To Ease One's Heart, Mind and Soul
There was this ticking of a clock. Tick-tack-tick. Obnoxiously loud. Everywhere, around her, inside of her. Never stopping, caught in it's constant and endless loop. Repeating again, when it was about to stop.
Marinette was laying there on her bed. On her side, facing the window, eyes dried out from crying. Legs pulled to her chest, hands grasping for the pillow beside her.
She hated it when she cried. It made her feel weak and powerless. Nothing more, like a tiny girl, who needed protected.
But she was the one to protect those around her.
She shouldn't cry. Shouldn't weep.
But she did.
Thankfully it had stopped some time ago now. Maybe for an hour. Maybe almost two, but she kept on lying there. Unable to move, almost unable to breath. The crazy things – all these horrible happenings – from the day and night before kept on repeating. Endlessly – just like the obnoxious ticking of the clock on her nightstand.
Repeating the mistakes she made. How her emotions got the best of her. How she had seemingly lost her mind in Chat Noir's arms. More than once during the past night and in so many ways. To protect him from himself – and later it had to be her, who needed protection.
From her own devils and demons and everything, that kept her up during that night. From God-like villains with tentacles and those, who wanted nothing more, but to spread chaos and destruction over the world. Her world – to see it aflame and fall to the ugly ashes, that would cling to her hair and skin. To suffocate her and all the hope, that her appearance might be spreading to those, who needed it most.
What for?
For the Miraculous – the one of Creation and the one of Destruction. For one Wish, that would outshine all the wishes before.
Was this one wish all worth it? To become the villain? To fight?
… to be protected?
Marinette rolled on her back, facing the ceiling. Laying a hand on her stomach, feeling the nauseating feeling returning. Deeply inhaling to calm herself. Closing her eyes, clenching them shut, before the tears were returning.
"Oh Marinette!", came it beside her. Around her. Small gasps and whispers, before tiny sources of warmth covered her once more. Her arms, her hands, her cheeks. One in her hair, some more by her sides.
She had released the Kwamis – something she rarely did, now that Lady Titalee knew of the existence. Before it had been an almost daily ritual.
But now? The last time she did this, was when she had baked Pizza for them…
… on the day Chat Noir came by to visit her. For the first time in ten years… just talking and in need of a friend. And to eat the Pizza.
But things have changed – changed during one fucking week and it felt like it was impossible to return to the well-known normality from before.
A tear left her eye and it was Tikki, who soared over to her cheek to brush it away. Giving her Chosen a tiny kiss there, before it was her, who started to hum, again. And all the other Kwamis followed in a Choir – singing an ancient song, that had no words anymore. And maybe no meaning. But it was their attempt to calm her down.
Their Guardian and their Marinette…
It had been the red goddess's idea. To free the Kwamis. Just for this night. Just to keep her company. To sing for her, until she slept. Knowing and fearing the threat of an Akuma, that could fly by at any time – drawn close by the thunderstorm of emotions, that ran deep within the young woman.
That poor woman that was so alone in these four walls, if it wasn't for the godlike entities.
And indeed… it was soothing. It relaxed her, whenever they started anew and she could drift to sleep every now and then. For an hour, maybe two during this whole night – though they were always disturbed by nightmares – of King Poseidon, of Chat's or her own death. Of Lady Titalee standing over her bed, grinning down to her with a menacing smile. Chuckling. Laughing like a maniac.
Marinette usually awoke, when she heard her laughter – echoing through the darkness and silence of her bedroom.
And then – it would start again, until it was almost nine in the morning. Time to fully get out of bed, for sleep wouldn't take over any time soon.
The Kwamis kept on sleeping by now. Tired themselves and exhausted from taking care of her. They shouldn't have done that – but Marinette couldn't help but smile at their sheer cuteness and their genuine care. Huddled together on her covers or her pillows in tiny groups of two, three or four.
At least they could sleep after such an exhausting night – having been by her side since she returned. From the fight, from Chat Noir's embrace and from the patrol that followed. Until 2 in the morning – both coming up empty handed and without a clue of the vile villainess.
They should meet soon, again, to figure out where to go from there. To plan. To find Lady Titalee…
Marinette sighed, wondering when her poor Kitty has arrived home himself, hoping, that he was save. Though… Lady Titalee didn't seem to know his identity. So… he and his loved ones were in no danger, right?
So… there was at least some hope left…
"Where are you going?", was a tiny whisper, that reached her ears, when she had turned around to go over to her closet, looking for something to wear for the day. It was Tikki – who had barely opened her huge eyes, blinking still a little tiredly, as she watched her Chosen move across the room. "You still have time, until you need to be at Ayla's and Nino's place… Go back to bed and sleep for another hour! I'll wake you up, when it's time…"
The young woman shook her head, smiling sadly, as she looked over her shoulder for a mere moment.
"Can't sleep anyway. But you should go back to sleep. You have done already so much for me and you need to rest as well… please, Tikki…"
The small entity frowned, barely lifting herself of from her spot on Marinette's pillow.
"But it has not been enough…"
Marinette chose to ignore the Kwami, taking some shorts she found and a shirt, some nearby underwear and bra and left the room to go to the bathroom. To shower. To put makeup on – especially underneath her eyes, for the dark circles had dared to return.
And to practice how to plaster a huge smile on her face for the whole day. Pretending as if nothing has happened last night…
Nothing…
When she returned a few minutes later there was life within these halls, for the Kwamis have woken up, one after the other. Soaring around the room, chasing each other, giggling and laughing. It was for the best that way – she didn't want to bother them and seemingly Tikki has not said a word about her Chosen's current condition.
Good – it was for the best.
"Marinette, Marinette! Do you have something to eat?"
"Yeah! Breakfast would be nice!"
"How about a croissant? Or Baguette?"
"Oh, I want something sweet!"
"Macarons!", was the collected shout of the tiny gods and goddesses around her. The tiny crowd flew past her and straight into the kitchen, before the young woman could have said one thing. Though… they surely wouldn't listen… And if they knew, that she didn't have any of the foods, that they yearned for, then they surely would be disappointed – and she had neither the ingredients, nor the time to make new ones.
But, when she entered the kitchen, she was greeted with a strange sigh. For – indeed – they were eating Macarons, sharing them with their neighbor and were blissfully happy.
"Adrien left them here!", Tikki explained, munching on a pink-colored piece as well. "Last night, when he was here! It was very thoughtful of him and I am glad, that you didn't eat them yesterday".
"They are still very delicious!", Wayzz said, sitting right next to the box with one remaining Macaron and with the bakeries logo on top. "Can you invite him over more often?"
"Yes!", Sass exclaimed with a soft nod of his head. "He makes sure, that everybody around is well-feed. Especially you. Taking care and making each other happy during these days is absolutely necessary for the upcoming fight..."
"And to trust!", Pollen added wisely.
"And he is a especially good-looking human, isn't he?" came it at last from Kaalki – words, that immediately started a riot between the tiny beings. All of them agreeing in one way or the other. Swooning about his good-looks and his charm and his laughter. Eyes flying on Marinette, before some giggled and whispered things – probably in an ancient language as well, for the young woman could barely make out a word.
All the poor human could do was roll her eyes at them, not wanting to say a word about it. It was already hard enough – this whole dilemma she was currently in and it was even worse now she knew, that Adrien actually had feelings for her. Feelings – which she would love to return on the spot. But couldn't.
Because Lady Titalee knew her. Knew the girl underneath the mask.
… and probably was already very aware of all her friends and her family and… well…
… Adrien as well…
She turned around, while the Kwamis were still busy with eating and chatting. Walking over to her living room, past the table and over to the window. Kneeling in front of the chest, that stood underneath it.
"What are you doing?", came it from Tikki, who had followed closely behind, levitating over Marinette's shoulder, watching her Chosen closely as she retrieved the Miraculous Box from inside.
"Moving from this place to another will not work. Not until I find the perfect spot to stay…", Marinette informed her friend, shaking her head. "Lady Titalee knows the current location of my apartment. She basically knows, where she can find me – wherever I live. So – I'll be taking the Miraculous Box with me at all times. Don't want her to give a chance to get another Miraculous, because I am not around".
"At all times, but Marinette-"
"What if Lady Titalee will come back for more? To get another Miraculous? She might want to humiliate me with her tricks and her words – but who says, that she eventually will try to get others to help her. Or she fuses the Miraculous together. Right now she is already a huge force to reckon with – anything past that point will make it worse. Fighting her… will get to a point where she can be full of destruction for all of us. All of Paris… I can't let that happen".
Tikki listened carefully. Nodded meekly at the end, before she opened her mouth once more to speak:
"And what if she reveals your identity to the world, Marinette?"
The young woman clutched the box in her hand tightly, pressing it against her chest a little more. Gulping. Thinking about the Kwami's words.
And she tried to smile, when she looked back up, again.
"Lady Titalee wants to play with me, right? I don't believe she will do that any time soon. Unless it's no more fun for her. But I believe, that I still have time…Just a little more. And I need exactly that time to catch her!"
Yes – it was one very optimistic thought. But that was all she currently had – some hope, hidden away in the farthest corners of her heart.
That and a very trustworthy Chat Noir by her side.
… always – even when he finds out, that his Lady and the woman he currently adores are the same person. Right?
Tikki sighed and pressed her forehead against that of her human. Letting her know, that she is one more ally in this fight. Smiling, when she pulled away.
"You can make it through these hardships, Marinette. I know it…"
"And we believe in you as well!", came it from behind her and when Marinette turned around she saw the other Kwamis behind them, floating in the doorway.
"We have faced far worse dangers before", Trixx said with a tiny nod, as they all came closer, surrounding her and the red Kwami. "We have fought in wars and against forces of nature. Lady Titalee is just another poor soul, that has gone astray".
"We will have Nooroo back in no time!", came it from Fluff cheerfully, right beside her.
"Correct – and everybody will get their Happy End they deserve", whispered Sass at last, putting so much strength in these words, while he phrased them. "Even you, Marinette – Ladybug and Guardian of the Miraculous".
The young woman smiled at these encouraging words and nodded her head, as if she wanted to agree with them. After all – they were right – these brave beings have faced much worse things before. Lady Titalee… would one day be only a tale to tell for future Miraculous Holders and the Guardians.
Also – she shouldn't lament now. Not be scared and worried. She should look ahead, instead. For anything else could draw an Akuma close, if the villainess dared to let one loose, again.
And she certainly didn't want that.
Apart from that – she should really get going, for Ayla and Nino would be awaiting her soon and the young woman knew, that her best friend would make her life an even bigger hell, if she declined this Brunch's invitation.
And… actually… she really was starting to feel hungry.
Therefore she pressed on a small button on the Miraculous Box, letting all the compartments spring open.
"Thank you for your pep talks, guys. I really appreciate it. And you are right – together with Chat Noir I will win this fight! But now I need to get going – Ayla and Nino are awaiting me and-"
"Oh, my Chosen!"
"And mine, too!", came it first from Trixx, then from Wayzz. "May we-"
"No!", Marinette said warningly. "All of you stay inside the box. It's better that way…"
Apart from that – until this very point she wasn't even thinking about giving the Miraculous out to just anybody.
Not until now – and both Nino and Ayla had better things to do, pregnancy and upcoming wedding and all. And having the two Kwamis fly around them would surely raise more questions than answers.
"And now for everybody – get inside. And please – stay there! If you guys behave I might be able to make some Pizza for all of you!"
"Pizza!", came the collective gasps of the gods and goddesses and finally they all flew back inside of the Miraculous Box – which closed its compartments in an almost magical way.
Only Tikki stayed behind her – still frowning a little, her small arms hanging by her side.
"Do you really feel okay, Marinette?", Tikki asked with worry in her voice. "This past week – it had been hard for you. Really hard… and you don't let the people you love close and build up this wall around yourself and-"
"No wall, Tikki. I'd just never forgive myself, if something would happen to them…"
"You know – previous Miraculous holders had relationships as well. Lovers – even spouses and children!"
Marinette sighed in annoyance and rolled her eyes.
"I am not talking about Adrien, again!"
"But you keep on thinking about him and you can't deny it! And you know, why I am telling you this? Because back then all these Miraculous holders have fought on a daily basis as well. Horrible battles and sometimes wars. But each time they came back home, they would find their loved ones. Those, who gave them purpose to keep on fighting. Those, who gave them strength to hold on. A reason, to not give up… He was giving you this very strength. He made you smile and laugh after such an hard day. He is very good for you… and I believe you are good for him as well…"
"And when Adrien finds out about me being Ladybug – what then?", she said, having listened carefully to the things, that Tikki had said. Gulping, before she added: "What if Lady Titalee would find out about him?"
If Tikki had eyebrows, then they would furrow together, creating a tiny crease. But she pouted, flying closer to Marinette to give her a kiss on the cheek.
"If Lady Titalee does know about your identity, then she does already know about Adrien being your friend. She makes you believe, that she would harm him. Your friends and family as well. But I don't think, that she would do that. She would have done it days ago. She is merely after your and Chat's Miraculous. And she will play with you to get it… but you are stronger than that. Stronger than her in anyway…"
Tikki came back in front of her, smiling brilliantly once more, before she added at last:
"And about Adrien finding out about you being Ladybug… well… it either will be the biggest curse, or the biggest blessing…"
The red entity didn't even wait, until Marinette opened her lips to say something about that. Flew straight inside her purse and hid inside, leaving her human behind, who tried to answer those crazy – and probably ancient - riddles, that the Kwamis has given to her.
… once more…
But with a glance to the clock she knew, that she didn't have the time to think about it now. She had to hurry to get to the metro, if she didn't want to get teased by Ayla for being late once more.
Therefore she hurriedly and most carefully packed the Miraculous Box inside a pink backpack, put a light jacket and a sketchbook on top to hide it underneath and swung the backpack around her shoulder. Grumbling a little under her breath about the peacefulness of the tiny riddle maker inside, before she finally left her flat – hurrying down the stairs and towards the next metro station.
Sure – transforming into Ladybug and making her way across the rooftops would be faster and more efficient. But she shouldn't use her powers so carelessly during these times.
Apart from that – it was merely a ride for 20 minutes and during this time the trains were barely crowded. And it almost felt to her, as if she was taking a break from all her duties for a mere moment. Trying for once to not think about just anything and to keep her emotions in check.
… it was for the best – a level-headed and collected Ladybug was better than an emotional, angsty and salty one. A sad one, full of fears and worries. She had managed it before – when she had been younger. Fought against Hawk Moth and Mayura. When things were so much easier…
Before any bad emotions could have hit her once more, she reached inside her purse – gave Tikki a tiny smile - and took her phone and headphones.
Listening to music had always helped, after all.
A little while later she left the train. Walked up the stairs and back outside and walked over towards the place, where Ayla and Nino lived.
Ringing the door bell, when she was there.
"Marinette?", came it from the speaker in a muffled, but surprised voice. "What happened? You are punctual!"
"Miracles do happen, Alya!", Marinette answered with a slight grin. "Me being there on time is one of them! So – do I need to wait here, or do you want to open that door for me?"
She couldn't even hear Ayla's answer, but the buzzing sound echoed through the air. Opening the door and she climbed up the stairs, up to Ayla's and Nino's place – with the brunette already waiting for her – grinning widely and with a mischievous gleam in her eyes.
But Marinette had no time to question it, for her best friend already pulled her into a tight hug – as tight as her belly was allowing it.
"I am so glad, that you made it! So – we barely have time – now tell me everything about yesterday!"
Marinette couldn't even pull of her shoes, or set the backpack to the side, since Alya already dragged her through the corridor and across the living room and past Nino – who only waved at her and gave a tiny, apologetic smile. She then was placed outside on the balcony – on the chair in the farthest corner.
The table was already set – for four people to be exactly. But Alya didn't even give her time to think just anything about it, sitting down on the chair across of her and kept attacking her with her questions.
"How was it? Could you guys speak? And how did Emma do? Does she like him by now? And did Adrien and you make any progress in-"
"Alya… let her breath!", came it warningly from Nino, who only leaned against the doorframe, watching the two almost casually. "This is neither an interview, nor an investigation…"
"Urgh… don't listen to him – he wouldn't let me write one tiny message, asking about the progress in this case!"
"Case?!"
"You and Adrien coming together as a couple, of course!"
Marinette leaned back in her chair, slapping on hand over her eyes and groaned.
"Alyaaaaa! He is back in Paris for about a week!"
"So?"
"Who says, that he is interested in a relationship right now – especially with me?"
It was Nino, who cleared his throat, before he turned around, leaving, to go back towards the kitchen.
Apart from that… she did actually know, that he was interested. In a relationship with her. But… if she told Alya – especially that she stepped away from the kiss he had offered her, then what would she say?
Alya on the other hand shook her head.
"You are such a smart girl, Marinette! Unless it comes to boys and the case 'Adrien Agreste' has always been a harsh one… So? What happened yesterday? Please – just tell me, that something happened between you!"
"Why would it matter to you?"
Her friend's smile turned soft and Alya leaned forward, taking Marinette's hand in hers, holding it tightly. Tilting her head to the side and she mustered the other woman, before she let out a breathy laughter.
"You two are destined to be, Baby girl… You have always been. I know it – Nino knows it. Heck… you two know it as well! And I am neither blind or deaf… I have seen the looks on your guys faces. I heard you guys talk… I have seen the footage, that all of Paris is aware about! Hell – there was an Akuma attack on the Zoo yesterday and I am sure, that he wanted nothing more, but to save you – and Emma, of course. But… All I want to say is - You two want it and there is no way, that you can change my mind. So?"
Alya's words grabbed Marinette's heart tightly. Made it hard to breath and heat rose to her cheeks.
For she knew, that her best friend was telling her the truth.
Therefore she bid her lip and laid her hand on top of hers.
Gulping.
"We-"
Her words were interrupted by a ring from the door and Alya let out an annoyed sigh. But eventually grinned, patting her hand, while it was Nino, who declared, that he would answer it.
"I'll let you go now – but this conversation is not over now, young lady!"
Marinette's eyebrows climbed on her forehead and once more she looked at the table – at the four plates, four knives, forks and spoons. Four glasses. And at first she paled at that very realization, that hit her hard, before her cheeks turned bright red with anger.
"You didn't!"
Alya merely giggled, leaned back and out of reach for the young woman, placing her hands on her belly as she laughed.
"Oh yes, we did! We have so much to celebrate after all, don't you think? And Adrien's return and his reunion with Nino is one of them" She winked at her best friend from across the table. "Your guys beginning relationship would have been one of them – well – maybe next week, okay?"
Marinette really wanted to answer to that. Really. But even before she could have opened her lips, she was interrupted – once more. Laughter reached her ears and soon enough two men emerged in the doorway to the balcony once more – both having an arm around the others shoulder – acting, as if they have never been apart.
"Hey look at that! My Dude is back in the house!", Nino announced proudly, letting go of Adrien to punch his arm in a friendly manner. "And don't you dare to ever leave me without calling me back. Without answering my messages. That was not cool!"
"Ow, Ow! Hey! Okay! I learned my lesson. Would you please stop?"
"Make me! And don't worry – I don't have to be afraid anymore to bruise that fair model skin of yours!"
"Doesn't mean, that you come away unharmed, if you don't stop!"
They playfully wrestled. Like the two boys, that were still hidden underneath the muscular façade of testosterone and daily shaving. It didn't even matter, who would win and who would loose.
They stopped, when Alya cleared her throat, standing upright once more. And it was Nino, who yet laid another arm around Adrien's shoulder. Making him smile with that tiny, but meaningful gesture.
"I hope, that you don't mind, that we placed you right next to Marinette…", she said sweetly, pointing at the seat right next to hers." And this balcony is a little small, so I hope you don't mind to be so close to her!"
Adrien's and Marinette's eyes locked and his smile grew even wider, while all she could do, was blush.
Remembering the day before… his words… the hugs… their almost kisses.
A little did she wonder, what it would have been like, if she had given in. To her cravings and her feelings. Would they sit here – together, as a couple? Would they have made it out of the bed at all, or-
"Hey…", Adrien softly said, as he sat down right beside of her, leaning in to breath a kiss on her cheek – left and right. Their knees accidentally touched and if he wasn't watching her so carefully, then she would cast Alya and Nino an evil glance, for placing them both so close together. "Didn't know, you were invited as well…"
"And you… I… me neither", she stuttered, turning around, hurriedly brushing a strand of her hair behind her ear and hoped to find something, that could distract her. Him. All of them…
But she came up empty-handed…
And it started to become even worse, when Alya rose to her feet, exclaiming, that she and Nino would bring in the food now. Leaving the two of them alone…
"This is really a nice place…", Adrien said suddenly, probably sensing her uneasiness. Placing his hands on his stomach and taking a deep breath, the sun shining down on his handsome features, while he closed his eyes to just relax. Shifting his knee moved against hers once more and it made her skin tingle. "I could spend here all day. Letting the sun shine on my skin. Perhaps reading a good book. Or listening to some music… What about you?"
She knew, that he wanted to make it easier for her. Her decision and the consequences. Perhaps he was aware of her dark circles underneath her eyes, she desperately had tried to cover. Maybe… believing, that his forwardness was the reason for her poor sleep.
But he couldn't know, that there was so much more, that she tried to hide. So many things, that he was not aware about.
… his own safety was one of them…
And it hurt, knowing, that she had to keep him in an arms distance, now, that she was aware of his feelings for her.
… it would hurt both of them…
"Don't know…", she finally could say, knowing, that a certain kind of normality was the only way, that they both would go out of this dilemma and to remain friends by the end of it. "Maybe do exactly the same… maybe draw something. Or… sketch… stuff like that!"
"I haven't seen all your sketches. From yesterday. Will you show them to me? I would love to see them…"
She glanced to her side – pressed between her legs and the handrail of the balcony was her backpack – with the sketchbook inside. On top of the Miraculous Box. Sure – she could show it to him. He wouldn't even notice the well hidden secret.
But then he would see yet another secret. The sketches she had made of him. Of his smiles and his eyes and everything else.
Giving him even more hope in this whole ordeal.
"Maybe the next time, when I have it with me…", she said with a apologetic little smile.
He nodded, turning around to face her probably.
Smiling that very smile, that set her aflame. His little finger brushing hers, barely, since both rested their hands on the armrests of those chairs, that stood so close to each other.
"Anyway… you look beautiful, Marinette…"
Yep – she was foolish to believe, that it would be easy for them to just behave as if nothing has happened.
"Thank you…"
"This is… okay? Me complimenting you?"
"It… it is…"
… hopefully…
"Good! Because otherwise this would be really hard and-"
"Oh? What is hard?"
"Alya! Don't be so nosy!" Alya and Nino have returned – the other woman with a coffee can in her hand, while Nino balanced a tablet with a big variety of foods in his hands – the later one chiding his fiancé. "Let the kids have their little, secret talks".
Adrien snorted, grinning, while Marinette rolled her eyes – knowing very well, that Alya and Nino will not make it easy for her. For both – for she knew very well, that Nino was very aware of his friend's feelings. And with that Alya as well…
"So… we have fruits and vegetables. Pastries. Marmalade and cheese and we have still more inside. Scrambled eggs. Coffee for the three of us and tea for this lovely, pregnant lady over here. Oh… and some water and juices, if you guys want any!", Nino proudly announced, whenever he placed something on the table, the space shrinking with any placed bowl, or glass or plate. It all looked so good and Marinette was glad, that she didn't eat anything beforehand, taking a croissant, when Alya opened the small buffet before them.
"Oh – and I have baked a cake! Seriously – my cravings for all kinds of sweets is insane! It's my mothers recipe and I know you will love it", she said, taking slices of apples, melon and strawberries, before she sipped on her tea. "Would have loved to eat it on my own – but Mister over here thought it was a better idea, if you two eat from it as well…"
"Because a whole cake might be a bit much for you, Babe…"
"Hey – I am eating for three – don't forget that".
"How could I?"
Nino placed a loving hand on Alya's belly and gave her a kiss on the cheek – both glancing into each other's eyes with so much love.
Marinette tried not to stare. But she felt envy crawling up in her stomach. Wanting that, what they have as well – and with Adrien sitting right next to her it was closer than ever – and with Lady Titalee lurking it was further out of her reach than before. .
"Do you want some eggs as well?", the man of her dreams asked softly, placing some on her plate, when she nodded. Distracting her for the moment. "And thank you guys for inviting us over! We should do it more often – you know – us hanging out together. Just like we used to…"
"Oh, is that an offer, Monsieur Agreste?", Alya said, finally leaving Nino's gaze to face the blond man instead. "It's definitely one, we should not refuse…"
"Agreed, my Dude! What about you my Dudette? You in as well? Sunday brunch – just the four of us?"
"Well… until there will be six of us in October~"
"Ha – true! So?"
Urgh – Alya and Nino knew pretty well, that Sunday was her free day of the week. And these invitations would be their opportunity to watch them closely. To tease them. Every time…
But… on the other hand it was something she could look forward to – each and every Sunday. And she would – agreeing to that as well with a nod – shoving some scrambled eggs inside her mouth, before anybody could question her hesitation.
"Anyway…", was it Alya, who raised her voice again, grinning from one ear to the other, nervously fidgeting with the spoon in her hands. "… you two still know, why we are here, today. Like… officially?"
Nino blushed, scratching the back of his head. Taking her hand – the one with the sparkling ring on it.
"She said yes… So…"
"So we want you guys to be our Maid of Honor and our Best Man!"
Marinette let out a tiny squeal – sure, she should have known it, but she was still excited to hear about it officially.
Adrien on the other hand stared in disbelieve at his two friends in front of him.
"Me?"
"Don't you dare to back out if it!", Nino warned with a raised finger. "Just because you have been away for so long, hasn't changed my brotherly feelings for you! I was thinking about it all day and I am as sure as I can be about that! I mean – you helped me with the flower arrangement and all!"
"Oh?", Alya asked in surprise and Marinette – as well – turned around towards Adrien, again.
"It was you? I didn't know, that were so much into flowers. You know… flower language and all…"
She saw the bouquet through the window – still standing proudly in a vase on the coffee table. Remembering each flowers meaning and the way Nino read nervously his scribbled notes from a piece of paper to get it right.
So… it had been Adrien, wo had helped him?
Said man ducked his head shyly, smiling bashfully and he shrugged.
"Nino and I have been in contact for… don't know…"
"Three weeks – you asked me, if I was okay, how the situation in Paris was like and if it was save for you to return. Heck – it was only moments, before I was about to go out on stage, playing my set, Dude! Your message has caught me of guard!"
"And your answer as well… and then we started to write".
"As if you were never gone".
"And you told me, that you wanted to propose to Alya and I was so happy to hear, that you guys were still together. Though you kept the pregnancy a secret".
"Ha! Wanted to see your surprised face – sadly I wasn't there, when that happened. Well – but you helped me out big time. With the flowers. I had all the information I needed within 10 minutes and you already had your unofficial invitation to our wedding, if things turned out well enough. Which did. So… thank you once more my Dude!"
"You are welcomed!"
They fistbumped each other over the table.
Smiling, forever connected by their hearts, minds and souls, like two true brothers.
It was truly a moment, that eased her mind, full of friendship and love. Of trust and hope. And yeah… Tikki would agree and tell her, that this is such a moment, that was worth fighting for.
And she would, the young woman promised herself and it surely eased the pain that the previous day and night left in her.
Marinette was truly moved and Alya even let out a tiny sob – before she punched Nino's arm with an angry glare on her face.
"And when did you want to tell me about it?"
Nino chuckled, dodging the next punch and leaned in to kiss her temple instead.
"It was a tiny surprise. For both of you! I knew, you were missing him as well!"
Nino's eyes landed on Marinette. Only for a mere moment, but his eyes spoke volumes and she understood him without further explanation.
The brunette woman by his side nonetheless grumbled under her breath and crossed her arms in front of her chest.
"Still unfair!"
"You would have found out soon enough. If it wasn't for our dear Marinette, who ran into him by accident".
"Lucky accident…", Adrien added quietly, before her ate a piece of strawberry, making her blush.
"Anyway – do you guys already have a plan for the wedding?", Marinette asked, trying to change the subject again, before it would start to get uncomfortable once more. "Will we celebrate it this year? After the birth, or before that? I mean – as the Maid of Honor I need to know these things, right?"
"Very eager to catch the bridal bouquet, aren't we?", Alya teased with a wink and it was Adrien who blushed this time time, hearing this very comment. "But I have to disappoint you – won't be happening this year. First we will wait for these two to arrive and we will try to focus on them first".
"Maybe next Summer…", Nino added as a tiny after thought. "Hopefully it's as sunny as this year. And maybe Ladybug and Chat Noir made sure, that this Lady Titalee is behind bars – surely don't want her to disturb our vows at the altar" He chuckled and Alya rolled her eyes at that silly thought, patting his hand, before she continued to eat. "Anyway – have you guys planned anything for later? How about we go to the park?"
"Uh! Get some ice-cream?"
Nino chuckled, upon hearing about his fiancé's sweet cravings once more.
And it was Marinette, who hesitated – but Adrien, who let out a tiny sigh.
"I would love to – but sadly, I really need to build up my furniture one day. And the room I prepared for Emma needs a proper paint job. So… count me out".
"Boo! You are no fun, Dude!"
Alya frowned. Only for a moment, before she looked between Marinette and Adrien, then over to Nino. A evil gleam returning to her eyes, before she leaned over to him to whisper something in his ear. He nodded eagerly.
Certainly they were planning something – and it had to do with her as well.
"We can help! All three of us!", Nino then announced. "Well, this lovely, pregnant lady over here will only provide us with food – but that shall be helpful as well! Marinette and I surely know, how to put some shelves and tables and chairs together! And painting the room? Easy!"
Of course Nino and Alya knew, that the young woman was very capable of helping – Marinette was put together some furniture in the room for the children for them, when Nino was not arroung and they helped her as well. They didn't need any expensive companies and it had worked out just fine.
"But I think, that you guys would rather want to spend a sunny day outside, correct?", Adrien wondered, shaking his head. "It's fine… don't worry!"
"Nah! That's what friends are made for! And it will be faster that way – after that we can still go outside and have fun. Just like it used to be. Right, Marinette?"
Both Nino and Alya worked perfectly together – like a well-oiled machine. Playing both her and Adrien in their private game of chess. Aware of their feelings for each other – probably confused on why neither had made a move, yet.
They surely would give her a hard time.
… yep – she was screwed!
And everybody here on the table knew, that she wouldn't decline this call for help. They were her friends after all… especially if it was for Adrien…
Therefore she nodded and it was Adrien, who let out a tiny breath of air – one he held back for a few seconds.
"Awesome! Those are solid plans for Sunday, aren't they?", Nino asked, taking a huge bite of his croissant, leaning back to relax.
And it was Alya, who nodded, grinning once more.
"You are right, mon Cherie. And now… Adrien… how about you tell me everything about yesterday? I am a bit curious, you know?"
A/N:A sweet little chapter – giving Marinette indeed a break on Sunday She needs it and at least she meets up with her most favorite people in the world! Of course Alya and Nino would be teasing them.
And yeah – Nino and Adrien, I really enjoy the thought, that those two are like brothers, still, after all this time. Their connection is really strong and lovely in the series and so I wanted to portray that here as well
Also – 30 chapters and the prolog. It's an insane number! I still have a few things planned before the end, we will eventually witness some smutty chapters (crazy, right?) and I would love to see where all of it is taking me in between. For a few things came already very unintentionally and there will be surely, more of that in the future! I would love to thank you guys for all of your amazing comments, for the alerts and bookmarks and for every view! I really enjoy to read about your guys thoughts and love to read a little about your background, your own believes and thoughts! It really helps me to stay motivated and to think it all through.
Thank you
Next chapter: Fencing Practice and that stupid incident with her backpack…