A/N: Mhm? What? It's Saturday? True! Good thing though - I have written enough chapters until now for me to decide, that I will upload now twice per week. Sunday uploads will continue and for the second one I will spontaneously decide on Friday, or on Saturdays - depending on how stressful the week was for me and on how it suits in my own busy schedule.

So... I hope you like that decision :D

And for now: Enjoy this chapter!

Not so perfect Sundays

Marinette was awake - for at least an hour and for far longer, than she wanted to. But she tried to close her eyes again, every so often. Let her breathing be even. Tried to stay calm, while her bad conscience tried to eat her alive, tear her apart, or strangle her until she fainted.

She felt horrible. Disgusted by herself, by Lady Titalee and by Circe - for putting in such a fucked up mess last night. For breaking something in her soul, that just felt, like it wouldn't be fixed - not with all the touches and kisses, that the wonderful young man beside her would gift her.

…and yet Adrien wasn't the only one, who dared to get a hold on her stupid heart - making it all even worse! For Chat Noir owned the other half of it as well.

But sadly enough she didn't find the courage to tell Adrien about her screwed up mind - felt like hypocrite for wanting him to talk about his thoughts and feelings and emotions, when she couldn't bring herself to do so herself. Afraid of what it would mean for them as a couple - what it would mean for her as a human being and a heroine.

But… telling Adrien about her being Ladybug meant giving in to her own vows to stay quiet about her secret identity and it meant to break those rules, that were there ever since the Miraculous Box existed. It meant failing as a guardian. Failing as Ladybug, as the Chosen of Tikki, as the successor of Master Fu - of only her old and wise friend was still by her side to help her out in this very disastrous situation. But he had forgotten it all…

Also… she couldn't do it… wouldn't do - needed to stay strong to not give in.

She had done it before - would do it again. She only needed to win the war against Lady Titalee and then everything would be fine…

…Everything would be perfect…

The young woman reached up for the arm of her lover, that laid around her waist, with her back pressed tightly against his strong chest. Clutching at it as she gulped hard, but slowly to make not any suspicious noise. To not wake him. For Adrien was so blissfully unaware of her inner riot - and she wanted him to stay that way. He had already enough burdens to carry on his own - he shouldn't need to shoulder hers as well. And… she tried to convince herself, that life under Lady Titalee's reign of terror would be much safer for him, if he didn't know about anything, that regarded that fight. It was for his own good…

He hummed behind her - a deep and tired sound, that easily let her know, that he was going to wake. Pressing his body even closer to her - spooning her for a few hours now - with the second arm being the pillow she had slept on and one leg thrown over hers. He had imprisoned her completely - as if he wanted to be absolutely sure, that she wouldn't slip away so easily, again. A tight grip, that had lured her into much-needed sleep for a few hours - though surely the exhaustion from the fight and the heated sex, that had followed surely had easily worked in sleeps favor as well.

Deep down she knew, that she shouldn't have seduced Adrien - yet again. She had an ulterior motive and that was to flush the fight and Chat Noir out of her system once more. She needed Adrien to be inside her, needed to moan and cry his name, as she had dug her nails deep in the flesh of his back.

This time had been different - very different. It hadn't been unwelcoming in any way. It had been amazing nonetheless.

Surprising… for she was still confused about the fact, that he had been very ready for her as well - already aroused, his member already erect. As if he had been waiting for her all along…

…though… perhaps she only tried to convince herself with that thought - knowing, that men tend to get hard throughout their sleep every so often and he - perhaps- had just a very pleasant dream, before she had returned. Waking, to search for the naked body beside him…

…that body of his girlfriend, that had been away to fight and to see another blond man as well… And - yeah - last night she had craved for Chat's touch, like never before, bringing her almost to a point, where it felt like cheating to her.

But - she quickly tried to convince herself - nothing has happened between them and she would do everything in her power to prevent it from ever going to happen.

"Good morning…", he murmured behind her, his hand on her hip coaxing her to come even closer, by applying soft pressure to her. "How long have you been awake?"

Of course - he knew right away, that she wasn't sleeping anymore and he didn't even need to see her opened eyes for that.

She swallowed hard once more - opened her lips to come up with some silly excuse, of yet another nightmare, or work-things, that plagued her thoughts, just anything.

Yet all she could do, was shrug.

"For some time now…"

"Oh Marinette…", he whispered with his deep voice, that gave her goosebumps, while her heart tightened as she noticed the sincere sorrow in his words. "Was it such a bad nightmare? What has it been?"

She bit her lip and her eyes wandered towards the still closed curtain, that covered the window. Separating them from the outside world and from the dangers, that lingered there. Knowing deep in her heart, what each nightmare would show her in her weakest hours she said:

"…loosing you…"

And that certainly was the closest thing to the truth, she could give him.

Adrien didn't say a word. Instead, he grasped her shoulder and turned her to her back, to face her properly. Hovering over her, his handsome features twisted to sadness, while one hand carefully brushed those stray locks of her raven hair from her face.

Eventually he leaned down, to press a small, caring kiss to her lips - showing than rather telling her, what his words did to his own mind and heart. Truly - she felt moved and both of her hands reached up for his cheeks, cupping them, holding him in place. Not ready to let him go and certainly not ready to give Lady Titalee any power with her menacing presence for the moment.

Just he mattered for the moment - and she certainly should stop to compare him with Chat, whenever the opportunity arises.

In fact - she should try her very best to forget about her partner in such a way, if she wanted to be truly happy with Adrien!

He was the one to end this very kiss, his eyes darker now, than only moments before.

"I will protect you from all these nightmares, my Queen! Nothing shall come between us - in your dreams and in your waking hours. And that's a promise!"

"…okay…", she breathlessly whispered and felt herself moved by his gentle words and the vow he had just made. Felt its sweet pressure on her heart and knew, that she would hold to it with her dear life. Hoping, that he wouldn't do something reckless, like sacrificing himself, like Chat Noir would do it.

Annoyed by her own thoughts, that far too easily returned to her leather-wearing partner, she decided to act once more on the feelings for the man above her. Deepening his promise, feeling brave enough to engage in his touches and kisses, to forget it all for a brief moment - and it felt just so wonderfully easy, when he was around.

Apparently, Adrien knew it as well, leaning in once more to kiss the side of her neck, up towards her ear, carefully nibbling at her earlobe. Making her quiver, eyes tightly closed and ready to focus on him solely and thinking about nothing else.

And she certainly didn't mind, that his member started to get hard against her stomach - she dearly would love to feel it inside her.

"You certainly have…more stamina, than I expected…", she whispered in awe at the sensations he gave her so easily and yet again, gripping his hand, before it could have made its way between her thighs. "Yet - what do you think, you are doing?"

"Seduce you?", he innocently teased. "Can't help myself, when I wake up next to the most wonderful woman in all of Paris~ And you look just so stunning, with your flushed cheeks and rosy lips and your hair all over my pillow. May I add, that we both are still very naked and have all the time in the world to enjoy this morning together?"

"Since when have you started to become so direct with your advances, Babe?"

"Have always been…", he said, shrugging above her and softly bit into her shoulder in such a sweet way, that it made her hips buckle against his. "But since you demanded from me to be very open about my feelings and surprised me a couple of times yourself with your advances, I decided to try my luck~ Also -I definitely want to show you, how much you mean to me! Perhaps… you can forget about the nightmare a little more."

"Didn't know, I had such a horny boyfriend with such noble intentions!"

"Told you, that I was worried, that my lewd self would taint your innocent soul…"

"We shouldn't start things, that we won't be able to finish~ Think about Alya and Nino!"

He stopped his kisses and buried his face in the crook of her hair.

"Seriously! That's a huuuuuge mood killer! Don't want to think about them now!"

She giggled, felt a little easier now, than before. What was it with him to change her mood so easily? Was it the love she held in her heart for him? Or something more?

"But we should think about them!" "Urgh, Marinette~" "They are our best friends!" "Seriously- that doesn't turn me on!" "And they will be here soon!" "How late is it anyway? If we hurry, I promise you an incredible orgasm!"

She reached for his shoulders, smiling up into his face, when he gazed down to her with the same intensity in his eyes, that have always made her feel breathless and swept her off her feet.

He stalled as well. Just took her in, looking at her, as if she meant the world to him.

…perhaps she did and that was a very comforting thought - especially after last night's happenings.

"Something like eight…", she purred. "They won't be here until eleven, you said?"

"Mhm…"

"But we still need to shower and get dressed. Prepare everything for brunch, set the table-"

"And do it, again!", he jokingly and teasingly said and wiggled his eyebrows at her.

She giggled and kissed his chin, as a careful hand sneaked between them and towards his thighs, seeking out his waiting member to wrap her fingers around it. For - frankly - she didn't mind, either, if they did it yet, again - it would surely lift her mood a little more and rid her of the bad memories from the fight against Circe. He wouldn't mind one bit, either - gladly took any form of loving, closeness and tenderness she would offer to him and both would immensely enjoy it.

And - oh - how dearly he enjoyed the touch of her hand, as it ran up and down in steady rhythm over his erection. She certainly enjoyed watching him, as she brought him pleasure and felt pride rising within her chest, as she realized, that she was the one woman in his life, to do exactly that.

Thankfully both were young and still very full of energy and stamina to keep up with each other's demands.

"I am pretty sure, we could squeeze in a little morning romp in that very full schedule~"

"Thank goodness!", he exclaimed, before he engaged her in a searing kiss - but she was the one to roll them over, before he had the chance to do so.

It was somewhere around nine, when they emerged from the bedroom, smiling and very satisfied for now, holding each other's hand as they discussed the plans for the upcoming brunch and their relationship reveal towards their two best friends - which was long overdue!

And Alya would surely love to let them die in sweet agony for forgetting to tell them in the first place!

"I give them five minutes, and they figured it out!", Adrien said knowingly, as he opened the fridge - showing her its contents, so they (mostly her) could decide, what they were going to make.

The young woman cocked her head and placed one hand on her hip, the other on his shoulder to steady herself, while his easily wound around her waist.

"What is up with all of that cheese?", she questioned, seeing one of the compartments completely filled with a wide variety of all kinds of cheese. She had noticed it already on Friday - and it was certainly very confusing, especially since she saw him rarely eat any cheese at all.

A little smirk yet made it on her lips - wondering what Plagg would ever say, if he came across Adrien's fridge - he surely would love to move in with the blond ex-model, when he provided such exquisite cheese for the black Kwami. Yet… what would Chat say, if that ever dared to happen? For it would mean, that Adrien wasn't only stealing his desired woman, but also his beloved Kwami and-

No - that was an utterly stupid thought! Nothing like that was ever supposed to happen!

"I like cheese!", Adrien murmured bashfully.

"I rarely see you eating cheese!"

"Well~" His long silence was very suspicious to her - he seemingly looked for an excuse, an answer, or anything in between. "I… Usually eat it in the morning. And since you were never around until now, you couldn't watch me eat my cheese! It's full of protein and good fats!"

There was something about the way he talked. How he barely was able to look her in the eyes - it was very clear to the young woman, that there was more, than she was currently able to make out.

But she wouldn't start to dig - this very topic about cheese was - somehow- difficult for him and if he wanted its true origin to stay a secret, then she would let him.

…she had plenty secrets on her own, and he wouldn't question them, either.

"How about we make some cheese omelets? If you want to share your precious cheese, of course!", she therefore asked innocently to lift the mood between them once more. "Alya loves her cheese! Ever tried cheese with chocolate? It's her favorite pregnancy craving…"

"So…", he said, his tension slowly vanishing from his body. "…I have some chocolate spread somewhere. Do you think, she-"

Marinette giggled and nodded.

"Mhm, she will top her cheese omelet with that. She says, that cheese and sweetness of chocolate are the perfect combination! A balance designed by the gods! She even asked my parents, if they could make cheese-flavored macarons!"

"Eww…", Adrien pulled a face and scrunched his nose. "I don't want to ever try them!"

"I believe my parents are working on a recipe, though-" "Oh no…" "And they want to gift her cheese-flavored Macarons, when the twins are born! It's their silly way to joke with people!"

Both grimaced at that thought, but laughed - though both dearly hoped, that cheese-flavored Macarons - an abomination from hell - would never see the light of day and make it to the displays of the Dupain-Cheng bakery. It was certainly a very absurd thought and one, that would have only come from the hormone-filled brain of a very lovely pregnant woman.

For now, they closed the fridge, though. They wouldn't need to prepare anything in advance - the omelets tasted best when they were freshly made and there was still enough time to prepare everything else and so both decided for now to head to the shower and to get ready for the day.

First his bandage came off and Marinette examined his burn mark with keen eyes and gentle care. It was still slightly red and there was still a light swelling to the otherwise flawless skin. But it was okay - she would apply some soothing ointment later - he was just happy, that he could go without a bandage for the rest of the day - praising her skills and treatment while they undressed.

Of course, they would shower together. It felt nice and even more relaxing, than doing it alone. Both were able to steal kisses in the warm water, that beat down on their exhausted bodies from above. They could feel skin to skin, marveled at the sight of the others body in its naked glory. Could touch - though both felt still satisfied from their earlier actives in bed. And didn't want to get carried away - for Alya and Nino would arrive soon enough and there was still plenty to do.

But Marinette agreed, when Adrien had shyly asked to wash her hair. He was still highly fascinated with her long raven locks and she wouldn't complain about it in any way - enjoyed the sensation of his hands on her scalp in any way.

And…yes… she couldn't help these tiny gasps that escaped her lips, as his long fingers worked on her skull. Massaging it. Her eyes rolled on their own accord from time to time. Reached for his hands two times to compose herself and it would make him chuckle behind her - certainly both enjoyed these small and simple moments more, than they could tell. And she dearly hoped, that he would wash her hair in the future, again.

Yes - that shower really worked like magic on her - it felt as if grime and dirt washed away from past fights, that clung to her skin in an ugly, disgusting way. She wouldn't allow any thoughts about Chat Noir and Lady Titalee to enter the shower with them - both giving her unwanted feelings and emotions and those were to ban, when she was with Adrien. And he was very sensitive and so full of empathy - he would easily notice, when something wasn't right. The lie about the nightmare had distracted him for now - but she wouldn't be able to distract him with that at all times.

It had worked well enough this one time, though…

Last night's fight was still burned heavily in her soul - painful blisters over her heart, that made her think about Chat in a very sinful way and- No!

She hurriedly turned in Adrien's arms, once he had rinsed her hair completely, hugging his waist to press her face into his chest. Hugging him. Embracing him - knowing, that she only wanted him. Needed him, just like she needed Chat Noir.

Urgh…

He chuckled, unaware of her nerve-wracking thoughts and hugged her back just as tightly. Nuzzling the side of her face in a very affectionate way, kissing her forehead and eventually turned the water off.

"I am really happy, to have you, Adrien …", Marinette whispered in his chest - hoping to calm her mind, as she said these words. And true - she was happy with him - though there was a deeper honesty in her words, than one might think about.

"Me, too, Marinette…", he arms around her tightened as he shivered, their skin still wet, as the surrounding air slowly cooled down. "And as much as I love to stand here and cuddle with you all day, we should start to dry off and to put clothes on…"

"Okay…", she meekly said, knowing, that he was right - casting him a little smile, before he would have started to worry. And she didn't want that - was glad, that he smiled, was glad, that he was there, very open about his affection towards her and his feelings. He shouldn't think about the wreckage, that was her messed up life. Not now - preferably never.

She could hide these feelings pretty well - hopefully it would get easier in the future. But thankfully he didn't seem to be aware of anything, that bothered her, or kept her distracted, while they prepared the brunch for them and their two friends.

But even during these moments she felt so horribly occupied - the fight playing in front of her eyes from time to time and her heart would soar in her chest, whenever she thought about Chat Noir - him being there, watching her with those gleaming, lust filled eyes, his touch searing, his lips so close and yet so far away.

Yes - it had been such a mean, disgusting Akuma and Marinette was very sure, that Lady Titalee had sent it her way, to meet and play with her even more - more than she usually did.

And this vile villainess was surely very sure, about the chaos she had brought to Ladybug's mind with this sinful encounter.

Her tired eyes darted away from the strawberries she had cut and assembled on a plate before her and towards the blond man beside her - the only man, who should occupy her mind and heart in such a way.

It certainly wasn't fair, that she had to find a way to balance her life between the relationship she had just started with him and those nasty fights, that she needed to win to keep everybody safe. And Adrien was just caught in its middle - happily and blissfully unaware of it all.

Marinette laid the knife down on the counter and fully turned towards him and flung her arms around his shoulders. Kissing his cheek and she pressed her small frame against his side. He was startled, spilling some of the coffee powder he had tried to scoop into the compartment of the coffee machine, but wrapped one arm around her waist a moment later.

"Did I ever tell you, that I immensely enjoy it, when my girlfriend is clingy?", he kissed the top of her head soundly. "What did I do, to deserve such a gorgeous woman by my side - hugging me, as if her life depended on it?"

That was a simple question - and one she couldn't answer herself, for wonderful didn't quite match her description…

"You are yourself. And that is all, that matters…", she mumbled as her throat tightened - nasty thought clinging to her far too easily. "And I just couldn't help myself…"

That was true - if it wasn't for her bad conscience, that tried to tell her otherwise. Telling her the story of a heroine, that has fallen of another man as well, who she saw on a regular basis - who used to love her as well. Who desires her civilian self. And she just couldn't move on, even though she was in a relationship with the very man she had a crush on for more than 10 years!

She reached for his cheek, cradling it gently, before she pulled his face closer for a small, but meaningful kiss - dearly wishing, that it would just drown all these fears, strangle her love for Chat Noir and burn any regrets. A kiss, that was supposed to solve all her problems - one, that could heal both their souls, that would erase her father's illness, that would silence Lila and break Lady Titalee's power and so much more.

But not even Adrien's soft lips could give her anything of that…

Fueled by her sheer desperation she deepened their kiss, one of her hands seeking of that spoon in his hand to toss it on the counter beside them, embracing him fully, when his whole body turned towards her, hands seeking for her back on their own accord.

"…thought, that we don't have time for something like that…", he mumbled against her lips, seemingly surprised, when her hands sneaked underneath his shirt, raking across his chest.

"Let them wait!"

"Okay - what was the moment, when my sweet, innocent girlfriend turned into this sex-hungry seductress?"

…when she realized, that sex with Adrien could perfectly fill that void in her heart and soul.

"When I figured out, that you don't mind, when I am very opened about my feelings, either~", she cheekily returned, afraid, what the truth could do to their relationship.

He chuckled. For he was only aware of her wish for him to openly speak about his own feelings.

"I love it, when we are on the same page, my Queen~"

His hands wandered across her behind and towards her thighs, applying soft pressure, until she made a little jump, to wrap her legs around him. To bring him even closer - to make this next few minutes well spend.

A ring yet tore them apart, before she could have pressed her lips back on his waiting ones. Making him annoyingly groan and hide his face in the crook of her neck, while she froze - her mind catching up with the things, that just have happened.

…unaware to them both, she had almost used him - used him to clear her mind. To flush her system of any unwanted thoughts. To make her life a little easier for a few minutes.

She was disgusted by herself!

The bell let another shrill ring echo through the air.

"I don't want to! They are sooooo early!", Adrien complained, his breath hot on her shoulder and tingly - but no smile or giggle dared to reach her lips.

"We need to open the door…", Marinette whispered almost absently, closing her eyes tightly, before a tear could have left them. "Shouldn't keep them waiting for too long…"

Adrien sighed, hugging her a little more tightly for a small second, but eventually nodded in agreement.

"You are right…"

And with that he gently set her back down on the floor and kissed her one more, promising time, before he turned to fetch their two best friends, who were waiting - not so patiently.

Marinette on the other hand braced herself against the counter. Breathing deeply, in and out, as her palms stayed on the cool surface in front of her.

"Tikki…", she hissed most quietly, as Adrien's voice happily spoke into the intercom in his corridor. "…Tikki…"

She needed so desperately advices. Warm words of somebody, who knew her whole dilemma. Who could comfort her.

But that very conversation needed to wait. Tikki would not emerge. Stayed hidden - which was the wisest decision, of course.

And yet it made the young woman feel more lonely and forlorn than ever before.

Yet there was no time to whine and to lament - Alya's and Nino's cheerful voices reached her a moment after - talking about casual things, like the wonderful, sunny whether, or the Sundays traffic and their wish for a huge pool with water to dive into and to relax during the summer's heat.

Adrien led them past the kitchen, straight towards the staircase, that let up to his top deck, where they have set the table a little earlier.

No…, there was no time for her to hide right now. She knew that and therefore hurriedly put that emotional mask back on, she had worked on for years.

In a panicked haste the young woman moved - started the coffee machine, wiped the tears of her cheeks and put on a huge smile - dearly praying, that nobody would notice a thing.

…especially Alya's prying gaze would make it hard - for it was almost impossible to hide anything from her.

"They are here and they are seated…", Adrien came back a moment later, eyes still shining so brilliantly. "I suppose, that they are not suspecting a thing! Let's see how long we will be able to keep up that charade, shall we?"

Marinette nodded and reached for a huge plate with a wide variety of sliced fruits on them, making it past her poor, unsuspecting boyfriend - who only pressed on more, innocent kiss on her lips - heat and lust from only a few minutes ago completely forgotten.

The young woman made it up the stairs, he followed closely behind.

Alya immediately gasped, when she saw her best friend emerging so suddenly.

"You are already here?", the pregnant woman asked, her voice heavily laced with shock and surprise. "We were early already! Now look at you and- how long were you here anyway? Mhm?"

Marinette rolled her eyes and placed the plate on the table - the brunette rising in almost gracefull way - despite being pregnant - to hug her, while Nino grinned behind her in utter amusement.

"Don't tell me, you were here for the whole night!", Alya said, still very much bewildered, eying the other woman closely - tilting her head from one side to the other, rising her arms, focusing on the small patch of skin on her décolleté, that was showing. "I see no hickies, no bite marks and you didn't walk in a funny way…"

Marinette paled, while Nino burst into laughter - excusing the crazy pregnancy hormones for his fiancés behavior.

"Alya…", came it yet in a soothing way from Adrien, who brushed past them to place a basket with bread and buns next to the plate. "…even if something had happened between Marinette and me in such a scandalous way, then I would have been very gentle to her. I can promise you that~"

By now Marinette was blushing deeply - somehow amazed, that Adrien could talk about their sex-life in such a soft manner, while also shamefully realizing, that he had told them the truth about them - which both Alya and Nino weren't even aware off.

…just like the gentle brush of his hand across her back, before he left once more, to get even more items from the kitchen.

It made her swallow hard - for her boyfriend seemingly enjoyed their little game more, than he should.

…they certainly should have talked about the right time for them to confess their relationship to their two best friends…

"Seriously? Nothing has happened between the two of you? How long do you still want to wait?"

Nino snickered behind them.

"Seriously - what did you expect from the two sweetest people, that we know? That both would tear their clothes from each other's bodies, once nobody is watching?"

Alya huffed and stuck her tongue out in Nino's direction.

"I believe, that they would love to do that! Adrien is properly a real beast in bed, while Marinette can be a real vixen - am I right, Baby Girl?"

She wiggled her eyebrows in a almost knowing way, leaving Marinette's side, to sit down yet again with a little grunt.

"First… let them kiss! Let them go out on a cute little date and give them a few months, before things start to get sinful. This is our everyday-Ladybug and Mister Sunshine Boy we are still talking about! And once they date it will be in a very conservative, sweet way - am I right, my Dudette?"

Marinette merely let out a strangled sound, fanning herself some air - the summerly heat and the knowledge of hers and Adrien's shared intimacies made this whole ordeal almost unbearable.

Sitting down abruptly in hopes it would calm her nerves.

Nino and Alya looked at each other in a confused, also worried way - the woman reaching over the table to grasp her best friend's hand tightly.

"…really? Nothing has happened between you guys, yet? Both Nino and I were very hopeful, for neither of you have written much since Wednesday… And we knew, that you accompanied Adrien, when he went to that interview… And then… with the Akuma attack… we really hoped, that both of you have confessed your undying love to the other!"

"Marinette…We both know each other for so long - if you want any help with my Dude, then I am very willing to do so…", Nino added. "I know, that he can be a little dense from time to time - which is a miracle given, that he is incredibly smart - but he had always his problems with…girls. Or rather - with seeing, that you are head over heals into him…"

Gosh…these two were the sweetest and most supportive friends she could imagine!

…and yet they were so wonderfully unaware of the relationship between her and the blond. It was almost hilarious and certainly something they all could love about, when all was said and done!

"So~", Adrien yet said soon enough, holding onto the tablet in his hand tightly, where he balanced smaller plates - a cheese omelet on each. "Marinette helped me to make these - so they will be pretty amazing! Bon Appetit~"

He placed a plate in front of everybody and eventually sat down beside Marinette - his hand underneath the table grasping her knee, his thumb brushing over her skin in such a wonderful way, that it made her shiver - and raise her eyebrows warningly at him, as she noticed that cheeky twinkle in his eyes.

He wanted to play dirty! Pressing his luck, until both Alya and Nino figured it out.

So… two could play in that game!

Alya let go of her hand - that topic for now forgotten, as she examined the cheese omelet with much glee.

"Look at the cheese!", she chimed, reaching for a fork and knife to cut a little piece, bring it to her lips - squealing, as she allowed the savor to spread across her tounge. "So yummy! Do you know what would make this even more perfect-"

Knowling Marinette reached underneath the table - a jar with sweet chocolate spread was well hidden there between Adrien's and her chair. Before she brought it back up to the table she made sure to leisurely stroke her fingertips across his calf - which earned her a little, delightful shiver from her dearest boyfriend.

"You are well prepared!", Nino said between bites, as the jar appeared on the table. "Though I personally find that food combination rather… disgusting…"

Alya shot him a short, but frustrated glare, but thanked Marinette and Adrien for providing her with everything she currently needed and craved for - before she immediately changed to topic, drizzling the chocolate over her dish:

"Adrien… how are you?", she asked, her voice heavily laced with concern. "The interview surely hasn't turned out, like you were expecting it…"

The blond man and his girlfriend glanced towards each other with worry, their eyes locking tightly and his hand found hers underneath the table for a short moment.

"I feel… Okay - about that!", he sighed, avoiding the worried glance of Nino and looked down to the plate in front of him. "I suppose it worked out better, than I expected. But honestly - I don't know…"

"You and your father are the number one topic in all of Paris…", Nino said. "Well - and shitty Lady Titalee, of course! But the good thing is - many started to doubt your guilt - recalling the fact, that you still were a boy back then!"

"On the other side - many people hate you, because you are still rich and could afford amazing therapy sessions…", Alya added, making Adrien frown and Marinette snort with anger.

"I doubt, that any of these people want to go through the same shit, like Adrien went through!", she said, her hand reaching for his arm in a comforting manner. "You work hard, to step out of your father's shadow, you know that…"

He reached for her hand, laying it on top of hers. Smiling softly - both very aware of the trauma, that would always follow him, wherever he would go.

But hopefully one day it would be okay…

"On Thursday I talked with my lawyers. Every Cent of Gabriel's fortune is now well spend - I gave it all to the Akuma victim funds. They need it - for therapists, doctors, for facilities and more…"

"You gave away your heritage?", Nino asked, his voice heavy with surprise. "What are we talking about here? A few million Euro?"

Adrien hesitated, but eventually nodded, earning an impressed little whistle from his best friend.

"I didn't read about that!", Alya said in confusion. "I mean - it would definitely change the opinions people have about you-"

"Only Marinette and the mayor know about it. I transferred the money anonymously. I recieved a call from the mayor, that the money has arrived and that new doctors and therapists will be immediately hired." He took a deep breath. "It's the least I could do. And it certainly is the only good way Gabriel's money could be spend… He surely wouldn't mind and if he did, then I don't care."

His eyes shifted towards his girlfriend - she knew immediately, that memories of his Friday's encounter with his father reached his mind, but he wasn't able to speak about it. Not with Alya and Nino - even though he trusted both completely. But opening up about that meant to present his whole scarred soul to them - something he rather hid away. Something only she was allowed to see…

"Anyway~", he said with a cheerful voice, as his mask hid his truest self once more - standing to reach across the table to get a piece of sliced bread - one hand most teasingly brushed across her shoulders. "I really don't want to talk about that man, his money, or the interview just now! It's Sunday! It's a wonderful day and I am here with the three people, that a dearest to me!"

The two young woman shared a little, concerned glance.

"True words, my Dude! There is certainly enough to worry about already - at least for once we should do the exact opposite! So-", he reached for his coffee cup in front of him. "Let's make a toast. On… well…", he grinned. "Happiness!"

"Hear, hear!", Adrien agreed and reached for his cup as well, while both young women still were highly baffled about the sudden mood change, but eventually shrugged, knowing, that their two men couldn't be changed in any way- reaching for the vessels in front of them nonetheless. Raising them and the four met in the middle, making them clink loudly.

"On Happiness!"

For some time the four of them happily continued to talk about various things - but no one dared to raise his voice about these forsaken topics yet again. Someone even brought up the wonderful idea to go swimming - the Bassin de la Vilette would be a wonderful destination for that and the weather and the heat certainly called for them to do so. To just unwind and relax - Marinette felt it very deserved after the happenings of these past days.

Tikki would surely love to agree - a relaxed Ladybug was usually the best focused and exactly what they would need for the future…

Thankfully she was able to ease her mind for these few, precious hours, felt carefree for some time, while she sat amongst her friends - enjoying her time and the view across the city she so dearly loved. Little felt it like paradise to her - Adrien by her side, accompanied wit Alya's and Nino's laughter in the middle of wonderful potted plants, that Adrien really took care about. And- wait… that gave her a strange idea!

For this place was very accessible - day and night and some pots were big enough to hide a few things.

One big, important object - and nobody would suspect a thing.

Not Adrien - especially not Lady Titalee…

Though right now she had not the time to get into detail about her plan - somebody has started the topic of the upcoming wedding between Alya and Nino - her best friend asking, about shopping for the dress, once the twins were born. But Marinette declined that offer - of course stating proudly, that she would design and sew it herself - Alya's exciting squeal was surely heard everywhere in Paris.

So - yeah - it was a wonderful moment!

It certainly was a nice change - for now the mind of the young woman was able to clear from the dark clouds, that have dared to cast dark shadows across her private sanctuary - giving her back the strength and warmth, that she so dearly adored and needed.

At least for now.

Alya and Nino had a part in that - that was true. But Adrien's part was more important- easily provoked a smile and a laugh as he talked - even giving them a short report about the happenings in the bakery and of his time with Emma. Most skillfully and with amazing eloquence he made his way around the fact, that Marinette had been there as well for the whole time and that they were more than just friends by now.

…and still masterfully hid small touches and tiny brushes on her skin behind backs and chairs and tables.

She did that as well and it certainly was a miracle, that neither Alya, nor Nino haven't noticed anything up to this point.

Though… that certainly was only a matter of mere minutes and eventually both Adrien and her had to speak out about it, before the day was over.

"Oh… you ran out of coffee!", Marinette said after some time, seeing, that Nino's cup was completely empty, while she reached over to get a few of the strawberries - before her dearest boyfriend ate them completely, her hand landing on his arm once more, as she leaned over. Nino merely blinked, but couldn't answer, since he took a huge bite of the croissant in his hands. "I'll make some new one immediately!"

"Don't worry, I'll take care of it!", Adrien said, standing next to her as well - swiftly placing a hand on her waist to give her a little peck on the lips, which made them both smile warmly. "I'll be right back!"

He took the coffee pot and walked towards the stairs to get back down to his flat.

Marinette looked after him, until he was gone, sitting back down with that wonderful warm feeling inside her stomach, picking up the fork to get a piece of strawberry towards her lips. Stopping halfway, when she noticed both Alya's and Nino's dumbfound gazes.

"…there… are still some strawberries left, if you want some…"

"Duuuuuddeeee~"

"Marinette? What was that?"

Her eyebrows shot up, head cocking from one side to the other - trying to figure out, why they were behaving in such a strange way.

"What?", she said with a shrug, as she came up empty-handed.

"The kiss!", both exclaimed - and it immediately dawned on Marinette, realizing, that their cover was blown. She blushed, sinking back against the chair and looked at them apologetically.

"…yeah…?"

"You guys are dating!"

"How long is this going on?"

"I know, that something was up - you two were really touchy-feely towards each other!"

"And the lovey-dovey gazes!"

"And that's why you have been here way before us!", Alya gasped, eyes now gleaming with excitement. "You spend the night here! You did! Don't change my mind! Oh~ Adrien!"

The young man emerged behind them a moment later, seemingly confused at their friends behavior, unaware of all the question, that rained down on his girlfriend's head.

"Alya? Do you need something?"

"Baaaabeee~", Marinette groaned. "They know!"

He blushed.

"…oh…", he mumbled and blinked as he looked down on his watch. "Well - we made it almost 2 hours without kissing! Can we count that as a record?"

"WHAT?"

A/N: So... we see Marinette struggling, while trying to hold on to that little happiness she found with Adrien. And some classic Alya and Nino - I just truly enjoy writing them!? and we all know, what Marinette is thinking about to hide among the plants on Adrien's roof...

So - if everything goes according to plan, we will read each other tomorrow, again :D

Next chapter: From hell, to paradise and back...