Work Text:
The view was breathtaking, but Adrien was hardly paying attention to it.
Settling himself on the roof’s edge, he watched his best friend openly gawk at the sunset. The dying rays were illuminating Paris’s buildings, giving everything a soft golden glow as the sunlight faded into the light from the stars.
The first star had appeared over the horizon, and Adrien breathed in the breeze dancing along the rooftops. He never got tired of seeing this view, but he could only imagine how lovely it was for Marinette. After all, she didn’t have superpowers to get herself up this high.
A twinge of anxiousness kept bubbling back up in his chest every time Marinette took a step along the side of the roof, but she walked with so much confidence, it was as though she’d done it a thousand times before. Finally, she stopped admiring the sky and settled beside him, close enough he could almost touch her fingertips with his own.
Scratching the back of his neck, Adrien took off his mask. There wasn’t any need for it when it was only Marinette with him. She’d gotten used to the fact he was Spiderman long ago, after catching him red-handed in his bedroom, and now she didn’t even bat an eye as he sat there almost completely suited up.
It was nice, since he didn’t have to worry about her viewing him differently, but a tiny part of his ego wished she’d show some sort of awe.
“This never gets old,” Marinette murmured quietly, and Adrien wasn’t sure if she meant for him to hear it or not, but he went with it.
“What doesn’t?”
Marinette tensed for half a second, but answered easily. “Just being able to chill together. Especially after the day you had.” She gave his shoulder a nudge with her own. “That was a pretty rough akuma...or at least, it looked like it.”
Adrien smiled, ignoring the warmth emanating from his shoulder. “It wasn’t a big deal.”
Just a big enough deal that Ladybug had to cover for you twice, Plagg supplied helpfully in Adrien’s ear. He scowled despite himself, ignoring his suit’s AI.
“Really? Well, it was impressive.” Marinette shifted her gaze to him. “You weren’t hurt that badly, were you?”
“No, I’m fine,” Adrien answered hurriedly, hating to see the concern in Marinette’s eyes. “I’m tougher than most, remember? Besides, Ladybug’s Cure fixed pretty much everything.”
Uncertainty lingered in Marinette’s eyes, but she ultimately nodded and turned back to the sky. “If you say so. I just can’t help but worry about you sometimes. It’s...difficult knowing it’s you fighting against those things, y’know?”
Adrien felt his heart warm in affection. Marinette would always worry--that’s just how she was. When he had mishaps, it was always Marinette who had a first-aid kit handy. Who watched out for him when he had a long day of superheroing and modeling. Who brought an extra pastry to school to make sure he had enough to eat after scribbling away in his lab all night.
Feeling a bit emboldened by her words, Adrien allowed himself to edge a bit closer and lightly place his fingers atop hers. “I know it must be hard to have to sit by and just watch, but don’t worry, okay, Mari? I’ve been doing this awhile now. And besides, I’m not alone. Ladybug has my back.”
A smile drifted across Marinette’s face. “You two work really well together, huh?”
“We’re good at what we do. And she’s a great partner. She doesn’t have to help me with the regular baddies, but she does. Ladybug’s pretty smart. You’d like her.” Adrien had gotten so used to working with the spotted heroine, he wasn’t sure what he’d do without her at this point.
Marinette was slightly flushed. Adrien hoped the wind wasn’t too chilly. “I already know I like her. She watches out for you, after all.”
Adrien felt a blush spreading across his cheeks, like it always did when Marinette used that soft, endearing tone.
The last of the sun’s rays had finally disappeared, and they were left with the twinkling of the stars overhead. He tilted his head back, willing his face to cool down while stealing glances at his best friend in the world.
He loved being able to share this part of his world with her. Their friendship had only deepened after she’d discovered his secret, and more than anything, he wanted her to know him completely. There was no one he trusted more. Marinette had always been reliable, kind, and supportive. That was just a few of the things he loved about her.
Adrien’s hand tightened slightly atop hers, and Marinette turned her head towards him questioningly. “You okay, Adrien?”
Finally, he allowed himself to fully look at her and drink her in. Her pigtails were swaying in the wind, which was picking up as it cooled down. Her face was still flushed, dotted with her signature freckles, and he resisted the urge to lean in and kiss them. Marinette’s eyes reflected the stars, setting off the deep blue color and making his breath catch in his throat.
She was beautiful.
And for this moment, she was all his.
He allowed himself to be a bit selfish, drinking her in for just another few seconds before lifting his arm to wrap around her shoulders, pulling her in. “Yeah, I’m fine. I was just worried you were getting cold up here.”
Marinette relaxed against him, leaning into his shoulder. “I’m not cold, but I appreciate the chivalry.” Her tone was teasing. “Thank you for looking out for this civilian’s welfare, Spiderman.”
Adrien snorted. “It is my job, after all.”
“Is that all I am? An obligation?” Marinette gasped in fake offense. “I see how it is. Your best friend becomes a superhero and suddenly you’re just a face out in the crowd.”
“You could never be just another face, Mari,” Adrien rebutted, even though he knew she was joking. “You’re really important to me.”
Marinette’s head shifted against his shoulder, and he could feel her staring at him. He turned his head at the same moment, and their eyes met.
She was so close. He could feel her breath on his face.
If he leaned in just a little more…
You are going to be late for your scheduled patrol with Ladybug, Adrien.
Adrien cursed Plagg, inwardly, just a little harder than usual as he slowly pulled back. “Ah, it’s gotten so late...sorry, Mari, but I have to patrol soon. I need to take you home.”
“Patrol! Right!” Marinette jumped up, looking a bit lost as she smoothed out her shirt. “Patrol is important. Definitely need to do that.”
Standing up to join her, Adrien slipped his mask back on. Better to be safe than sorry. A smile curled his mouth upwards as he stepped back towards Marinette, hand outstretched. “Want to take the scenic route?” Any excuse to stay close to her.
Marinette raised an eyebrow, smiling, but immediately placed her hand in his. “Just don’t toss me over a light pole and catch me on the other side again. I don’t think my heart could take it.”
“As you command,” he replied playfully, pulling her close to his side with one arm. Her arms lifted to wrap around his neck, and a pleasant feeling jolted through his body. She smelled good. Whatever perfume she used, it was lovely.
I must remind you to stay on task. Ladybug will be waiting. Adrien swore he could hear amusement in Plagg’s tone.
Clearing his throat, Adrien stepped them both close to the edge, shooting a web out to catch on an opposite building. They swayed in the wind for a second as the lights danced below them, beckoning them to rejoin Paris’s nightlife.
Adrien never took his eyes off Marinette’s. “Ready?”
Marinette nodded, her expression never wavering. “Ready.”
And down they fell.