Her Red Mask

Chapter 6- Date

As he escorted her in she noticed the big, tall vases that lined the restaurant with what looked to be white roses and wildflowers spilling over the top. She had seen it before but never as gorgeous as this.

"S-so why did you choose this place?" Marinette said, flustered for words. The alcohol had lost its effect. Damn it!

"I don't know. It was the first thing to pop into my mind. Probably because I ate here about a week ago."

"Was it nice? I haven't been here yet seeing as the reservation list was so long." She said making sure to take deep breaths.

"Yeah. I... had the Braised beef short ribs for dinner with a few of my clients." Adrien said slightly blushing while giving her a seat.

Why is he blushing? Wait... Is he blushing because of me?! Holy crap. Is he blushing over me?! Calm down Marinette. Remember. Don't get attached until you know this is for real.

"Oh ok. Good to know. So... how's New York been? Are you getting along with everyone?" She said with a grin.

"It's been great. I've met so many people and have had the chance to work with some amazing clients along the way. And seeing something different from Paris was a big change." Adrien said with a twinkle in his eye.

"Did you...meet anyone special?" Marinette asked, but instantly bit her tongue. Curiosity killed the cat.

She could see Adrien shift in his seat, clearly taken aback by the question. With a rather loud cough, he answered, "Well...I guess I should be honest with you."

A small part of Marinette died. "Yeah..?"

Adrien put his hands on his temple, gently rubbing the area while his eyebrows furrowed. He finally looked at Marinette, who bit her lip and mouthed a small sorry. She was sure he didn't see. "The truth is, I..didn't meet anyone. At all."

Marinette nearly gasped. She thought he was a playboy all this time, and--god..she felt stupid. "Why..so?"

Adrien sighed. He looked away, blushing. "I.--.don't laugh-- had a totally huge, all-consuming crush on.Ladybug."

Holy crap. What..did he just say? Marinette could feel something crawl up her throat. She held her dress, not sure if she could look at Adrien again. She was right. Adrien wouldn't like her for her. But at the back of her neck, she could feel those green eyes penetrate through her mask. Her hands were shaking, as they lost their grip.

"Are you alright Marinette?" Adrien asked. He forced her to look at him.

"I'm sorry--I uh..need to go.." Marinette pulled away from his gaze, picking up her dress, and speed walked to the nearest bathroom. Clumsily, she entered a stall and placed a hand on her face, hoping the tears would stop falling down. No one would love the real Marinette. No one would. She was sure of that now.

After a few minutes, she picked herself back up. Wiping the tears with the back of her hand, she took a deep breath. You can't be pathetic around him. He's still your date, Marinette! After exiting the stall, she stood in front of the mirrors. There were red bags under her eyes, her face, bloodshot eyes. Marinette couldn't go out like this.

She took the makeup out of her bag and put some on with her shaky hand. Satisfied, she walked out, holding back the tears with a soft smile. Even though Adrien ignored her clumsy makeup, she was sure that he knew what had happened. But Marinette was too tired to care. She wanted to go home.

"Sorry-, some mascara flew into my eye." She wiped her eye on emphasis as she sat down.

Adrien nodded. 

Adrien could tell she'd been crying. But she's still so beautiful. How? He could tell that she felt uncomfortable. Her eyes wouldn't even meet his.

"Marinette." He said, putting his hand where she could see it. She looked up, her bags deep.

"If you want to go, we can go. How about the park?" He said softly.

Marinette nodded her head and sniffled. She took a deep breath. "Yeah. That would be nice."

Adrien smiled, which, in turn, made Marinette smile too.

___

They made it to the park. She watched as Adrien stepped out of the car first. She felt a lot better knowing that he isn't a.... you know. playboy. He grabbed the door and led her out the car. It was a nice night in the park. They linked arms as they walked down the familiar path, their steps becoming laden with nostalgia.

"Remember the video game competition?" Adrien said. His hands moved around her waist, but they were too scared to touch.

"Yeah! That was really fun, wasn't it? I was really surprised we won too.." Marinette could feel a smile growing on her face.

"You know.," Adrien said. Suddenly, he was right next to her face- kisses length away. Something strange went down Marinette's throat. "You shouldn't say that- Marinette, you're a really good player." He whispered.

He's too close!! She was about to say sorry when she tripped over a loose rock. But with his acute reflexes and his hands in close proximity, he caught her by the waist.

"You should be more careful." He said, helping her to her feet. But they flinched as distant screams pierced the night.

"Mwah ha ha ha. Guess who's back? I think you all know." screeched a woman that Marinette recognised too well. Lila.

"Umm-" They both started at the same time.

"We... need to get you out of here. Come with me." Adrien said, grabbing Marinette's hand, leading her over to a dank alley.

"Stay here. I don't want you to get hurt." He said, giving her hand a slight squeeze.

"What about you? You can't go out there by yourself." She argued. I don't want you to get hurt. I couldn't live with myself if you did.

"I will be fine. I'm going to help some people get out of here. Now stay." He said.

"Okay. Just don't get hurt. Promise?"

"Promise."