"Um, could you put a bow on it, please?" I ask the flower clerk, trying to wince as my voice goes up two octaves. She only smiles at me, reaching for a ribbon. "Getting your girlfriend some flowers?" she asks, and two apples appear on my cheeks. "Well, uh," I stammer. "She's a friend," I mumble and race out of there. "Don't look at me like that!" I glare down at Plagg, hidden in my school bag, happily snarfing cheese. "And don't you dare get crumbs in there!"

Toxinelle and I met earlier, and we planned to have our first patrol after dark tonight. I must say, with a coffee in her hand, she was almost happy?

Students are clustered in clumps around the front steps of school and I scan the crowd for Marinette, sighing with disappointment when I don't see her. "Flowers for moi? You shouldn't have!" Chloe comes up behind me, trying to snatch them out of my hand. "Sorry, not for you," I tell her, and before she can get mad, head inside.

I spot Marinette in the locker room, deeply focused on a sketch and not wanting to scare her, I clear my throat. "Adrien! Good morning! Who are the flowers for?" "You," I hand them to her, and she buries her nose in the blossoms. "Thank you, but what did I do to deserve such a sweet gift?" "You made me feel welcome here." Marinette pats the seat beside her. "That's interesting, because until you got here, I felt like such an outcast. So, um, do you have any hobbies?" she asks, changing the subject. "I like playing the piano," I tell her. "And at home, I study Chinese. Also," "Wait, you know Chinese?" Marinette says, excitedly. "I'm not fluent, but yeah, I know some." "I moved here with my family from China when I got into here, and Papa wanted to open his dream bakery. Sorry, I interrupted you earlier." "Its okay. I was going to say I hope to join the fencing team."

No sooner then the words leave my mouth with Mr. D and a man with a curly mustache enters the locker room. "Adrien, this is our fencing instructor, Mr. D. Your father called to have you try out later this week." "I'll be ready," I call after them. Marinette sighs and stands up, hugging her flowers to her chest as if they were a long lost friend. "Marinette?" she turns. "Yes, Adrien?" "Would you like to come over after school and I could play the piano and we could hang out?" A smile blossoms onto her face, and my heart thumps wildly. "I'd love to."

School passes in a blur, and before I know it, Marinette and I are sliding into my bodyguard's car. Marinette is quiet, her eyes darting around. "Don't worry, no one bites at my place," I smile at her, my thumb brushing over her knuckles. Our eyes meet and I feel a small jolt of electric run through me. "Your eyes are so beautiful. Maybe I'll call you Bluebell."

Father is waiting on the stairs when we get home. "Who's this, Adrien?" he asks. "This is Marinette. Marinette, this is my father, Gabriel Agreste." Marinette steps forward as Father descends the stairs. "Its an honor to meet you, sir. I'm a big fan of your work. My dream is to be a designer as well." Father smiles. "Its a honor to meet you. I'll see you later for dinner."

I give Marinette the tour, and I can tell its a bit overwhelming for her. We sit down on my white couch. "Honestly, I preferred your room better," I tell her. "Will you play for me?" she asks, gesturing to my grand piano and I smile at her. "Only if you sit with me."

I play some of my favorite pieces, some romping and playful tunes, but the last is slow and makes you think. Marinette looks at me as the last note dies away. "That was beautiful, Adrien." I touch the keys lightly, then point to a picture of Mother. "My mother taught me how to play. She...died not that long ago." "Oh, Adrien, I'm sorry."

Before I know what's happening, Marinette's hugging me. Oh, this is what a hug should feel like. She's warm and soft in my arms, smelling slightly of flowers. "Thanks, Marinette. Now, on a happier note, you like video games?" she grins, nudging me. "Your the one who might be sad when I win!"

We laugh and banter as we play Mario Kart, and I get a bellyache of how much I laugh. At supper, Father quizzes Marinette about her design skills, and Marinette asks if I can come over tomorrow. "After your photo shoot, Adrien." "Father, I-" "Adrien." Father's stern voice cuts me off, and I wish I could tell him how I feel, but I hold my tongue. I'm surprised when Marinette squeezes my hand, and I squeeze back, giving her a secret smile.

Promising to see each other at school tomorrow, Marinette heads home. I try to work on homework, but my mind is elsewhere.

I head out, a black cat silhouetted against the moonlight on the rooftops of Paris. I'm heading to my favorite spot and I leap down, crashing into a dark figure.

"Ooh, what hit me?" a voice groans. I sit up, seeing Toxinelle. "Cockroach? What are you doing here?"

"Patrol?" Oops. "I was on a stakeout for ice cream." "Claw, do you want the Supreme to take away our powers because you wanted ice cream?" "No, but we can look for both." She sighs, sliding open her compact. "Keep your eyes open for one of these," she says, showing me a picture of a white butterfly.

"What's a butterfly have to do with a Miraculous?" "The butterfly will lead us to the holder, if we can keep up." So, perched on the rooftop, we wait, waiting for the sound of flapping wings or the sound of wheels.

I dearly hope for a cone, for I'd love to share it with a friend.