Adrien was bursting with excitement when he got to school. While he hadn't got a lot of sleep he was riding high from Ladybug, make that Marinette's kisses. He'd desperately hoped she'd reveal her identity to him but it had been an accident. Both had been so caught up in each other that the unexpected transformation had been an equal shock for them. Discovering that Marinette was his lady had his head in a spin. He'd admired Marinette for a long time, she was a genuine friend but he'd also been in denial of having a crush on her too.

Now that he knew who the girl was behind the mask he felt a sense of empowerment. They could work together out of the masks and he had every intention of building a stronger relationship with his partner. He wanted more than just friendship and if her response to him the previous night was any indication she wanted that as well. The thought made his whole body burn. Ladybug was finally reciprocating his feelings or at least he assumed so. He loved her with his heart and soul but did she feel that way?

He was going to find out but first he needed to establish what she wanted. Then he could work on her if he needed to. For now, he wanted to find her and talk to her. But Marinette was her usual late self and as he spotted Alya an idea formed in his head.

Adrien sat at his desk and took a few moments to set up for class. He reached into his bag and pulled out Ladybug's note book. He'd somehow ended up with it during the chaos of chasing Prima Donna. One of the benefits of having a magic suit was unlimited pocket size. Drawing a deep breath, he turned and presented the sketch book to Alya, "I found this and wondered if it might belong to Marinette." He knew full well that it did but he needed a viable reason to show so much attention to Marinette. Alya was nobody's fool he knew she'd notice the new development between him and her best friend.

Alya began to flip through the pages nodding, "It looks like it." He watched with interest as she found the page with the love hearts surrounding his name. Her eyes widened and she quickly flicked it over and lay her elbow on the book. "I can pass this on to her when she comes in."

He tilted his head, "No I'd rather do it myself." Before Alya could respond the subject of their conversation entered the room.

Adrien contained his sigh, she was finally here. His heart sped up as he watched her. Now that he knew she was his lady every familiar nuance stood out to him. It ranged from the way she walked to the subtle expressions flitting across her face. He felt a certain level of smugness in being the only person aware that Ladybug had just walked into the room without her mask on.

She looked at him briefly, blushed and then managed to trip over something. The corner of his mouth lifted as he realised she was flustered at seeing him. As she sat beside Alya he turned and laid his arms on the desk then rested his chin on top, "Hey Marinette."

Her eyelashes fluttered a few times and her cheeks turned pink, "Hi Adrien."

He lifted one arm and pressed his cheek against his palm, "I think I found something of yours."

Her head shot up, "Uh what exactly?"

He slid the sketch book from under Alya's protective grip and lifted it for Marinette to see. "I believe you dropped this."

Alya tried to help, "I'm not sure it's Marinette's."

Adrien's eyes remained on Marinette, "Oh I'm certain it's hers."

She regarded the book tentatively and reached for it. Her fingers brushed his and uncertainty played across her features. He ran his index finger along the side of her hand and her eyes lifted to his. He wasn't sure how long they sat staring at each other but it was long enough for him to see a mix of emotions play across her face. His pulse increased as she finally confirmed, "It's mine."

He couldn't contain his triumphant grin, this time she was willingly confirming her identity to him and he wanted to bask in the feeling. He placed his hand over hers, "I'm very glad it's yours." At that moment, their teacher walked into the room. He snatched up Marinette's hand and pressed a kiss to her knuckles, "Let's talk at lunch."

Marinette's knuckles tingled from Adrien's kiss. It was a gesture Cat Noir frequently used with her yet it felt completely new. It wasn't just that which made her heart thunder, his eyes expressed so much. He already knew she was Ladybug but as she confirmed it he looked like she'd handed him the world.

He sat straight in his seat before her, his head facing towards the teacher yet his body was angled towards her. His left arm hooked over the back of his chair and he cast casual glances her way when the teacher's back was turned. As much as she tried to keep her eyes on the teacher she found them continually drawn back to him. She wondered what he was thinking.

Alya pushed a note to her. What's the go with Adrien? He looks like he could eat you up with a spoon.

Marinette couldn't contain her smile. She quickly wrote back. I'm not sure but I like it. He said he wanted to talk at lunch.

Alya raised a brow. Make sure you take him somewhere private. I'm not the only one to notice how he's looking at you today.

It didn't take a genius to work out the reference. Chloe was glaring at her while tossing her hair in attempt to get Adrien's attention. She inwardly groaned. Ugh, I hadn't realised.

I'll step in if need be. I suspect a certain page in your sketch book got Adrien's attention. You'll have to let me know after your rendezvous.

Marinette smiled warmly. You're the best. I'll keep you posted.

When the bell finally rang, Marinette's hands were sweating. Chloe was still throwing her death stares as she scrambled to pack up her things. Adrien stood waiting for her with his bag held to his chest and a dreamy look in his eyes that screamed Cat Noir. That gaze was broken when Chloe tugged on his arm.

"Adrikins how about w-"

His finger pressed her lips closed, "Sorry Chloe I need to speak to Marinette. I'll catch up with you later." A stupefied look settled on Chloe's face as he expertly spun her around and gave her a subtle push to leave. Sabrina grabbed her friend's arm to save her further embarrassment.

A few of their classmates wore amused grins as they left the room. Alya called to Nino making sure they were the last to leave. That left Marinette standing there gazing back at Adrien wondering what to say.

Sorry to leave it there, my brain is too tired for anymore writing tonight. Once again thanks for reading and your support. Until next time, cheers :)