Then There Was You

Chapter 11

"How on Earth did you manage to rope Mr Model over there to get into an apron and bake with your father?" Alya laughed in amusement. Marinette let out a small giggle.

"I didn't have to, he volunteered." She looked over with a fond smile at where her boyfriend was in the kitchen. "Somehow he convinced his father to let him come over early this morning for breakfast and then asked Papa to show him how to make cookies. They have been in the kitchen cooking and telling the most awful baking puns ever since." She giggled to herself. "I was actually starting to feel a bit left out until you showed up." Alya put an arm around her best friend.

"That's what I'm here for, girl. Seriously though, I'm so happy for you two, and your parents have always adored Adrien. You have to fill me in on all the deets." Marinette had been prepared for Alya's onslaught of questions. She confided in her best friend about what had happened with Veronica, and Lila's role in it, as well as their office date and finally confessing their feelings for each other. Alya nodded as she listened before breaking out into a huge smile.

"I can't believe he just told everyone you were his girlfriend, like it had been common knowledge. He really does love you Marinette, and you even got to do a photoshoot with him. I can't even get my head around that." Marinette pulled out her phone to show Alya some of the proof photos Vincent sent them copies of. There was one in particular that Alya paused on. Adrien was leaning back against the wall, with one foot pressed against it. Marinette was leaning into him, her hands splayed against his chest and her hair gently blowing back. Adrien had one hand delicately touching her face, the other holding her waist, their faces only inches apart.

"Holy hell girl, I can feel the energy between you in this picture. I'll almost bet money this will be the final pick." Marinette blushed profusely as the front door bell chimed.

"Hi Mrs C, is Alya still here?" Nino asked happily before finding his way to the girls. "Hey Babe, Hi Marinette. Any of you heard from Adrien? I've been trying to message him all morning."

"He's in the kitchen, but come check this out." Alya beckoned her boyfriend over. Nino looked over Alaya's shoulder at the phone.

"Woah, that's hot." He exclaimed. Alya looked up at him with narrowed eyes and Nino started fiddling with his cap. "I mean, you know you're hot babe, I'm just sayin' this is, you know..." He bumbled nervously. Alya burst out laughing, patting his cheek.

"I'm just teasing you. I agree though." She turned back to Marinette, handing the phone over. "Girl, I don't know what you're not telling me about your office date, but this boy's love for you is practically oozing out of this picture."

"I told you, we didn't do anything except kiss. The rest was just innuendo made up by Lila." Alya smirked.

"I have a feeling it won't be just innuendo for long judging by that look." She said, giving Nino a knowing glance.

"Alya!" Marinette exclaimed, mortified. Okay, it's not like she hadn't thought about it, but it wasn't a topic she was about to have an open discussion about.

"So where is my dude?" Nino asked.

"Turn around bro." Came a voice from behind. Looking around Adrien stood at the doorway with a plate of fresh baked cookies. "I thought maybe you guys might like to try some." He sat the plate down on the coffee table before sitting next to Marinette, putting an arm around her waist. She reached over, picking up the still warm cookie, before taking a small bite.

"Oh Adrien, these are wonderful." She gushed. "Did you do these yourself?" Adrien looked a little shy as his friends also took bites and hummed in delight.

"Well, I hadn't really made cookies since my mum...you know..." He trailed off before smiling back at her, his emerald eyes shining in delight. "They're not as good as yours of course, but your dad helped me not to burn them."