Day 1

Dear Diary,

Did I wake up on time? What do you think, diary? You know me probably better than anyone.

If you said no, you are one hundred percent correct. After silencing my alarm for about seven times, I found myself being manhandled out of bed. Not that I didn't mind, you know it's Adrien and his big hands. It was like a dream come true. That was until he threw me in the shower whilst I was wearing my pjs. Papa, of course, found it hilarious. I, on the other hand, did not.

But I must say the day improved greatly from there.

Have I ever mentioned how beautiful and Charming, my Kitty is? Well, I don't care if I have. He's amazing! He carried my bags, made sure I was well fed before the flight, got me a wonderfully strong coffee and ... he let me have the window seat! I know, he's just amazing.

By the time we'd made it to New York, I'd managed to get a little sleep. Our ten o'clock flight arrived around two in the afternoon EST, and as much as I would like to say I was thrilled at the idea of more time before having to call it a night, I was exhausted.

We'd climbed into the limo and made it straight to the hotel, where the fashion show was being held. Apparently Adrien had some additional fittings to attend to, but to be honest I just wanted to eat. It took about three hours for the fittings to be complete, I've never been so bored in my life.

Don't get me wrong I wanted to be here, I just didn't have anything to do. The senior stylists were the ones who dealt with Adrien so I just sat on the sidelines and watched him. He's so fake when he models, acting all manly and professional. He's such a big dork.

Adrien had managed to persuade his father to allow us to share a suite. It is amazing! First thing I did was look out of the window. The view was over Central Park and I could see the 'Alice in Wonderland Statue'. It was one of the items on my 'to do in New York' list. Adrien said we'll go and see it at some point but for now we both needed to eat.

We went to a place called Applebee's, and ordered an array of different appetisers to share. I'd been warned about the food sizes in the US compared to France, and was glad we shared between us. The restaurant was on the fifth floor of a building, giving an ideal view below at the street. We had so much fun watching the cars get stuck, and people attempting to cross the road. It's so different to France.

We arrived back at the hotel eight o'clock New York time and I just wanted to fill in my diary before I crashed. It's been an exciting first day and I don't want to forget anything about it. I'm finally living my dream, and to make it better my Kitten is here right beside me.

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From: Adrien
To: Nathalie

Subject: Operation Sunshine

Dear Nathalie,

Has my father cleared the remainder of next week for me?

Regards, Adrien

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From: Nathalie
To: Adrien

Subject: RE: Operation Sunshine

Dear Adrien,

Your father has allowed ten days after the final show.
Do you need me to book the arrangements as discussed?

Regards, Nathalie

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From: Adrien
To: Nathalie

Subject: RE: RE: Operation Sunshine

Thank you, Nathalie.

Please allocate us another night here in New York before booking the hotel and flights I am sending you as an attachment.

I will also need time off during one of the shoots to collect something I have ordered. Please can you make sure Ms. Dupain-Cheng is busy during this time?

Regards, Adrien

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Day 2

Dear Diary,

Well my Ladybug luck DEFINITELY wasn't with me today. I managed to trip and push over one of the female models from Gabriel's display. Not just anyone though, LILA!!! If looks could have killed I would be dead on the spot ... right ... then! I swear I saw steam break out of her ears. Adrien, as always, stood beside me as we faced off, before she burst out in tears and put in a formal complaint to Nathalie. I am so dead!

I tried to stay quiet for the rest of the day just doing as told, and not getting myself into any other compromising positions. I even stayed away from Adrien for most of the day, just to not bring more attention to myself. I've barely seen him and miss him so much. He's out at the moment, some sort of business meeting, and I know I shouldn't be jealous but Lila is there too.

I need to sort myself out. This is my fault for not telling him. I should just walk up to him and say "Adrien, I love you!" Oh whatever, I'm a failure. I'd probably end up telling him I love fish ... ooo actually talking about fish, I might go out and look for some sushi.

Anyway, diary, tomorrow is another day and hopefully I can actually make it through without destroying my career,

Goodnight.

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Adrien [1 picture attached]

Nino Dude!!!! Is that what I think it is?

Adrien Kind of. It's more of a promise.

Nino If that's for a promise I can't wait to see what you do for the proposal!!!! Alya's going to freak.

Adrien You can't say anything to her. It needs to be a surprise. I had to sneak out today to collect it.

Nino Fine, but this is huge man. You're not even dating, are you?

Adrien She's the one Nino! No one would ever come close. I wanted to do something special when I asked her to be my girlfriend.

Nino Flowers then man! Not a full on diamond ring from Tiffany's. I'm going to owe Alya so much when she sees this! Agreste, you are an ass!!!!!

Adrien I am, and I don't care!

Nino You've planned more haven't you! Dear Lord! We're having words when you get home. You need to learn to chill and not make us look like shit boyfriends.

Adrien Yes, Sir!

Nino I'm proud of you though, man. Seriously, this has been a long time coming and I can see how happy she makes you. Just watch out for the paparazzi.

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Day 3

Dear Diary,

I wasn't fired!!! And today was so much better.

I worked with some of Gabriel's top stylists altering the outfits and staging the runway. It was honestly magical! I know I can suit up as Ladybug with the aid of a flying bug-rat (note: from Tikki - I despise that) but this, well, this was a dream come true. The music, the lighting, the outfits ... wow! I knew this is exactly where I want to be. This is the job I want, the life I want. I just hope being Guardian doesn't take it away from me.

Adrien was incredible on the runway. I can't believe I never figured he was Chat Noir from just watching him. He really is a fine specimen, and I am his best friend. I get to congratulate him, and hug him! And kiss him! But not in a stalker-ish way. Only when he's asleep, ok I didn't mean that as I said, it sounds awful when I read it back. What I meant was, he falls asleep a lot when we're watching films and I get to kiss him — on the cheek — before I head for bed myself.

Alya rang me today, apparently there was a story in the press about Adrien visiting a jewellery store and a quote from Lila saying he has been mentioning developing his relationship with her and that it was AN ENGAGEMENT RING! Seriously this girl ...
I spoke to Plagg and we both think she should be 'cataclysmed' from existence, Tikki and Adrien were not happy with our idea and basically threatened to disown us if we did anything like that. But what they know won't kill them ... Plagg and myself have many tricks up our sleeve. I do believe I was handed the wrong Kwami.

Anyways, we managed to get some sightseeing done this afternoon. With the show rehearsed, and pretty perfect, Gabriel allowed Adrien and myself a free afternoon. He made us promise to leave the hotel and not be back until later. I have no idea what is happening with this man, but he was a nervous wreck today. Now according to the staff, Gabriel never gets like this before a shoot. I believe Adrien is going to try and talk to him later, but you know what it's like, he needs to book an appointment. Gabriel Agreste is a pathetic excuse for a father! There I've said it! How can such a cold hearted man raise someone who literally has the sun shining out of his butt? Adrien Agreste, you are a God!

So anyway, our free afternoon! We did so much! Starting with Central Park. The weather was gorgeous! Adrien took me straight to the Alice statue. It had a pond near it, and, oh my, it was stunning. We walked around the lower end and managed to see the fountain they use for Impractical Jokers. I love that show! I hoped they'd be there filming, but no such luck. Adrien held my hand the whole time. I swear sometimes it's like we're dating but without telling the other one. So many times I just wanted him to kiss me, I know it's hard with the fame thing for him, and obviously he's such a gentleman he wouldn't just do it. But sometimes I wish he would. I wish he'd just take me and kiss me hard. I love him so much!

Next, he took me down to Times Square. Wow! It was crazy busy. We looked in a few shops before heading to the Empire State Building. Adrien had managed to use his charm, and name, to get us straight in and to the top of the building. It was stunning! What the doofus hadn't told me though was he'd arranged a little surprise. Waiting at the top of the tower for us were Aeon and Jess. It was so good to see them again, and although we couldn't talk out right about Miraculous and hero business, we managed to talk in code. They're both doing amazing. I think Aeon might be coming over to Paris soon, something about Max?

We finished the evening back at the hotel, watching a film and cuddling on the sofa. I swear he was going to kiss me, honestly we were really close again, but his father, well more Nathalie rang him. They're coming down to talk to us in about an hour's time. I hope it's not about our friendship. I'm not giving Adrien up for anything.

I'll let you know the deets tomorrow, my most trusted friend.

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Kitty I promise I'll be back soon. Don't come looking for me. I need time.

M'Lady I'm here if you need me. Please don't think you need to do this on your own. We're a team remember, an unstoppable one.

Chat I know. I just can't deal with this at the moment. Everything is too much!

M'Lady Be careful. You mean too much for me to lose you.

Chat I'm sorry I'm such a mess. I'm sorry you've been dragged into everything. I'm just sorry.

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Day 4

Dear diary,

What should have been an additional dress rehearsal turned into a truly morbid day.

Adrien didn't arrive back until early hours of the morning. I'd tried to stay awake to greet him back, but you know me and sleep ... I fell asleep in his bed. When I woke up this morning he was snuggled up to me, cheeks tear stained and eyes surrounded in a puffy redness. My heart broke for my best friend.

Yesterday, after our fun little outing, shit hit the fan. Adrien and myself were called to speak to Gabriel, as I explained yesterday. It seemed he wanted us out of the hotel for a reason. That reason? Lila Rossi. It seems Monsieur Agreste had been hiding a little secret. One that had caused Adrien and I excessive pain over the years. He was Hawk Moth. Keyword there ... WAS! He's lost the Miraculous, Lila has taken it. To add to the story, he knew. Gabriel knew who we were. It was at that moment Adrien had left. Suited up and jumped out the window.

I stayed to talk through with Gabriel and Nathalie about the implications of everything, and took the Peacock back to place safely out of their devious hands.

I can't forgive Gabriel for this. Adrien is broken. His father was attacking him all this time, even after knowing who Chat Noir was. I couldn't even promise Gabriel that Adrien would be ok. After all, I wouldn't blame him if he never spoke to his father again. The most I can do now is support the man I love through this, be the backbone and support that he needs.

We haven't worked today. Adrien's been in bed most of the day, as I've split myself between looking after him and searching for Lila. There's been no sightings of her, and I don't know what to do anymore. Would it be wrong to push my guardianship to one side whilst I look after Adrien? All I can think about at the moment is him and making sure he is ok, I want him to be ok. I can't lose my kitty.

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"Mari?"

Marinette shot her head around and noticed Adrien standing in the doorway. She placed her diary down onto the coffee table in front of her. Forgotten for now.

"I am so sorry. I've ruined both our lives ... I've put you in so much danger."

She stood up and made her way over to the doorway. Adrien had slumped against it. He looked completely disheveled, and no where near the model he is ... or was.

"Come here." Opening her arms she took Adrien into a warm embrace. Holding him safe and secure in her arms. He rested his head on her shoulder before allowing the tears to roll once again. He couldn't remember the last time he'd cried so much, this was a whole new level of emotion.

Pulling herself out of the hug she placed her small, delicate hands on her cheekbones.

"As crazy and heartbreaking as all this is there's one thing I am grateful for -" Adrien intrupted Marinettes speech.

"What's that? That even models can look like crap. I hope this less than perfect look doesn't put you off." He let out a small, desperate laugh and her heartbroke once more for her kitty.

"Adrien, stop! Without your father being a tremendous asshole on so many different levels, I would never have found you. I would never have such an incredible relationship with one of the most amazing people I've ever met. You've been through so much, yet here you are apologising to me. You have nothing to be sorry for, Adrien. Nothing at all." Adrien's eyes dropped to the floor. He was struggling so much with everything revealed. How the hell was he meant to act like nothing had happened? Tomorrow he was meant to be walking the catwalk, allowing Marinette to live out one of her dreams. He'd stolen her dream from her.

"Don't you dare think that!" Her words were sharp and pulled him out of his slump. He hadn't realised he'd said it out loud. "Without your father's deceitfulness I would never have fallen in love with you twice. I would never have seen how amazing the real you actually is, even if sometimes you are a clown."

He let out a smile before hugging Marinette once more.

"You mean everything to me, Princess. I can't lose you, you have my heart, you have my everything."

"Which is exactly why it's you and me against the world! Now let's order lots of unhealthy food and watch some random American sitcoms, we can discuss where we go from there."

Adrien placed a kiss on Marinette's soft lips before pulling again. She truly was perfect.

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From: Adrien
To: Nathalie

Subject: My resignation

Dear Nathalie,

Please accept this email as my formal resignation. I'm sure you understand why and will pass this onto my father.

I will be taking part in the show scheduled for tomorrow, as per contract, and will then see out my final duties once returning home in a fortnight.

Myself and Marinette will continued with what I have planned for the remainder of our break here in the USA, however I wish to be given time to myself once returning to Paris. I have a lot of decisions to make about my future with both the company and father.

Also, I wish for Ms. Dupain-Cheng to be treated with the utmost respect. If she decides to remain as part of the 'Gabriel' brand I will support her, however I will also be observing how she is catered and cared for as part of the company. Her dreams do not deserve to be compromised due to what has became apart over the past day.

Regards, Adrien

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