"Cat, before you go up there, I should tell you something," Sabine says. I pause with my hand hovering on the railing. "Is she alright?" I ask, coming back down.

"Mari's been stressed lately, and more then usual. Try to get her out of house, get her some fresh air."

"I'll do my best," I say. I take a deep breath and knock gently on Mari's trapdoor before entering. Marinette is typing away furiously on her computer. A half eaten apple and juice box lays beside her.

"Hello, love. What are you up to?" I ask. Mari swivels in her desk chair to face me. "I may have taken on to much," she whispers. She starts tapping things off her fingers.

1. A new sweater for Jagged Stone

2. A beanie hat she's making

3. Is a secret, but I'll find out soon!

"How come I can never say no to people, Kitty?" she asks. I take her hands. "I think I good idea would be for us to take a walk and…" "But I have so much to do…" she says, turning back to her desk.

I stand behind her. "Princess," I say, quietly. Mari stills, listening quietly. I place both hands upon her shoulders and start rubbing. I can feel the tightness in her neck. "Your so tight. Take deep breaths," I whisper into her ear. In...hold...out.

"Okay. A walk sounds good," she says, quietly. We head downstairs and I make sure she's wearing something warm.

"We'll be back in awhile," I say, taking Mari's hand. At first, she's quiet and far away. "Let the fresh air sweep away the cobwebs, for everything will be okay," I say. She squeezes my hand tightly. Its a beautiful day in Paris. Its chilly, but the sky is a brilliant blue with only a few puffy clouds floating in the sky.

Finally, we get to a quiet spot and I pull her into a hug, and she wraps her arms around my waist, my baton resting against a wall. I rub her back gently, not saying a word. Sometimes, words aren't necessary, but physical touch is.

"I know you love helping others, but you need to have fun and take care of yourself. Otherwise, you'll burn out."

Mari looks into my green eyes. "You know your not the first person to tell me that lately? Zoe and Alya tell me the same thing, and even if I want to say no, I don't."

I kiss her softly. "Princess, you have a kind heart, and its good to help others. But when was the last time you had fun?" I ask. She doesn't answer, just buries her face in my suit.

She gets like this. Just clams up. Eventually, she usually tells me. "Isn't it hard to be you?" she asks. "Being alert watching out for Paris all the time? When do you get to have fun?" she asks. I laugh gently. "Well, defeating akumas may not always be easy, but spending time with you and Ladybug is the best part of my day."

"Do you think?" I ask, stroking her black hair, gently. "Is that why you take on so many projects because you don't want to get lonesome?" "Yes," Marinette says, softly. Sure, she may have me and Zoe and Alya, and when I get the chance I hang out with her as Adrien. I sigh. Talk about busy.

"Having fun is good. Clears the head," I tell her. We continue on our walk, and something delicious floats through the air.

Usually, Andre sells ice cream in the summer, but now that its winter, it looks like he has some winter treats to try.

We walk over to get something to eat. "Marinette and Cat Noir! Come to get something warm?" "YES, Andre." We order a bag of chestnuts and two cups of hot chocolate and sit down on a nearby bench.

Mari keeps her elbow looped through mine, and leans her head on my shoulder. Suddenly, it hits me. No one's told her they love her in the past few days, and Mari likes to hear that, because she likes reassurance. Carefully, I peel away the hot shell and guide it to Mari's mouth. She giggles as she bites down on it. "Careful, Princess, I need all ten fingers!" I joke with her. I lean forward giving her a peck on the lips. "And by the way, I love you."

"Thank you, Cat. I really like it when you tell me that," she says. We sit and eat chestnuts and drink our hot chocolate, enjoying each others company.

On the way home, we find a quiet place to kiss for awhile. "Thanks for being open today, Princess. I want to be able to help you."

Valentine's Day is around the corner, and I want to get her something special. I know she's been eyeing a new sewing needle kit, so maybe I'll buy her that.

When we get home, supper is ready, and we have dinner as a family. Tom gives both of us hugs as we walk in the door, and Mari's face glows with pleasure. I'm happy too, and as I walk by the mirror on the way to the table, I notice how both our eyes are sparkling now.

We may not know it all the time, but sometimes we all need a little love. We all need a "I love you" from time to time.

As I watch Mari work, from my comfortable box with my blue blanket wrapped around me, I admire Marinette even more. She puts her heart into everything, from being my best friend, to a project she's working for a client.

I will always be here to support her, and to tell her I love her. She was the one who befriended me, when this lonely kitty jumped onto her balcony.

I'm secretly making a Valentine, while she takes a short nap. Valentine's Day is a good reminder of how much we should love one another.

I love her so much, my Princess, she really is the best friend this Cat Noir could have.