A/n- This is sort of an au. Please read the description for details!!

//**\\

The students at Académie Linguistique tossed their black caps in the Summer air and cheered to finishing three years of high school. Claps resounded from the crowd of relatives and friends in the continental-shaped auditorium.

After receiving gifts and roses from family members, four best friends met at the infamous ice cream cart atop the Seine bridge, as they had agreed prior to the ceremony. It was a scorching day in June, so they threw off their royal blue gowns and tossed them in Alya Cesaire's car to cool off so they could wear their somewhat formal attire.

Marinette Dupain-Cheng wore a white collared blouse and a short, ruffled pastel pink skirt, and Alya wore a dark orange pencil dress. Adrien Agreste and Nino Lahiffe sported matching black t-shirts and grey slacks.

"We'll take one waffle cone," Alya told Andre, the plump and joyful ice cream man.

Alya's boyfriend, Nino, grabbed a wad of cash from his front pocket and set it on the sticky counter.

"Why thank you, Monsieur Lahiffe!" Andre beamed. He handed the couple their regular triple scoop of coconut, banana, and passion fruit in no more than one minute.

"Thanks, Andre," said Alya, carefully grabbing the waffle cone. Nino gave him a polite nod before they sat on a nearby bench.

Next in line, Marinette happily took a double scoop of strawberry and mint.

"That's such a good combination of flavors," Adrien smiled at his friend. Blushing, Marinette stepped back and let him grab his scoops of blueberry and blackberry.

Andre's forehead wrinkled. "Still getting two separate cones after all these years?"

Both Marinette and Adrien's cheeks went red.

"Um..." Adrien began.

"Well..." Marinette spoke at the same time.

"We're not a couple," Marinette clarified.

Andre let out a disappointed sigh. Without another word, he continued to the couple next in line.

"I'm so sorry," Adrien scratched the back of his head, ruffling his golden blonde hair.

Marinette quirked an eyebrow. "What are you sorry for?"

"Well, um, I mean—I'm sorry about the situation," he stammered. "That was really awkward, and I don't want you to feel uncomfortable or anything."

"I'm not uncomfortable. Andre's always been strange." Marinette pulled her mid-back-length hair into a messy bun. She could feel every drop of sweat on her scalp. Marinette had grown out her hair for the first time in her life. The longer it grew, the thicker it became.

Adrien gave her a soft smile. "That's good."

"Are you uncomfortable?" Marinette asked, a hint of a smirk on her pink, glossy lips.

"No, not at all." He feigned confidence.

The pair sat on the bench across from Alya and Nino. "Our ice cream's already melting," complained Nino.

"Then we better eat it, dork," Alya laughed before taking a daring bite of ice cream with her teeth.

Nino's eyes popped out of his head in horror. "How do you eat like that?!"

"I dunno. I guess my gums aren't that sensitive."

"Alya seriously freaks me out," Adrien chuckled to Marinette.

Marinette smirked towards Alya. "Yeah. She's always been weird like that."

"Hey," Alya pouted. "Don't even get me started on all the weird shenanigans you pulled when we were fourteen."

Blush pooled into Marinette's cheeks. "That was a long time ago, Alya. This is now!"

Alya rolled her eyes. "Speaking of now, I was waiting to tell you guys for two weeks, but I got an internship offer for a journalist assistant position at France 24." She grinned proudly.

Marinette sat up straighter. "Oh my god, for real? That's amazing! I told you that you'd run into something!" She recalled the beginning of her senior year when Alya shared her worries with Marinette about getting in with a news team. She had used the Ladyblog for her résumé, so it was a wonder why she didn't get an opportunity sooner than this.

Alya's demeanor changed from confident to humble. "Thanks, girl. You've always got my back."

"What about me?" Nino questioned, his legs pressed against Alya's. "I'll always support you, too!"

"Getting a little jealous, aren't we, babe?" Alya wiped a spot of banana ice cream drop off Nino's chin with her thumb. "I promise, Marinette's nothing more than a friend." She not-so-discreetly winked at Marinette on purpose.

Nino groaned, palm smacking his forehead. "Not this again."

Adrien jutted his lips out. "Is this some kind of inside joke?"

"Absolutely not," Marinette said, giving Alya an impish look. "I never agreed to this."

Alya snorted in response.

Adrien let out a short laugh. He always found Alya and Marinette's friendship cute, and it was obvious to him that they were close. Although he and Nino were just as close, they'd' never go so far as to pretend they had a secret romance.

Adrien wondered if Marinette had a boyfriend and then shook away the thought, figuring she'd tell him since they were pretty close nowadays. That made him feel better. Adrien didn't know how he'd feel if she started dating someone. Don't get him wrong; he wanted Marinette to be happy, but none of the guys from their school were worthy of her. Adrien still harbored feelings for his classmate, and those feelings only grew stronger every year. Somehow, they'd never gotten past that first date (if you could call it that) at the wax museum with Luka and Kagami "monitoring" them.

Call Adrien selfish and maybe a little too idealistic, but he still held onto the hope that he—as Chat Noir when they were fourteen—was Marinette's first and only kiss. Who was he kidding? They were eighteen now. Most people have already kissed at least three people by their age. Plus, he was almost certain that she wasn't interested in him.

"You guys know what I'm doing this summer?" Nino said. "I'm DJ-ing at that new club down the road. I start in a week."

"Sweet!" Adrien grinned. "Looks like I better hit the club more often."

"More often?" Alya giggled. "Have you ever been once?"

Adrien's face became flushed. "Uh—no, but the point is, I'll be there for you, man," he nodded towards Nino.

"I've never been to a club either," Marinette told Adrien, stretching her legs out on the boardwalk. "I think I'd just bump into everyone the whole time."

"They seem too crowded." Adrien entertained the thought of Marinette tripping and falling all over people and squeaking out, "Sorry, I'm so clumsy!"

"So, Marinette? Adrien?" Alya said. "Any jobs this Summer?"

"Uh—" Marinette stiffened. "I mean, you guys know I want to be a fashion designer. I just haven't had the time to look for job opportunities." Marinette didn't know where to start, and she was embarrassed. Almost all of her friends had a clear picture of their future. Alya made her feel better by giving her a subtle, understanding look.

Ever since Marinette told Alya she was Ladybug, they often communicated across rooms with their eyes. It was the best friend's intuition that Marinette learned to count on. Lately, Ladybug had taken up most of the space in her life. Shadow Moth was relentless, and she was getting tired. Marinette felt like a fifty-year-old in an eighteen-year-old's body.

"I'm thinking about starting culinary school if my father ever eases up on me," Adrien sighed.

Marinette blinked. Adrien wanted to go to culinary school? She should've seen it coming because he'd always scarfed down her parents' food.

"Do you wanna cook, or do you want to bake?" Marinette asked.

"I'm leaning towards baking," he answered. His lips formed into a smirk. "That way, I could have all the croissants and chouquettes I want."

Nino cackled. "You fat ass."

"Don't pretend you don't like the Dupain-Chengs' pastries," said Adrien.

"Not as much as you, dude." Nino slung his arm around Alya. "I don't know how you're still in shape."

"Um, hello?" Adrien turned up his palms. "I jog, so I burn off all those calories."

"Don't know how you do it. I get winded after climbing three flights of stairs."

Alya rolled her eyes. "Babe, you're a superhero."

"Yeah, but I don't have the same stamina without the suit!" Nino pointed out.

After all these years, Marinette still couldn't believe Nino gave away his and Alya's superhero identities. She was thankful Alya never told him about hers because it would've been out in the world by now. Oh, the struggle of having one of the most powerful miraculouses.

"Anyway," Nino started, "I'm throwing a party next weekend for our graduating class. My parents will be away for their anniversary."

"You already know I'll be there, babe." Alya kissed his cheek.

Marinette smiled. "Of course, I'll come. I'm not busy that weekend for once."

Adrien lowered his head. "I'll try to make it, but I can't guarantee my father will let me go."

"Aw man, that sucks ass," Nino crossed his arms. "He's so controlling."

"I know," Adrien rolled his eyes. "I can't wait to move out."

Marinette gently patted his shoulder in support, and he gave her a thankful smile.

Alya and Nino shared a smirk. "Are you thinking what I'm thinking?" Alya whispered.

"I'm pretty sure," Nino replied confidently.

Alya stood up, took her boyfriend's hand, and pulled him off the bench. "Nino and I are going on a short walk."

Marinette looked at Alya quizzically. "Are you kidding? I've sweated enough already."

"Then you two can stay here," Alya said, using her index fingers to point at Adrien and Marinette. Then, she brought her fingers together.

Nino pouted. "Can't we do something else? It's too hot."

"No," Alya subtly kicked Nino's leg. "We're going on a walk."

Marinette gave her friend an 'I know what you're doing, and it isn't going to work' look. Alya winked in response and dragged a reluctant Nino away with her.

"They're truly meant for each other, huh?" Adrien said.

"Oh, yes," Marinette playfully shook her head. "They'll still be arguing like this as an old married couple."

Adrien chuckled. "Romance at its finest."

Marinette laughed with him, but it was short-lived. She thought of what Adrien said about his father. "Adrien?"

"Yeah?" He turned towards her, trying not to get lost in her blue eyes.

"About your father... your future is for you to decide and only you. What's important is your happiness, not his."

Adrien couldn't help his blush. "You always know what to say. I don't know how you do it, Marinette."

"Me? Ha! No way!" Marinette anxiously twirled her hair. "I get all my advice from my parents!"

"Well, that gives me another reason to visit the bakery more often," he replied smoothly.

"Oh...yes," Marinette lost her breath for a moment. Then, an idea hit her. "Adrien!" Her face lit up. "My parents could help you get into a culinary school! My mom and dad went to La Cuisine Paris when they first started, and now look where they are! They'd offer you a paid internship and get you into the school! I'll talk to them when I get home later."

Adrien's jaw dropped. "Really? You'd do that for me?"

"Of course!" Marinette beamed. "Their former instructor works there and always visits the bakery."

"Marinette, you really don't have to do this. I can figure things out on my own. Your parents seem busy enough."

"And that's the problem." Marinette rested her hands on her knees. "They could use a helping hand." They had already tried to get Marinette to work with them, but she refused because she only liked baking for fun and knew that wasn't her dream job.

Adrien's face softened with affection. "Thank you so much, Marinette. You have no idea how much this means to me."

Now, if he could only convince his father.

//**\\

Gabriel Agreste called Nathalie, his assistant, into his office. As he waited, he paced across the black and white tiled floor and looked at the giant portrait of his late wife, Emilie. This was all for her—Shadow Moth, Adrien's future. He was sure that she would be proud.

Nathalie stepped through the door, her posture straight. She held a black clipboard neatly in one hand. "You wanted me, sir?"

Gabriel gave her a curt nod. "Close the door."

Nathalie did as she was asked, her heart beating fast. Whenever he told her to shut the door, it was always serious.

"So," Gabriel cleared his throat, "now that Adrien has graduated high school, we'll plan the next steps for his future."

Nathalie twisted her face in disgust. "Sir, while it's nice that you're helping out your son, maybe you should let him make some of his own choices."

Gabriel huffed. "Nathalie, I would appreciate it if you would stop telling me how to raise my son."

"...Very well, sir, but there may be serious consequences for this," she firmly told him.

After adjusting his square glasses, Gabriel typed out something on his laptop. "You're dismissed, Nathalie. I no longer wish to discuss anything with you."

Nathalie turned sharply towards the door, intentionally making her heels hit the floor harder. If Gabriel went too far and she had to intervene, she would.

//**\\

Adrien came home with a glimmer of joy in his eyes. He couldn't believe how lucky he was to have Marinette in his life. She always thought of others and made sure everyone was happy.

He prayed his father would let him intern at the bakery for the Summer. It was a free ticket to culinary school, after all. If he became one of the most successful bakers in Paris, Gabriel would surely be proud of him.

"Hey, Nathalie!" Adrien greeted her with an enthusiastic grin as he walked through the front door.

Nathalie gave him a sympathetic smile in return. It had been a long time since she'd seen Adrien like this. But she knew it wasn't going to last long. Gabriel was always the gray cloud in his life, and it shouldn't ever have to be that way.

"Where's my father?" Adrien asked. "I've gotta tell him something."

"He's in his office," Nathalie answered, nodding towards the left.

"Right, thank you," Adrien rushed upstairs, nearly dropping his cap and gown.

Gabriel hadn't shown up to his graduation. His excuse was that he was "too busy with work," as usual. Adrien hadn't minded, though. He was used to this behavior by now. All that mattered was that his friends were by his side.

Without knocking, Adrien burst into Gabriel's office. "Father!" He began with a huge grin.

Gabriel looked up, his eyebrows raised in surprise. "Adrien, what have I told you about knocking?"

"Sorry, father, but I'm just so excited!"

"About your graduation? I know you look forward to your future," he smiled.

Adrien nodded. "Yes, it has to do with my future. My friend Marinette said she could get me an internship at her parents' bakery this Summer!"

"No, you will not be doing that this Summer." Gabriel didn't miss a beat.

All the light from Adrien's eyes faded. "Father...why not? I'll get paid for it, and it's a good job. I want to go to culinary school."

Gabriel clenched his jaw. "Culinary school? Did that Dupain-Cheng girl persuade you to join their little baking club?"

Adrien scrunched up his forehead. "No. I want to be a baker. Marinette just gave me an offer, and I love her parents' food, so again, why not?"

"Because I said so," Gabriel replied sternly. "Your future is much brighter, Adrien. My son is meant for greater obligations than those of a mere baker."

Adrien felt anger boiling deep within his chest. "Father, I'm eighteen years old. You can't make decisions for me anymore!"

"Oh, yes, I can. You don't have the means to live on your own yet."

"I would if you'd let me get a job," Adrien scoffed. "And all that money I earned from modeling—didn't you promise to give it to me after graduation?"

Gabriel smirked. "Ah, but that's where you're wrong. I only told you that the money would be utilized for your future. I never planned to let you use it for your personal desires. You're too young to know what you truly want, son."

"I do know what I want! I'm an adult now!" Adrien argued.

"A young adult," Gabriel corrected. "Besides," he grinned cruelly, "I've already spent the money on your future college expenses."

Adrien's jaw dropped like an anchor. "What?? You—you already spent the money? MY money?!"

Gabriel nodded casually. "Precisely. You'll be attending school in Italy this Fall. That's why I had you studying Italian so much for the past two years."

"Father—NO! I wanna stay here in Paris with my friends! I'm not going to Italy!" Adrien angrily crossed his arms.

"You don't have a say in this, Adrien," Gabriel said through gritted teeth.

Adrien glared at his father coldly, storming off to his bedroom and slamming the door. He didn't care if Gabriel grounded him for it, for his father was already making Adrien's life miserable enough. Adrien had wanted to say so much more but held back.

Plagg, Adrien's Kwami, came zipping out of Adrien's shirt pocket. "What on earth was that?! We can't go to Italy!!"

"No shit, Plagg," Adrien flopped backward onto his bed. "I don't even know what to do!" He covered his face with his hands."

"Can't you just get a job without telling him?" Plagg suggested.

"No, because Nathalie would find out and tell him," Adrien grumbled. "He has her on my ass all the time."

"We've gotta think of something! Can't your cousin Felix take your place?" Plagg said, pace-floating around the room.

"That's not going to work like it used to," Adrien replied, pillow over his face. "My father caught on a long time ago."

Plagg let out a long sigh. "All this stress is making me hungry.

"Go eat your stupid cheese, then. It's on its usual platter."

With a tiny scowl, Plagg flew to the silver platter and inhaled a massive block of Camembert.

Adrien was too frustrated to think of anything. He hoped his father would at least let him go to Nino's party next weekend. It dawned on Adrien that—he should've realized sooner, but he was too young and naive—if he didn't do something soon, he'd be nothing more than a puppet in Gabriel's stage play for the rest of his life.