I know it takes a while for mw to update, which I'm sorry about. Also: I guess my A/N was a bit misleading last chapter, so let me say that this story is not over yet! It will not be for a while! Not that I find it that good or anything I just have a lot more I want to do. You'll have to excuse my slow updates though, sorry.
Adrien coughed, irritated and choking on face powder. The new make-up assistant chittered about working on the set of "a Gabriel Agreste photoshoot! The actual thing!" He understood her amazement and was glad she was good with make-up, but he could do without powder in his lungs and brushes in his eyes.
"Adrien, you're on in five." Adrien gave a nod in acknowledgement to the manager, getting up for the next hour of photos. He reached for his phone, but the manager shook his head. Adrien cursed under his breath. He really, really wanted to call her right now.
He gave the "I'm-a-polite-and-famous-fashion-model" smile he was so used to displaying, and the photographer ate it up. Was it really so difficult to tell the difference between a fake and a real smile? Really?
Then he thought of Marinette, his beautiful princess, and he felt the entire photoshoot take on a different light. Marinette was cheering for him even if she couldn't be there, she was looking forward to hearing from him later, he could get through this. He saw the photographer's content expression morph into one of surprise, then one of excitement.
"That's great, Adrien!" he called. "You look like you're in your element!"
"Nah," he whispered between shots. "I just have my Lady in mind."
An hour later, finally finished, Adrien politely thanked the staff before rushing to grab his phone. He dialed her number as fast as humanly possible and brought it to his ear.
"Hello?"
"Marinette!" Adrien said, happily. "It's so nice to talk to you."
He heard her giggle. "It's nice to hear from you, kitten. I've missed you."
"There's absolutely no way you've missed me half as much as I've missed you," Adrien stated, grinning. He wished he could hold her right then.
"Whatever you say, Adrien." she responded, laughing. "How did the shoot go?"
"Great, because I was thinking of you." he answered. He heard her splutter and could feel her blush through the phone. His grin widened. Point for Adrien!
"Th-Thanks! You've b-been on my mind too, kitty. Unfortunately, school has been too." He sighed.
"Agreed. I don't know if I'm ready to go back yet."
"And we can't escape Nino and Alya there! Avoiding texting them won't last forever."
Adrien gave a nervous laugh. "I forgot," he admitted sheepishly. "They're going to kill us, aren't they?"
"Probably." He heard her talk to someone for a second. "Hey Adrien, I gotta help my parents downstairs. I'll call you in a bit, are you doing anything?"
"Nope, free for the rest of the night."
"Great! I'll call you soon."
"Bye, Mari."
"Bye, Adrien!" She hung up, and Adrien pocketed his phone. Getting into the car, he thought of going back to school with a slight grimace. He'd always enjoyed it, since it was very different from homeschooling, but he could do without drama for a little while longer.
When he reached home, he opened the door to be greeted by Nathalie. "Your father requests your presence in his office," she told him.
Adrien nodded and walked up the stairs to his father. Opening the door, he walked in. "Father?" he asked.
"Good evening, Adrien. Was the photoshoot successful?"
"Yes, I believe so. The photographer expressed his contentment with the results," Adrien responded, matching his father's formal tone.
"Good, good. That isn't why I wanted to meet you, though. About that girl...what is her name? Ah, Marinette. Marinette Dupain-Cheng."
Adrien tried not to show his discomfort. "Yes, what about her?"
"Am I correct in the fact you are seeing her?"
Adrien couldn't hide his stiffness. "Um...yes, I suppose."
His father leaned his chin on his hands, examining Adrien. "I don't believe I have to explain the consequences that dating her could bring to your career and image, and how the press would be all over her?"
Adrien pursed her lips. "I understand, father." he replied, the same response he always had given. He had never talked back. But this time, he couldn't stop himself. "But Marinette doesn't care about my image, and she supports my career. I have strong feelings for her and I know she has feelings for me. She's not after money or fame, she's honest and considerate."
His father raised an eyebrow at that. "How can you be so sure? Isn't she an aspiring designer? How do you know she's not using you to get to me?"
"Because if she was, she would've showed it already. She won that competition of her own accord, not because of me. Her talent was recognized by you when she made that dress though she had no idea you would even be coming to that party. She has never asked for a single thing no matter how I choose to spoil her. She welcomed me into her family for Christmas, father. How many people have that kind of kindness?"
His father looked nothing short of amused. "Oh? You seem keen to defend her." His smile flashed distaste for a moment. "And I apologize for not being here for Christmas, I have been busy as you know."
"And I have never once blamed you for it. You are an incredible man, father, and I'm not sure how you do it." Adrien took a breath. "Yes, spending Christmas with you would be nice, but spending it with her family was wonderful. Marinette has shown me what it's like to fall in love." Adrien froze, realization of his words sinking in.
"Fall...in love." His father's eyes narrowed. "Young man, you are definitely not old enough to be in love."
"You would think so...yet here I am." Adrien wouldn't lie any longer. Not to his father, and not to himself. "I love her. I do. And I know you probably disapprove due to her social standing or whatever but I will continue to see her because I really, really love her."
His father was rendered speechless. Speechless. Adrien could burst into laughter just then. "Well, then." He sighed. "I suppose if I cannot stop you, I will not. My distaste for your relationship will not affect my decisions, still. I think I would like to offer her an internship during the summer."
"She would love that," Adrien admitted. He was proud of her, capturing his father's attention when he barely could. It used to upset him but really, having a sort of family in the Dupain-Chengs made up for it.
"Please do not inform her yet." His father brought his hands to his lap. "Alright, I suppose that's all. This conversation will not come up again unless I hear of any issues."
Adrien's heart soared. "Thank you, father." he breathed. He left the room, head held high.
Marinette was jolted awake with the sound of her alarm. She rushed out of bed, half asleep, getting ready and grabbing her bag for school.
"Wow, you're up fast!" Tikki cheered. "Good for you, Marinette."
"Yeah," she replied, bleary. "Thanks. Unfortunately, I have to pick up a delivery for someone before school, so I'm probably going to make it barely on time again."
"Aw. Well hey, if you hurry you never know!"
"Thanks, Tikki." Marinette smiled and kissed her kwami on the top of her head. She rushed downstairs, kissing her mother on the cheek before grabbing the box from her father and running outside.
She ran, to her irritation, in the opposite direction of her school. She carefully handled the box, reaching the client's house. The rang the doorbell and handed the box to the woman, before hurrying back to get to school. She checked her watch as she rushed through the front doors, noting she was about ten minutes early. She quickly went towards her classroom.
"Adriekins!" she heard from inside. It made her freeze in place, holding onto the wall a few feet away from the doorway.
"Hi, Chloe." Adrien's voice was tense and hard, making Marinette's heart twist.
"Where's Marinette? Got sick of her already?" Marinette wanted to cry, quite frankly. She couldn't deal with this first thing coming back to school, not mention having had that worry many times in the last few months.
"Chloe, you seriously need to stop. She doesn't deserve it."
"I'll take that as a yes then! Oh good, finally coming to your senses. So are you busy on Friday? Daddy has this world-famous chef coming by so you should come!"
"Chloe!" Marinette heard Adrien growl. "Enough! And yes, I do have plans. I'm going on a date. With my girlfriend. Marinette."
The gasps in the room masked the sound of Marinette's jaw dropping. "Excuse me?!" Chloe screamed, scandalized.
"Your girlfriend?!" Marinette heard Alya shout. Steeling her nerves, Marinette stepped inside. Chloe gave her the nastiest glare Marinette had ever seen, causing Adrien to turn around.
"Mari!" he said happily. "Excited for our date?" He gave her a look as if saying just go with it.
Marinette laughed nervously. "O-Of course! W-When will you t-tell me what it is?" She cursed herself for stuttering in front of everyone.
"You'll see!" he announced. He then quietly added, "Hope you don't mind the way I revealed it."
Marinette gave him a look. "A little late now isn't it?"
Their teacher walked in right then, so everyone hurried to their seats. Marinette had to ignore the pointed stares Alya directed at her.
A few minutes into class, as the teacher was talking, Alya passed her a note. Marinette quickly glanced at it. What is going on between you and Adrien?! You're dating?! Why didn't you tell me?! Why have you two been avoiding Nino's and my calls and texts?!
Marinette muffled a sigh between her lips. Talk later, listening to lesson, she quickly wrote back. She heard Alya whisper "Unbelievable!" under her breath.
When class broke for lunch, Marinette was the first out of her seat, not willing to deal with anyone right now. She heard someone following her, and glanced over her shoulder to find Alya.
"You guys are dating and you didn't tell me?!" she shouted. "Marinette! This isn't something small, this is huge! I thought we were best friends!"
"And we are, and I love you." Marinette responded immediately. "I didn't know how to bring it up, honestly. Things happened really quickly and I'm still kinda in shock, not to mention that I wasn't sure what Adrien really thinks yet because we've only been dating for a week or so now. It has absolutely nothing to do with you, just me being nervous."
"Okay." Alya sighed. "Okay, I understand." She hugged Marientte. "Girl, what is going on?"
Marinette chuckled nervously. "I think it's called growing up..."
They laughed together, Marinette still slightly tense. They were joined by Adrien and Nino, Adrien rather red-faced. "Help me," the model begged.
Alya gave him a weird look. "What did Nino say?"
Nino, meanwhile, seemed to be having the time of his life. Shrugging, he said, "Ah, nothing really," His eyes glinted. "Just reminding him to make safe decisions with Marinette and not do anything rash."
Alya snickered and Marinette became completely red. "N-Nino!" she squeaked. "We aren't like that!" Adrien groaned, hiding his face behind his hand. "A-Anyway, enough about u-us, what's going on with you two?"
"What do you mean?" Alya questioned.
Adrien and Marinette smirked at each other. "Oh, is that how it is?" Adrien chortled. "Don't give me that, you were talking the entire break, weren't you?"
They both flushed. "Well who's fault was that?!" Nino retorted. "We wanted to know what was going on between you two!"
"Lame excuse," Marinette told him in a sing-song voice.
"Enough teasing." Alya declared. "For all of us, okay? Let's go get lunch."
"Let's go together!" Marinette said cheerily. Adrien took her hand, almost instinctually, and Marinette just smiled at him.
Alya and Nino glanced at each other. "And that is going to take time to get used to." Nino stated. Alya nodded in agreement.
They walked out, Alya and Marinette deciding which café to go to. Marinette glanced in front and froze.
Chloe stood in front of the door, glaring at the four of them. Her eyes narrowed into slits, her face contorted and she growled. "It's one thing to defend her inadequacy, Adrien. It's another to declare you're dating." Her voice was venomous and laced with disapproval.
"Chloe, hold on-" Marinette started.
"Marinette is anything but inadequate." Adrien interrupted. "Why are you so determined otherwise? What are you basing your assumptions off of?"
"She is inadequate. You are Adrien Agreste, a famous name all over. You are expected to associate with only the highest class at all times, which Marinette doesn't quite fit."
"How dare you-" Alya exclaimed.
"Chloe this is unnecessary-" Marinette tried to say.
"Regardless of your beliefs, Chloe, I don't see what this has to do with our dating." Adrien interrupted again.
"It has everything to do with you dating her! She will be overcome by press. You both will fall under pressure to fill in your roles and she will get a lot of hate. Girls will issue death threats and point out her flaws to the world." Chloe crossed her arms. "She is not ready to deal with that. If you want a relationship with her, your career will go down the drain, you both will need therapy and you'll lose everything."
Marinette stared. She hadn't quite considered all of this, yet at the same time, was surprised Chloe wasn't just bullying her. Chloe was actually being serious about it, backing up her arguments and explaining what she thought.
"I know you're just looking out for me," Adrien walked to her and put a gentle hand on her shoulder. "We're friends, after all. But I promise I won't let anything happen to her, or anyone else. I will do anything I can. I care about her, Chloe. That's why I'm willing to do this."
Something in Chloe softened, as if she was giving up the argument. "Fine," Chloe stated, shrugging. "If you're so damn willing to pursue something that will bring you pain, fine." She turned sharply, with a glance over her shoulder. "But I won't stop pursuing you, either. Don't expect any help from me." She stormed away without a second glance.
"That was out of character," Nino remarked. "Is Chloe maturing?"
"No, just showing who she really is. She has trouble expressing herself." Adrien turned back around with a sad smile. "We are friends, I just don't see her as more."
Marinette bit her lip. "She's not wrong," she admitted, quietly. "Chloe could be right. I don't want to ruin your career."
Adrien shook his head. "Don't even think about it, you're perfect as you are. Don't worry." he told her gently. Marinette blushed, looking at the floor. She glanced up at Alya, whose jaw was dropped.
"Alya, are you okay?"
Alya shook her head. "No way that just happened. Not after everything."
Marinette giggled. "It did," She pinched her friend.
"Ouch! That was unnecessary!"
They walked out together, Marinette still stiff. Adrien gave her a worried look. "Are you okay?" he asked.
"I'll tell you later," she whispered so only he could hear. Alya and Nino were talking about class together, walking slightly ahead. Marinette assumed Alya was doing it to leave Marinette and Adrien alone, but still knew Alya was enjoying the time with Nino.
They reached the café and and got a table. Alya kept complaining about the lack of akuma attacks (amusing Marinette and Adrien to no end) while Nino kept telling her akuma attacks shouldn't be seen as a good thing.
After ordering, they discussed the upcoming Physics project. "Physics is my worst subject," Marinette complained. "It just doesn't work for me."
"Whereas it's pretty much my best subject," Adrien chuckled.
"Opposites attract!" Alya laughed. The couple stared at each other, realizing how accurate of a depiction the statement was of their relationship.
"I swear to god if we get assigned partners I'm dead," Nino declared.
"Why?" Marinette questioned.
"I was lucky to get Adrien last time, that means this time I'll probably end up with Chloe or Kim." Nino whined.
Alya snickered. "Well Kim would probably coerce Max into doing it and Chloe will command Sabrina to do it, so it could be worse."
They laughed together. After eating (and arguing about who would pay the bill), Marinette checked the time. "We still have half an hour," she commented.
"I'm going to run to the bathroom," Alya stated, getting up. Then, Nino's phone rang. He groaned.
"Is everything okay?" Marinette asked.
"It's your mom, isn't it." Adrien grinned.
Nino nodded. "I gotta take it, I'll be right back." As he left, Adrien turned to her.
"So, what was it?" he asked. Marinette tilted her head in confusion. "After what happened with Chloe, you said you'd tell me later."
"Oh," she nodded. "Um...Alya confronted me about not telling her about us dating, which she had every right to do. She questioned our friendship, after all, it was kind of a big secret to keep...but...what if I have to tell her I'm Ladybug someday?" Marinette sighed. "I can only imagine how betrayed she'd feel."
Adrien smiled sadly. "I know," he told her. "I don't know what to say, I'm sorry. But you'll get through it if it comes to that. You care about each other."
Marinette nodded again. "Thanks," she whispered. Nino came back first, Alya followed not too long after.
"We should get back," Alya noted. They all got up and walked back to school.
After the rest of the day of classes, Marinette yawned. "I'm so tired," she murmured.
Alya raised an eyebrow. "Why are you so tired?" she asked.
Well Marinette wasn't planning to tell her about patrol... "Oh...just slept late."
"I told you, I got Kim!" Nino complained to the three of them. Marinette giggled.
"Yet I got Chloe," Adrien reminded him.
Marinette shrugged. "Alya and I are partners again, so too bad." The boys moaned in response, the girls laughing at their dejected faces.
Marinette and Alya's walk was short, planning to work on the project together. Adrien had been picked up, and Nino had walked home too.
"So which scientist are we doing anyway?" Marinette asked Alya as they entered her house.
Alya laughed. "You gotta listen in class, girl."
Marinette pouted. "I do..." she whined.
After hours of working, Alya had to go home. "At least we're almost done," she noted.
Marinette nodded. "We only have to do the write up, right? We can work on it tomorrow if you want."
Alya grinned. "Sounds good. See you tomorrow!" She left, and Marinette returned to her room to finish up the rest of her homework.
"Is Alya gone?"
Marinette shrieked and fell out of her chair. "Oh my...Kitty, you scared me!" She sighed, putting a hand on her chest. She glared up at him. "How did you get in?"
"From the roof," he answered half-heartedly, walking over to her. Marinette sighed again. He offered her a hand and helped her up.
"Marinette, are you okay?"
"Yes mama! Sorry!" she called quickly. "My mom can't know you're here," she whispered to him.
"I know," he whispered back. "I just wanted to see you."
Marinette smiled and hugged him. "I'm glad you came," she told him. She pulled away, worriedly. "Aren't you tired? You had a photoshoot and piano already, not to mention homework."
Chat raised an eyebrow. "And how did you know about my piano lesson?"
Marinette gave him a mischievous grin. "I know everything."
He nodded. "I did, but I still wanted to see you. I've been doing it as Chat too, remember?"
Marinette thought about it. "That's true." she realized. "How are you not exhausted?"
"It's worth it to see you," he responded immediately. Marinette pressed her lips to his gently.
"Why don't you sit on my bed?" Marinette suggested. "I'll bring my stuff over." He complied, sitting down and leaning against her wall. Marinette grabbed her tablet and materials and sat next to him. He released his transformation.
"How is your project going?" he asked her.
"Pretty well, Alya and I are almost done. How about you?"
"Chloe stated she had no intention of working on it, but she offered to send Sabrina. I told her it was okay." Adrien gave her an exasperated smile.
"I'm surprised she's not jumping at the chance to work with you," Marinette sheepishly chuckled. "She's still mad about this morning?"
He nodded. "We'll work it out," he reasoned.
Marinette nodded, leaning her head against his shoulder. "Everything happens so fast, huh?"
Adrien leaned his head against hers. "It really does," he agreed. Plagg left Adrien's shoulder.
"I will not interfere if I can have some cheese afterwards." Plagg declared. Tikki, who had been asleep on Marinette's pillow, stirred.
"When did Adrien get here?" she asked, blearily.
"Just now," Plagg answered. "I'm going to sleep too."
Marinette giggled at the two kwamis. Tikki had been extremely sleepy for the past few weeks with the lack of akuma attacks and the January cold, and had been sleeping all afternoon. She figured Plagg was just lazy.
Adrien, it seemed, was tired too. "You shouldn't overexert yourself," Marinette told him. You've been busy for the last week, more than usual." He hummed, wrapping his arm around her waist. Marinette continued to work, trying to finish whatever she could. "Did you finish your homework?"
"Yeah, between photoshoots and piano," he responded, drowsy. "Except physics. I'll finish that tomorrow."
"Okay," she replied, biting her lip.
About half an hour later, Marinette had finally finished everything. She stretched, reaching her hands outwards. She then realized that Adrien had fallen asleep, leaning against her head. She giggled, noting she was the only one still awake.
"Sleep tight, kitty," she whispered, closing her eyes. Comfortable, she felt her limbs get heavier and her breathing slowed.
Dosing off, she was roused a good hour later. Marinette stirred as Adrien shifted.
"Sorry for falling asleep," he whispered. Marinette smiled.
"Don't be," she responded. "Let me get Plagg some cheese."
He nodded, slowly stretching. "I have to get to another photoshoot in about an hour," he admitted.
Marinette's eyes widened. "In the middle of the night?" she asked, worriedly.
He grimaced. "Yeah, last one for a little while though. It's probably good I got a little sleep beforehand."
"I'm so sorry," Marinette sighed. "I'll go get Plagg's cheese."
She hurried down the stairs, bringing back a little plate as she ran back up. "Here," she handed the plate to Adrien. Plagg shot up and scarfed down the cheese on the plate. Adrien rolled his eyes before picking up a macaroon off the plate.
"Thanks," he smiled gently. "These are the best."
Marinette nodded, grinning. "You can use all the energy you can get," she added.
He kissed her gently before transforming. "See you tomorrow, my Lady."
"See you tomorrow, Adrien." He hopped out of the window. Marinette yawned, getting ready for bed. She fell asleep quickly.
Adrien was roused by his alarm, body heavy. He groaned as got up, rubbing his eyes. He got ready for school on autopilot. He walked slowly downstairs and took a few bites of breakfast, not feeling hungry. Walking outside, he got into the car and leaned against the window. He had almost fallen asleep again when the car reached his school.
He walked out of his car and shouldered his bag, yawning. Clumsily hurrying inside, he went to his locker and towards class. When he stepped through the door, he saw Marinette standing by Alya. She turned, smiling at him.
"Good morning, Adrien." she greeted, walking towards him. He smiled weakly, dizzy from standing for too long. Her face contorted in worry. "Are you okay?"
"Yeah," he responded, his voice seeming to get farther away. "I'm...fine. Tired from last night...last week..." His vision started to blur.
Marinette suddenly reached for his shoulders as his knees shook. "Adrien!" Her voice echoed in his ears. He stared at her beautiful face, covered in shock.
"Princess..." he whispered, his vision getting dark.
"Adrien!"
*runs away* No regrets!
~Phantom-chan
