Love letters weren't unusual for Adrien to send to Marinette, hell, the boy had taken down half a rainforest in little notes he'd left for his girlfriend. Everything from classic poems;

'Roses are red
Violets are blue
I want you to know
That I love you'

To poems he'd attempted to write himself;

'Your hair is black as night, your pretty bluebell eyes, I wonder who you are underneath that strong disguise. Every day we see each other and I hope that you'll be mine. Together our love could be so true, please, will you be my Valentine?'

And love notes for shopping stuck to the fridge;

'Love of my life, please could you get milk on the way home?'

So when they started to come daily Marinette really didn't think a lot about it. After all it was just Adrien being Adrien, the most romantic person she'd ever met in her life.

It started one morning at work when a rather impressive bouquet of red roses had turned up at her desk. Audrey was always impressed by Adrien's rather extreme display of affection, especially knowing how stone cold his father was. But it wasn't just flowers that turned up; if he hadn't sent roses, it was jewellery or, even on the odd occasion, a barber shop quartet.

With a spring in her step, Marinette took the roses to the staff room, finding a makeshift vase to put the flowers in, keeping them alive until she left for home, watching as other workers swooned as they came in knowing straight away that once again Marinette's boyfriend was one of dreams. She'd never deny it either.

"Seriously Marinette, can you get him to speak to Jackson please? Because the most I get is a cup of coffee on a Saturday morning if I'm hungover." Avery came into the staff room and settled her hip against the counter. They girls had remained close during their time at university, and even now two years ESMOD, the girls remained close both working under Audrey Bourgeois at 'Style Queen', the world renowned designer actually being a much better boss than she ever could have imagined.

Avery and Jackson had been on and off since their internet matchup five years ago, but (luckily) it was a lot more on at the moment than off. They were a fantastic match up and Marinette and Adrien held their friendship as a very dear one to them.

Marinette started to laugh. "You make it sound like he does this all the time."

"That's because he does. Seriously, you've been together almost five years and he still treats you like you're in the honeymoon phase."

Marinette stroked over the petals of one of the roses, the velvety feel tickling the pads of her fingers. Adrien had been summoned to the Guardian temple. With his power being obtained by the bad luck of the black cat, the guardians wanted to check on him, to make sure he was still stable enough to control Plagg and not cross over, for want of a better phrase, into the dark side. Su Han remained in Paris as a support to Marinette, as her contact to Adrien and Fu was non-existent whilst they were at the Temple.

"He is amazing isn't he." She sighed dreamily. After all these years he still treated her like a Princess. His affection had never faltered.

"Last week he sent you a diamond necklace as an apology for not winning 'couple of the year'."

It was actually a congratulations gift more than an apology for their civilian 'second place', why? Because they'd actually been crowned first and second, not that anyone would know that. Ladybug and Chat Noir were still Paris' hottest topic, especially with new villains springing up sporadically around Paris.

"He's sweet, what can I say? He has a 'love language'."

"Yes, but Marinette," Avery continued, moving closer to examine the roses, moving them and looking at each one individually. "Most men have one form of 'love language'. Adrien has everything. Flowers, gifts, last minute getaways, romantic meals in, romantic meals out, and -" she moved the flowers once more and pulled out a small envelope "love letters."

Marinette snatched the envelope from Avery's grasp; she'd completely missed it as she placed the roses into the vase, mesmerised by their beauty.

"Thanks for the paper cut friend, I love getting blood all over Audrey's new fabrics."

"Don't be so dramatic." Marinette said without even looking up. She ripped the envelope, pulling the contents out with highly strung anticipation. What had he done now?

'My love,

Did you know there's almost 8 billion people in this world?

8 billion people walking around looking for just one person to love and cherish for the rest of their life?

8 billion people searching for their soulmate, for their love, like a needle in a haystack.

Yet I was lucky enough to be saved by my needle. She found me and my life hasn't been the same since that day.

I know I always try to show you I love you, that I try to let you know how much you mean to me, but being away from you for precisely 3 days, 4 hours and 21 minutes (at the time of this letter) has killed me.

This is the longest I've been without you since that first Christmas, and I now know I can't function without you.

I think about you day and night, the time difference only making things worse. Fu said my training will be complete in the next eight days and I can, finally, come home, but that doesn't stop me from spiralling into the black abyss of missing you. 

So, for the next eight days I am going to shower you with whatever I can. 

I'm going to show you how much you mean to me, and that even when we're separated you're still my everything.

For now, mon cherie,

Adrien'

"I hate you," Avery said, turning around and stalking out the room mumbling something about M&M's and chill.

Smiling, Marinette clutched the letter to her heart. "I miss you too, mon amour."

Day One
Gift: M&M's
Letter:
M'Lady,

Did you know there have been about 58 different flavours of M&M's? 

Also, did you know that if you're a celebrity (yes I used Adrien Agreste for personal gain) you can get them to send you most of the flavours from their different factories around the world?

So Bugaboo, call Alya and Avery around, stick on 'The Proposal' and have fun trying these 32 flavours of M&M. 

You can thank me later,

Your peanut M&M forever,

Kitty.

"Yep, he's right with that, he's definitely a nut." Alya said, placing the letter down and grabbing a glass of wine.

"Leave him alone, it's sweet ." The girls started laughing for the God knows what time that evening. They'd already teased Marinette about using Ladybug and Chat Noir's terms of endearment for one another (oh, the irony) and now they were onto teasing about the M&M's.

"Har-de-har! You know he's always shown his love, just this time he seems to really be flexing his muscles a little bit."

Marinette grabbed a few of the packets from the overfilled box and made her way to the lounge as Alya and Avery stood looking at each other in the kitchen.

"What do you know?" Alya asked.

"It depends," Avery replied, "what do you know?"

They continued to look at each other, trying to read each other's expression before both parties' eyebrows shot through their hairline.

"You know!" They whispered at the same time.

"Shhh, keep your voice down. She doesn't have a clue." Avery said, grabbing another bag of M&M's.

"Oh my God this is huge!"

"It is!"

"Don't say a damn thing." Alya warned.

"Why would I?" Avery retorted, "You're the one with the big mouth. I can't believe he told you."

"I spoiled one thing in five years, stop holding a damn grudge!" Alya said, grabbing a different packet of M&M's.

"Girls," Marinette's voice sounded from the living area, "if you don't hurry up I'm claiming the crispy ones all to myself."

Alya and Avery grabbed their wine and made their way back.

"So what day are you?" Alya asked on the sly.

"Six. You?"

"Five. Nino's seven."

"Oh, that's cool. Jackson is three."

They headed into the living area and sat either side of Marinette. The girl had no clue what was about to hit her.

Day Two
Gift: A study re-style
Letter:
Princess,

Your Prince in black super lycra has sent you two of his country's minions to come and fix the couch once and for all.

Dick and Harry (I know, I couldn't believe that was their names either) have agreed to help and as you're so stubborn and won't get rid of the permanently broken piece of furniture, they have come to fix it properly. 

Long live the couch!

Yours always, 

Adrien

Dick and Harry actually turned out to be Kim and Nathaniel, both knocking her door dressed in full knight's attire, complete with carpentry belt around waist.

"Hear ye, hear ye, we have come to fixith thy couch for ye fair maiden." Kim dramatically entered the apartment, Nathaniel following behind not so enthusiastically.

"What he said." He held out his hand to Marinette, "By the way I'm Harry. He's a Dick."

Marinette laughed, closing the door behind them. "Whatever Adrien's paying you two, I'm telling you now, it's not enough."

"To be fair, kind maiden, I would have dressed like this for free. Ondine asked me to wear it home." Kim said, heading towards the study, his hips swaying a little more than usual.

"Marc said the same too," Nathaniel said with a shrug, following after Kim.

A couple of hours later, Kim had fixed the couch and Nathaniel had redesigned the layout in the study, couch being prime position and centrepiece.

"Try not to be so rough next time you and Agreste... you know." He wiggled his eyebrows at Marinette, leaving with a smile and a hug.

What the hell was Adrien going to do next? She couldn't help but grow a little more suspicious.

Day Three
Gift: Night Out
Letter:
Bug,

One of the first times I knew I was utterly in love with you was when we bumped into each other at the club. It's only now thinking about it I realise I stole you from your friends that night and have kept you to myself ever since.

Jackson will pick you and the others up and take you wherever you want to go. Think of it as the greatest girls night out of all time, all costs on me.

Your dance partner for life,

Chaton

Marinette's feet hurt from dancing and her stomach ached from laughing. She climbed into bed that evening exhausted but happy. The happiest she'd been since Adrien had left for the temple.

Jackson had been the perfect escort. Credit card in hand and bodyguard when needed, he'd even walked her up to the apartments entrance, apparently, on Adrien's orders.

She fell asleep that night dreaming of her perfect man, and her wonderful friends. The Ladybug luck really was hitting her full pelt.

Day Four
Gift: A gift of song
Letter:

Go to 'The Liberty' for 7pm.
The rest will follow.

Marinette turned the letter around hoping for more. This was most certainly the most boring one she'd received yet, and 'The Liberty'? They rarely went there. The only time they did was if Adrien planned to hang out with Juleka. It seemed the two knew each other through modelling, however with Luka being Juleka's brother, 'The Liberty' was never the venue of choice. The Luka, who had 'hit on' Marinette five years ago, and had to sit around for three hours to be told no one was as fantastic as Adrien Agreste.

So why was she going here?

Walking towards the dock in her skinny jeans, black boots and black tee (all subtly hinting at her feline partner) she noticed the whole boat was covered in fairy lights with quite a mix of people onboard.

"What the?" She strolled up, noticing Alya, Avery, Juleka, Rose and a lot more of her friends standing around along with their other halves.

"Marinette." Luka strolled over towards Marinette, a very excited and dare she say bouncy Chloé Bourgeois standing beside him. Did they know each other?

"Here." Chloé thrust a white envelope into Marinette's hand before grabbing Luka's arm and heading up to the stage area.

Taking a seat on a nearby crate, she ripped the letter open and came face to face with the familiar handwriting of her boyfriend. What was he doing? Nothing was making sense anymore?

Alya and Nino came to sit next to her, peering over her shoulders as she began to read.

So excuse me forgetting, but these things I do
You see, I've forgotten if they're green or they're blue
Anyway, the thing is, what I really mean
Yours are the sweetest eyes I've ever seen

And you can tell everybody this is your song
It may be quite simple, but now that it's done
I hope you don't mind, I hope you don't mind that I put down in words
How wonderful life is while you're in the world

Marinette jumped as the instruments that were on the stage began to play. She had been completely oblivious to who and when people had made their way up there. A wonderful melody hit the night sky, as Chloé's angelic singing voice blasted out of the speakers. Marinette was dumbfounded, unable to move, envelope and letter still screwed in her hands. She clutched them into her heart as she listened to lyrics about love and understanding, of teamwork and partnership, of them.

"Adrien wrote it for you, Marinette. His most perfect and favourite musical note."

Day Five
Gift: Shopping Spree
Letter:

My Perfect Melody,

You make my life worth living,
You make me feel glad,
You're who I can turn to,
When I feel sad.

Everything with you gets better and better,
So I hope you enjoy the shopping spree that comes free with this letter.

Alya has my credit card ... Enjoy ♥

Alya picked Marinette up around an hour after the letter arrived, Adrien's platinum card in hand.

"Come on girl, we've got a 15,000 euro limit! Let's go buy a car!"

Marinette giggled. "We live in Paris, we don't need a car."

"Who said we're buying things we need?" Hooking her arm through Marinette's, Alya dragged her out onto the streets of Paris and in and out of shops for most of the day, ending at their favourite dress shop.

"Mari, you've got to try this one on." Alya pulled out the most beautiful midnight blue dress, form fitting and calf length, third quarter sleeved arms and no back, Marinette couldn't deny it was beautiful.

"It's 300 euros, Alya." She said, studying the price tag.

"And?"

"I can't just spend his money like that."

"Use your own then. Just imagine cooking Adrien a nice meal for when he returns home wearing this little number. I'm quite sure you wouldn't be eating your mains until after dessert." She wiggled her eyebrows at a pouting Marinette.

"Maybe I could just try it on? I mean, it is nice and he'll be getting something out of it too, so it can't be that bad a purchase? Right?"

Thirty minutes later, Marinette walked out of the store bag in hand and a whacking 300 euro charge on Adrien's card, all the time praying he'd think it was worth it.

Day Six
Gift: ManiPedi
Letter:

Princess' need to be treated properly,
Today you'll be spending the day getting pampered.
Hair, nails, waxing ... whatever you want it's yours.
The tab is in my name.

Always and forever,
Adrien

Marinette's suspicion was now at an all time high. It wasn't that Adrien couldn't be nice, God, he was the sweetest man in the world, but this was overboard even for him. Which means either he was going to lose his Miraculous, he'd done something stupid, or he was cushioning the blow for when he dumped her.

Okay, so maybe she was going a little overboard with that last thought, knowing full well what happened the last time she thought that. She'd completely overreacted for no apparent reason. He was being nice to her, he was missing her, he was just being a sweet boyfriend. She needed to get over this.

Avery met Marinette at the salon, both agreeing to have ManiPedi's and their hair done. It had been a while since Marinette had time to relax, so she sat back and enjoyed the rare treat, watching as her hair was restyled (keeping it long the way Adrien liked it), her fingers set in a french manicure, and toes painted black. The girls chatted and laughed along with their stylists, feasting on canapé treats and glasses of Prosecco.

However, when she returned home that evening she broke. She was overwhelmed with everything Adrien was doing for her and today only made one thing clear - He was not here with her. They were not doing this together.

Crawling into bed, she grabbed his pillow hugging onto it tightly as she cried. It had only been a week but she needed to hear his voice, she needed to smell his aftershave and she needed his arms around her.

She was dreading what was coming tomorrow, only because he wouldn't be there to deliver it himself.

Day Seven
Gift: Hamster
Letter:

Are you missing me? 

I'm missing you! I feel like an addict who is having withdrawals, I need you as much as I want you and believe me when I say that it's a lot.

I never thought I could love someone the way I love you.

I can't sleep, eat, or breathe properly and that's because you're not here. You're not by my side telling me it's okay to worry, or that it's okay to cry, or that it's okay to be happy.

I've laughed a few times whilst I've been here, there are some very funny folk, however every time I felt guilty. Guilty for enjoying myself when I'm not with you. That for that brief moment I'm betraying you for having fun.

I love you so much, Marinette.
Please don't ever forget that. 

I'll be home tomorrow (they're letting me out for good behaviour),

I can't wait to see you.
Forever yours,
Adrien

Marinette was woken by a barrage of ringing on their intercom. She rolled over to check the time, noticing it was 10am on a Saturday morning. She was ready to attack the caller especially as today was meant to be her day off. The itinerary consisted of a late wake up, lazing around and preparing for Adrien's return.

"Coming!" She yelled, heading towards the intercom only to see the bright red of a baseball cap blinding her as she made her way to the buzzer.

"Nino, you better have a damn good reason for waking me up!" She said, lifting the receiver to her ear.

He smiled back and lifted up a cage. Inside sat two hamsters and her heart melted.

"Come on up."

Instead of spending the day tidying the apartment and preparing for Adrien's arrival, she sat around with Tikki playing with her two new hamsters. Two hamsters who would remain nameless until Adrien had returned home.

Day Eight
Marinette headed towards the patisserie, slightly behind schedule, ready to grab the pastries she'd ordered from her parents. She guessed Adrien would enjoy the sweet treats when he arrived home, and it would be her own way of saying thank you, along with apologising for spending 300 euros on a dress she'll probably only wear once.

Weaving through the crowds, she made it to the patisserie just before it closed at lunch, springing in through the doorway and tripping into the arms of a very lucky, or unlucky man.

"That could have ended disastrously." He said with a chuckle.

Marinette moved herself out of the person's arms, her heart beating rapidly thanks to the near contact with the floor.

"Thanks for catching me Papa." She stretched on her tiptoes and placed a kiss on her fathers cheek.

"You're welcome, sweetheart. Now, come grab these things."

Marinette followed her father towards the back of the patisserie just at the same moment Sabine arrived from their apartment into the shop.

"Oh, sweetheart, you look beautiful."

Marinette spun around showing her mother the dress she'd brought and her new (neater) looking hair.

"Do you think he'll like it?" Marinette asked, a sudden wave of nerves causing her to bite her bottom lip.

"He'll love it." Sabine walked forward wrapping her arms around her daughter, before going to rub Tom's back. The big guy turned around tears in the corners of each eye.

"Are you okay papa?"

"Yes Marinette, it's just the heat from the ovens." He sniffed not hiding his emotional state very well. Her eyebrows screwed together in worry as she looked between her parents who both seemed rather more emotional than usual. She stepped forward and took the box from her fathers hands, failing to notice the white envelope on top.

"I best be going, I'll ring you later?" She asked, moving towards the door.

"Yes please," Sabine shouted towards a scurrying Marinette.

She had no idea what was wrong with her parents, but that was the least of her worries at the moment. She needed to get home and prepare for Adrien, her stomach bubbling with excitement.