Adrien sighed and looked around the room. Over the past week, his energy had gone into two things — spending time with Marinette and working on their house. He wanted it to be perfect, but he also wanted to put his own fingerprint on it. The architects and builders had been really accepting, allowing him to help with some of the lifting and manual labour, and he couldn't have been more grateful.

The house was close to completion. There was about another week's worth of work and then it would be ready to move into, and hopefully they would be moving in together, sharing memories and the home forevermore.

When the survey of the house had been compiled, luckily there wasn't a lot which needed doing structurally. It was very much a cosmetic overhaul, and some woodworm to sort out. Tom also came over whenever he could, Adrien wanting him to see and be happy with the changes to his father's home. And even though the big guy told him over and over again that he didn't care, and as long as they were happy he was happy, Adrien wanted to make sure everyone was involved.

His cheeks were still pink from the last upstairs tour he'd given his father-in-law, when the guy had mentioned to him which room would be perfect for a nursery and where everything could go. Though he should have been embarrassed by the idea, he wasn't. He was flustered at the idea of being a father to his and Marinette's child. Because he was certain now it wasn't just a dream, or an idea. This was going to be his reality.

But that wasn't the room he was most interested in. The room he was standing in now was the most important, and it was almost perfect. He just needed the interior designers to come in and finish it off. A job for next week when he was away in London again.

Even after Ladynoir stole the spotlight a couple of weeks ago, Adrinette had pushed themselves back to the number one spot, everyone getting in on the action, with rumours of the wedding being only a matter of weeks away. A rumour they neither confirmed or quelled.

They'd kept themselves out of the suits, and away from rooftops. Though, the suit she'd worn that evening on the rooftop still lived rent free in his head. He'd woken many mornings with a smile on his face, thanks to the dream including that specific one.

The doorbell rang, just in time to stop his mind spinning into an 18+ Cupid's Cove upgrade.

Making his way to the door, he brushed the dirt off his hands and wiped them down his trousers, adding to the thick grime already coating them.

The doorbell rang again, rather frantically this time, which could only mean a certain person would be standing, grumpily, behind the door.

Swinging it open, Adrien gave his best Igor impression. "You rang?"

In lieu of an answer, Éliott thrust two garment bags into Adrien's arms and rolled his eyes. "I do not get paid enough for this." Turning swiftly on his heels, like the diva he was, he strode back down the path and towards the car parked on the street.

"Thank you!" Adrien called after him, only to be greeted by a lift of his middle finger. Adrien chuckled and shook his head.

When he moved back to Paris he'd most certainly miss his PA. He also missed where that idea came from...but it warmed him more than anything. Paris had once again become his home, and in his past couple of weeks here, everything he'd ever dreamed of was coming true, whether they were pretending or not.

A couple of hours later, he stood in Marinette's room, waiting for her to finish getting ready. He'd custom-ordered the costumes to be created from a piece of artwork he'd seen of himself and Marinette online — perfectly named a fantasy au. But this wasn't any fantasy. This was Hades and Persephone, the sweet goddess he kidnapped and took straight to the underworld with him. Yep, that was about right.

He looked in the mirror. Not only had Éliott grabbed the costumes, being the wonderful human he was, but he'd sent around make-up artists and hair stylists. Adrien was now fully furnished with two horns (which he loved!) and a rather detailed skull tattoo down his neck.

He'd never considered a tattoo before, mainly because his father would have murdered him, then brought him back to life just to clean up the mess - but also because he had zero tolerance for self-inflicted pain. Yes, he knew that was pretty lame for a bonafide superhero, but when he wasn't in the supersuit he preferred to keep his pain levels at normal levels of muscle aches and stubbing his little toe.

He hadn't seen Marinette since she'd been whisked into her parents' room to get ready. Éliott wanted a big reveal after he missed the last one. So, here he was, anxiously waiting to go and see the most beautiful girl in the world dressed as a goddess! Oh, help him!

"Ready, kid?" Plagg had been pretty quiet lately, as had Tikki, and he wasn't entirely sure why. Plagg had always been vocal about everything and anything, so why the sudden silence now?

"Yeah, I think I am."

Adrien looked at his kwami, a soft smile mirrored in both of their expressions, and they understood the meaning of the other's words.

"Oh, Haaaaaades! There's someone here to see you!" Éliott's voice sang melodically up the stairs and into Marinette's room, Adrien sharing one more glance at Plagg before leaving. The encouragement made him feel stronger than he had in quite a while.

Checking himself out one last time in the mirror, Adrien descended the staircase, his heart beating in sync with each step. The anticipation was a mix of excitement and nervousness, like standing at the edge of a precipice, unsure if he would fall or soar. As he reached the kitchen, he paused, his eyes fixed on Marinette.

She stood before her parents, her back to him, and Adrien couldn't help but marvel at her. Her hair, usually tied up in a bun or hidden under her signature pigtails, cascaded down in loose waves, adorned with vibrant red roses that mirrored the flush he adored bringing out in her cheeks. A delicate crown of flowers adorned her head, framing her face like a halo. In that moment, she embodied Persephone—goddess of spring and queen of the underworld. His queen.

Adrien felt a rush of emotions surge through him. Marinette, transformed into this enchanting figure, stirred something deep within him. He couldn't deny the tug of attraction, the longing to reach out and claim this breath-taking vision as his own. The idea that she could be his, even just for tonight, set his heart aflutter with possibilities.

Stepping forward, he summoned his inner Hades, channelling the intensity of the god of the underworld. As he approached Marinette, he couldn't help but think of the way her eyes would light up when she saw him, and the way her smile could brighten even the darkest of days. She was more than just a costume; she was the embodiment of his deepest desires and dreams.

"My Lady," Adrien's voice rang out, infused with a mixture of admiration and longing. "You are radiant tonight, a vision that outshines the stars themselves." Each word was spoken with a sincerity that came from the depths of his heart, a silent plea for her to see him as more than just a friend.

Then she turned around and time seemed to slow to a standstill.

Her movement was graceful, like a flower unfolding its petals to greet the sun. Adrien's breath caught in his throat as he beheld her fully for the first time that evening.

Her hair, a cascade of dark waves adorned with vivid red roses, framed a face that was a masterpiece of delicate features and allure. Her eyes, enhanced with smoky eyeshadow, sparkled with a hint of mischief and warmth, drawing him in like a moth to a flame. Her lips, painted a bold shade of red, curved into a soft smile that set his heart racing.

The dress she wore was a vision of ethereal beauty. A flowing white gown adorned with intricate red rose detailing, it hugged her slender form in all the right places, accentuating her grace and elegance. The dress whispered with every movement, as if it were woven from moonlight and dreams.

But it was the way Marinette looked at him that truly took Adrien's breath away. Her gaze held a depth of emotion he had never witnessed before—a silent confession of admiration and affection that spoke volumes. In that fleeting moment, he felt as though he were the centre of her universe, the recipient of a love so pure and profound that it left him speechless.

Her eyes lingered on him, her expression soft and tender, as if she were seeing him anew. Adrien's heart swelled with a mixture of joy and wonder, realising that perhaps, just perhaps, the night held more promises than he had ever dared to hope for.

The party was in full swing by the time they arrived. Their entrance turned all eyes on them. Though Chat Noir would be big-headed enough to say they were all looking at him, the Adrien side wasn't at all as conceited and knew that the stares were blatantly aimed at his partner - the gorgeous woman parading in on his arm.

He fully understood why everyone was looking at her, drinking her in like fine wine. She was by far the most beautiful person in the room — himself included.

They soon found Anthony and Richard, dressed as two rather dashing princes, then claimed a table between them and hit the bar, before progressing to the dancefloor.

It had been fun so far, Adrien enjoying the time with Marinette and her friends, and away from the superhero group. He wouldn't make a point of telling them, but sometimes it was just good to be normal, to not have people know everything about you. And they were both hardworking and friendly guys...though sometimes Anthony was a little too friendly.

So when Anthony and Marinette left together, giggling on their way to the toilets, Adrien didn't feel awkward being left at the table with Richard.

"How's the wedding planning going?" Richard asked, a bright, excited smile on his face.

Where Anthony was the over-enthusiastic puppy, Richard was calm and down to earth. They were the epitome of 'opposites attract'. Richard was a good guy with even better morals and Adrien enjoyed it when he could join them all.

"It's going." Adrien let out a chuckle before changing the subject. "More importantly, how's the course going? I can't believe you've done three diplomas!"

Richard smiled. Not only was he a nice guy, but he was an incredibly smart guy too. "Just finishing up the final one."

"And the company?" Adrien enquired.

"All ready to go. I can't believe it's at this point. It still doesn't feel real."

The company in question was a non-profit organisation for hard-done teens. Like Adrien, Richard had been brought up in a loveless home. His father had died at a young age and left him alone with his mother and younger sister. Unfortunately, because of his mother's depression, he became the carer for his sister — a lot to be expected of a 12-year-old.

He and Adrien had bonded over their situations, and although Adrien didn't have to look after anyone, Richard still showed the greatest empathy at his story, and Adrien had talked through things with him that he hadn't with anyone else.

"Have you got much of a start?" Adrien asked, now curious to see what would happen when the business opened.

"Well, there are a few companies that would like to donate, which is great. It really adds to the money you've donated. Thanks again, man! Thank your cousin, as well. Without you two, I don't think this would have lifted off the ground so quickly."

Adrien's smile quickly turned into a deep, thoughtful frown. "Have you ever thought about having a business partner? I mean, you're capable enough, with all the accolades you have, but maybe having a second hand could help?"

"We're back! Did you miss us?" Anthony, in all his Anthony glory, swooped down onto Richard's shoulders, pressing a gentle kiss to his cheek.

"More than you will ever know," Richard said with a smile.

Adrien felt the presence of the world's most wonderful woman slide in beside him and almost melted at the close proximity. He was losing his self-control more and more every time she touched him, and right now, as she slipped her arm through his and held onto his bicep, he had to control himself from standing up and beating his chest in absolute delight.

"Hey!" Adrien said, turning his head down to hers, their faces so close he could feel the regular rhythm of her breath, one so comforting and relaxing.

"Hey, handsome!" The undertones of cherry mixed with the champagne they'd been drinking made him feel drunk — but not on the alcohol, just purely on her.

Suddenly, Anthony shot upright and began to wiggle excitedly to the song that was playing. He was such a wild, free spirit with a heart of gold, and Adrien couldn't have wished for his fiancée to have a better friend.

"Oh, I love this song!" he said, throwing his head back and getting lost in the music.

Richard smiled over at Adrien and Marinette, "I guess I'm going to dance." He laughed, standing up and reaching out for Anthony's hand. "We could continue this conversation another time if you want?"

Adrien nodded. "Sure, sounds great."

With a chassé and a spin, the two headed off onto the dance floor, leaving Adrien and Marinette alone. She sighed, laying her head down on his shoulder and snuggling in closer,

"I'm glad you convinced me to come," she said gratefully.

"I never really gave you a choice." He lay his head on top of hers, an adolescent memory breaking through of when they were young, naïve and without responsibilities — well, maybe they had one or two. "Can you remember when you fell asleep on Startrain?"

"How could I forget? I fell asleep on France's top model and left drool all over his crisp white shirt!"

She snuggled in more as he laughed, his hand slowly moving up and down her arm, the tips of his fingers caressing the small bumps forming under his touch. "Why did you let me do it?"

"What, sleep? Because you're Marinette, and you love to sleep." He sighed. "It's just a shame you snore so loudly!"

She bolted upright from his chest, almost knocking him out in the process, and he couldn't help but feel delighted by her reaction. He loved winding her up. The little huffs and puffs matched so well with her defensive nature.

"I do not!" As she bit the words at him, he couldn't help but smile more.

"Remember that time on the Eiffel Tower when they had to emergency evacuate because they thought the iron was deteriorating?"

"Stop!" She laughed, her hands covering her face. It really shouldn't be legal for someone to be this cute.

His smile widened even more as he sat up properly in his chair. "Or the time you sucked in a load of fresh cut grass when we went for that picnic in the park."

"Adrien!" She squealed in the most adorable way. His heart felt like it was going to burst from his chest as the pink glow in her cheeks brightened more and more, her whole body shifting and changing into pure embarrassment.

"Or when your father came into the lounge to tell us to turn the tv down and then noticed it was actually his darling daughter."

She snorted, pulling her hands from her face. "At no point did that happen!"

"Yeah it did!" Adrien laughed.

"Well, I don't remember it!"

"That's because you were asleep and playing the national anthem through your nose."

They both started laughing, Marinette falling forward and head-butting his chest. "I don't get why you put up with me."

He felt his smile falter a little, before forcing one he knew she wouldn't fall for. She moved her head away from him, as always sensing the mood change. She looked over his face, studying every crease and crevice.

"What's wrong?" she asked, her own eyes dulling with curiosity.

"Can we get out of here? I'd like to spend some time with my fiancée before having to go back to London."

Marinette read every single flicker in his eyes, before grabbing her purse and standing up, offering her hand out towards him. "Yes, of course."

He grabbed hold of her smaller hand and allowed her to pull him to his feet, both exiting the venue in silence.

The Gorilla stood by the car door, allowing them both into the back and driving the way to the bakery.

The warmth of something pressed against his thigh, a quick glance down revealing Marinette's hand rested caringly on his thigh.

"Is everything okay? Is it nerves over the casting? Because you're going to be amazing, Kitty. They'll be lucky to have you."

He placed his hand on top of hers and brought it to his mouth, just as he had many times before. A soft gentle press of his lips against her skin and he could feel himself ignite. "What about you?"

She frowned at him. "What about me?"

"Would you feel...lucky...to have me?"

He felt the gasp more than he heard it, her hand pulling from his as she shuffled around in her seat, the anxiety obvious in every move. "Adrien, what's wrong? This isn't like you."

The car pulled up at the bakery, Adrien looking out the window at the park opposite and opening his door. "Come take a walk with me."

Nodding, Marinette scooted her way across the black leather seats, slotting her hand in his so he could help her out of the car. He quickly gave Gorilla the signal to go, closing the door and leading Marinette through the iron gates.

It was time he unveiled the depths of his feelings and finally told Marinette what he wanted. He just hoped she'd be receptive to the changes he wanted to make in their agreement.