"I cannot believe you did that!"

Upon returning to her bedroom after her fantasy-fulfilling visit to Adrien, Marinette had promptly fallen face down and emitted a muffled squeal of excitement into her pillow. She then released her transformation and kept her face burrowed into her bed while her Kwami immediately began to berate her. The girl only half-listened, since she knew exactly what the lecture was going to be.

"You risked your identity! You used your powers selfishly!" Tikki exclaimed as loudly as she could without risking waking up Marinette's parents. "And why? For a bunch of teenage hormones!"

With a groan, Marinette rolled over onto her back.

"I know, Tikki," she said, staring at the ceiling. "And I'm sorry that I kept it a secret from you. That wasn't fair of me and I know my behavior was irresponsible."

Tikki gave a small huff. "Well I appreciate that you recognize that. But that doesn't change the fact that you knew better!"

At that, Marinette sat up and finally looked her Kwami in the eye.

"I did know better. I told myself that a million times over the last several days. Even standing across the street from Adrien's house I was about ready to not go through with it and head home. But then…"

"But then what?"

"Then I saw his face," Marinette admitted. "And it wasn't a case of 'oh my God he's so attractive I can't resist him.' I just saw how exhausted and sad he was. And I knew he needed a break. And I needed a break. And I knew I would hate myself more for not going through with it than I would for actually doing it."

Tikki paused to consider her words. Marinette was once again grateful that the Kwami was genuinely understanding and sympathetic. If she wasn't there was no doubt that she would still be lecturing her without waiting for an explanation.

"I'll admit," Tikki began cautiously, "That you have been working harder than ever. You're dealing with things that no one your age should have to. And yes, Adrien is overwhelmed too, probably by more things than just the ones that you know about. You both needed a break. But not one like that!"

Of course she's right, thought Marinette, but damn that was the most relaxed I've been in weeks and I was only there for maybe 10 minutes.

Tikki heaved a sigh at the expression on the girl's face. Regardless of short-term happiness, this kind of behavior was too risky to continue.

"Marinette… I know it's a school night and you need sleep, so I will let it go after this: I'm not going to tell you why you shouldn't have done that anymore because I know you know. All I'm going to say is that you can't let that happen again."

Marinette was silent for a few seconds before replying. "Yeah, I know. That's my only real regret from the whole thing. I should have said what I had prepared to let him know that. I shouldn't have given him hope."

Both Kwami and holder were silent while Marinette changed into her pajamas. She climbed into bed and then laid there, staring at the ceiling. It was another moment before Tikki spoke again.

"Well, now that I'm done talking to you as the voice of reason I can talk to you as your friend again. So…. how was it?"

The thrilled giggles that Marinette let out while burying her face in her hands answered that question rather definitively.

Marinette had considered a lot of factors when deciding to make a nighttime visit to her crush. She made sure that she had a valid reason to explain her presence. She had made sure to wait a safe amount of time before going. She had an answer ready for why she couldn't come again, even if she hadn't actually used it. But there was one thing she hadn't considered: seeing the boy of her affections the very next day and pretending that she hadn't kissed him senseless the night before.

As she hurriedly stumbled into class with only a minute to spare she immediately locked eyes with Adrien. Adrien, who less than twelve hours earlier had looked at her like he was a man in the desert who had just found an oasis, whose tongue had tangoed with hers to the passionate percussion of their hearts, and who had no idea it had been her.

Realizing she was staring, she hurriedly squeaked out a greeting accompanied by a frantic wave. She added on a belated hello to Nino as well to make it less apparent how focused she had been on Adrien. Face flushed, she quickly sat down in her second-row seat before the teacher could say anything.

"Hey, Alya," Marinette said as she began to pull out her supplies for the day.

"Morning, girl. Cutting it close as usual, I see," Alya responded teasingly.

Marinette opened her mouth for a sassy retort, but quickly closed it when Miss Bustier began the roll call. As class got underway, she found herself unable to pay attention to the lesson and instead was studying the blonde in front of her. Adrien always presented himself well in public, but today the way he was holding himself just seemed more natural and genuine, like he wasn't faking being in a good mood today.

He seems so happy, Marinette thought to herself. Is that because of me?

Any remaining regrets for her actions were pushed from her mind by the idea that her selfish act yesterday truly had benefited Adrien as she had hoped it would. She knew that she shouldn't have done it, but she was sure glad that she did. They both came out better because of it.

It was only when Alya slid a note over to her a few minutes later that Marinette realized Adrien wasn't the only one who was noticeably improved as a result of last night. She took the note from her best friend and read it quickly.

You seem to be in a good mood today. Anything happen last night that I should know about?

Her stomach immediately twisted into a knot. This was something else she hadn't considered. Alya had supported her crush on Adrien since day one and had done so much to help her tell him how she felt. Now that she had finally kissed the boy she couldn't even tell Alya about it. Ignoring the growing guilt, Marinette hastily wrote a reply.

Oh no, nothing major! I just finally was able to get to bed at a decent hour last night after a week of design projects. Getting a full night of sleep felt so good that I missed my first alarm, but I'm feeling way more rested than I have in a while.

Alya took a minute to read her reply while Miss Bustier's back was turned. She then scribbled another message and slid it back.

Good for you, girl! I'm glad to hear you're taking care of yourself. You've been majorly stressed for a while so I'm glad you finally are feeling better! I worry about you, ya know.

Marinette flashed Alya a genuine smile, which the reporter returned. She then jotted down a final reply.

I know you do. You're the best.

And I'm the worst, thought Marinette. Sure she had gotten out of Adrien's house without revealing her identity, but there were other consequences that she hadn't thought about. It's a good thing I'm not going over there again.

That was the last thought she had before noticing that Adrien wasn't taking notes, he was doodling. Trying as discreetly as possible to see what he was drawing, she had to swallow a gasp when she saw he was drawing hearts filled with spots. The excitement that involuntarily sprung up in her heart was not a good sign. She repeated the thought in her mind, this time as an order: I am NOT going over there again.

It did not sound nearly as definite in her head as she had hoped it would.