#mlauyeahaugust2020

my heart’s in overdrive, and, you’re behind the steering wheel.

tumblr month: @auyeahaugust

links: ao3 | ff.net

EVERYONE expects his answer to be Ladybug.

Because it's always Ladybug. The savior of Paris. The one who can undo all the damage. The one who always brings hope wherever she goes. The face of the superhero movement. (One can argue that Chat Noir is equally as important, and he definitely believes it to be true, but the question, in the end, is who his superhero crush is— and as far as Adrien's concerned, he can't have a crush on himself.

Though the apparent adrichat shippers beg to differ.)

In any case, Ladybug's not the answer.

Only one girl has his heart, really, and it's by sheer luck that she happens to be a superhero— and an even bigger bout of luck when he finds out about it. So the answer flows out of his tongue without so much as a thought:

"Multimouse."

Nadja Chamack is, understandably, caught off-guard. (In reality, she had come into this interview hoping to find some truth to the fact that two of Paris' biggest idols were in love with each other)— but this seemed to be a lot more interesting.

"She's… the one who helped Chat Noir and Ladybug with Kwamibuster, right?"

"Yeah!" Adrien's eyes almost sparkle as he talks about her. "She's the only reason why we— all of Paris, I mean, managed to defeat her then! Ladybug and Chat Noir would've been in real trouble if she wasn't there to save the day. And she's so cool like Multimouse has the power to become tiny, and when she used her power it was so adorable and amazing and wonderful—!"

"A Multimouse fanboy, then?" Nadja asks, an amused smile playing on her face. "I'm sure a lot of our viewers are surprised. They, and even I thought you'd choose Ladybug. What makes Multimouse so unique?"

Because it's her. Because it's the girl he's so desparately in love with. Because it's Marinette Dupain-Cheng.

(Not like he can say that, of course.)

"I do love Ladybug," Adrien begins. "She's a hero and I look up to her sense of duty and professionalism in saving Paris." Then, a pause. "But I admire Ma—Multimouse. She was thrown into the superhero role so suddenly, in a situation as high-stakes as back then, and managed to do perfectly." He looks down and smiles. "And… she's cute."

(Oops, now that wasn't meant to slip out.)

Nadja's look of victory at receiving— and being responsible for breaking the news of Adrien Agreste's Crush is clear. "Well, she does sound like quite a hero when you describe her like that. It's a shame that she hasn't showed up so much."

"You're right," Adrien mutters, and the disappointment in his tone is evident. "But I trust in Ladybug… and Chat Noir's judgment. If they need her, then she'll appear again."

"For the sake of your crush, let's hope so!"

Adrien splutters. "Wait, Ms. Chamack, this isn't a crush, it's just admiration from a purely superhero-civilian perspective…"

She turns to the video camera. "Young love is sweet, isn't it? For Adrien, let's all wish that Multimouse shows up again soon! Ladybug and Chat Noir, maybe you'd be interested in lending a hand?"

The show comes to a close with Adrien beet-red and almost desparately coveting her face.

.

.

Marinette is exhausted.

Which is saying a lot, because she's already exhausted on a regular day— from balancing her studies, being a class representative, fashion designing, helping at the bakery, and of course, being Ladybug, but this brought everything to an entirely new level.

Because now, not only did she have to run around Paris in one full-body suit, but with Adrien's apparent declaration of love on national television— and multiple angrily-worded 'why do you hate love / Multimouse / Adrien Agreste' letters to her superhero persona after— Marinette was now made to run around using two.

Ladybug with an akuma, Multimouse when patrolling. And also Ladybug when patrolling. And sometimes Multimouse with an akuma.

Just to keep everyone in Paris happy. (And non-suspicious, really.)

All because of that damned interview.

She has to stop herself from yelling a string of not-so-kind words into the sky.

Marinette likes Adrien. She really does.

He's a good friend, and after that whole misunderstanding with Chloé and the gum, basically cemented himself as an all-around good person. He's given her more homework help, fashion advice, and general pep talks than she could ever count.

But Marinette doesn't like like him.

(And maybe she would, in an alternate universe— he's kind, sweet, handsome, and all of Paris is quite frankly in love with him, but her heart belongs completely to someone else.)

So a sudden reveal that he has a crush on her superhero persona… and not even her primary one, doesn't really bother her as much as it could.

Besides, as far as she was concerned, Adrien had never interacted with Multimouse. She wonders how he could've gotten all those thoughts about her in his head, but decides it's just one of his stranger quirks and leaves it aside.

It's probably infatuation with a superhero. Nothing new, really. (She's experienced fans claiming they 'loved' her when all they truly felt was admiration. Nothing less, and honestly, nothing more.)

Marinette knows what true love is.

She knows it so clearly that when it comes jumping from the buildings, rooftop to rooftop, her heart threatens to beat out of her chest and follow him.

He lands on the empty balcony with ease.

"Why so glum, bugaboo?" Adrien asks. "You look exhausted. Didn't get enough rest last night?"

Marinette wants to scream. They're supposed to be patrolling tonight; alternating between Ladybug and Chat Noir, then Multimouse and Chat Noir, then Ladybug and Multimouse— a plan which, on paper, sounds perfect.

But in this case, Marinette's both, she's Ladybug and Multimouse (and herself at every other point of the day), and therefore hasn't had any sleep at all.

It's tiring, but seeing Chat Noir, she finds, makes her feel a lot better.

"Had some things to do… in the real world," she mumbles instead, lazily leaning upon the railing. "How was it yesterday?" Marinette asks, opting to change topics. "Multimouse said you're working well together."

Chat Noir almost beams when the words escape her mouth.

(Marinette vaguely wonders if it's possible to be jealous of herself.)

"Really?" He asks, eyes bright. "She said that? I've honestly been so worried about whether or not I've been making her uncomfortable… she doesn't talk a lot, which I think is a shame, because I'm sure she has a ton of interesting stories…"

"Hey," Marinette stops him. "Remember that Multimouse has to keep her identity secret. She can't risk giving any information that might lead back to her civilian self. She's new to this, so it's only right that she's more careful than we are."

It's strange, talking about herself like this.

"You're right," he sighs, before turning to her. "Hey… can I tell you a secret?"

Marinette frowns. What could this be?

"I actually know who Multimouse is," he finally confesses. "I know it's Marinette."

Well, she already knew that. She was the one responsible for him making that realization, after all.

But what gets her is how comfortable he is saying her name— when really, all he should know is Ladybug and Multimouse.

"So you saw her detransform, huh?" Marinette asks, looking up to the sky. "I hope you'll keep it secret."

"Of course I will!" Chat Noir protests, then takes a deep breath. "I'm glad you trusted her. She's a good person."

Now how does he know that?

"I mean—," he stumbles over his words. "From what I've heard! From her friends… and online posts… and stuff… I've definitely never met her before!"

Liar.

Why is he so terrible at lying?

Because that's something she knows now. That Chat Noir knows her. That he knows Marinette. So to some extent, she knows him.

Which means that there's a very large possibility that Marinette has spoken to Chat Noir. That Marinette has interacted with Chat Noir. That Marinette is maybe even friends with Chat Noir. And that for all her talk about being in love with him, she doesn't recognize him at all.

"... Ladybug?"

"How do you know Marinette?"

The question escapes her tongue before she can stop it. It's a dangerous question, one that can ruin their secret identities completely, but she can't help doing so.

She needs to know.

He's evidently panicking. Marinette watches him with a steady gaze, even though she's all but in complete chaos on the inside.

"I'm kinda maybe in love with her."

Well.

She wasn't expecting that at all.

"You… love…," the words aren't registering, and she's struggling to get a single word out.

He sighs. "Yeah, cat's out of the bag now? I know her a bit in real life. She's just so kind and talented and cute… it's impossible not to fall in love with her. That's why I was so excited when you started recruiting Multimouse again— and why I've been so insistent on having her on patrols with me."

Wait.

"But it's okay! I'll never tell her that we actually know each other. Cat's honour!" Chat Noir smiles at her, acting as if there was nothing at all wrong in the world. "And don't worry, everyone I know has or had a crush on Marinette at some point. I'm one-in-a-million, so I don't think this'll narrow your search on me by that much…," he begins, "as long as you don't look."

Except she's looking. Even against her will, Marinette's mind speeds through everyone she knows that has a similar build to his.

Blonde hair, green eyes, about her size…

Only one person fits that bill.

The word escapes her mouth before she can stop it.

"Adrien?"

"... okay, so maybe I messed up."

"So you're the reason I haven't been sleeping?"

"Well I mean, I'm flattered…"

Marinette gets the situation she's in quickly. Adrien, however, takes a little bit longer.

"I meant for patrolling you absolute zero-braincelled—

"Patrolling? Ladybug, what do you mean…"

"Hhh. Think about it for a second."

"Ladybug…"

"You can do it."

"… you're Multimouse?"

"And…"

"And that means…"

"Come on now."

.

.

cause lately i don't even know, what page you're on.

tumblr month: @auyeahaugust

links: ao3 | ff.net

THE first thing Marinette thinks as she pulls out the notebook is, that doesn't belong there.

And she's right— she knows Fu's Bookstore in and out; it's been her favorite place starting from when she discovered it in high school, and Marinette's practically lived there ever since.

(It's come to a point that some customers have assumed she's worked there, asking her questions as if she were an employee. Marinette still answers them even if she's not, just for the simple reason that she can.

Mister Fu doesn't mind either, assuring her that he loves the company and spirit she brings to the business.)

So Marinette always makes it a point to help whenever she can; her own personal way of saying thank you for providing her with a second home.

Today, she's organizing the books and placing them on their proper shelves.

It only takes a moment for her to notice the out-of-place and bright red notebook peeking out from the selection for Books About Superheroes.

"Weird," she quietly mutters to herself, wondering if someone had left it behind by mistake.

(But in case it was, then why would they shelf it, of all things?)

Curiously, Marinette opens the notebook.

On the first page, written in almost perfect handwriting:

'Up for making a new friend?

If yes, turn the page and write something!

I think that together, we'll be meowvelous.'

On the bottom is a drawing of an all-too-familiar catlike superhero, but was depicted so poorly that she almost couldn't identify it at all.

Marinette sighs.

Okay then. Guess she'll be writing something after all.

.

.

Adrien almost trips as he runs to the bookstore.

Maybe today. Maybe today someone actually replied!

He sneakily makes his way to the shelf, carefully watching to ensure that nobody's looking behind him. Adrien wraps the black jacket closer to his body in an attempt to hide himself.

Then, he opens the notebook.

First, he thinks with complete joy that, someone read it! This actually worked! He'll have a new best friend like in those coming-of-age movies and—

He flips to the next page.

'Please don't use the bookstore for your antics and jokes. I'll leave the notebook here for you to take back.

And Chat Noir, really? We all know the superior hero, and it's not him.'

Drawn below is an extremely intricate drawing of Ladybug, the superheroine of the Miraculous comic, arms out and holding her token yo-yo.

The sketch is so perfect that Adrien's tempted to rip the paper off and keep it for himself.

Instead, however, he decides to write back.

.

.

'Hey, it's not like I hate Ladybug, but we have to give Chat Noir some credit too! His puns are purrfect; absolute comedy gold.

But I love your drawing! Are you an art major?'

'His puns aren't all that clever. And you're not that great either, come to think of it. Maybe you could learn from Ladybug and start speaking more seriously?

And not an art major, but I'm in fashion design. I just like sketching in my free time. You, on the other hand? You could do with some practice. :-)'

'Then, teach me maybe?'

'Believe me, we're going to need a lot more notebooks if you want that to happen.'

.

.

Marinette doesn't know what makes her keep replying.

Maybe she doesn't want to lose a possible customer. Maybe the boredom of summer was finally getting to her. Maybe it's the fact that she pitied him because of his poor drawing skills and pure lack of taste in choosing superheroes.

Or maybe— maybe it's because she wants to know more about the strangely-optimistic and overly-friendly mysterious boy hiding behind the notebook's cover.

They continue their writing exchange for months.

(And have consequently gone through their fifth notebook to date. She figures that if they didn't doodle as much, they'd probably end up wasting much less paper.

But then again, Marinette does like seeing his awkward drawings decorate the pages.)

.

.

Their first argument over paper starts when Bookstore Stranger uses two whole pages to draw Ladybug and Chat Noir— sharing a kiss.

She doesn't even compliment him on the drawing.

'WHY ARE THEY KISSING?'

'Why not? I think they're in love! :'

'No, they're just partners by profession. A romantic relationship ruins their whole dynamic!'

'Well, I don't think that's true… if anything, that'd make their relationship that much stronger.'

'They don't even know each other beyond their masks! They can't possibly love each other without knowing their true identities.'

'So what? We don't know each other's real names.'

'Yeah, and we're not dating. Your point?'

The message doesn't come in the next day like it always does.

In fact, it doesn't come at all.

.

.

Marinette stops by the bookstore every morning.

Then every afternoon.

And even when it's closing time.

She arrives with a hopeful smile, then leaves feeling dejected and upset.

Maybe even angry.

Mister Fu asks her what's wrong.

"I found a stray kitty, and I think he ran away."

.

.

It's two weeks when she finally decides to get over it.

Marinette takes the notebook, a poorly-written #5 on its cover, and decides to throw it away.

She's two steps away from the trash can when she realizes that she can't get rid of it at all.

.

.

A month later, Marinette's taken a job at Fu's Bookstore.

It's a lazy Sunday, and she leans her head on the desk in front of her— eyes almost closing from how quiet it is.

Until the jingle of the door opening effectively wakes her up from her nap.

She rubs her eyes as the stranger walks up to her.

"Hi, I'm looking for this specific book and I just can't find it where I used to, so…"

"Okay, let me help you out," Marinette remarks, before turning to the desktop. "What's the title?"

"I actually don't know…"

She raises an eyebrow, then nods along. (Sure, she's gotten customers like this before.) "Can you describe what the contents are like, then? Or the design of the cover?"

"It's filled with sketches and some nonsense…"

"Nonsense?" Marinette wrinkles her nose. What a cruel way to describe a book someone's worked so hard on.

"I mean—! It's nonsense to everyone else, but not to me. And hopefully not to her either…"

Now, this is dragging on longer than it should.

"Then just describe the cover, please."

He brightens up. "Yeah! It's this bright red book; notebook, really, with the #5 on it? I know it should be around here somewhere, and I need to find it, I need to find a way to connect with her again…"

"..."

"See, I know it's not a real book, and I'm sorry I just snuck it here, but it's so important to me and…"

Marinette mutters unintelligibly.

"Sorry, I couldn't hear…"

She says it again.

"Can you repeat that?"

A third attempt.

"Please, just one more time—"

Visibly irritated, Marinette grabs a book from under her desk and places it in front of him. The number almost gleams as it's exposed to the light.

"That's exactly it! Thank you—"

"You can't have this."

"What?"

"It's my property."

"Look, I know I kept it in your library but…"

"No. We worked on it together, and you got to keep the last four so it's my turn."

"But—

Wait."

He looks up at her, eyes widening in surprise.

"Ladybug?"

i just wanna keep on waiting, underneath the mistletoe.

tumblr month: @auyeahaugust

links: ao3 | ff.net

LADYBUG is the only one he's excited to see again.

It's understandable though, since he hadn't wanted to go to the Christmas party in the first place. As his father was busy planning for his trip abroad, it had fallen upon Adrien to spend time and speak with adults who really only cared about him because of his family's wealth and stature.

They're all sickly-sweet and overly-kind to him, though it's intensely clear that if he were anything other than an Agreste, they'd never even give him the time of day.

(It's exhausting to spend time with people who don't even really see you, after all.)

The last straw, however, is when he speaks with a particularly snooty lady who corners him to talk about fashion. The conversation is halfway decent, until she brings up the feathered hat in Gabriel Agreste's newest collection— one she says is, verbatim, "the worst thing she's ever seen featured in a runway," and that "it was clear a high schooler was the one who made it."

Adrien surprises both himself and the lady when he answers back.

"Actually," he starts. "That hat is an inspired and unique work that even my father was in awe of. She may only be a high schooler, but her sense of fashion and style has grown so far past that." Adrien looks at his conversational partner's outfit, then pauses. "And that's one thing about her that… not everyone can say about themselves."

The woman splutters, mutters a few words about disrespect and how his father will hear about this, as she almost stomps away from him.

It's weird that he doesn't feel that bad about it.

"You're going to get in so much trouble for that," someone suddenly speaks up, hands haughtily folded in front of her chest. Beside her is another girl, who stands much more calmly but holds the same level of intimidation.

"That was in poor character for you Adrien," she steps in, eyes still the slightest bit wider from surprise. "I had never expected such behavior to come from you," she continues, then slightly tilts her head to her partner. "I mean, I'd expect it from Chloé, but I thought you'd be able to control yourself better."

Ignoring the indignant 'hey!' from the blonde, Kagami looks at him in worry. "What did she say to you?"

"Just… she said something wrong," he finally replies. "And I corrected her."

"We're not here to correct people, Adrikins," Chloé points out. "We're here to listen and agree and make sure they still want to work with our parents."

Adrien sighs. She's right.

"It's not too late to apologize," Kagami says. "We cannot be any less than the perfect children anyone expects of us."

A brief silence encompasses the three, as the weight of the words crush upon them. It isn't easy being in their position; to always have to watch their behavior, growing up quickly in the elite circles of high society. It's strict and limiting, and Adrien can't imagine not having Chat Noir to let him freely express and be his true self.

He misses staying inside the suit more than he does outside of it.

Or maybe he just misses the girl he sees when he's in the feline's costume.

He knows what she'd do if she were in his position.

"I stand by what I said," Adrien finally says, somewhat determined. "She said something bad about a friend, and I'm not sorry for protecting her." He pauses, then adds as an afterthought: "It's what she would do."

Kagami looks shocked, but nods slowly. "An honorable choice."

"You're going to regret it," Chloé only says, though he can see the hint of a smile on her face. "But I think your superhero crush would be proud of you for doing it."

As if perfectly on cue, an all-too-familiar figure steps through the entrances of the hallway.

Dressed in her token red suit and mask, Ladybug comes in, an awkward (but bright) smile on her face.

She looks absolutely beautiful tonight.

(But she always looks beautiful to him— so nothing's really new.)

"Are you a witch or something?" Kagami whispers under her breath. "Your timing is impeccable."

"I have my Ladybug radar on at all times."

"What about your Ryuuko radar?"

Chloé scoffs, then smiles softly. "Is that even a question?"

At that, the two sneak off, likely to some empty hallway to have time for themselves.

Adrien doesn't mind, watching with awe as Ladybug kindly greets all the guests at the party.

(He thanks the lucky stars that Ladybug had accepted Mayor Bourgeois' invitation, even if she only plans on stopping by briefly.)

They gravitate toward each other, as Adrien is the first to spark conversation.

"It's great you're here Ladybug," he says, almost flustered. "I'm a great fan of yours."

"I'm a great fan of yours too— I mean, you're a model! Right? I've seen you on billboards and stuff… you know, while I'm going around and saving Paris!"

The fact that Ladybug, of all people, is a fan of his civilian self brings Adrien a rush of joy that he never thought possible.

"You have no idea how much you being a fan of mine means to me."

"Believe me, I feel the same way."

They smile at each other, and enter into pleasant conversation.

She's definitely Adrien's favorite conversational partner by far.

They spend a good hour or so simply talking to each other (much to the envy of the other guests), and Adrien feels as if he's on cloud nine.

It's only when they walk to the beverage table that they are interrupted, as Ladybug accidentally bumps into a vase of greenery, consequently getting some of it in her hair.

Adrien leans in to help her, only belatedly noticing how closely they're standing together as whispers seem to surround the two of them.

Then:

"Mistletoe!" Someone suddenly chants, pointing enthusiastically at the two of them.

The rest of the crowd joins in, as Ladybug panickedly waves her hands to say 'no'— though it only serves to intensify the situation. He picks at the red berry upon her head, then smiles softly.

"May I, milady?"

She looks at him with wide-eyed surprise, then nods slowly.

Her eyes close, visibly nervous.

And Adrien presses a kiss to her forehead, before picking out the plant in her hair.

He shows it to the rest of the guests, then smiles. "This is actually holly, not mistletoe." Adrien looks almost mischievous, as they dissipate in disappointment.

"Wait… if you knew it was mistletoe, then why did you kiss me?"

He shrugs, the teasing grin still on his face.

"Maybe I just wanted to."

.

.

love at first sight's for suckers, at least it used to be.

tumblr month: @auyeahaugust

links: ao3 | ff.net

THE first time Adrien walks into Marinette's shop, she falls in love. And it's in that split moment she realizes something is wrong.

His smile makes her heart soar, the blush coming up to dust her face completely unprompted. She feels herself become giddy with emotion at seeing him face-to-face, but all Marinette can really think about is one thing:

'Wow, that's an extremely potent spell'.

"Someone put a curse on you for love, then?"

The look of relief on his face makes her pause. She's surprised by how strongly her heart's beating at his change in expression, not having reacted so strongly to a curse before.

(Which is saying a lot, considering that Marinette regularly deals with cursed magical items and people on a daily basis. Love spells are nothing new, but it's definitely the first time she's encountered something that's affected her so intensely.)

"Yes," he breathes. "Some young maiden had ambushed me a few days ago and cast a spell upon me, saying something about an unrequited love…"

Marinette laughs softly, before walking over to her shelves to retrieve the necessary items to undo the curse. "As they say, hell hath no fury like a woman scorned; especially in matters of the heart." She carefully picks out a few vials and herbs, before setting them down on the table.

"I never meant to scorn her…," he says, looking down, visibly bothered by the reality that he had hurt someone. Marinette finds it adorable.

Because of the love spell, of course.

"I simply didn't want to lead her on with false hopes of romance." He pauses. "I want to pursue a relationship with someone I truly love."

"Maybe I could be that person."

They both look up. Marinette; the more surprised between the two of them.

"Sorry, the curse is rather powerful. Forgive my boldness."

He looks caught off-guard, and she'd daresay claim that his cheeks were turning somewhat red as well. Adorable.

"I, uh," he nervously adjusts his collar, then coughs into his hand. "Of course. This curse is quite a handful to deal with. Do you have customers, uh, like me, that often?"

Marinette hums. "Mhm. Love spells are quite common these days," she muses, before beginning to put the ingredients into a large pot. "Especially with the Festival of Saint Valentine coming soon. Many novice witches and sorcerers chanting spells they have absolutely no business handling, and for such selfish reasons... ," she pauses thoughtfully. "It's no wonder their spells go awry."

"Is that what happened to me?"

She nods. "The young maiden who cursed you likely wanted you to fall in love with her— though it did backfire to have everyone fall for you instead. Had she done the spell correctly, fixing this wouldn't be so easy." Marinette notices her customer shudder, then laughs lightly. "Not to worry, even the most experienced mages have difficulty conjuring such a curse." She stares at him directly, a hint of a smile teasing the edge of her lips as a heart-shaped puff of smoke escapes her concoction.

"Love is the most powerful magic in the world, after all."

He looks absolutely flustered.

Putting the potion into a small container, Marinette hands it over to him. "Drink this before you go to bed, and the spell should wear off by the time you wake up the next day.

"... thank you." He starts, handing her a few gold coins before turning back to the exit.

Something in Marinette's veins— the effects of the spell, maybe (but it feels much deeper than that), tells her to call after him.

"Not to be so forward, but I would appreciate knowing the name of the man I've fallen in love with."

She can see him almost drop the vial.

He turns back, a graceful flush of red taking over his features.

"I, uhm, I'm—!" He looks absolutely mortified, but manages to stutter the words out. "Adrien. I'm Adrien. I'm a visitor from the neighboring kingdom, because I've been told of your mastery with curse-breaking…"

"So you went all the way to our kingdom for me? I'm flattered."

"Well…!"

Marinette's laughing, face bright.

"It's great to meet you, Adrien. I do hope that you visit again, though hopefully without a curse this time around." She doesn't know what makes her do it, because in any other circumstances she absolutely wouldn't, but Marinette winks. "I would like to fall for you properly, the next time around."

He's entirely speechless by the time she's done talking, only nervously muttering incoherently as he makes over-the-top gestures with his hands.

Cute.

Adrien bumps into the door on his way out.

"I, uh, ah, uhm… thanks a lot, then, bye!"

.

.

When Marinette wakes up in the morning, her first realization is that she's experiencing a pretty severe bout of complete and absolute embarrassment.

Memories of her so openly flirting with a man, much less one that she had only just met, begins haunts every crevice of her mind. She's not that bold? She's not the forward type, especially when it comes to romance? How strong was that damned love spell, to drastically change her character like that?!

And to experience a complete three-sixty in personality because of a man? (No matter how adorable and borderline-perfect that man may be…)

Marinette's second, and admittedly belated, realization is that her head remains to be full of thoughts of Adrien Agreste.

Specifically, thoughts of meeting him again as they both run away into the sunset together.

Even the mere thought of him makes her face explode into a shade of crimson she never thought possible to bloom on a human.

So he forgot to take the potion, then.

If she's still in love with him, after all, then it must mean the curse is still active.

It's the only logical reason, after all.

Why else would she continue to think about him?

Oh well, maybe he'll remember again tomorrow.

(And maybe the panic over his thoughts of her will disappear, too.)

But when another day passes, then a week, then two, without any change in her feelings…

Marinette makes another, albeit much more panicked, realization that maybe he had taken the vial after all.

And if the spell is broken, while she's still thinking of him (in increasingly more and more romantic scenarios)…

Oh.

i just want to hold you, and never let you go.

tumblr month: @auyeahaugust

links: ao3 | ff.net

"WHAT'S the big deal? Just ask Madame Bustier if you can stop by tomorrow, and you can get it then."

It's clear that Alya thinks she's overreacting.

But if anything, Marinette's convinced she's underreacting.

"I need my sketchbook, Alya," she tries to explain, waving her hands in the air. "That has all my sketches for my assignment… (and then some). Maybe I should just go back—"

"Oh, no way. It's already late, and the dance studio's closed already, so it'll be pointless to go all the way back now. Besides," Alya starts, looking at her in slight amusement. "I know you're not panicking because of your art class."

"... what do you mean?"

"Please, Mari," she rolls her eyes. "You can't hide it from me. Whenever I pick you up from class, you're only ever drawing one thing." She pauses for dramatic effect. "Or… one person."

"Ahahahhaha what are you talking about? I'm only there to do my assignment, you know, to draw dancers. I'm not all that picky with who I'm drawing, I'm just there to make sure that my sketches are as realistic and graceful as they can be, and if it just so happens that they're all centralized to one person, it is completely coincidental and means absolutely nothing. Whatsoever. Not. At. All."

Her best friend only shakes her head, a teasing smile glaringly obvious as she drives down the road. "Oh, of course. You having a crush on the guy playing Prince Seigfried for Swan Lake… definitely not. Impossible. Unthinkable. How dare I even suggest that? I'm so sorry for assuming such a thing."

She doesn't look sorry at all.

Alya can feel Marinette's unenthused glare the whole trip back to their apartment.

She laughs.

"Oh come on, you're worrying too much. The chances of your prince finding your thousands of portraits of him are slim to none. So calm down."

Well, maybe she has a point.

But knowing her luck for these things, she doesn't really keep her hopes up.

.

.

Marinette arrives at the ballet studio at nine in the morning.

Madame Bustier informs her that she'll have her assistant show up early to open the atelier. She apologizes for being unable to be there herself, but she doesn't really mind.

As long as she gets her sketchbook back.

She sits outside one of the benches, rubbing her hands together carefully to keep warm. It's a few weeks into the winter months, and she found herself wearing too few layers to shield herself from the cold.

A sudden tap on her shoulder.

"Marinette, right? I'm Madame Bustier's assistant."

She freezes. (Haha, funny, because it's cold, right.)

"So, I found your sketchbook…"

She slowly turns around.

The premier male dancer of Bustier's Ballerina Company smiles at her, almost awkwardly. His cheeks are dusted a little red, and she can't decide whether it's from the cold or from the whole situation.

(She hopes, with all her heart, it's the former.)

"You're a super talented artist! I especially liked the sketch where I looked like I was about to kiss someone?"

Actually, freezing to death doesn't sound so bad right now.

.

.

He offers to have her come inside the studio.

(Well, it isn't as much an offer as it is a demand; after noticing how cold she is outside, he insists on making her a cup of something to warm her up. He even offers his scarf for her to use.

Marinette's still reeling from the realization that she's talking to her sketches in the flesh.)

"So… what would you like?"

You. A tall, heaping, glass of you.

"I, uh… sorry, what do you have available?"

The ballerina laughs lightly, before sifting through the drawers in the office as he glances over at her. "Well, we have some tea, coffee, hot chocolate…"

They both notice her face light up at the third option.

He's smiling. "So, hot chocolate, then?"

She swallows in a terrible attempt to calm herself down. "Yeah… that'd be nice."

"A sweet tooth, huh?" He muses, evidently amused. "Suits you."

What's that supposed to mean?

Marinette decides not to dwell on it too long, as he places a warm cup in front of her, sitting across the small table.

He decides to initiate conversation.

"I'm sorry for looking through your sketchbook," he starts, apologetic. "I had no idea who owned it, and I originally only planned to look through the pages for your name, but… I couldn't help myself."

"I… it's okay." She pauses, taking a nervous sip of her hot chocolate. "But, uh, what did you think?" Marinette's horrified to notice that she's stuttering. "About my drawings, I mean... "

"Well, I meant what I said earlier. I think you're insanely talented," he smiles. "And I'm flattered, really. I haven't had anyone draw me like that before."

"Nobody's drawn you before?"

"Not as much as you have."

Marinette almost drops her mug, panicking as she tries to stop her face from exploding into a mess of reds and scarlet.

"I, we, uhm, well, I— you're a super hot, I mean handsome, I mean! An extremely talented ballerina… ballerino… uh, what's the word again?"

She's spiralling, she knows it, but he only serves to look entertained.

"Ballerina is good," he says easily. "And it's Adrien."

"I'm sorry?"

"Adrien," he repeats, then points at himself. "My name? In case you didn't know…" he laughs softly. "In your sketchbook, you kept referring to me in your notes as Prince."

Oh, right.

She's never so intensely wished to disappear off the face of the earth!

"That's, uh! Because of your role in Swan Lake! Right! The Prince, so of course I called you that in my sketchbook… totally not because I think you actually look like a real prince or anything, haha, definitely not!"

Adrien's catlike grin only grows. "Of course," he repeats. "... milady."

Marinette almost falls off her chair.

She wants to disappear, just the tiniest bit.

He suddenly walks over to her, the same amused expression on his face.

"So I hope you'll be watching our opening night next weekend?"

"I, uh, I wanted to, but I couldn't get tickets…"

"Well, I actually have a plus one as the lead… and if you're interested, maybe you'd want to come with me?"

"Plus one, so as in, a, uh…"

"It's a front row seat, so you do get the perfect view," Adrien pauses, then winks. Winks. At her. "For your posing references, of course."

"I, uh, right, of course."

What else was she expecting?

"Then we can have dinner together after."

"Wait."

"I'll pick you up?"

"Wait."

"Don't have a carriage fit for a princess, unfortunately, but I will treat you like one."

"... that's a little corny."

"So I'll take that as a yes?"

if my love was just a curse, then i have only tears to shed.

tumblr month: @auyeahaugust

links: ao3 | ff.net

"PLEASE, dearest, tell me the truth."

Marinette doesn't even look up as he speaks, his voice echoing from the otherwise empty dungeon.

"For what reason?" She asks, instead. "It seems you've chosen your side." Marinette spares him a passing glance, and it's so cold he almost takes a step back. "Who to believe."

"I was given no other choice!" He argues, holding almost desperately onto the bars that prevented him from holding her directly. "Lila is trusted by the people— trusted by my father, even! She's—"

"The divine messenger," Marinette finishes for him, though her tone drips of venom and nothing of the kindness he had known from her prior. Had he truly been fooled? "The woman who claims to speak directly to God." She laughs to herself; bitterly, almost angrily. "And yet it is I who is considered the heretic."

At that point, Marinette keeps eye contact.

Her stare is sharp and icy; the warm ocean blue he had familiarized himself with nowhere to be seen.

"How foolish."

Adrien grips the bars tighter. "Then tell me she's wrong," he pleads. "Tell me that you hadn't… that you're not…"

"Not what?" Marinette asks, voice almost terrifyingly devoid of emotion. "Tell me, dearest, what crime you've accused me of." She rages with quiet ferocity. "Tell me what I've done that justifies being treated like a monster." Her tone borders on cruel. "Say it."

They stare at each other, neither willing to back down. Accusing her outright, he knows, means that there's no turning back. There's a finality that comes with speaking it aloud— a finality that quite clearly meant that whatever they had with each other (if anything) is over.

So, Adrien ends it.

"That you've enchanted me to fall in love with you."

The words hang in the air, becoming much heavier when said aloud. He continues, quiet. "That I've been cursed to give my heart to a witch."

Marinette's strangely silent.

Then, almost vulnerable, she asks it:

"Was the possibility of you loving me so outlandish that only a curse could make it so?"

For a moment, he almost sees his Marinette; kind, loving, honest, and who he had loved so purely.

"Do you despise me?"

The 'no' escapes his mouth before he can even register it, shocking both of them.

Adrien knows he should hate her; loathe her for the sins she's committed to the kingdom— to him.

But he also knows confidently that his feelings are the complete opposite.

The only question that remains is whether that feeling of love to her is genuine.

He sighs, dropping down to his knees. He leans his head against the prison bars, exhausted. "I could never despise you," Adrien mutters, almost as if he were saying it to himself. "And that's the problem."

"Adrien, I—"

Then he faces forward, staring directly at her. "And you misunderstood," he starts. "I never believed the curse because I could never love you."

He smiles, though all he can really feel is the crushing sadness that threatens to bury himself whole.

"I believed the curse because I never knew I could love someone that much."

The silence is deafening.

Then, a single tear rolling down a cheek.

And in a moment, it becomes an overwhelming torrent of them.

Marinette finally breaks down, collapsing onto the floor as her body's wracked with sobs.

Adrien's never wished so terribly that he had some cataclysmic power to destroy the cell holding her hostage, and to hold her in his arms.

So instead he watches, almost helplessly, as she puts herself back together.

It only takes a moment.

(She never did make it his business to see her vulnerable; Marinette believed it to be the most intense form of intimacy, and she had always been too scared to take that step.

Now he knew her fears weren't unfounded at all.)

"I'm sorry," she finally says, after what seems like an eternity. "I had never meant… for any of this to happen."

He laughs lightly. "I don't think anyone could have expected this outcome," he says. "I'd have thought our story would finish with a completely different ending, really."

Marinette smiles, wiping her cheeks with a tattered cloak. "And what would that be?"

"The palace," Adrien hums. "I take over my father, and rule on my rightful place as king."

"How wonderful." She says, features softening. "Though I do recall you saying this was our story? How would I fit in?"

"Every king needs his queen."

"Perhaps Lila can fill that role."

They both share a laugh.

"No… only one person can fill that role, truly." Adrien stares at her, almost nervous, as he speaks up. "And that woman—"

"— is someone you'll find someday," Marinette interrupts, before standing back up. "Whoever she is, I hope she realizes how lucky she is to have someone so lovely by her side."

Marinette cups his cheeks, and the warmth that spreads throughout his body only yells his deepest desires:

How could  this  be evil?

She smiles, then presses a kiss to his forehead.

"I now release you from this curse, Prince Adrien of the Agreste Kingdom," Marinette begins. "Now live and love freely, without this monstrous witch to hold you back."

"Wait, Marinette—"

"There he is!"

Lila comes bursting through the entrance to the dungeon, a string of guards on her trail.

She immediately runs to him, almost yanking him away from her cell.

"My dearest prince," Lila cries, wrapping her arms around his neck. "I've been so worried! I've prayed and spoken with God, who by His gracious heart, has told me where you've been kept captive."

A snort.

The nun seethes at that sound, suddenly turning to face Marinette, eyes glassy with anger. "And you!" She growls, walking forward to roughly grab Marinette by her dress' collar; almost strangling the girl as she's held up. "Release Adrien from his curse, you damned witch—"

"Lila, stop!" Adrien pulls her away, allowing Marinette to be thrown back; coughing and breathing deeply as she falls to the floor. "There's no need to be cruel."

She glares at Marinette, before letting go.

"Fine." Lila says, though the lack of remorse on her expression is evident. She reaches upward and holds the cross on her necklace, rubbing it almost too intensely. "I'm confident that the Lord will pass upon her fair judgment."

At that she latches on to Adrien, then grins. "Now come with me, I have some great rituals to help remove the horrid stench of that witch from you."

He only nods, silent, as he's led upstairs.

He turns back.

"Goodbye, Marinette."

It physically hurts him to see her smile.

"Goodbye, Prince Adrien."

.

.

"Marinette, you are henceforth being trialled as a witch. What say you to this claim?"

"If it is a sin to love, then I will gladly admit I am guilty of it."

"Then we shall take that as your acceptance of the accusation. Prince Adrien, as the victim, what say you?"

"..."

"Prince Adrien?"

"..."

"See, he is clearly under the spell of this witch! We must kill her now to free him! Do it now!"

"Here, here!"

"No…"

"Kill the witch!"

"Wait…"

"Burn her at the stake!"

"... Don't!"

Screams, fire, a vision of black, then—

Nothing.

She's gone.

.

.

A dark red scarf flying in the wind.

A hand outstretched, grabbing it from the air.

A woman, running over.

A man, falling in love.

Between them, something is lit.

It begins the same way it ends.

call me, beep me, if you wanna reach me.

tumblr month: @auyeahaugust

links: ff.net

@TheLadyblog: SPOTTED! 🐞 Our favorite superhero duo spending the night together patrolling the streets of Paris!

[Replies]

@chatonoir: haha we look like a couple here

@maridc: Yeah... a couple of besties!

(...)

@maridc: WAIT

.

.

Marinette is panicking.

Which is normal because frankly, she's an extremely panicky person—

But this is something else entirely.

Because for all her blunders and mistakes, accidentally replying to Chat Noir from her personal account is very likely the worst of them all.

She's only too glad that she doesn't have many followers.

It takes almost five minutes for her to realize her mistake and immediately delete the message.

Maybe he didn't see it. Chat Noir has a lot of followers, after all. (Not as much as Ladybug, of course.) But him singling out her message, some nobody teenage girl from Paris, is completely unlikely.

Her phone rings.

@chatonoir wants to send you a message!

Well, there goes her superhero identity down the drain.

.

.

Chat Noir @chatonoir

- a couple of besties, huh?

Chat, I can explain…

- do ladybug and i really look like we're just friends :(

WhaT

- i thought we looked cute but i guess that was just me

…

Is that the only reason why you messaged me?

- yeah why else would i have

…

NOTHING

Nothing at all! :-)

- okay ,, ?

- so …. do we really not look like we have chemistry? i think me holding her in my arms is purretty romantic

You're only doing that because she had cramps, though.

- how did you know that?

UH

Alya told me! The owner of the Ladyblog?

She's a Ladybug superfan, and happened to tell me in passing.

- oh yeah alya does know a lot about us

You know her?

- uh

- of course ! she's my favorite reporter :)

She does throw herself into danger a lot, though.

- yeah, she should really stop doing that nino keeps worrying

You know Nino? And their relationship?

- YEAH

- REMEMBER OBLIVIO?

- FIGURED THEY WERE DATING FROM THERE :DD

… Okay?

Calm down on the uppercase, it hurts to see the letters screaming at me like that.

- oh, sorry

- didnt know that made you uncomfortable

Well, we don't really know each other, after all.

- right!

HAha, exactly!

.

.

The next day in class, Madame Bustier has them form groups and write their favorite phrases on a piece of paper.

When Nino starts writing 'ÊTRE CREVÉ', Adrien offers to write instead, pointing out that he has better handwriting.

Marinette watches with interest as he puts down his favorite phrase.

coup de foudre

(love at first sight)

.

.

Chat Noir @chatonoir

- i dont get why you dont just tell him:\\

I told you, he doesn't like me that way!

- you cant be sure until you ASK

- marinette dupain-cheng go out there and ask your crush out on a date

- get a boyfriend i feel sorry for you

Bold words for someone who's also single?

- for NOW

- ladybug and my story has just begun3

Hasn't she been clear enough about her feelings already?

- i know, but you cant help who youre in love with right?

Right.

.

.

"Adrien, do you, uh, want to get some ice cream together at Andre's later?!"

He looks up in surprise, then smiles. "Sounds perfect!" Adrien beams. "My fencing classes cancelled, so I'm free! Let's call Alya and Nino; maybe they can go too—

"Actually!" 'Marinette starts, looking down almost bashfully. "I was hoping it could just be the two of us…"

"Oh?"

"... justasfriendsofcoursenothingmoreobviously!"

Adrien smiles again, though it's the slightest bit more teasing than usual.

"Sure," he replies. "Let's go after class."

.

.

Chat Noir @chatonoir

- hey, are you okay?

Haha, how did you know?

- call it a cat's intuition

- want to talk about it?

He loves someone else.

- i'm sorry

…

What are you sorry for? It's not your fault. :)

- right…

Well, I guess it's just time to move on, then?

I'm sure there are better people for me out there!

- how are you so positive after having your heart broken?

I learned it from you.

And besides, soulmates always find a way to come back to each other.

.

.

She doesn't want to know his true identity, at first.

But Tikki is adamant that the Guardian needs to know all holders. Including him.

"It's not fair that I get to know who he is, when he doesn't even know the real me."

"You're okay with hiding it from Kagami, Nino— even Alya! What makes him so different?"

She says it like it's the most obvious thing in the world.

"Because it's Chat Noir. He's my partner."

"Well, nobody's stopping you from telling him."

"You won't stop me?"

"That's not something I get to decide. What does your heart tell you, Marinette?"

"..."

When Chat Noir detransforms into Adrien Agreste in front of her, the first thing Ladybug does is run.

.

.

- are you okay?

- marinette?

- please, not you too

- i cant stand losing you too

…

- i miss you

Message seen.

.

.

@OfficialLadybug wants to message you.

- I'm sorry for running away.

i would like an explanation

- And I'll give you one. I just want to say this:

- I missed you too.

…

… are you serious?

- I did say soulmates always find a way to come back to each other, after all.

- I'm sorry I just took a little longer to do it.

- Furgive me?

hdkdnc you KNOW how weak i am for cat puns

- :D

- So… we're good?

FINE.

but on one condition.

.

.

@TheLadyblog: SPOTTED! 🐞 Our favorite superhero duo spending the night together patrolling the streets of Paris!

[Replies]

@chatonoir: haha we look like a couple here

@OfficialLadybug: Yeah… we do. <3

"Are you happy now?"

"I'm feline amazing."

"... you're lucky I love you."

you secret's safe and no one, has to know i’m your getaway.

tumblr month: @auyeahaugust

links: ao3 | ff.net

IT happens gradually, then all at once.

First, it starts with Mylene and Ivan. Wholesome. And, Alya and Nino. Perfect. Then, Juleka and Rose. Adorable.

But afterwards, it somehow extends further; to people outside of their class. Nathaniel and Marc. Kim and Ondine. Sabrina and some boy in another class. Even Chloé had gotten a girlfriend over the summer, with Kagami finally accepting her after months of the former's wooing.

By the time they all return to class, Marinette, to her complete surprise (and in some parts, horror), finds that the apparent theme for their return to class is romance— and as far as everyone else is concerned, she's the exception.

(Except that Marinette's not. Not really— though she can't exactly yell that truth into the sky or anything.)

Instead, she huffs, braves through the lovey-dovey atmosphere, and takes a seat.

Only for Alya to rush right beside her, Nino in tow, to completely rub it in her face.

"Someone looks a little sour today," she smirks, eyes bright with amusement. "Not liking being back to school?"

"I just don't understand what happened to everyone after the break!" Marinette complains, waving her hands around in evident confusion. "What made everyone so weird!?"

"Love," Alya shrugs, saying it almost too simply. "Everyone spent their respective summer together, and dating just came as the most natural step." She turns to Marinette, shaking her head. "And if anything, you're the weird one here! Girl, you're the only single one left."

Well, she begged to differ.

Marinette shakes her head, then points at a pair at the other side of the room. "What about Max and Alix? They aren't dating anyone either!"

Alya rolls her eyes. "They're not interested in dating, remember?" She points out. "It's their choice to be single. You're single because you have no choice."

"That's not true, I—!"

"You…?"

Marinette pauses mid-sentence, and after an evident battle with herself, finally heaves a sigh of defeat. "Nothing," she finally grumbles, looking down.

God, the whole superhero-secret-identity thing was increasingly becoming a pain to deal with.

And the whole  superhero-dating-superhero  thing made it all  that much  more complicated.

"So I'm right," Alya decides to settle their conversation, crossing her arms over her chest. Marinette can't protest, and she only nods, though her expression shows anything but agreement.

"Fine," Marinette exhales, taking a deep breath to calm herself down. "But it's not that easy to find someone to date! I'm busy, and I don't really know anyone else my age outside of here," she gestures at the school. "And as you said, they're all taken. So I guess I'll just have to wait!"

She hopes that's enough to get Alya off her case.

Her best friend did take more kindly to reasoning and logic rather than a straightforward I don't want to date (because I have a boyfriend), after all.

But to her soon-to-be-realized horror, Marinette's statement does the complete opposite.

Alya shares a glance with her boyfriend, who smiles and nods. "Glad that's the only reason you're not out dating!"

"... why?"

She slides a paper through the desk. The glaring letters, couples coupon!, instill in Marinette a feeling of dread she never felt even in previous battles with Hawkmoth and the akumas.

This can't be real.

"Because that means you can't say no," she grins.

This is a joke.

"Tomorrow afternoon, at the café we visited last weekend," she continues.

This is a misunderstanding.

"Nino's friend will meet you there."

This isn't what she thinks it'll be, of course.

"Have fun on your blind date!"

Damn it, Alya.

.

.

Ladybug stops outside Adrien's room, and knocks on the window.

He's barely awake when he walks over, but the sleep almost fades away immediately as they lock eyes. Instead, he beams and runs toward the window, unlocking it so she can enter.

"What are you doing, Milady?" He asks, eyes sparkling. "I thought we weren't patrolling tonight?"

"We need to talk," she instead says.

Adrien panics. "Wait," he begins to flounder. "If this is because you're disappointed that I'm me— that I'm Adrien Agreste, I promise that I can be better, please don't take my Miraculous, or even worse, break up with me, milady, I love you so, so, much and…"

"What? No," Ladybug's quick to shake her head. "I'm not breaking up with you."

She can almost hear the relieved exhale that escapes his mouth. "Oh, phew! That would've been a catastrophe…"

Ladybug feels a smile form on her face. "So, losing me is even worse than losing your Miraculous, huh?"

He's flustered. "I mean— I do take my job seriously! And I love being Chat Noir. It's just that… I can't lose you, either." Adrien walks toward her, then presses a kiss to her knuckles. "Milady, you're the best thing that's ever happened to me."

She flushes red, then looks away. "Same to you."

Adrien beams, then sits down, gesturing for her to sit next to him. "So what did you want to talk about?"

It's hard to decide what to say. So she decides to tell it to him straight.

"I'm going on a date with someone else tomorrow."

It's a terrible idea.

He panics, again. "Wait, so you're not breaking up with me, so… you want an open relationship?" Adrien looks almost scandalized. "I'm not sure how I feel about sharing you with anyone else…"

"No!" Ladybug interrupts, shaking her head vehemently. "It's just… for my civilian identity. My friend wants me to go on a blind date, and she can't know that about you, so…," She sighs, then looks down at her lap. "I had no choice, I'm sorry."

Ladybug's surprised when his hands come to hold her own. "Hey, as long as you know you're meowne," he smiles. "And I'm yours— I don't see a problem with it."

She's about to thank him, when he suddenly continues. "You know, this wouldn't be an issue if you just told me who you were…"

"You know I can't do that."

"But you know my true identity!" Adrien argues, gesturing to himself. "I don't understand why I can't know yours."

"I know because I'm the Guardian," Ladybug tries to reason with him. "That's the reason I know everyone else who holds it—"

"But I'm not like them." Adrien finally argues, sighing as the words leave his mouth. "We got our Miraculous together. We were partners, before we became a team of superheroes. I was here for you, with you, since the beginning. And… I thought you trusted me."

The last part comes almost as a whisper, but she can hear it loud and clear. Ladybug takes a deep breath and shifts, staring him in the eye. "I do trust you," she attempts to explain. "It's just… complicated."

"What is?!"

"I don't want you to be disappointed with me!" Ladybug finally shouts, shrinking back as her statement hangs in the air.

Adrien's at a loss for words, and before he can even attempt to respond, Ladybug tears her hands away and stands. When he gets his bearings, she's already one foot outside the window.

"I'm sorry," she only says. "I think I just… I just need to process everything." Ladybug smiles, though it's evidently conflicted. "I'll see you soon, Chat."

Then, without another word, she leaves.

.

.

Marinette paces in front of the cafe, thumbs twiddling together in apparent nervousness.

Her mind's full. She can't concentrate on the impending date at all— her conversation with Adrien, with Chat Noir, still as fresh in her memory, replaying in her mind as if it were a bad omen.

She yawns, a direct result of a dire lack of sleep. Marinette spent the majority of the night speaking with Tikki, seeking her advice on the matter; and her only response was, "listen to your heart".

Marinette knows what her heart says. What her heart yearns for.

She just doesn't know if she has the strength to say it.

When a stranger calls her, it takes three times for him to say her name until she notices.

"Marinette Dupain-Cheng?"

That was probably her date, then.

Holding back the intense need to snap at him, Marinette takes a deep breath. She smiles, then turns toward him.

"Yes, that's me. You're Nino's friend, the—?"

She pauses.

Everything seems to slow down and fade away. The world stills. Her mind stops.

All she can see is him.

"I— uh," Adrien scratches his head. "Yeah, that's me. Sorry, I had no idea this was a date, Nino just told me I was meeting a friend until a few minutes ago, and…," he flounders.

Now that was familiar.

"I'm just in love with someone else, so I don't think I can go through with this, I'm so sorry I made you come all this way—"

"You always did apologize too much."

Adrien looks up, evidently confused. "I'm sorry, have we met before…?"

"So you love me, but you can't recognize me at all, huh?"

"No way…"

Marinette smiles, and it's a mix of nervousness and excitement and fear and love and everything else all at once. "Hi, kitty," she begins. "I hope this isn't too disappointing, but…"

She can't say another word, because suddenly she's being scooped up and carried as Adrien holds her in his arms. He's beaming, and his eyes are almost overflowing with joy.

Marinette feels her heart full. When he sets her down, his hands never leave her waist.

"Milady," he breathes, burying his nose into her neck. "I love you— so much."

"My chaton," Marinette replies, full of care. Full of joy. Full of admiration and awe that this was truly happening. That the fates had worked completely in their favor.