Nathaniel + Marinette Valentines

February 2nd

I laid in bed and stared at my bag across the room. I had not taken the envelope out since Chloé had given it to me. I felt queasy replaying that scene in my mind. Now if this were anybody else, I'd probably show up for 15 minutes and then leave just so I wouldn't turn them down. I'm not really much of a party guy.

Then I wondered, what would Chloé do to me if I didn't go? I shuddered. If she doesn't threaten me at school today, maybe I'd be able to get away with not going. I walked over to my bag, took the glittery pink envelope out, and shoved it under my clothes drawer. I didn't want to remember anything about Chloé, I had other things to worry about.

Valentine's Day was coming up, and I normally felt neutral about this holiday. Mari was not my first girlfriend to be spending Valentine's Day with, but this year was going to be different because I love Mari with all my heart. My last Valentine's with my girlfriend at the time did not go too well. I went to Sarah's house (my ex) to surprise her and saw that she was making out with her older brother's college friend. I was shocked, but I don't blame her, I guess I wasn't "man" enough for her...

I shook my head. I wasn't going to let those memories haunt me, not when I had someone a thousand times better than Sarah as my girlfriend. Mari was the girl I loved and I wanted to make sure she had a wonderful Valentine's Day. There was one thing I was lacking though: money. I spend all my money on clothes, Starbucks, and art supplies, so I needed a job to get enough money to do something amazing for her.

I quickly threw on a sweatshirt and some jeans, then brushed my hair. After school, I was going to search for a job again.

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Marinette and I walked into class hand in hand. I led her to her seat and then walked to mine in the back. I saw Adrien already sitting in front of her and I frowned. Why does he get to sit so close to my Flower? That bastard is nothing but a lying pretty face. I wasn't forgiving him either.

Ms. Bustier started class and I felt my eyes get heavy. No, I can't fall asleep now. If I get detention, I won't be able to look for jobs after school again. I popped a mint in my mouth hoping it would be enough to keep me awake.

The bell rang for lunch. I somehow managed to stay awake through it all. I picked up my bag and walked down to Mari's seat.

"H-hey Mari. Wanna go eat in the cafeteria? It's too cold to eat outside." I asked.

"Yea sure thing! Just give me a moment..." Mari said as she stuffed her books in her bag. She picked up her bag but I took it from her and swung it over my shoulder. "N-Nath, you don't have to carry my bag for me!" Mari looked a little surprised.

I gave her a quick kiss on the forehead. It was one of my favorite spots to kiss her. "I'm doing this because I want to, don't worry Flower." I assured her as I held her hand with my free hand.

She looked up at me and I saw her blush. "O-Okay. Thanks."

"Guys puh-leeze save this for later! I'm hungry and I wanna eat!" Alya complained.

Nino waved goodbye to the girls and Adrien didn't even look at us. He just grabbed his bag and silently dashed out the doors.

We managed to find an empty table in the cafeteria. Alya, Mari, and I placed our bags down and went to go get food.

We sat down and began eating, talking, and joking around like usual.

"Is there a Loser Club meeting today? It seems I stumbled upon it." Chloé began laughing and Sabrina followed behind.

We all just looked at her in confusion and annoyance. What did this girl want from us? And I swear I heard that same exact line from a movie I watched in middle school.

"U-um... can I help you...?" I asked nervously.

"I need to talk to you." Chloé grabbed my arm and pulled me away from the table, from Mari.

"W-w-w-wait! What are you doing? Le-let go of me!" I demanded, my voice began shaking a little as flashbacks of that unpleasant kiss appeared in my mind.

Chloé led me out of the hallway and I saw Sabrina standing guard at the cafeteria door.

"Listen here Kurtzberg, you have to come to my party. 'No' is not an option." She said sternly.

"W-what? Why do I have to go?" I asked. My hands were starting to shake.

"You're looking for a job aren't you?" She asked with an evil grin.

I was shocked. "H-how did y-you know about that?" I asked, my voice shaking.

"You must think I'm stupid or something, how could I not notice?! I told you already, haven't I? This city is mine. Anyways," she continued as she stepped closer to me. "If a job is what you're looking for, I can offer you one. On one condition: you come to my party." She grinned at me.

"I-I can't." I stammered. I actually really don't want to go.

"You won't be able to find another place employing. I can offer you good pay- above minimum wage. It's an easy job too, you can be a room service guy. So, what do you say?" She asked me as she clung to my arm. I felt like I was about to make a deal with the She-Devil.

"I-I-I-I can't!" I was about to have a panic attack, I could feel her body pressing onto mine and I was very uncomfortable.

She tightened her grip on my hand. "If you don't agree, I'm going to make sure you never get a job anywhere." Chloé snarled at me.

Ow ow ow my arm! I put my hands over hers and declawed them from my arm. "I get it, okay? I'll think about it." I just really want to get out of this situation right now.

"I'll be waiting for your response, just text me later. Bye Nathan!" She beamed a smile at me and sashayed away as Sabrina followed.

I breathed a sigh of relief as I rubbed my arm where Chloé had her death grip on me. Ow, I though. All this was really too much drama, I wasn't looking forward to what was to come later.

I walked back to the table. Mari stood up and I could see her concern on her face.

"Nath, are you okay?" She asked me as she grabbed my sleeves gently. She's too cute.

"Y-yea. I'm fine. Thanks, Mari." I said with a smile.

She gave me a small hug. "I was just worried, she doesn't really have a good history with us."

I hugged her back. "Don't worry, nothing happened." I said to Mari. "Tomorrow, want to go on a date after school?"

"O-Okay!" Mari smiled at me and we sat down to finish our lunches.

I wasn't listening to the conversation Alya and Mari were having. I was focused on Chloé. I couldn't wrap my head around why she wanted me to go to her party. I desperately didn't want to go. I also desperately needed a job. I wanted to make Mari happy, but would going to Chloé's party make Mari happy? I felt a headache coming on. Why does my life have to be so complicated at such a crucial time?

I did my best to ignore the bad feeling in my stomach. Whenever that girl wants something, she always gets it. I didn't know what she wanted from me.