The Tales of Adrien and Marinette

Growing Closer: Family

The night before New York, Adrien had packed an overnight bag and was on his way to his Lady's house. The reason why? To make sure she actually woke up on time. Yes she'd improved greatly over the years, but there was no way Adrien was risking her missing the flight.

So with a bag full of clothes and spare toiletries he made his way to the Dupain-Cheng's for a dinner and game night. Gorilla was set to pick himself and Marinette up at six the following morning. When he'd branched this to Marinette, he was so glad he was in full crime fighting suit. He'd made it from the Arc de Triomphe to the Eiffel Tower that evening, Ladybug's personal best throw to date.

After Kim's university party the two had only grown closer. Adrien would say they were actually dating; apart from they didn't kiss, he didn't get to buy her things and she never knew that their little outings were dates. Plagg found it hilarious just how idiotic he was playing this. It was obvious to everyone that something's going on between them, but for the complete fear of being rejected by his true love, he just couldn't ask her out straight.

"Son! How are you, my boy?"

The first person Adrien came face to face with was Marinette's big Weredad himself. Tom Dupain greeted Adrien with the usual pat on the shoulder, before sending him upstairs to find Marinette.

"Hey kitty."

Adrien reached the main living area of the apartment to see Marinette at the stove with an apron wrapped around her waist. Adrien was overcome with a feeling of domestic bliss. She'd be the perfect wife, not that he was sexist that way, it's just she could do everything he couldn't. She was his perfect compliment.

"Hey boo." He responded, walking over to place a kiss on her cheek.

"Boo? Eh? That's a new one." She winked at him causing him to laugh. Yes, this was what he wanted in his life. He wanted a Marinette. No, wait, he wanted THE Marinette.

"Is it on the yes or no list?" He questioned, walking towards the trap door leading to her room.

"Unsure at the moment. It's not one of my favourites though." Her nose was screwed up and he couldn't help but think she looked like a little bunny. She was so cute.

"I'll drop this in your room and be back."

Within two minutes he was back and helping his lady set the table. It sounded as though Sabine was cleaning the kitchen as Tom shut up shop. Them allowing Adrien here so often also meant he'd turned into a perfect house guest. He'd help them as much as he could in repayment for their incredible hospitality. He also wanted to stay in favour with his, one day, in-laws. This included anything from washing up to fixing a broken sink. Tom decided after that to keep Adrien away from the home improvements until he'd taught the guy some new skills.

By the time they'd settled down for dinner Marinette was getting fidgety.

"What's wrong honey?" Sabine questioned her only child.

"I don't think I can go. Papa, feel my head. Do I have a temperature? I can't go if I have a temperature." Marinette rambled as Adrien looked her over.

Faking it. Completely faking it.

"Now Marinette Dupain-Cheng," Tom turned to face his daughter, "this has been your dream for years, stop freaking out! Honestly, you've managed to capture the eye of Gabriel Agreste. You need to enjoy this."

Adrien couldn't have agreed more. "You're fathers right, Mari, you wouldn't be invited if they hadn't seen something in you. You're amazing, I wish you'd believe in yourself as much as we all go."

Marinette looked around the table at the three people closest to her. Her family.

"You're right," she exclaimed, "I just don't want to mess anything up."