The Situationship

You Caught Me Unaware

Adrien stood from his seat on the top table like he was meant for the stage – tall and proud. He'd spent a lot of time memorising the speech so that he wouldn't develop an intense tremor turning the paper in his hand into a snowfall of confetti. "First, Félix approached his best-looking friend to be best man. He said no. So he contacted his most charming friend, who also said no. Then he went for his funniest friend. He said no. So eventually, he called me up – begging – and after already telling him no three times, I felt sorry for him and reluctantly agreed.

"I am also here today as Kagami's chief bridesmale, only because she couldn't get any other girls to like her during our younger years. But then again, neither could I."

Marinette smiled up at him, her encouragement urging him to continue. Though, he couldn't shake the feeling that the woman sitting across from her was ready to toss him into the river. Whoever thought of seating his ex-girlfriend at the same table as the girl he had developed a serious obsession with, needed their head examined.

It was a true fact that Adrien Agreste had fallen completely for Marinette Dupain-Cheng, and even though it was Félix's special day, he couldn't shake the urge to confess his feelings. The looks she gave him and her gentle yet possessive touches fuelled his certainty that he was on the right track with her, that she would welcome his advances. And what's more, she looked stunning, radiant beyond words, and when she appeared in the courtyard, he knew deep down that she was the one. He was a fool to think this was ever just a crush.

Even Gammy was fully supportive of a possible development in their relationship, the sweet old lady casually ambushing Adrien, hitting the back of his leg as she passed by. He'd tumbled down numerous times, landing on one knee and causing those around to gasp. After attempt number three, Adrien had steered clear of Grammy and her antics—at least when Marinette was with him.

As the speeches wrapped up, Adrien couldn't help but notice the stark contrast in enthusiasm between Aunt Amélie and Kagami's mother—the latter obviously not thrilled to learn about her daughter and new son -in-law's escapades with cake frosting. He raised his glass to toast the bride and groom, then tilted his head back and downed the drink. With the formalities over, he was ready to hit the dance floor—and hopefully with Marinette as his dance partner. It was time to come clean (he just hoped she didn't throw him into the river).

He shook Félix's hand, moving his way from the top table and into the sea of family and friends, set on reaching his destination: Marinette. But before he could get there, it appeared Chelsea had beaten him, pulling her out of the room and away from his eyeline.

Adrien attempted to push his way through the crowd, people stopping him along the way to congratulate him on his speech—handshakes, hugs, and pats on the back slowing his progress. He strained to look over everyone's heads, only to feel disappointment when he couldn't spot Marinette's distinctive raven hair anywhere.

Just as he was about to break free from the ballroom to locate Marinette, Gammy intercepted him, grabbing his shoulders and planting a wet and overly enthusiastic kiss on his cheek.

As she continued to update him on her friend Doris' cataract operation gone awry, Adrien caught sight of Chelsea exiting the restroom, closely followed by a visibly flustered Marinette.

"Come with me, my darling, let's go and see that cousin of yours. As pretty a boy he is, he needs your glorious face in those photographs." Gammy grabbed his arm and continued to drag him through the bar and smoking area, before leading him up a garden path to where Félix and Kagami were waiting for them.

All the way there he couldn't help but wonder what Chelsea was up to, and whether Marinette would believe whatever crap that girl was coming up with.

Ten minutes later, he had managed to escape, weaving his way back through the crowds, in search of his girl. He'd already been interrupted once tonight, and he would not lose this opportunity again. She needed to know he wanted more, that she deserved more...and that he was falling head over heels for her.