thenearshore | December Training

Entry tags:

December Training

Who: Everyone
What: Information and Training
When: September 25th
Where: Bishamon's temple, the Far Shore
Summary: Training and informational sessions for newly arrived gods and shinki

Gods and shinki arriving at heaven's meeting hall are, should they allow it, guided to Bishamon's temple, where a reception area and a traditionally styled dojo and training ground have been made available for the day. The gods and shinki are free to take their time during this day to learn about the details of their new life from Amaterasu's shinki or from the many veteran new god and shinki volunteers.

God Training

the basics of proper god behavior

Shinki Training

informational pamphlets

borderline

From Ama,

Physical Training

Rest and Refreshments

Twister

Kubb

lawn Jenga

In Summary:

Get all the information you can handle
Veteran new gods and shinki are welcome to volunteer showing the ropes
Get in some training
Play some games
Spectate if you want
Have fun~

Flat | Top-Level Comments Only

[He doesn't like hearing that and it's evident on his face.]

I'm sorry you're hurting. Maybe if you sit here and take it in, nice and slow though, you'll feel a bit better?

[His tone is gentle and hopeful, those green eyes watching her as he fans her with the magazine.]

I'll stay with you until you know who they are or you feel better. [He shrugs.] That's kind of what a shinki does besides you looked really upset.

[Adrien tilts his head.] Well it is good to get acquainted with weapons because shinki can be anything and they won't know til their god names them. We're kind of defenseless without one so people must be looking for their matches.

[The way she's looking at him he can't help but smile sheepishly. Maybe he's done something to her he doesn't remember? Maybe she knows him from before? Gosh this is hard. He's rubbing at the back of his head before motioning his hand with that silver ring on it.]

I -- If you know me from before or I did something wrong I can only apologize. Even if I don't remember or because I don't remember, I didn't mean to upset you.

Yea. Maybe I'll just sit here for a little while.

[That seemed like a reasonable plan. And maybe it would even help. But why was he apologizing?]

That's very kind of you. [It was on the tip of her tongue to tell him that he didn't have to stay with her, until he spoke up again.] Oh. Yea, I'm not usually this emotional.

I remember. From the presentation earlier? [She's blinking at that.] What about you? Won't your god miss you? I don't want to get you in trouble.

[Okay, staring was still considered rude and she needed to quit.] It's not you! [Smooth, Dupain-Cheng. Really smooth.] I mean... no. You haven't upset me. Don't worry. I'll be okay.

I'm sure you'll be fine. It just takes some getting used to.

[He just doesn't like seeing people upset. Even more when he doesn't know what to do to help.]

I suppose? [He offers a shy little smile.] It's a lot to take in but you'll be okay.

Yep that's the one. [He tilts his head.] They haven't found me yet. They told me to wait and my god would find me.

[Adrien jumped slightly at that before giving a startled little laugh.] It's not? I just thought since you were looking at me so intensely that I might have done something wrong. [Some part of him isn't sure that it isn't but maybe he just looks familiar or like someone she knew or something?] If you're sure.

I'll be fine. It's just weird finding myself in a new place so suddenly.

[Watching him fade away again might've had something to do with it, but she was not pointing that out.]

No, it really is. Your god must be incredibly fortunate, whoever they are.

[Speaking of which, hadn't they told her to be looking for her own Shinki? It might've been helpful if they'd mentioned how she was supposed to know when she found them. But beggars couldn't be choosers. Surely she'd be able to tell when she saw them?]

Ah, sorry! [Way to get off on the right foot, Marinette.] You just reminded me of someone for a second is all. I didn't mean to startle you. [It wasn't entirely untrue, after all. And it was probably all she could say about it without causing trouble.]

I understand that. I know this isn't home even if I don't know where home is.

[He's nodding gently, he knows how odd it is. But he also knew standing still never got anyone anywhere.]

Whoever they are.

[Adrien arches a brow at her.] I mean I know they said our Gods would just know. They didn't tell us how but I assume it's like something magical like how we got here.

[He's moving to sit next to her.] Don't be. You didn't do anything wrong. [A smile tugged at his lips.] Someone nice I hope. [A shrug and a soft hum.]

It was more that you yelled than anything else. No harm done though. [Then he's turning holding out his hand to her smiling brightly.] I'm Adrien Agreste, sorry for my bad manners.

Home isn't really a place so much as a feeling, but I know what you mean.

[She'd never really been the most patient when it came to waiting for something to happen, but she realized she'd probably have to make an exception for this place.]

Hopefully you find them soon. Though I don't suppose you're in much danger here. This seems like a safe enough place.

[She's shrugging.] Yea, that's what they told us. I kind of wish they'd been a little more specific about how we were supposed to know, but I suppose they were trying to leave a bit of mystery. Hmm... magic makes sense.

[Marinette just smiles and watches him move.] Alrighty then. Oh, yea. He's very nice.

Well, I'm sorry for yelling. I probably looked like a lunatic. [She's tilting her head at him for a moment, and then she remembers he wouldn't actually remember her. So she's reaching out to shake his hand.] Marinette Dupain-Cheng. It's nice to meet you, Adrien. And don't worry, your manners are fine.

Never thought about it like that.

[It's best not to tell her he doesn't really remember what that feels like - he can guess but he doesn't know for sure.]

I'm sure we'll meet up soon enough. If not maybe someone will come along and take me as their Shinki anyway. We should be okay here yeah. Even if there was trouble there are so many people here I'm sure we could handle it.

[There's a shrug of his shoulders at that.]

I don't know what they tell gods. Maybe you could ask one of the ones that's been here longer? They might have an answer for you?

[He smiles brightly.] Good. I'm glad to hear it. Really glad.

You're fine. [A loud, merry laugh bursts from him as shakes his head.] No, not a lunatic. A little stressed out maybe but not a lunatic.

[Gently, he's taking her hand into his giving it a light shake.] That's a pretty name, Miss Dupain-Cheng.

Well now you can think of it that way.

[She wanted to ask if he really meant never in a literal sense, but from what she remembered of the things they'd told her, he probably wouldn't remember much of anything from before he'd come here. And she didn't want to upset him by calling attention to that.]

Did they mention anything about you having some kind of idea who your god is supposed to be? [That was probably a long shot, but it was possible, right? It would certainly be more helpful than just 'Oh, you'll know~'. And... she really didn't like the idea of someone else just coming along and snatching him up!]

We got 'Oh, you'll know~' and that's about it. No 'Hey, this is how you'll know' or anything. [She's chuckling.] What if you're mine? [And that sounded so much better in her head...] My Shinki, I mean!

You're glad that the person you remind me of is nice? [God he really was adorable. She'd noticed before, of course, but now it was just glaringly obvious.]

I think stressed out is an accurate description, yea. [She can't help but laugh right along with him. At least he seemed relatively calm about the entire thing.] Thank you. [Why is her face so hot? He'd just said her name was pretty. Get a grip, Marinette!] I think yours is beautiful.

I think I will.

[He tilts his head trying to think back to what he'd been told.]

They would find me. That we would have a bond and they would know when I was happy or sad. Kairi made it seem like my god or goddess and I would be friends maybe? That we've be partners.

[He shakes his head slightly.] I'm afraid I didn't get much more than you did. They just said they would come find me.

[He's turning to peer at her. 'What if you were mine?' Wouldn't that be good? She seems like a perfectly nice goddess.] Well, you did kind of come and find me, didn't you? Maybe that does mean I'm yours. [He's smiling at her brightly.]

Of course! I'd hate to remind you of someone that makes you upset. That would make you sad.

It's a lot. Like I said just take baby-steps nice and slow. [He nods.] You're welcome. [Blinking bright green eyes at her he tilts his head.] You think it's beautiful?

Good.

[She's nodding a bit at the response, because it was pretty similar to what she'd been told.]

That's what I heard, too. [That kind of frightened her a little, but she supposed that was just par for the course. This entire situation was a bit frightening, truth be told. But she had to be brave.] Being friends would make things easier, wouldn't it? [Unless he meant that they'd have been friends before? Ugh. Why was this so confusing?]

Maybe they intentionally kept it vague as a test. [That was one possibility. And hey, he didn't seem weirded out by the way she'd worded her previous question, so that was a win.] I guess I did. [Even though he'd technically approached her after she'd seen that vision or whatever it was.] Do you want to be mine?

[Marinette just smiled at that.] That's true.

You're right. [Trying to make sense of all of this immediately was not going to happen. She'd just have to be patient, and give it time.] I do.

[Adrien smiles gently at her and nods.]

Well at least the answer is the same for everyone? [Adrien watched her, his head tilting to the side, curious.] I think it would make everything easier to make friends with them - to be on pleasant terms. [Reaching he's lightly squeezing her shoulder.]

I'd say anything is possible at this point. [Honestly, the more he talks to her the more something about this seems right so..] Well, we found each other. [Which technically made this a partnership didn't it? Them finding one another both missing part of their pair.] I would like that. Do you want.. [Adrien is taking a breath.] Do you want to name me then?

[He's a little nervous if he's honest. He doesn't want to upset anyone.] Which isn't my goal at all.

Sometimes I get it right. We'll manage together. [He flashed her a reassuring smile.] Thank you that's really sweet of you to say, Marinette.

Yea.

[She hadn't decided if that was a good thing or a bad thing. On the one hand, it was good that everyone started off with the same information. But on the other, it seemed like there was a lot left unsaid. Or maybe she just had more questions than there were answers.]

I agree. [That was part of the reason she and Chat worked so well together, dorky puns and flirty comments aside. Not that she minded them as much now as she let on. But that was beside the point.] I'm just going to believe that's what they're doing, because I still have questions. [She'd been half-joking about it before, but now that she'd said it out loud, and now that he'd kind of agreed, she was willing to believe that she was right. And it was actually kind of a smart strategy to let everyone figure out some things for themselves rather than holding their hands through the entire thing.]

Yea, I guess we did. [They could probably argue back and forth about who had found who first, but there was really no point. The fact that they'd found each other seemed like a pretty big coincidence. The fact that he was also Chat Noir seemed like another pretty big coincidence. But Marinette had never been a huge fan of coincidences, and she preferred to believe that people made their own luck.] So would I. [That's an understatement. She's tilting her head at him when he seems to hesitate, but then she offers him a warm smile.] We can wait a little while if you need a minute.

[She could only assume that he was nervous about that part of it. Or maybe she was the only one.] I know. You're not that kind of person.

[Marinette just smiles and shakes her head at that.] Nobody's right all the time. [And she can feel the heat creeping over her face now. Way to be cool, Marinette.] You're welcome!

[Adrien kind of figured that it was because they didn't want to overwhelm anyone. That's his theory anyway and he's sticking to it. He figures it's hard enough coming to another country, another plane? Whatever. And taking on strange new roles or losing memories.]

Maybe they just thinking that we need to adjust and learn somethings for ourselves? Like at our own pace. Since everything is so new and no everyone has the same needs. People are all so different it's hard to project what group A will need versus group B. Given the amount of people that arrived they can't possibly tailor it to one on one things.

[Adrien nods at this then peers at her curious, green eyes bright.] No. It's not that. It's just I don't know what god you are or what you stand for. If you could tell me those things I'd be happy to wear any name you give me.

Well, If you're my goddess I assume you'd know me a bit better than I know myself right now.

[He laughs softly.] If I was I'd be pretty annoying, knowing it all. [She's blushing and it's cute. Not that he understands why she's doing it.] So do I call you Mademoiselle Dupain-Cheng or Marinette?

[His words earn him a nod. She can't help but agree with that, and she's not sure how to feel about it yet.]

That's really smart of them. I'd probably do it the same way. [There were at least two groups with entirely different needs, and that wasn't even accounting for how wildly different their personalities could be.] Still, it would be nice to know more to start with. [And now she was probably just being difficult.]

Oh. [She hadn't even thought of that.] Sorry! I'm Fortuna, Roman goddess of fortune and the personification of luck. [Not to mention Ladybug.] Which is kind of ironic because I like to believe that people are capable of making their own luck. But I just want to help people, either way.

[She's just nodding at that.] You wouldn't be wrong.

[Mari's shaking her head and smiling.] I guess it's a good thing that nobody can be right about everything.

Marinette is fine.

It's just a lot so maybe like if you wanted to you could ask someone who's been here a while questions? I mean that makes more sense right? That way they can give you experienced answers. Especially the people who came here like us. They would understand things the original people wouldn't.

[Adrien smiled with a little laugh shaking his head at her apology. He's holding a hand up and waving off the gesture slightly.]

Don't apologize you didn't do anything wrong. I just want to be sure that it's something I feel like I could stand for and support to the fullest.

[And that smile widens.] Now that's something I can get behind wholeheartedly. And sure people make their own paths in live but sometimes the need an extra little nudge you know? I guess that'd be where you come in. You're that gentle nudge of good stuff that tells them they're making the right choices.

[He gives a little shrug.] That's all good luck is anyway right? Something good happening, going your way. That's helping people - at the very least it cheers them up for a while. [He's considering for a long moment before giving a decisive nod of his head.] So - I'm your Shinki. You need to name me. Did they tell you how in your lecture?

[Adrien laughs.] Thought so. So that means you'll have to forgive me while I re-learn things. Maybe you can teach me some of the more important things?

Absolutely. It's just no good. I mean I don't think it would be. [Reaching out he's taking her hand in his.] Okay, Marinette.

That's actually a good idea. I'll go hunt someone down in a bit. You can come with me, if you want? [She was sure he'd probably have questions that she couldn't answer, for one reason or another. Maybe if he came along, they could find someone who could.]

I know. I guess I just got a little carried away, and I wasn't really thinking about the fact that you have no idea what's going on either. So I'm apologizing for that.

[She's smiling too, because she's glad she didn't make a complete mess of things.] I'm glad. And I've never really thought about it that way. I like it, though.

[She'd never really put much stock in the idea of luck in general, though being Ladybug had kind of changed her opinion a little, if only because of the nature of her powers.] Basically, yes. I like the way you think.

[Mari is nodding too, and watching him now.] They said we'd need to name our shinki, and that we'd just instinctively know how when we needed to. Uh, and they also said we'd be able to sense your emotional state, but you wouldn't be able to do the same. [That was probably going to make things interesting.]

Don't be silly. There's nothing to forgive! Of course I'll help you. [As long as she didn't try to help too much, it should be fine.]

Definitely. [She can feel her cheeks burning when he takes her hand, but she's shrugging it off and smiling.] Great. That's settled!

Absolutely. Thought I talked to one of the other Shinki and she taught me a lot about some Shinki stuff. I think I'm good for now at least. But I'll still go with you. Maybe I'll think of something else I need to know.

Marinette, please. You don't need to apologize for anything. You were just kind of excited. It's okay. I do the same thing.

[Adrien smiles shyly rubbing at the back of his neck.] Uh.. Thanks? I guess it just helps to think of it that way.

It's just - thinking you're just kind of locked into a life you might not want and you don't have a choice seems kind of wrong, you know? [He smiles.] Good, we'll be good partners.

[Adrien nods.] And they told you we take on forms that you can keep with you all the time right? You'll find out what we are when you name us. The emotional thing is to help with the Blight. To make sure we wash it away and don't infect you or something like that.

That would be wonderful, amazing even. [He smiles brightly at her.] I'd love that.

Marinette and Adrien. Sounds like a great team right?

Maybe I should follow your lead and find another god to talk to. I think you're doing a little better than me right now. [Or maybe she was being a little dramatic. But she felt like she could stand to know a bit more about things.] I'd like that. And maybe whoever I end up talking to will know more about shinki things, too?

I know I didn't need to, Adrien. But I wanted to. [The fact that she's just used to apologizing for her overenthusiastic behavior at times had a little to do with it, probably.]

Yea. It does. It's a nice way to think about it.

[She's smiling at that.] Yea. I think that's why I prefer to believe that people make their own luck. That we do have a choice, regardless of how it may seem sometimes. There's always a choice. [That was always how she'd felt about it, but she hadn't realized she'd felt so passionately about it until she was actually talking about it. Huh.] I think so, too.

[Mari's just nodding.] Yep, they told us that too. I don't think they mentioned how your vessel form is chose, though. Maybe it's just random? Or maybe it has something to do with your personality? I guess we'll see! [Truthfully, she was more than a little curious about what form Adrien was going to take. And that was just an odd thought.]

They told us about the Blight, too. It doesn't sound pleasant. [Understatement of the century, that.]

That's kind of what I'm here for, isn't it? [Maybe not specifically, but she was now responsible for him, and helping to relearn things was a big part of that.] Me too.

[She's grinning at that.] We will be an amazing team!

It might be a good idea and I think the ones like us that are newer are more willing to help. [Adrien lightly touches her shoulder.] I don't know that much more than you I just know that being too upset about it isn't going to help me adjust either. I'd like that too. Maybe they will or they'll have a Shinki of their own.

But you shouldn't? There's not reason to be apologizing really! It's good to be excited and passionate. [He's smiling gently at her, encouragingly.]

Glad to hear you say that. It's really nice that we can agree.

[Adrien nods. His voice firm and steady as he declares this as if it's fact and there had never been any other possibility.] Then by that logic I choose you to be my goddess. [Adrien smiles happily.] I want to be your Shinki that's the fate I pick - you're my choice. Okay?

[Adrien laughs taking her hand and pressing it against his wrist.] I don't know but there's only one way to find out. If you're ready? You know the spell to do it. [The blond is watching her with bright eyes.] Find the name say the words, then you'll have me and see my vessel.

I won't blight you. I'll do my best never to let you feel that kind of pain. [Adrien is going to do everything he could to avoid that.] No it doesn't seem good at all.

I guess? I mean it's kind of a benefit to you, too. If I learn things and find my feet faster the more helpful and useful I can be to you.
[But he does suppose that that's something she needs to do - teach him and help him relearn. And she seems happy at the prospect that's a good sign.] That's settled then.

[Adrien beams at her clearly happy and content, a low purr sounding in his throat - startling him just slightly.]

[It almost made sense that the newer arrivals would be more willing to help. Though to be honest, she was also hoping they'd get the chance to speak to someone who'd been around for a while, as well. Surely, the newer people couldn't be the only ones willing to help?] Hmm. That's true. [She knew getting upset wasn't going to be very helpful.] Yea. That would be great.

[It had been more of a habit or a reflex than any genuine need to apologize, anyway. And if he didn't think she needed to bother, then she wasn't going to worry about it.] Alright then. I won't apologize. [And now she's grinning, though she's feeling a little foolish for insisting so much.]

It certainly makes things a lot easier that we can agree on things. This is going to be great.

[They'd already agreed that he was going to be her shinki. But hearing him say it like that? It was surprising, to say the least.] That makes me happy. [She's smiling brightly at him, and she's guessing her cheeks are a nice shade of pink as well.] I promise you won't ever regret it.

[She's glancing down at her hand on his wrist and nodding.] I'm ready if you are. [Was she ready, though? She supposed she was as ready now as she was ever going to be for something like this. Okay. She could definitely do this.]

I know. It's okay. [That was honestly the least of her worries. He's just too good for something like that to ever happen.]

You're right. But I'd still want to help even if it wasn't beneficial to me. I can't even imagine what it must be like for you, not knowing so many things... [And she realized that that was probably not the kind of thing he wanted to hear, but she wasn't really sure what to say.] Absolutely.

Okay. Are you ready for this? [This was it. She was giving him one last chance to back out before she said the spell. She doubted he'd take it, but she still felt the need to do so. It was probably ridiculous. When she was sure that he was sure, she took a deep breath and slowly released it. And was he purring?]

My name is Fortuna. Grasping thy true name, I bind thee here. With borrowed name, I dub thee my servant. The name answers, the vessel to sound. I call thee as my divine instrument. The name, Adrien Agreste. The vessel, Kou. Come, Kouki!

If we don't find some one this time they have meetings like today pretty often so maybe next time? Or we can put out a message for a meeting with some others?

[Adrien smiles happily before nodding.] Good. I don't see any reason in it. You're not doing anything to be sorry for. I'm sure I'll get excited over stuff too and you wouldn't want me to feel bad about it so why should you? [He's lightly squeezing her hand again.]

I think so, too. I'm really glad that that's the case.

[Adrien doesn't realize how what he's said is understood, how Marinette takes it but he means it.] I'm glad to make you happy. [She's happy and he's happy; that's all he needs as far as he's concerned. A goddess he can get along with and accepts him.] I don't think I ever will.

[Adrien nods and rubs his fingers over the back of her hand.] I am. [It's a big step in a new confusing life yes. But he's sure he's made a good choice. Adrien is certain of it.]

You - Thank you. [He's touched that she would trust him this much after just meeting him but he's also glad to hear that she believes he won't do anything to hurt her. That's good that she trusts him, he just hopes he lives up to it.]

That's because you're a good person, Marinette. A really good person. I.. It's okay really? I mean it's a little annoying but it'll be fine. Kairi said I'll remember as time passes so I'm okay. I'll be okay. [Yes he'll be fine. Adrien will be okay because he's a patient boy.]

Yes. [Adrien's expression is gentle but he's determined. He wants this. Even if he can't recall anything much from before this is the thing that he wants. He wants a goddess like her - No, he wants her as his goddess and he won't accept anyone else.]

[Adrien's eyes closed and there's a warmth that settled over him as the magic takes hold. He's changing his form vanishing, taking a warm radiant glow. A glow that shifts and morphs.. Then Adrien as she knows him is gone. Something warm curls around her hand for a moment before winding it's way up to her arm. Once again she sees that scene from before - the one of his death.

Adrien's voice is coming from somewhere near her ear as that warmth from before settles delicately around her neck and shoulders; soft and a familiar shade of aqua blue.] Hmm, well I guess this is a good form to have. You won't forget about me like this and I can still be useful. [He gives a soft little laugh.]

Edited 2018-01-08 23:34 (UTC)

I didn't know that. It's a good idea, though. We can always do both. Try to get a message out to some of the other newbies, and make a point to show up for the next meeting, even if we do find someone helpful this time. [Her curiosity was piqued now, so she wanted to show up the next time just to see how different it was going to be.

And maybe she'd try to bring some better food for the next time.]

I guess I was being a little silly. [She's just giggling at her own foolishness for a moment.] And you're right. I absolutely wouldn't want you to be sorry for getting excited about things. [That would just be silly.]

I'm just looking forward to seeing how amazing we are together. [It occurred to her that he could probably take that a couple of ways, but she wasn't terribly worried about it. And she wasn't technically wrong. They were together now - more so than they had been in the past, at any rate.

Oh, yes, she realizes how he meant it, but the words still had her heart fluttering in her chest and her face burning. Oh, get a grip, Marinette!] We can just make each other happy. How would that be? [So maybe that wasn't how it was supposed to work, but she was determined to make sure she never made him unhappy, at the very least.]

Nervous? [It would be a lie to claim that she wasn't, and the thought that he might be too was a little bit comforting.] You're welcome, Adrien. [It was easy to trust that he'd never do anything to hurt her because she knew he was too good to ever let that happen. He was a hero, even if he didn't realize it.]

I try to be. [Sometimes it was difficult, particularly when she was dealing with Chloe. But most of the time she liked to believe she was good enough to be worthy of being Chat's partner.] I know. Really, I do. I think it's just going to take some time to get used to everything that's changed.

[And then there was nothing left to do but say the spell and make him hers. The words sound a little foreign even as she's saying them, but they were right. She'd known almost instinctively what to say, and as soon as she was finished, she noticed the change in the air.

Marinette is watching with wide eyes as the magic envelops him, and then he's melting away into a pulsing, glowing blob of magical energy. Before she can really understand what's happening, that magic is coiling around her hand, and then working its way up her arm to settle around her shoulders.

In the midst of this, she's hit with the vision from before - of Chat's death. By the time she's registering his voice near her ear, there are tears running down her cheeks again. How many more times was she going to have to see that?

Rather than dwell on that, she's lifting a hand to run her fingers over the soft fabric of the scarf she'd made for Adrien before. Only, no, this couldn't be that scarf. Because it was Adrien...?] I could never forget about you. [She's shaking her head and laughing softly at that.] You're very soft...

Apparently they have get togethers like this when new arrivals come.
So maybe we can just mingle around those and help out while we get answers of our own. Kairi made it seem like it was a pretty common thing. [He smiles a little bit. Kairi had been nice and he'd enjoyed learning from her. Maybe when he gets better at things he can help her meet and greet other new shinki or something.]

Just a little but it's fine. I'm not bothered by it. [Adrien joins her in a soft little laugh before giving a shrug of his shoulders.] And you deserve the same kind of treatment from yourself as you give me. Seems silly to treat a stranger better than yourself. [He nods at his own words.]

I'm sure we'll be just fine. We seem to get along well enough here and have some basic views in common. [If Adrien had understood the further implications of their words to each other he might have been pressing his hands over a scarlet face or rubbing at the back of his neck awkwardly but he didn't so none of that happened. He's fine. This is just a normal thing. This is just them taking each other as partners - a neat arrangement and nothing more.]

That works for me, absolutely. [Though he's pretty sure that she wouldn't ever make him unhappy anyway? She doesn't seem the kind of person that would do anything too upsetting. She's a nice kind girl. There's nothing about that he doesn't like.]

A tiny bit. [He offered her a sheepish little grin.] But I'm safe with you and I trust you, so we'll be fine. [And he won't. He will protect her. He's decided that - he would have done it even if she wasn't his Goddess.]

You are. [Adrien won't let her deny this or down play it with something like trying. He's only known her for a little while but he can see that in her.] Baby steps, Marinette. Everything will be fine. We'll tackle it together.

[There's a soft little laugh as her fingers touch his fabric then his voice is coming out soft and concerned.]

You're crying. What's wrong?

[There's a small rustle of fabric and the scarf shifts just a bit brushing up against her tear-trailed cheek in a delicate touch.] It will be fine. Whatever it is that made you cry, it'll be fine. [Adrien nods.]

I'm glad to hear it. [He might have been being just a little silly when he said that but seeing her crying had made him want to make her smile and laugh. He had accomplished that.] And very stylish, too. Aren't you lucky to have such a handsome fashion accessory as a Shinki?

[It made sense.] That's really thoughtful of them. [She had to wonder, though, how the ones in charge knew when the next batch of newcomers was going to show up. Or maybe they just waited until enough of them had come?] I think that's probably the best way to do it.

[Marinette is smiling too because she remembered how nice Kairi had been. How helpful and patient with all her random questions, even.] Oh good. [She'd hate to think she'd put him off already.] I guess I need to practice what I preach, huh? [It was easier said than done sometimes, but she was working on it.]

We're gonna be great. [Maybe it was a little easier to feel so confident about that when he didn't remember that her dorkiness was basically an everyday occurrence. Marinette, unfortunately, didn't have the luxury of not catching the subtext. And she was just going to... casually ignore it as best she could because this was so not the time.]

Great! [Perhaps that reply was a bit too enthusiastic, but she wasn't overly worried about it. Things were going well, and she was content with the arrangement. Pleased by it, even. And maybe she'd been a little hasty in wanting to make him hers, but the idea of someone else coming along and snapping him up had just been unacceptable. And it had worked out in the end, so there was no reason to dwell on how hasty she'd been.]

It's okay. [Somehow it was comforting that they were both a little nervous.] That's right. You are safe with me. [Why she felt the need to repeat that, she had no idea. But she needed him to know that she'd keep him safe no matter what. She didn't even need a fancy naming ceremony to want to do so, either. Because she'd been making sure that Chat was safe this entire time anyway. Until she'd failed...]

Thank you. Your faith in me means the world to me. [A part of her realizes that he's probably just saying it to be kind, to try and boost her confidence. But another, less-logical part of her was desperate to believe that he really meant what he was saying, because he knew. But that was impossible. He didn't know she was Ladybug. And even if he had somehow found out, he wouldn't remember it now.] That sounds great to me.

[It's a little bit odd, hearing his happy laughter coming from a scarf, and she can't seem to stop her fingers from trailing over the fabric.]

Don't worry.

[She couldn't tell him, and she didn't want to give him a vague answer because she didn't want him to feel bad for upsetting her.]

I'm just so happy right now. These are happy tears, Adrien. [Marinette inhales softly as soft fabric grazes her cheek and fights the urge to lean into the touch. Why was he so sweet? He's right though. It would be okay. She was going to make sure that nothing bad happened to him while they were stuck here.] It's a good thing, really. Sometimes you just feel so strongly you can't help but cry.

[A believable enough explanation to be sure.] You're unforgettable. [In more ways than one, actually.] I am pretty lucky to have such a handsome, fashionable shinki. [That wasn't how he'd said it, and she knew it. But she let the words hang in the air as something occurred to her. Without so much as a warning, she was tilting her head just so as her eyes drifted over the length of the scarf. If it was meant to be the one she suspected, her signature would be there, plain as day, at one end.]

I don't think they really have much choice. [He considers for a moment.] I mean you wouldn't really want to let a bunch of people with powers run around wild, right? That'd be like putting a kid in a candy or toy store alone. It would be total chaos without rules or instruction. [He shrugged, rubbing at the back of his neck awkwardly.] At least that's how I see it.

Why should it? It's nice when people are happy. And they should be able to express it however they want. [He nods at this as if that nod will push his point home.] It might be a good call, yep. Wouldn't want to set a bad example, would we?

Absolutely! [Adrien is holding a hand up for a high five, grinning at her green eyes bright. He likes the idea that they're going to be a great team. That even if he's a Shinki she sees him as a partner and not just a tool or lesser extension of himself. It's good to be on equal footing - at least he thinks so.]

I'm glad you think so. [Some part of him might be worried that he's making a bad choice or that maybe his god is looking for him. But he doesn't dwell on second guessing. He can't. Or he'd never move forward and that's important. He can't just stand still here. Besides she's - there's something about her that makes him feel like this is right even if that tiny part feels a little fear.]

It's good. We're together. [It's good that they're both anxious. It shows that they're both taking it seriously.] I know. [Adrien frowns a bit seeing her expression change. There's something there. She seems upset? Hurt maybe? There's a urge to comfort her, to hug her and tell her that whatever was bothering her was going to be okay.]

You don't need to thank me. You're going to be my partner. If I can't give you my trust then we wouldn't have reached this point. [He moves resting a hand on her shoulder. His words are sincere with no trace of being just lip service. Adrien has never been anything less than honest - at least when could be that is.] Me, too.

[Adrien laughs again the sound turning into a softer laugh that becomes a giggle. Only to fade at her tears.]

It's hard to do that when you're crying.

[His voice is soft laced with concern. He doesn't know what to make of these sudden tears. Especially when she'd been so happy just moments before.]

Happy tears because I'm your Shinki? But you knew I would be. I don't really understand. Why would that make you cry? [He sounds genuinely confused. Maybe he's never been so happy he's cried before. Maybe he has - it doesn't matter though because he won't remember. Adrien snuggles closer seeking to give comfort. He's thinking hug but as he's a scarf all he does is shift closer.] As long as you're sure that it's not a bad thing and you're happy. I suppose I can learn to understand the concept.

I'll have to take your word for it. [If he had eyes he'd be rolling them right now.] Uh huh. What's with all that flattery? It's just because I'm a pretty color, isn't it? [Adrien blinks as she seems to be looking him - well not him but him over.] What are you looking for something? [He can't help but ask her curiously. But sure enough there at the end of the scarf is her name, stitched neat and small into the fabric of scarf-Adrien. Yes, he's that scarf - the one she'd so painstakingly made him for his birthday.]

December Training

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