Marinette

Perhaps it was her finally coming clean about her feelings, or maybe it was Adrien confirming that she wasn't the only one falling inexplicably and hopelessly in love, but Marinette couldn't remember the last time she had slept so peacefully and woke up so late. The sun was already high above the horizon when she opened her eyes. Good thing it was Sunday: no school to rush to, and the bakery shouldn't be too busy as well.

Marinette stretched, eyeing the splint Maman had put on her yesterday. Needlessly spent money, but she appreciated the care anyway. She would also appreciate seeing the look on Adrien's face when she walked like nothing had happened to her ankle when he came to check up on her today. The dumbfounded look, the disbelief in his eyes. His jaw would go slack, and Marinette would not shy away from proclaiming with a smirk on her face "I told you so." This weird quirk of hers was proving to be useful once again.

Her phone chimed. Marinette reached for it, not surprised in the slightest to see multiple text messages from Alya. Adrien's name was a new and very welcome addition. She clicked on Alya's name first. Her hurt ankle wasn't a secret to Alya anymore, but it seemed she wasn't aware of how Marinette and Luka's conversation went.

Marinette: Sorry, I slept in. My foot is fine. Brand new, as always.

In true Alya fashion, she called right away. "Girl, you have to be more careful. I know you have this weird thing going on, but come on, you don't have to take my every word literally. I meant 'break your metaphorical foot', not an actual one."

Putting Alya on a speaker, Marinette got to taking off her splint. "So from now on, I shall ignore your advice?"

"From now on, you should be more careful and not ruin your dates with injuries."

"Got it." Marinette plopped in a chair in front of her desk, wiggling her toes. Her suffering didn't last long, but it was still nice to be pain-free. "What's up with you? Any plans for today?"

"Nino's taking me out, but don't you change the subject, M. How did your date go? I'm dying of curiosity."

"Nino's taking you out?"

"I said no subject changes until you spill the beans."

"But it's Nino, the man you are currently swooning over, and he's taking you out. How—"

"I'm not swooning over anyone," Alya hissed. "We're just hanging out. That's all."

"Second time this week? And every week since you two met. All alone without a chaperone. How scandalous."

"Listen! If you're going to accuse me, then I'm going to ask you how the heck did you go on a date with Luka and ended up with Adrien bringing you home?"

Someone knocked on the door, Sabine peeking in a moment later. "You up, sweetheart? How is your ankle?"

"Brand new, like always," Marinette replied, showing off her foot. She could hear Alya's huffs on the other side of the line, but she ignored it all the same. If Marinette wouldn't tease her best friend, then who would? "Sorry, Maman. I slept in."

"No worries," Sabine said, seemingly unaware of Alya's call. "We thought you could use some extra sleep after yesterday. How are you feeling otherwise?"

Oh, right. Maman had seen her red, swollen eyes and tear-stricken face last night. She had tried to probe what had caused Marinette's tears, but Marinette was too tired to explain, so she'd just brushed it off and claimed her injury was more painful than usual. Maman hadn't looked convinced, but let her be. Not for long, though, it seemed.

"I'm feeling great." Marinette grinned, the most innocent expression on her face. She would have to tell her parents about Adrien and her eventually, but with Alya being on speaker, right now wasn't the best of times. "Nothing hurts anymore, so I can help out in the bakery if you need me."

Sabine shook her head. "It's a slow day, so we'll manage, but…" She seemed to be unsure of something for a moment, before hesitantly adding: "Adrien's downstairs. We—"

"Adrien's here already?!" Marinette practically jumped in her place, glancing at the clock. How late exactly did she sleep in?

Ten o'clock!?

She hadn't slept this long in centuries!

"Adrien's there?" Alya yelled from the speaker. "Marinette Dupain-Cheng! You are telling me what's going on right now or I'm coming over this instant!"

"No!" Marinette squeaked.

"Should I tell him to come back later?" Sabine asked.

"No!" Marinette shook her head, feverishly scrambling to her closet. Where was that cute, red romper she always looked great in?

"Marinette, what's going on over there?" Alya called again.

"Should I let him come up then?" Sabine echoed.

"No! Yes! I meant—" Marinette stopped and breathed in. Calm down. Get a grip. One thing at a time. She grabbed her phone first. "Alya, don't come over. I'm fine. Adrien's here just to check on me after yesterday. I'll call you myself after he leaves. Okay?"

"Fine," Alya grumbled on the other side. "But I expect details."

"And you'll get them, as long as I'm the one calling you back first. Enjoy your day with Nino and don't worry about me."

She hung up before Alya could reply. There was no time for chit-chat. She'd have to properly apologize later, but now Marinette had to find her lucky red romper.

"Maman, please, tell Adrien to wait in the living room," Marinette said, getting back to her closet. "I need to change and at least brush my teeth and hair. Have you seen my red romper?"

Sabine's eyes lit up. "The lucky one?"

"Yes. That one. Where is it?"

"And here we weren't sure you would want to see him. Clearly, we were wrong if you're looking for that romper."

Marinette halted her frantic search, peeking out of the closet. "Why wouldn't I want to see him? Did he say something?"

"No, but…" Sabine took a breath in and looked straight at Marinette before continuing. "Sweetheart, you were all smiles when Adrien brought you home last night, but after he left, your eyes were swollen from crying. I know you said it was from an injury, but you haven't cried from those since you were a child. We didn't want to think that something happened between Adrien and you because he seems like such a nice boy… But you were crying, and neither of us could buy the injury excuse… Neither of us is still buying it."

Her parents were the best in the world! Always supportive, respectful, and loving, and the sole reason why Marinette was so set on continuing the bakery legacy. To make them proud. To partake in what was so dear to them. To keep it alive. For them.

"I love you, Maman." Marinette wrapped her mother in a tight hug, forgetting her search. She sniffled back moisture gathering at the brim of her eyes and whispered, "Thank you. I really appreciate your concern, but everything is fine. Adrien didn't do anything. We just… talked, and I got a little emotional, but it's nothing bad. I promise. You have nothing to worry about."

Sabine held her silently for a couple of moments, giving her daughter a light squeeze before pulling back. "I'd try to get details out of you, but Papa is waiting for me at the bakery, and Adrien seemed impatient to see you, so… just promise me you'll be careful?"

"I will." Marinette nodded. "And I promise to tell you everything as soon as there is something to tell."

Usually, it was her father or Alya to get excited over such things. Seeing that mischievous spark in her mother's eyes was a little odd. "Oh? And are you expecting there to be something to tell us about?"

The room had suddenly warmed a degree… or ten as Marinette rushed back into her closet to search for that lucky romper of hers, murmuring along the way. "I don't know… Maybe? We'll see. Isn't Papa waiting for you, Maman?"

"I see." Sabine laughed and headed to the door. "I'll tell Adrien to wait in the living room. Let us know if you're heading out."

"Will do!"

The door shut just as Marinette's eyes finally landed on the garment she was looking for. Sleeveless, knee-length, and flared from the waist down, the romper looked more like a summer dress and never failed to make her feel pretty while providing more comfort and ease of movement than a regular dress would. Marinette blessed the day she designed it.

"There you are," she mumbled under her breath, grabbing the garment and sprinting for the bathroom to get ready. Ten minutes later, she headed downstairs, her hair tied in two messy buns, her face showcasing the best natural makeup she could muster at the moment, her romper sitting perfectly on her toned figure. Now, if only her nerves would cooperate and be just as perfectly calm…

Her breath halted when she saw Adrien standing by the window, watching her descend. His face lit up with a smile the moment he saw her. Illegally handsome. Men shouldn't be allowed to have such flawless features and such perfect mops of golden hair. If she could only touch it, run her fingers through the silky strands… Or gaze into the warmth and beauty of his eyes for an eternity. And who the heck gave him the right to look so good in a simple pair of jeans and a black t-shirt? That alone sent her heart sprinting to the moon and back.

"Hey." Adrien waved at her, taking a step in her direction. "I see you're feeling better."

"Brand new." Marinette flashed him a smile, showcasing her foot. "Just like I told you."

"May I take a look?"

"Sure." Marinette shrugged, sitting down on the stairs. Sadly, Adrien didn't seem to be shocked at all by her miraculous recovery, but as he crouched before her, taking her foot in his hands and running his fingers along her ankle, Marinette couldn't find it in herself to regret that. His touch on her skin was more than a good compromise.

"I guess you won't be needing that 'Get Well' ice cream I bought you." Adrien smiled at her, carefully pressing different spots on her ankle. "This does look brand new."

Marinette perked. "There is ice cream?"

"Yes, but it's for injured people, who you clearly aren't. The same goes for the newest UMC I brought, thinking you'll need entertainment being stuck on a couch all day."

"Rude?" Marinette huffed, poking her finger at his chest. "I deserved that ice cream because I'm still in the emotional pain of not being believed by some people that I'll be fully healed overnight. And the newest UMC is not out for another two weeks. There is no way you have one."

"Wanna bet?" Adrien smirked and got up.

Marinette frowned. She was yet to catch Adrien lying, but he did look awfully confident for someone who wasn't telling the truth. Especially since she could easily prove him—Her eyes widened as he pulled the game she was expecting to arrive at her doorsteps in only a few weeks out of his jacket's inner pocket.

"You were saying?"

Marinette jumped to her feet, grabbing the box from his hands. "But… how? I pre-ordered this weeks ago and nothing yet."

"I got it as a beta tester." Adrien proudly grinned. "And I already have a few weeks of practice under my belt, so if you were to challenge me, guess who's going down?"

"You, of course." Marinette shrugged. She was yet to meet a person who would be able to beat her at UMC. New game or not.

"I very much doubt that. You see—"

"Wanna bet?"

Adrien paused, looking at her for a moment before stretching his hand forward. "Only if there are prizes involved."

Oh, so he wanted to make this interesting? That was more than just fine with her. She took his hand but stopped short of shaking it. "What do you want if you win?"

"A date."

"A date?" She echoed, arching an eyebrow. "What happened to you waiting for my answer?"

"Nothing. I'm still waiting." Adrien's smile turned mischievous as he leaned against the staircase railing and mused, "But you did mention you barely know me, right? And getting to know me better will help you decide, so maybe… a platonic date would be alright?"

"A platonic date?" Marinette pulled her hand back if only to cross her arms over her chest at a wording she'd never thought she'd hear in her life. "How can a date be platonic?"

"It's like a date, but between friends."

"People call that a hangout. Not a date."

"Yes, I know," Adrien grumbled, the cutest of pouts on his lips. "But date sounds so much better."

The person who first penned "the kicked puppy look" surely was inspired by the same picture Marinette was observing at this very moment. She almost laughed, holding back only for fear that Adrien would burst into tears. And a 'platonic date' did sound innocent enough, so she outstretched her hand to him and said, "Alright. One platonic date it is. Now, what do I want if I win?"

"How about Paris?" he offered before Marinette could come up with a single idea. "A week before Christmas. Exclusive Chattel fashion show. I'll cover accommodations and transportation."

She watched him in a stupor for a few moments, pulling her hand back. He just had to offer her one of her biggest dreams, even though he had probably known himself how impossible it was to get in that event for regular people like them. Not to mention how much it'd cost. Marinette had ambitions, but she wasn't a fool. "Yeah, and the pigs can fly. How about you offer me something I can believe you can get?"

He looked almost offended. "I can get the tickets. I have enough connections to get not only you but Alya, Nino and myself in."

He did work at the palace, so maybe… She shook her head. Get a grip, Marinette! Even if he could somehow find a ticket or two, she couldn't even start to imagine how much it'd cost him. "That'll be too expensive of a prize."

"Not for me."

"For me it is."

"But I'll be paying."

"And I cannot accept something so expensive."

"Or you doubt that you can win," Adrien blurted out, looking away. "Fine. You can come up with something else. Something you won't regret not winning."

Marinette flinched, blood starting to boil in her veins. The audacity of that cocky man-child! It seemed he had no idea whohe was dealing with! And wasn't it him yesterday bragging he could afford a few bakeries if he wanted to? Well, time to pay for his arrogance and learn that no one, absolutely NO ONE wins against Marinette Dupain-Cheng in UMC!

"You're so on, Noir!" she fumed, heading for the TV. "Say goodbye to your money, because you're going down and paying for that trip not only for me but also for Alya."

"In that case—" Adrien plopped on a couch beside her, offering her the game, "—I get ten platonic dates."

"The only thing you're getting is an ego bruise." She passed him a controller. "Best of three? Not that it'll make a difference, but I kind of want to see you suffer for a bit longer than five minutes I need to kick your ass."

"Let's make it best out of ten," Adrien proposed. "And I get a date for every time I win, even if I lose overall."

"That's not how this works. You either lose or you win. You can't have both."

"Hey, if I lose I'm spending a pretty penny. Can't I have a consolation prize at least?"

That man! Ugh! She didn't have the right words, but… perhaps he could? Truth be told, after yesterday's conversation and a good night's sleep, Marinette was pretty sure of what she'd tell Adrien the next time he asked her if she would give him a chance. But that didn't mean she wouldn't be interested in a platonic date or two with him. She still made sure to look a bit reluctant. He deserved to be teased a little.

"Fine." She stretched her hand to him. "One platonic date for each win you score. Best out of ten for the overall win, and you're taking me to a Chattel show on Christmas."

"That's assuming you win." Adrien took her hand and shook it.

"Oh, I will win."

"You can always try."

"Shall we start, so I can show you how well I can win?"

"Sure. Let's start." He grinned and directed his attention to the screen, choosing the black cat robot as his character. "Just so you can see how many dates I can score. How does ten out of ten sound?"

"Unrealistic." Marinette chose her beloved Ladybug. The bot had practically called to her when she first picked up a game back in lycée, and it had yet to let her down ever since.

"Good choice." Adrien smirked, stretching his fingers. "You'll need all the luck you can to get a win against me."

"Right." She rolled her eyes. "And you chose the black cat because you're so good, you'll win despite the bad luck?"

"Bingo!"

"It'll be an honour to kick you down a notch." Marinette chuckled and started the game.

She almost regretted her words as soon as the first round had started. Adrien was good. Way better than any other opponent she'd ever faced. She could still hold her ground, but barely, the battle taking a lot longer to finish because neither one was yielding. She still won, despite Adrien having the advantage of having already played the new edition while she had to rely on tricks from the previous one. The second one was a bit harder to win since Adrien had figured out some of her tactics and was able to block most of her attacks. By the end of the third game, Marinette had never before been so happy her stomach growled, distracting her opponent and giving her the opportunity for the final blow.

"Sorry." Her smile was apologetic, yet in her mind, she was thanking all the deities alive for a break opportunity. "I haven't had breakfast yet. Are you up for some lunch before we continue?"

"When did I ever refuse food in this house?" Adrien practically jumped off the couch. "What are we having?"

"There should be some salmon quiche left from yesterday's dinner."

He as well might have been drooling, so wide his pupils dilated. "Sounds heavenly."

Marinette couldn't hold back her laughter. What a dork! And why did she fall in love with this man-child again? "Come on. I'll warm it up."

He didn't need a second invitation, following her to the kitchen like a puppy. His face lit up at the sight of her Papa's quiche just as brightly as that of a small kid's upon seeing his Christmas presents. Watching Adrien devour their meal with such enthusiasm and emotions—one would think he was eating the best of the world's cuisine—somehow made Marinette appreciate the quiche she'd eaten countless times before in a new way. Perhaps it even did taste a little bit better this time around… She wasn't sure, but should Adrien ever quit whatever job he had in Paris and relocate to Dupont, the man certainly had a future in the food review industry.

"Ready to get back to the battlefield?" She nudged him after his third slice was gone and her own hunger satisfied.

"Never been readier." Adrien grinned and cleaned the dishes off the table.

Once their battle resumed, Marinette realized two things: one, feeding Adrien was her best tactic yet. With his stomach stuffed full, he was not as sharp and fast as before, and Marinette needed only fifteen minutes to kick his butt in round four. And second… "Two more games and I'm going to Paris for Christmas."

"Okay but we're playing all ten," Adrien grumbled, putting on his "I'm serious now" look. "I want to win a few dates."

"Platonic ones, don't forget."

"As if you'll let me."

By some miracle, he almost won the fifth round. If not for Tom coming into the room, Marinette would've been a Ladybug pancake on a UMC digital floor.

"Is that the new edition?" Tom's eyes sparkled as he practically ran to the TV.

"Yes." Marinette nodded. "Adrien's a beta tester. Want to try?"

Her father didn't have to be asked twice as he took the controller from her hands and switched a character to the one he preferred.

"You two enjoy. I'll go get ice cream. Adrien, you want some?"

"After I crush Tom, absolutely."

"We'll see about that." Tom grinned and started a game.

He lost all five they played, just like Marinette had thought he would. Papa hadn't won against her in a few years. How was he supposed to win against someone she was struggling to beat?

"This is not the end," Tom proclaimed after Sabine had called for the third time that she needed him back at the bakery. "You come back next weekend, young man, and we'll play a rematch."

"Of course." Adrien chuckled, standing up. He turned to Marinette as soon as Tom left the apartment. "I believe there was some ice cream for me?"

"Come here and choose your poison." Marinette grinned. Perfect! She had a chance to feed him again. A proven victory for the next round.

The next hour or two, they spent discussing their favourite ice cream flavours and sharing stories that went along with those. Marinette told Adrien about the time she shoved a whole cone of ice cream in her mouth just because she didn't want to throw it out like Maman had told her to do. Suddenly realizing that they were running late just wasn't a good enough reason to waste a perfect strawberry vanilla deliciousness in Marinette's five-year-old mind. And even if she paid with a fever for the next few days for her actions, Marinette had never regretted her choice. That ice cream was worth it.

Adrien couldn't stop laughing for the whole two minutes, and in return, told her how he and his cousin Félix would pretend to be great chefs and mix all kinds of stuff in ice cream. Then, they would feed their creations to his father's secretary, who had never refused. He wasn't sure why. Perhaps she was afraid to lose her job or maybe she was willing to humour her employer's kid and his nephew, but Adrien was pretty sure it was white chocolate, raspberry ice cream with pickles, pieces of broccoli, and a generous dash of cayenne pepper that had finally laid the end to their culinary careers. He and Félix were banned from the kitchen the day they fed Nathalie that concoction. Nathalie returned to work only a few days later.

Marinette couldn't stop laughing either, even if she felt bad for his father's secretary. "Why did she eat it? Or rather how?"

Adrien shrugged. "I really need to apologize to her one of these days."

"I'm amazed she still works for you after that."

"As unbelievable as it sounds."

His cell phone rang. Adrien apologized, saying it was Nino, and took the call, giving Marinette a chance to clean up and get settled for the next round. She glanced at the clock. How did it get so late? The bakery would be closing soon, and that meant her parents would be back home in no time. She'd have to work extra hard to finish the last five games fast and get Adrien out of the house before that happened. If she wouldn't, they were stuck here; and Marinette wasn't going to do what she'd already decided to do with her parents in the room. She also wasn't waiting another day, because this man was one in a million, and if this day of video games, sharing food and chatting the hours away had taught her anything, it was that Marinette would absolutely risk it all to try to make this work. Adrien was simply too good to let go without even trying. What they had felt too right and precious to push aside and ignore. And if different postal codes weren't as huge an issue as she'd made it out to be, then what was stopping her?

"Sorry," Adrien said, getting back to the couch.

"Is everything alright?"

Adrien nodded. "Nino just had a question. Nothing serious."

"I heard he's taking Alya out today? A hangout between friends?"

Adrien chuckled. "Yeah. Friends."

"What's holding him back then?"

"The same thing we're facing." Adrien shrugged, settling down. "His whole family is in Paris. He loves his job more than anyone I've ever seen. And he's not a man to date around. The moment he asks Alya to consider moving with him to Paris, I can guarantee you, he already looked at engagement rings a week prior."

"Then he's in luck." Marinette passed Adrien his controller. "Alya's been dreaming of moving to the capital for years. She's a journalist and Paris is where it all happens. Pretty sure she wasn't even going to look for work here. All she's been talking about was Paris' news agencies."

"Good to know. May I share this confidential information with the man in question?"

"Go ahead. I'll be surprised if he doesn't already know it."

"He hadn't mentioned anything to me. Ready to get crushed?"

"As if." She snorted. "I haven't seen you win a single time yet."

"Oh, but I'm getting closer. This time I'll win for sure."

He didn't. Marinette claimed victories for the sixth, seventh, eighth and even ninth games and if not for her getting distracted by how cute Adrien looked with his tongue poked out as he concentrated on beating her, she would've had the tenth game as well.

Adrien jumped off the couch as soon as her character fell and the screen announced his victory. "I won! Marinette, I won! I won! I won!" Collapsing back to the couch, he closed his eyes and deeply breathed in before looking at her and whispering, "I won a date with you."

"A platonic one, don't forget." She doubted things would be much platonic between them from now on, but Adrien didn't have to know that yet.

His lips still stretched in the goofiest smile nevertheless. "Of course."

"And don't forget you're now taking Alya and me to the exclusive Chattel fashion show in Paris since, you know, you lost the overall tournament."

"Was worth it."

"For one platonic date?"

He silently nodded, reaching for her hand, placing a tender kiss on top.

Her heart fluttered. This man. One of these days, he'd be the death of her. He and his green eyes, filled with nothing but adoration when he looked her way. The eyes that caused her many sleepless nights—

A thought crossed Marinette's mind. She perked. "Want to go out for a bit? We've been cooped inside all day."

He glanced at the clock, his eyes widening a speck. "Oh. I didn't realize how late it was already."

Marinette chuckled, standing up. "Let's go. I'll give you a bonus platonic date for being such a good sport and letting me win."

"You don't have to rub it in." Adrien pouted, following her suit. "Next time, I'll win for sure."

Marinette grabbed a jacket and got her shoes out. Perhaps she should give credit where it was due? He did make her work for those victories. And she was about to score one more out of him. He could use some praise before his untimely demise. "Not to stroke your ego, but you're the strongest opponent I've ever played against. With some practice, you'll be my equal in no time."

"Does that mean we'll play again?"

"Didn't Papa invite you over for a game day next week already?"

"He did!" Adrien put on his jacket, getting ready to leave. "Where are we going?"

"The beach," Marinette said, eyeing his hand. Nothing was stopping her. Adrien certainly wouldn't protest, and it wasn't like they hadn't done that already. She reached forward before she could lose her bravado and grabbed his hand, quickly pulling him out the door, down the stairs and out of the house before her parents could notice.

"And why are we sneaking out?" Adrien broke the silence only when they were safely out of the bakery's view.

She gave him a look that said it all, but just in case, Marinette added, "Do you want to spend the rest of the day in my parent's clutches, being fed to death and smouldered with love while they get every little detail of your life out of you and start debating the names of their grandchildren by the end?"

A corner of his lips twitched in a smile. "That doesn't sound too bad."

"Does it sound more appealing than a platonic date with me?"

He shook his head. "Never."

"Then follow me and don't ask questions."

His eyes softened, a lopsided smile on his face. "As you wish, Princess."

The sun was almost below the horizon when they got to the beach. Marinette headed straight for the destination she had in mind. She could see it in the distance. She could almost feel Adrien's pain once she put her plan to work. She couldn't wait to—

"Are we in a hurry?" Said man nudged at their still linked hands.

Marinette halted her steps. Technically, no. "Not really. Why?"

He pulled her to stand beside him. "Do we have a few minutes to watch the sunset then? It's especially beautiful today."

Marinette's eyes shifted to the setting sun. It was beautiful. Perhaps, they could spare a few moments. Watching sunsets was one of her favourite things to do, and she could always squeeze some teasing to spice things up and lay the foundation for what's to come. "Don't you think it's not very platonic to watch a sunset together?"

"It can be both," Adrien said, his eyes glued to the horizon. "Friends watch sunsets together too. We already did that, didn't we? As long as we don't kiss at the end, it'll be a platonic sunset watching."

"And did you just say that to make me want to kiss you?"

He turned her way. "Did it work?"

She laughed, bringing his hand to her lips and quickly smooching it. "There. A very platonic kiss for our absolutely platonic sunset watching."

A chuckle slipping his lips, Adrien turned back to the sun, his eyes mirroring its glow. A tiny smile on his lips, he hadn't said a single word the few moments she'd watched him. Yet, right after she'd followed his example and directed her gaze to the scenery, Adrien asked, "Want to go to the movies tomorrow?"

"I don't really go out on weekdays. Too much work."

"Then next weekend? Maybe Friday?"

"Friday sounds good."

His gaze shifted to her. Someone walked by, a couple of birds glided past them. Waves kept crashing against the shore at their feet as the last of sun rays dove behind the horizon. Adrien's eyes were still on her.

"I thought we stopped to watch the sunset," Marinette finally commented, turning to face him.

"And that's exactly what I was doing."

"You were watching me."

"I was watching the sunset reflecting in your eyes. It's even more beautiful when captured in the most gorgeous eyes I've ever seen."

She could kiss that precious dork right there and then and be done with it. But Adrien Noir had caused her much heartache and trouble ever since he showed up in Dupont. He deserved to pay for that, and she deserved to see him suffer just as much as she did. That was the only reason Marinette hid her blush by looking away as she nudged him to resume their walk. He followed her without questions, stopping only once it became apparent where exactly she was leading him.

"Marinette?" His voice trembled with uncertainty… or maybe it was fear? She couldn't tell. But Adrien was definitely nervous.

"Yes?" She looked at him over her shoulder, a slight smirk on her lips, a sultry look in her eyes.

"Please, tell me we aren't going in there?"

She looked ahead at the club Alya told her about. Live, exhilarating music pulsated through the space. Neon lighting escaped the darkness of the building full of dancing people. Laughter, chatter, singing echoed around, every imaginable drink pouring at the bar, and a few couples already kissing in the corners. This was the ultimate destination for everyone young and looking for a fun night in the town. This was the establishment, Marinette knew without a doubt Adrien would not survive keeping their date platonic. Especially not if they would be dancing to the music this club was famous for. And certainly not once she started flirting with him.

"Why? You don't like dancing?"

He paused, his eyebrows knitting into a slight frown. "Wasn't it supposed to be a platonic date? Like a friends' hangout kind of thing?"

With the most innocent smile on her lips, Marinette took a step closer. "Come on, M Noir. Friends go dancing together. Alya and I used to go dancing together all the time before we got busy with university work."

Adrien visibly swallowed, taking a few moments to look between Marinette and the club. "I… I'm not sure…"

Marinette smirked, taking another step and placing a hand on his chest. He was all hers. There was no doubt about it, and she loved how she could render him speechless by such a simple suggestion. "Are you worried I won't be able to keep my hands to myself?"

Adrien shook his head. "I—No. I was…" His hand reached behind his head to rub the base of his neck, an awkward smile settling on his lips. "I was worried about myself. I mean the 'platonic' part could be a little difficult in there, wouldn't you say?"

She looked at the club and back at him. "I think it's perfectly manageable, but we can always leave if it'll get too much for you. Okay?"

She could see the hesitation in his eyes, his stiff posture, his parted lips, but once she squeezed his hand a bit, Adrien nodded and followed her inside.

Like a sheep to its slaughter.

The moment they stepped into the room, music and lights attacked her every sense. A sexy, alluring beat enveloped her body, beckoning her to move. Marinette turned to Adrien, dropping all of her pretences to look innocent. "Let's dance."

He let her pull him onto the dancing floor. She let his hand go, the song sucking her in. Marinette loved to dance, loved to move in rhythm with the pulse of the song, loved to feel the vibrations of the music on her skin and capture its melody in her muscles. Dance was powerful. Dance was freedom.

And now, dance was a torture device for Adrien.

Her hands gliding along her body, Marinette flowed with the song. She knew her curves, knew how to flaunt them. The lighting and her outfit accentuated the sway of her hips. She swiftly undid her buns, letting her hair cascade down her shoulders just as she was losing herself in the dance, calling Adrien to follow her, to lose himself to the music.

Adrien tried to follow, failing miserably to even move. Unsurprisingly. The man was barely breathing. Marinette pulled him closer, gliding her fingers over his chest. His hands on her hips, she moved against him, her eyes locking on his. She weaved her arms around his neck, his eyes fluttered closed for a moment before he opened them again, his gaze turning fuzzy.

"Marinette…"

"You can do this." She smiled coyly, stepping away just enough for him to breathe in. "But I can always find myself a different dance partner if you need a break."

His hands tightened around her waist, he pulled her back to his chest, catching one of her hands and bringing it to his lips. "I can do this."

"Yes, you can." She continued to dance, moving a bit away, the skirt of her red romper swirling under her moves. She wanted him suffering, but not dead. Yet, Adrien twirled her around, bringing her right back to him. Her back pressed to his chest, she moved intact with the music against him.

Adrien swore under his breath, his grip on her tightening. "You aren't making this easy."

She swirled around, seeking out his hands, entwining their fingers together. A step back, her hips never stopping moving to the music. "You didn't make it easy for me either."

He brought her closer, pressing her back against himself, never letting her hands go, never stopping dancing as he leaned his head into the crook of her neck. "So, this is a payback?"

Turning around, she wrapped her arms around his shoulders as he sneaked his to the small of her back. Leaning closer, Marinette whispered against his lips, "Absolutely."

She pulled away, but something changed. A glint sparked in his eyes. Adrien smirked and the next ten minutes were a blur, the music, the lights, the whole dynamic of the party getting not only to Adrien but to her as well. They never stopped dancing, never took their hands off each other. Their bodies moved to the music, the beat overtaking their every sense. The world vanished, everything around them disappeared. Only them, only each other, only the person in front of them. Way sooner than she'd expected, the "platonic" part of their date flew out of the window when Marinette brushed her lips against the inside of his wrist, her eyes locked on his. Right after, Adrien sneaked a kiss in the crook of her neck, breathing out "I love you" against her skin. Without words, Marinette grabbed his hand and pulled him out of the club, letting him go as soon as they stepped outside.

"Marinette?"

She laughed, running for the water, beckoning him to follow.

"Marinette, wait!"

She stopped only to quickly remove her shoes before stepping into the water and splashing Adrien as she ran away, the sounds of her laughter echoing around the beach. Taking his own shoes off, Adrien chased after her, soon catching up. Picking her up, he swirled them around with the biggest grin she'd ever seen on him. "Gotcha, Princess."

Their laughter echoed throughout the beach. No people in sight, only music pumping in the distance. Adrien turned her in his arms to face him, holding her tightly by her waist. So strong and safe. She could stay in his embrace forever. Could keep gazing into his eyes for eternity. She wasn't even sure how she ended up wrapping her legs around his middle and cradling his face in her hands as he held her tight against him, but when Adrien's lips parted and his eyes flickered to hers and back up, Marinette couldn't hold back anymore. She quickly pressed her mouth to his and prayed he would respond.

He did. Immediately. Adrien pulled her flush against himself, kissing her like it was his first and last and every single kiss in between. Kissed her like his life depended on it. Kissed her the way she'd always dreamed he would. Hot and burning, yet gentle and loving, and longer than she could ever think possible. They pulled away only when Adrien almost fell down, carrying her out of the water.

Marinette planted her feet down in the sand, her arm wrapped around his neck. "I like you enough to give us a chance despite the uncertainties of the future."

With a myriad of emotions in his eyes, he pulled her into another kiss, shorter yet so much more passionate than the previous, whispering against her lips once they pulled apart. "You won't regret it. I promise you that, my Lady."