Set Up

by L-Brouillette

Marinette tries to set Adrien up with random women, and something always goes terribly wrong.

1. Chapter 1

Marinette Dupain Cheng bolted upright in bed, eyes darting all over her room. What on earth had woken her up?!

A glance at the clock showed it was 2 hours before her alarm was due to go off. Her phone wasn't flashing with a missed message or call. And a glance out the window showed the sun hadn't even risen yet for the day.

Groaning, the blue haired woman flopped back on her pillow, hair fluffing around her like a halo. Frustrated, she blew out a huff of breath, dislodging the hair that had fallen across her face.

Classes didn't start til 8:30. Her alarm was set for 7. Closing her eyes, she willed herself back to sleep.

If there was one thing that Marinette held sacred, above all other things, it was her sleep! She was definately known for getting quite cranky when she was short on sleep. All of her friends knew this!

Just as the girl was about to slip off into sleep again, that's when she heard it.

A light tapping.

Or scratching.

Just a cat on the fire escape. Or a bird on the ledge.

Choosing to ignore it, Marinette pulled her pillow from beneath her head and covered her face with it, while simultaneously rolling to her side, away from the window, to block the sound.

"Psst, Mari!"

Huh. When could birds - or cats- talk?!

Crawling out from under her pillow, blue sleep filled eyes turned to her bedroom window.

Where sad, vibrant green ones, stared back at her.

Heaving a huge sigh, Marinette made her way over to let her best friend into her bedroom, not caring about her bed head - that must make her short hair look a fright - or the yank top and shorts she slept in. They had had many a sleepover, and slept in each other's beds. They had each seen worse.

As soon as she slid open the window, her arms were full of a blubbering blonde mess.

"I'm so sorry Mari! I didn't want to wake you! But I didn't know who else to talk to!" he cried through his tears.

Said girl just cooed softly - for what else could she do?! - and slid the window closed and locked it. Then guided her friend to the bed, pulling him under the covers with her.

All while her best friend cried into her shoulder. She could only rub his back soothingly, whispering platitudes that she knew meant nothing.

"It's ok, just let it all out," "Mama Marinette is always here for you," "it'll be ok" and "you just tell me who to punch and i will."

That last one earned her a watery chuckle, as it usually did.

And even though she was sure she knew the answer, she still had to ask.

"What happened?!"

The blonde currently wrapped around her like a vine sniffled pitifully into the hair at her shoulder. To sooth him, she ran her fingers through his neatly cut hair.

Huh.

There was less of it today than usual - ran fleetingly through her head.

As of late, he had been sporting shoulder length hair, even longer than her own - which was almost touching her shoulders in front, but short enough to expose her whole neck in back. Now, his seemed to be buzzed on the sides and back, with just the top of his head being around 4 inches long.

"What the hell happened to your hair?!" she blurted out.

She got a strangled choke out of her best friend.

"Father thought I should change it up. He had the stylist come over last night." he whispered. "right before my date with Megan."

Uh oh.

His most recent girlfriend did not take change well. Especially when it wasn't her idea.

"I take it that went over well." she muttered sarcastically.

"Oh yeah." he muttered bitterly. "She said how she couldn't be seen with me 'like this'. That I wasn't recognizable enough to get her the attention she wanted when we went on dates. Then she spewed out alot of stuff about how she wanted to be dating THE Adrien Agreste, not the Adrien Agreste wannabe who was having an identity crisis."

By the end of his rant, Marinette was livid! Who the hell did that Megan think she was?! Dating her best friend for only 5 weeks, and already thought she had him wrapped around her finger?!

Bitch.

Mari was secretly glad she was gone. She had never liked her for Adrien. And that feeling had been very much mutual! Megan had HATED Marinette! In the 5 weeks that they had been dating, she had only seen Adrien 4 times!

And he lived In the apartment RIGHT above hers! (hence his unconventional entrance) THAT was courtesy of Gabriel Agreste, Adrien's father. He owned the whole building. It was where he housed all of his employees who needed a place.

Though, in Marinette's case, it was because, at 14, the Gabriel brand has sponsored her. She had been discovered at a contest Gabriel had held, and from there, he had moved her to his mansion with him and his son. Where she proceeded to learn everything from Gabriel himself.

Which was how her and Adrien got to be such awesome friends, as both had finished off being home schooled together.

They had both graduated at 16, and started university early. Now at 19, Marinette was just finishing up her 1st year of business school, after having completed her whole designing course in 2 years - thanks to summer courses and night classes.

Adrien, on the other hand, had struck a deal with his father. He would do the business course, as requested, but then he wanted to do something that HE chose. So, having completed his business course, he was now half way thru his first year to his physics degree.

When they had turned 18, Adrien had fought his father on the point of 'moving out', stating it was a great life experience.

So, Gabriel had set both of them up in their own apartments in his building. Ideally, they would have gotten on the same floor, but one above the other was good too, when they could use the fire escape as they did.

But, off topic!

Megan was gonna feel Marinette's wrath at hurting her friend!

Normally, Marinette was fairly even tempered. But, as her best friend finally cried himself out and fell asleep, this was just the final straw in a long line of Megan's. It was his 5th girlfriend in the past 9 months.

But they all ended the same way.

They would play a good game, and dupe her naive and 'sees the best in everyone' friend - he had been homeschooled all his life, after all- and she was tired of it!

They all wanted something from him. Money. Spotlight. Fame.

Well, not this time!

NOBODY hurt her best friend like that and got away with it!

So, she would have to think of a suitable come-upance for them.

But in the meantime, she was going to find Adrien the perfect girl, no matter what!

XOXOXOXOXOXOXOXO

Marinette walked across campus, scanning the crowds of people. She wasn't usually so nosey, but she had to find the perfect girl for Adrien!

He was, after all, the absolute BEST person in the world! And he deserved nothing less!

Her piercing blue eyes scanned one woman. Discarded. Then another. Discarded. Then another.

And so she went, for at least a good 20 minutes!

Ugh!

Frustrated, Mari threw herself onto a bench just off the walkway. She wasn't actively looking anymore - her brain needed a break- but she was still gazing at the crowd.

She heaved a dramatic sigh.

Was there even a woman out there good enough for him?!

"Boy, would i hate to be the one on the receiving end of that glare!"

Marinette swore she jumped a foot in the air when that was stated right next to her!

Glancing over, she saw slightly colored skin, with knowing hazel eyes, all framed by browny orange hair falling in waves.

"Sorry, didn't mean to scare you, girl. But I was here first. I figured you saw me already."

"No, i -" Mari cut herself off. Huh. How HAD she missed this girl sitting right here?! Too preoccupied with her search, she supposed. Nothing new, really. She often found herself 'in the zone', deaf to everything around her.

"Sorry," she mumbled, giving a half smile. "Lost in thought, is all."

"Uh huh," the darker skinned girl just smirked. "If you say so."

And with that, she turned back to the phone she was holding in front of her.

Huh.

It had been awhile since Marinette was able to make friends. Usually she was so busy with classes and such. But being at the tail end of her year meant professors gave more time to finish up their final projects - of which she had been finished ages ago. So she found herself with a bit of time on her hands today. Hence the search.

But, she could always do with more friends. It had just been her and Adrien for the last 5 years.

With her decision made, she turned to the girl beside her - to see nothing.

The space beside her on the bench was empty.

Mari blinked owlishly. Well shit. Too slow.

"Girl, if you keep focusing like that, you'll set the bench on fire!" was spoken right in front of her.

Glancing up quickly, she saw the same girl staring down at her, obviously amused.

"I thought you left." she spoke shyly.

Brown hair bounced about, and a smile spread across the other girls face.

"Yeah, to throw my wrapper in the garbage." and then she pointed to said garbage can, 4 feet in front of them.

Mari blushed. "Sorry."

"No need to be sorry!" she exclaimed. "Now, wanna tell me why it looked like you were hunting prey before you sat down?"

Deep breath in, then out.

"My best friend had his heart broken by a woman, for the 5th time this year. So I am determined to find him the perfect girlfriend!" Mari stated in a rush.

Hazel eyes blinked back at her, clearly surprised.

"OK... Not what I thought was coming." She chuckled. "And you don't want him yourself?!"

Bluebell eyes widen to the size of dinner plates, before she burst out in peals of laughter!

"ME-" she sputtered between laughs, "Date Adrien?!" which resulted in more laughter! "Yeah, NO!"

Her maybe new friend just waited for the laughing to peter out, before speaking.

"Alright, what's wrong with him?"

Mari sputtered. "Nothing!" she exclaimed loudly.

"Well, I just assumed, if you didn't want him, then maybe something was wrong with him." She shrugged. "No funny lisp? Aweful birthmark? Pimples? Stubby nose? Aweful tattoo?"

Mari hummed in thought. "Well, he insisted we get matching tattoos last year, after we moved out on our own. And while it's ridiculous, i wouldn't say it's aweful." that being said, she preceded to lift up her foot onto the bench, and show her the tattoo she had on the outside on her ankle.

There sat a black cat face, with a speech bubble saying 'never forget, your the cats meow!'

Her new friend snorted out a laugh, and quickly covered her mouth up with both hands to keep it in.

"I'm so sorry. That's not funny. That's - uh - awesome... ly unique?"

Raising a brow, she stared at her companion. "No need to lie. I know how it is! But he picked them out. And wouldn't let me see til they were done."

"That's - uh, some commitment to your friend there. Some real trust, girl."

"Well, he's been my only friend for the last 5 years. So yeah, lots of trust."

"Wow! That all changes today!" her hand shot out to take Mari's hand and shake it. "I'm Alya! Alya Cesaire."

"Marinette Dupain Cheng."

"Like the bakery beside my old high school?"

"Maybe?" she shrugged. "My parents do own a bakery. Beside a school. "

"Girl!" was exclaimed loudly. "Best damn bakery in all of Paris! We used to spend at least 2 lunches a week in there! But I've never seen you there before."

"Oh, well, I moved somewhere else when I was 14. I was sponsored for a progressive work program, i guess you could say."

Alya whistled loudly. "Impressive! You must be super good at what you do then!"

"I like to think so."

"Well, if you've got time, I'm all for helping you on your girl hunt!"

"Great! I could use all the help i can get!

XOXOXOXOXOXOXOXOXO

"I'm telling you, this is the best way to find the best girls on campus! From the sounds of it, you don't want frilly or loud or self centered."

Mari shook her head in confirmation.

"Then, just follow this plan!" and with that, Alya pointed at the sketchbook on the table between the two of them.

They had gone for lunch, and then retired back to Marinette apartment for some serious planning.

Alya had exclaimed loudly when they walked in her door. It was only a one bedroom apartment, but it was pretty spacious, by Paris' standards. Her kitchen had a little island seperating it from the living room. A round dining room table and 4 chairs next to that.

The livingroom had an L shaped sectional, with a large rectangle coffee table in front of it. On the wall was a flat screen and 2 shelves below it for consoles and such. Patio doors opened onto the tiniest balcony ever. The 3 of them could stand out there and use up all the available room!

And her bedroom was large enough that it had a walk in closet, fit her double bed, AND a 2x6 plastic folding table for her sewing machine and room to work, her dress Form in the corner, and a large shelf holding all her fabric. With tons of room to maneuver around still.

"I can do that!" Mari exclaimed excitedly with regards to Alya's idea. "Now, how do I make sure Megan understands how much she hurt my friend?!"

Alya tapped her chin thoughtfully.

Just as she was about to speak, a crash came from Marinette's bedroom.

Alya startled, jumping almost a foot in the air, while the blue haired girl just rolled her eyes. But before her best friend made it into the room, she quickly shut the book in front of them. No need for Adrien to know.

Alya stared at her, watching her calm movements. She held a finger in front of her lips in the universal 'shh' motion, and then tapped the book.

"Mari, what's with this plant suddenly right on your windowsill?!" came loudly from the bedroom.

"You better not have killed my plant Adrien! The poor thing can only take so much!" she turned in her chair towards her bedroom door to wait for him.

"Well, stop leaving it there and it'll survive!"

"It'd survive perfectly fine at the window if you didn't try and karate swing your way in here every time!"

"What other way is there?!?!" he whined.

His broad frame suddenly filled the doorway, as he wiped his hands along his blue jeans.

"I picked up what dirt I could, but your gonna need a broom for the -" he cut himself off as he finally looked up to see that Mari hadn't been alone in her apartment.

"Oops." he blushed. "I didn't know you had company Mari."

He self consciously brushed a hand along the back of his neck. His telltale sign he was nervous.

"This is Alya! We met at university today!" blue eyes turned to Alya, to see her eyes blown wide.

"Girl! You didn't tell me your best friend was ADRIEN AGRESTE!" she whisper screamed.

Mari just shrugged, suppressed laughter making her eyes sparkle. "Oops? "

But as she glanced between her best friend and her new friend, she couldn't help but notice the blush spreading across Adrien's cheeks. Or the smile blooming on Alyas face.

Well well well!

Mari secretly smiled. This could be interesting!

XOXOXOXOXOXOXOXOXO

Marinette frantically tried to finish spreading everything out on the blanket before Adrien and Alya arrived.

Blanket, check. The most incredible pastries in the world, check. (thanks to her absolutely fantastic parents!) bottles of juice nicely chilled, check. IPod playing some nice music on low, check. Gorgeously clear Spring day, check- thank you mother nature!

Now to just wait for her two unsuspecting friends.

She couldn't believe it had been so EASY!

The way Adrien and Alya had stared at each other the first time they met had been like a huge neon sign to the face!

After Alya had gotten over her initial 'Adrien freaking Agreste is your best friend! Like holy shit balls, how did that happen Marinette?!' she had been totally cool with him! And he had been unusually polite.

A dead giveaway- to Marinette, at least- that he wanted to make a good first impression. There had been no aweful puns or jokes in sight!

She felt a little bad for Alya though. She had agreed to help Mari find Adrien a nice girl. Not to BE said girl! But when you followed the clues, it made SENSE!

They'd be perfect together!

She made one last glance over everything set in the shade of a tree in a park right around the corner from the university. And there were a few bushed around, so they could be relatively undisturbed.

She pulled her phone out to check the time. 10 minutes til go time. 5 minutes until they should get here.

Marinette smoothed her pink knee length halter dress down self consciously. Hopefully her friends didn't get too mad at her for this. Brushing one side of her hair behind her ear, Mari took a glance around.

And what perfect timing, there was Alya!

Breathing deeply a couple times, she put on a nice, sincere smile.

"Alya!" She called out, as she waved. "I'm glad you took my suggestion about the dress! That blue really looks fantastic on you!"

Marinette was referring to the sleeveless summer dress her friend was currently sporting. It started out white on top, and mid chest, it started to fade into a baby blue, with the skirt ending in a peacock blue. Finishing off her outfit, her friend wore simple white flip flops.

Well, couldnt give away the real plan by making Alya suspicious by asking her to be too fancy!

"Hey girl, thanks! It was a great suggestion! Yours looks equally amazing!"

Before the scheming friend could say anything, she heard her name called out, and turned to see Adrien coming their way.

He wore beige slacks and a light blue polo shirt. Goodness, blue was definately his color! She was glad he, too, had taken her suggestion! Mari internally high fived herself.

"Hey Adrien!" both women greeted simulateously, and giggled at their unintentional coordination!

Marinette glanced at her phone. 3 minutes to Showtime. Damn Adrien for being late.

Mari moved over to the blanket spread out on the ground, crossed her legs, and neatly ended up crossed legged on the ground. Smoothing her flared skirt to cover her legs, she gestured for the other two join her.

"Thanks for agreeing to a picnic today guys! I wanted to celebrate the end of classes. Before i start my next ones, of course!" she laughed lightly.

"No worries girl, I could use a break! I'm still living at home, and my sisters are driving me bonkers!" Alya rolled her eyes at that.

Over the last few weeks Marinette had known Alya, she had gotten to know quite a bit about her! And the more she knew, the more she was convinced she was perfect for Adrien!

"And what do you mean, 'before you start more?!' It's summer!" Alya exclaimed.

Adrien hummed, "Not for us. We take summer courses and evening courses. It's how we finished our first bout in university so quickly." he explained.

"What do you mean, 'first bout of university?'"

Mari smiled at her friend patiently. "I've already finished my fashion designing degree. And am half way through my business degree."

"And I," Adrien took over, " already have my business degree, and am half way through my physics degree."

Alya looked scandalized!

"But - but... Why?!"

Adrien and Marinette just shrugged.

"My fathers pretty ambitious. And so we are expected to be."

"Plus," Mari piped in, "Gabriel didn't sponsor me so I could be just as average as everyone else! He wants exceptional! So, we are expected to work harder. Longer. Pack in more at a time."

Alya just gaped at them.

"That's ridiculous!"

Mari smiled, shrugging.

And sureptuosly glanced down at her phone, just as it started to ring.

Ahh, perfect timing.

Marinette picked it up, and saw Adrien glance at it.

Seeing Natalie's face pop up, he just rolled his eyes.

Getting up quickly, Marinette swiped to accept the call, and took a few steps away.

"Good afternoon Marinette. I hope I called at the right time? Gabriel wouldn't shut up, and i finally had to tell him I needed to use the washroom." Mari could almost see the woman roll her eyes, and she had to supress her giggle.

"Yes, it worked out well."

"So, i understand your responses won't be right, but i feel I must say something to keep up my end of the conversation!" Natalie joked. "So, hows the picnic?"

"Oh no!" Mari gasped theatrically. "Right now?"

"A little overdone, dear, but it'll do." came a chuckle over the line. "Just don't ruin it by laughing."

Mari bit her lip to keep from doing just that.

"I guess I can come right away. How long do you think it'll take?"

Natalie hummed. "Well, assuming Adrien doesn't catch on, maybe a week."

"Alright, I'm on my way." then, in a whisper, "Your lucky I love you Natalie Sancour!"

She hung up to the sound of laughter on the other end.

Turning back to her friends, she put on her disappointed face. "I'm so sorry guys, Natalie says there's a problem with a few of my designs. Gabriel is insisting I go correct them with him now."

Adrien scowled, while Alya just nodded in understanding.

"I get it! Don't keep Agreste Sr waiting!"

Adrien, on the other hand, got up and walked quite a ways away, dialing on his cell. Then followed a somewhat heated argument, if Adrien's actions were anything to go by.

His arms failed a few times. They heard his voice raise once, but couldn't hear what was being said.

Then suddenly, he hung up, and returned with a smile on his face.

"No need to leave anymore Marinette! I talked to father. He promised us a week off! And I am not letting him take that from us!"

Gritting her teeth, the blue haired girl internally seethed with frustration. Damn Adrien and his newfound willingness to stand up to his father! Everything had been perfect here! She just needed to leave and it would be! For THEM!

Her phone vibrated in her hand, and she lifted it to see a message from Nat.

Natalie - sorry M. Gabriel wasn't sure what to do! I never expected Adrien to confront him, so I didn't fill him in on your request! Thankfully I wrote him a note to play along, so your not in the doghouse with Adrien.

Marinette - thanks Nat. It was my fault. I didn't anticipate Adrien. I won't make that mistake next time.

Natalie - i guess it was shortsighted of me to think there wouldn't be a next time

XOXOXOXOXOXOXOXOXOXOXO

The last day before Marinette and Adrien were set to start their summer courses, Mari decided to try again.

She invited both her friends to her parents bakery, followed by a visit to the park right next to it. She remembered going there as a kid. She used to love riding the carousel!

So, pleasantly full from seeing her parents, all 3 teens headed over to the park, while chatting and joking amoungst themselves.

Now, the plan was simple.

Marinette would talk the other 2 into a carousel ride. She would then try and squeeze everyone into a carriage seat, snap a quick selfie of all 3 of them, then fake a leg cramp or something. Then opt to sit that one out.

It would be even more perfect if enough people were around wanting a ride as well. That would deter her friends from simply choosing a different seat.

And everything so far was going according to plan.

They had meandered their way over to the carousel. And, bonus! Quite a few people where out and about with their kids. A few even on the carousel.

"I remember riding the carousel as a kid! Did you ever come Alya?" Mari turned to her friend questioningly.

"Of course! I used to bring my sisters all the time!"

"I've never been." Adrien admitted shyly.

Alya gasped theatrically.

"Oh, no way dude! You are trying this out right now!" and Alya began pulling him forward, towards the ride.

Adrien's laughter was like music to Marinette's ears.

She followed behind them. This was the plan, after all!

The ride stopped, and coincidently, the carriage seat was all that was left.

"We can wait for the next round-" Alya began, so Marinette quickly cut in.

"We can all squeeze in the carriage! Come on!"

Claiming she should squish in the middle, as she was the smallest, the scheming teen pulled out her phone for the planned selfie.

She ended up with quite a few!

Adrien started making funny faces, which prompted both girls to follow suit!

The operator called out "hands and legs inside the vehicle!" and that was her cue.

Mari gasped loudly, and grabbed at her calf. "Sorry guys, leg cramp. I'll just sit this one out."

Without waiting for a response, she got up gingerly - she had a cramp, after all ;) and made her way off the ride.

What Mari hadn't planned for was her purse strap getting caught on one of the elaborate decorative posts. She stepped off the ride, and immediately was pulled back by her crossbody style purse.

The operator flipped the lever, and the ride slowly started to move.

Mari panicked.

Her purse strap was too short to simply take it off. She turned to hop back on, but stumbled as the ride started to pick up speed, and started to drag after the ride!

She heard a shout, and was quickly jerked back onto the ride and enveloped inside strong arms, against a very familiar broad chest.

Shaking slightly, she clung tightly to her best friend as he maneuvered them towards the seat where Alya was.

Instead of being squished between them, as before, she was seated right across her best friends lap, as Alya pulled her legs across hers.

And she couldn't stop shaking!

That had been way too close a call!

"Hey hey, don't worry Mari, I've got you." Adrien murmured into her hair.

That's when she noticed her teeth chattering.

Well shit.

Instead of getting her friends alone time, Adrien had ended up being her night in shining armor!

But Mari was DEFINATELY not going to complain! There was time.

XOXOXOXOXOXOXOXXOXO

A couple weeks into summer classes, Alya called Marinette.

"I haven't seen you in ages girl! How about I come over and we'll hang out for a bit? I'll even bring pizza! You've gotta eat, right?!"

Now, usually, Marinette didn't allow any distractions. She was single mindedly focused on getting both her degrees and being the best fucking designer this world had ever seen! Yes, even better than Gabriel!

But, she was also on a mission.

Soo..."Well, maybe just for a couple hours." she agreed.

"Awesome sauce! Do you think Adrien would want to join us?" Alya asked.

Yes! Alya was pretty much doing her job for her!

"Sure, I'll ask him!"

And that is how, an hour later, all 3 teens found themselves in Marinette's living room. Pizza boxes were spread out on the coffee table, and rain was pounding against the window.

It had started shortly after Alya arrived- thank God!

But for the life of her, Marinette couldn't find any reason to leave the other 2 alone!

Then she remembered she had left her plant out on the fire escape to get some direct sunlight and a little rain, as they were only supposed to have light showers.

"Shit, I'll be right back! I left my plant outside!"

"Oh shoot Mari, I meant to bring it in with me, I'm sorry." Adrien said.

Smiling warmly at the blonde, Mari assured him it was fine. "Who could have predicted this downpour instead of the light shower that was forecast?!"

And so, for legitimate reasons, Marinette went out onto the fire escape to rescue her plant from drowning.

Now, usually Mari would just leave her window open, but it was raining so hard, and the wind would have blown it right into her bedroom, so she slid the window shut and went the 3 feet to the edge, retrieved her plant, and returned to the window.

Except, it wouldn't budge!

The building wasn't particularly old, but things still happened when you least expected it.

Glancing at the side of the frame, Mari could see that the lock had fallen down when she had closed the window. Maybe she had closed it a bit too hard. Or maybe it was getting loose.

It didn't really matter, all that did was the fact that Marinette was now stuck outside, in a downpour, wearing nothing but a tank top and capris.

So, thinking fast, she ran up the steps to Adrien's window, just in case he had left it unlocked.

But damn the man, it was locked!!

Then she remembered he had gone back home for drinks. It must have started raining when he did, because she remembered he came back through the inside door.

UGH!!

So, soaking wet and chilled to the bone by this point, the teen made her way back down to her own window, and started banging on it to get her friends attention.

At least 15 more minutes passed before her light flicked on, and there stood Adrien in her doorway.

He gazed around, and she banged the window one last time.

Horror filled eyes fell on her, pressed against the glass so he'd see it was her.

Then he was leaping across the room and letting her inside before slamming the window back shut.

But it was too late. Mari had been outside for a good 25 minutes in the chilly rain! Her teeth started to chatter and she was shaking uncontrollably.

"Alya!" he hollered frantically. "Run a hot bath, quick!"

"What?!"

Then their other friend stood in the doorway, and she paled.

"Oh my God, Mari, are you ok?! What happened?!"

"T-t-t-the l-l-lock f-f-f-fell" but her were chattering too much to finish.

Her friends rushed her to the bathroom, and Alya ran the water while Adrien stripped her pants off, wrapped her in a towel, and then pulled her tank top over her head.

The tub was only half full, but Adrien still guided her to it, and helped her step over the side. He took the towel from her and lifted it while averting his face until she had crossed her arms and sank into the blessedly hot water.

"What on earth happened?!" Alya asked again.

"The lock must have fallen when Mari closed the window." he glanced at her for confirmation, and she could only nod her head. "Then she couldn't get back in. And damn, I even locked my window!" he slapped his palm against his face in frustration.

"And we started watching those cat videos, and it must have been longer than we thought!" Alya finished.

"Dammit, M, I'm so sorry!" Adrien sank to his knees next to the tub and grabbed the hand closest to his and squeezed it.

"D-d-dont w-worry b-bout it." she stuttered.

That night, Marinette developed a fever, and both her friends stayed with her to make sure she had everything she could possibly need. Even if she wasnt always awake to appretiate it!

And while this would have been the perfect time for the two to have some alone time, of course, Adrien was always there bed side her everytime she woke up!

She needed to pee once, and Adrien helped her to the bathroom. Glancing over, she saw Alya asleep on the couch.

But after helping her back to bed, Adrien just sat with his back against the headboard, and pulled her head into his lap and stroked her hair.

"Go home," she whispered hoarsely at him.

"Not on your life." he shot back.

And while Alya had to leave to go to her part time job the next day- "Girl, i really wish I could stay to help you, but im not working for my mom this year. And my boss is a dick."

Mari just waved her off with a smile. "Don't worry about it."

Adrien stayed with her.

"Your the bestest friend in the whole world," She mumbled to him that afternoon.

"We must have reached the delusional stage." he joked back.

He stayed with her again all through that second night. Only to wake up with a fever of his own.

Well, with both of them sick now, Mari figured he might as well stay at her place, and they'd be sick together.

Misery loves company, after all.

XOXOXOXOXOXOXOXOXOXO

Adrien and Marinette missed a whole week of school.

The ever efficient Natalie had to come by to make sure both kids were taking care of themselves as they should. She had been a bit surprised to find them both at Marinette's, but she quickly took that in stride. They had been doing this a long time - the sleepovers in each other's rooms.

She contacted their professors, and got a list of all work to be done in their absence. She brought quick microwave reheatable soups for them to have, since they had been going without - not like either of them felt like eating much anyway.

And lots of tea and lemon.

Marinette had fallen asleep balled up on the floor, while waiting for the kettle to boil. Thank goodness it was electric, and shut off once it reached the right temp! She had been jerked awake when Adrien stumbled over her to get to the kettle.

Natalie came back Friday, with more soup containers and tea, to be greeted by Marinette, walking around the kitchen in her fuzzy pink robe, making eggs.

"Morning Nat!" she greeted enthusiastically.

"I see your much better today," Gabriel's assistant noted calmly.

"Absolutely!"

Marinette couldn't help being super chipper today. She was finally better, and Adrien as well.

Truthfully, he had probably been well enough to go to classes today, but had joked, "We got the week off, might as well take advantage!"

They had both started working on their work for the week, and had made a huge dent in it so far! And with having the Friday off, they should finish up, no problem!

Leaving the weekend open to do whatever they wanted!

Hence Marinette's good mood!

She had already called Alya to see if she wanted to do something.

"It's great your here," Marinette began. "I need your help!"

Just then, the bathroom door opened, followed by a large burst of humid air. Adrien stepped out, wearing nothing but sweat pants, riding low on his hips.

Natalie's brow rose, as she glanced between the two teens. Marinette just smiled and rolled her eyes.

It was an old joke between them. Natalie thought Adrien liked Marinette. And Gabriel thought it would be absolutely splendid if they did get together.

But Adrien had always blushed furiously, and choked on nothing. Or food, if he happened to be eating! And would harshly whisper to them to 'JUST SHUT UP!' They were just friends!

"Nat!" Adrien ran over and hugged the woman who had been there for over half of his life.

"We're all better now, so no need to keep babying us!" he proclaimed with a laugh.

Nat, bless her heart, replied - "The babying doesn't stop just because your better. Or even as you get older."

She stayed to visit for a short time - long enough to drink 2 cups of coffee! Before she left, Marinette walked her to the door and whispered in her ear "I'll call you."

XOXOXOXOXOXOXOXOXO

With 20 minutes to make it to her next class, when she only needed 5, Marinette decided to take a short walk around campus, while still sticking close to where she needed to be. She needed to find more ideas! Some other way to get Adrien to notice that Alya was perfect for him!

It was just so frustrating when every attempt she had made burnt down in smoke!

She had a plan - albeit, a crazy one- but when she ran it past Natalie, the woman had lifted an unimpressed brow, and tsked at the younger woman.

TSKED!

Of all things!!

So Mari has scrapped that idea. She didn't need the silent disapproval, in addition to the spoken disapproval she already got!

Nat figured, and i quote, "Adrien is a big boy, and can find his own girlfriend.'

As if!

She was done watching her friend cry over a woman! Because they were too spoilt, or self centered, or money hungry.

So, she'd just take Nat's disapproval under advisement, and do what she wanted. What her friend NEEDED.

Unfortunately, in her meandering, she failed to pay attention to where she was going, and ended up walking right in the path of some guy on roller blades.

She heard a shouted warning, before being knocked off her feet onto the grass. Her limbs became so tangled with his, that she couldn't even find her own feet!

Even though she KNEW they were the ones with ballet flats on, not rollerblades!

When they finally finished tumbling - boy, he must have been going fast! - she looked down into warm brown eyes, accompanied by a devilish smirk.

"Well, hey there." he grinned at her as if he'd been wandering through the dessert for a week, and she was his first glimps of water!

Marinette blushed at the thought.

That was just ridiculous! She was just Marinette. Cute and adorable, but not someone boys generally thought were sexy and beautiful. So he couldn't possibly be looking at her that way... Could he??

"I was going to tell you to watch where your going, but im too blinded by your beauty to care bout that part much." he admitted softly.

Marinette's face turned an even deeper shade of red than before, both at his words, and at noticing their precarious position. One of her legs was between his, and the other on the outside of his hip.

And she didn't think that was his phone jabbing into her thigh...

She tried to scramble up from the mess of limbs they were in, and ended up brushing against that 'phone' again, which elicited a groan from the prone man.

"I'm so sorry!" she babbled, "I should have been watching where i was going! I was just wandering! You'd think after 3 years I'd have seen more of the campus, but im too self absorbed with classes. And oh my God, I'm totally late for one now!"

In her mad scramble, she had her hands all over his broad chest, which just made her try to get up even faster! She ended up slipping and tumbling them both sideways - where ironically, made it easier to untangle themselves.

She managed to not kick him in the balls as she pulled her foot out from between his legs - but it was a close call!

She took in his red jogging shorts, white fitted tshirt, ripped abs and muscular arms. Then got a good look at the face that she was 100% going to avoid for the rest of her life! Black hair buzzed everywhere but the patch right above his forehead, that looked to have been dyed blonde. Almond shaped eyes, like her own, hinting of a Chinese decent. And that deliciously curved mouth!

No, bad Marinette!

Class.

Late.

"I'm so sorry!" she muttered again. Never had she been more thankful for the shorts and tshirt she put on this morning, rather than the dress she had been contemplating!

Scrambling onto her knees, she quickly brushed grass off her shirt and the seat of her shorts, while looking around anxiously for her phone that had been in her hand.

Noticing it a good 2 feet away, she crawled over ineligantly to snatch it up.

Checking the time, she squeaked, panicked.

Climbing up on her unsteady legs, she turned back to the unfortunate recipient of her mad clumsiness. Running her free hand through her wild mess of blue/black locks, she let out a frustrated moan.

He was seated on the grass, legs stretched out in front of himself, arms behind him keeping himself upright.

And he just watched her. With those unsettling eyes!

"I'm sorry! I know I said that already! But I am so late!" that being said, she turned tail and ran!

She didn't look back.

So she didn't see the boy pick up her bright pink backpack, which she had totally forgotten she had been carrying over one shoulder.

XOXOXOXOXOXOOXXOXO

Still madly embarrassed about her tumble earlier - and slightly mad because she had forgotten her backpack - Marinette made her way back to the spot she must have dropped it as soon as her class was over.

But it was nowhere to be seen.

She made a beeline for the student help center, just in case someone had turned it in.

No such luck.

With a groan, she trudged her way to her next class, where she was lucky enough to borrow some paper and a pencil from a fellow classmate.

But rather than pay attention, she stewed about the whole debacle with that boy this morning!

The way he had looked at her! She wasn't sure if she should guard her virtue, or be flattered. Not that he hadn't been attractive- Because he definately was! But was his look too much for someone you just met?!

She mechanically took notes, while not taking any of the information in- she'd definately have to refresh later- but instead pulled her phone out to message Alya.

M- what does it mean when you've just met someone and they looked at you like they were a cat and i was the milk?!

A- OMG girl?! You better tell me everything!

A- btw, it probably meant he wanted to lap up that cream ;P

M- God, Alya! I regret saying anything!

A- don't leave me hanging, girl!

M- after class

XOXOXOXOXOXOXOXOOXXO

Having finished her 4th class of the day, Marinette finally made her way home. While she was glad it was only 2 blocks away, she wished it had been longer. It would have given her more time to put off Alya's probing questions.

And more time to plan replacing her missing bag.

She quickly shot off a message to Natalie regarding the bag. Gave her a list of every textbook she had inside that would need to be replaced, as well as a request for 2 new binders and a pack of paper.

That taken care of, she slid her phone into her shorts pocket as she came up upon her building.

And stopped abruptly, maybe 10 feet away from the front door.

Because right there, leaning against the side of the building, was Mr 'that was not his phone'.

There was a mad scramble inside Marinette's brain right then.

He hadn't seen her, should she just turn around?! Walk the other way and wait for him to leave? Go up through the fire escape? She hadn't left her window unlocked, but Adrien should be home now.

Or did she grow some balls and walk up to him like nothing was wrong? Like she hadn't just been tangled up intimately with him 8 hours ago?

His head suddenly looked in her direction.

Damn, waited too long!

Resigned, she walked much slower than before towards her door than before.

So by then, he had straightened up from the wall, and shoved both his hands inside his shorts pockets. Only, he didn't have any, which he seemed to have forgotten about. So it then changed to a casual brush down his thighs.

Smooth.

"Hey," he greeted her, when she was only a couple steps away from him.

"Hi..." she wasn't sure how to respond. Sould she be more enthusiastic?! 'hey, thanks for running into me earlier, your dick felt nice against my leg.'

God!

She blushed madly, and cringed, at her inner thoughts.

"So uh, i got your address from the campus office," he stated, his own cheeks turning a delectable shade of pink as well. "You - uh- dropped your bag."

That being said, he reached down and, sure enough, there was her pink bag, sitting by his feet. He picked it up and held it out to her, waiting for her to grab it.

But she just eyed him curiously.

He had gone to get her address- from the exact place he could have just left her bag for her to find? That didn't make sense.

"Why?" she suddenly blurted out, without even realizing she was going to ask it.

"Uh, because it's yours?" he seemed confused.

Good, that made 2 of them now.

"No i- I mean, you went to the campus help center for my address. But you could have just left it with them. They are also lost and found." she explained her confusion.

To which he just grinned.

"True. But if I just left it there, then I wouldn't have had an excuse to see you again. And I had a bet with my friend Alix. She figured I'd chicken out. And I'm not one who likes to lose." he finished with a wink.

She couldn't help the laugh that bubbled out at that. It kind of sounded like Adrien! You could dare him to spread peanut butter on top of a pepperoni pizza and eat it. And he would!

"Well, I suppose i understand your logic there, sure." she agreed with a brilliant smile.

His eyes lit up, probably at her not calling him a stalker.

"So, um... Are you the same Marinette Dupain Cheng that went to Francois Dupont High School? When you were 13, Probably?"

He asked nervously.

Her smile dropped immediately, and her eyes narrowed slightly.

"That's an awfully specific question... Why do you ask?"

"Kim Chien Le? We were in the same class from like, kindergarten on?"

She had to think a bit. That had been a really long time ago! And even the year Gabriel had found her, she hadnt had any real friends. Sure, she had known them, but not to hang out after school or anything.

Then a light bulb seemed to go off.

"Your friend is Alix Kubdel, isn't it? " she finally asked.

To which he grinned. "Yeah!"

"You two were always inspereable. I guess that didn't change, huh?"

He laughed heartily. "Well, 6 months ago she started dating Nathaniel, of all people! So we see each other, just a bit less now. But yeah. Usually!"

Smiling warmly, she took the bag he still held out to her, and slung it over a shoulder.

"I didn't recognize you at all," the girl admitted.

"Aww, no worries! I didn't recognize you! Gosh, you were always adorable Marinette," - there was that hated word again- "but I never would have guessed you'd grow up to be so gorgeous!"

She choked on air.

Then laughed!

Punching his arm lightly, Marinette scolded, "Flattery will get you nowhere Kim!"

"No flattery. Just the God's honest truth." he spoke lowly. "That's why I needed to see you again."

His lips were just a hairs breath away from her own. When had he gotten so close?!

She should move. Push him away.

Definately push him away!

This was the boy who used to trip her on the playground until she was 10! The boy who used to pull on her pigtails when she was 12. The boy who used to make fun of her height by resting his crossed arms on her shoulders when she was 13, and had stopped growing any taller!

The same boy who seemed unable to stop staring into her eyes.

She licked her lips self consciously, and his eyes darted down at the movement. And then he was staring at her lips.

A hand lightly ran up her arm, sending shivers down her spine. But she still didn't move. Or speak.

Not until his hand came to rest lightly on her shoulder, seemingly unsure if he should keep moving it or not.

"Kim?" she whispered. God, why was her voice so breathy and low?!

All of this was so new to her! These sensations and feelings!

And she had certainly never been kissed before. Well, ok, not since 2nd grade when Nino asked her to marry him, and they had pecked on the lips. But then he'd gone and married Rose 2 days later.

The heart is sure a fickle thing!

But she wasn't 7 anymore.

And he had called her gorgeous!

With all the confidence she could muster, her hand darted out, grabbed his slightly wet tshirt in her fist and pulled him forward until his lips crashed into hers.

'Too hard!' was her first thought.

She let up her grip a little, and pulled her head back the tiniest bit, and ran her tongue along his bottom lip.

That was definately better. Less like the noob that she was, and more like the sophisticated woman she was pretending to be.

His low growl was encouraging, but also her only warning. The hand on her shoulder cupped the back of her head, while his other snaked around her back, and he pulled her flush against him- trapping her one hand against his chest, and the other only able to move enough to wrap around his chest.

It was heaven. Glorious and heavenly.

Marinette had never been kissed before, let alone like this!

His tongue reached out to dual with hers, and she was rewarded with another groan from Kim.

It was soft and warm, and delicious! But spit. Soo much spit!

She broke away to get some air, and let her mouth dry up a bit. But he didn't let her go far. He simply rested his forehead against hers. Which was a feat, given their huge height difference! Marinette only just reached his shoulders.

"Sorry," he whispered, "Was that too much?"

"No, that was - good. All that. Very good." what the hell was she saying?!

She giggled nervously.

"Sorry! My brain is just a bit scrambled right now." she admitted.

He chuckled with her.

"What- um... What brought that on?"

"You disappeared, Marinette. When I was 15, you just- poof- stopped coming to school! I missed my chance then. I won't miss it a second time."

Her blue orbs searched his brown, and saw nothing but sincerity.

Which was confusing.

"You used to pull my hair Kim. And make fun of me! Like, every day! There was no chance missed. We weren't even in the same field."

"Mari," he let out a mix between a laugh and a groan. "Have you ever heard the saying, 'if they pick on you, then they secretly like you'?"

Her gaze remained puzzled.

"It's cliche, I know! But i was too shy to tell you back then. But by picking on you, at least you noticed me! And that was better than nothing!"

What?!?!

"Wait wait wait," Marinette disconnected their foreheads, but he refused to move further away than that. "You liked me? Like, clumsy, all over the place, stuttering me? I'm gonna call bull!"

Kim just smirked.

"If I didn't, how else would I know you like regular croissants over chocolate? That strawberry with vanilla filling was your favorite macaron? That when you used to help your parents out at the bakery, you'd wear your dads 'kiss the cook' apron. And I'd always long to do just that?! "

"We're you stalking me, Kim? " she jested, a small smile on her face.

"Not actively, no. Just super observant when it came to you."

She bit her lip to keep the goofy grin off her face. How was this even real?! Shit like this DID NOT happen in real life!

Right?!

"Do you have time to come upstairs?" she blurted out, before she could change her mind.

Because she wanted to kiss him again, but out on the crowded street was NOT the place to do it!

"I'd love to."

XOXOXOXXOXOXOXOXOXOXO

Frantic knocking on her door 2 minutes later made Marinette jerk her lips away from Kim's, resulting in her falling off his lap and onto the floor.

"Shit," she breathed harshly, as her back had also connected with the coffee table.

"Last warning Marinette, were coming in!" came Adrien's holler from the hallway.

"Shit shit shit," she scrambled to her feet, quickly righting her shirt, which had ridden up due to Kim's roaming hands. She fluffed her hair a bit by running her hands through it several times, and then brushed nonexistent wrinkles out of her shirt.

"Hang on!" She hollered.

Finished righting herself, she noticed Kim hadn't fixed any of his clothes. Just stared up at her with a lifted brow and dancing eyes.

"Come on!" she whisper screamed, as she pulled his own shirt down his chest, and pulled at his legs so he'd cross them- had to hide the bulge in his crotch somehow!

Leaping towards the door, she managed to reach the door just as it opened - with far more enthusiasm than she figured was warranted - and as a result, she was smacked in the face with said door.

"Fucks sakes, Adrien!" slipped out of her mouth before she could help it.

"Gosh, Mari, I'm so sorry! I'll get you some ice!"

She knew when he spotted Kim. He had just turned to the kitchen, and she saw his feet freeze.

"I wasn't aware you had company this evening, Marinette." came Natalie's calm voice in the storm that was her life right now. "I brought the books you requested."

"That'd be why your window wasn't unlocked," Adrien muttered lowly - but they all definately heard him.

Marinette just rolled her eyes at her friends comment. Like he had been put out by having to walk down a hallway and then a fight or stairs.

"Shit. Thanks Natalie. I completely forgot to message you again that I found my bag. Kim here," she waved her hand in his general direction, not wanting to see the possibly smug expression on his face at the moment, "found my bag and was waiting out front with it when I got back."

"Why?!" Adrien muttered harshly.

Now Marinette looked at him funny.

"What's with the third degree, Adrien?" she crossed her arms and raised a brow, but it was her tone that made him flush, and rub the back of his neck.

Thankfully, Kim hadn't moved at all, or said a word.

"If you must know, I used to go to school with Kim until I moved to your house. So when he recognized my name in my textbooks, he decided to try and reconnect." she knew her voice had taken a defensive tone, but she made sure to glare appropriately at the blonde so he knew she was serious!

"Connect with your lips, maybe," was muttered so low, Marinette almost wasn't sure she heard it right!

But it was Natalie, thankfully, who stepped in.

"Adrien Theodore Agreste! You apologize to your friend right this minute! And as punishment, no more window access! You will knock and use the front door like regular people!"

Mari had to hold in her snicker, while he looked at her, properly chastised, and apologized.

Theodore!?

She glanced at Natalie, and couldn't hold in the snort of laughter anymore! There was an answering twinkle in the older woman's eyes as well.

Oh, that woman was GOOOOD!

"It's not funny!" Adrien whined. "Stop laughing M!"

"Theodore!" she choked out between her laughs.

"Yeah well, I bet yours is just as bad!" he shot back.

"Marinette doesn't actually have a middle name," Kim took that moment to remind everyone he was there by walking into the small entrance with them. "Its a Chinese thing, i guess."

Now, was that the stalker in him talking, or the shared heritage?

Either way, she smiled brightly at him.

"You are correct Kim!" she praised.

"I'd better be going, though." he seemed reluctant to do so. She pouted, making him grin back. "I'll see you another time." he promised.

As he passed by her in the small entryway, he brushed his hand up her arm, and placed a chaste kiss on her cheek, before moving to her ear to whisper, "I left my number on the coffee table."

And just like that, he was gone.

Shortly after Kim, Natalie departed.

As the door closed behind her, Marinette knew the 3rd degree would begin.

XOXOXOXOXOXOXOXOXO

More banging at the door was what woke. Marinette up out of a deep sleep at 6am the next morning.

With a groan, the sleeping girl tried to hide her head under her pillow. What was it with people waking her up before a decent hour?!

Then, muttered harshly through the door loud enough for her to hear, but not so loud neighbours would hear- "Marinette Dupain Cheng, you open this fucking door RIGHT NOW!"

Dammit. Alya.

With another loud groan, she pulled herself-quite unwillingly- out of bed to open the door for her second best friend. Rumpled, navy blue, tshirt night dress and all.

"What the hell Alya?!" were the first words out of the grumpy, sleepy girls mouth when the door swung open.

Pushing her way inside, Alya demanded, "What the hell me? What the hell you?!"

Mari closed the door, so as to keep this conversation private, then went to make herself some coffee. This seemed like the kind of thing she'd need coffee for.

Lots and lots of coffee.

"It seemed like a good idea at the time?" Marinette joked, pulling at any excuse that came to mind, even though she had no idea why she was getting in shit.

She... wasn't the most coordinated first thing in the morning. Everyone knew this!

"First off, I get off work last night to several dozen messages from Adrien that made no sense! Then, I was woken up at an ungodly hour by the same man, explaining that him and Natalie caught you making out with some dude last night!"

"We were not making out!" the sleepy girl declared! "We stopped like, 3 minutes before that, when Adrien started pounding on the door because I hadn't unlocked the window."

Alya just gaped at her.

"What?!" she demanded grumpily, when no reply came.

"Fine, I'll leave that one alone. For now." the irritated teen muttered. "How about this?"

Alya's phone was then shoved in her face. And there- RIGHT THERE! - was a photo of her and Kim. Right. She had forgotten he had taken that.

Something about posting it so all her old classmates could see.

"OK, yes, that's Kim and I. Whats it to You?"

Alya silently fumed, before pushing the raven haired woman aside and fixing her a cup of coffee before the pot had even finished brewing. Then she shoved aforementioned coffee into her hands, and waited impatiently for Mari to take the first sip.

At her blissful moan after the first sip, her friend continued, a tad more calm herself.

"How do you know Kim?"

"We went to school together. Before I was home schooled with Adrien. He literally ran into me yesterday - he was rollerblading through campus- and then i was late for class and left my bag. He returned it." she finished with a shrug, taking another sip of her coffee.

"OK, well, that explains that. So then, what about all the comments about 'taking his shot before you disappear again'?"

"What?!" she squawked, pulling the phone out of Alyas hand and looking at the comments herself. "Of course that was Nino. He was always a bit oblivious about social etiquette." she muttered.

She looked at the photo he had taken - their 2 faces cheek to cheek, while she had been sitting on his lap. The caption read 'ran into this gorgeous girl today! LITERALLY! anyone else not recognize Marinette? - the only girl in my life to make my heart go pitter-patter

Awwwww...

"Right, right. I forgot, that means you know most everyone else too." Alya facepalmed.

"Sure do. Well, i dont know Marc." she stated as she browsed those who commented. "Or Aurore and Lila. But the rest, yeah. Nino was the lousiest husband I ever had." this comment was followed by a snorting laugh from her friend.

"I'm sorry, what?!"

"Nino and I got married in second grade. Then 2 days later, he cheated on me to marry Rose, i believe. I brought him a freshly baked croissant as a symbol of our love and what does he do?! Eats it and runs, before the crumbs have even been wiped off his jacket. "Mari finished on a laugh.

Immediately, Alya started dialing a number, and then ringing filled the tiny kitchen.

A groggy voice picked up," Whosit."

"Nino Lahiffe, you have some explaining to do! " her friend stated sternly.

"Uhhh... " was the only thing that came across the line.

"How could you not tell me you were married before?!" a thump came across, loud and clear.

Then a high pitched "What?!"

Alya snickered next to Marinette, and pressed her finger to her lips to keep quiet.

"And then you CHEATED on her. With ROSE!" Alyas tone was filled with mock horror. "She gave you a croissant and everything!"

"Well, maybe if it had been chocolate, I would have remained faithful! Keep that in mind for the future, babe." and then his familiar laugh filled Mari's ears.

Nostalgia hit her right in the gut.

She hadn't realized how much she had missed her old classmates. Even though they hadn't been the best of friends, they had still been friendly.

And Adrien had been THE best friend a person could have ever had the last 5 years. But Marinette was realizing now, she wanted more.

"I feel like these terms and conditions should have been stated up front." Marinette surprised them both by speaking up. "I'll have my lawyer contact yours. I demand my wedding gift back. With interest."

Silence followed.

"Marinette?!" eventually came his confused reply.

Marinette covered her mouth to keep from laughing too loudly, but it wasn't stopping it from reaching Nino.

"Sorry babe," Alya piped up. "Yeah, that's Marinette. But she's currently busting a gut, and can't talk."

" Dude! It's been forever! We all wondered what happened to you! We were all so worried! "

"Liar! "she choked out." I bet Chloe did a happy dance."

His warm laughter came again." You'd think so, but no. She sulked because her favorite person to torment was gone, and nobody would take her shit."

"Well, I wasn't completely without Chloe for 5 years. She came round every so often at Adrien's house. I would wisely hide. And Adrien was kind enough not to give me away! But it's been YEARS since that happened."

Humming could be heard, then, "Adrien Agreste? Wasn't it has dads contest you won?"

"Yup!" She confirmed. "Then he asked my parents if he could Sponsor me, and I went to live with him and finished my schooling there, while learning directly from Gabriel himself."

"Dude, Cooooool!!" he shouted. "We should totally meet up sometime! We could double date with you and Adrien!"

Dark brows furrowed.

"What?!" it was her turn to be confused.

"Double date. You and Adrien. Me and Alya."

Mari's eyes rose to meet Alya's, who was blushing.

"I... Didn't know you and Alya were a couple." she admitted softly.

"Really, babe? That ashamed of me?! I know you joked about it, but i didnt think you'd follow through!"

"It wasnt like that!" she defended., You've been gone! It just never came up! "

Nino tsked over the line, and it was VASTLY different than when Natalie did it!

"Hey wait!" she suddenly realized." Adrien and I aren't dating!"

"Not from lack of trying..." Alya muttered under her breath.

Mari glared at her friend.

"What on earth does that mean??"

"It means I've been trying to throw you two together since day one!"

Marinette sputtered. "I'VE been trying to throw YOU TWO together since day one!"

They both started laughing at the absurdity of the situation!

"No wonder my schemes always backfired!" Mari thought aloud.

"I know exactly what you mean! And it makes so much sense now!" Alya crowed.

"Ladies! This is all fascinating- Marinette, it was fantastic to hear from you again!- but can I go back to sleep now? I only finished work 4 hours ago."

"You too Nino! Well talk again!"

"Bye babe. Love you!" Alya made exaggerated kissy noises at the phone, which caused him to laugh.

When all was quite again, Mari gazed at Alya, clearly put out.

"Dammit. Now I need to find someone else for Adrien." she pouted.

"Um, you?!"

Marinette guffawed loudly, "Oh, as if Alya! We're just friends!"

"Are you sure he knows that?" Alya asked skeptically.

"Of course! He'd tell you the same thing too! He always corrected staff and such before as well!" then she suddenly frowned. "Plus, he's had 5 girlfriends this past year. I've had zero boyfriends. You'd think if he really did, he would have said something earlier. It has been 5 years!"

"Huh" Alya mulled that one over in her head for a bit. Because Adrien's texts had sure SEEMED jealous. But maybe he had just been protective of his best friend? 'Definately something to look into,' she thought.

"Plus," Mari continued. "Did you forgot already the little bit about Adrien complaining I was making out with some dude?"

"Right, right, you and Kim. How'd that happen, anyway?"

Mari hummed for a moment, "I guess him pulling my hair and calling me short was code for he liked me in school. And never got up the nerve to say anything. Now that he's found me again, he wasn't gonna make the same mistake."

Alya slung an arm across her new friends shoulders.

"Girl, if there's on thing I know about Kim, it's that he hates to lose! And you can bet, he will not let you slip through his fingers again!"

XOXOXOXOXOXOXOXOXOXO

M- how's that old pitter-patter going now, huh?!

Kim- I have no idea to which you are referring...

M- I just bet you dont

M- I bet you didn't know Alya is my friend either

Kim- Cesaire?! No Way!

M- I had an extremely early wake up this morning - Alya, in fact, banging at my door - demanding to know what the hell was up

Kim - well shit

Kim- you uh... I guess there's no downplaying that one, huh?

M- nope!

M- but, if it helps, it's more proof to what you were telling me yesterday

Kim- silver lining, eh?! Lol

Kim- any chance you have some free time today?

M- I have 20 minutes between class one and 2. If your rollerblading by again, you might catch me ;)

Kim- it's a date 3

XOXOXOXOXOXOXOXOXO

Marinette was just walking out of building D when strong arms wrapped around her in a tight hug.

Marinette just giggled. "I didn't even make it to the spot from yesterday. How did you know where I'd be?"

She heard a small harrumph from behind her, and glanced down at the arms around her.

Oh. Oops.

Only Adrien wore that silver ring every damn were.

"You never meet me between classes Adrien. What's up?" she tried to play it like she hadn't just expected it to be someone else.

Based on his furrowed brows when she turned around, she hadn't been successful.

"Can't I just want to see my best friend?! Who were you expecting, anyway?!" he glared around her, like he expected to repel them.

She giggled at the thought.

Even Adrien's angry face was adorable.

"No really, what's up Adrien? Your classes are across campus."

He just stared at the ground, and rubbed at the back of his neck. Then muttered, so she had to strain so hard to hear him- "are you gonna see Kim again?"

Her brows arched. "Well, I'd be seeing him now if I wasnt talking to you." she admitted with a laugh.

Turning, she looked behind her to see if she could spot him. But nothing. She was a ways away from where she needed to be, so it really wasnt a surprise. Unlike Adrien, Kim DID NOT know where all her classes were!

While she was gazing around, she missed how Adrien's eyes flashed with his sudden scowl.

"I need to get going Adrien. I'll see you after classes. At home." she called out as she backed away quickly.

"And don't forget to use the front door! Natalie said she'd be keeping tabs!" with a flounce and laugh, she walked quickly in the direction of her next class.

What she did not expect, was to find Kim sitting on the grass near the entrance she had gone through yesterday, with 2 takeout coffee cups and a little teal bag that she'd recognize anywhere!

"Crouissants!" she cried happily, and she fell in an almost graceful heap in front of Kim. "How did you know they were my favorite?!" she winked at him.

Laughing, he handed her a still steaming cup of what smelt like hazelnut coffee.

Mmmm, her maman knew her well.

Sniffing appretiatively, she took a tiny sip, and closing her eyes, let a sinful moan.

"I miss mamans coffees!" she exclaimed.

Opening her eyes again, she didn't miss the blush that had appeared on his face, or the way he adjusted his seating on the ground.

"Thank you. This was a wonderful treat." she leaned forward slowly as she spoke.

"Did you want a reward for your good deed?" she teased.

His adams apple bobbed.

His finger came up and tapped his lower lip. "Right there, should do. "

Mari giggled softly, but complied by leaning forward to place a soft kiss on his bottom lip only.

As she pulled back, her eyes locked with his, and he cleared his throat.

"You know how much I wish you didn't have class right now?" he whispered hoarsely.

She hummed in agreement, before taking another sip of her coffee.

"I don't have classes on the weekend." She told him, as he opened the pastry bag, and pulled out a still warm croissant.

Not to self: thank maman later too.

"I usually try to get it all done Saturday, so i have all of Sunday free.

"I have a swimming competition on Sunday," he sighed regretfully. "I could bring you lunch on Saturday. Spend a couple hours?" he asked hopefully.

Sly monkey.

"Make it supper and you've got a deal." she said after she finished her last bite of pastry. "If you come by too early, I'll just wanna knock off the rest of the day!"

Kim's warm laugh filled the air, and Marinette felt all gooey inside.

"And who knows, maybe I'll finish early enough Sunday to see some of your swimming competition." she teased.

Marinette's 13 year old self would have never guess that 20 year old Kim was so adorable!

13 year old Marinette had hated how Kim always teased her. Oh, how the tables had turned!

" Sadly I must go," she murmured as she leaned in close again. This time, he did not let her get away with just a peck on his bottom lip!

His warm lips covered hers, and she sighed blissfully into it.

He started to pull back, and she just shook her head, her lips chasing his until he stopped trying to get away.

One kiss turned into 2 minutes, which made Marinette scramble to get to class on time.

"I'll message you!" she hollered at him, right before the door banged shut behind her.

XOXOXOXOXOXOXOXOXOX

A pattern had formed, after that first day of coffee and croissants. Every weekday morning break, Kim would show up with coffee and delicious pastries from her parents bakery.

Marinette had felt bad when he turned up the second day with it again, but after messaging her papa and hearing that they refused to let him pay for them, she happily devoured- sometimes more than-her half of the sweets.

A small part of Marinette wondered if this was real. She sometimes had to pinch herself just to be sure!

Of course, Mari was sure to keep everything just as it needed to be. She would not let a boy - no matter how handsome he was, or how addicting his kisses were- make her stray from her work!

Gabriel was footing the bill for these classes. And this was a schedule she had agreed to! Regardless that it was a 5 year old agreement, this was what she WANTED!

She had just never factored in, what would happen if something else came along that she wanted?

Not that she was saying she wanted Kim forever! That was crazy talk! She was only 19, after all!

But oh, how her heart just melted everytime someone brought up that he had liked her this whole freaking time!

And they did! Alya to tease her. Adrien, to compare it to a stalker. Natalie, to sternly inform her to be safe, and shove a box of condoms into her hands.

Mari had been mortified!

She'd only been seeing the guy for 5 days! It wasn't like they were even DATING! He had never asked her out. Never asked if she would be his girlfriend. So nothing was official! They were just 2 friends, hanging out for 20 minutes a day.

Who happened to share alot of kisses. Alot of mind melting, toe curling, kisses.

No big deal.

Saturday morning had Marinette flying madly through all of her school work. Adrien had swung by to join her for awhile, since she had already finished what he was doing now, and he had needed a bit of help.

Alya had swung by briefly.

It seemed now that everyone knew where she was, they all wanted to swing by the bakery and chat with her parents. Who would then send them off with a baggie for themselves, and a - not always so small- care package for Marinette.

"Girl, your mother heard about your stay-in date tonight," Alya started off without preamble after Mari had opened the door.

She plopped a huge brown bag on the counter that smelled absolutely devine!

"They insisted you needed snacks."

Mari frowned. "But he's bringing supper. And only staying a couple hours!"

"Sure, girl. Whatever you gotta tell yourself." her friend snarked, a smirk on her face.

"So! Back to business! Your parents couldn't decide what was appropriate snack food! Your dad popped in some death by chocolate cheesecake-all the better to feed each other. Or something." that being said, Alya deposited a small cardboard takeout box on the counter.

Mari snorted out a laugh!

"He didn't!"

"He absolutely did!" Alya was insistent. "Then your mother thought cream puffs were more appropriate. Less mess. And, well, croquembouche is sometimes served at weddings. So, romantic." a second cardboard box was placed on the counter.

The mortified teen tried to hide her face in her arms.

"My parents are trying to kill me. It's official. They hate me for moving out."

"Oh, don't be such a drama queen!" Alya tried to say it with a straight face, but failed, leaning against the counter in her laughter.

A few minutes later, laughter under control, Alya cleared her throat to continue.

"Next, your dad argued that something not quite so heavy would be better! So he put in some sponge roll cake, with extra whipped cream and strawberries. For if you don't send him home with an - ahem- under-risen dough log." Said roll joined the rest of the desserts on the counter.

"Ohmygod ohmygod Ohmygod."

"Your Mother then countered that eclairs were best." Alya looked at Mari over the rim of her glasses. "Don't make me say why, for the love of God!"

Waving her arms frantically in the air, Marinette quickly pulled the bag away from her friend.

" But i haven't finished the tarte tatin, pain au chocolate, or the mille feuille!" she argued, while desperately trying to keep a straight face.

" Your dad was very specific on why each was good!"

"I'm sure he was!" Mari choked on a laugh. "And that is why you will shut up now!"

Rolling her eyes, her friend gave her a quick hug, before dashing back towards the door.

"One last thing M! Your mother said not to do anything she wouldn't!" this was punctuated by the slamming of the door.

Beet red, all Mari could do was melt into a pile of embarrassment on the kitchen floor.

Because Marinette knew what had happened on HER first date with her father!

Both had been 22 at the time, and been teasing each other for weeks before their first date! And, in the words of her mother, 'we fucked like bunny rabbits all night! I made sure he didn't know which way was up, and which was down!'

Please, God, why did her parents have to be so embarrassing?!

It was quite some time before she picked herself up off the floor to finish her work, albeit, a bit less focused than before Alya showed up.

XOXOXOXOXOXOXOXOXO

Marinette had just started to pack up her school books when the buzzer went.

As calmly as she could, she went to the door to see who it was.

"Hello?"

"Hey Marinette!" Kim's easy, oh so masculine voice came thru the com, and she pushed the button to let him inside the building. She then flipped the lock on her door so he could just walk in. Then went back to finish clearing up the table.

Just as she was sliding all her books and papers into her backpack, there was a knock.

" It's open!" she called out, while placing her now packed pink bag on the floor by the island.

Hearing the door open, then close, she smiled, anticipating Kim's greeting.

But none came.

Glancing up, there was Adrien, just inside her door, looking nervous and embarrassed.

"Hey Mari." his hand scrubbed at the back of his neck. "You must be expecting someone, if you left the door unlocked."

"Yes, i am." she confirmed. "Kim is just on his way up."

"Oh..." color filled her best friends normally pale face.

"Is something the matter, Adrien? You know you can tell me anything!" she murmured soothingly.

"I- I know. It's, uh - it's nothing, I guess. Just girl trouble. I'll talk to you tomorrow. Or whenever your not busy." and just like that, he made a mad scramble for the door knob, just as it turned from the other side. As Kim's tall frame filled the doorway, Adrien scrambled past, muttering a quick hello, before scampering off to his own apartment.

Perplexed, the blue haired woman tilted her head in thought.

Girl trouble? Again?! She hadn't even realized he found someone new! And usually, he told her EVERYTHING! Including the first time he had sex, with his 3rd girlfriend, because he had felt pressured into it. Then, how it had been absolutely AWEFUL!

Mari had really wondered how people could gush about it so much if it was that bad! But then, with girlfriend #4 he had tried again, and claimed it was waay better the second time around!

But still! Off topic.

When had he started keeping secrets from her?!

"Marinette, everything ok?" came Kim's soft voice, breaking up her Adrien crazed thoughts.

"Yeah, sorry. Adrien said he had girl trouble again. But when I said you were coming up, he took off like 1000 wolves were nipping at his heels!"

Kim laughed at her description.

"Well, gorgeous, if anyone can figure it out and help him, it's you."

The endearment startled her enough to turn and stare at Kim, slightly dumbfounded.

Awww... He thought she was gorgeous!! Despite only being clad in cutoff jean shorts and an off the shoulder red sweater.

"Gorgeous, huh?!" she teased. "Your not looking so bad yourself, handsome."

And he really was!

Red striped button up, short sleeved shirt over beige chino shorts. The guy might be athletic, and be most comfortable in sweats or joggers, but he cleaned up pretty good!

"Will this handsome guy be getting a kiss hello?" he shot back.

Humming softly, Marinette slowly made her way around the island towards him. He set a bag down on the floor, as Mari hoped up to be seated on the island a foot away from him.

"Why don't you lock that door behind you and find out?"

Quick as lightning, he had flipped the lock and returned to settle his hips between her spread knees. His hands lightly trailed up from her knees to her thighs, to her wrists resting on her thighs, then up her arms. Her skin dotted with goosebumps at his caress.

"Sometimes I'm still surprised this is you. And I'm me." he admitted lowly, eyes never leaving hers.

The corner of her mouth lifted the tiniest bit, and his gaze flicked there- for just a second- before coming back to her eyes.

"I know what you mean. 13 year old Marinette tried to avoid 14 year old Kim like the plague!" that got a chuckle from him.

"I noticed. Which only made me do it more."

Marinette softly placed her hands on his chest and started exploring his muscles gently.

"You should have just said something, Kim."

"I tried once." his voice had grown husky, probably from all her exploring. Or because of his hands that had moved again. One snaking around her back, pulling her closer to the edge of the counter, the other sliding up the back of her neck.

"I wrote you a note and everything. Got you this pretty little heart pin with wings. It was Valentine's day. The one right before you turned 14."

Blue eyes clouded in confusion.

"I never got a note, let alone a pin!" she exclaimed.

Instantly, she felt bad. Had she brushed it away and not even bothered to look at it because it was from Kim? No, even as suspicious as she had been, she was still kind at heart. She would have opened it, and endured the prank to follow, had their been one.

"Ahh, yes, about that."he blushed adorably. "Chloe got it in her head it was for her. And since I was gifting it to you anonymously, it wasn't signed. Then she went on and on about how cheap it was, and stomped on it on the ground."

Gasping loudly, she covered her mouth with her hands.

She had known Chloe was mean, but that had been beyond mean! She really hoped that girl learnt her lesson! Or had already. Nobody deserved to have that happen to them! Certainly not Kim!

" I'm so sorry!" she whisper screamed through her fingers. "Chloe's ego was always too big for her father's hotel, but that was uncalled for!"

"It's fine," he soothed, "I got over that a long time ago. Then a few months later, you were gone. It seemed like it was for the best."

"Well, I didnt go far! Gabriel's mansion was only a few blocks from the bakery. And I went home almost every weekend."

"It's fine Mari," he whispered, as he started to lower his face closer to hers. "I kind of like how it turned out now." he admitted, before pulling her hands away from her face and brushing his lips against hers.

"Absence makes the heart grow fonder, isn't that they saying?" he asked against her lips.

He was probably right anyway. She wasn't sure how she'd have felt moving in with Gabriel Agreste if she had a boyfriend. Her only response was a hum, and then she pulled him more firmly against herself in a much deeper kiss.

She loved how his lips just seemed to fit perfectly against her own. Smooth and warm and perfect.

Slipping her tongue out, she licked at his top lip, and delighted in his answering groan, before he opened his mouth. His tongue darted out to meet hers, and a different game started.

Mari started to feel hot all at once. It wasn't a feeling she was too terribly familiar with! But as his hand started caressing her lower back and sides, more tingling heat shot through her. His hand slipped under her sweater and he started to pull it up, until she felt his fingers brush the side of her breast - she hadn't put on a bra today, it hadn't seemed necessary!

After he tossed her sweater away, their kisses grew hungrier. Less exploring and gentle, more 'making them one'.

The hand that had been holding her shoulder dipped down her back to join his other in caressing her all over. She gloried in the feel of her naked beasts pressed up against his clothed chest, and marvelled at the fact he wasn't ogling her boobs.

But what was the rest of this? Was this Kim? Making her feel all hot and achy at the same time? Like she wanted to rip his shirt off and lick his glorious chest all over.

WHOA!

She pulled her mouth from his abruptly, making him whine a little at the loss.

Panting, she muttered, "I think I need to check the temperature in here. Does it seem hot to you?"

A chuckle started, and then stopped abruptly. He could clearly see she was serious!

"No, that's just you." he stated honestly.

"Pfft!" slipped past her lips before she could stop it. But then she looked at him, and he too, was being entirely serious!

Oh.

"Mari, have you never..." he cleared his throat uncertainly. "Have you never done this before?" he finished hesitantly.

"I'm sorry," she answered breathily, "does my only kiss being from a 7 year old boy ruin things?"

His laugh was a mix between a groan and a chuckle.

"No, just, I was thinking about ravishing you, right on this counter. And that's not how anyone's first time should go!"

Oh.

Oh!

Mari couldnt help but grin wickedly.

Well, if this was normal, and she wanted Kim - because really, how could this feeling be a bad thing?! - then she wanted all that too.

"I'm so sorry," She murmured after a minute of silence had passed. "I'll fix it."

Previously closed brown eyes flew open to stare at her after she made that comment.

He opened his mouth, but before he could say anything, she had moved her hands to grip each side of his shirt, and pulled. Buttons flew all over her kitchen and living room.

A choking sound filled the room, but she ignored it.

Bare chest greeted her underneath, and she couldn't help exploring it with her hands. First touching softly, then more insistent. She rubbed over taut nipples, over wonderfully smooth dips and curves in his muscles.

Until hard hands stopped her exploration.

Brown clashed with blue.

"Your killing me here, Marinette," he ground out hoarsely.

"I should hope so," she whispered back. "because you started it."

She squeeled when his hands grasped her ass and lifted her off the counter and against him. She wrapped her arms and legs around him to stay up, though she shouldn't have worried. Kim would never have let her fall.

Taking her to the bedroom, she squeeled again when he dropped her onto the mattress unexpectedly.

Before he could follow her down, she cried out, "Wait! Close the curtains!"

Seconds later, he was crawling back overtop of her, and she stopped thinking.

XOXOXOXOXOXOXOXO

"It might be a little cool now," Kim warned her, as he pulled his bag up onto the counter quite some time later!

"That's why the microwave was invented," Mari teased back.

She plopped her butt in a seat at the table - as per his direction - wearing nothing but a tshirt dress she had pulled out of the closet hastily. Kim, on the other hand, had pulled on his shorts, but left them unbuttoned, and she had found her biggest shirt- that happened to be pink with black flowers all over the place. It was a bit tight, but it sure highlighted his chest in all the right places!

He looked adorably sexy! She was definately feeling a possessive streak running through her, at the sight of him in her shirt. Like he was hers, and only hers.

Only, he wasn't. She frowned thoughtfully.

Not yet, anyway.

"Hey Kim?" at his quite hum, she continued, "Do you want to be my boyfriend?"

He choked on air. Then wide brown eyes whipped around to face her!

She just shrugged and grinned unapologetically. He was being too slow. And it was the new age. She was perfectly ok to ask him!

"Way to ruin a guys plans for the night." he muttered.

She just laughed. "Oops."

She watched as he pulled out a bunch of tiny jar candles in varying colors, followed by a bubble vase with the prettiest pink flowers inside, with only an inch of water at the bottom.

"For the purposes of transport, there's very little water in here." he pointed to the flowers. "But the flowers should be submerged in water."

Then came several tupperware containers that he placed on the counter in a neat stack.

"Plates?"

"Cupboard by the sink. I could just get them," she offered, starting to stand.

"No!" he stated emphatically. "Just sit there. I've got this!" he flashed a smile her way.

"You already stole my line. Don't take this away too!"

Laughing, she sat back down, and just watched him work.

Several bowls and plates came out of the cupboard. The contents of 2 containers went into bowls. The rest he started scooping out onto 2 plates neatly.

"Seems like my insulated bag worked better than I thought it would," he admitted aloud, with a small chuckle.

Moving to his bag one more time, he pulled out a black tablecloth, and spread it out on the table in front of her. Then placed the candles in a neat line in the center of the table. Pulling a lighter out of the bag, he lit each one, before turning out the lights in the kitchen. Which left only a lamp in the living room for light- except for the candles.

"I feel very underdressed," she whispered. She wasn't sure why, but the atmosphere just seemed to call for quiet.

Chuckling, he looked down at himself. "I'd say your good. You could at least pass for appropriately dressed. And only i know you are completely naked under there." he winked.

Laughing, she shushed him.

"A gentleman would never bring that up!" she cried in mock horror. "In public." she teased.

As he placed the 2 bowls on the table, he leaned close and their lips met in the briefest kiss.

"Isn't it a good thing were not in public then?!"

Then he turned back to the kitchen and pulled 2 wine glasses out of the cupboard, as well as 2 water glasses. Brandishing a bottle of wine from his bag, as well as a cork screw, he made quick work of opening it, then poured them each a glass. He moved to fill the water glasses next, from the tap. He then expertly carried all 4 to the table at once.

To finish off, he brought both dinner plates, and sat one in front of each of them.

She was glad he hadn't placed himself across the table from her. While it might have been romantic to gaze at him bathed in only candlelight, she liked the idea that she could hold his hand and touch him whenever she wanted.

Goodness, have sex once, and already she was thinking about more! And crossing that personal space boundary.

ALOT!

But then, so was he. No sooner had he sat down next to her, than he was reaching over to brush her hair - that she'd left down- behind an ear. His smile was full of affection and - was that wonder?

"I doubted I would ever reach this stage with you." he murmured. "But I'm glad I did. Its everything - and more- than my 14 year old self could have ever imagined."

A warm smile spread across her face. He said just the sweetest things!

Reaching up, she took his hand from her face, and twinned their fingers together.

" I never thought I'd be here with you, of all people - "he chuckled at her admission- "but now that i am, I couldn't imagine anyone else being in your place now."

"Not even Adrien?" as soon as the words left his mouth, he visibly winced. "I'm sorry, that wasn't what i wanted to say."

"I'm thinking it kind of was." and it was totally a valid question! She couldn't even count the number of times people had thought her and Adrien were more than friends. Hell, only 4 months ago, he was in her bed- cuddling with her- crying about his breakup!

If a person didn't know the backstory, and had seen them like that, that would have been the conclusion she would have drawn too!

She finally looked down at the meal he had put before them, and was awestruck. Little mini buns, a variety of cheeses, and coq au vin on a bed of mashed potatoes, drizzled with sauce. A small tossed salad on the side, and some steamed cauliflower.

It looked delicious, and she'd have to remember to ask where he ordered it from!

Gesturing to his plate in front of him, they both started eating before she continued her explanation.

"Adrien and I are strictly friends! When i left school, it was to go to his place. Gabriel Agreste sponsored me. So, I was homeschool with Adrien. And we both graduated at 16. Then we each got our first degrees in university while still living at the mansion. We only moved to the apartments just over a year ago." she took a small sip of water to clear her throat before she continued.

"Maybe to start with i had a small crush on Adrien. He was the only person I really saw in the beginning. But then he kind of became like my brother. My best friend. We tell each other everything."

She watched his brows furrow at that. "Yes, even now. It wasn't a secret you were coming here. Or that I worked like mad all day to be finished before you got here."

A sudden thought made her frown. "But apparently he has started keeping secrets. I haven't heard about any new girlfriend. And I should have! I was who he told after he had sex for the first time!"

"Maybe he found a new friend?" he offered helpfully.

"No. He'd have told me." she sat back and thought about it for a moment, before she perked back up again. "Ive got it! I'll just have to find him another best friend! Maybe all the girl talk, he would rather have that talk with a man. Do you think him and Nino would get along? He was always pretty chill. And Adrien knows Alya, so it would make sense to be Ninos friend, rather than find a random one. What do you think?"

Wide brown eyes were just staring at her, before he grinned widely.

"I'd almost forgotten how you can steamroll from one topic to the next. It's mesmerizing."

She blushed.

"As to your question, i think they'd get along great!"

"Excellent. I love it when a plan comes together." she giggled at her own genious.

They were just finishing up their meal when he spoke up again.

"I swung by the bakery for dessert, but your parents just smiled all wierd and said you had that taken care of."

She choked on the sip of wine she had just taken. But managed not to spit it out all over him.

Damn those nosy parents again!

"Yeah, um- they sent over a bunch of stuff. With alot of inuendos to go with them!" she laughed awkwardly.

"Well, don't leave me hanging!" he chided.

"Well, they sent over something that apparently is great to feed each other. Another because it's associated with weddings. And im pretty sure my papa was alluding to sex with another. And your boner for the roll cake."

Kim choked on his laughter.

"Forget I asked."

"Long story short, I have 8 different dessert in the fridge." she concluded.

"It'll be great for a midnight snack then." at her raised brow, he just grinned at her. "Unless your gonna send little old me off to brave the mean streets of Paris all by myself to get home?" he joked.

"Well, I suppose I can't let little old you get mugged or something. You could always take the couch." she teased right back, tongue in cheek.

"With these legs?!" he gestured to his tall frame with a sweep of his hand. "I'd cramp after an hour."

"Fiinnne!!" she moaned playfully. "I'll take the couch!"

Laughing, he pulled her into his lap, and buried his face into her shoulder.

"Don't make me sleep alone. I get terrible nightmares." he murmured playfully.

"Well... what kind of girl would I be if I ignored your plight." she agreed.

Silence reigned, and he simply held her to him.

Then, "This would have been the part of the night that I asked you to be my girlfriend. Until you stole it from me!" he uttered into her shoulder.

"You shouldn't have waited so long," she joked. "We live in an advanced world where-" his lips cut off the rest of her words, as he kissed her breathless.

"Which you never did answer," she said once he let her up for air.

"I kind of figured my intending to ask you made my response a given. But sure, if you need the words, I would love to be your boyfriend! If you'll be my girlfriend."

Beaming at him she pulled him close for another, deeper, kiss.

"Better seal that desicion in the bedroom." she whispered against his mouth, and her fingers moved down to pull at her shirt on him, nails scraping lightly as she went.

Groaning, he lifted his shirt off the rest of the way, before picking her up as he stood, and moving towards the bedroom with her in his arms.

"Don't need to tell me twice!"

Marinette wasn't sure what Adrien had been talking about. Her first try at sex had been just as amazing as the second one was!

XOXOXOXOXOXOXOXO

Marinette was jerked out of her sleep the next morning by a tapping at the window.

A glance at her alarm clock showed her it was 5:47am. She plopped her head back down onto her pillow.

Only, that wasn't a pillow! That was a very smooth, very muscly, very tanned arm, spread across the bed - that she had been using as a pillow. Following said arm, she was greeted by a definately sleeping Kim, breathing heavily.

God, it was too early in the morning to freak out about having agreed to let Kim sleep over.

And it wasn't like she had done it while drunk or anything. She had 100% known what she was doing when they had bantered about him being too vulnerable at night to walk home. But she was still entitled to have a girl moment the first time she had a guy over!

Because no, Adrien DID NOT count!

They didn't sleep naked - because she totally was! And they didn't have sex, like her and Kim totally did! And she didn't think about Adrien like that!

But now she was too tired. It was a Sunday! Her only day to sleep in, as she counted Saturday as homework day and therefore woke up the same as a weekday.

She laid her head back down on Kim's arm, and closed her eyes, a content smile on her lips.

Then came the tapping again.

She tried her best to ignore it.

The third time it sounded was a bit louder than the rest. And this time, it woke up Kim.

"Shh," she mumbled, eyes still closed as she snuggled into his chest since he had rolled a bit. "Just Adrien. Ignore him."

Strong arms wrapped around her, and he hummed to let her know he heard.

"Psst, Marinette!" came next. "I know it's early. And I know I'm grounded from entering through the window. But just talk to me through the window!"

Groaning, Marinette resigned herself to having to get up to tell him to buzz off. But he could wait until she went pee first!

So, rolling out of bed - not even bothering to put clothes on- she left to do just that.

When she walked back into the room, Kim had stood up from the side of her bed, pulling his boxers up.

She leaned against the doorframe and crossed her arms as Kim ripped the curtains back from the window in one swift, angry motion.

"Dude, do you have any idea what time it is?!" Kim demanded.

Adrien's eyes blew open as wide as dinner plates at being greeted with Kim, rather than the expected girl he'd wanted to see.

Mari couldn't help but snicker at Adrien's expression.

Those green eyes looked past Kim, searching the room for her, she assumed. She didn't know how well he could see inside, as he had skipped over her twice. Which was a blessing really, as she was still naked.

"I'll - uh - just go." Adrien then turned and fled up the fire escape to his own apartment.

"I told you to ignore him," she drawled casually from the doorway.

Still sleepy brown eyes turned her way, immediately coming alive as he noticed her attire. She should probably have felt self conscious, but after what they had done, really, she was pretty sure they had moved past that!

After all, he had licked almost every part of her!

"I was going to, until he started talking about being jealous for some reason or another, and he handled it badly." he shrugged, as he made his way over to her.

"Is it too late to tell you to go back to bed?" he murmured as he reached her, and pulled her against his chest.

Wrapping her arms around his neck, she hummed thoughtfully. "depends on if you mean to actually sleep or not."

"How about both?!"

He then dragged her back to bed, and she laughed all the way.

XOXOXOXOXOXOXOXO

"Girl, why does your face look like you went one too many rounds in the tanning room, and they put in the wrong shade?" Alya teased a blushing Marinette as she made her way towards where her friend was sitting on the bleachers.

"That would be preferable to how she actually got it." Adrien muttered lowly beside her, just as they reached Alya.

Mari decided to ignore his comment. He was just frosty that she ignored him this morning.

Brown eyebrows arched so high, they almost blended with Alyas hair. "Is that so?! "

Hoping to avoid making Adrien feel even worse about her having a boyfriend, Mari looked around for anything else to talk about.

Her eyes landed on a dark skinned man with wild curls sitting atop his head, with thick rimmed glasses. It had been a few years, but she was pretty sure that was -

"Nino?!" she cried happily

His chocolate eyes landed on her, and glimmered in recognition.

"Dude-ette! It's been forever!"

She was immediately enveloped in a bone crushing hug.

"Don't ever leave without keeping us updated!" he scolded.

"Sorry Nino," she blushed, "We hadn't exactly been close when I left, so I guess I never really thought much about keeping you up to date." she admitted.

"Dude, we got married! You'll ALWAYS need to keep me informed!"

"Didn't my lawyer contact yours?!" she teased right back. "I'm still waiting for my wedding gift back."

"Fresh out, sorry. I'll call the bakery and get your mom to include some in your next care package," he followed that up with a wink.

A wink!!

"Alya, you little snitch!" she turned to her friend and glared, horrified!

"What?! It was hilarious! How could I not?!"

"What are you talking about?"

Mari had almost forgotten Adrien behind her.

"You don't wanna know, dude." Nino to the rescue!

"Sorry, sorry!" the blue haired girl cried. "Adrien, this is Nino. Nino, my best friend Adrien!" she introduced the two men. "Now, buzz off so I can kill Alya in private." she joked.

"Sure thing dude-ette! Adrien, my man, let's go scout out some cute girls on the other side of the arena."

"You can look, but you cannot touch Nino!" Alya hollered after him.

Racious laughter was all that followed.

"Thanks! I was trying to figure out how to get Adrien and Nino to be friends!" Mari revealed.

"ME too!" the 2 girls laughed at their similar thoughts. "Now are you gonna tell me what put all that color in your cheeks?"

Mari sat down next to Alya, and scanned the pool area for Kim. She had left him because he was about to start his next race. Spotting him at the starting line, she smirked at his bright red speedo. He definately was easy on the eyes, no matter what he was wearing - or not wearing.

"A certain speedo wearing swimmer may have spent the night." she admitted.

"And this is the first I'm hearing of it?!" Alya groused. "I should have been the first one you called as soon as he left!"

"Well, technically, he never did leave me. We came over together."

Skeptical eyes turned her way.

"Your trying to convince me that you were up early on a Sunday?! Now you just think I'm gullible."

Mari looked at her phone for the time. Just past noon.

"You and Nino only just got here. I've been here since it started at 9. Adrien showed up an hour ago. "

"I'm still not convinced you were up that early. A crow bar couldn't get you up early on a Sunday!"

Mari sighed, still annoyed at Adrien's rather rude wake-up call.

"Adrien started tapping on my window at freaking 6am." she muttered darkly. "I tried to ignore him, but he was persistent. So Kim told him to buzz off."

Gasping, Alya grabbed her knee tightly. "He did not!"

Rolling her eyes, Mari smirked. "No, that's what I would have done. Kim was much nicer about it."

"Well, that would explain Adrien's dark mood just now."

"Oh, he's just salty that i ignored him. It's nothing new. He knows I'm aweful in the morning."

"Yeah, but it was your first morning with someone else there."

Mari frowned. "What are you getting at?"

"I'm saying, I'm pretty sure Adrien is jealous."

Snorting, Mari exclaimed in disbelief, "yeah, ok, Alya."

"Im serious girl! All the signs are there!"

"And as I told YOU," she continued skeptically, "Adrien has had 5 girlfriends this past year. I just got my first boyfriend last night! He had a whole year to say something! And he didn't."

"Maybe he didn't realize what was in front of him til you weren't available anymore." Alya reasoned.

Thoughtfully, Mari considered it. Then discarded it.

"The point is moot, Alya. Adrien's like my brother! I lectured him on safe sex when he said girlfriend #3 was making lots of noises about wanting to! And we both know, there is no making it out of the bro-zone."

Alya sighed. "Your right. It's impossible to get out of that zone."

Unfortunately, that still left Mari with the difficult task of finding Adrien the perfect girlfriend. She had previously had all her hopes pinned on Alya. But that ship had sunk. And she had no other options!

Unless...

Turning to her brunette friend, Mari smirked. "Know any available women?"

XOXOXOXOXOXOXOXO