"Stop looking so worried," I tell Adrien, my braid falling over one shoulder as I open my face paint palette. "Please do not make me a frog," Adrien says, settling back in my makeup chair. "That wouldn't be terrible. I'd just kiss you, and you'd become a handsome prince." "Hm, maybe your right. Bring on the frog!" "To late. I have another animal in mind."

"So, what we're you up to this morning?" Adrien asks, and I squirm. "Things at the office," I tell him, for I want to be as truthful as possible. "And you?" "Did a photo shoot, and Father was talking about how he wants to tour your company soon. Frankly, I think he's worried your competition."

"Thanks for the vote of confidence, but I'm no Gabriel Agreste." "Nor should you be. Your your own person." I think of Emile's mystery clothing on, and start dwelling on it. The clothes have to be somewhere? And are they here in Paris or some other location?

"What are you thinking?" Adrien breaks into my thoughts, and as usual, I blurt out the truth. "I was thinking about your mother, actually." "Oh?" "I know she wrote articles in your father's magazines. I would always copy her sketches until I thought they were perfect." Adrien chuckles. "So, I take it you weren't one of those five year olds that scribbled outside the lines?" "Sure I did. Just not when it came to fashion." "Any new ideas on your Black and White Theme?" "A few," I sigh. "Just me know if there's anything I can do to help."

"There, all done." Adrien sits up, looking in the mirror. "Feline fine," he jokes. "Your already starting with the cat puns?" I giggle. "Purr-haps. Now, have a seat, for I am going to make you into a cute little ladybug."

"Little?" I squawk as I plop down in the chair. "Just a few weeks ago, you called me cute-sized." "You still are, but you need to be little to sway on flowers and drink nectar." He begins to work at my face, the paint is a bit cold at first.

"Nu-Huh. I'd be sipping a Starbucks, thank you. And us ladybugs are very busy, going to flower to flower while you cats nap in the sun." "Your a Bugaboo, aren't you?" I snort. "Bugaboo."

Adrien begins to sing.

"There once was a girl named Bugaboo,

Who loved coffee and swaying on flowers.

Along came her best friend, the Cat

and they've been playing among the flowers ever since!"

"You'd look for catnip, not flowers," I grumble good naturely. "Ta-da! Finished!" I sit up, no longer a girl but a ladybug, complete with black dots.

"Say, you want to play Mario Kart? I really need to blow off some steam." "Are you going to throw bananas at me?" "That's a given, and loser buys the pizza."

My competitive drive kicks in, and I cream Adrien heartily. My stomach hurts from laughter as Bowser zooms by breathing fire. "I can't believe it! First, again?" Adrien pouts. "Are you pouting?"

"Spare me some mercy." "No chance," I giggle. "Will you at least give me a kiss?" Adrien's facial expression is imploring. "Fine. After you order the food."

When our lips meet, the tension I've felt throughout the day dissipates, and I float off into the clouds. "Your a good kisser," I tell him, resting my forehead against his. Adrien's eyes twinkle. "So, do I win?"

"Kissing, yes. Mario Kart, no." "Boo."

We're still laughter when the doorbell rings with our pizza, and I get up to get it. "One pepper-ahhh!" The delivery man shrieks as I open the door, shoving the boxes in my hands, and takes off running down the stairs.

"Why'd he run away?" I turn to Adrien, confused. Adrien grabs his stomach. "Oh, please do not be sick. I just mopped this morning!" Then I see his shoulders shaking with laughter. "You look like a giant ladybug! The poor man was probably terrified!"

Adrien sighs contently as he reaches for his third slice of pizza. "This is living." I raise an eyebrow. "You do remember you lost?" "I'd rather hang out with a lovely girl in place where love is all around. I-" My heart beat speeds up, and I hold my breath.

Adrien's phone buzzes and he pulls it out, frowning. "What is it?" I ask, reaching for my Coke. "Father wants a personal tour today." I choke on my drink. "Today?" Then I nod.

"Okay. Can you order us a Uber?" "Already done."

The levity of the afternoon vanishes. "I'm going to change quick. Knock when the cab is here if I'm not out in five." Adrien nods.

It baffles me why Gabriel wants a tour now, but with his busy schedule maybe his day freed up. I'm nervous, but I show people around all the time. However, their usual not the most famous designer in the world.

Selecting a plum colored dress and pumps, I quickly wash off my ladybug and pick up my makeup. Strange, when I had my makeup on, I felt so confident, and now I don't know what to feel.

Adrien holds my hand as we head over to work, and I cuddle into his side. Gabriel is waiting when we arrive.

"Shall we start the tour?" I ask, keeping my voice bright. Gabriel nods, and I begin to show him around, answering his questions as best I can.

"Most impressive, Marinette. Adrien says you have some ideas in the works, yet I've heard its been ages since you've released a clothing line." "Those things take time," I answer honestly. "And I'm still new and budding. Hopefully, by next year…" "Then you'll never make it as a designer, as I have a line out every year."

Stay calm, stay brave, I tell myself. Gabriel's eyes bore into mine, and I can read the message clearly. He's trying to intimidate me, and he disproves me being with his son.

When I get home, I'm shocked that a new line called Feather from Gabriel as been released in stores, and Adrien is the center of the line.