Miraculous Games

Chapter Four

Chapter Four:

The train ride was long and boring, and especially awkward with Nathanael sitting next to her. Marinette couldn't help but feel closed off. With the boy on her left and a window to her right, she wasn't going anywhere.

"So," Nathanael started. "That was a really brave thing you did back there for Mrs. Chamach's daughter."

Marinette shrugged. "It was no big deal," she replied emotionlessly.

"No big deal? I bet hundreds of people know you now and are super impressed!"

"It was no big deal," she deadpanned. "Please, Nathanael, I don't want to talk about it..."

"Oh... of course. Sorry." He shrunk down in his seat, turning his head partly away from her. Marinette bit her lip. She didn't mean to make him feel bad, but she just wasn't in the mood. Leaving everything behind her was proving a challenge. She had watched out the window until the last glimpse of her district had disappeared over the horizon. Even with the hugs and support from her family and friends, she still was a little uncomfortable.

"Look, Nathanael," Marinette started quietly. "I didn't mean to offend you. This is just all so new and... stressful... Please don't take any of my moods personally. It's not your fault."

He gave her a small smile. "Hey, it's no big deal. We can support each other during this difficult time."

Grateful, Marinette smiled. "Yeah, I like that idea."

The pair was about to talk about more serious things, but they were interrupted by someone clearing their throat. It was Alec. He was wiggling his eyebrows at them, TV cameras peeking over his shoulder.

"Ooooh, looks like we have some sparks flying!"

Nathanael's face blushed as bright as a fresh tomato. Marinette's expression hardened.

"I'm sorry, Alec. I think you have the wrong idea. Do you guys ever give us some time to talk alone?"

"Nope," Alec replied with a bright smile. "Now, tell me. What are you guys most excited for?"

"E-excited for?" Nathanael questioned.

"Yes! The food? The fight? The fans?"

"W-well... The food, I guess?"

"Great choice!" Alec turned to Marinette. "And what about you, Miss Dupain-Cheng?"

She got to her feet and looked directly into the camera, plastering a smile on her face. "I am excited to stand up for my family and friends, taking them with me all the way until the very end."

The camera men and Alec let out a simple: "Aww..."

Taking Nathanael's arm with an air of triumph, Marinette pushed past the TV crew. "Now, if you'll please excuse us, we need to talk."

Before they could complain, she pulled Nathanael into another compartment and closed the door behind her. She let out a frustrated breath. "Sorry, I didn't mean to be so harsh..."

"No no, it's okay. You have the perfect reason to feel that way."

She gave a slight nod. "Alright... But now that is all sorted out, we need to talk strategy."

"Strategy?"

"Yes. If we are to beat the rest of the other Charms in the games, we need a plan."

Nathanael self-consciously stuffed his hands in his pockets. "Okay. What do you have in mind?"

Marinette tapped her chin. "Well, where we go depends on what the Games arena is like, but I think we can make one commitment now: we need to stick together. Neither of us goes solo."