Miraculous One Shot Compilation

But Without Magic

A/n - Lovesquare, but without magic. AU is unusual for me! Adrien and Marinette don't meet until adulthood. Marinette works for Adrien's father. Adrien is no longer a model - replaced with teenagers. He instead works in management under his father.

It petitioned me several times to be a chapter book, but I don't have room for it on the roster. It settled out of court for being my longest one-shot.

"So what do you say, Miss Dupain-Cheng? Could I take you out for coffee some time? Or maybe lunch?"

Though she knew he couldn't see it, Marinette rolled her eyes at the man on the other end of the phone line. This man she only knew as the younger Mr. Agreste, son of her boss. This man she had never come face to face with, communicating only by email and phone. This man who only knew her on a formal last name basis, and yet, flirted with her constantly.

"No thank you, again, Mr. Agreste. I'd prefer to keep our relationship on a professional level."

"Come on! There's this cute little bakery on Gotlib that I've been meaning to try for ages, but I don't want to go alone! Would you do me the honor of joining me? My treat, of course."

"You should try it some time! It really is quite good, but I won't be the one to go with you." She couldn't help promoting her parents' business. She giggled at the coincidence; what he didn't know wouldn't hurt him. "I don't know why you even bother with me. I'm not anyone special. You know what? I bet you ask out all your female colleagues, and the only reason you've shown continued interest in me is because I said 'No'."

"Hey!" Mr. Agreste sounded a little hurt by her words, but she just brushed it off. He could be quite dramatic sometimes, and he was probably just play-acting. "For your information, I have never asked out a colleague before. I asked you out because I like you! It's not easy either - try it some time."

"Okay, okay, but haven't you ever heard you shouldn't try to date the people you work with? I'm not looking for an office romance." Her boss had commended her for her professionalism, and had even once told her he saw promotions in her future. Even if there were no rules specifically forbidding it, she imagined he'd be less than impressed with her if she started dating his son.

"Couldn't we at least get to know each other as friends? How about you tell me your first name, and I'll tell you mine." That was something else he'd been working on for a while now.

"I'd rather not. Now, do you have any more business with me regarding my employment?"

"Yes, M'Lady," he used the term teasingly, considering he was higher up in the company. "My dad wants to make sure your new designs will be in his office by nine in the morning on Monday."

"Of course they will." She loved her job, and prided herself on being a reliable employee.

"That's one thing my dad said about you," Mr. Agreste laughed. "He usually doesn't keep on an employee with your attendance record, but your designs are never late - even when you are - , and you're always late except for the days that really matter. Then you're always right on time."

Marinette smiled; she knew she had trouble getting in on time, and she was glad to hear her boss was willing to overlook that. She'd just have to work extra hard to make up for it.

"Thank you, and please thank him for me too." With that she ended the call and diligently resumed her work. Her designs always felt like there was room for improvement, but she could make them a lot better by Monday.

--

"Nooo! Let me bring my portfolio!" Marinette playfully fought the hand that was dragging her out, and attempted to get back inside her apartment.