"Adrien, do you think you'll be up much longer?" Plagg asked sleepily. Adrien smiled at the sleepy Kwami, and tried not giggle about the sock he used as a "night cap." "I'll be up for awhile. You know the end of school year consists of lots of homework." Plagg sighed. He loved cheese, but Adrien was his best friend and video game partner. "Well, I'll be in-Arrgh, what is that?!" Plagg shrieked, diving underneath Adrien's hand and quivering like a leaf.

Adrien looked around, expecting a purple and black butterfly or a villain. But no, Plagg was stared wide-eyed at a dancing furry creature on the screen. "Relax, buddy. That's just Grimace, from McDonald's. His birthday's around the corner, so they made a special meal his honor." Plagg slowly peeped up and hid again. "He's-he's more scary then the sea dragon three thousand years ago." Adrien rolled his eyes. "Come on, Plagg. He's not real. And I'm sure the shake is good."

At school the next day, Adrien wasn't the only one talking about Grimace's birthday meal. "Adrien, my dude, are you going to McDonald's with us after school?" Marinette was in the group and she smiled at him. "Are you going?" he asked quietly. "Sure am. I wouldn't want to miss a good birthday!"

There was a air of excitement around school, and at lunch Alya showed a video of Ladybug trying the shake. "Its berry delicious, and I recommend the drink to anyone!" Adrien smiled dreamily at Alya's phone. Aw, Bugaboo made a pun. She's so cute.

Suddenly, Adrien started giggling as Plagg wiggled inside his shirt. "Be right back," Adrien sprinted to the bathroom before his friends could ask any questions. "Adrien, please reconsider. I won't ask for cheese for a week. Maybe you can even convince your father to have Marinette over." "Plagg, its fine. I'll even let you have a sip if you want. But opportunities to spend time with my friends don't come around everyday."

In the end, Alya and Nino ended up bailing, as Alya needed to do a scoop on the Lady blog. "Have fun you two!" she sang sweetly.

Adrien smiled at Marinette, waiting on the steps. "Shall we go?" "I could use an after school snack. Between all the extra homework and sewing, I've usually starving after school." "I'm glad I get to spend some time with you."

They got to McDonald's and while Marinette picked out a table, Adrien ordered the drinks. "Yum! Those look great!" Marinette smiled. "Don't you mean Grape?" Adrien joked. Marinette giggled and rolled her eyes. "That sounds like something Cat would say. He may joke a lot, but he's my best friend."

Adrien threaded his hand through hers, leaning close. "Your my best friend, Marinette. You always think about others, and you understand me. Anyone is lucky to have a friend like you." Marinette flushed pink. "Wow, that's grape. Arrgh, icing and sugar!" they looked at each other and burst into giggles.

The drink was cold and sweet, a grape flavor but Adrien could taste vanilla as well. When Adrien dropped Marinette off at home he turned to her.

"Today might not be my birthday, but this has been a special day." Then he leaned over and surprised her with a kiss on the cheek.

Adrien sucked the last of drink, smiling. He gave Plagg a taste and Plagg licked his lips. "See, nothing to be afraid of." Then Plagg's eyes glowed. "But I still prefer cheese better!" Adrien laughed, ducking into a alley to transform. "Somehow, I thought you might say that."

s

Grimace might be having a birthday, but all Adrien Agreste could do was smile.