After I Knew: The Agreste Short Stories

The Planning - Part 2

"Alright, get dressed up. We're going out," Adrien said, bursting into the house.
Marinette sighed and placed the box on her lap. She got up as Adrien turned around and faced her.
"Not until you tell me what's going on," Marinette, crossing her arms.

"What do you mean, Bug?" he said, looking at her. He was sure her blue eyes threw darts at him.
"Don't 'Bug' me, Adrien Agreste. You and Lahiffe have been blowing Alya and I off the whole week. You weren't able to fool me, you know."
Uh oh, Adrien thought. He knew that tone. He can't hide anything now, the missus knows.
"I mean yeah, Nino has been busy and so have I but why would that possibly mean we're planning something?"
"It's funny how both of you were 'busy' at the same time and same week," she said, putting air quotes around "busy".
"We were busy, coincidentally. Honestly, what more could it be?"
"Come on Adrien! What more surprises could possibly be there? We revealed our pregnancy at the wedding, twins at our baby shower, not to mention combining it with a gender reveal and now you're up to something!"
"But you just said it yourself, we've had all surprises possible. Now you tell me! What could I possibly do now?"
"Okay look, even Alya seems to be in on this so whatever it is, cough it up now."
Adrien raised his eyebrows. "Did you say Alya?"
Marinette looked at him, dubiously. Adrien suppressed a smile and took a step forward, putting a hand on her shoulder.
"Alright, I'll explain everything, but I need you to get ready and in the car. We've got a party to go to."
"Party? May I remind you that I'm nearly eight months in?"
Adrien dropped his hand and lost his smile, a defeated expression taking over. "Not that kin- you know what? Just get dressed."

Marinette rolled her eyes and headed towards the shower. She could at least try out her maternity dress line now.

-x-x-x-

"All set?" Adrien asked Marinette, right before they got out of their car. Marinette nodded and smiled, patting her little purse.

They entered Nino and Alya's apartment, who had moved in together recently and were throwing a housewarming party. 
"Hey girl! Come in, come in!" Alya said, leading the Agrestes into the living room. The some people from the old gang was there: Kim, Ondine, Alix, Sabrina, Rose, Juleka and Luka...and nothing seems to have changed. 

Kim and Alix were ranting over who knows more NBA players while Ondine tried to keep them from slapping each other's face. Juleka and Luka were chatting away while Rose and Sabrina were laughing over something on their phones. 
"Oh my God, Marinette!" Rose said, heading over to Marinette. She gently touched the baby bump and joined Sabrina in asking Marinette about how she was doing. In the corner of her eye, Marinette saw Adrien make his way over to Nino, who was pacing up and down in the balcony. Adrien was the one with a pregnant wife but Nino looked like his was in labor.

Marinette tried to stay engrossed in the conversation about Sabrina's classes and how she wants to join the force soon but she couldn't get over how nervous Nino looked. She saw Luka make his way over to Adrien and things seemed to have settled down. Adrien glanced over at Marinette and she excused herself from the conversation, making her way over to the group.
"What's wrong?" she asked. 
"We can't find the project," Adrien said in a hushed voice. Marinette nodded and asked Nino where he possibly could've left it. Nino looked at Marinette and started stammering; he looked like he was about to cry.
"Nino, it's okay. We'll find it soon. I'm gonna check the study and Luka will look in the bathroom. Calm down, okay? We can still make it," Adrien said, trying to reassure Nino.
"God, why can't I do anything right? This is my one shot at this and I-I can't even keep it safely-"
"What's wrong?" Alya said, interrupting the conversation.

The group shifted uncomfortably, an awkward silence taking over. Adrien decided to speak up first.
"Uh, Nino was about to show me the study. He was just telling me about how he set up all his production equipment along with y-your desk," he said, patting Nino on the back.
Alya looked puzzled. "Okay...but is everything okay? Nino? You don't look too well," Alya said, taking a step towards him. Nino shook his head and they made their way over to the couch.
"Remember that deal I was talking about? How I had one shot at it and how I can't mess up?" Nino told Alya. Alya nodded, her face full of concern. 
"Well, I kinda messed up and I-I don't know how to fix it."
"Aw Nino, it's okay...why didn't you tell me earlier?" Alya asked.
"I just got to know," Nino said.
"So 'boss lady' and her 'assistant' didn't get their 'deal'?" Marinette asked Adrien.
He smirked. "Just watch," he said, motioning to Nino and Alya.

"Uh Nino, so remember that client I was telling you about? The one who couldn't figure out what his boss wanted?" Adrien said, heading towards Nino, "So, I got my co-worker involved and she was quite helpful. In fact, she came up with this great plan and also..."
Adrien turned to Marinette and patted her purse, saying "Has the box!"

Nino blinked. A long moment later Alya spoke up, "What box?"
Nino stared at Adrien in admiration, "So you had it the whole time?"
Adrien nodded.
"You just did this to make me look scared right? Because you knew I can't keep it in and will probably mess it all up?"
"You got that right."
"As much as hate you for scaring me," Nino said getting up and heading over to Adrien, "I knew I could count on you."

"What's going on?" Alya said, getting up.
"Alya, babe, the deal's back on," Nino said.
"I thought you just lost it!"
"I just got it!"
"Okay you have some serious explaining to do," Alya said, her arms crossed.