Author's Note:
I do not own any of these characters.
Marinette was frazzled. Not only did she have school and being a super heroine, she now was working through the production and marketing pieces of her clothing line. And this new addition to her schedule meant she got to see Adrien nearly all day, every day. Unfortunately, it wasn't for dating, unless you consider doing homework or grabbing takeout between school and business meetings a date. Marinette certainly did not consider those activities a date.
Adrien had picked up the ring a few months before, but hadn't found a good time to pop the question. He wanted to do it on a romantic date, but they didn't really have time for romantic dates any more. She was so busy working on just a few pieces of this one clothing line, that he was starting to believe his father really was so busy that he needed to schedule time to even have dinner with his own son.
Adrien was starting to get desperate and considered actually asking her between math and physics homework while doing homework together in his room. However, he stopped himself, still wanting it to be a special occasion. "So... uh... we've been amazingly busy lately," Adrien started. "I kind of miss being able to go out on a real date..."
"Me too, kitty," Marinette interrupted. "I feel really bad about not having time. But, I don't really have a choice. When your father negotiated for the clothing line, I didn't realize how much of a time commitment it'd actually be."
Adrien rubbed the back of his neck. "Yeah... me neither." He frowned a little. "It just doesn't feel like we're able to have any us time though."
"Adrien!" Marinette pleaded. "Let's not fight about this. I miss you too... and we spend nearly every second together."
Adrien was shocked. He didn't think they were fighting about it. He had just wanted to try to get her to consider going on an actual date. "No..." Adrien started, hoping to explain that he didn't think it was a fight.
"No?" Marinette interrupted in a huff. "No what? No you don't miss me? No you don't want to spend so much time together? No what?"
Adrien just blinked. If they weren't fighting before, they certainly were now. He was beside himself trying to figure out how he had managed to pick a fight instead of getting her to go on a date. Marinette just glared at him and he was afraid to say something else as it might only make her angrier. Unfortunately for him, not saying something made her just as angry as saying something. Marinette got up and stormed out. Adrien was still blinking when he heard the sound of the car drive away.
"P-Plagg?" Adrien asked hesitantly. "What just happened?"
"You pissed off your girlfriend," Plagg answered as he flew off to find some more camembert. He knew he was going to need more energy if he was going to help Adrien figure out where he had gone wrong.
After downing a few wedges of camembert, Plagg flew back to Adrien and they went over the conversation in detail, trying to figure out what Adrien could have said differently. Much to their dismay, both of them were stumped.
"Tikki?" Marinette whined. "Why did I do that? What caused me to blow up at Adrien for no good reason. He wasn't even being argumentative."
"It was probably just the stress," Tikki offered. "You have been working a lot lately and I'm sure you haven't gotten enough sleep."
"Maybe..." Marinette said, trying to figure herself out. "Maybe that, or maybe... I'm worried?"
"Worried?" Tikki asked. "About the clothing line? Or, about school? Or, about your relationship with Adrien?"
"Well, I am worried about all three of those," Marinette confessed. "But, it might've been worrying about our relationship that made me go off on him. I... I just feel like we're not really a couple right now. That we're more like coworkers."
"Perhaps he feels the same," Tikki suggested. "Maybe he was hoping to do something special with you?"
Marinette's eyes widened as every nightmare she'd ever had about her relationship with Adrien played concurrently in her head. "Or maybe... he's wanting to break up with me because he doesn't feel the same anymore? Maybe he's decided I'm not worth all the effort. Maybe..."
"Marinette!" Tikki scolded, knowing it was the only way to break her out of her current train of thought. "Don't entertain such things. They're just not true!"
Marinette stared at Tikki for a minute or two and then fell over on her side in the fetal position and just started sobbing. "I've ruined everything. I'm sure he hates me now for running off like that. I'm going to grow old and die alone..."
Tikki just shook her head and whispered "Oh Marinette" to herself. She was mentally gone now and no amount of yelling at her was going to bring her back. Tikki just tried to settle in for the night, throwing the occasional tissue in Marinette's direction to let her dry her eyes.
Three days had passed as the school had a long weekend and Adrien had not attended the business meetings (opting to give Marinette the space he thought she needed). He wasn't required at them, but had been attending to give Marinette support and to spend time with her. Even Hawk Moth seemed to have taken the weekend off. However, it was now a school day and he couldn't give her any more space without seeing him.
Adrien walked into the classroom to see Marinette already in class. They both looked rough... well rougher than they had been looking the week before... and it was apparent neither of them had gotten much sleep. "H-Hi... Marinette."
"Hello, Adrien," Marinette replied as properly as she could. "I... I'd like to apologize for my outburst. I think it was the stress."
"T-Thank you. I wasn't sure... so I gave you some space in case you needed it." Adrien rubbed the back of his neck. "I... I hope it was the right thing to do?"
"No... no it wasn't," Marinette informed him. Adrien's head dropped. "I could have used you at some of those business meetings," she said coldly.
Adrien sensed the coldest in her voice. It reminded him of his father. That was the last thing he needed. "I-I'm sorry," he replied and then took his seat.
The rest of the school week was eerie. It was like living through a nightmare in slow motion. Adrien honestly couldn't remember a single lecture. Marinette had hurt him in a way he had no idea how to even begin to explain to her. He wanted to talk it out, but just couldn't find the words. He saw her at school. He saw her at the business meetings. But, he probably didn't say one word to her... not that he'd remember it if he had. Even during the two akuma attacks that week, there was no conversation... just Ladybug telling Cat Noir what she needed him to do.
Marinette was certain she had hurt him, but couldn't figure out how. She just knew that he shut down that morning and was acting more like a robot than Adrien. She hadn't meant to mouth off, but she was hurt by him not showing up and trying to see her that previous weekend. But... seeing him this week was far worse than him not being there. She might've been worried she had created a problem when she stormed out that night, but now she knew she had created a problem. She just didn't know how to fix it. Could this be it? Could this be the end? If so, she knew it was all her fault.
"Alya..." Marinette started as they were sitting in the lunch room, staring at the boys across the room. Well, staring at Nino, who was staring at Adrien, who was quietly eating lunch without a single expression on his face. "I think I broke Adrien."
"Yeah..." Alya nodded. "I think you did."
Marinette just sniffled and glared at Alya. "You're supposed to be on my side," she huffed.
"Relax girl... I am on your side." Alya started. "We've just got to figure out how to fix him."
"To do that, I have to figure out how I broke him," Marinette whimpered. "I remember I was upset with him not showing up all weekend. He said he was trying to give me some space and asked if it was the right thing to do. I told him it wasn't and that I could've used him at the business meetings."
"Just the business meetings?" Alya asked. "And... not for anything else?"
Marinette buried her face in her hands. "Did I really do that?" Marinette whined "Did I really imply I only wanted him around for the one thing that's been coming between us?"
"Apparently..." Alya said, shaking her head at Marinette. "Girl, you really need a break."
Adrien was staring blankly at his computer when he heard a knock on his door. It opened and Nathalie stepped inside. "Adrien, you have a visitor." He turned around to see Nathalie step aside and Marinette was standing there. Nathalie turned around and walked out, closing the door behind her. Marinette stood there, staring at the floor.
Adrien stood up and walked over to Marinette. He stopped in front of her and held his hands behind his back. "How may I help you?"
Marinette dropped to her knees and Adrien could see the floor under her catching her tears. "I-I'm sorry I made you think I only wanted you around for the business meetings," Marinette stammered. Adrien continued to stand there, unsure of what to do. Marinette continued, "I was just upset that you stayed away. I didn't need space... I needed you... I still need you."
Adrien dropped down to his knees and held onto Marinette, his own tears dampening her hair. He just held her for a while. Once her crying settled down, he looked at her and wiped the tears from her cheeks. "What you said didn't hurt nearly as much as how you said it," he started explaining. "You were so cold in your reply, it felt like I was talking to my father." Marinette's eyes widened at his explanation. She certainly didn't want to remind him of his father. Another round of crying took over her and he held her for several more minutes.
"I-I'm so sorry," Marinette whispered. "I never wanted to make you feel the way your father makes you feel. I hate the fact that we don't get any us time anymore."
"T-That's all I was trying to get us to do that day. But, you were just so stressed with everything that you thought I was complaining," Adrien admitted. "So, I thought if you had a little personal time, that you might feel better. Then..." Adrien just left that last word hanging out there in space, not knowing how to put his feelings into words. He finally added, "I-I thought I had broken you."
Marinette sniffled and laughed a little at the same time, "I thought I had broken you..."
"You did," he whispered. Marinette stiffened at his words. "But... not beyond repair," Adrien continued. "As long as I have you... I know you can fix me... even if you are the one who broke me."
Marinette inhaled sharply at his words. She could fix him. She could make things right. She... stretched up, into his arms and kissed him deeply. It was like connecting two ends of a live wire and the energy flowed between them. The more she kissed him, the more he kissed her back until they were back in sync with each other. Once they broke the kiss, she saw the one thing she needed to see the most, Adrien's smile and the brightness shining in his eyes.
They both laughed nervously. "I... uh... I guess next time you get stressed and run off, I should at least text you and ask if you need space?" Adrien asked.
"I thought you knew me well enough to know when I needed space or not?" Marinette half-asked, half-pondered.
"N-Not really," came Adrien's reply. "It's not like we fight enough for me to pick up a pattern. Besides, every time I think I'm starting to figure things out, it seems like you change the rules on me. It's really difficult to know when you need space and when you need me to be there."
"Oh... well, then. I never realized I was that complicated," Marinette whispered.
"We all are," Adrien assured her.
Marinette nodded. "Then I'll try to remember to text you and let you know to come over if you forget to text and ask."
Adrien smiled brightly, "Anytime... day or night."
Adrien figured it wouldn't be a good idea to propose too quickly after their last fight. He didn't want her to think it was because of the fight. So, a month or so later, on their weekly date night they had decided to set up after the last fiasco, he figured it was the perfect time. He planned for a nice, quiet dinner, and then a walk along the Seine, where he'd pop the question.
Dinner was pleasant. They had picked a small, out of way restaurant. It was so small and out of the way, that they didn't have their picture taken once. That certainly made for a delightful change from when they would normally go out. They were both dressed up given the occasion and restaurant selection. It almost reminded them of their first date, but much less formal and proper.
Their laughter filled the air as they talked about the goings on at school and work. It was very cozy and comfortable. The food was delicious and the dessert was decadent. Adrien helped her up as they walked out the door and proceeded to the banks of the Seine.
Marinette held Adrien's hand as they walked. She leaned in against him and felt his warmth. He seemed a little nervous and his hands were sweaty, but she figured it might've been the dress she was wearing. Alya had told her it was very sexy while she was over helping Marinette get dressed.
They stopped along the river admiring the view of the Eiffel Tower. Marinette was used to seeing it, but on nights like this, there was just something extra romantic about it. She felt Adrien slip his hand away and he slid behind her, wrapping her tightly in his embrace before kissing her neck. She felt his warmth and then oddly, felt him take a step back, freeing her from his arms.
She turned around to see what was going on, only to find Adrien down on one knee and holding a small jewelry case. Marinette's hands flew up to her face and she inhaled loudly. Tears started forming in her eyes before Adrien even had a chance to say anything.
"Marinette Dupain-Cheng, the love of my life and my partner in every way, will you marry me?" Adrien asked, opening the box to reveal a ring with two large diamonds shaped like a yin-yang symbol, encircled with staggered rubies and onyxes on a gold band. One diamond had a ruby for its eye and the other diamond had an onyx for its eye to complete the yin-yang symbol. The large diamonds were intact, meaning they had to be shaped and had to be laser drilled all the way through to create the envisioned masterpiece.
Marinette hopped up and down excitedly, almost forgetting to reply, "YES! YES! YES! A million times, YES!" She held out her left hand and Adrien slipped the ring onto her finger and then kissed her hand. He hadn't been back on his feet for more than 2 milliseconds before being tackled by a very happy bluenette and kissed senseless.
Upon arriving back at the bakery, Marinette was surprised by Alya, Nino, Tom, Sabine, Gabriel, Nathalie, and even the Gorilla. She slapped Adrien on the arm lightly and smirked. "What?" he said with a smirk, "All I told them is that we'd be having a small, private party after our date... and not to tell you."
Marinette looked at the crowd, trying to see if anyone was going to blow up Adrien's explanation and confirm they knew it was an engagement party. No one flinched. So, she raised her hand showing off her engagement ring. Everyone jumped a little and smiled brightly. A line formed for people to admire the ring and give their congratulations.
Alya hit Adrien on the arm and said, "It's about time."
Nino couldn't say anything other than "Dude!" and smile widely. At least, until Alya held up her naked finger and pointed to it with a wink. Then, he was totally quiet... and a bit pale.
Tom and Sabine gave large hugs and smiled brightly. The Gorilla even smiled at the two and shook their hands.
Gabriel and Nathalie congratulated the teens and studied the ring. "Excellent design, Marinette," Gabriel offered.
"Oh, no," she correct him, "I just saw it tonight for the first time. I didn't even know Adrien had gotten a ring."
Gabriel turned back to his son and smiled, "Well done." He hugged Adrien and Marinette, a little awkwardly, but genuinely.
The rest of the party was nice. Tom and Sabine had baked a cake, and given it a nice, albeit generic, decoration with no words on it. So, they quickly wrote "Congratulations" on it before bringing it out. Marinette looked at them suspiciously until they allayed her fears and told her they had just written in the inscription. She looked closely at the icing and noticed it was still settling a little, which satisfied her... for now. She still thought someone knew before her, and was planning on holding it over Adrien's head once she had confirmation.
"So, when's the date?" Alya yelled out after the cake was cut. Marinette and Adrien just looked at each other and back to Alya.
"It'll be after my next birthday," Marinette advised. "That's all I know for sure." Alya nodded. It made sense considering her next birthday was when she turned 18.
Everyone had a good time and left slowly. Adrien, Marinette, and her parents were the only ones left and cleaned up after the party. Tom and Sabine said their good nights, leaving Adrien and Marinette alone.
Marinette slapped Adrien's chest lightly, "I still know you had to have told someone before me." Adrien pulled her close and started swaying as if they were dancing slowly to music that wasn't playing.
Adrien nodded slightly, "You're right. Someone did know I was going to get engaged before you did. I had to get the ring made after all. But, I never gave him your name and he never asked."
Marinette's eyes shined and then took on a mischievous look. "Tikki! Plagg!" The two kwamis appeared and stared at the couple. "You two have been awfully quiet. Did you know before me?"
"I just want to say congratulations," Plagg said and then flew off.
"Congratulations!" Tikki said brightly. "But, you have to remember that Plagg and I are always with you, so it's really hard to keep stuff from us. If I wasn't a supernatural kwami, I wouldn't have known as neither Plagg nor Adrien said anything to me. That being said, yes I knew before you. I know lots of things." Tikki winked and then flew off to find Plagg.
Marinette just buried her head in Adrien's chest. She figured she couldn't be mad at Tikki since she was obviously psychic after that little bit of a confession. She figured she couldn't be mad at Plagg since he would certainly have been there when Adrien was designing and buying the ring. So, she opted to just hold up her hand over Adrien's shoulder so she could study it without letting go.
"Satisfied?" Adrien asked.
Marinette just nodded and snuggled his chest again. He leaned down and kissed her softly. "So... uh... I guess Alya had a point. We need to set a date," Marinette whispered.
"I was thinking, the 5 year anniversary of our first battle. It's not long after your birthday and would always remind us about our superhero lives, even after we defeat Hawk Moth."
"Sounds purrfect," Marinette teased, causing Adrien to blush. He just leaned down and kissed her softly again. Marinette's eyes grew wide and she almost yelled, "That's less than a year away!"
Marinette broke away from Adrien's embrace and started running for her room mumbling about all the stuff that needed to be done.
Author's Note:
Kissing someone into not being broken anymore rarely works. But, I was at a loss for a better solution for this story. So, it is what it is.
In real life, this is a much more delicate situation that sometimes requires professional assistance to get past. Deep seated triggers and personal issues can be very damaging to relationships and can be very difficult to overcome. If you find yourself in this situation, and the other party is willing, never be ashamed to get help.