Chapter Text
“I don't know Adrien, maybe I just shouldn't go?” Marinette sighed.
“Hell no, if anyone deserves to go to my father’s gala it's you!” Adrien spoke through her phone.
“Although I adore your enthusiasm I don't even have an outfit…”
“You're kidding? Right? You have months to prep- wait, what happened to the dress you were making? The sketch you made was infinitely better than anything my father will showcase at the gala”
“You're just saying that so I go and you aren't stuck mingling with fancy business execs and shallow models alone.”
“Hey! That's just an added bonus of you being there.”
“Oh god- it's like I can hear you smirking Adrien.” Marinette groaned playfully.
“And I can hear that smile Marinette.” Adrien teased.
“Okay, okay, I'll… think about it but no promises… I'm gonna let you go, see you Friday Adrien”
“Bye Mari”
The line ended and Marinette looked down at her finger.
Her bruised finger.
Adrien had called to check on the progress of the dress Marinette was making for Gabriel's annual winter Gala.
He didn't know that Marinette found herself struggling to sew due to her tender finger. Overnight it had turned an unnatural purplish blue. Not exactly ideal for sewing. She knew if she mentioned it Adrien would worry. And the last thing she wanted to be was burden.
She didn't mean for it to happen.
-
24 hours earlier…
“The least you could do is fucking look at me when I talk to you.” Paul demanded as he reached for the dress Marinette was sewing.
It was a strapless baby pink dress. The bodice consisted of intricate draping and the bottom of the dress had been adorned with embroidered ivory flowers. It was intricate, elegant, and exactly what she needed to impress Gabriel at his next event.
“Im not going to talk to you if you're going to be an asshole” Marinette retorted, hands firmly holding down the dress onto the table, her brows creased in annoyance.
“Oh! So I'm an asshole for trying to spend time with my girlfriend? Since when did you become such a prude?" Paul said the last part with a humorless chuckle as he pulled the dress out from under her hands, now gripping it as he stood over her.
“That is not at all what I said! Ugggghh- it- it's like you don't even listen to me! You know this dress is important, look just a few more minutes and you will have my undivided attention.” Marinette stood up from her desk and reached for the dress.
Paul waved the dress around in the air, just out of reach, taunting Marinette with it. Marinette jumped up, reaching for her work and caught onto the hem of the dress.
The two now each had one hand on the dress, although Paul had a better grip on it.
“Marinette just let go of the fucking dress.” Paul growled looking down at Marinette, the smell of alcohol that laced his breath wafting into her face.
“No you let go, you're drunk.” Marinette begged, her eyes now silently pleading with him, desperate for his attention seeking rampage to end.
With one final heave from each side a sound of tearing followed by a smack rang in the air.
The tear had been the dress.
The smacking sound was from Marinette's hand flinging back and hitting her desk from the momentum of struggle. A variety of sewing supplies scattered the ground from the impact.
For what felt like an eternity Marinette stood there like a deer caught in headlights. Her bright blue eyes glossed over, Marinette used all her willpower to hold back the tsunami of tears that were threatening to spill over at any moment. She didn't know what to say or even how to breathe at that moment.
She felt so small.
Marinette's eyes searched the deep forest green eyes across from her. Looking for any sign of remorse, yet the compassion she was searching for, the compassion she once knew, didn’t appear.
Paul threw the half of the dress he was holding onto the ground and made his way out of the room grumbling drunken curses under his breath.
Marinette waited a second, listening for Paul’s footsteps to be far enough away. Once she was sure he had gone to their room Marinette took a shaky breath in before she collapsed to the ground in sobs. She was crawling around picking up the pieces of her dress, the scattered sewing supplies that fell after she hit her desk, and the broken pieces of her fragile pride.
She and Paul sometimes fought, but never like this. It must've been the alcohol she smelled on his breath, or the fact that this fight had been a long time coming. She should've known better. She should've known not to push him, not while his patience was already teetering on the edge.
Paul always told her that after fights, so much so that she began to tell herself.
-
Paul and Marinette started dating in high school. After middle school Marinette decided to attend a school more focused on the arts. There she met Paul who was an aspiring actor.
He was charismatic, with sandy brown hair and deep green eyes that make you feel like nothing mattered but you. He was tall, lean, sunkissed, and insightful… sometimes.
Marinette had not cared for him at first thinking he was just another pretentious actor, another cliche. She never understood why Nino hung out with him.
That was until one day she saw him help comfort a girl who was about to be akumatized. A girl in her grade had asked out one of Paul's friends and he rejected her. All of Paul’s friends laughed and mocked the poor girl, but Paul had gone after her, wiping her tears away and offering a shoulder to cry on. She was intrigued by his gentleness.
Marinette had once been in that girl's shoes when Kim had rejected her just the year prior. The scene had brought Marinette to that day the pool. Brought her back to how she wished someone had been there for her when she had been utterly humiliated.
In her eyes he had a heart of gold, one as pure as the first snow at the very start of winter.
So with the help of her loyal wingman, Nino, they were set up on a date to their school formal.
That was in the 10th grade and they had been together for the past four years ever since.
Straight out of high school Paul was scouted to star in a movie.
At first it was great, Paul was following his dream of being an actor and Marinette was attending ESMOD studying fashion. But within a year of stardom Paul fell into the wrong crowd. He started being more reckless, staying out late partying, and splurging.
Paul must've noticed Marinette’s discontent because he would bring Marinette along with him to parties and red carpets, introduce her to some of his costume designers and stylists, and purchase her expensive fabrics and beads from foreign countries.
Marinette wasn't exactly thrilled by the new lifestyle but if that's what would make him happy she would go along with Paul, hoping this lifestyle would eventually pass and that he would settle down.
Marinette stayed because she held out the hope that soon his gentle and soft nature would return, and no longer be a rare reminder of someone he used to be, the gentle boy from high school.
-
Marinette was broken out of her thoughts when she felt something soft and warm stroke her cheek.
Tikki.
“Oh Marinette, you don't deserve this, do you want to talk about it?” Tikki cooed, snuggling up to Marinette.
“Thanks Tikki but I really just want to be alone.” Marinette whispered, her voice cracking slightly.
“Well you know the magic words” Tikki said warmly, referring to her transformation phrase. The phrase that would allow her to escape from it all.
“Honestly I can't deal with Ladybug’s responsibilities either right now...” Mainette sighed as she bit her lip.
Marinette knew if she went out as Ladybug there was a chance of running into an eager fan, or a nosey reporter, or… Chat Noir, the only person who could see through the cracks and tell when she was falling apart. She didn't feel like talking to anyone, especially not him.
“Oh, alright then.” Tikki responded solemnly.
Marinette gave Tikki a strained smile in an attempt of reassuring her.
And with that Marinette headed out her apartment for a stroll. Tikki insisted she go with Marinette just in case she ran into trouble.
The weather was perfect, it was just in between summer and fall. A slight breeze passed by every now and then, carrying away any warmth from the day into the night. After a couple laps around the block Marinette decided to sit on a bench.
She sat there for god knows how long, just staring at the maple colored leaves that were painted navy by the night. It was serine, a stark contrast from her life.
“ …Marinette?” a low voice whispered from behind her.
Marinette whipped her head around and was face to face with none other than Chat Noir, their noses nearly brushing each other.
His eyes widened when they met hers. That was the only sign she needed in order to know she looked a mess. Hair rustled by the wind, the apples of her cheeks and nose flushed from the cold and her tears, wet red eyes, the whole package. And it was all on display because of Chat’s night vision.
Marinette quickly used the heel of her palm to wipe away what remained of her tears. Her face was still flushed and her undereyes were still swollen from the sobbing. Marinette fiddled with her curtain bangs trying to cover as much of her face as possible.
“Marinette, what's wrong?” Chat asked, a wave of worry riddled his face as he used his claws to brush Marinette's hair behind her ear, exposing her to him.
So much for hiding her face…
Marinette was conflicted.
Back at the start of high school; Chat used to visit her balcony and they just talked about life. The visits started to become less frequent after a year until they no longer occurred. She wasn't sure if Chat still wanted to hear her complain about her problems. It's not like they were close anymore, she wouldn't burden her friends with her silly problems, she wasn't even sure if Chat would even consider her anything more than an acquaintance.
“Oh I just messed up one of my sewing projects… it was pretty important, I guess” Marinette finally admitted sounding defeated.
Call it cat instinct but Chat felt like she wasn't telling the whole truth. He wouldn't push though. After years of knowing Marinette he knew if he pushed she would shut down and push him away. He didn't want her to leave her alone when she was clearly not okay.
“Thats pawful, but you shouldn't be subjecting yourself to the streets of Paris at night over a project.” Chat replied hoping she would take the hint of heading home, He would hate if anything happened to her.
“First of all that was a terrible pun, and secondly… I guess you're right about heading home. I just needed a few minutes to collect my thoughts and get away from Pa-” Marinette stopped herself, “get some fresh air.” She corrected.
Chat noticed the slip up but made no comment, he knew Marinette tended to stumble over her words and pointing it out would only fluster her more. Instead hat Noir smiled and held out his hand to help Marinette up from the bench.
She accepted it. However she instantly regretted it when as his hand closed around hers to pull her up it sent a jolt of paint through her hand, her finger still tender from the struggle that occurred in her apartment no more than an hour prior.
Marinette hissed in pain, yanking her hand back away from Chat.
“Oh my goodness Marinette are you okay?” Chat hastily asked, reaching out for her but then stopping, afraid to hurt her again.
“Don't worry mon chaton, I just accidentally slammed a door on my finger. You remember how clumsy I am.”
“Well maybe I can help you feel a little better”
Chat Noir then leaned down and pressed a light kiss on her hand, making sure to be careful around the tender area. Marinette let out a giggle and whispered “silly kit-kat” as she rolled her eyes.
This moment brought butterflies to Marinette, perhaps because it's the first sign of human affection she had been shown the whole night.
“Allow me to escort you home fair maiden” Chat stated with an exaggerated bow.
Before she could object, Chat snaked his arm around her waist. His clawed hand got a firm hold on her that made her shudder. He then pulled out his baton and launched them into the air, his hold not faltering once. Marinette instinctively put her arm around Chat's neck.
They soared through the sky in a comfortable silence until they landed at the balcony of Marinette's apartment. Marinette thanked him and then wiggled her fingers in a wave goodbye. Chat crouched down preparing to launch into the sky again but he was stopped.
“Wait!” Marinette called out.
Chat turned around and cocked his head to the side in a quizzical expression.
“How did you know where I live? We haven't exactly kept in contact for the past three years, last time I saw you was on my old balcony… above the bakery.” Marientte said, cocking her head to the side as she studied him.
Chat's face dropped immediately and it looked as if someone poured a bucket of ice water on him. He completely forgot that although Adrien had been to Marinette’s apartment a couple of times before, Chat had not.
“Yea, yea I, uh I've seen you around, you know?” His response sounded more like a question than an answer.
“If I didn't know any better I'd think you were stalking me Chat Noir.” Marinette teased with a smirk that she hid behind her hand.
“WHAT! Oh Marinette I never meant to make you uncomfortable, gosh I sound like such a creep right now. I swear its not what it sounds like, Ladybug would kill me if she thought I was stalking civilians, which I swear I’m not an-”
Chat's panicked rambles were cut off with a melodic laugh, Marinette's face softening as she looked at him “Chat, I know you aren't a stalker, I was just teasing.”
It was stupid how something as simple as Marinette’s laugh could soothe his worries.
Chat noir let out a short chuckle, “haha very funny” with that he did a two finger salute and flipped off her balcony.
That night Marinette went out to sleep a little less angry.
-
Present day…
So there she was. Marinette rubbing her swollen finger and thinking back on her encounter with Chat.
It warmed her heart to think that despite their friendship drifting apart Chat still watched over her.
Determining that with her bruised finger and bruised pride from the night before she wouldn't get any meaningful work done she began to pack up her sewing supplies for the night. She was stopped when she heard a knock on the door of her work room.
Paul must've just gotten home. Great.
Before she could make up an excuse of being busy Paul walked through the door with a bouquet of pink peonies wrapped in white ribbon.
“Nettie, I am so sorry about my behavior last night. Look, I was drunk and insecure about us not spending enough time together. And I know that is not an excuse but I hope I could make it up to you.” Paul asserted as he leaned against the doorway, clearly trying to look casual but she could sense his unease.
“Hey, hey it's ok we both are really busy and stressed right now, and honestly I just want to move past it.” Marinette said as she accepted the flowers.
“See Nette this is why I love you, you are so understanding.” Paul held her head in his hands as he pressed a kiss on her temple, his thumbs brushing her earlobes. “Look, I have a surprise for you in the dining room.” Paul said as he placed his hand on the small of her back and guided her out the room.
In the living room there were candles set up and flower petals on the table and floor.
Paul pulled out Marinette's chair and in front of her was a pasta and lobster dinner.
“Look im not quite as good of a chef as you but-”
“No, no, it's perfect” Marinette cut him off.
He beamed at her. With those green eyes that peered into her soul. This is why she stayed, she reminded herself as she bit into a savory buttery peice.
-
The candles had melted low and their plates were clean. They were on their third glass of wine if they were lowballing it.
Marinette began to feel the effects of the wine and had been giggling at everything that came out of Paul's mouth. Just like they were in high school again. For a moment their conversation stopped and Paul took Marinette's hand and kissed it lightly.
The same hand that had the bruise, the same hand that Chat Noir had kissed the same way the night before.
“I'm sorry,” Paul whispered. Marinette nodded showing her forgiveness.
From the far end of the room Tikki shook her head in melancholy, watching Marinette so easily forgive.
Paul continued to pepper kisses up her hand and arm, making Marinette a giggling giddy mess as she leaned over the table.
“Ha ha ha, stop, ha, it tickles” Marinette managed to get out between laughing.
Paul slowly came to a halt, and took a deep breath before putting all of his attention on her, “you know I love you right?”
“Well yes, I love you too.” Marinette breathed.
Paul beamed and then pulled out a black velvet jewelry box from his pocket.
He then got up and walked around the table to get on one knee in front of her.
Marinette's heart stopped.
The look of apprehension on her face was slight but Paul caught it immediately and interjected, “Look I know last night got a little crazy, but I was thinking and it's cause i’m crazy for you and I missed spending time with you, we won't have to feel like that anymore.”
Paul took a deep breath.
“Marinette Dupain-Cheng, will you marry me?”
Her words got caught in her throat. Her head was saying yes but her heart seemed so lost. All she managed to do was nod. And with that Paul threw himself into Marinette's arms, showering her in kisses all over her face and neck.