Note: The last chapter has been changed. Everything in this chapter has changed, except the end event. ^-^
Marinette sat with her knees drawn to her chest and Alya watched her with a concerned expression.
"You can't be mad at him, Mari." Alya tried to talk her through it when her phone went off.
She peered down at it and rolled her eyes.
Adrien: Hey. Is Mari okay?
Alya: What do you think?
Adrien groaned and rubbed his eyes, as he laid in his bed.
"You could end all of this, easily. Just pick!" Alya was getting frustrated with her. "Look. Make a pros and cons list. Figure out who has the better qualities. Then decided. But do it quick because I don't know how much longer Adrien is going to last."
Marinette sighed and nodded, before leaving to grab her sketchbook and a pencil to map both men out.
Adrien: What is she doing right now? Are you even with her still?
Alya: I'm spending the night at her place. She's making a list to help her choose between you two. Do you know how frustrating this is? Why would you put on a show like that at dinner? That was a dick move and you know it.
Adrien cringed, as she scolded him, before he explained himself.
Adrien: I only wanted to push her more into choosing. That was all. I stopped Kagami before it could go further. She's trying to help.
Alya: By feeling you up at a fancy cafe. Agreste. Something is wrong with you, if you find that to be okay. You hurt her. Whether you planned to or not.
Adrien groaned and rolled onto his stomach with his face in his pillow.
Adrien: She's hurting people too, ya know.
He set his alarm on his phone and set it down next to his bed, before turning on his television.
Marinette looked over her list and realized how much more pros Adrien had over Luka. She sighed at the realization.
"Who were you texting?" Marinette looked over at Alya with curious puffy red eyes.
"Nino was just asking how the date went." Alya lied with a smile. She didn't want to upset her best friend more.
"Oh. And?" Marinette was curious as to what he had to say.
Alya sighed and rubbed her temples. "Nothing much. He basically agreed that he knew it would happen the way it did." She hated to lie to her best friend, but at the moment she needed it.
"I want to decide. I know in my heart, who I want. I just- don't want to hurt anyone." Marinette sniffed and pressed her mouth to her knees.
"Mari. The thing is… you're hurting them now. Just by keeping it open. Right now? Luka is wondering if you picked him. And Adrien? He is bending over backwards to make you choose." Alya sighed and gave in. "I lied Mari. Adrien's been checking up on you all night."
"What?!" Marinette sat up suddenly and dropped her knees.
"The texts were from him, asking about you. He's worried about you." Alya sighed and Marinette's eyes shook back and forth.
"Why would he do that?" Marinette suddenly felt guilty.
"Because he loves you, M. Truly loves you." Alya tried to get her point across. "Look he stopped Kagami's advances when even he thought it was too far. He whisked you away from that guy? You think if he didn't want you that he would have done that? And don't even get me started on that little table stunt." Alya rolled her eyes at the last bit. "He was watching you the whole time. Kagami is just a tool to get under your skin and push you to your limit, Mari. You're just too blind to see it."
Marinette looked at her with parted lips and wide eyes. "I-"
"Mari, just say it. Say you've decided and go to him. For all of us. I'm exhausted, Hell, Nino is even exhausted." Alya whined and shook her friend.
"What about Luka?" Marinette bit her lip. "I can't hurt him. He doesn't deserve to be hurt."
"I think it's time that you help Kagami and Luka at the same time." Alya smiled at her.
Marinette smiled, getting an idea. "I think you're right."
"I know so, girl." Alya smirked and the movie was suddenly interrupted.
"Breaking news! A man called, Inferno, is at the Louvre setting fire to the paintings. No one knows who he is or why he's been akumatized. Chat Noir! Ladybug! If you're out there. We need your help!" The news anchor spoke over the television.
Adrien sat at the foot of his bed and stared at the screen.
He scowled at the television and watched the broadcast with a determined expression.
"I should go to bed. I have to get up early tomorrow." Marinette got up from the couch. "You can sleep in the extra bedroom, if you want." She left a very confused Alya.
Marinette went into her bedroom and shut the door behind her. "Tikki." Marinette whispered and she came out of her hiding spot.
Marinette really didn't want to see Chat at the moment, but it was her job to save Paris. Even if it hurt to see her kitty. Even if all she could think about was when he would stop by. Even if he was recently at dinner with one of her rivals. She bit back the pain in her heart and tried to focus on the task at hand.
"Yes, Marinette?" Tikki chewed on a cookie and looked at her holder.
"I need to help my kitty." Marinette was frantic.
"Just say the words." Tikki smiled at her.
"Tikki. Spots on." Marinette spoke and the red light took her over.
"Plagg! Claws out!" Adrien called out in his bedroom and Plagg reluctantly zipped into his silver ring.
Song: Chasing Fire by Lauv