It's always motivating to see people are enjoying the story! Here we go again!
Lucy grumbled in annoyance when the fire alarm went off in the school. Marinette's father, Tom, had come in to show their class a thing or two about baking. Something he did once or twice a month. For safety, everyone had to evacuate the school and Lucy could only hope it was a drill. She always loved Mr. Dupain's cooking and was really looking forward to eating what he was cooking up. Unfortunately, it wasn't a drill. Someone had called the fire department as a prank.
"I'm sure it was Chloe. I saw her on her phone right before the alarm went off!" Marinette told Lucy and Alya in the crowd of students as the principal scolded them.
"You seeing her make a phone call isn't solid proof." Alya reminded her, causing the pigtailed girl to pout.
It was of course when Chloe spoke up and accused Marinette that Alya and Lucy knew their friend was probably right. Marinette went to address what she saw but was advised not to by Alya as well as Adrien who popped his head in to give his two cents. The principal declared that since no one would come forward, everyone would be punished. Chloe of course mentioned how upset her Mayor of a father would be to hear she was being punished without proof, getting her out of trouble while the rest were left to clean up the schoolyard. Lucy looked at Adrien and she did not have to speak for him to read her loud and clear. As the class got to work, Adrien watched as Chloe shooed away Rose, who had been sweeping nearby. How people themselves perceive what they are doing is not a question that interests Adrien. There are very few people who are going to look into the mirror and say, 'That person I see is a savage monster'; instead, they make up some construction that justifies what they do. If you ask the CEO of some major corporation what he does he will say, in all honesty, that he is slaving 20 hours a day to provide his customers with the best goods or services he can and creating the best possible working conditions for his employees. But then you take a look at what the corporation does, the effect of its legal structure, the vast inequalities in pay and conditions, and you see the reality is something far different. Adrien had known Chloe for a very long time and he understood why she was the way she was, he really did. He just couldn't understand why she wouldn't strive to be better. He knew she could. It was now that the boy decided to take the advice Lucy had been so adamant about giving him and show Chloe some tough love. Even if only a little.
"Chloe, was it you who called the fire department?" He asked as hugged him.
"Of course it was me who called the fire department. So what?" She replied without a care in the world.
"And it doesn't bother you that everyone's being punished because of you?" He asked utterly perplexed.
"No. Why would it? They all seem to enjoy getting dirty making cookies. How's it any different than getting dirty, cleaning floors? They should be thanking me if anything."
Adrien stared at her and sighed in disappointment at her response as he crossed his arms.
"Chloe, how long have we been friends?"
"Since we were adorable little tots, Adrikins." Chloe said, bringing her clasped hands to her cheek.
"Well, I'm sorry Chloé, but I can't be friends with someone who treats other people like this. You've gotta be nice to people." Adrien said firmly.
"N-nice?"
"Yes, Nice. It's not that hard."
As Adrien walked away he felt both guilty and proud to have finally put his foot down with Chloe. Sure, if Lucy had been there, her words probably would have been harsher, but Adrien didn't want to be harsh with Chloe. He just wanted her to understand that he couldn't keep acting like her attitude was okay. If she didn't put in the effort to at least attempt to treat people better, Adrien simply couldn't call her his friend.
OoOoOoOoOoO
When Chloe got home she immediately sulked on her couch. Adrien's words rang through her head like church bells and the blue-eyed girl couldn't shut it off. Chloe was not an idiot. She knew how she affected some people, most people. She couldn't;t help it though. If she wanted to be seen as the best, she needed to remind people that she was. Her father was the mayor of Paris, her mother, a big-time name in the fashion world. People respected them, feared them, loved them. The expectations for her were high, especially from her mother, who like her, expected nothing but the best. Audrey Bourgeois was an important editor of the fashion magazine 'style queen', a job that required just about all of her time. Currently, Chloe's mother lived in New York, only visiting on occasion. Most of her contact with Chloe or her dad was by phone. Chloe knew eventually, her mother would be back and when she did, Chloe wanted her to beam with pride with how respected and adored she was by those around her, even if she had to force it on them. "They don't have to like you." Her mother would say. "Their personal feelings don't matter, what matters is they know their place, and that is beneath you." It was those words that embedded themselves into Chloe's skin. A lot of things are inherent in life -change, birth, death, aging, illness, accidents, calamities, and losses of all kinds- but these events don't have to be the cause of ongoing suffering. Yes, these events cause grief and sadness, but grief and sadness pass, like everything else, and are replaced with other experiences. The ego, however, clings to negative thoughts and feelings and, as a result, magnifies, intensifies, and sustains those emotions while the ego overlooks the subtle feelings of joy, gratitude, excitement, adventure, love, and peace that come from Essence. If we dwelt on these positive states as much as we generally dwell on our negative thoughts and painful emotions, our lives would be transformed. Adrien said it was easy to be nice to people, but for Chloe, it really wasn't. It was too risky. Too risky to be genuine and volnurable. Leaving yourself open to be criticized for your shortcomings. No, she couldn't do it.
"Mademoiselle does not look very happy, today." Her butler spoke, presenting her with a plate full of chocolates. Chloe quickly grabbed them all and shoved them in her mouth. Even sweets could not uplift her mood.
"Adrien says I have to be nice to everyone or he won't be my friend anymore! How can he do this to me, Jean-Michel?" She said in tears. Jean looked at her and frowned.
"Uh, my name is... hm, never mind. Ah, perhaps Mademoiselle can see comfort with ." He offered, pulling out a yellow and black stuffed bear.
"If you would allow it, Mademoiselle, I could help you keep your friendship with Adrien." Jean offered, taking the small bear from Chloe.
"W-why would you do a thing like that, Jean-Jacques?" She knew good and well he had nothing to gain from helping her with this personal matter. In all reality, it was not his job. Chloe knew that.
"Because that's what being nice is all about, Mademoiselle."
OoOoOoOOo
Lucy vogued with the other girls as they tried on some of the items of clothing Marinette had laying around that she had designed. It was fun to mess around like this. Lucy couldn't remember the last time she felt so childish. The girls, Marinette, Alya, Rose, Lucy, Talia, Juleka, and Mylene, were all having a blast when Alya's phone begins to buzz. Noting who the text is from, Alya stares at her phone confused. Why would Chloe be texting her? The text was a party invite and within a moment later, the other girls, aside from Marinette and Talia, received a copy.
"This is so nice of Chloe!" Rose said, happy for the invite.
"Nice and Chloe in the same sentence? Can't be her." Marinette said, crossing her arms.
"Maybe her phone was hacked," Mylene suggested, also finding the invite a little strange.
"I haven't received a text," Marinette said examining her phone, making the other girls laugh.
"Then that means it must be from Chloe." Alya joked.
Talia pouted playfully, looking at her phone. "I didn't get one either."
Lucy laughed and nudged her shoulder. "No surprise there. I don't think you two have ever been formally introduced. No worries though. You can be my plus one." She said with a wink.
Marinette's phone then buzzed making her hold it as if someone had sneezed on it. "Ew! She invited me!"
"Awesome!" Rose cheered. "This is going to be so much fun!"
Marinette looked at the girls like they had gone crazy. "Wait? Your actually going?"
The tiny girl shrugged and gave a small smile. "She probably wants to say sorry for this morning. Maybe's she's nice. Very, very, deep down."
"Give it a chance Marinette," Lucy spoke from behind her. "Maybe she'll surprise you."
Marinette shook her head. "Chloé? No, she's the exact opposite of nice. Whatever, you guys can go but don't count me in."
Alya's phone buzzed again as Nino texted her, letting her know he would be heading to the party with Adrien. At the sound of his name, Marinette quickly changed her tune.
"O-okay, yes, you guys are right! We should totally give Chloé one more chance!"
Lucy laughed and looks at her phone, feeling it buzz. A text from Adrien appeared on her screen, asking if she would be going to Chloe's party. Smiling the blonde girl texted back yes, and that she would be bringing Talia with her. Talia glanced at Lucy's screen and a small frown formed on her face. She looked at Lucy's face as she replied and tried to analyze the smile on her friend's face. There was nothing that stood out about it. Nothing dreamy or longing in her eyes. Talia bit the inside of her cheek as she brought her eyes over to Marinette who still looked like she was daydreaming about attending a party with Adrien. As if she had never done anything social with the boy before. Perhaps it was a good thing she was attending this little gathering. Now she could investigate further.
OoOoOoOoOoOoOo
Chloe looked over as her guests arrived at the party. Her stomach turned as she thought about how she would have to be in close proximity with most of them. She of course did not hate every person there, but she definitely didn't like most of them.
"Mademoiselle should go downstairs and greet her guests in a welcoming manner with a hug and a kiss," Jean said encouraging Chloe.
"Uh, you're kidding, Jean-Claude. You really expect me to let their cheeks touch mine?"
"It's what would do, and this way you can prove to your good friend Adrien that you are nice."
Chloe's eyes lit up as she watched the boy she was doing all this for walk-in beside Nino. Marinette, Alya, Lucy, and Talia not far behind. She quickly ran down and hugged Adrien giving him a kiss on both his cheeks.
"Adrikins! What do you think of me hosting this party? Really nice of me, right?" She asked which made Adrien give her a thumbs up.
"It's awesome Chloe."
"Thank you! Ah! Lucy, glad you could make it and...eh...who is this?" She asked pointing to Talia.
"Chloe," Lucy spoke. "This is my friend Talia, Talia, this is Chloe. I hope you don't mind, of course, I figured one more guest couldn't hurt."
Chloe looked from Lucy to Talia and gave a forced smile. "Right, of course. Welcome."
Chloe was then grabbed by Rose who brought her in for a hug and kisses on both cheeks, thanking her for the invitation, followed by Kim and Max. Chloe swiftly but politely moved away from them, only to walk directly in front of Marinette who looked at her equally uncomfortable. Everyone watched as the two girls who are well-known enemies, quickly came in to hug and kiss. Both pulling away and wiping their mouths directly after dramatically.
A bit later Talia stood off to the side with Lucy, watching some of the other guests dance. Talia looked to find Adrien near the would-be bar, snacking on a cookie. She clears her throat catching Lucy's attention.
"What's up? You good?" Lucy asks, getting a nod from Talia.
"Umhm, yeah. So, you think Marinette is right? That this is all just for Adrien?"
Lucy chuckled a bit and nodded. "I have no doubt. Adrien's opinion is one of the only opinions that matter in Chloe's world. The girl obviously has a crush on him, but besides that, he is also one of the only real friends she has. Adrien is a good person and he desperately wants Chloe to be one too, but she needs that tough love from him. She won't change if he doesn't push her. To be honest she might not change anyway. But we gotta at least try."
Talia nods carefully and leans in toward Lucy casually. "What about you?"
Lucy looks away from the crowd to Talia with a raised eyebrow. "What about me?"
"Do you.." Talia started with a small shrug. "Ever think about...I don't know... liking Adrien? You know...as more than a friend?"
"Where did that come from?!" Lucy asked wide-eyed, moving away from Talia slightly.
Talia rolled her eyes. "Shut up, it's just a fucking question."
Lucy scoffed. "Eh, not really."
"Not really, isn't a hard no." Talia pointed out aloud making Lucy elbow her.
"What are you doing right now?"
"All I'm saying is the two of you have gotten close lately and I couldn't help but wonder if maybe, perhaps, you might kinda, sorta, like...like him," Talia explained slowly, more hushed. "I mean...he seems to have taken a liking to you after all."
A blush rose to Lucy's cheeks, unprepared for Talia's questions nor her assumption about Adrien. The model boy was wonderful. Lucy would not argue that. He was kind and smart, and handsome. However, Lucy had not put a lot of thought into Adrien in a romantic way for a number of reasons. The first and most important being that her friend, who was standing just a few short feet away, was literally crazy over the guy. It was borderline unhealthy. The obsession Marinette had over Adrien fell right over the line to stalkerish but Lucy felt that so long as she didn't go breaking into his house to steal his toothbrush, she could let it slide. Lucy also believed that Marinette was a good person. Sure her moral compass was sometimes affected by personal gain, but that was the case for most people. She wasn't perfect, just human. A human teenage girl who didn't know how to express her feelings. There was the thing that worried Lucy. Marinette was unintentionally very obvious with her feelings, and if Adrien felt the same, he would be able to see them because he too would be expressing them to her. Instead, he was oblivious as ever. Lucy worried that Adrien simply did not see Marinette the way she wanted him to, she worried even more about the possibility that he never would. The idea of Adrien developing feeling for herself, rather than Marinette made Lucy feel unwell. If that were in fact the case, no matter if she were to accept or reject those feelings, someone she cared about would get hurt. For the sake of all their hearts, she hoped Talia is way off.
Marinette and Alya strolled over casually, also watching the crowd. "What are you two whispering about?" Alaya asks curiously.
"Nothing." Both girls say together, getting some raised eyebrows from Alya and Marinette. A slow song then began to play, and the lyrics to 'Not about Angels' by Birdy rang through everyone's ears. The four watched as everyone on the floor dispersed or grabbed a partner.
"Looks like Kim is back at it again," Lucy said, nodding in the direction Kim and Chloe danced. "I thought he would have moved on by now."
Alya nudged Marinette, pointing out Adrien who stood a little ways ahead of them.
"Girl, go ask him." Alya encouraged.
"She's right! He needs a partner!" Talia chimed in. "Hey, boy wonder!" She called out, and for reasons unknown to the girls, Adrien decided to turn around. He smiled and walked over to the four.
"Hey, girls. Having a good time?"
"I! Uh! Yeah...!" Marinette stuttered out, getting an eye roll from Alya. Adrien cleared his thought and held out his hand.
"So, Lucy, would you like to dance?"
Lucy gaped at him for a moment before glancing at Marinette who looked like someone had kicked her puppy. Alya beside her with her brows knitted together.
"Uh, No, I'm not much of a dancer. I don't like people looking at me and, dancing is an activity that tends to draw attention. But, hey, I'm sure Mariette-"
"Don't be a baby and dance with the boy!" Talia said shoving her into Adrien's arms. As Adrien pulled Lucy onto the floor Alya and Marinette watched in confusion.
"What the heck was that about?" Ayla spoke to Talia, frowning at her. "You know we are trying to get Adrien to like Marinette."
Talia shrugged. "He asked Lucy. If he wanted to dance with Marinette, he would have asked her, but he didn't and I don't know about you but I don't believe in forcing people into feelings. If you have to force it, it's not real."
Alya placed her hands on her hips and shook her head before turning to Marinette. "Don't worry girl, you know Lucy would never intentionally try and take Adrien away from you."
Marinette gave Alya a weak smile. "Yeah." She spoke softly before bringing her eyes to the pair.
On the other side of the dance floor Chloe watched in anger and Adrien and Lucy danced. She had no interest in being in the arms of Kim and now to see the boy she did want, wrapped around someone else made her blood boil. Chloe's feelings toward the other blonde girl were always mixed. One moment she wanted Lucy to be her friend, the other she wanted her to just go back to wherever she came from. No matter how tolerable Chloe did find Lucy usually, one thing she would not let her do was to steal Adrien away from her. If she could just get away from the tall banana brain that currently held on to her, without being mean and upsetting Adrien.
"See, Chloe is on her best behavior tonight," Adrien said proudly. Lucy gave him a small smile.
"You did well. I know how hard it can be for you to stand up to Chloe rather than stick up for her. But you know it's not gonna last right?"
Adrien sighed and nodded. "Yeah, but being able to show people that she can be nice if she tries is the point here. Tomorrow will be another day, but at least our friends got to get a glimpse of what Chloe can be. And hopefully, she is getting a glimpse of it too."
"You're a good friend, Adrien. You know that?"
A tight smile formed on Adrien's face. He nodded again and cleared his throat before taking Lucy's hand from his own and placing it at his neck, bringing his own hand to the small of her back. Lucy tensed at the contact, feeling Adrien hug her as they danced. She had been this close to Adrien before. They had hugged plenty of times in the past. But something about this felt different to her. She rested her cheek on his shoulder, closing her eyes as they swayed. Lucy wasn't sure what she was feeling. She wasn't sure what Adrien was trying to do. What she did know is that it couldn't last. Not only did she have her pigtailed friend to think about, who was probably standing on the outskirts of the crowd watching them, but also of the boy in black that visited her room every other night. If he could see her now, what would he think? Would he be angry, or sad? Would he even care at all? Thinking about it, worrying about it, that was what confirmed to Lucy that whatever this was, would have to stop soon. But for now, she would enjoy the moment.
As Marinette watched the two dance, her heart began to break a little. She had thought she was being paranoid. She always was a little when it came to Adrien. From the moment they met, she thought she saw something in the way he looked at Lucy but always brushed it off with encouraging words from Alya. Marinette knew Lucy cared about Adrien, but she had never given any hint that she liked him any more than a friend. The baker girl still believed that that was true but when it came to the blonde boy she had come to adore so very much, with him, she was becoming less and less certain. He chose Lucy to dance. He pulled her into the crowd and then even adjusted their arms so they could become closer to one another. He looked so content with her in his arms. They both did really.
"Marinette," Alya said.
"Hm?"
"It's just a dance."
But it was so much more than just a dance.
OoOoO
Chloe couldn't take it anymore. Seeing Lucy and Adrien so close made her blood boil. Removing herself from Kim, Chloe marched over in their direction only to be stopped by Jean. He pulled out and proceeded to talk in a high pitched voice, to remind Chloe about what a good nice girl she was being. His actions grabbed the attention of a few people, including Kim, who laughed at the sight of the bear, others following. Lucy frowned and let out a sigh as the enraged Chloe shoved the butler into the kitchen with her. The tempo picked back up and everyone went back to their business. Feeling Adrien put a hand on her arm to keep dancing, Lucy pulled away slightly. She glanced over to Marinette who stood by Alya, trying to look like she was having a good time.
"I think I have had enough dancing, but! Mari!" Lucy called out, making the pigtailed girl blink at her before coming toward them. "I'm sure Marinette would have no problem keeping you company here on the floor." She said, pushing Marinette in front of her and into Adrien. A confused look crossed his features before he brought his eyes down to Marinette who looked at him with a nervous smile. Adrien gave her a soft one back and began to move to the music, getting Marinette to do so as well. Lucy walked back to the outskirts of the crowd and stood by Alya while giving a small look around.
"Where did Talia go?"
Alya gave a shrug. "Not sure, I'm sure she isn't far though." Alya watched Marinette and Adrien dance with a small smile on her face but couldn't help and look over to Lucy, trying to read her face. "Can I ask you something?" She then said, getting the blonde to look at her.
"Of course, what's up?"
"Is there something going on between you and Adrien?"
Lucy tilt her head back and groaned. "No, Alya. There is nothing going on between me and Adrien. I'm a little offended you would even ask."
Alya frowned, a bit of guilt in her stomach. "I just had to ask."
"I know."
"Do you want there to be something?"
"Alya..." Lucy breathed out.
"Marinette is my best friend." Alya's voice was strained slightly. She felt uncomfortable even feeling like she had to have this conversation. But she did. She needed to know. "You're my friend too of course, but Marinette...I just want her to be happy."
"I know, Alya."
"She has wanted one thing, more than anything else almost since the moment I met her and that is Adrien. His attention, his affection."
"Alya, really, I know. You don't have to-"
"The thing is, as of lately. The person getting that attention and affection is you."
"Alya please."
"I know you're not doing it on purpose." She continued, bringing her eyes away from the pair and over to Lucy. Her body language was tense and Lucy could see Alya digging her nails into her crossed arms slightly. "You are with us through every attempt. You are supportive in every part of the madness that is Marinette. I know, I see that. I just..." She paused, taking a hard swallow. "If something is going on I need to know now. So I can be ready for when it tears everything apart later."
"Nothing is going on Alya," Lucy confirmed again, getting a nod from the hazel-eyed girl. "But..." She started, looking down at her feet, licking her lips before bringing her eyes back up to Alya's. "What if Adrien never returns Marinette's feelings? It doesn't even have to be because he is in love with someone else. What if he just never sees her that way? How long do we keep pushing?" Alya frowned and brought her eyes back to Marinette and Adrien, who looked like they were enjoying dancing with one another.
"I don't know Lucy. If it's not meant to be, then Marinette is going to have to decide that on her own. What else can we do but be supportive?"
"I know you want Marinette to be happy Alya. I do too. But I also want Adrien to be happy. And I hope that one day they can be happy together but if he ever makes it known to me that his feelings aren't going to change...I won't be able to keep encouraging her like this. Trying to force it will only hurt them both."
"I know. "Alya agreed with a sigh. "But for now we'll try. Who knows. Maybe Marinette will meet some other boy and suddenly become obsessed with him instead." She remarked with a small smile.
Lucy chuckled. "Yeah, wouldn't that be something?"
Chloe's scream started to grab the attention of the room, as she backed up behind Kim to get away from Sabrina. Kim for a moment seemed like he would protect Chloe only to suddenly grow malicious looking himself. Lucy looked him over to see a small black bear attached to his Leg making her sigh. "Well, that can't be good." When she looked over to where Adrien and Marinette had been dancing, both parties had disappeared into the crowd. As Chloe was forced onto the dance floor Lucy felt a tap on her shoulder, finding Tigress behind her.
"Where did you run off to?" She asked, her hero friend giving her a small smirk.
"You looked like you were having a good time with lover boy, figured I could grab a snack. Now, be a dear and step aside, there is a bratty blonde that needs some saving."
Kim tossed Chloe into the air when Ladybug sprung into the room, wrapping her yo-yo around Chloe's leg, tossing her to the ball pit. Kim attempted to chase after her, only to be tripped up by Chat Noir.
"That's a very slippery dance floor!" He taunted before turning to Lucy. "Are you alright?"
"She's fine! Focus Chat!" Tigress yelled. jumping toward Kim. Dispare bear climbed the walls, freaking everyone out in the process. The heroes chase after the small bear but lose him in the crowd. A chair flies in their direction as Max stands on the countertop.
"How about a little game of flying chairs?!"
Ladybug wraps up Max's leg, bringing him down on his butt as Didpare bear moves to his next victim. Ivan holds up a table, preparing to toss it at the three when Tigress leaps forward and smashed the table. As she prepares to fight Ivan, the boy suddenly blinks at her, confused leading her to realize he is no longer under the Akuma's control.
"Chat! Stop it's me!" Ladybug shouts, fighting off and now mind-controlled Chat Noir.
"Cataclysm!" He says going to reach for Ladybug's face.
"Chat no!" Lucy shouts, too far to do anything but watch in horror. Chloe acts fast and grabs Chat's belt tail.
"Paws off kitty!" She demands, pulling him away from Ladybug, making him fall onto the couch. The couch disintegrates and Ladybug gives Chloe thanks.
"Hey! I was really nice just then! Did you see? No?" A few people, struck by shock fall over making Chloe cross her arms. "You're all so lame."
Chat Jumps on Tigress, who somersault-kicks him off of her, leading him to chase Ladybug up the stairs to the roof. Tigress growls in annoyance and runs after them. Chloe smiles confidently before turning to Lucy. "They are crazy if they think they have a chance without me! Don't worry Lucy! I'll go save your Cat toy."
"My wha-? Chloe!" Lucy yells as Chloe runs up the stairs after the heroes. Sighing, Lucy shakes her head. "Don't do anything stupid...Alright!" She turns grabs the attention of the other guests. "Let's all go back to the Lobby and wait this out. I'm sure Ladybug and Tigress have it all under control." Moving her arms in a windmill motion she ushered the guests out to the Main Lobby. Noticing Kim holding his neck, Lucy put a gentle hand on his arm. "Let's also try and find you an ice pack or something. That didn't look like a fun landing." Kim gave her a grateful smile, following her out the door.
OoOoOoO
Later Lucy stood by Adrien, Chloe, and Jean as Marinette's dad finished looking over the macarons everyone had made. Chloe had invited him back to the hotel after everything was put back to normal.
"You did good today Chloe." Lucy complimented earning a prideful smile from the blue-eyed girl.
"You sure did, and it was a great idea inviting Marinette's dad!" Adrien agreed.
"I know. This way, no one can be mad at me for calling the fire department. I'm really nice now, did you notice, Adrikins? Even Ladybug said so! Didn't she, Jean-Pascal?"
Lucy gave a playful eye-roll as Adrien smiled down at Chloe. "I'm proud of you, Chloé. I think you've proven that you're capable of making an effort to be nicer to everyone."
"Aww, Adrikins! So we'll always be best friends, forever? Pinky swear?"
"Pinky swear." Adrien agreed, locking pinkies with Chloe. In her triumph Chloe finally felt she could let out some steam, walking over to judge everyone's baked goods. As expected, she had absolutely nothing nice to say to anyone.
"She'll never change." Adrien chuckled with a small head shake. Lucy sighed and smirked.
"I think she will. One day. Not any time soon, mind you, but I think if we, but especially you, keep pushing her she will get there. But you have to keep at it!" She said pointing her finger to Adrien accusingly. "Just because you pinky promised to be her friend forever doesn't mean you can go back to letting her get away with everything again."
Adrien smiles at Lucy and holds up his pinky to hers. "Promise."
Lucy lets out a small, short laugh before wrapping her pinky around his.
"Let's go try some tiny cookies." Lucy then said, walking toward the tables.
"Macarons are not tiny cookies Lucy." She scrunched her face and lifted her shoulder.
"Eh, tomatoes, tomátoes."
Adrien shook his head before walking toward Marinette, looking over her treats. "May I?"
Marinette gave him a dreamy look. "Yeah...sure..I mean what?"
"Have a macaron!"
"Oh! Yes, of course!" She said picking up the platter, only to lose her balance, tossing them everywhere. Adrien quickly snatched one up before it fell as Marinette apologized for being clumsy.
"It's okay." He said popping it in his mouth. "Hey! These are delicious Marinette. Your baking is as good as your dancing." He complimented before moving onto the next.
Marinette sighs in relief as Lucy gives her a small thumbs up. Marinette watches the two continue to try everyone else's baked goods, watching their body language. Maybe Alya was right. Maybe she had been reading too much into the dance the two blondes had shared. After all, Lucy did encourage Adrien to Dance with her too, and he accepted even though he did not have to. Still, the image of them kept floating around in her head. For now, she would let it go. Everything was only circumstantial. The thought of Adrien liking anyone else hurt Marinette and if she found out that he did she wasn't sure what she would do. If Adrien fell in love with Lucy would Lucy return his feelings? Or would she reject them? Would Lucy reject them because she did not feel the same, or because she was trying to protect Marinette's feelings? Marinette did not know which would make her feel worse. Finding out Adrien was in love with someone else, or finding out that his love was being rejected to spare her own feelings. How selfish could she be to do that? Cleaning up her spilled macarons, Marinette also tried to clean up her thoughts. As of the moment, she had no facts indication Adrien felt anything toward Lucy other than friendship and vice versa. Until she did, she would just keep trying to gain his affection herself. She couldn't let her own self-doubt stop her from trying to win the heart of the boy she loved. All she could do was hope they were as meant to be as she wanted them to be.
Alllllright, alright, alright. There is chapter 25. Its the holiday, so who knows if I will get around to updating again as soon as I have been but I will try. Remember to like and comment telling me what your thinking so far! I hope everyone has a wonderful Christmas!
