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“You know how they say that a picture is worth a thousand words. Through the lens of my camera I see everything. Take a look.”
They were in the school yard, celebrating Miss Bustier’s birthday, with Nino playing some music and everyone having something to eat and drink. They were having fun until Alya asked them to follow her to a quieter corner.
Marinette and Adrien watched transfixed as Alya showed them picture after picture. Of them. It was nothing scandalous. Just them being themselves. They were talking, smiles dancing on their lips. Adrien was holding her hand, helping her up. He was handing her a drink. They were just looking at each other. It looked innocent enough but not for someone who was watching carefully.
When they were dancing, it wasn’t shy or awkward. They looked perfectly content in each other’s arms. It was as if they were used to doing this, it was so natural to them it didn’t even register as potentially awkward.
They hadn’t considered this. How their familiarity and the feelings between them didn’t need to be expressed with loud words or flashy gestures. It wasn’t just the kisses and love declarations that made it clear that there was something more.
They had hoped it would go unnoticed but they had underestimated the power of observation some of their friends had. They had been trying to hide, but by acting natural they had made it obvious.
“Oh.”
“You see it, right?”
She didn’t sound like she was accusing them of hiding this from her. She looked subdued, as if what she’d seen had made her realise that some things couldn't be hidden. It was a humbling experience, there was no doubt about it.
For Marinette, it was also about realising how lucky they were to have each other. She knew that not a lot of people got to have what they did. They had learned from their mistakes, they had accepted each other fully, they were willing to do their best to make this work. And they had a chance to do it together. They were blessed.
With a pleading look at Alya to just give them a few minutes, Marinette grabbed Adrien’s hand and dragged him outside, where the music was muted and there were no people.
“Are you mad?” Adrien asked, concern in his eyes. She shook her head instantly.
“No. We tried our best and it still didn’t work, so there is no point in wasting energy being mad about the inevitable.”
“Who are you and what have you done with my catastrophising girlfriend?” He smiled softly at her. She giggled.
“You can thank yourself for making me more laid-back.” This was why they completed each other and taught each other how to be better.
“So what are we going to do?”
“What we were doing before. She caught it but she’s our friend. Let’s hope other people don’t pay that much close attention to us.” It sounded simple enough. If there was more, they’d think about it when the time came.
“Ok. Are we heading back inside or are we leaving?”
“We’re going back, there is no need to be suspicious, besides we were having fun. But before that, one more thing.”
“What is it?”
“I love you, kitty,” she sighed, pulling him into her arms. Was this a risk? Yes. Was it worth it? Yes. “I’m so lucky to have you.”
“Let’s not argue about who is the lucky one. But I love you too, m’lady,” he replied, eyes shining. He had seen the pictures as well after all. He didn’t need her to elaborate.
It didn’t feel right to leave this without a kiss. Marinette felt as if she was going to burst if she didn’t kiss him right this second. When their lips met, the relief was overwhelming. It was painfully sweet, familiar, amazing. Definitely worth the risk.
Until they heard a click of a camera and broke apart to see Alya smiling sheepishly at them, phone in hand.
“Awww, you need to see yourselves. Come here.”
Ok, they would need to get used to that.