Marinette was sat at the cutting table, staring at a particularly intricately decorated bead, while lost in thought. Thankful she was on her own for the time being. She had received praise for her sketch book designs, and Gabriel had commented on the designs she had drawn for men, giving her notes on aspects that could be improved on. Not expecting to see anyone today, as both Gabriel and Adrien were in meetings, she was happy to get lost in a sea of fabric, while weighing up her situation.

Tuesday had come around too quickly, having not slept much from gazing into those intoxicating green eyes for most of the night. They had snuggled while talking about anything and everything, then fallen asleep together, again. This time, however, Marinette had been facing him when she woke up in his untransformed arms, luckily, true to her word, she did not look to see who he was. He had told her he needed to speak to Ladybug, before revealing himself. This had caused Marinette's stomach to knot uncomfortably, bringing her back down to the really horrid dilemma she was facing.

Also, having to face the wrath of Tikki when she had awoke, was really not a pleasant experience, to put it mildly. Yes it was daunting, but no, it had most definitely not been planned, this was the thin rational she had given herself, when debating the possibly trying times ahead.

Lying in his arms, both staring at the ceiling, with an intermittent purr vibrating through her body, they had talked loosely about his childhood. About the school experience he had at an unnamed establishment, the difficulty he had faced growing up in an unusual family setting, and how he had struggled with the loss of his mother. The guilt had eaten up Marinette's insides, if only she had realised her amazing partner of all these years had suffered so much, she could have tried to help him somehow, been there for him and made more of an effort.

Time for Marinette to leave the cave of wonders, and a familiar carefully sculpted blonde mop appeared through the door. Smiling as Marinette was packing all her bits away, ready to continue her sketches when she arrived home. He had asked if he she would like walking out, seemingly unable to let her find her own way to the door.

"You can walk me home if you're gonna tell me what you were meant to call me about last," brazen as her words were, Marinette found a weird flutter of nervousness arise in her chest. To her relief, Adrien accepted.

"It would definitely be more preferable than calling you later, might be easier too." He winked, "couldn't get through to your phone last night." Adrien smiled down at her with his intoxicating green eyes. "However, it might be wise that some of the other designers don't see how friendly we are."

"I'm not friendly," Marinette teased, raising her eyebrows with a playful smirk. "I'm just nosey, that's all." She continued nonchalantly. "A-and I was, busy. Sorry." Blush from her face reaching her ears, hopefully he didn't noticed as she scooped up her bag. Of course he did.

"Oh is that it?" He peered at her cheekily, "well maybe I'll just have to leave you to find you're own way home... if you're not friendly and all."

"Ok then, See you tomor-" Marinette smirked and crossed her arms. Knowing she had called his bluff, as he slipped in front of her and leaned in the door way acting aloofly. "Do you want to walk me home or not Agreste? Either way, we will be having a conversation at some point." Asking with confidence, Marinette waited for his reply.

Catching her gaze with a flirtatious grin, he stooped down to her eye level.

"How about a compromise and I take you to dinner?"

A hearty laugh escaped Marinette, "how is that a compromise exactly?"

"Just an idea?" He reached for his nape, suppressing the nerves from rising to the surface.

"Why not," trying to hide the pleasant way the request had caught her off guard with a shrug. "I did have a date with Ben and Jerry tonight, but I can Netflix and chill with them another time..." She met his gaze, to find a shocked look on his face. "The ice cream..."

The relief was instant and he settled with a chuckle and a sense of hope in his eyes.

These butterflies better do one. Did I just agree to go on a date.

"It's not like, a date, is it?" She asked, seeming to back track with her thoughts drifting to the black cat.

"Call it a business meeting," he teased, "with wine." Finishing his sentence with a toothy grin to rival Chat's, Marinette's stomach knotted again at the similarity.

"Business meeting it is then!" She insisted, with a smile which didn't reach her eyes.

"Shall we?" Adrien offered her his arm.

"What? Now?"

"Why not?"

"I would very much like to get changed," gesturing to her clothes. "You're all set," she eyed him up and down. Of course he was looking dapper, black chinos, silver grey cotton shirt, just tight enough to accentuate his ripped torso. finished with slim black silk tie and dress shoes, Adrien was set to go.

Marinette, who had chosen to 'wear her flare' today, was in a delicate knee length tea dress. made from pastel pink and pearlised white damask fabric, finished with a white silk band lying just below the bust, the white pumps she wore gave it a casual feel, something Gabriel had been happy to compliment her on. "Versatility in a design can crush the competition," he had advised.

"You look pawsitively purfect to me," he said as he lead her out of the door.

Those puns are making it difficult.

"I thought you didn't want people to see how friendly we are?" She questioned as she dropped her hand from the crook of his arm. "And what's with the cat puns? Are you a cat person or something."

"You could say that," he chuckled to himself as his demeanour changed when they came into view of the rest of the house. Putting his hands behind his back and walking obviously straighter. Marinette followed suit, following his previously forgotten lead, of keeping up the appearance, of a professional, working relationship.

"Natalie, could you please tell father I will be meeting with a potential business associate this evening."

Her eyes glanced knowingly between Adrien and Marinette, even though Marinette had almost made it through the door, after bidding adieu to the slender framed woman prior to this.

"Will you need the car this evening," she asked with a tight lipped smile.

"Not at this moment thank you, but I will be in touch if I do," he replied casually to her question while reaching the door to exit.

"You have a shoot at seven tomorrow morning, please bare that in mind." Her eyebrows raised with amusement as she turned to climb the staircase.

"I won't be late." He called after her, as he pulled the door shut behind him.