The Wedding Planner

Chapter 5

"Another Sunday?" Tikki exclaims as Marinette starts dressing herself in her comfortable work clothes: a knee length yellow skirt and a tucked in t-shirt. "You promised Margaret you wouldn't work on sundays anymore. Remember? Because you deserve breaks?" Tikki urges, following her out of her bedroom.

"I know, I know; but hey, I slept in, that's all I need." She insists, grabbing a granola bar off her kitchen counter before heading to the elevator.

Tikki groans, "You can't keep overworking yourself like this forever."

Mari hits the first floor button, "I know. After this wedding I'll give myself more time off."

"That's what you said last time." Tikki objects.

The elevator dings and opens up to the ground floor. "I mean it this time, I promise." She swears, stepping out onto the design floor.

"You said that last time too," Tikki mumbles to herself.

Early afternoon light shines through the glass front of the boutique. Marinette meanders her way to the doors, basking in the amplified rays before planning to shut herself in her office as usual.

She closes her eyes, focusing on the warmth on her bare arms and face.

A knock on the glass startles her.

Her eyes fly open to meet the gaze of Adrien, smirking awkwardly on the other side of the door. Flustered at being caught in her private moment, she shouts through the glass, "What- what are you doing here?"

He holds up a large, white paper bag, "Lunch redo." He shouts back. "Can I come in?"

Still grappling with his sudden appearance, she unlocks the door and lets him inside.

"Thanks. I texted Alya last night and she said you'd probably be working today even though it's sunday." He continues. "So we agreed we'd help make sure that you actually take a break this week."

"'We'?" Is all she's able to say as Adrien hands her the bag. Looking inside there's a variety of breads and pastries with jam containers.

"Yeah, her and Nino should be over soon with more food. So you won't be needing that." He points to the granola bar sticking out of her pocket.

Mari scoffs, "So there's no way out of this, is there?"

"Nope." He smiles with a hint of mischief. "Where do you want to set up? I can help clear one of these drafting tables." He suggests, glancing over one of the sketches laid out.

She shrugs, "We- we can just eat in my apartment." She resigns.

"You live nearby?"

"Yeah, just two stories up" She points to the ceiling.

His eyebrows raise, "Really? No wonder you can't stop working."

Her cheeks redden, "You're one to talk. Besides, it's very convenient." She retorts, handing him the bag back, surprising herself at her assertiveness. "Come on." She steps in front of him and leads him back to the elevator, "Alya knows her way up."

Adrien gladly follows, "I bet it is convenient." He agrees. "What's on the floor above us, then?"

"The bakery. It's where we handle the wedding cakes and any other pastries needed." She states, becoming more aware of his presence with each step as the elevator doors open.

He chuckles to himself, "Remind me to sneak up there when you're not looking. If it's anything like your parents baking, I'll gladly taste test anything you require."