Please, Forgive Me || ADRIENETTE

21. Let them see.

It wasn't long till the four reached Nino's club, the car dropping them off on the street as they came into view of the ridiculous line that spread blocks away filled with the people of Paris screaming of their excitement for the party to get started. Marinette on the other hand didn't know how to feel seeing the number of people possibly being in the same room as her. She somewhat grew social anxiety during her time in China. She was not clubbing for the past five years, she liked to be secluded with her art than out partying.

Marinette froze in her steps as she took a step out of the car, unbeknownst to Alya and Nino who had already made their way to the entrance of the club, fist-bumping the bouncer as he let the couple in. Marinette knew that she needed to hurry and enter along with them since the bouncer had no idea who she was, and probably wouldn't let her in, but she couldn't move. Everything in her head had told her that today was a bad idea.

She would feel much safer at home, and the comfort of her bed sounded more appealing than the blaring sound of obnoxious music. No offense to Nino.

This was not Marinette's style at all, and she felt a pressure in her chest that screamed she didn't fit in.

While her mind told her to take a step forward, her body did the exact opposite. Her tiny feet that was beginning to tremble had stumbled behind her as she caught her breath hitting a wall with a gasp.

"I am so sorry--" her voice squeaked, apologizing to whoever was standing behind her. Her head was spinning and she could start to feel her limbs weakening, as if she was melting where she stood. It took everything in her not to collapse.

Before Marinette could spout any more apologies, a pair of hands gripped onto both sides of her shoulders causing her to put her focus on the person in front of her. Or should she say the blonde in front of her?

"Are you okay, Mari?" Adrien asked with a look of concern written on his face. He lowered his head to meet her eye level, green orbs staring intently as she began to get lost in them.

Marinette's breathing began to quicken as she nodded her head, trying to dismiss the obvious fact that she was feeling overwhelmed and on the verge of having a panic attack.

He shook his head, not giving into her lies, and wrapped his arm around her waist and brought her to the nearest alleyway, where the noise began to fade and the sound of her breathing filled the air instead.

"Mari? Marinette?" he called out, slowly watching her eyes begin to fill with tears. Adrien knew what a panic attack was, and he was well experienced to know what to do in this situation. She grabbed onto her hand and pulled her into an embrace, placing her arms around his neck and snaking his around her lower waist, as Marinette's face hit against his chest.

This completely blindsided the girl, who stood awkwardly as she hugged her boss who was trying to calm her down. This is not what you do with your coworkers, much less your boss. She didn't know whether to push him off or stay still. But she couldn't deny she liked the feeling of warmth and security while hugging Adrien.

"Deep breaths, Marinette." his deep voice whispered into her ear. Marinette nodded, trying to follow the way his chest would rise and fall against her cheeks. "Are you okay?" he finally asked as he could tell she had finally calmed down.

Although he knew for certain that the panic attack had subsided, he didn't want to let the bluenette go. He liked having her in his arms, and deep down, he knew she did as well. Seeing as her tiny little fingers were interlocked on the back of his neck.

"I'm sorry, I think I just got--" she sighed. "overstimulated." she wasn't sure why she was explaining herself, she felt a bit pathetic and embarrassed saying it out loud to the blonde. She didn't like looking vulnerable against him, since she remembered the last time she did five years ago.