Ghosts Of Adrien's Past

Chapter 3: places please.

Marinette felt at ease standing beside luka in the elevator, her shoulders slacked and her muscles soft. The doors were about to close when people started getting excited outside.

Cameras started flashing.
Immediately she knew who was outside, and hoped the doors closed faster. But luka's hand shot and held the door.
"What are you doing?"
She said, and he leaned forward.
"Isn't that adrien? I haven't seen him in y-"
She yanked his hand off the door and pressed the button to close the door.
"What's wrong?"
He asked, stepping back into place. She shook her head once and kept her lips right.
"I can't see him right now"
Was all she said. He frowned and slung a supportive arm around her shoulders, his thumb gently rubbing her arm.

After a few moments the doors opened again, and they stepped out. She was about to walk down her own hallway when he caught her hand and stopped her.
"What is it?"
She said. He seemed to stumble on his words.
"I uh- we're adults"
She bit down on her confusion.
"Yes? What about it?"
She saw his chest expand in a deep breath.
"How about we go for a drink tonight? Just us"
Her eyes slightly widened.
"A drink?"
Colour began to stain his cheeks, and she couldn't help the feeling that took over her at the sight. For once someone else was flustered. She smiled and squeezed his hand.
"I'll meet you at the bar around ten"
His sharp toothed grin sent her heart skipping.
~~~~~~~~~~~~~~
"Dressing up, are we?"
Marinette smiled at tikki in the reflection of the mirror.
"No"

She said innocently, with a smile. But in fact she was. She'd dressed herself in a tight red cocktail dress that she'd fashioned herself.
It hugged her neck snuggly and traveled to her wrists, hugged her tightly to her mid thigh with a golden zip on her back.
Her hair was done up in a high bun and held there by two pins that resembled chopsticks, glistening gems dangling off the ends on silver chains.

She padded over to her bed and sat on the edge, slipping her feet into elegant red heels. Tikki laughed beside her. She made a face at her kwami.
"Shush, tikki"
"Will he be coming back tonight? Or will you be going?"
Marinette narrowed her eyes.
"What are you implying?"
Tikki's eyes widened, and she smiled.
"Marinette, he's not in town every day."
"And?"
"And...you need a love life...?"
Mari snorted unattractively.
"This coming from a flying bug who constantly rejects her only love"
Tikki smirked.
"I'm immortal, Marinette. I can do this forever, you can't."
Mari sighed and rested her hands on her knees.
"I don't know, tikki. I mean, he's a singer now. He wouldn't-"

At that moment tikki snapped, and Marinette smiled with wide eyes at the outburst.
"Marinette we both know you won't settle for anyone in New York any time soon! Just at least try it. Please?"
She licked her lips and stood up, offering tikki her open purse.
"I can't refuse you, can I?"
"No. No you can't"
Tikki zipped into the bag and Mari closed it, heading for the door.
~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~
The bar on one of the higher floors was buzzing with people, she held onto the strap of her bag as she walked in. Keeping an eye out for a particular head of black and green hair.

Someone's hand landed on her shoulder, and she turned around. Her heart dropped into her stomach with a twinge of pain.
"Adrien"
She whispered, her chest tightening.
"What are you doing here?"
She said. He took his hand off her shoulder and took a step away from her.
"I haven't seen you in years, and that's the hello I get?"
He was trying to be polite, but she had something else in mind. She poked a nail into his chest through his expensive suit.
"You don't get the right to talk to me, partner."
He tilted his head with a slight sulk.
"Come on, Mari. What happened between us was years ago"
She pushed her finger in harder.
"What happened was catastrophic on my Life, Adrien"
He scoffed with a laugh, and her pulse quickened.