Emotional Support [Complete]

S1 E26: The Vow

Marinette took out the book once again, settling herself on the bed. "Okay, so if we skip the dramatic role play, and just read, then I think we could finish the book tonight. That way on Monday, I can prepare you for the essay portion."

Adrien nodded, joining Marinette on the bed, though at unusual distance.

Marinette tilted her head. "How do you think you're going to be able to read for over there?" She patted the bed beside her. "Come."

Adrien hesitantly came closer to her, yet refused to let their shoulders touch. Marinette, quickly picking up on this strange behavior, placed the book down.

"What's the matter, Adrien?" She asked. "You seem a bit... anxious."

Adrien frowned, looking down. "I know we agreed we'd still be friends, but... I guess it was awkward, and I don't know how close I should get to you. I don't want to make you uncomfortable."

"Oh, well, don't worry. I'm not uncomfortable with you at all," Marinette reassured him. "Nothing between us has changed. Come here."

Adrien smiled before resting himself over her arm, his face digging into her neck, as he ached for the warmth. He sighed in relief that he was still allowed to do this. Marinette rubbed his arm and picked up the book.

"Let's begin?"

Adrien removed his face from her neck, giving a brief nod as they continued to read. As Marinette predicted, the reading was quickly finished, though slightly boring, when they did not dramatically act out their parts.

"And that concludes Romeo and Juliet."

Adrien pouted. "They... They both died."

Marinette giggled at the blond's look of disappointment, giving him a gentle tap on the nose. "Well, it is a romantic tragedy, mon chéri."

"But... But... They were so close!" Adrien began to go on a rant. "If only the letter got to Romeo and he knew the plan! I knew Juliet shouldn't have faked her death! Her plan was flawed in so many ways! They shouldn't have committed suicide. They were so young! And what the heck happened to love conquers all?"

Marinette raised her eyebrows in amusement as she couldn't help but laugh. "Well, this is not a fairy tale, Adrien. And whoever said they were in love?"

"You're kidding," Adrien said. "They were so in love! Star-crossed lovers! Completely 100% made for each other!"

"But were they really?" Marinette explained. "This takes us to the essay. The over arching question was 'Do you think Romeo and Juliet were truly in love?'"

"Weren't they?"

"Well, that's an opinion-based question," Marinette replied, grabbing her bag to put the book away. "Why do you believe they are?"

Adrien thought for a moment. "It was love at first sight. They were willing to do anything to preserve their love. Getting married in secret. Faking a death. And ultimately, killing themselves because they loved each other so greatly, one couldn't bare life without the other."

"See, I have a different view of the story completely," Marinette began. "I don't think that they're in love, and I don't believe in love at first sight. I mean, I didn't like the boy I fell for at first. He had to win me over. However, I do believe Romeo and Juliet had an instant attraction. It's just they were so young and clueless, like you and I, and sometimes it makes me question what it truly feels like to be in love. Your so called star-crossed lovers were two impulsive kids who knew nothing about each other, yet got married right after meeting, and even went as far as killing themselves, instead of just moving on like any mature person would do. I've learned, from this book, and my actual life, that some things can't be rushed, especially love."