Authors Note: 4,038 words! That's the longest chapter so far! I hope you all enjoy this chapter. (Lots of fluff and shipping moments, you're welcome) Also I know there is a lot of "unexplained" details in this story and I just want to say that I've had this fanfiction planned out for a very long time, I've thought of everything and don't worry, all will be explained in due time, until then enjoy!
Victoria arrived home an hour earlier than usual, but that still was later than she had hoped. She checked the clock after walking into the house, resting against the door. '1:34'. She was ready to go to sleep and never wake up.
She huffed as she forced herself to move and she stumbled over to her bedroom, changing into a simple tank top and pink pyjama pants. As soon she hit the sheets of the bed, she closed her eyes and tried to get to sleep. Though she couldn't help but think of her earlier conversations with her coworkers and even Marie.
She thought of Nathan Roux— as much as she didn't want to —and scoffed at the memory of him asking her out. She had to admit he was kind of attractive, though he looked too much like a basic womaniser; short buzz cut chestnut brown hair that was obviously styled every morning and eyes that Victoria could only compare to a cloudy sky. He was at least a few years older than her, considering he already was a doctor. She should've asked him what he specialised in, what if he was a surgeon? Steady hands but also the chance of being crazy, who knows, maybe he enjoyed cutting into people. Or maybe he was a neurosurgeon, that would explain why he got on her nerves.
Did she seriously just make a pun...?
She couldn't help but giggle, being reminded of an old friend who always made puns.
Adrien...?
'No, no, no! Stop it Victoria, they're not real.' She scolded herself before letting out a sigh and closing her eyes to finally get some rest when she suddenly heard her phone vibrate. She reopened her eyes and rolled over to check her phone, being nearly blinded by the light.
[New Message from Fleur: Hey, I just arrived in Tours and was wondering if you wanted to meet up later today? I think you deserve some time away from creepy hospitals.]
Victoria smiled as she typed in her reply.
[Yeah sure, sounds like fun! Work's been exhausting lately, can't wait to see you again. You better not get drunk like last time, I am not letting you trash my apartment lol]
Victoria rolled onto her back, looking up at her screen as she awaited Fleur's response. She could see the three dots pop up which got her excited.
[Alright party pooper, I won't. But that doesn't mean I won't get you hammered ;) You need to loosen up Vikki]
There was that nickname again, where had she heard it from? She ignored her thoughts and typed her reply, having to backspace at least two times.
[Haha very funny. Btw why are you up so late?]
The reply was quick, which wasn't too surprising coming from Fleur.
[I knew you'd be up, not to mention I just got here. I slept on the train]
Victoria thought of what to reply with, running her hand through her hair to push back her bangs. If Fleur slept on the train, she would most likely be wide awake right now.
[Are you staying in a hotel?]
[Yeah, I didn't want to ask to stay at your place, I'd feel bad for barging in. Not to mention I wasn't sure when you got off work tonight]
Victoria pursed her lips in thought, debating whether she should invite her over. But she was already at a hotel, what would be the point?
[Next time you visit Tours, don't hesitate to come over, you're welcome whenever :) ]
Victoria smiled when she read Fleur's reply.
[Thanks ;) You should get some sleep, I don't wanna hang out with a buzzkill later lmao]
[Haha okay, goodnight]
Victoria turned off her phone before she could see Fleur's reply, too exhausted to even keep her eyes opened. She fell asleep moments later with a smile on her face.
Adrien laid on the couch that sat against the back of Victoria's room, Marinette laying against him just like always. This was always their favourite part of the day, being able to just lay there with each other in silence was so rewarding, it almost felt real. It was the closest thing to living they'd experience in a very, very long time. Sometimes they forgot what it was like to be alive at all.
Except for today, something had changed. Adrien had felt more than just a few emotions, he felt jealousy and excitement and love. More than he had in a long time. He'd be lying if he said there wasn't some lust mixed in those emotions but it was only the longing to be loved by the girl he spent 24/7 with. And they had almost kissed too, did that mean she liked— no, loved him back? She didn't pull away when he had gotten closer and she seemed just as disappointed when they were interrupted. That meant something, didn't it?
He couldn't take it anymore, he needed answers.
"Marinette?" He asked quietly, causing the girl to stir before glancing up at him.
"Yeah?"
He paused, trying to think of a way to start this conversation without coming on too strong.
"What... what's your opinion on me?" He asked, hoping that would get her to confess something. She thought for a moment, glancing off to the side as she rolled onto her stomach so that she could look at him better.
"Well... I think you're funny and stupidly brave, but it's admirable. You're kind... Very, very kind and a bit stubborn but it's cute–"
"You think I'm cute?"
Marinette seemed surprised, her eyes widening in realisation as her cheeks reddened. Adrien loved it when she blushed, he found it adorable. He found that complimenting her, kissing her cheek and bringing up silly things she said caused her to blush. He kept a mental list.
"Y-yes, I mean—! Personality wise, b-but also you look cute— Ahh! No, wait! I mean, you are cute but you're more attractive than cute and— Agh! Adrien, why do you do this to me...?" She stuttered, burying her face in shame. Adrien could only laugh, which caused her to whine.
"I-I'm sorry Mari, that's just—" He cut himself with another fit of laughter. She pouted and glanced off the side. Adrien noticed this and smiled. "It's just super cute,"
Marinette snapped her gaze back to meet his, her face reddening even more. He wondered what it'd feel like to kiss her...
"C-cute? You think I'm... cute?"
Adrien chuckled, nodding as a reply. Marinette smiled bashfully, glancing off the side again. He noticed how she did that whenever she was shy, and he couldn't help but adore it. He was beginning to love everything she did, even things as simple as looking at him made his heart burst.
"I think you're adorable," Adrien started, rolling onto his side and taking Marinette with him so that they were both laying on their sides, facing each other.
"-and brilliant, so much so that it's almost unbelievable. You're also extremely kind, but you're very feisty so if someone pisses you off, they might as well be digging their own grave." Adrien confessed, a giggle escaping the girl at his words.
"You're incredible... I can't even put it into words, but it's true." Adrien continued, pausing for a moment as he struggled to say his next words.
'Just say it, don't let this chance slip by again, don't make that same mistake,' He told himself this, over and over and over again until it was almost painful. He needed to do this, it would eat away at him if he didn't.
He met her gaze again, swallowing the lump in his throat that was stopping him from speaking. Words failed him, so he spoke in other ways. He suddenly pulled her closer and managed to get a connection, kissing her chastely. He was surprised when he felt her kiss him back but that only pushed him to continue. He felt her place her hand on his arm and even though he went in first, he was too nervous to do anything else. He eventually placed his hand on her waist, getting a bit more comfortable with the situation as the kiss got more passionate, kissing her as if she was his only air supply.
It might've been over twenty years since he died but he had never felt so alive until that very moment, finally being able to show Marinette his true feelings for her and seeing that she didn't push him away and didn't hesitate to return the kiss was so mind-numbing and overwhelming that he suddenly couldn't think of anything but her.
He wasn't sure how long they had held the kiss before they suddenly broke away, considering they didn't need to breathe, they could've gone on for hours non-stop, and yet they still pulled apart.
He met Marinette's gaze, their faces only inches apart and for a while, they didn't say a thing, they didn't really need words at that point anyways. But Adrien still forced himself to say it, to get it out there and pray she returned his feelings.
"I love you," He confessed, so softly he was afraid she didn't hear him. But then she smiled.
"I love you too,"
The next morning Victoria got to sleep in, which of course, meant more time for Marinette to just enjoy Adrien's company. (Plenty of time throughout the night to practise kissing) She had ended up switching to laying against him again just like always, her head on his chest and his arms around her. It was her new favourite thing, she only wished she could hear his heartbeat.
"How long have you loved me?" Marinette asked suddenly, wrapping her arms around his torso as she nuzzled closer. He didn't have to think long to answer this one.
"Since day one, when we first met as Ladybug and Chat Noir. I've loved you ever since, I was just too afraid to say anything." He confessed and Marinette couldn't help but smile.
"So was I... I fell in love with you when you gave me your umbrella." She admitted and he chuckled slightly, recalling the memory. She felt him squeeze her gently, and she hummed in delight.
"We were both so oblivious then... I really wish I would've told you sooner." He said with a sigh, Marinette nodding slightly in agreement. She suddenly felt a wave of nostalgia, trying to imagine what it would be like if the two of them had possibly became a couple, what would it even be like? What would their first date be like? Why did it have to end so soon?
"Yeah... me too."
The two spirits suddenly looked up when they heard the shuffling of Victoria's sheets, knowing she was waking up. Marinette sighed before pushing herself up, giving Adrien room to sit up. She just stared at her intertwined hands in thought, their previous conversation swimming in her thoughts as if to mock her. They were together at least, and that's all that mattered.
Victoria sat up with a yawn, stretching her arms above her head until she was satisfied. Getting out of bed, she began slipping out of her shirt, to which Marinette slapped a hand over Adrien's eyes, her face more flustered than his. He just chuckled as Marinette scrambled closer to him so that he couldn't peek.
"I'm not gonna look! We do this everyday Mari, I've never once looked while she changed." He assured with a smile, turning his head to look over at the blushing girl, though she kept her hand firmly over his eyes and yet didn't fight back when he grabbed her hand and lowered it so he could look at her. Marinette kept her gaze on his, afraid that if she looked away for even a second, his gaze would wonder. She trusted him not to look, however, and it wasn't until she felt her cheeks practically burning that she realised she just wanted to stare at his eyes. He appeared to be thinking the same.
"You think she finished yet?" He suddenly asked, breaking her from her trance. She blinked and drew a blank for a second, letting his words register in her head before peeking over at the blonde, glad she was at least half-dressed.
"She debating what shirt to wear, either that white shoulderless shirt that you really like or a burgundy loose low cut t-shirt." She explained, hoping Victoria chose the white one.
Adrien had a smile in his voice, "Is she wearing jeans?"
"Yep,"
"Then definitely the white shirt."
"Agreed."
When Marinette averted her gaze back to Adrien, he suddenly leant in and gave her lips a quick peck. She blinked, too shocked to form a sentence.
"Sorry, you're just really cute when you talk about clothes. You would've made an amazing fashion designer," Adrien admitted with a bashful smile, seemingly taken aback by his own actions. It took Marinette a moment, but she finally smiled as a reaction.
"Thanks," Was all she could say, feeling herself begin to blush as his hand cupped her own, their fingers intertwining. Marinette found herself staring at him, but didn't give a damn. As long as he didn't take his eyes off her's, she was fine to stay like that.
Her gaze was only snapped to Victoria when she heard the young lady mutter under her breath a small, "Perfect." She wore the white shirt, both Marinette and Adrien smiling pridefully.
"Pound it," They both said in union, fist-bumping as if they were the reason Victoria chose the white shirt. Well, they did help technically. Both of them previously gave Victoria fashion advice when she was younger, and they could tell she still remembered it now.
Victoria examined her outfit in the mirror for a bit longer before nodding proudly and grabbing her purse, heading out the door without the knowledge of the two spirits following behind. She got into her silver Peugeot, turning the key just as the duo took their usual seats in the back. They typically liked car rides, especially since Victoria was the type of driver who would play music and sing along, which Marinette and Adrien didn't mind at all, since most of the time, they joined in. It worked best when the song was a duet between a guy and a girl since they would take turns, or if it was a group or band, it worked even better. Car rides were enjoyable, to say the least, they were never boring.
Not to mention Victoria kept her (expensive) car very clean, never brought food inside besides the eventual water bottle, other than that she took care of her car with extreme care, especially on the road. It was her eighteenth birthday present from Jen and she was not planning on ruining it.
She turned on the radio, switching to her favourite station before pulling out of her driveway and onto the streets of Tours where she set her route to a small cafe to meet up with Fleur. An older French song began to play, Victoria only hearing it once before and making a mental note of what it was called.
Les fleurs d'ete. How fitting.
She arrived at the cafe moments later, glad she didn't have to drive far to get there. Tours was known for its 'village' scenery and old buildings, so it wasn't a surprise that the cafe was a remodelled version of one of the houses. It was just something about the wooden framing that made it feel like a cabin, warm and cozy.
She parked her car close by, not minding the short walk. She fixed her hair as she walked, glad she remembered to brush it out before leaving the house. Her hair was getting too long, already down to her waist, the only thing she really cut was her bangs from time to time.
She stepped into the cafe, catching the eye of the barista behind the counter who flashed a friendly smile, Victoria returning the gesture. She glanced around the room, checking her phone quickly to see the time.
'9:32 a.m'
That to her was sleeping in, but even if it wasn't as late as she could've stayed in bed, she was too excited anyways to do so.
She finally caught the eye of Fleur who sat near the window with two cups in front of her, and Victoria didn't hesitate to walk over to her. She took her seat in front of the mixed haired girl, taking note of how Fleur now had a few silver streaks of hair as her bangs, contrasting against her dark brown colour. And the biggest difference, it was shortened into a messy pixie cut, her hair much too thick and full of volume to look "professional". That was Fleur for you, growing older but never losing her wild heart.
"Hey Vikki, long time no see!" Fleur greeted as she gently pushed a cup towards the blonde, who didn't pay much attention to it.
"Yeah, how long has it been? Few years?" She asked, adjusting her chair to move a bit closer. Fleur hummed in thought, smiling as she gazed down at her latte.
"I think so, that's weird to think about..." She trailed off, pursing her lips in thought. "I know you don't like talking about your childhood too much, but I was just wondering, have you... seen anything weird lately? Like your imaginary friends?" She finally said, her voice losing its cheery tone. Victoria was taken aback.
Fleur was the only person who knew about her imaginary friends, and she was the only who actually believed her, for reasons that were confidential. Fleur had been there for Victoria after her father died and when "they" disappeared. She grew up believing they were fake, so why was she suddenly bringing it up.
"No... Why do you ask?"
"No reason, just... wondering."
Victoria eyed her friend, trying to think of a reason that she would be curious about something like that after not speaking about it for over 15 years. Did something suddenly come up?
"Fleur..." Victoria started, hoping she would fess up. Fleur only tightened her grip on her cup, her eyes downcast. Victoria could see how her thoughts were fighting with each other behind those caramel eyes, she wanted to say something but something was holding her back.
Before Fleur nearly burst into frustrated tears, Victoria leant forward and cupped her hands with her own. Her gaze snapped up to meet the blonde's blue eyes, seemingly shocked.
"Hey... It's fine, you don't have to tell me anything. I'm just... worried." Victoria mused softly, a small smile crossing her friend's face.
"Don't worry about me, I'm not worth the effort." She said with a weak laugh, Victoria's eyes narrowing at the comment. Fleur nearly took it back just so she could get let off the hook. Victoria suddenly let go of her hands and stood up, Fleur nervous that she'd just walk away.
"I-I didn't—"
She didn't have time to finish before Victoria suddenly pulled her into a hug.
"Don't say you're not worth the effort, you're my best friend, so you're worth something to me," Victoria said softly, hugging her tightly. Fleur was stunned into silence, but after a while, she finally hugged her back, a small smile on her face.
"Thank you,"
Marinette and Adrien stood a table away from them, watching with a smile on their faces. Adrien sighed, sounding almost dreamy.
"I ship it."
Marinette couldn't help but laugh, glancing over at him with wide eyes.
"Excuse me?"
He met her gaze, "Don't you think they're cute together?" He asked, a smile on his face. Marinette stared at him for a moment, not sure if he was joking or not. When she realized he was 100% serious, she scoffed in disbelief.
"Is that why you didn't like Doctor Dreamy?" She asked with a smirk, crossing her arms as she leant closer to him. His smile turned nervous, chuckling to (poorly) hide the truth.
"Well... yeah, but come on, Fleur and Victoria are best friends, they've been with each other since they were nine, that's cute. I ship it," He reasoned, glancing back over at the two girls as they finally broke away from the hug.
"Please don't say that,"
"Say what?"
"Don't say 'ship'."
Adrien smirked, "Why not? It's what everyone's saying these days,"
"No, it's what fourteen-year-old girls who obsess over boy bands say. You're not fourteen."
"I'm 19,"
Marinette laughed, it was short and sounded fake. "Physically, yes. Mentally, you should be at least 45 or something. Victoria's 26, remember?"
Adrien sighed, defeated, letting his arms fall to his sides. "Yeah, I guess... but that means you're also 45." He remarked, smiling when Marinette sighed.
"Ugh... You're right, that's so... ew." She said as she shivered in disgust, there was nothing wrong with being forty, it was just weird since they still looked and —most of the time—thought like teens.
"Don't worry, I still love you." Adrien smiled as he leant towards her and pressed a kiss against her head, earning a small giggle from the girl. She hugged his arm, a blush across her face that he found adorable.
"I love you too, even though you're old." She giggled as he scoffed as if offended.
"At least I still look young and beautiful," He replied, Marinette laughing at how confident he was. She wondered if she should confirm that, he technically wasn't wrong but he was just so goddamn confident that it made her want to wipe that smug grin off his face. Or more accurately kiss it off. To fuel or not to fuel, that was the question.
She didn't have to answer apparently, their attention was snapped over to the two girls as both of them felt that same dark energy as before. They hadn't come into contact with it for years, why was it suddenly back?
It was like a dark haze loomed over Fleur, making her smile fade as she sat back down, her hands gripping the cup again. Could she feel it too?
Marinette was about to speak when she felt a wave of discomfort and nausea wash through her, the only way she kept herself standing was by holding on to Adrien's arm.
"Mari—" He was cut off when he suddenly went into a fit of coughing, not able to stand any longer and he fell to his knees, Marinette following suit as her only support was lost. It felt as if something was holding them down, choking and seeping inside them. They couldn't move and even if they could, they wouldn't get far, the barrier was holding them in. They were trapped.
Their ears were ringing loudly and their heads felt like something was applying tonnes of pressure. Marinette couldn't take it anymore, any longer and she'd surely pass out if that was even possible for spirits.
Then it started to fade, the pressure lightened and the ringing faded out. Adrien's coughing finally came to an end and the two of them exchanged a terrified look before glancing up at the two girls, realising the unsettling truth that Fleur had just left.
The dark force was following Fleur, which meant they were all in danger.
