"Girl, what do you mean you haven't started your project yet? Knowing you, you should be done already!"
Marinette's whole class had been assigned to give reports on the topic of animal/human interactions and relationships. They had been given two weeks to finish their assignments... and one week had already passed. Marinette hadn't even started. Alya was giving her grief about it.
"I know, but I have no idea what to do it on! If I could just figure it out, actually finishing the project would be a piece of cake! What are you doing, anyway?" Marinette replied.
"Oh! You know how I said I was going to do research about how ladybugs and black cats are presented in mythology and how it ties to Ladybug and Cat Noir? Well, I decided to make that my project, and if I get a good grade- which I know I will, I mean, I'm an expert on this subject if I do say so myself- I'll just upload my report on the Ladyblog. Two birds, one stone, girl!"
Marinette sighed. Of course Alya would have an interesting project idea all picked out already.
"Hey, if you really can't think of anything, you could do one of the animals I already picked. I don't have to do both," Alya suggested.
"Ha, are you kidding? Ms. Bustier would totally notice our projects being so similar. Besides, I'd rather come up with a unique idea, not a copy."
"Yeah, I guess you're right. Hey, did you know Nino's doing one on how people have phobias of different animals, and how some animals are far more common phobias than others?"
"Nino? Writing a report on animal phobias? Seriously?" Marinette couldn't believe it.
"Okay, maybe I sort of made him. What do you expect? If he's left alone, he won't even think about his project until the day before it's due. I just came up with an idea, and pushed him to follow through."
Marinette laughed. She knew Nino was lucky to have Alya looking out for him.
"Hey Adrien! What are you doing your project on?" Alya yelled, seeing Adrien coming out of the school behind where she and Marinette were sitting.
Marinette jumped, startled to see her crush coming over to them. Silently, she prayed that she wouldn't make a fool out of herself... like she always did.
"Hey, guys! I'm researching animal domestication. Why some animals can be good pets, and why some prefer to be in the wild. I mean, you can't own a tiger, but house cats just want a nice home," Adrien answered, pausing slightly, thinking about his own desire for a home that wasn't broken. He quickly snapped out of it, and asked, "What are you working on?"
As Alya explained her own project idea, Marinette's mind raced. What if Adrien asked her what she was working on? She turned to the side and opened her bag.
"Tikki, what'll I say? I have no clue what I'm working on!"
Before Tikki could answer, Adrien turned his full attention on Marinette, "So Marinette, what's your project gonna be? You always have some really cool ideas."
"Ahhh... I- uh," Marinette answered, rather awkwardly. Adrien didn't seem to notice, as usual. "Uh... It's a surprise!"
"Cool. Looking forward to seeing it next week," Adrien replied. His phone vibrated, and he looked at it, reading the text.
"Sorry, I gotta go. Photoshoot. See you guys tomorrow!"
"Ah, yeah, bye!" Marinette replied, waving.
"Girl, the smile on your face now could take over the world if it got much bigger. I have to admit, that's one of the most coherent conversations you've ever had with that boy."
"Yeah..." Marinette sighed, "Did you hear about how he said my ideas are cool? He said he's looking forward to seeing my project... Which I haven't even started... And have no idea WHAT I'M DOING!" Her smile had quickly been replaced by one of the most terrified looks Alya had ever seen.
"Whoa, girl, you'll figure something out-"
"But what if I don't? Adrien is expecting something fantastic. If I fail, not only will I get a bad grade and disappoint Ms. Bustier, Adrien will be disappointed! He'll think I'm a failure! Or an idiot... Either is really bad, Alya! I can't do this! My whole life is ruined!" Marinette was now on the verge of planting her face on Alya's leg in complete misery.
"Okay, okay, we'll figure something out-"
"I'm going home to work on my project now. I'll call you later, Alya," Marinette muttered as she got up to leave.
"Okay, call me if you need anything. You know I'm here for you."
"Thanks Alya," Marinette sighed.
"Well, honey, why don't you write one on different places that animals can and can't go? After all, your father and I love animals, but we have to make sure our customers keep them outside or near the door so they don't get behind the counter and ruin the baked goods," Sabine was saying as she and Tom worked on baking fresh loaves of bread.
"Max is already doing something like that," Marinette sighed, feeling more and more discouraged.
"Why not take a walk for a bit?" Her father suggested, smiling at her, "Paris always inspires you. Maybe it'll help with this."
"You're right Dad, thanks!"
Marinette headed out the bakery door, and opened her bag to talk to Tikki.
"Why not visit the zoo?" Tikki suggested, bubbly as always, "There are lots of animals there! Maybe one of them will give you some ideas!"
"Good idea, Tikki," Marinette replied, already walking towards the zoo.