I get a notification the next day that the magazine is out, which is no surprise because my phone has been blowing up all morning. I want to get to the bank early and Starbucks before heading over to the bakery for I have a surprise for Marinette's parents.
I wouldn't be surprised if Corvus had a hand in raising their rent, as he's a powerful person with friends in deep pockets. Plagg and I did a search on him yesterday, but there wasn't much to go on.
It doesn't take long at the bank, but carrying drinks from Starbucks to Tom and Sabine's takes some concentration as I don't want spill hot coffee. Sabine is sweeping the floor when I come in, the bell cheerfully jingling in the doorway. I can hear Tom singing away in the back, and I am glad to hear it.
"Adrien! What a pleasant surprise! Did you eat breakfast yet?" "Not yet, I was thinking…." before I can finish Sabine grabs my hand. "No arguments, I'll have breakfast in a jiffy, and you can say hello to Ladybug." "Okay, but I have something for you and Tom." "Breakfast first." I laugh at her determination, and follow her upstairs.
I love the coziness of their small apartment, much better then the cold mansion I still occupy. Sure, I could have moved, but now I'm staying put. "Ladybug! Adrien's here!" "Coming!" she calls back.
"Does she sleep in like Marinette used to do?" I ask Sabine, following her into the kitchen. Marinette would sometimes tumble into class still half-asleep, but still adorable. "Sometimes, but I think she had an interview this morning." "Oh?" I ask, wondering why she didn't tell me. Maybe it was a spur of the moment thing.
"Adrien!" Ladybug trots down the stairs. "Good morning!" I have to stifle a gasp at how beautiful she looks, her hair is different then her usual twin tails, instead its piled up on top of her head, little ringlets framing her creamy cheeks. A white ribbon completes the look. "Morning, beautiful," I whisper as we hug and I give her a quick kiss. "Ooh, you brought coffee!" I laugh as wiggles out of my embrace, downing some of her hazelnut latte. "So, what's this big interview?" I ask as I follow her into the living room.
"I don't know if necessarily an interview, but Raven contacted me and wanted to go over some designs. Which means going into enemy territory as he works in Corvus's office area."
Raven is another fashion designer that just popped into the fashion world, but already his clothes are selling like hot cakes, known for their curves, edges and angles. I feel a twinge of uneasiness. He's also known to be popular with the ladies. "You sure its for an interview?" she laughs. "Adrien, don't worry. He saw my designs online and wants to collaborate. That's all." I blush, but not with pleasure. "Sorry, sorry, of course I trust you."
"Breakfast," Sabine calls, and it reminds me of the other reason why I'm here. "Ah, Sabine's made congee. Come on, kids, let's eat up."
"Before we do," I say as we sit down at the table. "I need to give you this." I hand Tom the check from the photo shoot and his eyes grow wide as he and Sabine read it together. "Adrien, we can't take this from you. We'll find the money somehow." "No, please. I'm comfortable, and…." I have to clear my throat several times before I can squeak out the words. "You've always been like family to me." "Oh, honey," Sabine gets up to hug me. "How can we repay you?" I grin. "By loving me and making awesome breakfasts like this." Sabine laughs and wipes her eyes. "Your angel, Adrien. Ladybug, honey, your going to be late if you don't get a move on."
I stay for another half hour or so, procrastinating leaving as its just so homey here. Sabine invites me for supper, and I readily agree.
I have meetings to get to, but its hard to focus as I keep thinking about Bugaboo, laughing and sharing her designs with someone else. Focus, focus, I tell myself. She's your partner, and she's not a cheater.
As soon as the morning meeting is done, I head up to where Raven's offices are, but I stop in the Food Court, noticing Ladybug and Raven sitting at a table and chatting. I quickly order a drink and slide into a booth.
Why is trying to touch her hand, and looks besotted by her? Okay, get a grip, Agreste. Besotted? But it does look like he's trying to flirt with her, and before I know it, I'm marching over there.
"Adrien?!" Ladybug's face looks shocked. "Look, she's taken, and she's not into you, Raven. Oh, I know your a smooth talker and have promised her the world."
Raven laughs. "Adrien, she's just so charming, how could you not want to give her the world? Besides, I'm only trying to get to know her." "Yeah, whatever. See you around."
I need to get out of here and I tell Lilac I'll be back later, or maybe tomorrow. Once out on the street, I jog to one of the quieter parks and find my favorite swinging bench.
I don't know how long I sit there, just deep breathing and listening to the chirping birds. "Adrien?" Ladybug walks towards me, sitting down on the bench next to me. In the first time in forever, I can't look my Lady in the eye. "You want to tell me what happened?" she asks. "I was jealous. And...scared that you would fall for him. I don't know what came over me, Ladybug. I'm sorry."
To my surprise, Ladybug rests her head on my shoulder and I rest my head on hers. "I won't be working with Raven," she tells me, the bench creaking as we swing. "Oh?" "The guy's a rotten jerk, Adrien. He didn't even want to see my designs, only wanted to get to know me. I bet you anything he's working for Corvus."
"I feel like such a jerk," I mumble. "Don't please. Adrien, I love you, nor am I going to stop. I'm not sure what Corvus plan is, but he's digging deeper. We have to be extra vigilant. By the way," her voice is soft as silk. "Thank you for helping the bakery. I would never work for Raven for two reasons: He would just keep the money for himself, and not help others. And he's not you."
She finds my lips, erasing all feelings of jealously from my system, purifying the green-eyed monster within. "You and me," she reminds me.
Flutter watched the couple leave the park, holding hands. Ladybug may have outsmarted Raven, but could she be clever enough to dupe Adrien Agreste?
