Marinette smoothed down the luxurious fabric on her hips as she surveyed the room, before taking a deep breath and pulling her shoulders back. This was her first gala as a known designer, a job she'd worked hard to become accomplished in since the take down of Monarch five years ago. A job which had taken over her life in absence of needing to be Ladybug.

She'd been working in London under a British designer for three years before having the confidence and connections to branch out on her own. Remaining in England's capital as her brand took off and her life once again had meaning.

...and here she was; two years after the launch of MDC Designs and a headliner at New York fashion week. As she began to make her towards the room, she half expected Tim Gunn to appear and let her know if she was in or out.

She walked into the room at the Fifth Avenue Empire Penthouse and marvelled at the black and silver decor, before looking up at the modern globe lights hanging above the dance floor and making a mental note of their glittering effect for her next design. It was amazing where and when inspiration seemed to hit her. A dance floor properly positioned in the centre of the room was already overcrowded with models and other designers, each probably high or drunk. A normality she'd become accustomed too over the past years attending these events.

"Well, Kitty," she sighed to herself. "I made it."

She tapped the side of her clutch bag, the tap the only connection she had to her loving, loyal partner – his ring.

Marinette hadn't seen Chat Noir in over five years, his disappearance from Paris being the reason for hers. Su-Han had taken his Miraculous and handed it to her to place back inside the Miracle Box, apparently Plagg needed rest—Marinette called bullshit.

She refused to return home, he wasn't there so what was the point for her; she just wished she had realised what he'd meant to her before it was too late. He'd always had faith in her, knowing she could reach her dreams, and the day she took the job in London she promised his statue she would make him proud. She kept the ring with her everyday, hoping and praying he would waltz back into her life—in the most dramatic and Chat-like way.

"Champagne?" A waiter holding a tray cruised by her, offering a beverage before moving on. She took one from the tray, holding it delicately between her fingers, as her clutch bag remained in the other hand. Her pink nails sparkling under the expensive spotlights and matching effortlessly with her dress; including the faint flower pattern. Just one of the manypreparations she'd made for tonight's event.

The room was dazzling. So many pretty people were floating around; it seemed being in the fashion business meant you didn't walk, instead you took on a deliberate air of hovering and looking fabulous whilst at it.

She'd been to a few of these events, but only as an assistant, today she was here as a someone. A lead designer of a growing company that people wanted to know, that people wanted to get their hands on, and unfortunately a lot of the time that meant her too.

As the bewitching people passed her, there were nods of greetings and small smiles thrown her way, and for the first time that evening she wished she wasn't alone. She'd had offers from friends to come with her, she knew Luka was living in the US now and he'd been more than willing to escort her, but this was something she had to do alone—the only one she wanted on her arm she didn't even have a contact number for.

"Ah, Marinette Dupain-Cheng, looking divine as usual." Spinning around on her heel she came face to face with Walter Monreu, the head designer at 'G' Designs, the old fashion house of Gabriel.

After Monarch's defeat, the company was put up for sale, Gabriel deciding that maybe he should have more time for Adrien, pulling himself from the company and selling a massive chunk of his shares. He still was a deciding shareholder, but now he lived in Italy living off his millions and taking Adrien with him. Another missing face to her collection of boys.

"Thank you, Sir." She smiled graciously. She was proud of her dress, taking the time to match the tulip pink patterned material perfectly with her dark stilettos and necklace. She'd even had her hair and make-up professionally styled ready for the event, at her company's request, of course.

What had started as a simple gown design, grew into one fit for a Princess, one her Kitty would love and had been designed in honour of. The sweetheart neckline and off the shoulder chiffon being enough decoration to make the slit up her leg seem classy not slutty, an issue a lot of designers seemed to battle.

"I hear that 'G' Designs has a new COO, I'm looking forward to meeting him at our appointment next week."

An appointment which would be the first time she'd spent more than a day in Paris in the past five years, her nerves were on high alert having to stay there for two weeks; and though her parents and Alya had been amazing, it still broke her heart to think she'd be waking up everyday overlooking their statue with her Kitty nowhere in sight.

"Yes, though most of us aren't entirely sure what his purpose is, he came with a good background and some fresh ideas to take 'G' Designs forward. I believe he will be around at some point this evening to get reacquainted with the fashion scene."

"He's been part of this scene before then?" She took a drink from her glass wincing at the bitter taste, she didn't usually drink. Her fondness for coffee and tea trumped any alcoholic beverage, along with the need to stay alert and focused. Even with the defeat of Monarch it didn't mean another threat wouldn't be around waiting to strike.

Dramatically, Walter placed a hand to his mouth. "Dear me, I've said far too much. Don't want to break my non-disclosure agreement."

Marinette eyed the guy suspiciously. That was the first she'd heard about the COO having a past in fashion or design, from what she had been told, he was a complete newbie, only getting the job due to his incredible results during his masters degree, apparently he was smart enough to be put forward for a doctorate but chose this job instead. So if he did have a past in fashion, suddenly it made more sense, after all who would choose something superficial over that which would be beneficial.

"Interesting," Marinette responded, downing the last of her champagne and placing the now empty glass onto a passing tray.

As she turned back, she noticed something in Walter's eyes, a darkening look that sent a shiver down her spine.

"You know, Ms Dupain-Cheng, you're producing some incredible work at the moment, but–" he stretched out, placing his hand on her arm, trailing it all the way down to take her hand in his. "There are certain ways you could become greater." He lifted her hand to his lips, pressing a kiss against her knuckles. A cold chill ricocheting down her spine as his lips pressed against her bare skin, a place where only one other had ever laid their lips.

Pulling her hand aggressively out of his grasp, she held it to her chest. "Whatever success I earn," she announced wryly, "will be through my own hard work. Now if you'll excuse me please."

She went to step away, her head searching for the nearest restroom to escape too, only for her arm to be caught in a tight, uncomfortable grasp.

"Just remember, Marinette, your next collection depends on my say with 'G' Designs. We can do this the easy way or the hard way, your choice?"

Marinette moved her arm away aggressively, eyeing Walter with the best death glare she could muster up, before lifting the bottom of the skirt and scurrying towards the restrooms, bumping into someone as she passed.

"Hey!" They shouted after her, but she needed to get away, as far away from Walter as physically possible.

She was too rattled to stay and make polite conversation when she just needed to regroup after her latest conversation; thoughts running through her head that he would pull the deal if she didn't agree to his ways, turning her body to ice.

"Wait!" The voice sounded again, but she was only a couple of steps away now, she wasn't going to stop. An abrupt tingling started in her nose, the sure sign of tears being imminent, her deep breaths the only way to keep the tears at bay. She was so out of her depth here. She shouldn't have come alone.

"Wait, please."

It was too late, she'd slammed open the door to the restroom and locked it tightly behind her, making her way to the vanity and placing her hands on the countertop.

Pouting her lips to help take deep breaths in and out, she opened her purse and looked at Tikki, the small kwami giving her sad, supportive eyes back.

Looking into the mirror, she checked her face was still framed by the perfect stylised wave the hairdresser had taken 15 mins to work on before moving to her side knot. Her hair was still pristine, probably from the spray and Bobby pins keeping it in place; her face, however, needed some touch ups.

Grabbing a couple of tissues from the holder near the sink, she dabbed under her eyes before throwing the marked tissue into the bin and grabbing her concealer from her bag. Using her ring finger, she tapped it on the creme before dabbing it underneath her lower eyelashes, smoothing the beauty product into a flawless application.

Taking her phone from her bag, she pulled up her notes app, found the one labelled 'Dear Kitty' and started to type.

'I made it Chaton, I'm at my first fashion event as a head designer of my own company. It doesn't feel right though, it's not at all what I expected. I know if you were here you'd be coaching me on, telling me I can do this, that I'm worthy of the praise and the adoration. Goodness, you have no idea how much I miss your guidance and support, you made me believe, you encouraged me. It's thanks to you I got this far, I owe so much to you.

I miss you!

I love you!'

Closing the app, she sighed and placed her phone safely back into her bag. She looked up into the mirror, happy with the way her eyes no longer looked tearful or broken. She was strong again, Chat had done that to her. Even though he wasn't there she could imagine he was, she could imagine him grabbing her shoulders and telling her 'you can do this.'

...And she could.

"You've got this, LB." She mimicked Chat's voice, looking at herself in the mirror. Just another one of her little quirks since she'd lost him; her way of imagining he was there with her.

With one last deep breath, she exited the restroom, her body colliding straight into another.

"Oh, goodness, I'm so sorry. I didn't see you." Two hands grabbed her shoulders to help steady her. Settling her back on her ridiculously high heels and making sure her weight was distributed evenly over the thin supports.

"No worries at all. Actually, I'm glad you've bumped into me. Marinette Dupain-Cheng, correct?"

Marinette lifted her head, coming face to face with steely grey eyes, ones which weren't familiar in the slightest.

"Y-yeah, that's me. Do I – um – do I know you?" she asked, tilting her head in question.

"No, but I know you. I model for 'G' Designs."

"Oh, that's great. I'm sure we'll be working together in the not so distant future." Attempting a friendly smile, she stepped around the model in front of her, only for him to side step and block the way.

"Now, what's a beautiful lady like you doing alone tonight? Your boyfriend must be stupid to not be here beside you."

"I – I don't have a boyfriend. Now, if you'll excuse me."

"Single, eh? Let's go dance." He stretched out, one hand grabbing hold of her lower arm, a slight tug moving her in towards him; her mind cursing the lack of stability she had in her heels—she wouldn't have this issue in spots.

"I – uh – I don't dance with models. It's not professional."

"Come on, Marinette." He pulled her closer to his body, his hand coming up and tracing the hair framing her face. "I'm a hot topic here, it'll give you a boost to be seen with me."

She attempted to struggle free, only to be pulled in even tighter to his body. Once she found out who this model was she was firing his ass.

"I'm fine without a boost thank you, now if you'll please let me go."

"You heard the Lady, she said let her go." The voice behind her exploded like thunder, sharp and substantial, freezing her in her tracks and causing her breath to hitch in her throat. It sounded so familiar, and so secure. She attempted to turn around, only to be pulled in closer once more. The guy smelt of smoke, alcohol and BO, and she wanted to get away as quickly as possible. Hope laying with this unknown saviour.

"I saw her first. Plus, pretty boy, you don't model anymore so I don't think she has any use for you."

"Considering I help sign your paychecks, I think you do. So I'm going to ask you again. Let...the lady...go!"

For about the thousandth time that night she gasped. The new 'G' Designs COO was standing behind her, and she could feel the masculinity oozing off him. He was strong spoken, and confident; he stepped forward into the model's eyeline, blocking him from the creepy eye contact he was maintaining with Marinette; his hand finally letting her go.

The guy was seriously huge! In height and build. The pheromones were flying off him and hitting everyone in a two mile radius. He might not be a model now, but Marinette had no issue believing he was in days past. Smart and sexy, maybe this new collaboration with 'G' Designs was going to be a lot more interesting than she originally believed.

"M. Agreste, I didn't realise..." Marinette didn't hear anymore of the conversation.

Agreste.

Used to model.

And from what she could tell in his suit, some nice muscle tone.

Adrien.

He turned around, his bright green eyes lighting up as his lopsided smile pulled across his face. Had she said his name out loud? And even more, had he recognised her?

He turned around once again, his body language morphing into one of demand and respect, like a cat puffing out its coat in need to get bigger.

The man Marinette had been talking to appeared around the side of Adrien's arm, and it was only at that moment Marinette realised how much larger Adrien was than the model. He towered over him, dominating the short, leaner man.

"I'm sorry for disrespecting you, Mlle. Dupain-Cheng, I can guarantee it won't happen again." He scurried away in the opposite direction, Adrien finally turning back to face her.

He looked spectacular. His three piece suit was a dark grey, his tie not too dissimilar in colour to her dress and his face chiselled and toned in the most perfect of places. He no longer looked like the cute boy she sat behind in collège, now he was full male. Beautiful.

"Hi," she breathed out, unsure whether he would have heard over the music.

"Hey."

They remained staring at each other, smiling and just soaking each other in until they stepped forward and into a tight embrace.

"I've missed you, stranger," she stretched on her tiptoes to whisper in his ear, only to feel his arms tighten around her a little more.

"I've missed you more." He unhooked her from around him and held her back with his hands on her upper arms. "You look divine, Marinette."

"Not too bad yourself, handsome."

"Come with me." He stretched his hand out, and as she would have back in their younger years, she slipped her hand into his and let him take her the way.