The Handkerchief AU *Sequel to The Journal by Summer Cheng

Chapter 14 Novel Troubles?

       One month later...

       Adrien finishes the last few chapters of his novel.  He is not sure if should include an Epilogue to the story, or not.  He debates for awhile when it comes to this.  He finally decides one would be a great way to end the book.  He types up the Epilogue scene for it and then he saves the changes.  He prints a copy out, ties it up in a ribbon, places into a huge manila  envelope and mails it to his publisher.

    Marinette comes over to see how he Adrien is today.  She wonders, did he finish his story on time to meet the deadline.  She smiles as she rings his door bell.  

     Adrien hears the ding, dong of  his doorbell.  He opens it without so much as a look out the peephole to see who it could be on the other side.  He smiles when he sees it is Marinette.  He  is always glad to see her.  

    "Hey, Marinette!"  Adrien says.

   "Hey, Adrien!  So did you finish it?"  Marinette says.

   "Sure thing, in fact, I just put it  in the mail to send off to the publisher.  The mail carrier came and got it soon afterwards."  Adrien remarks.

    "Good, I am glad you were not late for the deadline then."  Marinette says.

      " I am glad too."  Adrien says.

       "What is it?   Do I have a smudge on my face?"  Marinette ask.

       "No, your face is fine. "  Adrien says.

        "Thanks, Adrien!"  Marinette says.

        

      Time skip to one month after he sends off his latest novel for publication.  

        Adrien goes to the mail box in a hurry.  He pulls out an envelope and is jaw drops.  He sees a huge check inside along with two notes from the publishers.  The first note commends him for his well done novel and for the time line being met.  The other note, makes him frown a bit.

      Here is a copy of the note that troubles him...

      Dear Adrien,

      The viewers of your latest book are happy to see it is another one by you!  However, many have requested that you write a  book with a more steamy appeal to it.  This sort of thing though different than what you usually write would bring in lots of money.  Not only this, but it would expand your readers. 

     No matter what you decide we will back you up!  We will continue to publish any novels, short stories, poems and so on for you.   We can not guarantee your fan base will remain that high if you decide to continue down the same path though.

     At any rate, we suggest you consider the outcome if you do decide to write more steamy books from here on out.  Ultimately though the decision about what you write about and the way you choose to jot it down is up to you.   No one can force you do something.

     No one can make you do anything.  We give you 48 hours to let us know what decision you come too!

       Sincerely,

     Thompson & Thompson Publishers  

    

    Adrien sits down with the note beside him.  He can not believe what he just read.  How could they even suggest such a thing?  He is not one to read gossip magazines, tabloids, and such on a regular basis, let alone even occasionally.  This sort of stuff makes him feel uncomfortable.  He puts his head in his lap.  He is not sure what to make of the whole thing.

   Marinette arrives unaware anything is amiss.  She rings the doorbell.  She gets no answer.  She sees some shiny thing as it sticks from under the rug.  She reaches down and sees the spare key Adrien must have left  there.  She puts it into the lock and the door swings wide open.  She takes the key out, places it in her pocket and enters his house.  She makes sure to close the door and lock it behind her.  She removes the key and sets it on the kitchen counter.

  Marinette does not see Adrien.  She looks around and hears someone sigh.  She heads in the direction the sound came from and sees Adrien in the living chair.  She can tell he is upset.  She does not say a word.  She just sits down on the sofa.  

   An hour later, Marinette  notices he has still has not gotten up.  She stands up, walks over to him and gently places a hand on his shoulder.

     "Adrien, did I come at a bad time?"  Marinette ask.

    "Marinette?"  Adrien says.  He does look up at her.  He just sobs like a big baby.  

     Marinette looks at him in confusion.  She can not figure out what bothers him so much.  She sees the note he has nearby him.  She picks it up, reads it, gasps and her face turns red.

     "Oh, my!   Now wonder you are upset."  Marinette remarks.

    "I can not do it."  Adrien says.

     "It is okay, you can just write as you normally do. " Marinette says.

       "You really think so?"   Adrien says.  His green eyes red from the tears.

       "Yes, I know so!  I will support you no matter what Adrien."  Marinette says.

        "Thanks, Marinette that really means a lot to me."  Adrien remarks.

         Marinette reaches up and puts her hand on his chin. She can feel the stubble there as it has been awhile since his last shave.  She grins.  

        "Marinette, what are you doing?"  Adrien says.  His face is even redder now that he feels her hand touch his face.

         "Sorry, it is just you are so handsome."  Marinette says and blushes when she realizes what she just said.

       "So, you think I am handsome do you?"  Adrien says.

      "Yes, I sure do!"  Marinette says.

      Marinette sees him lick his lips.  She stares at them and thinks, what will it be like to kiss those again?  She blushes at her silly thoughts.  She does not turn away though.  She stands up on her tip toes, but continues to touch his face with her hand.  

   Adrien sees her stare at his mouth. His jaw drops wide open. Why if he did not know any better she thinks about kissing him.  He laughs at where his thoughts take him.  He sees her stand on her tip toes and he gasps.  He can still feel her hand on his chin.  

    Marinette gently places her lips across his before she can stop herself.  She does not think twice about it.  She just kisses him.  She blushes the entire time.  She feels him return the kiss and thinks, wait, what is this?  She feels as if he takes her breath away.  

   Adrien lets go of her and looks at her in surprise.  He grins.  

"Marinette, does this mean what I think it does?"  Adrien says as he takes her hands in his own.    

"Yes, it does.  I  do not want to loose you."  Marinette says.

   "Loose me?  Look, you could never loose me.  I love you!"  Adrien says softly.

    "I  love you too! "  Marinette says.  She thinks, wait I told him.  

     Adrien leans in close enough for their noses to touch.  He smirks and says, " My love, will you please be my girlfriend?"

    Marinette smiles.   "Yes!"  She manages to answer.

    Adrien pulls her close and hugs her.  Marinette hugs him back.

    to be continued in Chapter  15   Wacky  Waffles?