The Wedding Planner

Chapter 3

"Where do you think you're going?" Chloe interrogates as Adrien comes out of his office and picks up his keys, "Driving yourself? What is up with you lately?"

The couple had taken up residence in Adrien's old home, Agreste Manor, which had sat unoccupied for years as Adrien took up residence around Europe for business. Chloe had called to have it prepared for their arrival as soon as she gave in to Adrien's request for a Parisian wedding.

He walks over to her lounging on the couch. "I've finished my work for this morning; I'm going out to meet up with some friends for lunch." He answers honestly.

Chloe raises an eyebrow, "'Friends'? Who?"

"No one you need to worry about," he starts rubbing her shoulders, "Nino, Alya, -did you know they have a kid now?" He adds, automatically diverting the conversation slightly, knowing the reaction Chloe may give if he mentions Marinette. He didn't want to risk triggering Chloe's memory and putting Marinette's business in peril.

"Must you really meet with them?" She looks up at him, "I've built up your image to where it is now; don't let an afternoon lunch ruin what I've done for you."

"They're friends, Chloe." He says, trying to keep an even tone. "It's not about image."

"And when was the last time you talked to these 'friends' of yours? You haven't mentioned anyone from your past life since we've been together, and who knows how long before that? You, and I, have become who we are now by blocking those kinds of people from our pasts." She reaches up and runs her hand down his arm, caressing him.

"I'm still going to go." He says plainly.

Chloe stands suddenly, "Don't you care?! Why aren't you listening to me? I'm trying to protect you. What would your father think?!"

"I'll keep an eye out for reporters." He states before heading out the door, holding back any replies he also has stored up in his mind.

"Adrikins!" He hears her yell through the door.

As he walks out to his car, he feels that familiar feeling he felt when he was with Marinette in her office. It's only dampened by the guilt Chloe laid on his shoulders. With a slight pang in his chest, he drives into the city.

Adrien parks his car down the block from the cafe they planned to meet at. He walks with his head down, trying not to make eye contact with people until the chime of the cafe door sounds. He looks around and spies Alya and Nino at a back table. A smile spreads across his face as he heads back towards them.

Nino is the first to notice him. His eyes light up and he stands to greet him, "Adrien, bro, you look so good! How've you been?" He pulls Adrien in for a bro-hug.

He chuckles a bit, "Thanks, thanks, so do you. I'm good."

"And you're engaged? That's crazy!" Nino exclaims.

"To Chloe." Alya adds with a slight intonement, standing, "That is pretty crazy." She says with a hint of sarcasm. Adrien and her hug.

Adrien sits down after the hug, "I heard that you guys have a kid? That's truly amazing, congratulations!"

"Yeah, his name's Manny." Nino instantly takes out his phone and starts flipping through his photos of their child.

Adrien grins at the small toddler, "So cute," he coos. A bit of guilt bites at the back of his mind, nagging him about how much he left behind in this city.

Nino elbows him jokingly, "You think you're gonna have a few rugrats of your own someday?"

Adrien smirks, fidgeting a bit in his seat, "Yeah, I would love to," he shrugs, "but I've brought it up to Chloe before and she didn't seem so keen on the idea," he shakes it off, "but whatever makes her happy, you know."