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It was another fine day in Paris as Adrien with his friends watched Alix and Kim once again challenge each other for another competition.
“Today, it’s parkour!” announced Kim.
“Alright! You’re so going to lose, Kim!” said Alix.
The two of them began stretching but Adrien was confused. He’s never heard of this “parkour” before.
He looked to his friends beside him who were all sitting down and ready to spectate the two competitors. He then whispered to Nino.
“What’s parkour?”
Nino looked a little surprised.
“Oh. You haven’t heard of it yet? Here dude! Let me show you a video.”
Nino started showing him videos of these athletic people jumping from point to point using various flips, turns, and spins. They would jump over bars, backflip on walls, and do amazing turns and jumps. Coincidentally… it reminded him a lot of what he did as Chat Noir.
“It’s kinda like free-style running through a complex environment from point a to point b and you have to do it creatively, efficiently, and the fastest way possible. Something along those lines.” explained Nino.
Adrien smiled. As he continued to watch, the more he enjoyed the idea. It looked like a lot of fun.
“Hey! Maybe we should do some parkour from time to time?” asked Adrien.
Nino chuckled at his suggestion.
“Dude. I’m definitely not as athletic as you. I mean, I could imagine you doing it… but me?”
“Come on. You’re putting yourself down. I’ve seen you during gym class. You’re pretty fit, my friend.”
Nino smiled and fist bumped Adrien from the comment.
“You’ve always got my back. Thanks for the compliment but you know you could always ask Kim and Alix though? I think they’re more into it than me.”
Adrien then turned and watched as Kim and Alix began racing each other over a series of bars and performing loops here and there.
“Woah… that looks so much fun.”
“Hey! Alix! Kim! Adrien wants to try!” Nino suddenly called out, alarming Adrien.
“W-wait! Nino! I-I’m not ready!” Adrien tried insisting but it was too late. Alix and Kim turned around and started to race back to the two of them.
“Adrien! Do you want to do some parkour with us?” asked Alix excitedly.
“W-well.. I—?”
“Dude! That’s great! It’ll be a ton of fun!” said Kim quickly.
“Uh.. Guys. I actually have never done parkour before. But I would love to learn or try? Is that okay?” He asked.
Soon some of their other friends nearby noticed the small huddle and came in.
“What’s going on?” asked Alya. Marinette came in behind her looking like her normal shy self but seemed very interested in the conversation.
“Adrien wants to try parkour! We’re going to teach him!” Alix quickly said.
“Woah! Sunshine! That sounds awesome! But are you really up for it? I know you’re athletic, but it could be a bit dangerous.” said Alya.
Marinette then cut in behind her.
“I-I think Adrien could do it! You’re wonderful Ahhh!… I mean amazing! I’m sure it’ll be fine!” Marinette started vigorously nodding her head at him.
Adrien was a bit scared but as he saw the supportive looks of his friends, he couldn’t help but jump in.
“Alright. Let’s do it!”
“Yeah! Awesome dude!” Said Kim. He, Alix and Kim then all came in for a combined high five. They tugged him to the center of the area where there were a few bars and small ramps.
“Okay, let’s start with a simple course. You do a flip here. You jump over the bar there and you make a spin over the table there. Is that okay? Or do you want to do something simpler first? You can take your time!” said Alix.
“No pressure! Everyone’s gotta start from somewhere! Wait, do you get what we’re trying to ask you to do? And I mean what parkour is more or less?” Asked Kim.
Adrien rubbed the back of his neck before replying.
“Well, Nino showed me a few videos. I think I get the general idea. Traveling from point a to point b and doing it creatively… something along those lines."
Alix and Kim nodded at him.
“Okay bro. Show us what you got!” Said Kim.
Adrien stood in front of their makeshift obstacle course and took a breath.
“Okay…” He centered himself for a moment and then ran through the obstacle course easily maneuvering over and under the items. He added a bit of flair and a few extra jumps. He could’ve sworn he heard a few “woahs” from their other group of friends who were just watching from the sidelines. Until finally, Adrien did a front flip off the bars and landed right in front of Alix and Kim who were momentarily stunned.
“Dude… that was… AMAZING!!!” Alix shouted.
“Alix! We have ourselves another natural! Adrien, you’re joining us every time we do parkour!” said Kim.
Adrien then heard a few cheers from his friends who were sitting. Nino and Alya were cheering loudly and he saw Marinette standing up as well while she shouted her cheers for him.
“Was it really that good?” He asked. He never thought his skills of jumping around Paris would be implemented so easily in this free-style sport.
“Yeah dude! Come on! What do you say? Wanna join us in a few more competitions?” asked Alix.
Adrien thought about it for a moment but he honestly couldn’t see why not?
“Yeah! Let’s do this!”
The rest of the afternoon, the three of them started arranging and rearranging their setup obstacle course as they tried different ways to parkour around it. Adrien haven’t had as much fun in such a long time. The only other times which surpassed it were the moments with his lady on the rooftops of Paris.
***
Two Weeks Later
It’s been an amazing two weeks of Adrien’s civilian life. He’s never had so much fun in his free time aside from when he was Chat Noir. Alix and Kim had brought this new sport into his life which helped him express himself. The exhilaration of the movement and the timed precision of parkour brought out this side of him.
His more Chat side of himself.
It was so much fun and he wanted to continued doing it when he had the time. But now there was a certain issue he found himself in. It wasn’t a problem exactly but he needed someone else to join along in his parkour adventure. Apparently, there was an extreme tag completion coming soon and you needed a partner. Alix and Kim were already partners. Adrien needed someone who might be interested but his hope with Nino kept getting shattered.
“Dude… I really can’t. I’m not as graceful as you! I saw your last parkour session and you’ve become a natural. I think you’re actually better than Alix and Kim already but you’re just not showing off! How can I be your partner when I can’t jump over stuff easily like that?”
Adrien sighed. He guessed it was futile asking Nino again. The competition was at the end of the month. Another two weeks from then. Who could he find soon who could possibly be partnered with him?
“Yeah… I understand. It’s just I really wanted to join too! There’s no solo applications this tourney. I wonder if there’s anyone else who could possibly—-“
Adrien paused on the phone call as he noticed someone walking on the opposite side of the street.
“Wait, dude. I have to call you back.” Adrien said. He finished the call and started to walk towards who he spotted.
It was Marinette holding a ton of groceries heading for what he assumed was her family’s bakery. He wasn’t sure what caused him to stop and possibly consider Marinette as someone who could possibly want to do parkour with him but he recalled her being very supportive of him when he started parkour aside from Nino. He also remembered that time she was Multimouse. She could have potential. Marinette herself was also a very fit looking girl. Could she possibly be a good partner?
As if on cue, he watched as Marinette nearly slipped on her own two feet and nearly dropped every single piece of groceries from the large bag she was carrying. By what seemed like sheer luck, she was able to balance herself in time. The young girl looked relieved and at the same time embarrassed. Adrien thought it very endearing. She worked so hard for everyone even with her slight clumsiness. He honestly liked that part of her who always tried her best.
“Okay… maybe not Marinette though.” He spoke to himself. She might get hurt.
Adrien was about to turn away when something unexpected happened. It was as if it was a scene from a movie. An old lady fell down while crossing the street. The light suddenly turned red and there was an incoming truck who seemed to not see the old lady struggling to get up.
Adrien tried his best to get there in time but he was too far away. Adrien saw that the truck was now trying to slow down. The driver must have seen the lady but not in time. He was honking his horn. His tires were screeching as he tried to brake in time.
It was a tragedy in the making… but then Adrien watched as Marinette swooped into action. The young lady dropped everything she was holding and then ran towards the old woman. There were a few items in her path. A box here. A brought out desk there and Marinette rolled over and ducked over in time flawlessly. She was smooth and methodical. She expertly maneuvered around the items like a natural. Adrien was in awe.
Marinette was just in time. She pulled the old lady back to the safety of the sidewalk.
The truck stopped near them and everyone was in shock. Adrien watched from afar as a crowd huddled and checked over the two of them.
It was a miracle. Marinette saved the old lady. She did it.
“Marinette is amazing.” He whispered. Even without powers, this young woman saved that lady’s life!
A few minutes later, the crowd dispersed. The old lady thanked Marinette and went on her way. She headed back to her get groceries only to find them all ruined on the floor. She looked glum as she saw the damage from her groceries.
“Oh… Mom and Dad aren’t going to be very happy.” She said with a sigh. Adrien approached quietly as she saw the lady try to pick up the broken items on the floor.
He immediately knelt down to help her pick up the remaining items.
“Here. Let me help.” He said.
“Oh. Thank you Mister— A-Adrien?!?!” She yelped and nearly once again dropped everything.
“Oh! Sorry for scaring you, Marinette. I saw what you did back there. You were amazing.” He said.
“M-me? Amazing? N-no no! I… I just did what any good person would do! Nothing too special!” She insisted.
“No. I saw your talent! You were so nimble! You maneuvered and travelled to her so quickly! You’re so athletic, coordinated and agile!” He said.
“W-what?! No! I’m clumsy! I always trip over myself and I always spill everything.” She continued to insist.
Adrien pulled her up and held her hands as she looked at him. This girl needed more confidence in herself.
“Marinette. That’s far from the truth. I saw everything! You’re amazing. And look… I know this is really random but would you be my partner for this extreme tag competition in two weeks? It implements a bit of parkour in it and I’d love it if you be my partner.”
Adrien waited as Marinette contemplated his question.
“Y-you really want me to be your partner?” She asked.
“Absolutely.”
“I… I… okay?” She nodded a bit hesitantly.
“You will?”
This time Marinette nodded her head a bit more excitedly.
“Y-yes! I’ll be your partner!”
Adrien immediately embraced and lifted the young lady into the air.
“Oh my God! Thank you, Marinette!”
“Y-you’re welcome!” She giggled.
Everything was perfect. He had a good feeling asking Marinette. Choosing her felt so right.
“Uhh. Adrien… Can you let me down?” Adrien realized that he was still holding her up. Her cheeks were a dark red.
“Oh sorry. I got carried away. Uhm. Do you need help buying new groceries? I can come join you and maybe after we can start practicing?”
“Oh! That’s very kind of you! O-okay! But I’m kinda busy this afternoon…. Uhm after getting more groceries I mean. How about tomorrow morning?” She asked.
“Alright then! Tomorrow morning!” And so, Adrien accompanied Marinette to the groceries that afternoon. The two of them began discussing about their plans and Adrien started explaining about the competition. He had a feeling everything will turn out great.
****
It was the next morning. Marinette and Adrien were alone at the park where there were a few set up tables, some bars, and a few made up obstacles prepared for them. Adrien was stretching a little alongside his new partner. He watched as Marinette tried stretching a little in her cute workout attire. He’s never seen Marinette in her workout clothes before. Her black tank top accented her body quite right alongside her cute pink leggings. Adrien quickly blushed as he realized he was checking her out for too long.
“Oh God. I was checking Marinette out! Bad Adrien! S-she’s just a friend! W-who happens to be very attractive!”
Adrien quickly shook his head and got to the matter at hand.
“Ready to try out the course, Marinette?” He asked.
Marinette seemed to be pumping herself up. She was jumping in place and taking in a few breaths.
“Y-yeah. I think so! Okay. I’ll try!”
Marinette got into place and then Adrien signaled for her to go through the pre-determined course.
“3…2…1…go!”
Marinette sped off… only to trip over the first table.
“Ooof. You, okay?” He asked.
“I-I’m fine! Just a little nervous, you know?” Marinette stood up and got back to the starting point.
“Let’s try again. Okay? 3…2…1… go!”
Marinette ran for the obstacle but slipped again and nearly slammed straight to a different table.
“Marinette! You okay?”
“I’m cool! S-sorry! Gah… so clumsy.” She mumbled to herself.
Adrien couldn’t understand. What was causing her to trip? She was so coordinated when she was concentrating like when she saved that woman? What was making her mess up?
“Marinette… are you nervous about something? Is everything okay?”
“I’m fine. Just… need a moment to pull myself together.” She said.
“Is it me? Maybe you don’t like it when people watch? I could just… you know turn around and—?”
“N-no! You need to see how I’m doing! How else will we be a good team and know our strengths and weaknesses?! Ugh… okay I am kinda nervous of you watching me.” Marinette then admitted.
Adrien went up to her and comforted her by rubbing her shoulders.
“Hey. There’s no need to be nervous. We’re friends right? Just good ol’ Adrien. Are you worried about not impressing me or something?”
Marinette was turning red as he spoke. Was there something she wasn’t sharing? Whatever it was, Adrien needed to improve the situation. What was it about him? Was it because his father was Gabriel? She was a fan of fashion. He really needed to get that out of her system. All he ever wanted was to be treated like everyone else. He knows Marinette’s trying but there must be something to help her get used to him quicker.
He then had an epiphany. Marinette never had a problem being herself around Chat Noir. He thought something perfect for the occasion.
“Hey, Marinette. Can you wait here a moment? I think I have something that can help us!” He said.
“Uhh. Okay? I’ll keep practicing here.” She said.
Adrien ran off to a nearby street. He then saw what he was looking for. A costume shop.
****
It was a few minutes later and Marinette was still alone at the park as she tried collecting herself. She contemplated how she ended up in this situation.
“Gah… how did I end up joining Adrien for a parkour competition?! What was it? Extreme tag? Uggghh… I can never say no to him.”
Her debilitating crush on Adrien was making her loopy and unable to do anything properly around the handsome boy. But he was counting on her. She needed to get a hold of herself and do this. She knew she could do it. She’s Ladybug! She’d never tried actual parkour before but if it’s anything like her times running on the rooftops of Paris, she believed she can handle it. As long as she doesn’t trip on her own two feet again.
“You got this, Marinette… You got this!” She said to herself.
“I know you do.”
“Gyaahhh!!!” Marinette screamed from the sudden arrival of the new person.
“Adrien?! You’re back!” She said. Adrien was holding something behind his back as he approached her.
“Okay… hear me out. Supposedly, there are certain competition shirts we have to wear for the extreme tag competition…. But they never said anything about required headwear. So I was thinking during this competition… maybe this would help?”
Marinette then saw what he was holding.
“Wait… are those domino masks?”
“Yeah! One for me! And one for you! Here! I’d think you’d look cute with the red one.”
“C-cute?! Ahhh… okay?” Marinette reluctantly took the red one. It was a different shape than her mask when she was Ladybug but it was getting dangerously close. She thanked the heavens it wasn’t with any Ladybug spots.”
She put hers on her face and adjusted it properly so it wouldn’t fall.
“So how is this supposed to help us?” Marinette turned around to look at Adrien… and unexpectedly she couldn’t help but laugh.
“W-what?!” She uttered. Adrien was doing a hilarious cat like pose as if he had claws and was ready to pounce. He wore the black domino mask with pride while showing a silly grin.
“What are you doing, Adrien?” She asked between giggles.
“Why? I’m Chat Noir! Don’t you see?” He jested. “I heard you’re friends with him and maybe if you pretend you’re around him instead of me, you might be able to do the parkour better. It seems like you’re… more comfortable around him.”
Marinette was shocked.
“W-wait! No! It’s just… ugh. Adrien… I like being around you too! I’m not uncomfortable around you! I just… never mind.” Marinette began to pout but felt a warm hand on her shoulder doing a rubbing comforting motion.
“Hey, it’s okay! I get it! Whatever it is, I don’t mind. I’m just trying to help! So what do you say? Wanna try the masks?” Marinette looked up at Adrien with awe. He was the sweetest boy she knew. He cared so much that he decided to try something silly like this. But was it really going to help? Marinette tried her best to imagine her superhero partner instead of Adrien. And strangely… it kinda worked. It was pretty easy to paste Chat over Adrien. They did have a similar body type… and blonde hair… and they both have green eyes.
Marinette shook her head. She was going down a path she didn’t want to trek.
“Let’s not think of the possibility I could have only one handsome blond boy in my life.”
Marinette stepped back from Adrien and headed towards the start of the obstacle course.
“Okay. Let’s try again… kitty.” She said. She turned her head slightly to look at Adrien and saw he was amused by her words.
“Alright then. 3…2…1… Go!”
She ran. Somehow, her body moved perfectly around, on top, and below all the obstacles just as planned. She was flawless. She wasn’t as fast or as strong when she was Ladybug but her body moved liked she planned using the strength she was familiar with as normal Marinette. She was honestly surprised with herself. And finally, she did one last leap, into a flip and landed back at the start.
She was panting a little but content with her performance. She looked up again and saw Adrien was looking at her with his mouth open.
“W-what do you think? Was it… bad?”
Adrien suddenly ran to her and lifted her up into the air with his hands on her waist.
“W-whauuh?!” Marinette placed her hands on his shoulders and it was if they were in a dance pose as she stayed up in place in the air.
“Marinette! That was amazing! You were spectacular! I knew it! I totally knew it!” He said.
“R-really? You were that impressed?”
“Definitely! You’ve got talent! I totally knew it! This is perfect!” He said.
Adrien looked so happy and that melted her insides a little once more. She was so glad that she could make him happy too. Then came a realization.
“Ahh… Adrien… you could put me down again.” She began to blush. The boy hadn’t let go of her for a bit. This was the second time Adrien had done this and it was doing crazy things to her heart.
“Ohhh… sorry. My bad, again.” Adrien let her down on the ground but didn’t let go of her waist. She honestly didn’t mind.
“So, what do you say? Partners?” He asked.
There it was again. The familiarity. The way he said partners to her.
“Could it be?” Aside from the flirty attitude, Adrien and Chat Noir had the same heart of gold. Was there a possibility? She had to shake the thoughts away. Now wasn’t the time. Feeling invigorated after that boost of confidence, she finally felt she could truly do this with Adrien.
“Partners.” She nodded.
****
The Day of the Competition
Kim and Alix were watching from the sidelines of the extreme tag competition. It was the final match and both of them were stunned at the competitors remaining.
“Who would’ve thought that Adrien and Marinette were so perfectly in sync together and so perfect for parkour?!”
About two hours ago, Kim and Alix waited for Adrien who supposedly had a secret partner for the competition. They never expected to see Marinette of all people join alongside him. The both of them wearing domino masks as part of their competition getup. Alix and Kim were both amused that the class’s favorite “not a couple” were working together so closely.
“If Alya could see this now.” Kim whispered to Alix which caused her to laugh.
Adrien and Marinette looked confident and happy during the preparations. Alix and Kim were pumped up too. This was a competition they were working on for so long. They weren’t also going to take Adrien and Marinette lightly. They knew Adrien was talented and if he had trust in Marinette then they expected amazing things from her and not just the clumsy girl everyone claims her to be.
And they were totally right.
After beating a few other groups, they went head to head with Adrien and Marinette in the extreme tag parkour competition and were all utterly outmatched. After a few rounds, they were eliminated by them.
“Marinette! You’re amazing!” Said Kim after their match.
“You were totally hiding your talents, Marinette! You’ve got skills!” Alix uttered.
Marinette giggled. “Thanks guys. I think it’s because I have a great partner.” She turned to look at Adrien who seemed to blush.
“I did nothing really. You’ve always been amazing, Marinette.” The two of them were gazing at each other. Marinette then leaned in to his ear to whisper something private. Whatever it was, Adrien was delighted by what she said.
“My lady?” Kim was sure he heard Adrien whisper back to Marinette.
Marinette immediately nodded back at him. He’d never seen Adrien look so happy.
“Let’s win this.” Adrien said.
And so, Kim and Alix watched their friends continue on in the competition… and completely crush everyone. It was utterly brilliant.
“They’re just so good!” Alix shouted.
The rounds flew by until finally… Adrien and Marinette won the entire competition.
“Woohoo!” Alix and Kim shouted from the benches. People were cheering for them and there was a loud round of applause.
“Dude! They’re champions!” Said Kim!
Kim and Alix were going down the benches and were about to head towards the friends until they saw what happened.
Marinette was running straight towards Adrien at full speed. Both of them with glee-filled faces. Adrien easily caught her… and then kissed the lady in his arms. Marinette immediately reciprocated and there were even more cheers from the crowd.
“Wow! What a way to celebrate the victory for this lovely young couple!” Said the announcer.
Alix couldn’t help but laugh. This was even better than a while ago.
“If Alya and the rest of the class could REALLY see this now!” She said. The two of them began taking pictures of the kissing couple to show to everyone later on.
Who would’ve thought that all it took for Marinette and Adrien to get together was a little… parkour?
*****
Epilogue
“Nathalie. Why is my son constantly in the back of the mansion jumping over random assorted tables and chairs. I think I literally saw him dangling from a tree one day.”
The two of them were discussing in his private office at home. Gabriel had noticed Adrien’s strange behavior over the last few days. He needed to address it right away.
“Your son has joined what appears to be a new freestyle sport called parkour.” Nathalie informed him.
She started showing him videos and a detailed description of said sport. Gabriel was not pleased.
“That is utterly ridiculous. Inform my son that he will no longer do this silly hobby.”
“Sir, you must know that your son has actually joined a few competitions… and won.” Nathalie said.
“So, what does that matter?”
“Sir, it’s gaining brand recognition for the Gabriel brand.”
Gabriel actually paused at that.
“Is that so? What are the results so far?”
“Very positive. Your son suggested more. Some of these events are quite big and have a good following. He suggested he can advertise special sports themed Gabriel clothing. There has been a rather big demand for it recently.”
Gabriel was surprised. His son took the initiative for the business. He rarely ever did so.
“And the projections?”
“Quite good, sir. We can start making more sports themed clothing centered around Adrien immediately. We can also become major sponsors for said “parkour events.”
Gabriel sighed. Maybe he jumped the gun there. Adrien… was his son. He had the talent for business too. And apparently he was doing something quite unexpected… and yet quite good.
“Alright… please assist Adrien in this “parkour” sport of his. Make sure he gets the proper equipment he needs. The proper branded clothes and so on.”
Nathalie just nodded her head and was about to exit. But she turned around to look at him as if to ask one more question.
“I think it best that his partner and girlfriend should get the same branded clothes. What do you think, sir?”
Gabriel was utterly shocked.
“Girlfriend?! When did he get one?!”
“Around the same time he began parkour, sir.”
Gabriel sighed while rubbing his face.
“Fine. Make sure she gets matching clothing with my son’s.”
Nathalie then nodded and left him alone in his office.
Gabriel truly needed to talk to his son more.