Honestly, is he an idiot? I can't believe he just asked me that!

Marinette knew Chat Noir was looking at her, expecting an answer as she stared down at the floor. She sighed; she really didn't want to tell him. But she gathered herself up and scowled at him as she looked him in the eye, unknowing to the blush that had started to bloom over her nose.

"Look. I have a crush on him okay? He's always been so nice to me, ever since I met him actually, and he's always considerate of others. He's selfless, kind and very talented. He tolerates me even when I can't form a simple sentence around him! It kind of embarrasses me when he speaks Chinese because I can't understand a word of it, even though I'm half Chinese myself. He cares about his friends and cherishes his father, even though he's so strict…He's very admirable, even though we're the same age I feel like we're miles apart."

Marinette knew she was rambling, but he had asked for the reason why, so she was going to tell him exactly why she liked Adrien.

"And that's why I have photos of Adrien all over my bedroom wall. Well? Satisfied?"

Marinette expected a snicker or for him to start teasing her but when he just stared at her, his mouth in a small o shape and a light blush sprouting on his cheeks, she became worried. She put a hand to his forehead to check his temperature and when he flinched at her touch, her worry turned to confusion and curiosity.

"Chat? What's wrong? Did I say something that made you uncomfortable?"

She leaned forward trying to read his face under the mask. Surprised by this, Chat noir jumped, falling off of her chaise, onto the floor, face first. A small yelp escaped him as his nose was the first thing to connect to the flower shaped carpet that was placed above the hardwood floor.

"Oww…" Chat noir groaned as he lifted his face off of the carpet.

"Oh no, kitty are you ok?" Marinette crouched down next to him; her eyebrows sloped in an expression of shock and worry.

"Yeah…Yeah I'm fine princess. I think my nose is broken though."

Marinette rolled her eyes at his comment and seeing that he was fine, offered him a hand up, which he took.

"I didn't know you were such a drama queen Chat Noir. I'd thought fighting would make you tolerant to pain."

"Well…It kinda does, but my suit takes most of the damage for me. Not entirely though, sometimes I feel the hit so hard that it feels as if I was fighting naked. Also my mask doesn't really protect my nose the same way the suit protects my body."

As he stood next to her he noticed how close they were and backed off a little, blushing slightly. He looked at the floor; he couldn't believe Marinette had a crush on him… She basically just confessed her feelings for him straight to his face! And she had no idea! How was he going to speak with her normally now? How could he look into those bluebell eyes without remembering her confession, word for word? He groaned inwardly.

Great job Agreste. You got a girl you were just getting to know to confess to you. You're in love with ladybug, you can't reciprocate her feelings. How are you going to act like you don't know anymore?

Realization donned on him as he recalled all of their previous conversations, how she reacted, stuttered and how she got flustered, blushing furiously. He was the mother of all idiots.

How could I have not noticed before? It was so obvious! And to think, I thought she didn't like me. Hah…Oh how I wish that were the case. Then I wouldn't have to feel so bad…

Chat noir was lost in his train of thought before he felt a pair of eyes on him. He looked to see Marinette staring at him, a contemplated look on her face. She was about to say something before he interrupted her by saying:

"W-well now that you're all bandaged up I-I should be going. I have to go on patrol with ladybug now and you have school tomorrow, I'm assuming, and as I can see from your desk, you still have homework to do. I promise I'll see you again tomorrow night princess. Until then, adieu.

He bowed and opened her window, jumping out of it.

Adrien could hear his heart beat against his chest as he pole-vaulted towards his house. Soon he had landed in his room and flopped on to his bed, face smothered in his pillow. He sighed and muttered :

"Plag. Claws in."

His kwami stared at him before flying off, muttering something about pheromones and needing more cheese.

Adrien sighed again and flipped himself over so he was facing the ceiling. He didn't like the idea of lying but he need to get out of there before his blush and stutter gave away his true identity. It was true that he had patrol with ladybug, but that wasn't until another 40 minutes. His mind kept repeating what Marinette had said over and over again. He blushed as he recalled her complimenting him so many times and he smiled. But then he realized that although some of those compliments were about the real him, most of them were not. They were compliments directed towards the "Perfect Adrien Agreste", the one who always did as he was told and hid his emotions beyond a smile to look good for the public. He frowned slightly, it's not as if Marinette wasn't pretty or nice or anything like that, really, he was flattered that she felt that way about him. Technically it wasn't her fault; he didn't show his true self to anyone except Plag, but he couldn't help but feel disappointment that she didn't fall for the "real" him.

I wish she had fallen for Chat Noir instead…then maybe I could've responded to her feelings…

Adrien eyes went wide as he sat up.

Why did I just think that? I can't believe I just thought that! I love ladybug! I couldn't betray my feelings for ladybug by going out with Marinette…

Her confession was messing with his head. She had confused him. He had always thought that she was a shy and a slightly antisocial girl. But now he knew better than that. He now knew that she was sassy, stubborn and passionate about the things that she loved (One of which was himself). But…he couldn't respond to her feelings…not while he still loved ladybug. And he had a feeling that his feelings toward his lady wouldn't change any time soon.

All Marinette could do was stare as the all of a sudden nervous and jumpy Chat Noir leaped from her window, out into the night.

Why did he lie? We don't have patrol for another 40 minutes. What did I do to make him like that? Did I make him feel embarrassed by what I said? If that's the case, then it's his own fault! He was the one who asked me why I had posters of Adrien all over my bedroom wall when it is so painfully obvious that I have a crush on him!...stupid cat.

Marinette did a little "Hmph!" and stomped her way down her stairs and into the kitchen, grabbing some cookies for Tiki and herself as she got prepared for her 9'o clock patrol with Chat Noir. Marinette went back inside her room and sat at her desk, munching on a cookie until Tiki flew in front of her, an unsure look in her eyes.

"Marinette… Are you sure about having Chat Noir come by every day? People could see him talking to you and they might assume that you are in a relationship with him. Are you alright with that? "

Marinette stopped mid-chew, as her eyes widened, she hadn't thought about the possibility that people would think they were…"together". Marinette gave Tiki a sheepish smile.

"Oh… I… I actually hadn't thought about that Tiki. Although…He did say he would be careful, and every time he's promised something in battle he's always done it…Besides Tiki, He used those-

"Puppy dog eyes? Marinette, you're my chosen and I trust you but you really need to learn to say no. Please be careful, I know Chat Noir is your friend but you said you didn't want to know his identity or for him to know yours. Just remember that we are connected you and I, emotionally, which means that when you feel stressed or worried, I feel that too. I'm just worried for you Marinette."

"I know Tiki, thanks for worrying about me. I promise I'll be careful as to not let my identity slip and be mindful of what I say. I'm really grateful and glad that I have you here with me Tiki, I don't know what I would do without you."

Marinette gave her Kwami a kiss on the forehead and finished getting ready for patrol. She turned off her light and stuffed her bed with pillows in the shape of a body just in case her parents decided to check up on her.

Chat noir was seated atop the Eiffel tower, looking up at the stars he had just seen with Marinette an hour ago. He felt conflicted. He loved ladybug, but he didn't want to reject Marinette. A small part of him (presumably Plag) was telling him to give Marinette a chance but he just couldn't. Not yet anyway. He need to sort out his feelings first.

He was still fretting about how he was going to face her when they would inevitably meet at school when Ladybug landed next to him, the soft "thud!" she created when landing brought his attention back to reality. He gave her his model smile, as to not worry her and she stared at him; a familiar contemplating look was strewn across her face.

Where have I seen that look before? Maybe it's on one of the posters around Paris?

"Are you alright Chaton? You seem kinda out of it tonight, if you're feeling sick you should stay home. Wouldn't want you slowing me down if there was an akuma right?"

He noticed that there was a tinge of worry in her voice as she finished her sentence. His lady was worried for him, he couldn't feel happier.

Suddenly she took out a red and gold gift wrapped box and handed it to him. She smiled as he stared at it curiously.

"It's a Chinese New Year gift; I know it's a little early as the official day is Saturday, but since I won't be able to see you that day, I decided to give it to you now. I hope you like it."

"Thank you ladybug…I-I didn't get you anything-"

Ladybug waves her hand, dismissing what he was about to say.

"I don't need anything in return Chaton, I just wanted to share a little holiday cheer you, my friend."

Friend…She considers me a friend…

Chat Noir was elated that Ladybug considered her his friend, she even got him a gift! And it was gift-wrapped, never before had he gotten gift that was gift-wrapped. It was always a gift bag or a pre-wrapped gift. This meant that she had spent time on it, that she cared enough to fold over and tape each little side of that box. He admired the box, it was beautifully wrapped. The wrapping was mostly red, with a thin band of gold along the edges. He didn't want to open it and tear the wrapping, so he would open it carefully later that night.

Chat Noir looked at Ladybug, stood up, and gave her a hug. She stiffened at first but then returned his hug.

"Thank you…"

"You're welcome Chaton."

She broke up their hug and unhooked her yoyo from her waist.

"Now, let's get on with this patrol!"

Ladybug hooked onto the nearest building and swung off into the night. Chat Got out his baton and went after her.

When Adrien got home it was already midnight. He should have been tired and going to bed, seeing as he had a photo shoot in the morning and after school the next day. But he was too excited and curious to find out what ladybug had gotten him. He walked over to his desk, the gift tucked carefully under his arm as he sat down.

"Plag! Claws in!"

Adrien de-transformed and carefully unwrapped his gift. He was going to save the wrapping paper for as long as he lived. He gasped at what he saw inside the box, it was a beautiful tea set with one teapot and four teacups. Its teapot was pale blue with intricate white blossoms on the side; each cup was the same blue and had one white blossom in the middle.

Wow…this is beautiful…I can't believe she got me this.

Adrien put the tea set back inside its box and his it in his desk drawer. He didn't want Natalie finding it and asking where he got it. Ladybug got this for him and him alone. Adrien sighed dreamily as he got into his bed. He blew a kiss to a ladybug photo he had next into his bed. Before he fell asleep he said:

"My lady… You just keep making me love you more and more."

As Marinette was getting ready to go to school she wondered if Chat Noir had liked her gift. She did her hair in her signature pigtails and was about to ask Tiki if she knew where her jacket was before she noticed the time on her clock. She only had 5 minutes to get to school!

"I'm late! Again!"

She shoved Tiki into her purse and grabbed a croissant while putting on her shoes before running out the door.

Ahhhhhh! Stupid alarm clock! The teacher said if I was late one more time to her class without an excuse she would call my parents! If only I could us my yoyo!

Marinette slumped into her seat just as the bell rang. She heaved a sigh of relief as the teacher gave her a nod and started roll call.

"Geez girl! You're lucky the teacher decided to give you till the last bell to get in here. You gotta start waking up earlier."

Alya shook her head before getting out her notebook. Marinette didn't respond as she was still out of breath. She got her notebook and started to copy what was on the board. Nino looked over his shoulder at her and gave her a piece sign, she smiled at him and saw Nino telling Adrien something that made him blush and ever so slightly freeze up when he peered at her out of the corner of his eye.

Weird…Does he have a fever?

Marinette felt a sudden chill as she noticed that she had forgoten to bring her jacket. She shivered, she didn't like the cold and Ms. Bustier always had the ac on max. She was about to ask Alya for her over shirt before she locked eyes with Adrien. She blushed and focused on the board. She shivered again.

"Hey Al, do you think you could-

She was interrupted by Adrien's cough. She looked at him and noticed him holding out his White shirt. She stared at him, mouth slightly ajar before he outstretched his arm a little more and she couldn't register the touch of his hand as she reached for his shirt.

She was barely able to whisper a thank you and as he turned back around she thought she had seen a blush tint his cheeks.

Must be my imagination. Anyway, he offered me his shirt! .Gosh. I'm going to be wearing Adrien Agreste's shirt for the rest of the morning. I, Marinette Dupain-Cheng, am going to be wearing a shirt that is worn by Adrien Agreste every day. It even smells like him! Sqeee!

Marinette happily put his shirt on and buttoned it midway while Alya gave her a high five and an encouraging smile.

As the class went on she felt someone staring at her, she looked around confused and noticed Chloe glaring at her. Marinette looked down at her shirt and realized that Chloe was jealous. So she buttoned up the rest of the shirt and with a smug face, stuck her tongue out at Chloe. The blonde face's turned such a bright shade of red that it clashed with her outfit. Alya stifled a laugh and Marinette grinned.

The rest of the morning passed fairly quickly and when lunch finally rolled around Alya smirked at Marinette as they made their way to her house for brunch. Marinette knew that look. She sighed as they climbed the stairs to her room with waffles and croissants, they had taken wayyy too many waffles and croissants for only two people but Alya had insisted that they would need them.

What is she up to this time?

Marinette sat on her chaise just as she heard her doorbell ring. Alya shot up and ran down the stairs.

"I'll get it!"

Marinette was pouring syrup on top of her waffles before hearing a series footsteps coming up her stairs.

"Who was it Al?"

She said with a mouth full of waffle. Before she could swallow she saw Alya come up the stairs with two people in tow. Nino and Adrien. Marinette froze as she saw Nino and Adrien making their way up to her. She swallowed and wiped her mouth off with her sleeve.

"H-h-hi A-Adrien. You thank shirt for. Ugh!"

She slapped her forehead and said "I mean, Thank you for your shirt, I'll give it back right now. Please, help yourselves."

Adrien just chuckled and grabbed a plate, stuffing it with waffles and croissants.

"No need for thanks Marinette, it was my pleasure. Thank you for inviting us over for…what do you call this again?"

"Brunch" Marinette said with a giggle.

"Thank you for inviting us over for brunch." Adrien sat across from her and began digging in. Usually Marinette would feel overly self-conscience about how close they were but for once she actually felt… confortable.

"It's no problem. Really. Later we could even play video games if you want. Though I promise you I'll win."

"I don't doubt that. But I shall take the challenge!"

"Get ready to get your butt whooped Agreste. I've never lost." Marinette took another bite of her waffle and have him a smirk.

"I know. Nobody has ever beaten you, you even won the video game competition with Max, but I shall be the first to knock the queen off of her throne!"

Marinette swallowed and Adrien looked at her, expecting her to stutter or blush at his statement but what he was met with was a competitive stare and a sly grin.

"We'll see."

Honestly I would have never thought that somebody would like what I had written. I must say that it was very exciting to see that people have actually followed and favorited this story. I thank you from the bottom of my heart. Thank you very much for your reviews, especially Commander Chandell 919, you probably have no idea how happy you made me with your review. It inspired me to write this chapter and I am happy to say that I will be continuing this story. I will try to update every Thursday or Friday but please be patient if I do not. This will primarily be Marichat but will include Adrienette. I will be writing a valentines day chapter so feel free to drop ideas on what you would like for me to include on that chapter.

Once again, thank you so much.

-Nali340