Marinette

Marinette was pretty certain she had thrown an umbrella in her bag this morning. Where it vanished was a mystery to her. There was nothing much she could do about it now, though. Waiting for Alya or making a run for it were her only options. She stretched her hand into the rain, letting the drops beat their rhythm against her palm. It was coming down too heavily to run through without getting soaked to the bone. Perhaps it'd let up soon. She could wait… if only she wasn't supposed to be home half an hour ago to help her parents with an unusually large order.

"Marinette?"

Her whole body tensed. She'd heard his voice only a few times, but Marinette didn't have to turn around to know just who was calling her name. Those eyes had haunted her ever since they met. She turned away, hoping he would understand how unwelcome his approach was.

It seemed to work. Out of the corner of her eye, she saw Adrien hesitate, then change direction and take a step toward the street.

One step.

Two.

Three.

He was almost past her.

"I just wanted you to know—" Adrien stopped and looked at her, his voice quiet, "—it really was an accident. I didn't mean to drop my pencil. It just slid out of my hand." He paused, seemingly trying to find the right words. "This is my first time in a public school. I've been homeschooled my whole life. I'm still being tutored to supplement the courses I'm taking here because apparently, it's not enough."

Marinette could feel the eyeroll and annoyance in his voice. She couldn't help but join him, because that statement was ridiculous. Their town might be small, and their university might be the only one in the area, but it was a daughter branch of one of the best Parisian universities. The quality of education here was unprecedented.

"Apart from Nino, I've never had neither time nor opportunities to find friends," Adrien continued. "So, this is all… new to me. I'm sorry if I offended you in any way. I'm sorry I caused you to trip. I didn't mean to. I really am sorry."

With that, he turned away and took another step away from her.

Marinette's heart skipped a beat. No cocky smile on his face, no mischievous glint in his eyes. Nothing but the earnest desire to earn her forgiveness. Perhaps Alya was right, and he wasn't like Chloe after all. Maybe she overreacted? It certainly wouldn't be the first time.

Adrien kept walking. Her chest tightened, her heart working at an insane rate. Swallowing back a lump in her throat, Marinette clenched her fists, because, in one aspect, Alya had a point, despite whoever Adrien might or might not appear to be—Marinette was better than the way she'd treated him until now.

"I'm sorry I was rude to you," she called right before he stepped into the rain.

Adrien turned around, surprise evident on his face.

She smiled at him. "You deserve the benefit of the doubt, and I should've done better than to assume without really knowing you." His face lit up as she continued, "Due to… some unpleasant life experiences, I can be quick to judge and harsh in my reactions. I do realize that isn't a valid excuse, and I'm working on that, but meanwhile, I'm sorry for being a hot-headed pain in the ass, as Alya calls me."

There it was again. That cocky smile of his. "I'd describe you more like a 'sassy spitfire'. A very beautiful sassy spitfire."

She raised an eyebrow, her cheeks treacherously warming up. "And here I was starting to think there was more to you than a shameless flirt."

"There is." Adrien was suddenly by her side, grabbing her hand and leaning closer, his gaze earnest and locked on hers. "I promise there is a lot more to me than my charm. Give me a chance and I'll prove it to you."

Pulling her hand from his, Marinette poked his nose, pushing him away. "Thanks for the offer, but that would require time, something I don't really have."

"I can always squeeze myself into your 'idly standing, watching the rain' slot."

She rolled her eyes. "This wasn't planned. I forgot my umbrella at home."

"So you're waiting for the rain to stop?"

"I'm waiting for Alya to finish her meeting at the journalism club, so we can share her umbrella. But honestly, I'm considering making a run for it at this point. She'll be at least another hour, and I don't have time to just stand around waiting for that long. I have to get home."

Adrien immediately reached into his bag and pulled out a small black umbrella. "You can have mine."

She looked at him hesitantly. It was pouring pretty hard. "What about you?"

"I have a car parked around the corner." Adrien opened the umbrella, revealing a big neon green paw on its black surface, a similar but smaller paw serving as a button on the handle. He offered it to her, the cocky grin on his face morphing into the sweetest, most beautiful smile she'd ever seen. "Please? As an apology for tripping you."

Thunder ripped through the sky, deafening the noise of passing cars and the sounds of the rain. Marinette froze, her heart barely functioning. Adrien didn't move either, his eyes focused on her. Warm as the spring, rich as the fields. Sincere and kind. Marinette could look into them for an eternity, and get lost in them without trying.

Her chest hurting, she hesitantly reached out. The slightest of brushes against his skin. Her face flamed. Adrien smiled. She averted her gaze, her fingers curling around the handle of the umbrella.

Snap!

Marinette almost cursed under her breath, trying to get out from under the stupid umbrella that closed on her.

Adrien's heartfelt laughter filled the space. He sounded so innocent and happy. She couldn't help but smile.

"I'm so sorry," Adrien rushed to help her. "I swear it wasn't me this time."

"I know it wasn't you," she grumbled. "My clumsiness is legendary."

He took a moment before answering, watching her with so much affection, Marinette couldn't handle the eye contact. "It's cute."

"I'd better go," she whispered. "I need to help Maman today and work on my project after that."

"Want a ride? Nino and I usually ride our bikes to school, but since it's raining we took a car."

Marinette shook her head. "I don't live far away, and you already gave me your umbrella—"

Her phone rang. She mouthed an apology to him and picked up. Maman was worried she wasn't home yet. Marinette assured her she was fine and would be at the bakery soon. The moment she hung up, Adrien slowly took her hand and placed a gentle kiss on the top of her knuckles.

"It was really nice talking to you, Princess, but this cat needs to scat. I'll see you around?"

Her eyes widened, butterflies stirring at the pit of her stomach. Damn, that classic move that had never worked on her before! She'd usually laugh the guys off if they approached her with such a cheesy line and move. "You too. Good talk you. Nice day to have."

Marinette died internally, her face surely resembling a fire engine by now. What was wrong with her?

Adrien didn't seem to notice as he chuckled, saluted her, and turned to walk away. Into the rain.

"Wait!" she called, not looking at him when he stopped. He was so kind to her just now. It would be a common courtesy to return the gesture, wouldn't it? "I… the rain, so… I should… walk you to… car? Your car?"

"Don't worry about me," he grinned. "Go, do whatever you need to. I'll be fine."

"But you'll get wet."

"I could use a shower." Adrien stepped into the rain, letting it soak him, so there was no more point in discussing the issue. "See you later, Marinette."

She watched him run around the corner, heavy rain soaking him to the bone. One should feel sorry for the guy. Marinette couldn't stop staring, her heart threatening to jump out of her chest and race after him. That feeling… so strange, so overwhelming and so powerful, yet now that they had talked, so comforting, warm, and pleasant. Something she felt like holding onto. Something she felt she desperately needed in her life.

Her lips tingled in a smile as she opened the umbrella again. Perhaps Adrien Noir was trouble she had no time for, but there was definitely more to him than met the eye. Maybe she'd be willing to see if a friendship with him was possible. After all, with Alya taking interest in his friend, it looked like they'd be seeing each other a whole lot more from now on.

Don't get her wrong. Marinette was happy that Alya finally was interested in a guy more than the latest scoop. And she absolutely didn't mind skipping one of their weekly get-togethers in favour of her BFF going on a coffee date with their new classmate. Marinette wouldn't be bored. She could work on one of her projects or help at the bakery…if Adrien Noir would bother to leave her thoughts for even a moment!

Forgiving him was a mistake. She was better off being pissed at the man. Not meeting him at all would be even more wonderful. Because this—this wasn't normal!

Constantly thinking about a guy you've met twice wasn't normal. Always seeing those beautiful eyes, that goofy smile, and that perfect mop of blond hair was even weirder. And what about that longing, tightening feeling in her chest? When did that become the usual part of her day? No! Marinette refused to accept this!

The day was perfectly gorgeous and sunny and her parents insisted that wasting it inside would be a crime. A walk around a local farmer's market sounded just about right. She could pick up groceries for dinner instead of freaking out over M Noir… and if said market happened to be across the street from where her friend was meeting Nino, that was a pure coincidence.

Nothing more. Nothing less.

Marinette was absolutely not spying on anyone. She was just out to clear her head, and if she glanced the couples' way once or twice, it was only to appease her morbid curiosity. No harm done. She wasn't interfering. She couldn't even hear what the two of them were talking about. Surely, not about Adrien. Or her. Or her and Adrien. Nope. No way. Impossible. She wasn't curious at all.

"You know you aren't very subtle?"

Marinette froze, her blood running cold. This couldn't be happening! No way. Adrien Freaking Noir was not standing right behind her, whispering in her ear. It must be nothing but a product of her imagination. She'd finally gone insane. Still, she spun around just to check if it was time to make an appointment with a therapist—

Her jaw hit the floor, eyes widening. The man in front of her sounded like Adrien, yet he barely looked the part. Most of his hair was hidden under a beanie, a pair of glasses framed his eyes. Baggy, black clothes covered his body. His chiselled jaw sported a light stubble, and a hippy backpack was slung over his shoulders. Not a shred of his classy self left, replaced by a sexy, casual chic version of the man.

"Adrien?"

He winked. "Looking beautiful as always, Princess."

Her cheeks flamed just as a movement in the cafe caught her eye. Marinette nervously grinned. Adrien was Nino's best friend. There was no way he wouldn't know where Nino was taking Alya for their first date, which meant Marinette better be very careful in her words and actions or she wouldn't be a princess for much longer. The title of "creepy stalker" didn't sound the bit least appealing to her.

"You look nice too," she said, looking perfectly innocent. "Different. I barely recognized you. I like glasses. And stubble. Stubble is nice. A little of it. Not too much. Too much would look shabby. But yours looks good. Perfect. Not shabby at all."

He chuckled, a corner of his lips curling into a smile. "I'll take that as a compliment."

"It was one. A compliment, I mean."

"Why, thank you."

Another couple left the cafe, catching both of their attentions. Marinette quickly shifted her gaze to the apples at the stall she was standing by. As long as she acted naturally, Adrien wouldn't suspect a thing. Neither why she was here, nor about the inner turmoil his presence in her life had caused.

"So, what are you doing here today?"

She inwardly groaned and stashed a few apples in a paper bag. "Apples. I'm here for apples."

"What a coincidence." Adrien picked one of the red ones and twirled it in his hand. "I'm here for the apples too. A close friend of mine told me about this place. She said it was especially lovely on Saturday afternoon. By the way… Nino just asked for the bill, so if you were planning to do more shopping in other places, I'd say that's our cue to pay for these and get ready to leave."

Marinette glared at him, her whole face burning up. That cocky smile, that glint in his eyes. Of course, he'd catch her. But she wouldn't give up so easily, or she wasn't Marinette Dupain-Cheng: her papa's pumpkin, her mother's sweetheart, the future best patisserie of Dupont, and queen of fashion on the side!

"I'm not spying on anyone if that's what you're implying."

"I wouldn't dare to accuse you of such a thing." He grinned, putting the apple back. "But… May I suggest a few tweaks to your disguise? You know, in case you're still up for some non-spying activities today."

"I don't need any tweaks. I've been here for an hour, and they haven't noticed me. I could tail them all day if I wanted to, and they wouldn't notice me."

She froze, the last of her hopes to escape this unscathed vanishing right before her eyes. Curse this man! It was his fault her brain was shutting down around him.

The corner of Adrien's lips curled in a smile as he leaned closer. "You might be well hidden amongst the rainbow of produce here, but believe me, as soon as you step outside, that bright red hoodie of yours will give you away."

"In your dreams," Marinette huffed, folding her arms over her chest. "This hoodie is the only thing in my closet Alya hasn't seen yet. My sunglasses cover half of my face, and I let my hair down instead of my usual ponytails. They would never recognize me."

"Well, I did, didn't I?"

"That's because you came close. They are at a distance."

"Nino will notice someone trailing them in a bright red hoodie. Believe me, that man lets no detail escape him. But give me five minutes, and your own parents won't recognize you even up close."

She quirked an eyebrow. "What for? The date is over."

"Far from it. Nino planned coffee, a walk around the city, and a movie. He bought the tickets this morning."

Adrien seemed to be confident in what he was saying, but Marinette couldn't trust someone she'd recently met over her best friend, even if she was irrationally hard crushing on him. "I don't believe you."

"There is only one way to find out if I'm lying." He stretched his hand towards her. "Shall we?"

Shall they what? Why was he even here? She was picking up groceries for dinner. What was his excuse?

"And what are you doing here, M Noir?"

"I told you already." The corners of his lips curled up in a sly grin. "Apples."

"Right. And you went all out on a disguise for that?"

"Precisely." He grinned wider. "I also knew Nino was having a date nearby, and being the great friend I am, I didn't want them to see me and think I'm spying on them."

She wanted to smack that shit-eating grin off his face. But Nino and Alya were exiting the cafe, and Adrien tilted his head to the side, his hand still outstretched toward her. "So? Want to not spy on them some more, or do you have other plans for the day?"

No, she didn't, and perhaps she should be smarter, but something inside her was melting by the second. Adrien's smile was slowly massacring any scraps of reason she still had.

"If you tell anyone, I'll deny every word."

"No one shall ever know." He grinned. "Now, may I suggest a few tweaks to your disguise? To minimize our chances of being discovered."

"Fine, but be quick. They're getting away."

Adrien nodded and pointed to her hoodie. "Take this off."

There was no time for questions, so she silently obeyed. The moment Marinette removed the garment, Adrien was already pulling his black sweater over her head.

"Wait! What are you—"

"Black is less conspicuous."

"But what about you? It's chilly, and your shirt doesn't look very warm."

"I'll be fine."

"Really?" He didn't have to freeze his butt off to impress her.

"Yes, really." Adrien shrugged, stuffing her hoodie in his backpack. "My parents wanted to give me the most extensive education possible, so my Phys. Ed. included not only fitness but also training to withstand extreme temperatures and all kinds of weather with ease. I wear sweaters for fashion, not because I'm cold."

"Right." Marinette gave him a skeptical look. "What else did they teach you? How to swim in lava?"

His voice was as nonchalant as could be, as if he was talking about solving a math problem or reading a poem. "Well, not how to swim in lava, but I was trained to swim long distances and had a 'how to survive a volcano eruption' course. We even visited one for practice."

Marinette gaped at him like a fish, her lips slightly parted. Surviving extreme weather and volcanic eruptions? Should she ask if his long-distance swimming sessions included swimming with sharks? They probably did. What kind of education was that? Who was he?

Oblivious to the questions clattering around in her head, Adrien was looking her over thoughtfully when his face suddenly brightened. "Got it." He grinned, grabbed her hand, and pulled Marinette in the direction of the nearest convenience store before she could utter a protest.

When they neared the door of the said establishment, though, Marinette balked, "We don't have time for this. We've already lost them."

"No, we didn't. We might not see them, but I know where they are."

"I know that, too," she grumbled. "In Dupont. France. Europe, Eurasia. Planet Earth, Solar system. Hard to miss if you fly toward the Sun. "

The sound of Adrien's laughter brightened the space around them. There was a glint of joy in his eye and a hint of mischief in his voice when he composed himself. "Nino spent hours planning their route yesterday, and yours truly helped him. I know where they're headed. We'll catch up."

Hesitantly relenting, she followed him into the store. Once inside, Adrien disappeared somewhere between the rows. When he reemerged, he was carrying a hairbrush, a couple of bobby pins and hair ties, a small mirror, a plastic tablecloth, and a can of temporary hair dye. Quickly paid for, Adrien pulled her into the nearby alley. "Do you trust me enough for a blind makeover?"

A loaded question. She hardly knew anything about the man despite not being able to stop thinking about him. But then again, Marinette loved surprises, and it wasn't like Adrien had anything that could potentially cause serious damage to her appearance in his hands.

"You aren't going to cut my hair, are you?"

"Wouldn't dare to even consider it."

"Strangle me with that tablecloth?"

"It's to protect your clothes from the dye. And before you freak out, it's a temporary one. It'll wash out with the first shower."

At least it was pink—her favourite colour. "Don't make me regret this, Noir."

"I promise, you won't."

She glared at him, cementing her point. "If I do, you're dead."

Adrien laughed and slightly bowed. "Your trust means the world to me, Princess. Now, if you'll allow me, I shall start."

Marinette nodded, removing the sunglasses. Adrien quickly draped the plastic tablecloth around her shoulders. The moment his hands ran through her hair, her brain short-circuited. It felt like heaven. Pleasant tingles cascaded down her skin at every touch as he brushed, tied, and clipped for what felt like an eternity yet was way too short of a period before he whispered in her ear, "Close your eyes and hold your breath for me for a moment."

That would not be a problem; Marinette wasn't sure she was breathing for the last few minutes anyway. He was too close. She could feel the heat of his body, the warmth of his breath, and that was doing things to her she'd rather not experience in a random alley off a busy street in the middle of a small French Riviera town. And how was she supposed to function after this? He'd invaded her every thought after giving her his umbrella. What would happen now, after his hands—

"You can open your eyes and look now." Adrien pulled the plastic tablecloth off her shoulders and pushed a small mirror in her hands.

Her speech was gone the moment her eyes caught her reflection. Most of her bangs were pinned back in the middle, only some of the hair framing her face on either side. The rest was gathered in two cute, messy buns on top of her head that had pink highlights all over them, something the tips of her bangs sported as well. It was a look she'd never thought of doing herself, yet somehow found herself loving more with each passing moment.

"Not bad," she said, a ghost of a smile on her lips. "Was hair styling also a part of your extensive education?"

"Not exactly." Adrien chuckled, putting her sunglasses back on her face. "But the art of disguise was."

"Well, you have a talent, M Noir. I really like this."

"Why, thank you." Adrien grinned. "I do like the outcome, too. You were always cute, but now you're straight-up adorable. Like a little mouse. An extremely lovely little mouse. "

Marinette looked away, taking a step towards a street. Anything to hide her crimson cheeks from his gaze. "As long as Alya doesn't recognize me."

"She won't." Adrien followed her. "Hey! Maybe we should also hold hands and pretend to be on a date? They'll never figure us out if we do that."

Her eyes widened as he offered her his hand. "Are you… are you asking me on a fake date?"

"Do you want me to ask you on a fake date?"

"I've never liked anything fake," she huffed. "Says a lot about one's character."

Adrien chuckled. "Then it's good that all I'm asking is to hold hands. For a better disguise, of course. Not faking. Real hand-holding."

An earnest smile on his lips, he stepped closer, silently waiting for her reply.

Marinette swallowed, her eyes falling to his outstretched hand, one that looked more and more appealing to hold by the second. How would it feel to have her palm in his? Would her skin burn for days if not weeks after it? If she chickened out now, she might not get another chance to find out. "Only for the purpose of a disguise."

"Only for that," Adrien assured, entwining their fingers together, his gaze on her soft and gentle. "Allow me to be your guide on this non-spying, not-a-fake-date mission, Princess."

His words fell on deaf ears as Marinette struggled to keep her composure. Big, strong, and very warm. Somehow safe and secure. Like a lover's embrace. Holding Adrien's hand was everything Marinette didn't know she needed up until now. Everything she wouldn't soon forget, if ever.

He must have noticed something was amiss, cracking a dumb joke to break the awkwardness as they started their walk. Marinette tried her best not to laugh, but Adrien kept going, each joke worse than the preceding one. Ten minutes in, and she couldn't believe she ever had a crush on this… man-child. Adrien was the dorkiest dork she'd ever met. A dork who asked too many questions. So many it felt like he wanted to know everything there was to Marinette. She didn't mind. There were quite a few things she wanted to know about Adrien, as well, and what better way to ask if not as a retaliation to his inquiries?

About an hour later, they spotted Nino and Alya on a promenade by the Seine, walking hand in hand just like them. Her friend beamed, laughing so hard, Marinette could swear there were tears in Alya's eyes. Nino looked no less happy, grinning at Alya with a satisfied look on his face. A smile found its way onto Marinette's face. Adrien watched them mesmerized, slightly tightening his grip on her hand.

"Everything looks good," he said, turning to her. "Their next stop should be a music shop a few blocks away, and there are a few cafes just across the street. Want to get a headstart and have an early lunch?"

Marinette nodded. She could use a drink or two right now. A nice large glass of the cold water because Adrien seemed to take their… whatever-this-was way too seriously, being all attentive and gentlemanly and extra charming, and if not for his assurance they were not on a date, Marinette would've surely thought otherwise. Which didn't help her case of sudden, overwhelming, highly illogical feelings for this man which slowly seemed to be turning into something more than a simple attraction. Something different. Something deeper and more profound.

"Awesome!" Adrien grinned, turning back to the town. "We should choose the one with the most fish dishes. My friend told me cafés in this part of the town serve amazing fish. I'd love to try some."

Cafés in that part of the town did serve amazing fish. Adrien's friend had good taste. Speaking of which…

"This friend of yours?" The one he kept mentioning. The one that brought out the warmth and affection in his voice. The one Marinette found herself paying more attention to than she should have, and only because they were a woman. "Does she have a name? It'll be easier if you use her name instead of referring to her as 'my friend' all the time. Unless you're talking about multiple friends, that is."

Adrien looked at her with his lips slightly ajar for a few moments before quietly replying. "Ladybug. Her name is Ladybug."

Ladybug? What a weird name… "Like an insect?"

"Like Lady Luck." His smile turned once again warm and tender, his eyes, even though focused on Marinette, filled with affection for the woman he spoke of. "The most amazing girl I've ever met."

Her chest tightening, Marinette looked away. Of course her suspicions were true. Why would she even think a guy like Adrien didn't already have someone special in his life? He was handsome, smart, funny, kind, and respectful, and she, most likely, wasn't the first girl to fall in love with him at first sight. Not that love at first sight was real, but how else was she supposed to explain what was happening to her? And how in the world could she think that Adrien would still be single? "Your girlfriend?"

"Ye— No." He looked away, the look on his face contradicting his words, his shaky smile only confirming her inkling, despite what he was saying. "I'm very much single."

Marinette slowly drew back her hand out of his grasp, offering a weak, apologetic smile in response to his questioning gaze. She wasn't a fool or stupid, and even if he denied it, it was very obvious Adrien was smitten with this Ladybug. Which made him unavailable. Which meant Marinette could never allow her crush on him to develop.

"This was fun," she said quietly, looking away. "But I think I'll head home now."

"It's not what you think." Adrien tried to catch her gaze. "I swear it's not what you just thought."

She refused to look at him. It hurt. More than it should've. More than she was willing to admit or show him. "I'm not sure what you're insinuating. I was just thinking that Alya and Nino deserve some privacy."

"We were hardly watching them."

"And we shouldn't have done even that. They deserve better than two stalkers for friends."

His lips parted for a moment. He looked away, a mask of guilt on his face. "You're right. Can I at least walk you home?"

"I'll get an Uber. My feet are killing me." Before he could protest, Marinette pulled out her cellphone and directed her attention to the Uber app. "There's one nearby. It'll be here in two minutes."

A cool breeze blew by. They stood in silence, Adrien watching the ground, Marinette pretending to check her e-mail. A little red car came into view.

"My ride," she said quietly, taking off Adrien's sweater, immediately regretting the loss of warmth and comfort. Perhaps she should revisit her choice of outfits and add a few oversized sweaters to her wardrobe.

Adrien draped her red hoodie over her shoulders, his hands lingering for just a moment. "Please, allow me to explain."

"There's nothing to explain, Adrien. I'll see you in school."

He let her go but not before adding. "I promise I'm not cheating on anyone. Chat Noir's honour."

Her breath caught in her lungs as Adrien pulled away. Heart sprinting into a mad race, Marinette froze in her place, tingles of something she yearned for but couldn't quite grasp running wildly in her mind.

Chat Noir.

Such a strange name, but… why did it sound so familiar? Adrien's last name was Noir. Was it his brother? A cousin? His father? Why did she struggle to breathe at a mere mention? She certainly hadn't met anyone going by the name Chat Noir before, so why?

Marinette jerked her head to Adrien, hoping he'd give her a hint, but he just smiled, opening the door of the little red car that pulled beside them for her. "Thank you for the lovely day. See you in school on Monday?"

She silently nodded and scrambled into the car, hardly able to remember anything after that until the rest of the day, Adrien's face and the weird name of Chat Noir haunting her every waking moment.