Expect The Unexpected

Chapter 3

Artwork by FysteeUnicorn

Marinette

Mari slumped back in her lawn chair, hand resting on the white page of her pink polka-dotted sketchbook as she scratched out the design of a ball gown. There was a school ball coming up in a few weeks and everyone was excited. Alya had asked her if she could make a dress for the ball and of course, Mari said yes. A few days after, Chloe asked and a day later, Rose requested one, then Mylene. This continued until all the girls in their class and some from others all requested a dress for the occasion. 

Mari ended up having to put her foot down a little, telling the girls that she didn't have enough time to design, sew and complete 12 dresses, 13 including Mari. Chloe had offered to have some of her designers help sew some of the dresses and Mari agreed, thankful for the help. All Mari had to was design the dresses and then give them to Chloe, who would pass them onto her designers. The only designs she was keeping were the ones for her and Alya because Alya insisted that her dress be sewn by Mari and no one else. Mari didn't mind and eagerly took up the challenge. 

Speaking of the ball and friends...I wonder how Rosie's doing. 

She hoped Rosie was having fun in a new city and having a nice evening with her parents. 

Mmm, maybe I could make her a ball dress too. 

That was only 3 dresses total for Mari to design and create so it wasn't a big deal. 

It might even help her catch Nate's attention. 

She sighed dreamily at the thought of Rosie and Nate dancing together at the ball, looking into each other's eyes...

A soft thump interrupted her and she turned her head to see a figure in black with striking green eyes and soft blond hair. Her heart flipped at the sight of him and she had to look back down at her sketchbook before lifting her head and turning toward him. 

Come on. Pull it together, Mari. It's not that hard. 

It really wasn't. After all, Chat often visited her and always talked into the early hours of the morning.

"Oh. Hey, Chat Noir. What are you doing here?" Mari asked, a bit worried that Ladybug might have to show up soon if there was trouble.

"Hey, Princess." His voice was friendly but his gaze was distracted and she could tell something was bothering him. 

"What's wrong? There's obviously something bothering you. What is it, Chaton?"

He looked a bit surprised that she had caught it so quickly but when she gestured for him to sit next to her, he obliged and took a seat. Sighing, he leaned forward and rested his arms on his legs, clasping his hands together. Her heart fluttered, stomach flipping as she gazed over his well-muscled arms, strong jawline, perfect lips... 

Lips? What am I thinking?!? You're 18 years old for Pete's sake! Stop acting as though you're in middle school and back to being a nervous, shy schoolgirl around your crush! 

Wait, crush? Oh no. She just downright admitted to being attracted to her partner. Inwardly cringing, she managed to push away her thoughts -- but unsuccessfully her feelings -- and focus on helping Chat. 

"Well, you see I.." Another sigh. He glanced at her and she simply nodded patiently, gesturing for him to go on.

"I was planning on confessing to Ladybug tonight but when the opportunity came, I panicked and instead invited her to a picnic at the Eiffel Tower. Why did I have to say the first, stupidest suggestion that came to mind? Now, I don't know whether I want to go ahead with it or feign an emergency and tell her I can't make it. What do I do?"