Anddd here is today's second chapter :). I hope you like it! I am forever tormented by how little reverse crush we got in the show. I always want more haha. Lemme know what you think <3
AO3
Adrien sighed quietly, leaning on his fist as he craned his neck back to stare blatantly at Marinette. It was study hall so he could finally get away with just focusing on her. Not for the first time that day, though did he wish he sat behind her. That way, he’d be able to peek up at her periodically through the day rather than having to crane his head back awkwardly to look at her.
She looked adorable. Just like she did every day. Her tongue was stuck out of the side of her mouth as she concentrated on whatever it was she was drawing.
Cute.
Clearing his throat, Adrien leaned forward, tapping her desk to get her attention. She looked up, her pretty blue eyes wide with shock.
“What are you drawing, Marinette?” he asked, hopeful to hear her soft voice as she directed her attention to him alone.
Her surprise at his sudden question melted into a warm smile, and Adrien couldn't help but feel a rush of excitement.
"I was actually just sketching some of my ideas down for fashion. It helps for inspiration when I’m creating." Marinette replied.
Adrien leaned in a bit closer, intrigued by her creative process. "Can I see?" he asked eagerly, his eyes sparkling with curiosity.
Marinette hesitated for a brief moment before nodding. She turned her notebook towards Adrien, revealing a series of intricate designs that showcased her talent and unique style.
The first page held numerous sketches of her and her friends in beautiful gowns. They all looked amazing. When he looked at the next page, however, his mouth dried. It was him. Or, well, Chat Noir, in a few different designs from Marinette.
Suddenly, Adrien was struck by the urge to commission her. He’d wear those designs every day. He bit it back, however. As much as he might want to, he couldn’t reveal his secret identity. Not even to someone as perfect as Marinette.
"These are beautiful, Marinette!" Adrien exclaimed, genuinely impressed. "You're so talented. I especially liked the way that you drew Chat Noir." He winked up at her.
An adorable red blush lit up her face at the compliment, and she smiled gratefully. He needed to figure out how to get her to do that more often. She looked so cute with a flush on her cheeks. "Thank you, Adrien. That means a lot coming from you, being the son of a famous designer and all."
Encouraged by her positive reaction, he couldn't resist teasing her playfully. "You know, if you ever need a model for your designs, I'd be happy to volunteer."
Marinette's eyes widened in surprise, and then she burst into giggles, her laughter like music to his ears. "Sure, Adrien. I'll keep that in mind. If ever I make one of these frilly dresses, I’ll make sure that you’re the first one I call." She winked.
His heart quickened at her reaction, feeling dizzy with giddiness.
Wink! She winked at him. How was he meant to mentally function after that?
Adrien’s grin must have looked completely ridiculous as he couldn’t stop it from stretching wide across his cheeks. “I’ll be looking forward to it,” he replied, his voice filled with genuine excitement.
As the bell signaling the end of study hall rang, Adrien reluctantly tore his gaze away from Marinette who was laughing softly at his words. He made a mental note to find a way to bring up the topic of her designs again soon, maybe during their next study hall.
After all, she had winked and laughed at him! That had to mean something... right? He wracked his brain, trying to remember if he had ever seen Marinette wink at anyone else. He couldn’t think of any which was a very pleasant thought.
As he walked to his next class, Adrien couldn’t shake off the image of Marinette’s sketches, especially the ones featuring Chat Noir. It was both thrilling and nerve-wracking to see himself depicted in her designs, knowing that she had no idea of his secret identity.
Maybe... maybe he could sneak over to her room one night, just to commission one of those designs. After all, if Adrien was able to take a peek at her designs, he figured she’d certainly let Chat Noir, a superhero, see them as well. With that plan in mind, Adrien’s grin stayed on his face for the rest of the day.
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 weren’t already familiar with already. So for example, Adrien Agreste wouldn’t 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. He’d tried the many delicious delicacies Marinette had baked and brought into class or events; croissants, macaroons — she’d even done him the courtesy of bringing him a passion fruit flavoured one, because she knew those were Adrien’s favourite.
He arrived at the bakery on his first day 15 minutes earlier than he’d been asked to, already abuzz with excitement.
The bakery wasn’t 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.
Adrien’s 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 family’s bakery, at 9am on a Monday morning! What on earth was he doing here?! He couldn’t possibly be meeting her here to walk to school together? She didn’t recall arranging that with him! Unless her best friend Alya had organised it behind her back! But surely if that were the case she’d have told her right? Or at least sent her a text…
Marinette pulled her phone out of her bag to double check. Perhaps she’d missed Alya’s 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 “ADRIEN’S FIRST DAY DOING WORK EXPERIENCE AT THE BAKERY!!!! 😍”
Stared back at her. With even a little heart eyed emoji!
Marinette’s jaw dropped in panic. She’d completely forgotten that Adrien would be working in the bakery downstairs. For 2 whole weeks! That meant he’d 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.
“Heyyy Adrien” she chuckled nervously.
“Hi Marinette. I’m a bit early, so I apologise. I just thought I’d come ahead of time to familiarise myself with everything.” He told her.
“Oh no! It’s not an problem, honestly! Please, come in” she told him, holding open the door for him, hoping that he couldn’t hear how loudly her heart was beating.
“Thanks” 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 he’d love working here. As a model he wasn’t really supposed to eat too much sugar — weight was everything in the modelling world, and so was a dazzling smile. Plus his father didn’t 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 couldn’t wait to get started.
“I assume rule number one is to always have clean hands” he chuckled.
Marinette nodded and pointed out where the sink was. As he washed them, she went to fetch the apron they’d had especially made for Adrien, it even had a name badge with his name on it.
Adrien’s 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.
“Thank you so much Marinette!” He said, embracing her tightly to show his gratitude.
Marinette felt her already pink cheeks, turn even warmer with Adrien’s physical sign of affection.
“You’re very welcome Adrien.” 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.
“Have you done much baking before?” She asked him, purely out of interest. Even if he said no, Adrien Agreste would always be perfect in her eyes.
“I haven’t actually” Adrien admitted shyly. “Is it difficult to learn?”
“Not really. Especially since you’ll be referring to our recipes. All you need to do is ensure that you use the correct measurements” Marinette told him.
“Okay.” Adrien nodded, but he still seemed a little unsure.
“Why don’t you start with something really simple? Chocolate chip cookies!” Marinette suggested, handing him the necessary recipe he’d need to follow.
Eagerness flitted through Adrien’s gaze, but he was clearly still nervous. He didn’t want to make a mistake on his first day.
“How about I help you? I have an hour until I need to be at the TV broadcasting studio to help Mrs Schmuck and cookies don’t take long to make,” Marinette offered.
Relief washed over Adrien like a tidal wave. He nodded. “Only if you’re sure. Thanks again, Mari” he smiled.
Marinette tried to remain composed at the fact that he’d just given her a nickname, and asked “Alright. Can you please get me a mixing bowl, a wooden spoon, baking tray, non-stick oven paper and the ingredients on this list?” She asked.
Adrien nodded, and was soon back with all the items Marinette had asked for.
“Alright. 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 I’ll get the oven on?” 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.
“And we set the oven timer for 10 minutes. You can do up to 12, but we personally like our cookies to be gooey.” Marinette told him, giddily.
“Once the timer is up, you take them out and put them on the cooling rack to cool for a bit and that’s it, that’s how you make cookies!”
Adrien was amazed at how simple and fun it was. Much more so than modelling. And the fun had only just begun it seemed.
“Now 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?” She offered.
Adrien nodded and gladly took the spoon to his lips. The batter was delicious! He beamed brightly — these two weeks would be amongst the best ones of his life!
I wanted to explore this idea for a while, and I thought this prompt could help me explore it! I’ll probably continue this at some point, but here’s the first relatively-short part!
Dedicated to @adrinetteapril for hosting this event and my wonderful friends @mariaoz @sparklinglilac @miss-chaos-2710 and @fallsofnoir <3
Adrinette April Prompt: Day 10- Charm Bracelets
Ao3
Unedited. Please let me know about any mistakes! <3
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Adrien stared at the bracelet on his hand. His thoughts tan through his head like countless hungry Plaggs, but there was only one voice he heard.
Marinette’s.
She didn’t know it was him when she whispered the words into the night air. She didn’t know that such a small detail could change anything, but… it did.
His question was playful, even if a bit curious. “That bracelet… it’s really important to you, isn’t it?”
Her eyes met Chat Noir’s, before a light blush coated her cheeks. “It is. It was a present from the boy I’m in love with.”
She froze when she realized what she just said, before a light laugh escaped her lips. “I’m sorry this was a bit out of the blue. Anyway, thank you for your help!”
She waved goodbye, and closed the door on a very speechless cat.
Adrien shifted. He still stared at the bracelet, his heart pounding at a strange and uneven pace. Marinette… was in love with him?
Plagg zoomed into his line of sight, his voice heavy with worry. “What’s wrong, kid? You’re really quiet.”
He swallowed before his eyes met Plagg’s. “I still can’t believe it, Plagg. Marinette...”
He didn’t know how to react to those news.
Plagg flew to Adrien’s shoulder. “Still thinking about that?”
The boy nodded wordlessly.
“Well, then, how about you give me some cheese instead? My stomach is begging for some camembert.”
“Not now, Plagg.” Adrien mumbled. “I need to talk with her.”
He took out his phone, but just found himself staring at the screen. A million options ran through his head, but he had no idea what he would say. Should he reject her for Ladybug? Or maybe… he should listen to the stirring in his chest, telling him to do the opposite?
It could have seemed like betrayal, but something in Adrien’s mind told him that wasn’t the case. It was almost like something settled in his heart.
With renewed determination, Adrien typed the first thing he could think of.
Marinette, I have something to tell you.
The moment the sentence flashed across the screen, Adrien set his device on the side.
For @adrinetteapril 2020 - Posted to AO3 & FFN - (Chapter 1 is here)
Rated G
Chapter 22: Outfit Change
Summary: Lunch date shenanigans
“Dude, what is going on with you two?”
Adrien raised an eyebrow. “What do you mean?”
Nino rolled his eyes. “You and Marinette.”
“What about me and Marinette?”
“You know…” Nino stared at him, obviously trying to prompt a response that Adrien wasn’t understanding.
“I really don’t.”
Nino leaned in close and looked around the room like he was afraid someone might overhear. “Dude, you’ve walked her to class, like, 10 times in the last few weeks, you’ve had lunch dates at each other’s houses, you specifically made her cookies, you invited her to one of your photoshoots.”
“Yeah,” Adrien was confused. Sure, he was doing all of those things because he liked her, but it wasn’t like it was a strange thing for friends to do. And if Marinette was feeling uncomfortable with the attention because she was interested in Luka, he was sure she would say something about it. “So?”
“Alya told me she caught you guys snuggled on the couch at the sleepover we had.”
Adrien paled. Now, that was something friends didn’t do. “What’s your point?”
“Look, dude,” Nino whispered, “I know it’s not true because Marinette is the best dudette ever, but I heard someone has been saying she’s seducing and manipulating you to get into the fashion world.”
“That’s ridiculous.”
“I know. I don’t know who started the rumor, but I just wanted to let you know that if you guys are dating in secret, you should probably make a statement or something. You know, to get the crazies to chill out. You’re lucky Chloe has been in New York with her mom for the week.”
“But we’re not dating.”
“What? Why not? You guys got it so bad for each other.”
“It’s… complicated,” Adrien looked down.
“What’s complicated about it? You like her and she likes you. Just date about it,” Nino shrugged.
“I thought she did like me. I was going to ask her on a date after the sleepover, but…” Adrien trailed off choking on his next words.
“What? Did you get nervous or something? It’s not sweat, you can just do it today or whatever.”
Adrien shook his head. “No, it’s not that.” He steeled himself and hissed, “I saw her kiss Luka.”
Nino’s sharp intake of breath startled him. “Oh, dude…”
“Yeah,” Adrien sighed dejectedly. “That’s why I’ve been doing all that stuff. To win her over, you know?”
“Well, dude, I’m still pretty sure she isn’t into Luka.”
“That doesn’t explain the kiss, though.”
“True,” Nino tapped his chin. “Have you asked her about it?”
“No, I haven’t.”
“Well, then that’s your first play here. See if you can do lunch with her again today and make it happen, dude!”
“I’m here! I’m here. I’m on time,” Marinette said as she burst through the door and quickly made her way to her seat.
“Hey, look at you, girl! Beating the bell for once,” Alya snickered.
“I know,” Marinette gasped as she worked to catch her breath. “I was up late finishing up one of my designs. You know how it is.”
Adrien turned to face her. “Is it the one you were drawing the other day?”
“N-no,” she stuttered and her familiar blush returned to her cheeks. “It’s one I’ve been working on for a few weeks.”
“I’d love to see it sometime,” Adrien said avoiding Alya’s inquisitive gaze.
Before Marinette could respond, Mme. Bustier started her lesson and Adrien was forced to face the board. Quietly, he shot Natalie a test asking her if he was able to have lunch at Marinette’s house.
He could feel Marinette’s eyes on the back of his head while he watched the clock, praying lunchtime would come quickly and relieve him of the anticipation.
Unfortunately, Adrien felt every single minute pass as he waited for Natalie to respond. While he waited, he snuck at the letter that started this whole thing. He’d stashed it in the back of his binder and luckily it was still there for him to reflect on. If he couldn’t distract himself with her beauty, at least he could distract himself with how happy she made him.
His phone buzzed in his lap and his heart leaped when he read Natalie’s response.
Your father approves for the visit today. However, he requests Mlle. Dupain-Cheng must accompany you for a luncheon with him tomorrow.
Breathing shallow, and fingers trembling, he typed out a formal ‘thank you’ to Natalie before opening his conversation with Marinette.
Adrien: I wasn’t kidding, by the way. I would love to see your finished design.
A few moments later, he heard a faint buzzing and shuffling around behind him.
Marinette: I didn’t take any pictures of it last night
Adrien: Bummer…
Adrien: Well, what are you doing for lunch today?
Adrien watched as the fateful … popped up and disappeared a few times. His heightened hearing picked up the sounds of girls whispering behind him.
“Just play dumb,” he heard Alya hissed.
He smirked to himself before writing whatever Mme. Bustier had said into his notebook.
Marinette: Nothing. Why?
Adrien: My father gave me permission to go to a friend’s house for lunch today.
Marinette: You’re so awesome!
Marinette: I MEAN, that’s so awesome!
Marinette: Autocorrect haha
Adrien waited, hoping she would take the hint. He hated inviting himself over. Also, he wanted to be sure that she actually wanted him there. He jotted down a few more things from the lesson in his notes. Finally, his phone buzzed.
Marinette: Would you like to come to my house again? I could show you the dress I made if you’d like.
Adrien’s breath hitched as he imagined Marinette in a dress. A dress of her own design. His mind wandered and suddenly he was in a suit at one of Gabriel’s fashion gala’s. He was twirling her around the dancefloor. Everyone was oohing and awing over his girlfriends amazing design. Several guests were speculating when Adrien was going to propose, but most were talking about how successful Marinette’s new fashion line was.
“Adrien?” He was brought out of his daydream by Mme. Bustier.
“Yes?”
“Can you tell me who the first president of the 5th French Republic was?”
“Yes, ma’am. Everyone thinks it was de Gaulle, but it was actually René Coty before the first elections.”
Mme. Bustier paused in surprise. “That’s correct, Adrien. Well done.”
Adrien smiled at his teacher before focusing back on his messages.
Adrien: It’s a date!
He smirked again to himself when he heard the excited whispers behind him.
Adrien was walking on air after hugs from Tom and Sabine. He had only met them a handful of times, yet he felt more their son than he ever had with his own father. He had half a mind to ask them to adopt him. He stopped himself, however, cringing at the weirdness that situation would cause.
Plus, he had to focus. He had a plan to ask her what she thought about Luka and then hopefully, ask her on a date. Also, at some point he had to ask her to have lunch with him again tomorrow, this time, with his father.
He shook off the negative thoughts his father brought on in favor of the present.
Marinette led him up the stairs to her loft after they had finished eating.
“Well,” she asked, nervous. “What do you think?”
Adrien audibly gasped at the mannequin in front of him. It was dressed in a pink ballgown adorned with embroidered cherry blossoms and vines covering the bodice and cascading into the lines of the dress. The sweetheart neckline made way for off shoulder sleeves. The hem billowed out just barely grazing the floor.
“It’s beautiful,” he managed.
“Thank you. It was a design I came up with a while ago for a friend’s wedding reception dress. I ended up making her a different design. This one was my favorite, though so I decided I’d make it for myself.”
Adrien ran his fingers over the intricate details in the embroidery. “Did you do all of this by hand?”
“Yeah,” she blushed. “I messed up a few times, but I think it gives it some charm.”
Adrien shook his head. “I can’t tell at all. It looks perfect.” He marveled at the ingenious hidden zipper and the addition of pockets.
“You’re just saying that,” she murmured.
“Maybe,” he teased. “I mean, I won’t be able to truly appreciate the work until I see it worn.”
She blinked. “What?”
“Have you tried it on yet?”
“No. I just finished it late last night.”
“Well, what are you waiting for then? I’m sure you’ve been dying to put it on.”
He watched as she considered his proposal. “Are you sure you wouldn’t mind?” She asked finally.
“Come on, Marinette,” he winked. “It’s fun to play dress up sometimes, isn’t it?”
“Ok,” she conceded. “But you have to wait downstairs,” she laughed.
“Of course, Princess,” he laughed as he bowed and climbed back through the trapdoor.
He silently hoped she had caught onto his use of Chat Noir’s nickname for her. Why he all of the sudden he wanted her to figure out his secret identity so desperately, he wasn’t sure. But the thought of her possibly falling for both sides of him was so exciting.
“Ok, I’m ready,” she called.
He flipped the hatch open and stepped into the loft before finally taking in the sight of her. Adrien’s mouth went dry. The dress shaped her figure perfectly, the base of the dress falling just above the floor. She had put on a delicate gold necklace with a ladybug pendant to compliment the modest neckline.
“Well?” she questioned.
“Wow,” he said dumbly.
She glanced at her tennis shoes from beneath the skirt and giggled nervously. “If only I had better shoes.”
Adrien shook his head, trying his best to force start his malfunctioning brain. “No, they’re perfect.”
“Really?”
“Of course,” he said, finally back to full function. “They’re more comfortable to dance in.” He offered his hand to her with another bow.
Her wide eyes studied his hand for a moment before placing hers in it. He laced their fingers together, placed her opposite hand on his shoulder, and pulled her in close before guiding her in a slow dance around the room to the sounds of cars passing by.
His stomach was doing a dance of its own. He had to find a way to diffuse the nervousness in his chest. “See? You’re an amazing dancer in these shoes.”
She kept her eyes on their feet, but he heard her laugh nervously. “I guess you’re right.”
“Of course I’m right,” he joked.
She hummed in response before resting her head against his chest. He held her like that for a while, swaying to the song playing in his head.
