A/N: For the next two weeks I won't be able to update due to the universe and exams. Sorry :(

Marinette walked around her room. Her heels clicking against the tiles. She rushed as she looked around her room and tried to fix her hair. Looking around making sure everything was in its place and that she had everything she grunted and gave in to look in a mirror.

Marinette had to admit, she looked hot. Her long red dress had a split exposing her left leg and showed off her black high heels. She wore bright red lipstick and a light amount of make up. The only thing that was wrong was her hair. Marinette washed it and blow dried it making it effortlessly wavy but now she was regretting the style and thought about straightening it. She heard a knock from the door but fidgeted with her fringe. She didn't answer until the second knock.

"Come in!" She shouted. Her glass door opened sending wind into her room and causing goosebumps to occur all over her body. She turned to see Chat noir shut the door behind him.

"Hey, kitty." Marinette smiled. She could really use a kiss from her knight in leather.

"Purrincess." Chat greeted with a large grin.

Marinette turned back to the mirror to analyse her result. She exhaled deeply at her reflection. Chat rested his chin on her shoulder. The powder blush thankfully hid the light colour that rose to her cheeks. He kissed the back of her neck and left a trail of light kisses to her shoulder. He could see the screws turn in her head. Only he could read her in such a way.

"What's wrong?"

'A few things but how about we start with the fact that you're Chat Noir, Adrien.' Marinette wanted to say. But of course, she didn't say it out loud. Instead, she lightly stumped her heel on the ground.

"My hair." Chat chuckled and Marinette glared at his reflection.

"Do you have any bobby pins?"

Marinette quirked her head to the side. She walked away into the bathroom leaving Chat in her room who rolled out her chair. A few hair ties laid on her desk, he picked out a black one and Marinette returned with a case full of black bobby pins. When Chat opened the little plastic box four of the bobby pins had a decoration pattern made with pearls and crystals. The blue haired girl took a seat in the chair as Chat instructed.

"What are you gonna do?" She asked.

"You'll see."

Chat combed his hands through her soft hair. He loved it. Her blue locks were long enough to style so he tied it up, her fringe falling out naturally. He then pinned each strand in a clockwise motion, the end result looked similar to a rose. Three of the decorated pins were exposed, they held the last bits of her bun. Marinette stood up and walked over to the mirror.

"What do you think?"

"It looks amazing Chat. I didn't know you could do things like this." He shrugged.

"It's kind of my specialty." Marinette turned to face him. She wrapped her arms around his neck and he held her waist.

"What, are you a hair stylist?" They started swaying and Chat hid his face in her neck, inhaling the scent of perfume and vanilla.

"Something like that." He whispered.

The scene was similar to something Chat imagined. Except she wasn't all dressed up and he was his in his civilian form. And it was raining. A little drizzle, not sprinkling something just a little stronger. And the air wasn't cold but it wasn't humid either, it was suitable to walk around in and not wear a jacket. They hummed their own tune, both soaked but not caring just enjoying each others presence.

Chat's daydream was interrupted by a loud knocking at Marinette's door.

"Gurl! You ready!?" Alya called. Marinette jumped out of Chat's arms.

"Um." Marinette looked at Chat. "Yeah, yeah I'm ready."

"Then hurry up let's go."

The two looked at each other till Chat broke the silence.

"Where you heading?" He looked Marinette up and down. Marinette twitched her head to the side.

"The last show."

"Of what?" Marinette chuckled.

"It's literally called 'The Last Show'."

"Oh." Chat rubbed his neck.

"But it's a runway show, Adrien Agreste's last runway... I think." Marinette watched his expression. At first, he didn't react.

'Maybe it's not him.' But then Chat's eyes widened in a panic.

"Oh no." Marinette smiled.

"What?" Chat's face reddened.

"No-nothing! You're heading out so I should probably leave don't want you to be late." Chat grabbed Marinette by surprised and kissed her quickly on both cheeks. He made his way to the door but quickly turned around.

"Love you." He quickly pecked her red lips, tainting his own with colour. Marinette stared at the blank space of her wall for a little too long. She snapped back to reality when she realised Chat was about to leave.

"Chat!" Marinette shouted. The black cat almost slipped off the railing.

"Marinette?" He asked. Marinette grabbed him behind the neck and pulled him down to her height. Even with her high heels, he was still taller, also the fact that he was on her balcony railing.

"I love you too." She whispered as their lips detached.

"Marinette!" Alya called. The girl in red smirked.

"Coming!" And she ran back in her room closing the doors and curtains behind her.

Marinette grabbed her black bag that was similar to her normal handbag. A circular clutch with black sequins and a silver chain.

"Tikki?" Marinette muttered.

"I'm coming." Marinette opened her bag for Tikki. When the small ladybug entered a wrapped up cookie was waiting for her.

"Aw thank you, Marinette." She squeaked. Marinette shrugged.

"No problem."

Marinette left her room to see her best friend waiting for her.

"Sorry." She apologized. Alya rolled her eyes.

"Doesn't matter let's get going." Marinette smiled. Tonight was going to be a good night.

Adrien walked out of the closet and looked around backstage in a hurry. He bumped into several people as he tried to find his first designer, who had his outfit.

"Adrien!" He heard from behind him. Adrien turned to face Jay. He sighed with relief.

"Do you know where-"

"Yes and she's pissed. She's been looking for you for the past 10 minutes when you weren't in your dressing room." Jay shoved Adrien in the opposite direction he was heading.

'Right. The dressing room, why didn't I think of that.'

Jay led Adrien to his dressing room. Once he opened the door his first angry designer was waiting for him with his outfit she designed. Jay left and Adrien got dressed up, a makeup artist came in after a while and assisted him. She didn't do much just styled his hair and applied some cream and powder.

After he was ready he joined a group of other models, a few he was quite familiar with, others he didn't know as well.

Marinette and Alya stepped out of the car, Nino by their side. Once they passed security they entered the venue. Someone escorted Marinette separating her from Alya and Nino. She had to go sit up front since her work was being displayed. She sat next to famous people that she regonised.

"Marinette Dupain-Cheng, correct?" Marinette squeaked at the question. She quickly regained her composure as she recognised the voice.

"Mr Agreste." She turned to him completely.

"Your designs were very thought through. Your 'Weird and Wonderful' collection was especially... good." He praised. Marinette turned back to the stage and smiled triumphantly.

"Thank you."

"Still, your street style was rushed and sloppy." He informed her. Marinette wasn't the slightest bit fazed.

"I understand Mr Agreste." The man frowned.

"My impression of you was mista-" Marinette interrupted him.

"But still I was honest and detailed in my paper for that theme. In fact, you described the collection almost exactly like I did."

"If you knew that street style was not your strong suit then why did you pick it?" Gabriel barked. Marinette glanced at him and smirked.

"Because I wanted to challenge myself. There was a deadline and so much was at stake, I knew if I pushed myself I could do it. And I did, I entered it into your show and look where it got me." The two held eye contact. Marinette was radiating confidence despite the topic. Her eyes were strong and dark, bright and warm. Contrasts with each other that fit perfectly. "My outfits are now being modelled by your son." There was a long pause. Marinette thought the conversation was over. She turned her attention to the stage where lights were cast and music started to play. But in the middle of the introduction, Gabriel spoke.

"I can see why my son likes you so much." She could hear him smile.

And the cold-hearted designer known as Gabriel Agreste by all of Paris was gone. He vanished into a non-existing world leaving a father in his place. One who protected and cherished their son. One who was just a man. Marinette could see where Adrien got that trait. The characteristic that made you think you knew who he was.

But once Marinette heard it that man was gone. The cold-hearted designer taking that man's place leaving Marinette to think if that man who is a father ever existed or if it was just her imagination.

Different coloured lights were splayed all over the stage. Rays of oranges and blues moved through the audience, a drum beat played until an announcer's voice rang through the speakers throughout the room.

It was a mature seen. Marinette looked at all the faces around her. Most of them flat, not interested or looking bored. Some looking like they were disgusted and she was lucky she would see a person or two who were smiling.

But Marinette. She bounced her foot up and down and tapped the arm of her chair, she fiddle with her necklace and kept tucking her hair behind her ear. She was radiating energy. Her eyes were wide and she could feel her skin crawl with adrenaline that couldn't be used.

The announcer, a deep voice that was most likely male who stretched the words or expressed the vowels furthermore, listed the designers and models. When he announced the designers a light focused on each one at a time. The announced designers would just stare at the camera that was connected to a screen that displayed their faces. Some young male designers winked and an old woman who was in the industry for half her lifetime waved like she were the queen. Marinette could list almost all of them off by heart. She had the chance to see each designer face to face, she didn't even need to look at the screen. But she couldn't help but look at it and see how the large screen portrayed the famous designers of Paris, probably across the whole world.

"Marinette Dupain-Cheng."

Marinette's eyes popped out of her head. She inhaled deeply and wanted to squeal when the camera focused on her face. Her body was well trained to not follow her mind. She could feel her lips stretch up, her eyes relax and her hand rise. Marinette smiled softly and gave the camera a little wave. She could hear Nino's and Alya's cheers in the sound of applause. Her cheeks heated and a rose colour tinted her cheeks.

"This young lady is a student from Special Arts University. She is one of the three designers who got featured in tonights show. I bet the crowd can't wait to see what you have in store for us Madam Dupain-Cheng."

The camera pointed somewhere else, the light moved and Marinette registered the words.

'Three students.' Marinette thought amazed. She didn't even know that there were only three places. The fact that Marinette was one out of three amazed her. She had such a slim chance but she made it. 'Madam Dupain-Cheng. You don't hear that every day.'

More designers were announced and more with blank faces. Marinette noticed that she was one of the only people that waved, she was one of the only people that smiled.

"Of course, Mr Gabriel Agreste." The last designer announced.

'Save the best for last.'

All Gabriel did was a nod. The announcer went into a whole speech about Mr Agreste. The many people that sat around Marinette probably heard the same speech dozens of times. But for her, it was her first. She's been to too many fashion shows, none of them featuring the famous designers that sat next to her now. She listened intensely interested in what he had to say about Mr Agreste.

The announcer finished up his speech and repeated the first model and what she wore. It was an... how would Marinette put it? Fancy outfit? It looked similar to a kimono but it had a twist. More of the model's body was shown. The top separate of the skirt which had a large split down the middle and dragged along the floor.

Other outfits followed like that. Marinette didn't find any appeal to most of them. Some were nice she thought. Simple suits that had gold trims or an added piece of clothing.

"This fantastic piece was made by Madam Marinette Dupain-Cheng. Her chosen theme was street style."

Two models walked out wearing Marinette's street style collection. It wasn't her most proud piece but she didn't dislike it. They sauntered to the front and did a few twirls. The outfits looked good on the models. Both models walked back and Marinette made note of how she wanted to change those outfits if she ever got them back.

"The perfect duo, Ladybug and Chat Noir. Worn by Mister Adrien Agreste and Madam Melody Casedy. Doing Madam Dupain-Cheng good you two!"

Adrien and another female model walked out wearing Marinette's Ladybug and Chat Noir piece. Adrien's and Marinette's eyes locked and she swore he smirked when they looked at each other. When both models reached the end of the catwalk Adrien did a two finger salute. 'Stop showing off your Chat Noir.' Marinette thought. The two did a fist pump and walked back. It was a nice twist, the two really played off the vibe as the heroes of Paris. 'Maybe because one of them is a hero of Paris.'

"And Madam Dupain-Cheng's last piece, weird and wonderful."

The female model walked out and most of the crowd gasped or clapped or cheered. But it didn't matter the sound drowned Marinette. She was overwhelmed at the appreciation and the feedback from the crowd. She loved the way her outfit turned out. The outfit fit the model perfectly. The corset was filled out and the skirt was exaggerated thanks to the model's large hips. It made Marinette envious, she wished she could fill an outfit as the model did. Marinette looked in awe as the model passed. But as she did, she winked at Marinette. One of her hands on her hips the other swaying by her side. Marinette leaned slightly forward, wanting to get as close to the stage as possible.

It seemed nice up there. Having all eyes on you, appreciating your natural talent for beauty and confidence. A normal human trait that was turned into a career but then again it must've been hard. Too always work, making sure you looked 100% beautiful and keeping your head high when everyone was watching you, analyzing your every step, looking for any mistakes. Making sure you were...perfect. That you could be controlled and maintained. That you could be someones play toy. At their hands for their entertainment. It must've been so boring. So harsh. So hard. That's how some people's life worked. That was someone's life.

A male model came out wearing Marinette's male weird and wonderful outfit and did the same routine, all except the wink. He looked spectacular. He looked almost like Splenderman. His long limbs swaying effortlessly by his side, the hat on top of his fawn hair that stuck out. Marinette had to lift her head a bit because of his height. She was overjoyed with how everything turned out.

After Marinette's collections were over and done with there was less than five outfits to model. Two were made by Mr Agreste of course.

The after party was something way better than the show. Marinette finally met up with Alya who she wished was seating next to her the whole show.

"Dude your outfits were amazing!" Alya told Marinette when they found each other. "The weird one, wow. The Ladybug one was super good. I think you caught ladybug in an urban outfit. I bet if she wore normal clothes that would defiantly be something she would wear." Alya rambled on how much she loved Marinette's outfits. Alya never saw the designs produced, only the sketches. Marinette wanted to see her bet friends reaction.

"Thanks. You liked them?" Marinette asked when she had an opportunity to talk. Alya stopped.

"Liked them?" Alay grabbed her by the shoulders. "Girl I loved them! Are you insane?" Nino popped up behind Alya.

"Great job, M." Nino praised. "I've seen you do better though." Alya nudged him in the stomach. "What? It's true." He told Alya.

"Well, I think her weird and wonderful dress was outstanding." A voice said behind Marinette. Marinette turned to face the model who wore said dress for the show. "You really did do a great job." She continued.

"Well, who is the person that made my dress look so good." Marinette stuck her hand out. The model looked down at her hand and then back up at Marinette. Marinette got a little nervous.

"Veronica." Veronica took Marinette'a hand an gently shook it.

"You aren't Veronica Garret, are you?" Veronica giggled.

"Guilty."

"Wow, I've heard a lot about you. You did the tour across the world with Adrien didn't you?" Veronica's eyes widened at the question.

"Agreste?" Marinette nodded. "Yeah, I did. Wait... No way. You're Marinette, the Marinette?"

"I don't know if that's a good thing or a bad thing," Marinette muttered.

"Um, we're going to get some drinks," Alya told the two. She grabbed Nino and scurried off.

"I don't mean to be rude." Veronica started. "But you're Adrien's girlfriend right?" Marinette deflated at the question.

She really wished Alya didn't go off to get drinks. She really needed a drink, she wanted to run away. There was way too many people around her and she just needed space. It was such a simple question, why did it hurt so much? Marinette closed her eyes and squeezed her wrists.

"No, I'm not. We broke up."

"Are you serious?" Veronica asked. Marinette's head twitched.

"Um, yes?" Veronica laughed.

"No, no I'm sorry. The way he talks about you, it doesn't seem like you guys aren't together. Hell, he got here late tonight because he said he was at his girlfriend's place."

"Well, she must be a very lucky girl." Veronica's smile lowered, just a bit but she quickly regained it. This time a soft, sympathetic-like smile.

"When I asked him how he even got here, he said that you reminded him. And then he said he was at his girlfriend's house. So, either you guys are together or..." Veronica dragged out the last word and danced with her fingers in the air. "He's still in love with you."

-.-.-.-

Marinette had 3 glasses of champagne. She held the fourth sparkly drink in her hand as she was listening to one of the designers who came to applaud one of her outfits. Once he started talking he didn't stop, just blabbering on about his work, his wife, how the show was such a drag "but your outfits were so spectacular darling, really. Keep working like this and you'll be famous in no time."

But she didn't want to be famous. Getting a taste of the limelight was already too much. She had people constantly talk over her, stomp on her, congratulate her. For what, an outfit?

Marinette didn't want to be known because her outfits were "spectacular". She wanted to be known for the little touches she put into each one. The special stitch she did when she used silk, the little quirk of thread she added when she used lace, her gold threaded signature on the inside of almost every outfit she ever created.

The little things, made her feel special. The little things made it seem like she was a mastermind, a genius. Just not everybody knew that.

If that's what being famous was - people taking a glance at you and judging you for what they saw but didn't speculate or a cover-up or some boring ordinary thing that you achieved - than Marinette didn't want to be famous.

The guy she was talking to walked off to his name being called leaving Marinette to skull down her drink.

"Hey." She heard Adrien say. She put her drink down to see his smiling face.

"Hey." She gave him the same smile. "Haven't seen you a lot tonight. Well except on stage." Marinette giggled.

"Yeah, these parties tend to get a bit crowded and everyone wants to say hi and stuff." Adrien scratched the back of his neck.

"Mmmhm." Marinette nodded. A tray with numerous amount of glasses passed and Marinette stole one off the tray, swinging the glass to her lips and taking a large gulp. Adrien quirked an eyebrow.

"Hey." He tried to grab the drink from her lips.

"Yes?" She asked as he pried the glass from her hands. He placed the drink on the counter behind her and grabbed her hand.

"How about we go somewhere else." He told her.

"Sounds romantic." Adrien shook his head.

He guided her upstairs that was behind a metal door backstage. There were a few flights making Marinette's feet hurt so she took her heels off. She held the rail and her shoes in her other hand as both of them kept walking up. Then there was only one door in front of them and with a large push, Adrien swung it open. He looked back at Marinette to see her following him behind, not to far. He held the door for her as she walked onto the roof barefooted. She dropped her heels to the ground and looked out over the edge.

"I love coming up here." She heard him say.

She did too. She loved looking at Paris in the night time where it was dark and the only source of light was the city. Light pollution wasn't as high in Paris so stars were visible, shining brightly in the sky along with the moon. It made her feel tiny. She loved that too. It meant she could show the world how big she could be, how much she could grow, as a person, a hero, a friend... a lover.

Marinette rested her folded arms on the flat surface of the edge of the wall. She took out her hair an let it settle on her shoulders, the wind blowing gently against her face.

"Yeah," Marinette said. "Me too."

"You come up here?" Adrien sat next to her on the edge of the wall. She looked down, probably more than twenty feet till he hit the ground if he fell.

"Aren't you scared you're going to fall?" She asked calmly. Marinette could see Adrien smirk in her peripheral vision.

"I already have."

"What does that mean?"

Adrien blushed. He didn't answer and after a while, Marinette forgot about her question and his answer. Instead, lost in the millions of bright lights that went on for miles. Focused on each building with a light source turned on thinking why did they need it so late t night.

Were they partying like she was not too long ago? Were they cooking late night dinners, making lunches for their children, having dinner with their partner?

Were kids up in their rooms studying for a test? Were they catching up on work they didn't do or doing their homework instead of sleeping? Were they on their computer playing games or on their phone checking Instagram? Or were they sleeping, too afraid to turn the lights off?

Marinette wondered. Why did fear control someone's life like that? It controlled their basics needs like sleeping and then went into their heads, scaring them awake, giving them nightmares. And when they woke up, they probably had to live a nightmare

"Remember the musical we did for the sound of music?" Adrien asked suddenly.

"Yeah." Marinette chuckled.

It was their senior drama class that performed. It had dancing and singing and of course, the two ex-lovers did the famous 'Sixteen Going on Seventeen' act. It was magical, everyone said.

Adrien started humming. Marinette recognised the tune as the act they did together.

"You are sixteen going on seventeen. Baby, it's time to think." Adrien sang.

He jumped up onto the thick slab of concrete that served as a railing. He stood straight up and looked at Marinette with a large grin. He offered her his hand. Marinette eyes his palm and looked back up him. She grabbed his hand, her fingers curling around the back of his hand. She slowly, one leg after another, stood next to him. Adrien continued.

"Better beware be canny and careful
Baby, you're on the brink."

The two went in opposite directions, their hands glued together holding each other tightly. Marinette looked over the edge, standing on one foot her other stuck out. Her body hanged off the edge Adrien the only thing keeping her from falling to her death. Her hair blowing into her face and her dress flowing in one direction. The scarlet coloured material against her cream skin.

It was so easy to fall, all she had to do was let go. Let go of Adrien's hand and that's it. She would plummet to the ground. But what would it be like? Would she feel like she was floating through the air, feel the harsh wind and then the pain from hitting the ground? Would it be different not being Ladybug as she fell from the building?

Then Adrien pulled away from the edge and into his arms. He clasped her hand and held her hip. Adrien looked down at her with a large grin.

"You are sixteen going on seventeen.
Fellows will fall in line."

He twirled her around, extended her arm, then let go, a little wave and stopped. Both arms behind his back his head sideways looking at Marinette, his face nothing but serious. Everything, the movement, his voice, his expressions. Everything was from their senior play. So Marinette followed.

She suddenly moved her body and stood straight mirroring Adrien. Then she broke into laughter. Adrien started moving again, a smile on his face.

"Eager young lads and roues and cads."

He boastfully walked towards Marinette, his chest puffed out and bounced his shoulders each step.

"Will offer you food and wine."

He bowed in front of Marinette who patted his head causing him to jump up. Marinette's arms were in the air, one bent in front of her the other just above her head. Adrien grabbed her elbow and slid his fingers to intertwine them with her own. Their bodies flush against each other, Adrien's chest to Marinette's back their arms together.

"Totally unprepared are you. To face a world of men."

One synced step to the left, a twirl, anther sync step to the left, one to the right and then their arms spread out and their chins were over their shoulders looking at each other with the most playful smiled.

"Timid and shy, are you. Of things before your ken."

Adrien stepped down, pulling Marinette with him. She fell into his chest.

"You need someone older and wiser, telling you what to do."

Adrien let Marinette go and pointed at her. She folded her arms and looked away stubbornly.

"I am seventeen going on eighteen."

He softly took her hand and wrapped his arm around her waist.

"I will take care of you."

Adrien dipped her and held her in that position till she patted his chest.

"I am sixteen going on seventeen."

The two stood flat on their feet and Marinette rests her hand on his shoulder. Adrien twisted her as she sung. The two started to move their feet, backwards, forwards, sideways and repeat.

"I'll depend on you."

Marinette rested her head on his shoulder and they repeated their sequence.

"Marinette?" Adrien squeezed her waist.

"Hm?" She replied.

"This was nice." He whispered to her.

"I know." She murmured into his neck causing Adrien to inhale sharply.