Chapter 7

...

Saturday morning Alya rushed over to Marinette's house to hang out.

"How was your date?" Marinette asked. She really liked Alya and Nino together.

"It was nice but I have some bad news for you." Alya said. Her face was serious and worried Marinette. They weren't breaking up were they?

"You know how you get starry eyed and dreamy about Adrien? Well, last night we ran into him and he was dreamy about someone."

"He was?" Marinette asked.

"It was Ladybug. I'm so sorry Mari! But I thought you should know and I hope it helps to hear it from a friend." Alya said quickly, bracing herself for a break down.

"Adrien has a crush on Ladybug?" She repeated. Wow. This was good. Adrien's story last night convinced their friends so they didn't suspect that the boy was actually dating her super hero alter ego. And Alya expected her to be upset.

Marinette was just working herself up to some hysterics for show for her friend when her mother called up the stairs.

"Girls, I don't think you'll be able to go shopping today."

"Why not? I was hoping to buy a zipper and trim for the dress I'm making." Marinette went to her trap door to look at her mom.

"There's a monster wreaking havoc in the streets. You aren't going anywhere until Ladybug and Cat Noir take care of him." Sabine said.

"One of Hawkmoth's villains? I've got to go get some footage for the Ladyblog!" Alya said excitedly as she began running down the stairs. "Talk to you later!"

Marinette and her mom exchanged looks and a shrug. They were used to Alya' s behavior by now. Marinette disappeared up into her room as her mom went back down to the shop. Once safe and alone in her room, Marinette called Tikki from her hiding spot.

"You heard mom: we have work to do. Tikki, spots on!"

A moment later Ladybug leapt from the rooftop garden in search of the akumatized villain. She found him fighting in the street with Cat Noir who was jumping and dodging all around in a black blur.

"Come here little kitty and let me put you in a box!" The villain bellowed as he waved a hand and sent planks of wood shooting toward Cat Noir which then tried to assemble themselves around him. Cat used his baton to sweep them away and leaped into the air after his opponent. Ladybug quickly surveyed the area from a rooftop and saw several wooden boxes and crates randomly placed along the sidewalk and street. Muffled yells and pounding came from the boxes and she knew exactly what was going on.

"Submit to The Carpenter!" The villain yelled at Cat Noir while Ladybug swooped in.

"Where's the akuma?" Ladybug asked, foregoing any greeting.

"Hello to you too My Lady. I think it's in his hand saw. Apparently someone didn't like the work they commissioned from this guy." Cat answered as they spun their weapons to create a shield against the flying planks of wood.

"Let's get it then. You know the drill." She said.

"I'll distract him so you can get close enough to grab the saw. Done. Just be careful." Cat said as he stared down his opponent. Ladybug glanced at him. He had been acting more protective of her lately.

They sprang into action and Cat Noir successfully drew the Carpenter's attention but Ladybug became momentarily distracted by a small girl who ran into the area. She ushered the child away and didn't notice as some boards were sent flying straight for her. Cat saw and ran as fast as he could in her direction. He pushed her out of the way at the last second, becoming encased in a box himself.

Ladybug somersaulted when she was pushed and was horrified to see Cat become trapped in the box meant for her. She grit her teeth together and sent her yo-yo flying to hit the Carpenter and knock him off balance. A loud sound drew her attention and Cat emerged from the remains of the splintered box. His baton was extended to each side, having blown out the sides of the wooden box. He quickly took stock of her and the villain and jumped back into the action.

Just a few minutes later Ladybug was throwing her lucky charm into the air and cleansing everything. People all along the street were released from boxes and peace was restored. Cat handed the repaired saw to a confused man who was holding his head.

"You should get this back to your shop." Cat suggested kindly.

"Ok." The man agreed and walked away.

Cat Noir turned to Ladybug and held out his fist to bump.

"Pound it." They said in unison.

"You guys are such a great team!" Alya said as she crossed the street toward them. "Can I get a quote for the Ladyblog? Your fans want to hear from you." She held her phone up to record the heroes reaction.

"We'll always be here to keep Paris safe." Cat Noir said with a grin and wave.

"Thanks!" Alya stopped recording and put her phone down. "Off the record, I've always liked the idea of you two together. But I guess that's not the case if Ladybug is having dinner with other guys."

Cat's smile dropped. He had wanted to talk to her about almost getting boxed in. He didn't expect Alya to bring up the date.

"Oh. He was just thanking me for helping him." Ladybug answered, clearly surprised as well.

"Who was thanking you?" Cat Noir pretended ignorance.

Ladybug's earrings beeped and she held in a sigh of relief.

"I better go. We can talk later." Ladybug said. Cat followed her as she hurried away from Alya and the public eye. He landed beside her on a rooftop and gave an exaggerated wipe to his forehead.

"That was close huh?" He said and smiled.

"What?"

"Don't let her get to you." Cat Noir's ring beeped. "Lots of people have theories about us. Were you with that guy you like?" He guessed.

"I was."

"Good. See you next time My Lady." He bowed slightly and vaulted off the rooftop and out of site.

Marinette's costume faded away and she was left confused. She handed Tikki a cookie from her purse and sat in thought while she waited for her kwami to recharge. What was Cat up to? Was he really okay with all this? It was a relief to have his support. His past comments had lead her to believe he would have a problem with her dating so this was good news.

Once Tikki was recharged Marinette transformed again and made a quick detour to see Adrien. It had been strange to leave their date the way she did but with an audience she didn't have much choice.

She landed on the open windowsill and scanned his room. Adrien was laying on his bed with an arm slung over his eyes.

"Mind if I come in for a moment?" She asked.

Adrien sat up fast, his face breaking into a happy smile.

"Of course not! Come in!" He got up and met her in the middle of the room.

"I can't stay long, but I don't like how we left things."

"What else could we do? I couldn't exactly kiss you goodnight in front of Nino and Alya." Adrien said.

"No. But I didn't get to tell you how much I liked the date." She stepped closer so she could wrap her arms around his waist for a hug. "Thank you for doing all that for me. For us."

"I'd do anything for you Ladybug." He said and bent his head to kiss her. They hugged and she leaned her head against his shoulder, sighing in happiness at being with him. She really could stay like this all day if she had the choice.

Reluctantly she pulled away a little. "I have to go. There are things I need to get done - I'm getting behind on my homework thanks to Hawkmoth."

"That is a problem. Maybe I should help you find and defeat him so he can't ruin our time together." He offered.

"I wish it were that easy." She gave him one more quick kiss. "I'll come again during the week. I don't think I can get away again this weekend."

"We really need to work out a way to contact each other. Are you sure you can't give me your phone number?" He asked with a hopeful smile. Of course he knew she couldn't, but it didn't hurt to let her know he wanted it.

She shook her head and laughed a little. "Someday I hope I can." She said as she backed up to the open window.

"Really?" He asked in surprise.

"You're the first one who has made me want to tell my secret no matter the consequence. Maybe that should scare me, but I trust you." She perched on the ledge.

"I love you." Adrien said. He joined her at the window, bracing his hands on the panes on either side of her.

"I love you too." She leaned down for one last quick peck to his lips. And then she jumped away.

...

Marinette spent Sunday afternoon trying to catch up on some school assignments. That was interrupted by another akuma attack. She didn't allow herself any detours this time. She didn't have the time. When she got home afterward she had dinner with her parents and stayed up trying to get more work done. It wasn't enough to complete everything though. She had all but one assignment completed and she resolved to stay after school to finish.

Monday morning came much too quickly for Marinette and she struggled to stay awake during school. At last the school day ended with no unexpected emergencies. She went to library and sat at the farthest table where it was quiet and she could focus. She pulled out the final unfinished assignment and her book to get to work.

...

Adrien heard a muffled noise and caught movement out of the corner of his eye. He was studying in the library after school, one of very few people left inside this time of day. Like Ladybug, some of his studying had been derailed by Hawkmoth's frequent attacks this week and he was playing catch up.

At the next table over he saw Marinette twitch as she lay slumped over a textbook, clearly fallen asleep while studying as well. Her mouth opened but no sound came out, her face cringed, and her fingers twitched. Whatever she was dreaming seemed pretty intense.

"Nooo." A low moan escaped her lips and he felt bad. It must be a nightmare. He knew how awful it could be to be trapped in a dream like that and decided to wake her. She would probably thank him.

Adrien glanced around and saw they were alone. No one else was around to notice Marinette's situation. He stood and went to her side, gently laying a hand on her shoulder to wake her.

Marinette tensed under his hand and yelped as if burned. Her eyes snapped open and she sat up fast. She looked up at him wide eyed and clearly frightened.

"Adrien!" She gasped. Quicker than he'd ever imagined Marinette could move she bolted out of her chair and hugged him tight.

"It's okay." He soothed as he awkwardly returned her hug. "It was only a bad dream." He patted her back reassuringly.

"Adrien." She said in relief and with so much tenderness. She nuzzled against his neck for a moment before resting her head against his shoulder to explain. He froze under this unexpected affection and thought of his girlfriend. He hoped she would understand when he told her the first chance he got.

"I was having the nightmare again, only this one lasted longer. I got to the ground next to you after Volpina dropped you and all I could do was hold your broken body. It was awful! You wouldn't wake up. I thought I lost you forever." She lifted her face and began peppering his neck and jawline with kisses. "I love you so much. Please don't leave me." She begged.

Adrien was speechless for a moment. What was happening?

Marinette strained in his arms, rising on her toes to reach him better as she continued kissing toward his lips. She was talking like Ladybug... the same dream

"Marinette?" He squeaked out.

She froze. She seemed to come to her senses and allowed him to pull away from her a little. He looked down into her shocked, wide eyes. She let go of him and her hands flew to cover her mouth. She stared at him, still inside the circle of his arms.

"What were you dreaming?" He asked in a quiet voice.

"I...I'm Sorry. I'm not supposed to..." Marinette stepped backward out of his arms. She turned to the table and put her hands down to steady herself. She looked straight down, breathing fast and panicked.

The pieces all slid together in his mind. She wasn't supposed to tell him her secret, just like he couldn't tell her. But she was the same girl and some things bled over into your normal life no matter how hard you tried to keep them separate. Like how Marinette got flustered and stuttered around him. She must have liked him all along, just like he liked Ladybug and didn't pay attention to other girls. It all made sense. She had to be...

"Ladybug?" He ventured.

She closed her eyes and composed herself. Then she stood up straight and faced him.

"I'm sorry I lied to you. No one is supposed to know who I am. I haven't even told my parents." And even in this confession he saw his lady - in her strength and resolve.

"I know. I wasn't trying to find out your identity. I just felt bad when I saw you having a bad dream. I'd want someone to wake me." He explained.

"Are you angry?"

He shook his head. "Not at all. I understand." He studied her for a moment and reached a hand up to cup her cheek. His fingertips then gently brushed back to her ear and touched the plain earring there.

"I can't believe it was you the whole time and I never noticed. I've been in love with Ladybug since the first day I fought by her side and I didn't pay attention to anyone else." He said.

Then he held up his hand in front of her face and she focused on his silver ring. It took a moment but then her eyes began to widen again.

"And maybe you were too focused on me to notice him." He suggested.

"Cat." She whispered.

"I didn't like keeping it from you but," he shrugged, "I know how important it is to you to protect our identities and I've always tried to respect that even though I've been dying to know who you are."

"Are you serious?" She asked in disbelief.

Adrien grasped the edge of his white over shirt and pulled it aside to reveal a small black ball hidden inside. The ball opened two large green eyes.

"This is my kwami Plagg. Cat's out of the bag." He threw in the pun for good measure.

Marinette reached to the small purse at her side and opened it. Inside Adrien could see something small and red. It moved to the opening of the bag and smiled up at him.

"Tikki." Marinette supplied.

"Nice to meet you." Adrien nodded at the kwami. Then he looked at Marinette again. This day had gone in a completely unexpected direction.

"Well, I guess there's just one thing we should do now." He said.

Her eyes snapped to his and she looked worried. "What's that?" She asked. It sounded like she was afraid of whatever he was going to say, clearly expecting the worst.

He grinned at her in true Cat Noir fashion as he leaned a little closer and held out his hand.

"Will you join me for dinner this evening? I think it's time we went on a proper date."

Marinette relaxed and returned his smile as she placed her hand in his. "I would love that. It seems we have a lot to talk about."

"Yes it does, but first things first." Adrien pulled Marinette closer and kissed her.

...

AN: This was a big one! what did you think?