a/n: the week of chinese new year, my mom covers every kitchen surface with zong ( 粽子) its such a traumatic experience for me lmfao there isn't even a warning anymore, I'll wake up and there would be like three pots of sticky rice on the table. I kind of imagine Marinette's mom lowkey doing the same thing.

for reference, google 'cantonese sticky rice dumplings', basically the one referenced here isn't cone shaped, its a longer thing that you can share with other people after the arduous task of untying all the strings and peeling away the bamboo leaves. To most westerns they look kind of gross but that's a cultural thing that Adrien probably doesnt abide by since you're not actually learning chinese until you experience the cuisine. Plus, he'd eat anything if he had the chance. lets be real.

this really isn't anything special - just a plot bunny I wanted out and am too lazy to edit

塞翁失马

[ sài wēng shī mǎ ]

A blessing in disguise; every cloud has a silver lining

It starts with Adrien's excited shout when she steps into the classroom with Alya.

"Is that zong?" He beams, pointing at the large bamboo wrapped roll in her hands. Beside him, Nino shoots up from his seat with stars in his eyes.

"Yeah, Marinette's mom makes them every year!" Alya cuts in happily, taking the delicacy out of the other girl's hands and takes a seat in front of them, dragging a chair from across the aisle. "She's amazing, just don't let Chloe see- last year was a mess!"

Marinette felt like her entire face was going to explode at the sight of the boys' confused expressions. It was true what happened last year was horrendously embarrassing- but ohmygod Alya, Adrien did not need to know that! Fishing some forks out of her backpack, she lets out a small smile and quickly squeals before they have a chance to ask,

"Do you guys want to share? Maman usually packs one of the smaller ones for Alya and I to share but well like tadah..." She finishes lamely, Tikki lets loose a small giggle from her bag and she only waves the forks in an attempt to hide her growing panic.

Thank the Lord for the stomachs of growing teenage boys.

"Thanks Mari!" They're practically jumping from their seats. Marinette, poor soul, bites her tongue at the sight of Adrien eagerly helping Alya unwrap the treat.

"My tutor let me have one once," he seems to be saying, effortlessly untying the tight knots as opposed to Alya who long gave up the struggle in search for some scissors. Marinette couldn't help but think he looked like a giddy kitten the way he pryed the strings apart with a finesse that was all but too familiar, "but that was a long time ago and my chefs don't know how to make them -but wow, Marinette, this smells so good!"

"Thanks," she blushed as Nino smiles from ear to ear, staring at the treat as it starts to unravel in front of their eyes.

After some failed attempts and some ripped bamboo leaves, the two teenagers yield control of the zong to Marinette who expertly peels the leaves away to reveal the packaged sticky rice underneath.

When they dig their forks into the rice, its with a flourish that has them all melting under the fresh fragrance. There's tears in the boys' eyes as they swallow down forkfuls of rice, seasoned meats and beans.

Adrien, himself, has to bite back a marriage proposal when Marinette giggles and invites them all over for Chinese New Year dinner after school.

The look on her face is well worth the effort when he's the first one to accept the invitation.