The shower had been wonderful and she was quite sure she'd spent a lot longer in there than needed. Not only had she taken advantage of his overhead rain shower, she'd also taken advantage of his shampoo, conditioner and body wash. The smell of Adrien was now well and truly coating her, assaulting her senses in the most delectable way.

Stepping out of the shower, she covered her body in the fluffiest bath towel she'd ever seen; as the material rubbed against her skin, she felt as though she was being hugged by a rather squishy teddy bear. She made a mental note to ask Adrien where he got his towels from, each one would probably cost a month of her rent but she wouldn't deny the value in owning such tiny pieces of heaven.

Drying herself off, she looked around for Tikki only to find the kwami nowhere to be seen. Where had that little terror got to? Trying not to panic too much about Adrien spotting the small red bug, she hurried to dry; throwing on Adrien's clothes she stopped as her reflection looked back at her in the mirror. A Kitty Section tee. Not wanting to be massaging her crush whilst wearing a tee with her ex-boyfriends face on, she pulled it off and threw it to one side.

Looking around, she found her bralette top and placed it on before continuing her after shower routine; searching for a hairbrush. The bottoms hung from her hips as she attempted to pull them in tighter and regain some of her dignity; however, the fact she was literally in a bra didn't seem to phase her too much; after all, he'd seen her at the gym in tops equally revealing.

She moved through the cupboards, finally found a hairbrush and had to laugh; a Ladybug exclusive Tangle Teezer. A warmth flooded through her as she imagined Adrien buying such an item and using it daily. Her mask cover face flashing him her promotional smile as he'd comb through his luscious blond locks, almost as though it was her finger combing through his hair. She thought it was a stupid idea at the time, Chat being the driving force to make it happen, but now she couldn't have been more grateful. She owed him an extra special birthday gift.

Marinette took the brush to her hair and began to comb through it, glad the brush was created to be kind on her hair as the length began to untangle and stretch over her shoulders. It had grown so much. Continuing to brush the knots from her hair, she studied the bathroom set up; the lonely toothbrush and toothpaste on the side. Once again, she couldn't help but think his toiletries needed a friend. Preferably pink. Preferably hers.

She placed the hairbrush back in the drawer where she'd found it before going on search for the hairdryer, wanting to give herself a quick blow dry so when she saw Adrien she didn't leave looking like a drowned rat.

"Marinette," a small voice sounded from the doorway, Marinette creeping over and opening a crack; Tikki hovered, floating in midair holding her makeup bag.

"Thank you," she whispered to her small friend, taking the bag and heading towards the mirror once again. Bronzer, blush, eye shadow, mascara – and not forgetting her precious pink lip gloss.

A couple of minutes later, Marinette was ready to exit the bathroom and come face-to-face once more with Adrien. She looked herself over in the mirror, happy with how she looked. Afterall, Adrien called her beautiful even when her face was covered in hives, so hopefully this would blow his socks off.

Stepping to the door of the ensuite, she grasped the handle and prepared to flirt her way into Adrien's heart. This was it! It had to be! The setup was perfect, and it just seemed right. Pulling open the door and she found Adrien lying on his bed, only a towel wrapped around his waist as his face was buried in the sheets. Had he crawled his way here? Suddenly her romantic visions of Adrien serenading her were changed to that of Adrien crawling around like the woman out of the ring.

"Adrien," Marinette announced, fear coming through in her tone. She rushed forward, almost leaping onto the bed beside him only to be met by Adrien's groan.

"Adrien, should I call an ambulance? Are you okay?" Her heart was racing more than during her showdowns with Monarch. "Adrien," she almost screamed. "Answer me!"

"I hurt." His voice was muffled by the fabric currently absorbing his face.

"Oh, thank goodness. You're alive."

He rolled his head to the side, his eyebrows frowning. "Of course I am, I've only pulled a muscle, Marinette." He chuckled before groaning again, burying his face back into the bed.

"Just wait here," Marinette demanded as she leaped from the bed and headed back towards the ensuite. "I'll be right back."

"I wasn't going anywhere," he chuckled, quickly following it up with a huff and puff.

She made her way back into the en-suite, looking for a bottle of moisturiser she'd seen on her search for a hairbrush. It may not have been as good as oil, but she hoped it would be better than nothing. He was in serious pain and she wanted to try and help the best she could. Pushing bottles of random items out the way, Marinette found what she wanted and headed back to the bedroom. Adrien still firmly face down and his legs hanging over the side of his bed. It all looked quite comical, until he groaned again.

"Put some bottoms on," she laughed, walking over towards him, placing the moisturiser down by his head. She continued around to his drawers, locating the one she had taken the sweats from earlier and grabbed another pair.

"Here." She threw them towards the bed, the bottoms landing squarely on Adrien's head and causing him to moan once more. She giggled in response, moving out of the room and heading towards the kitchen, turning back to shout to Adrien. "I'll just grab you some pain killers and some water."

She sauntered out of the room, keeping herself together as much as possible until she was certain she was clear and collapsed against the worktop.

"Marinette?" Tikki flew closer, appearing on Marinette's shoulder with a worried frown on her face. "Are you okay?"

Marinette started to giggle before it progressed into a fully blown laugh. She'd offered Adrien Agreste a massage as he lay on his bed in just a towel. She turned around allowing her back to collide with the cold workstation and glide slowly down to the floor, burying her head in her arms.

"He's topless, and I'm going to massage him." Her words came out in between the laughter. She couldn't control herself. It was too much.

"Come on, Marinette, pull yourself together."

She looked into the dazzling blues of her kwami and started laughing again. "What the hell is wrong with me, Tikki? I'm a mess!"

"You're just in love," Tikki responded. Marinette grabbed the floating bug from midair and brought her to her cheek, nuzzling with kwami with love and adoration.

Finally, getting a hold on herself, Marinette stood up and reached for a glass. Filling it with cold water and grabbing the half empty packet of painkillers from his cupboard. She walked back towards the bedroom pausing just before she entered the room and taking a deep breath. It was just Adrien — in joggers, who you're about to touch... oh, merde!

Opening the door, Adrien was still in the same position, though this time without the towel. Instead, in its place, sat his grey joggers riding low on his hips, his muscular back bare for all to see and, more importantly, for Marinette to touch.

"Adrien?" Marinette asked, he looked so comfortable and his breathing so steady, she was partially worried he'd fallen asleep.

"Hummm?" he mumbled, Marinette moving closer.

"I've got you some pain killers. Here!" She handed the water over to him, plus two of the tablets helping him to move around and take them. Once he'd swallowed both down, she took them from him to place on his nightstand. Her heart pounded as the memory of his throat moving seemed to play on repeat in her mind. Now this was new. Were throats meant to be that attractive?

She moved back to the bed and looked down on him, reaching forward and grabbing the bottle of moisturiser. It was now or never.

"Is it okay if I just," how did she phrase this without sounding like she wanted to mount him? "If I straddle your hips?" Well done, Marinette! A slow clap echoed in her mind, blocking any way of correcting what she'd just said, her thoughts were too mortified for her to continue talking. Straddle him? What was he a horse or something?

"Sure." Before she could correct the mistake she made, Adrien had already answered, his voice void of any emotion and stopped her from curling up into a deep hole.

Marinette climbed onto the mattress, placing her legs either side of Adrien's hips and opened the lid to the moisturiser, squirting some of it directly onto Adrien's back and causing him to squeal.

"Sorry," she said quickly, rubbing her hands together and spreading the cream in well trained circles.

Adrien hummed and sighed in relief, his muscles relaxing under her pressure as she continued using her expertise on his back.

"You're good at this," he announced, another happy noise escaping his lips and sending shivers down her spine. "Have you had much practise?"

"Oh, yeah! I always get a chance to massage men who show off to impress the crowds. It's like a side job of mine." Marinette moved her hands lower down his back, the content sounds coming from Adrien a means to continue.

"I wasn't showing off," he grunted, a slight wiggle in his back. "I was just —"

"Showing off," Marinette cut in. "And just so you know, every female in the vicinity was staring, so your plan worked."

"Maybe I was showing off, but only for one certain female and I agree it does seem like my plan worked. They're showering me with care and attention right now."

Marinette smiled, her heart warming as she realised he was talking about her. When she was with him it was as though the world ceased to exist; that it was just the two of them, sharing their time in the most magical of ways.

Marinette chuckled. "Anyway," she sidetracked, "to answer your question. I've only used the skills on my Papa. I learned because he was having issues with his shoulders from kneading the dough so much. My Maman wasn't strong enough so I thought it would be a handy skill to have."

"It's definitely handy," Adrien chuckled.

"Did you just pun, M. Agreste?"

"Maybe. It depends if you like them or not?" Adrien was flirting once more, obviously the pain in his back was reliving itself. Smiling, she continued to manipulate his muscles gently, remembering all the details she'd learned from her sports massage class.

"They can be okay... at the right time."

Adrien chuckled, his muscles suddenly relaxing more under her touch.

"I was wondering, what was going on with you and Frederick. Do you two know each other?" She didn't want to spoil the mood, but Marinette wanted to know what was going on between Adrien and Frederick. They obviously knew each other, and she was curious as to how.

Adrien sighed. "He has had a bad reputation with female models in the past. I don't want to sound like I'm just saying this to make him look bad, but I caught him with one of the newer models and let's just say I was her hero that day. He ended up losing his contracts with both Gabriel and Style Queen."

"Oh," she said. Her gut instinct had been right, this couldn't have been Chat Noir.

"He's had it in for me ever since. But, you're free to make your own decisions. Just be careful, and don't fall for his act. You're worth more than that Marinette, more than someone who's just looking for adoration he can manipulate and throw away."

Silence overcame them as Marinette considered each of Adrien's words carefully. The mood changing and losing the easy going atmosphere that had been created. Her hands continued to work; pressing deeply into his back and shoulders hoping her touch could tell him she was here with him.

"So, how's the dating going? Been out with anyone else recently?" he asked without warning. Marinette tilted her head, continuing to press her hands into his back.

"No more dates and, to be honest, I'm about ready to give it up now. It's just not working." She pushed her hands up and over his bare shoulders, the glorious feel of his muscles underneath doing nothing for her self control.

Yes, Adrien is only wearing joggers! No, he's not trying to seduce you in that way! Yes, you're about three seconds away from screaming like an out of control fangirl!

"I don't know about that," Adrien replied, Marinette's hands beginning to slow down as they moved back towards his waist.

"What do you mean?" she asked, curious to where he was going with this.

"Well," he began, "we technically had a date, worked out together and danced together at a wedding and now you're here with me where you've managed to get me naked. First woman to ever do that since I was a tiny baby."

She laughed, her hands once again moving melodically over his back. Brushing and pushing the way she had been trained. The image of baby Adrien running away from his Maman — butt naked — a delightful thought.

"Marinette," Adrien's voice was light and airy, and she'd almost missed it. He said it again, this time grabbing her attention and causing her to once again slow down the pace of which she was massaging him.

"Hmm?" she asked, her mouth unable to release any coherent words.

"Marinette?" he said again, this time causing her to stop completely.

"Is everything okay?" she whispered to him, a slight hitch in her voice as Adrien twisted around, moving his body enough to have her straddling his lap.

Her heart was in her mouth, she dared not speak; instead, waiting for him to make the next move. To say she'd never been in this position before would have been the truth. This was by far the most intimate moment of her life and she couldn't help but place herself in the middle of a Sandra Bullock romcom; what was going to happen next? A bird flying into the window and breaking the moment?

"No," Adrien whispered. "I — um —"

She watched as he gulped. His Adam's apple bouncing around in the most appealing way and drawing her attention to his rather manly neck for the second time that evening. She was a goner.

His hands remained at his side, obviously giving her the option to move away if she wished, keeping her free to make her own decisions. Fortunately, she didn't want to, and instead moved her own hands up onto his shoulders, continuing to rub over the tense area and down his biceps, before coming back up towards his neck. She had no idea where this sudden courage was coming from — but being here right now was everything.

"I like you, Marinette — a lot."

She'd never seen him look so serious. His eyes questioning her next move; a hope and a want, shining through.

She couldn't help but smile. This was everything she'd wanted since she was 14. "I like you too," she whispered back, her lips tingling with the need for Adrien's to meet hers.

In all the years she'd fantasised about this; the years she'd held a torch for him in her heart, she'd never wanted him as much as she did at this moment. Her heart was beating rapidly, trying to break free and get closer to him, to be with him.

Marinette watched as Adrien's serious expression broke. The smile she so easily paired him with appeared on his face, his eyes sparkling and teeth gleaming. His hands moved, one onto her lower back, edging her closer to his body, the other lightly caressing her spine as his hands brushed up and threaded into her hair. The coolness of his fingertips was a welcome relief to the warmth radiating from her head as he gently started a massage of his own — through her hair.

She closed her eyes, tilting her head backwards and exposing her neck to him like a willing victim to his vampire ways. She'd never thought Adrien could be demonic, but right now he was showing just how devilish he could be as he moved forwards and placed his lips gently against her collar bone; feather light kisses over her skin. Every second felt like pure sin.

"Adrien," she said, moving her hands into his hair as he continued to place his lips against her skin.

Brushing his nose along her neck, he placed one last kiss under her jaw before moving his head away.

Marinette settled her head back normal — centred on her body — and looked straight into his wonderful, green eyes. His mouth wasn't smiling anymore, his eyebrows slowly turning down and into a frown.

"I — I'm so sorry, I don't know what came over me. I shouldn't have —"

Looking at him, she was unsure why he was suddenly apologising; she hadn't given him the indication she didn't like it? Had she? Shaking her head, she looped her arms around his neck and moved forward. Not an ounce of embarrassment over came her as she moved closer to Adrien in her bralette. If anything she suddenly felt empowered.

"Yes you should have," she claimed, smiling widely at him. "Kiss me again."

They moved together closing the gap and allowing the sweet, softness of each other's lips to feel contentment and warmth they both craved and deserved. A feeling of completion and togetherness she had never known could come from a kiss.

They continued to move together, lips pressurising against each other in perfect synchronisation. Marinette allowed herself to succumb to the feeling that spiralled in her stomach — the love for Adrien Agreste. She pulled him closer, her fingers settling into his hair and combing the perfect strands of his golden mane as she permitted him to explore his own feelings too.

Adrien pulled away; Marinette in fear that this time she had overstepped the mark.

"As good as this is," Adrien huffed, "I can't stay in this position." He shuffled a little, attempting to move her with him, only to stop. "Nope," he said, moving again.

"Adrien," Marinette said, trying to stop him before he put himself in any more danger. "Adrien," she said again, as a laugh escaped her lips.

"No, it's okay. I can do this." He leaned forward again, trying to place a kiss on her lips, instead he ended up growling.

"That's it," Marinette said, fighting to get off him and moving off of the bed. "I'm getting you into bed and then leaving."

She turned to make her way out the kitchen only to stop and quickly turn back, eyes wide and mouth open. "Not into bed, into bed... just into bed, as in take you and put you under the covers — by yourself. Not that I would be against joining you, it's just you're in pain and —" She fisted her hands and slammed them over her eyes. "Just kill me now."

The sound of Adrien's laugh had her peeking through her fisted hands. "Not until we've had at least one real date."

"Are you serious about this?" she asked, lowering her hands down from her face and fumbling them in front of her.

She watched as he moved himself backwards and up to rest against the pillows, the soft light of the table lamps making his hair glow in a way she just wanted to caress once more, especially now she'd had a feel up close and personal. His smile attacked her insides and fought against her resolve. She needed to leave. For tonight, it would be better if she just left. Instead, she asked, "About us?"

"Of course I am. Did you not understand what I said? I like you, Marinette, really like you."

Marinette smiled and moved forward once more, leaning over him and pressing a gentle kiss to his lips — her eyes fluttering closed as she succumbed to his warmth.

Pulling away, his eyes looking like a lost puppy as she made to stand up. "Massage me tomorrow — I mean — message me tomorrow and we'll work it out."

Giggling, she moved forward again kissing him onto his nose before pulling back and standing up. If she didn't leave now she would most likely be here forever.

"I feel like you're brushing me off," Adrien said with a sigh. "It's mean to kiss people like that and then brush them off. "

She giggled once more before responding. "I'm not brushing you off, Adrien, I just want you to be sure and not on a drug high. Now, settle down; I'll tuck you in."

She moved the duvet over him, Adrien giving her a sad smile as she gave him one last kiss on the cheek and moved to his drawers and grabbed a tee, before heading to his doorway.

"Sweet dreams, Adrien."

•••••

If you asked Marinetts how she'd made it home that evening, she wouldn't have been able to tell you because in her recollection of said event, she floated home on a cloud. A big puffy one which was radiant, carefree and dreamy.

Alya watched as Marinette walked into the apartment, her hand to her mouth and in clothing at least three sizes too big. Though she couldn't see the entirety of Marinette's mouth, she was quite sure her friend was smiling in a way only seen in romance movies. What had gone on with Adrien? There is no way her friend would have finally confessed, not without giving Alya the heads up first.

"Good night, Marinette?"

"The best," she sighed, moving her way through the apartment.

"Are you going to post on the blog?" Alya asked, laptop open and waiting for Marinette's next update to be published.

"Not tonight," she sounded like Luna Lovegood from Harry Potter and Alya was slightly worried her friend was under some sort of akuma spell.

"But, it's been days."

"Then you write it, I'm off to bed."

Alya watched as Marinette walked past her and the kwamis in complete obliviousness, their eyes never meeting once during the entire exchange. Instead, a delicate hum passed her lips as she proceeded down the hallway and into her room.

Pinching herself Alya looked around to check they were still in reality. When had she entered a Disney movie?

"What's up with her?" Trixx asked, floating near her holder, the kwami's face a mirror of her own.

Alya remained staring at Marinette's now closed door.

Adrien.

It just had to be Adrien. Maybe he'd told her she was a really special friend again or something?

A sudden chime circulated around the room, pulling Alya to the fact Marinette had left her phone on the counter, nestled in her coat pocket. Intrigue took over as she moved towards the clothing and searched the pockets, finally appearing with Marinette's phone and checking the ID of the sender.

Frederick.

After the evening's entertainment, Alya had never been more certain of Chat Noir's identity. He was Marinette's partner. Frederick was Chat Noir. The over enthusiastic personality, the obvious affection for Marinette, the truly horrific puns; it all just... worked.

The phone buzzed again, this time part of the message displaying itself on the screen.

Hey Mari,

Are you free tomor...

Alya was torn between keeping her nose out of Marinette's business and diving straight in. She could respond to Frederick as Marinette, after all, her friend did agree to one date with Chat Noir and even if something had happened with Adrien it was only one night, there's no way they'd be official yet... right?

Curiosity winning out, she opened the message and read through Frederick's demands.

Dinner.

Tomorrow.

You seem like such a wonderful girl.

Knowing Marinette wouldn't say no, she responded agreeing to meet him. She had promised one date with Chat Noir and she knew her friend would never go back on a promise. She just couldn't, it wasn't Marinette's style.

The blog had never been more popular, Alya quite sure if it continued at this rate she would be able to retire by Christmas. She'd been asked for interviews, magazine photo shoots and, even, PR work. She was a wanted lady, one that neededMarinette to go on a date with Chat Noir.

Pursing her lips, Alya typed out a quick message with a time and a place; adding Marinette's trademark 'xox' at the end. She placed the phone back into Marinette's pocket and moved to the laptop, pulling up Ladybug's account and typing a new blog.

It wasn't until two hours later that the regret began to sink in.

Moving to the chimes of Marinette's phone once more, she reached into her friend's coat pocket and pulled the phone out. But this time it wasn't Frederick.

Adrien's name was displayed front and centre and, on the second chime, his message sent a preview.

'I hope you got home safely, Princess. I can't wait to see you again...'

Alya felt her blood run cold. She'd well and truly messed up.