7 up! Yes a soda pun. Anyway, the response for this has been so good I just couldn't help myself. That being said... this is kind of a cliff hanger. Not like life or death, but I imagine you'll be wanting more immediately since I leave a situation half resolved.=^-^=
Ch. 7 - The Truth
Friday was the day of the special fitting for Gabriel's secret collection. Only the models who would be showing pieces of it, and the designers were allowed in the studio today, for security purposes. Gabriel stood stoic as he watched over each designer at their station. There were only seven pieces in the collection, but it would be the height of his presentation. The entire line was inspired by the Miraculous. In the past two years since the miraculous appeared in Paris, it had been used to inspire clothes before, but Gabriel was no copy cat. He took it to another level entirely. A timeless magic deserved a timeless theme; one that cast back the style to the era of kings. All of the dresses were ball gowns like you would find in the 17th or 18th century, and elegantly styled to only be fit for aristocracy. "Mr. Agreste, I am having a slight problem with-" Ulrich approached looking irritated to say the least.
The Italian who cut him off made it obvious why. "It's an easy question isn't it? Considering our outfits are complimentary."
"Yes, Ms. Rossi, but as I told you before, that is not my decision."
"What seems to be the problem, Ulrich?"
"Ms. Rossi is asking why she will not be taking stage alongside Adrien since she is wearing the Ladybug dress, and Adrien is wearing the Chat Noir suit."
"It would only make sense, right, Mr. Agreste?" She emphasized with her most pleasant voice, and over cheery smile.
Gabriel actually took a moment to think on it as he looked over the Italian in the dress. "Actually, Ulrich, I do believe she has a point. It would make sense for the suit and dress to walk out together. Ladybug and Chat Noir are a pair after all."
Lila looked all too pleased as she agreed. "Exactly, I'm so glad you agree."
"Yes, but this also brings up another issue I just took note of." Gabriel began as he directed Ulrich's attention to the model. "Her complexion looks a bit off for this red, wouldn't you agree?"
"Wholeheartedly, sir. We don't have any more models, however, so what would you recommend?"
Gabriel took a good look at all the models as they worked with the designers for the best fit. He'd chosen each one to mirror the most out of the hero they stood for, as such, the fox and turtle dresses were worn by models with darker complexions, the bee dress was worn by a tall blonde with fair skin, and the peacock was a tall blue haired woman since that was how she appeared as Mayura. That was when his eyes fell on the butterfly model. She was the only one who's appearance wasn't really taken into account since Hawkmoth wore a mask. Gabriel was also, not foolish enough to add any subconscious details that could even potentially oust himself. She was of average height, and had long black hair which had been laced with silver extensions to match with the dress. "I think I have a solution. Katrina." He called to the designer assisting the butterfly model. "I think we are in need of a last minute change." Lila wore shock as Gabriel pointed at her. "Have Ms. Rossi and Tabitha switch dresses."
"B-but, Mr. Agreste!"
He looked at Lila with a cold expression. "Will that be a problem, Ms. Rossi?" His tone almost dared her to argue.
"No, Mr. Agreste." She relented with her anger bubbling just under her mask of obedience.
Adrien stood in his trailer waiting for a certain intern to come with what he would model. He wiped his palms on his jeans for the hundredth time that day hoping he would be able to keep calm once she arrived. He'd spent hours the previous night coming to terms with what he'd been denying for the last week. It wasn't as though what Ladybug told him was something new. Perhaps it was the very fact it was coming from her, however, that made it so much more convincing. Ladybug was insightful, especially when it came to people. Yes, there were occasions where she would get distracted by her own assumptions, but when that wasn't the case she was almost a mind reader. Now that he thought about it, Marinette was pretty good at seeing when others are bothered too. Even though she'd noticed how Adrien had been acting off for the last week, she never pried into it. She would greet him, and occasionally ask if anything was wrong, but never go past it as if she knew asking wouldn't help. It may have also been how busy she'd been with the suit, but Adrien liked to think the former. It wasn't like she had no time to ask at all. "Adrien?"
He jumped out his thoughts at her voice. "Y-yes, come in." He called back and she opened the door. She had a large bag in her arms with a box resting on top.
"I'm going to check in with Mr. Agreste, so please have him ready as soon as possible, Marinette." Stephen called from behind her as she shut the door with her foot.
"Let me get that." Adrien took the box from the top so it wouldn't slip off.
"Thanks." She hung the bag on the clothes wrack and unzipped it to reveal the suit Adrien had been so excited about. "I know you've seen all the pieces before, but I'm sure it's still exciting to wear it for the first time, right?" She asked while taking each piece off and placing them on the table.
"Of course, I can't wait."
"Good, go ahead and get the shirt and pants on, and I'll help you with the rest." She directed with a slight blush. Adrien could hear his heart beating loudly in his ears. It was even worse than when she watched him get measured. Get it together, Adrien! He was professional. Just because it was Marinette who was in here with him meant… it meant a lot actually. He took a deep breath and looked at the clothes. They were inspired by Chat Noir. He needed to be more like Chat Noir. Chat Noir was never afraid of being bold with Ladybug, so he could be bold with Marinette too. He took minor relief from the fact Marinette kept her gaze away as he undressed. He put the shirt on first which he noted fitting perfectly as he buttoned it. "Uh… don't button it all the way." Marinette interrupted without looking straight at him. "I need to make sure it sits right, um… the pants too."
"Oh… sure, Marinette." He left the buttons alone and slipped on the pants. "So… does it look right?" He asked once he'd finished.
Marinette turned to look at him and the blush on her face grew a little more obvious. It didn't seem to stop her, however, as she reached up to each shoulder to adjust the cloth. She only spent a few seconds on each before starting to button it up all the way. "Looks like the shirt does fit perfectly." She then lifted the shirt at the hem to check the pants. She traced the rim with her fingers about halfway around before kneeling to address the legs. "C-could you tuck it in for me?"
"S-sure…" Adrien got right on it as he cursed in the back of his mind. Every time she adjusted his clothes the pulsing in his ears got louder. He was only wearing one layer of the suit and already he was overheating. He thanked whatever luck he had that she didn't do anymore with his pants once he'd buttoned them.
"Okay, the vest is next." She picked the piece up and helped him slip it over his shoulders. He buttoned it without even thinking though Marinette didn't say anything about it. "You know, I can already imagine Chat Noir in your place, Adrien." The designer mused half as a joke, and half to get her mind off who was actually wearing it. It worked about half as well as she expected.
"Oh, it does look pur-fect on me though, right?" The model joked out of nowhere.
"Now it does, silly kitty." Marinette couldn't help quipping back before what she called him hit her. "I mean, the pun. That's probably what Chat Noir would say…"
Adrien looked at her curiously a moment before letting it go. She was playing along with him of course, and it really helped. For a moment there, he almost called her his lady. In this outfit, he could get away with actually acting more like Chat Noir, and not worry. His outfit was supposed to inspire his alter ego, so if he played the part, it wouldn't be suspicious. "That's what I was going for." He admitted and was relieved when he saw her smile.
She was just relieved he wasn't suspicious of her term of endearment. "Now the tricky part." She declared as she held up a charcoal grey piece of cloth that matched his shirt.
Adrien could safely say he'd never tied a cravat. Even when he was wearing one last week as an example, he hadn't tied it himself. After attempting to see how Marinette did it, he could say he still never would. Not only was the attempt thwarted by how very close her face was to his, but if Marinette were to be free to tie them in the future, he'd never want to tie them himself. "L-looks hard…" He muttered trying to keep his eyes from concentrating on her lips. They looked so soft, and were a perfect shade of pink.
"It can be if you've never done it before. It's especially hard when tying it for yourself though. It was actually very common back when these were popular, for the servants of a noble house to tie them. As a matter of fact, servants would help nobles dress in almost anything, not just the formal wear. Clothes in those times tended to be more complicated for the higher class. It was a sign of status." The designer informed as she straightened it up and stepped back.
"Really? Complicated clothes meant you were rich?" The model asked curiously.
"It still kind of does, actually. Tuxedos, and gowns are still fairly complex at the higher price point."
"Not that I don't still like this, but I definitely couldn't stand wearing something like this every day."
Marinette nodded as she picked up the coat. "Neither could I, and this was before air-conditioning too, so imagine being in a theater house with a bunch of other people dressed up like this? Heck, just the thought of summer would make me pass out." She mused with a playful hand acting to cool herself down.
"It would be sti-fur-ing everywhere you went." Adrien joked back eliciting a giggle from the girl.
"I'm paw-leased you agree." She responded which only made both of them laugh harder.
"You all done in there?" Stephen asked from the other side of the door suddenly.
"Almost!" Marinette called back after Adrien slipped his arms into the tail coat. "Try and keep it sitting here." She gestured to each side of the coat that rested around his pockets.
"So, don't button it?"
She shook her head. "No, just like before, this one isn't meant to be buttoned."
"Sure, and the hat…"
She was already pulling it out of the box for him. The top hat had black silk band around it with a stylized bow just off center. The bow was accented by two green stones, and a small gold bell under them. "I made some tweeks with the bow since it was giving me a hard time." She admitted as he looked it over.
"Reminds me of a cat even more." The male praised as he set it on his head.
"Then it's a success." She reached up to slightly adjust the hat. Due to the height difference, she was on her toes and Adrien leaned slightly forward to help her reach. The designer was all business until she noticed the boy's eyes, and how he was looking at her.
Once Adrien realized she'd noticed he stood up fully and looked away with a cough. "Um… sorry. Does the hat look okay?"
She nodded mutely as she backed up. "Good… We're done, Stephen." He called and the older designer opened the door without a second of hesitation.
"Good! Ah, he looks dashing, Marinette." He looked pleased before noticing something missing. "Hold on, Marinette. Where's the bell?"
The designer startled as she turned to the box and pulled out what appeared to be a gold coin. "Oh, right!" It was quickly revealed to be some sort of pin as she fastened it to the cravat securely. "Though it's not really a bell."
"Eh, it looks like one, and honestly, wearing an actual cat bell would not be fashionable outside a costume."
Adrien didn't care if it was real or not though. It felt right with this outfit. "I like it, Marinette."
"Also, because you seemed to like the idea." Stephen held up a cane with an emerald green crystal at the end. Not only did it match his cuff-links as he held it, but it matched his eyes too; added bonus.
That evening, Adrien waited in his room for his best friend to arrive. He'd invited him for dinner, and to talk to him about Marinette. Nino was the very first person to put it in his head that he could fall for an intern. That whole conversation about falling in love during the program and marrying was supposed to be a joke. Now, it felt so real, and the conversation felt like it was years ago. Just over a month and things had changed so drastically. Perhaps, though, it was his understanding that has changed more than anything. Last night he'd spent a lot of time thinking about his feelings for the designer. It didn't feel like they suddenly changed at all. "Just how long have I felt this way about her?"
"You want a serious answer?" Plagg asked with a roll of his eyes. He was admiring a small wheel of cheese at Adrien's desk. "Let's just say that Kagami chick isn't blind, and is insanely understanding."
"Huh?" She had been the one to bring up the relationship issue first… was it because she could see how he felt about Marinette?
"Yeah, a pretty lucky break actually. I totally pegged her as the crazy murder type."
"Plagg." The model scolded at how he spoke of his friend.
"Whatever…" The kwami remarked as he flew his cheese to a higher place for privacy.
Adrien shook his head and turned to his door. Nino mentioned he'd be here at 6. "What's taking him?" It was already quarter after. He left his room to check with his bodyguard by the front door.
"Oh, Adrien!" An irritatingly familiar voice called as he started down the stairs.
He turned to find Lila running up to him with obviously fake tears. "Lila? What are you doing at my house?"
She wiped a crocodile tear away. "I was talking with your father about my dress change, but that's not important now. I just heard, and I can't believe what your father is making you do!"
Adrien raised a brow, but didn't show his interest. Lila lied about everything. "What? Taking over the company? Or maybe choosing a designer intern to help me run it?" One was obvious, and the other wouldn't take too much to figure out.
Lila gave him a sympathetic expression. "I know taking over the family business is natural, and of course he would want you to have a capable designer to help you, but to go as far as arranging to you marry the one you chose? To be forced to choose from a pack of strangers? I could never do something like that myself."
The model furrowed his brow. "Huh? No, Lila. I don't know where you got that weird misunderstanding, but I'm not being forced to marry one of the interns. I'm just picking the one I work best with to help me run the company."
Lila had to suppress her grin at being right. When she was eavesdropping at the office door it sounded like Adrien didn't know. This would be perfect. "I hope I really did misunderstand. I just heard your father and Nino talking about it on my way out."
Adrien narrowed his eyes at the woman. Lila always lied! "Nino's with my father?"
Lila nodded and gestured back to the office door. "Yes, I only just overheard them."
There was no way it could be true, especially if Nino was in on it… hold on… "Okay, but what about one of the interns?" Nino's words from weeks ago echoed in his mind. "If you think about it, working with them to run the company will no doubt make you close. Who's to say you won't fall for one and get married?" That conversation had come up pretty suddenly. It started with the contract and then he went straight to talking about Adrien getting a girlfriend.
"Are you okay, Adrien?" The model was not okay. If this was even a little bit true, he was definitely not okay.
"Ms. Rossi, your car is waiting out front." Nathalie informed as she approached the scheming girl. Gabriel had told her to keep an eye on her especially when she was near Adrien.
"Oh, of course, thank you." She took another look towards Adrien. "If you need someone to talk to, my door is open." She left him with that suggestion before walking out with Nathalie right behind.
"Nathalie!" The secretary turned to him curiously. Adrien didn't want it to be true, but he just had to know. "Is Nino talking to my father right now?"
She nodded. "Yes, I'm sure they'll be done in a few minutes. Would you like me to come get you or just send him up?"
Adrien shook his head. "Neither… I…"
"Adrien?" She called at seeing his conflicted expression.
He then stormed up to the office door and knocked loudly before opening it. "Excuse me, father!"
Nino whirled around and Gabriel stood in curious agitation. "Adrien, I've already told you-"
"But what didn't you tell me!?" Nino winced at the question. He already knew what Adrien was upset about.
"What are you talking about, Adrien?" Gabriel came from around his desk as Adrien approached.
"That contract! Choosing a partner!? Why didn't you say I had to marry who I chose!?"
His son's anger was only matched by just how hurt he looked, but Gabriel wouldn't falter. "I thought I'd made that clear from the start, but regardless, it was written in the contract you signed. The one you had plenty of time to read as well as Nathalie to help you understand it."
Adrien cut off his own retort before it could leave his mouth. His father was right. He signed the contract, he was given the time, and he still missed it. He then turned to Nino. "And you realized it too, after reading through it… Why didn't you say anything!? It was obvious I didn't know when you asked before!"
The DJ rubbed the back of his neck. "Uh, well… I was just hoping you wouldn't have to worry about it. With the way you-"
"Worry about it!?" He seethed before balling his fists and glaring at the floor. "The one damn time I wanted that lying bitch to actually be lying…"
"Dude… I'm sorry, I-" The blond didn't wait for him to finish. He turned on his heel and bolted out of the room without a word. He went right to the front door, and ignored Nathalie as she called for him. The gate was still open from when Lila left so he didn't have to worry about that either. He just ran. He supposed Lila expected him to run to her now. She'd be delusional then, because Adrien would sooner turn back for home. The teen needed some place he could be himself, talk to someone who wouldn't judge him. He needed someone or somewhere to feel safe from the rest of his problems for at least one night. He didn't stop before he reached his destination, and looked up at the place he'd chosen that smelled of cinnamon, vanilla and so much more.
"He's not picking up…" Nino lamented after trying his friend's cell phone for the fourth time. Adrien wasn't picking up for anyone, not even his bodyguard who he always kept in touch with even when he ditched him.
"Nathalie, I want you to call the phone company and get a GPS location on my son's phone, now!" Gabriel demanded as he once again couldn't get his son to pick up either. He knew Adrien could be impulsive, but to run away!?
"Hold on, du-I mean, Mr. Agreste." Nino tried to calm the older man from doing something impulsive. "I don't think tracking him down and dragging him back here is a good idea."
Gabriel turned to the teen with a death glare. "My son is out, god knows where, without his bodyguard! Not only that, but he's under emotional duress! I will not just leave him be!"
Nino actually appreciated how that sort of sounded caring… "I get it, but he needs some time. My man Adrien isn't stupid. He knows not having his body guard could be dangerous, and that's why I know he's found someplace safe to think it over. I'm pretty sure I know where he went too."
"Then tell me this instant!" The older man demanded, missing the point entirely.
Nino shook his head. "No, if he doesn't come home by tomorrow, I'll tell you, but right now Adrien needs time, Trust me."
"Last time I trusted you it ended with this!" Gabriel reminded as his anger grew just a bit more wild.
"Yeah, and with how close he is to figuring out his feelings for Marinette now, I don't even want to think about how he would have acted back when he was completely blind!" The DJ argued. "So chill, dude!" He didn't even try to correct himself that time even though he did feel like Gabriel's glare would kill him after too long.
"Gabriel, I agree with Mr. Lahiffe. Although I didn't realize Adrien had missed that part of the contract, I believe he will come home if given a chance to think. You raised a responsible son, Gabriel."
The designer looked to his assistant with an irritated expression though she didn't relent. "No… Adrien is far from irresponsible." He finally admitted after a minute. "He takes after his mother…"
Marinette was still having trouble believing what had happened only a few minutes ago. She was getting dinner out of the oven while her mother helped her dad get through a small rush. What she expected to be her mother telling her to set the table was actually her mother escorting a very frantic Adrien Agreste. He looked terrible. It was obvious he'd cried, and he didn't have anything on him but his phone which he refused to answer when it rang. Sabine had escorted him up to Marinette's room to relax, and told him Marinette would bring up some food shortly. She loved her mom since she was just so ready to care for anyone who needed it, but this time might just kill Marinette. She walked two plates up the steps to her room and knocked before going up despite it being her own room. "Adrien? I've got some chicken casserole. If you haven't eaten yet, it should make you feel better." Adrien was lying on her chaise and looking at his phone. "Adrien?"
He glanced at her and dropped his phone into the cushion beside him. "Thanks, Marinette… I appreciate it." He then sat up and smiled though the smile didn't reach his eyes. Marinette could tell something awful had happened. Adrien felt his stomach rumble at the look and smell of whatever this was. "Pasta… My dietitian's going to hate me."
Marinette couldn't help giggling at that. "Forget him right now, Adrien. You're upset, and honestly, you deserve a little something good right now. Plus, I have some brownies in the oven."
Adrien gulped at the mention. When was the last time he had a brownie? Marinette giggled again at his expression. It was like she'd just promised a feast to a starving man. Adrien blushed upon hearing her laugh. "You are going to ruin me." He remarked as he covered his blush and took a bite. "This is so good!" The model couldn't help but groan out as he enjoyed the casserole. He'd never had this before.
"You really like it then? I know it's not really fancy or anything."
"Marinette! I would sneak out of my house any day of the week if you had this waiting for me!" He proclaimed before taking another delicious bite.
Marinette flushed several shades of crimson before clearing her throat. "S-so… Did you sneak out to come here, or…"
Adrien lowered his fork and wore a tired expression. "I definitely didn't sneak out…"
The designer could hear his reluctance in how he admitted that. "You… You don't have to tell me any more if you don't want to. Just eat. You're obviously stressed, and came here for a reason. I don't need anymore." Given that reasoning he probably came here to relax or get away from his problems. She wanted to let him have that.
"Thanks… I appreciate that." He responded before eating again. They ate in silence. Marinette didn't want to accidentally bring up his stressor, and Adrien was going back and forth between how wonderful Marinette was, and what he'd been reading on his phone. Nathalie was the very definition of excellence when it came to her job. He'd received a paper copy of the contract, as well as a digital one to pull up at his leisure. He just couldn't grasp how he missed it. That Proposal Clause should have spoken for itself. When he skimmed it before he'd completely skipped over the first line that stated: "Upon choosing an intern at the end of the program, the signer agrees to propose marriage to them within two weeks of the selection." After that it went on about how he was supposed to handle the press with his choice, and what was expected when he announced it. It fit more now; made more sense. He wondered for a moment if there was some odd clause in his modeling contract, but didn't let the thought linger.
His mind quickly shifted back to the designer sitting only a few feet from him. God! Why was his life so messed up!? A few hours ago he was contemplating how he would ask Marinette out, and now he was dealing with having to propose!? He stared down at his empty dish and sighed. Marinette's heart twisted at seeing him like this. She took his plate from his hands, and steeled herself for a rather bold action on her part. It was something she'd done for Chat Noir a handful of times when he was really down. Chat had vaguely mentioned he had a troubled home life like Adrien. She took a seat next to the model who looked more than a little confused. "Y-you don't have to say anything, but… I want to help…. At least a little." She expressed as she pat her lap. "Feel free to say no, but… um… It might make you feel better…" Her voice got softer near the end but Adrien heard all the same. Was she asking what he thought she was asking?
He gulped as he looked between her eyes and her lap. Ladybug was the only one to ever do this for him aside from his mom. "If you're… sure…" He finally responded as he lowered his head to rest on her lap. He was too tall to fit on the chaise while lying down, but it didn't matter now. Marinette was running her fingers through his hair, and it felt divine! He closed his eyes and felt his problems almost drifting away. Oh the things he could endure if she could do this every day.
Despite how sudden all of this was, Marinette was an actual possibility. Of the interns left there were three girls to choose from, and Marinette was one of them. If he chose her, his father couldn't complain, and he'd get exactly what he wanted from the start. Marinette would eventually become the head of Gabriel fashion, and work side by side with him every day for the rest of their lives. Maybe they could even start a family? He'd love to have two, maybe three kids if she'd allow it. He'd always thought if he ever got married, he'd have a bigger family, maybe with a pet. But… What if Marinette didn't want any of those things? What if she rejected him? Or worse, agreed just because it was good for her career and he asked? Maybe she'd say yes just because it would help him? No! How could he even think that!? How could he even put her in that position!? Marinette didn't deserve to be dragged into his problem like that because… She really would do it just to help him. He couldn't take advantage of her kindness like that. That would make him no better than his father who always used others for personal gains even his own son.
"It's going to be okay, Adrien." He heard Marinette console as if she were reading his spiraling thoughts. "Just relax, and leave the problem alone for a little while. Breathe and focus on being just Adrien right now." She then started to hum softly to help him relax and he couldn't stop himself from tearing up. He knew he loved this girl, but just wished he'd figured it out sooner. Before all of his father's schemes put him in a corner. He didn't want to realize he loved her when it looked like he had no choice in the matter.
Sabine waited a good hour before she felt the need to check on the teens. She knew he was anxious and frantic about something, and he obviously came to Marinette for support. Then there was the fact her daughter liked him and she wanted to give her a chance to help Adrien herself. The mother in her, however, knew that when a teenager was stressed they could sometimes make bad decisions, and Marinette may very well go along with them considering how vulnerable he looked before. Now she knew it was unlikely, but caution wasn't a bad thing; that and she needed to get the plates. She made sure to let Tom know before she headed up to Marinette's room. "Marinette?" She called with a soft knock. She lifted the door to see Marinette sitting on the chaise with Adrien's head in her lap.
The budding designer lifted a finger to her lips with a soft smile. Sabine smiled back at her daughter with a nod and grabbed the plates quietly. She stopped for a moment to lean towards her daughter. "Tom loves it when I do that for him too." She whispered with a knowing grin before turning back to the door. Marinette's face was on fire as she stopped her fingers in his hair. She could feel her pulse pounding before hearing a light grunt from the man on her lap. She could see his brow furrowed and realized her fingers had stopped. As soon as she started again, his expression loosened up and he let out a sigh. Her mom's antics aside, Marinette couldn't help feeling like this moment was so natural; it felt so right. If only she could just come out and say it to his face! I love you. Three little words that could either elevate her to cloud nine, or send her to the awkward friendzone for eternity. She couldn't help thinking, however, that the very fact he came to her was a good sign. Maybe she had a chance.
My god these two idiots need to get on with it right!? (Like I'll put them out of their misery that easily, he he he...) Also, it seems Lila is still trying to twist them around, though this one bit her in the butt once again. She inadvertently caused Adrinette cuddle time. (Okay, they aren't cuddling, but it's pretty close.) Any guesses on what happens next? (Might be familiar...)=^-^=
Thank you for reading, and comments are welcome! (Make enough noise and we'll see how motivated I am to post the next chapter early. I have several already waiting for editing)=^-^=
