Red Strings And Markers

t h i r t e e n

“You were in the shower the whole time? And you fell asleep?” Alya crossed her arms and hummed suspiciously at her best friend.

Marinette was sitting in her and Adrien’s hotel room living room, Alya and Nino looking down at Marinette.

Marinette had barely made it on time to take a quick shower, put on some pajamas and open the door that Alya was banging on.

Ladybug had left Chat Noir after his promise to contact her that night and that he would take care of himself. Marinette could still remember the cold of his body, yet the warmth of his lips. She unconsciously bit her lip, remembering the event that had happened in her bedroom several weeks ago.

“I got it.” Alya snapped her fingers in realization. “You were taking care of yourself, weren’t you?” She wiggled her eyebrows at Marinette, which Nino then decided that the environment was too awkward to be around and dismissed himself to his room when Marinette’s eyes widened.

“A-Alya! What the hell?” Marinette asked as she closed the door Nino just left through.

Alya laughed from the couch, wiping her eyes. “I knew it! The blush and your facial expression said it! You were shaving, weren’t you? Going to shave your legs? Freshening up the downtown?”

“Alya Césaire!” Marinette cried.

“I mean, I know you’re sharing a hotel room The Adrien Agreste, but I can’t believe you’re going to make the first move… or maybe you want him to do the first move.” Alya’s eyes sparkled mischievously. “Girl, are you wearing cute underwear? Is it matching? It has to be matching.”

Marinette gasped loudly, crossing her arms over her chest. “Alya, I can’t believe you.” She said despite the blush on her face.

“Just, whatever you two do, just try to keep it quiet.” Alya winked as she exited her room and across the hall.

“Speak for yourself!” Marinette retorted loud enough for her to hear. She heard her laugh and the door started to open again. “What, you act like I don’t know your personal life, I know what you and Nino do and-“ Marinette’s voice trailed off as she realized who it was at the door.

“Hey.”

“A-Adrien, u-uh, um, w-welcome home! I-I mean, it’s not home, b-but since we’re staying here it’s kinda like home so, I, uh…” Marinette felt like such a fool, blurting out all that stuff about Alya in front of Adrien, but he didn’t seem to have noticed. He stumbled into the living room and Marinette rushed to his side, helping him steady himself, her unease disappearing.

“Thanks.” He mumbled as Marinette helped him to his room.

“Are you okay?” She asked. He waved his hand in so-so manner before making it to his bed to lie on his back.

“I got… hit with a tree branch during that storm. My head’s just hurting pretty bad.”

Now that Adrien mentioned it, Marinette was starting to feel some pain too. She was hoping Chat was taking care of himself, but she would have to hear from him later that night.

“Do you need anything?” Marinette asked softly as she sat on the edge of the bed, looking over at him worriedly.

“Can you help me into the restroom? I want to see if a hot shower can relieve the pain.”

Marinette looked him over, noticing how his hair was like a golden halo around his head, an angel of perfection. She nodded and helped him sit up slowly, taking him to the bathroom. She helped him sit on the closed toilet, him letting out a sigh.