Revealed at last

Part 3

Adrien's POV:

I wake up with a jolt. My head is pounding and my body is covered with a shiny layer of sweat.

I sit up in my bed and look to my side. Plagg is lying there, lost in his sleep.

Looking out the window that takes up the black wall, it's still dark. The full moon standing out against the clear night sky. Not a star in sight.

I know I won't be able to go back to sleep. I barely sleep these days. Getting six hours a night is an accomplishment.

I sigh and turn back to Plagg.

"Plagg," I whisper, trying to wake the kwami.

"Adrien, no," Plagg replies in a sleepy voice, "Sleeeeep," the kwami begs.

I place my head in my hands, running my fingers through the short blonde hair. I can't stay in this lonely, hollow house. It feels as if the walls are pressing in, trapping me. The rooftops of Paris seem much more comforting at the moment.

Lifting my head I say: "Im sorry Plagg."

"Plagg, claws out!"

(transformation sequence)

I leap to my open window and jump out into Paris.

The cold wind hits me in the face as I jump to the nearest roof. My staff extends at each sloping roof, allowing me to jump further.

I head to the familiar bakery that belongs to the Dupain - Cheng family.

The roof in front of Marinette's apartment tilts downward and a chimney blowing smoke comes out from the far side of the roof. I jump to the roof and lean against the chimney, facing Marinette's balcony.

I could jump on the balcony. I could knock and see if she would respond, and see if she's awake. We could talk and I could confess my love. She was so close. But I know she would be furious if I showed up. Master Fu said we cannot know each others identities, for our safety. I couldn't bear if something happened to Marinette. But I will not give up. My love towards her is too great. I will not give up.

Soft music makes its way to the roof where I am perched. The faint tunes making their way through my thoughts, bringing me peace.

I turn to go home or I know I'll make the wrong decision and knock on Marinette's window, which will do more harm than good.

Marinette's POV:

My alarm clock is ringing loudly, indicating it's time to wake up and get ready for school. I shut it off and the memories from last night come back.

Chat Noir. Adrien.

My lifelong crush is the same person as Chat Noir. The person I fought and defeated Akumas next to is Adrien. Them being the same person is almost impossible to believe. But how had I not seen this?

"Marinette!" my mom calls from downstairs.

I grab some baggy jeans and an oversized, cropped green sweatshirt, pairing it with a gold necklace and a ring on my index and pinky finger. Once downstairs, I grab a macaroon and a buttered croissant and head for school.

My first class is science, which I have with Alya. Adrien is also there.

Late as usual, I arrive in class. I stop when I spot Adrien and find him looking at me. A smile appears at the side of his mouth.

I ignore him and take my usual spot at a counter next to Alya.

"Hey girl!" Alya said excitedly, "Do you have a dress for the dance-masquerade this Saturday?"

"I'm not sure if I'm going to go," this earns a frown from my best friend, "but I'll come with you."

She puts a hand on my arm, "girl you should come! you could meet some cute guys"

I chuckle, but shake my head.

She sighs, "Does Friday work? I know I'm babysitting Thursday, so Friday works for me. We need to find me a dress to match with Nino. He agreed to go with me! Isn't that great! Anyway talking about dates, maybe someone will ask you!"

I shake my head at the though. I hadn't given much thought to the upcoming masquerade. Third wheeling is what I usually did, even though I never really enjoyed it. I would much prefer to watch a movie in my room.

I glance back at Adrien who is talking to a friend beside him. Maybe he would ask me? He catches me staring and winks.

I turn back to Alya and shake my head, trying to clear my thoughts.

Alya nudges my arm, "Adrien, huh?"

"Alya," I playfully hit her shoulder, "he dosen't even talk to us anymore."

The teacher clears her throat, "Ok class, back to your work!"

After first and second period, lunch has finally come. I head to my usual table, at the far right of the cafeteria. Nino, Sabrina and Max are already sitting and starting to eat their lunch. On the other side of the cafeteria I spot Adrien eating with his friends.

When he sees me, he stand abruptly, startling some of his friends.

Now frozen in spot, he comes towards me.

"Mari, we need to talk."

"No Adrien, I need to eat," I nudge my head toward my table.

People start to stare at this odd encounter. Me and Adrien never talk.

"Mari, please."

"Adrien, I'm sorry"

He huffs and strides back to his table, but instead of sitting back down, he takes his tray and heads back toward me.

"Lets eat," he says simply.

I sign in frustration but head to my table, Adrien following closely behind.

"Is it cool if I sit with you guys?" Adrien asks when we approach the table.

"Sure dude," Nino replies casually.

I sit down and Adrien sits across of me. I raise my eyebrows in question.

He opens his mouth to speak but is interrupted by Alya, who approaches behind him, "Adrien!" she says surprisingly, "what a surprise!"

She sits and gives me a knowing smile. I scrunch my nose at her.

Lunch is filled with the usual chatter. I catch Adrien looking at me a few times. He winks and looks back at his food, a grin plastered on his face. Alya notices this with a similar smile.

During third period, I have a spare, so I stand from the lunch table a couple minutes early. The good chairs in the library are difficult to get so I have to get there early.

Adrien gets up with me and follows me.

"Mari, I have to ask you something" he starts.

I turn to him, "don't you have class."

"Yes." I nod, insisting he continues, he hesitates as if trying to find the right words, "will you go to the masquerade with me?"

His question startles me. I feel a blush creeping to my cheeks and I stare at my feet.

"Don't you have a line of other girls who would be much more willing to go"

"Mari," I look at him, he is so close to me now, "I only want to go with you."

"Ok," I answer, barely over a whisper.

We walk side by side out the cafeteria.

"I have to buy a dress now," I say playfully nudging him.

"For me?" Adrien answers, clutching his heart.

We both laugh softly and stop at the fork in the hallway.

"I will pick you up at 7," he says and with that he winks and walks down the right side of the hallways.

I turn and and walk down the left. Saturday can not come soon enough.