Marinette nervously clutched her portfolio to her as she sat in the small lobby of L'autre Maison de Couture waiting for the receptionist to tell her to go to the back. She knew she didn't have a reason to be nervous, her designs were the best she had. Adrien had assured her that she would get the internship hands down. She accused him of being partial at first, until he threatened to tear apart her designs as a model and as a fashion genius' son. Initially the thought had scared her to death, but once she realized that this was her chance to get some insider perspective before she gets into the industry, she decided to take the chance of her feelings getting hurt. Adrien had done just as he said he would, he honestly told her exactly what needed improving from both points of views. There wasn't a ton of changes she had to make, which made her feel better. And really it was no different than her starting with a rough draft for an idea and gradually refining it down into the finish product. She was immensely grateful for his help, but more importantly his honesty. He had always had a love/hate relationship with fashion and she was sure that falling in love with a designer wasn't always the easiest on him. At least she never adored his father the way the other girls studying design thought she should. She could never idolize someone who treated his son so poorly. Things had only gotten worse for Adrien when his mother had disappeared into thin air, leaving only a note saying she couldn't take being in such an unloving marriage. Adrien had been devastated. Marinette had always held a great deal of respect for Emilie, after all she was the one that provided the chance for Marinette and Adrien to become friends outside of school. At first she was confused as to why Emilie would just abandon Adrien to his father, but with time the feelings of anger passed. Adrien had her, and her family, and all of their friends. While none of that could heal the heartbreak in his heart totally, it was enough to make his life more than bearable. Now at 18, Adrien was working towards getting his degree in Physics, specifically quantum physics. He had taken advanced classes in high school, and was now taking courses at college. He had thankfully been able to drop the piano and fencing lessons not long after his 15th birthday. It didn't even involve a fight with his father, once he saw that Adrien was dedicated to furthering his education and not just wanting free time to 'slack off' like the rest of his friends. After all, according to his father himself, furthering his education had been why he had to take piano and fencing in the first place.
"Mlle Dupain-Cheng?" the receptionist, Jennifer, walked up to her with a smile and a bottle of chilled water. "Would you like some water?"
Marinette never understood why water was offered in interviews. The sweat from the bottle would just ruin her fabric samples and drawings in her portfolio, not to mention make her hands wet. As a klutz, it would absolutely be her luck to dump the bottle as soon as they sat down.
"No, thank you very much though. I don't think I would have room for it with all the butterflies in my stomach." Marinette followed her across the room, waiting for her to swipe her keycard at a door before following her down a long hallway with many abstract fashion paintings.
"I completely understand. However, M. Laurent is one of the most relatable superiors I have ever come across. He loves to support honest, hard working, outside of the box thinkers when it comes to his design teams. I've heard he is very interested in what you have to offer us here. So please, just remember to relax and show him how talented you are." She paused to knock on a door that was surrounded by glass windows.
Marinette was surprised that Jennifer had spoken to her the way she did. As far as she knew, she had never met her before, yet there was a familiarity in which she said Marinette's name that surprised her. Something of that must've shown on her face because Jennifer quietly laughed before saying, "Oh, me and your parents go way back. Your dad couldn't contain himself last week when I was in to pick up a box of macaroons for the board meeting."
The door opened and Jennifer winked at Marinette before smiling at M. Laurent and heading back down the hallway. Marinette's nerves, which had been quietly simmering below the surface while speaking to Jennifer, bubbled back up to dangerous levels once again. She pasted on the best smile she could muster and walked through the door with her shoulders squared. If she didn't have confidence that her designs were the best, how could she possibly convince this man that they were?
"Before we begin, I just want to let you know that his job may require you to travel. I remember what it's like being young and wanting to make it in the world, but being away from home is often taxing. We are currently having issues with a design lead in Milan for that very reason. So, I would like for you to think hard before you decide to accept any position that might be offered today. I'm not guaranteeing the travel would be immediate, but I do want to make sure you are prepared for the possibility." The man speaking was tall and lean without being skinny, with sandy blonde hair slicked back in a professional bun. He was in a very snazzy burnt orange vest with a black undershirt and forest green slacks. While she would've never picked that color combo for an outfit, it somehow suited him.
"Oh…. Thank you for the advance notice, sir, but I this has been my dream for as long as I can remember. I feel prepared enough for any outcome to face this challenge head on, whether it's here or across the globe." Marinette hadn't quite convinced herself that this was the case, because she couldn't imagine having to leave Adrien behind. But she was certain that she wasn't good enough to get sent away to represent the company right away, so she viewed this as Future Marinette's problem.
"That is a very wise answer, Mlle Dupain Cheng. Please, feel free to set yourself up whichever way helps you to best showcase your talents." He smiled brightly at her and encouraged her to take his offer seriously, as he had cleared off an entire section of his desk, as well as pulled a stand over for her to hang up whatever she wanted to talk about first. "Is there anything I can do to assist your set up?"
Marinette wasn't sure if this guy was for real or not, so as crazy as it might seem, she decided to test his sincerity out. "If you wouldn't mind, would you tell me which style you would like to see first? Then I'll be better suited to answer that question."
This was apparently the right thing to say. After a great burst of laughter, he answered with shining eyes, "Oh I can tell I like you already. Very well, how about we start with the classic formals and go from there?"
Marinette had hoped that this would be the case. She had a flare for creating elegant, simple yet unique formal attire. It was her strongest design in this particular collection. After she had given M. Laurent her instructions, she took a deep breath and began her presentation.
Marinette practically levitated home that afternoon. Adrien had left her a million texts and voicemails, but she had wanted to tell him in person so she just said that she would meet up with him for patrol and let him know how it went. She could tell he was disgruntled with her vague responses, but seeing the look on his face would be worth it. She knew her parents would know the moment she walked through the door, and she was proven right the way her mother squealed as soon as she saw her. Her father came running out of the back to see what was going on and found his wife and his daughter hugging in the middle of the customer area. Never one to miss a good bear hug, he hurried over to wrap his arms around both of his girls before lifting them bodily off the floor. "We're so proud of you honey! We never had any doubt in you at all. Just think, our little girl, a big time fashionista straight out of high school!"
"Papa! I wouldn't build me to up too much… Just think of how easily over inflated my ego could become if you continue to talk to me like I'm the only worthwhile designer out there!" Marinette laughed as her father set them all back down and beamed down at her. She had never felt as happy as she did right now, except for maybe right after her and Adrien had gotten together. Speaking of which, she had received another text from him right before she walked in the door. As she pulled out her phone, she waved to her parents and headed upstairs to her room to answer her text and call Alya with the good news. She felt bad for telling Alya before Adrien, but she knew Alya was infinitely more impatient than Adrien was. And, she could tell Alya over the video call and be okay. She wanted to celebrate with Adrien. That wasn't something she could over the phone. She smiled as she thought about what she hoped that would entail. Opening her text messages, she clicked on the newest one from Adrien.
CN: Hey! Are you really gonna stick to the whole not-telling-me thing? What if I'm dying over here!
LB: Better put a bandage on that wound then, Chaton. Is it so bad that I want to actually be with you and look into your eyes when I tell you the biggest news of my life? Would you rather be told over a text message like everyone else?
CN: ...I hate it when you logic at me. Fine, I'll leave you alone about it. But, I do have to request there be a slight change in plans for the evening. Do you mind meeting me at my house instead of patrolling? Father left out of town this afternoon while you were in your interview so I figured we could spend some time here instead of roaming the streets as usual. But feel free to come in normal patrol attire… ;)
LB: You are such an alley cat! Sounds like you've had a bit of good luck today so I'll wear Ladybug just for you. What time do you want me to come over? Normal time?
CN: I can never have too much of your good luck charm, m'Lady. Normal time is fine. I'll be looking forward to seeing you, no matter what news you bring with you. I love you Bug.
LB: You have no shame, you know that? I love you too, Kitty. See you soon.
Marinette had to wait until the blush in her cheeks died down before dialing Alya's number to tell her the good news. She knew Alya would grill her for a long while so she had plenty of time for that and to get ready for whatever Adrien had planned for the evening.
Adrien leaned onto Nathalie's desk and pushed the button to open the gate. The filigreed gate slowly opened and Marinette walked through it. She made her way up the large staircase, watching her feet to keep from tripping. The door swung open and she jumped when she saw Adrien leaning in the doorway with one leg crossed over his ankle in his Chat Noir costume. "How did the interview go?" He scanned her curvy body from her feet to her face and took in her Ladybug costume. Over the years it had changed as her body had begun to fill it out better.
Marinette giggled at him and pushed his chest, causing him to move out of the way. "Could you wait until I get my foot in the door, alley cat?" Adrien looked at her with a dark expression and a smirk,as she slid past him.
Adrien dropped the door and caught up to her, as he watched her walk up the stairs towards his bedroom. "Hey, I've been dying to know how it went all day! Are you going to tell me or not?"
Marinette giggled and looked over her shoulder at him, as she opened one of his bedroom doors. "Wanna watch a movie?"
Adrien groaned and ran a hand over his face, as he froze in the doorway. "Seriously? I wanna know how it went!" Marinette sat down on the white couch and waited for him to sit beside her.
Adrien gave in and walked towards her, before he sat down next to an eager Marinette. She ran through the movies that sat on his entertainment section. "So, should we watch this one or… this one?" He looked at her with an unamused expression. He really didn't care what movie they watched. He wanted to know what had happened.
Marinette giggled and picked one, before putting it on for them. Adrien rung his fingers together and worried his bottom lip. He suddenly tapped his thigh and burst out. "Are you going to tell me or not?"
Marinette smiled over at him. "Such an impatient kitty." She tapped him on the nose.
"Only when a stubborn bug won't tell me how her important interview went." He looked at her with an accusatory expression as his tone took on a pout.
"Alright." Marinette sat on her knees and faced him with her palms on her thighs. "It was awful. They hated my designs and said I'd never make it in the fashion world." Marinette said as she strove to keep a straight face. Adrien looked at her suspiciously. Something wasn't sitting right… "Okay, okay! Actually…... It went really well. I showed him my designs and he loved them. So… I got the job! I start in two weeks!"
Adrien's green eyes went wide and he brightly smiled at her. He touched her cheeks and kissed her. She squeaked with a blush, before he slowly pulled away from her. "That's amazing, Marinette! I knew he'd love your designs! I'm so proud of you m'Lady!"
"Thank you, Adrien. He did mention something about needing a new design lead in Milan... but I doubt he'd send someone as inexperienced as I am, on his company's dime no less, to a different country." Marinette was a little concerned about how Adrien would handle this news, as his home life wasn't the best and he had stated as much several times before.
"Whatever happens, Bugaboo, we'll figure it out. You have amazing talent, so don't sell yourself short." In truth, Adrien knew this was a very real possibility, especially with how adept Marinette was at learning and managing projects. If they wanted her to travel, they would make it happen, whether she's ready or not. But, he just couldn't think about it. He didn't know how to survive his hell without her, but if this was what made her happy, he would have to find a way.
Marinette smiled warmly at him and licked her lips. Adrien searched her blue bell eyes, as a silence fell between them. The movie droned on in the background, as they forgot about it. Adrien ran his thumb along her cheek and she looked slightly away from him.
"How did I end up with such a talented artist? You're amazing, you know that?" He sighed and smiled sweetly at her. She melted into his hand and slowly closed her eyes.
Adrien ran his hand down her cheek and tilted her chin up. He slowly brought his lips down to hers and softly kissed her soft lips. She sighed, as his fingers tangled into the back of her hair. He trailed kisses along her jawline and down her neck and she let out a soft mewl, as her skin became sensitive and heated. She felt like electricity was running along her skin. He smirked at her and she gasped at his hungry expression. Adrien captured her soft lips again with his own and he ran his tongue along her bottom lip. She ran her tongue along his and gripped his muscular upper arms. Adrien ran his hand up her thigh and slowly touched the small of her back. He leaned her back onto the couch and she looked up at him with bedroom eyes. He braced himself over her and smirked at her with heavily lidded emerald eyes. "Do you want me to stop?"
Marinette ran her fingers up his chest and slid her hands behind his neck. She smiled at him and played with the hair at the nape of his neck. Marinette yanked him down and his eyes went wide with surprise, before they darkened with need. She captured his lips with hers and deepened the kiss. That was enough of an answer for him. He slid his hand up her body, from her hip to her left breast. He ran his thumb along her peaked nipple through the fabric. She arched her back and moaned against his lips. Adrien brushed his lips along her neck as, he made small circles around her nipple, causing her to mewl softly against his ear. His cock flexed as her breath caressed his ear. He stifled a moan by gently biting her neck. She cried out and bit the side of her index finger, as he gently tugged on her nipple with his gloved fingers, while he lavished her neck with his lips and tongue. She softly mewled as she ran a hand down his toned chest and along his abs. Marinette touched his chin and tilted his face up to meet hers. She looked at him through her lashes, and took in his hungry expression. How his lips were parted in a soft pant, and how his face was flushed. She bit her bottom lip with a smile and slid her hand along his hardened length through the suit and he suddenly tilted his head down and moaned, as she ran her hand up and down him, from his swollen tip to the base.
Adrien peered up into her blue eyes with a dark expression, before he slid his hand down her side and around her hip, until he slid his fingers between her thighs. He ran his finger along her folds and felt how wet the suit had become. He moaned and looked at her, as she arched her back and teased him through his tight catsuit. "Do you want to move this to the bed?" Adrien ground the words out in between moans.
Marinette nodded and moaned, as he circled his finger on her swollen clit through the taut fabric. She widened her legs for him and panted, as her fingers slid along him faster. He moaned and removed his hand, before he picked her up off the couch. She moaned, rolled her hips along his aching cock, and wrapped her arms around his neck. He captured her lips and she parted hers, allowing him access to hers. He ran his tongue along hers and she tangled her fingers into his soft blonde hair.
Adrien gently laid her down onto his giant bed. He laid down beside her and rolled her onto her side, before he yanked her closer by her hip. She let out a soft squeak and giggled. He smiled at her and tilted her chin up, before bringing his lips to hers. They parted their lips and ran their tongues slowly against one anothers. Marinette sighed and let out a moan, as he rolled his hips along hers. She gently pushed him onto his back by his chest and he smirked at her through his black mask.
Marinette slipped one of her legs over his hips and sat up straight. He took in her perfectly rounded breasts through the black spotted fabric. How her waist came in before gently curving out along her hips. He ran his hands up her thighs and gripped them with his nails. She bit her bottom lip with a smile and took one his hands in hers. She slid it up her back, and leaned slightly towards him. He smirked and pressed his lips against her soft ones, as he grabbed the zipper of her suit. He had often thought about that zipper on patrols and what would happen if he were to pull it down her back. How she would react to his fingers grazing her spine. He flexed against her at the thought and she moaned, as his cock brushed her swollen clit.
Adrien slowly slid the zipper down, making sure to lightly touched her spine with his fingertips. She gasped, as the feeling of his slender fingers along her back. He slid his hands up her arms and pulled her suit down them, as he took in her creamy skin tone and how the light reflected off of it. She pulled her arms out from the gloves and blushed, as he cupped her rounded breasts in his palms. He licked his lips and ran his thumbs along her peaked nipples. She moaned and arched her back, as she ran her wet pussy against his throbbing cock. He groaned and lifted his hips up to meet hers.
She leaned down and he slid his hands along her sides, as he pulled her suit down her hips. She licked along his bottom lip and he captured her tongue with his lips, before he passionately kissed her. Adrien felt for her panties, but didn't find any. "Did you plan for this to happen, Bugaboo?"
Marinette blushed and nervously chewed on the side of her index finger. "I never wear anything under the suit." Adrien looked at her in shock, before he smirked at her with a sultry expression. He yanked her back down to him and eagerly slid her suit down her thighs. She sighed and helped him get her suit the rest of the way off. He looked into her blue bell eyes and suddenly rolled her onto her back and pinned her to the bed with his hips. She gasped and brought his lips down to hers into a slow kiss. He moaned and moved his hips along hers. She cried out, as he brushed her sensitive pussy with his hardened cock. He moaned as, his suit became too constricting for his liking. "Mari?"
"Hm?" Marinette dreamily hummed against his lips. Adrien kissed her harder, before he continued to talk. "Can I lose the suit?" Marinette smiled and slid her hands up his chest, taking the bell in her palm. She yanked him closer and pressed her tongue past his soft lips. He groaned into her kiss, as she slowly pulled the bell down his chest and along his torso. She slid his suit down his shoulders, as he gasped at how her fingers felt along his heated skin. He helped her remove his suit. Marinette cried out, as his soft swollen cock ran between her folds, as he leaned into her more. He groaned and rocked his hips, gliding along her wet sex. She gripped his forearms and bit into his shoulder to quiet her cries. Adrien groaned and dipped his head down to capture one of her nipples between his lips. He rolled it with his tongue and she arched her back and cried out in pleasure. She tangled her fingers into his hair and touched his leather cat ears. He slowly trailed kisses between her breasts and she arched her back with each kiss. He swiped his tongue along her pelvic bone and bent her knees for her. She gasped, as he kissed along her inner thighs. Her fingers gripped his hair, as he peered up at her with a smirk and glowing green eyes through his dark mask. He gripped her thighs in his hands and slowly ran his tongue from her opening to her tingling clit. She cried out and threw her head back into his pillows with closed eyes, as he circled her swollen nub with the tip of his tongue.
She panted and cried out, as he flicked her clit, before running his tongue between her folds to her tight core. He dipped his tongue inside of her and she bucked her hips against his lips. He moaned and circled his tongue inside of her, before slowly licking back up to her clit. Adrien slid one finger inside of her, as he worked her with his tongue. She moaned as her body began to quiver with each passing of his wet warm tongue. He felt her tremble beneath his fingertips, and he wrapped his lips around her swollen clit, as he added a second finger. Adrien pumped his fingers into her tight pussy and she cried out and gripped his shoulder. He moaned and sucked on her clit, as he flicked it with his tongue. She panted and shuttered as she came around his fingers and mouth.
Adrien suddenly slid his fingers from her soaking sex and moved up her body. He captured her lips in a hungry kiss. He couldn't wait any longer. Couldn't handle her soft mewl any longer. He gripped her thigh with one hand and lined himself up with her wet folds, before he slowly slid the swollen tip into her tight pussy. She cried out and looked into his eyes with sultry blue ones. "Adrien…"
"Are you okay?" Adrien panted and ran his hand through her hair, that was spilled out along his pillows. Marinette nodded and licked her lips. He gently kissed her and slowly slid deeper into her with short thrusts. Marinette moaned gripped his biceps with her fingertips, as he filled her. She winced, as he slowly slid all of his length into her. Her walls gripped his cock and he groaned at the sensation. "Just move, Chaton... Please... anything." Marinette begged, as she felt his cock flex at her words.
Adrien groaned and began to roll his hips into hers. She moaned and pulled him down closer to her breasts, as he began to speed up his rhythm with pants. She cried out as he pumped into her faster and harder. Her toes curled as a wave of pleasure took her over. He moaned and ran his tongue between her swollen pink lips and she swiped her tongue along his in return. He groaned and grabbed her thigh, pushing it up more and she cried out at the new angle. Adrien flicked her nipple with his tongue, before he wrapped his soft lips around it and he gently tugged and sucked on it. She arched her back and cried out as she came around his throbbing cock. "Ah, Chaton…"
Adrien moaned and let her nipple go with a pop, before his whole body stuttered. He didn't know how much longer he was going to last. Adrien thrust deeper into her, as he felt the pressure build at the base of his spine. His legs shook as he went faster, and her nails bit into his back muscles. He groaned as he released with her name on his lips in soft whispered pants. "Marinette… Princess.."
Marinette mewled at the sound of her name in her ear, as he slowed his pace. She peppered his face with soft kisses, as he pulled out and collapsed on top her. She quietly giggled, as he peered up into her eyes. She ran her hand through his damp hair and he smiled at her. "How was that?"
"Amazing, Kitty cat." Marinette hummed as he climbed off of her. He sat on the edge of the bed and ran his hand through his messy hair as he slid his mask off. That was when she noticed the tattoo of the black cat on his right shoulder blade. She gasped and covered her mouth with her hands.
"What is it? What's wrong?" Adrien turned to look over his shoulder at her. She shook her head and crawled over to him. He watched her slowly raise her hand and run her fingers along his mark on his back. "When did you get this?" She peered up into his forest green eyes. He turned from her in thought. "I've always had it. Why?"
Marinette worried her bottom lip and stood up off of the bed. She turned away from him and moved her hair to the side. His mouth fell open, as he took in the ladybug mark on her right shoulder blade. He stood up and gently touched it. "How long have you had that?"
"It's been there since I can remember." Marinette peered over her shoulder at him.
He yanked her into his bathroom and turned her back to face the giant mirror, as he did the same. He lined up their shoulders and watched them match up. She looked at him with parted lips and he gave her the same astounded expression.
"That's weird." Marinette swallowed hard, as she turned back to watch her ladybug mark change and gain spread wings, while his tattoo gained glowing green eyes and what looked to be a smirk. "What is happening?" Adrien was both interested yet confused.
"I-I don't know." Marinette was at a loss for words. "But something strange is happening."
He sighed and strode over to his cabinets to grab clean clothes. He brought a pile of clothes over to her. "Here, you can wear these."
"I should get home. Isn't your father going to be home soon?" Marinette took the red pajama pants and black v-neck from him.
"He's at a conference and won't be back until tomorrow night. You're safe to stay. Besides I want to know more about these weird marks." Adrien slipped a white deep v tee over his head and slid on a pair of olive pajama pants. He walked along the cool tile back into his bedroom. "Hungry?" Adrien spoke, as he walked to the door between his skateboard ramps. She quickly got dressed and followed him to the kitchen.
"How did we not notice these before? Do you cover yours up? How do you do the topless photoshoots?" Marinette was on the verge of freaking out. Why did this happen? What did it mean that they both had one? Questions without answers swirled around her mind, threatening to drown her as she sat down at one of the few chairs that the kitchen had to offer. Adrien had zero experience cooking, but he knew the route to the snack shelf by heart. After all those years of restricted diets, he had come to know which midnight snacks were the easiest to grab and go before being caught. He had long suspected that one of the kitchen staff was aware of his late night escapades, as he noticed that his favorites increased in quantity and ease to get to after his first few trips.
"Princess, breathe. That's the first time I have ever seen it with such clarity. Usually it is faded, nearly invisible. I keep a little tube of concealer in my bag and apply it before my shoots. And this is the first time we've ever been this… exposed around each other. And it's never changed like it did in the bathroom. Like I said before, I've always had something there. But around three years ago, it suddenly changed into this very defined black cat. It's been the same up until just now when…. Whatever that was just happened. What about yours?" Adrien's voice soothed Marinette's quickly fraying nerves as he moved around the kitchen efficiently.
Marinette tapped her chin as she hummed in thought, "I guess mine became a ladybug about the same time as yours morphed into the cat, but I've always had something there too. Mine stays pretty faded. Although, if I trace around the body, I can feel a slight warmth there. I wonder if we would be able to find anything online about magically appearing tattoos. 'Miraculous Tattoos' or something for the search…." She trailed off, lost in thought, as Adrien placed a wood board with various fancy cheeses on the counter. He walked over to a wine chiller and pulled out a bottle of pinot noir. He rummaged through cabinets looking for a pair of wine glasses. It took him a moment because he had never really bothered to look for such a thing before.
"Do you do this type of thing often?" Marinette leaned on to her elbows and watched him pop the cork on the wine bottle, before he tipped each glass and poured a bit of wine into each one with grace. "Not really. I've seen it done enough times in my line of work to know how to pour it. Plus all of the times I had to join my father for meetings over dinner at the house." Adrien sighed, corked the bottle, and sat it down, before he picked up the glasses and gently sat one down in front of her. Marinette brought the glass to her lips and took a small sip, while Adrien took a piece of cheese and put it onto a cracker. "So, what's your guilty pleasure?" Adrien about dropped the cheese spreader that was in his hand, but he caught it before it could fall to the tile floor. Marinette giggled and stole the cracker and cheese from him. "I meant, what is your guilty pleasure food wise, you dirty kitty."
Adrien rubbed the back of his neck with an embarrassed smile. "Oh. I would have to say… cookies. I love any type. Although…" Adrien leaned on the counter and looked into her eyes with an accusing expression. "I think you are very aware of what my 'guilty pleasures' are, m'lady. You've known me long enough." Marinette giggled at him and covered her mouth, as she ate and drank her wine. Adrien pulled a grape from the vine and threw it up into the air, to catch it in his mouth. "How far can you catch one of those?" Marinette challenged him.
"What are you getting at, Bugaboo?" Adrien gave her a smug expression. Marinette leaned across the table again. "You know what I mean. Didn't we play that game as kids?" Adrien's schedule had been so hectic that he honestly couldn't remember if they had or not. Marinette waved the question away with her hand. "It's fine, here." She pulled a grape from the vine and held it into the air. "Whoever catches it the farthest gets whatever they want tonight in bed." She smirked and peered at him through her dark lashes. Adrien perked up with a smirk on his soft lips. "Alright, deal. Throw it at me." Adrien backed up and waited for her to throw it. Marinette smiled and took aim, as he waited for her. She arced the grape and he effortlessly caught it between his lips. She gasped at him and pouted, as he pulled a grape from the vine. "Ready, LB?" He brightly smiled at her and she got ready with a determined expression. He chuckled and arced it, as she backed up to catch it. It missed her mouth and hit her in the nose and she laughed. "You get to be my ladybug for the evening!" Adrien poked her in the nose and she giggled, before she picked a grape and threw it at his chest. "That's how you're gonna be?" Adrien smiled at her like a boy in a toy store. "Yep." Marinette grabbed a few grapes and ran away, as Adrien chased her around the kitchen. She giggled and looked back at him as he caught up to her, while grapes flew around the kitchen. He suddenly wrapped his arms around her waist and caught her. He brought his lips to her neck and she giggled. "You're tickling me Adrien! Stop!" He kept brushing his lips on her neck, making her squirm and lash out into a fit of giggles and screams. "Never! M'Lady." Adrien tickled up her sides and she fell to the floor in a fit of hysterical laughter. She rolled onto her back and he looked into her blue bell eyes, as her laughing slowly turned into a hum. His laugh faded into a soft smile and he brushed her hair behind her ear. She searched from his green eyes to his soft pink lips. Marinette licked her lips and he bent down to steal sweet wine infused kisses from her parted lips, while his hand slid up the hem of her shirt and caressed her breast.
Marinette couldn't believe how well rested she felt. Sure, she was a little sore from all their activities last night after they returned from the kitchen, but she couldn't remember the last time she had slept so soundly. Maybe it had something to do with the content boy breathing lightly in his sleep next to her. He would randomly tighten his grip around her middle in his sleep and nuzzle his face into her hair. Marinette felt her heart ache with the insane amount of love she had for this boy.
Her phone randomly began to vibrate and she reached beside the bed and pulled her purse towards her. She pulled her phone from her bag and squinted at the screen to see it was Alya. She moved Adrien's arm from her body and gently slid out of the bed, trying not to wake him. She made her way to his bathroom and slid the door shut behind her, as she answered with a quiet voice. "Salut?"
"Where have you been? Your parents have been calling me." Alya put a hand on her hip and scolded her through the phone. Marinette cringed and looked at herself in the mirror, as she took in all of the love bites that adorned her skin. "Um… can I ask you for a huge favor?" Alya sighed and pinched the bridge of her nose. "Don't tell me... You've been with Adrien all night."
Marinette worried her bottom lip, as she felt her cheeks begin to smolder. "I- Can you just make some excuse for me?" She begged her best friend as Alya's mouth dropped open. Apparently her best friend hadn't actually thought she had spent the night with Adrien. Alya began to shake her head. She knew that her friend was probably judging her right now, but with how often she covered for her and Nino… Alya owed her. She decided to pull out the ace to help things along. "C'mon. You know how many times I've covered for you and Nino…" Marinette smirked, catching her best friend in the trap. Alya perked up and suddenly agreed without complaint. "Alright, alright, girl. But that wasn't playing fair. I'll cover for you, but this is the first and last time." Alya jabbed her finger into the air with an accusing expression. Marinette burst out into a fit of giggles. "Okay, okay. This is the last time. As long as… you don't make me make any more excuses for your Nino fun." She heard Alya groan on the other side of the phone and it made her laugh harder. "Fine, deal." Alya sighed and slid her hand down her face. "Still not cool, M." She hung up on a hysterically laughing Marinette.
A knock came to the door, before it slowly slid open. "Mari?" Adrien's voice was soft and groggy from sleeping. "It's early. Who are you talking to?" He rubbed his eyes with the back of his hand, before peering at her. Marinette jumped at the sound of his voice. "Alya called. I asked her to make an excuse for why I didn't make it home last night." She sheepishly smiled at him, as her cheeks caught fire. Adrien smirked at her and walked towards her. She backed up and bumped into his bathroom sink. She reached behind her and clutched the marble counter, as he pressed himself against her. Adrien softly touched her cheek and tilted her head slightly up. He looked into her blue bell eyes and brought his lips close to hers. She sighed and her eyes sparked in the bathroom lights. Her lips barely brushed hers and it felt like the world stood still. Until her phone went off again, interrupting their little moment. "Sorry, I should get that." Marinette softly giggled and looked at her phone to see it was from an unknown number.
"Bonjour." Marinette answered her phone, while Adrien walked away toward the massive shower. She watched him reach over his shoulder and pull his shirt over his head. Everything he did was distracting and it made it hard for her to concentrate on the conversation on the phone. "Bonjour, Mademoiselle Dupain Cheng. This is M. Laurent from L'autre Maison de Couture." M. Laurent's voice filtered through the phone, but she was too busy watching Adrien slowly slipping his pants down his hips, as he peered over his shoulder with a smirk and a wink. "Mademoiselle Dupain Cheng?" Laurent tried to grab her attention in fear that he had lost her. Marinette shook her head to clear it. "Yes. Sorry. I'm listening." Marinette sighed, as he slowly walked into the shower and disappeared behind the wall. She relaxed against the counter and was relieved that she could fully concentrate on the phone call now. "I was calling to let you know that you got the job." M. Laurent waited for a scream or some form of excitement to spill from the girl on the other side of the line, but when nothing happened for a moment, he felt slightly let down. Marinette ran around with excitement and tripped, before she caught herself, as her phone skid across the tiled floor. She cringed and picked it up, flipping her hair away from her face. "Yes! Thank you Monsieur Laurent! I can't wait to start! Thank you for this wonderful opportunity to show my talents. I won't let you down!" Marinette panted, trying to catch her breath. "No, thank you, Mademoiselle Dupain Cheng. We look forward to working with you." Laurent hung up and Marinette threw her phone onto the counter, before she ran into the shower screaming with excitement.
Adrien was facing the wall, letting the water rinse the soap from his hair. She leapt at him and wrapped her arms around him. Adrien turned to face her and slicked his wet hair back, as the warm water cascaded down his muscular body. "You do know your fully clothed in my shower right?" He raised an eyebrow at her. Marinette giggled and wrapped her arms around his neck, as she repetitively kissed him on the lips. He chuckled and gently pushed her away from him. "What is it?" Marinette suddenly became more animated and her blue eyes went wide, as she smiled up at him. "I got it! I got the job in Milan!" Adrien suddenly picked her up and swung her around with a smile. "I'm so happy for you! I told you that you could do it!" He set her down and she spun around with her arms in the air. "I'm so excited! I have to pack! I have to figure out what to wear! I have to buy new outfits! I have to-" She trailed on and slowly dropped her arms, as she looked at a saddened Adrien. "I have to- leave- a -kitty- be- behind…" She suddenly realized what working in Milan entitled and suddenly her excitement drained from her body and her shoulders slumped. "It's fine, Bugaboo. I'm happy for you." Adrien put a smile on his face just for her. His heart was broken, but he knew that she had to take this opportunity. It was good for her and her future. "You're gonna rock their world, Mari. I believe in you." He winked at her and she smiled with tears in her eyes, as she ran into him and hugged him, capturing his lips with hers, as the water rained down on them. Adrien didn't know when he would see her again. Or if he would even see her again. But he sure hoped that he would. He never imagined having to live without her light in his life, but this was something he had to endure. He could endure the darkness for a little bit. He could fight his own shadows. At least, Adrien tried like hell to believe that he could. He peered past her with glowing neon green eyes, as he let the tears mix with the water. He pressed his lips against her shoulder and held her tight. Held her like she was going to dissipate like a vivid dream. Hugged her one last time, before he wouldn't be able to feel her around him again. He wanted to make her forget for now about leaving, forget about how alone they would feel being apart from each other for such a long time. But he wanted to give her something to remember. Something to look back on with a smile and think of him with. So, he gave her his heart.