Criminal

Chapter 20: Stay

Marinette woke up that morning with her head pressed against Adrien's chest, her blue bell eyes glossing across his tan skin. They didn't do anything besides cuddle, and Marinette was beginning to wonder if she had feelings for Adrien. Chat had been such a distraction lately she didn't consider or want to consider any other person. 

She stared at the silver ring occupying his lithe ring finger, her dainty hand tracing his wrist. The two were currently laying on her couch resting in each other's arms, she felt safe with Adrien. 

After a delicious breakfast and two cups of coffee, Adrien and Marinette headed to work together.

The bluenette almost snickered when she saw Lila's pissed off expression. She also did pity her a little bit, but Adrien wasn't some prize to be won. He didn't deserve to be lied to and cheated- which was exactly what Lila was all about. In that moment, Marinette had actually considered pursuing Adrien as a love interest.

Her heart leapt in her chest as she looked up at the blonde walking beside her, his arm linked with hers as people in the Agreste building stared at them. He didn't seem to mind or care, and simply walked into the elevator. 

Last night Marinette told him everything... Without actually telling him everything.

She didn't mention that her love interest was indeed chat noir- the infamous criminal known for stealing priceless things. But she did tell him that him leaving was the reason she had been so off lately. 

Marinette confided in Adrien for comfort and advice, and that's what he gave her. 

***

When the bluenette arrived home that evening, she set her purse down on the counter and took off her coat. She filled a glass up with water and began to walk over to her bedroom door. 

"I see you've moved on already?"

Marinette froze. She knew that voice... She knew that tone. She slowly turned around, her eyes widening at the sight in front of her. 

Chat Noir was sitting in her living room- on her couch. 

"What. The. Fuck." Marinette said, setting down her glass of water rather harshly before walking over to the leathered criminal. He sat comfortably while holding Adrien's hoodie in one hand. "This belongs to your friend, right?" He asked, tossing the hoodie onto the carpet without care. 

Marinette stood there speechless, crossing her arms and frowning at the man in front of her. "He stayed over last night, didn't he?" Chat asked with nonchalance, and Marinette shrugged. "Yeah, he did. Is there something wrong with that?" She retorted, and the blonde chuckled. "I know you didn't sleep with him Marinette. If you want to- be my guest. I only want you to he happy." 

Marinette scoffed while rolling her eyes, "So that's why you just disappeared, huh? So I can be happy?" 

He didn't respond, and Marinette began to tear up. "Why did you just leave like that, chat?!" She demanded, "Why would you just..." A small gasp escaped her lips as he suddenly pulled her onto his lap, his arms slowly wrapping around the petite woman. "I'm here now, aren't I?"

She was surrounded by the pleasant aroma of his cologne, and the scent of his peppermint shampoo. Her teary eyes slowly shifted to meet his, and she felt like she couldn't breathe. He was here and she thought she'd never see him again, he was here and she hated that she wanted him to always be there. She always wanted him around and she hated it. 

The moment she stared into his gorgeous vibrant green eyes, she realized that she would never get enough of him. His eyes wandered to the freckles that spilled across the bridge of her nose, to her beautiful pink lips. Marinette could feel his gloved hands slide further down her back as he slowly pulled her further onto his lap.