Nathaniel + Marinette Valentines

February 11th

The weather began clearing up and it wasn't snowing, but it was still cold. Like 4°C cold, so I still needed a jacket.

Things I also need: a paycheck, a gold rose, and a great date plan.

I had none of those things. I splashed cold water on my face and stared at myself in the mirror. My orange bangs stuck to my face and were dripping. Why is having a girlfriend so hard? It's not like it was a drag to have a girlfriend, I love it and I love her, but sometimes I get stressed. I want to be the perfect boyfriend for her, but I don't really know how.

I dried my hair with a towel, which resulted in having my hair sticking out in odd angles. I give up, I though as I got ready to pick up Mari from her house.

I waited in front of the bakery when Mari popped out with the chime of the bakery door bell. She was wearing an denim overall dress with a crew neck red sweater under and some white sneakers. Why is she so cute all the time?? Is that even possible??

I held her hand. "My Flower, you look pretty as always."

Mari looked down at our hands and blushed. "Thank you Nath."

As we walked, I remembered my dilemma. I looked over at her and wondered whether or not I should ask her indirectly, what do you think would be the perfect date?

... Actually that's probably extremely direct. I studied her face some more, specifically her profile. Her nose is perfectly arched and dusted with faint tan dots. Her lips have a cute curl to them and her eyelashes are so long and dense.

Wait, I'm losing track of the original plan! I squeezed her hand. "M-Mari, um..."

She looked up at me. "Yes Nath?"

I blushed. I was writing nervous. "I-I was wondering, w-what is your favorite place to hang out?" Ugh no don't ask that!!!

"Ummmm... I'd have to say... home I guess." Mari relied.

Based on what I want to do to her, I think that's a pretty good idea... wait that's not the priority here! Control your desires Nathaniel! I want her to have the best date!

"D-do you like luxury things?" I asked.

"Well... I'm a humble person, so luxury isn't something I prefer rather than things that would be considered normal. It is nice once in a while though. Why?" Mari asked curiously.

"N-no reason!" I looked away, I was blushing too much. I should totally take her out to eat. Or should I keep it personal and cook her dinner at my house? Why does everything need to be so complicated?

~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~

After school, Chloé drove me to her dad's hotel for the last time. Today was the final day of work, and I would get my two paychecks. Then, I'd run away from this crazy place and never look back.

I didn't say a word to Chloé on the ride there. I had nothing to say to her. She kept things silent, only complaining to the driver about how horrible his driving was.

I got dressed in my uniform and tried to fix my hair up so it would be less messy. When I came out of Chloé's bathroom, I could see her standing at the doorway arguing with someone.

"Get out! This is my room! Don't make me call security!" Chloé yelled as she tried to close her door on someone.

"Chloé! Wait!" I heard the voice of a guy on the other side of the door. "Please accept my proposal! You've got everything I'm looking for: beauty, status, money, and grace!" He yelled as he swung the door open. Chloé crashed to the floor with a thud and a yelp.

"HEY! You're going to wrinkle my clothes!" She flipped her hair and continued talking. "I can see why you'd want to marry me, you have excellent taste, but I'm already set on this one boy. I'm not marrying you, you're dirt compared to him!"

I was completely shocked by all this. Why would this guy want to marry Chloé? She only has one thing out of that list he mentioned! I decided to observe and see where this charade goes.

The boy stepped into the room. "You will marry me!" He grabbed her hand.

Okay, panic time!! What do I do? She totally deserves some kind of punishment for everything she's done to Mari and me, but not like this. But I also don't want to help out someone like her.

He yanked her up and dragged her out the door. Chloé resisted and started yelling for help in vain. Is this hotel a haven for weirdos??

I still needed those paychecks... and I'm pretty sure her dad would have me jailed if he knew I let this happen. I sighed deeply and ran my hand through my bangs. Why does life suck sometimes?

I marched over to them when they were just outside the door and I grabbed Chloé's arm. I gently pulled her hand towards me and roughly pushed the guy away. He backed up onto the gothic print wall and Chloé's body fell against me. Luckily we didn't fall, but she looked up at me with a surprised expression.

"Um, listen, dude, just go find someone else to marry. She's not interested. You're annoying. Leave before I have you arrested... or something." I said in an annoyed tone to the weirdo.

The guy looked up at Chloé and then at me. "Don't tell me... that guy is your fiancée? Chloé! He's a peasant! I'm so much better than him!" He approached her again. I pushed him away again and I felt Chloé hug me tightly.

This is so awkward and extra!!! I want to go home!!

"T-that's right! He's my fiancée! I can't marry you, so leave us alone! If you bother us, I'm going to make sure my daddy gives you life in prison!!" Chloé stammered as she jumped up and wrapped her arms around my neck. Woah woah woah, I didn't sign up for any of this!! What is she talking about?? I felt a little sick in my stomach. Mari, I'm sorry for getting caught in such a mess!

I was taller than her, so her arms were strangulating me. "C-Chloé!" I untangled her arms from my neck and stepped back confused and scared. The guy looked mortified as he got up and ran away dramatically. He's such a idiot. What did I just witness anyways? I already had a headache and work hadn't even started yet. I knew she only said such a thing to get rid of the guy, but a heavy awkwardness filled the air between us.

"Y-You seem fine. I'm going to work now." I said to Chloé as I straightened my suit.

"Wait right here!" Chloé ordered as she went into her room. She came back out with two envelopes. "Here, you don't have to work today. Just go home. You did enough today." She shoved the envelopes on my chest and strutted back into her room. She emerged again, throwing my bag on the floor next to me. She was looking down, but I could see her face looked flushed. I grabbed the envelopes and opened them. There were two checks inside addressed to me. Finally! My hard work is over!

"Thanks- " before I could finish my sentence, Chloé slammed her door shut. I heard a lock click.

Whatever, I can finally buy that rose! I smiled and put the envelopes in my pocket. I picked up my bag and ran out of the hotel. I was never coming back.