Hello! Welcome to my new story, 'A new future'.

This takes place around the time when Marinette and Adrien are in college, or university. Basically, they're older now but they're still superheroes.

Please review!

"Yeah, yeah okay, I'll try to join you guys later but I can't promise that I'll be there," Marinette said to Alya on the phone, while juggling pins, fabric and tape in her hands. "This project is worth thirty percent of my entire grade and I have to pass this class."

"Of course you'll pass, girl," Alya said, while slurping her smoothie at a local cafe, "you're the best in that class."

"Pfft! Hardly," Marinette snorted. She placed her phone on the table and turned on the speaker. Measuring the manikin's shoulder length with her measuring tape, she took the pencil out of her hair and marked points on the fabric.

"Mari, you are the most talented designer I know, and I know lots of people," smirked Alya, while Nino, who was sitting opposite her, grinned. They knew how modest Marinette was; she would never admit that she was currently the budding designer in Paris.

"Okay, just because you're a journalist and you travel the world, doesn't mean that you know everyone," the blue/black-haired girl commented sarcastically. By now, she had already started sewing the bodice of her creation, cutting at seams and forming a basic shape to her dress.
"I mean, I know some people too, despite being stuck in the textiles room all day."

"Sure, girl, you keep telling yourself that." Alya stifled a giggle as the designer made an indignant sound. She sighed, though; she had hoped that Marinette would have been able to go out tonight with them, as Nino had persuaded Adrien to come along too. Although her best friend claimed to have gotten over her high-school crush, Alya knew that Marinette still had his pictures over her bedroom wall.

"Well, try to come along, at least," Alya persuaded, "because I know that we could all use a little break."

Marinette smiled. It was true that college life was a lot more tiring than their former education level, but she was studying something she loved. As she touched up one of her paper designs, Marinette frowned at the mess she had created.

"Um, I'll try Alya, but I promised my teacher that I would clean up the room before I'd go, and right now, I am not living up to that promise." She heard her best friend laugh before saying bye, and ended the call.

Pushing her hair out of her face, the student started to clear up all the equipment she was using. She had almost finished the dress, but there were still a lot of finishing touches needed; however, Marinette could agree that this was one of her most accomplished fashion lines yet. Every piece of clothing was coordinated, in season and original. Maybe she could even win that design competition her teacher was telling her about, where famous models could showcase her designs!

Marinette shook her head. Focus, she told herself, you don't have time for competitions. You need to pass this class, as well as save Paris.

"Marinette?" a little voice spoke up. She turned and smiled to see her faithful kwami hovering in the air.

"Hi Tikki," she greeted, "what's up?"

"Marinette," Tikki repeated, "as your guardian, I can sense your feelings. If you want to take part in that competition, you should."

"I would Tikki, but I already have so much coursework. If I want an internship with Gabriel Agreste, then I have to get the best possible grade that I can. I can't waste my time on extra-curricular," replied Marinette.

"Yes, but wouldn't taking part in that contest make Gabriel notice you more? If you won, then he'd have to notice you!"

She frowned. It was a fair point.

"Okay, Tikki but do you think I could win? I mean, this competition is huge! The whole country takes part! How can clumsy, young and inexperienced Marinette possibly have a chance?"

Tikki smiled at her beholder in affection, but also in exasperation.

"Marinette," Tikki began, "when will you ever see yourself clearly? Have confidence: see how high you can lift yourself!"

The Miraculous holder smiled as she cuddled her kwami.

"You always know what to say to make me feel better, don't you Tikki?" Marinette asked, a smile on her face.

"That's why I'm here!" Tikki squeaked. "Now finish what you were doing and sign up for that contest!"

They both laughed as Marinette rolled up the unused fabric and stashed it away in the store room, while Tikki lent a hand and put all the sewing string away. Eventually, the empty classroom looked like, well, a classroom, once more.

"Come on," Marinette indicated, as Tikki flew into her little purse. Grabbing her sketchbook, Marinette closed the door and walked up to the notice where she could sign up for the Design Competition.

She hesitated slightly, contemplating whether she should do this or not but she set her jaw in firm resolve, and lifted her pen to sign her name.

Little did she know, everything would start to change from that day onwards.

Please review and let me know what you think!

Since I am writing two stories at a time, I may take some time to update. Sorry!

Thanks for reading!