Marinette collapsed down on her chaise lounge, one shoe on and the other somewhere on the staircase leading to her room. She didn't care her skirt was almost revealing her granny panties to the world and she definitely didn't care if she fell asleep here. She was in a world of bliss... alcohol fuelled bliss, that was.

Today was her birthday. Her 21st birthday to be exact and it had been wonderful. She'd been out for a meal with all of her friends, before the girl's had taken her on a girl's night out. She couldn't remember the last time that had happened.

It was fair to say she loved her whole friendship group, she really did... but the boys were sometimes a little too much of... themselves . She swore if Kim had commented on another girl's legs, or Adrien threw down another pun she was going to transform and beat somebody's ass! Adrien's preferably... she always wanted to get her hands on it!

Her mind buzzed through the wine-inflicted state – or was that the shots Alix had purchased? Anyway, whatever it was had set her into a carefree state she hadn't been in for years – about 20 to be exact.

"Tikki," she sighed. "I love my friends. They're like the best friends I've ever had."

Tikki appeared with a slight giggle leaving her lips. "They are pretty Miraculous, Marinette. So tell me, when you blew out the candles, what did you wish for?"

Marinette giggled, lifting herself up on her elbows to look at Tikki. "A birthday kiss... and a little something else!" She sighed again, life really was wonderful. "Make sure you remind me to make Kitty his ' favouritist' treats! It was so good of him to take tonight's patrol alone, so I could go out."

"I'm sure I can do that," Tikki flew and snuggled into Marinette's chest, nuzzling in and giving her holder a warm, birthday hug.

"Did you see Adrien tonight, Teeks? How can a guy in a simple navy jumper with rolled up sleeves look so undeniably sexy? Like, forearms should not look that edible."

"I think he could be wearing a potato sack dress with a loaf of bread on his head and you'd still think he was the sexiest person in the room."

"Too right."

She closed her eyes and dropped her head back. Adrien had looked delicious, more appetising than the food, and as he sat next to her, treating her like she was his girlfriend with gentle hand brushes and food sharing, she had to remind herself not to drool. He was just a friend. Just a friend! Her hands came up and slammed over her face... oh, why was he just a friend! What more did she need to do to get him to see her? To really see her... to grab her and pin her against the nearest wall and kiss her senseless, or pull her onto his lap and let her bite him on the shoulder. Damn, she bet he tasted good!

"You know what?" Marinette suddenly shot up into a sitting position and threw Tikki halfway across the room in the movement. "I feel like dancing."

With not much stability in her legs, Marinette stumbled over towards her computer, and shook the mouse vigorously in an attempt to wake it up. Repeating the action a few more times, Tikki came to join Marinette, sitting beside the computer. Tikki gave it a quick glance before realising exactly what the issue was. Marinette hadn't turned the monitor on.

Using all her might, Tikki pressed the button on the computer screen, the sudden glow of Adrien Agreste's face lit up the room.

"Isn't he just so dreamy!" Marinette sighed, cupping her chin in her hand and pouting at the computer screen. "I swear he was going to kiss me tonight. We were eating spaghetti like in Lady and the Tramp..."

"I know, Marinette –"

"And he asked if he could share the piece with me."

"I know, Marinette –"

"I was so shocked when he just placed the end in his mouth and began to suck. His eyes were glowing at me... and the way he bit through it to separate it! I never knew I had such a fetish for teeth!"

Marinette began chopping her own as if to make a point.

"I was there, Marinette!" Tikki laughed.

"And then the present! Oh, my word Tikki! Have you seen it? It's the most beautiful necklace!" Marinette wrapped her fingers around the soft platinum of the chain before bringing it up to her lips and kissing it. "Oh, Adrien! Where far art thou?"

Finally drawing her eyes away from the photograph of Adrien Agreste, Marinette pulled up her Spotify and wondered what the feeling was this evening. They'd spent all night at her favourite bar, an 80's one! So, she may as well continue that party. Clicking the correct list, she stumbled on her one shoe back to the staircase, kneeling down and reaching forwards to grab the other.

"Marinette? What are you doing?" Tikki flew beside her holder, wondering if she needed to hold her up as she attempted to place her shoe back on.

"I'm going out!"

"You've just been out!"

"I know! But I'm going out onto the terrace. Chat Noir should still be around, and if I can get him to come and have a dance with me, well... my birthday will end perfectly."

Looking more like Bambi than the seductionist she wanted to be, Marinette made her way up the ladder and towards the skylight. She was going to exit onto her roof terrace, get her partner to come and dance with her, and complete the best night of her life... or almost best. A kiss off Adrien would have been the deciding factor.

Clambering onto her bed, she crawled on her knees towards the corkboard and found a picture of both Chat Noir and Adrien Agreste... huh? If she squinted just right, they almost looked the same, and if she went cross eyed...

With a shriek, she threw the photographs down on her bed, now crawling to freedom and the need for fresh air. Adrien had merged perfectly with Chat Noir, and the whole idea was not something she was willing to contend with, drunk. That would be her secret birthday wish gone wild!

She pushed open the skylight, and pulled herself up onto the balcony, the rocky sounds of 'Livin' On a Prayer' becoming her exit music. Oh, yes!

Walking to her railing, she whipped out her air guitar before doing an impressive impression of Richie Sambora.

And Luka said she'd never be a rock chick... she should record a video of herself and send it to him.

Her hands moved around her dress suddenly realising she didn't have pockets and that she'd left her phone downstairs. She'd just have to give Luka a live version at some point and show him exactly how wrong he was. She was a rock goddess!

She continued, moving onto playing the drums as the chorus kicked in giving it the big finale!

"Nobody told me Princesses could rock?"

The sound of his voice only made her commit more to her drumming solo. With a jump turn around and a pout placed on her lips, she wiggled her hips to the music. Her eyes challenged him to join.

Chat Noir reached a hand around the back of his neck, his eyes surveying the area and only increasing the smirk on her face.

"What are you?" she asked. "A scaredy cat?"

Shaking his head, he commenced to pretend to swing his guitar from around his back and play. As the song came to its end, and she'd nearly passed out from the over enthusiastic head banging, Chat Noir moved forward, sliding on his knees and coming to an abrupt halt at her feet.

"Not bad for a little old puddy tat!" She bent down to his level, squishing his cheeks in her palms and moving them around.

Slapping her hands away, Chat Noir shot up onto his feet and brushed himself down. "Watch who you're calling old 'birthday girl'!"

"How do you know it's my birthday?" She raised an eyebrow at him before moving closer and grabbing him by his bell, yanking him forward and pressing her nose against his. "Are you stalking me, pretty kitty?"

"Call me pretty again, Purrincess, and I'll stalk you any day."

Placing a finger on his nose, she pushed him away, rolling her eyes — every ounce her alter ego. "You are ridiculous?"

"Ridiculously handsome, of course." He crossed his arms over his chest and wiggled his eyebrows at her, igniting a boat full of laughter which derived right from her stomach.

"Sure thing. You're just a regular Adrien Agreste."

"Oh, I'm much more attractive than him."

Marinette looked him over before scrunching her nose. "Nope, don't see it! You see Adrien is completely drool worthy, you, on the other hand. Well, you probably drool in your sleep."

"Don't most people?" he asked.

"Adrien Agreste doesn't," she sighed dreamily, moving and sitting on her lounger. She lay back, her hands tucking under her head as she stared at the stars.

"I'm quite certain he does," Chat Noir laughed, her eyes narrowing as she turned to glare at him.

"Listen, Chaton , I know Adrien and I've watched him sleep. He does not drool. He sleeps like an Angel."

"Have you ever actually slept with him?" Chat Noir asked.

"I've tried!" She was quite sure her face could be seen from the International Space Station as it went crimson. The heat detectors everywhere would suddenly think the world was going to explode with the fire of a thousand volcanoes. Why had that come out of her mouth?

"I don't —"; "What?"

They both spoke at the same time. Chat Noir holding back and allowing Marinette to go first.

"I was going to say I don't mean it that way, but, you know what, screw it! I do!"

"I'm sure he'd be okay with the —"

The next song drifted onto the rooftop, Marinette squealing with delight. "I love this one! Dance with me, my Kitty!"

Without giving him a chance to consider, Marinette stood up, grabbing his hand and pulling him into the middle of the roof.

Now, I've had the time of my life...

She wrapped her arms tightly around his neck, closing her eyes and feeling the rhythm take over her body. This felt good!

"You know, I was hoping to see you tonight, I was actually coming up to the rooftop to try and get your attention." She nuzzled into his neck, taking a deep breath of peppermint, aftershave and a hint of magic. Actually, come to think of it, he smelt exactly like Adrien !

The pictures of the two of them crossed over again in her mind again. Could her birthday wish come true? Could she have the two men she wanted, be one? Wait... when had she wished for that?

"I may have been near your rooftop because I wanted to see you and wish you a happy birthday. Maybe even give you birthday kiss."

The chimes of Notre Dame began to strike. "It's not my birthday anymore Kitty cat."

"I have until the 12th stroke."

"What you waiting for then? Kiss me."

Marinette stretched up onto her toes, eyes closed and lips pouted, waiting for Chat Noir to bend down and kiss her once again. It had been years since their first kiss, the least he could do on her birthday was give her a good one to remember — especially as he turned up to see her empty handed.

The hope was short lived, as his lips positioned themselves against her cheek, just to the side of her lips.

"You're drunk," he whispered, being the gentleman he was and not taking advantage... she really wanted him to take advantage.

"Am not!"

"Am too!"

"Am not!"

"Dance with me." Instead of allowing the childish battle to continue, Chat Noir pulled her into his arms and began to sway.

They continued to dance, the sounds of Bill Medley and Jennifer Warnes drifting through the skylight and encompassing them on her rooftop.

She suddenly found herself breaking into uncontrollable giggles.

"What?" Chat Noir laughed, humour coating his voice.

"Oh, it's nothing!"

"Are you thinking about sleeping with Adrien Agreste again?"

She moved back, her hands on his biceps as she gave them a little squeeze. "Now, I am. But that's not why I was laughing. I was just thinking about you and Patrick Swayze."

"What about us? How much more charming and sexy I am?"

"Definitely not! More like..." She wiggled her eyebrows at him.

"You're not thinking about the..."

"Oh, yes I am!"

Chat Noir stopped the dancing and looked at her, his face going a little pale. "I'm not going to lie to you, Marinette, I've had a little to drink tonight too and I'm not sure if I'm ready for such a big move."

"Does Ladybug know you're being an irresponsible hero this evening?"

"Believe me, she's turned up in worse states."

"Heyyyy!!" She placed her hands on her hips and glared up at him. How rude!

Suddenly remembering she wasn't her alter ego at the moment, she relaxed herself and stepped forward, grabbing his bell once again. "Don't be such a pussy cat."

"Marinette, come on. Be reasonable!" He huffed out a laugh.

"I am! Now, stand back! I've always wanted to do this!" Her eyes remained placed on him as she backed up a couple of steps before running full throttle towards him. The climax of the music hit at the exact right point, almost as though it was planned, and Marinette launched herself over Chat Noir's head.

Yes, I swear, it's the truth

And I owe it all to you

*****

I've had the time of my life

No, I never felt this way before (never felt this way)

Unfortunately, Chat Noir wasn't ready.

His reactions were not at his normal 'sober' level and his body was completely unprepared for what Marinette was about to do.

The distance between them was barely a metre, meaning the run up was short, (and for someone usually so clumsy) fast and completely off track.

As she launched herself up, his arms came out automatically, catching her hips and holding her above his head...

"Nobody puts Marinette in the corner," she suddenly yelled, beginning to laugh.

"Marinette," Chat Noir said, "you need to hold still!"

"I'm Queen of the World, I'm top of the tower, I'm..."

Her laughing caused them to wobble, Chat Noir doing his best to hold onto her. If he could just rearrange her weight he could move her to drop and cradle in his arms and stop any possible injury. She just needed to stay still.

The last laugh hooted from her mouth and caused her to continue forward, right over his head. She slipped out of his hands, a squeal leaving her mouth as she made her way head first into the rose bush, her face coming out worse for wear as the thorns scraped along her head.

"Ouch!" she huffed.

Without a second thought, he quickly moved to her side, kneeling down beside her and taking her hand in his. He examined her head. That had to hurt!

"Marinette? Are you okay?"

"My face feels funny." She lifted a hand to her forehead, wincing at the touch only to be startled more as she looked at the blood on her fingers.

"Come on, Baby , let's get you cleaned up."

Scooping her into his arms, Chat Noir carried Marinette to the skylight, jumping in and landing softly. Her body still cradled in his arms.

"I drank too much," Marinette whined. "My head hurts."

Chat Noir laughed, moving down to her First Aid box and grabbing what he needed before climbing back up the ladder.

"It's not just the alcohol, my Princess. The fact you fell into a rose bush isn't going to help the situation."

He ripped open the antiseptic wipe before carefully moving it across her forehead; he was careful not to hurt her more, or catch her with his claws.

Their eyeline was level, and he could feel her studying him, his own eyes concentrating on disinfecting, then adding a Chat Noir themed band aid to the cut.

"Did anyone ever tell you how stunning your eyes are?" she whispered.

"I've had a few comments," he chuckled, stopping his care to look at her.

"And your face. It's stunning." Her hands came up to cup it, her thumbs trailing across his cheek bones, as he nuzzled into her and closed his eyes. A soft rumble emitted from his chest. A sound of absolute contentment. "I wish you and Adrien were one and the same. My life would be so much simpler," she whispered.

"What if we were?" Chat Noir lowered his hand from her forehead, placing it over hers on his cheek instead. He twisted his face and pressed a light, feathered kiss into her palm.

"I'd let him know he was the coolest guy I've ever met." She moved forward and kissed Chat Noir on the cheek.

"Is that your birthday wish?" Chat Noir asked, their noses close, and lips tingling in anticipation to meet. He didn't realise his mouth could water from the thought of a kiss, but right now, he wanted to consume Marinette like a fine wine. Drinking her in and being overwhelmed with her flavour. He ran his tongue over his lower lip, unsatisfied by the lack of taste.

"It would be the best wish to ever come true."

He gulped down the thickness which had built in his throat, this was teetering on the edge of danger and he knew it, but he wanted to tell her, to let her know that her wish had been granted, that he was... well, him !

"Marinette, I —"

Before Chat Noir could say anymore, Marinette turned to hang off the edge of the bed, throwing up and into, what he guessed was, her knitting basket.

He moved over to her, hooking his clawed hand under her hair and holding it off her face as his other hand rubbed soft, slow circles on her back.

Obviously, Alix had been in charge of drinks for the remainder of the evening — if the fluorescent glow was anything to go by.

*****

Adrien checked his hoodie for any mess; he'd thrown on the first thing he'd seen that morning without even considering if it was clean or not. He was a university student. He didn't care.

But the last thing he wanted to do was turn up at the bakery and look like a scruffy good for nothing. He was quite sure Tom had standards for his little girl, actually forget that, Adrien was a thousand percent sure Tom had standards... he'd tried to meet them once before and that went realllly well!

He repositioned the basket under his arm as he continued his way towards the bakery. He'd woken up extra early to go to the local sewing shop. After Marinette had (not so gracefully) thrown up and wrecked the entirety of the contents within her knitting basket, he knew he couldn't just leave it that way. So, he'd gone to buy her a whole new set. The basket contained: needles, yarn and a whole lot of fancy things the woman at the shop persuaded him his girlfriend would need. The basket also came complete with a cup of her favourite coffee from a small bistro near the Sacré-Cœur, and, very shortly, a bottle of strawberry flavoured liquid paracetamol (Marinette unable to swallow tablets).

Just as he was about to enter the pharmacy, he noticed the flash of red over head.

Ladybug.

Adrien stopped and looked at his watch. This was early by her standards. "Do you think there's an akuma?" Adrien whispered down to Plagg.

"Check your phone." The kwami grumbled, returning to his sleep-like cheese coma.

Adrien balanced the basket on his hip and grabbed his phone from his pocket. Nope. No Akuma notifications. The red blur suddenly landed in front of him, stumbling a little and grasping onto her head, Adrien heard a groan leave her lips as she made her way into the exact shop he was heading to.

Keeping a safe distance behind her, he watched as she made her way down the aisles. Luckily it was early and not many people were out, as she dragged her feet to the medicine section, and to the exact medicine he wanted to get for Marinette. Peculiar.

He watched inquisitively as she grabbed a bottle and turned around ready to pay for it. And then he saw it. The band aid on her head. The Chat Noir band aid! In the exact place he'd put it on her head the night before. No way! No stinking way! Forget about her birthday wish coming true, he'd just won at life.

Slowly, he followed behind her, keeping a safe distance just in case she spotted him. She headed for the check out, opening her yo-yo to grab something from inside. He watched her root around for a while, unable to grab what she needed before she groaned and slammed her hands to her head.

"I thought I'd put it in here!" she said, the cashier looking perplexed.

"Don't worry, Ms. Bug, it's on –"

"No!" she interrupted. "I'm paying for this one way or another. Let me just check –"

"It's on me." Adrien stepped up behind her, offering out his credit card as he balanced the basket on his hip.

"You don't need to –" Ladybug's eyes widened as she turned and looked directly into his face. "Adrien!" she shrieked, instantly holding her head and letting out a moan.

"Most people just say 'thank you'."

"Thank you," she repeated.

He laughed. "You're welcome! May I walk you out?"

Ladybug looked around, before attempting to smile. "Oh, um, yeah okay. Sure!"

They walked silently side by side, Ladybug squinting and stumbling as they strolled down the path in the early morning sunlight. Adrien grabbed ahold of her arm, keeping her up right and stopping her from greeting the concrete.

"Anyone would think you have a hangover or something?" Adrien said.

"Oh, no! Not me! I'm a top class citizen; no sex, drugs or rock and roll... and I don't know why I just told you that."

Adrien laughed, taking this as his opportunity to dig a little deeper. "Perhaps you want to sleep with me. Don't worry though, I don't drool!" He dropped her a wink and then carried on walking away from her down the street.

In 3... 2... 1

"Sleep with you?" She was running to keep up with his long strides. "W-why would I want to sleep with you?"

"To see if I drool!"

"W-why would I want to d-do that? That's weird, and I'm not weird."

Not weird my ass!

"Of course, you're not!"

She continued walking alongside him and he was finding it highly amusing she hadn't realised how close they were to the bakery yet.

"Coffee?" He grabbed the cup from the knitting basket and handed it to her. "It has four sugars in it."

She snatched the cup and downed it. "You have no idea how much I needed that!"

Oh, I'm sure I do!

"What's in the basket?" she asked, trying to peer over and into it.

"Something for a friend, a very good friend."

"Oh!" She sounded disappointed, Adrien finally stopped just short of their destination, and changed direction to the park. Ladybug followed alongside him, her head hanging low.

"Yeah," Adrien said as they finally found a bench and sat down. "She threw up in hers last night and I think I was to blame for part of it. Happy Birthday for yesterday by the way."

"Thank you, I –" She gasped and turned to look at him as he stood from the bench placing the basket beside her.

"I'll be back at 7 this evening, make sure you wear something nice." He bent down and kissed her on the cheek. "Happy Birthday, Bugaboo."

Smirking to himself, he strolled out of the park like the cat who'd got the cream, his partner left gobsmacked and muttering to herself on the bench.

But it didn't matter because when he eventually turned up in a black suit and pink tie, beautiful red and white roses in his hands, she was ready and waiting, looking as fresh as a daisy and stunning in a little black dress.

And by the end of that night, all of her birthday wishes had finally come true.