Author's Note: FYI, this chapter is gettin' a bit spicy ;)
- Chapter 18 -
Adrien lounged in his office chair, the email he'd been working on was left unsent and forgotten. As Chat Noir, he'd been texting Marinette non-stop. However, he now had a new favorite game: texting her as both Chat Noir and Adrien. He switched between the two phones like a mad man, probably blowing up her messages. But her responses only fueled his playfulness.
He could almost hear her snarky and sassy responses through the words on the screen. However, with Chat Noir, she was more flirty in her replies. Bordering on naughty. And it made the kitty in him purr.
They had a movie date planned for later tonight. Her place. With promises of a home cooked meal and kisses. Which meant, he needed to get back to work if he was going to keep the date. But he couldn't stop himself. Especially texting her as Adrien. Their long months of silence were utterly forgotten.
The messages were all business. Asking her if she wanted the contact information for a wholesale fabric vendor. She had replied with an enthusiastic 'hell yes'. And the conversation just spiked from there. Exchanging little nuggets of business acumen. She had a website built recently. And Adrien had spent too much time this morning pouring over it.
His desk phone rang, startling him. The number was unknown - which could only mean one thing. Pausing with his texting marathon, he answered the call with a smooth, flat tone.
"Agreste Fashions."
"Adrien." The cold voice replied. "Have you sent over the quarter end budgets?"
That had been the email he was working on. Nearly an hour ago.
"Still reviewing them, sir." At work, he was always sir. Not Father. "I'll have them over to you before lunch."
There was a pause. Then a sigh. Then a grumbled, "See to it." Before hanging up.
"Always a pleasure speaking to you sir." Adrien sarcastically replied to the dead line, before putting the phone back on its cradle.
He picked up his Chat Noir phone.
(CN): I hate my boss
(Marinette): What happened?
(CN): He speaks to me like I'm an object. Not a person.
Not to mention never like how a father should speak to his son. It was tough love to an extreme.
(Marinette): I'm so sorry kitty.
He didn't want her apology. She'd done nothing to cause this.
He leaned back in his chair. Feeling the weight of emotions dragging him down.
His phone buzzed again. And her message shocked him enough that he sat up straight.
(Marinette): You should quit.
Zero hesitation. He could practically hear her saying the words in that confident tone of hers. Her Ladybug voice.
His fingers typed a dull response.
(CN): I wish it was that easy.
(Marinette): If you're that unhappy. You shouldn't stay. Is this your dream career?
He thought about her question. Noticing now she said career, instead of job. Short answer: Maybe at one point it had been. He'd been groomed for it since childhood. The sole heir to a fashion empire. Even shorter answer: Fuck no.
(CN): It's a family business.
(Marinette): That makes it harder, I get it.
To a tiny degree, she probably did. Her family owned a bakery. But, unlike him, her parents had never pushed her to take over the family business.
There was a long pause in their next words. So long that Adrien finished his email and sent it. His calendar reminded him that he had a meeting downstairs in fifteen minutes. He took a sip of his once-hot coffee and frowned at the cold taste.
He picked up his Chat Noir phone, and started to slip it into his interior jacket pocket, when it went off in his hand.
(Marinette): I love my boss ;)
Adrien smiled at the screen. She was trying to lighten the mood, and he appreciated that.
(CN): Your boss is you, remember? :D
(Marinette): And it's awesome. You should try it.
The thought never dawned on him. Could it really be that easy?
His eyes glanced at the sleek leather folder containing his contract - still unsigned because it angered him to even look at it. The words contained in that document welded additional bars around his gilded cage of a life.
Signing it secured his inevitable bright future. He would officially be CEO. A career, salary and legacy that most people in their twenties couldn't even begin to imagine. All the rewards, glam and glory that went along with the crowning achievements. He knew he could run this company, and run it successfully. There wasn't a doubt in his mind about that.
The true doubts came with what was written in the fine print. Tucked in the clauses and subsections hoping not to be noticed. It would be like wearing a skin he didn't own. Living in a body that couldn't make its own choices. Control. Complete and utter control.
And his subconscious was screaming at him to run for the hills. For now, he had opted to hire legal counsel and, together, they were to negotiate the details with his Father's legion of attorneys sometime next week. Actual date and time TBD. Another scare tactic carefully orchestrated by his Father, thinking Adrien would back out of the negotiations and just simply sign, like a good boy.
Leaving the folder to sit on his desk and rot until that undisclosed time, he locked his computer and headed out of his office for his meeting. Chloe was at her desk. Looking like the picture-perfect image of a doting secretary. She stood up as he walked by.
It had taken him a few weeks of convincing her to stop following him to meetings. And, rather, stop going to them in his stead. She learned, although she sometimes still pushed his agenda.
"Adrien." She called, her voice a bit reserved.
He stopped walking and turned back to face her.
"I need to talk to you. I think… I think you're making a huge mistake by…."
His eyes narrowed slightly, as he interrupted her. "If this is about my contract, I'm going through with the negotiations."
"But, why?" She pushed, her voice gaining that whining tone.
He gave her a dark look. "It's really none of your business." He responded, fed up with her prying.
Her blue eyes grew cold. "Your Father told me that you should…" She countered. Like using his Father was a weapon in her arsenal.
Adrien took in a breath and let it out slowly. "I don't have time to discuss this right now, Chloe. I'm going to be late for my meeting."
"Could we have dinner then? Later tonight?" She asked, walking around her desk and towards him.
He shook his head and put a hand out to stop her approach. "No, sorry. I have plans this evening."
She paused in her movements, but her voice was a full whine now. "But, but why not? Why are you shutting me out like this? Why can't we just have dinner and talk like old times?"
Adrien turned around. In his gathering anger, the truth left his lips. "Because I have a date, Chloe."
With his back to her, he didn't see her blink wide eyes. Or see her lipstick lips curl into a sneer.
"With who?" She called after him, practically fuming.
He ignored her and opted to take the stairs down the five stories instead of waiting for the elevator.
Hours later, he was back in his office with the door closed and locked. Holding up in there while he waited for Chloe to leave for the day. Knowing that she would continue to pester him if he saw her again.
The minutes ticked closer and closer to when he needed to be at Marinette's, his heart sunk. He should have had enough time to leave the office, go home to change, before transforming. But now, he was trapped in his office. Unable to leave without being seen and instigating another fight.
He had texted Marinette as Chat Noir to let her know he would be late. She was as understanding as a saint.
Even Plagg began to grumble in annoyance at being cooped up.
"Aren't you the boss? Can't you fire her?" He mumbled.
"Not without a reason to, Plagg." Adrien replied.
"I have a reason: She sucks."
He smirked and stifled a laugh. "There are worse things." He reminded the tiny kwami.
Plagg crossed his arms. "She's doing this on purpose. You realize that, right?"
"I'm aware."
"So why deal with it?"
"What choice do I have?"
"You have every choice! Take your girlfriend's advice and quit. What's stopping you anyway?" Plagg hissed at him.
Adrien said nothing.
Finally, her shadow appeared outside the frosted glass door as she called to him. Practically having to shout through the thick glass,"Adrien, I'm going home now. Do you need anything?"
"No. I'm fine, thank you. Have a good night." He called back.
She hesitated at the door. Swaying in her heels. Her hand tried the handle, finding it locked. She huffed and finally strode away gathering her purse.
Plagg's tiny voice broke the silence as Chloe's shoes clipped down the hall and entered the elevator.
"Be happy for once in your life kid. It ain't here."
His happiness came in the immediate gratification of standing outside Marinette's shop door. Which she opened for him quickly and rushed him inside.
She shut it quickly, locking it, and double checked that the front curtains were tightly closed. He was an hour late, and it was already dark outside. Plus his suit kept him plenty hidden in the shadows. But she didn't take any precautions.
Her store smelled like fresh herbs and spices, all mixed together in that warm, inviting way that only the aroma of a hearty soup can make. It was simmering away on a hot plate in her makeshift kitchen. Bread and bowls ready for serving.
She turned towards him, a vision in soft grey hues that made her eyes sparkle.
"Hi." She chirped, a little flush to her cheeks.
"Hi." He returned, smiling.
"Long day?" She asked, knowing it had been rough. She could see the tension in his shoulders.
He nodded. "Better now."
She matched his soft smile. "Tell me everything."
So he did. For the most recent part, at least. It helped to lift the weight from his chest and his conscience. By his second bowl of homemade soup, he felt his troubles vanish. And he relished in her joyous presence.
Chat Noir had her roaring with laughter. A symphony of giggles and bad puns. But his face lit up as they ate and joked together.
Marinette had to wash their dinner dishes in her bathroom sink - which was the only sink downstairs. He stood in the doorway, leaning against the doorframe, looking scrumptious with his offers to help clean up. But she refused. Saying that two bowls, some spoons and a pot were hardly a lot. Although, as she rinsed the dishes, he left his spot and wrapped string arms around her waistline. He felt like a solid wall of breathing muscle against her back. Hard and soft in all the right places. Marinette leaned into him, taking extra time to dry the dishes so she didn't have to move away from his embrace just yet.
With dinner ended, they headed upstairs to watch the movie on her laptop - a rather recent purchase because running a business from her tiny phone screen wasn't cutting it anymore.
Normally the thought of laying in bed with your significant other would provoke all kinds of naughty thoughts. But, tonight, the pair simply sat together comfortably. Shoulders touching, heads leaning against shoulders. Half way through the movie, Chat Noir slipped his head into her lap, earning him soft fingers running through his hair. He snuggled into her embrace, trying to focus on the movie, but his eyes couldn't stay open.
Her rhythmic touch was soothing in so many ways.
Marinette felt his body grow heavier as he fell asleep in her lap. As much as she had wanted to watch the movie with him, this was almost better.
In fact, her gaze shifted from the laptop screen to his sleeping profile and back again. Stealing glimpses of his half parted lips and rhythmic breathing.
Asleep, he seemed like a character plucked from a fantasy novel or some dreamworld. Too handsome to be real. Add in the mystery surrounding his real identity, and it only made the fantasy more believable.
What if things had happened differently? What if she had found out his secret identity first? Would that have changed anything between them? Or would they still arrive to the point they were at now? Would they have found each other? A quiet romance. One built on trust, and in the spirit of true partnership.
They couldn't be like other couples. But, she realized, that was okay. Because he was still here. Like this. In these moments. Wanting to spend every minute he could with her. Unbelievably loyal. He made her feel like he would only ever have eyes for her. A man, who could probably have any girl he wanted. And yet, he wanted her. He had loved her superhero side in his youth. Now older, he had sought out the girl beyond the mask.
Marinette hadn't realized how much she needed him in her life. It was scary to admit it to herself. She kissed him like he was the air she needed to breathe. Delighted in his presence. Offering him any small comfort she could. And finding that he would do the same.
She watched the credits scroll across the screen. A glance at the clock made a yawn escape her lips.
"Chat?" She whispered gently, not trying to startle him awake. He made a small noise in his sleep.
"Sleepy kitty." She teased softly, tracing fingers up and down his shoulder. "Such a sleepy kitty."
Beneath his armor, his skin pricked with goosebumps at her touch. Gods he didn't want to wake up, but hearing her yawn above him made him pick his head up from her lap.
"How long was I out?" He asked, voice deeper as he woke up.
The movie had ended thirty minutes ago, but she didn't tell him that. It was a bit too embarrassing to admit that she had watched him sleep.
"The movie just ended."
He sat up, rolling off of her to put his feet on the floor, but continued to sit on the bed.
"I'm so sorry. I didn't mean to fall asleep."
She stretched her limbs, finding them comfortably numb. "It's okay. You were tired."
He pouted slightly. "But, I really wanted to watch the movie with you."
She chuckled, "There will be other movies. Don't worry." Sliding up next to him on the edge of the bed, she petted his arm.
"You're not mad?" He asked, leaning his chin against her head.
"Why would I be mad?" she asked.
'Because any other woman I've dated would have expected more from me.' he thought to himself.
"Cause this was a date." he stated plainly.
She shrugged. "I'm all about non-traditional dates." she replied coyly.
Her tone made his body shiver. "I guess that makes two of us." His voice dripping with promise.
She gave him a look that made him chuckle before continuing. "I hadn't intended to fall asleep like that. I'm sorry."
Marinette leaned her head against his arm. "Seriously, it's okay. Quit apologizing." She yawned, covering her mouth to stifle it.
His hand found hers, coiling their fingers together. After a brief quiet moment, he spoke up again.
"Your presence. It's just so calming… for me." he breathed. He meant that.
She smiled. "I'm glad. You mentioned before that you have trouble sleeping. I do too sometimes." She told him, her voice groggy.
He leaned into her ear and purred. "Ohh," with a voice like honey, "we're going to get so much sleep together."
Her breath caught in her throat, but her smile widened as her nose crinkled.
"Hours." she replied, her voice just as needy.
They pulled away and laughed together. A collective giggle of shared humor. Their silly near-perfect perfect relationship reaching an all new height.
His smile lingered as he squeezed her hand. What he wouldn't give to fall asleep in her arms tonight. To sleep together, curled as one, and share in the calm serenity of the night.
His good manners betrayed his other wants.
"I should go." He practically whispered.
She bobbed her head and softly asked, "Do you live far?"
Her sleepy mind made her casual question seem bold. She worried for him to have to travel so far this late at night. Her worries were silly. Chat Noir could single handedly take down a small army. Not to mention, reduce anything to ash with just a touch of his fingers. He looked more at home in the night than anyone she'd ever known. And still, she worried.
"Not too bad." He replied, being purposely vague.
She made no move out of his embrace. "Text me when you get home."
He wouldn't argue with her about that. Finding her concern endearing. "I will."
Dipping his head down, his voice went a touch deeper just to emphasize his feelings, in case she had any doubts.
"Although, I'd much rather stay here with you." He purred.
She smiled a gentle lifting of her lips, flirting right back with the same warmth.
"I'm sure you would."
It took every ounce of his willpower to stop from continuing this conversation, seeing where it would lead. As amazing as it would be - and oh gods it would be - he wasn't ready. Afraid it would ruin what they had built between them. This amazing relationship that made him feel whole.
Yet another thing he found so mesmerizing about her. It wasn't all about sex between them. Sure that feeling was there, their bodies practically hummed with it. But it didn't consume them. Not yet, at least. They could talk, laugh, watch movies, even fall asleep, and still have an amazing time together.
He shouldn't be comparing her to other women from his past. However, the differences were so striking that he couldn't help himself. This was real. More real than the life he lived.
"But, not tonight." He confirmed softly. The flirty tone was gone, but the heaviness remained.
Marinette lifted her head and found his gaze. Even behind the mask his eyes poured out a quiet need. It would be effortless to flick that switch within herself and give in.
"No?" She asked, a bit disappointed.
He chuckled and she felt that noise across her skin like he was touching her. Gods, she really was wound up tight
He struggled to find the right words and ended up saying: "It wouldn't be… right."
"Why not?" She demanded, not hesitating for a second. Bold in her desires.
Her determination made his body stiffen up, in a good way. Suddenly out of breath, he tried to sway the conversation away.
He shook his head slightly. "You know, you're making it very hard for me to be a gentleman right now, Purr-incess." He sassed her.
It was her turn to chuckle, as she slowly stood up. Leaving him seated on the bed, her gaze held his. She kept a hold of his hand, walking around his legs, and stood before him.
Sitting on the bed, he was at the perfect height to kiss and not strain her neck. She wanted to step between his knees, and lean into his chest. Needed to pull him into a kiss that would probably lead to more. Or even just the sensation of his hands on her body. The power and strength practically humming beneath the surface.
His face went slack, but the muscle in his jaw twitched, as if he could read her intentions.
Before she could be so bold, he stood up. She blinked away the moment, taking a step back in order to look up into his masked face.
"You're going to ruin me." He purred. "When you look at me like that."
He'd said that to her before. On that first night back after being away for a month. Their steamy, late night kisses on top of the Eiffel Tower.
The memory flooded her senses. Okay, now she really wanted those kisses. She wanted to remember.
Wiggling slightly, she was vaguely aware that she was still holding his hand. It kept her from falling over.
"Like what?"
He smirked. A teasing lift of his lips, making a dimple appear.
"Like you know exactly what you want." He answered darkly.
She didn't even blink. Her fingers twisting in his grip. Trying to break free.
"You know, you don't have to be a gentleman all the time." She told him, feeling the heat and sting of those words.
Gods, he was breaking. Her words were all consuming. The greatest of invitations to let his wild side out to play. She shouldn't be allowed to say such things with that flushed, beautiful face of hers.
Zeroing in the piece of himself that loved to tease her when she was like this, he inclined his head towards her.
"Ah, but how quickly you forget. A true gentleman should always give his Lady what she wants." He leaned in closer, carefully adding, "Whatever it may be."
She smiled shyly, which only made her cheeks pinker. Pushing at his broad chest with her free hand, she shook her head from side to side. Letting her desire reduce to a low simmer. Because she could imagine it. Almost to the finite detail.
"I'll have to remember that…." She replied, avoiding his face, which would 100% still be smirking at her in that flirtatious handsome way.
"… for next time."
He kissed the back of her hand. Lips lingering on her skin.
"Thank you." He told her.
"For what?"
"For reminding me what I want."
By the time Adrien managed to pull away from his glorious girlfriend and make it back to his apartment, he had to run on his treadmill for a good solid thirty minutes to cool the fire in his veins.
The next morning, Marinette had just taken her first delightful sip of coffee, when a courier knocked on her shop's front door. Thinking it was a box of fabric or thread she probably ordered and had promptly forgotten about, she was stunned into a heart pounding silence as a cluster of fresh roses were placed carefully into her arms. She gripped the two dozen stems, still cold from the refrigerated truck, and signed for them. The courier tipped his hat in a cheery goodbye, as Marineyte placed her nose amongst the blossoms and took a deep breath in.
Walking back into her shop, she shut the door behind her. The morning sun's rays striking the flower petals, making them practically glow from within. She found a vase, filled it halfway with water and arranged the bouquet. A secret note was tucked amongst the paper. No words, just a paw print.
She couldn't stop smiling. She wouldn't need her coffee this morning - that's for sure. In fact, her heart was dancing in her chest.
The aroma of the flowers permeated her small space. Their smell reached every corner of the room, keeping her company while she worked.
She didn't text him. Not right away. The sight of the flowers perched on her counter made her feel thirteen again. Crushing hard. Falling even harder. Her mind in a giddy, bashful state of disbelief. Someone liked her enough to send her flowers for no reason. Just because. And it made her inner girly-girl squeal.
How sneaky of him to have them delivered. Had he delivered them in person, she probably would have feigned interest. Keeping up appearances. Saying something like, "Flowers? Seriously?"
But here, alone in her shop, she let herself enjoy the gift. From the wayward man who now occupied her heart's mind. The blooms meant more to her than she dared to admit out loud.
Around ten in the morning, Leo breezed through the front door, singing to himself over the headphones in his ears. His white-blonde curls bouncing with vigor. He'd ripped the sleeves off of his thin t-shirt and sewed in a layer of rainbow tassels. The shirt was half tucked into a pair of cut-off denim shorts. And lime green fishnets hugged his legs before disappearing into comfy sneakers.
Lately, Leo's style had become more bold and flashy. If Marinette had to take a wild guess, it was probably due to Clark. Leo was embracing his true self through his clothes. A sign that he felt loved, and didn't have to hide who he was.
Marinette could totally relate.
Leo's eyes fell on the flowers, but he said nothing except a sassy, "Mmmhmmm." Before pouring himself a cup of coffee. Not caring that it was hours old. He'd probably just woken up.
"Ahh." He said after a long, satisfying gulp. "The life-force of the gods."
He waved his hand at Marinette in greeting. "You may speak to me now."
Marinette wrinkled her nose in good humor before returning to her work.
Having Leo around the shop was a god-send. So he could drink all the coffee he wanted. She should have hired him eons ago.
He worked around her chaos perfectly. Cleaning up behind her as she worked. Falling into a perfect cohabitation working environment. Her front window display had never looked better. Her production had tripled, as Leo handled clients and customers that came in so Marinette could keep her pace.
In the mornings, Marinette did all her sewing, stitching, and hemming for any "in progress" projects and designs; creating her prototypes or custom outfits requested by clients. In the afternoons, she answered client emails, prepared for whatever upcoming fashion event/gig she was going to partake in next, procured products, balanced her books, and, if time permitted, worked on new design sketches or concepts.
The sunny morning had given way to an afternoon rainstorm. The rain poured steadily outside, minimizing foot traffic on the street, so the shop was empty for the moment.
Leo twirled a chopstick through his half eaten lunch of Chinese noodles, his painted thumb scrolling through social media. Bored with his scrolling, he looked to the flowers on the counter, cast an inquisitive glance at Marinette, before setting his phone down.
"The time has come." He announced loudly.
Marinette jumped at the outburst, giving him a sideways glance as she scribbled out an order form for a client she just hung up with.
"So, spill it."
"Excuse me?" Marinette asked coyly.
Leo gestured with his chopsticks like he was helping an airplane taxi out of its gate. "I've been good. I've held my tongue. Haven't said a single word. But, come on babe. The giddy grins. The content sighs. And now, the flowers."
"What if I bought myself the flowers?" Marinette retorted quickly, trying to hide her smile by not looking up.
"I know you didn't. You'd sooner grow flowers from seeds, then buy fresh cut. I know you." Leo countered.
Marinette harumphed dramatically. He did know her too well.
"And you know exactly what I'm referring to. So don't play dumb."
"I do?" She replied teasingly.
Leo waved away her final attempt at denial.
"You can deny it no longer!" He roared excitedly. Making his voice go deeper than normal.
Marinette smirked, looking at him now.
He pointed his chopsticks at her in an accusing manner.
"Marinette Dupain-Chang. You. Have. A. Boyfriend."
Her smirk grew into a full-fledged smile.
"Not just any boyfriend. A secret boyfriend." Leo continued.
"Secret boyfriend?" She asked, fainting ignorance again.
"A boyfriend so secret that no one has even seen his real face."
Marinette leaned her head against her hand, propping her elbow on the counter. "So, you know?"
"Of course I know!" Leo exclaimed.
Chat Noir had told her that Leo knew. Or, at least, had a hand in playing matchmaker. But she hadn't told Leo that she knew that he knew.
"And I'm going crazy over here. Literally, insane."
Marinette grinned just like Chat Noir.
"I get why you couldn't say anything. I do. Cause I mean, come on! This is freakin' unbelievable. When he first approached me, I had to physically roll my tongue back up into my mouth."
Marinette threw her head back and laughed.
"So, it's true?" Leo urged, gesturing to the flowers. "From him?"
Marinette nodded slowly. Reaching over, she brushed her finger tips against one of the velvet blooms. Her mind instantly getting lost in the sweet gesture. Boyfriend. Yeah, he was her boyfriend. She liked the sound of that.
Leo took her unexpected silence as a bit of sadness.
"I feel for you babe. I really do. I'm sure you want to shout it from the rooftops. But, alas. You're having to keep it a secret, and that sucks."
"We make it work." She answered softly.
Leo leaned in closer, his nose nearly touching hers.
"What does he look like under that cat suit? Is it muscles on top of warm, sun drenched skin? Do the curtains match the drapes?"
"Leo!" Marinette scolded him.
The truth was, she didn't know. But, oh gods, probably yes. And that thought made her knees weak, despite the fact that she was sitting down.
To push that delicious thought away, she stood up and moved away, calling over her shoulder.
"May I remind you that you also have a boyfriend. And shouldn't be ogling other men."
Leo smiled in his own love-sick kind of way. "Oh babe, this isn't about me. So don't even try changing the subject."
Marinette picked up a scrap of fabric off the floor, folding it as she walked. "What do you want to know?"
"Umm, everything!" Leo begged.
"I can't tell you everything." Marinette reminded him.
"Okay fine. Tell me what you can, and I'll just have to imagine the juicy bits."
She chuckled softly, and told Leo as much as she dared to say. But, it felt so good to finally talk with someone about her relationship. To gush about a guy who she really, truly liked. By the end of her story, Leo was dreamy-eyed and sighing just like her.
"Gosh, that's so… so…damn perfect. I mean, do you know what I mean? You always wonder about Paris' superheroes - seeing them on TV all these years. But, I guess I never thought of them as just regular people, living among us." Leo remarked. "And the fact that you two met like you did. It's just… such a fairytale."
If Marinette told Leo that she was Ladybug, his head might just explode. So, she kept that final secret to herself. Chat Noir knew. And that's all who mattered.
Leo straightened up a bit on his stool. "Have you told Alya?"
"Not yet."
Leo's lips curled into a wicked smile. "Can I please, please, please be there when you do?"
Marinette laughed. "Sure. I'll probably need a buffer anyway. She's bound to strangle me."
Leo was quiet for a few seconds. Fingernails drumming in the countertop as he sucked on his bottom lip. "Can I? Can I tell Clark?"
Marinette thought about that question for a moment. Did she really want to hide this from people? Yes and no. She just didn't want reporters hounding her day and night. Alya would be bad enough.
"He won't say anything! I promise." Leo offered.
"It's okay. You can tell him. I just don't want it going… viral, you know what I mean?"
Leo nodded. "Loud and clear."
At that point he jumped off his stool and hugged her. The hug caught Marinette by surprise, and when he pulled away she asked, "What was that for?"
"Because, I'm happy for you babe. Call it my woman's intuition, but I think you've got a good one. You've certainly struck beefcake gold." He winked playfully.
"I'm totally going to tell him that you said that." Marinette retorted smartly.
Back on the counter, her phone vibrated with a text. She walked over to read it, smiled, and began typing a response.
Leo walked back over and stood nearby, covering his noodles with the plastic lid, as he watched Marinette's fingers fly.
When she sent the reply and looked up, he caught her gaze. "Was that him?" He asked.
"No. It was Adrien." She explained casually, setting her phone down.
"Oh that man." Leo said fondly, his voice distant and dreamy. "If I had to pick between the two, I don't know which one I'd want more. Both are these tall, sexier-than-thou, blonde gods. Sunshine, he is the antithesis of suave, world-class gentleman and sexy supermodel combo. But then, Chat Noir, he's like the bad-boy with a heart of gold, dipped in sin."
"Umm, how about the perfectly wonderful guy you're currently dating?" Marinette reminded him.
"Pfft, don't ruin my fun. Besides, even my darling Clark was gagging at the two of you on the dance floor that night at the club. Talk about body chemistry." He made a little seam hissing noise.
Marinette felt her body warm with the memory of that night. Leo was right. It had been… hot. To say the least.
Changing the topic abruptly, he added. "I'm glad you and Adrien are talking again though." Leo told her. "He's a doll."
"He is." Marinette agreed.
Leo stretched. "Well, I do know one thing."
"What's that?"
"Chat Noir can certainly kick Luka's ass."
Marinette cracked up laughing. Wiping tears from her eyes, her phone rang.
She didn't recognize the number, but figured it might be a potential client. Clearing her throat but with a jovial tone still in her voice, she answered. Although she barely got through her profession greeting, when background noise from the caller nearly deafened her.
"Mari! Mari, turn on the damn news right fucking now."
"Alya?" Marinette questioned, concern in her voice. Even Leo glanced up at her tone.
"What's going on? Are you okay?"
"Turn it on now! Hurry, you're missing it."
Marinette pulled the phone away from her ear. She didn't own a TV. So they would have to stream it online. Gesturing to Leo she said, "Alya said to turn on the news."
Leo bolted for Marinette's laptop. His fingers flying over the keyboard.
"Holy shit." Alya said in her ear. "This is amazing." Her voice sounded downright enthralled.
Not even thirty seconds later, Leo had a browser open.
"Oh my god."
Marinette leaned over to see the screen. She nearly dropped her phone as her eyes scanned the scrolling banner across the bottom of the screen.
'A. Agreste announces resignation from Agreste Fashions.'
Leo cranked the volume up on her laptop. The screen buffering to catch up with the live feed of a bustling press conference. Before actual sound started pouring from her speakers, she saw Adrien standing at a podium. A bright smile on his face as camera flashed erupted in front of him.
"He quit?!" Leo shrieked in surprise.
The sound finally caught up as he was speaking.
"… I'm taking some time for myself. To focus on my career and life outside of my Father's company."
A dozen reporters fired off an onslaught of questions once he finished his sentence. Like a pro, he ignored all of them. Running the press conference like he wanted to.
"It was a difficult decision to make. So, during this time, I'm asking for some privacy out of respect for my family and the legacy it has had on the fashion world." He continued, a picture perfect showcase of sincerity and confidence.
"He's a beautiful mad genius." Alya chuckled. Marinette had forgotten she was still on the phone. She put her on speakerphone and held the phone out so Leo could hear.
"What a way to go out, in a hailstorm of paparazzi hellfire." She remarked humorously. "If I was gonna quit. I only wish I could do it so spectacularly."
Despite the obvious panic surrounding him, Adrien looked unphased. His gestures, facial expressions and body language only adding to the validity of his words.
"My goal is to continue my modeling career, and I hope to work with Agreste Fashions again in the future." He beamed. Keeping his goals in mind and sticking to them. Showing control and focus of his future.
Leo gasped dramatically. "Oh, thank god, he hadn't completely lost his mind. I don't think I could live without seeing him shirtless."
Alya's laugh echoed through the speaker.
Adrien began to take some questions from the reporters. Repeating the same consistent responses in a straightforward manner while avoiding any fancy, pretentious language to cut himself off from the audience. Something his Father never did when giving interviews.
"When did this happen?" Marinette asked, her heart thundering in her chest.
"About ten minutes ago. Oh, and you missed the best part. He was at this posh charity event and during this big speech, he just went completely off script. Dropped a bomb and then smiled as chaos ensued. Actually, he hasn't stopped smiling." Alya told them.
"But… Why? Why would he do this?" Leo asked, still in shock. "Agreste Fashions is one of the biggest fashion houses in the world. He's literally walking away from fame and fortune."
Marinette could hear Alya's shrug, as she answered dryly. "Who knows. I'm sure he has his reasons."
Marinette watched him on the screen. Alya was right, he hadn't stopped smiling. In fact, he looked practically relaxed.
"Did you know about this?" Leo asked Marinette.
She shook her head. "I had no idea."
Adrien said a pleasant goodbye to the audience and walked away from the podium. Cameras tried to follow him, but his long legs carried him off backstage in a heartbeat.
"I can't believe he did that." Marinette breathed.
Alya answered her. "I'm sure he's gotta lay low for a few days after that."
More voices started to pick up in the background. Alya audibly groaned, "I just know my boss is going to ask me to get an exclusive interview. They've all seen the wedding photos, and know that Adrien was Nino's best man."
"Try to delay it as much as possible." Marinette told her. Knowing that Adrien was going to be hounded by reporters all pining for the same interview.
"Yeah, I'll try." Alya grumbled, but then laughed. "I'm not being a very good journalist, am I?"
Marinette closed her laptop screen. Silencing the considerable buzz of chaos still going on at the event.
"Have you tried texting him?" Marinette asked.
"Nino did. No response. Not that I blame him." Alya replied. "He'll come around. This just needs to blow over. Anyway, I better go. This place is a madhouse."
"Let's hangout soon. I've barely seen you since the wedding." Marinette told her, missing her friend.
"Married life at its finest."
Leo leaned hard on Marinette's shoulder, chirping loudly into the microphone. "Marinette's got some huge news to tell you!" He sang.
"What news?" Alya asked, instantly intrigued.
Marinette shoved Leo off and shot him a look. "It's nothing. I'll tell you when I see you."
"What news?" Alya insisted.
"Are you sitting down? Cause you'll need to be." Leo shouted from across the room where Marinette had shoved him..
"Leo!" Marinette hissed.
"Leo knows and I don't?" Alya scolded.
Marinette felt like she was suddenly caught in her own hailstorm of chaos.
"It's no big deal." Marinette told her casually.
"How can you say that?!" Leo screeched.
"Give me something, girl."
Marinette sighed heavily. "Apparently my love life is cause for over-dramatization."
She could hear Alya's grin through the phone. "A new beau?"
"He bought her flowers!" Leo beamed.
Alya gasped. "Okay. Now I'm even more curious. Who is he?"
"I promise I'll tell you all about it… I mean, him." Marinette told her.
"Yeah, you better." Alya remarked smartly.
"You won't believe it Alya. You seriously won't believe it." Leo called from the background.
Alya laughed. "Thanks for the tip Leo. As always."
"Talk soon?" Marinette asked.
"You better believe it." Alya responded before saying goodbye and hanging up.
As Leo went back to work, Marinette paused holding her phone. He was probably receiving a thousand messages and phone calls. She hated to be one more in the fray.
But, still… she opened her messages and typed.
(Marinette): Hey. I know you've got a lot going on, but please let me know if you need anything, ok?
She didn't expect a reply. But her words looked rather empty, so she quickly added more, smirking while she typed.
(Marinette): Oh, and kudos on the epic resignation.
Later that same evening, Ladybug went out on patrol. With the city still buzzing about the latest gossip, she has worried about the potential for an akuma attack. But Paris' citizens seemed to be content with the news about their hometown celebrity. And Hawkmoth was quiet.
Her yo-yo took her past Adrien's apartment building. The windows of his penthouse were completely dark and the curtains pulled in tight. Not that she expected to see anything.
Small groups of reporters lined the street outside, waiting and hoping to catch a glimpse. A few cameras turned her way as she zipped past and headed for the city center.
She sat atop the ferris wheel at the Place de la Concorde, the attraction having closed for the evening, and watched the water splash onto the famous three tiered fountain.
"Do you wish to be left alone?" A voice purred into the starry night reminding her that she was never alone.
She smiled at the sound. "Depends on who's asking."
He walked across a thin metal beam towards her, unafraid to fall.
"It's just me." He said standing behind her.
"Just you?" She echoed, hearing a bit of sadness in his words.
"I don't want to become one of those guys who needs to be by your side at every moment of every day. I can give you your space..."
But there was that lingering sadness again. Like he was holding back.
She looked over her shoulder, lifting her chin to gaze up at him.
"I want you here with me." She told him. "I will always take your company versus sitting alone. You never have to worry about that."
He crouched behind her, sitting down, and then pulled her back against his chest. Weaving her fingers with his as they stayed on her stomach. Hugging her from behind like he never wanted to let go.
His face buried into the crook of her neck. A silent gesture of longing, of the day he'd had. The night still made him ache.
"You give me strength." He murmured against her armor.
She swallowed hard. Not sure what to say. How could she give him strength when he was the backbone of her power? His presence like a warrior's shield. They drew their strength from one another. Their powers mirror images of the other.
But, strip it all away, they were simply people. Humans. Mortal. Capable of great acts of kindness and love. And tonight, they might as well not be wearing their masks. Because she didn't need to see his face to know him. To know his heart.
She turned in his arms, and kissed him into oblivion.
Author's Note: Hi Everyone! Thank you for your patience with this chapter. I know it is slightly smaller. But I promise that I have the next one coming along very soon! And the next chapter... oh boy. It's gonna be goooood. *wicked grin*
In all honesty, my delay has come from me reading NONSTOP for all of August/September/October. No joke, I think I've devoured like 20-25 books. I blame Instagram. People post these incredible home libraries, and then recommend high fantasy, romance books... and I'm just like gimmie, gimmie more! I need more! :D
What are some of your favorite published authors?