Thankfully, this morning was not like the last. Marinette woke up at 7am sharp, and had enough time to put on some makeup. It was a luxury she couldn't afford yesterday. Also, Tikki wouldn't stop talking Mari's ear off about the kiss with Chat yesterday.
"I know you guys have been getting closer, what with him coming over and all, but are you sure about continuing this-this thing with Chat Noir? What about Adrien? What are you going to do about him? Oh dear you messed up your eyeliner let me help you fix that." As Tikki dashed off to grab a makeup wipe Marinette pondered what Tikki had said. What was she going to do about Adrien? She still loved him, she really, truly, did. But now there was Chat to add into the equation.
She couldn't just pretend like yesterday's little make-out session didn't happen. Though, she knew it would tear her apart to keep her relationship with Chat going while seeing Adrien every day at school. It's not like she's dating Adrien, but she felt like it would be dishonest of her to see Chat while crushing on Adrien. She couldn't just abandon her crush like that. Oh gosh, what a mess she had gotten herself into. Not that it was all her fault; that peskily charming cat wasn't helping her case with his seductive smiles and provocative paws.
Tikki came back with a makeup wipe and helped a dreary Marinette finish her makeup. After that Marinette decided to just go to school early. What's the point of staying home? She might just make herself late again. It was 7:30 when she left the house. She had Tikki in her pouch, along with some cookies of course, and determination in her stride. Today she would talk to Chat about her troubled thoughts. Surely they could find a solution, they always do.
As she climbed up the steps in front of the school, she paused. She thought she heard someone calling her name. She turned around and saw Adrien waving at her. He was smiling brightly. She turned around to see if anyone was behind her, but she was the only one standing at the top of the steps. Marinette turned back around to see Adrien's eyes sparkling with laughter and she internally groaned. She already messed up and she didn't even say hello yet.
Would it be possible to walk inside right now and pretend I never saw him? She thought.
Her feet however, pulled her toward Adrien. She slowly made her way down the steps, mainly because she didn't want to trip and fall in front of him. They met halfway and Adrien greeted her with a friendly smile and a shy wave. "What's up Marinette?" He asked casually, making his way up the steps.
"Oh, I-I'm alright. How are you?" She asked, slightly out of breath. Mari was getting a real workout. Up the stairs, then down, then up again. All the while Adrien was practically skipping up these steps. He seemed to be in a good mood. She wondered why.
Adrien still didn't believe it. Marinette, this lovely, shy, awkward, girl had a crush on him! But the Marinette that Chat knows is completely different. She's sarcastic, but not harsh; she's amazingly hilarious and talented and just such a wonderfully open girl. Are her feelings getting in the way of her opening up to him? He would have to change that.
"I'm really excited to see your design for the contest! I know it's going to be amazing based on the designs I saw in your sketchbook." Adrien said cheerfully. He watched her cheeks redden and he smiled. She blushed so easily around him.
"Oh, t-thanks Adrien. I didn't even get a chance to start working on it! Yesterday I.. I was q-quite busy." She trailed off, more red than when he complimented her. On the inside Adrien felt smug on the because he knew why. On the outside all he did was nod in understanding, hoping she didn't notice that his cheeks turned pink as well. "If you haven't started yet, then maybe we can work on it together." They were in front of their classroom now. He turned to her and leaned in slightly, "I could give you a few insider tips about the fashion line."
Marinette brightened up. A chance to spend time with Adrien? And he would basically be giving her cheats to help her win the competition! She considered the offer, but felt like cheating on the design competition wouldn't be the best idea. "While I appreciate that offer a lot, I don't want my design to be influenced by anything r-relating to the fashion line. I want to win f-fair and square." The bluenette said shyly but firmly. This made Adrien a little bit. "I admire your honestly." He said, trying to keep the conversation light. And I admire your smile. She thought.
She opened her mouth to say that exact thought, but ended up replying with a lame, "Thanks." Way to go. They settled into their seats and sat in silence for a moment. Marinette was afraid this moment would be lost forever, so she quickly said, "If you want we can still work on my shirt design together? Just no spoiling anything or giving me cheats." She laughed nervously after saying that. Maybe he didn't want to anymore. Maybe he thought I sounded desperate. Maybe- Her thoughts were cut off by Adrien's excited response. "Of course! Let's do this."
Mari found that his smile was giving her all the inspiration she would ever need to create some designs.
Adrien was sitting backwards in his seat, watching Marinette draw in her sketchbook. He was mostly watching her, though. He found it cute how her eyebrows knit together while she was concentrated, and how her nose crinkled up when she made a stray mark.
Sometimes she would look up at him and then look away, a pink color tinting her cheeks. Other times she would flip the sketchbook around and shyly ask for his opinions. He tried his best to give her advice on what to fix, but really he couldn't find anything wrong with her designs.
(I'm so bad with descriptions so bear with me you guys) One of his favorites was a pale green shirt with ¾ sleeves. The sleeves were a darker shade of minty green than the torso, but that's what made it interesting. There was a little pocket on the left breast and, according to Marinette's notes on the side of the page, it was supposed to have a little embroidered kitten popping out. Adrien took out a pen of his own and added a little star right above the design. He wanted her to remember that was his favorite.
"I guess we know which one I'll enter in to the competition, but just in case I need to make other designs." She and Adrien shared a laugh at that. After that, a very excited Alya and Nino joined them. Soon, class started and she had to put her sketchbook away, and Adrien had to turn around.
Alya was giving Marinette a look that said, You really have to tell me what happened at the beginning of class with Adrien because I am about to burst you two were so cute.
Marinette gave her a look back that said, Oh girl, don't worry I'll tell you everything. And it was super cute!
How, exactly, they could decipher so clearly what each other's looks meant was a mystery to others, but to Alya and Marinette it was second nature.
After class, Alya grabbed onto Marinette's arm to stop her from packing up her books. "What happened at the beginning of class?" She asked excitedly, her body practically humming. "Are you making some progress in the Adrien department?" Marinette blushed and gave her friend a shrug.
"Honestly I'm not sure how it even happened. I woke up early today, and decided to go to school early. When I got here I heard Adrien calling my name! So then…" The two were talking as they walked out of the classroom, Marinette excitedly gesturing with her hands, and Alya giving her her full attention. Sadly, there was a storm brewing not too far away. Chloe had overheard their conversation, and was currently complaining to Sabrina about it as they walked to their next class.
"Can you believe her? Making up lies like that? Adrien would never show an interest in her! Why would he? She's a just a plain old commoner. And also absolutely delusional if she thinks she's 'making progress in the Adrien department'." Chloe made the pitch of her voice rise as she impersonated Alya. "Ugh. Unbelievable."
Sabrina noticed that Chloe was really distraught over this. "I can't believe this." Sabrina agreed, trying to appease her so called "best friend".
Chloe mischievously grinned over her shoulder at Sabrina. "I think we should do something to put that tramp in her place. I happen to have the perfect plan." Chloe pulled Sabrina to the side and whispered the plan into her ear. "Oh, that's good." Sabrina whispered to Chloe.
Chloe giggled and sashayed her hair. "I know."
Poor Marinette had no idea that any of this was happening behind her back.
The rest of the day was almost uneventful. Although, Alya did point out Chloe peering at Marinette and then furiously scribbling in her notebook. "What the hell is she up to?" Alya muttered. Marinette wondered the same thing. This didn't look like it was going to be good for anyone.
AN: Hey guys! Thank you so much for the kind reviews on the last chapter! (: I appreciate them a lot, and it really motivated me to write this one haha. I tried to progress the story as much as I could here, but I don't want to rush things. I swear the plot with advance soon! So if you have any feedback for me please leave it below, I appreciate all of the reviews! Okay sorry I'm getting repetitive now; I'll try to update soon! I hope you enjoyed this chapter.