Adrien: When you get here, come up to my office - meeting with Nathalie and Sasha.
Marinette: I'll be there soon.
Marinette: Am I in trouble?
Adrien: Yes, yes you are.
Marinette: …...
Adrien: No! I'm kidding lol. It's just a routine meeting.
Adrien: I have coffee (smiley cat emoji)
Marinette: I might forgive you then. See you soon (smiley face emoji)
Adrien leaned back in his seat, placing his phone down on the desk. Taking out his wallet, he pulled out a small photo of him and Marinette, the same one Alya had taken in the park.
"You know kid, your phone camera might be full of pictures of Ladybug, but Marinette is the one you carry around in your pocket." Adrien looked up at Plagg before looking back at the picture.
"I have a picture of me and Nino too." He retorted.
"Yeah, and you have one of your mum, but that's not the same thing though, is it?" Adrien looked away from Plagg and smiled to himself before the kwami ducked out of sight at the sound of the door.
"Good morning, how are you?" Her voice came, sounding like a melody. Adrien quickly tucked the photo back into his wallet and stood up to take the coffee over to her.
"It's a good morning now." He said with a flirtatious wink. For a moment there was a mischievous glint in his eyes that she couldn't quite get a handle on when Nathalie and Sasha came into the room.
"Good, everyone is here. Good morning Marinette, I hope we find you well today?" Nathalie looked up from her tablet, a small smile on her lips.
"I'm very well, thank you Miss. Sancour." Marinette replied, taking a sip of her coffee. She wondered if Adrien was getting the coffee from that same little cafe they went to yesterday?
They took their seats on the lounge chairs, Adrien making a point to sit next to Marinette. She found herself catching her breath as his knee rested next to hers. Keep it together, she reminded herself, wouldn't want to make a fool of yourself in front of Nathalie and Sasha.
"Now there has been some scheduling changes this morning. We have an emergency repair that has been squeezed in and our apprentice seamstress is away sick." Marinette felt Adrien make a little fist pump next to her. When she looked up at him, he feigned innocence and it was all she could do not to burst out laughing. "Marinette, Sasha said you have been doing some excellent work and I would like for you to see the client and take this job on."
"I'd be happy too." She replied, although her nerves suddenly kicked up a gear. Adrien gave her a gentle shoulder bump and she smiled shyly.
"Adrien, the school is happy for your involvement in the second London store opening to be classed as your special project. Your cousin is handling the English end while you do the French. There is a meeting at 11am with the investors." Adrien looked down at his coffee cup, hesitating before he spoke.
"Will father be at the meeting?" He asked nervously. Nathalie stopped what she was typing to look up at him.
"He will be on the monitor via conference link. I'm sorry Adrien, you'll have to handle this one on your own again." Adrien slunk back into the seat. He might be the son of the boss, but these men were almost three times his age and just more than a little intimidating. Even with his father on the monitor, he would have prefered him in the room. Marinette looked with concern over at him, but he just shrugged and gave a sad smile.
Sasha and Nathalie then both rose, discussing a current shipment of new materials that should be arriving shortly. Adrien also stood up, taking his and Marinette's empty coffee cups to the bin as she made some notes on her tablet. As he came back he could see her poking her tongue out to the side as she concentrated. It was adorable, really, and reminded him of Ladybug when she was concentrating hard on something. "Shall we go then M'l..Marinette." He caught himself almost calling Marinette by his name for Ladybug as he held his hand out to her. She hadn't noticed though, gathering up her things she took his hand to stand. Marinette, being Marinette, managed to catch her foot on the leg of the table and went to fall back on the couch. Adrien instinctively pulled on her hand towards him, causing her to crash flush up against his chest, his other hand coming around her back to steady her, but also holding her closer to him.
"Are you alright?" He asked softly, that sweet smell of cookies assaulting his senses, making him almost dizzy.
"Yeah I'm fine." She said breathlessly as she looked up into his emerald eyes, her hand spayed across his chest. She was sure she was close enough that he must have felt the thump of her heart in her chest.
"Come along now my dear, you can cosy up to Adrien later." Sasha's voice rang out, the two teens sprung away from each other, Marinette playing with her high ponytail and Adrien rubbing the back of his neck.
"I'll..ah..see you later Adrien, h..have a good meeting." Marinette stumbled out, following Sasha and Nathalie, who started to laugh at the dazed look on Adrien's face.
Walking through the design hub, Marinette couldn't help but think that people seemed to have been looking at her oddly, compared to yesterday. She glanced over her clothes as she went, but couldn't see anything wrong or out of place. Her hair was still in the high pony and was neat and tidy and yet there seemed to have been whisperings about and odd glances. Marinette shook her head at herself, she must just be imagining things.
Sasha led her through to another department where customers came for fittings and alterations. Introducing her to the receptionist, the woman said that the client had just arrived and was in booth 3. Marinette thanked her and Sasha and headed down to the appointed room. She had prepared herself for most things on this placement, but not for the sight of Chloe in a long yellow evening gown awaiting alterations.
"What are you doing here Dupain-Cheng?" She shrilled, more in surprise than annoyance. "I thought you were placed with the designers?"
"I am, but the apprentice seamstress is sick and they asked me to fill in." She replied, gathering up her pins and tape measure.
"Well, I can't pretend I'm sorry about that." Chloe smirked, flicking her hair. "She's an incompetent twat anyway. I swear she was pricking me last time on purpose." Chloe stood up on the little platform, allowing the back of the dress to trail down. "As you can see, the hem isn't sitting correctly, and it's falling down on this side."
Marinette crouched down and set to work pinning the dress as Chloe tapped away on her phone. It wasn't necessarily an uncomfortable silence, but Marinette still felt a little awkward about the situation. After a while, Chloe looked away from her phone at Marinette. "So I gather you're going to the Jagged Stone concert?" She asked nonchalantly.
"Yes, I did the designs for Kitty Section so I automatically get a ticket." Chloe scoffed.
"What in the nosebleed seats? How generous of them." Marientte had to laugh at the sarcastic undertone.
"Well, it is a charity event, besides, I'm just happy to be there and support my friends." Chloé raised an eyebrow at her.
"Friend or boyfriend?" Marientte stopped what she was doing and stood up to look at Chloé. There was no point denying it anymore, least of all to Adrien's oldest friend.
"You know I've been in love with Adrien for years. I'm surprised you never outed me to him for your own gain." Marinette didn't expect that Chloe would actually laugh out loud.
"And miss out the fun of watching him try to figure it out for himself all these years. You underestimate me Marinette." The bluenette stared at the blonde in amazement. She was sure that was the first time she had ever heard Chloé use her first name. "Besides, I'd bet against Sabrina that he would be the one to confess to you first, and I don't plan on losing my bet." Marinette groaned and rolled her eyes. She had learnt from Alix about a year ago of the class betting pool that had started back in Collège and she was never sure whether to be flattered or mortified.
Chloe's expression then became more serious. "You know, it's been hard for Adrien...since his mother left. He gives of himself so freely and cares about everyone around him, but I think it made him afraid to get too close to someone in case they left him too, to let himself be loved." Marinette felt a pain in her heart. How could anyone leave their child like that? What could have happened that she would never want to see Adrien again? Gabriel she could maybe understand. The better she got to know Adrien, the more she had begun to dislike her former idol. "But I know you would never do that. Adrien has a soft heart, it needs a gentle touch, something I could never give him" Marinette's eyes widened to hear Chloé talk this way. It was a side of her that maybe only Adrien had ever seen. No wonder he always valued their friendship, because the real Chloé was nothing like the brash, outspoken socialite most people took her for.
Chloe stepped down off the stand. She was still taller than Marinette, most people generally were, but she wasn't trying to be intimidating, quite the opposite in fact. Marinette watched perplexed as the blonde walked a little away from her towards the floor to ceiling mirror. She looked at the reflection of herself in the dress, but there was sadness in her eyes. Marinette thought the dress looked quite beautiful on her and didn't understand why she seemed so upset.
"I know we have never been friends, and I share the blame for that." She began. "But we have one thing in common. We both care about Adrien." Chloe looked at Marinette through the reflection in the mirror. "He's like a brother to me, and is really the only person that has ever fully stood by me" She sighed heavily, closing her eyes. "I've let down everyone in my life. I could never live up to my mother's expectations, she didn't even care when I got school captain. I hurt Sabrina more times than I care to remember, I don't even know why she stayed friends with me and Adrien…he always sees the best of people, the best of me, even when I failed, even when I let him down...even when I let Ladybug down."
Marientte was lost for words. She had never seen Chloé look so vulnerable. She walked over to her carefully and put a hand on her shoulder. "Chloé I…" but the words fell flat when Chloe turned her eyes to her.
"I was a hero Marinette. I was someone that mattered. Ladybug gave me a chance despite the risks involved. I know now she was only trying to protect me, but at the time all I could see was that she was taking a part of me away when she said I could no longer be Queen Bee. A part of me people actually liked, because no one likes Chloé Bourgeois." Chloé wrapped her arms around herself. "I failed her too."
"Chloe, you haven't failed anyone." Marinette held both of Chloe's shoulders. "Yes you made mistakes, but everyone does. You have proved yourself since then as a leader and have been a great school captain. You didn't need a Miraculous to do that, that was all you."
"But I made the wrong choices! I hurt everyone I cared about." Tears began to brim in Chloe's eyes. "My mother was right, I'm not special." She said as tears began falling, echoing her mother's cruel words. "Why would Ladybug ever believe in me again?" Marinette took both of her hands in her own. She knew Chloe had always struggled to get her mother's approval, and she had heard rumours that Audrey Bourgeois was planning to return to New York after graduation, evidently without Chloé .
"You are more than your mistakes. What makes you a hero is facing those mistakes head on and being a better person. You are special Chloe. You are a born leader and it wouldn't surprise me if you became Mayor of Paris like your father one day." A small smile spread onto Chloe's face.
"You really believe that?" Marinette nodded.
"I do. I believe in you Chloé Bourgeois, and I'm sure Ladybug will too." The two girl fell into a warm embrace. They may not be friends yet, but they would never be enemies again.
"I believe in you too Chlo." Came a familiar voice from the doorway.
"Adrikins!" Chloé called out, running over and letting her childhood friend pick her up in a tight embrace. "How long have you been standing there?"
"Since around you said you failed everyone." Marinette let out a breath. He hadn't heard her telling Chloe she was in love with him. That was not how she would want him to find out. "You never failed me Chloé. You were always there for me and you know if you're ever feeling down, I'm always here for you too." Chloé smiled and nodded. Adrien kept an arm around her shoulders. "Now I came down to tell you Sabrina is waiting for you in the Lobby, so go powder your nose or whatever it is you do and go and have lunch." Chloé shook her head with a laugh at him.
"Just leave the dress at reception, I'll see to it personally for you." Marinette added. Chloe looked over at the bluenette, a fondness in her eyes.
"Thank you Marinette. Oh and by the way, I expect both of you to be at my after party after the concert." She said as she sashayed out of the room. Adrien looked over at Marinette who had begun to pack up her bits and pieces. He hadn't meant to eavesdrop on the conversation, but listening to Marinette talk, it reminded him so much of Ladybug. There was a glimmer of an idea in his mind, one he'd had before about Marinette and his Lady, but he pushed it aside.
"Sasha said that you're to go on your lunch break now before coming back to the design hub." Marientte looked over to him and that butterfly flutter rose up in his chest as she walked over to him.
"Are you not having lunch?" She asked, her eyes were soft and inviting.
"I've got a few calls I have to make, but I'll come and find you when I'm done." She smiled sweetly at him and turned to walk out. Adrien rested his head back against the doorframe, his heart thumping in his chest. He knew he was falling into all sorts of trouble, but he couldn't say he didn't like it.
Settling into the employee lounge with her lunch, Marinette pulled out her sketchbook. She had been working on and off on her design challenge and was really happy with how it was turning out. She could almost picture herself wearing it, next to Adrien in the matching suit. Maybe to a fancy dinner or a cocktail reception. As Marinette let her imagination run she was vaguely aware that some others had entered the break room, but she didn't look up.
"Oh, is that her?" She heard an unfamiliar voice ask in a low whisper.
"Yes, that's her. She thinks she's going to be a designer." Marinette's stomach dropped, she knew that sniggering voice.
"Surely someone as hot as Adrien wouldn't take much notice of a drab little thing like that? Not when he could have one of us." The unfamiliar voice continued.
"She's just a gold digger, I'm sure Adrien will see straight through her like everyone else here." Lila responded, just loud enough that she knew Marinette would hear. Marinette stopped sketching, but didn't turn around. She was fighting the tears that were threatening to fall. That's why people had been looking and whispering as she passed. Lila was on a gossiping war path and as a part time model at Gabriel, naturally they would believe her. Marientte hung her head low. Maybe Lila was right though, maybe Adrien would think she was just using their friendship to get a foot in the industry.
"Who's a gold digger?" Adrien's voice chimed in. Marinette slightly turned her head to see a tall redhead walk over and throw her arms around his neck as he walked in. The blonde took a step back, unhooking her arms from him. "Save it for the shoot Veronica." His voice was annoyed but the redhead just brushed it off. "I didn't expect to see you two around here."
"It was getting boring in there so we snuck out. I just wanted to see what my dear friend Marinette was up to." Adrien glared at Lila, knowing full well she couldn't stand Marinette. He then turned his attention to the bluenette and saw her hunched over with her head turned away. He went over to her and could see a tear trickling down her cheek that she was trying to hide.
"What's been going on here? You weren't talking about Marinette like that were you?" He glared at the two girls who were just smirking to each other.
"What of it?" Veronica retorted. "Come on Lila, we have better things to do." As the duo left Adrien crouched down and carefully reached out to Marinette's hand.
"Hey, don't listen to them. Veronica is a lot like Lila so I'm not surprised they would strike up a friendship but you know that whatever Lila says is rubbish." Marinette closed her eyes, more tears escaping.
"Are people really going to think I'm just friends with you because I want to be a designer? Is that what people here are thinking of me? A gold digger?" Her voice broke into a sob. Adrien felt his heart ache. It wasn't fair that she should have to suffer for other people's jealousy. He knelt up and wrapped his arms carefully around her, her tears falling onto his jacket. Even as her sobs eased, he didn't want to let her go. Despite the situation, she felt so comfortable in his arms, like she was meant to fit there perfectly. All he could think of in that moment was that she felt warm and soft and smelt like cookies. He felt like his heart would beat out of his chest. Rubbing soothing circles on her back she eventually calmed down.
"I can't speak for other people, but I know that's not true." He said as he held her, gently stroking her hair. "And as long as I know the truth, then that's all that really matters." She held onto him a little tighter, knowing that he at least believed her.
"Alright, this is what we are going to do." He said sitting back a little so he could see her face. Her eyes were still glistening from the tears, but they were so blue and beautiful. How could someone still look this cute when they had been crying? "We are going to get your stuff from your locker and move them to my office. I'm not having you down here anymore for the likes of Lila and Veronica to get to you." Marinette's eyes widened.
"But Adrien, what will people say?" Adrien just shrugged.
"People are going to talk anyway, so we might as well give them something to talk about. Shall we?" He stood up taking Marinette by the arm. Walking her over to the lockers she took out her few belongings and he took her hand to walk over to the elevator. Marinette was trying not to think too much about the fact Adrien was holding her hand again as he led her down the corridor to his office. Walking in, Nathalie was in there. The assistant was surprised to see them walk in together.
"I was just looking for you Adrien. Marinette are you all right?" The bluenette lowered her eyes and nodded her head, Adrien taking over for her.
"Lila made friends with Veronica and it seems they had some rather nasty things to say around the place. I'm moving Marinette's belongings into here so she won't need to go near the employee lounge again." It was at this point that Nathalie noticed that Adrien had a firm grip on Marinette's hand. Her face softened and she smiled at the two of them.
"Very well. Marinette, are you still up for working?" Nathalie asked. Adrien let go of Marientte's hand, lightly touching her back before walking to his desk.
"Yes Miss. Sancour. I want to continue on schedule. Everyone else has been so lovely here and Lila has always disliked me." She wasn't sure how lovely people would continue to be now that Lila was in everyone's ears, but Marinette was determined to press on regardless.
"Unfortunately she also had to find someone else just like her." Adrien chimed in as he looked in one of his desk draws. Pulling out a key card, he gave it to Marinette. "Here, this is a spare key to the office, in case I'm not in here and the door is locked. You just make yourself at home." Marinette took it and placed it in her purse. She caught a glimpse of Tikki in her bag, smiling up at her.
"Well, now that all is well again, Sasha will be waiting for you Marinette. Adrien, you're needed down in fittings again, they still have issues with that jacket for the photoshoot." Adrien walked back over to Marinette and put his hands on both her shoulders.
"You'll be okay now. Don't worry about the likes of Lila and Veronica, they are just jealous because they aren't as talented or beautiful as you." Marinette could feel her face flush bright red. Did he just say…? But before she could think anymore on it, Adrien was out the door. Her heart was racing but she didn't know how fast Adrien's own heart was also racing. He had just meant to say talented, beautiful kind of just slipped out, but he didn't regret it because that blush on her face was priceless and he had to admit, he enjoyed being the one to put it there.