Marinette's Perspective

Why was he looking at me like that?

"Marinette?"

His voice was creamy butter and smooth merengue. A warm chill crawled in my spine.

"Hey." I said, and I felt dread seep up. Why did I have to see him right now, when I didn't have any time to recover?

"I'm sorry. Do you need help up?" He said, and I let him help me stand. He must have noticed my wariness, because he stiffened too.

"Thanks. Sorry, my nightmare just freaked me out, is all." I said, and I watched his shoulders slump. He sighed and gave me a sad smile.

"Yeah, I get that. Do you wanna go get some… I don't know, coffee? Waken us up a bit, ya know?" He nudged me and we walked to a shop together, silent. We ordered and sat down. As soon as he sipped his drink, words started pouring out of him.

"I just realized that… I don't feel like I know you enough. And maybe it's my fault, but I think it would be a shame to call you a best friend when we haven't hung out in a while."

"We… we go to school together, Adrien. Plus, the way your dad schedules you just doesn't let many things happen. I consider you a good friend. Honestly, I don't. Think you need to worry about it at all."

"But… we've barely-"

"Friendships aren't really something you have to constantly work on. If you went on a trip, we would be the same when you came back, right?" I was growing tired of this conversation, and just really needed a nap. Plus, Tikki needed some food.

"Right." He said, like he was newly spurred into happiness.

"If quality time is so important, we can go hang out at my place. I need to take a nap, but we could talk for a while too." I said, and wasn't surprised when he nodded. It was a little walk there, and we talked about the homework probably being cancelled. Maman and Papa were stress-baking, so they gave us a parcel on our way up. I just hoped Adrien didn't see their winking.

I plopped onto my bed, and was unsure about what he could do. He just wanted quality time, and I just needed a nap. So, I hauled out a five hundred piece puzzle and put it in his hands.

All the while, trying not to think about him. About how, even while I was thinking about it, I sort of was playing with his heart. I was joking around and loving his reactions, but… this could only really end two ways, if I thought about it.

I could tell him, and eventually we could get together. But, then there might become another Chat Blanc situation. Or, I could get with him as Chat or Adrien and hope for the best. Either way, it could possibly end in the worst-case scenario.

Then again, I could do nothing. Maybe my feelings could diminish, bit-by-bit, until there was only a little part of my heart that loved him. Maybe then, I could still save the world.

I fell asleep after a short while, and when I woke up it was midnight. I had an entire sleep cycle, great.

Then, I heard a shuffling.

Oh no.

Adrien's Perspective

I must have fallen asleep. Listening to Marinette's breathing and doing the puzzle gave me plenty of time to think, after all. About moving on.

I was getting less and less convinced that I couldn't have more than one crush. After all, Chat and Adrien were two people that a person could have crushes on at once, so why couldn't I have two?

I was barely waking up when I felt a light touch on my shoulder.

"Wha-"

"Your dad's gonna kill you. He'll double-kill you if he finds out that you slept here. C'mon, Adrien, we gotta get you home." Marinette said, and my blood ran cold. She was right. Father had probably already put out a search party looking for me. I vaulted up, glancing to her.

"I better head back then. I'll see you when I move out of my father's house, since he definitely wouldn't let me out now." I nodded to her, and it seemed like she was about to say something when her trap-door opened.

"Don't worry, kid. I called him when you two went up there. He thinks that you have been modeling and helping Marinette with her fashion. He didn't remember her until I mentioned the bird-hat, but he is glad you're… becoming more interested in the craft." Mr. Dupain said, and I thanked him.

"But it's still midnight? What about that?" Marinette asked, and I got nervous again.

"Yeah, I don't know about that one. But, he did say that as long as tomorrow isn't 'hindered' then you won't be punished." the man added, beckoning me down. I waved a goodbye to Mari as we went outside, where Gorilla was waiting.

"Hello. Just… take me home." I said as I face-planted into the backseat. I stayed that way until I wandered my way up into my room. After changing and letting Plagg out, I promptly passed out.

Tomorrow I would have to face my father. But tonight, I could dream.

Dream about Marinette.

It's been forever, I know, but this chapter was a juicy one, no? Reviews are often loved, and I'll answer any non-spoiler question you throw at me!