Soon after classes had ended for the day, Marinette walked toward the door of the school with Alya by her side, whom was talking about some update on the Ladyblog. She didn't pay much mind to it, because she had seen it before her friend had told her about it. after the whole surprise when Alya divulged the secret of the miraculous on the usually helpful website, Marinette now was all too aware of the influence it had and how maybe some things should be constantly on Ladybug's radar, aka her.

She heard someone call out her name. She recognized that voice, she wasn't a stranger to hearing it often, so she didn't even have to turn to the side to know who it was. She looked at Alya, who's eyes held a playful glint ad her lips turned into a smirk.

"Go, talk to him" Marinette stared at her, could she be even more obvious with her intentions?. Alya had made it clear before that she thought that Marinette and Luka would make a cute couple, but Marinette didn't even want to think about that at the moment. How could she when she was still very much hurting? Besides, she wasn't all that sure what were Luka's intentions.

"Oh, come on, girl. I have to go home now either way. You know, babysitting duty." Waving at Luka who was still waiting to the side, Alya said her goodbyes without even letting Marinette say another word. Sighing, Marinette turned to the side and walked towards him who had been patiently waiting to the side of the doors.

"Hey, Luka." She smiled warmly at her friend.

"Hey, fancy seeing you here." She couldn't help but giggle at his words. "I do study here; it shouldn't come as a surprise." She couldn't stop herself from teasing him a bit. Seeing him turn slightly red spurred her on to tease him even more but she held herself back. She shouldn't tease her friends so much, much less when it could be seen in the wrong light.

"Right, I just hadn't expected to see you. Anyways, I'm glad to see you." A small smile graced his lips as he looked down at her.

"Thanks, the feeling's mutual. Umm, so what's got you here? I mean, why are you waiting here? In front of my school. I don't mean to imply that you're waiting for me or anything, but I don't think I've ever seen you wait here." She felt herself stammering, she hated when she made a fool of herself. Couldn't she ever think before speaking? Also, is this what was to become of her? A stammering mess whenever she talked to a guy? I hope not.

"I'm waiting for Juleka, we're going shopping." A pang of disappointment hit her. Had she hoped he'd be there for her? That was preposterous. They were only friends after all. then what he said came to the forefront of her mind. Shopping? She hadn't thought the siblings were too keen on shopping. As if understanding what she had been thinking, he explained, "oh, it's just that Juleka had a growth spurt and her clothes now sit a little funny on her." Oh, she had noticed something looked different with her friend but she had been so focused on other things that she hadn't taken notice what it had been.

She saw Juleka approach them, with Rose on her side. She took this as a sign that this was her moment to leave. "Well, I guess I won't take more of your time. Hope you enjoy the rest of the day."

"Thanks." He hesitated for a moment before deciding on continuing. "Hey, Marinette?" She looked up at him once again. "Yeah?"

He smiled widely, "It was really nice seeing you." She laughed. "What are you talking about? We saw each other this weekend."

"It never hurts to see you" He chuckled lowly, and his words almost made her feel better about the hole that currently left her heart empty.

Almost.

... ... ... ... ... ... ... ... ... ... ... ... ... ... ... ... ... ...

Adrien had been with Nino when felt he himself worry as he looked from the sidelines at the scene in front of him. It might have not been Adrien's business but it made him uneasy seeing his friend force herself to be friendly towards the person that had caused the turmoil she had gone through last night. But Adrien didn't know that, he wasn't supposed to. Only Chat Noir knew.

He really worried for Marinette as the flashback of her holding tightly onto Chat as her body shook with sobs she kept holding back. Maybe it wasn't a scene that Adrien should have been witness of, but it wasn't like he could help it. He was her friend. She herself told him so, and her acceptance to let herself be consoled by Chat only brought about a feeling of protectiveness.

She was his first friend, and he would do anything to protect her. As long as she wished for it. He also had pondered whether getting close to her as Chat Noir would spark the feelings that she had once professed to feel for the leather clad hero. But something in him doubted that they had ever reached the level of what she felt for Luka. it had most likely been just a short infatuation triggered after Gladiator. He couldn't deny that he often saved her from akumas, and maybe that had sparked her sudden interest in the hero. But Adrien knew Marinette wasn't a fickle person, she had always looked at Luka the way she did now and he doubted that would change anytime soon.

Seeing her try her best to talk to Luka made Adrien feel bad, and he wanted to comfort his friend. Maybe even help her a bit.

He felt Nino staring at him. Adrien had stopped walking the moment he had noticed Marinette and Luka, and he was sure Nino had noticed the reason to his abrupt pause.

"You looking at Mari and Luka?" Nino kept glancing between them and Adrien, as if trying to figure out something.

"Umm, no. I just got a bit distracted with something else." Adrien was usually good at lying, but it wasn't the case when it came to his best friend, much less now when it was as clear as day that he had just lied but he couldn't be bothered at the moment. Nino just looked at him curiously, with an eyebrow raised to show his clear suspicion.

"They look good together, don't they?" Nino glanced back towards the two who seemed to still be talking amicably.

"Yeah, they do." And they did, but if Luka really was the guy that had caused Marinette to feel so much pain, he wasn't sure if he'd be okay with it all. But he wasn't the one who could call the shots regarding that. That right belonged to Marinette and only her.

Adrien could almost see the gears turning on Nino's head, it made him feel uneasy.

"What?"

His friend was usually chill about everything and seeing him act this way just made him feel awkward.

"Nothing. I just thought about something, but it seems I was wrong." Adrien felt suspicious over his words, but let it go knowing nothing good would come from pondering too much over it.

Except he found himself pondering over it. Him and his stupid overthinking. Did he seem strange? Would Nino tell Alya? Whom in turn would tell Marinette of course, he knew how best friendships worked. That would totally blow his cover, right? No, it couldn't. Him staring at his friends talking certainly couldn't lead to Marinette thinking that he's Chat Noir. Surely.

"So what do you think?" He was pulled out of his reverie by the expectant voice from his best friend. Had Nino been talking to him?

"What?" Nino looked slightly amused by Adrien's confused expression. Granted, it wasn't polite to not pay attention to people but could anyone blame him?

"I asked if you'd like to hang at my house? Alya's stuck babysitting the twins and I'll have the place to myself. We could play video games, and stuff. I could even show you some of the new tunes I've mixed up recently." Adrien shoulders slumped, his face showing regret.

"I'm sorry, Nino. I have a photoshoot today. I'd love to go next time I'm available." Nino grinned, understanding glimmering in his eyes as he laid his hand on Adrien's shoulder. "I understand, dude. Your pops has too much for you."

Once Adrien had arrived home after his short photoshoot, he quickly headed to his room. He couldn't stop thinking about Marinette possibly forcing herself to act normal with Luka. It also gave him some perspective about his partnership with Ladybug. Was he really willing to push away his friendship with her? He had thought it'd be almost impossible to be around her as just friends, at least for the moment. But seeing Marinette try her best to be friends with Luka, it gave him a new purpose and a new goal.

Finding a new resolution, he said out loud what he had finally decided on. "Plagg, I've decided I'm going to pursue a true friendship with Ladybug. All romantic feelings aside" He felt neon green eyes bore into his own. It felt like he was staring right into his soul, it was a bit unsettling.

"Don't you think it's a bit too soon to try to be just friends with her?" What could Plagg mean? The akumas wouldn't wait for him to get his feelings in order.

"What do you mean? We need a better teamwork."

"No, your teamwork is good and efficient. What you need is to give yourself space, kid. You can be there for her when she needs you, but I think a friendship is too much right now."

"Fine, I'll agree with you on this one. I just hope it doesn't take too long." And he did, he wanted nothing more than to be able to be friends with his lady. Loving her had hurt too much, but surely friendship could make that better.

… … … … …

Marinette was pondering over her interaction with Luka, she still wasn't sure if he liked her and she didn't want to assume either. She turned her eyes to where she hid the miraculous box. She figured it'd be good to let out one of the kwamis.

"Tikki, who do you think I should let out first? I don't want to make any kwami feel bad." She looked up at Tikki who was floating to the side of her head.

"No kwami would get mad at you for not letting them out, Marinette" Tikki giggled lightly before moving towards her line of sight. "Pick whichever."

Marinette appreciated her friend's comfort about how the kwami's wouldn't be angry at her, but saying 'pick whichever' didn't help one bit. Why couldn't people understand that Marinette was a mess when it came to taking decisions?

Then she felt as if a lightbulb had turned on her head. Of course! Leaving it at random would take away any need for her to take any decision. She walked to her desk and grabbed a paper, writing down all the kwami's names. Cutting those into small pieces she placed the paper slips into a paper bag. After shaking it around she ventured to picking out one slip. She quickly read the name of the kwami that'd spend the evening out.

Longg.

Well she certainly was a kwami that, although Marinette had used her in battle, Marinette didn't know much about her. She had yet to see the full extent of the power of her miraculous as well considering that she had yet to see her powers of the lighting dragon. Certainly, she held a useful power who she'd need in the future.

Walking up to where the box hid she slowly moved the obstructions that hid the very obvious round object. She had had to create a secret hideout that would only open when one moved the wooden pieces of the box that held the miracle box accordingly. It was a tricky little thing, and she had yet to fully master the order. Holding the miracle box like this in her hands made everything feel a million times more real. She truly was the guardian now, and the only way to get out of it was forgetting everything. What a cruel fate.

Shaking her inner turmoil, Marinette opened the box quickly spotting the miraculous of the dragon.

"Greetings, Guardian." Longg bowed his head. "Hey Longg, it's good to see you." The kwami just stared at her. It made her uncomfortable, was she supposed to do anything?

"I suppose you're trying to get acquainted with the kwamis, yes?" She could only nod as the dragon kwami floated towards Tikki. Marinette felt lost on what she should do. She didn't have the grimoire, nor Master Fu's tablet that contained the copies and surely going to the Agreste mansion would be insane. Could she ask Adrien to make copies of it? No it would be too suspicious. Besides, it would be futile considering she wouldn't even be able to read it. Oh, how she wished Master Fu had taught her to read the scriptures.

It didn't help that the kwami's themselves weren't allowed to look at the grimoire, so no help on that side. Marinette was thankful that Master Fu had taught her the power up formula because she wasn't sure how she'd deal without them. At least she was useful for one thing.

Perhaps the way to start was just getting to know the kwamis and their extent of their power. It would be a slow start, but a start it would be regardless!

… …

It was starting to get dark when Marinette decided that it'd be best if Longg went back to the miracle box. She didn't like the thought of having to limit herself because of the looming "threat" of Chat appearing while she had any kwami besides Tikki out and about, but she couldn't deny that she liked his visits.

Time only proved her point when she heard a loud thud on her balcony. Turning towards where her skylight laid, she waited for Chat to peek and make his presence known in her room. It didn't take a more than a few seconds before she heard knocks. Well, at least her kitty was learning some manners. She smiled at the thought as she climbed up the stairs that lead to her bed, quickly climbing up unto her bed, pushing the skylight open.

She moved to the side so that he could enter, but he just stared at her. She couldn't help but frown at his behaviour. Had her actions yesterday cost her his friendship? She had thought that it had pulled them together in some way.

Chat extended his arm, signaling with his eyes for her to take his hands. Odd. That was all she could think about before grabbing his waiting hand. He smiled widely as he pulled her up to the balcony.

"Chat, what's going on? Don't you want to come inside?" She made a gesture as she stared back down towards her room, the bright light casting the front of her body unto the shadows, leaving only a trickle of light illuminating Chat's face. She didn't make an effort so that he could see her better, she knew that he had no trouble seeing in the dark.

"As tempting as it sounds, I have other plans for tonight." Marinette felt her shoulders slump in dejection. She had hoped to spend the night with a friend that understood the emotional turmoil she was going through. Granted, she was the source of his but he would never find out about that.

A pang of guilt hit her. Suddenly, a new resolution made it's way into her mind. If Ladybug couldn't be there for Chat Noir as friend and partner, then Marinette would be there to at least be his friend. She couldn't hope to fully replace Ladybug, but her civilian self had liberties she could never grant her super heroine persona.

"So it's a quick visit then? That's fine. Want to sit down over there?" She pointed to the side of her balcony where there laid some chairs she had put there to enjoy evenings like this.

"Not really, Princess. We're just not going spend the night here." A wide cheshire grin spread across Chat's face. Marinette was sure that she looked as if the wheels in her brain were turning. Well, she certainly felt that way at least.

"Chat, what do you mean?" His only response was extending his hand. His whole body seemed to shake with excitement and she could feel his giddiness radiate from him. Tentatively, she walked closer to him, and laid her hand over his. He quickly took hold of her, lifting up her legs so that she laid bridal style on his arms. Wanting to make sure she didn't fall, she put her arms behind his neck laying her head on his chest.

"Ready?" He looked down at her as he readied his baton. She bit her lip, she was used to this so of course she was ready. It was still sweet that he was making sure that a civilian was ready however.

"I'm ready, Chat." With a single nod, he extended his baton and vaulted them both through the night sky. She could feel the slight cold bite into her skin, but the warmth that came from Chat was enough to make it bearable.

Chat didn't take long to land on a rooftop that wasn't too far from her house. He slowly let her go and she let herself take the scene in front of her. It looked great. It was similar to the one he had done for Ladybug but at the same time so different.

Where there had been candles to set the mood, now laid strings of light. A blanket laid on the floor, this time with no roses around. Over the blanket laid a picnic basket, no doubt filled with delicacies. A glass bottle caught her eye and she turned towards Chat lifting her eyebrow in question, pointing with her head towards the bottle.

He laughed loudly seemingly amused, "Sparkling cider. I wouldn't make my princess underage drink." She smiled widely, walking towards the blanket laid. He walked towards where she was, sitting down without hesitation. He patted next to his side in invitation, which she took without a second thought.

Chat reached to the basket, grabbing some croissants and sandwiches. She could see his tail wag excitedly. A sudden thought brought a smile to her lips, and she couldn't help herself from asking, "Did you make these?" she pointed towards the food that now laid in her hands.

Chat brought his hand to his neck in a sign of shyness. It wasn't a common look for Chat. In fact, she wasn't sure if she had ever seen him any less from being his usual confident self. The last time she had seen him any less of the self-assured hero was the first time they had met on her rooftop.

"I did, I had to look a bunch of cooking videos and recipes." The thought of him in his kitchen trying to cut tomatoes and baking croissants, staring at a video trying not to mess up. It was endearing.

"Thanks, Chat. For everything. You didn't have to do all this." He just shrugged and took in his hands the bottle of cider that laid to his side. "It's what friends are for. After what happened yesterday I wanted to make sure you were okay, an I hope I can lift you mood with something small like this; besides I've been dying to have a picnic and it wouldn't be particularly easy to do it in my civilian form."

"Well, either way, I'm genuinely happy for this." He smiled widely. Grabbing a cup that had been hidden inside the basket, he filled it with the sparkling cider. turning towards her he handed the cup now filled with bubbling liquid.

"You better. You don't know how hard it was to cut some tomatoes, they kept rolling around. Also why are there so many styles of cuts? It's ridiculous." Marinette couldn't help but burst out laughing at his comments. He looked genuinely confused and distraught, it was genuinely hilarious.

"It's not that hard, Chat. You just have to get used to it." He just stared at her with a pout. "It's not like I can do it much. I almost had to fight today so they'd let me do this" He pointed towards the basket.

"Well, I'll tell you if you should even be allowed anywhere near a kitchen." She signaled towards the sandwich before taking a bite from it. She had to admit, it wasn't half bad. She could give him that.

"It's good, Chat. Not too bad for an amateur." She smiled as she lightly teased him. Chat narrowed his eyes before grinning playfully. He took a bite from his own sandwich as they fell into a comfortable silence.

"So now that you're better, do you mind talking about yesterday night?" She could feel Chat's eyes boring into the side of her face. "Well, there's really not much to say." She supposed she could talk with Chat about it, but she didn't even know what to say or where to start.

As if reading her mind, he said "What you plan on doing is a good place to start." She turned towards him, she could see the shadows that the string lights left on his face. He looked calm and kind, and instead of making his features harsh the lights just softened his features in what seemed like a halo. She would've thought it looked hilarious considering it's Chat if it weren't for the fact that they were talking about her absent love life.

"I'm going to try to be friends with him." A look of concern crossed Chat's face. "Don't you think it's a bit too soon to try to be friends with him?" She pondered on his question. It might still be too soon to try to be friends with Adrien, but it's not like she could fully escape him. He sat in front of her in class, for fuck's sake. Her best friend was dating his best friend. He was the poster child of Paris. She couldn't run away from him no matter how much she wanted. She couldn't imagine life without Adrien, that she was sure, so she had to find a healthy way to have him in her life.

"I don't know what to do. I can't imagine life without him around." She looked up into Chat's eyes, and a look of understanding crossed his features. Of course, he'd understand. She'd bet that he had the same problem with Ladybug, the city was plagued with emblems and the sort constantly alluding to the presence of the superheroine.

"I was obsessed with him, it wasn't healthy." She laughed slightly, her cheeks reddening in embarrassment. Gosh, why was she admitting this to Chat?

"I'm sure you're exaggerating." He chuckled as he cheekily grinned. "Oh, I wish I was exaggerating, but no. I was obsessed" She really had been. What sane human would have their crush's full schedule memorized? And obssessively gathered every single picture? And then hide them underneath her bed? She cringed just by the sole memory of it.

"Well, I can't really say much about that. I'm kind of used to obsessive people." She turned her head to look at Chat so quickly that she thought it gave her whiplash. "Because you're a superhero?"

He looked at her with a smirk and a slight playful glint in his eyes, "Let's say that's the case."

"It's still not right. People deserve their privacy, no matter who they are. A celebrity, a superhero, a friend, a partner, everyone deserves having their privacy respected. I should've known that my actions weren't right."

She had a flashback to when she had tried to invade the Agreste mansion when Lila had somehow been allowed to enter. She cringed at the memory. She had been awful that day, no doubt one of her creepiest behaviour, and let's not even mention that one time at the wax museum. Gosh, wasn't she an awful friend? Surely, anyone else would've stopped being friends with her, but Adrien was too kind to be anything less than a good friend.

"You're right. It's just that when you go through it so much, it kind of desensitizes one." His words made her curious about Chat's civilian life, but she knew the danger of letting herself wonder too much.

"So how will you deal with it?" She didn't have an answer, so all she could do was shrug. "Obviously you can't let him know, which means you can't ask him for space. even though that would be ideal. I can't imagine asking for space and him not figuring it out." He was right, Adrien was too smart. He'd probably know what she was up to if she asked for space when they barely even hung out already. And she can't imagine a worse way of him finding out her feelings than that way. Scratch that, life would probably find an even worse way, so it's best she doesn't jinx it.

"You're right, he's smart. I can't imagine him not realizing it, but I don't know what to do, it's a first for me."

"There's a first for everything. Princess, I-" He sighed slightly, "just take small steps, don't force yourself to it. Also, create boundaries, it's extremely important when trying to create emotional distance."

"Boundaries? With him I always feel like I'm constantly pushing boundaries, and letting my own be pushed." She loved Alya, but she loved pushing Marinette to doing things when she didn't feel ready and it always let up to a mess. Which is why she had found it so important to let the brunette know about her resolution regarding Adrien, she just hoped Alya would respect her decision.

"Boundaries are different depending person to person, or at least that's what my kwami says whenever I cross his boundaries," he broke into a small laugh "but in your case, maybe take a step back whenever you feel like those feelings are threatening to push back any progress you've made. Sometimes even the smallest thing can push back weeks of progress and I don't want that for you, Mari." She hadn't thought Chat could be so wise sometimes, even Tikki sometimes didn't know what advice to give her because she wasn't human and didn't deal with human problems. Had he gone through the smae when trying to get over Ladybug? Had she inadvertedly pushed his boudarie and caused him to lose progress over his feelings for her?

"But most importantly, don't drown out your feelings, especially at the beginning. It's hard, believe me but it's necessary. Let yourself feel the pain and grief. You know like the seven steps of grief. Don't worry it," he pointed a finger towards himself, looking all proud of himself with a cheeky smile. "I'll be here to protect you from any akuma that even dares to get near you." But Marinette knew that she would be unable to fully let herself fully feel the pain, because she was in charge of akumas. She was Ladybug, whom besides Chat Noir, should never get akumatized.

"How do you know so much, Chat?" She couldn't imagine her kitty grieving and in pain, she didn't like the thought of it and it made her uncomfortable.

"I just know about grieving, and I got to say. Trying to get over someone can feel like that a bit. Of course, there's different intensities and I'm sure my experience can't speak for everyone else."

"You've lost someone?" She couldn't help but keep her eyes on Chat, cautiously waiting his reaction as his face turned somber. Sadness pooled his eyes as his eyes turned slightly glassy. A pang of pain spread through her chest. She was such an idiot for asking such a personal question, it was clear the question hurt him. "Chat, I'm so sorry. I shouldn't have asked."

He smiled sadly, shaking his head as he laid down on the blanket, face up staring up at the sky. He looked at her and she knew that he was inviting her to do the same. She laid down, turning her head to look at Chat, only to be greeted by his side profile.

Turning her head to look up at the sky, she stared at the stars that were slightly more visible thanks to the mostly absent moon. Well, as much stars one could see in the city at least.

"I lost my mom." His voice broke at his confession. It made her want to turn to look at her partner, but she kept her head looking upwards. She was sure he wouldn't want her to look at him in such a vulnerable state.

"Chat, I'm so sorry." What else was she supposed to say? She's never gone through that and she couldn't fully understand all the pain he's gone through. She moved her hand, trying to find his gloved one.

When she couldn't find his hand she dared to say something she never thought she'd say, "Can I hold your hand?"

"Mari, I literally hugged you last night, while on your bed, I think holding hands is okay right now." Marinette could hear an edge of sadness in his playfulness. She could feel the blanket move slightly between them.

Marinette nodded before realizing that he probably couldn't see her. She moved her hand once again, this time finding his warm hand quickly. He accepted the touch as she intertwined their fingers. She squeezed lightly in reassurance.

It felt like they had passed hours in silence, but it didn't bother her at all. Suddenly, she felt him shift as he laid sideways, looking down at her, leaning his head on his hand with his elbow holding him up.

"What?"

"Nothing, I'm just sure you'll be able to move on from this. And if you falter, I'll be here. I've been there, and having someone helps with grief. No matter what kind. It just so happens that the help I got was from a thousands year old grumpy kwami, but it was better than nothing." He laughed lightly, Marinette could tell that he was still hurting from what he had gone through, but if he didn't want to remain too much time on that topic she'd let it slide. She herself didn't like it when people pushed her boundaries regarding personal matters, so she wasn't going to be the one to push her partners'.

But Marinette could understand what he was talking about, Plagg really was one of a kind.

"He's the one that keeps me in check nowadays when it comes to Ladybug as well, it's kind of funny seeing such an usually detached person err, well kwami actively trying to help in things he usually wouldn't comment on. Guess he's just tired of my pining."

"Have you gotten over her?" She asked the question without even thinking, did she even want to know the answer?

"Ladybug, you mean?" She could only nod.

"No. Not yet, at least. But I'm trying to move on, I'm actively taking actions to keep my mind off her, and avoiding picturing her as something more than just a partner." She turned towards him, assuming the same position as him, scooting a little farther from him when she noticed that they were a bit too close.

"What actions have you been taking?" Curiosity stuck its ugly teeth again unto her. Hadn't she learned after asking about a sensitive subject?

He looked down as if embarrassed, "I have a girlfriend now, it helps. I guess it's not fair to her, but she knows." He finally looked up only to be greeted by Marinette's shocked face.

"She knows you're Chat?!" Her ladybug side of her was mad at the thought of him ever telling someone. "What? No! Ladybug would kill me. She knows I'm in love with someone else." She couldn't help but stare at his face, the clear guilt and embarrassment plagued his expression.

"Does Ladybug know?" Why did she ask that question? Ladybug didn't need to know, but what if his girlfriend ever got in trouble for dating a superhero? Shouldn't they be aware that Hawkmoth could use that as a way to hurt Chat?

"I don't know how to tell her."

"Why not?" Marinette couldn't think of a reason as to why Chat wouldn't feel comfortable telling her this. Was she such an awful partner and friend?

"I've previously told Ladybug that I have a girlfriend in an attempt to make her jealous," she remembered that time, she had been genuinely happy for her partner, "but now that I have a girlfriend, it doesn't feel right to admit the truth to Ladybug. She probably doesn't even care either way, but I can't help thinking that it'd be disingenuous if I tell her."

She stared at him, trying to understand him. Just how much did her kitty love her?

"A part of me, the part that I try to drown out keeps thinking, what if she gets jealous? Genuinely. I'm trying to get over her, and I'm not sure if I'd be able to stop myself from running back to her like a lost kitten the moment she so much paid attention to me." he looked downward, he looked so lost that it pulled at her heartstrings. "I hate feeling that way, because it's not fair to anyone in this situation."

Marinette couldn't' fully understand his anguish, her heart had always belonged to Adrien and she wasn't involved with anyone, but she guessed that she'd go through the same turmoil Chat was going through. She just hoped that when she did go out with someone if was for the right reasons.

"Chat, I don't mean to intrude but are you sure you're with her for the right reasons?" He smiled at her before laying down on his back again. Thank the heavens cause she was starting to lose feeling on her arm.

"I like her, she's great. She's a lot like me in a way. I don't love her like I love Ladybug, but I doubt I'll ever love someone the same way ever again. It feels like I'm settilg for her, but once you fall in love with someone like Ladybug no one really fits that hole in your heart." Is this really how he felt? How could he love Ladybug so much? What had she ever done to be worthy of so much affection? She could also understand him. It was the same way she felt about Adrien. He was an irreplaceable light in her world.

"Oh, Chat… you will love someone again like that, someone that'll love you just as much" Someone that isn't me, because I can't love you like you want me to. He took her hand, and stared at their united hands. "You're right, maybe I'm not such a lost case when it comes to love."

She was smiling widely when a sudden thought overcame her. "Wait a minute, Chat! Are you sure it's okay to be taking damsels in distress out on picnics when you have a girlfriend?" Teasing him came naturally to her, and the loud laugh that came from him made her happy.

"Maybe it'd be wrong to do it with a damsel in distress, but you're not just a damsel in distress Mari. You're my friend. And yes, I wholeheartedly believe it's okay to do this with a friend, for a friend." Marinette felt a warmth spread throughout her chest. Yes, they were friends. And she wholeheartedly loved being his friend.

"It's getting late." She hated breaking the moment, but it was way too late and she could feel her eyelids struggling to stay open.

"You're right, let's get you home" He stood up and took out his baton. She stared at the rooftop, letting her eyes wander over everything. "What about the lights and everything else? Are you just going to leave it here?"

"I'll just come back after leaving you at your room and clean it up quickly."

"I'll help you. It's the least I can do." He laughed as he shook his head. "Princess, I can't really carry you while also carrying everything else, but thanks for the offer."

Marinette pursed her lips. Her partner always went above and beyond, and although it made her feel happy and grateful it also made her feel in debt. No matter what he said. But she knew that he was right, so she just nodded in agreement.

This chapter is like thrice the size of my usual chapters, so I hope it wasn't too bad. I genuinely want to build their friendship slowly, so I hope it didn't feel too rushed here.

I genuinely believe Chat/Adrien is the kind of person that doesn't like pondering too much on the sad stuff and doesn't like it when attention of that kind is placed on him.

I almost thought I wouldn't be able to upload this chapter bcs I had a major oops this weekend. The file for the chapter didn't appear anywhere on my laptop and I hadn't uploaded it onto here, so I thought I would have to rewrite this whole thing. I wanted to cry just at the thought of it. Thankfully I found it and I managed to upload it today! Hope you guys enjoy it! ^^