"I gotta say," Cat Noir laughed as the waves of red cleaned the fight scene, "These akumas are getting ridiculous."
Ladybug nodded with a chuckle, pulling her yoyo back in and attaching it to her waist.
"You okay, though?" She asked, checking his face. The red waves seemed to clean it, but it never hurt to check, "You took a pretty hard hit back there."
It was true, he took a brutal hit to the face to protect Ladybug. She was torn- part of her was thankful for his shield, the other half was furious for letting himself get hurt.
"As long as you're safe, Ladybug, I'm fine," He grinned, and Marinette saw the genuineness in that smirk.
"I'm serious," She sighed, patting his shoulder gently, "You need to be careful, alright?"
"I am," Cat nodded, removing her hand and giving it a kiss.
"If you say so," Ladybug rolled her eyes, taking her hand back, "But I don't see how you can be reckless and careful at the same time."
"I'm special," Cat smirked, waving at himself dramatically to frame his words. His glorious effect was dulled as his ring beeped.
"I'll see you later, then" Ladybug laughed, but before she turned away she put her hand on Cat's arm.
"But seriously," She started, "Thank you."
Cat's typical snarky grin faded into an honest smile, and he nodded quickly.
"Always happy to be of service!" And with that, his snarky grin returned, and he rushed away.
The next day, Marinette sat at her desk, sighing loudly.
"What's wrong?" Alya asked, walking up and sitting next to her.
As an answer, Marinette held up the quiz she just received.
"Ouch…" Alya whispered, seeing Marinette's grade. Marinette was usually a pretty high B student.
Usually.
"What'd you get?" Nino asked, as he and Adrien turned out.
Alya checked the paper that was upside down on her desk, and shrugged.
"82," She answered, "And you guys?"
"75," Nino shrugged, "Meh."
"I got a 96." Adrien answered, in a quiet voice so he didn't sound like he was bragging.
"Man, that is so unfair. I studied and everything!" Marinette whined, resting her head on the desk.
"Sounds like you need a tutor. This is the second bad grade you've gotten recently in this class," Alya reminded.
"I am not paying for a tutor," Marinette shot back quickly, crossing her arms.
"I'll help you for free, if you want," Adrien offered quickly, slightly raising his hand.
"I don't want to be a bother…" Marinette waved her hand dismissively.
"No, it's fine!" Adrien shook his head, "It'll help me study, too."
"Are you sure?" Marinette double checked, and smiled at Adrien's nod.
Later, after school, the four of them stood outside together.
"Thank you again, Adrien, you're a huge help!" Marinette thanked happily.
"Don't worry about it, you're my friend!" He replied with a grin, "Besides, I'm always happy to be of service."
He and Nino laughed together, and Marinette blinked for a moment.
Hmm… I recognize that.