Tension
"- and now you turn around. A little more, and… mhm… Are you sure, that you want to wear a skirt?"
Marinette frowned, turning back to her phone she had carefully placed on the desk. Seeing Alya's face with a thoughtful look on the display – her face in the corner, displayed on a smaller, second frame.
The young woman tugged on her waistband, eying herself once more, wondering why the flowy summer skirt did not suit her best friend's taste.
She on the other hand liked it. It was a soft shade of pink with flowers on it – small ones and only a little darker, than the fabric itself. The whole thing going down to her ankles. It matched perfectly with the white top she had tucked into it – of course both things she had designed and sewn herself.
"What's wrong with the skirt?"
Wasn't it the best occasion to wear it? On a hot summer night, where she would see her old schoolmates and friends. Enjoying her time – eating, talking and maybe even dancing. Perhaps… she was able to get a dance with Adrien…
They both would enjoy it – and he would absolutely adore her look. She was sure about that. Why did she even video call Alya in the first place?
The brunette on the other side smirked, wiggling her eyebrows at her.
"Oh nothing is wrong with it! You look like a pure, innocent girl! I just thought, that some nice shorts would perfectly display your cute little behind a little more. And-"
"Urgh! Ayla! I don't want Adrien to see my a-" Her best friend grinned and Marinette quickly changed her words, blushing furiously. "Adrien is not interested in my butt-" She stopped once more, covering her face, while Alya giggled behind her hand.For every word just made it worse.
"You are too cute, Marinette! And don't you dare to convince me otherwise: Adrien might be a kind, well behaving gentleman, but I have also seen him checking you out. Multiple times throughout yesterday! And also your backside. Nino noticed as well! Right?"
She turned her head, looking at her fiancé, who was hidden away off-screen.
"I am not talking about that!", came Nino's muffled voice.
"Could you just tell Marinette, what you told me yesterday? It would help both of them! Pretty please?"
A long sigh was to be heard and Nino's face emerged behind Alya's shoulder. Marinette raised her eyebrows in expectation, waited for her friends words:
"My Dudette…", he said with a excruciating long pause, seemingly phrasing everything in his head, before he dared to speak his mind. "…I do know you for many, many years. And I like you both… just… Get it together! Seriously! The romantic and sexual tension between the two of you is insane and I don't know, if I should be happy or annoyed!"
"There is no sexual tension between-" Both cast her a deadpanning look and the young woman sighed desperately. "Fiiine~ So?"
"Marinette… my Dude really likes you! He couldn't shut up about you when you guys ran into each other – twice! He is basically stunned by you ever since! You take care of his daughter, even though you absolutely dislike her mother-" "I don't want to let Emma down!" "You visit his mother for years in the hospital-" "Because somebody has to do it!" "You work so fucking hard to earn money – but not for you, but to pay for the treatment and the medications for your father. And help out, whenever you can-" "Family above everything else and-". "And all of that is the very reason on why he has fallen so hard for you!"
Marinette opened her lips. Wanted to say something. Wanted to explain herself. But Nino's honesty silenced her once more and she slumped down on the chair by the desk, taking the phone in her hands and looked at her two best friends once more.
"He will not break your heart, Marinette…", Alya said gently, shaking her head to emphasize her words a little more – Nino nodding in agreement and laid one hand on her shoulder. "… if that is the reason on why you are holding back. And if there is actually another man, than let him go…"
The young woman gulped, her heart skipping a beat as she thought about Chat Noir once more. Suddenly wondering, what he has done throughout the whole Sunday. If… he ever thought about her – just once. Or… if he had been busy as well.
And yet she smiled, shaking her head.
"There is no other man, Alya…"
She couldn't even look them in the eyes and was thankful, that the screens and the distance was separating them.
"Good…", Nino was the one to answer. "Because I don't want my Dude's heart broken, either. He had to endure so much already and a heartbreak… You know… I don't want him to get akumatized on top of that! It just…. It wouldn't…" He let out a long breath and Alya grasped his hand on his shoulder, looking up with a sad smile, until he was able to continue once more. "You two deserve each other, Marinette. That's what I want to say. And I am not saying this, because it would be super cool, if my best friend would date Alya's best friend. But… you two have waited long enough for this chance. Just… take it, before it slips away…"
The three were silent for a moment, Nino's words lingering still in the room, weighting down on her own shoulders with a heavy impact. Sensing, that there was so much more to talk about – so many more reasons on why she shouldn't hold back and why she should just embrace this relationship, that had slowly formed between them, without realizing it.
… and… sure… Lady Titalee was still around…
She gulped and looked over to Tikki, you sat undisturbed on the desk and looked straight to the screen – undetected and unseen because of the magic, that surrounded her, listening to every word. With wide eyes she gazed over to her Chosen, smiling sadly, nodding, to agree with the two friends on the other side.
Of course, she did that and of course…
… of course they all just wanted her to be happy. And she had already admitted to herself the day before, that – perhaps – it wasn't all to wrong for her to give in. For Tikki was right – war and destruction had always caused the heroes to part from their loved ones and families. But fighting has always been worth it in the end – to reunite with them and to protect them and so much more. Being able to grasp love like a thin, but steady straw of hope.
… and… yeah… she would love to fight for that…
Maybe… maybe there was a way for her to balance it all – work and duties, family and friends, Adrien and the love for Chat Noir.
… though… eventually she had to let the last one go at the end of it all. As Marinette and as Ladybug as well… to protect him as well…And... He eventually wanted to move on, right?
"Okay…", the young woman therefore meekly said, smiling a sad, but honest smile, before she stood up and cleared her throat. Brushing over the fabric of the skirt, to get rid of any wrinkles. "Back to the 'important' things – this outfit, or should I change?"
She nervously glanced on the clock, knowing, that Adrien would arrive soon to get first her, then their two friends. But if they believed, that this skirt wasn't a solid outfit choice, then-
"Keep the skirt on!", Nino said, Alya looking up to him with a raised eyebrow and he grinned and shrugged. "I don't know a thing about fashion, but I guess it looks good on you – it certainly screams 'Marinette Dupain-Cheng – future wife of Adrien Agretse'. And I believe, that this is the look, we are looking for, right?"
Alya sighed upon hearing his explanation and rolled her eyes – the sexy look with shorts now blown off the table completely.
"You sadly have a point. But could you please at least wear sexy underwear underneath? You know – that gorgeous lacy-"
"And goodbye!", Marinette hurriedly said, ending the video call – seeing Nino turn already a dark crimson, feeling embarrassed as well.
Sure – she knew, what Alya was talking about – her best friend had convinced her to buy that – far too expensive – set of lingerie a few months ago. Indeed, it was sexy. And made out of lace and it left nothing to hide and-
-and it was black, therefore impossible to go with the white top she had chosen to wear and should rather be spared for another time. She was already thankful enough, that the fabric of her top was of decent quality and therefore her white bra could stay hidden – unless she would be thrown into the water.
… and why would that happen anyway?
"Well, I think, that you look pretty, Marinette…", Tikki chimed in, beaming up to the human with shining eyes. "And I believe it's a good and wise decision to go out and have a little fun! You deserve it and it surely will lighten your mood to see everybody else…" She added a tiny 'And Adrien of course' as a quiet mumble, making her Chosen smirk.
Marinette bowed down, opening her hand and waited until Tikki settled on her open palm.
"I start to believe, that you are the hopeless romantic here…"
The Red Kwami giggled.
"It's two of us! That's why we are such a perfect match as well! And as I said – Love is such a pure form of creation! It always makes me happy, when it blooms between two hearts…"
True, but the young woman yet had to voice her doubts:
"…yet…what about Chat Noir? If I ever… if… When Adrien and I really start to date I will not be able to see him anymore. I just can't betray them both. Lie to them…"
The smile on the tiny goddesses lips softened and she laid her head against Marinette's thumb in comfort.
"… I believe he will understand…"
"But Tikki-"
"It's the sign, Marinette! Everything will eventually fall into place…" Tikki flew up and popped the nose of the flustered human, giggling. "But I am glad, that you want to take this step. It's the right choice! I believe everybody will see it like that as well! And Adrien… what do you humans say? He won't be able to get his hands off of you!"
Marinette groaned, frustrated with the entities silly antics. Seriously – she shouldn't listen to Alya all the time – she is the one, who can talk nonstop about sex and all these things!
… giving the tiny goddess a dirty mind as well.
… perhaps… and in all honesty – the young woman was looking forward to their shared time as well. The little time they had. But – yeah – it would be worth it. The yearning for a relationship with this young man was almost unbearable by now – getting stronger with each day. Knowing, that it was wrong to give in – hoping, that it could be alright in the end.
After all – she deserved to be happy as well.
Nervously she walked through the rooms. To the bathroom to check her makeup in another lighting – heck- was the bruise on her forehead decently covered? Then to the kitchen, nervously taking a bite of a croissant, that she hadn't finished in the afternoon. Well – two bites later it was gone anyway.
Finally she walked over to the living room, sitting down on the sofa. Waiting for Adrien to arrive. He was always on time – why should it be different and he still had something like five minutes left.
Enough time for her to daydream about all the things that could and would be – things she had imagined as a teenage girl before. And all the things she hadn't dared to think about during such a young age. Not wanting any dark thoughts to arrive her just yet.
She would need to find a way to figure it out. To make it work. To protect Adrien and to be happy with him.
…she needed to… needed him…
Nervously she let her fingers tap on her knees – hidden away somewhere underneath the skirt. Bit her lip. Leaned back.
For 5 minutes started to get ten, eventually 20. Soon 30.
And the young woman started to get worried, sad even. Frustrated. And worried, again. Her Ladybug senses weren't tingling all together, but it still was strange and very un-like Adrien to not be there in time. Especially her…
She would even check her phone a few times, in hope that he would write something. That he would call. But he didn't. It was Alya who called back once – teasing at first and asking, why it was taking them so long. Irritated, when she heard, that the blond man hasn't arrived, yet.
Sure – he could be stuck in the traffic. Or he had fallen asleep – the first day at the bakery being very exhausting for him. And the possibility of an Akuma attack was –
Her doorbell rang and Marinette hurriedly rose to her feet – Tikki immediately flying in her purse to hide.
"There he is!", she whispered into the phone. "Hopefully…"
"Good – take your time. We will be waiting", were her last cheeky words, before she hung up, making Marinette sigh in annoyance. But this state didn't last for too long – she already hurried towards the door to press the button on the intercom, barely able to speak a tiny 'Yes?', for it was Adrien who already started to babble and rant and speak:
"Oh gosh Marinette! I am so fucking sorry! It wasn't my intention to come here late! I can explain it and-"
"Adrien?"
A tiny smile spread on her lips, hearing his words, as he talked apologetically outside. Stopping him, when he heard her voice, again.
"Yes?"
"Do… do you want to come up and grab a glass of water? You sound pretty exhausted and I just spoke to Alya – she allowed us to take our time… So?"
She imagined him to nod, silent for a moment, before he eventually found his voice, again:
"…That would be nice... "
She let him inside, waited by the opened door, until he came up – almost as if he was flying – the stairs – embracing her in his strong arms, once he had reached her.
She let him – remembering her own promise to him and reminded herself, that she wanted to take that risk, to be in a relationship with him. Above all this hug felt so nice, enjoying it, while it lasted.
Closing her eyes, to enjoy it fully. Resting her head underneath his, feeling his chin on top of hers. Smiling and blushing, sucking in his scent, marveling in the warmth and feeling of safety, that came with him.
"… sorry…", she heard him mumble once more, felt his arms loosen around her frame and he finally stepped away. Hands resting on her naked arms, thumbs brushing over her skin, while he looked down in her blue eyes with his green ones.
… and a little did she wonder, if he meant his late appearance, or this hug, when he had apologized once more.
"It's okay…", she said with an honest smile, letting her hands fall to her side." No need to be sorry. Remember – I am the one, who always arrives late…"
He smirked and let go of one of her arms, to scratch the back his head bashfully, ducking it a little.
"I just don't want to give you the wrong impression. And…", he looked on his watch and frowned. "I don't think, that we can eat now… we would be running late. Like really late!"
"The others wouldn't mind…"
He sighed, his other hand leaving her skin now as well. Sadly and she missed the contact already dearly.
"I am already worried enough on how they all will take my return. And… what they think of me – sure – I was invited over, but…" He shrugged, eyes wandering to his shoes instead. "It's always hard to meet with new people – it doesn't matter, if I meet them before, or if they are complete strangers. Though… ten years gone makes me a stranger to them… correct?"
Marinette's heart broke, seeing him stand miserably in front of her and she hoped, that she could somehow ease his mind. Help him…
"You should drink something first…", she whispered gently and did something almost unbelievable.
She took his hand and lead him inside her flat. Closing the door behind them and walked down the corridor and towards the kitchen. Her heart was beating madly and she feared, that he would hear it as well. Was scared, that he could deny the contact and pull away.
But thankfully he didn't, instead grabbed her fingers a little more tightly. And if he wanted to lace them this time she would let him, for she wasn't brave enough to take that step herself.
"I have water in the fridge, if you want it chilled. But I also have unopened bottles and if you actually like tap water, then-"
"Thank you", he already said, when she turned around to face him, babbling about the water instead.
"What for?"
"For not being mad…", he smiled, their hands leaving almost shyly that of the other and she gave him a little nod, before Marinette hurriedly turned around and opened a shelf by her side to get him a glass. "And for the water, of course. Cold one sounds nice…"
She filled the glass only a moment later with his wished beverage, drops emerging on its outside, when the warm air hit the now cold material. Dripping down like small pearls, glistening in the light of the sun, that shone through the window.
But the young man hesitated, not taking that glass right now and when she looked back up she saw him stare. Irritated she took a step back, blinking, making him notice his strange behavior.
"Sorry…You… you just look really beautiful".
She smiled, grasping the bottle tightly in her hands, feeling warm and flustered at the same time.
"Thank you", she breathed, hoping, that the coldness would help her return to reality. But it didn't – the surrealism of the moment capturing her in its middle. Making her float like in a bubble – one that wouldn't burst in the nearest future.
… with both trapped inside, with nothing out there, that could harm them in any way. She would like that…
Adrien smiled in return, before he finally took the glass as well, bringing it to his lips. Closing his eyes to devour the coldness inside. And Marinette was the one to watch – marveling in the sight of his handsome face, at the sign of his strong hands, wondering, if his lips were cold now, or still hot if she touched them.
She bid her lip and turned away, placing the bottle back inside the fridge, not wanting to disturb him in any way.
"You don't have to tell me, why you are late, by the way", she mumbled, when she closed the fridge, needing to say it loud, knowing this was the right thing to do. For the young woman knew, that in the distant future they would face situations like this – her coming late, her having to explain herself to him, her having to hide something so important.
She had done it before – but she knew, that the needed trust for this relationship she dearly wanted to build.
… and she wanted to gift him that as well. And… apart from that – she indeed trusted him. Always had – and right now they weren't even together and he shouldn't feel the urge to tell her everything, that she didn't need to know.
"It's okay…"
And it was.
Yet Adrien's eyes widened in shock and he set the glass back on the counter, stepping forward and a little closer to her.
"But I don't want to have some secret in front of you! And it's not… It's… Lila called…", he finally sighed, his shoulders slumping and shook his head in defeat. "There was an attack and… well-"
Marinette paled. Of course! She knew! She had been there – she had been one of the late-night intruders – scaring both her and Emma in the middle of the night.
It had been only a matter of time, until the brunette would reach out to talk with Adrian about it. Of course…
And she didn't need to lie about that – one thing, that Marinette bugged most about this very conversation.
"An attack?", she yet finally said, when she found her voice again, reminding herself, that she was currently standing in front of him as Marinette and not as Ladybug and the former one was unable to know about it. "An Akuma attack? I… I haven't heard about it in the news!"
Which was true.
"Not an Akuma. It had been Lady Titalee herself. Along with Ladybug and Chat Noir. Of…what Lila told me they were fighting and broke right through the window. They scared Emma really badly…"
Poor girl… But she should have known, that this must leave some impact on those small shoulders of the little girl. Still… hearing about it broke Marinette's heart a little more.
"But is Emma alright now? And… Lila as well?"
Urgh… she still hated the other woman with a deep passion – especially after all the things she did to Adrien and how she trapped him with the daughter he hadn't wished for in the first place. But right now she still was a civilian to the young woman and as such the heroine would make sure, that she was safe as well.
… just like Emma…
Adrien smiled sadly when he noticed the honest care in her voice and he stepped a little closer once more, his hand lifting up to… to eventually fall to his side, again. Not daring to touch anything of her just now – even if she wished for it.
"Well… Emma has slept badly, I was told. She had nightmares about this King Poseidon before and now about Lady Titalee as well. She wished for Ladybug to come by to protect her…", he chuckled softly and one hand brushed through his hair. "Lila on the other hand asked me, if I couldn't stay over night…"
Marinette's mouth went dry and she gasped – blushing, as this tiny sound made him grin slightly.
"What did you say?"
"'No' – of course! I told her, that I would try everything to make them feel safe – above all my daughter. But she should know, that I will keep my distance from her. Sure – she will keep on trying, but I will always decline her advances… I told her that".
Marinette flinched, nervously playing with her fingers.
"And she didn't say a word about that?"
"On the contrary – she asked, if we where dating? Wanted to hear a reason on why I didn't want to spend so much time with especially her…"
"What did you tell her?"
He shrugged, but continued to smile.
"The truth…"
"… which currently is?"
"Currently?"
Marinette cringed – knowing very well, that she should be careful with her choice of words when she talked with Adrien. He was smart and knew pretty well, how to grasp every straw, that was given to him. And something like that would just awake his interest – more than usually, of course.
But right now she felt too bashful to look up and into Adrien's eyes. Not daring to move altogether. Heck – if she was Ladybug right now and still held onto the bottle, then she would have shattered the glass right now with her strength. Thankfully she hadn't transformed and thankfully the bottle was already placed inside the fridge.
"Sorry… I didn't want to be so straightforward and-"
"No, no, no! It's okay!" Mostly. He didn't even know, that she wanted to kiss him yesterday – before she had stumbled over her backpack on the floor, which had embarrassed the hell out of her. "It's just… uhm… Do you want something to eat? We won't be able to go out and have something anyway… So?"
"You have something here?", he said with an amused tone, his smirk made this whole situationeven harderfor her.
She pouted, raised her head a little higher and with strong determination she answered back:
"Well of course! I can take care of myself!"
He chuckled.
"Of course you can. I know that pretty well…"
She really hoped, that she wasn't blushing right now. Wanted to face him as the independent woman, that she usually was for everybody else. But Adrien made it always so hard to lay back and to be cared about. No – she didn't want to be served by him. He wasn't her butler.
… but it felt like he was able to lift the weight of the world off her shoulders every now and then. Until she was able to breath and to move and to smile, again. He made life a little easier for her – even though he had returned in it a little less than a week ago.
And it was a little ironically in the very end – for she had promised to be the one, who wanted to take care of him. Helping him with Emma and to feel at home in Paris, again. But their roles had switched – he would not step away, until he knew that she was safe and sound and until her stomach was filled. Until she had smiled at least once per day.
Both were not aware of the time around them anymore as they stared into each other's eyes. Feeling that magnetic pull between them. The electric surge, that went through their veins. The chain around their hearts.
Yes – Marinette dearly hoped, that he felt the same. Thought the same. Believed in Karma, luck and fate, too. To meet up again after so many years apart, to spend time as friends and to have this deep connection evolve between them eventually.
And she dearly hoped, that he wouldn't mind if she-
That pesky mobile phone started to ring. Inside her purse and a moment later she noticed, that his inside his back pocket was buzzing as well.
And just like that the moment was lost, blown away like dust in the wind and both smiled apologetically, mumbled little words of excuses, before they reached out to take the annoying devices.
"Alya is calling…", Marinette murmured, seeing a photo of her and her best friend on the display.
"And Nino, too", and he was the one to take the call – both knowing, that their friends were together anyway. "Yes, what is-"
While her phone went silent she watched the man talk before her, nibbling on her lower lip, wondering, if he had felt it too. The sweet tension between them and what he would have said, if she had actually come forward to kiss him.
But it wouldn't happen and she wondered if fate had somehow decided for them to stop them, before it had actually happened. Two times in a row now.
So… maybe they weren't supposed to-
She gulped and closed her eyes, feeling a sting of tears in them.
… wondering, if she had made the right decision anyway. Now… in the midst of a war, that Lady Titalee has declared on her and Chat Noir.
Another gasp escaped her lips. A surprised one this time, feeling a warm hand on her shoulder. A thumb caressing her skin and as she opened her eyes once more she saw Adrien – having stepped closer with a comforting smile on his lips. Immediately making her heart soar.
Making her smile as well – even with such a tiny gesture.
"-and you are sure, that we can get something there?", the blond man said inside the phone, his green eyes never leaving hers. A tiny nod, as the answer followed, lifting the phone a little from his ear to speak with the young woman, instead. "Nino said, that there is plenty of food on board - Juleka told them. We shouldn't worry to get our stomachs filled…"
"I am really hungry!", she heard Nino's muffled cry through the speaker, making her giggle. "Can you guys stop your lovey-dovey time and just come over here? I am starving!"
"But if you guys still need time~", of course Alya was there as well, her voice cheeky and teasing on the other side as well. "We can also meet there and-"
"Ah, no! We are coming right away! We will be there in 10-" "Well, more like 15". "Okay – 15 minutes!", Marinette and then Adrien said, smiling at each other and at the silliness, that was their joined talking.
"… good", was all, that Nino said at last, before he hung up and Adrien put his phone back inside his pocket.
"Good", both repeated at the same time, chuckling and giggling as they left the kitchen, the young man walking close behind her.
"Though I would have loved to stay and eat something here. When I recalled correctly, then Alya told me, that you made awesome Pizza…"
"Pizza? It would take some time. Preparing the dough and the toppings. Baking it. It's rather a project for a whole evening".
They were by the front door and Marinette reached for the backpack with the Miraculous Box inside – though it was Adrien, who immediately took it from her, swinging one strap over his broad shoulders, without taking a second thought about it.
She let him. He wouldn't peek inside and thankfully he wouldn't question it in the first place. Just smiled warmly down at her, as he carried it, waiting for her to close the door and for her to place her key inside her purse.
"… I would like that…", he yet mumbled after some time, walking by her side as they walked down the stairs. "Spending the whole evening with-"
She heard him gulp and when she glanced over to him she saw a soft blushon his cheeks. And the pink tint looked just gorgeous on his sun-kissed skin.
"I agree to that…", she yet said, feeling brave enough to speak openly. "Pizza and watching some movie… It's something friends would do as well…"
Who was she kidding? Both very well knew, that the feelings for each other were far from friendly and both wouldn't mind, if this whole evening would be more on the romantic side.
It was him, who stopped walking – they have barely reached the last stair and were still in the middle of the stairway – one of her neighbors rushing past them, mumbling something about the 'youthful annoyance and their habit of wasting their time'.
"Are you… perhaps… free on Saturday?", he voiced carefully. "You know… after working in the bakery and perhaps we could spend some time with Emma in the afternoon – she would surely love that – and then… maybe…"
"Eat Pizza and watch a movie?"
"Mhm… You can tell me, what you need and I will buy the ingredients and we could prepare everything… together…"
She looked up to him, seeing him stand a few feet over her, two steps between them. Warmth spread through her whole body, hearing about his words. Thinking about his plans.
It sounded lovely! And just thinking about it made her fingertips tingle in anticipation. Just…
… what if there was an Akuma attack? It would be hard to get away from him, when it was only the two of them. To hide, to fight and to come back unnoticed.
Yet… on the other hand… what if there wasn't an Akuma attack at all? She would let this chance slip right through her fingers. Above all… if she really wanted this relationship with Adrien, then she should think about excuses beforehand. She would need them soon enough.
So… maybe she could ask Chat Noir if he could be patrolling alone. He was hopefully free on Saturday and she could return the favor in the future. He… would do that, wouldn't he?
Her heart had therefore fully won this very fight and wholeheartedly she said "Yes!", smiling widely. "I would love to…"
…, hoping, that she wouldn't screw it up with Adrien in the future…
"...yes..."
But her words already worked enough like magic to him. He grinned, stepping down to the same stair as her, taking her hand to lead her outside and to his car. His fingers holding onto her tightly, his skin so unbelievably warm and soft and she loved every second of it.
A bold move, indeed, but she didn't mind. After all – she had already agreed to go out on a date with him.
It was a date, right?
The blond man even opened the door of his car for her, waiting until she sat and swung her legs to the front. Closing the door, before he walked to the back, placing the backpack in the trunk, coming back to the driver's seat, startingthe engine.
Both talked about a wide variety of things on their way to Alya and Nino. About the bakery and how much fun he had with her parents. About their schoolmates – Marinette even gave him a short insight in their current life's – and about the crazy traffic on this particular Monday evening. Not once talking about Saturday, both shyly avoiding this conversation for now to let it settle in a little more. Nobody was talking about Lady Titalee or Akuma's or even Lila talking, either. Both just enjoying the time with the other and the easiness of the moment.
She rarely had these in the past and hoped, that there would be more moments like that in the future.
… with Adrien.
Soon they reached Alya's and Nino's apartment, their two friends already waiting outside.
Marinette wanted to switch seats, wanted for Alya to sit in the front, believing it was more comfortable with her big belly. But the brunette teasingly smirked and sat behind Marinette instead, Nino beside her.
"I am pregnant, not sick! And this car has plenty of room for twelve pregnant ladies…maybe even more!"
Nino chuckled.
"Like a clown car full of pregnant ladies…"
And somehow this silly little thought made the four friends laugh harder, than it probably should. It kept bad thoughts away and maybe the tension that dared to rise. Thinking about the meeting, that was soon to follow.
Marinette knew, that Adrien was worried, how their other friends would take it. His return. What they would say and think. And sure – he had his reasons. He had been thrown so often into a tank full of sharks and sharp teeth and horrendous gossip.
Now was different, sure. But Adrien had learned the hard way, that he rather wanted to stay cautious, than sorry. And Marinette would help him with that and in any way possible.
… and Alya and Nino would do just the same.
They parked some time later, the boat not too far away.
The Liberty.
People were walking on board. Talking at what it seemed. Dancing. Enjoying the time and the wonderful weather. Somebody noticed them, as they left the car and waved.
"Looks like everybody is there!", Nino exclaimed excitingly, helping Alya and laid an arm around her. "And I dearly hope, that there is plenty of food and-"
"Who is eating for three?"
"As I said, I am working on my incredible Dad Body~"
Their two friends were already gone. Walking up the gangway and up on board of the ship, greeting their friends with hugs and kisses on their cheeks and happy babbling.
Marinette was pulled towards them as well, seeing Rose and Juleka, Alix and Myléne with ease, waving back at them, when they did. Smiling most happily and turned towards Adrien, who-
Wait…
He wasn't by his side of the car anymore, nor had he walked ahead. But he had stepped behind the car, standing behind the trunk. Hands hidden inside his pockets, eyes downcast.
"… Adrien…?", Marinette whispered, stepping closer to him as well, a deep feeling of worry reach her stomach. "What is wrong? I thought you wanted to come here…"
He looked up and into her eyes, smiling nervously.
"Oh it is okay! Really! I just… you know…"
"Adrien…"
He gulped, shyly scratching the back of his neck.
"Everybody up there was akumatized by Gabriel at least once. What if there are still unresolved grudges? What if anybody believes, that I am behind it all as well. And with my sudden return to Paris-" "Adrien, no!" "-some might believe, that I am behind all of it as well. It wouldn't be the first time this past week… And I couldn't even blame them to be mad about anything that has happened in the past".
She sighed.
"I don't know, if any of them harbors a grudge-" "See!" "For your father! For Gabriel! Those people up there genuinely liked you. Not because of your father. Not because your were rich and lived in an awesome mansion. Or because you modeled and earned your own money. Adrien… they liked you because you were kind. And cared. And were a good friend to them. Things, that hadn't changed… Now… come!"
She grabbed his hand, pulling him along.
If he had shown any resistance, then she would have stopped. Made sure, that he was alright. Talked to him once more. But he followed closely behind instead.
Their hands let go of each other, when they reached the gangway. It was easier to get up on the boat with holding onto the handrails and she seriously didn't want to slip and fall – her luck had been strained enough for the day and her clumsiness surely waited for its wake-up call.
But not now – not with basically everybody watching them closely.
The young woman hadn't even made a full step on board, when she was crushed and embraced and pulled from her feet. Giggling and babbling and shouting reached her ears and she had troubles to breath. But hey – so we're group hugs and she wouldn't want it any other way.
"About time you came!", Rose said from her left, bouncing up and down excitingly, her Pixie Cut still perfectly trimmed and her blue eyes shining brightly. "You barely make it to these events!"
"Yep – you barely answer back!", Juleka - her hair shorter now, but still so colorful - said, shaking her head with a slight smile. "All this hard work… it can't be good for you!"
"I sense some tension in you. So I suggest to lay back and relax a little~", added Myléne and took her hand, pressing her fingers tightly.
"And you and I - we have a shot! You promised me the last time!" It was Alix, hooking an arm around hers – though the other was not possible to move, engaged into a tight, white plaster cast. Her eyes immediately widened as she saw it. "Oh this? Funny story! You will love it!"
The four young woman chatted on. About the things she missed, somebody throwing in a joke, or two, another mumbling their annoyance about all the work. Alya stood not too far away, holding her belly and laughed about the happening in front of her – muttering something like "That's what you deserve, Marinette!".
And indeed – she had the best friends imaginable. Always had and she was very aware of that. Still, to that very day. It was just such a shame that she had barely time for all of them…
"Wait-", it was Alix's voice, who stopped the other girls talking, facing something behind Marinette now. Or rather somebody. Smirking, while Rose squealed and Juleka gasped. Myléne jumped up and down once and finally the four of them let go of the young woman, reaching for the blond man behind her.
"You actually made it!"
"Oh Adrien, look at you! You have grown!"
"Hey, guys! Look, who came to visit us!"
Everybody was now there to greet Adrien instead. Max shook his hand politly, Kim immediately challenged him and tried to get a good bet out of him. Ivan patting his shoulder in a friendly manner, Nathaniel stating, that this will be the inspiration for his next big masterpiece. The girls kept on asking all kinds of questions, while the poor young man tried to keep up with all the friendliness, that was thrown right at him.
And with every word uttered, with every friendly gesture he started to relax, the tension in his shoulders leaving, his green eyes started to gleam. That lovely smile started to return.
Marinette watched happily, standing beside Alya, Luka and Nino – who has already found some hotdog to eat. Indeed she felt relaxed as well, now, that their friends had taken his return so well and even better than expected.
"Let me guess…he was worried…", Luka said calmly and wisely. "I can tell…"
"We should have known – after everything, that happened to him…",Nino mumbled and munched on the food in his hand. "I don't want to take his place – but I make sure, that nobody messes with my Dude over there!"
Alya giggled.
"Well, that is true – but there is somebody who will help him carry this burden. Am I right?", she nudged Marinette's side, making her blush and Luka laugh. "How about we talk about that hand-holding thing, that happened right there? Mhm? Is there something I did miss? And don't you deny it - I did send the link of this video to every person here on board."
"Alya!"
A/N: Let's just say we are pretty close for them to get together.:D
I won't go into much detail about everybodies lifes, for it wouldn't matter for the story. Just let your imagination run free. ;D And for Alix and her broken arm - I certainly needed to make sure, that the Bunny Miraculous won't be used. And I am very sorry for that XD
Next chapter: Visiting the bathroom and that sweet taste...