This is a (very late) Palentine's gift for Haphira from ao3 and Tumblr. They have been a very kind friend to me for a long time so I decided to have a leap of faith and give them a gift.
Enjoy!
Marinette sighed. Paris was buzzing about Valentine's Day coming up, and she couldn't join in because she was alone. She never seemed to find the right guy, and she would lose friends left and right no matter how hard she tried.
She wished her one special friend was with her right now, but he was busy traveling through time being the best time guardian in the world…So she just sucked it up and tried to brush off all this Valentine's obsession.
That was until she was finally away from the crowds and heard the cries of a familiar kwami.
"Marinette! Oh Marinette!"
Marinette gasped and looked around until she saw Tikki flying toward her while holding an envelope.
"Tikki!" Marinette cried as Tikki landed on her hands, and she gave her a big hug. "I can't believe you're here!"
Tikki giggled. "Sorry for my absence, Marinette. It's just that a certain hero asked me to send you a letter…" The ladybug kwami's voice had a hint of sneakiness.
Marinette smirked. "A certain hero?" She took the letter and studied it.
Tikki nodded. "A certain hero with teal highlights in his hair, mysterious eyes, and shiny sea foam green scales."
Marinette gasped and screamed in her head as she gently ripped the envelope. Tikki watched from behind her shoulder as Marinette read the letter.
Dear Marinette,
I know I haven't seen you lately and I feel really guilty. Despite me being the Time Guardian, time isn't always on my side, or on our side for that matter.
I can't apologize enough…
Marinette shook her head at that remark.
Anyway, I heard of the Valentine's Ball at the Eiffel Tower. If you accept my invitation, I want to meet you there. I can meet you in secret. I know it sounds bold, but I want to spend Valentine's Day with you, my dear muse.
Yours Truly,
Viperion.
Marinette felt she was about to faint, and Tikki couldn't help but let out a "squee!" The ladybug kwami also noticed that Marinette truly did look weak in the knees, and Tikki tried to keep the poor girl steady, even if she was just a tiny kwami. Marinette fell to her knees in a lovestruck daze, but there was no injury.
"So, is that a yes?" Tikki asked. "Because I can relay the message to Viperion as soon as possible."
Marinette was still in heart-eye mode and surrounded by pink sparkles, but an epiphany hit her.
"Wait Tikki! I would love to write my own personalized message for Viperion."
Tikki squeed and floated around in a bunch of red sparkles. "I can't wait to send it to him!"
Days later, Viperion rested after a long day of hero work. He wiped his sweaty forehead with the pink handkerchief Marinette had given him ages ago. However, the sunlight was still on his face. He didn't expect to hear familiar excited crying and for Tikki to appear with a pink envelope before him.
"Tikki?" Viperion cried.
"Hello Viperion!" Tikki cried.
Tikki perched on Viperion's hand with the envelope, and Viperion gave the little kwami a curious look.
"Marinette wrote to you! She wanted it to be extra special!"
Viperion accepted the letter, and Tikki excitedly giggled as she flew behind him. The snake hero automatically got the scent of pink rose perfume that Marinette sprayed on the envelope as he carefully opened it. Marinette's handwritten letters were always a work of art. This one, in particular, was decorated with hearts and a chibi version of Marinette and Viperion on the bottom of the letter.
Dear Viperion,
It's been so long since we last saw each other. I count the moments even if I know you're a busy hero and time guardian. I know you're always there fighting for the best possible timeline for us, but I missed you so much.
But Tikki finally came to me and sent me your invite to the Valentine's Ball! And I am just overwhelmed with so many fuzzy feelings…
I would love to attend the Valentine's Ball with you, Viperion! It'll be so much fun with the best sweets and…I can hardly contain myself! I can't wait to spend my first Valentine's Day with you! You are my best friend, and I adore you so much!
I can't wait to see you again Viperion!
Yours truly, Marinette.
Tikki remembered when Marinette kissed her letter for good luck. Viperion smiled warmly and placed the letter close to his heart before turning to Tikki.
"It will be a night to remember," he said.
"I just know you won't let a lovely lady like Marinette waiting, Viperion! It's going to be so romantic!" Tikki cried.
"Yeah…" A soft pink blush formed on Viperion's face.
Marinette was so excited for the day of the ball. She was planning Viperion's big Valentine's gift and the sweets she would make for him, not to mention making a bunch of adjustments to her sparkly pink ball gown, trying to make it as beautiful as Cinderella.
It wasn't until her father opened her bedroom door that Marinette was told that because she had initially decided she wouldn't do anything for Valentine's Day, she would help him and her mother cater the Valentine's Ball at the Eiffel Tower.
Marinette was super upset that her father would agree to have her be a waitress for the Valentine's Ball. Still, she wasn't sure how to tell him she already had a date, with Viperion, of all people.
So she plastered a fake smile and told her father she would love to cater the Valentine's Ball.
But in her head, she felt this was terrible!
She would be the princess of a ball for the first time in her life. But her plans were dashed, and on Valentine's Day, she wore her maid outfit and kept her serving tray close, sighing as she realized she was relegated to... a kitchen princess!
But Marinette didn't feel strong enough to be assertive. However, while working with her father, she helped make food Viperion might like. Sure, heart-shaped Valentine macarons usually came in flavors like raspberry and strawberry. Still, she also made sure to make heart-shaped pistachio ones for Viperion. Not to mention frozen raspberries dipped in milk and white chocolate and taste like ice cream—Viperion would love them!
She still maintained a cute smile and felt genuinely happy for all the girls wearing beautiful gowns and all the boys dressed up like handsome princes.
Marinette bowed and curtsied at everyone who thanked her for her service. She was happy that she made everyone's Valentine's Day all the better with all the delicious treats. Then Marinette's blue eyes lit up when she saw a few familiar couples having fun at round tables decorated in beautiful cloths. Alya was busy having the time of her life with her girlfriend Zoe, but then she noticed Marinette in her maid outfit and waved.
"Hey, Marinette!"
All her other friends shifted around, excited that Marinette was here. Along with Alya and Zoe there was Nino and his boyfriend Max, Nathaniel and Marc, and Juleka and Rose.
Marinette didn't want to be rude and brought over the teapot filled with fragrant rose tea to fill their cups.
All her friends thanked Marinette for her outstanding service.
"You look beautiful, Marinette!" Rose beamed, but then Rose's face became quizzical as she looked at her in her maid outfit. "I hope you are having a fantastic Valentine's Day.
Marinette blushed and smiled sheepishly. "I am having a wonderful Valentine's Day."
All her friends looked incredibly guilty though, as Marinette went off to serve more tables. When she returned to their tables, all her friends presented her with quick but thoughtful Valentine's gifts, like cards made from the fancy-printed pink and red menu and heart and flower origami.
Marinette's bluebell eyes sparkled as she cradled all the gifts close to her.
"Thank you everyone!" Marinette cried.
"You're welcome, Marinette!" Max cried while the others said, "You're welcome" and "Happy Valentine's Day."
Marinette smiled from cheek to cheek as she headed to the private room upstairs to keep all the Valentines safe, but then she heard the familiar sound of a harp.
Marinette gasped. When she turned around, she saw a boy in a seafoam green tuxedo and mask playing an elegant harp in front of an audience.
Marinette blushed hard as the entire world disappeared around her. She held her Valentine's gifts close to her heart.
"Viperion…"
Viperion was very dorky, smirking as he played the elegant harp, but he was also gorgeous. When he finished, everyone clapped, and Marinette couldn't stop looking at him. The adults thanked the young snake hero and shook his hand. Marinette almost forgot to call out to him, although she was in her maid outfit right now.
Marinette bit her lip and tried to walk up to him, but Viperion felt a familiar presence. He turned to see Marinette looking adorable and flustered in her maid outfit.
His turquoise eyes lit up when he saw her.
"Marinette!"
Marinette's eyes sparkled as well. She was thankful that she had met Viperion at the ball and how cute he looked. He was still the same snake boy but in his Sunday best.
"Viperion!"
The two would have hugged right there, but Marinette was holding her Valentine's gifts safely in her arms. Viperion raised an eyebrow, figuring she had many secret admirers. She assured him all her friends wanted to show their appreciation and that she was waiting especially for him.
And now was a perfect time for her to take her break. Viperion was caught off guard by how sneaky Marinette was, taking him by the hand and leading him to the elevator. When the elevator stopped, they arrived at a private room decorated with plenty of hearts and a table with snacks. Viperion also noted the Christmas tree that was still up but decorated with pink and red hearts for Valentine's Day.
Marinette gently squeezed his hand as she led him to the table.
"Now we can finally have some alone time," Marinette said. "I hope you have an extra stomach!"
Viperion grinned. "Definitely!"
"Oh wait, I almost forgot!" Marinette cried.
Marinette smiled to herself, and Viperion placed his hand on his hip.
Marinette rushed over to a curtain on the other side of the room. "I need to give you my gift!"
Viperion walked up to her before she pulled the rope. He also grabbed the rope, and both of them pulled to reveal the surprise behind the curtain.
Viperion's teal eyes lit up, and Marinette blushed. "I know it's not much."
"Are you serious?" Viperion said. "This is amazing! I love it!"
Marinette made Viperion a giant sea foam green heart bordered with white lace and plenty of adorable drawings of the two of them with their favorite things, like cute little snakes, pink roses, and, of course, the adorable Tikki! There were also plenty of photos of Marinette and Viperion in their favorite memories taken by Alya. Some images were in colors, some in sepia, and some in grayscale. Still, Marinette and Viperion always shined brightly together either way.
Marinette still felt her gift was silly and could only show a fraction of her affection for Viperion. Still, she suddenly felt warm and reassured, with Viperion hugging her from behind and humming a soothing tune into her ear.
As Marinette started humming along and smiling cheek to cheek, Viperion placed his hand on her shoulder.
"I also have a gift for you, Marinette," Viperion said softly. "I could never forget you."
"Oh!" Marinette's face turned bright red, but she couldn't resist as Viperion led her to the table and sat her down like she was Cinderella about to be fitted with her glass slipper.
Except, slippers didn't come in a fancy velvet box that Viperion conjured up with his powers.
Marinette was speechless. Her eyes sparkled in awe, and Viperion stifled a chuckle as he gently placed the box in her hands.
In all her years, Marinette never expected Viperion to get her jewelry, and she fell asleep while waiting tables and dreaming. But she looked into Viperion's eyes, and he encouraged her to open it, so she did.
It was better than any class slipper.
A beautiful heart-shaped clock on a shiny golden chain was nestled inside the velvet box. Marinette quickly placed her hand over her lips to hold the sparkling tears in her eyes.
"Oh Viperion! It's perfect!"
Viperion removed the necklace from the box and wrapped it around Marinette's neck. Marinette got out of her seat and took Viperion's hands as she beamed for him.
"Viperion…" She giggled. "I really don't know what to say!"
Viperion smiled down at her and stroked the ticking heart clock around her neck.
"You'll always have a piece of me in your heart," Viperion said.
Marinette grinned and then wrapped her arms around Viperion in a bone-crushing hug. "And I will always adore you! You will always be my hero, Viperion!"
Viperion chuckled as he hugged her back. "I am so happy we are here together. You were the most beautiful girl at the ball."
"Oh!" Marinette cried as she broke the hug. "I forgot that I brought my dress with me! I was going to put it on once I was done with the party."
Now was Viperion's turn to blush a shade of pink, and it didn't go unnoticed by Marinette. She had to admit it was amusing to render Viperion, the snake hero, completely speechless. So she giggled as she headed into the other room to change.
"I will be right back! No peeking Viperion!"
Viperion wouldn't dream of it, but he still covered his blushing face with his hand as multiple fantasies filled his head. He almost needed to teleport for a moment to compose himself before returning to his date with Marinette.
"Ok, Viperion, I'm ready!"
But Viperion noticed she must have snuck behind the curtain while he covered his eyes. Marinette giggled, and a sly smile formed on the snake hero's face as he headed for the curtain. Marinette giggled, and Viperion pulled the rope to remove the curtain from her.
When the curtain lifted, Marinette certainly blew him away with how much confidence she had shown since they first met long ago. Marinette was so soft-spoken and shy and trying to find confidence in herself, but now she was dazzling him with how she appeared like a movie star. She wore a sparkly hot pink dress with lots of ruffles, and her blue eyes were framed with a mask similar to his. She looked irresistible, and her new clock necklace was the perfect touch.
Marinette waited for Viperion to respond, but he was so in awe right now that she could only assume, " has stopped working." But Viperion started returning to reality as Marinette giggled and approached him in her platform shoes.
"Will you lead me to the dance floor, Sir Viperion?" Marinette said as she slyly covered her lips with a pink folding fan.
Viperion smiled warmly and held out his hand for her.
"It would be my pleasure, Miss Dupain-Cheng."
When the elevator to the ballroom opened, many party guests turned their heads to see a couple adorned in beautiful pink and seafoam green outfits. Viperion and Marinette held each other's hands tenderly as they walked through the crowd. Still, Alya and the others broke from their fun when they noticed they were there. Alya, Zoe, Rose, and Juleka had to contain their screams from seeing Marinette and Viperion together. And Nino, Max, Marc, and Nathaniel smiled proudly before greeting Viperion.
The party could officially begin, but Viperion saw the harp on the stage and whispered into Marinette's ear. Marinette could barely contain herself as she took him by the hand again and led him to the stage.
By the big harp, Viperion grabbed his phone and wrapped his arm around Marinette as they filmed a TikTok.
"Happy Valentine's Day!" Viperion and Marinette said in unison. Marinette blew a few kisses to the audience.
Viperion set his phone on a tripod before they got on opposite sides of the harp. They looked at all the guests watching them and then placed their hands on the strings.
Marinette and Viperion played the first few angelic chords. Then they closed their eyes to let their hearts decide what song to play. Unknownst to them, pink lights filled the room, and the guests were so moved that they started to slow dance with their beloved. Alya and Zoe spun around in circles along with their friends. Nino and Max agreed that this party and this mood couldn't be more romantic even if they tried…
And it was all thanks to Marinette and Viperion.
The two of them playing the harp together was always a joy that brought their hearts together. They ended their duet when they reached the center strings, and their fingers brushed against each other. Marinette and Viperion opened their eyes and blushed as they made eye contact. But before they could move in for a kiss, they turned to the crowd, and everyone looked over the moon. Then, the crowd went wild as they applauded Marinette and Viperion.
Marinette blushed from such a positive reception that she didn't know what to say. Still, Viperion was right beside her, smiling as if she were the stars. As if she were an entire galaxy. And he safely wrapped his arm around her waist as they walked toward the window and saw the Paris lights below them.
The rest of the night would be filled with encores, their favorite food, and sharing their love with all their friends.
Days later, Marinette showed Alya and the others her heart clock necklace. Marinette always kept it safe with her because it kept her closer to Viperion, even if he was far away. Alya, Rose, Juleka, and Zoe noted that this was the most amazing gift in the world, and all of them were a bit jealous. But Zoe assured Alya she didn't need to get an expensive gift for her, and suddenly, all the girls agreed that it wasn't about costly gifts. Marinette bit her lip, feeling guilty that she was making all her friends jealous of the special connection she and Viperion share. But one thing was sure: Viperion was always Marinette's angel with shiny snake scales, and she would always be Viperion's song.
When Marinette and the girls met with Nino and the boys, everyone sat down for lunch. Everyone urged Marinette to practice her singing, even if Marinette felt her voice had been a bit off for the past few days. But she looked at her heart-shaped clock and felt a bit of inspiration. She cleared her throat and hummed before singing.
"You came into my life, sent from above."
"And when I lost all hope, Boy you showed me love."
"I'm checking for you Boy you're right on time."
"Angel of mine."
Marinette was cut off by Alya and the others gushing over her singing. Marinette blushed as she held her clock close.
Then Marinette and the others heard the sound of the clock tower ringing its bell, and Marinette saw Viperion's green magic in the distance. Soon, all her friends knew it was hopeless as she rushed off without bringing her stuff with her so she could get to Viperion. But Alya, Nino, and the others showed their support.
Marinette panted as she headed to the place she knew Viperion would be. Still, as she got closer, she heard a familiar harp. Marinette turned one last corner before she saw Viperion in the distance, turning to her and smiling.
Marinette screamed and rushed over. Viperion held out his arms as Marinette jumped and wrapped her arms around him, along with wrapping her legs around his waist. Both giggled and did not want to let go of each other.
"You're right on time," Marinette said.
Viperion smirked as he stroked the heart-shaped clock around her neck.
"I always will be," Viperion said.
And then, without another word, Marinette and Viperion locked lips for an amazing makeout session that lasted for a couple dozen minutes. But for that amount of time, Marinette and her beloved snake hero were truly in heaven.
I know I usually hate "The Shipper!" archetype but writing Tikki as the red cupid for the Vipernette AU is hella cute.
Well...Since February is over maybe I can write this speech without feeling sick. A nice ode to love I guess.
Actually I'd think I'd rather talk about what love isn't if that's alright.
Love isn't everything. Love isn't the cure all solution and I tired of people thinking it is. Sometimes people take advantage of your love with, "This person loves me so much that it doesn't matter how much of an ass I act they will never leave me." And sometimes the things we love the most will destroy us.
Subsequently love isn't obsession but at the same time obsession isn't love. Sometimes we only love the reflection we see of ourselves in someone else. Sometimes we only like the idea of someone. Love isn't enabling bad behavior, and sometimes people don't love someone else enough to say "no."
But most importantly...Sometimes you can give the person all the love in the world and they won't change in a positive way. I guess I understand what "Love someone enough to let them go" means...
And, love can be enough to save the world, but not enough to change it.
Love alone isn't the cure, to change things, it needs to be backed up with a whole lot of change.
I guess I write this because there is a reason the two of us are still friends after everything. The internet is filled with a lot of angry people who treat everything as an anime fight and think being aggressive and being reactionary is badass.
And among all that there is you, softspoken and truly kindhearted and just easy to chill with. I just hope everything else is treating you well because you certainly deserve it after being there for me.
Again, Happy Palentine's Haphira. I hope you enjoy!