Note: This fic isn't going to be finished by Valentine's day, since it's tomorrow, lol. There's still a few more chapters on the way, just letting you know. ;)

Did no one figure out who Grump was? 😇


Cats And Roses

Chapter 9:

White roses often represent purity, innocence, and youthfulness. White roses are sometimes referred to as bridal roses because of their association with young love and eternal loyalty. White roses can also symbolize a new beginning and everlasting love.


"Manon, don't do th- GAH!" Marinette groaned, rubbing her head as she crashed face-first into the couch. She wearily looked up to see the five-year old running around the kitchen, a Ladybug doll clutched in her right hand and a Lady Wifi one in her left, playing as though nothing had happened. Why was it so easy for little kids to do whatever they wanted?

"I'm going to win!" She giggled, flailing around the Lady Wifi doll. Her expression grew more serious as she imitated Ladybug. "No, you won't, you baddie! Me and Chat Noir will defeat you! HYAHHH!" Marinette heaved a long sigh, not even attempting to get up. She heard Manon squeal with delight as she ran into the kitchen.

Truthfully, she was barely awake. Marinette had stayed up most of yesterday night studying for her exams. And of course, because of her secret admirer. She rolled her eyes, blushing. The question was so stupidly random that it could have even come from Chat Noir's mouth. Except for the fact that things coming out of his mouth were usually more ridiculous.

Despite Tikki's many exciting ideas, she'd decided to write back, "No, I'm more of a hamster person." Now that Marinette thought about it, she wasn't sure whether that was a good idea or not.

Her locker was filled by another bunch of roses as usual. It was beyond Marinette how the person did it, but she had to admit to herself that he was smooth. Since she had no idea who it was and doubted she would find out any time soon, she had given up. Hopefully they'd reveal themselves after they'd finished with the roses. She felt a strange sense of excitement but couldn't describe it.

The mystery guy had left her seven white roses today. The number seven didn't come as a shock, but the fact that he was somehow finding a different color everyday was surprising. The small note had read, "You're pure, happy, sincere and eternal. Another thing that flustered her was the way he managed to say something new every single day. Showering her with random but sweet compliments that made her smile. At that, Marinette couldn't lie that she was reminded of Chat Noir.

A voice jarred her back to reality. "MARINETTE!" She groaned, looking up again. Marinette could hear Manon's voice again.

"Hey Marinette? Who are all these gifts for!?"

Marinette stayed still for a moment before she realized what Manon was referring to. Her eyes went wide. She yelped and bolted up to her room, skipping three stairs at a time. "MANON!" She yelled. "Don't touch those things!"

"Who are they for, your BOYFRIEND?"

"N-No!" Marinette halted just at her door, her face pink, rushing inside to find Manon looking through her secret box of gifts she'd been saving for every one of Adrien's birthdays. She'd only made up to fifty so far. Though she hadn't had too much time to make any lately, Marinette made a mental note to free some time this weekend to organize through that mess.

"Are you sure?" Manon gave her a large, goofy smile. "It says, To Adrien." She announced, reading it aloud.

"W-Wh-What? No- Th-That must be a mistake! Hey, give me that!"

Manon pulled it away just out of her reach, continuing to dig through her stash of presents. Marinette groaned, covering her face in her hands.

"Hey!" She said slowly, narrowing her eyes. "Who are Emma, Louis and Hugo!?"

Marinette let out a small squeak of horror as she shut the case of the box down, breathing a sigh of relief. Manon looked at her with wide, curious eyes.

"But who are they?" She begged. "And why do you have presents for Adrien?"

"Manon, why don't we-we play something?" Marinette suggested, taking a few breaths to stop herself from freaking out again.

Manon's face twisted into a frown. "No! I want to know who Emma, Louis and Hugo are!"

"I-I don't know who they are!"

"Then why-"

"Please, can we forget about that and- and-"

"Ohhhh...wait." She gave her babysitter a mischievous grin. Marinette gulped. "I know. You have," She let out a silent giggle, "You have a crush on somebody named Adrien!"

Marinette felt her cheeks heat up. "N-NO! I do not!" Manon burst into an uncontrollable fit of giggles.

"You do! You do!" She squealed delightedly, collapsing on the chaise behind her with more fits of laughter. "I knew it, I knew it!"

"N-No, I d-don't!"

"Yes you do!" She cheered, still laughing gleefully as Marinette blushed harder, trying to figure out what she had done to end her up in this mess. Was a five-year old child seriously embarrassing her? "And Emma, Louis and Hugo are-"

"Who are Emma, Louis, and Hugo?"

Marinette stiffened. When she turned to find Adrien standing in her doorway, she suppressed a silent scream. Why was it that Adrien always appeared when she least wanted to? Seriously, it had to be some sort of curse.

She mentally chided herself for losing track of time. Adrien had texted her yesterday to tell her that he was going to drop by to give her some notes she'd asked Alya for. Apparently, Alya was busy. Marinette knew well that Alya was scheming again to get Adrien to spend more time with her, but of course couldn't say that.

He was staring between her and Manon curiously. For a second, none of them said anything.

Manon frowned. "Who are you?"

Adrien smiled. "Well, my name is Adrien. Who's this little angel, Marinette?"

Marinette giggled nervously. "I..Ah, that's Manon. I'm babysitting her." Manon's eyes went wide.

"Wait, so you're Adrien?" She said slowly, realization dawning on her face. Marinette felt panic rush inside her. Noooo!

"I am." Adrien chuckled. "Why? Didn't Marinette tell me about you? You know we're really good friends, right?" Marinette felt herself racing as she pleaded for Manon not to utter a word at this point.

"Are you her boyfriend!?" Manon asked excitedly. Marinette turned bright red, but nothing came out of her mouth.

"I..Uh.." Adrien let out a resigned laugh, glancing at Marinette. There was a hint of amusement in his eyes, but it looked more like he was asking her what to say. She blushed and shook her head wildly.

"Well," He said slowly, turning back to Manon, who was still staring at him expectantly. "What would make you think that?"

"She has thousands of pictures of you!" said Manon, happily oblivious to the looks Adrien and Marinette were giving each other. She felt like dying of embarrassment. A five-year old child was really trying to humiliate her in front of her crush, and not to mention the fact that Adrien looked somewhat pleasantly pleased with it.

"That's just for modeling, silly," said Adrien. "Trust me, she just loves fashion a lot."

Manon giggled excitedly. "Okay..but can I tell you something else?" Marinette could feel herself paling. Adrien glanced at Marinette, then hesitantly shrugged.

"Uh, sure?"

"Marinette has a big box-"

"MANON!" Marinette jumped up, quickly giving an apologetic look to Adrien. "I- Uh- Look at the time! Shouldn't your mom be here any second?"

"But don't you want to tell Adrien that-"

Marinette laughed loudly. "Oh my god, it's nearly 6! Your mom should be here anytime soon! Why don't you go pack your things?" She stared after Manon as she ran to the corner of the room to grab her backpack. She sighed. "Hey Adrien..I..uh, sorry about that."

Adrien laughed. "You don't need to apologize, I love little kids." He looked down, sort of in a longing way. "They remind me of childhood."

Marinette smiled. "We all wish we could relive our childhood, right?"

"Definitely much better than now. Except for the fact that I do have more friends." His smile softened. "I would have never met anyone. I wouldn't have met you either, and that really does sound like a nightmare."

A blush rose to her cheeks at the compliment, though she was taken by surprise. "You didn't have any friends when you were little?"

"If you aren't counting Chloe, then I guess not."

Marinette grinned. "What was it like having Chloe as your only friend?"

Adrien chuckled. "Well..I don't remember too much, but you might not believe me if I told you how much she's changed." He paused for a moment, then cleared his throat. "Anyways..I..Here's the pages Alya asked me to give you." She accepted them from his hands.

"Thanks. Sorry for taking your time, I'll make Alya do it herself next time."

Adrien laughed. "It's fine, I love seeing you anyways. Your dad makes amazing pastries too. How could I say no to those?"

"Do you just come to my house for croissants?" Marinette teased.

"You know me only too well!"

Marinette laughed. Adrien's playful tone reminded her of a certain cat she knew. Except that Adrien was less annoying and his jokes were actually hilarious.

"Marinette!" Manon whined, making her jump. "Stop flirting with your boyfriend and come take me downstairs!" Marinette and Adrien jumped.

"We're sorry, Manon," Adrien apologized. "We'll save it for later next time." Marinette turned bright red. "You done getting your things?"

"Of course I am! I've been standing here watching you guys make goo-goo eyes at each other for two minutes!"

"Manon!" Marinette blushed harder. "Your mom should be here any second, okay?" Manon opened her mouth to answer, but as if on cue, the bell to the front entrance of the bakery rang downstairs. She could hear Mrs. Chamack's voice talking to her parents.

Manon's face brightened. "Mommy's here!"

Marinette breathed a sigh of relief. Thank god.