"And tell me again, why did you think holding a contest for a photo shoot was a good idea?" My Kwami, Plagg, asks. "I need the money, Plagg. Sure, we have a roof over our heads, but our apartment just feels cramped." Plagg gulps down some cheese, gobbling down so fast he leaves crumbs. I often wonder how he doesn't get indigestion. "You know your father said you could stay at the mansion. Besides, there's tons more room there." "You know I don't like going there, Plagg. To many memories. And to answer your question about the contest, you know I want Ladybug to enter. She needs a friend."

"Aren't you friends with her already as Cat Noir?" I nod. "But she can only tell Cat so much her secret identity. I'm sure she'll be the same with my civilian side, but maybe if I take it slow I'll finally find out who she is."

"Blech. Romance is complicated, but cheese isn't. Anyway, I'm off to get more!" Plagg flies off, and I smile. Plagg thinks cheese can solve the world's problems, and though I wish it were that simple, its not the case. I open my phone where I have the pictures of M'lady saved throughout the years. I was never allowed to have pictures of her hanging on my walls, cause I could tell my father hated Ladybug.

Oh, well. Just as well, otherwise he may have thought I'm Cat Noir. I scroll through the pictures smiling at the photo of Ladybug and I around Christmas time, and she somehow convinced me to wear antlers on my head. A knock at the door as me closing the browser window quickly. Aunt Emile sails in with her perfume trail and her musical high heels that make a tap, tap sound as she walks.

"Darling, there are lot of girls out there! However will you choose?" "There's one particular girl that I'm hoping will show you, but there's no guarantee. As to picking, you have a pretty good eye." "Thank you dear, but I know you can do it."

I gasp as I head out on stage where it seems thousand of girls are waiting behind the ropes. Aunt Amile wasn't kidding, and my heart begins to sink as I scan the crowd, searching, searching for a girl in a red and black suit. "Are you ready, Adrien?" I take a deep breath, and shake off the negative feelings. "Send the first girl up!"

There's a process each girl must go through: A short interview describing their background: have they modeled before, what is their dream job? Can they walk the catwalk? Can they stand a long time without getting tired. How long can they smile?

There are a few girls I want to consider but none of them seem just right. None of them are Bugaboo, until I see her. She surrounded by girls and even though she's smiling, she looks a little nervous. "No autographs today, I don't want to take the spotlight away from Adrien."

When she comes backstage for the short interview, it feels like a dream. She's modeled once or twice, but for a small company and her dream job is to be a designer. "Have you ever walked the catwalk?" She gulps, but bobs her head. "Yes, but I took a tumble. But I got right back up again." "Why did you enter this contest?" I ask, even though its not on the list of questions. Still, I'm curious.

"Because I hoping to see you, and hoping we could be friends." "I would like nothing more…." I'm cut off as Aunt Amile walks in. "Adrien, time is ticking and there are still a lot of girls." "I still need to see you catwalk." As we head towards the stage, Ladybug grabs my arm. "Adrien, what if I fall again?" This girl isn't just my partner, she's my best friend. So, if there's a way to make her feel more comfortable, I'm going to everything in my power. "Just give me five minutes with her."

I lead Ladybug down a corridor to a room that can work as a catwalk. "Okay, start from the back of the room and walk towards me." "Okay." She does as she's told, but her movements are stiff and jerky, and I rub my chin thinking. "I have an idea that may loosen you up," I tell her. Ladybug groans, peeking through her fingers as I pull up some silly music on my phone. "I was terrible, wasn't I?" "Don't worry about that."

I press play and Ladybug perks up. "Is that conga music?" "Yep, sure is. Now, I'm going to guide you and you do as I say. One, two, three, move the hips back and forth, yes!" I let go, and she grins as she saunters around the room. "Adrien, I'm doing it!" "Let's conga!" I laugh and I place my hand on her shoulders as she passes by again. "Kick left, kick right, oof!"

We tumble to the floor, laughing. "I don't remember that conga is part of modeling," Ladybug giggles. "That was just for fun." When we fell, I made she wasn't hurt and now she's lying behind me.

"We should probably do that catwalk for real," I say, regretfully. "Yeah. And before some girl gets jealous." Before we can stand up, the door opens and a flash temporarily blinds us.

"What's this, does Adrien Agreste have a secret girlfriend, none other then Ladybug?" I spring into defensive mode, pushing Ladybug behind me as we stand up. "Haven't you heard of knocking? And shouldn't you ask permission for photos? Let's go, Ladybug."

Ladybug does the catwalk well, but I can see she's a bit rattled by the reporters. I growl beneath my breath, I was always being chased by fans or reporters when I was younger too, never having any time alone.

"I'm choosing Ladybug," I tell Aunt Amile when auditions are done. "Are you sure, dear? She seemed a bit clumsy." I prickle at her words. "It was those reporters who made her nervous. It wasn't her fault."

"I'm not saying she isn't talented, dear, no not at all. I just don't her feeling uncomfortable if she would take a tumble during the shoot." "Don't worry, she's as steady as a rock."

I walk back onstage, where the girls wait to hear the results. "The winner will be receiving information in a few days. Thank you for coming out and auditioning, and good luck with your careers!"

Slowly, the hall grows quiet until no one is left. Even Ladybug is gone, but I know there's still time for us to become friends.

I can't stop thinking of her as I rest after a busy day, but of course duty calls for patrol that night. Ladybug is waiting at our spot, same as usual. "Hey, Kitty." "Good evening, M'lady. So, how did the audition go?" Ladybug gives a deep sigh. "Oh, Cat! I was so nervous and I even took a tumble! And a reporter caught it! Adrien might be kind and sweet, but he's not going to pick me."

"Now, no one's won yet, have they? Its not like you to give up so easily." "I'd really have to be a lucky bug to win." I shift, putting my arm around her shoulder. "You've always been lucky for me." Our eyes lock a moment. "Want to take a walk? It might make you feel better." "Okay, Kitten."

Once we reach ground level, Ladybug slips her hand into mine. We stroll through the park, lingering at the statue. I see a tiny crevice between my statue and Ladybug's. Its the perfect spot for secret letters or messages. I try to be casual as I ask my next question. "Do you come through here often?" She looks at me curiously. "Every morning for my Starbucks, why?" "Oh, no reason," I answer, trying to keep my voice light. "Want some hot chocolate? I happen to know a great bakery around here." Ladybug laughs. "That wouldn't be Tom and Sabine's, would it? Its the best bakery in Paris!"

I rub my tummy. "My stomach agrees with you." Sabine smiles at us when we stroll in, still holding hands. "Hello, Cat! Hello, Ladybug! Lovely night for a stroll isn't it?" "Lovely. Ladybug, what would like?" "I'll have a hot chocolate, plus a scone." I order a black coffee with cream and a muffin.

We sit under the glowing lights of the patio. "Sabine is clever, you know. That was her way of asking if I've kissed you yet today." "She's a matchmaker, that's for sure." Ladybug's cheeks flush pink.

Ladybug is quiet, sipping on her drink. I reach forward, resting my hand on top of hers. "Something's troubling you." "Oh, just thinking about when we'll get the letter of pass or fail." "I always find that when I'm nervous about something, I need to distract myself." "I like rolling bread dough. I help here sometimes. You got any plans tomorrow?" "Give me until mid-morning, and I'll be here." Ladybug snorts, covering her mouth when she giggles. "Does it really take you that long at the groomers?"

"What is in that hot chocolate?" I pretend to sniff at it. "Extra spunk and sass," she tells me. "I like seeing you smile, M'lady." "Thanks for cheering me up."

We stand up and do the usual pound it, but then stand looking at each other. "May I give you a hug before I leave?" she nods.

I can feel her tension drain out of her, as my arms encircle her. "I'm always here for you."

At home, I take a quick shower before flopping into bed. Its only a few hours till I see her again, so why do I already miss her? Because I want her to be friends with both sides of me, and I don't like it when we're apart. I'll make sure to get her letter out as soon as possible, so eager am I to get to know her as Adrien Agreste.