Chapter 2

As you might recall as a result of otherwise quite enjoyable afternoon in the park both Marinette and Adrien suddenly saw their own actions towards certain people from a new perspective. And they didn't like what they saw. That is why they decided it was time to make amends for their unsuitable, though admittedly unwitting behavior.

As soon as Marinette was back in her room, she pulled her sketchbook and pencil, sat back by her desk and set her mind in search for inspiration. Tikki sat on her shoulder, gaping curiously at the newest design.

After some time she asked 'Have you finally figured out what do you want to give to Adrien this Valentine's day?'

'Yes. And no.' Marinette replied without even raising her head, as she was sketching furiously. Tikki didn't want to bother her, but she was positively dying of curiosity as the design seemed really promising.

'What do you mean by that?' she inquired, as she flew closer to have a better look.

Marinette sighed and stopped drawing. 'You heard us talking in the park today, right? Do you remember what Adrien said? How every year he received so many Valentine's cards and gifts?' Tikki nodded her cute head encouragingly. 'Well, after that I sort of don't see the point of giving him anything on this occasion. No matter what I would do, it wouldn't be special. It would be hard to stick out of that crowd. I am a friend to him, and friends do not hand each other gifts because of Valentine's Day. There'll be other occasions.'

'I see. But in that case may I ask what is it that you're drawing? It looks like a perfect gift for a Valentine's Day.' Tikki was more and more intrigued at this turn of events.

Marinette gave her a thoughtful stare. 'It's hard to admit it, but that talk at the park got me to thinking of Chat Noir. You know, how he always compliments Ladybug, mocks her about her being his Lady, acts like a true gentleman and that. Up until now I kind of assumed that he's just a giant flirt. But what if… ' Marinette bit her lip and thought carefully how to word this next sentence. 'What if all this is in fact his way of showing affection? I've got a feeling that there is more to his attention towards Ladybug that just simple flirt.'

'But you always say he annoys you with those romantic gestures…' Tikki tried to follow.

'Yes, I am aware of that. And now I am a bit ashamed to be honest. Take it from me, you need lots of courage to tell someone you care for them. I never had that courage, but it seems Chat might. I'm afraid I might have hurt his feelings and I don't like it at all'. Marinette finally blurted out the thought that'd been nagging at her since she said goodbye to Adrien that afternoon. 'So I've decided to make it up to him. Not only I won't be so harsh on him, but also there will be something special for my kitty.' She smiled at that thought.

'Marinette! That's a wonderful idea!' Tikki applauded. 'But what about Adrien? Has something changed?'

'No, I still love him. But I can't stop thinking how Chat must have felt all these months. I can't reciprocate whatever his feeling are, but I'll try to let him know that I like and appreciate him.'

And with that strong resolve she got back to work.

Surprisingly enough Adrien was also working industriously on something. Plagg hid his head under a pillow but he was still able to hear earsplitting noice of a drill on wood. This was getting unbearable. Ah, silence at last. Plagg retreated from his cover and flew to inspect the results.

'May I ask, what the hell are you doing?' he inquired.

'A gift.' Adrien grunted while trying to unknott a ball of string.

'For whom?'

'Not gonna tell you,'

'Oh, come on! I will find out eventually. You are aware of that, right? So you may as well tell me.' Plagg was intrigued.

Adrien just ignored him. 'Have you seen scissors? I swear I had them a moment ago.' The boy was in a peculiar mood, one that Plagg couldn't understand.

The kwami peered at the thing in Adrien's hands and gasped in surprise. 'Is it gonna be a piece of jewelery? In that case I know perfectly well who might be the future owner of this beauty.' He smirked at Adrien. 'Why, you've decided to celebrate Valentine's Day with Ladybug, despite last year's epic disaster?'

'No. I'm not going to celebrate Valentine's Day at all. And also I do not consider last year's Valentine's Day to be a disaster.' Adrien was beginning to grow weary of the kwami.

'What! How come? I thought you will try and confess your undying love to Ladybug, just like you planned last year, before Dark Cupid got in your way! What's with this sudden change of action?'

'Nothing. It's just that after I talked to Marinette this afternoon, I kind of decided to give Ladybug more space. I wonder if she feels as awkward about Chat Noir's flirting as I feel about this downpour of Valentine's gifts and cards from total strangers. I've decided to drop it off and take a step back, at least temporarily. Maybe with time she'll get to like me more. For now no more unwanted attention.' Adrien said firmly.

'Soooo… this thing is not for Ladybug, then?'

'No, it's not.'

'For whom then? Just tell me!'

'Not. Gonna. Tell. You.' Adrien said with an impish grin.

Well, as you can see, this Valentine's Day might turn out somewhat surprising.