Chapter 6

~Adrien's POV~

"Increased thirst..." Marinette muttered out loud as she restocked shelves with pet supplies, a text book propped open near her. She was wearing a red apron with Bosley's written on the front, and Marilee written on a name tag, her hair up in a messy bun.

We had gotten permission from Mayor Bourgeois to use his hotel for the pet shop, seeing as he was playing the owner of the small store.

"Frequent urination, vomiting, poor coat appearance, depression, shock, trauma-" She continued until Alya cut her off.

"That's it."

Alya, also wearing a Bosley's red apron with Lucy on a name tag, looked at Marinette who looked up at her from the key supplies.

"That's exactly how I feel today." Alya continued. "You are going to be a very good doctor."

Marinette gave her a sympathetic look. "Lucy," She said. "I'm sorry, but you may have feline kidney failure."

"Or too many margaritas last night?" Alya suggested. "First holiday party of the year."

Marinette smiled a bit and continued to restock the shelf as Alya turned around at the sound of a yapping dog. Letting out a sigh, Alya frowned. "He's back."

I don't know exactly who he was, or where Alya found him. All I knew was that he was a short elderly man known as Fu.

Marinette followed her gaze with a sigh of her own to see Fu with Juleka, dressed as another employee of Bosley's, deep in conversation. Fu looked very upset.

The mayor walked and stood beside her wearing a long red Santa hat. He also looked at the man. "Marilee," He said with a sigh. "Could you please work some of your magic on Mr. Smith?"

"Sure," Marinette smiled reassuringly. "I'll take care of him."

She walked over to Fu who was holding a small dog, some kind of terrier. "Mr. Smith!" She called out with a smile.

"Oh, Marilee." Fu smiled with relief as he turned to face Marinette. Juleka smiled at Marinette then walked away.

"Well, hello, Bootsey." Marinette greeted the terrier with a scratch under the chin.

"Oh, Bootsey has been a little anxious lately." Fu said, petting the dog, sounding worried. "He wakes up in the night worried about our visit to my daughter's house."

Marinette looked at Fu with wonder, while Fu stroked his dog's fur a few times.

He looked around then back at her with a serious expression, as if afraid someone would overhear. "My daughter has a very judgmental Cocker Spaniel."

Marinette nodded slightly, noticeably pretending this was an extremely serious matter. Fu also nodded seriously.

"Well, the holidays can be hard on all of us." Marinette said, scratching a bit behind the dog's ear. "You've come to the right place, huh, Bootsey?"

Marinette smiled again at Fu. "Maybe," She said, putting an arm around his shoulders. "A new outfit would help Bootsey feel a bit more comfortable?"

Fu grinned and eagerly walked with Marinette towards an isle with pet clothing. "We are having a Christmas special on canine leisure wear."

As they walked away, Marinette casted a glance to Alya and Mayor Bourgeois. Both gave her thumbs up and huge grins.

"Cut!" Nino called out. "Wow, that one only took three takes! Great work!"

"Alright everyone." Alya announced. "We're now going to Adrien's house to film his scene."

"Actually..." I said. "I was thinking my place wouldn't be best. I mean, it's not like Zachary lives in a... House like mine..."

I wanted to avoid the fact that I lived in a mansion, and the fact my room was the size of an apartment.

"You're right." Alya said, becoming lost in thought. "Where should we film instead?"

"I would offer mine," Nino said. "Except I have family coming around for Christmas. They'd get in the way of later scenes."

"I have younger siblings." Alya said. "They wouldn't leave us alone."

"My..." Marinette started slowly. "My parents are usually working... And I'm an only child."

"But your room!" Alya said as if the idea surprised her. "It's so... Pink." The way she said pink made it obvious that it wasn't the word she was going to say.

"We have a guest room." Marinette said quietly. "It's has neutral colors, and we only use it when family visits, which is hardly ever."

"That settles it." Alya smiled. "Let's meet at Marinette's house in an hour to give her time to get everything ready."

As everyone began to leave the hotel, I couldn't help but feel worried. "Marinette, are you sure this is okay?"

She stopped and faced me with a confused look, her cheeks a slight pink shade. She took a few steps forward to face me.

"I mean," I continued. "I know you were the one to suggest we use your place as Zachary's home, but would it be alright with your parents?"

"Is that all you're worried about?" She asked with a small smile. "Adrien, my parents absolutely love you. They'd be happy to have you over."

"They... Love me?" I asked.

Marinette nodded. "They've said that you're welcome in our home anytime."

I smiled a bit. "Thanks, Marinette. I... Don't have anything else I have to do today, so would it be alright if I walked you home?"

I would've thought she was mad because her face became a light shade of red, but she gave me a huge grin. "Of course!"

After a little bit of walking, Marinette broke the silence. "So... Have you opened your eyes yet?"

For a moment I gave her a questioning look, then it clicked. "Ahh..." I said. "For Marilee. To be in character as Zachary."

Marinette looked at me expectantly. "Mhmm." She smiled.

"Well, from what I can tell already..." I said, previous scenes run in through my head. "She's smart... Stubborn... Kind..."

"Stubborn?" Marinette asked.

"Yeah." I chuckled softly. "She tries to avoid that dating site her friend recommends."

Marinette giggled a bit, her cheeks a rosy color. Perhaps it was because it was getting colder outside. If so, mine probably were too.

"Wow." Marinette smiled. "You really seem to know what kind of person Marilee is. What about Zachary?"

"I suppose we'll have to learn more about him later." I replied.

Now that I think about it, Marilee reminds me a bit of Marinette. Smart, stubborn at times, kind...

I looked at Marinette as we walked to her house. She was looking down slightly, smiling a bit to herself. I couldn't help but smile a little as well.