He was lying on his bed on his stomach, face buried in his pillow. He had a pretty hard time breathing, but he could just inhale a sufficient amount of oxygen to keep his thoughts running so he didn't care. There was so much to do, but he had no motivation to do anything. There would be so many people, he wasn't used to that. You could say that he had social anxiety. Being locked up in your house your whole life has that kind of effect on people.
"Excuse me, Mr. Agreste?"
Today was even worse. He was sort of used to all those designers, models and colleagues of his father entering the house on a daily basis. Same was for all those fancy parties, though he usually just hid in a corner until it was over. But today he would have to listen and actually communicate with people.
"...Mr. Agreste?"
Undiscovered designers, from young fifteen-year-old girls to grown-up men, would be visiting him. Explaining their designs and introducing themselves to get to know each other and see if there would be some sort of bond. He could pick one, only one, out of the hundreds of designers that would show up today. The lucky one would have the honor of dressing him on multiple occasions during Gabriel Agreste's fashion shows. Adrien was mostly the highlight of his father's shows, so being able to dress him was a huge boost for any designer's career.
"A-are you alright?"
The only person he could get along with was Chloé. She wasn't the… most ideal person to hang out with, but she was his age and used to the same way of life he had, so they had a lot of the same interests and understood each other's concerns.
He had Nino too, of course. When Adrien snuck out of the house a few years ago, he accidentally bumped into the boy on the street. They hit it off immediately and have been best friends ever since, unbeknownst to his father. Gabriel would never approve of Nino, so they kept their friendship secret. They texted, called and video-chatted all the time, but never hung out in real life. They could manage their friendship this way, but it wasn't the same as hanging out. Adrien was almost turning eighteen now though, so it wouldn't be long until he could make choices for himself and he couldn't wait for the day he could proudly call Nino his friend.
He heard vague footsteps, but didn't acknowledge them, thinking it was just someone walking around in the house.
His father would have the most power. Adrien could say that he liked one of the designers, but if Gabriel didn't think he or she was good enough, it wouldn't be happening. Adrien didn't blame his father though. He could get along with someone, but that didn't mean their designs were good. He could maybe see the difference between a good and bad design, but he didn't have that designer's eye like his father had.
He suddenly felt something poke his leg and he got dragged out of his train of thoughts. He turned on his back in a swift movement and grabbed the thing that was poking him, which turned out to be a soft, girly hand.
He looked up to see two big, bluebell eyes looking down on him. Beautiful bluebell eyes he had to admit.
She pulled her hand away in embarrassment, you could see the tiny blush on her face, and used her other hand to scratch the back of her neck.
"I-I'm so sorry, Mr. Agreste. I didn't mean to startle you. I was just told to come up here and then I entered the room and I talked to you, but you didn't respond and you didn't move at all, and that scared me, so I thought I should check how you were since you looked so…"
He chuckled at her rambling. "Lifeless?"
She smiled in return. "I was going for not well, but lifeless works too."
Now that he was sitting up, he could take in her whole face and body. She had dark blue, almost black, hair tied down in two pigtails. Her hair would most likely fall just on her shoulder when it was loose. She was quite pale with an eternal flush on her cheeks. Freckles were scattered on her face, mostly around her cheek and nose area. She had light pink, full lips that mixed well with her sweet voice. Her height was just below average, not tall but certainly not tiny. She was lean, but still had the curves and shapes where needed. She was dressed in a tight dress. Besides being beautifully designed, it was obviously making her uncomfortable. And those eyes…
In one word; she was simply breathtaking.
By staring at her, he didn't notice how much time had already passed where he didn't say something. She must think he was some sort of freak by looking at her in silence.
He rubbed his eyes to wake himself up a bit. "I'm just a bit tired, that's all."
"That's okay, Mr. Agreste. A busy life such as yours must be tiring."
He caught himself staring at her again. By hearing her voice he could feel his heart beating faster and louder in his throat. He didn't know what in the world was happening to him, but god he didn't want it to stop.
He got off the bed. "I'm getting pretty tired of my life, that's for sure." She didn't get the tiny hint of sadness in his voice. "And please, I beg you, never call me Mr. Agreste again. I don't want people thinking I'm my father's son." He was smirking to show he meant it as joke, but still pressure the fact that she could just call him by his first name.
"Oh, of course. Adrien, right?"
He nodded.
"Well, okay then, Mr. Agr- A-Adrien."
"Close enough." He smiled and put out his hand for her to shake, warily. He wasn't the handshaking type.
"Oh right." She took his hand in return, but noticed his restraint. "Marinette. Marinette Dupain-Cheng."
He pulled her hand up to his lips and pressed a chaste kiss on it in a gentlemanly manner. "Nice to meet you, Marinette."
Her eyes widened in surprise at the gesture, but she didn't pull away. He was just as surprised as she was. This wasn't like him. What the hell was he doing?
He lowered her hand, but didn't release it. He trailed his fingers over her hand to her wrist to the bracelet she was wearing. He felt her shudder at the action.
The bracelet was made of different colored beads, a big green one in the middle with a flower pattern on it. It didn't match her formal and tight attire at all.
"That's my lucky charm bracelet," she answered his unasked question. "It looks a bit childish, I know. I made it a long time ago."
He looked up at her again, still not releasing her hand. "Where do you need luck for then?"
She gave him a confused look, like the answer was obvious.
He gave her one more look-over, only now processing that she was too formally dressed for a girl her age. She also had a big bag consisting of multiple books and papers by the looks of it.
She was here for an interview. With him.
Realization hit him in the face. "You're one of the designers! Of course, no wonder you're here."
She put her free hand to her mouth while she chuckled. "Did you think I was just a random stranger entering your room? Wouldn't that be a bit weird?"
"Right, of course. Silly me. But you have to admit, it's weird that you're here anyway. Aren't the interviews supposed to be downstairs?"
"They are, but there is a lot going on downstairs. Many people have arrived already. I overheard your father asking his assistant, I think Nathalie was her name, to fetch you but she already had a million things on her mind, at least that's what I thought, and-"
He grinned. "Being the kind person you are, you offered to get me."
"Exactly! I hope it's not weird to you, I was just being friendly. Even though she said yes, I don't think I was allowed to come here. She probably thought I was someone who worked here, I suppose. I'm not really used to these kind of happenings and people. In my family we're really open and social, so it's basically second nature to me to do these kind of things. It can get me trouble though, so if it makes you feel uncomfortable just tell me then I won't-"
She was talking faster and faster with every word she spoke, almost being incoherent. She gasped when he squeezed her hand he was still holding to shush her. She pressed her lips together without even finishing her sentence and the pink on her cheeks got more intense.
"You're quite the rambler, aren't you?"
The redness started to move to her ears. "Sorry. I'll shut up now."
"Please don't." It came out as a real plea, but he laughed afterwards to lighten the intensity of the sentence.
There was a short silence. He still didn't let go of her hand and he didn't mind his hand getting all clammy.
"S-shouldn't we go down?"
"No!"
His exclamation scared her and she released his grip. She gave him a bemused look.
"I want to stay here with you."
That made her even more confused.
"I-I mean, we're here already so let's just do the interview here. Show me your designs." He mentally winced at his awkwardness. He has never felt this way before. Why couldn't he speak normally?
"What about your father?"
He crossed his arms and had a stern face. "Screw him." He softened his face and showed a sweet smile. "Again, show me your designs."
He sat back down on his bed and tapped next to him for her to sit down. She complied and sat next to him, her shoulder brushing slightly against his. While it didn't seem to do much for her, it made his heart flutter a bit.
She grabbed one of the many books inside her bag and put it on his lap. "Just go through it. I hope there is something you'll like."
She put her hands between her legs and squished them together in nervousness. She was also rubbing her feet together and biting the inside of her cheek.
He noticed the nervousness the girl was showing. "You don't have to be nervous. I'm not my father." He put a hand on her leg to comfort her, also using it as an excuse to touch her.
"You're still his son."
"Which means I know when something is good, even though I'm not a designer." He let his hand slide off her leg instead of just removing it in one movement. He opened the sketchbook and flipped through it with a smile.
The designs were pretty good. Maybe not as good as his father's, but still pretty damn good. Especially considering she was really young, his age he assumed.
"Fond of cats and ladybugs I see?"
"Huh?"
"Your designs. I see a lot of red and black polka dots and cat ears."
She giggled. "Oh, that. Well, I just really like the color scheme and pattern of the ladybug. And cats are just cute."
"Yeah, cats are adorable. I've always wanted one, but my dad would never want that kind of 'monstrosity' in our house." He said the last part with a posh accent to mimic his father.
"I've never had a cat either, even though I really wanted one too. My parents were afraid it would eat everything down in the bakery."
He stared at her thoughtfully, the gears running in his head. Bakery she said…
"Oh my god, that's right!"
"What?"
"Your name." He smacked himself in the face, which amused her. "I already thought I recognized it. You're the daughter of that bakers couple, aren't you?"
"Well, I don't smell like cookies voluntarily." She laughed.
Her laugh was like music to his ears. He dared to lean towards her to smell her. Luckily, she didn't think it was weird and just laughed at him.
He pulled back with surprise written on his face. "Oh my, you weren't kidding. You actually smell like cookies."
"The smell of the bakery has been haunting me since forever," she joked.
He raised a brow. "I'm sure there are worse faiths than smelling like a bakery. For instance, being imprisoned in your own home." He put the sketchbook away and threw himself backwards to lie on his back. He sighed deeply.
Marinette didn't really know what to do. He was obviously upset, but she didn't know whether she should leave him with his thoughts or talk to him about it. She shouldn't be here anyway, so that was a good reason to leave. Then there was also the fact that she didn't know him, another reason to leave. It didn't feel right though. She followed her instincts. She put her bag down on the floor and went to lie on her back next to him. She could look around the room and only now she realized how big the room was and how much stuff there was. Wasn't it any kid's dream to have a room like this? Why wouldn't he be happy with a life like this?
He turned his head to her questioningly. She returned his gaze with a smile. "I may be a stranger to you, but you can talk to me about anything if you want to."
"You may be stranger to me, but I have a feeling I can tell you more than I could tell my dad."
"So you're not close, huh?"
"Nah, I'm mostly just his modeling-puppet. He's never been the emotional one, but he's been ice cold to me ever since mom disappeared.
"Disappeared?"
"Long story."
"Okay." She would never try to pry. She barely knew him. She was actually baffled by the fact that he was saying these things to her while lying with her on his bed. Not your average interview.
"Do you have any sad and depressing family stories for me?" He said it lightheartedly, but she could sense his own pain.
"Not really. I'm an only child, very loving and close family. Lots of friends at school too. Not much to complain. There will always be bullies, but I can manage."
"You've got a bully? What's his name?"
"Her name is Chloé, but it doesn't matter, really. It's not a big deal."
"Chloé you say? You mean Chloé Bourgeois?"
"Yup. Do you know her?"
He snorted. "Do I? She's basically the only social contact I have. I've grown up with her."
"I see. Poor you."
"To be honest, I'm not surprised. That she is my friend doesn't mean that's willingly. She is the only reason I come out of the house though. Without her little shopping trips I don't give a damn about, I would stay in this room forever."
"Wouldn't be such a pain though. I mean, look at all this stuff!"
"Yeah, I know. I'm a lucky guy, but a bit of fresh air every once in a while is a million times better than all of this."
"Then make a promise to yourself. Get out of the house at least once a week, on your own. You don't need that Chloé negativity around you." She scrunched her nose at the blonde's name.
He laughed. "That's not such a bad idea. Maybe I'll come visit your parent's bakery one day."
"That would be nice."
They ended up in blissful silence for a few minutes. It wasn't awkward at all. They were both just lying down, busy with their own thoughts. It was like they have known each other for years and that words weren't necessary to make being in each other's presence pleasant.
After a while they realized some time had passed and that they really should get down. Adrien turned to her with a half-smile. She got the message and got off the bed, him following suit. She grabbed her bag and they both went downstairs.
Adrien stopped midstep on the big stairs and gulped. So. Many. People.
"Are you okay?" She raised a brow.
"Y-yes. I'm fine. Let's just go."
She wasn't convinced, but she let it slide and followed him again. They descended from the stairs to the ground floor. The first person they came in contact with was Gabriel.
"Adrien, there you are. Where in the world have you been?"
"I'm sorry…"
His father eyed Marinette. "Who is this?"
She put her hand in front of her. "My name is-"
He didn't even bother to listen and turned to Adrien again. "We don't have time for your little friends, son. You know that we have work to do."
"Exactly, father! Marinette is one of the designers and I'm pretty sure if you would take a look at her sketches then-"
"She's merely an ignorant child with no experience of the real world. I doubt she has the needed skills."
"She's my age, you know?"
To Adrien's surprise his father gave him a smirk. "I know."
Adrien bit his lip in anger. Marinette looked at the two interacting, not sure of what to do.
"Nathalie!" Gabriel summoned the assistant. In a few seconds she was by his side. "Please make sure that miss Mandy-"
"Marinette," Adrien growled.
"-is escorted out of the building. She has no business being here anymore."
Seeing there wasn't much she could do, she followed the assistant towards the door without struggle. She heard Adrien call her name, but didn't see him anymore in the crowd.
Adrien stared at his father with a death glare and crossed arms.
"Come. There are a lot of people waiting for you."
He assumed Adrien would follow him, but the teen held his defiant stance and didn't move an inch. Gabriel sighed and walked back. He put a hand on Adrien's shoulder and squeezed it tightly as a threat.
"Don't make a scene."
"I can throw a tantrum. Roll on the floor yelling, you want that?"
He squeezed his shoulder tighter. "I don't like this attitude. You should know that not everything can go the way you want it to go, that's not how the world works. Now obey me or there will be consequences." He released his shoulder, but didn't leave until Adrien would say something or make a move.
Adrien internally huffed. Consequences his father said. What's the worst that could happen? Would he lock him up in his room? No problem with that. He was used to it anyway. He did think though that if his father never allowed him to leave the house, what could a real punishment be? He gulped. He did not want to find out.
He grumbled something under his breath before reluctantly passing his father and walking to the room where the interviews were being held. He rolled his eyes at his father's victorious smile.
The argument he had with his father distracted him from the crowd. Now that he was sitting and looking around, he noticed how many people there actually were. Damnit, he felt his breathing quicken and getting unsteady.
He tried to listen to everyone, he really did, but it was just so hard to keep his attention. Luckily, there was a huge turn up, so every designer only had three minutes to introduce themselves and show their skills. Because of the short amount of time, Adrien didn't even have to start a conversation, which he didn't mind at all. His father wasn't one to be easily pleased either. If there was one thing the man didn't like about someone he sent them away even if their three minutes weren't over yet.
There were probably a lot of people who would be perfect for the job. Who he could get along with and who he could have fun with. But he couldn't remember anyone he talked to. Not a single name, face or design. His mind was lingering on one person only.
He had seen it in movies and tv shows. He read in books. He heard it in songs. But he never thought it could actually happen. And he definitely never thought it would happen to him.
It was love at first sight. At least, to him. He didn't know about her. One single glance, one short conversation and he couldn't stop thinking about her. He had fallen in love with a complete stranger.
He was thinking it might be his teenage hormones playing games with his mind. Maybe he just thought she was pretty, but his head exaggerated his feelings.
But deep down he knew that wasn't true. He wasn't a people-person and he always struggled with small talk, but with her it was so easy. He said things to her he hadn't even told Nino or Chloé.
Either way, it didn't matter. He wanted to see her again. He wanted to talk to her again. He wanted her.
It was a long day. So many people. Too many people for that matter. But it was over, finally. His father was still discussing a lot of things with him and Nathalie, but he didn't bother to listen. Whoever he would pick, it wouldn't be Marinette.
"Adrien, are you even listening?"
He did hear that. "Nope."
Gabriel pinched the bridge of his nose. "Enough with this nonsense already. You agreed to all of this, so whether you like it or not, you will participate and you will make a choice."
"I already made my choice."
"You mean that little girl? She was hardly a competent designer, you could just see that."
"If you would have given her a chance then you would know you're wrong."
Gabriel sighed deeply and was silent for a few seconds. "Go to your room."
"What?" He asked confused. "I thought you wanted me to 'participate'." He was obviously mocking him.
"I tire of your behavior. Just go to your room. You can return when you feel like you can act properly again."
Adrien pouted, but still complied. He went to his bedroom and dropped himself on his bed. It was then that he felt something under his foot. He lifted it to check the object and he gasped in surprise.
Marinette's sketchbook. It was accidentally left here.
An idea popped up in his head. He grabbed the book and hollered down the stairs, almost tripping and risking his very own life. He entered the meeting room again, panting.
"Back so soon? You obviously didn't really think about your mistakes, did you?"
He could grab his father by the throat. He hated when he got like this. He countered him with some sass of himself and threw the sketchbook on the table with a smile. "Open it."
Gabriel eyed him warily, but still did as he was told to. He flipped though some pages and to Adrien's surprise his father's eyes lit up by looking at the content. He could maybe even spot a slight smile.
"Impressive."
"Told you she was good."
"These are that girl's designs?"
"These are Marinette's designs, yes."
Silence. Gabriel was obviously thinking this through. Adrien really hoped his actions had the desired effect.
"You seem very fond of this girl."
He slightly blushed at that. "W-what? I just, ehm, like her designs and she seems very nice. That's all."
Yet again silence. Again for Gabriel to think.
"Very well. You may contact her and bring her the good news."
Adrien already bounced in excitement.
"But only tomorrow morning. Rest now."
Adrien smiled and nodded. "Thank you, father." He turned around to leave the room and go to sleep, but his father's voice made him turn back.
"And Adrien.."
He looked at him with anticipation.
"Don't let your… emotions get in the way of the task at hand. There is a job that needs to be done."
He understood the implication. "Yes, father. Good night."
He went to bed straight away. He had his eyes closed and was curled up in the blankets with a content smile. He was going to call her tomorrow. He would hear her voice again. He would maybe even see her again. Just thinking about her brought a big smile on his face. He felt utter happiness.
A happiness he hadn't felt for a long time.
"I'm telling you, Alya. He was totally flirting with me!"
"Yeah right, Adrien Agreste, son of famous designer Gabriel Agreste, flirting with you?"
Marinette could see her eye roll. "You make it sound like it's a crime…"
"You know that's not what I mean. I'm just saying, it sounds a bit unbelievable."
"But it's the truth! He was kissing my hand and holding it for way too long. And we had a pretty good conversation."
"Maybe the hand holding and kissing was just the gentleman in him. You know, doesn't he do that to most girls, like everyday?"
"Not according to him. He's mostly cooped up in his house. I have a feeling he has social anxiety or something like that."
Alya raised an eyebrow. "You have a feeling?"
"Well, he never actually told me, but since he was almost shaking when we entered the crowd it wasn't that hard to guess."
"So, you can already read his body language? When is the wedding?!" Alya batted her eyelashes and then started to laugh loudly.
Marinette poked her forehead in annoyance. "Stop it." She still had to laugh though.
"Hey, you were the one being head over heels about him."
"I'm so not! I'm not the type to just go out with random people. If he would ask me out I would say no."
"Really? Rejecting a model? Most people would call you crazy. I thought you said he was nice?"
"He is, but we just met. If I would get to know him better…"
Alya gave her a knowing smirk.
"What?! He's pretty cute, okay?"
Alya rolled her eyes. "Why don't you call or text him then?"
"I don't have his number and I doubt he will think about calling me. It was just one of those moments, you know? You see a person, talk to them and then you'll never see them again."
Alya nodded in agreement. "Almost sounds like a movie. Quite a bummer though. He would probably be great boyfriend material, plus if you would have been chosen from the designers you would have had the opportunity to dress him on multiple occasions. See him naked…" She wiggled her eyebrow suggestively.
"Alya!"
"What? C'mon, you're seventeen, girl. There is no shame in thinking about those things. Nino and I have seen each other naked multiple times. It's natural. You just get in the moment and things heaten up and before you know it you-"
She shook her head. "One, please don't go into on more detail, and two, of course you guys have seen each other like that, you've been together for years. But I literally met Adrien yesterday, and you're acting like he's the love of my life."
"You know I'm just messing with you. But do take my advice, if you like the guy, just go for it. There is no problem with fooling around while looking for Mr. Right."
"You're just saying that because you already found him. But you're not wrong about one thing, I'm only seventeen. If I don't want to spend my time like that, I won't."
"Gotta give you that. But what would you do if your golden haired prince would be at the front door. Would you go with him?"
"Ha, like that's gonna happen."
Both girls laughed. It was then that her mother, Sabine, entered her room.
"Hello, Sabine," Alya greeted.
"Afternoon, girls."
"What the matter, mom? Do you need some help in the bakery?"
"Not really, but funny you mention that. There is someone who asked for you. He wanted to see you. He's waiting for you down in the bakery."
Marinette looked at her mother in confusion. Who would want to see her? What concerned her the most though was the look on her mother's face. It was smug and happy, like she knew something Marinette didn't.
"...Okay, I'll come down then. Alya, you coming?"
"Sure."
The three went down the stairs and left the upper apartment to enter the bakery through the back. She looked around the room to find the person looking for her. Marinette eventually saw Adrien standing with a big, broad man, most likely his bodyguard, near the door.
"Adrien?"
Adrien turned to Marinette. She was wearing her pigtails again, but now her outfit was different. It was a white shirt with flowers on it. She wore a jacket over it combined with pink pants and pink shoes. Her whole outfit matched, which was no surprise to him. She looked even more beautiful now that she was in comfortable clothing instead of that suffocating dress.
"He's totally checking you out," Alya whispered in Marinette's ear. Marinette had to admit she was right, his eyes were literally going up and down while aimed at her. He was definitely checking her out, which made her blush a tiny bit.
He took a step closer to her. "Hello, Marinette." He grabbed her hand and planted a soft kiss on it. He had already done it once and she didn't seem to mind then, so why not do it again?
Marinette quickly eyed Alya and her mother who were just looking at the scene with big eyes. She was so glad her father was in the back, otherwise he would have thrown Adrien on the street. Her father was a kind man, but very protective of his daughter.
Alya looked at the boy with wary eyes. Marinette wasn't kidding, the way he looked at her and grasped her hand. This boy was totally hitting on her.
He again didn't let go of her hand immediately, so she retreated it herself and balled a fist, pushing it against her chest. "What brings you here?"
His other hand that was behind his back came in sight and was holding a book. Her sketchbook.
"You left it yesterday. Thought I should give it back. After all, you were the one that said I should get out of the house."
She happily took the book. "I meant alone. Not with…" She gestured with her head towards the bodyguard.
He waved it off. "Don't mind him. He's literally everywhere I go, after a while you'll stop noticing him."
Marinette nodded. There was a silence where both didn't know what to say anymore. Marinette could feel the eyes of the two other women in the room burning holes in her back.
"So, that's all? You came all the way here to return my sketchbook?"
"Well, I actually wanted to call you, but then I realized I didn't have your number. But it's way more fun to say it face-to-face."
"What's more fun?"
"Here." He handed her and envelope that he pulled out of his pocket.
Marinette opened the envelope and retrieved a letter. It looked very fancy and was calligraphed. She read the letter carefully, word for word, and her eyes became bigger every second she read more of it. She gasped when she reached the end.
"Are you serious?!"
He smiled at her reaction. "It would be an honor."
"What does it say?" Alya ripped the letter from Marinette's hands and started to read it herself, Sabine looking over her shoulder to read as well.
"So you're not messing with me? I'm actually allowed to come back?"
"Yes. Next week if that's okay with you."
"Yeah, yes, of course. Next week would be great. Awesome!" She couldn't contain her excitement and started to jump up and down.
Alya and her mother finished the letter too. Sabine embraced her daughter from the back. "Honey, that's amazing!"
Adrien looked at the girl walking towards him. He immediately recognized her as Nino's girlfriend, someone who his friend couldn't shut up about. Even though it was sometimes annoying, it was pretty endearing.
Alya poked his chest. "Looks like my friend will be dressing you." She noticed him clenching his fingers at her touch and she retreated her finger. She remembered Marinette saying he didn't like people that much.
He gazed past Alya at Marinette who was talking excitedly with her mother, not noticing the conversation he was having with Alya. "Yeah, I guess so."
"She's really good, you know? She's been wanting an opportunity like this for years."
He laughed awkwardly. "Well, if I didn't think she was good I wouldn't have picked her."
"That's the only reason you picked her?" She gave him a smirk.
He started to turn red. "She's nice too, and I rather have her dressing me than some forty-year-old man."
"And?" She used her hand for him to continue.
He bit his lip and looked the other way. "What are you implying?"
She sighed. "Dude, just admit that you like her, it'll make things a lot easier."
He crossed his arms. "Tch, we met yesterday."
"That's not an answer." She used a serious tone. He stared at her without saying a thing. Alya shook her head and rolled her eyes. "I'll ask the question again in a few weeks, when you have 'got to know her'."
He wanted to say something in return, but got interrupted by Marinette and her mother.
"Thank you, Adrien, thank you so much! I won't let you down."
He smiled at her. "I doubt you will."
"Let's celebrate it together! Adrien, do you want to stay for dinner? Alya is staying too and another one of Marinette's friends is coming over. It will be a big party!" Sabine offered.
Adrien gulped at the word party. Marinette noticed this and gave him a look and hand movement to show him it was okay and that he had to calm down. Her soothing look actually made him at ease.
"That's very nice of you to offer, but I don't want to intrude…"
"Oh, I'm such a bad person. I didn't even introduce myself! I'm Marinette's mother, but please call me Sabine." She wanted to give him her hand, but Marinette quickly tapped it away, knowing he would probably dislike shaking it.
"Nice to meet you. And you too, Alya." He eyed her and she smiled and nodded in return.
"I know it's a bit out of the blue, but we really wouldn't mind you staying here. It would also give you two the opportunity to get to know each other!" Sabine beamed. "So, you want to stay for dinner, sweetheart?"
Sweetheart. He hadn't been called that in a long time. Even though he didn't know anything about the woman he already knew she was a kind soul, she reminded him of his mother.
She was right though. It would be a great chance to learn more about Marinette. And to be frank, he wouldn't mind spending more time with her. He would never say that out loud though.
He held his chin in thought. "I suppose you're right." He walked to his bodyguard and whispered something in his ear. The big man nodded and walked out of the bakery. "So, that's taken care of."
"You're allowed to send your bodyguard away? Isn't the whole point of a bodyguard that he stays with you no matter what?" Alya questioned.
"He likes me, so he let's me off the hook lots of times."
"Well, if that's the case, come up, please!" Sabine said and she walked upstairs, assuming the other three would follow her.
When he entered the apartment it was not that different from what he expected. It was very cosy and he probably felt more at home here then at his own house. Even though the apartment was not as big as his house, not nearly, he would much rather spend his time here any day than at his place. He was wondering if he could maybe come here instead of Marinette coming to his place when they needed to try out designs.
"It's not the luxury you're used to, but please make yourself at home," Marinette said with a smile.
Alya and Marinette went to another stairway which probably led to Marinette's room he assumed. He stared at Sabine in bewilderment who gave him a reassuring smile. He walked up the stairs and entered the pink bedroom.
It was a cute room. Pretty girly and lots of pink, but not a cliché girls room. He looked at the tiny decorations scattered around the room, like pictures of her with her friends. He was looking at one person particularly and it wasn't her. He smiled at the frame.
"What is it?" Marinette asked who had sat down on her desk chair.
"I already thought you were friends with Nino."
"How do you know Nino?" Alya asked with slitted eyes.
Adrien laughed. "Only because he's like my best friend. I know a lot about him, about you too." He pointed at Alya.
"Me?"
"Yes, I know you're his girlfriend. The guy can't shut up about you."
Alya was now towering above him. "Really now? What did he say about me? I want all the deets!"
He fake-zipped his mouth. "No can do."
"What, you have some lame bro-code?" Marinette teased.
"You could say that."
"Bummer," Alya grumbled and crossed her arms.
"Don't worry, no nasty stuff has been said. He loves you a lot."
Alya's smile returned. "Good."
"How did you and Nino meet anyway?" Marinette asked.
"I might have snuck out of the house a few years ago and accidentally met him. We became friends right away and have been talking ever since. It's a shame though that the only way we can see each other is through a computer screen. My dad can't know we are friends, so please don't mention Nino to him. That's probably the reason Nino didn't tell you about me."
"Secret friendship, huh? When was the last time you've seen him?" Alya asked.
"When we met, I was twelve, and when we were fifteen. I said to my father I wanted to go to the movies, but eventually ran off and met him at his house."
"That's so sad that you can never see each other," Alya said with a pitiful smile.
"Well, that's about to change. Guess who is coming over for dinner?" Marinette spoke with a smile.
"Oh my god, really? He is the other friend?" Adrien's eyes lit up.
"Yup, he'll probably be here in about-"
"Marinette, Nino is here!" Came from downstairs.
"-right now," Marinette finished. "Thanks, mom. Send him up!"
"Hold on," Alya said and pushed Adrien behind Marinette's little sofa. "It's no fun if it's not a surprise."
Adrien was hunched behind the chaise when Nino entered the bedroom. "Hey."
Alya walked to him and he leaned in for a kiss, but Alya covered his mouth. "Kissy-time later. First, close your eyes. We've got a surprise for you."
Even though he was really confused, he closed his eyes anyway. Alya released his face and gestured for Adrien to come out. Adrien walked in front of Nino with a smirk, thinking of how he should acknowledge himself. Alya stepped away to give the boy space for whatever he was up to. Adrien walked thoughtfully in a circle around his friend.
"Okay, those footsteps are way to heavy to be any of you guys. Who's there?" Nino asked.
Adrien laughed. "Guess."
He could recognize that voice any day. He opened his eyes and came face to face with Adrien. "Dude!"
"Surprise!"
They hugged. Both Marinette and Alya looked at the boys with their chin in their palms. "Ahw!" they cooed.
They released their embrace. "Okay, that made this awkward," Nino joked. "But it's so good to see you, man. Why are you here?"
"I was giving Marinette the good news that she will be the new designer dressing me for my next shows. They asked me to stay for dinner."
"Oh, congrats," he said to Marinette. "Woah wait, you and staying at someone's else place for dinner? Are you well?" Nino laughed.
"So, I was right! You don't like other people."
Adrien turned to Marinette. "Pardon?"
"I-I mean, I noticed how you were around other people. You seem very anxious around them."
He scratched his neck. "Yeah…"
"Isn't it kind of ironic though? I mean, you're a model."
Adrien nodded at Alya's comment. "I know, but it's different. On stage you're blinded by the light and I can sort block all the people out. Talking is just hard."
"You talked to me," Alya countered.
"Yeah, but I know a lot about you because of Nino. It's like I've known you for years."
"And me?" Marinette asked.
"Well…" He noticed Alya's look, but tried to ignore it. "I remember Nino dropping your name too over the past years, but not as much as Alya's. You were still a stranger to me, but maybe because we had something to talk about, the designs and stuff, it was easier. I don't know."
He knew damn well why he could easily talk to her, but he did not want to weird her out. He was going to keep his mouth shut for as long as he could. But that didn't mean he couldn't flirt with her a little bit.
"Makes sense," Marinette agreed.
"Speaking of designs, show him what you showed me before he came. You know, the jacket?"
Marinette shook her head and turned red in embarrassment. "No, it's not nearly finished."
"C'mon, Marinette. I thought you wanted to get to a higher level? You won't if you chicken out by every chance you get to show your designs." Alya grabbed the jacket from the closet where she knew it was there.
"I know, but…" She felt Adrien put a hand on her shoulder.
"Like I said yesterday, I'm not my father. I'm sure that it'll be amazing." He came a bit closer and was staring at her eyes now. Her beautiful, gorgeous eyes he could get lost in forever.
She stared back at his, but with less intensity. His eyes were very bright. They showed kindness and were incredibly sweet. That wasn't the only thing she saw, she saw some sadness, like he was broken. She just felt like he needed a hug, she pitied him. The way he looked at her was with so much intensity and emotion, but she couldn't quite grasp what he was thinking. She felt the warmth of his hand on her shoulder and she didn't know how to feel about that.
Nino looked at the two with a raised brow. "Uhm…"
Alya went to stand next to him and rolled her eyes. "I know." She coughed to get their attention.
Adrien aimed his gaze at Alya. "Okay, hand me the jacket."
Alya gave it him carefully. Marinette was right, it wasn't completely finished. She didn't want to ruin it so she was extra careful.
He studied the jacket with a pleased smile. It was a feminine jacket. It was white with gray accents. It was tight at the shoulder area and fell loose near the waist.
"Ouch!"
"Oh, watch out! There are still some pins stuck in it," Marinette warned.
Adrien sucked on his finger. "You tell me now. Is it your size?"
"Yeah, I used myself as a reference."
He wiggled his finger for her to turn around. She removed her own jacket and positioned herself as he wished. Her arms went through the sleeves and he made sure the pins didn't touch her skin. When it was fully on he straightened it and rested his hands on her shoulders. He softly squeezed them.
That son of a bitch. He was still totally flirting with her. She definitely felt that. She couldn't see his face, but she could feel the smug grin. To be honest, she kind of liked the attention, though she wasn't sure yet how to feel about him giving her that attention. After all, they only met a day ago.
If he wanted to play that game though, she would happily play along.
She quickly tapped his hands of her shoulders in a scolding way, so fast Nino and Alya didn't notice. She turned around with a twirl and narrowed her eyes at him playfully.
She noticed. She noticed his behavior. And she acted on to it! The way she looked at him could make him melt. Did that mean she liked him? Did she feel the same way about him as he did about her?
"So, what do you think?" She spun once more.
"Looking fly," Nino said and gave a thumbs up.
Alya hummed in agreement. "You rock that. I can't wait for that to be finished."
How he wanted to give her so much compliments about how she looked. And not the jacket, her. He restrained himself.
"If it's finished you should definitely wear that next week. And don't be afraid to tell my dad that you made this, it'll only work in your favor."
"I hope it's finished by then. It wouldn't hurt to show him something else except for sketches." She took off the jacket and placed it back in the closet where it was. She put on her own jacket again.
They all sniffed the air in the room when a delightful smell entered it.
"Smells like dinner is ready," Alya said and inhaled deeply once more.
"I suppose," Marinette said in return and walked down her stairs. The other three followed her.
Plates were being put on the table by Tom.
"Smells delicious, dad. What is it?"
"Baked Camembert with some bread and salmon."
"Wow, fancy," Alya said.
"You kids enjoy yourselves. Your mother is in the bakery, it's crazy down there. I'll help her out a bit before we close off and leave. It's been a while since we've been out, so you have the whole house to yourselves."
Marinette kissed him on the cheek. "Sure, dad. Have fun."
"You too, darling." He noticed Adrien. "Haven't seen you before. Always nice to meet a new face. I'm Tom." Before he could protest, the big man shook his hand thoroughly.
"A-Adrien." He was still a bit disordered by the man's shake.
"Nice to meet you, Adrien. I heard my wife talk about that fashion design contest. My little Marinette was really one of the best, huh?"
"She sure was."
"Of course she is. My baby girl has the skills of a real fashion designer. One day her name will be on billboards all over the city. People will chant her name. Models will be lining up to wear her clothes-"
"That's enough, Papa. See you tonight. Bye!" She nudged her father to the door.
He waved one last time before disappearing through the door.
"And that's my dad. Now you've met the whole gang." Marinette sighed and grabbed a few glasses from the cabinet.
"He seems nice. Both you parents," Adrien commented and sat down at the table with Alya and Nino. Nino was sitting next to him and Alya across of Nino so Marinette would be sitting across of him.
Marinette had filled up the glasses with some juice and put them on the table. She eventually sat down herself. "They're the sweetest. I couldn't have wished for better parents, though they enjoy embarrassing me in front of friends or anyone for that matter."
Alya laughed. "My parents are exactly the same. My dad is like the master at dad-jokes. He prefers to use them in front of Nino." She took a bite from her food.
"Your old man is the best. He is literally the only adult that wants to play video games with me."
"Don't say that," Adrien said. "What about your mother? Last time I was at your place we played a zombie game with her and your little brother. I have never ever seen a grown up woman mess up zombie skulls so badly. She's a pro."
Nino sighed. "That was two years ago, she got a new job now. She doesn't really have the time anymore for that kind of stuff."
Adrien's smile turned into a scowl. "That's too bad. But that doesn't take away how sweet she was to me. I've been at your house once and she already treated me like I was her son."
"Only when she likes the person. When she doesn't like someone it's quite noticeable."
The group went back to eating. While Alya, Nino and Marinette chatted with each other, Adrien was pretty stiff and ate in silence.
Marinette frowned at him and nudged his leg with her foot. He looked up in surprise. "You okay? You're pretty silent. Is it all too talky for you?" She spoke softly.
He rolled his eyes. "I'm fine, really. It's not like I'm incapable of social contact, you know?"
"I get that, but still. If there is anything wrong you can just tell me, okay?"
He nodded and went back to eating, secretly stealing glances at her.
Okay then, new story. You are all very lucky bugs, because I'm writing this on my holiday. I'm writing this on the beach on my Ladybug towel as we speak.
Anyways, Lovesquared will be updated in a week. Because I'm on holiday I'm not very concentrated on my writing. This is will be a side story, but since Lovesquared is my 'big' story, I want to properly write it when I'm back.
So, you'll have to make do with this for now. Hope you enjoy it! It's rated T for now, but maybe it'll be M later on… exciting stuff bound to happen. (TBH, I think I'm not good at smut so I'll probably keep this T)
Have a miraculous day (and summer at that) everyone! *ladybug emoji*