839/Interview: Adrien and Marinette or That Model

Interview: Adrien and Marinette or That Model
Date of Scene:	08 June 2017
Location:	Unknown
Synopsis:	Summary needed
Cast of Characters:	142, Lois Lane, 143

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Adrien Agreste (142) has posed:
Lois Lane called for an interview. Of course she did. It was a day after the press conference. The Planet had sent a staff writer. Lois called for the interview. Two hours later, a personal assistant called Ms. Lane back, and confirmed the 10 am appointment for the next day. When Lois insisted it be at hte Planet, the assistant had to call back. The turn around was shorter. A quick confirmation that Adrien Agreste would be there, and that there would be security measures in place was made very clear.

So, at 10AM, front desk rings Lois' desk to say that her 10 oclock was on his way up. Front Desk sounded a little wide-eyed.

Adrien was with Marinette. The pair was walking hand in hand, both looking like little more than the seventeen that they are. Marinette in her usual understated not name brand anything and very nicely designed, very unique, little pink purse. Adrien in the Agreste label shirt and jeans and that same dove gray jacket he was in when he 'attacked' Lois. Both look healthy and well rested. Even Adrien. Likely a fact Marinette is very proud of.

Lois Lane has posed:
Since Lois awoke she's pressed everyone into service she could find; oh alright, after Clark made her eat some food and she took time to sleep, then eat again.

Then she put everyone to work, including Clark. It became a race against time to find everything she could upon Adrien Agreste and Marinette Dupain-Cheng. Mostly Adrien though.

Now the woman waits. Her expression is mostly far away as she considers questions, sidebars, avenues towards the truth; all of it. Only the shrill ring of the phone pulls Lois' from the inner world of her head.

"Send them to conference room one, please." Comes her confident no-nonsense voice, then she too rises from her seat and heads towards that very same conference room. She'll get there first simply because she's closer.

When the two arrive they'll find Lois already there, standing at one end of the table. Upon the table sits a tray with fruit, sandwiches, coffee and even water. It's not the highest of high ends, but it's definite money spent. Near the tray of food and drink is Lois' notebook and also her phone, which will record everything. Voice record.

As for Lois, she's dressed in a light cream suit, the shell beneath the blazer an opaque blue, that only helps to enhance her own naturally blue eyes. While her expression might be called severe in some circles it's really just focused. Laser focused.

Marinette DuPain (143) has posed:
Oh yes. Unbelievably proud. And she'd rip apart any photographer, designer, et cetera that dared say one word against it. It hasn't been easy!

Fingers weaved togetyer with Adrien's, Mari's bluebell gaze darts around the place as they're led through the hallways by an intern which had been sent to take them to conference room one.

Not a word is spoken but Matinette reaches up as they seem to be getting close and runs the fingers of her free hand through Adrien's hair. Just once. The it liwers to lightly rest on thw top of her purse again.

Pnce they're actually in the room, she takes in the entirety of it. The good and drink offered. The way the reporter waa dressed and that hyper focused look. She's worn it herself when working.

Tjere's a nod of Marinette's head and a smile offered in greeting but since Adrien is really the focus of this, she'll leave introductions to him.

Adrien Agreste (142) has posed:
It wasn't just the two of them. A very large man, taller than most, broader than nearly everyone, walks behind them. Adrien stops as the intern opens the door and lets the large man step into the doorway, look around once, and then step aside. Then Adrien walks in with Marinette. The gorilla of a man then closes the door and puts his back to it, arms folded over his barrel chest, as if daring anyone in the bullpen to try to push past him into the conference room.

Adrien gvies Marinette's hand a faint squeeze for the ruffling of his hair and his lips turned up at a corner - a soft smirk - as he steps into the conference room. His soft green eyes settle on Lois Lane. He knows the name from the media reports on what he did at Flatline. He knows the face from Nathalie giving him the information from the Planet's website.

"Madame Lane, it is a pleasure to meet you," says the tall thin model to the reporter. His french accent easy to hear but not so thick he can't be clearly understood through it. The accent cares the faint hint of upborn British Isle English, as if his private tutors were from the English aristocracy.

Lois Lane has posed:
The large man is given one curious look and also a raised eyebrow from Lois Lane, but nothing is said. Not until Adrien and Marinette walk inside. Then the reporter moves, as she steps away from the table and moves towards the two young people. "Mr. Agreste. Miss. DuPain-Cheng. Welcome to the Daily Planet." Her hand will be offered to both and should they shake they'll find her grip firm, but not crushing. This isn't a power struggle in Lois' mind and she'd rarely ever 'flex her muscles' in that particular way. "Please have a seat. There's water, fruit, sandwiches; I can even get you coffee or tea, if it's preferred."

Once the two are settled, Lois will take a step back to her smart phone and notepad.

"I hope you're both well?" Her gaze will turn to Marinette first, "I heard your injuries were initially quite severe."

Marinette DuPain (143) has posed:
Gorrile'a presence was something Marinette was getting used to. When she couldn't convince Adrien they didn't need guarded by someone that rivaled the Hulk himself.

"Madame Lane," is greeted in return as she shakes Lois's hand. Like Adrien, she has a French accent but not so much so that she's difficult to understand. Unless aggitated.

"Thank you bit not at the moment," is the polite decline of refreshments. They just had breakfast note that long ago after all.

Settled at Adrien's side, she gives Lois a smile.

"I'm doing better, thank you."

Adrien Agreste (142) has posed:
Adrien too shakes hands. A silver ring is on the middle finger of his ring hand. Like Lois, his grip is also not crushing. He lets Marinette talk for the moment, moving to pull out her chair before even moving to settle himself at her side. His green eyes look over the offering, before sliding back up to Lois.

Lois Lane has posed:
"Good to hear." States the reporter to Marinette, before her gaze turns to Adrien. The vaguest hint of her eyes narrowing might be seen, as Lois considers the young man across from her.

When everyone is seated Lois will likewise sit, before she thumbs her phone unlocked. "Unless otherwise stated everything is on the record." She'll turn a look towards the two again, "If you want me to leave something off the record, just ask for something to be off the record. Wait until I agree, otherwise I could technically print it." While some reporters might have let that slide and assumed the two would know how it works, Lois doesn't. She may want to ask all the pertinent questions to get /all/ of the answers, but she won't fleece two young adults.

Barely adults.

Lois has high ethics. Just don't ask about the times she /sometimes/ does a little B&E.

"Ready?" She'll ask and only after both have given their consent will Lois turn the recording option of her phone on. Now the questions start.

"Mr. Agreste, tell me what happened. In your own words. I've read what others said, but I want to hear it straight from the horse's mouth."

Adrien Agreste (142) has posed:
Adrien meets Lois' gaze with a maturity a seventeen year old has no business having. And yet, there's something restrained about the boy, then way he doesn't fidget or move or tap. He just sits, looking calm, holding Marinette's hand.

The soft gaze holds a touch of worried guilt and determined focus. Adrien nods at her words, clearly having dealt with the press before.

"If you here the soundbite from the press conference, I was under the control of a Paris-based villain who has the ability to grant super human abilities to others. As I have already stated, I am very sorry for my actions while not in full control of my faculties," Adrien says, voice a little flat and more than a bit guarded.

Marinette DuPain (143) has posed:
Where Adrien's gaze stays locked on Lois, Marinwtte's flits back and forth between the two until Adrien starts apologizing again.

Her eyes take on a hiny of sadness and concern, and his hand is given a gentle squeeze.

For all her youth, there's a depth and maturity in those blue eyes that might shock most. One easily seen as they slide back to Lois after Adrien's answer. She may seem perfecrly calm but for those who know how to recogize it, she's highly tuned to and protective of the man sitting beside her.

Lois Lane has posed:
"I've heard the soundbites." Agrees Lois, even as she picks up the pen next to her notepad, "But I still like to hear the story told again." Just in case he trips up on something, that's left unsaid there, though perhaps implied. Even as Adrien speaks, Lois will at times look at Marinette, to gauge the young woman's reactions to the spoken words.

Lois is looking to see how the two play off each other and if either reveals any lies with an expression, a twitch of a hand, finger, or bob of leg.

A few notes will be jotted down when Adrien speaks, all in short-hand specific to Lois. "Paris-based villain." Muses Lois Lane, as her gaze settles back upon Adrien. "I find that interesting, don't you? That a villain based in Paris suddenly finds their way here. To Metropolis." While all her research is written on other pages, Lois doesn't need to flip back, instead she says, "Hawk Moth, isn't it? From what I gather he's never left Paris; and now he and these akuma of his are suddenly here within the Tri-states. That's what happened here, right? You were ... " She searches for a word here, "... infected by an akuma?"

Adrien Agreste (142) has posed:
Adrien glances to their joined hands and the squeeze. It makes him smile softly. It's clear that girl bolsters his spirit. Asked to tell his story again, Adrien inhales.

"I don't know why Hawk Moth has left Paris," Adrien says, eyes flicking to the table, hardening slightly.

"I could guess, but I really don't think that's wise. I suppose, like most Parisians, I had thought he was defeated," Adrien's eyes snap up at the start, then narrow slightly almost steelly at the end. His head tilts faintly, the guarded look returning.

"Yes. I was." And his hand tightens on Marinette's again.

Marinette DuPain (143) has posed:
The percieved implications behind what Lois is saying and asking cause Marinette's jaw to shift ever so slightly.

The remind on what happened to Adrien has her eyes dropping and guilt flicking in them for a heartbeat, quickly followed by a mild aggitation. And then both are gone by the time she looks back up.

Her eyes slide to Adrien as his hand tightens on her own and the squeeze is returned. Her thumb begins to rub lightly back and forth over where it rests on his hand, body tilting towards him slightly.

Lois Lane has posed:
Lois is observant and while she doesn't necessarily remark about the subtle cues that Adrien gave off, she will offer the vaguest of head tilts. Then her eyes shifts to Mari - again, the vaguest of head tilts by the reporter. There's something there; her gut is telling her this, though she has no idea what.

"As was your father?" Lois Lane states, oh there's a question mark there yes, but it's more rhetorical than actual question. She saw the footage that one of the interns had unearthed for her. She knows the validity of her question slash statement. "Does Hawk Moth have a particular hate for your family? Or do you just find this an odd coincidence?" And with that way Lois says coincidence it's clear she doesn't quite believe that herself.

Adrien Agreste (142) has posed:
The sudden shift to his father blind-sides the young man for he jerks slightly and his green eyes go wide. It's clear that Adrien has to think a moment, to recall the particular incident. His eyes flick to Marinette, as if to confirm the one he's thinking about, even going so far as to murmur softly in French, "Hypnotist?" Adrien turns back to look at Lois.

"That was a distubing attack, but no. I don't think Hawk Moth has it out for my family. To date, including the incident this past weekend, members of my family have only been targets twice, and the attack on my father was not that he was turned into an akuma but.. that he was.. the focus of the victim's ire that led to the akuma's creation." Even as he says that, his shoulders go stiff and his hand in Marinette's starts to open, wanting to withdraw. His tone has started to flatten and grow distant.

Marinette DuPain (143) has posed:
It shocks Adrien but doesn't seem to surprise Marinette.

His question gets a nod and a softly murmured, "Oui," before she's quiet again. Right up until Adrien tries to wrap that wall around himself.

Instead of letting go, her hand tightens. "Adrien... "

Her eyes flit to Lois and the softness in them disappears.

"If you look into the history of Hawkmoth within Paris, Madame Lane, you will note that more than once those he akumatized were able to take control of others as well. The incidebt you speak of with Mr. Agreste is such a case. He, along with several ithers, were controlled by an akuma victim."

There's that fierceness. That protectiveness. She won't let anyone upset Adrien. Not with all he's been through lately. She certainly won't let anyone cause him to shut down!

Lois Lane has posed:
"So, in your mind a coincidence." Lois states, her expression showing just a hint of how she sees it.

Which is ... not a coincidence.

Mari's words earn a look from Lois and the faintest of smiles. A true expression from the elder woman. She can understand where the young woman is coming from. Protectiveness for someone she cares about. "Yes, I've noticed." Then, "Why don't we move on." The reporter says, since she can read the room just as well as anyone else. Well, better than most honestly. She can read people better than most. It's part of what makes her a great reporter; she knows when to switch topics as needed. "And I hear congratulations are in order, as well. An engagement." Her gaze takes both in now, "Though when we spoke with your agency, Mr. Agreste, they would neither confirm nor deny this happy occasion." And then to Marinette, "And again, I'm so glad you're doing so well, Miss. Dupain-Cheng." And it's true, there's no falseness here, she is glad everyone is healed. That still doesn't stop her from circling around the two like some shark, "How is it you healed so fast?"

Adrien Agreste (142) has posed:
The glare from Adrien is likely more than enough for the reporter: No, it wasn't a coincidence you twisted paparazzi! Hawk Moth is after ME, not my family. Ugh, I will not cataclysm your face.

At least the nonverbal outburst tore down those walls again and had Adrien, who had felt Marinette's hand tighten and who had heard her support of him, once more emotionally invested in the interview.

...which promptly turns to his engagement with Marinette and Adrien's back stiffens slightly and looks perhaps too quickly at the girl at his side.

And he's supposed to be the media savvy of the pair?

Marinette DuPain (143) has posed:
A blush flares to life on Marinette's cheeks as their 'engagement' is brought up. Her head dips and her free hand brushes a piece of her hair back. Her eyes slide to Adrien and she smiles gently. She lifts her head and lools back at Lois. She opens her mouth to respond amd then closes it again. Finally, "Were such an event true, surely we would be afforded the privacy amd right to announce such a thing in our own time and in our own way..." The tiny hint of sadness, that she had to be the one to answer, flickers then disappears

She's almost thankful for the switch in topics. It's far easier to answer. "I can't really tell you what happened while I was in a coma, Madame Lane."

Lois Lane has posed:
"Agreed." Comes Lois' remarks to what Mari has to say, as she looks towards Adrien again. "But I won't be the only one asking. You both better get used to answering that question. Or -" This is more for Adrien here, "- Have both of your representatives tell the same story." Her blue eyes return to Mari then, "And you should think about getting a representative for yourself, your family. Someone to answer all the reporters that'll be knocking on your door."

An ironic smile can be seen lifting Lois' lips upward, after all, she's one of those reporters.

"Well, if you hadn't heard ladybugs apparently saved us all." There's a rueful note to her voice now, as she offers that tidbit of knowledge to Mari. "Which brings me to one of your former classmates - There's a blog out there called The Ladyblog. It has a surprising amount of information about Hawk Moth, these akuma, the ladybugs. Also the two heroes Ladybug and Chat Noir. Have either of you ever seen those two?"

Adrien Agreste (142) has posed:
Adrien sees the blush and the way her smile of soft and sad and something snaps in Adrien. Eyes still on Marinette as Lois begins her 'sagely newly advice', Adrien tightens his grip on Marinette's hand, pulling it from teh table and up to brush a light kiss to her knuckles.

"It's that weren't ready to make the announcement yet, Madame Lane. And for the moment, we'd like to keep it that way. Mademoiselle Dupain-Cheng has the right of it. For the moment, and for as long as can be, we'd like our privacy on the matter." Though he's speaking to Lois, his words and his attention is on Marinette. Sorry I hesitated. Don't doubt that I love you. Don't think that I'm not completely serious about you and about our future. I just... Ask me again as Chat. You'll hear the truth of it, complete uneditted truth.

And then she mentions the Ladyblog and Chat Noir.

Eyes still on Marinette, there's an almost smirk. Damn. This reporter is good. Alya would probably be drooling. We should call her, tell her that Pulitzer Price Winning Lois Lane just used HER blog as a reference to slam us about our alteregos.

Maybe stratch that very last part about alteregos.

Still smiling lightly, Adrien looks up and levels a much calmer gaze upon Lois.

"You would hard pressed to find any Parisian who is unfamiliar with the Heroes of Paris. Especially those whom have personally been saved by either of them, as I have been saved by Ladybug." Such pride in that last statement, Adrien's hand squeezes Marinette's again.

Marinette DuPain (143) has posed:
"I can answer the questions myself but I appreciate the suggestion. I don't want someone else speaking for me."
Herslya's mentioned and Marinette snickers. "Alya has a bad habit of running -into- danger to get her story and Ladybug anf Chat Noir were her focus " She shrugs. "It's not so surprising." Yo her at least.

Hand lifted, her eyes snap to Adrien. The kiss makes her smile almost shyly and give his hand a gentle squeeze. After letting her gaze, and her grin, linger on Adrien a moment, she turns back to Lois. "He's correct. All of Patis knows of them and many are familiar because they were saved by or protected by one or both of them. If it weren't for Chat Noir, I would likely be trapped somewhere because of an Akuma victim who focused on me."

There's a squeeze of Adrien's hand in return, a prideful little smirk on her lips.

Lois Lane has posed:
Privacy. That brings Lois' gaze back to Adrien. "I hate to break it to you, Mr. Agreste, but you both will never have privacy again. Oh, it won't be this crazy forever, but you've both been elevated to B-list status." Not quite A, nor C, definitely mid-range B. "The paparazzi will have a field day with both of you, no matter how much you want privacy." And while her words might have started out stern, by the end the reporter's voice softened slightly. They're kids, after all, and even Lois isn't a fan of brow-beating children.

Her blue eye will watch the two across from her a moment, then with a twitch of a smile the reporter will jot a few more notes upon the page before her. Still, that smile doesn't stop the woman from interjecting with, "You -" A pointed look towards Adrien, "- Have an okay poker face. Your heart is completely on your sleeve." At least, when he doesn't shut down so completely. Then to Mari, "Yours is much better."

Now Lois waits, to see what reaction her words garner.

Her words are just a personal observance by the reporter, but Lois knows leaving that open ended can cause misinterpretation. Which is fine with her.

Adrien Agreste (142) has posed:
"B-list in America. What a step up. Madame Lane, my family is no stranger to dealing with Paparazzo," Adrien states, chin lifting almost as if challenging Lois over it, or perhaps it's a rich boy's arrogance? Or maybe he's just that confident in his father's company's PR department. Odd to that the complexities of managing all this WHILE being superheroes and, well... Adrien sighs faintly and glances at Marinette again, missing the notes being written. Called out a moment later Adrien looks back over.

Blonde brows lift them quirk then pull together then quirk again. A myriad of 'what?' flickering across his face before it's all schooled away again in favor of that politely cool model half smile again. Of course Marinette's got a better poker face. She's Lady- I mean, pawesome. I mean. She's amazing! Right.

Marinette DuPain (143) has posed:
"Adrien..." That arrogance and challenge causes her to blink and frown slightly.

She looks at Lois blibking again, looking surprised. "What?" Because she doesn't have a poker face. Not to her anyhow. "I refuse to be the reason anyone can get to him." And that's why she's hard to read. She protecting him.

Lois Lane has posed:
The emotions that flicker across Adrien's face are watched by Lois. Mari's expression will likewise be watched, though Lois isn't surprised when there's no more than surprise there.

That watchfulness from Lois doesn't last long, as an opening is seen and with a gentleness that Lois doesn't often allow to be seen, her eyes look to Adrien. "Yes." Begins the reporter, "You've had to deal with the spot-light from a young age, haven't you. It's an old-hat for you, isn't it." Lois is obviously speaking about the disappearance of Adrien's mother. And again, while Lois typically allows the shark to be seen here, she doesn't.

Children and the possibility of a parent's death isn't something she treads lightly upon.

"It's why when Miss. DuPain-Cheng here was so grievously injured the akumas found you an easy target."

And here Lois stops again, as she waits to see how her words are reacted to.

Adrien Agreste (142) has posed:
His name, Adrien glances to Marinette. Her frown, Adrien sits back from the two inch lean forward he had done. His eyes fall to the table top, flicking up at Lois's gentle tone.

You had to deal with the spot-light...'
Adrien's face goes flat, chin lifting faintly. In Marinette's hand, his finger curl a little more. The tone the reporter's voice hits is unmistakeable. Adrien's heard it far too many times before. The pity people feel of a child losing a parent at 'too young an age'. Adrien loves his mother, and the loss still hurts. His green eyes tense slightly.

"Right." the word is a breath above a murmur and almost sharp. Adrien turns his face away, eyes falling once more to his hand in Mari's.

"An easy target." Flat. Cold. All the windows and doors shut.

Marinette DuPain (143) has posed:
And that's. There's the stopping point for Marinette.

"We're done. Thank you for your time, Madame Lane."

She cast a glance at Gorille bu the door and nods her head and the looks up at Adrien. "Mon amour...." Her hand squeezes his. It's clear how aggitated she is by the fact that she's switched from English to French. "I would like to go home now. Please?" She has no issue with taking the blame if it means getting him out of there.

Lois Lane has posed:
Lois watches Adrien and there's the vaguest of internal nods from the woman.

Very little surprise can be seen upon Lois' face when Marinette calls a halt to the interview. "Thank you both for coming in." She'll say simply, as she pauses the recording and then rises to her feet. "I and the Daily Planet appreciates it."

Adrien Agreste (142) has posed:
No reaction from Adrien until that squeeze of his hand. He's quick to bring his green eyes up to Marinette's. To her words in French, Adrien nods and replies in kind.

"Of course, Marinette," he says, voice soft, subdued in a way it wasn't before. His reply to Lois sounds completely scripted, completely flat, completely rehersed. Even in English.

"You and the Daily Planet are welcome for the time. Any further questions can be directed to Agreste Design House."

Adrien didn't even look at Lois as he rises to his feet, his hand shifting to help Marinette from her chair and then after pushing in the chairs, he turns to open the door. The gorilla of a man glances back as Adrien tells him they are leaving in French. The large man doesn't seem to react beyond stepping from the doorway and following the pair out.