Title: The Tom & Sabine Boulangerie Patisserie Internship
As part of the curriculum during the last year of Françoise Dupont High School, all students were required to complete a couple of weeks worth of work experience in an establishment of their choosing. The only requirement was that it had to be something they werenât already familiar with already. So for example, Adrien Agreste wouldnât be exempt from this just because he was a model.
Luckily for him, and as a surprise for their daughter; who everyone knew had a huge crush on him as much as she denied it, Mr and Mrs Dupain-Cheng had given Adrien an opportunity to do a baking internship in their family bakery; The Tom & Sabine Boulangerie Patisserie.
Adrien had been overjoyed at the prospect. Heâd tried the many delicious delicacies Marinette had baked and brought into class or events; croissants, macaroons â sheâd even done him the courtesy of bringing him a passion fruit flavoured one, because she knew those were Adrienâs favourite.
He arrived at the bakery on his first day 15 minutes earlier than heâd been asked to, already abuzz with excitement.
The bakery wasnât even open yet, but he patiently waited outside without any fuss.
5 minutes to nine, and he could hear the sound of someone rushing around in the flat above the bakery, where the Dupain-Cheng family lived. A squeal and a clatter of furniture confirmed that it was Marinette. She was always late for things somehow it seemed.
A few seconds later, Adrien could see her through the windows of the bakery, the pair of hair ties she used to put her hair up into to ponytails in her mouth as she made her way out of the door.
Adrienâs heart did a few gymnastic tricks in his chest. Marinette looked stunning with her hair down. He wondered why she never wore it that way. When his heartbeat had resumed a normal pace, he gave her a wave, a beaming grin on his face.
Marinette stopped dead in her tracks. Adrien Agreste was outside her familyâs bakery, at 9am on a Monday morning! What on earth was he doing here?! He couldnât possibly be meeting her here to walk to school together? She didnât recall arranging that with him! Unless her best friend Alya had organised it behind her back! But surely if that were the case sheâd have told her right? Or at least sent her a textâŚ
Marinette pulled her phone out of her bag to double check. Perhaps sheâd missed Alyaâs message this morning in her rush to get out of the door on time.
Yes, there was a notification on her screen, but not a text. An event reminder.
Marinette frowned and unlocked her phone so she could see what it was.
The words âADRIENâS FIRST DAY DOING WORK EXPERIENCE AT THE BAKERY!!!! đâ
Stared back at her. With even a little heart eyed emoji!
Marinetteâs jaw dropped in panic. Sheâd completely forgotten that Adrien would be working in the bakery downstairs. For 2 whole weeks! That meant heâd be here in her house every day! She could barely breathe.
Adrien knocked on the bakery door again, snapping her out of her trance. She realised the door was still locked and was still waiting for her to open it for him.
She darted for it, her cheeks red as she opened the door and met his dreamy green eyed gaze.
âHeyyy Adrienâ she chuckled nervously.
âHi Marinette. Iâm a bit early, so I apologise. I just thought Iâd come ahead of time to familiarise myself with everything.â He told her.
âOh no! Itâs not an problem, honestly! Please, come inâ she told him, holding open the door for him, hoping that he couldnât hear how loudly her heart was beating.
âThanksâ Adrien smiled warmly, coming inside the bakery and taking in a deep breath. Even without the ovens working or batter out on the countertops yet, the Tom & Sabine Boulangerie Patisserie still smelt of sweet home made cooking.
Adrien knew heâd love working here. As a model he wasnât really supposed to eat too much sugar â weight was everything in the modelling world, and so was a dazzling smile. Plus his father didnât really make too much of an effort when it came to sitting down with his son at meal times. Adrien usually found himself sitting at the table alone.
He was very close with the Dupain-Chengs, especially Marinette. They had all welcomed him into their home and workplace with open arms and he couldnât wait to get started.
âI assume rule number one is to always have clean handsâ he chuckled.
Marinette nodded and pointed out where the sink was. As he washed them, she went to fetch the apron theyâd had especially made for Adrien, it even had a name badge with his name on it.
Adrienâs eyes sparkled with happy tears when she handed it to him. He was so grateful for this opportunity, but the perks; such as the apron and free baked goods during his time here, were all just a well appreciated bonus.
âThank you so much Marinette!â He said, embracing her tightly to show his gratitude.
Marinette felt her already pink cheeks, turn even warmer with Adrienâs physical sign of affection.
âYouâre very welcome Adrien.â She managed.
A few minutes later and Marinette was back to giving Adrien the grand tour of the bakery. The many different ovens, where the ingredients were kept, and where the recipes and utensils were kept too.
âHave you done much baking before?â She asked him, purely out of interest. Even if he said no, Adrien Agreste would always be perfect in her eyes.
âI havenât actuallyâ Adrien admitted shyly. âIs it difficult to learn?â
âNot really. Especially since youâll be referring to our recipes. All you need to do is ensure that you use the correct measurementsâ Marinette told him.
âOkay.â Adrien nodded, but he still seemed a little unsure.
âWhy donât you start with something really simple? Chocolate chip cookies!â Marinette suggested, handing him the necessary recipe heâd need to follow.
Eagerness flitted through Adrienâs gaze, but he was clearly still nervous. He didnât want to make a mistake on his first day.
âHow about I help you? I have an hour until I need to be at the TV broadcasting studio to help Mrs Schmuck and cookies donât take long to make,â Marinette offered.
Relief washed over Adrien like a tidal wave. He nodded. âOnly if youâre sure. Thanks again, Mariâ he smiled.
Marinette tried to remain composed at the fact that heâd just given her a nickname, and asked âAlright. Can you please get me a mixing bowl, a wooden spoon, baking tray, non-stick oven paper and the ingredients on this list?â She asked.
Adrien nodded, and was soon back with all the items Marinette had asked for.
âAlright. So first of all, we need to preheat the ovens to 180C, and line the baking trays with the non-stick oven paper. How about you do the trays and Iâll get the oven on?â Marinette suggested.
Once that was done, they began to add the ingredients to the mixing bowl before mixing them together with the spoon. Afterwards they put balls of cookie batter on the baking tray and then placed it into the oven.
âAnd we set the oven timer for 10 minutes. You can do up to 12, but we personally like our cookies to be gooey.â Marinette told him, giddily.
âOnce the timer is up, you take them out and put them on the cooling rack to cool for a bit and thatâs it, thatâs how you make cookies!â
Adrien was amazed at how simple and fun it was. Much more so than modelling. And the fun had only just begun it seemed.
âNow all you need to do in the meantime is clean up. But an exciting thing you get to do is lick the remaining batter the spoon and bowl. Would you like to do it?â She offered.
Adrien nodded and gladly took the spoon to his lips. The batter was delicious! He beamed brightly â these two weeks would be amongst the best ones of his life!