Hi everyone! I'm so sorry for the long wait. I've been busy with exams, prom, and college stuff. It's finally summer break so now I have time to update! I had trouble deciding what I wanted to do with this chapter, but I'm pretty satisfied with my decision. I hope you enjoy this chapter.
Chapter 6
The nervous buzz that normally filled Marinette during the dreams wasn't there for once. She just felt calm and a little giddy. Now that she came to terms with her feelings, Marinette felt happy. She was currently sitting at her desk, doing her best to keep herself occupied.
For the upteenth time, Marinette forced herself to stay put and not look out the window for her favorite kitty cat. Marinette played with her hair, putting it into different hairstyles before brushing it back down. Now that she wasn't fighting her feelings for Chat Noir, she wanted everything to be perfect.
Chat Noir silently entered Marinette's room through the skylight and crept down the stairs. He wanted to surprise her. His breath caught when he saw her messing with her hair in front of the mirror. She was biting her lip in deep concentration. Chat watched for a few moments. He never got tired of looking at her. Chat watched her eyes crinkle in dissatisfaction.
Marinette huffed at another failed hair attempt. She wasn't satisfied with anything. Marinette heard someone chuckle. She jumped in her seat and whipped around, her heart beating furiously. She may have come to terms with her feelings, but that didn't get rid of the butterflies in her stomach. She wasn't nervous about her feelings for Chat. It was the kind of nervousness one gets around their crush. Chat Noir wore his signature grin.
"Miss me?" He purred, ready to seduce her again. Chat knew that getting her to fall for him wouldn't be easy, but he wasn't giving up. Marinette's shock gave way to happiness. She smiled brightly before going up to Chat and wrapping her arms around his waist. Chat blinked in surprise, wrapping his arms around her back instantly.
"I'm glad you're here," Marinette said softly, flashing him another smile. Chat's heart soared. He's always wanted to see her smile at him like that. Chat Noir opened his mouth to speak but nothing came out. All his plans of seducing out the window. Marinette giggled.
"Cat got your tongue?" Marinette rose to her tiptoes, gently pressing her lips to his. Chat tightened his arms around Marinette, melting into the kiss. They pulled apart a few moments later. Chat pressed his forehead against Marinette's with a smile.
"I don't know what changed, but I'm not complaining." Marinette smiled and leaned back, resting her weight on the balls of her feet.
"I decided to stop fighting my feelings for you. I like you Chat...a lot. These feelings are new, so I can't promise you much and you like Ladybug also anyway, so this might not even wor-" Chat interrupted her with a kiss. Marinette flushed, losing herself into the kiss. His lips were so soft and warm. She couldn't get enough of their taste. I wonder what the real Chat Noir's lips taste like? Marinette thought. Marinette stepped back, blinking at the thought, her breath ragged. Chat was also breathing heavily from the kiss. He watched her catch her breath, loving how flushed her cheeks were. He zeroed in on Marinette's swollen red lips, pride filling his chest. He's the one who did that to her. No one else made her like this but him. Marinette tilted her head to the side, curiosity filling her gaze.
"What's with the grin on your face?" Marinette asked. Chat hadn't even realized he was grinning. Chat blushed bright red, not wanting to admit his thoughts.
"Oh just admiring your beauty, Purr-incess." Chat purred. Marinette rolled her eyes at his horrible attempt at a pun. However, that didn't stop the heat that crept up her neck, splashing her cheeks.
"You're an idiot." Marinette mumbled, too embarrassed to say anything else. Chat laughed, feeling the rumble deep in his chest. He thought that Marinette looked cute when she was embarrassed. Marinette had a hard time looking at Chat after the words he said. Though after a few moments, she looked up to see his expression had turned serious. Before she could ask him what's wrong, Chat opened his mouth to speak.
"Marinette, do you think you could like me as my civilian self? Not as Chat Noir?" Marinette's heart pounded in her chest, he brain scrambling for an answer. She didn't want to give Chat an answer without thinking it through. It wouldn't be fair to him.
"I think so," Marinette finally replied. "I like the part of you that's Chat a lot. I honestly can't imagine hating your civilian self, but I'd love to get to know the whole you someday." She finished, hoping the feelings in her words got across okay. Marinette bit her lip, waiting for a reply. Chat smiled. He loved that she wanted to know the whole him and that she was honest.
"Thank you. I hope you get to know my whole self too and that you'll accept me." Marinette grinned in relief.
"Same here." Marinette whispered, thinking of her own secret as Ladybug. Chat continued, not hearing what Marinette said.
"What about Adrien? Could you accept his whole self?" Marinette blinked was barely able to process what Chat asked.
"What?" Marinette asked. "What do you mean? What about Adrien's whole self?" Chat just looked at her and smiled sadly, as if he was holding little hope. However, she couldn't get any answers out of him. Already she was being pulled out of her deep sleep.
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Marinette blinked groggily, propping herself on her elbows. She checked her phone to see that she woke up early again. These dreams were like her own personal alarm clock. Marinette got up, grabbing clothes to get dressed. She was doing her best to ignore her dream, but she was failing...badly. Why did Chat ask about Adrien? How did he even know who Adrien was? For a second, Marinette thought Chat could have meant a different Adrien, but completely dismissed the thought. It would make no sense for him to mention an Adrien she never met. This was her dream afterall.
After Marinette finished changing, she went downstairs to eat breakfast and grab some biscuits for the still sleeping Tikki. Marinette grabbed a few scones from the kitchen and sat at the dining room table, her mind going a mile a minute. But no matter how much she analized her dream, she couldn't come up with any answers or conclusions. She was just flat out puzzled.
"Marinette?" The girl in question looked up to see Tikki floating down from upstairs, her eyes still half-lidded from sleep.
"Hey Tikki," Marinette said handing the kwami a biscuit. She wasn't worried about her parents coming in. They had to go to the bakery extra early to finish a cake for delivery.
"Is there something wrong Marinette?" Marinette sighed.
"Not really. I just had another weird dream about Chat Noir. I mean it wasn't a bad dream. It was actually pretty good," Marinette blushed when Tikki gave her a look. "I-I just mean that it was all good and fine until Chat said something kind of cryptic. I woke up before he could say anything else." Tikki tilted her head in thought.
"Maybe the dreams are meant to tell you something important." Tikki suggested.
"Maybe. Did any of the previous Ladybugs have dreams like this?" The kwami shook her head.
"Not that I recall. I mean they all had normal dreams, but not strange dreams that happen almost every night." Marinette sighed. That's just great. She's no where near figuring out her dreams. Tikki looked at the clock.
"Shouldn't we be going? You're going to be late."
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Marinette huffed through the classroom door barely making it in time. The bell rang loudly as the door shut behind her. She smiled sheepishly at Ms. Bustier as she went to her seat. Adrien gave her a smile and a small wave when she walked past him. She gave him a small smile in return.
"Glad you could make it on time Marinette," Ms. Bustier said wryly which made Marinette sink in her chair a little. Chloe snickered, causing Alya to roll her eyes. "Anyway, I have an exciting announcement to make! We are going to have a cultural dance! You will dress up in traditional outfits from any culture you wish to represent. It could be something from your heritage, or simply a culture you are interested in. For those of you who are into designing and fashion, this is your chance to make your own costume and have fun with it. The dance will be held in the school exactly one month from now so start planning! You also in the month have to write a paper on what culture you picked and why," Ms. Bustier said cheerfully.
Most of the class groaned when she talked about the paper. However, no one could deny their excitement over the dance. Marinette's mind was already racing with the possibilities. She was itching to sketch some designs.
Marinette scarcely paid any attention to the rest of morning classes. She was already thinking up ideas on what she wanted to do. When the bell rang, everyone started to move except Marinette. She was so engrossed in her thoughts that she didn't even hear it.
"Helllooo. Marinette? You in there?" Alya asked with a giggle as she waved her hand in front of Marinette's face. Marinette snapped out of her thoughts to see that her friends were staring at her. She blushed heavily when she caught Adrien's stare.
"I-I'm sorry. It's just that my mind has been bursting with ideas ever since Ms. Bustier announcement about the dance." Marinette said sheepishly. Adrien smiled at her obvious excitement. He loved Marinette's designs and was actually looking forward to seeing what she would create.
"No worries. We were just talking about picking up some sandwiches from a nearby deli and eating in the park. If you want you can start working on your sketches when we get there." Adrien smiled when he saw the look of gratitude on her face.
"That would be wonderful," Marinette said looking up at him. Alya and Nino rolled their eyes at each other. Finally Nino gave a cough.
"So shall we get going?" Both teens flushed before following their friends out.
It was a beautiful day outside. A little bit of snow still littered the ground from the day before. They had been getting light amounts of snow these past couple weeks. The temperature however was towards the warm end of the spectrum. Marinette felt the warmth from the sun seep into her jacket as they walked into the park. Alya and Nino had volunteered to get the food, leaving Marinette and Adrien to their own devices.
They soon settled on a bench in the middle of the park. Marinette immediately whipped out her sketchbook. She couldn't resist the urge any longer. Already she had half a sketch filled out. It was a little rough, but she decided to clean it up later. She had to get this idea onto paper. A few moments later Marinette looked up in horror.
"Oh my gosh. I'm so sorry for ignoring you! You must be bored. Sometimes I get so absorbed in my work that I forget to be a human being. I really am sorry!" Marinette started to babble in a panic. She felt so bad and a little embarrassed. Adrien's chuckle stopped her short of going into another babble of an apology.
"No, no it's okay. I love watching you work. You just look so focused. It's cute the way your eyes crinkle when you're scrutinizing your work and the way you stick your tongue out a little when you are sketching out an idea." Marinette felt a blush rose to her cheeks, her heart pounding rapidly. He thought she was cute? Clumsy Marinette? Adrien froze realizing what he just said. His own blush staining his cheeks. "U-uh, I-I was wondering what culture you decided on doing?" Adrien stuttered out, trying to change the topic.
"I was thinking of doing Chinese culture since I'm half Chinese. I've always loved their traditional clothing, so it will be fun to make," Marinette said, thankful for the change in topic.
"That's cool! I bet your design will be amazing. I look forward to seeing it." Marinette's heart skipped a beat from his words. It was like music to her ears.
"T-thank you! U-um what about you? Any idea on what you want to do?" She asked. Adrien paused to think about it for a moment before replying.
"Hmm, I think I'd like to do Chinese culture as well. You know I've been learning to speak Chinese, so it would be really cool to wear the traditional clothing. I don't know where I'm going to get a costume though."
"I could make one for you!" Marinette blurted out before she could stop herself. Adrien's surprise mirrored her own. Instantly she scolded herself. He could find a famous designer to make him an outfit, possibly his own father could make it. Just cause he liked her designs doesn't mean he wants to wear them.
"Really?" Adrien's eyes lit up. The thought of Marinette designing an outfit for him got him excited.
"Y-yes. Unless of course you don't want me to. I-"
"I'd love that! I would be so happy to wear the outfit you make. Your designs are always amazing!" Marinette flushed red at his praise. It made her heart fill with warmth.
"Thank you for the compliments. I'll be sure to create something you'll be proud to wear." Marinette was full of determination. He may already like her designs, but this was the chance to fully impress him and maybe bring them closer together.
"Any time" Adrien breathed. Alya and Nino walked towards where they left their friends to see the two dorks looking very red with weird looks on their faces.
"Dude, we were gone for like ten minutes. What happened?" Both teen's faces filled with panic.
"W-well..."
"W-we were just..." They both started speaking at once, tripping over themselves to explain. Alya started to laugh.
"You both sound like you got your hands stuck in the cookie jar." This caused Adrien and Marinette to turn even more red.
"Alya!" Marinette complained. Nino chuckled handing out the food.
"Whatever, just hurry up and eat. I know I'm starving," Nino said already taking a bite of his sandwich.
"You're always hungry." Alya teased. Marinette and Adrien both relaxed, happy for the distraction.
"So what do you think of the culture dance that Ms. Bustier threw at us?" Nino asked after polishing off his sandwich.
"I think it's an amazing idea! I have no clue what I want to do though," Alya said. "Any of you have any ideas?"
"I was thinking of doing something from my heritage. I'm already thinking of doing a Cheongsam style dress." Marinette confessed.
"That's awesome! I bet it'll look gorgeous." Marinette smiled.
"Thanks Alya."
"Well I'm thinking of going the Norwegian route," Nino said. "Their costumes are so cool! The jackets are rad."
"That's going to be interesting." Adrien chuckled at Alya's comment.
"What about you man?" Adrien smiled.
"Marinette is making me a Chinese costume," Adrien said proudly. Both Alya and Nino's jaws dropped.
"Really?! That's cool dude. Is that what you two were talking about while we were gone?" Marinette nodded.
"Y-yup." She was slightly embarrassed at the attention.
"You go girl. However you both are such dorks. Getting worked up over a costume. Just wow." Alya snickered, causing everyone to laugh. The group talked a little more before it was time for them to get back to school.
"You two go on ahead. Marinette and I will catch up," Alya said. Adrien nodded.
"Sure. See you guys in class." When the guys were out of earshot, A,ya immediately pounced on Marinette.
"You're making a costume for Adrien?! I can't believe it. Chloe is going to be so upset when she finds out. I can't wait to see her face!" Marinette smiled softly.
"I can hardly believe it either. It feels like a dream." Marinette admitted, feeling a happy glow settle around her. It may not feel real, but she couldn't help but feeling so happy.
"Well believe it girl. You can use this to grow closer and maybe make the other guy who has your heart jealous." Alya grinned, wiggling her eyebrows. Marinette laughed.
"Oh please, I'm just making him a costume. No big deal."
"Yeah, but you'll have to measure him you know. And to do that you have to get up close and personal," Alya said suggestively. Marinette blushed.
"Alya! You're making it sound wrong!" She complained.
"You're the one with her mind in the gutter. My words are totally innocent." Both girls burst out laughing. Alya continued to tease Marinette all the way back to school.
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Afternoon classes went by quickly. Marinette was hoping to talk to Adrien before he went home. Despite Alya's teasing, she was right. Marinette did need to measure Adrien and get his sizes, so the outfit she made would fit him perfectly. While everyone was packing up after the bell rang, Marinette took her chance.
"Hey, Adrien?" He turned giving her a smile.
"Yes?" Marinette flushed a little but shouldered on.
"U-uh I was wondering if you could come over to my house sometime. I'll need to measure you for the costume."
"Oh sure. I'll have to check my schedule though."
"Oh that's no problem! Why don't you give me your number. It'll make things easier." Marinette's heart was pounding. For some reason asking for Adrien's number was slightly terrifying. Even though they have grown closer, he was still her crush. Adrien smiled.
"Sure! Give me your phone." Marinette handed over her phone. Adrien punched in his number then sent himself a text so he could have her number as well.
"There, now I also have your number," He said, handing back her phone.
"Awesome! Then you can let me know when you can come over. You could even stay for dinner. My parents loved having you over that one time we were practicing for the tournament." Marinette rushed out. Adrien beamed. He liked the idea of spending time at Marinette's and having dinner with her family.
"I'd love that," Adrien said honestly. They both shared a smile before his phone interrupted them. He smiled sheepishly. "That's probably Nathalie. I have an appointment."
"Oh I'm sorry to keep you!" Adrien chuckled.
"No worries. I'll text you later." Adrien waved as he headed out the door. Marinette was left alone when he left the classroom.
"He said he would text me later…" It took a moment for it to seep in before Marinette squealed. She couldn't believe it. Adrien was going to text her later!
"That's great Marinette!" Tikki came out of her hiding spot to congratulate Marinette.
"I can hardly believe it Tikki. Only a week ago we barely spoke and now we're hanging out and I'm even making him his costume for the dance! Are you sure I'm not dreaming?" Tikki giggled.
"Pretty sure, but I could pinch you if you want." Marinette giggled along with the kwami.
"No I'm good. Let's head home." Tikki went back into Marinette's purse. Marinette couldn't wait to get home so she could work on her designs and hopefully, maybe get a text from Adrien.
Hey everyone! So what did you all think? I got the idea of the culture festival from Buffy the Vampire Slayer. I really liked the idea of Marinette making something for Adrien to wear and thought this was the perfect oppurtunity. For those of you who are artists, it would be great it you want to draw Adrien and Marinette in matching traditional Chinese outfits. I bet they would be so cute!
Again, I just wanted to say I am really sorry for not posting in so long. Not only was I really busy, I kind of got into an emotional sinkhole. I'm going to try and update more often, so please bare with me. Thank you so much for reading my story. Please leave a review and comment!
