Chat's POV:

     He feels like he messed up.

     He sighs as he says, "Plaggs claws in!"

      Chat feels the transformation drop.

     As the flash of light surrounds him and he turns back to Adrien, he places his head in his hands.

    "Kid, psst, kid!"

    Adrien's  POV:

      "What do you want, Plagg?"

       "I think you should go see her."

       At Plagg's announcement, I shake my head.

     Maybe it was best if I left her alone.  Besides, I only seem to make things worse for her when I am around.

       "Adrien, she needs you."

     "Plagg, there is where you are wrong. She does not need me."

      "Can not you see, Plagg?  I am just a bad luck charm."

         Marinette's POV:

       She turns around once inside. 

         She thinks, he gave up on me, did not he?

         She coan not blame him.  She is not worth it.

          She is just a waste of space.

           "Yes, that is it, right?"     

              She sits on her balcony. She never bothers to pay attention to the cold.

              Adrien's POV:

            Adrien listens as Plagg speaks about all his good qualities. He never knew Plagg cares so much until now. He stands up, quit feeling sorry for himself, and heads out the door.

            He makes sure to grab a coat as it is too cold outside to be out for long without one.

           He goes past a poinsettia stand. He is not sure what made him stop to buy some. He thanks the lady for the change as he heads to his destination.

         He looks up when he finds himself outside her place. He gulps, swallows his pride, and knocks on the door.   He gest no answer, so he climbs the trellis that leads to the balcony.

        Adrien sits down the flowers. He runs to her when he saw her shivery figure.

        "Marinette, thank goodness, you are alive!"

         He picks her up and sets her on her bed. Then tucks as many covers in around her as he can. He brought the silly plants in and shuts the slide indoor tight.

         "A-Adrien?"  He hears her mutter.

      Marinette's  POV:

  She feels cold, then suddenly the cold is gone.

   She looks around in confusion as a hand tucks her in tight.

     "A-Adrien?" She mutters.

     "Yes, I am here."

     Marinette looks at him in amazement. She never knew he cares.

        "I uh, brought you these."

     She wonders what he means until he holds up the potted items.

       "Poinsettas, but ..."

       "Relax, I bought them on my way over here."

       She sees him scratch his neck as he spoke.

         Marinette's  POV:

       "How did you know, Poinsettas were my thing?"

          "I did not know. It was just they were on sale."

          "Oh," She speaks softly.

             She watches as Adrien hands her something.

         "Huh, since when did you?"

         "I brought a thermos of it over with me."

     Marinette laughs. She thinks it ironic she missed judged him.

     Turns out she was totally wrong about this Adrien follow.

       Adrien's POV:

      "I hope it is the right temperature for you."

      Adrien feels shy, which is silly.

      He knows there is no way the girl could know his feelings, right?

         "It is just right, and thank you."  

      He smiles.

         He reaches over and holds her hand.

       He feels her pull away. 

          "I u-uh, h-hope y-you do not m-mind if I j-join y-you."

        He sees her blush at the statement.

        "I did not m-mean it l-like t-that M-Marinette," He stutters.

    Marinette's POV:

     "I think it is sweet."

      "Wh-what?"

     "It is sweet how you worry about me."

      "Wh-who said anything about w-worrying about y-you?"

         Marinette glares at him.

        Adrien laughs. "Fine, you caught me, little lady."

      Marinette grins.

        "A-Adrien, thank you for the gift."

      "Y-You are w-welcome, M-Marinette." He stutterss once more.

    Find out more in Chapter 10

    bye, bye little owlets!

    -Summer out!

Published November 18, 2020, Edits made December 2, 2021