The Party…

Alya was pleased to see that her best friend had at least realised Adrien was not the prick she had originally taken him for, but when she accidentally discovered Adrien was in fact sleeping on the couch and they were not sharing the bed, all she could do was shake her head. That boy was too much of a gentleman for his own good! And as for Marinette? Well she was just being stubborn as usual!

Alya knew Marinette had built up strong feelings for her superhero partner, and she probably thought she was in love with him. Alya could understand that, but she also felt Marinette was being deliberately blind to the fine looking man she also shared an apartment with who was her real soulmate, not one that was hidden behind a mask and had his own soulmate. She needed to divert Marientte's attention. So Alya, being the ever supportive best friend, made plans to try and help Marinette see the perfect specimen that was Adrien Agreste.

Ivan and Mylène were almost at the end of their 12 months in the Soul Club and would be leaving soon to start their new lives together. As a farewell, Alya organised a pool party and BBQ. The Soul Club had its own outdoor entertainment deck on the 8th floor and the weather was still warm enough to enjoy being outdoors.

Marinette had meant to buy a new swimsuit when summer started, preferably a one peice, but she was so busy with study, Ladybuging and moving that she simply didn't have time for it. When the day of the party arrived, all she had was her red and black polka dot bikini. It wasn't that she had ever worn it, she had intended to wear it for Chat one day - perhaps if they ever shared their identities and could actually date. Now that wasn't going to happen and she had no choice but to put it on.

Throwing a soft pink summer dress over the top, Marinette accompanied Adrien to the party which was already in full swing. The first thing Alya noticed was the distance between them. Sure they were talking, and Adrien was a very attentive listener, but they looked anything but soulmates.

"Okay peeps" Alya announced. "We're going to start some party games in the pool soon, so make sure you lather up on sunscreen and come jump in the water."

Marinette instantly cursed her bikini. With her back so exposed she was going to have to get someone else to rub sunscreen there and judging by the smirk on Alya's face when she asked her, that was exactly what she had in mind.

"Sorry girl, got to get these sausages cooking on the grill."

Marinette frowned at her. "But Marc and Nathaniel are looking after the cooking, you could just do this for me."

Alya started laughing. "Those two couldn't cook a piece of toast without burning it. Now go and get your soulmate to help you like everyone does. I'm sure he will be more than happy to help. Unless of course you want to get sunburned like you did on that trip back in Collége."

Marinette folded her arms and pouted. She remembered that trip alright. Everyone else was too busy and Adrien had offered to help her out, but of course she flatly refused because she was still mad at him. That had been perhaps the worst sunburn she had ever suffered through in her life and not something she was keen to revisit.

"Mari, I am telling you for your own good that you need to go and start getting better acquainted with your soulmate. I know you still hold a candle for Chat, but you have to move on. Now go."

Looking around the entertainment area, Marinette found Ivan and Mylène were preoccupied, as well as Rose and Juleka. Then her eyes finally fell to where Adrien was sitting on a deck chair. He had removed his shirt and was currently rubbing sunscreen on his arms. Each movement made the muscles on his very toned body ripple and Marinette could feel her face heating up watching him. Nope, she was not going to let this affect her. She might have had to admit she was wrong about Adrien's personality, but she absolutely was not going to let him get under her skin that easily!

Adrien caught sight of her staring and waved her over. Marinette swallowed down the last of the CC & Dry she had been drinking and made her way over. There was no way she was going to let him see he was having any effect on her, no way!

"I hate to ask Marinette, but can you put some of this on my back? I have a photoshoot in a few days for our swimwear line and I don't want to risk getting burnt."

Marinette eyed the bottle before taking it hesitantly. She could do this. She could totally do this. Squeezing some onto his back, she quickly rubbed it over, trying not to get it on the tips of his hair and ignoring how firm his shoulders were. "There." She said, handing it back to him hastily. "No burn for you."

Adrien chuckled. "That was quick. Thanks. Would you like me to help you with yours?"

Marinette shook her head. "I don't feel like swimming today. I might just sit under the umbrella, you know, out of the sun." She pointed to the table with a too wide smile, backing up and then scooting off to sit down leaving a very confused Adrien to go join Nino and the others.

Marinette sat alone at the tables, nursing her second Raspberry Cruiser and stewing as she watched Adrien and Nino throwing a ball across the pool. She still had her dress on to avoid getting sunburnt while everyone else was playing in the sun. Curse her fair skin and curse the way her heart betrayed her, fluttering at the way Adrien laughed as he tackled Nino in the water. Gosh he reminded her of Chat, that carefree way he threw his head back. Nope, nope, nope, not going there. She needed another drink.

Later in the afternoon, Kim and Ondine arrived after their swim tournament, bringing with them more booze to celebrate their victories. Kim had recently taken up work as a bartender to pay his way through his competitions and he was keen to show off his new found skills for his friends.

"Mari." Alya whispered as Marinette lined up for yet another drink. "Do you really think you should have anymore? What if you know who strikes?"

Marinette grabbed Alya by the arm and dragged her around behind the storage shed before taking off her earrings and handing them over. "There, I'll hand you my keys so I can't drive." She said sarcastically. "I'm allowed to have a day off, can't I Tikki?"

The little Kwami looked at her worriedly. "Of course Marinette, but it's not like you to drink so much. Do you need to talk about something?"

"I haven't had a lot to dwink… I mean drink." Marinette flubbed. "I'm just getting to know my soulmate like you suggested, Alya."

"You've barely talked to him all afternoon!" Alya exclaimed, putting on the earrings. "All you've done is ogle him from a distance."

"I am not ogling." Marinette retorted. "I am nearly appreciating the situ…situa…situation."

"Uh-huh." Alya said, pushing her glass back up the bridge of her nose. "And what do I tell Chat exactly? That you got yourself too plastered to be Ladybug because you couldn't get your hormones in order?"

A mischievous grin flitted across her face. "Tell Chat I'm getting to know my soulmate batter… better." She corrected herself while poking Alya in the chest. "Getting to know my smokin' hot soulmate better."

"I can't say that!"

"Tell him exactly that." Marinette insisted, looking pleased with herself.

"Fine, I'll tell him, but what are you going to do now? Wander over to Adrien and say hey hot stuff, want to dance?"

Marinette just giggled before she sashayed off towards where Kim had set up his temporary bar, looking for another drink. Alya looked worriedly at Tikki. "Am I missing something here?"

Tikki giggled softly. "I think she's starting to realise she likes Adrien, but she doesn't want to admit it."

~~~~~

Nino cranked up the tunes and as night started to creep in and an impromptu dance floor started next to the pool. Marinette really liked those daiquiris Kim had mixed up, especially the mango ones. She had lost count how many she'd had by now, but she had decided it was totally unfair that Adrien was dancing with Rose and Juleka, even if he had put his shirt back on. He was her soulmate right? He should be dancing with her.

"Hey there, hot stuff." She called out, walking up to him and looping her arms around his neck. Gosh he was tall. He was almost as tall as Chat. Adrien looked at her with surprise. "Why don't you dance with me instead."

"Sure Marinette, I'd love to." He replied, taking her hand in his. The music was upbeat and Adrien spent most of the time trying to stop Marinette from falling into the pool. He was somewhat relieved when the music slowed down. Pulling Marinette closer to him she looked up at him through her lashes.

"You're cute." She smirked, batting her eyes at him.

"And you're drunk." He said amused, clearly affected by her attempt at looking sexy.

"Not drunk enough." She countered. "I'm just tipsy. You're not drinking?"

Adrien shook his head. "I've got to be at work early tomorrow."

"Party pooper." She pouted.

Adrien snorted. "Maybe, but someone has to look out for you."

"My hero." She said dryly.

Marinette rested her head on his chest. Adrien was trying really hard not to read too much into it. He knew Marinette was quite drunk and had been getting more so over the course of the afternoon. Plus she would never act this flirty sober, at least not with him.

"Do you think I'm pretty?" She suddenly asked him. Adrien felt like all the air was leaving his lungs the way she turned up her eyes to look at him.

"Of course." He said, clearing his throat.

"Really." She continued, her speech still a little slurred. "You really think I'm pretty. Pretty like a Princess" She stumbled a little on her feet trying to look up at him. Adrien pulled her closer to him, supporting her back as he pressed her against his chest.

"Yes, just like a Princess." He said, tucking her hair back behind her ear. "I think you're beautiful."

Marinette hummed happily, totally oblivious to the way Adrien's pulse was accelerating. Her skin was so soft and her body felt so warm. Sure he had been close to Ladybug before, it came with the nature of the job, but the suits were always between them. With Marinette there were no suits, just her and him and he was a healthy male with a beautiful, albeit a very drunk woman in his arms.

Adrien was almost relieved when an akuma alert sounded. Marinette barely registered the sound. With any luck, she might just drift off to sleep, but Adrien had to make sure she was safe first. Adrien scooped her up into his arms and carried her back inside the building as their friends scurried to their apartments. He didn't see where Alya and Nino had gone but figured they must have already made it to the lift.

Once inside his own apartment, Adrien carefully sat Marinette on the bed. "I need to go check on our friends okay?" He said, patting her shoulder. "You just stay here alright?"

"Is the party over?" Marinette asked amid a yawn.

"Yes, it's over. There's an akuma outside so I need you to stay indoors."

"Akuma schmuma. Hawk Moth can kiss my butt." She babbled, standing up and throwing off her dress. "Come and get me Hawk Butt. Spots on." She called out, stumbling back onto the bed.

Adrien could feel his face flush bright red at the Ladybug inspired bikini Marinette was wearing. He hadn't realised she was such a Ladybug fan, but oh my Lordy it wasn't doing anything for his blood pressure.

"Okay Mari, I think you need to sleep now." Adrien said, attempting to lay her down and pull the covers over her. Marinette grabbed his shirt before he could leave.

"You're cute." She said again, a sleepy, dopey grin on her face.

"I think we already established that earlier." Adrien smiled amused. Drunk Marinette really had no filter.

"And you think I'm pretty." She mumbled, her grip starting to loosen on his shirt. Adrien took her hand and placed in down on the bed.

"That's right." He said, patting her hand as her eyes closed. "You just go to sleep now."

"You… you remind me of someone…. I …. I…" She didn't finish her sentence before she started snoring.

Adrien knew he needed to go and Ladybug would be waiting for him, but he couldn't help taking a moment to watch her softly start snoring. Was she going to say he reminded her of the guy she was in love with? Maybe she still was. He leaned down and softly kissed her forehead. "Sleep well Princess." He whispered before heading out and transforming.

Chat was surprised to find Scarabella when he arrived on the scene. Usually Ladybug would give him a heads up when she was going to be away. "Is Ladybug sick?" He asked worriedly, landing beside her. Scarabella looked at him with a conflicted expression.

"Not exactly." She said a little unsure. "She… well she wanted me to tell you that… I can't believe I'm actually saying this… that she was getting to know her "smokin' hot" soulmate better." She said with her fingers as inverted commas.

Chat was a little taken aback and more than a little confused. "And she needed to hand over her Miraculous to do that?" Chat couldn't help his mind drifting to certain places. There were only so many activities one would be doing with their soulmate that could warrant handing over your Miraculous because you were that unavailable.

"It's complicated." Scarabella said, rubbing her temples. "I can't go into details, you know, identities and stuff. She's fine though. I'm sure he's taking good care of her."

Chat could see Scarabella looked uncomfortable so he didn't ask anymore. So Ladybug was clearly getting along well with her soulmate after all. He was glad since she had been so worried about it, but it still hurt a little that she managed to move on so fast. At least now he could close that chapter without feeling too guilty about it because after tonight it would be dishonest of him not to say that his feelings towards Marinette were a lot less platonic than they were before.

~~~~~

After the akuma fight was over, Adrien checked in on Marinette who was still snoring. He left a box of paracetamol and a glass of water next to her bed and went to sleep himself out on the couch, ignoring Plagg and his sarcastic comments on Adrien's love life, or lack thereof. Early the next morning Adrien was surprised when a very groggy looking Marinette stumbled out into the kitchen. She had changed into her pajamas at some point, and her hair looked like it had taken on a life of its own.

"How are you feeling?" He asked as he sipped his morning coffee.

"I'm never drinking again." She groaned, pouring herself a cup of coffee from the freshly brewed pot.

Adrien laughed. "I've heard that said before."

"I mean it." She insisted, sitting down at the table. "I think I'm dying." She took a sip of the hot beverage, savoring it and it warmed her insides. "Thank you for the water and painkillers by the way. You're a lifesaver."

"No problem."

They sat in silence for a few minutes. Marinette rolled her coffee cup between her hands on the table while Adrien read over his work schedule on his tablet.

"Um, Adrien?" Marinette ventured nervously. "Yesterday, at the party, did I say anything, I don't know, weird or something?"

In the haze that was yesterday, Marinette had panicked that in the fog she might have said something that could have given away her identity.

Adrien put down his tablet and looked over at her. She was biting down on her bottom lip and her eyes were laced with worry.

"How much do you remember about yesterday?"

"Not much." She admitted. "I think we danced, didn't we?"

"Yeah, we danced." Adrien said with a soft smile. "You asked me if I thought you were pretty, like a Princess."

Adrien couldn't help but be amused at the way Marinette's face flushed red. It was kind of cute really.

"Oh my god." Marinette bemoaned, burying her face into her hands. "I actually asked you that?" Adrien laughed, standing up and grabbing his bag.

"I wouldn't worry Marinette. I'm not going to hold against you stuff you said while you were drunk. You have my word as a gentleman." He came over and gave her a kiss on the cheek before heading towards the door.

"Adrien?" She called him back. He stopped with his hand on the handle and looked over his shoulder. Marinette was playing with the ends of her hair. "What… what did you say?"

Adrien's face broke into a smirk. "I said that you were. Have a nice day Princess." He added with a wink before leaving a blushing Marinette behind him.

~~~~~

The Girlfriend Clause…

Living with another person you aren't used to was a bit of a learning curve, especially when you are frequently around them in such a small space, and you are harboring a secret crush on them, but Adrien and Marinette found they worked in tandem quite well, better than expected really. They were learning more about each other, and dinner time became something they both looked forward to. It was their time to connect and talk about their days.

Since Marinette was usually home early in the afternoon, she would prepare the evening meal. She was a messy cook, but the food was always delicious, and Adrien didn't mind cleaning up afterwards. It was his way to show his appreciation and contribute to the running of the apartment.

Marinette had learned that Adrien really didn't want to model for his father anymore, preferring to learn more in the corporate side if he would let him. He had tried to bring it up several times, but he could never get a word in.

Adrien was surprised to find out that Marinette had no desire to be a fashion mogul like his father. Her dream was to open her own boutique store where she could tailor make one of a kind creations. From what he had seen she had the talent to work for even the biggest fashion house, but she was content to make her own way and he really respected and admired her for that.

Marinette noticed Adrien seemed more fidgety than usual at dinner. He had been distracted when he came home, and now he was fiddling with the cutlery on the table. "Busy day?" She asked as she placed his dinner in front of him.

"Yeah, I guess." He replied, poking at the vegetables with his fork.

Marinette sat down and laid her napkin on her lap. She knew something was wrong. Usually Adrien would dig straight into his meal immediately. "You know if there is something bothering you, I'm here to listen." She said, encouraging him to confide in her. Adrien continued to play with his food.

"My Father wants you to come to dinner tomorrow night." He said abruptly. "In his words he wants to 'size you up'. He wants us there at 6pm sharp."

Marinette put her own fork down and looked up at him. His eyes were on his plate as he rolled around a piece of broccoli. "Oh." She said, not sure how to take his current mood. "And you're worried about his opinion of me. I understand."

Adrien dropped his fork and looked up at her. "What? No. I'm more worried about your opinion of him. When we went to see your parents they were so warm and loving. Your father is funny and big hearted and your mum was so sweet and kind. I'd never felt so welcome anywhere in my life, but my father…" He pursed his lips and closed his eyes. "He's pretty much everything you thought I was."

Marinette cringed at how she used to think of Adrien. Living with him showed her just how misguided she had been, so maybe Adrien's father wasn't as bad as Adrien was saying either. Taking her napkin off her lap and stood up, walking around the table and crouching down next to Adrien.

"Your father is your father, he isn't you." She said, placing her hand in his. "But I've learnt my lesson in judging books by their covers."

"Well this one you can, and you would be correct." Adrien turned and looked at her, worry lacing his emerald eyes. "We're in a good place, you and I aren't we? I mean, we are friends now right?"

Despite the way Marinette had apparently thrown herself at Adrien (and Alya took great delight in detailing every embarrassing thing she had done at that pool party) he had not once tried to take advantage. They had definitely grown closer, but had not crossed out of the friend zone, and Marientte was okay with that because she still wasn't ready. She was taken aback though at the vulnerability in his voice. What was this man like that he had his grown son so nervous of him. Marinette gave his hand a squeeze.

"Of course we are Adrien. I'm your soulmate remember. It was my name on your arm and your name on mine. I'm going to be here for the duration. Whether your father likes me or not it really doesn't make any difference. He can't change that fact."

"Are you sure?" He questioned. He then looked away from her. "I know soulmates have a bond, but I also know that at the end of the 12 months here at the Soul Club one can leave if they want and the bond will be broken. Even though we haven't been here together very long, I would hate to lose what we have or have things become weird between us because of my father. He can be… overbearing and demanding and…."

"Hey." Marinette interrupted, squeezing his hand. "I'm not going anywhere. We are in this thing together, and we are going to see it through to the end. I promise."

While she meant every word she had said to Adrien that night, standing in the sparse Agreste foyer certainly played on her nerves. No wonder Adrien had described her childhood home as warm and inviting. This house was anything but. Marinette had to wonder how Adrien ever grew up here as positively as he did.

The sound of footsteps soon echoed from the walls and Gabriel appeared at the top of the staircase, like a lord looking down over his peasants. Marinette wasn't sure if she should offer her hand to shake or curtsy.

"Miss Dupain-Cheng I believe." Gabriel drawled in a low monotone voice. "I have been keen to make your acquaintance."

He offered his hand out which Marinette nervously took. Gabriel wasn't even being subtle about the fact he was sizing her up. "It's a pleasure to meet you, Mr Agreste." She said, trying to smile.

Gabriel made a low hum before indicating for them to follow him into his home office. Adrien practically sighed with relief when he saw Nathalie sitting there. At least she could act as a buffer if his father got out of hand. "Do take a seat Miss Dupain-Cheng." Gabriel said flatly.

Adrien looked uncomfortable as he and Marinette sat down. Nathalie meanwhile handed Gabriel some paperwork with a sharp warning glare at him. He ignored her and looked through the papers.

"I understand that you wish to become a designer, Miss Dupain-Cheng, and you are on a full scholarship at ESMOD?"

"Yes Sir." She replied, shifting uncomfortably in her seat. Clearly Gabriel had been doing his research on her.

"You must have impressed the panel. Not just anybody is eligible for those particular scholarships, especially the daughter of a baker."

Adrien absolutely did not like the condescending tone in his father's voice when he said that. Marinette felt like her mouth was going dry. This felt more like a job interview rather than meeting his son's soulmate. "I worked very hard Mr Agreste. ESMOD is the best design school in Paris and I hope one day to have my own store."

"Indeed." Gabriel pondered, rubbing his chin. "But surely as my son's girlfriend you would want to be part of the prestigious Agreste brand. Bespoke will only get you so far in life, and my son deserves someone who can stand as his equal beside him, not scraping to get by."

Adrien practically choked. He had never referred to Marinette as his girlfriend, not that he hadn't thought about it. Thankfully Nathalie intervened. "Now hold up there Sir, you can't just simply assume Adrien and Marinette are in a relationship."

"Come come now Nathalie, surely you do not think me that naive. I am well aware of the one bed policy at the Soul Club and they have already been there several weeks now. Two healthy young teenages in close proximity are going to naturally want to be curious. The decent thing to do would at least acknowledge her as a girlfriend."

Adrien was sure his face was burning almost as badly as Marinette's, but he couldn't very well tell them he had been sleeping on the couch all this time. It was against Soul Club policy.

"Gabriel, you haven't even spoken to them about how they feel about announcing a relationship, or if they are even in one."

Gabriel frowned at Adrien, his eyes demanding answers. "Well?"

"Father, your assumptions are wrong and Marinette and I haven't defined our relationship beyond friendship right now." Adrien wanted to curl up into a ball and disappear. "I think announcing us as a couple to the public would be premature."

"Gah" Gabriel huffed, pinching the end of his nose. "I don't have time for this." He pushed his chair back and stood up, clasping his hands behind his back. "I had hoped we would have avoided all this and gotten through Adrien's 18th birthday without Adrien finding a soul mark. This was not part of my plans, however, this is the reality of the situation and I am nothing if not pragmatic. " Gabriel turned and looked at Marinette

"I will be quite frank with you Miss Dupain-Cheng, I had the Vice-Chancellor of ESMOD send me samples of your work. You have the potential to be a talented designer and it would be remiss of me to let you go to another company. Since my son is stuck with you I am willing to mentor you and give you an internship with us here at Gabriel, but simply presenting you as Adrien's friend isn't going to cut it. The public likes romance, it's more bankable, and I can concede that you are not unpleasant to look at. So from now on you will be referred to as the girlfriend and Adrien, we need to step up your photoshoots to cash in on the interest around your new romance."

Gabriel sat back down at his desk pleased with his plan. Marinette sneaked a glance at Adrien who had his eyes down in his lap. He looked completely mortified at the way his father had railroaded the discussion.

"Now, we need a photoshoot with the two of you so we can introduce you as Adrien's girlfriend to the public…"

"Soulmate Sir." Nathalie corrected, shaking her head. "She is his soulmate, remember. And I'm inclined to agree with Adrien here, announcing a relationship now might seem premature."

Gabriel rolled his eyes. "Soulmate, girlfriend, whatever. Soulmate just sounds pretentious. Adrien is no longer single as far as the public is concerned, so call it for what it is. It's all the same thing in the end. You don't object to that, do you Miss Dupain-Cheng?"

Marinette was so stunned by the whole conversation she couldn't make her mouth form words, but Adrien quickly jumped in. "Father, I wanted to talk to you about taking steps away from modeling, not increasing it, and I'm not comfortable with announcing something that isn't true. Marientte is my soulmate, but that doesn't mean we are more than that right now."

Gabriel glared at Adrien. "Alright." He said with gritted teeth. "I'll make you both a deal. Let me present Marinette to the public as your girlfriend, do a nice little interview with Nadja Chamack and I'll scale back on some of the extra modeling commitments I have planned for you. Sound fair? Call it the girlfriend clause if you like."

Adrien gritted his teeth. It would be just like his father to use Marinette as leverage. He knew as well as anyone that Nadja Chamack had been dying for an interview ever since it came out Adrien had a soulmate. Gabriel had been trying to keep it quiet for as long as he could, but now that he couldn't anymore he now just wanted to use them for profit. His father might not be able to change the fact Adrien had a soulmate or who that was, but he sure as hell was manipulating it.

"No!" Marinette suddenly said standing up. Adrien swung around with wide eyes at the ferocity in her face. Gabriel pursed his lips

"Excuse me?" He growled, unaccustomed to anyone saying no to him. "What are you saying no to exactly?"

"Any of it. All of it." Marinette exclaimed. "Mr Agreste, I thank you for your generous offer, but I do not wish to work for you simply because I'm with Adrien. I have put too much hard work into my studies for people to see me as nothing more than getting a free ride because of who my soulmate happened to be. And as for the status of our relationship, I believe that is our business and no one else's. Adrien and I are soulmates, whether you think I'm good enough for him or not, and while the status of our relationship could change in the future, that is a choice for us to make when we are ready to make it and not one to be dictated to us because of convenience. Now if that makes you uncomfortable that really is not our problem."

Gabriel sat silently seething as Marinette made her impassioned speech, his face void of expression. "I believe I am the one who knows what is best for my son, young lady." He said flatly.

"With all due respect Sir, I don't believe you even know your son at all."

"And you do? You've known him what, 5 minutes? I raised him."

Nathalie looked like she was about to choke on that statement. Marinette was practically shaking. How could such a pig headed man have raised such an amazing person as Adrien?

"You already made the assumption that we were having some kind of friends with benefits relationship, which if you knew your son you would have known that he is not like that at all. You also were willing to sell him out and his privacy for the sake of a publicity stunt. No, you are not the kind of person I wish to work for."

Gabriel narrowed his eyes and glared at her. "You know I could ruin your career Miss Dupain-Cheng with just one phone call." Gabriel seethed. "If you don't take my offer, then when you walk out of that Soul Club you can keep right on walking and out of Adrien's life."

Marinette could feel her nerve starting to waver under Gabriel's steely glare, but then she felt Adrien stand beside her and take her hand in his. "If you ruin her, then you ruin me as well." Adrien said, meeting his father's eye. "And I won't stand by and watch that happen." He squeezed Marientte's hand. "You can tell the world Marinette is my girlfriend, and I would be proud for you to do so, but I won't be doing any extra modeling commitments and I intend to quit as soon as is practical so I can further my studies instead."

Gabriel raised an eyebrow at him. "Studying to become what exactly?"

Marinette looked up at Adrien who hadn't broken eye contact with his father. "CEO of Marinette's fashion company of course."

Marinette's mouth dropped open and Nathalie tried hard to suppress her amusement. Gabriel on the other hand looked as though he was overseeing a funeral.

Deep down Adrien was terrified. Gabriel's face was completely expressionless and he had no way of knowing what he was thinking.

"I see." He said simply, standing up. "And this is the position you wish to take, Adrien? Even though I could cut you off without a Euro to your name?"

Adrien could feel Marinette's hand starting to shake in his, he squeezed it tighter. "I'll take my chances." Adrien said. "Come on Marinette. I think we are done here."

Adrien tugged in her hand and pulled her towards the front door. Behind them Nathalie's high heels clacked on the tiled floor.

"Adrien, wait." She called. He stopped at the door and turned to look at her.

"Why is he acting this way?" He asked her angrily. "If I didn't know better, I would have said he was trying to scare Marinette into leaving. Why would he do that? Wasn't he and my mother soulmates?"

Nathalie hesitated before answering. "No Adrien, they weren't. Neither had received soul marks when they turned 18. They met a few years later." She replied. "He hoped it was going to be the same for you, so he could arrange a relationship for you he considered more suitable." She then reached out and patted his arm. "I'm proud of you for standing up to him. If you ever need anything, you know where to find me." She said with a kind smile. "It was lovely meeting you, Miss Dupain-Cheng. I wish you every success in the future."

When they stepped outside of the mansion, Adrien could feel Marinette starting to fall next to him as her legs gave way. He quickly wrapped an arm around her and held her to him, the cold in the air nipping at their noses. "Marinette, are you okay? You look like your about to pass out."

A sob met him in return. "What have I done?" She cried. "I caused a rift between you and your father. I've destroyed your whole life! I should have just shut up and accepted his offer…"

"Are you serious?" Adrien said, hooking a finger under her chin so she would look at him. "You were amazing, Marinette. No one ever stands up to my father, but you did and you gave me the courage to stand up too. I have wanted to quit modeling for so long, to try to be my own person, and now I can. I feel lighter than air right now. I never had the courage to say no or to say what it was I wanted and I wouldn't have done it without you. Thank you."

He wrapped his arms around her and hugged her close to him as the cold winds blew around them. "I'm so glad that you are my soulmate. That I get to have you by my side." He whispered next to her ear and she could feel herself melting into his embrace.

"I'm glad you're mine too Adrien." she replied, returning his hug just as tight. "Did you mean what you said to your father, about you being proud to call me your girlfriend?"

Adrien pulled back from the hug so he could see her face. "Every word." He said with conviction. "I don't need a Girlfriend Clause for that, if you're okay with it that is." Marinette nodded and he leaned in and kissed her softly on the cheek. It made him feel warm inside to see the soft blush that radiated across her cheeks. "Come on. I know a nice little place not far from here that makes the best Ramen. I'm sure it would be better than staying here."