Five Minutes

Oh it was lovely. Utterly lovely...

Marinette enjoyed each second, loved every moment as it came. And who could blame her?

This past week had been so hard on her body and mind. Straining every last ounce of happiness from her. Cutting it, breaking it, when it had dared to grow.

It was almost a miracle, that no Akuma had dared to latch on her - with all these negative emotions, that were circulating around her at all times.

Sadness, Worry, Fear and so much more...

She was able to shut them out when her parents were around. When Alya and Nino were there. And of course whenever she had any form of contact with Adrien. Any contact - from writing to talking the phone. And of course small gestures like smiles and touches, hugs and so much more.

And of course she wanted to kiss him. Always wanted to, whenever he was around - right now was one of these instances, to make this evening even more perfect and magical.

Right now she was sitting togeher with her girl friends, talking and chatting and catching up to anything, they have not talked about before.

Well...Minus Rose - for she was one of those who surrounded Adrien. Talking with him, Luka and Nino about all kinds of music. Ivan was merely listening, a few times adding a little comment, or two. As somebody who rather creates works of art with a pencil, or with a needle and yarn she does not understand a thing. And never would- but she knew, that this people over there were in their element and couldn't be bothered in any way.

It felt so good to see him like that - the man, who was haunted by his own past and burdened by the misdeeds of his father. Nobody here on board was as aware of the darkness in his eyes as she was. Nobody knew his secrets, his worries and fears like she did.

…nobody knew of Emma. Was even aware of her existence. They would never know, where she would be coming from. And even if Lila would say one word, then they all would see it as a mere lie.

Marinette would only say a word, if Adrien allowed her to. For he wouldn't want to pull her into the limelight, like he had to endure this kind of torture, when he had been so young.

But for now he would want to wait.

Until it was the right time…

…little did the young woman wonder, what they would say, if they found out about her - if they were just as in awe with the little girl, as she was. If they would draw resemplince with her mother, or more with her father.

And she wondered, what Emma would say, if she saw their friends and witnessed their unique behaviors and looks.

Surely she would ask out loud, why both Luka and Juleka had such colorful hair - and why Rose's hairstyle was that of a Pixie Cut (which was always strange for a child her age, but she wouldn't mind one bit).

Marinette laughed a little as she wondered, what Lila would say, if her daughter came up with the idea to cut her own hair that way. Adrien on the other hand surely wouldn't mind.

Heck - if he could, he surely would cut Emma's hair himself, just to see her smile and laugh in sheer happiness about it.

And…yeah…the small girl surely would look gorgeous that way…

Marinette shook her head to bring her mind back to the reality, that surrounded her, before her heart started to ache about the thought, that she had scared the little girl she cared so much about.

…she as Ladybug and Lady Titalee as well…

The young woman closed her eyes tightly and gulped, before she looked back up, again.

Over to Adrien, who still sat on the other side of the ship.

And he noticed her gaze as well. Smirking slightly.

For the distance between them didn't stop either Adrien nor her from looking over to the other from time to time. To share a little smile. A wave. And the young man sometimes felt silly enough to make a funny face in her direction. Behind everybodies back and only meant for her. To make her giggle and laugh.

And she needed that right now.

Gosh ‐ Adrien was a real dork, but she wouldn't want him in any other way - and he certainly was already perfect enough. She wouldn't mind a little silliness every now and then. For she certainly loved to laugh and everybody needed some good vibes in these crazy times.

Now was one of these moments where she giggled behind her hand - paying no real attention to the conversation around her, rather shaking her head at the pefect imitation of a fish, that Adrien's face was gifting her with.

Yep - her really was a dork! The biggest out there! And she didn't even mind one bit!

"What is so funny?", came a quiet whisper so suddenly, that it startled her, spilling her drink over her skirt with a gasp. Shivering, as the ice found her lap, grimacing because the cold liquid ran down between her legs.

So much about being clumsy on that particular evening...

Glaring she turned to Alya, who had the sweetest and most innocent smile on her face. Huffing, but thanking Myléne, as she brought her some napkins to clean herself.

"Nothing is funny...", she mumbled, starting to dry her skirt. Juleka thankfully grabbed her glass to hold it for her. "I made a mess of my myself, again. That is funny..."

"Well...then you should keep your eyes and mind where they belong...", Alya mumbled with a tiny smirk on her lips, lifting her glass with juice to her lips to hide behind her. Though the suggestive look in her eyes remainded, directed straight at her best friend. Of course... the brunette knew exactly, what had been distracting her for some time. Everybody around her knew, for the other girls started to giggle as well.

Some things would never change and they all have seen that stupid Video of them…

The teasing around them was never stopping and the knowing smirks and glances were a constant reminder, that everybody knew, that something was going on between them…

…something, that started over ten years ago.

Urgh - as much as she loved her friends, she had to admit, they were sometimes the worst.

All Marinette could do right now was pout, still feeling the suggary stickiness on her skin, her eyes hurriedly moving back towards Adrien on the other side of the ship - who also hid his smile behind the glass with his own drink. Nodding, when Luka said something to him and probably far better in hiding the fact, that he had been watching her as well.

...and that he made funny faces and gestures just to bring a smile on her lips.

Her pout turned to a smile once more. A gentle one, her cheeks turning a soft shade of pink. Butterflies fluttered in her stomach and she felt warm inside and out. Recalling their plans for Saturday. Just the two of them, together and... would he consider it a date?

Should she consider it a date?

"Earth to Marinette?"

"I think we lost her..."

"Girl, you need to breath!"

There were voices around her, sure. But they were so far away, floating around her without a body or soul.

"Marinette?"

Her head twirled around, finally coming face to face with Alya, again. And all her best friend could do was to smirk, for she knew exactly, that a certain blond man had trapped her once more. Surely more now, then he had once done in the past.

"Oh..., yeah...", Marinette mumbled, her eyes darting around and focused shortly on all those familiar faces, before they landed on a sticky lap yet again. Standing in a hurry, setting the glass now on the table in front of her. "I...uhm... would like to clean myself. Juleka, may I‐"

"Suit yourself. You know, where you can find the bathroom!", the young woman with colorful hair said, pointing to a door, that let inside. "Should I bring you any towels?"

"Maybe something to change?", Myléne voiced most innocently.

"Or perhaps a handome young man, who could lend you a hand, or two?", came it at last from Alix with a knowing smirk, earning a high-five from Alya for that. Marinette stuck her tounge out at them, making them laugh, before she turned around to leave, following the direction, that was given to her. Through the door and down the stairs, past Juleka's and Luka's old rooms.

Of course she knew, where she could find the bathroom. Towels as well - she had been a frequent guest on this boat in the past. Back then - when she and Luka were still dating.

Even when they have broken up she used to come here every now and then - for occasions just like this one.

Though... they started to get fewer as the time past. With everybody studying and working.

With marrying and family planning...

Which doesn't mean, that small meetings like this right here were not welcomed anymore. Or less meaningful for everybody involved. Everybody could bring their partners and spouses, if they wanted. Their kids, if it wasn't too late...

Yeah...children...

She had found the bathroom soon enough, closing the door behind her, sighing. First she massaged the back of her neck, feeling tense muscles due to this painfully stressful week.

Then her hands landed on her stomach, biting her lip, as this last painful thought once more echoed through her mind. Wondering, if she would ever become a mother herself…

…if Adrien wanted a child with her, after everything-

Marinette shook her head, trying to get rid of this very ridicolous question, before she lowered her gaze down to her skirt. Frowning.

Colorwise her little accident wasn't too bad - her drink had been a pale pink limonade, that Rose had made herself. Thankfully without any alcohol, but with a certain amound of sugar.

The young woman felt the thin fabric stick to her legs. And the skin of her legs stuck together as well. Urgh...

Hurriedly she pulled the skirt down her legs, rinsing it in the sink in front of her. First with warm water, then with cold. Washing it throughfully, smelling on it to make sure it was completely cleaned. Washing her naked legs after that.

Good... and then...

... she would need to wait, until her skirt was dry, and-

A soft knock startled her once more, splashing some water on her top as well.

And everybody knew, how well white fabric and water worked - too well. Sure, it wasn't as drenched as her skirt, but anybody could easily make out some skin and the whiteness of her bra underneath.

A groan left her lips, before she could stop herself, letting her head fall and hang loosley between her shoulders.

"Five minutes!", she demanded, wondering, if she could use Juleka's hairblower, that rested on the shelf beside her. Maybe she could write her and ask-

"Marinette?", she flinched, looking over to the door. Of course - of all people, that must be looking for her, it must be Adrien! Not that sheactuallyminded, that it washim, of course!

But she would rather wished for a moment with less stains on her and more clothes. "Alya said you needed some help down here..."

Oh - Alya would pay for this! That was sure.

"So? How may I help you? M-may I-"

Shit - she may have closed the door, but hasn't locked it behind her!

She heard, how he gently pressed the door handle down. Marinette immediately bolted, across the room and against the cold wood, holding it closed with a whole body weight - which wasn't much compared to Adrien's muscles and height.

But it worked...

"Not wearing much!", she squealed as a small apology, though she regreted it a moment later. "Forget about that!"

She heard him chuckle at the other side of the door. Imagined, how he shook his head at her own silliness, smiling that torching smile.

"How could I, now, that you have told me...". It was a whisper, that left his lips, barely noticable. Surely it wasn't meant for her ears, maybe it wasn't supposed to leave his lips, either. But she couldn't deny the effect, these words had on her - her cheeks turning the darkest crimson imaginable, her knees turning to goo. Her lips were suddenly far too dry and the room around her far, far too hot. Something was pulling on her heart, wanted from her to open the door and jump right into his arms.

Well..., maybe this Saturday...

She hit her already bruised head against the door - groaning from pain and shame at her own thoughts.

"Is everything alright?"

"Urgh...yes! Yes, of course!"

"...so... you don't need my help?" She smiled upon hearing his words, for they almost sounded so dissapointed. Adrien surely wanted to help her, she knew that. And she wouldn't mind. If he only could do that...

"Sadly, you can't help me right now...", she yet mumbled in defeat. "I am pretty stuck in here. I dumped my drink in my lap..."

"Oh..."

"Because a certain someone distracted me with his silly faces... And Alya caught me and startled me and-" she pointed down at her rather undressed self, eventhough Adrien couldn't see this tiny gesture. "-now I have this mess."

"Oh...I am most-"

"Don't apologize. Please! I like it, when you make me laugh..."

She leaned her head against the door, softer now, her forehead barely touching it. Her hands rested by her sides against it and she wondered, if he was doing the same.

Maybe... it certainly was a very intimate moment for both of them. Without touching. Without seeing the other. Still she knew, that she had found her sanctuary in him and little did she wonder, what he would say, if she told him. Somewhere deep down in her heart she knew, that he would love that thought. And he... maybe he would think the same about her.

She let out a tiny sigh. A content one and she pushed herself off of the wood, brushing her hands through her hair.

"Everything alright, Marinette?", he said calmly on the other side. "If there is anything I can help you with, then let me know..."

"No...Not really..."

Sadly.

She stepped to the toilet and reached for her purse, opening it to find it almost empty.

Groaning.

"Actually...could you go up there and ask Juleka, if I could borrow her hairblower for a moment or two? It would surely speed up the process a little. I left my phone on the table..."

And Tikki... where was Tikki, again? She was gone so often - she had done that in the past to meet up with Plagg. But now... she couldn't be meeting him, right? Plagg wasn't around...

Chat wasn't around... He couldn't be watching over her at all times...

Correct?

"Of course! I will be right back..."

She heard his steps, getting more quiet with every one he took.

Leaving her alone.

"Tikki?"

Mere silence surrounded her. No whisper, no giggle. Where was the tiny goddess, again and when did she leave?

The young woman started to chew on her buttom lip, nervously playing with that tiny bow, that was sewn to the front of her slip. Gulping.

But she tried to worry not too much.

For perhaps...perhaps she was at the buffet, that was build up in the kitchen. Hidden on top of a shelf. Maybe hidden underneath a table. Munching on something deliciously sweet, while she enjoyed her own time. Relaxing a little, happy, that her Chosen was ready to make a step in the right direction to embrace a relationship with a man - one she was very fond of...

Yeah...that sounded just like Tikki! And she shouldn't be mad at the Kwami, for she was still around, when Marinette would need her.

The young woman let out a long, relaxing breath, calming herself with that.

It worked - and only a moment later another knock echoed through the air.

"Marinette? Juleka is okay with you taking the hairblower. If you need anything else, then I will ask for you, okay?"

"Okay..."

He really was the sweetest man out there - it shouldn't be a surprise to anybody, that she had fallen for him once more. Hard and right in the first moment she saw him again - after all those years.

"Okay... give me five minutes!"

The young woman hurriedly plucked the drying device in and set it to full heat. First taking care of the few stains, that were left on her shirt, drying them until the white fabric wasn't seethrough anymore. Then she started the same procedure with her skirt - which of course was taking some more time. But by the time she was done, her legs didn't need any more attention - the summer heat had done its magic.

Good...

Her skirt was covering her back up again in no time, her the strap of her purse back on her shoulder and she was very able to put a smile back on her lips.

For there was certainly a blond man waiting for her on the other side of the door.

And...indeed, there he was.

They bumped into each other - Adrien standing close to the door and Marinette had startled him, when she had opened it in some unknow speed.

But she didn't mind their position one bit - her hands resting on his chest, while his arms came around her in a protective way.

"Oh, Marinette! Are you okay?"

She smiled up at him and nodded.

"Yes...", she whispered, "Yes...I am alright..."

Which wasn't even a lie - she always felt most happy and content, when he was around.

And - in all honesty - she could stay like that for the rest of the evening. And right now there was nobody around to tease and to disturb them.

She inhaled his smell, wanted to remember it, as long as possible. The smell of his skin, his aftershave and something else. Something...leathery... It somehow made her feel save and all warm inside and she wouldn't want it any other way.

Yeah…maybe they could stay like that… just for five minutes - maybe more.

"Oh..., excuse me...", somebody mumbled from their left, clearing their throat. "I hope, that I am not disturbing you guys in any way. But would you mind, if you take a step to the side?"

Marinette paled, while Adrien's cheeks turned pink and as they turned their heads they were able to see Luka. Smirking at them with a knowing gleam in his eyes.

So much about them being distubed…

They took a step away from the other, making way for the young man with colorful hair.

"Don't mind me - I am just on my way to the kitchen. You know...getting a little snack, or two".

Her eyes widened - remembering her thought about Tikki being there at the buffet as well. She should make sure, that she at least was hidden well enough.

"A snack sounds nice!", she said.

"I wouldn't mind, either!", Adrien agreed only a second later.

She raised her eyebrows at him, making her shrug and Luka chuckle.

"Well, I shall lead the way..."

Of course, they didn't need Luka's guidance. Both have been here before. But he knew very well, that the young woman had fallen for the blond man - and this was surely his chance to watch them and to form his own opinion about them and their relationship. Or lack of relationship. Anything in-between.Urgh... Luka would surely fill her in on that later!

The kitchen was still as cosy as before. Warm and inviting and with a certain amount of anarchy, that Luka's and Juleka's mother has always loved. On a table by the wooden window were plates and cups and bowl with all kinds of fingerfoods and other delicacies. Anyone could make something, if they found the time to do so.

Marinette's eyes immediately scanned the table, hoping to find her small red friend, before the two men could have done it. But Tikki wasn't there, either. Maybe underneath the table, but she would need to wait, until she was alone to look there. Anything else would just provoke any unwanted questions.

But - a strange thought crossed her mind far too quickly - if Tikki wasn't there, then where would she be?

She gulped, worried, that an Akuma could strike at any time and that the tiny goddess wasn't around to transform right away.

Biting her lip she turned once more to the table, trying to avoid the currious and worried gazes of Luka and Adrien. Taking a cookie, that laid on a plate in front of - bait for her sugar loving Kwami - wondering how she could hide it in her purse without them noticing.

Adrien on the other hand took a piece of cheese, examining it closely.

"Are you guys even hungry?", Luka asked behind them, stepping between them to get some fruits, some pieces of baguette and a dessert, that was needly filled in small glasses - some pinkish cream with berries and peach slices on top. It looked lovely!

"Well of course!", Adrien said and Luka turned his face to the blond man as well, listening closely to what he had to say. Marinette on the other hand saw her chance - both were distracted and she opened her purse in unknow hurry and placed the cookie inside. Then she took a strawberry, that seeminly called her name. Biting into it and chewed - nobody would notice a thing. "There are just so many options! I can't decide, what to try first!"

"Then try everything..."

"That is certainly an offer I shall not refuse~"

They kept on talking, small and friendly things about food and eating. Their voices washed over her and she didn't listen to them anymore. Yet she found it strangely comforting, that Adrien and Luka came along pretty well - neither of them sceptical about the other. Careful, treating the other without any suspicion. Her ex-boyfriend and her... what ever Adrien currently was to her came along pretty well and that was certainly a thought she enjoyed very much.

She had taken one of these fancy desserts, digging into it with a spoon, humming happily, when she put it inside her mouth. It tasted of raspberries and peach. Maybe with a slight hint of mango. Gosh... she loved it and needed the recipe of it! Surely her mother would love it as well.

Tikki would surely love it and the other Kwamis as well - maybe she should make a whole bowl of it and-

"And what about you?"

"Mhm?"

She blinked, the spoon still stuck between her lips, looking first at Adrien, then at Luka, who has voiced his last question directly at her.

"I asked, if you want to get back up on deck? We will start some music and maybe people will dance and-", he turned back to Adrien. "Oh, that reminds me - I still have my Keyboard in my old room. I recall you playing the piano like a young god!"

"I haven't played a lot lately. But... Sure... I can try", Adrien said, nervously scratching the back of his neck. "Just give me five minutes of practice, okay?"

"Of course. I'll bring it to you in only a moment. I am pretty sure you don't need any instructions..."

"Of course. And Marinette? You will come, too?"

She nodded, but pointed with the tip of the spoon to the dessert glass in her hand.

"Of course! I will just finish that. It's so delicious! But you two don't need to wait for me. Just prepare your instruments. I'll be there any minute..." It would give her time to look for Tikki.

"I am a big girl after all! I can spend some time alone".

Luka smirked and Adrien chuckled. Leaving his spot at the table to walk past the othe man first, then stopping for the shortest moment by Marinette's side. Gently grabbing her right wrist - the one with the spoon in her hand - and lifted it to his own lips, swallowing her dessert instead.

Smiling cheeky down, his eyes holding a mischievous gleam in them. Humming and letting go of her only a second later, the spoon resting newly cleaned between her fingers.

"Mhm! It's really delicious!", he merely said, taking a glass with this fruity cream and a spoon as well, before he left the kitchen - and Luka and her behind.

Her heart made a huge leap, her breath came in shallow puffs from her lips. Knees weak and her insides deliciously contracted. Heat bursted through every vein and her skin tingled.

This had been one hell of an erotic moment and she couldn't deny the effect it had on her. Imagining how Adrien's lips had closed around the metall, his tongue twirling around the spoon's tip over and over again. A simple gesture, but had been incredible intimate and sexy.

"I see... your relationship had a procress since we talked this afternoon?" She could only move her eyes, up to Luka's face, who was about to burst into laughter. "You know... if you guys need some time to be alone, then I can recomment a hotel, that is on the other side of the Seine. It's quiet vintagy, but also romantic. You will like it~"

"Luka...", she sighed, shaking her head in defeat, "It's still complicated".

"Looks quiet obvious to me..."

She frowned, then shrugged.

"We did not agree on anything but friends, yet - if you mean that. But we agreed on spending time together on Saturday. You know... Just the two of us". She hestitated, but then added bravely: "Alone...and in his place".

Luka smiled softly, coming closer to her and laid a friendly arm around her shoulder, pressing a caring kiss on her temple.

"I wish you all the luck of this world. But I believe you don't need it, I see you guys are on the right way..."

"Thank you..."

Luka patted her head in a brotherly manner, before he left as well. Leaving her alone.

Finally...

Though the words still lingered on her mind with it's incredible weight - but one she was looking forward to carry. Yet - now was not the time to prograstinate - she needed to hurry, before anybodyelse decided to come to the kitchen!

The young woman set the glass and the spoon back on the table, before she kneeled down beside it. Lifting the table cloth a little higher, to look underneath.

"Tikki?"

"Marinette!"

The red Kwami immediately emerged, hovering right in front of her. Holding on of the cookies in her paws, smiling apologetic at her Chosen. The young woman raised an eyebrow- and for a mere moment she believed to notice a shadow behind the tiny goddess, moving to hide as well.

But... that had to be her imagination.

"So, there you are. I should have known, that you would be in the same place like all the other sugary treats..." She sighed in relief, stroking her small friend's cheek with her finger.

"You are not mad?"

"I was quiet irritated, yes. But I should have known better... You will be here for the remaining evening?"

"I shall be by your side in only a moment. Don't worry..."

Marinette nodded, once more trying to see into the darkness behind the red Kwami. Seeing nothing. Yet..., she would have expected to find a set of bright green eyes there. But... there were none. And why should Plagg be here? There was no reason for Chat being here as well! And her partner surely had better things to do, but following her 24/7 like a shadow. He had a life as well and surely their civilian selves didn't even know each other...

"Good...", Marinette finally said with a nod, "I have a cookie inside my purse for you. And this should also be your taste!"

She placed the glass with her dessert on the floor, underneath the table. Or at least the little amount, that she - and Adrien - left behind. She can't eat it right now. Not minding, that Adrien had eaten from her spoon - heck, it would almost feel like kissing to her! And even if she did, she could take a new spoon. But she just... couldn't... For every other bite of this dessert would remind her of that sexy moment with that blond man. And she couldn't handle that right now...

"Uuuhhh~", Tikki floated closer. Smelling the sweet aroma, inhaling it deeply with a blissful, little smile. "It smells so good! Are you sure you don't want to finish it?"

"A hundred percent!"

"Thank you, Marinette! I will be back in your purse, when I finished it".

The young woman smiled and waved at her small friend, letting go of the tablecloth to let it slide back down to the floor. Standing and streching. Hoping, that tonight will end on a relaxing and cheerful not - for her to go to bed right after this occasion. She wasn't getting any younger, either.

Yes..., it was a silly thought and one that made her smile, again, before she straightened her hair once more, made sure, that her top and skirt were sitting perfectly on her body, before she started to walk, again, out of the kitchen and back into the direction she had been coming from. Up the stairs and back outside.

Alya immediately stopped her, once she noticed, that her best friend was back on deck. Grabbing her arm, full of excitement.

"Girl! Where have you been? I was worried, that you would miss everything!"

Marinette poked her arm and placed on hand in her hip.

"I had to clean myself? Did you forget about that?"

Alya giggled. Pulling her along and back to their other friends.

"Definitely not! But wasn't it cute, how Adrien took care of you? So..., did anything happen, that I need to know?"

Marinette smiled. And shrugged, her eyes darting around until she found the blond man, chatting with Rose and Luka, while he fumbled with the electronics of said keyboard. For a mere moment he looked up and their eyes locked - both their smiles getting even wider and he waved at her once more.

"Not much...", Marinette whispered, eyes still glued on her beloved blond, eventhough he was focusing on Luka once more, talking with him instead. "But I wouldn't mind, if somethingdidhappen..."

It was a progress. Marinette knew that herself - and this very revelation made Alya squeal.

...and that tiny, optimistic version of teenage Marinette, hidden away in the darkest corners of her heart as well.

A/N:

Adrien's inner Chat Noir is shining through, with all his silliness and charming flirting.

Marinette is just too focused on everything else to see that.Well, love is blind, right? :D

Well...

Next chapter: That kiss...