Miraculous Ladybug, "The Tell-Tale Kiss" ch. 10, rated T

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 Fandom: Miraculous Ladybug & Chat Noir
Title: The Tell-Tale Kiss
Chapter Title: Ten - First Real Date
Pairing/Characters: Marinette (Ladybug), Adrien (Chat Noir), Tikki, Plagg, Marinette/Adrien
Word Count: 3,83
Genre: Humor/Romance
Rating: T
Spoilers: Up to Season 2 (for now)

Notes: This is a new multi-chapter fic though it won't be too long. I've written a few chapters and have the rest outlined. For now, this first chapter is written for my "major" prompt for the Summer Mini Challenge. Characters are aged up about a few years, around 16 years old. Canon divergent from Season 2/3.

Notes for this Chapter: Adrien and Marinette have their first date.

Other Links: FFnet | AO3

Summary: Adrien has had enough. If Ladybug won't accept him as Chat Noir, well, then maybe she'll say yes to Paris's top male model? When she gives her answer, he doesn't expect what comes next.

Chapter Ten: First Real Date

Adrien was relieved that it didn’t require much effort to bribe his bodyguard again to drive Marinette and him to a movie for their date on the following night. Even though Marinette had planned to bake the Gorilla a special tiramisu, Adrien decided to have a back up bribe to find another rare action figure for him in case he was hard to convince.

His bodyguard took both bribes without a complaint of course, and Adrien told Nathalie that he and Marinette were going to the library to work on their joint project. What she didn’t need to know was that the library also had a movie theater close by. 

During the school day, Adrien and Marinette focused on completing their project as much as they could. Adrien was sure they were ahead of most of the students in their class. 

Today was an activity day in their class, and the students became entranced by their projects. The classroom was abuzz with noisy chatter and productivity, and thankfully nobody was paying much attention to them. 

Adrien and Marinette had agreed to keep their relationship secret at first; Adrien still wasn’t sure how his father would react to them dating, especially since Adrien was a famous model. Marinette understood, and she was more than happy to keep things quiet to not incur the wrath of Gabriel Agreste. They had told their closest friends about their decision too, and everyone was cool with keeping up the facade that Marinette and Adrien were just friends.

Adrien and Marinette barely had time to flirt anyway they had been so engrossed in their work. They did make a good team, and the longer they worked together, the more comfortable they had become in each other’s company.

Marinette stood up from her seat and stretched. She let out a satisfied sigh. “Ah, we’re almost done. We just have to print out some more pictures for the poster board.”

“You’re amazing, Marinette. If you didn’t have all this research from your previous essay, we wouldn’t be this far ahead in completing our work,” Adrien said with a smile.

Marinette grinned at him and winked. “Oh, I think it was more luck than anything. I mean, it was pure chance that we got assigned Voltaire in the first place.” 

“Still,” Adrien said leaning lazily back in his seat. “You saved me from a lot of long nights catching up with homework.”

Marinette giggled, and she gave him a soft smile when he turned toward her and looked around, making sure nobody was watching them. 

“Hey, I’m really looking forward to tonight,” he said in a low voice. His cheeks colored a little, and he had to hold back his excitement.

“Me too,” she said, settling back down in her seat. She leaned closer to him, and he felt her thigh brush against his. 

“So… how did your parents react after you told them you had a date?” Adrien whispered.

“Well, they’re happy I guess,” Marinette said, leaning in closer and keeping her voice low. “I really didn’t tell them much. They can be really embarrassing sometimes. I just told them I was going on a date, that I’d be late after the movie, and I would text them on my way home.”

“Hrmm,” he said, rubbing his chin. “So you didn’t tell them you were on a date with me.”

“Not specifically,” she said. “Um, Adrien, please don’t take offense. I’m trying to take things slow with my parents too. They have known for awhile that I, uh… really liked you, and I don’t want them going overboard. If you must know, I did have a date with Chat Noir once and it was totally awkward.”

He let out a small laugh when he remembered that date. Of course, Marinette didn’t know it had been him as Chat Noir all along, but he did remember it fondly. He also remembered how her parents acted too, so he totally understood Marinette’s hesitation.

“Marinette, you really don’t have to apologize to me. I understand,” he said. “I can’t even imagine how my father will react if he finds out I’m dating someone...someone who he hasn’t personally picked out and approved of… I just know it won’t be good.”

Marinette frowned. “Yeah, your dad is super strict. I’m a little scared of what his reaction will be too.”

Adrien put his hand over hers on the desk. “Don’t be. It’s just… complicated, so we’ll have to be cautious with him.” He leaned in even closer and she barely heard his whisper. “It doesn’t mean we have to take things slow…”

He sensed her tension when he said that. Whatever she thought he meant by that phrase, he did, and he also meant more. A cute blush colored her face, and her eyes widened.

“Or...whatever pace you want,” he added.

Marinette giggled nervously. “Oh, well... you’d be surprised…” 

He let out a choked gasp. She basically rendered him speechless as fantasies plowed through his brain like a freight train. He was grateful for the break from his thoughts as Ms. Bustier asked for the class’s attention and gave them less than five minutes to clean up before the bell rang and they had to prepare for their next class.

--

Adrien had to leave school early that day for a photo shoot, so he was unable to give Marinette a ride home. It was probably a good thing too as he was sure he’d kiss her senseless the moment they slid into the seats and closed the doors.

Before he left for the day, he texted Marinette, who was in the art room, and told her goodbye, saying he owed her another kiss and that he’d see her soon.

The photoshoot ended up dragging, and the photographer yelled at him several times to stop being so distracted and reminded him that frowning would give him ugly wrinkles. When he managed to get through that excruciating session, he practically ran to the car with his bodyguard waiting and threw himself into the seat. He had just enough time to go home, have dinner, feed Plagg and indulge in some banter, and then get ready for his date.

Plagg was demanding cheese from him the moment he walked through the door of his mansion, and Adrien practically bounced on his feet as he met Nathalie at the bottom of the staircase. She droned on about his schedule, told him his father would be home in the morning as he was riding the train back from Vienna, and then bid him a good night and luck with his studying.

Adrien sprinted to his room, set out a big wheel of camembert out for Plagg and hit the shower. After his shower, he felt trapped in a euphoric daze, and he was so excited for his date with Marinette that he felt butterflies in his stomach. He’d been on other dates before, and yes, he’d even “dated” Marinette as Chat Noir, but this time was different.

He knew that he loved her, and though he would love to spend every waking moment with her, a night like tonight was more than enough - it was a gift.

Adrien was eating his dinner with Nathalie with a big grin on his face, and he felt her staring at him several times. He was glad that his father was gone for the evening, but he still had to curb his excitement in front of Nathalie who told his father everything.

“Adrien, your driver informed me that he may take you and your friend somewhere for a snack after your study session,” Nathalie said. “I’m surprised he felt the necessity to mention it to me.”

“Ah yes, well, you see the last time I was working with Marinette on the project we got a little hungry,” he said. “We were at her parents’ bakery of course, so it wasn’t an issue. But the library… It has a small cafe but the food they serve may not be good for my diet.”

Nathalie nodded, understanding his meaning. “Just be sure to come home promptly and not stay out so late. You  have another photoshoot in the morning, and I want you to have a good night's sleep.”

“Yes, Nathalie,” he said, taking a bite of his dinner and subduing the frown that came with his disappointment. He knew that he’d have to leave Marinette some time tonight, but he didn’t want to feel rushed. Plus, he knew that he and Ladybug had patrol tonight, so he had to be extra careful about sneaking out if Nathalie was keeping tabs on his return to home.

“Your father should be home soon. His train was delayed, but he will be home for the end of your photoshoot in the morning,” Nathalie said.

Adrien nodded. Normally he would be happy to see his father, but his anxiety on how his father would react to his relationship with Marinette made him feel queasy, and he didn’t want to face him lest he slip up and reveal that they were dating. His father would not approve of it for sure, since Adrien did not inform him first, nor did he have an opportunity to judge whether he approved of the match.

He found his father’s strictness on his life choices to be rather intense, but he couldn’t defy him - well, at least not as Adrien. When he was Chat Noir, however, that was another story.

When that tense dinner with Nathalie was over, he gathered his things and his bodyguard was waiting for him at the door. He followed him out as Nathalie bid him a neutral goodbye as well as a reminder to come back home soon.

As his bodyguard was leading him out of the house to the car, Adrien almost felt like he was breaking free from prison. He didn’t look back at his house before his car drove away.

--

Marinette sent him a warning text before he arrived at her parents’ bakery.  Her mom and dad had found out that she was going on a date with him, and they were waiting anxiously for him, which meant things were about to get awkward. As Marinette put it, they would be embarrassing and overbearing and may end up offering him a drum of sweets, kidnap him and throw him back in the kitchen with a chef’s apron. 

Adrien had to laugh at his girlfriend’s text, but he understood she was uncomfortable about it. He found her parents’ attention to be cute, and he wished deep down his family could be that warm and inviting. He frowned when he thought of his mom, and before he could remember the good times with her, his car arrived at the Dupain-Cheng’s front door.

His driver let him out, hovering behind him as Adrien approached the door. Sabine and Tom were moving around busily inside, and when they spotted him, Sabine came toward him and opened the door.

“Adrien!” she said cheerfully. “Marinette is almost ready. Please, come inside. Tom just placed some lemon-lime tart macaroons onto the cooling rack. Would you like to try one?”

His stomach answered for him, and Tom rounded the corner and set a macaroon into his outstretched hand. The pastry seemed to melt in his mouth, and the flavor delighted his taste buds. It tasted rich with an undertone of sharpness from the lime. 

“Wow, these are great!” Adrien said. Tom managed to hold about four more in his large hand and he dropped them into Adrien’s grasp. 

“Have some more!” he said, and he looked at Adrien with excitement. He could barely contain the grin on his face, and Marinette’s parents watched him like he was a lab experiment. Finally, Sabine broke the tension.

“Have you two decided on the movie?” Sabine asked. “Marinette wouldn’t tell me. She just kicked me out of her room the moment she got home from school.”

“Ah, well… we were thinking maybe that American film...um, Maleficent? Nothing too scary of course, since Marinette doesn’t like those kinds of movies,” Adrien said. He remembered from the time before when Marinette helped him hide in the theater from his fans that she didn’t like scary movies, so he would never suggest one for his date.

“Oh, sounds like a good one! It looks like it has good special effects,” Sabine said.

Tom was keeping busy behind the counter, and Adrien could tell that they were also a bit anxious, trying to show him a good impression for their daughter’s sake. He found it enduring, and he was jealous that Marinette had such thoughtful parents.

They all turned when they heard movement behind them. Adrien’s mouth went agape when he saw Marinette coming into the room. Her hair was flowing over her shoulders, set free from her usual pigtails. She had a light amount of smoky makeup around her eye, and her lips glossed with pink. She wore a turtleneck that began red at the top of her shoulders and gradually changed into black at her waist. She completed the outfit with skinny pleather pants and red clog shoes. She was carrying a bigger purse than before, a stylish leather knapsack resting over her shoulder.

“Wow, you look…” he said, suddenly aware that her parents were still watching. He paused, and she smiled at him as her cheeks colored from a shy blush. “You look beautiful.”

“T-thanks,” she said, and she approached him as he held out his hands, taking hers into his. She swept her gaze up and down him, and nodded approvingly. “A Gabriel Agreste original?” He nodded. She took her hands out of his and began inspecting the design. He wore a long oversized black hoodie over a light blue top and grey pants. She began running her hands and fingers over the silver seams and embroidered designs of his blue shirt. Her delicate touch made his body buzz with excitement. He shifted uncomfortably on his toes.

“Uh, Marinette, don’t you want to get going?” her mother said, breaking the tension again. Wow, she was really good at that, Adrien thought. “You don’t want to miss the movie.” She gave them both a knowing smile.

Marinette drew her hands away. “Ah, yes, of course!” She giggled nervously, and turned to him. 

“Sorry about that, Adrien. Designer brain...”

“Not a problem. You can do that any time,” Adrien said encouragingly, but he didn’t mean to come out so salacious. He heard Tom cough in the background. Nervously, he zipped up the hoodie and pulled the hood over his head. “Ah, um, I mean, you can study my father’s designs any time… for inspiration.”

Sabine giggled and Marinette’s face turned red. She grabbed his hand and pulled him toward the door. “You’re right, Maman, don’t want to miss the movie. We’re off then! Text you when I’m on my way home.”

Before they could say, “Have fun, sweetie!” Marinette had pulled Adrien out of the door. His bodyguard ushered them both into the car, and they both let out a collective sigh of relief. 

Marinette turned to Adrien with a sheepish smile. “Sorry about them. They mean well.”

Adrien chuckled. “I know. Your parents are very nice, Marinette. You’re lucky to have them.”

She smiled at him, and he could barely resist her. The car began moving, and Adrien assumed they were headed to the movie theater. He moved closer to her, and Marinette put up her hands to back him off. He looked at her confused.

“Wait, I almost forgot,” Marinette said, and Marinette opened the knapsack that Adrien had seen earlier. He idly wondered if her kwami was hiding inside. She pulled out a small container and opened the lid. “For your driver. This is tiramisu, especially made by my mother. Actually, I was going to do it alone but when she caught me in the kitchen, I had to spill the beans. She insisted on making it herself so I just sort of helped.”

“Thanks, Marinette,” Adrien said, and at the mention of “tiramisu” the driver looked at both of them in his rearview mirror. “For you. Made by the best bakery in all of Paris.” His driver nodded but his face remained stoic so there was no way of knowing if he was happy or not. Adrien supposed that while they were in the movie theater, his bodyguard would enjoy his treat alone, outside of anyone’s prying eyes.

“I hope you like it,” Marinette said, giving his driver a megawatt smile. He grunted at her, and that seemed good enough as a thank you. She couldn’t thank him enough for letting Adrien come on this date, and if she had time, she would have bought him twenty different tiramisu cakes if he wanted them.

“Marinette…” Adrien’s voice drew her attention back to him, and she saw the wanting in his face. He leaned closer to her. “I missed being able to touch you today…”

She moved toward him as well, meeting his lips with hers. He rested his hands on her shoulders, pulling her closer as their lips teased and tasted each other. He braved opening the seam of her mouth with his tongue, and she obliged him, letting out a delighted moan as their tongues tangled together. 

Adrien felt heat surge within him as he felt more of her, breathed in her scent and drew in her taste. Soon he was leaning her back against the seat, covering her with his body. She wrapped her arms around him as he kissed her, squeezing him in a possessive hug.

“Marinette…” he moaned her name when he left the kiss and began kissing the fair skin of her neck. She cried when he found a tender spot, and he focused their, sucking and licking, making her squirm in his arms and grind against him. Her little noises were killing him, and the more she moved against him, the more his body wanted to give into the rhythm and grind against her most sensitive spots.

He returned his kisses to her lips, covering her mouth and feeling her sigh against him. They felt the car stop, and the grunt of his driver drew them out of their reverie. Dazed, Adrien sat up while Marinette adjusted her clothes, and he realized they were at the movie theater already.

“Uh...oh,” he said, and he quickly righted his own clothes. He pulled out a pair of sunglasses and made sure his hood was secure. He gave her a cheeky grin. “Just in case there are any fans around I should probably at least attempt to hide myself.” 

He stepped out of the car when his bodyguard opened the door. He held out his hand to Marinette, who took it and followed him, but she still appeared a little tousled. Her lips were rosy and swollen from his kisses, and Adrien could see a mark forming on her neck. She shot him a sultry smile, and he almost wished their date was free of a movie and only consisted of making out in the back of the car.

Eventually, they entered the theater, purchased their tickets and Adrien paid for some snacks and drinks. They headed into the theater throwing each other grins and giggles, while still being cautious of keeping Adrien out of the limelight. It was good that he hadn’t been noticed yet, and they hoped that his large hoodie kept him hidden for the rest of their night.

 They found their seats on the edge in the middle of the theater. The previews were playing, so they set down their food and held hands. Adrien stared at her, and Marinette nervously played with her hair on her shoulder, not used to it being out of her signature hairstyle.

“I’m so happy to be here with you,” Adrien whispered. He lifted her hand and placed a kiss on the top of it. 

Marinette blushed. “Me too. It’s more than I could have ever hoped for.”

Adrien’s smile widened. “This is the first of many dates, Marinette. I promise that.”

She leaned closer to him and gave him a side squeeze. She whispered, “Good, and dates not just at the theater either. I wonder if I can even sneak you into my room sometimes.”

Adrien felt his heart skip a beat. He whispered in her ear. “Don’t tease. It’s hard enough for me to be this close to you in public.”

“Adrien!” she cried in mock horror. “Scandalous.”

He giggled at her and she snuggled closer. The lights began to dim and the previews began to wrap up. A voice came over the speakers to remind theater goers to shut off their phones and keep their voices down for the pleasure of the other patrons. They advertised some of their concession stand foods, and then wished everyone to enjoy the show. 

Marinette took Adrien’s hand again, and they glanced at each other one more time before turning their attention to the beginning of the movie.

Marinette heard whispering and chuckling behind her and glanced over her shoulder. She squinted through the darkness when she recognized the voices. 

She nudged Adrien in the shoulder. “Hey, look,” she whispered. “In the back. It’s Alya and Nino!”

Adrien turned his head and looked at the couple in the back. They were far back in the corner, laughing and tickling each other. After some random person shushed them, they pulled apart for a second, and then silenced their giggles with making out. 

Marinette snickered beside him. “That is so them.”

Adrien grinned at her. “I wonder if we need to take notes.”

She cocked her head. “First note: next movie you’ll have to get seats in the back.”

Adrien leaned in and placed a light kiss on her cheek. She shivered lightly from his touch.  “Consider it noted.”

“Now who’s teasing,” she said, lightly swatting him. He laughed a little and then they were the next couple who were shushed. The attention embarrassed Adrien and he stiffened in his seat, afraid someone might recognize him as a celebrity too and draw attention to them. He certainly didn’t want any of his crazy fans to ruin their perfect date. Marinette nudged his shoulder, and one look from her relaxed his tension.

The movie began, and they fell into a comfortable silence with each other. During the whole movie, he never let go of her hand either.

.