Eventually
"Will we see each other later?", Nino happily questioned, patting his best friends back in a brotherly manner. "For a little bit of dancing, and a little bit of fun? I hope they have amazing snacks! I wish that I could look into the DJ's set list - to make sure that the songs will be absolutely top-notch! But tell me - what are you looking forward to?"
Adrien halted in his movement, blinked, as he tried to comprehend his friend's words. Then she swallowed, deep down feeling so restless. So tired. And still so forlorn. For weeks now - ever since that horrible evening, where he had been caught under the spell.
…where he had kissed Marinette. Forced himself on her, like some perverted, lewd creep, that only had one thing in mind. Where he had said things that might have been true, but did not come from his heart, like he had wished for and - yes - even practiced a few times in the past in front of his mirror. But until today he didn't have the chance to apologize to her - she reduced their contact to the bare minimum. Barely spoke to him, didn't look him in the eyes, couldn't bear his close proximity. She even blocked his number, wouldn't even open his messages on any form on social media. Of course because of that he stopped visiting her place, afraid of how she might react. And truly - who could blame her, after the things he did and said?
Weakly he looked towards her seat, the one that was just behind him in class. It was empty, the girl had packed all her things and left. She had done so in a hurry, and had walked down the stairs without looking back, especially not towards him. Right now she was waiting by the door for Alya and her girl friends, but rather rummaged through her belongings, instead of looking towards him.
He knew that she was avoiding him with everything she could. Would turn away, when he approached - and he had definitely tried to do so - many times - during these past weeks.
Still - if he was honest to himself, then he was looking forward to seeing her tonight. In her dress, the one she had made for herself. He wanted to marvel in her divine presence, in her beauty and just enjoy his time by her side, or at least to be in the same room with her. Yeah - he was so dearly looking forward to having a little freedom and to have her be a part of it.
…if only there wasn't this distance between them…
He had planned to ask her out to the dance - yes. He had planned it back then, on the day of the party. It would have been the perfect opportunity to do so - and even when his father had forbidden him to go, he had held onto this plan. And there, up upon the rooftop - when he had her already in his arms - wouldn't have been a better moment for that. He even believed to this day that they were about to kiss, but pushed that little, hopeful glimmer into the darkest corners of his mind. But sadly, that stupid Akuma has disturbed them, before he could have even asked her out.
Also, for the big evening - the school dance - he had already planned to buy her flowers. He had wanted to pick her up, wanted to make this the first date neither of them would forget and then - by the end of it - he had wanted to confess his feelings for her, like she had deserved. Hoping - wishing - that she felt just the same.
But he had stopped to even think about that weeks ago.
Why would she even want to accept his invitation, his presents, his own presence - after everything?
"I am just glad that I can come…", he therefore said. Meekly. Quietly. And a little bit broken. "I still need to see the suit my father has made for me, though. But I don't think that it will disappoint me!"
His father had mentioned his suit once. The dance twice. But that was about it. At least - so Adrien hoped - he remembered it.
"But you are still going alone, right?", Nino asked with some irritation in his voice, louder now than moments before. Then he turned his sharply around, to gaze towards the black-haired girl, instead. "Hey Marinette - can't you two go together? You know - as friends?"
Adrien cringed at that - especially since he recalled how Nino would treat him, if he was in his leather suit and mask, instead. Marinette - very aware of that as well - paled. Alya, still standing by her desk, merely shook her head and sighed, then rubbed her temples.
"Well… I don't have a dance partner, either…", Lila purred, as she walked past his desk, stopping, just centimeters by his side. Her left hand came up, so she could rest on hand on his shoulders, nails scratching him in a desperate attempt of seduction through his shirt. He was disgusted, but tried his very best to not show it. "Then we both could go in your father's designs! It would be the perfect opportunity to present your father's new collection - together. The suit you will wear is made by him, isn't it? Luckily my dress will be an original Gabriel Fashion piece as well. I wonder if he has already designed them to be matching each other. Wouldn't that be nice?"
No. That wouldn't be nice. He didn't want anybody to think that he was still modeling for his father. And even more he didn't want anybody to even consider the option, that they were at the Dance together. Or worse - dating. He was glad that people already stopped speculating, if they were a couple - he didn't want to stir any rumors about that, again!
Apart from that - he couldn't stand Lila. Especially after everything she did to Marinette and how she had tried to harm her reputation- multiple times! Therefore - did she really expect for them to go out together? Could she be really that disillusioned?
"Thank you, Lila.", he dryly mumbled and took a small step back, so he could be out of her reach. "But Nino is right - I was about to ask Marinette anyway-"
But said girl was gone already. She hadn't even waited for Alya, or any other friend to accompany her. Surely she was disgusted by the thought of them going out - even as friends - together. And who could blame her for that?
And still - even if she wanted to cut all their ties - he needed to make an apology. Then she could continue to ignore him forever.
Adrien gulped - knowing that he had missed many chances by now to do so. But he needed to do it - that's the least she deserved.
"If you excuse me…"
He grabbed his bag, slung its strap over one shoulder. Then he hurried past Lila, Nino, Alya and everybody else and walked right through the door. Looked left and right in the hallway, finally saw her at the farthest end to his right. With fast steps she left, making her way out of the building. Away from him.
Adrien dashed right after her, eyes solely focused on her. Nothing else.
"Marinette!", he called, rounding the corner, reaching the stairs, which she had almost put completely between them. "Wait!"
And finally - he would thank every god he knew later for that - she stopped walking. Grasped with shaking fingers the straps of her own bag, before she turned around. Smiling up towards him. It wasn't a smile that matched the broken look in her eyes. Instead, it was a mere mask that she had plastered there, just to make him happy. He saw the difference to her usual, brilliant smile and he knew that she was aware of that as well. Still, she kept it on, watched him closely, as he moved closer. Towards her. Sadly, she made one, painful step back, when he finally reached her level. Just to bring a little bit more distance between them - and she looked like she would run, if he even dared to reach out for her.
Gosh… What has he done to her?
"Oh… A-Adrien!", she shakingly said, her eyes darting around to find something more interesting- perhaps somebody, who could help her out of this damned situation. And yet - everything seemed to be so much better, than to look at him - especially in his eyes.
Ouch… That thought hurt.
"Is there something I could help you with? You see - I really need to go! I promised my parents to pack a huge order of Macarons, before I get ready for the dance. So - yeah - I don't have much time…"
He gulped. Tried to understand, if she was lying, or if she really wanted to help her Maman and Papa in the bakery. But without being able to look her straight into her eyes he couldn't tell. But… did that really matter now?
"Yes. I mean - okay! I - wait! Let me collect my thoughts for a moment!" For he was still too surprised that she was accepting his presence and this conversation with him. Usually she would have gone by now, or dismissed him in a hurry. Well - she was in a hurry, but at least allowed him some of her valuable time. Finally he found a few words, that might make sense to him and especially to her. "Marinette, I know, that things are currently not the best between us and I do know the reason for that!"
He was to blame. He alone.
Marinette must be aware of that as well. Her eyes widened and she pressed her lips into a thin line. She briefly paled, but hurriedly turned her head to the side, so he couldn't tell if he had imagined the last part, or not.
"Oh?", she whispered with a tiny voice. "You do?"
"Yes! I do know, what happened there was-"
"A mistake!"
"Yes!"
She closed her eyes. A little, heavy breath escaped her lips and in haste she reached up for her eyes, as if she was afraid that a tear could make its way through her lids and down her cheek. Then she looked back up towards him - finally looking into his eyes. Hers showed deep despair that clung to her soul. Paired with hurt and a lingering pain, that was cursed by his actions. Now he was the one to take a step back, his heart feeling, as if it was cracking from this realization.
"I don't think that this is the right place, where we should discuss these things. And definitely not the right time. Please…", she pleaded "…give me a little bit more time. I… I need to sort through a lot of thoughts. And… and then we can talk. All I need - all I for once ask for - is your time."
He gulped the biggest lump down in his throat. For he didn't want to waste any more time. He wanted - he needed - to apologize now. But then again… she didn't feel ready for that, perhaps still needed to consider the options they still had left. As friends… and as partners as well…
"Of course…", he murmured with a hollow voice, eyes dropping to the floor, as he now found it so incredibly hard to look at her. "…if I was you, I wouldn't be able to forgive the things I have done there, as well. So - of course - I will grant you all the time you need. But… I just wanted to let you know that I am ready to apologize. And that I am ready to explain my actions and… the things I have said…"
A tiny, whimpering sound came from her lips. Then - and to his surprise - she stepped a little bit closer. Not even a whole step, but at least he could make out her feet in his field of vision, again.
"What you have done there?", she hissed in utter disbelief, making his brows climb up on his forehead and he raised his head back up, again, finding her staring back at him. Furious now, eyes rimmed up with tears. Her fists were now tightly clenched by her side, her lips were twitching, before she continued. "I already told you that you have done nothing wrong! You were put under a spell! You acted, because she made you! Adrien - I am the one, who needs to apologize!"
"W-what? Why?"
Marinette's lips parted already - ready to explain herself. Finally ready to speak and hopefully there to listen as well. But she was cut short by the turmoil that erupted from behind them. Voices, manifold in their volume and sound, started to echo through the halls. Their classmates were approaching, coming closer, down the stairs.
So - yes - this wasn't indeed the right place to speak. Not about that night. Or anything else, that was important to them.
He briefly turned around, just to make sure that they still had a few, crucial moments left. But when he turned back again, he saw that Marinette had already tried to flee from him.
She had taken one step, ready to make so many more.
As fast as he could he reached out for her hand, grasped it with one, moved to hold it with both - and right now he didn't even mind, if anybody would see anything more in his gesture.
…but he needed her to hear his words.
Her brilliant blue eyes landed on their joined hands. She exhaled, before her eyes - once more - found his. But thankfully she stayed and her slim fingers twitched, as if she wanted to hold on a little bit longer as well.
"Please…", he pleaded, heart pounding furiously in his chest. "…let us talk. Not necessarily today. It doesn't need to be tomorrow. Just… just let me explain everything that happened on that night. For I can't stand the thought, that it ends like this…"
It… he didn't even know himself, what it meant to him: Their friendship, their partnership, their secret meet-ups, their time together. He treasured everything equally and still valued her - his love - enough to let it slip away and into oblivion, if she wanted it too. If she had enough of him, then he would give her this desired space. And still… he didn't want their story to end just like that. Wanted to fight, if she allowed him to… An apology, even if she somehow didn't want it, was the least he should offer her.
"Okay…", she eventually whispered, but slipped her hand out of his, just as Kim and Max walked past them with knowing glances on their faces.
And that was everything she said for now, before she turned around to walk with Rose, Mylene and Juleka, leaving him to stand there.
But - even though it didn't seem that way - for him it was at least a small success.
"So…", Nino asked, stopping just beside his best friend, wrapping one arm around his shoulders to pull him to his side. Alya stopped to Adrien's left and they all watched how Marinette left with the other girls through the main exit. "…are you two going together now? Looked like a very romantic invitation to me!"
Adrien blushed, wondering if it really looked that way, or if Nino was just trying to be as optimistic as possible.
"Nino…", Alya hummed. "Let him be! I suppose that it's already difficult enough between them!"
Adrien's brows climbed at that on his forehead and he turned his head to look at the brunette girl by his side, instead. But she hurriedly avoided his gaze, blushing for some unknown reason as well.
"Difficult?", he asked out loud, this word sounding so foreign in his ears, as something tingled his senses. A strange feeling - letting him know that Alya might know at least something about that night and why Marinette would say that he didn't need to apologize- but her. "What's difficult?"
Just a tiny clue - a hint from Marinette's best friend should be enough for him to solve this ridiculously riddle that seemed to be unfolding in front of his eyes.
"Apparently some girly things I am not aware of, either…", Nino mumbled underneath his breath. "But it is surely nothing, that we should worry about. Now come - it's party time and I want to get ready as well!"
The other boy let go of him once more. Happily whistling as he followed his other classmates as well. Adrien wanted to follow him, too, knowing, that neither of them would be of help in any wa-
"Adrien?"
A swift hand grasped for his sleeve. To keep him there, just one small moment more. Irritatingly he raised one curious eyebrow on his forehead and looked back towards Ayla, who still stood there, not moving. Especially not following her boyfriend outside. Some uncertain look lingered in her brown eyes and a small frown grazed her usually cheerful features.
"Yes?", he carefully asked, watching her hand, as she slowly let go of him, again and how she lowered her hand back to her side.
"It's Marinette… she… she is very frustrated on how things happened back there. You know… on that evening, when we were at Luka's and Juleka's place…"
"Oh!", he nervously exclaimed and scratched the back of his neck. "Of course! The incident with Chat Noir! How couldn't she feel so upset after he had kissed her without her consent! And then I come along and ask her out - she must be feeling really annoyed by any boy who crosses her way!"
The whole class knew about what had happened there. Their friends had witnessed it first hand and still applauded Nino and Alya for their bravery for saving their friend from the very debauched libido of one particular cat hero. Apart from that - and even though he had dearly tried to avoid the news about this Akuma attack - it had been following him all around. Especially one rather spicy photograph of them smooching around, that one hidden civilian had made of them. The first time around he had flinched, when he had found it somewhere in the internet- then scrolled past it every time it dared to emerge again. So - yes - therefore he was aware of what was happening there.
…even if he wasn't said cat hero…
Alya exhaled through her nose, watching him still so very closely.
"…and you surely know, that there might be more to it, than one can see, Adrien…"
The way his name rolled from her lips…
There was definitely something that she so desperately wanted to tell him. But she held back with that very important piece of information for whatever reason.
"Yes…", he still bashfully said and lowered his gaze to the floor. "She said that she still needed time…"
Alya groaned, rolled her eyes. What a peculiar and strange reaction for this precise topic!
"No! She just needs to be kicked into her little ass to finally-", Alya pinched the bridge of her nose. Then shook her head and took a deep breath before she continued. "Listen, Adrien! Marinette is trying to run away, if you aren't aware of that by now! She is running away from you! Because she thinks that she is the worst human being! And I don't think that I will ever find enough reason within her, that will make her stay, when you try to approach and- Ugh!"
Alya was frustrated. Badly, for whatever reason he wasn't able to see, or understand.
"Adrien…", she sighed once more, chuckling under her breath, as if she had gone mad, and looked up towards him, again and finally with a heartfelt look in her eyes. Her previously frustrated voice softened, the hand she laid on his arm was gentle and caring. "…if you have the chance to speak to her, then grab it. Heck - grab her by the waist and don't let her go, if you truly need to! She might try to push you away, will try to come up with convoluted, nonsensical excuses on why she needs to get away from you. But deep inside she does not want to. So… if you have her there - however you will be able to capture her, it should not matter - start to speak. Tell her about your feelings for her. Tell her, that… everything has a reason. And then… then she will understand and hopefully stop running from you…Then she will see why it was okay for her to react the way she had."
"That's…", he mumbled. "A whole lot of advice…" And parts of it didn't make any sense to him.
He was speechless for a moment. Tried to make sense of anything he had just heard there. But deep down he felt that he was missing one crucial detail to solve said riddle.
"…she promised to hear me out…", he finally, meekly said, shyly gazed at Alya, then shrugged. "She merely needed some more time."
"Then she will continue to run…", Alya murmured. "If I was you, I would speak to her today. At the dance or… at any other given chance… I am sure you will figure out a way to get to her. And then…" Alya finally smiled again, a true and warm smile, as she euphorically punched his arm, before she continued: "And then I want you to be your truest self! Believe me - after that, everything will miraculously fall into place and we all can continue to live happily ever after!"
Adrien caressed the spot where the girl had hit him - and confusion clearly couldn't sum up the way he felt, as he watched his friend's strange behavior unfold.
"Ehr… Okay?"
"Alya?", Nino finally called from the entrance, leaning to the side, so he could look back towards his best friend and his girlfriend. "Adrien? Did I miss anything? Are you coming?"
"Of course! I am on my way!", Alya immediately chimed and hurried towards Nino. She grasped his hand once she had reached him and leaned in to press a small kiss to his cheek, smiling brilliantly up towards him.
Watching this Adrien knew that he wanted the same like what they had - a loving relationship. And the only contender for that was Marinette, of course.
To achieve that, he might need to work a little harder and hopefully- just like Alya had promised- everything will work out for them in the end.
"Don't wait for me!", he called, already reaching in his bag to retrieve his phone, as a plan started to bloom in his brain. "I'll need to call my driver! There are a few things that I still need to do before the dance…"
"Of course!"
Both Nino and Alya waved him goodbye - with the promise to have an awesome time later that evening at the Grand Paris.
While he was waiting, he started to look up the best florists in all of Paris - finding one that suited his taste, that wasn't too far away. Then he started to research the flowers he wanted for the bouquet he was already seeing so vividly before his eyes, to make sure, that the meaning behind each one was exactly, what he wanted to tell Marinette. After all - when she didn't allow him to speak, then at least he would make sure that the flowers he wanted to give to her, were allowed to speak volumes, instead.
Next he made a list of all the things he might need - starting with a picnic blanket, he surely would find somewhere in the mansion, just like candles, the silver candle holder, that was covered in dust and long forgotten in the cabinet, that was in the dining room. Plates, utensils, napkins he would find in the kitchen - he just needed to slip inside without being noticed. For the food… sure - there would be a catering service responsible for snacks and beverages at the dance. But he wanted to surprise his lady with something special - something he needed to order and pick up as Chat Noir. Something they could share in the moonlight - as he happily discovered in the weather forecast for the late evening hours in Paris - on an undisturbed rooftop near the Grand Paris. They could slip out easily, then they could hopefully talk and then - right there - he would finally tell her about the true powers of the spell. Apologize for his outraging behavior. And with that confess his feelings for her, like she deserved.
Well - that sounded like a somewhat decent plan and he really needed to get going, so he could do it all in time.
"Before I go home…", he hurriedly told his driver, as he climbed in his seat inside his father's limousine. "…there is something important I need to take care of beforehand. It won't be long and…" He gulped and closed his eyes, opening them again to look into the reflection of the rear mirror. His driver - the Gorilla - was looking back at him curiously, but as usual didn't say a word. And thankfully, Adrien knew of the soft heart the big, strong man harbored in his chest, took a deep breath and smiled broadly, before he continued: "…it's for a girl I really like. I just want to buy her some flowers. I hope… that we can take that little detour?"
Of course they did. Getting there despite the traffic, picking the flowers he wanted and driving home didn't even take him half an hour - if his father would complain, then he would blame it on the afternoon traffic. But for the bouquet in his hand…
"Nathalie?", slowly and quietly he walked through the front door. Looking around to make sure that Gabriel was nowhere to be seen. But thankfully his father's assistant- though still so very sick and as always working hard - looked up from the tablet in her hands, as she must have been waiting for him already.
"Adrien?", her eyes wandered towards the flowers in his hand and her eyebrows immediately climbed up on her forehead. She halted with typing on her tablet, as she waited for an answer. "Is there a special occasion that I might have missed?"
"Oh this?", he pointed with his second hand towards the bouquet, then bashfully bowed his head, scratching the back of his neck, before he continued: "It's a gift. A gift for a girl…"
"She must be special then…", Nathalie contently hummed, her lips twitching and eventually moving upwards. "Those are beautiful flowers you picked there…"
"I… well… Thank you. Anyway - could you bring them to my bedroom before father sees them? And put them in some water? They need to stay fresh until the evening, so I can bring them to the dance. You know - for this very special girl…" He could introduce Marinette properly later.
"Of course I can do that!", she sweetly said, her hand already moving forward, but stopped mid-air. She blinked, before she raised her tablet back up in a newfound hurry, typing in incredible speed. "What dance? There is nothing about it in your schedule!"
Adrien knew that, therefore he nonchalantly shrugged.
"I asked father like two months ago. He allowed me to go - I didn't think that he would need to make a slot for that in my schedule. I know it's today - and I surely won't forget it…"
Nathalie's lips pressed together into a fine, thin line. But her gaze softened. She pressed her free hand towards her chest, then barely noticeable shook her head.
"Your father wanted to put an extra slot for your Chinese lessons there. Somewhere around 6-"
"The dance starts at 7!", Adrien blurted. "How am I supposed to be back here and get ready? And then I need to go to the Grand Paris - the traffic around that time will be insane!"
"Adrien…", Nathalie concluded with a soft and caring voice. "…you were never supposed to go to the Dance. I think… Your father must have forgotten about it by now and-"
"Where is he?" It felt like the floor underneath his feet tore open and tried to swallow him whole. The air came breathing from his lips and it felt like some heavy pressure tried to tear at his heart. He could only stare at the older woman - in despair and in utter disbelief. His freedom - once more - was taken from him without a care in the world and he was shackled to his home, again. "Where is my father?"
Thankfully Nathalie promised to take care of the flowers - otherwise they would have suffered horribly within the next moments. And they definitely wouldn't have stopped him to march right through the door of his father's office - without knocking. Without stopping.
"We need to work on your manners!", Gabriel mumbled darkly, but didn't dare to look up from his drawings, he currently made on his desk. "Coming uninvited into a room is very rude, Adrien!"
"You promised me that I could go to the school dance!", Adrien bellowed, his heart pouncing furiously in his chest, until it hurt. At the same time his father gazed towards his silver ring, while his forehead furrowed. Then he looked up, crossed his arms behind his back and stood there back-stiffed as usual. Glancing down with an indifferent look at his furious son. "You promised to make me a suit!"
"As I recall, I promised you nothing…", Gabriel calmly answered, tilting his head slightly to continue to watch his son like prey. "I told you that you may go. But I changed my mind and decided, that it was for the best, if you stayed at home…"
"But I told you, that I would play by the rules, if I was allowed to go! I always do as you tell me! I always give a hundred percent! Letting me go could be a way to repay all my-"
"I owe you nothing!", Gabriel spat. With long, fast steps he made it around his desk and towards his son. Stopping a few meters away. Adrien tried to stay unfazed by this man's presence and for once stood his ground. Looked back with the same intensity and didn't even think to back down. "You are my son and you do as you are told!"
"You just want to control me! When I am somewhere else you can't do that, right? But I am no machine! I am a human being and even though I am your son, I have my own thoughts and wishes and feelings! And for once you could act as if you cared! That's surely something that Maman would have asked from you as well!"
Gabriel's eyes widened. Something must have hit him hard during Adrien's small, emotional speech and briefly he seemed to lose his focus. His late wife's name escaped his lips in a small moment of weakness. Then he turned around, away from the blond boy, to face Emilie's portrait, instead. While he thought about the things Adrien had just said, he kept on spinning the ring on his finger.
Around and around and around…
Watching his motion it didn't just seem to calm Gabriel back down, but - somehow - Adrien as well. Some of his anger slipped away when he deeply sighed. Then, he brushed his hands through his hair, regaining his control over his thoughts once again.
"Father…", Adrien said, calmer now than moments before. "I don't mind, if you didn't design and sew me a new suit - heck - I have plenty in my wardrobe upstairs and I can wear one from an older collection. Then double the Chinese lessons for me - for tomorrow. I will even attend them in the morning. I don't care and I definitely won't be late! I would even take extra fencing lessons, if you are happy with that - right afterwards!
Just… let me go to the Dance. All of my friends will be there and - as always - I will behave. I will be back home before you even notice that I was gone. But… If you let me go, it would mean the world to me…"
Gabriel sighed.
Hung his head.
Then he turned back around, facing his son once more.
"I stand by my word, Adrien.", he said slowly and Adrien felt, as if every last ounce of hope was torn away from his soul. "And you need to understand my decision: A school dance - a party, if you want to see it that way - is the accumulation of many kinds of people and their various emotions. Of course - many will have fun. Others not so much. There will be envy, jealousy, perhaps even heartbreak. Something like that would be an easy target for someone as rotten as Monarch and his Akumas. I - as your father - just want your safety. That is my top-most priority."
"…my safety?"
"Just think about what has happened at that party your little friends had? And the chaos during XY's concert after that… An Akuma came, bringing chaos to so many people. Wasn't… one of your friends involved in one of the headlines as well? The one who was feverishly kissed by Chat Noir? How should I trust the heroes of this city to watch over everybody - over you - when all they do is to kiss some poor, random civilians on the streets?"
"The Akuma made Chat Noir kiss Marinette…", Adrien excused the heroes - his behavior - darkly. For he knew that there was still so much more to it, than what people might have seen in the photograph. "Usually he - and Ladybug - wouldn't behave that way. On any other, normal day they would keep their focus and fight any enemy that was thrown their way…"
"But their bond seemed to be broken after that…", Gabriel said with a small shrug, as if it was something utterly uninteresting. "Haven't you seen the news recently? Ever since that night they seem to be so much weaker… So - tell me - how can I entrust them with your safety when they struggle so much during each and every fight?"
"They-"
"I stand by my word, Adrien! I don't want you to be out amongst so many people, when it looks like Monarch is on the verge of winning this battle at last. And who knows, when he will dare to strike again… Nathalie!"
Just now Adrien noticed how his father's assistant stood by the door, watching the older man with sharp eyes through her glasses. She looked so stern, ready to scold the older man - if it wasn't for the teenage boy, who stood there in the middle of this office as well.
"Yes…", Nathalie finally spoke, stepping slowly closer and stopped right beside the blond boy, clasping her hands together in front of her. But instead of looking down, she raised her head a little higher, ready to defy the heavy pressure of Gabriel's lingering gaze. "How can I help you?"
"Call Adrien's Chinese teacher. Cancel his lesson for today. Then you bring him towards his room - he is quite emotional today!"
"But - Father-", Adrien tried to raise his voice again, but a soft, caring hand from Nathalie on his shoulder stopped him.
"Stay in your room, Adrien…", Gabriel finally said, calmer now, than moments before. "And think about what you have said. Consider your wishes and then - perhaps- you realize, that those will be insignificant, compared to your own safety."
His safety? Why would his father care about his safety, but not about his son as a whole human being? It was a riddle to him.
With Nathalie by his side he turned around, bowing his head in defeat, eyes to the floor. Slowly making his way out of this goddamn room, that seemed to harbor so much pain.
When he and Nathalie reached the doorway he stopped, when his father dared to raise his voice one more time, his words directed towards him at last:
"Your mother, Adrien…", his voice was so much softer now, gentle and caring. It took the boy's breath away, as he realized that those words were tightly bound to the love this old, broken man still had left in his heart for his dear wife. "…wanted nothing more, but to see you grow. She wanted from you to blossom into a young, smart man, who can make his own choices and who would find his spot in this world. When she… disappeared, she left you in my care. And - under these circumstances- you need to understand that I therefore can't grant you all your wishes. For then - so I am afraid - I would lose you, too, if I made the wrong decisions…"
Adrien heavily gulped upon hearing these words. He stopped walking, looked back to that broken frame of a man, who had lost the love of his life. The designer all too suddenly looked so much smaller now, so vulnerable, so lost. So, perhaps, he would let his son go, if it wasn't for his fear of the dangers that the outside world and the Akumas would bring. Perhaps he would give Adrien so much more freedom, if only there wasn't a mad super villain on the loose, who terrorized Paris on a daily basis. Yeah… maybe Gabriel was just doing, what he believed to be the very best for his own son - the only living, breathing reminder that was left from the woman he had worshiped with everything he had.
"You won't be able to contain me for all my life… That is true…", Adrien finally hummed and a tiny, wistful smile allowed itself back on his lips. "But I understand why you want to keep me safe. And Maman… she would be really proud of you, that you give your very best…"
Utter disbelief made it on Gabriel's features upon hearing his son's words. Then he looked back towards his hand - towards the silver ring he wore there, examining it most closely. He bowed his head and turned back towards the portrait of the one woman, he had always loved more than life itself.
Nathalie closed the door behind Adrien, to leave the old man alone.
Quietly they walked next to each other. Up the stairs and straight towards his room. She even opened the door for him to let him inside.
"Nathalie?", Adrien called on more time, stopping the woman, before she could have left him alone. "Do people always act like that when they are in love?"
What a silly, innocent question, he found himself. And still - his father's emotional outburst, the neglect he tortured his son inbetween, this sheer sorrow - it felt like there was so much more to the old man's behavior, than one can see.
"Does he still love Maman? And… Therefore he is afraid to let me go?"
Nathalie looked at him thoughtfully. Her slim hand grasped onto the door handle tightly, but at least her eyes stayed solely focused on those of the blond boy in front of her.
"Gabriel will always love his wife. But sometimes holding onto this love for too long might turn somebody mad. I… Suppose - because of that - your father sometimes does not know how he should act… or talk, when you are around. Adrien… it's not just love, that lets him act in strange ways. It's… it's more complicated than that…"
Her eyes wandered around in his room, wandering away from his face, and only a moment later landed on the bouquet for Marinette. Peacefully it sat in a glass vase, each pedal yearning and grasping for the sunlight that came through the massive window front in this room.
Eventually, she smiled.
"I suppose you know yourself, that people sometimes tend to act in strange ways when they are in love. And yet - I can promise you - you won't be acting the way your father does. You are not… made that way… Those were your worries, right?"
Adrien sighed, hanging his head low.
"Yeah… I… I believe that is what I am afraid of…" His own gaze wandered towards the colorful flowers on his desk. "Things between me and Marinette are already difficult enough. And… I just don't want to drive her even further away by… becoming like my father…"
Nathalie softly chuckled upon hearing these words.
"Believe me, Adrien - you could never become like Gabriel…"
"How can you be so sure about that?"
She turned around, ready to leave. But one last time she gazed over her shoulder and towards the boy, who stood there so forlornly.
"I know that, Adrien. For there are still a few things that you are not aware of. But don't worry - not even your father has the power to change you in such ways." Her smile once more softened and with a tiny movement of her head she pointed towards the flower bouquet. "And Adrien… if you really like that girl, then go for it. I think that you deserve somebody who loves you in return…"
"…thank you…"
"I will get you, when dinner is ready."
"Okay…"
And with that, Nathalie was gone. She quietly closed the door and her steps echoed through the silent, empty manor, that was his home. Adrien not so patiently waited, then fell with a low, angered growl against the door, his right fist punching against the wood with a scorned, pained scream. His hand hurt, but the pain in his heart remained.
He laid his pounding head against the cold wood of the door and just breathed, tried to calm down.
"You should have fought a little harder, Kiddo!" A calm, laid-back voice murmured just beside him and the blond boy didn't even need to look, to tell, that his dearest Kwami had finally emerged from some not so far away hiding place. "Perhaps next time, you could send me out to deal with your father. Then - so I promise - you can go wherever you like. That certainly would be a nice change!"
Adrien darkly chuckled, and continued to lean against the door. But this time he closed his eyes, as he was not able to look anywhere - not even his dearest Kwami in the eyes.
"You know, that I can't do that… And usually I am very capable of dealing with people on my own. With my father it's just… so much different…"
"You just easily change your mind and try to behave, so you won't hurt your father's little, grumpy feelings. But I tell you - that's what teenagers your age usually do! They try to fight their parents on their way to grow up! That's normal and that's good! You on the other hand… you are always so kind and well-behaving and always playing by your father's rules! And that's so very boring!"
Adrien sighed, then turned around. He rubbed his forehead and looked over towards Plagg, who soared just in front of him, the boy's phone clutched into his small hands. Waiting, judging his Chosen with a careful glance.
"He lost Maman, so-"
Plagg tzzed and rolled his eyes.
"Your Maman is gone for what - 3 going on 4 years now? As Marinette has said - she would have wanted for you two to move on together! But instead he hides away in his stinky, ol' office and barely pays you any attention!"
"It doesn't make it any easier for him, though…"
"He is making his own life miserable! And what is up with the bullshit about your safety? You could also stumble and fall down the stairs in your precious home! I suppose that there is something else, he is hiding!"
Adrien raised one eyebrow at that. His lips thinned at the same time, as he watched Plagg starting to type something on his phone with his small paws - but he wasn't thinking much about it at the moment.
…probably he is looking up the next Cheese he demands for Adrien to order for him.
Instead the boy asked:
"Hiding? What would father be hiding? Mhm?"
Plagg shortly looked up, then shrugged.
"A secret lair?" Then he continued to type. "For cheese - of course! The really expensive-"
"Urgh! You are silly! And that is currently not helping me!" Adrien stepped closer - right now really not ready to think about whatever it might be, that his father could be hiding from him - and raised one hand towards the tiny god in front of him. "Now give me my phone. I need to tell Nino, that I won't come to the dance today…"
His first choice would have been Marinette- but since she had blocked his number…
"I have done that already. You are welcome!" Adrien paled. "Oh look! He has already read it! Good - now we have more time to prepare so you can go on your own - as Chat Noir, of course! Weren't you planning a little romantic date for your- Hey! Give me back your phone!"
The blond boy had already snatched said device out of Plagg's paws - hurriedly ready the overly dramatic text, the tiny god has written there towards his best friend. He gasped for air, mouth opening and closing, as he tried to phrase his racing thoughts.
"That doesn't even sound like I might have written it!"
"You are welcome!", Plagg nonchalantly shrugged. "How about you get started with your preparations then? I was reading your notes - we still need to find the blanket and the candles and-"
"I am not going!"
"Huh?"
Adrien brushed one hand through his hair and exhaled a shaking breath.
"The last time I went to see Marinette I messed up - big time! And I definitely don't want that to happen, again!"
"But…", Plagg slowly said, clearly pondering now. "...you had something planned for Marinette. For tonight?"
"Yes! Because I would have wanted to ask her for a few minutes of her time, when we both were to attend the dance! Then I wanted to speak to her - apologize- and tell her how I truly feel for her. But now-" with an exaggerated gesture he pointed around in his room. "-I am stuck here. Again! And Chat definitely shouldn't appear out of the blue and without an Akuma around at the School dance, where he is not supposed to be. People are already talking enough since that kiss! And I don't want to stir up any gossip regarding Chat Noir and… and Marinette. Not again…"
He sighed. It was a heavy, heartfelt sound. A little Bing! echoed through the silence that followed and when he looked back at his phone, he saw that Nino had by now answered the message - similarly sappy and dramatic, like his Kwami before. And once more he must be so very disappointed, that they - once more - won't be able to spend some good quality time as friends on a party, together. He felt Nino's pain, and didn't find the strength right now to answer him back.
"So? You really want to mop here all day? No going out as Chat Noir? No more wooing of your sweet, little girlfriend, who will be heartbroken as well?"
"She is not my girlfriend…", Adrien mumbled, hanging his head low. When he passed his bed, he threw his phone mindlessly on the covers, then stalked towards the sofa, falling on it with a sigh. He covered his eyes with his hands and just - for once - wanted to succumb to this miserable feeling that started to bubble in the depths of his soul. "And maybe she can for once enjoy her time at the dance! Without me being there…"
"All this misery doesn't suit you, Kiddo!" Plagg chided his Chosen, soaring still around by the bed, not yet coming closer. "And we both know that Marinette would enjoy it, when you are around. Weren't you hoping that she returned your feelings? What happened to that?"
His father was the first thing that came into his mind.
His father stomping on his wishes and dreams without a care in the world - with the promise to keep him safe. But doesn't life go on? All his friends were allowed to be outside and have fun as well- why couldn't he experience the same freedom as well? Why was he caged here - in a room that was filled with everything that a teenage boy's heart could yearn for? Why did he always need to learn, to practice, to play along? He was no machine- goddammit! Why couldn't he just be a human like everybody else?
So… did he really want for Marinette to be part of his miserable life - as his girlfriend? (If things could even work out that way for them). Gabriel would surely find a way to worm his way between them - find ways to break them apart as well, if Marinette didn't suit his far too expensive, exclusive taste. For he wouldn't understand- wouldn't see - that Marinette was just perfect the way she was.
…too perfect for him in every way.
So why should he even cling to this relationship he was dreaming about any longer? He should rather apologize and then step away from her - accept that they are partners and - if she allowed it - remain friends.
That… that was okay - wasn't it?
His phone started to vibrate. Rustling on his bedsheets. Buzzing. He wanted to ignore it - so dearly.
"Uuuhhhh~" Plagg cooed. "You should-"
"They will hang up in just a moment!"
"I am pretty sure you want to-"
"Let. It. Be!"
Plagg dramatically sighed. Flew to his bed, picked the vibrating thing up and let it fall on his human's stomach, again. Adrien huffed, and rubbed his belly. His eyes narrowed at the small being above him. "Plagg!" Then he took his phone - his face turning red and white and red again, when he read the name on the display.
As fast as he could - and before she hung up, again - he took the call at last.
"Ma- Marinette?"
"Adrien…", to hear her voice was like a balm for his bruised soul - and his name on her lips like a psalm. "I thought… I am glad that you took the call!"
She sounded so relieved. So glad to hear him. He definitely felt the same.
"Why shouldn't I have-"
"What is it this time?", she whispered, interrupting him. "Why has your father broken your promise? He allowed you to go to the Dance! Why did he change his mind?"
Nino must have told her by now. Probably the whole class was very aware of that, too. And still - despite everything that happened between them - she found the courage in herself to speak to him.
So… she at least still cared for him. Somewhat. Somehow… This kind, good-hearted girl was really too perfect to be true…
"Adrien?", he must have been silent for much longer than he had expected and he hurriedly sat up and started to sort through his thoughts to speak to her - at least with a certain level of eloquence. He took a heavy breath, before he finally spoke:
"To put it in his words: 'He never promised me anything'. He said that he never promised that I was allowed to go and never promised me to make a suit - with the last one I am totally fine by the way. I have plenty of suits to wear, anyway. But with my allowance to go…" Why did she care? She shouldn't care - not after how he had treated her. How he had taken advantage of her unprotected, innocent self. He had forced himself onto her - there had been nothing she could have done to make it stop. "I said that it was about my safety. That he was worried that an Akuma could break loose and that it could attack me. What a stupid thought…"
"He is your father - so I'll give him one point for being afraid of your well-being. But then again…" A heavy sigh escaped her lips and he imagined how she shook her head, sitting on her chaise in her room. Was she already in her dress? Was she doing her make-up - which she didn't need to do. Gosh - she would truly look absolutely stunning! Hurriedly he shook his head, trying to stay focused for now - especially since she started to speak, again: "But he doesn't see that you need more than a gilded cage. More than a piano and school work and a far too big room… You need company. Your friends…"
He needed her - but he couldn't tell her that.
And still, a silly, perhaps even comforting smile made it on his lips and before he could have stopped himself he blurted:
"I am so glad to hear your voice, Marinette…"
She immediately stopped ranting about Gabriel. Her breath got stuck in her throat and he sensed, that he must have said something inexcusable and-
"I am glad to hear yours, too…", she whispered softly. "I was afraid that you wouldn't have taken my call, once you read my name…"
"I am glad you didn't hang up right away." His eyes wandered upwards, to the black entity that hovered just in front of him, and who watched him with a careful glance and his paws on his small hips. "And you can thank Plagg for throwing my phone at me!"
"Huh?"
"Nevermind!" And still he chuckled. His heart beating a little stronger in his chest. Each leap was with a power that he thought it had lost on that night. If only they could continue where they left off, all these weeks ago. "I know that this isn't the right way to apologize. But-" "Adrien-" "-Let me at least tell you, that I am ready. To talk. I know that you still want to wait. That you still need time. But this is nice. And… I want it back - our friendship…"
"I miss that, too…", she wistfully breathed, then halted. In the distance he could make out a call. Apparently her mother. Marinette told her that she needed one more moment, before she spoke to him once more: "My Maman wants to do my hair. I really need to-" She swallowed. Sighed. "Adrien - is there really no way that you can come to the dance?"
"Father will know-"
"No! I mean the other way!"
Oh…
Plagg already euphorically nodded, eyes twinkling with joy. Begging to his Chosen - which thankfully the girl couldn't hear. But the blond boy shook his head.
"Chat Noir shouldn't come to some random school dance…", he meekly said. "But he wants his lady to enjoy her time. Milady - I will watch the news. If there is something going on, then I will let you know…"
"No… please-"
"The last time didn't end very well, either, didn't it? So - this time - I should stay away from you. It's for the best. But at least say hi to everybody for me, would you?"
With a heavy heart he bid her goodbye. Exhaled shakingly. But at least - and that was a small victory for him - they have spoken for more than five minutes without her being the one to run away from him. And that was certainly a thought that made him smile again.
"You will regret this…", Plagg hummed dangerously low. "And I will make you regret this - I promise you that!"
"You can try. But I believe that I do the right thing, when I stay away from Marinette - at least until she is absolutely ready to hear my apology…"
Of course the black Kwami continued to complain. Throughout everything the boy did: when he tried to learn, when he tried to practice piano, when he tried to read. Heck - the small god even tried to follow him into the bathroom. But Adrien threw him out as soon as he had noticed him.
For him he had done the right thing - giving Marinette the time and space she had asked for. Making sure that the city was safe, so she could have a little bit of free time for once.
Then again - why would Plagg even care in the first place?
Thankfully though, dinner was served right on time and Nathalie asked if he would come to the dining room. That made Plagg shut up for a while and for once Adrien was very thankful for the silence he found in said room. For - of course - his father wasn't there to accompany him, either and Nathalie- sadly - soon had to leave, claiming that she still needed to schedule a few things for his father for the following week. At least she cast him a tiny, comforting smile, before she left.
It gave the blond boy enough time to write with his friends: Nino was as excited as he could be. He even sent his best friend a photo in his suit, which suited the other boy just perfectly. Alya on the other hand claimed that she would film the event for him, whenever the opportunity arose, so he could be a part of it as well. And Marinette- this lovely girl - sent him a picture of all his classmates together, all parading their stunning looks in front of the entrance of the Grand Paris. She didn't write anything else - but he wouldn't have time to write back anyway. For he kept on staring at this picture- the only one with her in it he had until now of this event.
…the only one he had of her in her dress.
He had zoomed in. Focusing only on her - on the smile she had on her rosy lips, how her brilliant blue eyes twinkled joyously, how her cheeks were slightly flushed. He adorned her raven hair, that was up in a small, yet beautiful hair-do, with soft slightly curly strands framing her face. And for her dress - it was a divine thing made from her own hands. In lilac, with a flowing tulle skirt, a embroidered bodice and two sleeves, that hang loosely from her shoulders. A silver chain ending on her collar bone with a tiny heart at its end.
She was perfect - anybody saying anything else was definitely a fool.
Oh, how badly he wanted to transform to see her in person! Just a little glimpse. Just a small peek and then-
Adrien hurriedly shook his hand to get rid of these absurd thoughts, again. Knowing that his behavior would be defined as creepy - and he was definitely no stalker! Instead, he needed to accept fate - and fate had decided for him that he was not allowed to see the girl he loved for real during this particular night. Everything else would be a stupid, selfish thought.
He finished his dinner soon enough. Ate up and stood. For a brief moment he contemplated if he should bid his father goodnight. Then - quickly- decided against it.
He rather wanted to shower, change and then - as promised - he would watch the news for any dubious signs of an Akuma attack. Hopefully there wouldn't be any - he rather wanted a calm evening. Not only for himself, but for his lady as well.
This time, when he returned to his room, he found Plagg lounging on the desk - eating cheese, watching some cartoon on Adrien's computer, not even paying his Chosen any attention. Or rather - ignoring him dearly.
"You know, that I shouldn't use the Miraculous for selfish purposes! So I suggest that you stop pouting and put a little smile back on your face!"
"Only if you buy me some piece of the good Époisses."
Adrien already cringed.
"The especially stinky one? Really?"
"Only the best and most stinky cheese for your suffering Kwami!"
"You are not suffering!"
"I am! Because you make me sick with you human courting rituals and your lovey-dovey-"
The boy groaned and brushed his hands through his hair. He definitely had enough of all of this complaining and - really - his kwami should mope a little longer, instead of continuing to harass him with his nonsensical love advices. Therefore he decided that he - at first - should take a very long, hot shower, to drown out all these complaints and to clear his senses. Then - perhaps - they could find a common ground in all of this.
Apart from that - a shower could really help him to sort through all his billion thoughts, again. Thoughts about his father, that neglectful relationship between them, about Nathalie, who seemed to know more, than one might guess. He wanted to arrange his thoughts around Marinette. Around what has happened when he was caught under the spell and how he wanted, for once, step forward and tell her how he truly felt. He thought about Monarch and the way he had maneuvered them all - this whole city - into a huge chaos, that just knew no end.
But in the end he came up empty-handed and without any conclusion to any of his problems.
While still rubbing his wet hair with a towel he stepped many minutes later out of his bathroom - cleaner now, but still so very much clueless. Barefoot, but at least now wearing his pajamas.
So - now off to watch some news in hopes no emergency broadcast about an Akuma would come up for the remainder of the night.
"Thinking about the Èpoisses - you can have it! If you stop complaining. And- Plagg?" He sighed, lifting the towel from his head, as he had almost blindly approached his desk. But the tiny god was nowhere to be found, his cheese eaten, his cartoon turned off. "Plagg? Where are you hiding now?"
"Pffft~ Hiding! I am right here in plain sight, Kiddo!"
Adrien turned around - the voice of his small friend coming from the window. He was expecting yet another excuse on why they should leave and go outside as Chat Noir- but the poor blond boy could only open his mouth - any word stopped behind his lips, couldn't make it to the surface.
"I am sorry… is this a bad time for my visit?"
Plagg and Tikki snickered and giggled, while Marinette leaned against one of the frames of his window. The remaining light of the sun illuminated her from behind and - true - for a brief moment he forgot how to breathe- now that he was allowed to see her in her divine beauty. And seeing her now in flesh and bones and the liliac, embroidered tulle she looked much better than in any image he might have received on any given day.
"Plagg saw me and opened the window. He said… that you wouldn't mind, if I came inside. For… just a few minutes…"
His poor brain clearly malfunctioned. He couldn't talk - or even think about anything he might answer to that.
Marinette saw his hesitation and hurriedly turned her face away to avoid his gaze. Gulping heavily.
"Of course… why would you want to talk to me after… what happened there…"
"Oh - no, no, no, no! Of course I want to talk and you can have all of my time!" The towel was forgotten now, discarded on his desk. Hurriedly he stepped closer, as if he was afraid that she would leave too soon again. But he was the one to stop abruptly by the sofa - remembering how he had been the one, who had done her wrong, afraid that he could scare her away, if he approached her any more. Eventually, he stopped just by the sofa. The tone of his voice softened as he added: "And I hope that you could listen to my apology as well…"
"Your apology?", she whispered in sheer disbelief - her gaze briefly meeting that of her dear kwami, who merely shook her small head. "I already told you that there was absolutely nothing that you should feel sorry about. I on the other hand…"
Her voice trailed off, any easiness forgotten for now. Her hands reached up towards her head, fingers rubbing her temples and she closed her eyes. Shakingly sighing. At last she looked back towards the two kwamis beside her.
"Could you leave us alone?"
"Of course, Marinette…", Tikki sweetly chimed, soared towards her Chosen to press a tiny kiss towards the girl's forehead. Then she flew past Adrien, pressing her lips against his cheek with a small giggle as well. "We will warn you in case somebody dares to approach this room…"
"Uh-huh…", Plagg hummed, grinning mischievously, diving past the boy as well. "But at least let me set the mood right~"
And before he followed the tiny goddess, he started some quiet but painfully romantic music on Adrien's computer, which continued to play in the background. It made Adrien flinch, but couldn't bring himself to move to shut it off, again. Not yet, at least. His eyes still remained on the girl's face, marveling at her beauty as she had watched both kwamis leave right through the wall beside the door. Her eyes then snapped back towards him and hers met his at last.
He waited. Bravely held her gaze, as he wondered, if he should be the one to speak up first. But Marinette already opened her lips, before he had even made up his mind.
"Everybody is missing you dearly at the dance. It… is not the same without you being there…", she quietly said, stepping closer for two steps. Then she stopped, very aware by the sound of her heels on the floor. Not even the carpet could drown it out completely. At that realization she cringed and bowed down to take her heels off, standing only a few meters from him with bare feet as well. "Sorry… I don't want anybody to notice that somebody was in your room…"
"I doubt that anybody could hear you. But if you are more comfortable without them on then I definitely don't mind…" She nodded. A small thank-you, or to agree with his words. "And for the dance… well… father changed his mind. It would have rather surprised me, if he had allowed me to go, anyway! Why should he change his habits?"
"Because he should learn from his mistakes, Adrien… And he had already failed you so many times - so he should definitely start to change, if he actually cares for you" She bit her tongue. He could tell. The girl probably thought that she had said enough already. At least about this very topic, that was his father. "I am sorry. I shouldn't talk about him like that. It's just… I still do care for you and knowing, that you are hurting from your father's actions, again-"
A dark chuckle escaped her. Then she moved. To sit on the other side of the sofa and as far away from him as possible, placing her heels on the floor, one hand playing nervously with the small heart charm from her necklace. The other held onto the skirt of her dress.
"Funny - for I have hurt you too! You shouldn't take my advice anyway… so - please don't listen to me about that!"
"You haven't hurt me in any way. How could you ever-"
"I betrayed your trust! I… I said things that I shouldn't have said…"
He blinked. Searched through his mind to find any clues - any hints - about what she was talking about. But he came up empty-handed. Therefore he slowly shook his head, then lowered himself onto the sofa - on the opposite end like her, of course - as well.
"You said nothing-"
"I told Alya!", she exclaimed, looking back up towards him with tear-rimmed eyes and shaking lips. Adrien paused, but watched her closely. Then he quickly decided to stay silent. "I was so confused after the kiss! I was a mess! And then… words just blurted from my lips and I wasn't able to hold them back. And Alya just counted one and one together. That's how she found out…" She winced. "That's how she found out that you are Chat Noir…"
Oh…
Okay - that might sound like a reason for an apology from her side then. But for him it was clear that she didn't mean any harm. It wasn't even supposed to happen - heck - she had been in shock back then, couldn't think clearly. And - truly - ever since their identity reveal there had been the possibility for both of them to accidentally spill his secret to somebody else.
And this somebody was merely Alya - who already knew so much about the Miraculous, the kwamis and Marinette's role as the Guardian. And Alya was very capable of keeping secrets. His one as well.
"At least now everything she had said to me earlier made sense…", Adrien mumbled under his breath, his hand nervously brushing through his hair, as he tried to recall everything the brunette had said to him. "Poor Nino… he is so blissfully unaware of-"
"You should be mad at me!", Marinette blurted, her brows drawing together, creating a small furrow between them.
"Do you want me to be mad?"
"I-", she stopped herself, her stiff shoulders relaxing a little, falling, while the hand in her skirt loosened its grip as well. Meekly she shook her head, avoiding his gaze. Then she blushed. "No. No of course not! I can't stand the thought of you being angry at all. Especially not because of me."
The corners of his lips twitched at her cute behavior, then he even dared to scoot a little closer. Just a small bit - as if he needed to prove his point. Slightly turned towards her, he laid one hand on the backrest of the sofa, facing her more directly now, as he asked:
"Was that the reason why you kept on running away from me? Because you told Alya?"
"It's even more complicated than that…", she sighed. "I… I had a lot of thoughts to sort through. A lot of… feelings as well. I talked a lot with Alya and Tikki about it but… honestly… running instead of talking always seemed to be the safest option…"
He swallowed hard- knowing where this conversation was going. Sensing that in a few crucial moments would come the time, where he was to speak up about his feelings for her. Carefully he glanced over towards the windows. They all were closed now and Tikki was somewhere hiding with her equal in the depths of the manor. So she couldn't run away now - which didn't mean that he didn't want to do it himself. Running and hiding from the rejection he would soon need to face.
"Those are beautiful flowers…", she suddenly breathed in awe beside him and into the little moment of silence between them. Marinette must have taken a good glance around his room during that time as well and when his eyes darted back towards her face, he still could see her looking at the bouquet that sat in the vase behind them. "Who gifted it to you? You… must be very special to this person."
There was a small hint of hurt in her voice and her lips briefly quivered. One hand hurriedly came up to her left eye to brush a small tear away, as she started to squirm beside him - very ready to get up, ready to leave him here.
But he couldn't let her go - not like that!
"Those are for you!"
She stopped moving, her lips slightly parted in shock, her eyes widening at his words.
"Why would you give me flowers?"
"Because you are this special person to me…" His heart started to beat faster in his chest. He was sure that his hands started to sweat, even though waves of heat and coldness rushed over his whole body. And still - deep down - he knew that this was the right thing to do. "And the Akuma - the Queen of Hearts - didn't just force me to say some nonsensical things. She rather made me act on my feelings. Unhinged and without a filter on. The things I said… they were true, Marinette. They might have sounded a little more dramatic and cheesy but… that's how I feel. How I truly feel for you, Marinette… For… I love you. All of you - and I mean that."
He closed his eyes for a brief moment. Tried to calm his breathing and his heart down, before he continued to speak, again:
"But I am sorry that I forced myself onto you. I should have tried a little harder to keep my distance. To get away from you. I should have fought the spell off on my own. I should have battled her and the way my body reacted in your presence. That wasn't right. The kiss wasn't right and I feel bad for it. And thankfully Nino and Alya came and… Gosh - as Chat Noir I am so much stronger than you! I… I don't know what could have happened, if you have fought my advances off. I… could have hurt you! I… I was like your worst nightmare - all over, again! It was definitely smart off you to play along and kiss me back. It definitely was a good plan! Otherwise… I don't know… it could have ended badly… And I am so - so - sorry for everything!"
There it was. Everything he wanted and needed to say. His apology - not as perfect as he had intended, but at least those words came from his heart. Were not forced, not scripted, but at least it was him - unjinxed and madly in love with the girl in front of him. And - yeah - he felt a little relief now these words were out - it was up to her now to decide where this could be going for them. If she wanted to end their friendship, or-
"I…", finally she raised her voice. Shakingly. So full of a billion emotions, that he couldn't comprehend. "...I didn't kiss you back because of some stupid plan, or because I was scared of you! I kissed you back, because I wanted that as well!"
With a mixture of shock and genuine surprise Adrien looked back up towards her. Found her gaze easily. And held it - even though he noticed the distinctive sting of tears in his eyes as well.
"I feel the same, Adrien. I have loved you for the longest time. When you kissed me, it was like a dream coming true. It was everything I ever wanted!" She shook her head, the thin strands of her hair moving along. "And yet it wasn't supposed to be happening. Not like that. For I have believed that I have taken advantage of your state and therefore I… I-"
"Pushed me away…"
"Yeah…"
They fell silent. Both thinking about what the other had just said. Both afraid of where this could be going. Happy, perhaps, as they found their feelings returned. And still, so entirely confused.
The music continued to play in the background, still as romantic as before, barely noticeable, but still there.
That was definitely not how Adrien had imagined his evening to go and now he was so unsure of himself - worried to make the wrong move, say the wrong thing. But then again, silence wasn't the answer to his questions, either.
Suddenly he felt the upholstery of the sofa shifting and this time it was Marinette, who had scooted closer towards him. She stopped just a few centimeters beside him, and when she pulled her legs up onto the white piece of furniture and towards her chest, the tulle of her dress touched his leg. Once more she started to play nervously with the small charm of her necklace, her blossom moving with heavy breaths, her breathing coming shakingly from her lips.
"What do we do now?", Marinette whispered, her elbow resting on the backrest as well, as she leaned in a little closer. "Tell me, what do you think…"
Adrien smirked.
"I think that we should practice our communication skills…" The girl beside him playfully slapped his knee but at least she smiled as well. "And I think that you look so beautiful. I know that you are brilliant at designing and sewing, but for me this is your best piece until now. And believe me - even my father and any other designer I know would agree to that."
"Your compliments are not helping our case in any way, Adrien…", she sweetly chided. "And believe me - the seamwork is not good. And I had to improvise on a few places. And don't get me started on all the times I pricked myself with the needle…"
"You shouldn't be distracted, then…"
"I couldn't help myself- for I repeatedly kept on thinking about a certain boy…"
"Then I am sorry for that as well…" He didn't know where he found enough bravery in his body to reach out for her hand that kept on playing with the necklace. But he did, was glad, when she didn't pull away. Slowly he turned it, until her palm pointed towards the ceiling, then leaned down to place a small, gentle kiss onto the tip of her index finger. Then a second one to the middle of her palm. She shivered, he could tell. "And you want to know, what do we do now? Well… we apologized for the things we both believed we did wrong. We confessed our love to each other. And I suppose we want to make our friendship to head in the same direction. So… you know my answer to that…"
She nodded meekly and blushed.
"I want to date you, if you were wondering that…" His heart made a happy, little jump upon hearing that. But it took a small break once more, when he heard her heavy sigh, knowing of the heavy clouds, that tried to cover their new-found happiness once more. Still, she was the one who moved their hands this time - raising their hands to their eye level, then letting their palms touch between them, lacing their fingers at last. Her small hand felt so warm, her skin was soft and holding it looked so good, felt so right. "...even though I am afraid of all the consequences that lay ahead of us."
"At least we know each other's identity. So that secret isn't between us…"
She hummed in agreement.
"What about your father?"
"Funnily enough I was wondering the same thing, just a little earlier." He pointed between them to make a point. "For I was asking the same question in case this would happen…"
"Do you want him to know?"
He frowned.
"I am scared to answer that question…"
"We can keep it a secret then… I think that we are good at keeping questions. Well - you are better than I am, but I will definitely try to make it work."
"Funny - for I want the world to know." She giggled at that, and her shoulders continued to shake, when she tried to stifle her laughter with her free hand on her lips. Still he nodded, lowering their hands together, so he could rest them on his thigh, as he held hers tenderly. His thumb brushed over her knuckles and she leaned in a little closer. Enough for her to kiss his forehead - her lips were warm and soft on his skin and this small gesture felt as if it was taking all the weight from his shoulders. Then they leaned their foreheads against each other and stayed quiet for some time. Just enjoying being together. With the other. Unbothered and alone and caught in a peaceful cocoon of bliss.
With a small sigh he finally said: "But you are right. For now we should keep it a secret. Especially from my father. He… might find reasons on why I was not to date you in the first place…"
"We could tell at least Alya and Nino. They will both definitely notice when things change between us. Tell them to keep silent about it as well… But I know that they will be happy for us. Meeting would be easier, for they can help us to cover us - like disguising a meeting with them as a double date, or something like that…"
He smiled.
"Alya and Nino it is. Our secret keepers~"
She giggled once more and despite the dark cloud of his father's presence still looming over their heads, he felt incredibly happy as well. Why shouldn't he be - for this conversation has turned out far better, then he had ever expected it to be. Knowing that things were back to normal - with a few benefits that came with a relationship, he was definitely looking forward to it.
"...I am still sorry that you couldn't come to the dance. You would have loved it…"
He chuckled.
"I am sure about that, Milady. Especially since I would have asked you for one dance after the other - and I hope that you would have never declined any of them."
She acted shocked, and leaned back, gasping dramatically.
"Declining your offer for a dance? Never!"
He smirked mischievously, glanced over towards his computer, where the music was still playing from, then jumped to his feet, when a silly idea made it to his mind. He stood right in front of her, bowing his head, holding out a hand for her to take. Grinning, like the cat that he sometimes was.
"Then…", he cheekily said. "...tell me: May I have this next dance, Princess?"
At first she looked startled. Her eyes wandered between his hand and his face, then the computer and back again. Marinette's features softened and she laid her delicate hand in his waiting one. "Of course…" He immediately pulled her to her feet, leading her to the space behind the sofa.
Adrien twirled her underneath his arm, making her skirt twirl around her bare feet, the strands of her raven locks bounce around her face. Bringing her back, holding onto her hand, placing his other on her waist. Hers laid on his shoulder. The boy waited for the next song to start, a gentle, soft tune, so he could lead her.
Then they danced, slowly, in time with the music, with just the few last beams of the sun as their light. He let her follow every of his movements, his steps, his direction.
And for the very first time in a long, long time this manor didn't feel like a prison anymore. This wasn't a gilded cage, but a ball room. It had found a heartbeat, the walls weren't too tight to breath. For the first time in a long time he felt welcomed here, felt like he belonged here - with her - on his hands.
And for the very first time in a long time everything was perfect.
Before Adrien could have stopped himself, he let go of her hand and placed it most gently underneath her chin. Tilting her head up, just a little more. Meeting her stare with the same intensity, the same fire that breathed in her chest. Returning the smile she granted him as the greatest gift imaginable. Her hands curled against his chest at the same time, nodding slightly, just barely, both knowing that this moment was right, wanting to experience this new start at the fullest. He bowed his head down and finally captured her lips with his. She let him. Pressed against him with a small hum, raising on her toes to just be a little taller. It made him smile, before every other thought turned into blissful oblivion.
Indeed… this was perfect - even with him being basically grounded for his emotional outbreak, even with the dangers outside and with him being in his pajamas and without any shoes in front of her. And this kiss - their first real, loving gentle kiss was just as perfect as everything else.
"Marinette!", that was when a small, frantic call reached out for the girl in his arms. And- "Adrien!" -a second one for him as well.
But for now parting seemed to be so hard - so endlessly impossible. Instead her second arm wound around his shoulders as well, his left one around her waist. Just to be a little bit closer and make this kiss last a little longer. Until-
"Ouch!"
Until there was a strong pull on a strand of his hair, somewhere at the back of his head. It hurt, and when his lips tore away from hers, he frowned and rubbed the hurting spot on his scalp.
"Quit your making-out!", Plagg hissed, panicked and wide-eyed.
"Nathalie is coming your way!", Tikki exclaimed, similarly agitated as the black Kwami. "You need to hide Marinette!"
The eyes of this beautiful blue girl widened right away, then both their glances wandered towards his door. His heart's beating doubled in its speed, her breathing came in hurried puffs.
Without a second thought he grabbed her hand, pulled her along. Towards his bathroom, opening the door. Before he could have pushed her inside, she grasped his upper arms again, leaning in to kiss him, as if she was afraid she was never allowed to see him again. He returned it, as if he knew of this danger as well.
"Hurry!" Tikki chided, pulling at Marinette's sleeve now, to get her away from the blond boy. Plagg, thankfully, already turned the lights in said room on for her. "Come! She is almost there!"
"One second more!", the girl pleaded against his lips and this made him chuckle.
When their relationship would continue like this, then he definitely wouldn't complain - for he felt similarly addicted to her kisses, than she did to his.
But the knock on his door tore them apart at last.
"Adrien? Are you still awake?"
With one last, tiny kiss they finally parted and she stepped inside the bathroom with a wonderful broad smile, that easily captured his heart once more.
Then - sadly - he had to close the door, turning, he called:
"Of course! Come inside, Nathalie!"
The other woman did, apparently very confused to find herself in the almost dark room, with the music playing and him standing by the bathroom door with a very wide grin on his lips.
"Why haven't you turned on the light?"
"Oh… I… just came from the shower…", he lied and knew that she wouldn't buy it entirely, when she mustered his almost dried hair, then the towel, that he had thrown carelessly on his desk. Thankfully though, she didn't say anything about it. "I just wanted to watch something on the TV, before I went to bed…"
She nodded, politely folded her hands in front of her lap and looked at him for some time. Then she nodded sharply, for now accepting his words.
"I came here to check on you once more, Adrien…", she finally said, her voice softer and more caring. "For I am afraid of how you handle the conversation with your father… emotionally…"
He couldn't tell her that he felt absolutely fantastic and as if he was dancing among the stars. Instead she brushed through his hair bashfully with one hand and kicked invisible dust with his feet. Trying so very hard to get that grin from his features.
"Oh that? I am… I am getting over it, I suppose." He shrugged. "Like I always do…"
Another nod and she dared to take another step in his direction. A shaking breath escaped her lips, then smiled sadly at him.
"You know… You can always talk to me. I know - I am just your father's assistant. And of course I can in no way replace your mother - let me tell you, that is not my intention. Still… if you want and need somebody you can talk to, then you know where you can find me. I won't tell your father - and it doesn't matter, if it's something school related or… if you want to talk about the girl you love so dearly…"
Her words… they came directly from her heart. They were true and he sensed that she definitely wouldn't betray his trust in any way. And that she wasn't working for his father at that very moment.
Still, he found himself asking:
"Why?"
Nathalie's brows furrowed and her gaze softened. This time she shook her head.
"I am afraid of what Monarch might do to you, when you make yourself vulnerable to him. Of course - your feelings and emotions matter. But to him… in a sad way, they might do, too…"
It made sense. Her words. Her warning - for their archenemy was just waiting for the right opportunity to akumatize either him or Ladybug. And then… he didn't want to think about it. But now with Marinette by his side - with them really trying for this relationship they both have yearned for - things might get a lot harder for Monarch in the future. And heck- he would do his very best, so they both could bring the villain down at least to free every single soul in this city from his clutches. For now they were stronger than ever - he knew it and judging by the smile he had last seen on Marinette's lips, she knew it as well.
"Thank you, Nathalie…", he still said and meant it. "But right now you shouldn't worry - I feel a lot better now…"
"That is good…"
The smile on Nathalie's lips became truer, again. Then she nodded and at last bid him goodnight. Then, she left and closed the door quietly. Her steps echoed through the quietness for a long time, soon, they were gone.
But Adrien waited for a few more moments, before he even dared to move, again. Then he turned back towards the door, opening it just as quietly and peeked inside.
"The coast is clear…", he gently said, smiling gently, when he found Marinette sitting on the edge of the bathtub, Tikki relaxing on her lap and Plagg purring, laying on his little tummy in her hand. One finger caressed that spot between his ears, which he so dearly enjoyed. Truly - what a lovely sight!
"I like her…", Marinette sweetly said, while he crossed the space and sat beside her. "Do you trust her?"
"Nathalie?", he scratched the back of his neck. "She has her secrets, but I guess that she could keep mine. Why?"
"Then tell her about us, if you want…"
"I might…" He kissed her cheek, which made Plagg roll his eyes. But at least he stayed quiet about it. "But not tonight. And you should go, Milady. I am sure that people are already wondering, where you have gone for so long. Not that I mind, to have you here a little longer. But… everybody else might miss you…"
"Alya is covering for me. She will be able to tell everybody a story, until I return." She took a small break and a sad, little sigh escaped her slightly swollen lips. "But you might be right. I told her that I wanted to see you, she won't keep up this lie for all eternity. And I should give her a little break as well…"
"That girl needs to get an award…"
"Don't tell her that! She was already celebrating the thought that we are together after our conversation…" "Which is right!" "Yeah - but I will never hear the end of it. For she says that she had predicted this of a long, long time. And don't get me started on how euphoric she had been, when she found out about you being Chat Noir. You know the headlines she would have written in her ladyblog: 'Ladybug and Chat Noir finally happy! When will we hear the wedding bells?"
"Are you already planning something that I should be aware of?"
Marinette's cheeks turned crimson and both Tikki and Plagg snickered.
But her misery was cut short by the buzzing sound of a vibrating phone. Adrien blinked and gazed towards his opened door - knowing that he had left his somewhere in his room.
"That's probably Alya…"
With that the girl reached down into a hidden pocket in her skirt, masterfully sewn into the tulle and to which had been very unaware of until now.
"Pockets?"
She bashfully shrugged.
"I need to store some cookies in case of an emergency…" True. And thankfully she didn't need to smuggle stinky cheese in her dress, like he would have done in his suit. But before he could answer, she gestured for him to be quiet with her slim finger on his lips, before she answered the phone. "Alya?"
"Quit your making-out session!", came the immediate shout from the other side. Marinette flinched at the incredible volume and Adrien - sensing that something was wrong, could only cringe as well. "And get your two asses over here! We have akuma-sized trouble! Like - 4 meter tall, super angry trouble! Chloé wasn't happy with the catering service and… you know the rest!
But at least I can congratulate the two of you for finally committing your feelings to the other, yes? Otherwise I will make you two regret it!"
Well… that definitely wasn't something Alya shouldn't worry about.
Not any longer - and both knew that and shared a happy smile.
A/N: Just me - casually bringing Nathalie back. I have always liked her and was surprised to see her still working for Monsieur Agreste after how things ended in season 4.
Also - I am not sorry for making this chapter so huge. I enjoyed writing it too much?
And - yeah - hast a little, happy ending for these two and-
Oh... this is not the end? Well...
Next chapter: Say hello to your aunt and your cousin...
