Marinette was packing an overnight bag for a trip to the hotel. She would stay the night with Zoe there and then ride to school with her in the morning. She had given her parents an appraising glance when they had not put up a fuss or tried to give her rules for staying at her girlfriend's place. She sighed; maybe they realized just how serious this relationship was. When she and Alya had briefly dated at the start of last year, there had been all kinds of rules for either staying over. Those lifted once Alya and Marinette had decided to be friends instead. Tikki would come with her and sneak off to have her own party with Pollen. Marinette had warned both of them not to cause trouble in the hotel. Marinette's phone chimed and she looked to see a message from Adrien.
'Hey Marinette. Nathalie just sent me the email about you helping with the costumes for the Solitude sequel. I'm very happy you agreed to help make this salute to my mother's legacy a success. It means the world to me to know the costumes are taken care of. Do not worry about costs either. The Agreste state is using my mother's portion of its money for the movie. This won't break us or anything, no worries there. I cannot wait to see the movie when it comes out.'
Marinette smiled and replied as quickly as she could. 'Thank you, Adrien. I was very inspired watching the movie with you last year. Zoe and I are going to watch it again today and then do a second run through from our professional angles with Andre. I would invite you and Kagami, but we were hoping for some alone time today as well. Are you not taking an active role in the movie, since you're the financier?'
The reply came back just as quickly. 'No, I understand. You two just got together and need this time. Kagami and I will watch the movie on our own today. Also Andre did ask me to be on the staff. I am considering it, but honestly, I think the movie will be great anyways. Perhaps if the Andre from before was making the movie and Chloe the star, I would be very nervous to leave it alone. This new Andre seems to want to do right by the movie.'
She smiled warmly. 'I understand. I think you should still attend a few of the meetings. It will raise moral if Adrien, the son of the star of the first movie, was seen actively working on the movie too.'
'I never thought of it like that. I'll talk to Kagami about it and see what she thinks. Would you mind telling Andre I am considering it? Also, please say hi to Zoe for me when you see her.'
'I will. Enjoy your movie date, dork.'
The image she got in response of a black kitten with big blue eyes made her laugh aloud. Since she and Adrien had done their reveal, they had gotten better as partners. She grabbed her stuff and headed for the hotel.
When she arrived she caught the tail end of Zoe and Andre's conversation from where they stood in the lobby.
"If they really want to push the issue, I'll file for custody of you and divorce from Audrey. Her brand will not like the shock that comes from that."
"Thank you, Andre. I really don't want to leave Paris."
"Of course, I would not allow it. I know Marinette and myself have had disagreements, thanks to my own weakness, but she is good for you."
It was that moment Zoe spotted her and rushed towards her, beaming. Marinette dropped her bag and opened her arms to accept her missile of a girlfriend.
"I missed you, so much." Zoe kissed her cheek and clung tightly to her. "How much of that did you hear?"
Marinette smiled softly. "Not much. Andre, I don't blame you for loving your family. I wish you had taken a stand sooner, but I cannot fault you for that. I have serious intentions towards your stepdaughter, so I just want to say all is forgiven."
"Thank you, Marinette. I really needed that." The man smiled and she reflected on how nice he was when Chloe and Audrey could not push him around.
"Adrien wanted me to let you know that he is considering your offer of a more active role in the movie. He is talking to his partner about it."
"Of course, thank you for carrying that message. I look forward to seeing what you come up with for the costumes. I'll have the contract drawn up and ready before you leave tomorrow morning. Please try to get some sleep tonight, you both have school in the morning." He winked and headed off, leaving Marinette blushing deeply. She turned to her girlfriend and foundshe was blushing just as hard.
"Ready to go, Zo?" She asked and her partner nodded.
"Yep. I got the movie ready as well as drinks and some snacks."
The two girls headed across the room and towards the elevator. As they approached, Marinette felt her heart start to race. Her feet felt like they were cased in lead and she had to force each step. She felt a hand touch her cheek.
"Breathe, love. Chloe is not here. She cannot torment you here anymore. This is my home. You are safe here with me."
"With you." Marinette agreed and leant in to catch Zoe's lips in hers. Zoe kissed her back deeply, her hands sliding down to securely wrap around her girlfriend. Zoe then liftedher up. Marinette squealed as her feet left the ground and wrapped her arms around Zoe's neck. "Zoe!"
"I'll carry you. I've always wanted to do this."
Marientte nodded and did her best to make herself lighter for Zoe. She knew Zoe as a miraculous holder was stronger than your average person, even when not transformed. "OK. I trust you. Let's go to your room."
Zoe nodded and carried her to the elevator and had Marinette push the button for her floor. Soon they were safely in Zoe's room and Zoe set her down.
"I got something I want to show you, before we watch the movie." Zoe rushed over to her dresser. She opened it to show an empty space.
"An empty drawer?" Marinette asked, as she joined the blonde.
"Yes, your drawer. For when you stay over. If you want it."
Marinette pulled Zoe into a hug. "I would love to use it. I can clear a drawer for you too, back at my home."
Zoe kissed her cheek. "I will gladly fill that up. Mari, I know we have only been dating a week, but we were friends before that. I hope I'm not moving too fast for you."
Marinette pecked her lips. "If you were, trust me I would tell you. I have longed for you for some time too, Zo. I want to do so many things with you. It's true, I don't want to rush things. But that's only because I want this to last. I want to be together for a very long time. I would be glad to take this next step with you, Zoe." With that, she took her bag and set it in the drawer. She was tackled to the couch by a very happy Zoe.
***
After several movies, including Solitude twice, Marinette and Zoe changed into their pajamas and climbed into the big bed together for the first time. They snuggled together and Marientte tried really hard to stay awake, but the presence of her girlfriend just soothed her more than sleeping alone ever did. She was out in only a matter of minutes.
Pollen and Tikki emerged from their hiding place and looked at the sleeping lovers together in the bed.
"Already sharing a bed together. I'm really happy for their progress." Tikki remarked.
"Yes, my Queen was super nervous at asking Marinette to be her bedmate. I told her to just throw Marinette on the bed and kiss her until she swore to never sleep alone again."
Tikki rolled her eyes. "Subjugation has its place in the bedroom, Pollen, butthey are not ready for that. Trust me."
The two Kwami went to rest with their holders, knowing they would have to hide in the morning. They heard Zoe mutter in her sleep.
"Marientte… love you."
"Love you too, Zo."
The Kwami silently gushed at the cuteness.
***
Lila kicked a box in her lair. She had tried to get Juleka in the position to be Akumatized and get rid of Marinette. Had she been seen with her clothing in that state, she would surely have wished to be invisible. She could have given Jueleka the power to make people disappear, and hopefully use it on Marinette. Then there was this new occurrence. Marinette was now dating Zoe, Chloe's younger sister. Lila smiled evilly. She could deal with the lesbians at least. She took out her phone and dialed a number.
"Yes, hello Chloe. I thought you should know what's happening back in Paris."
Next time: Monday Troubles
