-Marinette's Point of View-

I rub the lotion over my arms and cheeks trying to easy my muscles from smiling so hard. I rub harder at a knot in my neck, I couldn't quite reach it...

"Need help?" a familiar yet unfamiliar voice asks, taking the lotion from me.

"No way." I tease keeping my voice light "The elusive Luka Couffaine. I see you made it out of your cave."

"After all these years, you hurt me with your horrid words."

"We talked last night."

"Not face to face."

"Your right." I remind him the "Last time I saw your face was 2 weeks ago."

"The horror." he smiles gently and rubs the lotion in for me.

"What are you doing here?"

He harrumphs and pulls away from me. "I would think, you'd be more happy to see me, now that we are both back in the City of Love"

And even though I know he was teasing I knew he was probably injured by my in difference, I kiss him sweetly.

He grins and was about to take me away, when I pull away, albeit gently, form his embrace.

"I need to work." I tell him as I straighten up and start to straighten my blouse, I grab my braid and pull the band tighter. I walk away from the room and into the large office.

Today was going to be long and quite burdening, but I was taught by the best. I plaster my biggest smile and promise him a date tomorrow for lunch, my treat. And like the thoughtful boyfriend he is, he lets me be.

I continue to look at designs and time continue to drag slowly, today was the same as any other day. But it wasn't, you see, today I was going to get a promotion, whether it is life altering or as miniscule as more convenient hours, I was swilling to take it, because a promotion means I caught Mr. Agreste's attention, and that was life altering no matter how much or what happens.

I go through more designs adding my own notes of critique and sending them to Mr. Agreste to look over.

"Mr. Agreste." I hear someone address, and I instantly correct my posture and paste my brightest smile while reprimanding myself, I ignored Rule number 1.

Rule #1) It's Never Over Until It Is

There was always an someone watching, observing always someone willing to do better, willing to do more. And they would get more. But I wanted that more. I needed it. I look up and meet cool blue eyes, and I look down like I was some school girl caught doing something shameful. Even though I did nothing wrong.

"Mr. Agreste." I address him and proceed to do my work, not liking that I had to keep my back to him, but I couldn't risk him seeing my fear.

It was foolish, of course. He could smell it.

He tuts disapprovingly and walks away, leaving me with a strained smile.

I never feared Mr. Agreste not until recently. I don't know why, but I don't think he approves.

But I'm just doing what he says, just acting like I should.

"Marinette." the voice was firm and kind but not the least bit warm

"Yes sir?" I ask meeting his eyes with my own, I dig my nail into my pam to keep me from running

"What may I do for you?" I ask, repeating to myself

I am Ladybug. I do not fear him. I am Ladybug.

"Follow me."

I nod nicely, and hand my papers to Ash, mouthing "hold onto these for me please."

I walk by his side, but slightly behind him, keeping pace with his long high heeled strides. He eventually stops by another room; it was less occupied but still buzzing with activity.

"Marinette" he prods and I face him.

I am Ladybug. Ladybug is brave and does not stutter. Ladybug saves the day in the end. I am Ladybug, Ladybug I am.

I smile slightly at my Dr. Suess reference in my thoughts.

"As you know, you've been a very loyal and hard-working employee with great talent and promise to the future."

I wait. I was not to interrupt him. Or thank him, until he finishes speaking

"And I think that while you have made my life much easier in your current position you deserve a newer position that suits your interests creatively."

I wait.

"I am going to be making you the personal designer of my top model."

I feel a gasp rip itself away from me "This is an honor Mr. Agreste. Thank you very much, I won't let you down."

Teenage me, would have had squealed, stuttered and hugged the distant man. I didn't, I just beamed and shook his hand firmly. Seasons change after all, I was no longer Marinette, the Clusty class president. I was Mdm. Dupain Cheng, the composed and brilliant fashion employee of the famous Gabrielle Agreste. He nods approvingly and leaves me to my work.

Before he leaves, he pauses and considers, the cold, calculating, and distant look back on.

"Take the rest of the day off, come back here at 7 AM tomorrow, no later. And ask for out top model, I'm sure we will benefit greatly with your knowledge."

I smile even brighter and nod obediently. 2 short but measured nods.

I go to the employee room and find myself in the nearest bathroom to change. Work and Home was separate, I decided as much long ago. I don't know why, but I knew it was right. I took off my pencil shirt and blue blouse and folded neatly into my deceptive bag. I pulled out a romper I designed and carried out myself and slipped it on. It was still fashionable but simple enough to not raise too many eyebrows.

I was about to leave the bathroom, when I caught a look of myself in the mirror. My face looked severe and bland; my expression pinched. My skin looked pale, which only helped show the bags under my eyes. I tapped on more concealer, and decided that I'm going to take a much needed nap as soon as I got home. I know I should probably call Luka and tell him that my day is cut short and if he would like to hang out, but I feel so drained, despite my short day.

I was about to reapply my lipstick when I heard an insistent nock on the bathroom door, tentative. I quickly press against the door, out of habit I suppose and managed to call out a "Occupied!" I spared myself one last glance in the mirror and I smoothed my features, replacing my frazzled frown to an apologetic smile. Even though, it was completely the other persons fault.

Hitching my bag over my shoulder, I open the unlocked door.

And my eyes met a pair of cold green ones. Emerald green.

My brain short-circuited for a moment which is stupid;

HELLO! We had Luka!

My brain yelled at my treacherous heart that was still racing.

"Adrien?" man in questioned just scowled

"Felix, actually. Though our resemblance is striking." he says stiffly.

"I-I, am sorry. You caught me by surprise." I recover smoothly, moving out of the way.

I was about to leave when he called out to me.

"Marinette, right?" I nod numbly, not bothering to show my surprise.

"I thought as much. You still in love with my cousin?"

I scowl, and for a second I consider saying "You still an ass?". But I didn't, because that's not what fashionista's do.

I pull out my shades and flick them on. "Not that it concerns you, but I'm in a very happy relationship. And no longer infatuated with your cousin, who looks so much like you, it's weird." I make sure to exaggerate the 'infatuated', because love is something that changes over time. 10 years from now, I may or may not see these years as love. But infatuation, captivation is a solid that is undeniable.

Love is seasonal, after all.

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