You and me against the world

"Come on son, blow out the candles"

Things at the Agreste mansion haven't exactly been smooth sailing for a year or so now.

Gabriel is just as cold and distant as ever, and even more demanding than he was before. So Adrien refused to be compliant and started becoming more disobedient and obstinate. Simply put he was going through his rebellion phase, which Nino thought was long overdue.

Tension arose in the mansion every other day which almost always resulted in Adrien shouting and, when present, having heated encounters with his father.

And today was no different because Gabriel scheduled for Adrien to have a photo-shoot when Adrien had a study group with his friends. One thing led to another and Adrien was stomping his way to his bedroom. He paid extra attention to slam the door with such strength, the whole mansion shook for a moment.

It was getting insufferable, unbearable in there and he was nearing his limit. But hey, it's not he can run away or something. Instead, he'd settle for sneaking away and seeing his princess. That always brought him back to his senses and gave him the strength to endure this hell even more.

"What did the door ever do to you Adrien?" plagg snickered.

"Not a word Plagg"

"Well I'd hate to interrupt your self-pity moment, but we both know this is where you decide to go visit your girlfriend so, cheese me"

"What kind of bottomless pit do you have in there, and she is not my girlfriend" Adrien questioned, handing Plagg a piece of camembert.

"uhuh, sure that's what they always say" plagg just gobbled that piece in one bite" I just hope your little escapades end up with you tying the knot."

Adrien gave a weak smile when hearing his kwami's last words "You said something like that a few years ago."

On Marinette's sweet sixteen;

The entire class had planned on surprising Marinette for her birthday, so after convincing Mrs. Bustier to use the first 20 minutes of first period to do a little something to their classmate as a token of gratitude for all the good things she did for them, they quickly got to work. They just hoped and prayed that Marinette wouldn't be running late like she always does. Alya assured them that she wouldn't.

By some miracle of God, Marinette was actually early.

"HAPPY BIRTHDAY" the whole class screamed in union, yes Chloé included because she was finally on the path of the good.

Marinette wasn't exactly surprised since Alya wasn't all that subtle, but alas she was grateful nonetheless.

Everyone then took turns congratulating Marinette individually and she in turn thanked everyone.

What took her by surprise though, and every other person in class for that matter, was what Adrien did. When it was his turn to wish her a happy birthday, he wrapped his hands around her shoulders and pulled her in for an embrace. HE GAVE HER A HUG. Then he gently said to her: «Thank you for being our everyday ladybug. You're such a great friend. I wish you the happiest of birthdays."

Chloé and ALya pulled their phones to document this moment, while everyone's jaw just dropped to the floor.

When Adrien pulled out of the hug, Marinette was left a blushing stuttering mess not capable of forming one coherent sentence. After a moment, she somehow managed to compose herself and calm down, then she announced: "Thank you so much everyone it was a lovely surprise, you really didn't have to do it. With that being said, I'm throwing a little party later and it would be great if you guys could make it."