Marinette and Adrien go on a date.
Marinette stared at her reflection in the mirror. Did she look okay? Maybe she should brush her hair again. Should she change her hairstyle? She spun around in her chair then stood up. She picked up the hem of her skirt and silently debated if she should change it. The light green circle skirt was very pretty, but everything was an important decision right now.
As she paced around the room Tikki came out of hiding. "Marinette relax!" The kwami flew directly in front of Marinette's face to try to catch her attention. "You've been dating him for a month now and you've gone on dates before, you'll be fine!"
Marinette had successfully done the same pre-date routine each time; get dressed, change, try a new hairstyle, revert to her signature pigtails, then mentally question everything.
Marinette fell dramatically onto her chaise lounge, "Tikki this is important!"
Tikki held Marinette's nose. She wanted to put her hands on either side of Marinette's head, but being three inches tall had it's limitations. Tikki furrowed her brow, "You. Will. Be. Fine!" She cried at Marinette, trying to talk some sense into her.
Marinette knew Tikki was right, but she couldn't help it.
"Marinette!"
She heard a cry from downstairs and her heart skipped a beat. Was it time already?
"Adrien's here!" Her mother called up to her again.
Marinette scrambled to double check her hair in the mirror, grabbed her phone and purse, patted the wrinkles from her skirt, took a deep breath, and went downstairs.
"Hi Adrien." She smiled shyly and pushed her bands aside.
As the two left the bakery Tom called after them, "Be careful! Bring her back before 10pm Adrien!"
Adrien spun toward Tom and gave him a thumbs up. "Don't worry," He assured her father, "If I'm not home by 9pm my dad will send a search party." Adrien laughed and turned back around to open the door for Marinette.
Behind the bakery counter Tom wiped a tear from his eye. "My little girl is growing up Sabine! It's too soon!"
Sabine took Tom's hands, "I know dear. It'll be alright."
Adrien stuck out his elbow, inviting Marinette to slip her hand in opening. The gentleman's invitation his mother had taught him so long ago. The two walked down the street, trying to hide just how eager they both were.
The cool early spring air prompted Adrien to wear his blue scarf. The one that Marinette made for his birthday. She wished he knew she made it for him, but she didn't have the heart, or courage, to tell him it wasn't from his father.
Adrien broke the silence, "So...Are you excited to see How to Train Your Cat: The Secret Hiding Spot?"
Marinette stuttered, "I– uh, yeah, I'm excited to see you!" Her eyes widened when she realized what she'd said. "I mean excited to see it! The movie." She giggled awkwardly.
Adrien smiled, "I'm excited to see you too." He teased. Adrien didn't really know why she always stumbled over her words, but it was cute.
Marinette blushed. Oh no. She felt her face heat up. She looked away from him so he might not notice the blush across her face.
"Sorry, but it's true." He told her with a sly smirk growing on his face. He gave a quick wink which was more than enough for Marinette's soul to melt, and he was well aware of it.
Marinette gently squeezed his arm and hid her face in the folds of his jacket at the shoulder. She didn't want to say anything in case she just embarrassed herself again, but her face said enough so she had to hide that too.
When they arrived at the theatre Adrien insisted that he pay for both their tickets. He didn't want Marinette to have to pay for herself with the money she earned from working at the bakery when he had more than enough for both of them.
Marinette crossed her arms, "I just feel guilty. Why couldn't you let me pay for myself?"
"I can't let you do that." Adrien grinned, "Besides, you're cute when you're frustrated."
Marinette's face turned a shade of red. She couldn't find the words to respond. "I– I have to go to the bathroom before the movie starts." She marched into the bathroom and looked at herself in the mirror while she washed her hands. Her face was still flushed red and her heart was beating so fast. She could hardly keep herself together around him.
She left the bathroom to meet Adrien who was waiting for her with a big red and white bag of popcorn, a pair of chocolate bars, and an over-sized drink.
"Adrien Agreste you need to stop." Marinette pointed a finger at the concessions. She'd only been gone for a few minutes and he already spent more on her. If this continued she was going to be as spoiled as Chloe soon.
He smirked and held a finger to his lips. "Shhh! You don't want anyone finding out us do you? You know what happened last time when I was swarmed by fans."
Marinette huffed and took his hand after relieving him from carrying all their snacks. She lead him to the theatre, then to a pair of seats where they sat. She loved having a doting boyfriend, but she felt guilty when he would spend money on her. She would much rather he dote on her by spending time with her at home and playing Mecha Strike.
The room darkened and the movie started to play. Under the secrecy of the dark, Adrien put his arm around Marinette. Marinette, on the other hand, was glad it was dark. Not so that people wouldn't see them, but so Adrien wouldn't see that he'd made her face turn beet-red for the third time today.
Welcome to fluff. The fun stuff before the Plan(tm) goes into action.