#and that show's blown up way more than the midnight disease production shows

[the-slut-verses]

when will aftershocks return from the war I miss them :////

[andtheyweredeskmates]

Of Latte’s and Lingerie-Chapter Thirteen

I did a chapter! I’m so happy!! Can’t wait to write the next chapter for you guys!!

Taglist: @toodaloo-kangaroo @catsssmeow

AO3 - Chapter 1 - Chapter 12 - Concept Art

Marinette was anxious for her date with Adrien. It was set to be exactly one week before Fruit of Passion and Marinette found herself burying herself in her work to keep her mind off her nerves. That of course didn't work so well because she wasn’t exactly excited for her catwalk either. Audrey insisted that Marinette would practice in the red piece for the rest of the week to gain a little confidence. Marinette was skeptical that walking around in lingerie for a week would do anything for her confidence.

Meanwhile the texting between her and Adrien had not ceased. And neither had his flirty comments. It seemed that after her confession, he had only grown more bold and Marinette was secretly loving it.

Coffee Buddy

I have a couple of ideas about our date, have a few questions for you before I decide.

Marinette smiled in her bed, peeking from under her covers to read the texts on her phone.

Marinette Dupain-Cheng

Okay, hit me

Coffee Buddy

How do you feel about alcohol?

Marinette Dupain-Cheng

It’s great. But if I’m hungover for work I might kill you

Coffee Buddy

Noted, what about cats?

Marinette Dupain-Cheng

Really?

Coffee Buddy

Right, stupid question. How about sushi?

Marinette Dupain-Cheng

Can I guess where your going with this?

Coffee Buddy

You could. But that would ruin the surprise princess

Marinette couldn’t help but blush whenever he called her that.

Marinette Dupain-Cheng

You know this surprise date is only in two days. You better figure it out soon. I don’t even know where I’m going.

Coffee Buddy

Surely you know me well enough by now to know I’ll be picking you up. I take pride in being a purrfect gentlemen

Marinette rolled her eyes.

Marinette Dupain-Cheng

I know you well enough to know you’re a purrfect dork

Coffee Buddy

It’s all part of my charm.

Marinette glanced at the clock. It was already midnight and she had to be at work bright and early at 8 am.

Marinette Dupain-Cheng

Well, Mr. Prince Charming I have to be up early for work tomorrow so I’m going to bed. I’ll talk to you in the morning.

Coffee Buddy

Sweet dreams princess

…

“Has anyone ever told you that your disgusting?”

Nino was sitting next to Adrien on the couch peering over his shoulder. Adrien grinned back at Nino.

“Don’t act like you don’t send cute things to Alya,” Adrien said. Nino scoffed.

“No, unlike you, I play it cool.” Adrien stood up and walked into the kitchen to grab another slice of pizza.

“So you’re an asshole?” Nino crossed his arms over his chest.

“No, I just leave her wanting a little more. Don’t want her to think I want her too much because then she might think I’m too clingy.” Adrien chuckled.

“Ah I see. I forgot that you are all knowing and wise in the ways of women.”

“Shut up. Not everyone just has to look at a woman to woo her,” Nino grumbled.

“Woo her? How old are you? A hundred?” Adrien plopped down on the couch and shoved the pizza in his mouth.

“You know what I mean. I guess if anything I should just be happy that you’re showing an interest in someone. Even if you are acting like a lovesick dope.”

“Sure, sure. I’m the weirdo because I’m not trying too hard and just say what I mean.” Nino laughed.

“Oh so being disgustingly sweet comes naturally to you huh? Alright Cupid, you wanna tell me what your planning for your date?” Adrien took another bite.”

“Nope,” he said with his mouth full. Nino grimaced.

“What!? Why not?” Adrien swallowed.

“Because stupid, you’re gonna tell Alya and Alya is gonna tell Mari and it won’t be a surprise anymore.” Nino started to speak and then stopped. Adrien raised an eyebrow.

“Yeah, you don’t have anything to say about that do you? I know you and I have vicariously learned from both you and Mari that Alya doesn’t know when to stop talking so I will not be sharing any of my plans with you. And just to piss you off, I’m gonna tell you that I already told Chloe about it.”

Nino lost it.

“WHAT!? That’s a low blow.” Adrien cackled.

“Well unlike you, Chloe can keep a secret.” Nino furrowed his brow.

“I resent that.” Then Nino’s eyes started to shine with an evil gleam.

“But you know what, just to prove you wrong, I know something you don’t know and I’m not gonna tell you.” Adrien rolled his eyes.

“Is that so?” Nino chuckled darkly.

“Yup, and it’s about Mari. Oh man when you find out you’re gonna be so mind blown and you’re gonna call me and all I’m gonna do is laugh in your face.” Adrien’s interest was piqued.

“Is it… bad?”

“Wouldn’t you like to know lover boy?”

…

Marinette didn’t have to beg Audrey for very long to get off early that Friday. There were however…. stipulations.

“Audrey I hate to ask this but can I please leave early today?” Marinette had very low expectations. Audrey had been in a foul mood for the past three days which is precisely why Marinette had waited so long to ask but she was out of options.

“Why?” Audrey asked bluntly. She hadn’t even bothered to look up at Marinette. She was too busy typing away at her computer. Marinette glanced around the massive office that belonged to Audrey Bourgeois and began to wonder if she should just cancel the date altogether. She couldn’t go anywhere if Audrey killed her.

“Um, well I got asked on a date tonight and-“ Audrey immediately stopped typing and her head snapped up to look at Marinette with glee.

“By Adrien?” Marinette’s eyes widened with surprise.

“Uh, yeah,” she said cautiously.

“What time is your date?” Marinette glanced at the clock briefly. It was currently 10 am.

“It’s at 8 tonight.” Audrey grinned.

“Marinette my love you will be out of here by 5 but I have one condition.” Marinette nodded her head quickly.

“Anything!” she shouted.

“You are going to practice on the runway, in your red piece in front of my entire staff.”

“Anything but that,” Mari thought miserably. Marinette hung her head.

“Don’t be so dramatic. You have to do it in front of dozens of high profile designers in a week. You can handle my measly staff.”

“I’m part of your staff,” Marinette mumbled resentfully.

“You know what I mean. Go get changed. I’ll have everyone in the runway room by noon. You have till then to get ready.”

…

Adrien had a very hard time focusing at work. He was only filling out paperwork but he couldn’t clear his mind for a second. He couldn’t stop thinking about Marinette and what Nino said. Maybe she said had some terrible disease? Or she was moving to another country to accept a higher position? Or maybe she had a secret lover?

He couldn’t help but imagine the worst. He figured he could just ask her. He’d be seeing her tonight. Maybe it wouldn’t be so bad. Like she secretly liked to cosplay or something. Adrien hadn’t been nervous about their date but now he was terrified. He made a mental note to unfriend Nino.

“Hey Adrien?” Adrien jumped and turned around.

“Y-yes sir?” His boss, Fu was right behind him giving him a very concerned look.

“Are you feeling okay? You’ve been staring off into space for an hour.” Adrien chuckled apologetically.

“Yeah sorry, just got a lot on my mind,” he admitted ruefully.

“Why don’t you go home? You can finish your paperwork on Monday. You’ve been very productive this week.” Adrien smiled.

“Thank you sir,” he said. He started backing up his things and organizing his desk.

At least now he could brood in private.

…

Marinette hyped herself up in the mirror. One of Audrey’s stylists had come in to do minimal makeup and put up her hair. Marinette had to admit that if she was home alone, she would have felt very sexy. But there was difference between wearing lingerie at home alone and putting on a show for a hundred people.

“You are Marinette Dupain-Cheng and you can do anything. You are hot and you are gonna show everyone!” she told herself.

“That’s the spirit!” Marinette jumped and screamed.

“Ahh! How long have you been standing there?” Audrey laughed.

“You look great. Calm down. That was a wonderful pep talk. Now go out there and show you stuff.” Marinette bit her lip.

“I don’t know about this Audrey.” Audrey sighed.

“Look, Gabriel and I have been collaborating night and day for this show. You worked really hard and your line was way better than any of the other designers Gabriel commissioned for this show. I wanted you to model this piece because you put everything into it. It’s beautiful, its sexy and it’s classic. This is your work. Be proud of it. Show everyone that Marinette Dupain-Cheng is talented in every way. I want you to stand out and I want you to be recognized. So, help me help you. You’re the finale. The last girl to walk the runway. Be the fireworks. Understand?” Marinette let out a long breath and nodded. Audrey was much better at pep talks than she was.

“Alright, you know your cue. The music is about to start. So go out there and own it!” And just like that the music started. Before Marinette could talk herself out she held her head high and went on stage.

…

Even Audrey was a little in awe. Marinette walked the runway with more confidence than Audrey had ever seen in her. The sharp angles of her body moved fluidly and it was almost enchanting. Marinette was captivating and she unlocked a side of herself that no one had ever seen. Audrey found herself filled with immense pride.

“Miss Dupain-Cheng you are a star,” she whispered to herself.

Next Chapter