Chat Noir's bright green eyes sparkled as he gave her a devilish grin.

"Alright, princess," he said, "You don't have to tell me."

"Thank you," she answered, happy that he wasn't going to press her more although she could tell he wanted to. "As I was saying, give yourself time and give Ladybug some space."

"Time. Space." he repeated. "And how am I supposed to do that when we are a crime-fighting team? It's not like I can call off akuma attacks until my feelings are sorted out."

He had a valid point and Marinette pondered how to best help her friend. Even though his cheesy puns and constant flirting annoyed her, Marinette had become close friends with Chat Noir. She wanted the best for him, but she also knew that growing tension between them was beginning to take a toll on their effectiveness as a team.

Just today, their emotions had gotten the better of both of them. They had almost lost the battle; leading to Ladybug's extreme reaction to Chat's advances. Chat was right, however. It wasn't like they could stop saving Paris just to give him time and her space.

"Just...focus on the job," she said at last. "Show up, fight the akuma, and then leave. No funny business."

Chat Noir nodded, but Marinette noticed that he was frowning.

"What's wrong," she asked softly.

"It's just...Ladybug is my best friend. And the only time I get to see her is when we are fighting. It's not like I can call her when she is out of her suit. I never know when I'll get to see her again. It's...it's…"

"The only time you get to hang out," Marinette finished for him with a sudden understanding. "Don't...don't you have other friends?"

"Well, yeah, but…" Marinette waited patiently as Chat seemed to struggle with the words. He jumped off the railing and began pacing the small balcony. "Ladybug...I can be myself around Ladybug."

"And you can't be like that around your friends?"

"Yes, and no. You see...this mask...it gives me a freedom I don't have in my civilian life. And I like who I am with it on."

"But you only get to be like that around her," Marinette closed her eyes and she took in what her partner was saying. While he did have strong, romantic feelings towards her, there was also a deep need for her friendship. Balancing both, however, was the problem.

Suddenly, her eyes flew open as she landed upon the most brilliant idea. Marinette quickly thought through all the details before saying anything, but she couldn't find a reason why this wouldn't work. Sure, it might be a little risky, but she would take precautions.

"Then be my friend!" she blurted. "You can come to hang out with me Chat Noir."

Chat's eyes met her's and she could see the shock behind the bright green color.

"You...you mean that? We can be friends? And...I can be Chat around you? You don't mind being friends with someone that you don't know? I mean, who you don't know outside the mask?"

Marinette shrugged; she was already friends with him, but she couldn't tell him that.

"Why not?" she asked. "Besides, you're the hero of Paris. You've even saved me a time or two. The least I can do is be your friend."

Chat's face broke out into a wide smile and he rushed to her, pulling her into a tight hug.

"Thank you, Marinette!" he cried, "Thank you so much!"