"Adrien, can we get a autograph?" My head snaps up, and I growl in frustration under my breath. This is not the day to be asking for pictures, autographs. It may have only been a dream, but I yearn for the quiet life on a island where I can plant a small garden, fish in the ocean, raise my family away from evil…..
It's been a hard morning, hence my pensive mood. Natalie started coughing during breakfast, and I got scared. Father had his arms around her, and I leaped up to get a glass of water, and I got scared so the water spilled over my shirt. My hands tremble a little. Natalie has lived with us even before I was born, and when I was little and Mother couldn't help me with lessons, it was Natalie that stepped in. If I got my lessons done, she would tell stories of their time in Tibet. I want to do something for her, to make her feel better? But what should I do?
I'm staring at the ground as I walk, and I'm sure my group of "admirers" is grumbling behind my back, as I didn't answer question or stay for photographs. That's when I bump into Marinette and her papers she's carrying scatter. I bend to pick them up. "Good morning, Adrien," she smiled at me, and I look into her beautiful face. She takes a closer look at me. "Are you okay?" she asked, in a quiet voice. "Someone I love at home isn't feeling well. I guess I'm just worried." "I'm sorry about that," Marinette says. I want to say more to her, but the bell rings.
"Gotta go! Bye!" she dashes up the steps into school, and I sigh, following more slowly.
"You wouldn't know unless you ask," Plagg says, glaring at me from inside my locker after school. "But she's probably got sewing class, or helping in the bakery," I tell him. I want to ask Marinette if she'll come up with a idea to cheer up Natalie, but my hands are sweaty and my heart is racing. How come she has been so cute? "Cat Noir would have no problem," Plagg says. "Are you Cat or are you chicken?" That gets my attention, and I march over to Marinette's locker.
I'm just about to walk up and ask, when I see a few stickers of me (as Cat Noit) in her locker. Hmm, does someone have a crush? Taking a deep breath, I walk up.
"Marinette?" She squeaks, whirls, and slams her locker door shut. "Adrien!" "Sorry for scaring you," I tell her, putting my hands in my pockets. "No, no," she assures me with a shake of her head. "I'm just jumpy. What's up?" "You know what I saying this morning about Nathile being sick?" and Marinette nods. "Any ideas on how to cheer her up?" "Cards!" Marinette blurts." "Excuse me?" "You know, a get well card, hoping they'll feel better soon."
This girl is perfect, I think to myself. Its such a simple solution, but the right one in every way. "Sounds good. I'm not that good at arts and crafts, could you help me?" Marinette checks her phone. "I'd love to help, and you can come over if you want."
It takes all my willpower to not leap with happiness. "Thanks, I'll make sure its okay and come right back."
When we get to Marinette's, she tells me to set my backpack anywhere. "let's have a snack first before we get started,"she says.
I watch her rummage in the fridge and cupboards, taking out grapes, cheese and crackers. We sit down at the little table in the living room. "Marinette, do you think you'll stay in Paris forever?" She munches on a grape thoughtfully. "If you asked me that I year ago, I would have said yes. Now, I just want to leave somewhere peaceful." Her voice is thoughtful. "How about you?" "I want to get out of here as soon as possible. I'm so sick and tired," I take a deep breath, trying to control my emotions, "Of people running after me for autograph."
"I'd miss you," Marinette says, quietly and I look up in surprise. "Oh, Marinette," I scoot closer to her. I pull her close and she rests her head against my chest. The pain and loneliness of the day vanishes with her in my arms. I move back a little, pressing a little kiss to her lips. "Thanks for being you," I whisper. The room is quiet, save the ticking clock in the kitchen. "I should probably get those art supplies now,"she says.
Princess. I watch her walk upstairs to get her box, and sit there thinking. She's shy and gentle, just the kind of friend I've always wanted, but likes to have fun and being silly.
Marinette shows me the crayons and markers, and we get to work. I like that she's making one too, even if she doesn't know Natalie very well. I draw a picture of her making pancakes and us laughing together as a pancake lands on my head. Suddenly, my hands start shaking and the pain is real.
"Adrien," I look up, my eyes blurry with tears. Marinette takes my hand, squeezing gently.
The pain subsides and I squeeze her hand. I like what she's drawn as well, some mice in a line holding berries. She's written, "Get well berry soon!" and I chuckle softly. My Princess, I think to myself, and my Little Mouse.
"I really enjoyed our time together," I say awhile later, as we wait for the car to pick me up. "If ever you need anything, I'm here, Adrien."
The car pulls up, and I turn to go, then turn back to Marinette. "See you soon," and I press a soft kiss to her cheek.
Natalie loves her cards, and she looks up at me. "Who's this Marinette? Someone from school?" and sit down ready to tell her about Marinette, my best friend, and the one I love.