Chapter 6

Same Time: Nearby Park

"Marinette, your food is amazing as always!" -Alya said as she finished a sandwich.

"And these Macaroons always make me feel happy and want to drop some jams!" -Nino agreed.

Marinette looked over at Adrien to see his reaction, the one most important to her. He was still eating, but looked at her and smiled, nodding that he agreed with their friends.

The four were enjoying a carriage ride together over their lunch break, which had been secretly planned by Alya with Mr. Croix to get Marinette and Adrien time together.

After everyone was finished eating, everyone sat back and relaxed. Alya was leaning up against Nino holding his hand, while Marinette and Adrien were just sitting up, now and then glancing at each other, as if waiting for the other to make a move first.

"So Marinette, what are the designs you worked on for the Caen Gala?" -Adrien asked.

"Uhhh well….." -Marinette began to get out her sketch pad from her bag, opening it up.

"The first few pages here are the ones I am making. I have the first two done…"

Marinette went on to explain the different outfits. Alya and Nino looked on as the two kept talking, sharing ideas. With each passing minute of talking they seemed to sit closer to each other.

"Marinette, can I ask you a favor?" -Adrien asked.

"Uh sure Adrien!" -Marinette blushing a little,

"I want to wear your designs. You worked so hard on them! Even if you are not able to show them, I want to make sure you know how amazing they are! Who knows, maybe I can sneak one of them into a photoshoot."

Marinette's face turned bright red as she began to panic.

"OH NO these are no way good enough for you….I mean they would look great because of you…..I mean…"

Marinette suddenly got quiet as Adrien grabbed her hands to steady her.

"No Marinette, they are amazing and special. I never want you to think that your designs are less. I think they are some of the best in the world! And if my father sees that too, then there has to be something special to them."

For a moment both Marinette and Adrien were still, her hands being held by his.

Alya and Nino held their breath, hoping that this would finally be the moment it would finally happen. They remembered it wasn't that long ago that Marinette gave Adrien a kiss on the cheek in the park in front of all the other classmates.

"Adrien I….I don't know what to say...I know what I want to say...just thank you."

Marinette took a deep gulp, her heart racing. This was her chance to tell Adrien her true feelings, to show him her true feelings.

Marinette took her hands back, holding onto her notebook close to her chest.

"Adrien….I...thank you. If it wasn't for you, I don't know how I could do this. You give me hope, chances I never thought I would have. I want to repay you somehow, I just don't know how."

"Well as long as you keep making your amazing treats, I will keep being here for you! But also because you are such an amazing friend Marinette."

Alya and Nino felt their hearts break as they felt their efforts had failed.

Suddenly Marinette dropped her sketchbook and wrapped her arms around Adrien, hugging him as tight as she could. Her body was pressed up against Adrien, who was blushing, not sure of what to do. Marinette let go, sitting back up, blushing and panicking on the inside about what she had just done. She had never seen Adrien shocked like that before, but felt happy on the inside.

For the last 5 minutes of the carriage ride the four friends talked and laughed. Alya and Nino were still in each other's arms, but now, Marinette was leaning closer to Adrien.

Soon they arrived back at the school. Alya and Nino got off first. Adrien then got off, turning around to hold his hand out to help Marinette down. She smiled as she made her way down. After getting back to the ground she turned and looked at him.

"Adrien, thank you. I would like to meet up after school if that is okay."

Adrien nodded his head to say yes, but then suddenly felt Marinette's lips on his cheek.

She backed away and ran off to join Alya for their afternoon classes, which were separate from some of the other students. Adrien stood there, smiling, but feeling something different about this kiss than the one she had given him before.

"Hey dude, come on!" shouted Nino.

Adrien quickly gathered himself and caught up with his friend so they could go to their classes.

Henri was looking over from the carriage, smiling at what he thought was the beginning of something special.

"So how did it go?" -Mr. Croix suddenly asked as he walked up the street.

"Haha, as you know, there is something about a carriage ride that brings out the best in people." -Henri replied.

Mr. Croix smiled as he walked into the school so he could teach the afternoon classes.