the last few days after his Akumatization Adrien felt awful. he had apologized to Plagg by giving him Cheese, and apologized to Nino by visiting him at his house to play video games. the only person he couldn't apologize to was Ladybug, she would say that she forgave him, but he knew he could never make up for what he did. he bottled it all up, but there is only so much bottling one person can take. he couldn't tell Nino, he couldn't tell anyone. and so he plastered on a fake smile at school around his friends, attempting to hide his turmoil. no one seemed to notice the fake smiles, but Marinette did. she saw him hide something, something that was eating away at him. it hurt her to see him like this, and she had to find out why he was hurting. she waited after school to speak to him, waited till he was alone. after she made sure there was no one in the locker room with them, she stepped in. "A-Adrien...?" she said, timidly. Adrien turned to her, startled. "oh, hey Marinette. loos something?" Adrien asked, the fake smile appearing. "just my nerves." Marinette muttered. “What’s wrong?” Marinette asked. Adrien’s fake smile fell as shock replaced it. he shook it off, the fake smile reappearing. “what do you mean?” he asked, nonchalantly. Marinette frowned. “Adrien. I’m worried about you. you haven’t been smiling as much as you normally do. you laugh even less. it’s like the fire in your soul was extinguished. what’s wrong?” Marinette asked. Adrien blinked. I’m worried about you, worried about you. her words echoed in his mind. he looked away. she cares enough to ask. she’s amazing. he smiled, looking back at her. “I’m fine. it’s just. I’m really tired. Father has been keeping me busy with Modelling, Chinese, and Piano. is all. I’ll be fine once I get a good night’s sleep.” Adrien said, brushing past her. Marinette grabbed his arm, her face hard. “Adrien, I want the truth. you have Only done ten photo shoots in the last two days. it’s been two and a half weeks. you love Chinese so you wouldn’t mind learning more on your own. and don’t tell me fencing has kept you busy as well, Mr. D'Argencourt has canceled the fencing classes for a week and a half because he's visiting his sister. what’s really bothering you?” Marinette asked, her voice determined but gentle. Adrien thought and thought, hoping for an excuse, any excuse. but he could find none. his shoulders fell and he hung his head. Marinette, now worried, let go of Adrien’s arm. “sorry... I-... I didn’t mean to pry. I just...” Marinette said, looking away. but then she heard Adrien fall to his knees. she looked over to him, shocked. “Adrien?” she said, kneeling down next to him. she saw he was crying. she has never seen Adrien cry before. the damp streaks down his cheeks glistened and his body shook. “Adrien...” Marinette said, grabbing a handkerchief from her bag. she dabbed at the wet lines, lifting his chin. Adrien looked up at her, gently pulling away. “I can't do it anymore. I can't lie... not anymore.” he said, rubbing at his face. Marinette frowned. “lie? what are you talking about Adrien, what are you lying about?” Marinette asked. Adrien shifted against the lockers, pulled his knees to him, seeking comfort. “the truth... I can't lie about the truth anymore.” Adrien said, wiping the stray tear from his cheek. Marinette blinked, but listened to him. she felt like he needed a comforting ear. Adrien told Marinette everything. that he is Cat Noir, how he really felt about his father not spending time with him, that Ladybug allowed Carapace and Rena Rouge to know each other's Identities but he and Ladybug aren’t supposed to know. that he felt left out every time Ladybug brings in another superhero. he even told her that he was considering the Idea to give Ladybug his Miraculous back, giving up on superheroing. Marinette sat and stared at Adrien. the shock slowly slipping away as she tried to form coherent words. “I know you’re upset. someone like me cant be someone as annoying as Cat Noir, well... when I’m Cat Noir, I’m myself... the real me.” Adrien said, looking down at his feet. he knew it was a Bad Idea. but he couldn’t hold it in anymore. and, he did feel better after telling Marinette. “no... it, actually makes sense now...” Marinette said, then shook her head. “it’s hard for a superhero to keep so much bottled up. admittedly, it was good you told someone. I’m just surprised that you didn’t go to Nino before breaking... you know if you told someone else, someone at one of your father's fashion shows or photo shoots this could have ended badly. Shadow Moth could have figured it out.” Marinette said, sitting next to him. Adrien watched her, then smiled. “true... thanks, Marinette... for listening. I’m sorry for involving you though. your life, you would be put in harm's way. You would be endanger, if anyone finds out you know...” Adrien said sadly. he chuckled. “add that to the list of things for me to worry about.” he said, attempting a carefree voice. Marinette wasn’t fooled. she frowned. “Adrien... you don’t need to worry about everything. specifically about me. I can take care of myself.” Marinette said, smiling. Adrien shook his head. “half of the time it was My fault you got attacked, targeted, or dragged into danger. both as Adrien and Cat Noir. I even made you worry about me when I got Akumatized... I cause nothing but trouble...” Adrien said, remembering all the times he screwed up. “Adrien... you know that isn’t true. I’m the one who keeps screwing up to end up in situations like that. I’m... a catastrophe magnet.” Marinette said, smiling. Adrien smiled as well, laying back against the lockers. “and that’s why you will always be amazing Marinette. you’re too nice for your own good.” Adrien said. Marinette laughed. “no, you're too modest for your own good Adrien. you can speak multiple languages, play piano, you’re good at school, fencing. you even Model. Jack of Many traits. for goodness sakes, you’re a superhero as well as everything I just mentioned.” Marinette said, shaking her head. Adrien laughed. “you can do a lot too.” Adrien said, grinning at her. she scoffed. “Name them. and if there is more of them than Languages you can speak, then I’ll agree with you.” Marinette said, lifting an eyebrow at him. Adrien thought for a moment, then cringed. “oooh, ah... you got me there...” Adrien said, looking down as he chuckled. Marinette laughed. “Now I feel bad.” Adrien said, laughing a bit louder. “don’t, it's true. you obviously know more languages than I know skills.” Marinette said. Adrien felt much better. he honestly didn’t regret telling her. it would have been nice to tell Nino, but, his a Superhero too... it would be less safe for both of them. at least with Marinette, his secret is safe. oh, wait... Alya. “hay... Marinette, please, don’t tell anyone. just keep this between us.” Adrien said, smiling nervously. Marinette stared at him before nodding. “I won't even tell Alya. I promise.” Marinette said, truthfully. Adrien smiled. “thanks... but, I should go now... my father is expecting me back early today. but thanks again, for listening. you really are a great friend.” Adrien said, getting up off the floor. “see you tomorrow.” he added, before waving and walking out of the locker room. Marinette smiled and waved back, surprisingly calm. until she got home. “Oh. My. Gosh, Tikki. Adrien is Cat Noir. and... and... He toLd Me, EVerYtHinG!” Marinette said, her voice hitting a few octaves too high for some words. Tikki watched in silence as Marinette freaked about her partner's secrets, softly wondering if her owner will finally catch her breath and calm down. Marinette spent the rest of the day worrying about Adrien and about her Identity, as well as everything that makes almost no sense to worry about. but, she eventually calmed down.
the next morning at school, things were, normal. considering. Adrien acted natural, more so than normal. the days from then on would proceed as normal only with added moments. sometimes both would stay late and hang out, Adrien would Walk Marinette home if his bodyguard was late. Alya and Nino noticed and questioned it a bit, but Alya did know that Marinette was trying hard to try and talk to him, and thus far she seems to be making progress, so she left it be. until one day, an Akuma attacked Paris. almost everyone freaked out as they evacuated the building, Adrien, reflexively, grabbed Marinette and dragged her away from danger. Marinette protested as he did so, but he ignored her. “A-Adrien, where are you. wait, stop, A-Adrien.” she said, nearly tumbling down the stairs. Adrien didn’t answer her till he was satisfied with her level of safety. he took her straight to her house, knowing she will be safer there than anywhere else. that’s when he smiled and answered her. “sorry, you’ll be safe here. now, don’t get into trouble.” he said, before running off to transform into Cat Noir. she stared at him, annoyed. yet again, she cant Blame him. she would do the same for him. but that’s where she and Adrien differ. She would drag him from harm because she loves him, but he just wants to protect his friend, the friend who knows his secrets. she rolled her eyes and snuck off to transform herself. the battle took as long as any normal battle takes and as usual the hero's fist-bump. the only abnormal thing to Ladybug was, Cat Noir didn’t comment on her pun. she had thought of it for a while, and it was said at the time Cat Noir normally had something to say. he didn’t say anything, so Ladybug said it. but... he didn’t comment on it, and neither did he seem to notice. landing in her room, Marinette thought hard. Why would he not notice, it was a good joke? she thought to herself. “Marinette, someone is here to see you.” Sabine said from the kitchen downstairs. Marinette frowned. “Alya... oh, she probably wants to talk to me about today’s villain.” Marinette said, getting down from her bed and walked over to her door. “coming.” Marinette said, opening her bedroom door. but, it wasn’t Alya she came face to face with at the bottom of the stairs. “if you need anything, I’m right downstairs. Okay?” Sabine said, nodding to Marinette. “Thank you.” Adrien said, nodding slightly. Sabine left the room with a smile. Marinette watched her go before turning to Adrien again after the door closed. “so? what are you here for?” Marinette asked, feeling a little annoyed. Adrien smiled. “I wanted to know if you want to go talk in the park for a bit. if, of course, you have time. they canceled school for the day since the Akuma and Sentimonster attack, sooo...” Adrien said, shrugging. Marinette blinked. “talk? about what?” Marinette asked, feeling weary. Adrien looked down a little, looking gloomy. this cant be because of the villain today, can it? Marinette thought. “does this have anything to do with today?”Marinette asked, voicing her thoughts. Adrien rubbed the back of his head as he glanced back up at Marinette, chuckling lightly. “umm, yeah... something like that. I just... I just want to talk.” Adrien said, smiling. Marinette could see something was bothering him, so she nodded. “okay. let’s go to the park for a bit.” she said, stepping past him through the door. on the way downstairs Marinette told her parents where they were going, then proceeded to ask if they could bring some sweets with them. her father then tossed some croissants, Macaroons, and cookies into a box for them. Marinette thanked him, kissed him on the cheek then ran back to Adrien to drag him to the park. Sabine blinked a few times before turning to her husband, Tom, questioningly. he turned to her as well, the same question on his face. ‘are they dating?’
Marinette and Adrien stopped near a bench and sat down, Marinette turned to face Adrien on the bench and watched him, waiting for him to start talking. he looked at his hands and smiled lightly. “your parents are probably confused why I’m hanging out with you so much now.” Adrien said, looking up from his hands to two people strolling in the park together. he seemed to stare at them with confusion, and maybe a hint of longing. Marinette frowned. if he wants that with Ladybug then why did he ignore her today? Marinette thought to herself, fuming. “yeah, probably...” Marinette agreed with his question, internally grumbling about him not asking the thing he wanted to ask her. “what will you tell them?” he asked turning to look at Marinette. Marinette blinked a few times then frowned. “umm, we’re friends, we can hang out.” Marinette said, shrugging. Adrien looked down, then in front of him again. “... yeah, true...” he said, his voice soft. he seemed confused, but then he dug out his phone. he frowned at it as he typed out something to someone. “what are you doing?” Marinette asked. Adrien glanced at Marinette before speaking. “just something Nino said, don’t worry.” he said, looking back at her from his phone. he put his phone away and smiled. “now, about that small picnic your dad packed for us.” Adrien said, eyes lighting up. Marinette laughed as she reached for the box. “aren’t you supposed to be on a special diet or something?” Marinette asked, giving Adrien a look as she held out a Macaroon for him. he smiled and reached for it, but Marinette pulled it back, denying him the treat. he frowned and reached for it again, Marinette pulled it back once more. she chuckled as Adrien gave her a look. “Can I have the Macaroon? Please.” Adrien asked, reaching for it once again. Marinette got up and stepped away from him, her smile bright. “I don’t know, can you?” she asked. holding the Macaroon out in front of her. Adrien pulled a face. “I expected something like this from Nino or Alya but not from you.” he muttered as he got up from the bench. he took a step to Marinette, holding his hand out to her. “may I please have the Macaroon?” he asked, smiling. Marinette thought for a moment before shaking her head. “no.” she said. Adrien frowned, then lifted an eyebrow. “why not?” he asked, feeling a little hurt. “because you’re a Model and if Gabriel finds out I fed you sweets he will surely forbid us from being friends. I don’t want a bad reputation before I become a fashion Icon in Paris. do you?” Marinette asked, turning to the side and looked at him with feigned sadness. Adrien smiled. oh is that the game you want to play now, okay then, I’ll play. he thought to himself. “he won't find out, I’ll make sure of that.” Adrien said, reaching his hand out for the Macaroon. Marinette pulled it back. “his Gabriel Agreste Adrien, he will find out. none of our secrets are safe from him.” Marinette said, a subtle smile playing on her face. you know, if you want the Macaroon for yourself you could have just said so. Adrien thought. he chuckled. “he won't find out. besides I have secrets of my own he still knows nothing about.” Adrien said, grinning. Marinette glanced at him, glanced to the side then shook her head. “no, It’s too dangerous. it’s not just me who will get the wrath of Gabriel Agreste, it’s you.” Marinette said, holding the Macaroon close. she internally wondered why she didn’t just give him the darned Macaroon, instead, she is playing this ridiculous game with him. Adrien grabbed her wrist, gently of course as not to scare her, making Marinette look at him. she glanced down at his hand lightly wrapped around her wrist, the hand holding the Macaroon, then looked back up at Adrien. “keep in mind, I’m an Agreste as well.” he said, smiling. Marinette felt her heart skip a beat and she knew she wasn’t over him. she knew as well, she was never over him. she can't get over him, he's the one and the only person she has ever loved. no one else. and he sees her as his friend. then that is what I will be for him, a Friend. Marinette thought. Cat Noir comes along with the love Adrien Package though. argh, why did I fall for this flirting Joke-stir? Marinette thought. “Also, I’m a superhero. I’m the one person to trust when worse comes to worst.” Adrien said, winking. Marinette blinked feeling her cheeks flush. I think I fell in love with him as Cat Noir. Marinette thought, remembering all the times she had flirted as well as enjoyed Cat Noir’s company more than anyone else. the times she smiled with him, the times she laughed with him, the times she found herself wondering what she would feel for him if Adrien was never in the picture. she blinked back the thoughts and pushed her feelings down, deep down as to not resurface unexpectedly. she smiled and gave him the Macaroon. “true.” was all she said before heading back to the bench. she got the box and dug out a Macaroon for herself. Adrien blinked a few times at her before smiling and sitting down next to her. they spent the day chatting about small things, Adrien telling a story about how his mom used to make the best chocolate chip cookies in the world. he mentioned that she also made a very good quiche once, but that was nine days before she disappeared. Marinette noted that he doesn’t like to think about the bad things in his life, but he loved talking about his mom. he really loved her. Marinette thought. the rest of the sweets vanished and so did the time. Adrien told Marinette that he should start heading back before his father finds out school was canceled for the day. they parted ways and headed to their homes. both hoping to see each other again tomorrow.