Best Friend
Adrien, being both a model and his father’s son, knew media was always posting stories about him. Tabloids came up with the wildest tales about his life that were far from the truth (he laughed at one claiming he was Chat Noir. Their argument hadn’t been nearly as sound as any of Alya's). So when he saw Marinette’s name in full one of the covers he was absolutely livid.
They had been dating for at least six months and their anniversary was coming up. He got some tips from her mother and best friend about what would really surprise her (his heart fluttered at the thought that he could surprise his Lady). And so he began his journey to the streets to see what he could find, cowboy hat and large shades. He hoped that this helped hide his identity as he wrapped her scarf around his neck to cover his face.
He had almost given himself away when he saw the magazine, emerald eyes wide with surprise and fear. While everyone knew at school Adrien had sought out to be as lowkey as possible. Reporters and their ilk were like vultures when it came to people who weren't part of the same world as their celebrity. Not that his girlfriend really need protection as either Marinette or Ladybug but still he certainly didn't want to bring this part of his life to their relationship.
He paid for the magazine at the stand for later and decided to continue his search.
"Oh my god I can't believe this," Marinette cackled later when he handed it to her in her room. She literally doubled over as he sat in her pink roller chair. "Okay okay listen to this: "Adrien Agreste's not-so-secret-girlfriend, a young fashion designer and student by the name of Marinette Dupain Cheng, seems to have a secret herself. Here she is with her hidden fling, a currently unknown young woman!"
The short expose had picture of Marinette's scandal: kissing Alya on the cheek.
Adrien thought she was taking this invasion of privacy. Too well.
"You're taking this invasion of your privacy really well?" He asked her.
Marinette sat up and gave him a deadpan look that split into a grin.
"When you're best friend writes thousand word essays on who you might be or reviews on your fights, nothing really phases you after a while."
"Speaking of your best friend it doesn't bother you that people think you're in a side relationship with her?"
"I mean, have you seen Alya?"
Adrien couldn't help but smile despite his frustration at this. It bothered him and he didn't want her getting hurt from this. She must have seen worry in his eyes (Marinette always could) because she scouted up to him placed a hand on his knee.
"Adrien, it's okay. I'm truly not worried and Alya will get a kick out of this. Rumors like this about us have gone on since we were younger so this really isn't too different."
He didn't say anything to that but placed a hand over hers. Then he caught that impish glint in her eye again as she grinned again.
"I can't believe you were jealous of my best friend!"
His entire face flushed red at the claim!
"I am not!"
The day after reading the article however, Adrien did find himself observing how Marinette and Alya interacted a lot closer than before. He focused on the kisses, the hugs, and the hand-holding. How Marinette meshed just into Alya's side. He could certainly see why assumptions had been made. They looked as similar a couple as he did with Mari or Juleka with Rose. Just before the first class, Marinette pulled out the article to show her. Alya was in tears.
"Oh man Agreste looks like you're shit out of luck," Alya said with a slap of her desk and a wink in his direction, "Looks like she's back to being all mine. Girl, I told you that would marry me in the end."
Adrien looked decidedly concerned, not sure if she was kidding.
"Alya, don't tease him! You said that when we were five!"