The Situationship

It's Something Unpredictable (But in the End it's Right)

Time slowed down as they made their way back to Adrien's apartment. Marinette was in a surprisingly good mood after her encounter with Lila, and they thanked everyone for showing up before making a quick exit. This fashion show was gonna be the talk of the town, maybe even forever.

The ride home seemed to be taking forever.

Delicately, Adrien took hold of Marinette's hand, brushing his thumb over her knuckles and smiling. "You were amazing tonight, Bugaboo."

She smiled and his whole world brightened. She really was it for him.

"It was fun. Well, apart from the drugging, kidnapping, and attempted murder."

"I did tell you the fashion world was intense."

She laughed, his hand pulling hers to his lips and pressing a delicate kiss to the back of it.

"How's your father?" Marinette asked, Adrien shrugging in response.

"Nathalie told me not to bother coming tonight, that she'd keep me updated once she knows more. Apparently, Chat Noir is staying closely by his side. How are you feeling?" he asked, his thumb going back to rubbing small, slow circles over her knuckles. He was moving the conversation away from himself, obviously blocking out what was happening with his father.

"I'm okay, really! Whatever it had been has passed. I think the adrenaline kick is helping too. Though I might have a different answer for you in the morning."

His lips pulled as he focused on her. "I'll be there to help you if needed. Chat will be too. If you need to stay in bed, just let us know. We will graciously be your slaves for the day."

She chuckled. "A day in bed, eh?"

"Not in that way, dirty girl." He chuckled too.

"What do you think will happen now?" She nibbled on her lip nervously, just as she had on the way.

His free hand reached up to pull the lip from between her teeth, his thumb gently brushing her lower lip. "What do you mean?"

"With us?"

And by us, he knew she didn't just mean him and her. She meant all three of them.

He sighed, dropping their hands into her lap. "I really like you, Marinette, but I know this isn't exactly a normal situation. I don't want to push you into something you don't want, or make you feel guilty. I've spoken with myself and we're both willing to do what you want - whether that's one of us, both of us, or neither of us. We just want to make you happy."

"You don't need to be my knight in shining armour all the time," she said. "You always give up your happiness for mine. I - I want you to be happy too. Do I make you happy?"

He smiled back at her. "More than anything in this world."

This time it was Marinette lifting their hands and pressing a gentle kiss to the back of his. "Then it's sorted. We stay together. All three of us. I..."

She stopped, and so did his heart. What was the end of that sentence? What was she going to say?

He watched her close her eyes. Her lips pouted as she puffed her cheeks with air and let it out in a dramatic huff. Finally, she opened them and he'd never seen anything so wonderful in all his life. She was vibrant and her eyes glistened with more beauty than a thousand stars.

"Adrien, I love you. I love you as Adrien Agreste and I love you as Chat Noir. I just... I really love you. And I know this isn't a grand declaration, and it's probably anticlimactic, but I need you to know I'm in this for the long run. I want you to be mine — both of you. It's us against the world."