Marinette stared at Adrien for about one minute before completely registering what he had said, and thanked her lucky stars that Adrien was so oblivious.

"Y-yup. Self-defense classes. W-with Ladybug. That's right. "

Adrien's smile grew and he gave her a pat on the shoulder as he walked towards Alya and Nino.

Marinette heaved a sigh and picked up her things, it was almost time for them to return to school.

As she did so she spotted a red and turquoise wrapped present.

Nathaniel's present! I totally forgot to give it to him! Ugh and I forgot to explain to him how he became an akuma.

Marinette mentally slapped herself. She finished gathering up her things, including Nathaniel's present, and looked at her friends.

"C'mon guys, we have to head back. Don't wanna be late."

They quickly picked up they're things and headed down the stairs.

As they descended (Nino first, Alya second, Marinette third and Adrien last.) Alya decided that it would be a good idea to suddenly jump on Nino's back.

"Surprise Ninooo!"

She yelled as she leapt on his back, forcing him to carry her piggyback style.

"Alya?! What the heck dudette!?"

Alya was not as light as she thought she was and Nino almost fell forward trying to gain his balance as the red head gripped him harder.

Luckily he was already close to the floor so he was able to balance her and himself easily and continued down the hall, thanking Marinette's parents for the food and exited the store.

Marinette looked at Adrien, who shrugged and she giggled.

She sure is crazy!

She thought as she was nearing the last step.

Adrien was starry eyed about the idea of suddenly jumping on someone's back and not letting go. He wasn't sure why. He liked the idea of someone giving him a piggy back ride.

He looked at Marinette's back and thought for a moment.

If she could arm lock Alya with such speed and strength…Then just Maybe…

As he was getting ready to jump a thought hit him.

What was I just about to do!? I hardly know her. I know she has a crush on me, but I don't anyone would tolerate suddenly getting jumped on, even if it was the person they liked! Besides! She's a girl, she wouldn't be able to carry me. She'd surely fall on the floor face first, break her nose, and when she'd get up she'd sue me. Bad idea Agreste. Bad idea.

He was spacing out, lost in his own world, and before he could register what was happening he tripped on the last step.

Are you kidding me?!

He thought as he landed on Marinette's back. He hit his forehead against the back of her head and winced in pain, she yelped as she almost lost her balance.

"Owww…" He said as he moved his hand to his forehead.

"Are you alright?"

He asked to the back of Marinette's head.

"Yeah, Im fine. It hurt a little, but nothing I haven't felt before."

He sighed in relief knowing she was alright before feeling nothing beneath his feet.

Woah, since when can I float?! This is epic-

He then noticed that he had one arm around Marinette's shoulder. Adrien quickly looked to where his feet were and was surprised to find that they were wrapped around Marinette's waist.

Realization donned on him as he noticed that, yes, Marinette was holding him piggy back style.

He also noticed that she wasn't trembling underneath his weight.

She's a lot stronger than I thought she was…

Marinette coughed and he took that as his cue to get off of her.

"S-sorry!"

He stuttered as he untangled himself from her. When she turned around her face was a mix of embarrassment, amusement and confusion. And when she locked eyes with him, she let out a gasp and started to laugh.

"No problem! Hahaha!"

He looked at her as she put her hand over her mouth and started walking towards the door, still laughing.

He jogged after her, thanking her parents and shooting her a confused glance. She looked at him again and burst out laughing.

"Is there something on my face?"

He asked and she laughed even harder. When he got no answer, he looked forward. Alya and Nino had already gotten to school.

He felt something on his head and turned to see Marinette with a concentrated look on her face. Adrien stilled as he realized she was petting him.

What is she doing?

He thought as she continued to touch his hair. He noticed she had her tongue out and he chuckled.

"There!"

She said as she looked at him confidently.

"What did you do?"

Adrien was confused, he didn't know what she had done to his hair.

"I fixed it. When you had bumped into me, you hair got all messed up, It was sticking upward."

She giggled again as she continued forward.

As he watched her thin frame walk ahead of him raised his hand to where she had had hers just minutes ago.

…Huh…

He smiled as he jogged to catch up with her.

As Marinette walked back, present in hand, she thought about what she would say to Nathaniel.

When she got to class, there he was in his seat, a concentrated look on his face while his hand moved up and down on the sketchbook that was in front of him. She walked up to him and when he noticed someone was next to him he looked up.

"O-oh hi Marinette. D-do you need something?"

He stuttered as his face flushed when her eyes met his. He gave her a shy smile and pushed his hair out of his eyes.

"Hey Nathaniel. Nothing much, Ladybug told me to explain to you what happened yesterday."

Marinette smiled at him, tying to reassure him that everything was fine and that she didn't harbor any negative feelings toward him.

Nathaniel's face fell as he looked back at his sketchbook as he said:

"I already know what happened. Chloe told me. And everyone else while she was at it."

Marinette looked back at Chloe in shock. She saw the blond powdering her nose while hissing at Serena to do her homework faster.

Marinette looked to Nathaniel in sympathy. She put her hand on his shoulder, which made him jump and look at her, eyes wide.

That witch! I can't believe she humiliated poor Nathaniel like that! Someday… She'll pay.

"Don't worry about her Nathaniel. I'm sure she's just jealous of your drawing skills. May I see what you're drawing?"

"O-of course!

Nathaniel gave her his notebook and Marinette flipped to the page he was currently on. He had drawn Ladybug and Chat Noir. Chat Noir's eyes were sparkling as he was being carried princess style by a very confident looking Ladybug. The level of detail he had put on their faces was amazing.

Marinette almost choked right then and there from the laughter that was bubbling up her throat. But she bit her lip to die it down, she wouldn't laugh at something he spent such a long time on.

"Wow Nathaniel, this looks amazing. You totally captured their essence. Can I take a photo of it? I really like it!"

"Y-you can have it. I mean, I-if you want…"

"Really?! Thanks!"

Marinette gave him a hug and he tensed, turning as red as his hair. He quickly signed the page and ripped it out, handing it to her.

As she took it she slid the red and turquoise wrapped present towards him. He gave her a confused look.

"Happy belated birthday! I'm sorry I didn't give it to yesterday, but I didn't get the chance. I wasn't sure which brand was your favorite so I just chose mine, I hope you like it."

She beamed at him as his eyes went wide with shock before whispering:

"Really? Your remembered? Thank you so much Marinette!"

His eyes were full of gratitude as jumped up and hugged her. He gave her a light squeeze before sitting down again and carefully opening his present.

He gasped as he saw what she had got him. It was a black, designer mixed-media sketchbook and a set of drawings pencils.

He looked up at her, tears threatening to fall out of his eyes and he thanked her again. She gave his shoulder a tight squeeze.

"Your welcome."

He nodded as she started to go back to her seat before hearing a very familiar shrill.

"Oh. My. Gosh. Maritrash just asked Tomato head over there to be her boyfriend! She even got him a present! How gross is that? Well, you to losers definitely deserve each other. I hope you have a happy life full of work and devastation as I, Chloe bourgeois, will never have to work a day in my life, and will be married to super model Adrikins."

Chloe said loudly enough so everyone could hear. She smirked at Marinette before flipping her hair and sitting down.

Marinette was beyond furious and for once she decided to do something about it. She stomped all the way to Chloe and slammed her hand on the table.

"That's enough Chloe!"

This shocked her but then she got up and flicked Marinette's forehead.

"And what do you think you're doing Maritrash? Actually trying stand up to me? Hah! I could make your family bankrupt; all I have to do is call daddy. Are you sure you really want to do this?"

Chloe took out her phone and was about to call the mayor when Marinette took her phone from her.

The onlookers in class gasped as she walked over to the window, dangling Chloe's phone over the edge. Alya gapped at her best friend. Never had she seen Marinette so…determined before.

Nino looked between the two girls.

" Duuude. Cat fight."

He whispered into Adrien's ears.

Adrien couldn't hear him though. Gears were turning in his head as puzzle pieces started to fit together.

She reminds me of…Ladybug. But that can't be, can it? Maybe ladybug's rubbing off on her since she's giving her self-defense lessons. Yeah that's got to be it. Yup… But what if…

He stood up, telling Nino he was going to the bathroom before bolting to the girl's room. He hid in one of the stalls.

This isn't perverted. This isn't. She always rushes in here when something happens so…Oh god. Please don't tell me when something bad happens she just needs to use the toilet? That would be mortifying…Please let her be ladybug….

Adrien prayed that she would run in here before any other girl had a chance to…do her business.

Chloe squinted at Marinette.

"You wouldn't dare."

Marinette simply gave her a smile.

"Try me."

Just as she was about to let go of the phone, Tiki's voice rang out in her head.

This isn't like you Marinette! Don't fight fire with fire!

Tiki? But I- She said- But Nathaniel- Ugh fine!

Marinette had a mental argument with herself before sighing and reluctantly bringing the phone back inside.

"See? I knew she wouldn't do it!"

Marinette glared at her as she made her way to give Chloe her phone back. Before she had a chance to give it to her she heard a crash outside. It had caused the earth to shake and she slipped, letting go of Chloe's phone as it crashed to the ground.

"My phone!"

Chloe ran to her phone, ignoring Marinette completely and crying out.

"It's screen's shattered! You clutz! I swear I'll-

Another rumble sent Chloe sprawling on the teacher's desk as Marinette ran out of the room yelling:

"It's an akuma! Everyone run!"

This caused the class to panic and everyone went running through the door, Marinette was already half way to the bathroom.

Adrien heard footsteps and raised his legs on the toilet seat so she wouldn't notice him. He peered at her threw the corner of the stall as she rushed in. She looked around, making sure there was no one besides her and whispered to her purse.

His eyes almost popped out of his skull when he saw a red and black spotted creature fly out.

"Ready Marinette?"

A kwami! Then that means…!

Adrien almost fainted as he heard Marinette say:

"Yup! Tiki! Spots on!"

He covered his eyes as she was bathed in light and there stood Ladybug, where Marinette had just been. He watched as she hooked her yoyo onto a nearby building and left.

Adrien ran out of the bathroom and slumped against the wall, trying to wrap his head around what he had just witnessed.

Marinette is ladybug. Ladybug is Marinette. My confident, strong, considerate, beautiful Ladybug is my confident, shy, strong, considerate, kind and cute classmate. How could I not have noticed before? They both look the same! Literally!

And then he realized something Ladybug had said.

Oh no. She said she didn't want me to know. And now I know. Should I tell her? What if she hates me for it?! Oh God Agreste you're an idiot! What am I going to do now?!

He had started to pace in the hall. He suddenly grabbed his head with both hands and looked at the floor.

I- I can't do anything right now; I have to go help her! I'll think about this later!

Adrien looked around and, making sure no one was around, called on Plagg.

"You're gonna be in so much trouble. Heheh. But hey, now you know that you actually do love your girlfriend. Hahah!"

Plagg told Adrien as he glared at him.

"Shut up Plagg. Now's not the time. Claws out."

Adrien grumbled as Plagg continued laughing while being sucked into the ring.

When he got there ladybug had already purified the Akuma and was being interviewed by Alya.

When Ladybug saw him approach she waved to him and started teasing him.

"What's wrong Kitty? Did you fall in the litterbox?"

"Don't be absurd ma-yyy lady! I was… busy at the moment was all. Why? Did mew miss me? How furr-tunate am I to have such a Consi-purr-ate lady!"

Chat bowed and kissed her hand, almost kicking himself at his near slip up with her name. But she didn't know he knew who she really was so he was safe, for now.

He'd think more on what that meant later.

She tugged her hand away and he smiled at her. She flicked his bell and turned back to Alya.

Upon hearing hear miraculous beep she unhooked her yoyo and waved to Alya before saying :

"Well that's all I had time for today! See you next time!"

Every time an akuma comes during a school day, it gets cancelled for the rest of the day. I'll just go home and sketch some new designs I have in mind.

Marinette got home and de-transformed, she slumped on her chaise, tired from the Akuma attack.

She looked to her bare wall and sighed. She was too embarrassed to put her posters back up but she kind of missed them. They helped pick her up when she was down.

She picked up her sketch book, suddenly feeling inspired to draw something.

She started sketching a dress; it was a black mini dress with a long train. It had a v-neck and a thick choker with a bell on the front. The Hem of the dress was green detailed lace, which she matched with a green handbag and black stilettos. The hair was styled into cat ears, with dangling black cat earrings.

Marinette smiled and stared at her creation. Suddenly her smile faltered as she noticed she had made it similar to Chat Noir's suit.

She picked up her eraser to start anew but faltered.

"It's really cute…"

I wonder what he did lately that inspired me?

She bit down on her pencil in confusion. Frustrated, she went out onto her balcony to get some fresh air and maybe some inspiration.

Marinette let out a gasp as she saw Chat Noir looking out her balcony, his tail swishing side to side happily. He turned around at her gasp and smiled at her.

"Hey there princes-woah!"

She grabbed him by his tail and pulled him inside her room, throwing him on her bed as she closed her balcony trap door.

He inched towards the wall as she glared at him.

"CHAT NOIR! It's DAY. LIGHT. What were you thinking! Someone could have seen you!"

"I just-

"Who said you could speak!? This was very irresponsible Chat. You better have a good reason for coming here when civilians could have seen you, endangering me and yourself in the process."

Marinette pocked his chest with every word she said. She stared down at him, tapping her foot un-patiently.

His ears drooped as he stared at her bed sheets.

"I'm sorry…"

Marinette bent down close to him.

"Sorry for what?"

"I'm sorry ma'am, for endangering you, and myself, by coming here without a good reason in broad daylight."

She looked at him and he was staring at her bedsheets, ears drooped.

She was still angry but sighed in defeat and succumbed to the un-seeable puppy eyes he most likely had on.

Marinette sat next to him and put her head on his shoulder as she told him:

"It's ok... I'm sorry for yelling at you. I bet you had a good reason to come here; I'm just worried someone might see you and make a fuss over it...Did you need to tell me something?"

Chat Noir slowly lifted his head up and but didn't look at her. Marinette waited for him to say something but he stayed that way for about five minutes before she let out an exasperated sigh.

Marinette cupped Chat's face in between her two hands and stared into his eyes. She was forcing him to look at her.

Tell me. Tell me what's wrong.

Her eyes bore in to his, hoping he understood what she was silently saying.

Chat sighed threw his nose and stared back at her.

"Ok…But you have to promise you won't get mad."

Marinette looked at him in confusion.

Why would I get mad?

She thought, nonetheless she nodded and he slid her hands off his face. She noticed he hadn't let go of her hands but was in no hurry to remove them from his grasp. Something was obviously wrong with him and if holding her hand gave him comfort, she would let him hold them for as long as he needed.

He took a deep breath and looked at her. He blushed slightly when she squeezed his hands to reassure him. Chat Noir gave her a worried look and said:

"You have to promise you won't get mad. You can't hit me either."

Marinette was starting to get suspicious.

What does he have to say that would make me mad?

She bit her lip and averted his gaze before responding.

"I promise…"

He took another deep breath and turned serious. He stared at her for a moment before firmly grasping her hands and looking into her eyes before saying:

"I know you're Ladybug."

Authors note:

Hey guys! So I was feeling inspired lately and I decided to treat you guys with a long chapter! Don't worry, I'll probably still do a valentine's day chapter, it WILL be shorter than the usual though. Thanks for your favorites, follows and of course your reviews. They really make my day guys, I'm not kidding. Thanks for actually liking and reading what I have written, it means a lot to me. Bye for now! Oh, and I'm finishing up my projects (I actually had three, I already did one and got an A!) so I'll definitely be back soon.

-Nali340