34: Befana

To say the least, I've been busy.

I've been doing my usual animations in UTube and for the upcoming movie. Along with making sure I'm doing my homework, and having good grades at school.

I make sure I'm done with what I need to do for the day so my evenings are open to have dinners with Adrien and Plagg, or sometimes just Cat.

By the time we are done eating, I've been tired.

Well, sometimes not that tired if my boyfriend gives me enough motivation to do more than cuddle and see an episode of whatever show seems interesting.

The point is, there is hardly any free time that I get to enjoy for me.

And yet, here I am, along with most of my classmates after school after Alya sent a text to meet up in the park.

"Friends, you must be wondering why we are all here and missing one of our own," Alya started.

We all looked around us and I noticed a certain pigtailed girl missing.

"Where's Marinette?" Rose asks softly.

"Bingo!" Alya grins. "And there's a special reason why she isn't here."

She paused for dramatic effect before declaring, "We are going to organize a surprise birthday party for her! Yay!"

Everyone around was excited.

I tried to pretend, but eventually I convinced myself.

It's her birthday. I have nothing against it. And despite all that's happened, she's still a good person overall.

She deserves a good birthday.

It was nice of Alya to organize it and I was only paying half-attention to what she was saying.

Alya already had ideas of who was doing what.

And everyone was agreeing to whatever Alya was assigning them.

"Jolene," Alya turned to face me, "I was thinking you could help decorate while I keep Marinette away from the park."

"It's going to be next Saturday… right?" I asked.

Alya nodded and I winced as I stood up from my seat and looked at her and then the rest of them, "I'm sorry, but I can't help with decorating or setting up on that day."

"What? Why?" Alya puts her hands on her hips. "Is there something more important that you need to do that day?"

I can't tell them, it would be a breach in the contract I'm in and I could get in a lot of trouble. Especially since Alya would probably quote me in her Ladyblog as an 'anonymous' source, but in this type of industry, anonymity isn't forever.

"I can't help with preparing, but I'm more than willing to donate the balloons, rent the tables, whatever else is needed," I started, "I would like to help out in setting up, but I can't. I do have something very important to do that I cannot miss."

Alya's lips were pressed thinly as she stared at me, "Can you tell us what it is?"

I shook my head, "Legally I can't."

There was a spark in her eyes, "Oh, just how important is it to keep it a secret?"

"Very," I answered honestly. "Alya, you know that I value Marinette's friendship as much as any of us, but I really can't help other than helping provide things financially."

"Well… renting the tables and chairs would be the most helpful," She says, "Fine. I was going to ask everyone to pitch in, but if you are offering to do it…"

"I can do it," I sighed with a tired smile, "Thank you."

"Girl, I'm not going to get mad," Alya reassures me as she pulls me to a side hug, "I'm just giving you a hard time. I know you aren't the type of person to bail out when you are needed."

That was a relief.

For now.

I wonder how much she would like to joke around with me when she knows that I'm secretly dating Marinette's crush.

Yeah, I have a feeling things would not turn out well.

When everyone was given the tasks for Marinette's surprise party, Adrien offered to drive me back to my apartment.

Which I accepted of course.

"You have been very busy," Adrien says as he comes inside my apartment. "Can you tell me what you've been doing that's been grabbing all your attention?"

I mentally debated whether or not to tell him.

I know he can keep a secret, but I can't tell him just yet.

"It's nothing bad, I promise, amore," I told him softly as I wrapped my arms around his neck. "It's… related to a job that Sea Queen is doing."

His eyes shine, "Are you going to do a concert in Paris?!"

I giggled, "No, but nice try."

I was about to pull away, but Adrien put his hand firmly on my hips and didn't want to let go.

So instead, I moved my arms and leaned back so I could close my door.

Adrien hoisted me up as my back made contact with the door. Instinctively, I wrapped my legs around his waist.

Plagg flew out of Adrien's blazer with a scowl on his face, "Eww, you guys!"

I blushed, "Sorry, Plagg."

"You are not to blame, sweet cheeks," Plagg says softly as he faces me. Then he turned towards Adrien and crossed his arms, "You on the other hand… you should be more considerate towards your kwami! And your girlfriend!"

"Hey," Adrien fake pouts, "I am considerate. I give you lots of cheese. And I give my girlfriend lots of kisses."

Adrien started to make kissing noises as he got closer to my face and immediately Plagg flew away, singing on the top of his lungs 'la-la-la!'

We both laughed, but Adrien did kiss me until I was breathless.

"Adrien," I pout, "You know it's my laundry day."

He wiggled his eyebrows, "I don't mind seeing your panties if that's what you're worried about."

I snorted as I gently slapped his shoulders to let me down.

He sighed dramatically as he did so.

"You are also a busy person, don't you have a photo shoot soon or some extra classes?" I raised an eyebrow.

"Not until later," He answers cheekily. "And I already told the Gorilla that I planned on hanging here for a while before my Chinese lessons start."

"Okay fine," I said as we went to my room. "But I really need to do my laundry."

"Don't worry. You don't mind talking right?" He asks as he sat on my rolling chair.

"Nah, it sounds nice," I smiled softly as I opened my closet and took out my rather overflowing hamper.

I groaned at the laundry.

I'm gonna have to take several trips.

Usually I don't let it accumulate to this much, but I've been lazy.

"Do you not remember to take things out of your pockets?" Adrien smirks as he sees that I've pulled out another set of loose change.

"Nope," I say cheekily as I set my jeans onto the dark colors pile.

But then I saw the skirt. In the back of my head I remember I had something in my pockets, but I don't remember what.

However, Adrien took that skirt with a smirk on his face.

"When are you going to use this again?"

He asks.

"Would you like for me to wear more skirts and less jeans?"

Adrien wiggles his eyebrows, "I wouldn't mind. Plus, the weather is beautiful this time of year."

I giggled as I continued on my clothes, but then I noticed Adrien staring at the torn pieces of paper in his hands.

Then it suddenly hit me what I had forgotten.

"How did you get this card?"

It's rare to hear his voice so serious, it caught me off guard.

"Just after the tournament," I started. And so I told him everything that had happened during that interaction.

He was frowning as he stared at the torn up card.

"Adrien?"

His eyes met mine, "Sorry, it's just, do you know who's Axel?"

I shook my head, "He gave off fuckboy vibes. Certainly not interested."

His lips twitched a little, "That's a relief."

I stood in front of him before sitting on his lap. He grabbed my waist to keep me steady and I held onto his shoulders.

"I forgot about him because I have a more important boy that's on my mind. A boy that I love with every fiber of my being," I said softly. "And that boy is you, mi corazón."

He pulled me even closer and rested our foreheads together, "I don't know why I was even worried."

"Hey, just like I get jealous… I'll understand when you get jealous," I smiled wryly. "But just who is Axel? Do you know him?"

He pouts, "I know of him."

I only stared at him expectantly, waiting for him to elaborate.

"He's like me, but Spaniard," He starts as I lean back to look better at his face. "He's the son of famous Spaniard designer Paco Raban. And he's a model for his father too."

"I think I like you better," I tease as I give him a quick peck. "But I don't think it's fair that you compare yourself to him.

"Never once did I think you and him were similar at all," I stated seriously. "He was very… snobby. But you are sweet.

"I'll choose you anytime," I smiled as I brushed his hair to the side.

Adrien blushed, but I could feel the love as he hugged me tight against him.

We stayed like that for a while, before I had to part away and get off his lap.

Adrien hooked his fingers to my belt loops to stop me, "This is the best seat in the house."

"I don't doubt that, but I still need to do my laundry," I told him as I gave him a quick peck.

He pouted, but he quickly rolled around in my chair as I continued my laundry.

"So… what are you planning to give Marinette for her birthday?" I asked.

He stopped spinning and almost fell out of the chair.

"Uhh… I'm still thinking," He admits sheepishly. "She's a good friend."

"A good friend that has an enormous crush on you," I reminded. "Whatever you give her, she's going to be happy about it."

"Is there something you are trying to say?" Adrien asks curiously. "I sense some jealousy, little lady."

I sighed as I finished making my piles and started to put them in different laundry bags.

"It's not jealousy," I immediately state, but Adrien just gave me a look. "Okay, maybe it is.

"But mostly, I think you should start letting her know that you are not interested in her.

"Her hopes are really high and it doesn't help that basically almost all the girls in our class are rooting for her."

He almost fell off of the chair as I told him the last part.

"Wait, for real?"

I gave him a dry look, "Does Operation Secret Garden ring any bells?"

He blushed as he looked away sheepishly, "I totally forgot about that."

"I'm just saying just think about what you are giving to her and the message she might get coming from you," I told him gently.

He hummed in thought, "What are you giving her?"

"I'm going to make her a portrait, mostly oil paint," I told him. "I've got ideas of how she's going to look, I just need to talk to her parents about it."

"Are you sure you will have time to work on it plus all the things you got going on?" He asks me gently. "I don't want you to burn out."

I gave him a tired, but happy smile, "I'll make time. And when I'm finally finish, I can't wait to spend time with you during the day."

He smiles back, "I look forward to it."

Even though our time together was brief, I enjoyed spending it together.

Mr. and Mrs. Dupain-Chang are nice people.

And I'm surprised they remember me, not my name, but they remember my face, which is still a nice surprise.

"I'm so glad my daughter has such good friends," Mr. Dupain says with a warm smile. "And Alya already told us about the party too." He whispers after making sure it was just the two of us.

"Yeah, Marinette is a good friend and everyone deserves a happy birthday," I smiled gently.

"Here it is!" Mrs. Dupain says as she walks down the stairs as she brings down a photo album. "Marinette is busy with her homework so she doesn't suspect a thing."

She places the album between us on the bakery counter and starts flipping pages.

Occasionally they would stop and stare at some of the baby pictures, but then she stopped on one of Marinette when she was a toddler. She was wearing a red cheongsam with black accents and golden flowers on them. Her hair was up in twin buns and she was smiling at the camera, standing in what I assume is the living room.

"She was three in this one," Mrs. Dupain said fondly. "My uncle sent this from China so she could wear it for the Lunar New Year."

"It's very beautiful," I offered.

"She's our beautiful princess," Mr. Dupain said proudly. "She's growing up so fast."

I smiled fondly at them, "May I take a picture?"

"Go ahead, dear," Mrs. Dupain says as she pushes the album closer to me. "Oh, I can't wait to see the work of art!"

I took several pictures in different angles to make sure I got what I needed and gave the album back to them.

"All I hope is that it's worth being hung on one of the walls of your home," I said with a soft smile. "Thank you for your time. I hope to see you at the party," I whispered at the end as I made my way towards the exit and waved at them.

They smiled and waved back.

When I was finally in my apartment, I sighed tiredly as I landed on my couch.

Then I let some silent tears run down.

Marinette is so damn lucky to still have a family.

After wiping the tears away, I stood up and went to my room and started working.

I don't remember what, but something to keep me busy.

I was on autopilot for so long that I jumped when I felt a hand on my shoulder.

"Are you okay?" Cat says softly.

I shook my head as I started to sob into my hands.

I felt Cat pulling me out of my chair and pulling me to a hug.

I only cried into his shoulder and I wrapped my arms around him.

He didn't say anything, instead rubbed soothing circles on my back and just let me cry.

Then I felt him stiffen, making me worried as I looked at him through blurry eyes.

"What's wrong?" I asked softly.

Cat only made me look at him, "I love you."

I smiled softly, feeling light and happy. And Cat visibly relaxed as he looked behind me.

"I love you, too."

I turned around to see nothing, but Cat quickly made me look back at him.

I wanted to ask him what he saw, but he interrupted me with a kiss so tender that it made me melt into his arms.

When our lips pulled apart, he didn't stop kissing me as he kissed my tears away.

I smiled as I let him shower me with love.

He rested his forehead against mine and I stared into his vibrant green eyes.

"What happened, amore?" I asked softly.

His hands tightened around me.

"An akuma appeared behind you," He reveals after a pregnant pause. "And all I could think about was trying to avoid that thing from transforming you."

I stayed silent at the seriousness of what could have been.

And how grateful I was that I was able to hold in my grief until he came to me.

"And thanks to your love, you managed to prevent that," I answered softly.

I gave him a quick peck before leading him to my bed where we could both sit down comfortably.

I grabbed and squeezed it, feeling much better than before.

But there was a pressure building up in my stomach: worry.

"Felino," I started softly. "Can you be akumatized?"

He was quiet for a bit before he softly said, "Plagg, claws in."

Plagg slowly floated in front of us. And for the first time he didn't say that he was hungry.

"Plagg?" Adrien asked softly as we looked at the kwami. "Is it possible that we can be Akumatized?"

Plagg nodded slowly.

"When you are Cat Noir, an akuma can take over the ring and transform us," He started. "And only then can Ladybug's restoration powers bring us back to normal."

"But for that to happen I have to be really angry or sad," Adrien comments.

"Well, both of us really, by now," Plagg states. "If our relationship was unequal, then yeah, it would be just you that needs to be emotional.

"But by now, you haven't made me feel like you are a dominant master. The one in charge of our relationship. Instead, I feel like an equal.

"Despite that sometimes I don't want to transform," He mutters, "But you've treated me like a friend, just like Jolene before you guys were all lovey-dovey.

"And because of that, even though you have been emotional before as Cat, Hawkmoth hasn't been able to get us akumatized."

"But what if it's just Adrien?" I asked softly.

Plagg shrugged.

"It's more possible, but he gets more happy when he gets to be around you. Not enough time for an Akuma to come to him," Plagg answers.

I blushed and Adrien gave me a kiss on the cheek.

"Then that settles it," Adrien says. "If we ever get upset, then we have to remind each other that we are there for each other."

I smiled and nodded, "I like that plan."

"You guys are disgustingly sweet," Plagg gags, making us chuckle.

I looked at the time and smiled wryly, "Would you guys like to have dinner with me?"

"Yes!!"

I already knew that I had to control my negative emotions to prevent myself from becoming akumatized.

But it never occurred to me that Cat Noir could be a victim too.

And I don't want to give him a reason to be one.

So what can I do?

That's a question that's been bugging me for almost a week.

"Miss Jolene," Mr. Chan said softly after he gave me a cleanse. "Is something troubling you?"

"Yeah," I answered honestly. "But I'll worry about it."

He didn't say anything and instead gave me a soft smile, "You are a good girl, Miss Jolene. One with a good heart."

I blushed, "You hardly know me."

"Yet, I can still tell. When you get to my age, you can tell," He said with a wry chuckle.

"It must be a blessing then," I said absently. "Getting old, I mean."

His eyes aged and showed so much emotion before he blinked again.

But in the end, his smile was sad, "It is a blessing to wake up after so many years.

"But it's what you do at the end of the day that shows your courage to live a life worth existing.

"And that is what matters."

Mr. Chan gave me a six-sided mirror about a foot long and told me to place it in my front door.

He said that it reflects back bad energy.

So I accepted it and gave him 50 euros, even though he didn't want to accept them.

And after that conversation with him, it made me think a lot more about my present and future.

I've thought of my future, career wise. I have a clear destination: to have my own production studio.

But… for personal life…

That's almost uncertain.

I see myself still in love with Adrien, that's something I want for us.

But that's on my end.

Sure, I know Adrien loves me now. But that can change.

Afterall, he loved Ladybug less than a year ago.

What will happen in five years from now? Will he still feel about me the same way as today?

Afterall, by then we would be adults and our situation would be very different.

We would be out of high school. We will be studying in colleges, but what guarantees that we will go to the same school?

And as much I am hopeful that we can make it work… it's not set in stone.

But I'm… strangely okay with that possibility, for now.

There's still a while for that to happen.

I'm going to enjoy the present, and not worry about the future.

At least, not anytime soon.

"Ma minette," Adrien says softly as the show credits rolled in the TV screen, "You've been very quiet."

I only hummed as I cuddled closer, feeling very snug as my head rests on his chest.

"I've been thinking too much, that's all," I answered after a while. Then I looked up at him.

He immediately brushed my hair behind my ear. "I don't mind listening," He says.

"Do you see us together in the future?" I asked him.

I felt him tense up as he straightened up and pulled me away so we could both look at each other.

"Of course I do," He frowns softly. "…Don't you?"

I smiled softly as I caressed his face, "All I know is that I will never stop loving you."

He looked confused as he leaned into my touch, his free hand pressing my hand against his cheek.

"Then why are you asking?"

"Just because I want that to be clear between us," I said softly. "As we become real independent adults, we might not be able to spend as much time as we do now.

"But that's not going to change our love, right?"

"Of course not," He agreed. "Afterall, I'm sure we can make it up during the night."

He wiggled his eyebrows as he leaned towards me and started to kiss my neck.

I squealed a little when he suddenly pulled me over his lap, but then let out a small yelp when he suddenly grabbed my ass with both of his hands, creating a loud clapping sound.

He started kneading them like balls of dough, moving my hips to his rhythm.

I moaned in delight as his warm hands traveled under my ass cheeks, teasing my inner thighs.

In the back of my mind, I thought I should start going commando at night, but that thought was pushed away when one hand slipped inside, easily under my panties, his fingers slipping through my folds.

I was left breathless as I grabbed onto his shoulders. My legs spread wider as I rode on his hand.

His lips were sucking on the sweet spots of my neck.

"I- I love you," I managed to gasp.

"I love you too," He answers between kisses.

His fingers rubbed my clit deliciously, feeling the pressure building up in my lower regions.

I don't know how long I was riding, but it felt too soon and yet the right time when I found a sweet release.

I buried my face on Adrien's neck as I felt my legs turn to jello. My body shook as I continued to feel the after waves of pleasure, my hands holding onto Adrien like a lifeline.

Adrien held my hips tightly before carefully laying us both down to cuddle again, my head resting on his shoulder as he lifted my leg to hook over his.

He tucked my hair behind my ear, our eyes locked-in.

I could stare into his eyes forever and stay like this.

"You're beautiful," He says softly.

I blushed as I grabbed his hand, feeling my juices on his fingers.

"I want to return the favor," I said and before he could react, I got out of the couch, a little unsteady, but I kneeled in front of him as he sat up.

My hands went to his crotch, feeling his cock, already hard.

Adrien blushed as he stopped my hand from grabbing his zipper.

"W-wait," He clears his throat. "Are you sure? I don't want to force you."

I gave him a blank stare, "What if I told you that I've been waiting to give you a blowjob ever since the whipped cream?"

Adrien's entire face turned red and didn't stop me as I unzipped his jeans and he raised his hips so I could lower them.

This would be the first time I would see Adrien in his boxers, but not the last.

My hands gently reached inside and started to feel it. It was hot, and hard. I felt it twitch.

Then I pulled it out, revealing his naked cock for the first time.

I've seen porn videos, and seen penises, but there was just something different when witnessing it in real life.

It's a lot thicker than I thought it was, it was like I was trying to wrap my hand around a soda can. A hot soda can with veins…

Adrien hissed when I squeezed it.

"Sorry," I said quickly. Then my devious, slutty, perverted side started to come out. "Let me kiss it better."

My lips touched the tip, already glistening with precum. My lips lingered on it, before my tongue flicked out and tasted him.

It was a strange, salty, slippery texture, but not unpleasant.

When I heard Adrien moan my name and felt his cock twitched against my tongue, excitement filled me.

I grabbed his thigh, as I gently stroked the underside of his cock with my finger in an up and down motion.

I felt him shudder as his precum started to steadily dribble down.

Finally, some lubricant.

I grabbed his cock with my hand and started a proper handjob, my hand wrapped around it and rubbing it up and down in a steady rhythm.

"J-Jolene," He moans as he grabs the back of my head, "Can you- ugn!"

My mouth finally started to lick his head, my tongue swirling around it.

"That feels good," He grunts as he starts to pull on my hair, getting a strong grip on my head. I felt him starting to push my head lower, but he stopped himself.

But I didn't as I took him as far as I could.

I gagged a little when I felt it touch the back of my throat.

Adrien immediately pulled me back.

"You don't need to force yourself," He says with a soft frown. "Your hand is just as good."

But I only smiled, feeling mischievous, "I want it, Adrien. I want you to cum in my mouth."

His breathing hitched as I took him again, sucking him, my tongue licking him like a lollipop. My pace quickened as I felt his cock getting harder, his breathing becoming erratic.

The thrill of him cumming in my mouth made me wet and I slipped my free hand under my panties and started to touch myself, my fingers easily sliding and rubbing my throbbing clit.

Adrien's quieted his moans, while mine were muffled by his cock.

Then without warning, Adrien grunted and steadied my head in place as his hips buckled.

His hot seed finally shot directly down my throat.

I didn't breathe as I swallowed every single drop, proud to not gag at the action.

I moved my head back when I finished, my mouth slightly agape as I looked at Adrien, feeling satisfied at seeing his flushed face.

I smiled as I took my hand away from my pussy, still feeling the ache to achieve orgasm, but seeing Adrien like this because of me, was much better.

I stood up and kissed him as I sat on his lap again. My hips unconsciously grind against him.

He smiled as we kissed as he grinded against me.

I gasped when I felt his limp dick, had started to get hard again.

"We can have a round two," He growls into my ear, "But this time, I think the 69 position will leave both of us very satisfied."

That was not a lie.

The next day, Adrien wasn't subtle when it came to being more than friendly with me.

More than once, he wrapped an arm around me as we casually talked and making me laugh alongside Nino.

And I was pleasantly surprised that hardly anyone battled an eye at Adrien's sudden physical closeness to me.

"Jole," Alix whispers with a smirk as we were alone in the library's book aisle.

"Adrien is being rather cozy, isn't he?"

"I guess," I said shyly. "But it's just a hug between friends. If Nino were to do the same-"

"But he hasn't," Alix interrupted me. "He's with Alya and I'm sure Alya told him a thing or two about casual touching with the opposite gender."

I blinked slowly, and I noticed he doesn't wrap his arm around me like the old times.

"You just noticed, didn't you?" Alix asks smugly.

I blushed, "Yeah. But I can't assume anything!" I slapped a hand above my mouth and looked around and sighed in relief when no one looked at our direction.

"But maybe you should," Alix said slowly. "If he does it just around friends, then he would have done the same with Chloé, his childhood friend," She emphasized as she stared right into my eyes.

"I'm almost one hundred percent positive that Adrien likes you more than 'just a friend'."

I blushed again, but this time not out of embarrassment.

"In that case, I'll wait for his move," I said softly.

Alix was about to argue, but I hushed her as I pressed my finger against her lips.

"If I start, then the girls would be mad at me. But if Adrien chose me… then they can't be mad."

Alix rolled her eyes, but ultimately nodded in agreement.

"But don't you run away when he does," She warned me.

"I don't think I will," I answered truthfully. And hopefully it will be a little bit longer. Mostly for Marinette's benefit.

She needs to realize that her crush isn't going to respond to her feelings, no matter how much she thinks she loves him.

It was Marinette's birthday and everything was going as planned.

Well, a few setbacks on the decorations since the tables and chairs arrived a little late, but everything was going well.

I missed our friends surprising Marinette, but I managed to catch up a few minutes later.

Adrien and Nino immediately spotted me as they helped me carry Marinette's present.

"Thanks guys," I said as I rolled my shoulders. It might not have been particularly heavy, but I still had to hold it from my apartment to the park. It was a wooden frame of three feet by two, with a heavy duty canvas.

"You should have called me," Adrien pouts as he lets Nino take over to place the present on the gift table.

"And make you come here late?" I raised an eyebrow. "I was fine."

He continued to pout, but we were immediately distracted when Alya announced that we were going to start opening presents.

It was rather strange to start the party like that, but I'm sure Alya has a schedule planned out so Marinette has the best birthday ever.

"Ooh! Who's this from?" Marinette asks as she points to the bigges present, which was mine.

"It's Jolene's!" Nino exclaimed excitedly.

Marinette looked very surprised at the announcement, "I guess I'll start with you."

Everyone surrounded the birthday girl as she started to rip off the lavender wrapping paper.

There was a collection of 'oohh's' when the present was finally revealed.

The wooden frame was painted black, but I hand painted golden fleur-de-lis along the border. But the main attraction was the portrait I had made.

It shows Marinette taking most of the bottom left, showing her from the waist up. She was wearing the same cheongsam dress that her parents showed me in their album. She even had her hair up in twin buns.

She was leaning against an oak tree, the summer green leaves covering the top left.

In her arms, she was carrying a bouquet of 16 pink roses, taking over the bottom right.

And in the background, filling the top right, was the Eiffel Tower.

"Thank you. It's… beautiful," Marinette finally says with a soft smile on her face. "That dress is really familiar…"

Quickly I explained to her how I got that reference and she blushed, "My parents knew you were going to make this?"

I nodded, "I asked for their permission."

Nathaniel stood besides me as he examined the painting, "It looks like something from the Renaissance. Very impressive."

"Thank you," I blushed.

Soon Marinette kept opening presents, but Alya saved Adrien's gift for last.

When she was about to open it (after a while of just blushing and staring with a dropped jaw) when singing came from… above?

We all turned around to see what could only be an Akuma victim, who's calling herself Befana.

She's a green skinned lady riding a flying motorcycle broom hybrid. And besides her was a flying Mrs. Dupain in some type of white and gold angel getup.

"Grandma?!" Marinette exclaims.

"You lied to your grandma, Marinetta," Befana states as she jumps off her broom and walks towards Marinette.

Adrien looked at me and I tapped the back of his hand: 'run and transform'.

He looked like he wanted to argue, but he knew that it was the best option as everyone else started to run and hide.

Meanwhile, I was carefully behind Befana and took off my cross-shoulder purse. It's better than nothing, I tried to convince myself.

On a different occasion, I would have run too.

But I know that Marinette is Ladybug, and she can't help if someone is after her and doesn't give her time to transform.

When I saw Befana reloading her gun and pointing it at Marinette, I just threw my purse at her.

The gun went off and it hit a tree, turning it black… like coal.

Befana turned around, with a sneer on her face as she once again reloaded her gun and pointed it towards me.

But what she didn't expect was for me to actually lunge at her.

I grabbed her wrist holding the gun and made her point it up.

She was definitely stronger as she accidentally shot again.

"Run, Marinette!" I yelled as I kept Befana from pointing it at Marinette or my friends.

She kept shooting, hitting random things.

But I was only one person.

Befana has a minion under her control, who has unfortunately blocked Marinette's path to escape.

"You are a pesky child!" Befana frowns as she finally throws me to the ground. Her gun pointed at me, but then a familiar bo staff extended and hit Befana's wrist to get the gun away from me.

"Don't you dare lay a finger on the little lady!" He exclaims as he was perched on top of the large speakers, his staff back in its small form.

I felt a little relieved, but Marinette is still being held back by Befana's minion.

"Oh, you mean this one," Befana pointed her gun again, but I simply swept my leg, making her fall back.

The angel flew towards her to help her up.

Allowing Marinette to finally escape and Cat to scoop me up and place me behind a tree.

"You okay?" He whispers.

I nodded, but then saw a black object getting near us.

I pushed him down as I felt it hit my back.

"Jolene!" Cat screamed as I felt my body get heavy, my lungs filling with smoke. Black filled my vision as I saw Cat wanted to touch me, but we knew he couldn't.

So I tried to smile, hoping he remembers what he needs to do.

I took in a deep breath after Ladybugs filled my vision.

I looked around to see everyone just fine.

Mentally, I was doing a headcount as I checked up on my friends and Marinette's parents.

"Where's Marinette?" Mr. Dupain said worriedly as they realized some people were missing from the party.

"And where's Gina?" Mrs. Dupain said worriedly.

But all that was forgotten when both appeared.

But as Marinette was running closer, I saw her head moving around trying to spot Adrien.

When I saw her grin, I knew he spotted him. But then I saw that grin falter.

I was about to turn around when I jumped and swung my elbow back out of instinct when I felt a hand on my shoulder.

"Sorry!" A familiar voice squeaked as he held my wrists.

I pulled them away from his grip and pretended to be mad and I slapped his shoulder.

"Adrien," I growled, but then I sighed in relief as I smiled softly at him. "You know I can't stay mad at you for long."

Adrien looked at me sheepishly, but pulled me into a tight hug.

"You scared me," He whispers directly into my ear. "Please stop putting yourself in front of the fire."

I hugged him tighter before letting him go, "We'll talk later."

He nodded as he wrapped his arm around my shoulders as we gathered among our friends.

As the party progressed, Adrien and I stayed together. Though more than once Alya and a couple of the girls pushed Marinette in between us.

And more than once, she was a blushing mess and barely could say a couple of coherent sentences before she would excuse herself.

I waited until twenty minutes after eating the birthday cake to say my goodbyes.

"Thank you for coming," Marinette says.

"It's no problem," I told her. "See you at school."

She nodded eagerly and I quickly left before her parents or grandmother had a chance to talk to me.

I waited for Adrien just outside of the park's gates, so he could take me home.

When he appeared, he grabbed my hand and pulled me towards the other side of the street where Giles was arriving.

"Thank you for taking me," I said. It was pretty dark already, and I'm still scared of walking the streets during the night. Despite knowing my way home.

"You're very welcome," He says, "Giles I'm going to stay at Jolene's place for a while. I'll call you when I'm ready."

Giles only nodded as we quickly arrived at my place.

Adrien only held my hand as we walked together inside my building.

"Adrien?" I asked softly once we were in the safety of my living room.

Plagg flew out of his blazer as he stared at the both of us.

No words were said for a while, starting to make me nervous.

"Don't-" Adrien grabbed my shoulders, "Don't you ever sacrifice yourself for me. Got it?"

"Adri-"

"Please," He begged, his eyes starting to water. He cupped my face in his hands and I only leaned into his touch as I grabbed his hands. "I know Ladybug can restore what the Akuma has done, but I hate feeling that I could lose you. Forever."

"When I saw your body become-" He stops as he pulls me into a tight hug. "It killed me to see you like that."

I hugged him back and didn't argue. I know whatever I said to defend my actions wasn't going to make him feel better.

Because if I were in his position, I would ask him the same thing.

I would hate for him to put himself in danger for me. Even though I knew things would turn out okay, the fact that he's willingly sacrificing himself for me makes it worse.

Adrien slowly pulls away, "I love you, Jolene. Please don't throw your life away to save me."

"You would do the same for me," I said softly. He was about to argue, but I placed a finger on his lips, "I'll be more careful," I promised. "I'll try not to put myself like that if I can't help it."

I know he didn't like that I wasn't going to stop, but at least it's something he can hold me accountable.

"You better," He says as he kisses me.

"Yeah, you better!" Plagg states make us look at him. "You are important to us, angel cake. If anything happens to you-"

I never thought I would ever witness Plagg choking on his words, his eyes very close to tearing up as they were incredibly bright. He quickly flew towards me, his head nuzzling my collarbone.

My hands covered over his body like a blanket, as I swayed in place, hoping to lull him.

"I love you too, Plagg," I whispered to him. I looked towards Adrien, his surprised expression telling me that this was an unexpected reaction.

"Jolene, don't forget that promise, okay?" Plagg says softly.

"I won't," I replied as I got closer to Adrien.

I leaned onto his shoulder as he wrapped his arms around me. Covering us with his warmth.

It was at that moment, I wish I could freeze time so I could stay feeling loved and protected.

Omake 22

My good luck charm returned to me, but I didn't think it was as lucky as before.

"Marinette, you've been sighing a lot," Tikki says softly. "What's wrong?"

I frowned as I remembered what happened once Nonna was back to normal and we all enjoyed the party.

"Adrien sees me as just a friend," I started. "And… I don't like that."

Tikki floated in front of me as I brought my pillow close to my chest.

"But he really values your friendship. I know he does," Tikki insisted. "And that's a good thing, isn't it?"

I cried into my pillow, "Not for me."

"Marinette," Tikki said softly, "Talk to me? I don't understand."

I sniffled and wiped away my tears as I looked at her.

"Well, Adrien made it very clear when he gave this back to me," I started as I showed her my charm. "And this."

And I finally showed her the CD tapes and player.

"Um, they're useful?" Tikki says, "It's the basics of Chinese. Didn't you want to learn those languages because you wanted to talk with your uncle? That was a thoughtful gift."

"Yes, it was thoughtful, but not… romantic," I sighed dejectedly. "If Adrien liked me, he could have given me something more… special.

"Not that I'm not grateful," I quickly said, "It was nice of him to give me this and that he remembers that I don't know Chinese…

"But I don't know," I groaned. "It's just-ugh," I planted my face in my pillow again. Then I looked up at Tikki. "I think Adrien likes Jolene more than just a friend."

"Why do you think that?"

I laid down on my bed, remembering the interactions between them.

Adrien has been physically touching Jolene more. I carefully watched her reactions and she didn't seem to mind.

But she wasn't leaning on him either, which was a good sign, right?

"Adrien looks at Jolene with so much… fondness," I admitted.

"They are friends, aren't they? I'm sure they are fond of each other."

I groaned again, "I just hope Jolene doesn't-"

I stopped myself when I realized just how messed up it sounds out loud.

I just hope Jolene doesn't fall in love with Adrien.

"Marinette?"

"I should have never told Cat to break up with Jolene," I said instead.

Tikki frowned softly, "But they did break up. And Cat made it very clear he doesn't want to talk about her."

An idea came to me.

"But what if he sees her?" I grinned as I sat up again. "What if I make the kitty realize that Jolene could be the love of his life?

"Then they can be together! Just like before!"

And maybe Adrien would not give Jolene those looks anymore…

"Umm… are you sure you want to do that?" Tikki asks softly.

I nodded before yawning, sleep finally coming back to me.

"Yeah. Good night, Tikki," I said as I got under the covers.

"Good night, Marinette."

AN: Thank you starrat for reviewing! You are awesome!

And many thanks to sydnie-renee and sdrshizno for following and/or reviewing. You guys are amazing.

And thank you to all of those you made it this far. (I really hope you guys aren't cringing at the teasing smut. I'm still not comfortable at writing those yet...)