Ladybug swung down, landing behind the venue with a croissant hanging out her mouth. In true Marinette style she was late. Not 'call the cops she's gone missing' late, but late enough to have a scalding from Alya as she made her way to her booth.

It was the Christmas fashion expo at the AccorHotels Arena in the centre of Paris, and for the first year ever MDC fashion and design was showcasing on the catwalk, along with having a booth for people to buy ready made items or meet with Marinette to order something custom made.

Marinette had managed to rope Alya into coming and helping in the booth, along with Juleka and Rose, Juleka being a model for the brand along with Kim and Alix. Alya would man the sales and post updates on social media, allowing Marinette freedom to talk to customers and smoozed fellow designers. Her main priority though, was to get an audience with Gabriel Agreste.

Usually the recluse designer stayed away from events like this, however, she had it under good authority (Apparently Gabriel's son had told Chloe, who had told Sabrina, who had bragged to Lila, who had been the oracle of all knowledge about it on social media) that not only would Gabriel and his son be attending, but also they would be showcasing on the catwalk and looking for possible brands to collaborate with.

So here she was, ten - no wait - twenty minutes late to the opening, a croissant half eaten and covering her in lushious pastry bits, sporting an old pair of ripped jeans which were distressed beyond repair. They were her most comfortable jeans, and even though they were not exactly Gabriel Agreste worthy nothing was stopping her from wearing them today, including the inch of snow on the ground and below freezing temperatures. Woe is her life.

Sliding through the exit as Ladybug, Marinette dropped her transformation and made her way non conspicuously into the main arena and over to where her booth would be. She'd set up two days ago, completing a few last minute items yesterday before her impromptu evening in the arcade with the handsome mystery gamer. She had to admit, she was struggling to get him out of her mind. He was a whirlwind of emotions put into one package and she wanted to rip it open to find out more. Who was he? What did he like to do? What was his favourite food, colour, television programme? Did he like croissants or prefer macaroons? What was his preference on pizza? Was he a cuddler?

Finally getting to meet AAA was a dream come true. For years they'd battled each other's scores on the machine and to finally play face-to-face, well, it was magical. She loved the fact he brought the best out in her, at the same time as he challenged her. Not only with the playing but verbally as well. His fighting talk was hilarious, not that she would tell him that, after all you can't let your enemy know your weakness, even if that weakness is well timed puns. Chat Noir would be a witness to that soft spot of hers.

Marinette spotted Alya serving a customer and waved to her friend, moving herself around the counter and to the back of the stand. She was careful not to knock any of the items off as she shiftly made her way behind the table and to her friend. She could not wait to fill Alya in on yesterday's events, the girl would freak. She signalled to her best friend with a nod, receiving one in return as she began folding what looked to be six, yes six, of the Superhero merchandise line she had recently started up, each one based on the main heroes of Paris.

Marinette had created tee's, hoodies and other items of clothing, using the intricate details of the designs, patterns and the colours of each hero's supersuit. Each member of their crew was modelling one of the designs. Alya, a Carapace skirt, Juleka, a Ryuuko bodice and Rose a Tigress all in one. Marinette, herself, was sporting her own black and green, off the shoulder Chat Noir sweater. It was comfortable, stylish and made her disaster of jeans seem more fashionable. After all, Chat Noir wasn't the most refined of heroes, so today she wasn't the most refined of designers.

"Hey Al-" she halted her greeting as she spotted a familiar array of blue/black hair hanging items on a clothing rail. She looked over at Alya and narrowed her eyes. Grabbing her friend's arm, she pulled her to one side "What is Luka doing here?" she hissed.

Oh yes, Luka Couffaine, Juleka's twin brother and Marinette's ex boyfriend. Now, Luka has an interesting story. He was perfect. The perfect boyfriend and the perfect friend, so why was he her ex? It was quite simple really. Luka was Luka, he was like a giant teddy bear, comfortable and squishy, and when you needed someone he was always there, but that was about it. His cushty attitude began to grate on her over their years of dating, and like most teddy bears, she grew out of his comfort and it was time to send him to a new home.

When they were sixteen and first got together she was flying high. She was yet to meet the handsome Chat Noir and there wasn't a cat in hell's chance of her ever meeting Adrien Agreste, so Luka was it for her. She would dream about their wedding and their kids, Lilly-May and Jacob Ross, and how wonderful life would be living on a boat and travelling around carefree but together. This continued throughout her seventeenth year too. She was happy and content, he always went out of his way to make her feel special, however, hearing that her inner voice sounded something equivalent to Mozart didn't quite turn her on in the way he expected it too. Even when she was eighteen, she tolerated it, it was just Luka's way and she could put up with it ... most of the time. That was until she met Chat Noir. The influx of red roses, plus having a guy constantly die for you hit Marinette hard, and she found keeping Chat's happiness was a far greater reward than Luka's.

So when nineteen came she broke, she'd finally snapped with his carefree attitude. One night, she just needed him to tell her to buck up her ideas and get on with it. She was a superhero for crying out loud and she had the support to keep going. Yes, he knew she was Ladybug, an unfortunate akuma saw to it that Luka was privy to that key information, that being one of the main reasons she didn't want to break up with him at all. That information was far too valuable and the risk of him being akumatized terrified her.

However, that night, the night she needed some tough love she was told her heart was a symphony of brass instruments fighting for dominance and that once she knew which instrument she liked best she would be free from confusion. Sixteen year old Marinette would have swooned, seventeen and eighteen year old Marinette would have gone with it as it was Luka's way of communicating but nineteen year old Marientte shouted and broke his violin. Twenty year old Luka was proud of her sudden burst of emotion, telling her that it was good she was finally letting her anger out, and, also, he needed a reason to make a new violin anyway.

Nineteen year old Marinette advanced to storm out of his bedroom never to return as anything but Luka's friend. Two years later here they were. Luka still being his teddy bear self and Marinette still wanting that teddy bear to turn into a Chucky doll.

"He dropped Juleka off and wanted to help. He saw you weren't here yet and kind of just jumped to work."

Marinette growled an "of course he did," and moved away towards the boy. It wasn't as though she didn't like his help and support, gosh, apart from Chat he was one of her greatest, but now she just felt like she owed him something. She already felt so much in his debt for the secrets she made him hide.

"Hey Marinette. I love these designs, though I personally think you'd look better in a Viperion sweater if you want to change." He dropped her a wink, and she couldn't help the internal shiver. Luka didn't suit winking, winking is what Chat did, not Luka. Luka was more a smize kind of guy.

"I'm quite happy showcasing my kitty, thank you Luka. Though, I do have a Viperion sports bra underneath here." She dropped him a wink this time and watched as his usually composed body burst into flames. She couldn't help but laugh as she turned away to greet her other workers. She wasn't wearing one of course, you don't mix a snake with a cat, and she was all for the cat.

She owed her friends so much, they were first and foremost to help her out of tough situations, they really were the best. She'd always surrounded herself with a close group. Each more than willing to go out their way to help the other. They'd been friends since college and been through so much together, as civilians and superheroes.

The day was hectic and Marinette was yet to fill her friend in on her meet up last night, she was bursting to talk about it but every second was being taken up by a designer wanting to discuss Marinette's vision for the range, some asking about possible collaborations and others wanting to know if she was going to do a villain's collection. Her answer to that one was quite simple.

"I would rather put a fire out with my face."

A gwaffed laugh sounded from over at the merchandise table, pulling her attention away from the elder designer currently telling her Mayura's colours and feather design was the epitome of Parisian fashion, to the blonde haired 'suit' currently buying what looked to be a Ladybug hoodie, sweet pants, tee and vest top ... pretty much the entire 'Mr Bug' line.

"That's a bit of an extreme love, don't you think?" The lady said, guiding Marinette's attention back to her. The older woman placed her hand on Marinette's stroking the back of it with her own.

"What is extreme is considering the terrorists of Paris a fashion trend. Does that mean I have to make outfits for akuma's too? Let me guess, you would like to wear a shirt in the style of 'Simpleman', or a PVC outfit like 'Wishmaker'."

The lady's face lit up. "Well, now you've said it -"

"Ew - no! Just no! The image is embedded in my mind now!" She pulled her hand out of the lady's grasp and cupped it into her chest. "Shadowmoth has the most horrendous designs for costumes. Honestly, you'd wonder if he had any idea about fashion at all."

The 'suit' snorted out a laugh again, and Marinette turned, eyebrows scrunched together and a pout on her lips. What was it to him?

"Looks like you're a bit stressed, my dear, I'll come back later and we can discuss how Mayura can be used for a feather edged shawl." Marinette groaned as the lady tapped her upper arm before walking away.

Rubbing the tension headache beginning to make itself known in her frontal cortex, she made her way over to Alya, currently still serving the 'suit'. She perched on a high stool and pulled out her phone.

"You know, I agree with Ms. Lavigne, it wouldn't be a sensible option to use that pretty face of yours to put out a fire."

"Oh yeah, well aren't you just the smooth talk -"

She couldn't finish her sentence. Her head lifted, and she was face to face with God himself. She hadn't realised Zues had been reincarnated into this chiselled faced 'suit'. He was carved to perfection and she couldn't help but be pulled into the emerald green eyes.

Green eyes.

Green eyes.

"It's you!" She said, springing forwards towards the young man almost taking out the purchase table with her launch. Even without his thick rimmed glasses she would recognise those eyes anywhere.

"I, it is me. Whoever you might think I am?" He stretched up and scratched the back of his neck. She wasn't sure if he was nervous or just had a tick. This guy was so perfect there had to be something unusual about him.

"Hercules,"

He squinted his eyes at the women in front of him, twisting his head side to side, then they sprang open wide.

"Meg! It makes perfect sense, it's great to see you again."

"You too. Alya?" She called her friend. "Whatever he wants is on the house, this guy gave me an ass kicking at Mecha Strike yesterday."

"I wouldn't go that far. I'm quite sure you won in the end." He smiled a thousand watt smile at her and she couldn't help beaming back.

"You beat Mari? Are you magic or something?" Alya sounded out, obviously impressed with what she'd just heard and Marinette swore she saw his shoulders straighten just a little.

"Something like that," he laughed, taking the bag from Alya. Suddenly remembering the amount of Ladybug merchandise he'd just purchased, Marinette's insides swooned.

"So, you like Paris' heroine then?" She questioned, Alya raising an eyebrow at her friend.

Flirting with a fan there, are we Ladybug?

Rolling her eyes at Alya she turned back to 'Hercules', intrigued by the answer he was hopefully about to give her.

"If you must know, I'm her biggest fan." He turned his attention to Alya and smiled at her, "Bigger than the Ladyblogger."

Alya puffed out her cheeks. "Perhaps we should have a Ladybug duel?" She offered and the suit smiled again, opening his mouth to retort when a second male voice sounded out.

"Oh, and who is this?" Marinette's insides twitched as Luka made his way behind her.

Do not put your arm around my waist, do not put your arm around my waist , then she felt it. Luka Couffaine put his arm around her waist. Marinette watched as the suit's eyes trailed to it, a look of unease in his own eyes before morphing it back into a smile, however, this one didn't reach those gorgeous greens in the same way.

"Actually, I haven't properly introduced myself." Hercules said, watching intently as Marinette stepped out of Luka's hold and placed some distance between the two of them. "I'm Adr-"

"Adrien! You're due backstage."

A woman with a red streak and tablet in hand bounded her way over to the booth, calling for the blonde currently holding out a hand to Marinette in greeting.

"You're Adrien Agreste!" Her mouth dropped and she kicked herself. How did she not recognise him? She'd been obsessed with the guy during most of her teenage years, but being honest he looked nothing like the thin weedy guy on magazine covers anymore. He was built and beautiful, and yes, Marinette Dupain-Cheng, for the first time in years suspected she might be getting a little crush.

"Damn, caught out." He smiled and turned to the lady with the red streak, when suddenly it hit Marinette like a wet fish to the face. It was Nathalie Sancoeur, Gabriel's not so friendly assistant. Marinette found herself sinking into a memory of delivering Adrien a birthday present about eight years ago, the woman's harsh voice being the one that greeted her at the mansion's entrance.

"Nathalie, you know I wanted to check out this booth. I've been searching for an MDC original 'Mr Bug' hoodie for months."

Nathalie looked between Adrien and the stand, before catching the eye of Marinette. The gaze became intense and Marinette was quite sure she hadn't been studied this way since she was in school and Chloe wanted to check for cooties.

"MDC? Who's the creator?"

"I am," Marinette said, stepping forward and offering her hand, "Marinette Dupain-Cheng." Nathalie looked down at the hand currently hanging in the air between them and then back up to Marinette's face.

"You're showcasing after Gabriel, correct?"

Marinette dropped her hand to her side, keeping her eyes firmly on Nathalie's. Her father had taught her one thing about business and that was never to show you are lower than those you are talking to.

"Yes, I am."

"Good. Gabriel wanted to see what you had created and talk about possible collaborations." Marinette gasped. Gabriel wanted to talk to her. Gabriel wanted to collaborate with her. This was incredible. "Now, Adrien, come."

"Yes, Sir," Adrien said with a salute, causing Nathalie to scowl and then stalk off.

Marinette couldn't help but cover her mouth and chuckle. Who was this guy?

"Well it's been nice to meet you all, and thank you for the goodies Marinette, see you backstage?"

All she could do was nod. Was Adrien Agreste flirting with her?

Her heart swooned and she couldn't believe her luck. Meeting AAA only to find out it was the guy she was obsessed with in her younger teen years, who was also the son of her fashion idol. Yikes!

"Earth to Marinette," she wasn't sure how long she'd been staring at his back but from the frantic waving of Alya's hand in front of her face it was a while.

"What?"

Alya laughed and shook her head. "Seriously girl, could you be more obvious?"

"I don't know what you're talking about," Marinette said as she began to collect the show items together.

"Yeah, sure. You don't know anything about the hot blonde model you were just flirting with."

"We were not flirting," Marinette felt the need to defend herself, even though she knew Alya was completely right.

"And he was not that hot." Luka said.

Marinette caught Luka's eye, and although she knew it could be a hint of jealousy with him, there seemed to be something else. Before she could question her friend's attitude, her attention was diverted by her phone.

Reaching into her back pocket, she pulled it out to see Kim's name and smiling face displayed on the call screen. Grabbing her AirPods, she quickly placed them in and took the outfits ready to be sent down the catwalk backstage.

"Kim, are you already there? I'm just making my way to the dressing area now, Juleka should be somewhere, and I'm guessing Alix is with you?"

The phone cackled with interference, Marinette barely recognising what Kim was saying.

"Kim, I can't hear you, I'm coming backstage, I'll see you in a second."

She flashed her VIP pass at the security guard standing at the stage doors before being indicated to continue through. She made her way to her designated area looking for Kim, Alix and Juleka, only to find just the goth girl there. No skater and swimmer in sight.

Marinette called Siri and got her phone to 'call Kim back'.

"Marinette, I am so so sorry!" His voice was hoarse as though he had been crying.

"Kim, what's happening? What's going on?"

"I kind of, well, Alix dared me to ... I'm just sorry."

"You're not coming are you?" As Marinette positioned her outfits on the hangers and began to set out her own clothing she couldn't help the sag in her shoulders, she needed Kim here. He was wearing the starring outfit of the show. She passed Juleka's onto her and waved the girl off into the changing room.

"I'm at the hospital at the moment, and it seems they want to keep me in for a while, Alix is with me and refusing to leave."

"It's ok, you can't help it. I'll figure something out. Text me later to let me know how you are, ok?" Tapping her AirPod to disconnect the call, she jumped a mile as a hand was placed on her shoulder.

"Are you ok, Marinette?"

"Oh, Adrien, hi! I - um - my model can't love me, I mean my model can't make it." Marinette scrunched her eyebrows together. Did she just stutter?

"Oh," Adrien looked between the rack of clothing and Marinette, "have you got a back up at all?" He asked, walking over to search the rail.

"No, Kim always models my Ladybug outfits, well, Mr Bug in this case. There's only Luka here with me that's male, but he's too skinny and it'll hang off him. Kim's muscular and cut like you." She clamped her hands over her mouth. Too much information said there.

"Who models the Chat Noir outfits?"

A slight blush spread over Marinette's cheeks. "That would be me. I only allow myself to model Chat's clothing."

"That's cute," his eyebrows had turned down and the shine radiating from Adrien's eyes made her heart flutter.

She watched as Adrien pulled the red and black blazer from the rail and held it by him. Marinette suddenly noticed he was no longer wearing 'the suit' and was now decked out in black jeans, boots and a long sleeved tee. He looked gorgeous, and she was sure her heart was bouncing around at the sight of him.

"I'll do it," he announced without looking at her.

"You'll do me? I mean - it! You'll do it?"

"Yeah, sure. It looks as though the guys around the same size as me and if my father is serious about collaborating with you, then seeing me in the clothing should help swing that into your favour. I'm not under contract anymore, I can do what I want, and if he wants me to walk for him, then he'll let me walk for you." He pulled the jacket from the hanger and placed it over his shoulders.

Beautiful!

"See, fits! How do I look?"

"Like a fine piece of fillet steak," Marinette said, eyes widening as she realised what had just left her mouth. Good God, this was going awfully. Fortunately for her, Adrien just burst out laughing, not commenting any further on what Marinette had just said.

"Thanks, I think."

Marinette laughed, wanting to kick herself all the way to Germany for being so stupid.

"Marinette Dupain-Cheng, I presume."

Turning around, Marinette came face to face with her idol, Monsieur Gabriel Agreste. She looked between Adrien and Gabriel, before sticking her hand out to greet the Senior of the two. As with Nathalie, this was ignored, ending with said hand dropping uncomfortably down to her side. She watched as Gabriel walked around Adrien, looking at the work on the jacket, before moving to the rail.

"Yes, I see." His hands remained firmly behind his back as he studied each item of her collection with his eyes. "You will meet with me tomorrow to talk about contracts. I'm thinking maybe a new collection bringing together what Paris represents, maybe a range of headwear to support the clothing I design."

He clicked his fingers and Nathalie appeared on Gabriel's side.

"Schedule Ms. Dupain-Cheng for an eleven o'clock meeting tomorrow morning to discuss this further."

Just as sudden as he arrived he was gone.

"That went well, I think?" Marinette said, unsure of what just happened.

"I think you're in." Adrien smiled at his new friend. She smiled back and began to bounce on her soles.

"Can I hug you? It's just I'm excited and usually I hug someone when I'm excited, if it's too weird don't worry I can - " before she could finish her rambling Adrien had scooped her into his arms, allowing her to melt in the warmth of Adrien Agreste. She wrapped her arms around him too, settling her head on his chest and breathing in his scent. She'd know that smell anywhere.

"Radiant, carefree, dreamy," as if someone had scratched a record, the delightful warm feeling escaped her as she scrambled backwards, only to be met by Adrien's laugh.

"You're a fan then I see?"

"Huh - well - kind of - I was, I mean, I am." She was quite sure that if her face turned any more red, engineers could use her as a beacon for low flying aircrafts atop buildings. "I'm just going to ..." she grabbed her Chat Noir style dress and ran off down the hall to the female changing room.

In all her embarrassment, at least something good had come from it, she had an appointment to collaborate with Gabriel Agreste, and in ten minutes she would be walking down the runway from none other than her teenage super crush who would be dressed in her colours.

How did she suddenly seem to become so lucky?