romanticist; a felinette story

chapter nine; pda

everybody wants you,
but i don't like a gold rush.

—wednesday—

—lunch—

(mari's pov)

--

We sit down at one of the tables in the cafe. I set my crutches flat on the floor, "So, Felix. I was also thinking we should discuss this whole, you know, fake dating thing." I say, trying to sound professional.

I adjust my blazer and smooth out my skirt. "Okay, let's discuss a plan, we need to give the media what they want." he says, while picking up his fork.

"What do they want?" I question him, while a confusing look appears on my face. "Four words, Public Display of Affection." he says, while using his fingers to show me the four words.

A look of sheer terror goes on my face, sure, the hundreds of romance books I've read have had this trope, fake dating. I never thought this situation could actually be real! I'm dreaming right? This isn't real?

"PDA?" I ask him, making sure my ears aren't deceiving me. "Yes, PDA." he says, "Don't worry, I don't mean kissing or anything," I choke once he says the word kissing, why would he even think of that word right now?

"Are you okay?!" he blurts out, his eyes wide and him jumping out of his seat.

"I'm fine, just never though i'd hear kissing in a conversation with my boss." I say, wiping my mouth with a napkin. I take a bite of the pasta they were serving in the cafeteria and just look around the cafeteria.

I see lots of workers with their laptops out, they never get a break. Everyone here seem like they work so hard, I work hard too, but i'd never imagine working even during the only break of the day.

I zone out, looking at my plate of food in front of me.

Zoning out was a completely normal, nearly daily, occurrence. When I was younger, I would zone out in class. My teacher used to call me a romancistist, because I would write short stories in class. I would turn them in to her and she would give me extra credit for being so creative.

I've always been a hopeless romantic, in my teen years, I would read books and long for a lover. I wanted a love, a love that would last forever, a lover that would hold me during sad times, and take care of me when I was sick or injured. I would read to get away from reality, to get away from school and stress.

"Marinette!" Felix says, while waving his hand in my face. "Oh! Sorry Felix, must've zoned out for a minute, i'm sorry." I say, feeling bad. I must've seemed rude just now.

"It's fine, how's your ankle. I forgot to ask when I saw you yesterday." he says, motioning towards my wrapped ankle. "Oh! That? It's fine! I forgot about it this morning though, I fell off my bed!" I say, oh my god why did I say that in front of him? A light blush brushes against my cheeks.

"You really need to be more careful, did you get your prescription for the swelling?" he asks, why does he care so much?

"Yes.?" I say, the answer coming out sounding like a question.

"Alright." he says, looking at his phone, i'm guessing to check his email.

*ding*

"I sent you my phone number, just because, we're doing this fake dating thing." he says, going back to our conversation from before.

"Okay, thanks. I need discuss some rules and concerns for this." I say, putting my arms in my lap, my hands start to sweat, why must I always get nervous? Maybe it's because he's so damn intimidating.