I'm back and 12 brings the drama! Buckle up cause with the emotional turn around you're about to experience, you'll whiplash! Also, I'm glad so many of you enjoyed Chloe, I loved writing her.=^-^=

Ch. 12 - The Choice


Nathalie placed the tablet before Gabriel looking as stoic as she ever was. Every morning she had all relevant news from the previous day summarized for him whether he already heard about it or not. "She must have posted this late last night." He remarked once he scrolled down a bit.

"Ms. Bourgeois usually makes relevant posts after 11, sir." Of course both of them knew that was because her main account was heavily controlled by Chloe's best friend Sabrina to make sure only her best posts were made there and nothing could be held against Chloe's image. The social darling had lesser accounts for impulse posting.

"A ship that rhymes with sense." He read aloud, slightly amused by the caption. Despite his age and lack of experience with youthful terms, he understood what it meant and grinned.

"Would you like for me to handle Adrien's response to this?" She asked calmly.

"Yes, and tell Adrien about it as well. He and Ms. Dupain-Cheng will be at the studio for the next few hours working on preparations."

"Yes, sir. Also, Stephen was able to get in touch with a model he believes would be perfect for the Akuma suit." She then sent him the details from her phone to the tablet.

"Mandelle Solle?" He asked looking at her profile image. He'd intended for a male model for a suit.

"Yes, he mentioned her appearance fitting the concept of the Akuma very well after talking with Ms. Dupain-Cheng about it." This woman wasn't very well known as far as he knew. She was tall with short dark hair, but her form would aid itself to a men's suit very well. "Stephen has her coming this afternoon for a fitting."

"Rather presumptuous of him." The designer nearly growled in irritation. He'd already had two other male models lined up for a fitting as well. "I suppose his judgment has been proven." He would have fired him long ago if he didn't trust him. "But I'll be the judge of whether she'll be in my show." He then stood and headed to the door with Nathalie following behind.


Adrien sighed as he watched Marinette work from the back wall of the staging area. All of the designers and remaining interns were putting the clothes together and ordering them based on which model wore what. The venue's open stage meant the whole collection would come out at one time, though the noble collection would still be separate. It had a different vibe altogether. As soon as the other pieces had their time in the spotlight, they would be gone to allow the noble miraculous line sole custody of the audience's attention. The pressure of getting everything right was mounting in the room, but he could see Marinette wasn't stressing out. She looked so calm and in charge of things as she moved; she didn't appear to hesitate at all.

It was a vast contrast to how their morning had started. She didn't come to his room to see what he was wearing like before. As a matter of fact, Nathalie had to go in to help get her started. When he first saw her she looked even more exhausted than she did when they got back the day before. Did she not go to sleep? She did say she was going to bed early, but maybe she was actually working on clothes? Marinette did enjoy staying up late to work. For the rest of the morning she was tripping on her words, and forgetting things. It made him think back to how she was in college. She was cute when she got frazzled, but now she was even more so. The moment they arrived at the studio it was like a switch went off in her brain. This was the Ladybug part of Marinette, the part that he fell in love with first.

As much as he loved watching her work, however, sitting back out of the way only gave him more time to think. He still needed to decide on how he was going to ask her out. He knew she liked him, and of course, he liked her. He just wished it was that simple. If he wasn't careful, Marinette my think he had asked her out only because she was Ladybug. She might think it was some clever plot Chat Noir cooked up to get her to finally date him. He supposed it kind of was, but not in a bad way. Perhaps he could ask her out before outing himself? Or even better, if she outed herself first after agreeing. Of course, saying it and making it happen were two very different things. Ladybug was the master of convoluted plans that resulted in near impossible results. Chat Noir trying the same thing would probably yield less successful results. He wanted to do it tomorrow at the latest so Plagg wouldn't say he was getting cold feet. Maybe after the show? The Chat in him wanted to declare it right at the end of the show when Gabriel was planning to take his bow, but his father would surely make him regret it. He would probably also get Marinette in trouble as well. "Why does this have to be so hard?"

"You don't really look like you're working that hard to me, Adrien." The model felt his hand ball into a fist at the sound of that familiar voice.

"Neither do you, Lila." He responded without looking at her. He was still angry about what she'd done before, and didn't trust himself in a situation where they weren't being expressly watched.

"Oh, I'm just here for a fitting with the new model. Stephen had this unknown girl coming in for the Akuma suit." She gestured with one hand loosely to a tall woman. Adrien was slightly embarrassed that he thought that person was a man when he saw them first come in. "They won't need me until your father comes in to appraise her. Now, what is so hard?"

Adrien rolled his eyes at her prying. Why was she still so nosy? "It's nothing you need to worry about."

"Aww, don't be like that, Adrien. You know I care about you."

Her voice was so sickeningly sweet it made him want to gag. "Sure, I believe that." He replied with mild sarcasm.

"I bet you're still worried about your father making you marry one of the interns right? I still can't believe your father could be so cruel. I have an idea though," She started as she sidled up to him and leaned down to his ear. "If you get a girlfriend before having to chose, your father wouldn't be able to force your hand. You'd have all of Paris on your side if word got out."

Adrien fought the urged to push her away with everything he had. When Marinette clung to him it was so nice, and soothing, but Lila doing it made him feel like he was cuddled up to a snake. "While it's an interesting idea, Lila," He gently pushed her off as he made to walk as if needed. "I did make a promise with my father. I intend to keep it." He finished before leaving to try and find someone who could give him a job; anything to give him more reason to ditch Lila.


Marinette staggered out of the bathroom looking ready to puke. She could barely keep the phone in her hand as she looked back at it once again. It was Adrien's phone. She knew it was because of the Ladybug charm that hung from it; the very charm she'd given him. That only meant Lila wasn't lying this time. No matter how much she wanted to dismiss all she was told just now, Adrien's phone held the irrefutable evidence that she wasn't. "Marinette?"

She turned to see Adrien concerned for her state and she suddenly felt the urge to cry. To cry for the guy she loved so much and his twisted situation. It was no wonder he was so distraught last Friday; suddenly learning something that left him looking so lost. "A-Adrien I-" No… she didn't want to think about it. It was too painful for words.

"Are you okay? You look sick." He caught her when she stumbled to move and felt her forehead with his free hand. "You looked tired this morning, but you don't feel feverish."

"N-nerves…" She finally choked out as she pushed herself away. "J-just nerves. I…" She turned and held her mouth when she felt herself gag.

"Marinette!" She dropped the phone and was on her knees trying to hold it in.

"I- I can't-" Her warning was cut short as she released what remained of breakfast over the floor right in front herself. It soaked her knees as it spread, but the floodgates were still breaking as she broke down to tears next. Shame, guilt, heartbreak, loss, and despair came together into an emotional cocktail so strong Gabriel was shocked out of his analysis of the new model.

"Excuse me." Was all he said before stepping away in a near sprint down the hall from the studio stage room. Nathalie followed, only slightly confused by his actions, but assured Stephen he would return shortly. What greeted the two of them outside the bathrooms was a shocking sight. Adrien was kneeling down holding Marinette to him while she stood on her knees in a pool of bile. The young designer was sobbing in fits with her eyes swollen and Adrien was rubbing her back trying to console her for whatever had brought her to that state. "Adrien, what's going on here?" He demanded, repulsed by the smell and mess.

"Father… I don't… Marinette wasn't feeling well, and I guess she didn't make it to the bathroom." He quickly covered, not wanting his father to judge her for puking after leaving the bathroom. "I'm going to take her back home to rest." He lifted her up in his arms keeping her face pressed gently to his shoulder and her thighs secured like one would pick up a crying child. It was easy since she was so small, and she didn't put up any resistance. He doubted she had the energy left to do so.

Gabriel pulled out his handkerchief to cover his nose and gestured to the mess. "Nathalie, have someone clean this up immediately."

"Oh, Mr. Agreste, I think Adrien dropped his phone." Lila pointed out as she left the bathroom looking shocked at the mess before her. She was pointing to a phone the sat at the edge of the bile pool. "I would be happy to take it to him since you're-"

"Nathalie, take that back to Adrien once you've arranged for this mess to be cleared up." He interrupted before turning around. "Ms. Rossi, you need to get back to the staging area."

"Gabriel, will you be leaving as well?" Nathalie asked with the hidden question left only to him.

Gabriel knew this was an invaluable opportunity. It was something he'd been trying to accomplish a few years ago, thinking it would no doubt lead him to victory; akumatizing Marinette Dupain-Cheng. With the emotions he felt just now, the akuma she could become would be unrivaled. "No…" He finally answered calmly. "I will be going back to the staging area as well." He decided this opportunity wasn't worth the current risk, however. Taking advantage of Marinette's state would probably get him the miraculous sure, but he knew what it could cost his son as well. He knew just from the emotions he'd felt swirling with Marinette's. It may very well destroy Adrien. Emilie would never forgive him if he did that to their son for any reason. Once he returned with Lila, he told Stephen Marinette was feeling ill, and got back to the model he was looking over.


Marinette still felt slightly nauseous when she finally woke up. It was strange since she didn't remember going to sleep, but she appeared to be back in her room at the Agreste mansion. "Ngg… What time is it…?" She looked around bleary eyed for her phone only to freeze upon seeing Adrien laying on top of the covers beside her. "A-adrien!?" She whisper screamed while covering her mouth. The action quickly brought back memories of what had happened and her nausea swelled in response. "No… I can't… Just calm own…" She ordered herself while fighting back a new wave of tears. She couldn't let herself fall into such an emotional state. It was a miracle Hawkmoth hadn't taken advantage the first time, so she didn't want to give him another opportunity. It was difficult considering all she'd just found out, but the initial uncontrolled spring of emotions had at least helped her control herself now. She'd already gotten the initial shock out of her system.

"Mmm…. Marinette?" Adrien grumbled awake as he pushed himself up beside her. "You're awake… Are you feeling better?" He asked suddenly remembering why she'd fallen asleep.

"I am… a little bit…" She admitted trying not to dwell on those negative feelings that would attract an akuma. She looked down and noticed she was wearing PJs and her hair was slightly damp on her shoulders. She glanced to the side at Adrien and felt her heart jump at the implications. "D-did you… br-bring m-me here?"

He nodded as he sat up and crossed his arms. "I found you outside the bathroom remember? When you got sick I told father I was bringing you back to rest. You fell asleep in the car on the way here so Nathalie and a maid helped to clean you up and put you in bed." There was instant relief finding out he hadn't been the one to change her clothes. She would have, no doubt, passed out from embarrassment. "So… Could you tell me what happened?" He asked with obvious concern. "You mentioned nerves, but… you were pretty upset so…"

"It's…" He wouldn't believe her if she told him it was nothing. "I didn't sleep well last night and my nerves had me wound up I guess. I can't really remember." Not a complete lie. She didn't sleep very well, and she had been nervous as hell, but it had nothing to do with the show tomorrow.

"Oh, well you did look pretty tired. You need to be more careful, Marinette. If you're worried about something please tell me. I don't want you making yourself sick over it." He took her hand and looked her in the eye to make sure she fully understood him. "Seeing you like that earlier scared me, so if I can do anything to help keep it from happening again, just tell me."

"Sure." She agreed trying her best to smile. She would be happy to talk with him, but not about this; she was too ashamed. Adrien's smile didn't reach his eyes. He could tell she was holding something back still, but questioning her about it wouldn't help. He could wait.


"Adrien just informed me that Marinette woke up." Nathalie came walking in as soon as she was told.

"Did she? Good. Is she feeling better?" Gabriel asked curiously. If she did wake up, the intense emotions from before were much weaker if not gone.

"He mentioned she still looked a bit nauseous but she did say she was feeling better. She told him it was nerves and lack of sleep."

The designer scoffed. "Nerves? Anyone willing to argue with me over a model during Fashion Week would need nerves of steel. I'm not going to believe that excuse for a second." He sat back in his chair and threaded his fingers together. "The obvious answer is Lila. She has been targeting Ms. Dupain-Cheng since the design incident, if not longer. My only question is what could it have been?" That's what Lila did, she got people upset and riled up. That's what she was good for. It couldn't have been something simple since she would have done it long ago if that was the case. It was something recent, and it was enough to bring the unreachable teen right into Hawkmoth's hands had he taken advantage.

"Actually, Gabriel, I have an idea." The secretary admitted thinking back on Adrien's phone. "When I was cleaning off Adrien's phone I made sure it wasn't damaged. I checked the recently used applications and one of them was the secure doc. App. It would be what he would use to download his contracts; all of his contracts." She watched the man slowly come to the same realization as her.

"Including the internship contract I assume? But when would she… Hold on…" He stood up with a narrowed gaze. "On the night Adrien ran out, you remember what he shouted about? I remember him saying something about a liar telling him about the marriage part."

Nathalie was instantly guilty as her memory of that night flashed through her mind. "I did see Lila speaking with Adrien when I came in to tell her that her car had arrived. I was only gone a few minutes."

"That's all she would need. She must have eavesdropped, used the information to rile up Adrien, and now she's doing it to Ms. Dupain-Cheng." He was all for getting people worked up. He needed that for his akumas, but this was not the time or place! He would need to put Lila on a short leash if he didn't want this to get any further out of hand.

"Should I call her in, sir?"

Gabriel raised a hand to reject the idea. "No. Right now she's under the impression she has the upper hand. If she does then she may try to use this information again as leverage. The contract is legal, but the public would certainly have something to say if word got out. We need to plan a counter now."

Nathalie nodded as she pulled up her tablet. "So preparations for the media as well as a cover."

"And her credibility as well. If she is as manipulative as we know her to be, I'm sure she's already dug a few pitfalls we can use against her. You will be digging up anything you possibly can about Ms. Rossi with every spare moment you have."

"Did you still want that security detail?"

"They aren't to let her more than two feet away from them." Gabriel snapped back still seething over how Lila had blind sighted him. If her actions derailed his plans for Adrien, he would make sure she lived to regret it.


It was late when Adrien went back to check on Marinette again. She hadn't left the room for anything since waking up, and had even taken her dinner there. He was disappointed he couldn't join her, but thankful she had an appetite. "Marinette?" He knocked quietly due to the late hour. All he got was silence even after knocking again. He wrung his hands in worry. "She's probably sleeping… Yeah…" Or maybe she had another fit. It had looked like she was still very upset earlier, though not as much as the first time. He didn't want to leave her all alone if she was quietly crying, but what if she wasn't? She would more than likely take him coming in without permission in a negative way.

"Just go in, kid. She knows you're worried about her." Plagg encouraged with an irritated tone that hid his own worry.

"But I…"

"Just a peek won't hurt." The kwami countered.

Adrien really wanted to agree. If he could just see that Marinette was sleeping soundly, he could sleep soundly himself. "Okay…" He agreed as he reached for the door. It was unlocked which was a bit surprising; she usually locked it at night and he had to have her open it. Then again, maybe it was because she had spent the day in bed? She might not have remembered to lock it. He peeked into the room to find it dark. The only light came from the windows and the crescent moon shining through them. Since he didn't have Chat's night vision, he had to wait a minute or two before fully going in to see her. He was relieved to see she was sleeping like he'd first thought and not crying. Once he inspected her from the bedside, however, he could tell her rest was far from peaceful. He reached for her hand out of worry without even thinking. "It's okay…" He whispered before the situation really dawned on him. When he moved to release her hand though she gripped his tight. The action had him nearly jumping with the idea he'd been caught.

"Ch…No…irr… Sorry... Adrien…" She muttered as she pulled the captive hand close while still very much asleep.

The model kneeled down at her bedside so she wouldn't pull him onto the bed next time. "Marinette, you have nothing to apologize for." He softly whispered to her as he rested his head on the bed beside her. What could she possibly be apologizing for? If anything, he should be the one apologizing. Being with him so much was causing her all kinds of problems: paparazzi, his father's attitude, Lila… "Damn it…" He took a calming breath just thinking about her and then dismissed her from his thoughts. Marinette had been through so much in just the last few weeks. She'd seemed so strong earlier that day despite it. He smiled as he remembered back to a surprising moment. She had argued with his father over the model Stephen proposed. It had happened right before she left for the bathroom… Wait, was that what caused her nerves? It was possible she was worried about what would happen after that. Few people could argue with Gabriel Agreste and come out unscathed, but Stephen mentioned it was fine. Marinette had swayed his opinion in the end even though she got sick before he chose.

"You're amazing…" He muttered as he reached with his free hand to brush away her bangs. This amazing girl had stood strong in the face of so much, but now… Though he wasn't sure of the exact details, something had shaken her. This girl who stood up to Akumas for years, and argued with Gabriel Agreste was shaken. The idea that she may not stand with him now filled him with an overwhelming fear. That 'something' had to be very serious, and maybe it would make her leave? "Please, Marinette…" He sat up a bit and leaned over her to place a soft kiss on her cheek. His desire was selfish. He wanted her to stay with him despite her current state; despite the fact that it could very well be only the beginning.

He felt it was a sort of destiny once he realized he loved Marinette and that he had to marry one of the interns. What were the odds she was one of them? Another stroke of destiny came when he realized his lady was this wonderful girl. Even if his father let him have another year to find someone new, he didn't want to! He loved Marinette! Only Marinette! This amazing girl who gave him hopes for his future. "Please… let me be selfish…" He finished as he felt his eyes water slightly. The sleeping girl's grip loosened and he took his chance to pull it away. It was probably because he rubbed his eyes, but she looked a little calmer than before, and he backed away from her bed.

"You okay, kid?" Plagg asked once they were out of the room.

"No…" He let out a sigh as he wiped his eyes again. "But I will be." Once he confessed he would make sure she accepted it.


My god, what an emotional turn around! Last chapter was near complete comedy and now two very upset teens stewing in there teen-ness! Anyone figure out exactly what had Marinette upset? There's also something else to notice in this chapter; something big! Cookie goes to the first to figure that out!=^-^=

BTW I joined AO3. Gonna cross post stuff, but this will still be my main.=^-^=

As always, thank you for reading. I appreciate any who take time to comment, especially with guesses I will answer vaguely so you don't know if you're right or not!=^-^=