Marinette's Fashion Sketchbook: Lycée Dance
Excerpt:
Adrien had arrived at the dance early, in the hopes that she’d already be there, but she wasn’t. He stood near the far wall, sipping punch as students from all three levels of the Lycée trickled in. The Seconde years were always the first to arrive (besides him, evidently), not wanting to miss out on anything, but the party didn’t pick up steam until level Terminale arrived. Before long, they commanded the dance floor, and the party was in full swing. He couldn’t bring himself to join in. Not yet. Dieu, he was desperate to see her.
What would he say when he saw her? Would he kiss her on the spot? No, that was far too drastic. He had to get a hold of himself, but nothing had worked. It hadn’t even been a full day, but it had been enough for Nino to notice he was behaving strangely. But he hadn’t had the chance to talk to her about it since the akuma attack…
He knew she was nervous. But so was he! They’d been fighting side by side for four years, and he’d never known… Dieu, if he had only known…
He glanced up and choked on his punch, spluttering and setting it aside before she noticed. He had to be cool.
Because there she was. Standing in the doorway, her eyes darting around nervously. She was the most beautiful sight he had ever seen, in a light pink dress embroidered with roses. It was so her it made him want to weep. Or laugh. Or dissolve into a puddle. Oh, so many emotions, he didn’t know what to think.
She made eye contact with him from across the room, and before he knew it, he was by her side.
“Hi,” he said, breathlessly. She gazed up at him, a clear blush across her cheeks.
“Hi,” she replied with a smile. His heart pounded in his chest as he looked into her eyes. How had he never noticed before? They had the same eyes. He almost couldn’t believe it if it wasn’t so perfect. He was staring at her. And not saying a thing. What to say? A change in the music knocked him to his senses.
“Dance with me?” he asked, his breath not quite restored.
“Okay,” she nodded shyly. He took her hand, and they took to the dance floor with all the other couples in their year. It was a slow song; perfect timing. He had to convince himself he wasn’t dreaming as he placed his hand on her waist and hers rested on his shoulder. He took her other hand lightly in his, and they began to sway.
“I’m sorry,” Marinette said suddenly. He peered down at her, surprised. She was blushing so furiously now.
“For what?” he asked, befuddled.
“Just that— for how we found out. I messed up,” she said, biting her lip. He couldn’t believe what he was hearing.
“It’s not your fault,” he said in disbelief. “Neither of us saw it coming! Hawkmoth was ready; he timed it perfectly.”
“But he may know now!”
“It doesn’t matter,” Adrien said firmly. “We’ll keep fighting like we always do. And I’m glad it was you.” He said, peering into her eyes. The redness in her cheeks had not faded.
“You don’t have to…” she couldn’t bring herself to finish, turning her gaze away.
“What?” he asked, but she didn’t answer, her cheeks getting even pinker. She seemed uncomfortable. Sad. “I don’t have to what?” he murmured.
“You don’t have to pretend,” she managed. “I know this was a shock to both of us. I know it may be disappointing—” she choked. “—that it’s me.” Adrien froze. “I know you’ve harbored feelings for Ladybug for so long, I know it’s… I’m a different person… You don’t have to pretend you love me.”
And suddenly everything made sense. It slammed into him like a freight train. She’d been avoiding him because she thought this changed things. Changed them.
“Marinette,” he breathed, watching her. “Please look at me.” After a moment’s hesitation, she did, her eyes watery. “I was never in love with Ladybug.” Her eyebrows furrowed.
“That’s a lie,” she said, a bit of that Ladybug sass showing itself. His heart swelled.
“It’s not,” he replied, with a tilted smile. “I was in love with the girl beneath the mask. I couldn’t call her by a name other than Ladybug, but now that I know… Marinette… I’m in love with you. I have been this whole time; I just didn’t know it.”
Continue reading of Ao3: https://archiveofourown.org/works/76345066/chapters/233981431