Half Way

Codenames, A Black Cat and A Cure for Stuttering

"Are you sure that you're not too hot in that sweatshirt?" she asked.

"No, I'm fine. You get used to it after a while," he explained.

They made their way to a room full of posters. Coming upon a famous one, Marinette stopped and smiled brightly.

The small plaque next to it revealed its name and artist.

Tournée du Chat Noir de Rodolphe Salis by Théophile Steinlen.

She took a step closer as she admired the poster. Noticing her interest, Adrien stopped next to her. "You seem to like this one."

"Yeah," she said, not taking her eyes off of the artwork. Tilting her head slightly, she smiled even more.

After a minute she finally moved on to the next poster.

Adrien followed her. "So, are you a big fan of cats?"

She laughed. "Some of them. I really like animals and I always wished that I could have a pet, but my parents never let me. It's not a good idea to have animals around when you live in a bakery."

"I guess that's understandable," he said as they walked to the next room.

"But once I move out and have my own place, I'm finally going to get the hamster that I've always wanted."

Adrien stopped dead in his tracks. Marinette wanted a hamster? That's the pet that he had wanted. What were the odds of that?

Marinette turned back to him once she noticed that he wasn't beside her anymore. "Is everything okay... Griffin?" she asked, giggling.

"Yes," he said breathlessly. "Everything's perfect." Absolutely perfect.

She smiled as he caught up with her again.

*

After seeing the exhibit, they took the train back to Marinette's house. She invited him inside just like the night before.

The lights were off again but there were no boxes of food on the counter in the bakery.

"I guess my father's not back from the shelter yet," Marinette said apologetically.

"It's no problem Princess," Adrien said, and he meant it. The food was a bonus, he really just wanted to spend more time with her.

She laughed. "I'm still not used to that codename yet."

"Well get used to it," he demanded playfully. "That's your name forever now."

She smiled again and paused for a moment before speaking again. "Adrien, thank you so much for hanging out with me. That was really, really nice of you. And I enjoyed every second of it."

"You don't have to thank me Marinette. I'm looking forward to when we go out again."

Her face fell. "But... our project is due tomorrow. There's no reason for us to get together anymore."

Adrien's face fell too. "You think our fake project is the reason that we keep going out?"

"Well, I mean... I'm sure you wanted an excuse to get out of your house. You don't get that chance a lot..."

Adrien shook his head slightly as he listened to her. Is that what she really thought? That he was just using her as an excuse?

"Marinette," he interrupted, moving close to her. "I like you."

"Yeah, I know. You're really sweet to have done this for me..."

"No, I like you."

She blinked up at him. "As a friend, you mean?"

Adrien shook his head. "No," he whispered. He slowly leaned in and closed his eyes as he pressed his lips against hers.

After a few seconds he pulled back.

Marinette seemed dazed as she opened her eyes. "Andrieh, didn't have this doing... I mean... not do... mean I... Adrithis..."

He chuckled. "Not this again," he said, teasingly.

"This and... meaning... have to I..."

Adrien listened to her for a minute amused before he thought of something. He leaned in and kissed her again. This time it lasted longer. Then he pulled back.

"Adrien, you don't have to do this," Marinette said before stopping from surprise. "Oh, I can talk again," she mumbled.

"I guess we know the trick now."

She nodded. "Yeah. I just have to confess my love for you, or you have to kiss me. That seems easy enough."

He smiled wider. They both remained silent for a minute before Adrien spoke. "So uh... I was wondering... if uh... if you'd like to be my girlfriend?"

Marinette's eyes widened. "Really?" she asked hesitantly.

Adrien nodded and tipped his head forward so his forehead was resting against hers.

She smiled at him. "Yes," she whispered.

Reaching up, he cupped her cheek with his hand before kissing her again. This time she wrapped her arms around his neck.

They stayed there kissing until the noise of the door opening caused them to jump apart.

"Oh sorry sweetie!" Tom announced as he walked in, carrying a few boxes of food. "I didn't know you two were here." He laughed. "Seems like the school project is going well!"

"Papa!" Marinette objected, her face burning up from embarrassment. Even the tips of Adrien's ears were becoming red.

"Sorry, sorry! I'll leave you alone." Tom placed the boxes on the counter and turned to go upstairs. "Help yourself to the food," he said, leaving.

Marinette looked over at Adrien when her father was gone. "I'm so sorry Adrien."

"No it's okay," he replied, putting his hand to the back of his head. "At least he wasn't mad."

She nodded. "Yeah I guess it could have been much worse..."

Adrien's phone chimed. He grabbed it and checked the message. "I have to go," he said, looking back at her.

"Right, of course. I uh... hope you have a good night."

"You too," he said softly. Then he moved closer and kissed her again.

Breaking apart, he gazed into her eyes. "Bye Marinette."

"Bye Adrien," she said, gazing back.

He slowly stepped away and went out the door.

The girl he left behind melted down to the floor.