Hey, everyone! We made it to the last chapter!
I hope you all enjoy!
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"Girl, I promise he's going to think you're gorgeous no matter what you look like. You're just overthinking this," Alya assured.
Alya was ready for the dance. Her hair and makeup were already done. She just needed to put her dress and shoes on.
She called Marinette to see how she was doing, only to receive an anxiety-filled teen's rambling. Alya knew her best friend was in trouble and rushed over with her things. She had been here for almost forty-five minutes with Marinette going through everything she had for opinions and comments.
Marinette paused in her frantic movement and looked at her best friend. Her usually tidy room looked as if it had been hit by a tornado. There was makeup littering her vanity and desk. A few dresses were thrown astray on her chaise. Papers with different dress designs were scattered on the floor.
"Am I?" Marinette questioned.
"Yes," Alya confirmed, standing from Marinette's desk chair, "You could show up wearing a paper bag dress, no makeup, and your hair a frizzy mess. He'll still be over the moon for you."
"Do not be silly, Alya. I would never pull off a paper bag dress," Marinette replied, earning a snort from the ombre-haired teen, "But I do see your point. This all just still confuses me. I have never felt like this before."
Marinette could feel her face warming up at the thought of Adrien's handsome smiling face. Alya placed a comforting hand on Marinette's shoulder.
"I know it's scary but you don't need to overcomplicate things for a boy you like. I'm sure the only thing Adrien wants from you is you just being yourself," Alya advised. Marinette pursed her lips, scoping out her messy room thoughtfully.
"What dress are you going to wear?" Alya asked before rewording her question, "What dress do you want to wear?"
Marinette walked over to her closet and pulled out a dress with a cover over it.
"Well..." Marinette began, sheepishly pulling off the cover, "...I wanted to wear this dress."
"B-but I do not know!" She quickly added, "Maybe this is too goth-looking due to it being red and black. Wh-What I think th-these colors compliment me but they do not? Or I-I might accidentally step on the skirt and fall. O-Or-"
"Marinette!" Alya cut off the frazzled teen, shaking her shoulders, "WHAT?! ARE. YOU. JOKING?! THIS DRESS IS BEYOND BEAUTIFUL!"
Marinette gaped, not sure how to reply.
"I can't believe you questioned if you should or not," Alya continued, finally releasing the raven-haired girl, "but it's your choice if you want to wear it or not."
"My choice?" Marinette questioned, dumbly.
"Of course," Alya confirmed, "Whatever makes you happy, go for it."
Marinette glanced down at the dress before smiling to herself.
She did have a choice. She always had one. She was free from her grandmother's pinkie. There was no more worrying about being perfect for anyone anymore.
Marinette can be whoever she wants to be now.
Marinette can be Marinette.
She made her way behind the folding screen to change into her dress.
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"Hey, dude!" Nino greeted Adrien.
"Hey, Nino," the blonde replied, "What are you doing here?"
They were currently standing outside the Dupain-Cheng bakery. Adrien had come to pick up his date and walk with her to the dance. He was still trying to psych himself up for when he saw her. He wasn't expecting Nino to show up but glad he did.
"Alya texted me that she was at Marinette's place so here I am," Nino answered. Adrien hummed in acknowledgment. Nino raised an eyebrow at Adrien's lack of words and wondered why he hadn't gone inside yet.
"You nervous?" Nino questioned with a bit of a teasing tone.
"What? N-No!" Adrien said a little too quickly. Nino chuckled, patting his friend on the shoulder.
Adrien has proven himself to be a better guy these past few months. He has finally returned to being himself again and Nino was proud of him for facing his demons. If it weren't for Marinette inspiring Adrien, he might still be lost in the fog of despair.
"Relax, dude. It's not like it's your wedding night yet," Nino joked, earning a choked response from Adrien. The blonde's face went crimson as he punched Nino out of spite. Nino laughed before pushing Adrien closer to the door.
"Come on, man! Our ladies are waiting!"
They made their way through the side door and to the apartment up the staircase.
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"Why are you hiding in there, Marinette?" Alya asked.
The moment they heard Mr. Dupain greet Adrien and Nino, Marinette fled into her closet. They have been physically ready to go but Marinette was still somewhat freaking out being paranoid as she was. Alya spent the last few minutes trying to encourage her best friend.
"Come on out. I'm sure you don't want your parents to embarrass you in front of Adrien," Alya added, seeing that it would convince Marinette to leave her closet.
"You've been dying to go to this dance for ages. Don't chicken out now."
"Correction: I was enthusiastic about going before when I did not have a date," Marinette replied.
"Were you not going to go to the dance with someone before Adrien asked you?" Alya questioned.
"That was the plan," Marinette agreed.
"And why aren't you excited about going with Adrien? What's the big deal that you're hiding in your closet?" Alya questioned, frowning at her best friend's behavior. She didn't understand what the problem was.
Before confessing their feelings, Marinette and Adrien were practically inseparable. They adored each other and were the closest of friends.
Alya knew Marinette wasn't scared of Adrien. They liked each other so much, that rejection was a nonexistent choice. Maybe, it had something to do with change? Although, Marinette seemed more eager to change her life around now that her grandmother wasn't keeping her on a leash no more.
Or maybe Marinette still isn't used to having feelings yet? Maybe, she's scared of messing up something she doesn't understand? She was brainwashed to be perfect for the majority of her life.
"Girl, do you have butterflies in your stomach?" Alya asked.
"Why on earth would I have butterflies in my stomach?" Marinette questioned.
A creak from the trapdoor alerted Alya of someone entering. She saw Adrien and Nino coming into the room. Adrien was about to ask where Marinette was but never got the chance.
Immediately, Alya placed her pointer finger on her lips, telling them to be quiet. She gestured to the closet, signifying where Marinette's location was. Confused, they kept quiet (not wanting to face the wrath of Alya Cesaire if they didn't).
"What I meant was, are you really nervous—possibly afraid—of disappointing Adrien?" the ombre-haired teen reworded. Adrien's eyes widened slightly, especially when Marinette hesitated for a moment to answer.
"Yes..." Marinette admitted.
"These feelings are a new experience for me. They are very complex and messy. I have little to no knowledge on the topic which makes things harder. I feel dumber now than when we were just friends. And I am afraid that this dumbness will make me do or say something that will ruin everything."
Adrien felt his heart break at her words and approached the door.
Alya locked onto her boyfriend's arm and dragged him downstairs. Alya guided Nino to the dance, wanting to give her friends a chance to talk alone. Alya and Nino didn't need to be there. Alya trusted that Adrien could handle the situation (or else she would blackmail him into cleaning the arcade's bathrooms for the next month).
Adrien placed a hand on the closet door and leaned his forehead against the wooden surface.
"Marinette?" Adrien called, softly.
Marinette gasped, body stiffening from hearing the voice of the boy she really liked. She clenched the skirt of her dress, wanting to shrink in on herself.
"Please...do not tell me he heard everything I had just said," she prayed in her head but knew it was futile. Marinette slumped, knowing better.
"He so did hear every single, imbecilic word that left my mouth."
Adrien knew he wasn't going to get a response and wasn't too sure what to say. He supposed he should just tell her the truth.
"As much as I don't like to admit this, I have dated lots of girls in the past," he started, wincing at his own words. Marinette frowned, biting the bottom of her lip to keep herself from crying.
She didn't want to hear that! What was that imbecile thinking? Was he trying to make things worse than they already are? What was he trying to get at? Making her even more insecure and filling her with anxiety?
"But," he quickly added.
"None of those girls could make me feel the way that I strongly feel for you right now. Nothing you do will ever change that, no matter how clumsy you are or if you mess something up. I find it really endearing and adorable. You don't have to be perfect, Marinette. I just want you to be yourself. And it's okay to be scared about our...relationship? I-If you want to be in one. I probably sh-shouldn't just assume and-and...um..."
Adrien cleared his throat, growing bashful. His brain was fried and having a meltdown. He couldn't remember where he was going with this explanation.
He didn't know if they were a couple or if they were still friends. He shouldn't assume. Maybe, she wasn't ready or comfortable with the idea of dating. Sure, he's dated in the past but it was all a game to him. Adrien wasn't like that anymore though. He wanted to have a serious relationship with Marinette...but only if she was willing to try.
"And..." he started again once he rationalized what he wanted to say, "...I don't want to mess up either. I do dumb things when I'm around you too. The only thing I know is that I don't want to lose you. We can still be friends if you want. But if you want to give us a chance, could you come out and we can go to the dance?"
Adrien was about to take a step back when Marinette would hopefully open the door. He thought it might be a few minutes or...maybe she wouldn't come out at all.
He wasn't expecting the door to open and collide with his forehead.
The blonde fell onto his rear with a grunt. He rubbed the part of his head that throbbed with pain, hoping a bruise would form. It'd stink getting a brownish-purple marking on his forehead just a few minutes before going to the dance.
"Oh my goodness! I am so sorry, Adrien," Marinette gasped, hurrying to the blonde teen's side.
"No-No! I'm okay! I'm fine! It doesn't hurt a...a...wow," Adrien trailed off when he finally took in Marinette's look. As always, she was stunning and knew just how to take his breath away.
"Are you sure you are okay? You did not acquire a concussion, although that probably would have required more force," Marinette mumbled to herself. Yet, Adrien wasn't paying much attention to what she said.
"Marinette...you're really beautiful," Adrien said without thinking. He spoke with such honesty that it threw Marinette into a loop.
Her focus on Adrien's forehead was now lost in his emerald eyes instead. Marinette's cheeks flushed a pretty shade of pink before a small smile spread on her lips. She was still unsure but knew that she wasn't the only one who was.
They were both learning. If Adrien was willing to try and give her a chance, she wanted to do the same.
Marinette cupped the sides of Adrien's head and pulled him closer. She pecked the spot where she accidentally hurt him and returned to meet his gaze.
"And you are very handsome," Marinette complimented, earnestly. For a split second, Adrien was baffled before a smirk cracked on his face.
"Princess, you must have some bad aim considering how much you keep missing," the blonde flirted.
Marinette was once again confused but was reminded of what happened the last time he said that. Her breath caught in her throat when his hand clasped her nape and drew her in closer. She turned a darker shade of pink. At least, she knew what to expect this time and was prepared.
Adrien's lips captured hers in a sweet kiss.
It wasn't as surprising as last time. Her body didn't lock up from shock or feel like she was about to explode with many different emotions.
At first, she was a bit timid and unsure. Eventually, she managed to relax and enjoy the tender moment. She cherished it.
A warmth built up in her chest. A happy sensation clung to her heart like a hug. She could almost feel the tenderness he was putting into this kiss. Knowing it was him and not some other boy—someone she was slowly falling for—made it better somehow.
This almost didn't feel real. A fantasy in her wildest dreams. Marinette didn't think she would still be in Paris after Friday. She would have never thought she'd fall for Adrien Agreste or go to the dance with him as his date.
Her planned-out life seemed to slip through her fingers and disappear into the sands of time. Now, her life is filled with so many unexpected twists and turns. An unknown future for her but one where she can make her own choices.
She was no longer Lady Dupain-Cheng.
She was Marinette Dupain-Cheng.
Once the two parted, Adrien had a lovestruck, puppy dog look on his face. Marinette found it so adorable that she almost kissed him again.
However, she really wanted to go to the dance and time for it was being lost the longer they were in her room.
Also...
Marinette's bluebell eyes went astray when she spotted a forming bruise on his forehead. Gingerly, she brushed her thumb over the injury and frowned a little.
"I am sorry about this," Marinette apologized.
Adrien chuckled, grabbing her wrist and pulling her hand away from his forehead. He placed a kiss on her palm before smiling at her.
"Don't worry, M'lady. Your healing kisses are already making it feel a lot better," the blonde purred, "Besides, it's kinda hot."
The temperature in Marinette's face rose, turning it into the shade of Nathaniel's hair color. She placed her hands on her face to hide it and poor Adrien mourned the loss of Marinette's hands.
"Why are you like this?" Marinette whined, earning another laugh from Adrien.
"Why are you so cute?" Adrien retorted, enjoying Marinette's reaction. In a way, this was payback for how she made him into a mess (even though she never tried or knew she was doing it).
Taking in a deep breath and calming herself down, Marinette looked at Adrien with determination.
"Can we please leave for the dance while the night is still young?" Marinette urged her date, "I would still like to attend my first school dance."
"Alright," Adrien agreed. He stood from the floor and dusted himself off.
Honestly, he didn't mind just staying in Marinette's room and just chill. But he knew how much going to the dance meant to Marinette. It didn't matter where he was so long as Marinette was there beside him.
"Before we go," Marinette said, guiding Adrien over to her desk's chair and sitting him down on it, "I am going to use some foundation to cover that bruise."
"You know how to do makeup?" the blonde questioned, raising an eyebrow. Marinette rummaged through her drawers, finding what she needed.
"Yes, I do. It was a part of my lady training. I even had a lesson with a professional effects makeup artist once. I could make you look like a zombie," Marinette joked, earning a joyful gasp.
"Can you do it? It would be so cool if you brought a zombie date to the dance," Adrien childishly chirped.
Marinette gave him a big smile.
"Absolutely not."
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"Goodness!" Marinette practically shouted as they entered the school, "Is the music usually this loud?"
"Yep!" Adrien shouted back, "Loud music is appealing to teens, I guess."
"I do not see the appeal," Marinette replied, already feeling a headache forming. She could practically feel her brain shaking from the booming base.
"You mean "hear the appeal," Adrien correctly, jokingly.
"Why did I agree to be your date again?" Marinette questioned with a blunt look.
"Because you love me," Adrien replied. To emphasize his point, he wrapped an arm around Marinette's shoulders and pulled her against his side.
"I-I suppose there is some truth to that," Marinette admitted, resting her head on his shoulder. Adrien felt his heart flutter in joy. In a way, it was a confession that she did love him but it probably wasn't fully in a romantic sense...not yet anyway.
He was determined to have Marinette fall in love with him. It would take some time but he didn't mind waiting. He was just happy that they were together...in a way.
"There you guys are!" Alya shouted over the music, dragging along poor Nino, "We were starting to wonder if you guys would ever come!"
"It took a bit of convincing to get her out of the closet," Adrien explained. Nino gasped, earning everyone's confused gazes.
"Marinette, you're gay?!" he exclaimed in a joking manner. Alya nudged her boyfriend in the side. Adrien bit the bottom of his lip to keep from laughing. Marinette was very confused by the comment on what was so funny.
"I suppose I am," she answered, innocently. Adrien was taken aback by the confession while Nino just laughed harder.
Alya raised an eyebrow, "Girl, what do you think gay means exactly?"
"It means to be happy and elated," Marinette answered, "Why? What did you guys think it meant?"
"I'll explain it at a different time," Alya replied, "For now, let's get this party started!"
Just after she said that the music changed into a slow song. Couples or friends started to pair up, swaying slowly to the music.
"Actually, I'm going to go dance with Nino then we'll start the party! You two enjoy yourselves but not too much! If you do though, you better be prepared so you don't make me an aunt too early! Mama Alya's orders!" the ombre-haired teen yelled, dragging Nino off to the dance floor.
Adrien and Marinette both fiercely blushed. The moment their eyes locked onto each other, they immediately looked away.
The blonde teen cleared his throat, earning Marinette's attention. She didn't dare say a word, knowing it would just be a bunch of incoherent nonsense. She hoped her acknowledgment of him was enough to indicate her attention.
"Did you...uh...wanna dance?" Adrien asked, timidly.
A bright smile appeared on Marinette's face as she answered, "Yes!"
Adrien couldn't help chuckling at the excitement Marinette expressed.
"She is so adorable," he thought, leading her out to the dance floor. The two teens found a nice spot, wrapping each other up and slowly swaying to the rhythm of the slow song.
Marinette rested her head on Adrien's chest, imagining them dancing back in her room. No music. No people. Just the two of them in their own little world.
She could feel herself relax. She could've fallen asleep like this. Being in Adrien's arms was just so soothing and safe. She couldn't imagine wanting to be anywhere else but here.
Adrien placed his chin on the top of her head. A question sat on his lips, waiting to be released into sound. The nerves in his stomach and the paranoia in his mind weren't helping. Yet, he decided to rip off the band-aid anyway.
"Are you free next Saturday?" Adrien asked.
"Yes, why do you ask?" Marinette questioned.
"Because I was wondering if you'd like to go on a date," Adrien sheepishly responded. Marinette perked up, stunned by the question for a moment. Then, a warmth bloomed in her chest.
"That sounds lovely," she agreed before curiously wondering, "Does this mean that you are my boyfriend now?"
"Only if you would be my girlfriend," Adrien said.
"I suppose so," she softly spoke.
"Then, would it be alright if I asked my girlfriend for a kiss?" Adrien teased. Marinette pulled her head away from where it was lying.
"I don't think your girlfriend would mind," she played along. Before Adrien knew it, Marinette stepped up onto her tippy-toes and kissed him.
Things may still may not be perfect but to Marinette everything was right in the world.
And that's all she asked for.
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Thank you all so much for reading! Have the most wonderfulest day/night!
Peace out!