THE RAIN & THE SUN
NOTE: Thank you to Ladyloveschat and ShazDogg for reviewing. Also thank you to everyone for favoriting &/or following this story. You guys are amazing!
Disclaimer: Still don't own this show. Sad, it would be so much fun. They would know each other's secrets and Lila would get publicly humiliated before disappearing forever. Also, I don't own the song used in this chapter. I watched Sierra Burgess is a Loser recently. Good movie and love the song, "Sunflower". That songs belongs to Shannon Purser and the movie. I added a few words, to relate it to Marinette more and changed a word. Also, the full version is used not the movie version.
I'm not sure if Marinette is the class representative for the whole grade or just the classroom, but making her for the whole grade level makes more sense and what I'll use for this story.
Anyway, enjoy this chapter!
The Rain & the Sun
Chapter 4: The Sun in Sunflower
Waking up is never easy for Marinette. Despite growing up in a bakery with parents who wake up at dawn, she's never been a morning person. A habit of staying up late nights for design projects shifts her internal body clock. In other words, becoming Ladybug has only made her problem worse. It's not her fault, she takes on too many responsibilities. Never one to say 'no' to a favor. Things pile up and with the second to last week of school here, the chaos that is already Marinette's life is about to double.
Thankfully, her day starts good and she's able to wake up with enough time to only slightly panic about being late. Marinette still runs to school, but at least today isn't a sprint kind of day. Collapsing on her desk, Alya raises her eye in question.
"Designing all night? Or homework?" Alya inquires.
"Homework. I'm going to have to work harder on some subjects. Like physics. Though that might be pointless. I'll never understand it," Marinette deflates.
She rests her head on her hand. Wondering how she'll fit learning physics in her already hectic week.
"Why don't you just ask Adrien to tutor you?" Alya suggests.
"You know why I can't. Besides, I'm sure he's busy with modeling plus his own studying," Marinette answers.
"Speaking of Adrien… what's with you two? You keep awkwardly calling each other bud," Alya investigates.
"That's a secret," a voice chimes in.
Both girls turn to see Adrien standing next to his desk. His hand on the strap of his bag and a smile on his face. Alya turns to Marinette to see if it really is a secret.
"Yep, sorry Alya. We can't tell you," Marinette grins.
Alya glares at them causing Marinette and Adrien to laugh. The bell rings as the class settles into their seats.
"Before we begin class I have an announcement," Ms. Bustier begins. "Next week is finals so this week will be review. Next Friday is the school dance."
The students are a mix of groans and cheers.
"With that being said, everyone must submit a theme idea to our class president, Marinette. She will review them all and pick the top three as well as submitting her own. Tomorrow everyone will narrow down to one theme."
Everyone is excited to write their idea.
"You have an idea already?" Marinette asks.
"Ladybug and Cat Noir, duh," Alya supplies.
Marinette giggles, how could she think anything else.
"Now, I'm going to hand out a review packet. You'll work on them for the remainder of class and what you don't finish is homework. Feel free to work together but please don't move seats," Ms. Bustier instructs.
After all the packets are passed around, the class gets to work on completing the problems. A whole day of review goes by. Marinette gets all the theme idea, placed in a box, before heading to her locker to grab the rest of her books. No one else is in the locker room. Lila slams the locker door.
"Lila! You could have taken my hand off," Marinette fumes.
"Shut up. I'm not here to discuss the delicateness of your hands," Lila smirks.
"Then why are you here?"
"You better pick my theme idea."
"I'll pick the best because they're the best. Not because you threaten me."
Marinette grabs her last book. Being cautious, lest Lila slam it again in anger.
"You really want to fight me Marinette?"
"Someone has to stand up against you."
"And you think you can? You're a loser. Pathetic. If Adrien didn't pity you, you wouldn't even be here."
"I don't know what Adrien has to do with anything, but I don't believe anything you say. Even if it is true, at least I have real friends. When everyone realizes what a liar you are, you won't have any."
Lila smirks, but clearly not able to come up with an argument.
"Just pick mine Marinette. Don't make it hard on yourself. You don't need more problems."
This time Lila slams her hand against the locker door, making Marinette slightly jump. Adrien passes a smiling Lila as she exits the locker room. He walks in to see Marinette with her head hanging down. She closes her locker door, hand lingering on it. Her sigh, though quiet, still reaches his ears.
"You okay?" Adrien questions.
Marinette's head pops up. She relaxes once it's clear he's is the one who spoke.
"Uh? Oh, yeah. I'm fine," Marinette offers a weak smile.
Picking up the box, Adrien watches her move. He may be oblivious, but Adrien isn't so oblivious to realize when his friend isn't okay. When Marinette walks over to leave the locker room, Adrien places a hand on her shoulder.
"Marinette, what happened?"
"Nothing," Marinette starts to say but realizes that is a lie. She isn't any better than Lila if she lies too. "Nothing to worry about."
"Are you sure?"
"Yeah, totally. It's not the first time Lila has personally threatened me," Marinette shakes off. Adrien's eyes go wide. "I should go. I have a lot to do tonight."
Marinette shrugs off his hand before leaving. It takes a few moments for Adrien to process what happened. How could he help? Maybe letting Lila get away with her lies isn't the right move. Could that really be what's bothering her? He decides a visit from Cat Noir might help.
Later that evening, Marinette trudges up her stairs. It's almost dinner time. She falls over on her chaise, exhausted. Tikki comes over to comfort her.
"You okay Marinette?" Tikki inquires.
"Just tired. After school and helping my parents since getting home, I just need a minute to breathe," Marinette answers.
"Why don't you rest until dinner?"
"I'd love to but I have so much to do. Finish my review packets, pick theme ideas, and translate."
"You don't have to do that tonight. You have enough on your plate."
Marinette sighs.
"But if I keep putting it off, I'll never learn."
"Dinner!" Sabine calls.
Marinette gets up with a groan. Stretching her limbs, Marinette bounds down the stairs to get some food. The kwamis watch her as she goes. After a bit of thinking, Tikki gets the kwamis' attention.
"I'm calling a kwami meeting," Tikki declares.
"Without Plagg?" Trixx asks.
"This concerns Marinette," Tikki replies.
The kwamis nod and all float so they're sitting in a circle on the ground.
"Tikki, you have the floor," Wayzz gestures his hand out.
Tikki nods.
"I've called this meeting because I'm worried about Marinette. She's overextending herself!" Tikki starts.
"What can we do?" Kalkki offers.
"It's not like we can do much," Fluff points out.
"We're stuck in this room," Xuppu adds rolling onto his head.
Some of the kwami giggle.
"Maybe there isss ssomething we can do. Anything come to mind?" Sass sibilates.
Tikki puts her hand under her chin and thinks. What does Marinette really need?
"She has a lot of responsibilities. We need to convince her to put the book aside for now. That might help," Tikki thinks.
"I agree. She's pushing herself too hard. Anything else?" Longg inputs.
"We should do something nice for her too," Daizzi suggests. "She deserves it."
"Yeah!" the kwamis cheer.
"What are you guys plotting?" Marinette appears suddenly.
The kwamis hide out of instinct. They pop their heads out to see just Marinette walking up the last steps of her trapdoor with a tray of food in hand.
"Nothing!" Orikko answers.
"We just had certain matters to discuss," Pollen corrects.
"Anything I just be concerned about?" Marinette questions.
"We'll let you know," Stompp informs.
Marinette nods with a smile before setting down the tray and sitting down at her desk. The kwamis collect some food before sitting somewhere to eat. Studying has never been her favorite thing, but Marinette is determined to do well on her exams. Everything is pretty easy to understand; everything but physics. For what seems like the millionth time, Marinette groans and erases the problem. There's a knock on her trapdoor, but it's coming from her roof. She smiles.
Opening the door, she's met with a wide smile.
"Good evening my princess. Hope I'm not bothering you," Cat Noir greets.
"You're fine. Plus, it seems my knight actually has saved this princess from physics," Marinette plays along.
"You don't like physics?" Cat Noir tilts his head.
"Maybe if I understood it. It's just so difficult."
"Why haven't you asked for help?"
"Well Alya is great but not the best at explaining physics. Nino barely understands it himself. And Adrien… well I don't want to bother him. I'm sure he's too busy for a tutor session."
"Did you ask?"
"No. I can't."
"Why not?"
Marinette pauses. Could she tell her kitty why Adrien isn't an option?
"Like I said, he's always busy. Not that I blame him, but the last thing he needs is another thing added to his schedule," Marinette replies.
"I could help you," Cat offers.
"You know physics?"
"It hertz me that you don't think I would know physics," Cat Noir smiles much too brightly.
Marinette groans.
"Is there anything you can't make puns out of?"
"Don't worry Princess, I'll help no matter watt."
Marinette glares at him.
"One more pun and you'll be thrown off my roof."
"Does that mean I can stay and help?!" Cat Noir asks excitedly.
Marinette looks around her room. The kwamis have disappeared. She looks back up at Cat Noir and nods. With a giant grin, Cat Noir follows Marinette inside. Marinette sits at her desk and gestures to all her work. He leans over to peer at what she's done so far. He points to a problem.
"You switched the formula here," Cat Noir notes.
Marinette aggressively erases the problem with a groan.
"I'm never going to get this down," Marinette complains.
"I'm here to help and I'll make sure you're ready for your exam," Cat Noir assures.
"Thanks. Guess I'll owe you one."
"Nah, I'm happy to help. Plus, friendship isn't a series of owing each other."
"True. But are you saying this kitty doesn't want any treats in return?"
"Well… I'll happily accept any sweets if you got them."
Marinette giggles.
"Help me finish this packet and I'll see what I can do."
"Challenge accepted!"
The two work over the next hour finishing the physics packet. Cat Noir clearly shows her the correct way to complete problems. He even teaches her a few tricks he uses. Some things start to make more sense. Marinette goes from completely clueless to passable. Holding up her end of the deal, Marinette grabs some leftover cookies and milk. Cat Noir lights up like a Christmas tree. Some crumbs fall to the floor in his haste, but Marinette can't find it in herself to be upset.
"So," Cat Noir speaks with a mouth full of cookie. He swallows and wipes his lips. "Do you feel more confident?"
"Yeah! I mean, there's still a lot I don't get, and I still needed to be reminded of some things; but this is progress."
"I'll come over as much as you need to help."
"Thanks, but don't neglect your personal life or superhero responsibilities."
"I'll do my best."
Cat Noir jumps up and gets ready to leave.
"You don't have to go right away you know," Marinette speaks up.
"Really?"
"Of course, we can talk. I don't expect you to come just to help me with physics."
Cat Noir smiles.
"Well I guess I can talk for a little bit."
"Go on the balcony. I'll be up in a few."
Obediently, Cat Noir follows instructions. Tikki flies out of her hiding spot to follow Marinette as she does her task.
"Are you sure this is a good idea?" Tikki asks.
"I'll be careful. I'm still not ready to tell him who I am, but I want to get to know him better. He's my best friend. Besides you of course Tikki."
Tikki flies to Marinette for a hug. When Marinette comes onto the balcony with two hot chocolates, Cat Noir is lounging on a chair. He smiles at her arrival and gladly accepts a mug.
"Thanks."
Marinette smiles and nods. She sits next to him. Luckily it's pretty warm out tonight.
"So, what kind of secrets are you going to share?" Cat Noir teases.
"Secrets? Why do I have to share my secrets with you?" Marinette teases back.
"I figure we'd skip a few steps to that part. Become super close faster."
"Effective but the journey is just as important."
"You always say the most annoying, deepest things."
"Geez, thanks," Marinette rolls her eyes.
Cat Noir bumps his shoulder against hers. Talking with Marinette is so fun. Why is this side of her so rare? Adrien almost never sees this side. Never when he's talking to her directly. I guess she's been less shy around him lately (not that he knows why she's shy in the first place), but she's still not this fun.
"Can I ask you something?" Cat Noir inquires seriously.
"Sure," Marinette nods.
Cat Noir awkwardly tries to get his question out. He hopes this isn't crossing some sort of line. Maybe they're not close enough for him to know.
"Inside I noticed your walls. You used to have so many pictures of Adrien, uh the model, did you give up designing or something?"
Marinette's eyes widen and her mouth hangs open to answer. After biting her lip and having a brief internal battle, she answers.
"To be honest, I took down all his pictures because having them up hurt. I have a secret, I…" the words die in her mouth.
Cat Noir notices her heart beat has picked up speed. She takes a deep breath and turns slightly away from him.
"Truthfully, I didn't have those pictures to study design. I'm… well I guess I was in love with Adrien."
Like a cartoon with a screech and crash, Cat Noir comes to stop. His eyes widen and if involuntary breathing wasn't a thing, he would have stopped breathing.
"What?" Cat Noir asks as if he blacked out during her explanation, which feels possible.
"This whole year, I've been trying to tell him, but I was always too nervous. I could barely speak around him," Marinette laughs sadly at the memory of her attempts. "Then he told me he's in love with someone. And Kagami came into the picture. She told me how she felt. At first, I wanted to win him over, but I saw how happy he was with her. I kind of pushed them together. Even though they're broken up now he still loves this other girl. I don't know, either way, he's not in love with me."
Marinette bites her lip to prevent herself from crying before continuing.
"I can't tell you how many times I've heard him call me 'just a friend'. And I really do want him to be happy; even if it's not with me."
Cat Noir is shocked. God-smacked. Amazed at her love for him. Or former love. How is he supposed to respond to this?! Marinette's confused by Cat Noir's weird reaction.
"Cat? You alive? Did me talking about boys freak you out that much?"
"No sorry," Cat Noir shakes his head to get himself functional again. "I just had no idea you feel this way."
Marinette shrugs.
"It's not like you should have known. I just… I'm not sure how to move on. I have all this emotion bottled up."
Cat Noir slowly offers advice.
"Maybe find some way to get that all that emotion out. I'm not sure what that is for you, but only you know what that is."
"Right," Marinette nods. "I think that's what I need to do. Thanks."
The silence afterwards is brutal. For Cat Noir. Marinette stares at the skyline like the whole world hasn't just shifted to a place where breathing has become unbearable. That's because she doesn't know she just confessed to her former crush in disguise. Marinette turns to Cat Noir.
"I should get some sleep," Marinette announces.
"Yeah, and I should go," Cat agrees.
Marinette stands and smiles.
"See you soon."
Cat Noir stands and hands her his mug.
"Good night Princess."
He vaults away. Marinette smiles before heading down. She puts the mugs away before coming up to her room. She winces at the time. It's pretty late.
"How did it go?" Tikki questions.
"Good. I told him about Adrien. How I was in love with him," Marinette answers.
She rubs her arm. Tikki is shocked and also trying not to scream out loud. Sometimes she wants to just scream who they are. But one, she can't. Second, it has to be their choice.
"Wow, what did he say?"
"Well he gave me good advice on how to move on, get rid of all this emotion."
"He did, did he?"
"Yeah, but he was acting weird. You'd think a flirt like him wouldn't get weird when talking about that stuff."
Tikki bites her lip. Someone out there is enjoying this irony.
"What are you going to do?"
"I'm not sure," Marinette sighs.
Sitting at her desk, Marinette stares at a notepad and pen. Maybe she could design something. Looking over at her chest full of Adrien gifts though, that idea is shot down. Instead, she finds herself writing words. Hence, another long night of staying up.
Cat Noir lands in his room before detransforming. Plagg falls onto the bed. Adrien stands in utter shock. How could he not see it? Marinette was in love with him. Technically she still is but is trying to lose her feelings for him. Emotions course through him, but he's not able to decipher the web.
"You okay Adrien?" Plagg inquires.
"She's in love with me, with Adrien," Adrien spits out.
"I know, I told you you're oblivious," Plagg teases.
"Wait. You knew?"
"Of course. I'm not blind."
"What else did I miss?"
Plagg hesitates. Gosh, where does he begin?
"Nothing I can say."
"Plagg! Help! I-I-I'm so confused. How can Marinette be in love with me. I don't even feel like myself."
"Why are you freaking out? She said she's moving on."
"I can't just pretend I don't know."
"You don't. She told Cat Noir. So find a way to cope without messing it up. Besides, why do you care? You get tons of confessions from girls, and like you've said, Marinette is just a friend."
Adrien groans and falls back on his bed.
"Don't remind me."
Adrien rubs his eyes, subconsciously trying to forget what he heard.
"It'll work out. Just relax."
"Easy for you to say. All you care about is cheese."
"And cheese is always there for me. Simple and delicious."
If his mind wasn't such a mess at the moment, Adrien would have thrown a pillow at Plagg. How is he supposed to face Marinette tomorrow?
It's quite a mystery how Marinette manages to arrive to class on time. During class, Adrien wonders if his imagination is playing tricks on him. Is Marinette making noise? His thoughts are confirmed seconds later.
"Girl, you're humming," Alya whispers.
"I am?" Marinette asks. "Sorry. I guess it's stuck in my head."
Though she stops temporarily, it's not the last Adrien hears of it. At the bell, Adrien turns and notices an extra notepad with her. He wonders what she's writing and if it has to do with him. It's not like he can ask though.
Lunch is when Adrien plans to talk to Marinette, but he forgot that the class is meeting to discuss the dance theme. All the students in her grade level meet in the courtyard. Nino, Alya, and Adrien stand near the front. Actually all the students in their class are near the front in support for Marinette. Mrs. Bustier stands off to the side supervising the meeting. Marinette stands a little taller than everyone so they can see her.
"Thanks for coming everyone. I know you don't want to spend the whole lunch break discussing this, so I'll do my best to get through this in a timely manner," Marinette announces.
The students are pleased by that. Marinette clears her throat.
"As stated, I picked the top three ideas, between which seem popular and what I think would be fun. I've also submitted my own idea. After I tell you the four ideas, you'll receive a paper to vote. The theme with the most votes will be our theme for the dance," Marinette continues.
She digs through her bag and grabs the four ideas written on a paper.
"First idea, glow-in-the-dark."
Many students are intrigued by that.
"We'll encourage students to wear white or light colors, so when the black lights are on, everyone will glow. Also, students will be given glow bracelets and necklaces to wear to add to their color. We'll set up glow-in-the dark paint stations as well," Marinette explains.
She continues to the next idea.
"Idea two, a tropical para-dance. With summer practically here, we'll leave our last year with a celebration to summer and looking ahead. The décor will scream summer, what's more fun than the beach? Idea three, while we could look ahead, we could also relive a past season, spring. Flowers and life. We'll decorate with décor that captures the beauty of spring."
Marinette pauses for a moment.
"Finally, idea four. This idea didn't entirely come from me. Many students suggested a Ladybug and Cat Noir theme. I decided to expand on that. While our heroes are amazing and I'm thankful for all they do, I want to celebrate heroes beyond them. All of us are heroes, even if we don't have superpowers. While I'm not suggesting costumes, just a masquerade and your best hero likeness formal, my proposal is 'Everyone's a Hero'," Marinette finishes.
All the students seem delighted by the choices. Lila fumes.
"Please pick up a voting paper before leaving and turn them in just like yesterday before the end of the day. If you have any questions, please feel free to ask me or my deputy, Alya Césaire," Marinette concludes.
The students go to pick up a paper and enjoy the rest of lunch. Alya wraps her arm around Marinette.
"Girl, I'm so excited!" Alya exults.
"Great ideas Dudette," Nino compliments.
"Thanks. It was really hard narrowing them down, but I hope people are happy with what I chose," Marinette states.
Adrien thinks this would be a good time to talk to her, but suddenly, she's flooded by students with questions. He'll have to wait until later.
After school, Adrien finds Marinette sitting in a corner writing on the notepad. He's supposed to head to the car, but Gorilla could wait a few minute.
"Designing something?" Adrien startles her.
Marinette slightly jumps before smiling at him. That smile hits him. What's wrong with him?
"No actually. Working on something else," Marinette replies.
"Can I see?"
"Sorry, it's a secret."
"Having secrets from your bud?" Adrien jokes.
Marinette laughs.
"Sorry, but I'm sure you have your own secrets."
She has no idea.
"I better go, but maybe you could show me when it's done," Adrien suggests.
"Only if you're a cat."
"A cat?"
"Yeah, I have this… stray cat that comes by my house sometimes. It's kind of for him, but not really. Only he can see it though," Marinette pauses. "Did that just make me sound completely crazy?"
Wait, is he the stray cat? Now he really wants to know what's on the paper.
"Uh no. Just a little crazy," Adrien winks.
Marinette inhales sharply.
"W-Well later see you. See you later!" Marinette corrects.
Adrien waves before turning around. He slightly laughs once he's out of her sight. Yeah, how could he totally miss it all before? Her stuttering, her blushes, her smiles. He's an idiot. An idiot that can't wait to see what she's working on.
That night, Cat Noir bounds over rooftops, racing to a certain bakery. He hopes she isn't busy with her parents. He eagerly knocks on her trapdoor. A few moments later, Marinette comes up to open it.
"Evening Princess," Cat Noir winks.
"Kitty, you've come just in time to save this princess from the wicked physics."
"What are knights for."
He jumps down and the two work on physics. Marinette has to tell him to slow down a few times. He can't help it! The sooner he helps her finish physics, the sooner he can ask about the notepad.
"I think that's enough physics for one night," Marinette addresses.
"Great!" Cat Noir replies way too happily. "Um, great. Sooo… thought of a way to help with your feelings? For Adrien?"
Marinette smiles.
"Yeah. I wrote a song."
"A song? You wrote a whole song in one day?" Cat Noir questions impressed.
Marinette rubs her arm in embarrassment.
"I guess, I don't think it's that good but it seemed like a good way to express everything I'm feeling."
"I'm sure it's great. Can I hear it?"
"Yeah, I think that will help. Having someone else hear it. And well, you're the only option I've got."
Cat Noir glares, even though he knows she's teasing.
"Don't break my heart Princess."
Marinette messes up his hair.
"Sorry. Wait here."
Digging through her work, Marinette finds the notepad and stands in front of Cat. She takes a deep breath.
"It's about how I can't compare to his dream girl. I'll never be one of those girls. How he deserves a perfect girl, a rose, the perfect flower. Ones guys always give a girl as a romantic gesture. But not all girls are roses," Marinette explains.
She pulls up her phone and plays some simple melody. She begins to sing softly.
"Rose girls in glass vases, perfect bodies, perfect faces, graceful, beautiful, and strong, confident because they belong, they all should be in magazines. Those girls the boys are chasing, winning all the games they're playing, they're always in a different league. Stretching toward the sky like I don't care, wishing you could see me standing there. But I'm a sunflower, a little funny, if I were a rose, maybe you'd want me. If I could, I'd change overnight, I'd turn into something you'd like. But I'm a sunflower, a little funny, if I were a rose, maybe you'd pick me. But I know you don't have a clue, this sunflower's waiting for you, waiting for you."
Cat Noir is no longer breathing at this point. His body is frozen in place, his eyes wide and his mouth opened slightly. All he can do is listen and feel everything Marinette is expressing.
"No thorns in this dimension. Hiding this fear of rejection. This high I've never felt so small. Not used to this attention, permanently in suspension, I wish I didn't care at all. Stretching toward the sky like I don't care, wishing you could see me standing there. But I'm a sunflower, a little funny, if I were a rose, maybe you'd want me. If I could, I'd change overnight, I'd turn into something you'd like. But I'm a sunflower, a little funny, if I were a rose, maybe you'd pick me. But I know you don't have a clue, This sunflower's waiting for you, waiting for you. But I'm a sunflower, a little funny, if I were her, maybe you'd pick me. But I know you don't have a clue, this sunflower's waiting for you, waiting for you."
The music fades and Cat Noir is left speechless. Marinette takes a moment to calm herself. Without thought, Cat Noir stands so he's a couple inches from Marinette. He stares down at her confusion.
"You are a beautiful sunflower. The sun itself. If Adrien doesn't see that, he's an idiot," Cat Noir admits sincerely.
Marinette's lip quivers and before he can react, she clings to Cat Noir in a hug. He can feel her vibrations before hearing her light sobs. Slowly, Cat Noir's arms wrap around her as well. He rests his head against hers. It may not be the right time, but Cat Noir can't help melting against her warmth. Something about Marinette beyond words makes him incredibly warm, alive.
Neither know how long they stay in that position. Once Marinette calms down, they go up to the balcony and talk. They laugh and everything feels wonderful. Cat Noir has never had someone like this before. Without a doubt Marinette is his best friend, with and without the mask. Marinette feels like she can tell Cat Noir anything, be herself completely. She's certain Cat Noir is her best friend. Talking to him as herself let's her see this new side to him. Throughout the night, Marinette tries to picture what he looks like under the mask. Wonder what his day is like as a civilian. Does he go to school? Work? What is his family like? Who are his friends? She learns a lot but she craves to know more and more.
Sadly another night comes to an end. Cat Noir stands to leave. He picks her hand up and gives it a sweet kiss.
"Good night Princess. Sleep well."
Marinette hopes he can't see her blush.
"You too my knight. Until we see each other again."
She watches him till he disappears over a roof. Marinette sighs before going down to her bedroom. Tikki smiles up her knowingly.
"W-What?"
"Oh nothing… just couldn't help but watch you two."
"What about us?" Marinette folds her arms.
"Acting all cute and cuddly."
"He was comforting me!" Marinette defends.
Tikki giggles.
"Is that all that was?"
Marinette pouts. Tikki is impossible sometimes.
"I'm going to bed," Marinette declares and climbs into her bed.
"You didn't answer," Tikki teases.
Marinette throws a pillow.
Meanwhile, Plagg is sitting eating the last of his cheese before sleeping. Adrien lies in his bed staring at the ceiling, a stupid smile plastered on his face.
"What are you smiling about?" Plagg asks.
"Oh nothing."
"Uh huh, that's convincing. Are you thinking about Marinette?"
"Yeah," Adrien sighs dreamily.
Plagg rolls his eyes. It's up to him to turn off the light and lay in his usual spot. Adrien stays up awhile, just smiling as he thinks of Marinette.
The next day, Adrien doesn't know what to expect from Marinette but this isn't it. She only talks to him if he approaches her first. Her replies are short, her smile doesn't reach her eyes, and she seems to be holding back. Does that mean she's completely over him now? She doesn't even want to be his friend? No, that doesn't sound like her. Unless it's too hard to be his friend and needs a clean break. He won't let that happen. At lunch, he decides enough is enough.
He finds her eating with Chloe. Yep, something is definitely going on.
"Marinette," Adrien addresses.
Both girls stop their laughter to look up at him.
"Adrikins, what are you doing here?"
"Hi Adrien."
"Sorry to uh, bother you," Adrien apologizes.
"You're not. Did you want to sit with us?" Marinette offers.
"I can't. I have to head home, but I wanted to ask you something privately first," Adrien politely declines.
"Sure," Marinette stands.
They walk away just out of Chloe's earshot.
"How can I help you?"
"Well uh, I know this sounds crazy but are you… mad at me?"
"Mad?" Marinette raises her eyebrow. "No, why do you ask?"
"I just kind of got that feeling. You've been acting differently around me. Did I do something?"
"No, no. I'm sorry. I didn't mean to. I haven't really been myself these days. I have a lot going on. I promise I haven't been ignoring you on purpose."
Adrien nods.
"That's good because I don't know what I'd do without you. You're my best friend."
He notices her reaction. She takes a sharp intake of air before biting her lip. Adrien wonders if his words actually hurt her. Looks like it.
"We're good. Promise," Marinette smiles.
It's still not right in Adrien's eyes. So he's accomplished nothing. He nods.
"I'll see you after lunch," Adrien smiles.
"Have a good lunch."
Adrien replays the whole conversation in his mind. In fact, he plays the conversation from last night in his head again as well. He's not good at making it all out though. His mother would know what to do. She'd giggle as he retells the whole situation, pull him close, and offer the best advice. He'd try talking to his father if he wasn't always so busy. Plus, getting girl advice from him sounds weird.
Going to Nino also doesn't seem like a good option. There's too much to explain and doesn't seem right for some reason. Glancing down at Plagg, Adrien briefly considers asking him. There's no way he'll be much help. Not unless his problem contains cheese. Lunch is quiet as usual. As he moves his food around the plate, he thinks about all his friends at school. Even Chloe stays to eat with Marinette now. He feels so left out. Why couldn't his father allow him to at least eat at school like a normal student? Because he's too controlling, that's why.
Back at class, the rest of the day goes by slowly. Marinette looks tired and he blames himself. It's his fault for keeping her up late. Maybe he shouldn't visit her tonight. Then he thinks about his promise to tutor her. He can't back down. And quite frankly, he doesn't want to miss seeing her tonight. He also needs to see how she acts around Cat Noir. Her whole weird behavior could just be toward him as Adrien. He can't wait to visit and find out.
It takes a little longer to pack his things and grab other books from his locker. Most people have left by now. He stops at the top of the steps and stares at the bakery across the street. He imagines she's being greeted by her parents and heads up stairs to do homework. Or possibly she stays down to help. That reminds him; he needs to get more sweets from her tonight. He's about to head down the stairs when he's stopped.
"Adrien!"
Her voice stops him. Turning around, Marinette runs up to him. She's carrying a black umbrella but doesn't give it any thought. He smiles.
"Marinette," Adrien greets.
"I'm so glad I caught you," Marinette returns a smile.
That makes him bubble inside. The fact she needs him for something. His wondrous thoughts are interrupted when she holds up the umbrella. Confusion sets over his face.
"What's this?"
Marinette giggles.
"It's an umbrella. Your umbrella actually. You gave it to me on the first day of school."
Oh, right. Honestly he's never thought of that umbrella since. He's rich, he has dozens of other umbrellas at home. Offering it to her meant more than getting it back.
"It's not raining," Adrien awkwardly states.
"I know but I thought I'd return it."
Again she holds it up for him to take.
"Why?"
Why is she returning it now after all this time?
"Well it is your umbrella. I uh found it and thought I should return it to the rightful owner."
Some reason, that hurts Adrien. He doesn't need it. She can keep it. He wants her to.
"You can have it," Adrien insists. "I have many."
"Please, take it. It's time I let it go."
Those words hit Adrien. Why does it sound like this is about more than just an umbrella? His heart seems to crack at her words. Nevertheless, he reaches up and grabs the umbrella. His hand briefly touches hers. Though his grip isn't that strong on it, Marinette smiles and releases the umbrella.
"See you tomorrow Adrien."
Then, she makes her way down the steps. Adrien turns and watches her head home. His grip tightens on an umbrella. Like if he grips it tight enough, Marinette won't leave him.
Since no one is around, Plagg pokes his head out. He had no idea she would do something like this. Marinette must have really been hurt by Adrien's numerous, unintentional rejections.
"Plagg…"
"Yes kid?"
"I think I'm falling in love with Marinette."
Plagg scoffs. He knows Adrien already is.
Thank you so much for reading! Right now I have no plan on how often chapters will come out. Got plenty of free time at the moment right now. Hope everyone is being safe and making wise decisions. Anyway, please review and let me know what you guys think. Reviews make my day. Seriously. I read them and it fills me with so much joy. Even constructive criticism ones motivate me to do better. I'd also love to hear any suggestions you guys have. I can't promise to use them. My story does have a direction (mostly). Additionally, I'd love to know what tv shows people are watching with being at home. Currently, I'm watching Phineas and Ferb! Thanks again and please review!