"Yarn, thread," Marinette tickled off her craft store list with her pencil. "Oh, sugar and icing, I forget the beads!"
Tikki opened her eyes, peering down at her owner from her hammock. "What's so special about the beads, Marinette?" "I want to make a ladybug out of glass beads for Cat for Valentine's Day. Come on, Tikki, let's go back to the craft store!"
It was a chilly day, and Marinette noticed people strolling by eating warm chocolate chip cookies. She guessed everyone must be going to Leo's for a warm snack. "Can we visit Leo, Marinette?" "After we get the beads, Tikki. The afternoon is almost gone already."
She hurried forward, glancing at the big glowing ball in the sky. When she entered the shop, she hurried towards the bead aisle. "Marinette, wait!" Tikki cried. Marinette skidded to a stop. "What is it? Akuma?"
It would be a bit unusual for a akuma to show up here, but not impossible. "No, Adrien!" Well, that was different. "Do you think he's getting stuff for Valentine's Day?" Marinette whispered. "I'm not sure. But play it cool, Marinette."
"Fancy seeing you here," she walked forward, and Adrien grinned as he looked up. "Yeah, this isn't my usual hang out spot, is it, Bugaboo?" "We should be at Leo's, stocking up on cheese," Plagg grumbled from Adrien's shirt. "Don't pay him any mind. He's sulking because I said we were going here first."
"What are you looking for anyway?" Marinette asked, curious. "Beads. Black, green, and white." "Those aren't Valentine's Day colors, Kitty, but I think I can give you a hand." Marinette took some little paper bags and handed them to Adrien. "Hold open the bag and tell me when," she said, wielding a small scoop and dug into the beads.
"Your the best," Adrien said, kissing her cheek, and she giggled. "Good luck at whatever your making," she called after they said goodbye. "Whew, that was close." Marinette scooped her own baggies and after a quick snack at Leo's, hurried home in the darkening twilight.
Heading to his room, Adrien carefully set up his craft supplies, dumping the beads into small bins. "Hey, what are those pink ones?" Plagg asked, taking a bite of Camembert as he watched Adrien work. "You didn't buy those at the store." "I did, but not today. Marinette would have instantly been suspicious and the gift is supposed to be a surprise." Plagg made a gagging sound, and flew into his cabinet to eat his cheese in peace.
Marinette rubbed her eyes the next day as she flopped down at her desk at school. The glass bead ladybug she was making looked great, but it was time consuming on the eyes. Adrien walked in looking equally tired.
"You want to snuggle since no one's here yet?" he asked, sitting down beside her. He didn't even have to ask and chuckled, when Marinette leaned against him.
Finally, Valentine's Day arrived, pink and frosty. Adrien and Marinette decided to meet at Leo's to give each other there gifts.
"Open yours first," Adrien grinned, his green eyes sparkling. Marinette carefully unwrapped the heart-shaped paper. "Oh, Adrien," she breathed, squeezing his hand under the table. "Its adorable!"
A smiling cat face stared out at Marinette, complete with whiskers. Around the border where little pink hearts. "But you didn't buy any pink beads when I helped you," Marinette was confused. "I can't give away all my secrets, can I?"
Marinette raised a eyebrow. "I swear, if I have to move the catnip canister one more time…." Adrien laughed, leaning forward to kiss her cheek. "Only you where that is. And I'm still pouting," he grinned.
"Open yours," Marinette said, her voice rising in excitement. "Its you! Well, if you were an actually ladybug that is." "Did you see what kind of flower its sitting on?" "A buttercup! You certainly know me, My Lady!"
Marinette's throat suddenly got tight. "Yeah, and let's keep it that way, okay?" For a time, they had acted like complete strangers around each other.
"Even if another villain comes to Paris, our love will always conquer the darkness," Adrien reminded her.
Marinette nodded, watching the beads shine in the waning afternoon sunset. Who would have thought they would make similar gifts for each other? But then again, she wasn't surprised, that how much they loved and knew each other.