Adrien had been preparing for months. He had been training tirelessly, and had done so in secret, spending sleepless nights hiding from his girlfriend in order to do so. It was time to put to the test whether his skills had improved. The couch had been cleared, snacks put on the table, lights dimmed, and controllers charged and ready. Tonight, was the night.
"Marinette!" he hollered into the home. She popped her head out from around the corner, having not been very far away. In fact, she had been trailing about him all day, wondering what he was up to.
"Yes?"
"I challenge you to a battle of wits! Perseverance! Ambition! Strength! And power!" He was being amusingly histrionic, posing at every word. Marinette held back a giggle and tried to take him as seriously as he hoped she would.
"And what does this battle entail?" she asked.
"A fight to the death!" Adrien held up the game case. "Ultimate Mecha Strike IV!" Marinette screamed in excitement and ran up to take a look at the game.
"Oh my gosh! You bought it!"
"And I've been training. I shall prevail!" Plopping down onto the couch, he grabbed his controller and patted on the space next to him. She joined him without hesitation.
"What are the stakes?"
"Loser has to give the winner a massage."
"You're on."
"This is so not fair."
"They were your rules."
"But I practiced…"
"And your massages are getting better every time."
Adrien was pouting. He was pouting and providing Marinette an excellent shoulder massage. A part of her wanted to lord her winnings over him for just a little bit longer, but a bigger part of her wanted to smother him in affection for losing. She turned around and gave a swift kiss on the lips before wrapping her arm around his shoulders, working his legs in between hers and sitting on his lap.
"Would you like some cookies, chaton?" The smiled creeping up behind his pout could not be concealed.
"Yes please."