Chapter Text
Chapter 50
~Marinette’s POV~
“Adrien…?” I spoke his name quietly, completely taken by surprise, though I still stepped out of the elevator and took a few steps towards him. “What—What are you doing here?”
“I had to speak with you.” He answered in a quiet voice of his own. It was so filled with hope and nervousness, I didn’t know what to say in response to him. Or to the bouquet of red roses he held in one hand or the small, white and pink box in his other.
I couldn’t speak as I watched him slowly walk towards me. Tears weld in my eyes, and part of me wanted to run. But a stronger part of me willed me to stay.
“I’ve missed you, Marinette.” He started with a small, sad smile when he was only a few feet in front of me and took no more steps to get closer to me. “I’ve really, really missed you. And I’ve deserved this from you because I said the worst thing to you… I’m sorry I lied.”
“You—When did you lie…?” I stammered, suddenly feeling rather nervous, and yet also excited, to hear what he had to say to me. He was standing much closer than he had been in the last few days, and it made me feel so guilty because it was me who was pushing him away.
I noticed him shifting on his feet in nervousness and a small part of me was able to find it cute despite my own nervousness that was overwhelming me. “I lied when I said that—These are for you! —when I said that kiss didn’t mean anything to me.”
In the middle of his explanation, he thrust the bouquet of roses forward as if he were worried that his words wouldn’t be enough. As I took the roses in my arms, I looked at him, suddenly in shock when he finished speaking. “That—That was your lie…?”
I watched him as he looked down and nodded, the hand that had been holding the roses moving so he was now holding the box in both hands, his eyes trained on it. “Marinette, when I kissed you at the end of that scene with the mistletoe, I really wasn’t just doing it because I thought it would give the scene a better ending… I wanted—I really wanted to kiss you…”
My face heated up uncontrollably, even more so as I saw that he was blushing too. “So… that kiss did mean something to you…?”
Adrien nodded and slowly looked up at me from the small box. “Yes… Marinette, that kiss meant a lot more to me than I led you to believe… And I’m really sorry I lied to you.”
“Why did you lie about it in the first place?” I asked quietly. It was the biggest question I had asked myself over and over again when considering that he may have lied to me about whether or not the kiss meant anything.
“Because…” He trailed off and chuckled nervously, though it sounded very forced as if it was covering his awkwardness. “Because I was worried that you wouldn’t be happy knowing that I liked you.”
“You like me?!” I asked instantly, and though I had before thought of it as a completely logical reason for why he might kiss me, hearing him now say that him liking me was really the reason made me wonder if this was just a dream.
“Well, yeah I—" Adrien said with a smile that mostly showed his nervousness. “No, not exactly.”
My heart fell again, and my response was a mixture of hurt and confusion. “What…?”
Adrien just let out a slight breath of amusement. “So… I’m guessing that means you haven’t listened to the voicemails I’ve been leaving you?”
“Actually…” I started, my fingers nervously poking each other as I looked down, eyes fixing on Adrien’s feet. “I—no I didn’t.”
“I had a feeling that was the case.” He said, and I was surprised by the gentleness of his tone. It was almost as if he hadn’t realized I’d been completely ignoring him and avoiding him for the past few days. “Will you… Listen to them now?”
“Now?” I asked, confused as I took out my phone and started to tap the screen to take me to my voicemail. Why couldn’t he just tell me himself?
I held the phone up to my ear as the first message of seven started playing, and I almost immediately knew why he wanted me to listen to them. I could hear the desperation in his voice as made it clear that he really wanted to talk to me. And each message I listened to only made me feel worse.
“Hey, Marinette. This is Adrien, but I’m sure your phone told you that.” A slight pause. “Look, we need to talk. I made a huge mistake and I’m really, really sorry.” Another, slightly longer, pause. “I really miss you. Please call me back, okay? I love you.”
I instantly looked at him in surprise, but he wasn’t looking in my direction. He was looking down at the ground just ahead of him to avoid looking at me and, though my heart was already racing from the message, I noticed he was also blushing. Instead of saying anything to him, I listened as the next one started.
“Hey, Marinette. It’s Adrien… again. Look, I know that it’s only been about an hour since I last called, but I really just wanted to tell you that I thought you looked really pretty today… and I miss you a lot. Please call or text me back.”
“Marinette! Hi! It’s Adrien. It’s later now, and I’m sorry for calling you again, but I just wanted to wish you a good night and… since I’ve already said it before and there’s no taking it back… I love you. So, uh… good night, Marinette.
“It’s your voicemail again, so I’m guessing you really, really don’t want to talk to me, which is fair. I just wanted to say good morning and I’m excited to see you today at school. I really hope you have a good day today. I love you.”
“I’m sorry… I know you’re angry with me and I should probably really stop calling you. And I bet you’re getting annoyed with me saying that I love you, and you probably don’t believe me either. I’m really, really sorry. If there’s anything I can do to make it up to you, please tell me what to do. I miss you.”
By the time the messages from under an hour ago started playing, I was having a hard time containing my tears. A hand was over my mouth as I stared at Adrien, but he didn’t meet my eyes. Instead he stared at the small box in his hands and shifted his feet very nervously.
“Marinette, please come back! I’m sorry that I lied to you! I love you a lot and I really, really miss you!”
“This has gone on long enough, Marinette. Please, please talk to me! I’m dying without you! I know it might be too late to be anything more than friends, but I don’t know what I’d do if I lost your friendship. I love you, Marinette, and you’re so much more than just a crush. You’re my best friend, and I can’t lose you. Please just answer me so we can talk.”
“Okay… You sent me straight to voicemail, so I know you’re still mad. So, I’ll just say something really quick. Meet me at on the third platform of the Eiffel Tower. I’ll be there, and I promise I’ll make this whole mess up to you. I’ll tell you I lied, that I miss you, and that I love you. Just please, Marinette, come to the Eiffel Tower. Even if all we are now is friends, I’d rather just be friends than lose you forever.”
“Adrien…” I started, my voice shaking from emotion after I realized there were no more messages to listen to from him. My mind was swirling with thoughts and it felt hard to breath. I felt so overwhelmed with emotion. “Adrien, I—”
“Please…” Adrien said quickly to cut me off, though he trailed off as he took a small step towards me, meeting me eyes. “Marinette, I am so sorry for telling you that the kiss meant nothing to me just because I thought it might save our friendship because really all it did was push you away. I’ve realized that I need you in my life. You make me so happy and thinking this lie could’ve made you disappear made me so miserable and I knew it was my fault.”
He paused as he took another small step forward to stand in front of me and he cautiously took my right hand in his left, holding the box in his right hand as I held the roses in my left hand. Then he continued speaking. “I’ve missed you so much, Marinette… and while I know it’s probably too late to fix things between us, I hope we can at least still be friends. I love you so much that I can’t bear to not at least be friends with you.”
My heart thumped in my chest loudly and quickly as I looked at him in shock despite hearing him repeat those same three words from the voice messages. I almost didn’t believe that he really said them. “Can you repeat that..?” I asked quietly, my voice shaking.
“I can’t bear to not at least be friends with you?” He questioned looking confused. I couldn’t help but crack a small smile of amusement, the first smile I’d given him in days, and shook my head at him.
“Just before that…”
“I love you..?” He questioned, a small smile of hope starting to grow on his face.
“Again…” I quietly begged as my smile grew a little more as well.
“I love you…” He responded quietly, his voice surer and his smile a little bigger.
Very slowly, as if I weren’t quite sure if it would be okay with him, I took a small step closer to him. When he made no sign of moving away, I suddenly leapt towards him, throwing my arms around his neck to hug him tightly while standing on my toes, the roses gripped tightly in my left hand as my right gripped the fabric of his shirt as if I were afraid he’d disappear if I didn’t hold on tight. Relief washed over me in a huge wave as I felt his arms embrace my midsection.
“I love you too...” I breathed as I finally let my tears of happiness escape my eyes and roll down my cheeks. I felt his arms tighten around me slightly in response, and I could tell that he was very relieved as well when he let out a shaky sigh of relief.
Neither of us moved for a long time as we just held each other, each perfectly content with our hug. Though, slowly I stood flat on my feet again another moment longer and I noticed the tears that were leaving his eyes. I could tell that they were due to a mixture of relief, fear, happiness, and distress, and my heart broke as I realized for the first time just how much I hurt him.
“Adrien…” I started, bringing my hands up to very carefully hold his cheeks and wipe his tears away with my thumbs. “Adrien, I’m so sorry…”
“It wasn’t your fault, Marinette… It was mine.” He told me, but I shook my head at him.
“No, I shouldn’t have ignored you like I did.” I told him, and though his hands gently gripped on my wrists while my hands were still on his cheeks, I didn’t break eye contact. “I never should have reacted and treated you so badly… I’m so sorry…”
“Why don’t we just forget about this mess we made for ourselves and move forward?” He suggested quietly and I nodded in agreement. He let out another breath of relief and I was suddenly aware that he was blushing. But I couldn’t judge him for it since I was blushing too.
Looking down due to my sudden nervousness again, I noticed that box in his hand once more and pointed at it curiously. “What’s that?”
“Oh.” He responded quickly, holding the box with nervous hands. “This. It was supposed to be an apology gift in case you needed more than just words to get through to you, but… I still want you to have it. I got it specifically for you.”
He held the box towards me, and I looked up at him questioningly. What could it be? I hope it wasn’t something expensive… I slowly took the small box from him and it was the first time I could expect it. It was a square shaped box that was covered in a soft white fabric, both the box and its cover separately, and wrapped neatly with a pink ribbon.
“Adrien, you didn’t have to get this for me.” I said, feeling myself blush more at a seemingly unnecessary gift.
“I really think you’ll like it, Marinette.” He told me with a smile, though he still nervously tucked his hands away into the front pockets of his jeans. “No returns. Just think of it as an early Christmas present.”
I still hesitated, feeling nervous about what was inside, but I gave into my curiosity. I pulled slowly on the pink ribbon to untie the bow, then took off the lid and looked inside. Instantly my eyes widened, and I let out a gasp before quickly covering it in surprise.
“You didn’t!” I exclaimed to him in surprise as I looked up at him.
“I did.” He replied with a smile. It was obvious I loved the gift, and that he was relieved.
“You got me a hamster?!” I exclaimed again as I lifted the lid again and stared down at the little creature in the box. It had red-brown fur with a white chest and paws. It also had dark markings on its head, ears, and sides of its neck.
“I got you a hamster.” He repeated with a happy tone, and I knew I didn’t have to look up at him to know that he was grinning. I looked up at him again and matched his grin before glancing down as I covered the hamster again so I could give Adrien another hug.
“I’ve always wanted a hamster!” I exclaimed excitedly. “This is amazing! You’re amazing! I can’t believe you got me a hamster! She’s so cute! I think I’m going to name her—”
I cut myself off as I heard someone clearing their throat and turned to my right to see Alya standing there watching us with an amused smirk. She must have come up the elevator while Adrien and I were talking, and I didn’t notice her.
“Alya, he got me a hamster.” I said, keeping my voice calm though I was still really excited.
“I know.” She answered with an amused tone. “I helped him get it. I also gave the cage to your parents when you left your room. I believe they’re setting it up for you so it’s ready for your new little friend when you get back home.”
I smiled at Alya thankfully but didn’t say a word. Though she returned the smile and gave me a small nod, showing that no words needed to be said. I turned back to Adrien again and suddenly felt shy and nervous all over again.
“So…” He started, and I knew that he was feeling nervous as well.
“So…” I repeated with an awkward nervous giggle. I blushed as I felt him take hold of my free hand and step closer to me.
“I know you didn’t know it at the time, but I kissed you at the end of that scene because I really liked you.” He said and I instantly felt my blush darken. “So… I think that maybe I should make that kiss up to you.”
“Heh, maybe you should.” I said with an awkward smile and watched as he moved a little closer to me, though I didn’t break eye contact with him.
I could tell he was hesitant as he slowly leaned in a little closer and I couldn’t stop myself from holding my breath in anticipation. “Can I kiss you…?” He asked quietly. I nodded slightly, unable to speak as I could feel his breath against my lips when he spoke. Then our lips met, and my eyes shut.
They only brushed at first, but then we became surer of ourselves. It stayed gentle and light, but it was more than enough to make me feel like I was swept off of my feet. After a couple seconds I blinked open my eyes as our lips parted and he moved away from me. The two of us were a blushing, smiling mess.
His hand was still on my cheek where it had moved as we shared our kiss, and he smiled at me. My heart leapt as I could see just how happy he was, and I knew I looked just as happy as he did. Slowly, he moved his hand off of my cheek and let go of my hand then hugged me, his arms wrapping around my back as they had before.
My arms instinctively wrapped around his waist and I laid my head on his chest, listening to the calming beating of his heart. We didn’t say anything for a moment, just enjoying each other in this hug. It was obvious neither of us wanted it to end.
“Did you like the gift?” He asked quietly after a long moment of silence passed, and I nodded slowly, the side of my head brushing against his shirt.
“It’s perfect…” I sighed quietly. Both of us knew that this hug wouldn’t end anytime soon. “This is perfect…”
Epilogue
~Alya’s POV~
I watched as Adrien and Marinette, or should I say, Zachary and Marilee, walked up to each other. Both were smiling, although Marinette tried to hide it for the sake of the last scene of the movie. “What are you doing here?” She asked.
“Ambrose.” Adrien answered with a smile. “He reminded me that you volunteer here for Christmas.”
“He did?” Marinette asked with a confused expression, smile fading. “I don’t—I don’t understand why you’re here? I thought you’d be with your new girlfriend.”
Adrien’s smile faltered as he became confused. “Wait, what new girlfriend?”
“The one I saw you with at the mayor’s Christmas party.” She answered, sliding her hands into her front pockets.
“Oh, you were at that party?” He asked.
“Yeah.” She answered. “That’s the party I invited you to, but you had to work. And then you were there with the woman in the red dress.” She finished her line, looking down and to the side.
Adrien let out a breath that was a mix of relief and amusement. “I was there to promote the firefighter’s calendar. It’s something we do every Christmas to raise money for the children’s hospital. And that woman… was the mayor’s wife.”
Marinette instantly let out a heavy breath of relief as she looked at Adrien. It was obvious she was feeling embarrassed for assuming things as she looked off to the side, but Adrien quickly brought her attention back to him as he reached out and took hold of both of her hands.
“Marilee White, you are the smartest and most beautiful woman I have ever met.” He started, giving her a very genuine smile that said that the words he was saying to Marinette were more than just a line.
“And I love that you know the right shade of white, I love that you know how to install a stove and cook dinner, that you love animals, and I love that you know how to buy a Christmas tree.”
He was smiling so brightly as if he really meant every word.
“And I love that you believe in love, and…” He paused and took in a breath as if he were nervous to say the next line. “Made me believe. And I know you want to finish school, and start your practice before you find love, but sometimes it finds you when you weren’t even looking.”
Adrien let go of Marinette’s hands, still smiling as he slowly stepped backwards. “And I want to jump in front of you and stop you in your tracks.”
He turned away and started towards the fire engine while Marinette tilted her head at him and smiled as tears of happiness were building up in her eyes. “Mountain lions…” She said to herself then let out a slight laugh to hold back the tears then walked after him to the back of the engine.
Ambrose was seen coming down from the firetruck, rubbing his side against the metal step as he did so and meowed. Then Queenie was seen coming out of her cat carrier and head over from under the pavilion, also meowing. Adrien started to climb up onto the back of the fire engine but turned to Marinette just before climbing over the top.
“I’m climbing up to the highest peak I can find!” He called down to her. “If you join me, I know we’ll be together forever.”
That’s why Adrien chose to meet Marinette on the highest platform of the Eiffel Tower.
Marinette let out a slight chuckle, smiling warmly at him as he finished climbing up onto the back of the engine then followed him up. He offered his hand to her at the last step, helped her up, then pulled her closer to him so they were standing right in front of each other.
“I love you.” Adrien told her, and again it was obvious he said it for more than just the line as he smiled brightly.
Marinette was smiling back happily as she glanced down at his lips. “And I love you.”
Adrien seemed to be smiling just a little more as he leaned in and kissed her, moving his hands to her waist, and immediately Marinette returned the kiss, moving her hands up to his cheeks. They each broke apart after a second and smiled at each other and he moved his hand further around her back while she moved her arms around his neck.
They kissed again for another few seconds, during which Adrien moved his right hand from Marinette’s waist to a side bar on the truck to steady himself while his left arm wrapped around her upper back, and Marinette’s hands moved to the back of his neck.
Both smiled at each other happily when they pulled away, though their foreheads still touched while Marinette’s hands moved from his neck to his chest and his arm around her back moved so his hand was on her waist again. Then the two cats were shown laying side by side, sitting on the dashboard of the fire engine next to the windshield.
The entire class broke into applause as the scene cut to the credits. Even Chloe was reluctantly clapping. All except Adrien and Marinette who only seemed to have eyes for each other as they sat side by side in the front row where Adrien normally sat. Nino had moved back to sit in Marinette’s old seat after she switched with Nino.
I put both elbows on my desk and propped my head on my fists as I looked down at the new couple. They were sitting close to each other, their connected hands between them and their fingers interlaced. Marinette had her head on Adrien’s shoulder as he looked down at her. Although I couldn’t see their expressions from behind, I knew that they were incredibly happy.
I told you my plan would work this time, Marinette. I’m glad to see you’ve finally got your man.