#dwmc

He was mad. Adrien could feel it. Good. Maybe daring to voice his objections would finally make Gabriel pay attention to his son? He didn’t ask for much. He’d been more than a perfect son his whole life, blindly obeying his father’s every whim. The least Gabriel could do now was to grant him the sole wish Adrien refused to back away on: a few years of freedom to do whatever he wanted. His own schedule, his own choice of work, his own life. Was that too much to ask for? If anything, Adrien had earned it. So, he dared to speak again.

“Father, ‘formal’ and ‘ripped’ should not be in the same sentence unless it’s an accident. In all honesty, if you want my opinion, Audrey knew you would never refuse her very public dare, and she used it against you.”

“So, what? It’s a good push for creativity and stepping out of one’s comfort zone.”

“Only in this case, it’s not. She wanted to sink Gabriel for years, and this might just do it.”

“Nonsense.”

“Father, there is a difference between new ideas that work and those that will make you the laughingstock of the entire fashion industry.”

Gabriel quirked an eyebrow, leaning back into his chair. He hummed. “Now, where did I hear those words before, Adrien? Or should I say Ladybug?”

Adrien frowned. “Lady who?”

“Don’t play a fool with me.” Gabriel crossed his arms over his chest, his voice chilling with every word. “I see, you’ve finally learned to express your opinion quite well. Though, in an incredibly rude fashion, and we will discuss it later. Why did you email me then if you can say face to face?”

Adrien’s frown deepened. “Father, I have no idea—”  

Gabriel scoffed. “Was it for practice? Then you should know that if you wanted to remain anonymous, you should use different expressions every time you speak on the matter.”

“Seriously. You are losing me here. What email? Why do I need to email you if I can make an appointment to come here and talk to you?”

“That’s what I’m wondering as well,” Gabriel said, reaching out for his computer mouse. He made a few clicks and added. “Just to refresh your memory.”

Adrien’s phone chimed. He opened his Inbox to find a forwarded message from his father. “From Ladybug?”

“Clever,” Gabriel noted. “I assumed it was a woman at first. Good strategy.”

“I didn’t send this,” Adrien said scanning the text. “I mean I agree with whoever said this—half of your outfits needs to be reworked—but I have nothing to do with this. I’m not Ladybug.”

Gabriel watched him for a split moment before turning away. “So, you’re saying someone in my company, apart from you, thinks my upcoming collection isn’t up to standard?”

“Apparently.” Adrien chuckled. Unexpected turn but he loved it. “Those pieces you’ve created to appease Mme Bourgeois specifically. Like this Ladybug says, ‘Your company is iconic. Your style is legendary. You don’t need to change it, and especially not because of such a ridiculous whim of such a fashion disaster as Audrey Bourgeois.’ I mean she’s right, this Ladybug.”

Adrien smiled to himself. Whoever she was, he’d like to meet her. Or him. Standing up to his father was something he hadn’t had the guts to do for twenty-three years. And even now when he finally tried, he wasn’t sure it was working.

“Weren’t you just now insisting we needed new ideas and strategies?” Gabriel said, relaxing back into his chair. “I say this is it. They might be unconventional for now, but the public takes everything I give them. They’ll eat this too and thank me for it.”

Adrien shook his head, this Ladybug person giving him confidence. If she could do it, so could he. “This is a gamble you know you will lose.”

“There are risks.” Gabriel shrugged. “But reports have been showing a heightened interest in sequins for years and—”

“In girl’s clothing, Father. Little girls. This Ladybug explained it really well. Why can’t you listen?”

Gabriel scowled. “I’m not taking the advice of a coward who couldn’t even come to me personally.”

“So, you can fire them?” Adrien countered. “Father, really? You aren’t that generous, and your employees aren’t that stupid.”

“I can take critique.”

“I’ve been giving you one, and you don’t seem to be taking it. This Ladybug gave you one and you ignore it. Should we combine our forces for you to hear us?”

Gabriel stilled, a smirk tugging at the corner of his lips a moment later. “Maybe you should. I’m sure the two of you could convince me of anything, including letting you go to explore other options as you say.”

Adrien quirked an eyebrow, his heart speeding up. Did he just hear his father…?

“Say that again?”

“Find this Ladybug, bring her to me, so I can have a proper conversation with her about the content of her email. In return, you’ll get your freedom.”

The pit of his stomach turned. Adrien dared to ask for freedom, but, in all truth, he did not expect his father to even listen to him. However…

“You want me to find a person for you to fire?”

“Not at all,” Gabriel replied. “Let’s just say I’m not fully convinced by their arguments in their email. I want to hear what else they can tell me.”

Adrien paused, his gaze falling to the floor. So close to what he wanted for most of his life… Yet…

“We’re both adults here, Adrien,” Gabriel said. “We both want something. Why not give it to each other? You’re old enough to work with me, rather than for me, aren’t you?”

Adrien snapped his eyes to Gabriel. He wanted out of here so badly, and here it was. His ticket to freedom. Find this person his Father wanted to talk to and he was free. Still, something at the back of his mind nagged. “You promise you won’t fire them and let me go?”

Gabriel nodded. “Absolutely. How can I fire anyone for expressing their opinion in order to better my company? Who do you take me for?”

Adrien hesitated for just one more moment before pushing that nagging thought away. He deserved this. For absentminded serving for his father for his whole life at his own expense, Adrien deserved a few years to himself. Father promised he won’t fire this person, and judging by their email, Ladybug would be able to easily stand up to Gabriel. Adrien might even be doing them a favour. Really. If they are successful in convincing his father to accept their suggestions, he might even promote them for being a loyal employee.

Standing up, Adrien stretched his arm to his father. “Deal. I’ll find you this Ladybug, and you let me go.”

Gabriel shook his hand with a smile on his lips. “You have until a week before the next show.”

“A month?”

“Of course. If they convince me, and I were to change anything in my collection, I’d need enough time to do that. But you can always back out if you can’t do it in a month.”

Adrien nervously grinned. “I can do it in a month. I was just surprised you are giving me so much time. That’s all.”

Gabriel let Adrien’s hand go. “If you say so. Now if you excuse me, I’ve got some work to do.”

“Same here. Got a Ladybug to catch. Good day, father.”

***

From: [email protected]

To: [email protected]

Subject: Hello stranger

Hello, my brave and genius Ladybug. I’m sure you’re surprised to receive this email, but let me assure you: I’ve come in peace.

Let me introduce myself. My name is Chat Noir. Seeing as you’re Ladybug, a good luck charm, and how there is a cute picture of a misfortunate Black Cat on a wall at a cafe I’m at right now, I’d say that’s a fitting name, wouldn’t you say so?

A little about me. I work in proximity of Gabriel Agreste, and the other day I accidentally came upon your email on his table. The boss printed it for who knows what reason and left it between his papers. Upon reading it, I couldn’t not tell you how greatly I admire you for expressing what so many of us in this company think but scared to voice. Those new implementations M Agreste is enforcing are ridiculous and, as you’ve written, will make him a laughingstock of the fashion world. Nicely said, by the way.

Well, I suppose that’s all I wanted to say. Accept my deepest respect and love, my dear Ladybug, and I hope you continue to be as awesome as you’re now.

Sincerely yours,

Chat Noir

_______________________________________________________________________

Marinette pursed her lips. “I remember our annual charades challenge with Kim and Alix. Only, I was dateless, so I didn’t have a partner. That’s when I saw you and thought why not? You wanted to get to know people in the company. This was a fun way to start.”

“It was fun,” Adrien chuckled. “I’d love to do it again sometime… without the vodka plank, though.”

Marinette giggled. “I’d like that too. Or at least a less extreme plank.”

Adrien grinned. “Eat a dozen croissants plank.”

“That's not a plank. That's a reward for you.”

He laughed. “Guilty as charged. How about next weekend?”

She looked at him, her eyes wide. “Next weekend what?”

“We get together for a game night. I’ll invite Nino and Alya. My place. Pizza. No alcohol. So? It’ll be fun.”

Marinette squeaked, looking at him with her eyes wide.

Adorable.

“Are you sure?”

“Why not? Apart from yesterday, I’ve never been to a game night before, but it sounds fun. You three can introduce me to the phenomena.”

“Okay,” she smiled. Turning to look at the sidewalk beneath her feet, Marinette added, “I’m sorry for getting you into this mess. I haven’t lost for a long while, so I might have been a little overconfident.”

“I’m sorry for dragging you down.”

“That’s fine. It happens to everyone. And you did great for your first time.”

“Not an excuse for making you lose and getting us both drunk.”

Marinette stopped and groaned, hiding her face into her hands.

Adrien frowned. “Is something wrong?”

“It was the company’s party.”

“Yes? So?”

Marinette looked at him straight, pointing to her neck. “The whole company was there. They all saw us, saw you giving me those. It's probably already up on every social media possible. My parents aren't that tech-savvy so I'm good there, but how am I supposed to go to work on Monday?"

Adrien stalled, a chill running down his spine. “I… I didn’t even think of that.”

“I just hope we didn’t do anything worse than kissing.”

“I remember nothing past the second shot.”

“My last memory is of me drinking my first.”

“Kissing isn’t so bad, though, right?”

“Not unless you’re making out with the boss’ son. I’m screwed.”

He looked at her, biting his lip. “We’ll figure something out. It’ll be fine.” Reaching into his pocket, he pulled the lucky charm she gave him. “We have those. They’ll help us.”

Marinette nervously chuckled and, shaking her head, headed forward.

“Marinette, seriously,” Adrien followed. “News know better than to post any pictures or gossips. I’m sure we can employ privacy laws even against any leaks on social media if there are any in the first place. And I’ll talk to my father. He won’t fire you.”

Stopping in front of the Sephora, Marinette closed her eyes, shaking her head. “Let’s just deal with one thing at a time. First these.” She pointed to her neck.

“Alright,” Adrien mumbled and opened the store’s door for her.

The next thirty minutes they spent choosing makeup and trying to pretend that everything was fine. The girl that helped them was nice enough to share her own techniques on covering hickeys, using one of Marinette’s as an example. The crimson of Marinette’s face, though, Adrien wasn’t sure anything could cover. He kicked himself once more. Marinette was nothing but good to him. Why did he have to be a jerk and pay her back like this? Unfair. Marinette deserved better. Maybe he should stay away then? Because it seemed the closer he got, the more trouble he caused her.

“I’m so sorry, again,” Adrien whispered as they exited the store with a bag full of make-up. “I promise I’ll make it up to you somehow.”

“Don’t forget you already owe me for being your personal itch reliever,” Marinette snickered. “You’re in deep, Agreste.”

“Then how about if I start with buying you breakfast?”

Marinette nodded. “Sounds good. I am hungry.”

“How about that one?” Adrien pointed to a nearby bakery.

Marinette squeaked and, grabbing his arm, dragged him the other way. “Are you insane? I said I don’t want my parents to see the hickeys.”

Adrien laughed. “It’s just your father is waving at us from the window.”

“And he’ll think he got us mistaken with someone else if we keep walking away without  looking back.”

A black car stopped at the curb right by their side. The passenger window rolled down. Holding his breath, Adrien froze in place. He couldn’t remember the last time Father had sent Nathalie after him.

“You aren’t picking up your phone, Adrien,” she said. “Your father wanted to see you.”

"Can't it wait for a little?" Adrien braved. "I haven't had breakfast yet?"

Nathalie quirked an eyebrow. “Say goodbye. We need to leave now.”

His shoulder slumping, Adrien turned to Marinette. “I’m sorry. I have to go, but if you want you can wait for me at my place? I should be back in time for lunch with Nino and Alya.”

Marinette shook her head. “That’s fine. Maybe some other time. I have my purse and I know how to deal with those thanks to that in-store demonstration, so I’ll just head home and do that and maybe try to find our cellphones. If you could bring me what’s left of my stuff back on Monday to work, that’ll be great.”

“Sure,” he sighed and passed her the bag with the makeup. “I’m sorry, again, and if I find out anything about our cellphones first, I’ll let you know. Don’t know how, but I’ll figure something out.”

Marinette nodded. “Okay. See you later. Good luck.”

“Thanks,” he mouthed and got in the car. The ride was quiet. Neither Nathalie nor Gorilla talked. Adrien resigned to watching out of the window and waiting for the inevitable.

***

“You called for me, Father?”

“You aren’t answering your phone," Gabriel said, barely allowing Adrien a glance.

“I might have lost it.”

Gabriel puffed, leaning back into his chair. “Were you too busy shamelessly making out in public to pay attention to your belongings?”

“I was drunk,” Adrien said, his head low. “I don’t remember what happened.”

“I thought we agreed that you stopped drinking, Adrien.”

“I—”

Gabriel wouldn't let him explain. “I appreciate the public and media attention from that little 'firing the designers' debacle being refocused for now, but you could have chosen a better way to go about it. One scandal was already more than enough for us before the show.”

“I didn’t plan on it.”

“You shouldn't have gone to that party in the first place. Those events aren’t for you, Adrien. Not for the people of your position.”

Adrien pressed his teeth together, saying the first thing that came to mind. “I went there to find Ladybug. She was going to be there.”

“And did you?”

His head low, he looked to the side. “No.”

Gabriel's laughter sent chills down Adrien's spine. "Well, you certainly found something. Yourself, in the middle of a scandal. Again. Look up #AgresteMakeOut. It’s been trending for a few hours already. It’ll refresh your memory,” he barked. “Next time go someplace private if you want to get laid.”

“I didn’t—”

“You are the heir to my empire,” Gabriel continued. “You can’t afford to do this stuff in public, even with all the privacy laws protecting you. There are plenty of idiots on social media who don’t understand what privacy and law mean. Do you even realize how little time I have right now to deal with taking that video down? I have enough hustle with the show and that little designer mishap.”

“Father, I—”

“And my advice to you, Adrien: the clock is ticking. You’ve got a week left. Stop slumming it with my employees and search for Ladybug if you want your freedom.”

Adrien didn’t respond. His fists clenched by his side, he silently watched the floor. Feeling like a guilty five-year-old was the last thing he’d expected today. His father just had a talent for making him miserable—the main reason Adrien wanted out of this place as soon as possible. He’d had to find another way, though, because Gabriel would never get Ladybug from Adrien’s hands, would he find her or not.

“Now, go,” Gabriel barked. “Unlike you, I’m too busy for this. Contact your lawyers, I won’t be dealing with this mess this time around.”

Adrien headed out. Nathalie informed him that she’d already contacted all the people necessary, and the video should be taken down by the end of the day. As for his cellphone, it was located at the Club Akuma.

“Thank you.” Adrien gave her a small smile. Nathalie was a complicated person, but even under his father’s dictatorship, she sometimes managed to make Adrien’s life a bit easier.

He glanced at the clock. Since he didn’t have his car with him, going to the bar now would make Adrien late for his lunch with Nino and Alya, and it’s not like he needed it now. He’d better use the time to take a walk and calm down. For that, Adrien had plenty of time. His cellphone can wait.

***

“Yo, dude. You look better already.” Nino bro fisted Adrien when the pair arrived at their appointed spot. “Got in some quality time with your co-worker?”

“If by fun, you mean making sure she could cover the hickeys I gave her, then yeah, we had a few hours of fun before Father summoned me.”

“Dude,” Nino grumbled. “Can’t you have some fun without being chastened for it?”

“Not if it ends up on social media. Can I borrow your cell phone for a moment?”

“What for?” Nino asked putting his phone on a table in front of Adrien.

“I haven’t seen what got posted yet. I only gathered it was a video, but I don’t have my cellphone on me.”

Nino quirked an eyebrow, chuckling. “Bro, you’re in for something. Honestly, I didn’t know you had it in you.”

Alya giggled. Nino gave him a wink.

Adrien groaned, opening Nino’s cell phone and finding the video. His eyes widened. He sat on a couch, Marinette in his lap, her head tilted backwards, as he was feverishly kissing her neck. One of her hands was brushing his hair; the other one holding onto his back. He pulled her closer and captured her lips. Passionate, almost desperate kisses. The way he looked at her in a split moment in between them… The way she watched him back…

His breathing irrational, his heart pounding, Adrien closed the video before he could finish it. He'd watch it later in private. Marinette had probably already seen it, or would soon. How was he supposed to face her now? No way. Not after this. Way to ruin a great friendship, Agreste.

“Don’t get all excited, bro,” Nino snickered. “You gonna get severe facial burns.”

“Breathe, Adrien. Slowly and deeply. Just breathe,” Alya added, chuckling.

“Not funny guys,” Adrien snapped back. “How am I supposed to face her now? The whole company saw it. Probably the whole of Paris. It's just… Ugh! She won't forgive me."

Alya laughed. “Don’t worry, she probably will. After all, she is your Ladybug and you’re her Chaton, right?”

Adrien’s eyes snapped wide. He jerked his head towards Alya. “What did you just say?”

“About what?”

“The bit about Ladybug and her Chaton.”

“Don’t look at me,” Alya shrugged. “It was you two who kept calling each other those names. You don’t remember that either?”

Adrien shook his head.

“Dude, seriously,” Nino said. “You need to work on your relationship with all things alcoholic. Even I remember that. Ladybug and her Chaton. Sounds like something from a kid’s cartoon. I mean you two are great at making out, but please, think of better names for each other. Even I was getting a second-hand embarrassment all evening long.”

_______________________________________________________________________

She stood up on her own. “Thanks, but I’m fine. Can I have those, please?”

Her voice was like a melody. A sad and angry one, but still a melody.

“Of course.” Adrien passed her the stack in his hand. “I really am sorry. I didn’t see you coming.”

“Try looking around when walking in public places next time,” she said and walked away.

Rude. Adrien huffed to himself. Gorgeous, but rude. Yes, he was at fault for knocking her off her feet, but he apologized. She didn’t have to be so mean. Definitely not Ladybug. From what he could gather from their conversations, Ladybug wasn’t a rude type.

“Can I help you with something?” a new voice sounded beside him.

Adrien turned to look at the intruder and froze. What was up with all these beautiful women around here, and why did he never notice them before?

“My name is Kagami. Kagami Tsurugi.” The woman stretched him a hand. "I'm a Public Relations Manager.”

“Adrien.” He shook her hand. “Adrien Agreste.”

She smiled. It was a beautiful smile. Definitely better than a scowl the previous woman had given him. “You seemed a little lost Adrien, so I thought I’d ask if I can help.”

Adrien hesitated for a moment. Kagami seemed nice enough, so maybe he could accept her offer. Because if anything, this day had taught him was that he needed an insider if he were to get closer to people in a short period of time. "I do need help if you don't mind."

“Not at all. What do you need?”

“I’m trying to learn as much as possible about the company and the employees before stepping in as a business manager, so I’ve been lurking around hoping observation will give me some info. So far I’ve had little luck.”

“Do you find that people fear you?” Kagami asked, starting to walk the hallway.

Adrien followed. “Either that or they try to get my attention a bit too much.”

Kagami chuckled. “I assume you’ve met Lila?”

Adrien quirked an eyebrow. “How… How do you know?”

She laughed. “Lila has been telling everyone who’d listen that she’s your secret girlfriend. I think there were even pictures of you two together at a party or something.”

Adrien stopped. The frown on his forehead deepened. “I’ve met her today for the first time in my life.”

“I know.” Kagami’s smile was soft. Understanding. Calming. “I’ve had a similar upbringing to you, so I know better than to believe every rumour I hear.”

Adrien fell quiet.

“Obsessively sheltered and controlled,” Kagami continued. “Until a few years ago when my mother passed away. Then, I decided to explore the world and do something different from she’d intended for me. Something I’d like to do, not my family.”

Explore the world. Do something she’d like to do. Adrien felt the sting of jealousy. He might have been an adult but he wasn’t free yet. “I’m sorry about your mother.”

“Thank you. But I’m fine.”

“So, why did you choose to work in public relations?” He asked after a short pause.

"I wanted to work in the fashion industry, and Public Relations is the most suitable position for my qualifications,” Kagami said, reaching her department’s door. “I’m sorry. I need to get back to work. What did you exactly need help with?”

“I need to get to know this company inside out, and for that, I need someone to help me navigate it. Can you help me?” Adrien asked. “Because as of now, I feel like I am an under-qualified soldier patrolling the enemy territory.”

Kagami snickered. “I’ll help you. Would you like to start with my department?”

“Yes.” Adrien grinned. “That would work perfectly.”

Kagami nodded and prompted him to follow her inside.

In the next few hours, thanks to Kagami, Adrien achieved more than he’d ever thought possible. By the end of the day, she introduced him to all the key people in the company in a manner that put all parties at ease. Effectively, Adrien had received permissions to shadow anyone he wanted whenever he needed for the next few weeks. It couldn’t get any better than this. He was now in a better position to find his Ladybug than ever before. Victory on his part.

Although, Adrien strongly suspected he’d already found her. Kagami fit perfectly into the picture of Ladybug he’d created in his mind. He’d have to observe her more before he could conclude anything concrete, but as of now, the chances he was right looked bright.

Unlike the weather. The rain poured hard when he walked out. Lighting and thunder split the sky. Thankfully, he didn’t park his car that far away, and he had his umbrella on him. In the corner of his eye, Adrien noticed a lonely figure standing to his right. The same girl he'd knocked off her feet today. They’d been introduced properly just an hour ago on his Kagami-led tour. Marinette Dupain-Cheng, one of the junior designers and, if he remembered correctly, one of his father’s favourites. He’d often mentioned her name before, but only now Adrien had a face to put to it.

She glanced his way and turned right back to watching the street. Adrien sighed, realizing why she hadn’t left yet. Well, it looked like the perfect opportunity for a proper apology.

“Marinette?” He came closer.

She theatrically ignored him.

“I…” Adrien cleared his throat. “I wanted to apologize for knocking you off your feet earlier. I’ve been busy escaping the crazy fangirl who claims to date me—Lila, if you know her—and haven’t noticed you, but I’m really sorry. Causing you discomfort was the least of my intentions.”

“It’s fine,” she murmured, refusing to look at him.

“Do you need a ride home?” Adrien proposed. “I’ve noticed you don’t have an umbrella, and it doesn’t look like it’ll stop raining anytime soon.”

“No, thank you,” she said, side-glancing him.

Adrien stretched his hand, offering his umbrella to her. “Then take mine. My car is close by. I don’t really need an umbrella.”

She turned to him. Her eyes wide-opened, lips slightly parted Marinette watched Adrien and his umbrella for a few seconds before replying. “I can’t accept that.”

“Of course, you can,” he said. “That’s the least I can do for you after I practically ran you over. Here.” He reached for her hand and put his umbrella in it. “And you can keep it. I have another one.”

“I… Um… I can’t—”

The blush that covered her cheeks was adorable, and Adrien couldn’t help but smile. “My father really loves your work, Mlle Marinette,” Adrien added. “He’d murder me in cold blood if I let his favourite junior designer get wet under a rain.” Curling her fingers around the umbrella, Adrien let go of her hand. “I’m sorry again. I hope you won’t hold it against me.”

“Kay.” She nodded, looking dumbfounded. “Kanks—thank coo—thank you!”

She squeaked and hid her face in her hands. Adrien chuckled. Adorable.

“I’ll see you tomorrow,” he said and walked off before the girl could change her mind. Victory number two.

Victory number three came unexpectedly later that night.

From: [email protected]

To: [email protected]

Subject: RE: RE: RE: RE: RE: It’s never too late

Discord name Ladybug#7777. Let’s do this!

Ladybug

_______________________________________________________________________