A Lunchtime Promise
Marinette stirs in her sleep, her eyelids fluttering as the first rays of morning light filter through the blinds, casting a warm glow across Adrien's bedroom. Nestled in the soft embrace of his blankets, she unconsciously snuggles closer, basking in the lingering warmth of the bed. As if on cue, the alarm clock perched on Adrien's bedside table rudely interrupts the peaceful atmosphere, its shrill beeping slicing through the tranquillity of the room like a knife. Marinette, undeterred by the sudden cacophony, merely groans and burrows herself deeper into the fluffy cocoon of blankets, unwilling to relinquish the comfort of her slumber.
Meanwhile, Tikki, ever the diligent companion, flutters around Marinette's head in a flurry, tugging at her pyjama's sleeve. "Come on, Marinette, it's time to wake up," she urges, her tiny voice tinged with a hint of urgency.
"A little help would be nice!" Tikki says, her voice muffled by the clothes.
Plagg cracks one eye open and sees the chaotic scene. "You've got this, Sugarcube," he remarks lazily, his voice barely above a whisper.
Tikki shoots Plagg a frustrated look, her tiny form struggling amidst Marinette's oversized clothing. "Plagg, I could really use your assistance here," she insists, her voice strained with effort.
But Plagg merely stretches luxuriously, seemingly unfazed by Tikki's plea. "Sorry, Tikki, but I'm enjoying the show too much to intervene," he replies with a smirk, his eyes glinting mischievously as he watches the scene unfold.
Meanwhile, Marinette groggily brushes off Tikki's efforts, still half-asleep. But as the alarm persists, Adrien, accustomed to early mornings, begins to stir and sits up, turning his alarm clock off. He stretches his arms but freezes midway, hearing a familiar knocking at his bedroom door.
"Oh no! It's Natalie!" Adrien panics, throwing the covers off and jumping out of bed in a hurry. His once kempt blonde hair, usually styled with precision, now sticks up in all directions, giving him a slightly wild appearance. Wearing pyjama shorts and a loose-fitted t-shirt, his outfit is slightly rumpled from his frantic movements; t-shirt partially untucked.
"Adrien, open the door," Natalie instructs, her hand gripping the doorknob and attempting to turn it. Panic surges through Adrien's veins as he realises the imminent danger.
"Hurry, Marinette! Hide," Adrien whispers urgently, his voice barely above a breath.
Marinette's eyes snap open and a surge of adrenaline courses through her body. She scrambles to untangle herself from the skewed blankets that have wrapped around her legs, causing her to lose balance. With a clumsy tumble, she falls onto her hands and knees with a thud, a mix of embarrassment and determination on her face. Adrien winces, witnessing the chaotic scene unfold, but he quickly refocuses his attention on the locked door, knowing time is running out.
Natalie's persistent knocking echoes through the room, each knock increasing the urgency of the situation. Adrien takes a deep breath, steeling himself for what's to come. With a shaky hand, he reaches for the door handle, his heart pounding in his chest. He glances over his shoulder, searching for any sign of Marinette's hiding spot, hoping she has found refuge in time.
Adrien slowly turns the doorknob, a mixture of dread and determination washes over him. The door inches open, revealing Natalie's expectant gaze on the other side. Adrien's mind races, desperately trying to come up with a plausible explanation for the disarrayed room.
"Good morning, Natalie. I'm awake." Adrien's voice wavers as he tries to maintain his composure.
"I heard a lot of commotion from inside your bedroom. Care to explain?" she questions, her tone leaving no room for evasion.
Adrien's heart leaps into his throat as a loud squeak breaks the tense silence, shattering his attempts at composure. His face turns pale, his grip on the door handle tightening involuntarily.
Natalie's eyebrows shoot up, her eyes narrowing in suspicion. The seriousness in her voice sends a shiver down Adrien's spine as she demands an explanation for the unexpected noise.
"What was that noise?" Natalie asks, her tone unwavering and stern.
Adrien's mind races, searching desperately for a plausible excuse to deflect Natalie's attention from the source of the sound. He stammers, his voice shaky with nervousness.
"Oh, uh, that? It was just... um... a loose hinge on the closet door. You know how it is, sometimes things creak and squeak," Adrien replies, mentally kicking himself for the weak explanation.
"Open the door, Adrien." Natalie's unwavering determination prompts Adrien to grit his teeth, knowing he has no choice but to comply. He reluctantly opens the door wide, allowing Natalie to step into the disarrayed bedroom.
Natalie's dissatisfaction is palpable as she walks around the room, her steps heavy with disapproval. Her eyes narrow at the sight of clothes scattered across the floor, the dishevelled bed sheets and the blinds tightly shut. She clicks her tongue disapprovingly, clearly displeased with the state of Adrien's room.
As Natalie makes her way towards the bathroom door, a surge of panic courses through Adrien's veins. His mind races, and he jumps to a conclusion– Marinette must be hiding in the bathroom. In a moment of desperation, he blurts out, "Wait!"
But before Adrien can stop her, Natalie turns the doorknob and opens the bathroom door. Adrien's heart sinks, expecting to be caught red-handed with Marinette hiding inside.
Trepidation fills his every step as Adrien follows Natalie into the bathroom, fully prepared to face the consequences of his secret being exposed. However, to his simultaneous relief and nervousness, the room is empty, devoid of any sign of Marinette's presence.
Just as Adrien's anxiety begins to dissipate, a faint noise catches his attention. The sound of the window blind fluttering in the wind reaches his ears, filling the room with an eerie atmosphere. His gaze darts towards the open window, and realisation dawns upon him.
Without missing a beat, Adrien rushes to the window, his heart pounding with a newfound urgency. He quickly secures the fluttering blind, ensuring it remains still. As he does, a sense of relief washes over him, knowing that the source of the noise has been resolved and his secret remains safe for now.
Breathing a sigh of both relief and lingering tension, Adrien takes a moment to collect himself. He recognizes the close call and the need for increased caution in the future. With renewed determination, he turns his attention back to Natalie, hoping to divert her focus away from any further suspicions.
"Natalie, I apologise for the mess. I'll make sure to clean up right away," Adrien says, his voice carrying a mix of contrition and determination. "I appreciate your understanding."
Natalie's gaze softens ever so slightly as she listens to Adrien's words. She takes a moment to consider his apology and the situation at hand. After a brief pause, she lets out a sigh, her voice carrying a touch of understanding.
"No, Adrien. Just focus on getting ready," Natalie says, her tone a mix of firmness and compassion. "I'll have the cleaning staff take care of this mess."
Adrien's eyes pop open in surprise, a mix of relief and gratitude washing over him. He realises that Natalie, despite her initial displeasure, is willing to offer him a reprieve and take charge of resolving the chaotic state of his room.
Now at Collège Françoise Dupont, Adrien walks into the classroom, worry arising as he takes note of Marinette's absence. Concern etches his features as he pulls out his mobile phone, furrowing his brow at the lack of response to his texts. The last of the students file into the classroom, yet Marinette is still nowhere to be seen.
Sitting beside Adrien, Nino notices his friend's growing apprehension and nudges him gently. "Hey, don't worry, dude. You know Marinette's usually late," Nino reassures him with a knowing smile.
Adrien releases a sigh, reluctantly setting aside his phone, though his concern lingers. "I know, it's just... it's not like her to be so late without a word," he confesses, his voice tinged with a mixture of worry and frustration.
Right on cue, the classroom door swings open, revealing a sheepish Marinette stepping through. Adrien's eyes immediately fixate on her, searching for any clues in her facial expression, but he finds himself perplexed by her dishevelled appearance.
As Marinette ascends the steps to her seat, Adrien continues to observe her, his questioning gaze met with her deliberate avoidance. Curiosity piqued, he notices a small piece of paper on the floor and swiftly picks it up. Hastily scanning its contents, Adrien's attention shifts back to Marinette, who sits quietly behind him.
The note is short, its words capturing his attention. It reads, 'Rooftop. Lunch time.' Adrien's eyebrows furrow in surprise and curiosity, his gaze shifting from the note to Marinette sitting behind him. He can't help but wonder about the significance of the message. Why does Marinette want to meet on the rooftop during lunch? What could she possibly have to discuss? Adrien's mind races with questions, his concern mixed with a growing sense of anticipation.
As the class continues, Adrien discreetly glances back at Marinette, attempting to catch her eye. He notices her subtle glances in his direction, her own curiosity seemingly mirrored in her expression. The unspoken connection between them intensifies the anticipation, leaving Adrien eager for the lunch break to arrive. With each passing minute, Adrien finds it increasingly difficult to concentrate on the lesson. His mind drifts to the rooftop meeting, his imagination conjuring up various scenarios and possibilities. The mysterious note only fuels his desire to understand what lies behind Marinette's request.
The lunchtime bell finally rings and Adrien wastes no time gathering his belongings. His steps are quick and purposeful as he makes his way towards the classroom door, his mind consumed by the mystery awaiting him on the rooftop.
However, before he can reach the door, Nino throws an arm around Adrien, pulling him close. "Hey, man, are you joining us in the cafeteria today?"
Adrien's gaze flickers with hesitation as he considers his response. He knows he should join his friends and maintain a sense of normalcy, but the intrigue of the rooftop meeting with Marinette pulls at him.
"Oh, um... sorry, Nino," Adrien replies, his voice filled with regret. "My father has requested my presence at home today."
Nino's expression falls, his disappointment evident. "Bummer. Alright, man, guess I'll see you later," he says, his tone tinged with a touch of dejection.
Adrien, feeling a surge of determination, swiftly exits the classroom and makes his way to the locker room. As he reaches his destination, he casts a cautious glance around, ensuring that the area is devoid of any curious onlookers. Satisfied with the emptiness, he swiftly enters an unoccupied locker, quietly closing the door behind him.
Inside the confined space, green light spills through the narrow cracks, illuminating Adrien's figure. With a burst of transformation magic, he emerges as Chat Noir, his sleek black suit fitting him like a second skin. His emerald eyes gleam with a mix of excitement and nervousness as he prepares himself for the upcoming rendezvous. Without hesitation, Chat Noir leaps out of the locker and gracefully moves towards the nearest window. He deftly manoeuvres his way through the opening and onto the outside ledge, his cat-like agility allowing him to navigate the vertical ascent with ease. Upward he climbs, his lithe form silhouetted against the sky as he ascends toward the rooftop. The wind whips through his hair, adding a touch of exhilaration to his journey. Chat Noir's heart pounds with anticipation as he approaches the rooftop, his steps purposeful and determined. The rooftop, a secret meeting place between him and Marinette, holds the promise of a deeper connection and a chance to explore their budding romance away from prying eyes. With each leap and bound, Chat Noir closes the distance to the rooftop, his mind filled with thoughts of Marinette. He yearns to see her, to be in her presence and experience the warmth of their connection. The anticipation builds, electrifying the air as he nears the designated meeting spot.
As Chat Noir finally reaches the rooftop, he comes to a halt, his eyes scanning the area. He takes a moment to steady his breathing, allowing the excitement and nervousness to settle. His gaze lingers on the spot where Marinette is expected to appear, his heart brimming with hope and anticipation. Right on cue, a familiar sound reaches his ears– the distinct twirl of Ladybug's yoyo string. A smile lights up Chat Noir's face as he turns towards the source of the sound. With a graceful descent, Ladybug lands in front of him, her vibrant red and black suit a striking contrast against the rooftop backdrop. Chat Noir's heart skips a beat at the sight of her, his eyes reflecting the joy and affection he feels. A surge of warmth rushes through him as their gazes meet.
"I got your note. Is everything okay? Where did you run off to this morning by the way?" Chat Noir asks, his voice filled with genuine concern. His mind swirls with questions, wanting to understand what happened earlier and what prompted Marinette's urgent message.
Ladybug smirks, a mischievous glint in her eyes. "Oh, that. I thought it best to go home and change. I couldn't possibly come to class in my spotty pyjamas now, could I?"
Chat Noir chuckles, enjoying the banter between them. "I wouldn't put it past you doing something like that. After all, you're known for your unique fashion choices, even in your sleepwear."
Ladybug playfully punches his arm, her eyes narrowed in mock annoyance. "Not funny, Chaton. I have a reputation to uphold, you know."
Chat Noir feigns innocence, a playful grin on his face. "Oh, but Bugaboo, I think you look adorable in any outfit, even in polka dot pyjamas. It's part of your charm."
Ladybug's cheeks flush with a mixture of embarrassment and amusement. She playfully rolls her eyes, unable to hide a small smile. "Flattery won't get you out of trouble, Chat Noir. But I appreciate the sentiment."
Chat Noir leans in, his curiosity evident in his eyes. "Why did you call me up here? Couldn't we have talked somewhere else?"
Ladybug grins mischievously, waggling her eyebrows playfully. "I thought I would liven things up a little. Besides, you look quite dashing in those tight leather pants."
Chat Noir chuckles, shaking his head. "Always finding ways to keep things interesting, aren't you? But what about Alya? Is she still bombarding you with questions?"
Ladybug's expression turns slightly exasperated. "Yeah, it's been non stop. I just needed a break from her reporter instincts for a while."
Chat Noir nods, understanding the need for some respite. "I get it, but you can't avoid her forever. It'll only make things worse. We agreed to keep our relationship a secret, remember?"
"I know, but it's even harder since Alya knows I'm Ladybug," Ladybug confesses, her voice tinged with concern. "We can't afford to have anyone knowing both our identities. It's already dangerous enough that she knows mine."
"You're right. I would love to tell Nino, but since you already told Alya yours, I can't tell him, he can't keep a secret."
Ladybug's voice trembles with regret as she looks down, her heart heavy with guilt. "I'm sorry, Chaton. I broke my own rule and told someone my identity. Now, because of that, you're unable to confide in your best friend."
Chat Noir reaches out, gently lifting Ladybug's chin to meet her gaze. His eyes reflect understanding and compassion. "Ladybug, you don't have to apologise. I understand why you did it. Please don't blame yourself."
Ladybug's lips quiver, a mixture of relief and sorrow. "But I wish things were different. I wish we could openly share our secrets and confide in those closest to us without fear," she says softly. "It hurts knowing that I've put you in this position."
Chat Noir's hand rests gently on Ladybug's shoulder, his voice a soothing presence. "We can't change the past," he reassures her. "But we can be there for each other now. Together, we'll discover new ways to lean on our friends."
Ladybug's determination shines through as she nods, her eyes filled with a glimmer of hope. "Speaking of being there for one another, do you fancy having dinner at my place tonight?"
Chat Noir's smile widens, his eyes sparkling with excitement. "I'm looking forward to it already, Princess."