#Hugdrien

[freedom-shamrock]

Coffee Klatch

Also on AO3

As day 4 of ML WIP-Completion December, I am finally getting around to @miraculousfluffmonth prompt 31: Soulmates This immediately follows "The Adrien Agreste Defense League," from the Hugdrien series, but it can probably read independently.

Adrien was a little surprised when Nino pulled him into a firm hug when they arrived at the cafe. But he immediately relaxed into the affectionate greeting.

"Marinette is right," Nino said.  "You need a lot more hugs. And I'm really sorry I didn't realize it before."

Adrien shrugged. "It's okay.  I didn't actually realize it either."  He glanced at his girlfriend who was exchanging polite bise with her best friend and Chloe, of all people.  The other girls looked eager and happy.

"Let's get seated," Chloe said. "There's so much ground to cover." She lead the way into the cafe, catching Marinette's hand to draw her over to a small table for three.

Adrien stared for a moment, until Nino tugged lightly on his arm.

"They're having girl time, and I get to catch up with my best friend a bit, too."  He pointed to a table for two on the opposite side of the cafe. "And don't go making sad kitty eyes at me.  We're not going to be far away, and you'll get her back afterward."

Adrien laughed. "I wasn't worried."

"Sure you weren't.  Now go sit, I'm treating you for a change." He waved toward the table and headed up to the counter.

Adrien watched as Alya approached the counter, leaving Marinette with Chloe. Instead of looking panicked or trapped, as he'd half-expected, his girlfriend was talking animatedly with the girl who'd been his friend the longest. Chloe had grown so much in the last few years. But it hadn't really struck him until he saw her in the Dupain-Cheng kitchen, getting her hands dirty, that she and Marinette had formed some sort of truce.  It was nice. It made his chest feel warm and light, the same way Marinette's hugs did. "Oh," he muttered to himself. It was happiness. He still wasn't used to getting to feel it and embrace it without inhibition so often.

There was a gentle clatter of plates when Nino returned, placing a fruit tartelette in front of Adrien. "I know you love these things."

"I do," Adrien agreed.

"And your favorite coffee will be right up." He arched his eyebrows. "Have I sufficiently buttered you up?"

"Why would you need to butter me up?" Adrien asked, laughing a little.

"You've got some tea to spill, my bud, and we're not leaving until you do so."  He settled back in his chair. "Though you and Mari haven't been dating long, you acted and looked like you were dating long before you realized that's what you were doing."

Adrien plucked a blueberry off the treat in front of him.  None of this was news. Their friends had repeatedly taken one of them aside individually to discuss their relationship status well before they started officially dating.

"But moving in together's a pretty big deal." Nino planted both elbows on the table and rested his head on his fists. "And I get that circumstances are… unusual, but I'm not sure I have a handle on just what is going on in your life."

"My father was being…" What had Mari called him this morning? "A brittle financier, lacking cohesion and flavor."

Nino snorted.  "That sounds like her, all right."

"He finally figured out we were dating, and started throwing around ultimatums like I was still fourteen or something."  He ran a finger around the sweet on the plate. "I guess he thought he could still keep me under his thumb once I became an adult."

"So you guys fought, or what?"

Adrien shook his head. "It was an argument, but not really a fight. I think he expected to have a second chance, but… when I talked to Papa about it --"

"Papa?" Nino asked.

"Tom." Adrien shrugged. "I've been calling Marinette's parents Papa and Maman for months." Oh how to explain.  "They caught me sleeping over before we were dating, and.." He held up a finger to stall his friend's interruption.  "She told me I could come over whenever I needed to, and you know I hate being alone. So I'd been staying over off and on for… a while."  He let out a huff. " Anyway , assumptions were made.  Serious conversations were had.  And they sort of adopted me like I belonged there."  He looked across the cafe at Marinette as she spoke with their friends. "And I really feel like I do."

"That boy is absolutely smitten with you," Chloe said with a smile.  "You're definitely doing something right, because I can not even remember the last time I saw him as happy as he was when he came to school after he moved in with you."

"He's always played the part of being bright and happy," Alya pointed out. "But it didn't seem real until a few months ago."

"And for that , I love you," Chloe said.  "But don't let it go to your head." She smirked.  "I'd still like to know how exactly this all happened without any of us knowing."

"When his father realized we were dating, he was livid," Marinette explained.

"Probably threw a tantrum," Chloe said, rolling her eyes. "That man is an absolute dumpster fire."

Alya laughed. "Marinette has the best insults for Gabriel. They're food themed, and they make Adrien giggle."  She reached out and put her hand over Marinette's. "So Gabriel wigged, then what?"

"He wanted Adrien to deny he was dating, or for us to stage a breakup," Marinette explained.  The only reason she felt slightly angry about it was how it had made Adrien feel.

"Ugh!" Chloe groaned.  "Classic manipulation."

"Yeah," Marinette agreed.  "Only Adrien wasn't going for it this time.  And my papa invited him to move in with us." She bit her lip for a moment. "He's been staying over anyway when his father's out of town since before we started dating, so it wasn't a stretch to consider making that permanent."

"Your parents invited him to live with you?" Alya asked, as if clarifying. "And they let you share a room?"

Her cheeks felt hot.  Of course they'd go there . "It was their idea, yeah, but we decided we wanted to."

"And?" Alya asked, grinning.

"It's nice having him there," Marinette said. "He's a considerate roommate, and he is the best cuddler."

"Roommate," Chloe said, practically cackling. "Yes, you do share a room."

"I thought I was the best cuddler," Alya said with a pout.

Marinette patted her friend's shoulder gently.  "Sorry Als, but Adrien's just a smidge better." It was probably because he was more desperate for physical affection, but that didn't need to be brought up.

"I've been displaced," Alya cried dramatically, one hand on her forehead.

"Pfft.  Hardly," Marinette said. "He's not nearly as good as you at helping me fine-tune my wardrobe."  Marinette glanced up and met his eyes from across the room. She grinned and wiggled her fingers in a little wave.

"Oh god, you two are disgustingly cute," Chloe said without an ounce of malice.  "I personally want to thank you, Marinette. You've done something amazing for him."

Marinette nodded, feeling unaccountably touched to have these words directed at her from Chloe. "I've just shared my family."

"That's what he needed," Alya said.  "More than anything else."

"Except for hugs," Chloe added. "And if there's anything I can do to help keep Gabriel away, anything that Adrien needs to be happy, aside from you, let me know."

"I really appreciate it," Marinette said, slowly reaching out to grasp the blonde's hand. "I think together, we can protect him from that chalky Madeline."

30 minute speed write

This is the only Hugdrien story I’ll be doing this month, but this is a series that could easily be continued.

[nobodyfamousposts]

The fic the anon was asking for with the "Elsie" is from a series called "Hugdrien (AKA: Adrien Needs Hugs)" and is written by Freedom_Shamrock. This series is about just what the title makes it sound like and is lovely. It's on AO3.

Awesome! Thank you for sharing!

[ashipwreck]

Throwing out another Miraculous fanfic recommendation! This time it's for the series "Hugdrien (AKA: Adrien Needs Hugs)" by Freedom_Shamrock. It's a great series of short, fluffy pieces where Adrien recieves the love and attention he deserves and his life gets better through having a good support system. Check it out!

[enberlight]

@s-n-arly I am looking at you and your witch/shifter story and am camped out on your tumblrstep waiting to throw money at the upcomimg print release.

There's several authors I love to reread but I'm pretty sure I'm at a minimum of three times through most of your series at this point...

(Can't get enough of your domestic comfort fluff AUs, or Hugdrien, or Familiar, or Bobbin Bug...)

everyone’s got that couple of fanfics that you just read over and over even though you practically know it by heart because it’s so perfect it’s like a favorite book and you just catch yourself clicking to a random chapter on it because it’s so good it’s comforting to reread it

[ao3feed-ladynoir]

All the Cats Out of Bags

read it on the AO3 at http://ift.tt/2vUTgcu

by Freedom_Shamrock

As has become routine when he's home alone, Adrien has stayed over at Marinette's again. But oh, no. She has a morning shift at the bakery, and she forgot to set her alarm.

Words: 1806, Chapters: 1/1, Language: English

Series: Part 18 of MiraculousFluffMonth 2017, Part 6 of Hugdrien (AKA: Adrien Needs Hugs)

Fandoms: Miraculous Ladybug

Rating: Teen And Up Audiences

Warnings: No Archive Warnings Apply

Categories: F/M

Characters: Marinette Dupain-Cheng, Adrien Agreste, Sabine Cheng, Tom Dupain

Relationships: Adrien Agreste/Marinette Dupain-Cheng, ml love square

Additional Tags: Friendship, Support, Male-Female Friendship, Fluff, Miraculous Ladybug Love Square, embarrassing parents, Identity Reveal

August 20, 2017 at 08:30AM read it on the AO3 at http://ift.tt/2vUTgcu

[freedom-shamrock]

The Adrien Agreste Defense League

Also on AO3

This immediately follows "No More Lumpy Custard," from the Hugdrien series, not sure if it will really work as well if read independently.  It is also the @miraculousfluffmonth  prompt #13, finally alone.

Marinette led Adrien upstairs once their guests had left.  She'd only needed to glance at Mama, receiving a subtle shoo-ing gesture to know it was safe to leave the cleanup behind. "Come on, Kitty," she said, tugging on his hand to draw him into the center of the room.  "Let's get ready for bed."

He nodded, staring off into space, clearly dazed.  To be fair, she'd had no idea that putting Alya, Chloe and Mama together would result in such a fierce, and frankly terrifying, team.  They had a plan, and no one was going to talk them out of it. Nino and Papa had pretty much stepped back and let the estrogen train tear up the tracks.  Gabriel was probably going to regret ever being born, much less how he'd treated his son.

"You in there, Kitty?" she waved a hand in front of his face.  

He blinked a few times and seemed to come back, his eyes focusing on her.

"Change for bed," she told him.  Jeans were not comfortable for sleeping, and he was clearly overwhelmed.  "I want to snuggle."

His expression slowly shifted to something beatific and his hands went to fumble with his buttons.

Shaking her head, Marinette shucked her clothes, yanking on the soft shorts and tank top she favored in this weather.  He'd always been a gentleman, almost too polite about sharing living space with her, and there was no sign that he'd even looked her way when she was half naked.  She covered her hands with his, and he met her eyes again. "Let me."

He nodded, dropping his hands to his sides.

He hadn't managed a single button, so she quickly slipped them through the holes, untucking the shirt from his pants.  Something about her fingers unbuckling his belt made him inhale sharply, and she froze.

"I… I've got it from here," he said.  "You can go on up. I'll be there in a minute."

"Are you shy?" she asked quietly.  He'd never seemed remotely shy about his body around her.

"This is a little different," he pointed out. "I've never been undressed by someone who loves me."

She stepped close and hugged him.  "Eventually, you will be," she promised.  "When we're ready for that." She turned and scampered up into their bed.  She'd started thinking of it as theirs the moment he agreed to move in. Everything was theirs.  And that was okay. "Don't take too long, I miss you already."

"I won't," he said. "I want those cuddles you promised."  She could hear the sound of fabric and a few moments later, his hands led the way up the ladder.  "Hi." His smile was sweet and bashful.

"Here, Kitty, Kitty, Kitty…"  She patted the bed.

He giggled. "Yes, Milady." He flopped beside her, their faces close enough that she could feel his breath, warm on her face. "Thank you, Marinette.  For everything." His expression stopped her when she might have objected to his gratitude. "Thank you for being such a wonderful person, for helping me when I was floundering, and most of all, for choosing to love me."

"Silly Kitty," she whispered.  "I didn't choose to love you.  You made that happen yourself."  She slid her hand up his bare arm to his shoulder. "You were very thorough in winning my heart."  He'd had so little touch at home that once they got closer, she found that he really needed more than just hugs and affection.  He needed touch, all kinds of it. Her parents had taken to hugging him and patting his arms and back. Nino started ruffling his beautiful hair.  Chloe had somehow managed to step back and start giving him hugs with his permission.

"I sometimes can't quite believe I'm this lucky," he admitted.  "Even before I decided to leave, you… you helped me see what real family was.  What love was. Just being closer friends with you improved my life."

His eyes were welling up with tears, and though she hated seeing him cry, he probably needed it.  And at least this time, he wasn't alone with just his snarky kwami to comfort him. "Oh, Adrien," she said sadly.  "I wish I'd realized how bad it was earlier."

He smiled.  "Nah. I think this has worked out okay.  I mean, my father can't really touch me now.  He can try to use his influence, but we've seen how that goes for him."  He already had a photoshoot lined up with a Gabriel competitor for the weekend, and another one under discussion for the following week.

"You don't have to deal with that bitter citrine tartelette ever again, you know," she said.

"I noticed." A chuckle snuck out.  "The Adrien Agreste Defense League has it handled."  He shook his head. "They have a name for themselves."  He snorted.

"I made them a logo.  I think they're getting t-shirts made."

A full laugh burst out of him, but his eyes were still watery.

"No more wilted pate a choux swans for you, Kitty.  We've banded together, and we're protecting you now."  She scootched closer on the mattress, draping an arm around his ribs, and letting one foot cross over his shin.  "I'm so glad you're here."

His arms eased around her, pulling her closer.  "There's no where else I'd rather be."

30 minute speedwrite

Sorry, this one got a little more mopey than I'd intended, but still fluff-o-licious. There will be another Hugdrien piece at the end of the month.

Next in series > Coffee Klatch

[freedom-shamrock]

Taste of Freedom

Also on AO3. This is a Hugdrien story and direct follow up to “Settled In”, though it can stand on its own.  It is also the @adrinetteapril April 15 prompt, heartache. 

For the first time in her entire secondary school career, Marinette had no trouble getting ready for school on time. It helped that her boyfriend and superhero partner was now her roommate, and that he was definitely a morning person.  It also helped that he offered sweet rewards, like kisses and neck nuzzles, along with his nudges to keep her moving.

"Have a great morning, kids," her papa called, waving as they picked up a small bag on their way out the door.  "See you at lunch."

"Bye, Dad," Adrien replied, positively beaming.  He hadn't taken up residence with them for even 24 hours yet, and he already looked so much happier.  "Have a fantastic morning."

Marinette ignored the wide-eyed looks of their customers, many of whom were long term and knew she was an only child, and most of whom recognized him as Adrien Agreste.  She caught his hand and tugged him out of the bakery. At this rate, the gossip rags would have them married by lunch, but she didn't really care that much. His joy was infectious, and she smiled at him as they started down the sidewalk.  

"I like seeing you like this," she said.  "It might even be nicer than hugging you."

His eyes narrowed slightly.  "To be clear, you aren't planning on withholding hugs just because I'm happy, right?"

"Of course not," she insisted with a laugh.  "I'd never do that to you."

"I know, and I'm grateful," he replied, going completely serious.

And she was back to wanting to suit up to plant her first in his father's face.  "Unlike the poorly-blended buttercream that you commonly call 'father,' I am not an abusive fuck."

His eyes went wide.

"I'm honestly horrified that you think it's okay or even necessary to thank me for not being manipulative."  She held up a hand when it seemed like he was about to interrupt.  "Don't be sorry. It's not your fault you were conditioned by a loaf of moldy supermarket bread to expect abusive treatment."  She sighed. "I'm sorry I didn't realize earlier how bad it was for you."

"It's not your fault, Princess."  He leaned down and kissed her forehead.  "I didn't really realize it, either." He shrugged.  "And since we're on the subject of my delightful father."

She rolled her eyes and bit back the commentary that wanted to come out.

"I'm meeting with him after school."  He pulled on her hand when his words made her freeze in the middle of an intersection.  "Not at the mansion, because I don't want to have to physically fight anyone to get back out."

"You think he'd…" she stopped herself, shaking her head.  Of course Gabriel would try to use force to keep his son under his control.  "When and where, and should I be there?"

"Right after school."  His smirk was very Chat Noir in nature.  "With two months until Final Bac, he tried to pull me out of school once he realized I'd really moved out.  Or rather, once Nathalie told him. But I'm eighteen, so Mr. Damocles contacted me to see if this was what I really wanted. With a very brief summary of the situation, he was willing to let us borrow his office."

"Wow."  She smiled.  "Score one for Mr. Owl."

"Yeah.  It's honestly the most neutral spot we could meet."  He looked down at his feet. "I think you shouldn't be there, just because that would give my father a target other than me, and the minute he blames you, I might kick his stupid teeth in."

"Oh."  She stared at him, surprised.  It was a really good reason. "Uh.  Can I wait for you in the library?"

"I'd love that, actually."

Marinette was on her feet and out of her chair the moment Adrien opened the library door.  Shoving her sketchbook into her bag, she jogged over to him before he'd gone more than three steps.  His arms were slipping around her waist, pulling her to him before any words were spoken, which was unusual for him.  Even after being assured that hugs were available anytime without a request, he tended to ask or announce his plans to hug her.  She felt a faint tremble in his hands where they rested on her back.

She pulled his head down to her shoulder, pushing her fingers into his hair.  She wanted to ask what happened, but it was obviously bad, probably even worse than he'd expected, and really, she didn't need to know right now.  

"Can we go home?" he asked, his voice small.

"Yeah."  She tightened her arms around him.  "You want to go the regular way, or the fast way."

"Fast, please," he mumbled.

She stepped back, and he let her.  She took his hand and hauled him to one of her favorite on campus places to transform.  It was even easier since school was over, and the only students they had to watch out for were staying after for clubs or studying.  In less than five minutes, they were dropping into her… their bedroom through the skylight, transforming as they hit the bed.

"What do you need?" she asked.  "You don't have to tell me what happened or even how you're feeling, just let me know what I can do to help you."

"Can we snuggle?"  

She hated hearing him so meek. She flopped onto her back and held out her arms.  "Come here Kitty. Ooph." He'd sprawled mostly on top of her, burrowing his face into her neck.  She settled herself in for a long session of comforting him, one hand on his back and the other in his hair.

After several minutes, he broke the silence.  "I don't know why I let him do this to me. I give him power he doesn't deserve over me."

"It's hard to break a pattern after several years," she said.  "Even if you can look at it and logically recognize something isn't right, emotions don't work like that."

"It makes me feel stupid," he grumbled.

"You aren't stupid, but it's okay to feel that way."  She sighed. "Should I ask what happened or would you rather not talk about it?"

"He's just such a jerk," he blurted, one of his hands finding the skin of her arm to draw random designs with his fingertips.  "He didn't think I'd actually move out."

"Not a surprise, there," Marinette said.  Gabriel's reaction after Adrien announced he was leaving, had not sounded like a man who believed his son.

"And he thought he could threaten me into going back."  He moved to rest his head on one hand, but kept his eyes on the mindless motion of his fingers.  "No bribery, and certainly no apologies. Not even empty promises that neither of us believe anymore."

"Ugh."  She couldn't quite keep it in at this point.  "How on earth did you spend the last five years raised by that separated ganache emulsion, and end up so kind and caring?"  His lips twitched briefly into a faint smile, reinforcing her use of food-based insults. She shook her head. "Do we need to do anything to prepare to deal with his threats?"

Adrien snorted.  " He thinks he can blackball me from modeling, cut off my income and ability to support myself, but he's going to be disappointed on that front."  He smirked. "The day before I moved, I spent a lot of time contacting other agencies and fashion houses in Paris, and it turns out Gabriel Agreste has made plenty of enemies with that charming personality of his."

"Oh my," Marinette whispered in delight.

"Enough of them are eager to poach the Agreste heir, that they aren't going to push for long term contracts with non-compete clauses, leaving me free to model what I want."  He looked pleased for a moment, then it gradually faded. "He didn't mention you, but I get the feeling this won't be the last I hear from him. I'm worried he'll try to hurt your career next."  His warm green eyes filled with tears. "And I know, rationally, that none of this is my fault, but it's like you said. And I can't help but wonder why my own father doesn't love me."

Marinette reached up to catch his tears with her thumbs.

"And the things he said…"  He took an abrupt breath. "He wants to hurt me, ruin me so I come crawling back to him.  I expected the anger, but that…" he gulped. "It was worse than even I imagined he could be capable of."

Seeing him so hurt, made her feel like crying, and she had to swallow the frog in her throat before she could speak.  "Think you'll be up for a war council tomorrow? I think you'll feel better if we have contingencies."

"War council?"  His tear-stained puzzled look was positively heartbreaking.

She nodded.  "Mama, Papa, Alya, Nino, and Chloe.  They love you too, and we're going to help you move past this so you can regularly be the happy guy you were this morning."

Next in series > No More Lumpy Custard

[freedom-shamrock]

No More Lumpy Custard

Also on AO3. This is a Hugdrien story and direct follow up to “Taste of Freedom,” though it can stand on its own.  It is also the @adrinetteapril April 19 prompt, partners.

"Hey Kitty, wanna wake up?" Marinette asked, gently jostling the mattress to see if that was enough.

"Huh?"  His eyelids fluttered a bit before properly opening.  "Princess?"

She smiled and reached out to caress his cheek.  "Nice nap?"

He blinked in adorable befuddlement.  "How long did I sleep?"

She shrugged.  "Don't freak out, okay?  But you went down for a few hours," she explained, squeezing his upper arm once before decending the ladder.  "I know you meant for it to be a cat nap and all, but you haven't been sleeping well, and I know how tired you are."  The stress of the change in living arrangements, though most of that was good stress, was enough on its own, but then he had his father randomly sending him threats.

Adrien groaned as he pushed himself out of bed.  "I have so much homework…" he mumbled.

"Actually, I think we're going to just set that aside for tonight," she said, wondering how he hadn't noticed the noise downstairs.  Her parents' apartment wasn't large, and their friends were not exactly being quiet. "We have more important things to do." She handed him a brush.  "But maybe de-Chat your hair, first."

"Seriously.  What's going on?" he asked, leaning over the mirror to fix his hairstyle.

"It's a combined celebration and war council," Marinette said.  "Come down when you're ready."

"Cele… what?  Princess?"

She giggled as she scampered down the stairs.  Alya and Nino were setting the table, a much more crowded affair than usual.  It was a little strange to see Chloe in the kitchen talking with her mother, helping prepare something, but it would have been wrong to leave the other girl out.

"Okay, so we have soup out and the bread," Alya said.  "Where's the man of the hour."

Adrien came down the stairs then.  "Nino? Alya? What are you… Chloe ?"  Adrien stood at the bottom of the stairs looking around as though he were a little lost.  "How long did I sleep?"

"It wasn't that long son," her dad said, closing the apartment door as he came in carrying a cake box.  It wasn't time to reveal that yet, but she could hardly wait. "We just work fast."

"Adrien!" Chloe said happily.  "I'd give you a hug but my hands are all covered with fruit."

He gawked at her.  "Uhm…"

"Of course I'm helping," the blonde went on.  "We're celebrating your new family.  I wouldn't miss this if Hawk Moth himself showed up at the door."  She frowned. "And seriously, if there's an akuma tonight, I'm going to go hunt that man down and toss him into the Seine."

Nino crossed the room and swung an arm around Adrien's shoulders.  "Dude. Why didn't you tell me you were moving in? I'd have been happy to help."

"It was… kind of sudden," Adrien admitted.  That was a colossal understatement. "I had a fight with my father, you know.  After he came back from Milan." He shrugged, clearly at a loss for words.

"We felt he'd be better off here," Tom added.  "And it's not like he wasn't sleeping over most of the times Gabriel was gone anyway."  He winked at Marinette, and she just shook her head.

"Duuude," Nino teased, gently punching his best friend's shoulder.  "You've been holding out on me."

"To be fair, Mari has been pretty tight-lipped with me, too," Alya pointed out, shooting Marinette a serious look.  "We will be having a chat about what kinds of information we disclose at our next girl's only lunch, miss." It was a promise and a threat all combined in traditional Alya form.

"Ooh," Chloe said eagerly.  "Can I come? I want to hear all about your disgustingly sweet romance."

Alya laughed.  "I'll be sure to invite you."

"Oh god," Marinette grumbled.  "Can we not?"

Alya shook her head.  "No can do. And how is it you withheld all sorts of juicy relationship deets until after Adrien moved in with you?  And it's your parents that are doing all the spilling?"

"My parents need to learn not to talk quite so much," Marinette muttered.  "And you're getting off the subject. We're not here to talk about our relationship."

"Or your sex life?" her mother asked.

"Absolutely not," Marinette said firmly.  "We're here to celebrate Adrien's move toward happiness."  She gestured to him. "And then we're going to team up to discuss how we can counter Gabriel's continued efforts to be the world's driest most crumbly tartlet filled with under-ripe berries."

Next in series > The Adrien Agreste Defense League

30 minute speed write

[freedom-shamrock]

Role Model

Also on AO3 This Hugdrien story is a direct sequel to “Zip-Line” from June.  It includes a little emotional hurt (because Gabriel is a jerk) but it doesn’t fall into angst.

Now with art by SketchyPam!

Marinette noticed that Adrien seemed a bit out of sorts when he first entered the classroom after lunch.  He was wearing the model smile, which she'd long ago learned meant he was hiding how he really felt.  She wasn't sure if it was because he didn't want to be a bother to his friends, or if it was his father's social conditioning about the Agreste family image.  She suspected it was a little of both.  He was genuinely so resilient, and their deeper friendship was still new enough she'd been hesitant to pursue an answer.

He made a brief detour to Ms. Bustier's desk, so she took the opportunity to look at Nino.  He was frowning slightly at his best friend's back, as he bent to speak to the teacher.  Alya leaned forward and tapped Nino's shoulder, and he briefly met Marinette's eyes as his gaze turned to his girlfriend.  He shook his head and shrugged, indicating whatever was wrong was new enough he wasn't in on the details.

Adrien's, "good afternoon," was quieter than usual, as he reached his seat and gracefully tossed himself into the chair.

Nino leaned in, one hand on his beast friend shoulder to murmur something.

Adrien let out a sigh and shook his head.  "I'm okay, I promise."  His reply was barely audible and struck Marinette as an utter lie.

As the afternoon passed, Adrien's mood didn't lift.  He appeared to be attentive in class, but Marinette could see that his notes were much sketchier than usual.  She missed his light energy and the quick smile that had earned him the nickname Sunshine Boy.  For their last subject of the day, they were given the class period to continue researching independent projects that were due early the following week.  Adrien had gone to the library with a pathetic wave to his friends as he left.

"He didn't want me to come with," Nino muttered to Alya.  "Do you think I should go anyway?"  His expression was tight and concerned.

"Could you tell if he was just being polite, or did he really need space?" Alya asked, leaning forward on her desk.

Nino let out a helpless shrug.  "He's so hard to read when he gets like this."

Chloe suddenly appeared on the stairs beside Adrien's empty seat.  "Marinette will go," she said firmly.  "If anyone can fix it, she can."  She gathered up Marinette's belongings and tucked them into her messenger bag, oblivious or unperturbed by the stares of Alya and Nino.

"Never thought I'd be saying this," Alya said, her face uncertain.  "But I agree with Chloe."

"Chop, chop, Marinette," Chloe said briskly.  "None of us want an akumatized Adrien."

Marinette gasped.  That hadn't even occurred to her.  "Thanks Chloe."  She grabbed her bag and dashed out of the classroom.  As she jogged toward the library, she chanced a peek in her purse, meeting Tikki's huge blue eyes.  "How much of a risk do you think that is?"

Tikki shook her little head.  "It's hard to say.  He didn't seem upset enough, but Nino's right that he's hard to read at times.  Better safe than sorry."

When she got there, she found Adrien alone at a table in a back corner.  It was a slightly hidden nook, well lit, but out of view from the door.  "Mind if I join you?" she whispered, pulling her bag's strap over her head.

"Sure," Adrien replied, gesturing to the seat across from him.  He'd barely glanced up, but it was enough for her to see that his eyes were much wetter than usual.

"Oh, Adrien," she said sadly, depositing her bag but making to move to sit down.  "You're not okay at all."  She lightly placed her hand on his shoulder, gently rubbing it down his back when he leaned toward her instead of away.  It had been two weeks since she'd told him he could ask for hugs.  He usually worked in a request or two over the course of the school day, but they were always tinged with silliness and possible flirting.  Here he was, miserable, and in need of a hug, and he hadn't asked.

He looked down at his hands, fisted in his lap, and shrugged, but still didn't pull away.

"May I hug you?" she asked, rubbing his back.  "I think you need it."

He finally moved, pulling away briefly in the process of turning his chair toward her.  One moment, she was trying to get him to accept some comfort, and the next, she'd been tugged forward to stand between his thighs, her body flush against his, and his face buried in her chest.

She let out a sad breathy, "oh," as she felt his arms snake around her back.  She wrapped her own around his shoulders, eager to reassure him that this was allowed and welcome.  "Oh, Adrien," she whispered again.  "I don't know what's wrong, and you don't have to tell me if you don't want to, but I'm here for you."

His fingertips dug into her back as he tightened his hold on her.  Anyone else might have called it too tight, but she was Ladybug.  And she could feel desperation in his grip and the uneven heaving of his chest.  She wasn't sure if he was crying or trying not to.

She slipped the fingers of one hand into his hair.  Chat had always found it soothing, and she hoped it would help Adrien.  After several long minutes, his breathing evened out and his grip on her relaxed.

"Feel a little better?" she asked, running her hand over his head.

He nodded.  "Sorry, Mari," he mumbled.

"No," she said firmly.

"No?"  He pulled away just enough to look up at her.

"I will not accept an apology, because you've done nothing to apologize for."  She rubbed her fingers against his scalp, smiling encouragingly when it prompted a contented sigh.  "How about you pack up your stuff and come home with me," she suggested.  "Text Nathalie and let her know we're working on a research project."

"Are you sure?" he asked, finally letting go of her.

She gave him another squeeze before stepping back.  "Of course I am."

Much as Chloe had done for her, she started collecting his things.  While she was packing up for him, Adrien pulled out his phone.  By the time he was done, Marinette was pulling his bag over her shoulder.  Before she could put on her own bag, he'd taken it, giving her a lopsided smile.  "I look fabulous in pink, you know."

"This is true," she smiled up at him.  "Didn't you wear it at fashion week two years ago?"

"You have a great memory Mari."  He reached for her hand.  "Is this okay?  It's not as nice as a hug, but it's like a hug extension."

If he didn't still look so sad, she would have giggled.  "It's always okay.  Just like hugs, okay.  You're one of my most important people, and you can always, always come to me for anything.  And if you're ever feeling bad, and need someone to keep an eye out for nasty purple butterflies, I'll be there.  Okay?"

He nodded and followed when she gently pulled him with her.

She settled Adrien in her room before heading downstairs for snacks.  On her way down the last set of steps, she texted Alya and Nino so they wouldn't be looking for her or Adrien later.  Tucking her phone away, she prepared to face her parents.  She'd seen the way her mother's eyes took in her and Adrien's clasped hands, and the way her smile brightened up.

Fortunately the bakery was empty for the moment.  "Is it okay if I bring up some snacks for me and Adrien?" she called into the kitchen.

Her mother came out, beaming.  "You and Adrien, then?" she asked knowingly.

Marinette shook her head.  "It's not what you think."  She held up one hand.  "He came back from lunch really upset, and I'm trying to help him feel better."

Her mother shook her head.  "Does he hold hands with everyone who tries to cheer him up?" she asked.

Marinette stared at her.  On the surface it was absurd, but as she thought about it, she felt a the heat of a blush in her cheeks.  Other than in photo shoots, she'd never seen Adrien hold hands with anyone.  Chloe linked arms with him sometimes, but that was the closest she'd ever seen.  "Not the point, mama."

Her mother grinned.  "Very much the point, precious daughter."  She took out a plate and started piling it with what they'd both learned were Adrien's favorite pastries.  "Why do you suppose you're the only person he holds hands with?"

"Just lucky, I guess," Marinette said brightly.  "Thank you."  She took the tray and turned to head upstairs.

"Be sure to invite him to dinner," her mother called after her.

When she got back up to her room, Adrien was apparently staring at the collage of photos that had long since replaced her clippings of him.  He'd probably started out looking at the pictures of their mutual friends, before his mind wandered off.  "I'm back," she said, hoping not to startle him.  She slid the plate of baked treats onto the desk.  "Maman gave me more than we could possibly eat.  She wanted to include all your favorites."

He sighed, a small wistful smile on his face.  "Your parents are awesome."

"She invited you to dinner, so if you can stay, you'd be welcome here," she said.

"That would be great."  He snorted.  "It's nice someone actually wants to have dinner with me."

Marinette's eye stung at the subtle message.  "Are you home alone again?"

Adrien nodded sharply.

"You don't have to talk to me about it, but… is that what upset you?"  She gently brushed her hand over the back of his.

In a move that was almost too fast to track, he'd captured her hand in his, weaving their fingers together, all without looking at her.  "I was supposed to interview my father tonight for Ms. Bustier's project.  I was using him as my role model."  He shook his head.  "He's a terrible father and an even worse role model.  I don't know why I thought he'd be a good choice."  He bit his lip and she noticed a slight tremble in his chin.  "I found out at lunch that he left this morning for two weeks, even though we had a meeting scheduled for this afternoon."  He looked at her.  "What kid has to schedule a meeting with their father in order to discuss a school project?  What kind of father bails on their kid repeatedly as if they don't matter?"  His shoulders drooped.  "It kind of sends a message, you know?"

"Oh."  It was more a dismayed gasp than a real world, and Marinette leaped to her feet and wrapped her free arm around him.  "I'm so sorry.  You don't deserve this."  

His face was warm, burrowed into her neck, and he let go of her hand to hold her close, though less firmly than he had in the library.  "I should be used to it," he muttered.  "He always does this."

"No," Marinette said firmly.  "You should not have to get used to this."  She ran one hand into his hair at the base of his skull.  "I hate to tell you this, Adrien, but your father is a colossal dick."

Adrien shook in her arms, and at first she thought he was crying, but then he leaned back to look up at her and she saw he was silently laughing.  It was probably equally cathartic.

"Oh dear," she said quietly, smirking at him.  "I shouldn't have said that.  It's an insult to the physiology of half the planet."  She shook her head.  "I need to come up with an insult that doesn't cast aspersions on anyone's body."

Adrien pushed away to lean forward, his hands on the floor as he continued to giggle.

"Are you going to make friends with my floor?" she asked, smiling as she recognized his position for what it was.  "It's a very nice floor."  He slid from the chair, to his hands and knees.  She sat down, moving to cradle his head in her lap as he finished his gradual collapse.  She ran her fingers through his hair while she waited for his giggles to slow and eventually cease.

His smile, though uneven, was more genuine, when he rolled over to look at her.  "Thank you, Mari."

"That's better."  She lightly patted his cheek.  "So you're staying for dinner tonight.  And you're welcome back for any meals that work for you while you're home alone."  She hated thinking of him being all alone in that huge cold house.  "I guess next up, what can I do to help you with your research project?  Do you still want to do it on your father."

He shook his head and sat up across from her.  "It sucks because I've already done a ton of research… couldn't even get my father's education background from him.  I guess that should've been a sign."  He shrugged.  "I gave Ms Bustier the short summary of what happened and told her I'd do my best to have it done on time, but it might be a little lighter than my usual work because I basically have this weekend to do the research and any interviews."  He sighed.  "I have no idea who to do it on."

"So maybe we should start with brainstorming," Marinette suggested.  "And you can help me with my project as we come up with ideas.  After dinner, you should narrow down to one you really like, and a backup.  What's your schedule like?  I can help you with the research tomorrow and Sunday, if you want."

He nodded.  "That's a good plan.  Thanks Mari."

She leaned in and have him a quick hug.  "I'm happy to help."

"So who's your role model?" he asked, finally reaching for a cream cheese filled croissant.

Marinette beamed at him.  "Chat Noir."

He gawked, seemingly speechless.

She tilted he head a bit. "I know Alya is doing Ladybug, and it reminded me that our resident black cat doesn't get the credit he deserves sometimes."

"Well, Ladybug is an obvious choice," Adrien started, hesitating when Marinette held up one hand to stop him.

"I think I know where you're going, and I need to stop you before you say something you can't take back."  She'd gotten fairly defensive of her Chaton in the last two years.  He was one of her very best friends, one she trusted in everything.  She'd been trying to convince Tikki to let her reveal herself to him.  "He's brave and loyal.  He does what's needed, even though he doesn't really get anything in return.  We don't pay him.  He can't claim Chat's actions in his civilian form.  He is always willing to sacrifice himself for others, not just Ladybug.  He's so, so smart.  I mean, he has this crazy innate understanding of physics.  And he's so kind."  She closed her mouth abruptly, realizing she'd been ranting.  Adrien's green eyes were wide, and for some reason there was a hint of pink in his cheeks.  "Uh… sorry.  I kind of go overboard when I care about something."

"I'd never noticed."  Adrien's delightful real smile was back, and she had no idea why.  "Actually, it's really nice to see.  Emotion is… not encouraged at my house, and I love seeing someone passionate about something.  You have a lot of that enthusiasm.  We see it in your design work and stuff like this."

At dinner, Adrien surprised her by picking a role model that wasn't on his brainstorming list.

"Has Marinette told you about our research projects?" he asked, looking at her dad.

Her dad nodded.  "Something about role models."  He smiled.  "Not the kind of models you usually work with."

Adrien grinned.  "Well, I was partway through my project, and I've had to scrap it, and start over."

Her dad nodded.  "That's unfortunate.  Do you have something else in mind?"

Adrien nodded, looking a little nervous.  "I was wondering if you'd be willing to be the focus of my project."

Her dad looked first at Adrien in surprise, then glanced at Marinette, clearly pleased  "Me?"

Adrien nodded.  "You and Sabine have obviously set a great example for Marinette, and I think I maybe need some new role models."

Next in series > Disorientation

@miraculousfluffmonth prompt 4, please stay.

[freedom-shamrock]

All the Cats Out of Bags

Also on AO3. This Hugdrien story is a direct sequel to “Model Assistant,” though it can stand on its own. It is also @miraculousfluffmonth‘s Aug 20 prompt, caught.

"Marinette?" her mother's voice pushed through the fog of sleep.  "Did you sleep through your alarm again, sweetie?"

"Ngh, wha?"  She tried to roll toward her mother's voice, but couldn't move.  Adrien's warm arms were holding her too snugly.  She snapped fully awake.  Adrien was cuddling her close to his chest, he was a very clingy sleeper.  And her mother was in her room .  Probably wondering why she hadn't shown up for her shift.  "Forgot to set my alarm," she said quickly, trying to sit up, and failing to break out of Adrien's iron grip.  "I'll be right down in a…"

Adrien groaned, pulling her closer.  "Shhh, Princess.  It's sleepy time," he mumbled.

Wide-eyed, Marinette craned her head to peek out of the covers at her mother standing in her room, smirking smugly.

"And a good morning to you, too, Adrien," her mother said with a cheerful laugh.

"It's not what it looks like," Marinette said quickly as the boy next to her went completely still.  She knew this reaction from akuma battles.  He was terrified and blaming himself.

"Hmmm.  Is that so?" her mother asked.  "Get dressed.  We will be expecting both of you down in the bakery in twenty minutes."  The door squeaked slightly as it closed, and Marinette could hear her mother's footsteps down the stairs.

"Oh shit," Marinette muttered.  He'd come over to hang out and watch movies, as usual when his father was gone.  Because it was a Friday night, and he had no commitments the next day, she'd skipped setting his escape alarm.  She'd also forgotten to set her own alarm for her shift in the bakery.

"I'm so sorry," Adrien whispered, pulling away.  "Is there anything I can do to fix this?"  He shoved the blankets out of his way so he could look her in the face.  "You can blame me.  I don't mind."

Marinette shook her head.  "Not happening, Chaton.  We're partners.  We'll get through this together."  She could expect the rest of the day to be rife with humiliation, though, if not the whole next week.  "We don't need any stories or lies.  We'll tell the truth."

"What, that I came for our usual Adrien-hates-being-alone sleepover?" he asked, uncertainly.  "Which of course implies that we do this regularly."

She nodded.  "They like you."

"Or they did ," he added.

Marinette rolled her eyes.

"Is your dad going to kill me?"  He sat up abruptly.  "I've seen your dad, Mari.  He's huge."  Chat laughed in the face of danger.  Adrien, it seemed, panicked a bit.  Or maybe  it had to do with the fact that her family meant more to him than a random akuma.

She patted his shoulder.  "My parents aren't like that."  No.  Her parents were embarrassingly open about human sexuality, and he was going to get to see it in full force, she was certain.  "And we weren't doing anything wrong."  She nudged him.  "Come on.  That clock's ticking."

He scrambled out of bed.  Looking down at his Ladybug PJs, he cringed.  "Should I dash home for a change of clothes?"

"Nah," Marinette countered.  "Look in the bottom drawer of my vanity.  I've got some things in your size in there."

He started across the room, but suddenly paused and looked back, the most beautiful smile of pure joy on his face.  "You've been making me clothes?"

"Surprise?"  This had not been how she'd planned to reveal them to him, but they would serve the need at this point.

"You'd let me wear your designs?"  He seemed to be having trouble with the obvious.

Marinette descended to her room and crossed the floor to hug him.  "You know you're my best friend, right?"  When he nodded against her shoulder, she continued.  "I know this is hard for you to believe, but I care about you.  You make me so happy, and I want you to be happy, too.  Of course I'm going to make you things."

His chuckle was a little breathless.  "Thanks, Mari."

When they got down to the bakery, the late rush was in full swing.  Marinette was drafted for counter duty, while Adrien was sent in back to work with her father.  She knew things would be quieter in the kitchen, and they'd be able to talk.  It didn't precisely ease her mind.  She hadn't lied to Adrien in her room, and her father wouldn't hurt him, but she really wanted to face her parents together, unified.  And she didn't want him to have the opportunity to feel or accept any blame.  Also, her father was likely being all sorts of obnoxious, just because he could.  But she was too busy to go check on them.

"They're fine," her mother said when she caught Marinette glancing toward the kitchen instead of focusing on the customer in front of her.  "Just having a nice father-son chat."

Oh god.  "Have a great day," Marinette wished the departing woman.  She glanced at her mother who was filling up a box for someone.  This was not the time to freak out or melt down.  "I can help whoever's next."

Despite the sense of impending doom, the rush passed quickly, and soon the front of the bakery was empty.

"Let's go check on your father and that cat of yours," her mother said, gesturing to the kitchen entrance.

Marinette took two steps before her mother's phrasing caught up with her.  "Cat?"  The word came out as a shrill squawk before she could consider her response.

Her mother shook her head.  "We're not oblivious, little bug."  She wrapped an arm around Marinette's stiff shoulders and nudged her toward the kitchen.

Bug?!  Her parents never called her that.  The only explanation she could come up with, left her numb with shock, unable to resist her mother's gentle guidance.

Adrien stood facing a counter top beside her father.  He'd thrown on a white apron and headkerchief, which was somehow both the hottest, yet most adorable, thing she'd ever seen him wear.  Several unbaked baguettes rested on a peel in front of him, and he held her father's favorite black walnut lame in his right hand.  His movement was smooth and practiced as he slashed the tops of the loaves in quick even strokes.

"Excellent," her father said.  "You've got the hang of it now."  He grasped the peel's handle and lifted it.  "I'll get this in the oven, while you do the rest of those."

"Is this a good time to interrupt?" her mother asked.

Tom looked up and smiled.  "Ah, Sabine.  Rush is cleared out?"

Her mother nodded.  "We'll hear the bell if anyone come in."

"Very good."  Her father turned away to tuck the baguettes into the oven, returning the peel to the counter beside Adrien.  He leaned against the counter and beamed at Marinette.  "Your stray kitten is catching on very quickly, little bug."

She frowned a little.  They were having way too much fun with this.  "He's not a stray."

Her father's laugh filled the kitchen.  He was clearly happy about something.  "No.  I suppose he's not."  He lightly elbowed Adrien, who was gnawing on his lip.  "You've been well and truly adopted."

The nervousness dropped abruptly, making Marinette wonder what had been going on in the kitchen for the last two hours.  "It seems I've found my furrever home," Adrien quipped with a grin that belonged on his other face.

"Nor is he a kitten," she continued, ignoring her father's continued chuckles over the pun.

"Also true," her father agreed.  "But you're not such a little bug anymore, either."

Marinette let out a huff of disgust.  "Oh, you think you're so clever, don't you.  How did you figure it out?  What gave us away?"

"There were a few things," her mother said, rubbing her back gently.  "You were always strong, but you gained more confidence after Ladybug showed up, and you started standing up for yourself more."

"I'm very much on board with that side effect," her father interjected quietly.  

Nodding, her mother returned to her list.  "You're not nearly as careful as you should be when visiting with your little magical ladybug friend.  And, I'm sorry to tell you, sweetie, it only took one look to see that you were her .  I've watched you grow up.  You're always modeling your new designs."  She shrugged.  "I just simply recognized you."

Marinette's hands came up to rest on her cheeks.  "Oh my god.  This is terrible!  Who else could have figured it out the same way?"  She met Adrien's eyes, horrified.  "Your father pays so much attention to your body.  He has to know."

"We don't think so," Adrien said.

"Adrien's magical friend is pretty certain Gabriel doesn't know," her father said.  "Oh, they're called kwami, dear," he continued, clearly speaking to his wife.  "And his looks like a tiny black cat."  He grinned.  "So cute, but so sassy."

Marinette gawked at her father.  "You met Plagg?"  How was this her life now?  Not that her father was wrong.  Plagg was downright adorable.  But he was a complete sass monster.

Adrien crossed the kitchen and took her hand.  "Hey, Princess, it's okay."  He ran his fingers over hers.  "They've known all this time, and nothing bad has happened, right?  So, I think it'll be okay."

Marinette nodded dumbly.  "Okay.  Fine.  I… just need a little time to adjust.  It'll be fine."

"Good girl," her father said encouragingly.  "And now that we're all in the know on this, your mother and I want you to know that we're here for you."

"Both of you," her mother pointed out.

"If there's anything you need from either of us, any time of the day, you can come to us."  Her father pushed himself away from the counter to join them.  "You're both very important to us, not just because of the miraculous things you do."

"And we feel very strongly about being supportive to you in all your endeavors."  Her mother's smug smile came back.  "We want you to be as safe and happy as you can be."

For some reason Adrien's cheeks went bright pink, which probably should have been a warning.  But then, Marinette was a bit overloaded just now.  "We appreciate it," she said, wondering where they were going with this.

"There's a bin with condoms under your bathroom sink," her mother said brightly.  "When you need more, you can let either of us know.  And I promise, there's no need to feel embarrassed about this, but if you prefer to text us, that's fine."  She patted Marinette on the back again.  "And sweetie, we'll be seeing the doctor next week.  You have several options to consider."

"Options?" Marinette squeaked.

Her mother nodded, smiling brightly.  "The pill worked great for me, but you may prefer the patch.  I understand the newer IUDs are very nice, too."

Next in series > Homesick 4 You

This was going to be a bedtime 30 minute speed write, but my precious daughter would NOT stay in bed.  So I finished it this morning and got trapped under a tiny Sheltie before I could post it.  The struggle, it is real.

There will be two more stories in the Hugdrien series for Fluffgust.

[freedom-shamrock]

Homesick 4 You

Also on AO3. This Hugdrien story is a sequel to “ All the Cats Out of Bags,” though it can stand on its own.  It’s probably not quite as direct a follow up as I’d implied in my reblog (timing and set up needed alteration). It is also @miraculousfluffmonth‘s Aug 21 prompt, distance.

Marinette's computer blipped at her, notifying her of an incoming Discord message.  "Oh, hey Alya, Adrien's online," she spoke quickly into her phone.  They had started out doing homework, but had moved on to the ethical considerations of keeping sensitive information confidential.  Alya was writing a paper on it, and the all her research and reading made her rethink a few things about her goals with the Ladyblog.  "I know he's super lonely in Milan, so is it okay if chat with him a bit?"

Alya laughed.  "Yeah.  You've heard all this before, anyway."

Marinette met Tikki's eyes and smiled.  "True, but for what it's worth, I agree with you.  And I think your change in policy or whatever it could be called, is a mature and socially responsible perspective."

"Thanks, cupcake, I'll see you tomorrow," Alya said.

Marinette jiggled her mouse and signed in to her computer.  Her chat with Adrien popped up.

Hugdrien : Do you have any idea how hug deprived I am right now?

Princess : I do, actually.  I've been logging your hug activity for the last several months.  You are going to require intensive cuddling when you return.

Hugdrien : Should I schedule an appointment now?

Princess : No need.  I've set aside my entire schedule for your treatment.

Hugdrien : Oh good.

Princess : How was today's shoot?

Hugdrien : Terrible.  Pretty much everything that could go wrong, did.

Princess : Oh, no!  I am so sorry. That's awful.

Hugdrien : Camile asked my father why you weren't with me.  She claims you're some sort of good luck charm.

Hugdrien : She'd be far more right than she realizes.

Princess : Really?!

Hugdrien . Obvsly.  Have you not noticed how well my shoots go when you're there?

Princess : I just figured I hadn't hit a bad one yet.

Hugdrien : Yeah.  Well you are the personification of good luck, too, and it counters my shit luck, so…

Princess : It's so unfair that you have bad luck.  You don't deserve that.

Hugdrien : If it means I get to be your Kitty, it's worth it.

Princess : Awwwwwwwww

Hugdrien : I'm supposed to be getting ready for dinner, but I wanted to check and see if you could Skype tomorrow?  Not as nice as actually hugging you, but seeing you and talking to you would be really nice.

Princess : Yeah.  What time?

Hugdrien : Is 21:30 too late?

Princess : Pffft.  I have patrols that start later.

Hugdrien : True.  But since I've been gone for two weeks. Two god-awful long weeks, that is, I'm not sure where you are in your sleep status.

Princess : Pretty well rested.

Princess : 21:30 it is.  I put it in my calendar.

Hugdrien : Ooh.  It's… like a date and everything.

Princess : Skype date?

Hugdrien : It's a real thing.

Hugdrien : Anyway, see you tomorrow.  Sleep well my bug.

"I just e-mailed you today's homework," Marinette said, smiling at the real-time image of Adrien on her monitor.  "I eagerly await your… impression on the physics reading."

Adrien laughed, leaning back in his chair, the pale pink walls of his hotel room behind him.  "Do you, then.  Should we do another Skype date tomorrow to go over it?"

"Oooh.  Study date," she said, giggling.  She wasn't sure if he was intentionally using the word 'date' to make a point or if it was a hint, or if it was just a coincidence.  Though their relationship hadn't really changed since her parents caught him sleeping in her bed, she'd felt tension that hadn't been there before.  It was like she had a need to define what they were.

"Nino swears by it," he said, shrugging.

Marinette snorted.  "I don't think they get much studying done.   And I'm pretty sure they don't do it over Skype."

He sighed.  "Yeah.  Hard to cuddle from another country."

"Digital cuddle date?" she asked.

"That is definitely not a thing," he said, pouting.

"It would be missing a crucial component, yeah."  She nodded in agreement.  It was nice to be able to see him, but it almost made her miss him more.  When she watched his hand slide through his freshly washed hair, pushing it back, she felt a pang of jealousy.  She wanted to be the one to tangle her fingers in that soft mess.

"I really miss you," he said, his voice softer all of a sudden.  "It's… always hard to be away from Paris, but it's extra hard this time."

"Why do you suppose that is?" she asked, trying not to let any of her hopes form into full ideas.

"You," he said simply.

She straightened up, one hand coming up to tap the center of her chest.  "Me?  How?"

He tilted his head and gazed at his fingers, tracing patterns on the table in front of him.  "Both sides of you have been important to me since we met, but now, you're just this constant wonderful presence in my life.  And I don't think I can go an hour without finding something I want to share with you, or a pun I want to tell you."  A small uncertain smile settled on his face.  "I used to miss Ladybug when I had to go away, of course.  But that was… shallower in a way.  Now it's like being homesick, only for a person rather than a place."

"Oh," she whispered, finding it strangely difficult to breathe.  She reached out and touched his cheek on the screen.  It was hard and warm, nothing like his face in real life.  "I miss you a lot, too.  I don't think I really have the words to explain it."

"Can I tell you something?" he asked, more uncertain than she'd ever heard him. 

"You can tell me anything, Kitty," she insisted.

"It's… um… intense.  Very personal and potentially embarrassing.  I don't want you to feel pressured in any way."  His hand ran from his forehead, through his hair, to finally rest on the back of his neck.  "You don't have to have a response to it.  I just… I feel like I'm lying by not telling you."

"It's okay," she promised.  "I am very familiar with personal and embarrassing.  You've met my parents, remember?"  She snickered.  "You know, those people who give you bread baking lessons and sex advice at the same time."  She felt her cheeks heat up.

He nodded and took a breath.  "Okay.  Uhm… this is harder than I expected."  His eyes flicked down to his hands than seemed to consciously come back up to meet hers.  "I really like you Mari."

Oh.  That was definitely okay.  "I like you, too."

"It's… quite a bit stronger than friend kind of like," he explained.  Oh god, he was blushing and it was adorable.  "Uhm.  A lot stronger.  And different.  I'd noticed it before.  I mean, I was definitely crushing on you when you took the zip line.  And then you hugged me, which was just soperfect.  It was a little moment of heaven.  I thought hanging out with you and getting hugs once in a while would be enough, you know?"

She nodded, but he continued before she could speak.

"And it was .  But then I found out you're my partner, and it was like a door opened up and I could see you so much better."  He was talking quickly, rushing to get his thoughts out.  "There were no more secrets or barriers.  I knew you, and you knew me."  

This part of his rambling monologue resonated with her.  Learning he was Chat Noir, her secret best friend, had dramatically changed her understanding of him.  She nodded, but didn't try to interrupt.

"But about a month ago… a month before I left, I mean, when we were watching movies, I looked at you and I realized it."  He was waving his hands around at this point.

"Realized what?" she prompted.

"I just looked at you and I thought, oh.  I love her."  He froze for a moment, his mouth hanging open as he stared at her through the monitor.  "And thinking it, it just felt right.  There was this calm that sort of washed over me.  It was natural and comfortable, like finding where you belong."

"Oh.  Wow."  Her fingers had wrapped themselves in the front of her shirt, clinging desperately.

"And you absolutely don't have to do anything with this information," he held out both hands and shook his head.  "You don't have to feel the same way for me.  I just… I know that when Chat flirted with Ladybug, it was easy to brush it off.  It was fun, but lacked depth, and… I was actually in love with you then, as Ladybug, but I never really made that clear.  And I wanted to be clear this time around."  He let out a heavy breath.  "So… yeah.  Uhm."  He glanced around his room.  "I should probably let you get to sleep, so…"

"Would you go out with me?" she blurted.  She hadn't meant to ask like that, rushed and crazy.  She wanted to give him some beautiful words, but her brain was not cooperating at the moment.

"Uhm… what?"  He looked so hopeful.

"When you get back to Paris," she said.  "Would you go out to dinner with me?"

"Like a date?" he asked.

Smiling, she nodded eagerly.  "Not like a date, but an actual date."

"Yes," he said, beaming and nodding.  "Yes, I would love to do that."

She nodded, wondering if he was almost overwhelmed by happiness like she was.  "Okay.  I'll plan something."

Marinette's phone chimed.  Figuring it was Alya, she ignored it and focused on her history homework.  The phone chimed again.

"Ooh.  Marinette," Tikki said, swiping her paws over the screen.  "It's Adrien."

"Oh!"  She straightened up so abruptly, she nearly tipped over her chair.  "Oops."

Kitty : I miss U!

Kitty : Want to see U!

Smiling, she texted back.  "I miss U 2!"  She followed up with, "Wanna Skype 2night?"

Kitty : Can't. <sad kitty emoji>  There are reservations.  And plans.

He'd be home in a few more days, and she'd planned out a nice date for them that allowed for cuddling while hitting a couple of their favorite places in both forms.  "Don't be sad," she sent back.  "It's Friday.  You can text me even if it's late when you get done."

She heard footsteps on the stairs, heavier than Mama, but swifter than Papa.  She turned just in time to see Adrien burst into the room.  His cheeks were pink, maybe from the wind, and he was holding a bouquet of red roses.  "Hi."  His steps faltered.  "I got off early for good behavior."

She got out of her chair so fast it fell over, and she didn't care.  She rushed toward him, throwing her arms around him.  "You need so many hugs."  To be fair, she wanted a whole lot of hugs, too.

The bunch of flowers settled in the center of her back as he returned her eager embrace.  "My father is still in Milan, will be for the whole next week."

"Excellent.  You can stay the whole time."  She burrowed her face in the front of his shirt, breathing in his scent.  Next time he had to travel, she was making him leave a shirt.  "Did you bring clothes?"

"Did he bring clothes?" Plagg's slightly nasal voice piped up.  "He's ready to move in, Princess."

"Good."  She felt giddy.  Without letting go, she leaned back to look up at him.  There were shadows under his eyes, things they'd had to hide with makeup that told her he needed rest, but he looked happy.  "Welcome home Kitty."

He leaned in a little, brushing her nose lightly with his.  "May I kiss you?  I really want to kiss you."

Giggling, she tilted her chin up to him.  "I'd like that."  Her initial impression was warm and soft.  It was slightly reminiscent of the kiss she'd given him during an unfortunate valentine related akuma.  There was no rush of desire or fireworks, it was more of a sense of peace settling over her, as if she'd been tightly tense since their last Skype chat, and his kiss melted it all away.

At the end of the kiss, he didn't pull away immediately.  His eyes were still closed as his slow breath brushed over her face.  "Hmm."  His eyes fluttered open.  "I think I'm kiss deficient."

"Oh no."  She moved one hand to his cheek as she attempted to role play dismay.  She was too happy.  "We'll have to fix that, too."

He kissed her cheek and stepped back.  "I'm taking you to dinner.  If you're willing to accompany me, that is."

"But I have a date all planned for Wednesday," she protested.  "I made reservations, and everything."

He grinned.  "Is there a rule that says you can't take me out Wednesday if I take you out now?"

She'd wanted to be responsible for the first date, but it wasn't worth getting bent out of shape over.  She shook her head.

He let out an exaggerated sigh.  "Good.  Because I think we're date deficient, too, and we'll have to work hard to address that."

Next in series > Furrever Home

There will be one more story in the Hugdrien series for Fluffgust.

[freedom-shamrock]

Furrever Home

Also on AO3. This Hugdrien story is a sequel to “Homesick 4 You,” though it can stand on its own.  It is also @miraculousfluffmonth‘s Aug 31 prompt, I'm yours, forever. 

Marinette hummed as she worked on the hem of her latest creation.  It had been a busy day, complete with an afternoon shoot held in one of the Le Grand Paris' ballrooms.  Because Camile was running it, she'd specifically requested Marinette's attendance and scheduled it for after school.  She and Aimee had started calling her Lucky Charm after the third shoot.  Eventually they'd abbreviated the nickname to LC, which most people mistook for Elsie.  It had quickly become how she was known to Adrien's coworkers.  Today's shoot had gone fantastically, even wrapping up early.  She'd come home inspired to work on her own designs.

She knotted off her thread and crawled back to get a better look at the dress.  It was nearly complete, and she could already see how it was fulfilling her vision.  She was startled to hear Adrien's obvious tread on the steps.  It was late, a time he would usually come over as Chat, not Adrien.  His father was also home this week, and that combined with the time couldn't possibly be a good thing.

She looked up as he topped her stairs, his unbuttoned coat and loose scarf flapping behind him.  He had a newspaper rolled up in one hand, and a scowl on his face.

"What's the matter?" she asked, wondering if she should leap forward to hug him, or let him come to her.

He tossed her the newspaper, then threw his coat over one of her chairs before flopping onto the floor beside her.  "You should look at it.  It concerns you."  His voice was low, and he wouldn't meet her eyes.

She unrolled the paper, pushing it flat.  "Golden Boy Adrien Agreste, Off the Market!" the bold headline screamed.  Underneath was a very large photo of the two of them holding hands and looking at each other with the dumb grins of the besotted.

She sighed.  "It really was only a matter of time, Kitty.  I knew that."

"Yeah, well, apparently my father has someone in marketing who spends all day monitoring social media and the news for any hint of the Gabriel corporation or the Agreste name."  He gestured to the tabloid.  "Father summoned me for a meeting this evening.  I was stupidly hopeful that he was pleased about today's shoot, but it was actually to discuss that."

She knew he hadn't told his father that he was seeing someone.  Given what Gabriel shared about his personal life, and his clear disinterest in Adrien's life, it didn't seem relevant, and he didn't want his father involved.  "I'm so sorry."  She pushed aside the paper and patted her thigh.  "How bad was it."

Adrien heaved himself the last few inches to rest his head on her leg, one arm going around her waist and the other around the leg itself.  "He'd talked to Camile first, confirming that you were the person she's been asking him to hire.  You knew she was doing that, right?"

Marinette shook her head, surprised.  Honestly, she was happy to do anything that gave her more time with Adrien.

He snorted.  "She wants Elsie as a permanent fixture at my shoots.  She's not normally superstitious, but… I'll be honest, things don't go nearly as wrong when you're there.  I'm not sure if it's your positive attitude or if it's a Ladybug thing, but we are definitely luckier with you there, and she's got facts and statistics to back up her request."  He let out a small sigh, relaxing as she moved one hand into his hair.

"It's a Ladybug thing," Marinette said.  "Actually, a Ladybug and Chat Noir thing.  We tend to balance each other out when we're together, making things go really smoothly."

"Of course he was furious to find that I'd discovered girls without notifying him," Adrien continued.  "I didn't realize I was supposed to print up announcements or something."

Marinette grinned.  "We could do that, if you want."

He smiled up at her.  "I'd love to spite him that way, but this gets uglier."

"Oh."  That was unfortunate.  She didn't care what Gabriel Agreste thought of her.  He'd lost his position as one of her heroes months back.

"He doesn't actually care that we're dating."  She felt the hard swallow against her leg.  "He doesn't think we're going to last anyway, so it's not his concern."  He huffed.  "But he wants it kept out of public sight, because I'm more appealing as a model if I'm single."

Marinette bent to kiss his forehead, her fingers continuing their path on his scalp.  "Your father is like a loaf of bread made with expired yeast and extra leaveners that was left in the oven too long," she informed him.  "He's failed to reach his potential greatness, and he's got an extra thick, unpalatable crust."

Adrien giggled, turning his face into her leg.  "I love it when you call him names."

"He's an idiot, too," she scoffed.  "We all know Chris Hemsworth is married, and it doesn't negatively impact his appeal.  At all."

"He's too old for you," Adrien grumbled, fake pouting.  They'd had this conversation before.

She patted his cheek before returning to his hair.  "He's easy on the eyes, but I love you.  You're way more graceful, and you have prettier eyes."  She kissed his nose.  "Is there something we need to do about this?" she asked.

He shook his head.  "He'd like me to formally deny dating you, or for us to stage a breakup.  He thinks it's a good test of your loyalty to me, to see if you'd be willing to put up with this kind of shit from him."

Marinette rolled her eyes.  "Honestly, given his hyper-controlling tendencies, it sounds like he's trying to make you choose between him and me."

Adrien nodded.  "That'd be stupid of him.  I'm yours, there's no choice to be made."  He rubbed at his face.  "I don't want to do any of those things, not just because it's a pathetic attempt to control both of us, but also because I'm not going to change the way I treat you.  I mean, no one we know would buy it anyway.  Everyone thought we were dating before we actually were."  His cheeks went rosy.  "Your parents thought we were having sex, and we weren't doing anything other than mutually pine for each other."

She winked at him.  "To be fair, we were sleeping together, and they caught us."

He pushed himself up.  "Operative word, sleeping , completely free of any innuendo, Princess."  He leaned in to lightly brush his face against her cheek.  "And now that I get to call myself your boyfriend, seriously, that's my all time favorite title, I'm not going back."

"So you're going to defy him?" she asked.  "How will that go over?"  She was genuinely curious, trying to be careful to help him think this through without making the decision for him.

He let out a heavy sigh.  "I'm expecting a bigger fight than the one we had tonight.  I'm probably going to resort to threats, and I will fully go through with those if necessary."

A battle of wills with his father was probably long overdue, but she couldn't help but worry.  "What are your threats?  I should probably know."

"I'll stop modeling for him if he doesn't let go of this.  I've been cooperative for years, and I'm good enough at it that I don't need him or a contract with Gabriel.  I've been getting contacted by other lines and agencies for years."  He let out a shaky breath.  "I've done some research, and… I could move out.  Declare myself independent.  I could model on my own to pay for an apartment and stuff."

"And you're ready to do that if you need to?"  Given how things had been going at the Agreste house, she figured the odds were pretty even that Adrien was going to need to make good on his threat.

He nodded.  "I might need a place to stay while I find an apartment."  He shrugged.  "I could stay at a hotel..."

Marinette stopped his babbling with one finger over his lips.  "Get comfortable.  I think this might be a good time for you to talk to Papa."

Fortunately, her father was still awake, though he was in bed when she knocked on her parents' door.  He was true to his promise, and willingly got up to help Adrien with a problem that she'd left vague.  While he headed up to her room, she made some hot cocoa.  She took her time, giving her father a chance to do what he did so well.  Last spring Adrien spent a weekend shadowing her father as research for a report on role models.  Something happened during that time that made it clear that Adrien was welcome back, with or without Marinette.  She sometimes woke up to find him working with her father, learning about bread or cakes, or she came home from a fabric run to find him enjoying tea and cookies with her mother, practicing their Mandarin.

She walked slowly up the steps, careful not to slosh her mugs too much.  It wasn't a huge surprise to see her father hugging her boyfriend, but it quickly became clear this wasn't a quick bit of affection.  "It's okay, son," Papa said, his hand resting on the back of Adrien's head.  "I know this is all very upsetting, and it's a raw deal that you don't deserve.  But you're loved, okay?  You know that, right?"

She watched Adrien nod his head against her father's shoulder.

"And you are always welcome here.  You're family, you and that sassy cat of yours."

Adrien let out a muffled chuckle, stepping back.  "Thanks."

"Oops!"  Marinette threw her arms around him from behind.  "Sneak attack hug."

"You guys have your cocoa and try to get some sleep," her father said.  "I recommend extensive cuddling, sweetie," he told her.  

"Glad to," she promised.  "Do you want your cocoa, too?"  She gestured to the three mugs.

Papa shook his head.  "Tikki can have mine.  I know cookies are her mainstay, but cocoa goes down a treat now and then, too."

"Thanks Papa," she said, beaming at him.  "Goodnight."

She let go of Adrien so she could hand him his drink.  It was his favorite, a Ladybug mug that her mom had bought just for him.  "Here.  Have some of this, then you can change.  I hope you were planning on staying over."

He snorted, sitting on the chaise.  "I have no interest in going back there tonight."  He took a long sip of his cocoa.  "Dad thinks I need to get away from my father's control and negativity as soon as I can, even if this fight blows over...  He's got good arguments that I can't refute."

She smiled and settled beside him, slipping her arm around his waist.  "Papa's pretty logical, and I completely agree.  I want you to be as happy as you can be, and that's not happening for you there."

He nodded.  "I...I'm not sure how you feel about this, and you can totally veto it if you want, but he invited me to move in with you guys.  He said I could have the spare room, or share with you if that's what we preferred."  His focus flitted around the room, like he was afraid of what he'd see if he looked at her.

"Would you be comfortable here?" she asked.

"Yeah."  His expression turned shy.  "It feels like home."

"It is," she agreed.  "And it can be yours, too."  She leaned against him.  "Just like me."

Cradling his mug in both hands, he looked at her.  "You're what?"

"Yours."  She kissed the end of his nose.  "Forever."

Next in series > Settled In

This is the final Fluffgust piece, and my conclusion to the Hugdrien series.  I'm not entirely happy with it, but you eventually have to let things go.  This is my second attempt at this prompt (my first one ended up too hurt laden to be fluff, and I'll post it another time), which is part of why it's late.

I'd like to thank you all for reading my daily stories during Fluffgust.  It's been great to hear from people enjoying my stories and my take on these characters.  I'm not vanishing after this, though my postings will be less frequent.  I'm working on my Miraculous Big Bang piece next, followed by a Bobbin Bug sequel.  I also have a to do list of other stories (mostly fluffy) to write.

[freedom-shamrock]

Disorientation

Also on AO3 This Hugdrien story is a direct sequel to “Role Model,” though it can stand on its own. It is also @miraculousfluffmonth‘s Aug 7 prompt, 4 AM. Part of this idea came from lil_fangirl27 's comments on "Zip Line" over on AO3.

Marinette woke to the sound of tapping on her skylight.  Her room was dark and she groaned.  "Hello?"

"Mari?"  

"Adrien?" she asked, confused.  His voice was not the one she expected to hear.  She pushed open the skylight.  "Are you all right"

"No… maybe?"  He sounded disoriented, and she panicked at the thought that he'd climbed up to her balcony in this state.  

"Come on in," she said, moving back toward her pillows.  "I'm out of the way."

"I know I was supposed to text you before coming over for hugs in the middle of the night."  Chat Noir dropped onto her bed, his cheeks streaked with tears.  "I had a really awful nightmare, and I'm still all alone.  I mean, my bodyguard is there, but it's not the same…"  

Marinette stared at him.  The voice and what he was saying were all Adrien.  How had she never realized how much they sounded alike?  Or that both of her favorite boys were identical in build, height, and hair color.  His breathing was ragged, and she suspected he'd woken that way and just ran over as soon as he could.  Adrien was her Chat Noir.

He realized she was gawking at him and started to fold in on himself.  "I'm sorry.  I shouldn't have come.  I didn't mean to trouble you."  He knelt under the skylight, clearly looking to escape.

She grabbed his arm and pulled her down next to her.  "No!"  She realized that was too loud for the time of night and his state.  "You aren't a trouble.  You're my best friend, and if you need me, I want you to come to me.  Remember?"

"I should've texted, huh?" he asked, looking for all the world like a kicked kitten.

She giggled.  "Um…  How did you get here, Adrien?"

Her question threw him off whatever track his disoriented mind had lodged itself in.  "Uh…"  He looked at his hands and blanched, trying to back away, but she held on too tightly.  "Oh god ."  He met Marinette's eyes.  "I wasn't thinking," he muttered.  "Ladybug is going to eat me for breakfast."

Smiling gently, she shook her head.  "Invite, yes.  Eat, no so much."  She waved at his suit.  "Go ahead and detransform."

He muttered something, and his super suit vanished in a wave of green light, leaving him in light blue silk pajamas.  "I'm so sorry Mari.  This puts you in ridiculous danger.  There's a reason we have secret identities."

"I know," she insisted, taking both of his hands.  "And it's fine, okay.  You need to be here right now, and you had to get here somehow, right?"

He nodded, still looking nervous.

"Now why don't you introduce me to your kwami?" she suggested, smiling at the tiny black cat that had settled on Adrien's shoulder.

"Oh," he nodded, looking more comfortable as he switched to a higher level of manners.  "This is Plagg, kwami of destruction and bad luck."  His hand waved to the little being.  "And Plagg, this is Marinette.  We've talked about her, um… as you'll recall."  

Her poor kitty boy was much too good at compartmentalizing, and despite knowing both sides of him, she had missed far too much.  "It's a pleasure to meet you Plagg."  Marinette held out one finger to shake his paw.  "Thank you for helping Adrien so much."

"Well, he does need the help," Plagg said, his voice more nasal than her own kwami's.

"Tikki is under my bed," Marinette said with a smile.  "If you want to catch up with her, you're welcome to do so.  She can also help get you something to eat if you're hungry."

"Perfect," Plagg said.  As he was zipping by, he paused to whisper.  "I knew you were one of the better bugs."

That done, she turned her focus back to Adrien, who was watching her intently.  "You're really good with him," he said, sounding puzzled.

She shrugged.  "I'm very good with black cats, mon Chaton.  You could say they are the yin to my yang."

He blinked quickly several times, then shook his head like he'd gotten a sudden chill.  "My Lady?" he asked, his voice a choked whisper.

Marinette nodded and held out her arms.  "Come on Kitty.  You need some hugs.  Probably some cuddles, too, huh?"

He nodded and crawled toward her.  "Mari, I'm not dreaming, am I?"

She shook her head.  "No Adrien.  This isn't a dream."  She pushed down her comforter.  "Come get your snuggles."

He sprawled next to her, his head on her pillow as his beautiful green eyes gazed dewily up at her.

She laid down beside him, shifting just enough to rest her head on his upper chest.  "You said you had a bad dream.  Do you want to talk about it, or just hug."

"Just hug," he said quickly.  "It was too horrible to think about."

Marinette nodded.  "I'm glad you came to me then.  You can always come to me.  Okay?"

His arms wrapped around her and his breathing eased into a relaxed pattern.  "Yes, my Lady, my Marinette.  I will always come to you."

Next in series > Cuddles on the Side

30 minute speed write.

There will be several more Fluffgust prompts in this series.

[freedom-shamrock]

Cuddles on the Side

Also on AO3 This Hugdrien story is a direct sequel to “Disorientation,” though it can stand on its own. It is also @miraculousfluffmonth‘s Aug 10 prompt, secret sleep over.

"All right, what's up with you and Adrien," Alya asked when Marinette showed up for school one morning.  

"Uuuh, nothing?"  Marinette glanced up, relieved to see that Adrien hadn't yet joined them.  It had been nearly two weeks since the reveal, and while they were definitely closer than ever, on both sides of their masks, there were things they hadn't discussed.

Alya frowned slightly and shook her head in denial.  "No way.  You two have gotten downright cuddly.  Everything about your interactions looks like you're dating, but you haven't said anything."

Marinette shrugged.  "There's nothing to say."  

Alya groaned.  "You still like him.  Don't even try to deny it."

"I wouldn't," Marinette promised, her cheeks feeling warm.  "And I wouldn't lie to you Al."  She looked around to make sure no one was close enough to eavesdrop.  "We haven't talked about how we feel for each other.  It… hasn't been the right time to bring it up."

Alya's eyes went wide.  "What exactly is going on?"

Marinette sighed.  "Remember the zip line?"  When her bestie nodded, she continued.  "I hugged him… it was sort of a spur of the moment thing.  And he told me that he'd forgotten what it felt like to be hugged."  She swallowed, remembering how much that hurt.

"Oh fuck," Alya whispered.  "Can I kick his father's ass?"

"Get in line, babe," Nino muttered.  "There's a queue."

Marinette smiled, proud of her friends for being so supportive of her Kitty.  "Anyway, he's been having a rough time recently, and… I told him he could come to me."

"Does this have anything to do with his presentation last week on your dad?" Nino asked.  "I know he was originally researching his sorry excuse of a father."

Marinette nodded.  "His father blew off their meeting, the one for the interview.  He was unwilling to even do a phone call."

Alya was clearly too angry for words, her scowl deep and more than a little scary.

"Thanks for being there for him when he wouldn't let me," Nino said.  "Chloe's right.  You've got the touch.  I think you've helped him move past his fan crush on Ladybug, and I think with some time, you two could have something really great."

Marinette smiled.  "What we have is already amazing."

"We'll let you guys do this in your own time, right Al?"  He slipped an arm around Alya's shoulders.

"Yeah.  Fine."

Marinette was in bed, but hadn't fallen asleep despite the late hour.  It was Friday night so it was safe to stay up working on a new design.   When the familiar tap sounded on her skylight, she smiled, and called quietly, "come on in.  It's open."

Chat Noir dropped onto her bed, detransforming midway.  "Hey Princess."  His voice was rough, and he was wearing a pair of soft Ladybug patterned shorts and a matching shirt.

"It's bad," Plagg murmured as he zipped past her.  Many of their late night visits were just social time together, sharing favorite movies and making each other laugh.  Apparently this was the other kind.

"Come here."  She grasped his shoulders and pulled him down, his body overlapping hers.  "You want to talk about it?"

He sniffed, burrowing into Marinette's neck and easing his arms under her.  "My grades aren't good enough.  My performance at two of this week's six photoshoots wasn't as expected, never mind that there were technical difficulties and we missed our money light."  He sighed.  "He's micromanaging my schedule again, which probably means he's about to ditch me for some fashion emergency, and he doesn't trust me to do his name and his company proud."

"Your father is such a controlling, underproofed pastry with lumpy custard," she grumbled, glad she'd been practicing her new insults.

Adrien went utterly silent before dissolving in giggles.  "Gabriel Lumpy Custard Agreste."

Marinette pulled her sheet over them both.  "You're staying here tonight."  She reached and turned off the light.

"You sure it's okay?"  His resistance was halfhearted, a mere token compared to the first few times she'd coaxed him to stay.

"Absolutely."  She pushed her fingers into his hair.  "I have an alarm set for six.  Is that early enough for you to sneak back?"

She felt his whole body relax.  "Yeah.  It's perfect."  He hummed.  "Just like you."

Next in series > Model Assistant

[freedom-shamrock]

Model Assistant

Also on AO3 (link may not work until I get back home - sorry) This Hugdrien story is a direct sequel to “Cuddles on the Side,” though it can stand on its own. It is also @miraculousfluffmonth‘s Aug 13 prompt, elation.

"And you're sure it's okay?" Marinette asked, following Adrien out of the car toward the tents in the park.

He slowed down and caught her hand.  "Yeah.  I asked the photographer and the coordinator.  They both said it would be fine, as long as you stay out of the way."  He smiled.  Just shadow me for my prep and you'll get to see all the basics.  Then you can sit back and watch the shoot itself."

"Okay."  She grinned.  "I'm just a little excited.  And I wouldn't want to get you into any trouble."

The coordinator was a well-dressed woman with her hair pulled into a tight bun.  "Adrien, love, it's so good to see you."

"It's always nice to shoot with you, Camile," he said, that bright happy smile on his face.

She glanced down at their joined hands and looked at Marinette.  "Ahh.  And you must be Miss Dupain-Cheng."

Marinette let go of Adrien to extend her hand.  "It's a pleasure to meet you."

"You can call me Camile," the woman said, shaking Marinette's hand warmly.  "I hear  you're a designer."

"Amateur designer," Marinette corrected.  "But yes."

Adrien snorted.  "She's won a couple of my father's contests.  She's not your typical amateur."

"I really appreciate you letting me watch today," Marinette said, hoping her face wasn't as flushed as it felt.  "I think I could learn a lot from seeing this side of the process."

Camile smiled.  "If you have questions, please let me know.  It's always nice to help someone who's really interested in the field."  She looked at Adrien.  "Your clothes are in your tent.  Do you want an assistant or…?"  She gestured to Marinette.

"Oh.  I'd be happy to help," she said quickly.

Camile nodded.  "Perfect."  She threw Adrien a wink before turning back to talk to the photographer.

"Do you know what you just volunteered for?"  His smirk was more Chat Noir than poster child Adrien Agreste.

"Helping you?" she said.

"Yeah.  Helping me get dressed."  He caught her hand again.  "Come on.  My tent is over here."  He led her to a small white tent.  Inside there was an aluminum clothing rack with three outfits on it, the hangers bound together and numbered.  There was a basic stool, and nothing else.

"Oh."  She looked around.  "Um… I guess, I did volunteer.  So if you need help, I can do it."  It was all part of the business, after all.  She swallowed, trying to disperse the butterflies in her stomach, but they just got more rowdy.

"Does it help you to know that I'm used to this?" he asked, hanging his messenger bag on the end of the clothing rack.  "I've been doing this forever.  And when I'm working a runway show, I don't even get a changing cubicle."  He offered her a tentative smile.  "I'm also not going to be naked."

Of course he had to put the idea of him naked in her head.  "Uh…"  He was her best friend.  He'd gone out of his way to give her a backstage look at a photoshoot… apparently the full backstage experience.  She'd volunteered to help.  "You're okay with me helping?" she asked.  If he was fine with it, she could be, too.

He nodded.  "I trust you."  He chuckled.  "For lots of reasons."

She took a deep breath.  "Yeah.  I can do this."  She nodded.  "But maybe you could pretend to not notice if I get flustered or go red."

"I can do that," he agreed.  He sat on the stool and untied his shoes.  "I try to be quick with the changing, because then I can get to the stylists for hair and makeup well before I'm needed on the set."

Marinette hung her bag next to his and worked at unfastening the joined hangers labeled with a one.  "Very considerate of you."

"Professional, actually."  She could hear the shushing sound of fabric as he undressed.  "My father really drilled professionalism into my head from the start.  No goofing off.  No diva behavior.  That just makes designers, advertisers, and photographers not want to work with you."

She glanced over her shoulder just in time to see him pull his t-shirt over his head.  "So shirt first, then?" she asked quietly.

"Yeah."  His bare arm came into view as he draped his shirts over the unused end of the clothing bar.  "I remember these from the fittings, and the shirt has to be tucked in.  It's faster if I do it in this order."

"Wow."  Her fingers flicked at the buttons to free it from the hanger.  "Careful of the second button.  It feels loose," she cautioned, turning to hand him the green oxford.

He tapped that button gently.  "Yeah.  We'll be lucky if that stays on for the shoot."  He slipped his arms into the sleeves.  "We'll get some thread while I'm with the stylists, and you can fix it."  He glanced at her.  "Umm.  My assistants can usually help with that, so it would be great if…"

She giggled, draping the slacks over her shoulder and taking over the buttons for his fumbling fingers.  "I'm happy to, Adrien.  I'm your assistant, right?  And a lot of designers do this sort of thing during internships."  She shrugged.  "See.  This is already helping me out."

His cheeks went slightly pink.  "Anyway," he let out a breath as he changed the subject while his hands unfastened his belt.  "When you get famous, make sure you don't tolerate unprofessional behavior from your models.  It's not worth it."

"Thanks for the advice."  She tried to keep her eyes on his left shoulder as he bent to push down his pants.  She held out one hand to take his jeans, offering him the slacks with the other as soon as she had taken the denim from him.

Once he was dressed, Adrien walked with her to the stylists, pointing out details on the way.  "For a simple shoot, you often just need the location, the photographer, the clothes, and the model.  Styling can be done from a small kit."  For this shoot, there was a tall portable table covered with all the basics.  "This is a more formal shoot, with multiple changes.  That's a lot harder to do out of the back of a van."

Marinette giggled.  "Yeah.  I can see that."  She looked around.  "Where would I find thread?"

Adrien gestured to the stylist waiting for them.  "Aimee will know."

"Good afternoon Adrien."  The young woman smiled at him in greeting.  She had light brown skin, and features slightly reminiscent of Nino's aunt.  Her wavy black hair was up in a high ponytail.  "I see you have a new assistant today."

"Hey Aimee," he said, settling easily to the high stool in front of her.  "This is my friend Marinette.  She's a designer, and I thought it would be nice for her to come see how this side of the business works."

"Welcome Marinette."   She had a mischievous twinkle to her eyes.  "Any friend of Adrien's is welcome to see all our secrets."  She wiggled her eyebrows.

"Thank you."  Marinette wondered if these people were usually this accommodating or if it had to do with Adrien.  It wasn't just that was Gabriel's son, Adrien was such a sweetheart, maybe that was more the reason.  "Could you tell me where I'd find the thread for Adrien's shirt?"  She pointed to the button, dangling precariously.  "I need to fix that."

Marinette found a good out of the way spot to watch the photography portion of the session.  She helped Camile and her assistant fetch and carry out props when they seemed necessary.  She'd helped Adrien into his third outfit, when she realized his energy was drooping.

"Sit down a minute," she suggested, reaching for his collar.  "It'll be easier for me to fix this."  She flicked at the untied neckwear dangling on his chest.

He sat down with a sigh, giving her a tired smile.  "I know I shouldn't be tired.  I've only had to stand around, but…"  Another sigh followed.  "The lights and posing get to me after a bit."

"Stay there."  Marinette fished out the small package of macarons she'd brought with as a snack.  She pulled out a chocolate and strawberry one and held it in front of him.  "Open up, Kitty."  She tapped the small cookie against his lips.  "It's all one bite, so no crumbs, and Aimee and I will make sure your lips and teeth don't have any evidence when it's time to pose again."

He smiled and opened his mouth, accepting the sweet when she popped it in onto his tongue.  He closed his eyes as he chewed, his arms slipping around her as he leaned his head contentedly on her shoulder.

"Oh, you're right," she said, hugging him back.  "It's been hours since I hugged you.  I bet you're deficient again."

"Sorry," he said quietly.  "I didn't technically need a hug.  I just wanted one."

She tightened her arms when he tried to pull back.  "Wanting a hug is just as valid a reason as needing one," she whispered, her mouth hovering over his ear.  "I'm sorry I didn't make that more clear."  When she slowly let go, she noticed that he looked refreshed.  "Hmmm.  One more macaron and one more hug, then we'll go see Aimee."

A chuckle escaped from him.  "I like the way you think."

For the second hug, Marinette made sure to rub his back, sliding her fingers up to his neck.  Any other time, her hand would be in his hair, but she didn't want to muss him up too much.  "Better?" she asked as she stepped back and straightened the dangling blade and tail of his tie.

He nodded.  "Much.  Thank you."

Marinette glanced at the tiny slip of instructions for this final outfit and frowned.  "Do you know what you're supposed to do with the tie?"

Adrien looked up from tying his dress shoes.  "It should say."

She rolled her eyes.  "Tie," she read, pointing to the slip.  "Elaborate."  She raised an eyebrow.  "What does that even mean?"  She turned back to fiddle with the silky strips of fabric.  "Are we talking double eldredge?  Trinity?  Aperture?"

Adrien stared at her, blinking as though he were dazed.  "Gesundheit."  He grinned.  "I can do basic knots.  If it needs to be fancier than a Windsor or a pratt, it's beyond me."

She snorted.  "I would have thought you'd be all about eccentric knots, Chaton."  

"Frayed knot," he said, shaking his head and holding back a laugh.  "Thanks for the set up, there."

"You are so punny."  She stepped back and took in the whole outfit.

"Go with the most elaborate one you can think of, and we'll see what Camile says," Adrien suggested.  "Or leave it, and someone else can do it."

Marinette stepped back in.  "We're going with the aperture knot.  Sit still a moment.  I've gotten pretty fast at this."

"Should I be worried that you've been practicing knots?" he asked.  

"Why would that worry you?"  She folded the tail lengthwise and started feeding it through and around.  

"Knots plus your other extracurricular activities could lead to a certain kitty getting all tied up around you."  

When she dared glance at him, he was innocently gazing up at the ceiling of the tent.  "Knotty Kitty," she muttered, smiling when that made him laugh.

She was both surprised and not surprised when she heard Chat's light steps on her roof.  She was just tucking away her homework and school things for the inevitable mad dash to school in the morning.  "Come on in," she called softly, knowing his enhanced hearing would pick it up.

Adrien detransformed before his knees hit her mattress.  His smile was much too big and toothy to use in Gabriel's ads.  The warmth of his happiness seemed to radiate out from him as though he were the sun itself.  "Mari!" he whisper-screamed, leaping off her bed and landing lightly on her chaise in a crouch, something that should not have been possible.  "He liked it.  He like, super liked it."  He grabbed her in a vigorous hug, spinning her as much as the room allowed.

His joy was infectious, and she found herself giggling with no idea why.  It was delightful.

"Camile and Aimee loved you," he whispered, tucking his face into her neck as he stopped his crazy movement.  "They want you to come to all my shoots."  He sighed happily.

Oh.  That was such a nice thing to hear.  Almost as nice as hugging him, actually.

"And my father saw the proofs," he continued, loosening his hold, but not letting go.

"Already?"  That was a shock.

Adrien nodded, his recently cleaned and gel free hair flopping into his eyes.  "And he was happy with them.  My father's never happy about anything.  He can always find things to object to.  It's like his magical ability or something.  But he didn't...  This time he didn't point out one thing he didn't like."  He was breathing a little hard, probably from the constant stream of chatter coming out of his mouth.

"I'm so happy for you."  She pushed one hand up into his hair, just behind his ear.  "I like seeing you like this."

He hummed, leaning into her hand.

"But I don't think you're going to be able to fall asleep, are you."  It was more of a statement than a question.

He chuckled.  "You're not wrong."

"Cuddles are good for that, too," she pointed out.  She gently nudged against his chest with both hands.  "Come on.  My Chaton escape timer is set and I want to play with that ridiculously soft hair of yours."

He let go and stepped back.  "You'll get no argument from me, Milady."

Next in series > All the Cats Out of Bags

Failed speed write thanks to family watching Voltron loudly in the other room.

There will be at least three more Fluffgust prompts in this series.

[freedom-shamrock]

Zip-line - part 1

Also on AO3 

This is the beginning of the Hugdrien (aka Adrien needs hugs) series  Wrote this after I learned about the zip-line in Paris.  

"We have to go check it out," Alya said, clearly trying to convince the boys into something as Marinette scrambled into the classroom a few minutes before the bell.  "Mari, you'll come with me, right?"

"I think she needs to know what you're talking about before she agrees, babe," Nino said.

"What is it?" Marinette asked, settling into her seat.

"Did you hear about the zip-line at the Eiffel Tower?" Adrien asked.  When Marinette shook her head, he continued.  "Perrier put it up in honor of the French Open, and riders travel at the speed of a tennis ball hit by an elite athlete."  He rolled his eyes.  "Marketing, you know."

"Oh."  She'd seen some equipment over at both Champs de Mars and the Eiffel Tower when she was on patrol last night.  This explained much.  She turned to her best friend.  "And you want to watch the tourists have a go, then?"

"That's part of the appeal," Alya said, in the tone that suggested she had something else in mind.  "It would be even better if someone I knew would ride it and let me record it.  I mean, it probably feels a lot like swinging from Ladybug's yoyo, only safer, obviously."

"Ladybug moves pretty fast," Marinette said, hesitantly.  She'd never clocked herself, but she was pretty sure it was faster than a tennis ball.  Now a rocket-propelled tennis ball...

"Ladybug's faster," Adrien said firmly, shaking his head.  "I mean, when she's not in a big hurry, she probably goes less than eighty kilometers per hour.  But in full on akuma battle mode, she's been calculated to go faster than one fifteen."  He glanced around at them when all three of his friends stared at him.  "What?  It's basic physics."

"So in addition to haunting the Ladyblog, you frequent the Ladynerd site, then?" Alya teased.

"It's Geekbug," Adrien corrected.  "And if you checked it out, you could see how much weight Ladybug and Chat Noir have lifted or tossed around in a fight.  The physics of superheroes is seriously cool."

Nino laughed.  "You're still a nerd, bro."

Marinette shrugged.  "We could all go over and see it during lunch break."

Nino shot Marinette a half glare of betrayal.  "I'm not riding it.  And we know my bro doesn't dare.  His dad would totally freak out once photos of that got out."

"Good point."  Adrien sighed.   "Which is too bad, because I'd totally do it.  I love zip-lines."

"You're so weird," Alya pointed out.  "Wonderful, but such an odd boy."

Marinette smiled at him when he pouted.  "You're not weird," she promised him.  "Just… charmingly eccentric."

Adrien grabbed Marinette's hand.  "Mari's my new best friend.  She's not mean to me like you two."  He'd hauled out a scowl and low growling voice for the last three words.

Marinette hadn't gotten over her crush on the class golden boy, but she'd managed to take a step back and see how crazy she was being.  And really, why would he want to date her if she couldn't say two words in order around him?  "It's okay, I'll protect you," she promised, patting his shoulder.

"Say, Marinette, you'd go on the zip-line for me, wouldn't you?" Alya wheedled, eagerness in her voice.

"Don't make me laugh!"  Chloe slammed her hands down on the table near Marinette and Adrien's still joined hands.  "Marinette ride a zip-line?"  Her harsh laugh echoed through the room.

"I would," Marinette said.  Seriously, she flew around Paris in her spare time, and the zip-line wouldn't be trying to steal her earrings.  "But I don't think I could afford it, sorry Al."

"Excuses, excuses," Chloe said, holding up her phone.  "I could text Daddy to get you a free run down the zip-line if that were really the issue."

"You don't have to do it," Adrien said gently, his voice below the trash talk of Alya, Nino and Chloe.  "None of us would think less of you."

She smiled at him, channeling her inner Ladybug.  "I'm not afraid of heights, Adrien.  I think it would be fun."

Adrien tucked two fingers between his teeth and let out a piercing whistle, silencing the group.

"Ugh," Chloe muttered.  "Where did you pick up such a vulgar skill?"

"Marinette would be delighted to ride the zip-line," Adrien announced.  He pointed at Chloe.  "You get her a free ride, like you promised."

"I will," Chloe snapped.  "And I'll have the last laugh when she backs out last minute."

The bell rang, ending all further discussion.

Part 2 is here 

Hey, it’s almost a drabble... right?  Maybe next time.