Lovers Rock by TV Girl

"Are you sick of me? Would you like to be?"

Marinette

Maman's arms are soft and warm around me. She boops my nose as I pull away. "You're pink from the chill." She smiles.

I do too. "I can feel the bite of the cold in my cheeks."

"Let's go inside then." She takes my hand in hers.

It's not often that Maman takes a day off work, but they've had some extra help at the bakery for the busier time of year, and she offered to spend it with me.

We find a table in the back close to the windows, and also close to the heater.

It isn't long before Alya rushes over to us, falling into the chair next to me. "Hi!" She grins. "Thank you for this, Sabine."

Maman smiles at her. "Of course, I love treating my girls."

Alya and I share a smile.

"Now, what do you both want?"

I have to be in a certain mood to really want eggs, and this morning is one of those times. I'm exceptionally grateful when a steaming plate, filled to the brim with food is placed in front of me.

There aren't many American style places that actually serve good food around here, but we all agreed on something meticulously hearty this morning.

Eggs, bacon, hash, sourdough… my mouth waters and my stomach growls.

They both laugh at me. I smile sheepishly.

"How's the internship going?" Alya asks, digging into her own plate of waffles.

"Good," I mumble around a mouthful.

Maman nods.

I feel like they're both watching me, waiting for something. I set my cutlery down. "What?"

"Nothing," they both reply at the same time.

I squint at them. Something tells me they've been gossiping about me behind my back. I let out a puff through my nose before I continue eating. "I'm going to one of Adrien's photoshoots this afternoon."

They both nod.

"That'll be interesting," Alya says.

"Good experience." Maman smiles.

"Yeah."

It's… a strange morning, and we continue to exchange small talk between the three of us. Maman talking about the bakery and papa mostly, Alya about her course and her relationship with Nino.

By the time we're done, I get a message from Adrien letting me know they're here, and look out the window to find the silver sedan waiting in the snow.

"I better go." I push away from the table. "Thanks, Maman." I walk around to her side of the table to kiss her cheek, and ruffle Alya's hair on my way past in that way I know she hates.

She scowls at me, and swats my hand away.

I breathe a sigh of relief once I transpire the dash in the cold to the warmth of the car, sliding in beside Adrien. My knee brushes his and my heart leaps. I smile at him. "Good morning." He had slept in for once, he often does on the days where his photoshoots start later. I had invited him to breakfast this morning, but I knew it was a matter of whether he'd wake up for it or not. He didn't, and that was okay.

He returns my smile. "Morning. How are you feeling?"

I shift in my seat. "I'm not going to lie… a little nervous." It's been a while since I last saw what any of Adrien's photoshoots were like. I assume they've gotten a lot more professional and… intense. Far from the park shoots I'd seen with him and just that Italian photographer.

"You'll be great," he says.

Not I'll do great. But I'll be great.

We roll up to a studio, which, from the outside, doesn't look like much. As soon as we step inside however—it's a whole scene. Completely bustling.

Adrien leads me confidently through the throngs of people, models, makeup artists, hairdressers, photographers, and other back stage crew.

"Ah good!" Someone approaches us, grabbing both of us. "You must go into hair and makeup, quick!"

"Oh, ah." I twist my wrist out of their grip. "I'm not a model."

He blinks at me blankly.

"I'm interning with Gabriel."

Another blink. "AH! You must be Mlle. Marinette. Come, we need your expertise."

My expertise? I throw Adrien a panicked look, all he offers is a smile as he's lead away to an entirely separate room.

The man with the thick accent—of which, I can't quite pinpoint where from—leads me down a hallway and into one of the rooms.

"Celeste cannot fit into this outfit, and we need to make her so."

I look the model up and down. "Why does she have to fit the clothes? Why can't the clothes fit her?"

At my words, she looks relieved.

I give her another look. "What do you want me to say?"

He looks at me pointedly. "What do you suggest?"

I give her another once over and take a deep breath. "The shade of this pink entirely washes her out anyway, she won't stand out in the photoshoot—and neither will the dress. Instead of trying to make her fit, find another model more suitable and try something different."

"B-but, this is what she has been allocated to wear."

"Where are the other models?"

"In various other rooms."

"Where are the other clothes that will be modelled?"

"The same."

I smile at Celeste. "Have you tried anything else on that fits you better?"

She nods.

"Do you want to take me there?"

I follow her out of the room into another with three other models. They all turn to look at me as I walk in.

"These are my size." Celeste indicates to a rack. "I was just put into this because they think the dress will be flattering on my body shape."

"It won't be flattering if it doesn't fit you." I smile at her. "Which isn't your fault." I rummage through the rack and pull out a frilly red dress with polka dots. The dress itself is asymmetrical, one shouldered with ruffled hems along the edges of the sleeves and skirt. I look around at the other models.

Without having been given any previous information about what this photoshoot is detailing, it's clearly a black-tie shoot.

"Let's try this on." I hold the dress out.

She nods and I help her wiggle out of the other dress, careful not to catch her with the zippers.

She steps into the red dress, putting it on like normal. I adjust it and pull the shoulders up higher, fiddling with the layers of the skirt.

I look at her nude heels and grab some black stilettos that are the same size, they're plain, but the style of buckle that wraps around the ankle is beautiful.

I step back. "How is that?"

The man with the accent looks her over, he hadn't interrupted once, I'd almost forgotten he was there. He nods. "Very nice. It is clear you have a good eye, Marinette."

I smile.

"We will need to make some adjustments to her makeup, but that is an easy fix. Come now, your expertise is needed elsewhere."

He takes me through several rooms, helping style models or fix wardrobe mishaps, small tears that have appeared through transport. Some of it can't be repaired but can be hidden, like small tears in the mesh of a skirt.

As the photo shooting begins, I take out my notebook to jot some ideas and notes down as they come to me.

I haven't seen Adrien since we arrived. I'm not sure when he'll make his appearance to be photographed.

Finally, he's lead out with a few other models. He's chatting quietly with one of them.

He smiles brightly at Adrien and laughs lightly at something he said.

The three of them come out to stand in position.

Adrien catches my eye and dips his head. I smile at him.

Makeup artists come out to brush a little more powder over their cheek and jawbones.

I wince as they follow the directions of the photographers. The way they're standing—it's not flattering at all, for the models or for the suits they wear.

I endure ten minutes of it.

"W-wait," I say anxiously, and they turn to me. "Do you really think this is the best way to complement them, and the clothes."

Everyone stares at me.

The man with the accent cocks his head at me. "What would you suggest?"

I stand, leaving my notebook on the stool I was seated on. "May I?" I indicate to the models.

The models nod before everyone else does, I can tell they look uncomfortable.

"You have these blocks behind them for appearances, but some of the best photoshoots are done incorporating other objects. They're all going to be shot individually just for the suits anyway."

A vision comes to life in my mind and I look around the set, they do have some other inanimate objects. I bustle around them moving the blocks and gathering other items—and old style dial phone, and empty teacup and saucer. I even borrow one of the female models.

"Is this okay?"

"Please," the man with the accent says, "you have our full attention."

I direct Adrien to the block I set the phone on and smile up at him. "Pick it up."

He smirks at me. "You're in your element. And you're bossy."

I chuckle, standing in the position how I want him to as well. Legs crossed at the ankles, hip leaning against the block, phone raised to his ear.

His smile widens as he relaxes. "Got it."

"From what I've gathered, this is a photoshoot that's going to be displayed across Gabriel stores, banners through the windows. You need something more interesting to gather consumer's attention."

I direct the second model, pulling over one of the nice looking chairs for him to sit in. "Put your ankle over your knee and raise the teacup like you're going to drink from it."

He nods, trying out the position.

"You need consumers to think this'll be them in these suits, in this dress."

I smile at the last two models. "Can you lean against this block, just lightly, with your hands braced on it behind you." He does. "Maybe bring a knee up, flattening your foot against the block." He does so.

I pull his tie out from the blazer and turn my attention to the woman. "Grab the tie." I grin cheekily at her, and a flash of amusement crosses across her face. She steps closer and grabs it, already acting like she's pulling him towards her, and like he's pulling her towards him.

"Sedulous. Sophistication. Seduction." I gesture to each of them and turn back to the crew watching the whole exchange. I flush. I just took over from their shoot. What have I done? What am I doing?

The guy with the accent nods. "I love it. Let's do it."

I rush out of the spotlight, heart racing a little as I settle back on my stool.

The models get into position and the camera snaps.

I freeze, staring at the banner draped from the ceiling in a Gabriel window.

I didn't think the photoshoot would have such a quick turnaround, but here it is. My direction. My vision.

It looks even better than I thought it would. They even made it their own. Adrien and the middle model share a smirk as the third model gapes at the fourth, tugging on his tie with a raised brow.

It looks good. Really good. I'm even more proud of myself now that I know Angelo (the guy with the accent) had specifically created problems for me to fix them, testing me. But the actual photo-shooting itself, wasn't one of them.

I start my scooter back up and continue on to Alya and Nino's. I've got my overnight bag stuffed in the compartment inside my seat.

Everyone is meeting there, including Adrien. He had somewhere to be this afternoon.

I don't know how Alya and Nino are going to accommodate for everyone, their place isn't big, but I know not everyone is staying over.

Juleka, Rose, Luka, and Sabrina will most definitely go home, but Alix might stay. Other than that, it's just Adrien, Alya, Nino, and me.

Alya throws the door open and hauls me inside within barely a second of me stepping foot on her welcome mat.

"What do you think?" She turns towards the open living space.

Air mattresses, pillows, blankets, line the floor. Bowls of chips, popcorn, lollies, chocolate. Several card and board games they already owned. The heater is pumping too.

"I think it looks warm and cozy. Although I am wondering where you got everything."

"Warm and cozy is what I was going for." She disregards my second comment.

"Where's Nino?" I look around.

"I'm in here!" I hear called from their bedroom. I make my way over there and smile in at him. He returns it with a grin as he finishes making their bed. "We've had a lazy day aside from setting up."

I chuckle. "Lazy days are good."

He pulls me into him, kissing my cheek. "How are you, M? Where's my darling Adrien?"

"Adrien is making his own way here. As for myself, I am good, thank you."

He braces himself on a kitchen counter. "We were just going to do takeout for dinner, do you reckon that's okay?"

"Yeah, for sure. That way everyone can chip in too."

They nod.

"Are you sure it's okay I invited Luka?" Alya looks at me apologetically.

"Als, yes, I'm positive. Luka and I are friends."

She looks to Nino as if looking for reassurance about my statement.

He shrugs.

As if on cue, the doorbell rings and Alya leaps over a mound of blankets to reach the door, throwing it open with as much ferocity as she did me.

"Hey, speak of the devil!"

Juleka, Rose, and Luka step through.

"Awww, Alya, this is so cute!" Rose squeals, looking around at the place. "I baked some cookies too." She holds them out to Alya.

Alya takes them with a grin and sets them aside in the kitchen.

"Hey, guys." I smile at them. "How are you doing?"

"Good, how are you?" Juleka asks softly.

"I'm good." I hug her hello. Rose squeezes me tightly. And then Luka… he smiles down at me, eyes hooded and wraps his arms around me.

"Nice to see you, Marinette," he murmurs in my ear.

I shiver, pulling away. "Likewise."

I turn to see Adrien there and smile brightly. "Hey, you."

He returns it, but it's not as wide and immediately my smile wavers. "Is everything okay? Did something happen?"

He shakes his head. "No, I'm okay. Nothing is wrong."

I pull him aside. "Are you sure? It doesn't look like it."

He shakes his head more vigorously this time. "I promise."

I search his face, his eyes, the crease in his lips, the tension in his forehead. I sigh. If he doesn't want to talk about it, he won't, and he shouldn't feel pressured to. Instead, I plaster on a smile. "You know what I saw coming over today?"

"What?" He cocks his head, a tick of a smile twitching in the corner of his lips at my tone.

I grin. "I saw the results of the photoshoot at one of the Gabriel stores as I rode past."

"Really? That was quick."

"I suppose you were just exceptionally exceptional, more than usual."

He chuckles. "Are you trying to butter me up?"

"Why M. Agreste, whatever for?" I smirk at him, and his breath comes out shaky.

"I don't know." He says quietly.

I let out a laugh.

The last to arrive are Alix and Sabrina, and after they do, the first order of business is getting into our pyjamas.

Once that's been achieved, we gather around Nino and Alya's considerably large coffee table.

Nino expertly shuffles the cards. "We'll start off easy with some Uno." He smiles cheekily.

Alya is the reigning champion of Uno. None of us know how she does it, and she proves it once again, every goddamn time.

She slams her last card down, the rest of us groan.

"Fucks sake." Nino rolls his eyes.

"You can keep playing," she professes.

"Yeah, but I don't think you understand we're trying to beatyou." Adrien sighs, settling back on his hands. "That's the point of the game for us at this point."

I laugh. "Exactly."

Luka looks between us. "Should we play something else then, if we're all retired to the fact that Alya is unbeatable?"

We all nod, grumbling.

Adrien

I can't stop the smile that spreads across my face at watching Marinette dancing around Nino and Alya's living room.

Completely without a care in the world, she belts out the lyrics in English to Bob Marley and the Wailer's 'Could You Be Loved'.

Alya and Alix are up dancing with her too, but they don't seem to know the lyrics, or struggle with them.

"Yo, Adrien."

I turn my head to Luka, an odd feeling roiling in my stomach.

He nods his head to the spread of food in the kitchen. "You want something?"

I nod. "I can get it." I grab a plate and begin to pile food on it. "Thanks."

He shrugs, a smile hinting at the corner of his mouth as he watches the girls sing and dance.

His eyes linger on Marinette.

Nino nudges me.

"What?" I ask him in a low voice.

"You gotta do something."

I frown at him.What does that mean? But he doesn't elaborate.

Marinette, Alya, and Alix come and grab some food eventually.

As the night progresses, Nino eventually pulls Mario Kart from his Nintendo Switch up to the TV.

I'm distracted. I know I am.

But I can't stop my eyes from glancing at Marinette leaning against a wall, Luka leaning against the one adjacent to her as they chat, small smiles on their faces.

Another feeling sinks to the pit of my stomach, one that I think I'm mistakenly recognising as betrayal.

I thought she wasn't into him anymore.

And even more so… the underlying problem.

I thought maybe I might've had a chance to be with her.

I shake my head at the insanity of the thought.

This is ridiculous. She's my best friend! And my roommate… dating… these feelings. Everything is too complicated.

"You need to get laid," Alix leans down and says in my ear.

I shuffle away from her. "Stop," I say pathetically.

I stand and gather my things. "I'm going back tonight guys, I know I said I'd stay but I don't think it's best for me to."

"What!?" They all exclaim.

I smile, shrugging slightly. "I'm sorry."

Marinette stops in front of me and looks back at the others. "Give us a minute."

She draws me into the hallway beyond their apartment.

"Is everything okay?"

The concern that lines her face makes my heart ache.

I give her a small smile. "I'm not feeling so good."

"Let me grab my coat—"

"I'm not asking you to come with me."

"No, I know. But I will. If you're not well I want to look after you—"

I grab her wrist. "Mari… it's not that kind of unwell. I'm just… down. I… need some time on my own."

"Oh… okay. I can stay here or at my parents if you need more time than just tonight—"

"No, it's okay. If you want to come back later tonight instead of staying, please do. But don't leave early or stop having fun on my account."

"But, Adrien, you look so sad. Are you sure everything is alright?"

"No, Mari, it's not. I'm upset. But I need to sit in the feeling for a while and sort out my thoughts. Okay?" I offer her a small smile.

She breathes deeply. "Okay. If you're sure. Call or text me if you need anything."

I nod. "I will."

Marinette

My spoon clatters into my bowl, milk splashing on my pyjama shirt. It's fine. It needed a wash anyway.

I stare at my laptop screen—thankfully I didn't splatter anything on that.

Adrien went on a date.

I have to remind myself to close my jaw.

Clear my throat.

It's fine.

It's probably some ploy from his Father to make the public believe we aren't dating. They're still convinced we're full of shit.

Or…

Or he actually wanted to go on one, with whoever this girl is.

Another model, apparently.

I narrow my eyes at the photo of them, the feeling in my stomach turning sour.

She must be one hell of an honest model to get a date with Adrien. That's for sure.

Paparazzi captured several photos of them, and upon further digging… I know that wasn't a real date.

I know Adrien when he smiles, when he laughs. I know when he's being hoenst and genuine, and caring and is listening and hanging on to every word you have to say. This isn't him. This is his model smile, his fake, animated laugh.

This isn't my Adrien.

Not… that he's mine at all.

This isn't my golden best friend. His eyes aren't full or mirth or happiness. They look dull, sad, pained. Like he's experiencing and unrequited love.

Which is bullshit because the model he's on a date with is so obviously beyond into him it makes me disgusted and want to pop her eyeballs out for even looking at him like that. Being 'into him' isn't even how I'd describe it. She's looking at him like he's a dick on a stick.

You don't deserve him, I think bitterly in my head. But what is the response to that. Like I deserve him?

Nobody deserves Adrien.

Not… not even me, let's be honest. He's pure a pure golden retriever boy who sees the good and potential in everyone, even when they've fucked up massively. He still sees the good in people like his Father.

But… the funny admirable thing about Adrien is, if you cause any harm in any way, to anyone he cares about, he'll go cold immediately. You're dead to him.

His bedroom door opens.

"How did your date go?" Is the first thing I ask him this fine winter morning.

He freezes. Shuts his eyes. Sighs. Opens them again.

"It's already everywhere, isn't it?"

I nod, turning my laptop his way.

He approaches cautiously, taking a few moments to look through the article. Articles.

Eventually, he sighs and runs a hand through his hair. "Great," he says dryly.

I merely nod, still waiting on his answer to my question.

He doesn't leave me waiting.

"The date itself was good."

"Sounds like there's a 'but' somewhere."

He winces. "I don't know. It's complicated."

"Do you want to talk about it?"

He shakes his head.

We fall into silence as he makes himself some breakfast.

He sighs heavily. "Except, you know what?" He whips around to face me, a look of determination striking on his face. He opens his mouth, closes it. Clears his throat. Turns back around.

I puff out a laugh.

"What?" he almost snarls.

"You're funny."

"I don't find this situation funny."

"Break it down for me."

"She isn't who I want to go on a date with."

"Then why'd you go?"

"Because I…" he trails off.

"Adrien, you could literally be with anyone you want to be."

He stares down at his toast as he butters it. "Not anyone," he mutters. "I don't want to be with just anyone and the person I want to be with doesn't want to be with me."

"Have you asked them?"

"No."

"Then why do you sound so final in that observation."

"Because my observing of her is clear enough that… for one, things I think are complicated enough for her right now. She has a lot going on. And two… I think she's interested in someone else."

I sigh. "Again, with all this 'I think' bullshit. Just ask her."

He eats his toast, and I don't expect a reply.

"How are you and Luka?"

I freeze. "What?"

He shrugs. "You guys seemed pretty cozy at Nino and Alya's the other week."

I push my empty bowl of cereal away. "Is that what this is about?"

He chokes. "What?"

I shrug. "Is this why you've been boycotting me for weeks?"

"Boycott—I haven't been boycotting you!"

I snort. "You have so."

"Have not!"

"Have to."

"Marinette, I have not—"

"Oh, you are so full of shit."

"Now you're angry at me!"

"I'm not angry at you, I'm just trying to understand—which is pretty hard to do considering you wanted to talk to me."

"I don't want to talk to you!"

I blink, draw back. "Okay, fine." I cross my arms. Admittedly, I'm sulking. And I know it.

I don't look at him.

"I don't want to talk to you… about this…" He sighs once again. "Mari, I—it's complicated."

"Then uncomplicate it for me."

"I… can't."

"Fine."

I stand from the stool, clean up after myself, grab my things.

And shut the door to my room behind me.