Dear Journal,

Plagg was overjoyed to go to the cheese shop, but I had to set down some ground rules. "No munching until we buy, and look and don't touch." "Adrien, do you really think I would eat cheese on site?" I eye him warily. "Yes. Now, come on, Marinette's expecting us later for dinner."

I actually enjoy going to Leo's Cheese Store with its old fashion look and friendly store owner. Leo runs everything himself and I wonder if he gets lonely. But he always wears a friendly smile and today is no exception. "Adrien! Welcome! I was hoping you would come today. I have some new cheeses I'd like you try!"

Leo is very knowledgeable about cheese, but after getting to know him better, I've found that he's traveled the world. After tasting a very tasty cheddar and walnut variety, I ask a non-cheese related question. "There's this girl I like," I begin. "Come, I'll make us some coffee, and you can tell me everything."

Leo makes us both some coffee and I wrap my hands around my warm mug. "So, this girl?" Leo prompts. "Marinette. She goes to my school and I've been hanging out at her place more and more. I would like us to be more then friends, but I don't know how to ask. And….." my voice trails off, and I can hear my heart beating in my ears. If I tell Ladybug, how will she react? I don't want to hurt her. "And there's someone else, that I enjoy her company. What do you do when your heart is being pulled in two different directions?" "Adrien, I'm no love expert, but I would let Marinette know how you feel. And let the other girl know that your interested in someone. Then, just see what happens."

"Why is love so complicated?" I groan, and Leo laughs. "It will all work out." I feel confused as I head towards Marinette's.

However, the confusion dissipates when she opens the door in overalls and paint splattered all over her face. She looks beautiful. "Hey, your just in time," she takes me by the hand and begins to pull me upstairs. "Just in time for what?" I laugh, loving the feeling of her small in mine. "Snacks?" "No, silly! I need you to do some modeling poses. My lesson for painting class is paint some models!"

"Glad to be of service." "Here. Pose on this." She sits me down on a small wooden box. I love watching her work, her forehead getting all crinkly as she thinks, or how those bluebell eyes light up with inspiration hits. "Your going to be a wonderful designer someday," I tell her, trying to keep still. "Have you thought about any universities to study yet?" "Not really," comes the reply and I wonder what's that's about. Sure, graduation is still a ways off, but surely Marinette has some plans.

"I don't know what I want to do either and…." "Look, I can't, Adrien! I can't!" Her voice turns sharp, and I stand up from the box walking over to her. "Hey, I'm sorry if I pushed. Your just so talented and I don't want it to go to waste." Her hand is trembling, and I take her brush gently, and take her hand. "You know, if you have secrets, I can keep them. I want to get to know you better, Marinette." "I-I…" her voice wobbles. "I can't." "Can't what?" "Can we talk about something else?" she whispers. "Okay. But your not in trouble, are you?" Marinette shakes her head. "All right."

"I've been reading one of your mother's articles," Marinette says. "She must have been very talented." "She was. I know she would have really liked you. May I see it?"

We read the article together, and Marinette slowly leans her head on my shoulder. "Marinette," I whisper, pulling her into a hug. I feel her whole body relax and she just sort of melts into me. She looks up at me. "I feel very safe with you, Adrien." "I do, too. Your home." Its quiet for a moment. "May I kiss you?" She nods. I brush my lips against hers, and she rests her palm against my cheek. She whispers something I can't catch, but then Mama Cheng calls that dinner is ready.

I love setting the table and we sit down to dinner like a family. "The garlic bread you made smells great, Papa," I say, accepting the bowl of salad. "Freshly baked this afternoon. Oh, Marinette, the cheese for the spaghetti is missing. Could you hop up and get some from the fridge?"

Marinette rummages in the fridge, and I get a bad feeling about this. "While your looking, I need to use the bathroom."

When I open my bag, my Kwami as cheese dust all over his face. "Did you eat the cheese in the fridge?" "No one would care, Adrien. Besides, you have plenty." "Plagg, that is not your fridge, and I'm going to have to tell Ladybug what you've done." I run my hands through my hair. "I know I'm been spending less time with lately, but that doesn't mean you have to steal!" Plagg begins to look mournful, but I don't have time for this.

I leave soon after dinner, asking Marinette if she would like to get ice cream and go to a movie tomorrow. She accepts, and I smile.

"Kitty, what's wrong?" Its later that night on patrol, and Ladybug is looking at me with a concerned look on her face. "My Kwami stole something today." Ladybug draws a sharp breath. "Stole? That doesn't sound like Plagg." "Well, he ate something without permission." "Okay, just make sure he doesn't do it again." "I do feel bad, I haven't been around much. I…." Now, its my turn to be nervous. "I asked someone out today." "Oh?" "Yeah, she's very sweet, M'lady. Shy, but one of the nicest girls I know. I didn't want to keep it from you." Ladybug stares straight ahead into the darkness. "I'm happy for you." "You okay?" "We'll still be best friends, right? Bugaboo and Kitty?" "Oh, M'lady." I give her a hug, kissing the top of her head. "You'll always me my Bugaboo."

Before going to sleep that night, Plagg sits watching me. "What?" "Adrien, I'm sorry for what I did." I sigh, cuddling my Kwami to my cheek. "thank you. And just because I'm spending more time with Marinette right now, doesn't mean I don't love you any less." "Okay, enough of the sweet and sugary. But if you want Marinette to open up to you, maybe you could visit her as Cat?" Hm. Not a bad idea.

"I'll think about it, but for now its time for sleep."

In my dreams that night, I'm on a windy rooftop, waiting for Ladybug. I smile as I see her approach, her hair lit sliver in the moonlight. But the more closer she gets the more she resembles Marinette, until at last she stands before me. "Princess?" I whisper. She gives a small smile, blushly light. "Yes, Kitten. Its me. Spots off."

I wake, sunlight streaming through my large windows. It was only a dream, Adrien. Oh, but how I would love it if it were real!

I practice my piece for a competition and a piece Father has selected for me to practice. Thinking of Marinette, I play both beautifully. The one I'm composing needs a bit more work, but I like the direction that its heading.

I select a green sweater and jeans, for it looks like it could rain later. Marinette is waiting outside the theater. "Hey!" I greet her cheerfully. "Ready for a fun time!" "Well, considering that I've been patching holes and re-sewing buttons most of the morning, anything sounds fun." "Does that get tedious?" I ask, holding the door open for her. "Or do you enjoy it?" "Its part of learning to sew. Grandma was the one who taught me. Sometimes I would get so impatient, she would tell me you need to learn Step A before going on Step B." I order our snacks and grin at her. "I can't see you being impatient."

Marinette does seem more relaxed, and we start to hold hands during the middle of the movie. Its a not a scary part, but Marinette is holding my hand tightly. Its a more romantic scene, and I notice Marinette has tears in her eyes. "Everything okay?" I whisper and she nods. "Its just very sweet." I nod, but her expression reminds me of Ladybug's last night.

Its raining gently when we leave the movie, so we opt for hot chocolate at a cozy cafe. "I like your sweater," Marinette says. "Thanks." "Brings out your eyes. In fact, it kinda makes you look like Cat Noir." "Your friends with him, aren't you?" "Yes, but being a superhero he doesn't have time to come around often. When he does visit its special, though." Is the pink blush on her cheeks due to talking about me as Cat, or is it just the steam from the hot chocolate.

When we leave, a sudden downpour has us laughing and we duck under a awning. "Adrien, we're not going to melt if we get a little wet!" Marinette giggles. "What am I? Made out of sugar?" "No, your sweeter," I tell her, and before we know it I'm giving her a kiss. Thunder booms above us, but with Marinette in my arms, it feels like the sun is shining. "Marinette," I whisper, and she gives me a shy look. "Yes?" "Would you?" Not the sweaty palm feeling now! "Would you?" She gives me a poke. "What?" "Would you come over and play video games tomorrow?" Internally, I'm groaning at myself. Real smooth, Agreste. "I'd love to. But just be aware, I usually win!" "Ooh, do I hear some competition?" We banter back and forth as I walk her home, and I loop my arm through hers.

Marinette invites me in to dry off, and its not just dry socks I crave, but the warmth of a loving home.