Chapter Thirty-Six: Mending

Marinette stared at Adrien, and she felt the guilt gnawing at her chest like a tangible beast threatening to dominate her body. He seemed perfectly at ease, calm, but she couldn't help but feel hurt on his behalf. He was sitting on the floor, with his back against the wall, and his eyes were closed. At first glance, one might think he was sleeping, but she could see the tense set of his shoulders.

Chloe had wanted some alone time, and retired to the bathroom to soak in the overly large tub. Adrien, of course, made sure there were no escape routes first, and now, they were sitting in awkward silence.

Marinette stared at the line of his jaw, her eyes drawing down to the rise and fall of his bare chest, and she licked her lips. She wanted, deeply, to close the distance between them. Every inch of her body craved him, but her mind froze, and she frowned. Adrien. This was Adrien. He didn't hurt her. He was her shield. He was always the one protecting her. If she couldn't be comfortable around him, who could she be comfortable with?

She shifted from the bed, and he didn't budge. She wasn't sure if he just didn't hear her, or if he was pretending not to, but she crawled slowly across the floor towards him.

"Adrien," she murmured softly as she neared, and he opened his eyes.

"Mari?" The green orbs widened, and it looked like he tried to push further into the wall. "What are you doing?"

She let a grin cross her face. "Looks like I'm coming to kitty," she tried to sound confident, but her voice wavered.

"I thought we agreed?"

"It has been more than a day," she pointed out, finally reaching him.

"I still think we should wait," he grunted, putting his hands on her shoulders to halt her movements, and she frowned.

"Don't you think I can make my own decisions?"

He looked pained. "I'm s-sorry, Mari, but you said that last time, and you…" She flinched and it made him wince. "I don't think you're ready."

She shoved her palms into the bends of his elbows to remove his grip from her shoulders, and she didn't waste the opportunity to plow forward, crashing her lips to his. Adrien didn't respond to her kiss, but she moved her mouth tenderly, burying her fingers into his golden mane.

She kept her eyes glued onto his, refusing to close them, and slowly, he opened his lips to her probing. Adrien's hands grabbed her hips, and her eyes widened, but she refused…refused to let the images plague her mind. Adrien. Adrien. Adrien.

"Adrien," she moaned, and he dragged her onto his lap. She wanted this. She did.

He tore his mouth free just as fast, and gingerly pushed her back, making her blink. "S-Sorry," he croaked. "N-No."

"Yes," she said firmly, frowning, and she grabbed his biceps, yanking as hard as he could, throwing herself backwards. She managed to dislodge him from his seated position, and he was above her. The bluenette tried to get him between her legs, but he was already straddling her thighs, preventing it.

"Mari, don't force this," he growled, staring down into her eyes, frowning.

"I want you," she said honestly.

"I know," he replied. "It doesn't mean we have to do this right now."

"I want to," she snarled. "Stop trying to …stop me," she complained.

"Mari," he said firmly.

She shook her head and thrust her face up to capture his lips again. Dammit if she wasn't going to get him to let her try again. She wanted to try. She was going to use Chloe's advice. She wasn't going to close her eyes. She was going to remember that this was Adrien.

Her nails scraped lightly down his back, and she dragged her tongue over his lower lip, pulling a groan from the man. She felt the tension in his body, the reservation, and to be honest, she was scared…nervous…but she wanted to try. She wanted to get back to normal. She didn't want this one incident to define her entire life…and certainly not her relationship.

"Adrien," she whispered, pouring her want into the singular word.

He whimpered, but pulled away, the agony crossing his face more than blatant. "I c-can't."

"Is…is it because I let him touch me?" She didn't mean to let the words tumble out, but that was the first thought that dominated her mind. She wanted to try…but it didn't seem he wanted to anymore.

He looked like she'd struck him. "No!"

"Do you…not want me anymore because of what happened?"

His frown and confusion only increased. "Why would you think that?"

It didn't matter. An immediate wave of insecurity washed over her form, and she felt nauseous. Mari pressed her palms into his chest now, trying to get him off. "Just forget it," she sniffled, turning her face away, the hurt welling up inside her chest. Her confidence and will to drive forward was gone, shattered, as the negativity set in.

"Mari," he whispered, sounding broken, helpless.

"Get off! Please, get off," she shrieked, wriggling violently, and he moved to obey her pleas. She scrambled beyond his reach and slammed her fist on the bathroom door. She needed to escape. "Chloe! Let me in!" It only took a few moments before the door opened, and she tumbled inside, sobbing.

"Whoa, are you okay?"

"He doesn't want me anymore," she cried loudly, slamming the door closed, locking it.

Chloe's brows shot upwards. "I'm sure that's not right," she breathed, pulling the aching woman close, hugging her. "Just take a deep breath."

The bluenette, nodded, trying to do as instructed, but it was hard. "I t-tried to k-kiss him and he didn't w-want me."

The blonde stroked small circles over her back, soothing, and kissed her head, chaste, tender. "I think, maybe, he's afraid of pushing you into a bad place," she murmured.

"I w-wanted to try!"

Chloe sighed, holding her at arm's length. "Yeah," she smiled sadly. "But he's not sure how to handle it, Marinette. He's trying to think of you."

Marinette sniffled. "I just want to f-feel normal! I just want…to feel good instead of…" She held her hands up, physically grasping for a word.

"Shameful and hurt?"

"Y-yeah!"

Chloe gripped her hand gently, and tugged her towards the door, unlocking it. "C'mon, we have to address this before it becomes a thing."

"I d-don't want to face him," she hissed. "I'm disgusting," Mari cried, trembling, digging her heels in. However, the blonde was unyielding as she yanked her through the opening.

"Adrikins," she said softly. "You two have a problem."

"Chloe," the bluenette pleaded, only for the name to fall on deaf ears.

"Your girlfriend feels like you find her disgusting," she said loudly.

"Mari," he said, face contorting in agony. "I don't think any such thing!"

"Of course you don't," Chloe scoffed. "She just feels that way because you're trying to think of her. You two have a communication problem. I'll be the mediator," she teased.

Marinette blushed. "Is that necessary?"

"Apparently it is, if you come bursting into the bathroom, crying that the man who clearly loves you doesn't want you."

"I j-just don't want her to rush into intimacy," he commented.

"That's fair," the woman said, nodding. "It was hard for me at first. It's still hard sometimes, especially since I know he doesn't really care."

The tone in her voice was so flat and simple that it took Mari back, and she blinked, astonished. It took Chloe a moment to realize what she said, and the flippant way she'd uttered it before she flushed, and looked away.

"Chloe?" The bluenette took a step forward, but Adrien was already there, wrapping his arms protectively around her.

"It's f-fine," she whimpered, swallowing audibly. "This isn't about me."

"How can it not be about you?" His voice was steady. "We love you."

"Stop saying that!"

Marinette frowned, sighing. Boy, they were the perfect trio of complicated issues, weren't they? "We do love you," she insisted.

"STOP IT!" She slammed her fists into Adrien's chest, as if he'd been the one who'd hurt her, and the tears were cascading down her cheeks. "Stop saying that like it's okay! Stop saying it like you mean it!"

"We do mean it," he offered just as easily, his body not budging under the force of her repeated blows.

"We do," Mari echoed, even as her heart began to fracture. Was Chloe so broken that the first mention of affection made her doubtful? Had Luka been the only one to hurt her? Why didn't the blonde believe them? All she wanted to do now was reach out and heal her, damn her own pain. Chloe had tried, so hard, to help them, every step of the way, at the detriment of her own being.

"Stop," she shrieked, thrashing violently in Adrien's grasp, but he refused to let her go, and Marinette was sure it was because he was afraid she'd take it as a sign he wasn't adamant to his word.

She came up behind the blonde woman, and she encircled her arms around them too, so the duo encompassed the girl, and she sobbed, her knees buckling. Adrien shifted, and Mari followed suit, allowing the trio to move to the floor with ease as they held each other.

"Stop saying it," she whispered frantically. "You don't mean it," she cried.

"We'll always mean it," the bluenette said firmly.

"Forever," Adrien added.

"Y-You can't. I'm u-unlovable!" Her body quaked in her arms, and Mari sniffled, feeling her soul splintering. She wished, with every fiber of her being, that she could have been there sooner for the blonde.

"You're wrong, Chloe," he murmured. "I've always loved you."

The woman sobbed, and suddenly, her lips surged forward, connecting with his, and Mari's eyes widened, staring. She…she was kissing her boyfriend. Just as quickly, the blonde retracted, gasping.

"I'm s-sorry!"

Adrien's wide emerald eyes stared at Mari over her shoulder. What was that look? So many emotions were filtering through her mind that she was having a hard time discerning her own from the ones cascading through his eyes. Shock? Hurt? Betrayal? Love? Jealousy? Want? Lust?

A part of Marinette wanted to make Chloe happy. She felt the woman deserved it. She even, on some odd plane, found the woman attractive. She'd never been drawn to women before, but Chloe pulled her in. The three of them held an odd gravitational orbit that it was hard to deny, but was she willing to share Adrien?

Part of her was willing to do anything to help heal the agony in the blonde's heart…but at the same time, this was the man she loved. What if he ended up loving Chloe more? In this very moment, did she have time to contemplate that possible outcome? What if it was just one time? Would one time hurt? After all, maybe…just…maybe…if she …included Chloe…he would give in to her. Having another woman there actually made her feel a little more comfortable, as odd as it seemed.

She licked her lips and nodded at him quickly, gesturing at Chloe with her eyes, hoping he wanted to help the woman as much as she did. If not, the request would seem odd, but then his eyes grew more, surprised.

Chloe tried to break free, but Marinette held fast, and Adrien peeled his arms free, gripping the blonde's face gently. The bluenette watched, holding her breath, waiting for the green-eyed monster to rear its head as his lips pressed against the woman's, but nothing happened. No jealousy sparked, and no anger erupted.

However, Chloe gasped, and she felt a lot of the tension release from the woman's body against hers. It took several lingering moments, but soon the kiss was desperate, and needy, and she shoved herself backwards from them as Chloe fed on Adrien's mouth like it was the only thing keeping her centered.

She watched, in fascination, and a little bit of shock, as the woman surged above him on her knees, clawing at his shoulders, trying desperately, it seemed, to melt into his very body as their mouths mingled. One of his hands went into her wet tresses, and the other slid down to her ass, pulling her tighter against him, and it took Marinette a few moments to realize that Chloe was wrapped in a large fluffy towel.

His fingers cupped her bare bottom, and she moaned against his mouth before she finally tore free, panting, and reeled completely backwards, dropping to the floor on her backside.

"I'm s-s-so sorry, Mari!"

She snorted a little, blushing. "Well, I'd say I'm mad, but uh—how do you feel?" Her bluebell orbs slid to Adrien's half-lidded gaze, and the jealousy finally sparked. Maybe he didn't want her anymore, but he seemed to want Chloe.

"Well," she breathed, still trying to catch her breath.

"Honesty would be nice."

"It was incredible," she whispered, swallowing loudly.

"Then, I'm not mad," she teased, licking her lips as her surprised blue eyes shot upwards. "Did it make you feel better?"

"Y-Yes," she admitted. "At least it felt real."

Marinette dropped her gaze to the floor for a few moments considering those words carefully. Chloe felt like her relationship was fake, but she couldn't let go. She loved Luka, but he didn't love her back. However, Adrien loved her, and made her feel good. Now, it was difficult for the bluenette to be intimate, and he seemed unable to want her…but Chloe was available. So, maybe…

"Okay," she whispered. "I'm going to go take a bath," she croaked gently. "What you two do between now and then is your business. I don't mind," she whispered, swallowing around the tightness in her throat. She didn't want to share Adrien, really. Not when she wasn't present, anyway, but Chloe hurt so bad, and he seemed to want the blonde woman. Who was she to stand in the way?

"Marinette," Adrien growled, and she shook her head.

"N-No," she laughed quickly, standing, and scooting back from both her friends…the people she loved. "I mean it." She did mean it, but part of her hurt saying it. She hugged herself. "Chloe…I love you," she said honestly. "Adrien, I love you. You both…need…things…and can give it to each other. It just…makes so much sense. I'm not going to be selfish about it." She turned…and disappeared into the bathroom, locking the door. She needed to put the barrier between them and her.

She released the breath she'd been holding. So, the kiss had been bearable, but thinking about anything was hurtful. It wasn't Chloe's fault. It wasn't Adrien's fault. She loved both of them so much. If Adrien could show Chloe what true love and affection was, she didn't want to be the force that stopped that. The blonde woman deserved so much more than that. After all, it wasn't like Adrien was her husband, and it wasn't like Chloe hadn't suffered on their behalf as well. Mari was positive she'd suffered physical trauma because of them.

"Marinette," Adrien said, knocking.

She shook her head. "Leave me alone," she screamed, grabbing her ears. "HELP CHLOE!"

The bluenette turned on the independent shower to, hopefully, emphasize her point. He didn't say anything again, and she sniffled, shedding her clothes. She hoped that they he could help heal some of the blonde's wounds…if he didn't want to be with her.

***POV Change***

Adrien stared at the bathroom door a little while longer, but she didn't open up. He heard the shower running, but it did little to dissuade him from thinking she might pop out at any second.

"Adrien," Chloe tried softly. He flinched, turning to stare at her, finally. "I'm s-sorry. I really didn't mean to make things worse."

He sighed, closing the distance between them and hugged her. "It's not your fault, and you didn't. She all but told me to kiss you, and I should have just…I don't know, refused?"

She tensed in his arms, and he mentally smacked himself. "Right."

"I don't regret it for the reasons you might think," he offered quickly.

"Oh? What reasons might I think?"

"Because it's you? Because I don't care? Because I'm not attracted to you?"

She blushed, and looked down. "Oh," she whispered. "Yeah, I might have been thinking one or all of those."

"I should have refrained because she was already thinking I didn't want her," he hissed. "And then I went and kissed you. Of course you're attractive Chloe, and I care about you, that's why I regret it. I kissed an attractive woman I also care about in front of her when she was already feeling shitty. It was stupid."

The woman sighed, nodding. "I see your point."

"Yeah, now, how do I fix it, oh, expert in all things female?"

She laughed, briefly, and punched him in the shoulder. "I think this is good."

His brows shot up, and he knew his look was skeptical. "Please, pray tell, how this was a good thing?"

"You said she told you to kiss me?"

"Yeah…"

"Well, then, she was thinking of someone other than herself, which is, obviously, true to Marinette form, but…that meant she was willing to put her own feelings for you aside for me or that she cares enough for me that…she's willing to share you," she offered, frowning. "I, uh, dabbled with female intimacy a little after my first assault, and found it easier than being with a man."

Adrien flinched violently, staring down at her. "First?"

She shook her head rigorously. "Nevermind that. I couldn't be with a man straight away. I found it far less…strenuous on my mind to indulge in women for a short period. It reminded me less of my experience."

He didn't want to let it go, but he did. Pushing her didn't seem wise, and after all, it was her hardship to bear and share. "Okay, so her…willingness to share?"

"Yeah, I think it might mean that she's coping better than you might think. She's rationalizing better than I did at first, and wanting to keep trying with you?" She shook her head. "You need to let her keep hacking at it."

He stiffened, his blood going cold. "I d-don't want her to regret it."

"She isn't going to blame you, and I know that's what you're afraid of. Let her try."

He sighed. "What about you and me? Do you want me?"

He watched her visibly stiffen. "Do you want me," she countered.

"Yes," he croaked. "Not more than her, but God help me, yes."

She looked like he'd struck her with a fatal blow, and the woman reeled back several feet, blue eyes widening. "Don't say that."

"You asked," he hissed. "You also didn't answer me!"

"I've always wanted you," she replied, blinking wildly. "Anybody who doesn't want you is blind!"

Great. This was great. What had he gotten himself into? He dropped his gaze to the floor, hurt and contemplation overtaking his mind. He loved Marinette. He didn't love Chloe the same way, but he lusted after the blonde in a way he couldn't say for anyone else. He also loved her like nobody else. Not the same as the bluenette, but she held a special place in his heart. It made for a complicated storm in his chest, and he cringed.

"This isn't helping," he snapped.

"You're telling me," she retorted, sniffling. "I can't deal with you guys caring so much!"

"You're just going to have to deal with it," he snarled, pinching the bridge of his nose. One step at a time. He needed to work through the many layers of the convoluted relationship the trio had become. He wasn't sure when they had evolved into this dynamic, but it had crept up so easily, he wasn't sure how it had happened. All he knew was…he couldn't let either woman down.

***POV Change***

Mari was afraid to open the door. She couldn't. She pressed her palms flat against the smooth barrier, and she squeezed her eyes shut. Pictures of Luka enjoying her body plagued her mind. Her bluebell orbs flew open, and her chest contracted with the sob that threatened to escape.

"Adrien," she whispered to the door. She pictured his vibrant green eyes, and warmth immediately settled in her soul. He was good. He was safe. He was her shield. Okay, she could do this.

He kissed Chloe. Yeah, but she'd encouraged it. Did that mean he wanted the blonde more? Maybe he'd do better with someone he didn't view as tainted? Chloe had her share of trauma, but she hadn't actively betrayed the man.

She tried to shut her eyes against the thoughts again, but more memories flooded back, and she whimpered. She was the one who had told him to kiss the blonde. The woman hurt so much she couldn't help it. She deserved love, just like anyone else, and if Adrien could give it to her, who was she to deny that? After all, Mari loved Chloe just as much.

"Get over it," she said firmly, nodding. "It was just one kiss. It doesn't have to be a thing."

Yeah, but what if they were fucking? No, not fucking….what if they were making love? What if they had made love in her time in the bathroom? You told them to spend time together. She knew that! Suddenly, all the intimate prospects cascaded over her worried mind, and she felt daunted, clutching at her chest. She couldn't face them. What had she done?

She loved Chloe, but really? She'd offered her lover to the woman. She loved the blonde too, but really? Offering Adrien to her? What had she been thinking?

Marinette's breathing grew frantic, and she tugged on the door, throwing it open, fully expecting to find some sex crazed marathon. Her mind braced itself for the possibility of devastating positions, but instead, Chloe and Adrien were both fully dressed, sitting on the floor with a deck of cards between them, and she blinked, disbelief possessing her.

"Good shower?" Chloe giggled, tossing a queen of diamonds in the center. "Beat you!"

"Dammit!" Adrien sounded frustrated, and he shoved the pile of cards towards his female partner. "I think you're cheating!"

"Not my fault you suck at War!"

"Uh?" She blinked, confused. "What are you guys doing?"

"We're playing cards, duh," Chloe offered, rolling her eyes. "Adrien is losing is spectacular fashion."

"You're cheating," he growled, and she snickered.

"I th-thought you would be…" She wasn't even sure how to finish the sentence as her hands clasped the front of her towel, and her eyes darted towards the nearest wall.

"Would be?" Adrien's voice sounded a little mocking, and she felt him drawing near. "What?"

"I don't know," she admitted. "Enjoying each other?"

"We are enjoying each other," he said easily, his hands gripping her hips, and she squeaked. "Card games are fun."

Her eyes met his, and the heat in his gaze made things low in her body melt. "I-I thought…m-maybe…" She shrugged.

"Mm," he grinned, and it was big, and it was Chat worthy, and her stomach knotted. His lips descended, greeting her mouth with a need she didn't quite expect. It pulled a gasp from her throat, and her eyes began to flutter closed, but she forced them open, staring into his intense green orbs.

Adrien's hands slid to the backs of her thighs and lifted her without pause, and she wrapped her legs around his waist, moaning into his mouth as his hardness pressed against her exposed core.

"A-Adrien," she whimpered, lips breaking free as she felt her entire body heating under the guise of her pleasure.

"Mari," he growled back with equal fervor, moving their bodies to the bed. "Tell me if you need to stop," he warned, before he crawled onto the plush surface with her wrapped firmly around his body. "Otherwise, I'm going to ravish you," he proclaimed, his tongue darting out to lick her earlobe.

She released a giggle, and he shivered. "I-I'll..take another shower," Chloe said weakly, and the duo stiffened.

Marinette's eyes widened, staring up at her partner, and she licked her lips, hoping her next words didn't sound strange. "N-No…come here, please," she breathed desperately, sealing everyone's fate.

Author Note:

Trying414, I like the dynamic so far. Hopefully this chapter is good! I…want to thank you for always being here for me. I know it can't be easy to be dedicated. I appreciate your support…please..and thank you..for always being here…I truly…truly…truly…appreciate it…I hope you know that.

SweetestofPeas, I'm SOOOO looking forward to the Lila bashing chapter, but hopefully you enjoyed the bit where she got her ass handed to her in the spar. ^_^

Faefolk11, Yes, he DESERVES to be controlling and possessive, so I don't blame him, and I may at least wait til fashion is done because it won't be 'too' much longer. Maybe about 10/15 more chapters (depending). I appreciate you're unwavering support in my madness. I love you, truly, Fae, you've been…constant in my stories. I…can't thank you enough. You and trying414, seem to be going at it like Champs. I'm okay-ish. I'm glad you're enjoying, though.

Emjrabbitwolf, I appreciate all of your words, and I truly enjoy your lengthy reviews. I get excited when I see your name because I know I'm in for a read! I love to read as much as I love to write! Yes, I'm aware I'm not obligated, but I…feel bad al the same, sadly. I want…to make you guys happy. I'm a…people pleaser. I mean, I do know how to say 'no' but if I can do it, I try. Yes, whomever hurt Chloe is going to be tortured with a vengeance, eventually. When we figure out whoever it is! I did fix the bed size in the previous chapter, thank you for pointing that out for me, I'm stuck in my American ways and just…quoted my American terms. I think it's fixed now. It is now…queen size IN European terms…not double, but actual queen size. He does have the connecting room…but I imagine he won't be spending a lot of time in his own room unless the girls come with him! When they get back to Paris, I imagine there is a lot of things that will need to be discussed (even before hand, but we'll get there!)

Kazza2182, thank you, as always, for your dedicated replies! I appreciate you! I will start outlining the stories, at least! I hope this is a good chapter for you!

Blackwhitewolfgirl17, well, it's very nice to see a new name, and I appreciate you for reviewing! Well, I hope the ending is astounding, worth it, and amazing! Thank you for your visit and read! Please, stick with me! I (of course) think my ending will be surprising!

Italian Guest, well, hello there my friend, I'm glad you enjoy how I speak to my readers, but as I've mentioned, I believe, without you guys, a writer is nothing, and I truly believe that. Without fans, what would I be? You guys are amazing, and I stick by that. I believe it, and I will never waver in that. Thank you for staying with me, and I hope you enjoyed this chapter! More smut…probably..next chapter!