Enjoy this final part

Marinette sat in her bed with her scrapbook and necklace. Tikki sat on her shoulder to get a better look at the necklace.

"It's so pretty," cried Tikki.

"It is isn't it. That silly kitty."

"He seemed to have liked your gift."

"Yeah, he did. It was a lot of work but his face was worth it," she smiled.

"You should get some rest, Marinette."

"You're right, good night Tikki."

In Adrien's room, he and Plagg were looking over at the scrapbook Ladybug made.

"She must have worked day and night to get this done. And these drawings, they are incredible!"

"Yes, she can draw, where's my cheese?!"

"Shush Plagg; she's amazing."

He studied the drawings more closely and then it clicked. He knew this style, they were so similar. He grabbed a drawing Marinette did for him and compared it to the drawings Ladybug did. They looked the same. The style was uncanny. Maybe Marinette gave Ladybug some art lessons, people could draw similarly, could they? It was too speculative and he chalked it up to pure coincidence.

The next morning, Marinette once again got up on time.

"You are doing well with getting up in the morning," said Tikki. "This is the start of something new!"

"Maybe so Tikki," giggled Marinette.

She decided that maybe it was time for something new. She grabbed a black skirt and red tights with black flats. Topped it off with a red shirt and black sweater. It was very Ladybug like but most people would just say it was her copying her style and she'd be fine with that. She eyed the necklace Chat gave her. She wanted to wear it but she feared it could give her away to her partner.

"Aren't you going to wear your new necklace," asked Tikki.

"I want to, but it might give me away."

"Just wear it under your shirt. No one has to see it."

"Yeah, that should work," smiled Marinette.

After Marinette grabbed her breakfast and kissed her parents good bye, she skipped her way to school. She found Alya in their classroom on her phone.

"Whoa! Early again?! This must be a new Marinette! I love the outfit!"

"Thanks, just trying something new."

"And maybe getting someone's attention," winked Alya.

"Oh, it's not like that," blushed Marinette.

"Whatever you say," laughed Alya.

Now most people would say Alya was sharp and not a lot got passed her. Today was one of those days where she was able to zero in on something and it was a silver chain she noticed on her friend's neck.

"What," asked Marinette who caught her friend staring.

"Let me see it."

"See what?"

"The necklace you are wearing. I wanna see it," demanded Alya.

"What necklace," panicked Marinette.

Alya just rolled her eyes and pulled the necklace out from under Marinette's shirt. Alya gasped at its beautiful charm.

"This is so pretty, and cute and so Ladybug! Where did you get?! When did you get it?!"

"It was a gift. I got it last night," Marinette said sheepishly.

"I know this piece; jewelry maker Pierre Garrote designed it! This is super high end!"

"What?!"

While Marinette was sure she squealed that out and apparently someone else did too. It was Chloé.

"How in the universe could you have been able to afford something like that?! Only the most richest and most powerful and most beautiful people are allowed to own pieces from him so how did you get it?! I bet you stole it! Sabrina! Have your father come and arrest this thief!"

Marinette rolled her eyes at the blonde's antics.

"First of all, I am not a thief. Second, it was a gift. Someone gave it to me last night."

"You are such a liar; no way someone as common as you could get a gift like this. I bet this is a fake anyway." Chloé leaned in to get a better look. Her eyes went wide. "It's real? This is real! How?! You don't deserve this!"

Now it was during Chloé's rant that Adrien walked in. He noticed Alya's angry expression and Marinette's annoyed one. He saw Marinette's new outfit and felt his heart jump; she dressed up in Ladybug colors. But then he saw what else she was wearing. It was the necklace; the one he gave to Ladybug last night. There was no way this was a coincidence. It had to be her! Adrien couldn't believe it! His Lady had been right behind him the whole time! How did he miss it?! It wasn't until he saw what Chloé was about to that shook him out of his shock. Chloé began to reach for the necklace and presumably rip it off Marinette's neck. Adrien's eyes narrowed and anger bubbled up. He was not about to let anyone treat his Lady like this, friend or not. So, with the speed and agility that only Chat could posses, he leapt forward and grabbed Chloé's wrist. Chloé whipped her face to his and nearly shrieked at the dark expression he was giving her. It was a face he'd seen his father use on people he didn't like at all.

"Adrikins," she called nervously.

"Do. Not. Touch. That. Necklace."

His voice was low and menacing. Everyone was shocked at how Adrien was acting; Marinette especially. Chloé was determined to not let it affect her, even if it scared her witless.

"But, she," whimpered out.

"She said it was a gift, so it was a gift."

"But it's Marinette! She's not worth it," she whined.

"You listen to me." Adrien squeezed the wrist harder. "Marinette is worth all the diamonds in the world and it still wouldn't be enough. If at any point I find out that she doesn't have that necklace and it's your doing, I will have you black listed from every fashion event from here to Milan. Do you understand?"

"You wouldn't," Chloé cried. "I'm your friend," she whimpered batting her eyes.

"Try me. I dare you."

The two stared at each other. Adrien's eyes narrowed even more and Chloé actually flinched back but she nodded furiously.

"Yes, I won't touch it. Can you please let go of me?"

Adrien relaxed and let go. Chloé hurriedly ran to her seat and refused to look at anyone. Nino, cleared his throat.

"Ok, people, nothing to see here. Go about your business."

All day Marientte noticed Adrien giving her glances. He was blushing, too and smiling. What was happening? This was too much. While she was putting things away at her locker, Adrien approached her.

"Hi, Mari."

"Oh, hey Adrien."

"I, um, wanted to apologize for this morning. I didn't mean to scare you and everyone else."

He looked so nervous.

"It's alright. I appreciate you standing up for me."

Her smile, her eyes; it was all so clear. His Lady was a sight to behold. Adrien was so ready to show himself right there but, he wanted to figure out a few things.

"So, who gave you the necklace? It looks nice."

"A dear friend," she smiled.

"They must be really important to you."

"He is," she said quietly.

Adrien smirked; he heard her. So she did think highly of Chat, but he wasn't sure of how she felt about Adrien.

"Are you busy right now," he asked nervously.

"Not really, why?"

"Well, you uh, want to get some coffee? It's been a while since we've hung out, just the two of us."

Marinette couldn't believe it. She had just died and gone to heaven. Adrien Agreste just asked her out. She was in a daze at this point and hadn't even given him an answer.

"Marinette?"

"Yes," she asked dreamily.

"Do you want to get coffee with me?"

"Yes, yes, I do. Sorry," she blushed.

"Great, you ready to go?"

"Yes, let's go!"

The two of them walked toward a cafe. Adrien fought the urge to grab her hand but, he held back, afraid he would scare her. Marinette meanwhile was happy that her dream of being on a date with Adrien was coming true. She couldn't wait to gush to Alya later. They approached the counter to order.

"Whatever you want Mari, I'm buying."

"Oh you don't have to."

"It's a date, I'm paying."

"Then, one tall hot chocolate and vanilla bean puff pastry."

"I'll have a grande caramel macchiato and an apple tartes."

The two sat on some couches near the window to wait for their orders. Adrien sat on a couch across from her. Marinette decided to be a bit bold.

"Adrien, will you come sit by me?"

She smiled patting the spot next to her. Adrien smiled and sat next to her. Soon their food and drinks arrived. Marinette tried the pastry.

"So, how does it compare to your bakery," asked Adrien.

"It's fine. Not as much of a vanilla flavor as I feel it should have but its good. How's your tartes?"

Adrien took a bite.

"Good, could use more cinnamon."

"Look at you Mr. Pastry Expert."

"I've eaten enough of your family's food to know what's good."

The two settled into a comfortable silence. Adrien decided to be bold himself and asked her a question that had plagued him for a long time.

"Tell me, Mari. Up until a few months ago, you seemed nervous around me. Every time I looked at you, you turned and ran away. Why? I thought after the gum incident we were fine. Did I do anything else wrong?"

Adrien looked a bit sad when he remembered how she used to be. Marinette's eyes went wide. She had no idea she made him feel that way.

"I am so sorry, Adrien! I never wanted you to think that at all! Gosh, I am a horrible person," she cried putting her face into her hands.

"Now I know that's not true. You are one of the sweetest, most talented, selfless person I know."

"Thank you," Marinette blushed. "This is really embarrassing but, I have the biggest crush on you. And it developed after you lent me your umbrella in the rain from that day. Actually no, it's more than that. I fell in love with you. And not just because you are a model. You are this kind, sweet boy who has a lot of love to give and to receive. And I want to be the one who gives it to you."

Marinette just stared at her hands in her lap. She confessed her biggest secret, well second biggest secret, to Adrien and she was scared of what he was going to say.

Adrien was floored by this revelation. He had no idea how strong this girl's feelings were for him. Add the fact that it's his Lady as well, he felt overwhelmed. So he did the most Chat-like thing he could think of. With a big smirk on his face, he took a hand to her chin and pulled her face toward his. Marinette saw a very familiar face in front of her. Piercing green eyes stared at her, looking at her the same way a certain cat boy looked at her.

"You wanna know a secret?"

"What?"

"I've been in love with you for a while now."

"Since when," cried a wide eyed Marinette.

Adrien leaned in to whisper.

"Since the day you stood up to Hawkmoth in front of the Eiffel Tower, my Lady."

Marinette gasped and looked again at his face. The only person who would know about that was.

"Chat?"

"Yes, my Lady?"

"How? When?"

"I had suspected when I compared the drawings Ladybug put in my scrapbook to the ones I got from Marinette and I noticed how very similar they were. I still wasn't sure but then, I saw your necklace." Adrien's gaze dropped to the visible charm. "That all but confirmed it for me. And I have to say I am thrilled beyond measure. I am sorry it took me this long to realize it."

"I'm sorry, too. I should have been able to recognize my kitty anywhere."

"It's fine Princess."

The two just sat close to one another, enjoying each other's presence. Marinette felt at peace having her partner, best friend and whatever else he was at this point, beside her. Affection welled up within her and before she could stop herself, she kissed his cheek. Adrien's face turned red and he gaped in surprise. He looked to see her shy smile and he then smirked.

"You missed," he purred.

"I did," she asked in a confused tone.

"My lips are right here," he said pointing to them.

But Marinette decided to sass him.

"Really, I don't think I did," she smirked.

Adrien then grabbed her chin and tilted her head up. Her eyes went wide in surprise.

"Well then, purrhaps I should remind you of where they are."

Adrien brought his lips down and kissed her. Both felt sparks from the contact. They weren't sure of what would happen next but they knew they'd face it together, just like they always did.