THE RAIN & THE SUN
Note: Thanks to everyone who's favoriting and following! And for my reviews…
BlueTornado3275: I have no idea who would like Lila, she's horrible beyond words. I agree, don't think anyone likes her. If they do, well I can't state words lol. Glad you love my story and it's one of your favorites! Hope you continue to like it.
Lylex96: Glad you love it! Hope you enjoy this chapter! Thanks for reviewing.
Calerose: Haha yes, I enjoyed knocking Lila down, felt great. Yes, I can't believe how oblivious Adrien is, it makes me scream. Thanks for your review and hope you like this chapter.
Rivkamar2001: Thank you so much! Maybe Lila will come back, and by 'maybe' I don't mean I know either way. I mean I have no idea if I will or not lol. Yes I like that he can see more of this side of Marinette. Marichat is my fav ship too! I really need more of it in the show. Yes, sometimes Plagg almost reveals in the show. I just wish he would! Forget the consequences! Thank you for your review, it really did brighten my day and motivated me to start writing this chapter since I hadn't yet haha.
Micsellaneous25: Couldn't agree more, Lila take downs are great! Thanks for your review and hope you like this chapter.
We know I'm not an expert on French school system. I did my best on what exams would look like. I'm sure they don't have a dance after the last school day, but who doesn't love a dance with promising romance? Anyway, does anyone know what happened to the phonograph? Do you think Fu took it with him or Marinette has it somewhere? I know the miracle box was hidden in there, but it's not necessary. Oh well, let me know what you think and hope you enjoy this chapter!
The Rain & the Sun
Chapter 6: The Last Few Days
Saturday night, the two are able to celebrate their hard work paying off. Marinette spends most of the day baking treats. She saves some for the kwamis but many are brought to the balcony along with hot chocolate. Cat Noir and Marinette devote the night to talking and laughing. Despite their success, Cat Noir also pesters Marinette about her health.
"Cat," Marinette laughs. "I told you, I'm fine. Once Ladybug used her miraculous ladybug, I didn't feel any more pain."
"I still worry! What if you have permanent damage and it gets worse because you won't see a doctor!" Cat fears.
His ears flatten. Marinette smiles and grabs his hand. She places it on her heart. Cat perks up at hearing her steady heartbeat.
"I'm fine because of you. A knight never lets his princess down," Marinette reasons.
Cat Noir smiles and a mischievous thought passes through his mind. His hand slowly moves until it reaches her armpit and tickles her. Marinette laughs.
"You naughty kitty! You can't tickle me!" Marinette swats his hand away.
Though she isn't mad.
"Can't help it. I love to hear you laugh."
Marinette's face reddens. She clears her throat.
"Well there are a thousand other ways to achieve that."
"You mean with my puns?!"
"No! Definitely not. Puns get you kicked out."
"You're more fun when you get tickled."
"Don't you dare tickle me again. I'll throw you off this balcony."
"That's a purrice I'm willing to pay."
Marinette rolls her eyes.
"You're horrid. Absolutely horrid."
Cat Noir lays back cozily against the chair. Marinette follows.
"So Princess, how did your parents meet?"
"Why?"
"Why else do people ask things? I'm curious."
Marinette leans her head back, looking up, smiling as she recalls what her parents have told her. Cat Noir watches her retell their story.
"My mom was born and grew up in China, but ever since she was a little girl, she wanted to be a baker. She was a natural but wanted to know more. She spent years learning French in hopes of coming here one day. She came her senior year in the student exchange program. My parents went to the same school, and they became best friends. Though they had the biggest crush on each other."
Marinette smiles bigger at that.
"They were afraid the other didn't feel the same way. Finally my mom asked my dad out by suggesting they check out a classmate's ice cream. André. Even at a young age, André was always able to find sweethearts through his magical ice cream. My parents shared their first ice cream and they've been together ever since. My mom decided to stay in Paris. My dad proposed to my mom through André's ice cream a couple years later."
"Wow," Cat Noir admires. "That's incredible."
"What about your parents?"
"My parents?"
"Yes, how did your parents meet?"
Cat Noir turns away. He's not sure if he wants to talk about them. He feels a hand on his arm. He turns to see Marinette looking deeply at him, a strong expression of sympathy.
"Cat, if you don't want to, you don't have to. I know your parents are a sore subject."
Cat Noir takes a deep breath. He returns a small smile.
"No, I'd like you to know."
Marinette nods, never removing her hand as he speaks.
"My grandfather on my father's side worked for my mother's family. They lived in a different country but ever so often they came here to check on the Paris business. Sometimes months at a time. My father and mother in a sense grew up together. They became good friends and when they were away they would write to each other. They fell in love over the years."
Cat Noir relaxes then and smiles, lost in thought.
"My mother's family absolutely hated it. My father basically came from nothing. My father worked hard for their approval. He became someone for himself, but also so he could marry my mother. He asked to marry her before he could achieve that. Eventually her family accepted that. I think they've always been weary though."
"Sounds romantic," Marinette observes.
"I guess. It's been a while since I've seen anything like that," Cat Noir agrees.
"Parents always have the best romantic stories. Makes me long for the same."
"I have no doubt in my mind you will have your own fairytale."
"Thanks kitty. Guess I'm already living in one, my knight."
They laugh. Once they settle down, Cat Noir asks a question.
"And what about your prince? Are you totally over him?"
"Adrien?"
Cat Noir nods.
"I'm getting there I think. We're doing well as friends."
"That's… good."
"Yeah, I'm learning to let go. I returned his umbrella."
"You borrowed one of his umbrellas?"
"He lent it to me on the first day of school. I meant to return it eventually, I just forgot. Found it when I was cleaning his stuff."
"What kind of stuff?"
"Mostly pictures. I had his schedule written down too. Now I realize what a stalker I must seem. And…"
"And?"
"I've made him a bunch of gifts. Till his thirty-six birthday or so. Probably a bad idea anyway, the last time I made him a gift didn't go so well."
"What do you mean?" Cat Noir scrunches his eyebrows.
He doesn't ever remember Marinette making him a birthday gift. Marinette bites her lip.
"Don't tell a soul," Marinette orders.
"I purromise," Cat Noir lifts one hand with the other on his heart.
Marinette ignores his pun. She sighs.
"I made him a scarf for his last birthday. I didn't get a chance to give it to him at school, so I left a note for him on Nathalie's desk. Some reason though, he thinks it came from his father."
Cat Noir's eyes widen, his mouth slightly open. All the air leaves his chest and his eyes become a little watery.
"W-Why didn't you ever tell him?"
Marinette smiles brightly.
"You should have seen his face when he told people his father made it for him. It doesn't matter that it came from me. Coming from his father makes him happy. That's a better gift than anything I can ever give."
Cat Noir swallows the lump in his throat.
"Is that the only time that happened?"
He hopes so. He doesn't know how to react if Marinette's kindness is again taken advantage of.
"I sent him a valentine's day card. I forgot to sign it though."
"What did it say?" Cat Noir quickly asks.
"I was answering a poem he wrote. At first I thought it was for me, but it was probably for whoever he loves."
Cat Noir feels light-headed, like he's about to pass out.
"Cat? Are you okay? You look pale."
"I'm fine. Just processing your words. I can't believe all that happened to you."
"Trust me, it's not the worst scenarios that's happened between us."
"I feel like there are some good stories in there."
"I think I've shared enough embarrassing stories about my lack of a love life. What about you? How are your efforts to woo Ladybug?"
Cat Noir grimaces. No one wants to go down that train wreck.
"Ladybug and I are just partners and friends."
"Yeah but you love her right? You told me, besides I think all of Paris knows."
"She's in love with someone else."
"And you totally seem like a guy who would just accept that."
"Not at first, I mean Ladybug is… well Ladybug."
Marinette turns her head away, sad. She'll never live up to her.
"Yeah, Ladybug is perfect."
"She's not perfect," Cat Noir argues. "She tries to be and I think that puts too much pressure on herself. But she's incredible. All the things she does for Paris despite her insecurities. But I don't know, I guess we just weren't meant to be."
Marinette nods. Maybe not.
"She's a rose," Marinette determines.
"I guess in a sense," Cat laughs.
Marinette yawns. Cat Noir stands.
"Guess my princess needs her beauty sleep. I'll come tomorrow night to tutor if you like."
"Only if it's convenient."
"I'll move my schedule around just for you," Cat winks.
Marinette smiles and stands.
"Until tomorrow my good knight."
"Till tomorrow," Cat salutes.
He disappears into the night. Marinette smiles before cleaning the mess up. Cat Noir lands in his room and detransforms. Plagg grumbles before searching for some cheese. Adrien looks through his closet. Plagg watches him with mild interest.
"What are you looking for?"
Adrien pulls out his blue scarf and begins to examine it. That's when he notices a different stitching along the end. One he didn't pay attention to before. He remembers back to the derby hat competition his father held and how Marinette proved her own creation.
Marinette holds her hat gesturing to all the features.
"There's an element that only a true designer knows about. I signed mine."
That same stitching is on his scarf. He runs his thumb over it.
"I can't believe I didn't notice."
"You can be oblivious sometimes."
"She made this just for me."
"Yep. And let your father take credit."
"I can't believe he did that. It doesn't seem like him."
"Accidents happen," Plagg shrugs.
He swallows the last of cheese. Another thought comes to Adrien. In his drawer, he pulls out the special valentine's day card. He sits on his bed.
"I guess Marinette really did write this card."
"And dug through the trash to get it. She really is a stalker."
"Hey! People do crazy things for the people they…" Adrien pauses. "used to love."
"True, you've done plenty of crazy things."
Adrien glares at his kwami, who finds another chunk of cheese.
"I should thank her."
"Why? So you can say 'thank you for this wonderful love letter, sorry I didn't know it was from you? Even though now you've moved on. Oh and thanks for the scarf by the way?'"
"Well it sounds silly when you say it like that."
"How else would you put it?"
Adrien doesn't answer. If she's really moved on, bringing up a letter she wrote for him isn't the best idea. Besides, how could he magically guess it came from her after all this time? The scarf, however, is a different story. Her name is on it.
The next night, Marinette sits at her desk, deep in study mode. The kwamis are quietly watching one of their favorite movies. Giving Marinette enough quiet to study uninterrupted. Thankfully the exam part she has tomorrow won't be too difficult. There's a tap on her roof trapdoor. Marinette smiles. She could use the distraction.
Tikki turns off the movie while all the kwamis hide. Marinette opens the door for Cat Noir. He jumps down with a smile.
"I'm here princess. Ready for studying?"
His hands rest on his hips, chest out, looking confident as ever. Marinette giggles at his pose. She pokes him in the chest.
"Actually, I could use a break."
"My favorite part! You've been cooped up in here. Let's get some fresh air," Cat Noir suggests.
The two head to the roof. Without warning, he picks Marinette up so he's holding her bridal style.
"What are you doing?" Marinette questions.
Cat Noir smiles brightly.
"I told you, getting fresh air. Hang on tight."
Marinette obeys, holding onto him tightly. She's swung through the rooftops on her own more times than she can count, but there's something about traveling this way that takes her breath away. Is it the fact she's not doing work, just feeling the wind against her face? Is it because she feels safe in Cat Noir's strong arms? Cat Noir bounds all the way to the top of the Eiffel Tower. Marinette steps at the edge taking in the indescribable view.
"Don't fall off," Cat Noir warns.
She turns and glares softly at him.
"Why would I fall?"
"You are pretty klutzy," Cat Noir teases.
"Shut up."
Marinette laughs.
"Or you might jump."
"There's no way I would jump."
"I don't know, maybe you want to test my skills. See if your knight would come to your rescue."
"I know you would. I'm not about to jump off any tall structures."
"Oh good, so I can leave you here for a moment?"
"By myself?"
"Do you need supervision?"
"No," Marinette laughs again. "But where are you going?"
"It's a surprise," Cat Noir winks.
Marinette rolls her eyes.
"Well hurry, your princess gets nervous being in towers by herself."
"I shall be faster than speed itself," Cat Noir bows.
"Get going you dork."
Cat Noir laughs before jumping down the tower. Marinette sits on the edge, leaning against a railing. She loves the view from up here. The lights, the sounds. Everything. Cat Noir returns a few minutes later. He holds out a cup of ice cream and sits down next to her.
"I know it's not André's but I have no idea where he lives and thus can't wake him up to make the best ice cream," Cat Noir apologizes.
"Your princess only accepts the best, but I guess this will do. Where did you even find ice cream at this hour?"
"That's a secret."
"You and your secrets."
"Makes me more mysterious that way," Cat Noir wiggles his eyebrows.
Marinette hits her shoulders against his before taking some ice cream into her mouth. For a few moments, the two eat their ice cream in comfortable silence.
"Can you believe it's almost summer?" Marinette speaks up.
"Not really. This year is flying by," Cat Noir answers.
"Yeah, a few more days of tests and then vacation."
"Should be fun, I hope."
"Do you…"
"Do I what?"
Marinette sets her ice cream cup down and hesitates with her question. He knows it must be important and puts his cup down as well.
"Well you won't have to tutor me anymore. Will you still visit me even though you won't have a reason?"
Cat can read the desire, the longing in her eyes. At any moment she could break. He smiles warmly in hopes to assure her.
"Seeing you is always been my reason for visiting."
Marinette smiles. She wraps her arms around him. Cat Noir leans into the hug, wrapping his own arms around her. They pull back, smiling at each other. Marinette wraps her arms around one of Cat's. She leans against him, her head on his shoulder, as they continue to look at the city. Cat leans his head back against her.
Eventually, the two head back to Marinette's room. Cat Noir helps Marinette study, even if physics doesn't come up.
The next day, Marinette makes sure she doesn't wake up late. Setting up multiple alarms does the trick. Especially when the kwamis all force her to turn them off. After feeding them, Marinette meets up with Alya in front of the school. Nino is talking with her when Marinette arrives.
"Not late? Who are you?" Alya jokes.
Marinette laughs.
"I couldn't be late this week," Marinette reasons.
"Can't believe the school year is almost over. It's been a crazy year," Nino changes topics.
"No kidding. Has to be if we're used to actual villains attacking us. It's been weird but also good," Alya agrees.
Alya and Nino join hands and smile. Marinette gushes at the sight.
"You two are so cute," Marinette beams.
"Thanks. I think it's about time we got you together with Adrien before summer starts," Alya counters.
Marinette shakes her head with a sigh.
"You're gonna have to find a new boy to tease me about. I don't like him that way anymore," Marinette argues.
"I'll believe it when I see it," Nino chuckles.
Adrien's car pulls up at the moment. Nino goes over to greet him. Getting out of the car, Adrien places a hand on Nino's shoulder before walking over to the girls.
"Morning," Adrien waves.
"Morning Adrien," Marinette returns.
"How are you this morning? Ready for exams?" Alya inquires.
"I should. I have an excellent study partner," Adrien smiles brightly.
"Who?" Nino questions.
"Sorry, that's a secret," Adrien winks.
Something in the back of Marinette's mind bothers her, nags at her. She can't connect the dots and dismisses the subtle feeling.
"Marinette, can I talk to you before class?" Adrien requests.
Alya nods taking the hint and drags Nino some distance away. Marinette smiles at Adrien.
"What is it?"
Adrien unstraps his bag and produces his blue scarf. He pulls it out far enough to reveal the stitching with Marinette's name. Her smile falls and she looks questionably at him. Is he upset now?
"I feel silly for not noticing before. I'm sorry I thought my father made it instead of you. I don't know how it got mixed up," Adrien admits.
"It's okay. You're not mad I made it for you?"
"Of course not! I love it. It's even more special knowing it came from you."
His words and smile melt Marinette. A blush and small smile spreads across her face. The two walk to class together. Everyone is a little nervous with an exam starting in a couple minutes. Ms. Bustier enters the classroom as the bell rings. She stands in the front, ready to get the exam started.
"Morning class, I just want to start by thanking all of you for a wonderful year. I know all of you will do great on these exams if you just relax and do your best. As you know, today is the oral exam in cultural history. You'll start with writing an essay, with about two-thousand words. It's alright if it's not exactly two-thousand, try to be close. After, everyone will have ten to fifteen minutes to present to a couple teachers," Ms. Bustier addresses.
She passes out the test booklet. They begin shortly. The classroom is quiet as everyone writes about art forms and analyzing some paintings. At some moments, some students look a little nervous and try to recall information they've learned. Others remain confident throughout the whole exam. What seems like an eternity later, Ms. Bustier calls this part of the exam over. The students sigh in relief. Ms. Bustier collects the students' essays.
"You'll have a ten minute break. Please be quiet as other classrooms may be finishing up. And please don't discuss answers with anyone," Ms. Bustier dismisses.
The students take the opportunity to walk around and eat.
"That was so long," Alya complains.
"My hand started cramping halfway through," Marinette giggles.
"And it's not even over yet. We still have to present to the teachers," Nino groans.
"I'm sure we'll all do great," Adrien encourages.
"Easy for you to say. You're a straight-A student," Nino points out.
"I guess I have an advantage with all my previous tutors," Adrien agrees.
"Still, I think Adrien is right. We're all going to pass. We just need to focus and put our minds to it," Marinette determines.
"I'm not sure if I want to go before or after lunch," Alya changes topics slightly.
"Me neither. On one hand, I could study more over lunch, but on the other, I could be done for the day," Marinette reckons.
"Hey if we all finish for the day then we should do something," Alya plans.
"Let's hope for the best then," Adrien accepts.
Once their break is over, the students head back to their classroom. Waiting for the next part, the class is surprised Ms. Mendeleiev and her students arrive.
"Class, as you know the next past consists of presentations to the teachers. While I'm helping Mr. Veron conduct the presentations for these two classes, Ms. Mendeleiev will be supervising. She'll send you over when it's your turn," Ms. Bustier announces before leaving.
Ms. Mendeleiev's students stand in the front and by the door.
"While waiting for your turn, you may study for other subjects. You're allowed to talk amongst yourselves, quietly though," Ms. Mendeleiev instructs.
Her students go to find a seat on a bench or on the steps. Kagami and Aurore go over to Alya and Marinette. They all squeeze into the bench and help each other study. One by one, the students are randomly called to a different classroom for their oral presentation. Marinette is the fourth student to be called.
"Wish me luck," Marinette states, feeling a little nervous about stumbling over her words.
"You'll do great," Adrien urges.
It's a little intimidating standing in front of two teachers, presenting on some art and answering questions. Especially when they write notes and mark a box after each answer she gives. After she's done, Marinette goes back to the classroom. Adrien is called a few times later. He does his best. Once barely less than half the students go, Ms. Mendeleiev gets everyone's attention again.
"It's lunch. If you've already gone, you don't have to come back until tomorrow. Those who still need to go, please return after lunch at the regular time," Ms. Mendeleiev directs.
Alya leaves the class with a groan.
"Not fair that Nino and I haven't gone yet," Alya grumbles.
"Sorry, it's the luck of the draw," Marinette shrugs.
"You two have fun without us," Nino permits.
"I should probably go home," Adrien deflates.
"Nonsense! No one knows you're technically done for the day. Just tell them you're staying here to study and come to the bakery," Marinette suggests.
"That does sound better than going home," Adrien admits.
"Well call them!" Marinette pushes.
Adrien laughs and takes out his phone. He walks a little distance away for some privacy. Alya folds her arms with a smirk.
"Totally over him are you?" Alya teases.
"Totally. You should stop worrying about me and study," Marinette sticks her tongue out.
Adrien walks back over.
"Nathalie gave me permission to stay. My driver will pick me up at the end of the school day," Adrien relays.
"Great, let's go to the bakery. I'm starving for some sweets," Alya divulges.
She loops her arm with Marinette who laughs. The two walk ahead, out of earshot from the guys' conversation.
"So what's up with you and Marinette?"
"What do you mean?" Adrien asks puzzled.
"You two are different. Close," Nino emphasizes.
"I guess," Adrien slightly blushes.
"Spill dude."
"I don't know, I'm just starting to really like her."
"Dude, just ask her out!"
"It's complicated."
"The two of you don't need to make everything complicated."
The four arrive at the bakery. With a quick hello to her father, they head upstairs. Sabine is just putting out some food at the table. She greets everyone with a smile.
"How was the exam?" Sabine greets.
"Fine, Nino and I haven't presented yet though," Alya replies.
"Marinette and I are finished for the day. Is it okay if I stay here until my driver picks me up?" Adrien responds.
"Of course, please make yourself at home," Sabine smiles. "Tom and I will be down in the bakery if you guys need anything."
"Thanks for lunch mom," Marinette thanks.
Sabine nods her head before heading back down.
"Your parents make the best food," Nino opines.
"What about my mom?" Alya teases.
"She's great too!" Nino panics.
The other three laugh. The four spend lunch eating and laughing together. Unfortunately, Alya and Nino have to leave to head back to school for their presentations.
"Want to play Mega Strike III?" Marinette suggests.
"Hope you're feeling lucky," Adrien taunts.
They both go to their bags and pull out their lucky charms at the same time. They laugh.
"Guess we'll see which is luckier," Marinette smirks.
She sets the game up. Not long later, the two give it their all in battles. Unsurprisingly, Marinette wins nearly every battle. With another fight over, Marinette cheers!
"Yes! Take that Adrien! Guess mine is luckier," Marinette teases.
"My charm is such a traitor. It was secretly helping you out," Adrien claims.
"Oh I'm sure that's it," Marinette laughs.
Adrien checks the time on his phone.
"I should probably head back to school. My driver will show up soon," Adrien notes.
"I'll go with you," Marinette offers.
Winning the small argument, Marinette and Adrien head back to school. They climb up the steps and hide around the corner. Adrien's driver shows up early. The two sit and try not to laugh too loudly as they wait for the bell.
"Thanks for this afternoon," Adrien thanks.
"No problem. I had fun and you know, you're welcome at the bakery anytime," Marinette smiles.
"Even during the summer?"
"Of course! Come as often as you like. I'm sure you'll be busy but our door is always open."
Adrien frowns a little.
"Yeah, my father has a crazy schedule planned I'm sure. I hope to hang out with my friends, but we'll see."
"Well, just give me the word and I'll sneak in to keep you company."
"I'd love to see you scale our wall."
"Don't underestimate me, I'll do it now just to prove my ability."
"I might just sneak out myself. I've had ton of practice."
"Either way. I'm sure we'll see loads of each other this summer."
They sit in silence for a little while. Adrien awkwardly checks his phone to see when the final bell will ring.
"So how are the dance plans going?" Adrien inquires.
Marinette lights up.
"Good! We got most of it planned last Friday. Decorations have been ordered. Carters booked. DJ requested and confirmed. A photographer is coming. I pretty much just have to set everything up on Friday. Oh, and finish my dress."
"You're making it?"
"Yeah, hopefully I'll have the time to finish. I started Friday night. It'll be close."
"Who are you going as?"
"That's a secret," Marinette winks.
"Buds shouldn't keep this many secrets from each other."
"Fine. If you can guess it right, I'll tell you."
"Deal. So our theme is heroes. Is it an original superhero?"
"Nope."
"Then a miraculous superhero."
Marinette nods.
"Ladybug?"
"Too obvious."
"Rena Rogue?"
Marinette shakes her head.
"Queen Bee?
"Nope."
"Ryuko?"
"Are you just naming the female superheroes?"
"I'm just guessing. So… gender swap superhero.
"Cat Noir?"
"Not him."
"Carapace?"
Marinette shakes her head. Her smile growing with Adrien's inability to guess right. Adrien groans.
"King Monkey? Pegasus? Viperion? Which one is it?"
Marinette laughs.
"Sorry, you haven't guessed it."
Adrien blinks, completely lost.
"There's no one else."
"Guess you'll just have to wait and see then."
"You're cruel, you know that right?"
Adrien pouts. The bell rings. Adrien helps Marinette stand. The two walk down the stairs, soon followed by the remaining students.
"See you tomorrow bud."
"Have fun studying, bud."
The two depart. The kwamis greet Marinette enthusiastically. Right away, Marinette gets to studying. She takes breaks to work on her dress some. She's ecstatic about the dance and confident in her design, if she can finish it in time.
Later that evening, her knight arrives.
"Evening Princess, I know you said you don't have physics tomorrow, but I figured I could help anyway," Cat Noir greets.
"I'm sure I can find something useful for you to do."
Cat Noir glances her design notebook. It's open to a particular page. Noticing his gaze, Marinette closes the book.
"You're too curious for your own good," Marinette scolds. "That's not for your eyes."
"Aw but princess, I want to see your fancy gown!"
"Well if you want, come over after the dance. You can see it then."
Cat Noir smiles brightly.
"Purrfect! I'll be here Princess."
The two study until they're both tired. Marinette gets ready for bed when something calls her. Not literally. Tikki and the other kwamis don't seem to hear it. Marinette doesn't hear any clear words either, more like a feeling. It pulls her. Sitting in her bed, Marinette opens the pages of the miraculous book. She begins to work on the page that's catches her attention. The next three days are full of exams, one each day, covering French, literature, history, geography, civics, mathematics, and sciences.
The students cheer once they're able to leave at the end of the school day on Thursday. Everyone feels so much better and ready for summer. Some stay behind to say good-bye to one another, though they'll see each other the next day at the dance. Nino, Alya, Adrien, and Marinette walk down the stairs together.
"The year is finally over! We have to celebrate somehow!" Alya cheers.
"Good luck finding the time in Adrien's busy schedule," Nino quips.
Adrien laughs awkwardly and rubs the back of his neck.
"Yeah, I'll do my best to hang this summer but who knows. I'm sure my father will have Gorilla guarding me once he catches on," Adrien theorizes.
"We'll make it work," Nino promises wrapping his arm around Adrien's shoulder.
"Whether we have to sneak in or sneak you out," Marinette agrees.
"You guys are the best," Adrien thanks.
They reach Adrien's car. Nathalie greets them with a slight bow of her head.
"Ms. Dupain-Cheng, Mr. Agreste requests your presence if you're free," Nathalie informs.
All four are surprised to hear that.
"He wants to see me?" Marinette baffles.
"Yes," Nathalie confirms.
Adrien wonders what his father is up to. Nathalie opens the car door.
"Oh uh, sure. Thank you," Marinette steps into the car.
Adrien follows. Nathalie takes her seat before the car leaves to the Agreste mansion. Nino and Alya stand at the curb not sure what just transpired.
"Well that was a little weird," Alya speaks.
"Yeah, wonder what he wants," Nino agrees.
"Who knows. Any time they have together is good enough for me."
"Are you still on that train? Didn't Marinette say she's over him?"
"I didn't work all year for it to happen for nothing. Don't worry, it'll be fine."
"If you say. I think it'll work out though."
"Yes, I've even got a plan."
"Now I'm worried," Nino laughs.
In his car, Adrien and Marinette uncomfortably shift, waiting to arrive.
"Sorry, I have no idea what this is about," Adrien apologizes.
"It's alright. Just weird I guess. I kind of feel like I'm in trouble," Marinette laughs.
Adrien thinks about his last conversation with his father concerning Marinette. Maybe he's the one that's in trouble. And he invites Marinette over to tell her to stay away from him. That sounds likely. When they arrive, they wait at the bottom of the steps for Gabriel's entrance. Gorilla stands off to the side while Natalie goes up to announce their arrival. She returns shortly.
"Mr. Agreste will be down in a moment," Nathalie tells.
She too stands off to the side next to Gorilla. Both stand straight. Marinette gulps, nervous for what will happen. Gabriel enters and walk down the stairs. He stands a few feet away from them.
"Mr. Agreste," Marinette greets bowing her head down a little.
"Ms. Dupain-Cheng, thank you for coming on such short notice," Gabriel returns.
"No problem."
"I wanted to address some issues. Not too long ago I was told some rumors regarding you. I assumed the worst and despite your designing skills, believed you were untrustworthy and a bad influence on my son."
"Father–"
Gabriel holds up his hand interrupting Adrien's protest.
"But I've seen evidence that contradicts that. When I saw what you did for my son at the film festival, I began to doubt those rumors. My son further confirms that you're a good person with honest character."
Marinette and Adrien's hearts beat hard against their chests.
"I hope you can forgive me," Gabriel bows his head slightly.
"I-I, yes. Of course. It's human to jump to conclusions. I can't imagine how it feels, but I'm sure you were just looking out for Adrien. I get that," Marinette replies.
"Thank you," Gabriel turns to his son. "And thank you for making me see the truth."
Adrien smiles and nods.
"Of course."
Gabriel turns back to Marinette.
"Do you still want to be a designer one day?"
"Yes, definitely. I can't imagine doing anything else."
"How would you like to intern this summer? You could learn some things from me and being around the designing scene."
Marinette's eyes widen almost too large for human actions.
"A-Are you serious?" Marinette questions.
"Yes. I wouldn't ask if I wasn't."
Marinette nods with a big smile. Gabriel gestures to Nathalie, who walks over with a paper and hands it to Marinette.
"Have your parents sign this so I know they're okay with it. I know tomorrow there's a school event and I'll be busy Saturday and Sunday, is Monday too soon to start?"
"No, that's great! I'll be here," Marinette promises.
"Please be here at nine. I must get back to work. Good day Ms. Dupain-Cheng."
"Thank you Mr. Agreste."
He ascends the stairs. Adrien and Marinette smiles brightly and want to jump up and down if they weren't at the Agreste mansion. Gorilla gives the two a ride to the bakery. Once there, Marinette jumps out and tries not to scream too loudly in Adrien's ear.
"I can't believe this! This is amazing! I'm so thrilled!"
"Me too! I'll get to see you a lot of the summer without illegal actions."
They laugh.
"That's just work though. We'll have to find time to watch movies and eat ice cream along with other illegal activities," Marinette determines.
"That we will. I'm happy my father apologized and did this for you. I had no idea."
"I'm happy too. I feel like I could burst at any moment."
She tackles Adrien in a hug. He almost stumbles backwards before hugging back. It feels good to feel Marinette's hugs without a suit. She pulls back with a bright smile.
"I'll see you tomorrow at the dance," Marinette notes.
"I'll finally get to see what your dress is," Adrien laughs.
The two depart. Marinette goes up to her room to finish her dress. There isn't a lot of time left. Tomorrow she'll spend the afternoon setting up the decorations and everything for the dance. The kwamis sit and watch, but they scatter just before a certain cat knocks on her trapdoor. Putting her dress away, Marinette climbs onto her balcony.
"Good evening Princess."
"Hello my knight. I didn't expect to see you tonight."
"I know I don't have to come every night now, but I wanted to see you."
"How sweet. Or is that the real reason you're here? For some sweets."
Cat Noir fake gasps.
"I can't believe you would assume such things… but do you have any sweets for me?"
Marinette giggles.
"I'm sure I can find some."
Marinette comes back later with some hot chocolate and cookies. Cat Noir notices Marinette's bright distant smile.
"What has you so happy tonight?"
"Huh? Oh, well…" her smile grows. "Gabriel Agreste asked me to intern for him this summer. My parents have given their consent. I'm excited."
"That's great. Looks like you'll spending a lot of time with Adrien."
"I guess so."
"Has my princess replaced me with a different knight?"
Cat Noir fake falls back wounded. Marinette rolls her eyes.
"You're still my knight you silly cat."
"Well good. I'll be ready to duel him just in case."
"You're so dramatic."
"I prefer chivalrous."
Cat Noir stands quickly and holds his hand out for Marinette. She takes it and is brought to her feet. Still holding her hand, Cat bows.
"I must leave but I'll see you tomorrow night after the dance," Cat Noir promises.
"I can hardly wait," Marinette smiles.
Cat Noir kisses her hand, winks, and takes off. Marinette goes back downstairs to work on her dress. Anticipation races through her about the dance tomorrow, but for some reason she's more excited about her visit with her knight.
Thank you for reading this chapter. Hope it wasn't too boring, but we had to get through the exam part. I tried my best to add lots of Marinette and Cat Noir fluff to make it better. By the way, I know not all the superheroes were mentioned by Adrien but I don't think all are known. Like Bunnyx and Multimouse. Please review. Let me know which known miraculous you would like to wield if you could, besides our leads Ladybug and Cat Noir. Have a great next few days and I'm sure the next chapter will be up soon. Who else is excited too see how the dance goes?!