Behind A Mask

With or Without

"Agreed." said Marinette.

"I can't believe you used to be friends with her." Said Nino, nudging Adrien in the side.

"She's not that bad." All five of them turned to look at him. "Ok, so she's that bad." Adrien said with a shrug.

As if on cue, the blond in question walked out of a store down the way with Sabrina in tow. Catching sight of the group she sneered, turned on her heel and stomped off. Sabrina tailing after her, struggling to keep hold of all the blond's bags. All six burst into laughter at the sight, causing several onlookers to turn their way.

"Hahaha. She really doesn't like us." Sierra says, still laughing.

"Not at all." Marinette says, an eye roll accentuating her point.

"Haha, oh, het Alya? Go into that store with me? I'd like your opinion on something." Said Caleb as he pointed to the store he was talking about.

"Yeah sure."

"Great! The rest of you can go on ahead, we'll meet up." Caleb and Alya walked away and entered the store.

"What was that about?" Asked a slightly offended Nino.

"Don't mind him." Said Sierra "Hey Nino, there's a music shop I wanted to check out. Will you come with me?"

"Sure dudette. You two play nice while we're gone." Nino said, turning to Marinette and Adrien.

Both of them blushed and Nino just laughed. "Come on. Looks like they could use the space." Said a giggling Sierra as the two's blushing intensified.

Now alone, an awkward silence fell over the two. Looking at the girl beside him, she seemed to have her eyes anywhere but where he was.

"S-so, do you know what you're going to get Sierra? Her present that is. Y-ya know, for her going away party." A very nervous Adrien managed to sheepishly say.

"..Uh, yeah. I was thinking of making her a dress."

"O-oh! That's cool. Your designs are always amazing."

Once again an awkward silence passed between the two.

"S-so, ya know, I was thinking, maybe, that I could get her a decorative writing set.. or something. M-maybe you could help me pick one out? T-that is if you want to, I-I mean I'm not gonna force you or anything, I just thought... But you don't have to if you don't want-"

"Sure."

"R-really?" Stunned by her easy acceptance of his offer, it took Adrien a moment process her answer.

"Yeah. Come on."

"So what did you want my opinion on? Surely it's not on anything in here." Alya asked, shooting a questioning look at the tall boy.

"Sure it is. I want your opinion on...this." He grabbed an over sized white t-shirt from a nearby table and held it up to himself. The shirt had a large, fat gray tabby cat with a grumpy face and a coffee mug that said 'cats rule' on it. "What do you think? Is it me?"

Arching her eyebrow, the girl stared at him before answering. "Ye~ah. Now what is this really about?"

"Ok look" he tossed the shirt onto the table. "You're right. I don't want your fashion advice. I want your help."

"Oh? With what?"

"Alya... I need a favor from you."

The next week came and went in a flash. Before they knew it, it was already the day of Sierra's party. They had gotten permission to have the party at the school and the whole class was helping to set up the decorations. Max handed streamers to Kim, who hung them. Alix and Ivan set up the tables as Rose and Juleka set up the table cloths and food. Mylène and Nathanaël were handling the balloons and Adrien was helping Nino set up his DJ equipment.