It's hurt so much

Chapter 5 New update

"What is it with these love-based Akumas? Dark Cupid, Zomibisou, and now this?"

Chat focus, OK sorry LB. 

Marinette threw her handbag on the floor of her apartment and leaned against the wall. She launched her shoes off her feet, exhausted.

The Akuma attack at the Centre city had been gentle, not one of the worst ever, but Marinette had already had a long day.

The frequency of Akuma attacks had been gradually decreasing over the years, and Marinette couldn't shake the feeling that Hawkmoth was losing momentum, or maybe purpose. She couldn't complain though, it gave her more time to focus on building her career.

She heard a tapping on the glass of her window and walked over to let Chat Noir in.

"Hey there Princess" he greeted.

What are you doing here Chatnior?

I am just want to see how you are doing? 

I am doing well. 

I like your apartment, it's just cozy and small.

"Are you saying my apartment is small?" Marinette asked jokingly.

"Well, objectively, it is"

Chat Noir wasn't wrong. The main room of the home was very narrow, only a kitchenette, small dining table and armchair could fit. Next door was Marinette's bedroom, with barely enough space to contain a double bed. The bathroom was similarly cramped. The only good thing about the place was the huge window at the end of the main room that had a balcony and was big enough to fit in a certain cat.

"It's your fault I have to live in such a small place"

"And now is that, Princess?"

"Well, I could have a bigger apartment if I rented with housemates. But I can't do that with a certain someone calling at my windows at all hours"

"Are you ashamed of me?" Chat Noir asked, making a show of being dramatically offended.

You went for a date so how your date went?

Oh... Um was okay. 

What do you mean? is okay ok or really good. Are you going to date with him again?

Chat clam down. Dinner was good, he was good looking but Not good looking as you. She teased. 

They both talked for a while then Marinette said.

Oh, It's getting late, I have to go to work tomorrow. 

Ok, princess, I will see you later. Good night

Night chat. 

Marinette was busy with the fashion show at her company. Backstage, models were running to Marinette for alterations. Her boss, Elizabeth, had been in a panic the whole day, her ear perpetually attached to her phone trying to track down a replacement male model because of her models sick at last minute. Backstage was crowded with people preparing to take to the catwalk adjusting their make-up or staring at their phones, waiting for the show to begin.

Right now, Marinette's job was to make sure every piece of clothing fits properly. 

"Adrien!" Elizabeth cried out as she appeared in the office.

Adrien stood in the middle of the flurry of models, giving a small wave to Marinette.

Elizabeth walked over to kiss his cheeks. "You are a lifesaver!" she exclaimed. "Marinette, get Mr. Agreste suited up. He'll be replacing Felix" she ordered before moving away to new problems.

Adrien walked over to Marinette, smiling. 

Marinette moved to the racks of clothing, shifting her hands through the outfits until she found a hanger with Felix's name on it. "Here. If it doesn't fit, you come to me" she told Adrien as she passed him the bagged suit.

Adrien examined his charge, inspecting the paper label. "You designed this?" he asked.

"Yes, I did. I designed a couple of the pieces this season" Marinette beamed, trying not to show her pride.

"I look forward to wearing it"

He looked fantastic.

It was a summer suit, comprised of light, breathable fabric. The material was floral, containing pink carnations and lilacs that complemented his emerald green eyes. He wore it well. He carried the pastel-like he had been born in it.

"It's wonderful, Marinette," he told her as he admired the lining of his sleeve.

"You look great in it. I mean, you look great in anything!" Marinette bit her tongue, already regretting the words.

"Thanks. I look best in black, though" he said with a wink. "Could you maybe tuck it in a little around the waist? If it's not too much trouble."

"Sure" Marinette blushed and removed the measuring tape from her neck. She knelt down to her knees. She moved the tape to encircle his waist and suddenly felt how hot and closed off backstage was as she was dangerously close to his pelvis.

Once she had her measurements she shot up rapidly. She managed to knock Adrien's chin hard in her attempt to move away from him. He cried out in shock.

"Sorry!" Marinette exclaimed. "Are you okay?"

"I think you may have ended my modeling career for good with that blow," Adrien said, rubbing his chin.

"Sorry!" Marinette repeated.

"It's ok"

The show went on without a hitch. Adrien strutted across the catwalk expertly in Marinette's suit. Elizabeth even found the time to complement Marinette on her impressive work altering Adrien's outfits at such short notice.

The afterparty was underway. Marinette's co-workers sipped on champagne as Elizabeth gave a speech to the whole staff commemorating the successful show. As her boss continued her monologue on the importance of hard work, Paul, the events manager, snuck over to be next to Marinette.

"Hey" he whispered. Marinette smiled in greeting. "I think she just likes the sound of her voice," he said. Marinette mumbled back politely.

"You look nice today," he told her. Paul had been flirting with Marinette for months now.

"Thank you" she muttered quickly.

On the other side of the room, Marinette saw Adrien. Kagami trailed at his side, holding him by the elbow as the couple entered as one. Marinette took a massive swig of her drink.

"So, I saw that some of your designs were included. They were kind of childish, don't you think?" Paul said.

Marinette turned her head towards the brunette. "I worked hard on those!" she responded, offended.

"I'm not doubting that. I just wasn't impressed," Paul took a sip of his beer.

Elizabeth finished her speech to loud applause. Marinette spotted Kagami whispering something into her boyfriend's ear, and he giggled in response.

"I'm sure you're impressive in other ways," Paul said flirtatiously.

Kagami planted a gentle kiss on Adrien's cheek as they discussed something togetherElizabeth. Her and Adrien were glued as one, with Adrien grinning a wild smile.

Marinette turned to Paul, who looked at her with expectation.

"Would you like to come home with me?" she said. The words surprised her. She had never had any talent for flirting, she had never needed to. But right now, she needed a distraction from Adrien and Paul was the closest breathing male. And the easiest.

He replied yes with no hesitation and Marinette led him by the wrist. As she charged towards the exit, she noticed out the corner of her eye Adrien spot her, but Marinette just rushed out of the room.