"Yes, thank you Ariel, much appreciated."

Adrien reached out and took a plate from a servant employed by his father, having to have hot chocolate and random assorted snacks sent to his room since he wasn't actually allowed free reign of the house. The older woman smiled at him, bowing her head and silently leaving to return to her duties elsewhere.

Adrien turned and shut the door with his foot, trying not to seem too eager as he walked back into the main space of his room with the treats. His heart leapt on sight when she came into view, still not used to seeing her casually sitting on his sofa, and his heart quickened when she smiled at him over her shoulder.

"Are you sure you don't want it?" Ladybug asked him, reaching out to take the warm mug of rich brown liquid and inhaling the fancy smell. Must be expensive. "I know you could only ask for one to avoid looking suspicious."

"It's all yours!" he insisted, circling around to sit on the other end of the couch and placing the plate between them on the cushions.

A few of the things crowding the plate made sense, being pastries and baked treats that would go well with hot chocolate, but there were also a few more filling things since he had just asked for 'Whatever'. He hoped the meats and cheeses didn't seem over the top, but at this point there wasn't much he could do to avoid that impression.

He looked up when Ladybug sighed, adorably smiling and bouncing a little on the cushions when she took a sip of the drink. It was the perfect temperature and incredibly sweet, warding off the last of the chill she had gotten from hanging outside his window.

"This is great!" she complimented, letting herself relax a little more. Her confidence was bolstered now that she knew Adrien must be far more nervous than she was, and she wanted to make him comfortable by being as casual as possible. "It's so sweet, mine never turns out this good when I make it."

She took piece of fancy meat she had no name for, her hunger overpowering her desire to not mix flavors. She didn't want to say anything or ask for food, but she had actually skipped lunch that day to work on things and had intended to eat once she was home. She had been so excited for her Ladybug plan that she hadn't even eaten during her hour and a half opportunity to do so. It was excellent, but she still had no clue what it was once she had bitten into it.

"If there is anything else you would like, food wise or anything just ask," he said with a slight chuckle, noticing her going for another piece of meat despite drinking something so sweet. As he expected she just gave a polite, 'Thank you,' but requested nothing, probably not wanting to impose. If she didn't place an order eventually he would just guess something random and insist she have it.

"You must be quite the fencer," Ladybug said after a short but comfortable silence, gesturing behind them to his various fencing trophies surrounding his computer area and was unsurprised to see him shrug humbly, pride still hinted in his tone.

"I've been fencing for a few years now, just practice really. Helps me stay fit."

She laughed, setting the mug in her lap and leaning against the arm of the sofa to more easily face him.

"Well it's reassuring to know I probably won't have to worry about you during akuma attacks too much. I'm sure you're more than capable of fending for yourself. Probably even put Cat Noir through his paces."

Adrien couldn't help the grin, finding it funny to be compared to himself.

"That's flattering," he chuckled, "being compared to a fighter like Cat. He's pretty impressive."

Ladybug rolled her eyes, giving her own chuckle. "Oh I'm sure he'd love to hear that."

"Do you not agree?" he asked, keeping his tone playful but dying of curiosity. Was this wrong? Was this like spying?

Ladybug sighed, before humorously looking around as if checking for her partner. "Alright I agree with you, but don't ever tell him that. His heads big enough as it is."

Adrien smiled wide, so pleased with the compliment that he decided to overlook the jab. "I won't tell him I swear. Though I'm sure you're even better than he is."

She laughed at that, before shocking him and shaking her head. "I'd never tell him as much but if for some reason it came down to a fight between Cat and I we would be pretty even. I think I might win in the end, but that's honestly just thanks to our weapons not skill really. I like to tease him and tell him I'm much better but he's an excellent partner. Even if his jokes are terrible."

He was stunned, and elated. Did she really praise him like this when he wasn't around? So she did find him impressive! She just teased him and told him she didn't. His smile was infectious, causing Ladybug to break out into one of her own.

"It's cool to know you have a partner like Cat Noir watching your back," he attempted to cover himself, rubbing at his neck and chuckling nervously. "Getting to fight alongside you must be pretty great."

"When it's not dangerous," she added, taking another bit of meat and a small thing of cheese to go with it, "which it almost always is. But like you said Cat's got my back so don't worry about me."

"Is it hard? Being a hero?" he asked, not quite shyly but much quieter than his previous questions. He already knew the answer, his answer at least.

She considered it for a moment before nodding, thoughtfully draining her cup.

"Yeah," she said slowly, staring at the brown stained inside of the mug, "but it's still good. To be in a position where I can help people is something I've always wanted, the power to protect. I've always done my best, but as Ladybug there are definite advantages. So I deal with the hard parts, because ultimately it's worth it. Plus look! I've got hot chocolate and snacks out of it, so it's all good in my eyes."

He blinked at her for a second before bursting into laughter, and to her delight the last dredges of his unease around her seemed to melt away. She didn't want to talk about herself much but it was clear he was a fan of some sort, which was still a little overwhelming to her. She didn't look too far into it though, for sanity's sake. If Adrien was a Ladybug fanboy she wasn't sure her heart could take it.

"What about you?" she asked once his laughter had died down a bit, "is it hard being a famous model like yourself?"

Adrien blushed, jolting slightly in his seat as he stammered, "You know about that!?"

Oops.

"Of course!" she rushed to reply, trying to seem casual. "You're famous, like I said. Not to mention my line of work takes me all around Paris, I'm no stranger to your advertisements."

Adrien turned an even darker shade of red, the tall boy's shoulders turning in and his eyes darting away towards the windows.

"O-oh wow haha... that's sort of embarrassing."

Ladybug tilted her head, not really sure why that would embarrass him, a smirk forming when she wondered if she could get him to blush for a different reason.

"Don't be shy Adrien, I've always found your ads very flattering."

Her comment worked exactly as planned, and she had to contain her excited squeal when his eyes shot to hers, wide and shocked.

"U-uh I- t-thank you wow," he barely had the brain cognition to speak, his heart trying to hammer its way out of his chest when she giggled at his reaction.

She could make him blush. Adrien. And freeze up and stutter just like her! Ha! He wasn't the only one with power.

Did... did he really find her attractive? If he did wouldn't that mean that... in all likelihood, he was also attracted to Marinette? It couldn't just be the superhero appeal... but her heart sank when she realized that was actually very possible.

Still, there was that hope. Maybe he... he had blushed a few times when they were together as civilians but maybe that was just embarrassment or awkwardness but...

She still had hope that maybe he did think she was pretty or attractive or what have you.

It was enough to fill her with confidence.

After Adrien had recovered somewhat they spent another hour or so chatting casually, occasionally cracking jokes or just discussing news about the city or something else non-committal and vague, just enjoying each other's company. However she could not stay forever, and even though she was not using her powers, Tikki eventually needed a break.

A pang of guilt stabbed at her heart when her earrings beeped, breaking the flow of conversation. Adrien's eyes immediately flashed to her ear lobes, and his face fell, that sadness and loneliness from before finally starting to creep back into place.

"I'm so sorry Adrien... I've got to go."

His gaze drifted to her eyes and he saw the honest regret in them, not wanting to leave him alone, but he didn't want her to worry about him. He didn't want to see regret in her, ever.

"It's okay!" he spoke up, putting cheer in his voice. "I understand, I knew you wouldn't be able to stay forever. Just... thank you so much for coming by. Just getting to hang out and talk like friends was... thanks."

She smiled, standing up along with him as they said their goodbyes.

"Of course Adrien, we are friends."

The smile he gave her was one she seared into her memory, an emotion like pure gratefulness on his face. That earnest kind sweet boy who had captured her heart pouring out of his smile like sunshine and making her heart skip.

This time, it was Adrien who instigated the hug. He pulled her close, and as she took in the strength of his arms surrounding her she was suddenly relieved to be on her way. With such close contact, charged with familiarity and happiness, her façade of calm was finally starting to slip. However she did not falter, and did not hesitate to hug him back.

"Goodbye miss," he said with one last grin, something about it comforting and bringing forth again that very Cat Noir feeling. It made her smile, knowing that she was indeed finding that same kind of closeness in Adrien like she had hoped for not but one day prior.

"Goodbye Adrien, take care okay?"

"I will, stay safe."

Adrien waited by the open window for a while watching her vanish into the now darkening day, obscured by rain almost instantly when she leapt into the storm. The splash of the rain cooled him but he found it refreshing, something to take the almost overwhelming heat he got just from being near her from his skin. She was like fire, standing in the middle of the room. Impossible not to notice, powerful, and bright.

Not to mention hot he tacked on with rather little class, making himself giggle before he flipped around dramatically to slide down the wall.

"About time she left!" Plagg spoke up, appearing from his closet in a huff and making his way to the bathroom. "What did you throw all my cheese in the sink for!?"

"Sorry, I panicked," came Adrien's dazed reply, unbelievably happy.

Being near her was so amazing, but being near her as Adrien was...

It felt good. It felt friendly. To have his lady care and check on him, to have her hold and comfort him... it was like a dream, but not quite like he had imagined. Not in a bad way it was... it was fantastic, just different. It was... reassuring. She cared about Adrien, asked questions about him, talked about his interests and talents and honestly listened. He knew all the information given was rather one sided but it still felt good. In a way she was still reserved and distant, not able to fully engage because of that damn mask... but she had given him what she could. However that feeling was there again, that feeling of a wall that even the closeness they had just shared couldn't beat down. She was right there... standing in his room, laughing and joking and it still felt so damn far. She still felt like such an idea. This idea of perfect love that was unattainable, like she wasn't real... even when she was right there. Even when he had been holding her, even when he could remember perfectly the way her arms felt around him. His heart was overflowing with such real powerful love that felt like it had nowhere to go... and it was so confusing.

His head dropped against his knees and he took a deep breathe, his thoughts returning to another girl who had shown him great kindness.

Marinette was... but Ladybug... they both...

His lucky charms...

Why did this have to be so confusing?

Why couldn't he just have both...?

---

Marinette lay on her bed, her wet hair soaking her pillows but she didn't care. She was too distracted, a thousand words and feelings fighting for attention in her head. She giggled and laughed, wrapping herself up in her own arms and rolling back and forth while her happiness bubbled up and over. That's what it was like being near Adrien, making him smile and blush and laugh. This feeling... that's what it was like.

She wouldn't trade it for anything.

When she fell asleep that night she dreamt again of her kiss in the rain, standing in the road calling his name while the storm raged on. There were tears of happiness in her eyes when she heard him say her name in return, sprinting down the road towards her. As he got closer she reached out, and called his name again, but froze, something catching her eye on the rooftop nearby. What she saw made her freeze, and tears began to fall that held no happiness at all when she watched Cat Noir's heart break. His green eyes looked broken and in pain, and when she reached out to him she saw her arm clad in red with black spots and cringed at the gasp from Adrien, standing right in front of her looking betrayed.

I thought you would be happy her dream self said, her voice weak and pathetic. Adrien took a step away from her, shaking his head as he gaped at her open mouthed.

Cat Noir was suddenly on the road, right next to Adrien, anger and hurt clear even under his mask.

What's so special about him Cat Noir hissed, that you would trust him with your secret and not me?

What's so special about you Adrien spat now that I know you're just Marinette?

Her dream-self backed up, wanting to go to them both but suddenly feeling like she couldn't. How could she possibly look Cat Noir in the eye when she knows he cares for her? How can she hope to be close to Adrien without revealing her secret? Would he hate her when she did?

Would Cat hate her if he knew she confided in someone else?

The scene shifted and changed and she was standing again in Adrien's room, his betrayal replaced with the memory of his nervous curiosity.

But like... that's got to be hard. No one knowing. I mean... out of everyone don't you think Cat Noir would be the most capable of protecting himself? H-he could be used against you anyways since he's your friend as Ladybug. What added risk is there?

She was back on the street, the rain chilling her even in this false reality.

The weight of her secret felt like it was crushing her, as the longer she deliberated the more the two boys drifted away, resenting her. She didn't want them to leave, she wanted them to stay with her. She wanted Marinette to be enough, why wasn't she enough... why... why wasn't she enough...

She felt a sob wrack her body but there was no sound, drowned out by the rain pounding against her. She collapsed, falling to her knees as Ladybug and refusing to look at either of them. She couldn't... she didn't know what to do.

'I think you're really amazing.'

It echoed, crystal clear through even the rain attempting to drown her. She felt a gloved hand press against her shoulder and it was hot compared to the cold that dominated her body. Its heat gave her the strength to look up, matching Cat Noir's gaze as he spoke words she could only just remember.

'I wouldn't be here if that wasn't true, s-so you can just stop thinking all that stuff right now cause its all wrong.'

He smiled at her, soft and comforting, but the words didn't seem quite right. She was remembering those words... but he wasn't the one who had said them.

Then why... why did it seem to match so completely?

She looked past Cat Noir and saw Adrien standing behind the crouched hero, the manufactured look of anger and pain gone.

They spoke, and it sounded the same, the two of them having the same voice as they spoke to her and said, 'Do you really think you could ever disappoint us? We're right here by your side, mask or not. Always.'

Miss? My Lady?

Marinette?

Her alarm woke her with a loud jarring sound, drilling through her dream and waking her with a start.

Marinette gripped the sheets and sat up quickly, her heart racing and tears on her face, gasping for breath.

She tried desperately to cling to the edges of her dream, the details and sentences blurring and fading as she became more and more awake. The turn of their heads the... what was it that her mind had been screaming at her? What was it... like she was trying to tell herself something but she wasn't listening. To her anger and frustration though it slipped away, forming something urgent just out of reach.

It was so important... something that changed everything.

What was it?

"Marinette, you should get ready."

She looked up at Tikki, who had turned off the alarm and was staring at her, her eyes ancient and gentle, saying nothing more.

"Yeah... thanks," she muttered, slowly sliding out of bed to head to the shower, leaving Tikki to watch her go.

The kwami sighed heavily, her heart aching for her charge. To stand by and let someone cry in their sleep... it was no easy task. But she had heard her, calling their names quietly and she knew she could not interfere. It was only a matter of time before her heart demanded to be heard, she needed to make it through on her own.

It wasn't too long into the hot shower that her unease eventually started to fade, her mind turning towards the day again and how it would be void of Adrien throughout the school day. She sighed, wondering what she could do this time to maybe make things a little better but came up blank. Her Ladybug excuse was used up and he would probably think she was a creep if she actually snuck up into his room herself, plus she had to make it through school first. So instead of anything else, she decided to just plan in her head what her first text to Adrien that day would be.

Maybe good morning? Or would that be weird? It would sort of betray the fact that he was the first thing she thought about when she woke up. Maybe she should wait until she was at school in her first class, but what would she say?

She turned off the water and stepped out, wrapping a towel around herself and drying off quickly once she heard her phone go off in her bedroom. Toweling roughly at her hair and slipping on the first set of clothes she could find she grabbed up her phone and unlocked it, squealing aloud when she saw the message.

A- 'Good morning Marinette.'

Tikki zipped over in a hurry, concerned at the screaming but stopped when she saw Marinette dancing with her phone in her hand, and sighed in relief.

"He texted me good morning TikkI!! Adrien! That must mean he thought of me when he woke up, OH MY GOSH Tikki what if he had a dream about me!?"