Save Me (Miraculous Ladybug Fan Fiction)

21. Sketchbook (Adrien)

A green light engulfed me as retracted my transformation. I landed in my civilian form close to the school. "I'm hungry!" Plagg whined as I fixed my hair in the alley. I dug through my book bag for a small piece of cheese to give him. "Are you kidding? I need more than that!" He complained.

"It'll have to hold you off for now." I retorted before tossing it back in my bag. Plagg dove in after it. I took in a deep breath and walked out of the alley once I made sure the coast was clear. I was about to cross the street, when I saw Marinette walking towards the gate.

"Marinette!" I shouted. She turned around as I crossed the street and made my way over to her. "A—Adrien?" She stammered. "She's so cute." I couldn't help but think to myself to myself.

"Look, about yesterday, I'm sorry if I—" I lifted my hand and stopped her.
"No, it wasn't your fault." I said as I rubbed the back of my neck sheepishly. "Truth is I've had a lot of stuff on my mind." I glanced back towards the entrance of the school. I could see Alya and Nino looking curiously in our direction. "How about we talk some more during lunch?" I asked as I started walking towards the gate. She nodded and followed behind me.

"Dude what's up!" Nino said as he fist bumped me and we made our way inside. I glanced back at Alya who had her arm around Marinette's shoulders. I couldn't help but smile as I remembered everything we talked about that morning. After we sat down I glanced at her through the corner of my eyes. She was writing in her notebook.

(A Few hours later)

"Okay everyone, today I will dismiss the class early so you can all work on the projects that you have due tomorrow. I expect you all here on time tomorrow morning ready to present..." The teacher said as she gathered her things and got ready to leave the classroom.

"So, what's the plan guys?" Alya asked. Nino and I turned around.
"Well I was thinking we could stay here and work on the project." Nino suggested as he glanced at me. I glanced over at Marinette who was staring at her desk.

"Is that okay with you Marinette?" I asked. She didn't reply. "Marinette?" I called her name again. Alya elbowed her in the rib. "Ow!" She hissed as she looked up at Alya, then glanced at us. Her face turned red when she realized that we were watching.

"Are you able to stay and work on the project with us?" I asked again.
"Oh yea! Sorry I was a little distracted." She admitted as she rubbed the back of her head.

"Ok, well I think we should split up into teams." Alya began as she stood up. "Since I am the expert on all things Ladybug, I think that I should be preparing the written part of the project." Alya said with her hands on her hips.

"Marinette, since you are the super artist in the class, I think you and Adrien should work on the poster. I'll have Nino help me!" She pointed to herself using her thumb. "But where will we go?" Nino asked as he adjusted his hat.

"You kids can use the classroom." The teacher said as she walked over to the door. "Mr. Damocles will keep the classrooms open until 6pm today so you kids can work on your projects. Just make sure to pick up after yourselves." She rrminded as she waved and made her way out of the classroom.

"Well that settles it. I'll work with Nino and Marinette you'll work with Adrien!" Alya said with a smile.

"Okay..." Marinette said in a near whisper as Alya and Nino made their way down stairs. "Remember the school doors close at 6pm!" Alya said just as her and Nino made their way to what I assumed would be the Library. After a few seconds, I gathered up my stuff and made my way over to her.

"Do you mind if I sit here?" I asked as I pointed to Alya's chair. "I—I uh no! Go ahead!" She stammered again. I chuckled. "How could I have missed that."

"Ok, since you're the artist, tell me what I'm good for M'lady!" Marinette's eyes opened wide. "What?" She asked as she stared at me. "CRAP!" I hissed to myself as I realized what I had said. "M-miss lady artist Marinette he-he!" I laughed awkwardly as I ran my fingers though my hair.

"That didn't even make any sense!" I scolded myself. Thankfully, she shrugged it off and pulled her sketch book out of her bag. She tossed it on the table carelessly. "Hold on, let me go get some art supplies!" She got up and made her way to the closet.

After a few minutes, I looked down at her sketch book. "I wonder what she draws about." I trailed off as I looked at it curiously. I looked up to see she was still digging through the classroom closet. "Maybe there's some interesting drawings we can use for the project." I said to myself as I went ahead and opened it.

There were a lot of fashion designs. Dresses and hats and even shoes, all inspired by Ladybug and Cat Noir. I flipped through the pages slowly, taking in all her designs. "You're really talented." I said as she came back with all the art supplies.

"You think so?" She asked, her cheeks turning a light shade of pink. I nodded. "I've been around the most prestigious fashion designers in all of France but have never seen such creative and original designs. They don't compare to yours..." I trailed off as I continued to flip through the pages.

She sat next to me and started working on the poster as I flipped through her book slowly. I was down to the last few pages, when I came across it. My face turned a dark shade of red. She had a very nice and detailed drawing of Cat Noir. My heart raced as I read the side notes she had scribbled.

"Eyes: radiant and rich green"

"Smile: careless, mischievous, playful, funny."

"Hair: golden, soft."

"Skin: pale."

"Lips: sweet."

I closed the sketchbook quickly and pretended not to see it. "If I say something, she's going to be embarrassed." I thought as I tried to compose myself.

"A-anything I can help you with?" I  asked as I cleared my throat. "Let me just say my art skills haven't evolved past stick figures with hair." I joked sheepishly. She laughed. "I'm sure you'll do great!" She enthused as she handed me a marker and we got to work.