Chapter One

The music of defeat droned from the video game as Nino called out his best bud about their first joint encounter with Ladybug. It had been during the Simon Says akuma attack and Nino wasn't about to let it go. The DJ paused the game and laid down his controller. "Dude, you totally pushed me aside."

Adrien looked miffed. "What? No, I didn't."

"Yeah you did. As soon as you saw Ladybug you put out your arm and brushed me aside to gawk at her. You even blushed when she spoke to you."

The tips of the blonde's ears almost glowed. "Nah, no way."

"You're blushing now. Admit it, you're crushing on Ladybug."

Neither of the boys noticed Alya and Marinette returning with popcorn. The girls shared a look before settling into the hallway to eavesdrop on the conversation.

The blonde ran a hand through his hair as he looked away. "Okay, I do like Ladybug."

Nino responded with a toothy grin. "I knew it! Is that why you ignore the girls at school?"

"What do you mean? I talk to the girls at school."

"Yeah but I've never seen you so captivated with one like when you saw Ladybug."

Adrien gazed dreamily off into the distance. "She is something else."

"So, do I need to be your wingman or are you going to ask her out on your own?"

A choking noise escaped the blonde. "I seriously doubt Ladybug would be interested in me."

"You're a model, your face is on billboards everywhere. Especially now with that new perfume ad."

"That doesn't mean anything." Adrien studied the controller as a muscle twitched in his cheek. "For all we know she already has a boyfriend."

"Why do you say that?" The heads of both boys snapped around at Marinette's voice.

Adrien's face flamed and his lips drew together. "Uh, I just have a feeling that she's already got someone on her mind."

Alya chuckled. "Yeah, Chat Noir."

Nino shrugged as he looked at his girlfriend. "They were pretty adamant they're not a couple when Nadja did that interview."

"Ladybug was, but Chat Noir seemed pleased with the idea. Did you see the way he gazed at her when she flicked his bell? Looks that steamy could strip wallpaper with a glance."

Marinette gawked at her best friend. "Alya, how can you say that? They are partners in getting a job done. It doesn't mean there's anything romantic going on."

Adrien rested his cheek on his fist. "It's not for lack of trying on his part."

Nino chuckled. "Chat Noir isn't subtle. The guy wears his heart on his sleeve. Realistically you've got to wonder how he stays so positive when she's made it clear she's not interested."

The blonde glared at the DJ. "They're friends, which means they trust each other and there's always the possibility of it developing into more."

"For someone who's so hot for Ladybug you seem eager for her to accept Chat Noir."

"It's a logical choice, they experience things together that no one else does. It makes sense for them to be together."

Marinette picked up a piece of popcorn and pointed it at Adrien. "Love isn't necessarily logical. Matters of the heart are emotional, if there's no chemistry then it won't work."

The blonde studied her for a long moment. "Are you saying there's no chemistry between Ladybug and Chat Noir?"

Alya threw her head back laughing. "You can't be serious, there's some serious chemistry going on between those two."

Nino lifted his hands in surrender. "Sorry dude, she's right. Chat Noir does have a major advantage over you."

"What if I could get you a date with Ladybug?" The room fell silent as all heads turned to Marinette. "I'm just saying. Would you meet with her?"

Green eyes locked with blue. "Yeah I would."

"So, when are you free?"

Alya's spine stiffened. "Are you holding out on me, girl? Do you know how to contact Ladybug?"

Awkwardness crept into Marinette's voice. "Well, I managed to organise an interview with her for you."

"You know Ladybug?" Adrien's eyes were as wide as saucers.

"She likes the cookies at the bakery. Sometimes she stops by to stock up." It wasn't exactly a lie.

The blonde's hand latched onto her wrist. "Are you saying she visits you?"

"Not really, she just stops by for the food on occasion."

Adrien's voice was shaky. "So, you could ask her about a date… with me?"

Marinette blinked hard as if clearing her head, having Adrien touch her was messing with her thought process. "Yep."

"When are you expecting to see her next?"

The girl shrugged but wouldn't look any of them in the eye. "Who knows, could be tomorrow or it could be in a month, but I suspect it'll be sooner rather than later."

Nino pressed his hands together as if praying. "You gotta help out my bro here. Please ask her."

Even though she knew Tikki would scold her later, she couldn't help answering. "Alright, I will."

"You're so awesome." Adrien beamed and laughed as Nino nudged his shoulder.

"Come on dude, it's time to focus on the game."

"Yes, it certainly is."

"Marinette, this is not a good idea." Yep, the red kwami wasn't enthusiastic as expected.

The girl intertwined her own fingers as she imagined the romantic scenario. "But Tikki it's my chance to date Adrien."

"That maybe so but you'd be better off dating him outside the mask."

"He hasn't shown any interest in me that way. Clearly I have a better chance with him when I'm in costume."

Tikki sighed, "I'm not going to talk you out of this, am I?"

"Nope. This is going to be wonderful."

"Or a complete disaster," the kwami muttered to herself.

Marinette practically skipped to school the next morning but her cheery mood faltered when she spotted Adrien. He was pacing at the bottom of the school steps, clearly agitated. His pacing stopped when he saw her. His head raised with a wild look in his eyes. "So, did you see her?"

Tikki's advice rolled around her head but she chose to ignore it. "Yeah actually I did."

Adrien's hands latched onto her shoulders. "Did you ask? What did she say? Please tell me she agreed."

For a moment, the girl was blissfully frozen because her crush was touching her and leaning close. His eagerness to meet with her alter ego was sending her into a euphoric cloud that threatened to keep her from reality. Then his fingers began to dig in and she blinked away the fog. "She said yes."

Suddenly she was in Adrien's arms as he pulled her in for an unexpected hug. "Thank you so much, Marinette!"

"Ugh," she gurgled as her head dropped to his shoulder and she closed her eyes. Her crush was embracing her. Best day ever!

Things are looking peachy at the moment but will they stay that way? Hmm, you'll have to wait and see. Thanks for reading!