Literally every time I tried to write pastries, I've written pastires and had to go back and correct it so now I officially hate that word

Day 18 – Pastries

"Marinette!"

Marinette turns to the sound of her name being called to see someone running up the stairs of the school, calling out her name frantically. She squints and stops dead in her tracks as she realizes who exactly it is.

It's Adrien.

Adrien Agreste.

Her Adrien was skipping steps, stumbling around the crowd of students, calling her name.

Oh, no. And now he was standing right in front of her. Well, more like hunched over panting and gasping for air at his exertion. But his attention was on her nonetheless.

"Here," he gasped, thrusting a container into her hands. "I made these for you."

She gaped at the box. "What is it?"

"Cookies," he was starting to gain control over his breathing, which meant she was starting to lose control over hers. "I decided to try baking this weekend and was hoping you'd test them out for me. You know, since you know your stuff." He winked.

She blushed and opened the lid. "They smell wonderful," she said as she picked one up to taste.

She could feel his eyes on her as she bit into the cookie. Closing her eyes to escape his anxious stare, she considered his dessert determined to give him an honest review.

"It's delicious!" She said finally. "The only advice I'd offer is to melt the butter before mixing the dough. It makes the cookies nice and soft. But you did a great job."

He beamed at her. "I'm glad you like them."

"I'm glad you let me taste test them for you," She smiled.

Closing the lid, she tried handing the box back to him, but he held up his hands. "No, I made them for you. You can keep them."

She blinked. "Oh?"

"Yeah," Adrien glanced around nervously and suddenly, Marinette realized a few of her classmates were watching the awkward interaction. "Actually, I wanted to ask you something."

"Is everything ok?"

"Yeah, I'm fine," he looked at their nosy classmates again before holding out his hand. "But can we go somewhere a little more private?"

Dumbly, she put her hand in his. "Of course."

He led her down a barely used hallway of the school, one she frequented often whenever there was an Akuma. Her mind was racing in a million different directions as she tried to understand exactly what he was going to tell her. Was he going to ask her on a date? Was he going to ask for more advice about Kagami? Was he going to tell her that the cuddling the other night was a mistake and to leave him alone forever?

She was able to throw out the last idea, because he said he specifically baked those cookies for her. Most people didn't bake cookies to tell someone to leave them alone. Right?

She was brought out of her thoughts when they reached the end of the hallway. The bell signaling the start of classes had rung during their journey, but Marinette couldn't find it in her to worry. Adrien obviously needed to talk about something important and she was going to be there for her friend.

"Sorry I'm making you late to class, again." He broke the silence. "I just didn't think anyone needed to overhear."

She shook her head. "Don't worry about it. What's on your mind?"

She could tell he was struggling to find the right words. "I just wanted to thank you for the other night at Alya's."

She felt her face heat up. "For what?"

"For… you know…" He trailed off and she could have sworn she saw traces of a blush forming on his cheeks. "I had the best sleep of my life that night. I hope it didn't make you uncomfortable at all."

She shook her head. "Not at all. Actually," she swallowed, trying to summon her bravery. "It felt really good. I mean, I slept really good. Being next to you, I mean."

He smiled. "That's good."

"Is that what the cookies were for?" She blurt out before she could stop herself. Why did he have to give her such soft looks?

"Yes, and no." He laughed and it was like music to her ears. "Mostly, I just wanted your advice."

"Well, I could help you make them next time if you want. We can make some during lunch for the whole class! Probably not today, of course, because it would be too late notice for your father. It would be terrible if you upset him. But if you really wanted to, we could set up a date for it!" She paled. "Not like a date date, of course, because that would be weird. I meant 'date' like a schedule! Lot's of people use the word like that—"

He pulled her into a hug, effectively cutting off her rambling. "Thanks, Marinette. I'll ask my father about it."

She melted into his arms as he held her tighter than he probably should have. His arms were strong and warm like they were that night, and she felt him bury his face in her neck. He smelled like sandalwood and vanilla and something else. Something odd and musky that she couldn't quite place.

She felt him push back and straightened hastily. She didn't want him to know just how dizzy he made her feel.

"We should get to class now," he whispered, unmoving.

"Yeah," she said dreamily.

He held out his hand again. "May I escort you?"

She giggled, placing her hand in his.

He didn't let go of her hand until he opened the classroom door for her. She walked into class floating on air.