Author note: Merry Christmas! We are a little more than halfway done with the story.

Chapter 16: Date Time

"Marinette," Alya was the first to speak up.

There was a quiet, calm lull that swept over the teens at the park. No one knew what to say. No. It was more like they didn't want to be the first to speak. They didn't want to own up. Pollygraph poked holes in stories and cast a shadow of doubt regarding all things Lila. What was the truth? What were the lies? It was almost magically how the two seem to be blended together. Isn't there an expression that says "there is a kernel of truth at the root of every lie,"?

"Marinette," Adrien whispered. He proceeded to go up to comfort her, however he was stopped by a hand on his shoulder. He looked back and saw that it was Trent shaking his head no.

"This needs to play out," he said without making eye contact.

Adrien knew he was right.

Marinette stood firmly in place, she too was feeling a mix of emotions. This was what she wanted, right? To expose Lila. Why didn't it feel good?

"I'm sorry," Alya continued to speak. "I wish I could say I had no idea, but you did try to tell me multiple times. I thought it was out of jealously, but apparently there was more to it. I should have dismissed your words or you feelings."

"I don't exactly blame you," Marinette said. "I know I came off a little crazy, and without proof, there was no reason for you to believe me. But, why didn't you believe me?"

"I…" Alya paused. "I don't know."

"Alya!" Marinette sobbed. "You're my best friend, or at least I thought you were. We always had each other's back. Why couldn't you just have had my back during this? I really needed you. Do you know how it felt to have everyone turn their backs on me? I have known everyone in this class for years, I never thought something like this would happen."

The class gulped as they felt pings of guilt.

"Part of me wants to justify it by saying the journalist in me wants the objective truth," Alya crouched down to a bent over Marinette. "But that wouldn't be right. She was telling us, no, telling me what I wanted to hear. You know how crazy I can get when it comes to Ladybug. It was just easier to believe the joyous things she told than to have you doubt her. I know it isn't right. I've always known, but I just ignored it."

The class started talking and muttering among themselves. How were they going to fix this? How are they going to make this up to her?

"I really am sorry, girl," Alya teared up. "I'll do whatever I can, and whatever it takes to make this up to you."

"Thanks for that Alya," Marinette stood up. "I just don't know if you can. I know it's not your fault. Ever since that day in the bathroom, Lila has been out to get me."

"What happened in the bathroom?" Alya raised an eyebrow.

"Well…" Marinette started.

"There's nothing you can do about it, anyway. People can't resist when they hear what they like to hear. If you don't want to be my friend, fine! But soon you won't have any friends left at all. And trust me, I'll make sure you never get close to Adrien in class or anywhere. You seem a little less dumb than the others, so I'll give you one last chance. You are either with me or against me. You don't have to answer right away. I'll give you 'till the end of class today."

"She's been out for you since the day she returned to school?" Alya gasped.

"Yeah," Marinette sighed. "Look, I just need some time alone to process everything."

"We'll talk later, right?" Alya asked.

Marinette didn't give an answer. She just turned and walked away.

"Trent," Marinette called out as she glanced back, "don't forget to pick up your order!"

"Yeah," Trent nodded. "I'll swing by in a little bit."

"She is really down," Adrien said. "I really should talk to her. She needs a friend."

"Just let her be for now," Trent said. "After all, this is an important step in the healing process. It is up to Alya, and the rest of the class to make amends with her."

"Everyone! Listen up!" Adrien shouted.

Everyone turned their attention to Adrien. It was rare for him to raise his voice. He was usually quite shy and soft-spoken in class. Sure, he has come out of his shell quite a bit since he first started attending, but never brought attention to himself.

"Or don't listen to me and take matters into your own hands," Trent shrugged.

"How could any of you treat Marinette that way, cold and icing her out, what is wrong with everyone? All Marinette does is go out of her way to help. Sure, she can be a little misguided, but her intentions are always pure and it comes from a place of caring."

"We know," Rose said dejectedly.

"It's just that Lila has a way with words," Kim said.

"Her words make me feel good," I van said.

"It's like she has this power," Mylene said.

"She tells you want you want to hear," Max said, "and you'll do whatever she wants to hear more."

"It's like she has a silver tongue," Alix said.

"I'm disappointed in all of you," Adrien said. "I really thought this class cared and looked out for one another. I was so happy to be in class with all of you. Everyone was so warm, kind, and welcoming to me, I thought I was making some real friends. If someone like Marinette can be turned on, what's to stop you guys from doing that to me, or each other? You all need to take a hard look at yourselves and think about what you have done! We will make this up to Marinette, ALL OF US!"

Trent slowly walked back to the Bakery, lost in thought.

"I have two already confirmed," he said, "and possibly a third. After what went down today, she would have no reason to turn down my invitation. Plus, she lost all credibility so that works in my favor. I just need one more person to be able to pull this off."

He continued to walk and think, trying to plan in his head. There was no one else in the class he could trust with such a task. Maybe he'll ask Chloe when she comes back in a few days. Though she is loyal to Ladybug, she might not be willing.

"Is that Marinette?" he thought.

Ahead of him was a girl with a figure similar to Marinette's. She had the same black hair that had the blue shine like Marinette's, except it was cut in a shorter style.

"Hey Marinette, did you get a haircut?" Trent asked as he ran up to the girl. "I'm sorry, I mistaken you for someone else."

"I am someone else," the girl responded firmly and coldly. "What name did you call me again?"

"Right, you look like this girl I know Marinette," Trent said. "I'm actually on my way to her place now."

"What a coincidence," she said, "I am going to Marinette's place too. What business do you have with her?"

"Oh," Trent said. She was right to the point. Maybe she'll do. "I have to pick up an order. What about you?"

"She called me and asked me to talk," the girl said back. "She called me and said she needed someone to talk to. I am still new at this friendship thing, but I will do what I can for her."

"Can I give you some advice?" Trent asked, not really caring for the answer because he was going to give it anyways.

"Unsolicited advice from a stranger isn't something I usually take," the girl responded. "Since we do have a friend in common in Marinette, I'll be willing to listen. It is my prerogative if I heed said advice."

"Right," Trent said. The look in his eyes showed he didn't know how to respond to that statement. "Anyways, your personality seems straight and to the point, with an no nonsense filter."

"I fail to see how that is advice," she said.

"Exactly my point," Trent chuckled. "So before you and Marinette talk, you should ask her if she wants you to solve her problem, or just listen to her vent. I feel like you might try to help her solve her problem but that might be what she doesn't want or need at this time."

"That is some good advice," she looked at Trent. "I'll take it under consideration. How do you know Marinette?"

"I am a visiting transfer student from the United States in her class. My name is Trent," Trent introduced himself. "She was the first friend I made in school."

"Another coincidence," the girl said. "Marinette was also the first friend I made. We met during a friendship scavenger hunt game. We were randomly paired up. At first, I thought she didn't like me, but we somehow managed to become good friends. My name is Kagami."

"Kagami," Trent smirked. "Mind if I run a hypothetical by you?"

Adrien stood in front of his mirror in the bathroom, shirtless. He wasn't sure which shirt he should wear tonight.

"Why did I agree to this?" Adrien asked.

"Yeah, why did you agree to this?" Plagg floated nearby, nursing a block of rather smelly cheese. "I thought you were in love with Ladybug."

"I am?" Adrien said, unsure of the answer himself. "Just everyone got me thinking if I loved Ladybug for her, or just the idea of her. Plus, it wouldn't hurt to have some dating experience."

"That what I said," Plagg took a bite. "Nothing wrong with having multiple pots simmering."

"Luka seems like a nice guy," Adrien smiled as he placed different shirts over his body. "He is kind of cute as well. I couldn't think of a reason to tell him no."

"Someone's got a crush," Plagg chuckled.

"Maybe. Which style would be better? A polo seems too casual. A button-up seems too formal."

"That depends," Plagg said, "where is he taking you?"

"I don't know," Adrien said. "He told me it was a surprise."

"In that case," Plagg mused.

The black cat kwami glided around Adrien's laid out selections, taking all the choices in.

"Wear the teal button up," Plagg suggested. "Roll up the sleeves and unbutton the top two buttons. This makes you look nice and have a more causal feel. Pair it with this black vest and your set. The outfit goes from casual to formal depending on where he takes you. Make adjustments as needed."

"Wow Plagg," Adrien said after putting on the outfit, "this is amazing."

"Of course, I'm also the kwami of romance," Plagg boasted. "I am still with my sugar cube after all."

"Sugar cube?" Adrien tilted his head.

"You know," Plagg took another bite, "Tikki."

"Does she know she's your sugar cube?"

"Of course," Plagg smiled. "You should hear what she calls me."

Adrien exited the car, and waived his bodyguard off. He knew he would still be watch, but at least it won't be as close as usual. He walked over to subway gate, the area where Luka told him to meet him.

"Hey Kitty," Luka called out as he pulled up on his bike.

"Hi Snake," Adrien greeted, "yeah…it doesn't work for you."

"It's cute that you try," Luka smiled as he took off his helmet, "you can call me Snake, or whatever you want."

"Oh, thanks," Adrien brushed. "You look nice today. I wasn't quite sure what to wear. You didn't give me any hints as to what we were doing."

Luka was wearing blue jeans, a white t-shirt, and a black leather jacket. Tied around his waist was a long-sleeve red and black plaid shirt. In addition, he was decked out with quite a few accessories.

"It's quite okay," Luka said, "you look nice too. You always look nice though. Must be the model in you."

"So you only asked me out for my looks?" Adrien raised an eyebrow.

"Yes," Luka smirked. "Was that not clear?"

"You're a jerk," Adrien playfully punched Luka's arm. "What's the plan?"

"Hop on," Luka said tossing his helmet to Adrien.

"A bike ride?" Adrien put on the helmet. "How far is it?"

"Not too far," Luka took out a pink helmet. "It's a quick ride."

"We can ask the Gorilla for a ride," Adrien suggested. "I am sure he wouldn't mind."

"Where is the fun in that?" Luka fastened the helmet. "Hop on."

Adrien noticed a warm inviting look in Luka's eyes as he patted the seat. It was a tempting offer, one he couldn't think of a reason to turn down. Adrien put on the helmet.

"Just don't go too fast," Adrien said. "I've never been a passenger on a bike before."

"Don't worry," Luka reassured him. "You're completely safe with me."

Roughly fifteen minutes later they arrived outside an amusement park. The sun was starting to set, but excitement was in the air. The joyous screams could be heard all around as the smell of friend food wafted on the breeze.

"Wow," Adrien gasped. "Six Flags Paris! I've always wanted to come here!"

"I'd thought as much," Luka said. "I heard that your father can be a little too protective of you. I figured you might have missed out on some childhood milestones."

"This is amazing! Thank you!"

"Let's go in," Luca pulled out the tickets.

"Oh look!" Adrien said the moment they passed through the gate. "They have a Ladybug and Cat Noir walk around."

"Let me get a picture of you of and Cat Noir together," Luka said.

Adrien walked over to pose with Cat Noir. Luka snapped a couple of picture on his phone. Adrien also took a couple with Ladybug. They even got Ladybug to take a picture of the two teens with Cat Noir.

"I'll make sure to send these to you later," Luka chuckled as he pressed a few buttons.

"What are you doing?" Adrien looked at the teen.

"You and Cat Noir are my new background," Luka showed his phone.

"You know if you want a photo of the real Cat Noir, you can just ask," Adrien said. Luka just smiled.

"Let's start with the Tower Drop," Luka suggest. "You can hold my hand if you get scared."

"Starting off big for my first ride? Adrien asked. "You're not going to ease me into it?"

"I know they're called kitty rides, but I think you're a little too big for them," Luka said.

The two teens pattered around the park riding rides. The tower drop made Adrien a little anxious, but after riding, he realized it was nothing. He has fallen from higher heights both as Adrien and Cat Noir without the safety precaution. Still, squeezing Luka's hand was a tempting offer.

The inverted looping coaster, the 360 spinning coaster, the free spin, basically any coaster the two teen rode Adrien had a similar super hero experience. Still, it was a lot of fun to be thrown, flung, dropped, etc. without the responsibility attached to it.

"Having fun?" Luka asked. The two teens took a break at a nearby bench.

"Of course," Adrien smiled. "It kind of reminds me of being Cat Noir."

"You like being manhandled?" Luka raised his eyebrow. "Isn't that a bit masochistic?"

Adrien shrugged with a laugh. "You're a hero too, don't you feel the same way?"

"I haven't had as many experiences as you have being manhandled," Luka laughed. "I usually stay in the back and provide back up and support. I don't think I ever been sent flying either."

"Next time we call on you, I'll place you on the front line," Adrien winked.

"Going to use me as a shield to protect that handsome face of yours?"

"Gotta protect the merchandise," Adrien said. "Speaking of merchandise, let's go play some of the booth games."

"Sure," Luka smiled before looking at his phone. "We have some time to kill before its time to use our other tickets."

"Other tickets?" Adrien asked.

"Come on," Luka said as he jump off the bench. "Let's go play some games."

...

"This is for you," Adrien said. He handed a plush doll to Luka.

"A Cat Noir doll?" Luka looked at it puzzled, but a smile appeared on his face. "It's very special coming from Cat Noir himself."

"I just wanted to thank you," Adrien face reddened a little. "This date has been a lot of fun and I wanted to get you something since you got the tickets."

"I really like it," Luka hugged the doll. "I normally don't sleep with dolls, but I'll make a special place on my bed for it."

"You don't have to go through all that trouble," Adrien scratched the back of his head.

"Night almost over," Luka said. "We got one more ride to go on. It's about that time. Let's go!"

The two arrived at the line for the Ferris wheel. The big wheel was lit up with countless lights in different colors. As the wheel spun slowly the lights flashed and changed colors and patterns. Luka handed the attendant the tickets and the two boarded the pod.

"This is amazing," Adrien awed, face pressed against the glass window.

"I love coming up here," Luka said. "The lights from the park and the lights from the city are always a great sight."

"I can see why," Adrien said. "It must be a popular spot if you had to get tickets for it."

"It's one of the most romantic spots in Paris," Luka placed an arm around Adrien.

The surprise touch caught Adrien's attention. He turned his head as their pod reached the top. His emerald green eyes met Luka's aqua eyes. Luka smiled sweetly as his eye lids started to lower. Was he going in for a kiss?

"No," Adrien placed his hand on Luka's chest as he stuttered to get the words out.

"I'm sorry," Luka said. "I thought I felt something here."

"No, it isn't you," Adrien quickly explained. "It's me. I am not ready. Not yet."

"That's cool," Luka said. "You have to go at your own pace."

"That's it?" Adrien asked.

"That's it," Luka nodded. "I'm not going to force you to do something you want, or make you uncomfortable."

"My hesitation doesn't hurt you?"

"Did someone actually say that to you?" Luka inquired.

"Yeah," Adrien let out a sigh.

Luka tightened his grip around Adrien, who leaned into the side embrace. It felt warm, safe, and supportive. Luka could tell that Adrien didn't want to talk about this anymore. Instead, the two stood in silence, and just enjoyed the scenery.