The sun rose bringing a certain heat with it, taking away the chill of the previous summer night. The summer dew was sitting on the grass as the birds began to take flight singing their morning songs of praise. Paris was coming alive, bakers were baking, museums were preparing for the next influx of guests and the moon shone its last few moments of glory. As Paris turned into the opening scene of 'Beauty and the Beast' a newly turned sixteen year old was screaming in her bedroom mirror.

"Marinette, calm down."

A red kwami was trying to calm her master, preventing her from waking up everyone in a ten mile radius, and signalling an akuma alert.

"What's wrong with her?" Trixx flew towards Tikki who was still looking at a stark naked Marinette.

"Why isn't she wearing clothes?" Longg questioned.

"It's her soulmark." Wayzz made his way to Marinette and seated himself on her shoulder.

"Marinette, you need to stop screaming." Tikki tried to calm her owner.

"But look ... just look!"

Marinette's soulmark had indeed appeared, and it wasn't small. Her lower back was now the owner of the most intricate design she'd ever seen. The design represented them both; cat and bug. The designs of creation and destruction wrapped around a chinese symbol, a single word. She looked at it again and again knowing full well what it said. Always.

Marinette couldn't deny the beauty of the mark, yet two things stuck in her head. Firstly, it was massive and something which would forever remain on her skin. She already longed for the days of wearing a swimsuit without having this monstrosity on her mid back, and secondly the chinese word. Always. She had to take deep breaths to stop herself from screaming again.

Stupid cat branding her as his when he didn't even care. She hoped he woke up this morning and felt guilty. She hoped he looked in the mirror and was ready to beg her for forgiveness and patrol alone for the next three months, whilst bringing her a coffee from Starbucks every morning. Not just any Starkbucks though, the most complicated and expensive one she could find. She knew he had money, he could afford it.

Making her way over to her chaise, Marinette picked up her outfit for the day. She would be heading straight to the mall after the shoot, and then she had a meal planned with Luka. A kind of 'happy sweet sixteen, here's to your soulmark, good luck in the future' kind of meal. Apparently, he wanted to give her one last girlfriend experience before she found her soulmate. Luka said he wanted her to know how a gentleman should treat her so that she'd be treated like a princess in the future. There was that word again, Princess. She wished Chat Noir would turn up on her balcony so she could slap him across his perfectly defined, beautiful face. Why couldn't she have had a less perfect partner?

She pulled on her pink skinny jeans, followed by her cropped white tee decorated with her flower print pattern. Following this, she threw on a long black cardigan, keeping her mark hidden but easy to access and show her friends (by friends she meant Alya), plus it was early in the morning and chances were it was still quite cool. Slipping on her flats she made her way down the stairs and into the kitchen.

"What have you guys done?"

The kitchen looked as though Party City had thrown up in it. Pink and white streamers lined the walls and the ceiling, as matching balloons were attached to the walls. They were complemented by a massive '1' balloon and '6' balloon bouncing around the lounge area, hovering above a pile of beautifully wrapped gifts.

"Happy birthday sweetie, I can't believe our baby is sixteen." As Marinette made it to the bottom of the stairs her father jumped on her, picking her up in a big bear hug and swinging her like a rag doll.

"Thank you, papa," She managed to say, "but I can't breathe. Can you please put me down?"

Tom Dupain apologised as he placed his daughter down onto the ground, before looking her over. He was bouncing from one foot to the other.

"Have you got it? Can we see it?"

Marinette knew exactly what her father wanted to see, but for some reason she felt reluctant to show it. Once it was out there, that was it. She would forever have a matching mate, and she was sure her papa would check every young boy as they came in to see if they were her other half.

"Um ... right now? I mean there's so many presents to open, perhaps I should show you my mark later."

Sabine had walked in at that exact moment, fresh pastries in her hands.

"I'm curious about it too," Sabine said, "why don't you show us before we have your birthday breakfast." She walked over to her daughter and placed a kiss on her cheek.

"I'm sure it's just another boring one for you to see, I mean, you've been seeing your own for years. How is mine going to be as interesting? Plus it means nothing, it's just random, random, random, random."

Sabine looked at her daughter quizzically, one thing about mothers intuition was you knew when your child was hiding something and Marinette definitely was.

"You're our daughter, Marinette, we would like to see your mark and see if it links to our family heritage. If you didn't notice, the bakery's logo is the same as mine and your fathers soulmark."

Marinette, as a matter of fact, did know that. She knew most people had a soulmark which was meaningful to both of the partners in the relationship, exactly why hers represented their altar egos. Always.

Her parents stood watching and waiting patiently.

"Fine." She said, admitting defeat. Taking off her cardigan she slowly turned around leaving her back open for scrutiny. She knew what was going to happen. One of the many reasons she was screaming this morning.

"Marinette, honey, it's ..." Sabine couldn't find the words.

"I've never ..." It seemed Tom couldn't either.

Marinette quickly placed her cardigan back on, turning around to face her parents again. She crossed her arms over her chest and looked down at the floor. Her parents stood still looking at their daughter. They now understood her reason why she didn't want to show them.

Rumour had it that the bigger and darker the soulmark, the more powerful the bond. Well this proved whoever Marinette's soulmate was, she had an extremely powerful connection too, but that wasn't the only shocking discovery. They understood the design. Everyone in Paris would understand the design.

"Keep it covered up, sweetheart." Sabine walked forward taking her daughter into her arms.

Tom came and joined them, embracing both the women in his life.

"Does he know?"

Marinette shook her head, trying hard to keep the tears at bay.

"I was hit by an akuma, the red string one, and I saw I was linked to him so I've known for a while. It was obvious really if I think about it. I mean, who else would I trust with my life."

"Are you happy?" Sabine asked, cradling her daughter's head.

"I love him, Maman."

"Then, that's all that matters." Sabine backed away, but Tom remained holding her.

"If he doesn't look after you, I will kill him properly this time. Without Hawkmoth's help."

Marinette started to laugh and wiped her eyes. So much was unsaid with words, but said by love.

"Well, let's eat before Adrien gets here to pick you up." Sabine dropped her daughter a wink and led her to the table filled with sweet treats, and a whole lot of love.

On the other side of Paris Adrien was dressed and ready for the day ahead, well he would be, once Plagg woke up.

"Come on, Plagg, get up. We need to go and get Marinette."

Plagg groaned before lifting his head to look at Adrien. The boy had mixed his style up a bit today, and he was impressed. No longer was it just the white over shirt and black tee combo, but a different black tee and brown leather jacket. If only he'd change the orange sneakers.

"What's with the new look? Trying to impress girl number three? Or has she been promoted?"

Adrien looked at the kwami currently on his pillow and glared.

"She's not girl number three."

"So, she has been promoted then? What is she now? Number two?"

Adrien sighed. Sometimes it was easier to just ignore the kwami than try and argue with him. Moving away, he checked Marinette's present was in his bag where he'd placed it last night. There it was, still sitting pretty, wrapped as perfectly as he could make it.

He stroked over the pink bow he'd placed on top of the box, and his stomach released a thousand butterflies. He felt different. Different to yesterday and differently about her. He closed his eyes and pictured Marinette's face. The butterflies currently in his stomach took the opportunity to crank up the power and attack his stomach more, his body began to shake with the fierceness of the movement and her face began to transform behind his closed eyelids. Something happened around her eyes. It looked as though something was forming, something like a -

"Adrien, you need to come and eat now. You're already five minutes behind schedule."

Before the transformation could take hold, Nathalie had interrupted his thoughts, breaking whatever spell he was currently under. What was about to happen to Marinette's face?

"Coming down now." Adrien said. Yet, the feeling in his stomach left him no desire to eat. He felt sick, but not in a medical way. In a way he'd never experienced before.

Nathalie nodded, indicating for Adrien to grab his bag and follow. They made their way down the stairs and into the main dining area only to find an unusual sight. Gabriel Agreste sat in his normal spot, tablet beside him and an empty plate in front.

"Good morning father, I didn't expect to see you."

Adrien took his place opposite his father and thanked the staff who placed the plate of fruit in front of him, taking a piece of melon and placing it in his mouth.

"I will be attending the shoot today. I want to make sure nothing goes wrong."

Adrien began to choke. His father? Attending a shoot? That never happens.

"I have been instructed by one of your classmates that Ms. Dupain-Cheng can be a little ... how do I say it? ... flakey. We have only so many hours to complete the shoot, I cannot have her wasting time."

Marinette? Flakey? Adrien thought to his raven haired friend and couldn't think of one thing that made her flakey. She was the complete opposite she was

Unflakey?

Words had failed him, but he knew what he meant. The only time Marinette would do such a thing was during an akuma attack and he couldn't blame her for being scared and running away. Most people did.

"She's not flakey. I don't know who informed you of that, father, but I can vouch for Marinette. That's not true. She'll put in one hundred and ten percent for you today, she wouldn't jeopardize this job."

Adrien rarely stood up to his father, and Gabriel was shocked he'd do such a thing, and for a girl. He looked his son over and considered his options, scolded Adrien now, and taking away his privileges or keeping an eye on the situation; she must be something special if he's willing to put himself at risk.

"Only time will tell, Adrien."

Gabriel lent back in his chair and threaded his hands together, resting them on the table. Adrien continued to eat, maintaining eye contact with his plate for most of the meal. He could feel Gabriel's impenitrive glare on him as he ate. This was not a good sign.

"Sir," Nathalie entered into the dining hall and signalled to his father, "Adrien's car is here. Ours will be along in a moment." With a curt nod, Adrien stood and walked out the door, giving one last look at his father and grabbing his bag.

Gabriel remained in his seat until Nathalie returned, his eyes still firmly where Adrien left, his face non-expressive.

"Have I ever tried to akumatise Ms. Dupain-Cheng?"

"I believe so, Sir."

Gabriel pulled up a picture of her on his tablet, studying closely.

"Keep a close eye on her today for me, please, Nathalie. There's something about this girl."

Placing his fingers on the screen he pulled them apart, enlarging the photo of Marinette. A smug look took over Gabriel's face. Bingo.

•••••

"Happy Birthday, Marinette." Adrien had made it to the front of the bakery, only to see the whole Dupain-Cheng family there ready to see them off. He stumbled a little bit, feeling his legs turn to jelly. His body was having some issues today, he seemed to have lost use of his bodily control.

The loss of control seemed to cause him to act on impulse, as within three seconds of seeing her he'd managed to make his way over and pull her into his arms. Closing his eyes, he settled into the embrace, enjoying the feel of having this girl so close to him. As her arms snaked around his waist, pulling herself a little closer, the butterflies in his stomach, which he thought had finally gone to sleep, burst into life again. This time, though, with extra energy.

Moving his hands down to her lower back, a feeling went through his body, momentarily shocking him, and freezing him to the spot. The feeling wasn't unpleasant, or unwelcome, it was actually incredible. He felt like he could take on the world and only come out with a couple of lame scratches. This was beyond anything he'd ever felt before, and he never wanted it to end.

Marinette felt frozen to the spot. The feeling radiating through her body made her feel a thousand times more powerful then when she was transformed as Ladybug. She pulled her head back from where it had found itself on Adrien's shoulder and looked at him, searching for answers. His green eyes looked electric. She'd always found herself mesmerised by them, but this was something different, something mysterious. Looking into the emeralds she swore she could tell everything about him; from his want to please his closest friends and family, to the hurt and anxiety brought on by the loss of his mother. He didn't need to speak, she could see and feel it all.

"We better go." Adrien pulled his hands away from Marinette's body, completely overwhelmed from what he was feeling. There was no reason for him to feel such emotions, unless -

He began to think of different scenarios which could bring on such an extreme reaction and there was only one thing he could think of. It made sense if it was true, after all it's an eternal connection, however if he was right that also meant he was hurting one of the sweetest girls he'd ever met. Plagg was right, he did have an order and Marinette had always been number two, behind his Lady. But she didn't like him like that. She'd told him numerous times.

There was one point, about a year ago, where she confessed to him whilst he was playing a prank on her. In that moment he was scared, scared of liking any girl that wasn't Ladybug. But if Marinette had admitted she'd liked him everything could have been different. He could have chosen her.

Adrien and Marinette waved off her parents and made their way to the silver sedan. Being a gentleman, he held out the door for Marinette, offering her a bow as she stepped in.

"Why, thank you, Monsieur." She'd said, in her incredibly sweet, soft voice. Adrien near enough melted on the spot. Her voice sounded like pure angels.

"You're welcome, Madam."

Shutting the door behind the birthday girl, Adrien ran to his own side and climbed into the back seat of the car alongside his friend. A quick manoeuvre with his seatbelt and they were on their way. One hour until their destination.

"Sweet sixteen suits you well."

Marinette looked up from where she'd been playing on her phone and stared straight into Adrien's bright and beautiful eyes. A shiver ran down her spine and she could feel the blush begin on her face.

"Thank you."

Silence surrounded them as Marinette looked back at her phone, fifty-five minutes to their destination. She needed to speak to him. Kagami had just messaged her asking for a one-on-one later today. Her heart stopped, she knew what it was she wanted to talk about. Kagami was a good friend, she hated herself for hiding such a secret. She looked over to the blonde next to her. He looked different today. Something about him was - she couldn't even explain it. She just felt like they were polar opposites of a magnet and needed to find each other. Marinette was sure he could be miles away in a crowded location and she'd still be able to find him.

"Can I -"

"We need to -"

Both heroes started to speak at the same time, ending in a small laugh and smile.

"Ladies first." Adrien gave the floor to Marinette to air her questions.

"Always the gentleman," she said. Smiling at her blonde companion. "Kagami wants to talk to me alone later. I'm guessing this has something to do with you?"

Adrien flinched at the name, and his blood went cold. There was no other option than to tell Marinette everything.

"She knows," he stated, looking down at his intertwined fingers.

"When did she find out?" Marinette asked.

"Two days ago. I was kind of being silly before fencing and she walked in on me. I was topless and she saw the lack of a soulmark."

Marinette sighed out. She didn't know if it was exasperation of the context or the relief of Kagami finally knowing.

"How did she take the breakup?"

Adrien's head lifted to look at her.

"We're not breaking up. I've decided that I want to stay with her even without a matching soulmark."

Marinette looked at him, creasing her eyebrows together. He can't actually be serious about this.

"Do you have any soulmark?" She asked.

Adrien shook his head in a firm 'no'.

"But what if you get one? What if you have a soulmate? Don't they get the option to be with you? Are you just writing them off?"

So many questions came out of her mouth. Every single one she wanted to ask Chat Noir. How can two boys that she knows be so stupid?

"And what about her soulmate? Hasn't anyone thought about him? Kagami obviously has a mark, have either of you considered anyone else's feelings? Anyone else's life?"

Adrien was taken aback by the passion and pain pouring out of his friend. It seemed she was speaking from experience and it hurt. He remembered back to class the other day when she had her emotional outburst. Her soulmate? He must have done something to her. Adrien made a mental note to have a word with Luka, he wanted to make sure he was treating her right.

"Of course I have." He snapped back. Why did everyone think he hadn't thought this through? "You have no idea what I've put myself through thinking about this, but I can't lose Kagami."

"But she's not yours to keep!" Marinette almost shouted.

"We've decided to make it work." Adrien's temper was beginning to flare.

"It's a stupid idea." Marinette clasped a hand quickly over her mouth, Adrien staring at her completely taken aback from her outburst. Marinette never said things like that.

He looked out the window, turning his head sharply away from her. Silence taking over the car again. Adrien watched the different things fly by. House, tree, cloud, house, tree, cloud, house, tree -

Five minutes had passed and he couldn't take it anymore.

"If I lose Kagami, I lose everything." His voice was small and meek. Not the confident voice you'd associate with Adrien Agreste.

Marinette turned her attention back to him, leaving the silence remaining to let him speak. His eyes remained out the window as he began to open up.

"Since my mother disappeared, no one has told me they loved me until Kagami. She gives me the attention I've been craving for, for so many years and I like it. I enjoy being the centre of somebody's world, having someone who wants to be with me, who fights to be with me. Did you know we have to lie to meet up? She makes elaborate schemes to spend as much time with me as possible. No one has ever done that. We all know my father doesn't care, but she does. She loves me, and even if I may only love her platonically, I know she will always be there for me. She will always care."

Marinette could hear the emotion in his voice as he spoke. She had no idea he'd been holding this in. She had no idea the extent of his pain, all she'd ever seen was the happy-go-lucky Adrien Agreste who she'd believed was living the dream life. Before she could open her mouth to speak he carried on.

"My father was so happy when we started dating. He began to spend more time with me, he wanted to talk to me, he had aspirations for me. I finally felt like I had a father again. He wants to join Gabriel to the Tsurugi company, he's so excited and it's me that's bringing that excitement to him. He hasn't been like this since my mother."

It was as though a can of worms had been opened and he couldn't get the lid back on. Months and years of pent up emotions were just spilling out and he couldn't stop it. He just needed to keep talking, he needed Marinette to understand.

"Then there's this girl, who I'm quite sure is my soulmate, but she doesn't like me in any romantic way. I've tried and tried with her for two years for nothing. She loves someone else and I honestly don't think anyone could match him in her eyes. I always hoped one day she'd turn around and see me, see me for who I truly am, but nope. I'm not what she wants. I can't face more rejection. I can't face another person, who I love with all my heart, not loving me back. Kagami is the only one who loves me. Who truly loves me."

Through the reflection of the car window, Marinette could see the tears glistening as they cascaded down his beautiful face, morphing it into one of pain and heartbreak.

"That's not true." Her voice was nothing more than a whisper as she reached out and grabbed Adrien's hand. The shock of skin to skin contact turned his attention to Marinette, finding the tears brimming on the bottom of her bluebell eyes.

"That's not true, Adrien. God, I feel so stupid! I should have known you were feeling that way. I could have helped you, you could have spoken to me about it. Adrien, we love you. We all love you. Nino loves you, and Alya, and don't forget Chloe. Gosh, Adrien, I l-"

The door to Marinette's side of the car opened, followed by a grunt from Gorilla. Neither of the teens had noticed that the car had come to a stop and they were at their destination. Adrien watched as Marinette slid out of her side of the car, wondering what she was about to tell him. Whipping under his eyes, he let himself out and walked around to his friend.

"Welcome." Nathalie made her way out to the two models and indicated for them both to follow her inside. "Adrien, you will go with your usual prep team to the right, Marinette follow me."

Adrien looked over to his friend to see the fearful look in her eyes.

"You'll be fine, Mari. I'll see you once you're ready." He flashed her one of his award winning smiles before leaving her in Nathalie's hands.

Marinette felt her stomach churn. Something didn't feel right, to be honest it felt wrong, very wrong, and every step Adrien took away from her she felt worse. She needed him back. The feeling when he was near calmed her and made her feel invincible.

"M. Agreste would like to speak to you before we start," Nathalie informed, "he's waiting for you in the dressing room."

Nodding, Marinette followed Nathalie into the room and came face to face with the most amazing dress she had ever seen. It drew her towards it, she wanted to touch it, to place it on and never take it off. It was so beautiful. It was so Ladybug.

"One of my finest designs, I must admit. You will be taking it home with you this evening. A sweet sixteenth birthday present from myself." Gabriel Agreste walked into the room like he owned it, and Marinette had never felt so small. She'd stood up to him before, and usually she wouldn't let someone intimidate her so much, but the feelings of fear she had at the moment couldn't be repressed.

"Oh, wow! Sir, I couldn't! It's amazing to just be wearing it. I feel so lucky."

"Lucky? Interesting choice of words. Ms. Dupain-Cheng, do you see yourself as a lucky person?" Marinette's unease increased tenfold as Gabriel seemed to be searching for something.

"N-n-no, I'm clumsy usually. Nothing lucky ever happens to me." She let out one of the worst fake giggles ever, and his look was filled with curiosity. It was almost certain that he knew she was lying.

"Well, hopefully, you'll feel lucky today."

Gabriel started to move around the dress, looking at the details and keeping his eyes away from Marinette's.

"You see, the dress is designed, fully influenced, by our dear hero Ladybug, and I see your earrings will match the design perfectly."

Instinctively, Marinette placed a hand over her ear. The look in Gabriel's eyes was one of cold hearted greed, and it terrified her. With a quick smile to both Marinette and Nathalie, he turned and exited the room. Marinette felt on edge, this wasn't right. Something wasn't right.

"Can I just use the toilet, Nathalie? Please?" Nathalie nodded and led Marinette to the en-suite of her dressing room.

"Tikki, spots on." She whispered, grabbing the phone from her holder. Her hands were shaking as she tried to dial the number she wanted. Finally, she managed to select the correct one and prayed that Chat Noir was transformed.

"Come on," she muttered, "come on kitty, answer your damn phone." To no avail, she left her partner a quick message before releasing the transformation and heading back into the main room, praying he would pick it up before the end of the day.

Three people stood alongside Nathalie and Marinette was quite sure they were her stylists. They all looked like they'd arrived from 'The Hunger Games' and Marinette was quite terrified by what they were going to do to her.

One hour later, Marinette was ready to step into the dress. Her hair was pinned to one side and slightly curled, with her bangs volumized and positioned decoratively over her forehead. Her eyelids had been painted a midnight blue, and framed with thick black liner and mascara. Finishing her look were pink blushed cheeks and a flamethrower red lipstick. She didn't say it often about herself, but with the added addition of her bluebell eyes, she looked not only pretty but desirable.

"There's a problem with the zip, Ms. Marinette. Step in and we'll see where to go from there." Marinette took off her clothes and stepped into the dress, making sure she kept her back to the wall and away from prying eyes.

Meanwhile, Adrien was getting himself into his outfit. Being a male, he didn't need additional help. One of the designers would come in later to check the fit but usually he was just left alone to get changed.

His father had produced a completely black outfit for him to wear. Slacks, jacket and shirt, complete with a gold crystallised tie. He couldn't help but compare it to his superhero suit, the gold tie mimicking that of his bell.

"This is one of the nicest things your father has ever asked you to wear." Plagg was flying around the dressing room, examining everything from the suit to the dusty chair placed in the corner.

The venue was a medieval castle, not too dissimilar to the Beasts palace in 'Beauty and the Beast', it was fitted with old looking furniture and a wide split staircase in the hallway. That was where the filming was going to take place. Marinette, the Princess, would be running from another Prince only to fall into the arms of Adrien. They would meet, dance and fall in love. Finishing with him offering her a white rose. The flower of everlasting love.

"I can't believe I spilled all that out to Marinette!" Adrien was perplexed as to why he felt the need to explain everything that made him a weak person to Marinette. What did he expect to happen? That she'd heal him? That she could fix the mess he was in?

"You needed to get it off your chest," Plagg responded, "nothing to be ashamed of, and to be fair it was a long time coming."

Adrien walked over to his bag and pulled out Marinette's gift, before taking off his clothing.

"Plagg, she's going to think I'm weird, and to be honest I wouldn't blame her. Who would want to be friends with the guy who is broken?" He removed his tee and threw it onto the clothing rack.

"Adrien?"

"She's far too lovely to be friends with me. She's a nice girl, I'm flawed!" Off came his trousers.

"Um ... Adrien?"

"She'll say goodbye later and that'll be it. I'll never speak to her again. She'll find someone cooler to hang around with."

"Adrien!" Plagg shouted. Adrien turned to look at the kwami who was indicating the mirror.

Within the dressing room, there were two mirrors facing each other allowing Adrien to see the back of his outfit through the reflection of the one he was standing in front of. He looked towards the small God of Destruction before looking into one of the mirrors.

There, right in front of him was a new addition to his body. Placed on his mid back was a mark, the large, dark mark of his soulmate. As Adrien stood shell shocked from the reveal only one thing registered in his mind. Always.

A knock at the door had Adrien move quickly, placing on his shirt. Once his soulmark was covered, he welcomed entry to whomever was at the door. Gabriel walked into the room and glanced at his son. He checked Adrien out from head to toe, finally resting on his son's ring.

"Just checking no soulmarks are on show. The romance of the shoot would be lost if they found out yours and Ms. Dupain-Cheng's are not matching."

Gabriel walked forward closer to his son, and looked again. Every inch of Adrien's flesh under scrutiny. He stopped on Adrien's hand, examining the ring he'd enquired about multiple times. Adrien was nervously messing with it, as his father continued to check his clothing. Adrien began to place the remainder of the items upon himself, feeling an edge of unease at his fathers advances. He'd never felt this way before, not whilst in his fathers company.

Gabriel knew he'd discovered what he wanted. He just needed to view the two teens together now to make sure. Stepping out of his son's room, Gabriel called for Nathalie to follow him.

"Send a picture of Ms. Dupain-Cheng to Francis. It's time we tried a different tactic."

Once Gabriel had left, Adrien blew out a sigh of relief.

"That was intense." Plagg was back at Adrien's side, "your old man creeps me out."

"I know the feeling." Said Adrien.

He moved to grab Marinette's gift and placed it in his suit inside pocket, before heading out to find her. Rounding the corner of the old French castle, he momentarily lost his ability to do anything. Marinette was right in front of him, and the nickname Princess could not have been more accurate.

She was dazzling. A diamond in the rough, the comforting light at the end of a long dark tunnel, the heartfelt lyrics to match a perfect melody. How had he never recognised this before? How had he been so blind? He made his way over to Marinette, eyes connecting to hers as he walked.

"Wow, you look breathtaking." Without thinking, he took her hand in his and placed a soft kiss to the back. Body bowed and heart thumping.

She giggled at the exchange before curtsying back to him.

"Why thank you, handsome Prince."

The giggle made his heart float. He wished he could bottle this feeling and hold onto it forever. The warm, fuzzy feeling was addictive, he was already thinking about his next hit.

"There's something missing though."

"Oh?" She inquired.

Adrien reached into his suit jacket pocket and pulled out the perfectly wrapped present, presenting it to her like a crown jewel.

"Happy sweet sixteenth, Marinette."

Marinette couldn't help the gasp escape her lips as she saw the present in Adrien's hands.

"Adrien, you really shouldn't have."

Her eyes bore into him as she tried to push it back towards him.

"I've had it for months." He exclaimed, pushing back against her hands. "It would make me sad if you didn't accept it."

Looking down at it, Marinette couldn't help the excitement or the intrigue related to the gift. Adrien had got her a present that amazed her in itself. Not only that, he'd had it for months.

'Plus," he added, " it's part of the outfit. I don't think my father would be too happy if you didn't wear it."

Marinette studied his face.

"Just your father," she said.

"No," Adrien responded, "I would be too."

"Fine, but only this once, and it better not be expensive, M. Agreste."

Smiling to himself at the win, he pushed the present again into her hands. Only this time she took it from him with her smile fully on her face. It was his second hit of the day. The endorphins she was giving him was incredible. He watched as she opened the present. Her face changed from happy, to shocked, back to happy and then something he'd never seen her display before. He couldn't even label it. Marinette leapt forward and wrapped her arms around a very willing Adrien. Hit number three.

"Do you like it then?" He laughed, as she realised herself and took the necklace out of the box.

"Like it? I love it," she said.

Adrien took it from her hands and made his way around her back, placing the necklace over her collar bone.

"I'm glad you like it."

He walked back in front of her, only to be hit with his next Marinette smile. They both locked eyes and something shifted. Something changed in their relationship and neither knew what it was. All Marinette could think was the boy she had been in love with had given her a red rose. It may have been a necklace but it was still a red rose. This kind, considerate boy cared enough to give her a beautiful, wonderful present yet he felt unloved himself.

"Adrien, I just want you to know, I l-"

Before she could verbalise her feelings, before she could let sweet Adrien know he mattered they were pulled to set, so many words remaining unspoken.

Around two hours into filming Adrien and Marinette were finally allowed a break before filming the dance scene. Gabriel was currently in conversation with Nathalie, and Marinette could feel herself on edge. Gabriel was examining her, she knew that much. The looks and curious glares did nothing for her nerves, causing her to trip up on numerous occasions and having to be saved by Adrien. She needed to see Chat Noir as soon as possible, there was something she couldn't place about Gabriel Agreste.

Finally, they were at the dance scene. During the classes at school, their instructor worked on some different moves and lifts with them, making sure that Gabriel would have himself a masterpiece. Marinette took a deep breath and linked her arm with Adrien.

"You've got this, Mari. Just breathe. It's just me."

Nodding her head, Marinette waited for the director to call 'action' so they could make their way onto the dancefloor. She could see Gabriel in the corner of her eye, staring at the screens which displayed the camera views. He was looking intently at the two of them, before bringing Nathalie in to converse again. The assistants headshot up to look at the two before Gabriel stopped the filming.

"I want them in masks." He announced.

Marinette felt her stomach churn. This could not be happening. She couldn't wear a mask. He would know, Adrien would know, everyone in the room would. Even though the quantum masking helped, Marinette knew she looked similar to her altar ego with a mask on, she tried it multiple times at home. Marinette began to hyperventilate. There was no way out of this now, she was doomed.

"I'm not wearing a mask, father, and neither is Marinette."

Her head shot up to look at the blonde model standing next to her. She'd never heard him stand up to his father before, she found it quite enticing.

"You don't get a say in this, Adrien."

"Then I'm not doing it. I need to make sure I can see what I'm doing and unfortunately a mask will block out some of my vision. I am not at a standard where my view can be restricted, and I know you wouldn't want me to injure myself, would you?"

Gabriel looked between Adrien and Marinette, the latter showing the same emotions on her face as his son did. If he pushed it, all this hard work could be in vain. He knew if Marinette was slightly suspicious it would be game over for him.

"Fine, carry on." Gabriel turned on his heel and made his way back to Nathalie, retaking his place amongst the many monitors and tablets. "Let's get this rolling."

The director called action and the two teens began to dance, exactly as they had been practising, only today it felt even better than during rehearsals.

As Adrien led Marinette to the dancefloor, she couldn't help but look him over and think back to the car journey. Did he really feel like no one else loved him? Did he not feel it every time his friends were near? Perhaps Chat felt the same way? Maybe she'd completely misread the situation? She'd never told him as Ladybug or as Marinette that she was in love with him, except during Weredad and that didn't end well. She needed to tell him, she needed to show him, she needed him to know that she was hopelessly in love with him. She wanted him, and hoped that he still wanted her.

They moved in time with the music, spinning out and rolling in. Feet moving across the floor like clouds in the sky, gliding, sliding and mesmerizing. Adrien secured his hand around Marinette's lower back and felt a bolt of lightning through his veins, he felt like he could defeat the world. It made him realise that perhaps there were more people out there that loved him, that maybe he did have more of a choice.

He looked into Marinette's eyes and wanted so badly for her to be one of those people. That she could say that she loves him, that he makes her feel the same way she does for him. He knew at that moment the love he needed was there. She would take him away from his father and whatever life he was being forced into. She would be the one to help him.

They continued with their routine, now lost in each other trying to find something that wasn't there before. The crew were slack jawed watching them, two people so perfectly in tune and made for each other. The camera crew knew this was going to be completed in one take, the looks of love and desire on the heroes' faces were better than what any A list movie actors could produce.

Gabriel Agreste sat down smug, he'd finally found what he was looking for. Ladybug and Chat Noir. He grinned to himself as he placed a text to Francis. €10,000 wiring now.

As Adrien dipped Marinette into the last move, grabbing the white rose and placing it in her soft dainty hand, he looked deep and longingly into her eyes. He'd made a big mistake. He was grasping to whatever he could find. Marinette was right, Kagami had a soulmate and so did he. They'd both been unfair about this, there were four people in this relationship, not just two.

He heard the director yell cut before pulling Marinette up to standing, eyes remaining locked on each other bright, shining and full of love. Keeping his hands firmly on her waist he looked down to her lips. So shiny and beautiful in the reflection of the stage lighting.

He closed his eyes, moving in towards her, wanting nothing more than to place his lips to hers, the look in her eyes saying she wanted it too. An inch, a centimetre, just a breath and he'd be there.

"I'm in love with someone." The words stabbed him like a knife in the heart, it twisted and pushed in further. He'd believed someone else could love him. He believed that she could have been that someone else, but again he was hurt. He'd misread the situation terribly.

Adrien pulled his hands away from her and moved back. Giving her space and trying to regain his own composure. He nodded towards her before placing a hand to the back of his neck.

"Sorry about that. I got swept up in the moment."

Marinette smiled in return, but it didn't reach her eyes.

"That's ok."

"You two, that was perfection. You're both done and free to go." The director gushed, pride evident in his eyes. He left them to go and consult with Gabriel.

"I suppose we can get changed and head off to the mall now. I'll call Nino from my dressing room and get him to gather the gang together."

Marinette nodded in agreement before turning around and heading to her dressing room. She'd only taken a couple of steps from him when the zip on the back of her dress failed, the back of the dress opening wide.

Adrien stalled as he looked at what was right in front of him.

Always.