I groan as my alarm clock blares in my ears and I fumble under the sheets, fumbling for the "off" switch and slap it, sighing with relief as the room falls silent. Then my phone vibrates and I sit up, grumbling. "What now?"

Adrien: Rise and shine! I'll be there in about ten or so minutes.

My sleepy eyes open wide as my fingers fly across the small keyboard.

Marinette: Take your time!

I should win a medal or at least awarded with a trophy after my marathon sprint to the closet and selecting an outfit in record time, consisting of a fuzzy pink sweater and black jeans. I slather on a coat of lip gloss and plaster a smile on my face as the doorbell rings. Whew!

"Hey," Adrien's face greets me, looking cool and collected. He looks so...put together. "What?" he asks. "Please tell you didn't wake up like that," I tell him. Adrien grins. "So what if I did?" his eyes start twinkling and I lean against the door frame.

"Well, I'd tell you I was very jealous especially when I only woke ten...fifteen minutes ago," I reply, looking at my phone. "Let me put your mind at ease. No, I didn't wake up like this, and I hit the snooze multiple times, even though I was excited to see you."

The last comment makes me flush. "Shall we head out?" he offers. "Let's go. Coffee awaits!"

I love mornings in Paris where you can smell fresh bread baking and flowers mingled with the smells of roasting coffee. Apparently, I'm absorbed in my thoughts as Adrien pulls me back.

"Starbucks is this way," he reminds me. "Or...we could see where this street leads us?" I suggest. "Great. Sometimes the unexpected is when you find the right things."

"So, you knew what I was doing last night, but what did you do?" I ask, curious about him. "About the same as you, though I ordered take-out. I hate that I can't cook at all. Ramen can be a boy's best friend."

I laugh. "Hey, we all ate plenty of it in college. I'll cook for you sometime." A perfumey smell fills the air and as we round the corner, we find a pop-up coffee and plant shop. A girl with dark hair like mine, sits in the open window stall, holding a piece of lavender and daydreaming. I look at Adrien and he nods, following me up to the window.

"Good morning," I greet the girl. The girl jumps, startled, knocking her pointy hat off her head. "Oh, was I daydreaming again? I'm so sorry!" I smile. "Been there, done that. And don't be ashamed for daydreaming. As I designer, daydreams can be the key to masterpieces." "Thanks," the girl breathes a sigh of relief.

"I love my job and I'm saving up to attend Paris's School of Art And Design. What can I get you?"

I scan the menu board scrawled out in chalk with Adrien. "Er, I'll take a mocha cappuccino," I tell her and Adrien orders an espresso. "Coming right up," the girl says.

Soon, we are sipping the creamy delicious drink, but my little teacup in my hands rattles as I find Adrien staring at me.

"What?" I finally ask. "I'm sorry," he blushes. "Your just so beautiful, its hard to look away." A lump jumps into my throat bigger then the sugar lumps in the bowl between us. "That's one the nicest things anyone's said to me. Thank you." "I wouldn't say it if it wasn't true. I know lots of girls, Marinette, but your pretty on the inside as well as out."

"What's it like working with them?" I ask, biting into the warm croissant Adrien purchased for me. Now its Adrien's turn for pink cheeks. "They're not as nice as you, I'll tell you that. Most of them are focused on their own brand, and couldn't care less about making friends."

"I must admit, I was pretty deep into my work too. Good thing my co-workers care about me to not let that happen." I make a mental note to stop in and see Simon soon. He'll be thrilled I've made a friend, and a guy friend, no less.

"My father didn't let me out much when I was younger. I had to put my foot down to take time off." "Sounds like he's pretty controlling. Good for you standing up for yourself." "Yeah," Adrien looks away, looking uncomfortable then leans forward.

"My mother died when I was younger. That's when he became strict, even though there's no excuse." "Oh, Adrien, I'm sorry." He nods, changing the subject. "Let's check out the plants."

To my surprise, Adrien asks the salesgirl many questions about the plants. "What, do you have some magical green thumb I don't know about?" I tease. "No, but my room is so..sterile and chrome. It could use some greenery." "Why not add a parrot or a monkey?" I joke. "The plants will do."

Even I select a plant, and Adrien is all smiles.

Next, we check out a cute antique store, and I'm delighted when I find a string of tiny orange and white fairy lights. "These will be great to decorate with for Halloween!" I show Adrien.

"Did you see these, Marinette?" he calls me over. He picks up a black mask, holding it up to his face. "You look like a kitty," I giggle as he holds up a red-and-black dotted one to mine. "And you look like ladybug."

"I'm getting them," I pull out my wallet, and head over to the counter.

"I really had fun this morning, Marinette," Adrien says, as he drops me off in front of my door. "Would you like to hit the library tomorrow? I need to check out some books on how to care for plants."

"I'd love that. Pick me up nine?" "Nine it is." I'm surprised and pleased when Adrien kisses my cheek. "What was that for?" I ask, blushing. "A special girl deserves a special kiss," he tells me, before walking away.