A Lady's Choice

7

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"I don't think I can do this."

Marinette perked an eyebrow at her partner, who was very uncomfortable and fear-driven. He almost seemed more terrified of who they were going to visit rather than her grandparents.

"Whatever do you mean?" Marinette questioned. She was quite confused by his reaction.

"Those...things," Adrien said in disgust, "They're gremlins that are made of sour, sinister, and nothing nice."

"Mister Agreste, they are children. They are not tiny, mischievous creatures that cause trouble," Marinette replied, unimpressed with the blonde's accusations.

At the moment, Tom was driving the teens to visit an orphanage. Sabine and the Chengs were already there, waiting for them to arrive.

The Chengs were hosting an event for the young children with snacks and toys. They were only doing it to raise their reputation and better their name. After all, it is a ladylike thing to do good things such as donate to the less fortunate.

Although, Mrs. Cheng always wore a mask to hide her disgust. She didn't like "dirty peasants" which referred to the middle class and lower. And she didn't like children either.

So, she wasn't very fond of orphanages but played it off like she actually does care.

"That's the exact definition of what they are," Adrien exclaimed, "They want you to think they're cute and innocent. Then when you're guard is down, that's when they strike! Suddenly, it's my fault and the kid gets away with it!"

   "Have you actually met a child or did you get this information from other resources?" Marinette asked.

Adrien has never mentioned having any relation to a younger family member and didn't seem like the type to babysit. He probably heard absurd stories from others who do have younger siblings or have seen it in a movie.

   Marinette got her answer when Adrien didn't reply.

"While I do admit there are some troublesome children, there are some that are not bad too. You might even find them charming and adorable," Marinette explained.

Adrien seemed to slightly relax.

"I'll take your word for it," Adrien said before Tom parked the car.

"We're here," he declared, killing the engine. The three exited the car and made their way inside the building.

Marinette wrapped her arm around Adrien's, getting a curious look from the blonde (and a little pink on his cheeks).

"You are my suitor and should be presented as such," Marinette explained. Adrien cleared his throat and prayed to the lord above that it wouldn't crack.

   "R-Right," he stammered. Adrien didn't want to say anymore. He didn't trust himself from saying something utterly ridiculous as Chloe would put it. He felt butterflies—no, a stampede of animals running around in his stomach and bouncing off the walls. Where was that chill and suave boy—man—that had troubles with girls a year ago?

   That Adrien would probably be wheezing at what's become of him today. If he told his past self that he would fall head over heels for the class president, past him wouldn't have believed it for a second.

   Tom guided them through the hallways until arriving at the very room with all the kids. Many girls and boys were excitedly playing with their new toys. The Chengs and Sabine were off to the side talking with someone.