The Truth and What Remains: An Adrienette story

Chapter 4: Reminiscent Confrontation

Adrien made his way to a very nice cafe that was several blocks away from the mansion. He had a meeting with an old friend of his today. As he walked along the sidewalk, he brought up his hand to watch the time. It was about 9:55, and his meeting was at 10, Adrien smiled as he knew he would make it on time. As he reached the cafe, a waiter came up to him with a warm smile as he asked if he had a table saved or if he wanted a new table. Adrien nodded appreciatively as he said he already had a table saved. The waiter nodded and walked away as Adrien walked into the lively and warm atmosphere of the cafe. He always loved going out, it was so much of a welcome change to the house he was used to. He soon found a certain brunette with auburn ombre hair wave at him and gesture him over. Adrien smiled widely as he took the seat across from the female as the female lowered her glasses slightly to wink at him.

"It sure has been a while Adrien Agreste, what have you been getting yourself up to these days?"

"Alya, I'm so glad you could meet me today! How have you been?" Adrien asked happily as he ordered a croque-monsieur from the waiter who came along. Alya crossed her legs and smirked at Adrien.

"I'm doing well! Nino and I have been really busy but I'm so glad you called because I've been wondering what happened to Marinette after all these years," Alya murmured worryingly as Adrien nodded in agreement.

"Oh yeah, how has your son been doing?" Adrien asked as Alya folded her arms and laughed. Adrien didn't think it was a weird question, it has been a while since he's seen Alya.

"Oh Gavin? He's been fine! In his first year of high school, it's been a little rough but he says that his best friend makes it so much easier since they're in the same grade." Alya mused over her son's experience as Adrien nodded in understanding.

"That's nice to hear, but now we have to talk about why we're having this meeting," Adrien said seriously as Alya rolled up the sleeves on her burgundy coat and leaned towards the table to listen to him.

"Marinette... I know, I saw her on the news, she looks well for herself, other than her hair, it's in a wavy bob than her pigtails. She hasn't changed a bit. She has gotten taller, she has more of this refined look about herself, but the fact that she was having this giant chase all over the school proves that the Marinette we know is still in there. That's comforting I suppose," Alya murmured as she noticed Adrien extremely furrowed in thought. She saw the memories of the past etched in his expression as she stirred her coffee.

"Alya.... I miss her so much... I want to know what happened to her..." Adrien whispered as Alya put her hands on his comfortingly. Alya knew how painful it was, the day she found out that Marinette had disappeared, leaving only a letter explaining supposedly everything. It was devastating for her, but she couldn't have imagined how Adrien felt. He was her boyfriend.... sort of. They had THE romantic night of their lives, if that didn't raise any red flags, she didn't know what did. Alya knew that Adrien loved her, with all his heart, so she couldn't fathom the pain stored in his heart.

"I know... I miss her too... and the fact that she ran away from you, I know it hurt. However... I thought you moved on... you're engaged to Kagami. You're happy with the way things are in some form right?" Alya asked, but she already knew the answer.

"No... if I'm gonna be honest... no. I love Kagami I do, but I need closure on Marinette. I'm not gonna ditch Kagami, I married her for a reason. However, Marinette.... I just want things to go back to the way they used to be, I want Marinette and I to be in each other's lives again," Adrien concluded as he noticed Alya giving him a big smile. Adrien looked at her questioningly as their food arrived.