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[hari-writes]

Break It In Two And Keep The Pieces For Yourself - Chapter 1

Fandom: Miraculous Ladybug Pairings: Marinette/Nathaniel, Adrien/Marinette, Chloe/Nathaniel  Summary: When Marinette and Nathaniel start dating, everyone is happy for them. Except for Adrien and Chloe. Chloe has a crush on Nathaniel and Adrien finally realises his feelings for Marinette. They decide to work together to split the happy couple up, but it's not as simple as it seems.

Read on A03

“Here’s to crippling student debt, unpaid internships, working for ‘exposure’ and massive insecurity,” Nathaniel raised his glass.

“To following our dreams, no matter how soul-destroying it is,” Nino lifted his.

“To pursuing careers in the creative arts,” Marinette added and the three of them clinked their glasses together.

The cafe had been crowded when they first arrived, but the 11pm show at the Moulin Rouge had caused the place to suddenly empty, making finding a table easier. The three friends had pushed their way to the back of the cafe and found a free table. Nathaniel removed his trusty blazer and slung it over his chair and rolled the sleeves of his red shirt to his elbow, revealing muscular arms. Marinette double checked that Tikki was content inside her bag before slinging it over the back of her chair, covering it with her jacket. Nino’s blue hoodie was laid over the fourth seat, in case anyone else arrived later.

They were expecting others to join them, but life after university was more hectic than ever and it was hard to predict who would be available. Rose and Juleka popped by but left after one drink. Max sent a text to say he and Kim were held up at a party, and nobody else bothered to reply to her messages.

“Where’s Alya?” Nathaniel asked.

“On a date,” Nino winced.

“Yikes, sorry man, I didn’t know you broke up,” Nath said.

“They didn’t,” Marinette rolled her eyes. “They have an open relationship.”

“Oh, that’s cool,” Nathaniel began, uncertainly.

“Only if both sides are okay with it,” Marinette pointed out. “And Nino here...”

“...Is not okay,” Nino finished.

“Shit, sorry. Why did you agree to it then?” Nathaniel picked his glass up, absentmindedly running his finger across the rim as he looked earnestly at Nino.

“It was that or lose her and that seemed worse,” Nino stared into his own glass, not wanting to make eye contact.

Marinette looked between the two men, one face a picture of awkwardness, the other regret and sadness. When Alya told her about the decision, Marinette was surprised that Nino agreed to it; now he confirmed her suspicions about why he did. Alya and Nino had been together since collège and Alya had wild oats to sow that, apparently, she couldn’t do with Nino. She suggested the open relationship option as an alternative to breaking up. The couple had a flat together, a split would be messy financially as well as emotionally.

“Okay, I think it’s time for another drink,” Marinette said, looking around for the waiter. “Maybe something to eat, too.”

This wasn’t what she had in mind when she tried to arrange this class reunion. She knew her friends all had lives of their own and they didn’t owe her anything, but she’d hoped they could set those aside for one night.

“It’s on me,” A cheerful voice cut through her self-pity.

“Adrien!” Marinette jumped out of her chair to greet him.

The chair tipped backwards and Marinette somehow got her legs tangled in the legs of the chair and she fell forwards, slamming into Adrien. He caught her around the waist and pulled her close to him to steady her. Lifting her up, out of the clutches of her seat, he set her down next to him and picked her chair up and replaced it under the table.

“Are you hurt?” He turned his gaze on her, hands on her shoulders. Two emeralds sparkled at her from his perfect face, currently the picture of concern.

“No, are you?” She said, feeling the old stammer threatening to surface at her crush’s proximity. It was something she got over in lycée when she resigned herself to be nothing more than good friends with Adrien, though the crush never faded.

“I’m fine,” He smiled.

Yeah, you are. Marinette thought.

The commotion had alerted the waiter to the newcomer at the table and he came over to take their order. As he was doing so, Alix arrived with Mylene and Ivan. Followed closely by Sabrina, apologising profusely for her lateness. They pulled spare chairs from willing donors and all squished together around one small table. Marinette was very aware that Adrien’s thigh was pressed against hers. Their hands brushed a few times and she felt a thrill tingle up her arm when they touched.

“So, what are we celebrating?” Ivan asked.

“Nothing,” Nino replied, still grumpy about the reason for Alya’s absence.

“We don’t need to be celebrating something to get together do we?” Marinette said. “I just missed you all.”

“Aw, we miss you, too,” Mylene held her glass up and Marinette clinked hers against it.

“You’ve always been so thoughtful, Mari,” Adrien said, placing his hand on her forearm for exactly 4.5 seconds (not that she was counting).

It was a sweet moment, abruptly ruined by Alix making fake vomiting sounds.

Three more drinks later, Marinette was outside the cafe, hugging her friends goodbye. Promises to see each other more often were made and in her a-little-more-than-tipsy state, Marinette was proclaiming her love for all of her oldest friends.

“Do you need a lift home, Marinette?” Adrien asked as they waved Mylene, Ivan, Sabrina and Alix off in a taxi.

Marinette looked towards Nino who was slumped against a lamppost, looking sorry for himself.

“Thanks, but I think Nino needs you more right now,” She nodded towards their friend. “I’ll walk. Nathaniel lives near me, we’ll stick together.”

For a second, she thought Adrien might argue with her, but another look at Nino took the fight out of him. “You’re right. I should stay with him. Be safe, okay?”

Marinette turned to find Nathaniel waiting for her, leaning against the cafe wall, arms crossed. She smiled at him and he grinned back.

“Ready to go?” She asked.

“If you are,” He held his elbow out for her and she took it.

Neither of them were particularly steady on their feet, but with each other’s support, they staggered across the road toward the Cimetière de Montmartre. It was a place they occasionally spent time together, seeking out artists’ graves and sketching some of the more elaborate headstones and tombs. They turned up Rue Damrémont towards Rue Lamarck, where Marinette and Nathaniel each rented a studio flat. Marinette’s was fifteen square metres in total, with a loft bed, tiny kitchen,  small sofa, folding table and not much else. Nathaniel’s was a little larger, with a bed that he folded against the wall to give himself more space, and a balcony he sat on to draw when the weather was good.

“It was nice of Adrien to pay the bill,” Nathaniel said, glancing at Marinette, searching for a reaction.

“He’s a nice guy.”

“Hmmm,” He sounded like he wanted to say something, but was holding back.

“That was a loaded ‘hmmm’, Nath. Speak your mind,” Marinette stopped walking.

Nathaniel carried on for a few steps before he realised she wasn’t there any more. He spun around and faced her.

He sighed, “I just think that maybe he was trying to impress you.”

“That’s unlikely,” Marinette laughed. “He’s a famous model and I’m a struggling wannabe fashion designer, I’m not even on his radar.”

“You’re a talented, beautiful, caring struggling fashion designer,” Nathaniel corrected. “And he’s a straight male with eyes, he can see how amazing you are.”

Marinette started walking again, taking Nathaniel’s arm when she reached him. They wandered in silence for five minutes before she spoke.

“Thank you,” Marinette said, sliding her hand down his arm until she could weave her fingers through his. “For seeing me as talented and caring.”

“And beautiful,” Nathaniel added and squeezed her hand.

He didn’t see her blush in the yellow glow of the streetlights but he felt her move closer to him. When they reached the door to his apartment, he lingered, still holding her hand.

“Are you sure I can’t walk you all the way home?” He asked.

“I’m sure, it’s not much farther,” Marinette assured him.

She leaned in to hug him and he finally let go of her hand to wrap his strong arms around her. She nuzzled her face into his chest and sighed happily. Nathaniel bent his head to hers and breathed in the vanilla and rose scent of her hair. Marinette moved away from him in surprise. Lips parted, she almost said… something... but at that moment, she forgot the words. Instead, she tilted her face towards his and kissed him. His eyes fell closed as he returned the kiss and his hands moved to her waist, pulling her closer. Soft kisses deepened and Marinette’s fingers raked through his red hair, grazing his scalp with her nails.

When they finally broke apart, they stood staring at each other, panting for breath. Emboldened by adrenaline and alcohol, he nodded towards his apartment door and cleared his throat.

“Do you want to stay here tonight?”

Caffeine and positive feedback fuel me, buy me a coffee?

[hari-writes]

Break It In Two And Keep The Pieces For Yourself - Chapter 4

Fandom: Miraculous Ladybug

Pairings: Marinette/Nathaniel, Adrien/Marinette, Chloe/Nathaniel

Summary: When Marinette and Nathaniel start dating, everyone is happy for them. Except for Adrien and Chloe. Chloe has a crush on Nathaniel and Adrien finally realises his feelings for Marinette. They decide to work together to split the happy couple up, but it’s not as simple as it seems.

Chapter 1 | Chapter 2 | Chapter 3

Read on A03

She was getting used to waking up next to Nathaniel. It brought her joy to see him looking so peaceful, a contented smile on his face as he slept. After their late night at Adrien’s, they caught the last Metro home. Marinette’s apartment was the first stop on the walk back and they were both too weary to contemplate going any further.

They woke up in the same position they fell asleep, Nathaniel on his back with Marinette tucked under his arm, head resting on his chest, one knee bent over his leg. She felt like she could stay that way forever, but he was teaching an art class that morning so she dragged herself out of bed to make coffee.

“Are you going to open these?” Nathaniel pointed to a pile of letters in the kitchen.

She had collected the mail from her box last night but was too exhausted to do more than drop the bundle on the countertop as she slumped through the front door. Unenthusiastically, she picked up the first envelope and opened it. The letterhead alone perked her up better than caffeine ever could.

“It’s from Gabriel Fashion,” She yelped. “I got an internship for Men’s Fashion Week!!”

Marinette did a happy dance and Nathaniel jumped excitedly from his seat.

“Amazing! What will you be doing?” He asked, hugging her.

“I’m going to be backstage for Gabriel’s showcases. I’ll be doing whatever they ask me to do, dressing models, preparing outfits, sewing buttons, fetching coffee… It’s not going to be glamorous, but the pay’s good and the experience will be even more valuable.”

“I’m so proud of you. I guess I’m not going to see much of you that week?”

“Or the week before,” She said apologetically. “There will be rehearsals and lots of preparation to do, sorry. And, if it all goes well, I’ll have to do it all again for Haute Couture week in July.”

“Never apologise for following your dreams, Mari.” Nathaniel kissed her forehead, her nose, then her lips, lingering longer on the last one. “We should go out tonight to celebrate. I’ll send some messages out after my class.”

♥♡♥

Adrien was in makeup when Chloé called. He hesitated before answering, Melodie wouldn’t be happy if he messed up the base she’d just airbrushed on. Too many late nights were starting to show as dark circles under his eyes.

“Hey, Chlo, what’s up? You’re on speaker.” He warned her.

“Did you hear?” She demanded.

“Hear what?” Adrien tried to keep still as Melodie combed through his brows before filling them in with a light brown pencil.

“Marinette got an internship with Gabriel for Fashion Week. She’s going to be working backstage at your shows.” Chloé caught him up.

“That’s amazing! Those internships aren’t easy to get.” Adrien said admiringly.

“Yes, yes, very impressive.” Chloé replied, “Now, how are you going to capitalise on it?”

“I don’t follow.”

“Come on, Adrikins, you’re smarter than this... You’ve got two weeks with Marinette, sans Nathaniel, to convince her that you’re the better choice. How are you going to do it?” Chloé sounded exasperated.

He shot an apologetic look at Melodie, who was now waiting patiently to apply a coat of brown mascara to his blonde lashes so they’d show up in the photos.

“I don’t know if I’ll do anything, Chlo. Fashion Week is a big deal and I don’t want to jeopardize her chances for a permanent job.”

“Hmmm, I think you’d be a fool to pass up this opportunity, but whatever.” Chloé huffed. “At least say you’re coming out tonight to help her celebrate? I got a text from Nath.”

“Of course,” He checked his own phone and confirmed that a text notification was there. It was from Nathaniel, inviting him to drinks. “See you tonight Chlo.”

“Sorry, Melodie. Can I just send a text, then I’ll put the thing away?” He asked contritely.

After replying to Nathaniel to confirm his presence, he shot a quick message to Nino to ask if he’d be there, too. Suggesting Nino came to Adrien’s first and they could travel together. If his father insisted on Adrien having a chauffeur, he might as well use the privilege to the benefit of his friends, too.

“Ok, Melodie, I’m ready.”

♥

“I got an internship, bro!” Nino greeted him at the door wearing the widest smile he’d seen on his friend’s face in some time. “A photography placement with Vincent Otturatore for Fashion Week.”

“That’s brilliant, Nino! We should make it a double celebration.” Adrien slapped him on the back.

“I don’t want to steal Mari’s thunder,” He protested.

“Nonsense, you know Marinette will be delighted for you, she’s great like that,” Adrien assured him. “What will you be doing?”

“It’ll be backstage stuff, nothing as glamorous as what you do during Fashion Week. Mostly carting equipment from one location to another, lots of standing around holding a reflector, probably getting lunch for everyone. Then afterwards I’ll do some editing and retouching.”

“That’s great Nino,” Adrien encouraged him.

He wanted to build his friend’s confidence, this business with Alya and the open relationship had seriously knocked his self-esteem. He made a mental note to list all of Vincent’s peculiarities for Nino to help him make a good impression on the eccentric Italian.

The cafe Nathaniel had chosen was a few minutes walk from the Eiffel Tower and equidistant from Le Marais where Adrien, Kim, Max, Juleka, Rose, Alix and Chloé lived, Grandes-Carrieres where Nathaniel and Marinette were, Pigalle, where Nino and Alya’s flat was, and Montparnasse, where Ivan, Mylene and Sabrina shared an apartment. The food was reasonably priced, the wine was drinkable and the cafe owner was happy to let them take over the back corner of his business for the evening.

“Urgh, I saw you all last week,” Alix complained. “Why did we have a reunion if we were getting together so soon?”

“Oh, simmer down, Alix,” Kim laughed. “We’re celebrating Mari’s first step into dominating the fashion world.”

“And Nino’s,” Adrien said.

“What?!” Marinette grabbed Nino’s wrist, “Did you get the internship?”

When he nodded in response, Marinette flung her arms around him. Adrien felt a warmth in his chest at how fiercely she cared for her friends. She was like Ladybug in that way.

“The two of us working Fashion Week! It’s going to be amazing,” She glowed with joy and pride for Nino.

“Actually, it’ll be three of us working Fashion Week,” Nino pointed out. “Adrien’s modelling.”

“Of course.” She grinned at Adrien.

He was sure that she wasn’t as happy as she seemed about the possibility of working with him. It was more likely that some of her excitement for Nino was rebounding on him, but he’d take it. Having Marinette turn her celestial smile on you, even as a ricochet, was a gift.

“I guess it’s a double celebration,” Marinette announced to the group as they jostled for seats around the table.

“See?” Adrien whispered to Nino, “Of course she wants to share her moment with you, you deserve it as much as she does.”

“Thanks, man,” Nino said uncertainly.

Adrien managed to snag the seat next to Marinette, Nino on his other side. He noticed with amusement that Chloé was sitting next to Nathaniel.

♥♡♥

Marinette felt like she could float into the clouds with happiness. Not in an oh-no-Nino-got-akumatised-again-and-I’m-in-a-bubble way (although with his current state of mind, Marinette couldn’t say she wasn’t anticipating it) but in a light and carefree sort of way. She looked around the table of her friends, truly grateful for every one of them. Nathaniel on her left was talking animatedly with Ivan and Max about a new comic book store that was opening in town, Adrien on her right was laughing with Nino and Alix about her and Kim’s latest dare. Across from her, Rose and Juleka were speaking softly to each other, sharing a private moment. She caught Chloé’s eye and asked how the midsummer ball was coming along.

After university, Chloé had taken a job at her father’s hotel as an events planner. The midsummer ball was her debut event. It marked the end of the June Fashion Week and many designers and top models considered it to be the only afterparty to be seen at.

“It’s going well, but the next few weeks are so important,” Chloé explained. “I’ve decided to have a cubist theme because the rumour is that several designers are using it as their inspiration this year.”

“That sounds wonderful,” Marinette said, Chloé had a creative side that she often kept hidden. “And if you need any help with the theme, Nathaniel specialised in abstract art in his final year at ENSBA.”

“So he did,” Chloé smiled knowingly, “I’d completely forgotten that. I imagine you’ll be so busy with your new job that you wouldn’t mind if I stole your boyfriend for a few weeks, would you?”

“He’s all yours, Chloé,” Marinette said brightly.

[hari-writes]

Break It In Two And Keep The Pieces For Yourself - Chapter 3

Fandom: Miraculous Ladybug

Pairings: Marinette/Nathaniel, Adrien/Marinette, Chloe/Nathaniel

Summary: When Marinette and Nathaniel start dating, everyone is happy for them. Except for Adrien and Chloe. Chloe has a crush on Nathaniel and Adrien finally realises his feelings for Marinette. They decide to work together to split the happy couple up, but it’s not as simple as it seems.

Chapter 1 | Chapter 2

Read on A03

“Kid, you can’t be serious about this.” Plagg pleaded with his charge.

“I’m perfectly serious, Plagg. I was going to drive her home the other night, it could have been me she spent the night with.” Adrien was adamant.

“I’m not sure that’s how it works. In my thousands of years of experience with romance and soulmates and I’ve never encountered a first-come-first-served policy in matters of love.”

The black kwami was exasperated. He knew deep down that Marinette and Adrien were meant to be together (after all, he knew who Marinette really was better than Adrien did), but he also knew that messing with other people’s relationships was a recipe for disaster.

“You’ll drive her away.” He warned before going off to sulk with a large wedge of Camembert.

Adrien knew Plagg was probably right, but the feeling of regret and jealousy he felt when he saw Marinette and Nathaniel making out in the park was too painful to let him see reason. Every time he remembered it, his resolve was strengthened.

He reached for his phone, trying to concoct a plausible reason to text her, but there was already a message waiting for him.

[10.01] Nino: Hey bro, you wanna hang today? Al’s out with Mari and I’m bored.

Adrien sighed. Ignoring Nino would make him a terrible friend and he already felt like a horrible person for what he was plotting against Marinette and Nathaniel.

[10.10] Adrien: Sure, dude. Shall I come to yours or we can meet at the park?

[10.11] Nino: Park sounds good. See you in 30?

[10.11] Adrien: See you then.

♥♡♥

“It was amazing, Mari. He took me to this great cocktail bar and we talked for hours.” Alya was still recounting her date from Saturday night. “And he reads the Ladyblog, did I tell you? He loves it.”

“That’s nice,” It was a lukewarm response, but Marinette wasn’t sure she even meant that.

“Isn’t it? And his apartment is huge! Afterwards, he made me an omelette and we drank wine before going again. Do you know the last time Nino and I did it twice in one night?”

“Should I?”

“Of course not, it’s been years. Seeing other people was the best idea we ever had.” Alya said.

“Best idea you ever had,” Marinette corrected her friend.

“Yes, but he’s on board,” Alya clarified.

“Is he?” Marinette couldn’t believe how single-minded Alya was being. “Because the times I’ve seen him since you downloaded that app, he hasn’t been very happy.”

“Oh, he just needs time to come round, it’s fine. So, what’s new with you?” Alya asked.

Marinette glanced at the time on her phone. It had taken her best friend forty-five minutes to ask Marinette a single question about her. Not even a ‘ça-va?’ when the first greeted each other.

“I’m good, actually. I have some news. Nathaniel and I are together, as of Saturday night.” She revealed.

“Girl! I’m so pleased for you. He’s a great guy.” Alya hugged her. “Tell me everything.”

Marinette filled in all the events of Saturday night and Sunday brunch, enjoying Alya’s reaction to Chloe’s insistence on giving a speech and her laughter at the mental image of Marinette and Nathaniel blushing like tomatoes under the glare of all their friends. Soon, they were discussing how quiet Hawk Moth had been lately and Marinette listened to Alya’s theory that he must work in the fashion industry because he was always inactive in the lead up to Fashion Week, with a sudden flurry of activity the weekend before it all began. He’d go silent again for the week of shows before resuming business as usual.

“If only Gabriel Agreste hadn’t been akumatised, he’s got all the personality traits to be an excellent maniacal supervillain.” Alya laughed and in spite of herself, so did Marinette.

They were still giggling when they wandered into the Tom & Sabine Boulangerie for pastries. Tom greeted them with a smile before drawing them both into his hulking chest for a floury hug.

“I’ve missed you, girls,” His booming voice enveloped them with the comfort as his arms provided.

“Papa,” Marinette laughed, “I saw you yesterday!”

“Ah, yes,” Tom wiggled his eyebrows comically and addressed Alya, “Did she tell you about her new man?”

Alya nodded, “She sure did. Are they disgustingly cute together?”

“Sooo disgusting,” Tom said and he and Alya laughed.

♥♡♥

“Is Nino still depressed about his girlfriend dating other guys?” Plagg asked from his hiding place in Adrien’s collar.

“What do you think?” Adrien quipped.

“You should pick up some cookies then, that bakery near the park make his favourites,” Plagg suggested.

Adrien couldn’t quite believe his ears, Plagg was actually being considerate for once.

“And get me some cheese gougères while you’re in there.” The kwami added.

Nope, not considerate after all. Adrien should have known, Plagg was only interested in cheese. The bakery was on his way to the park, though, so he pushed open the door to find Marinette and Alya already there. Tom Dupain was joking with them about something and both the girls were laughing heartily.

“Adrien!” Tom noticed him. “How lovely to see you, come on in. I’m getting to see all of Marinette’s school friends this week.”

“Hi, Mr Dupain, how are you?”

“I’m very well, thanks. And, it’s ‘Tom’, please. We’re all friends here.” Tom grinned.

“Okay… Tom, I’m just here for some of your amazing salted caramel cookies and half a dozen cheese gougères.” Adrien always felt a little overwhelmed by Tom and Sabine’s generosity and kindness; his own father wasn’t as solicitous towards him.

“Ooh, those cookies are a good choice,” Marinette said approvingly.

He smiled, “Thanks, they’re Nino’s favourite. I’m going to meet him at the park.”

Tom handed him a paper bag full of cookies and busied himself with the gougères. Adrien had a sudden thought.

“Do you two want to join us? We don’t have any real plans, we’re just at a loose end. Maybe we could hang in the park for a bit then get some food and come back to mine for dinner?” He suggested.

“I’m up for that,” Alya shrugged.

“Sure,” Marinette was hesitant. “I was going to see Nath tonight, though.”

“Invite him,” Adrien tried to sound nonchalant.

“Really? Brilliant, thanks.” Marinette smiled.

“It’s nothing,” Adrien grinned winningly and took out his phone to text Chloé.

♥♡♥

Marinette could fit her studio flat into Adrien’s apartment at least six times, she worked out during the tour. The bathroom alone was probably bigger. He moved out of the mansion after university, his father finally accepting that he needed his own space. Marinette suspected Gabriel carefully chose this place, given its vicinity to home.

“It’s amazing, Adrien,” She breathed, taking in the enormous open plan living room and kitchen.

“Come with me,” He smiled, eyes twinkling and he took her hand.

He led her to his bedroom and opened a set of double doors at the far end, revealing a Juliette balcony. Inviting her to step into the small space, he stood behind her. With one hand on her shoulder, he brought his head in line with hers, their cheeks almost touching. He pointed to a gap between two buildings on the opposite side of the courtyard.

“Notice anything familiar?” His voice was low and conspiratorial.

She faltered, his proximity making her cheeks flush. She was with Nathaniel now and she cared deeply for him, but her feelings for Adrien would take time to fade. Their closeness now was disconcerting and exciting. Looking at the spot beyond his outstretched finger, she focussed.

“Is that… my terrace?” She asked.

Adrien’s bedroom overlooked the top of the bakery and the roof terrace where Marinette spent so many happy hours. It was where she relaxed with Tikki and tended to her flowers, where Chat Noir would stop by and flirt and where she and Alya would hang out after school, talking about her latest theory on Ladybug. Happy memories washed over her and a contented sigh escaped her lips. She leaned into Adrien, his strong chest taking her weight.

“It’s a shame you don’t live there anymore, we could have waved to each other in the mornings,” He said longingly.

“Mmhmm,” Marinette agreed, closing her eyes as his voice washed over her.

Simultaneously, though, they both remembered themselves and suddenly straightened up, putting as much distance between themselves as the small balcony area would allow.

“Uh,” Adrien scratched the back of his neck, “We should go back and join Nino and Alya.”

“Y-y-yes.” Oh, no. Why was she stuttering again?

The arrived in the living room in time to answer a knock at the door.

“Adrikins! Look who I found on my way over,” Chloé stood in the hallway, draped over Nathaniel.

Caffeine and positive feedback fuel me, buy me a coffee?

[hari-writes]

Break It In Two And Keep The Pieces For Yourself - Chapter 2

Fandom: Miraculous Ladybug

Pairings: Marinette/Nathaniel, Adrien/Marinette, Chloe/Nathaniel

Summary: When Marinette and Nathaniel start dating, everyone is happy for them. Except for Adrien and Chloe. Chloe has a crush on Nathaniel and Adrien finally realises his feelings for Marinette. They decide to work together to split the happy couple up, but it’s not as simple as it seems.

Chapter 1

Read on A03

Sunlight streaming through open blinds alerted Marinette to the fact it was morning. She squinted at how bright it was, her hangover making the light seem even more intense. Lifting her throbbing head from a naked chest, she took in her surroundings; the events of last night slowly dawning on her.

Nathaniel was asleep under her, their legs still entwined. His shoulder-length red hair lay tousled on his pillow, framing his face like a lion. One arm was wrapped around Marinette, the other rested on his toned stomach.

Damn, where did those abs come from?!

She looked across the tiny apartment and saw the trail of abandoned clothing leading from the door to the bed and smiled to herself. It wasn’t exactly how she imagined her night was going to go when she left home yesterday, but she was happy that it did. Nathaniel was kind and easy to talk to. They had plenty in common, having known each other since école primaire and sharing a love of art and design. She put her head back on his chest and snuggled in. Nathaniel’s hand moved to stroke her hair.

“You’re awake,” She said.

“I don’t think so,” His voice was deep and comforting, “You’re in my bed so I’m sure I’m still dreaming.”

She laughed and poked her finger in his ribs.

“Ouch!”

“Just checking. You’re definitely awake. I’m really here,” Marinette grinned.

He rolled onto his side to face her, ran his fingers across her bare shoulders, then cupped her cheek in his palm.

“You really are here, aren’t you? Look, I need you to know, if this was just a one-night deal for you, I promise things won’t get awkward. If you want something more, though…” He trailed off. Without wine boosting his courage, the words were harder to say than he thought.

“It wasn’t just a one-night deal for me, Nath,” She assured him, looking him in the eyes so he could see she was serious. “I like you.”

He kissed her, unable to keep the grin off his face. She giggled and realised how happy she felt.

Their phones chimed almost simultaneously and they reflexively reached out to check them.

“Chloé’s summoning us all to brunch at the hotel,” Nathaniel said. “Do you fancy it?”

“Do we have a choice?” She groaned.

“It’s Chloé so, no.”

The message on her phone was from Adrien, informing her of the same thing. Chloé felt bad for skipping the reunion last night so was hosting a mandatory brunch for all her ex-classmates. She quickly typed a response to him, making sure to inquire after Nino at the same time. A reply arrived quickly, informing her that he took Nino home with him and Adrien was currently rubbing his best friend’s back as he cried and dry heaved into the toilet.

Nathaniel leaned over to kiss her.

“There’s time if you want to go home and get changed? I can come get you in an hour,” He suggested.

“Good call,” She said.

After gathering up her clothes, she threw them on and grabbed her bag, muttering profuse apologies to Tikki as she left. She let herself into her flat and immediately opened the cookie jar, letting her kwami help herself to the contents.

“Stop apologising, Marinette. You've had hookups in the past and I managed to zone out then, too.” Tikki reassured her.

“I know, but I still feel bad,” Marinette put her head around the bathroom. “I’m going to shower real quick, okay?”

Tikki had a mouthful of chocolate chip cookie so she waved at Marinette in lieu of a response. True to her word, Marinette’s shower lasted less than ten minutes, then she spent another twenty minutes standing in her towel trying to select an outfit.

“You’ll look great in whatever you choose,” Tikki encouraged her.

“I just need something cute, but casual. Like I just threw it on, but more considered than that.”

“Human fashion is confusing,” Tikki laughed, “I’m glad I don’t have to worry about it.”

Marinette eventually settled on a black shirt dress, cinched at the waist with a pink belt. She applied mascara and sheer pink lipstick and brushed her hair. There was no time to style it properly so she opted to let it dry naturally in soft waves, but she blowdried her bangs so they sat in the right place. Her buzzer sounded as she was slipping on a pair of black leather pumps and she told Nathaniel she’d be right there. She put her bag over her shoulder and opened the clasp to let Tikki fly inside.

On the street, she shared a nervous kiss with Nathaniel before they joined hands and began walking to the Metro station. At Guy Môquet, they boarded the train, finding two seats together. Nathaniel stroked her cheek with his thumb and she tilted her face toward him, gazing into his turquoise eyes. She brushed his hair from his face and felt electricity where her fingers touched his skin.

By the time the changed trains at Saint Lazare Train Station, they had lost all trace of self-consciousness and were becoming practised at public displays of affection.

At Le Grand Paris, they followed the distinctive sound of Chloé’s laugh to where their friends had already started on brunch. There were two seats left around the table, but they weren’t together. Nathaniel kissed Marinette’s hand before he relinquished it and she sat on the chair next to a grey-tinged Nino. Nathaniel sat between Ivan and Max in the space opposite Marinette.

“Hi, Nino,” She said gently. “How are you?”

He shrugged, lips pressed together, eyes watering. Adrien leaned over from the other side of his best friend and answered for him.

“He’s sick and unhappy.” He passed her a platter of pastries and she took a croissant, resting it on her plate.

“Do you know if A-L-Y-A is coming this morning?” She asked Adrien. He shook his head sadly.

“I can spell my own girlfriend’s name, I’m not a child,” Nino objected.

“I know, I thought it might lessen the pain.” Marinette put her hand on his arm, giving it a reassuring squeeze. “I’m worried about you.”

She sliced her croissant in half and buttered it generously before adding jam. She cut each side into three and put one piece on Nino’s plate. He took it gratefully and ate slowly. She gave him another piece when it was finished and the colour gradually returned to his cheeks.

“How did you do that?!” Adrien was astounded. “I’ve been trying to perk him up all morning.”

“As the daughter of a baker, I can’t give away all my secrets,” She winked at him, “but you should know that croissants and jam have restorative properties.”

Adrien laughed, “I yield to your great, mystical knowledge.”

Chloé clinked her fork against her glass until she had everyone’s attention. As she did, waiting staff brought trays of Mimosas and Bloody Marys to the table, placing one of each in front of each guest.

“Hair of the dog?” Marinette suggested to Nino. In reply, he drained the champagne cocktail in one.

“Thank you all for coming to my little reunion,” Chloé began, “I know you all have busy and exciting lives now, but I would hate for us to lose touch because we didn’t make time for one another.”

Marinette rolled her eyes, most of Chloé’s speech was taken word for word from the message she sent to her friends a few days earlier. Across the table, she saw Nathaniel smirk, possibly realising the same thing. She caught his eye and winked. His smirk turned into a snort which he tried to hide unsuccessfully.

“Is there a problem, Nathaniel?” Chloé demanded.

He shook his head, unable to answer through the fit of giggles that caught hold of him. Marinette laughed too, gleeful chortles that made her eyes fill with tears as she tried to suppress them.

“Do you want to share the joke, Marinette?” Chloé asked haughtily.

For all that she was a much nicer person these days, Chloé was still a self-important attention seeker and she didn’t take kindly to having the spotlight diverted from her.

“I know what’s going on…” Alix teased, her quick blue eyes darting between the two laughing figures.

Marinette and Nathaniel shot her warning looks, but Alix wasn’t intimidated easily, especially not by desperate eye contact.

“Marinette and Nathaniel got it on last night!” She announced proudly. “Didn’t you guys?”

Neither of them had to answer, their blushes spoke volumes. Their friends cheered, hugged them and clapped Marinette and Nathaniel on the back and shoulder, asking for details. Only two friends didn’t react. Adrien stayed in his seat, looking pensive, and Chloé continued to wait for everyone to return their attention to her.

“Really? Tell us the story,” Nino said, looking genuinely happy for the first time in days. Marinette didn’t have the heart to refuse his request.

“Uh, well, we walked each other home last night and when we stopped outside Nath’s apartment, we… um, kissed.” A squeal of delight rose from her friends. “Then, well…”

“...I invited her up to mine and…” Nathaniel picked up the story. “...and Marinette and I. We… she stayed the night.”

“Yeah, she did!” Kim whooped.

“You two are great together,” Mylene said as Rose and Juleka nodded enthusiastically next to her.

Juleka muttered something that sounded like, “Double date” but Marinette wasn’t totally sure.

“ANYWAY,” Chloé practically shouted, “I think you all interrupted me.”

The friends groaned and grabbed their drinks, ready to let Chloé finish her plagiarized speech. As she listened to her own words being spoken back to her, Marinette was very aware that someone was looking at her. She glanced towards Nathaniel, but his attention was back on Chloé. She glanced to her right and made eye contact with Adrien Agreste, who was watching her, not the haughty blonde at the head of the table. She gave him a quizzical look, but his expression was brooding and she couldn’t find any answers on his face.

♥♡♥

Adrien hung back at the hotel after the rest of his old classmates had left. Chloé had excused herself as soon and the first guest announced their departure and he was worried about her. It wasn't like her to leave an event until the last guest left.

He found her sitting on the floor of her walk-in wardrobe, holding Mr Cuddly the bear and sucking her thumb. He sat next to her and put his arm around her shoulder.

“If it’s any consolation, I don’t think they meant to interrupt your speech,” He said.

“That’s not why I’m upset,” Chloé huffed, “I stole that stupid speech from Marinette. It’s just… Why does she get everything she wants?”

“Does she? Oh, Nathaniel,” He realised. “You still like him?”

“Since collège. I was so awful to him back then, I’ve been trying to redeem myself for years and I thought we were getting closer,” Chloé sniffed. “And, then Marinette Dupain-Cheng comes along and jumps into bed with him.”

“Yeah. What does he have that her other male friends don’t?” Adrien added absentmindedly.

Chloé removed her thumb from her mouth with a pop and gasped. “You like Marinette!”

Adrien nodded. “It took me too long to realise that she’s so much more to me than a good friend, and longer to stop pining over Ladybug. I missed my chance.”

“You know, there is something we can do about it,” A wicked expression crossed Chloé’s face. “You want Marinette, I want Nath, so let’s go get them.”

“Split them up?” Adrien was shocked. Chloé had come such a long way over the years, he sometimes forgot how self-serving and malicious she used to be.

“Why not? We’d be there to console them afterwards, nobody really gets hurt.”

“No, Chloé, I can’t do that to our friends.”

“Fine,” Chloé looked unconvinced. “You know where I am if you change your mind.”

♥♡♥

Marinette and Nathaniel decided to walk through Place des Vosges on their way to pop into see her parents and tell them the news. It was a beautiful day, and they both felt the need to walk off their brunch cocktails before they reached the bakery. They stopped in the park and sat on a bench to discuss their friends’ reaction to the fact they were a couple.

“I’d have preferred to tell them one or two at a time, not all together like that,” Nathaniel admitted.

“Same here,” She agreed. “Now everyone knows except Alya and I wanted to tell her first.”

“I’m sorry,” He pushed a loose strand of hair behind her ear. “I’m the one who drew attention to us.”

“No, Nath,” She put her hand on his face, “It was both of us, we should have known we couldn’t hide it from that lot.”

He laughed and pressed his forehead to hers. She sighed, and closed her eyes, feeling completely at ease with him. When she felt his lips brush hers, she chased his mouth, willing him to kiss her. Teasingly, he moved away a little so she grabbed the collar of his shirt and pulled him into her. Their kiss quickly intensified when Nathaniel sucked on her bottom lip, biting gently on it. She shifted to sit on his lap and he ran one calloused hand up her bare thigh.

Someone near them cleared his throat and the pair broke apart, pink-faced and breathless. They looked to the source of the noise. Adrien Agreste was standing over them, looking crestfallen. Maybe he didn’t agree with public kissing?

“Oh, hey, Adrien,” Nathaniel said.

“Hi,” Adrien replied. “Erm, congratulations, you guys. You seem very happy.”

“Thanks,” Marinette smiled shyly, “We really are.”

“Great,” Adrien muttered and continued his walk through the park.

Marinette and Nathaniel watched him leave, a little concerned by his downcast demeanour. They saw him take his phone out his pocket and, after selecting a contact, he put it to his ear. He was too far away when he finally spoke so they didn’t hear what he said to his oldest friend.

“Chloé? I’ve changed my mind about this Marinette and Nathaniel thing. Let’s break it in two and keep the pieces for ourselves.”

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