Marinette woke up the next morning, and reached out to where she remembered Adrien lying next to her, but the sheets were cold. She sighed deeply, and willed her eyes to open. Sure enough he was gone. Had he slept at all?
"You're awake!" Tikki's voice rose in front of her face, and her adorable kwami's eyes blinked in concern. "It is still early you know! The textile meeting is not for hours yet."
"Where is Adrien?" Marinette slid her legs out of bed, and rubbed her eyes.
Tikki looked down in concern, clearly wondering how much to tell without worrying Marinette too much. "He did actually sleep a little bit." Tikki ventured, "or at least he rested beside you through most of the night. He said that he was going to the gym before getting ready for the day. He didn't want to wake you. I think he thought he'd be back before you woke up."
"Do you know what has been bothering him?" Marinette asked Tikki. "What in his dream could have traumatized him that much, that he doesn't even trust himself to fall asleep. I've got to help him before he hurts himself any more."
"Plagg is worried too," Tikki admitted. "Adrien hasn't told him either."
Marinette looked thoughtful for a moment, and then reached over to her jacket, which had been carefully folded beside her pillow. She reached into the inner pocket and pulled out Ember's quill. "Ember light!" she commanded, and the room lit up with phoenix fire, and Ember rose from his quill.
"You are in distress?" Ember asked, with his coal-like eyes studying Marinette.
"It is Adrien. He hasn't slept since a nightmare, and it is starting to take a toll on him, but he won't admit it. He won't even tell me about the dream. What should we do?" Marinette asked.
"It could be that he fears to return to the nightmare because it embodies his worst fears...on the other hand it could be that he fears that the nightmare itself will become reality and he can't find any other way to prevent it, other than avoiding it," Ember said thoughtfully. "It would not be the first time I witnessed someone driven to this kind of desperation. A single traumatic event can lead to psychological trauma, and he has experienced many losses through his young life."
"But what can we do?" pleaded Marinette again.
"He will need to pinpoint his fear, and bring it to light. Only then will the darkness this nightmare holds over him will be stripped away. To tell you the truth, I worry that Chaos could take advantage of him if he starts to become physically and mentally weakened. After too much insomnia he will be more susceptible to suggestion..and for the wielder of destruction that could be dangerous indeed."
ooooooooooo
In the fitness room Adrien was on the bench-press lifting weights, while Plagg was fast asleep in his bag nearby (Plagg had said "No amount of physical exertion should transpire before daylight unless there is the promise of Pule Cheese (the most expensive cheese in the world)."
"I thought I was the only one obsessed with my own physic enough to be working out at this hour," Komar observed with amusement as she leaned on the door of the exercise room. "Need a spotter?"
"I'm fine thanks. I just didn't feel like sleeping," Adrien continued to lift, and heaved the weights onto the rack. Then he used a white towel to wipe the sweat off his forehead, and wiped down the bench. Then he moved on to the treadmill.
Komar stepped onto the treadmill next to his, and started jogging casually. "I thought you'd be getting cozy with your girlfriend. What's the matter? Trouble in paradise?"
"We're fine," Adrien growled, and ran faster, pressing the button to increase the pace.
"Okay, okay, I was just teasing," Komar held up his hands in surrender.
"And by the way, Marinette has worked really hard to get here you know. This deal is really huge for her so don't you dare do anything to sabotage this meeting today, and ruin her chances of staying on with SQ," Adrien warned.
"Of course not! I don't gain anything by preventing Marinette from succeeding in gaining this contract. If this deal doesn't go through she might not have the opportunity to coordinate the show in New York. It would totally ruin everything."
Adrien looked at him questioningly, "I didn't think you were that concerned about other people."
"She knows how to make me look my absolute best! You think I want to have some random designer they bring on last minute to drape tacky rags on me! Marinette has got to get this deal!" Komar said with determination. "Don't you worry Adrien. I might not have won you over yet, but there are plenty of others who fall to my charms, and I intend to put all of my talent to good use today."
"I guess it is nice to see you wanting to be a team player and help out," Adrien said with reservation.
"I have my moments!" Komar shot Adrien a flashing smile. Then he stretched his arms up over his head.
"Sorry Komar," Adrien paused the treadmill, and turned toward Komar. "There has been a lot on my mind, but it wasn't right of me snap at you like that, or accuse you of planning to undermining the meeting today."
"Don't worry, I get it," Komar started walking forward again. "Life can get pretty chaotic sometimes. Sometimes you just get swept along for the ride."
"It has felt like a bit like being caught up in an avalanche lately," Adrian admitted. "I don't know if I can control it any more."
"Control what? You mean life?" Komar raised an eyebrow at Adrien as he started jogging again, "Of course you're not in control. Life can't be caged in. There are twists and turns, the unanticipated, there are too many possibilities and too many people making decisions that change every pathway of destiny. It's a wild thing, not a pet."
"I...I guess I never thought of it like that," Adrien said thoughtfully.
"Think of it this way," Komar continued, "if you had been able to have control over every little thing, would you have ended up up here?"
"There is no way I would have ever imagined my life like this...and I don't think I would have ended up with Marinette either," Adrien started to jog forward again.
"You know what your problem is?" Komar said to Adrien.
Adrien looked over at him waiting for his diagnose.
"You care just too damn much!" Komar chuckled, and stopped running, allowing himself to slide off the treadmill. Then he tossed a towel over his shoulder and turned toward the door. "Just relax, and let your guard down. You'd be surprised how easy things could be!"
Adrien stepped off the machine, and took a drink from his water bottle, thinking about Komar's words. It honestly didn't sound like bad advice.
"I'm gonna hit the rooftop pool before your lady-friend hauls me off to that meeting. See you soon Agreste," Komar waved over his shoulder.
Adrien finished cleaning up the gym, and then hit the showers. Maybe he had got too uptight and worried about the weight of the world baring down on his shoulders. He couldn't control everything, so why stress over it? It had been so long since he could just let go.
oooooooooooooooo
Marinette was putting on mascara, at the makeup table in their room, but she kept getting distracted, worrying about Adrien, which would lead to poking herself in the eye...which then led to squinting in pain and mumbling curse words to the mirror. She stood up, and leaned in closer to the mirror, pulling out a folded kleenex to dab the blotched make up in the corner of her eye.
Adrien slipped into the room, and stopped short when he realized that Marinette was awake. "Oh, sorry, I didn't realize I'd been gone so long," he apologized.
"I've been too worried to sleep much," Marinette turned to him, and leaned against the table.
"You don't have to be concerned about the pitch! I've heard so many over the years, and you've got this!" Adrien went to her, and held her hands.
"Not about the meeting," Marinette shook her head, and looked up at him. "I'm worried about you."
"You don't have too..." Adrien tried to reason, but she silenced him with a firm kiss on his lips, and then she held his face in her hands.
"Wouldn't you worry about me if the tables were turned?" she asked.
"I haven't meant to upset you," Adrien said guiltily.
"Adrien, I don't want you to apologize. You've got nothing to apologize for. I just need you to tell me what is going on. What was in that nightmare of yours?"
"I've realized something," Adrien, put his arms around her. "I kept going over that nightmare over and over in my head, wondering if it was my fate to destroy everything and everyone around me...but in the end it was a nightmare. I have you in my arms, and I don't want to miss out on a single moment together because I fear being alone."
"Adrien!" Marinette gasped in surprise, and hugged him tight. "I've been trying to find out what has been going on for days! What made you finally decide to push it all aside?"
"Actually is was something Komar said," Adrien answered.
"Komar?!" Marinette repeated in disbelief.
"Yeah, weird huh!" Adrien smiled at her face she was making. "He seems to think I 'care too damn much'."
"I like that about you," Marinette nuzzled her face against his shoulder.
"Maybe I can become more laid back like my girlfriend," Adrien playfully, twirled Marinette's ponytail. "She is totally chill, even though Alexis is supposed to call you to check in any minute."
"EEEKKKkkk! Oh my gosh! What time is it! I thought I had tons of time! I even got up early...I got distracted, I started thinking, and then this mascara, and then...ahhh! Where is my hair brush!"
"Is it weird that seeing you like this makes me feel like the calm one?" Adrien teased.
"Don't stand there being all cute! Help me!" Marinette yelled digging through her suitcase and garment bags. "Oh where is my laptop...oh under here..." Marinette panicked, jumping around the room trying to make up lost time.
Suddenly Marinette was swept up in Adriens arms, and he kissed her on the forehead. "You go finish getting dressed, I'll get everything ready for your check-in with Alexis," Adrien told her calmly, and then laid her garment bag in her arms.
"The file on the financial report is in the red..." Marinette piped up, but Adrien interrupted.
"In the red folder, and the highlighted portions of the contract need to be organized according to textile requirement," Adrien jumped in, reassuring her. "Don't worry, you've got everything ready. I will just set this out, and get your audio set up."
"Have I told you that you're the best?!" Marinette sighed, slipping into the bathroom to finish getting ready.
Adrien just smiled and took out the files, laying them out neatly on the desk like he had seen Natalie do for his father in the past. Then he opened up Marinette's laptop, and pulled up the video conference, and fiddled with the audio. With everything assembled, he reached into the closet to change into his own business attire.
Marinette walked through the door, and Adrien looked up to see not the young girl in pony tails he had first met, but a polished business woman, who was awe-inspiring. Her grey a-line skirt fell just above her knees, and hugged her hips creating a silhouette that made Adrien weak. The jacket over top was tapered at her waist, and flared out slightly in understated pleats. The delicate black buttons down the front, and slim belt pulling everything together added just enough flare to catch the eye of anyone who had been around the fashion world.
"You look like you're ready for a win!" Adrien cheered, as he finished adjusting his tie, and pulled on his slate suit jacket over his starch white shirt.
"You think so?!" Marinette asked hopefully.
"Like I said before...no one is going to be able to say "no" to you," Adrien clasped her hand, and kissed the back of it. "Everything is ready for you Miss. Dupain-Cheng. I'll go round up Komar and Chloe, and call the car so we are ready to go as soon as you finish checking in with SQ."
Marinette nodded, with the nerves making her breathless, and she sat down at the desk, and dialed the connection for Alexis for one last review before showtime. Adrien, true to his word, went off to urge Chloe to hurry up and finish adjusting her hair, and get Komar out the door and down to the lobby. By the time Marinette joined them it was ready to head over to the textile headquarters.
Marinette listened to the pitch of the textile company representative. Then she described the inspiration for the New York show. She explained how she wanted to feature materials unique to each country, and celebrate artisans and designers who bring iconic style through the generations. She didn't want to just show a generalization of fashion in "Spain," but represent each of the unique regions within such a diverse and rich country.
There was murmuring between the executives, and they hesitantly looked at the files, considering the bottom line.
Seeing their hesitation, Marinette knew she needed to do something to manage to close the deal, but while she was trying to think of what she could say to possibly change their minds, Komar stepped up.
"There has been a unshakable bond between Paris and Barcelona that goes back to the 1920's. From French haute couture designer Jeanne Lanvin, to Pedro Rodriguez who established their empires right here in this city, you cannot deny that the union of these two fashion capitals have shaped fashion ever since. In this moment you have the opportunity to sign with SQ and shape the image the world aspires to. Multiple Catalan textile warehouse and embroidery industries are looking to you, waiting for the verdict," Komar declared passionately, piercing his audience with his gaze. "I know this company wouldn't want to miss out on the opportunity to be part of a moment in history like this." The executives across the table nodded in unison unable to take their eyes off the breathtaking man across from them.
The representatives whispered together, and pointed at the papers and samples in front of them. Within moments they rose, and shook Marinette's hand. Almost before Marinette knew what was happening the deal was signed, and the representative complimented her vision, and said "If SQ is investing in young designers with such a global mindset, we look forward to continuing our partnership for years to come!"
Marinette nodded, and agreed that SQ would look forward to their future. With their mission a success, they professionally thanked the executives for their time, and after shaking hands once more, they found their way out of the tall office building.
As soon as they were safely back in the company car, Marinette, Adrien, Komar, and Chloe all high-fived and cheered. Marinette excitedly emailed Alexis a copy of the signed contract.
"Lunch is on SQ!" Marinette declared. The other three cheered, and Komar leaned forward and instructed the diver to bring them to a place called Can Ramonet in la Barceloneta for lunch.
"I want sushi!" Chloe whined to Komar when she heard the destination.
"Of course you do," Komar patted her on the head. "But when in Barcelona, there are some things that simply cannot be passed up, and it is famous for it's seafood after all!"
"You've been here before?" Marinette asked as they pulled up, and piled out of the car. In front of them was a unassuming storefront with stained glass arching over the doorframe.
"A time or two," Komar led them through the doorway. "It's been pasted on through generations, and was built back in 1753, so it's not like it is the newest place on the strip, but it still finds a way to stick around."
Marinette was surprised. She hadn't expected Komar to know or care much about history, let alone lead them on a food tour while they were here. He was certainly full of surprises.
Huge wine barrels were stacked up against the wall behind the bar, and black and white photographs told the story of restaurant's lineage. Gleaming white beams of shiplap layered the ceiling, hanging garlic, ham, and peppers, along with floating shelves filled with various wine and drew their eyes upward. With a slightly nautical feel with framed yellowed maps, navigational instruments, and a tank of live lobsters, they had no doubt that the seafood would be good. They had no idea how good until the wide earthenware cazuela was brought out with bubbling fideua was presented to their table. The thin, short noodles bathed in olive oil and a shellfish broth covered in plump shrimp, mussels, clams, and pieces of cod. The dark cazuela was larger than a wok, and filled the small table in front of them. They dug in, while Chloe hung back, clearly wishing she could have John-Marc or whatever his name was deliver some sushi instead. In the end even Chloe could not resist the tempting smell of the dish right under her nose, and hesitantly took a bite. She shrugged as if unimpressed, but Adrien noticed with a smile that she ended up eating more than her fair share.
"Now for a toast!" Komar declared, standing to his feet as the waiter placed a porron filled with white wine in his hand. "We succeeded, and should celebrate!"
"I should toast you," Marinette admitted, "I was so impressed during the meeting. I don't know if we would have been able to seal the deal without you today."
"I'm flattered, please continue," Komar beamed.
Marinette couldn't help but laugh. Komar had his surprising moments, but he would never change. "How about we toast to our successful morning together!" Marinette suggested.
"Even better," Komar raise the glass spout of the porron above his head. "Here is to a eventful night!" With that he poured out the wine which fell in a thin stream into his mouth, and he passed it to Chloe.
"We get to get dressed up and go out tonight! Oh I am so in!" she raised the wine, and drank, before passing it to Adrien.
"Well, I guess we do deserve a bit of a celebration. It has been a while since I just let loose...actually...have I ever really?!" Adrien pondered, prompting Komar to reach over the table, and Adrien laughed as Komar tipped the wine into his mouth making some of it fly up his nose.
Then it was Marinette's turn.
"Come on Bluenette! Last night you promised if we were serious and did a good job today we could finally have some fun on this trip!" Komar whined.
"Dupain-Cheng how can I just let my amazing wardrobe go to waste! They simply must be seen! We've got to go out tonight!" Chloe yanked Marinette's arm.
"It could be fun," Adrien shrugged.
Marinette looked at all of them and then raised the porron for herself.
"That's what I'm talking about!" Komar thumped her on the back, and took another drink. "Now back to the hotel to prepare! Enjoy your siesta, you're going to need all of your energy for what I have planned!"
"Is it bad that I'm already regretting this?" Marinette whispered to Adrien.
"We don't have to if you'd rather not. I'm fine having a quiet night together instead," Adrien whispered back.
Marinette looked over to where Komar and Chloe were gushing over photos of themselves on their phones, deciding what they would wear out.
"I guess you only live once right?!" Marinette said. "It really might be fun to see a different side of Barcelona."
The four of them arrived back at the hotel, and retreated back to their rooms to "prepare for the night." Chloe budgeted a couple hours for her hairstyle alone, and insisted on hiring a professional makeup artist and stylist to the hotel. Komar seemed to have disappeared to plan whatever it was that they would be doing for the evening.
As soon as Marinette walked into their room she kicked off her heels, tossed her jacket over the back of the chair, and fell back into the bed with a breath of relief. Adrien watched her fondly, and she let out a "Whoop" and wiggled with excitement, yelling out, "I can't believe we did it! They signed the deal! It actually happened!"
Adrien kicked off his own shoes, loosened his tie, and crawled in next to her, watching her with one hand supporting his head. "Didn't I tell you?" he asked.
"You did, but you always think I can pull off the impossible!" Marinette smiled adoringly back at him.
"And am I wrong?!" Adrien booped her nose.
"If only all missions could go this smoothly!" Marinette sighed looking up at the ceiling. "Being in that meeting like that almost made me forget everything else that has been weighing down on us. While we are dealing with some unknown shape-shifter who keeps teasing us from the shadows, the rest of the world just goes on as if nothing is happening."
"There were plenty of times I dreamed of having a "normal" life," Adrien said quietly. Then he touched Marinette's shoulder, "but then I think about everything I would have missed out on. Even if I could do it all over again, I'd still choose this miraculous life with you."
"Me too," Marinette turned to Adrien, and kissed him softly. Adrien pulled her in close, and put his head on top of her's. She wrapped her arms around him, and gently stroked the back of his neck. The quiet moment overtook them, and they closed their eyes in the bliss of having this moment together. Before Marinette knew it she heard the sound of Adrien sleeping. He was finally sleeping. Without fitful dreams or shallow sleep-deprived snatches of restlessness...he was actually just peacefully sleeping. "Kitty," Marinette said sympathetically, kissing him again. "I still don't know exactly what made you so afraid to close your eyes, but I'm so relieved you've lifted the weight of the world off your shoulders just for a moment at least!" She wondered what it was about what Komar had said to him that morning which had made such a change.
Hours later Adrien woke up, feeling more rested than he had been in days. He stretched, but froze when he heard the moan of Marinette beside him. Cutting his stretch short, he opted for nuzzling her neck instead, until she giggled and opened her eyes.
"You slept," she said nose to nose with him. Then she awarded him with the warmest of smiles. "I'm so happy!"
"Me too," Adrien said, and he meant it. He felt so free and happy he didn't know how to contain it.
"You two better not be lame and ditch me after all the effort and money I spent on my hair!" Chloe rudely interrupted their siesta from the other side of the door. She pounded on the door for effect. "It's late...even by Barcelona standards. Let's go out already!"
"We're not really ready," Marinette called back to the door.
"How much time does it take you to look decent...never mind...forget I asked," Chloe grumbled.
"Maybe if we pretend we're not here she'll just go away?" Adrien suggested.
Marinette giggled when Chloe's voice spouted out "I heard that Agreste!"
"What is the hold up?" Komar's voice joined Chloe's.
"They are ridiculous, utterly ridiculous!" Chloe complained to Komar.
Adrien shook his head, and casually strolled to the door, and cracked it open to look out at them. "Are you two in that much of a rush?" Adrien peaked out into the hall and sure enough Komar and Chloe looked ready for the most excusive parties in Spain. Komar was edgy in a tight gold-embossed shirt, with pants the colour of amethyst. Chloe had her hair caught up by a golden comb, and her strapless shimmering gold dress and heels were practically blinding. Beautiful, but blinding. Her mouth opened at the sight of them.
"EEkkkkk!" shrieked Chloe. "You're wearing the same thing you were in hours ago...except you look even worse! Your hair is all ruffled, Marinette's makeup is all smudged...you are both a complete and total disaster! I mean I've seen Marinette having a bad hair decade, but you Adrien! How could you!"
Komar winked at Adrien, with a smug smile, "Had a nice nap afterall Agreste?!"
"How can you be so relaxed with these two!" Chloe scolded Komar.
"Come on Chloe, Adrien is a pro. He's used to a quick wardrobe change, so don't worry about him," Komar said casually. "Common' man, don't prove me wrong," Komar grabbed a garment outfit with the Gabriel brand logo, and tossed it to Adrien.
"It really won't take me too long," Adrien promised, with a wistful wave at Marinette, before slipping into the bathroom to change.
Then Komar took the opportunity to push Chloe through the door toward Marinette. "What you have to do is..." Then he bent down and whispered into Chloe's ear. She shook her head defiantly, but in the end he had apparently convinced her to do his bidding.
"Fine," Chloe growled, "But only so this night won't be a complete lost cause. Dupain-Cheng, you're coming with me!"
"I'm what?!" Marinette looked started like a rabbit about to bolt from a fox.
"Just come all already, it's about time someone gave you a makeover," Chloe grabbed her by the arm and hauled her over to her room. "I'll see what I can do, but I can't promise anything."
Adrien emerged from the room not too long later (his time as a model really had made him an expert at a quick 'costume' change). He wore a classic white button up short sleeve shirt from the Gabriel brand's early line. His black pants, fell to his stylish shoes he had purchased with Chloe the day before.
"Not bad Agreste," Komar joined him in the hallway. "You're nearly as fast as me at quick transformations!"
"Where is Marinette? Is she already ready?" Adrien asked.
"Chloe just thought she'd lend her a little something," Komar leaned against the wall, with a nod toward the opposite door of their room.
"Chloe is helping her get ready?" Adrien asked in disbelief.
Just then the door opened and Chloe gave Marinette a shove out into the hallway. "You'll wear this or wear nothing!" Chloe threatened.
"I'm nearly wearing nothing already!" Marinette argued back, and then realized that Adrien and Komar were standing right in front of her, and turned bright red.
Adrien's mouth hung open, and if he were a cartoon his tounge would have lulled out. Marinette's hair was slightly curled, with soft ringlets cascading over her shoulders, and down her back. Adrien got a flashback of the first time he had seen her with her hair down at the Bourgeois' anniversary party when they had tried to escape his body guard with Kagami. Adrien shook his head, even that moment, when he realized how gorgeous Marinette was didn't even compare to this. His eyes drifted down her bare neck, to the thin spaghetti straps of the little black dress that draped a low draping neckline between her breasts. The curve of her waist led his eyes dangerously low, to were the dress playfully flared out like a mini shirt. Her black red bottom heels gave a teasing pop of colour, that made Adrien's mind drift to her tight little red spotted outfit he loved so much.
"Nice work," Komar nodded at Chloe, then he put his arm over Adrien's shoulder. "Don't you think so Adrien?"
Adrien gulped, and tried to string a sentence together. He had always been so smooth as Chat Noir, but he found himself gasping for air. "It's hot...I mean I'm hot...that is...you're hot...you look good," Adrien mumbled, realizing the longer he talked, the more he was losing his cool.
Marinette blushed even more, and managed to squeak out a tiny, "thanks."
"Thanks to me you should say!" Chloe congratulated herself, and then looped her arms onto each of the boys, "And now you can finally show me off! Let's go!"
While being hauled away by Komar and Chloe, Adrien looked over his shoulder at Marinette who followed behind him, trying to tug down her skirt, but then readjusting the top with had lowered along with it. He gave her a Chat-like grin, and she met his eyes and giggled a bit to herself. As much as she hated to admit it, all of Chloe's fussing, and squeezing her into this ridiculous dress was worth it when it made Adrien look at her like that. What other surprises were to come?
ooooooooooo
Oh yes...there will be surprises;)
Thank you again for reading my story! It means so much to me to read the encouraging reviews and see people deciding to like for follow this story! You are the best readers ever:) Off to write some more!