The elevator stops and they both get out and stop where they are when they see Adrien standing there a hopeful look on his face.

Marinette: NO! NO, NO! NO, NO, NO! GOD, DON'T DO THIS TO ME! I'M A GOOD LITTLE STUDENT! I GET STRAIGHT A'S! I TURN IN MY HOMEWORK! WHAT'S THIS KARMA FOR!?

Kacey: Señor, ten piedad de esta alma hermosa, inocente y extravagante.

(Lord, have mercy on this beautiful, innocent, extravagant soul.)

Marinette: You know Spanish?

Kacey: You...could say that, yes...

Adrien: Marinette, I-

Marinette: I want you to think about what words your gonna say and then speak. If I hear any bullshit, I'm gonna kick you so hard in your balls that your father will feel it!

He gulps and vigorously nods his head.

Adrien: I-I w-was w-wondering if you w-wanted to go to the f-fair with me t-tomorrow...?

Marinette: No. I've got plans.

Adrien: W-well how about the day after?

Marinette: I'm busy then too.

Adrien: How do you know!?

Marinette: Because I've got it down in my calendar already!

He scoffs and stomps toward the elevator and glares at Kacey while doing so.

Adrien: You will be mine, Marinette! This clown won't be able to protect you forever!

He smirks their way making Kacey stand protectively in front of them.

Kacey: If you try ANYTHING, your ass is toast!

Adrien: We'll see.

He leaves and Marinette stands their, chills going up and down their spine.

Marinette: I don't feel safe. I'm bouta try and file restraining orders!

Kacey: Don't worry, Bluebell! You've got me looking after you!

He puffs out his chest and starts flexing his arms.

Marinette: What are you doing?

Kacey: I'm flexing my impressive abilities!

Marinette: What in the hell are you hoping to accomplish here?

Kacey: I'm showing authority in hopes of...I don't know- but is it working?

They shake their head while chuckling.

Marinette: You look like a damn fool! Y-your face is turning blue!

He lets go of the air he was holding and starts trying to catch his breath.

Marinette: Are you ok!?

Kacey: It...It takes...a lot more...than that- *Wheeze* to take down...Kacey...Arcs- *Wheeze*

Marinette: Yeah, well, from here it look like; Air: 1 Kacey: 0.

Kacey: Hey!

He finally catches his breath and stand up straight.

Kacey: I'll have you know that I am a force to be reckoned with!

Marinette: Yeah, and that's why the air won, and you lost.

Kacey: The air-!

Marinette: Yeah, the air- hey!

He starts pulling them up some stairs to get to the top.

Marinette: You've gotta stop doing this.

Kacey: Nope!

Marinette: Where are we going?

Kacey: Up.

Marinette: Why?

Kacey: Because it's a surprise.

He pulls them so their walking ahead of him and covers their eyes.

Marinette: You're just WAITING to rip my arm off, aren't you?

Kacey: S-sorry!

Marinette: And why are you covering my eyes?

Kacey: Because then it wouldn't be a surprise.

Marinette: It only works like that if you told me, which I know you're not gonna do.

Kacey: Same thing, different ideas, princess.

Marinette: Cut that out already.

Kacey: You love it.

Marinette: You wish.

Kacey: You're in denial~

Marinette: You sound crazy~

Kacey: Whatever works for you, princess~

Marinette: *Sigh* This better be worth it, walking this slow is annoying.

Kacey: Don't blame me for YOUR clumsiness.

Marinette: You little-

Kacey: Last step. Be careful, beautiful~

Marinette: I'm gonna hit you.

Kacey: You won't do that~ you love me~

Marinette: Keep dreaming stupid, keep dreaming.

Kacey: I am and I'm trynna stay sleep for as long as possible! Stay right here and don't move. I gotta do one last thing.

Marinette: Alright?

He puts some flowers in a vase, plugs in some orange fairy lights, and sets up some chairs.

Kacey: Ok, you...can open your eyes now...

Marinette: Woah...h-how'd you-

Kacey: I got help from Jason to set everything up...you like it?

Marinette: Y-yeah, it's- it's amazing...

Kacey: Oh, I should probably give you these back, huh?

He pulls out the Ladybug earrings and gives them back to Marinette.

Marinette: Thanks!

They put on the earrings and Tikki flies around laughing.

Tikki: Hi Marinette! I missed you!

Marinette: I missed you too, Tikki! Where's Plagg?

Tikki: He's sleeping in Kacey's jacket!

She flies toward Kacey's jacket pocket and sees Plagg sleeping inside.

Tikki: PLAGG! THE BLUE HAIRED BOY HAS MORE CHEESE FOR YOU!

Plagg wakes up instantly and starts flying around looking for the "cheese".

Plagg: CHEESE!? WHERE!? WHERE!? I WANT THE-

He looks back at Tikki who is trying to stifle her laughter.

Plagg: There's no cheese is there?

Tikki: No, sorry! But look! Marinette's back!

Marinette: Hey, Plagg!

Plagg: Hi, Pigtails! Do I get the cheese though?

Kacey: Sure, little dude!

He pulls a container of Camembert and opens it.

Kacey: Here you go, and here's some cookies for you, Tikki.

Plagg: Marinette, I like this boy! He's better then the blonde one!

He takes his cheese wheel and Tikki takes her cookies.

Marinette: Because you get full cheese wheels, Plagg.

Plagg: You know that's why! I like you, Kacey!

Kacey: You're pretty cool for a little magic kitten.

Tikki gasps and flies behind Marinette and Plagg drops his cheese wheel.

Marinette: Oh dear...

Kacey: D-did I say something wrong?

Plagg: Little magic kitten?

Kacey: Y-yeah?

Plagg: I have the power of thousand year old gods and you dare compare me to a harmless mammal!?

Kacey: I-I'm sorry! It was a joke! I didn't mean anything by it!

He pulls three more cheese wheels from his bag and holds the in his quaking hands.

Kacey: W-will this make up for it?

Plagg: Make up for what? You've done nothing wrong! Nothing at all! Marinette, can we keep this one?

Marinette: Depends on if he wants the role.

Kacey: W-wait what!?

Marinette: If you...want...the role of my new partner?

Kacey: Are- are you serious? This isn't a joke? Aren't there rules!?

Marinette: Well...I am the guardian, and- and I technically make the rules now, so...whaddya say?

Plagg: Say yes! Say yes! 1. I like you, that's not something that's happened EVER.

2. You have the qualities of a true holder and you're better than Agreste anyway.

3. You get to protect Pigtails if you do~

Marinette: Plagg!

Kacey: Those ARE very good examples...

Marinette: Oh gracious!

Tikki: I feel like he only heard one of those.

Kacey: I'll do it on one condition!

Plagg: That is?

Kacey: You get 4 cheese wheels a day. No more, no less, no begging, no bargaining. Only 4.

Plagg: Sir, yes sir!

Kacey: I'll do it!

Plagg: YES!

Marinette: Awesome!

Tikki: Yay!

Plagg: Are these my 4 a day?

Kacey: Today you can have as much as you want, but after tonight your limit is 4 full wheels.

Plagg: I love this one, Marinette!

Tikki: Marinette, can we go fly around for a little while?

Plagg: Yeah, I wanna see Paris at night!

Marinette: Sure, why not?

Kacey: Just don't fly too far.

Plagg: Ok! C'mon, Sugar cube!

Tikki: I already told you to stop calling me that!

Plagg flies off laughing while Tikki flies behind him not far behind.

Kacey: Did you really have plans when you told blondie no?

Marinette: Oh God no! I just said that so I wouldn't have to go.

Kacey: So you lied?

Marinette: Nope! I curved the truth into a slight circle shape!

Kacey: Whatever helps you sleep at night.

Marinette: It's usually the satisfaction of knowing I'm one day closer to becoming queen shit.

Kacey: Mood.

He starts scrolling through a list of songs and starts playing Love Nwantiti.

Marinette: What are you doing?

Kacey: Dance with me?

Marinette: I can't dance though...

Kacey: Yes you can~

Marinette: N-no I-

Kacey: Dance with me, beautiful~

He pulls them close to him and start spinning around with them.

Kacey: See? You're a natural!

Marinette: Th-thanks...

Kacey: Awww~ You're so cute~

Marinette: I'm not cute...

Kacey: Yes you are!

Marinette: I-I'm not!

The song ends and they go sit in some of the chairs that are laying around.

Kacey: You are! Hey, wanna crack a few catch up ice breakers?

Marinette: Sure.

Kacey: What's one thing nobody knows about you?

Marinette: I wanted to be a fashion designer and have my own company, but now I think I'll be a self-defense instructor for little kids. They need protection too, y'know?

Kacey: That's really cool!

Marinette: What about you?

Kacey: Well...mine, Luke's and Jason's families are all originally from Spain- well, on our mom's side. Our dads are originally from Russia.

Marinette: That's so fucking cool! Do you know any Russian?

Kacey: No, but, I am in the process of learning it. What were you gonna ask me, earlier at the park?

Marinette: N-nothing important! J-just forget it, it's fine, really! I was j-just-

Kacey puts his hand on top of Marinette's and they look at him.

Kacey: If you wanna ask me something then ask. I'm here for you, and you can count on that.

Marinette: The- the u-uhm- C-can- The- the letter...what was that all about?

Kacey: I- *Sigh* I...

Marinette: Y-you don't gotta tell me, I just-

Kacey: N-No, i-it's not that! I-It's just- *Sigh* I was gonna ask you to stay...

Marinette: I...don't understand...

Kacey: I wanted you to stay with me...in the U.S. But...when it was time for you to leave I- I couldn't do it. You- you just looked so happy to finally go back home and- and I didn't wanna ruin that for you, so- s-so...

Marinette: So...you didn't show when it was time for us to board the plane...

Kacey: I-I'm sorry...I really, really wanted to say goodbye, b-but...I couldn't...I couldn't face you knowing that I'd be the reason that you'd go home unhappy. I just wanted to know if you would've wanted to stay with me.

He tries to hold back his tears, but some fall to his hands.

Marinette: Kacey...-

Kacey: It's selfish, I know that...Ever since I met you; life's seemed to get more than simple- it's been more fun...b-but when you left, it was like all that light was gone.

He holds Marinette's hand tighter when they lean closer to him.

Kacey: I- I can't imagine how you felt when I didn't show up to say goodbye, and I know it- it was selfish of me to not go because I didn't wanna see you go, but the more I think about it, the more I think you would've been better off not knowing me at all...

Marinette: That's not true-

Kacey: Yes, yes it is! It's not a matter of me feeling sorry for what I've done anymore, it's a matter of me not wanting you to be hurt by what'll happen!

Marinette: I don't understand, Kacey. Please...help me understand what's bothering you.

Kacey: [Voice Cracking] F-Fuck! It's- it's my mom...

Marinette: What happened?

Kacey: She doesn't really like you, she's only pretending for Clara. Remember when we went to that amusement park a year ago?

Marinette: The one with those cute little Cheetah plushies? Yeah, I remember. You blew all your money on that ball toss to win me one.

Kacey: Yeah, that's the one. Before I went home I stoped by the jewelry store, and when I did get home it was after 3 AM. My mom and dad were sitting in the kitchen waiting for me. I got the scolding of a lifetime from my mom that was like: "Hijo, ¿sabes lo preocupados que estábamos? ¡Pensé que estabas muerto! Si estabas con esa chica, ayúdame chico ..."

("Son , do you know how worried we were!? I thought you were dead! If you were out with that girl, so help me boy...")

He takes a few deep breathes before continuing.

Kacey: Long story short, she accused you of being a gold digger and called you...some names I'm not comfortable discussing. My dad on the other hand wasn't mad, he was actually pretty chill about the whole thing. The only thing he was mad about was that I didn't tell him I got a well paying job.

He chuckles remembering the playful argument he had with his father.

Kacey: If I hadn't stopped at the jewelery store, I would've gotten hope sooner, and if I'd have gotten home sooner...she wouldn't hate you, and- and everything would be perfect...

He breathes in and out for a few minutes trying to make sure another akumatization doesn't happen.

Marinette: So...that's what's been bugging you this entire time?

Kacey: Y-yeah, p-pretty much...

Marinette takes her other hand and wipes the tears from Kacey's face.

Marinette: It's ok, really-

Kacey: N-No, it's not! Everyone adores you- my dad thinks you're a great person and Clara loves having an honorary older sister! I just don't see why my mom doesn't like you...I don't want Clara to hate you because of her!

Marinette: Well...I learned early on that not everyone is going to like you, and sometimes you just don't know why, so you have to deal with it. Life...is unpredictable and sometimes even the best of us have people who hate us for no reason, but...it won't be so bad, because I have you with me.

Kacey: Y-yeah, that's right! A-and whatever happens...I want you to know that I really, really care about you.

Marinette: M-me too...but why did you go to the jewelry store?

Kacey: I wanted to get something...for you...I've had it all this time, so I thought now would be a good time to give it to you.

He pulls out a box wrapped up in sky-blue cloud printed wrapping paper and sets it in front of Marinette, who just looks unsure.

Kacey: It's for you. Go ahead and open it.

Marinette: Ok...

She opens the gift and is shocked by what's inside.

Marinette: Oh my gosh! W-where'd you get the money for these? How much were these? I-I can pay it back-

Kacey: You don't have to, it's alright, really.

Marinette: A-are you sure? I-I can make you an outfit o-or make you some cakes or-

Kacey: Just put them on already...please?

Marinette: O-ok...

They put the ring and necklace on and look at the ring on Kacey's finger.

Marinette: Hey, look, we match!

He looks at his ring and necklace and see that they're almost identical to the ones he got her.

Kacey: Y-yeah, I guess we do. You never answered my question, would you have wanted to stay?

Marinette: Yeah, I would've loved to stay, but-

Kacey: If Hawkmoth sent out any Akumas you couldn't have had any way of knowing...

Marinette: Yeah...and me being the klutzy mess that I am didn't even think about bringing the Miracle box with me. Stupid right?

Kacey: Not stupid, poorly played out, yeah, but not stupid.

Marinette: Wow, thanks Kacey.

Kacey: Sorry! We should start heading back now, it's getting dark, and by the looks of it it's gonna start raining.

Marinette: Ok, I'm wondering how they split up the living arrangements.

Kacey gets up first and helps Marinette to their feet.

Kacey: Let's hurry before it starts raining.

Marinette: But what about Tikki and-

Tikki and Plagg come flying back circling Kacey before landing on top of his head.

Plagg: I won, Sugarcube!

Tikki: You did not, I did!

Plagg: No way, I totally landed first!

Tikki: Nu uh! I did!

Marinette: How about we just call it a tie?

Kacey: Yeah, then you both get a share of victory.

Plagg: Hmmm...Fine, I guess we can do that!

Tikki: Yeah, ok!

Marinette: Now, let's get back to the hotel before-

A loud bang of thunder strikes and it starts pouring before they even have a chance to move.

Kacey: Looks like we're running back!

Marinette: Yeah, no shit!

Kacey: Language, Miss Missy!

Marinette: You're one to talk.

Kacey: Fair enough, now let's go before we get soaked.

Marinette: Right!

They both pull their hoods up, grab their bags and start running back to the hotel. Getting completely drenched while doing so. When they reach the hotel they go through the doors and the water gets tracked inside.

Marinette: That was very unpleasant.

Kacey: I know. Plus we're gonna be smelling like wet dogs- ugh!

Marinette: Honestly disgusting.

They take their shoes off and start taking the elevator to the 11th floor where they are staying.

Plagg: Why do I get a feeling something's gonna happen?

Tikki: I don't know, but it's probably nothing.

The elevator is now at the 9th floor when Plagg's feeling gets worse.

Kacey: I'd go with my gut and be prepared for whatever happens because-

The elevator stops abruptly making the two fall to the floor. The only sounds being their breathing and the sound of the cables possibly getting ready to snap.

Kacey: Are you ok, Bluebell?

Marinette: I'm good- petrified for dear life, but good nonetheless.

Kacey carefully gets up and tries the emergency button, but it doesn't work.

Marinette: What now?

Kacey: I-I don't know...

He crawls back over to Marinette is and sits against the wall.

Tikki: We can go try and get help!

Plagg: Yeah, just hang tight!