"Do not let go of my hand," I instruct Claw as we glide onto the ice. He winks at me. "But how can I show you my superb skating skills?" I roll my eyes but grin. We stop by the boards, and Claw comes around to face me, keeping my hands.

"Okay, I'm going to start skating backwards and you can follow my lead." I gulp and nod. "Toxinelle," he whispers and as he places a hand on my cheek, the world fades away. "Don't take your eyes off of me."

Huh. Adrien used the same technique, and it worked. I do as I'm told, and soon we're moving in perfect sync, our skates making a soft swooshing sound against the ice. And Claw hits a button, and music fills the area. "Oh," moisture fills my eyes as the "Skater's Waltz" begins to play. "May I?" Claw asks for permission, and I slowly let go of his hand.

The music is upbeat and happy, and I crack up as Claw tries to dance. As he skates back over to me, I applaud, a wide grin on my face. "Bravo, bravo." Claw's face slips into a pout. "What, no roses, Cockroach?" "Anything you can do, I can do better," I challenge him. "Oh, really?" His eyes gleam wickedly as he hits another button on his remote and the "Anything Better" song begins to play.

Soon, we are chasing each other around the arena, doing the most ridiculous things. But it helps. We meet with a little bump in the middle of arena, catching our breath. "I'd call that a draw." "I'd be up for a rematch, but I need to get going." Claw's playful expression turns serious and he cups my cheek. "I haven't had that much since I don't know when. You want to try out the aqua suit tomorrow?"

I've still not the biggest fan of the water, and even more so after Chloe's dangerous stunt. But I trust Claw. "Okay, but let's pick a quiet spot. I don't anyone to laugh at us."

My time with Adrien is fun, but I feel sleepy and a bit sore, and he seems a bit distracted. As I'm packing up my things he asks, "Could we give you a lift home, Marinette?" I hoist my bag onto my shoulder. "I'd like that."

My mouth drops open when we head back out into the bright sunshine. I have to blink a few times to make sure I'm not seeing things. "You have a limo?" "Really its my father's, but yes, it takes me to appointments. Hop in."

The leather seats are cushy and soft, and I have fun looking in the mini-fridge. "Adrien?" "Hm?" "Would you? Would you…." Stop stalling and stammering, Marinette! "Would you like to come over tomorrow?" His face lights up like the sun after a storm. "I'd love that. Thanks." I can't help feeling smug as I nudge him. "You may not after I cream you at Mario Kart, but it will be nice to have some company. Oh, wait…." I bite my lip. I have to work at Gabriel's tomorrow, and I promised Claw! "Could ten work for you? I have afternoon commitments." He gives me a curious look. Luckily, he doesn't comment on it.

The next morning, I don't care about my alarm clock buzzing away like a annoying fly, and I feel around for the button, keeping myself under the covers. That only lasts for five minutes though, for once I'm up, I'm up.

Yawning, I head downstairs in my pink teacup pajamas, mumbling good morning to my mother. An amused chuckle answers me. "Well, I'm having a good morning, and your mother is too."

Oh. My. Kwamis. That isn't my mother's voice, it belongs to Adrien! I turn slowly to find him relaxing on the couch, his arms crossed behind his head. And I'm in my pajamas! "I...you...pajamas!" Adrien grins. "Hey, you look cute. Like a little teacup." I flop down on the couch next to him. "A little warning would have been nice," I grumble. "Ah, I did try, but someone overslept." "Okay, you caught me. What?"

"Could I give you a good morning kiss?" I lean over so my nose is brushing his. "How do I know your not just trying to bribe me into making you pancakes?" He laughs gently. "I've heard kisses can be very filling." "So I've heard," I breathe as Adrien closes the distance.

Maybe I am still dreaming, because me, Marinette Dupain-Cheng am kissing Adrien Agreste! My hands weave into his hair, softer then cloud. "I've wanted to do that for so long," Adrien sighs after we break apart. "Me too," I say, my head on Cloud Nine. "What? Kiss me?"

I come back down to Earth pretty quickly. I grab a pillow and give him a whack. "No, you goof! Run my hands through your hair!" "Please, may I have a pancake before I waste away?" Adrien pleads. "I thought Oliver wanted porridge." "Porridge is over rated."

"Fine. Give me two minutes to dress and I'll make his Royal Highness his breakfast."

I love making Adrien his breakfast as the sun makes patterns along the floor. "You know, I've always dreamed this would happen when I was older," I tell Adrien, sitting down across from him as we start our meal. "I want a family of my own, the little pitter-patter of feet running along the floor. Three kids, a house and a hamster."

"I like hamsters," Adrien tells me. "I, too, would love a family of my own." So, why does he sound so wistful? And it hits me that my days may be numbered as well, unless I find a way to beat the Supreme.

Adrien helps me with the dishes after, him washing me drying. "Up for some video games afterwards?" I ask. "I don't know," he smiles and I'm glad his playful mood is back. "Your in such a good mood, I'd hate to ruin that for you." I stir my hand in the mound of bubbles casually. "And you have a nice jawline. Which makes me feel bad to do this!"

I laugh hard at Adrien's surprise expression as I smear bubbles across his chin, giving him a foamy mustache. He takes it in stride though, wandering over to look in the shiny chrome of the toaster. "I always wondered what I would like with a foam mustache." "I'm going to vote no," I tell him, heading to the couch.

Both of us are competitive, but in a playful way. I notice that my hand keeps brushing against his, and vice versa. Finally, I pause the game. "Anything wrong?" "No," I blush, fiddling with the controller. "I was wondering if you'd like to cuddle and watch a movie?"

In my pink blanket we curl up, Adrien's hands lightly around my waist. Every so often, he pulls me close, and I wonder what thoughts are roaming through his mind.

Towards the afternoon, I have to get ready for work and to meet Claw, and Adrien and I linger by the door. I don't think either one of us wants to say goodbye. "thanks for oversleeping," Adrien kisses my cheek. "We'll be touch." "Thanks for coming."

After he leaves, its time to transform and as I head to down by docks, I get a strange feeling that I'm being watched. I do a slow three sixty turn, but no one is around. "Claw?" I call out. "Adrien?" Now I feel a bit silly.

But now I do hear footsteps and then I see Claw running towards me. Relief rushes through me, and I run to meet him, and he swoops me up into a hug. "You sounded scared," he tells me when he sets me down, "So I came as soon as I could."

My lip trembles. "I feel like someone is watching us. And I can't lose you, I…." Deep breath, "Love you." "You may be a hissing Cockroach, but I've never felt so alive since I met you."

Just as the fear comes, it vanishes. "Come on, ready for a swim?" "You know cats aren't very fond of water, right?" "Either are ladybugs, or cockroaches for that matter. Just think of it as a relaxing bath!" Claw gives me a look. "Look, I know what I just said, but I really don't like you right now." I give him a wink, slipping my arm through his. "Don't worry, Fleabag. I don't have any flea shampoo on me."

The water of the Seine laps calmly, and Claw and I power-up.

Unlike ice-skating, here in the water, its other world down here. Claw directs me, and we swim aways before we come to three barrier like doors. Even with using our powers, it would take all our strength to open these doors.

Diving down deeper, I take a closer look. "Claw," I call. He dives down next to me. "Looks what's written here," "Open ocean," he breathes, looking at me. "A direct shortcut." "It will come in handy when we find the Butterfly Miraculous and give it to the Supreme."

"I feel like we're missing something. He or she could be anyone in Paris, and could be hiding in plain sight. And the Supreme won't wait forever." "Patience."

We call it a day after that, and I trudge towards Gabriel's, hoping a second wind will kick in, for its only my first day on the job.

I walk in, and go over to Reception, asking where I can find Gabriel Agreste. The woman directs me to his office, and I head up the elevator.

I'm about to knock on the door when I hear a strange sound coming from within. Cracking open the door slowly, I call out, "Mr. Agreste?"

Gabriel swivels in his chair, and when his eyes meet mine, they look red and sore. He holds a picture of a woman, as the tears drip down his cheeks.

This might be my first day, but sewing is not required. Only love and consideration are the order of the day for now.