Chapter Text
Prologue
~Nino's POV~
"For this year's semester final, a video will be produced." Ms. Bustier informed the class. "The whole class is expected to play some part in the making of this video."
My hand shot up in the air. "Does that mean everyone has to make an appearance?"
"Not visually, no." Ms. Bustier smiled. "Though, everyone's name must make an appearance in the credits."
"So are we making more of a movie?" Alya asked.
Ms. Bustier nodded. "This movie will be Christmas themed." She continued. "You may choose any genre of movie as long as everyone agrees. Your film must tell some sort of story."
"When is this project due?" I asked. Already, I felt excitement at the chance of filming another film with my classmates.
"You have until Friday, December twenty-second." Ms. Bustier said. "That gives you all twenty-six days, just under a full month. I don't expect perfect quality, but I expect effort."
The whole class began whispering to one another. I could tell I wasn't the only one excited with this project.
"You may spend the rest of class discussing your film." Ms. Bustier said.
At once, everyone raised their voices to be heard.
"Action!"
"Adventure!"
"Comedy!"
"Romance!"
Everyone turned to look at Rose. She blushed a little in embarrassment. "I think a romance film could be fun."
"What does our student body president say?" Alya asked, nudging Marinette with her elbow.
"Well..." Marinette said confidently. She was clearly trying to take all the ideas into account. "A Christmas romance would be fun to film. We could include drama for the action and adventure, and of course we'll add comedy."
A few guys rolled their eyes. "Romance?" Asked Kim. "Borrring."
"Kim!" Chloe exclaimed. "Romances are my favorite!"
"Romance sounds good." Kim said quickly. "Let's make a Christmas romance film!"
"Great." Marinette smiled. "We've got a genre. Now who will direct, film, and write our script?"
"Girl," Alya said placing a hand on Marinette's shoulder. "I got the script covered. I'm sure Nino will film."
Marinette glanced at me then back at the rest of the class. "I'll be the director. Just like with our last film."
"That sounds like a great-" I was interrupted by Alya.
"Nino!" She said loudly. "Can I just... Talk with you for a moment? Alone?"
"Sure?" I said. Alya had a plan, and I was about to get in on it.
Once we were standing outside the classroom, Alya shut the door. "Who do you expect will have the leading male role?" She asked.
"Adrien." I answered instantly.
"And who do we want to be the leading female role with Adrien?" She pressed.
"Marinette." I replied. Suddenly, it all clicked. A romance movie... Adrien and Marinette....
"My Adrienette ship must sail!" Alya whisper-shouted so she couldn't be heard through the door.
"Ship?" I let out a small chuckle. "You gave them a ship name?"
"Of course." She snapped. "And we can't let anyone sink it!"
"So..." I asked. "Who would be directing if Marinette has a leading role?"
"What do you mean if?" Alya said. "There's no ifs about it. We'll both direct together. I'm sure Marinette would be fine with that."
I nodded slowly. "This might just work..."
"Why wouldn't it?" Alya asked. "This is my plan we're talking about!"
I held my tongue when a contradicting comment came into mind. This plan could work... No. It would work.
"Anyways..." Alya said, grabbing my arm. "Let's get to work. We only have a month!"
After being pulled back into the classroom, Alya explained that she and I would be the directors. No one opposed.
"I can write out the overview and first scene easy." Alya continued. "I just need tonight. Tomorrow we will discuss who will play who. Is that alright with everyone?" Again, no objection.
"Great." Alya smiled. She winked at me, and I gave her a thumbs up back.
I didn't see how our plan could go wrong.
Chapter 1
~Marinette's POV~
"Me?" I asked. I knew Alya would recommend me as the female leading role, but I wouldn't have guessed so many would support me.
My cheeks burned as I looked at Adrien. He gave me an encouraging smile. "I'm sure you'll do great, Marinette."
Naturally, everyone elected him for the leading male role. If he and I were both the leads, that meant the romance of this film would be happening between us.
At the thought I let out a small squeal of excitement. Looking around, all the girls in the class, except for Chloe and Sabrina of course, were grinning at me. Each of them supported me for the role, knowing I was crazy for Adrien.
"So that's settled." Alya said, nudging me slightly. She pulled out a bit of paper, most likely the one she was planning the script on. "For a brief overview of the film, I came up with a firefighter befriending a cat. His girlfriend-"
"Is Adrien the firefighter?" Chloe blurted out. She still didn't seem thrilled with the fact the film would feature Adrien and I as a couple.
"Er..." Alya said, not expecting the sudden outburst. "Yes... Yes, he is."
"I'm going to be his girlfriend." Chloe said, sending me a gloating look.
"So, I should put you in as 'Firefighter's girlfriend'?" Alya asked with a small, barely noticeable smirk.
"As long as that firefighter is Adrien." Chloe flashed a big smile to Adrien. I held back a laugh at seeing the annoyed look on his face.
"What are you planning?" I whispered to Alya as she scratched Chloe's name on the paper.
"Not planning," Alya whispered back. "I've already planned this. It's just falling into action."
"Now." Alya said, looking up to address everyone. "As I was saying, the firefighter's girlfriend doesn't approve of the cat and he later dumps her because-"
"WHAT?!" Chloe yelled. "Over a stupid cat?!"
"The role fits you well..." I muttered to myself. I heard a snicker and turned to see Adrien smiling. He heard me?
"Sorry Chloe." Alya said, eyes sparkling with amusement. I knew she had planned it out for a reaction like this from Chloe. "You already signed to be the girlfriend so that's who you'll be."
"Ridiculous." Chloe muttered angrily. "Utterly ridiculous."
"The firefighter dumps her because he met this girl," Alya winked at me making me blush slightly. "Who he had started developing feelings for. The girl works at a pet store, goes to veterinary school, loves cats, and had fallen in love with the firefighter without exactly realizing it at first. In the end, the two realize their feelings for each other and get together."
"Is that all?" Kim asked. "No more added drama?"
"This was just a brief overview, Kim." Nino said. "Knowing Alya, I'm sure there will be more drama than she let on."
"And what is that supposed to mean?" Alya raised an eyebrow at Nino.
"Nothing." He replied quickly.
"Anyway..." Alya rolled her eyes and took out packets, the scripts, and handed a copy to everyone. "This is the first scene."
Everyone skimmed through the packet, and Adrien was the first to comment. "Seriously? I have to model in this movie?"
I was about to jump to his defense, when I noticed that amused sparkle in his eyes he displays when he's kidding.
"Yep." Alya grinned, then looked around at everyone. "So, we know that Adrien is playing Zachary Stone, the firefighter. We need three to play other firefighters."
Kim's hand shot up. "Sign me up!"
"Me too!" Said Ivan.
"And me!" Said Max.
"Great!" Alya exclaimed happily. "Kim, you'll be 'Ray', Ivan, 'Chief Sam', and Max, you take 'Mark'."
"It appears Adrien and I hold a conversation after the photoshoot." Max commented flipping a few more pages. "Woah, woah, woah... He says I'm married? To whom?"
"The characters of this film are in their late twenties, early thirties, and some even in their forties or fifties." Alya explained. Suddenly, she gasped. "I almost forgot! There's also a photographer!"
"I can manage that." Juleka muttered. We all turned to look at her in surprise. "What?" She added defensively. "I can manage taking a few photos."
"Great!" Alya said. "That has first scene covered! Any questions?"
"Yes!" Chloe blurted out. "Will there be a kissing seen between Adrien and... Marinette?" She said my name as if it internally pained her to say.
"Well..." Alya smirked, focusing her attention on me. "There is a kiss or two between Zachary and Marilee."
"Am I playing Marilee?" Chloe asked.
"No... You're playing Blair, Zachary's girlfriend/ex-girlfriend." Alya replied. "Marinette has the honor of playing Marilee White."
A deep blush covered my cheeks. "K-kiss?" I managed to squeak out.
Alya continued to smirk at me. "This is a romance, Marinette."
I felt a hand on my shoulder and turned to see Adrien smiling at me. "It's just for the film. No big deal."
My heart dropped like a ton of rocks. "R-right..." I said, trying not to let my disappointment show. "Just... For the film."
The school bell rang, dismissing us. "Make sure to learn your lines!" Alya called out just before we all left. "We need to start filming tomorrow!"
"Won't we be set in a fire station?" Kim asked.
"Oh, right." Alya frowned. "Hadn't thought that far yet."
"I can talk to my dad about it!" Sabrina said excitedly. "He could talk to the chief fireman for us. I'll tell you what he says tomorrow."
Alya nodded happily. "Sounds great!" She said. "And I will continue to write more scenes. I hope to have the next few completed by tomorrow as well."
Everyone left the school, and I began to walk home. Being lost in thought of Adrien and I acting together in a romance film made me feel giddy inside.
The piercing sound of screeching brakes and tires made me snap out of my thoughts. I had walked onto the crosswalk without realizing. The car that had been coming towards me almost hit me.
"Are you okay?!"