This was started before season three ended, though I was busy at the time and couldn't finish it. Basically, season 4 never happened, and the Peacock Miraculous is still broken.

At the age of 22, life had a good projection for Marinette Dupain-Cheng. She finally got her big break, somewhat thanks to Adrien. She was working at Gabriel, as one of Gabriel Agreste's lead designers, though she was still technically an intern. Though Adrien didn't directly have a hand in getting her the job, his continued praise of her work in front of his father probably had something to do with it.

Though it was never confirmed, Marinette would never have to worry if she got the job on her own merit or not. She did.

In fact, Gabriel was continually impressed with her work, even after she had landed the position. His harsh criticisms ended with her. Where he never hesitated to rip another designer to shreds for a mistake, Marinette never had to face that rage.

He just honestly respected her too much to do so. And it helped that she was so gracious with his critiques. Never taking anything personally, and doing everything for the brand.

Co-workers probably could have been resentful to her, but if they were, it was never outwardly shown. It helped that she readily got along with and tried to be friends with everyone. She took advice to heart, and accepted criticisms professionally. So it was hard to dislike her. Even when she was the one that was accepted into the Agreste Manor to work with Gabriel in person. A rare treat for any employee. And she got to go at least twice a week.

There was just one little tiny problem.

8 years later, Marinette no longer had a crush on Adrien. Oh no, she was head over heels in love with him. The deepest, most pure, sweet, and sincere love there was. And he had no clue.

It was her curse. As they got older and matured, so did her feelings. He only got more handsome, more friendly and outgoing, and more perfect to her. He learned he was allowed to be affectionate with his friends, her, Alya, and Nino, and didn't hold back. Marinette was showered in hugs, cheek kisses, and hand holds. All punctuated with the dreaded phrase, 'you're such a great friend, Marinette'.

It's like he wanted her to suffer.

As they graduated Collegé, Adrien confessed that he was afraid they'd all grow apart as they went off to University. Marinette took that as a challenge and made sure to invite them to weekly get-togethers. And so friends did they remain.

And only friends.

Marinettte came home to her shared apartment with Alya. Her long time best friend was sprawled out in the middle of the living room, surrounded by swatches.

Marinette laughed at the sight. "Wedding blues?"

"Yes!" Alya shrieked, sitting up. "We've been together for 8 years, engaged for six months, and I still haven't picked our colors yet!"

"I thought you were doing burnt sienna and forest green? You know, a call back to your stint as Rena Rouge and Carapace?" A supposed secret between them up until a few years ago.

"I can't. I don't like the combination anymore. And no matter how temporary, our superhero run should remain a secret. I shouldn't have even told you." She started cleaning up the swatches, resigned to know that she wasn't getting anywhere tonight. "How goes the apartment search?"

Marinette winced. "Not as great as I was hoping. A lot of places that I could afford, but I could afford better with a roommate. I want to have savings, you know?"

"Did you ask Adrien?"

Marinette blushed. "You know that's not a good idea."

"Why not? He's still living at the mansion. And you're such good friends." Alya smirked at her. "Or, you could just ask him out. Then live with your parents for a few months until he realizes how perfect you are and proposes."

"That's not going to happen."

"Says you! Look, you're my maid of honor, he's Nino's best man. At least ask him out as a pretense to have an official date to the wedding."

"A wedding that's six months away?" Marinette asked, as she hung up her purse and coat. "And what if something catastrophic happens between then?"

"Then you kiss and make up at my wedding."

Marinette rolled her eyes before heading over to the kitchen. "Alya, he hasn't dated anyone since Kagami. I think he's holding out for someone."

"Yeah! You!"

Marinette fondly shook her head. "He's not."

"He is!"

"Did he tell Nino, and he told you?"

"Well, no. Nino's been trying for years to get his crush out of him."

"Then, there you go. If it was me, Nino would have found out by now. No, it's someone else. Maybe a married woman, or a man."

Alya laughed at that. "Girl, you always go to the worst case scenario. Just…flirt with him a little, prod him with your womanly wiles." Then she batted her eyes. "Please? For me?"

"Alright. I'll see what I can do. You know it's going to go so well this time, right?"

"That's the spirit!"

"I was being sarcastic!"

Folks here's a story 'bout Minnie the Moocher,

She was a red hot hoochie coocher,

She was the roughest, toughest frail,

But Minnie had a heart as big as a whale.

The next day at work, Marinette forgot all about flirting. It was a race to finish her project. She had gotten the design approved, and now it was on to start assembling the piece.

There was a knock at her office door.

"'Ome 'n," she said with a mouth full of pins.

Who would arrive except for handsome, angelic, and...pale? Adrien. "Are you busy?" He asked with a small voice.

Quickly, Marinette shoved the pins into the fabric to hold it in place, and dumped the rest back into the tin.

"I can take a break." Anything for you. She thought, offering him a chair.

"Thanks," he nearly collapsed into it. Then he looked around the office, for what, she didn't know.

"Soooo...what's up?"

Adrien didn't answer right away, still scanning the room, eyes narrowed. He rubbed his palms on his pants.

"Are you okay?" She pushed a little more.

"Huh? Oh, uh…" He clenched his fists and swallowed harshly. "Do you…want to have dinner with me tonight?"

A blush stained her cheeks. "Really?"

"Yeah, um…somewhere private. I want to talk to you about something, but um…it's a secret."

"Well, Alya is going on a late night date with Nino, if you want to come to our apartment. I could just order some Chinese?"

He exhaled slowly and smiled at her. "That sounds awesome, thanks Marinette."

"What time? I get out around 6."

"I'll meet you at 7 then?"

"Yeah, yeah that sounds perfect." Spurred on by the fact he was finally asking her out on a date, Marinette leaned in and pressed a kiss to his cheek.

Adrien blushed furiously before standing. "Um, I'll see you tonight then. Thanks for um…yeah, I'll let you get back to work."

Marinette continued to grin at him shyly until he left. Then she collapsed in the chair he had occupied. She didn't have to flirt or do anything! It was finally happening! A date! With Adrien!

She ran to her purse and snatched up her phone. "Alya!" She called. "Alya, it finally happened! Clear the next 15 minutes and get the popcorn, I need to panic!"

He gave her his townhouse and his racing horses

Each meal she ate was a dozen courses

She had a million dollars worth of nickels and dimes

She sat around and counted them all a million times

That night, Marinette sat ready and waiting. The apartment was spotless. She had ordered his favorite dish, and wore a cute little green dress (his favorite color.)

"Alright, I'm leaving," declared Alya. "You two behave."

"It's a first date, Alya. Like we're going to do anything at all."

"Puh-lease, the sexual tension between you two is unbearable. He's going to be on you like white on rice!"

"Don't be so vulgar!" Marinette laughed. "Adrien is a gentleman."

"Sure. Anyways, I hope you have fun!"

"I'm sure we will."

"Bye girl, bye."

"Bye girl, bye!"

And the door closed.

Any minute now, Adrien would be knocking. And then what? Would he kiss her cheek like she had? A hug maybe? Or both? What was appropriate for her? Offer to take his coat? Yes yes, that sounded right. Was her hair okay? She brushed her teeth, right?

"Wine!" She announced. "What wine pairs with Chinese food?"

"Might I suggest Riesling?" Said Tikki, from her hiding place.

"Riesling! Riesling…I don't have Riesling! I don't know what that is!"

Tikki laughed at her. "Marinette, just relax. Just do a Rosé. It's fine."

Marinette hurried to the cabinet and fetched a bottle and two glasses. Then she poured one for herself and downed it in one go. "I don't know if I can do this! I'm so nervous!"

"You and Adrien are great friends, it'll go great! Just relax and enjoy it. He's not even here yet, there's no reason to panic."

"You're right! I'll just…I'll just wait!"

So she sat and fidgeted. Nothing to do but wait.

And wait she did.

8 o'clock came before she knew it. And she checked her phone. Nothing.

Did you forget about dinner? She texted.

There was no reply.

"It's alright Marinette, he'll come. Maybe he got held up in traffic, or his father needed him for something?" Tikki said encouragingly.

"Yeah, maybe…he'd at least call, wouldn't he?" Not waiting for an answer, she called him first.

"Hey there, it's Adrien, I'm not available to answer right now…"

She hung up.

She poured herself another glass. "He wouldn't just…ghost me?"

"He cares a lot about you, of course he wouldn't."

"Hey there, it's Adrien, I'm not available to answer right now…" Another voicemail.

9 o'clock.

Poor Min, poor Min, poor Min

"Hey there, it's Adrien, I'm not available to answer right now…"

The Chinese went cold, and the bottle of Rosé was emptied.

He never showed up.

I can't guarantee prompt updates for a little bit. I have some logistics to figure out, but I have a few chapters ready, so I figured I'd start posting!
If you follow this story on Ao3 there's a playlist available. All the chapter titles are songs from my spooky halloween playlist that inspired this fic!