Secrets
Marinette would have loved to come up with a billion different things to do on this Sunday. Washing laundry, designing new cloths and to sleep were topping her list. Followed by doing more investigations on Lady Titalee, or mere patrolling to keep the streets clean.
But she just couldn't bring herself to leave the sweet little sanctuary, that she found among her friends. The calmness was just too sweet and there was just something about it…
… about the thought to have a normal life. Just for a few minutes, maybe hours.
But the other three surely knew, that something was up. Of course – whenever they tried to engage her in a conversation, she'd rather block it, or steer it into another direction. To distract them. Herself.
She could tell, that it was Alya, who had started to become really frustrated with her, leaving the room she was in with an annoyed little sigh and a shaking head. Mumbling something underneath her breath. Whispering something to Nino and Adrien – who worked together in the blonde's living room to build some shelves for the walls around.
Leaving Marinette alone to paint the room she was currently in. Emma's future room – if she ever wanted to stay with Adrien. The young woman really had to admit, that this was a pretty color. Bright pink – of course, and it somehow reminded her of her former room.
It was her, who wished to do this upon arriving. Knowing, that it would give her a certain kind of space between her and the young blond man, with everything else, that still needed to be done. After all – it was almost unbearable for her, to be in the exact same room with Adrien.
… gosh… she had jumped up from her seat like a mad man, when it had been the time to leave – the questioning and surprised looks of her friends would haunt her for years after that.
Driving together was a little easier – Alya had taken the seat by Adrien's side. Nino sat beside Marinette. She… she had looked outside, but felt his gaze and every time when she turned around, Nino tried to pretend, as if nothing had happened.
And… maybe… he did in fact know more, then he would admit – the two men were close after all. The ten years of separation had seemingly strengthened that brotherly bond between them. So… maybe Adrien had told him everything about yesterday. About him going to the bakery, about their time at the Zoo, his act of bravery. Of the few times, he had tried to kiss her… that he admitted, that he wanted to go down the path of a growing relationship.
… and that she was the one to decline this offer.
Of course – that meant, that Alya knew everything as well. All she wanted to do, was to make her suffer. Torture her with the teasing and her questions.
But… why?
"You missed a spot over there – to your left", came it suddenly from the doorway and Marinette turned her head slightly to see Alya standing there. Arms crossed over her chest, head tilted to the side. Watching the other woman closely, with a tiny pout.
Once more she had returned. Of course. Frowning this time a little more. Sighing more deeply, when Marinette didn't answer.
Coming closer, to eventually hug her best friend from the side, her belly pressing against Marinette softly, but neither of them did mind.
"What is wrong with you, Baby Girl?"
"Alya-"
"… something is bothering you. I can tell. You don't want to tell me anything about yesterday. About Adrien. About the Akuma Attack. Nothing… Normally I would have you talking by now, and we could analyze everything together. But… something is different…"
She talked with hushed voices – surely to keep this conversation between them a secret. Though… would the two men actually listen? The corridor was separating this room with the living room, Adrien had some music playing over the speakers – to boost the spirit – and they were currently laughing and joking around.
They wouldn't hear them…
For a mere moment Marinette wanted to pull away. But she hesitated, then stopped herself. Needing the touch of her closest friend, as long, as Ayla wanted to grant her that. And she felt her tense shoulders relaxing a little. Marinette exhaled. Laying her head on Alya's shoulder. Closing her eyes.
"There is currently so much happening…", the young woman admitted quietly – as much as she dared to say, without revealing too much. "Work… my duties… And these Akumas… they are really scary, Ayla…"
King Poseidon's icey blue eyes flashed in front of her own. Making her gasp and she wanted to take a step back. But Alya kept on holding her – one hand stroking over her arm, her own head laying on Marinette's in comfort.
"Lady Titalee is certainly the viler and more updated version of Hawk Moth. I have seen the footage of Ladybug's fight. Well… and Adrien's. He was fucking brave. You would have fallen for him once more, if you were there. Where… have you been anyway?"
"Could make it out in time…", Marinette lied. "Have been searching for Emma and Adrien for the whole time. But I couldn't find them. And… I was so glad, when I did…"
They moved – heads rising once more, looking at each other, but neither of them dared to leave the hug.
"I cried out of relief, when I finally found them…", she admitted, giving in a little, gifting Alya with a few details. Those she was able to share.
She couldn't tell her best friend, that she had cried, because she had been so fucking afraid. Because Chat Noir wasn't able to come. Because King Poseidon had tried to drown her. Because of Lady Titalee… she couldn't tell Ayla about her wrong assumptions about the villainess' real identity – proven wrong, when she had found herself in Lila's apartment during the fight. Neither could say just anything about her being Ladybug. About her fears and worries.
… for she was only Marinette in her best friend's eyes. Not much more…
"And it's okay to cry, Marinette. It's okay to be afraid. And to feel, as if you want to give up. Just… well… just don't give up. Okay? I know it's hard now – an Akuma could come by at any time and attack all of us. I am worried, that the babies will be born, while a fight is happening all around us-"
Marinette's eyes widened – eyes falling to Alya belly. Feeling nauseated. Dizzy. A painful ach going right through her heart.
For Alya was the one, who should fear Lady Titalee and the Akumas. Because she was pregnant and these attacks made this whole pregnancy even more risky and dangerous. Gosh… just the thought of it – the water breaking, while some kind of monster or villain was causing havoc around her. Contractions hitting, when they wanted to attack her…
Indeed… giving birth, in the middle of an Akuma attack.
But Alya kept on smiling. Joking. Teasing. She had her own, huge package to carry – and wasn't shying away. Not even a little bit.
And just like that she kept on babbling. About fears and worries, work and duties. Something about the babies. About Nino being there to always protect them.
… scolding her, that she hadn't made a move on Adrien, when she had the time to do exactly that – when he comforted her, while she was crying.
"-this man is your ticket to your own path of happiness! You are meant to be! Heck – he protects his daughter and he would protect you, when everybody else would run away! What do you want more? Do you want to wait for him to finally admit his feelings and to kiss you? Well – he is such a kind, shy-" "He almost did, but I pulled away" "-well-educated gentleman and – whoa? What?"
Alya was the one to step away, eyes wide, while she shook her head in utter disbelief.
"You didn't!" She took a deep breath, pointing towards the door – towards Adrien, still talking with Nino in the living room about some screws and tools that should work for them. "He didn't! Why didn't you go for it?"
Marinette pouted, finally lowering the brush back into the bucket of paint and it was her, who crossed her arms in front of her chest.
"… just… because, okay?"
"He wanted to kiss you? On the lips?"
"Well – he wouldn't want to kiss me anywhere else, wouldn't he?" Alya's lips twitched upwards and she really had to fight a tiny grin – letting Marinette know, that something dirty and naughty had crossed her mind. Making her blush. "Urgh – yes! The lips! He was at my place and-"
"Your place?"
Alya seemed to be genuinely surprised. Did she not know about this before? Hadn't Nino told her something?
Had… Adrien kept their meeting a secret from his best friend?
Well… he hadn't talked about it when they had Brunch. Just talked about the Zoo and the Akuma attack and how lovely and cute his daughter was. Nothing too spectacular and he had been very humble about his fight alongside Ladybug – barely mentioning it at all.
Which meant…
…, that Alya first heard about all of it from Marinette…
Therefore the young woman sighed – repeating the happenings in hurried whispers. Leaving out secret details, while making sure, that she had everything perfectly right, when it came to Adrien: Of him leaving to stay at Lila for an hour or two, before he brought dinner for the two of them at various places. Surprising her. Eating with her. About their deep conversation. The revelations after that.
… her promise – which was impossible for her to keep. But she didn't tell Alya that…
Alya stood there, still so close to her best friend with a stunned look an her beautiful features. Shaking her head eventually and punching Marinette's arm lightly.
"Why do you always let these awesome opportunities slip out of your hands? He was there, where you wanted him – right in front of you – wanting to kiss you. Oh Marineeeetteeeee~"
She was frustrated with the young woman, laying her forehead back on her shoulder and let out a tiny sigh, while all, that Marinette could do was patting her hair.
"You two are a perfect match…", Alya mumbled against her skin. "… Your babies would look so cute and would get the best parents. You two harmonize in every way. And balance each other. And make the other smile. And blush. And-", she laid her chin on Marinette's shoulder. "- I believe you two would have incredible Sex!"
"Alya!", Marinette groaned, finally stepping away, hiding her face behind her hands. "Just… please don't talk about that!"
"About Sex?", she said a little louder, smirking this time. "Oh – I am pretty sure, that you guys could have done it all night long, if it wasn't you, who had shied away. Marinette… that cover page model over there, who is currently trying in desperation to put a fucking shelf together is heads over heels into you. And you… you block all his antics and dodge his conversations and ignore his gazes… just… why? I don't understand it…"
The tone of her voice has started to become softer now. Almost gentle. She really tried to get into Marinette's mind with sympathy and care. Tried to understand and comprehend the information, that was given to her.
Not because she wanted to tease… But because she did actually care…
"Is there another?"
Marinette's eyes widened as she heard these words. Paled – this time a image of a leather wearing Chat Noir crossed her mind – smiling down at her charmingly. Flirting with that smooth 'Princess' on his lips. Tempting her to come close, the be the beast, that she was secretly yearning for at night.
Her daydreams were cut short, when somebody by the door cleared his throat, startling both young woman in the next moment.
Adrien…
He had surely witnessed Alya's last question – and Marinette's silence after that. Sure – right now he was smiling, but his eyes showed a dark, little gleam, that almost made her gasp.
But she couldn't tell neither of them, that this wasn't the reason, on why she was holding back.
… surely not entirely – for Lady Titalee's part in that was certainly the bigger one.
"… hey… uhm… Nino is getting really frustrated over there-" "It's not my fault, Dude! Your collection of tools is total trash!" "He wanted to get his own from your guys home…"
Nino arrived in her view, sliding across the wooden floor and came to a slithering halt by Adrien's side in the doorway.
"He is borrowing me his car to drive! Will you come with me?", Nino said grinning, utterly excited. "Oh – and how about we get something on the way? I am getting really hungry right now!"
"You are hungry?", Ayla asked with shock in her voice. "It's only noon!"
"Hey! I am working on my Dad Body here! And this Dude here has no food in his fridge! Just stinky cheese and some bread and-"
"You checked my fridge?"
"Duh~ Came up empty-handed. So Babe – will you be coming along with me to drive in his fancy car?"
There was silence.
Finally Alya blinked, then looked over to Marinette, back to Adrien and finally smiled and nodded. They were not doing it to keep each other company – both her friends wanted to make sure, that Adrien and her spend time together.
Alone…
Heck… she was screwed…
"Driving in a fancy car and deciding what to eat? I am so into it! Anything in particular, that we can bring you guys? Or can we make it a surprise?", Ayla finally said with glee, grinning widely at the young woman by her side, before she winked at her. "And let's see, what you two can do during that time…"
She walked out of the room – Nino giving her a low high-five behind Adrien's back, making Marinette pout, while the blonde man turned around in confusion.
"The keys?", Nino eventually said innocently, raising his hand.
"Over there on the-"
They were gone, before Adrien could have finished his sentence. The door closed behind them, Alya's giggling echoing through the wood and down the hallway. Leaving the two other adults behind and in silence.
It took Adrien some time to move again, words comprehend by now and he shook his head in irritation.
"What's going on with these two? Their behavior is a real secret to me!"
Marinette merely shrugged, taking the paint brush once more in her hand. Raising it over her head to paint a spot just above her head, unable to make eye contact with Adrien once more.
It was hard to look over to him. To face him – the revelation from the evening before still lingering on her mind. Clutching her heart tightly and the wish to just go over there, to hug him and to declare her undying love for him rising with each passing second.
… but then there was Lady Titalee. Laughing and laughing and taunting. Threatening. Haunting.
Holding her back…
"Are you sure you don't want to change your clothes. Of what I have read it won't be possible to get anything out of the fabric when you get paint all over it… I have plenty of things, that I don't need anymore and that you could wear".
"I am good – thank you!", she hurriedly declared. "I'll just make sure to not get anything on my clothes. I can handle that – as an artist and as somebody, who had helped out in a bakery for my whole life".
… well… she had enough stained clothes, but he was not supposed to know that.
"… okay?", he mumbled, scratching the back of his head. Daring to come closer a little, stopping only a few feet away. Watching her for some time, until he dared to raise his voice once more: "Is everything alright between us?"
She stopped painting, her hand halting above her head. Gulping heavily. Her other hand clenched into the tightest fist possible, knuckles turning white. Her poor heart skipped a beat, then another. Hurting…
But she was the one to twirl around, smiling widely at him.
"Everything is alright, Adrien – just getting used to the thought, that you apparently like me and want a relationship with me" – words, which weren't even a lie. "I mean – that is something I have always wished for since I was like… thirteen, or something. But now I am here and… you… and… we…"
'We will never have a chance…', she thought tiredly, wanting to reach out of his hand to just grasp it and hold it tightly. Wanting to be sure, that – indeed – everything was alright with them.
But she held herself back.
… and he as well, frowning. His eyes laid upon hers and he tried to read her, tried to get deep into her mind, heart and soul. But there was nothing her could find – the walls she had build there a long time ago kept him out easily.
"Marinette…", he finally sighed. Taking on step closer to her, hands already twitching by his side, before he stopped – taking two steps back instead. "… I shouldn't have made a move on you… It's making everything harder now…"
"But it shouldn't!", she gasped. "We are still friends, right? And we will make it work – as friends and eventually as-" She bit her tongue, her cheeks turning crimson and she averted her eyes from his. "I like you, too. But there is right now so much on my plate, that I can barely handle it on my own…"
"Right Person, Wrong time – I remember that. And I am glad, that you told me that. Really… But I want you to know, that I would love to carry all your burdens with you. It… would surely be easier for you".
"Don't say that…", Marinette mumbled, shaking her head. "There are burdens, that you can't carry. And… It's best if those were kept a secret".
"Oh? I can keep secrets!", he said, blushing himself. But eventually he nodded, eyes shining with honesty. "But I understand, that there will be secrets, that should kept in the dark. I… surely have plenty of my own. And therefore I respect that. Just… don't let them lose your spark…"
"My spark? What spark?"
He chuckled.
"Oh – that spark in you, that I enjoy so much. You know – your optimism and your passion. Your happiness. The way you smile and laugh and- oh… it does make you feel uncomfortable, when I say all that?"
She started to hide behind her hands, cheeks burning, while she felt as if she was encaged in unbearable heat.
"Too much compliments?"
She nodded a little, making him laugh once more.
… making him step closer, wiggling his eyebrows at her.
"Oh… I have plenty more to say about you~"
He leaned closer, a playful, almost evil smirk on his handsome features – his hands coming up and hovered by her sides – she moved, before he could have done it. Shrieking and pressing one hand on his shoulder, the other against his cheek, to keep him away.
… though she still held the paintbrush and with that the pink paint touched his flawless skin and a huge spot enthroned his left cheekbone.
Both immediately stopped upon realizing her small mistake – she gasping and immediately apologizing for it about a thousand times per minute, while Adrien merely raised an eyebrow at her.
Started to grin once more – hurriedly he took the brush from her, jumping away and out of her reach, rising it in front of her, as if it was an epee.
His long years of fencing started to show. His posture was still perfect and his eyes never leaving its aim.
Her…
"Are you sure, that you don't want to change?", he asked smugly, a movement of his head pointing towards her and her attire. "When I am done with you, you might need a shower and your cloths will be ruined..."
An exciting tingle reached her abdomen, spreading through her whole body. She couldn't deny, that his words alone reeked from sexual tension, that hovered all around them and she would love to just do that…
… shower with him, until both were clean again – and so much more.
But she dared to not give in – instead was affected by his smile and his silliness. Reaching for another brush and dunked it into the paint as well. Mimicking his pose as best she could – the tip of her brush barely touching his.
… smirking as well…
"Don't worry Pretty Boy – I can handle a few pink stains on my cloths. But… can you?"
He chuckled under his breath – moving forward and past her brush, his own coming on contact with her arm, painting her pink. But she parried his next move, dodging underneath it, brushing his side as well.
"Ha! Good move, Marinette! Didn't know, that you could fight like that!"
"Told you, I had my secrets!"
"Mhm…", he hummed, circling her this time, his steps fast, his eyes fixed on his prey. "… certainly makes we want to unravel all of them, if you let me..."
They fought like that for some time. Parrying and dodging. Defensing themselves. Laughing, when they made silly moves and grimaces. When they painted something pink.
A little it felt like a well-choreocraphed dance. As if they have fought like that before - maybe not against the other, but rather side by side. But this silly thought didn't let them hold back in any way.
Soon he had a big stain on his behind, smaller ones on his shoulder and arms. One on his chin. Marinette on the other hand had one big stain across her chest, two on her legs and some on her hands as well.
They looked funny and surely it would be some work to clean this whole mess they created back up. Well… the clothes were ruined – but the fun would connect them even more.
And…true – Adrien really tried to do his best to make her happy… for the first time on this particular day she was able to forget her duties and the Kwamis and everything else. For the very first time she could be Marinette.
… just Marinette…
Another move forward, brush aimed for her stomach. She moved to his left, behind his arm and past him. But he didn't hesitate. Grabbing her hand and pulled her back and against him, twisting her arm around her, making sure to not hurt her. But paint landed on her cheek instead. Making her giggle.
"Are we using dirty moves now? Can't remember fencing to be like that…", she said.
He was unbelievably close. Right behind her – his front pressed against her back. His breath was hot on her shoulder, his lips close to her cheek.
Indeed… both could feel it. The sweet tension between them. The excitement of the moment. Of the closeness. If she turned her head she would be able to catch his lips with hers and then-
"We should clean you up, Marinette…", he said shyly, stepping back and he let her arm go. Taking a deep breath, as if he had been holding it. "Maybe we can still get the paint out of our clothes. W-wait right here! I'll get something for you to change into!"
Adrien was gone, again. Right through the door and down the corridor, leaving her behind. The young woman could only stare, not moving and not thinking, until he eventually returned to her. With new clothes in his hand and a happy little gleam in his eyes.
"Here. They might fit you… though you should tie the shorts most tightly. And I am most sorry about your clothes… When you are done I will put them in the washing machine and-"
"It's okay…", she said shrugging, taking the clothes from him and smiled. "And you don't look any better, by the way".
"Oh?", his eyebrows raised and he looked down on himself, seeing big stains all over himself.
"And I suggest, that you don't sit down, either!"
"Huh?"
"Well… uhm… y-your b-buttocks are tainted as well…"
His eyes widened at the realization, his hand moving carefully to find the damp spot there. Grinning mischievously, when he did.
"So? Who is the one using dirty moves there?"
"I had no other chance!", she tried to defeat herself, nose raising with a proud smile on her lips. "I clearly marked my-"
She stopped herself, before this would have gotten out of hand. Saying something inexcusably sexy. Something she would never regret and never forget.
… and he neither.
"I'll go and clean myself…", she said, rushing past him and straight towards the bathroom, cloths pressed tightly against her stomach to not stain them in any way. Closing the door behind her with the key and letting out a long, shaking sigh.
Gosh… what was Adrien doing to her? Making her laugh and smile and forget about time and space. It felt so easy with him… as if they never were apart. Sure – they were closer now than ever and a little did Marinette wonder, if it would have been the same, if he hadn't left ten years ago.
… if they had tried a relationship a little earlier.
The young woman laid a hand on her chest – right above the spot of her heart. Felt it's steady, but hurried beat. Just thinking about the man on the other side of the door made its rhythm go over faster, beating inside of her like crazy.
… and this was indeed crazy… and she wished for once, that she hadn't the burden to be the Guardian of the Miraculous, or Ladybug. Or anything in between. Then she would have given in – would have thrown all caution out of the window to just…
… to just be with him. To be Adrien's girlfriend. His lover. His anything in-between.
She looked up and straight into the mirror in front of her. Seeing the earrings, black now that they are camouflaged. Knowing, that she could not have all of that…
A sting of tears reached her eyes and before one could have left her eye she opened the faucet, letting the water run. Washing her face, her cheeks, her eyes. Tried to get the pink away from her skin, which was harder now, that it had dried.
The makeup, or anything that was left completely gone now...
And her clothes – yep – they were ruined, but she certainly didn't mind one bit. But for now she had to change, flinging her shirt over her head and her shorts down to her feet. Changing into the cloths, that Adrien had given her instead.
And… she remembered the shirt. It was his favorite one, when he was younger. The black one with the colorful stripes in front. It hugged her nicely, ending just below her bum. The shorts on the other hand… were huge for her skinny legs. She had to tie the bow most tightly to make it sit around her – putting the shirt inside for a better fit.
Comfortable, yes, but it would not stop the teasing, once Alya and Nino returned.
"You look like his girlfriend!", Tikki giggled beside her, soaring through the wall. Eyes shining brightly, smirking, when she saw the appearance of her Chosen. "And you smell just like Adrien".
"Thanks Tikki…", Marinette mumbled, once more trying to clean herself with soap and water, flinching, when she saw the red skin underneath. "Where have you been the whole time?"
Normally Tikki would have been by her side earlier. But now she seemed to be distracted herself.
"Just looking around. Doing Kwami-things and stuff…"
"Kwami-things? So… you found something to eat?"
"No. But I was around to see your little dance", she smiled and twirled around herself. "You two looked so happy! If only-"
"If only - what?"
"If there wasn't Lady Titalee, then you would be a couple right now, am I right?"
Marinette groaned and threw her head back.
"Tiiikkiiii~ Don't make it any harder for me! It's already hard enough to resist! I would love to… you know…"
"Kiss him? And hug him? And have se-"
"Yep. And now shut up!"
Tikki frowned and Marinette immediately felt sorry for being so harsh to her little friend. Reaching up to place her in her hands, kissing her tiny head a small apology.
"Sorry… I am really, really sorry…", she mumbled. "It's just… really, really hard for me right now… Everything…"
"I know, Marinette. And that's why you need him. He will make you happy and balanced and all… He will make sure, that no Akuma will reach you. Akumatize you. And he will love you just like you are…"
"… I wish it was that easy…"
"It is, Marinette. It really is… just step out there and give him a huge smooch and everything will be fine. You will see! I mean – I am the Kwami of Creation and Love is one of the sweetest things, when it blooms between two people…"
"… and… Lady Titalee…?"
"She wants you weak and powerless. But who can be that, when they are so full of love? Just look at him! He has tried so much to protect you – when you were both. Ladybug and Marinette… And I believe he succeeds…"
There was something about the words from the tiny goddess. Paired with her reassuring smile and the brave gleam in her eyes.
Something, that made her believe, that she – Marinette – was actually able to handle that. All of it – Adrien and her jobs. Her parents, friends and Emma. Her duties and saving Paris.
Something, that made her believe in the love she shared had for the young man.
Something…
She looked over to the door – a strange pull dragging her along. Through the door and outside. Across the corridor. Towards Adrien – seeing him stand by the coffee table, while he tried to study some instructions. He had changed as well – the pink stains now smears and little did she wonder, where he had tried to wash himself. Perhaps in the sink in the kitchen, but she didn't know.
All she knew, was that what she wanted in that very moment…
… hoping, that Tikki was indeed right and this – right here – was exactly the one thing, that could make her whole life a little easier. That could make her stronger…
… that could make her happy…
He heard her approaching and looked up, eyebrows rising. And he smiled – that very smile, that made her meld so many times before.
And she came closer, ready to throw her arms around his broad shoulders, to embrace him, to get on her tiptoes and to pull him down to her. To kiss him, as they should have done the night before.
But she was cut short, when her feet were tangled in the straps of her backpack, stumbling over a wooden slat and a box next, falling on the carpet by the sofa.
Groaning, hitting her head on something.
"Marinette!", he shouted, both in surprise and shock and was immediately by her side. "Oh gosh – did you hurt yourself? Did you hit your head? Shall I call the ambulance?"
He carefully turned her around, his strong arms lifting her upper body up, the other came around her to hold her close. Eyes checking her face. Her hands. Her body. His fingers brushing away the hair, that has fallen in her face.
She immediately crossed out the plan she had made before, her eyes resting on his, their gazes meeting with full intensity. Heck – she didn't even mind the pain, that erupted in her head, thankful now, that she found herself right in Adrien's arms.
Which felt so right – thankful now, that she had placed her backpack right there and-
She gasped, feeling something cold and hard against her feet. Not the backpack… but surely something, that she had placed inside and-
The Miraculous Box!
Hurriedly she scrambled away, out of Adrien's reach, seeing the box and immediately hide it behind her back, turning to face him. All the poor boy could do, was to blink, most irritatingly at the behavior of the young woman. Eyebrows rising slowly, while she tried to smile apologetically.
"Is everything all right? You have hit your head pretty hard…And it does look Bad as well..."
"Oh, no… no, no, no! I am fine!" Apart from the force of the incoming guilt and the pain, that spread on her forehead. Surely her fall will leave a bruise on her skin. But now was not the time to think about that – no. She needed to get the box back in it's hiding place without Adrien noticing it. "Could you bring me a glass of water, perhaps?"
"Water?" She gave him a tiny nod, though a smile failed her. But at least her got back up on his feet, smiling instead. "I'll bring you some water. I'll be right back…"
And…indeed – it was enough time for her to put the Miraculous Box back inside her backpack and Adrien hadn't even noticed a thing, when he came back – a glass of water in one hand, an ice pack in the other.
"How about you rest a little for now – until the others come back here…"
He led her up the stairs to his roof deck – a beautiful spacious place with a view on the Seine. He had many potted plants here, giving it a feel of a garden over the roofs of Paris. She immediately loved to be here, wishing she could spend hours to just lay here in the sun or gaze up to the night sky. Watching sunsets and sunrises… just with him.
"Come… sit here!", he said, carefully placing her on a wooden deckchair, handing her the water, sitting down by her side. Leaning close to lay the ice pack on her forehead. "How come, that a gorgeous girl like you can be so clumsy?", he asked jokingly, smiling and shaking his head in disbelieve.
"I stumble over my feet for my whole life…", she said, shrugging, but flinched, when her head started to hurt a little more – wishing for the magical suit and its protection instead.
"Are you sure you don't want me to call the ambulance? I can do that right away. I am no doctor and I would like somebody to look over your head. Just to make sure, that you are fine…"
He was so close – she would only need to lean in and against him. But she couldn't.
Just… couldn't – the secret, that has almost revealed itself to him still lingering on her mind. And his eyes were fixed on her forehead anyway – he wouldn't notice, right?
"I am fine, Adrien, really! I believe, that I am in good hands right now…"
Yep – that must have been the pain speaking out of her. Maybe she had really hit her head badly and-
Oh, never mind! He knew, that she actually liked him, so it didn't matter anymore, if she kept something like that a secret as well. Apart from that – there was something very enticing about Adrien's care.
Nurse Adrien – a thought, that almost made her giggle.
His eyes shifted upon hearing her words, falling on her face instead. Widening. Full of hope. A hand landing on her naked knee.
But the doorbell made him pull away. Sighing, smiling apologetic. Shrugging.
"Thought, they would be gone a little longer…", he mumbled, handing her the ice pack now as well, before he stood up. "But Nino's hunger was surely the driving force here… So… I'll-"
He cleared his throat, taking a few steps backward – bumping into a giant plant behind him, before she rushed down the stairs. Down to get Alya and Nino.
She sat there for a few minutes in silence. Chewing the inside of her lip – wondering if she had actually lost her mind. They were both… quiet aggressively flirting with each other. Nobody would be that blind to notice!
But she felt bad for doing so – her whole mind being a huge, fucked up mess right now. With the desire to be with Adrien growing with each passing second – while she almost minutely backed up again, fearing the consequences of this step.
'Six Impossible things…' – a saying she memorized all too suddenly. Remembering the fight against Natalie, earlier this week. Feeling like almost a billion impossible things kept her away from obtaining this ultimate goal of happiness.
… and about a billion more, that kept her from focusing on her duties, trying to convince her, that this wondefful step would be the right one…
Her head hurt once more and she pressed the ice pack tightly against it, hissing, as she felt the cold contact on her skin. Leaning back against the chair, the glass of water still in her hand.
Marinette heard voices down below. From Adrien. From Alya and Nino. Talking, somebody laughed, then gasped and she grimaced – only a moment later her best friend came up the stairs, eyes wide in shock. Sitting on the same spot like the blond man before.
"I can't leave you alone…", Alya said, smiling sadly. "May I have a look?"
"I am fine…"
She lifted the small package in her hand away, revealing the darkening spot underneath and the other woman sucked in some air between her lips.
"Uhhh… you look just like an unicorn! Do you feel nauseous? Dizzy? Have you thrown up?"
Marinette rolled her eyes.
"I am good – I had plenty of bruises in the past. So…" She shrugged. "… don't worry about me!"
There are other things to worry about.
"But I always worry about you…", Alya whispered, smiling sadly. "It's no secret. Anyway - do I want to know what happened to your other cloths?"
Marinette flinched – knowing that their little fencing session would sound childish and silly. But… surely Alya knew, that something must have happened with the paint – her eyes fixing on a paint stain on the other woman's hand, that was still left behind. Eyebrows rising, smirking a little.
Eventually turning – forgetting about the topic for now - when she heard the boys coming up the stairs. "Thought you would keep an eye on my Baby Girl?"
"I did!"
"He did!", Adrien and her shouted at the same time – she with a slightly angrier note, while he paled, fearing the consequences instead, hearing Alya's scolding words.
"I thought, that some sunshine and some water and the cold ice would help? I am no doctor and whenever I got sick Nathalie called a doctor on me and I had to stay in my room, until-"
"Dude! Chill!", Nino exclaimed, setting down paper bags with food inside on the small coffee table by Marinette's side, before he turned around to rest a hand on his shoulder. "Alya is just joking…"
"Well, partially…", she mumbled. "But points for you for taking care of her…"
"You.. Are not mad?", he asked cautiously.
His voice alone melted Marinette's heart. It was tiny. Almost childlike. And for a mere moment she believed to see that boy, who stood in front of his scolding father, apologizing for being 5 minutes late or for not getting every answer on an exam right – though she could not remember a time where that happened.
But… habits hardly die and Adrien would always be… well… the son of a strict, neglectful father. The son of Gabriel Agreste…
Alya couldn't read him just as perfectly has she had done it – chuckling instead, before she joked:
"Nah – she didn't loose her head after all!"
Unsure of himself he nodded, looking over to Nino for guidance, then to Marinette, before he eventually sat down as well – utterly defeated.
Marinette just wished for nothing more, but to reach out for his hand and to take it in her own. Hold it and smile to him – letting him know, that everything was alright.
She at least settled for a smile – which he returned.
"So – everything is settled? Can we eat now?"
Nino was impatient already – and hungry as well, placing various packages on the table, before he sat down.
Chinese food – there was a place close to their apartment and surely an obvious choice. Big portions, for everybody to share. Though the young woman didn't feel any hunger and by the way Adrien hesitated with taking the chopsticks she knew he wasn't either.
Wondering about all the things, that where occupying his mind right now.
"So-", Nino started to speak, still chewing on some fried vegetables. "-I brought some tools from home. We will have the shelves build up in no time. And then I would love to check on your dining table once more – that thing was completely wonky!"
Both Marinette and Adrien stayed mostly quiet and their best friends kept on talking. About furniture building, room for the kids, the traffic. Simple things, that kept them busy.
Eventually the previous topic ended and they started to talk about the current happenings and Akuma's instead.
About Lady Titalee and the terror, that came with her…
"…I am just saying, that this person is more ruthless. Vile, almost. Playing with people's psyche and fears. Barely using brute force...", Alya summed up. "She is making a name for herself, that is true and I believe her legacy will easily be remembered as much as that of Hawk Moth".
"Ladybug and Chat Noir certainly had their problems fighting her", Nino added to that. "He wasn't even there during that fight in the Zoo – but thankfully our Adrien here was there to protect the heroine of Ladybug, his daughter and-"
"I did nothing! Just… natural instincts and all… I just couldn't stand by and let him do such cruel things…", Adrien defended his heroic actions humbly. "If nobody was going to help Ladybug, then who would do it instead?"
Alya smirked and even Nino tried to hide a grin.
"Well… Rena Rouge would do it…if she could".
"Carapace…"
Marinette frowned – she would not give other Miraculous out to people, again. The whole thing was already dangerous enough for Chat Noir and her and Adrien couldn't know, that their two friends had donned the magical suits multiple times before.
Though… he had done it as well – shortly, even though he had not been the right choice for the Snake Miraculous…
… sadly…
Adrien on the other hand nodded upon hearing that. Thinking about these words, before he spoke up, again:
"… but I don't think, that Ladybug would seek out other heroes, again. She… wouldn't risk their lives. I… I believe, that having Chat Noir risk his life constantly is already a huge burden for her".
"Burden?", Alya questioned, before Marinette could have thought about his words anymore – sensing pain in each spoke syllable. "He is her partner – he is her biggest ally…"
"He loves her". Nino said nonchalantly, shrugging. "Still. After all this time. He wouldn't be able to live one more day, if she was ever harmed in any way. Well… I couldn't, either…"
Alya sighed – shaking her head and placed her hands on her belly.
"We are not talking about that, again! Not here, not now!"
Her voice was stern. Angry, almost and Marinette leaned a little closer again, setting the already warm ice pack on the table and rested a caring hand on her friend's arm. Feeling, that there were unresolved problems. Conversations, that should have stayed a secret.
Adrien looked at Nino, instead, mustering his face, every feature, every blink. Gulping.
Alya was the one to purse her lips, nose rising, while Nino stayed quiet – judging every move of his fiancé. Though something tried to break though his usual chilled façade.
Purest determination and – how Adrien and Marinette would find out soon – the purest wish to protect those he loved.
"Go on – tell them!" Hurt swayed in Alya's voice, gripping Marinette's heart tightly. "They will find out eventually…"
His eyes lowered to his hands. Then lifted up to the sky. Eventually Nino looked out over the city – unable to face any of them.
"It's just a thought. An… idea…", he mumbled, as if it was an excuse. Finally looking to Adrien, smiling sadly. "Hey… you are a dad, too. You should understand, my Dude…"
She felt the pain and only one thing came to Marinette's mind – and she had to speak this one, silly thought, before it was gone:
"Leaving. You… you want to leave Paris…"
"Not for all eternity!", the brunette man said hurriedly. "Just… as long as Lady Titalee is around. Coming back, when it's save, again…"
"We grew up in this city!"
Alya's voice was louder now – clearly not happy about Nino's thoughts. "And our babies will grow up here. And will go to the school! And find jobs, fall in love and we will grow old here! The four of us – together!"
"And I am not sitting by, letting you, or the babies get akumatized! I am not going to work – I am not even going grocery shopping, without fearing for your safety! Heck – you are pregnant with twins! The doctor said, you should cut back on stress and-"
"I know, what he said… And-"
"Does Marinette know about the nightmares?" "Nino!" "How long do you have them? They started right after you were akumatized in Lady WiFi for the first time. I have those as well and…" He let out a shaking breath, reaching across the table to reach for Alya – to reach for the woman he loved so much. She didn't hesitate, laying her hand in his, holding onto her rock and anchor tightly. "… I just want to protect you…"
Secrets… yeah… the four of them had their fair share of secrets. Hidden away most carefully, barely known by any other soul. It made them, who they where.
And… Marinette had to admit to herself, that one of her secrets was the envy for these two. Envying their endless trust and love for the other. Their act of balance in heart and soul. The young woman wished, that she could find something like that as well… one day…
Her eyes landed on Alya, biting her lip to keep herself from crying. Knowing, that she would get mad at Nino for blowing her secret about the nightmares. But she knew, that he didn't have any ill intentions.
He just wanted to protect her…
… and… yeah… there was a reason on why he had been the wielder of the Turtle Miraculous. The one of Protection… she couldn't have made a better choice for that…
"Okay – can we all agree on something less depressing to talk about?", Alya finally said, fanning herself air. "I am about to cry, if we don't stop. Neither of us will be moving out of Paris today. So… how about you two start to eat – or do you guys rather want to tell us, why both of you had to change clothes? Mhm? What are your dirty, little secrets?
"Alya!"
A/N: Everybody has their secrets... And for Marinette It's the wish to break out of her role of the hero and Guardian...And Adrien? Well - he realized, that going flirty and charming in both his identities towards Marinette hadn't helped himself, either. Alya's question of 'Is there another' will be quiet important.
Next Chapter: A surprising guest during her break...