Marinette
She stepped to the side, dodging a ball coming from her left. There were three left on the other team, but all three were some of the best. She turned, counting those left on her team. Alya, Kim, Adrien, and herself.
"Alya!"
Alya jogged over, ducking a ball thrown at her head. A whistle sounded, and the coach scolded the boy who threw it.
"What's up?"
She asked out of breath, and Marinette nodded in Max's direction.
"I need both you and Adrien to aim for Max. He's basically the brain. We get rid of him, and their team will crumble."
"You're talking like we're at war."
Alya said with a grin, and the coach blew the whistle.
"Get back to Adrien, and get Kim to come up here."
Alya saluted her, and Marinette turned back to the game. Max was in the middle of the two guys, who were a bit bigger than him, giving him a solid wall of defense. He was telling them whether to duck, aim, or catch. The only way to beat Max was strategy.
"Got a plan?"
Adrien was slightly behind her to her right, and she glanced back for Alya.
"I did. I guess Alya got out. We need to get Max out."
"I was thinking the same thing."
He stepped up beside her, tossing a ball to her. They made eye contact, and simultaneously pulled their arms back, chucking the balls forward, as if they were on a pitcher's mound instead of in the courtyard. One of the balls they threw hit one person, bounced and hit Max in the arm. They both sulked to the side line, while everyone else cheered their final teammate on. It was now three against one. There was no way this guy would win. She looked back for Kim, who was now waving from the side line as well. Well, it was still two against one, with the odds stacked in their favor.
"Mari look out!"
She heard Alya shout, and she turned, one of the dodge balls aimed at her face. She didn't have time to react, but she knew she wouldn't be able to dodge anyway. Her body tensed, awaiting the inevitable impact. A flash of a hand obstructed her vision, catching the ball before it hit her.
"I caught it, you're out."
She followed up the arm, looking up at Adrien. He had this victorious look on his face, and that pang in her heart made itself known again. Whoops and hollers erupted from their teammates, and Adrien gave her an award winning smile.
"Good catch."
She whispered, and he laughed, tossing the ball towards the coach, who was packing them up for the day.
"We make a pretty good team."
She would have argued that she didn't do anything but stand there, if Alya hadn't grabbed her arm, hauling her away. She held up her phone, sporting a wicked grin.
"What did you do?"
Her grin got wider, and she turned the screen to Marinette. She had taken several photos, the first being where they had both pitched at the same time.
"Alya, I told you to stop doing that."
"How could I resist? Look at when he caught the ball."
She scrolled, and Alya zoomed in on Adrien's face. He looked pissed, and he was glaring at the guy that threw it. It must have happened fast, because when she looked at him, he was happy about winning.
"I already sent them to your phone."
Marinette forced a smile, nodding her head.
"Okay. Thanks Alya."
"And Adrien's."
Marinette froze, looking down at the last few pictures. She looked like a lovesick puppy.
"Unsend them."
"I can't, plus he already opened them."
Marinette turned her head, finding Adrien leaning against the wall, phone in hand. Great.
"Alya! Why would you do that? I looked ridiculous! I was all sweaty, and my hair was a mess."
She whined, covering her face.
"Oh stop it Mari. You looked hot."
The bell rang, and she pulled off the blue jersey she was wearing.
"I'm heading to Nino's. Want to come?"
Marinette shook her head, grabbing her phone.
"I can't, I've got-"
"Lots of work to do, I know. But it's friday girl, live a little."
Marinette shifted from one foot to the other, looking at the clock.
"How about tomorrow we do something together?"
"Fine fine. Tomorrow then."
Marinette gave her a quick wave, jogging back towards the locker rooms. She had to get home, do her chores, go on patrol, take a shower, then invite Chat over. Her face heated at the thought of him, her stomach turning to mush. What if it worked for her and not him? What if it didn't work at all, then, what if it worked for both of them? What then? Friends with benefits? She grabbed her bag from her locker, deciding against changing out of her gym clothes. This was faster, plus she'd be running home anyway. She hurried out, passing the rows of lockers.
"Hey, Marinette!"
She slid to a halt, quickly turning and looking down the last row she had passed. Adrien was closing his locker, and he walked over to her.
"Need a ride home?"
She paused, bouncing on her feet a little. She could lie, and say she was catching a ride with Alya, but he and Nino talked about everything.
"Sure. It's faster than walking."
She blurted, and he smiled, drawing her attention to his mouth.
"Awesome. I'm in the mood for something sweet."
Butterflies exploded in her stomach, and she forced herself to nod. What he said hadn't even been inappropriate, and yet her brain was still short circuiting. They walked out to his car, and he pulled out of the parking lot.
"You think your mom will mind me stopping by?"
"Please. She loves all of my friends. If you're not careful, she'll probably try to trick you into staying for dinner."
He grinned, and looked over at her.
"You say that like it's a bad thing."
"No-I I don't- I didnt mean... it's just-"
He burst out laughing, shaking his head at her.
"I'm teasing Mari."
She pouted and crossed her arms, making him laugh harder.
"Oh we'll see who has the last laugh."
Adrien
"Sabine! How goes the baking?"
"Adrien! Back so soon?"
She popped her head up from behind the counter, grinning at the two of them. He smiled back, looking over all of the sweets in the display case.
"You know me, just couldn't resist the idea of an eclair."
"Maman? I'm going to jump in the shower, then I'll get started on chores."
She nodded, and Marinette gave him a small wave, retreating back into the house.
"How about a chocolate eclair? Just made them an hour ago."
He turned back to Sabine, giving her a nod.
"That sounds wonderful."
She grabbed a pair of tongs, pulling the biggest one out.
"How was school?"
There it was. What he had been craving since he was a child. Interest. Someone who actually gave a damn about how his day went.
"It was great. I even saved Marinette's life."
"Oh did you now?"
He almost jumped at Tom's voice, watching him set a tray down on the counter.
"Yes sir. It was during dodge ball. The last person on the other team threw a ball directly at her face, and I caught it."
Tom laughed, and Sabine handed him the eclair on a small plate.
"How sweet! Like her knight in shining armor!"
He grinned at the thought, sitting down at one of the tables.
"You could say that."
"I'm a knight in shining armor too."
Tom grumbled, setting the fresh croissants in the display case.
"You're my knight in shining aprons."
Sabine giggled, and Tom kissed her on the cheek. Adrien wished his dad could find someone like that. Someone that would get him to open up and be happy again.
"Are you planning on staying over for a bit?"
Sabine asked, passing him a napkin.
"Oh, I can go if you need to close up."
"Oh no! No stay as long as you like. We're having beef bourguigon for dinner if you'd like to stay."
He grinned, Marinette was right. She did invite him to stay for dinner. Mari didn't seem too keen on the idea though, probably because she was having a guest over later.
"I probably won't be able to stay that long, but thank you."
"Of course! You're welcome to come over anytime!"
Sabine grinned, and he smiled back. Marinette was so lucky to have them as her parents. He wondered if she knew that.
He had been there almost two hours when Marinette came back downstairs. She was wearing a tank top and shorts, her hair was down and still damp from the shower. His heart rate picked up involuntarily, and he tried to focus on what Sabine was saying to him.
"And the only way I can give you that recipe, is if you marry into the family."
"Maman!"
Her voice was a squeak, and he felt himself blushing.
"What? I was just saying."
Marrinette let out an exasperated sigh, and Sabine winked at him before turning to Marinette.
"Did you finish upstairs?"
"Yes, clean room, clothes in the wash and a spotless bathroom."
She leaned down and grabbed a Macaroon from the display, taking a bite of it.
"Don't spoil your dinner."
Tom pointed a finger at her, and she nodded.
"I just need you to wipe down the tables and sweep up the kitchen. Then we can have dinner."
Adrien watched her finish the Macaroon, his stomach twisting when he watched her lick some jam off of her finger. He looked away, swallowing hard. Adrien and Marinette were just friends. He needed to relax.
"So what are you still doing here? She wouldn't let you leave?"
Marinette turned to him, and he chuckled.
"She kept offering me snacks."
Marinette clicked her tounge, shaking her head at him.
"Mhm. That's how they get you."
He nodded, standing up.
"Do you need any help cleaning up?"
She seemed to tense when he got closer, so he stopped a few feet away.
"Oh no, you're a guest."
Sabine commented, and he turned his head to look at her.
"Really, I don't mind helping."
Tom stepped around Sabine, tossing him a rag.
"Tom!"
"What? He's willing to work for free!"
Adrien grinned, wiping down the table he had been sitting at. Marinette began setting the chairs upside down on top of the tables, and he mimicked her movement.
"Thank you honey. All that's left is the kitchen."
Marinette nodded, and he followed her into the kitchen. It wasn't really messy, not what he expected from a bakery anyway.
"We only have one broom, so you can wipe up the counter while I sweep."
He nodded and moved to the counter, wiping up a layer of flour.
"Your parents are great Mari. You're pretty lucky."
He murmered, and she started sweeping.
"I am. I wouldn't change them for anything."
He smiled, trying to ignore the guilt he felt at that. He would give up everything to change his father. Was that wrong?
"Adrien, there's someone here for you!"
He heard Sabine call, and he walked out into the bakery. Natalie stood on the other side of the counter, and he quickly crammed the rag into his back pocket.
"Your father sent me to retrieve you."
He sighed, walking over to her.
"Can we talk outside?"
She turned, and he followed her outside, where it was starting to rain. She opened her umbrella, and looked at him.
"It's time to come home Adrien."
"I want to stay for dinner."
"You have dinner waiting at home for you Adrien."
She was quick with the response, as if she had been expecting him to ask.
"But is father there? At the table, waiting for me?"
He saw the slightest frown, but it was gone in an instant.
"Your father is taking his dinner in his office again. You know he is-"
"Very busy, yes. I know. Is it wrong of me to want to have dinner here? With people who actually want to talk to me? Can't you just tell him I'm working on history with Mari?"
She sighed softly, looking through the window of the bakery. He followed her gaze, Sabine was at the counter watching them, and his heart warmed when he noticed how protective she looked.
"Adrien I-"
"Please Natalie. I don't want to eat alone again."
She looked back at him, and he could tell she had given in.
"You will return home as soon as dinner is finished?"
"Yes, yes I promise."
She nodded, turning to go back to the car.
"Thank you Natalie."
She nodded again, not looking back at him as she drove off. He was so relieved. He took out Chat Noir's cell, asking Marinette what time she wanted him to come by. He stepped back into the bakery, giving Sabine a triumphant smile, which she returned in kind. When he walked into the kitchen, he noticed Mari was on her phone, and he smiled at how pink her cheeks were.
"Looks like I'm staying for dinner."
She jumped, quickly hiding her phone behind her back.
"Huh? Oh. That's great."
He leaned against the counter, tilting his head at her.
"You sure? You seem like you can't wait to get rid of me."
"N-no! It's not that! I...I just am ready to get to bed is all. I'm glad you're staying for dinner."
She smiled, and Sabine poked her head in the doorway.
"I heard you decided to stay. Marinette, could you set out another place for him?"
"Of course Maman."
She turned, opening a cabinet. While her back was turned, he checked his phone.
"I'll text you when."
He looked up, watching her stretch to try to grab a bowl.
"Are you nervous princess?"
He texted back, before slipping his phone back into his pocket. He reached over her, grabbing the bowl. She tensed and turned, almost hitting his chest as she did.
"Sorry. Looks like you need a step ladder."
"Well, not everyone can be blessed with your height, Adrien Agreste."
He crossed his arms, leaning down closer to her.
"Using my full name huh? Does that mean I'm in trouble?"
Her blush darkened, and he kicked himself mentally. That sounded way too much like Chat Noir.
"Finished setting the table Marinette?"
She quickly stepped around him, grabbing the bowl as she did.
"A-almost!"
Why was he being so flirty? He had agreed to meeting her as Chat, because it wouldn't affect Adrien and Marinette at all. He shook it off, heading over to the table. Tom had already sat down, and he motioned Adrien over.
"You can sit next to me."
Adrien pulled out a chair and sat down, looking over the food at the table.
"Everything looks delicious."
"Everything?"
Tom repeated, and when Adrien turned to look at him, finding that he was squinting at him. He felt his face grow hot, and he quickly looked away.
"The food. The food looks delicious."
He blurted, and Tom chuckled, slapping a hand on Adrien's back.
"Sabine's cooking always does. I hear you and Marinette are working on a project together. Will we be seeing more of you?"
He smiled as her mom poured some of the stew into his bowl, and he nodded.
"Yeah, probably. The project is due next week I think. Right Mari?"
Everyone turned to her, and she not so stealthily hid her phone beneath the table.
"Huh? Right, next week."
Sabine shot her a pointed look, and Marinette held both of her hands up in surrender. They all started eating, and he felt like he was in paradise. There were no tense silences, no brooding stares. They actually seemed to enjoy each other's company. He found himself getting jealous, wishing he and his dad could be like that.
Once they finished eating, he sat back, stretching out. God he felt so full.
"So Adrien here tells us he saved your life today."
Tom looked at Marinette, who put her hands on her hips. He wondered if it had always been that cute when she did it.
"He what?"
"In gym! Catching the ball like that. Must have been so scary."
Sabine commented, her voice full of appraisal. Marinette scoffed, turning to look at Adrien.
"It was a foam ball. I wouldn't have died."
"I still saved you. And I've got the pictures to prove it."
He crossed his arms, giving her a challenging look.
"I could have ducked."
"Yeah but you didnt."
"But I could have."
He stuck his tounge out at her, and she rolled her eyes.
"What time do you have to get home Adrien?"
Tom asked, and Adrien stood up.
"Now actually. I promised I'd head home as soon as dinner was finished."
"Aww. You'll come back to see us, won't you?"
Sabine asked and his gaze drew to Marinette, whose back was turned as she cleared the table.
"How could I resist?"