Part 9 and things start to get moving in a fun way. Marinette gets a rude awakening, the struggle is real for the kwami's and curiosity gets the better of someone! Enjoy!=^-^=
Ch. 9 - The Sting
Sunday morning came with a rude awakening for Marinette. She peeked her eyes open to look at the time. "You can't be serious… it's only 8…" She then grabbed for her phone to hang up on whoever thought it would nice to call her that early. "It's too early, Alya." She hung up and fell back onto her pillow. A few seconds later it began again, and of course, it was Alya. "What?" The designer groaned through the phone.
"Tell me you didn't invite Adrien to spend the night with you!" The reporter practically yelled through the phone.
That had Marinette wide awake a second later. "What!? What are you talking about, Alya?!"
"The tabloids are all over a story about Adrien staying at your house Friday night. They put photos of him leaving with you yesterday morning as well as slightly blurry one showing who appears to be Adrien outside the bakery Friday night. They even got confirmation from one of the bakery customers that they saw Adrien Agreste go inside that night. They're calling you his new lover, girl!"
Marinette just couldn't stop herself from dropping the phone as she crawled out of bed to check her computer. "Alya… please tell me I'm still asleep…" She groaned after checking the Adrien Agreste fan feed. They even had a picture of her.
"Sorry, Marinette, but please tell me they're making up this lover stuff! I know you would have told me first, right?"
"Of course! Adrien came to my house because he was upset with his father, not because I invited him." The designer explained as she slumped on her desk.
"Good, though he did stay at your house, right?"
"Y-yeah… he did…"
"Now that just makes me think something else happened." Alya inferred with a teasing tone.
"It was nothing like that, Alya! I was just comforting him because he was upset and…"
"And?" She insisted.
"He… may have fallen asleep on my lap…" Alya's shriek made her move the phone away. "Would you calm down, Alya!"
"I can't calm down when you've finally graduated from the forever friends phase! Guys don't do that to girls who are just friends unless they're gay or related to them. This definitely means Adrien's reciprocating!"
"Y-you really think so?" The designer hoped with a harsh blush.
"Girl, I know so. Don't get down on yourself. Adrien came to you of all people when he was upset, not to mention you told me before you and he were spending more time together right? I'm sure once I finally get Nino to crack, he'll tell me the same thing." Marinette chuckled at the way she said that. Poor Nino was being interrogated by his girlfriend quite a bit. "But, before we plan anything about confessions, you'll have to deal with the paparazzi. They have the bakery staked out. I'm right outside, and it's a mad house."
"You're joking…" She climbed up to her window and threw it open. She leaned over the railing in defeat after seeing the small crowd just outside the doors.
"Hey girl!" She looked around a bit more and saw Alya waving from across the street.
"Hey, Alya… Hmm?" She looked at the beep on her phone and saw Adrien was calling. "Hold on, Alya, Adrien is calling me."
"No prob, girl, I'll stick around down here and see if I can't worm my way in."
Marinette let out a sigh as she sat back and picked up her other call. "Adrien?"
"I'm so sorry, Marinette! This is all my fault!" He immediately declared with a distressed tone.
"A-Adrien, calm down, it is okay."
"No it's not! I'm watching the news right now, and there's a huge crowd of reporters outside your parent's bakery!"
Marinette shook her head. She'd already been hit with that revelation a few minutes before, so not much point in getting worked up again. "I know, Adrien, but it's not like you wanted this to happen, and we certainly can't fix it now."
"I'm just… This is the last thing I wanted, after you helped me. My father is already meeting with our company publicist about how to clean up the story. I don't know how long those vultures will be waiting."
Marinette giggled at what he called them. Adrien wasn't usually one for throwing insults around. "I'm sure I'll survive. Alya's still working on a way to get through the crowd though." She heard Adrien chuckle over the phone.
"I'm sure if anyone can do it, it's the Ladyblogger. Oh, my father wanted me to let you know that because of the situation, you're excused from coming to the run through. I'll just video chat you in if he needs you… or if you just want me too."
"I appreciate that, Adrien…" The conversation felt slightly awkward now as both struggled for a topic.
"Um… So, what do you think of that crazy story they made up?"
"S-story? Y-you mean about us and being l-lovers?"
"Y-yeah… does it sound odd?" He wondered hoping she didn't think so.
"W-well, given the situation… no…" She barely whispered.
"Huh? Sorry, what did you say?"
"I-I, uh, sorry, Alya's stuck! Gotta go help her. Bye!" She answered in a rush before hanging up with a groan. "Why am I so pathetic, Tikki?"
The kwami just shook her head at her chosen. "You're not pathetic, Marinette, you just need to work on handling your nerves. I'm sure you can do it." She encouraged with a knowing expression. She was sure if Marinette knew exactly who she was always so nervous about, the designer wouldn't have any problems. That wasn't her call though.
Marinette felt like she was in some special sting op as her father helped her into their delivery van. They needed to sneak her over to the Agreste mansion so she was partly disguised as one of the bakery part timers while that employee was pretending to be her leaning over her railing. It turned out to be one of Alya's better plans as she gave the thumbs up before the doors closed. It was surprisingly easy from there especially once they got to the mansion. There were only a handful of people loitering outside the gate which Marinette credited to Gabriel's intolerance for them.
Adrien's bodyguard met them at the doors to pretend to help them unload what is supposed to be an order of pastries. In truth, several of the crates actually had some bags for Marinette. It was decided that for both her safety, and for convenience given next week, that she should stay at the mansion until the event was over. "Rest assured, Mr. Dupain, your daughter will be well taken care of here." Nathalie assured as her father took in the shear expanse of the building from the inside. Marinette was still uneasy about staying under the same roof as Adrien despite having done so before. Then there was Mr. Agreste, who was very hard to read in general. If she would be living with them then she'd have more contact than just design business.
"Can I help you with those, Mr. Dupian?" Adrien asked while coming down the stairs of the foyer.
"No, I think we can handle it from here." Tom gestured to the large man who'd greeted them outside. "There isn't that much." The two of them passed Gabriel on their way to a predetermined guest room. Both fathers traded slightly harsh glances. Tom still wasn't completely fine with the stoic designer taking care of his daughter. Having Marinette so upset before, and then his own son only a few days ago did nothing for his confidence in Gabriel's ability to care for the teens. On Gabriel's side he didn't really understand Tom's reluctance when they spoke earlier. Certainly it made perfect sense that she would be far safer here. "Take good care of her." Tom requested upon his return.
Gabriel looked down at the hand offered and reciprocated the gesture. "Of course, Mr. Dupain."
Tom's all business attitude disappeared once he saw his daughter at the bottom of the stairs. He dashed down to quickly sweep her up into a hug. "You take care, sweetie, and don't hesitate to call for anything. You know I'll rush right over if anything happens." He kissed her cheek as he set her down.
"I know, papa." She blushed at such an embarrassing display.
"And, same goes for you too, Adrien." He gave him a firm pat on the back. "I know Marinette will be fine in your hands. Come here!" He just couldn't resist as he grabbed Adrien in a bear hug. The model couldn't exactly say he was ready for it, but it was nice too.
"Papa!" Marinette half heartedly scolded as even Adrien's feet left the floor.
"Alright, I get it." He set the teen down and mussed his hair a bit. "See you on Thursday then. Your mother and I can't wait to see your design. Love you, sweetie." He finished with a wave as he headed for the door.
"Love you too, papa." Adrien couldn't stop himself from feeling jealous of the way they were. He and his own father could never be that straight forward in a relationship. He could count on one hand how many times he remembered his father telling him he loved him. "Sorry about your hair." Marinette apologized as she turned back to him.
"Its fine, it's not like I'm going anywhere now anyway. We'll be having dinner pretty soon." He added as he checked his phone.
"You have 30 minutes." Nathalie informed at the mention before walking back over to Gabriel.
"Then, how about I show you to your room?" Adrien suggested with a hand in her direction. "Sounds fun." She took it and he lead her up the stairs. What started as a short tour, quickly shifted to video games a few minutes after looking at the guest room. The impressive room was just empty and made the current situation tenser than either wanted. Nathalie found them in Adrien's room playing UMS 3 when she announced dinner was ready.
When they arrived at the dining room, Adrien noted a new place setting at the center of one side of the table. He supposed that was for Marinette, but when he saw her moving a chair next to his, he didn't bother to correct her. "Do you and your father always sit so far apart?" She wondered as he pushed her chair in for her.
"Um… yeah." He took his seat taking note of the expansive distance of the table. He'd never really put much thought into just how long the table was. It was only hitting him now that he'd never seen another dining table this big that was just for two people. As the kitchen staff came out to serve, Adrien made sure to direct them to Marinette's new seat before they could comment about it. He didn't want her to feel awkward about sitting next to him.
Gabriel cleared his throat as soon as everything was served. "Before we start, the matter of this morning needs to be addressed." Both teens turned to him to listen. Neither of them was sure how to deal with it without things getting awkward. "I won't waste words, and say it as clearly as possible." He eyed his son especially when he said that. "The best solution for this is to just confirm the relationship between you. I have already talked this over with your parents, Ms. Dupain-Cheng, so the both of you are free to start dating as soon as possible. I've also made sure that Adrien's schedule allows him to accompany you for any other designers you'd like to see during the week." Adrien and Marinette were frozen in shock once he finished. "Don't tell me there's a problem?" Gabriel asked with a raised brow and stoic expression.
"F-father!" Adrien stood up as red as a tomato but whatever nerve he had tapered out before he could say any more. Both teens turned away from each other and Gabriel sighed.
"With all due respect, Gabriel, I believe you may have been too direct." Nathalie remarked with a minor blush for the teen's sake. "Perhaps letting them dine alone will help? A few of our investors wanted more details for Thursday."
Gabriel nodded and stood. "Fine, I'll take dinner in my office."
Plagg and Tikki watched from high above them as the older designer and his assistant left. "I can't believe that guy!" Plagg raged as quietly as his anger would let him.
"I know, you'd think he could be a bit gentler with them. Love isn't something you can just drop on someone."
"And he has the nerve to just ditch them after?"
Tikki held up her paw. "Actually, that was probably for the best. He was obviously not dealing with this right, and now the two of them can work it out without him." The red kwami flew up from her spot. "Maybe with some help?"
Plagg raised a brow before a smirk came to his lips. "Oh, sugar cube, you're always so good." Plagg flew down first to capture Adrien's attention. All he had to do was wave in his face before flying over to hide behind Marinette while making sure not to be seen.
"Wha… Plagg!?" He whispered harshly.
Marinette turned to him curiously. "W-what was that?" She asked still struggling to meet his gaze.
"Um…" As he struggled to correct himself, Marinette noticed Tikki hovering just behind Adrien's head. She was waving her paws to encourage Marinette to get closer.
"Ti-" She cut herself off before giving her kwami away.
"W-what was that, Marinette?" The model wondered, grateful he had a reason not to accidentally give Plagg away.
"Um… I… I…"
Plagg was frowning at Adrien as he smacked his paws together. He was telling him to hurry up which was pretty standard for the kwami. "Hold on, Marinette… I've been wanting to tell you something for awhile, and it's now or never. Regardless of what my father wants, I'd like to… spend more time with you. Not for business or anything like that, but… because I want to." He rubbed the back of his neck shyly at the request. "It's okay if you don-"
"No, I want to… spend more time with you too…" Marinette admitted.
"Great!... I've never really been into these fashion week things, so maybe looking at it with you will make it more interesting."
"You're kidding? The whole thing is just so amazing, and this will be my first year being so close to it. There are so many designers I want to see, and Paris is always so alive at this time of year. Stores like to do sales, and I like to stock up on some fabrics, then there are other businesses that do specials to cater to the tourism, and you just can't forget all of little shows some people put on just to take advantage of it. Last year Alya and I spent a whole night just going around the Trocadero!" Marinette's sudden excitement had him a little bewildered, but happy she wasn't so anxious anymore.
"You and Alya, huh? Maybe we should ask her and Nino to hang with us for some of it then?" The model suggested thinking it would be more fun.
"That's a great idea, Adrien. It could be a double date-" She cut herself off realizing what she'd said.
Adrien placed his hands on her shoulders. "Relax, Marinette, it can just be the four of us hanging out if that sounds better. Whatever you prefer. As long as it's fun for all of us, alright?"
The designer furrowed her brow. It wasn't that she didn't want it to be a date, it was just… did Adrien want it to be a date too? She didn't want to force it just because it was something his dad wanted. "Um… yeah, all of us hanging out sounds great. I'll call Alya to see if she can spare some time. She's going to be helping cover the week's events."
"Sounds good to me. I'll call Nino." He agreed just happy she was okay with at least that much. Both kwamis face palmed, however, as the teens successfully escaped having to admit their feelings… again…
Chat Noir was happy Marinette was okay with hanging out more even after the awkward expectations of his father. He would have loved it if she'd agreed to the double date, but forcing the issue was something he knew wouldn't work. He'd tried for years with Ladybug, and he didn't want the same thing to happen with Marinette. After the designer retired to her temporary room, he realized it was just in time for patrol, and hurried out his window to meet with his partner. "Hey, Chat Noir!"
He turned around after landing on his fifth building to spy Ladybug coming right up behind him. "Hey, since when are you ever behind me?"
"Coming from a friend's house tonight, nothing for you to get nosy about!" She teased as she passed him overhead. "Better keep up, kitty!" Chat smirked at her challenge and started off again. Patrol was an easy enough thing after so long, and even when changing up their route, the end was always the same; the grand emblem of Paris itself, the Eiffel Tower. "So, Chat Noir, what was your hold up, huh? You're usually faster." Ladybug asked as she took a seat beside her partner.
He'd been distracted, and it was better than thinking on her own problems at the moment. "And yet, I was still able to keep up with you, Milady. I think you were the one who was distracted."
She chuckled and looked over the lights. "Well, I couldn't help taking in all the lights and decorations. Paris Haute Couture week starts tomorrow you know." She informed with a wave of her hand.
"That huh? I never really got all that stuff." Chat remarked as he lifted a knee to lean on it.
"My gosh, and you live in Paris!?"
Chat rolled his eyes. "Don't give me that, Ladybug, just living in Paris doesn't mean I have to be all fashion crazy." His father did enough of that for the both of them.
"But it's not really just being fashion crazy, Chat Noir. Paris is one of the biggest fashion capitals in the world, but it's how the people treat it that makes it big. There's plenty to see outside those big name shows, you know?"
The cat hero shrugged as he placed his head on his knee. "Yeah, I guess." Hopefully Marinette could help him enjoy it more. Everything with her is more fun.
Ladybug smiled at her partner. "I'll tell you a secret okay? But don't pry into it." Chat's ears perked up. "This will probably mean I won't make it to patrols this week, but I'm actually going to get a chance to be involved in it this year. I won't say how, but I'll get to see more than I ever have, and I'm really excited." And nervous about how she'll be around Adrien the whole time too.
"Oh?..." Chat couldn't help thinking that maybe that meant they'd see each other without even realizing it. He let out a sigh at that thought. It just wasn't as exciting a prospect as it used to be.
"Oh, kitty…" Ladybug consoled, completely misreading what had him upset. "I know we may not see each other for a bit, but I'll still be around for akumas."
He gave her a forced smile. "I'm alright, Milady, really…" Plus that wasn't actually the problem.
"Here." He turned to her and saw her patting her lap. "Now, don't take this the wrong way, but I know it makes you feel better so…"
Could he even deny her? That rare form of comfort really was something he craved. "Thanks, Ladybug…" He moved slowly, slightly hesitant he'd overstep his bounds, as he set his head in her lap. Marinette had done this for him just a few days ago, and Ladybug's fingers weaving through his hair felt just like hers. Chat could feel that stubborn purr of his starting to bubble up in his chest, and heard her giggle. She must've decided not to tease him about it this time around. She paid close attention to the spots covered by his ears since he liked them the most, and Chat only wished Marinette could have done the same. It was getting to the point that Chat could fall asleep when he heard a familiar humming. He opened his eyes curiously. Ladybug had hummed before, but… this song is so familiar, like recently familiar… Like maybe in the last week? Or… the last few… days. "Hey, Ladybug?"
"Hmm?" She stopped humming to listen.
"I'm not trying to sound jealous or anything, but um… have you ever done this for anyone else?" He peeked up to her to see the flush under her mask. The lights of Paris made it easy to see even at night.
"Well, I uh… have for, you know… him?" She insinuated hoping Chat understood what she meant.
The black clad hero wasn't completely sure, but… there was too much of a coincidence, too much lining up. Having both girls in mind made it too easy to match their profiles up in his head. He sat up with a shaky breath. "Um… I just remembered something I had to get done tonight. Thanks for um… you know. Good night, Ladybug!" He then leapt off the tower as the heroine stood up.
"Chat Noir…?" She thought he was relaxing, but maybe not? Or maybe it was mentioning her crush, but Chat was the one who made her bring him up to begin with. Then again, the last time they talked he was asking about liking someone and another girl, so maybe that was it? Ladybug sighed as she pulled out her yo-yo. "I have enough to think about without going crazy over Chat Noir right now." She didn't realize Chat had disappeared only a few buildings into her journey, nor did she notice the reflective eyes peering at her as she snuck into the window of the Agreste mansion.
Bad kitty! Curiosity is going to get you in trouble! In regards to the whole paparazzi scandal, I kind of just figured there was no way a famous model like Adrien could go anywhere without someone saying something you know? Like in Gorzilla, fans are always watching!=^-^=
Thank you for reading! Any comments are welcome as well as guessing how this is going to play out. (I bet no one guesses right!)=^-^=
