Expect The Unexpected

Chapter 7

Marinette

The moment of silence between them was almost unbearable and it made Mari's courage waver.

Adrien stared at her, his mouth slack, eyes waiting. Mari dropped her head, unable to meet his gaze any longer as the last of her courage waned.

A strong, gentle hand lay on her arm, urging her to look at him and she did, slowly raising her head and bravely meeting his gaze, despite the flutter of her heart.

"Mari. What are you so afraid of telling me? You know you can tell me anything." 

His voice was soft, gentle, kind and it made her heart burst with love but there was sadness etched in there. 

Pain. 

Hesitation. 

Secrets.

More tears welled in her eyes and rolled down her cheeks but she refused to let her mouth open, to release the heartbroken cries that crawled up her throat and bubbled on her lips. Her head lowered, afraid to let him see her like this.

"Mari... Hey." 

His other hand gently cupped her chin with two fingers and raised it, forcing her to look at him. The tears made her vision blurry but his eyes were clear, bright, gentle, kind... 

Loving.

"Mari. I'm right here. Why are you crying?" Genuine concern and kindness glimmered gently in his eyes and it healed her heart, just a little, but healed it nonetheless.

"I... I'm..." Her voice cracked, refusing to speak clearly.

Adrien simply waited, his eyes boring into hers and trapping her in their deep green depths.

"I... Mm." She paused, voice sad and scared. "I have to tell you something very important. I need you to keep it a secret."

He nodded, confused but certain.

Silence. 

Then...

"I love you."

The words flew out of her mouth before she knew what was happening. They stared at each other for a moment before the words fully registered in her brain and it hit them at the same time, as his cheeks flamed and they both broke apart as Mari freaked out, her face bright red.

"Ohmygosh I'm so sorry, Adrien! I didn't mean it like that-I mean I did but not in that way-I mean... Arg!" She tripped over her words, trying to smooth things over but failing miserably.

Adrien simply chuckled at her reaction and stepped closer, laying a hand on her arm and the other gently rested on her cheek. She stilled at his touch and her voice died in her throat.

"It's okay, Mari. I knew what you meant." 

And the look in his eyes reassured her that it was okay and he did know what she meant, but considering the look that twinkled in his eyes made her quite sure he knew the real side to her words.

Adrien gently brushed away the tears that still clung to the bottom of her eyes and leaned closer, his breath warm and soft against her face. Mari's heart flipped wildly, delighted by his touch but wanting to pull away as guilt flooded through her, feeling as though she was betraying Chat.

But her body stayed firmly in place, refusing to pull away, gently, persuasively goading her into leaning into his gentle touch, to yearn for the feel of his soft touch against her skin.

She kept her gaze locked with his, her cheeks blooming more as he crept closer, heart fluttering wildly as his green gaze stayed locked with hers, boring into her.

His lips gently planted against hers and she returned it when...

Alya and Nino burst through the door.

FysteeUnicorn: Sorry for the short chapter, guys. I promise I'll make it up to you in Chapter 8(which I'm almost done with btw so you guys should be getting it soon!) but until then, you'll have to deal with this small chapter. Tysm for being so patient with me while I had to put it off while I studied for my finals. You guys are the best! 😊