Mornings like These
Morning came and it certainly was far too early for that. With the sun shining high above the rooftops of Paris, birds chirping and people starting their busy lives. Just like every morning, every day.
But Marinette wouldn't have minded one bit, if her life would pause for a few more, valuable minutes, just to savor this tiny moment a little longer.
She didn't know, when they have moved to end up next to each other on the sofa - with Adrien pressed most tightly to her back, clutching onto her, as if his life depended on it. His soft snores reminded her of a cat's purr and she didn't mind it - not at all. Smiled, instead, as she awoke within his arms.
For the first time - one of many mornings to come, just like this one and she couldn't wait to experience them all.
On top of that she felt amazingly well rested - probably for the first time in two weeks catching up with her sleep schedule. Well - at least a little and that was a nice change, as well.
Before a well-known memory was able to reach her mind fully - that of her and Chat Noir waking up just like that all these days ago - she turned around in hurry and as good as her boyfriend's tight grip around her waist allowed it. To be face to face with him, finding his chest to settle her head there so easily. Snuggling close, throwing one leg around his.
Closing her eyes.
Listening to the beating of his heart, that would have dared to lure her back into sleep - if it wasn't for Adrien, who started to wake as well and only a moment later.
His breathing changed and he held it in for a short moment, and he shifted against her. Brushing his hands over her back gently and she imagined him to finally realize the very situation they were currently in. Probably remembering the night before…
"…good morning…", he murmured into her hair, pressing a small kiss into it and pulled her even closer, intertwining his legs with hers a little more, making it almost impossible for her to guess, where her body started and where his would end. "…didn't expect to find myself waking up next to you…"
"Do you really think, that would have left you?"
"Right… It was the middle of the night…"
"I was more referring to the fact, that you needed me and that I certainly wouldn't have left you…" She gently brushed his side, marveling once more in the closeness of their embrace and placed a little kiss underneath his chin, before she propped herself up, to look properly at him.
His eyes were still slightly red from crying and the darkness within the wonderful emerald orbs wasn't entirely gone - wouldn't vanish so easily. But the gleam in them, she loved so much was slowly returning and she would fight for it to make it stay.
Softly she lifted a few of his dishelved golden locks from his forehead to place a small kiss there as well. Then on the tip of his nose, cupping his cheek, before she reached his lips. Their lips locked only shortly, but it wasn't any less meaningful - saying good morning and promised a good day and to lift away his worries and so much more.
"How do you feel, Adrien?", she whispered, smiling softly down to him as she caressed his cheek with feathery brushes of her fingertips.
"Me?", he returned reluctantly, his eyes darting around nervously, trying desperately to avoid her gaze. Moving, to get up and away. But she didn't let him, instead held him by his wrist with a steady and determined grip.
He wanted to flee - his body showed every sign of regret and shame for all the things, that happened during the night: Crying, speaking about his father, confessing his anger. Drinking whiskey, to let his tongue run loose. Things, he would never show - but had done it in front of her nonetheless.
"Babe, wait…", she whispered, waiting, until he comfortably settled on the very edge of the sofa, to hug his arm, kiss his shoulder. "In our relationship it is okay and welcomed to speak about feelings. I don't mind, that you have emotions and I won't run, because you suffer from them. I am here and I am going to listen about whatever you have to say. I won't judge you. And I don't blame you for anything. You promised me the true and unfiltered Adrien Agreste and I'll take you gladly in that way.
You should know that… Okay?"
He reached up for her fingers, grasping them, kissing them. Shaking, while she shuddered.
"I don't deserve you, my Queen…"
"You do…"
"You deserve a man, that is not broken. One, that doesn't cry at night like a-"
She grabbed his cheek fast, kissing him hard. Shutting down his doubts about himself. About them. Something she couldn't bear, when both have wanted it for the longest time. And his words were not true - for both deserved each other just the way they were. He should know that…
They settled back on the sofa beside each other. Just to make the moment last a little longer, not caring about a thing in the world. With hands caressing sides and backs and faces, lips brushing cheeks and foreheads, ears and noses. Nothing too harsh, but enough to comfort the other.
"I feel… Okay…", he eventually mumbled, as he played with a strand of her long, raven locks in a way that visibly made her shake and shiver and he tried to hide that little smile, that started to stretch across his lips, when he noticed.
But she tried to stay focused, not letting him distract her too much for now. For - if he wanted to talk about his feelings, then he was very welcomed to do so - and she would listen.
"…definitely better, than yesterday. But not perfect, but it's…it's peachy, I would say? I am sorry - that I am barely able to speak about my feelings and it's still surprising, that my therapist could work with the stuff I delivered…"
"It doesn't surprise me, though - that you can't express yourself the way you need to - always holding back to have a perfect image. Smiling, whenever the cameras are turned on, or off… I believe I wouldn't act any different around people, if I was you…"
"'The way I need to…'", he repeated, seemingly a phrase, that stuck to him easily.
"We can speak about anything, that bothers you. Whenever you like. Holding it all back will make you explode some day. I mean - I don't have a fancy psychological degree, but I don't think, that your therapist would mind…"
He shrugged.
"I suppose, that he wouldn't mind. Perhaps he would encourage me to speak freely - especially to somebody, that I so deeply care about…"
She smiled warmly and her heart easily fluttered at his words.
"See! That's the right way to go!"
And he smiled, too. Smirking almost and finally a lively spark returned to his eyes, that pushed the darkness away a little more.
"Am I allowed to lay my head on your squishy boobs then, whenever I need my private therapy session with you? I liked that!" She blushed, as he wiggled his brows at her. "I believe my therapist wouldn't mind, either - and if you know a thing, or two about Sigmund Freud, then I am absolutely sure, that he would encourage that as well!"
"Is it still the whiskey speaking?"
He chuckled and shook his head, pressing his forehead against hers, as a finger gently started to trace the shirts soft fabric on her neckline. Speeding her breathing and her heart up with his touch so easily, her cheeks flushing so easily.
"Nope - just my lewd self, who is absolutely besotted in his gorgeous girlfriend…"
She chuckled nervously, but didn't mind pulling him a little closer, either. For now - deep down she hoped, that things between them wouldn't go too far for the moment. Now, that the lights were so bright and left nothing to hide, if things would start to get to heated between them.
… and she didn't know if she was ready for that right now.
"You are flattering me, Monsieur~", she yet breathed.
"Good!", he exclaimed as he brushed his nose past hers. "And this right here is a wonderful way to get our shared Saturday started, isn't it?"
And Adrien pressed his lips down to hers once more. Rolled them over, until she laid on her back and he could hover on top of her. Starting something, she would enjoy so dearly- if it wasn't for the fact, that his words would linger in her mind a little longer.
"Wait~", she exclaimed, when his lips started travel down her chin and neck, halting, when he heard her voice. Looking up with dilated pupils once more, that confessed his deepest desire for her.
And yet he immediately stopped upon hearing her command. This and their short moment of making out certainly was the reason on why she needed to focus once more, before she raised her voice, yet again: "You said Saturday, didn't you?"
He blinked, irritated at first, but eventually nodded.
"Yeah…it's Saturday…"
"How late is it?", she gasped, "We have to work in the bakery!"
"It's still early!", he mumbled, ready to lean back in. "We still have time…"
"It is?"
He smiled knowingly and raised his wrist up to look at the watch - paling and wide-eyed staring at it, as he processed the information he found there.
Scrambling, to get up, pulling her along.
Though she could only sit there for a moment longer, while Adrien started to panic.
"7:24!", he shouted, hurrying away and out of the living room, but she still could hear his voice: "Why didn't my alarm go off! I should have been up for two hours! I am too late! What will your parents think of - why is my fucking phone shut off?"
He came back into the living room - seemingly confused, holding the electronic device in his hand and examined it carefully.
"It still had enough battery, when I called you last - before you came over…"
Marinette's eyes widened - remembered, that she asked Tikki to turn his alarm off - though she didn't expect her small friend to turn the phone off entirely! Hers on the other hand was surely turned off by now. Hers was something like five years old and she was glad, that she could use it to this day.
"And it still has…", Adrien yet mumbled with a tiny frown, turning his on, but shrugged eventually, searching on it for something, before he lifted it to his ear - while the young woman slowly understood the very reason on why he acted that way. Realizing herself, what exact time it was and that she - indeed - should start to panic, too!
For she was supposed to be at her parents bakery at 8 - in half an hour! And there was no time for her to get back to her place, to shower, wash her hair and dress - and to arrive in time!
She squealed, getting up as well, hurrying away and stopped in the hallway a moment later. Still irritated, but yet too confused to do something.
For this wasn't her apartment.
She had no clothes and no time and that was quiet frustrating.
Did Tikki even notice their current mess? What would she say? Probably she was snickering in her secret hiding place, after her brilliant plan of letting the two humans sleep a little longer, unfolded. Though… Marinette dearly enjoyed that and Adrien did as well. So - instead of scolding the red Kwami she should rather thank her with the biggest cookie she could find, right?
"Get into the bathroom! Get ready! I'll find something for you to wear!", he gently ordered, as he passed her. "You don't have the time, either! I told your Maman, that I would be there with the next train - shortly after 8. We could take the same one, if you don't mind…"
"I doubt you have a bra and proper underwear…", she mumbled- more to himself, than to her.
He stopped at the door to his bedroom. Looked at her and shrugged nonchalantly.
"I'll give you some shorts, then… And for the bra-", he grinned mischievously and wiggled his eyebrows at her. "I certainly don't mind, if you were not wearing one throughout the day~"
She huffed, but he merely blew her a cheeky kiss as an answer.
"I have a spare toothbrush in the mirror cabinet. Toothpaste as well. You could also shower - but we need to be at the metro station in about 20 minutes…"
It was barely enough time for a proper morning routine- but she already went through worse in her life.
So she hurriedly thanked him, before both disappeared within the depths of the rooms in front of them. Knowing, that the time was running she went to the toilet, shortly after washed hands and face. Arms and neck - just to feel a little better. Refreshed - she even dared to use a little bit of his deodorant. Smelling of Adrien certainly was something, she didn't mind.
She just started to brush her teeth, when a soft knock echoed through the bathroom - murmuring something, that somehow resembled the words of "Come inside!"
He opened shyly the door - cheeks slightly burning. But he smiled nonetheless, as he peeked through the gap and towards her. She waved him over, knowing, that he would want to brush teeth as well. He did - wearing a different pair of pants, while he carried a few pieces of laundry in his hands - and to her surprise he was deliciously shirtless.
The young woman couldn't take her eyes from his muscular upper body - first staring at it through the mirror, before she turned her head in the end to experience this view at the fullest.
She saw him like that for the very first time - even though they have slept with each other already. Nothing was covering him and on full display just for her. Skin, that was kissed by the sun and muscles defined in just the right way. A thin line of coarse hair teased her, just underneath his navel - to come closer and discover his body a little more.
"Mhm… like, what you see?", he asked teasingly, setting the pile of clothes on the counter beside the sink. Grinning knowingly, before he stepped right beside her, to get his own toothbrush, as well. "I feel flattered~"
Urgh - he was such a tease, but she didn't mind. Instead, she would have loved to give him a snarky response, but the toothbrush was hindering her - sadly- to do so.
Instead, she nudged him with her hip, grinning behind the foam on her lips, watched him closely, while he squeezed the white paste on his brush. She perfectly dodged his hip in return.
"Cheeky!", he commented, taking two steps in hurry - one to move behind her, brushing his lips over her ear, and then to her left, toothbrush now between his lips, to grab her waist and to pull her close. It was certainly a move, she didn't see coming. Precise in its execution - as if he had been dancing with her.
…or fighting, like her partner…
It startled her, that was true, but her tension vanished only a moment later, when she looked back up in the mirror - first to plan her next move in a very cheeky counter-attack. But in the end she could only marvel at the sight she found there in the reflection:
Them.
Standing close, with his arm around her. He looked smug down at her at first, but his features softened only a moment later, when she reached for his back as well, to lean against him. Closing her eyes, just to experience the closeness and comfort at its fullest.
Just for a moment- even she was allowed to have some peace in her life as well.
But sadly her conscience was too soon calling out for her - reminding her about the running time, the train, that they needed to catch and her parents at the bakery.
But at least they would have enough time for that, later…
Therefore, she was the one to leave their little, loving embrace, first, motioning for him to turn away, before she spit the toothpaste into the sink and to clean her lips.
"I'll go and change, okay?", she gently whispered and earned a little nod. Kissing his cheek, before she took the new clothes from the counter, to leave the bathroom - entering the bedroom, instead.
She did miss the confused look he cast her, when she left to change, though.
But there she was - for the first time - finding it very personal to be here in the first place. She would have loved to throw herself on the queen-sized bed, to snuggle into the soft covers and to just inhale his scent.
But she chose to not give in, knew, that there was plenty of time later and started to undress - only leaving her bra on for now, figuring, that she would need to get to her place throughout the day anyway, to get some stuff for the night. With dainty fingers she reached for the neatly folded boxer shorts, that rested on top of everything else. Felt her heart speeding up at the thought, that she would wear it.
Gosh - what would her teenage self think, if she saw herself now? Standing in the middle of sexy, grown-up Adrien Agreste's bedroom in only her bra and ready to wear his boxer shorts. As his girlfriend.
Even her own grown-up version could faint, or squeal at that very shameful thought - but rather decided to calm herself. To stay adult, instead, merely slipping it on with brightly burning cheeks and a well-known warmth spreading through her abdomen. Fiddling with the waistband, to make it sit comfortably on her hips - but couldn't help, but giggle at the strange feeling of the looseness around her legs and bum. But it would be okay and work for the day.
Next were a pair of shorts, far too big for her as well - thankfully he had given her a belt with it, to tighten it around her waist.
Then the shirt - easily slipping into it, hiding the hem within the shorts.
Loose fit and clothes too wide to show any curves - wasn't it the style teenagers these days went for anyway?
The young woman smirked, as she looked herself up and down in the mirror, twisting her body from left and right, to fix any wrinkles and folds until everything sat decently.
Well… it certainly would work - it wasn't her own personal style, but wouldn't complain about anyway.
Eventually her eyes fell on the print, that was placed on the front of the shirt. Smirking, rolling her eyes at it, before she stepped out on the hallway to confront Adrien about it.
"Really? A shirt from Luka's band?"
He grinned and shrugged. Eyes gleaming with joy even more now and it made her heart soar - though she dearly hoped, that everything she did last night proved to him, that he was very welcomed to let his guard down every now and then and that she didn't mind, when he did.
They would find a way to cheer each other up in the end.
"It suits you. And don't you have one of your own?"
She waved it off easily.
"I have the red one, the white one and a top in black. I believe I got a discount, because it's the design I made for them…"
He gawked at her with wide eyes, then at the shirt, back to her.
"You drew that…?"
She nodded eagerly, pinching the very left corner of the design, to look at it a little better - then showed it to the young man.
"See? MDC. Marinette Dupain-Cheng. Back then they did not have enough money to hire a big designer for their first band shirts. Luka asked me, if I could do it - said, that I would get a huge amount of the selling price. Something like 20 or 30 percent, he said, but I can't remember it. But I refused - did it for free, because they could use every Euro they could get - I on the other hand had a nice project to add to my portfolio while I studied… I still have the sketches, if you want to see them as well!"
He was stunned. Let out an impressed little whistle.
"My girlfriend drew the shirt design of my favorite band-" "And the cover of their first two albums!" "And the…I so let you sign these things!"
She snickered, hearing his silly words again, ready to turn around to put her shoes on - looked back to him to see him still staring.
"That wasn't a joke? You will let me sign your things?"
He grinned.
"Why would that be a joke?"
"Really? I am by no means a famous designer!"
"…and I don't care!" He passed her and pressed a kiss to her cheek. "But those things would be even more valuable to me, if you did…"
It would be a gesture, that would mean the world to him - and with that the reason, why she would do it- sign the shirt and the two albums. She wouldn't be able to change his mind - and time to it discuss now wasn't anyway.
They had to leave - she would do her hair with that tiny brush she had in her purse on the go. Also, no make-up for her today - there were barely any circles underneath her eyes to cover and her skin looked just fine. Good - at least some good news for now!
They ran down the streets and towards the next metro station. Hands locked tightly together, holding onto their belongings as they went - and for the first time in her life it was actually fun to be a little late. Laughing and giggling all the way - even though they barely made it in time, squeezing through the door, just before it shut tightly.
They didn't bother to look for a seat - many were on their way to work and the train was already crowded. There were probably quite a few tourists, too. It wasn't far anyway and it felt nice to stand so close together, while they engaged in their own little conversations.
Adrien even made sure, that she didn't tumble and fall by holding onto her waist most tightly, when she brushed her hair - even helped her find a few loose strands on they way.
Smiled warmly, when their hands connected once more, pressing a little kiss on the forehead, as if nobody was around to watch them.
But he surely noticed, that there were people recognizing him. There were whispers. Glances and stares. She believed, that somebody even did dare to take a photo of him - them - and it was a little unsettling.
Sure - she constantly was under the careful watch of everybody, when she was Ladybug. But as Marinette things were different - nobody took notice of her, nobody found her special.
But now she was going to be special and famous in some strange, crazy way - she already saw the headlines: 'Adrien Agreste openly dates Girl! Rumors were found to be True!'
Not that she minded it - just rather enjoyed her simple life more.
But - as she hoped - that would only be interesting for a week, two tops!
…and hopefully then they could continue their little relationship in peace…
Marinette could tell, that he was thinking the same - saw it in his eyes, when for the shortest of moments the darkness dared to visit him again. Absent for a few seconds, before he took hold of her waist with a bright smile - one that made her beam back at him just as brilliantly - both knowing, that it all would be alright in the very end.
And this, right her wasn't just a mask for the nosy eyes around them, but the gesture was just for her - effectively showing affection, that was very true in its nature - for the cameras would never be able to catch the very depth of their connection.
Thankfully the ride was soon coming to an end and they could leave the train and the metro station.
The bakery wasn't far away anymore.
Though… One strange thought too suddenly crossed her mind.
"Did you tell my parents about us, Adrien?", she slowly asked, seeing the sign of the pastry shop in the very distance. "You know - that we are dating?"
He nervously scratched the back of his neck and glanced at their joined hands carefully.
"I didn't…", he confessed. "I suppose, it's something you would want to do yourself?"
True - and they would have called immediately, to speak about that progression - Tom being the most supportive father in the world, while Sabine wouldn't stop talking about babies, weddings and even more babies.
And surely they would have started to pamper her boyfriend even more - they adored him already, but hearing, that they were dating would surely put him high up on a pedestal. Maybe she should warn him, before that happened…
"You know, that my parents love you already, right?", she asked out loud, making him blush most bashfully.
"They…, they are very nice to me, that is true!"
"It will get worse!" Was it an exaggeration? No, probably not! She was talking about Tom Dupain and Sabine Cheng - and they had the biggest hearts in all of Paris and there was so much room for their future son-in-law - not that they would plan a wedding in the near future! But in all honesty - they wouldn't see him as anything else, once Marinette told them about their relationship. "You should mentally prepare yourself to get lunch from my mom every day at work and she will shower her with her warm hugs! And Papa won't stop his - horribly embarrassing - teasing and his silly dad-jokes! I am pretty sure, that they will call you, just to chat and give tiny little presents to you, just to show their affection. And- why are you laughing?"
He snickered behind her, stopping in his tracks to pull her against him by her hand. Encircling her waist and buried his face in her hair.
"I laugh, because it all sounds lovely to me!"
Marinette blinked, utterly confused about his reaction, for surely any other man would have scrambled away and out of the way of so much…
…so much love. And affection.
Things he sought for in a family - the very thing he yearned for so deeply. So - her silly little warning was rather a promise to him and that very thought made her hug him most tightly back - not caring about the confused looks of people that walked past them.
She giggled as well and kissed his jawline shortly.
"I am glad you see it that way…"
"Of course I do - but thank you for your cute little warning there. So… and when do you plan to tell them about us - remember - I am a fairly affectionate guy, who barely can keep his hands from you! How long will my restraining order be?"
"'Restraining order? Really?"
"Yep!"
The young woman leaned away a little in his arms. Smiling up to him.
"How sounds at lunch for you? We have enough time to tell them about it, there won't be any costumers around and my parents can bombard us with their pesky questions… Plus we have delicious, homemade food!"
He nodded eagerly and in agreement, before he let go of her - this time completely. Not reaching for her hand, meekly walked by her side, hands buried in his pockets to keep them away from her.
Marinette on the other hand grasped the strap of her purse - but couldn't stop that smile, that lingered on her lips - already phrasing the whole conversation in her mind, she planned to have with her parents during lunch.
But - in fact - both were not aware of the very force, that was one Madame Sabine Cheng:
"Oh Adrien! I dearly hope you came here safely! We were so worried, when you didn't make it in time and when your phone was shut off! These are crazy times and we all need to be a little careful with these pesky Akumas around. And Marinette-", she stopped to look at her daughter with a knowing gleam in her eyes, clasping her hands in front of her together. "You should have told us, that you had a little sleepover at your boyfriend's house! You look good with his clothes and you both look well rested! That is certainly a nice change!"
Both young adults could only stare at the small woman, who winked at them, before she turned around, to help the customer by one of the displays out - a old lady, who could only smirk as well.
Marinette felt, how her cheeks started to burn, an embarrassed heat, that made it through her skin and settled in her stomach. Fanning herself some air, while she tried to avoid any odd gazes in the store - including that of her similarly embarrassed boyfriend.
"She does know?", he hissed after some time, as both started to make it stiffly to the back of the bakery - to greet her father, to wash hands and to get the signature apron. "Can she read our minds? That's scary!"
"She is a mother - we should have known, that she figures it out, once we step into the bakery!"
Of course - she wore clothes, that were his size, she had his deodorant on her and her hair surely was more of a mess than usual - his wasn't looking any better. She noticed, that his lips were still slightly swollen from their earlier make-out session, hers felt similarly tingly and - seriously- her Maman was neither dumb nor blind to miss all the signs, that just screamed 'These two are in a loving relationship!'.
…especially that telltale smile, that had settled on their lips, until they had stepped inside the shop.
Well - so much about waiting and telling her parents while lunch…
"Adrien! Marinette! I am glad you two made it safely here! I hope you two are doing good, despite everything, that is going on!" Thankfully it didn't seem to be very obvious for her father, as well. "Adrien- how about you try your hand at bread today. Glorious, delicious-"
"He is her boyfriend! I told you, that they would be a couple by the end of the month!"
"Maman!"
And of course Sabine brought the knowledge to her husband as well - in the most charming way possible. A huge grin immediately erupted on his lips and he laid an arm on hers and Adrien's shoulders, pulling them close to his sides. Laughing cheerfully at these glorious news - the bread for now forgotten.
"Well - congratulation, kids! It's about time!"
"Urgh - Papa! Please, stop it! We are not getting married, or something like that!"
"Not, yet!", Tom exclaimed, full of enthusiasm, that could reach even the coldest hearts. "Can't wait for that to happen - tell me, when we should start to plan the cake!"
"…fine…", she mumbled under her breath, knowing too well, that it was the only way to get out of her father's embrace - and indeed he let go of them, distracted by the oven behind him, that called for his attention - and maybe he was a little aware of the awkwardness around.
"I told you…", she mouthed apologetically in Adrien's direction, saw his cheeks colored in a soft shade of rose as well - but also noticed that dreamy smile on his lips.
He didn't mind, that their secret was out already - she shouldn't mind, either! It just would have been nice to plan this very conversation in advance - to make it less embarrassing.
But things like these and especially for her rarely go like planned.
That's how life worked - and this time she was pretty okay with it.
A/N: Something sweet to balance the darkness from the chapter before. For now *nervously glances towards the future chapters*. But for now we get a few more sweet Adrinette moments. :D
Next chapter: Applying bandages and the thing about the wedding dress (this time for real)...