Author Note:

Reviews are still not showing up, but I've heard it's a common glitch on , and that they'll appear, eventually, so still feel free to review, because I do get the email alerts and enjoy reading your thoughts and criticisms! Enjoy.

Chapter Thirty: Rumors

At eight that evening, another knock came on her door, and her heart fluttered, hoping it was Adrien. As she neared the door, her voice reached out. "Who is it?"

"Gustave," the French man replied easily, and although disappointed, she tugged the door open gently.

"Hello, Gustave, what brings you to my room so late?" She tried to make it playful, but she knew her smile didn't quite reach her eyes.

His light brown eyes travelled by her face to the blonde woman sleeping calmly in the bed. She'd fallen asleep watching Marinette design a new winter dress ahead of the collection despite the fact they were just starting summer and still advertising the fall lot. Fashion usually did things far ahead of time.

"O-Oh, I didn't realize you had company."

She offered a warm smile. "She just got home from the hospital, and she needed someone to keep an eye out for her. She thought Adrien might be here, but it was just me. Nothing more, nothing less Gustave," she lied easily. She didn't need the rumor mill talking about her and Chloe, not that she was ashamed, but she had her hands full with Adrien as it was.

He nodded, almost deftly, and frowned. "I wanted to make sure you were okay?"

She quirked a brow, blinking. "Yeah, why wouldn't I be?"

"Well, I have not seen you all day, and I assume it's because you've been confined to your room…and I thought it might have to do with last night?"

Her entire body went cold, and her mouth was dry with sudden panic. Had someone heard her arguing with Chat? She didn't think it was possible since…there would be a little more than one male model asking her if she were okay…having an argument with one of Paris' best guardians.

She licked her lips, desperately trying to quell her quaking heart. "W-Why, what happened?"

His frown only intensified. "You didn't hear the fight between Adrien and Luka? It was pretty loud, and it was right outside Adrien's room."

Her mouth fell open. It must have been when she was out last night! "Wh-what kind of fight?"

"I don't know if I should say," he sighed. "I thought you'd already heard."

"Please, Gustave?" She gestured for him to step out into the hall so Chloe could continue sleeping undisturbed. "It's not like Adrien to get into a fight," she muttered. Well, not unless evil was afoot.

"They…were fighting over Lila from what I've heard and from what I saw. Though, it could be a mistake," he added quickly as her face fell.

"Fighting over Lila doesn't make sense," she whispered. "Adrien isn't even interested in Lila. He never has been." She ran her fingers through her long aqua tresses. "Could he have been defending Lila against Luka? That would make much more sense," she breathed.

"Adrien didn't speak to anyone on the matter, in fact, he avoided everybody until his father called him and Luka into the office earlier this morning, but from Luka and Lila's stories, she'd been with Adrien, and Luka happened upon them. Of course, Luka didn't like that he was cheating on you, and threatened to tell you, and then it dissolved into a fist fight."

She gave her head a few sharp shakes. "They must be lying. Adrien wouldn't do that. You said you saw something?"

This time he really hesitated, and she chewed her tongue worriedly. "It was late, Marinette, I could have been mistaken, and I looked away immediately," he uttered. "I don't want to give you misleading information if I'm wrong, especially since I like Adrien. Like I said, I only came to check on you because I thought your disappearance was because you had heard already. I did not want to be the bearer of gossip."

"Tell me what you think you saw, please?"

"It looked like Lila was up against Adrien, and his back was against the door," he frowned, nodding. "They were talking, but I couldn't quite hear what they said, but they got a little louder as I retreated."

She chewed her thumb. "Adrien usually does the backing up, not the other way around," she murmured to herself. Though, he did enjoy when she got on top of him and took control. She sighed. Maybe he was drawn to Lila's confidence? Maybe she'd been too whiny, and then…knocking him out was the final straw?

"You're over thinking, Marinette, please, I did not mean to cause a problem," he laughed nervously. "I'd hate to have my eye candy mad at me."

"Where is Adrien? He hasn't come to visit me all day, and I've received no messages."

"I believe him and Luka were sent to the Milan office to do shoots, or something of the like. Adrien isn't normally one to keep his phone on him during work," he commented, but she nodded because she knew that.

"Is it normal for them to work so late?"

Gustave frowned this time. "Gabriel didn't seem happy about them busting each other up, so he could be prolonging the work for several reasons."

She nodded a little, sighing. "Thanks Gustave, I'll just have a chat with Adrien when I can."

He chuckled. "That's probably best, sorry to have…been the bearer," he muttered, looking sincere.

She smiled and gave him a hug. "It's fine, rather from you than someone who wanted to try and rub it in my face," she teased.

"Good point," he laughed and turned. She retreated to her room once more, releasing a loud breath. Though, it would have been best hearing it from Adrien first.

***VERY early in the morning***

Something warm snared her, and she had a brief moment of panic, her heart ramping up in her chest, pulling her rapidly up from the bliss of sleep.

"I've got you," he whispered against her ear, and she immediately relaxed against him, letting a small smile touch her lips.

"Adrien," she murmured gently, keeping her eyes, closed, but her hands came up to cross over his, which were wrapped around her body.

He kissed the back of her neck lightly. "I'm gone not more than a day and it seems you've already replaced me, and with a woman I see," he teased, nibbling the shell of her ear, and she quivered. She really wanted to lean into his jokes, and be playful…but…

"Odd," she whispered hoarsely. "I heard something similar about you, except it didn't take a single night," she said carefully.

His arms tensed around her, and she felt his body stiffen against her back. "Is that so?"

"Mm," she replied softly. "With Lila, no less."

He made a sound that could be discerned as a soft hiss of displeasure. "Don't want anything to do with that woman," he said firmly under his breath. "I was trying to stop her advances, and she just kept throwing herself on me just outside my room."

His right hand slid lower, fingering the hem of her pajama shorts, and she swallowed, feeling the heat cascading to her core. "Wh-Why did you fight Luka?"

This time he growled, right against the nape of her neck, and his fingers snared her hip, thrusting against her almost painfully, and his left hand came up to cover her mouth to muffle the loud moan threatening to spill free as his throbbing cock rubbed into her soft flesh. Her eyes flew open, touching his knuckles, but then she remembered, they weren't alone in the bed!

"He was making rude suggestions about you, and I lost my temper," he whispered simply, allowing his tongue to slide up the side of her throat. "You should try and keep quiet so you don't wake her," he chuckled darkly, moaning softly even as his erection continued to create friction against her backside, but his right hand slid back to her hem, delving beneath.

"A-Adrien," she groaned against his palm, squirming. "Y-you can't with h-her right here," she breathed, panicked.

"Excuse me, mademoiselle," he said thickly, his hand breeching her panties as his bare knee pressed between her thighs, pulling them apart by lifting his limb so his hand could press more easily down. "Who was it that nearly gave me a hand job in a crowded restaurant with the lovely Chloe's evil help?" His index finger circled her clit, and her back curved as her teeth found the inside of her mouth to hold the cry in.

"M-me," she gasped against his hand, pressing her nails into the back of it as he kept her mouth covered to subdue her delighted keens.

"I missed you too much," he admitted, suddenly finding a relentless pace against her most sensitive nub, and she trembled against him, her hips bucking backwards wildly. "I need you right now or I'm going to fuckin' lose my mind," he snarled into her hair as he continued to fuck her ass through their clothes, his fingers torturous on her clit until she felt that familiar peak closing in, and he must have felt it too, because…he released her, rolling her as quickly as he would allow himself without disturbing the other blonde sprawled out a two feet from them.

She gasped, staring into his emerald orbs, and they were intense, even in the dark, but she didn't have a moment to drink them in as his fingers shoved the crotch of her pajamas and panties aside, and his…bare…cock slid against her already heightened desire.

"F-Fu—!" Her cry of pleasure disappeared into his demanding mouth, and Adrien continued to thrust, just rubbing up against her dripping slit, but his tip enticed her nub, and she lifted enough from her side on one elbow and knee, hooking her other leg over his side to roll her hips desperately back against him to create even more friction. His hands found her ass, and he was groaning desperately, almost whimpering into her mouth as their panting intensified, sweat trickling down her face as the orgasm neared.

It hit her harder than expected, and her teeth found purchase in her own lower lip as she suppressed the urge to scream out, her body quaking with her pleasure, eyes squeezing shut. The feeling was prolonged by his continued thrusts, but soon….he was trembling beneath her too, palming her ass possessively.

She panted uncontrollably, gulping for air, and rocked herself forward, delighting in the hiss he released. "I'm s-surprised we didn't wake her as it was, honestly," he admitted. "I don't think twice we'll be as lucky."

"Th-There's a bathroom…and a shower," she pleaded. "G-God, please," she begged.

He didn't need any further invitation. He rolled them both skillfully, and he was on his feet, scooping her up in his arms. He tossed a glance over at the blonde, tilting his head a little, listening.

"Sh-She really sleeping?"

He nodded slowly. "Yeah, she's deep in it," he whispered, stalking toward the bathroom. "Just like I'm going to be as soon as this fuckin' door closes behind us."

Oh, my. She squirmed, licking her lips.

***POV Change***

He spilled inside of her again, and he groaned, eyes rolling a bit even as his body pinned hers to the wall, his hands trapping hers. He was trying to give his back time to heal, and his mate liked to use her claws. Adrien didn't mind, but father sure seemed to.

"We s-still have lots of t-talking to do," he warned, panting as his tongue licked at the bite mark on the swell of her breast from the previous shoot. It was so incredibly sexy.

"I know," she groaned, head lulling. "W-We can talk t-tonight?"

He snorted, rocking in and out of her body slowly despite his quickly softening state. It never lasted long. "It's a date," he muttered, and she touched his temple tentatively.

"What was so bad you got into a fight?"

He let out a bark of laughter before he could stop himself, wincing as the sound echoed. "You don't want to talk about you're inability to trust me in the field, or how we can get around it, but you want to talk about that right now?"

"You got hurt," she breathed, biting her lip as it started to wobble, and her eyes filled with tears.

Shit. "I'm okay, Mari, I promise. Luka looks worse," he pointed out. "He just kept implying he wasn't going to stop trying things with you, and then he…he…" The beast reared up, and Adrien released an actual snarl of anger. "He told me you were the best thing he ever tasted and I should have heard you moaning his name. That's when I lost the rest of my control."

He felt her body go rigid against him, and she dropped her head. "I shouldn't have been so weak."

"Don't start," he warned evenly. "Or I'm going to have to punish you." She squirmed and he rolled his eyes. "Not a fun punishment! I won't have you putting yourself down anymore, Mari. I don't blame you for anything. It's Luka who continues to cross a line he shouldn't, so stop blaming yourself."

She sniffed a little, and nodded. "I guess."

He rolled his eyes again, but his head jerked a little, staring at the door, heart pounding a little. His sudden alertness startled her, but she held her breath. It was locked…which was good…

The knob rattled. "Mar—"A yawn broke the word before she tried again. "Marinette?"

"Y-yeah," the bluenette blushed. "Sorry, we'll be out in a second!"

"We'll?"

He snorted at how bright her face flushed with her embarrassment. "Yeah, Chlo', we'll be out in a minute." He could probably sneak out if he tried hard enough, but it wasn't worth the effort. Chloe didn't seem to care about their relationship.

"God, are you guys having nookie in the bathroom while I'm sleeping?"

"No, of course not," he countered, chuckling as he licked her shoulder in lingering motions, enjoying her squirms. "We were discussing nuclear physics, and this seemed to be the most suitable environment for a constructive conversation."

Chloe snorted this time. "Bite me, Agreste."

"Oh, touché, couldn't pull one over on you," he teased. "We were using the bed, but we were afraid of waking you, so we moved ourselves to the bathroom."

Marinette looked like she was going to have a heart attack, and he was barely containing his laughter.

The woman scoffed. "Yeah, okay," she muttered, her tone one of disbelief. "Just make sure you clean up."

The bluenette punched him in the shoulder, and he yelped in an exaggerated manner before pulling free of her body. The cool air licking along his swollen cock made him shiver, and groan, but she punched him again.

"You're not that funny," she spat, narrowing her eyes, but he saw her fighting the smile.

"Apologies, I couldn't help myself," he teased. "Forgive me?"

She scoffed, but gave him a quick peck before gathering her clothes from the floor. "Maybe I should start coming up with punishments for you," she countered, tossing him a sultry look before padding towards the door, pulling her shirt over her body.

He gulped, watching her sway her ass and…man...he'd never wanted to be in trouble so badly before.

***POV Change***

"Yay!" Marinette giggled, hiccupping. They'd completed their last fashion walk in Milan. Chloe had to sit out, but she didn't want to stay home alone, so now, the woman was beside her, and they were both thoroughly enjoying what might have been too many glasses of the free champagne at the after function.

"You looked so pretty," Chloe slurred, snickering. "Almost better than me!'

The bluenette blushed, but part of the natural glow was due to the alcohol. "This is really good," she hiccupped again, staring at her empty glass, eyes widening. "Who drank the rest of my cup?"

The blonde pursed her lips. "Did someone steal your drink?"

"Yes, they've avsc—acons…absconded with my bubbly drink!"

"Don't worry," Chloe said, slamming a fist on the table, startling the other patrons sitting with them. "Whoops, sorry!" They both erupted into a fit of giggles before she continued. "We'll figure out who did it!"

"I think, Mari, you might have had enough. I believe you might be snockered," Adrien commented firmly, but his lips were in a smile when she tilted her head all the way backwards to look at him. She smiled too, but the world was wavy, and her neck was starting to hurt.

"Someone stole my last one," she gasped, eyes widening up at him in true shock. "I didn't get to finish it!"

He chuckled, leaning down and kissed her forehead, then her lips, gently. "You should probably be abstaining, period. The only reason I let you is because I'm here," he whispered, hands trailing to her bare shoulders, and she shivered.

She lifted her heavy head, and the world swayed again, but she turned in her seat. "S'cuse me monsieur," she hiccupped, eyeing his hand on her shoulder. "You should be careful how you touch me because my boyfriend can kick your butt," she snickered and Chloe erupted behind her. "My boyfriend! That's you," she whispered loudly, laughing.

He grinned, and it took her breath away, because it took up his whole face. "Indeed," he countered. "However, I'm willing to fight him for you, and I'm pretty strong myself," he teased, pulling her to her feet. "Where is this protective boyfriend of yours?"

She looped her arms around his neck. "Mm, think he mighta run away."

"His loss. Now I've got a chance," he whispered, kissing her lips, and his mouth tasted so good.

"You taste delicious, like warm and safe!"

He snorted, eyes drifting to Chloe. "You too, Chlo' c'mon. I want to get you both home. We leave for Venice in the morning for two days." He gripped her waist firmly with one arm, and reached down, pulling Chloe gently up with the other. "Should you even be drinking after your surgery?"

"Whoops," she snorted. "Probably s'okay. I think…they said don't drive. Or maybe no drinking for twenty-four hours, but its been more than that, right?"

Mari felt his body stiffen, and saw his jaw clench. "God, you're so strong," she cooed. "I want to have sex right now," she breathed, reaching a hand between their bodies. She palmed his arousal, moaning when she found him ready. "Mmm you want sex too!"

He groaned. "M-Mari, let us make it home first, and then we'll…" he let his voice trail off, but she didn't like that look. He wasn't going to have sex with her!

Her eyes widened. "Are you hard because of Chloe?!"

The blonde tinkered. "Can I taste the safe and warm too then?" His face was stuck between confusion and amusement and indecision when Chloe leaned forward, trapping his mouth.

Mari's eyes widened in surprise, but the lightness in her head refused to react completely as the girl's mouth moved gently against…

"Hey!" She frowned. "That's my boyfriend!"

Adrien yanked his head back, blushing, looking just as surprised as Mari felt. "C-Chloe, try…try to remember what you're doing, okay?"

"Mm," she moaned. "But he does taste like warm and safe."

The both started laughing again. "I know," the bluenette chortled. Adrien blew out a loud breath.

"How about I help you with the ladies?" Luka's voice was soft, sincere, but she felt the entire line of her boyfriend's body vibrate with anger. "If it makes you feel better, I'll take Chloe," he smiled, and she looked at her friend, eyes too wide, and her own brows pulled together slowly, the cogs moving in her head. Why did she seem horrified?

"I can handle them both," the blonde replied easily.

"Well, if the screams of the night are any indication, I'm sure you can," he retorted quickly, and Adrien snarled. "So, what, that makes three women for you now? If, we count Chloe now, too?"

The blonde girl looked panicked, and Mari…was still trying to figure out why, but Luka's words snapped her focus to him. "Shut up, Luka," she muttered suddenly. "Adrien is only sleeping with me, don't be mad just because you're jealous," she snorted. "You weren't that good."

Whoops, that was…uh…not what she'd meant to say, but Chloe burst out laughing. Mari's cheeks lit up, because it was a partial lie, Luka hadn't been bad, but it was the first thing that popped out in her irritation. However, Luka's eyes were narrowed to slits, and Adrien was suddenly pulling her behind him, protective. He did the same with Chloe.

"Her mouth is brave when she's intoxicated," he commented. "Does she talk that way to you?"

"No, but I guess that means she finds my performance good enough."

Both girls snickered, covering their faces. "He's funny," Chloe whispered, but it was loud.

She couldn't see Luka's face, but she was betting he was pissed. "Heavenly," Marinette moaned, rubbing her face into his back, and he tensed, but chuckled.

"They need to get home, they're obviously in no condition to stay out," Adrien said firmly. "They don't want your help, and I don't need it, but thanks for offering."

She watched Chloe clutch her abdomen, wincing more each time she laughed, and she realized that the girl probably…shouldn't…be straining her muscles so much!

"Carry her," she blurted out loudly.

Adrien turned as Luka walked away, stiff, probably angry. "What?"

"You have to carry her," she said urgently. "She shouldn't be walking, she's in pain!"

The blonde eyed his friend, and he sighed. "You coming out was probably a bad idea. I thought you said it was okay?"

She muttered as he lifted her up gently. "Mighta…been mistaken."

He frowned. "We'll discuss that tomorrow, but for now, we'll get you guys home."

Marinette clung to his side the whole way to the car, nodding politely at people as they said their goodbyes and congratulated her for…she wasn't sure, being able to walk on a stage? Adrien got Chloe into the car, gingerly setting her down so she could lay if she wanted, and he helped Mari in next.

"You two are trouble together," he muttered, growling.

"Yeah," she giggled, closing her eyes. "But you love us both."

He sighed. "Can't argue with that, can I?" She felt his lips touch her temple as she leaned against him, and the alcohol forced her to pass out…or fall asleep, she wasn't sure which.

***Some time later***

Chloe's eyes had been so wide. She was so mortified. Scared? Somewhere in her floating unconsciousness, Marinette's brain was still working, and something was bothering her.

How often did Chloe get scared? She could count on one hand the number of times she saw real fear in the girl's formidable eyes…so why…

Something tugged her all the way up, straight into consciousness, wide-eyed alert, and she gasped, choking for air, mouth dry. Adrien was asleep beside her. How had she gotten home? When did she get home? What time was it? It was still dark out, so early, but…she reached over. No Chloe. Where was Chloe?

Shit, no-no. Chloe couldn't be alone! Panic gripped her chest. "Adrien," she shrieked, shoving him so hard he almost fell completely off the bed, and he reacted in instinct. He pushed as far from her as possible, rolling off the bed and sliding across the floor in a crouch, ready.

"Mari?" He frowned, looking around for the obvious danger that could have made her wake him in such a brusque way.

She scrambled off the bed, but somehow, she was still partially drunk, and the world wavered a bit. "We have to get Chloe, where is she?"

"I put her to bed when we got back?" He raised his brows.

"NO! She can't be alone!" She panicked, staring at him, afraid.

He looked taken aback, but his eyes narrowed. "You know something I don't," he accused, and she swallowed.

She shook her head violently and ran for the door, staggering in her impaired state, and plowed into it, fumbling with the knob. Oh, God, she hoped that…she hoped that the woman was alright. She was probably overreacting. One night would have been fine, but she didn't want to take chances. She'd stay with her every night if she had to!

Adrien pulled her backwards. "Stay here," he demanded, disappearing through the barrier with ease.

She sat on the floor, fingers trembling as they buried in her tresses. How could she have not told Adrien to be sure to bring Chloe with them? How could she have let the woman down like that? Oh, God, what kind of friend was she?

She covered her face, holding her breath as the seconds dripped by.