A/N: Hello everybody, this is a rewrite of a story I uploaded 4 years ago (which is still up on my profile)! I recently re-read it and felt that my writing abilities have grown. Please keep in mind that this is only a rewrite, the original piece was written before season 2 had even been fully released! I will be making minor changes to events/scenes that don't make sense to me or were wrote in a rush but for the most part you can expect the same story. Once again, this is mostly to showcase my growth in writing style, I hope this is more pleasant to read (grammatically and stylistically).

Chapter 1. A date

A cold breeze could be felt from atop the Eiffel tower, it was a quiet night with only the soft buzz of cars interrupting an otherwise silent evening; Ladybug sat on a ledge near the top of the tower, swinging her legs slightly while scanning for any possible trouble, besides her was Chat Noir who was more focused on her than the city. A soft sigh escaped from his lips causing her to turn to face him.

"What's wrong Chaton?" she asked as she looked at an obviously flustered Chat. His cheeks were dusted pink and his normally suave and flirty demeanor was nowhere to be seen.

"I-" he hesitated looking down, "I want to ask you something," he managed to say. He looked up to see her curious eyes looking back, she nodded encouraging him to continue. "I wanted to see if you'd go to a movie with me" he let the words escape before he could regret it.

"Chat we've been over this. We can't see each other in civilian form..." she began her usual lecture but quickly got interrupted.

"I never said it had to be as civilians!" he slowly began regaining his confidence as he spoke.

"Chat, we'd stand out! I doubt anyone wouldn't notice a bright red suit and a pair of cat ears" she flicked one of his ears as she said the last part.

"We can simply wear clothes over it! It's not unusual to see people in jackets and beanies with this weather, and we can just wear glasses over our masks," he wore a smug smile, feeling as if Ladybug couldn't possibly reject him this time.

Ladybug pinched the bridge of her nose trying to think of a way she could possibly slip out of this, she sighed and finally felt herself cave in, "You won't stop until I agree, will you?" she wore an uneasy look, but she didn't look mad which was a good sign for Chat.

"Of course not bugaboo", he said with a wink and leaned closer to her.

She pinched his nose to stop him from coming any closer, "There will be some conditions," she paused and let go of him, "you can't ask about my identity, we have to wrap things up by eight, and I want no funny business Chat, we're going as friends.".

"I've read and accept the terms of conditions," he grabbed her hand and gave it a kiss.

"Hmm, then at three next Tuesday, we can meet in the alley behind Collège Françoise Dupont, does that work for you?", she asked. As much as Ladybug tried to keep a stern face, she felt a small warmth in her stomach as she accepted the invitation. Chat Noir's face was lit with joy and he wore a large grin, she felt a small blush creep on her cheeks.

"That works purr-fectly for me m'lady," he smirked as he made one of his signature puns.

"Ok then, it's about time I get going. See you later Chaton," and with that she was off. Chat Noir stared as he saw her yoyo off into the distance, a smile and a sigh escaping his lips.

Finally home, Marinette de-transfomed and flopped onto her bed, exhausted and slightly flustered from what had just happened. It's not like she liked Chat Noir, but recently she felt herself feel more drawn to him. She couldn't pinpoint when exactly it had begun, but slowly she caught herself staring, wanting to become closer to him, wondering what it may be like to hold his hand or maybe give him a kiss when he leaned in. She began rolling in her bed as her head became flooded with these thoughts.

"What's the matter Marinette?" Tikki asked, floating to her as she saw the girl become suddenly flustered.

"Oh Tikki, this is going to sound ridiculous but I think I may have the tiniest hint of a feeling for Chat Noir," she confessed, grabbing a pillow to hug.

"Oh Marinette, there's nothing wrong with having a crush on Chat Noir, but I thought you still liked Adrien," Tikki said, Marinette pulled her face away from her pillow, a dark pink color had taken over her face.

"I do…" she muttered, a hint of sadness taking over her, "but it's been almost two years Tikki, it's obvious that he doesn't see me in that way. I've tried so hard but even after all this time I still can't progress. I still like him but I'm beginning to think that we'll probably never be more than friends." She let out a deep sigh and felt her heart clench a little as she finished. That's right, her and Adrien had finally become friends (if you could call scattered conversations and an occasional 'good morning' a friendship anyways).

"It's okay Marinette, it's normal, it's part of growing up. Having crushes, even multiple at once and sometimes outgrowing your crush as well," Tikki said, providing some much needed comfort. She hugged her kwami and slowly felt herself drifting to sleep.

Marinette tapped her pencil lightly on her desk, she glanced at the wall and was grateful there were only a few minutes left in class. It was Friday and she was looking forward to catching up on her sewing projects during the weekend.

"Well that's all for today's class, have a good weekend!" Miss. Bustier excused the class with a smile and everyone began packing their bags. Alya waited as Marinette slipped her things into her bag and they both began walking towards the gate of the school.

"Girl, have you been to the new boba shop that opened a few blocks from here?" Alya asked as they walked. Marinette pouted her lips for a moment before answering.

"No actually," she answered.

"I really want to try it out soon, how about we go next week, are you free Thursday?" Alya asked, sounding excited as they reached the gates.

"Sure," Marinette replied, a soft smile on her lips.

"Great, I'd love to chat but I have to go babysit. See you on Monday!" as soon as Alya finished her sentence she was off, running in the direction of her house.

"Was she going home?" Nino asked as he appeared at Marinette's side, he seemed uneasy and nervous.

"Yeah she has to go babysit," she answered.

Nino sighed as he saw Alya growing farther away, "I'm going to try and catch up to her," he said and began running after her. Marinette smiled as she saw him run off, it had been quite obvious that Nino had been trying to ask Alya to officially be his girlfriend for a while.

"They suit each other well don't you think?" Marinette turned and saw Adrien standing besides her. Immediately she felt butterflies form in her stomach, a familiar warmth began growing on her cheeks as she saw the blonde boy who held her affection smile at her.

She was at a loss for words but quickly muttered a "D-defiantly! I mean definitely," she felt her cheeks grow warmer. Adrien noticed how her demeanor changed, he had always made the raven-haired girl nervous and he couldn't tell if it had to do with her still disliking him even after two years of being classmates.

"I heard Jagged Stone commissioned you for a new outfit Marinette," he began, trying to make some conversation while he waited for his car to arrive, "it must be so cool being able to work for him! I wish I was as talented as you," he said, making the girl grow red in the cheeks.

"U-um thank you! Mr. Jagged somehow just, seems to like my style b-but you're very beau… I mean talented!" her sentence was a word jumble as usual, she could only hope he understood, "H-he saw you!" she exclaimed and he made a confused face. "I-I mean… he saw you wear my hat. H-he really loved you I mean liked it, the hat! So I guess you had a part in it too!"

Adrien smiled, "That's so awesome! Jagged Stone noticed me because of your hat! Maybe I should model for you more often". Adrien winked and Marinette smiled as she let a giggle out feeling as if she might implode. They were interrupted by the sound of a car which made Adrien's smile fade a little.

"Well, I have to go now but I'll see you on Monday Marinette!" He gave her a big smile and walked to his car to leave.

"Goodbye Adrien," Marinette said, there was no stutter, just a gentle sweet goodbye. Adrien felt a small warmth in his cheeks as he waved and got into his car.

Tuesday had finally arrived and Adrien could barely focus in school, he had cleared his schedule under the facade he would be working on a group project all afternoon. He glanced at the clock hoping the minutes would go by faster. Finally the bell rang and he swiftly left the classroom, leaving his friends slightly confused over his rush. He walked a couple blocks before transforming and pulling clothes out of a bag he had been carrying. He walked to the alley Ladybug had asked to meet in, he still had 15 minutes to spare but he was too excited to care. It didn't take long for Ladybug to arrive, she was well disguised wearing high boots and a coat, a beanie over her head and large round sunglasses covering her mask.

"Well hello Bugaboo" he said slyly as she approached him, she seemed to be eyeing him, a smirk appearing on her face.

"I didn't know you were a fan of Adrien Agreste chaton," she said, the mention of his name catching him off guard.

"W-What?" He tried to keep cool but couldn't help but rub the back of his neck.

"No need to be a shy kitty, I recognize that outfit. It's from this year's Agreste fall collection. Having good taste is nothing to be ashamed of you know," she bopped his nose and he felt himself relax. "Shall we get going?" she asked, he nodded yes and they began walking towards the movie theater.

Upon arriving at the theater they scanned their options, settling for an animated movie that was beginning in 20 minutes. They picked up some snacks and walked towards the theater. They watched the previews, occasionally making remarks about whether they'd want to see an upcoming release. Chat found it hard to focus on the movie, all he wanted to do was stare at Ladybug. He couldn't believe this was actually happening, he could barely contain his joy.

Soon enough the movie was over, he found it hard to believe how invested he had become over the two main characters. He had been rooting for them to get together but it was left open ended which made him upset. As they exited the theater Chat stretched his arms and saw the bright blue sky through the sky light, the movie had only lasted an hour and a half.

"Wanna grab a bite m'lady?" Chat asked as they finally exited the theater.

They walked a few blocks settling for a small italian restaurant, which was small but comfortable. Time seemed to pass by fast as they sat and talked about small stories from their own lives, only glimpses into what each other's civilian life was like. What kind of friends they had. What their favorite hobbies were. What their favorite food was. Small glimpses, making each other feel closer yet reminding each other that all they could give were glimpses. They shared a double life, it was a bond they could share with no one else but Chat still felt a small tug in his heart as he yearned to know more about what Ladybug's life was outside the small snippets he was allowed to ask about. What did she want to be in life? What was her family like? Was she actually his age?

"So Chaton, I know we aren't allowed to talk about our private life but I've been wondering… are you a single child?" she sipped on the last of her lemonade as she eyed the boy, making him go slightly pink.

"Actually yes, how did you know?" he asked, wondering if he was too predictable for Ladybug.

"Mostly your personality I suppose, but it was mostly a lucky guess. I'm an only child as well. I didn't think it'd be too inappropriate to ask considering there are thousands of only children in the city" she had a small smirk on her face. They continued to idly chatted for a while but soon the sun began to set and they both knew it was time to say goodbye.

"Well, it's getting late Chaton. We should get going" she instinctively tried brushing a piece of her hair behind her ear.

"I guess so, although I wish we could sit here and talk forever m'lady," he grabbed her hand and placed a kiss on it as he had done so many times before.

"It's okay, we'll see each other soon enough kitty. I had fun, perhaps we can do this again another time" she smiled and saw a large grin form on his face.

They waved goodbye and each went their way, Marinette finally found an empty alley and began to take the layers off before de-transforming and rushing home. Once she finally got to her room she plopped on her bed and let out a deep sigh.

"Chat is… nice, isn't he Tikki?", her small red friend flew over her face and smiled.

"He is Marinette, just be careful okay? Liking him could bring huge consequences," she warned Marinette, who avoided eye contact and sat up.

"I know Tikki, it's not like I like him like him, I just think he's… neat. Yeah, he's neat" she nodded her head as if convincing herself of the last part. She got up and walked to the opposite wall, looking at all of her Adrien posters. She took a deep breath and took one down, then another.

"What are you doing Marinette?" asked Tikki as she flew to her side, confused about why Marinette would take down pictures of her beloved Adrien.

"It's a bit strange for me to keep these up," Marinette's cheeks began to grow pink, "normal girls don't have a wall full of their crush, I mean sure he's a celebrity but… it's still a bit weird," she explained. Marinette's cheeks were a crimson color by the time she finished taking them all down.

"I'm proud of you Marinette, you're growing up!" Tikki exclaimed, hugging Marinette's cheek.

"Thank you Tikki, I should probably do some work now", Marinette said as she sat at her desk, and began pulling out her history book. Not much time passed before Marinette heard a buzz from her phone. Alya.

"Hey girl! O.M.G. you will NOT believe what happened today!" Alya was practically yelling through the phone and Marinette felt as if her best friend was in fact next to her instead of speaking through the phone.

"Hi Alya, what's up?" she replied, amused by her best friend's excitement.

"Nino FINALLY asked me to be his girlfriend!" she exclaimed, Marinette felt herself grow excited as well.

"No way!" she replied, louder than she had intended.

"Yes girl! I'll tell you all the details tomorrow! I just had to let you know I was too excited! I have to go now, but we'll talk tomorrow" before Marinette could say goodbye there was a click on the other side. She smiled feeling happy for her friend but groaned as she remembered she still had homework to finish.