Adrien strolled through the park, trying to ignore the bundle of nerves squirming in his stomach. The sun had finally burst through the clouds, and the sounds of children playing filled the air. The scene was made perfect by the sound of Marinette's laughter next to him, as beautiful as a choir of angels. She was telling a story about her latest commission, and was having a blast recounting the amusing tale. Adrien should have been enjoying the day as much as everyone else.

Should have been.

Come on Adrien, you've been going out with her for years. You've done projects with her, you've fought super villains with her, and a few months ago you've even started living with her. You should be able to ask her a simple question. But it wasn't a simple question. As much as Adrien tried to convince himself, he knew that their relationship was about to hit a major turning point, one that had destroyed many others.

"What's wrong Kitty-cat?" Adrien snapped out of his reverie, hearing the note of concern in his ladybug's voice. Marinette's normally joyous face sported a worried look, which Adrien found to be both comforting and adorable.

Taking a deep breath, Adrien prepared himself for the big moment. He had spent months planning this out in his mind, imagining her various reactions and the best and worst case scenarios. While realistically he knew she would probably say yes, that didn't stop his mind from constantly envisioning the worst.

Marinette's eyes widened in surprise as she felt gentle yet firm hands clasp her own. "Marinette, there's something I need to ask you." Adrien's voice started out uncertain, but gained confidence with every word. "We've known each other for a long time, but I can still remember when I first met you, all three times."

Marinette giggled. "I can't believe how long it took us to figure out something so obvious. All those times you were flirting with me, and I rebuked your advances due to my huge crush on this cute guy I knew from class."

Adrien laughed as well. "And of course, I kept turning her away in favour of this amazing heroine who manages to save the city more times than I can count. When we finally connected the dots and realized who the other was, it was like meeting you again for the third time" The two of them admired the statue of Ladybug and Chat Noir, looking just as pristine and flawless as it did all those years ago at the unveiling. "And now, seeing how far we've come, there's something I've been thinking about. Marinette Dupain-Cheng, will you..."

His heart was pounding in its cage. He had to pop the question. It was something he needed. He had promised Nino that he would just ask the one question on his mind.

"...join me for dinner tonight? I hear there's this really good place around the block that just opened up."

"Oh, do you mean the place that Alya's mom opened? Yeah sure, that place sounds amazing. You know I bet if we asked her Alya could pull in some favours to get a really nice seat. In fact, I heard that she once got..." Adrien had stopped listening. As much as he loved to hear Marinette's excited ramblings, his heart just wasn't in it. One word just kept repeating itself in his mind over and over again.

Coward.

"Yeah, sounds great," he interrupted, smiling to mask his disappointment. "So I'll pick you up at 6:30?" Adrien felt the dull thud of his love swatting him on the head.

"We live together now, you dolt. You don't need to pick me up anymore."

Adrien laughed, hoping it didn't sound forced. "Alright Bugaboo, we'll head out at 6:30." With a quick peck on the cheek, Marinette ran off to help with whatever generous act she'd agreed to this time. Adrien finally dropped the facade, and held his head in his palms. It probably would make Marinette's day if he had just gone through with it, but something wasn't right. For the fifth time that week, Adrien chickened out at the last moment. Hopefully Nino wouldn't be too upset.