"just a Friend"

Small Details

CN's POV:

No way. I had no idea Marinette was aware of all the shit going on in my life. Why is she even worrying herself about it though? I try to compose myself, so I don't give myself away. I don't know if I succeed or not. Ladybug would kill me if she knew that I'd revealed my identity to a civilian. "Haha, really? Why him? He doesn't look all that troubled to me!"

She looks up at me menacingly, "I'm sure that that's what he'd have everyone believe but there's no way that I wouldn't notice". "And why is that?" I raise a brow at her. "B-because, I hold him in high regards. He's an important friend to me and I wish him all the best!" Oh damn, I wasn't expecting to hear all that. I'll have to pay more attention to her from now on. Why is she so shy around me though? Is it because of the fame? (lol) I wish she could speak more clearly to me. "He's a lucky fellow" I answer. She chuckles, "maybe, I doubt he even notices me". "I'm sure that that not true, you said that you were friends after all, didn't you?" "Yes, I see him that way but I don't know how he sees me. I'd like to know what he thinks of me..." she adds. I place my hand on her shoulder, "any one would be lucky to be your friend, Princess. Listen, just try your best at talking to him, I'm sure that he'll notice and appreciate your gesture...some day. I think I've kept you up long enough. Thanks for the talk" I wink at her.

I get up and prepare to jump off her balcony as she says something else "I'm grateful for your advice Chat. You're not just the flirty predator I thought you were. Good night!" she walks over to her trapdoor and into her bedroom. Predator? Ouch.

The next day; Mari's POV:

After yesterday, I'm happy that it's Wednesday, I only have to suffer for one morning! (that's how school works in France, btw) This morning, we have French and Chemistry, they pass quickly enough. As the last morning bell rings, Alya and I walk out, chatting about the newest post on her Ladyblog. Before I am able to walk out the school door with my friend, someone calls out to me. When I turn around to meet the voice that called me I see Adrien, slowly running up to us.

Alya pats me on the shoulder and winks before leaving me alone with him. Whys is she so smug about this?! Not wanting to make him wait too long for an answer, I reply, "Hi, Adrien. Can I h-help you with anything?"

He looks me in the eyes and smiles, damn... "I just wanted to ask, if you got your charm back, yesterday?"

My charm... Oh! "y-yes, a friend was kind enough to retrieve it for me." Why is he troubling himself with that though? He smiles to himself. Cute.

"You see, I picked it up when you dropped it in class and I was going to give it back to you. Only... Alya had already left and I didn't want to disturb you at home, so..." Is he rambling? He is. But, why? "Anyway, as if sent from the heavens to answer my prayer, I saw Chat Noir. He was heading in your direction so I asked him to deliver it to you and he kindly agreed to. He's such a nice guy, you know?" he scratches his head, blushing slightly. He's realised that this is dragging on. Funny. Also, what's with all the compliments to Chat? "He really is the cat's meow", I add. Realising what I just said I cover my face, screaming internally. Did I really just say that?! When I look back up, Adrien is staring at me, wide-eyed.

Adrien's POV:

Did she really just make a cat pun? A cat pun about myself, as a superhero? I'm shocked...and so proud at the same time.

I burst out laughing. A couple of people around us stare, surprised. Marinette joins in, looking embarrassed and a little red. "That was a good one. I'm sure that if Chat Noir were here, he would be very proud!"

"I don't know why I said that. It just seemed appropriate, kind of...", she giggles.

"So true!" I answer. I put my hand on her shoulder, she panics a little. "In all honesty though, that was a purrfectly good pun".

She squints at me before failing to hold it in any longer and laughing at my bad pun. Ah, if only Ladybug could appreciate my puns like she does.

After finally composing herself, Marinette announces that she must go help her parents out at the bakery.

"Oh right! That reminds me why I originally came to talk to you!" I pull out a pen and a sheet of paper.

"So it wasn't to make sure that I had retrieved my object of important sentimental value?" She pretends to be offended. Wow, what is up with her today? I'm seeing a new side of her. She doesn't seem as closed up as she usually is around me. Thank goodness!

"What am I saying? Of course, that was partly why. But, I also wanted to know if you would do me the honour of accompanying me to my next photo shoot?" I hand her the note I just made her, with the address of the venue on it. "Pretty please, they're really bothersome when I'm alone!"

She reads the note once before looking back up at me. "There's no need to beg me. I'd love to come with you." She smiles brightly. Wow. I stare at her smile, for a bit too long.

"A-awesome," shit, my voice just broke a little. I clear my throat before continuing, "Sorry about that, I'm not quite sure what happened." I chuckle awkwardly. She also laughs a little. "I'll see you then, I guess. This Saturday. Are you free?"

"I wouldn't miss it for the world." She stares into my eyes.

We say our goodbyes and leave our separate ways.