"Marinette, are you sure you're feeling up for school?" Sabine was stuffing piece of buttered toast in her mouth, her head inclined to her shoulder where her phone was. She was dressed in a silk business suit, if it wasn't the cuts and crack hands from years of bathing in flour, she could've passed as a CEO. I grinned at the thought, she was badass. I sat on a stool against the counter, facing the enclosed kitchen where my mom was expertly multitasking. I shivered looking down at my pajama shorts of dark red and black dots and old 'class of 2013' middle school tee. My spoon made a satisfying clink against my bowl of cereal, I was getting my appetite back.
"Yeah, I mean," Swallowing my frosted flakes painfully, "I's only the third week of the new semester."
"Always taking the initiative, you're like your father." She said without a tone, my eyes widen at the sudden awkwardness. Sighing she placed the purse she was rummaging for car keys down. "Speaking of taking the initiative, I haven't seen Alya. She usually comes to bring your homework and checks on you during these rare occasions. I hope you girls aren't fighting."
"Oh no, she's just busy."
"Yeah? Poor girl, I didn't think Nino had it in him…" She left it hanging, making her way to the front door, placing a kiss on my cheek and was shoving the same heels Alya wore a couple nights before. Neither did I.
"What's it today?" I stood at the threshold, rubbing my exposed arms.
"...Just some meetings." She smiled sadly. "Love you, see you later tonight, there's money in the junk drawer if you need anything. Text me when you get home."
"Love you." I said softly, turning away go upstairs without seeing her leave. Once in my room I didn't put much care into my usual outfits, deciding to throw whatever was laying out. I ended up with a plain grey sweater that was a size too big, dark navy skinny jeans, a forest green bomber jacket I knew wouldn't stop the penetrating cold. Slipping my feet into my white, or once white, vans I raked my hair into messy ponytail, taking time to conceal my eyebags and sparingly add mascara. I lightly kissed Tikki's sleeping cheek, giggling as she mumbled her 'have a good day, Mari.' Practically sprinting I stopped to drop my brown faux backpack and fumble to find my keys, trying to beat the seeping chills. My 2005 Honda Coupe unlocked finally after my seventh attempt in jamming the car keys in, I heard someone call my name from behind. Nathaniel carefully jogged to my side, minding the patches of ice. He wore a light blue button up shirt with a dark Elba winter jacket. His red hair evident with bed head, blown back from the air resistance of his running, almost illuminating his ivory skin with a light blush.
"Nate!" I grinned as he practically heaved over his knees, gasping for air. Definitely not a sporty type. "Morning jog?"
"Ha-Ha. Funny, Cheng." My eyebrow perked up remembering what Adrien had called me, but the way he said it felt right. He straighten up with a grunt, fumbling with his zipper suddenly embarrassed. "Are you okay? You missed school and you never do and um… I was going to text you, to see how you were but I don't know your number. And, um, it was really relieving to see you leaving your house-not that I watching, but um I ran before I knew it... "
I nodded, crossing my hands once again with a smug look. I gave in, seeing no reason to let him suffer. "I got it, Nate, thank you. It really made my day. Were you going to walk to school?"
"Oh? Yeah," He shrugged. "No car. But I like walking, it's nice to see the scenery, get ideas for new art pieces. It's really calming before school, like getting a bucket of cold water in your face.. Or snow, or wind rather…Really wakes me up." He stopped to warm his hands, preparing to continue.
"Nate.''
"Y-Yes, Marinette?"
"Get in," I glanced at the passenger side. He looked taken back but shared an awkward smile and lingered before speed walking to the door. Slamming the door behind me I threw my backpack in the back, looking to see Nate was awkwardly clinging to his knees obviously crushed between the little space between the car seat and dashboard. I couldn't help but laugh, he had grown so much and seeing him crushed in the seat Alya had personalized to her measurements. Glancing at the clock I shoved his backpack to the backseat as well, I then reached over beneath his seat stifling a laugh as he tensed when my hand was searching for the lever by his seat, dangerously close and misleading.
"Mar- I don't know, um" His voice broke, watching my hand. Between his hair and face, he could literally pass as a tomato. His hunched shoulders straighten as he was pulled back with his seat, his legs comfortably situated. Settling back to my own seat, I leaned an elbow on the wheel minding my weight on the horn.
"'I don't know?'" I teased. His adam's apple bobbed once as he swallowed his embarrassment. Finally returning my mischievous smile he turned his body away from me.
"I can't believe you." Shaking his head, a hand hiding a smile.
"Huuuh? " I raised an eyebrow again while I looked to back out of my house's parking lot. "I have no clue what you're talking about."
"No clue?" Matching the amusement in my voice.
"No clue." I showed a toothy grin before returning my attention to the street in front of me. The drive to school was full of jokes, pestering, and intense interest in the bags of chocolate I had stored underneath the passenger's seat. Let's just say Tikki hasn't been the best influence on my diet… I wiped away the tears that formed in the corner of my eyes, my cheeks aching from a widening grin. It wasn't from the pain, the anxiety of seeing everyone. With Chat's sudden 'face the facts you're a complete asshole' it felt like everyone viewed me in the same light, it was so reassuring Nate hadn't. We made our way into the school closer than we'd ever been, and when he followed me to my locker it was evident he wasn't going to change it.
"Okay you must weigh like 60 pounds, were there also cookies under there?" Laying his back on the side of the locker that was blocking his face with the door. I rolled my eyes after gathering my history and chemistry book. "And with that clear skin. Okay, Shorty, what's your secrets?"
"No secrets, just born with it," I eyed him before we turned to walk towards Madame Chamack's class. I noticed I was walking twice as much to match his long leg's pace. "And 'Shorty?'"
He scoffed, bringing his hand that set even to my height and dragged it to where it came up to him. It only came to the top of his ribcage. After patting my head, he took one of the books from my hand to add it to his stack. "You sure you're feeling okay?"
"Yep. Thanks, do you need a ride home?"
"That's okay, I'm fine with walking."
"Okay, wait for me in front of the school's door. Got it?" We stood at Chamack's door, I turned to face him better.
"Marinette, really you don't have to." He handed me back the book.
"Got it?"
"Yeah, yeah. See ya' shorty." Glancing at his watch he sped walk to his class, English, I believe.
Walking alone hit me harder than I'd thought, especially seeing how the majority of the class had already been situated. The seat next to mine was empty, showing how Alya had deliberately took the time and effort to change her seat through Madame Chamack to sit with Mylene. I ignored her glares and did my best to answer my classmate's questions on why I missed two days. My attendence can't be the well known. Madame Chamack made her way to her desk, scanning the class to take attendance, ironically she stopped at my name.
"Back so soon, Dupain-Cheng?"
"Yes, I'm sorry." I could hear Alya's snickers and could imagine the look on her face. I pushed through the embarrassment and the pain.
"Just happy to see you decided to turn up for school. Let's see what you missed." She licked her finger before shuffling a wad of papers, the clicks of her heels cut through the silence as she placed the papers on the desk. "You'll be doing a group project with…." She shuffled more through her unorganized papers, squinting to read her own writing. I knew I had too. "Adrien. You didn't have a partner, right?"
I forgot about him. He was in deep thought, staring at his own stack of paper before being poked by his neighbor. In a daze, "Huh? I-Um, requested to do it by myself, remember?"
"Yes but that was before seeing Marinette had missed my classes and there's no one else available. Fill her in, I'll give you an extension."
With a single glance at me, he nodded gripping the edge of his papers.
"Perfect! Marinette, try to follow the best you can." She started writing on the whiteboard, immediately immersing herself in talking in… I couldn't think of it. Her words were still echoing in my head, I had to fight to avoid looking at Adrien who shockingly, started draughting down notes. The toxic came back into my gut, my eyes burning as I fought back the urge to turn my attention towards Adrien, towards Alya. Instead I just turned my attention to the blank spaces of my paper that beckoned me to draw. The class passed in a hurry, I lingered behind to allow Alya to leave because, with my luck, I'd run into her.
…
"Marinette?" I lightly tapped my fingers as I approached the front of her desk. She looked pale, skinnier, if possible, than before. I waited until she lashed out all the hate comments, Madame Chamack had left for god knows what and it felt like a good time to let her get it out and over with. She swung her head from where she was hunched over zipping up her bag. Her facial expression revealed nothing but uncertainty and surprise.
"Oh hey." Brushing the bangs that fell from when she was looking down behind her ears. Her miraculous shining suddenly as the open light reflection. She was standing up now, still between her desk and chair, leaning to the side to grab and swing her backpack behind her. I easily saw the bags under her eyes and the light freckles that rarely showed, as she lost some of her pigment. She waited for me to continue as I waited her to retaliate and fight me. I wanted her to call me an asshole, pretentious, stuckup, egotistical daddy's boy. I wanted it to be even. "Need something?" The light in her eyes lost, they've been lost for awhile now.
I blinked twice, finding my composure. "Um the project."
"Oh, it's fine. I can do it all." She weaved her way past me and the desk she was just occupying.
"Huh? Marinette you missed so much and I wouldn't do that for you." I stumbled to block her path.
"Hasn't stopped you before. It's no big deal." Giving me a smile that showed her thoughts were elsewhere.
"What? Um okay, no I'm not letting that happen. Do you want to work on it this weekend? Chamack only gave us to Monday, at least it's not this Friday for everyone."
"I don't know," We both made our way through the door, my fingers went to stroking my miraculous and twisting it. "I'll see."
"I'm not trying to pry, but um, everything okay?"
"Yes." She turned towards me, stopping in the hallway. I was starting to sound like a broken record."Why?"
"Just, with everything that's happened."
"I'm fine, Adrien. Thanks." She gave me a pat on my arm before turning away, not conscious of her action. I stood there biting my lip. I wanted to help her, I wanted to scream at her. I wondered why my hatred felt like it was wavering. She was actually nice, or decent to me despite how I was an asshole.
…..
The rest of the day shot by in an instant, soon I was on my way to lunch with heavy feet. Without thinking I was making my way to my usual lunch table, Alya put her finger up at Alix who immediately stopped talking with annoyance, glancing at my direction with sympathy. Alya hastily got up and put her hands on my seat. "It's taken." She challenged me to say more.
"By who?" I glanced between the two.
"Someone else." She smiled.
"What's your deal, Alya?"
"You." She seated herself back down, propping herself on her elbow.
"Me? What'd I do?" I bit my lip expecting reassurance.
"Anyways, Alix what were you saying?" Alix shot me a concerned look but I didn't give her reassurance, infact I only ran a quick looked at her for a brief second before turning on my heel. The lunch room sounds seemed to draw out. I debated sitting with my other friends in the lunch room, but I didn't want to be in the same room as her. I almost clashed with Adrien who gripped my arms to steady myself.
"Marinette!" He leaned back to meet my eyes, his proximity painfully close. Not that his presence bugged me, but the fact he could probably see my pain.
"Come one! How many times do I have to tell you I'm okay?" I laughed painfully. Avoiding his looks and his questions, I brushed past him to the parking lot. I sat in my car, gripping the wheel blowing out an exasperated sigh. Spending sometime to see if I should go back and eat lunch or drive off campus and have 5 minutes to eat lunch and come back. I decided the second option. Buckling in, my gaze went to something golden in my side mirror, I rolled down the window squinting to see the sun that shone through his hair. Blinking away the burning in my eyes, I offered somewhat of a smile towards Adrien. "Really?"
"No, I'm not here to pester you or- insult you um. Do you wanna get coffee? Sometime?"
An unnecessary pause had occurred, Adrien patted his thighs in a rhythmic pattern as I gaped, my brain loosely wrapping around his words. "Are you hitting on me?" I tried, eyeing him suspiciously.
"No, the project. Anddddd I'm worried about you." He admitted.
"But you hate me." I lightly tapped on the wheel. Glancing at the time and calculated the remaining time I had for lunch. "I feel like we've had this conversation a lot." Puckering my lips to the side to chew on my cheek in thought. It was scary how calm I was, like this was some lucid dream.
"Yeah, well, you hate me. So when's a good night for you?" Adrien slid his backpack off his shoulder, retrieving a scrap piece of paper and pen. After quickly and sloppily writing something down he handed me the paper. "My number."
Gripping the paper, I arched my eyebrows with a nod. "I'm free all week." Exhaling in relief and was even bouncing a bit, he gave me a little too eager, little too awkward smile. When he didn't draw his hands away from my open window, I leaned back keeping his gaze. "Anything else?" My eyes went between him and the his hands. He jumped back like a cat, it was cute. I blinked away the sudden compliment.
"Oh-Uh, are you going home?" He shrugged putting his restless hands into his black skinny jeans.
"No, I was going to get lunch but I don't think I have enough time." I took the keys out of the ignition.
He looked so pitiful, "Sorry! Um, you wanna sit with Mirielle? I know with Alya and all.."
Opening the car door I shot him a suspicious but gave in. "Sure." He gave me a large nod, slugging his open backpack over one of his shoulders. I took the liberty to zip it up, something about his clumsy self made me laugh inwardly. Surprised he stopped abruptly, walked straight into his back.
"Thanks Dupain." He sent a mischievous smile. I rolled my eyes and decided to unzip all three of his pouches.
"No problem." I punched his shoulder when he started to question why I was laughing as his backpack's pouches flapped down the hall. When we approached Mireille's lunch table, I didn't think I'd ever subject myself to their posse, but Mireille was quick to get me away from Adrien and by her side. We eagerly talked the rest of the 12 minutes of lunch, my facial expressions were 10x as exaggerated, simply to get back at Alya who would glance every minute. It was funny how quick friendships can turn toxic, as if it was a mission to make sure the life of the complete hell in a game of "Look At Me Be Happy Without You." As if the years of our friendship was spent competing with each other on whose worth more, like whose the more talented friend or the popular friend in the relationship. I hated how I was constantly scaling my behavior whenever Alya had sent daggers into my side, feeling worse to awkwardly converse with Mirielle, finding whatever to talk about and use her. I hated how I was turning into everything Adrien had said I was, everything I didn't think twice of whenever he told me because I simply thought he had nothing to use against me but made up traits of someone I'd despise. But if Alya saw me in the light, aren't I everything I hate? Had I been so blind?
I blinked, realizing the joint conversation between Mirielle, some other girl named Kimber, and me had turned into a one-on-one with Mirielle. I couldn't tune it out, leaving the both of them to talk idly, shifting to face the blabbering girl. Not just to hear her better, or convince her that I was actually listening, but just to drag my view and wandering thoughts away. "I'm so happy you're here, Mari!" Mireille hugged my arm, we could've been twins, I oogled as I strained to keep my attention on her.
"Me too," I grinned painfully, matching her affection and eagerness. My gaze flashed to Adrien who jumped, and quickly turned his attention back to some senior, and then glanced to see if I was still looking. Sparing a smile when our eyes met for the second time. More than happily, I put my embarrassment and attention back to Mirielle. "Me too." I had to repeat for my sake more than her's. The bell rang, sending a flood of teens out the door, I comfortably shared the pace with Mirielle and Adrien, waving at the friends who branched out when we walked passed their classes.
"Madame Bovary missed you, she's been going through some 'blue paint' depressing phase, I swear. Always looking at your empty seat." Mireille gripped Adrien's hand, swaying it obnoxiously, turning her body towards me and away from her boyfriend by the lockers. We were on our way to our last class.
"Really? Oh! How are your drawings going by the way?" I clutched my notebook to give her a wavering smile.
"I'm so happy you asked! They're not...Good." She gave me a sideway smile. "I need your help, she asked us to do this complementary color shading thing. Adrien chose to do some landscape option, something entirely different-and you're my only hope." She exaggerated. "Please say you'll do it!"
"Alright-" I gave in. She hopped excitedly, and on our way to our seats I pointed at her. "Only if you get me caught up."
"Yes! You're in some of Adrien's classes right?"
"Majority of them.." It was hard not to keep the annoyance out of it but Adrien was too busy putting horizontal line and focal points on his paper. Inwardly, I sighed with relief.
"We should all hang out, get caught up." Giving a sideway glance at her boyfriend then me.
"Yeah, why not." I shrugged, starting a rough sketch neither Mirielle or Bovary informed me on, I decided to wing it.
"Cool. Your house is a bakery, right? Should we do it over there this week?"
"Uhm.. I'm not sure, I mean I don't even know if I can hangout at all…"
"Dupain, you told me you were free all week." Adrien interjected with a sly smile. I bit my lips, giving him a challenging glare. "We can go over my house-"
"No, no. It's fine. How's about Friday?" I always hated Adrien's house, back when we were semi-friends, his house and father reminded me of a dark reality that was starting to be seen in my house. I had to pry my glare from him to Mirielle. She looked lost in thought, and then recovered with an obnoxious laugh.
"Sounds good!" The bell rang before she could sputter anymore gossip she hadn't relieve herself from during class went by fast, I found myself trying to casually leave Mirielle and Adrien's formation, and towards my car where Nate was already leaning against it with care. His face lit up from brooding to enlightenment.
"Hey Mari." He leaned on the tips of his toes, rocking back on his heels.
"Hey," I tightened my open jacket tighter around myself. Glancing up I smiled at him. "Ready to go?"
"Yep. Up for starbucks? I'll pay." Gliding his way to the passenger side. I caught his stare from over the car. I smiled sheepishly.
"Yes please." I cocked an eyebrow before ducking my head into the car. It was a pretty good day. Between being told off by Alya and confirming the end of our friendship, to the new found one with Nate and Adrien. I still couldn't believe it. And the fact that I'll be hanging out with him soon, without Alya or Nino, simply as partners or… Friends. I was in such a good mood I had payed for our starbucks, and took a detour to extend our listening to Nathanael's alternative music.
…
"Adrien?" Mireille hooked her arm through mine as I guided our way to my car. Opening the passenger side door for her, I put my hand on the small part of her lower back.
"Yes?" Grinning, I leaned to the open door waiting for her to sit down in her seat, but she just stood between the open door and car, thinking of the words to say. Puzzled, "You okay, Mi?"
She lifted her eyes smiling fondly at the name I gave her. "Do you still hate Marinette?"
That was totally not what I expected. Recovering from my shock, I furrowed my eyebrows. I kind of expected her to say something light hearted, like a joke, but it was serious. Propping my elbow on the open door I looked at her grave expression. "I did, I guess I still do, in some ways but… We're finally seeing eachother in different lights. Like I don't feel like she wants to gouge my eyes out anymore. We're becoming friends, you guys are becoming friends. What's this about?"
She looked around before finding my eyes and her smile, rubbing her hands for warmth. "So you're just friends?"
"Yes. What? Do you think that I like her? Like, like like her?" The madness of the idea made me laugh. I bent my head down to lock on her gaze. "Mirielle, I like you." I poked her nose.
She grinned, and looked a bit embarrassed. "Like, like like?" Meeting my eyes finally.
"Like like." Brushing my lips on her forehead. No spark came with it, not like it had before. Like the spark of adrenaline I'd get during the first weeks of having a girlfriend. Everyone of them before. It felt like I was cheating her. But I'll learn to love her, right? That's how it worked? Like I'll learn to love my dad. The spark will come back. I gestured for her sit in the car seat, to move her body from the closing car door I was holding. I clumsily staggered into the driver side. Something warm pressed into the corner of my mouth, I met Mireille's mischievous look as she retreated from her kiss. Taking a deep breath, I pulled out the car and made the drive to Mireille's house, my excuse for not staying longer was prepping for a modeling gig. I guess the thought of her boyfriend having a job-a modeling one nonetheless-that boosted her image made her more lenient to my excuses. Less likely to complain or disapprove. Despite the fact I had successfully convinced my father to let me take a break from the modeling shoots to focus on studying. Before I knew it I pulled into the lot of Marinette's bakery, it was closed unsurprisingly. I tapped at the wheel, scanning the parking lot to see her broken down car, putting my head on the wheel in comfort that it wasn't there. I took my time to rearrange my thoughts that were running wild. Why was I here? Here I was in Marinette's houses' parking lot, the same girl who hated me just yesterday. Whom I supposively hated. It creeped me out at the thought, I couldn't think of how she may felt if she saw me. I glanced back to start pulling out of the parking space when a knock made me hop. Marinette bent uncomfortably, a steaming starbuck cut in her hand that fogged the window as well as her breath. Cringingly, I rolled down the window, my mouth in a straightline.
"Adrien?" She was genuinely confused, I winced at my embarrassment.
"Hi." Was all I mustered.
"Hi." She giggled, and let out a shaky breath through the december air. Taking a step back, she straighten up to keep her gaze on me. "When I said I was free all week I didn't think you'd chose the hour right after school ended." She shoved the chap hand that wasn't holding her beverage in her coat.
"Well, I actually came to see…" She raised her eyebrows, I raked my brain to think of an excuse to be in her parking lot. "Um, came to buy some baguettes, matter of fact. But I see you guys are closed." Again.
I wondered if I imagined the irritated glance she shot at the house, as if the house had said some raunchy comment to her. Relaxing after a brief second, she shrugged hopeless. "Sorry, dude."
"No, don't apologize." Offering a smile. Her eyes searched me, as if trying to find a comfortable spot to rest them. It was my eyes. I noticed she had a natural gift of looking people directly into the eye while talking, it was admirable. Enchanting the way she could hypnotize you in her deep blue eyes. Her blank expression perked up into a puzzled smile.
"Baguettes?" I could almost read her thoughts. The beautiful and utterly perfect me holding a bunch of sticks of bread, something so supernatural holding something so mundane. The corners of my mouth tugged into a smile. Shut it, Dupain was on my lips before a guy's voice pierced the subtle rumbling of my car, Nathanael was speed walking from the back parking lot. It explained where her car was but not why he was with her. I couldn't help my eyes narrow in annoyance, feeling the same 'pang' I felt when I saw him arrive with Marinette to school, and once again when I saw him give her one of her textbooks infront of Chamack's classroom. When he squinted to see me, expressing an equally shocked but less annoyed face. He skidded to a stop by Marinette's side, she turned enough to be sideways between the car and Nathanael.
"Adrien?" He sounded dumbfounded, glancing between the two of us.
My eyebrow twitched, it was hard to control the edginess of my voice. "Hey, Nate."
"Hey…." His confusion pierced the atmosphere. "What're you doing here?" Genuinely curious, but I could hear the hostility. So did Mari as she shot a surprising glance.
"Just leaving, actually." I didn't feel like exposing my embarrassing excuse again, especially not to him of all people. I wondered why. Nate and I hadn't particularly interacted, we had nothing against eachother but the hostility seemed to roll off the both of us for whatever reason. "Marinette, text me so I have your number?" She jumped at the sudden directness, her mind must've been elsewhere. Shuffling through her pockets, she took out her phone and the crinkled piece of paper I had tore off for her. A minute passed before a 'ding' erupted from my the pocket of my winter jacket. I smiled at the seven digit number. Sure, I could've contacted her through my miraculous' baton to her miraculous' yo-yo, but it felt good that I had a connection with her that wasn't based off a mandatory duty. Especially that it happened infront of Nate. I nodded back to her. "I'll text you." Something told me she wouldn't of made the first move.
"Sounds good." She saw Nate's sudden withdrawal and almost horrified expression. "We're partners in history." Explaining it vaguely. It angered me that she had to explain to him, it wasn't his business, and that she used the project as the excuse. Okay, it was an excuse, it was a fact but she could've just not mentioned project at all. It felt like she was obligated to do so. Okay, maybe she was but still. I didn't like the fact that it seemed scripted and fake, as if she was waving the thoughts of us becoming friends away. Nate stepped closer to her, another pang erupted inside me but I pushed it away with a smile. She nodded at nothing, a smile playing on her lips. "I'll make sure to save some baguettes for us, okay?"
"Please do. Alright, see you." The awkwardness was unbearable. I tightened my grip on the wheel.
"See ya' Adrien." Nate had spoked out first, I ignored another "pang" and sent a friendly nod towards him.
"Drive safe okay?" Marinette had shuttered, a worried expression as she imagined a gruesome outcome.
"I will." The warmth in my voice reassured her. It was weird really, to hear, to see, her worried for me. Not the normal threats or the spark that glittered in her eyes as she resisted the urge to beat to a bloody pulp. It was really weird not to feel anything other than anger and resent admit from her. With one final goodbye, I raced out the driveway, reminding myself with her reminder. Her voice echoing in my head, Drive safe, made me smile and double check my driving with extra care. I don't think anyone's ever said that to me.
…..
"That was weird. I didn't think I'd see the day where THE Adrien could look as lost as a four year old." Nate leaned against the sofa in my living room, flipping through the channels as I scoured the house for snacks that were dwindling as my parents hadn't gone grocery shopping in days. I settled on making us peppermint tea and placed a small mountain of macaroons on a decorative plate of cherry blossoms, courtesy of my mom's parents. I handed him his cup, reminding him of it's heat, and sat down on the opposite side of the sofa, bringing my knees close to my side facing Nate. "When did you two become friends?"
Friends. "Dunno. Are we even friends?" I blew absent mindedly on my drink, my heart oddly beating fast.
"Seeing the look on his face, I'd say yes." Popping a green macaroon into his mouth. "What about baguettes, by the way?"
I had to put my hand under my chin to catch any tea that I'd accidently spit out from laughing. "I have no idea." He grinned at the act.
"Alright, Shorty, what's in store for us tonight?" I blinked once and then twice, registered that he was set on staying long. It didn't bother me, it felt that we were as close as I was with Alya. It was natural. Puckering my lips, I glanced around the house that was only illuminated by the TV, the dim overhead light in the kitchen and setting sun, it stopped at the junk door. A smile tugged on my lips.
"Do you like chinese food?" I turned towards him, he was munching on a white macaroon now, stopping his hand from reaching for another one. He nodded his head, considering it for a split second. He nodded eagerly again.
"Horror movies?" That, he froze in mid nod, a nervous glance at me that read oh no. I returned it with a smile that silently spoke oh yes. I hopped out of my seat to the landline, reaching into the junk door to count the money. When I was done ordering take out for two, I skipped to the shelf where we held our movies, horror took most of the slots. I decided to pick out The Ring, The Crazies, Final Destination, and a couple of others I blindly selected. I needed this distraction, not even glancing at my backpack that weighed more with makeup work.
"I'll go make the popcorn." He reluctantly got up, accepting his inevitable fate. With a couple of beeps and a ding a minute later, he came back with a bag of popcorn and his sketchbook. I took my own out when I came back with my backpack and money for the chinese food that would be here any moment. There we shared a blanket between us on the small couch, my freezing toes sending chills up his spine, squirming with his notebook at hand. Or maybe the chills were from the movie. It didn't matter, I hadn't felt this happy in days. When I was about to turn up the tv for an especially scary part, a sigh of relief escaped him as the doorbell rang, I rolled my eyes when he paused the movie, giving him a look that read really? After tipping then man, we both ate deciding to take a break movie much to Nate's relief. He painfully swallowed a piece of pork with his chopsticks, eyeing me awkwardly. "Hey, what happened to with you and Alya?" He turned over his rice, and added for safe measures. "If you don't mind me asking."
I mirrored his action, poking at my food. "I don't mind, it's just, I wish I knew." I laughed, shrugging my shoulders. He looked puzzled. "I mean, we went to this party last week, and we had planned to spend the entire weekend as well. But during the party she just left. I thought maybe she got picked up or you know, it's dangerous-and if she was drunk… But I found out she left with some of our friends." I elaborated. With a nod from him, I continued. "I thought maybe she had it out with Nino- 'cause you know- and that she had to leave. When I drove home I expected to see the waiting for me." I smiled sadly. "I could see her, rubbing her exposed arms shouting at me 'hurry the hell up! I'm freezing my ass off'" My expression turned somber. "But her car wasn't there, and that she had even took her stuff from my house. And even today, she didn't give me the time of day. Acted as if we hated each other for years."
He nodded once more, I could almost seeing the thoughts roll in circles in his head. "Sorry." I smiled, I didn't need anything more than that.
"It's fine, I guess. It'll work itself out eventually." I lied to myself. Not when I knew nothing of what I've done. I jumped when I felt something warm brush my hand. Nate had grabbed it, and rubbed his thumb in circles reassuringly. I have him somewhat of a sad smile. "Thanks for being here, I'm glad we started talking again, that we're friends." I said wholeheartedly.
He looked frazzled, retreating his hand back slowly, turning back to his chinese. "Does my lady wish to continue this screamfest?" A smile tugged at the corner of my mouth. When I was going to ask what time it was, a slam came from the door. My dad walked in with heavy feet, his weight fully noticeable with each stomp. Flabbergasted he glared at Nate, our mess, and then me.
"Mr-Mr. Dupain!" He almost knocked over his food when he stood up suddenly. His hands brushing the sides of his jeans, as if wiping the sweat off.
"Dad," I said lamely, recovering from my shock. The comparison between the rattled Nate and the composed me was the funny picture, I just glanced back at my food to avoid his gaze.
"Hello, Nathanael." He said cooly, " Do you need a ride home?" He was already dismissing him freely.
"I-" He stammered.
"We were kind of in the middle of hanging out."
"It's already 9, Marinette." His big hands gestured to the clock above the stove hanging lazily in the air before dropping to his side. I furrowed my eyebrows.
"When did you start caring about what I'm doing?"
My dad pointed at me, mouth opening before closing it. "Nate…" He tried to keep the sharpness out of his voice. I didn't want Nate to witness this. I got up, placing my food on the coffee table.
"Nate do you need a take home bag? I can wrap up the extra macaroons for you." I was already walking to the kitchen, brushing past my dad who took a side step to avoid colliding with my shoulder.
"Sure." Not knowing what else to say, when I gave him an empty grocery bag for his food and a ziplock full of macaroons, I gave him a hug, which he awkwardly returned. I felt bad for putting him on the spot infront of my dad. My hand lingered on his arm, brushing down his arm to his hand. I picked up his coat and backpack, to my luck it was already packed up. We stopped at the doorway my dad left open in his storm. "Thanks. You going to be okay?"
"Yep. Just, you know, family stuff." I shrugged once again. See you tomorrow? I can give you another ride."
He smiled. "Yes. This time I'll pay for coffee, okay?"
"Sounds like a plan." I said half consciously, dreading that soon I'll be left alone with my dad whom I haven't seen, or heard matter of factly, in what seemed like months. A warm peck on my cheek startled me into reality. Nate retreated, a blush creeping up to his ears.
"See ya, shorty."
I laughed. "See ya, ging." It might've been a bit rude, but hey, I was self concious of my height. He wiggled his eyebrows, as if accepting the challenge. He lingered a bit before turning on his heel and jogged to cross the street. It pained me that I hadn't offered him a ride from the cold chill. But my mind was still elsewhere. I turned slowly, shutting the door with one hand and my back as I leaned against it. Dragging my feet, I made my way to the counter in the kitchen, opposite where the stranger stood, shifting on his feet.
"Boyfriend?" He said after a few moments.
"No." I turned my back to grab a glass for water. When I took a sip, leaning my hip against the counter behind me, he finally met my gaze. "How long?"
He looked taken back. "How long what?"
"Have you even spoken to me?" I took a sip of water to distract the burning tears behind me.
It looked like I slapped him across the face, there's nothing worse than watching your father be hurt. And to be hurt because of you. It made my heart sink into my stomach. "Marinette, you know I didn't…" He tried.
I laughed a bit a that. "Didn't what? Bother to talk to me, to even text me?"
"Marinette." He said sharply. I peaked over the glass that was touching my lips. "You know I'd never, ever, abandon you. I-" Before he finished I laughed painfully against the glass, bringing it away as I glanced sideways.
"Sure seemed like it. But it's not like you were the only one." I crossed my free hand around my waist, resting it in the crease between my arm and elbow that was bent holding the glass of water that rested against my chest.
"I. I would never abandon you for a second. Marinette, please, between the bakery, your mother and I…" He gripped the edge of the grey and white marbled counter, until his knuckles were white.
"Where is mom? By the way?"
He looked puzzled. "She's not here?"
I returned the look, "No."
"Where…?" He squinted.
I rose my eyebrows. "I don't know. Why would I know? It's not like you guys even acknowledge my presence, in fact I don't know anything. Why the fuck would I know?"
My father's eyes widened in anger. "Marinette- How dare you use-"
"How dare me?!" Laughing out loud. "Dad you come in here, oh I'm sorry- storming in here, imitating my friend, acting as if you didn't just come in after months, weeks of not taking the time to talk, to call, to send a simple goddamn text in response to mine. Your own daughter."
He more than willingly turned his gaze on the white tiles, leaning his weight on the counter. "Marinette… I'm so sorry."
I blinked back tears. "Yeah? Why did you leave? And what gave you to nerve to walk back in here, as if it's been any other day?"
"I was absorbed with meetings and-"
"Meetings." I spat. "Sounds like mom." I saw his back tense.
"Marinette. Something happened, we're trying to get through this, okay? Trying to work things out."
"You're my parents." I whimpered, emotion suddenly pouring out. "And you won't even tell me?"
"No. Not yet. Baby, princess, please. I know this isn't fair, to ask for you to wait. To expect you to be forgiving. I love you, so much. Please, understand." His eyes pleaded.
"I do, dad, I do." He smiled shakingly. I shrugged. "I simply, just do not care." I was lying, I've been lying all along. But I knew it, knew that they've been fighting for a while, that my mom had been leaving 'secretly' or conveniently during times that were an inconvenience to my dad. I cared a lot. The fact that they both left me to suffer alone in this cold house. It looked like he was trying to swallow his heart that had been stuck in his throat.
"Marinette. I'll be here, I'll text you constantly, I'll talk to you. I'll take you on our father daughter dates every other week again. I'm so so sorry." He put his head in his hands.
I released a shaking breath I didn't realize I was holding. A light lit up part of the dark living room, illuminated by the paused tv, a dim light and now my phones screen. I walked briskly, grabbing it. It was Adrien, of all people.
"You may want to leave, dad." I pocketed the phone in my back pocket. When he composed himself enough to lift up his head, I patted my phone. "Mom will be here, soon." I lied. I knew the time she told me this morning wasn't set in stone. But I needed to breathe, I couldn't face this. Not when I knew he wouldn't tell me anything, always keeping me in the dark. He shook his head, slowly. "Dad, it's okay. I understand. You need space…We all do." My dad looked apologetic but understood what I wanted. His footsteps were heavy, heavier than before with guilt. He extended his arms for a hug but I held out a hand. I wasn't about to be attached to him when I knew I wouldn't see him for a while. "No, please." I croaked hoarsely. But despite which, he cupped the back of my neck and gave me a hasty kiss on more forehead. A tear slipped, and he ruffled my hair.
"I'll be back, soon. I'll text you. I love you, Marinette. I do. You have no idea how much you and your mother mean to me." I nodded, absently, biting my lip.
"I love you too." The words felt like they scrapped my throat. Before either of us would start crying, he gave me a brisk hug although my hands never left my elbows. He turned away, pulling on his jacket. Right before he was about to leave, I stood leaning on the threshold. The scene reminded me of the one this morning, with me and mom. "I love you." I said softly, not towards anyone in particular. It felt as though I was saying it to both of them, at the same time with the same feelings. It felt like they were both there, smiling sadly as they turned out the door with a mix of eagerness, guilt, and resent. And it ended me with turning abruptly and quickly up the stairs without a single glance back.
…
It took forty minutes for Marinette to reply, I know because I watched the clock tick with each minute, my chin resting on my fist, I was sprawled out on my bed. Rereading the simple text that only read "Hey, is tomorrow good a time to meet for the project?" My heart jumped when his name read on the screen.
M- Why not just Friday? Aren't we doing homework with Mirielle?
Had she really not want to be alone with me?
A- Yeah, but I thought she'd be a little distracting. I mean, Friday's good too.
M- You're probably right. Okay, yeah sounds good.
A- Cool! Are you going on patrol tonight?
I scrambled to think of a topic, not letting this conversation die.
M- Crap, I totally forgot. I just took a shower, not sure I feel like getting sick again from the cold. HBU?
I blushed at the sudden thought of Marinette taking a shower- Wearing come over sized shirt damp from her long hair, her short sticks for legs protruding out of them, her shorts hidden. She marked me as someone who would wear practically nothing protective from the seasonal weather, even if it was below freezing outside. I winced, blocking out of it and thinking it as some "normal boy thought." Seeing how I was letting her wait, I ignored Mireille's text and went back to my chat that was labelled "Dupain."
A- Probably, it's not fair for you to always be doing them anyways. Wouldn't want you to miss school again, Dupain.
A minute passed.
M- OMG, Chat Noir?! Actually doing his job?!
I laughed inwardly, my corners lifting up.
A- Hey, I am purrrfectly content with handling the safety of all of Paris by myself.
M- Oh jesus. I wish you could see me now.
I furrowed my eyebrows, a familiar heat returning.
A- Why? Couldn't get enough of me today? Have I purrrrked your interests?
M- Ew, gross no. I just wanted to show you how much I'm cringing at your puns.
A- Ha-Ha. Face it Dupain, I must've made you laugh, at least one.
M- Whatever helps you sleep at night, kitty.
My eyes lingered on the last word, familiarity reminding me of how we first knew each other, how we were both awkward teens. Before we knew our identities. Before we hated each other. Marinette sent another text before I could come up with a witty remark.
M- Speaking of sleep, I'm going to crash. Call me if you need help, okay?
A- I appreciate your offer, my Lady, but I won't be needing it. Dream of me tonight, princess.
It was almost unreal to see us sliding back to our old past. I had stared, smiling like an idiot at our familiar lingo.
M- So you want me to have nightmares? I'm confused.
A- Ahh, you're a funny one. Sleep tight okay?
M- Thanks. Be safe. Goodnight.
A- Goodnight, Marinette.
I hit the power button once, shutting the light off that lit up my face, after my eyes adjusted I called for Plagg. I spent the night, jumping from building to building, even attempting climbing the Eiffel Tower but I lost motivation halfway through. The texts, the feelings, the laughing, everything kept replaying in my head. I must've been mad to think that a girl could even make me feel this way. While patrolling I thought of plots and mischievous comments to play out on her tomorrow. Plagg awoke me from my daydream. Glad you're happy man, but it's almost three. I cursed loudly and maneuvered my way to my open window, suddenly the heaviness of exhaustion weighed me down. But that night, I'd probably had gotten the best night sleep in my life despite it only being three hours.
I dreamed of us, of the first memories of us. The same memories I thought of while texting her. How it all started. It went something like this…
…..
Hey guys, I realized a big flaw in my story, how I mentioned it was the beginning of their junior year despite it already being December. Just to clarify, it's the start of the new semester!
Excuse the mistakes! Thank you for reading. Send me reviews! I'm actually thinking of redoing the story, keeping somewhat the same plot but changing different things. I'm just so inlove with the whole hating thing and having them conquer all kinds of milestones-y'know? Anyways, totally just ditched studying for midterms to do this. The next chapter will be a blast from the past.