This one skips a bit more, and while it is relativly short, the next two will be crazy long to make up for it.=^-^=
Ch. 20 - Put A Chat On It
Spring Fashion week is always a crazy time for designers and this included aspiring ones as well. Marinette's university had a rather well known design program and so it wasn't odd for the students to be invited to normally private events. This year a dozen aspiring designers received personal invitations to the Gabriel show, one of which was Marinette Dupain-Cheng. That was the reason she was up so early despite having no classes. "Marinette, your friend Cyrano is here to pick you up." Sabine called from below the trap door.
"I'm almost done, maman. One second." Marinette checked her hair one more time before patting down her skirt and grabbing her bag. Since she decided not to wear heels, she was able to dash down the stairs without falling, and met the tall attractive student designer who waited at the kitchen table for her. "Sorry for the wait."
Cyrano waved it off. "No, I just arrived. Honestly I expected you to take longer." He chuckled and stood up. "Aaron said he would have the truck waiting."
"Aaron?" The woman asked curiously.
Cyrano nodded. "Yes, when I came in the shop front he asked your father if he could drive us."
Marinette thought about the idea of getting out at the venue from the catering truck. It seemed… odd? Maybe a little embarrassing too, but it was a little better than walking or taking the subway during fashion week. "Alright, then let's get going."
"After you." Cyrano insisted in a gentlemanly fashion. "By the way, I can't help but notice your latest accessory."
Marinette blushed instantly as she headed down the steps. "R-right… Um…" She played with the new ring on her finger. "It was Friday, when it happened…"
"Oh? What did you two do?"
"It wasn't anything big or anything. He actually just sprung it on me at the last minute."
"Last minute, huh? So did he take you out?" Cyrano opened the door and Aaron waved at them from the truck.
"All aboard!" He called and Marinette dashed ahead.
"I tell you about it later." She was still thinking of ways to tell people the details of her night without giving too much away. It was a very Chat Noir themed night starting with the note he'd left in her room when she got home from classes. That led her to a very romantic dinner set up on a roof at the Trocadero where Chat Noir was waiting with all the classic pieces of a romantic date; roses, wine, candles. Not to mention how perfect the weather was with the clear starry night and the spring night air wasn't a bother in her Ladybug suit.
"What were you two talking about?" Aaron asked as Cyrano got in and the three of them all sat in the front of the truck.
"Oh, I just noticed Marinette's new accessory and was asking about it."
Aaron blushed just like Marinette but he wasn't as shy. "Oh, right. Well I had to make sure I gave it to her before she went out today."
Cyrano raised a brow. "Why before today?"
"Because I didn't want my beautiful girlfriend to be accosted by men all day." One man in particular though, since he knew Felix occasionally came into the bakery. Collette told him how he would casually flirt with Marinette though Marinette never flirted back.
"I never pegged you for the jealous type, Aaron." Cyrano mused while Marinette blushed harder between them.
"No, well… Yeah I guess, but not that way!" The baker countered. "I know Marinette wouldn't go off with another guy, but I wanted a way to keep them away without Marinette having to do anything. Only a scumbag would hit on a girl with a ring on her finger, and Mari knows to keep away from guys like that."
Cyrano chuckled at how serious he sounded and found it rather endearing. "You are just adorable, Aaron. I wish you weren't taken." He let out a sigh before jabbing Marinette slightly with his elbow. "Looks like I'll have to keep my eyes on you so Aaron will have peace of mind."
"Stop it!"
"What? He loves you, Marinette. He just wants to make you safe." And off limits to would be flirts.
"I do want you to have fun, Mari." Aaron agreed and gave a quick peck on the cheek while they waited at a light.
"Urg…. I'm surrounded." She grumbled while the men chuckled in amusement.
Felix sat in a chair as show staff shuffled around the backstage area. Last year's fashion week taught him that it was always like this and he wasn't about to get caught up in the insanity. "Adrien, why are you not at make up? You may go out last, but you still need to be ready." Stephen suddenly scolded as he dashed over.
"If you want me somewhere, then lead the way, but I'm not going to waste my time wandering around and looking for direction."
Stephen had to resist rolling his eyes as he recalled just how clueless Felix was at spring fashion week last year. Adrien, even in his first fashion week show was more competent and easy to work with, though Felix's standoffish persona at times like this did well to hide he was a fake. Most of the staff didn't question Adrien because they didn't want to be questioning Gabriel about it. That and the story covering Adrien's slight rebellious streak had most people fooled about the model's sudden changes over the last year. "Just follow me. I have Dianne doing your hair and makeup, and then you'll join the line up after Ta'Shanda." Felix stood and followed with an apathetic frown.
As soon as Felix was taken care of, Stephen took his position at the model lineup. The show would begin in a few minutes and as the head of the design team it was his job to make sure it went just as planned. "Stephen, why aren't all the models in line?" Gabriel demanded in a calm concise tone.
"My apologies, sir, but there was a little confusion and Adrien didn't show up at hair and makeup on time. It's been dealt with." Stephen assured as he went down the line of models who were ready. Gabriel internally scoffed at the news. Felix was still an amateur at best. He still needed extra direction on any photo shoot, and he didn't even want to remember Haute Couture week. If it wasn't for the fact he looked so much like Adrien then he would have been fired long ago or at least used only as an extra.
"Gabriel, sir." He turned to Nathalie as she approached. "I just got confirmation that all the invited students are seated."
"Good, be sure to let Stephen know. I've left him in charge of them after the show." Gabriel, while he did have a vested interest in those possible future employees, had more to worry about with his show at the moment. "And find Greyson. He should be back here helping Stephen if F-Adrien is going to have more issues." He ordered as he looked over the preparations around him.
Despite being practically hounded the entire show by one person or another, Felix found himself in a moderately good mood by the end. While doing his own turn on the catwalk he spotted a very familiar face in the crowd and was now due to have a lunch with the group that face belonged to. "Please, Adrien, keep in mind these students may be future designers. Be respectful." Stephen reminded as he followed Greyson and Ulrich to the reserved room.
"Of course, I know. Honestly, Stephen, you should know me by now." Felix answered smoothly. Stephen wasn't fooled for a moment. Felix was good at putting up a cover, and if he were really trying he would be an incredible actor, but Felix had grown rather apathetic to his role lately. Then again, pretending for over a year could do that to a person.
"Katrina should have them all rounded up by now." Ulrich announced as he stopped in front of a door. "Everyone ready?"
"Yes, let's eat. I'm starving." Greyson joked and reaching for the door.
Inside sat Katrina a young woman about 26 or 27 with long hair and a regal charm about her. At the table with her were five university students all abuzz over the fashion show they'd just watched. Felix quickly noticed the girl he'd seen earlier and to his great fortune the seat beside her was empty. Stephen was just about to take it, but as soon as he pulled it out Felix sat down. "Thank you, Stephen, I appreciate the thought." He glanced at the designer who wore a very professional smile and took the next seat.
"Of course, Adrien."
"Now then, would you like to start Stephen, or should I?" Ulrich asked. He tended to be the one to direct when Stephen declined since he was the oldest member of the design team.
"Be my guest."
Ulrich nodded and remained standing. "Then I shall begin by saying thank you on behalf of Mr. Agreste and all of my fellow design team members. We greatly appreciate you accepting the invitation to watch the show."
"No, the gratitude is mine." A young designer blurted from the group of students. A girl next to her placed a hand on her shoulder to try and calm her nerves.
Ulrich didn't appear to take any offense to the interruption though and took his seat. "Don't be so nervous, miss Lenoir. You earned this invitation." Greyson informed with a casual smile.
"Indeed." Stephen started in. "You all have. Gabriel Agreste is always on the lookout for young talent, and it was your talent that got you this invitation. This is just our way of encouraging you to think of Gabriel Fashion once you start looking for employment." He took a file from Greyson's bag and placed it on the table. "Now, I know none of you are seniors, but it's never too early to be deciding where you want to apply your talents." He pulled out a few papers. "I want all of you to consider Gabriel to be your first choice." He smiled and handed out a paper to each of them. "You'll find information regarding junior designer positions, such as what qualities we look for, portfolio must haves and so on for when you decide to apply. Basically, if you follow the information on that paper, getting a job for Gabriel Fashion will come down to only a matter of talent. There's nothing worse than making a mistake on your portfolio and losing a perspective job over it." He saw the nods of agreement through the room. "Anyway, while we eat, feel free to ask any questions of us regarding the show, or our jobs in general. The catering will arrive shortly." A hand quickly went up. "Yes, Mr. Stern?"
"Thank you, I just wanted to ask regarding your own personal work. Have any of you attempted to break out on your own?"
Greyson looked at Stephen and then to Ulrich who cleared his throat. "I had some minor success starting out before join Gabriel's design team, but I won't sugar coat it. Being your own designer is an incredibly hard thing to accomplish these days. There are many bigger names that quickly eclipse single successes if you can't keep up the pace."
"Yes, very true." Stephen agreed as the door opened and a delicious smell wafted through the room. "It takes a great talent and perseverance to break out into the fashion scene from the start and usually requires some kind of support by someone already in the industry. For example, Mr. Agreste was discovered by Audrey Bourgeois before he was a big name some 30 years ago."
"I think, when it comes to doing things on your own, it takes connections." Greyson started as he leaned on his hand. "And if you'd rather just get your designs out there, there's no shame in letting a big name do it for you."
Stephen elbowed him in the side. "Don't advertise how lazy you are."
Both men chuckled wile Ulrich rolled his eyes. "I suppose the take away from that question is, yes, and it required much effort. I don't suggest it unless you are prepare to struggle long and hard, Mr. Stern."
Cyrano had a slightly tense expression but it wasn't as though that was a surprising answer. "Cutthroat business indeed." He muttered and Marinette bumped his shoulder before giving him an encouraging smile. As the food was served the conversation broke down to smaller ones as people ate and talked between each other.
"So, Marinette, a nice surprise to see you here." Felix started much like he would when he found her working at the bakery. She flinched and turned to him with a peaceable smile.
"I know… I'm surprised too, Adrien. You were wonderful in the show, by the way."
"Thank you, Marinette." He leaned a little closer. "So now that you're not working, how about a nice chat to catch up, hmm? We never talk anymore." He'd tried calling or texting with Adrien's phone, but it only got basic one word answers or apologies for saying no. She also almost never answered the calls. If she'd known he wasn't really Adrien for sure, then she would have just blocked the number.
"Oh, we-we don't, do we? I'm sorry about that. School is just so crazy, and… you know… things come up…" Her excuse was weak, but she really didn't want to just ignore him. Even if she wasn't sure if this was Adrien anymore, or at least the Adrien she knew. She was almost positive he was someone else, but… Not? It was confusing and not something she wanted to dwell on considering the drama that unfolded when she first noticed the change. Ignoring a friend wasn't right, she knew, but this changed Adrien was… off. She didn't want to give him the wrong idea and hurt Aaron again.
"Right, life, but maybe we could make some time? I know this great Italian place we could have dinner, my treat." She glanced at his flirtatious smirk from the corner of her eye, and internally panicked.
"Oh, Marinette, you must finally regale me with the tail of your romantic night with Aaron." Cyrano cut in just in time.
"Excuse me, but I was talking to Marinette already." Felix countered with a slight glare at the man.
"My apologies, but you promised, Marinette?" He gave her a pout after looking away from the pushy model.
"I uh… I did." She smiled and began to play with the ring on her left hand. It had one diamond set with a pink gem on either side; a modest ring with just enough flair.
"So, Friday?"
"Y-yes, um… He set up a picnic under the stars. It wasn't like five star or anything, but he made all my favorites and it felt very personal. I didn't have to worry about anything, not even my appearance."
Cyrano grinned thinking of how casual Aaron tended to be. He hated stuffy situations where you had to dress up for other people. "I bet he made it look five star though. Let's see... candles?" She nodded. "A nice wine?" She nodded again and her blush grew. "Maybe a bouquet of roses or two?" Cyrano was grinning with a hint of a tease as she nodded once again. "You didn't do that thing where you ate from the same noodle and kissed did you?"
Marinette nearly choked on her own breath before nudging him hard in the side. "Quit it!"
"Okay, okay, and when did he pop the question?" The man went back to a more serious tone.
"After we ate, he brought me to the Eiffel Tower and pulled it out." Chat Noir had whisked her up to the very top where he had the box sitting with a note. Will you Meowy me? And she had to fight back a laugh at the fact he put a pun in such an important question. Then when she opened the box he asked it more seriously and got down on one knee. Mind you, something a little difficult considering they were at the top of the tower, but he didn't miss a step.
A scoff interrupted her thoughts and she glanced back to Adrien. "Really? Like some typical American Tourist? Cliché and boring." He remarked with an eye roll.
She quickly looked back at Cyrano who looked a touch irritated at the man's comment. "It's hard to explain how he made it special, and I want to keep that to myself."
"Aww…" Cyrano pouted before smiling again. "But there really is something to be said for a man who does all the work. It is simple to pay for a nice restaurant with everything done for you, but he obviously put in a lot of effort."
Marinette nodded and glanced down at the ring. "He did."
"And even had some energy for later, am I right?" Cyrano teased quickly forcing Marinette's face to erupt red.
"Th-that's…" Very private! Though she didn't dare say anything to confirm aloud. She still hadn't lost track of where they were after all.
"I kid, Mari. I kid. I promise I won't ask you about that." He chuckled and passed a nearby tray of desserts. "By the way, have you had one of these? They're delicious." Though he enjoyed teasing Marinette, Cyrano's main objective was complete. He brought attention to the fact Marinette was taken and Adrien didn't try to flirt again for the rest of the lunch.
Adrien was on the phone as he waited outside the show venue. He kept his distance from the big crowds and waited near a coffee shop a block away while talking to Nino who was currently chewing him out. "Seriously, dude! She's been giving me looks for the past few days and do you have any idea of the pressure!? Tell me what you did for Marinette!? Whatever it was has Alya going crazy!"
"Chill, Nino, you couldn't do what I did even if I told you. It was very casual." Aside from being in hero suits and everything. "I didn't want to take her out to some stuffy restaurant to share our moment, you know?"
"Like you have the clothes for it now?" Nino argued considering the last time he saw Adrien's wardrobe.
"True, but I… It's not really me anyway. I wanted the night to be me and her, the realist of ourselves. No pretenses."
"You're setting me up for failure, dude. You know that."
"No, I'm not. Look, Nino, just do something that feels like you, okay? I made food for Mari, because that's very me."
There was a short silence before Nino responded. "Oh my god… You used a pun when you proposed, didn't you?" Adrien was silent as he thought over how Nino guessed that fact. Marinette wouldn't have shared that with Alya, right? "Man! You really did! I shouldn't be surprised, but I am."
"Mari didn't seem to mind…" He defended before checking the time. "And anyway, what I did doesn't matter. You have to plan your own."
"Yeah, I don't think Alya would take me seriously if I did that." Nino admitted with the remnants of a laugh in his voice. "But anyway, why don't you wrack that previously rich brain and drop the name of a good restaurant? If it's got to be me, then she knows I can't cook so I'd like to take her somewhere nice."
Adrien raised an amused brow. "You sure? I know a lot of expensive places."
"You know my budget, dude. This is serious."
"Okay, I'll think about some places and we can talk about it later."
"Cool, and if you bring Marinette home, put a sock on the door or something. I don't want to walk in on anything." He finished with a tease before hanging up.
"Seriously… That wouldn't have happened if you'd just knocked first." Adrien muttered as he stood up. It was just about time for that lunch to be over so he started to walk up to the large building and look as unassuming as possible. He was sure to wear clothes that were casual and unassuming so street photographers wouldn't be tempted to take his photo. Right as he approached where security had the building barred off, he received a message from Marinette. She was leaving through a back entrance with Gabriel's designers so she wouldn't draw more attention. "I know where that is." As long as it was the same way his father always had them leave right as another show was starting to help draw attention.
There was a café lounge right next to the exit so there were still people around, it just wasn't where photographers and press waited since they were always jumping for a fresh scoop inside. The few reporters who did know the area knew they wouldn't be able to get much of a story; maybe a photo or two. He recognized Stephen immediately and then Greyson and Ulrich after another moment. He didn't have as much contact with the others on the design team since he was usually assigned to Stephen. Behind them he saw Marinette, Cyrano and a few others he assumed were students. "Mari!" He waved but didn't approach. He didn't want to risk somehow being recognized especially by Stephen. That's when he noticed Felix and his bodyguard trailing behind and scowled a bit. Felix met eyes with him and did the same though his wasn't anger like Adrien's was. It felt more like irritation.
"Aaron!" Marinette dashed over to him with an excited expression. "How long have you been waiting around?"
Adrien smiled at her and took her hand to kiss it. "The moment your father would let me leave."
Marinette blushed but didn't pull her hand away. "You dork…"
"Your dork." He countered with a chuckle.
"Ah, I suppose I needn't linger if her loving boyfriend… Wait, fiancé is here for her." Cyrano corrected as gave a wave. "I have a train to catch."
"Thanks, Cyrano." Adrien waved back before turning back to Marinette. "Ready to head home?"
"Actually, could you spare a moment?" Adrien turned and saw Stephen approaching. It took all his self control not to openly freak out. Had he been recognized!?
"Oh, Mr. Prolux?"
"Just call me Stephen. Even if you did join the design team, we use first names. No need to be tense in a creative environment. Except Mr. Agreste of course." He joked at the end. Only a handful of people could openly call Gabriel by his first name without consequence. "Anyway, I just wanted to congratulate you, Marinette. I couldn't help over hearing you and Mr. Stern talking. You and Mr. uh?" Though he already knew Adrien's new name, he'd never actually spoken to him.
"Aaron Bassett." The taller ravenette answered and took the offered handshake.
"Yes, Mr. Bassett, I certainly hope you have a wonderful relationship going forwards." He then turned back to Marinette. "And I look forwards to seeing more of your work in the future." Stephen was sure not to linger since he didn't want to give himself away, but it felt wrong not to wish Adrien happiness. He'd worked with the young man for most of his time at Gabriel, and Adrien really deserved some real happiness.
Felix entered the house looking about as sour as he ever was. Gabriel wouldn't be home for awhile since he still had pleasantries to get out of the way with other big name designers. Not that he wanted him around. Gabriel was the most obnoxious man he's ever had to deal with. "I don't get how Adrien put up with him so long!" He grumbled despite the bodyguard being right behind him. Mr. Dunbar was already fully aware his new charge was not Adrien. "I mean honestly, he's such a prick! Always having to have things his way and he complains about just about everything!" Felix raged wishing there was something in the practically empty foyer to kick.
"And Adrien… Damn it!" He'd taken Adrien's place! He was suppose to have Gabriel in the palm of his hand and Adrien should have been begging to come back by now! That was his plan! Considering his experience over the past year? Never. Going. To. Happen! Adrien would be insane or very desperate to come back to this situation of his own free will. Felix had power over Gabriel while Adrien didn't, so if Felix hated it, how could Adrien not!? Then again, Adrien was always the good boy type. Always wanting to please others. It made him sick.
What also made him sick was how much happier he seemed to be! True, he wasn't really serious about that baker girl, and flirted as a sort of game, but it was supposed to be fun! It's not supposed to feel like… He was the one to be dumped when he found out about the engagement! The only thing interesting about her was that she was able to see through his act so quickly! Only his mother had ever been so observant of him. She would never mistake him for Adrien even if he was trying his hardest. He had a strong urge to call up that bakery and curse that girl out, though he knew better. He was letting his frustration get the better of him. Those sorts of mistakes let Gabriel control leverage, and he didn't need that. He planned to milk Gabriel for a long while yet. As he ascended the stairs his phone rang and he very nearly dismissed it once he saw who it was. "What is it, Lila?"
"Oh dear, you're really in a mood today. You looked so good at the show too."
He could hear the false tones in her voice. "Yes, I'm not in the mood to talk so what do you want?"
"Oh, well if you're not feeling up to a chat, I can come over instead." Her tone made the insinuation obvious.
This wasn't the first time she'd offered up a little bedroom time, and he'd already taken her up a couple of times as well. She may have been a shallow manipulator, but at least she was attractive, plus she wouldn't be selling him out to the tabloid for fear of Gabriel's wrath. "Fine, come over. You can't stay the night though so don't try and weasel into it when you get here." He decreed and hung up before she could answer. "Humph, I'll let Adrien have his little baker girl. She wasn't any fun anyway." Though he told himself that, he still didn't like the taste seeing them together left in his mouth.
I always pictured Felix as the type to be really stuck on something when he couldn't get it. Like a stubborn brat? Not to say he's a brat, but he's usually so good at getting things that it would bother him to no end when it was suddenly a challenge, you know? Not sure how far I'm going to take the pairing of Felix X Lila, but I could probably work some drama out of it.(Latter chapters for sure.) =^-^=
Anyway, yes I skipped actually writing the proposal scene. I tried, but i just couldn't write something I liked. Also, before anyone asks, I will not be writing the wedding either. Yes it will happen, but I'll only be referencing parts of it in passing. There are plenty of other stories on here that put it into detail plus, I don't really feel it would be fun for me to write.=^-^=
Thanks for reading and a comment would be really appreciated.=^-^=
