now, let's move Mlle Marinette over there. Yup. Perfect. Now, Adrien, I need you-"
After the initial, short-lived resentment and a pouting period, Adrien fought back, bantering with Richard just as much as the man did with him, their chat – if you could call it that – soon resembling more a playful quarrel between a pair of old friends than a professional conversation between a photographer and his model.
Much to Marinette's surprise, Adrien seemed to be enjoying the whole thing just as much Richard. Not only did he play along with his teasing and demands, but Adrien made sure to model so excessively dramatic that even Marinette wanted to dump a bucket of cold water over his head, mostly because she was the one on the receiving end of his antics. Teasing glances, playful winks, longing looks and sighs, seductive poses and knowing smirks - Marinette had to repeatedly remind herself that as a grown woman she should be able to keep her jaw off the floor and her drooling in control. Jumping his bones right there and then wasn't a viable option either.
However, the attention that Adrien and Richard were lavishing her with wasn't the only benefit Marinette was getting. As weird as it sounded, but during that photoshoot she was being reacquainted with Adrien all over again, and that was way more important to her than any flirting ever could; because regardless of what Marinette had told her parents, she was thinking about their relationship seriously, and she wanted to get to know this new Adrien better before committing to anything serious. This trip seemed like the perfect opportunity for that, mainly because the only "instructions" Gabriel had given her in that letter were to remain by his son's side and see to his emotional and physical well-being… just worded in a much more official language. This photoshoot provided her with the first opportunity to glimpse into this new Adrien in a situation familiar to him with people who, judging by their interaction, knew him very well.
So far, Marinette loved what she saw – Adrien was just as fun, kind, generous and sweet as she had remembered him. She clearly saw her partner Chat Noir. Her former classmate and friend Adrien Agreste was there as well. There were a lot of familiar qualities in this man, but there was also something new, something she'd have to explore later-
"That was an absolute pleasure, Mlle Marinette," Richard's voice cut through her train of thought. "You may not realize it, but you've saved us all today." Dramatically, he bowed down before her and taking her hand placed a kiss on the top of her hand. "I'm simply obliged now to repay you somehow-"
"I wonder what Lucia will say about that." Adrien chuckled, coming closer.
"She would wholly agree with me," Richard retorted. "You were insufferable today, Adrien. In fact, you were absolutely useless for the last couple of shoots. I was asking for longing, desire, sensuality and what were you handling me? Sadness. Misery. Impatience to get out of the studio! If not for Mlle Marinette appearance, we'd all be stuck here for who knows how long. We absolutely must thank her somehow. She just shortened our work day by a few hours at least."
"In that case, I'll think of something," Adrien said, hugging Marinette from behind and placing his chin on her shoulder. Tilting his head slightly, he kissed her earlobe and with his eyes half-lidded and focused on her added. "I know of a few things she likes. Right, Princess?"
"Geez." Richard made a face and shooed Adrien away. "I'm too old and prudish for this stuff, boy. Go turn back into a pumpkin and we'll see if she still wants you then."
"I'll have you know that I'm a gorgeous pumpkin, and Marinette loves me even in my pumpkin shape," Adrien teased but obeyed. He quickly planted another kiss on Marinette and walked away, promising to be back soon.
"I apologize, I might appear a little rude at times, but that kid is such a doofus I can't talk to him normally," Richard chuckled. "We love him anyway, Lucia and I. Oh—" he settled in a nearby chair and faced Marinette. "Speaking of doofuses, I have the most amazing collection of Adrien's super-secret Model Mishaps pictures. Want to see?"
Eagerly, Marinette nodded and for the next ten- or fifteen-minutes Richard proudly showcased Adrien's less than graceful moments on his laptop that seemed to appear out of nowhere. Adrien's sneezing, Adrien's making faces, eyes-half-open Adrien, slack-mouthed Adrien, pouting and grumbling Adrien - there seemed to be no bounds to the awful shoots of Adrien this man had been about to capture. He even sent Marinette a few of her favourites for her newly-formed, proposed by Richard, "Blackmail Adrien" folder.
Most of the pictures weren't made at a studio, though and quite a few featured a young man and a woman about their age.
"Ed and Sofie," Richard proudly explained. "My kids, your doofus' unofficial siblings. You are a bit of a legend to them, Mlle Marinette. Heck, you are to all of us because any girl who could finally manage to capture our Adrien's heart and make him happy would-"
"Why do I feel like I need to save my Princess from a dragon who would soon bore her to death with his tales?" Adrien interfered, coming up from behind, protectively wrapping his arms around Marinette and kissing the top of her hair. "Has he told you his whole life story yet?"
"Is that what you think about me?" the man chuckled. "For your information, I focused only on embarrassing you this time."
"Uh-oh," Adrien faked the scare. "Then I guess, I'll be stealing Marinette away from you right about now before you scare her away from me." He reached for Marinette's hand, walking over to her side. "Shall we go, my Lady?"
"Of course," Marinette smiled, standing up. "It was a pleasure meeting you, M François."
"Call me Richard and the pleasure is all my, Mlle Marinette." The man smiled at her and turned to Adrien. "I'll see you on Wednesday, kid, right? The last shoot."
"Yes, I'll be there."
"If Mademoiselle is still around, don't forget to bring her," Richard winked at Adrien. "We might save ourselves a few hours again."
"I'll be staying until the end of the week," Marinette answered. "I'd love to see another of Adrien's photoshoots."
"Then you also absolutely must come with Adrien to our house on Friday," Richard said with poorly-hidden eagerness just as Adrien seemed to tense by her side. "We're throwing him a 'Farewell, Bon Voyage' party."
"I have a bad feeling about this," Adrien murmured.
"C' mon." Richard laughed. "We'll behave. I promise." Turning his attention to Marinette he added, "My family would be absolutely delighted to meet you, Mlle Marinette. Don't listen to this kid - we might be loud and lack filter at times, but we have fun and don't bite. Do come to the party. We'd love to have you with us."
"I'd be honoured to attend," Marinette replied with a smile. "Thank you."
Adrien sighed but couldn't help but smile. "Okay, now, if you don't mind, Richard-"
"Of course, of course." Richard nodded. "Go away already and enjoy your day, kid, but, Adrien?" he waited until the blond model looked at him and only then whispered, "No marks, please, or at least reserve them for the places I can't see."
Her cheeks flooding with crimson, Marinette barely suppressed a squeak, while Adrien quite calmly replied with a smug look on his face. "I've been saving you that trouble for long six years, Richard. I think I deserve for you to finally put all of those make-up artists to work. See you Wednesday. Say hello to Lucia for me."
"Will do," the man responded with a proud smile. "By the way, I suggest you take the back stairs and sprint as fast as you can away from here."
"Oh, why is that?"
"Well, if you must know - the internet broke about an hour ago when someone tweeted your PDA moment from earlier. I'm pretty sure there a few paparazzi downstairs already, eager to get a glimpse of the mysterious woman who has finally conquered your cold, bachelor heart, Agreste. The images trending are blurry, so if you want to save Mlle Marinette some trouble, I suggest to hurry and make your escape through the back exit."
Adrien swore under his breath and narrowed his eyes on Richard immediately. "You wouldn't."
"I totally would." Richard laughed. "But I'd wait until I get the HD versions from my camera. Why would I publicly tweet blurry blobs, Adrien? I'm a professional; I have a reputation to uphold."
"Ugh," Adrien groaned. "Why did you even take pictures of that? Can't a man kiss a woman in peace without everyone going crazy and breaking the internet over it?"
"I'm a photographer-" Richard shrugged, "-taking pictures is my first instinct, and yeah, a man maybe can kiss whoever he wants, all he wants, in all the peace he wants. You, unfortunately, can't. Not in NYC, at least."
"I am a man. Why can't I?"
"You are a somewhat decent-looking saint bachelor from a famous family and with a fortune in your pocket who somehow managed to remain single for years at the time when other people of your age dated the heck out of everyone, got married and had kids in the city that never sleeps. Your head has had a bounty on it for a long while now, Adrien, so no, there was absolutely no way for you to kiss anyone in a middle of a room filled with people and cameras and avoid the consequences."
"I hate it when you are right," Adrien blurted with a pout. "At least do me a favour and don't post your HD pictures until we are back in France?"
"That I can do," Richard nodded. "Now go - save your princess."
"Thanks for the tip," Adrien replied and quickly led Marinette out of the room. They found the staircase and headed downstairs, Adrien continuingly murmuring scattered apologies along the way. "I'm so sorry, Marinette. The paparazzi are horrible here."
"I see we've come back to keeping our identities a secret. Just like good, old days. Please, don't tell me I have to wear a paper bag over my head every time I step outside."
"No," Adrien laughed. "It's not that serious. I just want you to enjoy your visit without a crowd following you around, and that'll be hard to do if they would know who you are and how much I love you."
"Then I guess I'd better stay by your side at all times," Marinette replied squeezing his hand. "You'll protect me like you always did, won't you?"
"With pleasure, My Lady," Adrien purred, stopping as they reached the bottom of the stairs. His eyes lingered on her for a few moments as he lifted her hand and barely brush his lips against her knuckles before opening the door they were standing by and letting her go in first. "After you, my Lady."
"He's quite a character," Marinette remarked, walking into an underground garage full of cars. "Your photographer."
"Richard?" Adrien chuckled, one of the warmest smiles Marinette had ever seen on his face, as he continued to lead her forward. "Yeah, he is quite a character - arrogant and annoying, but with a heart of gold and the most caring soul out there. Except maybe for his wife? She is the sweetest lady in the universe- when you aren't crossing her."
"You seem to like them a lot."
"They've basically adopted me almost from the start so yeah, I do like them, especially since Richard reminds me of Plagg so much."
"Your kwami?"
Adrien nodded. "The only difference is that Plagg had a tail and was a Camembert glutton. Richard lacks an extra appendage and is just a glutton. Period. With all the food he eats I have no idea how he manages to keep his weight under control." They both chuckled and Adrien added, "But enough about me – why didn't you tell me you were coming? Not that I'm not glad because I am- I'm so, so happy to see you, but I could've prepared, you know, picked you up at the airport and-"
Marinette laughed. "I found out I was coming myself just yesterday morning so I thought I'd surprise you, give you a heart attack or two."
"And here I was worrying sick you weren't picking up my morning calls."
"I am surprised Emma didn't spill the secret."
"Hm," Adrien concentrated thinking. "She did seem anxious and jumpy today, but I assumed that's because she was staying over at your parents' and was excited about all the pastries available there."
They soon reached his car - a black Mercedes of some kind that looked absolutely amazing.
"Nice car," Marinette noted.
"It does the job," Adrien shrugged, opening the door for her. "By the way, where are your things?" he added settling in the driver's seat.
"At my hotel room."
"What do you mean in your hotel room?" Adrien frowned. "You aren't staying with me?"
"I don't know," Marinette cocked her head to a side. "Your father booked me a really nice suite at an upscale hotel and since I didn't receive any other options, the choice was rather obvious."
"Not fair," Adrien pouted. "As I said - I didn't know you were coming, but-" he leaned closer and whispered. "I can always steal you away and imprison you in my castle for my own selfish pleasures."
"Oh no!" Marinette fake-gasped. "So scandalous! Much evil! What shall I do?"
"Enjoy my hospitality, my Lady." Adrien chuckled, bringing her hand to his lips once again for a kiss on the inside of her wrist. "My place is much better anyway than anything my father would have gotten you. It even has a name I think you'd like."
"Really?" Marinette tilted her head to a side. "Do tell."
"'Chat Noir's Lair'," he grinned.
"Hm." Marinette made a show of thinking hard. "The name does sound intriguing."
"Wanna see it?"
She paused for a few moments just to tease him. "Maybe? A look wouldn't hurt, now would it?"
Adrien placed another kiss on her fingers, not taking his eyes off her. "You won't regret it. I promise."
"I see you are working hard on convincing me. Must be a really great place."
Gently, he threaded their fingers together. "It'll be even more amazing with you in it. Now tell me which hotel are you at so we can pick up your stuff."
Pulling away, Marinette rumbled through her purse and showed him her hotel access card.
"I see Father spared no expense. Admirable. I'll need to thank him."
"I was told it's on the same street as your place?"
"Yup," Adrien responded, starting up the car. "Practically next door." He was about to depart but then paused, stared ahead for a moment before turning to Marinette and whispering with the reverent look on his face. "I still can't believe you are here. It's like a dream come true."
Marinette giggled. "I hope that's a good dream?"
"The best." Adrien grinned, shifting to Drive. "The very best one."
They easily escaped the paparazzi camping outside the front door of Richard's Studio, and no one was there at Marinette's hotel. A couple of photographers spotted them at Adrien's apartment complex as they were driving into the underground garage, but being warned beforehand, Marinette covered her face, turning away. Their trip took a little over an hour altogether – a bit longer than expected due to heavy traffic – but to them it felt like a short while as neither seemed to be having enough of each other's company, carelessly chatting about everything and nothing in particular. A few times, Marinette had caught herself back in her teen days, as she blushed and stuttered under his heavy flirting, and, opening the door to his apartment, Adrien had never before resembled such an overly excited puppy to her as now.
"Welcome to the 'Chat Noir's Lair', my Lady," he proclaimed, bowing down and letting her in first. At first glance, the apartment screamed wealth and looked like it belonged on a cover of an interior design magazine – pristine, spacious, two-tier, featuring ceiling to wall windows and decorated with a minimalist style in mind. The living room contained a few couches, a large TV in a wall unit and a couple of side tables. She noticed a large dining table around the corner and sneaked a peak of the kitchen to her left, both looking absolutely amazing. But, despite the bare minimum and clear-cut lines of the design, the place somehow felt homely and cozy. Lived-in even. A few live plants might have helped with that. Fluffy throws and pillows on the couches and a soft carpet on the floor. Photos and art on the walls. Little details here and there softened the look and gave the room warmth. Marinette couldn't help but comment on that.
"My father hired a designer to decorate it," Adrien explained. "But I didn't really like what he'd done with the place. It felt cold and bare, so since I was the one spending most of the time here, I brought in a few accessories to make it comfier."
"You definitely succeeded, Chaton."
"Thank you, My Lady. Now let me show you around."
He barely waited for Marinette to remove her shoes before taking her by the hand and pulling her into the living room.
"As you can see," Adrien began the tour. "'The Chat Noir's Lair' is offering a spacious living room, a high-end kitchen and a separate dining room, three washrooms, an office, a workout room and a balcony-"
The next few minutes Adrien was trying his hardest to impress Marinette with his home. He showed off the best features and offered to try things out. He sat her down on the couches and dining chairs so she would be assured that they were soft and comfortable. He pointed out that plants were watered and his fridge well stocked. The fact that appliances looked as if they were used daily Marinette noticed herself. Adrien proudly displayed his office's built-in library. His gym inspired workouts just by peeking inside. The view from the balcony was mesmerizing.
"I should let you redecorate my house," she concluded when they exited the last room on the first level. "You're good at it."
"Thank you," Adrien grinned. "With your permission, I'm looking forward to decorating our house as well, but for now - allow me to show you to your room."
A trip up the stairs revealed that the whole second level of the apartment was dedicated to a single room which looked suspiciously like a master bedroom. It seemed less designer-y and more Adrien than the rest of the apartment. One of the walls was made entirely of glass windows, reminding her of his home in Paris. The only difference was the sheer curtains Adrien incorporated that diminished the "prison" effect and made the whole room seemed softer. A huge bed in the middle with nightstands beside it and a bed bench at the end. Soft carpeting under her feet and a couple of doors leading to his bathroom and a closet. It was simple and cozy, something that Marinette would've loved to call her own.
"Um, Adrien? Isn't this your room?"
"And now it's yours too," Adrien replied. "Comes complete with a top-quality king bed, four-piece en-suite with a separate shower and a bathtub, a walk-in closet and a free cuddler, body warmer and personal butler as a bonus."
"Oh? And where is that cuddler, body warmer and personal butler of yours?"
"You're looking at him." Adrien bowed with a smile on his lips. "I'm at your service, my Lady."
Marinette chuckled, scrunched her nose and teased, clasping her arms behind her back. "I don't know. This room maybe looks better than the one in my hotel suite, but nothing can rival the bed in there. It was one of the best I've ever-"
"You doubt the comfort of my bed?" Adrien fake gasped and sweeping Marinette of her feet into his arms, added, "Then I guess I have no choice but to prove you wrong, my Lady." Quickly but gently he brought Marinette over and laid her on the bed, instantly settling by her side. "So?" Adrien carefully brushed away Marinette's hair from her forehead. "How does it feel?"
Turning to face him, Marinette said, "It certainly does feel comfy, but something is missing."
"I apologize." Adrien gently cupped her cheek and pulled her closer. "Where are my manners and hospitality?" His lips touched hers in the gentlest of a kiss. "How is it now? Better?"
"A little," Marinette whispered.
"Then I should add more services," Adrien smiled and kissed her cheek. He moved to the forehead, then her nose, another cheek and lips again, peppering her whole face with light butterfly kisses, asking every time if Marinette liked his bedroom better than the hotel one. There was not a spot left un-kissed at least twice or trice on her face when Marinette finally gave in and kissed Adrien back.
"Alright," she said pulling away. "You've convinced me." Her sight fell on a nightstand behind Adrien and she smiled mischievously. "After all, how can I refuse to stay in the room that has my baby, my roommate, and my photo by its bed."
"Is that I am all to you?" Adrien tried to fake gasped but his voice was quiet and his eyes worried. Marinette's breath hitched. They agreed to take it slow and to think carefully before diving in deeper, and she was trying to follow that. Marinette was thinking about it but the more she did, the less she wanted to take it slow.
"Well, maybe also a friend?" she added hesitantly.
"We definitely do stuff that friends don't do," Adrien replied. "I have a kid and you in my arms at this very moment to prove my point."
He was right – neither of them was able to keep their hands off each other ever since they reconnected despite all the agreements to take it slow. Neither complained or wanted to stop.
"Unless you mean friends with benefits," Adrien added with a frown. "But I don't think I'd like that very much."
"Hm, why not?"
"It doesn't reflect the truth about my feelings to you," he said, brushing her hair gently. "While you are my friend, it isn't just the benefits I want from you or what I'm willing to give back. I want so much more and I'm ready to give you my all."
Marinette nibbled at her lip. She wanted more as well. She yearned for it, but she couldn't just blindly jump in now. She had Emma to consider.
Emma…?
Marinette's eyes widened as a thought hit her. One of the biggest reasons she was holding off all this time was to protect Emma if anything were to go wrong with her relationship but- but Adrien wasn't just someone pretending to the role of Emma's father to get to Marinette and who could walk out of their lives at any moment if anything were to go awry between them. He was Emma's father and that wasn't something anyone could change. Adrien promised that no matter what he would remain in Emma's life; even if they didn't work out, he swore he would be there for Emma, and Marinette believed him. From what little interaction they'd had, she could clearly see how much he already loved Emma and her little girl reciprocated his affection. Of course, there were always risks, but nothing major as Marinette was afraid of until now. It was Adrien after all - the kindest and the most loyal man she'd ever known.
Then what was it? What was holding her back? Why while she wanted nothing more than to fall into his arms the minute they discuss labels she would hesitate? She knew she couldn't care less for the opinions of others on the matter. Then what? Her own insecurities? Her fear to make it official and spoil everything again? The last time it didn't go well for her, but the last time there were, as she thought, two men. Now there was only him.
Closing her eyes, Marinette inhaled and tried to think rationally. Yes, based on her experience, she was afraid, but the time had passed and she'd learned from her mistakes. She liked to believe she'd matured and Adrien seemed to as well – the way he'd dealt with their little arguments back in Paris was the proof of that. He didn't run at the slightest disagreement anymore but stayed and they'd talked and resolved the issue. He was still her loyal partner; he was still her kind friend. He was still the man she was deeply in love with, but from what she could already see, he was also a changed man, changed for the better. So maybe, just maybe they could make it work this time?
"Hey," Adrien reached to lift her chin to him. "I'm sorry, I didn't want to make you uncomfortable. If it's not something you want to discuss now, we could always do this later. I don't even know why it came up," he nervously chuckled. "Do you want to eat something? I can go make us something really quick-"
"Adrien?" Marinette caught his face in her hands, cupping his cheeks before he could escape, and locked her eyes on him. His eyes… His eyes were full of love and reverence and kindness and worry, and for a moment Marinette forgot why she was afraid in the first place. He was her Adrien. Scooting closer, she wrapped her arms around him and buried her face into his chest.
"Do you want to know what I was secretly afraid would happen once I've arrived here?" she murmured against his rapidly beating heart as he returned her embrace.
"Being eaten by a Godzilla?"
Marinette chuckled. He was always a dork. "Nope. Something even worse."
"What could be worse than being eaten alive by Godzilla?"
"Being left at a hotel? Or being shown the guest room?"
"Oh." She could feel Adrien tense, his arms around her tightening.
"Adrien, if you don't want to be just roommates or friends with benefits, what do you want us to be?"
He remained silent for a few moments before asking quietly. "Do you want me to answer that honestly or do you want me to tell you what I think you're ready to hear?"
"I want your honesty even if I might not be ready for it yet."
"Alright," Adrien replied, his hand starting to gently draw circles on her back. "I've never wanted to be 'co-parenting roommates' in the first place unless that was the best I could get."
"Hey, wasn't you who offered it?" Marinette poked his chest with a finger.
"I did," Adrien chuckled "But again only because I thought that was the best I could get at the time."
"What about now?"
"Now, as you can see I'm already challenging that label."
"So you think you can get something better now?"
"I think," he pulled away just enough to gently kiss her lips. "I think I'm getting more already. Just need to make it official."
"Fair enough."
"But getting back to your original question," Adrien continued after sliding down so he could look at Marinette face to face. "It's rather simple - I want to be with you. I want to wake up to your cuddling ceremony and prepare you breakfast. I want to spend my evenings with you and fall asleep in your arms. I want my daily missions to be supporting you in your struggles and share your victories. I want you in mine. I want to see our daughter grow up together and I might have been wondering what it would be like having more children with you eventually. I want a family and a home, Marinette, somewhere where you'll be waiting for me." He stopped for a second to catch his breath. "I just want to be with you and not to worry about the labels."
"Adrien-" Marinette's voice was failing as tears started to gather in her eyes.
"If it were up to me," he continued. "I'd marry you here and now because what is a marriage, Marinette? It's a commitment, right?"
Marinette nodded but remained silent so Adrien could continue. "And I had committed myself to you a long time ago. That's the only label I care about – 'Committed to my Princess'. Marinette, I've been in love with you for more than ten years now, my feelings and my desire to marry you survived a six-year exile and I don't see a reason why we should wait anymore. However, I do realize that others might not understand and judge us and say we are rushing things and that you might have your own thoughts on the matter and your own pace. So as long as I'm allowed to be by your side, I don't care what label we use. I'll leave it up to you to choose. Your pace. Your timing. Your choice of label."
"What if in those six years, I've changed and you won't like me anymore?"
Adrien puffed. "Please, my Lady. I saw you at your worst. I think I can manage whatever surprises you have in store for me. Plus, from what I've seen so far, I can assume already that you've changed for the better. You're more mature now, you're open to communication and you are infinitely more gorgeous-" His eyes widened at a realization of this own words. "Not that you weren't gorgeous before- you were- but now even more so-"
Marinette laughed. "Don't worry, Chaton. I get it. You've grown up quite nicely yourself."
"Thank you, my Lady. I'm flattered."
"Can I be honest too then?"
"Of course. I wouldn't want anything else."
"I do understand what you are saying, and I do agree that we've lost enough time and I do want to be with you so badly, Adrien but-" she paused nibbling at her lower lip. "I'll be honest – I don't think I'm ready for marriage yet. I'm still anxious and unsure about this whole thing, and it's just- Ugh. I just need a little bit more time to get used to this. I'm sorry."
"Don't be." Adrien smiled at her. "I know. That's why I'm not proposing to you yet, so don't worry about that now." Adrien leaned in for another lingering kiss, holding her close. "And when I do propose to you, promise me to answer honestly? Even if that would be a 'No', or a 'Not yet'? I won't die. I'll step back and wait and try again later. Okay?"
"Okay." Marinette nodded.
"And if at some point, you ever end up not wanting me at all, please, tell me. I'll respect your wish and will step away and remain there as Emma's father and your friend only. Promise me?"
It took Marinette a few seconds to reply. She had never realized how well Adrien understood her. She wanted more, and she wanted it desperately, but just as she'd hesitated to accept her miraculous a while back, she was anxious to accept him now. She needed to take it one step at a time, no matter how short-lived they were and how hard she wanted to just get it over with and say "Yes". His understanding and acceptance meant the world.
"Alright." She nodded. "But for now, may I suggest for us to be another kind of friends?" Marinette reached out and settling her hand at the nape of his neck, fiddled with his hair. "You're my friend but you are also happened to be a boy, so since you're a boy and a friend, how does a "boyfriend" sound?"
Instantly Adrien grinned. "And may I assume that since you a girl and a friend I can call you my girlfriend?"
"Absolutely."
"With everything it entitles me to?"
"Yup."
"We still get to live together, though, right?"
"If you still want that."
"More than anything," Adrien whispered and leaned over to kiss her. "Can I do this and not worry about crossing any boundaries?"
"Of course."
"How about this?" He left a trail of delicate kisses on her neck.
"You'd better." Marinette swallowed, her breath hitching in her chest. "As often as you'd like."
"What if I would want to worship your whole body?" he breathed against her collarbone, his hand already roaming around her stomach.
"I won't stand in your way," Marinette replied barely audible, letting a moan slip when Adrien gently sucked at her skin.
"I might need to remove your dress for that," he whispered against the swell of her breasts, nuzzling the hem of her dress' neckline.
"Alright," Marinette smirked, sliding her hand down his chest. "But only if I get to watch you remove your clothes slowly moving in time with the music."
Pulling back, Adrien looked at her with his eyes wide.
Marinette laughed. "Don't worry, I'm joking."
He blinked.
Marinette leaned closer to him and whispered, "Or am I?"
Adrien swallowed, blush rapidly covering his face. "I-"
She erupted with a fit of giggles before pulling him to her and pecking his lips. "I'm joking, Adrien, but if you do plan to get me naked, you'd better follow suit and lose your clothes as well."
"Oh, absolutely," He suddenly purred, grinning. "It's rather hot here anyway. We should undress, and I might just have the perfect playlist in mind for that." Suddenly he stilled, remembering something. Closing his eyes, Adrien added apologetically, "I must confess, though - since you're the only one I've ever been interested in, I've never kept "stuff" on hand, and I didn't expect you here tonight, so I'm not exactly prepared for-"
Marinette silenced him with her finger to his lips. "Then it's good that I brought you a present. You might want to get it now, though. Pink suitcase, side pocket on the inside."
Adrien grinned. "Looks like someone had a plan."
"Someone missed you more than you can imagine."
"I missed you too," Adrien whispered, kissing her cheek. "And I love you so much." His lips brushed her ear. "Thank you for giving me a chance, Marinette. You won't regret it. I promise."
Leaning down, he captured her lips. Kissing her slowly and gently, Adrien whispered the words of love, lavishing every inch of her body with his affection. Fingers and lips desperately dancing against her skin and, her head spinning, Marinette was blissfully drowning under his touch, his gentle caresses on every inch of her skin. She felt burning, completely and utterly enthralled in the fire he'd ignited, cool air providing little relief even after her dress was dealt with.
She needed more.
Marinette yearned for all of him; those few minutes that Adrien was gone picking up his present felt longer than weeks she'd waited for him in Paris. There was little doubt in her mind when he resumed his ministrations - she belonged with him, Marinette belonged in Adrien's arms, they were meant to walk this life together, side by his side, supporting, accepting and making each other happy. They were meant to be.