Chapter 5: Kwami therapists

Kwami therapists

'Tikki! Tikki! What just happened?' Marinette squeaked after arriving back home.

'Adrien just asked you out, silly!' Tikki giggled in reply.

'He did!' Marinette sighed, practically melting into the wall she was pressed up against.

'…and you're happy?' Tikki said hesitantly.

'Of course!' Marinette exclaimed, then looked down at her kwami, confused for a moment, 'why shouldn't I be?'

'Well… didn't you start having feelings for… you know… someone else?' Tikki asked nervously.

'Oh no! Cat Noir!' Marinette squealed suddenly, 'you're right Tikki, this is a disaster!'

'Well, I wouldn't go quite that far…' Tikki started to say before Marinette cut in again.

'Argh! Just when I was starting to move on, he had to change his tune and ask me out didn't he!' Marinette was ranting now, her face starting to flush, 'I mean, what changed? Nothing, right? But then something had to change if I started having feelings for Cat… and it's not like I haven't stopped liking Adrien so it's fine, right? I mean Cat Noir doesn't need to know and it's not like we even had anything going… and he's still in love with Ladybug, right? Not me…' Marinette trailed off, her face falling and taking on a deflated expression.

'But Marinette, you ARE ladybug,' Tikki said gently, not understanding Marinette's quick change in emotions.

'Yeah, I know, but… ah never mind, it's silly,' Marinette dismissed the conversation and flopped down onto her bed, succumbing to sleep.

MEANWHILE

Adrien was enjoying the walk home in the cool night air, feeling as if he were flying.

'Plagg, what just happened?' he asked his kwami, feeling as if the evening were just a pleasant dream his mind had conjured. He had a big, goofy grin all over his face.

'I have no idea Adrien, where did that come from?' Plagg asked accusingly.

'What do you mean?' Adrien asked, concern lining his voice.

'I thought Marinette was just a friend!' Plagg reminded Adrien.

'She was…' Adrien started, suddenly uncertain, 'wait, you think I shouldn't have asked her out?' Adrien asked hesitantly.

'No,' Plagg said a little too quickly, 'no,' he said again, more slowly this time, 'just that it took me by surprise that's all!' Plagg recovered.

'You and me both,' Adrien agreed, 'I don't know what it was, but knowing she liked me and seeing her tonight… just wow… I felt at ease with her for the first time like, ever! I've only ever felt that with Ladybug, so I just… went for it!'

'Ok kid,' Plagg shook his head in amazement.

'What is it now Plagg?' Adrien rolled his eyes at the kwami.

'I just don't get it. You move on so quickly! For someone who preaches loyalty you moved on to Kagami, which as we know didn't end well, and now you're reading to move on with Marinette all of a sudden! And don't get me wrong I want you to go out with her but I just don't get how that brain, or I suppose in this case more your heart, of yours works kid!' Plagg finished explaining. Adrien was silent for a long minute, seemingly in thought.

'I shouldn't have asked her out, you're right,' Adrien mumbled.

'No, no, no that's not what I want at all!' Plagg pleaded with Adrien.

'I still care about ladybug,' Adrien kept going, despite Plagg's protests, 'it wouldn't be fair,' he finished, a worn-out expression appearing on his face.

'What? No…' Plagg was getting desperate now, 'it's just a date, right? I mean what's the harm in exploring what you have with Marinette? I mean you've gotta move on some time!'

'I think I'd feel really uncomfortable leading Marinette on though! And you remember how Ladybug has been acting recently… I mean stuttering and blushing around me as Cat Noir, things are just starting to change recently! Argh this is such poor timing!' Adrien groaned in exasperation.

SEVERAL DAYS LATER

Marinette was so nervous for their date. It was all she had thought about for years. And yet, here she was almost dreading sitting across from Adrien and lying. Not just about her double life but also her feelings. Things used to be so simple! 'When did everything become so complicated', she cursed silently. Having finally decided on her outfit, a simple pink cardigan buttoned over a white tank and her favourite pair of personalised jeans, Marinette came downstairs to wait for Adrien to arrive. She ended up being ahead of schedule somehow, even in her panic.

Adrien was also ahead of schedule, arriving five minutes early. He was jittery with nerves, having spent all morning worrying about whether this was a good idea but desperately wanting to spend more time with Marinette. He knocked on the bakery door since it was after closing time before he had a chance to psych himself out and run away.

Marinette appeared suddenly, speeding towards the door.

'Bye mum, bye Dad!' she called out as she opened the door and grabbed Adrien's hand, pulling him away from the bakery and up the street.

'Marinette, what…' Adrien started to ask, confused but undeniably pleased by her quick entry.

'Made it,' Marinette slowed to walk, stopping to glance down at her hand still placed in Adrien's. 'Um… sorry,' Marinette loosened her grip on Adrien, but he held her hand fast, liking the feel of her hand in his. Her smile broadened if that was possible, 'I just wanted to get away from my parents… I mean I didn't want them to embarrass me, or you! Cause I mean… they know…that um…' she started stumbling on her words as she looked into his eyes.

'That we're on a date?' Adrien finished for her, reaching up to push some of her stray hairs that had escaped during their own escape behind her ear. His hand lingered on her face for a moment as their eyes drank each other in.

'Adrien, I…', Marinette started to say, turning slightly away from him. Her expression darkened as she prepared for what she was about to say.

'No, Marinette, please, before you say anything…', Adrien cut in, feeling guilty already.

TO BE CONTINUED