"Okay, so curve the loop here," I murmur to myself. "Mari, honey?" I spin in my swivel desk chair. "
You want to come shopping with me? We could get coffee on the way."

I grin. It will be nice to take a break from my fashion duties and since no one's been akumatized (yet) today, I'm free.

I like going to the farmer's market which Cat Noir likes to frequent. He wanted to buy some cheese the another day, and he rubbed my hand in little circles with his thumb….

"Marinette, you coming?" Mom asked. Here am I, dreaming away on the sidewalk! Mom gives me a knowing grin. "Thinking about your handsome Kitty?" she grins. "Mom! Okay, yes," I grumble. Besides my secret identity, its hard to keep secrets if you are close with your mother.

We're wandering through the flower stall and Mom is carefully looking at the flowers. "Dad will love anything you get," I say, gently teasing her. "But he'd probably like a pastry shaped like a flower even more!"

Mom smiles at me. "I'd love to get your father both of those things, but the flowers aren't for your father. There for Adrien."

Now its my turn to look confused. "Why'd you be buying flowers for Adrien?" "Remember, sweetie? In invited us to his fashion show this afternoon, and I thought I'd buy him some flowers."

Talk about scatterbrained! I totally forgot! "And yes, honey. I did wash your lucky socks. Now, what bouquet do you think Adrien would like?" I walk up to her, placing my hand in hers, because I'm shy to tell her. "Promise me you'll keep a secret?" I whisper. She nodded, squeezing my hand lightly.

Its in these moments that I wish I could tell her I was Ladybug. So many times have I been tempted, because it would mean another ally in my corner, and yes, it would be a relief to unload my burdens.

Being Ladybug is fun and I wouldn't trade it for the world, but I do get lonely from time to time. "Buttercups," I say. "The flowers or the chocolates?" she jokes. "Flowers. They look like Adrien's hair color," I mutter.

Hair like sunshine, and the person is as sweet as the flower itself Adrien. Cat's hair is just a bit darker, and then a sharp pang goes through my body. I miss Cat, since I was sick and we couldn't patrol together. Sure, I texted him instructions, but it wasn't the same as being together. "Maybe you could look for them while I get coffee?" I ask. I just need a moment. She nods and I quickly disappear finding a back alleyway, where at last it is quiet.

Resting my forehead against the cool wall, I let a few tears slip from my eyes. "Tikki?" I sniff, and she floats up to my face, trying to wipe the moisture. "Could I tell my mother about how hard it is to say goodbye to Cat each time as Ladybug?"

"Your the Guardian, Marinette, so your the one to decide." "Well, then, Tikki, spots on!" I wipe a hand across my face, hoping I won't enter my favorite coffee shop with streaks across my face.

I buy the coffee and a couple of pastries and go looking for my Mother. "Sabine?" It feels weird to call my mother that, but I have to. "Ladybug! How are you dear?" We sit down at a picnic table and luckily only a few people stroll by.

"You look like something is on your mind, dear," she says. "Well," I say, playing with my straw, "Its about Cat Noir." Concern flashes across Mom's face. "Oh, dear. You two aren't fighting are you?" I shake my head. "No. Its just lately whenever I'm about to detransform, I want to do it with Cat. I don't like being away from him and keeping secrets." By now I'm amazed she's able to hear me, for to me my voice is almost inaudible.

Sabine opens her hands and holds them out to me. "Squeeze my hands, dear." Though I wear a suit of red-and-black my mother's hand is the most comforting thing in the world.

"There will be a day not so very far away, when you and Cat know each other without the mask. Be patient, dear. The time will come." "Thank you," I whisper. "You couldn't do me a favorite could you, Ladybug?" I nod. "Would you mind seeing where Marinette is? She only went to get coffee, but she does get distracted…."

Oh, cheese and crackers! "I'll find her right away!" I say, springing up. Just as I'm about to leave I turn back to her. "Thanks for everything you do for Cat and I."

A moment later, I find my mom at the same bench. "Sorry! Long line!" I tell her. I take a sip of mocha frappe, and feel better. My mom is best.

Adrien's fashion show is really fun, but my favorite part was the look on his face when Mom handed him the flowers! "You'll have to come to brunch soon, Adrien. Marinette makes a excellent egg bake."

"Thanks, I'd love to," Adrien says, smiling at me. My heart skips a beat or three.

That night as I'm brushing my teeth, I realized how lucky I am to have a mom who loves me both as Marinette and as Ladybug.

She helps me so much, and is always there.

She's there when I tumble and fall,

and skin my knee, willing and ready with a kiss to the knee.

Even though I wear a mask of disguise, you still love me,

everyday.

Thanks for being the best Mom of all.

Marinette

-Ladybug

I close up my diary and close my eyes, drifting gently into a dream. In my dream, Cat, Mom, and Dad and I stand together like a family. Mom's right, the day will come.

Mom's give the best advice, so do as your told!