Marinette stared at the mayor's mansion thoroughly intimidated by the structure. She was to start her job there as a maid. She had to do this, she needed the money. A baker's salary would never be enough to help her realize her dream to be a seamstress. But times were tough, especially for a 16 year old girl and she didn't want to rely on her parents for help. She steeled herself and walked forward. She knocked on the door to be greeted by a stiff looking butler.

"Can I help you," he drawled out.

"Oui, Monsieur. My name is Marinette, I am the new maid."

"Ah, yes. Tikki is in charge of the maids. I will escort you to where she is."

"Thank you," Marinette smiled.

She followed the gentleman to the back part of the house where the rest of the servants lived. He knocked on a door which opened to reveal a red headed woman in a black dress and white apron maids uniform. She smiled sweetly at the young girl beside the butler.

"Oh, you must be Marinette! How delightful! Thank you Jean, I'll take it from here."

The butler bowed and left to attend his other duties. The older maid smiled down at Marinette.

"I am Tikki, in case you hadn't figured it out yet. Welcome to the Bourgeois Manor! Your primary objective is to help keep Mistress Chloe's room clean. If there are other maids who need help and if you aren't doing anything, you may assist them. We have a maid named Sabrina who serves Chloe directly so you may have to help her from time to time. But I will warn you though, Chloe's a bit of a diva so try not to let her antics get to you."

Marinette seemed a bit nervous but smiled anyway.

"So when do I start," she asked.

"You'll start tomorrow. Why don't I give you a tour?"

Marinette followed Tikki around the manor showing her where the dinning hall, the ballroom, the parlors, Master Bourgeois's study and personal chamber as well as Chloe's chambers. It was when they were on their way back to the servants quarters when Marinette saw a blonde young man with piercing green eyes around her age walking towards them.

"Oh, Adrien," cried Tikki. "We have a new maid starting tomorrow. Can you please check with your father if we have a spare uniform?"

"Of course," he replied looking at Marinette. "You must be her then," he asked with a smile.

Marinette blushed and nodded.

"Please bring it to her room when you have it. I'm putting her in Delilah's old room," said Tikki.

"Oh, lucky you," said Adrien. "I will bring it right away."

Marinette's eyes followed Adrien as he walked away. Tikki turned up a smirk as she watched her new charge.

"Quite handsome, isn't he," she chuckled.

"What?! I...um..."

"Oh don't be so embarrassed! Nearly half of the younger maids are infatuated with him. Even Mistress Chloe herself. Come along, let's get you settled in."

The two of them continued on their path.

"So, who's Delilah?"

"She's the maid you are replacing. She left a few weeks ago. Got married and moved in with her husband. Sweet girl, hard worker. Happy she found a new life."

"Does Adrien work here?"

"His father is a tailor. He caters to the mayor almost exclusively. He's in charge of all the garments in the manor and has a few respectable clients in high society. He is quite good but a hard task master. Just ask Adrien; poor boy is treated more like an employee than a son."

"I see. What about his mother?"

"She...she left," said Tikki sadly.

"Oh, I'm sorry."

"Don't be. It's not an easy thing for him to talk about though. I'd steer clear of that topic for a while."

"Understood."

The two maids made it the room in question. It was a simple room with a single bed, a night stand with a lamp, table and chair, a dresser and an armoire.

"Make yourself at home. Dinner for the servants is at 8 PM and breakfast is served at 5 AM sharp. You don't show up, you don't eat."

"Thank you Tikki," said Marinette sweetly.

"I'll see you at dinner."

Tikki left Marinette alone to get settled in. She placed some of her clothes in the dresser and armoire and placed her sketch book and charcoal sticks on the table. She took a small box and picture frame of her parents and placed it on the nightstand. She stared at the picture for a while until a knock on her door startled her.

"Marinette? May I come in?"

It was Adrien; odd, she never told him her name. She opened the door to see him standing there with a maids uniform in his hands.

"Here you are. Cleaned and pressed."

"Thank you," she replied taking it from him. "H-how did you kn-know my n-name," she stuttered. She was completely enamored with him and could barely keep herself from stumbling over her words.

"Tikki told me," he chuckled.

The two stared at each other for a bit till Marinette realized she hadn't invited him in.

"Please, come in," she said shyly.

"Thank you," he said entering. He took in the room while she hung up her uniform. He saw the picture on the nightstand. "Is this your family?"

"Yes. That's my mama and papa."

She stood next to him while he picked it up to look at it.

"They seem like nice people. What does your father do," he asked placing the photo back down.

"He's a baker. They own a shop a few streets over."

"What's the name of it?"

"Dupain-Cheng Bakery and Confections."

"Oh, I used to get the croissants! They're delicious!"

"I could make some for you if you like. I know all the recipes."

"Really?! You don't have to."

"It's fine. I love to bake."

"So, why are you working as a maid?"

"The money is better. I need to save up for my dream job."

"And what might that be?"

"I want to be a designer and seamstress."

"Really?" He turned his attention to the table and saw her sketchbook. "Is this your book for designs?"

"Yes," she replied nervously.

"May I?"

"Sure."

She was nervous. Not many people knew of her talent for design and sewing and she was worried it would never be good enough. She watched him leaf through the pages of dresses, suits, coats and other items. He looked very pleased with what he saw.

"These are quite impressive Marinette! I have no doubt you will become famous," Adrien said enthusiasticly.

"Really? You think so?"

"I know so! I've been in the industry long enough to know talent when I see it. And you Miss Marinette have talent," he said sweetly.

Marinette felt her heart beat a million miles per hour. That smile he had caused butterflies to fill her stomach. She then remembered what he said when he heard which room she was in.

"So, earlier you said I was lucky to get this room. What did you mean by that?"

"It would be best to show you, but that will have to wait another day. I must take my leave. It was a pleasure to meet you Miss Marinette. I hope to see you around."

"Yes, good night."

She watched him leave with a bit of apprehension but she had a feeling she would see him again. She realized dinner would start soon so she hurried to the servants quarters kitchen. She smelled the delicious stew and fresh bread and her mouth began to water. She took her bowl and sat down at the table. A dark skinned, ombré hair colored girl sat next to her.

"So you must be the new maid, right?"

"Yes, I'm Marinette," she said extending her hand.

"Alya. Pleased to meet you," she replied taking it.

"Are you a maid as well?"

"Yes, I help with the main chores around the house. I mostly work in the East wing."

"I've been assigned to clean Chloe's room."

The other girl paled.

"Oh, I feel so sorry for you."

"Why?"

"Mistress Chloe is a bit...particular when it comes to how she lives. You don't do it her way, she makes you pay."

"It can't be that bad."

"She's made three other maids cry! I'm surprised Sabrina has lasted as long as she has."

"Well, I'm sure she'll give me a chance to learn and not be too harsh."

"Yeah, good luck with that. So, I heard you met Adrien today," Alya said with a smirk.

"Um, yes, I did," Marinette replied blushing.

"Oh no, you're one of them aren't you?"

"What?"

"Adrien's fans. Almost all the maids are in love with him. Even Mistress Chloe wants him."

"Well, I admit he's handsome but, I believe there's more to him. I want to get to know him better."

"Whatever you say. Just know that if Chloe gives you any trouble, you let me know ok?"

"Alright. Thanks."

"You know what Mari, I think this is the start of a beautiful friendship."

Thought this would be a fun AU to do. I know it seems a bit short but I like the way it ends here. Let me know if you want to read more!