Little Changes
Happiness…
What was happiness, again?
What a silly, complex word - not able to fit in all the peoples wishes, hopes and dreams. It's not just laughter and smiles. Sugar, sweet and everything nice. It's not just the friend, who awaits your call at 3 in the morning, to listen to give advice. Not just your parents, who treat you with warmth of a home, welcome you in their arms with big smiles. Not just the love of another, wonderful human being, who is the other side of your soul. It's not just sex, fulfillment of desire and shier lust, that ran through humans as primal instincts. Happiness is definitely not worth all the money, earned in harsh labor - not the labor and pain experienced in war.
It's not just the gleaming eyes of an innocent child. Burdens and fulfillment of education. It's not just to make the right decisions, to go down the path, that lead there before.
Happiness…one of the greatest feelings known by humanity, so unbelievably hard to achieve. It can be faked with masks in blinding lights. Though achieving it in its purest and unfiltered form was absolutely worth it. It might take some time. Ups and Downs and one will overcome a billion little burdens to find it.
What is happiness…
…well, it was definitely a strange question to ask and it is so much more, than a human being could understand.
Marinette awoke with a sudden start from her very pleasant, wonderful dream - not a nightmare like all these nights before.
Her ears might have picked up a strange sound in the very distance. But it was gone, before she could have deciphered its origin.
Thousands of impressions ran through her head, fragments of pictures in her dreams and she tried to hold on to them a little longer. There were Alya and Nino. Her parents. Her friends. There was Emma. Tikki, Plagg and the other Kwamis.
Chat Noir and of course Adrien as well.
…so much Adrien…
The young woman found herself lying on her stomach, deliciously exhausted and yet so endlessly tired. Of course - she hadn't slept much! The time on her clock giving her no hint at the current time whatsoever - just showing the glowing red sign of 'Error', probably ever since the electricity has started yet again. And with the sunlight bursting through her window it was hard to guess, how far the morning has stepped ahead by now. Summertime was really a difficult thing- with the sun rising this early and to stay up long until the late evening.
Normally she would have panicked - getting up in a hurry to find her phone. To get herself ready for work. Shower, put make-up on to hide these dark circles underneath her eyes. Working on her mask for the day…
But today she didn't care, if she was running late, or not.
…she would need to find an excuse - given her current situation and the need to sneak away whenever there was an Akuma attack to fight, she knew, that it wouldn't be the first one. The last one, either.
Also, right now she couldn't care any less…
Marinette sighed blissfully and rolled over to her side - barely aware, that her naked body was cover partially by her covers in her still very tired state. Fears of showing herself so very naked forgotten for now - nothing else, but him seemed to matter in that very moment.
One seeking hand sneakily reaching out, searching for the warm, hot body beside her, to come closer, again. To snuggle and to steal a few kisses, until it was time for them to finally get up.
Adrien surely wouldn't mind. He said, that he liked to cuddle, that he loved the closeness and after their shared intimacy he surely wouldn't push her away.
She was his girlfriend now - a sweet thought, that made her smile so easily.
An exciting little tingle spread from her groins through her stomach and down between her legs - remembering their incredible sex too well, even though she had fallen asleep shortly after.
He… Had returned to bed, hadn't he? So… where exactly was he, again?
Marinette cracked one eye open. Following the sight of her arm, towards her searching fingers, in hopes to see him. Knowing, that her bed wasn't huge and that he must be there, somewhere…
But…
…where was he?
"Adrien?", she croaked, her voice slightly hoarse - surely because she hadn't drunk something in the longest time and because of the cries of pleasure, that she was unable to hold back throughout their intimate act. But she didn't care - rather felt her heart speeding up at the thought, that she couldn't find him on his side of the bed. Or in the bedroom with her.
Her poor mind was still clouded from the lack of sleep and from all the physical activities she and Adrien went through. But weakly she pushed herself up, looking around, as her eyes tried to adjust to the sunlight.
She found her sleeping clothes neatly folded by the end of her bed. Adrien's clothes on the other hand were just as missing as the young man. The bed beside her abandoned, cold, as no more body heat clung to it.
He… seemed to be up for longer, than she expected.
But… when he wasn't with her, then where would he be? Gone now for longer, than she expected.
"Fuck!", one word, to sum it all up perfectly. Covering her eyes, in hopes her temporary blindness could make all her mistakes unseen and undone. Her naked back crashing on the mattress, as a small, pitiful whimper left her lips.
Fuck - what had she done! She had pressured him into doing something, he didn't want - the age-old debate of the body said yes, while the mind said no! She had pushed him - because she wasn't the master of her senses anymore, slave to her desire and lust! And with that she ruined that wonderful thing they have started.
Now he was gone!
A relationship - that chance was now thrown out the window, drowning, as slimy tentacles of regret and wooden hands of shame clung to it, dragging it down to the very depths of the Seine. Nothing could take it bad! Heck - she was now on the same level of vileness like Lila - doing the exact same thing to him, yet again!
How would he be able to forgive her? She wouldn't be able to forgive it herself!
Her bare chest was heaving, as the young woman tried everything in her power to calm herself. To not start crying - searching for meaningful and powerful words in her mind, that he would accept as an apology.
But she came up empty-handed…
"-Marinette!", harsh words startled her, close now to her head and the young woman almost jumped away from the sound, if she wasn't all too tangled in the sheets around her. "…could you calm down?"
"Tikki!", she hissed sharply, seeing the small entity sitting calmly on the pillow, next to the spot, where her head has laid only seconds ago. "What are you doing here?"
Of course Tikki was there - at least somewhere in her apartment, but seeing her there just felt so oddly surreal - especially when she considered the things she and Adrien did in this bed only the night before. And her cheeks reddened at the very thought, that her small friend was very aware of that - surely she had heard them quiet decently…
But the red Kwami wasn't speaking right away. Eying her Chosen with huge eyes, paws nervously tipping against each other.
Marinette understood her even without words - knew, that Adrien was gone and that Tikki just wanted to break the news to her in the kindest way. Surely Tikki was searching for encouraging words, statements of love and power and positivity. To keep going, for this experience would strengthen her for the future.
…and yet it meant for the tiny goddess, that she had to admit, that she was wrong. About her and Adrien. That the love for each other just hadn't been strong enough to overcome everything in this world. That they were just not meant to be…
"Oh Tikki…", the young woman whispered and reached over to small friend, carefully clasping her hands around the tiny source of warmth, to bring her a little closer. Leaning back against the headboard, to sit a little bit more comfortably. "…your very stupid mortal has made a really dumb mistake. And I can't take it back!"
"O-oh… it's not that! It's-"
"I shouldn't have asked Adrien to sleep with me. I mean - the sex was pretty incredible and I know, that Kwamis by all means don't understand the concept of love and sex and romantic and such. Still…", she sighed, not noticing, that her small friend really wanted to tell her something. "…it had driven him away! I was so dumb, Tikki! I should have known, that that wasn't the thing, he had wanted to begin our relationship with. And now I have ruined it, before I have even started it! I was so, so dumb and stupid and-"
Her throat tightened and the painful sting of tears reached her eyes - hastefully brushing them from her cheeks. Nausea hitting her stomach hard, as was the coldness of regret and shame, that made her shiver immediately.
Fuck…what has she done! She was so close to be absolutely happy! He seemed to be happy!
And what for? Why would she come up with that idiotic idea to use the condom- to have sex with him? Oh - of course! Because her stupid mind would have believed, that it would her to unlove herself from Chat Noir! Help her forget their rooftop kiss and their heated escalation afterwards.
Well done Mademoiselle Dupain-Cheng - you are the very worst!
"I believe he hates me now!" Upon hearing those words Tikki blew her cheeks up - annoyed and angry at those silly thoughts, that her dense human has just uttered. "How can I repair this harm? Not even a Lucky Charm-"
"Would you listen there for a minute and shut your mouth, Marinette!"
The young woman immediately did - eyes widening at the harshness of Tikki's tone, holding her breath, when the red Kwami flew up to nudge her nose. Huffing, eyes narrowed now.
"Do you believe those words yourself, Marinette? Adrien would never hate you! And I can tell you, that he definitely does not regret any from of intimacy you two shared!"
"But… how can you be so sure?"
"Well - see yourself!"
Marinette's eyebrow rose. She blinked, utterly confused - especially when Tikki started to shoo her to the very corner to the bed, wanting from her human to finally stand up and to get out of the bed.
"What should I see?", she reached for her slip, pulling it on. "My phone perhaps? Did he send me a message? Or-"
There was a sound. The clattering of ceramics. A curse. More rattling. Didn't…this exact sound wake her up in the first place?
She stared at the closed bedroom door with shock on her face - confused on why there was that sound in the first place. Why was it there and who could have made it in the first place, when she was completely alone?
…wait!
Hurriedly she pulled her shirt over her head, not caring at all, if she currently wore a bra or pajama shorts underneath. Looking once more to Tikki, who only smiled and nodded, before she stood up.
Slowly, for her legs still felt like gummy and her muddled mind trying to hold on to the last piece of hope, that was offered to her like a thin straw. She opened the door. Waited, trying to make out the very source of that sound.
Then there was a voice - unknown to her. Giving a fast instruction, talking about ingredients and a pan and degrees.
…coming from the kitchen.
Slowly she tiptoed over to the said room, peaking past the door frame to see
…him!
Adrien was standing at the counter, back turned to her, wearing the shorts and the same ridiculously tight shirt like the night before. She could see his phone - he set up on the surface, a video with a woman - cooking and smiling into the camera - playing. He watched it carefully, one hand positioned on his hip, his head cocked as he listened closely. Groaning, rewinding the video with a simple push on the red bar. Eventually he took the whisk, as the woman started to talk again.
"…seriously!", he mumbled under his breath, as he started to mix something in the bowl in front of him. "A pinch of salt? A little bit of cinnamon, if I like? Use a proper measurement! And am I supposed to use cinnamon, or not? No wonder cooking is freaking hard!"
Who was he talking to?
And what was he doing?
Inside her kitchen!
"A-Adrien?", she stuttered, still too confused at the fact to actually find him here - still not fully processed the thought, that he - in fact - was still there. That hadn't left, like she had previously assumed. And… that he tried to cook something…
The young man straightened his back upon hearing her voice. Looking over his shoulder once, to make sure, that he has indeed heard correctly.
His face immediately lit up, once he saw her, carelessly letting the whisk fall next to the bowl. Turning around, bolting over to her.
Marinette shrieked at the sudden impact, that was Adrien Agreste, felt his hands on her thighs to easily lift her up, placing them on his waist. Holding her back tightly, crashing his lips soundly against hers.
Her brain certainly had a severe malfunction. She couldn't kiss him back. Couldn't close her eyes to savor it, barely grasped his shoulders to keep her upright and in place and from falling.
"…well… good morning my Queen…", he whispered, as he ended the kiss too soon, placing his forehead against hers, his nose gently brushing against hers. "Certainly didn't expect you to be up just yet~"
"Huh…?" - yes, it wasn't the smartest answer ever. But finally her brain clicked, as she actually realized everything, that just has happened. For - yes - he was there!
He has never left!
How could she have doubted him - them? Their kisses and hugs and sex had meant so much to them.
…to him.
She could tell - could finally see the pure, unfiltered joy in his eyes, now that the darkness was replaced by the sunlight. The gentle gleam. The happiness.
All because they had shared so much during the night.
"Adrien…", she could only breathe, one hand coming up to cup his cheek, before she brushed her lips over his for the shortest moment. Just to be a hundred percent sure, that this - right here - wasn't a dream at all. And it wasn't- for not even in her dreams any kiss with him has ever felt so sweet, beautiful and perfect.
"…you are here~"
He nodded, still so wonderfully close. Smiled.
"Of course, I am here! How could I have left the side of the most wonderful girl in all of France? Well, the world, to be exactly~"
"I love it, when you are this cheesy…", did she just say that out loud? Well she did and deep down she knew, that Adrien didn't mind.
His smile turned into a daring smirk and he wiggled his eyebrows at her.
"Oh - I have plenty of cheesy lines for you. Silly pick-up lines. Stupid jokes. Puns! Oh - basically you started a relationship with a part-time clown, if you want to know!"
She giggled, leaned away as much, as it was possible, without them falling over. Looking at him. Admiring the handsome man, that carried her seemingly effortlessly with his marvelous strong arms.
"I know, that you can be quite the dork, so I am very aware of all the things, that I have gotten myself into…" Yet she furrowed her eyes, as she saw those dark circles underneath his eyes and a deep tiredness, that laid hidden in them and as she raised her voice again, she started to get a little more serious now: "How long are you awake? Have you slept at all?"
He shrugged.
"Something like two hours? Perhaps three… The lights went back on at around 4:30 in the morning. I am up ever since. But I can't complain! I haven't rested so good in the longest time. Short, that is true - but it was absolutely perfect! Though - sure - I would have dearly enjoyed it to lay next to my beautiful, naked girlfriend a little longer…" A smug grin spread across his lips and he wiggled once more with his eyebrows in his very own, unique way. "I certainly can't complain about the thing, that I have gotten myself into!"
She gasped, hearing those scandalous words and blushed heavily.
"Was that a sexual joke, Monsieur Agreste?"
"I aim to please!"
"You are the worst!"
"Sounded quiet different too me last night~"
"Adrien~!"
"Mhm… yep - something similar like that!"
She nudged his shoulder - the one, that wasn't bruised by yesterday's events and hide her face in his neck. Inhaling his wonderful scent, that would calm her nerves. Hoped, that her cheeks weren't burning with shame too badly - or rather, that the blush would go away soon enough.
Heck - they had sex and she was still reacting all prudish about it! She surely would have fainted, if she had seen his glorious naked self with the lights on.
Never mind- her cheeks were turning even redder, just imagining him that way. Standing there in front of her - that sexy smirk on his handsome features, his chest heaving, as he lustfully eyed her, his erection standing in full attention to-
Urgh - she was the worst to think that about him just now and she dearly hoped, that he wasn't aware of her lewd thoughts! What would he think about her? After all - he was believing in her sweetness and innocents- picturing him all naked certainly didn't fit that description at all!
Plus - he hadn't seen her naked as well!
He chuckled, a deep sound, that rumbled through his chest and due to her closeness it vibrated though her as well, surging through her limps and to the very bottom of her soul.
The brushing of his hand over her back followed. As was a soft kiss in her hair.
"About last night…", he murmured softly in her ear, gentler now, any jokes forgotten for the moment. "I loved it. It was perfect. You were perfect - even though you have caught me by surprise there! I still can't believe, that you remembered that condom, that I told you about!"
"Well…", Marinette lifted her head up, her eyebrows raised and shrugged bashfully. "…thankfully you did tell me about it. I don't have any lying around…"
Did that sound desperate? Did she reveal too much about her desire for him - she had been thinking about it a long time.
But… What about him? They have talked about their relationships with other people before. Talked about sex - the condom. He was the one to tell her, that he wanted her as a girlfriend, way before she was ready to make that very confession to herself.
And a relationship meant kissing. Closeness. Sex and other intimacies. So - he would have wanted to sleep with her in the future.
Though … the future wasn't by any means right away, like she had decided for them to go down that very delicate path.
So… what now?
Marinette couldn't help, but feel excited at the thought, that she and Adrien would do it in the future, again.
…if he still wanted to, of course!
"Mhm…", he hummed at her words, mischievously smirking. "At least that condom was good for one thing! So…, do you suggest, that I get a fresh supply of them, or do you rather want to wait for the next time?"
She blushed, bit her lip and desperately tried to avoid his gaze.
Could it be, that he was actually thinking the same? Though - he was right - they should rather be prepared, then to feel sorry later. And they would need protection - she wasn't on the pill right now and he surely wouldn't do it without one on - given his sexual history and how it horribly started with Lila.
Still - she knew, that he would adjust to her pace. Would wait, if she wanted to wait for their next time. Would jump her right away, if she was ready for him once more. He would be okay with either.
…she was okay with everything, that would come there way, knowing, that each time would be perfect on its own.
"I suppose it might not be bad to have a few lying around~", she suggested and it was the most non-binding offer she could come up with on the spot. "Just in case…"
He chuckled upon hearing her words and started to carry her back to the kitchen. Holding her so easily, as she clenched her legs a little tighter around him, arms wrapping around his shoulders. She immensely enjoyed it.
"So I suppose, that I should take care about them?"
"You should… I mean - I don't know, what size you would need. And… and… the brand… and other… things I would need to know!"
He groaned and let his head fall to her shoulder now.
"How can you still be so innocent and sweet about this whole topic? You will be my death, Marinette!"
"I am not!", she was ready to complain, but merely giggled, as he once more groaned on frustration.
"I got myself the sweetest girl in the universe, that can still surprise me when it comes to sex!" He placed her on the counter beside the bowl, brushing a strand of her raven hair behind her ear, before he pressed a gentle little kiss to her nose. But he stayed there, her legs still placed around him and she was not ready to unwind them just yet. "I really hope, that my lewd little self will not taint your pure soul!"
"I don't have a pure soul!" - nope, she shouldn't say that! It makes her sound desperate and very open to sex. She shook her head. "And you are certainly not lewd in any way, Adrien!"
"Oh - but I like sex!", his gaze darkened and it felt very exciting. "I like the closeness. The touch. Kissing. And last night had shown me, that we compliment each other so well~"
Her stomach fluttered excitingly as she heard those words and she couldn't deny the certain effect her boyfriend had on her. Couldn't hold back to place a deep kiss on his lips, as she felt her mind going numb. Especially when he kissed her back.
Gosh - what was it with them, to end up so easily in these situations?
Though… She knew the truth too well:
They have been holding back. To not overstep the boundaries of the other. To not break any unspoken rules. To not be yet another burden in the other's life. But feelings and emotions were to hard to hold back, very able to bubble now to the very surface, releasing all, that was bottled up for too long. If it was right or wrong, they didn't know anymore and certainly didn't care.
…as long as they were happy.
Adrien broke the kiss, bringing a few centimeters of distance between their lower bodies, before anything could have escalated between them once more - for now she was very thankful for that. Both panting and knowing, that right now wasn't the time to let loose- especially without any protection nearby…
…and… with no darkness, where she could hide all these things, that still needed to stay hidden…
"See… We are awesome at complimenting each other! ", he murmured, one last time kissing her swollen lips, before he - sadly - had to step away. Briefly adjusting the waistband of his pants a little, before he took a step to the side, presenting her the bowl and its contents. Frankly it was a very smooth move, to keep them both distracted from the other - for now! "Now about the breakfast. I found this awesome recipe for pancakes and they looked fairly simple. But - seriously - is that how the dough must look like? It's all liquids and… the thing with the pinch of salt. How much is a freaking pinch of salt? Why does it need salt at all - it's supposed to be sweet! And… do you like cinnamon? The lady in the video said, that I may add it, if I like - should I?"
Talking about innocent souls - when he was such a sweetheart. One, that was yet to learn how to cook and bake and she was very ready to teach him all that.
"Pancakes? Why pancakes above all the other things you could have made for breakfast? I still have more eggs, if you wanted some omelet…", she slipped easily from the counter, standing next to him and watched him, as he started to whisk the contents inside the bowl, once more. "And…Why?"
"I like pancakes and I thought you would lik-"
"No! Why did you want to make breakfast? This is my kitchen and you are my guest!"
"I am your boyfriend~", it slipped from his tongue so beautiful easily. This word - the very fact, that connected them and it tingled her spine, as he gently corrected her. "And as such it's my honor to take care of you! And I thought, that this was something, that I could do for you - let you sleep a little longer and feed you to make sure, that you have a perfect start…"
She dreamily smiled at his words, as warmth spread through her whole body and she dearly hoped, that it would stay there for the longest time. Felt moved. Stepping closer to place a gentle kiss on his cheek. For he was right - this indeed was the perfect start for the day!
"And you found everything you need?"
"Oh sure - I had hel-", he stopped for a short moment, fixing his grip on the tool in his hands and started mixing anew. "I remembered a few things, from when I was here the last time around! Like the bowl and the whisk - saw those things on Saturday. Well… and you had every ingredient I needed! So I started right away - though I excuse in advance, when they turn out horribly". A frustrated groan escaped his lips. "Which they will! Look at this mess!"
She barely could tear her eyes of him - just watched him move and speak and was amazed-
Okay, she should get it together! There would be enough time to fantasize about him, when he wasn't around!
Instead, she laid eyes on the very liquid dough - knowing from experience exactly, what he needed to do.
"Add a little bit flour…"
"Add a little bit-", he reached for the packet by his side and handed it Marinette. With keen eyes she followed her own advice, instructed him to keep whisking yet again and proudly grinned, as it worked.
"It was that simple?", he asked, gawking at the bowl in amazement, then towards his girlfriend. "What are you? A witch?"
"What? Ten minutes ago, I was your Queen! And now-" He stopped her incoming rant with a kiss and she didn't care. "Okay - call me, whatever you want!"
She would have loved for this moment to go on a little longer. All morning, preferably all day - but a careful glance on the clock reminded her to get the day properly started.
For it was almost 6 by now and both of them would need to work - he even needed to get back to his place to get a patch of new clothes for the day.
What day of the week was it, again?
Thursday…
Urgh… something was trying to come to the very surface of her mind. Tasks. Appointments. Wait…wasn't there even more?
"I need to get my schedule - are you brave enough to start the pan on your own? You know - with flipping them over, making sure to not burn them?"
With wide eyes he looked over to the stove, panic written all over his face.
"Wait - you want me to do it on my own? What if I burn it all down? Your pretty kitchen? You lovely apartment…all of Paris!"
She giggled and rolled her eyes at his cute silliness.
"I really got myself a part-time clown~ and don't worry - I'll get my schedule and I will be right back! Just… heat up some butter in a pan - but make sure to not burn it. And don't worry, when you start the pancakes - the first one always gets a little wonky!"
"Ahh…Okay?"
One more peck on the lips - just to give him a little luck for his adventures task and she moved to leave the kitchen. Searching her purse, eventually finding it in the bedroom - just as her alarm went off.
6 o'clock- her usual wake-up time. So she still had about an hour to get ready, one more to be at work.
With a strange yearning she looked over to the bed once more - seeing the tangled mess of covers, the two pillows, that have fallen to the floor and the remainder of her sleep clothes - namely her bra and pajama shorts. And then there was the ripped foil of the condom, resting almost peacefully on her nightstand. All reminders of their shared night. Tiny things, that made her blush the darkest shade of red imaginable and a exciting heat spread back to her abdomen, rippling through her in incredible speed. Shuddering. Barely able to breath and to think about anything else, but them.
Urgh… she would go to every form of hell known to humanity, if she didn't keep her lewd thoughts in check!
Apart from that - time was running, slowly but in its well-known speed. Therefore, she hastefully grasped her purse to get the small booklet, that she carried everywhere and turned the phone off. Shortly she wondered where Tikki would be hiding, while Adrien was around and if her small friend would be watching them with a content smile on her tiny lips.
Probably - especially after the rant Marinette started the morning with.
Smiling herself Marinette walked back to the kitchen - laughing a little at the mess, that her poor boyfriend was, while he desperately tried to flip that annoying pancake inside the pan - is face so full of determination, that it made her swoon.
"Ah, Marinette! Look - it's my second one here and I believe it is edible! The first one looked horrible, but at least I didn't burn it right away! I am becoming a professional chef!"
"Oh when I am done with you, you certainly become the best cook in Paris!", she pointed at the pan in his hand. "Still - you don't want it to turn into charcoal now. Keep your attention on what you are doing there!"
"As you wish~"
Still Marinette came closer once more, standing right beside him, just in case he would need some more help. Opening her schedule to the desired page and groaned.
"It's that bad?", he asked sweetly, and placed the fried - not-so-round - but not burned pancake on a plate, waiting, before he started the new on. Laying a hand on her waist to get her a little closer and to spend her some comfort. "Whoa - that is a lot of stuff to do for one person!"
True - she scribbled notes and tasks almost everywhere on those small pages: Working hours, information about the things she would need to box, doctor appointments - both hers and that of her father, when to take care of Emma. Hastefully scribbled notes, that she would need to keep in mind - if it wasn't stuffed already. Though… he couldn't know, that she also had to squeeze patrolling in between. Akuma fights. Research for Lady Titalee's identity.
…and now she had to find time for Adrien as well - though that was a task, she would gladly take!
"Oh… It's not too bad!"
Who was she kidding - she knew herself, that she was overworking! But what should she do? She needed every Euro she could earn for her father's treatments! And for rent and groceries… Her own insurances. Electricity. Fabric for her designs.
…and by the end of the month she had barely something left to save it for the future - a boutique with her very own designs? That was a dream she had forgotten about a long time, ago.
"That's what I used to say, when somebody reminded me of my own daily schedule - it looked similarly bad!" She knew that - but she couldn't tell him, that she basically stalked him as a teenage girl! "And now you would need to take care of me as well!"
"But I chose you willingly!"
"…and… the other things?"
She shrugged and looked up in his face, smiling sadly.
"I'll make it work! I promise!"
He kissed her forehead, clutching her side a little more tightly and nodded.
"I know, you will. Just let me worry about you, too - you already worry so much about me, so it's now my turn to return the favor…"
"Adrien…"
"I am not mad! Don't worry just now! And seeing your schedule I already know, that we will see each other barely throughout the week. If at all. But we have the weekends and phone calls and be ready to receive a ton of cheesy, silly massages throughout your day!" One more kiss to the tip of the nose. "I know, what I have gotten myself into. And I am happy, that it all worked out for us in the end…"
"Me too…", she answered without hesitation - didn't let that tiny ounce of fear reach her heart just yet, as she briefly wondered, if she shouldn't have waited until Lady Titalee's defeat to start their relationship and-
Marinette paled and hurriedly buried her face back in her notes, as her eyes widened - afraid, that Adrien would see her expression and question it. But thankfully he had turned away once more to take care of their breakfast.
Leaving her to realize, that she had forgotten about one very important task already:
Meeting Chat Noir at midnight! To speak about her non-existent findings within Hawk Moth's lair, her further approach in this whole thing and yesterday's fight and happenings! Of course - the thunderstorm was extreme and she doubted, that he would have come anyway.
But…if he did…then she had abandoned him!
What would he think? Did he go looking for her? Was he worried? Was he hurt? Did he - perhaps - want to break his promise to Marinette, to meet her, to seek her company, only to find him in bed with another man and-
"Look, Marinette! It's getting better! It's almost round now!"
Her horrible thoughts stopped, as she looked up at Adrien's gleeful eyes and he presented her a decent looking treat on the plate, that he would surely love to frame, if she didn't stop him - a thought, that thankfully pushed all dark ones to the very back of her mind for the moment. "I hope they taste as good, as they look!"
"Oh they will! So-", she hurriedly changed the topic, before Chat Noir dared to crawl back into her brain and to clutch her heart with his leathered hand. "-should I say hello Emma from you?"
"Emma?"
"I am going to babysit her in the afternoon. Look!" She pointed at some notes, she had scribbled a few weeks, ago. In a bright red color, clearly spelling 'EMMA' and some time in the column of this particular day. "Lila has a stupid meeting, or something… Nobody else could take Emma, so she asked me…"
"Do you think, that Emma would want to hear about me?"
"Of course! So, should I send her some regards from you?"
"Would you do that?"
"Of course!"
"And do you think-"
"She started to like you, Adrien! Really! You saved her in the Zoo, fought alongside Ladybug and taught her about the platypus! You are like her hero - and soon a real father for her as well!"
A shaking breath escaped him. Eyes lowering to his hands for a few moments and he turned silent. Of course - the sole mention of that very word 'father', shook his very soul - it happened every time. And - who could blame him after everything he experienced with Gabriel and by the way he was thrown into the role of fatherhood himself.
She leaned closer and placed a caring hand on his back.
"She will love you, Adrien… And you will be the greatest, caring and loving dad out there. I know that, Babe~"
"You… you think so?
"I know it!"
"At least one of us has the courage to believe that…", he mumbled, before he straightened his shoulders and tried to put a smile back on his lips. "Thank you, Marinette - I really appreciate your help. With everything…"
"Always~"
"And…", he added bashfully, "... could you call me 'Babe' again? I liked that…"
She chuckled.
"Oh, I can do that!" And as she pointed towards the pan she said: "Babe - that one is burned!"
"Wha- Aw - Shit!"
A/N: I am baaack! Ready to finish this baby, still going strong.
So - we have a sweet little chapter, with changing thoughts about the view on happiness. About their dynamics and their love and their start of their relationship. A simple chapter - and yet it all won't stay this sweet and fluffy. Imagine the second half of this story to be like a rock you roll from the top of a snow covered high mountain- starting slow, but the impact grows, as does its size. Yeah - there will be hurt and angst, but not now...
What else do we have - pancakes, but no crepes? Yeah, I find those easier to male and as a French Adrien would never do something sacrilegious like making crepes the wrong way...So - anyway- thank you guys for ready.3
Next chapter: Those happenings on the playground...