A/N: THIS IS AN AU AND THE STORY TAKES PLACE IN NYC
Only the sound of rain pelting against the cement broke the solemn silence that hung over the campus. A lone figure sat alone at a bench situated outside of the financial building, her shoulders abruptly rising up and down at a capricious rhythm.
Sniffling, she raised her head to catch a glimpse of the gray, cloudy sky. The rain drops masked her tears, and for that, she was thankful.
She bit her lip and balled up her fists, leaving imprints of her fingernails on her palms. Why was she so incompetent? Or rather, why was she plagued with such bad luck?
The scene that just unfolded moments ago cascaded through her mind, causing more tears to stream down her face.
"I'm sorry Ms. Dupain-Cheng, but your Presidential Scholarship has been revoked."
Her parents already had to take out loans, and barely managed to pay the remaining fees. Her scholarship paid $20,000 each year, where was that extra money going to come from?
She was far too altruistic for her own good. She missed the final examination for one of her classes, which took a tremendous toll on her final grade. She saved an elderly man from getting run over. She offered to accompany him to the hospital due to the minor injuries he suffered.
Even so, she didn't regret it. Money could never outweigh a life.
Shivering, she propped up her legs and wrapped her arms around them, resting her chin on her knees. What could she do? A part-time job could be of help, but if she receives another bad grade it could mean expulsion.
The freezing rain continued to caress her figure. Sighing, she closed her eyes and silently cried.
The rain stopped. A pair of sharp green eyes caught Marinette's attention, accompanied with a deep, husky voice. "Excuse me? You shouldn't be out in the rain like this." His voice swelled with worry as he stooped over to get a better look at her.
Wiping her tears away, she offered a smile, but her quivering lip and glossy eyes gave it away. The boy looked away, ruffling his blond hair. He didn't know what do. His eyes traced over the paper she gripped in her hands. 'Academic Probation' written in all red caught his eye.
He wasn't one to have intrapersonal skills and for a moment he pondered. The girl stared at him, her cerulean eyes brimming with tears. Not a second later, her gaze was glued to the ground. How could she let someone else see her like this?
The blond propped his umbrella up against the back of the bench, shielding the girl from the rain, but soaking himself in the process. "Long ago, inside a distant memory, there is a voice that says 'Do you believe a world of happy endings?' Even when the road seems long, every breath you take will lead you closer to a special place within your Never Ever Land"
Wrapping his arms around her tiny frame, he held her close, feeling her heartbeat resonate with his own. They stood there perpetually, as she wept in his arms as loud as she wanted. The rain masked her wailing, and for that, she was grateful.
"Adrien, let's GO!" An obnoxious voice called.
"What's your name?" Adrien asked as he slowly pulled away from the hug and looked into her eyes.
"Marinette."
A smile spread across his face as he pressed his lips against her forehead. "I believe in you, Marinette." He gripped her hand, running a thumb over her knuckles. He stood up and waved, before running away, disappearing into the parking lot.
Marinette peered at his umbrella and then at her Academic Probation letter. One final tear rolled down her cheek as she crumpled up the letter. Grabbing the umbrella, she rose off the bench. A bittersweet smile tugged at her lips.
The boy had encouraged her, and for that, she was indebted.
A/N: Thanks for reading. If you'd like me to continue please leave a review. Please offer feedback. Thanks! Next chapter, Marinette discovers her powers.