Dear Journal,

It wasn't easy sleeping last night, but I'm glad I got to hang out with Marinette. And I'm glad she's feeling better. I really meant what I said when I told her she could tell me everything. I wish I could tell her what's on my mind, as my finger feels lighter without the Cat Miraculous, but my heart is heavy.

When I finally got to sleep, I wandered around in a white fog calling for M'lady and for Plagg. I didn't get any answers, and the silence and the coldness of the fog chilled me to the bone. When I woke up, I was still shivering and sweating, so before school, I should shower. At least soon I'll see Marinette and in and out of the catsuit, she always makes me feel better.

But before I can shower, I click on the TV to see the new holders of the Ladybug and Cat Miraculous. Though I'm glad our city will be safe, I shut it off quickly. I wish Plagg were here to make me laugh and I walk over to the football table setting the ball down in the field. Besides eating cheese, Plagg and I loved playing this together. The heaviness is creeping in, the realization. Marinette. I should call her, see how she's doing. But no, I still have to keep Cat a secret, and I slump down across the table with a sigh.

But at least I need to let her know I left my bag at her house. Hm. Maybe a excuse to come over and see her?

At school, we have a tribute meeting for Ladybug and Cat, and I can't stop thinking about if Ladybug is okay. I wish I could hug her and whisper to her that it will be alright, no matter what happens. "I wonder what happened to Ladybug," I tell Marinette. She seems sad and her eyes which are usually bright and beautiful with happiness cast downwards as she responds, "I hope Cat Noir is alright."

Even if I no longer hold the ring, she cares about him. Cares about me. Her little fist is clenched as if she is hiding hidden emotions and I put my hand around hers. "I'm sure he's fine."

I pull out Marinette's chair for her as she sits down with her lunch tray. I came to school early to set up a small table and hopefully she likes the red rose I got her. "Thanks, Adrien."

When I sit down across from her, its like the lunchroom disappears and its just us in our little world. She's blushing, two spots of red on her pretty cheeks. Her eyes are wandering, looking at the others.

"Did you see today's lunch salad is Heart of Palms?" "Yes, they remind me of the beach," Marinette said, looking down at her plate and moving her food around. "They remind me of the beach."

Oh, Journal, if I didn't have to protect Paris and were a little older, I would whisk Marinette to a deserted tropical island were there are no worries, no cares. Deep breath, don't think about the dream of you and M'lady, it only makes your heart hurt.

"What about the hearts? Do they remind you of something?" I have to keep focused, and on Marinette who is still moving her food around. "The heart of the beach," she replies, then drops some of her salad.

When Marinette is seated again, I extend my hand to her so we can hold hands, and Marinette stretches hers towards mine, only to pull back and try again. "Are you okay, Marinette? If your not ready you don't have to." I keep my voice soft and gentle so that she doesn't feel pressured. "No. I can do this," her voice strains as she keeps trying but its like a invisible barrier is holding her back from my hand.

"You know, we can just be friends if you prefer," I say. "No! No, I don't want to be friends!" My heart sinks. "I see."

"No, I didn't mean it like that! My hand will obey me!" she's so determined it reminds of Bugaboo. But then she struggles, falling to the floor with a small groan. Chloe of course has to make a comment and I tell her to go back to her seat as I get up to help Marinette up. Chloe goes off, but Zoe and the rest of our friends stand up for us.

And then Chloe gets akumatized. Marinette and I duck under the table and take both of her hands for reassurance. Chole starts to hurl a chair, but I leap up keeping Marinette's hand tightly as we run for safety.

Marinette and I get separated but I find Nino and we come up with a plan using paintball guns filled with sauces to hit him with. (The plan is sweet, but sour for Monarch, ha ha, Dear Journal!)

I run out of my hiding place towards Monarch, grabbing the earrings. My glare is icy but his is glacial as we have a moment.

"Your up, Ladybug," I say, giving her her precious jewel. "Thanks." With a flash of light, Ladybug tosses the lucky charm and soon everything is back to normal.

I don't know how Monarch found out who the new holders are, but M'lady are will find the answer. We met up later that night.

"I feel like there's only one formula that works, kitten," Ladybug says as we sit in our spot. "I guess so. You and me against Monarch."

I spent a lot of time looking at my ring before bed, and I realize just how lucky I am, and I know that sounds funny coming from a black cat. But I am lucky to be best friends with Ladybug, and my friendship (hopefully soon relationship with Marinette.) Each one will take time, but we will one day be victorious.

Its good to be Cat Noir again.

I'll write again soon, Dear Journal.

-Adrien Agreste

Cat Noir

It feels pawesome to write that.