It was 102 in the shade the other day... I am thinking that living at the bottom of a spring might be in my future somewhere. Also we have wild passion flowers randomly growing in out yard now? My mom tossed some old seeds into the yard since she didn't think they would grow and didn't know what they were and tadaa! My yard is becoming a fruit lovers dream.

Guest... Yes most definitely. As to when... lets just say I've written 480 pages so far and I haven't reached that point yet. I know everyone really wants her to become Ladybug and kick some butt however that really isn't the point of this story. It will happen eventually towards the end of the story and we are no where near yet. I'm glad you have enjoyed the story so far!

(Slow Burn Detective AU!) Marinette is used to working alone on the streets of Paris as she strives to take down the Hawkmoth gang. When the thief Chat Noir comes crashing into her life things are bound to get magical, especially when co-detective Adrien returns to Paris and seems to want to be her new partner. Will their fated partnership end in a capture or a kiss?


Rearrangements

It was far too early when Adrien's alarm went off and Marinette tried to bury her head into Adrien's back with a grouchy sound. Adrien also made a pained sound caused by far too little sleep but somehow he managed to get his hands on the phone to silence the alarm.

"Five more minutes…" Marinette mumbled from somewhere behind him making a smile flicker onto Adrien's face.

Slowly he rolled over wrapping an arm around her warm body and hugged Marinette to him securely. "You don't have to get up Marinette. I just have to so I'm not late for my meeting with Father. You don't have to come in till later." He pressed a kiss to her forehead, wondered if maybe he overstepped and wiggled out from under the blankets before he could do something dumber. As the cool air from her room hit his body Adrien immediately regretted his decision and he shivered as he picked his phone up off the dresser. From the bed Marinette made several unhappy sounds but managed to get herself into a crumpled, yet technically upright position.

"I should go in with you." Marinette yawned trying to blink the sleep from her eyes and failing. "I have some stuff in need to look up and if I get too tired I can always pass out on the cot for a bit. Plus I'd rather get in early before the meeting so I can get a feel for the atmosphere. Do you want breakfast? I can make some before we head in."

"I would love breakfast if you have time to make it. Honestly I was just going to eat some pie." Adrien admitted knowing that real food was a better thing to have on his stomach than pie or nothing. The last thing he needed was a sugar rush making him antsy while he spoke to his father.

With a chuckle Marinette slid from under the covers and ruffled Adrien's hair as she passed him. "One breakfast coming up then! It doesn't take me long to get ready. I'll put stuff onto boil while I change and doing this will help me wake up more. Go get ready otherwise your food will be cold."

With a bit of a sappy grin on his face Adrien wrapped his arms around Marinette before she managed to get her door all the way open and buried his face into the crook of her neck making her squeak. "I am taking you out to lunch since you are making breakfast. You don't get to argue."

Adrien's breath on her neck made a shiver run down Marinette's spine in a good way and some small part of her brain praised the fact that she wasn't fully conscious yet. Otherwise she might have been a steaming pile of happy goop on the floor the second Adrien had kissed her forehead that morning. Even still her heart thundered as fine whiskers on Adrien's chin scraped past sensitive skin.

"Shoo…" Marinette somehow managed in a husky tone and ruffled his hair again before slipping out of his embrace.

Adrien chuckled behind her and Marinette bit her lip refusing to look at him. If he didn't get out of her flat soon she might just tackle him into the bed and if that happened they would both be late for work. Thankfully Adrien slipped from her flat as she went into the kitchen and Marinette was left alone as she blushingly daydreamed of a shirtless Adrien cooking in her kitchen with an apron on. The idea was enough to make her want to drool until she remembered he couldn't cook. Then all she could imagine was a shirtless Adrien trying to put out a stove fire with said cute little apron and had to take a moment to laugh herself breathless or risk cutting a finger again. Managing to control her imagination Marinette got the starting supplies out for breakfast and went to her room to change. By the time Adrien returned Marinette had finished making breakfast and had set it out on the island in her kitchen. He was dressed in a full suit although his tie was suspiciously absent and his hair which had been left to its own devices in the past few days was slicked back once more. Marinette decided not to comment on the lack of tie which seemed to be an act of rebellion and just smiled at him as he raised an eyebrow at the food she had set out.

"You know you're going to make me fat." Adrien commented as he eyed the spread before him. There were croissants, fruit, a warmed up mini pie, some eggs, and coffee made just the way he liked it. Marinette was having tea.

Laughing Marinette handed Adrien a plate. "Don't worry you will run it off tonight."

They ate as leisurely as time allowed enjoying the quiet peaceful moment spent in good company before having to focus on work. Once they were done eating Adrien cleaned up as Marinette packed two pies she had made into a basket. Then as Adrien's phone shrilled an alarm they walked out the door to head into work.

Work was surprisingly quiet although there was an uneasy atmosphere that set Adrien's teeth on edge. Marinette seemed to sense it too but she ignored it and went down to the Archives pies in hand. Adrien had wanted to follow but he had the meeting with his father to deal with first and there was no way he was going to be late for that. Natalie glanced up from her computer as Adrien arrived.

"Gabriel is not in Adrien. He had several last minute things to arrange and he said he will speak to you after the main meeting. It has been pushed up."

"Oh… Thank you Natalie." Adrien called offhand while standing at the door for a moment longer.

Since his father had decided not to keep their appointment he was unsure as to what he should do next. Then remembering Marinette was down in the Archives he decided to help her find whatever information she needed and maybe get a jump on finding Chloe's location. Rose was nibbling on a piece of pie when Adrien walked in and she was happy to point him in the right direction when he asked after Marinette. He found her at the back corner table where he had set up shop numerous times and she had a dozen papers and maps scattered about.

"What's all this?" Adrien queried making Marinette jump and glare up at him. "Di-did I just scare you?"

"I'm not awake yet. Leave me be." Marinette growled in answer while turning back to the papers.

Adrien covered a smile making a mental note that the best time to sneak up on Marinette was in the early morning. Instead of teasing her further Adrien moved closer so he could look over her shoulder at the pages on the table. They were maps and diagrams of buildings all in the area that the pudgy man told them Chloe had been taken. There were a few aerial shots as well and Adrien tapped one of the pages. "Only looking at condemned buildings?"

"No. There are a few half built places and a few remodel types in there too. I was looking into places recently bought or owned by known shell companies of the Hawkmoth gang but some of that information is slow going. I was hoping to have a list of narrowed places by the meeting start but I don't think it's going to happen with it being moved up." Marinette sighed slumping into a chair as she rubbed at her eyes. "There are way too many buildings in this dam city and didn't you have to talk to your dad?"

"He canceled. Apparently I am not supposed to talk with him until after the meeting now. Hopefully no one pisses him off otherwise I might just go hide in your office while he cools off." Adrien supplied as he leaned in to look at a buildings layout. "Is there any rhyme or reason to where you think they hid Chloe?"

"The Hawkmoth gang isn't real big in to kidnappings unless they need bait to kill off a specific target. Usually by the time we know someone has been taken by them their target has been eliminated and the bait is found next to the targets body. Sometimes they are alive and sometimes they are dead but even that happens so rare that it's not 'reliable data' as Max would say. They are not a kidnapping gang which is why this whole thing with Chloe is so weird. It's like a member walked into the perfect situation and randomly decided that kidnapping her was a super good idea. Now it's almost like they don't know what to do with her. We have had reports of Chloe sightings all over the city although most of them have happened outside the area we were told she would be. I need to talk to Damocles about that and I have the Whisperers discreetly sneaking around so hopefully we will have something more solid by this afternoon. If we don't get a tidbit we are going to be doing a ton of walking this evening." Marinette huffed clearly not looking forward to another late night of searching.

"Well do you want to split up these places so we can get started with the hunt?" Adrien asked.

He was going hunting tonight as Chat Noir and he would just have to make sure Adrien had a cover of some sort. They were so close to finding Chloe and his heightened senses would allow him to pick up things most normal people would miss. Hopefully they would come across Chloe and when they did he could save her. She probably wouldn't take well to being rescued by a guy in a cat suit but at this point Adrien found he didn't care. They spent almost an hour splitting up places between them to look up information about as Stormy checked in every so often saying what spots had been cleared. Suddenly Marinette's phone went off and she glanced at the face with a sigh. "It's time."

They left the Archives and went to the largest meeting room in the precinct where Adrien was a touch surprised to find it almost full even though they still had 15 minutes till the meeting was to start. The room was so packed because Gabriel had called a precinct wide meeting instead of just the detectives. The two of them entered the room drawing the attention of several people within making Adrien instantly turn into a block of stone. A few waved at Marinette while others eyed them both with suspicion and Adrien wished he had been a part of the precinct when Tiki was still alive. He had a feeling that she would have given them the finger or told them off. Marinette was a bit more level headed as she waved back to the friendly people and ignored the stares as she chose a pair of seats somewhere near the center amongst the patchwork of empty chairs. Five minutes before the meeting was set to start Gabriel walked in followed by Roger, Damocles, and the last of the stragglers. They all hurried to empty seats and for some reason Roger chose to come sit by Marinette making them both stiffen visibly. Thankfully he didn't try to make conversation and by the time Gabriel stood at the podium at the front of the room there was a chilled sort of silence in the air. Beside her Adrien was a study of perfect posture, while Roger oozed a smugness that made Marinette want to punch him hard. In fact Marinette had to work at keeping her sudden agitation from spilling over into nervous movements and she refused to look at Roger or risk her glare going out of control. Gabriel helped with that a moment later when he spoke, frost coating every syllable.

"Why are we here?"

The room had been quiet before but now it was like a tomb as no one dared to even breathe loud.

"Well?!" Gabriel's voice cracked again like a whip making several people jump in their seats.

The silence returned and Marinette knew no one was going to speak. They were too cowed or cowardly and really she knew better but for some strange reason she heard her voice cut through the quiet.

"I assume you called everyone here to see where we stand on the kidnapping case and to find out other things you missed."

Gabriels eyes snapped to hers, icy cold and utterly void of any emotion. "Correct Ms Dupain-Cheng. I'm glad someone is awake this morning. However before we begin I clearly have some rearranging to do. Damocles, will no longer be in charge of Chloes kidnapping case..."

The room stirred at this new information and a voice from the back called "Why?" in an incredulous tone.

Gabriels eyes swept the room leaving silence in their wake and he continued. "Roger has been assigned the case in his stead since this case seems to need someone who has more… initiative."

"Sir that's not very fair." Marinette insisted shocked by this sudden turn, "Damocles has been going through all the filing and sightings as well as talking to all the people that were part of Chloe's life. He has done far more…"

"It's alright Marinette." Damocles interrupted. "I'm getting too old to run about on the streets. Roger is a good man for legwork."

"What's the matter Marinette, are you jealous I got the case instead of you? Worried you won't stay famous on the streets?" Roger crowed from beside her, smugness imbued in every syllable.

He was well within reach and he seemed to realize that as Marinette turned her glare onto him. Paling slightly Roger scooted back as the room stirred and Marinette clenched her hands forcing herself to remain calm. She knew Roger was only trying to antagonize her but it was working dammit and it took some real effort not to put her fist into his face. Opening her mouth to snap back Marinette was interrupted as Gabriel's voice cut through the tension.

"The case can be taken from you as well Roger." Gabriel pointed out coldly. "You asked for a chance when I was going over the reports and I not anyone else decided to give it to you. After all I believe it was Marinette who found the limo first."

That punched a hole in Rogers ego and he deflated, sinking into a sulk in his chair while the room went still once more. Marinette on the other hand flinched. Gabriel had used her name, not her last name or title. That usually spelled trouble for her and a rise in temper from Gabriel.

"Now then, since you have concerns about fairness Marinette, Damocles is still on the case he is just no longer spearheading the whole thing. Unless you want to be in charge?" Gabriel offered even as Roger balked, although he was smart enough to not say anything this time. He did turn enough to give her a heated glare though.

Marinette shook her head immediately "Uh no thanks. I already have enough on my desk."

"Then kindly keep your attentions there." Gabriel rebuffed making Marinette flush. "Any other interruptions or questions?"

The room was as silent as a tomb once more and not missing a beat Gabriel continued where he left off as if no one had spoken. Gabriel moved jobs around as the meeting continued, ruffling a few feathers as he went. No one else dared questioned him though and soon he began asking individuals pointed questions while listening to all the happenings that had gone on while he had been away. For some people it was like getting called on by the teacher when you hadn't done the reading or the homework and for some reason had no idea what was going on in the class. In other words, it didn't go well and Marinette could literally see Gabriel's frustration rising. After an hour and a half the meeting wound down and Gabriel called an end reminding everyone to fulfill their duties and work as a team. Technically the meeting was over and yet no one moved from their seats since Gabriel was looking around the room studying faces the same way a predator eyed its dinner.

"Clearly I have been lax as of late." Gabriel said his voice cold and sharp. "The turmoil and lack of response from most of you in my short absence is evidence enough of that fact. I will be calling individuals into my office over the next few days, you will be told when to arrive at my office an hour beforehand. Dismissed."

The room surged three seconds after his final words with most people rushing for the door. Marinette didn't blame them, the only reason she didn't hightail it herself was because one, she had Adrien to watch out for and two, for some odd reason Gabriel caught her gaze and crooked a finger at her. It wasn't something she could interpret in any way other than the fact that he wanted to talk to her. Roger stumped past her, kicking her chair like a child in a tantrum as she stood, nearly knocking her back into the chair. Adrien let out a sound that could only be described as a snarl but before he could lunge at Roger, Marinette inserted herself between them blocking Adrien from grabbing Roger in any way. Roger ignored the both of them, sauntering out of the room and thankfully the whole incident went unnoticed by anyone except maybe Gabriel.

"One of these times you really will have to let me pound him. I promise not to put him in the hospital." Adrien growled behind her.

He was close enough that Marinette could feel his breath caress her neck, could feel the heat of his body, the strength of his will. She wanted to lean back against him soak in that heat and strength and just let everything else fall to the side for a bit. Unfortunately they were at work and they both had an image to maintain. So instead of leaning back into him Marinette took a step forward murmuring. "Don't think that I won't take you up on that promise one day although, you might have to wait for me to finish pounding him first. I'll go talk to Damocles while you have your meeting but I think your father wants to yell at me first.

Somehow Marinette knew that Adrien was going to follow her and she found that she really didn't mind. The room had mostly emptied out as she reached Gabriel and he glanced between them a flicker of something crossing his features as he eyed Adrien.

"I read your report on the limo. What did you find out about the shells?" Gabriel demanded not bothering with necessities.

Marinette swiped a hand across her tired eyes. "There are 20 plus spots across the city that use such shells. They range from parks, to drives, to empty lots. Technically there are more but the ones ruled out are areas cars cannot access. The interior of the limo didn't have any shell pieces so it had to be an area where the car drove through or parked briefly in. It might have even been a drop point to shift Chloe but since there were no shells inside the limo up front, the driver never got out. The back of the limo had an odd dusting in a piece of the carpet but there is no guarantee that it was shell dust. It could have been makeup for all we know since a sample couldn't be taken."

"Adrien has been helping you check these spots?" Gabriel asked his tone even.

Marinette felt Adrien tense up next to her and Marinette forced herself to stay calm even though her instincts were screaming. Gabriel knew they were partners officially on paper. He had probably stayed up all night catching up with the precinct's going on's and he had found the paperwork.

"Jackady assigned us to help on the case. Since all other avenues were covered and it was such a shot in the dark Adrien and I have been looking into the locations." Marinette confirmed

Gabriel nodded once. "Finish looking into them and write me a report. If you find more evidence of Chloe or her location you are to turn it over to Roger or Damocles. Well done on finding the limo but your vacation is over. I expect you to be doing your assigned work from tomorrow on Marinette. Do you understand?"

Gabriels frost coated warning rubbed Marinette the wrong way and with far too little sleep on board Marinette was not in the mood to deal with Gabriel's cryptic nonsense. Her mouth opened and she was fully prepared to stick her foot right in but to her surprise Adrien beat her to it.

"Sir do you think that's wise?" Adrien asked

"There are other capable individuals on Chloe's case already. It is foolish to have multiple people doing the same things when we are falling behind in other venues." Gabriel intoned. "Besides we are not the only precinct working Chloes case. Therefore I can use the both of you in other places. Should Roger fail or not produce results I am not adverse to changing my mind. You two have the rest of today to finish your individual investigations and write your reports. Come tomorrow you will return to your original tasks. Do I make myself clear?"

The snarky retort "As clear as mud." was on the tip of Marinettes tongue but she swallowed it with difficulty and nodded instead.

"Good." Gabriel stated and Marinette realized that Adrien had to have nodded as well instead of speaking.

Together they turned moving to leave the now empty room when Gabriel spoke up once more. "Marinette when was the last time you washed your jacket?"

Marinette's heart jolted in an ugly way in her chest and she found herself turning red as she glanced down at her jacket trying to see if she had gotten something on it or stained it somehow. "Um a week or so ago?" she lied as she faced Gabriel again. "Is there something wrong with it?"

She craned her head slightly as she tried to peer at her back, almost missing Gabriel holding out his hand in a fairly clear demand. Crinkling her features in a way that portrayed confusion Marinette slipped out of her jacket, placing it into Gabriel's hands. Internally she was panicking and coldly relieved that she had switched her jackets out. While Stormy laundered and checked the chains of the jacket that had been in the warehouse the one she was wearing now was her spare. Technically she had three jackets, not that Gabriel knew that. One was leather and the other two were identical down to the number of pockets and customized stitching she had done herself. Gabriel peered at the jackets outside and lifted a sleeve to peer down its caged length. Marinette swore she saw his nostrils flare slightly as if he were searching for a scent. He couldn't know that she had been out at the warehouses. Marinette was completely certain that no one had seen her enter the island or leave except Chat and the only people who knew she was on the island were all Hawkmoth. Even still none of those people had seen her face clearly and other than the one time Marinette had not attacked with her jacket so her identity wouldn't have been a certain thing anyways. Unless one of those people that had survived the fire, gotten off the island undiscovered, and had been a spy reporting directly to Gabriel… The chances of it were infinitesimally small but it was still a chance…

"Have you ever thought about teaching new recruits how to use the manriki?" Gabriel mused shattering Marinette's spiraling thoughts. "Your jacket design is quite genius and remarkably useful in the field."

"Uh… no sir…" Marinette managed a little stunned at the direct complement as she accepted her jacket back.

"You should think on it. You know the precinct would commission you for the design if you decided to do so. I'm sure new recruits would enjoy a change of pace." Gabriel answered then turned his attention to Adrien. "Since you are still here Adrien you may walk with me to my office and we can discuss how far you have come."

Marinette was dismissed and she slipped out of the room as fast as she dared pulling on her jacket as she did. THAT… whatever that had been had felt far too close. Gabriel was sharp and Marinette didn't know if he suspected her for something or if he had been genuine about the new recruits. Shaking her head Marinette decided not to worry too much about it and instead went to go see Damocles. So far this day was not going as planned and she could just tell that the rest of the day wasn't going to get any better.