Adrien lifted the hatch into Marinette's room. He froze at the chaos. Marinette turned to look at him, but all he saw was a conspiracy board on how to murder Lila. Adrien, quickly came back to his senses, climbed I and closed the door.
"What the fuck, Mari?" he whisper-shouted.
"Shhhh!" She shushed him, "See, if I can plan it carefully, I won't be caught."
Marinette smiled and turned back to admire her handiwork.
Adrien sighed, "Claws out."
Damian was at school when his emergency line rang. It was untraceable through the Justice League database.
"What did I say about phones, Mr. Wayne?" his teacher complained.
Damian stood up, grabbing his things, "It's my father and it says 'emergency'. He knows not to call me during school."
"Mr. Wayne." they growled.
"You can call him yourself, with the principal and our lawyer present." Damian declared walking out, "Emergency calls are authorized."
Damian sat in his car and sighed. He hadn't been using the 'Wayne' authority for awhile and had come to hate it as much as the 'Al Ghul' fame. Damian activated the soundproof windows and redialed the last number, on the hidden screen in the car.
"What is it?" He growled out, "Expect a call-"
"Uh, Birdy." Chat Noir spoke.
"Pussycat?" Damian replied, not expecting him to be on the line, "Why are you calling me?"
"I walked in on Minibug planning a murder." Chat admitted, turning the phone towards Marinette's wall and hideaway calendar, "She has evidence, everywhere. Think Bernard's board for 'Do the Butts Match?'"
'Habibiti.'
Damian sighed, "Yes."
His screen was suddenly filled with poster boards, papers, and strings.
"What happened?" Damian questioned.
"Well....today Lila pulled another stunt and Minibug went home early, but with all these papers, I don't know how long she's been planning." Chat Noir confessed, "It might also be because she's tired. There's been akumas every night this past week."
"Can you get rid of it?" Robin asked.
"She's not gonna like it , but you got it." Chat smiled, "Cataclysm."
Damian watched as everything vanished with a simple touch.
"How is she not screaming at you?" He wondered, out loud.
"Oh." Chat chuckled, moving the camera over to Marinette, "She didn't hear me transform and I tied her up with my tail. She fell asleep."
"I have a few calls to make." Damian responded, ending the call.
'Okay. Now, that the murder problem is solved, what do I do about you?'
Chat detransformed and looked at Marinette passed out. He carefully lifted her up and brought them to the ground.
"Tom!" he shouted, "Sabine!"
The couple rushed upstairs and found him scared, holding their daughter.
"What?" Sabine began.
"I don't know!" Adrien shouted frantically, "We-We were talking and then-Then she suddenly passed out!"
Sabine rushed over, checking for a fever.
"She was yawning and rubbing her eyes a lot." Adiren confessed, "She seemed tired these last couple days in class. Has she been really busy? I could help her with homework if she doesn't understand something!"
"She didn't tell us about any projects." Sabine replied.
"As far as we know, shes only been babysitting Manon." Tom answered, "Maybe twice a week. Three if it's important, but Nadia always checks if it's okay and it's not interrupting her schedule."
Adrien hid his scowl. He knew Alya and Nino were dumping their younger siblings on her if they saw her out and about. It seemed like her parents didnt know.
'I'll handle those two myself.'
"Why dont you head back to school, Son." Tom spoke.
"Hes right, Dear." Sabine suggested, "We can keep an eye on her and if anything changes, we'll take her to the doctor."
Adrien nodded his head and picked up his things, leaving the bakery.
'Thank you Father for the acting lessons. Onto phase two.'
"Hey!" Nino called out, "Where were you?"
Adrien smiled through his internal rage, "With Marinette."
"You were?" Alya questioned.
"Well, not that long." He answered, "She collapsed."
"What?" They cried out.
"Is she okay?" Alya pushed.
"I don't know. Her parents are keeping her home." The model answered, "We were talking and then her eyes rolled back and she fell!"
"Her parents couldn't figure out why. They said she isn't busy with projects right now and she's only been babysitting Manon, with her parent's permission." He announced, seeing them wince, "They said they might just close the bakery and take her to the hospital."
He watched as they looked over to the bakery with the 'CLOSED' sign now in full view. Adrien saw them pale and glance at each other. He knew he had gotten them worried.
'No one hurts M'Lady.'
Adrien strolled in after Nino and Alya, as they silently walked to their seats and hunched over.
"Ms. Bustier, Marinette is staying home." He announced, for the class to hear, "Her parents should be calling in soon; they might be taking her to the hospital."
"What happened?" Asked Rose.
"She collapsed during lunch." Adrien spoke, "We don't know why. She doesn't have a fever and she hasn't been too busy; just homework and babysitting."
He studied their faces and saw some had the decency to look ashamed.
"The doctor's note should say-" Lila interrupted.
"Why would she need a doctor's note?" Adrien questioned, "I just told Ms. Bustier. She can takes your word for it all the time or is mine not good enough?"
Everyone remained silent, in shock. They had never seen Adrien get like this, so upset.
"No!" Lila shouted, trying to back peddle, "That's not it, Adrien!"
"Then, Mari will be back and when she's back, she won't need a not." he growled out.
"No, Adrien-" Caline tried to interject.
"What if she's faking?" Lila called out.
Chloe stood up suddenly, "I can get Daddy to check hospital records if your all so worried and while he's doing it, we can get Lila's too."
Llila smiled, "I got to Italy for my treatments so-"
"Then, your passport records should be fine." the mayor's daughter scoffed, "Daddy doesn't have trouble talking to ambassadors."
"I wouldn't want to be a hassle." Lila pointed out.
Chloe smiled, "I can call him, right now, and get it over with. He does what I tell him."
Lila looked between Adrien and Chloe. They were smirking. They knew they had her cornered; if she pushed more about Mairnette, they would reveal everything.
"I'm sure....Marinette will tell us when she's better." Lila commented and kept her mouth shut.
Adrien took one look at Chloe and nodded, before sitting down.
Adrien let the class know the next day that Marinette was hospitalized and had to stay there for a few days. He could see that many felt bad for her, but Alya, Nino and Caline wore the guiltiest faces of them all.
'It's not like I could tell them she was tired from all the akumas. If they feel guilty, maybe they have something to be guilty about.'
When Marinette woke up, her parents demanded to know what had been going on. The doctors had told them she was mentally drained and dehydrated. Marinette looked between her parents and the doctors and broke down, realizing her miraculous was gone.
"Alya and Nino have been forcing me to babysit their siblings. Miss Bustier has been making me do so much work! She wants me to stay later and tutor people when I'm already doing so much. Then there's Manon and the bakery! My homework! I need to work on my designs!" Marinette sobbed out, "Then, there's all the akumas! Everyoen is being mean and I'm trying not to get akumatized!"
Sensing her distress, the doctor gave her a sedative so she could sleep without worry of akumas.
When Adrien arrived, he could see they were unhappy.
"Is Marinette okay?" He questioned, seeing their faces.
"Did you know?" Tom asked, "Did you know about the extra work she was doing?"
Adrien sighed as he closed the door, "Not at first; not until the day before. Marinette complained to me. She said she didn't get a choice. She would be out with Manon and the kids would suddenly run up to her, with Alya and Nino nowhere in sight. When she asked where they were, they answered that they would pick them up in two hours at the park."
"I didnt know she hadn't told you, until she collapsed." He confessed.
"You tell those two, they are banned from our bakery for two years." Sabine commanded.
"Yes, Ma'am." The model answered, "I did tell them that Marinette collapsed and how we were worried since she shouldn't be that tired from babysitting one kid."
"And?" Tom pressed.
"They have been quiet ever since." He declared, "They arent talking to anyone and most of the time keeping their heads down, like waiting to be scolded. I might have laid my concern on a bit too thick; they might believe they are the reason she is here."
"From our perspective, they did." Sabine replied.
"Another thing." Adrien winced, "I may....have told Damian, she was here."
"We'll call him." Tom spoke, softly, "You have a full schedule as well."
"Make sure you're getting rest, Dear." Sabine stated. Adrien nodded and left the room.
It had been almost a month, when the class saw Marinette again. She was walking with a guy. Alya and Nino sighed in relief. They quickly ran up to her.
"You're okay! Rose cried out.
"Are you completely better?" Asked Mylene.
"Are you coming back to school tomorrow?" Questioned Nathaniel.
"Ms. Bustier has been different since you've been gone." Announced Kim.
"No." Mari announced, "I'm never going back to that school."
"What?" Spoke Nino.
"But you're the class representative!" Alya shouted.
"You can take over, Alya." Marinette replied, "I'm sure the class rep duties will be .....significantly lessened with the board carefully watching."
"What do you mean?" Asked Juleka.
"Your teacher was forcing Marinette to do her own work." The guy announced, "She also signed her up for activities to ease your burdens, as your grades were poor. Before her collapse, she demanded Marinette begin tutoring, the likes of you."
"Wait. What?" Spoke Ivan.
"What does he mean?" Kim questioned.
"Who is this guy?" Alya demanded.
"Her boyfriend, Damian." Adrien announced, "Hey."
"Agreste." Damian nodded, "Thank you for informing me about her condition."
"Wait!" Nino shouted, "You knew?"
"That Mari had a boyfriend?" Adrien asked, "Of course, I knew. Mari's my best friend."
Marinette groaned, "Don't you know how much of a fuss he's been putting me through? You're lucky I'm not super gluing feathers to you!"
"Don't be so rude, Marinette. She can be so cruel." Lila spoke up, "Are you sure she's your girlfriend-girlfriend?"
"Bitch!" Marinette shouted, surprising them, "If I kill you are you dead-dead or just not breathing?"
Damian chuckled, "Okay, Angel. Obviously, you are still tired. We should return."
"What?" Questioned Lila, horrified.
"She's tired." Adrien stated, as if they hadn't just heard Damian speak.
"Did you not hear her threaten Lila?" Alya snapped back.
"It was a simple question," Damian declared, "but if she wants to feel threatened, it is a simple task."
The class looked between Lila, Marinette and her boyfriend, and Adrien, who was happily smiling.
"Uh, Dude." Nino spoke up, "Your best friend is a little bit psycho and so is her boyfriend. You might need a new one."
"Nah." Adrien brushed off, "Princess only gets like this when she's super tired. It must be what happens with Lila. Mari never remembers when she sleep talks. The meds said they would make her drowsy, right?"
"Yes." Damian answered, "We got smoothies from the shop she goes to with Tsurugi-san. We were on our way back."
Adrien nodded his head in understanding, "So, when is the move?"
"Move?" Nino piped up.
"Is he moving away?" asked Alix.
"He talked to Mari's parents and convinced them to allow Mari to move in with his family, in the states." Adrien announced, nonchalantly, "Damian is over protective and his family is always making sure no one is stressed out."
"You make her sound like an object." Lila commented.
The model scoffed, "There's two overprotective people together."
"Marinette isn't overprotective." Alya declared.
"She doesn't lock her diary in a box that traps a thief's hands in it? She doesn't show anyone her designs and keeps a locker, in town, full of her things?" Adrien questioned, with a smile, " Perhaps, you never knew Mari at all, so-called ex-best friend. Mari could defend me for days because I did something wrong. When was the last time she defended any of you?"
'Defend?'
The Agreste heir glared at them, taking his stance next to the couple, "Don't you realize you are partially to blame for her leaving?"
"But Miss Bustier-" Rose began, uncomfortably.
"You're also the reason why Mari wasn't sleeping or eating!" Adrien shouted, pointing to Alya and Nino, "Tossing your siblings at her because it was convenient for you! Having them run up to her as you walk away, so she can't say no! Hell, you don't even talk anymore!"
"Why do you all go to her for help?" Adrien continued to shout, "She isn't the only artist in class! Are Alix and Nathaniel not good enough? Both Max and I have excellent grades, as well!"
Everyone looked down, never expecting the scolding. They had come to rely on Marinette so much, they hadn't realized the pressure they had put her under until now and it took Adrien to tell them.
"I'm okay." Marinette spoke up, hugging Adrien.
Damian swiftly scooped her up, "I'm taking her home. She doesn't need to be here, with them."
Adrien nodded, "I'll see you at dinner tomorrow." and with that, the couple was gone.
"Adrien." Nino called out.
"You guys pushed her so hard, she hadn't slept in almost a week." Adrien spoke softly, "It can cause neurological damage. You guys have been mean to her in school. She was just trying to meet you expectations; she was trying to be your friend."
"Wait, how long has Mari been dating that guy?" questioned Mylene, "Her parents wouldn't just let her move into a stranger's home."
"Three years." Adrien answered.
"What?" asked Alix.
Rose perked up, "What about her bullying Lila?"
The model rolled his eyes, "Mari never bullied her."
"Yes she did." Alya shouted, "Marinette wanted to date you!"
" Well, I asked her out and got rejected." Adrien announced, "She did admit that she liked me when Lila moved here, but she was getting over me. Marinette helped me get with my ex-girlfriend, Kagami, despite her feelings for me. By the time I asked her out, she was already with Damian. Lial has been lying to you and getting you to harass Mari."
"But....Why are you saying all of this now?" asked Nathaniel, getting increasingly frustrated.
"Oh, I told Alya and Nino years ago." he said, showing off his model smile, "They thought it was 'cute' that I was trying to defend Mari and be her 'knight in shining armor'. Doesn't matter now, though."
"What do you mean?" asked Kim, as people turned to look at the couple.
"Like I said before, her boyfriend is overprotective and Mari finds it cute. Her parents adore him. They think she's in good hands and so do I." Adrien replied, "Damian is known for not putting up with anyone's shit and breaking bones, if people get in his way. His mother raised him to believe that women were criminal masterminds, looking for the next big catch."
Lila unknowingly flinched.
The model smiled, "She taught him to fight and that anyone was an opponent. He is trained in several martial arts and banned from several competitions because he was trained since he could walk."
"I know Mari will always be protected and no one will ever hurt her again." He continued, glaring at them, "No more torn up homework. No more getting tripped in the halls. No more unnecessary work. I can guarantee that if Damian ever saw it happening to Mari, he wouldn't hold back. Bruce tells him he's too advanced and he could cause some serious damage to someone if he went all out. Damian wouldn't care and I would be cheering him on."
Adrien walked away leaving them stunned.
"Why didn't you tell us that Adrien told you Lila was a liar?" Questioned Ivan.
"Huh?" Nino answered, still in shock, "Uh, we...just thought he was...that Adrien wanted to help her. It was out of nowhere!"
"Why did you dump your siblings with Marinette?" Countered Nathaniel.
"She always helped before. She could be trusted-" Alya began.
"Trusted enough to look out for little kids, but not enough to be you friend?" Juleka pressed.
"It sounds like she was never given the chance to reject you...generous offer." Max countered.
Agitated, Alya shouted back, "What about your theatre's club backdrop?"
Everyone quickly turned against each other, fighting over who had pushed Marinette pass her limit. Who had pissed off Adrien? While they were busy arguing, Lila slipped away, tossing away her wig.
'Well, that school was a bust. Back to being Cerise.'
Adrien couldn't help but look at Marinette across the room. The only thing that bothered him so much was that she was there with her husband, Damian Wayne. He saw the smile he missed; saw her laughing with friends. He could see how close she was to him, every time she turned and looked at him to continue the story.
"How did you meet your husband, Marinette?"
"Yeah he doesn't look familiar."
"Did he go to school with us; I feel like I would have remembered him."
"Uncle Jagged took me on tour when I graduated, half way through the year, and I met Damian during one of the stops." Marinette answered.
Adrien looked away and noticed his friends were uncomfortable. Some people, those closest to Mari, stopped listening to Lila. Kitty Section had launched to stardom with their amazing clothes, lyrics and Jagged Stones backing. The others…..'Did I do the right thing?' was running across their minds.
"Hey, let's get out of here for a bit." Kim spoke, "I need a drink.
"Alya nodded, "It's….unnerving, right now."
"I don't know." Nino declared.
"It'll only be for an hour." Kim sighed, "There's a place to drink a block away. We can walk over and back."
"We can take my car." Adrien smiled, "I'll probably only have one drink."
Outnumbered, Nino groaned, "I'll drive us back."
After a quick round up, they left to a near by bar.
"This isn't how I expected this reunion to go!" Alya whined, "I thought Marinette would be miserable and we would be telling her, 'You should have be nicer to Lila'. Why is her life; her friends' life, better than ours?"
"Odine broke up with me two months after she found out that I had pulled a prank on Marinette when we were twelve." Kim sighed, "She never got over it. She said I was heartless and a monster to do that to a girl. She said she would be terrified of having daughters with me. I wasn't even thinking that far ahead."
"Looks like you are now." Nathaniel stated.
"I- She was the first girl to confess to me and our dates weren't horrible!" Kim retorted.
Alix chuckled, "Thought that was Marinette."
The former swimmer growled, "Shut up! It's not my fault that girls only want some slim-fit guy!"
"Mylene and Ivan are married." Nino pointed out, "Neither of them are 'slim-fit'."
"That's right!" Alya shouted, "You're blaming us, but guys only want model types. Where's the love for curvy girls, huh? Show me thicc love, dammit!"
"I don't know." Kim spoke, "Where did it go, Nino?"
The DJ rolled his eyes, "It was a mutual break up. We had conflicting schedules and barely had time to talk to each other. It was a ten minute talk at most and then class or sleep. Even now, most dates I've had have been coffee because I'm tired after a gig."
Nino realized his best friend had been quiet so far. He was sure he would have defended himself when his long-time ex brought up models. Out of the corner of his eye, he spotted five shot glasses.
"Hey, Dude, are you okay?" Nino questioned, "You ususally don't drink this much."
Adrien turned to Nino and pouted, "I should have married Marinette."
The model didn't expect the table to erupt in laughter.
"Nice one, Dude." Nino smiled, "I understand you want to be included."
"I'm serious!" Adrien whined.
"Dude, if you really feel that way, you only have yourself to blame." his best friend stated.
"Huh?" Adrien replied, confused.
"You were the blindest idiot, as a teen." Alix cackled.
Alya rolled her eyes, "Mari was head over heels for you. It's why she bullied Lila, duh."
Adrien tried to shake off the alcohol, "Bullied Lila?"
Alya took another sip, "You know because you and Lila were dating."
"I would never date that Bitch!" the model shouted.
Everyone froze and looked at him.
"What?" Kim questioned.
"I never dated Lila." the Agreste heir snarled, "I would have never-She's not my type. Fuck, I would never date a model, period. I have always hated modeling; both Chloe and Mari knew that. I did it to get my father's attention."
Everyone looked at each other as the web of lies began to untangle in front of them. After all these years, the thread had begun to snap.
"You all thought Mari was bullying Lila because she liked me?" Adrien continued to rant, "You forget she helped me get with Kagami. Kagami even told me she tried to get us back together. Hell, 'Gami had a crush on her, but ended up with Felix instead. She still says that if Mari suddenly wanted to get together, she'd drop Felix."
No one knew what to say. Everything they thought they knew, that kept them as friends was slowly coming undone. They had been 'Team Lila' for the longest time and now….what were they? Adrien never dated Lila. Adrien said he would never date her. He believed Marinette wouldn’t bully Lila simply because Lila had feelings for him because Marinette helped him get a girlfriend. If that was all true, why did Lila say they dated? Why did she say Marinette bullied her? As if a distant echo, they recalled Marinette calling their friend a liar. Had Lila really lied to them all this time?
Kim let out a loud belch, "Like we believe that." his speech slurring.
"You're saying I'm lying?" Adrien questioned.
Mr. 'Just A Friend' had feelings for her?" Kim answered, "Yeah, right."
"Mr. what?" Adrien asked.
"It's your catchphrase." the former swimmer laughed, "I'm sure you all remember. 'Who, Marinette? No! She's just a friend. She's a good friend. She's a great friend. You'll like her once you get to know her and be friends with her. She's an amazing friend'."
Alix yawned, getting bored of the dying party, "You had 'FRIENDZONE' tattooed on your forehead."
Alya relaxed. She had been so close to believeing that she had betrayed the wrong person, but Adrien having feelings for Marinette was laughable at this point.
"Marinette obviously got tired of hearing how much of a 'friend' she was to you." Alya declared, "The shit I had to listen to when we were friends! How 'dreamy' you looked. The names of you imaginary kids! You two gettign a hamster."
"She found someone better." Alix shrugged, "He's taller and looks strong as hell. The only things you share in common are green eyes and wealthy families."
"Gold digging, Bitch." Alya snarled.
"I thought that, too." Alix admitted, "From what Juleka tells me, Marinette makes more than Adrien alone on her fashion commissions. That's without using her muscle hubby or his family name. Rose said that not even Luka compares. Kitty Section went with them to the Caribbean and …muscles and scars. Said Mari couldn't keep her eyes of him and they barely saw her after that."
"Demon God." muttered Nathaniel.
"Demon God?" questioned Nino.
"His brothers call him 'Demon Spawn', but he's chiseled like the sexy Lucifer marble statues that the church said no to." Nathaniel groaned, "I should have taken my chance, too."
Nino glanced at Adrien and saw him tearing up.
'Shit.'
"Okay, I think we get the idea." the DJ stated, trying to change the subject.
"Alya's right. We tried to get them together so many times, but he always thought they were 'friendly outings' even though eveyone had a date." Kim continued.
Nathaniel took another shot, "Imagine getting kissed by the most popular girl at school and thinking she was 'just being nice'."
"Lila?" Alya replied, "I thought-"
"Lila was popular in class, only." Nathaniel answered, "Marinette was popular all over school. The true 'Queen' of the school."
Adrien quickly stood up, scraping his chair against the floor, and rushed out. Nino quickly rushed out after him.
"What's his problem?" Kim asked.
Alya's eyes trailed after Nino's back before she took another drink and turned back to the group.
Nino quickly spotted Adrien's car. He slowly approached it and found him sobbing in the passenger's seat.
'At least he didn't think he could drive.'
Nino walked around and sat in the driver's side. He simply patted his friend's back.
"Did-Is what Kim said true?" Adrien asked.
Nino unintentionally paused his hand's movements, trying to decide what would be best.
"Nino!" Adrien shouted, "You're my best friend! Is what-"
"Yes." he answered.
He could feel the weight of Adrien's gaze on him.
"We did try setting you up with Marinette." Nino spoke, calmly, "Everyone in the school could see she liked you. I don’t know when she stopped; we truly believed that she was mean to Lila because Lila was with you."
"Not in a million years." Adrien replied.
"You sure?" Nino asked, looking at his friend.
"Not even if it brought my mother back." Adrien growled, "I can't stand her."
Nino started the car as Adrien sunk into his seat. They drove in silence, but he faintly heard the model's sniffles. He knew Adrien might not possibly remember the night and he didn't want to say anything that was too damaging. It was a conversation for another time…if there ever was.
Adrien thanked Nino as they got out of the car and he took the keys form him, "She looked happy tonight, didn't she? Her smiles were always the brightest."
Nino watched as tears fell down his friend's cheeks. Adrien quickly turned and went inside. Nino sighed and took out his phone.
"Yo, Max. I need a ride." he spoke, "Got a minute to spare?"
Alya sighed into her hot chocolate for the tenth time.
"Alright!" shouted Nino, "What? What is it?"
"I just don't understand what she sees in this guy." she complained.
"Alya, just drop it." her boyfriend whined.
"But-" Alya attempted to begin her rant.
"Alya! I get that you're upset, but this isn't your decision; it' Mari's!" Nino said, setting his stuff down.
"You don't understand! Adrien finally agreed to go out with her, but now she's dating some other guy. It's been two weeks, Nino! " Alya pouted.
"I take it, this, " he said, waving his hand up and down at her, "is about lunch. What happened?"
Alya glared at him, but he was slowly becoming impervious to her glare. Finally, she sighs.
"I met them at the café. Mari was actually on time; probably his doing. He pulled out a chair for her to sit. I joined them and Mari introduced me to him. His name is Damian Wayne. He's from Gotham and is the son of a businessman. He's here helping his father expand the company." she began.
"Apparently, his brother also set him up on a blind date and that’s how they ended up at the same table. Neither of us had said who they were waiting for. Before they answered our texts, he had asked her if she wanted to continue the date. She actually thanked me for not telling her it was Adrien!" Alya yelled, "It took everything I had not to scream right there and then, with a smile on my face! How could she says yes if she finally knew Adrien wanted to go out w/ her?"
"Well, good for her." Nino stated.
"How can you say that?" she shrieked, "I have been on 'Team Adrienette' since we were fourteen and-"
"And fourteen is a really long time. Maybe she didn't want to wait anymore." he replied taking his girlfriend's hand.
"The only reason he cancelled was cuz someone sent him a pic of Mari with Damian at their rendezvous spot! I tried to talk with her the next day to go out with Adrien again, but they had already agreed to a second date the next day!" Alya comlained.
"Yes, so you've told me." Nino sighed, "What else happened at lunch?"
"We ordered food. I asked things were between them and Mari smiled. Smiled! She said they've been on a couple dates. Get this! He even helped decorate her place. Mari doesn’t even let me do that! When I brought up about decorating for Christmas last time, she said it was 'too small'. Apparently, he's also met Tom and Sabine. They love him." she pouted, bringing her hot chocolate to her lips.
"So far, he sounds nice." Nino said.
"Nice! He's-" she began.
"What? Not Adrien?" he asked."
"Exactly!" she cried out, spilling some of her drink on the floor, "He's the complete opposite. He looks broody. He never laughed or smiled at lunch. He looked like he was constantly glaring at me. Adrien's sunshine personified and Damian is like the night."
"Well, did he give you any bad feelings?" the DJ pressed on, trying to get his girlfriend to see reason.
"No." the reporter pouted.
"Okay, you ate. What else did you talk about?" he continued.
"Damian calls Marinette his 'Angel'." Alya said, wiping up the mess.
"Cute." Nino replied.
"It's like your not even on my side!" she exclaimed.
"I'm on Mari's side." he answered. Alya scoffed as she threw herself back onto the couch cushions.
"All I want Is for my friends to be happy and Mari sounds happy." he explained, "I mean your talking about your girl who could barely stutter out sentences to my boy for years."
"Yeah, but that's the problem! It's the same girl who pictured a future with 'your boy' and their three imaginary children. They had names, Nino!" she yelled, causing him to wince, "She doesn't even stutter around this guy!"
"Als, it sounds like Mari grew up. She's not stuttering. She's not pining after someone who's never looked her way and she's not calling you every second asking what she should say." Nino spoke.
"But Adrien-" Alya tried to make him see reason.
"Lost his chance." he explained, taking her hands again.
"But-" she started.
"How long have you been trying to set them up? How long did it take for him to even say yes to this date? He could have still went to the date and just explained things, but he cancelled. The way I see it, Mari was right to move on. I get that your trying to be there for her, but I don’t think she needs help with this right now. If she does, she knows to come to you, like always." Nino said, "I'm sorry, Alya, but I think you're flying solo on the Adrienette ship. Even Adrien has jumped ship."
"What do you mean?" she asked.
He sighed, but continued, "Ad-Adrien was excited for that date."
"AH-HA!" she exclaimed, jumping up.
"BUT! Nino shouted to get through to her, "But, he saw them the other day. He saw how happy Marinette looked with the guy. Even he could tell, that this guy was special to her. Adrien said part of him wished he had gone, but he also knows it took him too long to see how amazing she is."
Alya sat down.
"This-This is it isn't it? Adrienette is over." she asked, pulling her hot chocolate close to her.
"Yeah. Yeah it is." Nino replied, pulling her close.
