A/N I think Master Fu was looking for his faith in humanity... Or he mighy be considered the village crazy guy cause of all the zenful healing and religous practices. Like in the description, its a background society...
Marienette gazed at the clock tower and gasped. It was nearly two o'clock, she had to get back before three to avoid being caught. She ran as fast as her legs would carry her through the stalls and merchants until she reached the backdoor. Heavily panting and breathing, she crept upstairs and into her room. She only just managed to hide the items she had found on the ground under her bed before Miss Rostier burst in.
"Marienette, what are your plans for dinner, I won't have it be some simple meal. I want it extravagant to show the Duke we are worthy of him. Also we will be occupying the ballroom so I expect you to be in the kitchen next door to there," Miss Rostier informed. Marienette nodded sadly and went downstairs.
Ingredients of all kinds were laid out in front of her. She picked up a carrot in one hand and an apple in another, what could she make with these. Her mind was racing and then it came to her, scallop Sashimi with Meyer Lemon Confit for main. If she had time a starter would be, pappardelle with Sea Urchin and Cauliflower.
Miss Rostier approved of the menu but insisted on dessert. Marienette sighed and decided to work on that one later. The kitchen was a state when she finished but at least the food looked good. The starters laid on the left side, the mains on the right. She had exactly one hour to work on the dessert before she herself had to get ready. A quick yet fancy dessert was Lavender poached pears with Poire Williams pudding. That would satisfy Miss Rostier's orders.
The young girl cleaned up the kitchen and headed up the wooden staircase into her bedroom. She fell on the bed and took off her apron. Tonight was going to be one heck of a night. With a lot of force, she got up onto her feet and searched for her fanciest clothes. Marienette found a perfect baby blue dress that complimented her eyes perfectly. She had made it herself, with Miss Rostier knowing of course.
The doorbell rang and she was on her feet, latching her hair into a pretty bun at the top of her head in hopes of making herself look more mature. She walked down the stairs and opened the door, her best false smile on her face. There staring back at her was the same two from this morning, only this time she recognised them and they didn't know it was her as she was wearing the cloak last time they met.
Marienette mentally slapped herself for not realising that these were the people coming to dinner. In all fairness she just listened to what Miss Rostier wanted her to do, never what was around it. She smiled at the two guest.
"Hello," She said bowing," Welcome to Miss Rostier's home, I will guide you to the ballroom where you will dine and mingle," Marienette shew them to the gleaming ballroom that half an hour of her life had been spent on. The blonde haired son of the Duke smiled at her and she returned it.
"Ah Gabriel and Adrien, it has been too long," Miss Rostier said curtseying. Marienette rolled her eyes away from view but she was pretty sure Adrien saw it as his smile widened.
"Yes, um lets begin," Gabriel muttered. Marienette could read his eyes easily, our house didn't bring him much amusement.
"Marienette go get the food from the kitchen whilst I introduce Lucinda to our guests," Miss Rostier ordered. Marienette nodded sadly and walked away. She went into the kitchen and came back with two trays of food. The starters, she placed them in front of each of the dinner guests and headed back into the kitchen.
"Father, may I excuse myself to the bathroom?" Adrien asked his father nodded and Lucinda jumped up.
"I can show you the way!" She exclaimed but Adrien shook his head.
"No need," Adrien added before turning and walking away. No way on earth was he being left alone with her. The blonde haired boy had watched where Marienette had gone and was determined to follow her. He sneaked into the kitchen silently enough for her to not notice him.
"Cause all of me, loves all of you. Loves your curves and all your edges, all your-" Marienette sang whilst washing some spare dishes from earlier.
"Am I interrupting anything?" Adrien asked. Marienette spun around and dropped the plate in her hand in shock. She stamped her foot on the ground in anger and picked up a broom.
"Clumsy, no good, bad luck ridden bi-" She began but he quickly hushed her.
"Now I wouldn't expect someone like you to talk like that," He muttered she blushed and sighed heavily," Let me help you," he grabbed the broom and she picked up the dust pan and brush. He swept the shattered china into a pile and she put it in the dustpan. Sadly, she got up and emptied in into a bin.
"Why are you here?" She questioned. It was his turn to blush.
"Look I'm going to be honest. I hate these functions it is my father trying to set me up with someone but I hate every suitor he has thrown at me. No offence but Lucinda is the worst," Adrien explained. Marienette couldn't help but laugh, he smiled at her.
"I hate her, that dress she is wearing was my design she stole this morning when she found out you were coming," Marienette added. She looked in the cupboard and found some potatoes. Her hands neatly cut them into thin circles and she fried them. Adrien watched her the entire time.
"What are you doing?" He interrogated. She smiled.
"No way I'm eating that trash, but this trash is gold," Marienette answered. She cracked two eggs into another pan and after about five minutes she chucked them onto two separate plates," And I take it you don't either," She chucked him the other plate and some cutlery. He laughed lightly and dug into the strange meal she had placed before him.
"This is amazing!" He exclaimed. Adrien was used to posh and fancy foods, yet, this was the best thing he had ever tasted. Marienette giggled as she ate hers in silence. The pair chatted and talked for a few more minutes until they heard the squeaky and annoying voice of Lucinda echoing the halls.
"Follow me," Marienette muttered and grabbed his hand. He followed her through a door and into a hallway," Walk over to there and it will look like you came out of the bathroom," she pointed to a door in the hallway. He smiled at her and turned to leave, but he turned and kissed the knuckles on her hands before he did so. She blushed many shades of red before closing the door to the hall and moving back to the kitchen.
"Adrien, what took you so long?" His father demanded but the boy shrugged. Lucinda came back in and threw her arms around him, followed by Marienette who smiled at the look of pain on Adrien's face. She picked up the plates and headed back into the kitchen. Adrien was left with the sour mouthed Lucinda who was still holding her. He tenderly prised him off of her.
"Turns out I should have asked for Lucinda's help. I got a bit lost," Adrien lied. Marienette was in the doorway and smiled at him once before truly leaving for the kitchen
"The main course," Marienette announced. When she handed Adrien his she dropped a bag onto his lap. Without no one noticing. He smiled brightly when he opened it and it revealed the potatoes from earlier.
"Thanks," He whispered as she walked past. Her smile was bright and true for once.
"Enjoy," Marienette exclaimed and once everyone started eating she winked at Adrien. Lucinda's eyes bore into her and Marienette gulped and went back to the kitchen. Little did she know Lucinda had followed her.
"Maribrat!" She snarled. Lucinda and her two friends, Chloe and Sabrina always called Marienette Maribrat. It stung like hell but soon she was numb to it. Marienette sighed.
"What do you want Lucinda?" Marienette asked. Lucinda scoffed.
"Stop flirting with Adrien, he is mine!" Lucinda squealed, Marienette rolled her eyes and Lucinda lost it. Mari felt her body get pushed into a small cupboard. Pushing her weight against the door, Marienette tried to prise it open, but to no avail. Soon, tears fell onto her cheeks. Why couldn't one night go right for her.
Marienette felt around in her pocket, it suddenly felt heavier. As she fumbled around in it Mari pulled out the box the old man gave her. The girls jaw dropped in awe.
She definetly didn't remember leaving it there...
