A/N Sorry for being slightly late with posting, and for being late I tried to make this chapter longer. I also want to clarify that nearly everything I am writing is with intent. Adrien's dream was super weird and unrealistic because it was a dream and he is a 14-year-old boy. I also want to say there is a little thing I have been throwing in that I hope someone notices. A hint: it is showing how Marinette's romantic feelings for Adrien and Luka differ from one another. That is it. Enjoy :3
"Marinette!" Ladybug's voice cracked at the sound of her name. "She is the one I gave the mouse miraculous to. She's," she gulped "pretty." MARINETTE! ME! WHY ME! Now I have to break his heart twice. "Are you going to do anything about your new feelings?" She stared at the black cat, trying to picture who he could possibly be. No, stop. You do not need to find out his identity.
"No... she has a boyfriend, remember. I would never purposely end a relationship." Chat Noir said, looking down at his lap. Ladybug felt a wave of relief wash over her. Maybe I can work with this. If I can just keep him from confessing his love then we won't have an issue. She looked at him and saw his eyes welling with tears. I don't want to break his heart again. "I also wouldn't call these feelings new. I think I have slowly fallen in love with her since the first time we met. I just happened to realize it at the worst time possible..."
"Chat, I-"
"I finally fell in love with someone, someone besides... you," she heard a crack in his voice as if he was holding back tears, "and I can't have her either..." Ladybug started to reach for his hand when he snapped it back. "I- I don't think I am meant to have a lady in my life." Chat stood up and looked back at his lady. With tears in his eyes, he looked back and sighed, "Goodbye, Ladybug." She watched as he vaulted across Paris' rooftops. This isn't good...
"What do I do Tikki, Chat Noir is in love with me! Both sides of me... who are taken." Marinette paced back and forth in her room. "This is bad. Really bad. Not only is this hurting Chat, it also is jeopardizing his identity, and possibly mine. I know I shouldn't but all I can think about is who he is." She sat down at her desk and stared at her poster board with all her friends, mentally putting them in Chat Noir's suit, until a red creature flew in front of her face.
"Marinette, you are the guardian. If you find out Chat Noir's identity, you won't lose me, but, I don't think it is the right time yet and I don't think Bunnyx wants to pay us another visit."
"I know, I know." She got up and headed towards her bed, "I should stop." Laying down on her bed she stared at the ceiling, trying to process all of her complex emotions. She wanted to tell Alya, she wanted to tell Luka, but she couldn't. "I just feel so bad for him. He thinks that he can't catch a break when in reality he fell for the same person twice."
"I don't think that would make him feel any better..." Tikki said, laying next to Marinette's head. "Goodnight, Marinette. Get some rest."
Adrien woke up to his alarm blaring. He turned to face it and noticed that it read 12:00. Did I really sleep all the way to noon? Adrien grabbed his phone and turned it on to see that he had many messages from his friends, all asking where he was. His head was in a haze, unable to process the words in front of him, so he shrugged it off. He decided that it was best to wake up with an ice shower, and that did the trick. The blond walked back into his room and looked at his messages with fresh eyes.
He had texts from nearly everyone, all asking the same thing: Where Are You? Was I supposed to do something today? Adrien couldn't possibly think of what he was supposed to do today. Nathalie had kept his schedule as clear as possible so he could hang out with his friends, but didn't remember if Marinette had planned something for him today. Marinette... Adrien's thoughts drifted to his friend, who he wished was more. Adrien shook the thoughts out of his head, thinking Marinette is with Luka, stop thinking about her that way, and dialed Nino.
"Dude, where are you?" Nino answered the phone immediately. Adrien heard a mix of noises in the background.
"Where am I supposed to be again?" Adrien was getting frustrated.
"Dude... did you just wake up or are you dumber than we thought?" Nino asked, as frustrated as Adrien, "Kitty Section is playing a concert for a charity event... and you're supposed to play with them for a few songs. Your dad even suggested you do it..."
"NINO! I FORGOT." Adrien quickly put Nino on speaker and grabbed his bag. "Am I too late, can I make it?"
"You're going to have to run. You are on at 12:30. This isn't like you dude, what is wrong?"
"I- I will talk to you later..." Or maybe not, I don't know how appropriate it is to tell someone that I am in love with their girlfriend's best friend who has a boyfriend. "Tell them I am on my way and I am very sorry." Adrien hung up the phone and ran, eventually transforming as his superhero counterpart when he was hidden.
Marinette arrived at the venue around 11:00 am to help them set up, and put the final touches on Kitty Section's outfits. She had Adrien's outfit sitting in a box, waiting to make sure it fits him, but he wasn't there. She finally heard Nino answer his phone, talking to what she presumed to be Adrien.
"He is coming. The dude just woke up!" Nino said, staring at his phone. "That is typical for me, but him? He wakes up at 6 am nearly every day, if not earlier." Nino placed his phone back into his pocket and started messing with the lights on the stage.
"I was worried that Mr. Sunshine wasn't coming," Alya said with a hint of annoyance, "imagine you spent all night finishing these costumes just for him to not show up." Alya motioned to Adrien's outfit, waiting to be fit. To be honest, Marinette couldn't have slept anyway with all the thoughts floating in her head. Someone she knew was in love with her. Her partner was becoming more and more distressed, and she didn't know what to do. Staying up finishing the outfits was more of a blessing than anything.
"I hope it fits him because I doubt I will have time to make any adjustments," Marinette took her creation out of the box and held Adrien's mask in her hand.
"I am sure it will fit fine, my melody," Luka placed his hand on Marinette's shoulder, "just like mine fit perfectly."
"Thank you," Marinette smiled. I can't imagine not dating Luka anymore. A booming voice saying "I am here, I am here," interrupted Marinette's thoughts, and she saw Adrien come running into the venue. Or can I?
"I am SO sorry guys, I stayed up way too late and forgot to set my alarm," Adrien was clearly out of breath. Everyone was staring at him in amazement because it felt like only minutes ago he got off the phone with Nino.
"How did you get here so fast?" Everyone chimed.
"Oh- uh... determination?" Adrien responded with a slight smile on his face. Marinette ran towards him and gave him a hug. Marinette noticed that he hugged back, tighter than usual. She pulled away and noticed his face was red, probably from running so far.
"I was - we were... worried about you. Especially since your dad insisted you appear."
"I know - but I am here now," Adrien was motioned by Marinette to go backstage and be fitted to his costume "I hope it fits, and I am sorry for making you do this last minute."
"It is fine, now sit still," Marinette said, placing parts of the outfit on Adrien. Working with him was much easier than with the other members of the band since Adrien practically lived this life. He sat perfectly still and silent while Marinette placed everything on him. Everything fit, luckily. "We are done!" Marinette chimed. "Just do not forget to put on your mask before you get on stage and we are set."
"Yup." Adrien laughed awkwardly, his face beet red. Is he hot?
"Do you need water, you seem a little red..."
"N-no I am fine. I am going to uh, practice now. Goodbye." Adrien shuffled away from her awkwardly, leaving her confused. She shrugged it off and walked out to look at the crowd. There were a good number of people, which meant a good amount of money was raised for charity. She looked at her phone and noticed that it was 12:25, nearly time for the band to come out. I hope everything goes okay.
Everything did go okay, great even. The band played perfectly, and Nathalie even came. Why didn't she awake Adrien... Marinette spotted Nathalie holding her tablet with Gabriel on it. Marinette couldn't help but smile. Gabriel finally took some time for his son, even if it was virtual. For once, he couldn't attend in person due to his absence, so Marinette found his actions justified. She learned that they raised over $5000 for charity, leaving the night a complete success worth celebrating.
"We should go out and top the night off with some coffee and pastries!" Rose said, with the whole group nodding in agreement.
Adrien looked at Nathalie, who nodded. "Be home within an hour, and I will allow it." Adrien hugged her and returned to the group.
They all walked to a local coffee shop and walked to a park so they could all sit together since there weren't exactly tables made for as many people as they had. The group placed blankets down and all sat under the stars. The night wasn't very cold, but just cold enough that a warm drink would make it perfect. However, the night came to an end, with Adrien's curfew dawning, so they all decided it was time to go home. Juleka, Rose, and Luka all headed to the ship because Rose decided it was easier to sleep over with Juleka than walk all the way home. Alya and Nino lived near the same block as Mylene and Ivan, so they walked together. That left Marinette and Adrien to go home.
"I can take you home if you want. Your house is on my way home..." Adrien nodded his head toward the direction of his bodyguard in his car, "it would be my pleasure." Marinette nodded, deciding it isn't safe for her to walk home alone in the dark.
The two piled into the warm car, and Gorilla drove away.
Adrien returned home with a smile plastered on his face. He had spent the whole day with his friends, and Marinette. Nathalie was waiting for him, most likely to ensure he came at his scheduled time. She must've noticed something was up with him because she didn't greet him with her usual rambling about his schedule and what is expected of him, instead, all she said was "who is she?"
This snapped Adrien into reality, and his eyes stared up into Nathalie's. "Who is... she? What are you talking about?"
"Adrien, you must take me for a fool if you think I don't know that you obviously have feelings for someone. Who is it?" Nathalie said. Adrien could swear that he heard a hint of amusement in her voice, something he never thought was possible. He just stared at her.
"I know who it is. It is clear. What is her name? I don't want you falling for someone who would not be good for the company." There it was, that was the Nathalie he knew.
"Did father put you up to this, he can stay out of one aspect of my life." Adrien sighed.
"No, your father doesn't and shouldn't know of this. It is hard for his son to be the heartthrob of Paris if he has a girlfriend. This is the last thing he wants." Nathalie said with a hint of annoyance, "I am not going to stop you, but I would at least like to know, so if something does happen I can hopefully calm your father down with the facts I have about her." She stared at Adrien, with piercing eyes that screamed I will find out one way or another.
"Fine," Adrien huffed, "Marinette Dupain-Cheng. She is a classmate of mine from school. She won the derby hat contest. She came over for Christmas dinner. I took her home today." He looked over at the Gorilla, who was obviously holding back a snicker. "Don't worry about her ruining my image. She is a good person, you know..."
"I will let my research decide that." She said with a stern voice.
"I won't be able to date her anyway, she has a boyfriend," Adrien looked down at his feet in embarrassment. This caused Nathalie's eyes to go wide. The model son of the most influential designer in Paris fell for someone he can't have. He could pick any girl on the street and have her, yet he picked the unobtainable option.
"Adrien..." Nathalie shook her head. The Gorilla smacked his face. Adrien simply walked to his bedroom. "You do know that if you want her, she would have to break up with her current boyfriend... and I am sure you wouldn't wait long to date her either. People would spread rumors that you broke them up. This is not good." Adrien walked away and headed to his bedroom. I am aware that this is bad, Nathalie.
Marinette was unable to sleep, so she headed out on her balcony, contemplating to stretch her legs out as Ladybug. Shadowmoth still hadn't attacked Paris since the fair, and she missed it in a bittersweet kind of way. She was about to transform when she was interrupted by the familiar thud of her partner.
"Hello Princess," chimed the cat with a smirk, "why are you out tonight?"
"I could ask the same question," Marinette replied. Of course, I know it is his patrol night, but why did he have to visit me...
"Well I am patrolling Paris, keeping you safe, and I spotted you alone up here." Chat said, grabbing her hand and kissing it. "There haven't been any akumas recently so patrolling is pretty boring."
"You should stop calling me princess. I have a boyfriend..." Marinette looked at the Cat, whose face fell. That could've been said more gently. "He didn't appreciate it when you called me that."
"Why it is only platonic when I call you that endearing name... unless you've been hiding your feelings," Chat said as he grabbed her chin.
Sure, it is platonic Chat, only to me. "Well can you just lay off the nickname for now?" Chat let go of her chin and leaned against her railing at that statement.
"For now? Does that mean your prince may not be your prince for long?" Chat said, walking back towards her, and she swore she saw a twinkle in his eye.
"Well relationships don't last forever, but I am not planning on ending mine just yet," she said playfully.
"Even for a superhero?" Chat asked, flexing. That caused Marinette to let out a giggle. She was glad to see her partner acting like himself again, even if it was with her civilian self.
"No, sorry Chat," Marinette assured. She knew that Chat didn't know that she was aware of his feelings, so she had to try and keep the conversation lighthearted. It was easier to act like he didn't have feelings for her and be friendly than to try and address the situation directly.
"Well if that boyfriend ever becomes a problem, let me know," he said sincerely. "You're my friend Marinette. I am here for you, you know."
I am here for you. It almost sounded exactly like when Adrien said it... "Thank you, Chat. If anything happens I will let you know." She saw a smile spread across his face. She was truly thankful that he was happy. That is all she wanted from her partner, that he was happy.
"Chloe's party is tonight, and I haven't finished my dress. I spent so long on your outfit that I completely disregarded my dress," Marinette looked at her watch, reading 2:00 pm, "the party starts in 3 hours and-" her sentence was interrupted by Luka pulling her face into a kiss.
"My melody, this is your one flaw. You spend too much time worrying about other people. I didn't need you to make my outfit perfect, because those little imperfections are only seen by you." Luka stared at her, causing her face to turn pink. "It already looks great, I don't see what is wrong with it."
Marinette tried to look at it from Luka's perspective. It was a dark sea-green dress, and Luka matched. It was simple, yet elegant. She swore that the seam was crooked, but Luka insisted it was perfect. "I won't mess with the seam, but I am going to add black embroidery at the bottom still, it looks a little plain." Marinette grabbed the dress and spent the next 2 hours finishing the embroidery.
"Done!" She chimed.
"It looks perfect," Luka was very happy that Marinette had finished with time to spare, "I am going to hang out with your parents downstairs so that you can change." Marinette nodded and watched as her boyfriend went downstairs. He had already put on the outfit, and she knew he would happily wait for her. She put the dress on, and Tikki flew up to inspect her.
"You look beautiful Marinette..." Tikki cooed.
"Thank you, Tikki. The fact that Chloe was willing to throw a party and invite our whole class is a miracle. I am not surprised, however, that she made it mandatory that we all wear formal wear." Marinette spun in the dress and ignored what imperfections she swore that she spotted. She ran down the stairs to greet Luka who got dragged into a game with her dad.
"Papa, stop trying to steal my boyfriend." Tom laughed and smacked Luka's back as he got up to greet her.
"Bring her back by 11 pm will you?" Tom said sternly.
"Yes, of course, sir." Luka was always a gentleman around her parents.
"Bye! Have fun dear," Sabine waved at the teenagers as they descended into the bakery. Once the two were gone, the two looked at each other, "I always thought she would end up with Adrien."
"I did too... I love Luka, I do... but" Tom responded.
"Adrien was perfect for her," Sabine responded. "She was completely and utterly in love with him, and then one day... poof. The love was gone."
"I don't think the love is gone, Sabine. I don't think it is."
