M'Ladybug | Adrinette//Ladynoir

Chapter Three | Playing Matchmaker

Marinette woke up the next morning, her black hair a mess of tangles sprawled across her pillow. Yawns stretched from her mouth, and She wiped drool of the corners of her smile. She sighed, disgusting.

"Good morning Marinette!" Tikki flew around her head.

"Hello Tikki," Marinette sat up and pulled back the covers.

She made her way to the closet, sorting through outfits. Today had to be perfect, and, as an aspiring fashion designer, Marinette knew the first step to feeling confident was finding the right look.

She'd woken up in the middle of the night, realizing what she'd gotten herself into, and watched nearly a hundred YouTube videos on how to not be socially awkward.

She had a feeling it wouldn't work.

She finally settled on a light pink collared shirt with black detailing and a black circle skirt.

She checked the clock; sure enough, she was running behind schedule. Grabbing her bag, Marinette yelled bye to her mom and raced against time all the way to the school.

Marinette ducked inside the classroom just as the bell rang, earning a disapproving look from her teacher. She flashed a sheepish smile and took her seat next to Alya.

Marinette opened her mouth to speak but was cut off by Alya, "Adrien at Two o'clock. He's totally staring at you!"

Her insides fluttered nervously. "Really? Do I look at him?"

Alya gave a nonchalant nod. "Duh! Don't play hard to get; you're terrible at playing easy to get."

Marinette stuck out her tongue at Alya, and casually turned to face Adrien. His face turned slightly pink from being caught, and Marinette waved. Adrien waved back, and then turned to face the front. Alya leaned over and gave her a fist bump.

"Nice, you didn't even freak out like you did on the subway a couple weeks ago."

Marinette knew her friend was teasing her, but she couldn't help but feel a little bit proud. She'd come far from the stuttering mess she was--okay so not that far--and was proud of the fact that she could kind of hold a conversation with Adrien without melting.

Their teacher started the lesson.

"Alright class, I hope everyone has read the first three chapters of Stars Aligned, because we will have a class discussion."

"In the book, the main character, Maggie, is in love with a boy, who the readers find out is Archer, communicating with her in a series of love letters."

"Maggie is unable to see who the boy is, which seems very obvious to the rest of us, because of her disbelief and skepticism."

"It often leads towards the readers frustration towards her blindness." Adrien commented, and the class giggled.

"True Adrien. We all have these situations in our lives. Why do you think Archer won't share his identity?"

Marinette raised her hand. "Maybe he's worried about what she'll think of the real him. Right now, she's only seeing the part that he wants her to see, in fear of her rejection."

The teacher nodded in approval. "Very good Marinette."

The teacher checked the clock. "Alright class, you may pack up."

The rest of the day passed in an uneventful blur. Finally, school was over and it was time to planning the dance. And time to start playing matchmaker.

Marinette and Alya sat in their seats as Adrien and Nino sat down in front of them. Adrien met Marinette's gaze, and he gave a nod as their signal to start.

"You know, Alya, we talk about my feelings an awful lot, what about yours?"

Alya sat deep in thought. "I don't know if there's much to tell. I have a half crush on a boy at the moment."

"A half crush?"

"You know, like, maybe I like them maybe I don't, maybe I want to be friends, maybe I want to-"

"I don't think I've had one of those."
Marinette said, instantly thinking of Chat Noir.

Why was she thinking of Chat? He was a friend, nothing more, maybe even less. She couldn't possibly have a crush on him--it just couldn't happen. It'd cause so many complications.

Come on Marinette, we all know the real reason you won't admit it. You're afraid of how he'd react to the real you. He loves a strong, courageous woman--not you. Her subconscious spoke harsh words, and she shook the thought from her mind.

"So, who's the lucky guy?" Marinette said, casually plucking dust off her skirt.

Alya bit her lip, and nudged toward Nino in front of her. Her friend gave silent thanks in relief and happiness.

"Alya, that's so sweet! You guys would be so cute together."

"I don't know Marinette. It may not work out."

"What does? Enjoy it while it lasts."

Alya considered this. "Good point. We'll see."

Adrien turned around a few minutes later while Alya was distracted and gave a big thumbs up to Marinette. She smiled and returned the gesture.

"Marinette and Adrien, will you two work on streamers in the gym? The ladder is already set up."

The pair nodded, and exited the room.

"So, does she like him?"

Marinette's pigtails bobbed up in down in response. "Yes! Now we have to pick the perfect proposal!"

"Shouldn't he just ask her?"

Marinette pretended to look appalled. "Adrien, how dare you, go big or go home."

Adrien laughed. "You got any better ideas?"

Marinette grabbed the streamers and headed up the ladder. "I was thinking he posted something on the Ladyblog so she could read it there?"

Adrien looked sheepishly. "You're way better at this than me."

"Well, I'm pretty sure I've thought of this a lot more than you."

"What's your dream way to be asked--Marinette be careful! "

Marinette's foot slipped at the question, and she teetered, unbalanced, before grabbing at air and flailing.

She let out a bloodcurdling scream, falling hard and fast towards the unwelcoming gym floor.

/// :))) ///

Omg boring chapter and no LadyNoir, I swear the next one will be eventful ;)

Gah I have so many ideas and so little time, have mercy! I love you all!