Hello little butterflies, time for the next chapter! Sorry for the super long wait. Exams. I plan to keep on writing, so no need to worry. I hope the you enjoy. Btw, thanks for all your comments! Keep reviewing! ;) CATACLYSM! BEGIN THE STORY!

Chapter 7 – Listen to the Cat in the Tie

Marinette's POV

AGHHHHHHHHH! I was freaking out, yet again, no surprise there. "Marinette, calm down," Tikki laughed.

"Huh? What? When? Why?" I mumbled.

"You're going crazy again," Tikki sighed.

"Oh-he he-yeah, sorry!" I laughed nervously. "Uncle Cheng is coming around again and I don't want to mess up like usual. Wait, who am I kidding? I always mess up!"

Tikki laughed. "I'm sure you'll be fine, Marinette!"

"That's impossible."

"Just be yourself, Marinette. Your Uncle likes you a lot, I thought we covered this!"

"Yeah, yeah. It's just... I don't know anything about my Chinese roots... I mean, I'm a tree with no roots! Ya know?"

"Well, if your tree has no roots, grow some!"

"And how am I meant to do that?"

"Well... you could try asking."

"But... who?"

"How abo-"

The doorbell rang. "Oh! That's him! DON'T MESS THIS UP, MARINETTE!"

Long story short, I messed up again. I seriously didn't know anything! AND THAT STUPID CHINESE TRANSLATOR APP DIDN'T WORK AGAIN! Anyway, Uncle Cheng left... and I wasn't sure if that was good or not...

The next day, it was school again. Lucky me. Lunch just began, luckily. "And so, Ladybug and Cat Noir totally crushed the villian! AWESOME!" Alya explained as she sat down at our usual bench.

"Hey you guys," Adrien said, waving. He came to sit down with us.

"Wait up, Adrien," Nino called after him. "'Sup guys. So, wassup?"

"Well, I'm talking about my Ladyblog, and Marinette's dying again," Alya laughed.

"Why?" Adrien asked with his adorable smile.

I sighed. "I suck at life."

Adrien laughed. "And why's that?"

"I don't know anything about my Chinese roots! I'M A FREAKIN' TREE WITH NO ROOTS!"

"Calm down, Marinette," Alya said.

"Why don't you just ask somebody?" Nino asked.

"Hmm... I mean, I could ask my mo-"

"NO!" Adrien almost shouted.

"Uh-uh-I-wha..."

"I mean, I could teach you!"

"You could teach me!?"

"Of course I could. I take Chinese, remember. I know a lot about Chinese culture."

"Oh, thank you, thank you, thank you!"

"Anything's better than being at 'home'."

"Wanna come over?" I asked, without stuttering! I'M MAKING ACTUAL PROGRESS!

"Sure. I'd love to."

Adrien's POV

Whoo! I was teaching Marinette about Chinese culture! I mean, I didn't have to tell my dad. He wouldn't find out. He'd probably think I'd be at some class or something. When the day ended, I waited outside the school for Marinette. And that's when Plagg flew out.

"Sooooo, another excuse for hanging out with your girfriend," Plagg laughed.

"She isn't my girfriend, Plagg," I sighed.

"Oh no, don't try and pull that one on me! I can see all! You're literally crazy over her!"

"No I'm not..." I whispered, trying to hide my face that was going red...

"I can see your face, Adrien. And past all that ugliness that you call a 'face' I see love."

"Okay, one, that's super creepy, please stop," I said. "And two, she isn't my girlfriend, so leave me alone." I pushed Plagg back into my shirt. "Seriously. You kill me."

"I wish I could kill y- never mind!" Plagg whizzed back into my shirt at the sight of Marinette.

"Hello, beautiful," Plagg imitated me perfectly from inside my shirt. I blushed hard and hit myself where Plagg was.

"Wha – what?" Marinette looked flustered.

"I – I was going to say hello, beautiful day! Right, but I didn't finish my sentence because I-uh- swallowed a bug!" I blurted.

"O-oh, right, I um, anyway, my house!" Marinette said quickly.

"But you really are so... gorgeous!" Plagg said in my voice. SINCE WHEN DID KWAMIS HAVE THESE KIND OF FREAKING POWERS?

"I – I – I," Marinette stuttered.

I'm pretty sure I was so hot now that it was possible to roast marshmallows. "No, that wasn't me! I mean... it I um..." How the heck was I supposed to cover this up? "I meant your house! Your house really is so gorgeous!" I sighed, hitting myself again in the Plagg area.

Marinette had gone silent. Stupid Plagg!

Plagg started again. "In fact I think i'm in lo-" I covered the Plagg area with my bag to muffle him.

"Marinette, sorry I ordered this new phone app, it's making STUPID noises," I lied.

"Oh, oh right," Marinette laughed nervously. Kill me.

I had never been this nervous around Marinette... but ever since I planted a kiss on her forehead as Cat Noir, I couldn't function like I used to. The only explanation I could think of was that I liked her. As in, liked. Sometimes, I even walked into doors, I tripped over nothing, I – wait... that sounds a lot like Marinette. What if she liked someone too? What if it was... me? Nope, that wouldn't happen... what am I even saying? Geez, if I was the protagonist of a TV show, people would be like 'hey there's the dumb guy who doesn't know what he's doing.'

"Okay, so," I muttered, trying to change the topic. "Uh..."

Marinette skipped down the stairs. "So..." she prompted.

"Uh... so..."

"You don't know, do you?" she laughed as she dusted off her clothes.

I shook my head. "Whaddya wanna talk about then?"

She shrugged. "Do we have to talk?"

"Uhh... I guess not."

"You said it was a beautiful day."

I nodded. "It is."

"Sheeeeeee issss," Plagg whispered from inside my clothes.

"SHUT IT YOU LITTLE-" Marinette looked like she had just been shot.

"Umm..." she whispered.

I laughed sheepishly. "He he he... I was talking to... that paper!" I lied, pointing to a stray piece of paper lying on the floor. "SHUT IT PAPER! YOU'RE SO LOUD!"

"Uhh... the paper isn't making a noise..." Marinette muttered.

"It-uhhh... it is! It's just so quiet you can't hear it!"

"So why do you want it to shut up?"

"I-uh-I don't even know," I sighed.

Marinette giggled, her eyes lighting up. I couldn't help but smile.

Marinette's POV

I couldn't stop smiling for the entire trip home. It wasn't long, but still. ADRIEN + ME + MY HOUSE x CHINESE – CHLOE = ETERNAL HAPPINESS! That was my attempt at maths. I said attempt, not actual maths.

Adrien opened the door with a smile. "Ladies first," he laughed as he winked, making my heart flutter.

I blushed and entered, waving. "Hi Mom," I said.

"Hello Marinette. Oh, and Adrien! What a nice surprise!"

"Sorry for coming without an invitation," Adrien apologised, his face the picture of innocence.

"Oh no it's alright. Marinettte enjoys your company a lot, and so do I." Mom smiled.

"So, wanna head to my room?" I asked.

He nodded. "Sure. Let's go."

"Alright, first some procedures need to take place. Just a second," I muttered.

I rushed up to my room. After I had taken care of all of my Adrien photos and changed my computer background, I was ready to let Adrien in. "And that takes care of that," I mumbled, dusting off my hands. I had to do this every time he came to my house... "You can come in now, Adrien!" I called.

Adrien's head popped up from the floor. "You called?" he laughed.

"Ni hao!" Adrien laughed once he had found his feet.

"Uhh... you're talking about what exactly?" I muttered like an idiot.

"Hello, of course! Come on," Adrien said with a sigh.

"Ugh! See! My tree has no roots!" I moaned as I fell back down onto my large sofa-bed.

"Then grow some." He sat down beside me. I felt myself shudder slightly. "Now you know that it means hello, right?"

I nodded.

"So, how much do you know about China?"

"Uh... nothing."

Adrien sighed. "Alright, we have a lot of work to do."

Adrien's POV

Long story short. She killed me. She didn't know anything! I'm just being honest... "Okay, okay, once more." I sighed at Marinette's confuzzled face (No I haven't been spending too much time with Plagg). "Ni hao ma means..." I mouthed, 'complete the sentence' to her in case she just wasn't getting it.

"Umm... something do to with Chinese food, right? Yeah! It means, 'rice is life'!"

"Rice is life!? That's just racist..." I sighed, running my fingers through my hair.

"Right... I'm sorry... I told you I sucked at this!"

"No, it's fine." I suddenly felt an I'm-gonna-do-this-if-it-kills-me feeling. "I'm not giving up! I started this, and so I will end this! LET'S GET PROPER CHINESE-IFIED! WHOOOOOOOOOOO!"

Marinette's POV

Adrien went absolutely crazy. I felt bad for being so terrible at the subject, but I couldn't help but laugh at him when he wouldn't give up. He really wanted to teach me! It was adorable... He grabbed a marker-pen from my desk and picked a bunch of little note-cards from out of his pocket.

"Uh... where d'ya get that from?" I asked, sitting out of the way on my small sofa-bed.

"Sssh! No time for questions," he murmured, scribbling some stuff down on the cards.

After a while of sitting in silence, Adrien jumped up. He stuck the cards around my room. EVERYWHERE. I was surrounded by Chinese phrases and complicated dynasties and all that... yeah, the things I had no clue about. "Ni hao means..." Adrien muttered, covering up a small note-card with the answer.

"Hello...?" I muttered.

"DING DING DING DING DING! WE HAVE A WINNER! FINALLY!" he shouted as he revealed the card. "IF NOTE CARDS CAN'T TEACH YOU, NOTHING CAN!"

I laughed quietly. "Alright. Let's go."

"Goodbye," Adrien mumbled.

"Zaijian," I said with a nod.

"I don't understand."

"Wo ting bu dong."

"Sorry."

"Duibuqi."

"Excellent! Qing dynasty."

"AD 1644-1911."

"Amazing, Marinette! You're a natural!"

"Thank you." Just then, I heard a loud grumble coming from my stomach. NICE GOING! I laughed sheepishly, my face turning a deep red. "He he, guess I must be hungry."

"I'm a little hungry myself, actually," Adrien agreed, nodding. "Mind if I stay over? I need some sort of excuse to stay away from home."

I nodded. "I mean, if it's okay with my parents, I'd love for you to stay over!" I blushed at what I had just said. "I mean, well, uhh..."

"Thanks, Marinette."

"Oh! I know! What if we order some Chinese takeaway?" I suggested, hopping up and down.

"Uhh... Chinese takeaway? That's the thing when you like order food, right?" he mumbled.

"Yeah. You've never tried it before!?" I teased.

He shook his head. "Fancy chef-made meals everyday."

"Woah! Fancy to the extreme!" I laughed. "Today will be the first time trying it, then."

He nodded. "Yup."

After Adrien called his home for approval, I asked Mom whether we could get the takeout and blah blah, I could finally relax with Adrien... AGHHHHHHHH! RELAX WITH ADRIEN! THAT MEANS CONVERSATION WITHOUT EVEN DOING ANYTHING AND NOTHING TO TALK ABOUT AND AWKWARD SILENCE AND SADNESS AND TEARS AND CRYING ON THE FLOOR AND ETERNAL LONELINESS AND EVEN MORE SADNESS THEN A RAINBOW AND THEN MORE SADNESS AND SOME MORE TEARS TO ADD TO THE PILE AND THEN... OH JUST KILL ME NOW I'M GOING TO DIE.

"Whoooptyy-dooo!" Adrien cheered, falling back down onto a small beanbag. "The uptight and horrid Natalie finally allowed me to do something fun! FUN! I thought that word wasn't even in her vocabulary!"

I giggled quietly. "Alright, Chinese roots grown, happy Adrien, chinese takeout from Mom... everything is going to plan." I nodded to myself.

"Now we must wait for the arrival of food, am I correct?" Adrien asked in a posh voice.

"Why, yes. Now we must wait for the arrival of the food," I laughed.

"No no no no no! Just arrival of food. It's waaaaay posher."

"How?" I giggled, raising an eyebrow.

"Just, ya know. No 'the' in the sentence just sounds posher. I dunno." He shrugged his shoulders.

I laughed once more, sitting down on the sofa-bed. "So, what do you wanna do in the meantime?" I asked.

Hmm... Adrien muttered. 天IDEO GAMES! he shouted.

The food arrived, and Adrien was starving. Like seriously. STARVING.

Adrien's POV

I was starving! I hadn't eaten in ages and the food smelt like heavan. "Yay yay yay yay yay!" I cheered. Marinette giggled quietly, passing me a plate full of chicken chow mein.

"Thanks. I can't wait!" I laughed.

"Okay, so. Let's go eat," Marinette said.

"Sure. Where's the long fancy table telling me that I have no friends?" I asked, being totally serious.

Marinette gave me a 'do you need to go to a mental doctor?' look and laughed quietly. "Wha-? You know what, I'm not gonna ask. We're going to eat in my room."

"You're eating in your room? Not the fancy no-friends table?"

"Yep. On the floor." she laughed "Mr Poshy-rich-kid is going to have to be un-poshy. That didn't make sense but still."

"So, do you like it?" Marinette asked with a smile.

I nodded, swallowing the last of my chicken chow mein.

"Yeah I pretty much guessed,"She gestured to my completely empty plate, not a stain in sight. "Just starting up a conversation. How comes you're already finished?"

"How comes I'm finished? How comes you aren't finished? It's been ages!" I laughed.

"I don't usually eat that much, that's all," she muttered.

"You can't finish it, can you?" I teased. She nodded. I quietly laughed. "Wow. Should I help you finish the rest?"

"Sure, it's not like I'm gonna eat all this."

So, yeah. Everything went well up to that point. Then, life hated me and gave Plagg the perfect oppurtunity to laugh in my face with his tiny face and tease me for the rest of my life. Me + Marinette + noodles = Lady and The Tramp. Yes. That happened to me. Marinette pulled away before the full scene finished at least. My face went a deep red and silence filled the room. "He he he he..." I laughed sheepishly. "Lady and The Tramp, right?" I probably sounded like a maniac physcopath to her...

"Yep..." she murmured. She bolted up and picked up the two plates. "I'll go take these downstairs..."

"Right. Righty right," I hummed as Marinette left the room. "Pheeeeeeewwwwww..."

Then, as I expected, hell came out from my shirt. A grinning Plagg flew up in my face, chuckling quietly.

"Alright, just get it over with," I sighed, closing my eyes.

"Are you sure you can handle it?" he teased.

"Yeah yeah, whatever."

He gulped and flew even closer into my face, releasing the most ear-piercing, dumb, annoying, stupid, idiotic laugh the world has ever heard. "HA HA HAAAAAAAAAAA!" He gasped for air. "Wait for it..." a few seconds passed. "HAAAAAAAAA!"

Suddenly, a very scared Marinette armed with a frying pan flew into the room, Plagg hiding behind my back. "I heard screaming!" she shouted, scanning the room. "WHAT HAPPENED!?"

I laughed nervously, running a hand through my messy hair. "It was just me! Laughing!"

"Laughing?" she muttered, lowering the pan.

"Yup yup yup yup yup. I just saw a... bird!"

"Bird?"

"Yeah. A bird just hit a tree."

"Aww, poor thing," she mumbled. "You're so mean, Adrien!"

I managed a nervous smile.

"And why were you laughing so loudly? Sheesh. The whole of Paris must've heard that..."

"Sorry..."

"Okay then... everything seems fine..." She left the room with a 'I'm watching you...' glare.

"Phew... Don't you dare be loud again, Plagg."

"Soooooo..." Plagg flew back in front of me. "Ooooooh, Marinette, I'm so in love with you! I'm gonna be super cool and attractive in front of you even though I'm soooooo ugly!" Plagg's imitation was way worse than before. He just sounded like himself. When he throws up. "No wait, take back that last part..." he whispered "You're actually not that ugly."

"Gee thanks," I sighed sarcastically.

"But still, everything else is pure fact. You're totally in love with her."

"FOR CRYING OUT LOU-"

The frying pan Marinette flew in again. "OH MY GOD ADRIEN WHY ARE YOU SCREAMING AGAIN!?"

"You're the screaming one," I said, hands up in the air.

"Well, true... But still, keep it down!"

I nodded. "Sorry. But seriously, how long does it take to wash some plates?"

"Sssssssshhh!"

I laughed quietly, smiling. "Ugh! The whole of Paris can hear you!" I mocked as she left, again with the creepy glare. "Phew..."

"Ugh, geez. I see the way you look at her, don't try to hide it. It's totally obvious," Plagg muttered with a yawn.

"Why do you have to be such a pain in the neck...?" I sighed.

"It's my speciality!"

"Of course it is..."

Marinette's excessive plate wash-up had finished and so she finallllllly came back. Luckily, that meant Plagg was gone! "You took your sweet time," I laughed.

"Nobody questions the wash-up!" she giggled. Her smile reminded me of someone for just a second. It was warm, loving and caring... I was just drawn to it... "What the!? It's already 9! I suppose you should get home now..." she sighed.

"As much as I hate to say it, that's true. Natalie's gonna kill me if I stay here any longer..."

"Wanna grab something from the bakery before you go?" she asked, already 110% sure of the answer.

"YESSSSSSHHH!" I cheered, jumping up and down.

"Calm down boy, calm down," she giggled.

Marinette's Mom and Dad helped me get some cake (the smells were heavanly yet again), whilst Marinette couldn't stop giggling by the side. "It was a pleasure having you, Adrien," Marinette's Mom said with a smile.

I smiled. "Thanks for the food." My eyes slowly drifted away to Marinette. A loud car honk brought me back to reality. "That's my ride. Better get going," I sighed.

"See you tomorrow!" Marinette called with a wave whilst I left.

"So, today we're here with the adorable young model, Aaaaaadrien Agreste!" Plagg announced like he was on a talk show once he had the chance in my empty room.

"Oh, Plagg, for goodness sake..." I whispered.

"How do you feel?"

"What?"

"About Marinetteeeee..."

"What about her?"

"How do you feel about her?"

"Plagg, please."

"UGGGHH! MAN! YOU ARE SO HARD TO WORK WITH!" He interviewed me like a really crappy talk show host, however. "Just spill it!"

"Spill what!?"

"About your girfriend!"

I sighed. "Shut up, Plagg. Just eat your camembert. That's all you do," I laughed.

"At least I'm not ugly!" he shouted. "..."

"..."

"..."

"..."

"..."

"... Goodnight..."

Adrien/Cat Noir's POV

"Another day, another victory for Cat Noir and his sidekick!" I called while Ladybug caught the akuma of the day.

"Quit messing around Cat, you're about to change back," Ladybug sighed, patting me on the head. I purred unintentionally, but stopped when I saw Chloe's dad approaching at us. "Ladybug, why is Mayor Bourgeois waving at us?" I asked aside to her.

"I don't know, but I have to get out of here, so he better hurry up."

I waved back to the Mayor. "What's up?" I laughed casually.

Bourgeois looked particularly smug today. "Well, as you probably already know, I have been Mayor for quite a while now," he began. Ladybug looked very nervous about changing back. "And so I am holding a banquet tonight. Ladybug and Cat Noir-"

"That's Cat Noir and Ladybug," I interrupted, Ladybug elbowing me as I said it.

"I would like to invite the two of you. Would you both give a speech together at the banquet?"

"Uh, yeah, sure later today right?" Ladybug replied hurriedly.

"At seven," Bourgeois informed.

Ladybug grabbed my hand and dragged me away from the Mayor. "Cat, no time now. Recharge your Miraculous and meet me at the eiffel tower or something in an hour, we have a speech to write," she explained.

"So like, it's a date," I laughed.

"No," she replied bluntly. "Gotta go!" she squeaked, her earrings beeping again. She leaped away.

"I'll bring flowers and chocolates," I called, leaving too.

The whole hour that I had to wait until I met up with Ladybug killed me. I was so excited; it wasn't everyday that I got to hang out with her outside of battle.

"So you finally get to talk to Ladybug," Plagg yawned unenthusiastically.

"Yeah, isn't it great! I mean – uhh, yeah whatever." I tried to stop myself from hopping up and down.

"What are you gonna say to her?" He munched on another piece of camembert.

"I don't know... Actually I should think about what i'm going to say..." I paused and contemplated. "I got nothing," I groaned, running my fingers through my hair.

"Okay, pretend I'm Ladybug and practice on me," Plagg suggested.

"Plagg, trying to see you as Ladybug has scarred me for life!"

"Come on, let's go," Plagg prompted. He suddenly adopted a high pitched voice. "Oh, Cat Noir, helloooo there."

"Hey... Ladybug... Uhh, you look... great? No, no, stop this, i'm gonna throw up," I pushed Plagg back to his cheese.

Suddenly, my alarm went off. "Yes, it's time to GO! Plagg, claws out!"

Marinette/Ladybug's POV

I waited at the bottom of the Eiffel Tower, trying to avoid all the people asking for autographs and pictures. "Ugh, where is that Cat?" I muttered, but then I spotted the idiot at the peak. "Trust him to wait right at the top," I sighed, swinging up to meet him.

I was going to scold him for making me come all the way to the top but... He looked very happy to see me, like a cute little kitty; I felt a sense of endearment suddenly. "Hi Cat," I greeted with a smile.

His ears perked up. "My Lady. You're late."

"No I was waiting down there, see," I said as I gestured to the crowd of Ladybug fans down below. I sat down next to him. "How weird is this? It's nice to sit and not fight a villain as Ladybug,"I giggled.

"It is weird, but it's great!" Cat seemed very relaxed. I blushed when I remembered the kiss he had given me as Marinette. I shook the thought away.

"I brought paper and a pen! So, let's write a speech!" I laughed.

"Wait... did Bourgeois even tell us what the speech was meant to be about?"

"Oh no! He didn't, did he? So what do we do?" I gasped.

Cat laughed quietly.

"What?"

"It's just, you worry a lot, Ladybug," he pointed out. "It's..."

"It's... what?"

"It's a little cute, that's all."

I blushed and poked him in the shoulder.

"Mew!" His smile disappeared and he actually looked sincere. "Sorry... you know I don't mean to come across as really... flirty or anything. It kind of... it kind of just happens when I wear the mask..." he sighed, tracing the edge of the black mask that hid his face. "You really hate me don't you. I mean I wouldn't blame you-"

"Cat! Shut up." I ordered.

He smiled.

"We're friends. How could I hate you, you idiot?"

We sat in a pleasant silence for a few seconds.

"So, let's maybe write a speech about saving Paris and stuff. That would be fine, right?" Cat picked up the pen, but then put it back down. "Ladybug, you write..." he said, pushing the paper pad to me.

"Okay, let's – wait... I can't write! What if you recognise my hand writing? Then you'll find out who I am..."

Cat looked disappointed. "That's what I was planning, but I guess you caught me! Alright, instead of writing a speech, let's just improvise when we get there," he suggested. "We'll wing it."

"Wing it?" I repeated.

Cat's green eyes met mine. "Yeah."

I looked away. "Yeah. Okay, fine, that could work..." My earrings beeped suddenly. I didn't really want to leave. Cat Noir was being so sincere. From this little meeting, I had already learned a lot about his real character. "I guess I have to leave now..."

"Already, huh. Alright, well before you go..." he passed me something. A box filled with chocolates. "For... for you," he murmured shyly, looking away.

I looked at the box for a second. "You bought these for me?"

"Yeah..." His head shot up. "Oh no, are you allergic?! Stupid me, I should've asked-" I hugged him and laughed into his shoulder.

"Thank you!" I sang, pulling away and hugging the box. I stood up and showed Cat one last smile. "See you at the banquet, Cat Noir!" I hopped away.

Adrien/Cat Noir's POV

She just. Ladybug just. "Woooooowww..." I exhaled, hugging my knees. I felt like my insides were trying to flutter away. I really hoped she would like the chocolates. My ring beeped, knocking me out of my trance. I forced myself to get up and picked up the paper pad Ladybug had left behind. She had written only one word before she stopped writing, and I couldn't recognise her handwriting from only that. I went back home, taking it with me for further inspection. "Ladybug..." I sighed to myself as I landed back in my room.

Marinette's POV

As soon as I got home, I placed the box on my desk gently. "Tikki, can you believe Cat was so thoughtful? No one's ever bought me a whole box before."

"Marinette, you are starting to like Cat Noir," Tikki squeaked.

"Am not," I protested.

"Okay... but you have to be careful. Remember your identities-"

"Must be kept a secret, got it, I got it," I sighed, sitting in my chair. "Besides, you know my heart belongs to Adrien. Actually, today Cat reminded me of Adrien," I muttered absent-mindedly, looking at my Cat Noir and Adrien dolls sitting next to each other. "He had the same lonely sort of look in his eyes. I wonder why."

"Maybe he's sad for some reason," Tikki said, sitting on my hand.

"I'm sorry for using your powers so much today, but we've still got a banquet ahead of us. It'll probably last for a very long time, so I'll bring cookies for you to recharge every now and then, okay?"

Tikki nodded and I kissed her on the forehead.

Suddenly, my phone rang, making me jump. "Oh, hey Alya, what's up?" I greeted. On the phone screen, Alya looked incredibly excited. "What's up?" I repeated. "You look like you won the lottery!"

"Even better!" Alya giggled. "Can I please come over? I've got something amazing to show you!" she inhaled.

"Yeah, sure, but only for a bit," I agreed, glancing at the time.

In a few minutes, Alya was at my door. "MARINETTE YOU WILL NOT BELIEVE THIS!"

"Hello to you too."

Alya ran up to my room and bounced onto my bed. "I got extra amazing footage today! You wanna see it?"

"Yeah, sure," I sat next to her.

She brought out her phone and opened a video. "Are you ready? Okay go!" She pressed the play button, and there on the screen was Cat and I hugging on the Eiffel Tower.

"Wha- how did you get this?" I asked.

"I have my ways. But did you see that? Don't you just ship them together so much?" she laughed.

"I - I – I don't know..."

"This'll look amazing on my blog." She rewatched the video again.

"It sure will..." I tried to cheer her on.

"Hmm, okay Marinette, I just really wanted to show you this, but now I gotta go home and post this!"

I saw Alya off and sighed as I walked back up to my room. "Well that's embarrassing."

Adrien's POV

"No way!" I exclaimed. "Alya filmed it?!" I looked at the Ladyblog and blushed at the video. "Oh god, look at me, I look like an idiot!"

Plagg sat on my head, laughing like crazy. "So true. You look so surprised when she hugged you. And that's on the internet forever now."

I covered my face. "Don't remind me..."

"Hey, isn't it time for the banquet?" Plagg pointed out. I looked at the time. "Oh, crap i'll be late!" I hopped up and put some camembert in a container. "Okay, we have food for you... Plagg, claws out!" I exclaimed.

Adrien/Cat Noir's POV

"Hmm... are you supposed to dress fancy at a banquet?" I asked myself, looking in the mirror. "My clothes are welded to my skin, so maybe..." I dug into my wardrobe and found a tie, then put it around my neck. "Looking sharp. This'll make her laugh." I grabbed the camembert container and hopped off to the Mayor's place.

I found Ladybug waiting outside the grand hotel. "Oh hi," she called as I walked over to her. She giggled uncontrollably.

"What?"

"Nice tie, it really brings out your eyes," she laughed.

"Thanks. You aren't wearing one?"

"No, surprisingly I don't own a tie."

"Aww, you can have mine if you want."

"I'll pass. So you ready to improvise?" she asked, suddenly looking worried.

"I was born ready. Just follow my lead and it'll be a piece of camembert."

"What is it with you and camembert?"

"I hate it. I hate it so much," I growled. I was sick of it, thanks to Plagg.

"Okayyyy... well d'you wanna go in? I'm kind of scared of big events like this..." She looked around as other guests walked into the huge building.

I had been to a ton of banquets with my Father before so I was pretty relaxed about this. "Relax, you're Ladybug, everyone respects you already, so you don't need to worry," I assured.

"Yeah!" She stood up straight. "Let's go."

Inside the banquet hall, groups of people were sitting at their tables.

"Where do we sit?" Ladybug muttered.

"Hey, there's Bourgeois, he should tell us where we'll sit."

"Ah, Ladybug! Cat Noir! I am glad you are here!"

"Yep, and boy, have we got a speech for you!" Ladybug laughed nervously. "It's about..."

"How you save Paris everyday and how you admire me as mayor?" Bourgeois finished for her.

"Right!" she laughed.

"The tie was a nice touch," he noticed, looking at me now.

"I know, right?"

"Well, you two take your seats at the front, and you will be called to speak after me."

"Sure," we said in unison.

We sat at the main table at the front of the hall, and Ladybug played with the three forks and knives around her plate. "Geez, I can't believe he threw this party for himself," she laughed quietly.

"No one else was going to do it for him," I added.

"True! Where's his daughter anyway- oh no..."

Chloe was speeding towards us, wearing a distasteful, pale yellow ballgown. "Oh Ladybug!"

"Oh brother..." Ladybug rolled her eyes.

"I love what you've done with your hair!" Chloe laughed loudly.

"It's the same as always."

"Well your makeup is on point!"

"I don't wear makeup."

"Anyway, I'll sit up here with you guys-"

"No!" I burst out accidentally. "I mean, uh, you should sit way over there, otherwise you won't get to see our speech in it's full glory!" I just really wanted to sit alone with Ladybug.

"Listen to the cat in the tie," Ladybug said unenthusiastically.

"Oh, of course! Thanks Ladybug, text me!" She trotted off.

I watched Ladybug roll her eyes once more. "She just might be your biggest fan. Oh wait, I was wrong. It's that girl Alya," I pointed out. Alya was at the very back of the hall, at the doors, looking like she was trying to get in but the doormen wouldn't let her.

"Poor Alya..." Ladybug looked sad.

"Hey! Ladybug, tell them to let me in!" Alya called across the giant hall.

The doormen turned round and Ladybug waved with a smile. They nodded and let Alya through.

I admired Ladybug for a few seconds as she looked through the crowd.

"Cat? What is it?" she asked, turning to look at me.

I shook my head and blushed. "It's nothing."

"You're being so weird," she giggled. "Weirder than usual."

"So!" Alya had already grabbed a chair and sat in front of us. "Mind if I grab a quick interview?!"

"Sure, go ahead," Ladybug agreed.

"Okay, first. Are you two dating?"

I choked on my water.

Ladybug shook her head. "What? No, what gave you that idea?"

"Well you did go to the top of the Eiffel Tower – the most romantic place in Paris – out of battle and then you hugged! What was that all about?"

"We met up to write a speech for today's banquet," I explained.

"That's all?" Alya eyed us sceptically. "Then the hug?"

"Uhh... well Cat was sad so I was helping him," Ladybug lied. I guessed she didn't want to mention the chocolates I gave her or Alya would really explode.

"Oh." Alya looked disappointed. "Well... will you ever date?" she asked.

My ring suddenely beeped. "Welp, that's my cue," I said, standing up.

"Yeah, better go charge up Plagg," Ladybug muttered.

"Yeah, you're rig- whoa, whoa, whoa, how'd you know my kwami's name?" I asked, raising an eyebrow. Whoa... kinda weird...

"Oh-uh-I-um-my kwami told me! Th-the other day," Ladybug stuttered.

I tilted my head. "What's your kwami's name, then?"

"Oh-um-it's Tikki," she said.

"Tikki, what a cute name," I laughed. "Does yours have ears too?"

"Uh, no. She's just red and black."

"Oh... so they're not all idiotic, chese-eating cats?"

Ladybug giggled quietly. "I won't ask."

"Good idea."

"Hey, what's a ko-waa-me!? I wanna get it for my Ladyblog!" Alya asked in a sing-song voice, filming Ladybug and I with her phone.

I exchanged looks with Ladybug. "Uhhh... it's..." Ladybug murmured. "It's... candy!" she lied.

"Candy?"

I nodded. "Delicious..."

"So you have idiotic, cheese-eating cat-flavoured candy?" Alya mumbled, raising one eyebrow.

"Yeah, exactly!" I laughed.

"Ooooh! Candy! Where can I buy one of these ko-waa-me candies?"

"Oh-uh-you can't buy anymore," Ladybug said.

"Aww! Why not?" she moaned.

"Because... the guy who made the candy just died yesterday! Yeah, sad times," I nodded, wiping a fake tear off of my face.

"Well, that's a coincidence. I'm sorry for your loss," Alya said, nodding. "So, could he have been your long-lost father!?"

"Uhh... no..."

"What about Ladybug's long-lost brother!?"

Ladybug shook her head. "No way. I'm an only child."

"Really!?" I asked.

She nodded. "Uhh... yeah."

"Yes! Another clue of who you really are ! Better note that down!"

Alya laughed. "This is gold!" She turned her camera around to film her. "Ladybug and Cat Noir! Soulmates! Don't you just ship it as much as I do! Leave a comment below!" She placed down her phone. "Perfect for my Ladyblog! I wanna upload it straight away!"

"Listen, we're not datin-"

"Ssh, ssh, ssh! Do not deny true love, Ladybug!" Alya laughed, replaying the video on her phone.

"Ugh!"

My ring beeped one last time. "Oh, lost track of time. Gotta run!" I saluted and dashed off.

Marinette/Ladybug's POV

"So, Ladybug, just between you and me. Do you have a crush on Cat Noir?" Alya asked.

"Oh no no no no no, nooooo way! Cat's an idiot, really," I said.

"Aww! You call him Cat! How adorable!"

"Wh-what!?"

"I see you're blushing. Oh hey, you sorta remind me of someone. Meh."

"I am not blushing!"

"And you're being defensive about it," Alya laughed once more.

"No I'm not!"

"Alright, it's settled. You don't have a crush on Cat Noir."

"Finally!"

"You're in love with him!"

Adrien/Cat Noir's POV

I rushed into the fancy bathroom and shut the door. Phew, away from Alya's interrogations. De-transformation always tired me out. I sat in one of the stalls and got the camembert out.

"Oy, Plagg, eat it," I yawned, shoving the cheese into his little arms.

"Ha ha! Don't have to tell me twice!" Plagg exclaimed, hugging it like a baby.

"So... Tikki?" I asked him.

"Hey, how do you know about Tikki?" Plagg asked, his ears perking up. For the first time he looked away from his food like it wasn't important anymore.

"Ahhh, I see, she's your girlfriend. That's cute but i'm sure she's outta your league," I teased. "Ladybug told me her kwami's called Tikki."

"She is NOT my girlfriend," Plagg protested, slapping me in the face with his tail. "I'm not a human. Humans are weak when it comes to love. Exhibit A," he pointed at me.

"Well I'm just glad I get to tease you about your crush so you know what it feels like!"

"Adrien you're a mean person," Plagg mumbled. "That's why Ladybug'll never love you."

"Well if you stink like cheese all the time , Tikki won't ever kiss you..."

I returned to the wonderful smell of food. Food, food, it was being served everywhere.

"Oh Cat you're back, what took you so long?" Ladybug asked.

"My kwami's a fussy eater," I replied, hopping back into my chair. "Speaking of eating..." I started to help myself to the starters.

"Speaking of speaking," Ladybug pointed to the stage and the Mayor was at the podium, ready to speak.

So... I zoned out during his speech, and Ladybug left to charge her kwami and came back, but I'm pretty sure he was talking about Paris or something. But basically the food was great.

"Hey Cat, stop drooling over your food, we're up!" Ladybug scolded, looking worried again.

"Okay, don't worry you're great at improvising!" I told her, getting up and leaving my food.

"Please welcome, our heroes, Ladybug and Cat Noir!" Mayor Bourgeois introduced.

Marinette/Ladybug's POV

"Um, good evening, ladies and gentlemen," I began nervously. "I'm Ladybug! Hi."

Cat facepalmed, and stepped up to the podium. "We are Ladybug and Cat Noir, and we fight everyday to keep Paris in check. Rest assured citizens, we do everything in our power to prevent any damge to the city and..." he glanced at Mayor Bourgeois who looked like MENTION ME PLS. "We also have the Mayor to thank for his aid and protection..."

I just blinked. He spoke and moved like a – like a model when he gave the speech. Like he was used to big events like this. "That's right!" I piped up. "You can count on us. Because Cat Noir and I make a good team." I looked at Cat and smiled.

"Thank you!" We said in unison to the audience and we smiled and went to sit down after the applause.

After the speech, Cat and I ate a bit (Cat ate a lot) and then we left the hotel without the Mayor noticing. Outside, the cold air was refreshing and the streetlights created a beautiful atmosphere. "Cat, you never told me you had a hidden talent," I laughed.

"What?" He played with his tie.

"You spoke like a-"

"Like a boss," Cat laughed.

"Shut up. Never mind I won't praise you like I was going to." I played with my hair. "Um, Cat,"

"Yeah?"

"Thankyou very much for those chocolates. I gotta go now."

Cat tugged on my yo-yo. "W-wait. Do you think we know eachother? You know, in normal life?"

"You know... I feel like I do know you Cat. See you." I smiled and then swung away.

Adrien/Cat Noir's POV

"I feel I know you too," I whispered.

Hope you enjoyed it! I'm very sorry for such a looooong wait but i'll write as much as I can! Keep reading! Bug out!