Adrien could still pinpoint the exact chain of events which made him fall in love with Marinette. Though he thought his love for Ladybug was true and real, it was nothing compared to the gut-churning feeling when his heart flipped from the risk of holding her hand. Risk being the keyword. His world had just crumbled around him, thanks to his father's need to destroy everything (hindsight was such a nagging neighbour with a mocking smirk), yet Marinette was there beside him, wanting to fight not just for him, but with him. Even under the influence of an akuma, she stood up for him with such heartfelt sincerity he couldn't help but take his chance.
That was the day he realised what real love was. That's when he knew she was the one for him.
...then the reveal happened.
After he'd stopped chasing Ladybug, he suddenly began to feel more comfortable in his relationship with Marinette. They grew closer - impossibly closer - in both forms. He found himself flitting from one girl to the next, the line between them blurring as he darted from cold rooftops to warm bakeries. There should have been an undeniable difference between the two, yet the feeling of both was practically the same.
In his head, the jigsaws were forming for both girls, piece after piece, slotting together with all this wonderful information. But after building the pictures, he noticed one strange thing...both had a huge gaping hole in the middle, one which was soon filled with the reveal of a face.
Then it all went to shits creek (and not the tv show!)
After years of dancing around each other, Adrien shouldn't have been surprised when they both ran off in opposite directions. He should have followed her. He usually did – until that day. His mind was focused on what was happening. Instead, he'd been lost in his own thoughts and joyous feelings.
A week later, they had one of the worst akumas they'd ever faced, because it didn't last a couple of hours, or even a couple of days - it lasted a week, the akuma hiding away in the shadows yet giving everyone the superpower to write on their arm to their soulmate.
They'd been awkward as hell in battle and even worse in day-to-day life. Luckily, they'd both moved on to new (and different) lycées because neither could have predicted such a change in their relationship – nobody would have. They were diabolical. What was once a power-house of a team turned into nothing more than the two grumpy old men from The Muppets – or if possible worse!
The akuma, however, eventually revived Ladynoir and gave something to Adrinette which they hadn't had before – true insight.
Soul Marker had given 'couples' the ability to write on their arms and talk to their other half – something they believed Lila was trying to use to lure them out. But they weren't idiots (in all parts) and kept the contact until late at night – at least for the first day. It seemed being able to contact each other in this 'Snapchat' kind of way saved their partnership. They vented frustrations, they talked late into the night, and they planned. They came together again, and from that day on he never missed a chance to say good morning, or good night – neither had she.
So, when Adrien's school tutor mentioned auditioning for acting roles, Marinette was the first there backing him, being the cheerleader he'd never had before. Yes, he knew he could act, but it wasn't something he was actively looking to do. But the look of pride on her face when he won his first role inspired him to keep going, to keep making her proud, even when it took him further away from her.
Lana became his agent early on in his career, moving him from the buttom of the acting jobs up to the leading male roles in international rom coms. She'd begged him to move to LA, telling him that was the next step forward in his career, but LA was too far from Paris – even with superpowers. Marinette had cheered him on at the airport, stood by his side at his first film premiere, and been there to hold him as the news broke around the world about his father's dark past. Each and every event just made him love her more and more, and now he knew he wouldn't stop – he couldn't even if he tried.
They weren't made for each other, contrary to what everyone believed. They weren't the same; they weren't opposites, but they did complete each other in a way that made him feel he could take on the world, all because she believed in him. She knew him better than he even knew himself.
And now, once again, she was going to be there by his side. If only he could write on his arm and tell her how he really felt.
Arriving at the boulangerie, Adrien felt every single inch of him sweating, from the top of his head to the backs of his knees. This was not the desired look he was going for. He'd spent a ridiculous amount of time preparing himself for tonight, making sure he was clean from top to toe, hair perfectly positioned and stubble clear.
Hanging outside the limo for a minute, Adrien closed his eyes and took a deep breath, allowing himself to focus on the current task — shoving his hand in his pocket to feel his Lucky Charm. As the smooth plastic twisted around his fingers, comforting and sending sparks of confidence through his spine. Marinette wouldn't care how he looked. She wasn't like that! He could go in there looking as though he'd been wading in the Seine all day, and smell of fish, and she'd still welcome him in with open arms. This was Marinette Dupain-Cheng, soon to be Agreste – the thought sent a tingling caress down his spine.
Marinette Agreste.
Clutching the flowers tightly into his chest, he made his way to the door with a renewed sense of vigour. His wife (to-be - wife-to-be) was on the other side of the door, and tonight he was going to show her exactly why Chat Noir was worth the chance - why Adrien Agreste was worth the chance.
With a slight tremble in his hand, Adrien reached up and pressed the bell, a nervous anticipation prickling at his skin like needles as he waited for someone to open the door.
He glanced down at the flowers he was holding and smiled. He'd spent over an hour in the florist's this morning, looking for the perfect flowers to represent his wife-to-be. The smile grew as he gazed longingly at the wild bouquet held all together with a pretty pink bow. Each bloom was a symbol of the freedom she gifted to him, their vibrant hues mirroring the boundless joy she brought into his life.
It was an extensive mix of lilacs, sweet pea, garden roses, succulents and ranunculus. Beautiful and unique — just like her.
The click of the door took his breath away as he waited for it to be opened, only to almost pass out when it did.
There she stood, bathed in the soft glow of the evening light filtering through the doorway. Her long chiffon peach skirt flowed gracefully around her legs, and the slit along one side hinted at a world of hidden dreams.
The sequin body of her dress shimmered like stars in the night sky, drawing his gaze irresistibly towards her heart-shaped neckline. Two delicate straps embraced her shoulders, framing her delicate features like a masterpiece.
Time seemed to slow as he took in every detail—the way her eyes sparkled with excitement, the hint of a blush on her cheeks, and the soft smile that played on her lips. She was a vision of beauty and elegance, and in that moment, he knew that he was witnessing something truly magical.
"Adrien," she whispered, her voice a melody that filled the room and his heart simultaneously. The world faded away, leaving only the two of them caught in this enchanting moment.
In that instant, Adrien realised that this was not just a dress; it was a reflection of her spirit—captivating, graceful, and utterly captivating. And as she stood before him, radiant and breathtaking, he felt a warmth spread through him, igniting a feeling he couldn't deny.
And then he knew, without a doubt, that Marinette was not just beautiful; she was the embodiment of romance itself—a living, breathing fantasy of strolling through a summer garden at dusk.
He wanted nothing less than to fall to his knees and ask her to marry him for real, not just for show, but for eternity. Him and her against the world.
"These are for you." With the least pizzazz of anyone ever, he shoved the flowers at her, slamming them into her chest. He seemed to have lost his speech and acting ability, becoming less cool than when he first gave her a rose at 14.
Smooth, Agreste! Real smooth!
Marinette took the flowers from him, pulling them away from her dress so she could look at them. Her smile struck him straight in the heart. She was beyond beautiful when she smiled.
"I'll just take these back upstairs and grab my clutch." She turned and started heading back up the staircase and towards the apartment only to trip over her dress on the first couple of steps.
Adrien stepped into the doorway, ready to help her up. "Are you –"
"I'm fine," she replied, turning to look over her shoulder in the most Victoria's Secret model kind of way, her shoulder lifting and her mouth pouting.
Rose petals. Her lips were shining like delicate rose petals glistening with morning dew. Each curve captured the light in a way that drew him closer, as if they held secrets whispering in the breeze at dawn.
She turned back, this time lifting the skirt of her dress and scrambling up the stairs with a little more coordination, passing none other than Éliott.
"I like her," Éliott laughed, continuing down to stand in front of Adrien. "Nice suit! Who are you trying to be? Gatsby?"
"Very funny," Adrien replied, rolling his eyes. "So, when are you getting changed?"
Éliott gasped, faking offence and placing a hand to his chest. "How rude! And here I was complimenting you by comparing you to Leonardo DiCaprio."
Adrien would have believed him if he was wearing a tuxedo. However, this time he'd come in his trademark colour. Black suit, black shirt and no tie, just a couple of buttons open to reveal a slither of chest. He knew Felix was going to have a field day with both the colour and the design, but he looked good for Marinette and that was all that mattered. Especially as she looked like a celestial goddess.
"What do you think of Marinette's makeover?" The tone of Éliott's question, plus the wiggle of his eyebrows, could only mean one thing, his PA was digging for a specific answer, and unfortunately, they'd been together so long now, he'd know when Adrien was lying.
"She always looks stunning, but tonight..." Adrien reached up to rub a hand on the back of his neck. "She looks incredible. I don't think I'm worthy of having her on my arm."
Éliott smiled in a way that told Adrien he'd given the correct answer. "She's a special one, you know. She deserves to be treated like a princess."
"She does," Adrien agreed.
And it was something he fully intended to do.
"I've had some rings sent over –"
Adrien held up a hand, stopping Éliott from continuing. He smiled, placing his hand over his heart — and also his breast pocket. "I have it covered." He gave it a couple of taps for emphasis and watched as Éliott's eyes nearly popped out of his head.
"Okay, okay, okay! I know you won't tell me this for real, but I'm still going to ask the question anyway. How long have you had that?"
"Wouldn't you like to know." Adrien dropped Éliott a wink, only to be interrupted by the reappearance of his fiancée.
"I'm ready, and I promise I have used up all of my impending accidents for the evening. I should be a 'safe date' now."
Adrien tutted. "Who am I going to save?"
Éliott raised his hand slyly, his eyes twinkling with amusement as he held a hand out for Marinette to make it down the stairs and into Adrien's safe hold. She stopped at the bottom of the staircase and kissed Éliott on the cheek, Adrien's buzzing in jealousy.
"Have fun, kids," Éliott said, giving them a collective push out the door.
"Are you not coming?" Marinette asked, looking over her shoulder at the same time as she wrapped her hand through Adrien's arm. Her small hand circled over his bicep and he couldn't help the betraying thoughts about how he liked the feel of her hands on his body...almost as much as he liked putting his own on hers.
Éliott smiled. "I'm bringing the in-laws. We'll see you there."
The door closed slowly behind them, but not without Éliott giving them one last cheeky grin.
"You look really handsome tonight." Marinette's soft voice lifted through the slight wind and straight to Adrien's ears, along with her scent drifting to his nose.
The usual fruity tones of her shampoo were mixing with the undertones of something else, something...new. She smelt devine and he'd never wanted to taste skin more.
Nervously, he reached up and rubbed the back of his neck again, smiling slyly at her. "I know this is not full black tie, but I hope it's okay. Especially to match with you. You look...incredible!" Yet the word seemed somewhat lacking.
Marinette giggled, waiting for him to open the door to the limo and let her in. "I'll take that as a good sign, Chaton."
"Please do, M'Lady."
As Marinette lowered herself into the car, Adrien's mouth was suddenly full of cotton wool. For a moment he'd forgotten about the design of the dress, and the long slit up one one side. The action of climbing in the car had allowed her smooth, porcelain skin to appear through the gap and mesmerise him. His eyes glued to the sudden fashion mishap like an animal starved for water.
"Sorry," Marinette said shyly, continuing across the seat and allowing Adrien to slide in behind her, her hands working hard to rearrange the dress.
"I - um -" Once seated, he rubbed aggressively at the back of his neck, his eyes unconsciously seeking her bare flesh again. "I lost myself there for a moment. I kind of forgot you were my fake fiancée."
Adrien closed the door behind him, nodding to the Gorilla to start the journey.
"Sometimes I forget what a brilliant actor you are." Her voice was so soft, and small, the look in her eyes churning at his stomach in an unfamiliar way.
But he wasn't. When he was with her, he was himself. He didn't have to pretend or act, he just had to be him — her Adrien.
"Yeah," he said, not meaning a damn word of it. "I guess in that case, you're going to need our backstory?"
"It would be nice to know your motives for wanting to marry just a baker girl," she said with that smile which turned his bones to jelly.
Just a baker girl? There was one thing Marinette wasn't, and that was 'just an' anything. She was his everything. His heart began to pound hard in his chest, yet on the outside he was cool and calm.
"Plus, why would I want to marry a gorgeous, rich Hollywood star? There must have been a meet-cute, or a grand gesture – those are the only romances worth noting." Marinette's smug expression almost had him pinning her down against the cool leather whilst he kissed it off her.
With a quick glance out the window, he smiled. They were here. Stop number one.
The limo slowed to a complete halt, Adrien taking Marinette's hand and pressing his lips to the back of her knuckles, happy with the harsh intake of breath he'd managed to pull from her.
"Follow me," he said, opening the door and sliding out. He offered his hand down to her, her own smaller one slipping perfectly into his and allowing him to help her out, this time his eyes remaining firmly placed elsewhere. With what he was about to do, he wouldn't be able to cope with another viewing of her thigh.
She giggled as she stumbled out the car, grabbing tightly onto his biceps as she straightened herself up. "Sorry," she muttered, his own cheeks flushing from the position they landed in. He needed to keep himself together or this was going to go terribly wrong.
"It's okay." He smiled, taking her hand in his again and walking to the edge of the pavement.
His heart raced as he watched her eyes widen in astonishment at the lamppost adorned with wild flowers and fairy lights. He couldn't help but smile as she reached out to touch them, her fingers delicately skimming over the soft, colourful petals.
She stuttered as she spoke. "Did you do this?"
"Yeah, I did," he admitted, his voice filled with a mixture of nervousness and excitement. "I wanted to recreate the moment we first met, but with a little extra magic."
"So, is this our backstory? I met you under a lamppost." She didn't look at him, instead continuing to stroke over the flowers,
Adrien chuckled softly at her question, his gaze lingering on her mesmerised eyes as he studied her profile. "Not exactly our backstory," he began, "but definitely a significant moment in it."
"So how do we explain this to the media, and our guests?"
Adrien shrugged, moving herself behind him and lowering himself down onto one knee. "Who said this was the beginning of the story?" He reached inside his coat pocket, his heart pounding in his chest as he retrieved the small velvet box. Opening it slowly, he revealed the shimmering ring nestled inside. All he needed now was for her to turn around.
"Okay then Hot Shot! I take the bait! Tell me how we got here?"
"Well, what if Adrien, my character in this fake engagement romance, met his best friend at this very spot almost a decade ago. She'd crashed into his life like a wrecking ball, becoming the main star of his dreams, both day and night. He couldn't wait to see her again – even if it meant a number of people got zapped into zombies, or turned into crows. She made his life fun again, worth living. But she thought it was superficial. He couldn't have disagreed more. Not only was she pretty, she had more courage and determination than anyone he'd ever met."
Marinette giggled, giving him the strength to carry on. "That's a bit selfish, isn't it? Wishing for people to get hurt?"
"It was, but he didn't care. He knew they'd be cured in the end. He had become infatuated with the most beautiful girl in the world and that was all that mattered to him - but alas, there was someone else. So he tried his hardest to win her over, creating romantic meals on rooftops, giving her an array of different coloured roses, poems, love letters. It was just a shame they had to hide behind the masks. But as time went on, he was suddenly taken by another girl, one who didn't wear a mask who just so happened to be one and the same – not that he knew this at the time.
Adrien was also battling a psychopathic father who kept him locked away like Rapunzel. He never had the chance to escape his room - not without the help of a little cheese-obsessed god, anyway!"
The shout from Adrien's tuxedo had both of them laughing.
"How could Marinette – that's my character – how could she not have fallen for this guy's cat-ish charms?"
"I know." He sighed exasperatedly.
She laughed, almost as though this was a made up story. "So what happened after he attempted to woo her with flowers and candles?" Her voice had softened, the jesting tone taken away and left with pure innocence underneath.
Adrien breathed out a rather lung-deflating sigh. "Finally, the masks vanished, and she was everything he wanted and more. But life got in the way. You see, they still had this secret to keep - a secret which constructed a thick barrier between them. It became a boundary they couldn't cross, not when the fate of the world was in their hands.
So, they became best friends instead, Adrien burying his previous feelings deep down and locking them away. Years later, when Marinette started dating again, Adrien begged her to give him one last chance, and she said yes, because, plot twist, she had been madly in love with him all this time too, so he seized his opportunity and put a ring on it."
He heard the intake of breath, an incoherent sound leaving her mouth as her hand froze on the flowers in front of her, an action he was becoming used to seeing when he got too close.
He held his breath, waiting for her to say something, to turn around. His spare hand reached into his pocket again, his fingers once again finding strength in the cheap beads and thread.
A spark of hope ignited inside him and he couldn't help wondering if all these feelings he had – all this love – was there for her too.