Chapter Eight

Once they were out of sight of the classroom windows he gently set her down. He leaned against the wall and sighed again. "Marinette you don't have to worry about us right now. I can see you're thinking about everything and stressing out. It's going to work out Mari okay?" Adrien said softly. Marinette rested her forehead against his chest. "I'm just worried about Chat. About what might happen if I ever get the chance to express my feelings. I don't want to fall in love with two people and be forced to choose between them. That's not fair to you or Chat." Marinette's voice was muffled from inside his shirt. Adrien wrapped his arms around her and pressed a kiss on the top of her head. "Would… would it make you feel better if you heard from Chat Noir about all this? He is a friend of mine and I can't guarantee he'd actually come. Believe it or not he can be really busy." Adrien rubbed his neck bashfully as he spoke. He didn't like fanning his own ego outside of the suit. Chat may make some vain comments but they were just jokes. Marinette looked at him with disbelief.

"You know Chat Noir? He's your friend? God Adrien of course he's your friend!" She laughed. He raised a brow at her. "Oh? Why do you think it's so normal for Chat to be my friend?" Adrien asked her while she pulled back from his chest. "Because you're so…" She gestured with one hand up and down his body. "You're so you Adrien. A model who completely accels in school along with chinese and on the side has mastered fencing. You handle a rigorous schedule and a boatload of homework with a less than perfect household. You're so incredible. It just makes sense that you and Chat Noir would know each other." She spoke softly as she ran a hand through his hair. He blushed and spoke just as softly. "I didn't know you paid such close attention to what I do." He smiled and toyed with a lock of hair that had slipped free from her hair ties. Marinette stuttered helplessly for a moment while he laughed happily. "It's okay Mari. I like that you bother to know me. Anyways let's get back to the real question. Would you want me to see if he could swing by your place?" Marinette nodded in response but went back to snuggling into Adrien's jacket. Plagg would give him trouble for it, but to have Marinette so close, Adrien decided it was worth it. Marinette sighed against his shirt. "We should head back to class Adrien." Her warm breath fanned out across his chest and he nodded numbly. "Alright. Let's go." They spent the rest of class exchanging small private smiles and when it was time to leave for the day Adrien walked her out with a grin.

"I'll tell Chat to head your way when he can alright?" Adrien said as he held the door for Marinette. "Yeah I'll clean up and bake some cookies tonight then. I'll save some for you my sunshine prince." She replied warmly. She went home then in a hurry. She had way too many Chat Noir pictures up on her walls and she needed to hide them before she went on patrol. She had no doubt that Chat wouldn't skip patrol even if he decided to meet her. He was a serious hero even if he made a few jokes now and then. Pollen floated out of her purse and had a few honey drops. After eating, Pollen helped Marinette take down posters and magazine clippings. The pair worked well together which made Marinette think of Scarlets kwami. What must life be like for the poor creature? Pollen gently brushed against Marinette's hand. Pollen gave her Chosen a knowing look before she spoke. "I know you are thinking of the Ladybug Kwami and I promise you that Tikki is very strong. She will be just fine. We will rescue her from Scarlet someday soon." She smiled and Marinette took a deep breath. "You're right. For now let's head out to patrol. Kitsune and Chat should be out soon." Marinette transformed and snuck off into the open streets of Paris. She made her way towards the highest points in the city and decided against appearing at the Eiffel. At this point she had been out long enough that the arrival of someone clad in orange did not surprise her. "Hello Marigold!" Kitsune touched down beside Marigold on a lofty rooftop. "Hello Kitsune. Any sight of Scarlet or Chat?" Marigold was happy tonight and it showed in her voice. "I saw Chat Noir patrolling downtown. He said he wanted to get his part done quickly as he had someone important to meet." Kitsune replied. "Thank you Kitsune! I also have to cut patrol quick tonight but I promise I'll make it up to you tomorrow alright?" Kitsune gave Marigold a pleasant smile and Marigold took that as confirmation. Marigold finished patrolling the east sector of the city and went home.

When she arrived home she was only a few minutes ahead of Chat Noir. In fact, just as she detransformed and gave Pollen a few honey drops for the night, Chat had landed softly on her balcony. "Chat Noir! I didn't think you'd come." Marinette blushed and smiled at him. "For you my lady? Anything." His reply was almost automatic and she turned beet red. "Oh um wow." She said lamely. He smiled with amusement dancing in his eyes.