After a quick grab-and-go lunch with Alya and Bubbler, Marinette and Chat were off again. This time, they were heading to the AMV contest as per Chat's request. It was a good way to get a taste for the different animes, games and manga out there, while listening to catchy music. It particularly focused on anime, since it was an AMV or anime music video. However, a few other genres managed to squeeze into the miscellaneous categories and to be all inclusive of the different likes and dislikes of the audience.

They got there early; found seats while the lights were still on, but then when the panel started, the lights went out. Marinette was partially glad of it. Chat couldn't see her blush. This was just like a movie date! They had brought their own food. It was dark like a theater. Is this what Chat thought it was? She sank a little in her seat. It was difficult to focus on the music videos after that. She all but honed in on her sandwich, barely daring to lift her eyes out of the fear she would meet Chat's gaze. Please, please don't be looking at me, she silently thought.

Chat bagged up his trash before draping his arm around the back of Marinette's chair. At least he hadn't faked a yawn to do it. It seemed there were small mercies in this world after all. Regardless, Marinette could feel her heart racing in her chest. She could barely hear the tune to the music. She had gone all but stiff in her seat. She was alone at a con with a boy she barely knew but she was… okay with it? When had her life become this confusing? This strange?

After a few minutes, she found herself relaxing. Chat hadn't tried anything untoward. His arm was just behind the back of her chair. His thumb was moving circles in the fabric of the chair, not touching her. She didn't even think he was aware of what he had just done. She spared a glance at him out of the corner of her eye. He looked so calm now, serene even. He was smiling, like usual, but it was muted, more relaxed and far less smug. She wondered that if he were the real Chat Noir, if he would be purring.

She then looked back at the screen. There was no reason to let him catch her staring at him. He would think something of it, knowing that silly cat the way she did. She couldn't help but smile. The cosplayer at her side was frustrating at times, but she did like him. His company had become something she had grown to enjoy. She let out a slow breath, feeling infinitely calmer than before. After a few moments, she found herself leaning against Chat's side. This really wasn't so bad after all.

Adrien had honestly not been paying attention until after he put his arm around Ladybug. He noticed immediately when she went rigid in her seat, all but locking up. Should he remove his arm? Laugh it off? Heaven help him, she was so warm and he wasn't even really holding her. His wasn't sure but he was pretty sure his heart was beating to the tune of the jpop blaring through the speakers. He couldn't even concentrate on the flashy anime on the screen, something about giant robots or was that three videos ago?

He took a sharp breath when Ladybug relaxed against his side. His eyes flickered down but all he could see was the dark inky strands of hair. The room was far too dim to see her expression, but if he had to hazard a guess, she was happy. So he too went back to ease. He leaned into his chair and Ladybug followed. Her head rested on his shoulder, her back pressed against the side of his chest. This was nice, he realized. Just the two of them chilling out and watching anime. Not like he got to do much of that with Nino since Nino preferred video game characters to anime and only became the Bubbler because Adrien wanted to go with a bad guy.

"Oh my gosh, they're so cute," someone behind him breathed.

"I ship it so hard," another girl whispered.

Adrien could feel the heat on the back of his neck as he fought back a blush. He hoped with everything he had that Ladybug did not hear them. So he turned his head and gave the best glare he could muster. Unfortunately, it was the wrong reaction because the two girls broke into giggles and were gushing to one another. With a roll of his eyes, he turned back ahead but not before glancing at Ladybug again. She gave no indication that she heard them.

Were those girls gushing and giggling because of the costumes? Because they really happened to like Chat Noir and Ladybug together as a couple? As LadyNoir? It wasn't canon in the comics but it was certainly hinted that there were feelings the two comic book heroes held for one another. Or was it that they thought that Adrien and his mystery girl really were a couple? A couple's cosplay? Now that, Adrien realized, he wouldn't have minded so much, if only Ladybug had given any indication of whether or not she liked him just as much as he felt he liked her.

Not knowing was driving the impersonating hero mad. He had to find out eventually. He told himself he would ask for her name by the end of the convention or he would never go to another con again. How could he when he didn't muster up enough strength to ask a pretty girl for her name? Nino had been laughing at him for the past two days. Adrien's pride was on the line, but also, the chance to lose a girl like Ladybug. He was scared she was already seeing someone. What if she thought he was being too forward? What if she didn't like him back?

He sighed and looked down at her again. He supposed, if that were the case, he should just enjoy the time he had with her now; otherwise, he would keep wondering what ifs all weekend and really bum himself out. Unfortunately, like all good things, they must come to an end. The lights slowly flickered back on, people got up from their seats, yawning and stretching as they went to turn in the votes for the best AMV.

"So, my Lady, what'd you think?" Chat asked in an attempt to keep it cool.

"I didn't know people were so creative." Marinette said. "I just… I don't know much about video editing but I know a lot of work went into the videos."

She was humble too? Stick a fork in him. He was done. Somehow he managed to maintain his smile. It took a lot of energy just to keep from hugging her tight after that one. She was too sweet for her own good. His heart gave a slight jolt as he began to wonder if she was this way outside of the costume. It really made him want to ask. More particularly, the question about her name was on the tip of his tongue, but froze where it was when she looked up at him. Talk about having your tongue glued to the roof of your mouth.

"Yeah, my friend… You know, Bubbler, his was one of them."

"Which one? We should vote for his," Ladybug insisted.

"I don't think he'd want to win that way." Adrien said. "We would be bias."

Ladybug shot him a skeptical look. Adrien's smile became a little more sheepish as he tried to avoid her gaze. She could see right through him at this point. He scratched the back of his neck with his clawed gloves. When she cleared her throat, he made the regretful decision to look at her. She didn't look like she believed him when he said he was trying to avoid a bias. But how could he not vote for Nino? They were best friends. Nino had been working on his amv for months. Nino had avoided going to the showings because he wanted to be surprised when it came time for the award ceremony.

"Are you voting for his?"

"Okay, I am, but he's my best friend," Chat said.

End the end they both ended up voting for Nino's video.