I rub my tired eyes. Whew. Who knew designing your dream dress could be so hard? I'm working one of the black spots, when I hear the door open, and Adrien walks in.

"Hey, you have a minute?" he asks, crossing the floor to me. I bite my lip. Of course I always have time for him, but can't he see I'm working? "I never feel like I see you anymore, expect at school," he crosses his arms. I feel like I've been punched in the stomach. Is he mad at me? "Adrien, you know I'm busy right now. And that's not true, we watched a movie last night." "You might have been there, but you weren't present. Your nose was buried in a fashion magazine." A small flicker of anger sparks inside me. "Look, if your mad, just come out and say it." "I'm not mad, Princess. I just miss you."

I sigh, laying my head against his chest. "Adrien, I hate it when we fight. I don't want to fight, ever." Cold wet droplets hit my head, and I lift my head. "Hey, hey," I cup his cheek with my palm, "Are you crying?" "Boys are allowed to cry, aren't they?" I nod. "I'm just scared, Princess." "Of what?" "That your going to become so busy you'll never glance in my direction."

"Adrien, that will never happen. I promise you. And even if I'm busier right now, dosen't change the love I feel for you." I wrap my arms around his neck, pouring all my love into a kiss. When he pushes back, I push forward, each one of us wanting to win. Finally breathless, we let go, but Adrien isn't done as he nibbles at my ear. I gasp sharply, my body tingling at his affections.

"So, can I see the dress?" he asks, giving me that Claw Noir smile. I smile back, but I shake my head. "Your cute, but no. Don't worry, you'll see it soon." Adrien pushes out his bottom lip, pouting. "Curiosity killed the cat, Cockroach." I giggle, ruffling his hair. "So, find something else to be curious about. As long as it doesn't get your tail into trouble." Adrien laughs. "Okay, I'll try."

He heads for the door, and I follow. He turns back to me, hand on the doorknob, his green eyes soft as he stares into my bluebell eyes. "Though everything you do fascinates me, Marinette."

The next morning, during science I'm diligently writing notes, for I want to get a A in this class. Until I feel Adrien's hand brush mine from the seat below, he's passing me a note.

I carefully open the note on my lap, skimming it quickly.

Bluebells are blue,

My love for you is true,

Find me for a kiss after class?

My lips twitch with humor, but I dare not laugh aloud. Instead, I write a note back.

Hallways are good for naps or kisses,

Never knew you were such a suck for romance

Adrien's note is short.

Meowch, Cockroach! What's a suck?

Oh, this boy.

Someone who loves cuddle and scritches. And cookies!

"Cookies!" Adrien blurts aloud, clapping his hand over his mouth. No, no, no! Our teacher cannot read our notes! "Mr. Agreste, did you say something?" Our teacher turns to stare. "No, nothing at all."

I slump in my seat. Whew, that was to close.

"I think I used up one of one of my nine lives," Adrien says mournfully, as we hide in the hallway. I give him a mock glare, as he holds both of my hands. "This is why we don't pass notes in class," I tell him, booping his nose, then start to lead him towards the cafeteria. "Aw, your no fun!" "Get use to it!"

I have to work after school, but I don't want to stop hugging Adrien. "Maybe you can come over for a short time tonight after patrol," I tell him, as I slowly peel myself away from him. He kisses my cheek, gently and sweetly. "I know your doing your best, and I'm grateful."

"I'm just glad school will be over in a few weeks," I tell him. Then I have to go.

I never found out if Claw visited me that night or not, I fell asleep as soon as I got home. In the morning, I check over my homework notes with bleary eyes, thankful for my morning coffee.

Gabriel texts during lunch that he's giving me the morning off, and I look up at Adrien who is poking at his food with delight. "I'm free tonight! Do you know of any good movies playing?" "I'd love to take you to the movies, Princess, but unfortunately, I am not free tonight."

"Oh? You have plans tonight?" He nods, but he doesn't give me any details. Strange.

Papa and Mama notice that something is wrong, when they find me staring off into space on the couch after their bakery shift. "Adrien can't come tonight," I explain, hugging a pillow. "Marinette, he can't be with you every second." "I know, but I miss him. What could he be doing?"

I toss away the pillow, and head upstairs. He wouldn't be seeing another girl would he? No, he wouldn't. I'm his girl, his Princess. I let just a few tears slip down my cheeks regardless. I'm more confident when I first came to Paris, but there are times were I still have my doubts. Like now.

Across town in a jewelry shop….

"It is the most exquisite design, Mr. Agreste," the shop owner marvels at the drawing. "I'll pay top dollar for it, if you think it can be done," Adrien said, folding the drawing of the ring back in his pocket. "Oh, most certainly. It shall be ready in a few days." Adrien nodded. He could wait that long, but would Marinette grow suspicious when he wasn't coming around as often? Adrien knew himself, that he was terrible at keeping secrets from his Lady, and this one took the cake. No, better to lay low until the ring was done, and he'd propose on her balcony. The wedding could take place after graduation. A small wedding, with lots of flowers. And a cake. Vanilla or chocolate? Of course, both!

"Adrien, are you listening to me?" I don't like the vacant dreamy look on Adrien's face. "What, sorry, I wasn't listening," Adrien snapped back from dreaming of wedding details. "Could we go for a smoothie after school? I don't have to be at work till four and…." "Sorry, I can't." I narrow my eyes. "Are you keeping secrets from me?" Oh, how Adrien hated this. "I promised I wouldn't say anything." "Oh, so there is a someone." "Marinette, please trust me." "I thought you hated secrets," I tell him. Adrien took a deep breath. "Then I'll see you soon."

It was the hardest thing for him to walk away, but he knew it was for the best.

I text Gabriel, fibbing I have a stomachache, but its not really a lie. I do feel sick. What is Adrien hiding from me? Its not like him. What did I do wrong?

Okay, chin up. Just push ahead. Hard as it is, I ignore Adrien for the next few days and he ignores me right back.

I finish my dream dress, and I watch it be wrapped up, ready for the fashion show. I have nerves, but I found out today, that school's putting on a mock fashion show right before we graduate. I'm going to wear my heart dress, but I don't feel excited anymore.

I just feel empty. After school today I sat by one of the gargoyles on the roof of the Cathedral because I wanted some "company." Yeah, I know its sad. I cried for awhile too, and it felt nice.

Before I headed for home, I caught sight of a black figure, a black dot on the Eiffel Tower. There's only one person, or rather, one Kitty that could be. Claw. A literal claw pierces at my heart, and I gasp for breath.

I want to get away, but where would I run? For now, I head back to my balcony, and the safety of my room.

My sewing desk sits ready for me, yarn and buttons scattered all over the desk. Sighing, I plop down in my chair, and pull open one of the drawers. I slip on the Lucky Charm bracelet and start working, losing myself in my work.

At Adrien's…

Adrien's brow furrowed in concentration, as he sat staring at the screen. He was playing a video game with Plagg, but there was no joy to this game. Adrien felt dull and cold, wishing he could talk to Marinette. Had he made a massive mistake of hiding things from her? It didn't matter, she acted like he didn't exist at school the last few days. Adrien's phone vibrated in his pocket.

The ring was ready, but Adrien just tossed the phone away with a scowl. Plagg stared at him, setting down his control. He hated that Adrien was so sad and miserable, and if he stayed like this, would he end up like the Supreme? Plagg didn't want to find out, and secretly flew out, heading towards Marinette's.

Marinette was asleep on her bed, her fingers clutching at her bracelet. Plagg silently beckoned for Tikki to follow him so they could talk.

"Their both miserable!" Tikki sighed, her eyes looking sad. "We have to snap them out of this, Plagg. What happened with Adrien anyway?" "He wanted to keep the proposal a secret until the ring was made," Plagg blurted. "Ring? Proposal? He's going to propose to Marinette?" Tikki squeaked. Plagg nodded. "Not if they keep acting like this." "I'll talk to Marinette. Make sure Adrien proposes soon, Plagg. Marinette will say yes once she figures this out." Plagg sighed. "I hope so, SugarCube."

The two Kwamis headed back home. Failure was not a option.