Thank you NeofelisNebulosa05 for favouriting the story!

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To mayuralover: I believe that you already have received the answer to your question related to suggestions. And about Mari getting hurt... No pain no gain, am I right? Please do leave the suggestions though. Thanks for reviewing! :D

To Agiani: First, thank you so much for the support! It means a lot and it feels great to know that you are enjoying the story. Now, the questions you asked are interesting but, I hope you understand that I can't answer all of them completely as the answers can contain a lot of spoilers. So, I have decided to answer you in the most satisfying way possible for now:

1. He hasn't realised that... as of yet i.e. till Chapter 8. How will that affect his civilian life? The answer is partially in this chapter, in Chapter 11 maybe 12 and 14 too. That's all I can tell you for now.

2. She already loves Cat Noir, she's in the denial phase. Chapter 1-8 are a proof of her loving him and so will be the other coming chapters... in a way. And if you noticed, she didn't really stutter or blush around Adrien except in Chapter 5 and Chapter 7 under given circumstances. This topic will be covered more widely in next chapter though.

3. You do realise that answering this kind of question can give away something really important about the plot, right? But, anyway I can tell you this that Gabriel does not get involved in Mari's aspirations except for the competition. Now, about him finding out her secret... I won't say he really does but, Chapter 13 and 14 deal with something similar. Who knows, maybe he does maybe he doesn't? It's a secret. I really hope the answers were enough. It was the best I could give you... Thanks for reviewing! :D

*IMPORTANT NOTE*

To all the people reading this:

I don't know if you realise it or not but, your reviews matter a lot to me. It's the only way I can know that you are enjoying the story, considering this site doesn't have a vote for every chapter system. All I am asking is to leave your reviews as they make my day and tell me if I am living up to your expectations or not. The reviews are always open to suggestions and what you didn't like in the chapter and your views on how I can improve. So please, instead of being a passive reader, be an active one and share your thoughts. I need to know whether or not I'm boring you.

*!! I STILL NEED THE LADYNOIR SUGGESTIONS FOR THE NEXT CHAPTER. CHECK OUT THE PREVIOUS CHAPTER FOR WHAT I AM LOOKING FOR IN AN IDEA.!!*

Adrien finally starts thinking... And Plagg playing the role of annoyed fandom.

Here begins the pre-drama chapters, the best part is to come yet.

Ooooh~ I am going to enjoy this. *rubs hands*

Chapter 9

Your Love was Handmade For Somebody Like Me

Adrien had always been protective of his loved ones especially after loosing someone he was really close with— his Mother.

After loosing his first source of comfort and love, could anyone really blame him for being rash while trying to protect Ladybug or Marinette? Nope, no one could, no one should.

He was used to being called overprotective and sometimes dumb as Cat Noir whenever he took hits for his partner in crime-fighting. If getting hit and controlled by a freak of a human, Hawkmoth, meant that Ladybug or Marinette would go unscathed then he would do it without any second thought.

Sacrificing himself for Ladybug's safety?

Sounded like him.

Staying awake all night to comfort his princess and stop her from crying about a nightmare?

Most definitely.

But, that didn't mean he was used to other people returning the favour. No one was really protective about him, he always grew up between camera flashes, where people take take take, he was just used to his Father being overprotective.

This was the reason everytime Marinette did anything incredibly sweet for him he couldn't help but feel giddy and grin like an idiot. Her smallest act that showed him that she cared made his stomach fluttery and that warm feeling that erupted from his heart, washing over his entire body which was something he couldn't really turn a blind eye to.

Like the day he had got a slight fever, it was merely an inflammation— an indication that his body's immune was just doing its work. Marinette had totally freaked out about his fever which was just a few degrees higher than the normal body temperature.

She had ordered him to rest and when he didn't, she climbed into her bed with him. Placing his head in her lap and covering the rest of his body with a soft blanket, she started petting his hair, occassionally his cat ears. Something that he knew that she knew that always relaxed him.

"I am being babied." He had complained, pouting at her.

"Then I bet the baby would love a lullaby." She started humming a very soothing song.

Damn her angelically relaxing voice!

He could feel his eyelids getting heavier as her voice and ministrations lulled him to sleep. He passed out in her lap and he never felt her leave because she never did. She stayed, she always did.

He was a cat, truly and he had been embarrassed more than a few times about it. He couldn't really defend his urges to being fussed over and to be given undivided attention.

After waking up, he found himself sitting— leaning against Marinette's frame for support as she fed him hot chicken soup. She would've made it herself if not for a certain cat sleeping soundly in her lap. It was delicious nonetheless.

His heart swelled with love and affection as she blew at the soup and directed the spoon towards his mouth.

He didn't deserve her. She was too good for this world.

There was so much that he loved about her, like the day he tried to piggy-back ride her.

Sabine had taken a picture of them, his arms wrapped around her as he stared at her, grinning like an idiot while her face was frozen in a laughter.

Oh, how he loved that sound!

The photo became his new favourite. He couldn't get enough of her and her affection. Again, could anyone really blame him?

Adrien sat down on a chair in the library. It was a free period as Ms. Bustier had to leave due to some reason. And this was why their class sat in the library, working on a project which was due next month.

This wasn't something that had captured his attention, it was the bluenette sitting on the desk across his. Marinette looked absolutely beautiful— in her white off-shoulder top with a pink skirt that had intricate floral design when looked at closely, it ended just above her knees. Her loose hair, falling gently on her bare shoulders, were a true sight to behold. She was testing her newest creation by wearing it to school. She was working on her book report, occassionally whispering to her girlfriends and giggling.

With a sigh, the model placed his chin chin on his palm and continued to stare at her. She was an epitome of perfection, even her flaws were flawless. He noticed how her eyes lit up as Rose complimented her, how she batted her long, thick eyelashes to give Alya the best puppy-dog eyes so she could to get her notebook back. He noticed her subtle giggles and adorable smile or how her nose scrunched up as she stuck her tongue out of her mouth and her pink plump lips.

Why is she so cute?

"Dude," Nino asked him, "You sure you don't have a thing for Nettie?

"She's just a friend, Nino." Adrien replied in a monotonous robotic voice, not really paying attention to his friend as he was busy doing something else (gawking shamelessly at Marinette). He had heard that particular question so many times that it had become his ability to answer it without giving it a much thought.

All the boys that sat with him sighed exasperatedly. "So, we just ignore the fact that he is oogling Marinette 'just a friend' Dupain-Cheng?" Kim asked.

"There is a 99.99999% chance that he didn't even hear the question." Max said, "Look at him, he is so busy staring at her that he can't even hear us right now."

"He's got it bad." Ivan said and they all couldn't agree more.

"Come on girl! We're gonna be late for PE." The blogger grabbed her best friend by her hand and started running.

Poor Marinette being herself, tripped and came crashing down, bracing herself for the impact only to be caught by a pair of muscular arms.

She looked up to see the green eyes of a boy she had become closer to in the past few weeks; Adrien. His green eyes met her, they held an emotion she couldn't really put a finger on.

"Thank you."

"No problem, Marinette. But, be careful, I wouldn't want you breaking that cute nose of yours." He chuckled.

She smiled at him as she regained her balance. "Laces."

"Huh?" He raised an eyebrow.

"Your laces are untied." She bent down without waiting for his response and began tying his shoelaces.

When she was done, she got up and faced him. She was surprised that he wore a blush.

"You- you d-didn't have to do that." He stuttered out.

Miracles of miracles, she just laughed light-heartedly. "Oh Adrien! I wanted to. Besides, we're friends, right? What's with the modesty? And you totally catched me from falling face-first."

Adrien blush darkened.

Oh! The irony...

The roles were clearly reversed.

"T-Thanks." He managed to mutter.

The girls left him behind, talking excitedly about something.

"I will always cat-ch you, purr-incess." He smiled affectionately at the retreating figure of the bluenette.

Adrien couldn't pinpoint the time when he started getting more comfortable around Ladybug. She was still his partner and a close friend and he liked spending time with her, but something had changed. He just didn't know what.

They still fought together in sync, still patrolled, still talked, still fought over the 'greatness of puns'. Nothing had changed there. She was same— confident, bold, witty.

He tossed and turned, unable to sleep.

"You know that you are screwed, kid." Plagg said.

Adrien sighed. As much as he hated to admit, he knew that he was right. He just wanted to know why. There was something at the back of his mind, something that was quite literally screaming at his face all the time but, he never noticed.

Bored, his mind drifted off to the conversation he had with Marinette a couple of months ago.

Does changing targets really work? Will I ever change my target?

"Tell me kid, what do think of your princess?" Plagg question caught him off-guard.

"Why?" He counter-questioned.

"Just curious, ya know." Plagg replied, "And you're not letting me sleep either with your restlessness."

"She is the best." He sighed dreamily. "She is so kind, beautiful, funny and caring. She is extremely talented. She is so... so irresistible at times when she is stubborn. The way she sticks out her tongue a little while she concentrates is so cute.", he was unknowingly wearing a lovesick grin, "The way her midnight blue hair shines in the moonlight, the way her freckles are dusted over the bridge of her cute button nose, the way she pouts with her rosy lips... everything about her is so unique and alluring. She is just so adorable when she is clumsy, well, mostly because that gives me a chance to catch her or tease her playfully to see her blush. She is so perfect." Adrien had absolutely no control over his words. "And you know what? She gives the best head pats ever."

"Have you ever considered dating her?" Plagg burped after eating an enormous piece of cheese he had just decided to devour. If he was going to stay up all night dealing with this lovestruck boy, he needed his Camembert.

"What do you mean? She's..."

"Don't you dare say it, kid." Plagg warned.

"...Just a friend and you know that."

"He said it." Plagg rubbed his temples in frustration. "Actually, no. I don't know, kid. You might be a blind idiot but, I am not. I am over five thousand years old. I know feelings."

"What are you getting at, Plagg?" Adrien was confused.

"Oh come on! Adrien, you don't want me to spell it out for you, do you?"

Adrien just raised an eyebrow at his kwami.

"Jesus Christ!" Plagg dropped his another piece of cheese and flew to Adrien's face.

"Look kid, I don't know whether your brain shuts off when you're with Marinette or not, but here's the thing... SHE IS NOT JUST A FRIEND!"

"Plagg, I tol-" Adrien was cut off.

"No! I am not done here. Kid, you love having her in your arms, so much that I am pretty sure that you won't be able to breathe if someone told you that you couldn't do it anymore, you can go on hours just watching her do odd jobs, laughing or listen to her talking without even speaking up. You take out time out of your busy schedule just to visit her. You cooked food, decorated a picnic spot just so you could express how much she means to you. You don't restrain yourself from doing anything when you're near her, it's almost as if she strengthens your wings. Not to say that she means the world to you and you can't stand her being hurt... physically or mentally. And you most definitely do not describe 'just a friend' like that. Moreover, you try to impress her, make soft eyes at her, you always have a warm feeling in your heart when she's around, you always smile at her adoringly. You know why I know this? Because we're one when you're with her and I AM NOT BLIND." The kwami ended his speech in a matter-of-fact voice.

Adrien gulped. Had he really been so oblivious to his feelings?

No! Plagg has no idea what he is talking about. He just loves cheese. He doesn't know anything about human relationships, does he?

He sighed, recalling his conversation with Marinette they had on her balcony months ago. She had said that his heart would barely register changing targets.

Why is everyone behaving like Nino? He teases me about making goo-goo eyes at Marinette. What is that even supposed to mean?

He knew that he hadn't changed his targets. It would always be Ladybug. She had his heart since the first day. He had willingly given her the control over his heartstrings. He hadn't changed his targets...

Except... expect that he wouldn't mind changing targets to Marinette. After all, she was amazing, brave, endearing, prett-

Adrien shook his head. No, he couldn't think like this. He couldn't harbour romantic feelings for two people at the same time. He was just getting more comfortable around his partner. That didn't mean anything, right? Right?

And even if he wouldn't mind being in a relationship with Marinette, that wasn't what he wanted, his heart was settled on Ladybug.

He pulled his hair in frustration. He closed his eyes, trying to remember the memories he had shared with his lady. Some of the best moments of his life...

Instead, he pictured rain pouring calmly. He was confused at first, then he remembered what this memory was really about.

He remembered himself giving his umbrella to his favourite ravenette, her fingers had brushed against his that sent electrifying sensations all over his body, she had giggled cutely when the umbrella had closed on her and her adorably pink cheeks. Even before they were friends, she had been able to make him laugh. He remembered her face that shone brightly when he had showed her his arrangements that he had made for his dinner with Ladybug when she was upset during 'Glaciator', he remembered her standing up for others, he remembered her coming close to him to kiss him during 'Horrificator', he remembered her cleverness during 'Evillustrator', he remembered her kissing his cheek on Heroes' Day, he remembered them having fun during 'Reflekdoll'.

He remembered them dancing together during 'Despair Bear' and how great it felt to hold her like that, he remembered them fencing together during 'Riposte' when he had learnt that she had awesome reflexes and altheletic abilities.

Or the time he leaned his face closer to her as he teased her about the photographs in her room after 'Troublemaker' and her adorable stuttering, he remembered them gaming together for the first time for a tournament and her cute victory dance. He remembered her saving him from his fan to help him watch his Mother's movie, he remembered her waving shyly at him during 'Puppeteer' or when she puckered her lips to kiss his statue when Manon was re-akumatised. He remembered how her eyes sparkled as he gave her his birthday present, a lucky charm, just like the one she had given him.

He remembered her leaning on his shoulder as she slept during 'Startrain' them having fun before 'Heart Hunter' attacked and the disappointed feeling after she left him and Kagami.

Memories came rushing back to his mind, the recent ones played too, them laughing together, watching movies, her excited hollers as she kicked his butt in UMS V, them cuddling, kissing her knuckles, forehead, eyelids and cheeks, singing her lullabies, sharing cookies, giving her flowers that carried a depper meaning of never ending feelings and admiration, him holding her as she slept, her tying his laces... all ending at one... the time he gave her his umbrella and a clap of thunder was heard as her bluebell eyes bored into his green as she gapsed. He smiled. Suddenly, his eyes shot open and he sat up abruptly, startling Plagg.

Holy shit!

How could he had been so blind? He had loved Marinette all along. Why didn't he notice before?

Deep down, he knew why. It wasn't because of his hopeless crush on Paris' spotted superheroine, it was because he had grown used to Marinette's presence, her laughter, her eyes, her warmth, her touch. It was because he knew that falling in love with Marinette 'The most perfect' Dupain-Cheng would be heartbreaking for him.

Why?

Because she was amazing, every boy had a crush on her at some point. She was unattainable. He was scared to fall in love with her.

"Finally figured it out, eh?"

"I hate you, Plagg." He just got a raspberry blown at him in response.

He should've been warned.

Now, what was he to do?

Could he pursue her?

Did they really have a future?

And didn't she already had a crush on someone else?What a great way to discover love!

His heart cracked and his breathing got heavier as he remembered her telling him about the boy she was in love with.

What could he do now? Why were his feelings always unrequited? Tears brimmed his eyes as he let all his emotions out.

But, what bugged him the most was,

what about Ladybug?

All he really could do was smack his head in vexation.

Adrien took a seat on a bench in the park, facing Marinette's house.

God! I am so screwed. He sighed.

"Someone looks deep in thought." A voice startled him. He jumped to see his partner, Ladybug.

Wierd... I didn't realise that I don't feel the butterflies anymore with her.

"Sorry, I didn't mean to scare you. It's just you looked worried and I couldn't help asking." Ladybug smiled sheepishly.

"No! No! It's fine, really. I was just thinking about something." He reassured her.

Ladybug nodded and was about to leave when he stopped her.

"If you don't mind, can you please help me?" Adrien asked her.

"Sure, Adrien."

"Okay, so, this is really wierd to ask but, how do you know that you love someone more?"

Ladybug looked at him questioningly.

"You see, there are these two girls, both of them are exceptionally unique. I met one of them first and swore to love her till my last breath. Now, I met the other girl the same day but, always thought that she was just my friend and nothing else... until today when I realised that I love her." Adrien explained.

"And now you're confused about who to choose." Ladybug said sitting down next to him.

Adrien nodded.

"I'd say go with the second person because if your feelings for the first one were a hundred percent true then the second girl would've never gotten involved. So yo-"

"It's not that simple. I have loved them both equally for the same time." Adrien interrupted her.

"Adrien, things are complicated only if you choose them to be. You need to be honest with yourself. Which one of them is the one you don't want to live without, who always puts a smile on your face, with whom you don't have to care about your imperfections, which one makes you feel truly at home." Ladybug sighed.

"Feel truly at home?" He asked her.

She nodded.

Adrien smiled. "Thank you Ladybug."

"I am glad I could help." She got up and soon disappeared behind a rooftop.

Adrien pondered at her words. The questions he had to ask himself didn't even need answers. There was only one person who was his home...

...His princess.

His mind might have wanted just Ladybug but, in all honesty, his heart truly ever needed Marinette— the cute, shy girl that sat behind him in the class.

Adrien, Nino, Alya and Marinette were all hanging out at the art exhibition in Louvre.

Adrien had Chinese lessons at the same time but, he had practically begged his father to let him go. He wanted to spend more time with Marinette in his civilian form.

The four teenagers were looking at a painting when out of the blue, they heard Marinette gasp.

Adrien turned to look at her and his eyes darkened.

A boy had his arms wrapped around Marinette's waist and had kissed her cheek. It was the same boy that she had gotten into a fight with at school. The same boy that he had warned. That guy.

Marinette jabbed her elbow into his stomach. He dropped his hold on her and staggered back in pain. She opened her mouth to say something when Adrien took her by surprise.

Adrien punched That guy's nose, hard.

He screamed in pain as he held his bleeding nose.

Adrien grabbed him by his collar to yank him closer and slapped him.

"Adrien, dude!", "Blondie!" Nino and Alya said in unison.

He did not stop. He grabbed That guy's throat and lifted him up, pinning him to a wall. He was choking.

"How dare you touch her? Didn't you get me the first time? You little shit, you have to pay now." Adrien's voice was dangerously soft.

"Adrien, stop." A voice that was melody to his ears stopped him.

He looked over to see Marinette, his princess.

"I think he has learnt his lesson. Let him go before you kill him." She put a hand on his shoulder.

He relaxed at her voice and touch.

He dropped That guy as he slid down to the floor, coughing. He was trying to catch his breath.

Adrien bent down. "For what you did to her, you should be thanking your lucky stars that you're still alive. Now, get out of here before I do something I will regret." He whispered.

That guy fled as he got up.

Marinette was about to say something when he interrupted her.

"Sorry, I need to go to the bathroom." He rushed to where the restrooms were.

He got in and sighed. He looked at his reflection in the mirror.

What's gotten into me? Why did I do that? True, he deserved it but, I could've choked him to death.

"Adrien, dude?" Nino's voice made him jump.

The DJ entered the bathroom and looked at the model.

"Look Nino, before you say anything, he deserved it. He didn't listen to my warning and today he touched Marinette. Okay, I might have taken it a little too far but... " His voice trailed off as he couldn't find anything to say in his defence.

"I am not here to judge you, bro. I am here to ask you why did you do it."

"What do you mean? I just told you." Adrien asked his best friend, he was confused.

Nino just raised his eyebrow. Adrien realised what he was talking about.

"Okay, I might or might not like Marinette." He said without looking at him in the eyes.

Nino narrowed his eyes. "Are you sure? Is it just like?"

"Okay, fine, you got me. I like her a lot. I love her. Happy?" The blonde sighed in exasperation as he held his hands up in surrender.

"Dude! You don't know how great this is. The entire class has been rooting for you two to get together. Marinette likes you, no scratch that, she loves you. Now, you can finally be together." Nino fangirled.

"Wait! Marinette likes me? Since when?" He couldn't believe his luck.

"Since you gave her your umbrella. She told Alya that she fell for the person you are- a kind, selfless boy. So cheesy yet so cute!" Nino continued fangirling.

Adrien just stood there, his heart was pounding against his chest, so loudly that he was sure that Nino could hear it. Marinette liked him for who he really was. She liked him for his nature.

I am the guy she has been crushing on all this time?!

"Nino?"

"Yes, dude?"

"I am going to confess to her after school ends, at the same place I gave her the umbrella." The boy beamed at his best friend.

"That's amazing bro. I can't wait for you to ask her out."

"Just don't tell anyone, okay?" Adrien pleaded.

"Can't promise that."

"Nino!" Adrien whisper-yelled.

"Don't worry. I will be just Alya. She needs to know. She won't tell Marinette anything. You prepare to woo your future girlfriend." Nino reassured the model.

He looked unsure, "Please don't tell her."

"Okay, fine! Just this once, only because you're my dude" The DJ said.

Adrien smiled at the thought that his princess would be his girlfriend in less than twenty-four hours.

A/N: Yay! Adrien Oblivious Dense Agreste finally sorted out his feelings. It's about time.

A whole chapter dedicated to our cinnamon roll being something other than an oblivious idiot for once.

But, what about Marinette? What are her true feelings? The next chapter is her P.O.V so, you will soon find out. Hope you like the story till now.

Adrien isn't the kind of person who would resort to violence. He hit Brian here only because he stalked, harrassed Marinette, the love of his life, more than once. And it was all because of the dare he gave her, something he really regrets doing. So yeah, all that guilt riled him up and he beat that boy. He saw that coming anyway, messing with the wielder of the Miraculous of Destruction, NOT the smartest move.

Peace,

I am out!