**NOTES**
Hey guys sorry I wasn't able to get it to you within a
week, it still isn't quite done but I thought you deserved
something for being so patient and great so I decided to
split this chapter into two parts!
Thanks for reading, following, and leaving reviews you guys
are the best!
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Ladybug rolled just in time as a slime ball flew above her head splattering on the brick wall behind her, while the sewer monster that was flinging the green goo prattled on about how people should be kinder to their coworkers.
"Hello My Lady." Her trusty partner said landing next her.
She was surprised to feel her heart beat a little faster, but she knew she had to focus, people were relying on her. "Well hello kitty, what took you so long?" She said flashing him a smile.
He couldn't breathe, his heart stopped at her smile, but then a slim ball splattered him across the face knocking him down.
"That is what you get for not paying attention" she said Laughing at him and sending a quick flirty wink before dodging another ball of goo.
He smiled and leapt to his feet pulling out his baton "That's not going to help anything." He said as he hit a ball like a baseball making it fly right into the slime monsters eye.
"Nice shot." Ladybug commented her hand landing on her hip. The Akuma let out a large gurgling noise that was supposed to be a roar of some type and started to charge right towards them.
"Shall we My Lady?" He asked bowing gesturing to the creature
"We Shall, Lucky Charm." She shouted and flew her yo-yo towards the sky. Looking up she noticed just in time that the lucky charm had turned into a giant freezer. She quickly jumped towards Chat landing on top of him while the freezer smashed into that ground behind them. She looked down at the boy beneath her she noted that his whole face had become bright red, he looked frozen solid. "What's the matter kitty? Cat got your tongue?" she said leaning in a little closer, there it was again the electricity crackling through her. She tensely jumped to her feet, to assess how an industrial sized freezer was supposed to help her out.
Chat didn't take too long to stand up and assist his Lady, and it didn't take her long before she turned to him with a glint in her eye that told him she had a plan. "We got to get that slime guy in this freezer, and make sure he stays there. I need you to distract him until everything is ready."
"Anything for you." He said and bounded away to entertain the akuma
Everything was going as planed "Chat I'm ready!" she yelled from around a corner in an alley. He made a sharp turn and jumped behind the freezer where they propped their arms up ready to push their weight against it and knock it over. They felt a thud when he ran straight into it and trapped him with ease watching it fall to the assfault. With matching congratulatory grins they hoped on top of the magical item and waited for their opponent to freeze
"So Ladybug when are you thinking we should do our weekly patrol?" he asked casually draping his arm around her. To his delight she didn't remove it and he even noted the pink that glowed from her cheeks.
"Hmm I don't know, I got a lot going on this weekend… how about Sunday?"
He was beaming as he looked down at her and the cute way her lips puckered when she was thinking "sounds lovely, when and where?"
"Um 5pm on top of the Arc de Triomphe?"
"Puuurrfect." He said moving a little closer to her, his eyes had never left her lips. When she saw where he was looking as he got closer she froze Adrien! Remember Adrien? The guy you are about to go out on a casually outing with today! But she still wasn't moving, what she was remembering was what Chat breath tasted like and how soft his lips felt on her hand. Earth to Marinette; don't forget about the boy you have loved for years! ADRIEN! She was finally snapped out of her flustered state by the beeping of her earrings, and was quick to place her gloved hand on his lips and slowly push him away.
"Not now, you sly cat we still have work to do."
"Of course being a hero to Paris is my first priority, but are you implying there will be a later?" he asked raising his eyebrows giving her a big cocky grin.
"I'm not implying anything, now let's check on our sticky situation" She said jumping off the freezer. They lifted up the freezer, opened the door allowing the frozen Akuma to fall with a thud, they watched as his construction hat fell off and rolled down the alley.
"Allow me." Chat said sauntering over to the hat "Cataclysm!"He said as he picked it up watched it crumple to dust. The black butterfly flew past his head and he watched the love of his life snap the evil out of the air and turn it pure white. He looked towards her, she was like an angel silhouetted by the light and wearing a triumphant smile.
"See you Sunday kitty." She said as she flew away, leaving her poor Chat Noir more confused and smitten than ever.
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Ladybug landed and detransformed behind the commemorative statue of herself in the park down the street from her house. She slouched against the cold metal, looked to the cloudy sky and placed a hand on her still rapidly beating heart in an attempt to calm it. This thundering was not due to the adrenaline of battle that, she knew. It had started as soon as he landed, and continued to their last exchange, and even to now.
"Marinette are you okay?" Tikki said tiredly from her lap
"I-I think so…" she said hesitantly "I think this new feeling combined with our regular flirting is just going to take some getting used to." She said feeling better as the fall air cooled her face. "Come on Tikki let's get you some food, school should be over soon, and Alya will be on her way any minute." She said shaking her head in an attempt to clear away her thoughts.
Placing Tikki in her small purse she began her walk home in a mild and daze like pace. Her mind was racing how am I going to maintain a professional and still friendly relationship with Chat Noir? How do I tell him "I love someone else but that doesn't mean I don't care for you"? How can I say any of that and keep him just as I have him…
"I can't…" she said out loud taking in the autumn trees and their colorful splendor under the grayscale sky.
What about Adrien? How will this effect what I might have with him? If chooses me, If he likes me back, and we date doesn't he deserve all of my affection and love?
The ringing of the store bells shook her from her guilty thoughts "Welcome home Marinette!" He mother said with a smile "You look like you need a cookie."
"How did you know?" Marinette asked as she grabbed one for herself and two for Tikki.
"Because you always look like you need a cookie." She said as she lovingly pinched her cheek "Plus sweets always comfort you when you're nervous." She said and turned to set the tray down.
"N-nervous why do you think I'm nervous?" Her mind going blank as she tried to think of lies and excuses on why she missed her last period of class.
"Well you got that big date tonight with that nice model boy you like so much."
"MOM! I told you it is not a date! It's a casual outing involving a common interest!" She said remembering what should really be on her mind today.
"So kind of like a date?" She said teasing her daughter and watching her turn red
"No, not like a date, and if you call it a date in front of him I will die and never forgive you."
"Alright sweetie." She said as she rolled her eyes
"Alya will be over soon can you send her up when she gets here?" Marinette said as she climbed the stairs.
"Sure thing" She heard her mother shout back from below
She shut the hatch to her bedroom and handed the cookies to Tikki, as she flew slowly out of her purse and into a comfy spot for a nap. It wasn't long before there was a soft knock and her best friend popped her head up through the floor.
"Hey girl what's up? You nervous?"
"No, why does everyone think I'm nervous? Why would I be nervous? it's just a casual outing involving a common interest!"
"So that's a yes?"
"Yes" she said dropping her head
"Oh girl its gonna be okay, let's talk about what poem you're going to read." She said excitedly climbing up and sitting Marinette desk chair.
Panic shot through her as she remembered the agreement she made with Adrien that afternoon "Oh my god! I totally forgot!" she whined "How am I supposed to write a poem in two hours!"
"Chill girl, I know you, you must have written a love song or something about Adrien at some point. What about that one poem you wrote him on Valentine's day like years ago?"
"What! No, then he will know that I liked him, which will lead to him learning that I currently like him!"
Alya just looked at her like she was stupid "Isn't that the whole point"
"I can't think about that right now or I will start to freak out." She said as she started to pace
"Well I think since we only have a few hours to make you extra adorable, why don't we just use the old poem." Marinette just pouted, and Alya rolled her eyes "you know this is your fault right? If you hadn't agreed to read a poem before him at this slam thing, you wouldn't be in this situation." She said lazily spinning in the chair.
"It was the only way I could get him to read one of his!" she said defensively "I just really wanted to hear his work. This is terrible, tonight was going to be embarrassing enough now I have to read a love poem to him in front of a bunch of strangers."
Alya stood up and grabbed Marinette by the shoulders to stop her frantic pacing and her voice took a softer gentle tone. "Hey, it's going to be okay." She guided her towards the chaise lounge "You have worked so hard to get this far, take a deep breath, you got this."
Marinette followed her instructions and felt the tension leave her shoulders she weakly smiled up at Alya "yeah you're right." She wished in that moment she could tell her everything that was in her head, all her worries, doubts, fears, and guilt. Tell her about a boy with sad eyes, and a charming smile, a boy who was the only one who understands what it feels like to lie to the people you love for their safety.
"Did you see Nino's face when Adrien agreed to read his poem? He looked like he was going stomp away like a jealous girlfriend." Alya said laughing "I can't believe Adrien told you about his poems and never told Nino I thoughts they knew everything about each other. It's pretty cute that, he trusts you that much"
Marinette blushed "I know right."
"All right let's talk outfits, show me what you have been thinking about wearing."
"Okay!" She said running to her closet "I was thinking red because it's his favorite color!" She emerged and did a spin "Well what do you think?"
Alya's jaw droped "I think you look HOT!"
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Notebook after Notebook was filled to the brim with nothing but love poems to ladybug. Not one about a summer day or his lonely life "Ugh Plagg what am I going to do, everyone is going to think I'm some whiny love-struck teenager!"
"Umm they wouldn't be wrong" Plagg answered with a raised eyebrow
"Why do I even bother, you're no help." Adrien said raking his fingers through his hair as he flipped through his 4th notebook.
"Just pick your favorite and go with it, but keep it vague, don't want to upset your princess." He responded tossing a small toy mouse in the air.
"What is that supposed to mean?" he said looking up from his search to glare at the cat god. Plagg just chuckled to himself and bit into the grey material of his toy.
The more Adrien thought about his advice, the more he realized it wasn't all that bad, just pick his favorite, one that he loves. He got up from the couch and grabbed his bag by the desk and pulled out the poem he had written after their encounter earlier that day. "It's simple, but perfect thanks Plagg!" He folded the paper and put it in his jacket, then checked the rest of his pockets for his wallet, phone, and keys.
"Alright buddy lets go, don't want to be late." He said opening his jacket for him to hide in. Adrien walked to the open window not quite closing it behind him as he shimmied down the water pipe and landed sliently on the ground, he didn't need a suite to be his stealthy self. He began the short walk to the bakery with excitement, there was something thrilling in doing something you have always been so afraid of doing. He was happy he had people in his life like Marinette who cared and supported his art even if was just a bunch of cheesy love poems.
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"Okay you guys got to promise to be cool." Marinette said leaning against the glass display case which her mother was now clearing out.
"Oh isn't she cute being all nervous about her first date." Her father said drowsily having just woken up from his afternoon nap to count the bread like he always did.
"It's not a date! It's a-
"A casual outing involving a common interest" Her mother, father, and Alya all said in unison.
Marinette blushed but before she had time to chide them there was a knock on the bakery door. "He's early!" she gasped and shot dark looks to her family and her best friend as a final warning before taking a deep breath and opening the door.
As soon as she had gained her breath it was lost again when she saw him standing there looking as handsome as ever. His sunshine hair was ruffled and unkempt due to the wind, and he was wearing a tan wool coat over a white sweater and blue jeans. What had really taken her aback was the light blue scarf he had draped around his neck, the one she had made for him so many years ago.
He was equally dumbfounded when the bakery door swung open, and he was faced with his irrefutably beautiful best friend. She was in a sleeveless navy dress that made her bluebell eyes pop. Accents of red were everywhere her shoes, her belt, her purse, her scarf, and finally her lips. Which admittedly his eyes lingered on for a moment before he was able to snap out of it "hey Marinette" he said smiling widely.
"Umm h-hey Adrien." She smiled shyly and looked to the ground as she let him in
"Nice scarf." Alya said from behind the counter as Adrien entered the bakery.
"Oh hey Alya, Yeah thanks, it's my favorite" He said then turning to Marinettes parents with a polite and courteous smile "Hello Mr. and Mrs. Dupain-Cheng"
Alya made eyes and sent two thumps up towards Marinette as Adrien exchanged pleasantries with her parents. Marinette made a cutting motion and mouthed be cool, and then quickly changed her focus to make sure her parents weren't embarrassing her.
"Now son, I want her home by 11 not a second later"( good thing too because they totally were) "and I'm only going to say this once, no funny business." Adrien turned back at Marinette and Alya with a very puzzled look before Tom's laugh grabbed his attention back. "I'm just kidding Adrien, you would think after all the times you have been over here the last couple years, you would be able to tell when I was joking!" Adrien let out a nervous laugh and felt himself relax when Tom patted him on the back.
"Adrien would you like a treat?" Sabine asked wearing a gentle smile that matched her daughters "Pick anything left, most of it goes to be sold day old, or we donate it."
"Oh wow! Thanks that so nice." He said as he looked around at all the delicious treats "A few of those Madeleine sounds perfect!"
"Of course!" Sabine said "Good choice, I will go ahead and wrap it up along with Alya's baguettes."
"Thanks Sabine, my mom will be overjoyed to have these with dinner, you know how she raves that you have the best bread in all of Paris." Alya said accepting the bundle of bread and giving the small women a hug from over the counter.
"Oh Alya you're a terrible liar, tell your mom I said hi, and you don't be a stranger."
"Please we couldn't keep her out of this house if we tried." Tom said with big smile as he gave Alya a hug good-bye.
"Bye girl." She said as she reached Marinette and gave her a hug as well, but as she pulled away she was wearing a michivous smirk that said you didn't think it would be that easy. "You know what would be super cool? You should film each other's poems and show them to your parents." Alya said sending a wink to the Dupain-Chengs. Marinette could see a well thought plan being put into action, and felt flames of rage fill her stomach.
"What a great idea Alya!" Tom said in an over the top voice
"No! No I don't think so, this whole thing is going to be embarrassing enough already."
"I'm sorry sweetie but we insist, videos or you don't go." Her mother sounded stern but her smile matched her fellow conspirators.
Marinette's jaw drop at how far they were willing to go she was about to protest again when Adrien interrupted in a panicked voice "We wouldn't mind doing that for you guys at all." He didn't sneak out just to return back to his lonely bedroom.
"Wonderful, thanks Adrien! See sweetie you don't always have to be so stubborn all the time" he said as he gently shook her shoulder and she glared up at him.
"Thanks again bye guys!" Alya said making a speedy exit to avoid her best friend's wrath
"I think it's time we get going." Marinette said heading for the door
"Wait! Don't forget your Madeleines" Sabine said handing the sweet pastries with a warm motherly smile
"Thanks again"
"Hope to see you around more son." Tom said draping his huge arm about his small wife wearing a smile as big as he was.
"Come on Adrien!" Marinette said impatiently from the door frame
"Sorry, coming" he said catching up to her "Bye Mr. and Mrs. Dupain-Cheng" the sound of chimes rang behind them as they walked the windy streets of Paris. Adrien felt warm despite the chill in the air as he held his buttery treat.
"Sorry about them" Marinette said sounding frustrated "they can be so embarrassing."
"Don't worry about it, I like them, they are always so welcoming and nice." He said playfully nudging her shoulder with his own bringing a smile to her bright features.
"Well I'm glad, for the record I think they like you too."
"So where are you taking me this evening, Dollface?" Adrien asked curiously jumping in front of her and walking backwards to face her.
She giggled at the little skip in his step "Wouldn't you like to know, it's a surprise Mr. Model."
"Of course it is" he said rolling his eyes and falling back in stride with her. They continued their walk in a comfortable silence both looking at the fall colors all around them. His mind began to wander to the invention of their silly little nicknames for each other.
It was a very rainy day but they sat cozy and warm in their corner of the library, passing a thermos of ginger tea as they discussed The Great Gatsby.
"I'm just saying they totally talked funny back then." Marinette said in defense of her point.
"What! No way! Come on with stuff like: This ciggy is the cat's pajamas, don't you think ya nifty dame" he argued. Her face was twisted in the most perplexed expression before she began to laugh uncontrollably.
"Was that supposed to be a 1920s American accent?!" she asked when she finally gained her breath
"What you gabbn on about Dollface this is spot on" He said in another lame attempt which only caused another wave of giggles from the raven haired girl.
"Whatever you say Mr. Model" she said in a perfect American accent with a click of a finger gun.
"Oh my gee whiz Dollface! Who knew you had so many talen-" He stopped mid sentence as a realization struck him "Oh my god" he said dropping his fake accent looking at her excitedly "Dollface!"
"What?" Marinette said looking very confused
"You! You are an actual Dollface!"
"huh?"
"You're Marinette like a marionette doll, and your face is pretty like a doll!" He was so excited about how clever he thought he was that he didn't even notice her face flame bright red at his complement.
"That's so dumb." She said covering her face in embarrassment.
"What no! It's so clever, come on I'm funny!"
She shook her head and threw the thermos at him "You're a dork"
He smiled over at her "Well get used to it Dollface cause it looks like you got a new nickname, besides Mr. Model isn't much better!"
"Looks like you have a new nickname as well." She said smugly "Besides I think it's the bee's knees just like you."
"Come on you slow poke!" She insisted waking him from his thoughts "we are almost there!"
He looked around them at the all too familiar streets and it dawned on him where they might be going.
How did she know?
Excitement and anticipation ran though him"Coming" he said running to catch up to her. Soon enough they were standing in front of the Le Petit Café du Monde the very place he had been longing for just a few night ago.