Last part before I do a time skip. This story was written with the intention I elaborate further into their lives so that part will be several chapters. No worries about this being the end. More to come. Please enjoy some holiday fluff early this year, and stay safe out there.=^-^=
Ch. 18 - Sick As A Chat
The bakery was closed for several days after the robbery due to having to get things together and the police didn't want too many people going through the crime scene once they found out their biggest piece of evidence was actually not. Adrien had to report that the blood on the bullet they found was most likely his and a preliminary test showed it was very likely. The inspector still sent it to the lab to be completely sure, but he looked very deflated at the news. Once it opened, it was extremely clear just how much work Tom did in the bakery though. Richard and Aaron found themselves slammed almost the whole day with neither taking any sort of break until Edmond arrived to pick up the slack. "Hurry and change the sign before any more come in." Sabine ordered Collette as she looked over the worrying state of their bare coffers. There were only a dozen or so things left on display while every basket was near empty.
"And, closed!" The young woman announced and a loud sigh of relief erupted from the back.
Both Sabine and Collette smiled though even they were tired. "The sentiment is shared."
"I'll say…" She placed her hands on her hips. "We won't have much of anything for the day old bin."
"Mrs. Sabine, have you considered finding some temporary help? I mean, December just started and we're already struggling."
The older woman nodded. "Yes, I was just talking to Tom about that too. We can't afford to lose sales with what was stolen, and I simply refuse to let Tom work in his condition." She then gave her employee a smile. "But, Marinette will be doing more starting next week. Her last final is on Wednesday I believe."
"It is." Aaron informed as he came up to the front to start helping clean. "She only has two of them since her other classes have projects instead."
Collette looked visibly relaxed. "Oh, then we should be fine. I was a little worried after today that I would have to do more shifts."
"You're too young to be getting lazy, missy." Richard scolded from the back.
"I'm not lazy!" She shot back. "But it's going to be Christmas soon, and I want to enjoy it too!"
Aaron chuckled. "Yeah, that is coming up, huh? What a time for Mr. Tom to be out of the rotation."
"It really is the worst time." Sabine agreed with a slightly worried tone. "But, what's done is done. We need to work with what we have."
"Hearing all of this makes me want to get out of this sling even faster."
Sabine turned instantly to her husband who was coming up from behind Aaron. "Tom, I told you not to set foot in the bakery until-"
"I know, dear, I waited until close." Tom insisted with his good hand up in a placating gesture. "I only came here to get Aaron." He pat the boy's shoulder. "You have a delivery at the apartment door, and you have to sign for it."
"A delivery?" He asked in bewilderment. Not only were there very few reasons for him to get mail at this address, but the post office should have already been closed. What kind of delivery could it be?
Sabine shook her head at her husband while Aaron removed his apron to go to the door. "Honestly, dear. Oh, Aaron, once you get your package, could you go upstairs and put the casserole in the oven? I had a feeling we would be busy today so I put it together last night."
"Sure, Mrs. Sabine. No problem." Aaron rubbed his sore arms as he walked to the back door. Even if he was used to the bakery work now, having to do so much in one day was really exhausting. "Geez, I doubt I could have done much to help get dinner ready otherwise." He muttered with a small smirk.
"You said it, kid. I'm exhausted." Plagg agreed while peeking out of his shirt. It was hard to find a place to keep the kwami without a pocket so in those situations he would be really close to the teen's hair since he could blend in at first glance.
"What are you tired for? All you did was sleep I bet."
Plagg had made himself comfortable on top of a cabinet in the kitchen. "Barely! Who could sleep with all that noise?"
Adrien rolled his eyes and finally got to the door. "Can I help you?" He asked after opening it.
"Yes, Mr. Aaron Bassett?" The courier asked with a padded flat package under his arm.
"Yes." Aaron looked him over. If he was remembering right, this guy worked for one of those high end courier services; the kind that would deliver at all hours and anywhere in the country for the right price. Not to be confused with any sketchy business, of course, but who would pay the kind of money these things cost?
"I have a package for you here. If you could sign my tablet here first though?" The ravenette did so and took his package upstairs before opening it.
"Now…" He tore the top of the reinforced envelope. It was the flat kind you would use for a delicate picture or even a book. As he removed the manila folder within, it was become clear that these would be some form of legal documents. "My… Medical record?" A chill went up his spine at the implications. Whoever sent this to him knew who he was. There was no mistaking the name on all the documents in front of him; Adrien Agreste.
"Calm down, kid. I don't need you hyperventilating before you start dinner. I'm hungry." Plagg pat him on the shoulder with more care than his words would make you think.
"B-but, Plagg… This means-"
"Hold on. Before you jump to some crazy conclusion which might end in you running off again, I want to ask you a question." Adrien looked at him curiously while trying to keep his panic in check. "Okay, just think about this. Why, if this person who knows who you are and wanted to take you back, would they send you all these papers?" Plagg looked them over. "They don't look threatening whatever they are."
"They are for things like shot records and previous medications I've taken." The ravenette explained.
"Okay… so what's so bad about 'em?"
"Plagg, this means that… Actually… I have no idea?" It hit him as he tried to explain. If his father was behind this, why? It made no sense to send him his medical records. How would that get him to return home? Is it some kind of subtle threat? No… His father is more direct than that. He would just come and demand him to return, or send Nathalie with a tablet. "Wait, Nathalie!" He picked the envelope back up and inspected it carefully. Nathalie knew he was still in the city and would have access to his medical record. She also stated before that she didn't want to drag him back home.
"Looking for this, kid?" Plagg held up a folded piece of paper he scooped up from the ground.
Adrien didn't waste a second. "Thanks, Plagg" Was all he said as he snatched it from the kwami's little black paws.
"Dear, Aaron Bassett, please do not be alarmed by this delivery. He does not know where you are. I heard about the recent burglary and injury received by Mr. Dupain and thought you may need these in the future. They may also be helpful for once your name is official since you will need to still have access to previous records. I will do whatever I can to make sure he does not hear about the announcement. You seem to be doing very well for yourself so far, and I have no plans to interfere any further. Please know I'm very proud of what you have built for yourself despite being so sheltered. If I'm being honest, you're in just about the last place he would ever look. Take solace in that and know I'm rooting for you and that lovely young woman. I'm sure Emilie would definitely approve if she were still with us. –N.
"So… What happened, kid? You're weirding me out with that face." Plagg hovered over the note to look for himself while Adrien was lost in his thoughts. Nathalie really was the one to send his record, and she's still keeping his father in the dark. "Ugh… So soft and nice…" Plagg shivered at the sweet sentiment. It drove him nuts whenever it was coming from anyone but Tikki. "Kid?" Adrien placed a hand over his mouth and felt tears pricking the corners of his eyes. "Oh come on, kid, don't start crying." The black kwami flustered hoping he wouldn't have to deal with his chosen like this. Where was Tikki when you needed her?
"I'm sorry, Plagg… I'm good. I was just really happy for a sec there." He took a deep breath and wiped the tears before anymore could form. "But I know how much you hate this kind of thing." He added with an eye roll.
"Good…" Plagg responded with his paws crossed and glancing away. "But… I am happy for you…" Adrien gave him a quick scratch behind the ear.
"And for more cheese, right? I got you, Plagg." The kwami batted his hand away. "And speaking of food, I need to put the casserole in the oven."
Aaron dashed into the kitchen like a bat out of hell. "I'm so sorry, Mr. Tom, I didn't think it would take so long." He haphazardly hung up his coat and reached for an apron. He was down town with Max working on a few other documents for his name change which was going rather well. Chloe really did know how to get things done. If no surprises happen now, then he'll have his official ID in time to sign the lease next month.
"Don't be in such a rush, son, or you'll only make a bigger mess." Tom pointed out using his good arm to reach down and grab the teen's jacket.
Aaron turned back in time to see his wallet fall from his pocket. "R-right…"
Tom picked it up though the fall had its contents a little out of sorts. "And it looks like you're liable to lose some money too." He chuckled before noticing something else tucked between the bills.
Aaron froze as soon as he saw what Tom was looking at. "I um… That is…"
Tom raised a brow at the young man and then looked back at the foil packets he found. "Well… I appreciate your consideration, son." He gave a nod and handed the wallet over before moving back to the oven where he was advising. Adrien swore he was going to murder Nino later, and would never, ever admit that Tom actually looked like he really appreciated the fact he was carrying condoms. After hanging his jacket up correctly, Aaron finished pulling on his apron and moved to the sink to wash his hands.
"Good afternoon, Aaron!"
He turned as he rinsed. "Rose?"
The bubbly blonde nodded with an apron of her own. "Yup, I've come to the rescue!"
Marinette walked up beside her. "She's going to help me with the Christmas cakes and things like that since papa still isn't allowed to actually make anything yet."
"Really? That's great." He beamed with a minor blush on his previous cake attempts from the past few days. During his training in August, cakes didn't really come up that much aside from the cheese variety. It was very different than the bread baking he'd done so far much to his surprise. Cakes were something customers would order in advance and so it wasn't something he would generally have to worry about on a normal shift. Any cakes aside from orders were sold by the slice which meant only a handful were made anyway.
"Right? Plus I get to make a little extra money for Christmas gifts!" Rose jumped up excitedly just thinking about the happy faces of friends and family.
"Anyway, Aaron, you're going to be the main baker once Richard leaves in an hour. Use this time to watch me or Rose unless papa tells you to do something else." The girls then broke away and moved to a far counter lined with mixing bowls. The time really flew by as he observed the process. Making cakes was delicate, and wasn't something you could leave unattended at any point unlike dough he could leave to work on something else. Then the idea of rolling something so delicate was even stranger to him since he had yet to see a Yule Log be made. "Rose, I'll leave the decorating to you. I have to go and cover Collette's break."
Marinette stepped away right as Richard took Aaron by the shoulder. "I'm about to leave, Aaron, so you need to make sure you get the cheddar loves out of the oven in 15 minutes, and I have rolls, and croissants ready to go in. Also, those éclairs need to be filled. Tom wants more sweet selections available for the holiday season, so prep some cinnamon rolls tonight with the rest."
"Sure, I've got it." That wasn't anything new though he hadn't had a lot of practice with cinnamon rolls yet.
At the front Collette was scrambling over her phone. "Thanks, Marinette. I really needed to check in with my aunt." Apparently Collette's aunt was sick and they would be finding out today if it was pneumonia or not. "I hope it's just a cold."
"Me too…" Though Marinette was worried, it wasn't as though she was frantic. It was that time of year after all, and customers walked in all the time with masks. It was right as she finished checking for extra change in the cash drawer that she saw someone who made her truly panic. Adrien Agreste was just entering the store or perhaps it was his look alike again? He was dressed in a very nice winter coat and very familiar blue scarf. "W-welcome to Tom and Sabine's." She called and decided to try and remain as calm as possible. She was working after all, and she'd resolved not to let Adrien affect her anymore.
"Good afternoon, Marinette." He greeted in a cheery tone that felt odd.
Was he actually happy to see her? "What can I get for you?"
Adrien raised a brow at her expression. He could tell she was putting up a façade. "How about a date?"
Marinette flinched at the request. "How about our raspberry tarts? They're on special right now." She suggested without responding to his flirt.
"Share it with me?" He asked next smoothly.
"Oh, and we're currently taking pre-orders for Christmas Cakes to be picked up on the 24th." She pointed to a little sign on the display case next to her.
"Okay, I get it, you're working." He backed down and started looking over what was available. She was certainly tougher to crack now, that was for sure. He glanced at her out of the corner of his eye while pretending to look at the sweets selection. What was her deal? It wasn't like she was all that impressive looking. He got to spend most of his days with models and even Lila had more curves than this little baker girl. She should be jumping for a date with him even if she did realize he wasn't Adrien. That too! His disguise was practically flawless! How could she tell? He was sure Chloe only figured him out because she knew where the real Adrien was. This girl couldn't know Adrien that well with how Gabriel kept his son under lock and key.
"Excuse me, sir, but is there anyway I can help you?" Marinette cut into his thoughts.
He looked up and she was looking at the small line that had formed behind him. "Yes… I'll take two of these." He just pointed to something that looked chocolate and reached for his wallet. Marinette didn't miss the prominent name on his card as she rang him up, but she still didn't feel it was quite right. Was this really Adrien after all? The question lingered even after he was long gone from the store.
Chat Noir remembered there was an old really funny American movie called The Mask, so when he heard the name of their current akuma he couldn't help being just a little excited. Unfortunately this was not even close. This particular akuma, according to a nearby civilian Ladybug found, was just a middle aged man upset that people were coughing and sneezing around him without wearing masks. Hence why they were chasing him down via a trail of poor civilians with surgical masks magically glued to their faces. This wouldn't be half as bad if it weren't for the fact that anyone wearing said masks could barely speak and were for the most part incomprehensible. "This is starting to look like a flu season from the next zombie movie." Chat joked while Ladybug comforted the newest victim who was groaning through the mask and pointing in a direction.
"That wouldn't be nearly as funny if you got hit with one of those masks, Chat." She reprimanded considering they were right beside a victim. "And that one was kind of a stretch even for you."
A scream from nearby interrupted Chat's response and the duo went back in action to catch up with their target. They found the Mask harassing a group of kids in the park playing with the snow that had fallen the previous night. "Target sighted, milady!"
"Lucky Charm!" The heroine called upon leaping over the fence. When a red spotted motorcycle helmet fell into her hands she felt it was definitely one of the most obvious lucky charms she'd had. "Alright, Chat Noir, I'm going to distract the akuma, and you corral the kids out of the park."
"So I'm a sheep cat? Can do, bugaboo!" He saluted before she could roll her eyes, and she put the helmet on.
"Ah! Ladybug and Chat Noir!" The Mask shouted upon seeing the kids he was trying to mask but blocked by the feline hero.
"Present!" Chat quipped before pulling out his staff to block anything the villain threw.
"And accounted for." Ladybug added as she wrapped her yo-yo around the wrist he was using to create masks. "Now, let's have a nice chat about mask etiquette over here. I just noticed you were not wearing a mask?"
"I'm not the one who's spreading the germs!" The akuma shouted back as he grabbed for the yo-yo string to pull in the hero.
Chat turned and used his staff to herd the kids on. "This way kiddos, Ladybug will keep him distracted and you should all make your ways back into the school." The building was on the other side of the park and several kids were already headed there. "Watch your step, keep moving." He ordered calmly as a few curious gazes turned to his partner. One girl in particular slipped right as he gave the warning and landed face first in the snow. "Keep going." He told the rest while stopping to help the fallen kid. "You okay?" She shook the snow from her hair and nodded. Chat reach up to straighten her ear muffs which had slid off a little. "Good, now let's-"
"Achoo!" She cut in suddenly sneezing right in his face. Her eyes went wide as she covered her mouth after the fact and Chat's ears flicked back to match his slightly disgusted expression. "I-I'm sorry… I um… It was sudden…." She dug into the pockets of her jacket frantically for something to help him wipe his face. She eventually settled on her scarf which Chat refused gently and just wiped his face with his arm.
"Thanks, but let's just focus on getting back to the school building first." He was well practiced in schooling his features, as he took her hand to help her run away. As soon as she and the others were safe he returned to find a rather surprising sight; Ladybug was actually in a corner. He didn't expect much from a villain like this but the masks were more versatile than he first thought and Ladybug was bound by her left wrist to the park fence while the akuma closed in. "Coming, Ladybug!"
"Don't give yourself away!" She scolded as the akuma turned to the approaching hero and threw one of the masks he'd been dishing out. Chat attempted to catch it though it ended up wrapping his left fist making it impossible to move his fingers. "Not one of my better ideas…" The cat hero lamented as he used his staff to block the next one. The metal staff wasn't slowed down at all by the masks wrapping around it and he rushed The Mask before sweeping his feet out from under him. "Did you figure out what the akumatized object was?" He asked his partner while preparing to call for his Cataclysm.
"No I didn't… Though I guess I don't have to." She pointed to the dark butterfly fluttering over the older man as he sat up from the ground.
"A bit anti-climactic, but a win is a win." Chat shrugged while stopping to lean on his staff only to fall over due to his bound fist slipping off.
"Don't hurt yourself, Chat Noir." Ladybug chuckled as she snatched the akuma from the air with her yo-yo and activated her miraculous ladybug.
Later that night as Aaron got out of the shower he yawned as Marinette passed him in the hall. "Tired, Aaron? It's only 7pm." She noted with a minor tease in her tone.
"Well, I had an early impromptu shift, so I think it's not too unrealistic to be tired, Mari."
"The holidays can be exhausting." She agreed looking out at the decorations in the hall window. Christmas was just a few days away. "But, we have to get through it."
"Yeah, and it doesn't hurt to have something to look forward to." He gave her a flirty smirk. "Like a Christmas date with my bugaboo."
He was good enough to whisper though Marinette still frowned at him. "Honestly, Aaron, I refuse to answer to that outside the suits. You know better."
He gave a halfhearted shrug before planting a quick peck on her cheek. "Alright, I get it. Good night, Mari. I'll see you in the morning. You're dad said he got permission to do a bit more so I don't have to get in the bakery until 10."
"Hopefully he lasts that long before maman drags him out." Marinette giggled and waved him off to bed. "Now get some sleep, kitty." She finished getting an amused smile from her tired boyfriend in return.
The next two days were like a speeding train; it still made stops but keep up or get left behind. Adrien was more grateful than guilty to have off for Christmas Eve while Marinette worked out front for Christmas cake pick up. His muscles ached like crazy despite the fact he was pretty used to working at the bakery. Tom really was their anchor man. It was only the good graces of Sabine Dupain-Cheng that saved him and Richard a little. Richard still worked the later shift but only a few hours. Tom was a one man hurricane in the kitchen and Adrien only had to peek in a little around lunch to know he didn't want any part in that.
He bided his time upstairs relaxing a bit as well as prepping a few things for their Christmas eve dinner. Sabine had taught him a motley of things for it and while eating still felt exhausting, he didn't want to miss dinner with them. Christmas dinner was so cold and lifeless at his house that even the smallest bit of chatter with Marinette's family felt like a party. After the food was eaten and puns were exhausted, Adrien and Marinette were handed clean up while Sabine went to put her over eager husband to bed. He'd been so happy to get baking again that he'd over done it and couldn't even pull off his Santa routine before stumbling onto the couch, smiling, yet groaning. "So your dad does that every year?" Aaron asked as he scrubbed a casserole dish.
"Yes… he does. Sorry about that." Marinette blushed a little embarrassed by her father's antics.
"Sorry? For what? That was the most fun I've had on Christmas Eve since… a long time actually." He finished trying not to think on those last happy holidays with his mom.
"Oh, fun is he? Let's see how you feel tomorrow when he gets serious about being Santa Clause. There will be pictures." She play threatened taking another plate from the sink to dry it.
"Pictures? Even better." He countered with a grin that she rolled her eyes at. She would never understand how she could have possibly fallen for someone with a worse sense of humor than her father. "Honestly though, Mari, my last few holidays have been… well, not festive. Your home is like what I always wanted at Christmas."
Marinette gave him a sympathetic expression and leaned on his arm. "Well, then I hope you enjoy every last corny detail. You'll get a lot more Christmas cheer when we drop off those cakes tomorrow." Marinette always took orders from her friends personally, and she and Rose had decided to make a special one for each. With Aaron's help, they'd hope to get them all delivered before Christmas dinners could start and be home for their own.
"If I only get half of what I saw tonight, I'll be grateful." He declared with a grateful grin. "But I still want cake." The taller ravenette couldn't help but add.
"Oh you'll get cake. Rose and I really outdid ourselves this year." The designer boasted reaching for a new dish. "And I made you a special something too."
"Mari!" Aaron playfully scolded with a small splash of soapy water her way. "Are you trying to kill me?"
"What?" Marinette asked back knowing he was about to say something absolutely terrible.
"You know what happens to curious cats, right?"
She was not amused by that little pun. "Oh I'm sure you'll be satisfied. You know what satisfaction does for cats." Aaron looked at her for a moment before breaking down into laughter.
"You two need to finish cleaning up some time tonight." Sabine called from the living room though her tone was obviously playful.
"Yes, ma'am." Once they finished Marinette saw Aaron yawn like he had been the past few days. "Go to sleep, Aaron, you'll want your strength for deliveries tomorrow."
"But I want to cuddle." He whined back and wrapped his arms around her shoulders while she tried to leave the kitchen.
"Sorry, kitty, but I have a few things to get together before tomorrow. You get some rest and I'm sure we can do plenty of cuddling tomorrow."
"With cake?" He asked sounding like a whiney child.
"As long as you're eating it and not playing? I don't see why not."
"Mmmmmm. Sounds perfect, Mari." He gave her a quick kiss and released her. "Good night."
Marinette's morning was far too early for her liking. Apparently Hawk Moth didn't care about holidays since at 7 am, he had akumatized a kid who was upset about their parents having to work. The akuma then proceeded to force any adult in sight to go home and give all their attention to their kids, or in some cases what they had that was closest to that. She had seen how some pet owners were but some lines shouldn't be crossed. To top it off, Chat Noir didn't make an appearance, so she ended up recruiting an old friend. "What's the matter, Ladybug?" Rena Rouge inquired checking her necklace for time.
"It's not normal for Chat Noir to just not show up."
"Well…. It is Christmas." She reasoned back thinking about how she'd be late getting to Christmas breakfast. Their family liked to have the morning at home quietly before visiting grandparents for dinner.
"I know, but still…" The heroine crossed her arms. It didn't make sense for Aaron to miss the attack since his room is only right down the stairs from hers. "Anyway, thanks for your help this morning. Let's get you back home." Ladybug swung off and Rena hopped the roofs behind her. After taking back the miraculous, she made a b-line for home herself and to find out where her partner was goofing off.
Aaron was well known in the house as a morning person so it was unlikely he'd just slept in, and yet… He was. Marinette knocked on the door of her boyfriend's room, and upon hearing nothing she looked inside. Aaron was a mess on the bed with the duvet tucked around himself making him look much like a human burrito. "Aaron?" She called out quietly to see if he was at least slightly awake. He didn't move an inch. She stepped inside to get a better look before noticing the pillow he rested on was damp and upon closer inspection so was Aaron. His expression spoke volumes as well as his face which was scrunched in obvious discomfort. Marinette slowly reached a hand to sweep the matted hair from his forehead, and quickly noticed the temperature. "Oh my gosh…" She said as she flinched before placing her hand firmly on his head to get a better read. "You're really burning up, Aaron." She meant it as a whisper more to herself, but Aaron groaned slightly as he stirred.
"Hmmm?" He peeked his eyes open and homed in on the hand above his eyes. "Wha… Mari?" He yawned and rolled onto his back while trying to break from his bundled state. "What time is it?" He reached both hands up and out to stretch.
"It's only 8:30." She answered worriedly.
"Oh… I guess I should get up then." As he sat up he felt an odd dizziness. It was like when you got up too fast but it also had his head feeling a little foggy too. He reached a hand to it, and felt the sweat. "Huh?..."
Marinette looked him over more and his t-shirt showed extensive dampness around the collar too. "Aaron, how do you feel?"
"Um…" He paused to think about it. "Still kind of tired… and hot too. I guess I over did it with the blankets last night." After peeling off the comforter there was a fleece blanket over the sheets as well.
"Was it cold last night?" His girlfriend asked thinking it was odd. She was usually the first to feel cold in the house.
"It was a little." He pulled the blankets off before swinging his legs off the bed. "Anyway, I'm going to get dressed real quick, Mari. Thanks for waking me up."
"Hold on, Aaron, maybe you should stay put? You felt feverish."
He reached up to his own forehead and shrugged. "What, the sweat? I'm fine. I just have to be careful about sleeping with too many blankets next time. Actually, we leave at ten, right? Maybe I should grab a quick shower first?"
"You don't think it's weird that you made yourself a human burrito last night?" Marinette asked back with a more stern tone at the man's denial.
"Actually, I'd call it a purr-ito." He countered with a grin that just made her roll her eyes.
"It's not funny, Aaron, its 27 degrees outside so if you're not-"
"On the contrary, Mari, that will feel great." The taller ravenette moved over to his dresser for a change of clothes.
"I'm serious, Aaron. Go ahead and wash your face but come to the kitchen right after." With that decree Marinette left him alone to go and hunt down the thermometer.
"Okay, thank you for letting us know. Hope the rest of your holiday goes better." Sabine hung up the phone right as her daughter walked through the living room. "Is Aaron up yet?" She asked while placing down the house phone.
"Yes, I just woke him up."
"That's rare." The older woman mused since Aaron usually woke up first. She then heard her daughter rummaging through a cabinet and decided to check on her. "What are you looking for?"
Marinette had the first aid box out of all things. "The thermometer."
"Oh no, are you feeling sick?" Sabine quickly raised a hand to her daughter's forehead making her search a little harder.
"Not me, Aaron. When I went to check on him he was covered in sweat and his head was warm."
"Aaron is sick? He looked fine last night." She recalled remembering how full of energy he was when Marinette revealed the sweater he would be wearing when they went out today.
"I know, but he's been tired recently. I'm worried he may have just gotten run down, you know?"
"That's true, he has been working hard the last week or so, and Edmund just called out sick for tomorrow too." He'd been doing extra shifts too.
"Edmund? Is it bad?"
She shook her head. "No, he says it's probably just a cold, but we can't have him working like that."
"That's good, and hopefully Aaron's isn't bad either. Honestly, I'm hoping it really is nothing." She pulled out the thermometer she'd been hunting for and sanitized it.
"Morning, Mrs. Sabine."
"Morning, Aaron… you look a little tired."
Marinette came out of the kitchen right as a fully dressed Aaron took his seat. "I am a little, but I think it's because I got really hot last night." He then shrugged.
"Here, Aaron."
He looked at the small device he was being handed and then gave a look. "Seriously, Marinette? I'm fine."
"Just take it." She insisted. "Don't make me do it for you."
"It's Christmas, Marinette and I slept in and got a little warm. It's nothing for you to get all-"
He was cut off when his girlfriend stuck the thermometer right in his mouth. "If it's nothing than do it anyway." He pulled back but kept it in his mouth as he leaned on his arm with a resigned huff. Sabine couldn't resist watching in amusement and Aaron noticed. This was a lot like how Sabine treated Tom, so it was no wonder where Marinette got it. Then again, it was better than back at his old house. If he felt sick Nathalie or one of the maids would come check on him and he wouldn't see his father until he got better. Even then, nothing would be said about how he was feeling. A small beep brought him back from his thoughts and Marinette swiped it before he could see. "100.4!? Oh my gosh, Aaron! We need to get you to the hospital!"
"What!?" He stood up too in surprise at the number before looking at it in her hands. "Wait, Mari… That's reading in Fahrenheit. If it was 100.4 Celsius I'd be dead."
She remained silent for a moment but her cheeks slowly flushed as it dragged on. "Oh… Well… It's still a slight fever so you really shouldn't be going out."
"I'm not letting you and Rose make those deliveries alone." He quickly countered through her deflection.
"We'll find someone else to help, so you need to stay inside, and in bed."
"On Christmas? Mari, everyone else already has plans and you know it."
"You're not going." She simply declared crossing her arms.
"Mari, if you leave me here I'll sneak out the window to follow if I have to." He crossed his arms back. "I'm spending Christmas with you whether you want me to or not."
"I said no, and I mean no." She repeated as adamantly as possible.
"I'm glad the deliveries went well, Rose, and sorry again for bailing." Marinette apologized as she rinsed out a small rag in the kitchen. "I really didn't think he was serious about the window thing…" She thought back to spying the sick ravenette half out the window before she could even get her coat on.
"It's fine, Marinette. I was able to get Luka to help, and I wouldn't want you to be worrying about Aaron the whole time. Make sure he gets rest and try not to catch cold yourself." She finished with a giggle.
"I will try, Merry Christmas."
"Merry Christmas."
As soon as she heard the line disconnect she slipped the phone into her pocket and returned to the living room where she left her very stubborn boyfriend bundled up on the couch. "Rose just called to say everything went fine with the cakes, now please stop moping." Aaron pushed the blankets down a bit though Marinette pulled them right back up. "And keep these up or its back to the bed."
"Mari, you're acting like I'll freeze or something. I'm really okay, and I would've been able to help deliver the cakes."
"Aaron, have you never gotten sick before? It'll start out 'manageable' but if you ignore it then it only gets worse." Aaron looked like he was about to respond before going quiet and turning away. "Aaron?" Mari called after a moment of silence too long. "You have been sick before, right?"
"I have…"
"Then, why aren't you taking this more seriously?"
"I…" It wasn't really that though.
"What did you do the last time you were sick?"
"I mostly stayed in my room for a few days."
Marinette raised a brow at him. "Then why won't you rest this time? Obviously it was… Aaron… What's wrong?" She asked watching as he slowly deflated beside her.
"What the kid here doesn't want to admit is that those times when he got sick, he was alone practically the whole time." Plagg cut in from the cushions behind. "Aside from me anyway."
"Seriously?" Marinette was honestly surprised even knowing his father was cold.
"My father… um… You already know he's not really the caring type. When I got sick in the years after my mother I wouldn't see him at all until a doctor cleared me first. I'm sure he… Thought it was safer… Or something…" The young man forced while trying not to think much past it. Thinking of his father would either make him angry or sad, and he didn't want to be either near Marinette.
"Aww… Were you really worried I'd lock you away while you were sick?" She leaned on his shoulder and poked his cheek playfully.
"No but… I didn't want to ruin your Christmas."
Marinette giggled but not meanly. She let out a sigh and adjusted the blanket so she could see his face better. "Aaron, you're not ruining anything. Plans change all the time whether you're involved or not. Honestly, if I'd known you were worried about being left alone-"
"But I'm not-"
She eyed him sternly and he cut off as his cheeks reddened. "It's okay. There's nothing to worry about, kitty." She reached up to run her fingers through his hair. "From now on you never have to be alone if you don't want to. Remember what you told me that night on the roof tops? People have to support each other."
"Even when I move out?" He asked next looking curious. "Would you stay with me if I were sick?"
"Of course, silly kitty." She smiled at him and he was starting to smile back.
"What about if I was fine? You'd stay then too? Our whole lives even?"
The designer looked at him. "What is this a proposal? The sickness and in health thing is later." She corrected with a teasing tone. "But I don't see why not." She leaned her head on his shoulder and he leaned on the arm rest so they would both be more comfortable.
"Well, if it's a promise then you should seal it-"
"I'm not kissing you until we know you're not contagious kitty, so be happy the cuddling is still happening." She interrupted while rubbing her face cozily in the blankets around him.
Ah, sweet fluff! I've been really busy with work lately. Schools have been hit hard with the labor shortage. Anyway, I hope you all enjoyed. I'm currently taking life mile stone ideas for the next couple years of our idiot couple's lives before stuff gets real again. Thing of things that would happen before Marinette Graduates. Thank you!=^-^=
