CHAPTER THREE: Distracted.

It would be correct to assume this was not how Adrien expected to spend his Friday afternoon. Stuck in his bedroom? Yes. No plans to meet friends later unlike a normal teenager? Yes again. His father being present with concern carved across his face? A big, fat no. Having a doctor currently check his blood pressure? That, surprisingly, would also be a definite no.

The young model hadn't planned on collapsing at school and to have it witnessed by everyone. Oh no, fainting absolutely wasn't on his schedule this week, he was certain of it. He didn't even realise what happened. One minute he was standing, the next he was blinking up at Nino, Alya and a few teachers hovering over him with a slight ache in the back of his head. And having a sharp voice shrieking, "What have you done to my Adrikins!?" didn't offer any help either, but he appreciated Chloe's worry.

Until the Gorilla appeared to inspect the commotion, the muscular man with his arms crossed and a grim scowl that sent students fleeing swiftly confirmed the gravity of the situation. But when each 'Are you okay?' and 'Should we call an ambulance' was met with a grimace on the boy's part, the bodyguard simply helped the boy up, walking him to the waiting vehicle and took the boy home, phoning his boss on the way.

It was one thing to inform Gabriel Agreste that his son sneaked off to meet friends without notice but it was another matter entirely to explain he had collapsed. Barely a minute into the trip, Adrien had to reach into the front of the car and seize the device to calm his father's thunderous wrath, assuring he was, in fact, quite fine and unharmed.

The second upon arriving home, Nathalie had ushered him to his bedroom, where he sat on the edge of his bed waiting long until his father and their physician entered. His father had remained completely silent.

"Okay, Adrien, keep your eyes focused on me," the doctor instructed as he moved a torch to the left and right.

After a minute or two, the older man returned his equipment to his briefcase and stood, turning to the designer. "Well, Monsieur Agreste," he said, straightening his jacket, "I'm not sure what caused this afternoon, but I can assure you your son is completely healthy."

"What?" Gabriel hissed, "My son fainted. He clearly isn't well."

"Monsieur," the doctor explained, "Adrien's blood pressure and heart rate are perfect and he's in great form for his age. The fainting spell only lasted a brief moment and he's recovered well, so it doesn't indicate any underlying issue."

"That does not explain why my son fainted in the first place."

Adrien knew the exact reason.

"Father?" Adrien spoke, "I'm fine, I just… I just felt a bit overwhelmed, that's all."

Gabriel never so much as pursed his lips in consideration.

"Fainting is often one of the first responses to feeling overwhelmed or over-exerted," the doctor nodded in confirmation.

Eventually, his father seemed to accept this diagnosis without further inquiries, calling on Nathalie to escort the physician from the mansion. Not looking up from his lap, Adrien assumed his father had also soundlessly retreated from the room, until he said in his stern, authoritative voice, "You will tell me, or at least Nathalie, if you're not feeling well, won't you, Adrien?"

He agreed without question, "Yes, Father."

If Adrien had looked up, he would've seen his father attempt to soothe his heavily furrowed brows, his shoulders relaxing ever so slightly. Instead, when he said, much to Adrien's shock, "I wouldn't know what to do if something happened to you," the boy only saw his father's back as he began to turn away.

"Nathalie?" the designer called, his assistant appearing out of thin air in the hallway, "Clear Adrien's schedule for next week, excluding an appointment with his doctor, and have Chef Samuels review his dietary plan."

"Of course, sir."

And just like that, Adrien was alone, rigid as a statue as he stared at his now closed bedroom door. Did his father just order his schedule to be cleared?

"Maybe you should faint more often," Plagg jested, floating down from the upstairs loft with giant wad of camembert in his hands. How did he always managed to find the camembert?

Adrien's only response was slumping his head into his hands with a groan.

"You okay, kid?" the kwami mumbled around his food. When he didn't get a reply, he settled himself onto the bed, lounging beside Adrien's leg. He remained completely engrossed with his cheese when he shrugged, "I don't see what the big deal is."

"Big deal?" Adrien's head shot up, staring at Plagg incredulously. "Big deal? It's more than a big deal! Marinette's… Marinette is…" he flumped back onto his mattress with an exasperated sigh.

"Uh huh," Plagg munched away nonchalantly.

"But she can't be, how did I not see it?"

"Don't blame yourself kid, everyone's pretty blind in this city."

Adrien scowled, "You're not helping,"

"What do you want me to say?" Plagg came into vision, hovering above his head as he devoured the last of his camembert, "you were too in love with Ladybug to realise she'd been right in front of you?"

He didn't need reminding.

His kwami plopped onto his owner's chest, who gazed at the ceiling helplessly. "Look kid, Tikki is usually the one with sensible advice…"

"Tikki?"

"Ladybug's kwami," Plagg waved it off, "but this is probably the best-case scenario for you."

Adrien perked his head up to eye the little black cat, "What do you mean?"

"Oh please," Plagg posed dramatically, "'I had a dream about pig-tails and now I can't think', 'Pig-tails is so cute', 'I fainted because I found out pig-tails is Ladybug', they have the same hairstyle for camembert's sake."

The boy let his head fall back onto the bed with a groan. "Well, what should I do, Plagg?"

"I think you should do something."

"Yeah, but what?" Adrien looked down to find the kwami had disappeared. Pulling himself back upright, he glanced around his room, "Plagg?"

He was nowhere in sight. Adrien sighed. He'd probably gone to nap in one of Adrien's old fencing sneakers, just when he needed advice most.

What should he do now he'd discovered Ladybug's identity? If Chat Noir told Ladybug he'd learned her identity, she'd freak. If Adrien told Marinette he'd uncovered her biggest secret, she'd freak even worse. She could very well have the same response he did this afternoon.

They really were the same person.

No, he couldn't let his brain go down that path, thinking about every encounter the two had had, not right now.

Now, he had to figure what to do next, by himself – no one else was offering their help.

God, it was all so confusing.

Adrien heaved himself to his feet, running a hand through his hair in exhaustion, and headed towards his bathroom. A long shower ought to clear his head for a whil–.

Tap-tap-tap.

He jumped at the unexpected noise then continued to trip over his own feet upon noticing its source.

Meanwhile, Ladybug released a strangled gasp as she watched Adrien Agreste land with a firm thud from outside his window, dangling from her yo-yo.

The model was back up standing in less than a second, as if he didn't even fall over in the first place. Ignoring the rapid pounding of his heartbeat, he quickly made his way over, opened the window and impulsively offered Ladybug his hand, helping her climb inside.

Ladybug was in his bedroom again.

Marinette was currently in his bedroom.

Oh God, he hoped he hadn't left any dirty clothes anywhere. That would be embarrassing. And he'd just fallen on his ass in front of her.

"S-sorry!" Ladybug waved her hands apologetically, "I didn't mean to startle you!"

Scratching the back of his head, Adrien laughed anxiously, "No worries, I just wasn't expecting you."

With a soft chirp of laughter, a mannerism that had Adrien agreeing with Plagg's previous statement about blindness, Ladybug shrugged, "Well, I didn't get a chance to properly say thank you for the other night. It meant a lot to me, so…"

Trailing off, she tugged a small, pink box from underneath her arm, something that Adrien completely missed due to finding himself again dumbfounded by the girl before him. Without an ounce of hesitation, Ladybug thrusted the box towards him, eyes screwed shut in a wince. She really hadn't planned to be here. Again.

Entirely stunned by the gift that had been forced into his hands, Adrien didn't notice how much Marinette's body radiated 'nervous'. He gently lifted the box's lid, sucking in a breath when he saw its contents.

"Special order," Ladybug explained in a mumble as he stared at the red velvet cupcake inside that was decorated perfectly with a swirl of red and white buttercream and fondant ladybugs adorning the edges. It was cute, sweet, and ridiculously thoughtful. It was entirely Marinette.

"Did you make this?" He couldn't stop his Chat Noir from slyly asking.

"U-um, uh," Ladybug stuttered before him, waving a hand, "Pfft, no! A friend of mine did! I couldn't bake to save my life!"

He didn't believe her for a second.

"And you came all the way here, just to give this to me?"

While Marinette stayed hidden behind her mask with her heart already beating a million miles per hour under Adrien's smouldering gaze, the boy turned her into a roasted beetroot with a mere added smirk. He'd ensnared her. As she inwardly floundered to make sense of reality, the Ladybug part of her wanted nothing more than wipe that ludicrous, satisfied smile of his face, having witnessed it countless times on her partner. She didn't need it coming from her classmate as well.

Luckily, her sensibility took hold as she fought out an excuse. "A-actually, you see, I was on my patrol to way – ON MY WAY TO PATROL! Yes! And thought, I'd stop by. On my way! To Patrol!"

He, again, didn't believe her for a second. He knew all too well that Chat Noir had promised to cover her patrols and his Lady would never take advantage of that. She'd taken time out of her afternoon having just finished a physics test, time he knew she desperately needed for studying and rest, to bake this cupcake and then swing all the way to his home, just to deliver it.

That, with a hundred percent certainty, was Marinette standing in front of him.

He could've kiss her but the rational side of his brain told him to hold off for now. His heart, however, melted just a little bit more than it already had.

He beamed, "Thank you, Ladybug."

She lifted a shoulder, much less flustered this time, "It's the least I could do. You were right the other night."

"So, you spoke to Chat Noir?" he feigned ignorance.

"I did," she nodded with a faint smile. "I shouldn't have worried. He's my partner, he understood completely."

"I'm glad."

They both remained silent for a few moments, the awkward tension filling the room – Marinette too shy to ask how he was feeling, Alya having informed her of what occurred at school the second she'd finished her test, and Adrien too astounded by the luck of his partner and classmate being the same person, it left him enthralled.

With the air gradually feeling a bit too thick, Ladybug finally let out a hasty, "Well, anyway, I should be going," the gestured to the open window behind her, "I've got patrol and… superhero stuff to do."

She cringed at her words, but thankfully Adrien didn't notice.

"Wait," he said, before she could even consider moving away. He scratched his neck, "Ladybug, I was wondering…"

She blinked, staring up at him. This was his chance.

He bit the inside of his cheek, "I need advice on something."

Seeing the hesitation in his eyes, Ladybug couldn't help but offer a gentle smile, "I'd be happy to help."

Adrien visibly lit up at her acceptance, carefully making his way over to his couch and tenderly setting down Ladybug's gift on the table before taking a seat. Ladybug joined him and he crossed his legs up under him, shuffling to face her. She did the same, trying not to remember the last time she'd been there – Adrien's warmth has he pulled her close, his ruffled, sleep-mused hair, and his soft lips…

Focus, Marinette!

Shaking away those memories and that heated drumming in her chest, she gave Adrien her full attention.

"I have this friend," he began to explain, "and recently I learnt… something about them. Something no one else knows. And I'm not sure whether I should tell them I know, or not."

Ladybug pondered for a moment, "Did this friend do something wrong?"

It seemed a plausible occurrence for a superhero – a person discovers wrongdoing and reports it to them. But what could've Adrien possibly have learnt about one of his friends? Did Chloe do something? Ladybug dismissed any questions of the model stumbling into something much bigger than himself, the boy was far too sweet and sincere for that.

"No," Adrien assured. "I may have uncovered a secret of theirs… I had no intention to, it just…"

"Sort of happened?"

He released a breath, "Exactly."

"And is this secret bad?"

Adrien almost laughed, "No, definitely not. It's kind of amazing if I'm being honest. But it's… big."

Understatement of the century.

He looked at Ladybug who seemed to seriously think about his current dilemma, her eyebrows furrowed and her jaw tightened as she stared into space. He imagined her without the mask in that second.

Damn, she was cute.

Focus, Agreste!

"This friend of yours," she met his gaze with her own stern, questioning expression, "what are they like?"

Adrien's eyes almost popped out of his head. She's onto him.

Busted!

Quick! Apologise now before it's too late!

It was an accident, Marinette! An accident!

Cutting his thoughts short, Ladybug continued to ask, "Are they understanding?"

"Yes."

The sombre stamped across her face seemed to dwindle away instantly like steam from a cooling kettle. She offered a small yet radiant smile that shot an arrow through his heart. "Then maybe you should tell them?"

He blinked at her, feeling nerves still every part of his body, "Oh, really?"

"Well, this secret, does it affect how your opinion of this person?"

"Only in the best possible way."

"And you uncovered this secret by accident?"

Adrien nodded.

"Then you should explain that to your friend."

He gulped, "I should?"

Ladybug confirmed, "Yes. If you found out this something by accident, then they'll understand. There's probably a reason they kept it a secret…" she paused and for a moment Adrien speculated if she was considering a scenario where someone uncovered her secret. That would be ironic. But perhaps it'll work in his favour, Marinette was unknowingly giving him advice on talking to her. If he followed it, what could possibly go wrong?

"Ladybug?" he questioned after she fell silence. He inched closer to her, encouraging her to continue.

"If it's such a big secret as you say it is" she spoke softly, "they must have a reason for keeping it. So, let your friend know that it won't affect your friendship – that you don't see them any different, that it doesn't change anything."

Doesn't change anything…

Adrien internally deflated, "Of course."

Ladybug raised an eyebrow at his response. "Unless there's more to it?" she prompted.

Instantly the boy perked back up, with a grin that didn't quite reach his cheeks, "Oh no, that's… I'll keep that in mind. Thank you, Ladybug."

She beamed, unable to depict the worsening dilemma he was battling inside his head, "I'm simply returning your kindness, Adrien."

Part of him still couldn't believe it was Marinette sitting before him. Another part of him rolled his eyes and muttered, 'Well, who else could it have been'. Literally anyone, he responded. Ladybug could've been literally anyone else. But no. For once the universe had gifted him with something extraordinary, something he never had the wits to ask for. Marinette was Ladybug. Adrien didn't know how much that meant to him until now.

He should tell her.

Tell her right no–.

"I should be going," Ladybug exhaled as she toyed with the yoyo in her hand.

Or not.

Adrien dared a sparingly glance outside to see the sky was morphing to a darkening blue. "Right," he sighed as he stood, offering her his hand. He didn't let go of it as he walked her to his window, a detail that certainly did not go unnoticed by the superheroine. He helped her onto the window pane, not that she needed much help. As Ladybug gazed through the street and out onto her city, poised on the window sill like a bird ready to take flight, Adrien felt his heart clench at the notion of her leaving. He wanted to talk with Marinette for a little longer. He unquestionably wouldn't see her the entire weekend. He didn't want to wait for Monday.

"I suppose," he said with sorrow heavy in his voice, his thumb tracing lightly over her knuckles as she looked to him, "it would be pointless to in asking you to stay and… hang out for a while?"

Ladybug found it impossible to agree so instead she simply nodded her head. Not that Adrien blamed her for one second. He knew all too well that Marinette needed every minute for study and rest.

"Paris can't protect itself," he stated, supporting her previous declaration of patrolling. He let her hand fall.

"Maybe another time," his lips parted at her words as the corner of her mouth titled upwards with boldness, "when I'm not in uniform."

And just like that, she slipped away, yoyoing out of sight before one could even blink.

All the while, Adrien stood frozen, staring at the empty space where his Lady once sat. He could hear Plagg's snort of laughter as his kwami approached and perched on his shoulder, but he didn't pay it any mind. It wasn't until the wafting smell of camembert reached his nose that Adrien fully comprehended the dizziness in his head. Shooing away Plagg and his cheese – how did he find more? – he plopped onto the end of his bed, regaining his senses. Fainting once was enough for one day.

How could one girl cause so much damage?

Releasing a sign, he fell back onto the duvet, staring at the dull ceiling.

And that wasn't even the worst of it.

"So, let your friend know that it won't affect your friendship – that you don't see them any different, that it doesn't change anything."

There was only one flaw in Ladybug's advice.

He did see Marinette differently. And it did change everything.

Safe to say, Adrien's weekend had been torturous. Between school work and constant thoughts of Marinette, having your vital signs monitored every three hours wasn't exactly refreshing. And although his father still expected him to maintain his Chinese and fencing lessons, the absence of photoshoots and anything else concerning publicity of Gabriel Agreste's brand left Adrien's house-arrest feeling rather stretched out. Especially considering his latest revelation had done nothing but plague his mind.

He was completely powerless.

The amount of times he'd pondered paying Marinette a visit during his patrols, only for his common sense to hinder any action of it, had begun to give him quite the headache.

He needed to speak to Marinette as Adrien. Chat Noir would probably complicate things a lot more than they already were. Plagg's enthusiasm surrounding that particular idea swayed Adrien even further.

Meanwhile, Marinette, determined not to be distracted by boys, remained focused on her studies, achieving quite a satisfactory goal. It was only during breaks when she allowed herself to envision some new clothing designs – which disappointedly left her pencil poised over a blank page as Adrien Agreste filtered in and out of her head. It wasn't her fault she'd been thinking about him. It was natural for her to worry; her friend had fainted. The second she'd finished her test on Friday afternoon to read a text from Alya about the news, she may have slightly panicked, prompting her check on him in the quickest way she could think of. Of course, she needed a convincing reason for Ladybug to visit, hence the cupcake.

But what could've possibly caused him to faint?

Not to mention what he spoke to Ladybug about. What could Adrien have discovered that troubled him so much? Perhaps he'd figured out Nino was Carapace? It seemed plausible.

Were the two situations even related?

Probably not.

Either way, even with her designing process in shambles for the time being, Marinette dismissed any thoughts of the blonde model.

The two superheroes had to wait for Monday.

Monday eventually arrived.

Marinette was almost late.

And Adrien was overcome with nerves as he watched her hurry onto school grounds, attempting to calm her puffing breaths and nearly tripping over the courtyard's threshold with flailing arms. He couldn't help a fond smile form on his lips as she righted herself and strolled along as if nothing had happened.

"You seriously have to stop zoning out, Bro," Nino sighed, "I keep thinking you're going to faint again."

Drawing his attention back his friend beside him, Adrien laughed with unease, "Sorry, Nino. What were you saying?"

Nino continued with the conversation and Adrien tried, he really did, to pay attention. It's not his fault the girl currently scampering across the quad was cute as hell. She kept her back straight, almost rigid, with her chin held tight as she focused on her path. Adrien was just beginning to deflate, thinking he might not get a chance to speak to Marinette this morning – she seemed to be on a mission – until she dared a glance in his direction and met his gaze.

He lifted his hand in a wave – and watched as she squeaked out a short gasp, hunching her shoulders as she shot her eyes to the ground and hurried off towards the locker rooms. She shot Alya a quick 'Good Morning' as she passed before slipping inside.

"Sorry, Nino," Adrien said, not comprehending that his friend had in fact stopped speaking the last minute or so, choosing to watch Adrien flounder at the sight of Marinette. "I'll catch up with you in class," the model darted off.

Nino sighed as his friend slipped into the locker room. It was about time he realised. If only Adrien had waited just a few more months. As if knowing his exact thoughts, Alya appeared at his side.

"You owe me ten bucks," she proclaimed with a smug grin.

"I'll shout you lunch."

Nino loved Adrien, but his friend was so unbelievably blind when it came to love.

"It's a date," Alya agreed as they headed towards their first class of the day, the bell was due to ring soon.

Perhaps it was a good thing Adrien realised sooner than Nino bet. He tried not to flush at her words. She pretended not to notice.

Okay. This is fine. Everything's fine, Marinette breathed as she focused on opening her locker. She turned the dial too far, missing the correct number.

It's not a big deal. You visited him as Ladybug once. You cried. You then preceded to kiss him while he slept. You then visited him again. And flirted with him!

She stopped on the wrong one again.

No. That wasn't flirting. Wasn't even close. You don't even know how to flirt.

That was true. She relaxed just enough to unlock her locker. She sighed in relief.

Damn her past self! Damn her impulsive Ladybug self! What seemed like a promising idea at the time now left her feeling stupid and embarrassed.

But it was a good idea. And she didn't regret any of it. She threw her books sloppily into her locker.

Shut up, Marinette told herself. It was stupid thing for a superhero to do, getting to know a civilian – even if she was already friends with the civilian! Master Fu wouldn't approve, Tikki only teased her because she was already stressed about it. And Chat… She didn't want to think what Chat would say.

"When I'm not in uniform."

A book slipped out of her locker and she tossed it irritably back in.

Idiot.

She took a deep breath. She'd already accepted her love for Adrien wasn't going to be requited. She'd accepted that and she was letting it go, slowly but surely. Marinette wasn't going to fluster and stew. Adrien had offered friendly advice to Ladybug and Ladybug had done the same. Adrien was just her friend.

And she could act normally around a friend.

Another book tumbled from her locker and she hastily threw it back in.

Only to cause another to slip. And another. And another.

Rapidly shoving the books back inside, Marinette slammed her locker her shut to prevent an avalanche of literature from cascading around her. Releasing a heavy groan, Marinette thumped her head against the door of her locker in exasperation. Today was going to be harder than she thou–.

"Hey, Marinette!"

With a scream, Marinette almost somersaulted to the floor, her arms flailing as she jumped backwards, slipping on the hardwood floors. Without hesitation, Adrien leapt forward, grabbing the girl's arm and pulling her upright before she crashed to the ground.

"Sorry!" Adrien winced, "I didn't mean to scare you."

Looking at him with wide eyes, Marinette felt any coherent response slipped from her brain. Her resolution and emphasis on treating Adrien as any other friend seemed to be completely betrayed by her body. It practically laughed at her brain in mockery. With her mouth opening and closing like a fish out of water, Marinette finally realised how close the boy was. And God, was he close. Her skin burned from his gentle grip on her arm and blood rushed to her cheeks when she sensed his other arm wrapped tightly around her waist, holding her up from the fall.

Just like he'd held her close last week.

An inch closer and their entire bodies would be entirely pressed together.

Yep, the universe really wanted to laugh at Marinette this week.

And he was just looking at her like nothing was wrong.

Letting out a somewhat garbled yelp, the girl hauled Adrien from whatever trance he was in. With one glance at his own arms, he lurched backwards, arms jolting to his sides in tight fists while Marinette stood with flushed cheeks, gazed glued to the ground.

"Umm," she croaked before clearing her throat. Everything was fine. "Good morning," she said.

The tension in Adrien shoulders released slightly. "Good morning, Marinette."

She could do this.

Taking a deep breath, she offered a friendly smile, "Good morning." Half a minute passed before her eyes shot open, "Uh, I mean um," she stuttered, "H-how was your weekend, A-Adrien?"

Never so much as blinking at her mistake, Adrien replied, "It was alright. How was yours?"

"It was good."

"That's good."

Marinette shuffled awkwardly. "How are you feeling?" she asked and when Adrien blinked at her questionably, she elaborated, "Alya told me what happened on Friday."

Despite already seeing him as Ladybug, the superheroine couldn't exactly ask how he was after a fainting spell, she wasn't supposed to know.

"Oh," his eyebrows raised slightly before giving a light shrug, "the doctor said I was fine, probably just overwhelmed. Stood up too fast, you know?"

"Hmm," Marinette gave a reluctant nod. It wasn't quite the answer she wanted. She bit her lip, "You are feeling okay though, aren't you?"

One part of her brain believed herself it was perfectly normal to be worried about a friend's wellbeing. Another part laughed at the thought of 'friend'.

Adrien seemed to be stunned for a few seconds before giving her warm smile, "Yeah, I'm feeling pretty good now, thank you, Marinette."

They both fell silent and Marinette began to wonder if she could truly say goodbye to her long-time feelings for the boy before her when he gave her kind and appreciative smiles like that. Especially now that she knew the feeling of having his arms around her, twice this time.

She really needed to get her head together.

"Marinette," Adrien began, "I wanted to talk to you about something. It's important."

"What is it?"

She felt her heart rate pick up again but before he could even get one word out, he was cut off by the morning bell, signalling class was starting. Silently praying it wasn't too important, Marinette thought about suggesting they both head to class but Adrien spoke before she could.

"Are you free at lunch?" he blurted out quite loudly.

Marinette gulped at his question. A month ago, she would've collapsed at the assumption he was asking her on a lunch date. But no, she needed to remain calm and not go jumping to conclusions. Adrien was her friend. He probably just wanted to hang out with a friend. Alya and Nino probably wanted to have lunch just the two of them.

Yes, that was it.

"Can we work on our history essay together?"

Or not.

Close enough.

Friends studied together.

And Marinette did need to extra time for that assignment.

So, assuring herself this was what good friends did – and she being a good friend was the plan to moving forward – Marinette simply nodded her head, "That sounds great."

Adrien let a heavy breath, the tension in his shoulders releasing. "Okay," he said, turning to the locker room exit, "We should probably head to class."

"Yes," Marinette exclaimed, scurrying to walk beside her friend. "Good idea."

"Do you need your books?" Adrien asked, noticing her missing school bag and empty hands.

Meanwhile Marinette was instantly met with an image of her opening her locker in front of Adrien, before being pummelled to the ground by a tsunami of textbooks. That wasn't something she wanted anyone to see, not even Alya.

Instead she swung open the door into courtyard, declaring, "Nope, I'm good."

She missed the affectionate gaze that grew on Adrien's face as she misleadingly headed to their morning class with confidence.

Of all things, why did he ask to work on their history essay?

Why?

There weren't any major complications with his idea, except for the fact that he already completed the assignment over his work-free weekend. So now, after a lengthy half day of torture, Adrien sat somewhat rigid across from Marinette as she scrawled information from her textbook into her notebook – one glance at her paper and he'd confirmed her handwriting was identical to the note Ladybug had left him, as if he hadn't examined it for hours on end – whilst pretending to be entirely invested in the mere two sentences he could remember from his paper.

Supposing he could've fetched homework from a different class from his bag, the boy decided firmly against it. He had asked if they could work together on their history essay, he didn't want to be rude. Besides he didn't need anything distracting him from his plan.

The plan that he so famously botched this morning.

You had one job, Agreste.

He had to tell her.

He wanted to before class but he'd been so incredibly unprepared. Running after her into the locker room, Adrien intended to come clean. But the second she'd tripped, then he lunged, then she blushed – argh, the plan was muddled before he could even say Ladybug.

But not this time.

He was going to tell her. She deserved to know that he knew, especially after the advice she'd kindly given him. It wouldn't be fair if he didn't tell her.

Marinette would understand, he was sure of it.

Now, all he had to figure out was what to say… Because the last fifteen minutes – which felt like ten hours to him – he'd spent with his chin propped on his palm, rolling his pen between his thumb and forefinger, as he observed the marvel before him. A marvel whose signature pigtails were worn a little looser than usual today. Whose pink lip gloss matched the simple shirt she wore, contrasting against her amazingly, magical blue eyes.

"Adrien?"

Eyes that were staring straight at him.

The number of times Adrien Agreste had been caught off guard today by his own brain was reaching world-record territory.

"I'm sorry, Marinette," he imitated a perfect reaction, "What were you saying?"

The girl bit her lip – a minute action that almost killed the boy – as she focused on her notebook, murmuring, "I only said that it's okay if you have somewhere else to be," before looking back up and meeting his gaze.

"Oh," he straightened his shoulders a bit, assuming she'd noticed his internal dilemma, "No, I don't have anywhere to be. What makes you think that?"

"Well, you haven't said much," Marinette then released a shallow breath, gesturing to his notebook with her pen, "And you've only written five words."

Another, "Oh," slipped from Adrien's lips as he saw what he'd actually written.

History stuff.

More history stuff.

Guess he couldn't remember anything from his history essay.

And there wasn't much he could say now to get him out of this one, he'd just have to act like a complete history moron.

He rubbed the back of his neck, "Marinette, you see, the thing is…"

"Did Alya ask you to do this?" her soft words cut him off.

He stilled at her suddenly quiet demeanour, shoulders slightly hunched and lips pursed. "Why would Alya ask me to study with you?"

The second the girl before him deflated with a sigh, he knew he'd screwed up. Because he already knew the answer, it initiated the entire ordeal that had been twisting around his brain for the last two days.

"I haven't been doing so well in school lately."

Idiot.

Before he could burst out with a blabbering of apologies, Marinette spoke, "I know she told you I've been struggling lately."

He breathed in deep, replying softly with honesty, "Yeah, she did."

"I'm not angry at her for it," she fiddled with her pen, "And you're one of the smartest in our grade. I really appreciate it, Adrien. But I've caught up on most of my work, so you don't have to be here if you don't want to."

But that was the thing. He did want to be there. He wanted to have lunch with her, he wanted to study with her. He wasn't there out of a favour for Alya. And as much as he wanted to say he didn't mind hanging out with a friend, the words couldn't reach his lips, because he was there for a completely different reason.

He wanted to make ridiculous cat puns around Marinette, her understanding them more than anyone. He wanted to joke with her during their slow classes. He wanted to visit her bakery under the pretence he was after some croissants, both knowing the main reason was to see Marinette. (The pastries were only a bonus).

He just wanted to be with her.

"Alya didn't ask me to help you," his voice came out low but firm.

He needed to tell her.

Marinette looked at him with wide questioning eyes and he almost faltered. "I mean, she did," he shook his head, "but that isn't why…"

Just tell her.

Heaving in a deep breath, Adrien swung his chair around the table's corner so he was sitting directly beside Marinette, who let out a squeak at his sudden movement, before he swivelled around to face her and settling his elbows upon his knees. When he met her gaze, his heart rate picked up, and he almost, almost, felt the need to flounder some random excuse that certainly was not the truth. But he didn't.

Because this was Marinette. And she wasn't looking at him in confusion or annoyance, she was just waiting for him to continue. Adrien wasn't going to hold back this time.

"The thing is, Marinette," he began, words leaving his mouth before he could even think about them, "these last few days I've realised something that I can't believe I never saw and… And well, it's been driving me a little crazy. So crazy, in fact, that when I first found out, I fainted. It wasn't that I doubted it, I couldn't believe that it had been there right in front of my eyes, and I never once took the time to realise. I was such an idiot…"

"You're not-," Marinette began in a whisper but Adrien waved her off.

"Please, I need to get this out. I wanted to tell you this morning but I got distracted," he broke off to let out a shallow laugh, "You distracted me, Marinette."

He paused for a minute, leaving the girl too stunned to even respond. He tried to look into her eyes as much as he could, it seemed the natural thing to do considering where this was going, but he continually glanced down to his fidgeting hands. Any second he would get lost in her eyes, blabber some incoherent nonsense then dart away. Or he'd just straight up kiss her. And although the latter appeared to be the convincing option, Adrien had decided he needed to actually tell the girl. Smacking one on Marinette wouldn't be the best idea.

Chat Noir had confessed his love for Ladybug plenty of times without struggle. So how was this any different? He only needed to confess he knew Marinette was his superhero partner…

Adrien gulped, "What I'm trying to say… What I've been thinking about this entire weekend but can't manage to put into words is that…"

I'm Chat Noir.

"I've been so blinded by myself that I never saw what was right in front of me…"

Marinette, with her lips parted in a silent gasp, turned slightly towards him, a hand falling into her lap which Adrien took the opportunity to reach and grasp into his own. It was warm and comforting and calmed his nerves for now. Marinette didn't flinch, nor so much as break a flush, too enthralled by his words and closeness to even stutter a response.

"… My mind was solely focused on one thing that I only ever saw half of the truth. And the truth is… I should've said this so long ago that I hate myself for finally saying it now."

Adrien squeezed her hand a little tighter and inched his chair ever so closer. "The truth is…"

I'm Chat Noir and I know you're Ladybug.

That's what he'd been meaning to say, that's what he'd always planned to say – what he'd practiced in his bathroom mirror at home. But something entirely different was coming from his mouth. He couldn't stop himself, and he didn't want to.

He was completely captivated by her. Everything else seemed to fall around him. There was no library. There were no books, there were no students. There was no miraculouses – no Ladybug and Chat Noir. It was just Adrien and Marinette.

"The truth is, Marinette," he met her eyes and found it impossible to glance away. His voice barely reached a whisper but she could hear every syllable, loud and clear, "I lov-."

"Akuma!"

The library door crashed open, Adrien and Marinette jumping in their seats from the commotion. A frazzled student stood in the open doorway, a phone in his hand as he scurried towards another group of students, shouting information about the latest akuma villain, including, conveniently, its location. Everyone in the library gathered their things with an exasperated groan and began to head to the gymnasium – a new emergency practice established to secure the students safety.

Instantly, Marinette shot up from her seat, nearly knocking Adrien over in the process, her hand slipping from his.

"I need to go," she murmured without a moment hesitation, scurrying towards the exit, leaving behind a dazed Adrien.

Barely moving a few steps, the girl seemed to jump in her place, startled out of nowhere. Spinning back around, she met Adrien's floundering gaze.

"The bathroom," she practically shouted at him, "I need to go to the bathroom. I'll- I'll be right back. I promise."

And she'd darted away before Adrien could even nod his head. His Lady worked fast. Eventually, it was just him, sitting at their temporary study table in a deserted library, as he tried to wrap his head around this latest scenario.

All he seemed to register was that Marinette was gone, and he'd been a second away from confessing.

Confessing what exactly…?

And what had that boy shouted when he barged in?

"Are we going to join her, or not?" Plagg floated up from Adrien's bag on the floor.

The action dragged Adrien back to reality. "Plagg!" his eyes boggled as realisation hit him. "I almost told Marinette I love her!"

"Yes," the kwami seemed unfazed, "it was very sweet. Pigtails might've fainted if you actually got the words out."

The boy ignored that last comment, slumping in his seat with a sigh, "I was so close, Plagg."

"I know, kid," Plagg began, trailing off when a loud thundering crash echoed through the city, sending a slight tremor thought the school. "I think you'd better wait until this is over to mope."

Adrien, bringing himself down from the clouds, stood up with a new determination. "Plagg, claws out!"

Some Ladrien and Adrinette for part three!

Again, thank you to everyone that fav/follow this story, and thank you to those readers that left reviews, I read every one and I loved them so much.

I just finished editing the next chapter (part four, the final one) and it reached just past 8k words soooo it's gonna be a lil longer than these last ones.

Anyway, I hope you enjoyed! Let me know what you think!