"It's so hard to get used to normal clothes again." Marinette looked in the mirror turning side to side. She'd made a new dress for the interview. Maroon with a pink silk bow at the front in the middle. The dress was mid length and she supported it with thick black tights, a long length pink cotton coat and her pink scarf.
"Marinette you look wonderful." Tikki, being as supportive as always came to her wielders side showering her with compliments and gushes. She knew Marinette was nervous about this. It was obvious, what Tikki was yet to get out of her holder was whether the nerves came from the job at stake or the male ex-model she was about to reconnect with.
Ding!
"He's text again, Tikki." The smile on her face was second to none. For some reason Marinette now found herself enjoying texting this person and interacting with them. There was just something so right and so natural. She'd never felt this free before.
Tikki however knew exactly why Marinette was enjoying her correspondence with this 'unknown male', and she believed it had something to do with it being Marinette's long time crush, partner, best friend, school mate, soul mate ... etc. The list was endless.
Good luck today, I'll keep everything crossed for you. Including my eyes.
Marinette let out a chuckle as she text her thank yous back, suddenly feeling a lot more relaxed than she did five minutes ago. She gave herself one last look over, an extra spray of perfume and then nodded. She was ready. Ready to see Adrien and hopefully persuade him to give her a job.
As Marinette stepped down into the bakery she noticed her parents huddled in a quiet chatter to each other.
"I'm off now." Marinette spoke making the Dupain-Cheng's jump apart.
"You look lovely honey." Sabine pulled herself together quickly and made her way over to gush at her daughters stunning outfit.
"Thanks Maman." Marinette placed a soft kiss on her mother's cheek before moving towards her father.
"If Adrien doesn't give you a job then tell him he's no longer welcome for dinner." Marinette smiled at her big Weredad and gave him a kiss on the cheek too.
"I doubt you'd give him up that easy."
Tom looked thoughtful for a moment.
"You're right. I'd just starving him of his favourite croissants for a week." Laughing again she took her father into her arms. Engulfing him in a large hug. Adrien had still been a frequent visitor, yet Marinette made sure she stayed out the way.
"I love you, Papa." Tom stroked down his daughters hair before placing a kiss on her temple. He couldn't understand how she'd grown into this amazing woman, who definitely didn't need his help.
He sighed and made his way to his wife, both watching as their superhero daughter went out to get her first real job. She never failed to amaze them. They just wished she didn't have to grow up so quickly.
As Marinette stepped out the metro station she took a deep breath. This was it. She was seeing not only her best friend but also, hopefully, taking a giant step towards her future.
She entered the 'Agreste' building and for the second time that week was in awe at the floor to ceiling windows and, black and green colour interior. She looked around and noticed the change in the logo. It was oddly familiar with its circles and sharp lines. She felt like she'd seen it before and it meant something to her. A bit like her brown dress.
"Oh hello again." An older lady walked over to her and Marinette recognised her from her first trip into this building.
"Ms. Janice, is it?"
"Yes dear, I'm Mr Agreste's personal assistant. Please follow me." Ms. Janice took Marinette to a desk at the front of the building and signed her in. Marinette could feel her bravado begin to fade, what if Adrien hated her for using him this way? The reason she'd sent her portfolio in first was to make sure he saw her work before deciding whether she was worth the shot.
Most of her new designs were based on what she'd seen during her training. The colours, the patterns, and the aesthetic. She was proud of her work and prayed Adrien liked it too.
Marinette followed the lady to, what she guessed, was Adrien's private floor. As the doors of the elevator opened Marinette was blown away. It was stunning. Pictures of previous campaigns lined the walls including those Adrien had participated in himself. She removed her coat as she began to look at the photographs, slinging it over her forearm.
"Handsome isn't he? He's changed a lot since these were taken though. Much more manly now." Janice fawned over Adrien's pictures.
"Probably doesn't help the amount of pastries he eats."
"What doesn't help is the personal ties he has with the best bakery in Paris." As Marinette turned towards the new voice, she moved swiftly and, in true Marinette style, off balance.
She collided into the hard body of Adrien Agreste. Her long term crush and best friend. As Marinette started her apology, Adrien let out a few choice words making her wince. Looking straight into his torso, she noticed the coffee stained white shirt. Slowly, she lifted her eyes to meet his, which surprisingly were filled with joy.
"Marinette Dupain-Cheng! You really do know how to make an entrance."
"Adrien, I am so so sorry!" He let out a lighthearted laugh and signalled for her to follow him into his office.
"I would give you a hug but I don't want to mess up your pretty dress so please excuse me one minute." He indicated to her to sit on the sofa as he made his way to the wardrobe situated in his room.
What happened next made Marinette go lightheaded and maybe drool a little. He was taking off his shirt to replace it with a new one.
"I think I know what you've been up to over the past ten months." Marinette spoke without thinking and Adrien looked back at her over his shoulder a smile spread across his lips.
"Are you eyeing me up Mari? Because flattery won't help you get a job here." Marinette turned red at his words. She didn't want him to think she was flirting with him to get a job.
"I didn't mean ... I ... it's just ... you!" Closing his wardrobe door he walked over to Marinette and took her hands in his, pulling her into his height.
"You're cute when you get flustered. I've missed you so much." He swept her into his arms and clung on like she would disappear any minute.
"I've missed you too." She closed her eyes and allowed her body to mould against his familiar smell overpowering her senses. It was amazing how well they fit together, especially now he was seriously built ... and, if possible, even more gorgeous.
"Now about the job." He let go of her and she audibly gulped, scared of what he was going to say. "Can you start on Monday? There are several of your designs I want to put into production, they just need a few tweaks."
"Are you being serious?" She was gobsmacked. She didn't have to persuade him or anything.
"Of course, you're amazing at what you do Mari. I've wanted you to work here since I took over the place. You deserve it!"
Marinette thought her face was going to split from the smile. Launching forwards, she took Adrien into another hug, giggling loudly as he picked her up and spun her around.
"Right, Madam Dupain-Cheng. I hope you're not going to get bored of me because I've got us lunch reservations, and your Maman has invited me to dinner this evening."
"Lunch? Really?"
"Oh yes, of course. I needed to woo the new designer who was going to come and work for me and make me millions."
"Then please woo away!" Where the hell? Had that came from? If there was one thing Marinette wasn't, it was confident in front of Adrien. She looked at him as he stood grinning back at her. She didn't know if her heart could take it. Following him out the room, they walked in silence to a local restaurant and were seated at their pre-booked table.
Saying their thanks to the waiter they browsed over the menus.
"So ..." Adrien was first to break the silence.
"So ..." she smiled back at him.
"What's life been like since you came home? As much as I loved your pigtails, your hair now is just beautiful."
She placed the menu down and looked him in the eyes, as her face received a light dusting of pink. His beautiful, bright green eyes stared back at her. In that moment, Marinette knew any thought that she was over him was a complete lie. She had to admit everything, every tiny little feeling came back full force.
"It's been interesting so far. I'm hoping now I've seen you and Alya, I can start making visits to the others."
"You've seen Alya then?" He winced as he asked her with one eye slightly closed.
"I have ... and I was extremely shocked. I just can't believe she'd been pregnant all this time and I had no idea. I'm such a terrible friend." Marinette played with the cutlery on the table next to her. Twisting and spinning it.
"Don't blame yourself. You had things to do. It's about time you did something for yourself." Marinette knew he was right. He always was, but that didn't stop the constant guilt she had over her best friends messed up love life.
"If I'd been here though she never would have slept with him, and I saw him a couple of days ago and we were going to arrange going for something to eat together. I can't even look him in the eye now. Knowing that they've, and he's ..." suddenly a shiver ran down her spine. Before she could travel more into emotional turmoil she was saved by a very enthusiastic and, dare she say, beautiful looking waitress.
"A bottle of Pinot please and two chicken salads." He spoke without taking his eyes off Marinette's. She felt exposed by his glare and her cheeks began to flame up.
The waitress nodded and walked away. Seemingly upset that Adrien never spoke to her.
"Mari, came down. Who's he?"
"You know the possible other father to the baby."
"You know who he is?" Even though Adrien knew Alya had slept with Luka, he wasn't sure she'd come straight out and tell Marinette.
"Yes. Alya told me." Adrien looked thoughtfully at Marinette.
"If he makes you feel uncomfortable, please don't meet up with him. I know you were good friends with Luka, and maybe more, but this is a big change between the two of you."
Marinette let out a sigh, he was right. Of course he was. When was he ever wrong?
"You're right, I don't think I could date someone my best friend has slept with." Marinette started to giggle and Adrien smiled at the woman making the Angelic noises in front of him.
"I ... thought it might be yours." She continued through her smirk.
"What was mine? The baby?" Adrien stared wide eyed at Marinette.
"I'm sorry, but Alya was saying how amazing and supportive you've been and my thoughts got carried away from me."
Two wine glasses were placed in front of them along with their food. Adrien thanked the waitress before taking a quick swig. Again, not giving the waitress any chance to speak to him.
"I still haven't even kissed anyone, yet you've got me making babies with one of our best friends. MY best friends girlfriend."
"She just spoke about you so admiringly Adrien, I couldn't help but think you two ... you know." Marinette could feel her cheeks blushing and decided it was time for her to swallow some of her own alcohol.
"I'm just a nice guy, Mari. I like to help our friends. Talking of which, Nino has moved into the mansion with me."
"You still live there?" Marinette was shocked. She was sure he would have left after everything he found out about his father.
"Yeah. Chloé and, unbelievably, Felix live with me."
"No way!"
"Yes way!"
"Chloé and Felix? Geez, what else have I missed?"
"Apart from the obsession with your parents bakery, nothing for me. I have really missed my partner in crime though." He lifted his wine glass and toasted Marinette. She smiled and lifted hers in response.
"Well, at least we can take over the fashion world together now."
"That we can, M'l - Marinette. Here's to 'Agreste' and its newest super member" They clinked their glasses and took a sip of the sweet wine, eyes firmly locked into an intense but happy gaze.
What was he about to say? She couldn't help but wonder.
They began to eat in a comfortable silence. Every now and then she'd look at him. His brows were creased and she knew that look. He was planning something.
"Ok, Mari, hear me out." Adrien placed his knife and fork down and looked to Marinette quizzically.
"Shoot."
"We need to get Alya and Nino back together. Well as least to talk. It's been hell without you here and I really need your help."
"Alya was not in the best of ways."
"Exactly, so let's do it. Operation 'Kiss-mas'?"
"What kind of name is that?" Marinette couldn't control the laughter.
"What? It's an awesome name for an awesome plan!"
"If you say so Sunshine."
"That hurts! That really hurts." They both began to laugh as Marinette nodded her head in agreement.
"Ok, I'm in. Let's do it. Let's get them to talk."
"Operation kiss-mas?" Adrien asked.
"Operation kiss-mas!" Marinette replied.
He held his fist out and she unconsciously pounded it. Just like she did with him.
The two spent the rest of the day together, reminiscing, catching up and planning their operation. Marinette thought of all the unsuccessful attempts her friends had tried with her and Adrien, and decided this was going to work.
Step number one - get them in the same room for more than three minutes.
As the day came to a close, Marinette gave Adrien a piece of paper containing her new phone number. Little did either know the effect this one little number would have on the remainder of the year.