Marinette woke up Tuesday morning. She muttered unhappily at her sleeping ending, until she felt the warm presence in her arms. She snuggled against the still sleeping Zoe and inhaled deep. This was right, the two of them together. She hated to do it but unwound herself and went to the bathroom. Once she came back, she found Zoe had grabbed all the blankets and cradled a ball in her bed.
"I'm sorry, Guardian. I tried to wake her but she did that instead." Pollen explained as she floated next to Marinette. The designer walked to the window and looked out at the rain drenched streets. She touched the window and felt how cold it was.
"She made a hive for herself. I'm not surprised. My first winter with the miraculous was really hard. I tried to hibernate a few times. Bees hate the rain, we should have seen this coming. It has been a warm rain since she became the full time holder after all. It's pretty cold out there."
Tikki floated to join Pollen as Marinette grabbed her phone.
"What are you doing, Marinette?" Tikki asked.
"I'm texting our Head of the Student body requesting independent study today. It's one of the new perks of the school system we have now. This way we don't have to try and shift Zoe from this room, which will be her fortress from the wet and cold. And she won't have to try and make up an excuse for her not wanting to leave."
Pollen nodded gratefully. "What will you tell her, though."
"I'll say I'm worried she might catch a cold, since she seems chilled already. Besides, I did quite a bit of research in both design and Chinese yesterday evening while Zoe went over the most recent script. I think we can take a little break."
"Thank you, Guardian. My Queen is lucky to have you."
Marinette kissed Pollen on the head and headed back over to the blankets. "Hello, in there. Can I join you?"
The blanket parted and a hand came out to snatch hers. Marinette let Zoe drag her into the warm and dark cocoon. Her girlfriend wrapped her arms around her body and she did the same in return.
"Too cold out there." Zoe complained from where she rested her head on Marinette's shoulder.
"I know, Zo. I think you might catch a cold if you go outside, so I called in independent study for today. We can use what we did last night, if you just want to rest."
She could not see the smile but the kiss she got from her partner told her everything she needed to know.
"Thank you, love. I think you right. I am a little too chilled already."
"Best to stay indoors, with warm cocoa and good company. Thought Maman and dad might be against us spending all day in bed."
"I know. Just a little bit longer, OK?"
"Sure thing, I understand."
Zoe kissed her again. "You're so good to me. Most other people would be demanding to know why."
She ran a hand through Zoe's hair. "Everyone has a right to their privacy. As long as it isn't something that affects us as a couple, I can understand that. I do have a secret or two, that I'm not ready to share yet either."
Zoe nodded gratefully against her. "I hope one day, we can share all our secrets openly."
Marinette kissed her softly. "I hope so too. I want to share everything about myself with you, Zoe. I love you."
"I love you, too. How about we have a quick make-out session, before we rejoin the land of the living."
Marinette blushed as she leaned in closer. "Sure, and after that, we can get something hot to drink before we decide what to do today."
The rain continued to fall, but the lovers did not mind. They were dry and warm but most importantly, together.
Next time: Concert