Work Text:
'staring into a pair of blue eyes—that sparkled just like the rare smooth piece of sea glass that he'd found on the beach once with his mother—adrien couldn't remember what he'd been saying.
ladybug was just so pretty.
he wanted her to know.
“you're beautiful,” he blurted.
ladybug blinked.
adrien felt his face growing hot.
“are you flirting with me?” she questioned.
“uh, maybe,” he said. “is that... is that a problem?”
ladybug tucked some stray hairs behind her ear. “not at all.”
he gulped.'
mei:
this isn't coming together at all
I'm not feeling the vibe
rien:
i'm telling you
cosplay as him
get into character!!
mei:
I am not spending my paycheck on that
rien:
it's not all designer!!!
mei:
did I say it was
??
it's expensive no matter what
I don't see adrien agreste getting 3 for 2 deals
rien:
maybe no one takes pics of him buying it
did you consider that
mei:
you know it would be front page news
rich kid slums it to be just like us
rien:
haven't you done a fic like that?
mei:
no, I think that was someone else
rien:
right
you never write him normal.
mei:
aren't you supposed to be my biggest fan
???
I'm not feeling the admiration right now
rien:
i admire you!
and your little brain
mei:
why is it little
rien:
because you are
mei:
???
you've never seen me
rien:
you showed me your ass
mei:
excuse you
that was me in front of the sunset
you saw my back
rien:
and the back is connected to??
mei:
my coat
rien:
your body's a mystery
mei:
heck you
rien:
heck??
is this fic t
is that why you're being pg
mei:
I'm trying to be cute
rien:
i think you're always cute
mei:
what do you want
rien:
i thought this might get the creative juices flowing??
did it not????
mei:
it raises my suspicions
cheer me up by telling me what you're doing
rien:
talking to you
mei:
…
rien:
ok
i'm rereading ur last fic
mei:
oh no
rien:
it's really good!
it's one of my favourites
mei:
do
not
rien:
what
i'm your fan!
i have to gush!
mei:
you gushing is embarrassing
I know you now
it's weird
rien:
ok
i'll leave an anon comment
mei:
I'll know it's you now?
rien:
oh
heck
mei:
heck.
Rien was fun to talk to.
While she knew little about him, it didn't matter in the long run since they had a shared interest—fanfiction about Adrien Agreste and Ladybug.
It felt a little weird to write about herself and her crush of a couple of years, but in her defence, she'd read a lot of the fanfics first before deciding that she could write her personality better, let alone Adrien's as well.
Adrien was a dork and barely anyone did him justice for that.
Rien was one of her first commenters and he'd stuck around ever since. After a few months of him gushing on every update, he'd reached out and asked whether she wanted to talk elsewhere.
Now, they were close friends. He sent her fics to read, music to listen to, and they played games online together when they could. Rien didn't use his mic since they tended to play too late at night, so she did the same.
It was nice having online friends.
There were a few others she had on games, yet they never crossed into her other interests. Rien was one of the first that she could tell anything and the teasing would be minimal because it was likely that he was into it as well.
Alya didn't know about her fanfiction.
She was keeping it that way.
rien:
what if you tell me your problems
will that help??
mei:
you mean
talk at you then figure it all out myself????
rien:
yes!!
exactly that
mei:
yeah, all right
it does help
rien:
i'm here to help
mei:
you're here to bother me
don't play coy now
rien:
fine!!!!
i'm here for you
is that better??
mei:
much
rien:
i made this new acc to talk to you
what else do you expect??
you're literally the only person on my friend's list
i am here for you
mei:
yeah, same
rien:
what
for real??
mei:
uh
yes?
rien:
you didn't mention this before????
mei:
you didn't ask???
to be fair, I made this a couple of years ago
back when I used to play with a uh
guild??
but they're not online any more so it's just you
rien:
we're a guild!!!!
mei:
we don't play any games with guilds
rien:
me and you
together until the end
mei:
not how this works
rien:
i've decided it is
mei:
ok
if it makes you happy
rien:
it's our own little cult!!!!
the cult of ladrien
mei:
that sure sounds promising
thank you for telling me
how about you don't mention this to anyone else??
rien:
it's our secret
i wouldn't tell anyone something so intimate
mei:
it's intimate now
is it??
rien:
very.
mei:
interesting...
rien:
so
fellow cult leader
tell me your woes already
I'm waiting!!!!
mei:
suddenly, I cannot think
don't we need followers
for a cult
rien:
no, it's me and you
the ultimate ladrien lovers
why do we need more people????
mei:
that's not a cult
rien:
must you be so picky with the details!
mei:
I mean
maybe?
this seems like it's important
rien:
aw
i'm important to you???
mei:
how is that
what you read??
rien:
you're so sweet!
mei:
reread it
rien:
aw!!!!!
mei:
…
I'm gonna go write out my fantasies
it's better than talking to you
rien:
make adrien's tears glisten
mei:
I typed that ONE time
get over it!
rien:
how can i...
'the colour of ladybug's eyes reminded him of happy childhood memories, her smile brightened up his day, and just seeing her on the news was enough to make him perk up.
she was a constant in his life that he couldn't tell anyone about at this point, yet it didn't matter.
“i love you,” adrien whispered.
ladybug was blushing underneath her mask. “you do?”
“yes,” he breathed, fiddling with his hands. “i—i really do.”
“adrien,” she uttered so softly that he could barely hear it over the beating of his heart. “i love you, too.”
he smiled.'
rien:
how do you make friends
not friends
i mean better than friends
gooder friends
i'm asking for someone else
not me
hahaha
mei:
uh
rien:
ok
it is me...
you caught me
mei:
what
rien:
i'm having problems ok!
and you're the best person i can think of to ask
it's too embarrassing to ask my actual friends
not that you're not my friend!
i don't mean that at all
you're not in the friend group
you're my
solo friend
lonely
not that you're... lonely????
i'm sure you're very happy
and
busy
since you said you're going out today!
you can ignore this haha
hahaha
ha
if i ha enough will i feel better
it's not working
mei:
what the fuck
“Marinette?”
She was startled.
“You okay?” Adrien questioned, looking at her in concern. “You kept staring at your phone. It got awkward, like, two minutes ago.”
Marinette glanced to the side, only to realise that Alya and Nino were missing. Adrien was the only one left at the table now.
“Huh?” was all she said.
“They went to get their food,” he said, gesturing over his shoulder to the buffet. “I offered to stay with you when you ignored them.”
She winced. “I'm sorry, I was just—”
“Absorbed in your phone,” he answered for her, amused. “It's cool. I'm totally not questioning whether you hate me right now or anything.”
Marinette huffed. “Oh, heck you.”
He smiled brightly. “Well, that answers that. You detest me.”
“You're annoying,” she claimed, stuffing her phone back in her bag. Replying to Rien could wait for later. “There, I'll stop being rude. I was answering a friend but they sent me a huge essay that I had to read first.”
Adrien wasn't upset. “You're nice.”
She squinted. “For hating you?”
“For actually reading every word,” he replied, putting his elbows on the table and resting his chin in his hands. “Nino tells me to call if I have a long rant to type out. It's easier, apparently.”
Marinette snickered. “Yes, I've heard about that—”
“You have?”
She tried not to laugh. “Do you have to send one word per message?”
He pouted. “I'm not that bad.”
“He's scrolled down to show me once,” she told him.
Adrien was aghast. “You didn't... read it, did you?”
“Oh, no,” she assured him. “It was way too fast to make out any words. It was impressive.”
“I don't know whether I'm supposed to be upset about this,” he replied, glancing to the side to see whether the person in question had returned. “You think they got lost? It's been ages.”
“I have no concept of time,” Marinette said.
He huffed. “Well, you'll be the one suffering. We'll all be looking at you when you're eating your second plate.”
“Second?” she questioned. “I'm getting a third, at least. We're at an all-you-can-eat, Adrien.”
He blinked. “So?”
“So,” she said, stressing the word as she clasped her hands and put them on the table professionally. “It's my duty to eat until I'm about to vomit to get my money's worth.”
Adrien looked at her in concern. “This place is... really cheap.”
“Maybe to you, rich boy—”
“Marinette, no—”
She laughed. “I'm just teasing.”
He grimaced. “I'm not trying to be snotty. Isn't it... concerning how cheap this is? I mean, It's less than a normal meal we'd have somewhere.”
“It's an important milestone for you,” she solemnly told him. “This is what you have to do to blend in with the common-folk.”
Adrien gulped. “Eat suspicious food?”
“And eat every bit of it to avoid paying the leftover fee,” she replied matter-of-factly.
He grimaced.
“Exactly,” Marinette agreed, trying not to laugh. “I'm not paying more.”
“...That's totally what I'm thinking. Yes.”
“I thought so,” she said.
Adrien let out a breath of amusement. “You're funny.”
Marinette didn't know how to take that. “Thank you?”
“Not that you're not normally,” he rushed to say, running his fingers through his hair. “You always are—when you intend to be, of course. I don't laugh at you.”
She blinked.
He blurted, “You don't laugh as much with me around.”
That wasn't what she was expecting him to come out with at all.
It was due to that surprise that she ended up saying, “I... didn't think you paid attention.”
Adrien's ears grew red. “Why wouldn't I? We're friends.”
“Yep,” she agreed, a bit dazed. “Of course.”
They were friends that never met up separately. Alya and Nino were a package deal more than ever after dating for a few years, and Nino invited Adrien out wherever he could. If Adrien was allowed out at all without parental supervision, Nino decided it was his duty to help Adrien experience an everyday life.
Marinette and Alya were included in that, of course.
From bowling, going to the arcade, and visiting the least expensive places to eat nearby, they went around as a group. Sometimes, other friends were invited if it was a big day out, otherwise they kept it small.
Her big fat crush on him wasn't a problem.
If Adrien smiled directly at her, no one called her out on her blush.
It wasn't weird for them to sit together when Alya and Nino were being lovey-dovey.
She was living the dream.
That little bit of yearning that was leftover from wanting more was channelled into her fanfics instead.
It was harmless.
Adrien perked up. “Food time.”
Marinette gave him a thumbs up.
She ate until she almost threw up.
Alya was exasperated. “You're a disaster.”
“I need a minute,” Marinette lamented, closing her eyes as she leaned back in her seat. “Actually, I need like forty before I can do anything.”
Nino snorted. “I'll set a timer.”
“Last time you said this, it was only twelve,” Adrien pointed out.
Alya questioned, “Why do you even remember that?”
“I was timing it,” he replied.
Nino made a noise of agreement.
“I'm not an experiment,” Marinette complained. “You don't need to time how long it takes me to recover from my mistakes.”
“Babe, that would be forever,” Alya muttered.
She huffed. “You're all against me.”
“I'm opposite you,” Adrien said.
Marinette didn't even crack a smile. “That wasn't funny.”
He beamed. “It was a bit.”
Nino put a hand on Adrien's shoulder. “It really wasn't.”
mei:
so like
how much does this person hate you
sorry for late reply
I ended up napping when I got home
it was nice
rien:
did you dream of me
mei:
no
rien:
mean...
mei:
ok
I did
rien:
yes!!!
i knew it
mei:
does this make you feel better
rien:
you lying to me???
yes
absolutely
mei:
avoiding the subject, I see
rien:
it's a bit
embarrassing
mei:
mmm
admitting you're bad at talking is believable
it suits you
rien:
what
does that mean??
mei:
you're cute
in a really awkward way
rien:
is that a compliment????
mei:
wouldn't you like to know
rien:
yes
mei:
tell me your problems first
rien:
what will i get in return
???
pay me for my time
mei:
what
can I even offer you
rien:
can I
can i beta read your new chapter
mei:
idk
can I even trust u??
what if you leak it
rien:
the only leak will be from my eyeballs
mei:
…
there's that awkwardly cute again
rien:
what??
that's a normal thing to say
mei:
it really isn't
rien:
heck
mei:
now you're hecking as well
rien:
because i trust you not to judge me!!!!
mei:
me?
judge????
never
rien:
this isn't feeling like a safe space
mei:
it isn't
you're in danger of my fist
rien:
don't fist me!!!!
mei:
maybe I will
rien:
mei no!!!
mei:
how will you stop me
rien:
by quoting some of my fav scenes of your fics
that'll stop you!
mei:
ur embarrassing
rien:
i'm a big fan
mei:
I worry about you
rien:
you should!!!
i can't even befriend someone properly
and you're out here writing intricate romances!!
if only ladybug would be that romantic with me
i'd die
i'd swoon!!!!
mei:
okay, fanboy
rien:
here's the scene
me and you!!!
we're friends!!!!
are you keeping up with me here
mei:
we've barely started
???
chop chop
rien:
ok
our besties are dating
we're also friends
mei:
you did say friends
yes
rien:
making sure you got that part
yes
right
so
we're friends
but we don't...
text
and you're also
awkward at
conversations
with only me
sometimes
not as much now
mei:
setting the scene well
rien:
you stutter sometimes
and get really red??
and our friends used to waggle their eyebrows at us
mei:
ok
I'm definitely in the scene
I'm living it
I'm breathing it
rien:
and it's been
years!
mei:
years of this?
rien:
yes!!
exactly!!!!
like we don't even text but i have her number
and i've met her parents and everything??
she doesn't hate me
i know that for sure!!
i've seen her dislike people before
mei:
rien
dude...
rien:
????
mei:
blushes??
she blushes???
at you????
rien:
no
not really any more!
she's good at talking now
and she teases me!!
we're friends
mei:
the eyebrows...
rien:
that's normal
isn't it??
maybe i'm not getting an inside joke
there could be many reasons
mei:
did you ask
your other friends about this
rien:
they just laugh at me
!!!!
isn't that rude!!
mei:
…
totally
yes
rien:
this really isn't a safe zone
mei:
dude
rien:
dude????
mei:
you read mushy fanfics all day
how
can you not see
rien:
see what
mei:
dude
rien:
????
mei:
it sounds like
she likes you?
rien:
no
mei:
are you sure
rien:
no!
mei:
????
rien:
there's no way!!!!
that
i would've noticed that
mei:
mm
totally
rien:
now you've put this in my head!!!
i'm gonna be paranoid all day!!
mei:
why don't you
test it then
rien:
????
i'm not some seductress
mei:
your personality's cute
that has to be good for something
rien:
???
how
mei:
make a joke
you're funny
rien:
she told me
i'm not today...
mei:
yeah but did she mean it
rien:
how am i supposed to know
mei:
when you like someone
you laugh at their dumb jokes
rien:
do you like me then?????
you're my biggest fan
mei:
haha
rien:
see
that's the best reaction i get!!!
mei:
don't get ahead of yourself
I like adrien
rien:
that doesn't make you special!!
a lot of people do!!!!
mei:
i want to torture him and make him squirm
rien:
okay
maybe you're a bit special??
mei:
and make him do that uncomfortable laugh he does
rien:
he doesn't do that!!
you just write that he does!!!
mei:
oh, he does
look at the interviews
he fidgets
rien:
stop studying him
i'm trying to hit on you here!!!!
mei:
hahahah
rien:
you're evil
'“you're really cute,” ladybug whispered, leaning forward so their foreheads were touching.
adrien was breathless.
“super cute,” she continued on, smile reaching her eyes. “and i can't believe you're all mine.”
“i'm going to combust if you keep talking like this,” he blurted.
she laughed. “and what if i kissed you?”
“oh, i'll be dead,” he replied, wide-eyed. “definitely. that'll be the end of me.”
“guess that means we're endgame together, then,” she teased.
adrien blinked.
ladybug pouted. “was that not good enough? i'm trying to match your jokes.”
“...what?”
she placed a chaste kiss to his lips.
he inhaled sharply.'
Rien said he was meeting up with his friends today.
She was doing the same.
With the promise to message her later, Marinette got ready for her day as well. The plan was to go bowling again since Nino wanted a rematch after losing to Adrien the first time.
She'd painted her nails prettily the night before in preparation.
And with a bit of make-up on, Marinette felt confident when she stepped out of the front door. Putting effort into her outfits was always fun, though the extra perk of Adrien seeing her was what had motivated her more.
There wasn't anything wrong with it.
So what if she wanted to look pretty?
Marinette was happy with what they had. Asking for anything more was ridiculous—not only did Adrien not look at her that way, her eventual duties as Ladybug would cause too many excuses to pop up if they grew that close.
Alya whistled. “You look nice.”
She struck a pose. “Right?”
“Did you bring some socks?” Nino questioned in concern, looking down at her sandals. “You're gonna regret putting your bare feet in some random shoes.”
“I packed some,” Marinette replied, gesturing to her bag. “And yes, they match my outfit. Of course.”
Alya nodded along. “Of course.”
Nino rolled his eyes. “Sorry for being concerned.”
“Thanks for caring about my feet,” she said, patting his shoulder.
He spluttered, “I don't care about your feet—”
“It's okay, babe,” Alya interrupted, smiling widely. “It's about time she knew about your... interests.”
He was aghast. “I do not—”
“Hey!” Adrien exclaimed as he ran up to them, a bit winded. He put his hands on his knees as he regained his breath, looking up with a grin. “What did I miss?”
Even with sweat causing hair to stick to his forehead, he was beautiful.
Marinette sighed wistfully from the sight of him. “Nino's into feet.”
Adrien's expression became bewildered. “Excuse me?”
Alya sighed along with her. “It's true.”
With a grumble, Nino stomped away from them.
“Is he—is he okay?” Adrien questioned, concerned.
Neither of them replied. Instead, Alya patted him on the shoulder as they followed after Nino.
Adrien's voice shook in confusion. “Guys?”
She held in her laughter.
The day was fun. Adrien bought a slushie and got hyper from the amount of sugar in it, Nino was cursing and blaming everything but himself when he performed the worst out of all of them, and Marinette wasn't upset in the slightest when her nail varnish was chipped.
Rather, she had to hold her breath when Adrien noticed and gasped aloud.
“Oh, no,” he whispered, holding her hand gently to inspect her nails. “And they looked so nice...”
She blurted, “You look nice.”
Adrien made a choked noise and let go of her hand abruptly, looking at her with wide eyes.
“What?” she questioned, stomach twisting from self-consciousness. “This can't be the first time you've ever heard this. You're a model, dude.”
“I—” Adrien cleared his throat, averting his eyes for a moment before he shyly glanced back at her. “I wasn't expecting from you.”
“I have good vision,” she said.
His lips parted, but no sound escaped.
There was an awkward silence.
Then, it was broken by Nino shouting, “No!”
Alya cackled loudly. “Loser!”
Adrien's posture relaxed when he paid attention to the others.
He hadn't been that uncomfortable around her for years. Marinette could form sentences with him now—she'd accepted that her crush was unattainable and seeing his flaws had only made her like him more. And with that maturity, she'd made it her duty not to freak him out.
And yet, one compliment had caused that reaction.
She had to ponder on it.
Maybe it was because he was holding her hand at the time—
They had a break before they started the second game. As the loser, Nino had to get new drinks for everyone. Alya was kind enough to accompany him.
Marinette wasn't nervous.
She'd sat with Adrien countless times before. They could make small talk easily. She knew so many things that he liked that she could bring up.
That confidence dwindled when she glanced at him.
Adrien was sitting awkwardly on the chair, looking anywhere but at her.
He was fidgeting, tapping his foot on the floor.
It was clear that he was uncomfortable.
“I'm gonna go to the toilet,” Marinette said, impressed that her voice didn't shake. “I'll be back in a minute.”
“Oh, I—okay,” he stuttered out, giving her a wobbly smile.
She returned it politely.
The toilet was in the same direction as the bar, so Marinette went up and grabbed Alya on her way past.
Alya was dramatic about it. “Oh, no! I'm being stolen away—”
“I have another pair of socks in my bag,” she announced. “If you want the whole experience, I can put them in your mouth.”
Alya snickered, linking their arms together as they trekked towards the toilet. “I think Nino would faint on the spot from the sight of that.”
“...Sure.”
“From lust,” Alya clarified.
“I thought he was into feet?” she asked.
Alya gave her a pointed look. “And what goes into socks?”
“This joke sucks,” she complained. “It's not even funny.”
“Yeah, he needs to be here to overreact to it,” Alya sadly agreed. With a flourish, she opened the toilet door and gestured for Marinette to go in first. “Alas, it is but you and I here, gossiping like old women. After you, my lady.”
Marinette grimaced. “Don't make it weird.”
“Babe, we're always weird,” Alya responded.
“Yeah, but—”
Alya took a few paper towels out and wiped the counter to make room for her to jump up and sit down. “What's up?”
Marinette got straight to the point. “Adrien's being weird with me.”
“He's a weird dude.”
“Not in that way,” she dismissed, crossing her arms. “I called him pretty and now he won't look me in the eyes. I've complimented him before and nothing happened!”
Alya made a thoughtful noise, lips curling into a smile.
“What?” she demanded.
“Maybe he's just flustered?” Alya proposed. “You do look hot today.”
“Yeah, no,” Marinette rejected without a second thought. “Prettier people have complimented him.”
Alya smiled widely. “Pretty people that aren't his friend—”
“We're not doing this,” she interrupted, looking at Alya in disapproval. “Adrien's not into me and that's fine. You and Nino are banned from trying to set us up at all.”
“Boring,” Alya complained.
“I'm gonna stick to you like glue,” Marinette decided, crossing her arms. “I can't make him uncomfy if I'm your shadow.”
“I think you're worrying about this too much.”
“It's my mission in life to see Adrien happy,” she declared without any shame.
Alya squinted. “That's a terrible life goal.”
“I'm not accepting criticism right now, thanks.”
Alya rolled her eyes.
rien:
i couldn't find out
mei:
so, you're a failure
that's what you're telling me
rien:
you got in my head!!!!
i started overthinking everything
anyway
you're wrong
she doesn't like me
mei:
ok
rien:
ok????
mei:
yes???
rien:
you're accepting it just like that
no argument????
mei:
I mean
she's your friend??
I don't know her
I wasn't trying to sabotage your friendship or anything
I just wanted to tease you
sorry if I made you too paranoid and ruined ur day
rien:
sdlkgjdfhfj
mei:
!!!!
I'm serious!!!!
I'm sorry!!
rien:
i'm only accepting your apology because you're cute
mei:
that's letting me get away with a lot
I am super cute
rien:
i'm sure you are
mei:
for real
I'm adorable
rien:
i agree
i get a very cute vibe from you
mei:
you like my vibes, bro??
rien:
love them
big fan
mei:
nice
rien:
you're stupid
mei:
I'm sensing affection in that
you're stupid, too
rien:
wow!!!
friendship
mei:
god, you're dumb
rien:
you love me!!
mei:
that's the problem
'adrien's eyes crinkled from his smile. “you're so stupid.”
“me?” ladybug questioned, laughing. “i think you're the dumb one here.”
“you love me for it,” he whispered, linking their fingers together as they held hands.
she huffed. “that's the problem.”'
rien:
i'll take my payment in the form of you staying up with me
want to watch a movie???
mei:
??
rien:
i saw the update
!!!
you totally stole it from me
mei:
I cannot confirm or deny this
rien:
i'm your museeeee
paint me like one of your french girls
mei:
I am a french girl
rien:
i'm not
mei:
what do you mean you're not a girl??
wow
I've been catfished all along
rien:
???
you knew!!!
mei:
wow...........
rien:
??
mei:
kidding
dude, of course I know
I remember like
90% of what you tell me
rien:
dlkjgdfhfgj
mei:
we're pals
rien:
i still feel betrayed
mei:
what movie
do I need to download it for tonight
rien:
it's on netflix
mei:
are we
chilling
rien:
you're never chill!!!
mei:
I'm very chill, thank you
I'm super cool
rien:
i agree
but no
mei:
wtf
rien:
i said what i said
mei:
bit rude
rien:
idk how chill you'd be in person
but you get very hyper here??
mei:
bit rude
rien:
!!!!
mei:
I'm a shining example of chill
I'm chilling right now
rien:
but we're not netflixing yet!!
wait a few hours so we can do it together
mei:
haven't you heard of solo play before
rien:
isn't that a manhwa
mei:
I meant masturbating but ok
rien:
excuse you????
mei:
come on
you're immature
you should've got that
rien:
i didn't want to get that!
mei:
wowowowow
now i'm offended
rien:
i'm sure you look great
like you always do
even when doing that?
uh
i'm digging a hole and i cannot get out
mei:
…
rien:
can we move on
pls????
mei:
yeah
good idea
rien:
ldksjhdhjfj
Chat Noir was curious. “What are you looking for?”
“Not what, it's a who,” Marinette corrected, putting a hand on her eyebrows in an attempt to block the sun as she looked around. “Have you seen Adrien anywhere? He's supposed to be here today.”
“...Why do you know that?”
“Instagram,” she replied without any shame. “He got boba with his friends, like, ten minutes ago.”
“Ladybug.”
She finished scanning the crowd. “I don't see him.”
“As nice as it is that you want to be his personal bodyguard, we need to kick some ass,” Chat said, putting his hands on her shoulders to forcefully turn her around. “I'm sure he's fine.”
“Oh, fine he is,” Marinette agreed wistfully.
Chat cleared his throat. “He is?”
She laughed, putting her hands on top of his. “You know I'm a fan!”
“I didn't think it was like that.”
“That I think he's pretty?” she questioned, scoffing. “Please, he's beautiful. I want to put him in my pocket.”
He pointed out, “You don't have pockets.”
“What a travesty...”
Chat's eyes crinkled at the corners from his smile. “What if I said I can get you a signed autograph?”
She demanded, “Why do you get to see him and I don't?”
“I meant as normal me,” he replied, using one hand to spin her around and catch her in his arms. “I'm full of a lot of surprises, you know.”
“Full of shit,” she muttered.
Chat gasped. “That's so mean!”
She beamed. “Am I wrong?”
“I spun you like a princess and you treat me like this?” he questioned, throwing his hands up in exasperation. “Unbelievable. Am I supposed to seduce you like this?”
“You don't,” Marinette replied matter-of-factly, bumping her shoulder into his on her way past. Then, she looked back at him with a smile and said, “I'm already pining for one blond-haired idiot. I can't add you to that list, too.”
He huffed. “You're just starstruck.”
She pretended to swoon. “I wish he'd strike me.”
“What does that even mean—”
Adrien came rushing back over with two drinks in his hands.
“You saved them!” Marinette cheered, jumping to her feet.
He struck a pose. “I'm just that good.”
She clapped.
“Did you hide in the toilet or something?” Nino questioned, looking down at his own empty hands. “I finished mine while waiting for the akuma to fuck off.”
Alya sniffed. “Mine fell on the floor.”
Adrien glanced at the drinks in his hands. They were unopened, the straws were still intact with the paper around them, and the ice hadn't all melted.
“Absolutely not,” Marinette intervened before he could be swayed. She stepped forward and stole the drink that was rightfully hers. “Alya's lying—she finished hers as well.”
Alya stomped her foot. “I had a mouthful left!”
“And then you dropped it,” Nino agreed.
Adrien gasped. “You were trying to deceive me?”
“I think I deserve it the most out of all of us,” Alya replied, crossing her arms. “I rushed off to try and get a video of them in action—”
Marinette stabbed her straw in the top. “I deserve this.”
Childishly, Alya stuck her tongue out.
She did the same.
rien:
you're not in my head any more
mei:
okay, rude
I'm never thinking of you again
rien:
you are!!!
but not in the weird way
you remember that friend i mentioned before??
mei:
ya
that you got awkward with??
rien:
the only and only
i think we're all good now
mei:
congrats
you have a gooder friend
rien:
i wasn't being all weird because of you today
and i found out some news that should make me
happy???
but it's not really doing it
mei:
hang on let me finish this dungeon
then I'm all yours
I wanna give you my full attention for gossip
rien:
let me get a drink then!
we'll make an event of it
mei:
I've got half a coffee here
does that count
rien:
is it cold
mei:
maybe
rien:
is it hot there???
mei:
eh
it's a shorts for pyjamas kinda day
rien:
i'll get into shorts too!!
mei:
hope they're booty shorts
rien:
for you
anything
mei:
I'm swooning
rien:
you should be!!
mei:
I'm all yours, babe
rien:
that babe felt a bit aggressive
i'm scared
mei:
xo
rien:
okay
i don't know how to start this??
mei:
if you're gonna go on a big rant
I'll wait until the end to reply
because I know you'll get lost if I interrupt
rien:
you really understand me
mei:
someone has to
rien:
a
mei:
b
rien:
you're so cute
mei:
excuse me
get to your problems
rien:
you're my problem
mei:
I'll cause another problem in a minute
get to it
rien:
feisty...........
mei:
waiting!!
rien:
right
well.........
well
there's
this girl??
yeah
and i'm super in love with her??
she's amazing!! so funny!!!! and i literally want to die when she looks at me
i thought we'd never be able to have
like
anything
but i just found out that she might like me back??
no i think she does
like for real
a third party told me
yeah
and i don't know what to do
what
do you think??
mei:
you like someone?
rien:
i thought i loved her
mei:
this
is news
rien:
i'm trusting you with my secret here!!
i don't really
talk about it much
mei:
that's an understatement??
I feel like you just sucker punched me
rien:
i'll only hit on you
not actually hit you
mei:
reassuring
???
so mystery girl likes you back
maybe
rien:
no, she does
a trusted source told me
mei:
can you really
trust if it's not from her mouth tho
rien:
yes!!
mei:
isn't this
what you wanted?
rien:
???
how could you feel if adrien confessed to you
out of nowhere
mei:
like I was dreaming
I'd probably slap myself
or pinch myself like in the movies
then ask him to repeat it
rien:
i mean
you'd feel
happy??
right????
mei:
ye
rien:
i'm
not feeling it
mei:
she didn't confess to you
that's why
don't get ahead of yourself
rien:
shouldn't i feel happy about this??
even if it's not
true
which it is!!
i heard it!!!
mei:
now you heard it??
creepy
stop stalking
rien:
!!!
mei:
don't
worry too much about it??
it's ok
you don't have to feel bad that you're not
over the moon?
it might hit suddenly
or you might even
realise that you don't like her like that any more???
rien:
maybe
mei:
trust me
I'm a genius
rien:
you are very smart!!
mei:
damn right I am
“Marinette,” Adrien complained, fanning himself with his hand. “Can you please share your fan with me? I'm dying.”
“But you can pull off the sweaty look,” she replied.
He pouted.
She kept her handheld fan aimed at her face.
“Please?” he begged.
“Oh, beg more,” she requested, laughing. “That also looks good on you.”
“You're—you're so mean,” he accused, brushing his hair off of his face. “After everything I do for you, this is how you repay me?”
“You're such a drama queen,” she teased.
He sniffed.
“Fine, you baby,” Marinette said, scooting over until their shoulders were touching. She angled her head so the fan would hit both of them. “Is this better?”
“A little.”
His arm felt warmer than hers.
“You should've bought your own,” she muttered.
Adrien whined, “I forgot it!”
“Not my problem,” she replied.
“You're so mean,” he complained. “Why did you have to get here first? I'm being bullied.”
“I didn't get here first,” she corrected. “Alya cried about underboob sweat and went to cool off in a store. I think she might be trying to hibernate there.”
“...That's not how hibernation works.”
“Oh, now you're an expert on that?” Marinette scoffed. “Okay, wonder boy. I see that you've got everything in the world.”
He laughed. “The heat makes you snappy.”
“Maybe it's your pretty face that does,” she replied, glaring up at him. “How can you look nice right now? I feel like an armpit.”
His smile showed his dimples. “You have a way with words.”
Whatever had been going on with Adrien when they were bowling before, it was fixed now. Adrien wasn't avoiding eye contact and he hadn't looked stricken when it was just her waiting in the park for everyone to arrive.
It was okay.
They were sitting close without him flinching away, so that was a plus in her books.
However, her thoughts did drift to what Rien had said before.
If Adrien suddenly confessed to her, would she be happy?
He was pretty, sure, but there was more to him than that. Armed with a dumb sense of humour and poor time management skills, he was a disaster of his own kind. The media didn't often portray that part of him—his job was to be beautiful, after all.
His flaws were charming in their own way. At least he chewed with his mouth closed and had good hygiene.
There was sweat on his upper lip. “Why are you looking at me?”
Marinette narrowed her eyes. “You're too pretty.”
He gave her a confused smile. “Thank you?”
“Die,” she said, suddenly pulling the fan in closer so it was fully on his face.
He spluttered in surprise.
She laughed before putting it back to cover the both of them.
“I can't trust you with this,” Adrien announced, snatching it out of her hands. Although she didn't put up much of a fight, he lightly slapped her hand away. “I'm in charge now.”
“Even authority is a good look on you,” she complained.
He huffed. “Jealousy isn't good on you.”
“It's called admiration, actually,” Marinette corrected snootily.
He glared.
She glared right back.
Nino turned up then. “You two look like you're having fun.”
Adrien immediately said, “Marinette's bullying me.”
“I am not—” Marinette was cut off when Adrien turned the fan fully on her face from a close distance. Her eyes closed from the sudden dryness. “You're a dick.”
“See?” Adrien's tone was triumphant. “I'm telling you, she's evil.”
“This is my fan!” she exclaimed, snatching it back before jumping up to her feet. And when she hid behind Nino, Marinette stuck her tongue out at Adrien. “You don't deserve it any more.”
Nino was amused. “You two are getting along.”
“She's the worst!” Adrien complained.
She stuck her middle finger up.
“See!”
Nino glanced at her.
She put on an innocent expression.
“Marinette's the best,” Nino said, patting her head like she was a puppy. “I'm totally on her side.”
Adrien gasped.
She beamed.
'“do you want to go to the beach?” adrien asked, swinging their interlocked hands with each step.
“is this your way of asking to see me in a swimsuit?” ladybug questioned, raising her eyebrows. “that's quite forward of you.”
he laughed. “would you wear one over your suit?”
“no, i'd put a wet suit on top,” she replied, fluttering her eyelashes. “don't think it's that easy to see some skin.”
“and the mask?”
without hesitation, she said, “i'd wear swimming goggles on top, of course.”
adrien threw his head back and laughed.'
rien:
you keep writing about the beach
mei:
it's summer
rien:
so??
write snow if you're feeling hot!!
what is stopping you!!!
mei:
the image of adrien in a swimsuit
hmm
it's a good one
rien:
you think he looks good in anything!!
mei:
that is true
but I wanna write him sweaty
in a totally pg way
rien:
sometimes
it's hard to think of him as a person
mei:
same
rien:
what is same to that???
that makes no sense
mei:
no but like
the adrien in my head and the irl one
are two very different people??
idk
how to explain this
rien:
it's not like
you actually know him
so
mei:
so
rien:
it makes sense!!
mei:
yay
you get me
rien:
i get everything about you
mei:
gonna make me swoon
rien:
i don't think i could ever do that
mei:
wtf
have some confidence in urself!!!
I'm sure you're capable of doing that
bat ur pretty eyes at someone and seduce them
rien:
i meant you!!!
mei:
what
rien:
sorry
was that weird??
i think it was weird
mei:
idk what you were
even trying to say there
rien:
ok
let's move on
mei:
????
rien:
pls
mei:
???????
rien:
go back to thinking of sweaty adrien
mei:
when am I not
rien:
that's the spirit!!
Marinette was conflicted.
That wasn't quite the right word, though.
In theory, this should be her perfect day; the beach wasn't too busy, she had an ice pop in hand, and Adrien was sitting on the towel beside her, sweaty as ever. He looked adorable squinting since he'd forgotten his sunglasses and the swimming shorts he had on were so outrageously ugly that she'd laughed when she first spotted him.
He was pretty in the sun.
And he was smiling at her and still being comfortable.
Alya and Nino weren't waggling their eyebrows at her behind his back any more. That behaviour had mostly stopped months ago, though they did tease her still.
Adrien's hair was dripping from the ocean. A droplet trailed down his cheek, clinging to his jaw, and she couldn't tear her eyes away.
It wasn't doing it for her right now.
“I'm gonna go drown myself,” she declared, jumping to her feet.
And before her friends could respond, she ran into the ocean.
She couldn't get her mind off of Rien.
And wasn't that weird?
He was fine when they'd spoken last, so there was nothing to worry about! Marinette had spoken to him briefly before she'd left this morning, teasing and joking like they always did, and her cheeks and hurt from smiling when she'd put her phone away.
She was fighting the urge to message him now.
Her thoughts were constantly going to him—wondering how he was, what he was doing, and if he'd eaten lunch yet. He forgot that sometimes.
She slapped her cheeks.
It didn't help.
mei:
you're stupid
rien:
???
hello to you too????
mei:
I'm mad at you
rien:
oh
mei:
what did you have for lunch
rien:
ice pops!!
mei:
god
you need a better diet
that's terrible
rien:
what about you??
huh?
since you're so high and mighty
mei:
…
no comment
rien:
so
worse than me???
mei:
heck you
rien:
mhmm
“Ladybug?” Chat called out in concern.
She didn't answer.
He came over, resting his head on her shoulder. “What are you doing?”
“I'm fantasising,” she proclaimed, keeping her eyes trained on the advertisement in front of them.
It was Adrien's latest ad for his father's company. He was smiling prettily, hair brushed out of his face, and the blush on his cheeks would've rendered her speechless if she'd seen him in person.
At least, it would've before.
“Right,” Chat replied, amused. “How's that going for you?”
“It's terrible,” she complained, throwing her hands up in exasperation. “I'm not feeling anything!”
“I agree, it's bad,” he said, patting her head. “And for them to choose that picture? The shoot had better ones. Too bad they're only on instagram now.”
She was offended. “There's nothing wrong with it!”
Chat furrowed his brow. “But you said—”
“I'm an idiot,” Marinette wailed, burying her face in her hands. “I want to die.”
“It's nice to see that you're in top form tonight,” he remarked, putting his hands on her shoulders to start to massage her. “How about we take a break before we get into the action? I'll relax you—”
There were screams in the distance.
Marinette wanted to join them.
“Or not,” Chat muttered.
“I want to die,” she repeated.
“There, there,” he said, ruffling her hair. “Let's go die together, yeah? It'll be a bonding experience.”
With a pout, she took his hand.
mei:
I'm gonna write smut
the steamiest you've ever read
rien:
is that a threat
mei:
yes
rien:
good luck
maybe don't let me beta read that??
what if my dad walks in while i have my headphones in
i'll have to kill myself???
it's the only option
mei:
where is your desk
rien:
in my room
mei:
yeah but
can you not see ur door??
rien:
no
mei:
oh my god
that's brave
rien:
the designer did it
not me...
mei:
designer
he says
rien:
i can't change it
mei:
ok rich boy
rien:
hey
that's rude
mei:
adrien 2.0
rien:
slkdgjdfhdfjh
does
does that mean you'll be thinking of me
as you write this now??
mei:
…
rien:
it was a joke!!
mei:
…...
The smut fic was never started in the first place.
For the first time in ages, Marinette felt too awkward when she brought up a blank document. And when she decided to work on one of her ongoing ones instead, that felt weird as well.
As much as it was the character of Adrien that she'd carefully moulded over the years, it became apparent that it wasn't him. A few of the quirks and phrases were from someone else entirely, and then there was the fact that she sprinkled in parts of her conversations with Rien when she found them funny.
Calling him her inspiration was an understatement at this point.
She was horrified at the revelation.
Marinette could handle having a crush on Adrien—classmate, model, and friend—but her faceless internet friend?
It was a disaster.
Adrien used his shirt to wipe the sweat off of his face.
The sight of his abdomen didn't excite her.
Instead, Marinette looked away and whispered, “Fuck.”
Alya patted her shoulder. “There, there. He's professional eye candy for a reason.”
She wasn't about to correct Alya's misunderstanding.
rien:
god!
i've been wanting to talk to you all day
i can't believe it took this long for you to come online
mei:
what do you want
rien:
love
mei:
not happening
rien:
???
so mean!!
mei:
I missed you too
rien:
aw
for real??
mei:
yeah
rien:
cool
mei:
cool
rien:
cool cool
mei:
you're so stupid???
rien:
that's my charm!!
mei:
god
you're right......
'hey! i'm taking a few weeks off. updates should return back to normal... next month? sorry for tricking you into thinking this was a chapter!'
rien:
nooooooooo
hiatus???
are you ok mei
do you need a hug
mei:
yes
rien:
i'm sending hugging vibes
mei:
they're making it worse
rien:
aw...
mei:
this is all your fault
rien:
my bad my bad
how can i make it up to you!!
mei:
wanna
play??
rien:
are you sure???
you normally write at this time
mei:
yeah I'm not
feeling that right now
rien:
adrien not doing it for you right now??
mei:
mmm
that's right
rien:
wait what
mei:
I think the allure is over
rien:
!!!!
that's
terrible!!
mei:
eh
it was a phase
rien:
that was a long phase
mei:
I should've been emo instead
rien:
well
now is your chance!!!
time to wear all black
and dye your hair black
mei:
my hair is black
rien:
is it??
mei:
naturally
rien:
mine's blond
mei:
god is everyone blond
rien:
hahaa
is it to close to your old flame??
i'll dye it black with you
mei:
no
you're too cute to be emo
rien:
that's rude to emos
mei:
stay as you are
you're perfect
rien:
so are you
like
for real
mei:
no
you are
rien:
do you want to fight???
mei:
yes!!
I will fight you on this
I am right
rien:
we're both right
mei:
you're perfect
fuck you
rien:
!!!!
no!!!!!!
mei:
let's pvp
I'll kill you and assert dominance
rien:
step on me
mommy
mei:
s;dlgjkdhfj
rien:
hahaha
Adrien gave her a bouquet of flowers.
“I have too many,” he explained, handing out another to Nino. “You'll save me from having them everywhere, right?”
Nino gasped. “I feel so wooed.”
“As you should.” Adrien laughed. “You deserve them, bro.”
They were beautiful, far more expensive than the supermarket bouquets that she gets for her parents sometimes.
It didn't make her heart flutter, though. Adrien romantically giving her flowers had always been a nice fantasy—
And now, she wanted some faceless guy to give them to her instead.
“Thank you,” she whispered, holding them close. “This is really nice of you.”
Alya bragged, “I got the best ones.”
“You called dibs!” Nino exclaimed. “I didn't even know we were doing that!”
“That's what a loser would say,” Alya taunted.
rien:
you're on late today????
i know you're on break from school right now
but this is
late
mei:
well
I want to talk to you
is that a problem??
rien:
no
not at all!
i'm liking this a lot actually
i look forward to this
mei:
staying up??
rien:
yes!!
not that we don't talk throughout the day
we do
of course
but all my friends are in bed now
so i can give you my full attention
mei:
same
you're the only weirdo that's up at 3am
rien:
and you
maybe we're destined to be together
mei:
soulmates
rien:
yeah!!
when will we have our wedding
mei:
what if I don't want a wedding
rien:
then
we'll file our marriage for tax reasons
make it cheaper when we're older
mei:
wow look at you
thinking your life through
rien:
our life!!!
mei:
careful
I can't handle so much romance at once
rien:
should i only flirt with you
once a day??
mei:
at allotted times
rien:
so
i
can flirt with you
that's what you're telling me???
mei:
?????
u do that already
rien:
yeah but
this is with your
blessing???
mei:
rien
my dude
you wouldn't be doing it without my blessing
rien:
and you're cool with it????
mei:
yes??
I'm not sure why this is coming up now
we've been like this for
months
rien:
i thought we were joking
mei:
what
rien:
wait!!!!
forget that
oh ym god
mei:
you mean
are you flirting with me
seriously???
rien:
uh
mei:
????
rien:
is that
a problem?
mei:
is it
a problem for you
rien:
no
mei:
okay
same
rien:
ok
mei:
yeah
rien:
you're pretty
mei:
so are you
rien:
are you
flirting back at me
mei:
yes
rien:
oh
okay
okay!!!
that's great!!!!
mei:
totally
rien:
woo
“Marinette!” Alya complained, clicking her fingers in front of Marinette's face. “I'm feeling so neglected right now.”
“Oh, sorry,” she responded, putting her phone down. “My bad.”
Alya huffed. “Who are you even talking to?”
“A friend,” Marinette vaguely responded.
Alya raised her eyebrows.
“Gamer friend,” she clarified.
That answer was accepted without any question.
Alya didn't need to know that Marinette was fussing and demanding that Rien needed to eat something nutritious for lunch. He didn't need to know she was being a hypocrite and getting fast food with Alya.
Marinette swallowed her mouthful. “How did you and Nino start dating?”
Alya furrowed her brow. “What?”
“Like, who asked who?” she questioned, gesturing between them. “Did it happen naturally or was it awkward as hell?”
“Uh, you know this,” Alya pointed out, a bit offended. “I told you all about it before—”
“My memory's shit!” she defended.
“How dare you forget—”
“Oh, forget it,” Marinette retorted, glaring at her. “You're being a dick.”
“No, I'm gonna walk you through my whole love story now,” Alya decided, wiping her mouth primly with a napkin. “Are you ready for this? It was a sunny afternoon—”
She sighed.
It didn't help in the end.
She was almost certain that Rien liked her back. If he was simply a flirty friend, she didn't think he'd be so... sweet to her.
The only problem was that she didn't know how to approach the topic without being awkward about it. They could talk about the most stupid things—debate titbits of lore from games they played for hours on end—yet asking him if he wanted to be her boyfriend?
It was intimidating.
mei:
I have a question
rien:
shoot
mei:
do you like me
rien:
where's the question mark
mei:
where's yours???
rien:
you answer me first!
mei:
????????
there
is that better?
your highness?
rien:
much
thank you
mei:
my question!!!!
rien:
uh
yes
mei:
uh????
that's how you respond to me
wtf
rien:
i like you
like
romantically
yeah
mei:
careful, casanova
I'm feeling faint already
rien:
heck you!!!!
i'm being serious here
mei:
you
like me?
rien:
yeah
i do
mei:
oh
rien:
i figured it out a while ago
mei:
????
rien:
that's why i wasn't
happy about my crush maybe-definitely liking me
because i've moved on
mei:
you
when did this happen
rien:
it was a late night epiphany
mei:
oh
rien:
is that
okay??
mei:
what
rien:
is this gross for you????
mei:
what
dude
I like you, too
rien:
????
mei:
that's uh
kinda why I stopped writing for a while
I just kept thinking about you and being annoyed
can't really get into adrien's head if you're in mine
dick
rien:
oh
that's
uh
mei:
you're so eloquent
rien:
!!!!!!!!!!
mei:
so
we like each other??
rien:
we do
mei:
and we've
never seen each other
rien:
uh
i'd send you a pic but
i don't think you'd believe me???
mei:
????
are you saying
I'd think you're catfishing me
rien:
or trying to pick a fight
yeah
mei:
wtf
Marinette looked at herself in the mirror before changing into another outfit she had out on the bed.
She was jittery and nervous in a way that she hadn't been for a while. Constantly fixing her hair in the mirror and wiping off lipstick, she couldn't decide on how to dress.
In the end, she put on light make-up and her favourite lip tint. She dressed up as she usually would, put on a cute bag, and took a picture, making sure her phone covered her face.
She sent it to Rien.
He did the same.
Marinette couldn't tear her eyes away from his picture.
He was thin, his t-shirt was loose, and the rips in his jeans showed more skin that she'd thought she'd see.
His phone case was cute.
When they agreed to meet up, Rien insisted that she wouldn't believe him without seeing him in person. To her surprise, they lived in the same city. At his request, Marinette picked out a café for them to meet—one within walking distance of her home—and she was shocked when he remarked that it was close for him.
It was a lot of sudden information.
Last week, he was a faceless guy that she was fawning over.
And now, she was walking down the street to meet him.
Of course, she was being careful about it. Marinette sent Alya a text that she was meeting up with her gamer friend, including a picture of the café in case anything went wrong.
Alya wasn't impressed.
Marinette decided to reply to her complaints later.
With his outfit in mind, she looked around the café to see whether he'd arrived first.
He wasn't there.
She messaged, asking what drink he wanted.
Rien replied in seconds, saying he'd be there within a few minutes since he was stuck in traffic.
With the two drinks on a tray along with two slices of cake, she took a table in the corner that faced the door.
Her foot tapped nervously on the floor.
Rien was still messaging her, complaining.
She smiled.
To try and get rid of her nerves, she set out the forks on top of napkins and placed the drink on his side, making it look pretty.
With nothing left to do while he'd stopped typing, she stared at the door.
A blond guy came in, but his outfit was all wrong. It wasn't him.
She sneezed.
Then, when she sniffed and looked back up, there was someone new there.
Adrien.
Adrien was standing awkwardly by the door, looking around.
His jeans were ripped.
But he—
He didn't have that cute phone case! Marinette would know, they met up often!
To her horror, he stopped looking around and instead got his phone out, typing away furiously.
It was the phone case.
“What the fuck,” she whispered.
Her phone was flashing on the table.
Instead of answering his message, she brought up her contact list and pressed his name.
Across the room, Adrien looked surprised. “Marinette?”
“You're a catfish,” she blurted.
“Huh?”
“Over here,” she said, raising her hand to wave at him. “I'm by the obnoxious artwork.”
“You're what—” Adrien cut himself to inhale sharply when he caught sight of her. “Oh.”
“Oh,” she repeated.
He looked like he was trudging to his death as he approached.
Marinette put one thigh on top of the other, taking a dainty sip of her drink, trying to appear as the perfect picture of calmness.
Her heart was beating horribly in her chest, though.
Adrien's eyes were wide. “Hello.”
“Take a seat,” she suggested.
He clumsily hit his knee on the table. Thankfully, nothing spilled.
“So,” she said.
He kept staring at her.
Marinette tucked some hair behind her ear. “You're Rien, I take it.”
“...Yes?” It came out sounding like a question. After clearing his throat, he straightened up and stuttered out, “I am—yeah. That's me.”
She wanted to scream.
There was an awkward silence.
To try and stop herself from saying anything stupid, she chose to eat a large piece of cake instead.
Adrien finally looked at the table. “You... you got my favourite cake.”
She shrugged.
“You remembered,” he whispered, unable to tear his eyes away from it.
Marinette swallowed loudly. “Well, you did mention it before—”
“You're...” Adrien trailed off, glancing up at her with glassy eyes. “You're Mei?”
She fidgeted. “Yeah.”
Another brief silence. The sound of the café filled in the blanks, yet it didn't relax her in the slightest. She should've picked a bigger table because their knees were almost touching underneath.
“But that—” Adrien breathed out loudly. “That doesn't make sense.”
“You and me both, buddy,” she muttered.
He blinked.
Her face felt hot.
Adrien wasn't even supposed to know about her interests, let alone her crush on him.
And now, she knew that she'd stayed up countless hours talking to him, staying up until the sunrise sometimes out of poor judgement, and it was all coming back to bite her in the ass.
“Do you normally read fanfiction about yourself?” she blurted.
Adrien grimaced. “Uh.”
“Not that I'm one to say that's weird,” she rushed to get out, holding her mug with both hands. “Whatever floats your boat, you know? I just—I didn't expect you to turn up here.”
Adrien touched the back of his neck. “I liked Ladybug.”
She raised her eyebrows.
“That's kind of... how I went down that rabbit hole? I was reading Ladynoir at first and then stumbled across it—”
Marinette almost laughed. “Did you really just say their ship name naturally?”
Adrien cringed.
“Oh, my god,” she whispered, amazed. “This is... so stupid.”
His ears were red. “In my defence—”
“Your defence?” Marinette questioned, leaning forward with wide eyes. “I'm the one that writes porn about you.”
He laughed loud enough to look surprised at himself. “Uh, it's good porn?”
“...Thanks.”
“You have a way with words,” Adrien added.
Marinette snorted. “That's not making me feel any better.”
“I like you!” he exclaimed.
She was speechless.
Adrien's face grew red as he took a sip of his drink, averting his eyes from embarrassment.
All she could come out with was, “But...”
He cautiously put his drink back down. “Is that... a problem?”
“It's me,” she said, pointing at her face. “Marinette.”
“I can see that,” he remarked.
She stared.
He cleared his throat. “My feelings are still the same.”
She demanded, “Can you look me in the eyes knowing I've waxed mediocre poetry about your dick?”
Adrien offered her a shy smile. “I like your eyes.”
Slowly, she reached her hand up to pinch her cheek.
“Marinette,” he said with a laugh, leaning across the table to take her hand away. His touch was soft. “I'm not trying to—to force you into anything here. If you don't... feel like that about me any more, it's no problem.”
“No, I—” Marinette struggled to find the right words.
Tentatively, he linked their fingers together, looking at her face to see whether she'd react negatively.
Her hand wasn't sweaty, at least.
“I just got over you,” she blurted.
He smiled. “Why don't you get on me instead?”
“What? You—” Marinette spluttered, feeling her face heat up. “I'm being serious here! You're—”
“I'm here, asking you if you'd like to go on a date,” Adrien said for her, gently giving her hand a squeeze. “You were gonna give Rien a chance, so why not me?”
She swallowed. “You are Rien.”
“Exactly,” he whispered, smile reaching his eyes. “And you're Mei and my friend, Marinette. That's kind of a dream come true.”
“I think they spiked my drink.”
“I don't think so, sorry,” he replied, glancing down at their joined hands. “You're still holding my hand.”
“Am I supposed to slap you away?” she demanded.
Adrien laughed. “Am I allowed to take this as a good sign?”
Marinette was stunned. “I'm in the middle of an internal crisis, but all right.”
“I like you,” he said again.
“Oh, my god, stop,” she all but begged, touching her warm cheek with her free hand. “I can't take this right now—”
“No, I'm allowed to flirt with you at allotted times,” Adrien replied, dimples showing on his cheeks. “This is the best time for it.”
“Dude, I'm your friend—”
“You're cute,” he said. “Trustworthy, and you're so funny, Marinette. There's nothing wrong with this outcome.”
“Are you saying you like me?” Marinette questioned, gesturing to her chest. “Not Mei, I mean. Me.”
“Yeah,” he admitted without hesitation.
“I'm gonna throw up,” she stated.
Adrien laughed, rubbing his thumb on the back of her hand. “Is that a problem?”
“What the fuck is going on?”
“Another late epiphany I had when you insisted my friend liked me,” he mused, giving her a wink when she looked at him in surprise. “I was talking about you, by the way.”
“...What.”
“Uh, I thought about what it would be like for you to like me?” he clarified, brushing his hair out of his face. “As Marinette, I mean. I thought about it and it... wasn't too bad. Then, I was convinced you didn't like me at all, so I'm clearly an idiot.”
“I could tell you that for free,” she replied, still wide-eyed. “You—you didn't mind it?”
“Nope,” he said.
Marinette wheezed.
He laughed loudly. “Is that a problem?”
“Stop saying that!” she exclaimed.
“I want to make sure that everything's okay,” Adrien said, glancing down to their hands. “And that you... still want to give me a chance.”
Marinette wetted her lips. “Why would I say no?”
He shrugged. “Because...”
“If anything, I'm the weird one here,” she replied, shifting in her seat. “Like, the things I said about you? Isn't that... odd?”
“Oh, no, it was very flattering,” Adrien assured her. “I'm not offended in the slightest.”
“...I have a fic of you in a maid outfit,” she said, horrified.
He leaned in to whisper, “I have it bookmarked.”
“Why.”
“It's good,” he said. “One of my favourites.”
“I'm really going to throw up,” Marinette said, leaning back in her seat. “That's—this isn't how this was supposed to go.”
“Let's change the plan completely, then,” Adrien proposed, lifting her hand up to press a kiss to her knuckles. “Why don't we go somewhere else? You know I'm not a serial killer.”
“...You kissed my hand.”
“And I'll do it again,” he replied.
“What.”
“It's a threat,” Adrien said, smiling widely.
“Your very existence is threatening,” Marinette replied in a daze.
He laughed. “I'll take that as a compliment.”
“Adrien, what—”
“Marinette, Mei—whatever other name you go by,” Adrien started as he got up to his feet, gently tugging her up as well. “I'm pretty sure I've read, like, all your fantasies about me.”
She choked.
“Let me fulfil one by buying you dinner,” he offered.
“...What the fuck,” she whispered. “Since when are you this smooth?”
He winked. “I practised in the mirror for you.”
“You did not.”
“Oh, I did,” Adrien said, holding her hand more comfortably as they went towards the door. “I had this whole speech planned for explaining my identity, but none of it was necessary.”
She laughed. “Sorry?”
“You should be,” he replied, bumping his shoulder into hers lightly. “I stayed up all night to get it right.”
“You can't blame your poor sleep schedule on me,” she retorted.
“I can and will,” he claimed.
“For that, I want dessert,” Marinette said.
Adrien nodded. “I'll buy you everything on the menu.”
“...You don't need to go overboard.”
“How many times did fictional me do that?” he smugly replied.
She cringed.
“I have competition,” Adrien said, clenching a fist with his free hand. “And I'm going to crush him.”
Marinette gulped. “Is that so?”
“Get ready to be wooed off of your feet,” he proclaimed.
“I'm already quite faint—”
Out of nowhere, Adrien put one hand on her back and the other by her knees and lifted her up.
She flailed. “What the hell?”
He wheezed, adjusting his hold on her. “I thought that would be easier.”
“Put me down—”
“No, I need to keep you safe,” Adrien denied, sounding winded. “You can faint in my arms.”
“I'm going to kick someone!” she exclaimed.
With a pout, he set her back down on her feet.
Marinette dramatically took in a breath, putting a hand on her chest.
He was still pouting. “Fictional me would've been able to do that smoothly.”
She laughed loudly.