Chapter 4: Getting Ice Cream at André's

Since Adrien missed his ice cream with Marinette, because he was waiting for Ladybug, he decided that he would make up for it by taking her now. However it seems like that's not the only thing he wants to show her.


It was nice taking a casual stroll through dusk-lit Paris with your superhero girlfriend, it was definitely different from traveling in a car or pole vaulting around the city. Adrien got to experience the world through the eyes of Marinette, no fans, no autographs, and no pressure. Just him and her-

My name is André! André! Glacé! The sweetheart matchmaker! With one scoop or two, I'll find up for you with magical ice-cream flavors!

My name is André! André! Glacé! The sweetheart matchmaker! With one scoop or two, I'll find up for you with magical ice-cream flavors!

And Andre too apparently. When the two of them made it to the Pont des Arts bridge, Adrien pointed toward the cart, trying not to sound like this pitstop wasn't premeditated, "Oh look, what a co-winky dink, Andre: the sweetheart ice cream maker!" He jogged down the bridge to reach the vendor.

Andre was super excited to see that his two lone wolves were together as a pack, "Marinette and Adrien! My two love birds, it's so refreshing to see you both together at last!" First, he pointed at Marinette with his scooper, "Strawberries with black chocolate chips! Blackberries for her hair, and blueberry ice-cream just like her sky-blue stare!" Then he went for Adrien, "Peach pink like his lips and mint like his eyes… He skipped over to his cart and quickly shoveled the frozen treat on top of a cone, "Eat this, my dears, and your love will materialize!"

What he handed them was a blackberry and peppermint combination, perfect for the two. "It already has Andre, thank you!"

After Adrien received the ice cream, they began to walk along the bridge until they found a small bench to sit and eat; Adrien took the first spoon and fed Marinette a scoop, then she did the same for him.

'Aw man this taste great, to think if I hadn't been waiting for Ladybug, I would've been here sharing this with Marinette!'

After a few minutes of feeding each other, Adrien presented the edible cone to Marinette who happily ate the whole thing. They sat there enjoying the last bit of the day when Marinette spoke, "Um A-Adrien, this week has been really great, but something's been bothering me…" She hesitated to look at him, while she played with her fingers, and digging her toes in the wooden bridge.

He asked, placing a hand over her heart and then the other on his forehead, "Oh no are you dumping me already?!" He dramatically whined, then peered one eye open to see her reaction.

"Wh-what no!" She panicked, waving her hands in front of her face frantically. "I would nev-!"

"Sorry Mari, I was just teasing…" Adrien placed his hand on her leg to assure her he was joking, "Tell me what you need to say, whatever it is; I'll listen. I can take it."

Marinette redacted herself, she felt embarrassed that she freaked out so easily. "Right," She chuckled to make herself feel better, "Well, i-it's just that I wanted to know, what changed your mind, about me?"

Adrien scratched his face in confusion, "What do you mean?"

Marinette looked down back at her hands, "I mean why after all this time did you now just see me? I spent so many times trying to confess my feelings for you, then we had that 'incident' at the museum, then you told me that you were in love with someone else…" She slumped over, resting her elbows on her knees, "Since I could never articulate my words, I assumed it wouldn't ever happen. I've always felt like you were way out of my league anyway…"

Adrien sighed, he used his fingers to comb through his hair then leaned backwards and placed his hand on the bench, "Let's just say that the mask came off, -um- the metaphorical mask."

"The girl I put up on such a high pedestal was just a normal girl with a normal life, and everything that I saw from her, that I deemed special, was just seen through rose-colored glasses." Adrien sat back up, placing his elbows on his knees and his chin on his hands. "When I took them off, I was able to see the real person that's always been supporting me and caring for me like I've always wanted."

He wrapped his left arm around her shoulders, pulling her close for a small hug, "Long story short I just needed to pull my head outta my ass*!" He chuckled.

Marinette giggled as she leaned over, putting his head on his shoulder, "Well I'm glad that you did, even if you are covered in poop!" They laughed together, as Marinette messed up his hair a bit.

After he readjusted his beret; Adrien continued, "I can't say that my mind was changed per se, it was more like it was opened up. You see, for the longest time, I always thought that because of the miscommunication you and I had on the first day we met that you still hated me."

"I was ready to hate you when I found out you were friends with Chloe, but then I discovered the truth…"

"After we became friends, I thought you were constantly starstruck because I was famous and my father was being intimidating as he is."

"I didn't know you two were related until later on…"

"Then I was thinking that all your nervousness and stuttering was due to you being uncomfortable around me because I was home-schooled and you weren't sure how to act around me, which apparently was not the case."

Marinette placed her finger under her chin, he loved watching her "Ladybug thinking face" especially when she was coming up with plans, or figuring out a way to use her lucky charm. "Huh I guess I didn't mean to act weird around you, it's just that I had such a huge crush on you that I didn't know how to act like myself. I felt like I screwed up on our first meeting, I felt silly afterwards and I wasn't sure how to act around you back then."

Marinette reached over, placing her hand on his knee; she looked over at him with warmth in her eyes; she was happy to hear these answers from him. "The more I found out about you, the more I realized that in a lot of ways we were friends, just different kinds of friends; I knew deep down that you didn't hate me, but that you saw me in a different light, and it took you interacting with me as yourself to see that."

Maybe it was because they got to talk like this, but Adrien was starting to feel that connection Kagami had mentioned earlier. "I never disliked you, I was just trying to make new friends at my new school, and I wasn't sure how to interact with kids my own age." Adrien took her hand from his knee and held it in his hand, "Chloe was my one and only friend for the longest time and I guess I just got used to how she acted; it never occurred to me that her actions were unacceptable out in public."

Adrien rotated his wrist and interlaced their fingers together before he continued, "When it came to Nino, he and I became fast friends; he was always there to help teach me about the facts of life that I would've otherwise never found out about on my own. Ayla is sweet, courageous and smart, since I've met her it's probably the most outdoor activity I've ever seen in my life! She's always planning for the four of us to hang out all the time and I know she's your best friend too."

Adrien glanced down at Marinette, her eyes lit up with delight; she loved that he was speaking so highly of their friends and how they've impacted his life, "And then there's you…"

"M-me? Wh-what about me?" She jumped at the subject change, pointing to herself.

Adrien twisted to face her, grabbing her other hand and bringing them to his chest, "Aw man! What can I say about the 'great Marinette Dupain-Cheng' that everyone doesn't already know? You're amazing!"

Adrien began to list off all her greatest feats with his fingers, "You're our class representative, you do all the costumes for Kitty Section, you babysit for Nadija Chemack, and not only have you designed a pair of sunglasses for Jagged Stone but you were also requested to design his album cover!"

Marinette's face was red, she was both flattered and proud; given the evidence right in front of her face made her heart race with joy, "Oh and let's not forget about your most important job!"

Marinette looked up baffled, "Wh-What's my most important job?" Literally what was left, he named off all her exploits.

'Crap you're doing it again, Agreste! She doesn't know you know, idiot! You can't openly talk about "Ladybug" stuff yet!' Wiping his neck, he cleared his throat, "Th-the help you do for your parents, at th-the bakery?!"

Marinette began tapping her chin, with an inquisitive stare, "Oh well yeah, I do help them a lot when I can…"

Adrien felt the need to wipe his forehead, relieved that he didn't spill the beans, "Uh you know how to sew and cook, and you use all that talent to make things for your friends, not just clothes but pastries too!" Adrien slumped forward on his knees again, "Honestly, I feel like you're the one that's way out of my league…" He glanced back at Marinette proudly and reached behind her to play with her long hair, "Is there anything you can't do?"

"Tell the boy I love for years how much he means to me and that he's got a caring heart and a kind soul.…" Marinette planted her eyes on her twiddling fingers in her laps until she felt another pair dropped on top of hers, she looked up to see sincerity; wanting her to continue.

"That he's helped me become more grounded and comfortable in my own skin, that every time I look into his eyes; I feel all warm and fuzzy inside." Marinette twisted to face Adrien, "That I would love to spend the rest of my life with him, with our three kids and a hamster…" She blushed hard; she then covered her face to hide her nervous giggles.

"I think you just did…" Adrien looked away too, he felt his face heat up; Marinette thought of things like that? About the future, with him and being married with kids, a house and the whole thing. Adrien let a sniff sound escape, "So when was it?"

Marinette tilted her head to the side, "When was what, -er- when?"

He chuckled, Adrien brought his arm around to collect her in his arms, placing his forehead against hers. "When was the day that you fell in love with me?"

"Th-The day you gave me your um-umbrella…" After her blush resurfaced, Marinette glanced up at Adrien, "Wh-What?" she asked.

Adrien was taken back; Marinette has been in love with him since the first day they met? Although he couldn't say much, considering he fell for Ladybug the exact same day. It was true, they were made for each other.

"Nothing, it's just, that was the first time you actually said I love you…" Marinette snickered, which made Adrien realize what he said; he pulled away from the embrace to wave his arms about. "I mean that you loved me, I mean, it's not like I don't love you it was just the first time you said it…"

Marinette brought Adrien closer, leaning against his shoulder and sighing. "And now I get to talk to you all I want to." She clasped their hands together, curling them inside each other.

They sat in silence for a moment before Marinette's phone started to buzz, it was a text from Alya; she was asking if they were still out. Probably wanting to talk about the day's events, she then glanced at the time, "Adrien, it's getting pretty late, shouldn't you call your driver?" Marinette stood up, placing her phone back in her pocket.

Adrien also got his phone out; his face scrunched up before he typed a quick text, "Yeah I should've been home by now, but I have to do one last thing first."

Adrien kissed her knuckles, as he pulled Marinette back to sit down. "Close your eyes…" He rotated Marinette's hands to open palms, then reached behind his back and retrieved a small furry bundle and placed it in her hands. "I saw her and thought of you…"

*Upon opening her eyes, Marinette was staring down at a tiny caramel colored creature with giant piercing blue eyes, with a pink polka dotted ribbon tied in a bow, "Oh Adrien! I don't believe it, she's adorable!"*

"Yeah, I'm sorry that's she's not a real hamster, but I figured with your schedule and all the other stuff that you do, it be too much to have a real pet right now, so I figured-" A tight hug interrupted his words when Marinette lunged at him, followed by a barrage of face kisses.

"I don't care, Adrien! I love her so much already!" Marinette cradled the toy against her face, like a precious jewel; it may have been a stuffed animal but since it came from Adrien, she took extra special care of, "What's her name?"

Adrien was flabbergasted, "Sorry Mari I didn't think of a name; I figured you could name her." Another buzz in his pocket told him that his driver was back, and it was finally time to leave; Adrien stood up then offered her his hand. "I personally think that the name 'Tikki' is spot on, don'tcha think? "

Marinette stiffened up when stopped in her tracks, "Wh-Wh-Why would you call her Tik-Tikki? She doesn't look like a bug or a mouse or a bug-mouse!"

Adrien laughed as he pulled her to continue walking, "No, but that's up to you…"

When they reached the car, Gorilla opened the door for Marinette, then Adrien climbed in after her, "It's not that I don't like the name 'Tikki', but don't you think she looks more like a…um…Cr-Croissant?"

"To Marinette's please?" She was in such a wonder, "Croissant? Why that name?" He held her hand after they got done buckling up.

"Well because she's small, brown, round and…" Marinette then nuzzled the pet's nose, cutely. "Because croissants are your favorites!" She finished by nuzzling the back of Adrien's hand against her cheek.

"Okay then, Croissant it is…" Adrien snuggled close to Marinette, "Happy week-iversary, Marinette…"

"Happy week-iversary, Adrien…"


It was completely dark when Adrien arrived back at home, he was expecting to get a lecture from Nathalie when he walked in, what he wasn't expecting was to see his father at the top of the stairwell waiting to "greet" him. "Go-Good evening, Far-"

"Adrien, you're late again. Is this going to become a habit of yours? I raised you better than that."

"Sorry Father, we took my friend Marinette home," Remembering he was home, Adrien quickly removed his hat and held it behind his back. "I apologize for my tardiness; it won't happen again." He pushed his nails into his palms, like always he refused to look his father in the eye; not out of cowardness but out of annoyance.

The robot's eyebrow rose, "Marinette? As in Marinette Dupain-Cheng? The girl that lives at the bakery?"

Adrien winced, hearing her beautiful name coming out of his monotone drone was bothersome; he didn't like it. It sent an uneasy sliver in his stomach; Adrien took a reluctant deep breath then answered, "Yes Father, the girl who won your Derby hat contest a few years-"

"I remember." Perhaps if he reminded his father of something positive about Marinette; maybe he wouldn't have such a distain for her, maybe he could see her as more than just the "bakery girl". Keeping his hands behind his back, Gabriel made his way down the stairs; each step sounding more treacherous as he descended.

"You seem to be spending a lot of time with this Mademoiselle Dupain-Cheng as of late; is there something I need to know, Adrien?"

Using his peripherals, he brought his gaze over to Nathalie, who fixed her glasses, then turned his attention down to his pocket where he saw Plagg nod in agreement. 'Well I guess it's now or never…'

After taking another deep breath, Adrien planted his heels firmly on the marble, and looked dead in his father's cold, lifeless eyes. "If I may speak freely father…" Gabriel only nodded, "Marinette and I are friends, 'special' friends, really good 'special' close friends. I-I've never felt like this towards anyone, not since mother was around; she makes me feel good inside, and I want to keep having that feeling!"

Gabriel's intimidating gaze sent a cold shiver up Adrien's spine as he slowly approached his son, but Adrien pressed on; there was no turning back now. "She's smart, talented and resourceful, I know she's nothing like Chloe, but that's exactly why I like her." Absentmindedly Adrien brought his hands from behind his back, revealing his gift, "She's sweet, kind and has a good head on her shoulders; I wish to spend more time with her because I-I love her father…"

Gabriel slowly rotated his neck to stare at Nathalie, she looked him square in the eye, smiled then nodded; to which he turned back to his son then continued looming forward.

Once at arm's length, Gabriel placed both hands on Adrien's shoulders, "Hearing you speak so openly about your feelings towards this gi-Mademoiselle Dupain-Cheng, is palpable. I'm glad you were able to come to me honestly about how you feel; you've become quite the responsible young man; your mother would be proud." He took his hands back and resumed his stance, then bowed his head, "You have my blessing…"

Adrien said nothing, letting his father's words sink in; after a silent poke from Plagg, he lunged at Gabriel in the tightest bear-hug his arms could muster. Gabriel was shocked at first, but slowly lowered his arms to engulf his son, matching his intensity; then, coming back to his senses, let go shortly after.

He straightened back up to his robot form and spoke, "Well since you were late; you have 5 minutes to wash up for dinner. I expect you to be in the dining room on time!" He finished sternly.

His eyes lit up, not only did his father approve of his relationship with Marinette, but he was also having dinner with him as well. This really was a great day! "Yes Father, thank you!" Adrien smiled brightly over to Nathalie before placing his beret back on his head then bolted upstairs being followed by Gorilla.

Once the door was closed Plagg flew out immediately, "What the hell was that?!"

"Plagg, language!" Adrien tossed a piece of camembert in his direction, threw his hat on his bed then headed for his bathroom.

It didn't take him long to devour his cheese, but when he was done; he followed his charge into the restroom, "Adrien, my kwami senses are tingling! Something doesn't feel right!"

"What are you going on about Plagg?" Adrien was in the middle of washing his face.

"Since when is Gabriel Agreste, nice? I assumed he didn't know the meaning of the word…" Plagg crossed his paws over his mini chest.

Adrien finished washing his face then applied soap to his hands, "Well once upon a time ago he used to be really nice, loving even; but after mom disappeared… well you know..."

Plagg flew into Adrien's newly clean face and poked him in the nose, "That's exactly my point! He approves of you dating Pigtails? He's hugging you and now he's having dinner with you? Yeah, something just doesn't seem quite right…" He brought his paw up to his face, tapping his chin.

"Uh 'Pigtails'? Is that what you call Marinette?" Adrien grabbed a towel to dry his face and hands, then walked out turning off the light.

"Is that all you heard?!" Plagg once again flew into his face, flapping his paws about, and twitching his tail. "Something is wrong here! Your father is never nice," Adrien held his hand out for his kwami, who angrily floated down into his palm, "Maybe he's been possessed or abducted by aliens -oh no, he's been probed!"

Adrien just laughed, shaking his head, "My father is a lot of things, but being probed by aliens isn't one of them." He allowed Plagg to escape from his hand and left floating in confusion as he started downstairs.

Plagg sighed loudly, shaking his head, but he stopped Adrien before he got to his bedroom door. "Fine, let's forget whatever is going on with your father, what we really need to discuss is telling Marinette the truth. You can't keep putting it off; what, do you plan on talking to her when she's walking down the aisle!?"

Reaching for his bedroom door, "Maybe…"

"Adrien 'Chat Noir' Agreste!"

"That's not even close to my middle name…"

"Adrien, focus!" Plagg attempted to kwami slap him on the cheek, it was soft and non-threatening; causing Adrien to close the door. "YOU NEED TO TELL MARINETTE THAT YOU KNOW SHE'S LADYBUG! Image when she finds out, she's gonna be furious that you kept it from her for so long! You're not even supposed to know her identity in the first place and honestly, I'm not sure how you figured it but now that you do know, you have to tell her so it could be on even ground!"

Adrien plucked his favorite creature out of the air and patted him on his head to calm him down; the little guy was shaking; he was so upset. "Plagg, please calm down! Look, the fashion show is coming up this weekend, and I'm planning on inviting her as my plus one, so I'll tell her then…"

Adrien watched as Plagg folded his paws and turned away from his charge, he simply brought him to his face and nuzzled his body, "Don't worry about it Plagg, everything will be okay; I promise." Then they were off to dinner.


Adrien said nothing, letting his father's words sink in; after a silent poke from Plagg, he lunged at Gabriel in the tightest bear-hug his arms could muster. Gabriel was shocked at first, but slowly lowered his arms to engulf his son, matching his intensity; then, coming back to his senses, let go shortly after.

He straightened back up to his robot form and spoke, "Well since you were late; you have 5 minutes to wash up for dinner. I expect you to be in the dining room on time!" He finished sternly.

His eyes lit up, not only did his father approve of his relationship with Marinette, but he was also having dinner with him as well. This really was a great day! "Yes Father, thank you!" Adrien smiled brightly over to Nathalie before placing his beret back on his head then bolted upstairs being followed by Gorilla.

After Gorilla grunted that Adrien was safe in his room, Nathalie walked over to her boss, "It seems that your intuition about this situation was correct Nathalie, well done." Gabriel congratulated her by wrapping his arm around the small of her back and pulling her slightly towards him; and just like Adrien, this "hug" did not last long.

Nathalie almost dropped her glasses off her face shocked at the sudden contact "Y-yes thank you, sir!"

He let go shortly after and began to head towards the dining hall, "Alright see you at dinner."

"Of course, sir!" Nathalie stood in the foyer until her heart stopped racing.


A/N:

*This comment is reference to that Instagram post "Adrien" made when he said that he thought "Ladybug kicked ass"

*This scene inspired by Ferisae's Chat Blanc picture on instagram, tumblr and twitter*

Translations:

Mademoiselle = Miss

References:

wiki/Glaciator/Transcript

wiki/Cat_Blanc/Transcript

wiki/Heart_Hunter_(The_Battle_of_the_Miraculous_-_Part_1)/Transcript