Midnight Under The Eiffel Tower

Chapter 14

"My lady," he said softly. Marinette's smile grew wider and she took his hand, shifting her purse further back on her hip.

"H-Hi, Adrien," Marinette said shyly, coming down the last couple of stairs. The tip of her sparkly red heels caught on the stairs, and she stumbled forward. Smoothly, Adrien took a step forward and caught Marinette easily, his arms tightening around her waist

"Stupid...clumsy..." Marinette blushed, her hands clutching his shoulders. Adrien steadied her, grinning.

"I got you, don't worry."

Marinette's father roared with laughter. "Marinette, I think you're going to be well cared for!"

Adrien flushed with embarrassment and he and Marinette quickly stepped apart.

"Th-thank you, sir." Adrien rubbed the back of his neck.

"I think so too, dad," Marinette said, smiling sideways at Adrien.

"I-I have something for you." Adrien turned and strode into the living room, grabbing the corsage off the settee.

"Oh! Me too!" Marinette headed into the kitchen and picked up a small plastic box out of the fridge.

The two teens met again by the stairs, holding out their flowers to each other.

"Y-you first!" Adrien held out the bracelet of flowers. A rose was centered on the elastic with two fluffy white carnations supporting it on either side. Two plastic ladybugs rested on the petals of the carnations, their black spots prominent against the white and red.

"Adrien, it's beautiful!" Marinette gushed, holding out her hand. Adrien carefully slipped it on her wrist. "I love the ladybugs!"
"Thanks! I do too." Adrien's hand lingered on Marinette's arm before he took a step back.

"Okay, now me." Adrien glanced down at his lapels expectantly. Marinette obliged, stepping closer to him and popping open the florist box.

"Did you design this?" Adrien asked as Marinette positioned the small cluster of red and white roses against Adrien's lapel. Marinette nodded, her tongue protruding out the tip of her mouth as she delicately pinned the flowers to Adrien's jacket.

"It's fantastic." Adrien smiled softly. Marinette beamed as she stepped away.

"Well, have her home before one!" Mr. Dupain-Cheng instructed, holding out a hand to Adrien. He shook it firmly. "I will, sir."

"Be careful!" Marinette's mother said, clasping her hands in front of her. "Call me if you need anything, sweetie!"

"Okay, mom." Marinette slipped her hand around Adrien's elbow, grasping his forearm. "See you later!"

"Have fun!" Marinette's parents chorused, waving. Marinette dragged Adrien toward the door, grabbing a red sweater on her way out.

"Th-thank you!" Adrien called over his shoulder as Marinette slammed the door closed behind them.

Marinette exhaled. "I'm sorry about that. My parents are awkward sometimes."

Adrien laughed, raising his arm to make a square for Marinette. "I think it's nice. I wish my parents were like that."

Marinette smiled hesitantly, squeezing Adrien's arm as she shifted her balance.