I don't know why I still patrol when Paris is at peace. Maybe its a habit, or maybe I just like running on rooftops after dark? At sunset, my shadow is longest and I always get an ache in my throat, for I wish besides my shadow Cat Noir would be alongside me.

After Hawkmoth's defeat, we stayed in touch for awhile, but as life unfolds its fan it happens less and less frequently. Or maybe its because its to painful for us to be apart. My city is at peace, so its time to have some fun.

Taylor Swift is performing at the Eiffel Tower and even if I won't be part of the crowd, I'll be watching. I've always been a shy girl, at times even with the mask, so even hidden in the shadows, I'm happy in my spot.

I love the music and dancing, and the glittery outfits, my mind already sketching my latest design. Someday I'll be a designer, but for now I'm helping in my family's bakery. It pays for my room and board, coffee and supplies, so its a good deal.

For awhile, I stay in one spot, clapping and moving in time to the music with everyone else. But I grow restless, wanting to be closer, so I leap to a lower rooftop, not knowing I've been spotted.

"Ladybug!" A crowd-goer points me out, and Taylor turns as I try to duck back into the shadows. She gestures for me to join her on stage and with wobbly legs, I do.

"I'm sorry if I interrupted anything, Miss Swift," I blush, and she smiles. "Nonsense, Paris loves you! And I was wondering if you'd like to sing a duet with me, then ask a member of the crowd to dance with you!" I blink rapidly. "Am I dreaming? How about giving me a little pinch?" "Your adorable," she giggles, pink and all bubble gum.

Despite my shyness, its fun to sing onstage with one of the most famous singers in the world.

"How you doing, Paris?" Taylor asks the crowd, and they yell back in response. "Would any of you like to dance with Miss Ladybug?" Of course, everyone cheers, but then the crowd begins to part like water, and I hear a voice. "Excuse me. Pardon, excuse me."

A gasp catches in my throat as Adrien Agreste makes his way to the stage, and my cheeks flood with heat. During the darkest days of my life, when I lost all the Miraculous, Adrien was there, comforting me.

"How about you?" I ask, pointing at him, and his smile is angelic as he climbs onstage. There's a special stage for VIP dancers, and though I feel like this is a dream, I lead Adrien to it.

And….its a slow dance. Of course. Adrien's lips twitch and he pulls me into his arms. "I'd never thought I'd see again, Little Bug." Tears prick at my eyes. Little Bug, his special nickname for me. "I've missed you too, Adrien." I lay my head on his shoulder, and he pulls me close, and I forget where I am.

After a half-hour, my head begins to ache, and I want to catch up with Adrien, but here is not the place. "Have you eaten?" he asked, loud enough for me to hear, and I shake my head. "Come on, I know just the place."

Once we get past the crowd-dwellers, its easy, and I relax, coming down from my high. Its a small diner, homey and I love it immediately, ordering pancakes and eggs and a cup of coffee.

"So, what have you been up to since Hawkmoth's defeat?" I ask, once we receive our coffee. "I was out of Europe for awhile attending Harvard, earning a business degree," Adrien takes a sip. "Wow, that's impressive. But if anyone could get there its you." Adrien pulls a face and I can't tell its from my answer or memories. "Part of it was talent, the other I think was my name. Though the States were lonely." Dare I ask? "Did you date anyone?" Adrien smiles. "I had friends that were girls, but no. Guess I'm still waiting for the right one. You?"

"To busy. I'm living with the Dupain-Cheng's after Marinette moved out and I help in the bakery. It feels like home." Adrien's expression grows soft. "Marinette," he whispers. No, I will not ask if he had a crush on me as her, because it would hurt to much.

"And now here we are back home in Paris," I straighten as the food arrives, though Adrien's eyes are locked with mine. "Yes, back home."

We chat about the weather, the concert before I arrive, light topics. "Is something wrong with your hand?" I ask, watching Adrien place on the table near mine, then pull away, repeating the movement several times.

Adrien flushed pink, reaching up to scratch his neck. "I, uh…" My breath catches as he lays his hand on top of my gloved hand. "I'd like to get to know you better, Ladybug. And I could really use a friend."

"Adrien, I…." I suck in air through my teeth. "I want that too, but my identity has to remain a secret, and there are certain things I can't share." "I'm fine with the mask, really. And whatever your comfortable sharing, I won't push you. Promise."

"Maybe…." I take a second to think. "You come for breakfast at the bakery in the morning, and take a morning walk?" "I'll clear my schedule. Thank you, Ladybug."

We share a hug outside the diner, and I start to head towards home. "Ladybug!" I turn back to see Adrien hurrying towards me. "Yes?" "I feel like I should walk you home. Its not safe after dark." "I have my powers, but I accept."

We share a hug, and I go inside, wondering if my parents will still be up, or if they've headed to bed. I trudge upstairs finding the apartment quiet, I want to write in my diary and tell Tikki about my night.

Corvus stepped out of the alleyway, glad to be rid of stench by the bakery dumpster. So, the rumors were true, Ladybug was still in Paris. He was a bit disappointed that Cat Noir hadn't shown up, but maybe this Adrien could lead him to him when the time arose.

An imposing figure, standing at six feet, always wore black and a face as pale as moon, Corvus could be frightening. He'd be cursed, being half human and half crow, though he used though powers when the times arose.

But time was running out for Corvus. If he didn't get the Miraculous soon, he would be stuck as a bird forever. He liked crisp suits, his form of preening and shiny objects just like a crow. He had the eye of a designer, but the world didn't know him yet.

He walked with a cane to cover a limp, though the story he gave was that rich people have canes. There was nothing more for him tonight, and he headed to back to the hotel, a single feather floating to the ground, one of the cursed side effects.

I finish writing, chatting to Tikki as I chat away, suddenly cuddling her to my cheek. When both Adrien and Cat disappeared, Tikki became my closet companion and my parents also who I am behind the mask.

I struggle with revealing my secret to them, but its a huge relief to have them though. Crawling under the sheets and snuggling with my purple cat pillow, I fall into sleep.

Marinette moved around during the night, her mind restless as well as her body. Her arm bumped a nearby shelf and the Cat Noir doll fell into her arms, and still asleep she cradled it, settling down once more.