Return - Miraculous Ladybug

[Chapter 3] Elementary School

(Note: I will be writing different phases of their childhood up till when they become adults. From the moment they become adults the true story unfolds but right now I'm writing the progression and development of Marinette's feelings and their relationship as they are growing up. (: )

Marinette's POV
"Adrien! Give me my test paper back!" I yelled.

Just before I could see my own results for the Math test, Adrien swiped my paper and held it up high. I kept jumping, trying to take it back but it was no use. Adrien had grown 7cm taller than me.

"23 out of 25. Not bad for a small twerp. I guess you lost the bet." He said.

"What did you get get?"

"25 out of 25." Adrien said smirked.

I could see a Pinocchio nose growing from his in this moment. I rolled my eyes and pouted. He leant down to my face. Adrien closed his eyes and pointed at his cheek.

"You lost, you have to accept your consequence."

I groaned and slightly puckered my lips before giving him a reluctant kiss on his hair. I quickly pulled away and pinched his nose roughly.

"Meowch! What was that for Mari?"

"You deserved it." I replied annoyingly.

Alya and Nino chuckled from afar and slowly approached us.

"Come on, let's go grab lunch you two love birds." Alya said.

I gagged and stuck my tongue out in disgust. Adrien did the same.

We all walked to the canteen and purchased our food before returning to the classroom. Time seemed to quickly pass as we conversed between eating our lunch. The bell rung and we returned to our designated seats, unfortunately mine was next to Adrien's.

Adrien's POV
After a long day of classes that seemed endless, the bell run and everyone made their way out the classroom. Alya, Nino, Mari and I walked home with each other slowly splitting up as we walked by countless intersections. Finally it was just Mari and I. I waved her goodbye as we walked away from each other just like usual.

"Ah. I forgot to give her back her test paper." I muttered to myself.

Marinette's POV
I came home and greeted my puppy Tikki. We adopted her a few weeks ago when she began visiting the bakery often. She sat on my lap and watched me sketch till night. I turned off the lights and tucked myself into bed with her.

"I wonder why Adrien is so mean to me. He used to be such a small and innocent boy but now he's so flirty and makes ridiculous puns that aren't even funny. I hate him so much but he's also my best friend. Ugh this is so confusing, what do you think Tikki?"

Tikki licked my cheek and rolled over, completely ignoring my question. I shrugged my shoulders and sighed. My eyes closed and I slowly fell asleep.
It was the following morning. School went by extremely quick and before I knew it the day was over. Once again the 4 of us walked home together. We all walked our different ways and so did I. I was suddenly stopped by a large man in a black suit with a derby hat that casted a dark shadow over his face. I couldn't see exactly who it was but just standing in front of him felt extremely intimidating.

"Hello young lady, where are you off to?" The strange man asked.

I could barely speak properly. My voice was trembling and I was struggling to find the strength to run away.

"I-I-I-I'm o-on the w-way home... so I-If you'll excuse me!"

I clenched my fists and quickly turned around, I began to run but he quickly grabbed my arm with his large hands.

"Don't be in such a rush, I have a lot of sweets and toys back at my place. Perhaps we can play Ultra Mega Strike 3 together. I promise it'll be fun." He said with his deep and husky voice.

The grip on my arm tightened and he slowly tried to pull me into his car.

"No! Let me go!" I shouted.

"Someone please! Help!"

I struggled and shook my body in attempt to escape from his overpowering grip on me. I cried and screamed but he quickly slapped me across the face.

"Shut up. You're causing a ruckus."

Hot tears streamed down my face. I could feel his large fingers tracing down my body as he tried to push me inside. It felt hot, disgusting and terrifying.

"Get the heck away from her you greasy old geezer!" A familiar voice yelled.

The old man's hands suddenly disappeared from my body. A loud thump was heard from behind me. I turned around and saw the unfamiliar person on the ground with a red mark painted across his chin. Beside him was a trembling blonde boy, Adrien. He quickly took my hand and ran off before the man had a chance to capture us.

"A-Adrien." I cried.

I immediately broke into tears. His warm hands gave me hope, reassurance and relief. I tightened my grip on his hand and continued to run with him. Once we arrived in front of the bakery my legs suddenly gave out and I collapsed on the floor. Adrien wrapped his arms around me and held me tight.

"Everything's okay now Mari, you're safe with me." He whispered.

I cried louder and louder. Everybody around us whispered and gave us strange looks however I didn't care. I just continued to cry into Adrien's shoulder. Soon after my parents came outside after hearing the commotion that was happening in front of their bakery. They brought us inside and Mama rung the Agreste household while Papa comforted me. He looked at Adrien with a concerned look

"What happened Adrien?"

Adrien's eyes guiltily trailed away from Papa's.

"I-I'm sorry Mr Cheng. Marinette was attacked by a strange tall man. He tried to kidnap her. I forgot to give back Marinette's test result paper so I went back and that's when I saw her crying for help. I punched the man in the jaw and ran off with her. If only I walked her home, I'm sorry sir."

Tom shook his head and sincerely smiled at Adrien.

"Thank you Adrien. Thank you for saving our one and only little girl, we are truly thankful you were there for her."

Adrien's POV
Tom and I huddled together with Marinette in the middle. We continued to comfort her until my parents arrived to take me home.

"I hope you feel better soon."

She looked at me with her puffy eyes and tear stained face and nodded. I exited the bakery and made my way home with my parents.

Marinette's POV
As soon as Adrien left I took a shower and fed Tikki. As she was eating I knelt down and rested my head on my two palms.

"I said all that stuff about Adrien yesterday but I guess he can be a pretty nice guy. After all, he did save me."

My face flushed red and my eyes widened as I began to realise what this warm and passionate sensation was.

"Tikki, I think might like Adrien."

Author's Note:
Cliche, dramatic and cringey. I know.