Dear Journal,

So I wouldn't Cat Noir if I didn't crack jokes or puns, but I'm trying to date Marinette. I googled how to step up my game, without going overboard, and it said to be passionate and to shower her with gifts and compliments. Great, with my cat-brain, a compliment will probably still turn out a pun.

But I'm going to try. I even got up early and wrote a little note to her. Since we share all our secrets, Dear Journal, I'll share it here.

Your smile is like sunshine,

Your eyes are bluebells.

My heart beats faster when you are near me.

-Adrien

I groan, even writing this. Is it to cheesy? Luckily, Plagg is still passed out on gorging on cheese last night, and is still in his food coma. I pack my bag quickly, eager to get to school.

Marinette is putting her things away, but seems to be struggling with one of her bags. "Marinette, honey, let me get that for you." "Thanks, Adrien," Marinette says, handing me her bag. A short burst of happiness flows through me as our fingers touch and I put the bag on the top shelf. Then I turn and smile down at her. "Now that's out of the way, would it be alright to give you a good morning hug?" Two pink peonies of blush bloom on her face as she nods. But to my surprise, she wraps her arms around me, and rests her head on my chest. "I missed you last night. I don't let being apart." "I don't like it either, but we'll make the most of it when we're together." "Sucks we don't have first hour together." I smile and dig in my bag as Marinette looks on curiously. "Maybe this will help?" I gently place a sun sticker on her cheek. She flushes deeper, and holds a hand to her cheek. "I'll-I'll see you at lunch," I stammer and scurry off.

Luckily, my head isn't on Cloud Nine today (Or I guess Cloud Marinette would be more appropriate) as I have tests that I don't want to fail on. I can see Father shaking his head or worse, that scowl of disapproval when I tell him "yeah, the reason I failed my tests was because I have a crush!" Yeah, not happening.

I do however get restless in science and they show us a video about islands and the people there. Its not because I'm bored, its because I have a restless itch to leave Paris. Whoa Adrien, leave Paris? What about Marinette, what about Bugaboo….

I'm thinking about this so hard as I get into the lunch line that I crash into someone and their spaghetti gets dumped all over me. "Sorry! Sorry! Here, its on me," I hand the boy some money. He just snatches it an angry glare on his face before walking away. Talk about bad luck. "Here, I'll help you clean up." Marinette is here, taking my hand and leading me out of the crowded lunchroom. We go back to her place and up to her room. "I think I some clothes that are a bit to big for me somewhere in here…." she says, her voice muffled by the closet. "Here you go. I get a damp cloth for your cheek." "Why?" "Cause you got sauced."

After I change, I close my eyes as Marinette gently cleans my face. "I was thinking of you when you know, and also I was thinking about…..leaving Paris." Marinette gasps softly, and drops the cloth. "Leaving?" "I'm so restless, Marinette. And I want to be free from under my father's thumb." "I understand. But I would miss you." A single tear drops from her eye. "Hey, I'm not going anywhere for awhile and….." I have to stop when Marinette kisses me, and now my head truly is in the clouds. "Adrien, I've been thinking, and I want to give dating a try." "I don't want you to feel pressured," I take her hand and stroke her hand with my thumb. "I don't feel pressured, why I turned you down the first time is, I felt scared." I sigh and rest my forehead against hers. "Scared of what?" "Rejection." Just one word but it holds so much power, and with her answer, a another question is answered. Maybe Ladybug feels the same way. But I can't focus on that now. "I love you just the way you are. Clumsy moments or not. Besides, I have them too." "Wow," she says slowly. "We're dating." I nod, but then my alarm goes off. "We won't be long if we get detention! We need to run!"

We laugh as we run down the stairs hand in hand, and fly out the door. Luckily, we get to class five minutes early and we slap a high five.

I have fencing and need to work on my piece (the Art Shows is just days away!) but I promise Marinette I'll be over for dinner. "You'd better be. Meanwhile, I have sewing to do. Oh, Adrien?" "Yes?" she bounces up surprising me with a kiss before walking away. "Have a good class!"

I watch her as she saunters away. Meow. Its in these moments she reminds me so much of Ladybug. Oof, I wonder what M'lady will say when she finds out I'm dating someone.

Fencing which is usually a hour, feels like five minutes. I pack up my things and walk towards Marinette's. "Your just in time," she giggles she takes me by the hand and pulls into the apartment. "You can supervise me make cookies." "Do you not trust my baking skills well enough to help?" "I guess you could at least put the chocolate chips in the bowl. Now, let me tell me about this company online….."

Its cozy sitting here with the warm oven on, and I like to hear about Marinette's life. "Okay, ready for the chocolate chippies!"

Marinette giggles as I open the oven door and she slides the tray in. "Cat usually sits in front of the oven door the whole time, tail swishing." "Guess he heard the story about the gingerbread man, and doesn't want to take any chances on any cookie."

"Now, they have to cool and...what? Adrien, why are you giving me puppy eyes?" "Cause I want to lick the bowl." Marinette sighs. "Fine. One lick then in the sink."

Its nice to eat a cookie and not worry about going on time out. "Cookies are always good with a movie. Care to watch one?"

My mind really isn't on the movie, but I like it when Marinette falls asleep in my lap. You just put on a movie and she is out. She doesn't know that I know, but she even snored a bit. Even I dozed off after waking so early (no cat nap for me today, ha ha!) and my hair got a bit messy. "Hey," Marinette yawns and sits up. "Your hair is kinda floofy. Its cute." "You want to give it a comb through?"

She takes me up on that, and if I were Cat, I would purring as she brushes through my hair. "Its so soft. And fluffy." I laugh. "Don't worry, I don't wake up with perfect hair." "Mine is Medusa snakes usually. One time Papa got so scared he dropped a tray of biscuits." I crack up. "Remind me to come over only after you've brushed your hair." "Duly noted." But then she slips her arm through mine, and leans her head against my shoulder. "But who will buy me coffee?"

We fall to giggles and Mama Cheng calls us to supper. Its some sort of pasta dish, and Papa keeps piling my plate high. After helping with the dishes, its time to go. I give Marinette a sweet little kiss. "See you in the morning, Bluebell." "Bye, Buttercup!"

Ladybug takes the news quietly after I tell her I'm dating someone. "I'm happy for you. I'm sure she's a sweet girl."

Instead of our usual banter, we're quiet tonight. When I get home I take a quick shower and sit down at the piano. I want the piece to be for Marinette and for Ladybug. Its late by the time I fall into bed, but I'm happy with my finished piece.

"M'lady, won't you tell me what's bothering you?" "I just want to take off my mask, but I'm scared." I smile and take her hand. "Come with me, my love. I have an idea."

The theater sits empty, save the magnificent grand piano on the stage. I sit down at the piano and begin to play, "Whenever your ready, I'm ready." I play a gentle meoldly or maybe a lullaby? Ladybug adds words to my song.

"All this time I've wanted to show you the real me,

But was scared you'd leave me and I'd be all alone.

Yet now I know, you will never leave me,

Of this my heart knows."

My hands still on the keys as Ladybug closes her eyes. "Spots Off." Marinette stands before me and I feel warm happy tears slip down my cheeks. "Claws In." Marinette gives a little gasp of surprise then delight. "Adrien? Adrien!"

We catch each other in a hug, and I twirl in my arms. I stroke her cheek, and she leans into my palm. "I've always wanted it to be you. And it just feels right." "Not just, everything is right."

After a kiss in the spotlight, we begin to dance. A dance of happiness, a dance so joyful, that we've found each other and are no longer alone.

I find myself tangled in the sheets as I open my eyes, disappointed it was just a dream. Yet, though I could be wrong, I think my brain is telling me that Marinette really is Ladybug behind the mask.

I make a wish and send it high, that My Lady will have the courage to tell me, for I will never walk away.

-Adrien Agreste