Marinette was nervous. A stomach churning and heart fluttering mess. Tikki had tried to calm her down, as had Sabine, but Marinette was in too much of an emotional ditch she didn't know what to do. It was the day of Adrien's birthday event.

Alya and Nino were on their way to pick her up. Adrien had booked a suite in the Bourgeois Hotel for the evening, just the four of them. It wasn't Adrien's actual birthday until the next day, so after the clock struck midnight he would officially be twenty-one, or turned into a pumpkin.

Marinette had worked hard on her dress. She wanted to wear something sophisticated but sexy. She wanted to make sure Adrien noticed her. She hadn't seen a lot of him over the past couple of weeks due to the new young adult designs launch. He'd been in business meetings and modelling tirelessly.

Tikki had been great, yet her main comfort had came from her partner, Chat Noir. One night, after patrol they sat down  and she just let everything out ... everything expect for names that is. For once in her life she didn't care if she revealed herself to him she just needed someone to hear and understand her insecurities. Chat's words had comforted her no ends.

"If it's meant to be it'll happen. Remember what you told me before university?"

"Take opportunities."

"Exactly, so go out there and show him what he means to you. Even if your scared you might be pleasantly surprised with the outcome."

He was such a rock and support to her and she loved him dearly, but what terrified her was how Adrien was pushing into her heart too. Could she actually love the two of them? How had it worked with Chat when she'd been with Adrien? She hadn't got the courage to ask him. She was too scared to find out.

At exactly four thirty Marinette heard a horn sound from outside the bakery. A quick look out the window showed a very suave looking Nino getting out of his car.

"Witwoo, Monsieur Lahiffe. Do I need to start calling you James Bond?" Nino wiggled his eyebrows in response as he collected Marinette's bags from her and placed them alongside his and Alya's in the trunk of the car.

She waved to her parents and climbed into the back.

"Watch it, Dupain-Cheng. I'll think you're flirting with my boyfriend."

"You two are back together? Oh my goodness, I'm so happy for you both." Marinette leant forward and wrapped her arms around Alya's neck. The girls started chattering and giggling as Nino climbed back into the drivers seat.

"Adrien's at a shoot so we won't see him until the party starts. There's a room key at reception for us under the name DjWiFi." Marinette snorted with laughter.

"Original."

"Hey, just because he didn't leave it under I love Marinette forever, doesn't mean you get to dig at us!" Marinette stopped laughing and sat back in her seat. It felt like a punch to the gut. Perhaps he didn't love her anymore?

"Mari, I'm sorry I didn't mean that."

"Alya, it's fine honestly. I'm just being over sensitive. Let's just get going, we still need to get ready."

The ride was silent but Marinette could see the quick glances between Alya and Nino. They looked worried about something.

"Hey Mari, you ok?" Nino was first to break the silence.

Marinette was watching the buildings out the window and suddenly jerked into the conversation. "Ugh? Yeah I'm ok." Her voice was small and weak. She knew this conversation would be coming so she placed her sunglasses over her eyes. She could hold herself together a little more that way.

"You're nervous about tonight, aren't you?" Alya turned to give her friend a quick look.

"I know he's meant to attend these events with dates and he told me I didn't have to be it, so I never mentioned it to him again, which must mean he has another date."

Nino laughed, and Marinette's face went a ruby shade of red.

"Sweetheart, he hasn't got a date." Alya stretched back and placed a hand on Marinette's knee.

"But he always has dates to these kind of events. I remember him being told by Gabriel it looks good for the brand." Alya was tapping around on her phone before handing it to Marinette. She looked at what Alya had given to her and began to scroll.

Yes, Adrien did always have a date that fact was as true. She was right about that, but this date was the same on every picture. A beautiful girl in stunning dresses, sapphire blue eyes and midnight hair. It was her. Every picture was her. The hand holding, hugging, kissing ... all her. Her heart felt warm, she hated how she could not remember? Whatever had happened had really played a trick on her mind.

"Ok, point proven." She handed the phone back to Alya and continued to look out the window, the only difference this time was the smile upon her face.

Nino pulled into the hotel car park and they noticed the crowds of papazzari outside, obviously setting up ready to capture those arriving to the party. A red carpet was positioned on the floor from the curb to the door with a roped fence restricting the photographers and reporters from getting too close.

Luckily the hotel car park was underground so they wouldn't need to walk in front of the press to enter the building. Though they knew there was great speculation as to whether Marinette would be there with Adrien this evening. The press were still no wiser to the nature of their relationship.

Nino found a space next to Adrien's car and pulled in. They opened the doors and began to evacuate.

"Girls, scratch my car and I'll kill you." They all turned around to see Adrien standing behind them. He was wearing a black 'v' neck tee and ripped black jeans, arms crossed over his body showing some mighty impressive biceps. He looked very much the model he was.

"Happy birthday dude, thanks for making us all look weak and worthless by not wearing a jacket." Nino tapped his friend on the bicep, then proceeded to open the trunk and grab out the cases.

Alya hugged Adrien thanking him for his hospitality and booking them a room, leaving him face to face with Marinette.

"Hi." He said, a small smile on his face.

"Hey yourself." Marinette replied before walking into his arms. Wrapping her arms around his waist, she took in a deep breath. She loved the smell of him so much. So musky and manly.

She felt his lips meet her forehead and she closed her eyes. This must be what heaven feels like, she thought.

"Guys, I know this is a lot to ask and I really apologise for it but would it be ok for us all to enter together ... through the main entrance." Marinette stepped back from his hold.

"W-w-what?"

"He's not asking you to marry him, Mari." Alya's words sent Marinette purple, a deep deep purple. Adrien placed his hand behind his neck and looked straight into Marinette's eyes.

"Mari, if you don't want to it's fine." She could feel Tikki supporting her in her bag. The power of her little kwami always helped calm her down.

"No, it's fine." She smiled at him and slipped a small hand into his large one.

His core was shook. He didn't expect this.  A smile spread across his face as he grabbed her suitcase. He gave her a quick look before she gave him one of her sweet smiles. He loved this girl so much.

The gang walked towards the front of the hotel discussing Nino's choice of attire for the evening. The laughter came easily to a group with such a special bond. Nadja was first to notice them.

"Adrien, Marinette, it's lovely to see you together. It's been a while." Nadja called out to them and they both stopped. Marinette could feel Adrien tense under her hand.

"It's nice to know you all missed us." Marinette said with confidence and an award winning smile. "How's Manon?"

"Oh she's fine, you know what she's like."

"Tell her I said hi. I'll have to catch up with her soon."

"She'd love that, Marinette. Oh, and Happy Birthday Adrien, you looking forward to your celebration?"

"Of course, I'm mostly looking forward to seeing what my lady is wearing. Apparently she's created something special just for me." He brought her hand up to his lips and feathered a light kiss on the back of her hand. She could have died happily right there, right then. He knew exactly how to turn her into a pile of mush.

"Oooo another 'Agreste' evening wear exclusive?"

"That will depend on what the reviews are tomorrow." Marinette said staring into Adrien's electric green eyes. She was sure he'd just called her his lady, why was it perplexing her so much?

"We better carry on in. I'm half way through a shoot, Nino needs to set up the DJ booth and the girls need to go and talk about us guys." Nino and Adrien pumped their fists together as the group laughed. This was the way it should be young and having fun.

They walked passed the other reporters and cameramen, giving out smiles and waves as the headed into the main lobby of the hotel.

"Well, I better head back. Do you need any help before I go?" Adrien grabbed their key card from the ogling receptionist, and handed it over to Alya as Nino will be headed straight in the direction of the ballroom.

"Mari needs help." Nino spoke up as he left the room. Marinette gave him an evil stare in the back of his head.

"You ok?" Adrien looked truly panicked, "what's wrong? Just tell me what I can do."

"I'm fine Adrien, just a little nervous about this evening." Adrien grabbed her hand and pulled it to his chest. She could feel the beat of his heart racing under his palm.

"If you feel you need me at any point please just grab me. I want you to feel comfortable, Mari." He was too sweet for this world. He was an angel and she was an idiot. He let go of her hand and began to walk away, he turned around and gave one last reassuring look to Marinette.

"Come on Cinderella, let's get you ready for the ball."

The two girls made their way to the suite they were sharing with the boys. Marinette was surprised to see bodyguards outside the door, including the Gorilla. He grunted a welcome to them as they entered the room.

"Do the guys not trust us or something?" Marinette asked closing the door behind them. "Woah!" She looked around at the most gorgeous room. They were standing in the lounge area with a self contained kitchenette, which led off to five different rooms. The windows were huge and gave a fantastic view of the Eiffel Tower.

The girls went exploring; one door led to a study, another to a central shower room then the other three led to bedrooms, each with their own en-suite. Adrien had already put his suitcases and bags into one of the rooms. On top of the suitcase was a letter addressed to the girls. Marinette giggled as she took it off his suitcase.

Salut girls,
I knew you would be snooping around so thought I'd leave you a little note.

Alya, your room with Nino is the one on the other side of the suite. I don't want you next door 'doing things' when I'm trying to sleep. I get enough of that at home. Btw I'm very happy you're back together.

Mari, your room is the one next to mine. I hope you like it x

I've booked a little treat for you both. Hair and make up professionals will be heading up about an hour before the party begins. Gorilla knows them and will let them in for you.

Looking forward to seeing you beautiful ladies later,
Amore,
Adrien xx

Marinette couldn't contain the excitement. She ran out the door and opened the one to her room for the night, stopping dead in her tracks. On the bed lay the most beautiful bouquet of red roses and a long Tiffany blue box.

"Oh my ... what's in the box, Mari? WHATS IN THE BOX?"

"Calm down, Alya." Marinette walked forward hands shaking. She picked up the box and opened it placing one hand over her mouth. Inside was a thin diamond bracelet. In the centre there was a white gold heart pendant. Hers and Adrien's faces were engraved mere millimetres apart smiling at each other. It was beautiful.

Next to the box was another note.

Mon amour,
I am sorry for this, I know it's a little too much but please just give me chance to explain.

Two years ago we met for the first time. There have been so many firsts I have experienced with you and I want to thank you for everything you've done for me. We would have been coming up to two years together in the next few weeks and I want you to know there is not a day that goes past without me falling more in love with you. This present is one I had ordered before the accident and I still want you to have it, you don't need to wear it if you don't want to.

I know you're going to be overthinking this evening, in true Marinette style, but please know we all love you and will be by your side whenever you need us.

My birthday begins at 12.01am and I have a birthday wish. If I have any chance of being with you again I am asking of only one thing. You find me around midnight and kiss me. That way I know my heart can remain with you, if that is not what you want I will respect your decision and try to move on.

Yours forever (if you'll have me),
Adrien xxx

"Well that was deep." Alya sighed out a breath she'd been holding. Marinette's hand remained placed over her mouth as she read Adrien's beautiful cursive handwriting over and over again. Was anything not beautiful about this guy?

Tears were silently streaming down her face.

"You do realise your face is going to be blotchy for our make over if you keep that up."

"Sorry." Marinette said, hugging the letter into her chest with one hand and wiping her eyes roughly with the other.

"I wonder if he left me anything." Alya ran over to her room and opened the door. Placed on the bed there was a box of condoms and a note from Adrien.

Keep safe!

Marinette peered over a shocked Alya's shoulder and burst out laughing.

"I'm thinking this is pay back, but I'm not sure what for." Alya started to laugh and tapped Marinette on the shoulder.

"Come on sweet-pea, show me your new creation."