"Marinette? Are you alright?"
She turned to see Adrien hurry towards her. Concern and worry etched in his face.
"Yes, I'm fine," she breathed out.
But Adrien wasn't buying it.
"You met my father didn't you?"
"How did you," she began.
"Because that's how most people react after their first meeting. Well, if you aren't a potential client that is. I apologies for whatever he said to scare you."
"Well, it was more aimed at Natalie than me. I was asked to fetch Chloe's yellow dress but it wasn't ready. Mr. Agreste wasn't pleased when he found out."
"Oh, poor Natalie. She takes so much abuse from him. I'm amazed she's stayed as long as she has."
"What do you mean?"
"Natalie is not the first nor the last seamstress to have worked under my father. Most of them either quit or were fired. She does good work don't get me wrong but, my father is a stickler when it comes to the mayor and his daughter. Anything of theirs that require repairs or to be made gets pushed to the front. Natalie seems to have a hard time grasping that rule."
"I see. He seems so..."
Marinette didn't want to finish what she was going to say out of fear of making Adrien angry for insulting his father.
"What? What were you going to say," he asked. He noticed her hesitation and smiled reassuringly. "You won't offend me. I've probably called him worse."
"He seems so cold."
Adrien's face faltered a bit and nodded in agreement.
"Yes, you would be right."
Marinette noticed the pained expression on the young man's face. She knew she had to change the subject and fast.
"So, will you show me what's so special about my room?"
That made Adrien smile and Marinette's cheeks turned red.
"Come with me," he said taking her hand.
Adrien led Marinette to a branching hallway with tapestries hanging on the wall. He stopped at a red and white colored one and pushed it aside.
"Are you sure you should touch that," asked a worried Marinette.
"It's fine don't worry. It hides the entrance."
"Entrance to what?"
"You'll see," he grinned.
He always loved finding the secrets of the manor and he found its biggest one. He felt the wall behind the tapestry and found the button. He pressed it and part of the wall pushed back like a door. Marinette couldn't believe there was a secret passageway. Adrien pulled Marinette behind him into the passage and closed the door.
"Where are we," she asked in awe.
"This passageway leads to almost anywhere in the manor. I only know a few of the paths but I hope to explore the other ones someday. Now, hold on tight. It can get pretty dark in some areas but I know the way. Do you trust me?"
"What?"
"Do you trust me?"
It was a simple question but carried so much meaning. She hardly knew this boy and he hardly knew her but he was willing to share this secret with her. She smiled brightly and nodded her head. For whatever reason, he felt relief when she smiled and nodded.
"Follow me and stay close."
Adrien lead Marinette down so many pathways and showed so many entrances that there was no way for her to remember all of them but she trusted him that he knew where he was going and that was good enough for her. They finally reached what seemed to be the end of the passageway and when he opened the door, Marinette was surprised to see where it lead to.
"My room?"
"Yes, I discovered this one on accident. Nearly gave Delilah a heart attack when she saw me. After I assured her I wasn't there to spy, I showed her a few paths that would be helpful for her. Like this one."
He pulled her back in and walked a few steps and turned right. There was a small staircase and at the end of the corridor, he slid the wall back and revealed the servants quarters kitchen pantry.
"Helpful when you're running late for breakfast," he commented.
They went back to Marinette's room. She took out a box of chocolates that her parents sent with her and offered Adrien some who gladly took it.
"Thank you for showing me that. I'll admit that I won't remember where all those paths lead."
"Understandable. It took me a while to memorize the paths I know. If you need a refresher, come find me," he smiled as he ate a chocolate. "Wow, these are amazing! Your father has quite the talent for chocolates."
"Actually, my mama makes the chocolates."
"She does great work."
Marinette turned to look at their picture. A sad smile formed on her face.
"You miss them already," Adrien asked but it was more like a statement.
"Yes, I do. I know it's been less than a day but I already miss waking up to the smell fresh baked bread, my mama kissing me good morning, hugging my papa and helping him in the bakery. Decorating the cakes with him and running the counter with my mama. Making the deliveries. Their warm smiles and hearts."
Marinette hadn't realized that tears were falling till Adrien wiped a few with his thumb. She felt so embarrassed at crying in front of him. She quickly moved to find a handkerchief to dry her eyes. Adrien slowly approached her and gently pulled her into a hug. She instantly felt better and a familiar sense of warmth but it was different from when her parents hugged her. She snaked her arms around his waist and buried her face into his chest.
"It's alright. I'm sure they miss you as well."
"I must look silly. A 16 year old girl crying for her parents."
"No, it's not silly at all. You seem to have such a nice family. Warm and caring; kind of like..."
He didn't want to finish that thought. It was bringing up painful memories of when he was younger. Around the time she left.
"What were you going to say," asked Marinette.
"Nothing. It's nothing."
Marinette knew better but she didn't want to push him. They stayed like that for a little longer, not wanting to let each other go. This felt, right; natural. Adrien felt a warmth in his chest he hadn't felt in a long time and the urge to want to protect this creature in his arms. Marinette felt safe, safer than she ever felt before. Not even her parents made her feel this safe. She trusted him, yet she knew so little of him. But they had time to figure each other out. Marinette lifter her gaze to his and nearly froze at how intense his eyes were. They were like emeralds but they lacked some shine, as if something or someone took it from them. Adrien stared into hers; piercing blue eyes that made him feel like he could drown in them but, he'd still be alright. Blue eyes deep like the sea; cool, calm and comforting. Neither one of them realized that their faces were getting closer to each other. Marinette's eyes closed first and she let a breath escape her lips. Adrien felt her breath on his face and it stirred a craving within him. His eyes soon closed and his lips ghosted hers. They almost touched when a knock came from Marinette's door. With the magic of the moment gone, they jumped apart.
"Marinette? Lunch is..." Alya stuck her head in and saw Marinette and Adrien standing a few feet away from each other, both red in the face. "Oh, I didn't know you had any company. Anyway, lunch is ready if you're hungry."
"Yes, thank you Alya. I'll be down shortly."
Alya left and they were alone again. Marinette looked at Adrien and he glanced shyly at her. She's probably uncomfortable with me now, he thought.
"I should go," he said quietly as he made his way to the secret passage.
Marinette quickly realized he was trying to run away so she grabbed his hand to stop him. His head whipped to her face and he felt his heart stop at the sight of her smile.
"Would you like to join me for lunch?"
He smiled at her invitation. He usually ate lunch with Chloe at her insistence but he did eat with the other members of the staff beforehand. So, he figured why not? It would be nice to eat with people who weren't concerned with their looks or social standing.
"I'd be honored. Thank you."
The two of them made their way to the servant's kitchen. Lunch was a ham and cheese quiche with steamed spinach seasoned with olive oil and garlic. Marinette seated herself next to Alya while Adrien sat across from Marinette.
"So, what were you two doing before I knocked on the door," Alya asked with a smug grin.
Adrien and Marinette's faces turned red as the memory of the moment returned to their minds.
"We were just talking," answered Marinette.
"Yes, talking," added Adrien.
"Right, do you believe that Nino?"
A dark skinned young man with glasses sat down next to Adrien. He had a red cap on his head.
"Believe what," he asked.
"That Marinette and Adrien were just talking in her room," said Alya with a smirk.
"Oh yes, of course you were," said Nino with a smug grin of his own.
"We were," the two embarrassed teenagers shouted.
Alya and Nino laughed at them. Once they finished, Alya made introductions.
"Everyone, this is Nino. He's a childhood friend of mine and he works in the stables. Nino, this is Marinette a new maid and Adrien, son of Mr. Agreste the tailor of the manor."
"Pleasure to meet you," said Marinette sweetly.
"Likewise," said Nino with a smile.
"Hello," said Adrien offering his hand.
"Hello," replied Nino shaking it.
"How long have you been working in the stables," asked Adrien.
"I started just a few days ago. I haven't been able to eat here in the kitchen due to my work. Those stables get messy pretty easily."
"Does Mistress Chloe ride," asked Marinette.
"On occasion. She rides side saddle though. I've ridden a few times myself," answered Adrien.
"You know how to ride," asked Alya.
"Not as good as my father would like though. I prefer keeping my feet on the ground to be honest."
"I've never ridden a horse before," stated Marinette.
"Perhaps I can show you. I'm not an expert but I do know the basics," smiled Adrien.
"I would love that," she beamed.
Both Alya and Nino shared knowing looks with each other. They knew the two of them were smitten with each other but we're not ready to admit it. Lunch was winding down when Tikki came running in looking distraught.
"Everyone, I have some news. Our poor baker, Anton, has fallen ill. We will not be able serve any breads or deserts for a while. Is there anyone here who knows of a baker that can fill in?"
No one spoke up. Marinette felt someone nudge her foot. She looked at Alya who was confused, Nino wasn't even looking at her. She turned to Adrien, who began to clear his throat. She seemed to have taken the hint.
"Umm, I might know someone," she called out.
"Oh you do," cried Tikki.
"Yes, my parents run a bakery. I can talk to my papa and see if he could supply us with bread and other treats."
"Oh how wonderful! If you could help provide fresh bread for us until Anton gets well, we would be most grateful! I will speak to the Mayor and work out a deal."
"It's no trouble. I'm sure my family could use the business," she beamed.
"Now I will not allow you to make those trips yourself. Is there anyone willing to help Marinette?"
"I volunteer," said Adrien.
Marinette's face turned red when he spoke up.
"You sure," she asked.
"It's no trouble," he winked.
"Then it's settled. Marinette and Adrien will help deliver our baked goods in the early morning until Anton is well. Once I have the arrangements from the Mayor, will you two visit the bakery to get it started?"
"Yes, of course," said Adrien.
"Excellent! Well, if you are finished with your lunch, please return to your work."
Later that afternoon, Marinette was in her room changing out of her uniform to a simple dress to visit the bakery. She was excited to see her parents but nervous that Adrien was coming with her. What would they think of him? She hoped they wouldn't embarrass her in front of him. She put on a red dress and black stockings with black shoes and wrapped a blue shawl around her. She heard a knock at her door and answered it to see Adrien smiling and standing before her.
"You ready to go?"
"Yes, let's go."
With the agreement in hand, the two of them made their way to the bakery. Marinette grew more and more excited as she began to recognize streets. Her smile grew bigger when she saw the familiar sign of her parents shop. Adrien couldn't help but feel excited for her. She seemed to really love her parents and miss them a lot; he felt a bit envious of the relationship the bluenette had with her parents. It was one he wished for but felt he could never have. They entered the shop to see Mrs. Cheng tending to a customer.
"I will be with you shortly...Marinette?!"
"Hi mama," she grinned.
Adrien could see where Marinette got her looks from. They looked like twins only Mrs. Cheng had shorter hair. Once the customer left, Mrs. Cheng made a beeline for her daughter.
"Oh, my sweet girl! How are you?!"
She pulled her daughter into a tight hug. Adrien stepped aside for a bit to give them their space. Mrs. Cheng turned her eyes to the boy and smiled sweetly.
"And who might you be, young man?"
"I'm Adrien, Madame."
"Did you escort my daughter safely here?" He nodded. "Marinette, you should have told me that you met such a handsome fellow at your new job."
"We only met yesterday, mama," said Marinette. "Is papa around? We have something to discuss with him."
"Yes, yes. Come this way."
The teenagers followed the woman to the back of the bakery.
"You have a lovely shop, Mrs. Cheng," commented Adrien.
"Oh, please call me Sabine. Or mama, if you'd like," she winked.
That made the teenagers blush. Soon a large man appeared before them; his stature made Adrien feel nervous.
"Tom dear! Look who's come to visit!"
Tom looked up and saw his wife with his daughter and a blonde young man behind her.
"Marinette! What brings you here?! And who's the strapping young man?"
"My name is Adrien, sir. I work at the manor. We have a proposition for you," he said as he handed the agreement to him.
"The baker at the manor has fallen ill and they would like you to proved bread and other treats until he gets better," stated Marinette.
"This would be wonderful, we'll gladly do it. It says here that you two will pick it up yourselves?"
"Yes, at 6 AM. If that time works for you," said Adrien.
"It should be no trouble. We will have everything ready by then."
"If you could sign that, we can give it back to the Mayor. Also, here is a list of what is required for the day," said Marinette handing the paper that listed the items the Mayor wanted for the next day.
"Alright, we will see you two in the morning," said Tom.
"Do you have to head back," questioned Sabine.
"We probably should head back," said Adrien.
"Yes, we should," agreed Marinette.
Sabine and Tom followed the two teenagers to the front door.
"It was a pleasure meeting you," said Adrien.
"Such a polite boy," beamed Sabine. "Better keep him around Marinette," she winked to her red faced daughter.
"Mama!"
"Take good care of our daughter, Adrien," stated Tom.
Adrien's face also turned red, but he smiled as he place a hand on Marinette's shoulder.
"I shall. You have my word."
Marinette's heart was beating out of her chest. She felt like she was going to faint. Adrien led her out door and they walked back to the manor, his hand moved from her shoulder to her back. When they returned to the servants quarters, Adrien turned to face Marinette.
"I have to return to my father now, but I will come fetch you in the morning."
"Very well, I will see you in the morning."
Adrien took her hand and kissed it. Marinette's heart went into hysterics.
"Until then, my lady."
She watched him walk away with a smile on her face and her heart on fire. She would have stayed there if she didn't hear someone clear their throat.
"Best come back down to earth before you reach heaven," Alya remarked.
Marinette turned and smiled sheepishly.
