In this chapter, Marinette starts learning more about Adrien, but she's still keeping her wits about her in case he tries something. But is she being paranoid?
Song(s) Included, With/Without Modifications:
Beautiful Soul - Jesse McCartney
The car was moving along, meanwhile Marinette and Adrien were looking at each other, smiles on their faces. Marinette in casual friendship, Adrien in what could be described as affection or adoration. His face was still pink.
Marinette's heart was pounding a little, and she thought, 'Why am I reacting like this? I mean...'
She looked back at him, and saw his hands were inching closer to hers.
'Gotta change course!' Marinette thought, avoiding a panic. She let her eyes dart around a little before taking her hands away and asking, "So, um... Where are we going?"
At that question, Marinette saw Adrien's demeanor change. It was like a bubble popped, and the lights came back on upstairs for him. He blinked before coughing into his fist.
Red in the face and rubbing the back of his neck, he said, "I was thinking we could get something to eat. As a model, I kind of... Have a restricted diet. Thought this would be a chance to get some good food into my stomach."
"I live in a bakery right across the street from the school, so why not eat there?" Marinette asked.
"I promised you that I wouldn't make a scene. I don't want to cause another commotion by eating at the bakery. I've been trying to look around for some hole-in-the-wall places for us to eat in peace. A hidden gem, as it were." Adrien explained.
Marinette breathed a sigh of relief before saying, "Then I know just the spot."
Marinette gave the driver directions and he brought them to a smaller smoothie café.
"Wow, I've never been to this place," Adrien said as they got out of the car. "And smoothies? Great idea!"
"Yeah, my gal pals and I come here all the time," Marinette responded, still blushing and not looking at Adrien. Her eyes were on the café. "And since it's a small place that isn't out in the open, you might be able to hide in plain sight. So, what do you think?"
Marinette didn't hear anything from Adrien, but she felt her hand get taken. She looked at him, and saw his overjoyed smile.
"I think it's perfect. Thank you." Adrien said.
Marinette's heart started beating like she'd run a marathon, her face went red, and she couldn't help but stare at him as he led her inside (they insisted the bodyguard stay in the car and wait until they were done, on the grounds that they would get stuff from the Dupain-Cheng bakery for him to eat later).
They found a table that was out of everyone's line of sight, and they sat down, their menus in hand.
"They have snacks here, too. A lot of good ones," Marinette said as she looked over the menu instead of the boy across from her. "Like the croque monsieur. It's yummy."
"I could go for a croque madame myself," Adrien chuckled as he looked over the menu. "The egg on top will add some extra protein."
"You must be hungry." Marinette said, still not looking at Adrien.
"Yeah, my breakfasts aren't exactly stick-to-your-ribs meals." Adrien confessed, sounding disappointed.
Putting her menu down in surprise, she questioned, "You don't eat enough at home?"
"A model's diet is tiny portions of healthy foods, a lot of exercise, and tons of water," He explained. "And my sugar intake needs to be kept to a minimum. I don't get to eat a lot of sweets."
Marinette blinked owlishly. She shook her head before saying, "Wow. My dad would not let you out of the house without stuffing you with macarons. Actually, it sounds like you're burning more than you're taking in. Luckily this place is good about healthy, accessible, delicious foods. They'll boost your protein in your smoothie if you'd like."
She heard him chuckle, and she looked up at him in surprise.
"Sounds great. After all, if I don't get enough protein, I won't be able to show off these guns to you." Adrien joked as he rolled up one of his button-down's sleeves and flexed his arm. He clicked his tongue and winked at her.
Marinette went pink before giggling with a loud snort.
Once they got their smoothies and snacks, they went back to eating and talking. Marinette had gotten herself a lychee smoothie with ginger, raspberry, and blackberries in it with a stamina booster, and her snack was a croque monsieur. Adrien had gotten a passion fruit-coconut smoothie with some protein powder, and he'd ordered a croque madame.
Marinette was sucking her smoothie down through the edible straw the café provided, her eyes focused on her food and not her "date."
"Man, this is good," Adrien responded as he cut into his sandwich with his fork and knife and took a big bite. He gave a satisfied moan, his hunger starting to sate itself. He swallowed and said, "I've never had something like this before."
"You've never made or eaten a croque madame before?" Marinette asked as she stopped drinking her smoothie to talk.
"I, um... We have a private chef at home," Adrien confessed, sounding embarrassed. "I've never learned how to cook or bake. I'm clueless about household chores."
Marinette looked at him like she'd never heard such a thing before.
"...You really are a privileged rich kid, aren't you?" Marinette asked before covering her mouth in surprise at what she said.
'Oh, shit! I can't believe I said that!' Marinette thought, her face red in humiliation.
If she'd said something like that to Chloé, retaliation would've been inevitable. But Chloé would find any excuse just to make her miserable.
But all her friends' reassurances rang out in her ears, and memories of her interactions with Adrien thus far replayed in her eyes. Him coming to school to return her bracelet, getting her home when her scooter failed, and how trusting her to bring them to a quiet, lesser-known food spot so they could hang out without fans bothering them.
Her inner ramblings and positive self-talk were cut short when heard him snort, which dissolved into quiet laughter. She looked up at him, and saw he was smiling ear-to-ear, like he'd heard the most hilarious joke in the world. She saw him gently banging his fist on the table, trying to hold back raucous chortling.
"You got me there, Marinette!" He snickered.
Marinette breathed a huge sigh of relief, and she had to join in the laughter. But they both kept it quiet.
Once they came down from their laughing fit, they went back to eating.
Now feeling much more at ease, Marinette took another bite of her sandwich.
As she chewed, she gave a furtive look at Adrien, but she was taken aback at what she saw. He had his face propped up in his cupped hands, and was sipping his smoothie through his straw while looking at her with goo-goo eyes. His plate had nothing but crumbs left.
Her heart leaped a little, and her face turned pink.
"You... Must've been pretty hungry. How's your smoothie? You like it?" Marinette asked before pulling her smoothie over and starting to drink it, looking down at her own plate.
"Yes. It's amazing, just like you are..." He murmured as he kept staring at Marinette.
Her nerves spiking and her heart pounding, Marinette bit a piece of her straw off and began chewing it, anxious. Her face was burning.
'Come on, Marinette, don't fall apart here!' Marinette thought.
Once they finished (or rather, were forced to hurry up because Adrien had piano lessons), they were back in the car, and the Gorilla was driving them back to the bakery.
"Boy, that was worth every calorie!" Adrien laughed.
Marinette giggled, saying, "It was delicious."
"The company was even better," Adrien said as he once again put his hand on Marinette's. She blushed as she looked at him. "I can't remember the last time I've felt so relaxed."
"For real?" Marinette questioned, quiet.
He responded, "Yeah. I guess that shows just how special you are."
Marinette's face burned. She started looked around in mild panic, and she saw the bakery was coming into view.
"Oh, look at that! Looks like we're here!" Marinette said, blushing as the car pulled up to the bakery.
She saw out of her peripheral vision that Adrien was looking a bit sad. Downcast eyes, a sad frown, and she could feel his grip on her hand was a bit tighter.
"Something wrong?" Marinette asked.
"I don't want this to end," Adrien confessed before looking up at her with pleading eyes. "May I walk you to the door?"
Marinette gave a dumb nod. Adrien smiled in delight before bursting out of the car. He ran around the other side, opened the door to Marinette's side, and he held out his hand. Seeing it, Marinette's heart started going a mile a minute and her head began feeling light. She took a deep breath before putting her hand in his (the other hand holding the flowers).
As he tried to pull her out, something kept her in her seat. Marinette looked and saw her seatbelt was still on. Blushing, she gave an awkward laugh before taking the belt off. She got out, but she tripped on thin air.
She fell into his arms, and he caught her. His subtle cologne combined with the perfume from the flowers was quite the attractive scent. Marinette's heart slammed against her chest again, and her face turned the same shade as an American red velvet cake.
He chuckled before asking, "You okay?"
"I'm fine." Marinette murmured as she pulled herself away from him. She looked up and saw he was still giving her that affection-saturated model smile.
'I've got to pull myself together! If I don't watch my step...' Marinette thought, worried.
He gave a toothy grin and began leading Marinette up to the side door of the bakery.
"Thanks for walking me to the door, Adrien," Marinette said as she immediately went to it and grabbed the knob. "I..."
Marinette took a deep breath before looking back at him. He was still smiling and acting timid, his face pink and eyes glued to her face.
"I..." She said, swallowing a lump in her throat. "I had fun today."
"Me too," Adrien spoke. "I'd love to do this again some time."
Marinette's heart kept going nuts, ricochetting around her chest. Dumbly, she responded, "So would I."
His smile grew wider and he chuckled in delight. He said, "That's great! I'll look over my schedule and let you know when I'm available again!"
He took her free hand and gave it a suave kiss before jogging back to the car. He gave her a wave before slipping into the back seat.
Marinette's smile grew a little as she held her kissed hand to her heart, and watched the car leave. She couldn't help but sigh as she went back inside.
"I'm back." She greeted her parents as she poked her head in through the door to the back of the bakery.
"Welcome back, sweetheart," Sabine greeted. She brightened at the sight of Marinette's smile and the flowers in her hands. "Did you have a good time?"
"I did, mom." Marinette confirmed, a smile on her face.
"I'm glad," Tom agreed as he put some breads in the oven. "Adrien definitely seems like a sweet boy."
"Yeah... He is, so far." Marinette murmured.
""So far?" Marinette, aren't you rushing to snap judgements?" Sabine asked, a motherly tone to her voice.
"I'm trying not to, but... I can't help but be scared." Marinette confessed.
"That's valid," Tom said, walking over to his daughter and putting his hands on her shoulders. "But Adrien's been nothing but a gentleman, so try to keep an open mind about him."
Marinette looked down, and sighed.
'They're right. He's been a stand-up guy the whole time,' Marinette thought, before a smile grew onto her face as she remembered Adrien showing off his arm muscles. 'I also never thought he'd flex. What a dork!'
She let a snicker out, and Tom gave a smile, asking, "What's so funny?"
Marinette stopped giggling when she saw her parents' amused faces.
"I... just remembered something he said, and it was pretty funny." Marinette giggled.
"Funny, you say?" Sabine asked. "It sounds like you enjoyed yourself with him."
Marinette, realizing what her mother said, blushed deep red before saying, "A-A-Anyway, I gotta get back to my commissions!"
She dashed out of the bakery and up the stairs. After putting the flowers in some water, Marinette retreated to her room.
During lunch at school the following day...
Alya was howling with laughter, her hands over her stomach and her head thrown back. The rest of the girls were snickering as well.
"Come on, it's not that funny," Marinette said. "All we did was get some food."
"But didn't you say that he flexed for you? And laughed when you put your foot in your mouth? Girl, the Adrien you're describing and the one whose face is plastered around the city are two different people!" Alya laughed.
"Alya, seriously!" Marinette groaned, frustrated.
"Marinette, you're seriously in denial! From what you've said, it seems like he honest-to-God likes you!" Myléne argued.
"Not just "like," Myléne," Rose said. "Adrien Agreste is completely enamored with Marinette! I'll bet we can get Nate and Marc to start drawing a romantic wedding scene for them!"
"Sounds like fun." Zoé giggled.
"Girls, stop!" Marinette said in embarrassment, her face apple red as she slammed her face on the table.
"What was that about Adrien Agreste?" Another voice came up.
The girls looked up and Marinette saw a girl with brown eyes, wearing a Japanese school uniform, and short black hair. She was carrying a bento box.
"Hi, Kagami," Alya greeted. "We were just talking about Marinette's little rendezvous with Adrien Agreste yesterday."
"Let me guess - he was a gentleman, but let his clownish side out?" Kagami questioned as she sat down with the others.
"Right," Marinette said as she lifted her face to look at the star fencer. "How did you know?"
"We're on the city-wide fencing team together," Kagami spoke. "And our parents are business partners, too. We're often thrown together for social events."
"So, you know him well, then?" Alix asked.
"Well enough," Kagami admitted. "I did entertain the idea of dating him once or twice."
"You two probably would've been the power couple of Paris if you did," Zoé commented. "But Marinette has stolen his heart."
Marinette moaned as her face contorted in discomfort.
"Yes, I saw the news report about that," Kagami said before turning to face Marinette. "You handled the situation with grace, Marinette. Thank you for saving my friend, and only worthy fencing opponent."
"You're welcome," Marinette spoke. "It's hard to process. And I'm still leery of spending time with him, no matter how chivalrous he is."
"Your caution is warranted, given the maltreatment you were subjected to before." Kagami stated.
The rest of the girls gave agreeing body language and facial expressions.
Marinette's phone beeped with a text alert, and she picked her device up out of her pocket.
"Adrien texted me again." Marinette reported.
The girls crowded around to see what it said.
This time it was video message. Marinette pressed play, and the first scene was of some pale blue sweet peas in a flower shop window display. They were sitting in a small, crystal vase under soft, warm light.
"These pretty blue sweet peas made me think of you, Marinette." Adrien's voice spoke in the video.
The camera angle changed so that way Adrien was standing in front of the window, leaning against it, and giving Marinette a smile. But it wasn't his usual "model" smile. No, this was a smile that, to an outsider, could only come from a young man in love. His eyes were a little droopy and his smile a lazy one.
"The color brought to mind your beautiful blue eyes, and how their owner saved me. I'll be counting the moments until I see you again." He spoke.
The video ended with pink heart emoji front and center.
"THAT'S SO CUTE!" Rose squealed.
Everyone around the girls gave a big, fat hushing noise to quiet down the pink-clad blonde.
"Rose, chill out!" Alix hissed.
"But he sent Marinette a video message, and it was so poetic!" Rose insisted, hands on her cheeks in delight.
"Certainly more effort to get close to her compared to me." Kagami giggled.
"Really?" Marinette asked, looking at Kagami in curiosity.
'If he's on friendly terms with Kagami...' Marinette thought, feeling a little better.
Her phone went off again, this time a phone call.
"Uh-oh, he's calling!" Marinette panicked.
"Answer him, girl!" Alya said. "Just do it!"
Marinette shakily hit the call button and set it to video call. She said, "H-Hi."
"Hi, Marinette. Is now a good time?" Adrien asked, his smitten face on the other end of the line.
"We still have about... five or six minutes left of lunch period, so yes." Marinette said, checking the clock on the phone.
"That's great. I didn't want to call at an inconvenient moment," Adrien responded, sounding relieved. "But I couldn't wait. I wanted to hear your voice."
Marinette turned red in the face. The girls in the background all cooed with a big fat, "Aw!"
"It... It was a flattering message." Marinette confessed, blushing.
"It was?" Adrien asked, smiling. "That's good. So, I..."
"Yes?" Marinette asked.
"I'm free on Saturday!" He blurted out, his face still pink. "The whole day! So... I was hoping that we could..."
His eyes darted around, and he looked a bit nervous. Marinette was looking at him, waiting for his request, meanwhile the girls were on the edges of their seats.
He took a deep breath before looking back at Marinette and asking, "Will you go to the aquarium with me?!"
Marinette blushed, before saying, "The aquarium?"
"Yeah, I... I've never been to one before and I'd really like to see it!" Adrien responded.
Marinette breathed a quiet sigh. She looked around to her friends, who were all looking at her with eager smiles.
"I... I'd love to." Marinette responded.
"Great!" Adrien said, sounding like a huge weight had been lifted from his shoulders. "I-"
The bell rang, and Marinette responded, "Sorry, that's the bell. We gotta get back to class."
"Okay. I'll text you later, Marinette! See you soon!" Adrien chuckled before hanging up.
Marinette heaved a relieved sigh as she put her phone away.
"Girl, you've got a date with Adrien Agreste again!" Alya squealed.
"A date, huh?" Marinette murmured, sounding a little worried. "Wel, there hasn't been any red flags yet. Giving me flowers, returning my bracelet, getting me home safe. But what if this is only going to lead up to some big, humiliating experience that-"
"Marinette, you're being paranoid. Adrien looks at you the way I once hoped he'd look at me," Kagami spoke as she broke from the group to go to her classroom. "He's not going to do anything malevolent to you. I'll see you girls later."
Marinette gave a nod to Kagami, meanwhile she turned to her friends and said, "Think I'm being ridiculous?"
"Yes." Alix said.
"How am I supposed get through this without causing a disaster?!" Marinette asked in a panic.
Juleka mumbled something out, and Marinette responded, "Yeah, I did get through yesterday no problem, so..."
"Don't overthink it and don't plan too much," Zoé said to Marinette. "Just go to the aquarium and have fun!"
Marinette looked at all of her friends, who were giving her smiles that helped her feel better.
"Thanks, girls." Marinette spoke.
That weekend, Adrien was at the bakery's side door, waiting, leaning against the wall and fiddling with his fingers.
"Thanks for waiting, Adrien." Marinette said as she came out the door.
She was wearing her usual outfit - blazer, flower shirt, pink pants.
He looked at her with the same expression from his video message and said, "You look cute as always."
Marinette blushed as she looked back at him. He was wearing his standard clothes, too. But he she could tell he was wearing a cologne that had a clean, fresh scent, with musky undertones.
"Thanks. And you look handsome." Marinette responded while looking away, a bit shy.
"I'm honored," He chuckled as he offered his arm. "Shall we?"
Marinette hesitated for a brief moment, looking at his arm before flicking her eyes back to him. Like before, he was giving her a smile. She took a deep breath before putting her arms around his. He brought her to the car, and once again acted the gentleman, opening the door for her.
Once they got in the car and the car started going, Marinette was fiddling with her hands in her lap, timidly looking down. She hadn't noticed that Adrien's eyes were fixated on her.
'Okay, Marinette, just relax. It's only the aquarium. We'll be in public, so he'll have to watch himself.' Marinette thought, trying to talk herself down.
When they got to the aquarium, they were walking through the exhibits, hand-in-hand. Marinette was looking around at each feature the aquarium had to offer.
Floor-to-wall fish tanks, underwater tunnels in a few of the basement floors, and several interactive exhibits. There was a play area for kids, including a slide that started at one of the upper floors, ending at one of the lower floors. Some of the kids' exhibits had little monitors with interactive educational videos/cartoons. There were also the traditional concession stands/gift shops.
"This place is incredible!" Adrien said, looking around in delight. Marinette watched Adrien look around at all the aquatic animals with awe, in a childlike manner.
He had his free hand on a wall tank with many species of tropical freshwater fish swimming around. Marinette couldn't stop herself from giggling.
"Is this seriously your first time in an aquarium?" Marinette asked, a tease in her tone.
"Sure is," Adrien spoke as they kept walking along. He started sounding disappointed, confessing, "I'm sure you can tell that I don't get out much."
Marinette gave a hum and a nod. As they walked along, Marinette kept looking around at all the sea animals (fish, mostly). She drifted towards one wall tank that had lionfish on display, but she felt Adrien tug on her arm.
She turned to face him, and saw he looked like he didn't want her to leave.
"Stay close to me." He pleaded.
Marinette went beet red before giving a blank nod. Adrien pulled her closer to him, but the sound of a braying donkey came out.
They looked where the sound came from and saw that there was a viewing platform up ahead, with several people chattering.
"Wanna take a look?" Marinette asked him.
"Let's." He agreed. They began jogging to the scene. As some of the people cleared the way to go look at other tanks...
"Look! Penguins!" Adrien said, pointing at the African penguin exhibit as they made it to the railing.
It was a large exhibit in the center of the room floor, consisting of artificial rocks surrounded by seawater. It was big enough that people could see the penguins swimming under the water.
Marinette put her hands on the railing, gave a slight squeal and said, "They're so cute!"
"Look at those penguins up at the top," Adrien spoke, pointing over to two penguins in particular. "Those two look like they're mates, don't you think?"
Marinette looked at where Adrien was pointing, and saw that there was, in fact, a pair of penguins snuggling together.
"They do," Marinette agreed. "And they look so happy with each other."
She felt Adrien put his hand on top of hers, his fingers rubbing her hand. Marinette turned to look at him. He was watching the penguins with rapt attention, his face pink.
Marinette blushed a little as she looked at the paired-up penguins, smiling and sidling up to Adrien.
In one of the tunnels, Marinette was sitting on a bench while Adrien went to the bathroom. She let out a sigh.
'I'm having fun, don't get me wrong, but...' Marinette thought as she felt the tingle of Adrien's lips on her skin again. 'If the girls are right, then why does he like me?'
Marinette looked at the tunnel walls, and she saw two kissing fish swim in front of her. She giggled at the sight. When the kissing fish came together and made like their namesake, Marinette saw herself and Adrien sharing a kiss. She squeezed her eyes shut before opening them again and sighing.
'Why did I think about that?!' Marinette thought.
"I'm back." Adrien said as he approached her.
"Hi." Marinette said as he sat down next to her.
"Something wrong?" Adrien asked, noticing her mood.
"I just can't believe you actually like me," Marinette confessed, refusing to look him in the eyes. "I mean... This is me we're talking about."
Adrien gave her a confused look, and asked, "I don't get it."
"You're a model, right? Surely, you've met girls that are more attractive, graceful, and coordinated than I am." Marinette elaborated, hugging her arms.
"What's your point?" Adrien asked, sounding a bit hurt.
"I'm nothing like those girls. I'm klutzy, impulsive, pathetic..." Marinette started, but she felt Adrien take one of her hands into both of his.
She looked up at him and saw he was blushing and smiling at her. But his eyes showed that he didn't care for what she was saying.
"Marinette, stop talking nonsense. You gotta be more confident in yourself," He said. "Those "other girls" you're talking about wouldn't have done what you did at the show. That's why I lo- like you so much."
Marinette blinked in surprise, he gave her an affectionate smile. Marinette's face burned again, letting Adrien squeeze her hand.
They started walking through the aquarium tunnel again. Marinette couldn't take her eyes off Adrien, who kept his green orbs locked on her.
"I don't want a vapid pretty face. I don't want just anyone to hold," He started singing. "I don't want my love to go to waste. I want you and your beautiful soul."
At that, Marinette blushed even harder. She looked away from him, unsure of what to say, when she saw something in the water. She gave a smile and delighted gasp at the sight of a green sea turtle swimming overhead.
She felt Adrien put a hand on her shoulder and gently turn her around. She saw the passionate look on his face, and she felt her heart skip a beat.
"I know that you are something special. To you, I'd be always faithful," He sang as he took her hands into his own, looking her in the eyes. "I want to be what you always needed. Then I hope you'll see the heart in me."
Marinette looked behind Adrien, and saw there was a Gabriel poster with a recurring female model on it. Seeing the poster, she looked down.
Adrien looked behind him, saw the poster, and chuckled before turning back to Marinette and lifting her face to look at him.
"I don't want a vapid pretty face, I don't want just anyone to hold," Adrien sang as he led her away from the poster, holding her hand as they kept going through the tunnel. "I don't want my love to go to waste. I want you and your beautiful soul."
They made it to another part of the aquarium that was more interactive. It was a maze where every time you were at a crossroads, you would have to answer a question, play a mini game, or solve a puzzle relating to marine trivia. Marinette proposed they make a race out of it, which he accepted.
After answering a question about invasive species in the Atlantic ocean, Marinette was running ahead, laughing.
Adrien was a few steps behind her, also laughing, and when he caught up to her, he wrapped her up in a hug from behind, and they both kept laughing.
"You're the one I wanna chase. You're the one I wanna hold," He sang as he wrapped his arms around her, his hold a smidgeon tighter. "I won't let another minute go to waste. I want you and your beautiful soul."
Hearing that, Marinette gave a timid smile. Adrien sang into her ear, his voice above a whisper, "Your beautiful soul, yeah."
She blushed and leaned her head back into the crook of his neck to relax.
Once they were done at the aquarium, they went back to the car. Marinette was holding Adrien's hand, while a stuffed orca was sitting in her lap (it was her prize from the maze - Adrien got a stuffed harp seal pup).
"You might need time to think it over. But I'm just fine moving forward," Adrien crooned, showing her a tender smile. "I'll ease your mind if you give me the chance. I will never make you cry, c'mon let's try."
Marinette, still cautious, took a deep breath before looking back at him.
'Does he mean it?' Marinette wondered her face falling a little.
"I don't want a vapid pretty face. I don't want just anyone to hold," He sang, trying to keep his voice down to avoid bothering the driver. "I don't want my love to go to waste. I want you and your beautiful soul."
Marinette felt her face warm at his words, instinctively squeezing her plush orca. He chuckled in response.
"You're the one I wanna chase. You're the one I wanna hold," He serenaded, putting his stuffed seal on the floor of the car before taking her free hand and kissing it. "I won't let another minute go to waste. I want you and your beautiful soul!"
Their eyes locked. Marinette saw his face was just as red as hers, maybe darker.
"Am I crazy for liking you? Maybe do you think you could like me too? I don't want to waste your time." He questioned in song, his eyes falling away from her.
To Marinette, it sounded like he was trying to broach the subject in a non-aggressive way.
"Do you see things the way I do? I just want to know that you feel it too. There is nothing left to hide." He sang, looking at Marinette again.
Her heart was going crazy, she couldn't stop a smile from growing.
"I don't want a vapid pretty face. I don't want just anyone to hold," He sang, sounding more confident. "I don't want my love to go to waste. I want you and your beautiful soul."
The seal and the orca were at their feet, positioned in a way that made it look like they were kissing.
"You're the one I wanna chase. You're the one I wanna hold," He sang, his voice still quiet, but rich with emotion. "I won't let another minute go to waste. I want you and your soul!"
Marinette's heart soared at this, her face burning and her anxiety evaporating in a snap. Remembering how she shoved him out of the way of the light, how he came to find her and give her back her bracelet, helping her when her scooter went kaput, and now this? A great time at the aquarium, winning stuffed animals, and him serenading her in private?
"I don't want a vapid pretty face. I don't want just anyone to hold. I don't want my love to go to waste. I want you and your beautiful soul. Beautiful soul, yeah. Oh, yeah. Your beautiful soul, yeah..." Adrien finished as he started leaning in closer to her.
But the car stopped in front of the bakery. Seeing this, he huffed in frustration.
"Well... I guess I'm home," Marinette said, sighing in dismay. "I... I enjoyed myself today."
"That makes two of us," Adrien agreed, also sounding a bit upset. "I'll bring you to the door?"
Marinette gave a nod as she gathered up her orca.
Hand-in-hand, Adrien brought Marinette to the side door of the bakery, and they stopped there.
"Thank you so much for today, Adrien." Marinette said.
"You're welcome, Marinette," Adrien spoke. "I'll call you tomorrow?"
"Y..." Marinette began, thinking, 'Just do it, Marinette!'
She swallowed a lump in her throat and said, "Yes. I can't wait to hear from you again."
Adrien's face melted into a smile before giving a relieved chuckle.
"Same here," He said as Marinette reached for the door. "But before I go..."
"Yes?" Marinette asked, looking back at him.
He took a deep breath and planted a swift kiss onto Marinette's cheek. She gasped before holding onto it, her face red.
"Does this mean...?" He asked, blushing, rubbing the back of his neck.
"I... Guess..." Marinette said, a grin.
"Great!" He said, blushing.
The two of them kept looking at each other, blushing.
Alright, chapter 3 is done! Hope you liked it!
Coming up, Marinette is growing more comfortable with Adrien, but she's wondering if he's getting love and gratitude mixed up with each other. And when she's invited to a photoshoot...