𝒲𝒽𝒶𝓉 𝒯𝒽𝑒 𝐹𝓊𝓉𝓊𝓇𝑒 𝐻𝑜𝓁𝒹𝓈 𝐹𝑜𝓇 𝒰𝓈 *Slow Updates*

Chapter Seven

Merry Christmas! PS—sorry for the late chapter *nervous smile* Here's some Lukanette art (disclaimer: not my art) word count: 2082

"Thank you, Miss! I was afraid I wouldn't have them on time." 

Marinette beamed as the Parisian mother took the pastry order from her, handing a few bills to her in return.

"You're welcome, Ma'am! Have a nice day!" 

The door closed and Marinette hobbled away from the duplex home. Today had been rather successful! This was second to last of their deliveries! It nearing five o'clock, Marinette hurried down the walking path and onto the sidewalk.

Luka was still gone and Marinette had one more delivery to make before her hands were free. Glancing at the address stamped on the box of two dozen cupcakes, Marinette grew cold. Out of the houses she had to deliver to, it had to be this one. Clasping her palms onto the electric scooter's handles, Marinette put on her helmet and kicked up the stand, riding off into the street. 

!

Arriving at Agreste mansion, Marinette parked her scooter on the curb. She did not want to be here, but it was her duty to the bakery and her dad that she'd deliver the cupcakes without fail.

Taking the box of sweets, Marinette trudged to the steel gates, pressing the call button on the speaker.

"Who is it?" A gruff voice grumbled out.

"I'm Marinette Dupain-Cheng, from the Tom and Sabine Boulangerie Patisserie bakery? I have an order of two dozen cupcakes." Marinette spoke into the speakerphone.

"Oh, yes. Come on inside, " The gates clang and squeak open on command. "Don't go beyond the lobby."

Right. Marinette hurried through the gate, holding the box tightly. She wanted to get this over with quickly. Her heart hammered within her chest with each step closer she became to the mansion.

The teenager didn't need to even knock on the giant doors, they opened for her. It was rather quiet inside. Still as big as she remembered. It felt abandoned. Like no one was home.

She remembered all the times she had been here. As both Marinette and Ladybug. It was still so clean and smelled of cleaning chemicals. And the floors were still squeaky and reflecting. These people still kept up with the waxing. There are barely any people here, and there wasn't a speck of dust on any piece of furniture. 

Chewing the inside of her lip, Marinette wandered toward the large marble staircase. She felt like she had ants in her pants; she was just itching to run and get out. As anxious as she was, she had to be patient until someone came for their sweets, paid, and only then could she leave. She couldn't let her father down now. Not now, not ever. Sigh. She wished Luka was with her. It was so uncomfortable being here by herself.

Being so engrossed into her thoughts, she didn't even notice the person walking up behind her.

"Hey, Marinette!" Adrien grinned as he saw her.

Marinette squeaked, jumping in fright. The teenaged girl spun around with wide eyes. "Ah! A-A-Adrien?! What're you doing here?!" 

Adrien let out a chuckle, stuffing his hands into his pockets, offering a polite smile. "I, uh, I live here, last time I checked. What're you doing here?"

"I...I've got your cupcakes." She held the box to her chest to indicate her presence.

"Oh, yeah. I've been expecting those," Adrien bumped into Marinette by accident before standing a few feet in front of her. "How much?"