This should be illegal, Marinette thought as she began her morning routine. She glanced at the time on her phone with a wince. Four in the morning. Four o'clock, four chimes of Notre Dame, four, four, stinking four.

Marinette never expected Gabriel Agreste to be as spiteful as this. Booking a flight for six o'clock in the morning meaning she had to get up at four. She wasn't sure if she'd mentioned it yet, but she was up at four ante meridiem, four am and the sun wasn't even awake yet ... So why was she? Oh, yes! She was going to a winter shoot with Adrien Agreste. Adrien Agreste.

Currently, Marinette still lived at her parents bakery, she was saving for a deposit on an apartment, but due to living in Paris that deposit needed to be something substantial hence the need for collaborations and keeping her online business well stocked and well advertised.

Her parents were against the idea of her renting, telling her it was just dead money. They wouldn't even let her move in with friends, almost all of them wanting Marinette's company at some point. Who wouldn't want a woman who could cook, bake, sew and was ridiculously clean? She was definitely a catch.

Jumping in the shower, she mentally ran through her head about what she'd put into her cases, hoping that she'd packed all of her necessities. If she was spending a few days with Adrien in her close proximity she wanted to make sure she was at her best. For some reason, being up close and personal with the ex-model was causing her body to react in ways she'd forgotten it could. Even when she was a young teen and began dating Luka, her feelings were nothing like this.

After rinsing the suds out of her hair, she turned off the shower and encompassed herself in the fluffy towel currently hanging on the radiator towel rack nearby. She grabbed her body wash and shampoo bottle, gave them a quick wipe and placed them into her toiletry bag, soon followed in succession by her toothbrush and toothpaste.

Glancing at her phone she checked the time again. Still stupid o'clock in the morning but at least she was awake now and a little less grumpy, a coffee or two should clear it right up.

"Do you need me to put anything in your case Marinette?" Tikki, the ever loving kwami, hovered around Marinette, helping to organise her supplies and to make sure she had everything she needed.

"I think I've got everything. Can you just check through too? You're better at this than me." The kwami laughed at her holder as she frantically brushed her hair and pulled out the dryer.

"Have you checked your calendar?"

Marinette stopped, suddenly understanding what Tikki meant. She pulled out her phone and looked for the specific app. Of course this would happen. Of course the joys of being a woman would happen whilst she was away, but not just on holiday, oh no! She was there as a designer for Gabriel Agreste, with Adrien freaking Agreste, attending the Winter Solstice Ball and she was with Adrien Agreste!!

Rummaging around in her cupboards, she located the pouch she'd needed. Maybe her body would be good to her for a change, and maybe, just maybe, she wouldn't spend a day shrivelled up like a prune as she rocked backwards and forwards cursing being a woman. Honestly, this was solely the reason she'd want to get pregnant, ok, maybe not solely, but it was a huge plus point.

She passed the pouch to Tikki who took it to her case, before coming back and finding a box of painkillers to go with it.

"Co-codamol?" Marinette gasped watching the box be hastily dropped into her case. "You know how they affect me!"

"Yes, but I also know the pain you get in!"

As much as it warmed Marinette's heart to think about the care and attention the small entity showed when it came to Marinette, she was still shocked the kwami would put her in a position where every rational thought goes out of her head.

She only ever used co-codamol when her time of the month was particularly heavy, which was more often than not. Fortunately, the strong codeine enjuiced tablets quickly relieved Marinette's pains, but not without hassle. Just ask Chat Noir about the time she misplaced her step and fell off the Eiffel Tower. If he hadn't been there she most certainly would have ended up a squashed bug.

Knowing that Adrien was due to arrive at any given moment, Marinette just went with it. Obviously, Tikki was right, it was better to have them just in case than not at all,. She slapped on her makeup, making sure her lips were coated in her trademark pink shine and straightened her hair to within an inch of its life. She placed on her clothing, layer upon layer, ready for the harsh bitterness of the Alps and finally she was ready. Ready to spend the next few days with Adrien Agreste. Did she mention that she was staying with Adrien Agreste?

Marinette started to make her way down the staircase only to quickly turn around and head back to her table. Placing her hands either side of the keyboard she took a deep breath and closed her eyes tightly, she'd got this. She was just spending time with Adrien. Nothing bad ... all good! Her teenage dreams were coming true. It's not like Paris was going to explode whilst she was away.

"Ok," she mentally pulled herself together and stood up straight, "I can do this. It's just Adrien. The Adrien. Adrien Agreste. Supermodel. Hot stuff. Smart. Sweet. Caring ..." she began to feel her breath hitch again. Oh no, no, no, no, no! Breath Marinette.

"Is she ok?" A small voice asked.

"Master just needs to take in some air."

"Marinette, breathe. That's it. Slow and steady! Slow and steady!" Her breathing slowed down as she came face to face with a dragon, a rabbit, a turtle and a ladybug. A Ladybug! Paris was going to explode! She couldn't leave, she shouldn't be leaving, why was she being so selfish! Her breath hitched again.

"I haven't told anyone I'm going away! Paris will be in ruins!" She shrieked, pulling out her phone and finding the group chat with Luka and Alya.

"Marinette, you're away for three days! Nothing bad can happen in three days."

"Tikki! Remember New York! Oh God, Chat! I haven't told Chat I'm leaving!"

Hands shaking she pulled up the known identities chat on her phone. Herself, Alya and, unfortunately, Luka.

The Bug
I'll be away for the next few days. Please let the furry one know I'm safe and will be back soon. Fingers crossed for no akuma's, The Fox knows where the kwami's are if you need help?

Marinette expected messages back, especially from Luka, after all she never left the city and she never needed to ask them to contact Chat. Marinette/Ladybug was always the point of call to Chat.

Another situation came from her working with Gabriel. Luka had been rather apparent since the fashion expo, questioning her choice to work with the fashion big shot, and even more so about her using Adrien for the catwalk. It seemed Alya was right and the green eyed monster was clear and visible. .

The Snake
Where are you going?

She rolled her eyes, choosing not to respond to the message and began to make her way downstairs, handbag hanging in the crease of her elbow, and suitcase being dragging behind her rebounding hard against the stairs, as it bounced down.

Her phone began to ring, and knowing it was Alya, Marinette attempted to keep hold of everything and answer. Marinette Dupain-Cheng attempting a juggling act was never going to end well, but still she continued on.

"You can't just send that message with no explanation!" The foxy girl said.

"Sorry, Al. It was only decided yesterday and I'll only be away for a couple of days." She told her best friend.

"May I know where you are going or is that a secret too?" Alya only sounded half annoyed by Marinette's floofiness, making the spotted hero smile.

"If you must know, I'm going on a trip courtesy of my new collaboration with Gabriel!"

"Get out of town," her friend cried down the phone. Marinette could sense there was a smile evident in Alya's voice.

"I thought we'd already understood that I am," Marinette giggled down the phone, suddenly feeling a little more excited even though it was only four thirty four in the morning. "What are you doing awake at this time anyway?"

"Wake? Girl, me and Nino haven't gone to sleep yet. Some of us aren't old spinsters like you."

"Hey!" Marinette joked back. How dare she? Yes, Marinette didn't do the whole clubbing scene anymore, she hadn't for a while, but she still knew how to have fun.

"I'm just messing, so where is it exactly you're going?"

"To the Al-" before Marinette could finish her sentence, she'd managed to get her suitcase stuck in the door well, sending her flying into the bakery, and luckily into the arms of a very strong man, who was obviously made of steel.

"Easy there," Adrien had managed to catch her, mere inches from face planting the floor, holding her strongly against his chest. Superman better watch out, there was a younger blonder model trying to take over.

As Marinette stared into Adrien's beautiful green eyes, she could faintly hear a voice coming from her phone.

"Marinette, are you ok? Was that a man's voice? Who's in the bakery? You better pick up the phone, M. What the f-" Marinette ended the call before Alya's colourful language could fill the bakery and placed the phone in her pocket. Making a mental note to text her friend as soon as possible.

"Thank you Adrien."

"You're welcome Marinette."

Adrien still held Marinette close to him, eyes never wandering away from hers. She could see lighter, almost fluorescent freckles of green in his Iris, the combination of colours being a lethal toxic to all who stared.

"Sir, we need to leave."

The moment was interrupted by Adrien's driver opening the bakeries door and calling in.

"Shut the door, you're letting the heat out." Marinette turned her head and noticed her parents were currently cuddled up watching them both. Tom Dupain's arm swung lazily over his smaller wife's shoulders, as he cuddled her into his chest. If their eyes could change shape, Marinette was sure she'd see hearts, along with Tim already signing her away to Adrien:

Marinette spotting them suddenly caused both of her parents to regain motion and return to what they were doing. Cleaning and baking bread, the same old four fourth five routine. Sabine was on her tiptoes, reaching over the glass case as Tim whistled "Jingle Bells" far too loudly, and far too out of tune.

"I'm off now, Maman, Papa." Marinette went to kiss her parents on the cheeks as Adrien grabbed her case, taking it out the doorway and to the car before coming back in for Marinette.

"Before you go," Tom said, stopping the heroes from exiting the bakery. They stop and turn to face the large man who currently looked as terrifying as a papa bear stalking its prey.

"Papa, don't!"

"Don't what?" Tom faked innocence at his daughter as he walked towards Adrien.

Marinette watched as Adrien's Adam's apple bobbed with fear. "Take these with you."

Tom held a bag of pastries out to Adrien and the blonde ex-model visibly deflated. Marinette couldn't help but chuckle. Everyone who met her father always thought he was terrifying, and at six foot five and two hundred and twenty-four pounds you can't blame them, but he was just a big teddy bear. A big huggable squishy teddy bear, and he proved it by scooping Adrien into a hug, asking him to keep his baby girl safe. Marinette could have died from embarrassment.

"Tom, put the poor boy down, Marinette is going to be fine. You know that!" And they most certainly did. Tom and Sabine were privy to the information that their daughter was one of the key heroes of Paris, and therefore they actually had no worries about what Marinette was doing, she could kick anyone's ass in key to protecting herself or anyone else. If only Adrien knew how safe he was with their daughter.

"I'll see you in a couple of days," Adrien held the door open for Marinette to exit, pastries in hand and a smile on his face.

"What?" Marinette asked, a slight chuckle leaving her lips.

"Nothing," Adrien said, covering the smile on his lips with his free hand, allowing the pastries to balance effortlessly in the other. She couldn't help but let out a laugh again.

"Adrien?" She warned.

"It's just, your family is wonderful Marinette, and your father puns. Wow, I thought I was good." Adrien darted forwards and opened the car door for Marinette.

"Is that what was happening before I made it into the bakery?"

"Oh you dough it." He dropped her a wink and she naturally rolled her eyes.

"What is it with me and guys with puns? It seems to be my achilles heel."

"Really now? So I don't need to flirt with you, just pun?" Both her face and his turned tomato red as their eyes moved swiftly away from each other. "I am so sorry," he squeaked out, and all she could do was nod. Adrien Agreste just mentioned flirting ... with her. What was happening in her life?

As Adrien shut the door and made his way around to the other side of the car, Marinette pulled out her phone and sent an SOS message to Alya.

Maribug
I may be getting slightly ahead of myself here, but I think Adrien might be flirting with me!

She turned off the screen and placed her phone in her lap watching Adrien slide elegantly next to her. The driver closed Adrien's door and made his way to the front and into the driver's seat. Marinette recognised the guy as 'Gorzilla', an akuma she saved Adrien from all those years ago. She wondered if he remembered that time and what his thoughts were about her alter ego? Could she really be vain enough to bring Ladybug up and quiz him? He turned and smiled at her, and she realised that nope. This smile was enough. Any nice comments about her alter ego and she thought her heart would explode.

"We'll be travelling business class if that's ok? First class was sold out as the flights were booked at the last minute." Adrien said it so off the cuff Marinette couldn't help but burst out laughing.

"You're joking right?" She questioned.

"I know it's not ideal, especially as we're uprooting you so close to Christmas and you owning your own business." Adrien turned to face her, panic stricken face staring at her with his green eyes wide.

"Woah, woah, woah ... that's not what I meant." She laughed. His eyes widened asking her to carry on with her explanation. "I meant, business class is better than expected, to be honest I was thinking we'd just be in economy."

"Oh," Adrien said, his face flushing with embarrassment. Laughing, Marinette reached out and placed one hand on top of his.

"Did you really think I would be upset with business class?"

Adrien messed with his hands in his lap, uncomfortable with the situation. Marinette kicked herself for making him feel this way, the easy atmosphere they usually had suddenly seemed to evaporate. Luckily a distraction came from a vibration in her lap, Alya had replied.

Foxy Lady
Get on it, M! He's lovely!

Short and sweet, and she was right. He was lovely, and she had the next few days to get to know him better.

•••••

Marinette was overwhelmed. Business class on the plane was an experience Marinette had never seen before. The plane wasn't as fancy as what it would be if they were flying long haul, but the free champagne in her hand and the fully reclining seat sure made up for it.

Adrien was seated next to her, currently chuntering away on the phone to someone. Chuntering? That was a funny word! She suddenly realised that having champagne at six in the morning, after only eating one croissant was not her smartest idea. She could feel the alcohol hitting her already, and she found herself squinting at Adrien's face.

"You know you look like Hercules, I think I'll keep that nickname for you."

Adrien's attention was pulled straight from the phone call he was currently in the midst of to look straight towards Marinette. She smiled at him, before realising she'd said that out loud. Oh ... dear ... Lord! She quickly placed a hand over her mouth as she watched Adrien's stretch into a smile which could make a girl's panties drop without any hesitation. Oh ... no ... no, no, no, no, no! Her mind was playing against her as she heard Adrien finish his call and place his phone back into his pocket.

"Hercules, huh? I suppose I can keep calling you Meg then, you have her spunk."

"Spunk?" Marinette couldn't help but howl, she'd never been told she'd got spunk before.

"Yeah, spunk! You know courage, bravery, nerve, pluck. Actually, thinking about it, you're full of pluckiness."

That was it! That was the sentence that broke her. She wasn't sure if it was her slight inebriated state, the smile on Adrien's lips, or just the sheer joy of the direction her life was going, but Marinette Dupain-Cheng laughed. She laughed and laughed and laughed. She laughed so much she thought she was going to wet herself.

"You're a strange little creature, Dupain-Cheng." He turned to the inflight magazine, leaving her to have her psychotic breakdown in peace. She noticed him though - she noticed him looking side-eyed at her every now and then, and she was quite sure he was wondering if he needed to put her into a special home for mental 'laughing' woman. Perhaps Arkham would be a suitable environment?

"How long is the flight?" She asked, wiping her eyes as the plane began to push back. A steward came passed again with another drink and Marinette took a second, downing it fair quicker than she probably should. What did they say about alcohol and flying? The thinning of the blood speeds up the effect. This wasn't going to be good.

The flight was pretty short. Only a three hour flight to Geneva, before a car ride to the resort, and Marinette swore she was only going to drink water from now on. The two champagnes hit her hard in the head, and her grasp on reality began to waiver. Unfortunately, so did the aeroplane's gasp of a smooth flight, as it hit hard into turbulence.

Marinette squealed as the plane dropped, and she grabbed hold of whatever was the closest thing to her, which of course would be Adrien's thigh.

"Um - Marinette?"

She grasped his leg harder as she took deep breaths. She couldn't die! This was not the way it was meant to go down. She was a superhero! Her death was meant to be one of great sacrifice, not from a dodgy air pocket.

"Marinette?" She thought someone was calling her name but she was too far gone. As far as she was concerned this was it. The final fanfare on a life too short.

"I don't want to die Adrien!"

"Marinette?" The plane lurched downwards again, Marinette emitting another scream at the top of her lungs. She wasn't the only one though, oh no! Adrien was the one being weird because he was the only one not screaming.

Before she could make gist of the situation, with the added bonus of alcohol in her veins, her mouth became loose.

"I don't know how to speak Chinese, even though it's half my heritage," she said, looking into the green eyed boy next to her. Hoping that baring her soul to him would help clear her conscience enough to get into heaven.

"I hate strawberry macaroons, but told my papa they were my favourite, so I end up eating a dozen or so each week just to keep him happy."

Everything in her head was telling her to stop, or maybe it was just Tikki, but it had started and the word vomit was coming out thick and fast.

"I hated your fathers last spring collection, it looked like a child had designed it." Suddenly she was on a roll.

"I hate cheesecake, the texture of it makes me want to hurl. I fell down the stairs at collegé one day and broke my coccyx and had to sit in a hook float for a week. Everyone at school thought I was off with tonsillitis. I went to watch my ex-boyfriend play with his band at a local concert but their music makes my ears bleed so I told him I had an ear infection and needed to wear cotton wool in my ears. My ex-boyfriend is a sap and I couldn't do anything wrong in his eyes, even though I'm a hot mess and love getting into debates."

Now the Luka train was on the tracks she wasn't sure if she'd be able to stop.

"I've never really kissed a guy, everytime my ex got too close I made an excuse to move out of the way. Once I even pretended to sneeze on him just so he'd back off. I have an unhealthy obsession with Chat Noir and made my ex boyfriend dress up as him for Halloween, twice, and asked him to spend the whole night telling cat puns only to then shout at him telling him that he was doing it wrong."

She needed to stop, she was trying to stop but that motion was not finding her brain. The words continued to spew out of her mouth, again and again and again, until she went a step too far and the plane made one final turbulent drop.

"I've had a crush on you since I was thirteen and I would kiss your poster every night when I went to bed, declaring my undying love and that my heart would always be yours."