Adrien

"I hate lying to you, my Lady. Please, don't make me do that again."

Ladybug chuckled, slowly running her fingers through Chat's hair, his head safely nestled in her lap. "And you were so good at it, I actually believed you."

"I hope we're talking about Marinette-you here, not Ladybug-you?"

"Yes, Marinette-me. Don't worry, but to be on the safe side, maybe you should lighten up on mentioning your 'good friend Ladybug' so much from now on. We would have avoided this whole fiasco in the first place if someone had been a little more discreet."

"Someone thought that maybe the names Ladybug and Chat Noir would spark some memories or feelings in Marinette; but, since it's obviously not the case, I should hold my tongue." Chat grinned a teasing smile, satisfaction and mischief lurking in his eyes. "Jealous Marinette is really hard to woo."

Ladybug gasped, an adorable pout on her face. "I wasn't jealous! I reacted that way because I thought you were in love with someone else, and that meant I can't allow myself to fall for you. That's not jealousy, it's decency."

Chat caught her hand, bringing it to his lips. With the lightest of touches to her fingertips, he smiled against her skin. "So, you're falling for me already?"

"I was until you mentioned moving back to Paris in a few months. That's kind of a deal-breaker in my case. Both here and there."

"One thing at a time." Chat closed his eyes, snuggling his cheek in Ladybug's palm. He wasn't sure how much warmth and love a human hand could hold, but there was a whole universe hidden in his Lady's. "First, we make you fall for me. Then, we worry about living arrangements."

"Sounds like a plan." Ladybug bopped his nose with her finger, sending a pleasant shiver down his skin. He almost purred. When she got back to brushing his hair with her hands, he did.

"Chat?"

He hummed, too busy relishing in her touch. He wasn't extra needy but he could never get enough of Ladybug's caresses.

"Can I ask you something?"

"Of course. Anything I can tell you, I will."

She brushed his bangs away from his forehead, her voice soft but tense just a tiny amount. Most people wouldn't catch it. "So, magic? It really does exist, doesn't it? I never believed in it."

Chat lips tingled with amusement. "I heard that only a few people outside the palace walls believe, but I was still shocked at just how small that number is. And while I get that there are only a few active magic wielders at present, and even those few are keeping out of the public eye, there is enough evidence out there to prove magic is real."

Ladybug huffed. "I'd like to see you live your whole life in a non-magical world, hearing a multitude of conspiracy theories about anything one can think of—Planet Nibiru that's about to crash into Earth, lizard-like people ruling us in human guises, aliens among us, ancient monsters in woods and lakes, not to mention the fake moon landing and claims that Prince Charles is a vampire—and still believe in magic just because of a few legends and a couple of rumours. Most people are tired of it all and refuse to believe in anything they can't see. And, as you mentioned, those magic wielders aren't exactly publicly active."

"Okay, fair, but you can't blame them for choosing to hide either. " Chat peeked one eye open to watch his Lady. "Magic is rare and powerful, but it isn't omnipotent. Not usually, at least, and not in the modern world where a press of a button can wipe out a continent. If wielders go public, they're vulnerable. They become targets, threats and outsiders. They're either hunted or cast out, so it's safer to stay hidden."

"Makes sense." Ladybug bit on her lip, looking away. "I never thought about it that way before."

"Most people don't, but witch hunts were and still are a thing."

She fell silent for a quick moment, her hand sliding from his hair to cradle his jaw. "Why didn't you tell me about it before?"

He knew precisely why and, as unfortunate as it was, that reason was still standing. "Hits too close to home."

Her eyes widened, a barely suppressed gasp escaping her lips. "Chat, does someone in your home wield magic?"

His whole family, including him, but he didn't want to risk waking up just yet. This was a secret for another day. For now, Chat closed his eyes again and leaned into her touch. "I'm enjoying your company way too much to leave just yet. You'll find out soon enough, but for now, can I just say I'm in love with your father?"

Ladybug froze. "Papa?"

Chat couldn't help a chuckle. "He feeds me the best pastries I've ever tried every day; and, believe me, I've tried a lot of good pastries. His are the best."

"Don't tell me you're visiting our bakery daily."

"Ever since I first took a step inside the building. Per your suggestion, might I add, so if you want someone to blame, take a look in the mirror."

Ladybug laughed, threading her fingers through his hair once more. "And there's no hidden agenda for your visits? Like hoping to catch a certain someone's daughter while you're there?"

He grinned. "I have no idea what you're talking about. I'm there for croissants and macaroons."

"Well," Ladybug said, continuing her ministrations. "If you ever want to catch a certain bug, I'd suggest visiting between eight and nine on Tuesday and Thursday mornings."

Chat snuck a glance at her mischievous smile. "Oh?"

"Those are the two days she leaves for school without Alya, and she's famous for oversleeping. She might even agree to catch a ride with you."

"I'll see you tomorrow morning, then," Chat's lips stretched in a lopsided grin. He was the one trying to woo Marinette, but honestly, Ladybug was the powerhouse behind any success he'd had so far. Perhaps he'd just follow her instructions from now on, instead of causing delays with his own ideas. After all, who knew Marinette and how to woo her better than Marinette herself?

"Ah, my favourite regulars," Tom greeted from behind the counter. "What can I get for you boys?"

"Four croissants, two of each macaron flavour and a baguette, please," Adrien replied.

Plagg lightly scratched at his stomach just as Tom asked, "No cheese puffs today?"

"That goes without saying. The biggest box you have, please." Adrien answered. "How are you today, M Dupain?"

The man frowned. "For the tenth time, it's Tom, son. If you're going to show up here almost every day and buy enough food to feed a small army, you might as well drop the formalities."

"Yeah, man." Nino elbowed Adrien in the side with a snicker. "Tom and Sabine. You have permission. Use it."

Adrien glared at his friend's cocky grin. Easy for him to say. He wasn't the one talking to his future in-laws and worrying about making a good impression. Surely, Marinette's parents would want their future son-in-law to show them more respect than to call them by their first names, especially if they knew he was in town solely to win their daughter's heart and steal her away from them sooner rather than later.

"Papa, I'm late! Can I have some pastry to go?" Said daughter stormed into the bakery, freezing in her steps as soon as she noticed the duo. The prettiest pink dusted her cheeks as her gaze met Adrien's, something that was happening more often as of late. "H-hey, guys. What are you doing here?"

"Picking up our breakfast." Adrien pointed to the baked goods in the display, trying his hardest not to react to Plagg's claws sinking into his skin. He understood his kwami's impatience, he really did. Would've been nice, though, if the little urchin stopped mauling him every time Marinette got close. At least it didn't last long as Plagg relaxed, leaving his wielder alone. "Best in town. Can't resist."

"Thank you." Tom grinned. "Family's secret recipes. Perfected through the centuries." Taking a different paper bag, he slipped a few pastries inside for Marinette. "You know these fine young men, sweetheart?"

Marinette nodded. "We have class together on Mondays."

"Oh, really?" Tom quirked an eyebrow, a knowing smile on his lips as his eyes fell on Adrien. "So, you met just a few weeks ago?"

Adrien swallowed under the man's intense gaze. Perhaps running away and hiding wouldn't be such a bad idea right about now. Tom was a large man, and Adrien wasn't sure his soulmate's father liked him enough to approve of him courting his only daughter yet.

Marinette nodded. "He knocked me off my feet the first day of school…" Her cheeks flushed red as she tried to save the situation. "By accident, I mean."

"Is that so?" Tom glanced at Adrien.

"Yes. Completely by accident." Adrien rushed to clarify. "I dropped a pencil and—"

"I tripped. You know me, Papa. I always trip over nothing and there was a whole pencil."

"But don't worry, sir. I caught her."

"You did?" Tom's smile turned amused.

"More like I landed in his lap."

Tom quirked an eyebrow. "Did you, now?"

"I swear nothing happened, sir." Adrien raised his hands in defence. "We were in the middle of the classroom with lots of other people around."

A roar of laughter thundered through space. Even Plagg snickered in his pocket. Marinette's face turned crimson. She pulled a pain au chocolate out of the bag Tom gave her, stuffed the rest in her backpack, and headed for the door. "It's too early for this, and I'm late for school. Have a good day, Papa. Bye, Nino."

"See you." Nino waved, nudging Adrien in the side. "Wake up, Sleeping Beauty. Your knight is running away," he muttered out of the corner of his mouth.

Adrien stirred, all thoughts of intimidating father-in-laws forgotten. Ladybug gave him the opportunity, and he wouldn't waste it. "Wait! Do you want a ride? I'm free right now. I can take you to the campus… if you want, of course."

Marinette halted her steps, looking back at Adrien, then outside to where Nino and his motorcycles were parked. There was hesitation in her eyes as she seemed to consider the offer.

Adrien glanced at Tom.

The man gave him a wink. "Hold on, sweetheart. Let me get you something."

"You think he went to get his gun?" Adrien whispered as soon as the man stepped out of the room.

Nino laughed.

Marinette couldn't help a giggle as well. "I know Papa might look intimidating, but he's a huge softy under all that overwhelming exterior. He doesn't even have a gun, so don't worry."

"There you go," Tom declared, coming back into the room, a pink helmet in his hands. "I swear, Grandmama Gina saw this coming when she 'conveniently' forgot your helmet here last time." He turned to Adrien with a friendly smile. "Take good care of her, son. I'll give you a few more of those croissants for getting her to school on time."

A mountain of worry fell from Adrien's chest, replaced by an ocean of drool inside his mouth. He loved those croissants. His soulmate couldn't have chosen a better family to be born into. "Thank you, sir."

"Tom," the man insisted. "If you're going to give my daughter rides, I'd better not catch you calling me 'sir' again. Understood?"

"Yes, si—Tom. Thank you." Adrien nervously grinned, his hand furiously rubbing at the back of his neck.

"You better get going if you want to make it on time," Nino prodded.

"Right. Shall we?" Adrien offered his hand to Marinette. She stood still in the middle of the room, her cheeks rosy pink, her eyes wide and beautiful.

"I… I can take the bus. You don't have to—"

"Nonsense. It's morning rush. Traffic is bad, busses are slow. Just let him give you a ride. You'll be late if you don't." Tom put the helmet in her hands, halting for a moment as he looked at his daughter. His voice hushed, he leaned closer to whisper, but Adrien still heard. "Unless there is a reason you don't want him to take you. Is there? Should I kick his butt to the curb?"

Marinette shook her head, her cheeks quickly overtaken by a deeper blush. "I just don't want to bother him. I'm sure Adrien has better things to do with his free time than give me a ride."

Tom turned to Adrien. "Do you have better things to do than giving Marinette a ride?"

"No, si—Tom. It's either taking her to school or sharpening my UMS skills."

Both father and daughter's eyes widened. "You play UMS?" they asked in unison.

"Ever since it first came out."

"And he's quite good at it," Nino chimed in. "Our local champion."

A sly grin split Tom's lips as he took Marinette by the shoulder with one hand and Adrien with another, practically shoving them out of the door. "You two go to school now, but do plan for a UMS match soon, young man. Marinette's ourlocal champion, and I'm not half bad as well. Win against me, and I'm sure that sweet tooth of yours will thank you."

"I'm looking forward to that." Adrien grinned.

"Then, we'll arrange something next time I see you. Now, off you go. Don't speed. You let me know if he misbehaves, pumpkin."

"Will do, Papa."

"Have fun, kids." Tom waved and closed the door, leaving the two of them alone.

The awkward silence lasted for only a few moments before Marinette sharply inhaled and turned to him. "I'm sorry for Papa. He means well but he rarely knows when to stop. You don't have to give me a ride."

"You'll be late if you don't, and as your friend, I can't let this happen. We are friends, aren't we?"

"Of course we are." She shied away, the pretty blush on the plane of her cheeks deepening. "I just don't want to bother you for no reason."

"It's not a bother, Marinette. I swear. I was planning to take a ride along the shore today anyway. Some company will make it only that much more fun."

"The shore route? The one that goes around the town?"

Adrien nodded. "We'll still make it on time, but we'll avoid traffic and get to take in the gorgeous view as a bonus. Or would you rather go through town?"

She didn't have to think about it, the excitement in her eyes scarcely hidden. "Let's take the shore route. I haven't been on it since Grandma Gina last visited."

His Lady told him all about those rides. All the fun times she'd shared with her grandmother. All the joy and excitement. All the adventure. The way her voice saddened and the longing look in her eyes as Marinette stared at the pink helmet in her hands wasn't a surprise to him either. "Was it a long time ago?"

"It's been a few years. She doesn't ride anymore."

Marinette looked so vulnerable, he had to fight the urge to wrap her in his arms and pull her close. She missed her grandmother. He knew that all too well. And if he could give her at least a small part of what they'd shared, Adrien would go out of his way to do so. He put his helmet on and got on his motorcycle, stretching his hand to Marinette. "I can't replace your grandmother, but I'd love to give you a ride if you'll allow me."

Her lips tingled with a slight smile for just a moment before Marinette put her helmet on. "I'd love that. Thank you."

Leaving the town behind, they cruised up the seaside road towards their university. A gorgeous mountainside to his right, breathtaking views of the Mediterranean Sea to his left, but more than anything, Adrien was acutely aware of Marinette's arms wrapped around his middle, the warmth of her petite body pressed close to his back.

She kept silent, no doubt walking down memory lane. Unlike the wind, he didn't dare to intrude.

Cars zoomed by, waves crashed against the shore. The roar of the wind and purr of his bike's engine filled the space. A few houses, barely recognizable amongst the greenery and flower beds that drowned the scenery, were scattered along the shore. The gentle lull of the water and the warmth of the sun were a siren's call to leave the world behind and lose themselves in the beauty and serenity around them.

Adrien had never before regretted being a more or less responsible adult. Now, he dreaded the next turn just as much as the quickly approaching New Year and all its complications. Was it too much for him to want a simple life with Marinette by the sea? Or at least a longer ride to school on a beautiful day like today. Perhaps fate would be kind and time would slow down so that this moment could last forever.

Marinette shifted against his back, resting her chin between his shoulder blades. His heart sprinted, his whole being itched to stop and take her in his arms. But time stubbornly marched on, and the turn-off leading into the city was still just ahead. Five minutes later, they pulled into the university's parking lot with a quarter-hour to spare before the start of Marinette's class.

Marinette jumped off his bike as soon as she could, giving him a shy smile. "Thank you very much for the ride, Adrien. I really appreciate it."

"Not a problem," he barely breathed. Dishevelled and flustered, Marinette had never looked lovelier as she watched him with slightly parted lips, perhaps for the first time not shying away as soon as their eyes met. There was something new in her eyes. Something soft and yearning. Something he couldn't quite place, but that went perfectly with the crimson colour of her cheeks.

A car pulled into the spot beside them and Marinette fidgeted, looking at her shoes. "I'd better go. Class—my class is start soon. Thanks."

Adrien had never known that there was a deeper shade of blush than crimson. It was a beautiful sight. "Do you want me to hold on to this?" He motioned to her helmet. "It'd be easier than for you to carry it around all day. I can take it back to the bakery, or I can stick around and take you home later? Unless you're going back with Alya. But then I'm sure Nino would love to join us. They really hit it off, didn't they?"

"They sure did." Marinette smiled. "And, thank you, but my classes won't be over until five. I'm not going to make you loiter around here all day."

"Oh, that works out even better. I have a class later today that ends ten minutes past five. Maybe you can wait and let me take you home? Your father promised to reward me handsomely and what man would pass on free pastries?"

She looked quite unimpressed. "Are you saying you'll be my personal chauffeur for food?"

Adrien grinned. "I'm just being honest."

Her lips parted as she was about undoubtedly to sass him back when her cell phone buzzed. Marinette tensed. "My class is about to start. Gotta run. Thank you again!"

"So meet you here at five-fifteen?"

A fleeting hesitation crossed her face, but she nodded. "Sure. Why not? See you later, Adrien."

"See you later, Princess."

He watched her disappear into the building, and only then pulled out his cellphone to text Nino. His friend had beat him to it by a few seconds.

Nino: Dupont's Breaking News: The most powerful man alive, the one and only Prince of Destruction, Heir to the French throne, trembles before a local baker.

Nino: You think Alya will fall in love with me if I let her in on the scoop?

Adrien huffed.

Adrien: Shut up, Nino.

Adrien: And stop furthering your love life at my expense.

"You're no fun, Your Highness," someone shouted from across the parking lot.

Adrien looked in the direction of the voice. "What are you doing here?"

Nino coasted closer on his motorcycle, a confident smirk on his face. "Guarding your sorry butt is kind of my job, you know. Be thankful I'm discreet enough for neither of you to notice your third wheel."

Adrien groaned. "Really?"

"Really. And we aren't getting into this again. You're an adult and can take care of yourself. I'm an adult and don't want to lose my job. Deal with it."

"I swear, I'll lose you one of these days."

"With the number of trackers I have on you? Good luck." Nino snorted. "Going home?"

Adrien nodded. "We still have a few hours before our class and I need to catch up with Max."

"He already checked in. He's got somewhere to be tonight, so he reported to me while you were cruising with Marinette."

"And?"

"Nothing. Your father acts as if nothing has happened, which I guess is just your father being… well, your father. He just goes about his day on autopilot."

Nino had a point there. Gabriel had never been particularly involved in Adrien's life. "What about my mom?"

"Her condition hasn't changed."

"And Lila?"

"She's been out partying, shopping, and dining. Most of the time with Felix. Max did note she got your number somehow, but he's been blocking our location signals and her calls and texts on all of our devices, so we should be good for now."

"Good." Adrien nodded. Better safe than sorry. "Let me know if anything changes."

"Will do, boss. Shall we get going? I kind of wanted to test my gravity manipulator before class today. You up for some floating?"

A chuckle escaped Adrien's lips. "Sometimes I wonder if I'm your friend, your job, or your guinea pig."

"All three." Nino grinned. "Luckily for you, all three."