Two Can Play That Game

Chapter 7: Planning

Marinette furiously typed away on her laptop as she was translating her presentation. She sighed heavily as she tried to find the right words to substitute her own. English is not her first language, hell, she doesn't even know Chinese fluently. She did take a language class in English when she was in college just to make sure, but that doesn't mean that she's a whiz at it already. Although Adrien was kind enough to help her practice.

She froze mid-sentence as her thoughts floated back to him. She clenched her fists tightly as she furiously began typing, using her anger as fuel instead as a distraction. She couldn't and wouldn't be affected by him. He means nothing to her, since she meant nothing to him. They are over. That was the end. There's no turning back. She doesn't regret it. That's right, she doesn't regret it at all. There's no more feelings left no more—

"Marinette, are you alright?" her father's calming voice asked as the hatch opened slightly. She turned around to his concerned face and nodded in response. Tom smiled and entered the room with some snacks.

"Here, don't forget to take a break every once in a while," he reminded his daughter as he placed a kiss atop her head. She smiled thinking how much she missed her parents.

"Thanks, Papa. Don't worry, I just need to finish this soon before I start packing again," she took a croissant and started nibbling on the warm bread. He smiled and left the room for her break. He closed the door and headed back to the bakery to finish some more orders. She cautiously looked around again then called out her friends.

"Alright, come on let's take a break for a while," she called out the kwamis from their hiding places. Squeals and giggles erupted from every corner of the room as a flurry of tiny creatures made a beeline towards the croissants. A soft smile etched on her face as she could see all of them together once more. With the exemption of Plagg that is. At the thought of the kwami of destruction, Barkk voiced out her thoughts.

"I can't believe Plagg choosing to stay with that cheater!" Barkk voiced out in a manner of disgust.

"It's not strange that he chose to stay than go. He had always prided himself for calling his master his favourite," Sass pointed out.

"But that's not a reason to stay away from the guardian. Not after what happened, especially when that girl's involved," Nooro reflected remorseful. The other kwamis were silently eating their share, unsure what to make of what the butterfly just said.

"Why did you accept his deal, Marinette?" Duusu asked in the same lively voice. Marinette turned her head the other way, unable to look at them.

"I know this sounds selfish, but he could be my only chance to live my dream. As much as I don't like it, I don't have any of other choices now. I'm sorry Duusu, but I want you to know that whatever happens I'll never let him take you again. I promise," she swore to the little peacock, hoping to reassure them that they'll be safe. The little kwami smiled as it landed on her palms, bringing it close to her face for a hug.

"Knock, knock, knock. I'm coming in future designer."

Speak of the devil, the very man they were just talking about has arrived. The kwamis scattered and hid away, knowing well enough that Felix is too observant for his own good.

"Come in," she called out when she noticed that he didn't open the door yet. With her confirmation, he emerged with his own work on hand.

"Welcome, you should've called me when you arrived. I feel like a kid when my parents are still the ones greeting you at the door," she admitted while she made room for him by bring a chair in front of her own.

"I did say I would be coming by at lunch, but I got held back and wasted too much time already," he told her in an annoyed tone, while he loosened his tie to release the tension. He must've had a terrible morning to be this cranky. He heaved a heavy sigh as he looked at her and immediately fixed his attitude toning down his anger.