HITTING THE MARC!

Marc Anciel, 23, has been approached to write the new animated children's television show 'Miraculous: The Tales of Ladybug and Chat Noir'. The talented writer, known for his work on the 'Miraculous' anime comic book series, alongside his significant other Nathaniel Kurtzberg, 24, was approached after the latest instalment in the film franchise was a huge flop.

Marc had been suggested by Ladybug herself to take over the writing for the up and coming television series aimed at children from the age of 5 - 10, though she hopes the nostalgia of the films, plus the attention grabbing storyline, will feed through young children to older audiences, especially those who have grown up with the heroes.

Marc gave us an exclusive on how he is feeling taking on such a tremendous role.

'[I] am eternally grateful to Ladybug for recommending me for this new role, writing and producing an animated series of the much beloved movies.

Ladybug and Chat Noir have been a big part of my life for the past ten years, so being able to promote their legacy is one of the greatest achievements in my career to date.'

The reinvention of the Miraculous franchise fills us with hope as both Ladybug and Chat Noir have supported this change in writer, being happy that Anciel was approached and even more so when he agreed. The future's looking bright.

In other news, Saturday night sees the anniversary of Paris' François DuPont Collège, home to many of the city's greatest talents. Along with Marc Anciel, the school has played host to other celebrities such as actor and supermodel Adrien Agreste, socialite Chloé Bourgeois, tech giant Max Kanté and Olympian Lê Chiēn Kim. Our own Alya Cèsaire will be present at the event ready to report back on any exciting news.

Don't forget to keep up to date on the latest gossip by checking out the 'Mode Mania website and Instagram page.

•••••

When Adrien had told her it was going to be a late night it hadn't quite hit her what that exactly meant.

It was now one in the morning and she was struggling. If it wasn't for the constant buzz around her, passing her a couple of ounces of enthusiasm every time someone passed, she would most likely be in Adrien's trailer curled up on his sofa and asleep. She had no idea how Adrien was still going. He'd been out the previous night with Félix, yet here he was giving a stunning performance at stupid o'clock in the morning.

She wandered around towards the concession table searching for another coffee to try and keep her eyelids open. Caffeine ... She needed caffeine, and she needed it now.

"You know, if you keep drinking that stuff you won't sleep once we're finished."

A bright eyed Adrien Agreste walked up to Marinette and all she could think about was how much she hated him at that second. All beautiful and wake ... damn him!

"If I'm going to make it to the end of this shoot I'm going to need at least a dozen more of these."

"Good luck on the plane journey home then, because I'm quite sure you'll be wanting to spend most of it in the toilet."

Marinette rolled her eyes and continued her mission for coffee. "Aren't you a delight?"

Regardless of the scalding hot temperature, she took the cup in her hand and allowed the liquid miracle to slide onto her tongue, immediately burning it and causing her to squint.

"Burnt your tongue?" He asked, only to be met by a curt nod as she attempted to alleviate the feeling in her mouth. Just another stupid decision she'd made, just like coming here to work during the night. No one with a sane mind would have said yes to this

Before Adrien could retort with something sarcastic, because let's face it, that's what Adrien did, he was called back onto set. He let out a sigh, and she wanted to ask if he was okay. He looked fine and was acting fine, but something was wrong.

"Are you okay?" She mumbled out, her tongue making the conversation harder than it needed to be. Maybe she should go check for blisters once Adrien had gone.

"I need you to sort my underwear out." He said, a grimace on his lips. It was the first time a guy had given her that look when asking her to examine their underwear.

"What's wrong with it?"

Due to the nature of the filming and the fact the camera picks up everything, Monsieur Agreste was currently sporting a very tight fitting thong, luckily he'd already had his trousers on when he'd entered the main part of the trailer from his bathroom, so she only needed to check the main part of his clothing.

Even though she'd seen his ass before even gone as far as spanking it, she couldn't understand why he was suddenly being so modest. They were both professional, they could handle it. It was just a job.

"I - um - it doesn't seem to be -" he coughed and then muttered something under his breath.

"What did you say? I didn't quite catch it?"

He mumbled again and she let out a sigh, patience Marinette.

He reached up and rubbed the back of his neck, a nervous twitch she'd remembered from his teenage years. Stretching out, she pulled his arm down and dragged him back to his trailer, much to the amusement of all around. With Marinette having almost a foot less in height than Adrien the sight to those they passed must have been quite comical.

Entering his trailer, she closed the door and looked at him only for him to turn his focus away and set his eyes somewhere else.

"It's not cupping the twins right."

Marinette scoffed, covering her mouth with her hand. "Excuse me?"

"I know you heard me."

"How can you be so sure? Do you want me to waste time by standing here trying to guess?"

She watched his cheeks flame and his hands take on a nervous fumble as they attempted to cross over his chest.

"You're actually going to make me say it again, aren't you?"

She nodded, crossing her arms in a mirror of his own action then tilting her head to the side. "Say exactly what you said, I don't want to miss a thing."

"I used to like you," he said, causing Marinette to burst out laughing.

"Are you sure you want to go there?"

He shook his head, a flood of relief taking over her body. Now was not time for a discussion about the one night of passion they'd shared.

"Okay, so tell me what's wrong?"

"The twins aren't sitting in the cup right."

"The twins?" She asked, an eyebrow raised a smirk on her face. She was going to make him work for this, the opportunity was too good to pass by.

"Yeah, you know ..." he nodded his head down and it took every ounce of control not to laugh.

"No," she said slowly, "I really don't think I do."

He groaned and turned away from her, increasing the intensity of his hand rubbing the back of his neck. If he went any faster he might start a fire back there.

"The boys," he turned around, using both his hands to frame his groin.

"Which boys?"

"You know the boys! My family jewels, Tom and Harry, my cahonas. "

"Oh," she dragged out. "That doesn't sound fun." She spoke innocently, yet she knew her smile and her eyes were betraying her. She was desperate to double over in laughter, after all he'd just used the word cahonas.

"You think?" He said, his hands working down to his pants buttons.

"Woah, what do you think you're doing there?"

"Taking these down so you can sort me out." Adrien pulled his trousers down, leaving him standing in his thong and true to his word, his boys were not snuggly placed in their home.

Squeaking, Marinette turned around and covered her face with her hands. She had just seen Adrien's thighs, and ... package, but said 'package' was not all wrapped up neatly inside his undies where it should be.

"Adrien," she whispered, "your balls are hanging out."

"What did you think I was trying to tell you? That Félix was in my pants?"

"There is so much wrong with what you just said," taking a deep breath, she lowered her hands and turned around slowly, keeping her eyes up on his face. "Is this actually classed as part of my job?"

Adrien stood up straight with his hands on his hips, not a hint of embarrassment on his face, yet she felt like a furnace had taken home on her cheeks. "You're here to fix my clothing, so yes."

"Can't you just ... you know ... lift them and place them back in? That's what I do with my boobs."

A carefree lopsided grin appeared on his lips and his eyes shone with mischief, "could you give me a demonstration?"

"Adrien," a voice sounded from outside the door, "have you sorted out your underwear yet?"

"So, Dupain-Cheng, can you fix me up please?"

"I'm not touching you," she stepped tentatively forward, a little unsure what to actually do.

Adrien sighed, the voice outside sounded again, this time a little more authoritative.

"Tell me what to do." He said.

"Put your hand in and lift them up," Marinette watched as Adrien manoeuvred himself.

"Do I need to pull the crotch next?"

"Yeah," he moved it around, "that's it." He did a little wiggle and she could see the relief in his face. "Thanks Marinette." He pulled his trousers back up and fastened them before walking past her and out the trailer door.

Once the door closed, Marinette slumped onto the dressing table, perching on the edge and taking deep breaths. Her fingers turned white as she grasped the edge of the table.

"Are you okay Marinette?" Marinette slowly turned her head to the right and spotted her speckled friend next to her.

She shook her head, unable to speak. A few minutes later, and a lot of oxygen was absorbed she finally spoke. "I shouldn't have done this. That was not what I thought I would be doing. Straightening a shirt - sure. Tying a tie - definitely. But THAT!"

Tikki giggled before turning it into a cough. "Sorry."

Marinette turned and looked at her face in the mirror. Her cheeks were practically glowing, the red stain would certainly not be leaving anytime soon. Looking around on the desk she noticed a can of hairspray. Lifting it quickly, she placed the cool can against her cheek, rolling it up and down, and praying that it might take some of the vibrant colouring off her face.

"I pretty much saw his penis."

Tikki couldn't control herself and burst out laughing, quickly followed by Marinette. She doubled over with laughter, majorly due to the disbelief of her life. It had only been two weeks since Vivica walked into 'Honeypot Incorporated' and her world had been flipped upside down. She was now working with the guy she swore she'd never talk to again, whilst trying to protect him, and helping to fit his nethers into a teeny tiny thong.

"How do you get yourself into these situations?" Tikki said through her never ending laughter. "I mean, come on Marinette, your long time crush has just asked you to put his - what did he call them? Tom and Harry into a thong." Tikki's words caused another bout of laughter, and the way this was continuing they'd never get out of there.

"Okay, no more. My stomach hurts and I need a cup of coffee, Adrien distracted me earlier with his family jewels."

Tikki snorted, causing Marinette to laugh again. She was actually going insane. Adrien Agreste had officially driven her crazy. She knew it could happen, she'd known since she was 14. With a shake of her head she attempted to pull herself together and head back to the concession table with the intent of getting that desperately needed cup of coffee. One that hopefully, this time, wouldn't end with a skin graft.

Reaching for a cup her hand touched warm skin causing her to jerk her hand back to her side.

"Sorry," she said, looking up to meet warm brown eyes and a very attractive, stubbled jaw line.

"The apologies are all mine. I should have been looking at what I was doing."

He smiled at her and she couldn't help but grin back. Christopher Henley was as beautiful in person as he was in the movies, and Marinette couldn't help the small swoon as she studied his face. He moved effortlessly, pouring coffee into a cup before looking back at her.

"Milk?" He asked.

Marinette nodded her head like an idiot. What a way to make a good impression on an international superstar. His hands moved over the table to grab the milk jug and pour what Marinette would call 'the perfect amount' into her cup.

Christopher Henley was playing opposite Adrien in the 'Legal Blue' film as the villain, and oh what a masterpiece he was. Not only was he an Oscar nominated actor, he was the lead model for 'Hugo Boss'. This guy in a suit was every woman's fantasy.

"Sugar?" Nobody had made that word sound so sexual before. Her stomach was churning and all she could do was giggle like a schoolgirl. "Though I don't know why I asked," he continued, "from what I can see, you're already sweet enough."

Oh wow! Now there was a line even Chat Noir would be proud of.

•••••

Adrien was running, Esmee clinging onto his hand as she tottered after him in four inch heels. Whoever wrote this scene was definitely on 'something' because in the next second Adrien dropped her hand and proceeded to glide over the bonnet of a moving car, landing on one knee and unholstering a revolver firing three shots and blowing two of the car's four tires. He knew Edward was meant to be some spy extraordinaire, but this was completely unrealistic, and that was said from a guy that runs around Paris beating up bad guys with a really long stick.

"And cut! I think that's a wrap for tonight."

As silly as some of the script scenes seemed, Adrien had enjoyed his first taste of filming. It really kicked up his adrenaline, and allowed him to be super without his suit. He felt powerful, and for the first time in his life he enjoyed his job. He really enjoyed it. He made his way over to his chair, grabbed his jacket and took out his phone.

Two forty six, not bad, they should be able to get a couple of hours of sleep before having to be back at the airport for their flight home.
There was an evident spring in his step as moved around gathering his bits and pieces together from around his chair. He couldn't wait to talk to Marinette about his experience. He remembered conversations he had in the past with her, times when he would tell her he didn't know what he wanted to do with his life, that his father had it all planned out and he had no choice but to follow the lead. But now he knew this was his calling, this is what he wanted to do.

Placing his phone back into his jacket pocket, he slung it over his shoulders and headed towards the concession table. He was quite sure Marinette would be there, after all he'd stopped her coffee break earlier with his 'little issue' and he knew she'd head straight back there. When she'd burnt her tongue earlier he was so tempted to ask if he could kiss it better, but unfortunately the discomfort in his nether region took priority and instead he'd taken her into his trailer and asked her to help him tuck his nuts back into his underwear. He could already hear the teasing words from Plagg, the little God was going to be eating this up.

"Great work, Agreste." A member of the production crew walked past and patted him on the shoulder. He felt good ... so good, which of course meant something would spoil it, or should he say someone?

As Adrien drew closer to the table he noticed Marinette wasn't alone. Standing next to her in all his six foot glory was Christopher Henley, famous actor and world renown Playboy. His steps seemed to increase in speed as he gained his distance to the table, Marinette's angelic laugh cutting through his gut like a knife. Marinette didn't laugh at just anything and he knew Christopher could charm even the harshest of people. He was handsome and charismatic, and suddenly Adrien felt very territorial.

Approaching Marinette he slipped a hand around her waist causing the girl to flitch at the impact.

"Adrien, you scared me." Marinette said, turning her head to smile at him.

"Sorry. Listen we've wrapped for the night so how about we get the clothing sorted and head back to the hotel."

He looked from Marinette to Christopher knowing full well he was being possessive and making his mark on Marinette, not that she was his to mark at all but he needed to make sure the guy stepped back, she would not be his next conquest. She didn't deserve to be treated like meat.

"Oh, are you two? Sorry, I didn't know." Christopher held up his hands backing away from him, obviously seeing the signals through the glare of Adrien's piercing green eyes.

"No," Marinette said, stepping out of his touch and into her own space. He suddenly felt very cold from the loss, wanting nothing more than to pull her back to him. That's where she belonged - in his mind anyway. "We're just friends."

The words leaving her mouth may as well have been a knife stabbing at his heart. He never knew words could hurt as much as that! Actually he did, but he never wanted a repeat of that moment in his head, the moment when his life collapsed before his eyes and he had to pick up the pieces of his own actions. He pushed the thought to the back of his mind, if that memory appeared now all would be lost. He would have lost this new chance at something with her, now was not the time to relive his past.

"Yeah, she's my dresser, but we're old school friends too."

Christopher gave Adrien a quizzical stare before turning his attention towards Marinette. "Perhaps then we could grab a drink sometime back in Paris? Unless you have a man back home waiting for you."

Adrien had always read in stories how the character 'physically flinched' but it wasn't until that moment that he knew what it meant. His whole body had jerked at Christopher's question to Marinette, before tensing up in excruciating pain.

"That would be lovely but I'm not dating at the moment. I have too much going on. Thank you for the offer though."

He felt every single muscle in his body deflate and he dropped down at least an inch in height. Trying not to look smug he turned his attention to Christopher, and crossed his arms over his chest. "It's getting late, or early, so we better go, Marinette."

Placing his hand onto her lower back for the second time during that conversation, Adrien led Marinette over to his trailer and commenced getting changed. He tried to make small talk about the filming and asking her if she enjoyed the experience, it became clear quite quickly that she was not going to be talking to him anytime soon.

They moved efficiently, Adrien removing garments (including the now infamous thong) and changing into his comfier briefs, sweats and hoodie, as Marinette packed everything away making sure the correct label was on each garment bag and the items were ticked off the checklist. Placing each bag over her arm, she left the trailer and told him she'd meet him outside. This was definitely not going as planned.

"Well you messed that up, I don't know whether I should mourn your chance with her or applaud the idiocy of your behaviour?"

"Shut up, Plagg." Adrien moved around the trailer, checking he'd picked up everything he'd brought with him from the hotel and placing it in his bag.

"I wouldn't be me if I did. So I want to know, was that your big plan to woo her, or do you have more tricks up your sleeve, because I've gotta say, pigtails did not look impressive."

Plagg was right, she didn't. She looked borderline fuming. He'd fucked this up truly, damn possessive streak.

"I'll talk to her and apologise." He sighed out, what more could he do?

"Yeah, well don't beat yourself up too much. At least you got her to look at your package. I've been around a few in my time, and I've got to say yours is pretty impressive."

"If you ever say anything like that again it's goodbye to your camembert supply. It'll be rubbery cheese strings for a month."

Plagg gasped, and recoiled in shock. "You wouldn't!"

Adrien leant forward and got into the small creature's face. "Just ... try me."

Before Plagg could speak again, the door to the trailer opened and Marinette stepped in, grabbing her coat from the side and placing it on. The temptation to step forward and remove her hair from the collar again was strong, but he needed to hold it back a little. He was quite sure one more wrong move on his part and she would beat the shit out of him.

•••••

Marinette didn't know what to say to him. It had been a strange evening. From being on a movie set in general, to sorting out his underwear and then the sudden possessive streak? It was like she was a pinball, banging around into bumpers before being flipped in the air again, only she wasn't scoring any points this time.

Her waist still burnt from where Adrien had placed his hand around her. She wanted to lean into him, to bask in his warmth, but she couldn't ... that wasn't part of her plan. Not at the moment anyway.

She'd called him 'just a friend'. What a lie that was! They had never 'just friends', regardless of how many times they'd said it; they never were and never would be again. That had passed. Now it was all or nothing, no inbetween.

Walking over to the stylist, she found Adrien's costume sheet and signed the outfits back in, one of the assistants checking them over as Marinette handed them to him. Luckily, there was only one outfit for that evening. A tattered tee and jeans, with trainers, so the check was quick. She thought about what it was going to be like when they did some of the bigger scenes where there would be bags and bags of clothing to check in and out. It would be crazy, but quite thrilling at the same time.

"Hello again," Marinette turned around to see Christopher, he was standing next to who she guessed was his dresser due to the garment bags currently settled in his arms.

"Hello Christopher, I thought you'd have gone by now." Marinette moved out of the way allowing the other dresser to check their outfits back in.

"I wouldn't leave without saying goodbye to a lovely lady, such as yourself."

She felt her cheeks blush, and couldn't help looking down at the ground. He was so similar to Chat Noir, the flirting rolling off his tongue with practised ease. She wasn't an idiot though, she knew it wasn't her kitty, and she also knew the stories about him from 'Mode Mania' and the other tabloids. As easy as it would be to fall for such charm, there was no way it would happen with her. That being said, it was always nice to have some attention.

"That's very sweet of you." She pulled herself together and looked back into his eyes.

"Will you be joining us in Argentina?"

Argentina?

Marinette's forehead creased. Nothing, and she meant nothing had been mentioned about Argentina. It was one thing being away from Paris for a couple of days in Prague, after all it was only a short flight away, but being in Argentina? That was a completely different timezone, like completely different.

"Oh, I think Adrien's key dresser will be back by then. I'm just standing in whilst they recover from a broken ... um ... leg? I think?"

Christopher looked at her quizzically and she felt like she was being evaluated.

"It's in two weeks time. Didn't they just break their arm and leg skiing? There's no way they'll be up to the job."

Argentina? The word ricocheted in her head. She couldn't just up and go to Argentina? Could she?

Saying her goodbyes to Christopher, she headed back to the trailer.

Argentina? Argen-bloody-tina? That was at least half a day's flight. She wasn't opposed to going, if she had to, after all it was Argentina! Argentina. She thought about the recent attacks on Paris which equated to zero. There was nothing stopping her really. Maybe she could speak to Alya about taking Tikki for the time? Or perhaps she could just pack Kalkki with her?

"Marinette, are you okay?"

"Argentina?" She looked up at Adrien, who looked back at her with a look of confusion on his face.

"Argentina?" He repeated, obviously bewildered by her response.

"Argentina."

They stood staring at each other and Marinette swore she could see the countdown in Adrien's eyes.

3 ...

2 ...

1

"Oh," he drawled out, "Argentina." She studied his choice of relaxed clothing and almost drooled. His thick, toned, over masculine biceps were barely held in by his current tee. They clung to him in a way that she wanted too.

"Do I - will you need me to come for you?" Her hands shot to her mouth, covering it over as she shook her head side to side. What the actual fuck? "I mean do I need to come with you?"

"Um - I'll have to check. I never really thought about it to be honest." His face proved his words.

"Oh okay, well, in case you do, it's okey dokey with me."

He raised one eyebrow at her. "Okey dokey?"

"Yup, okey dokey." If she didn't sound like an idiot before, she most certainly did now. Turning on her heel she stalked out the trailer, Adrien on her tail as laughter left his lips.

They made it to the car and back to the hotel both mumbling short statements regarding that evening's filming as they travelled. They seemed to have enjoyed themselves, and agreed it was going to be miles better than the latest Ladybug instalment, though nothing could be much worse.

Marinette was exhausted and ready to climb into bed. All that was between her and seven blissful hours in dreamland was an elevator ride to the sixth floor. She settled back against the wall, closing her eyes and mentally discussing with herself if she was going to bother getting changed for bed, or if she was just going to crawl in full clothed.

"You're not going to go on a date with him? Are you?" Marinette opened her eyes and looked over at Adrien.

"Why does it matter?" She said, closing her eyes again.

"It matters because he's a playboy. He's already slept with a cast member, a script writer and a producer and we've only been working on the movie a month. He's not your type of guy Marinette"

"A little fun never killed anybody." She shrugged, she had no intention of doing anything with Christopher, but she was curious about the possessive Adrien she'd seen back at on set. What was his deal?

"I never thought you'd be into that type of thing."

"Type of thing?"

"A one night stand, in a long line of one night stands. You're not that kind of girl, that's not what you want." The elevator signalled their arrival at their floor. Their rooms were next to each other and quite a walk from the elevators, so unfortunately this conversation was going to drag on a little longer.

"Adrien, you haven't seen me in years and now you think you know what I want. You don't know anything about me."

"Think about standards, Marinette,"

"Standards," she raised her eyebrows at him. "Standards? Do attractive A-list actors fall below my standards then? Or do you mean that I'm shooting above my weight? Because we all know someone with such a superstar label would never be happy with a nobody girl like me." A sudden rise of anger took over her, clouding her judgement in red, thick dense red. How dare he? Not only had he acted like a possessive ass, he was now telling her who she should and shouldn't date.

"That's not what I meant at all. You're putting words in my mouth Marinette and you know it."

"Well it doesn't matter now anyway, you made sure of that?"

"What?" He sped up his walk, turning around to face her. His own expression was enough to make her flinch back.

"If you'd pissed on me you wouldn't have made it much clearer!"

"What the fuck does that mean?" He grasped hold of her shoulders only to have her knock them away. She didn't want him touching her at the moment, her thoughts were fuzzy and her feelings too open. She really needed to sleep.

"It means you did a rather good job of marking your territory. You were like a damn cat!"

"A cat?" He raised an eyebrow at her, a lopsided smile taking over his face.

"You know what?" She sighed out, turning away from him and his smarmy grin. "I'm tired and I don't want to do this now." She reached into her bag and pulled out a keycard. "You're married. I'm free and single, and can do as I please. You can do and say whatever you want, but it's my choice."

"Marinette?" His voice had softened as he reached out to touch her.

"Goodnight, Adrien." She tapped the key against the door, unlocking it and pulling on the handle. She stepped inside giving him one last look before closing the door in his face.

•••••

He wasn't far off thinking she would beat the shit out of him. The only difference being this was with words not her fists.

That conversation had not gone well at all. He wanted to let her know he wanted her to wait for him, instead his brain was branded with that look she'd given him before she'd closed the door. The look of pure disappointment.

Finding his own keycard, he opened the door and made his way inside. He needed to get out for a bit. He needed to burn off some steam. The thought of Marinette out with Christopher made him feel sick to the stomach, and if she was coming to Argentina that would be even worse. It would give Christopher a fortnight to make his move, and due to filming schedules, the actor had a lot more free time to woo than he did.

Taking off his jacket he threw it on the bed. The build up of aggravation meaning it was going to be impossible for him to sleep. Plagg floated out to look at Adrien, a half eaten slice of camembert in his hand, and his own face one of concern.

Adrien shook his head, being answered by Plagg's curt nod before he guzzled down the remainder of the cheese.

"Plagg, claws out."

Sneaking out from the balcony, Adrien, now in super suit, made his way to the lockhouse at the opening of the Charles Bridge. He settled on the rooftop, hoping nobody would see him as he groaned out in annoyance at himself. Seriously, his father gave him lessons in piano, chinese and fencing, did the guy never think to give him a lesson in suitable social interactions?

"Cataclysm!" Finding a rock on the ground, he grabbed hold of it, dissolving it into ash, before blowing it out into the wind.

Slumping back against the tower's tiled roof, he ran his hands over his eyes and looked up into the sky, puffing his lips out and closing his eyes.

Your Lady is calling

A soft feminine voice sounded out into the air.

Your Lady is calling

Reaching around his back he took hold of his baton and brought it up to his face before flicking it open and looking at the picture of 'Ladybug'. A couple of years ago they found out they could change the ringtones on their weapons, each of them recording one for the other.

Your Lady is calling

He pressed the green paw print, answering the call and placing it to his ear.

"Good morning Bugaboo, this is early by your standards."

"Actually I haven't gone to sleep yet."

"That makes two of us."

"Are you okay to talk? It's just that I really could use a friend right now?"

Her voice sounded nasally, almost as if she had been crying. His gut clenched tightly at the thought.

"Sure."

"Just so you know, I'm not stalking you. I haven't checked your location."

"That's good to hear, I haven't checked yours either." He laughed, a small smile taking over his face. He prayed it had passed through to her too, he hated knowing she was feeling down. "So what did you want to talk about?"

"How do you know when you've made the wrong choice?"

Cryptic, but he'd go along with it.

"You do realise you're asking the guy who died weekly for almost two years of his life?"

"You bringing that up is not a good idea at the moment."

"Sorry." He sat up and scratched the back of his neck. "If it's any consolation, one of the reasons I'm awake is because I let my mouth run away from me again. I said something to a woman who's really important to me and I don't think she'll forgive me. When it comes to her I just don't think straight." He replied honestly.

"Is it the same girl you were forced to break it off with all those years ago?"

Adrien scoffed, his nose rasping at the influx of air going in. "If only it was as simple as that." His heart ached and he wanted to confine in her, he wanted to tell her the whole truth about everything. She knew enough to placate him when he lost control, but the main plot line of his story ... well ... she hadn't a clue. At least he didn't think she did.

"If you want a good laugh, I'm not working for the guy who slept with me and never called me back."

"Awww yes, the love of your life. Does he still hold that title or has it changed working with him?" Adrien closed his eyes, summoning the powers in his hand again looking for its next target.

"I don't think I'm ever going to get over him Kitty and it's scaring me."

"I'm a good way or a 'I need to get far away from him and move to Cuba' way?" He reached out for another rock, grabbing a hold of it and crumbling it in his grasp.

A soft laugh radiated through the speaker and he was glad she sounded a little more upbeat, that was until a whoosh of air sounded out the speaker.

"I'm sorry kitty, I shouldn't be dragging you into this. Not when you have problems of your own."

Even though she couldn't see him, he was waving his arms around. "Don't worry about it, little bug, my messes are my own. I know the way out now and it shouldn't be too long until I'm free."

"I take it you've had news about your father?"

"Yup," he walked to the edge of the tower, leaning over the side and looking into the Vltava River. Adrien was already looking forward to coming back to Prague. They had the opening shots to film in Argentina in the next couple of weeks and then it would be back and forthing between Paris and Prague for the remainder of the filming. The place was beautiful and with so much history, there was so much he wanted to see and do. "He's basically on his deathbed, there's nothing left to do for him but keep him comfortable and wait it out. It could be anywhere between days and years."

"I'm sorry, Minou."

I'm not, thought Adrien. He summoned his 'worried son' act, ready to reply. She'd find out the truth sooner or later, but things still needed to be organised and this was not the moment to let his mouth run away again.

"Thanks. So this guy. Tell me more about him. Let me live my non-existent love life through you."

"We might be able to take down terrorists but we can't even hold down a relationship."

He heard her laugh, joining in. "I don't know Bugaboo, we've been together now ... what? Ten years? Perhaps I should give in to the pressure and get down on one knee."

"That coming from the one of us who's actually married."

"You can't really call what I'm in a marriage."

"True."

The line went silent as he stood and waited for her next words. He liked these kinds of silences. They were full of understanding and a friendship only they possessed. He hoped it always stayed that way.

"You'll be free from them soon, my kitty, just hang on. You've been so brave."

"Thank you, M'Lady. Now it's time for you to talk."

"He's ... " he heard a growl sound through the phone line and couldn't help the smile elongating on his face.

"He's got you caught in a web it seems."

"Completely. I just ... I don't know what he wants, and worst of all I'm trapping him, Chaton. I'm trapping this guy who I still have so many feelings for. He's done nothing but be sweet since we reconnected. It's like I love him and hate him at the same time. I want to kiss him to then be able to slap it off his face."

"Ouch! What is it about him that makes you feel that way?" Curiosity took over and he needed to know more.

"He's married ... like you. It sounds like there's been some sort of issue between him and his wife over the past couple of months, and then she might be pregnant with his child, but he's coming onto me ... and I like it, but then I'm lying to him, and it's such a mess."

He knew she'd be sitting with her knees into her chest, just as she did every time there was some sort of underlying issue she was freaking out about. He could hear the sniffles on the other side of the phone and wanted nothing more than to take her in his arms and protect her from life, but he knew he couldn't. Not this time.

"You need to talk to him. You need to let him know ... everything."

"What? So he could hate me?"

He dropped his head down, placing one hand on the crown. Would he hate her?

"No!" He said, "no, he wouldn't hate you. Be hurt? Maybe? But it sounds like he was a bastard to you too, doing what he did all those years ago." He looked up and out onto the river, watching the moonlight dance across the wind blown waves. "Give it time, M'Lady. Maybe check if he is what you want before you end up breaking both your hearts a second time. It's new again, you're procrastinating your old feelings onto him without knowing him now. You might not like the grown up version."

"You're right."

"Of course I am, I'm amazing." He laughed out, relaxing when her own laughter joined his.

"Thank you for being there for me. You're the best!"

"I am, but don't tell anyone else. I'm all yours, Bug. Only yours." His last words were a whisper and he wasn't sure whether she would have heard him through the call.

"I'll see you back in Paris then? Patrol on Sunday?"

"Of course, M'Lady."

"Goodnight kitty cat."

"Until next time, LB."

Ending the call, Adrien extended his staff and made his way back to the hotel, clambering quietly into the room so as to not wake Marinette up. He wasn't sure how thin the walls were but he wasn't willing to take the risk of her knocking down his door to see what was going on.

"Claws in," he whispered, freeing Plagg from his ring and clambering into his bed. Everything was getting more and more complicated by the day. The issues with Vivica, helping and supporting his bug, and making amends with Marinette. The way this was going he'd need to create a list to help him decide where to start.

"Goodnight, Plagg."

Without waiting for his kwami's reply, Adrien turned off the bedside lamp and pulled the covers over himself, falling into a fitful filled sleep, dreaming of not one, but two girls with pigtails.