Chapter 18: Pastries
Marinette woke up with shivers in her body. Was that how life was like for Adrien?
"What happened?" She shifted to her feet as she saw Luka and Kagami sprawled on the floor beside her, "Who are you?"
"Oh…I'm Multimouse. You two were akumatized."
"The akuma actually got to us. We're so sorry!" Kagami shook her head in disappointment.
"You have nothing to be sorry for. It's Hawk Moth's fault, not yours. Care for a ride home?"
They looked hesitant but exchanged mysterious glances with each other and soon nodded.
"Great, Aspik?" Multimouse turned to Adrien as he was groggily rubbing his eyes open.
"I'll take the boy whereas you take the lady." She needed to find her earring anyways.
"Yes. Of course." He nodded. Something was different about his stare. She'd talk to him later anyways.
Marinette was lucky for once. She had actually been able to sneak around and search for her earring after she dropped Luka. She found it near the piano! Phew! There was one good thing about the Liberty never being cleaned.
Tikki had filled her in about what happened when they were under their slumber. Apparently, she had used her cure to fix everything up with Plagg's influence so things wouldn't go overboard? She was still confused how that worked out.
Adrien gave her the snake miraculous back as she told him that Ladybug would come and 'pick it up'. He didn't question it and she was baffled with his lack of curiosity. They really needed to talk.
"Adri- "
"Are the two of you alright?" Her mom's voice interrupted her. It was relieving to see her mother again. Especially after that nightmare. "That akuma attack was unexpected. We really need to install more security measures in your room, Marinette."
"No…I think that's alright, mom." Transforming into Ladybug would be tricky with security measures around.
"Are you sure, Marinette? I don't like the idea of akuma villains creeping up in here without us knowing?"
"They have powers. Even with the security measures. I'm sure they'd find a way in."
"But how would we keep you safe?" Mom's eyes quirked up in worry.
"Don't worry, Mrs. Dupain-Cheng. Ladybug and Cat Noir will always be here to protect Paris. And I too vote no for the security measures." Adrien jumped in.
Obviously, he knew. Adrien lived with more security than anyone else she knew, and her dream vividly depicted that anyways.
"Right." Sabine smiled. Phew. "Have some pastries, fresh out of the oven." She gave them the plate of goods she was carrying.
"Thanks!" They said simultaneously as they began to take bites into the pastries.
After Sabine left, Marinette eyed Adrien, it was the perfect time to talk to him now…
"Nathalie just messaged me saying she'll come to pick me up soon."
"Oh. Did she hear about the attack?"
"I don't think so and I hope not, my dad would start making a fuss out of it." He took a bite into his pie.
She nodded nibbling into her croissant a she looked down at her feet. She just had a dream living Adrien's life and it was horrible. The mansion she lived in was cold and dreary, with barely anyone to talk to. Her schedule was overpacked and when she couldn't do half of the things right, she was put into pressure and humiliated. Her father had been so cold, and her mother was…she couldn't even say it. When she found out, she wept and wept for what seemed like ages even when she knew it was a dream…
She glanced towards Adrien as he ate his croissants. It might've been a dream for her, but it was reality for him. How did he deal with it? How many times did he suffer like this?
Adrien raised his head and caught her staring at him. She rapidly blinked her eyes and looked to the side…
"What's wrong?" He asked her.
"It's nothing." She paused. No, wait, they couldn't leave this matter here, "It's just that you seem really quiet right now.""
"I could say the same for you." He said taking another nibble into his croissant clearly avoiding her gaze. What was going on in his mind?
"Adrien. We really need to talk about this."
"Talk about what?" He put on a naïve tone. She was not falling for that.
"You know what. We really need to talk about what happened during the akuma attack."
"You mean me knowing that you're Multimouse?" Seriously, he was still playing this game?
"No." Her voice slightly rose in frustration. "What I mean is- "
Adrien's phone beeped interrupting her trail of words. "It's my bodyguard. He's waiting for me outside. I've got to go."
"Alright. I'll drop you outside." She sighed as she rose to her feet. They were going to have this conversation one way or another. They will.
"Thanks for the pastries." Adrien told as they stood outside the bakery, "They were delicious!"
"No problem. See you tomorrow."
"See you." He gave her a timid smile before turning around walking to his car.
She was hesitating. And she knew it. She couldn't just leave this matter here. Call after him, Marinette. Call after him.
"Adrien! Wait!" He spun around at the sound of her voice. His face curious.
She anxiously fiddled with her fingers before turning to look him in the eye to show to him that…she was being serious.
"Please, Adrien. Promise me we'll talk about the whole life swap scenario tomorrow at school. First thing in the morning. Promise."
"I- "Hesitant, he looked to the downwards before turning to meet her eyes again. Seriously, what was this boy thinking about?
"I promise."
Cannot wait to write the next chapter. It's got me excited as I think about it in my head!
It'll be a rollercoaster of emotions for you guys ; )