7. Chapter 7

"We'll go Rock," Marinette said as she removed her blazer, revealing her well-toned arms.

It was a disturbing sight for Adrien, in a very erotic level, and the knowledge that both of them were in a compact space of a Men's toilet's cubicle didn't help him at all. He focused his attention on the items dropped on his lap instead - which consist of a set of face paint, a chain and few scraps God knows where it came from.

And the sight made him more nervous.

"By Rock, you mean like Jagged Stone's rock?"

"That, or Punk, or anything you like." the pig-tailed designer suggested. "As long as it's out of your norm."

"I don't think the term 'fashion statement' has been out of my norm."

"But this involves role-playing."

Marinette has an incredible artistic skill, being an aspiring designer and all, so he trusted her judgments well. And regarding her concerns about him not comfortable with her idea was somewhat funny.

What would be her reaction if she saw him donned a black mask, black spandex with matching ears and tails while chasing a bloody hell of Akuma for breakfast?

"But really." the blond shook his head. "I haven't tried doing anything like cosplay."

"You're a professional model. Dressing up is your game."

"But not as silly as this."

"Not even Halloweens like Trick-or-Treat?" she asked while picking up the chain from his lap.

"I'm banned outdoors since I was a kid, so no."

The girl paused while feigning a pitying look. "I know you have a sad childhood, but I never imagined it to be this tragic."

"Ha-ha, very funny." Adrien scoffed then looked at the white paint. "Hey, you said I can choose anything, right?"

"Yeah. Got ideas?"

"Just a suggestion though." he toyed the lid as he considered some options. "Can I...can I try Johannes Krauser II?

"Krauser...the one in Detroit Metal City?!"

"Yeah. The lead singer." he was a bit unfazed by her reaction. "I didn't expect you to know them."

"You're not the only one who's into animation, nerd guy." she crossed her arms with a pursed grin. "But then, why not? First times should be memorable."

It was difficult for Marinette to move around the cubicle. She remained standing while she tried to tuck her capri pants a bit higher, same with her shirt as she plopped a button.

She smiled when she saw Adrien fiddling with the paints like a toddler who got his first coloring materials. The model in him must've taught him some tricks about cosmetics, so it wasn't a surprise how he smudged the white with black in order to achieve the smokey eyes.

She poked him about his hair, in which he nodded for approval, so she dabbed a fold of tissue papers with water from the sprinkler behind the bowl, then used it to damp his blond hair. She used her fingers to flatten the locks and parted them to the center. His hair might not be that long, but his make-up made the character alive.

"You're not cut to work in parlors," she smirked, which earned a scowl.

"I'll take note of that."

"Let's swap places." she nudged, making him stand behind the door while she sat on the toilet lid.

Another cluttering noise was heard outside, making the two teenagers fell silent again as they finished the task.

Adrien froze on his spot as Marinette altered his clothes and added some accessories to his body. Marinette, on the other hand, tried not to drool as she brushed his biceps and packed abs.

A laugh was heard in the background when one of the occupants cracked a dirty joke. It was an embarrassing topic, so the model mentally asked for forgiveness on behalf of men's population, especially towards the sole woman occupant.

He wasn't sure if she understood it since she gave him a stoic look, but when she pointed her face with a smile, he almost flipped backward.

'Do me' she voiced soundlessly.

Stupid dirty jokes and stupid male hormones - he nearly forgot she was referring to the make-up!

He gulped loudly when she closed her eyes then tilted her head towards him, giving him an access to her pale neck and a view of her cleavage.

What a fiend you are, Marinette, he groaned internally. For making me a sinner.

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The next plan was to get the hell out of the toilet, which was a bit easy since they're in disguise.

It was understandable for Adrien to have one, just to conceal himself from his fans, but when he asked why Marinette had to don one, she said it was for Plan B - if they will be caught inside.

Thanks to his bad luck, it became operational.

To check if the coast was clear, he went outside the cubicle first. The glimpse of his ridiculous image from the wall mirror distracted him to notice a male crew entering the room just in time he signaled Marinette to get out.

Adrien agreed that it'll be impossible to convince one that she might be a trans - coz' she must be one hell of a trans - so she decided to stick on her real gender.

Thus, Plan B was 'act like lovers who had a romping session'

Before the male crew uttered something, Marinette slammed herself to Adrien, then acted like she was nuzzling his neck.

"Oh, darling~" she moaned. "That was a goddamn ride."

Taking it as a cue, he wrapped his arm around her exposed waist. Their skin contact made her squeak, which was not helpful because it gave him an awareness of her firm stomach and her guns. Living in a bakery made her oh-so-delicious.

"You're such a devil, babe. So wicked." he genuinely answered, trying to preserve his innocent mind. He nestled his chin on top of her head, then glared at their audience. "What the fuck are you staring at?"

His acting must be good because the man raised his hand then moved away from the door. Both didn't drop their guise as they walked lazily like drunkards towards the exit but didn't fail to see how the man eyed the cubicle they just vacated, only to use the adjacent one and muttered 'horny teenagers'

Being the tallest, Adrien got the most inquisitive stares and disgusted looks, unlike Marinette who could hide her embarrassed face on his chest. He was happy the make-up was thick enough to cover his flustered face, and his hair was able to hide the redness of his ears.

Discomfort aside, he enjoyed goofing around, spitting curses to ward off the people, something that both Adrien and Chat Noir wouldn't dare to say. Amazingly, Marinette played along.

They finally reached the parking lot and saw their bus. Looking around, both released their contact.

Then broke a fit of a laugh.

"Oh gosh, that was one hell of a performance!" Marinette roared as she clutched her stomach. "I can't believe I did that! You did that! We did that!"

Adrien was teary-eyed, guffawed "That was the most ridiculous and funniest thing I've ever done in my entire life!"

"Oh crap, I can't look at face paints anymore without remembering this day!"

"You changed my outlook towards the toilet, Marinette!"

"I'll never see Adrien without recalling Death Metal!"

"Damn, my sides hurt!"

"Can't breathe here!"

"Bien -"

The two chorused suddenly and stopped at the same time after realizing that they were doing their superhero's signature fist bump. It must be the familiarity, or probably their odd reflexes, why they almost did it.

Blue eyes met green ones.

Both were surprised but amused when they saw their fists were an inch away from contact. No one questioned the gesture - they were doing it as a 'good job' cheer to their respective best friends.

And since Adrien and Marinette were friends, and at the same time accomplices, then why not?

"Bien joue."

Unbeknownst to all, Ladybug and Chat Noir's civilian selves made a fist bump.

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They were walking towards to their bus when Adrien's phone vibrated. The humor was back when he saw Nino's caller ID.

"He's requesting a video call." the model told her companion, then hit the Accept key.

Marinette might not be visible on the cam, but she could see the horror on the other line's face.

"Who are you and what did you do to my best friend?!"

"Relax, Nino. It's me." Adrien rolled his eyes, then gestured Marinette to join the conversation.

"Hello, Nino. What's up?"

"Waah! Wa - wait, is that Marinette?"

"Who?"

Alya's head appeared on the screen, with squinted eyes upon seeing their appearances.

"Did the two of you went to a bar or something?"

"No, and even if we're on a legal age, we didn't" the designer replied. "Something came up here so we need to wear a disguise."

"Some people get a whiff about the mysterious Parisian Couple?"

Adrien and Marinette groaned in unison "We're not a couple."

Their best friends didn't make further comments, but their shared looks speak volumes.

"So, when are we expecting you guys to join us?" Nino asked. "We're approaching Rouen."

"Probably an hour or two, right Marinette?"

"Ri - right," she answered, then froze upon entering the bus.

The model was behind her tracks and gaped at the empty seats.

"Erm, Earth to Adrien?"

"I'm sorry, Nino, but that'll take us more than that." he uttered while following Marinette as she rushed outside for inquiries.

It didn't take them long enough to learn that their bus got some engine problems because of a sabotage, and while the perpetrator was still at large, the bus liner sent a substitute vehicle...and left a minute ago.

When the two asked about riding the next bus, they got negative answers. The probability of being a chance passenger was low due to peak season.

And about their sabotaged ride? It will be stowed somewhere for mechanical repairs.

Both Adrien and Marinette stared each other again with a horrible realization.

The two were left behind. Again.

Detroit Metal City (or DMC for short) is a manga revolving around a singer who has a double personality. Johannes Krauser II is his pseudonymn.