Chapter Two

Adrien couldn't believe he'd actually listened to Plagg. All morning he'd debated whether he should take his kwami's advice and even now he questioned his decision. In his pocket sat two lollipops, the sticks pointedly prodding into his hip as if to remind him they were there. Having tight jeans didn't help his case either. He continually pulled his white shirt down in attempt to cover the conspicuous lump, praying that no one assumed the bulge was something else.

It would have been easier if he'd put them in his bag but he needed them on his person for his transformation, as one never knew when an akuma attack would strike. So, the lollipops had to stay with him.

Just as he got his shirt strategically into place, he caught sight of Chloe charging towards him. Adrien's heart raced and he suddenly felt like he was carrying nitro-glycerine. A single wrong move would bring disaster. He swiftly adjusted his school bag as she launched herself at him, jamming it between their bodies to buffer the secret in his pocket.

Even with the bag wedged between them, Chloe clung to him like a barnacle as he grimaced. "Adrikins, I so missed you."

He pried her hands away with practiced precision. "You saw me yesterday."

"Yeah but you weren't nice to me."

Adrien placed one hand on his hip and gave her a stern look. "There was a reason for that."

She shrugged, "That was yesterday. Let's start afresh."

Irritation had him grinding his teeth. Why couldn't she see that what she did was truly awful? Not only had she embarrassed Marinette, but him too. With a resigned sigh he caved. "Okay Chloe, but promise me you'll never do anything like that again."

As soon as the words left his mouth, his attention was diverted when he caught sight of familiar dark hair and he lifted his head to see Marinette. The idea that she could be Ladybug had his heart thundering. His imagination had run wild the previous night. Feverish fantasies had merged the clip of Marinette with the image of Ladybug and he'd had a very hard time getting to sleep.

A tug on his sleeve diverted his attention and he automatically pushed his bag to his back. Chloe's eyes followed the movement and he watched with dawning horror as her gaze zeroed in on his pocket. "What've you got there?"

He drew back as she reached for his hip. "Um nothing special." This didn't deter his childhood friend. Instead she launched forward and he danced away as she tried to dip her hand in his pocket. "Hey, stop it Chloe!"

Heavily made up eyes narrowed and a nasty grin lit her features. "It's a lollipop isn't it? Ha, wait until I tell Marinette."

Adrien tried to grab her arm but she slithered from his reach. Her shrill voice called out to Marinette and he cringed as she looked over her shoulder. "Hey Marinette, Adrien's got something for you."

The girl's eyes went wide as she looked between Chloe and Adrien. He lifted his hands to warn her away.

Chloe stalked forward and snatched up Marinette's wrist, dragging her across to Adrien. "Show her what's in your pocket Adrien."

His jaw tightened as he quickly thought of an excuse. "They're for a photoshoot, Chloe."

"Just show her." Chloe demanded.

Marinette found her voice, "Show me what?"

Adrien scrunched his eyes closed briefly with trepidation, hating Chloe in that moment, then he pulled the pair of lollipops from his pocket.

Marinette's face turned the darkest shade of crimson he'd ever seen. Her chin quivered as she blinked back tears and pulled her wrist free from Chloe's grasp. "How could you!" She spat at both of them, turning on her heel to run.

Adrien shoved the lollipops back in his pocket, gave his childhood friend a rough shove and chased after Marinette. All the while, Chloe cackled behind him. Fast strides had him beside Marinette, snagging her elbow as he brought her to a stop. "Marinette I'm sorry. I know this looks bad but I didn't mean to upset you."

She wouldn't meet his eyes and kept her face cast to the side as she studied the ground. There was underlying ire to her croaky voice as she spoke. "I'm betting it was all Chloe."

"Chloe made it into something it wasn't. They're lollipops for crying out loud. I should have shoved them in my bag. It was stupid of me, especially after yesterday."

Holding her arms around herself, Marinette finally looked up at him. "It's okay, Adrien. I know what she's like."

Guilt ate at him as a single tear slid down her face. He cupped her cheek and wiped it away with his thumb. "It doesn't matter. It's my fault you're embarrassed again."

"That girl makes me so angry," she growled as her fists became white knuckled. Her stare was aimed over his shoulder at Chloe. She glanced back at Adrien and the sadness in her eyes was replaced by calculation. Her lips pursed as she looked up at him. "Would you help me get back at her?"

Adrien ran his hand through his hair and down to his nape, rubbing his neck anxiously. "I guess so. She deserves it. What did you have in mind?"

Marinette swallowed and her face turned pale. Her blue eyes shot back to Chloe briefly and whatever uncertainty she'd felt vanished with her stoked anger. "If she's going to give me a hard time about lollipops, I'm going to own it." She pulled him close as she whispered in his ear and a wicked smiled played across his face.

Feeling nervous was the understatement of the year. Marinette was still having trouble comprehending how she'd managed to work up the courage to talk Adrien into this. Chalk it up to bottled resentment and anger at Chloe. It had given her the bravado to plot some fiendish revenge. She walked side by side with Adrien, her heart in her throat as they made their way up the stairs. As planned, they stopped just outside the door to their classroom. The bell wasn't due to ring for another five minutes which gave them ample time to lay in wait for Chloe.

Adrien fidgeted with his ring and looked as edgy as she felt. She couldn't help but ask, "Are you sure you're okay with this?"

A cheeky grin tugged at his lips, making her think of Chat Noir and it firmed up her resolve. "I'm good." He lifted his chin to redirect her attention, "She's heading up."

There was the slightest tremor to Adrien's hand as he reached into his pocket to retrieve one of the lollipops. Marinette skilfully removed the plastic and tossed it in the bin beside them. The warmth of Adrien's palm settled on her waist, drawing her closer as he held the lollipop near her mouth. Determination shone in his eyes and he winked at her in encouragement. Nerves fluttered in her belly, but Marinette focussed on Alya's advice and projected her natural assurance when in proximity of her partner.

Now was the time to let her inner temptress shine. Her gaze held Adrien's with a heat she'd reserved for his posters. Surprise flickered briefly in his eyes, then she looked at the lollipop and slowly wrapped her lips around it. Her gaze returned to his as she took it into her mouth. Adrien's lips parted as he let out a gasp. Emboldened by his response, Marinette let her bottom lip brush his knuckle.

A growl sounded behind the pair. Marinette placed her hand over Adrien's, cupping his fingers which held the lollipop in place. She slid the candy out of her mouth, swirling her tongue around the top before dipping it back in her mouth. Adrien's fingers tightened on her hip and his pupils dilated.

"Excuse me!" Chloe huffed as she shoved passed them and into the classroom.

Marinette smiled around the lollipop stick as she watched the brat stalk into the classroom. She looked back at Adrien whose gaze was still firmly on her. "I think it worked," she grinned.

Adrien's attention remained focussed on her mouth, then he blinked as he slowly realised she'd spoken. "G-great." The lollipop was clamped between his fingers and Marinette had to work it out of his grasp. The dazed looked remained of his face.

She pulled the lollipop from her pink lips, "We should get to class."

He shook his head and his eyes refocussed, "Uh, yeah." He hefted his bag on his shoulder and Marinette noticed that he shifted it to hang diagonally across his hips. He trailed close behind her as they entered the classroom. As she reached her desk she observed that he was a little awkward in sitting down.

Alya had a knowing smirk as she found her seat. She pressed her elbow to the table and lifted a hand to whisper to Marinette, "That was certainly something." She glanced at Chloe who silently fumed, staring daggers at the pair.

Adrien was oblivious. He was more fixated on the fact that he'd never been so turned on in his life. It took all his willpower to stop himself from spinning around and grinning at Marinette like a lovesick fool. It was the sort of thing he'd do as Chat Noir when preening at Ladybug. But his partner never done something so outright sexy. Unless it was Marinette under that mask. Dear lord he hoped so.

Thanks to everyone for reading, reviewing, following and favouriting so far. I managed to churn this chapter out pretty fast, not sure if the next one will be as quick. Cheers :)