The Birds and the Bees, and the Ladybugs and the Black Cats

The Black Cats

As soon as Adrien's lips pulled back from Marinette's as they stood in front of the bakery, he was already mourning their loss.

But he had to return home for lunch, so he reluctantly let go of her and watched her go inside the bakery before climbing into the town car waiting for him at the curb.

He didn't even reach the house before he grabbed his phone and sent her a message.

A: I miss you so much, M'lady. I'm counting the seconds until we're together again ❤️

A half minute later, Marinette's reply popped on the screen.

M: Try to survive, my Kitty. You know I can't live without you and your awful puns.

Adrien smiled as he typed again.

A: I think you meant to write 'amazing.' But I'll let it slide since you're so purrfect and all.

Then her reply appeared.

M: Please forgive me. I can't live without you and your amazingly awful puns 😘

A happy sigh left his lips as he stared at the screen. Adrien had never known that complete and utter happiness was possible, yet there he was, reveling in it.

Overwhelmed by joy, he typed one more message.

A: I can't live without you either. Enjoy your lunch, M'lady. I'll meet you at the bakery after the break.

After hitting the 'send' button, he put the phone down. Still on cloud nine, he arrived home and went inside the mansion.

"How was school?" Nathalie asked, not looking up from her tablet as she led him into the dining room.

A long, drawn-out sigh. "Wonderful."

She finally glanced at him when he sat down. "What was so wonderful about it?"

"Marinette," he sighed again.

Nathalie raised her eyebrows. "Seems like you really like her."

"It's not just 'like,' it's love. I love her more than anything else in the world."

"You've only been dating for, what? Two months?"

Adrien smiled wider, his gaze unfocused as he pictured his girlfriend in his mind. "Fifty-eight days."

She frowned. "That seems awfully quick to be in love with someone."

"Maybe. But I already know that she's the one. And I can't wait to tell her how much I love her every single day from now on."

Surprised by his assurance, Nathalie didn't respond for a moment. Then she simply nodded before leaving the room to get his food. When she returned, she silently placed it in front of him and then made her way out to the foyer.

Adrien ate his meal all alone, the entire time thinking about Marinette. He couldn't wait to see, and more importantly kiss her, again.

When he was almost done eating, Nathalie returned with a message. "Your father would like to speak with you in his study."

Placing his fork down, Adrien scrunched up his face. That was unusual; he rarely saw his father during his lunch break. In fact, he rarely saw his father at all. The only time his father requested his presence was when he was in trouble for something. But he hadn't done anything lately, so he sat there confused.

"Are you finished?" Nathalie continued, stepping up and gesturing to his almost empty plate.

"Uh, yeah."