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Marinette definitely didn't see herself living like this as she is currently. She always expected to be in the fashion industry but ever since she got blacklisted she couldn't get a job in any fashion related work place. Lila Rossi was the reason for this change in occupation, she had claimed Marinette had stolen her designs, her class had gobbled up the lies, that much was expected but Gabriel had backed up  Rossi's accusation. While Adrien, who was aware of the lies, stood back and did nothing but lecture Marinette on taking the 'high road.' All feelings she had for him evaporated as quickly as the Flash could run. As soon as Ladybug took down Hawkmoth she left Paris altogether, there was nothing left for her there. No friends, no obligations to fulfil and no family. Tom and Sabine had kicked Marinette out when they heard about the supposed theft. So she left, took the first flight and never looked back. She broke all connections to anyone in  Paris and headed to Gotham City. It took some time getting used to the different atmosphere but within the first few weeks she grew to call it home. It didn't have the fake appearance that everything was perfect, it wasn't fake, unlike Paris.

Now Marinette worked in Wayne Enterprises as a P.A for Tim Drake. She didn't think she would enjoy the job but she and Tim quickly became good friends. At first it was purely professional but within the first few weeks they grew comfortable with each other. They would share the love of coffee as both sleep deprived people, and conversation was easy between the pair. But one thing they both had in common was they were both twenty year olds that had a lot of expectations and put too much pressure on themselves. Within the year they had known each other a lot happened. And might I add had crushes on each other.

Marinette had just entered WE in her usual attire which consisted of a white button up shirt with flowy black slacks and black heels to match, she looked like she could take over the world, with how she held her head with so much confidence. "Hey Tim, how's it going?" She gave him one of her rare, sunny smiles. Many employees had to get used to how they interacted with each other; so casually. "Mari kill me now, I have this meeting I have to go to, and I don't want to go. There is this big company that wants to partner up with WE. Uhh Mari I need more coffee." His face morphed into an adorable pout which made her giggle. "How about during the meeting I'll stop by and get you a coffee and maybe save you from pure boredom." His face lit up just like a puppy getting adopted, it really made her think how he ended up as the co-CEO of Wayne Enterprises. "That would be great Mare, you're amazing." He swiftly kissed her cheek which wasn't a rare incerense but every time he did it made her cheeks heat up and her heart flutter.  He left and headed to his meeting in the conference room.

The meeting had been happening for about half an hour now so she decided to pay Tim a visit. She made her way to the conference room and lightly knocked on the door, she heard a small 'come in.' The first person she saw was Tim who gave her an appreciative smile. She then turned her head to see the person he was meeting. Her eyes widened with shock at the familiar face, her mood drastically changing. "Marinette, I can't believe you're here. It's been so long." The overly cheery man made his way over towards her. "Agreste, I think you have the wrong idea. It hasn't been long enough." She sneered but he only laughed while Tim looked confused. "Don't be like that Marinette. We're old friends." His smile sent shivers down her spine. "Agreste where did you get the idea we were friends?" He looked a little hurt but he shook it off and she did not feel sorry, not in the slightest. "Wait, you two know each other?" Tim asked, pointing between the two of them. Marinette let out a muffled yes when Adrien let out the most cheery one possible. She practically had to suppress an eye roll. He laid a hand on her shoulder and squeezed it more than what was necessary. "Get off me!" She nearly shouted at the blonde man. "C'mon Marinette stop being so stubborn." He continued to squeeze  her shoulder in a less friendly way, until she shoved him off making him stumble.

"Stop! Stop pretending Agreste, you are not my friend, far from it actually. You stopped being my friend the moment you sided with that liar. You knew she was lying and you let it happen. She ruined my career and life and you just stood there like it was nothing. Can you get it through your tiny, naive head of yours not everything in the world if perfect. You can not make everyone believe all their problems are fixed by doing nothing about it or 'taking the high road', as you would put it. Lila at least hated me to my face, but you, you make them think you're there for them and as soon as it's inconvenient you leave. I may hate Lila with all my heart but I hate you so much more than I will ever hate her. You are a spineless coward Agreste,so don't come running to me telling me we're friends after everything you did to me. Never again." By the end of it she was yelling at Agreste, but she also started crying, letting a few tears slip as she was yelling. She hadn't noticed Tim standing up and coming up behind her. "I think it's best if you leave." Tim's voice was cold and dark and his face held the same expression as his tone. Adrien tried to make a move to Marinette but Tim caught his hand mid air. "Leave." Agreste looked angry. He let out a huff and slammed the door on his way out.

Marinette let out a shaky breath as she put her head in her hands and started to sob. Marinette felt a warm pair of arms wrap around her and pull her into his chest. He said soft reassuring words to her as she continued to cry. Seeing Adrien here again really snapped something in her mind, but having Tim with her was helping. "Mari it's okay if you're not okay. I'm here and I'll do whatever I can to help you, with whatever you need." Tim cooed soothingly. Marinette had settled and looked back up at Tim. "Really you'd do that for me?" Her voice was soft and slightly cracked at the end. Tim slowly brought his hand up to her face and wiped a few stray tears with his thumb as he caressed her cheek. "Of course I would because I-, Because I-," His voice got caught in his throat but he pushed through, "Because I love you." He awaited her reaction at his confession. Her eyes widened but then returned and a small smile spread across her face. "I love you too." They found themselves gravitating towards each other, their faces only centimeters apart. His breath tickled her skin and his warmth was radiating  off of him. Their lips brushed against each other, waiting for the other to make the first move. Tim only slightly moved down but that was enough to finally make their lips meet.

"And when we kissed one another for the first time I could swear I heard our souls whisper ever so quietly, 'Welcome home."
~Beau Taplin