Hi and welcome to my new story. As always I will try to update 1-2 times a week. Comments are always welcome. I hope you enjoy :)

Adrien rubbed his eyes and yawned as he made his way down the vast stairs of his house towards breakfast. If akumas weren't going to be the death of him, then the final semester of Lycée and his extracurricular commitments just might be. He was beyond grateful that Hawk Moth seemed to have been taking some time off lately and akuma attacks had been less frequent because he was already having to pull all nighters just to get his assignments finished on time on top of his photoshoots, Chinese, fencing, piano… He rubbed his temples as he walked into the dinning room where Nathalie was already waiting for him with his schedule.

The assistant watched as Adrien tried to stifle a yawn before sitting down. "Are you alright Adrien?" She asked with concern in her voice. "You look like you haven't slept."

"Assignment due today, but it's done, don't worry." He smiled at the worried look on her face but Nathalie wasn't buying it. She knew Adrien well enough to recognise that fake smile when she saw it, she'd been watching him do it his whole life. "I'll be fine Nathalie, nothing that a good coffee can't fix." He said, taking a bite out of his croissant. It didn't taste as good as the ones from Marinette's bakery, he mused to himself. "Where's father this morning?"

"He had to go into the office early. There's a meeting with the investors ahead of the launch of the summer collection." Adrien nodded, only really half listening. Leading up to the lucrative spring/summer period his father had been even more absent than usual with meetings and business trips. Nathalie lifted up her tablet, scrolling through the timetable.

"Your schedule for the rest of the week consists of piano practice this afternoon then tomorrow afternoon is fencing and revision work as usual, then Saturday there will be a photoshoot in the park." Adrien let out a heavy sigh.

"Can't I have just one weekend off? I haven't had a free weekend for weeks." He complained, his face dropping like a kitten that had just been kicked out into the cold. "Could you maybe talk to my father about it? I just want to spend some time with my friends before the school year ends."

Nathalie's eyes softened. It didn't sit well with her at all that a young man who was about to step into adulthood was still having to plead to have time with his friends. Despite the heavy workload that comes with being a Lycée senior, Gabriel Agreste had given little consideration to the levels of exhaustion that his son clearly was feeling, making no provision for down time from his overloaded schedule. Nathalie knew Gabriel had not been pleased with a lot of recent photos Adrien had done, and the evidence for that she felt was clear on the young blonde's face.

"Alright Adrien, Don't worry about it, I'll talk to him." She said, patting his shoulder. "Now you better get ready for school or you'll be late."

A short car trip, and one coffee stop later and Adrien made his way into his classroom, finding his best friends already seated in the home room. "Dude, you look like death warmed up." Nino laughed, offering his fist out for a bump.

"Thanks for that glowing vote of confidence bro." Adrien replied with an eye roll and a smile, connecting his fist with Nino's before taking another sip of his grande triple shot latte.

"Let me guess…" Alya interjected. "You were finishing your history assignment too?" The model nodded, then he noticed his bluenette friend with her head buried in her arms on the table.

"Is Marinette alright?" He queried causing Alya to laugh with a hand wave.

"Same problem as you. She's so snowed under with commissions and helping in the bakery she had to pull an all nighter on the assignment as well. On top of that she had been working on a dress to wear to her cousin's wedding only to find out yesterday the wedding has been called off."

"I can still hear you know. I'm not dead." Came a mumble from the heap beside Alya, lifting her head to glare at her best friend. Alya just shrugged her off.

"Girl you do too much. I'm just worried about you, that's all." Marinette gave her a half smile before dropping her head down again.

"I'm sorry about your cousin Marinette." The girl in question turned her head towards the sound meeting soft emerald eyes.

"Oh...yeah thanks...it..ah...it came as quite a surprise, you know, the wedding being cancelled and all." She stuttered out. Marinette rubbed her eyes, partly from fatigue and partly from the embarrassment that she had just stumbled all over her words. She had been so much better with that, but apparently sleepy Marinette had more trouble thinking coherent thoughts than usual. At least that's what she told herself. While Marinette had managed over the years to contain her crush on Adrien to more acceptable levels of interaction, she still had a soft spot in her heart for him. With Alya and Nino's help, she had become a much better friend and she treasured that friendship more than anything, besides her friendship with Chat Noir of course.

As she lowered her hands from her eyes, they fixed on the steaming cup of coffee now being held under her nose. "Here." Adrien said, looking at her earnestly. "I think you need this more than I do." Marinette blinked at the cup for a moment while her brain kicked back into gear.

"Oh, I can't take your coffee from you." She said, her face flushing pink across her cheeks. Adrien looked every bit as tired as she did, and was no doubt in need of a caffeine boost. Adrien couldn't help but smile at her blush as he shook his head. She really was quite adorable when she got flustered.

"Yes you can and you will." He insisted, picking up her hand and placing it around the cup before giving her a wink and turning back around in his seat. Marinette was left in a daze before she became aware of Alya elbowing her and laughing.

"You know he's been drinking out of that." She unhelpfully whispered into the progressively redder looking Marinette. The budding designer took a sip of the aromatic liquid that was still hot and let it's warmth fill her insides with a shy smile on her face.

"Can I repay you with something from the bakery at lunch." She suddenly blurted out to the back of Adrien's head. He turned back around in his seat.

"You don't have to, but it's hard to say no to your baking Marinette." He laughed. Truely, aside from going to school, one of Adrien's most favourite places in Paris was the warm and cosy Dupain-Cheng bakery. He had spent many a happy study session there with his friends and Marinette's parents were always so very kind to him.

"Are you free at lunch? Alya and Nino are coming up to my place for lunch too." Adrien's face lit up.

"I'll message Nathalie, but I think she will be cool with it. My father is at meetings all day so I'd much rather have lunch with you guys than on my own." He turned back around to find his phone, catching a hopeful look in Plaggs eyes. Maybe he can grab one of those gooey cheese balls the cat kwami liked so much. Alya leaned across the table back into Marinette's ear.

"I'm proud of you girl." She whispered, patting Marinette on the hand. Marinette just smiled shyly, taking another sip of her coffee as Miss Bustier entered the room.

When lunch time rolled around, Marinette scurried to her locker before planning to meet up with her friends on the steps. They didn't get to share too many classes together now, but at least they always had lunchtime. As she did, she could hear raised voices coming from the other side of the locker room.

"I'm warning you to back off Rossi. I saw the way you had your hands all over him the other day on that shoot and it was just ridiculous, utterly ridiculous." Chloé's voice rang out.

"You're just jealous that I get to spend more time up close and personal with him than you do." Marinette shuddered at the smooth, patronising tone that was almost synonymous with Lila Rossi. She saw Tikki giving her a worried look from her bag. Oh please don't let this turn into an akuma today!

"Pfff. As if I would be jealous of a two face, backstabbing liar like you. Adrien is one of my best friends and I will protect him from someone like you. If I find out you are doing anything to upset him…"

"You'll do what Chloé?" The Italian girl interrupted, practically spitting venom with her words. "I have lots of powerful and influential friends. I can see to it that your father loses the next election and is never mayor again, just like that." Marinette heard Lila click her fingers.

"You just keep telling yourself that Lila. Those other sheep in this school might fall for your crud, but I don't, and I will call you out at every opportunity. Those models at Gabriel will believe me before they believe you. You made a mistake making an enemy out of me, I promise you that." Marinette backed behind her locker door, watching Chloé storm out with Sabrina following close behind. Soon after Lila walked out nonchalantly before looping her arm around an unsuspecting Nathaniel and walking with him to the art room.

"That was intense." Marinette jumped in the air, swinging around to find Adrien leaning up on the lockers behind her. She placed her hand over her racing heart and Adrien instinctively reached out and placed his hand on her shoulder. "Sorry, I didn't mean to startle you."

"No, it's alright." She managed to say between breaths. "But was that true what Chloé said? What happened?" Adrien looked around the room before leaning in closer to her ear.

"Yeah, but I'll tell you about it when we get to your place okay." Whatever it was, Marinette could see Adrien was clearly uncomfortable about it. His sudden close proximity to her though meant she couldn't seem to form words at that point, so she just nodded and followed him out to the front steps where Alya and Nino were waiting.

"There you two are, I'm afraid we won't be able to join you for lunch after all. I've got to run home and help my mum with...something...and Nino needs to make an important phone call about a DJ job." Nino looked at his girlfriend confused.

"I do?" He asked before cowering slightly under Alya's fierce glare. "Oh...yeah I do, totally have to make a phone call." He said, readjusting his cap nervously on his head. Marinette looked at Alya, narrowing her eyes with suspicion. She knew exactly what her best friend was doing and she was left in no position to call her out on it. She had told Alya to quit her matchmaking antics before, but as usual her best friend was ignoring her.

"Well, alright then, I'll bring you both back something if you like." Her friends nodded enthusiastically before taking each other by the hand and walking the other way. Adrien watched on bewildered at the exchange but then shrugged it off. Maybe Alya and Nino just wanted some alone time.

"Shall we?" He asked, indicating towards the bakery with his hand. Adrien couldn't deny that he wasn't really that disappointed their friends had bailed on them. He didn't often get a chance to spend time with Marinette, just the two of them. He was a little surprised at how happy that thought made him.

"So…um..." Nice start Agreste. You have a chance to talk to Marinette and all you can come up with is so. He could practically hear Plagg's voice saying it as the kwami poked him in the ribs. "Do you have any special plans for the weekend?"

"Oh, not really. Just working on a commission for Jagged Stone. He wanted a new jacket for his next tour."

"That's so cool Marientte." Adrien gushed. "You know I still have that CD cover you designed and signed for me. I bet it will be worth heaps when you're rich and famous." He laughed when he saw her start to blush again. Despite himself, he decided that it suited her and he kind of liked the fact he had put it there.

"I don't know about that." She said shyly, tucking a loose bit of hair behind her ear. "But I'll let you have a sneak peak at it if you like."

The bell above the bakery door chimed as Adrien followed Marinette in. His senses were totally consumed by the sweet smells of the baked goods on display and he became aware of a low grumble emitting from his belly. Maybe he was hungrier than he thought. "Hello sweetheart, where is Alya and Nino?"

"Something came up and they bailed on us, but I brought someone else." Marientte stepped aside as Adrien came forward.

"Hi Mrs Cheng, I hope I'm not intruding." Sabine's eyes lit up at the sight of the young model.

"Not at all Adrien, it's good to see you again. Head on up with Marinette and I'll bring your lunch up to you."

"Is that Adrien I hear?" Called out Tom from the kitchen. Marinette's father popped his head out the door, wiping his hands on his apron. "Just the man I want to see." Tom placed a hand behind Adrien's back and led him into the kitchen. "Before you disappear upstairs I need your expert taste testing skills." Adrien laughed in bemusement as Tom led him over to a counter that had rows of freshly baked cupcakes. "I tweaked the recipe a bit and I'd like your opinion." Marinette folded her arms.

"So my opinion doesn't matter now." Tom shook his head.

"Of course it matters sweetie, but you eat sweets all the time. I suspect Adrien here doesn't so he should be able to pick up the subtle differences a little more than you do." Adrien grinned at Marinette's playful pout. Picking up a cake, he took a bite into it. It was soft and velvety vanilla cake with buttercream frosting swirled on top and just a hint of cinnamon.

"These are heavenly Mr Dupain...the perfect blend of flavours." Adrien mumbled between bites, the baker beamed.

"I'm glad you approve, Mr Agreste." Tom replied with a flamboyant bow before placing the cakes onto a tray.

"Hey Marinette, what did the cupcake say to the croissant?" Marinette looked at Adrien blankly, the mischievous look in his eyes reminding her of a certain cat she knew.

"I...don't know." She said hesitantly. Adrien's lips curled into a grin behind the cake in front of his mouth.

"Muffin." He replied before taking another bite. He could hear Tom roar with laughter behind him, but it was the sound of Marinette's giggles that captivated him.

"Oh Adrien, that was terrible." She said as she laughed and Adrien felt a flutter in his chest. Tom came up behind Adrien and slapped a broad hand on his shoulder.

"A boy after my own heart. Here, take another one up with you, but don't tell the Mrs. I ruined your lunch okay." He whispered in a conspiring tone. Adrien grinned and nodded, taking his booty and following Marinette upstairs.

"Here, do you want the other one?" Adrien asked as he sat down on Marinette's chaise. Marinette waved her hand behind her as she dove into her sewing supplies.

"It's alright, I had a few yesterday, but remind me to grab some for Alya and Nino before we leave...here it is." She pulled out a black leather jacket, passing it to Adrien. It had wide lapels with studs that followed down the sleeves to pointed cuffs. The detailing Adrien thought looked kind of familiar, except for the chains hanging from the zips.

"Marinette this looks amazing." He said in awe. He noticed that his praise didn't make her blush this time, instead she looked confident and proud of her work. It was a side of Marinette he had rarely seen.

"Thanks. I just have a few more details to add before Penny comes to pick it up on Monday. I...ah...used some inspiration from Chat Noir's suit on the details." She said, pointing to the seams and cuffs. So that's why it looked familiar.

"Oh." Adrien replied, raising an eyebrow with a smirk on his face. "Are you a fan of Chat Noir?" Yep, there it was, the blushing fluster was back.

"Well, yeah...I mean of course...I mean he does help save Paris and looks out for Ladybug and is a hero and he's kind of cute sometimes." Marinette babbled before throwing her hands over her face. Please say I didn't not just call Chat cute, she pleaded with herself.

"Cute huh." He giggled, passing the jacket back to her. Marinette groaned as she put the jacket away, missing the proud look on Adrien's face. She seriously just told her crush that Chat Noir was cute, and Tikki called her lucky, ha! Sabine brought their lunch up, briefly asking about their morning before hurrying back down to the bakery to help Tom with the customers. Adrien seemed to all but devour his sandwich and Marinette had to wonder how much food Adrien was being fed on his model diet.

"So what was this thing with Chloé and Lila?" Marinete asked, trying to change the topic away from Chat. Adrien shifted in his seat and rubbed the back of his neck nervously. "You don't have to tell me if you don't want to." She added. Adrien shook his head with a heavy sigh.

"It's not that. I guess it's just...embarrassing, but I trust you and I'd actually like to talk to someone else about it." Marinette nodded in understanding, encouraging him to continue. "See we were on a shoot last week and were using one of the suites at the Bourgeois hotel for the setting. You know those rooms in the renaissance style? Of course Chloé and Sabrina snuck in to watch, but I don't think Lila saw them. Anyway, Lila and I were posing in front of this huge four post bed when she tried to kiss me. It wasn't supposed to be that kind of shoot so I stepped back to get away from her losing my balance before falling onto the bed. Because Lila was hanging onto my jacket, she fell with me, although I don't think it was as accidental as she made out."

"I think we both know it wasn't." Marinette offered. Adrien nodded. He knew Marinette understood more than most that there were no accidents when it came to Lila.

"After that she then tried to make out I did it to flirt with her and even implied we were having some kind of relationship. Chloé called her out on it in front of everyone. Actually it was hilarious watching Chloé go off at her. I don't think I've ever seen Lila look so red faced." He was laughing, but there was an emptiness there. Marinette looked at him with a frown on her face. She always knew Lila would try to take advantage of her close proximity to Adrien as a Gabriel model (how she conned herself into that Marinette couldn't imagine), but she was glad to hear Chloé used her sass for something useful for a change.

"What did your father say when he heard about it? I mean, shouldn't Lila be reprimanded for unprofessional behaviour?" Adrien shrugged.

"He only cares about the results in the photos, and he gave me a lecture on being more professional and masking my dislike for Lila. Easier said than done right?" Marinette could feel herself getting outraged on his behalf that his father was so complacent in this regard. "Mind you, Lila has been getting on his nerves lately. She's not exactly popular with the other models and I think most of them have her figured out. Chloé has certainly been vocal enough about her. Lila also talks down to people she thinks don't matter, so I can't see her lasting long with all the complaints coming in."

"Marinette, Adrien, you better start making your way back to school, it's getting late." Sabine called through the door.

"Already." Adrien lamented, gathering his bag. "I guess we better not be late, I have Ms. Mandeleiev for chemistry."

"You have my sympathies." Marientte teased as they made their way downstairs. "I have her tomorrow, but I'm not understanding the concepts too well and we have that exam next week."

They bid farewell to Tom and Sabine, grabbing a cupcake each for Alya and Nino, before walking back into the sunshine towards the school. Adrien could see their friends waiting on the stairs for them.

"You know if you're having trouble with the chemistry, I can help you after class tomorrow. I have fencing in the afternoon, but I could come around after that if you would like me to?" Marinette was taken aback. She knew what a busy schedule Adrien had, and how little free time was available to him.

"I'm sure you have better ways to spend your Friday night than helping me with Chemistry revision." Adrien just smiled and shook his head.

"Not really. My father has been too preoccupied with work lately and I usually just eat dinner in my room and do revision anyway." Marinette turned her head away. Adrien was always so happy and cheerful around his friends, but despite the smile he was showing she could clearly see the hurt there caused by his absentee father. She wondered when was the last time he'd even had a family meal.

"Well, since you're going to be tutoring me, maybe you might like to stay for dinner?" She ventured to ask. She could feel Tikki patting her through her bag in support. Adrien's eyes lit up like Christmas.

"I'd love to." He said as they reached Alya and Nino. "By the way, you know what the first rule of Chemistry is don't you?" Marinette shook her head. Adrien leaned in close to her face with that mischievous grin again. "Don't lick the spoon."

"I don't know you." Marinette deadpanned, pushing his face away and causing the blonde to roar with laughter. Alya shifted her eyes between the pair, hardly containing all the questions forming in her mind. As the friends split off to their respective classes, Adrien was sure he heard Alya squealing, but with all the after lunch noise about, he couldn't be really sure.