Work Text:
They were on the beach. This was surreal. They’d caught the train from Paris to Bordeaux and then rented a car to reach this heavenly place called Arcachon Bay. They were on vacation! The idea was so improbable that it still couldn’t register in Marinette's mind.
That they were old enough to do this on their own, that they had the time to do it. But yes, years had passed and things had changed a lot in the past months.
“I needed this,” Adrien sighed, his hand reaching for hers between their beach towels. She instinctively responded to the touch but her head was buzzing and she couldn’t sit still.
“Do you think Paris will be alright without us?” She asked. The hold around her hand tightened and she looked back at Adrien. On the trip over, he’d looked as if a weight was off him. And here she was, ruining this with her concerns.
“Marinette, we’ve been over it again and again,” he said softly. “We haven’t had an active villain for some time. Of course it would be fine. And we’re long overdue for a vacation.”
“I’m just.. jittery.” She shuffled around on the spot. She just couldn’t get used to not being needed.
“I know. We’re used to being on high alert at all times. And this is yet another reason why we need a break. Besides, we have the other holders keeping an eye on things while we’re away.”
“I know,” she groaned, slumping down on her towel. Why couldn’t she just turn off her mind?
“Feel the breeze and the sun on your skin, look at the ocean. Enjoy it. And don’t forget that I’m here with you.”
His eyes softened and when he smiled, she felt her own lips mirror the expression.
The truth was that while she needed this, he needed it a lot more. She knew why he’d needed to get out of Paris, to have a chance to breathe without being followed every minute of the day by curious eyes. There, on that beach, they were pretty anonymous. She could feel that he was more relaxed than she could remember him being for years. He needed the break.
She should be focusing on the time she had with him. Paris was totally fine without them.
“I’m sorry, kitty,” she said as she leaned into him and his arm closed around her.
“It’s ok. You’ll get there.”
With a sudden burst of energy, she broke free from his embrace and jumped to her feet to run towards the water, looking back at him over her shoulder.
“Catch me if you can!”
He was grinning, familiar mischief in his eyes, and her heart expanded with love. This was what he needed, to have fun, to unwind. And she needed it as well. Most of all, she needed to share this with him.
They chased each other around in the shallow water. Of course, he didn’t miss a chance to dunk her and get her all wet. And she didn’t mind being cooled off a bit. They were laughing and playing like little children and it felt wonderful.
But the next time he caught her, he didn’t let her go. He pulled her to him, until they were skin on skin and the tingles down her spine had nothing to do with the cool water.
When he kissed her, it was deep and hungry. His mouth was hot on hers, in contrast to the coolness of their skin. A hand sneaked into his damp hair, pulling him closer while the other one slid down his bare back, enjoying the dance of muscles under her touch.
This was when it finally sank in. They were alone, far away from home, free from responsibility. They had a few days only to themselves. Between the beach and their private house, now she had a pretty good idea about how they were going to spend them.
After all, the only place where she wanted to be was there with him.
“I love you, kitty,” she said between kisses. The desire to pull him even closer, to become one with him, was already overwhelming.
“I love you too, m’lady,” he smiled, his eyes shining with love and something more. As if reading her mind, he led her directly back to the house. Yes, the vacation was shaping up just fine.