The next day Marinette woke up, her phone was blowing up with text messages. Most of them were from the classroom group chat and others were from Adrien.
Tikki floated by Marinette as she unlocked her phone and skipped the group messages. Looking at the texts from Adrien it said:
[ Nino texted me back last night. He said he forgives me, and just needs some time to think...I told him I understand. Don't know if Alya texted you back.]
[Anyway I'll be over at your place at 8:30 so we can walk together. I'll be downstairs.]
[And if we got time...we really need to talk about what we're going to be wearing for the ball...as us and... LB and CN.]
~ chat⌀n
Marinette checked the time and saw it was 8:10. She jumped up with Tikki floating over her, watching her sprint to the bathroom and quickly shower.
Stomping out the bathroom about five minutes later, she scrambled into her red jeans and pastel pink sweater with a polka-dot print on the pocket in the front. Tugging her boots and jacket over her sweater, she swiped up her bag and phone and headed downstairs.
Sitting at the counter, Adrien sipped on a chai latte reading from his tablet. Sitting across Sabine was reading the paper.
"So Adrien, you're living on your own now?" Tom asked, leaning against the wall.
"U-Uhm y-yeah?" Adrien stared at Tom, astonished of how he knew. "But, how?"
"I saw you walking the opposite way when I was heading out one evening. Realized you lvie down the street. It's not a coincidence since I don't see you getting drove around in a car or even your bodyguard." Tom said. Then he crossed his arms, "I was just concerned if you were ok..."
"I'm fine sir. I moved out on my own. Doing just fine and I've been rooming with my classmate Nathanael. Been a real help."
Sabine listened, watching the two men, "Well, if anything, we're here if you need to talk to us Adrien...our home is always welcome to you anytime you feel like it's too late to walk back. It's dangerous at night..."
"Thank you both. I deeply appreciate it." As he heard the latch from upstairs open. He watched his girlfriend hop down and reached for a bagel and a cup of tea.
"Rrwdy?" She said with her mouth full. Adrien chuckled, patting her cheeks softly.
"Yeah, thanks a lot Mr. and Mrs..." Adrien began.
"Call us by our first names Adrien. You're like family...almost." Tom winked.
"PAPA!" Marinette whined as she pushed Adrien out the door. "C'mon before we're late."
At school, Adrien and Marinette were given occasional glances by a couple of their classmates. They swallowed as they continued to head towards the bleachers.
And then Alya stopped in front of them, her head down and hand clenched in fists. Marinette stood back in surprise as Adrien stared. He looked over to Nino, who stood close behind, nodding at him.
"Even after everything, I forgive you...because I knew you before you were...her." Alya stared up at Marinette, "You seriously owe me."
Marinette slowly smiled as she embraced ALya in a tight hug, "Im so sorry...I'm sorry and sorry and I'll do anything to make up for it."
Alya blushed, "No more secrets." As they closed their hug with their secret handshake. Giggling and hugging, they wrapped their arms around each other and headed off to class. Nino sheepishly walked up to Adrien.
"Me and Alya talked it out last night...we can't stay mad. You guys are our friends, and wouldn't do anything to betray us without a reason..." Nino said. "Still though, that's so cool."
Adrien chuckled, "Nothing is cooler than having our best friends back." As they fist bumped and headed to class.
In their history lesson, the class awaited another sub, but surprisingly, their old teacher on a crutch entered with a binder.
"Mr. Reeves!" The class hushed into mutters and whispers. Marinette watched as Adrien studied the man. Since the incident, he honestly looked a lot better. But maybe a few more weeks he would be his old self.
Shortly after, Chloe walked in and took her seat, unusually by Felix, where Sabrina was located by Nathanael. Alya gasped as Chloe ran a hand through her shorter hair that was now a bob almost like Sabrina's, ignoring her classmates as she took out her tablet.
"Chloe, haircut. The teacher is back and Adrien's brother pop up out of nowhere. And then you two. This is weird." Alya said.
"Maybe things are looking up...who knows." Marinette said.
"Good morning class. It's been a while since I saw you. Regardless of the incident, your sub noted me on your behaviour and work ethic. So I am impressed. Now, as you can see I'm still recovering and I decided that with winter break coming soon I decide to be a bit light." Mr. Reeves said. "I decided this week we'll be watching two movies this week and you will write a short research paper due the day we get back from the break."
The class cheered and clapped at the light work over the break, knowing they had work to do for their secondary studying, internships, and other careers after they graduated.
So when the movie played, the boys Nino and Adrien moved closer to sit by their girlfriends to see the movie at a better angle. Turning his head, he saw Felix and Chloe socializing which was weird.
"You see that?" Nino whispered to Adrien.
"That's weird. Chloe never talked to my brother...something's up." As he watched her put a hand on his shoulder and stare at each other.
Marinette followed her boyfriend's glance where she spotted Felix quickly stealing a glance at her, giving her odd chills.
After a few more classes, Marinette was left to meet Adrien after school due to their core-studies in different fields. Watching her friend's part ways she was fine heading to class until she heard a cold voice call out:
"Marinette is it?" They asked. Slowly turning, Marinette looked up and met the dark eyes of Felix Agreste. His eyes would've been a pretty blue, but with occasional sparks of purple that were quite unnatural, he looked like he was out for a target. His jaw was clenched as his lips were pursed. Felix wasn't ugly, but his appearance before her was menacing like a middle-aged businessman stuck in a teenage body.
"Yes? You're Felix?" Marinette asked, keeping posted and ready to bolt.
His eyes soften, often shifting and almost shaking. He was staring too long, searching for something...then he shook his head in disgust.
"I wanted to quickly talk to you about something. It's about my father's holiday party." Felix said.
"I know about it. I'm going to be working over the break planning and organizing designs. Is there a problem?" Marinette spoke with a strict tone, no sign of weakness or remorse. Adrien's advice constantly told her he was dangerous and evil. She trusted him.
"Did he tell you he wanted us to work together? For his own reasons, but he want us to work collaboratively for the party, so I'll be helping over the break." He spoke to her with less force, and almost...gentle.
Marinette then raised a brow, "Mr. Agreste wants us to work together? Honestly...I would be okay on my own."
Felix wasn't going to give up, "We don't have to meet everyday, just two or three for a few hours. He wants everything to go smooth."
Marinette hummed, "I was hoping he trust my judgement..."
"He will, it's just that it's very important and don't want anything to go wrong. Trust me, it will be easier if you just agree to this if you don't want to face my father's-" Felix said.
Marinette groaned, knowing Adrien wouldn't like this. She had a super odd feeling his dad was behind this, making sure to keep Adrien on his toes and watch his back. So messing with Felix would just backlash.
"Fine, alright. But I'm telling you this will be extremely boring and whatever." She huffed. Adrien would be furious knowing his brother was going to be working with her over the break. But Marinette doubt this guy wanted the least of anything from her, knowing she's dating Adrien Agreste.
"Good, I'll let him know we spoke." Felix nodded, glancing a bit longer. "I'm sorry, you just...remind me of someone I met in America."
Nope. Nope nope nope. Why did he bring that up?
"I...I don't know what to say about that." Marinette internally facepalmed herself. How about nothing? This was not good.
"It's kind of hard talking to people here...compare to living in America for sometime. I'm sorry for my harsh criticism on your friend's blog. I was merely voicing my anger after what happened. Regardless of my mistakes, I'm hoping to make some friends. All of this is...kind of new to me." Felix stated.
Why...why does that sound oddly familiar?
"You should be apologizing to Alya if anything. I didn't make the blog. And...well, it's too soon to really judge you Felix so we'll see. I'll see you around." Marinette's eyes shifted.
He nodded as he turned away and headed to class. Opening her small purse Tikki looked up at Marinette with deep concern.
"Marinette, that Felix guy is off to me somehow. I can't explain it..." Tikki said.
"Listen, I can't get in trouble and jump conclusions about people off the back, I'll get called a liar. Let's just...wait. I don't want to worry Adrien but I promise to tell him soon." Marinette grimaced. yet a part of her thought it was a bad idea.
After school, the four teens discuss their plans for the ball as Adrien briefly discuss the color scheme between him and Marinette on their tablet.
"So...blue is fine?" He checked.
"Yeah and-" As she pointed the red and green. "For...you know."
"Of course my lady." He smirked at her as Alya and Nino rolled their eyes, listening.
"Great, we really should talk about this thing later...but me and Nino are getting food at the cafe and talking about...other things." As Alya looped her arm around Nino's.
"We'll catch up soon guys. Good luck with the dresswear. Last minute stuff is like no fun." As Nino and Alya waved .
Marinette and Adrien sat on the bleachers, going through a formal wear shop online that allowed rentals.
"You'll be fine shopping for your umm...other dress right?" Adrien asked.
Marinette knew that he was talking about his financial situation "Papa can pay for it. You just make sure you look nice."
Adrien smirked, "I will be the sharpest cat at the dance."
"You know cats can't dance." Marinette jokes, placing both hands on his cheeks and kissing him briefly.
"ADRIKINS!" Chloe called from close by. Adrien shuddered as Marinette slowly held his hands. He slightly turned, seeing her in a fur coat standing next to Felix in a black jacket and gloves.
"Hello...Chloe." Adrien sighed, ignoring his brother.
"Aww, don't be like that. I have learned from my mistakes aaaand I even said...what's the word, sorry to the teacher." She glanced over Marinette briefly, "I apologize for my brash behavior a couple days ago...err...Marinette."
Marinette stared, slightly impressed, but not so much, "I never thought I would live my life and hear Chloe apologize. I love the haircut."
Chloe, unsure if she was being sarcastic humped like her old self, "Well it's time for a change. Anyway! Adrikins I hope to see you at the reception and at the ball."
"Umm-" He began.
"Don't worry, Felix is taking me. He's soooo sweet and kind. Good luck on a date, oh right you're taking Marinette." Chloe said cheerfully.
Marinette huffed.
"Clearly. We're dating Chloe. Like, officially." Adrien spoke up.
"Interesting." Felix simply said.
"How cute." She smirked, "Well toodles! Let's go Felix, how sweet of you to drive me home!" As Felix glared menacingly at Adrien while Marinette wasn't looking, causing Adrien to clench his fists and tense up by his girlfriend. Felix turned away, leading Chloe to his car.
"He's getting on my nerves." Adrien huffed.
"Did Felix do something?" Marinette looked at Adrien with concern, seeing his face scrunched up a bit.
"Yeah, he hates me."
"DONE!" Marinette squealed as she danced in circles. She accomplished a lot a few hours after getting home. She spoke to Adrien and Alya briefly while working on her collection, hoping to schedule a true double date soon after the ball if they had time. A little after party before Adrien left for Japan. Along with that, her father offered his card to buy her blue dress that she was going to match with Adrien, after he sent a picture of his rented blue tuxedo.
-[I think Nathanael has a green scarf I can use, I have a shirt and now I just need a black tux. We're going to look like royalty my lady] - chat⌀n
-[We are royalty excuse you my lord.] ~ *Mari❤︎
-[I apawlogize my lady. The week is almost over.] ~ chat⌀n
-[I know. And you're leaving soon.] ~*Mari❤︎
-[I'll be back before you know it. Besides...I plan on utilizing our free time on Skype. You deserve a treat.] - chat⌀n
She glanced up smiling at her finished collection, beaming.
-[I can't wait to see what you have planned for me. I have a surprise for you, but you can't see it until after Friday evening. ] ~ *Mari❤︎
-[Deal. Get some beauty sleep my lady.] - chat⌀n
She smiled as she sent heart emojis to Adrien.
-[Good night kitten.] ~ *Mari❤︎
-[Night my love.] ~ chat⌀n
I leave the description of the new collection up to you guys. I was suppose to draw 'em too bUUUUT...
Anyway, next chapter is going to be a backstory chapter around Felix (because it's going to be SUPER IMPORTANT DON'T EVEN THINK IT'S A FILLER) and the last one for the Spring Break mega-releases. This fic will be back on hiatus again until I'm about...five chapters ahead again in writing. So I'll probably be working on this while on my trip to Cali next month at the end of the month.
Is it me or Felix hanging around Marinette...is a terrible idea? Well, we're about to find out eventually. Stay tuned.