Once she returned home, Marinette quickly washed the mugs she borrowed from her parents and ran back upstairs.

She spun in her chair, once again fiddling with the necklace that was resting elegantly in its box. It was beyond beautiful and she didn't know for sure but it looked incredibly expensive.

"I still can't believe Chat Noir got me this," Marinette said out loud to Tikki who was floating by her head. "Chat Noir! Of all people!"

Tikki grinned. "Maybe he's more of a gentleman than you thought!"

Marinette sighed and the necklace was removed from its packaging. She was surprised by the weight of it. The quality of the design was high and even the chain was shining bright. "I just don't know what to say."

A little burst of red flew across the room towards her pink lamp and in seconds her desk area was beaming. The light bounced off the necklace and it dazzled brilliantly. Marinette couldn't help but notice of how bright the cat's eyes were glowing.

That cat.

With a swoop of her pigtails, Marinette felt Tikki assist with putting the necklace on. She was definitely going to wear it on every mission the duo had together. It wasn't even just to please Chat; she genuinely loved it.

"What a perfect fit, Marinette!" Tikki cheered as she watched the girl check herself out in the mirror.

Sliding her fingers underneath it to get a closer look, Marinette grinned, nodding in agreement. "I hate to admit this but Chat Noir has a great taste in jewelry." She couldn't stop herself from smiling. "I have to make this up to him somehow."

"But you already got him a gift," Tikki pointed out. "And you brought him a dessert and hot chocolate!"

"Yeah but this one was definitely expensive," Marinette stated, letting the necklace go to rest on her collarbone. "I have to get him something else."

"Money doesn't matter Marinette," Tikki sat down on Marinette's chaise. "It's the thought that counts."

Marinette's mind instantly travelled back to the advice she gave Adrien earlier in the week. "I guess you're right. Thanks Tikki." Even though Tikki was right, Marinette still wasn't convinced. The more she thought about it, the more it just didn't sit right with her. She hoped her gift didn't hurt him financially. "I just hope this necklace didn't cause him any financial struggles…"

"Maybe he's well off, money wise?" Tikki shrugged, arms in the air.

"Maybe."

"Cheer up Marinette!" Tikki smiled. "It's Christmas Eve! It's time to get excited!" She grabbed Marinette's little party popper and popped it in the air so the confetti floated down over her chosen's hair.

Marinette laughed and lightly brushed her pigtails. She couldn't just sit and mope on Christmas Eve! "Let's go down and party with my parents!"

Christmas break was over and Marinette was sad to go back to class. She was definitely excited to see her friends again but the thought of doing homework once more made her ill. At least she could see Adrien!

She sat down in her classroom, on time for once in her life. She had to start looking responsible for Adrien. Her books littered her desktop and she felt the bench shake when Alya sat down next to her.

"Wow girl, I don't think I've ever seen you at school this early!" Alya raised a hand to her mouth and laughed. "What's the occasion?"

Marinette laughed along with her but gently rolled her eyes. "Nothing, I just feel full of energy today." She froze when Nino and Adrien entered the classroom. Adrien's hair was looking extra swoopy today and she swore her heart stopped working.

"What are you look-"

Marinette heard her friend scoff and elbow her. "Wake up girl! Earth to Marine- What's that!?" She was yanked forward as Alya gripped at her neck.

"Ow, Alya!" she yelped when she felt a certain item being pulled.

"Whoa! Where they HECK did you get this!?"

Marinette swallowed hard. She wore Chat Noir's necklace to school! How could she be so careless!?

"U-Um I just got it from… my parents!" she lied quickly, feeling her face flush up from Alya's bright eyes.

"It's SO cool!" Alya exclaimed, waving her arms in the air. "I want one! I better ask them where they got it from."

Marinette squeaked. How could she mess up so bad? "N-No Alya wait-"

Her voice died out when both of the boys were staring at her neck. She zoned out Nino's kind words when she realized one of those boys staring at her was Adrien. His eyes were wide open and he wasn't moving a muscle. He was giving her the most intense stare she'd ever seen and it didn't help her already sweltering cheeks.

Someone nudged her in the side and she heard Alya's voice in her ear. "You're staring again."

Marinette's eyes dipped down and she awkwardly twirled the charm in between her fingers.

"H-Hi Marinette!" Adrien swallowed and flashed her a sweet model smile making her jump and hold her breath.

"H-H-Hi!"

"That's a really pretty necklace." He lifted a hand that was shaking. "Could I please take a look? I bet it's beautiful."

"S-Sure!" Her voice cracked and she continued to hold in that breath as his hand reached closer to her neck. As soon as his hand rested on her collarbone, her head went dizzy and her brain fried up. All she could do was remain like a statue while her mouth panted breath all over his hand.

She felt the charm clunk gently back on her neck as he took a step back. "That's very lovely. Where'd you get it again? I think you said from your parents?"

"Y-Yeah!" She squeaked and felt her entire body overheat.

"Well it's very pretty," he stated and took a seat before class started. His back was turned to her with his head aimed downwards to his desk.

Ms. Bustier entered the class, instantly beginning the lesson. Marinette took that time to calm down and remember how humans breathed normally.

A few hours went by and Marinette was busy typing out her notes for the upcoming test they had next week. She couldn't miss a single note! Tikki promised she'd help her with her memorization of terms.

The lunch bell rang and immediately most of the student hopped up, shoved their stuff in their bags and took off for the plaza to buy lunch. It was buy one get one free deal at Subway and Marinette and Alya had planned to go.

"Hey girl, ready to go?" Alya was standing at the front of Marinette's desk while she finished typing up the notes. Once done, she nodded and locked her tablet's screen. "Yep!" She stood up and began placing her things into her bag when out of the corner of her eye, she spotted Nino and Adrien talking. It was odd to see Adrien still in the classroom after the lunch bell. Usually he was dragged to his car for modeling or fencing practice. Her heart skipped a beat when their eyes met.

Looking away blushing, she finished packing her things up while keeping her chin tucked down. He caught her looking at him… how embarrassing!

The boys exited the room and Alya elbowed her friend. "What did you do to Adrien? He's been staring at you all class!"

Her eyes widened. "W-What!? Adrien… looking at… ME!?"

Alya nodded. "Yeah, a lot."

Marinette felt her breath increase but Alya placed a calming hand on her shoulder and chuckled. "No need to panic. Let's just invite him along to Subway!"

"ALYA!" Marinette screamed far too loudly. "We can't!"

Alya raised an eyebrow and opened her mouth but Marinette beat her to it.

"What if sauce drips down my chin or I order a footlong by accident and then he thinks I'm a pig or what if I stutter in my order and he overhears or what happens if-" A hand planted itself across her mouth.

"Girl, it'll be fine!" Alya gripped her friend's wrist and tugged in the direction of the doorway. "Let's catch him before it's too late!"

Marinette whimpered silently as she was dragged across the school yard.

"Adrien!"

She winced when Alya's voice echoed through the buildings. The two boys stopped walking and Alya continued running, dragging the blushing girl behind her. When they stepped foot in front of them, Alya grinned wickedly. "Would you two like to come to Subway with us? It's a two for one deal right now." She eyed Nino. "I know how much you like deals. Riiiiiight?"

"But I already brought my-"

"Great so it's settled!" Alya smiled and gave Marinette a gentle shove towards Adrien who was intently studying her. There was something going on and she was hoping that Adrien finally was going to ask Marinette out. By the look on his face, she could tell it was going to happen. Marinette didn't seem to notice the slight blush of pink on his cheeks but Alya did.

Nino gave her a look but knew there was no use arguing when Alya was in these types of moods. She had a devilish idea.

When the four made it to Subway, Alya intentionally yanked Nino backwards in order to place the two love birds in front. Ignoring his shouts of protest, she "accidentally" bumped into Marinette, causing her to trip over her own feet and crush into Adrien while he was ordering.

"Are you okay Marinette?" he asked her, holding her in place by her arms.

A blush formed on her face and she silently nodded, trying her best to stand back up on her own. She noticed his eyes trail down to her necklace again and she nervously fidgeted with it while standing there. He smiled at her and turned back to the Subway worker who was waiting for him to finish his order.

She tilted her head down and took two deep breaths to calm down. A Subway worker asked her what she would like to order and Marinette was relieved that no stuttering happened. She peered over to sneak a peek at Adrien. She hoped her heard her do so well! Their eyes met again so she gasped and turned around, pretending that she was talking to Nino the entire time.

The line moved forward and when she pulled out her debit card to pay, the Subway worker pointed at Adrien who was sitting at an empty table. "He already paid for yours."

"O-Oh."

Her heart fluttered and she blushed, shoving the card back into her wallet. Adrien paid for hers!? She barely had the courage to go sit with Adrien ALONE on regular circumstances but after he paid for her food!? She didn't know if her heart could handle it. However, she knew that she couldn't just stand there in the way of everyone else ordering!

Making tiny steps back over to the table, she took a slow sit down across the table from him. He was already digging in and was halfway complete. His eyebrows raised as she sat down and he took a bite, lifting his head back up. He took great care to make sure he finished swallowing before speaking.

Marinette unwrapped her sub and picked at the cheese on the bun with her fingernails. "T-Thanks for paying for mine. Y-You didn't have to!"

He chuckled and patted his curled lips with a napkin. "It's no problem!"

Acting as casually as she could, Marinette took an insanely small bite into her sub, praying nothing would fall out all over her. Luckily, as her face pulled away, she was clean and she focused extra hard on chewing. She could feel his burning stare but wouldn't dare look up.

Adrien hadn't spoken a word since and continued devouring his sub until he pushed the last piece into his mouth. Marinette was halfway done hers and the nagging feeling in her head was screaming at her to say something, anything, but nothing that popped up in her mind was good enough for her. Luckily, Alya and Nino filled the empty seats and were already in what seemed like a heated debate.

"Marinette, girl, tell Nino that sub sauce is just italian salad dressing!" Alya roared, pointing at Nino who was fired up too.

"It's not!" he claimed. "It tastes completely different!"

Alya chuckled and her eyes rolled back. "When was the last time you had a salad?"

"Just yesterday actually!" he waved his hands rapidly in the air.

"Yeah and I'm a supermodel!"

"You are… in my eyes…"

Alya squealed into her hands before unwrapping her sub. "Don't think that being all sweet means this conversation is over." She smirked at Nino. "But I'll drop it for now."

Marinette couldn't help but let a smile grow on her face. Those two sure did argue like an elderly couple but they were totally sweet.

The four joined as one as a steady conversation filled the air. The group of friends were all laughing away as they all finished their subs, Marinette being the last one.

Adrien's phone beeped and the model was quick to shut it off. "We better get back to school."

Nino laughed and placed a hand on his friend's shoulder. "You have an alarm for the end of lunch? Wow, you are the good kid!"

Adrien's face warmed up but was saved by Alya's teasing.

"You should take note!"

"Hey! I AM a good kid!" Nino declared, proudly placing a fist on his chest causing everyone to break down in laughter.

The four began walking back to school. Alya had kindly yanked Nino up front with her to keep Adrien with Marinette. The two were walking quietly side by side. Marinette was internally freaking out by spending this much time with him. She didn't like the silence but had no idea what to say instead without sounding dumb. She was doing well so far! She couldn't blow it now!

"It s-sure is warm out," Adrien said, voice wiggling. "Even though it's winter."

Adrien being a little nervous was making her nervous too. She was just so awkward and she could tell she was freaking him out.

"Y-Yeah!" Her face was red and she was looking down at the snowy ground as they walked. Her head tilted up to see Nino and Alya having a rather engaging conversation. She could talk to everyone else like that, why not Adrien? Sure he was the boy of her dreams but that was no reason for her to stammer the way she did around him.

Fiddling with her gloves, Marinette swallowed hard, wondering if she should stop her mouth in time. "D-D-Did you have a Christmas good?" Her head shook violently. "I-I-I mean! Did you have a good Christmas?"

He nodded and smiled. "Yes!" His eyes sparkled. "I got a gift from a very special friend."

Marinette couldn't help but smile also. "I'm glad to hear that. I got some cool stuff too."

Adrien eyed her necklace and then his eyes travelled up to hers. "That sounds great! I'm glad."

The two fell silent again and Marinette found herself steps away from panting. She couldn't calm her breath down. Thoughts of the two of them on a date dominated her brain as they stepped together. This was what one would feel like right? Only they'd be dressed up in nice clothes and it would be totally romantic. She always dreamed of the day when Adrien would come up to her, a slight blush across his cheeks and ask her if they could go out sometime. She'd probably faint. She'd probably cry. She'd probably do both.

"Marinette?"

She snapped out of her thoughts to see Adrien staring at her, eyebrows curved in worry. "Are you okay? You stopped walking."

Marinette didn't realize she was no longer moving. "U-Uh." She felt like a complete fool, always drifting off into dreamland. This was her time with Adrien! How could she blow it in dreamland? "S-Sorry!" Her cheeks turned the colour of tomatoes. "I-I was just thinking." She was surprised if he even wanted to talk to her after that shameful display.

When they arrived back in class, Marinette was far too embarrassed to even look Adrien in the eye. She forced her eyes to stay down at her tablet while she took notes from the teacher's speech that seemed to go on for hours. Her document was pages long by the time the bell rang.

Most students left the second they heard the ring but Marinette stayed to finish the rest of her notes. She packed up her bag and hugged Alya goodbye for the day. Alya had babysitting to do so Marinette went home on her own. She was sad that Adrien didn't stay after class. Not that he did normally anyway. He was always one of the first students to go but not due to wanting to get out of the classroom. It was due to his other activities that his father forced him to take part in.

Marinette spent the rest of the evening studying for that upcoming test. As promised, Tikki assisted her in her memorization. Marinette didn't do half bad but there were a few words she struggled with.

"Ugh…" Marinette huffed and placed her head down on her book. "No more. No more Tikki. My brain is full!" She flailed about dramatically and giggled along when Tikki began chuckling.

"Then I'd say it's break time!" Tikki grinned and assisted Marinette in closing her textbook.

The girl nodded and tightened up her pigtails. "How about going outside?" She swiped her bangs. "I could use a breath of fresh air."

Tikki flew down to pick up the pencil that had rolled off the desk. She placed it back gently, smile stretched wide. "That sounds like a great idea, Marinette!"

The two made it outside onto the balcony and took a nice sit on the pink lounge chair. Marinette brought out pillows and several blankets to ensure the two stayed warm. Tikki sunk deeper into the blankets that were covering her chosen's chest. The tiny gloves, hat and jacket Marinette had sewn kept the kwami warm and she shivered in delight.

The Parisian night was still. Not many people were out and about. Traffic was slow and all Marinette could hear were the thousands of tiny snowflakes falling on the city. The wind was a little crisp but nothing that they couldn't handle.

She let out a long, slow breath as her head tilted back. The stars were blocked by the fluffy clouds that were busy burying Paris in a soft blanket. Her eyelids fluttered shut and she sighed. "This feels so nice, doesn't it Tikki?"

The little kwami nodded her head in agreement, in the same pose as Marinette. The wind was cold on her sweet face so she slid down further til the blanket was entirely covering her. It wouldn't get as hot underneath a blanket for a kwami as it would for a human so Tikki had some time to warm up.

Marinette continuously filled her lungs up with the fresh air, doing her best to clear her brain. Memorizing terms can hurt one's head.

"Someone looks cozy."

Shocked eyes traveled around the balcony as Marinette jumped slightly from the unexpected voice. Her shoulders relaxed when she spotted a familiar full tooth smile.

Hunched up, Chat Noir was perched on the railing of her balcony. Marinette's eyes trailed down to the plastic bag in his paws.

"Hey Chat Noir," she greeted, sitting up slightly, making sure Tikki was perfectly hidden and out of sight. "What are you doing at this hour?" She then gasped and with the flick of her wrist grabbed the necklace that was displayed flawlessly on her neckline and swished it to land on the back of her neck. Worried eyes looked to Chat but to her relief, he didn't seem to have seen it. The smart idea would to only wear the necklace as Ladybug but she liked it so much that she wanted to wear it everyday. She couldn't just let it sit in her room gathering dust.

Jumping down, Chat grinned and reached into his bag of goodies. "I was passing by and saw you outside. I figured you could use some company. Besides, what are you doing outside, at night, all by yourself?" He casually crossed one leg over the other, posing against the railing like a model.

Marinette slightly chuckled. "Just getting some air. I've been studying all night."

Chat dramatically shuddered. "Yuck. Sounds like someone needs some fun." He pulled out a crinkly plastic bag. "I've got just the thing too!"

Marinette read the front of the bag and instantly furrowed her brow in confusion. "What are these?"

"Chips!" Chat Noir exclaimed. His face lit up and was eager for her to try them. "Please help yourself!"

Organic, vegan, gluten free, preservative free, imported from Canada.

Marinette had never seen such a fancy bag of chips before. Where did he get these from anyway? She'd never even heard of such labels or knew what any of them meant. Shrugging, she ripped them open and gave one a shot. They were thicker cut and kettled cooked. Each chip was dusted lightly with just enough salt to give it that addictive tang but not too much that it was overpowering.

She smiled, satisfied. Sure the bag was strange but they did not fail in the taste department. "Thanks! These are good!"

Chat grinned wildly. "Great! Have as many as your little heart desires."

She giggled at his silliness and gazed down at the little box he placed on her tea table. She eyed him again in question. "What are you up to?"

"Uno!" His cat-like smile didn't seem to be close to shrinking. A fist was placed on his chest in full pride. "I can teach you if you don't how to play. After all, I've become quite the master."

She opened her mouth. "Oh, I already-"

"Don't worry, I'll explain it well enough so I have a worthy opponent," he smirked and continued standing mighty.

Marinette rolled her eyes playfully. She already knew how to play the game. After all, who didn't? But it looked like Chat Noir was having a fun time so she decided to just play along with him. She placed a hand on her forehead as if she was going to faint. "Oh my god I am SO glad you're here to teach me Chat Noir!"

"You'll be a pro after I'm done with you." He ripped open the box, carefully avoiding breaking it with his claws. Chuckling, he handed her the deck. "Though, I'm going to have to ask for your assistance on this one Princess."

Giggling, Marinette stood up from her spot on the chair, taking care to still hide Tikki but keep her comfy. Two blankets were stolen from the pile and were placed on Chat Noir's lap and her own. She knelt down at the side of the table across from Chat who was smiling unusually sweetly at her. She took the deck and began shuffling, making sure she took her time to show off her fanciest shuffling moves. "Done!" She placed the pile of cards in the middle of the table.

With his mouth open, Chat clapped. "Wow! Impressive! Now, I'll show you who you're dealing with."

Marinette listened to him explain the elementary rules to the game that she already knew. Then the challenge began. Not that she cared about winning but it would be fun to beat him after all his comical boasting.

"I've been struck, Princess!" Chat hissed. "A draw 4 this early in the game? You're an evil little thing!"

Marinette giggled like a little child from behind her cards and placed down a blue 3.

Chat scanned his card options and placed a blue skip a turn and then a blue 5. He laughed and fanned out his cards, changing his expression as a blue draw 2 was placed down. "Hey! Not nice!" More giggling was heard from the other end of the table and Chat was preparing for his big move! If only he'd get the cards he wanted.

Marinette was fully enjoying all of Chat Noir's hisses, groans and gasps whenever she forced him to pick up. It was the luck of the cards but half her hand were draw cards and the rest she changed the colour on him, usually on purpose to get a reaction.

"Uno!" she cried out in glee. Chat's reactions were top tier entertainment.

"Already!?" he whimpered and studied his large card fan. In desperate attempt at defeating her, he played a card and switched it to yellow.

Marinette winked at him and placed down her last card… which was a yellow skip.

"You kidding me!?" Chat's cards spread across the table and he placed his chin down in defeat. "I, The Great Chat Noir, have been slain."

Marinette flashed him a wink. "Looks like Marinette Dupain-Cheng has been reigned champion!"

Chat Noir grinned and beamed at her. "Round two?"

With a crunch of Chat's expensive chips in her mouth, Marinette shuffled the cards in the fanciest way with glowing eyes studying her every movement. Soon, the game began. This time, Chat was going to play dirty.

"I see that yellow 3," he sneered and placed down two yellow skips and a yellow draw 2 to finish it off. "And I'll add these, if you don't mind that is."

Marinette stuck out her tongue at him, drawing the two cards. "You'll pay for that Chat Noir."

"Bring it!"

Cards were almost thrown into the play pile as the two mischievously fought each other. Both were playful but each secretly wished to claim victory against the other.

Chat had two cards left and he grinned evilly at his opponent. Her hands were holding two cards as well. He had a chance! He noticed that the colour was on his needed colour too! Nothing could go wrong!

"Uno!" he winked and chuckled like a little kid who stole the last cookie from the cookie jar.

Marinette gasped and searched through her cards for the answer, focusing as hard as she would during her Lucky Charm. None of her cards could work so as last resort, she picked up a card from the draw pile. She fiercely cut off Chat from placing his final card down and with a slap, a green skip was played, as well as a green 7 that was now on top.

Chat whined and picked up another card, unable to play his last. His heart was beating. He had to hurry before she-

"What!?"

There was no way Chat Noir had been defeated twice!

"Y-You!-"

Marinette snickered. "Looks like Marinette Dupain-Cheng is the definite Uno champion!"

Chat dramatically hung his head and settled his cards on the table in a pile. "Looks like you deserve to be the new Chat Noir! I am simply no match!"

"You're the only Chat Noir," Marinette assured him. "I can't even compete!"

Chat grinned while smirking at her. "I'm quite the catch, if I do say so myself." He chuckled when he received an eye roll.

Marinette flung her arms in the air. "Nobody can make as terrible puns as you. I guess you are the best Chat Noir out there." Her voice was light and Chat was sure she secretly liked his puns.

"You love them."

"If that makes you feel better."

A shiver traveled up Marinette's body and to her dismay, Chat noticed.

"Are you cold Princess?" He studied her as she pulled the blanket up to her neck.

"Maybe a little bit."

He stood up immediately and held out a hand to her. "Let's get you inside."

Her head tilted in question. "But what about you?" She took his outstretched hand and was pulled to her feet.

He swished his bangs. "Oh, don't worry about this cat. He's got everything covered." He slid the Uno deck back inside its box. Holding out the chip bag, he asked her. "Want any more?"

She shook her head sweetly. "No thank you. I'm definitely full."

Nodding his head, the chips were rolled up and stuffed back into the plastic bag he brought. He laid the full bag on the balcony floor. His feet shuffled. "H-Hey… I was wondering um."

Marinette watched him hesitate and waited for him to spit out what he wanted to say.

"Would you be interested in watching a movie?" he asked her. "It can be a quick one if you have somewhere to be of course!" He waved his hands in front of his face and then slid one behind his head, rubbing it all the way.

Not expecting that to be his question, she nodded. She was too far gone to continue studying. It was time to call it a night.

His eyes lit up and his tail flickered behind him. "Great! This cat will let you pick what we watch."

Marinette suddenly remembered that Tikki was still resting under the blanket. She needed to rush him inside first so he didn't see the red kwami. "Sounds good! Uh-" She hurried him inside. "You go inside first and pick something." She turned to the pile of blankets. "I'll clean these blankets."

He stuck out his paw. "Oh, I said that you can pick something. I'm fine with any-"

"Go, go go!" she cut him off, pretty much shooing him through her skylight. She could tell he was confused but obeyed anyway. On four legs, he jumped through the opening and landed gracefully on her bed.

Taking the opportunity, Marinette rushed around, gathering all the blankets and pillows. One by one, she chucked them down the skylight.

Tikki awakened slightly and allowed herself to be scooped up in Marinette's hands. With a sleepy expression written on her face, she glanced up and whispered quietly. "Marinette?"

A smile grew on her face as Marinette hushed Tikki. "Hey Tikki. I'll put you to bed but be still cause Chat Noir is still here."

Tikki simply nodded and closed her eyes once more. As soon as she was brought inside, she was held behind her chosen's back.

Chat was down in her room and was on her computer, scrolling through Netflix. Panic set in and Marinette placed Tikki on her bed behind her cat plush, out of sight. Gasping, she sprinted down the stairs. It was too late. Chat had already seen the various photos of Adrien taped all over her walls as well as her Adrien heart desktop wallpaper. Horror filled her face when Chat turned around with his mouth open.

"I-I-I-I can explain!" Her arms waved around frantically as heat filled her cheeks.

"Explain what?" he asked with pure innocence in his voice. "I think I found a movie you'd like. But ultimately it's up to you, remember?"

Her mouth closed and she laughed, full of awkward facial expressions. He hadn't seen it? Or maybe he's not mentioning it? Either way, if he wasn't going to talk about it, there was no way she'd be the one to bring it up!

"O-Oh I uh," she thought up quickly. "Sorry I took so long out there." She hated liars but there was no way she'd survive a round of Chat's teasing. This was a desperate situation! She smiled, hoping to switch the topic of conversation. "I'll watch whatever you've decided on."

Marinette dragged her chaise across her floor, being as quiet as she could and lined it up with her monitor.

Chat helped himself to the chaise and Marinette joined him after shutting off the lights. After pressing play, the opening credits began rolling. This was supposed to be a mystery movie so Marinette was fully focused on figuring out all the clues.

As the movie went on, Marinette had a few ideas of why the money went missing and who stole it all from the bank. Excited to share her theories, she turned her head to see Chat's face in full view. "Uh."

Why was he staring at her? Did she have something on her face?

"Why are you staring at me?"

Chat Noir blinked and shuffled in his seat, tail flicking about. "I wasn't."

Shrugging, she focused her attention back at the movie screen and did her best to ignore the cat beside her.

The movie went on and Marinette was genuinely enjoying it. Despite the mini conversation they had earlier, she'd caught more of Chat Noir's peeks throughout the length of the film but chose to remain silent and ignore it. There was at least another half hour to go but her eyelids were getting heavy so she slid herself down onto her side and relaxed there, drifting in and out of consciousness.

When she awoke, she felt as though she was being carried. Her eyes were too tired to fully open but views of her bedsheets came into view so she allowed her eyelids to fully close. Her Dad must have caught her passed out on the living room couch again. The comforter was gently pulled up to her neck and Marinette smiled in her sleep from the delicate touch it made on her skin. Warmth surrounded her entire body and it wasn't long until she fully passed back out again.

Chat exhaled strongly but quietly. His hands drew back from the sleeping girl and he took a small step back from her. Heart beating a mile a minute, he leaned down towards her face, trying his best to not breathe on her. With a tender look of love in his eyes, his lips pressed gently to her forehead. He sat up and gazed at her sleeping form.

"Sweet dreams, M'lady."