Author's Note: Just a little drama here. Marinette's finally arrived- a bit late, but she's here!

Chapter Two: Plan

Miss Bustier had been more than annoyed when Marinette slipped into class right before the lunch bell rang. But the kind woman chose not to reprimand her at once, but rather told her to meet her right after class.

Adrien watched as the pigtailed girl slumped to her sat, and no sooner had she greeted Alya when the bell announced their release.

Marinette slid lower into her seat, the groan escaping her, "You guys go on ahead- don't wait back for me this time,"

Adrien opened his mouth to saw something, but the words died in his throat when he noticed that sly look Alya and Nino were giving each other. Sly looks that went far from usual friendship looks, this one bordered on intimacy. And Adrien had to fight the blush- of all the times for them to start being mischievous.

Alya gave Marinette a little pat on her cheek, "Don't worry Marinette, we'll wait outside for you,"

Nino nodded, and put a hand on Adrien's shoulder, "Like we always do!"

And Nino gave Adrien a little semi-glare through the side of his eye, "Until somebody has to go home for lunch,"

Adrien chuckled nervously, "I can't help it guys," the boy lifted a hand to gesture to himself, "My father is very-"

And as though it were a planned rehearsal, Nino and Alya finished the model's sentence, "-strict about you eating at home,"

The couple sighed in union, and met each other's eyes with another shared deep look, "We know,"

Marinette interrupted them both with her little smile, "It's not Adrien's fault his father is so overprotective,"

And when Adrien met Marinette's eyes, the girl flushed and turned away. Why wouldn't she meet his eyes without turning red? There had to be something going on there. Wasn't anybody else noticing this? Nope- the class was almost empty.

Alya elbowed Marinette in her ribs, making the girl giggle, "Alya! I'm ticklish,"

Adrien tucked that piece of information away in the back of his head for another time. Nino pressed on Adrien's shoulder, and gestured to Marinette, "We're still going to wait on you,"

Alya nodded, and she faced Adrien so that he could meet her eyes, "We have something to discuss with Adrien,"

And something fluttered inside the model- was it nerves? Excitement? But it was nothing compared to the shock that went through Marinette's face when Miss Bustier called her out of the room. The girl paled, and sent a helpless look to her friends. Adrien gave her the most encouraging smile he could muster- but how could he smile at Marinette when Nino and Alya had something up their sleeves for him.

And judging by the fleeting glances they gave each other, and the way they both would try to catch his eyes- Adrien felt those butterflies awake in his stomach. The same kind of butterflies that created the heat that flew up to his cheeks to redden it. Alya only smirked as though she knew exactly what was happening. And given the look Nino sent her, that boy suspected something too.

Adrien gulped, and stood up. The two of them followed him to a stand, and Nino put one hand on Alya while his other hand still gripped Adrien, "Dude, we need to talk,"

Alya in return put her hand to cup Nino's in such an obvious couple-y way that made sure all knew he belonged to her. But if Nino did belong to her, why was he holding Adrien's shoulder? It was confusing to say the least, and maybe Adrien was just reading into this wrong, but they were getting more than a little affectionate with each other- and dragging him into it.

Alya cleared her throat, catching Adrien's attention, "Adrien, we're serious,"

And Alya put a hand on the blonde's shoulder so that they made a circle, "And no running away this time,"

Nino nodded, and clicked his tongue, "Let's hope the Gorilla has patience,"

Adrien winced at the mention of his bodyguard, but a little fact flew to his mind, 'The Gorilla had a day off- Adrien had his lunch in his bag.'

The model sighed, allowing his shoulders to slump, and he gave his friends equally relieved smiles, "I'm free for lunch,"

Alya was the one who burst into such a wide grin that it had Adrien smiling as well. Nino's face fell into something of pure shock, and his hands slid off Adrien's shoulder to hang on at his elbow. The blonde put his hands into his pockets, and Nino automatically hooked his hand- it didn't mean anything- it was just a friendly action… right?

Alya's eyes flickered to notice Nino's action, and she tightened her grip on Adrien's shoulder, making the boy wince, "Hmm… Since you're free…"

Nino nodded at his girlfriend, "Think we should act out the plan?"

Adrien's jaw clamped shut. What plan?

Alya released Nino's shoulder and opted to tap her cheek instead, "It seems like a perfect opportunity,"

Perfect opportunity for what?

Adrien looked wildly at Nino, and then back to Alya, his heart racing so hard against his chest that he was sure Plagg was being bothered by it, "What plan?"

It was then Nino and Alya both released Adrien with such speed that the boy could feel the lingering presence on his elbow and shoulder. His eyes widened, and he looked at both of them with an almost helpless glance.

Adrien swallowed the lump in his throat, and his hand went to the back of his neck in a nearly shy manner, "Umm… guys?"

Alya and Nino gave him equally bright grins that immediately put the image of the Big Bad Wolf into Adrien's mind, and the couple said not a word. Nino had chosen to stand nearer to Alya, his hands slipping around her waist and pulling her hip closer to him. Alya slung her hand around his shoulders, and tilted her head so that it nearly touched his.

Adrien crossed his arms, and arched a brow, their message becoming less innocent and more devilish, "What are you two up to?"

Alya shook her head, and leaned to put her head on Nino, "Wouldn't you like to know,"

"As a matter of fact," Adrien pouted, "I do want to know,"

It never occurred to him that the two of them had no qualms about being open in their relationship. So when Nino turned Alya's head to take her lips into his own, Adrien was not ready for the loud moan the girl released.

"Guys?" Adrien squeaked, and brought his hands up to block his eyes, "Isn't this a little too much PDA?"

Alya murmured against Nino's lips, "Never enough PDA with you around," and the girl reached up to place a hand on her boyfriend's chest.

Adrien made a full turn, and practically ran out of the room. He didn't look back. Didn't catch any of the weird glances the students sent him. Didn't notice that he was running to the bathroom until he found himself locked in a stall.

What is it about Alya and Nino being open in public that makes him feel so giddy?

Adrien slid onto the closed seat, his head dropping into his hands, 'Was giddy even the right word?'

Adrien felt the familiar tap on his forehead, and the boy lifted his eyes to meet his kwami, "Hey Plagg,"

Plagg held a very odd expression on his face, his mouth halfway dropped but still stretched to the side, and eyes widened but one eye-ridge arched, "Well… this is new,"