Chapter Text
In a cozy room in Paris, a girl who should be hard at work, laid her head on her table, to catch a short nap in between her assignments for school. She knew she shouldn’t be resting now. They had so much work to do. And she was going to pay the price from her school partner.
“Marinette…”
The young lady stirred.
“Marinette… wake up.” Said the voice in a sing-song way.
“Noo… me sleepy.”
Marinette could slightly tell the approach of light footsteps coming from her back.
“If you doooon’t… you know what’s going to happen.” Said the voice in a cute non-threatening way.
“Don’t you dare…”
“Too late.”
Hands descended on Marinette’s sides and assailed her with crazy tickles.
“Haha! AAAA-drien! (Another giggle) Quuuiiit it! OOOookkkkaaayy! I give up! I’m awake! Please! Stop!”
Marinette tried shoving away the hands which were still assaulting her. Adrien Agreste wasn’t quitting and he was definitely enjoying how she was helpless.
“Nope! Still look sleepy to me!” He teased.
“Okay! I’m up!” She tried slapping his hands away again. Adrien then suddenly lifted her out of her chair.
“AAaahhh! A-Adrien! Let me down!” She said.
“Will do! But we’re working on this school project on your chaise side-by-side! I have no idea how you can doze off on that work desk of yours just after 5 minutes. I’ll make sure we finish this today and I’ll be supervising! Come on!”
Adrien then carefully placed her down on her chaise. He sat beside her which caused the chaise to bounce a little from his added weight.
“Okay. Now that you’re awake, we can finally finish this History project.”
Marinette rolled her eyes.
“Adrien, I need my desk to work on. I only have one extra folding table for you to use while you sit here on the chaise.”
“No need to worry. I don’t need the desk anymore. I’m actually done with my part.” Said Adrien.
Marinette’s eyes went wide.
“W-what?! When did you finish?!”
“Half an hour ago. When you were sleeping of course!” Said Adrien.
Marinette checked her clock, and noticed that it’s been about an hour since she most likely slept.
“One. You finished that fast?! Two. You let me sleep that long?! Why?” Marinette whined.
Adrien chuckled.
“Well, to be fair, I’ve been slowly working on this project in between all my free times during photoshoots this week. And to your second question. Well! Even though I did assault you with tickles to wake you up, you deserved some sleep, Mari. I didn’t want to deprive you more than I should have.”
Marinette sighed but felt warm inside. Adrien Agreste was the one of the best things that’s happened to her. Here he was… partners for a school project. But she no longer was a stuttering mess around him. Funny how things have changed so much in a span of a month.
Who knew that after telling Alya her secret would things somehow end up with her getting closer than ever to Adrien Agreste? It was a bit slow at first but he was the one who kept approaching her and she would never turn down an opportunity to hang with him. It became more frequent and now… well… they’re close. Really close.
“Okay, I’m sorry for dozing off. Don’t worry too much Adrien. I’m almost done as well. It’s a good thing I have such a hardworking partner to inspire me to work my butt off.” She winked.
It was nice what they had. Now here they were, working on a school project in her room. She would have freaked out months ago, being alone again with Adrien in her room. But now, it was comfortable and safe. There really was nothing to worry about. Adrien’s a good friend. Pretty much a “best” friend (behind Alya). Having him here was a nice thing.
****
“You done with your part, Marinette?” asked Adrien. He began stretching his arms up while sitting by the desk. They switched places with him checking his work at her desk, while she stayed on the chaise.
“The sooner you finish, the sooner I can beat your butt in Ultimate Mecha Strike 3.” He teased.
Marinette rolled her eyes.
“Puh-lease. Who won the last 4 times?” Marinette teased back.
“That last time you cheated! You taunted me with your cookies! I was helpless!”
Marinette giggled. He couldn’t resist and had paid attention to the delicious goodies she flaunted on him. In the end, she won flawlessly.
“That was not cheating. That was… a strategic diversion.” She said mischievously.
Adrien rolled his eyes.
“Well… In any case, we should be finished with our project this afternoon. Now we can relax till the presentation day.” Adrien said.
He then walked towards Marinette’s chaise and laid down with his head on top of her lap.
Marinette giggled.
“Shoo! How can I work?” She said while shoving his head off her lap.
“My god, Marinette. This chaise is extra comfy! No wonder you’re always late for school. You can sleep on this thing for hours.” Adrien began to make himself comfortable on the remaining space of the chaise available.
Marinette gasped.
“Ouch. Low blow, Adrien. Mentioning my late habits. You of all people should understand.” She stuck her tongue out towards him.
Adrien chuckled.
“And in my own house too! How dare you, sir!” Marinette dramatically said. “I should kick you out of my house for this slander.” She said but couldn’t help but giggle at the end of her statement.
“Oh you’d never kick me out of your house, Marinette.” He said.
Marinette finally turned around to look at him. She crossed her arms in front of her chest and raised an eyebrow at him.
“And why not?”
“Because I’m your best friend.” He winked at her.
Marinette guffawed.
“Alya is my best friend. For your information.”
Adrien shook his head.
“I think I already outrank her.” He said with a smug face.
“Uhuh. You’re probably 3rd place to be fair.”
Adrien sat up with a surprised look on his face.
“3rd place?! Who’s beating me?”
Marinette began counting with her fingers.
There’s Alya… For sure she’s my best friend. Number 1.”
“Which I still contend the spot for.” Said Adrien quickly.
Marinette quickly rolled her eyes at his comment before continuing.
“Then for number 2… it’s—-“
Marinette watched as Adrien waited. He was definitely on the edge of his seat, waiting for her answer. The truth was… it really was him. Adrien did indeed rival Alya for her spot as best friend. But… she wanted to tease him. If she included her superhero life though… there was another person who can contend for the number one spot.
“It’s Chat Noir.” She said.
Adrien nearly choked in his seat.
“What?! Chat Noir?!”
Marinette nodded her head.
“Mhmm. Yup. We’re close like that.” She winked and her voice was playful.
Adrien finally seemed to compose himself. For a moment he was analyzing her movements and expressions on her face. She wondered if he already saw through the lie? (Well technically it’s true… but ‘Marinette’ wasn’t that close to Chat Noir. Ladybug was.)
“How are you guys close, huh?” Asked Adrien. His tone was clearly saying that he didn’t believe her. In fact, Adrien looked kinda smug.
Marinette turned her head away and smirked as well.
“Remember that time when Nathaniel became akumatized? Well… Chat Noir and I became friends then.” She said.
“Uhuh? Is that so?” He questioned.
“That’s right. We hang out secretly all the time.” Her voice was an octave higher. Obviously Adrien can never disprove the fact that she did indeed hang out with Chat. So it made it all the more fun to tease him with this half truth.
“Why don’t I believe you, Marinette?” He teased.
“Pshh. You’re just jealous, I have a superhero best friend.” She teased back.
“Like Lila?”
Marinette gasped.
“How dare you, sir!” She poked his side which caused Adrien to giggle. Marinette began to fake-pout.
“I’m kidding! I know! I know! No comparisons with Lila. Okay…let’s say I believe you and you are indeed good friends with Chat Noir. But I still think I beat him and Alya for the title of “Marinette’s BEST friend.”
“And why is that? How can you beat Alya, who is like the sister I never had? And how can you possibly beat my “other” best friend, Chat Noir. He’s a literal superhero.” Marinette couldn’t help but giggle when she finished her statement.
“That’s easy. It’s because recently, we’ve been seeing each other a lot more lately. I’m pretty sure I’ve overtaken Alya in seeing you on a regular basis. Score one for me! With regards to things I know about you, I have a pretty good idea I know you just as well as Alya. Tie with Alya! But I still beat her with points! And Chat Noir? Why do I get the feeling he doesn’t frequently hang out here, like you say he does? So… he’s not even in the race.” He teased.
“Psshh. I can neither confirm nor deny that we indeed hang out here in my room. That’s because it’s for the safety of Paris. Keeping people not akumatized and all that. You understand.” Marinette smirked as she patted the top of Adrien’s head with her hand.
In the end though… Marinette couldn’t help but agree. She really did see Adrien a lot more these days. She really couldn’t complain. Adrien also grew to knew her so well. Her quirks, and mannerisms, Adrien picked them up right away. They already had so many inside jokes between the two of them. Secrets only they knew between one another. Adrien was a blessing in her life and she was pretty happy. Her deep thoughts were halted when she suddenly remembered why the conversation started at the first place.
“Don’t think I’ve forgotten what you said about me being late all the time, Adrien. Hmmph! Some best friend you are. Always teasing me! See what happens next time I bring cookies for the class. Maybe a certain model won’t get a bite.” She taunted him.
“I’m kidding! I’m kidding! Sorry! Just finish up already so we can play some games together.” He said with his hands together, looking at her with his kitty eyes. Marinette was powerless when he looked so innocent like that.
She sighed in defeat.
“Okay! I forgive you. Stop looking at me like that! It’s so unfair! Now you’re the one distracting me. The sooner I finished, the sooner I GET TO BEAT YOU.” She replied. A huge smile on her face was apparent.
Adrien chuckled.
“We shall see about that.”
There was a moment of quiet before Adrien spoke up.
“Am I… really just third place? Do you… not consider us ‘close’?” Asked Adrien. Even though they were teasing each other, Marinette could tell that Adrien confirming if they were indeed close friends was important to him. Of course they were close! And she loved that fact ever so dearly.
Marinette slid closer to him and kissed him on the cheek.
“Kissing him on the cheek is only a sweet gesture! Just as friends! Friends can kiss on the cheek, right?! We’re French!” Marinette internally debated with herself.
She smiled for a moment and watched as Adrien’s expression turned warm with a slight red hue on his cheeks. He smiled at her and looked relieved.
“Adrien. You’re one of my closest friends. One of my best friends! Rankings shouldn’t really matter. Friendships are different for every person. Just know that… I’m so happy to have you in my life.” She said as sweetly as she could.
Adrien nodded.
“I’m so happy to have you in my life too, Marinette. I feel like I can share anything with you. Thank you for being there for me… always.”
Marinette nodded and went back to her share of their school project.
It was quiet once more before Adrien broke the silence.
“I still feel like I’m number 1 by the way.”
Marinette grabbed a pillow and threw it towards his face. Adrien was able to dodge in time.
“You are such a child!” She said with a giggle.
“Still your best friend though!”
There it was. Their frequent but friendly banter. It was nice. It kinda reminded her of how she was with Chat Noir. Maybe if Chat was her friend outside of the mask, they’d interact like this too. Maybe Chat and Adrien would get along too? That was a nice thought but thinking about Chat brought her back to a month ago when she told Chat that he too should have a close friend to support him in real life.
“You should have your own confidant, Chat. Someone to help you out and be there for you. Someone who can help you vent out your frustrations and someone to understand when no one else can!” She recalled saying to him.
It was a heated debate, especially with Chat being upset about him not knowing one another’s identities first, but in the end, he relented.
“I really hope you’re doing well, Kitty.” She thought.
Then began a real comfortable silence. Adrien was just scrolling on his phone while laying on her chaise, while she nearly finished her part of the presentation.
***
Adrien continued to watch from his spot, the wonderful girl named Marinette Dupain-Cheng. It was strange how much can change in the span of a month. He never knew that he’d get so close to her. He knew she was amazing… but how amazing? Well, it was clear that the only person who rivaled Marinette in terms of being the most wonderful person in Paris was Ladybug.
That was why when he had to pick someone who could be his confidant for his secret identity, Marinette was the top choice in his book. She was a good friend, who was not only a temporary miraculous wielder, but she herself has never been akumatized! That’s saying something for sure!
After he decided on her, he tried his best to make sure his friendship with her was rock solid. But the unexpected happened. In his process of cementing his friendship with Marinette, he actually started falling for the girl. From planning to share his identity… it evolved to spending as much time as possible with Marinette.
Adrien sighed as he relaxed on her chaise. The fairy lights illuminated her room nicely. It gave off a warm vibe. It was so very ‘Marinette.’
What should he say first? Confess his love? Tell her that her “other best friend” Chat Noir was also Adrien too? He then came to a conclusion. If he was going to be more honest with her about who he was, he decided to share all of it. The first being the secret of who he formerly loved.
“Marinette…. Did you know I had a huge crush on Ladybug?”
Alya’s Preview:
Alya Cesaire was working hard on her half of the history project assigned for class when her phone started to ring on her desk. She giggled when she saw the name on the phone.
“Perfect timing.” She said.
It was a call from her best friend in the world, and the best person she knew, Marinette.
She was just thinking about ways to continue helping the hero of Paris. As Ladybug’s number one fan, supporter, and owner of the Ladyblog, it was her duty to do so! It was so much more fun to do than History homework anyway according to Alya.
“I wonder what’s up?” Alya thought. She then answered the phone.
“Hey girl! How’s it going?” She asked.
“ALLLYYYAA!!” Marinette shouted through her phone causing Alya to move the phone away from her ear.
“Ahhhh. Are you okay, Marinette?” She asked.
“ALYA! SOS!”
Alya quickly stood up and mentally got herself ready.
“Is it an akuma?!” Alya quickly looked at her surroundings before whispering her next words.
“Do you need… Rena Rouge?” There were a few times where Ladybug and Chat needed her help as a superhero recently and Alya had already mentally prepared herself for those occasions. This was also another of her responsibilities as Marinette’s best friend.
“Nnnnoo!!! Worse!”
Alya cocked her head in surprise.
“What’s worse than an akuma? Hawkmoth?”
Marinette groaned on the other side of the phone.
“Okay fine! I’m exaggerating! It’s not worse! It’s just… BAD! It’s an ADRIEN SOS!”
Alya gasped in excitement.
“We haven’t had one of those in weeks! What happened?! Did he confess his love?! Did you do something silly again, Marinette?”
There was a pause on the other end of the line.
“He… he told me he loved me.”
Alya screamed.
“Oh my God! That’s wonderful! But why the SOS? Shouldn’t you be jumping for joy?!”
“I am partially on cloud-9, right now Alya! Really! BUT the thing is! He doesn’t know he loves me!”
Alya paused for a moment in thought.
“What does that mean?”
There was another pause in the call before Marinette spoke up again.
“He said he loved… Ladybug.”
Alya was shocked once more.
“Nooo… way…..”
“Yes way… Yes. He said he had a crush on Ladybug since forever! PAST TENSE. And he’s MOVING ON FROM ME!!!”
Alya quickly packed some of her homework in her bag and a few other necessities.
“Oh wow! This is all so much! I’m coming over right now!” Said Alya.
“Heeeellllppp!”
Alya turned off her phone and chuckled at what she just learned. Who would’ve thought all this time Marinette’s number one rival to Adrien’s love… was herself.