I am SO sorry I took so long with this story! I still don't really have a plotline for this one, and I was busy with other stories.
Anyway, better late than never? 😅
In this chapter, Marinette and Adrien spend more time together and get to know each other more. And a certain vixen is starting a love story of her own.
Song(s) Included, With/Without Modifications:
Stray Cat Strut - The Stray Cats
When Marinette turned the "Open" sign to closed, she smiled and breathed a sigh of relief. She went back to the shop floor before snapping her fingers and using her magic to reorganize the shop, FIFO-ing her stock (older stuff was rotated to the front, the newer stuff was in the back - first in, first out), putting the racks against the walls for extra floor space, locking the safes and cash boxes, and doing one last cleaning of the glass.
She recited a spell and she conjured up a makeshift runway with a curtain on the stage, lights, and everything. It had chairs for her and Adrien to sit in, several random outfits ready, and she spelled a few mannequins to give them arms and legs so they could model.
"Perfect! The only thing missing is Adrien!" Marinette giggled.
She heard a knock on the door, and Marinette turned around to see Adrien, a suave look on his face.
"Did someone call my name?" He asked as Marinette let him in.
"I did." Marinette said, blushing. She led him inside.
"I'm excited to see your work, Marinette." Adrien said as they sat down in the chairs.
"I can't wait toshowyou my work!" Marinette said as she clapped her hands. The lights on the stage turned on and the mannequins started strutting down the runway.
"This is amazing," Adrien said. "You did this yourself?"
"Nothing a little magic can't do," Marinette giggled. "Check it out."
The first mannequin that came out was a plus-sized mannequin. It was wearing grey pant suit with pink accents on it. The jacket was single-breasted while the pants were form-fitting with flared hems. The shoes that accompanied it were grey flats with pink insoles.
"Nice suit!" Adrien said, clapping.
"Thanks. I made it for Myléne Hapréle, for her future campaign for Mayor of Paris! Mayor Myléne Hapréle! Sounds nice, doesn't it?" Marinette asked.
"It does." Adrien agreed.
"Next up!" Marinette said, clapping her hands as the mannequins kept moving.
The next mannequin that came by was wearing a simple, ankle-length, dark yellow dress with a draped skirt. It had a V neckline. The entire dress had black wasp stripes on it, and the mannequin had a hat black fascinator hat on top of it with a bee-themed hair pin pinning a yellow veil to it.
"Wow! That's beautiful!" Adrien gasped, smiling in delight.
"Isn't it, though?" Marinette giggled. "It's for Zoé Lee."
"The mayor's stepdaughter?" Adrien asked.
"Yep. She's out in Perpignan for a movie shoot right now, but I think this dress would suit her. I themed it around bees and wasps." Marinette confirmed.
"Why?" Adrien asked, eager to hear Marinette's reasoning.
"Zoé's as sweet as honey, but when she's confident and comfortable, especially when she's in character for a role, she can be much bolder, like a wasp." Marinette explained.
"That makes a lot of sense. Theming your clothes around the personalities of your friends? Genius!" Adrien said.
"Thank you! There's more where that came from. Here's the next one." Marinette said.
Another women's pantsuit came out. This time it was white with baby blue accents to it (a white, double-breasted jacket with a baby blue shirt under it, and flared-bottom white pants), it had a pocket watch hanging out of one of the pockets, and there was a white necktie on the mannequin, too.
"Nice," Adrien said, smiling. "Any more?"
"Yep!" Marinette said as she looked forward.
Next was a knee-length orange dress with a surplice neckline, the bodice had a white portion on top while the entire skirt was orange, it had black elbow-length gloves, a white sash, part of which was also hanging down. There was an orange pillbox hat that had makeshift fox ears poking out of it.
"This one is one of my favorites. It's for Alya." Marinette explained.
"Judging by the theme, is she a fox shifter or come from a fox shifter family?" Adrien asked.
"Yep!" Marinette confirmed. "She's averycunning fox shifter. And a loyal friend!"
"Believe me, I've met fox shifters that give her species a bad name." Adrien chuckled.
"So have I. And now... Thepièce de résistance!" Marinette said as she snapped her fingers. All the mannequins moved to the side to make room for the final piece.
Out of the curtain came a mannequin that was wearing a beautiful, white ballroom dress. It had a scalloped sweetheart neckline, three tiers of fabric, and the subtle floral pattern that Marinette would wear in her usual ensemble. The sleeves were only at the shoulders. The mannequin had a small, golden heart necklace on its neck, and there was a peony on the waist-hip area.
"Well, what do you think?" Marinette asked as she looked at her piece before looking at Adrien.
She saw that his eyes were wider than before, and he looked like he couldn't quite believe what he was seeing. Marinette noticed he hadn't blinkedoncewhen the dress came out.
Marinette felt like she was having a heart attack, her body went cold, and she felt goosebumps. She clutched her hands together and she started shaking. Marinette's eyes were wide and she started shuddering in anxiety.
'What is he thinking?! Does he think the dress is ugly?! Oh, I hope he doesn't hate it!'Marinette thought, feeling a sense of panic overtake her.
"Marinette, this dress..." Adrien began, looking at Marinette with an unreadable expression.
Marinette felt her heart stop dead in its tracks. She looked at Adrien before squeaking out, "Yes?"
"It'sincredible!" Adrien said as he stood up and ran over to the runway to get a better look. "I think this is the best of the bunch! And I'll bet you'll lookbeautifulin it."
"Me?" Marinette asked, going stiff.
"Yeah! Why not try it on?" Adrien suggested, turning to look back at her with a big smile.
"Because that dress isn't for me." Marinette said, hugging her arms, something she often did when she was insecure/worried about something.
"What are you talking about?" Adrien asked as he took the dress off the mannequin to bring it over to her. "This dress wasmadefor you!"
"And why do you say that?" Marinette questioned, standing up. "I'm a designer, not a model. Designers almostnevermodel their own work."
"But plenty of people make their own clothes to wear," Adrien said as he presented the dress. "Come on, try it on? Please?"
Marinette looked between Adrien and the dress. Truthfully, shedidmake that dress with the intention of wearing it herself. Possibly in front of a special someone, maybe her soulmate. But past trauma crept up and she shook her head.
She gently pushed the dress away from her, telling Adrien, "No. I... I can't."
Marinette turned away, as Adrien asked, "Is there anything I can say or do to convince you otherwise?"
"No." Marinette said simply as she snapped her fingers and in a puff of pink smoke, the dress was back on the mannequin.
She sighed before putting on a happy smile and turning back to Adrien, saying, "Well, what did you think of the show?"
"It wasgreat, Marinette. I only wish that you had real people wearing those clothes instead of these mannequins." Adrien said.
"Thank you," Marinette said, blushing. "I can't wait to give these pieces to my friends. They'll love them."
Adrien, looking a little deflated, said, "I'm sure they will."
She looked between the showcase and Adrien before asking, "So... Anything else?"
"Oh, right," Adrien said before standing up straight. He put his hands behind his back again before looking at Marinette. "I was wondering... Would you like to have dinner with me some time?"
Marinette blinked owlishly in surprise before asking, "Come again?"
"Go out to dinner with me." Adrien repeated. He gave her a suave expression, his eyes belying passion, and he gave her a smile to match his smile.
Marinette's heart throbbed again at the request. She looked at him, she blushed, and she gave a goofy smile before saying, "I'd love to eat you - AH!Eat dinner with you!"
She slapped herself in the face as she took a deep breath, thinking,'There I go again, spewing out nonsense!'
"Great! How about tomorrow night?" Adrien suggested.
"Tomorrow?" Marinette parroted, blushing.
"Yep," Adrien said. "I know a great place. Dress code is semi-formal. I'll pick you up here tomorrow night? Around six?"
"I can do that," Marinette responded. "I... I'dreallylike that."
"Perfect. See you tomorrow." Adrien said as he once again took Marinette's hand and kissed it before leaving.
Marinette grew the goofiest,dumbestsmile on her face, her hands were on her cheeks, and she started squealing in infatuated delight,"I'VE GOT A DATE!"
Her joy was palpable, as her magic was pouring out and it was causing a positive effect on her surroundings. Everything organized itself, the mannequins went back to their spots, and the energy in the room was just happier.
She sighed in relief as she spun on her heel and dashed upstairs.
Meanwhile, Alya was in fox form, hiding in the bushes near the mayor's villa. She was poking her head out of the leaves and watching carefully as the mayor was talking to someone shifty... Or rather, slimy. It was Bob Roth, a music and film producer that was completely human, but had the soul of some of the most rotten, dangerous, and nastiest members of the paranormal community. Alya had done some digging on Roth in the past. He was a thief, a plagiarist, took and made bribes, and did anything and everything possible to get money. And yet due to those exact practices, he was still a big name in the entertainment world. The guy absolutelystunkof greed and corruption, and the stench was overwhelming enough for human noses. As a fox, it was a thousand times worse. The fact that he was meeting with his old friend, the mayor, was another red flag.
Alya silently stepped forward, making sure the hidden camera in her necklace (a different one that her work provided for her) was front and center. She pretended to scratch herself, using her hind foot to turn up the strength on the camera's microphone to maximum.
"So, André, how's our little project coming along?" Roth asked, his gross, creepy smile on his face.
"Everything's going according to plan, Bob." André said, his amiable smile on his face.
''Little project', huh? Sounds like I've hit the jackpot.'Alya thought.
"Good. Then, you'll have your foot in the door with me." Bob said.
"Are you sure about this, Bob?" André said, acting a bit timid. "Remember, Paris has gotten very diverse in the past thirty years. Surely, you could reconsider on behalf of the younger generations..."
"No. If you wanna break into film and leave politics, all you need to do is introduce a bill that will restrict those paranormal vermin from participating in music and film. Keep their presence inhumanaffairs to a minimum. Movie making is all about compromise, after all." Bob Roth instructed.
''Paranormal vermin'?! That comment's SO going to derail his career! The mayor's, too!'Alya thought as she took another step.
But she ended up stepping on a stray branch. It broke and it alerted Roth and Mayor Bourgeois.
"Who's there?!"Roth demanded.
Alya kept quiet, merely walking and sniffing around as normal foxes would, thinking to herself,'Don't move. Just act like a normal fox.'
"Just a fox, Bob," The mayor placated. "It's nothing to worry about."
"But what if that's a spy fox?!" Roth asked as he pulled out a gun. "Hey, that thing will make a nice fox fur coat!"
He shot at Alya, who dodged with her agility. She started running in fright.
"After it!"Roth roared in outcry.
'Hey, this is posted property! Last time I checked, isn't it illegal to hunt on other people's property without permission?! And we're near other residences!'Alya thought, scared.
She heard more gun shots and picked up the pace. Alya turned a corner, and she was soon at the front of the building. She ducked behind a car before shifting back into a human. She ran back out, only to slam into someone.
"Oops! Sorry!" Alya said before for another gun shot to ring out.
Next thing she knew, she was surrounded by a green barrier with green hexagons in it.
She looked up to see the profile of the man who was holding up the barrier with his hands. He a little taller than her, he had tan skin with golden eyes behind glasses, and he wearing casual clothes in different shades of green (including a few turtle-themed accessories, including a bracelet). He seemed very focused on keeping the shield up.
Her body reacted the same way as all shifters and were-beasts did when they found their fated mates: with one look at him, her heart pounded like she was having a heart attack, her eyes began to shine, and her inner fox was yipping with affectionate glee.
'Hello, mate!'She thought, a smile growing on her face.
Her stupor was broken when more gun shots were heard and she saw the bullets hit the barrier, only for some of them to impale themselves into the shield, causing it to crack. Alya's savior balled his fists, causing the shield to glow brighter and for it to repair itself. Other bullets ricochetted and hit parts of the nearby structures.
"Get that fox!"Bob Roth shouted, as he ran out, brandishing his gun. Mayor Bourgeois was following.
"What the hell do you think you're doing, dude?!"Alya's hero shouted at the men.
"Nino Lahiffe? What areyoudoing here?" Roth spat as he approached, putting the gun away.
"Iwason my way home from visiting my folks when I heard gun shots, and this poor woman was running from it, dude." Nino said, bringing the shield down.
"What are you thinking, running around with a loaded gun like that?!" Alya criticized (being sure to hide her accessories in her shirt).
"Just hunting down a pesky fox," Roth snipped. "What business is it of yours?"
"You're shooting within a residential zone! That's illegal!" Alya said, just as a police car came up.
Lieutenant Roger Raincomprix (human) stepped out of the car and he said, "We got a call about gunshots in the area?"
"Him, Officer!" Nino said, pointing out Bob Roth. "I saw him pocket his gun."
"He-Hey, me? What gun?!" Roth asked, trying to play it off. "C-Come on, André! You know I don't have a gun with me, right?"
Said gun fell out of his pocket and onto the ground (luckily it was out of bullets by that point). Roger looked at the gun before giving Roth an unimpressed expression.
"What were you doing with that?" Roger asked.
"Didn't you say you were, quote-on-quote, "hunting down a pesky fox"?" Alya questioned, crossing her arms.
Bob Roth was silent. The rest of the proceedings that night included police statements from the mayor, Alya, Nino, and any and all witnesses. It was all very tedious, but necessary. Alya left out a few details, though. Once all was said and done, and Bob Roth was arrested...
"So... Nino, right? Thanks for that." Alya said as she sat down on a nearby bench.
"Thanks forwhat?"Nino asked, sitting down next to her.
"For protecting me back there." Alya thanked with a smile.
"No problem, dudette," Nino said. "Just a little protection magic."
"Protection magic, huh?" Alya said with a suggestive smile. "Thatwasan impressive shield you made."
Nino chuckled, going red in the face. Alya started coming closer to him, flirtatious eyes on her face, and she said, "You're a real wizard."
"Oh, thank you." Nino chuckled anxiously.
"I meant that literally, Nino." Alya said, her face unchanging.
"Y-Yeah, Iama wizard." Nino said, still blushing like an idiot.
"Specialty: protection magic, with turtles as a motif and a possible turtle familiar. Am I right?" Alya questioned.
"You aregood," Nino responded, giving her a smile that seemed affectionate. "What about you?"
"Whataboutme?" She asked slyly.
"What paranormal areyou?"He asked. "Wereyouthat fox they were hunting?"
Alya laughed before saying, "How'd you know?"
"Just a hunch," He chuckled back. "So... Alya, right?"
"Yep. Alya Césaire." Alya confirmed.
The two of them got to talking, and the rest of the night was a blur.
The following morning at the shop...
"I'm so happy for you, Alya!" Marinette said, delighted. "You found your mate!"
"I did. He's a protection wizard named Nino Lahiffe." Alya said, smiling at Marinette as she drank her coffee.
"Is it racist that I was expecting your mate to be another fox shifter, or...?" Marinette asked, trying to be delicate with the topic while munching on a croissant.
"I used to think the same thing, so you're forgiven," Alya assured before heaving a wistful sigh. "But I would've been likely and literally shot to death if not for Nino."
"Quick thinking on his end. Did you get the information you needed for your report?" Marinette asked.
"And then some. Something that not only will implicate the mayor, but Bob Roth is cruising for a bruising, too." Alya giggled.
"I think they were smart to hire you not because of your journalism experience, but your shiftingreallycomes in handy in undercover work." Marinette praised.
"That was what they thought, and they were right," Alya laughed. "The mayor is insomuch trouble! His wife and daughter aren't gonna like it."
The girls laughed.
"So, about Nino..." Marinette asked. "What's he like? Is he handsome?"
"Icertainly think he's handsome,especiallyin green," Alya giggled. "On the subject of handsome and green, how was your little fashion show with handsome, green-eyed Adrien yesterday?"
"Oh, it went great! I even showcased the dress." Marinette said, winking at Alya.
"Wait. The dress... You meanthatdress?!" Alya asked, lighting up.
"Yep." Marinette asked.
"Girl,pleasetell me you modeled it in front of him?!" Alya asked, slamming her hands on the counter in joy.
"Um... No, I didn't." Marinette said, embarrassed.
"WTH, girl?!" Alya asked, getting frustrated. "You made that dress for a reason! Why didn't you wear it?!"
Marinette's eyes went askance in dismay, refusing to say anything.
"...Yeah, I get it. I'm sorry, girl," Alya said, calming down. "So... Any other developments between you and Adrien?"
"He asked me out to dinner." Marinette responded.
"Really?!"Alya squealed. "You said "yes", right?!"
Marinette nodded and said, "Yep. We're going tonight."
"Great job, girl! You're making strides! Think he'sthe one?" Alya asked, winking.
"Alya, you and I both know that magic users don't have the innate instincts shifters and were-beasts do. We're like humans in that respect. Also, it's too soon for me to know if wearefated soulmates." Marinette responded, a bit downcast.
"Just like how even thoughIknow Nino and I are meant for each other,hedoesn't know it yet." Alya stated.
"Exactly." Marinette said.
Alya had a thoughtful expression on her face before asking, "Did Adrien tell youwhathe is, by any chance?"
"No, why?" Marinette asked.
"Really, now?" Alya asked in surprise. "Paranormals are usually pretty open about what species they are these days."
"It's not like he's obligated to, Alya. For all I know, he could be completely human. Or maybe he's a wizard with some insanely-powerful or dangerous magic that he likes to keep under wraps for safety reasons." Marinette suggested.
"True," Alya said. "So, did he tell you where you'll be going to dinner tonight?"
"No, I think it's gonna be a surprise..." Marinette said. "He said the dress code was semi-formal, so maybe I should get one of my dresses out."
"Maybe thatandsome jewelry." Alya added with a wink.
"Like what?" Marinette asked as she used her hand to conjure up her jewelry box. "Maybe a nice necklace? Or how about a bracelet?"
"I think you should wear your lucky ladybug earrings." Alya suggested.
Marinette used her magic to take out her ladybug dangling earrings.
"You know, you're right," Marinette said. "Now, for clothes."
"Business casual doesn't mean you need a suit," Alya said with a giggle. "Let's go through your wardrobe and see what you have?"
"Great idea." Marinette said as she clapped her hands.
All the clothes she had for personal use that she filed under "semi-formal" popped up in the middle of the room. Dresses, women's suits with skirts instead of pants, etc. There were so many options.
"Looks like we've got our work cut out for us, girl," Alya said. "We'd better get to it."
Marinette nodded as she walked over to the pile...
When night came upon the city, Adrien was sitting on nearby fence and dangling his leg in joy.
"Ooo-ooo-ooo-ooo (X4),"He sang."Black and orange werecat sittin' on a fence."
He jumped down and started dancing and walking in an amused, confident manner, while strutting and dancing, making sure not to get his suit dirty.
"Ain't got enough dough to pay the rent,"He sang, albeit he winced at the irony of the statement."I ain't broke, but I don't care. I strut right by with my tail in the air!"
He once again spun on his heel before singing,"Werecat strut, I'm a ladies cat! I'm a feline Casanova, hey man that's that!"
He sensed something, looked out of his peripheral vision, and saw a stray shoe being thrown at him.
"Get a shoe thrown at me from a mean old man! Don't get dinner from a garbage can!"Adrien sang as he ducked right on time, heard angry yelling from an older man. Adrien shook his head before continuing on his way.
He kept dancing and singing as he meowed in triumph before singing,"Yeah, don't cross my path!"
Adrien found himself feeling the urge to shift. Instead, he let his inner panther out without letting it show. He yowled loudly in delight. He jumped and swung himself around a lamp post.
He landed and continued walking, singing,"I don't bother chasing mice around! Oh, no! I strut through the city, not lookin' to fight."
Adrien looked up to the sky, saw the moon, and he smiled before singing,"Howling to the moonlight on a hot summer night!"
"Singin' the blues while the lady cats cry, "Wow, werecat, you're a real gone guy." I wish I could be as carefree and wild, but I got cat class, and I got cat style!"Adrien sang.
He slid and danced, chuckling in delight, and he caught sight of a few stray mice rooting through the trash in a nearby alley.
"I don't bother chasing mice around. Oh, no! I strut through the city, not lookin' to fight. Howling to the moonlight on a hot summer night!"Adrien sang as he continued on his way.
He spun on his heel as he began snapping his fingers in time.
"Singin' the blues while the lady cats cry, "Wow, werecat, you're a real gone guy!" I wish I could be as carefree and wild! But I got cat class and I got cat style!"Adrien sang.
He meowed in triumph as he clapped his hands. Adrien looked up and saw Marinette's shop. He took a deep breath before adjusting his clothes before walking towards the building.
'Here goes nothing. You've got this.'Adrien thought, trying to boost his confidence.
When he knocked on the shop door, he asked, "Marinette? I'm here."
The door opened and Marinette stepped out of the store. She was wearing a red halter dress with ladybug-themed earrings and necklace. She was wearing black nylon stockings with red flat shoes, and her short hair was brushed and given a little extra sparkle (or that was probably Adrien's lovesick filter playing tricks on his eyes).
"W...Wow... You look ravishing." Adrien said, blushing at the sight of her.
"Thank you. You look very handsome, too." Marinette responded, her eyes askance in a bashful manner.
Adrien rubbed the back of neck in embarrassment. He coughed into his fist before offering his arm, saying, "Shall we go?"
"Okay." Marinette said as she took his arm and wrapped hers around it. Adrien felt his heart melt at the sensation as they started walking to their destination.
When they got to the restaurant, Adrien escorted her inside like the gentleman he was. When they got to the host stand, Adrien said, "Hello, reservation for Adrien?"
"Yes, Monsieur," The host said. "Follow me."
He brought the two of them to one of the best table in the house, placed the menus down, and he said, "I hope you have a good meal with us tonight."
"Thank you." Adrien said as the host left, and Adrien pulled the chair out for Marinette.
Marinette giggled and she sat down before Adrien ran around the other side and sat down. He looked at Marinette before asking, "What do you think?"
"I've heard of this place! I've always wanted to come here!" Marinette said, looking around in delight. "It's got one of the most diverse staff in Paris!"
"Yeah, it's one of the reasons I chose here," Adrien added. "Their menu caters to everyone, from gargoyles to kappas and everything in between."
"So thoughtful of you," Marinette giggled as a floating tray brought some rosemary bread rolls and compound butter to the table. "Enchanted serving dishes?! This is amazing!"
"They only spell the tableware when the rest of the servers are tied up," Adrien elaborated. "Don't wanna take away labor from the workers."
Marinette laughed in delight as she took the fresh bread and some of the butter.
"Mmm! This is delicious!" Marinette said, her mouth watering with delight.
"It sure is," Adrien agreed after swallowing a huge bite. "I'm salivating and I haven't even looked at the menu yet!"
"I'm sure the menu's got a lot of great stuff on it," Marinette said as she looked at it. "Ooh! The Witch's Brew-abaisse sounds delicious! It utilizes common herbs that witches use in their magic, and done in such a way that nobody gets spelled by mistake."
"I think the Steak Dracula would be great to eat if they didn't use donated blood in lieu of beef stock..." Adrien said, a neutral look on his face.
"The vampires' steak Diane," Marinette giggled. "Not something I would eat either."
"What about the werewolves' pie?" Adrien suggested. "It's a werewolf take on shepherd's pie that utilizes fresh elk instead of beef."
"Hm... Elk doesn't really sound that good to me," Marinette admitted. "What about you?"
"Not my cup of tea, either," Adrien confessed. His eye caught something. "Ooh, theLapin a La Cocottesounds great!"
"Rabbit stew, huh?" Marinette said. "Thatdoessound good."
"Wanna share it?" Adrien asked, blushing a little.
"No thanks. The Witch's Brew-abaisse is calling to me. And not just because I'm a witch." Marinette giggled.
"Then let's eat!" Adrien laughed as their server came back and took their order.
As they ate and talked over the evening, Marinette noticed that Adrien was more than just a handsome and chivalrous gentleman with an innate charm about him, but he seemed very eager to make new friends. He was confident, but not self-absorbed or conceited.
"So, what's Alya's story?" Adrien asked.
"Oh, Alya's been my best friend since junior high. She helped me stand up to the school bully, Chloé Bourgeois, and we've been besties ever since!" Marinette said.
"Chloé, huh?" Adrien said. "Sounds like she hasn't changed at all."
"You know her?" Marinette asked.
"More like Iusedto know her," Adrien sighed. "We were playmates as children. But as we got older, I saw how cruel and nasty she was to other people, especially after Zoé moved in with her family and... I haven't spoken to her since."
"She's as cruel as any of the most malevolent paranormals out there. I had to threaten to curse her into permanent baldness just to get her to leave me alone." Marinette sighed.
Adrien laughed, telling her, "Going bald for life?That'sa surefire way to get her to submit."
Marinette laughed in response.
"Anyway, back to Alya," Marinette began. "She's actually just found her mate last night!"
"Really?" Adrien said, excited.
"Yeah! He's a wizard... Nino Lahiffe, I think is his name." Marinette said.
"Wait, did you sayNino Lahiffe?" Adrien questioned, a bit surprised.
"Yes," Marinette said with a nod. "Why?"
"What a small world! He's my best friend!" Adrien said with a laugh. "He called me up last night, and he sounded really happy! I hadn't any idea it was because he met a girl."
"Holycow, I can't wait to tell Alya!" Marinette laughed in response. "He's a protection magic wizard, right?"
"Right on the money," Adrien confirmed as their food came out. He immediately took a bite of the rabbit in the stew, and he moaned, content. "Wow! I've never had rabbit this good!"
"You've had rabbit before?" Marinette asked.
"Yeah, it's one of my favorite proteins," Adrien confirmed before eating more. "Anyway, Nino's a protection magic wizard, yes, but he's a DJ by trade. A good one, too."
"A DJ, huh?" Marinette said. "Hey, maybe next time there's an event, we could book him as the DJ."
"He'd love the work," Adrien said. "How's the seafood?"
"It's delicious! Tastes as fresh as if it were caught this morning!" Marinette praised.
"Because itwas!" Their server said with confidence and delight. "Our head chef is a sea monster, so he goes out every morning to hunt for fish and shellfish in the ocean to get what we need for the restaurant. Takes farm to table to a whole new level!"
"Perfect!" Marinette said as she snapped her fingers and conjured up some flowers. "This Witch's Brew-abaisse is delicious! Mymagicalcompliments to the chef."
"Thank you!" The server said as he left for the kitchen. "The chef will love these! Hey, maybe he'll put them in another one of his dishes."
"Great idea!" Adrien said before turning back to his date and giving her a smitten smile. "You're pretty magical yourself, Marinette."
Marinette blushed in response to his compliment as they continued to eat.
"What about you?" Marinette asked.
"Whataboutme?" Adrien questioned.
"You seem well-off enough to afford coming to this place." Marinette said offhandedly.
"Not me, my father," Adrien confessed. "He's... very successful in his business. I'm just a typical spoiled rich kid."
"What, you?" Marinette asked, surprised. "There's no way. You're a sweetie."
Marinette blushed when she realized what she said. Adrien did the same, smiling a little.
"W-Well... Thank you," Adrien thanked, his eyes askance. "I really should've taken pictures of your work. My father would've loved it."
"Really?" Marinette asked.
"My father is... He's... In the fashion world," Adrien elaborated. "I myself used to model for him, but... Well, after a while, it got old. I didn't hate it, but it wasn't a career for me."
"I see," Marinette said. "You don't strike me as the type who plans to mooch off his father's wealth."
"Definitelynot," Adrien laughed. "I hope to make my own way in the world. I just haven't figured out what I'm going to do. So I'm still working for my father in the meantime."
Marinette laughed before saying, "I used to work part-time at my parents' bakery while living with them until I saved up enough money to rent the space for the shop."
"The Dupain-Cheng Boulangerie Patisserie?" Adrien asked. "I've heardspellbindingthings about their goods."
Marinette laughed before eating another bite of her food.
"No kidding. I used to bring in magic-spelled treats for my classmates on occasion," Marinette said. "It was always something that would make my peers happy. Granted, I also wasn't above karma spells."
"Karma spells?" Adrien asked.
"This girl in my class. Lila Rossi. Pathological liar, tried to make my life a living hell. Slipped a truth/karma spell in her food one day and everything fell apart for her." Marinette stated.
"Oh,her," Adrien spat. "My father tried setting me up with her. It didn't work out for the aforementioned reasons, and I don't wanna think about it anymore."
"Deal." Marinette said as the two of them toasted their glasses before continuing to eat and talk. It wasn't long until everything on their plates was gone.
"How was your food?" Their server asked.
"Absolutely delicious." Marinette said.
"Excellent! Now, may I interest you in dessert? Our special tonight is White Chocolate Unicorn Cream Cake utilizingethically-sourced and harvestedunicorn horns and magic in the cake batter, white chocolate frosting, and ruby ganache." Their server said.
"Sounds decadent!" Adrien said, drooling.
"Agreed! We'll take two!" Marinette said.
"Right away!" Their server said before running to the kitchen.
"Soglad the world found a way to get unicorn horns and their magic without hurting the unicorns," Adrien told her. "Makes the consumption of unicorn magic alotmore ethical."
"Yeah. Who knew that unicorns go through their horns the same way sharks go through their teeth? Or like how that Pokémon, Corsola, shed their horns all the time?" Marinette agreed. "I wouldn't have known if not for Rose, a classmate of mine."
"Let me guess: she's a unicorn?" Adrien asked.
"Yep." Marinette laughed.
The pair of them laughed as their cake came out and they continued chowing down.
When they finished their food, Adrien walked Marinette home, ever the gentleman.
"That was delicious! Totally worth it!" Marinette said, patting her stomach in delight.
"Definitely!" Adrien agreed.
He brought Marinette to the door of her home again. They looked at each other with smiles.
"I had a great time tonight, Adrien," Marinette said to him. "And the food was just as good as the company."
"Likewise, Marinette." Adrien agreed, blushing.
The two of them were quiet for a few seconds, smiling at each other.
"So..." Adrien asked her, still giving her subtle bedroom eyes. "Would I be pushing my luck if I asked you if we could do this again?"
"No way." Marinette said, blushing in response to his request.
"Good," Adrien responded as he took Marinette's hand, kissed the back of it again before letting go, and stepped away. "I... I'll see you soon?"
"Y-Yeah." Marinette said as she went inside the shop.
Adrien sighed, feeling relieved, before spinning on his heel and leaving in delight.
Chapter two, done and dusted. I'm still trying to hash out the entire plot, so be patient with me (open to suggestions). I also referenced this old computer game series called "Spy Fox", if you caught it. It came from the same company that produced the Putt-Putt, Freddie Fish, and Pajama Sam games.
Keep the comments and kudos coming, people!
Also, if anyone here specializes in fantasy writing, can someone give me a comprehensive list of magic users, definitions, (like, what the proper term is for a witch that weaves spells into her clothes vs. a wizard that specializes in protection spells, etc.).