Author's Note:
I do not own any of these characters.
"The hotel is on the way to my room. Let's get the match book first. Besides, Nathalie should be heading home in about 20 minutes. We might actually be able to sneak into the mansion and use the swimming pool there if we don't bump into her." Adrien smiled at Marinette as they left the bakery and he held the door open for her.
"I'm following your lead on this." Marinette smiled as she walked out the door.
They headed over to the hotel and was spotted by Chloe. "Adrikins!"
Adrien cringed as Chloe flung herself on him. Marinette gave him a look of pity and mouthed I'm going inside to get the match book. Adrien nodded, knowing it'd probably be best to keep Marinette and Chloe separate.
"Hello, Chloe. What brings you outside tonight?"
"Oh... I was just getting my nails done." She held her hands up in front of Adrien's nose. "Don't they just look perfect!"
"Uh... yeah." Adrien spotted Marinette sneaking out of the hotel and waving the match book.
"So... come on up and we'll hang out!"
"Sorry, Chloe. But I'm already spending the night at Nino's tonight and I have to head over there."
"Oh... Well... I guess you need your guy-time. See you Monday!"
"See you Monday Chloe. Have a good weekend."
Chloe disappeared into the hotel and Adrien walked over to Marinette. "Sorry about that." He rubbed the back of his neck nervously.
"It's okay. I know she's your friend. I just wish... she'd respect your personal space."
"Chloe just doesn't have a lot of friends. It skews her perspective of boundaries."
Marinette felt a small twinge of sympathy, but followed Adrien down the street. They walked towards Adrien's mansion and noticed a party supply store. Marinette pointed it out. "I bet we can find something that makes a distinct sound in there."
Adrien smiled and they walked down to the store together. As they walked down the aisles, looking for some type of noise maker, Marinette nudged Adrien's shoulder. He looked up and she glanced between him and something further down the aisle. Adrien turned around and saw his bodyguard headed towards the check-out. Adrien quickly turned around and hurried Marinette to the far end of the aisle. "I-I think it's just a coincidence. But, let's wait for him to leave to make sure he doesn't see us."
Marinette nodded. She looked over and happened to notice a rattler. She picked it up and handed it to Adrien, who just took it while still watching the check-out. After his bodyguard exited the store, he finally looked down and then smiled brightly at Marinette. "That was lucky."
After paying for the rattler, they poked their heads out of the store and looked both ways to make sure Adrien's bodyguard was not lurking around. Hesitantly, the made their way down the street.
As they got closer to the mansion, Marinette asked, "Here first, or the feather?"
To go inside, jump to Chapter 11: "Back to Adrien's"
To get the feather first, jump to Chapter 12: "I found a Feather"